“Fitness and Fun for You and your Little One” is the tag-line of Stroller Jam which will begin its 8 week session indoors at Keva in Middleton November 3rd. The class will be in the mornings, twice a week, so grab you stroller and check it out.
During these sessions, you will get the benefits of a cardiovascular workout and strength training to help you regain your energy, socialize, spend time with your baby, and get back into shape! For more information, visit http://www.kevasports.com/documents/Stroller%20Jam%20Flyer.pdf You can also call about free trial classes so that you and your babe can test drive the class!
Mama Jen
October 8th, 2008
I was just told by a family member to check out Sassy Cow Milk by Sassy Cow Creamery, a local Wisconsin dairy that serves most of South Central Wisconsin.
I am tickled by this find! Each gallon of milk is made by a particular cow….the one I bought today has Cleo’s tag on it. The tag has a photo of Cleo and states that she “Loves long walks, soft straw beds and good feed.” What a phenomenal way to feel connected to your food and to teach your kids more about where milk comes from.!
This neat addition to the creamery’s milk might help some milk drinking families get their kids interested in milk if they have decided to turn their nose up at it! I know it makes me giggle when I see it in my fridge and reminds me just how much this creamery cares about the well being of it’s cows which is very important to me. My daughter loved to pick which cow’s milk we would drink too!
The company’s website has a list of all of their vendors…I found mine at Woodman’s, and if your wondering, Cleo makes a fine tasting organic milk!
Mama Jen
September 9th, 2008
A friend pointed me in the direction of Alisa Wagner who teaches infant massage locally at Therapeutic Resources on University Ave. This would have probably helped me navigate the waters of infant massage more successfully than the way I did it–by reading a book. This is something I think would be so much more beneficial to learn in person and to have someone help you learn the proper techniques, amount of pressure etc.
Wagner informs me that “Infant massage is a excellent way for parents and baby to bond and interact. Infant massage is beneficial for relaxation, providing relief from the discomfort of constipation or gas, improving circulation, promoting deep sleep patterns, deepening emotional connection, and stimulating growth. “ Now who doesn’t want to give their baby that??? It’s definitely worth investigating. I know how good I feel after a massage!
This 3-week series class is appropriate for parents and babies 0-6 months. Cost: $45 for 3-week session.
More information is available at Therapeutic Resources or by emailing Alisa, the Occupational Therapist that runs this gem of a class at alisa@vitallinks.net.
Mama Jen
August 26th, 2008
Just a reminder that another six week session of Madison’s ultra-popular Fit Fun Bootcamps with Dustin Maher begins this Monday, August 18th. This class will take you outside for an outside of the box workout that is as fun as it is effective.
Dustin also runs the popular workout class for local moms called MamaTone fitness class at Supreme Health and Fitness.
August 15th, 2008
I have heard great things about Funky Monkey Photography Studio and there is a family event this Sunday from 1-4. If you are looking for a fun family activity and ther chance to win and iPod Touch, photo packages, organic t-shirts and more…check this out!!
Mama Jen
August 15th, 2008
“I’m obsessed,” said Natalie Bass the first time I asked her how she finds the awesome fabrics and combinations for OrangyPorangy, her line of metro, retro and cool “fine ladywear.” Bass’s skirts in particular are arty, graphic, sometimes even sweet, but never boring — and as a mom on the run with little time for wardrobe/styling, I don’t want to be the latter if I can help it.
“I look for bold, graphic designs that catch the eye, but are not too busy. I love contrast, which is why I pick a lot of black and white prints. They also go with everything,” says Bass. She unearths her ever-changing array of fabrics everywhere, from antiques and thrift shops to e-bay for vintage patterns, and wholesalers for designer prints. “I look for what I like and what I would wear. My clothing designs are very simple; I let the fabric do most of the work. It makes having style easy. You can pair one of my bold, graphic skirts with a very simple top and a fun pair of shoes — everyone has those in their closet.”
“Most of the prints I pick also tend to have a vintage or retro feel. I love fashion from the ’60s; styles were so simple, yet so bold,” Bass adds. Currently she’s got two skirt lines — Poly, made of reclaimed fabrics “for your wearing pleasure,” and Opal, two-tiered with various fabrics — and Jane dresses, “simple, but never plain.” Frankly, I’d buy her stuff just for the cleverness with which she describes it all.
OrangyPorangy skirts flatter all body types. Really. “I have found that the A-line is a miracle of nature,” says Bass. “It looks good on everyone. It’s really comfortable, too.” While she doesn’t do commissions — wedding dresses, for example — she does do custom work, including making special sizes or lengths. She’s also considering making kids’ skirts.
I love that thanks to the cut and the fabulous prints Bass has chosen, I can wear strappy sandals one day with my skirt, and chunky shoes the next. And, of course, black; Bass tries to craft her skirts so they coordinate with that wardrobe staple.
You can find her skirts at OrangyPorangy.com (hey! free shipping all August long!) and around the country in a few hip boutiques. If you live in Madison, WI, on Farmers’ Market Saturdays you can visit her tent at the top of State Street and try them on for yourself. I dare you to walk away with just one.
The tagline on her fashions is reclaimed, recycled, really cute. And, truly, OrangyPorangy’s skirts make me feel terribly flirty in a modern, no-girlish-”frills” sort of way. Hmmm. I think I’ve found a new obsession, too.
Mama Kate
August 7th, 2008
Gear up to buy or sell your quality child items for ages 0-7years old at this summer’s Half-Pint Resale August 22 and 23rd. This sale is a wonderful event that also features handmade items from local artists. A huge hit every time, so mark it on your calendars and stock up or clean house—whichever is your situation!
Information from the co-founder of this wonderful way to recycle baby items is below:
The Half-Pint Resale was created to give families and opportunity to resell their quality used children and maternity items, and give other families a chance to buy the things that they need and want recycled and at resale prices. The sale takes place twice a year (spring and fall) so families can get what they need for the upcoming season. The sale quickly outgrew their first space at the VFW, and is now moving to a larger and more centralized location at the Madison Labor Temple on South Park St (about 1 1/2 miles north of the beltline and south of University Avenue at 1602 S. Park St - Map found on website).
Half-Pint is currently registering consignors for the Fall Sale taking place at the end of August (think fall/winter goods and gear, as well as Halloween costumes :)). Otherwise, put the sale on your calendar! To find out more information about consigning (and shopping!), and also the children’s artists who will be showing at the sale, check out the website below - Hope to see you there!
Madison ’s Semi-annual Half-Pint Resale
Friday, August 22
Volunteer Pre-Sale 10:30am
Consignors/Volunteer Pre-Sale 11:30am-12:30pm
Public Sale 1pm-7pm
Saturday, August 23
Public Sale 9am-Noon
Private Sale for Union Members/Spouses/Partners 12:30pm-1pm
Half Price Sale 1pm-3pm
halfpintresale@gmail.com
http://halfpintresale.googlepages.com
Madison’s Semi-annual Fall/Winter Half-Pint Resale is Friday, August 22 1-7pm and Saturday, August 23 9-Noon (Half-Price Sale from 1-3pm), located at the Madison Labor Temple (1602 S. Park St., Madison 53715), and sponsored by Sheet Metal Workers Local 565. Support local families by coming to the Madison-area semi-annual quality children’s consignment sale. Find great deals on unique items for children ages 0-7, as well as baby gear, maternity clothing and handmade children’s items from local artists. New consignors always welcome!
Mama Jen
August 4th, 2008
A good friend of mine just sent me an email about the new Middleton Splash Park that is WONDERFUL!!!
The “Splash Pad,” which is running from 1oam-7pm during the summer on days that aren’t raining, was funded by the Madison Community Foundation and American Girl Fund for Children is absolutely FREE! Playdate anyone???? Enjoy!!!
July 22nd, 2008
Two local women, Meghan Walsh and Amber Ault, are teaming up with Doctors without Borders to raise money for Plumpy Nut this September 7th at Ironman Wisconsin.
Haven’t heard of the oddly named Plumpy ‘Nut yet? It is banishing malnutrition and starvation for many children for whom it is available to. There are so many children who can benefit from this newly available food/vitamin combination. It appears to be one of our most powerful tools in managing starvation and malnutrition.
Athletes at each Ironman race are given the opportunity to compete for donations to their favorite non-profit organizations from Janus Investments, an Ironman Partner. Ault chose Doctors Without Borders because of her interest in its distribution of a “revolutionary” high-energy food to children dying of malnutrition in various parts of the world; a six-week course of treatment with the peanut-based concoction, sweetly called “Plumpy Nut,” can restore a child’s health—for the grand sum of $40.
“For a bit less than most endurance athletes pay for a canister of electrolyte replacement powder,” she says, “we can prevent a kid’s dying from lack of nutrition. Of course we need to go for it.”
The Plumpy Nut Ironman campaign, as Ault and Walsh are calling it, is made even more meaningful by Walsh’s close connection to Ethiopia, one of the countries in which Doctors Without Borders is currently working to deliver Plumpy Nut. Her adoptive son, Ezkeiel, comes from the southern region that is currently devastated by famine.
As the donations to the Plumpy Nut Ironman fund, large and small, roll in, they inspire Ault to keep on with her training, a process she calls variably “daunting” and “rewarding.’ “When it gets tough,” she says, “I think of those women carrying their children in their arms across difficult terrain—no spectators, no water stations, no medics on the course to assist them, and no choice but to move forward—and I keep going. We are their aid station.”
To contribute to this cause that is so much more heartbreaking to imagine, now that we are all mothers, please visit https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=250249&supid=225436667
Mama Jen
July 16th, 2008
The Wisconsin Department of Children & Families has offered the public something brilliant! Check out this phenomenal tool that lets you see exactly what violations, if any, your child’s preschool or licensed daycare center has as a strike against them.
Very helpful information when deciding who should care for your kids when you can’t…
Mama Jen
July 9th, 2008
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