Tag Archives: Crofton

Au Pairs meet at the GoKarts in Crofton

DSC_0362Go Kart racing has been a popular pastime for about 50 years in the U.S. and has been the first step for many drivers who eventually go on to professional racing in NASCAR, Formula 1 and the Indy Racing League.  And there are some women’s names in the professional racing world too, such as Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher.  While we may not have been thinking about such high aspirations when we joined together for a couple of hours of fun this past Sunday at Crofton Go-Karts, we surely exhibited the adventurous spirit Au Pairing bring out in person!

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So What is Presidents Day Anyway?

Presidents DayPresidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22 ~ Washington’s actual day of birth ~ the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present. To see a listing of all U.S. presidents go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents. Click on each president to find out who they were and what they achieved during their presidency. Most American school children have to learn their presidents so this is a great site to go through with them and test their knowledge!  Have fun.  You may  learn something new.

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 19th

MLK2“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream Quote

Here is a great link about the history of this special day including a biography of Dr. King, a quiz for kids and a junior crossword. Maybe you can do something special with the kids to acknowledge the day: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mlkjrday1.html

To read the full I Have a dream Speech go to:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

Au Pairs experience Yoga at Golds Gym in Crofton

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and currently, close to 11 million Americans are enjoying its health benefits.  Most Westernized yoga classes focus on learning physical poses, which are called asanas. They also usually include some form of breathing technique and a mediation technique as well.  The greatest health benefits enjoyed by those who practice yoga on a regular basis is an increase in ones flexibility, strength, and balance. DSC_1550

Gold’s Gym yoga instructor Kimberly Murphy in Crofton held a private yoga class for our group last Sunday for one hour. We were instructed on breathing techniques, stretching exercises to relax sore muscles from carrying babies and toddlers all day and learned the benefits of balancing skills.

Many of the au pairs that participated were amazed at how relaxing the experience was and some were enthusiastic to return again during the regular yoga class offered at Golds Gym. I had girls from Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Columbia and the United Kingdom!

Kim provided excellent instruction on a wonderful breathing technique to help the au pairs unwind at night after a long day of taking care of children and making it easier to fall asleep.  Kim is an extremely knowledgeable instructor who has a passion for teaching yoga at all levels.  Her yoga class is held at Golds Gym in Crofton on Rt 3 on Fridays from 10:30 am until 11:30 am.  I highly recommend taking the time to stop in and experience Kim’s class.  You leave refreshed and invigorated to take on the day.

Good Family time at the Piney Orchard Street Festival

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Despite warnings of bad weather it turned out to be a fantastic day for the Piney Orchard Street Festival on Saturday, May 11th.  Au pairs were on hand to answer questions about their experience as an au pair and to offer tips to interested host families on how to have a successful year and what to expect.  Children were able to make a Mother’s Day card and get their faces painted.  We were right next to the Piney Orchard Elementary School table, the rock climbing wall and the dunking booth … lots of activity for the children and the parents!  Good thing the sun came out and warmed us up from all the splashing that took place next to us!

Au Pairs meet at Smoothie King for their monthly meeting

photo (10)On May 20th, au pairs met for their monthly meeting at Smoothie King at the Waugh Chapel Shopping Center.  The girls enjoyed a healthy and nutritious drink that is made by mixing real fruit, nutrients and proteins in a blender, otherwise known as a Smoothie.  This company has a genuine commitment to helping people live healthier lives through nutrition.  Since the company was founded more than 30 years ago, it has expanded to offer a wide selection of healthy snacks and high quality nutritional products.  We had the privilege of having a nutritionist, Linda Bourdelaise, speak with our au pairs about healthy eating habits and offered alternative snack ideas for children.  In today’s high paced busy and hectic schedules, Linda suggested some great quick and easy ideas on what to give children to eat that will not fill them with empty calories.  By providing children with pre-cut carrot sticks with ranch dip or peanut butter with apple slices our children are provided with good energy alternatives rather than the quick fix of offering cookies or fries.