The ABC's of Everything Blog

With kids facing so many distractions these days, reading is a great opportunity for redirection. It's a well-known saying, "first you learn to read, then you read to learn".As your kids grow older, they learn more enthusiastically if they love the act of reading itself when they are young enough to form a relationship with the written word. This s...

There is an enormous amount of digital interaction available to kids of all ages. A lot of what is being offered is really great; it's educational, has positive messages and gives parents a little break. The challenge is in figuring out when too much of a good thing becomes detrimental. The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates ...

I would describe mindfulness as "being in the present moment" the practice of focusing on what is happening right now and nothing more. It's a timeout from being in the past or future and an opportunity to take a break from over thinking, a time to quiet your mind and body. So how is this helpful for children? Practicing mindfulness throughout the ...

This Creamy Mushroom Dip makes a tasty, easy side dish for the holidays. It can be served chilled or at room temperature on crusty crackers, toasted bread or raw vegetables. Let us know what you think in the comments section below! Attached is a printer friendly PDF version. ​Creamy Mushroom Dip ​1 lb. of mushrooms (white or cremini) 1 TBS of olive...

This Herbed Green Olive Tapenade is great served with crusty crackers or as part of an antipasto! We love hearing from you so please leave a comment in the section below to tell us what you think. A printer friendly version is attached for easy printing. ​Herbed Green Olive Tapenade ​2 cups of firmly packed pimiento-stuffed green olives (sliced cro...

These glazed Ginger Carrots make a great side dish for any festive meal! We encourage you to cook these simple and delicious recipes with your kids. Please give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments section below. Attached below is a PDF version for east printing. Ginger Carrots ​3-4 bunches of fresh baby carrots (true baby carr...

Most of us start off each New Year with a list of resolutions or intentions related to what we want to change about our self or our situations. I want to lose weight, exercise more, eat better, have more fun, work less, make more money -- the list goes on and on. We tend to focus on things about ourselves or our interactions that we don't like...

​We think you'll love these Greek style roasted veggies! It's a simple side dish where the fresh herbs shine! Please let us know what you think in the comments section below. We love hearing from you! Attached is a PDF version for printing. Greek Style Roasted Vegetables  ​1 LB small red potatoes quartered 2 small eggplants cut into ½ inc...

​Cauliflower Tapenade makes a great party dip. This version has the added nutrition from the secret ingredient...cauliflower! Please let us know if you've tried it and what you think! Attached is a printer friendly PDF version. Cauliflower Tapenade  ​3 cups of Cauliflower florets 1 cup of Olive Oil 1 Cup pitted Green Olives 2 Gr...

​This potato hash is made healthy by the substitution of white potatoes for sweet potatoes! You can also use Yams. The natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the salty breakfast sausage and the earthy green peppers. You can also bake some eggs on top for some added protein! Let us know what you think in the comme...

These healthy stuffed zucchini boats are sure to please every member of the family! Attached is a printer friendly PDF version. Stuffed Zucchini  ​1 cup of cooked rice or quinoa ​4 medium zucchini ​1 lb. of grass fed ground beef ​1 can of tomato sauce ​2 cups of chopped fresh spinach​½ cup sliced mushrooms ​½ onio...

This Cashew Chick Lettuce Cup recipe is a delicious, healthy twist on your favorite Asian restaurant dishes. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Please let us know what you think in the comments section below! Attached is a printer friendly PDF version. ​Cashew Chicken Lettuce Cups ​3 TBS. of soy sauce 3 TBS. of honey 2 TBS. of peanut or canola ...

​This butternut squash soup recipe is sure to warm you up! Please let us know what you think in the comments section. We love hearing from you!  Attached is a PDF version of the recipe for easy printing. Butternut Squash Soup  ​1 garlic clove chopped ½ of small onion diced 2 TBS. of olive oil 1 large butternut squash, peele...

I'm a list maker – everyday I add to and cross things off my lists, but the lists never seem to get any shorter. At the end of the day I can look at my list and feel really productive because I've crossed so many things of it. Not being measurably productive is hard for me. I have actually completed a task that was not originally on my list and gon...