Exercise

We recently planted a vegetable garden leading to the construction of a bin for vermicomposting this next weekend which has inspired all sorts of worm/nature's recyclers type projects with my kids. We're doing them partly in preparation for our newest squirmy family members, partly because they extend the learning and mostly because they are just fun.

Now that we're seeing sunnier days around here my kids (10 and 4 years old) have been in love with learning the outdoor games I played when I was their age. They're gobbling up all my childhood stories and the rules of play and get major satisfaction from beating mommy's butt at her own game...Luckily for them it's been decades since I've played Chinese Jumprope and Hopscotch because otherwise it would been on... And nobody likes to see kids crying (or me gloating)...In your face kids, IN...YOUR...FACE!

There are two things that frustrate my 3 year old daughter beyond measure right now...catching a ball and wearing gloves. And while she's been obsessed with accurate ball handling ever since her older brother's Spring baseball league (tear driven when she's unable to play a solid game of catch) gloves have become her newest love/hate object. Just the simply of putting and keeping on gloves drives her insane. Yet, being the mindful mother that I am (ha) I go on chilly day after chilly day forcing my child to keep those teeny digits covered anytime it hits below 60 outside.

There's no denying we are devoted followers of Laura Fuller's yoga awesomeness. A true West Los Angeles gem, her adult and kids classes are nothing short of magical. She's our muse, a true yogi...we appreciate her ability to guide, move and inspire us.

In less than a month my 9 year old will be home on summer vacation for 10 long, hot weeks. And because we've dragged our feet deciding whether to send him off to camp he'll be home each day expecting to be entertained. Then there'll be the days when his buddies will be over from the crack of dawn until the street lights brighten the night sky and I'll want them out of my precious home for as many hours as I can get away with. Those days call for something a little more special.

We're in for one scorching summer. So what do you do with a house full of bored kids in desperate need of some exercise when it feels like the surface of the sun outside and there isn't a water oasis nearby?

Zakka Life contributor Kawaii Crafter has posted a fun idea for creating a plastic bottle jumprope. Upcycling plastic kid-sized bottles she uses empty Danimals containers for her teeny jumper. The easy-to-follow tutorial is complete with clear directions and pictures and even helpful suggestions like perhaps in place of using rope you make your own out of plastic bags.

My 3 year old daughter can't get enough of her Thursday morning parent and me yoga class. And when at home she is constantly wiggling herself into all sorts of downward dogs and upside down trees. I realize now yoga doesn't have to be limited to her 45 minute yoga session once a week.

December 20th marks the beginning of winter. Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills is hosting a free family Winter Solstice Hike honoring the up coming season. Appropriate for families with children 4 years of age and up this guided moderate 2 hour hike in Franklin Canyon is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and learn a little something about LA nature in the winter. Guides will be holding discussions on the seasonal changes and planets and constellations in the winter sky.

We love Laura Fuller and her special brand of yoga goodness. And almost hate sharing this information with you because we're greedy that way and like holding onto the few best kept secrets we have since we don't have many. However, her classes are truly a bargain and she's so wonderful at what she does it almost seems criminal not to share her with you. I'm serious when I say you are getting a deal.