Chapel Hill/Carrboro YMCA

It is time for summer camp registration (already!).  In fact, YMCA summer camp registration for members is currently underway and registration opens for nonmembers Feb 20th (2012).  So let's talk about the Chapel Hill/Carrboro YMCA (CHCYMCA).  This place is like a military base to get in to, I swear.  You must be a paying member or accompanied by a paying member to use the facilities - no daytime, one time, trial passes at all.  But there are some tricks to this that I am here to share with you!  (By the way, if you are Apex side of town, check out our little article on the Kraft Family YMCA and that fabulous pool.)

As far as the facilities go, the CHCYMCA has an indoor pool (on the cold side, but still warmer than what I remember the Chapel Hill Community Center pool being) that is a nice addition.  This pool has 2 family changing rooms nearby  There is a cardio deck for working out as well as weights. There is a fantastic, fenced in playground available for members to use when not in use by a program.  There are basketball hoops, youth rooms, child care and more here.

The facilities are  like most YMCA facilities I have seen (outside of that fancy Kraft Family one I already mentioned), which means they aren't going to be the poshest Globo-Gym places (like that reference?) but the CHCYMCA is still relevant and clean.  They are on board with many of the latest fitness crazes, like TRX, and offer a good mix of Group Fitness Classes.

However, in my opinion, the real reason to join the Y is for the youth programs like organized sports, classes, and summer camps.  Membership gets you discounts and preregistration to these programs (although the programs are open to the public) and the fitness facilities are an added benefit.

Right now, we are enrolled in a swim class at the YMCA, not as members.  We love it.  The staff has been so welcoming and the instructors excited to be there.  The classes are for all ages and levels, albeit they fill up fast so if you want to take on, sign up early!  Swim lessons are offered for folks ages 6 months to adult.  (Remember that the Y also owns and operates the outdoor pool at Meadowmont during the summers so figure that into your membership consideration.)

The organized sports offered through the Y are great, too.  They offer soccer, baseball, volleyball, and basketball.  Some of the leagues start at ages as young as 3.  There are even adult teams as well as Home School team times.  To give you an idea for registration fees, in general members will pay $75 for a sports league participation and nonmembers will pay $90.  Members also get preferred registration.

Summer camps are for 3 1/2 year olds to 17 year olds.  There are some really great programs here.  In fact, there is a "first time campers" program for kids ages 3 1/2 to 5 that happens at the Meadowmont location.  The day camps are about adventure, field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, and games.  But the CHCYMCA also offers specialty camps with focuses on topics such as cooking, art, movies, and outdoor education.  They have a special Teen camp as well as camps at the Camp Clearwater location complete with transportation.  The Y also offers an "extended day" camp option where, for additional money, you can extend the hours your child stays at the Y.  Members get up to and around a $30 discount for camp registrations.

As of date of this publication, membership for a family is a $100 sign up fee and then a $68 per month draft, with access to the Y at Meadowmont an additional $250.  Do the math to see if this makes sense for your family - it's a gym membership for parents, recreation for kids, and discounts to some great youth programs.

Dangerously, this is very close to Foster's.  But it's also close to Flyleaf Books.  You can feed your body and mind after working out!

The Chapel Hill/Carrboro YMCA
http://www.chcymca.org/
980 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.442.9622

The Afternoon Date - Valentine's Thoughts

I've got my thoughts on Valentine's Day out there on the Internet, and here is another fantastic perspective from Katie today.  Remember that many drop-in childcare services are around and about in the Triangle to help you with your romance.  And regardless of what this Valentine's Day has in store for you, we love you, our readers, and appreciate you!:

It’s February.  It’s Valentine’s Day.  Love is in the Air.  Romance abounds.  Okay, so, really, that went out the window for DH and me sometime just after my son was born.  Don’t get me wrong, I love this man with all of my heart and we’ve had some really great dates in the past 2 years, but if you are a parent and you are reading this then you know what I mean.  More often than not, late night feedings replace late night romance.  Croup and ear infections seem to take up residence in your house.  And why didn’t anyone tell me that the addition of one child would mean ten times the laundry?  When Friday night rolls around, or Valentine’s night, for that matter, lots of times we’re just plain tired.  We want to go out (and we do, or I couldn’t write Discovering the Southern Part of Heaven), but we pay more than cash for it.  (Ask me how often I need a refill on my under-eye corrector). 

When I read Leigh’s post on her HinesSightBlog, Tinsel on a Christmas Tree Can Hang Longer than Parents Can at Night, I can only say that it had my name written all over it.  She even says that maybe the daytime TV dramas are onto something with “Love in the Afternoon.”  I think she is right!  In fact, I so think she is right that DH and I gave it a try.  (No worries, I’m not going NC-17 on you here.).  We booked a sitter for an afternoon and set out.  We didn’t feel guilty at all—H was down for his afternoon nap and we were free to explore a museum and have an early dinner.  We headed over to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and had a wonderful afternoon learning that the Museum isn’t just for children!  Then, we grabbed a somewhat quick dinner in downtown Raleigh and, get this, we actually had great conversations where no one was “zoned out” from a long day at work or a long day of chores.  There was no “well, maybe we should just head home early” talk, which we frequently have if we try to make it to dinner and a movie.  Yes, we may have lost some cool factor we thought we had (emphasis on thought), but we had a seriously great time.  And the best part: we were home and sleeping soundly at a very decent time of night!  

Take it from this Mom in Chapel Hill, afternoon dates are completely underrated.  Book a sitter, swap afternoon babysitting with a friend, head out while your child has a playdate.  It doesn’t have to be on Valentine’s Day, but in the spirit of romance (or just a little grown-up time), give Love in the Afternoon a try.  Who said date night had to be at night?

2012 Fitness Challenge - Week 6

#MiCHillFit2012 Here's our wrap-up for week 6 of our 2012 Fitness Challenge. How is your training going?

From Allison:
With a toddler undergoing surgery to have ear tubes inserted and a newborn diagnosed with a bad case of acid reflux, it was a wild week where I had a hard time finding time for "me."  But, again, I went back to my tried & true gym course of action.  Monday and Saturday I was at the gym for classes and Tuesday I hit the elliptical.  I am feeling stronger in my work outs, but I am also feeling oh-so-very tired these days.  You know what I have learned this week?  Working out energizes me.  Majorly.  I know that there have been loads of articles and research on this phenomenon, but it takes me experience to learn a lesson.  So while this past week wasn't about progressing in my fitness journey, it did help me stay sane through an otherwise very emotional, rough week.  If sanity isn't worth working out for, not sure what is...

From Katie:
Really? Has it been six weeks? In the past six weeks, I’m happy to say that exercise has once again become a habit. I can’t exactly say that I’ve trained hard, but I’ve gotten my body moving, and regularly. Last week, I asked friends, acquaintances, and readers to join me, because working out with a buddy is always better. I am so happy I did, especially since winter (okay, what constitutes winter for this Southern girl), decided to pay us a visit! I have to tell you that on several very cold mornings, the only reason I followed through was that I knew I would leave some poor soul out there waiting, teeth chattering, wishing they hadn’t met me, if I didn’t show up. Once we got going, I was so happy we did. I have been amazed at how quickly time passes, and how painless working out seems, when you have someone to chat with. I have learned about great places to walk and the best places for a vacation with children. I’ve bonded over activities for toddlers, great ways to organize and ways to manage a busy household. I’ve gotten back in my car refreshed, renewed, and looking forward to another walk/jog and along the way, I’m building friendships that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Now, it’s time for me to focus on the task at hand - the 5k. It’s coming up, and suddenly, April 21 seems to be just around the corner. My goal is to keep moving, and keep training, and keep building great new relationships with other Moms.

From Sarah:

Admittedly, I let the weather affect my routine this week. I know a MWF schedule works best for me, but on Monday I just didn't feel up to heading out into the cold! I did get out both Tuesday and Thursday and used the Ease into 5k app. On the latter, I completed Week 5, Day 1 of the training. I made it through, but wow was that a challenge! I told myself I'd get in a 3rd day of training yesterday. It didn't happen. The cold was a factor, but also I let myself get caught up in other things that a Saturday presents. This week I really need to push all those excuses aside and get out & moving! After the cold that has hit us in the last 24 hours, the week's forecast looks really good with highs of 50+.

Interested in more up-to-date details on what we're doing or want to share with us how you are doing in the Fitness Challenge? Leave a comment, visit us on Facebook, or join along in the Challenge chatter on Twitter (use hashtag #MiCHillFit2012).

Moonshadow Medical Massage

Who doesn't enjoy a little extra pampering from time to time? Whether as a reward for keeping up with our Fitness Challenge or perhaps a gift for someone you love for Valentine's, here's a suggestion from Sarah C.:

Moonshadow Medical Massage, to me, is one of those great little treasures tucked away in a nondescript office building in Cary. I found it over 10 years ago thanks to a recommendation from a coworker. My initial reason was searching for alternatives to medications in helping control my migraines.

The therapists at Moonshadow are licensed and trained in a number of massage and body work techniques to help you feel better and to improve your overall well being. One some of our moms might highly appreciate - pregnancy massage. I'll admit, I was there once a month throughout my pregnancy. They have a wonderful wedge support with cutouts at the chest and belly making it safe and comfortable to lay face down. In my third trimester, just the act of laying on that wedge, feeling the weight shift and my spine begin to stretch out was like a slice of heaven. Add a massage to that and I was one happy pregnant mama!

Yes, I confess, I look forward to this little bit of 'me' time each month. We moms (and dads!) work hard and deserve something special once and a while. And the massage work I have had done has definitely improved my health - decreasing migraines; releasing tension in my back, shoulders & neck from long hours working at a computer and now all that lifting of a toddler!

You can find further information about Moonshadow Medical Massage and the services they offer by visiting their website listed below.

Moonshadow Medical Massage
http://moonshadowmassage.com

216 E Chatham St, Suite 110
Cary
(919) 466-9494

3500 Bush St, Suite 103
Raleigh
(919) 466-9494

Strays

MiCHill Note: I have received a lot of emails about Strays.  They do, indeed, have a pottery studio in the back (Feather Foot Studios) that has offered occasional pottery classes for kids.  Currently classes have been on a little break (the owner was on maternity leave).  But GOOD NEWS, this is coming back bigger and better than ever.  I talked to Feather Foot Studios owner, Erin, and she is getting ready with a new website, a new room design, and more classes and scheduling options.  It's all very exciting.  Classes will resume February 21st for toddlers through 5th graders.  Right now the best way to get information is to email or call Erin directly (featherfootpottery@gmail.com or 919-923-2466).  We'll be sure to let you know when the website is launched.  And, of course, we'll get you a review of Feather Foot Studios when it's time.  In the meantime, here is some information from Katie about a spot in Southern Village that has parent-friendly shopping as well as gifts for kids and babies.  (Psst-For more errand-friendly shops, check out this article here.):

Don’t you love a store that is child-friendly?  I know it definitely makes my life easier!  A few weeks ago, I was looking for a birthday gift for a friend and wanted to get something by a local artist or craftsperson so my first thought was to stop in at Strays in Southern Village.   I took H with me, but I confess that I’m always a little nervous taking him in stores with, well, things he could ruin, especially when I’m short on time.  When we went into Strays, though, I was pleasantly surprised—they have some children’s toys set up in a corner of the store to keep little hands occupied!  Hooray!  Don’t get me wrong, we aren’t talking about a huge play area, we’re talking about a few toys in the corner, but H was so happy, and I could see him from all points in the store! 

If you haven’t been to Strays, it’s a one-stop-shop of sorts.  It used to be Pack and Ship, and they still do shipping, but they have art and crafts by over fifty local artisans, from jewelry to prints to gorgeous baby blankets, hats and booties.  So, you can shop, and, if necessary, ship what you’ve bought, all in one stop, and all while your child plays in the corner of the store.    Prices vary by artist, but I have found many reasonably priced items.

Another great thing about Strays, and other stores in Southern Village, is the proximity to several great parks, including Southern Community Park, Newell Street Park, Hillspring Street Park, and Edgewater Street Park.  You could even stop in at Town Hall Grill for lunch and make an afternoon of it!

The downside—H didn’t want to leave!  I can’t wait to go back for the Second Friday Artwalk!  For more information on Strays, check out our review on Discovering the Southern Part of Heaven.   

Strays
http://southernvillageshipping.com/
710 Market Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
919.933.4202

Bolin Creek Greenway Trail

By request, and because I can't believe it's not on here already, a little post about the Bolin Creek Greenway in Chapel Hill!  Note that we've already done a short article about the "Bolin Creek Trails."  Those are quite different.  Those trails are rough, for hiking and mountain biking, albeit beautiful.  The Greenway is a paved, well maintained path that runs through Chapel Hill.  And as you are most likely looking for some great running trails as you train with us for the 5K coming up, here you go...

My friend and I jogged the Greenway the other week.  We got on the Greenway near the Rose Garden at Chapel Hill Community Center.  The path is 1.5 miles long and takes you out to MLK/86 near the Foster's (Chapel Hill) and Flyleaf Books.

This path is really beautiful and the terrain is not too difficult.  It is also a well-used path so the couple of times I have been on it I have never felt as though safety were a concern.  Although staying out of the way of bikers was a little bit more of a challenge.  You do not need a jogger for these paths.  Lightweight strollers could do these.

Also note that from the Community Center there is a Battle Branch trail that goes the other direction.  That trail is NOT paved.  Check out the Town of Chapel Hill map below for the full details.

And get pounding the pavement!

Bolin Creek Greenway
http://www.townofchapelhill.org/
Map here

The GrEAT Mongolian Grill Restaurant

From Sarah C.:

Looking for a new spot to dine out one evening, we headed to The GrEAT Mongolian Grill in Cary. DH & I have both been to and enjoyed Mongolian restaurants in the past, but this one was new to us and D's first experience. It was, pardon the pun, great!

When we arrived, we literally had the restaurant to ourselves. We were seated at a table near the buffet line (is that even the proper terminology here?). I made sure to place D's highchair where he could see both the line and the grill at the back.

For those who haven't experienced this kind of dining, you head to the buffet line to fill your bowls - one with noodles & veggies and the other with meats. Add dry seasoning of your choosing. Select colored sticks to indicate your sauce and heat level. Then take the bowls to the grill to be cooked. There you are given a choice of white or fried rice and handed a number for the server to bring your meal to you. We dawdled at the grill area a bit to let D watch - he was fascinated by it all.

Once seated, that highchair location was key. More people had come into the restaurant. Throughout our meal, he could watch people as they made their bowls and watch the food being cooked. Plus, he loved the food! We chose to just share ours with him which turned out to be plenty of food and he completely stole my bowl at the end. It was a full dinner and a show for our little guy.

Kids 4 & under eat free every day. Kids 10 & under eat free on Monday.

If you have some free time after your meal, Once Upon a Child is just a couple of doors down.

The GrEAT Mongolian Grill Restaurant
http://great2eat.com/
Harrison Pointe Shopping Center
243 Grande Heights Drive
Cary
919-388-3660