January Mom of the Month - Lisa Tran!

This month we recognize LISA TRAN for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU LISA for being part of our Stroller Strides family!


1. Who are the members of your family?
My husband Allen; myself; my daughter Alison (2 1/2 yo); my son Brandon (9 mo).

2. What is or was your career?
Health care

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I first did Stroller Strides at the end of my first maternity leave in September 2009. Because of my work schedule, I couldn't attend regularly again until the evening and Saturday classes started approx July 2010!!!

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
That my weekends and free time are now totally structured around playtimes and naptimes!!!!

That I could be filled with an amazing sense of complete love when I see my children laugh, smile, and/or sleep!

5. Favorite website(s)?
Facebook, thecrockingirls.com, and any website that offers a good discount on baby/kids stuff.

6. List three current obsessions.
Crockpot recipes; hats for my kids; leg warmers for my kids! My daughter doesn't have much hair, so I have to accessorize somehow!!!

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
Alison frequently asks me to sing - Lately her most frequent requests have been "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
Ha ha! This is a funny question to me, as I always feel like I'm constantly struggling!!! Just remember to take care of yourself, otherwise it's harder to take care of your family. This includes eating right, exercise, sleep, etc. However, this is easier said than done!.

December Mom of the Month - Allyson Barna!

This month we recognize ALLYSON BARNA for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU ALLYSON for being part of our Stroller Strides family!

1. Who are the members of your family?
Me, My husband Rich, my 8 year old twin boys Wesley and Garrin, and my 1 1/2 year old twin boys Riley and Noah.

2. What is or was your career?
To attend to the every need of my children (and my husband)

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I have been a member of Stroller Strides for 4 years. 1 year as a member, 1 year as owner and instructor, 1 year mostly missing in action as I was still in shell shock with 2 infants at home, And the last year as a 3 time veteran of Body Back and regular attender at Stroller Strides. What has Stroller Strides done for me? Before the babies were born it gave me a lot more self confidence, something to do with my kids and great friends. After the babies were born it helped me with goals I never thought to even consider like loosing 40lbs, running a 10K at a 10minute mile and considering to attempt a 1/2 marathon. Thanks to Allison and Body Back!!!

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
How much patience it requires

5. Favorite website(s)?
party planning and crafty websites like Pizzazzarie, chickabug and etsy.

6. List three current obsessions.
Running, keeping up on laundary, and making sure to find fun things to play together as a family.

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
After asking my two 8 year olds I got the same answer from both of them..."that you love me".

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
Keep things simple, efficient and fun.

Same Great Workout, Convenient New Location!

East Yorba Linda residents, we're happy to announce we will be offering classes at Box Canyon Park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting December 1st. Join us at 9:15 am for a fun workout with your kiddos! Box Canyon has a great playground for the kids to play after class.

New members can enjoy a preview class at no charge. If you join that day you will receive half off the membership fee. Stroller Strides provides mothers physical activity as well as social support for new and expecting moms. Join us today!

*** Box Canyon is located at Via Lomas de Yorba and Foxtail Drive.
http://www.funorangecountyparks.com/2010/06/box-canyon-park-yorba-linda.html

Our Video!

Last week I went out to our parks to visit with all the mamas from Stroller Strides and find out just what Stroller Strides means to them.  The result was this fun video.  Thank you to everyone who participated!

November Mom of the Month - Krystal Sloan-Ramirez!

This month we recognize KRYSTAL SLOAN-RAMIREZ for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU KRYSTAL for being part of our Stroller Strides family!


1. Who are the members of your family?
The members of my family are my wonderful husband Lauro, my beautiful son Riley, who is now seven months old. We have two cats, Cleopatra and Athena, and a dog, Hercules.

2. What is or was your career?
I am a credentialed elementary school teacher. Right now I am just subbing until I can find a permanent teaching job. I am having a blast being able to spend so much time with Riley.

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I joined Stroller Strides right after Riley turned six weeks old, so almost six months now. I think Stroller Strides has made me more confident in myself, as a woman and as a mother. Being able to talk to a group of women, who are going through similar problems, be it body issues or the lack of sleep, is so helpful and reassuring.

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
The one thing about motherhood that has surprised me is the amount of love that I could have for my child. The word love just doesn’t really seem to express all of the feelings I have for my son. He is my world. I could not imagine my life without him in it.

5. Favorite website(s)?
I don’t think I have a favorite website.

6. List three current obsessions.
Lately I have been obsessed with running. I am going to be doing a 10k at the beginning of November, so I have to train for that. I also love to read. My husband would say I am obsessed with buying things for Riley. I disagree; he needs all those clothes.

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
Riley loves when I sing the ABCs to him. It calms him down if he is starting to get fussy. He also loves when I make funny noises, and he loves when I kiss him on the belly. It makes him laugh, and then makes me laugh. And it keeps me going back for more.

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
I am still learning how to be the best mom I can be, so I do not even know what tips I can give to others. I can say that when they told me time was going to go by so fast I definitely did not understand how fast. It just seems like yesterday that I was announcing I was pregnant, and now Riley is seven months old. He is crawling, has teeth, and pulling himself up on everything. So I guess the only advice I can give is to treasure every little moment, even when all you want is for them to just go to sleep.

October Mom of the Month - Lynn Mirabella!

This month we recognize LYNN MIRABELLA for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU LYNN for being part of our Stroller Strides family!


Who are the members of your family?
My husband, Kate and I. We also have a water turtle named Nemo.

What is or was your career?
I work, when I can, with my husband at our family business. I am also the Sunday school Coordinator at my church. I have been doing this for 14 years now. I teach 3, 4, & 5 year olds. It is such a rewarding job.

How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I joined Stroller Strides in May, so I guess it has been about 5 months. I love it! I love the idea to be able to work out with my child. I have enjoyed meeting all the Stroller Strides moms. It is nice to have other moms to get advice from and just talk to about everyday things with. I can’t wait until Kate is a little bit older so she can play with all the other kids. Many friendships are going to be made from this wonderful group.

What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
Well, I knew that I would be sleep deprived, but I never realized how much! And the fact that I am still able to function on such little sleep is a big surprise! Also, how much more laundry such a little person creates!

Favorite website(s)?
Facebook- I love keeping up with my friends. Pinterest- I love this site, I have gotten lots of great ideas from it. Babycenter- I like to read about the different stages that Kate is in as she grows, I also like to see what other moms are saying. Any food sites- I am always looking for new recipes to try out!

List three current obsessions.
I guess you could say I am a little obsessed with putting bows in Kate’s hair. Sadly she is about at the age where she is starting to pull them out. 2- I love to scrapbook! I am always buying new stickers and paper. But, since Kate arrived I haven’t had as much time to spend on this. Hopefully she will one day take longer naps and I can take advantage to that time to catch up! 3- Of course I am 100% obsessed with Kate. I love her tons and love spending time with her. It is so much to watch her grow and learn new things!

What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
Kate is an active baby so she just loves when you play and sing to her. She likes to get out and go for a walk or shopping, any place that she can watch people! She always laughs when you play peek-a-boo too!

Any tips for other moms out there?

I am a first time mom and I am still figuring out this for myself.  I don’t know if I have many tips to offer. Every child is different and I have found that you can take other advice and try something but usually, in the end, it is something totally different that ends up working. Trial and error is the stage I am in right now. Just go with the flow is what I always say! I do know though that some days I would never make it if I didn’t take a nap when Kate does. That makes a world of difference!

September Mom of the Month - Kelly Saint-Onge!

This month we recognize KELLY SAINT-ONGE for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU KELLY for being part of our Stroller Strides family!


Who are the members of your family?
The members of my family are Me, my husband Christian, our daughter Taylor (2) and I am pregnant with our second baby due March 9th!

What is or was your career?
Before having Taylor I was a corporate transactional attorney specializing in structured finance at a large law firm in downtown Los Angeles. Now I stay home with Taylor and still practice law on a contract basis for clients. It is a perfect situation for me because I have really flexible hours and get to be home with Taylor and yet I didn't have to stop being an attorney altogether. .

How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I've I have been a member for one year. Stroller Strides has been such a wonderful experience. Taylor and I have gained so many great friends and it has given me the ability to be able to workout while Taylor gets to enjoy the outdoors and being with her friends too! Plus, as an extra benefit to the great workouts with friends, we have such fun play dates after class that it really combines everything you could want in a mom's group!

What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
I was surprised by how fast my priorities changed after having Taylor. Before having Taylor I couldn't imagine the love I would immediately feel for her and after there was no doubt that family was my top priority. I always thought I would go back to my law firm after my maternity leave but I just couldn't imagine leaving her for the incredibly long hours that my career demanded. My husband and I had lived in Los Angeles for almost ten years and we had a great time with all of the restaurants and things to do and see, however, we knew that as soon as we were ready to have kids we wanted to move to Orange County where it would be easier to raise them and be able to have a house and lots of kid-friendly places to visit, etc. These have been some of the best decisions that we have made!.

Favorite website(s)?
Facebook, Amazon, Shutterfly, Sugarsync (to back-up all of our pictures and videos) and food blogs (to get ideas for new recipes). I also visit www.nosa.gov (the national weather service website) each day because I always like to know what weather is forecasted.

List three current obsessions.
Trying to finish decorating the house we bought three years ago and now a new nursery too! Finding new things to cook that Taylor will (hopefully!) eat. The third would have been attempting to run a half marathon before this year ended if I was asked a couple of months ago, however, that will now have to wait until the end of next year. So going with a much less physically demanding interest, I am very excited for fall tv to start and all of my favorite shows to return as well as new shows!.

What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
Taylor loves for me to sing her songs and read her books. We learn new songs at kindergym and library storytime and Stroller Strides and then we sing them all the time at home!

Any tips for other moms out there?
Oh this is hard because I think every mom is an expert when it comes to their own kids. I would say what has really added to my enjoyment of motherhood has been finding so many friends who have kids around the same age as Taylor. Joining Stroller Strides or a mom's group or a church group for mom's is a great way to meet new friends and have people who can relate, celebrate and commiserate with what you are going through. I would also say that staying in the present and enjoying each stage that your child is going through and accepting their personalities and strengths and weaknesses really helps to reduce the mommy stress and stops the time from speeding by quite as fast.

August Mom of the Month - Yannette Grimm!



This month we recognize YANNETTE GRIMM for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU YANNETTE for being part of our Stroller Strides family!


Who are the members of your family?
The members of my family are Chloe (4), Cole (9 months) and our tabby cat Muffin. And my husband Sam, almost forgot about him.

What is or was your career?
I started as a milliner working at a boutique on Melrose, went to study fashion and art at CSULA and started designing my own clothes. Then I went back to school to get my teaching credential. I've been a teacher for 16 years and am looking forward to taking this next coming year off to stay with my kids.

How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I've been a member of stroller strides since Chloe was 6 months so I've been going off and on the past 3 1/2 years. It has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of great women and it has helped me become strong both inside and out.

What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
What surprised me most about motherhood is how I can still manage to function on so little sleep. I might not be able to finish a sentence or remember a name, but I can still get myself and the kids to Stroller Strides.

Favorite website(s)?
Pinterest! I can't get enough of it! I find ideas for birthday parties, baby showers, etc. I also love Gilt even though I can't always afford it I like to daydream about a party where I might wear those Christian Louboutins I'm salivating over.

List three current obsessions.
Fashion, I love to tear out pictures that inspire me and I shop through my closet... I love watching Project Runway. STARBUCKS! --- my staple - Venti Iced Chai, Halloween - Pumpkin Spice Latte, XMas - Eggnog Latte. And last but not least, fist pumps for Jersey Shore. I know you either love it or hate it but I can't help it. It's like watching a train wreck. Now hopefully my kids won't follow in the footsteps of the Jersey Shore cast... but if they refuse to listen to me and just have to, Pauly D is awesome.

What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
I think it's the ability to reenact the same scene from Tangled over and over again. Chloe makes me be evil mother, of course. I always ask to be Flynn Ryder but that honor is given to Cole. I'm always amazed at how even though we've done it a million times I still have fun.

Any tips for other moms out there?
I don't feel like an expert to offer any tips, I just know what works for me. I make sure to give myself time to spend with my friends. I try to enjoy every moment with my kids. If I'm having a bad day I take a deep breath and I make sure to exercise to get it all out.

July Mom of the Month - Shari Muscat!

This month we recognize SHARI MUSCAT for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU SHARI for being part of our Stroller Strides family!


1. Who are the members of your family?
The members of my family are my husband Todd, Me and our son Holden.

2. What is or was your career?
I am an architectural consultant. I work from home and assist architects with their design and specifications. My hours are very flexible which allows me to spend most of my time with Holden.

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I have been a member of Stroller Strides for a little over a year. It has been a great experience: meeting new moms, sharing advice, insight, worries...etc. Holden has met lots of friends and loves playing at the park, afterwards. Stroller Strides has really helped me to realize that what our kids see and experice us doing is what shapes their lives. What a better example than to be fit and healthy.

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
Everything is surprising. No one can really prepare you or tell you what to expect. It is the greatest and toughest role in life. I'm surprised by all that I am learning from my son about love, about life, and about how it's usually the simplest things that have great wonder and impact.

5. Favorite website(s)?
I spend alot of time on the web for work so I don't do a lot of fun web surfing.... But I do like the food network for recipes. and I love to surf for travel info. I'd like to get into Facebook.... soon!!!
6. List three current obsessions.
scrapbooking, reading (i just got a NOOK) and my son, Holden

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
Holden's favorite thing that we do is playing in the backyard and "digging". We use our shovel and bucket and dumptruck and dig in the dirt. He loves being outside !!!

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
Join stroller strides, join a moms group, reach out to other mom's. It's so great to know that other people are going through all the different "growing pains" and experiences that you are. It's an amazing journey and we really learn from each other. I appreciate it!!

June Mom of the Month - Amber Bushman!

This month we recognize AMBER BUSHMANfor her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU AMBER for being part of our Stroller Strides family!

1. Who are the members of your family?
The members of my family are Me, Travis (my husband), Henry (our son who is almost 15 months old), and our big dog, Hollis.

2. What is or was your career?
I was a property manager for eleven years before I had Henry. I worked for the 2nd largest commercial real estate firm in the world and I loved the fast pace and all of the responsibility, but I always wanted to be a mom. My career in a nutshell was making sure my office buildings were running well, my team was working hard and having fun, and keeping my tenants and clients happy... it’s not all that different than running a household and keeping my family happy. I am loving being home with Henry every day!.

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I joined Stroller Strides almost a year ago - and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I moved to CA from Atlanta just over 2 years ago...we spent the 1st year in Manhattan Beach then moved to La Habra when Henry was 6 weeks old. When I joined SS, I didn’t know anyone here except my husband’s (wonderful) family and was SO hoping that I would make friends. Henry and I have made great friends, are exercising at least 3 days a week, and I love being a part of a group of such strong moms!

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
Ultimately, I have been surprised at how rewarding motherhood is. I thought that there would be some part of me that would want to go back to work by now - that I would be ready for the adult conversations, etc. Maybe I get that through SS, or maybe I don’t mind the baby talk? - but I am not missing my career at all so far - Henry is so much fun!

5. Favorite website(s)?
Amazon, Epicurious, Etsy, Facebook & Kaboose

6. List three current obsessions.
Henry, chai lattes & working on the house.

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
Henry is happiest when his dog Hollis and I are sitting on the floor playing with him, and he loves when I tickle him with my nose. He also enjoys being outdoors - so we’ve been playing a lot of basketball, gardening, and running around with Hollis. My husband thinks he likes my homemade food best.

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
I don’t feel like I can tell any of the SS moms anything they don’t already know - this group is really smart and strong and clever as a whole. But if you’re not making use of all of these great minds in one way or another - that would be my tip. Ask questions, get involved, and chat a little after class even if it’s time for naps - the mom network through Stroller Strides is such an amazing resource - use it!

May Mom of the Month - Raina Southwell!

This month we recognize RAINA SOUTHWELL for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU RAINA for being part of our Stroller Strides family!

1. Who are the members of your family?
The members of my family are- My husband David, my children Lincoln and Sofia who I can't believe will be one year olds this month & myself.

2. What is or was your career?
I was a first grade teacher and Literacy Specialist in Long Beach, but am now blessed to be a full time mommy..

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I joined Stroller Strides on July 30, 2010. I remember that day since it was one of the best things that has happened to me in years, besides becoming a mommy J. I have met so many great people that inspire me to be a healthy role model for my children and the best mommy I can be.

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
Even though you may not want to be away from your babies, taking time for yourself makes you a happier, healthier mommy.

5. Favorite website(s)?
Shutterfly.com- I love sharing pictures of the twins with my family and creating photo books to document all of the precious moments.

Wholesomebabyfood.com- Such a great resource for making healthy, homemade baby food from beginning solids to toddler finger foods.

People.com-My guilty pleasure.

6. List three current obsessions.
Figuring out how to keep feeding my soon to be toddlers homemade, healthy food as they are moving away from purees and wanting to feed themselves.

Eating clean and healthy to fuel my body so I can keep up with my very active babies.

Trying to keep bows in Sofia’s hair!!!.

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
I think they love all the fun things we do together to explore the world around us, we are always on the go. I also think they cherish their one on one time with me, Sofia wakes up early to spend some cuddle time with me and Lincoln stays up a little later to play with mommy and daddy.

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
Cherish every moment, even the crazy one, since they will be gone before you know it and you can never get them back.

April Mom of the Month - Shannon Blanpied!

This month we recognize SHANNON BLANPIED for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU SHANNON for being part of our Stroller Strides family!

1. Who are the members of your family?

The members of my family are- My Husband Shawn, Teagan (4), Ashlyn (3), Cain (7 months) & myself.

2. What is or was your career?

Before having Children I was a full time student as well as a Nanny. I am now a stay at home mom.

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?

I started Stroller Strides in June of 2007, when Teagan was 6 months old. I can't believe that I have been a member for almost 4 years! Stroller Strides has helped me lose the baby weight from my pregnancies, as well as stay in shape. Most importantly to me, it has been a way to meet wonderful women who enjoy doing the same activities as myself.

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?

Many things still surprise me about motherhood...getting through the day with hardly any sleep, getting thrown up/pooped on and being ok with it, but the one that stands out most is the fact that you are responsible for someone else's life.

5. Favorite website(s)?

I LOVE the internet, so I have a lot of favorite websites but I would have to say the top ones are: Karaspartyideas.com- tons of cute birthday party ideas, Daytrippingmom.com- this lady has categorized by city, fun day trips to do with your kids, Nordstroms.com Forever21.com & Etsy.com - for shopping.

6. List three current obsessions.

My three current obsessions are - decorating the house, taking my kids to experience fun new things & online shopping.

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?

I would think my children love that I cuddle them to sleep most nights & that I am up for anything...we do a lot of spur of the moment daytrips.

8. Any tips for other moms out there?

Your kids are only little once, try to make as many memories as you can for them. My parents did this for me & I want to make sure my kids have the fun memories as well. I remember reading somewhere ( maybe it was in a Stroller Strides newsletter, not quite sure) You will never regret the things you did with your children, you will only regret the things you didn't do.

You are what you think…

A few months ago I went to a reunion with some former teammates. We all played volleyball together in our teenage years and then went on to intern together during college. I had not spoken to most of the women there in over 10 years. It was incredible to see how each of them was so grown up and changed, yet still the same fun, relatable girls I grew up with. We got caught up in the usual manner...jobs, kids, current projects and goals. Stroller Strides was, of course, a major topic of discussion for me as it fit into the category of job, kids, and current projects and goals. It felt so good to be sharing something that brings me joy and pride with my friends.

In the course of our catching up one friend commented that I seem to live a “charmed life.” That comment stood out to me that day and has stuck with me ever since. It sneaks into my mind as I’m driving like a crazy woman trying to make it to preschool drop-off on time. Usually one of my children is crying, one is talking a mile a minute and the other one is yelling at the talker and the crier to be quiet so he can have a turn to talk to Mommy. I know when we get to school I’m going to have to pull all three kids out of the car for a total of five minutes for the drop off and then usher the little ones back into the car and to drive just five more minutes down the road to get them out again. I am tired because I stayed up too late the night before. I need to have my eyebrows waxed and I’m wearing a hat to mask my bad hair. The chaos elevates my heart rate and makes me grind my teeth. I want to hit mute on life and then I think…”I am so lucky.” Seriously, I find myself thanking my lucky starts that my kids are in safe car, going to a good school, and they are able to communicate well. I think that they must really love me and want my attention. My son has a good lunch packed, they all have clean clothes and are healthy, etc. Suddenly I have a million reasons to be grateful. All because someone told me that my life was good. I never realized just how powerful words can be until I started to notice how often that phrase “a charmed life” pops into my head. Life is good. It truly is. I love feeling happy about where I am at and who I’m with in this world.

On a similar note, one of our Body Back members recently commented that I have “such a positive outlook on life,” which got me thinking again. Why do I feel so good? Is it just the “charmed life” comment filtering my perspective? I think it helps, but it isn’t the only reason I feel good. It’s more than that. I think I’m happy, because I’m constantly thinking about how happy I am. That only happens because I set myself up to celebrate the little things. Positivity takes practice. It’s like a muscle we must train…EVERY DAY!

So here’s my advice…give yourself many opportunities to notice the good in your world and then do it. Look out the window at the great weather, light a candle, hold your baby tight for that extra moment before you put him down for a nap, look up a positive quote, pull out an old picture that brings back a good memory, call a friend who makes you laugh, smile, leave your hubby a love note, play an upbeat song in your kitchen or car, dance with your kids, stretch, meditate, read a book. Whatever lifts your spirit is your daily workout. Don’t skip it. Soon you’ll be the one with “charmed life,” and “positive outlook.”

March Mom of the Month - Maggie Uvalle

This month we recognize MAGGIE UVALLE for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU MAGGIE for being part of our Stroller Strides family!

1. Who are the members of your family?
My family is made up of my husband Austin, myself, our son Carter (18 months) and our baby on the way...due in June!

2. What is or was your career?
I am currently a hair stylist in downtown Fulleron at Unity Salon. I've been doing hair for ...gulp... 8 years! I am fortunate to only work 3 days per week while my parents watch Carter.

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I joined Stroller Strides 7 months ago...and not to be cheesy but it has completely changed my life. From a fitness perspective, I am in better shape than I have ever been (I just beat my husband holding a 60 degree crunch before I started writing this...lol) I love feeling strong! Also, the people I have met through stroller strides are soooo incredible! Just being able to chat with fellow moms who are going through similar things really keeps things in perspective. Starting the day off with a workout and a laugh has got to be the BEST!

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
The biggest surprise about motherhood!?!?! lol...where do I start? What has probably surprised me the most is the incredible feeling of love I have for that baby. I could have never imagined in a million years feeling the way I do. The feeling of being so big and strong (to your child) and at the same time being so small and powerless and knowing that this is all so much bigger than you! It's scarey...and amazing!

5. Favorite website(s)?
Besides Facebook...I'd say my favorite websites are foodnetwork.com and diapers.com...I love to cook and I love to order diapers too! :)

6. List three current obsessions.
One of my obsessions for the last 15 years of my life is cooking. Love love love to cook. Now Carter is starting to help a little...very little...but its even more fun when we can fling eggs around the kitchen together! I also vacuum constantly...lame...and we are adding a veggie garden to our fruit orchard so that will be very exciting!

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
I think Carters favorite thing about me is probably a tie between cooking together and snuggling...we do lots of fun stuff but sometimes he gets his cup and blankie and pushes me to a couch and then climbs onto me to snuggle. omg. Kills me every time!

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
Tips to other moms? I wouldnt give myself that much credit! I just always try to keep in mind that Carter is LITERALLY watching everything I do. So I try to make descisions that set good examples and that will help him become a loving, caring, happy person who feels accepted and validated while understanding boundaries and consequences.... that shouldn't be a problem, right?!?

Running Club Starting in March!

This year as we have trained together for a 5K and two half marathons it has become clear that there is a need and desire for a running group for our mamas. To answer that need we will be launching our very own Running Club. An extension of our Luna Mom's Club Play Group, the Running Club will meet each Saturday morning to run for fun and train for various events throughout the year ranging from 5Ks to half marathons. Anyone is welcome to join the group as it is free and open to the public, so bring non-mom friend or your spouse if you like!

At the helm of this new group will be experienced marathoner and Stroller Strides mama, Allyson Reeds. Allyson joined our group this summer as a teacher member and has been a regular participant in our Saturday monring training runs this season. She is extremely excited to begin her tenure as Running Club Captain and will bring us all terrific training tips and guidance on a weekly basis. To learn more about Allyson and her experience with running and Stroller Strides please visit the "Meet the Staff" section of this blog.

If you are interested in participating in the Running Club please email allisonclewett@strollerstrides.net and you will be added to our running club email list. Members of the email list will receive monthly running schedules and updates.

FREE STROLLER STRIDES CLASS - FEBRUARY 23rd!

We will be hosting a FREE Stroller Strides class at the Annual Kids Fair hosted by the MOMS Club of Placentia North on Wednesday, February 23 at the Brea Community Center. Please join as we kick of the fun filled event with an hour of fresh air and exercise with your little one(s)! Class starts at 9:15am. Be sure to wear sneakers, bring water, and have a towel or mat handy for abs and stretching at the end!

Brea Community Center

695 Madison Ave.

Brea, CA 92821

Do You Want Your Body Back in 2011?

What is Body Back?

Body Back is a results based workout program for moms of any age. Inspired by the Mama Wants Her Body Back video series, it offers high intensity, interval workouts, along with before and after fitness assessments, coaching and support, so that you will see the weight loss, increased strength and energy. Unleash your personal possibilities!





FREE PREVIEW CLASS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12th @ 9am

Brea Sports Complex
3333 Birch St.
Brea, CA 92821

2 Sessions starting in March sure to fit any busy schedule!

Monday/Wednesday 6:00pm - 7:00pm
February 28th - April 20th

Tuesday/Thursday 5:30am-6:30am
March 1 - April 21st

Pricing
Register by February 14th - $199 for Stroller Strides members, $249 for non-members
After February14- $249 for Stroller Strides members, $299 for non-members
Be sure to grab a friend to join with you...you save $40 each!!!

The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect is an unforgettable story about how our world is an incredible life of permanent purpose. It's about how every move we make and every action we take, matters not just for us, but for all of us...for all time. When you know that everything matters, that every move counts as much as any other, you will begin living a life of permanent purpose. A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse and a more valuable friend.

Went the Distance!

It all started 6 months ago when our group of fitness-minded Stroller Striders, were challenged by the folks at Coach's Oats, a health focused company in our community, to get out and get moving. Cover 200 miles in 240 days. The task seemed daunting, but broken into small steps any goal can be acheived.

We are now 9 days away from our 240 day deadline and 9 women have pushed themselves to complete the task. These proud mamas literally took the steps needed and applied the time and energy to walk every day. Many even used the challenge as a spark and started running. Two completed marathons since we began the "Coach's Oats Go the Distance Challenge" and four others a half marathon. Running wasn't necessary to get the job done however. One mother found out she was pregnant midway through the alloted time and was still able to reach the 200 mile goal well before the 240 day deadline by simply walking and attending Stroller Strides classes on a regular basis.

All the women who stayed dedicated and active enough to reach the 200 mile goal are shining examples of health and committment.

Congratulations to:
Angela Bridgford
Allyson Reeds
Allison Clewett
Kelli Clifton
Lisa Estrada
Lisa Friedman
Jennifer Maloof
Jessica Merrell
Andrea Reuter

The New Old You!

The new year is here and like every new year it offers a time for reflection and a time for resolutions. Health and fitness often top our list of goals each January. There always seems to be some improvement needed in these areas. Because we are all our own worst critic, there is often a sense of disappointment associated with the traditional New Year's resolution of weight loss or improved diet. Somehow we feel that we have failed if we haven't reached perfection, whatever that may mean to us. It is that attitude of failure that sidelines us as we work to once again reach our goals. We are the biggest roadblock on the path toward our success. So this year I hope that each of you changes your mindset about your goals and resolutions. Convert the negative thoughts and actions you inevitably fall into into positive ones. Change the way you think about your ability to reach your goal. You CAN do it! As you reflect on 2010 appreciate and honor the strides you made toward a better you. Evaluate what helped you take those steps and bring more of those success facilitating strategies, people, ideas and practices into your world this year. Believe in yourself enough acheive your goals.