Meet your new Stroller Strides Leaders

We would like to introduce ourselves, Natalie O'Meara and Nicole Tognazzini, as the new Stroller Strides Franchise owners of the Anaheim Hills and Orange area.  We joined Stroller Strides in 2007 and it has been such a fantastic program for our children and ourselves.  We, along with our girls, have met so many wonderful moms and playmates.  The two of us are sisters and have been co-workers at a salon & spa for the past nine years. Natalie has been an Esthetician for ten years and recently started working from home so she could have more flexibility taking care of her 10 year old son, Brendan, and 16-month-old daughter, Kassidy. Nicole was a cosmetologist for nine years, but recently retired to spend more time with her 22-month-old daughter, Adisyn. We are very excited to give back to our program that has improved our lives in health and fitness.  We are looking forward to providing a challenging and well-balanced workout with our new friends.  Stroller Strides has given us so much enjoyment, and we can't wait to expand the program in the community in which we were raised.

Mom of the Month- December

Tiffany Trujillo

Who are the members of your family?

My Husband, Mario, of two years and our beautiful 18-month daughter Caitlyn Marie.

What was/is your previous and/or current career?

It seems like I've had the same career my whole life, as a student. I started going to college right after high school and will be, God willingly, finishing up my MBA in April. Other than school, of course, I'm a full time mommy. Being a mom is the best and most rewarding job any woman could have. Although trying to balance being a mom, wife, and student is challenging it's much more of a blessing than I could have ever wished for.

Why did you decide to be a stay at home mom?

Thanks to my husband, I was given the opportunity to continue my education and be a stay at home mom. Plus I figured if I made the sacrifice by not working and staying with my child that I would be doing what was best for my lil munchkin.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Who could really describe what motherhood is? Everyone has their own perspective of what being a mom is. But overall, being a mom is being able to juggle more than two things at a time, loving my little girl even though she's been bad, and laughing at all her curious adventures. Motherhood to me could also be sole defined as love, dedication, patience and discipline.

How long have you been a Stroller Strides member and what has Stroller Strides done for you?

I joined Stroller Strides in July of 2008. Stroller Strides has helped me feel so much healthier since I've started. My family has noticed the difference, and wish they had the opportunity to join as well. I love this program and how it helps moms get together to work out.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your husband and kids!)?

I love to do arts and crafts for the holidays or for anyone's birthday. You could ask my family about the t-shirts I've made them wear for Caitlyn's 1st Birthday.  I also love to bake. I've been baking since I was a little girl. I'm the family baker for any event; I'm the one they call.  Another thing I love to do is writing and reading poetry, I don't get much time to do it, but when I do I love it.

Tell us something about you that would surprise us.

I have a birthmark in my right eye. I use to think it was ketchup when I was a little girl.

If we asked your husband what he thought your best qualities are, what would he say for personality? Physically?

Wow if you would ask my husband those questions, you would have wished you wouldn't have asked him, because you wouldn't be able to stop him from talking.  The best qualities that best describe me, in his eyes, is that I am very committed and fast pace. He would say committed because I am always trying to finish everything when told and ask to do. And fast pace because I am like the energizer bunny I keep going and going. Physically, he would say that my eyes are my best quality. He's told me that my eyes are what mesmerized and hypnotized him since our first date. He loves me for me. So he says J.

Breakfast for Dinner - Mom's Night Out

There is only one thing better than getting together with a bunch of friends for dinner... doing it in your PJS! This month we decided to go casual and have Breakfast for Dinner in our PJS. Last month's Mom of the Month, Erin Lawrence, invited us all to her house for a night of fun. We planned on watching a movie or playing games, but we ended up doing what any mom without their children want to do, TALK!!!

Thank you so much to Erin for inviting us all into her house, but most importantly thank you to her family for letting us interupt their nightly schedule to let 14 excited and "loud" (Jame's comment) in to their house for the night.

Next Month's Mom's Night Out will be merged with December's as we go early Christmas shopping on December 2nd, details TBA !

Mom of the Month - September

Erin Lawrence

Who are the members of your family?

I have a wonderful husband Greg whom I met on a cruise and married four years ago, a son is James (3) and son is Jackson (1)

What was/is your previous and/or current career?

I worked for Washington Mutual Bank for about nine years. Throughout my nine years at the bank I did many things including processing home loans, project management for mergers and acquisitions, and writing lending policies. I was fortunate and traveled a lot. I really enjoyed my job and was able to see many places I thought I might not have a chance to see for many years.

Why did you decide to be a stay at home mom?
Although I loved my job, I have always wanted to stay home with my children if I had the opportunity. Fortunately my husband is able to make it happen for us and I am forever thankful.

What does motherhood mean to you?
Motherhood means so many things to me, but most of all it means loving, nurturing and guiding my children for a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

How long have you been a Stroller Strides member and what has Stroller Strides done for you?
I believe I joined in April 2008. I have lost over fifteen pounds and I truly enjoy living a healthier more active life. What I enjoy most is how quickly the hour goes by (especially since I like to talk to the other moms so much) and what a fantastic work out I get.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your husband and kids!)?
Camping, traveling and spending time with friends and family

Tell us something about you that would surprise us.
I left home when I was 16 (a sophomore in high school) and had to take care of myself. Even though it was very difficult and stressful, I learned a lot and was much better off. I have much more appreciation for the things many people take for granted. But most of all I have a lot of faith in myself and know I can handle much more than I ever knew I could.

If we asked your husband what he thought your best qualities are, what would he say for personality? physically?

Well, I asked him and he said it's supposed to be what I think so I am not sure if I am right... I think he would say he loves that I am adventurous and always look forward to trying something new and physically I would say he loves my shrinking butt. I only hope it continues to shrink (go stroller strides).

Mom Night Out- Bonnie Hunt Show

Breanne, Grace (Bre's cousin), Bonnie, Christine and Tiffany

Last month a few of us went to see The New Bonnie Hunt Show. It was so much fun, the guests were Kevin Pollak from The Whole Nine Yards and much more, and Shenae Grimes from (the new) 90210.

Bonnie was so gracious to talk with us after the show. She was so sweet and truly down to earth. I hope we can go again to see the show.

The show airs daily on NBC, channel 4 at noon. It's a really cute show and she has great energy. Its something fun to watch while you eat your lunch.
We don't know when the show we watched tape will air, but I will keep you posted.

We all LOVE cardio day!!!

Moms Run to Give Their Babies Tickles!

Every Wednesday at the Stroller Strides in Anaheim Hills we have cardio day. It's the perfect way to get in a great workout, change things up a bit, and burn A LOT of calories.

We start class of with Sprints with Tickle Squats and end things with Planks.



I know the moms dread cardio day, but always feel great after class. We always have our playgroups after class, this week was bubbles and it's always a hit, the kids run after the bubble and love every minute of it. They are such simple creatures. :)













We will be doing ball pit next week so come join us for another great cardio day and then let the kids play in the ball pit. No matter what age, they will have a BLAST!!!

MOM OF THE MONTH - AUGUST

Christine Moore

Who are the members of your family?

My husband of six years Ryan, our nine month old Hudson, and our two miniature schnauzers Britain and Kate.

What was/is your previous and/or current career?

I have been in marketing for seven years and most recently worked as an Associate Brand Manager at E&J Gallo Winery. While there, I managed three, premium wine brands. I love wine and all things relating to it.

Why did you decide to be a stay at home mom?

After returning to work, I decided that 60-70 hour weeks were not going to be conducive to the way we wanted to raise Hudson. While working, I only saw Hudson for 45 minutes each day. Unfortunately, flex time or part time was not an option. As a result, we decided to completely change our lives. We sold our house and moved closer to family. Now, I am looking for part time or flextime work because I love working, but feel a balance is necessary.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Everything. Since becoming a mother, I have learned a lot about myself as well as raising another person. I had no idea how little sleep I could survive on or how much love I could give one person. I do not mind the late nights or the poopy diapers. It has been such a positive experience. I look at other mothers including my own so much differently now. I realize we are all walking saints. Motherhood is the most powerful and special thing of which I will part. Needless to say, I am excited to continue the journey.

How long have you been a Stroller Strides member and what has Stroller Strides done for you?

I have been a member for almost two months (I think). As for what Stroller Strides has done for me, it has left me soar on numerous occasions :-) I really love SS because it is the only thing thus far which has motivated me to work out on a regular basis. Who knows, maybe one of these days I will look toned....

What are three of your favorite things (besides your husband and kids!)?

Starbucks, wine, and traveling.
Tell us something about you that would surprise us.

I got engaged at 23 and married at 24. (Sounds too young to get married!) My husband and I have now been together 11 years.

If we asked your husband what he thought your best qualities are, what would he say for personality? physically? .
Personality: My sense of humor

Physically: My tush

August Mom's Night Out!

All month long you work hard giving your families 110%. It is time for some play, and not a play date with the kids! It is time for Moms Night Out! Come join all your Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club friends for a very grown up (finally) play date!

"MNO in Hollywood"

We are going to watch a taping of The New Bonnie Hunt Show and then go to dinner. Please contact Breanne if you are interested in carpooling.

Be in Culver City by 5 pm, go to our meetup site for location info. Please RSVP asap.