We chose a few orchards where you can pick your own fruit, but we would like to hear from you: Where do YOU pick fresh fruits during summer in Idaho? Read more...
Idaho Cherry Season- Just the Beginning of Idaho Stone Fruit Season
3 Summer Activities for the Whole Family
As we enter a bright and beautiful season, the plants are springing up, the kids are out of school for summer, and you are hoping for this summer to be the best! How do you make this happen? Beginning of summer is the perfect time to plan some fun family activities that embrace nature and... Continue Reading →
Why Plant a Garden?
You don’t need a huge yard to experience the benefits of gardening. Container gardens are great for small spaces, and are perfect for balconies, patios, or places where you can't plant in the ground. You will be amazed by how much food you can grow in just a couple of pots! Starting a garden of your... Continue Reading →
Spring Forward with Fun Physical Activities for the Family
You made it through the shortest days of Winter. Now that the days are longer, take time to add more physical activity to your family’s day. Balancing the work and school day can be hectic but making small changes this spring can lead to big rewards. Think about times when your family is sitting and... Continue Reading →
6 Non-Diet New Year’s Resolutions
A new year means another New Year's resolution! But how successful are your New Year's resolutions and how often are they focused on diet and body weight? Try something new this year and set a non-diet New Year's resolution that works towards creating a lasting, healthy lifestyle. Check out these low-budget ideas to start your... Continue Reading →
Inexpensive Holiday Activities for the Whole Family
Holidays are a great opportunity to spend time doing family activities! There are plenty of low-cost activities to do, especially during the holidays. Planning ahead will help you find enjoyable activities for the entire family that won’t break the bank. Searching the internet, local newspapers, and school events are a great way to find information... Continue Reading →
Make your Thanksgiving fun and ACTIVE!
Thanksgiving means many things. Family, friends, and of course, lots of delicious food! While you're waiting for your turkey to cook, or in between dinner and dessert, get up and be ACTIVE! Being active on Thanksgiving is a time for family bonding. Getting everyone moving also helps prevent overeating and getting that yearly food coma. Here... Continue Reading →
Pumpkins- Carving, Cooking, and Finding a Patch in Idaho
Carving Pumpkins: These are perfect for carving jack-o-lanterns or as a Fall display, but the pulp is watery and is filled with seeds (Bake the seeds for a tasty snack!) Baking Pumpkins: These are smaller and usually labeled as “cooking,” “pie,” or “sugar” pumpkins. These types of pumpkins have a sweet, tender pulp that is... Continue Reading →
Autumn’s in the Air- Get Moving Outside
Fall activities are even more pleasant when it’s cooler outside and the leaves start to change. Grab a jacket, comfortable shoes, and try some of these activities: Take a Walk- You can collect colorful leaves or rocks to decorate for fall or just for fun.Pick-up Game- Join your kids in a game they love. How... Continue Reading →
Summer Activities for Kids
Summer is the time to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of the long days of sunshine and great weather. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have summer family fun. Write your activity plans on a family calendar and let the kids help in planning the activities. Allow them to check... Continue Reading →
New Year, New You
The start of a new year commonly marks the start of new goals or lifestyle changes for many individuals and families. In some cases, the new year marks a new diet or exercise plan. Unfortunately, many people get burned out quickly because these diets or exercise plans are too rigid and focus on taking away... Continue Reading →
Ways to Keep Active During the Winter Break
We all know that staying active is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our families. But, once the cold weather settles in, it becomes tempting to curl up on the sofa with a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and our new favorite TV series. We may even realize... Continue Reading →
Play Time, Not Screen Time
Stay active, even while indoors. Physical activity plays an important role in mediating mood, improving sleep, and reducing risk of chronic disease. With physical distancing guidelines still in place, it is important to continue providing kids with opportunities to release energy and build strong muscles and bones. Try a plank contest and see which family... Continue Reading →
Tune into dinner, not TV.
Keep the TV off during mealtimes. Instead, focus on eating together as a family. Screen media entertains, informs, and educates; however, studies have shown that too much time in front of the TV, tablet, and smartphone can negatively impact health. It is important to find a healthy balance between taking advantage of the many benefits... Continue Reading →
Play time, not screen time
Play time, not screen time: Cut screen time to 2 hours or less a day. Exploring and playing are important for brain development. TV and other electronic media simply cannot provide the same type of brain stimulation. Computers and tablets are part of our daily lives for work and school. But too much screen time... Continue Reading →
How to Become a Fall Fitness Fanatic
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/11/how-a-christmas-story-became-an-american-tradition The key to all Fall activities is layers! Worried about being too cold? Then put on jacket! Worried about being too hot once you get moving? Then wear a t-shirt underneath! Sometimes our biggest excuse for not going outside is the fact that we don’t know what to wear when being active. A simple... Continue Reading →
Unplug. Go Outside.
Spring Fever? Nature is a major distraction from the stresses of life and important for the health of children and adults. People who spend time outside… have more energy.are calmer.feel less stress.focus better.feel happier.sleep better. Start close to home with 30 minutes of activity. If you don’t have 30 minutes, try 10 minutes three times... Continue Reading →
Winter Fun
Instead of cursing the winter, find ways to enjoy it! Instead of talking about the things we CAN'T do, bundle up, get outside, and be active with these activities: SNOWBALL FIGHT: what better way to run around (and exercise) without even realizing that you are exercising? Put on your gloves, gather your kids, and start... Continue Reading →
Fall into the Library!
As the weather starts to cool down, you may be looking for some fall activities that let you stay nice and warm, while being inside. What better way to spend some indoor quality time, than at the library? Did you know reading can help improve your memory and reduce stress? So, cozy up in a... Continue Reading →
Hiking & Walking in Idaho
Idaho is a beautiful state, and trails are everywhere. Some are free, and closer than you think. Look around your town or county, drive the back roads and explore. Idaho state parks are just $10/year to use, and a parks pass can even be purchased with your car registration. Get outside and enjoy the serenity... Continue Reading →
Let’s Get Physically Active!
Being physically active isn’t just going to the gym or enrolling in a fitness boot-camp. It’s about having fun, running around, and playing. Just because you’re grown up doesn’t mean you can’t play. It’s also free, depending on what you do. There are so many health benefits too! Increasing physical activity helps with healthy weight... Continue Reading →