Category: Mom Blogging
Enter to win a FREE SUMMER SESSION of 2019 KINDERMUSIK CLASSES!
WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK WEEK
February 11 – 18 , 2019
Enter to win a FREE SUMMER SESSION of KINDERMUSIK CLASSES!
Dear Families,
It’s time for Kindermusik International’s annual “We Love Kindermusik” week ALL around the world. Kindermusik is enjoyed by so many, in over 70 countries, and once again we can all share our experiences and love for this amazing program together.
“WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK” week is truly intended to be a week of happy reminders of why we all love Kindermusik and most importantly, of all the special people – educators, families, and children – who come together every week to change the world through music…. one child and one song at a time.
Read below for details on how to share the love, and enter to win a FREE SUMMER SESSION of KINDERMUSIK (or $110 credit towards ANY of our services)!
We hope you enjoy sharing the love, and good luck! — The Grow and Sing Team
WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK CONTEST DETAILS AND RULES!
Share the love, and enter into our “We Love Kindermusik” contest! There are many ways. The more you do, the more entries you will have. Maximum number of entries per adult (not per family, hint hint!) is 15.
Ways to enter:
- Color a “We Love Kindermusik” coloring sheet complete with WHY your family loves Kindermusik. If you are enrolled, you can turn the sheet in to your teacher, or anyone can scan the sheet and post to our facebook wall and/or tag Grow and Sing Studios in your instagram story or post. Click here to print coloring sheet. — 1 entry per post
- Comment on any of our instagram posts on our IG page. Take a look at the content, not just the pictures and learn some awesome facts about the development of your child. We want to thank those that take time to thoughtfully comment. 3 comments equals 1 entry. Max entries in this category is 5 (which is 15 comments) – 1 entry per 3 comments.
- Comment on previous posts on our facebook page. Take a look at our albums of amazing pictures and posts. We want to thank those that take the time to thoughtfully comment! 3 comments equals 1 entry. Max entries in this category is 5 (which is 15 comments!) — 1 entry per 3 comments
- “Like” our facebook page AND facebook community group if you haven’t done so yet, or have a friend like our page and join our group. Please do not UNlike and then like again as we can tell, and you won’t get credit! You are welcome to let us know the name of the friend(s) that have joined our facebook community so we can be sure to enter your name. In order to receive this entry, your friend MUST like our page (and we suggest you all click on get notifications so you can see our posts!) and join our group. One entry per verified friend, so you could get your max entries right here! :) — 1 entry per friend that likes our page!
- Follow us on Instagram! We have a very active Instagram as well and would love for you to join the fun! Like our instagram account plus comment on five photos. –3 entries
- Post on our facebook page wall or create your own IG post on YOUR profile (and tag us so we know!) with a fun picture and share WHY you love Kindermusik. One heartfelt testimonial per adult will be counted! –5 entries
- MEGA BONUS entry – Post a video or photo to our facebook page of your child(ren) or family telling us or showing us why you love Kindermusik. You will automatically receive 4 entries in our main contest, PLUS the Grow and Sing Studios staff will be voting for their favorite VIDEO and that winner will automatically win a free summer semester. Creativity counts! — 4 entries in general contest PLUS a chance to win free semester when Grow and Sing studios staff vote for their favorite video!
We will be keeping close track of entries, and submit your name accordingly. However, if you are striving to get the maximum number of entries, please be sure you let us know exactly how many and WHERE your entries are, so we can verify and get your amount right! Do not send us several emails to verify, just wait until you are done and then send us one complete emailing listing all the ways you entered (and how your name appears on facebook and/or IG!). Thank you! The contest begins February 12th and will close at 11:59pm Sunday, February 18, 2019. Prize may be gifted to someone else if you are not able to use it and can be redeemed for ANY service offered by Grow and Sing Studios. Each prize value is $110 and can be used for any of our services throughout 2019. Maximum number of entries per adult (not per family so both mom and dad can participate!) is 15. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends are welcome to participate on your behalf as well! Winners for our general contest will be chosen by random draw with the exception of the bonus entry (video) contest which will be chosen by our staff. Winners will be announced sometime during the week of February 18th on our facebook page and instagram story once we tally up all the votes, so be sure to like our facebook and instagram and select get notifications so you don’t miss the announcement of winners.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED EXCEPT FOR STAFF VOTE MEGA BONUS. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH KINDERMUSIK INTERNATIONAL, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR ANY OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLET.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Why New Year’s IS a big deal.
A new year. Hmm.
I mean, it’s really just the next day, right? A continuation of the life we have created for ourselves. So why does New Year’s Eve feel so momentous? Then again, we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, so why wouldn’t we make a huge deal about New Years?
Here’s the thing. On birthdays, we celebrate the life of a person, and their growth so far. Anniversaries are celebrated to acknowledge a relationship and how far it’s come. New Year’s… well, it always feels like everyone is saying goodbye to the past. I read a lot of messages about how the next year will be better, or “goodbye 2018”. But really, isn’t New Year’s just an anniversary celebration of our time as humans on earth? A simple measure of time just like birthdays and anniversaries? And if that is what it is, then shouldn’t we be celebrating all that we’ve accomplished so far?
Of course looking ahead to see what might come next, making plans, setting goals, well, there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s always good to do that. But may I suggest that instead of looking back and thinking about what you didn’t accomplish, or what didn’t happen, you look at how much progress you have made. As a parent. As a friend. As a teacher. As a human.
Dare I say that life NEVER moves as fast as we want. Not when renovations are getting done, not when you are waiting for a call back from something important. Everything moves slower than we want it to. Why would our lives in general be any different?
Take a look at what great things happened this year. The little things that might not have seemed so significant at the time, but as you look back realize they were.
Here at Grow and Sing Studios, we educate parents and young children. We celebrate each new milestone as if it were the biggest thing ever to happen. Am I right? Why does that stop as we get older? Our time here on earth is a journey. It’s a journey from the time we are born. Each year, full of learning, growth, mistakes, mishaps, misunderstandings and good times. Each year, things get perhaps, a bit more complicated because we have more life information gathered inside our brains.
I took this photograph this year in Ireland. It was a trip I wanted to take my entire life. Traveling abroad was my dream. Just like life tends to be, it took a long time to happen for me. But it DID happen. As I searched each stone on this beach on the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry, Ireland, taking notice of color, texture, shape and size I realized I was honoring each small step that finally got me to this destination. I carefully piled the stones up while breathing in the cool crisp air, noticing the blue sky and smiling at my wonderful husband patiently waiting for me so we could move on to our next stop on the ring of Kerry. I took time here, with these stones, to honor and celebrate each and every challenge and triumph that got me there.
I will do that again, here on this New Year’s Eve.
I hope this message finds you invigorated and reflective. You are awesome!
Happy New Year friends.
All the very best,
Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and this past September celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband Will. Kindermusik International Brand Ambassador, and always happy to collaborate with brands she believes in.
My memory came to life… and a giveaway. What?!
A little off topic today, but I wanted to share!
I absolutely LOVE photography. I love capturing moments and of course as owner of a music studio, capturing moments of connection.
I recently went on my first trip abroad with my husband for our 20th anniversary to Ireland. It was a dream trip and there were so many moments to take in. Thankfully I brought my nice camera with me and captured some gems.
Truth is, there are SO many websites out there for photo printing. It’s kind of overwhelming. SO overwhelming that I avoid it. So, I have all these digital images just WAITING to be printed and hung in my home but I’m just not making it happen. Through business to business networking I met Sarah from Canvas Factory. My interest peaked about getting one of my memories on canvas and I went for it. I ordered one of my Ireland moments.
The ordering process was SO EASY. I was so incredibly relieved when I realized it wasn’t going to take me hours to figure out how to get my order set up right. In fact, the entire process took me all of 10 minutes.
I clicked on Canvas Prints, but they actually have two other options, acrylic or metal. The metal intrigues me too! Anyway, I selected to create my own canvas single print but they also have options to create a collage, and even split images and wall displays. I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonable pricing and quick easy ordering process. I chose a wrap around option where the sides of the canvas are also part of my print.
It was SOOOOO exciting when my canvas came in LESS THAN A WEEK! Seriously fast! It was packaged safely and protected well.
It’s honestly so beautiful. It is a work of art and feels like someone painted it. It takes me right back to that moment on the beach around the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. The print is very high quality and the colors are perfect! I’m really excited to order some more.
Her
e’s a great shot to show what the wrap around looks like! SO PRETTY!!!
GUESS WHAT? I’m going to give away a free canvas!
The giveaway will be on our instagram page so be sure to go follow us right now so you don’t miss the chance to win a free canvas from the amazing Canvas Factory. Anyone in the United States or Canada can enter! Woohoo!
HEAD ON OVER TO INSTAGRAM RIGHT NOW AND FOLLOW US @growandsingstudios, THEN
GO TO CANVAS FACTORY and check out their website.
GIVEAWAY IS COMING!
Happy Holidays!
Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and this past September celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband Will. Always happy to collaborate with brands I believe in.
Simplify.
Our studio is a LOT about music. But we aren’t ALL about music. We are also about family. This past weekend we stepped away from the music (well the teaching of it!), and immersed ourselves in family. Our weekend ended with the shift of decorations from Fall to Winter. We celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas so our decorations have a Winter feel. Quite ironic considering that we live in Florida! Not going to lie, I’m a little sad to see the Fall decorations go. I had to toss all my gourds. They were so pretty.
There are so many beautiful pictures we’ve seen on social media of your decorations already, and it’s inspiring to see the creativity. But I wonder.. We SEE your pictures, but what are the sounds that go along with them. I’m SO curious! Are you listening to Christmas music? HARD ROCK? Rap? Folk? What emotion goes along with your pictures musically?
So this is how I decorate for Winter. Some color, DEFINITELY some mason jars, and some frosted winter sprigs. I’m a simple girl I suppose. I have all kinds of holiday signs, but chose to keep SIMPLIFY because this season, my goal is to focus on what really matters. To be present in the moment with my family. To LISTEN to the sounds around me instead of worrying about how things look visually all the time. To remember the feeling of the season and cherish each and every moment. I know it’s cliché, but it goes so darn fast.
Happy SIMPLE season to all!
Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and this past September celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband Will.
www.funboxphotos.com
www.growandsing.com
My phone gives me wrinkles?
You know, I read recently that we have more wrinkles in our necks from looking down at our phones. Imagine that, more wrinkles because we are lacking in being present with those around us. It’s a crazy notion, but if you think about it, makes a bit of sense. I’m not going to lie, I just bought neck cream.
This picture is the one I selected for this topic, because well, first, it’s festive isn’t it? Jingle bells! But looking closer, it’s also a message of connection. There is eye contact. The adult’s head is up and looking directly at the child. There’s presence.
Obviously we all love our phones and I’m no exception. I check it often, I network, I shop. But the idea that there is a physical sign letting us know that we aren’t quite tapping in to the magic around us makes me want to pause. Put the phone down. Look into my loved ones eyes, be present and PLAY.
As we head into this crazy busy time of year, I challenge anyone reading this to find some balance. I’m not at all saying put the phone away entirely. Not realistic, and not fun! But perhaps spend some quality time. Perhaps in a Kindermusik class like this family does, or maybe doing something else as a family.
I challenge you.
I challenge myself too.
Happy Holidays!
Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and this past September celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband Will.
www.funboxphotos.com
www.growandsing.com
Grow and Sing Studios Presents: Baby Days 2018
Welcome to our BABY DAYS 2018 at Grow and Sing Studios!!
Kindermusik Foundations, for children newborn to walking, incorporates the most current research on early childhood development and provides families a special place for learning and connecting with other parents and babies through music and movement.
Our Foundations classes offer a sensory-rich yet caring and gentle environment where babies can explore and react to new sounds, sensations, objects, and movements. Classes include instrument play, scarves, dancing, singing, rocking, massage, exercise, drumming and SO much more!
Check out our baby days schedule below.
Have you been meaning to come try out a class, or are you just finding out about our program for the first time? We invite you to come check out one of these classes, have some fun, make some music and hopefully fall in love with the magic of Kindermusik! Reservations are required and space is limited.
407.970.2774
How do I do it?
A Monday reflection from Owner/Director and Mompreneur Holly Lesnick:
I’m often asked how I can do so much or be so busy. How do I do it? How do I manage?
I usually just respond with “I’m not sure, it just works.”
But I’ve thought about it, and the truth to me is completely simple. First, let me explain for those that don’t know exactly what “so much” entails. I own Grow and Sing Studios. 13 years ago, after 2 years teaching Kindermusik for anther studio and as a music therapist on a break when my son was 6 weeks old, I created my studio which offered a very simple TWO Kindermusik classes per week total. I began this journey because I yearned for connections with other parents and through my first passion which is music it seemed like the obvious fit. I craved to be in a happy, smiley, positive place and so, I decided to create it for myself. At the time, my husband did wedding and event video – another happy, smiley, positive place as well. During the recession, his video business was affected, but somehow Grow and Sing Studios GREW. Not only grew, but won awards. Lots of awards. How is that? Through the years, I’ve added numerous locations and various classes, a wonderful staff, birthday parties, piano lessons, voice lessons… frankly the list is VERY long and could go on because not all things I tried, stuck. But, through it all, the goal was simple though I’m not sure I saw it yet. On the surface yes, it’s to earn more money and support my family. Of course that’s mission number one. It’s also to be the best I can be in my field. When I’m “in it” I’m trying to compete, be fierce, stay on the cutting edge of social media. It sometimes seems exhausting but my focus never wavers.
A few years ago we added our photo booth business. To some, this seemed REALLY random. To other’s their response was “here we go, Holly and Will are at it again”, but to the few who REALLY know me, it was, oh WOW this makes sense. Will missed his connections made when doing event video. He enjoys the excitement. I thrive on happy environments. What’s better to merge together than a photo booth business right? Each time I help Will with a photo booth job, one thing just screams out loud to me. Something that happens in every Kindermusik class, every birthday party, every staff meeting I lead, and every photo booth gig we do. LAUGHTER. Let me tell you, the LAUGHTER that spills out of that photo booth is contagious. It’s incredible. Seriously. If you are ever nearby a photo booth. Just go stand near it and listen. I PROMISE your day will become brighter.
On top of all of that, two and half years ago, I accepted a part time contract position with Kindermusik International as a Kindermusik University Coach. My task is to lead KU students through online business AND pedagogy courses, a 3 day face to face conference, and through a vigorous 1 month practicum to ultimately send them into their own journey of starting a Kindermusik Studio. I have students all across sthe U.S. and even some in Canada and beyond. It’s so rewarding helping others achieve their dream. While along the way there is a lot of fun, laughter and I get to work with some amazing Kindermusik professionals that are also part of the KU training team.
I feel like this is becoming a review of my resume. But ultimately, it’s just an explanation of how I do “so much”.
In the end, the most important job of all is being a mother to Anna and Aiden. What a journey parenting is. Oh the laughter. Oh the teenage angst.
Okay, so what do I thrive on, and keep adding to my life and career? LAUGHTER. SMILES. CONNECTIONS. I finally figured it out. It’s the constant guarantee in life full of variables. Is life an experiment? Well yes, we are always trying new things, testing the waters, figuring it out. But I’m starting to realize that if you can find your constant that makes you the happiest, you WILL succeed. And so, I finally figured it out. HAPPINESS is my dream. LAUGHTER is what I long for, and what I strive for each and every day.
May your week bring you much happiness, peace, success and many giggles.
Thanks for reading.
Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and in September will celebrate 20 years of marriage with her husband Will.
October Demo Days, Kindermusik here we come!
October is almost here and that means OCTOBER DEMO DAYS at Grow and Sing Studios are coming!! Have you been meaning to come try out a class, or are you just finding out about our program for the first time? We invite you to come check out one of these classes, have some fun, make some music and hopefully fall in love with the magic of Kindermusik! Reservations are required and space is limited. If you do not see a class posted that works for you, we have many more. Just contact us and we can attempt to match you up with one.
Your child loves music? You don’t say.
I woke up this fine Tuesday morning, after a nice Labor Day weekend with my family thinking about all the emails and messages I need to reply to. I’m so excited that many parents are investigating a musical experience for their child and themselves. It’s great. However, in reading these emails I am noticing a lot of the following.
“My son loves music.”
“My daughter loves to sing.”
“My child is always dancing.”
or on the flipside:
“I want to try to see if my newborn likes it.”
“I’m not sure my toddler will like music.”
I am not surprised at all to hear that a child loves music and that they like to sing and dance. It’s play, and it’s a child’s work to play.
However, I am surprised to hear that parents of small children want to try music to see if their child likes it.
Who doesn’t like music?
That is the question I asked myself this morning.
Did you know a study by Nielsen Music in 2017 reported that the average American listens to music 32 hours a week? That’s on AVERAGE. That’s a LOT of hours. Music is all around us. It’s in the background in the movies and shows we watch. It’s on in the background while we are doing work. It’s playing in the car. It’s playing in the grocery store. It’s everywhere.
Why?
Honestly, as a music therapist, I could go on all day on the healing elements of music. But I’ll give you a little list today that might help explain WHY your child loves music. Why YOU love music. Why music is everywhere.
First, music can improve cognitive function. Music ignites all areas of the brain. It lights it up, helps those connections, well connect. When parents say their child loves music I always think “of course he does”, because his brain is excited and it’s connecting through music in a way no other thing on earth could ever do. Music is rhythm and almost every function of daily living requires some rhythm. Walking, talking, writing, typing, running, throwing, kicking. All of it.
Another reason we love music is that it relaxes us. It’s scientifically proven that music reduces stress. By listening to music, the nervous system calms and recovers quickly from the many stressors in life. This is why in our classes, we work on the learned skill of relaxation while listening to music. We are teaching children early on to help their body calm and recover.
Have you ever tried to memorize something, and it just wasn’t sticking? But then, when you put the information into a song, or a rhyme, voila, you remembered? That’s because music has been proven to improve memory. Could it have something to do with the fact that our hearts have beats so we have an innate NEED for music and rhythm in our bodies and brains? I think so.
Music is also a great tool for managing pain, boosting mood, reducing depression and improving sleep. Who doesn’t like that?
I’m excited to reply to these parents who are in tune with the fact their children love music. However, in the future, I would love to get messages that read something like this:
“I know that music is one of the most important aspects of life. I’m ready to learn the many ways music benefits my baby, and what I can do at home when we aren’t in class”.
To everyone out there, I assure you, your baby will love it. After 15 years of teaching Kindermusik, I haven’t met a baby yet that hasn’t liked music.
Happy singing!
Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and in September will celebrate 20 years of marriage with her husband Will.
What onesies and Kindermusik have in common.
Okay, probably a lot. Onesies. Babies. Kindermusik.
Getting personal today. This girl is the reason Grow and Sing Studios exists because she is the reason I walked into a Kindermusik classroom when she was 3 months old. Why share this? Well, first of all, I love recommending local businesses. But more importantly, this picture, despite first appearances represents empowerment, acceptance, individuality, confidence and fun. My daughter Anna has been working with us helping with our online marketing which has been amazing. Need online help, ask a teen! Seriously!
Anyway, with some of the money she earned, she bought this very snuggly Batman onesie. I thought, hmm, okay whatever makes her happy. Last night, our family decided to go for some ice cream. She was snuggled in her onesie when the decision was made and asked if she needed to change. BUT before I could answer she said, “You know what? I’m wearing it, it makes me happy.” All I said was “yes, rock it!” You know what, she made people smile and she smiled during our entire ice cream outing.
She was my very first Kindermusik kid. Now she is a high school Junior. She is an incredible musician. She’s in leadership in marching band. She’s starting her dual enrollment courses at Valencia College.
She learned empowerment, acceptance, individuality, confidence and fun first and foremost at KINDERMUSIK. It shaped her for the amazing woman she is becoming. Hindsight as a mom, Kindermusik was the single best choice we made when she was younger.
By the way, the ice cream shop is Frozen Nitrogen Ice Cream near UCF. We love it there!
I would love to see you at a free preview class. Pressure free always. have a fabulous day.
Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and in September will celebrate 20 years of marriage with her husband Will.