Category Archives: Uncategorized

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday in the United States of America, celebrated on the last Monday in May.  It is a celebration of remembrance for the brave service of men and women who gave their lives for their country. Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971. We now, designate this day to remember loved ones who have passed on, as well as remembering our service men and women. Flowers and flags are placed on graves in remembrance of them. Parades and dedications of memorials usually are part of the day’s activities. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local marching bands, members of the armed service, fire departments, police departments, and fraternal orders often march in parades and attend ceremonies to commemorate the day.  

Here are a couple of links to website that have activities you can do with the children in honor of Memorial Day.

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/memorial-day/

 

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/memorialday/

 

Healthy Eating – Downsize Portions

portion_size

The holidays are upon us, and there are undoubtedly lots of new foods that you want to try. However, remember to keep things under control. If you constantly overdo it, you’ll soon find that your clothes don’t fit!

How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. You want to experience life in the U.S., but don’t feel compelled to pick up bad habits. Stick to the portions you would normally eat. The U.S. is known for its “supersizing”, especially in restaurants.  It is OK to ask for a to-go box and take home that food you couldn’t finish at the restaurant.

Also, check food and drink packages to find out what is considered a normal serving. For example a 20 oz. bottle of soda is actually 2 1/2 servings. Many things that are packaged in what appear to be single serving sizes are actually 2 or more portions.

It’s easier to maintain a healthy weight than it is to overeat and have a lot to lose later.

Au Pair photo contest

We know there are great photographers out there!  Do you have a favorite shot of the year?  Please enter the APIA photo contest.  The deadline is November 5th.  Winners of each category will receive a $200 gift card and $25 for the runners up ~ the categories are:

  • Family portrait
  • Sharing Cultures
  • Helping Hands
  • Young Ones
  • Community service
  • The spirit of America
  • Best in Show

Be creative, show us what you’ve got.  Get details and everything you need to enter here:

http://www.aupairinamerica.com/pdf/photo_contest_entry_form.pdf

The winner could end up on the cover our 2015 brochure!

Welcome to Our Blog!

I’m happy to welcome you to the blog for the Virginia Beach and Norfolk, VA area cluster of Au Pair in America! In the coming days and weeks I’ll be adding information and articles that I hope will be interesting and useful to my current au pairs and host families, as well as potential host families. If you have questions, comments or suggestions please leave them here, or email me at lroberts.apia@gmail.com.