Budget+Earth Friendly Kids' Parties!
Yep. You're a hip, conscious mama...
But the thought of throwing a sustainable, eco-friendly kids birthday party that won't break the budget may have you quaking in your vegan leather boots. But it doesn't have to! I'm going to share some tips with you for throwing your precious little one a fun, Earth-friendly party your guests won't soon forget!
Step 1: Invitations
This is the first step in choosing sustainability for your party...and you have options! You can get creative and print your own using recycled paper. In the past I've also used a picture of my little guy with the party info printed on the back (still made by myself on my home printer, which equals...cheaper) that gave guests a keepsake which could be framed and kept rather than thrown away after the party. Etsy and other sources also have some cute options for plantable invitations that are great for another sustainable option. Try to use seeds that are non-invasive and are native to your area. The invitations are also your opportunity to ask your guests to let you know about any allergies or food restrictions they may have. It's also your first chance to let them know that this is going to be an eco-friendly party. Which leads me to the next step: PRESENTS!
Step 2: Presents
On your invitation, don't be shy about outlining specific requests for gifts and presents. Requesting clothes, experiences (i.e. movie tickets, tickets to a theme park, etc.) or gift cards are all good gift options because they are far less likely to be thrown away and are much more likely to be used. Books are also a great gift option because they are good for their growing minds, thoughtfully chosen and can also be passed on later down the line. It's also a good idea to request that any gifts be wrapped either in reusable bags or fabric that can be reused. All that being said, make sure there are some fun gifts (read:toys!!!) because kids do obviously enjoy toys-they can come from sustainable sources if you really wanna go that deep with it-and after all, it is about them having a good time on their special day!
Step 3: fOoD!
One thing that guests always look forward to is of course the food. At least I know I do! You obviously want to try to stick to healthy options, but that doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice flavor! (Or fun!) One option that I did for my little man's party which was a huge hit was individual pizzas. It's an easy and budget-friendly way for everyone to get something they like that's in line with their individual food preferences and choices. Make sure you do have vegan, gluten-free and kosher options for your guests. This also doubles as a fun activity for the kids (and parents!) to partake in.
Although it takes some time to clean them when you're done, reusable plates and utensils are the most eco-friendly option to go with; but there are also lots of biodegradeable, recyclable single use options should you choose to go that route. Homemade popsicles for those summer parties are also a yummy and inexpensive option and watermelon or other fruits feed a lot of people and are totally synonymous with summertime fun!
Step 4: Activities
Here is another opportunity to really kick that eco-consciousness up a notch! One activity that was a major hit at our party was tie-dying shirts with natural vegetable dyes. A quick Google search will give you instructions on herbs, vegetables and flowers that can be boiled to make dye. The kiddos get a reusable keepsake and memories of a fun time being creative with their friends. The plant material that's left over from making the dye can be composted! #MommyForTheWin!
Other options for fun, sustainable activities that connect your guests with the nature around them include: A nature scavenger hunt, playing games at the park, making crafts they can keep and reuse (think: birdhouses or planting seeds/plants in recycled containers-they can even decorate them!)
Step 5: Gifts for Guests
There's no need to break the bank (or your sustainable aspirations) when creating gift bags for your guests. First decide on what you will use to give the gifts, one thing I have used before that was great is bandanas. They come in a million colors to coordinate with your party theme and can be purchased in bulk for super cheap from your local dollar store or even eBay, then reused by your guests!
The small, reusable shopping bags are also an option. As far as the actual gifts go, reusable and/or keepable is the name of the game. Bubbles are always a fun and enjoyable gift and can be refilled once they're empty. You know grown-ups love 'em too, it's okay to admit it, I won't tell...
Homemade fruit leather or natural candy are healthier options than your typical pinata grab bag candies. Seeds are also a fun and eco-friendly option or gift cards in a small amount...as parents we know and apprecite that every bit counts! And finally...
Step 6: Just Do Your Best!
Seriously, don't take it too seriously! Don't drive yourself (and your guests) crazy with trying to make every.single.aspect of your party eco-friendly and sustainable. Just do the best you can and remember it's about celebrating the life of your amazing little one, so the most important thing is to just have fun! Every small choice makes a big impact and any one of the things you choose to do to make your party more sustainable will make a difference!
P.S. These tips work great for grown-up parties as well. If you try any of my tips, tag me @cazoshay_marie so I can see what you did!
#BlackJoy Self Care Saturday
This weekend I had the privilege of being involved in Black Lives Matter Portland's #BlackJoy #SelfCareSaturday for black girls, women and femmes. I lead the yoga session that kicked the event off Saturday morning. It was a beautiful and safe space for us to do something many of us struggle with, making time for self care.
Me and my wellness mama (owner of Needful Things Natural Home and Body Care) at the "Selfie Care" station
Now let's talk about how amazing this event was! After kicking it off with my FlyGirlFlow yoga session, I took part in the pilates session.
Zalayshia of Ascension Well Body and Fitness' Pilates session
And of course being the fun chicks that we are, we had to bring the silliness to the photo station as well...
After yoga and Pilates, we all introduced ourselves and said what we do for self care. It ranged from praying and meditating to painting and taking yourself out on dates.
There were workshops like Urban Headwrapping and African jewelry-making, and things for kids to do too. My son had a good time being in the environment and communing with some other young black boys who also came with their family members. He even made a super-cool collage that he gave to me. Creativity definitely runs in the family.
All in all it was a great and much-needed event. So great in fact that another one is planned for December 20th!
And if one reminder was made very clear at this event, it's the message on the sign that me and Zay are holding in this last picture. Black joy does matter, and whether that's watching YouTube hair tutorials, doing yoga, taking a walk in nature or yourself out on a date, self care is vital to that process. Black joy. It's real and it's attainable. Get you some.
Oo-rah Yo-ga
Photo via www.yogajoes.com
According to Wikipedia, "Ooh Rah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century. It is comparable to hooah in the US Army and hooyah in the US Navy and US Coast Guard. It is most commonly used to respond to a verbal greeting or as an expression of enthusiasm."
Two days after we celebrated our nation's vets, I'm writing a post about the use of yoga for helping those who have served. I chose not to post on the day itself, because our vets deserve to have our understanding and appreciation for more than just one day of the year.
Whether you agree with the use of the military or not, our vets live with the effects of their service every day, many suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The use of yoga to help treat the effects of PTSD has gained a great deal of attention and research in recent times. According to this peer-reviewed article on trauma-sensitive yoga:
“An essential aspect of recovering from trauma is learning
ways to calm down, or self-regulate. For thousands of
years, Yoga has been offered as a practice that helps one
calm the mind and body. More recently, research has shown
that yoga practices, including meditation, relaxation, and
physical postures, can reduce autonomic sympathetic activation,
muscle tension, and blood pressure, improve
neuroendocrine and hormonal activity, decrease physical
symptoms and emotional distress, and increase quality of
life. For these reasons, Yoga is a promising treatment or
adjunctive therapy for addressing the cognitive, emotional,
and physiological symptoms associated with trauma, and
PTSD specifically.”
My handsome dad
Organizations such as the Veterans Yoga Project provide resources for vets, yoga instructors and community members on the use of yoga to serve our vets. There are also many articles that have been published on the subject. On a personal note, I have lead yoga and meditation events for organizations who serve those impacted by trauma and found it to be very effective in assisting the participants in utilizing strategies to help stay calm and self regulate; as well as to be able to take those skills outside of class and use them in their everyday lives-which is of course the ultimate goal.
Anyone affected by depression or PTSD should seek the assistance and guidance of professionals, and may find the practice of yoga to be beneficial as a part of a holistic wellness plan.
My Granddaddy
A huge shoutout to all of our servicemembers for all you do, please know that you are appreciated. Namaste.
If you are a vet or know of one affected by depression or PTSD, please reach out to the Veteran's Crisis Line.
©2018 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease or condition. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The Launch of Community Hip Hop Yoga
Last week I had the privilege of launching my very special Community Hip Hop Yoga classes. Launched in conjunction with my 30th birthday, this class is one that's near and dear to my heart. I offer this class at a discounted rate so that cost won't be a hindrance for those without a ton of disposable income to devote to health and wellness. I'm a single mom so trust me, I get it. My goal is to make health and wellness accessible to our communities and help alleviate some of the issues that we face in the process.
Yoga is a safe space. Besides the obvious physical benefits, so many of our issues (physical and otherwise) relate back to stress and the internal pain that so many carry with them on a daily basis. Through my classes, students have an opportunity to take time for self care and to mentally and emotionally let go of things that are not serving them.
This class is fun! I'm not your typical yoga instructor and the soundtrack for the class makes that very obvious from the beginning. Everything from Yasiin Bey to Erykah Badu; Common, Snoop Dogg and of course, A Tribe Called Quest; I encourage my students to laugh, dance and sing their way through class. Hey, it's about having a good time, and if you're singing (or rapping!), you're breathing!
This class is just the beginning. Soon I'll also be offering raw vegan food workshops and other community wellness events, some in partnership with other amazing wellness professionals and groups. I'm also taking my classes on the road and will be posting details soon about bringing DID with Cazoshay to your city!
Making the Most of the Changing Seasons
First post!
"5 Ways to Make the Most of the Changing Seasons"
The first blog post on my *own* new blog is actually a repost of something I posted back in September of 2014. It's one that I previously submitted to another wellness website and it was not accepted to be published. It's appropriate that this is the first post on MY new blog as it represents this newfound season in my life. As I turn 30, transitioning into the next major decade of my life, I am answering the call to share health and wellness with the world on my own (read: God's) terms. Instead of waiting to be accepted by other outlets, I am in control of how and what I post and share, rather than trying to fit into someone else's mold or template. So enjoy this "vintage" post, and share in the comments how you like to transition into the fall season. Namaste.
5 Ways to Make the Most of the Changing Seasons
Fall is probably my favorite season. It may have something to do with the fact that my birthday comes during this season, but more so because I really consider autumn to be like a "second spring." As summer transitions to the cooler autumn months, it's an opportunity to invite some positive changes and habits into your life. Here are five ways to make the most out of the transition to fall.
1. Embrace the Change
It doesn't have to be something major, but as the season changes, try mixing it up and trying something new with your own routine. Go to a new restaurant, make a subtle change to your hairstyle, or read a book from a genre you don't typically read. Embracing and inviting change breaks up monotony and adds interest and enjoyment to your life in unexpected ways.
2. Get Physical
As the temperature begins to drop, there can be a tendency to allow fitness habits to drop off as well. Make a commitment to stay active as the weather gets cooler. Going for a run or practicing yoga outdoors while taking in the beauty of the changing leaves is a great way to stay motivated to keep up with physical activity as fall approaches.
3. Get an Immune Boost
Fall is also known as the start of cold and flu season. Get ahead of the game by boosting your immune system naturally. Incorporating echinacea supplements and a good multivitamin are great ways to pump up your immune system before the colds start circulating. (Always consult a health care professional before taking any herbs or supplements.)
4. Create a Ritual
Embrace the change by creating a ritual? Seems counterintuitive, right? But as the weather gets harsher, having something to look forward to each day makes the transition much easier. After a long day of teaching yoga events, doing research and answering emails, I look forward to a warm cup of tea or organic cocoa at the end of the day. Whatever that ritual may be for you, whether ten minutes of quiet meditation on your lunch break, or dry brushing your skin before a shower, having a daily ritual to look forward to eases the transition from one season to the next.
5. Clear the Clutter
As we make the change from summer to fall, take the opportunity to do a second "spring cleaning." Put away summer clothes, or even donate those you no longer wear. Take this time to de-clutter your surroundings to go into the next season free from anything physical that is no longer serving you.
Now that you have some options to make the most out of the transition from summer to fall, don't forget to take time to just enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons that is all around you!