Greece, Gates, Chili, Hilton, Spencerport Home Publication - August 2020

PRODUCED BY GENESEE VALLEY PUBLICATIONS

FAMILY 2020 on the cover

4 • RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN State-of-the-Art Installation

features

3 • Letter from the Artist's Desk 9 • Tips for a Healthy Home

Healthy = Happy

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11 • An Enjoyable Escape: Cycling 13 • Handpicked Books for All Ages 17 • Eight Boredom Buster Activities 19 • Beautiful, Edible Landscape 22 • From Living Room to Classroom 31 • Exploring Your Community

contributors C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I TE R S

Amanda Dudek • Kaitlin Donnan • Marissa Davitt

C O V E R P H O T O G R A PHY

Engaging Young Readers

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Sarah Christ

Genesee Valley Publications, Inc. will make every effort to see that all advertising copy, which is neatly presented, is correctly printed. We will not be responsible for print quality of any advertising not created by Genesee Valley Publications, Inc. personnel. We take no responsibility for statements or claims made in any advertisement. We reserve the right to refuse any and/or all advertising.

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AUGUST 2020 | HOME FAMILY

healthy = happy LOVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. B Y M A R I S S A DA V I T T

Marissa and her daughters cooking in the kitchen

We all want to be happy in life!

I’ve found that the moments I most enjoy usually take place during a time I’m feeling physically well. I'm healthy, well nourished, refreshed, and riding on a full tank!

However, in the fast-paced society we live in with the types of “convenience foods” that are readily available, I’ve had to dedicate some serious effort to home routines and lifestyle. This keeps not only myself but my entire household healthy so we can feel good more often than not.

I’ve learned that “coasting” or playing it by ear isn’t an effective strategy for long-term healthy living. If you want to feel good consistently, you need to put in some extra effort upfront, otherwise in the face of hunger, fatigue, or stress convenience and comfort always prevail.

As a busy small business owner working from home with two small children, I’ve faced the challenges all mothers have from trying to manage it all. My worst days are typically a result of not prioritizing my self-care.

Imagine this (Scenario #1): The 3-year-old was up in the middle of the night, and as my morning alarm sounds, I hit snooze twice and skip my morning workout. I also had forgotten to plan my meals for the week and end up eating a soggy bowl of cereal the kids hadn’t touched…which results in a sugar crash, grouchy mood, and a desperate search for something more to eat. Fast forward to later that day: I’m on my 3rd cup of coffee and a trail of processed snacks, frustrated at the kids’ bickering. I decide to pick up fast food lunches (because we’re all feeling desperate), and although I chose the salad on the menu, I end up also eating leftover fries and nuggets, and now feel yuckier than before.

Imagine this (Scenario #2): The 3-year-old was up in the middle of the night, and as my morning alarm sounds I know I am feeling tired, but I deeply honor my sacred AM routine, so I get up. From there, I take my pre-workout supplement, scan my agenda for the day ahead, and do a quick 30 minute workout in my basement before the kids are awake.

Then, I cook a quick healthy breakfast—scrambled eggs with sweet potatoes and coconut oil for me, and toast and butter for the kids!

As the kids wake, I set their breakfast out for them, and head to the shower and prepare for the day. I’ve already meal planned and prepped some healthy snacks and meals, so I can look forward to a delicious chicken salad & veggie wrap* for lunch, and stuffed peppers with ground turkey* for dinner.

Scenario 1 used to be a way of life for me, but I’ve learned that by establishing consistency and perseverance with healthy household routines, I’ve created a happier life for myself and my kids!

HOME FAMILY | AUGUST 2020 9

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FOUR TIPS FOR A HEALTHY

MEAL PLANNING & PREPPING MAKES LIFE SO MUCH EASIER FOR MOMS! I KNOW WE WILL BE ABLE TO STAY HEALTHY & HAPPY, EVEN THROUGH THE CHAOS OF THE WEEK.

HOME

Meal Plan & Prep

Whether you want to go “all in” and prep for an entire week (I enjoy this), or some simple batch cooking, washing and chopping veggies, having healthy snacks and meal solutions ready to go is a serious game changer. Think of how great it is to walk into Wegmans and pick up one of those healthy and delicious “ready to eat” meals. Now imagine having this daily, right in your fridge! The key is to schedule TIME to do your meal planning, grocery shop, and meal prepping. Shown are two quick, easy make-ahead lunch and dinner recipes.

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- Marissa

Exercise Daily

Get Out

Humans are made to be in nature, which is why I think we all love getting out on nature trails and having mini adventures. Our favorites are Mendon Ponds Park, Powder Mills Park, Erie Canal and the New York Trails "Rails to Trails." We have trails right near our house that we walk to almost daily. We also love to discover new trails in the parks nearby and visit different local playgrounds.

We get so much from being outdoors and experiencing all the discoveries around us! Not only are we maintaining healthy physical activity, but every nature outing is also full of new lessons and can be an unknowingly spiritual experience for each of us.

CHICKEN SALAD VEGGIE WRAP 1 (8”) WHOLE GRAIN WRAP ¾ CUP CANNED CHICKEN (OR LEFTOVER GRILLED CHICKEN, CHOPPED)

Ingredients

Keeping physically fit will do wonders for your happiness and overall mood! Think about a point in time when you were keeping active and fit—how did you feel? I prioritize my workout session to take place first thing in the AM; disruptions are at a minimal, so it’s the greatest chance I’ll get my time in peace. Determine the time of day you can commit to and create a routine around it! I personally follow at-home workout programs (30-60 minutes/day), but exercise comes in so many forms (running, cycling, Pilates, kickboxing, etc.). Start doing what you enjoy and can commit to, and seek out diversity to incorporate strength training, cardio, stretching & flexibility.

1 TBSP MAYO OR ¼ CUP SMASHED AVOCADO ¼ CUP FINELY DICED CELERY ¼ SLICED SEEDLESS RED GRAPES 3-4 LARGE ROMAINE LEAVES SALT & PEPPER

- Mix the chicken, mayo, diced celery and seasonings together in a small dish.

- Gently mix in sliced grapes - Spoon chicken salad into tortilla.

- Lay sliced cucumbers and lettuce on top of chicken salad.

- Roll up the tortilla. Slice in half & enjoy!

GROUND TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS

Rest & Relax

Bedtime is key, and not just for the kids! I strive to be in bed by 9:45pm (lights out by 10), so that I am getting at least 7-8 hours of shut eye and can wake up for my early AM routine. We also do our best to practice evening reading time, and sometimes carve out afternoon quiet time with a calming movie or story, some essential oils, and maybe a little catnap. Life gets very busy, and as important as it is to be physically active and productive, we have to prioritize slowing down and finding the calm.

IG: @MarissaDavittCoaching FB: @MotivateMoveMake www.marissadavittcoaching.com

2 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED 1 SMALL ONION, DICED - Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

- In a large skillet add the olive oil, garlic 1 (16 OZ) CAN CRUSHED & onion, saute until tender. Add the turkey TOMATOES 1 LB LEAN GROUND TURKEY and brown until thoroughly cooked.

- Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper & mix.

- Fill the peppers evenly with the mixture, place in baking dish & bake for 30 min.

- Add sprinkled cheese on top of peppers, and bake 5-10 minutes until melted.

1 TSP ITALIAN SEASONING 1 CUP SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE 1 TBSP EVOO SALT & PEPPER

Ingredients

Marissa is a certified Health & Life Coach here in Rochester,NY. She helps intelligent women who struggle with anxiety and feel overwhelm find their calm in the storm and rediscover their path to success.

6 LARGE BELL PEPPERS, RINSED & HALLOWED