Musical Folk: Our Music Together Experience

Living in the greater New Haven/Waterbury area, we have access to some amazing family-friendly programs. Music Together through Musical Folk is one of them. And it is the best activity we have done for our son, hands down. 

Coming up next month will be FOUR years since we began Music Together classes. We couldn't be more grateful for the impact it has had on our son's life. He is creative, thoughtful, imaginative, and simply LOVES music. He can hold a beat, he has been exposed to numerous types of musical genres and instruments, enjoys the theatre and concerts, and carries a tune better than my husband. And I accredit these characteristics to his time in Music Together program. 

We started when Ness was barely 3 months old in a Music Together babies class. As a parent of a premie, I was very skeptical of taking him out and about but this was the first program I wanted to try and I am so grateful I did. My favorite part of that class? The moms have all become very good friends AND the kids have as well. They're all turning 4 right about now and we're all celebrating their milestones together STILL four years later. Incredible.

Music Together has 9 collections and once you make it through all nine, you can continue and simply repeat. In the 4 years we've been a part of this incredible program, we have participated in 13 full sessions. We have done all 9 collections, repeated 2 of them, done 2 summer sessions (usually a "Best Of" or "Greatest Hits" collection), as well as a few short winter sessions provided by Musical Folk. 

Music Together is a music AND movement program. So don't you think you're going to just sit back and watch.... NO WAY! This is not a drop off program. You'll be just as involved as your kids, being a role model to them as well as the other kids in the class. And it is marvelous! Research has proven that this involvement helps your child learn and grow developmentally appropriate skills as well as creates an ideal learning environment where it is open and accepting. The children learn and grow together with their parents, other children, and teachers. 

Music is truly priceless and it bring a magic to children's faces that is truly immeasurable. Stop and take a step back in one of their classes. The kids are having FUN. They are enjoying themselves. 

And also, the PARENTS have fun too. 

It is an incredible way to have bonding time with your child as well. You learn songs to share together as well as methods to calm and soothe your little ones. We have often said our Music Together CDs are magic in the car. I know many of my friends can agree on that one too! 

Ness learned to sing and dance right along side learning to walk and talk. It doesn't matter the age of your child to enjoy and learn from this program. You can be a baby up to starting elementary school. It is truly remarkable and the impact it has on children all ages is just astonishing. 

The teachers at Musical Folk are simply THE.BEST. Each and every one of them has a unique talent that transcends into their teaching. While they all teach the same collection, they each have their unique spin and methods to come across and bond with each and every one of the children in the class. 

Spring registration is now open and the session begins the first week of April. I truly cannot recommend this program enough, regardless of how old your child is. 

Want to try out Music Together with Musical Folk in the greater New Haven area? Sign up and use code NAOMI40 to get $40 off your semester! 

Thank you to Jamie Morel for the beautiful snapshot photos of our experience! 

Toddler Favorites

My toddler has recently been choosing his independent activities and going towards the same ones repeatedly, so I figured I'd share his choices with you!

1. The sensory bin

Presently, it is filled with beans, cups, and a few small trucks. 

This sensory bin was the BEST splurge I made in his three years. Seriously. Best part? It has a lid! Other best part? The bin easily comes out of the table leg frame to empty easily for simple change of scenery. 

Some recent sensory bin favorites have been pom poms with colored silicone cupcake liners for sorting, the beans you see below for dumping and pouring, and the ever-popular rice. 

2. Magnetic chalkboard wall. 

While this project took longer than I ever hoped to get done (a future post on that coming), it was completely worth it. Our half-wall in our kitchen was almost wasted space. One day, while scrolling Pinterest, I had a brilliant idea to make it a magnetic chalkboard wall. And here we are now, with an amazing area for him to be creative and artisitic! 

3. Painting

We have a collection of Crayola paint bottles and pull out an old ice cube tray when he gets the urge to pint. The Crayola collection comes in 12 bottles and literally lasts us YEARS. A little goes a long way, it's washable, and comes out of clothes and off of skin super easily. It might seem like a lot of money to spend on paint, but when you factor in the number of times you use it AND how easy it is to use, it's worth the $33. 

My mom hack of using an ice cube tray for a paint dish was quite popular on Instagram so figured I'd share here too! 

4. Sorting

While I kept his caps from his pouches for sorting activities early on, he LOVES his colored bears for sorting activities now. Maybe because they stand up? Maybe because he can talk to them? Who knows. But when he asks for his bears, I can't say no! 

He has colored cups to use as well as bowls and even silicone cupcakes liners. But I like to vary his methods and in February, he was all about hearts. So one, night, we busted out sorting bears into colored hearts! 

(and yes, he's still wearing his holiday jammies... this is a no judgement zone) 

5. Puzzles

While he enjoys his puzzles, I like to make them a little more complicated and utilize some higher-level thinking for him. So, I take the puzzles pieces off and hide them in a pan of rice. He then has to find the pieces in the rice THEN put them into the puzzle. Adding an extra step adds an extra level of thinking too!  

I know you might be thinking "RICE?! Are you CRAZY?!" Yes, I am. When we first started, I was cleaning up rice ALL.THE.TIME. But he learned over time and now, it isn't an issue. It takes consistency and practice and is SO worth it in the end. 

What activities does your toddler tend to choose when given the option? 

Friday Favorites: Book Series for Adolescent Boys

So, my dad called earlier this week asking for what books to get for my nephew who is turning 11. Which got me thinking that I haven't shared book suggestions in a while. As a former reading teacher (and elementary and middle school teacher) I have a HUGE adoration for all kinds of books, especially children's' and adolescent literature. Mainly because one of my Master's Degrees is that very subject! 

Anyways, here's what I recommended to him. And I chose series/sets to ease gift giving. Because, well, he's a man and he's old and it's easiest for him that way! 

1. Harry Potter set

Why? Because he doesn't have it yet and every adolescent needs to whole set. 

2. Chronicles of Narnia

By far my personal favorite series as a child and I adore passing that love onto the next generation to come. There's something just perfect about this classic. 

3. Jerry Spinelli

One of my favorite adolescent literature authors. Stargirl, just fantastic. And Amazing has a set of Jerry Spinelli books so why not expose him to all he has to offer?! 

4. Percy Jackson 

What boy doesn't love Percy Jackson and a mild thriller?! 

5. Alex Rider set 

This is a new one for me as it wasn't around when I was teaching but word on the street is it's the next big deal! 

What do you recommend to adolescent boys looking for a good book?

Toddler Mom Must Haves: Dining Out Edition

I take my toddler out a lot. And we got out to restaurants often. And people always ask us about what we have with us and where to get them. So, here's my top five things you need if you have a toddler and you plan to take them out to eat with you. 

1. Toddler Silverware

This little case from Sistema is a reusable set of silverware in a convenient travel case. It includes a fork, spoon, knife, and set of chopsticks. We have it in green but it comes in a variety of colors. I also roll up a disposable placemat (see below) to keep in the case as a just-in-case. You know, for those just-in-case moments we all tend to have. 

2. Disposable Placemats

My son is almost three and occasionally just prefers to eat off of the table versus a plate. I know you feel me mamas, right?! And the thought of food on a restaurant table when who knows it was last washed gives me the heebie-jeebies. Enter disposable placemats. I keep one folded up in his travel silverware case to use as needed but used to always have them in my diaper bag when he was little. Plus, it's peel and stick so when you're done and ready to leave, you've picked up a bit after your kid and left a small(er) mess! My son is presently on an Elmo and Mickey kick so we use these. Before we were using the shapes and colors ones. 

3. Snack N Shop

While this isn't for dining out, it is for being out! This snack tray has a lid that snaps on so you can fill it with your child's favorite snack and toss it in your bag. Then when you get to the store, put him in the cart, snap the snack tray on, and he'll be happy as can be! I don't know how I ran errands before without this! 

4. Lobster Seat

We received a Phil & Ted's Losbter Seat as a shower gift and I cannot recommend it enough. It folds flat, has a carry case, and is easily kept in your car. It clips onto almost any table and I actually use it often when my son and I bring my husband lunch at his office- and we clip it to his desk! Seriously, one of those million dollar ideas I wish I'd come up with! 

5. Busy Bag

I have what we call a "Busy Bag" of miscellaneous activities in my car for when we are out and about and in need of entertaining our toddler. We always have 3-5 different toys/games in the bag but recently put it all in a toddler backpack so he could carry it himself. 
I am transitioning from diaper bag back to purse (thank goodness!) and this has been a great way to diminish how much I carry. Plus, I got him a cute matching lunchbag that we keep his snacks in so he has practice using both of them before he goes to preschool.

My favorite toys/games to have on hand in his Busy Bag:

Plus Plus pieces and game board 
Travel size puzzle or Lace toys 
Dot markers (great to use on the back of restaurant placemats)
WikkiStix 
Mini trucks 

And we always always ALWAYS have books in the car and let him bring 1 or 2 into the restaurant with us. When he picks them, they tend to keep his interest more! Tonight, he read his truck book the entire time we were at dinner and did not need his busy bag once.

I hope these help you when going out with your toddler in tow! Have you used any of these before?!

I Am Not The Normal Blogger

There, I said it. And put it out to the internet for all to see. 

Seven years ago, I started blogging. And I use the term "blogging" loosely. I was not efficient with it. I did not take it seriously. I did not have a focus. I just rambled online because some teachers I worked with suggested it. Check out my very first post here. 

But, I have recently, over the past year, decided to get back into it as a way of expressing myself and having something to do. Mainly, I was looking for bloggers to follow who were like me and I struggled greatly with finding them. Most bloggers I found lived and had the picture-perfect life. Which I far from have, believe me. I also found they were all super tall, thin, had impeccable skin, fabulous hair, and looked like a model even before they walked out the door. Then, the self-doubt started to sink in. I am not tall, I do not look like a model, my hair is a hot mess almost every day, and I am as far from a model as one can be. I mean, I'm 4'10" tall and have a round shape. Let's be real. 

The more I thought about it, the more the doubt set in. I don't look like the average blogger. I don't talk like the average blogger. I don't decorate my house like the average blogger. I don't post like the average blogger. I don't style the shelves in my home to be featured in a magazine. I don't walk through the grocery store in over-the-knee boots while wearing a floppy hat and cashmere sweater. You'd walk past me 100 times over without even noticing me most days. 

But then I stopped. Why do I want to be average?! Why do I want to be like everyone else?! Sure, I take inspiration from other bloggers. I mean, who doesn't want the cute new booties from Target they're all wearing or have gorgeous front steps covered in mums and pumpkins styled oh-so-perfectly?! Don't we all?! But inspiration is different than becoming. 

Instagram was sucking my sense of identity from me. I was constantly looking for the next best outfit, the newest accessory for my house, the cutest new boots, eyelash extensions, but for what?! And why?! To be like everyone else?! I just can't anymore. 

I asked on my Instagram stories over the weekend a few questions to my followers. I asked about what kinds of pictures they want to see (staged or real life) and 99% said real life. I asked what kind of fashion pics people want to see (use what you already own or buy new) and 96% said use what you have. I asked if they wanted to see my family life as well as fashion and styling and 97% said yes. I asked if they found bloggers and influencers to be inauthentic and 99% said yes. And I finally asked about my #thisis40 challenge I made to myself and if they enjoyed it and 98% said yes! I found these answers enlightening and greatly assisted me in my newest decision. 

I am going to continue blogging and I hope that I appeal to you and your friends. And I am going to continue to be me, 150% me. Authentic and real and if I have spinach stuck in my teeth in a picture, so be it. That's what you're gonna get. I share style and fashion tips, fun restaurants that my friends, family and I discover, and lots of ins and outs of being a mom. 

I'm not your normal blogger. I'm your neighbor, your friend, the mom you see enjoying her coffee while strolling the aisles of Target with a messy bun and mismatched socks. I roll on the floor at MyGym with my toddler every week, I cry at stupid GE and AT&T commercials, I love to shop but savor a good deal. I don't wear makeup everyday, my pictures are taken in selfie mode or by my toddler, I wash my hair maybe once a week, and I do this "blogging thing" because I know there are others out there like me who just want to read tips and tidbits from a fellow "normal mom" and know it's ok to not be picture perfect day in and day out.

So, thank you for being here with me and enjoying my little blog I've got going here. I hope you'll stick around for a while and see where our life takes us. 

Hindinger Farm Fall Festival

Every year, we say we're going to head to the Fall Festival at Hindinger Farm and every year, we somehow don't make it. Well, not this year! We have actually been getting our weekly CSA from their farm for a few years now and their produce is incredible but what we love even more is the family-run business and warm, welcoming atmosphere they have each and every day. 

Their Fall Festival is no joke! There is SO MUCH to do for the entire family! On top of what is always at their farm on a daily basis for kids to do, they add a plethora of activities, games, and more for this event! 

They had an adorable photo booth area set up for families to take pictures, as well as an actual photo booth was there with props and all. We really enjoyed the authenticity of this one with the bales of hay, Indian corn, pumpkins, and more. 

Their pumpkin patch was well-stocked and had a variety of sizes of pumpkins to choose from plus they had a BIG assortment of mini-pumpkins and gourds for those who want to be extra creative when decorating their front porches!

They always have this amazing wood train play area at the farm that kids (and adults) can play on every day. But today it was jam-packed with tons of families having a blast, including our little one who just kept following all of the big kids! 

They have this incredible fenced-in animal farm where the kids can come and visit and watch the animals in their natural state. They have chickens and lots of goats of all ages and varieties. Today, the kids really enjoyed the rare opportunity to watch them get fed! 

Talk about creative! Inside these bales of hay were bowling pins and balls (or baby pumpkins) and the families could bowl! And what was super smart on their part was the sand under the pins to keep them from falling over from the wind.

All kinds of activities were set up for families to enjoy. Ladderball was one of many! 

 
How bout those pumpkins?! They carved the pumpkins so kids could "golf" and aim for inside the pumpkin head!

The ring toss was fun for our little guy. He had a blast trying to get the hoops onto each pumpkin. I'll admit- this one was hard! 

They have a collection of kids toys and bicycles at the farm every day. But they brought out some extra special ones today. This one was a HUGE hit with Ness - we even googled it to see if we could get one for our house! 

Is it a true fall festival without a hayride?! Well, even though there wasn't any actual hay on our hay ride, there was a giant tractor pulling us so we'll call it a hay ride.

And if you don't selfie, did it really happen?!

They have food trucks and barbeque available for purchase and we LOVE that Caseus Cheese Truck was there so we took advantage of it as a family today!

And no fall fest is complete without a cider donut. Think we got enough donuts for the three of us?! Nope. 

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Hindinger Farms. They are a wonderful family, they run an incredible farm stand year-round and this Fall Festival is simply fantastic. They go above and beyond and are so giving to the community and families come from near and far. It is free to attend and all of the activities are free, you only have to pay for your food. If you go, be sure to say hello to Mrs. Hindinger. She's almost always behind the cash register. 

Have you even been to Hindinger Farms before?!