Gardening with Ms. Jillian

Every week I get to teach garden-based education to 120 wonderful students that come from all walks of life. What exactly is garden-based education you ask? In short, a seed-to-table garden program teaches kids standard-based lessons utilizing the garden as an outdoor classroom where they can actively engage with their environment. The curriculum covers all subjects from literacy to life science to math and everything in between. Learning beyond the four walls of a classroom teaches

children through personal discovery in natural settings, ecological principles that govern all life, as well as develop a sense of connection with the land. The countless benefits range from health and sustainability awareness, personal growth and development, and an instilled sense of community. 

Dried out sunflower seeds make for a tasty snack!

I witness first-hand how effective and invaluable this program is for the kids. Seeing a child wide-eyed and curious while learning about a plant's lifecycle, or sampling a fruit they've never tried before plucked directly off the tree is truly amazing.  I'm looking forward to the rest of the year and excited to share more of my garden classroom experiences! 

The kids going bonkers for blueberries!

    

How to Workout on a Budget

Gyms aren’t the only places you can get in shape. In today’s modern world, there are plenty of cheap and even FREE ways to burn those calories.  Yes, gyms can be simple: you pay your monthly dues; you have all your fancy machines; you get in you get out. But if you’re on a tight budget or you’re an exercise novice and haven’t a clue on how to work the equipment, the gym might not be the best fit for you.

I, personally, have not belonged to a gym in over 4 years and have managed to stay in shape, and most importantly enjoy working out!  Here are my top 3 favorite free workouts:

YOGA 

Yoga is a wonderful way to tone your entire body, increase flexibility, and calm your mind.  Most cities have free community classes (try just searching Google or inquiring at your local yoga studio), or you can try yoga from the comfort of your own home with YogaGlo’s awesome 15-day trial.   

POP PILATES

One of my favorite ways to work out is watching YouTube videos.  YouTube Fitness Guru, Cassey Ho, creates fun and quirky videos that are sure to kick your butt. Her bubbly and gregarious personality coupled with the latest pop music makes the grueling workouts entertaining rather than a chore. Be sure to try the “Muffin Top Massacre” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqXmgy5GTzI) and “Abs on Fire” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ogDIqyGmCM

Calisthenics

To put it simply, calisthenics is a form of exercise where you use the weight of your own body to build muscle.  These are things like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and sit-ups. The best part of calisthenics is that you can pretty much do it ANYWHERE. I encourage you to go outside – get a dose of vitamin D, run some stairs, and get your calisthenics on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L1_lXA5EoE

As you can see, gym or no gym, there really is no excuse to not get in shape and feel great!