Cindy’s Resolution Tips

Just in time for those New Year’s resolutions, Bellevue Club’s registered dietitian, Cindy Farricker shares some tips on how to set New Year’s resolution health goals you can actually keep.

Health and fitness goals top the list of most-common New Year’s resolutions, but as we all know, resolutions are easier to set than to achieve. One of the big reasons so many of us fail to stick to our New Year’s resolutions is that our goals are too big, too vague or take too long to achieve, leaving us feeling defeated almost from the start. In fact, about only about 70 percent of people who make resolutions are still sticking with them by mid-January.

A tool used in the business world that can be very useful for health-related goal setting uses the acronym SMART.  SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time framed.

Beat the odds this year by following the steps below to help you set realistic goals that you can actually achieve.

The goal  “I want to lose weight” is too vague, not measurable, therefore, not achievable. And there is no time frame.

Alter your original goal” I want to lose weight” using SMART
S: Make it specific – “I want to lose 20 pounds”
M: Weight is measurable
A: Weight loss is achievable with lifestyle changes – what changes need to be in place to be successful? (decreasing calorie intake and increasing activity make weight loss achievable but SMART goals need to be set for each of these changes to ensure success. In fact, you may want to set several)
R: Is it realistic to lose 20 pounds? This needs to be appropriate based on your height and weight
T: When will you lose the weight by? Twenty pounds in one month is not an “achievable” time frame, so come up with a reasonable time line of losing 1-2 pounds per week.

Example of an additional SMART GOAL necessary for achieving original goal
S: I will decrease my calorie intake and only eat 1600 calories per day     
M: I will keep a food diary and record my intake to measure if I am eating 1600 calories
A: I will pack my lunch every day to avoid the temptation of eating high-calorie food
R: I will make prepared dinners at home at least 5 days a week
T: I will evaluate my intake records every Saturday

Learning to set SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-framed will help you towards a successful outcome and a Happy New Year.


All the best for 2012.

Cindy Farricker, MS, RD, CDE
Bellevue Club Registered Dietitian

Cheers to a new year!

Bottoms up! With these delicious mocktails, even the children can join in on the festivities.

Mint Chocolate Mocktail 
Ingredients:
2 oz. of your favorite mint chocolate ice cream
1 oz. coconut cream
Large handful of crushed ice
2 oz. half & half
Chocolate syrup

Rim a martini glass with chocolate syrup: On a small flat plate, pour 1-2 oz of the syrup. Holding the glass parallel to the table, dab the rim of your glass into the liquid while slowly turning the glass so that only the outer edge is covered. Then combine the rest of the ingredients and stir until smooth. Pour into your already-rimmed glass and serve!

Fruitini
Ingredients:

3 oz. apple juice
3 oz. orange-pineapple juice (pre-mixed)
1 oz. cranberry nectar
Handful of crushed ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth (1-2 minutes). Pour into glasses and serve.

Mock Pink Champagne 

Ingredients: 

1 oz. cran-apple juice
1 oz. white grape juice
2.5 oz. ginger ale
Garnish with strawberry

This can be made in a martini shaker or simply added in a champagne flute.

New Year's Sunrise 
Ingredients: 
4 oz. seltzer
6 oz. orange juice
.5 oz. grenadine syrup
1 orange slice
1 lemon slice
1 maraschino cherry
Plastic toothpick

In a tall glass, mix the seltzer and orange juice. Slowly pour the grenadine into the center of the glass, allowing it to settle on the bottom. Garnish with the orange, lemon and cherry, stacked and skewered on the toothpick. 

Click here for more recipes. 

Diet Tricks

Little lifestyle changes can really add up and make a difference when it comes to your health and weight. Here are a few tricks to weave into your daily routine:

Trick your taste buds. Your taste buds are malleable and can learn to love the foods that you provide. Start choosing food with less salt, sugar, saturated fat and trans fat. These foods will become familiar and start to be preferred within weeks.

Indulge every day. Curb your cravings for sweet and salty foods by enjoying a small piece of dark chocolate made of at least 70% cacao every day. You are likely to feel more satisfied and less deprived of cookies or chips.

Bury your cravings. Hide your stash of favorite chips or soda in an inconvenient place so that you are less likely to go grab it. Also, if it's far away, such as in the basement, you will burn a few more calories going through the effort of attaining the beloved treat.

Take omega 3s. By taking two 200-miligram capsules 30 minutes before both lunch and dinner, your desire for food later on will decrease. Less calories equals a smaller waist.

Drink ice water. Drinking water throughout your meal makes you feel fuller faster. Also, you will burn more calories because of the amount needed to bring the water's cold temperature up.

Up the burn. Help your muscles rebuild and repair after a moderate to intense workout by eating protein within 45 minutes of your workout. This will also help you burn more calories. Bring a small protein-rich snack with you to the gym or work to maximize the fat you burn during the day.

Click here for more information.

Recipes for Holiday Leftovers

Don't let your holiday feast go to waste. Now that the big day has come and gone, the delicious meal that took so long to cook is most likely in the fridge covered in foil waiting to be eaten again. Here are some great ideas to reinvent those leftovers and create something just as tasty!


Ham, the main attraction for most holiday feasts, can be used to create delicious meals for family and friends, such as ham and swiss quiche, ham stuffed manicotti or wild rice chowder with ham.


Turkey sandwiches aren't the only way to use up this holiday staple. Try creating an appetizer that both adults and children will enjoy such as turkey fingers with cranberry dip. To add a little flavor to this leftover, a turkey pesto casserole is a great option. To make a turkey sandwich more exciting, try adding stuffing into the mix as well.


Cranberry sauce left over from the holidays is great to use in desserts such as chocolate cranberry mousse pie or cranberry brownie pie. It can also be used to create cranberry meatballs, which are prefect for a New Year's party.

Candy canes have been everywhere for the past month. Now that the season is coming to a close, it's time to get rid of them until next year. Try using them as stirring sticks for hot beverages, sprinkling them onto iced cupcakes or ice cream sundaes or making candy cane bark.  For a sweet treat, add crushed candy canes to vanilla frosting and make graham cracker sandwich cookies.

Check out this website for more ideas.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Bellevue Club and Hotel Bellevue

Be well in 2012

A recent article on seattlepi.com spoke of the ever-expanding waistlines of Americans--so much so that Washington State's ferries have had to lower their capacities to remain safe. In the article, Coast Guard Lt. Kirk Beckman explains that old ferry capacities figured the average rider was 140-160 pounds. Today, the average American is 185 pounds, resulting in the change. Read the full article here.

Looking to move wellness up in your priority list in 2012? Whether you want to trim your waistline, improve your overall fitness or address lingering health problems, the Bellevue Club's Wellness Department can help. We have a brand-new Your Body, Your Life program, metabolic testing programs, dietitian sessions and more. Send us an email at wellness@bellevueclub.com to get a start on your 2012 wellness goals.

Avoid Winter Weight Gain

On cold winter days it's easy to forego your workout and curl up on the couch with some comfort food instead. Here are a few ways to keep your body looking and feeling great all year round. No more hiding under baggy sweaters!

Eat seasonal produce. Keep off the winter pounds be eating foods that are naturally in season. Dark-green and orange fruits and vegetables will help you lose weight, so stock up on broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, winter squash, oranges and kale.

Move more indoors. During the winter, most people aren't as active around the house or outdoors as they are in the months when the sun actually shines. Eating the same amount of food, but decreasing your  activity levels can lead to unwanted pounds. Find an indoor activity that is fun so that you will keep up with it. Nintendo Wii Fit, at-home fitness DVDs or jumping rope indoors can be fun ways to burn off those extra calories.

Photograph your food. Tracking calories in a food journal can help you lose weight, but it can be inconvenient to write down every little thing you eat. Instead, use your camera phone to take a quick shot of your meals and snacks. Download the pictures to your computer to compile a food journal or calculate your calorie intake for the day with the help of a nutrition tracking websites.

Don't cut out carbs. Nothing is more comforting on a cold, rainy day than warm pasta, bread or freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Eat some carbs during the day so that you don't binge on them later.

Soak up some sun. You can benefit from natural light even if it's overcast outside. The lack of sunlight this time of year can lead to depression and cravings because of the drop of serotonin, the feel-good chemical in your brain. Even a quick walk outdoors for 15 minutes on your lunch break or a well-lit home and office can make a difference.

Click here for the full article.

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah from the Bellevue Club and Hotel Bellevue

Worst Holiday Appetizers

As the holidays come closer, the parties with cute, mini appetizers begin. Just because they are bite-size doesn't mean they are healthy. These tiny treats can be deceiving with their amounts of fat and calories. Here are some of the worst holiday foods to eat:

• Spinach and artichoke dip: spinach and artichokes may be healthy, but t's the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise mixed in with it that can do some damage to your figure. A 1/4 cup can have around 220 calories and 22 grams of fat. 
• Vegetable egg rolls: they may sound innocent, but the vegetables filling the roll are sauteed in oil, tossed in a fatty sauce and then deep-fried. Just one could be almost 200 calories.
• Pigs in a blanket: these small snacks, at 70 calories and 5 grams of fat each, are easy to eat, but will take a long trip to the gym to work off. 
• Tuna tartare: these healthy ingredients can turn into a calorie-packed nightmare depending on how it's cooked. Just two small canapes have 384 calories and 12 grams of fat.
• Mini potato knish: two bites of this tiny turnover and you will add 100 calories and 8 grams of fat to your daily intake. 
• Vegetable quesadilla: The combination of flour tortillas and cheddar cheese along with the vegetables will add up to 586 calories and 33 grams of fat. 
• Spanakopita: These spinach-filled favorites can weigh in at 80 calories and 4 grams of fat for just a little triangle. 
• Mixed nuts: although they might be "good for you," they are still packed with a large amount of calories, salt and fat. 

Click here for more appetizer info. 

2012 ParentMap Lecture Series

Early bird special now on sale: $99 for all seven lectures

From bullying to puberty, children and teens have a lot to deal with in their lives, which means their parents do, too. ParentMap, the Northwest's premiere parenting resource, has announced the lineup for its spring parent-lecture series. Families will get the chance to hear these experts speak about a variety of relevant parenting issues.

The line up includes:

Ashley Merryman
NurtureShock: New Twists That Shape Children's Success
March 1, 2012 -- Washington Cathedral, Redmond
Topic age range: 3-12 years
The best-selling author of NurtureShock offers an exploration of revealing research identifying hidden “thrive factors” for kids that will forever change our thinking about learning, creativity, and academic achievement.

Anthony E. Wolf, Ph.D
Aliens On Planet Teen (&Tween!): A Survival Guide For Parents
March 6, 2012 -- Town Hall Seattle
Topic age range: 10-16 years
Parents marooned among volatile and incomprehensible aliens (aka. teens & tweens) discover the drivers behind adolescent behavior and insights for living in peace together at home from the best-selling author of multiple titles, including "Get Out of My Life, but First Could You Drive Me" & "Cheryl to the Mall: A Parent's Guide to the New Teenager."

Wendy Sue Swanson, M.D.
Seattle Mama Doc: Health, Happiness and Family Balance
March 21, 2012 -- Meydenbauer Center Theater, Bellevue
Topic age range: Birth-8 years
For today’s parents, balance is the greatest challenge. Celebrated local pediatrician, and mom who does it all, discusses the work/home juggling act, technology use, and role of smart decision-making in caring for our children.

Rosetta Lee
Beyond Sticks and Stones: Parenting Essentials To Prevent & Address Bullying
April 10, 2012 -- Nesholm Family Lecture Hall, Seattle
Topic age range: 8-16 years
What every parent needs to know about bullying: warning signs, boy/girl and cultural differences, guidance for handling at home and school, helping your child to speak up and stay safe.

Julie Metzger and Rob Lehman
Will Puberty Last My Whole Life?
May 1, 2012 -- Seattle Children's Theatre
Topic age range: 9-14 years
Real questions and real answers for parents having conversations with their kids about puberty and sex. Learn from local experts, Metzger and Lehman, how to guide your child on their journey through adolescence.

John Gottman, Ph.D.
Making Marriage Work: Building Trust, Love and Loyalty
May 10, 2012 -- Town Hall Seattle
The Science of Trust--new research on marriage and parenting from award-winning Dr. Gottman. The author of 40 books including The New York Times bestseller "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" and "Why Marriages Succeed or Fail…and How You Can Make Yours Last."

Howard Behar
Coffee Talk: A Conversation for Teens on Passions and Life Purpose
May 15, 2012 -- Village Theatre, Issaquah
Topic age range: 13-18 years
An empowering talk on leadership for teens and their parents. Drawing on his incredible life experiences, former president of Starbucks inspires teens to explore their values and begin plotting a course to realize their dreams.

Click here to purchase your early bird package now through Dec. 31. 

Visit this website to learn more about the lectures. 

Creative Gift Wrapping

The holidays are almost here! Hopefully you've already braved the crowds at the mall or done some online shopping for your friends and family. Now it's time to wrap those gifts to give them to your loved ones or to put under the Christmas tree. Here are some creative ideas for wrapping gifts this year: 

• Repurpose the sheet music of your favorite holiday tunes, such as "Jingle Bells." Enlarge the sheet music on a copier and print it onto thick paper. Add a satin bow and some jingle bells to complete the package. 

• Items that you already have around the house, such as leftover wallpaper or an unused calendar or map can also be used to wrap gifts. 

• For a one-of-a-kind gift, wrap the item in plain paper and then have your children decorate it with drawings and special messages. 

• Create a collage of photos on the computer and print it onto white paper, then use it to wrap your gift.

• If the gift fits in an ordinary mailing tube, you can decorate it to look like a candy cane! If it's not already white, cover it with white paper. Then cut a piece of ribbon twice as long as the tube and coat one side of it with a glue stick. Place the end of the ribbon on the top of the tube and slowly turn the tube so that the ribbon continues to wrap around it. 

• An easy, inexpensive way to add a personal touch is to use the recipient's favorite section of the newspaper as gift wrap. 

Check out these websites for more ideas and images:

• countryliving.com
• family.go.com 
• realsimple.com

Help prevent theft

With the holiday season upon us, retail activity has increased—and so has criminal activity. Though we work hard to keep the Bellevue Club safe for members, guests and their belongings, we need your help to prevent criminal activity at the Club.

Detective Chinn of the Bellevue Police Department put together the following tips to help prevent theft at the Club.

Car prowls:
• Lock your car door.
• Set your car alarm if you one.
• Remember: “Out of sight out of mind.”
• Do not have anything in your car that may look of value or may be concealing something of value (for example, a gym bag with dirty clothes—a criminal might believe there are valuables inside).
• If you are going to hide items in your trunk, place them in the trunk prior to your arrival to your location. People could be watching, waiting for you to leave your car.
 • Be thorough with GPS—if you hide the GPS make sure you hide the cradle and charger, and wipe off the suction cup mark from the front windshield.

Remember: It only takes a few seconds to break into a car.   

Locker break-ins (non-padlock type):
• Beware of shoulder surfers as you plug in your code.  Cover up as much as possible.
• Make sure that the locker is actually locked prior to leaving the locker room.
• If you are using the gym or pool at the same time every day, you should consider alternating your code.  Someone may have seen your code today and may not break in that day but another day.
• Carry your valuables in a fanny pack (cash, credit card).

The Bellevue Club is increasing patrols of the parking lot and undercover surveillance in all areas to ensure we are all safe. We are also working directly with the Bellevue Police Department to heighten security awareness and visibility. Please help us prevent theft.

Thank you!

Email Down

Update (12/15/11): Bellevue Club and Hotel Bellevue email was offline for several days, but is now back online. We are currently in the process of recovering lost data, however, if you have sent a message to anyone at the Club or Hotel via email and are not sure it was received, please do not hesitate to call us at 425.455.1616. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Bellevue Club and Hotel Bellevue email has been down since Friday morning. If you have been trying to reach any Bellevue Club or Hotel Bellevue staff through email communication, we have not been able to retrieve it. We hope to have the problem fixed soon.

In the mean time, please call the Club, Hotel, or specific staff, for any needs you may have. We can be reached at 425.455.1616.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Season of Stress

The holidays can be a fun, yet stressful time of year. Hosting parties, shopping for presents, spending time with the in-laws and managing your holiday budget can add stress to your already busy life. Here are some tips for dealing with all of life's stressors that come your way.

Avoid unnecessary stress

• Just say "no." Know your limits and don't take on more than you can handle. 
• Avoid people who stress you out. Limit the amount of time you spend with these stress-inducing people. 
• Take control of your environment. From crowded malls to holiday traffic, this time of year can be chaotic. If it's markets or malls that stress you out, do your shopping online. To avoid stressful traffic, take the roads less-traveled even if it adds a few minutes to your trip. 
• Cut down your to-do list. Distinguish between the "should" and the "musts." Eliminate tasks that aren't truly necessary. 

Make time for fun and relaxation

• To not get worn out, set aside some time for relaxation each day. The cookies for the children's party at school and holiday cards to friends a family can wait a little while longer. 
• Some great ways to relax include savoring a warm cup of coffee or tea, curling up with a good book, going for a walk outside or playing with a pet. Make sure to do something you enjoy every day. 
• Spend time with people who have a positive influence on your life such as your children, other family members and friends. 

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Exercising regularly and eating healthy will help reduce and prevent the effects of stress. Even with the added activities this time of year, make sure you keep up with your healthy routine. 
• Reducing your caffeine and sugar intake will help you feel more relaxed and sleep better. This can be challenging with all of the holiday sweets and festive coffee drinks this time of year. Treat yourself, but just don't over indulge. 
• Those holiday cocktails may be fun and festive, but they won't help you avoid the stress in your life. 
• It's important to get enough sleep because feeling tired can increase your stress and cause you to think irrationally. It's a busy time of year for Santa and his helpers, but take a break for a solid 6-8 hours of sleep each night. 

Click here for more ways to cope with stress.

Common Fitness Mistakes

Staying fit isn't easy. Here are five common mistakes that are roadblocks to achieving your healthy body goals.


You don't lift weights 
Weight training can actually be more beneficial than aerobic exercise.

• Lifting weights protects your muscles. When you weight train as you diet, the weight you lose will most likely be entirely from fat and not from the loss of any muscle. 
• Lifting weights also boosts your metabolism. After training, your body needs energy to repair and upgrade your muscle fibers, which will elevate your metabolism after your workout. 
• Another benefit to lifting weights is that it burns calories. Researchers from the University of Southern Maine found that completing one circuit of eight exercises, which takes about eight minutes, can burn up to 230 calories.

You don't use the right dumbbells
It is important to challenge your muscles and not just go through the motions. To make sure the weight is right for you, try the following test. The weight you are using is too light if all ten of your repetitions seem easy. If you start to struggle on your tenth repetition, you have chosen the appropriate weight.

You don't work your lower body
Don't forget about your lower body while exercising, even if you are trying to lose inches from your waist. A Syracuse University study found that doing lower-body resistance training burned more calories the day after a workout than just working the upper body.


You don't watch what you eat 
Exercising is not an excuse to eat whatever you want. Regular workouts can help you follow a healthy eating plan because you realize how much work it takes to burn off those calories.

You skip workouts 
Everyone has the excuse of being too busy, but it's important to add exercise to your daily routine. According to Men's Health and U.K. researchers, workers are 15 percent more productive on days that they workout compared to days when they skipped exercising. Exercising also helps you feel less stressed and happier with your job.

Click here for the full article.

Escape from your cardio rut

Once you find a workout routine you enjoy, it's easy to stick with it. However, when this routine gets boring it can cause you to lose all motivation for exercise. Shake things up with these changes to get out of your cardio rut.

Change your soundtrack. Get moving with some new tunes. Studies have shown that music can be motivating so mix up your playlist or download new songs to make your workout more exciting.

Change your location.  If you always workout at the gym, try moving outdoors or working out in your own home with a fitness video or at-home equipment. If you tend to workout in the great outdoors or your home, switch up the scenery by heading to the gym. Variety will help keep your workout interesting.

Change your intensity. Try either a longer, less intense workout or a shorter, more intense workout. With a longer, less intense workout, such as dancing, walking or hiking, you give yourself time to enjoy the activity. Also, swapping your usual low-intensity workout for a shorter, more intense one will help keep you from staring at the clock hoping for your workout to be over.

Change your social nature. A group exercise class is a great way to spice up your cardio routine. Find something on the schedule that is new and different for you. You might even meet a new workout buddy! If you've found a cardio class that you enjoy, but have gone to it so many times that you've memorized the routine, try a new class with a different instructor. From yoga to Zumba, there is a class for everyone to enjoy.

Change your equipment. Try a new machine at the gym to mix up your typical routine. Test them out for ten minutes each to see which one you like best. If different brands of equipment are offered, give them a shot to discover what new programs and features you've been missing by sticking to your comfort zone.

Click here for more ideas.

Smart shopping

With holiday shopping in full swing, the malls are full of people--and germs. Keep healthy this holiday season by avoiding these hot spots for germs.

ATM keypads. The "enter" button is the worst because everyone has to touch it. Use your knuckles on the ATM buttons instead of your fingertips and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterward.

Escalator handrails. To protect yourself from germs lurking on these commonly used handrails, avoid touching them all together. If you do, use a generous amount of hand sanitizer afterward.

Makeup samples. It's tempting to try on the festive, seasonal products, but it's important to not use public makeup samples to apply cosmetics to you face, eyes or lips. Instead, ask for a single-use sample that you can open and throw away after you try it. Also, if you can return the product, it's healthier to buy it and try it, even if you end up taking it back.

Gadget shop. It's fun to play around with the new smartphone that is on your wish list, but be aware of the germs they can accumulate. Wipe down the product with a disinfecting wipe before trying it out.

Food court tables. Next time you take a break and refuel for more shopping, wipe down the table with a hard-surface disinfecting wipe, which you can keep a pack of in your purse.

Toy stores. They can have even more germs than play areas, carousels and other kid-friendly zones. If the gift is unwrapped, wipe it down or clean it with soap and water, alcohol or vinegar before giving it to the child. Also, it's always a good idea to wash or sanitize your hands after touching the toys.

Click here for more information.

Home for the holidays

It's that time of year when the kids are bored and home from school and parents have a to-do list almost as long as Santa's. Here are some fun ways to keep your children busy on their break from school this holiday season. 

Bake

Get some of your holiday baking done while keeping the children busy as well. The mixing and measuring can be entertaining and the delicious end result is definitely rewarding!  

 

Decorate

Put their holiday enthusiasm to work! Kids are always excited for the holidays- and the presents that come along with them. Have them create a paper chain countdown, set up the christmas toys or help you put ornaments on the tree. 

Make gifts and cards

Use the natural creativity of children to create some unique gifts and cards. Check out this Disney Family Fun website for some great ideas. 

Watch family videos 

Kids can be easily entertained. They will love watching themselves and their siblings from years past. Videos from the previous holiday season will get everyone excited for the upcoming festivities.  

Try a winter sport

Take advantage of the winter to try some seasonal sports such as ice skating, skiing, sledding and snow tubing. 

Talent show

Have your kids showcase their many talents. While they practice, parents can get things done around the house. Some ideas include singing Christmas carols, choreographing a holiday dance or writing their own holiday play. 

Focus more to ease stress

Life is full of stress, which can be felt both physically and mentally. Even though the stress response begins in the brain, it is a full-body phenomenon. The best way to counter stress is to focus on what is happening.

Mindfulness 
Mindfulness is the opposite of multitasking and can be a powerful therapeutic tool. The idea is to focus on what is going on in the present and to accept it without judgment. Research has shown that mindfulness can alleviate anxiety and reduce physical symptoms.

Do-it-yourself methods
While you are doing activities that you enjoy, pay attention to what is going on in that moment. Become aware of sounds, sensations and ideas. If your mind starts to wander, focus on your breathing.

Practice makes perfect
Mindfulness should be practiced on a regular basis. Make a commitment to become more mindful or aim for doing 20 to 45 minutes of mindfulness practices almost every day. Start slow and build gradually because it is hard to make big changes.

Click here for the full article.

Hop to Signaroo

Want to communicate more with your child? Look no further than your fingers!

Hop to Signaroo Baby Sign Language is a program coming to the Bellevue Club that will help teach hearing parents and their hearing babies and toddlers American Sign Language. ASL is the third-most-common language in America and one that can be understood and used with children as young as five months old.

Nancy Hanauer, founder of the program, will be teaching a class where parents will learn approximately 100 signs they can use to communicate with their babies to greatly reduce their frustration and aid early communication, months before speech is possible. The class will run for four weeks, for an hour each week, beginning in the fall. While 100 signs may seem like a lot in only four weeks, Nancy assures that the pace is easy enough for everyone.

“Review, hands-on games, songs and stories are built into each week’s curriculum,” said Nancy.

Sign language has become a fantastic way for parents to communicate with their children, months before their kids are able to speak. While most kids aren’t able to fluently speak until around the age of 2, they are capable of communicating their needs much earlier.

“Every baby can model what they are exposed to. I teach ASL, not made-up gestures, so even after your child learns to speak, they are accustomed to the beginnings of a beautiful second language,” said Nancy.

Nancy is a credentialed teacher who has been teaching for 20 years and began Hop to Signaroo 11 years ago.

“Hearing parents go through the same frustration as deaf parents—that is why I started teaching. I just love when a baby signs for the first time in class,” said Nancy.

When asked whether all children are able to sign, Nancy said that usually a child can recognize signs within one month and are often signing by the second or third month, as long as families are consistent with the techniques taught in class and start when their little ones are at least five months of age.

Parents who are wary of learning the language should take note that Nancy makes sure the class is manageable, hands on and, of course, fun! Classes are suitable for families with infants and toddlers up to about 2 years of age, and expectant parents are also welcome.

Katie Barth, Recreation Director at the Club said, “Nancy will connect great with our members. She is energetic and fun—exactly how a teacher should be.”

Registration includes a comprehensive class packet that helps parents learn the signs they will use daily. Parents will also receive a set of Roo-minder Ring Reminder and Instruction Cards that they can post around the house to remind them to sign throughout their daily routine at home.

The class allows both parents, or one parent and one grandparent, to attend. There is no extra charge for twins or triplets. While the class is geared toward parents, babies are welcome.

“Most people bring their babies to class where they usually play with each other, and the babies enjoy the signed songs we practice in class, but parents who want to focus more are welcome to come alone,” said Nancy.

If for any reason participants miss a class, Nancy offers make-up classes at her other venues and reviews at the start of each lesson. She also offers an optional, in-home follow-up session six months and one year later. “I absolutely adore the babies who come to class, and the parents have fun as well,” said Nancy.

Lessons start Oct. 5 for Session 1 and Feb. 1 for Session 2, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Registration is $147/member for the four-week program.

Learn more about Hop to Signaroo at hoptosignaroo.com. For more information about the Bellevue Club class, see the Fall Youth Activities brochure around the Club or visit bellevueclub.com/youth/.

#MobileTweetup & Hotel Bellevue Giveaway

The Bellevue Club and Hotel Bellevue are collecting Toys for Tots donations now through the morning of Dec. 8. Please drop off new, unwrapped toys to the bin outside Studio 1 or in the Hotel Bellevue lobby.

On Dec. 8 we will be participating in a mobile Tweetup with Jenni Hogan from KIRO TV. Join us in the morning to greet Jenni and her team as they travel around the community gathering Toys for Tots donations. If you can't make it in person, follow us on Twitter @bellevueclub and @hotel_bellevue, at the hashtag #mobiletweetup or watch the Tweetup live at kirotv.com.

To help spread the word about this event and boost donations, Hotel Bellevue is hosting a giveaway of a free weekend night's stay!

To enter, tweet:

I want to win the @Hotel_Bellevue #MobileTweetup giveaway http://on.fb.me/HB7MT

If you've dropped a toy off, let us know! This will also get you entered into the contest.

I just donated to the #MobileTweetup at @Hotel_Bellevue http://on.fb.me/HB7MT

Please note, both @hotel_bellevue and #mobiletweetup must be in the body of the tweet to enter. One entry per person, per day. Winner will be picked randomly from all valid tweets after the Mobile Tweetup concludes.

Click here for more details on the Mobile Tweetup.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga

Sunday, Dec. 11

Law 2: Giving and Receiving 

Lin Lungata, an experienced meditator, educator and counselor, will be teaching The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga at the Bellevue Club. Each session will explore one spiritual law, meditation, readings, mantras and suggested practices to implement each law into daily life- a rich opportunity to go more deeply into self exploration and stillness.

All classes are 4-5:30 p.m.

$200 for all seven workshops or $40 each for a single workshop.

To register, email fitness@bellevueclub.com or call 425-688-3172.