More than Music Rocks!

Today we welcome Michelle, a guest blogger and also a new member of our Lehigh Valey Find&GoSeek team as she shares her recent experience with More Than Music LLC's You & Me Music Class!

Studies show that introducing your child to music early on can help set the stage for lifelong musical development and that music can help brighten their mood, benefit their brain, and boost their language skills!


We saw living proof of that when we sat in on a few You & Me Music Early Childhood Music Classes recently offered by More Than Music LLC. Since our little one had a lot of fun during the classes, we thought we’d give you an idea of what to expect should you decide to enroll.

Seamless Structure
Led by founder Hilari Stahler, MT-BC (“Miss Hilari”), the classes are designed for children ages 6 months to 5 years and their guardians. Each class is about 40 minutes long and includes a handful of musical activities sandwiched between the welcoming “Hello” song and the concluding “Goodbye” song. Miss Hilari keeps the class moving and is incredibly skilled at transitioning from one activity to the next, so much so that you hardly know it’s happening!

Improvisation with Instruments
In addition to singing and dancing, each child (and guardian!) gets to improvise with musical instruments. This kind of free play allows them to begin to understand how to manipulate the instruments to produce different sounds… and some of their reactions were priceless!

Of course, there are times when Miss Hilari directs the interaction with the instruments. She’s really great about giving each of them a turn and making sure they’ve had a fair amount of time with the instrument before moving on to the next child. Plus, wherever possible, she incorporates each child’s name into the song they’re singing, which makes the class that much more special.

Interactive Activities
No prior musical experience is needed and, thankfully, children and adults of all musical abilities are welcome, so there’s no judgment for singing along slightly off-key! Guardians are enthusiastically encouraged to follow Miss Hilari’s lead and to participate in all of the activities.

Including the dancing!

Monthly enrollment for You & Me Early Childhood Music Classes is $45 for the first child and $22.50 for siblings 1 year and older, and tuition is required to reserve your space each month. Visit More Than Music LLC for more information and to enroll today! Check out the promo code below and save $15 off February registration!



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Miller Symphony Hall Family Series

Miller Symphony Hall is gearing up for the remaining shows of their 2015-2016 season and some great family programming will be be featuring starting in February.

Their Family Series of Live Musical Theater performances is an excellent local family entertainment option and a super cool way to expose your children to the wonders of art and live theater!

Tickets to a show make an amazing gift to any child! From Ladybug Girl to Clifford to the ASO Musical Fairy Tale Show there's certainly something to entertain any young one.  Plan a special day out, with lunch and a show.  Tickets can be booked online by clicking any link to any of the highlighted shows, just choose your seats, pay and your are all set! 

February 20th 2:00PM at Miller Symphony Hall

Once Upon an Orchestra: Musical Fairy Tales

For this performance - Children are free! 

The fairy tales and stories we remember from our childhood expressed through the sounds of the orchestra. An event for the whole family, the Allentown Symphony Orchestra plays a program of orchestral classics for families and friends. Music from Aladdin, Scheherazade – 1001 Nights, Sleeping Beauty, Carnival of the Animals, Beauty and the Beast, Casey at the Bat, Hansel and Gretel. It's a  great way to introduce your child to orchestral music.

Go early! Pre-Concert Activities begin at 12:30pm.

February 27th 2:00PM at  Miller Symphony Hall

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, The Musical

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy celebrates the power of imagination and promotes a sense of adventure and exploration of the world around you.

Inspired by the New York Times Top 10 best-selling Children's Books (September 14, 2014) with 14 titles and over 3.3 million copies in print, this lively new musical “buzzes” with the inventive energy of childhood. Lulu is disappointed that she is too little to play baseball with her big brother, grabs her trusty sidekick, Bingo, the family dog, and goes off to the park, seeking adventure. She meets up with her friends, Sam, Marley and Kiki and they morph into the Bug Squad as Ladybug Girl, Bumblebee Boy, Dragonfly Girl and Butterfly Girl fight the Mean Alien...or is that Lulu's brother? Imagination will triumph!

Ladybug Girl books are available in all major booksellers, mass merchandisers, educational venues including Scholastic Book Fairs and Clubs, mid-tier chains, and high-end department stores. The story and content appeals to both boys and girls.

Recommended for ages 2 and up.

Saturday March 26th 2:00PM at Miller Symphony Hall

Enchantment Theatre Presents Peter Rabbit Tales

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin' down the bunny trail, Hippity-Hoppity Easter's on its way! This musical is just in time for the Easter holiday!

"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter . . . "  These famous opening lines of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" have enchanted young audiences for over  one hundred years.

In celebration of Beatrix Potter's 150 birthday anniversary, Enchantment Theatre brings her captivating stories to life. Using fantastic masks, whimsical puppets, gorgeous scenery and original music, the magical, marvelous World of Beatrix Potter come alive on stage!

Meet Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny as they escape from Mr. McGregor, outfox Mr. Tod and rescue the Flopsy Bunnies from the disagreeable badger, Tommy Brock. When Benjamin's children disappear, he goes to his cousin, Peter Rabbit, to help him find the bunnies. But Peter thinks he's had quite enough of adventure, remembering his youthful escapades in Mr. McGregor's garden. As the cousing reminisce about their past adventures, their friends - Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs. Tittlemouse - gather to encourage Peter on this one last quest.

Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Saturday April 23rd 2:00pm at Miller Symphony Hall

Clifford the Big Red Dog Live! A BIG Family Musical

It only takes a little to BE BIG!™ The ‘big red dog,’ a character beloved for generations, comes to life on stage in a BIG way in this interactive musical! Join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and all their friends from Birdwell Island as they embark on an adventure filled with singing, dancing and more. Share in the timeless values of Clifford’s BIG Ideas: Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe In Yourself, Be A Good Friend and Help Others – with this musical experience the whole family will love!

Recommended for ages 3 and up.

"Ice" Skating Fun!

There seems to be a lot of curiosity surrounding the new holiday attractions in Allentown this season and with the tradition of Lights in the Parkway being absent there are big shoes to fill!

We checked out the synthetic Ice Skating Rink at Cedar Beach this past weekend twice (sans coats! woop!) and thought we'd share what you should know! 

For the Littles : The smallest skate rental is a size 9 (toddler) which for our tiny 3 year old was a tad big but we were certainly able to make it work without a problem.  The "skating" looks a little more like a graceful walk with a bit of a slide, but its certainly a great introduction to skating and our kids were asking to go back again the next day!

Ages: I would recommend a minimum of age 3 would be able to easily skate, there were children of all ages participating both times we were there. 

So WHAT is is made of exactly?!? Basically its a hard textured plastic! While from a distance is actually looks like ice, once you get up close, its clear that is in fact is not. This is image from allsportsgallery.com shows exactly how the rink is constructed, much like a giant puzzle with interlocking pieces. 

What to wear? I recommend dark colored pants or pants you don't care ever get used again.  Falling will likely happen and the knees in the kiddos pants will take a beating. Obviously outerwear to match the weather would also be needed - though we didn't need any when we went because it was nearly 70! 

Do I need to skate too!?! Nope! the awesome benefit of this synthetic surface is that its not really slippery.  Parents can easily walk along with steady feet while holding hands if needed. 

When? The rink open daily dawn til dusk and its free to skate. If you don't own skates, skate Rentals are $2 and available Thursdays and Fridays 5pm-9pm and Saturday and Sundays 12pm-9pm

Heres a little video of how our 5 year old did.



njoy and Happy Holidays! 

Mom Made Gifts - A Holiday Gift Feature

Ever search for a gift and feel at a loss? The things in the big box retailers just don't fit the bill? Sometimes that person you are giving to means so much more than a quick grab from a shelf! We've teamed up with some extremely talented local artisans for a feature post about some great out of the box gift options made by local Lehigh Valley moms! 

We have some amazing local artisans who have offered up some amazing (and adorable might I say) had crafted gift ideas which will WOW anyone! 

Mason J.A.R. Apparel has been making handmade block print children's clothing since 2011. Their organic T-shirts and bodysuits are sure to melt hearts.  Our first Mason J.A.R. Apparel shirt is carefully tucked away for our youngest to soon grow into and we were thrilled this year to get some new prints done for our older Strawberry loving girlies. Ours (shown below) will be gifts this year so we don't have any model shots since they're being hidden for the next few weeks! 

Jessica Russell, the owner of Mason J.A.R. Apparel takes so much pride in her work and each item she makes is carefully handcrafted on organic cotton bodysuits or T-shirts.  

          

                        

Check out their amazing prints and custom select your order by choosing your print and bodysuit/t-shirt color. Orders my be placed online at Masonjarapparel.com or check out their Facebook page to follow along for their adorable items and watch for new prints coming out! 

Follow Mason J.A.R. Apparel on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram! 

Next in our feature is Wish Knits! This Lehigh Valley area mom owned knitting business can whip up anything from a cable knit hat to a Yoda hat perfect for that upcoming Star Wars release or a set of coordinating family Christmas stockings.



This is so super cute for the soon to be one year old!

I'm in love with these adorable winter hats we got from Jessica this season.  Her detachable bows and flowers are great and allow for the bows to be moved or worn without when desired.

Such an awesome gift for a Jedi in training!


Her Facebook Page is loaded with her projects and samples of her work, If you see something you love let Jessica know! She also has samples of her work and a few items up for immediate shipping on her Etsy page!

Next we have an adorable option for that eco-conscious friend, sibling or neighbor you have! Martha Olsen of Dana and Doris offers super chic ways to stay environmentally friendly in your home. Find her items on Etsy or check out previews of her items on Facebook and browse her fabric options to custom design cloth napkins, unpaper towels or other eco friendly and budget friendly options that will cut your paper towel bill indefinitely.

We are thrilled about the new set of unpaper towels we got and with how cute they are you can't beat they will brighten up your kitchen and save you some cash too!

Take a look at the detailed photos above and you can see how the "roll" snaps together and can be placed right on to your paper towel holder for easy access.

Her adorable fabric choices are available on her Facebook Page there so your can easily choose something to match your décor!

Dana and Doris has offered an exclusive coupon code for our viewers so pop on over
to danaanddoris.etsy.com and see whats available.

Inspired by a Lehigh Valley mom who was looking for a great baby friendly accessory, Chew 42 designs is making necklace wearing both fun and comfortable for new moms.

With a 6 month old who is constantly pulling on just about everything including my necklaces, earrings and hair these necklaces are a Godsend! You can choose something that meets your fashion needs too, from bright and colorful to something simple and chic!

One more Custom Design Day your is coming on December 20th from 10am to 4pm at Ju-Ju Monkey! 

So many Color choices! Design a necklace for your spouse, a mom to be on your gift list or for yourself! The options are endless! 

Find Chew 42 at Chew42.com or on Facebook 

Finally Anna's Custom Crafts is busy cooking up some super cute items this season and year round!  From custom birthday chalk boards to room decor and the sweetest custom growth chart This local crafter is ready to create something just for you!

Her giant growth charts make tracking your little ones growth an adorable keepsake that can come with you even if you move! We recently ordered a few for some special little guys in our life and a cool addition to their new big boy rooms!



Such A cute teacher gift idea!




These are adorable and well worth the time you'd spend doing them on your own! These would be a great addition to any little one's room!


Find Anna on Facebook and check out her recent projects or inquire about having something made you've been thinking of putting together but haven't found the time for yet!!




If you have an idea, business or activity you'd like to see featured on our blog please 
contact us right away! 

20 things to do with your kids in the Lehigh Valley this holiday season!

Allentown Holiday Lights

Take a stroll or a drive through the new multiple light displays throughout Allentown! Stay bundled up and drive through Cedar Beach or take a walk downtown for a bright colorful view

Morning Call Light Tour

Visit the Go Guide App on your phone for the map! Their complete article will be shared on 12/19. Surely many of these same locations will be making their electric meter spin again this year! 

Catch a Show!

We've been blessed in the Lehigh Valley with lots of great performance companies and theaters that present seasonal performances.  Catch A Christmas Carol or a Nutcracker performance!

Get in with Nature!

The Wildlands Conservancy is offering a number of great family programs this month! Check out their natural ornament making event, winter bird watching walk and more! 

Pip!

It is a Lehigh Valley tradition not to be missed! With 3 shows Monday - Saturday through January 2nd! Theres plenty of opportunity to catch the little guy! 

Live Advent Calendar 

Every night in December through Christmas Eve the 1810 Goundie house comes alive with a live advent calendar with a different local personality each night read more by clicking the link above!

 Shop Outdoors!

The Lehigh Valley hosts 2 amazing outdoor marketplaces each holiday season. Bundle up and check out some open air markets on the weekend. We promise you'll find some great unique gifts!

Shop Small 

Check out the link above to try a new children's shop or local web-based artisan for a unique gift idea!

Skate! 

Break out those ice skates and explore the numerous places in the Lehigh Valley available for ice skating including a few new ones!

Visit a reindeer!

Yep! You read correctly, you can visit with Live reindeer (and santa too) at Santa's Pit Stop at the Z Arch Barn in Easton! Plus they have pre cut trees and wreaths.  

See the BIG guy 

Yeah, I know this one is obvious, but in case you were't sure where... Check the link with our list!

Give back

Visit Donatelocalsimple.com to find lists of items local non-profits are in need of right now, bring them to a local store listed on the website and donate some items you no longer need! You can also find them on Facebook at Donate.Local.Simple  for collection ideas and other ways to help our community!

Christmas Festivals

Some local towns ( Nazareth, Jim Thorpe, Emmaus and Macungie) will be hosting special weekend Christmas festivals with tons to day for everyone including live performances, kids activities and more.

Choo Choo!! 

Take a train ride this season with santa himself. multiple rail lines are available within the region!

Strasburg Railroad

Allentown and Auburn

LGSR

Take a dip! 

Plan a mini get away at one of the Pocono area indoor water parks and take a break from the chill!

Ski, Board or Tube!

The mountains are making snow, learn how to ski or teach the kids! Tubing is always a great adventure with no skills required.

 Did you know 4th and 5th graders ski free all winter? Check out the info at skipa.com  

Take a Carriage Ride!

A nice throw back to the olden' days! Bundle up and tour the city lights in an open air carriage! 

Allentown Carriage Rides

Bethlehem Carriage Rides

America on Wheels Train Exhibit

This holiday themed train exhibit is a great outing! View all the trains in their festive glory, Children under 12 are free!

Chop a Tree

Roll out the station wagon Clark! Roll Griswold style this year and head out to a farm to chop down the family Christmas tree.  

Stay Home!

As much as we adore every other suggestion on this list sometimes the BEST thing to do around the holidays is enjoy your kids! Appreciate their wonder for the season and do something special at home! Bake your family cookie recipe, let them help wrap (yes, it will look terrible but thats ok!) or take a look at our Holiday Road Pinterest board and find a new tradition! 

Of course though these are only the beginning!! There's lots more to be found by visiting our website at lehighvalley.findandgoseek.net 

Visit our Winter fun category for a full list of festivities!! Or browse the calendar to find something going on!!