A Yoga Class for Children

As we navigate this “new normal” of social distancing and self-isolation, perhaps no segment of the population has experienced as seismic of a shift as our children.

Their regular routines disrupted, remote learning, no more play dates or interactions with friends, beloved extra-curicculars on halt, no summer camp to look forward to, no summer vacation to look forward to, no visits to grandparents to look forward to, it’s a lot to process.

Despite it all, children are extremely resilient and there are a lot of tools that we as parents, guardians and loved ones have, to help support them during this time. One such tool is yoga.

Yoga allows children to move their bodies, providing a joyful, physical outlet. Yoga creates the space for children to explore their breath providing a mental and emotional outlet, whether through deep calming breaths or vigorous fiery roaring breaths. During a yoga practice, children are instructed to navigate their imaginations as they engage in kinesthetic creative play.

Kids yoga looks a bit different depending upon the age group, but this 20 minute video, geared towards students roughly aged 8-12, is designed for children to be able to watch independently and practice independently.

I hope the school aged children in your life enjoyed this practice!

If you’re looking for a way to introduce yoga to your children, I teach a regular KIDS AND FAMILY YOGA CLASS on ZOOM every Saturday from 11:00-11:30 EST. The class is geared towards children (roughly 2-8 years of age) and their grown ups.

The link to register can be found here :

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15104885&appointmentType=5650274

I hope to see you on ZOOM!

Interactive yoga classes for school aged children coming soon (SUMMER 2020)!

Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Drop Biscuits: You Won't Believe These are VEGAN!

My children have been making all sorts of requests of me in the mornings. They are sick and tired of their standard breakfast fare and they’re missing the new flavors and textures that were within reach in New York City.

In New York, brunch was a true weekend reality, something everyone in the family looked forward to with eager anticipation.

With the city on lockdown and the fact that we’re self-isolating hundreds of miles away in Maryland, I’ve had to get really creative in the kitchen to keep little mouths happy.

Originally, I was going to make this recipe without chocolate chips, but a certain five year old would have no such thing.

So I made some changes, and a lovely breakfast treat was born!

Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Drop Biscuits!!!!!!!!!

You’ll Need:

2 cups flour

1/4 cup corn meal

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon pink salt

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup almond milk

1 tablespoon white vinegar

chocolate chips to taste

Here’s What to Do:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F

2. In a separate bowl, combine your milk and vinegar (to make buttermilk) and set aside

3. In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients.

4. Add olive oil and use your fingers to combine until a crumbly consistency is achieved. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

5. Add the buttermilk mixture a tablespoon at a time and use hands to combine the dough.

6. Add chocolate chips once the mixture is sticky and combine, working hands through dough.

7. Form balls of dough with your hands and place on an oiled baking sheet.

8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden on top and the center is fully cooked.

Serve with your favorite vegan butter, honey or jelly and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy….

Delicious down to the very last crumb!

Three Essential Oil Blends to Get You in the Mood for Spring!

In need of a quick mood boost or change of ambiance? Aromatherapy is a direct and pleasurable way to engage the senses.

Aromatherapy, through the use of pure essential oils is both therapeutic and enjoyable. Here are some blends that when diffused, will instantly have you feeling connected to nature and in the mood for spring.

Three Essential Oil Blends to Get You in the Mood for Spring

Blend #1 (Spring Awakening)

10 drops pure Lemon essential oil (uplifting, clean, crisp, citrusy)

5 drops pure Jasmin essential oil (floral, sensual, romantic)

3 drops pure Sandalwood essential oil (earthy, grounding)

Blend #2 (Herb Garden)

5 drops pure Lavender essential oil (floral, calming, fresh)

3 drops pure Lemongrass essential oil (fresh, sweet, citrusy)

3 drops pure Thyme essential oil (clarifying, uplifting, astringent)

2 drops pure Chamomile essential oil (calming, mood stabilizing, sweet)

1 drop pure Oregano essential oil (spicy, astringent, fresh)

Blend #3 (After the Rain)

5 drops pure Vetiver essential oil (grounding, earthy)

3 drops pure Lavender essential oil (floral, calming, fresh)

2 drops pure spikenard essential oil (woodsy, spicy, uplifting)

1 drop pure Cinnamon essential oil (sweet, warming, spicy)

Simply add purified water to your diffuser and then drop by drop, carefully add the essential oils needed for your desired blend.

Prepare to be transported…