momstown Oakville moms lose over 100lbs and 50 inches in our first ever fitness challenge!

A big congratulations to all the momstown Oakville moms who participated in our first ever fitness challenge! Last night was the final weigh in and these Oakville moms knocked it out of the park!  Everyone did really well and whether they were in it to lose pounds, inches or just to become more active I think the challenge was a resounding success.  As a group, we lost 113 lbs and 52 inches in 6 weeks!

A big thank you to all of our sponsors!  momstown Oakville moms loved trying so many places and workouts that were new to them. To recap, here are the workouts we did:

Spinning with Quad Spin

Bootcamp with Fitdolls

Pilates with The Belle Method

Zumba with Binu

Sports training with The Sports Academy

Body Pump and Yoga led by one of our own momstown Oakville mamas

Whole Body Vibration Training with T-Zone Oakville

And we had a nutritional seminar with Living Force Nutrition.

For our final weigh in, we gathered together at Whole Foods where Ryan from Fitness on the Go took our measurements and we weighed in.  Ryan was professional and encouraging and stayed around to offer us some tips and tricks to continue down our healthier path.  I asked him what three exercises would he recommend to start each day with and he suggests push ups, squats and the plank.  We also talked protein powder, weight lifting and of course, his area of expertise, personal training.  Be sure to check out the Fitness on the Go website to learn how you can get Ryan to come and whip you in to shape right in your own house!  A very easy option for moms - get that workout in while baby naps upstairs!

We also had Paula from Body by Vi speak to the group about her transformational change (she lost 32lbs in her first 90 days and then another 50 lbs after that!) using the Body by Vi weight loss system.  Paula delivered great information about what worked for her, answered all of our questions and handed out some tasty samples!  In addition to samples from Paula, samples of Nature’s Qu Quinoa Cereal Embrace Foods were also given out.  Adding protein to your breakfast was a great tip we received from our nutritionist seminar and quinoa cereal would be a fabulous way to do that.

And then finally it was time to announce the winners!  

Congratulations to Jody who lost the highest percentage of body weight (9% in 6 weeks)!

Congratulations to Stacey who lost the most inches (10.5 inches in 6 weeks)!

I love that we could all get fit together and inspired one another to make healthy lifestyle changes and try new things.  Another benefit to being a momstown mama!  momstown Oakville is working on our next fitness challenge starting in mid September.  Want to join us?  Sign up here!

Enter to Win a Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes DVD!

Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is an exciting ballet movie in which Barbie™ stars as Kristyn, the hard-working dancer, who wows the big ballet company in her performance of Giselle and Swan Lake.  Through this journey Kristyn learns that when you dance from your heart – your dreams can come true.

To enter the contest, please leave a comment in the section below about why your child loves Barbie™. One entry per email address. Make sure you sign in with your email address so we can contact you if you have won (or if you don't have an account, please leave your email address in the comment).

Contest open March 1-31, 2013. Winners will be drawn on March 31, 2013 and contacted by a momstown representative.

Coming Soon: momstown Oakville moms and kids experience music and movement with Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes!

On March 28th, momstown Oakville moms and kids will get a chance to channel their inner ballerina!  We've got an exciting Music & Movement event taking place at The Dance Exchange to celebrate the DVD release of Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes.

Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is a new release which will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on February 26th, 2013. Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is an exciting ballet movie in which Barbie™ stars as Kristyn, the hard-working dancer, who wows the big ballet company in her performance of Giselle and Swan Lake.  Through this journey Kristyn learns that when you dance from your heart – your dreams can come true.

momstown Oakville had a chance to attend the pre-screening event for this movie and let me tell you, all the little guests loved the movie!  It was so cute to see so many ballerinas twirling around in their best tutu.  I know that many little ballerinas will  love the new line up of Barbie dolls, accessories and a playset so they can recreate some of their favorite scenes from the film. A must have is the Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes as Kristyn Farraday™.  Two in one, girls can simply twist the doll and her skirt reverses for a magical transformation!

Would you like to join us for our March 28th event?  We'll be doing a dance demonstration with The Dance Exchange, getting musical with some instruments and each child will get to take home a themed craft from the event.  In addition to giving away a Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes DVD, we'll also be giving away a tutu from Instep Activewear.  And of course, everyone is encouraged to come in their best ballerina outfit and bring their favourite doll or buddy with them.  This event is open to the public but you do need to RSVP so please send us an email at info.oakville@momstown.ca to reserve your spot!

Hope you can join us, but if you can't make the event, you can still enter here to win a copy of the DVD!

momstown Oakville Moms Try Out Whole Body Vibration Training at T-Zone Oakville to Tone and Tighten!

momstown Oakville's final workout as part of our fitness challenge had use experiencing something new as we headed to T-Zone Oakville.  Located in downtown Oakville, T-Zone has many fitness options that are really unique.

To start off, did you know that in just 10 minutes you can reap the following benefits from using Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Training:

Increased muscle strength
Improve Blood Circulation
Enhance lymph drainage
Exercise and oxygenate your body
Build bone density and fight osteoporosis
Increase metabolism, burn fat and raise energy levels
Tone and tighten skin
Decrease cellulite
Reduce back and joint pain
Rehabilitate injuries quicker
Decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels (stress hormone)

Interested to learn more yet?  Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about WBV training.

Is Whole Body Vibration Training Credible?

The Russians have been using it since before the fall of the Berlin Wall to strengthen their athletes. In Europe it is widely used in gyms, by sporting teams, chiropractors, physiotherapists and Personal Trainers.

Does It Really Work?

Take some time and research the internet, there is research from all around the world on the many benefits of Whole Body Vibration. It was actually proven to work over 40 years ago with space travel.

Still curious?  Get more answers to frequently asked questions here.

momstown Oakville moms really enjoyed trying out these machines.  Candace, the owner of T-Zone Oakville spent lots of time answering all of our questions and walking us through using the machines.  Because this workout only takes 10 minutes (but is equivalent to a 1 hour workout!) this is a perfect fit for moms with young kids - you can spare just 10 minutes, right?  You also can do WBG in regular clothes so it really does take no time at all.

T-Zone Oakville - Whole Body Vibration Training

T-Zone Oakville also offers other classes in their studios such as Jazzercise and Yoga.  In addition to doing a WBV workout, we also did Jazzercise!  I had never done Jazzercise before.  Our instructor, Bev, was great at taking things slow with us newbies but also made the workout fun and challenging.  And I felt like I was dancing on Broadway for some of the routines...always an added bonus in my book!

Jazzercise with Bev at T-Zone Oakville

T-Zone Oakville always offers a complimentary introduction Whole Body Vibration Technology so make sure to contact them to give it a try for yourself.  Membership and drop in rates are available.

Here is what some of our members said about WBV Training:

"As they said, I slept really well last night after using the machines"

"I love that you can get a workout in but it only takes 10 minutes!"

Make sure you visit their website to learn more about Whole Body Vibration Training and about the other classes offered through their studio.  This trial was the perfect way to end our fitness challenge as we all got to end on a note of trying something new which is one of the goals of the fitness challenge!

Wednesday night is our final weigh in, stayed tuned for the results and the big winners!

Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes DVD - momstown Oakville attends the pre-sreening event!

What a lovely afternoon!  Some lucky momstown Oakville moms got to head down to Canada's National Ballet School for a pre-screening event in honour of the new DVD, Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes.

Before the movie began, momstown Oakville kids were treated to themed Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes   snacks such as pink popcorn and ballet slipper cookies.

And while the snacks were adorable and delicious, they were certainly not the main attraction.  Decked out in their ballet best (think a sea of pink tutus!), little guests got to meet a real live Barbie™ and learn and practice some dance moves taught by real ballerinas!

My niece getting to meet Barbie™

Finally it was time to watch the movie.  Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is an exciting ballet movie in which Barbie™ stars as Kristyn, the hard-working dancer, who wows the big ballet company in her performance of Giselle and Swan Lake.  The movie has a great message.  Kristyn learns that when you dance from your heart – your dreams can come true.  Barbie™ has introduced a line up of dolls, accessories and a playset which allow girls to recreate some of their favourite scenes from the film. A must have is the Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes as Kristyn Farraday™.  Two in one, girls can simply twist the doll and her skirt reverses for a magical transformation!

With little girls mesmerized by the dancing in the movie, ballet moves could be scene in the aisles during the show.  It is safe to say that the movie was a big hit!  As an added bonus, each guest received a dance tutorial DVD on the way out of the theatre.  The afternoon was every little ballerinas dream come true! If you've got a Barbie™ or a dance lover in your house, the Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes DVD would be a perfect addition to their movie collection.  Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is the latest release which will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on February 26th, 2013.

Luckily for momstown Oakville, the Barbie™ fun doesn't end here!  On March 28th we're having a special music and movement event celebrating Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes.  Would you like to join us?  We'll be doing a dance demonstration with The Dance Exchange, getting musical with some instruments and each child will get to take home a themed craft from the event.  And of course, everyone is encouraged to come in their best ballerina outfit and bring their favourite doll or buddy with them.  This event is open to the public but you do need to RSVP so please send us an email at info.oakville@momstown.ca to reserve your spot!

March Break Family Activities for Oakville Moms

March Break is a great opportunity to spend some quality together time with your family.  There is lots of options for Oakville moms and their families to have some fun in the Halton Region or the Greater Toronto Area.  Whether you are looking for outdoor fun or a new adventure, these options have something for all Oakville families to consider.  And of course, momstown Oakville has plenty going on this week too!

March Break Ideas for Oakville Families

1. It's Maple Syrup Time at the Halton Conservation Area
Choose from two locations to enjoy some tasty pancakes and about how maple syrup is made

2. Bronte Creek Maple Syrup Festival

3. Royal Botanical Gardens Dinosaur Exhibit
Live Animal Shows Daily During March Break!

4. Go Skating!  Click here for public skating locations and times in Oakville during March Break

5. Head to the Ontario Science Centre.  They have a whole floor dedicated to kids (best for kids 15 months up to 6 years).  Click here for their March schedule

6. The Toronto Zoo is having daily promotions throughout March Break

7. Visit ROM for their Passport Around The World exhibit

8. Visit the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory for their BugFeast: Sweet Treats! exhibit.  That's right, it's time to eat some tasty insects!

9. Hit the local slopes!  Glen Eden offers rentals and lessons and has tubing Friday through Sundays.

10. Get Busy Indoors -  Crack open that board game you haven’t had time to play together yet, plan a puzzlepalooza afternoon, get baking and try a new muffin recipe or pull out the craft supplies and cut, glue and draw until little hearts are content.

11. Think Green! - Plan a St Patrick's Party together! Decorate the house green, bake some Irish soda bread and Guinness stew, create shamrock craft decor and invite the neighbours over for some board games and green kool-aid!

12.  Hang out at your local library!  There are always things to do but the Oakville Public Library has also got some special March Break programs going on.

13.  Take the kids to a performance at the Oakville Centre for Performing Arts!  Tales from the Garden is a show for kids 5-10 years and there are 4 performance times over March Break.

And if you find yourself itching to take just a bit more of a getaway, there is no better place for a family to have some winter fun than at Fern Resort in Orillia.  Here are 10 reasons why your family will love it!

Whatever you choose to do, have a great time creating some family memories and enjoy a break.

March Break Family Ski Vacations

Some of my fondest family memories are those from our frequent March Break ski vacations taken with my family and sometimes a few other families we were close friends with. My Dad was an avid skier and taught my siblings and I how to ski at a very young age on the local hills around where I grew up. When we were all finally old enough to go into ski school and there were no more naps or potty training to worry about, we hit the road and headed off to spend March Break on the slopes.

I remember spending the days outside both in ski school and skiing with my family and nights were spent playing games or night skiing or in a pool or hot tub. Looking back now I realize that I don't remember tv playing a roll at all in these vacations and that I was never bored!

We were fortunate to try several ski locations such as Searchmont in Sault Ste Marie, Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec or Smugglers' Notch in Vermont. I loved skiing right up to our chalet door and popping in for a hot chocolate or a snack. It was always a great feeling at the end of the day to put your feet up by the fire with tired legs and a wind burned face from racing down the mountain for hours each day. We often traveled with my friend's family and I laugh now thinking about the hilarious songs she and I used to make up as we rode up on the chairlift or of course as we got older, scoping out the slopes for cute boys!

 

Me and my husband - hitting the slopes in Lake Tahoe. Hopefully we can bring the kids one day!

My oldest child is now at the age where we could get him on skis, although I think we will wait one more year so that we can get both kids on skis at the same time. I hope as a family that my husband, kids and I are able to enjoy ski vacations and make memories of outdoor and active fun together. It's been awhile since I've been on skis, but I can't wait to get back out there. After years and years of great skiing memories I would love to bring the sport back into my life.

How did you and your family spend March Break when you were growing up?

Avocado & Chorizo Dip Recipe

This Avocado & Chorizo dip recipe comes from my friend talented and funny friend, Carly, who says 'this dip will win you friends'!  It is such a delicious dip that is hearty and colourful and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

What You Need:

1 link of chorizo sausage, diced
2 avocadoes, diced
1 large tomato, seeded and diced*
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
1/4 cup of diced red onion
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper or green chile, minced, or add some dashes of hot sauce to taste
2 tbsp of red wine vinegar (you can also use balsamic vinegar in place of the red wine)
Juice of 1 big lime (add more if you think the dip needs more zing)
A good glug of olive oil
Salt to taste

*seeding sounds more complicated than it is, and it's also necessary to do because otherwise the dip will get too liquidy. Just chop up the tomato into quarters, or eighths if it's quite big, and scoop out the seeds in the middle.

Photo Credit

What You Do:

Preheat the oven to broil, and place the diced chorizo in a single layer on a sheet pan. Run it under the broiler for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, until it gets browned and crispy. Remove from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Blot the chorizo with the paper towel to remove the excess grease.  In the summer, grill the sausages on the BBQ and then dice once cooled.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the avocado, tomato, cilantro, red onion, garlic, jalapeno or chile pepper, vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, and salt to taste. Be gentle with the mixture, as you want to maintain the nice dice on the avocado without mushing it up.  Add in the sausage and mix just until combined.

This is best after sitting at room temperature for about a half an hour, to give the flavours a chance to mingle. Serve with tortilla chips. Makes a bowl that will serve about 4 as a snack or hors d'oeuvres. This recipe doubles well.

Books for Babies with momstown Oakville - Welcome Baby!

momstown Oakville had a wonderful Sing Rattle and Read program this morning at Little Sprouts Cuts for Kids.  We started by having all the Oakville moms and babies introduce themselves and share the latest challenges with regards to having a baby.  Not surprising, but sleep issues seemed to be the biggest problem these days!  Good thing we have a sleep consultant coming to our Baby Basics program next Monday!

momstown Oakville is happy to partner with Scholastic Canada be able to give away a book to one baby each month at our Sing, Rattle and Read program.  This month the book was called 'Welcome Baby' by Barbara Reid.  It's a very sweet book about welcoming a new baby, and how important and special they are to their family.  Jacqui was the winner of the book this month, as a prize for Acadia's adorable Valentine's inspired outfit. We also read 'Please Read Me A Book' by Barbara Reid, and discussed the importance of reading everyday to your baby.

Winner of 'Welcome Baby' by Barbara Reid

To finish our morning, Oakville moms and babies sang some action songs, sang and played shakers along to Raffi, and at the end of the program, played with bubbles and scarves while catching up and connecting with each other.

momstown Oakville gives a way a Scholastic Canada book each month at both our Tales for Tots and our Sing, Rattle and Read Baby! program.  Interested in joining us?  Purchase your momstown Oakville membership here - only $45 for the year and includes these and so many other programs.  And as a special bonus, all new 1 year memberships get a 12 month subscription to Today's Parent!  Looking forward to having you join us soon!

momstown Oakville moms train like athletes at The Sports Training Academy

momstown Oakville moms completed another fitness challenge workout last night at The Sports Training Academy.  The Sports Training Academy offers a wide range of sports training in the areas of hockey, baseball, golf, gymnastics and overall sports performance training.  I'll admit that I don't think that many of the ladies knew what to expect going in to this workout but I know that we were all impressed (and tired!) by the time the workout was over.

The Sports Training Academy's fitness expert Steve Teel took us through a 70 minute workout that included extensive stretching and hard core strength training.  Steve did a fantastic job at explaining the stretches he instructed us to do and everyone doing the class could be heard commenting on how the stretches felt great and were really effective. Steve was really upbeat the entire time and really encouraging too.   While we were stretching, Steve talked about the importance of mobility and the ability for your body to have balance and agility - something that many kids today are lacking even if they compete in sports on a regular basis.

After we stretched, we moved into some circuit training.  When I saw the huge ropes lying on the ground (that weigh 28 lbs each!) I immediately thought of the tv show Biggest Loser!  They often do workouts using things like a rope, kettlebells and medicine balls - all things that we used last night as well.

Steve led us through a circuit that included planks, side planks, pushups, pop squats with a kettlebell. squats with a medicine ball - sounds fun, right?  Fun might not be the word (although we did have quite a few laughs while working out) but it was an incredible workout that was challenging and made me feel strong.

Here is what what some of our members had to say:

"Best workout!!!" - Michelle

"I felt just amazing this morning - That stretching alone was gold last night!" - Melanie

I was talking to my husband when I got home and when I described the workout, he thought it sounded great and mentioned it was a type of workout that appealed to him as well.  If you'd like more information about working out with The Sports Academy training team, please email the owner, Mike Kennedy.  The Sports Training Academy also offers birthday party packages, after school programs and summer camps too!

Win tickets to the Barbie™in the Pink Shoes DVD Premier

Enter to WIN tickets to this exclusive Barbie™ Pre-Screening Event! A fun-filled exciting afternoon in celebrating the brand new Barbie™ in the Pink shoes DVD! This is an afternoon for you and your little one to meet Barbie™ and help her celebrate her brand new DVD.

What: Barbie™ In The Pink Shoes DVD Prescreening Special Event!
When: February 24, 2013 from  1:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Canada's National Ballet School in Toronto
Who: One lucky winner and her ballet loving Barbie™ fan!
How: Follow instructions below to enter

PS -  Mom, if you win this contest for the best possible experience for you and your little fan you will want to make note of the following:

• Make sure to bring a camera or smartphone to have your photo taken with Barbie™
• Dress up, wear a tutu or your ballet outfit and join in on the fun
• Each little girl will be given the opportunity to learn a ballet dance on a real ballet barre!

To enter the contest, please leave a comment in the section below about why your child loves Barbie™.  Make sure you sign in with your email address or leave your email address in the comment so we can contact you if you've won. One entry per email address. Contest open Feb 13- Feb 20, 2013.

Winners will be drawn on February 21, 2013 and contacted. 

Tales for Tots - The Very Hungry Bear

It was all about celebrating love at momstown Oakville's Tales for Tots today. Given that Valentine's Day is fast approaching, both mama's and tots were very much in a loving spirit making hand made valentines for their loved ones and friends!  momstown Oakville moms and kids will be taking some of these Valentine to hand out to residents at West Oak Village nursing home on Valentine's Day. There were plenty of hearts for everyone to make special cards using plenty of stickers, paper cut outs, glitter, markers and crayons to really express there Valentine's day love! We followed this with plenty of free play for the tots and catch up time for Oakville moms.

Since the theme for February in addition to celebrating Valentine day is all about polar animals, we ended our morning reading "The Very Hungry Bear" which involved both a brown bear and a polar bear helping each other by sharing fish and finding the perfect place to live. This lovely book about sharing and lending a helping hand was won by Liam. Congratulations Liam! Thank you Scholastic Canada for the great books each month and to Little Gym for a wonderful place to spread out with our momstown Oakville mama's and tots.

momstown Oakville gives a way a Scholastic Canada book each month at both our Tales for Tots and our Sing, Rattle and Read Baby! program.  Interested in joining us?  Purchase your momstown Oakville membership here - only $45 for the year and includes these and so many other programs.  And as a special bonus, all new 1 year memberships get a 12 month subscription to Today's Parent!  Looking forward to having you join us soon!

Valentine's Day Deals In Oakville

I've been loving all the fun deals that have been popping up over the last few days from local Oakville businesses in order to help Oakville moms and families celebrate Valentine's Day.  Do you have a favourite Oakville spot to get something special for Valentine's Day?

While my family isn't doing anything big for the occasion, I do love finding a few small ways to show those I love that I appreciate them.  When I got a flyer in the mail from Palma Pasta for heart shaped ravioli I knew I had to order some for our Valentine's Day dinner.  The plan is to give the kids a simple dinner and then have a quiet dinner alone with my husband once the kids are in bed.  The heart shaped ravioli will be perfect!

I also wanted to get a sweet treat to share after dinner and love the items that Cupid's Gourmet Bakery has for Valentine's Day.  Will also pick up something special for my kids - they will love the heart shaped treats! Cupid's is located in the Upper Oakville Shopping Centre and there are actually lots of shops in the plaza where you could find Valentine's Day gifts.

Cupid's Bakery

Am debating treating myself to a Valentine's Day treat too.  I love spa time and Fully Alive Wellness is offering some great massage packages in honour of our love holiday and momstown Oakville favourite, Silvery Blue Butterfly has also got some great special this month.

Happy Valentine's Day!

momstown Oakville's Valentine's Day Party with Kidex Academy!

Want to host a great Valentine's Day party for kids?  Here is our recipe for success as momstown Oakville moms and kids had a great time at our Valentine's Day party yesterday.  There was so much to do!  We snacked on Valentine's Day S'mores and heart shaped cheese and watermelon, we made potato stamping art, had circle time with Kidex Academy, Valentine's sensory fun and a pin the heart in the heart game!

Oakville kids came dressed for the occasion wearing lots of hearts and decked out in pinks and reds.

One of the highlights of the event was circle time with Kidex Academy. Kidex Academy offers Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten Programs as well as tutoring (for grades JK to Grade 6) and registered weekend activities such as yoga and chess.  Nancy, the centre's supervisor, led our Valentine's Day crowd through several fun songs such as the 'hokey pokey' and 'skinnamarinkydinkydink'.  She got the kids up and moving and also had some shakers and bells for the kids to use.  Both parents and kids got right into our circle time! For more information on Kidex Academy, click here.

Circle Time with Kidex Academy

Doing the Hokey Pokey with Kidex Academy

Celebrating Valentine's Day with kids is a lot of fun!  If you weren't able to attend our party, we've got lots of craft suggestions here and recipes ideas here.  My kids had fun this weekend making paper plate heart wreaths and we'll be adding these Valentine's chocolate covered strawberries to our dinner table on Valentine's Day.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!

Nutrition Tips for Weight Loss and A Healthy Body From Living Force

The first momstown Oakville fitness challenge is well under way, in fact, we had our mid point weigh in last week.  Oakville moms have had lots of fun trying out several new workouts, but we also wanted to include some information on nutrition as part of the challenge.  Nat from Living Force nutrition met with the momstown Oakville fitness challenge group and gave us some really great tips and information about how to improve our eating to give our bodies have more energy.

Nat began by asking a simple question, "what do you think of when I say the word 'food'" and she got some interesting responses.

Diet
Portion Control
Yummy
Nutrition
Losing Weight
Balance

Do any of those words resonate with you?  We could all relate to the fact that over the last few years we've had big changes in our nutrition and eating habits due to pregnancy or breastfeeding or both.  It can be a challenge to get yourself back on track again.

Nat was really keen on making sure you fuel yourself at the start of the day and have protein at breakfast. Her suggestions included eggs, quinoa, steel cut oats or natural nut butters. Some great recipes to try are as follows:

Quinoa Hot Cereal
Poached Eggs with Brocoli and Goat Cheese

We also talked about cravings and Nat provided us with a great handout to help combat your cravings.  The sheet listed foods you might crave along with what your body may be missing to have such a craving (craving chocolate?  Your body needs magnesium) and foods to eat to replenish the deficiency (need magnesium? Eat nuts, legumes or fruit - not chocolate!).

And finally, a reminder to us all about what your plate should look like.  50% vegetables, 25% mixed whole grains or starch, 25% protein source.  How does your plate rate?

Nat has a wide array of services to help you and your family find balance when it comes to food.  She offers cooking classes (even ones tailored to getting your kids to eat healthier!), meal plans, and a stock your kitchen option.  Click here for a complete list as well as some great savings for her Jump Start programs.

Eating better makes you feel better but it also takes some work to break free of old habits and convenience foods that can be ready in 3 minutes.  Nat can make you appreciate good food again and remind you of what you need to fuel your body.  Did you know that many employer health benefit plans cover a nutritionist, just as a naturopath or massage therapist is covered?

Your body does a lot for you every day.  Make sure you say thank you by giving it the best fuel you possible can!

momstown Oakville's Baby Basics Toy Zone - Sponsored by Fisher Price

momstown Oakville moms are looking forward to our March 8th Baby Basics Infant programs which is sponsored by Fisher Price!  Oakville moms and babies meet every Monday at Ellephysio to socialize, unwind and seek support and find out about resources in the Oakville community.  There is no other Oakville mom's group where you can try out, and potentially WIN, toys from Fisher Price. That's right, we're raffling them off at the end and 4 lucky participants will be going home with a brand new toy!

Please join us, there's still time, sign up for your free 4 week trial membership and you can come too.

Here are the fun toys we'll be playing with:

My Little Snugabunny™ Cradle ’n Swing

Ocean Wonders™ Aquarium

Laugh & Learn™ Say Please™ Tea Set

Laugh & Learn™ Click 'n Learn Remote

momstown Oakville is a community that provides fun and friendship for Oakville moms. If you would like to get connected, check us out! A membership is only $45/year - you even get to try us for 4 weeks FREE!! Register here.

Remember with every full year momstown membership purchased in 2013 you will receive a BONUS 1 year subscription to Today's Parent magazine.

Preschool Valentine's Day Craft - Paper Plate Heart Wreath

It is always fun to get the house in a festive mood for a holiday.  This easy preschooler craft is perfect to spread some Valentine's Day cheer.  You only need a few simple things to make this paper plate heart wreath and it is also a great opportunity to learn about two shapes - circles and hearts.

What You Need

Large paper plate
Glue stick or white glue
White, pink, red and/or purple construction paper
Scissors

How to Assemble Your Paper Plate Heart Wreath

1.  Cut out a large hole in the middle of the paper plate.
2.  Fold a piece of construction paper over 4 times and cut half of a heart at the fold so that you will end up with 8 hearts.  Repeat this for as many colours as you would like to use.
3.  Glue the hearts on to the paper plate, covering most of the white background.
4.  Let it dry for 10 minutes and then hang it up and enjoy!

Paper Plate Heart Wreath

For more Valentine's Day craft ideas, click here.

momstown Oakville Junior Chef No Bake Snowball Cookie Recipe

Yesterday momstown Oakville Junior Chefs got together to make two snacks - polar bear rice cakes and no bake snowball cookies.  Our theme for the month is Polar Animals so these two recipes were perfect!  After being busy in the kitchen, the kids got a chance to get some exercise with the Sports Training Junior Academy and Miss Carly.

The first recipe we made was the polar bear rice cakes.  The recipe can be found on the momstown meals website, click here.  We used cream cheese for the white face and chocolate oat cereal o's for the eyes. When the polar bears were done, we talked about the climate that polar bears live in and so of course snowball cookies would be a perfect compliment!

Snowball cookies are a great no bake recipe.  Here is the recipe we used:

Ingredients


2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons peanut butter or sunbutter
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the oats, sugar and cocoa. With clean hands, mix in the water, vanilla, butter and peanut butter/sunbutter to form a dough.

Wash hands, then roll the dough into balls 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Roll balls in confectioners’ sugar until thickly coated.

Chill 20 minutes before serving.

Finished products:  Polar Bear Rice Cakes and No Bake Snowballs

While the Snowballs were chilling in the fridge, the kids got a chance to get some exercise with Miss Carly who runs the Multi Sport Program for kids at the Junior Academy.

Oakville moms and kids had a great morning and were happy to take home some tasty snacks. momstown's theme for next month is Space.  I wonder what food creations our junior chefs will come up with for that theme!  Want to join us?  Sign up here for your free trial or purchase your membership here.  The Junior Chef program is just one of the many programs included in your yearly membership for just $45 and you'll also get a BONUS 12 month subscription to Today's Parent for all memberships purchased in 2013!  

Win 4 Tickets To See Disney On Ice At Copps Colliseum From CAA South Central Ontario!

Join your favourite Disney characters as they come to life at Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove at Copps Colliseum March 14-17!  Enjoy a memorable skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you and your children will remember forever!

You and your family could win 4 tickets to see this fun-filled event March 15 at 7pm.

Did you know that Disney on Ice tickets are 20% off with your CAA membership?  With every CAA membership, you receive entertainment discounts on movie tickets, events and even Disney travel!  We’re more than Roadside Assistance, We’re Life-side assistance®. Click here for the full list of member discounts.

Please note: tickets will be mailed 2 days before the event.  Dates and times are not exchangeable.

Here is how to enter:

Leave a comment about why you want to win tickets and attend the show.  An email address must be included.  One entry only.  Winner will be selected randomly.  Winner will be contacted directly. Must have reached age of majority and be resident of Ontario.  

Contest Runs February 6, 2013 - March 7, 2013. 

momstown Oakville moms get fit and have fun with Zumba with Binu

momstown Oakville moms participated in another great workout last night as part of our fitness challenge. We got movin' and groovin' with Zumba with Binu! This was my first time doing a Zumba class and while I expected it to be at least a little fun, it was incredibly fun and I was pleasantly surprised.

Here are my three favourite things about last night's workout:

1.  I had a goofy (albeit sweaty) smile on my face the whole time.  It really is fun!

2.  This workout reminded me of being on vacation.  What??  It's true!  I felt like I was at an all inclusive resort in Mexico feeling the vibe of the nightly entertainment when they get everyone involved in the dancing.

3.  I was also reminded of dance parties with my university house mates, loved those and loved that this workout felt just as fun.

Bottom line?  This is a really fun way to get fit and Binu is an amazing instructor with great energy.

There was a pretty big group of participants last night and it ranged for many people having their first Zumba experience to those that had done a few classes before.  At the end of our class with Binu, we all agreed that her choreography was easy to follow and that none of us felt lost.  The music was fantastic and we had a great variety in the steps and routines that were used.  I had a lot of energy during the class and could feel my mood being elevated as I got more and more into the workout.

Getting down and funky!

Shaking it up!

I had a hard time getting good pictures as we barely stopped moving for the entire 60 minutes!  After we jumped, danced, shook, moved and grooved, we did end the class with some ab work and some stretching which was a nice way to wind down and finish up the workout.

Binu leading the group and getting our feet in the air, followed by some stretching.

Here is what some of our members had to say about the class:

"I loved her energy! It was a great class and not too hard to follow the moves." - Stacey

"I am sore today....a good sore.  I love workouts like that because you get so caught up in the fun and dancing that you forget you're working so hard." - Jody

Binu's current session goes until March 31st (daytime and evening options, click here for the schedule) and you can join anytime. Classes will be prorated based on number of weeks left in the session.  First class is always free! You can drop in if room is available. Drop in fee is $15. If you sign up for the session regardless of how many classes are left, the price is cheaper.  Binu offers weights classes for women as well and most of her classes are run out of the Sports Training Academy in Oakville.

Hope you take advantage of the free class option and try out Zumba with Binu - you won't regret it!