Easiest Christmas Tree Ever: Paint it!

A friend of mine had a fabulous idea this week that I immediately borrowed (Thanks, Teri!): Paint a Christmas tree on a sliding glass door! 

We are going to be celebrating Christmas while visiting relatives this year, so had not planned on putting up a tree. The expense and hassle of rearranging the living room, getting a tree, and pulling out all the ornaments did not seem worth the short amount of time we would be able to leave up a tree, but I was feeling blue about not having something for the kids (and for me - I love to decorate trees). The perfect solution: tempura paint.

My 5-yr-old and 2-yr-old helped me paint 2 trees on our back door this morning. This was one project where they really did HELP - not the kind of help that makes what you are doing take 3x as long - and we all had a blast. The base coat is drying now, and when they are done napping we will paint on some decorations. I tried to paint some decorations on as we went, but the colors mix when they are wet. We also spent another couple hours this morning drawing, coloring and cutting out paper decorations to tape on the tree.

Here is the work in progress: 

See the newspapers on the floor? Use lots and lots of newspapers or other drop cloth - the younger your helpers the more you will probably need :-) Also it is good to have either a roll of paper towels or a pile of wipes or moistened cloths in reach just in case. Tempura washes out of cloth, but is a little bit of a hassle to remove from carpet.

We used tempura paints, regular paint brushes and a wide sponge "brush" for our little guy... his fancy work is on the lower right corner of the tall tree. The smaller tree is entirely my 5-yr-old's creation.

If you have older kids, or babies too young to participate and want to take on the project just for your own amusement, you can also use acrylic paints. Check out some information from a professional window decorator for some more tips HERE.

Happy Tree Making! 

Our finished product, with paper snowflakes and ornaments: 

Holiday Gift Idea #2: Time for some Pampering, and I don't mean diapers!

One of the themes of Stroller Strides is the importance of moms remembering to take care of themselves first. Remembering the "me" in mommy is a challenge with all of the tasks on our plates taking care of our families, but a burnt out mama isn't going to be a help to anyone! 

Focusing on fitness is a GREAT way to increase your happiness, energy and confidence. Imagine what a treat at a spa will do for you!!! This is a very good suggestion to someone looking to buy you a gift - just pick your favorite local spa and ask for a gift certificate, or if you have a particular service you know you love you can ask for that. 

Everyone loves different atmospheres and personalities, so a spa experience can be a pretty personal thing. Here are some recommendations from about town: 

1. An aromatherapy facial from Essential Esthetics by Richelle. If you have not had a chance to check out Richelle's in-home studio yet, you are missing out! She offers facials, waxing and brow/lash tinting. I appreciate the hours available for appointments, accommodating  crazy family and work schedules with evening appointments and highly flexible hours. All of her products are natural, organic and smell sooo good! Richelle is offering us a great special, too - mention Stroller Strides to receive 50% of a facial when you purchase one at regular price.  Highly recommend this one - great service, quality products AND a chance to support a mom-owned local business! 

2. A massage! There are several holiday specials being offered around town. Two offers have recently caught my eye: First, a discount offer from a one-hour or half-hour massage from the medical professionals at Gray Chiropractic Health Clinic.   Also, a complimentary hot stone add-on ($25 value) to any massage service from Glaze Nail Bar during November and December.   Of course there are DOZENS of other venues offering massage options around town. Several locations also offer a couples massage option - a great gift to BOTH of you! Ask around, and give the Salon a call to ask about any special offers going on, then let your shopping elves know what you want! Don't forget a manicure or pedicure too.

3. Some mental time off! Find a theatrical or musical show coming to town and ask for tickets for yourself - better yet, buy two and take your partner, spouse or friend for a fun grown-up night of culture and mental stimulation. Search the Anchorage Concert Association for ideas, or check out the searchable events database from Anchorage Daily News. Don't forget Cyrano's Off-Center Playhouse downtown! 

4. On a budget? Send your spouse or partner out with the kids (check out indoor play spaces such as Park and Play, safe and easy options for these frigid days!).  Use some hours of kid-free, responsibility-free time all to yourself to take a bubble bath, read a book or some magazines, drink some tea, take a nap, do a crossword puzzle, work on a scrapbook page. No catching up on business projects, errands, or cleaning is  allowed! Use the time to unplug and relax, listen to YOUR music, and do exactly what YOU want to do.

Give some thought to what would help you feel rested, revived and rejuvenated, and ASK FOR IT! Every one I know would love to give the special someone in their life the perfect gift - so let them know what it is! 

Happy Hinting :-)

Feeling Thankful

As I sit in my warm, secure house while the snow comes down and the temperatures hover around zero degrees, I have so much to feel thankful for. After a fantastic, busy weekend spent in the company of friends I am feeling especially thankful to live in Anchorage and to have the opportunity to spend part of each day with so many amazing moms and their kids.

This week my oldest babe turned 5, and it blows my mind to realize my journey into motherhood has now been five years in the making. Having kids changes everything. I feel so thankful that for me, one of the changes was to find a program like Stroller Strides where I can spend time with my beautiful kids AND get into the best shape of my life. I am thankful for legs that have done so many lunges they are strong enough to run with my kids, arms that have done so many curls and extensions that they are strong enough to lift my kids for hugs and snuggles, and a mind so full of songs and games for them that we can entertain each other for hours. 

I am thankful for all the families who have allowed me to share in their journeys, to play with their kids and encourage their moms to give themselves the awesome gift of muscles sore from a great workout, and confidence that comes with increasing strength. So thanks, everyone, for being part of the family. Thanks for committing to being a model of an active and healthy lifestyle for your kids. Thanks for singing silly songs while you do your bicep curls. 

See you soon. :-)

Holiday Gift Idea #1: Give the gift of fitness!!

The Holidays are approaching faster than a speeding sled! All the early snow and cold temperatures have a lot of Anchorage residents in a holiday frame of mind - of course, all the stores have had their Christmas tree displays up since BEFORE HALLOWEEN (am I totally dating myself to say I remember when none of it appeared until after Thanksgiving???? yikes). 

So, here is the first in a series of ideas for all the wonderful moms on your lists! Feel free to print and leave strategically on the counter where your special elves might find it. 

The Gift of Fitness. 

First of all, let's get rid of the notion that it is in any way rude, or presumptuous, or anything but thoughtful to give someone one of these gifts. Buying someone a gym membership does not mean you think they need to shed some pounds - it just means you love them enough to help smooth the path to increasing their health and wellness. It means you value this person and want to keep them around a good long while, strong and healthy and ready to play with the kids in their life. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

1. STROLLER STRIDES!!! It's me talking, after all, so of course this is at the top of my list. Already a member? Consider a gift for a new or expecting mom in your life! There are two Holiday Specials available this year (contact Chandra at chandrapoe@strollerstrides.net to purchase): 

• A five-class pass for only $25. These are not normally available - usually class passes come in a bunch of 10 and run $110 ($11/class). This is a great way to introduce someone to the program! Passes are available for purchase from now through the end of December.
• Registration and three months of unlimited classes for only $120 ($240 value). Perfect for mothers of infants who are ready to get active again! 

2. Body Back - A fantastic new workout and nutrition plan for Every Mom!  Our first session will be limited to 10 moms and will begin January 4, 2012. Check HERE for more details on this exciting opportunity to make some tangible changes in how you look and feel this year! Contact Chandra at bodybackanchorage@gmail.com to register.

3. Plan a ski or snowshoe date (including childcare)! It would be soooo dreamy to have someone else figure out childcare for a few hours to spend with your spouse, partner or a good friend in the fresh air and fluffy snow! What a great way to burn some calories while having fun with someone you care about. This would be a great gift for YOU to give to your significant other AND YOURSELF.

4. Gift certificate to a yoga studio; check out Inner Dance Yoga Studio's new student special of any 3 classes for only $20.

5. Dance classes!!! This would be so amazing as a gift from a spouse or partner - honey are you listening? - especially if it came with a childcare solution already figured out! Check out the links at Dancing Fools for some ideas of class types and locations, from ballroom to Zumba.

6. Gym membership - at a location close to the office for working moms to get away on their lunch breaks or before/after their day, or a location with childcare options for moms who are with their kids during the day. 

7. Home exercise equipment. Beyond traditional options like stationary bikes or treadmills, there are also some fun electronic options such as a Wii, or X-Box Kinect, that the whole family can enjoy. 

8. Gift certificate to Skinny Raven, Sports Authority, Lucy.com (members don't forget your discount!), or another store or online retailer focusing on fitness gear and apparel. It is so much more fun to workout wearing cute and comfortable gear!! 

Hope this gives you a few ideas, would love to hear some more! Stay tuned for the next installment, focusing on some well-deserved pampering.

Low fat, nutritious and delicious Spiced Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Raisins

A cookie recipe??? Yes! 

I love pumpkin, and this time of year all the tempting treats led me to search for a pumpkin recipe that I could be happy about giving to the kids, and not feel bad about indulging in one for myself! It took a surprising amount of searching online to find a recipe that is - as cookies go - relatively healthy and totally delicious. This is modified from a couple recipes found online - I had to change the proportion of flour, up the spice content and the amount of pumpkin but in the end these are just right. They are low in fat and sugar, but so yummy!

These are the cookies I had for our Stroller Strides Halloween Class #1 (none of them survived for Class #2). The new snow and low temperatures make perfect baking weather. These cookies fill the house with a lovely smell - and are a perfect treat after playing with the kids outside! Bake a batch and enjoy - these also freeze well to save part of the batch for another snowy day. 

Spiced Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Raisins

Ingredients (use organic wherever possible!) for 3 dozen cookies:

• 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (or 1/4 c agave)
• 1 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1 cup raisins, or dried cranberries or a combination

•  (optional extras - skip these to keep calories and fat lower: 1/2 c chocolate chips and/or chopped pecans or walnuts)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg in a large bowl. 
3. Whisk eggs, brown sugar (or agave), pumpkin, oil and molasses in a second bowl until well combined. (TIP: use the same measuring cup for the canola oil and molasses, doing the oil first. Makes the molasses pour right out of there with no sticky clean up). 
4. Stir the wet ingredients and raisins/cranberries (and optional extras) into the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.
5. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, and drop the batter by level tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheet, spacing the cookies 1 1/2 inches apart.
6. Bake the cookies until firm to the touch and lightly golden on top, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Enjoy a delicious winter treat!