Moms Living Fit

A quick word about a helpful website...

2010-02-20T16:24:00.003-06:00

I was recently introduced to a new website, HotelsCombined.com. It is a website that does a search across the many travel websites to find the best deal. There are a lot of great sites out there such as Travelocity.com, Hotels.com, Expedia.com that can search for a great deal on hotels and Hotels Combined does a search through all of them...combined! There are currently about 20 of these partner sites (such as the ones listed above) that provide the search results and once you find what you are looking for, a link is provided for you to book your hotel. Simple!

One big reason I decided to do a post on this website, aside from me thinking it is a genuinely helpful site, is the company's method for getting the word out. They are using the power of word of mouth marketing, which if you are not familiar with marketing strategies is considered to be one of the most if not the most powerful form of marketing, and in doing so are sending money to charitable organizations rather than an advertising firm. World Vision is an organization that I strongly support and by doing a post that gives what I feel to be helpful information to others, Hotels Combined will send World Vision a donation of $20, helping those in need. In a world where every little bit can make difference, especially given the severe need in parts of the world, I am appreciative of their willingness to take this approach.

I hope next time you are planning a trip or vacation you take a look at HotelsCombined.com and are able to find a great deal!

Stroller Strides February Calendar

2010-02-01T18:44:00.004-06:00

Classes for the Spring are finally starting back up this Friday! Here is the rest of the February Calendar!

Heart for Haiti

2010-02-01T08:56:00.004-06:00

**also posted at Smells Like Awesome (Val's family blog)

Here in Houston we have an amazing Christian radio station, KSBJ (89.3 FM). Today they are doing an all day fundraiser called Heart for Haiti. This fundraiser is "KSBJ's initiative to support the organizations that are currently providing relief on the ground in Haiti." The funds they raise today will be distributed to four reputable ministry organizations including:

World Vision

Living Water International

Samaritan's Purse

Compassion International

The goal of today's fundraiser was $50,000 and praise Jesus it already up to $66734.90!

Please consider donating to this fundraiser even if it is just a few dollars. Every little bit helps!

Bringing the blog back to life!

2010-02-01T08:53:00.002-06:00

I finally got around to "cleaning up" the blog and have a few things I'll be posting throughout the day!

Thank you to the many people who have contacted me over the past few weeks regarding the blog, Stroller Strides classes, and community outreach. These are among the list of things to be posted!

more to come...

FREE Pass to Cy-Fair Pump It Up!

2010-01-15T15:23:00.004-06:00

So how has everyone been for oh, you know the past few months?

I will be updating the blog, cleaning things out, etc over the next week or so and will hopefully be back to some "real" blogging soon!

But for now, enjoy this Free Pass to Cy-Fair Pump It Up!

You'll have to print the pass out, so click on it and print from there. If you print directly from this page, you will be cursing my name as you will get the many posts along with it!

As you know (or maybe not) we moved to Cy-Fair a few months ago and have been very happy here! Everyone is very friendly and it is nice to have the comforts suburbia and the big city at arm's reach!

And now a word from Cy-Fair Pump it up...

Pop-In Play Open Jump session during the month of January, 2010. Pump It Up Cy-Fair is the ultimate inflatable jump center in the Houston/Cy-Fair area. We pride ourselves in being the safest, cleanest and most fun indoor fun center in the city of Houston! We are family owned and family operated and take great pride in our facility. We would love for you to visit! Our friendly staff will make sure your visit is enjoyable!

Simply print this coupon and bring to our facility anytime during the month of January 2010 and let your child jump for free. Limit one free coupon per customer per visit. Call us at 281.469.4205 or visit our website at http://pumpitupcyfair.com for our Pop-In Playtime hours.

Raise Your Hand For Chocolate Milk

2009-11-20T13:25:00.002-06:00

Speaking of milk...

I was contacted by Got Milk and asked to help spread awareness for this new campaign called Raise Your Hand For Chocolate Milk. Here is the deal. There is debate now among schools to remove chocolate milk from school menus in efforts to boost nutritional quality of their meals. The result is less and less kids are drinking milk at all at school. During these developmental times in a child's life, milk is essential in their diet be it chocolate or plain.

Leading health and nutrition organizations – like the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association, and School Nutrition Association – recognize the valuable role that milk, including flavored milk, can play in meeting daily nutrient needs. All agree that the small amount of added sugar in flavored milk is an acceptable trade-off for the nutrients provided. In addition, studies show that children who drink flavored milk have better quality diets, do not have higher intakes of sugar, fat or calories, and are not heavier than non-milk drinkers. source: raiseyourhandformilk.com

Here is a pdf file outlining the top 5 reasons to Raise Your Hand for Milk.

I'm a mom of three and all three of them drink chocolate milk. I'm Ok with it! There are other drinks out there like sodas and other sugary drinks that they do not drink because they know they have the option for something better. Luckily (as far as I know anyway) our school here has not booted chocolate milk off the menu but should that happen it would be a cause for concern for me. If you have school aged children I hope you visit the website, sign the petition, and help out in spreading awareness for this campaign. Our kids need us!

Ebeanstalk.com...a place for toys

2009-11-20T13:04:00.003-06:00

***Introductory paragraph written by Ebeanstalk

What makes a good toy? A toy called the Activity Bus from Plan Toys who makes safe green toys was sent to me from a toy website called ebeanstalk. Ebeanstalk has toy experts and moms that find the great learning toys and baby toys through a toy testing program. I’ll let you know what I think of the toy now.

This post is literally months overdue, along with the other posts starting at me from my notebook of blog ideas! I received this Activity Bus back in July and handed it over to my kids. They were excited about it when it first arrived and they liked all of the little parts and pieces that came with it. The bus opens up to make a mini class room complete with chalkboard, desks, teacher, and students. Very creative!

I love the design of the bus. It reminds me of the classic wooden toys...something that looks like one of Santa's elves made! The parts and pieces however really didn't stay put. They popped out of place easily and fell over easily. For a my three and five year old, this got annoying. The Activity Bus didn't really grab the attention of my oldest child. She played with the younger two for a few minutes and then lost all interest. This toy is not really made for her age group so that is not a bad or surprising thing.

In all honesty, this is not one of my kids favorite toys. That being said, Ebeanstalk.com does have several toys that I think my kids would like better. All of the toys sold at Ebeanstalk are good for learning and development and there are several neat toys that they carry that I have not seen in stores. One thing I like about the website is that it is easy to navigate through. You can search for toys by several different categories making it easy to find just what you are looking for.

This is a late post, but as it so happens just in time for Christmas! If you've got little ones to shop for this season, this website might be a good stop!

In the NY Times...

2009-10-01T16:23:00.002-05:00

Published recently in the NY Times Fitness and Nutrition section is an article about running with a stroller! A few of my favorite keywords from the article...stroller, running, Stroller Strides ;), and last but certainly not least Texas A&M University (I'm an Aggie if you didn't know)!

A few excerpts from today's article:

Farel Hruska, the national fitness director of Stroller Strides who designed a 5K race training program with strollers, said that many runners feel compelled to keep both hands on the stroller handle, but that it’s not necessary.
“It’s fine to run with one hand on it, but alternate hands,” Ms. Hruska said. “Occasionally swing one arm to avoid shoulder and neck discomfort and to run more naturally.”

...and

A study of five male and five female runners done at Texas A&M University, published in 2005 in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, found no increased injury because of stroller use while running. But some runners say that compromising form, pushing too much weight or increasing stroller mileage too quickly can cause problems.

Source: The NY Times, September 30th

You can read the entire article here.

I have been walking/running with my jogging stroller for a while now and I am at that point where I am completely uncoordinated without it. With a jogger in front I can run a straight line, no problem! Without it I feel like a train off the track and end up weaving all over the place! Obviously I need more practice and now that the weather is cooling off (well kind of) I have no excuses!

For Princesses and Fairies!

2009-09-20T19:14:00.007-05:00

Bubblegum Tree Photography is offering an amazing promotion for $99 mini sessions...not just any mini sessions! The first is called Urban Princess and your little princess will be outfitted with a beautiful tutu or gown made by Baby Cha Cha for her pictures! This event will be September 30th from 10-1 pm. I am an associate photographer with Bubblegum Tree so I will be available for these fun mini sessions! Also Fantasy Celebrations will be there with a full princess tea party set up! Talk about fun for mom, and fun for kids! My kind of event!

The second event, called Woodland Fairy, will be October 5th from 10-1 pm on Market Street in The Woodlands. I will be there too! Same adorable outfits (and wings), same great photographers ;) , same great price!

These are both a great value! Each person will get a cd with 5 edited photos! With the holidays coming, what better time to have your pictures done and in hand! I promise, your pictures will stop traffic!

To register for your mini session click on one of the following links! Be sure to mention where you saw this announcement!

Urban Princess - September 30th

Woodland Fairy - October 5th

...and here is a sample of my work...with my princess!

Fall is Here!!!

2009-09-18T22:21:00.002-05:00

Finally! Fall is here! After months of 90+ degree weather we now have beautiful breezy mornings in the upper 70's! Ah, bliss! If you haven't been out to Stroller Strides yet, ya gotta go! It is great to get out, get some fresh air, and get those muscles moving!

Truly, it is awesome! Come see for yourself!

Coupon Chief - A Gem for Online Shopping

2009-09-08T13:34:00.004-05:00

Here is one to file under "nothing to do with fitness", but it is definitely blog worthy!

I was recently referred to a website called CouponChief.com. This site is awesome! Anytime I make purchases online I always do a search for coupon codes. Hey, I say if there is a discount out there (which there usually is) why not use it! Read on for some of the great features of CouponChief.com and see why I considered it "blog worthy"!

Lots O' Coupons
CouponChief.com is the "grand daddy" library of coupon codes! There are hundreds of stores listed and includes everything from clothing stores to home and decor stores. There are even coupon codes for the "big" stores such as Target and Best Buy! You can search by store or by category. It is so easy to find your coupons! You can even create a profile and select your favorite stores and CouponChief.com will email you when new coupon codes are uploaded!

Coupon Ratings
I love attention to detail and this website has done a great job addressing "the little things" that I find very useful. Each coupon code has a rating system where anyone who uses it can not only rate the coupon code, but can also leave comments. Pretty much you won't be surfing through hundreds of coupon codes that don't work!

Pay-2-Share Program
I don't know about you, but my inbox gets flooded with weekly emails (admittedly I opted for) from stores that I love. Most of them have some kind of coupon code in them. CouponChief.com has a program where you can upload your own coupon codes and when someone clicks on them and uses them, you will receive 2% of the sales. You probably won't be able to pay your mortgage with this, but that free cup of coffee or meal sounds great to me!

Its FREE!!!
Did I mention its free to use (even the pay-2-share program)? Really nothing else need be said on this one!

Truly, I think this is a great site that everyone can use! Check it out, pass it on, enjoy!

As Seen on TV!

2009-09-04T23:01:00.003-05:00

So if you are a Houstonian, you know that we have had a near drought this summer! No rain! A handful of showers over the past three months with lots of blinding sunshine...right?! Last night I was both anxious and excited about Stroller Strides Memorial re-opening for the Fall after a brief summer break!

Then the rain came! Lots and lots of it! It rained off and on throughout the night and this morning. I thought to myself "NO!!! No one will show up for class and it will be me and camera crew!" Thankfully it wasn't just me! My dear friend and fellow Stroller Strides Allison came to class today! Awesome mommy!

Ryan from KPRC Channel 2 and his camera man were such good sports! They filmed the entire class and put together a mini masterpiece that aired this afternoon during the 4 o'clock hour!

So without further adieu, here is 2 minutes and 19 seconds of Stroller Strides Memorial on the news!

Stroller Strides Memorial on KPRC Channel 2 News from Valerie Gay on Vimeo

Join us tomorrow Sept 4th!...

2009-09-03T21:19:00.002-05:00

for a free class...that will be hitting the airwaves via Channel 2 News!

Come out for fun time and great workout tomorrow morning at 9:30 am at Memorial Park! The weather is much cooler in the morning now so it should be great workout weather tomorrow!

I am excited to welcome Channel 2 to come out and do a story on our fit mamas here in Houston! Don't miss it!

Hope to see you at the park!

Houston Astros Mommy Blogger Night

2009-08-20T16:23:00.002-05:00

Sorry this is going out last minute! I'll be so happy when the move is done!

I don't know all the details, but August 21st (tomorrow night) mommy bloggers...or moms in general...are invited to purchase Astros tickets close to half off! Go to www.astros.com/moms and enter "moms" as the password.

If you are looking for some affordable family fun this weekend, this is a great option!

Where is Val?

2009-08-19T10:33:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, I know!

Where's the blog posts, the giveaways, the reviews...where's Val?!

I promise I have not dropped off the face of the Earth! It has been a BIG August as far as stuff going on! First, after A LOT of prayer and looking, God provided us with a most unexpected blessing of a house for us to move to! This has been weighing heavy on my heart for months now. My oldest daughter has been in private school and we simply just cannot afford to continue sending her there right now. I was adamant that she not go to the public school we are zoned to as quite frankly I think it is a crappy school. The new house is in the Cy-Fair school district which is a respectable one as far as Houston is concerned and her new elementary school is a state recognized school. She is still having a hard time wrapping her brain around the fact that the school will not acknowledge her christian faith or any faith for that matter. Truth be told, so am I! We just have to trust God in this and trust that He will take care of us!

We found out about the house about a two weeks ago and we have been planning, packing, and slowly moving ever since then! Our current house is in shambles and the kids are driving me crazy as expected! Moving with three kids in tow in 100 degree heat...well it sucks! We aim to have the majority of the move completed by the end of the week. Say a prayer (or two, or three) for us!

Also in August...I was hired by an awesome photography company in Houston called Bubblegum Tree Photography! Chara Studios is still in the works but will mainly focus on graphic design and web design. You can read up on my first weeks with Bubblegum Tree at my blog Smells Like Awesome and Jessica (owner of Bubblegum Tree) just posted an intro for me on the Bubblegum Tree blog for your reading enjoyment here!

So where is Stroller Strides in all of this??
Still here on the back burner for now! I'm actually OK with this since it has been so hot and no one wants to be outside for more than a few minutes right now. I am aiming to re-open Stroller Strides Memorial the first week of September with classes three days a week and then when it starts to get cooler, expand to 4-5 days a week. One thing I need right now (aside from prayer) is an instructor...or two! So if you or anyone you know has a fitness certification or is interested in getting one, I need you! Stroller Strides has been such a rewarding and fun part of my life and call me selfish, but I am not quite ready to let it go! I hope you join me in September either as a new member, old member, or instructor! I know it will be a great time!

OK, back to packing boxes! Hopefully I can steal away a few more minutes later to finally post the giveaways I've had for weeks!

Moms Living Fit Maintenance

2009-08-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

I am transferring the domain momslivingfit.com under a new host. Please bear with me during this process. If you go to momslivingfit.com and end up at an empty page it is likely because the transfer has not been completed. Instead for the time being please use the url momslivingfit.blogspot.com until I give the "all clear" post!

We're back from the last of our travels this summer and getting back into the swing of things! Please check back in a few days for two giveaways, a few life's lessons, maybe even something about fitness!

Ringling Bros.

2009-07-17T11:57:00.000-05:00

Last night we went to see Ringling Bros. circus. The kids had never been so they loved every minute of it! At 30 years old, I had also never been and so didn't quite know what to expect. Jason and I had a great time watching all of the animals and acrobatics and had even better time watching the kids' reactions to the show! We got our tickets courtesy of MomCentral.com. Thank you, thank you Mom Central! The circus will be here until the 20th so if you want to go and you don't want to pay a fortune, use the MC promotion code "MOM" at checkout and you can get 4 tickets for $44! This is a great deal!

Here are a few pictures from the circus!

July Class Schedule

2009-07-07T21:18:00.002-05:00

Well mamas, July is going to be one hec of a busy month! Truly what month isn't?!

I will be out of town for the rest of the week as well as the last two weeks in July and have booked weekends till...well till pretty much the end of the year!

Until I find another instructor class is going to have to be sporatic this month.

So here it is, the class schedule for the remainder of July:

July 13, 15, 20, & 22 - 8:45 am at Memorial Park.

Please use the "contact me" button up top if you have questions about class, need directions, etc!

Thank you Houston area mommies for your patience and understanding!

-Val

Interesting Fact about Milk

2009-07-06T20:51:00.004-05:00

Milk? Interesting? Why yes!

As women calcium is a big deal (in case you didn't know that, it is)! We are continually at risk of losing bone density and for several reasons (of which I won't go into presently). So it is imperative that we actively and continually consume foods that are high in calcium. An obvious source, milk. I love to drink a cold glass of milk, but I really prefer 2% or whole milk. Anything lower than 2% is just too watery for me! I thought I was doing well in the calcium department because it seems that thick hearty milk would be loaded with it! Right? Wrong! The calcium found in milk is actually found in the non-fat portion of milk so the more fat, the less calcium. It turns out that glass of lowfat milk is even healthier than you thought!

Just some food for thought! ;)

Ringling Bros. Ticket Winner

2009-07-06T19:47:00.001-05:00

And the winner is...

Angie!

Congrats! I hope you and the family have a great time!!!

Got Gear?

2009-07-02T21:01:00.003-05:00

Per request of my reminder, I finally created some "gear" for my beloved moms living fit (that's you out there, not the blog title)!

Check out the new Moms Living Fit storefront here and grab a Sigg bottle...or t-shirt!

My kids have nearly destroyed the house in these past few minutes so I'll be signing off for now!

How's Your New Year's Resolution Doing?

2009-07-02T18:47:00.005-05:00

Six months of 2009 have come and gone! Can you believe it? This year is flying by faster than I can keep up with! How about you? Earlier in the year I did something that I had forgotten about and it crept up and hit me with the strength and speed of lightening. I wrote myself a note months ago re-capping what my goals for 2009 were and where I should be (or in proximity of) by July if I had been sticking to the plan. It was my friendly reminder from me, who knows me so well, and knew that reminder would not only be due but also very necessary! Not surprisingly I found myself feeling a little guilty, a little convicted, and a whole lot ineffective!

I must say however that 2009 has been more productive in comparison to previous years (esp, for a non-child bearing year)! I owe that greatly to the fact that I had some set goals and a plan to begin with! I've heard dozens of times that writing down your goals and expectations are the real key to success and not just in business but in life. I used to shrug my shoulders and say "eh, when I have time"...or "I don't even know what I want!" Sound familiar? As a mom it is easy for our very being to become distorted and discombobulated. We get so wrapped up in all the things we have to do for our kids, hubbies, homes, etc that our own goals get pushed back, left behind, or forgotten altogether.

If you are reading this and thinking to yourself "those new year's resolutions went out the door Jan 2nd" I want you to stop, regroup, and start over! Write down your goals for the next six months and then (if you are like me) write yourself a reminder and put it in your calendar a few months down the road.

For me, I think I will be a work in progress until the day the Lord calls me home! I recently read a quote by C.S. Lewis that I loved. "The longest way round is the shortest way home." For someone who always takes the long way round, this is a comforting statement!

There is hope for us head cases after all!

Grrrr

2009-07-01T17:29:00.004-05:00

Sorry I just have to vent and give those of you who might be trying to contact me a heads up!

I love Stroller Strides but our email and phone system sucks! Royally sucks! Either my email or my phone number (and at times both) don't work and there is never a good explanation of why that is! If you are one of the many whose calls or emails I never returned I promise I am not ignoring you!

So for those of you who venture here from the Stroller Strides Memorial website, please use the "Contact Me" button above to contact me about class info, registrations! Other franchisees and pretty much anyone else who needs to get in touch with me, please do the same! Otherwise there is a good chance you will never hear from me! If you are one whose call or email was never responded to, please send me an email from the "contact me" button too!

I apologize for the rant and for any inconvenience this might have imposed!

Thank you.

Whew, breathe!

You Scream, I Scream, We all Scream for...

2009-07-01T09:07:00.006-05:00

THE CIRCUS!!! OK I know that's not the correct saying, but you've gotta admit the circus is a favorite for kids!
Ringling Bros. is coming to town! Wohoo!!! Take the family and enjoy a fun night of acrobatics, dancing elephants, and more!

Mom Central is offering a Family 4 Pack for $44! That is a great deal! It was $50 for us just to go to the movies a few weeks ago and there was no live entertainment! You can purchase your ticket pack at ticketmaster.com and enter the code MOM in the "MC Promotion Box" at checkout!

Now, who wants to go for FREE?! My sincere apologies, this giveaway applies to Houston moms only (but I'm sure with a little search you non-Houstonians can find a local giveaway)! I am giving away a Family 4 Pack to one lucky Houston family.

How to enter: OK, to get the wheels in motion for fun leave a comment with a funny quote made by your kid that made you laugh out loud! Kids say the darndest things and I never tire of the funny stuff they come up with!

For more entries: Tweet about the coupon code and giveaway, Subscribe to my feed, Post my blog button on your blog or website

Please be sure to leave an email address so me and Mom Central can contact the winner!

The winner will be announced on Sunday, July 5th!

For more information about Ringling Bros. and show times go to www.ringling.com.

Its BIG and its Coming!

2009-06-30T22:10:00.005-05:00

Well OK two big things...

The first being the launch of my long overdue design studio. Here is my shameless plug for my new baby Chara Studios! I love photography and pretty much all things design so Chara (which is the greek word for "joy") will bring to the world both! I am working on the website right now so it is not live yet, but be thinking of those great blog or website designs you want, or a custom handstamped pendant...or pretty print designs like stationary and mommy cards...or (and this is still a maybe, but most likely) beautiful camera straps, yes camera straps, and last but certainly not least awesome photography!

OK that is it for Chara...for now ;)

The next BIG thing is an idea the size of a grain of sand, but has potential become a huge! Because of that, well I am not going to tell you what it is! I don't want to announce this thing and then it not happen, but with some careful and diligent planning, it definitely could...maybe!

I know! I know! I hate it too when people do that! I had to get in some form of writing so I can't weenie out of it! Just know that it is big and it is coming!

My Favorite Fit Mamas!

2009-06-30T12:36:00.003-05:00

This weekend the other three Houston area Stroller Strides owners and I participated in the 1st Annual Mom's Night Mixer. It was a lot of fun and we met so many other small business moms and even ran into a few old friends!

The best part (for me, the eater anyway) was the GIANT dessert bar complete with chocolate fountain and Starbucks coffee!

They ran out of goodie bags before I could get one, but I was totally satisfied with my free fish tacos cards from Berryhill...mmm Berryhill!

Ami Almquist (Stroller Strides NW Houston), Elizabeth Kelley (Stroller Strides Pearland), Christina Tatavak (Stroller Strides The Woodlands), and me!

I am so lucky to have some of the best Stroller Strides mamas to work with in Houston! They are awesome!

Ecostore USA Winner

2009-06-27T23:33:00.001-05:00

And the winner is...

Sandra Vaughn! Congratulations Sandra! Your gift certificate is coming soon!

Enjoy!

Houston's Mom's Night Mixer

2009-06-22T10:56:00.003-05:00

SAVE THE DATE, JUNE 27TH 6-9PM!!!

For every mom who has needed some "mommy time" this event has got your name on it! Houston's Mom's Night Mixer is an event where all moms can go out and enjoy a night of socializing, meeting new friends, and getting a glimpse of the many resources here in Houston for everything from schools to mom tailored shopping! Plus live music, cocktails, and some great gift bags for all attendees! To find out more about what Houston's Mom's Night Mixer is about and the fun to be had visit the event website.

The event will be held here:
Westin Galleria Hotel
5060 W. Alabama
Houston, TX 77056

Mixer tickets can be purchased online via the mixer website for $25. Please note that no tickets will be sold at the door so once they are gone, they're gone!

You can save $10 on your tickets by entering the code STRIDES during checkout or if you would like to donate to the Breast Cancer Fund you can enter STROLLERSTRIDES and you will still pay $25 but $10 will be donated. You win either way!

Stroller Strides (all Houston and greater Houston locations) will be there and we hope to see you too!

www.momsnightmixer.com

New Stroller Strides Location at Cullen Park Grand Opening!

2009-06-22T10:37:00.002-05:00

Stroller Strides is coming to Cullen Park and is great for moms who live in or near Katy! Go and enjoy a fun free class, light refreshments, raffle prizes, and sign up specials!

When is this grand event you ask!

Here are the details:

When: Tuesday, June 23rd at 9 am
Where: Cullen Park
(19008 Saums Rd: Located off of Barker Cypress/ Saums Rd. just north of 1-10.
We’ll meet in the main parking lot, by the splash pad. Sign in will begin at 8:30 a.m.)

What to bring: Your kiddo(s), sturdy stroller (no umbrellas please), water, sunscreen, and blanket, mat, or towel for ground exercises!

Have questions?
Contact Ami Almquist at amialmquist[at]strollerstrides[dot]net
or visit
http://strollerstrides.net/houston

Have fun and stay fit this summer with the nation's leading mommy fitness program!

Ecostore USA Review and Gift Card Giveaway!

2009-06-22T08:52:00.004-05:00

Ecostore USA is an extension of a New Zealand based company that makes plant based, non-toxic products that include personal and baby care use and household cleaning. I had the privilege of trying two of their products, the Vanilla Shampoo and the Baby Aromatherapy Moisturizer!

The shampoo has been great! I have very fine hair and most shampoos leave it feeling weighed down and it gets "oily" if not washed frequently...nice picture I know. Pretty much high maintenance hair which is why you usually see me in a hat! The Vanilla Shampoo leaves my hair feeling clean and does not weigh it down at all! I felt the difference instantly and that was while I was still in the shower! It is not as aromatic as most shampoos but I am OK with that! I have used it on all three of my kids and they all have soft shiny hair! It is nice to know that the shampoo is not loaded with sulfates or phalates...or worse! As Ecostore USA states on their website "No Nasty Chemicals!"

The baby moisturizer is awesome. It is almost a baby oil and moisturizer in one...but doesn't leave you feeling greasy. It smells awesome and is very soothing! My toddler loves it and keeps asking for more every time she sees the bottle! Once again, it is great to have something that works and is not loaded with harmful chemicals!

I highly recommend their products! They offer free shipping on all orders over $25. Go check them out!

Ecostore USA has donated a $25 gift card for their store to given to one lucky blog reader! To enter check out their website and write in the comments which product(s) you would most like to try! You can gain additional entries by tweeting this post (leave your twitter name), posting in Facebook, subscribing to feed, and adding the Moms Living Fit button to your blog or website!

This giveaway is open to all US residents!

The winner will be announced on Saturday, June 28th! Good luck!

Thank you, Thank you for this article!

2009-06-13T09:28:00.002-05:00

Having spent several years doing research for metabolic disorders I feel blessed to have had a "behind the scenes" look into diseases such as diabetes and obesity. I get so annoyed by information people give that is not only incorrect and misleading, but sometimes downright dangerous.

I heard a radio show the other day on my favorite Christian radio station where they had an "expert" in "holy health" and this woman started spouting some of the most ridiculous "facts" about sugars and fat. I've out of the research field for two years now, so I'll admit my information is not as sharp as it used to be, but my instant reaction to what this chic was saying was "What!". Luckily my hubby is also a researcher of metabolic disorders and was in the car with me. His response was the same! She had all of her data mixed up and was broadcasting it to live radio. Yikes! Please, please, please with a cherry on top do your homework and do some research! Don't read some fad diet book and then take it as medical truth. Most of the time it is crap!

So, on to the article!

I found this on the FitnessMagazine.com website (lots of good stuff there) and was so happy to find it! The article is called 9 Shocking Sugar Facts and does just that! The sad part is that the facts are shocking. They shouldn't be. They should be common knowledge. Here is an excerpt,

#1: It Doesn't Make You Fat

It only seems like those Girl Scout Cookies go straight to your thighs. Sugar doesn't automatically change into fat in your body, says Tara Gidus, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). In fact, too many calories cause weight gain -- whether they come from cookies or carrots. But when was the last time you OD'd on carrots? Sugary foods tend to be high-calorie and easy to overeat. They cause a spike in blood sugar, followed by a sudden drop that can leave you feeling depleted and hungry.

The Sweet Truth: Limit added sugars to less than 10 percent of your daily calories. If you eat 1,800 calories, that's 180 calories from sugar -- or 11 1/4 teaspoons.

Read the article, and get the facts straight! Bottom line, your body NEEDS sugar, as well as fat (and fat from various sources). That is how our bodies are designed. Taking in too much sugar and fat is what causes problems. You don't have to cut them completely out to lose weight or maintain health. Instead, regulate your intake.

OK, lecture over! On to the rest of Saturday!

2nd to last post for Mommy Madness

2009-06-12T13:00:00.001-05:00

So that's what I look like on the road!

*A post from mommymadnesshouston.com

I can't believe it has been 8 weeks! EIGHT WEEKS! It has flown by faster than I could have ever imagined! Tomorrow morning the family and I will be taking the long drive to Pearland to give back the Traverse :( and the even longer drive home without it. We strongly considered keeping it and still have not thrown that idea completely out the window, but truth be told we just were not and still are not in the market for a new car. We love the Traverse. We are a very active family and have so many memories from all of our trips big and small in it. Earlier this week, I drove my regular car (the minivan) for two days. I literally had driven my car only once in the past 8 weeks and I didn't want to go through the "cold turkey" shock of no Traverse once we handed it back. I have seen so many new Traverses out on the road (even 2 new ones for people I know at my church) and I can't help but feel a little bit envious.

I hope that all of you reading took advantage of the free massage being given away to every person who test drives the Traverse. Believe me the test drive and the massage are worth it! If you haven't, time is ticking and your window of opportunity is quickly closing! Go do a test drive! You won't be disappointed!

Now for my Thank You speech, part 1! *Part 2 will pretty much say the exact same thing, but be posted tomorrow with pics! ;)

I want to give a very BIG Thank You to GM and Strickland Chevrolet for entrusting me with one of your Traverses for 8 weeks...to what I wanted with...except of course leave the country! I want to commend GM for the purposeful (is that a word) thought put into the design and construction of the Traverse. It has been said before and I will say it again here, it is a well thought vehicle from the outer design to the many great interior features. Clearly a vehicle with the family in mind!

Need a re-cap, here ya go...

Top 10 features of the Traverse:

10. It fits in the garage!...well, not mine or Christine's, but for everyone else it does!

9. 4 overhead air vents in the 2nd and 3rd rows...in Houston, this is important!

8. Rear view cam w/beeping sound if you back up too close to something!

7. Blind spot mirrors

6. Fold flat 2nd and 3rd row seats...and it is so easy!

5. Sliding second row seats

4. Great gas economy

3. OnStar

2. 10 cup holders

1. It's not a minivan!

Plus, great gas economy, lots of storage space, and big tires giving it a higher ground clearance! OK so that is more than 10, but really the list goes on! Go see for yourself!

I also want to give a BIG thank you to CBS Radio! I cannot express how honored I feel to have been selected out of hundreds of mommy bloggers in Houston. My head is still spinning on that one! Thank you for putting this whole thing together. It is in a word brilliant! Mommy bloggers have become such an amazing voice in the world and I thank you for one "getting it" , and two for offering us this opportunity!

Thank you to the CBS Radio DJ's for continuing to support us over the radio...and thank you for putting me on the radio! That was so much fun!

Thank you the many readers and supporters we've had over the past 8 weeks and for the many comments and questions that assured us we were not talking to space! Thank you also to everyone who voted, and an even bigger thank you to those for voted for me!

Angie, Christine, Larami, and Stephanie it has been a blast sharing this experience with you! Thank you for your creative posts! You are all so inspiring and I am thankful that the world has moms like you in it! Thank you to the Dallas and Kansas City Moms Squads for your continued support! It has been so much fun reading your posts and antics! Great job ladies!

Lastly, I want to give thanks to my wonderfully tolerant and patient family who day in and day out dealt with me and my arsenal of digital cameras and video recorders! We took A LOT of pictures and video and spent countless hours editing and uploading them. Everyone was a good sport about the pictures and video and the kids were pretty good during editing hours...they didn't destroy the house too much! I am so proud of them and so thankful for them!

Tomorrow is the final post (for me anyway) and I invite anyone who has not taken a test drive yet to do so. Also if you have any remaining questions, send em' along!

Donate to the OCRF at Val's Lemonade Stand

2009-06-08T17:41:00.004-05:00

This summer anyone and everyone can help raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF)!

I received this in an email...

Kelly Ripa, one of our favorite celebrity moms, is teaming up with Electrolux to kick off a virtual lemonade stand campaign to help support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, a cause close to Kelly and to women everywhere. This summer, exclusively at electroluxappliances.com, you can design and open your own virtual lemonade stands and even pick the flavors of lemonade you want to feature. For every lemonade stand opened at www.electroluxappliances.com, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF. In addition, you can help the cause even more by selling virtual glasses of lemonade to your friends and family; 100 percent of the proceeds will go to OCRF. And to help spread the word, Electrolux is giving away an elegant new French Door Refrigerator with Perfect Temp™ Drawer

I went to the Electrolux website, drooled over their appliances (I love their turquoise sky washer and dryer...mine are plain white and over ten years old...but I digress), and set up my lemonade stand! Please head over to donate towards greatly needed research for ovarian cancer and have a virtual lemonade!

The Skinny on Fat

2009-06-08T16:22:00.002-05:00

I have this ongoing list of FAQ's in my head that people ask me often in regards to health and fitness. It is my goal this summer to post on all of them so here is #1:

Let's get into the biology (and chemistry) of Saturated Fat vs Unsaturated Fat
Did I mention I was a science nerd too?!

Lets start with saturated fat! Saturated fat is solid ("s" for solid) at room temperature (most of the time) and includes things like lard, butter, and cheese and is found mainly in meats such as beef and pork and animal products. It is for the most part supposed to be consumed in small amounts only. Saturated fats raise low density cholesterol levels (LDL, aka bad cholesterol) and get stored as fat in the body and can cause harmful plaque in the arteries. Saturated fat intake should account for less than 7% of your total daily calories. Nutrition labels will have the total grams of saturated fat per serving on them. Please be sure to read your nutrition labels and pay attention to serving size!

Unsaturated fats are fats that are liquid at room temperature such as olive oil, and can also be found in fish, nuts, and seeds. There are two types of unsaturated fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Both increase high density lipid (HDL, aka good cholesterol) levels. The difference between LDL and HDL is this. LDL is sticky cholesterol that sticks to the lining of your arteries forming plaques. These plaques can build up and eventually block blood flow leading to heart attacks. HDL is sticky cholesterol that sticks to LDL. It binds with LDL and carries away to the kidneys for filtration into waste product.

The moral of the story, while you should keep your total fat intake between 20 and 30 percent of your total daily calories, you want most of those fats to be unsaturated. Try to avoid trans-fats at all costs. For one they raise LDL levels AND lower HDL levels AND there is little regulation out there on how much can be used in restaurants. In January 2006, legislation was passed to require trans-fat amounts in nutrition labels, but if it is less than 1 gram per serving, it can be listed at 0. Your max intake of trans-fat should never go past 2 grams per day. That's how bad they are!

For me its nuts and avocados! Love them! A sneaky problem though is serving size. Read the label to find out how much is too much. For me it is almost always too much! Sorry I just can't stop at 12 walnuts or half an avocado! I'm working on that though!

A great place to find a lot of useful information and tools is at the American Heart Association website.

Take your health seriously and take the time (aka make time) to stay active and plan meals. I know it is easier said than done, but I for one do not plan on being a statistic or a sad story for my kids to tell. What I consider worse is not setting the example for my kids and seeing them suffer in their own health later. No thank you. I am a mom and my kids deserve for me step up in our family's health. I hope you will join me in this. I want your family to be healthy too!

Source for some of the information on fats found at the American Heart Association.

Great Giveaway at 5MFM!

2009-06-06T12:28:00.002-05:00

5 Minutes for Mom is doing another great giveaway...an $800 swag bag designed for celeb moms!

Check it out here!

I'm a Guest Blogger!

2009-06-05T10:36:00.005-05:00

I was recently asked to do my first guest blog spot for a great website, DietsInReview.com! You can read my article "Creating Lasting Healthy Habits for Kids this Summer" in their blog section as part of their Healthy Kids Summer Series.

Head on over there and check it out along with the other great posts in the series!

This morning we put those words into practice! Me and all three kids headed up to the park for class. No one showed up! Come on people, the weather is not that bad! Still, I decided to do our class anyway. My 7 year old did tricep dip/push up combos with me and all three of us did some running! I wish I had brought my camera (I did, it but it was in the car)!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Where does your city rank?

2009-05-28T16:08:00.003-05:00

Believe it or not, this is downtown Houston!

The results are in...Houston is not the fittest city in America! Like I didn't know that! Houston actually came in at #41 on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Fitness Index (AFI). Considering that Houston was named America's Fattest City a few years ago, I'd say that is a jump in fitness rank! Hmmm...I wonder if a few fit mamas (wink, wink) helped to raise our stats! We still have long way to go though!

I knew when I started Stroller Strides that our city's lack of fitness motivation might be a factor in my success. I have to admit that it has been more difficult that I orginally expected. Lots of people like the idea of Stroller Strides and fitness in general...as long as it remains an idea! I am still happy to have started it up and feel very blessed for the many friendships and partnerships I have made, not to mention the 20+ lbs that I lost! ...plus time well spent with my kids "priceless"!

Where does your city rank? If you are low in the ranks like Houston maybe you and some fellow friends/moms can set the example by starting a workout group! You'll be amazed at what us moms can accomplish when we work together!

Check out your city's rank here!

For all the bloggie nerds out there...like me!

2009-05-28T10:05:00.005-05:00

JVC is offering a sweepstakes to win a trip to the BlogHer conference in July. I have been drooling over this conference for two years now, but have not had a chance to go.

JVC, Pick Me!

Click on the banner above to enter!

PS, less than 24 hrs till my daughter's end of year party and 1st grade graduation! I'll be back to blogging about fitness soon...I promise!

Win a Stroller Strides BOB Stroller

2009-05-26T23:05:00.002-05:00

BOB Strollers is hosting a photo contest for new moms and moms to be sporting their workout "duds" (aka outfit)! The winner will receive a brand new Stroller Strides BOB Revolution Stroller complete with fitness kit!

From the BOB website:

Hey new moms and moms-to-be, are you ready to get your workout on? Well here's your chance to win a brand new Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller that's going to get you rolling and encourage your health and wellness goals, big or small! Based on the BOB Revolution, this stroller comes with a Stroller Strides Fitness Kit and is a perfect companion for Stroller Strides class.

To enter, send us a photo of you in your super sweet workout duds, the most creative submission will win! So, are you a spandex queen? Do you and baby match outfits? Show BOB your funky fashion, custom creation, or silly stylings when you're getting fit!

This is a great stroller and if a picture is the only thing between you and free one, get the camera!

He Shoots, We Score!

2009-05-25T11:19:00.001-05:00

This was just too cool not post! WATCH THE VIDEO! Even if you are not a golf fan, you will find this impressive!

From the P.F. Chang's Website

To celebrate the chipping skills of PGA tour pro Briny Baird, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro will offer everyone in America a free order of the restaurant’s signature lettuce wraps with the purchase of an entrée.

Baird teed off this morning from 375 feet in the air atop the Omni Hotel and landed a golf ball inside a bulls-eye 230 yards below in the outfield of PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres. His accuracy was also celebrated with a $25,000 donation to the San Diego Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society.

Go to the P.F. Chang's Website and register your email address to get free lettuce wraps with your entree!

Interesting...

2009-05-14T23:53:00.004-05:00

...and slightly disturbing!

I was checking at my statcounter and one of the stats I can look up is the keyword analysis which shows me keyword searches that have lead readers to the blog. One of the recent searches..."poop filled undies".

I was disturbed both by the fact that that is something someone is googling and also that I have that phrase somewhere on my blog. I did the same search to see where exactly this phrase pops up!

It is here in my 1/2 Day in the Life post...in case you were wondering!

Also strange and somewhat disturbing to me is that after finding the phrase and context I am OK with it being there. Is that weird?!

Oh how motherhood makes ya crazy!

Great Giveaway at Diapers to Dates

2009-05-13T12:46:00.002-05:00

One of the blogs I follow is doing a great giveaway for a Kodak printer and a paid trip the Blog Her Conference! I have been drooling over both! Click here if you are interested!

No Classes...

2009-05-12T21:42:00.002-05:00

...for the remainder of May. We will start back up in June in an indoor location! In the meantime, stay cool (it is hot outside these days) and stay healthy! We will still meet every Tuesday for playgroup!

For New Moms

2009-05-12T08:37:00.003-05:00

This was sent to me by one of our moms...

Sling and Swaddle is looking for 30 moms to tweet about their daily adventures on Twitter. Each of the 30 moms will receive 2 free Miracle Blankets & a Hotslings Baby Carrier to aide them in their 30 day journey.
Once you're in... our 30 moms will be competing throughout June for a grand prize valued at more than $2000 worth of all the best mom & baby necessities!

There are actually only 5 days left to enter so if you have a newborn 16 weeks and younger and love to Tweet this could be for you! Go to Sling and Swaddle to enter at slingandswadlejourney.com

A little mom humor for you!

2009-05-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

I saw this a year ago on Mother's Day at our church while we were using the gym for 6 months and loved it. Found it again today! Watch it! It is hilarious!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T18:01:00.002-05:00

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day where you are spoiled with love!

♥ Valerie

Every Mom Could Use Some M.E. Time!

2009-05-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

ONE HOUR MASSAGE…Just meditate on that for a second! Sound good? Believe me it was!

Today me and my good preggie friend Paige were treated to free massages at Massage Envy (aka M.E.)! They were awesome! AWESOME!!! All of the staff members were amazing and welcoming! I think it was 2002 the last time I had a professional massage…seriously. This massage was worth the wait! In fact, Paige and I are going back next week! After our massages we stayed around for a few laughs with the staff. Talk about good times!

Being on the Houston Mom Squad has been awesome! I still have to pinch myself when I open the door and see a brand new Traverse in my driveway! OK, I know and respect that in the grand scheme of things it is just a car. But it is also a reward of sorts for my nerdy obsession with blogging! For the longest time I thought it was just me and space having a one way conversation. I know that there are blogs out there that get literally thousands of visitors every day. This is not one of them so to be asked to participate with CBS Radio and Chevrolet...and Mom Central...and Got Milk to name a few is mind blowing to me! I give 100% of the credit to God! There is no way that my little blogs could win the attention of these companies on their own! He is so good!

Thank you, thank you to the Massage Envy staff, Chevrolet...and Lord! We definitely enjoyed our M.E. time!

Don’t forget to vote! Wouldn’t it be great to get a free massage AND and free getaway weekend?!

Your very relaxed mommy blogger,

Valerie

Bubbles Playday

2009-05-07T21:17:00.006-05:00

Today was a great day for playtime outside! There was a lot more humidity than we've been used to but there was also a nice breeze. The kids loved all of the bubbles...of course! When you're a kid you just can't go wrong with balloons or bubbles!

Do as I say and not as I do!

2009-05-05T17:26:00.002-05:00

I say blog and blog often!

Lately you can hear the crickets chirping on the blog! I've been stuck in mommy limbo these past few weeks! First it was a torrential downpour that flooded a lot of the city and then swine flu. I am one that cannot stay put so staying indoors for days on end is not for me! We have to get out, but where and for how long are tricky!

Believe it or not when I am at home, I am completely distracted and have a hard time crossing off things on my to do list...such as blog! When I'm out my brain is free to think (at least for a few minutes) and I can come home spend a few minutes writing and then be "normal" until the next time I get jittery and have to leave think, write, and repeat!

All this to say, I haven't forgotten about my beloved blog and readers! More writings coming soon!

Lastly, one last call for baby blankets for a mission trip. If you have a few to spare, please contact me!

Needing Gently Used Baby Blankets

2009-04-27T13:32:00.003-05:00

I was contacted by a friend who has a friend that is a nurse going on a mission trip to Guatemala in two weeks. She said that they are desperately in need of baby blankets as several newborn and post surgery babies are wrapped in burlap sacks.

If you have any gently used baby blankets that you would like to donate, please contact me!

You can still donate...

2009-04-27T13:27:00.002-05:00

You can still donate to March of Dimes from the Team Stroller Strides Houston page! The walk is a significant part of their fundraising, but these funds are needed all year long!

Our team raised (so far) $3475 and I would love to see that number still go up!

Visit our team page at http://marchforbabies.org/s_team_page.asp?seid=630661.

Thank you to everyone who supported our team!

March for Babies

2009-04-26T19:20:00.004-05:00

This morning all five of us were up and out the door before 8 am to join our Stroller Strides team at March for Babies! Our team was one of the largest Stroller Strides teams in the country and we also kicked butt in fundraising with a grand total of $3475!

The course was either 4 or 5 miles! We were told by the March of Dimes staff that the course was 5 miles, but on the map it says 4. Either way, it was a long walk and each of our kids got in at least a mile on foot!

Yes, Riley is in a nightgown (Daniella's to be exact)! She refused to wear a shirt! She is wearing shorts underneath!

Elizabeth, Brandon, and Reese from Stroller Strides Pearland

Rosa's hubby and gorgeous baby girl Sydney

Me and the family

Lining up for the walk

There were thousands there today!

Running AND pushing a double jogger! Reminds me of her mama!

Joshua could have definitely run the whole course!

Pajama Party Playday

2009-04-23T17:38:00.007-05:00

Another beautiful day outside and a great gathering of some irresistibly cute kids in their pj's!

Awesome weather today!

Happy 1st birthday Avery!

Happy belated 1st birthday Elliot!

Maggie found a comfy seat!

It would be a complete playday without a toddler in time out!

Celebrate the Earth

2009-04-22T21:51:00.005-05:00

April 22nd (today) is Earth Day and while I will not go into a whole debate on the state of the planet, I do want to mention a few things that you can do help our planet...

Recycle -
This is a big one! My biggest complaint about Houston is not the size of the city or the traffic it is that in most areas there are no recycling programs in place. We actually used to have recycling pick up in our neighborhood and it was done away with because there were too few people participating. It takes just a few seconds to throw a plastic bottle or plastic bag into a separate container. How could there be too few people participating...OK off my soapbox!

Also, look for a paper recycling depot (they look like yellow dumpsters) for your newspapers, magazines, etc. Take your cans to a recycling center. Yes they can be gross, take up space in the garage, and your payout is pretty small, but do it anyway! Every little bit helps, especially when every person is doing at least a small part!

I recently read an article about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It was astounding and heartbreaking at the same time. In case you've never heard of it, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a mass of plastic waste that covers 537,000 square miles. That is twice the size of Texas! If you think that this has no effect on aquatic life, think again!

Reduce and Reuse -
Grocery stores are now selling the reusable totes for your groceries. They are usually a dollar per bag and they don't take up a lot of space! Get a few, throw them in your car, and use them for your grocery trips. Very easy, inexpensive and can make a big difference if everyone did it!

Use compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs. The bulbs use 75% less energy (saving you money) and last up to 10 times longer.
* These bulbs you can't just throw in garbage because they contain trace amounts of mercury. Check IKEA (that's right) or this link for disposal of your bulbs.

Start a garden -
Get the kids involved! We recently started a mini garden in our backyard in planter boxes and believe it or not we've got veggies...well kind of, we have plants! The kids get to water the plants every day and hopefully soon we'll have fresh garden grown tomatoes, avocados, green beans, snow peas, and squash to feast on! Imagine that, kids excited about veggies!

Shop smart -
Now that "green" is "in" there are lots of new products being added every day for consumers that offer safer alternatives to everything from laundry detergent to paper towels. If you pick just one or two and stick with them, you can make a difference.

Being a good steward of our planet doesn't mean you have to remodel your home in bamboo and rain water. It can be done efficiently, effectively, and inexpensively. Please choose to do so for our generation and the generations to come!

Voting for Mommy Madness

2009-04-22T12:55:00.000-05:00

Look for this logo on the Mommy Madness Houston website and vote!

The voting has begun!

Here are a few FAQ's for voting...

How many times can I vote?
As many times as you wish! You have to fill out a little form for your submission and then select your favorite mom (insert throat clearing noise here)! That's it! The voting stats are given once you submit your entry.

Who can vote?
Anyone who is over the age of 21, lives in TX, and is not an immediate family member of me (sorry Jason) can vote.

Why should I vote?
Of course the main reason is because you love and support me your Houston area Mom Squad!

Another perk to submitting your vote is you will be entered for a prize package to the Barton Creek Resort in Austin, TX. The prize package includes two rooms at the resort and a $400 gift card to spend while there (ladies can you say spa treatment)!

I promise its easy, its painless, and you will be helping one lucky mom to win favorite out of the Houston Mom Squad!

A great day for Pictures

2009-04-21T12:16:00.003-05:00

Another beautiful morning for Stroller Strides! I wish the weather was always like this!

Here are a few pics from class! My legs and bottom are still sore!

I always love the kids want to join in on the fun!

Stroller Strides Coupon Code for Doce Vida Fitness

2009-04-21T08:47:00.002-05:00

Doce Vida is a new fitness apparel company offering ultra-soft, full-motion 12% stretch fabric that feels like butter against your skin as it wicks away moisture so you can keep your body moving in comfort and style. Doce Vida has a seamless fit for continuous movement. Their apparel is fitted to maximize the benefits of reducing muscle vibration and to instantly slim. Starting today, Doce Vida Fitness will offer you and your members a 20% online discount using the unique code SSTRIDES09.

Lisa Druxman (founder of Stroller Strides) will be writing a product review for the Stroller Strides blog on Monday and she will be giving away a $50 gift certificate for Doce Vida product to one of the lucky people who leave a comment on that blog post! Good Luck!

Moms With a Mission Tip

2009-04-21T08:46:00.001-05:00

Calcium is necessary for formation of baby's bones, and also to strengthen your bones and teeth. Calcium is found in dairy, tofu, dark green leafy vegetables and beans. Recommended allowance: 1000-1200 mg.

More on Mommy Madness

2009-04-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

Today marks the official start of the Mommy Madness campaign for Houston! We've had the Traverse for a few days and I can already tell it will be tough saying goodbye to our temporary family car!

The kids love it, especially their own sunroof! I will be doing an ongoing tour of the Traverse over the next few weeks! There are a lot of cool features and you'd be watching a short feature film starring yours truly if I were to do it all in one video!

I have to give props to all TV personalities out there! I definitely need to work on my "on screen presence"! A bit of trivia for you...for every video posted there about ten filmed that were, well they were not good!

Another side note!...I had to take a 5 minute break from writing as Riley came in from outside and with her sweet 2 year old voice and said "Mommy Domino (the dog) eat it and its yucky." Domino was sitting innocently in the yard with a look of "what?" It is still undetermined what yucky substance she ate. I'm sure I will find out though when she pukes it up later!

A little history on how this whole Mommy Madness campaign came into our lives...

A few weeks ago I was contacted by an executive from CBS Radio (Jeanie) via facebook. She sent me a message asking if I was the owner of the Moms Living Fit blog and that she wanted to talk to me about a campaign that CBS radio was doing in collaboration with Chevrolet. It is not uncommon for various reps to contact me and ask me to blog about upcoming events or products so I figured this would be the same thing. I contacted her the very next morning and got her voicemail. I left my message and went on about my day. Jason and I joked around and said, "what are they going to give you, a car?" We'd been offered an assortment of stuff from other reps like Disney on Ice tickets, Got Milk? goodies, etc. I was expecting a hat and key chain or something along those lines! A few hours later, she returned my call and started to tell me that they would like to offer me a spot on the Mom Squad for their Mommy Madness campaign and all of the details. I heard her say (although it didn't compute right away) "We would like our moms to drive a Chevy Traverse for 8 weeks...pay for gas...spa treatment...other mommy mission...vote for your favorite mom." Imagine me eyes wide open, mouth agape! My first reaction was "this can't be real!" I told Jason about everything and vowed not to mention it (I did tell a few close friends) until I was certain it was real!

A week later, we started getting our paperwork and a few prospective dates. I still sat on them since I was still uncertain of it all. Another week went by and that is when the ball really started rolling! We were told we could announce our participation in the campaign and that we would have our new Traverses the following Thursday (last Thursday).

To my utter amazement and shock I drove out of the CBS Studio parking garage last Thursday in a brand new Chevy Traverse! The other moms and I (minus one who was out of town) all got to meet along with the CBS Radio and GM executives (all of them fellow moms) working on the campaign. We also got to meet several of the radio personalities that will be promoting the Mommy Madness campaign on the air waves and making announcements about our blog posts. We were given our Mommy Madness packets which were filled with some really cool stuff and also given a really cool video recorder to film our adventures with!

Can you believe it?!

What an honor, what an experience! We were told that they reviewed over 200 mommy blogs in the Houston area and that ours were the best. Thank you Jesus!

So now what...

We will be continuing to post our blogs and video over the next 8 weeks on our experiences driving a Chevy Traverse. I will be posting here, on my home blog, and most importantly on the Mommy Madness website. Bookmark that page and don't forget to vote for your favorite mom! You can vote as many times as you wish! Each vote will enter you into a drawing for a girl's getaway weekend (you, or your wife/significant other/some girl you know, and 3 friends) to the Barton Creek Resort in Austin, TX. Not bad for the click of a mouse! Also if you are in the Houston area (or just feel like driving here), you can get a free massage from Massage Envy by test driving the Traverse! To do this go to your Houston area Chevy dealer and request to test drive the Traverse. When you come back from your test drive you will have your certificate waiting for you! Trust me you'll love it...and you'll enjoy the massage too!

Houston Mom Squad

I've mentioned several times that I am on the squad but have yet to give you the names of the other 4! Here they are!

Larami Serrano of The Alpha Team
Angie Siders of A Slice of Life
Christine Meeker of Christine Meeker Photography
Stephanie Click of Real Life Mom

They are all extraordinary women and it is an honor to be in their company and on the Mom Squad with them!

You can also check out the other two Mommy Madness campaigns going on in Dallas and Kansas City!

Please feel free to leave your questions and comments! I will try to answer the questions as they come in!

This was the first trip to Stroller Strides for the Traverse! The moms were all excited to see it drive up! My giant double Bob stroller fit perfectly in the back!

Mommy Madness Begins!

2009-04-18T01:19:00.001-05:00

Thursday afternoon I nervously walked into a room filled with CBS Radio personalities and representatives, GM representatives, and moms who like me were still in shock that we were there!

I was excited and nervous and listened and watched in amazement to our presenters who outlined our new role as the Mom Squad!

Here in Houston, there were 200 moms considered and 5 selected for the campaign. They chose us based on our blogs (they selected me for my Moms Living Fit blog).

During the presentation, I could not stop smiling! I don't think any of us could! We went through all of the details of Mommy Madness, were given really cool digital video recorders along with some other goodies...and of course the keys to a new Chevy Traverse!

After a quick elevator race (my team won by the way) we made our way out to an arrangement of Chevy Traverses sitting in a circle at the top of the parking garage! Talk about picture perfect (I didn't get a picture)!

I am still amazed that we all drove off in a new Traverse and it is sitting in my driveway! I think it will take a few weeks for it all to sink in...and then it will be time to give it back!

In the meantime, I am excited to get started in my blog and video posts on the Mommy Madness website!

4 of the 5! One of the moms was out of town. From left to right this is Larami Serrano, Christine Meeker, Angie Siders, and me!

I got the silver one! Stay tuned for the video tour!

Larami and Christine...we all piled into Angie's car to get our "walk-around". I'm sure the Julie, our GM representative felt like she was talking to excited 4 year olds! We couldn't sit still!

Angie was very excited to get the purple one! It is her favorite color!

My new (for 8 weeks) Chevy Traverse making itself at home!

I will post all of the details and answer the many questions I have received! If you listen to 100.3, 96,5, and/or 95.7 radio stations, listen for announcements about our blog posts and adventures in the Traverse!

Follow along and vote for us on the Mommy Madness website starting April 20th!

Disney On Ice

2009-04-18T00:13:00.002-05:00

Disney On Ice was great! A big thanks to Mom Central and Feld Entertainment for the ticket giveaway to a lucky Houston family and the tickets for my family! We all had a blast and my kids are still asking when we can go back!

Here are a few pictures from the fun!...

We were greeted with a giant goodie bag! Daniella pretty much smiled from then on!

...Joshua too!

Daniella enjoying one of her "goodies"!

Joshua loved his Mickey Mouse!

Riley was asleep when we first got there so it took her a few minutes to perk up!

We got to meet a few of the skaters and of course Mickey and Minnie before the show!

Riley and Joshua did not want to get close to Mickey and Minnie, but after they left Riley walked up and was ready for her picture!

Waiting anxiously to see the show!

This was Riley's first Disney On Ice show! She loved it!

I'll post more pictures on the blog soon! We took A LOT!

The next ticket giveaway will be in July for Ringling Bros! Make sure you check back and enter to win! Trust me, you don't want to miss it!

If you missed this giveaway or in another city, you can still enjoy Disney On Ice for a great price! Enter "MOM" as your coupon code for a family 4-pack for $44! Click here for more details.

The Chevy Traverse Has Arrived!

2009-04-16T19:56:00.002-05:00

Quick post here!

Today I met with the other mommy bloggers participating in Mommy Madness, the wonderful masterminds of the program, and several of the radio personalities at CBS Radio! I still can't believe it is real!

The Traverse is awesome and the kids love it! I will post pictures later tonight!

On a separate note, I don't know what is up with my Stroller Strides email! I has not worked all day and I am not sure of the exact time it went down. If you have sent me an email today to my SS account, I can guarantee that I have not gotten it! Please resend or forward to my home email acct at valerie(dot)gay(at)gmail(dot)com. Got it!

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! I am praying that the system is restored soon!

CBS Radio and Chevrolet Campaign - Mommy Madness

2009-04-14T17:27:00.004-05:00

Wow! I am shaking as I write this! I have been sitting on this announcement for a few weeks and finally got the green flag to blog about it! I have been picked along with 4 other moms here in Houston to participate in a campaign for CBS Radio and Chevrolet! I will be part of the "Mom Squad" and will be driving a Chevrolet Traverse for 8 weeks! The Mom Squad has to blog and post pictures and video on our website MommyMadnessHouston.com starting on April 20th about our adventures in motherhood with a Traverse! Needless to say I am very excited!

From April 20th - June 14th, you will be able to view all of our blog posts on the website AND vote for your favorite mom (aka Vote for Me)! Those who submit votes will be entered into a contest to win a getaway weekend and/or a massage!

We are supposed to be receiving our Traverse this Thursday at the CBS Studio! Until I have the Traverse parked in my driveway I am still a little nervous about it all so please say a prayer that everything goes well! I will be posting in triplicate about my adventures with the campaign on this blog, my Moms Living Fit blog (where CBS found me), and of course on the Mommy Madness website!

There are three Mommy Madness campaigns going on in the US right now with Houston being one of them and the other two in Dallas and Kansas City (if you were interested in those).

Again, say a prayer for me! I'll be keeping you posted!

Disney On Ice Ticket Winner...

2009-04-13T15:30:00.002-05:00

...and the winner is Sylwia Habgood!!!

Congratulations! I know you will have a great time with the family!

Moms With a Mission Tip -

2009-04-10T20:52:00.003-05:00

Moms With a Mission Tip from Luna:

Do you double your portions because you're now "eating for two"? Not so fast! The recommended weight gain for the average pregnant woman is 25-35 pounds. It only takes approximately 300 extra calories a day to meet this recommended weight goal. A snack equivalent to 300 calories is a 6-ounce container of yogurt and a 1/4 cup of raisins.

** A note from Val:
While you shouldn't go crazy eating food during pregnancy I am do not necessarily believe in counting calories while you are pregnant! Enjoy your pregnancy, eat, and eat well! Be mindful of what you are putting into your body as far as foods because it is not only you that is affected by your diet! Some women think that pregnancy distorts your body (well it does, but I mean in terms of hormones and bodily function) and that it is something that you have to "recover" from.

On the contrary, your body is more efficient than ever during pregnancy and it is a great opportunity to re-program those eating and exercising habits for the better! If you do and maintain those habits after pregnancy your body will not only "recover" from pregnancy but become an even better one!

Stroller Strides Memorial April Newsletter

2009-04-09T20:13:00.003-05:00

LOTS of information in this one! I meant to post the link earlier but it has been a non-stop crazy few weeks!

Here is the newsletter.

*This newsletter is the one that I put together because of the amount of information I wanted to relay this month. The normal Stroller Strides version will go out next week!

Disney On Ice Family Fun...Win a Family 4-Pack!!!

2009-04-07T20:43:00.007-05:00

Disney on Ice is coming to Houston April 15th - 19th at Reliant Arena! MomCentral.com is sponsoring some great promotions for ticket packages! Disney on Ice so much fun for the whole family! I am so amazed at the skill of the skaters! I can't skate a straight line and they do turns and jumps...in a full Disney character suit!

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels** including http://www.ticketmaster.com. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Gold Circle Seating, Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers. Other Restrictions May Apply.

The tickets can be purchased from http://www.ticketmaster.com and by entering the MOM code in the MomCentral promotional box when purchasing tickets.

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public - just enter the code "MOM" when purchasing those seats.

The "MOM" promotional code is good for all ticket purchases for the following cities and show times as well...

Houston
Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey
April 15-April 19
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 15-July 26

Kansas City
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey
April 1-April 5
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
September 16-September 20

Phoenix
Disney On Ice presents a Disneyland® Adventure
April 9-April 12
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
June 24-June 28

Chicago/Rosemont
Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic
Sept 8-Sept 13

Newark/East Rutherford/Uniondale/NYC
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
March 5 - April 13
Offer not valid on performances from April 10 - 13 at Madison Square Garden

Washington D.C./ Fairfax, VA/ Baltimore, MD
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
March 18-April 19

Philadelphia
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
May 13-May 25

Anaheim/LA/Ontario
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
July 8-August 2

San Francisco
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 12-August 23

Sacramento
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 27-August 30

Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets for the Houston April 15th Show of Disney on Ice!!!
Leave a comment with your name and to enter! The winner will be announced Monday,April 13th!

We made it out to the Got Milk? tour!

2009-04-07T16:28:00.003-05:00

Riley is still dealing with an upper respiratory bug but she seemed to be in a well enough mood to go to the Got Milk? event. I had these wonderfully high hopes of getting this adorable picture of me and my kiddos with milk mustaches but the kids were not exactly cooperative once we got there!

They did enjoy the free bottles of chocolate milk they were given and enjoyed making fun of me and my milk-stache!

Before we left I was given a cute tote bag with a got milk? tee! It was a fun outing for me and my tots!

Riley was obviously not digging picture time! Joshua was OK with taking pictures but didn't want to do the milk mustache! My milk-stache started to wear off after trying to get the kids to stay still!

Here they were serving smoothies...yum! These smoothies were the source of the 'stache!

Let's not forget the 5 minute massage!

Reminder...Got Milk? Tour

2009-04-06T13:36:00.002-05:00

Grab yourself some milk, a mustache, and for mom, a massage at the Got Milk? Mustache tour! Today's event is going on right now at the Downtown Aquarium with another stop tomorrow at Central Market near Highland Village!

Way to Go Team Stroller Strides!

2009-04-02T16:37:00.003-05:00

Last week our team was #4 for number of walkers registered with and #3 for money raised out of all Stroller Strides teams across the nation! This week we have even more walkers and even more money raised! Talk about team work!

I am so proud of our moms! The power of moms working together is astounding and I can't wait to see all that we accomplish through Stroller Strides!

Thank you all to have signed up to walk with us and thank you all who have given your support by donating (its still not too late to walk or donate)!

You can donate to our team here or if you are in the Houston area and would like to walk with us you sign up on our team page!

24 days to go!

A 1/2 Day in the Life..

2009-03-31T14:30:00.004-05:00

For anyone out there who thinks that being work at home mom allows for more free time...Think Again!

I just found a spare 20 minutes and could not think of what to do so I figured I'd throw in a blog post!

Here is my day so far and it is pretty typical on a daily basis...

- Woke up to a fussy baby in my face wanting chocolate milk.

- Got up and fixed chocolate milk x2...I knew I had to have milk for the other tot after he wakes up! Also turned on the TV to Disney to entertain Riley while I get everything ready.

- Took clothes out of the dryer...then put clothes from the washer in the dryer...then put new load of laundry in the washer. Moms I know you know that routine!

- Brushed teeth and got dressed. Gave my son his first wake up call. Riley calls out and says she done with her milk and now wants cereal. Retrieve milk cup and fix cereal cups.

- Tot wake up call #2. Check and send a few emails.

- Prepare sippy cups and snacks and do a diaper bag check for all of the basic necessities (diapers, wipes, changes of clothes). Notice need spare undies and shorts for Joshua.

- Time for Riley to get a new diaper and get dressed. Wake up call #3 for Josh!

- Put stuff in the car. Storm into Joshua's room and start dressing him while he's asleep. He wakes up and protests! I convince him to go potty and brush teeth.

- Argue with Joshua about his shorts and shoes. He is not cooperating!

- Time to leave...we are late...as usual! Joshua is purposely walking extra slow to the car. Mommy wishes for coffee!

- Finally made it to the car. Arguing with the kids about where they need to sit. Finally get them in their seats and seat belts on.

- Drive to Stroller Strides! It starts raining on the way there. Uh-Oh, I hope it doesn't last long!

-Yay made it and it is not raining! Love to see the moms and their kiddos! Had a fun class. The weather cooperated...unlike Joshua!

- Stopped at mom's to drop something off. Argue with the kids to get back in their seats!

- Drive to Chick -Fil - A to meet Amy and Gavin for lunch. Had a great lunch! Mandy and Andy, nice to meet ya!

- We let the kids play in the indoor playground while we tried to carry a conversation over the screaming kiddos!

- Joshua takes off to the bathroom. He's holding his bum, must mean #2!

- I was right, it was #2! Joshua runs out of the bathroom holding a pair of poop filled undies. I grab the diaper bag (thank heavens I refilled the undies and shorts), head the bathroom, and clean him up. Put on clean undies and shorts, scrub the hands, back to more playing!

- Finish up our playtime and leave for home. Riley falls alseep in the car! She played hard!

- Arrive back home. Let the dog out and see that the cat puked in the hall...again! Put Riley down on the bed, have to change her in a few minutes!

- Clean up cat puke then change Riley's diaper and clothes.

- Take out clothes from dryer, put clothes from washer into dryer, put today's yucky kid clothes into the washer!

- Call Joshua and Domino in. Notice the cat has pooped outside of her litter box...again!

- Clean up the poop. Notice that the toilet is clogged! When will it end!

- Unclog toilet and then clean out litter box so it is fresh and clean!

- Take out the trash and scrub hands! Put on a Scooby Doo movie for Joshua and realize I have 2o minutes before I have to leave to pickup my 1st grader! Hmmm, what to do in 20 minutes??

- Alarm on my clock just went off. Time to leave!

Off to part two of my day!

Vote for Stroller Strides at Start Up Nation

2009-03-31T00:41:00.002-05:00

Vote for Stroller Strides in the Start-Up Nation Leading Moms in Business contest! You can submit one vote per day for each of your favorites. I have been putting in my daily vote and then browsing around at some of the other mommy owned businesses! There are some impressive and inspiring business mommas out there! Click here to cast your vote!

Operation Hi Mom

2009-03-30T11:34:00.003-05:00

I saw this and knew it had to go on the blog...

Canvas On Demand is offering a free 16 x 20 pixel painting to 500 troops to give to their moms.

We appreciate our trooops! That's why we started Operation: Hi Mom, a program that gives hundreds of our deployed military men and women a free fine-art canvas that will be presented to their moms on Mother's Day. Canvas On Demand

The 500 paintings will given away via random drawing on April 30th. Click here for more information.

Blog Spring Cleaning

2009-03-29T23:26:00.002-05:00

The blog is less than a year old and already it is time for some re-organization! I want this blog to be user friendly for all readers so I am going to be adding some navigation and cleaning things up a bit! I apologize in advance for any delayed page loads or formatting errors that might pop up in the next few days!

-Val

This is why it is storming in Houston!

2009-03-28T00:30:00.006-05:00

I finished (mostly at least) next month's calendar! Can you believe it! Most of the time the calendar goes out around the 15th of that month!

To download the calendar click here!

Updates will be sent out throughout the month! Next step, the April newsletter!

Oh, and I hope you like the new Spring blog design! I wanted something bright and fun and so got to work on the new design!

I have a lot of great announcements, including one that has had me smiling for two days now (but I just can't let that secret out yet)!

I'll be updating the blog throughout the weekend so check back!

Live Inspired

2009-03-23T20:02:00.004-05:00

I love fitness and healthy living, but I also love photography and photo art (photo books, scrapbooking, digi scrap, etc). I bought a great book last year by Donna Downey and have been following her blog ever since. If you want some great ideas for your photos check out her stuff!

Donna's motto is "live inspired and dream with possibility". I love that! She took her own words to heart when she started her journey to weight loss and healthy living. Like many of us she is swamped with kids and work, but she set her goals in January 08 and a year later she is 46 pounds lighter, several dress sizes smaller, has run a few 5K's, and is about to run her first half marathon! Talk about being inspired!

Read about this amazing mom's journey to fitness here and let her story inspire you to "dream with possibilites"!

Welcome Blog Party Bloggers!

2009-03-20T12:09:00.004-05:00

for my readers...told ya I was a dork!

Welcome to Moms Living Fit! On this blog you will find fitness tips, recipes, exercise ideas, giveaways, contests, and plenty of mommy banter! Feel free to browse around and sign the "guestbook" by leaving a comment!

If you are one of my readers and you are wondering what the heck I am talking about, or just landed here via search, blogger bar, etc, See yesterday's post about the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom! If you are in search for a mommy based blog, this is the week to find it...all in one spot!

You can also win tons of great prizes! I am hoping for that Ergo Baby Carrier offered by Giveaway Addicted Mommy! I also wouldn't mind the Chic Ear Buds (so cute) given away by IE Mommy or any of the $50 Target gift cards (I love Target) offered by Agoosa & Beginner Baby Blog.

**For 5MFM...also (41, 26, 44, 45, 56, and anything after that!)

Ulitmate Blog Party 09

2009-03-19T20:00:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting the 09 Ultimate Blog Party! What is it?

In their words...

It has become a tradition in the “momosphere.” It is the perfect event to build your network and have some serious blogging fun, all without stepping away from your machine…

In short, browse through hundreds of mom blogs for some good reads and good friends...oh and there are prizes too!

Check it out! I know you'll love it!

For information on the Ultimate Blog Party, click here.

I <3 Wry Baby

2009-03-17T12:29:00.005-05:00

I stumbled upon this website a few years ago and have purchased many onesies and gifts there! It is called Wry Baby and it is hysterical! Not everyone has the humor for their baby items...and I will pray for them! If you love dry humor and mild potty humor, you might like Wry Baby!

I decided to blog about this today because I got an email from them featuring a new onesie with "Ask me about my compost" written on the front and thought it would fit into the "green" category for St. Patrick's Day! In fact, they are offering a $10 coupon code for the new set...coupon code GREEN!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Meet your Vitamins

2009-03-16T23:14:00.003-05:00

It is common knowledge that your body needs a daily ration of various vitamins and minerals (at least I hope it is common knowledge) to maintain health and function! The problem is that most people don't know the specifics on these vitamins and minerals and so don't realize their significance, and ultimately the body's true nutritional needs are not fully met (if at all).

Here is a handy pdf found on Women's Running Magazine. This great article lists all the major vitamins and minerals and where to find them...in your food!

Download it, read it, and take it to the grocery store for your next shopping run!

Slainte, Y'all!

2009-03-16T23:07:00.002-05:00

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

-Val

Vote for a Funny Mommy Blog

2009-03-13T16:22:00.003-05:00

I have mentioned on several occasions how much I enjoy reading a blog by Dawn Meehan called Because I Said So! I'm not the only one too! Last year she was nominated for not one but 4 different Blogger's Choice Awards and won 1st in Best Parenting, 2nd in Best Humor, 4th for Hottest Mommy Blogger, and 6th for Best Blog of All Time...Wow!

She is nominated again for all but Best Blog of All Time this year. I highly recommend stopping by her blog, especially when you have those mommy moments when you feel like tearing out your hair and going for a few round with a punching bag! It is very funny and sometimes we all just need to laugh!

You can vote for her blog here.

Also she her first book (also called Because I Said So) just came out (or is about to). If you need your humor on the go, this might be an option for you!

Got Milk? Drink Well. Live Well. - Mustache Tour

2009-03-13T14:30:00.010-05:00

The Got Milk Mustache tour is coming to Texas!

From March to August, America's milk processors are traveling coast-to-coast with the Drink Well. Live Well. Tour to encourage Americans to not only live well, but drink well with milk. Milk is naturally nutrient-rich like no other beverage, some may even say milk is nature's wellness drink. Providing an array of benefits in every glass, milk has been endorsed by more than 250 celebrities and its benefits are supported by hundreds of scientific studies. Drinking milk is one of the simplest things you can do every day and feel good about, for you and your family.
from http://whymilk.com

At all of the locations there will be the following free activities!

- Experience the “Wellness Oasis” and get tips on how to achieve wellness and balance in their life

- Sample lowfat and fat free milk from Borden Milk Products, Braums, Oak Farms, H-E-B, Southwest Dairy and Shepps

- Relax with free five-minute chair massages by a licensed massage therapist

- Receive free health screenings from a registered dietitian

- Enjoy freshly made Soothie Smoothies

- Pose for a celebrity-inspired Milk Mustache souvenir photo

- Learn more about the health benefits of milk with a giant, six foot glass visual

Dallas Events
Tuesday, March 17
11:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
Museum of Nature and Science
3535 Grand Ave
Dallas, TX 75210

Wednesday, March 18
1:30PM-3:30PM
El Rio #3
2515 W. Jefferson
Dallas, TX 75211

Thursday, March 19
5:00p.m.-7:00p.m.
Carnival
3460 Webb Chapel
Dallas, TX 75220

Friday, March 20
10:30a.m.-12:30p.m.
Wal-Mart Super Center Store #220
951 Southwest Wilshire
Burleson, TX

Friday, March 20
5:30p.m.-7:30p.m.
Brookshire Grocery Store
105 E. Ovilla Road
Red Oak, TX 75154

Saturday, March 21
12:00-2:00
HEB Store #426
800 N Hyw 77
Waxahachie, TX 75165

Houston Events

Monday, April 6th
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Kick-Off event
Downtown Aquarium
410 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002

Tuesday, April 7th
11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Central Market
Time: 11-1
3815 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77027

Tuesday, April 7th
5-7 p.m.
HEB 020 (Houston#53)
Hwy 290 and Barker Cypress Road
Houston, TX 77094

Wednesday, April 8th
5-7 p.m.
Kroger store
6200 Highway 6
Missouri City, TX 77459

Thursday, April 9th
11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA PARKWAY
Houston, Texas 77058

I encourage you to head to your local Got Milk? event this summer and grab a cold glass of milk...and don't forget the free massage!

Freebies, Giveaways

2009-03-12T22:14:00.007-05:00

If you've been a reader for a while you know that I love to find good deals and freebies! Really who doesn't! I think even if I was super wealthy I would still do the same!

I came across a few good freebies and giveaways today. It is amazing how many blog gems are out there! I find new ones every day love it! I have to give credit to this blog for listing the first one and then the rest came from there!

1. Win a free Ergo Baby Carrier from Deal ectible Mommies

2.Win a free pair of Baby Legs from A Classic Tale

3. Win a free pair of See Kai Run shoes from Mama's Money Savers

I'm compiling my internet coupon list so stay tuned for that!

Nearly Half Way to Goal Mark for March for Babies

2009-03-12T10:29:00.003-05:00

This year our fundraising goal for March for Babies is $1000 and we are close to the half way mark at $460 raised so far! We still have 45 days before walk time so we can definitely make our goal! If you would like to donate to Team Stroller Strides Houston, please visit our team page at

http://marchforbabies.org/teams/strides

Thank you to all who have donated to this very important cause!

No More Toxic Tub Report

2009-03-12T10:05:00.004-05:00

I receive updates and newsletters from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Organization. I found several startling facts on the number of chemicals (toxic ones) that are allowed into our everyday hygiene and skin care products when I read the book Healthy Child Health World. Believe it or not there is really very little regulation on what goes into these products and there is also very little regulation on what the product says on the bottle.

I received this report today and while I wasn't surprised that the two chemicals being tested for were found, I was surprised at the products that tested positive for these chemicals. I'm not telling you to throw out all of your shampoo and lotions and substitute with baking soda and beeswax. I am just saying, do your homework. Read the labels, do a little background research, and be sure you know what you are putting on yourself and your kids everyday!

A Toxic Tub for Baby - And a Call to Action for Congress

Babies across America are sitting in bubbles tainted with cancer-causing chemicals and other toxins linked to serious health effects, according to a report released today by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Many of the contaminated products are advertised as "gentle," "pure" or "naturally refreshing."

Read the new report, "No More Toxic Tub," for all the details, but this is the quick and dirty version:

The Campaign sent unopened bubble bath, baby lotion and other products intended for babies and children, purchased in cities across the U.S., to an independent lab to be tested for 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. Both chemicals are contaminants that do not appear on product labels, and both are carcinogenic; formaldehyde can also trigger rashes in those with sensitive skin.

The lab tested 48 kids' products for 1,4-dioxane and found it in 67 percent of the products. Of the 28 products tested for formaldehyde, 82 percent were positive. Seventeen products were contaminated with both 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde.

Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea baby wash, Sesame Street Bubble Bath, American Girl Real Beauty Inside and Out Shower Gel, and even the iconic Johnson's Baby Shampoo were among the products that contained both of these toxic contaminants.

We know that cosmetics can be made without hazardous ingredients and contaminants. So what's going on? How is it legal for companies to sell baby and kids' skincare products that contain toxic chemicals used in embalming fluid, fumigants and automotive coolant? Worse yet, these chemicals aren't even on the label, so even the most ingredient-conscious parents wouldn't know whether the product is safe.

Take action right now: Ask your legislators to clean up cosmetics.

Some industry representatives say that a little bit of formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane isn't going to harm anyone. But these bath products are regularly used on children in combination with numerous other products. Because our air, water and food can contain harmful chemicals, too, our total daily exposure to toxic chemicals can be significant and can add up to harm.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, several factors contribute to children's special vulnerability to the harmful effects of chemicals:

• A child's chemical exposures are greater pound-for-pound than those of an adult.
• Children are less able than adults to detoxify and excrete chemicals.
• Children's developing organ systems are more vulnerable to damage from chemical exposures.
• Children have more years of future life in which to develop disease triggered by early exposure.

The widespread presence of contaminants and other harmful ingredients in children's bath products is just one symptom of a self-regulated cosmetics industry badly in need of reform. We deserve better!
What Can You Do?

Ask your legislators to give the FDA the authority it needs to ensure that all cosmetics, from baby shampoo to lipstick to body lotion, are truly safe.

Spread the word to friends and family.

Download the report, check the list of products we tested and find safer alternatives at www.safecosmetics.org/toxictub.

**I must note that I have no way of validating this the report or its data. For questions and concerns on the products you are currently using, contact the manufacturers via the numbers listed on the packaging.

A Great Recipe

2009-03-11T17:05:00.003-05:00

I am aiming to post a few healthy recipes a month from now on so to start here is one that is easy and fast to make (about 30 min) and is also fairly inexpensive ingredient wise. It is also one that the whole family can enjoy (even with picky eaters like me)!

Corn Flake Crusted Halibut with Chili-Cilantro Aioli

Aioli:
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
1 serrano chile, seeded and minced
1 garlic clove, minced
Fish:
1 cup fat-free milk
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
2 cups cornflakes, finely crushed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 1 ounce)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 (6-ounce) halibut fillets
4 lemon wedges

Preparation

To prepare aioli, combine cilantro, mayonnaise, serrano, and minced garlic, stirring well.

To prepare fish, combine milk and egg white in a shallow dish, stirring well with a whisk. Combine cornflakes, flour, salt, and black pepper in another shallow dish.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Dip fish in milk mixture, and dredge in cornflake mixture. Add fish to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Serve fish with aioli and lemon wedges.

Nutritional Information

Calories:: 367 (27% from fat)
Fat:: 11.2g (sat 1.6g,mono 6.3g,poly 1.9g)
Protein:: 40.8g
Carbohydrate:: 25.1g
Fiber:: 2.2g
Cholesterol:: 56mg
Iron:: 2.4mg
Sodium:: 645mg
Calcium:: 166mg

from Cooking Light

I'm a Dork!

2009-03-08T16:47:00.004-05:00

I'll be the first to admit...I love blogging! More specifically I love writing and even more than writing, I love to read! It all ties in together because the more I read (and I read A LOT) the more info piles into my head meaning the more info that wants a medium to get out! It works!

So keeping that in context, I was reading the Blogger Buzz and there was a post on the new and update Follow and Google Friend Connect feature for Blogger. Pretty much anyone can sign up for a blogger account (it is just a user name and password) and you have a blogger home page where you can read recent posts from the blogs you follow as well as read updates from Blogger. Entering dork waters, I know!

The new Follow feature (if I understand correctly) allows you follow along and leave your comments even if you do not have a blogger account. Pretty cool! Yes I know, I'm a dork!

So if you are a frequent reader of Moms Living Fit, I invite you to "follow" this blog! There is a Followers widget in the sidebar (the arrow is pointing the way)! You can sign up to follow the blog there!

Thank you to all of my faithful readers!

-Val

More Ways to Get Moving...

2009-03-08T14:18:00.005-05:00

About a month ago I talked about ways to turn your Spring cleaning into a workout. We went over ideas on ways to add more activity into a busy life at my First Place 4 Health class...and was very proud of my members who came up with some good ones! I also found a great article in the Spring 2009 Heart Healthy Living Magazine (which I highly recommend picking up a copy) also going over this topic. I will take as a divine nudge to share these tips!

When you have a jam packed schedule it is easy to fall back on the "I don't have time" excuse when it comes to daily exercise. What most don't realize is that there are several activities and modifications to things you are already doing that can be classified as physical activity. Start with these simple tips and work your way up from there!

1. Sunrise Stretch - When you wake up in the morning. Take 2 minutes to stretch and breath. You don't even really need to get out of bed to do this! Stretch your body out finger tips to tippy toes and take a deep breath. Proceed to stretch your arms, legs, back, and neck. In your time of stretching, meditate on your goals for the day. It really can help!

2. Take the far away parking spot! - Whether you are at work or at the store, park at the end of the row and walk! This one brings up one of my biggest pet peeves! My mom will circle the parking lot for as long as it takes to get that perfect spot. In that time, I could have parked, walked to, and if its the holiday season started on my shopping at the store in the same amount of time! Just Walk! Imagine how many miles you could rack up if did this every day!

3. Use the upstairs bathroom! - If you live in a house that is 2 story or work in a multi-story building use the bathroom one level up...and take the stairs! If have stairs around at all USE THEM! They offer a great way to exercise and it costs nothing!

4. Keep a small set of weights or resistance bands at your desk or nearby. - Take two minutes to do bicep curls or some other simple exercise. The resistance bands can be used in hundreds of strength training exercises and they are very affordable!

5. Keep a set of workout clothes in your car. - Minimize those workout avoiding excuses such as "I'd have to go home and change..." Keep your change of clothes with you. Invite a friend or spouse to meet you at the gym or park after work or sometime during the day. It helps to have that extra support!

A few other tips to help you out...

- Eat a healthy breakfast (include carbs, lean protein, and fiber).
Breakfast jump starts your metabolism, boosts calorie burning, and stabilizes blood sugar. You will see a major improvement in your health and in your workouts!

- Write down your progress.
Keeping a journal of your daily exercise and food consumption will show you what your habits are and allow for modification. It takes just a few seconds to jot down your entries it helps you with your progress!

- Read the label.
This step alone can make a huge difference in your health. Do you know how much sugar is in your cereal? Do you know how many grains are in your bread? Pick a small goal and focus on the labels. ex. Reduce sugars - find foods with low sugar. Once you've learned the facts, move on to the next goal! Very simple! Very effective!

- Drink water.
The appeal for soft drinks and other sugary drinks is definitely strong, but help your body by reducing the number of these drinks and substituting with water. If you have have a flavor, add in a few sprinkles of splenda and drop in some fruit for your own low cal fruit water!

Lastly, take a few deep breaths and few stretches before bed and be proud at all of your proactive work towards better health!

..."And the last stretch of the day, SMILE!"

Another Photo Contest

2009-03-05T16:51:00.004-06:00

Riley eating chocolate

This one was sent to me from one of our own Stroller Strides moms!

This one is called the Baby's Favorite Food Contest. Upload a picture of your baby eating their vittles to your Flickr account and add it to the Whole Foods Market Baby's Favorite Foods group.

All entries must be submitted by March 13th. Good Luck!

A great article on Yahoo

2009-03-05T16:17:00.002-06:00

One person who routinely sends me great article links related to fitness is my hubby! This is one he sent me earlier in the week.

The title of the article is "3 reasons your workouts aren't working". It lists 3 common reasons and solutions to the problem. I thought the article was very true and worth the read! Take a look and see if any of these apply to you!

Class Moved Indoors Today

2009-03-02T08:42:00.001-06:00

It is going to be in the 40's and windy so we will be moving indoors to Memorial City Mall. Class time still at 9:30!

Moms With a Mission

2009-02-27T19:27:00.002-06:00

The LUNA Moms topic for this week's Moms With a Mission is the early onset of puberty resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals.

Phthalates have been linked to breast cancer, early puberty in girls, reduced testosterone levels, lower sperm counts, genital defects in baby boys, and testicular cancer. These chemicals are also found in products marketed to children. Support legislation that would ban phthalates in children's toys like BCF-sponsored Toxic Toys Bill in California.

Also check out Environment California's Report on Toxic Bottles that identifies which baby bottles contain Bisphenol A.

For more information on environmental causes of these diseases and other health issues check

The Breast Cancer Fund and

The Healthy Child Healthy World Organization

A Few Great Deals

2009-02-24T15:38:00.003-06:00

I've mentioned restaurant.com a few times and I got an email with a promotion for 80% your purchase. Normally you can buy $25 gift certificates to some great restaurants for $10 and now you get them for $2. I purchases some a few weeks ago and they are awesome!

Type in DINE in the coupon code for your 80% discount. I believe this offers ends on the 28th.
Now Save 80% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates. Use code DINE and pay $2 thru 2/28/09.

Also a dear friend of mine did a fundraiser a while back selling discounted gift cards for PF Changs (YUM!) She still has a lot left and is selling these for 3.99 each. They come in a card holder so you can keep them or give them away as a gift. She had 100 left and I bought 20 of them! Can we say Mom's Night Out on Val? If you are interested in one of these, email Holly Munsinger at

holly at houstonwahms.org

Happy Eating!

Stroller Exercises

2009-02-23T12:19:00.002-06:00

Here are a few easy and basic stroller exercises to help you get started in your exercise routine!

The Secret to Getting Things Done

2009-02-22T14:37:00.004-06:00

At the end of December I started a series if you will of getting those New Year's resolutions past a mere thought and into a rewarding reality.

*See A Fresh Page and Goal Setting 101

I follow along with several of the other Stroller Strides blogs and read one (from Stroller Strides Flagstaff) about "fitting in" your workouts to make them a part of your life.

As I read it, I thought this was a great topic to continue the series!

So, what is the secret to getting things done? We all have days that are jam packed with things to do and it seems that the only real solution out there is to add more hours to the day if we want to add any more tasks! Obviously that is not going to happen! So instead we say "I will do (name your task) when I have more time."

Before I reveal the secret (and in all truth, its not a secret) to getting that long list of things done...and stay sane, I want to first go over the myth that seems to take precedence in a person's mind and ultimately is the source of their ineffectiveness in getting things done.

The Myth: There will be more time when...

- things settle down
- I have more time
- this project is done
- the weekend is here
- the weather is better
- the holidays are over

I could on forever...and I'm sure you could too...with the list of excuses that seem valid. And don't be mistaken, I still use these too!

The truth is: There will ALWAYS be something to distract and/or replace whatever it is that is currently keeping you from crossing things off that list. If you think you will have more time at any point in the future, you are mistaken!

I had a long list of to do's that I had put off when I was working full time and I clung to the "when I have more time" mentality. Then I was laid off! Suddenly I had more time, right? Wrong!

True to form a whole manner of things started to move into the precious hours of my day, some things I took on myself, some things just showed up! I found myself stressed out because I had less time!

Then I started reading tons of books on the subject and every single one them pretty much say the same thing:

1. Write down your goals (and make sure they are reasonable and attainable)
2. Make a plan
3. Start the plan
4. Follow through

The secret to getting things done (like a daily workout) is to first make your list of your goals and/or the tasks that need to be done, second plan your day according to your goals, and lastly do them!

So many people think that it takes too much time to sit down and write out their daily, weekly, and monthly goals and schedules. The truth is by not doing this you end up wasting time ten times more than the few minutes it would take to plan their schedule in the first place. You end up ineffective in accomplishing your goals and getting things done.

Of course, things come up! It happens all of the time. But by having your goals and schedules in a tangible and accessible format, your detour of time is only temporary. You will still have a plan to follow through!

Quite simply wanting to get your goals done is not enough. You have to schedule them into your day every day in order to accomplish them. Do that and instead of stress and a loss of time, your will find a feeling of accomplishment and dare I say a few moments that elusive extra time!

More Stroller Strides Fun!

2009-02-20T12:29:00.006-06:00

It was another beautiful day today and did an extended ground workout! I thought it would be fun to get down to the kiddos' level!

Capture the Moment Photo Contest

2009-02-19T17:01:00.005-06:00

I received word of this via Stroller Strides corporate. I don't have an infant anymore but the prizes are too good not to enter!

The first sonogram...the first touch...bringing your baby home... Each woman and child's special moment is different—share yours and you could win a fabulous prize package and be featured on fitpregnancy.com and on DiscoveryHealth.com!

Prize package to include:
$250 Shutterfly gift certificate
BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance with Toy Bar
Chicco's Liteway Stroller
Bellybar Products gift basket
Medela Freestyle
Medela BPA-free Breastmilk bottles
Medela Disposable Bra pads
Medela Nursing cami
Palmer's Prize Pack
The First Years Feeding Essentials Gift Pack
Barefoot & Pregnant Babymoon trip
Expecting the Best - $1,500 - This 3 day, 2 night retreat to Hotel Los Gatos and Spa Elia in San Jose, CA includes:
* Deluxe accommodations for two
* Complimentary hotel parking
* Two continental breakfasts for two
* One romantic dinner for two
* Late night gourmet cupcakes and milk
* Spa Services:
Total Relaxation prenatal massage
B&P Signature Facial
Daddy's Turn massage
* Complimentary Gift basket

Farmers Insurance will donate $50,000 to the March of Dimes on behalf of families who upload photos. Additional sponsors will make a donation to the March of Dimes.

Click here to enter (and to read all of this information again)!

**The photo above is one I took of Ami Almquist (Stroller Strides NW Houston owner) and her then 4 week old son Nathan.

I AM MOM - BOB strollers

2009-02-19T14:09:00.005-06:00

That you Sylwia for this link! Awesome! Makes me want to go run!

A Beautiful Morning!

2009-02-19T11:52:00.006-06:00

Today was the perfect day for Stroller Strides! It was sunny, breezy, and just the right temp! Those days in Houston are few and far between so we savor them when we've got em'!

I finally got some more pics from class! Thanks Sylwia for figuring out the timer on my camera!