Tri 4 Schools (Isthmus)

If you're not already familiar with Tri 4 Schools, I encourage you to do so! It is an amazing organization, spearheaded by an even more amazing woman, that puts money back into local schools to go towards health and fitness education costs, something that gets put on the back burner much more than it should.

Tri 4 Schools hosts four annual events each spring through fall that are directed at kids ages 3 to 15, including a mud run and the upcoming Middleton Kids Triathlon. Yes, a kids' triathlon!

My oldest has participated in both the Waunakee Kids Triathlon and this year's Verona Mud Run, both put on by Tri 4 Schools. The races were well-run, extremely kid friendly and just plain fun!

Learn more about the organization, its founder and the runs here.

My son completing his first mud run through Tri 4 Schools.

Top Docs Profiles (Madison Magazine)

I know it's been a long, long time, but I did want to get the word out about two articles I recently had published in Madison Magazine. I was privileged to be a part of their bi-annual Top Docs issue and write profiles on two very prestigious, hard-working doctors in the Madison area.

The first profile is on Dr. Azita Hamedani, who has given a complete makeover to the Emergency Medicine program at UW Hospital, creating a strong teaching program in partnership with the university. Read more about her and her work here.

The second profile is on Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician who has put his full dedication into the state's Reach Out and Read program, working tirelessly to ensure children are given early access and exposure to literacy. Read more about his work here.

Apple Pie Bites...and they're healthy!

I wouldn't label my kids picky eaters by any means--and for this I feel very fortunate. But, once in a while, I feel like we go through a bit of a "snack rut," where they're regularly asking for Goldfish crackers or some other starchy thing that I think is fine once in a while, but not on a daily basis. So, I'm always on the lookout for healthy snack alternatives.

Here's a snack I created that's healthy, delicious and simple...what more could you ask for?

Apple Pie Bites

1 c. dried apple rings

1 c. dates

½ c. shredded coconut (toasted if you prefer)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

Place dried apple rings and dates in a bowl of warm water to cover, for up to 15 minutes to soften. Drain. Place fruit, along with all other ingredients, in your food processor and process for about 1-2 minutes, until all ingredients combine and clump together. Roll into 1-inch (or whatever size you prefer) balls and space out on a parchment-lined pan. Refrigerate for about 20-30 minutes and then serve.

Festa Italia (Isthmus)

Are you game for a spaghetti eating contest?

For those of you local to the Madison area, be sure to stop by Festa Italia this weekend at McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg. To learn more about the event, as well as the group behind it (the longest-running Italian Workmen's Club in the nation, I should add), read my article in the Isthmus.

Books for the World in Isthmus

It brings me joy when I hear about charitable organizations whose mission is two-fold. Books for the World not only helps the environment by keeping large quantities of books and educational materials out of the landfill, but they turn around and give those materials a whole new life in Third World countries. What a win-win!!

Brava Magazine: Eating Disorders and Motherhood

I'm proud to share my feature article in April's Brava magazine! I want to thank everyone who contributed to the article and made it what it was. I hope other women can find inspiration in these three women's stories and how hard they have worked to overcome their illness in the face of motherhood.

The Joy of Now

As a parent, it can be so easy to get caught up in the yesterdays and tomorrows: What are we going to do to keep the kids busy this summer? Remember when Johnny was just a baby, and we could cradle him in our arms? 

As a parent in today's world, it's even easier than ever to distract yourself from now. Mobile devices make it possible for a person to distract themselves any second of the day, no matter where they are at that moment. And while we can all make the argument that we are using these devices purposefully ("I'm just shooting off an e-mail for work." or "I'm checking our calendar to see if we're free that weekend."), it's not surprising that research shows that these behaviors are having damaging effects on our children.