Honey Badger Mom

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  • Make Running History with the United Relay of America

    Make Running History with the United Relay of America

     

    Not too terribly long ago I participated in the Timex ONE relay and in spite of the fact that I am honestly just a terrible runner, it felt pretty awesome to be part of such a huge endeavor. It’s simply amazing: the sheer number of people involved, the heart of the participants and the ongoing support of the running community.

    Now here’s your chance to take part: in not just a national relay, but a historic running relay!

    The United Relay of America is making running history as the world’s first triple-route coast-to-coast nonstop running relay. Runners who want to make a difference will set off from Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and meet in New York City, carrying three batons nearly 12,000 miles in the three unbroken chains. In the process, awareness and an estimated $1.5 million will be raised for several deserving charities, including children’s hospitals across the nation.

    Between those three unbroken chains, an estimated 9,000 runners will run over 1,200 stages in 39 days (setting off from Seattle on April 27th, San Francisco on May 4th and LA on May 8th). They’ll then move east, with the last runners uniting at Prospect Park, New York City on June 4th. That’s about 12,000 miles across 33 states! You can follow the runners’ progress on a live map or by following along on social media.

    To participate, register to run a stage on the United Relay of America website (individual stage is $50, group stages are $25. One group stage involved the “Rocky steps” at the Philly art museum, on June 2nd). You’ll then be invited to choose a charity and a fundraising target. Fundraising is not compulsory; if you don’t hit your target you will not be charged the difference.

    And of course, if you are Not A Runner you can opt to sponsor a runner or simply donate to the cause. 100% of United Relay of America Fund proceeds go directly to the charities.

    unitedrelaycharitiesscreenshot-unitedrelay.org 2016-04-09 15-56-39 screenshot-unitedrelay.org 2016-04-09 15-57-13

    Registered runners and supporters receive an exclusive 20% discount on safe, bone conduction headphones from AfterShokz. Since this relay takes place on roadside courses, during all hours and conditions, runners won’t be allowed to use traditional headphones and earbuds that block out traffic and warnings. By contrast, AfterShokz bone conduction headphones ensures runners can remain aware of surroundings while they run. Plus, 5% of every purchase made will be donated to the United Relay of America Fund through June 2016.

    AfterShokz

     

    AND, when you sign up to a run a stage you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to meet Alicia Keyes, during a two-night stay in NYC with flights included! The winner and a friend will also receive a free pair of AfterShokz headphones and a goodie bag, including an exclusive United Relay t-shirt signed by Alicia Keys.

    You can increase your chances of winning (each point represents a separate entry into the prize draw):

    • 5 points for signing up to an empty stage
    • 4 points for signing up to a Standard Stage
    • 3 points for every $100 you raise
    • 2 points for recruiting a friend to run
    • 1 point for signing up to a Group Stage

    You can see a running total of your points within your United Relay Dashboard.

    I have to admit, I’ve been feeling some runner envy this month; so many people have been posting pictures as they kick off their racing season. This is a great opportunity to set a date to begin training for, while raising funds for a cause you care about— did I mention 100% of United Relay of America Fund proceeds go directly to the charities?

    Register today!

     

     

  • My First Science Textbooks: Chemistry Books for the Very Young

    My First Science Textbooks: Chemistry Books for the Very Young

     

    My favorite gifts for young kids and baby showers (and really most other gift giving occasions, if I’m being honest) are books. The classics, to be sure, but I also try to rustle up some new titles that I think the recipient is unlikely to receive from any other quarter.

    My First Science Textbooks are chemistry storybooks for the very young, written by a chemistry teacher with his two-year-old daughter in mind.

    I love love love this.

    My First Chemistry Textbooks

     

    Book I: Protons and Neutrons
    Book II: Electrons
    Book III: The Atom

    My First Chemistry Textbooks are hardcover children’s books, each with 32 or more full color paper pages. Our goal is to add a few additional workbook pages at the end of the books so adults and kids can play, interact and discuss the content covered throughout the books.

    This is at the Kickstarter stage at the moment, but it fully funded within 8 hours! The initial fundraising goal was $4500 and they’re close to $100,000 now. Which is AMAZING.

    For $35, you can reserve one copy each of the three books in the series plus access to the E-book versions. For $36 you get them in board book form.

    For $65, you get one each in hardback form and one each in board book form. Think of it as the “grow with me” edition.

    For $100, you get FOUR board book copies of each title plus access to the E-book versions, so you can donate to your classroom or library AND give away copies at your next baby shower or little kid birthday.

    There are other donation levels available, those are just my favorites.

    Check it out and reserve your copies now! Estimated delivery is October 2016.

     

     

     

  • Reducing Sodium Intake + Two Must-Try No Sodium Recipes

    Reducing Sodium Intake + Two Must-Try No Sodium Recipes

     

    I’ve been taking a look at my diet lately, as I am wont to do at this time of year. I’ve been feeling heavy, foggy, generally grumpy. And like always when I do this, even though I try to be pretty good about what I eat, I’m legit shocked by the amount of sodium in my diet. Measurable sodium— we’re not even talking about what comes out of the shaker when I’m cooking.

    Sodium is in just about everything, and in heaping amounts when it comes to processed or restaurant foods. That’s one of several very compelling reasons to start a diet overhaul by committing to preparing all of your own food at home.

    90% of Americans are overdoing it on the sodium, by a lot: the recommendation is that we take in less than 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt) per day, and we’re averaging about 3,400 mg daily. Kids, in particular, are susceptible to high sodium levels because of their near universal love of certain foods:

    pizza, esp with meat toppings
    bread and rolls
    lunchmeat
    cheese
    chicken nuggets
    canned anything
    soups
    chips and crackers

    Most adults probably eat too many of those, too.

     

    eating pizza

    Mmm, pizza

     

    Too much sodium can lead to increased blood pressure, which in turn increases your risk for heart disease and stroke: two of the leading causes of death in this country (heart disease is #1).

    BUT, not getting enough sodium carries its own health risks, so don’t worry about cutting it out completely.

     

    Best practices for healthy sodium levels:

    • get out of the habit of using table salt entirely
    • use salt sparingly while cooking; save it for those foods that really need it for flavor
    • READ INGREDIENT LISTS!
    • cut our processed foods as much as possible
    • up your potassium intake by eating lots of leafy green vegetables, orange vegetables, bananas and citrus fruits. Potassium helps your body release sodium.

    nosodiumrecipes

    Here’s some tasty inspiration for your newly-formed resolve to reduce sodium intake! They’re also meat-free (technically, depending on where you stand on seafood as a meat) so possibilities for Meatless Monday menus.

    These two recipes were created by the Executive Chef at Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa, Anthony Stewart.

     

    Two No Sodium Recipes to Try

     

    no sodium recipes

     

    SEARED SALMON WITH BLUEBERRIES AND QUINOA 

    Serves 4

    • ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
    • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 2 cups fresh blueberries
    • 4 four-ounce salmon fillets

    Pre-heat grill to medium-high heat.

    Bring quinoa and 1-1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, and cover and simmer until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.

    While quinoa is simmering, pour balsamic vinegar and blueberries into a small saucepan. Bring to boil on the stove. Reduce heat and stir regularly under mixture is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

    To grill salmon, place your fillets on grill rack lighted misted with oil spray, and directly over coals. Grill, uncovered, for 4 to 6 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness, or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork. Turn the fish once halfway through grilling.

    If your fillets still have skin, remove the skin after grilling.

    On 4 individual plates, divide quinoa. Top with salmon. Top salmon with blueberry sauce. Garnish each plate, if desired, with a few fresh blueberries.
     

    no sodium recipes
     

    QUINOA AND CARROT SALAD  

    Serves 4 to 6

    • ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
    • 1 cup carrots, shredded
    • 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon onion, finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon fresh mint, finely chopped
    • 2 tablespoons orange juice (or more, if desired)
    • ½ seedless cucumber, chopped (optional)

    Bring quinoa and 1-1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, and cover and simmer until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Let cool.

    In a medium bowl, combine quinoa, carrots, garlic, and onion.

    Add oregano, mint, and orange juice.

    Add cucumber, if desired.

    Toss to combine.