Childhood obesity---yikes. It's an epidemic.

Just a few facts:

• It has tripled over the last 30 years.
• In 2008, more than 1/3 of children were considered obese. Can you imagine how much it is now?
• Obesity is not just mean, it's dangerous. Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Disease.
• Yikes...see this link for more facts: CDC

So, what's the answer? Stick your kids on a treadmill? No! Let's think of FUN ways to get the Whole Family up and moving--TOGETHER!

Outside FUN

• Hiking, Walking, and being outside--probably the most common forms of "exercise" you can think of.
• Swimming--what about heading to your local indoor pool. Family game time meets the water.
• Backyard: When was the last time you got a fierce game of kickball going? Got a basketball hoop? My son loves the game PIG..google it.
• Frisbee, Soccer, and Races in the back yard ..team girls vs boys.
• Walking to a park...now this applies if you live near one . Have your kids bike and mom/dad walk or jog along side. And when you get there, don't just sit on a bench. Push the swings. Have you tried Monkey Bars lately--they are HARD!
• Thought about running a race? So many 5 and 10Ks have a kids race before the adults get started. What an awesome way for the family to all achieve success.
• Make an obstacle course in the back yard. Have fun racing through and around it together.
• What are some fun adventures in your own town. B does such a good job of exploring with the kiddos. Old submarines, the SeaCoast Science Center, and lighthouses have already been found!

Inside Fun

• When was the last time you went bowling? Doesn't seem like exercise, but it gets you up and moving. Plus many bowling alleys have 99 cent games.
• Want to go the gym? Get in a quick workout while your kids play in the child care. Then grab your kids and head to the basketball court for kids vs parents.
• Roller Skating
• Ice Skating
• Zumba special events..you knew I was going to put that out there. Some studios will offer Mom and Me Zumba classes---dance the hour away!
• Speaking of dance..dance party in your home! Turn off the TV and turn ON the music. Party Rockers in the house.....

For Kids ONLY

• Need an aftercare program? Check out Zumbatomic (yes for both boys and girls).
• Gymnastics, Ballet, or any sport: Baseball, Swim, Football...you get the idea.
• Having a friend over? Sure electronics are fun, but send them outside for Vitamin D and a game.
• Send your kids outside. Little b will spend an hour playing fetch and chase with our dogs...it's the little things!

*************In order for your kid to love being FIT, they will need to see their parents/family doing the same. We are the EXAMPLE!

Question of the day: What are some ways you like to stay FIT with the FAM?

(Thank you Cheryl, for today's post. This is a topic near and dear to both of our hearts.)

A Giveaway!

I had mentioned when we reached 200 followers on the Facebook page that we would do a giveaway... and last night it happened!

And 3 wonderful businesses have stepped up to offer great prizes for our giveaway.

First off, the Seacoast Science Center is giving away a FAMILY MEMBERSHIP! Membership for 2 parents and their children for an entire year! The Seacoast Science Center has something for all ages, and there is always something new to see, do and learn. Whether you choose to explore on your own or participate in a visitor or group program, their naturalists are ready to guide you on your learning adventure! All of the Center's exhibits and programs are developed to appeal to a wide range of ages, backgrounds and learning styles. There is something for everyone. (Check back for a more detailed post on the Seacoast Science Center later.)

Next, Elisa from Storybook Session Photography has offered a FREE session. You can choose on-site for babies and children or in her studio for newborn babies through Kindergarteners. Not only is Elisa's photography simply gorgeous, she also offers something I have never seen: a Storybook Session DVD which is a fusion of your photos and video footage into a priceless storyline containing poetry, inspirational quotes, and a background of music.

You have to check out her sample to see what I am talking about.

And last, Itst Bitsy Thrifty has offered a VIP Pass to their Consignment Sale happening in Newington on March 30-April 1! You can save up to 70% off today's retail prices on great brand name items! Who doesn't love one stop shopping at great bargain prices??

Please keep an eye out as I will write some more in-depth blog posts on all of these wonderful businesses... but for now, LET'S GET THIS GIVEAWAY STARTED!

Entering will be easy... Please Like us all on Facebook:

Seacoast Science Center

Storybook Sessions Photography

Itsy Bitsy Thrifty

NH Mamas

And then you must share about the giveaway on your own Facebook page and you are done! Simply come back here and leave a comment that you completed your tasks and wait to see who wins ALL 3 PRIZES!

The drawing will happen via Random.org when NH Mamas Facebook fan page reaches 400 fans or by March 14... whichever comes first!

Good luck to all. Special thanks to Seacoast Science Center, Storybrook Sessions Photography and Itsy Bitsy Thrifty for providing such great prizes and thanks to all of you for following me on this adventure so far.

The Perfect Homemade Playdough

I have played with my playdough recipe for years... and I think I finally have it! I have tried repeatedly with no cream of tartar- and it always comes out sticky and not quite right.

This recipe with the cream of tartar makes such a nice, smooth ball of dough. And it seems to stay soft as long as we keep in in plastic bowls or bags.

All you need is:

2 cups flour

2 cups water

4 teaspoons cream of tartar

2/3 cup salt

2 tablespoon vegetable oil

food coloring

This recipe makes a lot, but I like to do it that way so there is enough for all 3 children. Also, for the food coloring, I went to Market Basket and they actually had a "neon" set, which made the brightest, prettiest colors.

You simply add the flour, salt, cream of tartar to a large saucepan, mix in the oil and water. Put the pan on a low to medium heat and just keep stirring:

It will seem quite liquidy, but just keep stirring for a few minutes. It will soon start to form a ball and pull away from the sides of the pan:

You then know it is done and you can separate it into smaller balls and add your colors. You could add the color during the liquid cooking process if you want the whole batch to be one color, but we wanted a bunch of different colors, so we through on some rubber gloves and kneaded the color in after it was "cooked". And actually, the kids enjoyed making their own colors and mixing it themselves.

And there you have it, an afternoon of entertainment for a few kids: