Now that the kids require more mental guidance than physical, I noticed, as autumn set in, my clothes starting to become a little tighter. Add some Halloween candy and a small bit of starting preschool blues, and I decided to get off of my duff and join a gym.

The sales associate at Gold’s Gym in Exton gave me a free pass to bring the kids in and see how they liked it (I already knew that I would, but they have the final say, don’t they?).
So we went in – I spent an exercycle work out in a darkened “cinema” work-out room watching 27 Dresses, then moved to the women’s work-out area where I could not only do the elliptical, but simultaneously spy on them via a live monitor, and afterward I enjoyed the first sauna I have had in years.

They looked pretty happy on the mute monitor, but the test came when I picked them up and they told me they had a GREAT time. When they both wanted to go back I felt like I had won the lottery… I mean, convincing them to go to the grocery store requires bribes and cajoling, yet here, the thing I really want to do, they actually LIKE!!

Several visits later, I feel like a new person. I cannot emphasize enough how important endorphins are, especially to sequestered SAHMs who rarely get to do for themselves. It is worth it.
Just do it.

Check out a new local Mom's bargain hunter site - http://littlemissmoffett.blogspot.com/!

Play Dough

3 C flour
1 ½ C salt
2 Tb cream of tartar
- MIX -
Add 3 C water
3 Tb cooking oil
Food coloring
mint extract (optional)
Mix with beater until smooth
Cook over medium heat until thick and pulls away from pan
Keep in airtight container (zip lock bag)

Peanut Butter Play Dough

1 c peanut butter
1 c dry milk powder
1 c honey
Mix and have fun.

Tootsie Roll Play Dough

4 T butter
1/2 c corn syrup
6 T cocoa
1 t vanilla
3 c powdered sugar
3/4 c dry milk powder
Mix
(don't forget to taste it too)