Letter D activities

How about some D is for Dinosaur activities for you and your little one?  Check out Confessions of a Homeschooler for her "Teeny Tot Tuesday" letter d games, lessons, and activities!

And the winners are...

In case you missed the announcement on the entry post, the winners of our Rafflecopter contest have been determined.  Are you one of them?  I would guess you won something, if not one of the main prizes mentioned at the top of the Rafflecopter entry, then one of the "bonus" prizes I decided to add!  I was just having so much fun clicking the pick a winner button that I decided to keep going! ;)

Here is the winner list:

Grand Prize:  Stacey J.

1st Prize:  Arlene M.

2nd Prize:  Janice F.

Bonus Prizes (mini Luna gifts):

Misty D.

Christina R.

Chrysa H.

If you put your email address in the entry form, then I am emailing you details.  If not, contact me ASAP to claim your prize!  Congrats!

What is Stroller Strides?

This is one of the best descriptions of what Stroller Strides is about that I have ever read!  Below is an excerpt of a blog post by Branda Schrader of Santee Stroller Strides.  Read the post in its entirety here.

STROLLER STRIDES IS NOT JUST A WALK IN THE PARK!!

You will be challenged and your baby will have fun too!

Stroller Strides is a 60 minute workout program designed for both pregnant moms and those with children ages 4 and under. Classes are interval based, include cardio and toning exercises, and are appropriate for all fitness levels. Children are kept involved throughout the workout with songs and other fun activities. Stroller Strides promotes a healthy lifestyle for the whole family, creates a supportive environment for mothers, and provides children with opportunities to socialize with one another.


We LOVE Stroller Strides because . . .

• No session dates, contract terms, classes filling or hidden fees
• Children are entertained during class--even if we sing off key!
• FREE playgroups and Mom's Night Out activities
• Stroller Strides is approved by the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Fun specialty classes
• It's a great way to get in shape and meet other moms!

You should join us- your first class is free!  Our schedule is:
Monday: 9:00am - Phelps Grove Park;  10:30am - The River Fitness Center, Ozark
Wednesday: 9:00am - Phelps Grove Park;  10:30am - The River Fitness Center, Ozark
Friday: 9:00am - Phelps Grove Park;  10:30am - The River Fitness Center, Ozark

We are also starting an evening class on Monday, July 16.  It will meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings at Phelps Grove Park.

Thank you Stroller Strides for helping me get back into some old jeans that I thought I would never be able to wear again! Feels so good! (Mom of three - youngest is 9 months)

Letter C Activities

Check out all of the Letter C activities on Preschool Express.  Here are some of my favorites:

• Give your children some play dough and show them how to roll snakes and then turn them into the letter C.
• Cut out large C shapes for your children from heavy paper and glue on corn kernels.
• Look for C foods at the grocery store. Carrots, cauliflower, corn, celery, cucumbers, cakes, cookies, crackers, etc.

Click here for a  tracing and printing worksheet from TLS books.

As always, there is a plethora of activities at Confessions of a Homeschool.

Time for a contest!

I'm thinking it is time we hosted a contest!  What do you think?  Yes?  Alright, here it goes!  The prizes will be as follows:
Grand Prize:  2 Weeks of Free Stroller Strides classes in Springfield
1st Prize:  1 Week of Free Stroller Strides classes in Springfield
2nd Prize:  Luna bar gift basket

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

The winners are.....
Grand Prize: Stacey J.
1st Prize: Arlene M.
2nd Prize: Janice F.

And because this is my first time using Rafflecopter and it was just SO much fun to keep clicking on "Pick A Winner", I decided to give Luna bar mini gifts to:
Misty
Chrysa
Christy

Letter B activities

I know we did B is for Bumblebee, but have some fun at home with B is for Butterfly!  Follow this link for Letter B activities from Confessions of a Homeschooler.  There are tracing cards, puzzles, size sorts, and lots of other activities appropriate for a range of ages!

Letter A Activities

Alright, mommas, I have decided the easiest way to get the Letter of the Week activities to you is to put them in the blog.  Blog, you say?  Yes, we have a blog!  I have been woefully negligent about it, though.  That's changing, though. :) 
Follow this link for Letter A - A is for Apple activities from Confessions of a Homeschooler.

I need this one!

I know most of you (mostly meaning my husband) are thinking that I NEED another stroller as much as I need a big blue ox.  However, once you check out these features you will see that I do, in fact, need this stroller! :)
Our friends at Baby Gizmo are giving away a new Valco Matrix!  The Matrix is a lighter version of the Tri-Mode.  However, it still has the features I want need.  The Matrix will accept a toddler seat and a rider board.....  are you following me here?  That means that we (ahem, the is important to you, hubby!) can navigate places like Silver Dollar City with all three kids in tow with an in-line stroller that doesn't push like a tank!  Woohoo!  Check out the full review (and enter to win) at Baby Gizmo!

May Educational Tips - Prenatal and New Mom Nutrition

• From the PKU test to surfactant and nitric oxide therapies, March of Dimes funded research is saving the lives of thousands of babies.
• Whether you’re pregnant or a new mom it’s important that you get nutrients such as calcium, protein, folic acid, fiber iron and plenty of fluids.  LUNA bars are the perfect snack!
• When pregnant, avoid foods like soft cheeses, unheated deli meat and hot dogs, smoked seafood and unpasteurized milk and juice.
• During pregnancy try eating 4-6 smaller meals a day instead of three bigger ones to help relieve heartburn and discomfort you feel as your baby grows bigger.
• Boost your energy with breakfast.  Some mornings it may slip your mind but skipping out on breakfast can rob you of so much energy which can be felt into the next day.

Healthy Momma Challenge

The Healthy Momma Challenge is a 6-week program for a healthier and happier YOU!!!!

The Healthy Momma Challenge supports participants while they make strides in three very important areas: mind, body, and spirit. This includes personal "Mom only" time, healthy eating, and fitness. You will count points for making healthy choices for your mind, body, and spirit and points are submitted weekly. The three moms with the most points at the end of the six weeks will win prizes!

Registration is $12 and includes a t-shirt.  Registrations are due Monday, May 16 and the challenge runs from May 17 through June 28.  Click here to print the registration.

HAVE YOU NOT TRIED STROLLER STRIDES YET? WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD STROLLER STRIDES TO YOUR HEALTHY CHOICES?  SIGN-UP FOR A SPECIAL HEALTHY MOMMA CHALLENGE CLASS PACKAGE!  $60 INCLUDES A STROLLER STRIDES BAG, YOUR OWN SET OF RESISTANCE BANDS, AND UNLIMITED CLASSES FOR THE DURATION OF THE HEALTHY MOMMA CHALLENGE! ($12 HMC REGISTRATION IS IN ADDITION TO THE CLASS PACKAGE COST.)  CONTACT ME IF YOU WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER - IT SAVES YOU $50 FROM REGULAR PRICES!

Baby Carriers

If you know me very well, you know I love babywearing!  I love the emotional and bonding aspects of it as well as the convenience when you have other children to tend to.  That being said, I have owned quite a few different carriers.  Lately, I have had several people ask my advice on different carriers.  Below is a listing of the various carriers I have owned and my opinions on them.  I hope it helps you and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Pouch slings - Urban Baby, Lucky Baby, Peanut Shell - the Peanut Shell fit me so much better than anything else. Pouches work great to nestle little babies in or to do hip carries with older ones. I carried Bright when he was 3 on my hip in a pouch. He wasn't fond of it, but he still fit! You can do a back carry with a pouch, as well. I just haven't been brave enough to try it. I use my SSC for back carries. I only use a pouch for quick trips, though. My boys are both too big to be comfortable in a one shouldered carry for very long. If you use a pouch sling or ring sling, make sure that you see how to properly fit an infant so they can breathe properly. The chin should NOT be touching the chest and fabric should not be covering the baby's face.

Wraps - Moby Wrap, Bekaboo Baby Wrap - keeps baby nice & close, however, it is not quick to get on/off. Stretchy, so really only good for smaller babies, less than 9 months or so.

Hybrid Wrap/Pouch - Baby K'Tan - love, love, love this carrier. Keeps baby close like a wrap or you can do lots of other carries, but you don't have to deal with actually wrapping. Stretchy like the Moby, so best for smaller ones.  It is super versatile, I think there are like 6 different holds you can do with one.

Soft Structured Carriers (SSC) - Yamo, Pikkolo, Ergo, Olives & Applesauce - They are all good carriers, the Ergo is the only one that didn't fit me that well just b/c I have really narrow sloping shoulders, but most people love their Ergo's. These are quick and easy - some even come with infant inserts for itty-bitty babies.

Asian Baby Carriers (ABC) - Babyhawk Mei Tai- comfy & cute, but you need to be comfortable with tying the straps. It doesn't take long to get accustomed to, but if you are doing alot of up & downs with the kiddo, it is annoying. I got rid of mine b/c it was too much to thread the straps through Rigley's brace. Although, I miss it and wish I would have kept it. I have not used it with a tiny baby, but many people do. With a small baby, you would probably want to roll it at the waist to give it a shorter body.

Also an ABC is the Beco Obi. I really liked this carrier, but it is probably best for the less than 1 year old crowd as well. They don't make these anymore and they are difficult to find.

I want to leave you with some babywearing safety tips from QuirkyBaby:

Here are the rules you should follow for a newborn or young baby under four months of age, or until she achieves good head and neck control:

• For a front carry, baby should be in the same position you'd hold her in in your arms. She should be in the "babywearing zone" between your collarbone and your waistline, either upright in a tummy to tummy position or in a slightly reclined seated position. In the correct carrying position, you can kiss the top of her head.
• Never allow baby to be curled into a C-position with her chin forced to her chest. Think T2T (tummy to tummy) not C2C (chin to chest).
• Her airway must always be clear. Her chin must be up off her chest with her neck straight and her head in a neutral position. You should be able to get one to two fingers between her chin and her chest.
• Her face must always be visible. Do not allow fabric to cover her nose, mouth, or face.
• Do not allow her face to be pressed into your body. Check her when she's actively nursing to ensure her nose is not blocked, and when she's finished nursing, re-position her so that her nose and mouth are not obstructed by your body or by the sling fabric.
• Her body should be fully supported by the baby sling or baby carrier, from her bottom to her back to her neck, to avoid any slumping or slouching.

31 Days to Clean - Homemakers Challenge

I am very excited to read this book and take this challenge!  Will you join me?  The book is entitled "31 Days to Clean - Having a Martha House the Mary Way" and is written by Sarah Mae.  From May 1-May 31, there is a group challenge to get your house in order.  I am taking it!  Get the e-book (just $4.99) and find out more about the challenge at http://31daystoclean.com/

April Educational Tips - Prenatal and New Mom Nutrition

• Planning to have a baby?  The sooner you start living a healthier lifestyle, the better off you and baby will be!  Make sure you take a multivitamin with folic acid daily.
• Did you know that staying active is healthy and safe for most pregnant women?  The March of Dimes recommends getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for most women during pregnancy.
• Trying to get rid of your post-bump? It takes time for your belly to get back to its regular shape after pregnancy.  Don’t get discouraged!  Be active and eat a healthy diet to help you lose baby weight.
• 1 in 8 babies are born prematurely each year.  By participating in March for Babies you are helping to ensure that one day all babies will be born healthy.

Bento-mania!!!

I know you have seen the Bento box lunches on the weelicious site that we all love.  However, did you know that there are a billion and a half awesome blogs out there (and moms behind these blogs) that showcase these incredibly fun, healthy, and colorful Bento lunches?  Below is a short list, I am sure there are so many more that I have missed.  Enjoy browsing and getting ideas for your kiddo's lunches... and then let me know how to find the time to be half as creative as the moms behind those blogs!

• What's For Lunch At Our House
• Bentolicious
• Another Lunch
• Hawaii's Bento Box 

My disclaimer:  I haven't thoroughly checked all of the recipes and cut some sites that seemed to use food coloring (YUCK!) in many recipes.  Please check out the ingredients to make sure they are a healthy fit for your family! :)

Here is one that isn't dedicated to Bento boxes, but I like it!

• Super Healthy Kids 

Add color to your plate!

(Excerpt taken from American Dietetic Association Press Release dated February 1, 2011)

While the trees may be bare in March, there are still plenty of colorful and nutritious foods to fill your plate. During the 2011 National Nutrition Month^®, the American Dietetic Association encourages everyone to add color and nutrients to your meals through this year's theme: "Eat Right with Color."

"Adding a splash of colorful seasonal foods to your plate makes for more than just a festive meal. A rainbow of foods creates a palette of nutrients, each with a different bundle of potential benefits for a healthful eating plan," says registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Karen Ansel.

Ansel offers ways to brighten up your plate in every season with this quick color guide.

Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi and lime
• Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers and leafy greens such as spinach

Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers.

• Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach and pineapple
• Vegetables: carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn and sweet potatoes

Purple and blue options may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks.

• Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums, raisins
• Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage, purple-fleshed potato

Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grape fruit, red grapes and watermelon
• Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes

White, tan and brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: banana, brown pear, dates and white peaches
• Vegetables: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, turnips, white-fleshed potato and white corn

View the entire release here.

Exercise of the Week - Plank-Thrust

Guess what we're doing in class on Friday? :)

Win cloth diapers!

I know there are quite a few new babies in our midst and we have discussed the world of cloth diapering.  I just entered a contest that would set you up with a great cloth diaper stash and accessories.  I thought some of you might be interested, as well.

Enter by clicking here and get the whole scoop by clicking here!

Kelly Wels is sponsoring this giveaway of an INCREDIBLE package from bumGenius!  I'm very excited about it and hope you are, too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We'll be celebrating Valentine's Day at Stroller Strides class in the morning!  Join us at 9am at Battlefield Mall for a Valentine exchange for the kiddos and a kickin' love your heart workout for the moms.  Want to try a few classes to see how you like it?  Click here for a coupon!

Wear red/pink and bring your singing voices - we'll be entertaining the little ones with some Valentine's songs.  If you'd like to get a head start on the songs, here is what we will be singing:

Love Your Friends (Tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
Love, Love, Love your Friends,
Love them all year long.
Especially on Valentine's Day,
As we sing this song

My Valentine (Tune: The Muffin Man)
Oh, will you be my valentine? My valentine? My valentine?
Oh, will you be my valentine? And love me every day?
Oh, yes, I'll be your valentine, Your valentine, your valentine.
Oh, yes, I'll be your valentine, And love you every day.

The Postman Brings a Valentine (Tune: The Mulberry Bush)
The postman brings a Valentine,
A Valentine, a Valentine.
The postman brings a Valentine,
It says that I love you!

Counting Valentines (Tune: Ten Little Indians)
One red, two red, three red Valentines
Four red, five red, six red Valentines
Seven red, eight red, nine red Valentines
Ten red Valentines.

I'll see you there! 

Weekend Fitness Fun with your Kiddos

It's the weekend and there is no Stroller Strides class - sad, I know!  However, it doesn't mean that you can't fit active fun into your two days off.  Take the opportunity to let the kids workout WITH you. 

• Click here for a Mommy and Me Yoga workout.  Have even more fun - make it a Daddy, Mommy, and Me Yoga session!
• Turn up some kids tunes and DANCE!  Have a dance party with the kids - you'll have tons of fun, make great memories, and get some great cardio in.  Pandora has a toddler station now - it's free, check it out!
• Spark imagination while you get movement, think of different animals and imitate their movement with the kids.  For example, run fast like a cheetah and then lumber along slowly like an elephant.  Crab walk, bear crawl, or even slither like a snake! 
• Take advantage of the warmer weather - use chalk to draw a hopscotch board on your driveway.  You'll be able to work on numbers while you hop!

Have fun and enjoy the thaw!

Fabulous Friday!

Friday, February 11 is going to be a great day at Stroller Strides!  It is Luna Moms Day at class.  What does that mean?  It means that as a Luna Moms Club member, you get your first 3 classes in a 7 day period free - so take advantage and start your FREE TRIAL tomorrow. However, if you have already used your free trial, join us for the special drop-in rate of $5.
It is also Freebie Friday!  Everyone who comes to class will get some awesome freebies and coupons from our sponsors.  I'm not sure what all I will have, but I know there are some things from Huggies, Aquaphor, Bekaboo Baby, and more!  You must be present at class to get your freebies, so join us.
Since we had to cancel due to weather conditions on Wednesday, we are also going to follow class with our Coffee and Crafts playgroup.  After class, grab a snack/drink from your favorite place at the mall then meet us at the food court for a Valentine's Day craft.
So, I'll see you at 9am at Battlefield Mall tomorrow morning!  We meet in the corridor by Maceo's, Fast Break Sports, and Dr. Fly's Salon.