I’m about to rock your world! Quinoa that’s perfectly done every single time!!!!!! SAY WHAT? It’s super easy, versatile and freezes so easily for future use. We use it on salads and as a swap for rice or pasta. And grilling season is almost upon us. Grill up for fish, chicken or veggies, and serve your deliciousness over cooked quinoa.

• 1 c quinoa, rinsed and drained well
• 2 c any stock (chicken,...

This is a great craft and activity that you can scale to accomodate older and younger kids. Older kids can do all the cutting themselves and work on fractions for pizza slices. Younger kids and enjoy gluing!

Materials:

• Plain paper plate
• Assortment of color construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick

Directions:

• Have kiddo color "sauce" on plate or cut...

I always ate popcorn as a child and we did it “old skool” — on the stove in a big pot! I love the crunch and saltiness of popcorn, but the prepared microwave popcorns have so much sodium and ingredients I can’t even pronounce. A few weeks ago I saw popcorn kernels at Trader Joe’s and thought how fun it would be to pop this with Luke! We literally laughed the whole time the kernels popped, and not giggling, but hearty belly laughs!! I...

Meet Tricia! She went from Body Back to Stroller Strides to FIT4BABY, and now she's back in Body Back! We're so glad she let us grow right along with her family!

Where are you originally from?

Originally born in Dayton, Ohio but I moved around a lot as my dad was in the air force. I spent most of my time growing up in Lake Stevens, WA.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

January 2017...

Tomato soup is such a classic soup, reminiscent of childhood paired with grilled cheese or eaten with crackers. I remember sledding until I literally could not feel my feet, then coming inside for a hot bowl of soup;). YUM!

This is an easy and healthy version of this classic! I made the soup based exactly on the recipe, however, I cut the cream by half and added freshly grated Parmesan before eating. I served this with basic grilled...

During the chilly winter months, we crave warmth from our foods, but also want to keep it healthy, easy and light with salads! This dish is the perfect mix of both - a hearty salad topped with warm roasted veggies and lots of different sweet, salty and crunchy textures. It’s vegetarian, but you could also add meat or fish for added protein!

• 1/2 c cooked quinoa
• 2 c lightly packed “sturdy” greens (spinach, kale, chard, or...

We LOVE the snow and have had so much fun sledding and being outside. When we come inside to warm up, inside time calls for experimenting in the kitchen. Enter the easiest almond butter ever!!!!!

I am slightly obsessed with almond butter. I use it on whole grain toast and English muffins, in smoothies, and on apple slices. Luke eats it in tortillas as well. We eat it every single day. I love the Costco brand as it is natural and so...

It is hard for little hands to write names on those tiny, glossy Valentine cards! Mailing labels to the rescue! Have your child write on the labels and stick them on the Valentine.

We used address sized, but return address sized ones are even smaller. No labels? Check the dollar store! Wanna be fancy? Try washi tape!

Kiddo can make as many as needed and any typos or accidents wont use up a precious Valentine!

Where are you originally from?

Anacortes - I’ve moved around, but only in the PNW.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

January 2016 for Stroller Strides, and January 2018 for Body Back. I first fell in love with FIT4MOM while living in Olympia in 2011 after the birth of my first child, then again in 2016 here on the Eastside after the birth of my twins.

...

Happy Super Bowl Sunday Mamas!!!!

Sunday is a such a fun day to celebrate our favorite teams, watch the best commercials and half time show AND spend time with our friends and family. It’s one of our favorite days of the year! I tend to do food in crockpots to keep them warm and ready for game time! This easy, healthy marinara is a game changer — ha! See what I did there;)

• 28 oz can of crushed...

My son, Luke, will be turning 5 in February, and like many kiddos, can be very opinionated when it comes to food. :)

He tends to avoid most things that contain protein, with the exception of beans. In an effort to up his protein, Luke and I worked together to create a basic smoothie that is packed with protein and tastes like a berry milkshake. It’s great fun that we can make this smoothie together and he sees how this healthy...

Who loves sensory bins/tables?

My children love them so much I continue to use them despite the mess they create! This great activity can be adapted to fit the age of your child based on the puzzles you choose. For my 4 year old I used an ABC puzzle, and for my 3 year old I used a shape puzzle. This is the creative part for us moms- pick one of those puzzles they have done a million times and bring new fun into...

As a native East Coaster, I grew up eating authentic Italian food and crave it quite frequently. It’s the ultimate in comfort food that is also kiddo approved! This dish cures my craving for a basic spaghetti and meatballs without the heaviness that I usually feel after eating a pasta dinner! I replaced pasta with my new favorite...... sweet potato ribbons. Another simply genius invention from Trader Joe’s!

• Trader Joe’s Sweet...

Meet our Mom of the Month, Macaire! She joined our village this past September when she began attending FIT4BABY classes. Macaire and her hubby are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first baby (a girl!) in March. We can't wait to meet her!

Where are you originally from?

I am from a small town outside of Peoria, Illinois

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I joined the FIT4BABY...

I LOVE a good, hearty soup in the winter months. It’s warms the soul and heart. Many classic “cream” soups tend to be heavy, but this chowder is fairly light without missing the comfort and heartiness factor that you sometimes need on a cold, rainy night. I tweaked this recipe from Damn Delicious to make a lighter soup that’s a bit healthier than traditional chowders. I hope you enjoy! Xoxo

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 slices bacon,...