May 17th, 2013 | Posted in
Features
scene from last weekend
What a week. Did you enter the Genie Wishes giveaway? Love that book. Also, while there weren’t a ton of comments here on the blog about this post, I recieved a TON privately. Seems like lots and lots of you want to talk about it in not quite such a public forum. I completely understand.
Okay, so I’m checking out a bit early today. I’m meeting up my friend Ania. She’s in Baltimore for the day. I’m taking her to check out the new modern art wing at the BMA. Should be fun. I’ll see you back here next week.
Now go out there and have some fun this weekend! You deserve it.
Some things that caught my eye this week…
Jennie Runk puts unexpected fame to good use
Ideas for using all those instagram pictures
Art journaling with kids
yes please
also, yes
advice for taking better photos of your kids (from the best ;)
And here are some things I’ve written elsewhere this week…
10 parties to throw this summer
preparing kids for their first sleepover
plant markers
how to hold an art show – more tips
ps. Did you know you can find Classic Play on facebook and instagram (@classic_play)?
May 16th, 2013 | Posted in
Parenting
“The other day I found out my 7 year old asked his friend’s sister to take off her shirt during a game of “double dog dare.” I don’t know where he found out about the game or why he did such a thing. I tried to do a search to see how I should handle it, but all I found were what to do if my child was the one asked to take off his shirt. Help!”
Oh boy. No one ever said this parenting job would be easy, did they?
I want to tell you not to panic, but I can imagine how you feel. Our minds often leap to ahhh! sexual predator. Probably because of all the news stories we hear. Thanks Dateline.
So before we proceed, I think it’s important for us to untangle our adult concept of sex/sexuality from a kid’s. They are not the same.
May 15th, 2013 | Posted in
The Reading Nook
Last week, we held a small party to celebrate the launch of my friend Elisabeth Dahl’s first book, Genie Wishes. Genie Wishes follows the ups and downs of fifth grader Genie Kunkle. There’s friendship trouble, body changes, and on top of it all, Genie is selected to be the class blogger. Her challenge? Write about her and her classmate’s wishes, hopes and dreams.
Elisabeth beautifully captured the transition from childhood to adolescence in the book. As a parent, I sincerely appreciated how Elisabeth wrote Genie. She isn’t bold, brash, or boy crazy. Instead, she unfolds with maturity and finds her voice.
It’s a rite of passage read for the next generation of girls.
Here are more photos and giveaway details…
May 14th, 2013 | Posted in
Pepperidge Farm's Goldfish Smiles
Is there anything more quintessentially “kid” than riding a bike? My kids waited all winter to get their bikes out. And you better believe, at the first sign of spring they were to ready to roll. Before they could, the bikes needed a tune up. This post is an introduction to a piece I wrote for Goldfish Smiles about getting your kids’ bikes up to speed.
Bike riding is a great way for our family to be active, but doesn’t require spending on uniforms or sport associations. Plus, I love scooting along with my kids…I thought it’d be a good time to go over some general maintenance to get the kids’ bikes up to speed.[click here for the full article]
May 14th, 2013 | Posted in
Art School
Let’s explore a Native American tradition today and create a Talking Stick. Talking Sticks are used by many Native American tribes when they have council meetings, specifically tribes in the Northwest. The idea of the Talking Stick is to respect each other’s opinions and viewpoints during important meetings where things are discussed, or agreements need to be made. Unless you were holding the Talking Stick, you wouldn’t interrupt or speak, but wait your turn.
During the time you are listening, you are to pay careful attention to what’s being said so that you don’t repeat what someone else has already stated. Some families may even have something similar in their home for family meetings. Whoever holds the microphone, or the item chosen, is the person who has the attention of the group.
The interesting part about this Native American tradition is that it is taught to children at a very young age. Around three is the age they learn to be respectful of each other’s points of views.
I really like when our family gets together to work on a project collectively, and it’s a great exercise for today’s lesson. What better way to emphasize respect for each other and patience than to create something together.
May 13th, 2013 | Posted in
Parenting
What happens when your son asks to wear the costume he saved up for more than three months to get to the grocery store? You say, “Of course.” He might as well get all the use out of it he can.
Check out these photos from the trip. I love them…
May 10th, 2013 | Posted in
Features
scene from last weekend
How was your week? I have to admit, re-entry from my long weekend away was tough.
Tonight, Ellie is scheming to have her first sleepover here at the house. She’s slept over at friends’ houses before, but this is the first she’d have a sleepover here. I’m hoping Ellie and her friend (along with Jonah) will help me get ready for a tea party we’re having tomorrow. We’re celebrating the release of Genie Wishes.
Have your girls read it? Ellie loved it. I did too. My friend Elisabeth, the author of Genie Wishes, is coming to talk to the girls about being an author and sharing a bit about her book. I’m told all the girls are super excited to meet a real live author! It’s so cute.
So that’s our big weekend. Oh and I can’t forget Mother’s Day. Dave asked me what I wanted. I said, dirt for our raised vegetable beds. I know, romantic right? What did you ask for?
Have a great weekend Everyone!
Here are some things that caught my eye this week…
Stop the presses! 7 minutes of exercise is we need?
For all the creative mothers out there
So sweet!
We may get teased (I’m looking at you Bourdain), but you can’t deny Baltimore produces some incredible artists
Ack! How cute is this?
What a great teacher gift
On Monday, I celebrated 13 years with this guy
And here’s where else I’ve been this week…
Spring Garden Crafts
10 Superfoods to Add to Your Diet
Things I want to Remember when My Kids are Grown
Next week on Classic Play…
Deborah has a fantastic art lesson
A special giveaway!
Allowing our kids to be kids
May 9th, 2013 | Posted in
Cooking
Last weekend, I had the best salad of my life. Honestly, I have not stopped thinking about it since. Naturally, I bugged our host for a recipe and didn’t stop until she wrote it down. I just didn’t want to get it wrong. Turns out, it’s nearly impossible to get wrong. Unless you’re like me and try to substitute barley for farro and overcook it until it’s mushy. Just a note: don’t do that.
I’m telling you, this salad will have you asking, “Farro, where have you been all my life?!” Ready for the recipe?
Farro Salad
You’ll need:
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