Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Our introduction to Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club


My two girls have been asking quite often the past year about doing a trial of gymnastics. As we watched them flip, twirl and master the monkey bars, we decided this would probably be a good avenue to explore! So I pulled up my trusty Google and started looking for places around the city. Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club caught my eye and so I began to learn more about their organization. Just as the US Olympic Gymnastics began building momentum this summer, it was perfect timing for my girls to start in!


Kim Ransom, a former gymnast and coach, founded PGC in 2014 in the community of Braddock. Kim is passionate about using the avenue of gymnastics to instill self-confidence, build a good work ethic, make healthy habits, promote teamwork, encourage problem-solving and create discipline. She wants to ensure that kids have the opportunity to be a part of communities such as PGC and is a great encourager to all her students! 


Every class began with warm-ups and I was impressed at how hard all the students worked. Whether they were running, crab-walking, skipping or hopping, all the kids poured their hearts into learning their skills and it was awesome to see. 


PGC Goals: 

  • Consistency: Athletes get stronger faster with the more time they spend in the gym. Dropping in and out of classes is not conducive to learning gymnastics.
  • A relationship with his/her coach: Our classes are small so each coach can learn how to motivate your child.
  • A team: Having a supportive social environment among peers is crucial!


The instructors were all amazing and my girls loved them! They encouraged having fun while working hard and my girls were always sad for each class to end. 


People travel from all pockets of the city to come to Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club for classes and you will find great diversity! I loved seeing the comraderie among both the students and the parents during the classes. They are certainly building a special community at PGC!

All Gymnastics Classes:

  • Are 45-75 minutes
  • Are capped at 5-8 students
  • Have 1 Head Adult Instructor and often, 1 Junior Instructor
  • Are divided by both age and ability levels
  • Follow a USAG progression model



My girls love their newly learned skills of tumbling, hand stands, bar routines + more!


Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club joining options give you a TON of value for your money! There is no other gym that offers you the same amount of benefits or perks. Most options allow you to attend as many classes during the week as you like, free open gyms, a free gym mobile app and even private lessons! Doing gymnastics with PGC is a whole new experience- hands down the BEST!


They also have a fantastic venue for Toddler Open Gyms and Mommy & Me Classes. Mommy & Me class (up to age 3) will help develop large motor skills,promote colors, shapes and numbers as well as give toddlers a place to socialize! Go here to check out those options. 


So now you can do much better then Google searching by reading our review! We were thrilled with our experience at Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club and think you would be as well. With the current popularity of gymnastics in our country, fall classes will be filling up soon. Contact them here for more information about their trial month class and signing up for extended sessions as well. 

Pretty soon every bar might become this for your child as well. :) 


Keep up the amazing work, PGC!!

I worked in promotion with Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club. However, all opinions remain my own as I only endorse the fantastic ones. :) 

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Join us at the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer

I was recently contacted and had a meeting with the Pittsburgh branch of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Although I was somewhat familiar with the amazing work of St. Jude, I did not know that they had an office here in Pittsburgh to make an impact in our region. I have friends who have both had to say goodbye to their young children or raise them with severe special needs, so this cause is very near to my heart. 


St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood survival rate from 20 percent before opening in 1962 to more than 80 percent today. St. Jude freely shares its groundbreaking discoveries, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists can use that knowledge to save thousands more children globally, including here in Pittsburgh. As the hospital’s founder, Danny Thomas, once said, we won’t stop until we find a cure because “no child should die in the dawn of life”.


The Pittsburgh St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer will take place during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and will occur on the same day (Sept. 24) in 61 cities all across the country. The 5k family walk/run will bring together more than 1,000 members of our Pittsburgh community in celebrating the life-saving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Participants will enjoy free St. Jude “swag” from our spirit tent so that they can visibly show their support and will also have the opportunity to enjoy light food and drink at our hospitality tent. Notably, participants will be able to hear from a patient family during the program, which is set to begin at 9am.

Kids Zone will prove to be a highlight of the event, with featured tents including games with “Let’s Move Pittsburgh”, art with “Pinot’s Pallette”, cartoons with the “National Cartoonist Association”, tips and activities about healthy eating with “Pittsburgh Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics”. You must stop by our Pgh Momtourage tent and say "HI" as well! 


So here's the cool thing - you can walk with us on the Pgh Momtourage team! To join us in this effort, sign up with Team “Pgh Momtourage” by visiting the event website here www.fundraising.stjude.org/pittsburghwalkrun and clicking “register” and “join a team”. Registration is only $10 and FREE for kids five and under. Click here to be taken directly to the Pgh Momtourage page. 

WALK/RUN DETAILS

September 24

Herrs Island (Washington's Landing)
600 Waterfont Drive, Pittsburgh, PA

REGISTRATION: 7:30AM
RUN/WALK START: 9:30AM 

Maybe you can't walk with us, but would still like to help us in the fight against childhood cancer. Please consider going here to make a donation to help us reach our fundraising goal. Every donation helps!


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We hope to see you there as we join the fight to end childhood cancer!

This post sponsored by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. All opinions remain my own. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Eating with kids at Bravo Cucina


My family was recently invited to dine at Bravo Cucina to try out their new Farm to Table summer menu. I'll be honest, eating out at a sit down restaurant with four kids can give me real trepidation! What if the food takes forever to come? What if my kids start getting hangry?! :) But I didn't need to worry because, soon after our order was placed, out came a piece of dough for each of my kids to play, create and entertain themselves. It was truly brilliant! I've never seen them so occupied through our waiting time! 




Bravo also has a great kids menu with offerings such as lasagna, buttered noodles, ravioli pizza, grilled chicken, fresh fruit, veggies and more! 


Our food was delicious and everyone left the table full and satisfied!



Bravo makes both a fun family dinner out or a fantastic date night as well! 


Thank you, Bravo Cucina, for a delicious dinner and not being afraid to extend your invitation to a family of six! :) 

Although our dinner was provided in exchange for review, all opinions remain my own. 

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Giveaway for Sky Trails Adventure Rope Course

Ever since we were able to experience the new Sky Trails adventure ropes course at Pittsburgh Mills last year, my kids have been asking to go again! They loved this adventure and I loved how it pushed them to be brave and challenge themselves. 


Our youngest ones started on the Sky Tykes ropes course that is specifically for kids under 48" tall, geared towards children ages 2-7. It's a fun experience for them and allows them to work on their balance and using the harness.  The platforms are less than 3’ off the ground and they ask a chaperone to assist. 



The Sky Trail® adventure ropes course stands 32' tall with 2 levels of 30 elements. The elements are horizontally strung ropes and bridge activities like zig-zag beams, criss-cross angled rope ladders and cargo nets secured between steel poles. It's so much fun! It's built right next to the food court at the mall, so you have quite the interesting views from the top as well. 


 All ages and abilities can experience the Sky Trail® attraction. Participants are able to choose their path through the rope elements while going at their own pace with the ability to pass other participants at each platform. This course requires a 48" minimum height to participate alone however adventurers 42” or higher can participate with an adult.


My 6yo was way less scared than I thought he would be!


And then there is the zip line! 


My 4yo wasn't tall enough to go by herself on the upper level, but I could go along with her. She was timid at first. but did great. Once she had her first zip line ride, she was definitely hooked!


  • We had such a great time at the Adventure Ropes Course, it's a great family activity!! And don't forget, Pittsburgh Mills has 2 fantastic play areas for kids as well. 

  • $7 for the smaller Sky Tykes
  • $14 for the Sky Trails & Zip Line. 

  • Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Sun: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • 590 Pittsburgh Mills Blvd, Tarentum, Pennsylvania 15084

  • GIVEAWAY:

  • Ready to try it with your family? I have 4 passes to giveaway! Enter below. *Please note that your personal info is not kept, stored or used to spam you in any way. It is simply for winner's notification!  




  • I was provided passes by Sky Trails for review. However, all opinions remain my own.