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,...

Traveling for the Holidays? Just need 10 minutes peace and quiet?

Grab a handful of popsicle sticks and print 11 free templates from https://teachingmama.org/?s=Snowflake

And boom! Instant Snowflake Busy Bag!

No popsicle sticks? Grab wooden coffee stirrers with your next latte!

Want to be fancy? Older kiddos can color or paint plain sticks (bonus...

We are lovers of everything Brussels sprouts, but this recipe elevated the yummy roasted flavor of this favorite seasonal veggie! The parmesan adds a salty crunch to this dish and this easy side pairs well with pasta, a grilled meat or even as an appetizer. This would also be great as a holiday side. I’ve found that smaller sprouts tend to work best as well as fresh grated Parmesan, if you can. Also, this veggie can take a good bit of...

I was inspired to create this from an enchilada recipe at Cactus and a delightful conversation I had with Stroller Strides instructor Christy during a Stroller Strides eons ago! I affectionately call it the “Christy Scramble!”

• Can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 pound of roasted butternut squash
• 2 c baby...

Have you met Gina, our newest playgroup captain? Read on to get to know this RTC regular!

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Berlin, Maryland (10 minutes to Atlantic Ocean)

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I started as a FIT4BABY client in January 2017 and I took...

This is an easy recipe and a crowd pleaser! I used the multi color carrots from Trader Joe’s, but any carrot will do. Use fresh thyme if you can— it makes a huge difference. The carrots will get all caramelized and yummy when the sugar starts to release. Yummy! Enjoy;). Xoxo

...

You know my obsession with pumpkin, and it doesn’t end in the fall! These muffins have a mellow pumpkin flavor with a cool texture due to the oats in place of standard flour. And I am loving that you put all of the ingredients in a blender and the batter is ready to go! I have made these in mini muffin form and frozen for use in lunchboxes or to accompany my afternoon coffee. Enjoy, sweet mamas and enjoy the last few weeks of this...

I’m in serious love with my slow cooker. I plop some ingredients in her in the morning, then by dinner time, when we are all famished, a yummy meal is ready to rock and roll!

I’ve made different chicken enchilada soups over the years, but I just tried this one and it’s my favorite! Really simple to put together, healthy, filling ingredients and great for a cool fall or winter night. Mine took about 6.5 hours on low, but my crockpot...

This fun craft/toddler activity is brought to you by one of my favorite toddler bloggers! Busy Toddler is an amazing mom who you should follow on Pinterest or Instagram. Bonus she is local and is actually neighbors with one of our instructors!

For this activity you will make a water bottle into a turkey. Then your child will practice those fine motor skills and use tongs to feed the turkey with pom-pom balls. This alone,...

Meet Lindsay, a familiar face at Body Back and Boost classes, and an inspiring working mama!

Where are you originally from?

Right here in Redmond!

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I joined in March of this year when I signed up for my first Body Back session. I signed up at like 2:00 am as I was holding my sleeping 3 month old son, and immediately wondered if I had just made a...

I’m always looking for things that my 4.5 year old will happily eat. He’s great at trying things, but not always liking them. These “fries” are super, super easy to prepare because the preparation of the crinkle cut squash is already done for you — thank God for Trader Joe’s!

I’ve tried these several times and the key is to bake them until they are crisp and slightly brown at the edges. It works best if you spread them out on a...

Happy Fall, y’all! This simple and filling dinner uses staples you probably already have on hand. It’s utilizes the seasonal fall vegetables that are plentiful this time of year. The veggies are the star, so load up on them. Plus, it’s kiddo friendly!!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb of your favorite pasta (I used spinach ravioli from Trader Joe’s)
• Your favorite pasta red sauce (I used Trader Joe’s Autumnal...

A fun and not-so-spooky holiday craft!

Materials:

• Egg Carton (will make 4 bats)
• Black acrylic or tempera paint
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Pipe Cleaners/String/Ribbon
• Googly Eyes/Chalk/white marker

Instructions:

-Remove lid from carton (we used for paint pallet)

-Take egg carton lower piece and cut in half down vertical center

-...

The nights are getting chilly and it’s the perfect soup weather! This soup is super flavorful, filling and healthy! It’s full of fresh veggies and herbs. The fresh herbs and cheese rind in the soup are what give it a fresh, deep flavor. I served this with whole wheat grilled cheese or would be great with crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy, my sweet mamas!

Xoxo

...

This awesome and easy recipe from Kim’s Cravings was a big hit with Luke and my hubby! If you have a can of pumpkin purée and Kodiak Mix in your pantry, whip these little disks of fall deliciousness right up ;). I used 2 t of pumpkin pie spice and added a T of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. They take a few extra minutes of each side to cook, but keep a close eye.

These don’t even need syrup—I served mine along side sliced...

Where are you originally from?

I grew up on the coast of Washington in a town called South Bend. It is on the way to Long Beach.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

So long ago it is hard to remember. I think it was January 2016.

What classes do you attend?

I've always been in the M/W 5:30am Body Back. I occasionally join Run Club (I'm in it now), or go to Boost or TRX....

PUMPKIN SEASON!

I am one of those crazy pumpkin people, and I absolutely love fall! These muffins combine the flavors of our favorite seasonal fruits and veggies to create the most flavorful, warm and healthy treat! Not too sweet, but perfect with a cup of coffee in the afternoon. The recipe is simple; honestly the most difficult part is grating the carrot and apple. I omitted the frosting, but added some mini chocolate chips to...

One of my favorite things about fall in the PNW is the beautiful colored leaves on the trees. Recreate those beautiful trees outside your house with this fun and easy handprint tree. To do this fun craft with your child go find that old puzzle with pieces missing or stop by a dollar store and pick one up. Sit back with the yummy pumpkin spice latte as your little ones glue on all their puzzle...

I love fall! And it’s almost here....Soup, sweatshirts, football, Uggs!!!!!! This is one of the BEST chili recipes I have ever made, like ever. Luke even gobbled it up. You can make the recipe as is or feel free to use my tweaked spice measurements. I upped the amounts of cumin, chili powder onion, garlic and oregano, plus I added pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of cayenne.

There are instructions in the link below for the Instapot...

am obsessed with quinoa and eat it several times per week. This is a cool and easy way to change up a classic staple. It’s 3 simple ingredients: quinoa, coconut milk and lime. I did this in the Instapot, but there are also directions for a rice cooker. It turned out so flavorful and creamy with a hint of sweetness! I served it with grilled salmon and mango salsa. You could also serve this with shrimp, mahi mahi or chicken plus any...

This is a great "wing it" recipe using things you probably have on hand!

I always have cooked quinoa around, and it’s so easy using it as a base for a healthy and filling bowl! I honestly use whatever veggies and proteins I have in the fridge, pantry or freezer to put together a quick lunch or dinner. Each component shines alone, but put what you like together in a bowl it’s just that much more super fresh and filling! I had sweet...

A quick and easy prep (60 sec) for oodles of fun!

Supplies:

• Zip-top storage bags
• Shaving cream (ours from Dollar Tree)
• Food Dye or Washable paint
• Package or Painter’s Tape

Directions:

Roll down zip-top storage bag and squeeze food dye or paint into corners, slowly fill up bag with shaving cream, layering in more dye/paint if you want. Lay flat and...

Meet Laura, one of our favorite Brits, and favorite mamas! She keeps us inspired and laughing during Body Back, and we're so glad to have her in Our Village!

Where are you originally from?

I’m from England, UK, and moved to Washington 2 years ago.

When did you join FIT4MOM?

In the summer of 2017.

What classes do you attend?

I started with...

Summer tomatoes and peaches are the stars of this salad! Because they are in season now, and super sweet, this simple salad really shines and all of the simple ingredients meld together to create the perfectly flavor-balanced summer salad!

• 2 c loosely packed spinach (can sub arugula or spring mix)
• 1/2 ripe peach, diced
• 1/2 c sweet cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 T diced red onion (can sub scallions)
• 2 T...

Remember growing up when your grandmom would boil brussel sprouts until they were mushy and flavorless?!?

These easy, flavorful sprouts are a complete 360 from those days! This is a great appetizer or an awesome side dish to accompany any pasta or protein. These rarely make it off the baking tray into a dish because my husband and I gobble them up! Barefoot Contessa seasons with just salt and pepper, which is fabulous—very simple...

With zucchini in season and coming off the vine like nobody’s business, these easy tots are a great switch-up from the classic zucchini bread. These are mama, husband and kiddo approved! Triple win! I serve these with two sides: ranch and sriracha ketchup (add a few drops of sriracha to your favorite ketchup)! I love that Skinnytaste makes this recipe with simple ingredients, big taste, but also healthy!

Enjoy! Xo

...

We're honored to feature Gretchen Ward as our Mom of the Month for August. She started her FIT4MOM journey with Body Back, and is now in FIT4BABY as she awaits baby #2! Thanks for inspiring us, Gretchen!

Where are you originally from?

I’m a Washington native, born and raised in Everett and now live in Woodinville

When did you join FIT4MOM?

May 2017

...

During these hot summer months, I love to make a big summer salad in the beginning of the week and eat it during the week for dinner with some kind of protein — usually grilled fish or chicken. This salad is simple to put together and versatile, as you can use the veggies you have on hand. It is great for easy lunch prep, as well!

• 1 lb whole wheat penne
• 1/2 c prepared or homemade pesto
• 2 c fresh baby spinach...

I typically don’t use my slow cooker much in the summer, however, I love this recipe during those hot summer days when you want something light and filling but don’t want to heat up your oven!

It works great for meal prep (I typically prep 5 servings in 3-cup rectangular Pyrex containers) OR for an easy dinner!

Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, rinsed
• 1 jar salsa OR 1 1/4 cups
• 14.5 oz can...

We are loving this warm PNW summer, especially grilling almost every night. This easy grilled shrimp is so tasty and won’t overheat your kitchen. It’s super quick and the final dish is super fresh and light.

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Juice of one large lime
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon...

SUMMER!

'Tis the season for grilling! We usually grill our entire dinner and spend our evening on our deck soaking in the rays. This recipe is SO easy and tastes like a million bucks.

• 2 mahi mahi filets (I love Costco frozen Filets)
• 2 T Pesto
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper
• 1-2 crowns of fresh broccoli, cut into small florets

Rinse and dry mahi filets. Drizzle both sides with olive oil,...

It’s SUMMER which means travel for many of us. Do you find yourself anxious on how to keep your little ones busy on the upcoming car rides, plane trips, or dinners out with friends and family? I have a solution to keeping those kids busy and happy while you travel. BUSY BAGS to the RESCUE! The ideas for these bags are endless and Pinterest has tons of samples, free printable, and activities for every age.

The idea is a simple one,...

Meet Jenni! She's our newest Playgroup Captain for Kirkland classes, and mommy to one adorable little guy. She's also been a superstar in our Bothell Body Back session! We love having you in Our Village, Jenni!

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in Spokane, WA, then moved to the westside after college (and never looked back!)

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I...

This recipe looks like a million bucks plated, but is SO simple to prepare! And it’s filling and healthy.

• 2 fresh salmon filets
• Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup cooked farro
• 1 T butter
• Sliced small onion
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 lemon

Preheat oven to 450. Rinse salmon and gently pat dry. Season to taste with a Cajun seasoning and rub liberally...

1. How to make a cloud in a jar!

   Materials Needed:

   • 1/3 cup hot water
   • Empty glass jar with lid
   • 3-5 ice cubes
   • Hairspray

   How To:

   • Add 1/3 hot water to glass jar and swirl around sides for 5 seconds. (I used hot tap water)
   • Put lid on upside down and place ice cubes on top of lid
   • Wait 20 seconds to allow condensation to...

This salad is one of my new go-tos for summer. Easy to put together, keeps well in the fridge as a side dish or makes an easy meal prep for weekly lunches! The star of this dish is fresh dill! If you haven’t tried dill, you will be pleasantly surprised! Add seafood or chicken for an easy dinner.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup dried lentils (preferably small French lentils
• 1 large garlic clove,...

Luke is starting swimming lessons this week during dinner time, so I prepped this scrumptious Mediterranean Farro Salad to grab and go. Meal prep/planning has been integral to achieving my health and fitness goals this year. This was a super easy salad to put together with lots of big flavors that mesh really well. I also added some cherry tomatoes and used fresh herbs in place of dried. I will add 2T of feta before eating.

Enjoy!!...

So I’m cheating on my crockpot this week and sharing one of our healthy family favorite comfort foods — turkey meatloaf! I’ve tried a ton of turkey meatloaf recipes over the years, seriously maybe 10+, and this is the best one I’ve tried, by far. It has a zing from the ketchup and Worcestershire, is moist and comforting, but healthy! My almost 4 year old will even eat this (after protesting that he doesn’t like it, of course). ;)

A few...

Do your kids love playing in the snow? Make it yourself in the warmth of your home and the kids can get hours of playtime with it. And as an added bonus it will make your house and their hands smell amazing! If placed in a sealed or air tight container the “snow” will last for several days.

Ingredients:

3 cups of Baking Soda

1/2 cup hair conditioner (white or clear colored preferred to keep the snow...

What if you have a picky eater?

Toddlers seem to be innately selective when it comes to food and what they will and will not eat. It can be very frustrating and occasionally worrisome for parents.

It sounds easy enough, but we as mothers and fathers know all too well that our little mini me’s are stubborn and have their own will. It can take 20 or more introductions to a new food before your child will even taste it. If your child...

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I have a love affair with my crockpot. I love her. She’s efficient, beautiful and makes life superb (much like us hot mamas).

The beauty of slow cooking is whatever you put in there is going to be delicious; it doesn’t matter if you are a novice in the kitchen or a domestic goddess. I use it 2-3 times per week, put together the ingredients in the morning (or night before), turn it on low in the AM and...

Happy New Year to all of you beautiful mamas! I am so excited to share my love of cooking with you each week, where I will prepare easy, healthy meals, many of them kiddo friendly! My son even helped prepare this with me.

Here’s a gem I’ve been making for many years; it’s so well loved I have it written down on a hot pink post-it note. It’s easy, filling and makes your house smell like the most amazing apple pie is baking.

First,...

Our last (but most certainly not least!) mom of the month for 2017 is Laine! Not only is she a mom and Stroller Strides client, she's now a Body Back instructor! Be sure to check out a class from this inspiring mama soon!

Where are you originally from?

My dad was in the Navy so I’ve been lots of places but he retired in Silverdale when I was 11.

...