Essential Oils for Mama and her Rascals

If you are here and reading this, chances are you have a little rascal (or a few!) just like me, and I am so happy to connect with you! My name is Wilmarose Orlanes and I am a mama, wife, Wellness Advocate, Prop Stylist, and Creative Art Director in Los Angeles, CA. 

I started incorporating essential oils into my life just before my daughter was born. I’ve been on my oil journey for about 6 years now, but it wasn’t until recently that my passion for natural wellness and essential oils inspired me to guide others on their wellness journey! As a Wellness Advocate, I love to share my knowledge and passion with others who want to learn about the benefits that essential oils can have on a family’s physical, mental, and emotional health.* 

While I might have products like acetaminophen and ibuprofen in my medicine cabinet, I love to also have natural options to consider for my family. This is a way that I take control of my family’s health and well-being while also having a stronger handle on what I’m putting in and on my child’s body. I believe that being proactive rather than reactive about our health needs and concerns is important.

So, what exactly are essential oils? They are the super fuel of plants; they are oils extracted from different parts of plants like the bark, leaves, seeds, roots, etc. through methods like steam distillation or cold pressing. This allows the essential oils that are procured to be highly potent and concentrated. More than just a scent, every essential oil has a unique chemical makeup that can provide dozens of benefits for the body and mind. This is why we call them nature’s medicine cabinet!

There are 3 ways to use essential oils - aromatically, topically, and internally. As a mama, I find that the most accessible ways to start using oils with my family is aromatically with a diffuser and topically with roller bottles. I love that a diffuser allows everyone in the room to benefit from the aroma as well as the mood boosting and air cleansing effects. Depending on the oil, properties can include antimicrobial, antibacterial, analgesic (painkilling), antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory benefits. With roller bottles, people can directly take advantage of these properties and use oils to boost the immune system, treat aches and pains, promote circulation, and help alleviate skin ailments, etc. 

When I think about the overall wellness of everyone in the family, I want to be clear that this includes you, mama. How many times have you fed your kids breakfast and lunch before realizing that you haven’t eaten a single meal yet yourself? How many baths have you drawn for them, before realizing you can’t remember the last time you washed your own hair? I truly believe that you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s very important to make sure that we fill our cups by taking care of ourselves in small and in big ways.  By incorporating the use of essential oils in your daily lifestyle (whether in a diffuser or easy-to-access roller bottles in your purse or kitchen drawer), you can easily experience their benefits together with your family. With custom roller bottles for mama and rascals, you can conveniently address your respective physical and emotional concerns without worrying that you are getting a side of toxins with your relief. 

Now, when it comes to which type of essential oils I choose for my family, I specifically recommend and choose doTERRA essential oils due to the fact that they are certified pure therapeutic grade (CPTG) - the purest, safest and most tested oils in the world. doTERRA sources oils from all around the globe, in their natural habitat, working directly with farmers and giving back to the communities of these sourcing partners through their work and non-profit foundation. With 3rd party testing (each oil is tested over 50 times!) and a commitment to 100% transparency (each bottle is marked with a unique code to allow you to trace where the oil is from), doTERRA oils have proven to be the most potent and effective essential oils available. 

One problem can be addressed by many different oils, and one oil can address many problems. As you become more comfortable with using essential oils, you will discover and create your own blends to meet your needs. With that being said, I wanted to provide you and your little rascals with some of my favorite blends that can be used in your diffuser or a roller bottle and hope that they help to fill your cup as you explore the option of natural wellness. 

Mama, are you wondering how to get started with essential oils? I would love to offer you these starter kit options. With the purchase of either of these kits, I will include a set of these Rascal & Mama inspired roller bottles and a colorful roller bottle pouch as my gift to you!

HEALTHY START KIT $160 (100PV)

This kit contains 5ml size bottles of some of the best essential oils that tackle wellness and physical health! It’s a great starter kit to use to begin making over your Wellness Cabinet. When you enroll with the Healthy Start Kit, I will include my personal Welcome Kit that comes with tools to get your started, dilution charts, recipe cards, FOUR custom Mama & Rascal rollers, a colorful roller bottle pouch, AND a free bottle of Citrus Bliss (with my promo code).

HEALTHY ESSENTIALS KIT $249 (200PV)

This kit contains mainly 15ml size bottles of some of the best essential oils that tackle physical wellness AND mental and emotional wellness! This is the kit I got started with many years ago and it continues to be the kit I highly suggest to mamas. When you enroll with the Healthy Essentials Kit, I will include my personal Welcome Kit that comes with tools to get your started, dilution charts, recipe cards, SIX custom Mama & Rascal rollers, a colorful roller bottle pouch, AND a free bottle of Citrus Bliss (with my promo code).

Please inquire directly with me to enroll with these Custom Hello Rascal Kits.

I am also happy to put together a CUSTOM KIT based on your needs. Please click here learn more about these Custom Hello Rascal Kits and examples of custom Mama Magic Kits I curated with mamas & families in mind.

When you get started with me you not only get me as your guide, but you also get access to a private oil community where you can tap into ebooks, recipes, charts, guides, and a private Facebook group that will allow you to connect with other mamas on this journey. I still remember looking up sleep remedies in this FB group for my restless baby in the middle of the night many moons ago.

I am incredibly grateful for your time and I look forward to guiding you on your oil journey! You can find me on Instagram and reach me via direct message or you can email me. Talk soon!

* Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I am a mom who uses natural remedies and prevention as a first approach. I value all medical professionals and believe there is a time and place for both. Seek guidance from your doctor/naturopath before implementing *radical* changes. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Although gentle on children, essential oils should be used with adult supervision. If you have fur babies at home, some oils may be dangerous to pets and to make sure to do research or check in with your veterinarian before diffusing oils.

Post sponsored by Wilmarose Orlanes, mama of one rascal, age 6. Photos by Sally Pinera.

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Sesame Street Themed 2nd Birthday Photo Shoot & Party Boxes

It’s no secret that birthday celebrations over the last year have looked different than in the past. Families & vendors have pivoted to help create safe & memorable birthdays through virtual events, drive by parties, and socially distant outings. What happens, though, when those options don’t work for one reason or another?

In our case, we knew our newly-turned 2 year old would not have the attention span for a long virtual party with multiple people in small boxes on the screen. We also live in an apartment with limited space in front between the street & sidewalk, so a drive-by party would not be possible without inconveniencing all of our neighbors. Lastly, we live on the opposite side of the country from most of our family, including all of the grandparents who would not want to miss out on the celebration.

What’s a mom (who works in the event industry and LIVES for celebrations) to do? It was really important for us to commemorate our daughter’s 2nd birthday in a safe way, and we wanted to have something to look back on to remember this unique and unexpected year. We decided that we would design a themed photo shoot to capture the essence of our daughter becoming a true toddler and then use these photos to surprise our family with a “party in a box” shipped to them the week before her birthday so they could celebrate with us from afar.

For the theme, it was easy to settle on Sesame Street, as our daughter (like most toddlers) loves Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, and friends. Once the theme was selected, the fun began! We scoured Etsy for details like custom shirts, a street sign made with her name, character cutouts, and small photo props.

After getting all the details together, it was time to find the perfect location to shoot. Due to the pandemic, it was difficult to find a location that was open to the public, outdoors, and safely socially-distant. Luckily, a friend recommended the talented vendor Modest Peach, who builds custom backdrops. They designed the most incredible re-creation of the famous Sesame Street stoop, complete with perfect toddler-sized stairs. We were able to set this up outdoors and create our own “set.”

What’s a birthday without cake? Our favorite bakery, Fantasy Frostings, created a delicious multi-layered polka-dot confetti cake that was the perfect finishing touch for the photo shoot. In fact, our little birthday girl did not want to sit still until we gave her the cake and a fork!

Rachel Robena Photography captured all of the magic of this special day on Sesame Street. We framed one of the photos and included it in the party box that was shipped to the grandparents on the other side of the country. In addition to the photo, the package included character photo booth props, tasty treats, custom color changing cups, and party supplies. We then hosted a small cake celebration over Facetime once everyone received their party box! It may not have been a traditional birthday party, but it is definitely one we won’t forget!

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Sesame Street Themed Birthday on Hello Rascal Kids

Fabulous Vendor Partners:

• Photographer: Rachel Robena Photography (@rachelrobena)

• Backdrop: Modest Peach (@modestpeach)

• Cake: Fantasy Frostings (@fantasyfrostings)

• Characters, Street Sign, Shirts, & Party Box Props: Etsy (@etsy)

By Meredith Anderson, mom of 1 rascal, age 2.

Nature in the City

I am constantly surprised by the hidden pockets of nature within the great big city of Houston. Yes, Houston has a ton of great parks, playgrounds, and even splash pads. These are easy to find in the city and they draw big crowds on cool weekends. What I didn’t realize for the first few years of living here is that there are many protected areas of natural, wooded ground that is home to a host of animal and plant species - and they are INSIDE the city limits.

Less than 2 miles from my home is my favorite hidden gem: the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Walking paths are covered by fallen leaves. Squirrels criss cross on the branches above our heads. Cicadas perform their mating songs from the trees. The flowing Rummel Creek is just steps below. Birds tweet and trill from where they are perched. It is quite surreal to close the car doors, walk through a gate, and immediately stop hearing the sounds of the city. It is a sanctuary for animals and plants, but also a place for humans to escape to nature.

As much as we go to the Nature Sanctuary for the open space, towering trees, and real wildlife, I also encourage my boys to stop and listen while we are there. I want them to take a deep breath and smell. I want them to stand still and watch the natural world around us. This heightens the awareness of their senses and their place in the world. We are literally, physically, so much smaller than what has been here before us and what will be here long after us. This realization is humbling, probably more so for me than for them, but I hope the foundation of respect for nature is being introduced on these visits.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Each visit to the Nature Sanctuary begins with my oldest son taking a picture of the Nature Map. He then guides us through the sanctuary, keeping track of our progress by noting where on the map we are, which bridge we just crossed, and which side of Rummel Creek we are on. My sons challenge each other to find the largest fallen branch that they can carry. They often gather leaves of various sizes and colors, filling their pockets to the brim. We call out each time we find a stump in the ground and make a prediction as to what happened to the tree. Does the stump have jagged edges? Does it have a fungus or parasite? Is it a smooth top, possibly indicating it was cut down by humans? We also look for fish in the pond, identifying the connection between their lengths to the depths of the water. We look through the canopy of the trees for the sun and clouds, watching which way they are moving and predicting if it might rain.

These visits are a joy for so many reasons, and I am grateful for a piece of nature in what feels like my backyard.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Nature in the City on Hello Rascal Kids.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mama of two rascals, ages 3 and 5.

Super Messy Art

Recently, a teacher friend suggested I try shaving cream and food coloring as an art activity with my rascals. That sounded easy, so I gave it a go without much preparation or thought.

I had no idea what I was getting into. The mess. The stained hands. The squeals of laughter. The beautiful finished products hanging on the wall.

Yes, in hindsight, I won’t do this art activity again without more preparation, but also, YES, we will be doing it again! My rascals loved every moment of this activity - touching the shaving cream, choosing their food coloring, and mixing the food coloring to create new colors, tints, and shades. This activity is fun and educational, a double win in my book.

The basic supplies needed are:

• White shaving cream (not gel)

• Food coloring

• Canvas, cardstock, or something equally sturdy

• Mixing tools (straws, cotton swabs, cotton balls, paintbrushes)

The process is easy. Dispense the shaving cream. Add food coloring. Mix.

Despite my best efforts to get my rascals to use the straws, they could not resist the feel of the shaving cream between their fingers. So, I gave up on that battle and I enjoyed their excitement with this sensory activity.

Next time, though, I will do things a bit differently. Here are some tips if you are interested in experimenting with this activity:

• Keep a bucket of water nearby instead of risking little fingers touching furniture and walls on the way to the bathroom

• Put the shaving cream into a bowl and provide paintbrushes so it is more like “painting” rather than “fingerpainting”

• Cover the table with newspaper or a drop cloth

• Take their clothes off or have them wear smocks/old t-shirts!!!

And a word to the wise: it is advisable to wipe down the finished product with a paper towel because the globs of shaving cream don’t really ever solidify.

Happy messy art activity!

Written by: Brandi Stanton, mama of two rascals ages 2 and 4.

The Dirty Penguin Coffee

Last year we discovered a little gem near us, The Dirty Penguin Coffee. This was a great spot for parents to energize with a coffee break while little ones burn off some energy in this open play area. They also hosted story time on Friday mornings. But with the pandemic, they are needing our support to stay open.

This place is all about community. Their mission focuses on it and states: “We are so passionate about community! We are thankful that coffee creates opportunities for our community to gather. Our space is one of inclusion, where each of our customers are valued and welcomed, including children. Our fun and funky atmosphere inspires creativity and play. We are thankful for our local business community and the support we receive from other small businesses. The Dirty Penguin will always encourage collaboration and creativity by using our space to fuel our customers brilliant ideas and hosting events and workshops of our own.”

Whether you are craving a specialty latte, one of their brunch items, or a delicious pastry, we think you deserve to have a treat.

From The Dirty Penguin: “Parents NEED community (and often coffee!) Kids need a safe place to play. Our vision is to create a place for parents to relax AND have quality coffee while their children purposefully play within eye glance. The Little Penguin Play Café provides a fun and engaging environment for children to learn, explore, and play.”

We hope that they will be open for inside dining when it is safe, but for now, visit and support small business.

Reviewed by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 5 and 8.

How to Choose the Right Games to Incorporate Into Your At-Home Learning Strategy

Remember when your parents told you that playing video games too much would “rot your brain?” Things have changed a lot since those days, especially when so many parents are using computers, laptops, and other electronic devices to help their children learn at home. Today’s parents realize that games can help them fulfill the teaching responsibilities that come along with parenthood.

While most experts still recommend that you limit noneducational screen time (especially for children between 18 months and 5 years old), professional recommendations have changed over the years. Now, the general consensus is that there is no set-in-stone screen time recommendation that everyone should follow. Instead, parents should use their best judgment when setting boundaries with electronics and try to make sure screen time is as educational as possible.

Hello Rascals wants you and your family to thrive; read on to learn more about choosing the right games for at-home learning.

The Increasing Role of Games in Education

While computer games and programs used to be viewed primarily as a waste of time, they’ve come a long way since those early Atari days. Nowadays, there are plenty of ways to use games as part of an effective and well-rounded learning strategy at home. They can also help your kids develop a strong sense of community if they play with friends online.

There are a number of games that teach kids a variety of things, from coordination to coding. Codewars, for instance, allows users to solve algorithmic problems while learning coding. With skill building like this, It’s no wonder parents are incorporating games into their homeschool lessons plans, after-school routines, and remote learning programs. The key is to learn how to choose games that check all the right boxes for your family.

Tips for Choosing Effective Educational Games

Whether you’ve made the jump to homeschooling your kids or you’re just looking for some educational after-school activities, don’t underestimate the teaching capabilities of computer or video games. The right games can teach certain subjects to your kids as well or better than you can. Plus, why not take the opportunity to relieve your burden as a parent by allowing your kids to learn new concepts in fun and engaging ways?

When selecting educational games for your homeschooling curriculum, remote learning approach, or after-school routines, look at the following:

•       Instructions and/or Rules: The most effective instructional games are those that require the player to follow clear instructions or rules. Gamers need to know exactly how the game is played and what they need to do to be successful. If a game has no parameters that need to be followed, it may not be the most effective educational tool for your kids.

•       Goals and Objectives: The best learning games have goals and objectives that require players to use their brain power. Try to find games that back up your predetermined learning objectives (such as enhancing certain skill sets, improving knowledge of specific subjects, or learning perseverance).

•       Interaction: For an educational game to be entertaining, it must also be interactive. If your child plays a game that requires little to no interaction, they are unlikely to learn much from it. Examples of highly interactive games include role play, competitions, puzzles, reality testing, sports, and building games.

•       Feedback: Games that offer feedback are important because they tell the player when they are wrong and why. These types of games include sports, simulation, game show, timed, and detective games. They offer feedback that helps players self-correct and learn from their mistakes. Keep in mind that the feedback should always be encouraging and motivational.

Now that you know what to look for in the best educational games, make sure you set yourself up for success by ensuring your internet connection can handle the workload. To do this, look into upgrading to a connection with minimal buffering and lag. 5G internet can facilitate smoother online play and help you download - and play - games much more quickly and efficiently.

Smart choices will make your children’s screen time a more valuable experience. By choosing effective educational games and a frustration-free internet connection, your kids will be happily plugging away and learning all the while.

Subscribe to Hello Rascal Kids for fun family ideas on creating, playing, traveling, eating, and much more! Sponsored Post by Kris Louis from Parenting with Kris.

Funko Hollywood

Our weekends now look different then pre-Covid weekends. This fun Hollywood outing took place in March 2020, one year ago this week, and one week before California had it’s first shut down.

When my husband suggested we take the boys to Funko Hollywood, I was confused - “you mean, the bubble head toy stores?” He heard it was more than a retail shop and a great place to roam around. So, we packed up our rascals and headed off to Hollywood.

Funko Hollywood has since revised their store hours and operations to meet public health standards and make it safer for their guests. They are currently open and we want to encourage families to visit this during this time when a bit of fun is much needed.

Please Note: Photos below are from our trip there March 2020 (Pre-Covid, therefore no masks)

This is Funko’s second brick-and-mortar location. Funko Hollywood is 40,000 square feet of whimsy, adventure, fun, larger-than-life photo opportunities, and immersive sets inspired by your favorite worlds, characters, and moments.

Smile! There were plenty of photo ops around every corner of the store. As a bonus, their friendly employees are happy to help with family photos. We arrived when it opened at 11:00am and did not experience an issue with crowds.

Our two rascals were so happy about our little trip to Hollywood and their souvenirs from this special retail experience. They have a collection of Funko Pop toys and I see them playing pretend with all their superheros often. I’m glad these toys are not just in a box but out and encouraging imaginary play. After Funko, we had lunch at a nearby pizza place and then drove by the Hollywood Bowl. The Lays’ day in Hollywood was filled with surprise and fun.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 5 and 8. Age during our visit, 4 and 7.

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History Inspired Birthday

It’s no secret that it’s been a tough year for children. I wanted to do something at home for Lennon’s birthday to honor his heritage. Ever since he was a baby, we’ve been reading a page of Vashti Harrison’s “Little Legends, Exceptional Men in Black History” to him every night. Every night we focus on one individual and their accomplishments. As he is getting older, he starting to look forward to reading this book every night. When I had the idea to make this book a birthday theme for him, I wanted him to feel represented in a beautiful light. Representation is important; images help shape our identity. 

The cover of the book was my inspiration. I worked with Moon Rising, an incredible designer that helped me recreate Lennon in the same style as the characters in the book. He was now front and center as an exceptional Black boy, soon to be man. Each child received a bookmark with a different character from the book and their name on the back. We also had library cards made so they can continue reading rest of the book series about exceptional people in history.

I kept the color scheme the same as the cover of the book, focusing on black, white, mint, and yellow stars. The florals created by Pavan Floral are stunning and working with her is always a pleasure. Her creations alway fit perfectly with my aesthetic. Janice Wong created our amazing desserts. We had a beautiful cake where she hand-painted the characters. The cookies featured the faces of the characters in the book and the cake pops had a printed image of the cover. 

The star of the celebration was the incredible backdrop provided by Modest Peach. They recreated the cover and had life-sized cutouts of Black men in the book, such as civil rights leader John Lewis, standing on podiums. I want Lennon to always remember this day. I want him to know how special he is and how exceptional he is. My hope is for him to shoot for the stars.

A BBQ lunch catered by the incredible Sarah of Active Palate was the perfect meal. The children had mac & cheese cups and fried chicken sliders, while the adults had a BBQ spread. Adults were also treated to a beautiful grazing table put together by Cheese Pretty Please. Yummy green juice for the kids and sangria for adults by Nate Parker really complimented the meal. The photographs from this day were captured by the incredible Kara Coleen; her photos will help us remember this magical day. 

Talented Vendors

• Photography: Kara Coleen 

• Backdrop: Modest Peach

• Flowers: Pavan Floral

• Grazing Table: Cheese Pretty Please

• Signage: Creative Amme

• Desserts and Cake: @janice.w0ng

• Food: Active Palate

• Cocktails: @iamnp3

• Balloons: @letscreateevents 

• Lennon Design: @moonrising20

• Rentals: 3 Little Birds Event Planning

• Paper Goods: Oh Happy Day

• Author of the Book: Vashti Harrison

“Thank you for sharing Lennon’s Special Celebration with Hello Rascal Kids”

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Full Event Gallery

Shared by Victoria Petrovsky, mother of one rascal, age 2.

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Our Favorite Interactive Books

We cannot get our fill of books in my household. Have I mentioned that my little rascals sleep with at least three books in their beds each night? Or that my nightstand has three neat towers of books at least six spines tall? Or that my husband’s mancave has seven bookcases filled to the brim with books stacked two deep? You get the idea - we are book lovers!

With this in mind, I am sharing a few of our favorite interactive books for kids.

Age: Baby

Squawk. Beep. Vrrrrooom. Buzz. Weeoooo weeoooo. Sound books invaded our household for quite a few years. They provided the boys with an opportunity to “read” all on their own and be learners in their own right. We began with a more basic book such as Noisy Trucks, where there is one unique sound on each page that corresponds with each vehicle. Books that have a couple of sounds on each page, such as Discovery Noisy Backyard, are the next step up. As you read about the different sounds that may be present in a backyard, your little one can connect the picture of the buzzing bee on the page to the picture and sound of the buzzing bee on the sound panel. Finally, we arrived at books like Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site that encourage your child to follow along while you read and press the corresponding sound button. (For those of you going through potty training, I recommend Potty Time with Elmo sound book that reinforces the steps of how to use the restroom.)

Age: Toddler

Around the age of 2, my rascals pulled these books by French artist and author Herve Tullet from the shelf so often that they simply had a permanent home on the sofa. Press Here is a fantastic book that invites the reader (child) to perform certain actions that cause reactions. Mix It Up is very similar, once again encouraging the child to interact with the pages while learning about primary and secondary colors. My favorite, Say Zoop, is a fun way to play with sounds. (Consider adding the Press Here Game to family game night.)

Age: Preschool through Elementary

My contemporaries may remember the Choose Your Own Adventure series that were wildly popular in grade school. I know I loved them, which is why I was so excited when my kids were gifted books from The Power to Choose series. What Should Danny Do?, What Should Darla Do?, and What Should Danny Do? School Day all invite your child to make decisions for Danny and Darla and understand that all actions have reactions (good and bad). This series reinforces the concept that we all have the power to choose to make the right choices all day, every day.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mom of two rascals ages 3 and 5.

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Farmer’s Market with Kids

The farmer’s market has always been a favorite pastime of mine. There’s something special about walking through the stalls, smelling the combined sweetness of the dirt and vegetables, and seeing the results of weeks of hard work. It is calming and lovely, like a little present at the end of a busy week. 

Recently, AJ (my oldest rascal) came to me and asked if he could spend the few extra coins/dollars he had left over from a field trip on honey sticks at the farmer’s market. He wanted to buy them himself, with his own money. 

I was a little surprised at his request because I had always assumed, as I dragged my boys with me, that they were simply tagging along. This request got me thinking, so I asked him if he knew how much they were, and he said no. 

“They’re five for a dollar,” I responded. AJ looked at what he had in his hand and then told me that if they’re five for a dollar, then he can buy ten. Oh, dang. My son knows math! I honestly didn’t think that he would be so quick on the uptake. How could I say no? 

The next time we were at the market, AJ was on the lookout for the honey stick vendors. Ben (my littlest rascal) got into the search too and asked for AJ to buy him a honey stick. This request was sweet, and, if I’m being honest, a little funny.

Finally, we found one of the vendors and AJ expertly exchanged his money for some sweet sticky goodness. Then he said he wanted to go to the other honey stick vendor too. At first, Albert and I thought he was price shopping for the best deal until AJ turned to us and said that he didn’t want the vendors to be sad because he only bought sticks from one of them. 

I love my boys, and this is one example of why. On one hand, they show signs of maturity, knowing how to do math quickly and making grown-up requests. Then, they turn around and show me their sweet innocence and sincere kindness by making sure no one gets left out.   

This experience also taught me a valuable lesson. As the farmer’s market junkie I am, I thought that the boys were simply following me around spending time with the family, not paying much attention to what was happening around them. I learned that day that the farmer’s market is actually the perfect place to teach our little rascals about different life skills. 

First, they can see where foods come from. You can’t buy or eat something from the farmer’s market without telling them how it got there - that people worked hard to plant a seed, work the ground, and then wait until food grew big enough to pick and bring to the market. It’s a conversation that the vendors like having with the kids too - sharing what their individual farms or practices are like. This is very different than when you go to a grocery store.

Second, it allows the boys to see and talk to the actual people who grow the food. Sometimes AJ will ask “are you the farmer?” and then vendors will have a wonderful conversation with him. Especially if you go to the same market over and over, your rascals will see the vendors not just as merchants, but actual people doing hard work behind the products

Third, you can teach them life skills such as how to introduce yourself to others, how to respond to questions asked, how to share with others, and even how to do math. Learning about how the value of money, and the exchange of money for goods, is equally important in the classroom as it is in actual practice. It makes me happy to be able to show our boys what that looks like in the real world. 

Finally, it can teach them kindness in interacting with others. Sometimes as adults, we whittle down our conversations with others into transactional interactions, and that’s okay. Sometimes, it’s running into the store with two minutes to make that return. Other times, you are running late to work and have no time to chit chat with the barista making your coffee. I find that our interactions at the farmer’s market are observed very closely by AJ and Ben, and that they are responding to the calm environment and kindness that the merchants show to us as we ask questions and walk through their stalls. These trips give us the opportunity to teach our boys about people different from ourselves. 

The farmer’s market will always be one of my favorite places, and it is my hope that my boys continue to appreciate these trips as they grow older.

Please Note: These photos are from our visits pre-Covid and therefore no masks were required. Check your local farmer’s market for new health guidelines before your visit.

If you have a favorite place to take your kids to teach them life skills, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear about how you teach your rascals some of these same (or different) lessons. 

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 5 and 8. Photos by Simply Adri Photography.

Paint Your Own Pottery - At Home!

I grew up in a small community in Los Angeles and I have fond memories of my grandparents taking me, my sister, and my two cousins to the local pottery store every week. This was a mom and pop shop that sold ceramic items that you could take home to paint. I am by no means artistically talented; even using the word creative is a bit of a stretch. Yet, I remember these painting experiences with joy and I can recall the pride I felt when my finished piece held a place of honor on the fireplace mantle.

Over the years, “paint your own” pottery shops have popped up across the country and they are a special venue for weekend family outings, guided art classes, homeschool curriculums, and birthday parties. The local shop in Houston, called The Mad Potter, has graciously (and very strategically) changed their business model due to the current stay-at-home climate. You can opt to paint in the studio like usual, or you can select your items online and have them dropped off at your doorstep with contact free delivery! This has enabled my rascals to paint pottery in the safety of our home without me having to own my own pottery tools, utensils, and paints. Woohoo!

In less than 24 hours of online ordering, the following items were at my doorstep, safely wrapped and secured. The amount of paint supplied easily surpassed our needs.

My rascals wasted no time getting started. The studio provided a card with instructions and recommendations for how to paint your pottery at home. One major plus is that the paints provided are water-based, non-toxic, and free from allergens. That was one big sigh of relief for this mama.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Home on Hello Rascal Kids.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Home on Hello Rascal Kids.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Home on Hello Rascal Kids.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Home on Hello Rascal Kids.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Home on Hello Rascal Kids.

The final step does include some contact at the shop, but it is quick and masks are required. In less than 5 minutes, I masked up, took the finished products to the studio, and dropped them off to be fired. It took me 5 minutes (instead of 2) because I bought square plates for the boys to paint with our extra supplies! I’m hooked.

Three days later, I swung by the studio for a contact free pick up of the final products. Amazing!

Paint Your Own Pottery at Home on Hello Rascal Kids.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Home on Hello Rascal Kids.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Home on Hello Rascal Kids.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mama of 2 rascals, ages 2 and 4.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Rainy days and young kids are often a combination that leads to pent up energy, frustration, and acting out. It can be a challenge keeping little bodies moving and minds active when they are contained to a smaller space. This is one of the tools in my bag of tricks for exactly this occasion.

Begin by reading We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. This is a cute story about a family embarking on an adventure - they are looking for a bear and they insist they are not scared. The author describes the family traveling through various landscapes (such as mud piles and snow storms) and the sounds that accompany them as they keep moving forward. Upon finding a cave and the bear inside, the family turns around and retreats back the way they came in a hurry - with all the same sounds to describe the path.

After reading the book, pick one or two or a few of the below options to keep the bear fun going.

1. Act out the story. As you read the book, encourage your child to imagine the landscape and move their body as they would if they were really going through the tall grass or the forest.

2. Make binoculars out of toilet paper rolls, stickers, markers, and construction paper. Encourage your child to use these to spy the bear (or really anything).

3. Watch the actual story being read out loud on YouTube.

4. Make a map of the story. Use construction paper, markers, crayons, tape and glue. Allow your child to have maximum imagination and control over this map. Accuracy is not as important as creativity and ownership. If you prefer a coloring page, use this link to access a printable map that can be colored.

5. Hide a teddy bear (or paper bear) in your house and make a map that your child can use to find the bear. Encourage climbing over the sofa (like a mountain), swimming on the floor (like going through a river), spinning in a circle (like going through a wind tunnel), and so on. Be creative.

6. Watch and act out this variation of the story. Keep the body moving.

7. Consider doing all the above with the story We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger. Not as scary as looking for and finding a bear, but just as creative. On a non-rainy day, take the leaf hunt outside.

Happy Hunting!

Written by Brandi Stanton, mom of two rascals ages 3 and 4.

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Wintertime Reading

When living in Houston, Texas, snow seems as real as fairytales. My kids - who have not yet been to the snow - can’t even imagine what it might be like, feel like, or taste like. Just this morning I explained to them that you have to wear special clothes and shoes if you want to play in the snow. Their minds were blown. They looked down at their short sleeve and short pant pajamas and smiled. “You mean, we can’t wear these?” Nope.

We obviously need to plan a winter snow trip.

To broaden their horizons - even just a little bit - I pulled from our bookshelves books about winter and snow. We leafed through the pages noting the clothes, the shoes and the accessories worn by the characters, as well as the color of the landscape, the sky and clouds, etc. Below are our favorites.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz is a heartwarming story about a child’s love and infatuation with the first snowfall of the year. This book touches on the differences in the way a child and adults think. It also beautifully illustrates how snow changes the look of the city and scenery all around.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats follows young Peter as he wakes up one morning after heavy snow has fallen overnight. The story walks us through Peter getting ready to go outside, the crunching sound of walking in snow, and the adventures kids have while playing in the snow.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a classic holiday story about a young child who believes in the magic of Christmas.

On a cold (or as cold as it gets depending on your location) night, grab a blanket and your rascals, snuggle close with them, and read a good wintertime book. Don’t forget the mugs of hot cocoa and marshmallows!

Written by Brandi Stanton, mom of two rascals ages 3 and 4.

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Helping Your Kids Grow and Develop Through Every Stage and Age

As a parent, you need to adapt quickly as your child reaches new developmental milestones. Knowing exactly what your child needs at every stage is a challenge, but there are many resources that provide guidance. Below, you can find great information for helping your children from infancy to their teenage years. 

Growth and Development in Babies and Toddlers 

From birth to two years old, your child will go through rapid development. These resources can help you provide a supportive environment as your baby starts learning about the world around them.  

• Development Milestones During the First Two Years

• Teaching Your Toddler Social Skills: 15 Steps to Success

• Best Ways to Help Children Fall Asleep at Nap Time

• Top 10 Fun Ways to Boost Your Toddler’s Brain 

Helping Preschoolers and School-Aged Children Grow

Preschoolers and grade-schoolers will become more independent, social, and curious. These resources will help your child explore and develop social skills, physical abilities, and creativity. 

• Growth and Development Milestones: Ages 6 to 10 Years

• 7 Educational and Entertaining Activities for Young Kids

• Storm Spotting for Children: At-Home Meteorology

• How Can I Help My Kids Develop Better Social Skills?

• 10 Life Skills to Teach Your Child by Age 10

• 5 Ways To Help Your Kids Find A Hobby They Love

Providing Guidance for Your Teen 

Most teenagers like having the ability to make more decisions on their own, and while it’s scary to watch your kids go off alone, it’s important for their development. However, as a parent, you’re still responsible for making the rules at home and helping your teenager face the challenges of adolescence. 

• Common Behaviors You’ll See During Each Teen Year

• 7 Tips for Parents to Help Their Teen Create a Strong Sense of Self

• Stop Doing These 8 Things for Your Teen This School Year

• 6 Facts Parents Should Know About Mental Illness in Teens

Each year of your child’s life will bring new adventures and challenges. Keeping up with everything you need to know as a parent is hard, but it helps knowing that you’re not the only parent who feels overwhelmed from time to time. Hopefully these resources will help you through each stage of your child’s development.

Sponsored Post by Kris Louis from Parenting with Kris.

Zucchini Cakes

What goes together as well as water and oil? Toddlers and vegetables. As a toddler mom, getting my little one to eat anything besides mac & cheese and fries is a win.

After a friend brought over some fresh zucchini from her garden, I wanted to make something that the whole family would love! With a big thank you to Mr. Google, I came across the idea for pan-fried zucchini cakes. It’s got all the veggies that I love and the crunch that my toddler loves!

These cakes are crispy and crunchy and are served with an herb-y sour cream dip that will have your kids say “ranch who?!”

Herb Sour Cream Dip (a new take on ranch!):

• 2 cups sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Zucchini Cakes:

• 3 cups shredded zucchini (from 1-2 large zucchinis)

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons Italian herb blend (or whatever is in the back of your pantry)

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions

1. For the Herb Sour Cream dip – combine sour cream, chives, and dill in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.  I usually make this the morning so that it has time to sit and get happy!

2. For the Zucchini Cakes – mix the shredded zucchini, panko, parmesan, herbs, garlic, salt/pepper in a large bowl.  Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream.  Combine the zucchini and egg mixture until well mixed.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes.

3. In a flat-bottomed skillet, place enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and turn on medium-high heat.  When the oil is hot, place a scoop of zucchini mixture into your hands and roll into a ball, then flatten down into a hockey puck (I also make mini versions that are more little-fingers friendly).  Place in hot oil.  Cook until golden (about 2 minutes) and flip.  Cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown.  Place on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.  Continue with the rest of the zucchini mix.

4. Serve with herb sour cream dip!

Bon Appétit! Resources: Zucchini Photo - Paduret Dan-Cristian and Recipe Adapted from: Trisha Yearwood. Written by Crystal Zeyen, mother of one rascal, 2 years old.

Stars Inspired 1st Birthday

Star light, star bright, it’s a first birthday on display tonight.

Inspiration can strike at any time, just take a look at this gorgeous dessert table inspired by the song “Yellow” by Coldplay!

Ombre blues, grays, and golds provide a cool color scheme for Elliot’s 1st birthday.

The 1st birthday cake smash is a tradition we never get tired of seeing! Cute babies and sweet cake?

L-O-V-E

And of course, what would a birthday be without your family? Shine on little Star!

From Lilian Hsyu of Just Merried Events ~ “This was a very special party for Elliot and his family, not just because he was turning 1, but also because this was the first time they would celebrate with friends and family after making their big move home from Texas to California. Elliot's mom, Kelley, really wanted to throw a special celebration to commemorate their California homecoming and Elliot's birthday, but she was still in Texas trying to plan the party. She and I connected through a Pasadena moms group on Facebook, and I'm grateful she trusted me and my coordinator Alexis to do the legwork for her. We toured a few Pasadena venues for her and made vendor recommendations based on her preferences, style, and budget to keep her decision-making process easy. I'm so glad we brought on Caitlin Alohilani Photography to capture all the details + fun - I've come to realize that having a photographer who is great with kids is so important to getting adorable shots of the little ones!

Kelley really loved a star themed dessert table she found on Pinterest featuring lyrics from "Yellow" by Coldplay, so we built around those ideas to tie the details together. The dessert table backdrop was customized and built on site by Outsource It, and we added the lettering done by Letters to You for the final touch. The galaxy cake & stellar desserts by Janice Wong were the perfect touches for the dessert table. I especially love the little pillow fort we built using a play bed at Playlab - we turned it into a twinkling night sky with floating stars and clouds. My favorite detail was the favors kids got to take home - cotton tees that said 'Shine On" customized with each little guest's name on the back. I think the parents were happiest with the tacos made on site by Tacos al Gusto - OK, that wasn’t exactly a celestial theme, but you can't go wrong with having a taco cart!”

Talented Vendors

• Planning & Custom Mobiles - Just Merried Events

• Photography - Caitlin Alohilani Photography

• Venue - Go Play Lab

• Wall Lettering - Letters to You

• Backdrop Wall - Outsource It

• Desserts - Janice Wong

• Florals - De Flora LA

• Tacos - Tacos al Gusto

• Screen Printed Favors - Evolution Prints

• Hair & Make Up - Kelly Zhang

Party reviewed by Crystal Zeyen, mother of one rascal, 1 year old. Shared by Lilian Hsyu of Just Merried Events.

Time Capsule for Kids

As 2020 (and hopefully the chaos it brought) comes to a close, I wanted to create a way for my children to reflect for years to come. Resolutions don’t really stick in our family, so we decided to start a time capsule tradition for our boys this year. 

We wanted our time capsule to be a way for our kids to look back on their childhood and see how much they’ve grown or changed from one year to the next. The capsule can truly be anything: a small keepsake box, a journal, a photograph, or even a digital time capsule. We’re going to turn ours into a family activity and take time to sit down and reflect on our lives and our year together. 

We envisioned our time capsule idea to involve clear reflection and goal-setting (mainly for me). As I always say, it is important to meet your kids where they are. If they can reflect on their own, allow them the creativity to do so. If they aren’t quite there yet, feel free to encourage them with open-ended prompts. What accomplishments did they experience this year? What fun things did they do? What difficult things did they make it through? What are some things they did this year that they don’t want to do again? What is something they are proud of? If your kids aren’t able to write on their own yet, feel free to have them share their ideas and write it down for them. They can also draw out their ideas and experiences. 

We hope our time capsule project inspires you to find a way to reflect that works for you and your loved ones.

Written by Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Head Rascal. Mother of two rascals, ages 5 and 7.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays

The holiday season is “s’more” about laughter and cheer and finally, that time is here! What’s even better than cozying up next to the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate? Pairing it with your favorite wintery treats and building your own dessert bar! Celebrate with your loved ones and show off your artistic side with our simple step-by-step how-to guide on making a holiday inspired hot chocolate & dessert bar right in the comfort of your own home.

The Setup
Find a place in your home that will be best suited for setting up your DIY Hot Chocolate Bar. Make sure that there will be enough room for the cups, the hot chocolate, and all of the toppings. We like to use three different coordinated textured elements on our bar setups. For example, we could use fabric, wood cutting boards, glass bowls, and glass cake stands. We also try to have varying heights for the items. For example, place some of the toppings in boxes and others on top of stands. Gather a few holiday decorations to add to the display - we love the personal touch of handmade signage. These little details make the Hot Chocolate Bar extra special.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Hot Chocolate for the Holidays on Hello Rascal Kids. Lifestyle blog for the modern families, parents and kids.

Mugs
Ideally, using mugs that you already have on hand is the easiest option. But, if you don’t have enough mugs on hand, you’ll need to buy some. One option is to head to your local thrift store to look for Christmas mugs. Thrift stores usually have TONS of mugs and having an assortment of mismatched mugs can add a fun look to your table. If you’d rather not mess with glass mugs, or you’re going to be serving a large group, disposable coffee cups with lids are also a great option. Of course, using disposable cups also means you won’t have to wash all those mugs after your party.

Hot Chocolate
We usually make our own homemade hot chocolate, which is actually really easy to do. Once it is made, we keep it heated in a slow cooker and use a ladle to pour it into cups for serving. Alternatively, you could also use a hot beverage dispenser if you have one on hand. If you are short on time or don’t want to make it homemade, you can certainly use instant hot chocolate mix packets. Place the packets in a nice basket or tin to keep them together. If you are serving a larger crowd, you might want to buy a multi-serving container of hot chocolate mix, rather than individual packets. This mix can be displayed in glass bowl or canister with a scoop. If you use the dry hot chocolate mix, you’ll need to have hot water handy, so I would recommend using a hot beverage dispenser.

Topping Ideas
We tend to go bit overboard with toppings, but you don’t have to. The basics like marshmallows and chocolate chips are sufficient. If you want to go a step further, you can also easily add some crushed candy canes. If you’re looking to make a bountiful spread, there are lots of toppings that you can pick up that require little or no prep. Some of the additional toppings we’ve enjoyed over the years include chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, caramels, coconut flakes, flavored syrups or creamers (traditionally used in coffee drinks), chopped candy bars, and assorted sprinkles. Place each item in a bowl with the appropriate serving utensil and you’re ready to go.

Hot Chocolate in a Jar Recipe

Gift idea: Homemade hot chocolate mix in a jar is a great way to spread the holiday cheer. In each jar, layer cocoa powder, powdered milk, sugar, chocolate chips, candy canes, and marshmallows. Screw on the lids and affix a personalized label with the instructions below:

To serve: Remove the marshmallows and mix together the remaining ingredients in the jar. Bring 1 cup of milk to a simmer over low heat. Add mix and stir until completely combined. Pour into cups or mugs and top with marshmallows before serving

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¼ cup powdered milk

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• ½ cup candy cane, crushed

• ½ cup marshmallows

• Serves 4

Photographer: Simply Adri Photography
Location: Bonjour Fete
Desserts: Merely Sweets
Signage: Scribble Story Design
Invitations & Stir Sticks: Jen Simpson Designs

Originally published on Skybox Event Productions. By Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Head Rascal. Mother of two rascals, ages 5 and 7.

Wizarding Wands Inspired by Harry Potter

For Maddie, 9 years old, and Alli, 7 years old, starting a business isn’t just a dream: it’s their current reality. When you think of a business owner, the image of these two young sisters entering the 4th and 2nd grade may not come to mind, but, with the help of their parents’ experience, Maddie and Alli have become a couple of mini entrepreneurs creating Wizard Wands inspired by Harry Potter.

Through their parents’ history of operating a business, Maddie and Alli were able to pick up some skills along the way. Their mother, Tina Li, saw their interest in starting a business as an opportunity to teach her children valuable lessons about planning and marketing. As huge Harry Potter fans, they knew they wanted to incorporate their love for the series into their business. Their idea grew from a school event, Trunk-o-Treat, where they decorated Tina’s car with Hogwarts-inspired owls, cauldrons, letters, and, of course, wands. They made all the wands themselves and they were an absolute hit at the event. Now, their handmade wands are the stars of Maddie and Alli’s business.

With first-time little entrepreneurs, there have definitely been some issues to troubleshoot, but they take it all in stride and laugh through the hiccups. For Tina, it’s a definite effort to push aside the perfectionist in her and let her girls take the lead. The first round of “production” was a mess of paint and sticky hands, and their wands didn’t turn out as expected. “The clay looked like poop after we painted it brown,” Tina recalled. After sharing a laugh, Maddie, Alli, and Tina went to work learning how to perfect their wands.

Although running a business is hard work, Maddie and Alli love the opportunity to share this experience with each other and their mom. Their favorite part is making the wands. “Doing the planning with mommy and making the wands was fun!” exclaimed Maddie. Alli loves being able to get her hands dirty throughout the process.

This endeavor has helped Maddie and Alli see themselves as strong, creative entrepreneurs, and has taught them many valuable lessons:

• One of the biggest lessons learned so far is the importance of math. They use it every day in their business, from repaying their mom for the materials to calculating the profits.

• The girls have also learned the difference that attention to detail has in the quality of the end product. At such young ages, they are able to understand that the better the product, the higher the price their customers were willing to pay.

• This process has taught the girls the importance of patience through the mistake of not waiting long enough between drying and painting times.

• Perhaps the best thing this business has taught these entrepreneurs is confidence! When their first order came in, not only were Maddie and Alli excited, but they also felt a big confidence boost from their accomplishment.

Here is the step-by-step wand-making process from Maddie and Alli:

Supplies needed:

• Long chopsticks (we use ones that are 13” long)

• Paper clay (this type of clay is lightweight and easy to shape)

• Hot glue sticks

• Glue gun 

• Acrylic paints (flat, metallic, and pearlescent colors)

Instructions:

1. Browse online for wand inspiration. Pinterest is a great place to start! The handle of the wand is where you want to focus the design.

2. Heat up the hot glue gun (with an adult’s help!) and add glue to the thick end of the chopsticks. You can drizzle, wrap-around, stud, or crisscross to create different textures. Have fun with it!

3. For extra detailed wands, we used paper clay to shape the handle. Wet the clay and carve it out as needed.

4. Let the wand dry completely before painting

5. Paint the base color, then allow time to dry.

6. Add layers of paint to create shadows and highlights. Get creative with your wand design!

Visit their website HERE! Currently, they are only accepting orders via email.

Our wands arrived creatively packaged with a personalize note. We loved it!

Thank you Tina, Maddie and Alli for sharing your business with our readers.

Shared by Tina Li of In The Cloud Events. Mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9.

Christmas Tree Farm

We started the holiday season a bit early this year by decorating our home with garlands and lights, because adding a bit of joy into 2020 was much needed. This upcoming holiday season is undeniably different than any previous year, which is why I wanted to create a new holiday tradition for my family to bring some holiday cheer into our household.

I’ll be honest: we don’t actually have any solid holiday traditions that we have done for the boys every year. Our families and friends would typically gather and enjoy a meal together while sharing gifts. It was simple, I but LOVED our gatherings so much and this holiday season might be a bit different. This year, I wanted to start a small tradition with my boys. We have never really had a Christmas tree in our house because we have always celebrated at our parents' places on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year, I wanted to get our own tree and spend time decorating it together because the holidays are not just a few days, but a whole season worth celebrating.

We visited a Christmas Tree Farm together and I encouraged the boys to find their own tree. Peltzer Pines allows families to start (or continue) the tradition of picking out and cutting down their own holiday tree. They focus on family values and building community, so I was excited to take my boys here to experience what I hope is the first of many years of picking out our family tree.

I was very happy with our first year of picking out a tree together, and my boys were too. If you and your family have to forego some of your favorite traditions this year, don’t hesitate to start a new one that fits into your lives now. 

Written by Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Head Rascal. Mother of two rascals, ages 5 and 7. Photography by Simply Adri Photography.