So far, in addition to my Halloween music (are you all ready for the Thriller dance tomorrow??!) I've downloaded almost all of the requests left in my comments section - Although WHERE is Marky Mark & The Funkybunch's Good Vibrations? I can only find the "sounds like...."versions on itunes?!
But we need more suggestions!!!! Leave 'em for me..

And if you're on Facebook become a fan of Stroller Strides Flagstaff's page!

See you tomorrow for a Spooktacular class..

So, as we all know by now I have some issues with sweets.... and Halloween is not an easy time for me. Here is a great alternative to a bad-for-you dessert/afternoon snack. Just keep the ingredients prepared in separate bowls & make it when you need/want it!
My new favorite recipe:

Tropical Fruit Parfaits (serves 6- takes 20 minutes to make)


1 cup plain, fat-free Greek-style yogurt (I love this stuff!)
3 tbl honey
2 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups ripe papaya (about 1 papaya)
1 1/2 cups ripe pineapple (1/2 a pineapple)
1 1/2 cups strawberries (about 1 pint)
6 tbls granola

1. Combine yogurt, honey & vanilla yogurt in a bowl
2. Layer the remaining ingredients in this order: papaya, yogurt, pineapple, yogurt, strawberry, yogurt & top with granola

121 calories, 1g fat, protein 5g, Carbs 25g, Sugars 19g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 27mg, Calcium 47mg

As promised I am sending a request out to all of you to give me some music idea!!! Don't worry about if its 'explicit' or not, I will try & find a clean version.
Give me some help ladies or else its Hulkamaniac & Abba foreva...... :)
Leave your ideas as comments please!!!

I don't know about you, but I am a failure at dieting. Usually what happens is that I start out really strong- spend a bunch of money on ingredients to follow the meals set up by whatever "plan" I'm on. And I usually do great for a week, or 2 weeks, but then... something happens and I "fall of the wagon" which results in feeling bad about myself and chucking the whole diet thing.
Diets can work, but chance of keeping the changes you make on a restrictive diet are not very high. In January, we will be adding a new program to Stroller Strides called L.E.A.N Mommy created by Lisa Druxman, the founding mother of Stroller Strides. I am really excited about this program as it will teach all of us how to eat consciously, thoughtfully and identify why we 'fall off the wagon" and teach each and every one of us how to have a good, healthy relationship with food- a relationship that can include ice cream, chocolate or any other treat we like. Unlike a restrictive diet you may not lose bunches of weight quickly, but more importantly you will change you life and in time see amazing results, not only for you, but also your kids & your family.
Here is a 'fun fact" I read this week:


104 = the number of diest the average woman tries between 18 and 70 (70!)
5 = the number of weeks the average diet lasts
10 = the average number of YEARS the average woman spends on a diet

10 years of your life on a diet!!! That is NOT OK with me!! Lets change this!!!

According to Health Magazine's September '08 issue there are 3 'real secrets' to trimming you "waistline and other body parts" through a walking program. See if any of these secrets are already known to you because of Stroller Strides (hint: they ALL are)
Drumroll please...........

• Plyometrics

• Hills

Walking on hills can triple the number of calories you burn, work your glutes, calves & hamstrings & make walking on flat ground seem easier.

• Intervals

Change it up! Walking/jogging is great exercise, but add in a few 30 sec- 1 minute bursts and increase the number of calories you burn. Intervals are a great way to avoid a plateau & maybe boost your metabolism.

Any of these look familiar? We do most, if not all of these, everyday in Stroller Strides class, proving once again, it is a TOTAL Fitness program for Mom (and of course Fun for Baby!)

This video was made by a Stroller Strider in Wilmington, NC. You MUST watch it as it is the cutest thing I've seen/heard in awhile. And we will definitely be singing that stretching song at the end- it is awesome!
http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/ESZC3/?action=view&current=SSslideshow.flv

At today's brisk Buffalo Park Stroller Strides class there were a few questions about how we would know if class was canceled or re-located due to weather. The cut-off for it being too cold for class outside is around 42 degrees that being said, we live in Flagstaff, we deal with wind...I'm not good at calculating wind chill on the fly so I will use my best judgment in deciding when to cancel.
Ok, but how will you know??

1. Call 1-800-971-2648 and press #2 for the most up-to-date weather info
2. Check the blog
3. Check your email
4. Email me!
5. Go to class- I will be there to let you know its canceled OR give you a one-on-one training session...in the cold.. :)
   

We are most likely moving indoors the 1st week of November- location to be disclosed by the end of the week- so stay tuned!!!!

Today's playgroup was postponed until Friday, although those of us hardy enough for class found shelter in yummy coffees and chai teas at Late for the Train. So please come to class (or playgroup) on Friday to have some fun decorating pumpkins!!!!

The Luna Moms Club celebrated Sept. & Oct. mommy & baby birthdays at playgroup last week. It was chilly so we packed into the Ft. Valley Late for the Train, shut the door & partied!! Apples, pumpkin bread & caffeine- it was pretty crazy!
Stroller Strides babies are by FAR the cutest.. :)
Haven't joined yet? Just stop by a playgroup & hang out with us OR visit www.lunabar.com/momsclub and sign up- you get a free gift!

There are a few new add ons to our blog- our playgroup calendar is posted in the right hand column so you can always check out what is going on this month- Moms Night Out TONIGHT 6:30pm at the Wine Loft.

I'm sure you all have some hidden talents and I want to help get those talents out into the open.... Today I'm focusing on 2 of our crafty moms-
Colleen (Olivia's Mom) and Laura (Zumara's Mom) both have amazing stores on etsy.com and I've added their links to the "Shop Stroller Strides Mommas" section of this blog. Please check out their stores- especially with the Holidays coming up! Some of my favorite things on their sites are:

At least its cold for now- its supposed to be 70-ish the next few days, but this cold weather reminds us of the need to bundle up those babies. Remember its you that is sweating your butt off- not your kiddo.


Some key Do's and Don'ts to keep your baby warm as winter approaches:

• DO help baby maintain body heat with a toasty hat since most body heat is lost through the head.
• DO add mittens and warm socks or booties to exposed hands and feet on cold days. If baby has a tendency to suck on his little hands, bring extras. Wet hands are cold hands!
  
• DO dress your baby in layers – Lycra and silk are better insulators next to skin than cotton since cotton will stay damp when it absorbs moisture. Baby generally needs one more layer of clothing than mom.
  
• DO invest in stroller accessories made for cooler weather. Fuzzy seat liners and vented rainproof and windproof stroller covers can keep baby comfy through inclement conditions.
  
• DO apply a dab of chemical-free sunscreen to baby’s sensitive face for protection from the winter sun--even on overcast days.
  
  
• DON’T forget to remove a layer of clothing when heading indoors. Keeping baby too bundled could cause him to perspire, making his warm clothes wet and cold when you return to the cold air outside.
  
• DON’T wrap a scarf or any material over baby’s mouth or nose. Baby’s moist breath will turn cold on her face, and the wet, compress-like material can irritate skin and inhibit normal breathing.
  
• DON’T bundle baby so tightly that it interferes with car seat safety. Prevent bulky clothing and blankets from coming between baby and the car seat’s straps by dressing him in clothes that allow the harness to come between his legs and piling additional layers on top of the straps once he is secured.
  

If you would like to take part in our evening class- there are a few spots left! If you are a monthly member- just stop by at 5:15, if not, still stop by but our 3 week evening session will cost $30!!!! No registration fee. If you know of other working moms, or those whose babies don't allow them to make a 9:15 class- please send them our way!

Anyone want them? Season opener against Columbus.. Not the best seats, but they are free!

According to our recent 1 month survey 85% of you find it 'important' to find some support at Stroller Strides class and thankfully, most of you are finding it in class. One of the greatest things about class is that you can ask the 'silly' questions you've been wondering about motherhood/your child etc. and hopefully find some answers or at least some sympathy. I'm glad you guys are finding that in class, the Luna Moms Club and hopefully, eventually, at the yahoo board. But....there are many different types of support and what I want to talk about today is boobs.....and not just because its Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Everyday in class I see some of you ladies that need some more support (in the boobs). I've been talking for almost 2 months now about the importance of a good sports bra, I would put it second behind good sneakers for making your workout the most comfortable possible. So, I'm going to plug the ladies at Title 9. I've been getting their catalog for years and finally bought a spectacular sports bra from them. True, I spent $44, but I wear it everyday and love that my breastfeeding boobs get all the support they need as we walk, run & jump. And yes, you can get a sports bra at Target for $20, but most of us would need 2 to get the support we need and 2 x 20 = $40..... So check it out- they rate the support given by each bra with barbells- and trust me after months of saggy nursing bras putting 'the girls' back where they belong is SO nice..

In case you haven't yet (and only 4 of you have) please go to this link and fill out our 1 month Survey- I want to hear what you have to say. Please don't worry this is completely anonymous- so BE HONEST. Classes will only improve if you tell me what you want to change (if anything).
Congrats to Heather for being the 1st person to fill out a survey, she wins the 'big' prize but don't worry, everyone who participates will get a goody!

So as many of you know I have a ton of weddings this Fall as well as a bunch of 30th birthdays (coincidence- weddings start to increase around our 30th birthdays??! hmm....) In search of gifts for friends whose registries are already picked over, I stumbled on this shopping website Stella & Dot (check out their ad on our website) and it has the become my go-to place for unique, affordable jewelry. I love, love, love their lockets & charms as well as the unique, chunky, "statement" pieces. I don't know about you guys but I have a secret jewelry lust over the initial necklaces some celebs wear- since their's are usually all diamond they are a little out of my reach. Stella & Dot has a great $30 alternative which I've been trying to drop some serious hints about-seeing as my bday is coming up. :) If you don't already have one- think about getting a locket: you can put pictures of your baby, family etc in them & always have them near.. Sounds cheesy but I love mine.. :) Check it out & start that holiday shopping!!!

I just found this article on the Stroller Strides Richmond blog- 6 Food Mistakes Parents Make. I know many of you may be thinking, "great another thing I'm doing wrong"- but don't think that!!! :) Read the article and incorporate some of the tips you think would fit into your lifestyle- thats the amazing thing! most really powerful changes are just small things.. Ditching the soda, skipping the drive thru, getting your butt to Stroller Strides class in the morning....

Keep on stridin'.....
These locations offer 1st week FREE- so head on down there & keep up your workout over your vacation/weekend/long weekend.. Don't you love it? 1 less excuse!!!

Temp/West Mesa

Chandler/Gilbert

Ahwatukee

To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) StrollerStridesFlagstaff has gone pink!

Consider yourself very lucky if breast cancer has not hit someone you know- it is a very personal cause for me as my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 39. She is very lucky to have survived with "just" a single mastectomy. Because my mother was diagnosed so young- I have had to be especially viligant in my breast health, but it is really something everyone needs to watch.
Some things you can do to help in the search for a cure

• Shop! Buy pink ribbon gear at www.pinkribbonshop.com * personal note: while raising awareness through pink ribbon products is an awesome idea- read the fine print & see if the company is doing enough to really help in the search for the cure & not just making money off your kindheartedness!
  
• Sweat! My favorite race- The Race for the Cure is in Phoenix 10/12/08 click here to register Can't make it to the race? Try the "sleep in for the cure"
• Donate! www.komen.org
• Click! Donate a free mammogram each time you click www.thebreastcancersite.com (make it your startup page & do it every time you log on to the internet
• Lower your Risk: know your risk level & follow the suggested steps to lowering your risk. Things we should all do:
  

Strollerstrides.com has the best t-shirt it reads "My mom is my role model", I've always thought it was adorable and reminds us all that as moms our kids watch everything we do & absorb it all- even when we think (or wish?) they aren't.
We all have our vices and 'issues' for me- it has always been sweets. I just read an article saying that liking sweets may actually be genetic (thanks, mom!) but like most things, just because we have a propensity towards something doesn't mean we have to give in to those urges. I think about that a lot- just because we can do something doesn't mean we should.. For me its the thought that "yes, I can buy a big bag of halloween candy & eat it all this week... but should I?" Becoming a mom has really brought this home for me- I realize that Lily sees and hears everything I do and is starting, already, to imitate me. Do I want a daughter that has issues with food or do I want one that can enjoy one sweet treat & not have any weird feelings about it? Do I want a daughter thats a couch potato or do I want one that gets off her butt & gets out there? Do I want a daughter that comes up with 100 excuses why she shouldn't do something instead of just getting up & working through it?
I heard the best, best, best story today at the playground after class at Ponderosa Trails- a Stroller Strides mommy told me that last night when her husband was asking about class, her daughter got up & showed her dad a whole Stroller Strides routine- squats & all! She later caught her using a long balloon as tubes and was standing on it doing bicep curls. A 2 year old is picking up that exercising can be fun- just by watching her mom in class!!! Now thats a 'roll model'.....