Calling All Pregnant Mommies!

I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and I feel amazing! Though it's getting a bit harder to tie my shoes and I'm getting up to use the bathroom four times a night, I feel comfortable in my body and I know I'm growing a healthy baby.

Why do I feel so awesome? Two words: STROLLER STRIDES! By attending these great classes that focus on the physical and emotional needs of new moms and mommies-to-be, I feel confident that I am doing my best to get my body ready for the new bundle that will be arriving in a few short weeks!

I am pleased to announce that Fit4Baby is coming to the Treasure Valley!

Fit4Baby is a nationally recognized prenatal fitness program brought to you by Stroller Strides. This one-hour class is designed to help strengthen the body and get it ready for the "event" of labor and delivery, all while helping to reduce the aches, pains, and fatigue that are often associated with pregnancy.

This class is child free and stroller free. Come meet other expecting mamas from the area, get - or stay - in shape, and have fun! You can begin Fit4Baby as soon as you discover you're pregnant and can attend class up until "the big day!"

Our GRAND OPENING celebration will feature cool goodie bags, amazing membership offers, and an incredible raffle featuring prizes from the following retailers, plus much more!

* BOB Strollers
* The Stylish Stork
* Luna Bar
* Happy Baby Organic Baby Food
* Rafiki Indoor Play Center
* Shu's Idaho Running Company
* Stroller Strides

Spread the word and tell your friends!

Please bring comfortable workout clothes, water, a mat or towel for ground exercises and meditation, and a smile! I hope to see you there; please contact emilyn@strollerstrides.net with any questions!

Mark your calendars for this fun and fabulous event!

Fit4Baby Grand Opening

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

10:00 a.m.

Parkcenter Mall

Boise, ID

Welcome to Our Newest Member!

Congratulations to Stroller Strides mama Ashley, who welcomed 9 lb, 12 oz Kai on December 23rd!

We Love Stroller Strides!

Looking for a Great Gift? Give the Gift of Fitness!

It's that time of year!

For a limited time, we're offering a Holiday Special. For just $195, you can give that special mama in your life the perfect gift - the gift of fitness!

What is Stroller Strides?

Stroller Strides is a fitness program that moms can do with their babies/toddlers. Classes are 1 hour long and include power walking/jogging with intervals of toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller, and the environment. Taught by certified instructors (who are also moms), it is a GREAT workout for any level of exerciser!

What do you get for $195?

* Registration fee ($75 Value)
* 3 Months Dues (Jan-March. Valued at $150)
* Stroller Strides Gear - Including tee shirt, water bottle, and exercise tubes

Offer valid for first time participants only and through 12/31/09.

Vendor of the Month: Shady Lane Studios

I am pleased to announce that Lauren Harms of Shady Lane Studios and Ooh Lala Photo is once again our Vendor of the Month!

Lauren will be offering specials for local Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club members throughout the month of December!

Lauren specializes in newborn/infant, family, maternity, and fairy tale portraits that are truly magical. At the end of the month, Lauren is offering a gift certificate for a FREE session!

Just in time for the holidays...

Saturday classes return to Boise!

** Please join us for a special Butterball Buster class **

Jump out of your food coma and into fitness!

This class is FREE for all participants!

Saturday, November 28th

9:30 a.m.

Park Center Mall

Boise, Idaho

Welcome to Our Newest Member!

Congratulations to Stroller Strider Meggan, who welcomed 8 1/2 pound Hudson on Friday!

"Fall"ing for Autumn in Idaho!

Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club have been having so much fun this season!

When the last week of October proved too chilly to continue classes outdoors, we moved the annual Halloween party inside! Cutie-patooties galore!


We crafted some sweet pinecone owls at a playgroup last week. The kiddos (and mamas!) seemed to really enjoy creating these festive feathered friends!


Rake Up Boise was a great success again this year! We had a wonderful turnout and were able to fill 38 leaf bags in under an hour! Way to go, team!



The *big game* last week let our mamas show their true fan colors at our "Football Frenzy" Stroller Strides class! We had an equal number of BSU and U of I supporters - who took some time out from their friendly rivalry to do some kick lines for us!



Now that it's getting colder, we're searching for indoor playgroup spots! So this week we headed to the Idaho Discovery Center! What a great way to give the little ones some hands-on, exploratory fun!



Now that we're heading in to December, we've got some fun holiday happenings ahead!

November Newsletter is Ready!

Our beautiful new newsletter is ready! You can view an online version of it here.

November Vendor of the Month: Take Shape for Life

In the last two months, my husband John has lost 25 pounds! Yes, 25 pounds in just two months! It’s all thanks to health coach Bill Bryan and the local Take Shape for Life program.

Bill is excited to be our local Vendor of the Month and is offering some great deals for any family members, friends, or coworkers of Stroller Strides mamas who may want to learn more about healthy living and eating habits. As a personal health coach, Bill is there every step of the way, and wants to see who can use his professional guidance during the holiday season! At the end of the month, Bill is offering a FREE MONTH of Medifast meals to one lucky participant! Please contact Emily for more information.

Join Our Team for Rake Up Boise!

Treasure Valley Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club will once again be participating in Rake Up Boise this year! Please join our team for this wonderful community volunteer event, in which we'll grab our rakes, families, and helpful spirits to clean up the yard of an elderly Boise citizen.


Check out these pictures from last year's event, and please contact Emily at emilyn@strollerstrides.net to RSVP!

Winter Session Begins!

Stroller Strides classes are moving INDOORS!

*

Please join us for our Winter Season of

Fitness for Mom, Fun for Baby!

*

Winter Session

M - F

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Boise Towne Square

Lower Level, by Sears

*

Your first class is FREE!

*

For more information, visit

www.strollerstrides.net/boise

*

* Membership Specials offered throughout the month of November!

* Indoor Saturday classes begin November 14th!

* Weekly Play Groups and Monthly Moms' Nights Out!

*

Please contact emilyn@strollerstrides.net with your questions!

Stroller Strides Conference 2009 - "Make a Diffference"

Emily and Dawn attended the Stroller Strides National Conference in San Diego October 14-17. What an amazing experience! There were dozens of franchisees and instructors from all over the country who came to participate in a few days' worth of inspirational academy courses, lectures from informed presenters, and, of course, intense workouts!!

Most of our classes were actually outdoors, along the marina near Sea World and the beautiful harbor. Of course, I didn't bring my camera on those days.

The overall theme for this year's conference was "Make a Difference." It was inspired by the story of a little girl who was walking along the sea shore, tossing starfish that had washed onto the beach back into the waves. I man running by stopped and asked why she was doing that. "There are millions of starfish on the beach," he said, "You can't possibly make a difference!" The little girl picked up one starfish, tossed it into the sea, and said, "It made a difference to that one."

This is such a sweet and powerful message, and a reminder that we all have it in us to make a positive difference in the world by even the smallest gestures. Remember, to the world you may be just one person, but to one person, you may be the world!

Where's Dawn??

Rachel and I went to PRESCHOOL together in Boise! Now, she owns a successful Stroller Strides franchise in Portland! It was great to catch up!

Here's to another fabulous year of Stroller Strides, Luna Moms Club, and - soon! - Fit4Baby here in the Treasure Valley.

Updated Membership Policies

Our Membership Policies have been updated. You can view them by visiting our local Stroller Strides website, or by clicking here. Thanks for your continued support of our great program! Please contact Emily with any questions.

Survey Time!

Hi Mamas! Please take a moment to fill out a quick survey. We appreciate your input as we strive to make this the BEST Stroller Strides experience ever!

Click Here to take survey

Fun Pic of the Week

The passing of the torch at a fun playgroup -Toddler Olympics!! Remember to check out ALL our fun pictures here!!

Fun Pic of the Week

Claire proudly shows off the wooden "O" she made for her daughter at August's Moms' Night Out -- Get Crafty Night! More pictures are up on our Picasa site.

September Newsletter is Ready!

The September newsletter is ready and can be viewed here.

September Vendor of the Month: Shu's Idaho Running Company

If you haven't yet had an opportunity to go visit Mike "Shu" Shuman at the Idaho Running Company, you should run, jog, or sprint right over!

Shu's Idaho Running Company offers the friendliest, most knowledgeable sales staff around, and "Shu" is always willing to lend a smile and a friendly hug.

Shu's has been supporting the Treasure Valley Stroller Strides program since we opened three years ago, and has offered support, prizes, and motivation for all of us through our Get Fit Challenge, Healthy Mama Challenge, and even with goodies in our New Member Bags!

This month, Mike and his staff will be offering special incentives for Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club members. So be sure so run in, and thank him for supporting us!

Shu's Idaho Running Company is located at 17th and State.

Meridian Classes Have Begun!

A giant Thank You to all the mommies - both new and experienced! - who showed up to help us celebrate our new Meridian class location at Settler's Park on Friday and Saturday!

We had a wonderful turnout on both days, and I'm so excited about bringing this new venue to our already stellar lineup of Stroller Strides classes!

The Meridian Weekender meets on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., and will run through November 14th.

Don't forget to check out all our pictures here!

Introducing: The Meridian Weekender!

We are thrilled to announce the Treasure Valley's newest Stroller Strides class offering:

The Meridian Weekender!

Fridays and Saturdays at Settlers Park in Meridian (located at the corner of Ustick and Meridian Roads)

9:30 a.m

August 28 - November 14, 2009

***

Please join us for our

GRAND OPENING

on Saturday, August 29th

9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Settlers Park

***

A full, FREE Stroller Strides class, fun, food, and prizes will be offered!

** Enter to win a FREE 10 Class Pass ~ A $100 Value! **

There will also be a "sneak peek" class on Friday, August 28th. Come meet the instructors and other awesome local mommies, and participate in a full class!

RSVP to emilyn@strollerstrides.net and feel free to contact me with your comments and questions. I look forward to seeing you there!

Fun Pic of the Week

Painting the town wet! The kiddos have fun at our "Water Painting" playgroup!

August Newsletter is Ready!

To see the August newsletter, click here.

A Plug for our Vendor of the Month

Our family took advantage of Lauren Harms's great offer to Stroller Strides moms for family portraits! As always, I think her shots turned out great. You can see some of the pictures from our family shoot on Lauren's blog. Pick up your coupons at Stroller Strides class, or contact me for more information!

Fun Pic of the Week

Summer girls Kathryn, Eliza, and Kennedy enjoy watching their mommies having fun and getting fit!

Fun Charity Opportunity!

Hey mamas... One of our own, Andrea, passed along this great shopping, er... charity event. I think it sounds like a lot of fun. We all love some nice comfy jeans in the Fall!

.

Look Good and Do Better
Charity Designer Denim Sale

Cool weather is just around the corner and that means it is time for that new pair of jeans. What better way to look good than to help out a pair of good causes at the same time?

The Kappa Alpha Theta Boise Alumnae Chapter and Charity Denim are hosting a designer denim sale on August 29th, 2009 at the Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Boise from 11am-4pm.

Both men’s and women’s jeans of all sizes will be on hand. Brands available will be Seven for all mankind, Hudson, Joes, Red Engine, Citizens, Blue Cult. Prices will range from $35-$85 each pair.

All major credits cards accepted. Changing rooms will be available. Come early for best selection!

All money raised will go to support the 3rd and 4th Judicial District of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation.
www.charitydenim.com

Vendor of the Month: Shady Lane Studios

I am very excited to announce our Vendor of the Month program! Each month, one of our favorite local vendors will be offering special offers and discounts for Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club members!

August's Vendor of the Month is the fabulously talented Lauren Harms of Shady Lane Studios and Ooh La La Photography.

I have had many opportunities to work with Lauren in the past and am always amazed by the quality of her work and her vision. Lauren specializes in newborn and child portraits, families, maternity, and has a special love for fairy/pixie/sprite photographs that are truly magical.

As you can see, some of our mommies have already enjoyed some special sessions with Lauren!

I am a believer that professional portraits are one of those things that are absolutely worth it, especially when the photographer has such an amazing eye and a "way" with children, and can really work some magic with Photoshop and cropping. During the month of August, Lauren will be offering some spectacular savings for you! Be sure to pick up your coupons and do your part in making some family memories!

Check out the AMAZING specials Lauren will be offering -- Just for Stroller Strides and LMC mommas!

-- $50 Off Any Family Portrait Package AND a Free 11x14 Portrait. A $125 Value! -

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There will also be a fabulous raffle item at the end of the month: A Family Session and a Free 11x14. A $175 Value!

Thank you for supporting Shady Lane Studios and other great local businesses!

Fun Pic of the Week

Brooke triumphantly high-fives teammate Christina during the Clothes Relay on Games Day!

Just Three Words...

Okay, mamas, here's your chance to share your love of our Stroller Strides program... and be featured on our local website!

Your assignment: In just three words, let us know why you love Treasure Valley Stroller Strides! Your three words can also be about how you feel during/after class, what made you join, the benefits you see... anything!

Submit your responses by clicking on the "comments" section of this post by July 31st. Your answers just may appear on our local website (unless you don't want them to)!

I can't wait to see your creative minds at work... 3 words can be a challenge!!

Photo Mania!

Inspirational, fun, sweet, silly... and caught on camera! Be sure to check out the latest pictures from our Treasure Valley Stroller Strides adventures here.

Please Welcome our Two Newest Members!

Congratulations to Stroller Striding mamas Erin and Connie, who welcomed a daughter and a son this month!

Keegan was born on July 2nd! Congratulations to Connie and big brother Travis!

Sophie was born on July 13th! Congratulations to Erin and big sister Grace!

July Newsletter is Ready!

Click here to see our July newsletter!

A, Like, Totally Awesome Class

On Friday, June 26th, we had an all-80's-themed dance class. What a blast!



Since Michael Jackson passed away the night before, and since I know his music certainly shaped the 80's childhoods of many of us, all the music that day was by Jacko -- including hits such as Bad, Billie Jean, and Beat It.




Mamas came ready for a totally rad time, decked in leg warmers, side pony tails, and - yes, even a few leotards.

We were sweatin' to the 80's with moves from the Molly Ringwold to the running man to the Robot, and it was, like, so cool.

Excellent job, mamas!

Fun Pic of the Week

Robot. 'Nuff said.

Family Class and Picnic!

On Saturday, June 20th, we had our Family Class and Picnic in honor of Father's Day.

Daddies, uncles, and even grandmas were on hand to participate in a fun Stroller Strides workout at Veteran's Memorial Park, and everyone brought a delicious potluck-style item to share afterwards!

I hear there were a lot of sore daddies the next few days!

Thanks for coming out on a weekend to show your support of Stroller Strides, get your families involved, and best of all -- give us an opportunity to wish all our wonderful husbands and dads a Happy Father's Day!

Lean Mommy: The Golden Rules of Good Nutrition

When you're consumed with mommyhood, you may feel too busy to eat right or follow a diet. Or you may not know where to begin if you are restricted from dieting because you are breastfeeding, or because all the information can seem overwhelming! Lisa Druxman's book Lean Mommy sets some simple guidelines that will help you to not only make healthy eating choices and turn them into habits, but to know why these choices are the best ones for you and your family.

Rule Number One: GO FOR COLOR

One easy way to take in the variety of nutrients that you and your family need is to make every meal as colorful as possible. Nutrients in plants known as phytochemicals are often found in the pigment that gives food its hue. So create a plate that has plenty of green, red, orange, and yellow foods. Healthful beans and grains and meats, poultry, and fish will add neutral shades of white, beige, brown, and pink.



Rule Number Two: GET A HANDLE ON PORTION SIZES


Every food has calories So, in theory, if you eat too much of anything, you can gain weight. (But I'm still looking for the person who got fat eating too many strawberries and oranges.) The truth is, fresh foods usually have lots of fiber and so it's hard to eat too much of them. Processed foods like pasta, animal products like cheese and oils, on the other hand, are calorically dense, which makes it easy to overload on them. Learn what a sensible portion really is. (And no, it's not the two-foot-wide plate you're given at some family restaurants!) Read the labels and notice if the foods says three servings for the whole can or box you were about to eat.



Rule Number Three: KNOW YOUR GOOD CARBS FROM YOUR BAD CARBS



Plant ingredients like wheat grains that have been processed into manufactured foods like pasta or bread are known as bad carbs. High-sugar foods are, too. These foods are broken down quickly and tend to be absorbed into the body very quickly, too. This is not a problem unless you are overweight and inactive and are glucose intolerant. Then too much insulin may be released to help carry the glucose into the cells of your body that use it for energy. Over time, this overload can lead to diabetes. ... You will always make a better choice when you choose brown rice over white rice or whole grain bread over white.



Rule Number Four: PICK PROTEIN CAREFULLY

Protein is the term for the different amino acids. There are 11 amino acids that cannot be made within the body, so they must come from food. If you eat a variety of healthy food, you'll have no trouble obtaining all the needed amino acids. That's why a vegetarian will have no problem getting enough protein if she eats a healthy range of foods. Animal foods - meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy - contain all eleven of these amino acids. They are called "complete" for that reason. But research shows that we should take in a higher proportion of protein from plant foods that from animal foods. So when you think protein, don't just think meat, think vegetables, nuts, beans and grains, too. When eating animal protein sources, go for organic, grass-fed, low-fat, and/or lean when you can.

Rule Number Five: CHOOSE GOOD FATS

Not only are fats yummy, some are beneficial to your health. Animal fats in meats, poultry, and dairy products are mostly saturated fats since they have a chemical structure that makes them solid. That's why you can cut off a piece of fat from a steak or slice through butter or cheese. Less than 10 percent of the fat you eat should be saturated. Unsaturated fats are found in all foods, but are predominant in plant food. They have been shown to help reduce, not raise, your levels of bad cholesterol (your LDLs) and raise levels of your good cholesterols (HDLs). So that's why, even though foods like olives, avocados, and nuts can have a high percentage of fat, they're still great for you.

Unsaturated fats tend to be liquid (sunflower, walnut, olive, and corn oils). Trans fats are good fats gone bad. Food manufacturers take a healthy oil, like soybean oil, and modify it in a process called hydrogenization so that it becomes solid, and more like saturated fat. Think Crisco or margarine. It's cheap and has a longer shelf life. That's why most fast food restaurants and big companies that make packaged foods use loads of the stuff. The fact is, no known about of trans fat is considered safe. The best way to avoid it is to stop eating processed, packaged foods. If you do eat packaged foods, look for 0 grams of trans fat on the label.