Smarty Mom: Mary Dare Mayeux

Happy Smarty Mom Saturday! I’m excited to introduce Mary Dare Mayeux. When I first met Mary Dare eight years ago, we were work-out neighbors in Lynne’s cardio-kickboxing class at the Harris Y. She is one of those R-O-C-K-S-T-A-R moms who delivers her baby and walks out of the hospital in her pre-pregnancy clothes. So when you meet her, you really don’t want to like her, but you just can’t help but LOVE her! She is the nicest person on the planet and is so driven and dedicated to her family and healthy lifestyle. Mary Dare is married to hubby, Steve, for 11 years and mom to Brice (9), Wynne (6 1/2) and Taylor (3 1/2). In all her free time (yeah right, who has free time with three boys under 9?!), she teaches a Power Hour class at the Harris Y three days a week and starting next week, will be head coach of a Girls on the Run program. You go, girl!

Let’s meet Mary Dare!

You are the pillar of strength when it comes to physical fitness! Tell us how you do this with three little ones at home.
My 3 little ones keep me running. I’d be in trouble if I didn’t stay in shape because I have to keep up with them!

Tell us about your Power Hour class at the Harris Y, days/times (warning Smarties, this is not for the beginner worker-outer, Mary Dare will kick your booty into shape:-)
I teach Power Hour on Mondays at 6:00am and Tuesday nights at 7:45pm at the Harris YMCA and usually once a month on Saturday mornings at 9:00am. Power Hour is a mix of cardio and strength-training. The great thing about Power Hour (also known as athletic conditioning or Boot-Camp) is that you are always doing something different, so your body doesn’t get used to any one thing and you burn a great amount of calories in just one short hour. Power Hour is intense, but we push each other and you walk away feeling so empowered. Every level of athlete comes and you can modify as needed so no one should feel intimidated!

You recently signed up to be head coach of Girls on the Run at your elementary school. This is a tremendous commitment, especially from a mom who doesn’t even have girls. What inspired you to do this?
I’ve always wanted to get involved with Girls on the Run because I think it is such a great organization – I wish there had been something like this around when I was a young girl! With small kids at home, it’s difficult to volunteer, but my boys are older now so it’s a great time to join GOTR.

Tell us your best Smarty tip on getting fit after pregnancy.
Ease back into it (after you get the ok from your doctor, of course). Childwatch at the YMCA is fantastic because it is a safe and fun place for your children to play and be taken care of while you get an hour to yourself. But, if you are apprehensive at first – or can’t get in because it is full (yes, it is THAT popular), check out the Baby Power Hour classes. These classes are great for new moms because they are tailored for pre and post-partum mommies – AND – you can take your baby! Just bring them in the stroller.

What is your favorite family activity in Charlotte?
Going to our kids’ games on the weekends!

What is your favorite mommy-time activity?
I work at Surroundings (corner of Quail Hollow Rd and Carmel Rd next to Starbucks) on Saturdays every so often. Surroundings is a really fun gift shop where everyone from the neighborhood pops in. I get to socialize and browse all of the fun merchandise – and my husband has the kids all day!

Favorite place to take the whole fam to dinner?
We love Hawthornes Pizza on Friday nights – it’s close to our house and we always see lots of friends there!

What is your favorite date-night spot?
Capital Grille – we don’t go often, but always enjoy it when we do!

What is your favorite lunch spot with your girlfriends?
Mezzanotte by far! Everything is good, but I love the pizza there.

Favorite GNO outing?
Anywhere with a great patio and live music!

What is the best book that you’ve read lately?
I just finished reading Angels and Demons – it was one of those thrilling books that you can’t put down.

Funniest thing your children have ever said to you?
With 3 boys there is something funny everyday – right now my 3 year old likes to tell me what kind of anatomy everyone in the house has – except for mommy; my six year old tells me that in heaven you can get all the candy and transformers you want; and my almost 9 year old likes to refer to everyone as “dude.”

What has been your favorite CSP article this far?
Oh, I just loved the article about the thongs recently. I had to laugh because a couple of years ago my Bunko group did the Christmas party where you exchange funny gifts and someone brought hankie-pankies – it was the most popular (and most stolen) gift there!

Smartiest way you save $?
Make lists and stick to them! This can be hard in Target, and sometimes I have to re-direct myself to stay on task!

Best kids birthday party you’ve attended/hosted?
For one of my boys birthday parties, we had a “Spy Party.” Invitations were sent in manila envelopes with a Confidential stamp posted on it, there was an obstacle course that the “agents” had to pass in order to recieve their badge and their first mission: find the bomb (round pinata painted black with red streamers sticking out). The cupcakes were mini bombs (chocolate icing with red licorice sticking out). I think the kids had a great time. I’d love to take credit, but I got every single last idea from my creative sister!

I could not live without my…
coffee….strong coffee!

Thanks, Mary Dare! Email us if you have a Smarty Mom OR Dad that you’d like to “mominate”!

Also, don’t forget to register for our latest giveaway!
This Smarty giveaway is one you can really sink your teeth into! Our friends at Dream Dinners, Midtown location, are offering a lucky Smarty the chance to win (1) 36-serving session (a $150 value)!! That’s either 12 dinners that serve 3, or 6 dinners that serve 6. With the kids back in school that means the full court press of homework and all the extra curricular activities…enough to keep any family on a tight schedule! So, let Dream Dinners handle meals for your busy family, click here to register to win this succulent 36-serving giveaway now! Hurry, you have until Monday, August 31st at 11p. Good luck, Smarties!