Stroller Strides Richmond, British Columbia

Mother's Day Spa Donations for The Youth Pregnancy & Parenting Program

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:57:00 +0000

I say this time & time again but the power of a maternal community continues to amaze.

We were approached by a member who had a friend, who had a friend that was looking for help in collecting spa products: soap, shampoo, makeup, nail care items, perfumes and hair accessories for the Vancouver Youth Pregnancy & Parenting Program. The coordinators at YPP were planning a special Mother's Day Spa event for the girls and were going to use the products to pamper the young moms and moms-to-be as well as assemble gift bags to be taken home by the ladies. We put the word out to our group of wonderful Lulu Ladies & Babies/Stroller Strides Richmond moms and did they ever deliver!!

The Youth Pregnancy & Parenting Program is facilitated by Vancouver Coastal Health. Direct from their website... in Vancouver, young mothers can access medical and support services at Evergreen Community Health Centre. The benefit to the program is having all the services under one roof instead of having to visit multiple sites. The program provides youth-friendly pre and postnatal care and education programs for youth and teens up to 22 years old in a fun, casual environment.

We managed to collect an enormous amount of spa products to help these new moms to be make their Mother's Day something special. One of our members is part owner of a Salon in Steveston. H2O Hair & Nail was the biggest donor of product by far. Not only did Marlene, Jennifer and their crew donate numerous bags of product, they donated 3 gift certificates that will go as part of a prize draw for the event day. Thanks H2O and thanks to all the moms in the group that kindly made donations that will go towards making someones Mother's Day extra special this year.

In good health,

Susan

Recipe Makeover - Fettuccine Alfredo

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:31:00 +0000

One of my go-to recipe sites is Kraft Kitchens Canada. They offer great ideas for meals and snacks. I got this recipe makeover for Fettuccine Alfredo from them and it is delicious. You and your family will not miss all the extra calories & fat.

Bueno Apetito!

Ingredients:

300 g (1/3 of 900-g pkg.) fettuccine, uncooked
1 lb. (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1-1/4 cups 25%-less-sodium chicken broth
4 tsp. flour
1/3 cup (1/3 of 250-g tub) PHILADELPHIA Light Cream Cheese Spread
3 Tbsp. KRAFT 100% Light Parmesan Grated Cheese, divided
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. pepper

Method:

COOK pasta as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 to 7 min. or until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet. Mix broth and flour in same skillet. Stir in cream cheese spread, 2 Tbsp. of the Parmesan cheese, the nutmeg and pepper; cook 2 min., stirring constantly until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in chicken.

DRAIN pasta; place in large serving bowl. Pour chicken mixture over pasta; toss to coat.

Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese.

Stroller Strides Prenatal.... are you ready?

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Like Stroller Strides®, Fit4Baby™ will offer a total body interval workout including strength training, cardio and flexibility exercises that can be completed in either an outdoor or indoor environment. During the one-hour class, exercises will be adjusted to accommodate clients’ various stages of pregnancy, and further education from instructors on each phase will help participants understand the bodily changes taking place, how to best care for themselves, and the preparation process for motherhood.

We are pleased to announce that Stroller Strides Prenatal Fitness Classes will be taught locally at South Arm Community Centre. The Fit4Baby™ program called, Stroller Strides Prenatal in Canada, is based on the belief that women can and should remain active during a healthy pregnancy – and in doing so, reap the rewards of a more comfortable pregnancy, easier delivery and a healthier baby. Participants will be required to obtain their Physician’s Clearance in order to attend. The form can be downloaded HERE.

For more information on our upcoming Stroller Strides Prenatal Classes contact aparry@strollerstrides.net

Stroller Strides Pre-Natal Classes Start in April 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:53:00 +0000

Calling all expecting moms!

We are so excited to announce the arrival of Stroller Strides Pre-Natal classes.We have 2 classes running starting in April 2009 which are registered at the South Arm Community Centre in Richmond.

Wednesday evenings 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm (course # SA 29515) April 8 - June 24
Saturday mornings 11:00 am - 12:00 noon (course # SA 29508) April 18 - June 27

These classes are for expecting moms of all stages of a healthy pregnancy. The class will follow a circuit-training format and will include cardio, strength & stretch components. The class will also include a series of informative information & handouts.You can register online through the City of Richmond or you can call 604-276-4300.

Current Members! Refer an expecting mom friend to our pre-natal classes and you will receive $10 off your next monthly or 10 class pass!

Learn more by CLICKING HERE!

Valuable Lessons for Stroller Strides Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Check out this hilarious clip!

It just goes to show how much the little ones learn from watching mom at Stroller Strides class. Yet just another added benefit of coming to class. Not only are you going to get in shape, look and feel great, you are teaching your children valuable lessons about the importance of exercise and healthy living (plus its fun!)

Learn more about Stroller Strides Richmond by using this link.

What is Diastasis Recti... and do I have it?

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:35:00 +0000

What is it?

In some women, pregnancy can cause a condition called Diastasis Recti, (abdominal separation) where the right and left sides of the rectus abdominus (commonly referred to as the six pack) muscle spreads apart. The separation occurs due to the combination of pregnancy hormones that cause the connective tissue to soften and the force of the uterus pushing against the abdominal wall. Diastasis Recti may contribute to lower back pain if the separation does not close after birth. In order to regain the look of your prenatal abs, you need to regain your muscle strength and tone.

Diastasis Recti Test

Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
Lift your head and shoulder blades off the floor like you are doing a crunch.
Holding that position (abs contracted), place your hand on your belly just above or below your belly button (with your fingers horizontally placed).
Press down on your belly with your index and middle fingers. Now, move your fingers side to side - you should feel hard muscle on either side of a soft space in the middle.
If you can move your fingers more than two fingers width side to side, then you have a separation, and need to do special ab exercises.
If the degree of separation is greater than 3 finger widths, please seek your doctors advice and avoid performing exercises which involve abdominal twisting.

Diastasis Recti Exercises

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms over your abdomen like you are hugging your belly.
Exhale as you slowly lift your head (and shoulders, if you can) while hugging your abdomen - that will urge the two sides rectus to contract closer to each other, helping with closing the separation.
Take a long towel and wrap it around your torso with the ends in front. As you perform a crunch, pull the ends of the towel towards each other in front of your belly button, which will also urge the muscle back together.
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. As you exhale, slowly extend one leg along the floor, feeling your abdomen contract below your belly button. Inhale as you return to the starting position.
Repeat with the other leg.

There is no magic number of days, weeks or months before you will return to your pre-pregnancy self. Everyone'sbody recovers differently from pregnancy and childbirth. A lot depends on your type of birth, pregnancy exercise history and postnatal exercise regimen. It took nine months to grow your babies and your body may need at least that long to bounce back. Your Stroller Strides Richmond Instructors would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

Alderwood House School

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:06:00 +0000

It's a Wednesday and six children aged three and four have huddled in the engineering area at Alderwood House School for a meeting. The teacher has just asked – with respect to the tree house the children began building in the Fall – "What does a roof do and what should it be made of?" They are vigorously debating possible responses.

Everyone agrees that a roof should keep you dry, and that it should be a triangle "because a triangle is the strongest shape", but how to build it? "Umbrellas?"… "They aren't big enough." "Paper?"… "But it will get wet." "Wood?"… to this, there is animated response. Wood seems like a good idea, but there's a problem: "Wood comes from trees, but we can't cut down trees because it's bad for the environment." A wind and snow storm has liberated the large alder tree in the back yard of several branches overnight, providing the children with the idea, and materials, for their solution to the roof problem. "We could use sticks." But will sticks keep you dry? "We can tie them together to make a roof…." With what? Remembering the September atelier exploration on sticky things, they find their solution: "Tape!"

The group sets about gathering sticks, and then connecting them with different types of tape.

Tomorrow, they will test the tenuous stick-structure to determine the "best" tape to use on the roof. Packing tape? Green tape? Duct tape? Each will be tested against the elements overnight as it is placed on top of the partially-completed tree house they have independently designed and built over the last two months.

Inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, Alderwood House was built in 2008 with the goal of creating a functional yet beautiful space for its 37 students aged 18 months to 5 years. Reggio-inspired schools place great emphasis on the environment-as-a-teacher, and consequently, on the importance of a beautiful and welcoming campus in which the children can independently explore and learn.

The idea of the "100 languages of children" infiltrates the classroom: children are believed to have over 100 ways of expressing and exploring, and the school environment supports mastering any and all of these languages. As artistic expression offers so many languages – sculpture, painting, sketching, 3D, mixed-media, graphic design, film and photography, to name a few – the atelier is a central space for learning and complements the more academically-focused areas such as the research lab, writing centre and library.

The tree house project is an example of the inquiry-based learning that occurs within the program, where children are believed to be capable enough to set the course and so their interests drive the curriculum. This approach deeply engages children in their work, allowing learning to become more meaningful, and encouraging children to create and achieve far more than is typically expected. At Alderwood House, the traditional learning areas of reading, writing, math, motor development, biology and botany are woven into the day by the team of five teachers, two atelieristas and chef. Combined with the problem solving, social development, creativity and scientific method encouraged through projects, children are exposed to a well-rounded and exciting curriculum.

Top schools within North America have begun the migration to include elements of Reggio, following the example of Brick Church School in Manhattan and Boulder School, Colorado. Reggio Emelia's success in developing confident, capable, well-rounded children is now being emulated here in British Columbia. Learn more about registering your child at http://www.alderwoodhouse.com/.

The Arts Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:19:00 +0000

New mom? Expecting? Mom of an active toodler and preschooler?

Whether you're looking for superior arts related activities or scrambling for daycare, The Arts Connection can solve many of your program needs.

Recipient of the City of Richmond Award of Excellence. The Arts Connection is a privately operated fine arts facility celebrating its 19th season in Steveston. In addition to infant and toddler programs, they offer a wide variety of programs for ages 4 to adult: private music instruction program in most instruments and voice, a dance program including ballet, hip hop, jazz tap and musical theatre and classes in visual and theatre arts.

In their specialized preschool and daycare facilities called Paddington Station, children have the opportunity to experience a class each day in music, drama or dance taught by a teacher specializing in that discipline. They also provide part and full time daycare.

Make sure you use the links above to check out the fine programs that are offered by The Arts Connection.

Supporting the Ban on Cosmetic Pesticides in Richmond

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:12:00 +0000

Stroller Strides Richmond and Lulu Ladies & Babies proudly supports a ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides and working towards a Pesticide Free Richmond. Join us in lending your support to The Richmond Pesticide Awareness Coalition.

The Richmond Pesticide Awareness Coalition along with support from The Canadian Cancer Society, invites all concerned parents to attend a free educational forum called Pesticides & Our Children - What are the risks and what can you do? Come out to this forum and learn why The Canadian Cancer Society is concerned about the non-essential use of pesticides so you can make informed choices about the health of your children and the environmental carcinogens they are exposed to. Guest speakers will include Dr. Warren Bell, doctor and founding president of The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and Arzeena Hamir, organic gardener.

The forum will take place on Saturday January 24th, 2009 from 10:30 am -12:00 noon at The Richmond Cultural Centre, located at 7700 Minoru Gate in Richmond. Pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Stroller Strides Richmond Class Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:26:00 +0000

We are thrilled with our new Stroller Strides Richmond class photos taken by Leighton Matthews of The Lighthouse Photographic Studios in Steveston.

To join the fun at Stroller Strides Richmond, you can find our class schedule & locations at www.strollerstrides.net/richmondbc.

If you are interested in having photos done by Leighton, you can contact him at contact@lighthousestudio.ca

ParticipACTION

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Research shows that "among children and adolescents age two to seventeen, 26% are overweight and another 8% are obese." The New England Journal of Medicine reported that "our children's lifespan could be 2-5 years less than our own." Furthermore, the economic burden of physical inactivity is estimated at $5.3 billion and the burden to the health care system is estimated at $2.1 billion. Canada is facing an inactivity and obesity crisis whose impact on the cost of future chronic disease management is almost unimaginable.

A potential solution is regular physical activity, which is associated with as much as a 30% reduction in all causes of mortality rates. With its partners, ParticipACTION wants to be part of the solution.

Stroller Strides Richmond has submitted a story to ParticipACTION telling at bit about who we are and what we do and the benefits of exercise for new moms and the positive model we are setting for our children. Please take a moment to check out our story submission, positive comments are welcomed and encouraged.

Raspberry Kids - fresh, healthy, fun

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:48:00 +0000

Shopping with my 6 and 3 year old is painful experience.

I hate to say this, but it's true. The one good thing that has come from my past experiences shopping with my boys is the love I have developed for online shopping!

I can happily sit at my desk, coffee in hand and anytime of day and easily browse the latest and greatest without junior 1 and 2 whining impatiently, "mom can we go now?". Everything from toys, clothes, electronics, and more. They are all easily accessible with a few clicks of my mouse and a few taps on my keyboard. I have found my shopping heaven.

Enter Raspberrykids.com

Raspberry Kids is a purveyor of fresh, healthy and fun products for the little ones in your life. Whether you are a Mom or Dad to-be, a veteran parent or a savvy gift giver, the Raspberry Kids collection has something for you. We have spent countless hours scouring the world of all things children and are pleased to bring the best of the best of our findings to you. Teething babies will not be the only ones drooling over our product line up.

Find your favorites under tabs such as; wearables, playtime, rub-a-dub, let's eat, gifts to go and just4u! Raspberry Kids offers a wide variety of fresh, healthy & fun products and they strive to continuously add more products to keep them on the forefront of children's clothing, gifts, gear and accessories.

Make sure you take a moment and surf on over to Raspberrykids.com, you'll be happy you did!

In my shopping heaven,

Susan

Snow, snow go away, come on back another day.

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:44:00 +0000

I actually think this white stuff is great. Emma, Sofia and I have had a blast playing in the snow. I have been using my muscles to dig our driveway and keep the sidewalks clear and have managed to do this all without putting my back out. However, I really miss my daily workouts with the gang of moms at Stroller Strides. It has taken me years to get to the point in my life that I feel the need to workout daily, but I really do. This snow has put a bit of a hitch to my kind of outdoor workouts. You would think that after teaching 5 classes a week I would relish the break but to be brutally honest, I love it and look forward to getting back to seeing my moms in a few weeks time. I can’t wait to start running again and watching the days grow longer. I have already begun my New Year's resolution of 5 fruits and 5 vegetables a day. So with that said and even though the landscape is stunning I can’t wait to be able to glide smoothly over some pavement in my running shoes. Hope everyone joins me in a healthy and happy new year.

In good health,

Anne-Louise

Lotuswear: Yoga Inspired Active & Casual Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:28:00 +0000

If you have been to any Stroller Strides Richmond classes lately, you'll see the instructors and moms decked out in active wear from Lotuswear.

Lotuswear is a locally owned & operated Vancouver company - something you don't see too much of these days. They provide yoga-inspired active wear for women and men. Besides offering a great line of products, Lotuswear believes in business practices that are socially and environmentally conscious.

Lotuswear is all about choice, the spectrum of colour, the design and sustainable fabric are as diverse as the people who buy Lotuswear.

Lotuswear has locations all around the lower mainland, the most convenient for our moms is located at Richmond Centre Mall.

Along with a diverse line of yoga-inspired active wear comes two new lines, Lotuswear Run and Lotuswear Golf. The Lotuswear lines are all about uniqueness and diversity, make sure to use the links and check them out, or better yet, drop by one of their stores and make yourself happy this holiday season with a purchase from them.

Mom Friendly Run Group set to start in January 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:27:00 +0000

Stroller Strides Richmond has just announced that its moms-only running group will start a new program on January 19, 2009. The program will run each Monday night for 12 weeks with the goal of those moms completing it will be to run a 10K in April.

The Stroller Strides Mom Run group is a non-intimidating and supportive environment for moms to safely train using a slow & gradual progression of walk-run intervals.

If you are interested in joining the group please consult our Stroller Strides Richmond website for more details or contact aparry@strollerstrides.net.

Lean Mommy

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:19:00 +0000

Stroller Strides Richmond is excited to announce the arrival of a new class! Lean Mommy will start in Steveston on January 7, 2009. More than 25 moms have already registered for this class and they will be starting the new year on the right track to healthy eating & exercise.

The class will be taught by Anne-Louise Parry, a BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor who specialized in pre and post natal fitness. The class will entail a 45 minute power circuit and end with a core-strength section and a stretch.

At the commencement of the program, the participants will be weighed and measurements taken at chest, hips and thighs. A photography will be taken at the start and finish at the end of the 12 week session. Each of the mom participants will keep a diary and will be accountable to their Lean Mommy partners for their actions each week.

Check back on the Stroller Strides Richmond blog for updates on how the Lean Mommy's are doing! If you are interested in the class, you can check out the Stroller Strides Richmond website or email aparry@strollerstrides.net for more information.

In Stride,

Susan

Pinky Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:15:00 +0000

It has to be one of the coolest baby & kids stores in Richmond and it's a Lulu Ladies & Babies Powered by Stroller Strides FAVOURITE!

Pinky Blue Children's Boutique can be found tucking into The Blundell Centre Shopping Mall at the corner of Blundell and No. 2 Road in Richmond.

The owner of this hip shopping destination is Vanessa Uribe, a Richmond mom of two girls. Vanessa and her staff work tirelessly to search for great gifts, useful gadgets and clothes that are to die for.

From clothes, accessories and footwear to feeding, bath & gear for mom, you will find it all and more at Pinky Blue. They have a wonderful section of natural and organic products too! We all know how difficult it can be for new moms to actually get out to the store sometimes, by the time you pack up the gear, pack up the baby and get out the door, well... you know how it goes. To alleviate the stress of this, you can just click on over to Pinky Blue and shop with their user-friendly website.

If you haven't ever had the opportunity to shop at Pinky Blue, make sure you stop in and find out what you have been missing. Tell Vanessa the Lulu Moms say hello!

Heart Healthy Fish & Chips

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:10:00 +0000

We really are so lucky to live in Richmond, either in or a short drive from Steveston, BC - hands down, home to some of the best fish & chip restaurants on the planet.

As much as it would be nice to frequent these restaurants, we know that eating anything deep fried too often is not a good heart healthy choice.

Dietitians of Canada: Women's Health and Nutrition position paper suggests consuming two to three fish meals per week, along with a low-fat diet, for heart health. Although all fish aren't high in omega-3s, they still can contribute important amounts of these fatty acids if they're eaten regularly.

With this recommendation in mind and this recipe in hand, you can still have your regular fix of fish & chips, by just revisiting the preparation method to make it a healthier choice.

To Prepare the Fish:

fish fillet (any type - halibut, cod, salmon are all great choices and easily found at the grocery store).
flour
egg (lightly scrambled you can use white only if you wish)
bread coating (you can use Corn Flake crumbs, breadcrumbs, finely chopped nuts, even a packaged Shake & Bake coating)

Mix together the bread coating with salt & pepper to taste. Dip fish fillets into the flour, shake well to remove excess, then into egg, and finally into the bread coating mixture until evenly coated. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment. Cook 12-15 minutes until cooked through and golden.

To prepare the Chips:

Potatoes, Yams or Sweet Potatoes - or a combination thereof.
Olive Oil

Scrub and slice potatoes, yams or sweet potatoes into wedges. Toss lightly with olive oil. Arrange wedges in single layer, sprinkle with salt. Cook 45 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp.

So we you get your next craving for fish & chips, remember to give this a try, your heart and your waistline will thank you.

In good health,

Susan

Cute as a Button

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:30:00 +0000

With the holidays just around the corner you will need some fun & easy crafts to keep the kiddos busy while they are on Christmas break from school. This one came to me via the Krafty Kids Korner at Not Just Moms.

This particular craft is great this time of year because it's quick & easy and makes a wonderful little home-made gift for friends & relatives.

How to make it: Take heavy card stock or cardboard and cut it into a picture frame or better yet, use popsicle craft sticks or purchase a inexpensive wooden frame from Ikea, The $1 Store or Michael's (they are usually only $1 or $2). Let the kids color or paint it. Then they can glue on the buttons. When finished write "Cute as a Button" on it and then add a cute picture of your child.

Lulu Ladies & Babies Powered by Stroller Strides hosts lots of fun & unique craft playdates where the moms can get together, have a coffee & chat while they make a fun keepsake craft. If you are not already a member, make sure you check us out, just click on the link above.

Here Comes the Rain Again

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:50:00 +0000

Submitted by: Anne-Louise Parry, Stroller Strides Richmond Franchisee.

As I sit here looking outside at the dark grey that fills the sky I can only think that the slow season is upon us. Everybody and their dog will use rain as an excuse for not going outside, not walking the dog to not going to Stroller Strides class.

The truth is, we live on the West coast and it is a guarantee that it will rain - but don’t let the world stop. Coincidentally, the diet goes by the wayside this time of year. It usually begins the day after Halloween, especially since most of us bought a few extra bags just in case which ended up not being used and slowly they have been disappearing. Some of those small candies have over 50 calories per package.

Now the season of holiday parties are upon us and more excuses to why we can’t stay on track at this very stressful time of the year. If you know me then you know that I’m going to say; it all comes down to choice. You can choose to let yourself go and wait to get back on board in January with the rest of the world or you can stay consistent. Come to Stroller Strides regularly. It is the best thing that you can do for yourself and for your baby. Besides the hormone release, increase in energy, weight loss, increase strength and stamina, it is a great way to spend time with your baby. All those mom and baby art, music and dance classes are wonderful, don't get me wrong, but you probably spend more time getting ready to go to the class than the class itself. Most mom and baby classes have a structured routine that doesn't encourage adult conversation. At Stroller Strides we encourage it. The more you can talk the further we can walk.

Back to the rain. I love the rain. Since it is on those days that I get the best workouts and you really feel a sense of accomplishment that you can celebrate with a coffee afterwards. Do we want our children to be afraid of the rain? No way! Let them run in the puddles and enjoy this time of year, you need to have a shower after class anyway so give yourself a head start and come get wet with us 4 days a week at Steveston, Terra Nova and South Arm.

In Stride,

Anne-Louise

Smilebox

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:04:00 +0000

Like most of my mommy friends, I like to talk about the things I like. I always find that most of the items I buy and the services that I use come from recommendation from those around me, my friends.

A post on our Lulu Ladies & Babies Powered by Stroller Strides message board about Holiday cards led me to this wonderful little site called Smilebox. One of the moms in the group has decided this year to use the Internet to send her family & friends a holiday greeting. She posted something about Smilebox so I though I would check it out and I'm so glad I did!

A little about Smilebox:

Smilebox makes scrapbooking fun, easy and free! Share birthdays, holidays, special occasions, vacations, family time and more in our many fabulous designs. Choose from hundreds of digital scrapbooking layouts from leading designers including Making Memories, K & Co. and design by dani. Just add your photos, words, music, even videos, to make an online scrapbook. With Smilebox, free scrapbooking is that easy! Email your online scrapbook to friends and family, or post it to your blog. So make this a year to remember with Smilebox scrapbooks!

In minutes, I whipped up the Smilebox you see above this post. It was very easy and just took me a few clicks. Take a moment to surf on over and check it out.

When it comes to holiday cards for this year, I still plan to send them out the old fashioned way. But in this day and age of busy schedules and going green environmental movement, I believe that this is a great way to let those you care about know that you are thinking of them this holiday season.

Susan

Being Part of The Team

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:33:00 +0000

Submitted by: Anne-Louise Parry, Stroller Strides Richmond Franchisee.

Have you ever had aha moment?

What a gift it is, it’s like a rebirth of energy. I’ve just recently returned from a fabulous Stroller Strides convention in San Diego, CA and it superseded all of my expectations. Since Stroller Strides Richmond is only 1 of 2 Stroller Strides franchises in Canada, I sometimes forget that we really do have the support and encouragement of over 300 franchises to the South of us.

My moment came when I realized how great it was to feel included in a group, to be part of the team. I went down to the convention not knowing a sole and in a mere 3 days came back having made many new friends. These women were so supportive and helpful, so full of energy; I wish it could be bottled up. You never know how that look, smile or touch that you give out freely can affect another person. It made me realize how important it is to make eye contact and make a connection with each and every person I meet. It is a contagious gesture, maybe it’s a Canadian thing?

Tomorrow while you are out and about, give it a try. Hopefully it will change your outlook or even better, someone else’s.

In Stride,
Anne-Louise

We Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:41:00 +0000

Remembrance Day is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of past and current members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the World War I.

I had the opportunity to sit in on my oldest sons Remembrance Day assembly at school yesterday. It took me back to my elementary school days as I vividly remember the solemness of the Remembrance Day assembly. The children were told not to clap or talk out during the assembly to show their respect to those who have given their lives for us in the name of freedom.

A special person from different facets of the community were asked to come to the front and lay a wreath in honor of those fallen. Tears welled up in my eyes when the elderly gentleman that represented the veterans made his way up the the front on the arm of the Principal of the school. Emotions continued as the RCMP officer, dressed in his full red serge marched up the the front to lay his wreath, he stepped back and saluted, it was very moving.

I explained to my children today the significance of Remembrance Day. My youngest, at 3, doesn't quite understand but my oldest who is 6 does. He knows that it is important to wear a poppy and to take a moment of silence to remember the men and women who fought and who are currently fighting for us to keep our country safe.

Today We Remember.

Susan

Send a Holiday e-Card for a Great Cause

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:15:00 +0000

The season of giving is fast approaching. Robeez has come up with an easy way to send your family & friends a holiday greeting and give to those in need at the same time. For each of their holiday e-cards that you send, Robeez will donate $5 product donation up to $250,000 worth of shoes to K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations). As a bonus to you, each time you send the e-card, you will be entered to win a shoes & socks set! It's an all-around WIN!

Giving a Kid a Coat

noreply@blogger.com (Stroller Strides Richmond, BC) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:13:00 +0000

This week marks the end of our Lulu Ladies & Babies Powered by Stroller Strides, Give a Kid a Coat, winter coat drive.

As a group of mothers, we understand the importance of keeping your child warm when the colder weather comes upon us. The thought of a child going without a warm coat is unimaginable to many but it's real and as a group we wanted to do something to help.

We asked that each mom in the group either donate a coat that their child had outgrown or maybe even stop by their local thrift store and purchase a used coat to donate. Our goal was to donate 100 coats, maybe we were a bit ambitious at that but I'm one to believe that any donation, large or small, adds up and is significant. The coats were collected at our Stroller Strides classes or Lulu Ladies & Babies social events. They were delivered to Sleep Country Canada who is spearheading the drive on behalf of The Salvation Army.

Through the Give a Kid a Coat Program, we have helped clothe 40,793 underprivileged Canadian children in the past three years. Drop off a coat in any Sleep Country store, during the fall, and it will be distributed to needy children by the Salvation Army. We work in league with the Salvation Army -- and radio stations in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta -- offering our stores as drop-off locations for clothing.

Giving back to the community is an important part of Lulu Ladies & Babies Powered by Stroller Strides. Jump on over to our Favorite Charities page of our website and see what other things we have done to do our part to make the world just a little bit better.