“This is the best day of my life!” declared my five year old.  We just went kayaking - my husband, my two young sons, and me - for the first time.  We were on the water only an hour, but it changed us as a family.

Have you ever tried to do something many times before and it never works out?  And then, one day, it finally works out, and it all finally makes sense.  Just like kayaking.

I’ve thought about kayaking on flat water (no rapids for me, thanks) ever since I heard about it its calming effect from Lorin Beller Blake of Big Fish Nation.  Problem was, there was never a place near me to rent a kayak. 

Last fall, we rented a canoe as a family for the first time, and that experience inspired our interest in fishing.  Nothing fancy or “serious”, just a lazy afternoon together on a public lake and a small rental fee for the canoe.

But kayaking never worked out: in South Carolina, I biked all the way to the meeting point only to be told I had wrong information; in Nevada, the concierge politely told me that although it was 65 degrees farenheit that there probably weren’t any places to rent a kayak in winter.

Then finally, kayaking happened on the day and with the group I least expected it: with my family.  “Of course,” I thought and smiled.

On our annual trip to Florida, we decided to take an adventure to the Keys.  At the great recommendation of bluesuitmom.com co-founder, Rachael Bender, I jotted down a note to stop by John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo.  The first underwater park in the U.S., the park is known for snorkling.  But, I noticed upon arrival signs for kayaking too.

Long story short - because it is always a process to get four people to agree to do the same thing - for the price of a movie, we had an amazing experience outside.  Instead of just seeing mangrove forests on TV, we got to gently paddle our way through them.  Instead of seeing jellyfish at the acquarium, we saw them on the side of the boat.  Thanks to my older son’s noticing, we saw tiny clear jellyfish in the water with electric green spots inside.

And the icing on the cake: a bald eagle overhead.

Was it all without worry?  No.  I have to say I was a little nervous about my five year old sitting on his own even with his life jacket (of course, he was absolutely fine).  Our pants were soaking wet because the seats of the kayak weren’t dry (next time my husband will store his wallet on higher ground!).  Would my husband and older son ever kayak again?  Not sure, but I really proud of them for trying something new.

Me?  I’m hooked, just like I dreamed I’d be.  I’ve asked for a tandem kayak for Mother’s Day so I can search for lakes to ride with my five year old. 

So don’t let go of those experiences you dream of having.  Chances are, they will be even better than you ever expected.

Rebecca P. Cohen is the author of the upcoming book, 365 Days Outside: A Mother’s Journey to Improve the Well-being of Her Family and Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to spend more time outside together. Rebecca is also creator and producer of the television series, Get Out of the House, inspiring you to create memorable moments outside every day. To learn more, visit http://www.rebeccaplants.com.

Copyright 2010

Rebecca Plants LLC

In today’s Washington Post article, Michelle Obama spoke of remembering time outside with her father when she spoke of being active, and that is what Rebecca Plants is all about: time outside removes the “should” and “obligation” of physical activity and replaces it with pure joy of spending time together.  Being outside naturally makes us more active and it is up to us as parents to step outside with our kids and take that journey together into improving our family’s well-being.

I’m not talking about running laps and doing push ups that the kids are drilled on in school.  I’m talking about kicking a ball, playing catch, tag, and basketball, hide and seek, jumping rope, and rolling down hills. Away from the distractions inside our homes, our kids share with us and we share with them the meaningful choices we want them to make in their lives.

Watch it Now: Get Out of the House - Rolling down hills and playing tag

And that’s just the beginning.  You can invite friends over to play outside, do homework outside, eat meals outside, and invite neighbors to join in on the fun.

I’ve produced a television series, Get Out of the House, that shows people exactly what I see the White House and so many other organizations are wanting to do, which is simply inspiring families to be more active.  And that is where I come in.  Step outside, and the rest will flow from there.

Rebecca P. Cohen is the author of the upcoming book, 365 Days Outside: A Mother’s Journey to Improve the Well-being of Her Family and Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to spend more time outside together. Rebecca is also creator and producer of the television series, Get Out of the House, inspiring you to create memorable moments outside every day. To learn more, visit http://www.rebeccaplants.com.

Copyright 2010

Rebecca Plants LLC

“I LOVE this breeze!” said my older son.

“What?! You’re not cold?” I said, bundled up from head to toe.

He replied, “The sun makes me warm; it feels like summer.”

Looking at the weather report this morning, it “feels like 28^oF” with winds gusting to 28mph. Basically, the cold wind was blowing in our faces, but the sun was shining.

Just an hour before, in our normal routine to quickly get ready for school, I decided we needed a change of pace. As the boys bickered while (not) getting dressed, I pleaded, “The dog didn’t get his before bedtime walk last night; he needs to go out – hurry!” My older son argued and whined (sorry dear, but it’s true – although he and I have debated what constitutes whining).

After the socks and the boots and an argument about the coat, hat, and gloves, the three of us made it outside with the dog and my younger son brought a ball to kick. We instantly had fun, and I breathed a sigh of relief and realized that everything I need to have a balanced life, I have right in front of me.

I just needed a change of pace.

Around the country, it seems like everyone has had enough of winter (and yes, me too sometimes). In fact, the same child who just told me it felt like summer was the one who asked after a week of freezing wind in December, “When is it going to be spring?”

As I walked back into my house to (now even more quickly) get breakfast and lunches together before school, I smiled and remembered a blog I wrote a year ago. I was on vacation, but I realized the fun we had as a family were special experiences that I could recreate at home: ice skating, rec center swimming, going on walks and finding different places to run around.

This morning, I didn’t have time to drive somewhere else, but I did make time to step outside with my kids. I’ve had to put my foot down more than once over the last few weeks and “force” our change of pace to do something different outside, but we always have fun.

On another windy day after the 2010 blizzard, our neighborhood literally looked like the arctic tundra (or at least what I imagine it to be with a fierce wind blowing over the snow-covered ground and no one else in site). The boys donned their ski goggles and snow gear and trudged around the neighborhood, eventually digging three feet in the snow to build caves in our front yard to escape the wind. A neighbor drove by in his huge pick up truck and stopped. Putting his window down he said sarcastically, “Nice day for a walk.” I laughed and said, “We’ve had enough, and I don’t know what else to do; they’re having fun!”

Think of what your chance of pace may be: Starting seeds inside? Playing soccer in the snow? Bowling inside with rolls of (wrapped) toilet paper?

Hang in there – pretty soon you can your first vegetable of the season!

Rebecca P. Cohen is the author of the upcoming book, 365 Days Outside: A Mother’s Journey to Improve the Well-being of Her Family and Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to spend more time outside together. Rebecca is also creator and producer of the television series, Get Out of the House, inspiring you to create memorable moments outside every day. To learn more, visit http://www.rebeccaplants.com.

Copyright 2010

Rebecca Plants LLC

My healthy outdoor lifestyle started with peas, and I was a kid that felt forced to eat her vegetables just like everyone else, except when it came to eating vegetables straight from the garden.

When I was three and a half years old, my parents had a vegetable garden in Springfield, Illinois.  I have a vivid memory of eating peas straight from the pod.  I have no idea how long I sat there, but I loved opening those pods to find and eat the sweet peas inside.

When I was four, my family moved to Virginia, and we never had a garden again. But, my whole life, I remembered eating those peas, and I couldn’t wait until I had kids to see if they’d like trying their vegetables from the garden too.

Last season, when the temperatures were in the 40s and 50s, we planted pea seeds 15 minutes before school and watched the pea plants grow over two months.  With excitement, my five and seven year old boys ran outside just like I did to try our peas and eat them before they even made it in the house.  And while my younger son likes trying new vegetables more, my older son will always try whatever we’re growing.

Not everyone has a garden though, as I did not past the age of four.  My story is proof that one outdoor experience in the garden can positively impact the life of a child.

Maybe your children eat their veggies and you have a garden too, so my challenge to you is this: do one thing for your child’s classroom (or grandchild’s or niece’s or nephew’s or neighbor’s) by Earth Day, Friday April 22nd, that helps them start or add to a learning garden at their school.  Within two months, they’ll be trying their veggies and exercising their bodies and brains.

Your project can be as simple as:

- Planting four pea seeds in a container with a 3-4′ stake (for support as the plants grow), or

- Plant the peas around three stakes in the ground to make a tee pee (secured in holes the ground and up top with twine), or

- Have each child plant a pea seed in a cup to sprout in class on a sunny windowsill (keep soil consistently moist) to take home

Need more ideas? My free guide, “Outdoor Classrooms: The Basics” takes you step-by-step through creating a learning garden and ideas for seasonal lessons. Any subject can be taught outside.  I’ve taught patterns to kindergardeners, journaling in the garden to second graders, and made bagel bird feeders just before a snow storm (and it only cost me $8).

Thanks for helping me make sure ALL kids have the opportunity to eat their peas and discover a healthy outdoor lifestyle.  I can’t wait to hear about all of the things you have done in the past and what you plan to do in 2010.

Rebecca P. Cohen is the author of the upcoming book, 365 Days Outside: A Mother’s Journey to Improve the Well-being of Her Family and Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to spend more time outside together. Rebecca is also creator and producer of the television series, Get Out of the House, inspiring you to create memorable moments outside every day. To learn more, visit http://www.rebeccaplants.com.

Copyright 2010

Rebecca Plants LLC

I have a lot in common with Michelle Obama and the members of her new foundation, Partnership for a Healthier America.  I wake up every day and think of ways to improve the health and well-being of children and families.  I have implemented them too, and want them to be available to the Let’s Move campaign:

1) 50 Outdoor Activities for Busy Families

2) Outdoor Classrooms: The Basics

3) Curiosity Cards for fun and active family time

4) Vegetable Gardening: The Basics and my many appearances showing how easy it is to grow vegetables in containers.

5)  And, I have created and produced 60-second vignettes, Get Out of the House, that are ready for broadcast and show fun Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter ideas for family time outside.

I look forward to working with the White House and the Partnership for a Healthier America to ensure that my innovations to help create healthier families are available to all those who need them.

Rebecca P. Cohen is the author of the upcoming book, 365 Days Outside: A Mother’s Journey to Improve the Well-being of Her Family and Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to spend more time outside together. Rebecca is also creator and producer of the television series, Get Out of the House, inspiring you to create memorable moments outside every day. To learn more, visit http://www.rebeccaplants.com.

Copyright 2010

Rebecca Plants LLC

There is something about snow and cold that makes me want to drink lots of coffee, hot cocoa, and make the largest breakfasts that I’ve ever eaten. Looking out from my breakfast room at the dozens of birds at the bird feeder over the last 48 hours (and 29 inches of snow), I get why the birds are plump – they have to survive the cold. Me? I’m warm and cozy inside except for walking the dog and two days of constant shoveling, which by the way, is fantastic exercise, but not at all “fun”.

“Mom, I’m bored,” declared my seven year old this morning. “Will you come and watch me play Wii?” That soooo didn’t sound like fun to me, so I politely declined and suggested we sled together outside. “I’ve been shoveling for two days,” I said.  “Now I want to play.” Over two days, the boys played in the snow while we shoveled, but we had not yet played outside together.

While the boys finished watching Sponge Bob, I declared, “Come outside when the show is over; I’m going out now to get the sledding run ready.” There is an art to the perfect sledding run, which is really never finished and is so fun for my boys and I to aspire to “finish.”

I walked outside, snow up to my knees, and it was a physical effort just to get to the sledding run 20 feet away, which we started before there was over two feet of snow on the ground. The sledding run is not big, maybe 50 feet long on a gradual slope leading to trees, and we had built up a ramp only two feet tall.

Finally reaching the sledding ramp, I was going to have my work cut out for me. First, I had to find the sleds that got left outside under two feet of snow.  Oops. But, the boys soon joined me and finding them became a treasure hunt. Second, I attempted to go down our run – now buried in two feet of snow – and I immediately sank two feet. Because I could barely walk in the snow, I literally crawled 50 feet through the snow to start packing down the snow. This may sound absolutely horrible, but I was laughing hysterically the whole time and finally collapsed at the end of the run and turned on my back, just gazing up at the large white oaks covered in white.

And then, once I finally got the sled half-way down the run, I had to lay on the sled on my stomach and start “swimming” with my arms, scooping the snow out of my way to continue forward. I could have sworn I was doing the butterfly (which I have never been able to do in the swimming pool), and suddenly I didn’t feel guilty for not having officially “worked out” in two weeks.

So who needs a treadmill?  Just start acting like a kid, and play in the snow. Just remember to keep a water bottle with you; you’ll need it.

Rebecca P. Cohen is the author of the upcoming book, 365 Days Outside: A Mother’s Journey to Improve the Well-being of Her Family and Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to spend more time outside together. Rebecca is also creator and producer of the television series, Get Out of the House, inspiring you to create memorable moments outside every day. To learn more, visit http://www.rebeccaplants.com.

Copyright 2010

Rebecca Plants LLC

You’d think that when my kids had so much fun last night after I forced them to walk the dog with me, that they would be excited this morning to do it again. Nope. As I explained to them yesterday, my rule is “When everyone is well, Mommy doesn’t walk the dog by herself. One or both of you has to come with me.” Yes, this is a rule, in part, because I want to get my kids outside and in part that it’s their responsibility to their pet. And it works.

Yesterday, after my older son fussed “It’s not fair!” countless times and when I said he had no choice, he headed out the door and brought his football with him. Instantly, he had a grand time, tossing the ball back and forth with his brother and me while we walked. We even picked up a neighbor who came with us, and the kids had a 45-minute outdoor play date, running around with the football and in the snow. I got the dog walked, the kids exercised and happy, and I didn’t even have to provide snacks or dinner for the play date!

Back to this morning. My younger son, who is five years old, volunteered to come with me to walk the dog. We suited up in our snow gear, which always takes a little while – but it’s worth it. He brought along a small bouncy ball and proceeded to kick it back and forth with me on the walk. Half way around the neighborhood, where the road dead ends and you’re forced to turn left, there is a patch of woods on the right. “Mom, can you watch my ball for me?” my son asked, turning as if to walk away. “Sure,” I said. “But where are you going?” “I want to check out something over there.” he replied confidently. “OK,” I said nervously. The direction he was going in had many obstacles in his path: large boulders moved by construction bulldozers, tree debris, and even some pipes. He found a walking stick and worked his way around the obstacles to a patch of 10’ x 10’ shallow ice that his brother and the neighbor found the night before.

About 50 yards away from me, he got to work. Doing what? I have no idea, but he was very focused and it seemed he was in his own world. I sat on a mound of snow likely left by a snowplow earlier in the week and just sat and watched him. Snow was falling, and I savored a peaceful moment, in awe at his comfort, curiosity, and confidence. After 10 minutes, he looked up and stretched out his arm for a big, happy wave to me, and then resumed his work. After another 10 minutes, he shouted, “Okay Mom, now it’s your turn!”

I walked toward him unsure of what was going to happen next. “Mom, I’m going to take you on an adventure,” he said smiling and turned to walk in a direction we had never gone before, straight up a 25-foot-high mound of dirt. I followed him, but I said hesitantly, “I don’t really like this,” in a way that meant I was scared and unsure rather than ‘this is dangerous and we can’t do this.’ “It’s going to be great Mom, you’ll see. I’m going to show you something amazing.” And with the confidence of a great mountain explorer, he hiked up the rocky, unsettled and frozen dirt hill with small patches of grass and likely many hibernating critters (there were lots of holes). He checked the firmness of the ground with his stick before he took each step and led a crooked path to the top. Looking in the distance and smiling, he said, “Look at this view!” It was a cool view – certainly higher than we’ve stood before in our neighborhood, looking out onto a wooded area. He explored the top of the dirt hill for a minute and then he said, “Now to go back down, which I’m not sure how to do, but we’ll find a way.” “Why don’t we go back the way we came?” I asked. And he replied, with his face showing me he was figuring it out, “You can’t always do things the same way.”

Coming back down the hill, I was done exploring, but my son was clearly just beginning. “Come on Mom, let’s continue our hike! Can we have a picnic today? It feels like it’s been a long time.” I really had no excuse for needing to go back home; today is a school snow day as the Washington, D.C. area anticipates 1-2 feet of snow. We were suited up in our snow gear, warm, and the falling snow was beautiful. The fresh air and exercise was not only good for my son, it was good for me too. I clearly was exercising the limits of my comfort zone for new experiences, which is not a bad thing.

Walking home, my son declared, “Well I’m staying outside all day, and nothing can stop me. There are a million, quadrillion, crillion, billion things to do outside. You can watch TV for hours and then be bored. Why not go outside and have fun?”

So go have fun outside today, no matter where you may be.

Rebecca P. Cohen is the author of the upcoming book, 365 Days Outside: A Mother’s Journey to Improve the Well-being of Her Family and Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to spend more time outside together. Rebecca is also creator and producer of the television series, Get Out of the House, inspiring you to create memorable moments outside every day. To learn more, visit http://www.rebeccaplants.com.

Copyright 2010

Rebecca Plants LLC

“Rebecca, you have to see this before the sun comes up,” said my husband as I lay under the warm and toasty covers. I willed myself out of comfort, and sure enough, it was an amazing site. All I could see was the outline of trees completely covered in white, powdery snow as far as the eye could see. I stared in awe for a moment.

“Mommmmmmmmmmmmm!” my seven year-old cried. “My head huuuuuuuuuuurts!” which pulled me back into my morning mom duties. “School has been cancelled,” my husband said. “I have a busy day; I’m going to go ahead and get on the road.” And as if it had been an instant, he was gone to work.

“Warner, stop!” my seven year-old yelled to his five year-old brother.” “You stop!” he yelled back. All I could think about were the business-related items that I wanted to get done, and well, since returning home from a business trip seven days ago on a red eye, I have been caring for my sick older son, who had a persistent 102 fever and splitting headache for seven days. I had a momentary pity-party for myself – there are far worse things that could have happened and there is far more suffering in other places that put the situation into perspective. Upon taking my older son’s temperature, it was finally normal, and I breathed a sigh of relief. He is ok.

As he lay on the couch watching TV, calling over to me to get the remote for him that was on the coffee table two feet from his body, I said, “you are going to have to practice being well today. You’ve gotten too used to feeling bad.” Yesterday, I prematurely took him on a walk to pick up his younger brother from school and his fever went back up, so I knew he wasn’t faking his lethargy. “I’m just tired,” he said.

Upon hearing a noise, I turned to the window to see a neighbor using his snow blower to clear our driveway. What an amazingly kind gesture. I was about to take blueberry muffins out of the oven (don’t worry, I’m not that perfect; I keep quick boxed mixes on hand for warm muffins on snowy days), and my younger son and I suited up in snow gear to take some out to him to say thank you.

As soon as I stepped outside with my younger son and the dog, I looked up, and it was as if my lungs magically opened up with a cleansing breath that balanced the breath-taking view that was in front of me. While I saw that the trees were beautiful an hour earlier, there was nothing like stepping outside to experience it. And with the sight of powdery snow everywhere, my cares and worries were gone – just like that.

So, while the Washington Post has an article today about how local residents have had enough of the four snowstorms this season, I say, “bring it on.” Because most tasks we think we need to race to likely aren’t as important as taking a moment to breath deep, experience the beauty around us, and practice being well.

And when my younger son and I got back from walking the dog, my seven year-old had gotten his snow gear on, ready to go out and play.

Rebecca P. Cohen is the author of the upcoming book, 365 Days Outside: A Mother’s Journey to Improve the Well-being of Her Family and Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to spend more time outside together. For Rebecca’s Curiosity Cards, a set of 50 portable question and activity cards for fun family time outside, visit http://www.rebeccaplants.com/cards.asp

Copyright 2010

Rebecca Plants LLC

Sometimes it is hard to take that first step to bundle up in winter and walk out the door, but once we do, my kids and I inevitably start warming up and peeling off the layers.  In fact, we enjoy many of the same games we do when it’s warm outside: tag, soccer, or playing catch while we walk the dog.  Check out all my tips for winter family fun in the article, Get Your Family Outdoors.

2009 has been a great year for my family, and simply because I made the decision to have an outdoor experience with them every day, whether simply walking to school, visiting a nearby pond, or bundling up to see the winter night sky.  As a result, I’ve literally spent 365 days outside with my family; what an amazing feeling, and reason for me to celebrate this month.

Celebrate your outdoor memories and think of how to bring more of those moments into your every day life.  It’s a lot easier than we sometimes think.  For example, if you have an infant, you may be worried that you can’t get outside with them in winter.  Check out http://www.rookiemoms.com/take-a-cold-weather-power-walk-with-baby/.  I wish I had Heather’s advice when I was a new mom!

How do you make the most of winter outside where you live?

Rebecca P. Cohen is Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to be outside and improve their well being. Mark your calendar for December 17^th at 10:30a.m. EST and join Rebecca for her 30-minute radio program “Get Out of the House” on Diva Toolbox radio, where you’ll take a virtual vacation: guests and callers from around the country will share their favorite ways to get outside for the holidays. Rebecca’s January 21st show at 10:30a.m. EST will be about staying active outside, even when it’s cold and dark.  Get to know Rebecca, and get out of the house!

Copyright 2009 Rebecca Plants LLC

Two years ago, I started a family tradition of doing something outside with everyone together for the holidays. Each year, I propose a different activity, and we create memories together: grandparents, aunts, uncles, and grandkids.

In 2007, ten of us went on a walk after our Christmas meal. We drove to a nature trail near a lake, and spent an hour or two exploring the sunny and snow-free, but very crisp winter day. Most of the group got to witness an awesome surprise: a bald eagle taking off from a tree by the water ten feet in front of them. My younger sister and her husband are avid bird watchers, and it was their first bald eagle.

Last year, I took twelve of us on our first fishing trip for Thanksgiving, and it was a complete surprise to everyone. I have to admit I was worried with this surprise: it was a very cold and windy day, but each person got into the experience in different and wonderful ways. We made our own fishing poles out of bamboo harvested the day before from my mother-in-law’s backyard. My younger sisters liked making the fishing poles, I loved learning how to put a hook, weight, and bobber on a fishing line, and my parents really enjoyed visiting with everyone while we fished. The kids seemed to enjoy every bit of it, especially digging for worms and having hot chocolate while we waited for the fish to bite.

This year? I’m inviting all the kids in the neighborhood for a Thanksgiving morning game of kickball with warm muffins and hot cocoa. My boys are always waiting all day for their aunts, uncles, and grandparents to arrive, and getting the kids up and out with their friends will help pass the time while the adults get the turkey ready to go in the oven. I imagine it will help my neighbors and their kids too.

Whether it’s the same outdoor tradition every year or trying something new, getting outside is a great way to give one another space to breathe some fresh air and discover another way to spend time together that will give each of you memories to last a lifetime. And by the way, do you think I knew how to fish before I took all of us? Nah, I knew someone in the group would know how to do it, and sure enough, he taught us all.

Rebecca P. Cohen is Founder and President of Rebecca Plants LLC, a gardening and outdoor lifestyle company that inspires families to be outside and improve their well being. Mark your calendar for December 17^th at 10:30a.m. EST and join Rebecca for her 30-minute radio program “Get Out of the House” on Diva Toolbox radio, where you’ll take a virtual vacation: guests and callers from around the country will share their favorite ways to get outside for the holidays.

Copyright 2009 Rebecca Plants LLC