Kelly’s Kids Party at Mom’s Treehouse!

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Mom's Treehouse

Come shop for adorable children’s clothing during our Kelly’s Kids Show!

Wednesday 2/15 4-8pm

Thursday 2/16 from 9-noon

If you cannot stop by during those hours, you can place your online order here and enter 2526 at check out.

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Come Hear Rachel Speak – Virginia Women’s Expo

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Mom's Treehouse

Join Rachel Pustilnik, the owner of Mom’s Treehouse, at the

Virginia Women’s Expo February 18-19 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center!

Rachel will be speaking on Sunday, February 19th from 11:30am-12:30pm on

Healthy Solutions for Busy Women

Joining Rachel is Marisa Ferreira, Mom’s Treehouse Registered Dietician!  Learn simple tricks to keep your snacks and drinks healthy!

The event will have hundreds of booths from businesses representing products and services of interest to women.  So if you cannot attend the speech, you can still attend the event!  Mom’s Treehouse will have a booth so be sure to stop by and see us (you might just get a surprise!!)

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Mom’s Treehouse is Saving My Life

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Mom's Treehouse
The Treehouse is Saving My Life
Lisa McGhan
 
I am the mother of four young children. I am disorganized, overweight and often frazzled because of those two character flaws and the every day struggles that go along with having a large family. In February of 2011, I received a life altering opportunity. I had won an 8-week session of Body Back at Mom’s Treehouse in an online contest.
 
Here’s a little background about me.  My fourth child was born in 2010 with two congenital heart defects. While she is now perfectly healthy, that diagnosis forever changed the direction of my life. I started the Virginia chapter of The Children’s Heart Foundation in her honor. As the chairperson, I had to make public appearances and speak at events. Very quickly I became all too aware of my extra weight and unhealthy habits.
 
I come from a long line of unhealthy people. Diabetes, Heart Disease, Alcoholism and Depression run through my family on all sides. With the lifestyle I was leading and with my obesity, I was a runaway train headed straight for a future living with Diabetes and Heart Disease. Depression was also knocking on my door.
 
Winning the session of Body Back was just what I needed to change my life. The 60-minute classes met twice a week, and for the first time since I became a mother, I devoted this time to ME (and not my children)! I was challenged to make healthier eating and lifestyle choices, as well as challenged to push myself physically, harder than I had ever pushed myself before.
 
Mom’s Treehouse is saving my life. I workout at the Treehouse a minimum of two days per week in classes such as Body Back, kickboxing, barre classes, and pilates. Through classes at Mom’s Treehouse I have met new friends who have become my running partners. I participate in the Mother Runner Training Program (also at Mom’s Treehouse), and I run or walk three days a week and do other classes at least three days per week. I ran my first and second races: Disney Halloween 5k and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond 10k.
 
I began taking Body Back classes on March 1, 2011 at 288 lbs. I am now in my 5th session and have lost 66 lbs. and over 20 inches! I plan to stick with Mom’s Treehouse, even after I hit my goal weight. The relationships I have made and the support and encouragement I have there cannot be matched.
 
I am healthier than I was in high school nearly 20 years ago. I am happier than I ever remember being in my life. I have new confidence in myself and my decision making. I am stronger than I ever imagined possible. Not only do I benefit from now being a member of Mom’s Treehouse, but my family benefits as well, by having a much less grumpy mother, healthier food options and more opportunities for fitness in our everyday life.
 
No longer do I consider myself a runaway train on the rails to disaster. I now see myself as Rachel Pustilnik, owner of Mom’s Treehouse, refers to me, “The Little Engine That Could.”
Our Jan/Feb session of Body Back is filling up fast!  For class times and locations, visit www.moms-treehouse.com/bodyback.
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Surviving Halloween!

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Mom's Treehouse

We know the holidays are stressful and oftentimes cause you to gain weight…starting with HALLOWEEN.  Don’t fall victim to the ‘candy-coma’ with these simple tips:

  1. Buy candy you do not like.
  2. Eat a sensible lunch, healthy snack, and dinner.  If you are not starving, you are less likely to binge on things you don’t need.
  3. Do NOT open the bags of candy until the first child arrives at your house.  If the bag is open, you are more likely to mindlessly eat it.
  4. Write down every piece of candy you eat.  Be honest with yourself.  Think of how amazing you will feel if you don’t eat any.
  5. Chew gum. 
  6. Walk with your kids while they are Trick-or-Treating.  You can get in a good workout while your kids visit neighbors.  Do some squats/push-ups/jumping jacks while you wait for them.
  7. Once the children return home, allow them to pick out the number of pieces of candy as their age…then put the rest of the candy in your bowl for children who visit your house.  This gets it out of the house.
  8. When the last child trick-or-treats at your house, ALL the candy should be gone.  Don’t have leftovers.  At the end of the night, you should have nothing left in your house!

We hope these tips will help!  Happy Halloween!

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Friday Booty Blast!

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Mom's Treehouse

Here are some moves to get that tush in shape. If you want a real workout to get that booty in those skinny jeans try the Mom’s Treehouse Friday Booty Blast class at 9:30. This class is guaranteed to  burn calories and blast fat through high-intensity circuit training. Start your weekend off feeling fit and strong!(Babysitting is available)

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Living Social Deal-a great time to try Mom’s Treehouse!

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Mom's Treehouse

This is an amazing deal especially heading into the holidays. One month membership to Mom’s Treehouse for $35, normally $99 or or a two-month membership plus Body Back and a Bender Ball included for $148, normally $308.

Check out all that the Mom’s Treehouse membership includes here. If you need evidence of what you can accomplish doing the Body Back program, check out this post. This isn’t just a deal for you either there are kids classes too!

There’s already 25 people signed-up! Don’t let this deal pass you by, this may be the jump-start you’ve been looking for and for $35 you could change your life. Here’s the link to sign-up!

 

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Eco-Art at Mom’s Treehouse and Leaf Art idea!

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Mom's Treehouse

At the Fall into Fitness event on Monday, my 4 1/2 year old son had a blast at the Eco-Art station, it helped that he loves bats but I realized that if there’s one area of motherhood I haven’t embraced it’s crafts. That’s why I think it’s great to have a class that fills in where I’m lacking (plus the mess isn’t in my house which is a bonus).

So give this class a try with your little ones!

ECO-ART FOR TODDLERS (ages 1-3) allows your child to explore and create using recycled and non-toxic materials. Your little one will lean to turn everyday objects into beautiful pieces of art.
Wednesdays 10:45-11:30am Free for Mom’s Treehouse members, $80/ 8 week session, or $15 for drop-in class.

Speaking of crafts, I saw this idea on a blog I really enjoy Jones Design Company, she’s a mom of 4 that does crafts with her kids (my idol)! Plus this one adds some Fall decor to your home. Check out her post to get all the details.

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A Stroller Strides Mom’s Journey through Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Mom's Treehouse

Stroller Strides Is The Best Fitness Program For Moms with PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects one in ten women and often goes undiagnosed.  It is one of the most common female endocrine disorders that can be passed genetically from either parent.  It is thought to be one of the leading causes of female infertility and other symptoms include: irregular menstruation, excessive amounts of testosterone, acne, hair loss, depression, obesity or difficulty losing weight, excessive facial and body hair, and insulin resistance.  Women may be presented with all or few of the symptoms for it to be a positive diagnosis; and having physical evidence of at least 5 of those symptoms myself, I thought it was odd that it took the doctors and specialists so long to detect it.

For me, the hardest symptom to come to grips with was the infertility.  Hearing at age 24 that I may never be able to have children (even with IVF) was devastating.  But luckily at age 26 (after 11 months of trying the old fashioned way) my husband and I were able to conceive!   My pregnancy went very well, no gestational diabetes (a big possibility for those who suffer from PCOS), and though I was overweight before I only gained 16 lbs.

My son decided to arrive a month early, but he was a very healthy 6 lb. 13 oz. preemie and we were overjoyed!  He is our little miracle and a year later I sometimes stare at him and wonder, if he is real or if I am dreaming.  Then those 2:00 a.m. up all night parties remind me just how real he is (and I still enjoy every minute)!  He is amazing, and has inspired me to want to be healthier and more active.  Trying to figure out how to work out with a newborn proved to be tricky at first.

Attempt # 1: he was about three months old and sleeping a bit longer after each nursing session, so I thought I would leave him sleeping in the crib at 5 a.m. while my husband slept across the hall, and I would take advantage of the free gym on the property where I live.  After 15 minutes on the elliptical machine I became worried and walked back home to find my half-asleep husband holding my screaming baby, whereupon he informed me that this wasn’t going to work (he got home only 4 hours prior from work and I really couldn’t blame him).  My mother is physically disabled and my younger brother is in school full time and works full time; so they were out of the question.

Attempt  #2:  I had some great workout dvds, I thought they were a good alternative.  But I almost broke my neck trying to do the cardio.  We live in a small townhouse and our little guy’s stuff had completely taken over.  Grapevine left into the pack n play, side shuffle right into the couch, and backward lunge on the poor dog’s tail!  There just had to be a better way!  Then I recalled seeing a parade of jogging strollers once and remembered it was called Stroller Strides.  I was skeptical, Stroller Strides, in my mind was a glorified play date; boy was I ever wrong.

Attempt #3: My first free class at Stroller Strides kicked my butt!  I went from no physical fitness to intense cardio and toning ( I did the light modification at first), plus I was able to keep my baby with me.  I signed up that day!  The more I would go to the classes, the more I loved it.  I was getting better, going from walking, to jogging, and eventually running.  I started off with my green resistance band (less) and now all I use is my red (more).  I may not be the fastest, or strongest, but I hold my own, and while I exercise my little guy cheers me on, with his smile and laughter.  He has a great time and I think he enjoys it as much as I do.

So why do I think it is the best solution for mommies with PCOS?  After doing it for 10 months I have lost 22 lbs.( pre-pregnancy weight 36 total) and though for right now I am on a plateau the fact that I have been able to lose ANY weight is AMAZING, plus I feel healthier (my ultimate goal) .  The support from the instructors and the personal touch they add can’t be outdone!  NO other trainers care for you the way they do!  They push you to do your best even on your worst days, and you leave feeling better!  Then there are the other moms in class, they provide friendship, sanity, advice, information, a shoulder, oh yes, and other children for your child to play with.  I have made such wonderful friends with the instructors and other members that my membership has paid for itself 10 times over.   The only negative thing I can think of is that I didn’t start sooner!

So if you are a mom with PCOS, I highly recommend Stroller Strides, for your health and the many other perks that come with the classes.

As Jessica’s instructor and friend, I just want to say what an inspiration she is to me and all the other moms in her classes. She continually pushes herself which in turn encourages others to push themselves too. We’re so proud of that she has accomplished and want to thank her for always putting out such positive energy and spirit to those around her.

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Actions speak louder than words, come to Fall into Fitness!

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Mom's Treehouse

It’s not surprising that with parenthood come a lot of inevitable awkward conversations with your kids. But what might surprise you is in a recent study of parents ran by WebMD and Sanford Health, one in five parents admitted never talking about healthy weight with their kids, claiming the topic was the most uncomfortable above alcohol, drugs, and even sex.

What’s even more alarming is that childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years, making this topic more important now than ever. More than 17 percent of kids between the ages of 2 to 18 years old are obese, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and with obesity rates rising in adults as well; it’s getting increasingly difficult to turn this scary stat around. (Source)

I do think it’s very important to talk to our kids about being healthy and taking care of our bodies but actions sometimes speak louder than words. When my kids see me come in from a run or take/teach Stroller Strides and make smart decisions when it comes to food, that’s going to make a lasting impression. That’s why I love Mom’s Treehouse because the kids either take classes with us or are surrounded by Mom’s making health a top priority for them and their families.

Aren’t involved yet with the activites at Mom’s Treehouse? Here’s a great opportunity to experience all that Mom’s Treehouse has to offer join us Monday October 10th for our special Fall into Fitness event.

SCHEDULE:
9-9:30am – Registration
9:30-10:30am – Fitness class for moms, moms with strollers, and pregnant moms (ALL are welcome!)
9:30-10:30am – Childcare for children not attending fitness class (health and wellness related activities)
10:30-12pm – Vendors, food, Mom’s Treehouse programs demonstration, giveaways

Its not a magic pill or new invention, but it can be fun!  Fitness at Mom’s Treehouse is offered in a welcoming and supportive environment.

SPECIAL!! Sign up for a MOM’S TREEHOUSE MEMBERSHIP at Fall into Fitness and receive the month of October for $50 (regularly $99)

PLEASE RSVP to Fall into Fitness!  If your child is not participating in the 9:30am fitness class with you, you MUST make a reservation for childcare at least 24 hours in advance. Simply email babysitting@moms-treehouse.com.

There is NO CHARGE for the event! Please invite friends too!

Posted in Body Back, Fit for Baby, Fitness, Mom's Treehouse, Stroller Strides | Leave a comment

I did it! I am claiming Meal Planning SUCCESS!

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Mom's Treehouse

So how was your September?  I am excited to report that my School Year Resolution was a HUGE SUCCESS for the first month!  I am proud to announce the following accomplishments:

  1. We had planned to have homecooked meals each weekday in September (20 days).  We ended up eating at home as a family for 16 weeknights.  So we missed 4 meals…
    • 1 of those was a night we had to be at a school event at 6pm so we ate at Martin’s (healthy, just not home-cooked)
    • 1 of those was a crazy night that I should have had at home but decided to head out to dinner instead
    • The final 2 were home-cooked meals, just not at our house. 
  2. The plan for the kids lunches were followed.  My husband packs lunches and really enjoyed knowing what to pack, plus he packed 4 lunches each day so we each had a healthy, fresh lunch!  Thanks, honey!
  3. My kids were given limited snacks choices so they didn’t rumage through the cabinets and fridge saying ‘there’s nothing to eat’!  I made healthy snacks each week for them and they LOVED them.  My favorites were:
  4. I used my Sundays as prep day!  I went grocery shopping, made all snacks and prepped any meals I could for the week.

On top of it all, I have OCTOBER all planned out!  WOOHOO! 

Yes, we are a busy family but this is important.  I am making this a priority.  WHO’S WITH ME?  Join me and see how great this can be for you and your family!

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