5 Tips for Managing Screen Time during the School Year

September 9, 2019September 10, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Screen time is a privilege! If you have a child between the ages of 8 & 14 you already know just how persuasive they can be, it’s legit impressive…they know how to tug on those heartstrings just enough, to the point of practically teetering on manipulation. They also seem to have amazing selective memory skills, they can list the last 8 times their sibling used their screens, what they were wearing when they used them, & the exact amount of time they used it for, yet can’t seem to remember where they put their shoes 2 minutes ago. They will undoubtably use both their persuasion skills, & selective memory skills to convince you, the parent, that they are not only worthy, but clearly due their screen time, it’s only fair! Oh, and I also forgot their MOST extraordinary skill, perseverance…yup, I’m even talking about that child who quits everything, not this, they are relentless, & they will strike when they know we are at our weakest….ya, know, after they’ve asked a dozen time & we are entering our REM sleep cycle, lol! And that brings us to our first tip!

Parents NEED to stick to their guns! Parents you can’t waiver, no matter how persuasive kiddos may be or how sick & tired you may become of hearing them beg. Once you establish the rules for screen time you can’t waiver.
Screen time is a privilege! This really needs to be embedded into their memory. In our home screen time is a special right granted to children who complete their chores and homework. Once those are both completed screen time can be given. But what if they don’t complete their homework and chores until it’s time for screens to be on sleep mode, (which is 8pm in our house on weekdays)? Well then, no screen time that day. End of discussion. This is a great rule for children to understand because as an adult they are going to need to establish boundaries & self-control with technology.
Screens are to be used in community spaces & parents have the right to do a screen check whenever they wish. I firmly believe that there should be nothing they need to hide from us, and likewise, I’ve allowed my children to use my phone on occasion, & I have nothing I need to hide from them…I can’t help but think back to the house phone, answering machine, & home computer days, when everyone in the family shared those devices, those were good times. And while I realize we can’t go back & we need to acclimate children with today’s technology we don’t need to throw them into the deep end & say good luck!
Screens can be confiscated at any time & grounded till further notice by parent. Likewise, screen time can be awarded to their weekend screen time due to exceptional behavior. Since screen time is a privilege it can be taken away if a parent deems appropriate. But what if the child needs it for a school project? Parent can decide if they will grant use, or there is always the public library. Extra screen time can be awarded on the weekend as a reward….kids usually appreciate this most in the wintertime, lol!
Screens live in the charging station– Screens are to be placed on the charger, shut off, & charging (if needed) at 8pm on the weeknights. (I love this charging station because it holds & charges up to 5 devices at a time, isn’t bulky, doesn’t take up much counter space, & it has a light, so I don’t have to leave the larger kitchen lights on when kiddos charge their devices at night.) Phones are only removed before chores and homework are done if a child has an afterschool activity & a parent might need to get a hold of them…otherwise only once their homework and chores are completed.

Multi Port Quick Charger Station

Afterschool Activities Guide 2019

August 28, 2019August 28, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

“I want to be able to walk a tight rope while playing the trumpet & dribbling a soccer ball on my head! Then I want to go to Swim Lessons”. That’s what I get for saying they can learn how to do anything they want after school, lol! But I am fully confident, if any city is up for this challenge it is Toledo!! There is literally no shortage of awesome after school activities to sign your kiddos up for, whether its vocal lessons, dance, gymnastics, food class, art, swim, or, yes, even tight rope! Here’s a list of just some of the amazing after school activities, classes, lessons, & programs available in Toledo & the surrounding area…..

ART

CREATE: Art Studio + Workshop

Classes/Clubs: Preteen Painting Club, Advanced Art 101, Slime Club, After-school Art Club, Friday Preschool Art, Adventures in Painting, & so much more!

Address: 188 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg, OH 43551

Phone: 419-873-6240

Website: http://www.createperrysburg.com/

Cost: Varies…average is $75-$100 for a 6 week class/club

Their Grand Re-Opening is September 5th & 6th ….checkout website to be entered in giveaway!

COOKING

Foodology

Classes: Homemade Pierogis, Kids Turn to BAKE, Burger Battle (for teens) Taco Takeover (Family Friendly), Kids Turn to COOK (tweens 9+), and more!

Address: 2059 W Laskey Rd, Toledo, OH 43613

Phone: (567) 970-7100

Website: http://www.foodologytoledo.com/

Cost: Prices for the classes range anywhere from $30 – $80, depending on the menu

DANCE

Toledo Ballet

Classes: Ballet, jazz, tap, musical/acting, tumbling, etc.

Address: 5327 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623

Phone: (419) 471-0049

Website: https://www.toledoballet.com/

Cost: Varies

Fall classes begin September 3^rd! Also see deets for Nutcracker auditions (Sept 12^th & 14^th)

Mini Motions Dance Center

Classes: Tap, Jazz, Tumbling, Hip-Hop Modern, Ballet, Lyrical, Cheerleading, Poms, Baton, and more!

Address: 2437 Tremainsville Road. Toledo, Ohio 43613

Phone: 419.473.0999

Website: http://www.minimotionsdance.com/

Cost: $25 Registration Fee – Classes $60 a month.

Gymnastics

Bird’s Eye View Circus

Classes: Beginner Youth, Intermediate, & Teen Circus Classes (aerial silks, static trapeze, and lyra)

Address: 1153, 2413 Collingwood Blvd 1st floor, Toledo, OH 43620

Phone: (567) 298-6841

Website: https://www.birdseyeviewcircus.com/

Cost: •$20/single class •$105/ 7 Classes •$200/ 14 Classes

Learn more and sign up on their website!

Exceleration Gymnastics Center

Classes: Classes for babies through teens, boys & girls, Gymnastics, Tumbling, Aerial Silks, Ninjas/Parkour, and birthday parties!

Address: 2255 S Reynolds Rd. Toledo, OH 43614

Phone: 419-381-1000

Website: http://www.excelerationgymnastics.com/

Cost: Varies…$45-$89 See Website for details

New Heights Gymnastics & More

Classes: Gymnastics, Tumbling, Ninja Zone, Birthday Parties and more!

Business Address: 6539 Weatherfield Ct. Maumee, OH 43537

Phone: 419-795-2132

Website: http://www.newheightstoledo.com/

Cost: Varies!

Sunrise Gymnastics

Classes: Tumble, Gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do

Address: 3640 N Holland Sylvania Rd, Toledo, OH 43615

Phone: (419) 841-2902

Website: http://www.sunrisegymnastics.com/

Cost: Varies! (All new students can come & enjoy a FREE trial class!)

Music/Vocal Lessons

Forte Music School

Lessons: Vocal, Guitar, Drums, Flute, Clarinet, you name it & they’ll teach ya how to play it!

Address: 3208 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Phone: (419) 471-2100

Website: https://www.fortemusicandarts.com/

Cost: $90 a month for ½ hour lessons & $180 a month for 1 hour lessons (lessons are once a week)

The University of Toledo Community Music Program

UT Center for Performing Arts

Lessons/Classes: Workshops, ensembles, music lessons and more, the Community Music Program seeks to provide local people of all ages with ways to engage their passion for music. Beginner group music lessons in piano and guitar (6 weeks of lessons) start soon…other 6-week sessions available starting in October, January, and March. Visit online today to learn more.

Address: 1910 W. Rocket Drive Toledo, OH 43606

Phone: 419-530-2448

Website: www.utoledo.edu/al/svpa/music/communitymusic/

Operated by the University Of Toledo Department Of Music, the Community Music Program offers many opportunities for music education and performance, and does not require enrollment as a student at UT.

Soccer

Toledo Leprechauns, Toledo Celtics Soccer Club

Leprechauns Registration Is Open To All Boys & Girls Pre-K Through 8th Grade

(Registration Deadlines: Monday, September 16th, 2019. Form is online)

Address: 3215 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Phone: (419) 473-9490

Website: https://www.toledoceltics.com/

Cost: $55-$65 depending on Division/grade

Pacesetter Soccer Club Offers Jr Day Academy for 3-5 yr olds

Address: 5400 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43615

Phone: (419) 885-3140

Website: https://www.pacesettersoccer.com

Cost: $50 for ages 3-5yrs old (you can ONLY register online)

Sylvania Recreation

(Open to District residents as well as non-residents)

Soccer for Pre-K-8^th Grade

Address: 7060 Sylvania Ave. Sylvania, Ohio 43560

Phone: 419.882.1500

Website: https://www.playsylvania.com/soccer/

Cost: $45 for residence & $55 for non-residence

Sports

Catholic Youth Organizations (CYO)

Sports offered: Soccer, Cheerleading, Football, Cross-country, Softball, Wrestling, Track, etc.

Address: 1933 Spielbusch Avenue Toledo, OH 43604-5360

Phone: Ms. Julie Dubielak 419-244-6711, ext. 4932

Website: https://toledodiocese.org/cyo

Cost: Varies

YMCA of Greater Toledo

Programs & Youth Sports: Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, & Cross-country

Address: 1500 N. Superior St. 2nd Floor Toledo, OH 43604

Phone: 419.729.8135

Website: https://www.ymcatoledo.org/

Cost: Varies….see website for more details! See what your YMCA Branch is offering

Swim Lessons

SafeSplash +SwimLab Swim School

Offers swim classes & opportunities for competitive swimmers

Address: 1510 Spring Meadows Drive #D-100, Holland, OH 43528

Phone: (419) 370-2801

Website: https://www.safesplash.com/locations/holland

Email: moreinfo@safesplash.com

Cost: $80 per month…for all additional options see website

Clubs

Boys & Girls Club of Toledo

Offers: POWER HOUR (An after school homework help program, students work with the instructors on their homework and earn Power Points for achieving weekly academic goals.) CADET CORPS. (A weekly club for 7-, 8-, and 9-year old Club members. Under the guidance of an instructor, members brainstorm and reach consensus on five goals that they will achieve during the week. Club members choose a reward activity for goals achieved.)LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, SPORTS, TECHNOLOGY, ARTS & CRAFTS, etc.

Address: 2250 N. Detroit Ave. Toledo, OH 43606

Phone: (419) 241-4258

Website: http://www.bgctoledo.org/

Cost: Free….The Club is open Monday through Friday, after school and in the summer, when children need positive, productive outlets. (See website for locations)

American Heritage Girls Club

American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christ centered, family fun, scouting group open to all girls from grades kindergarten through 8th grade.

For all parents interested in having your daughter(s) be a part of AHG, or if you’d just like to find out more about what we are all about, please email Rachel at rachelewbank@yahoo.com .

Cost: The cost is $55 for the year plus additional fees for uniforms (which are optional).

For ALL Scouting, Girls on the Run, Chess club, etc. be sure to check out your local public school or parish for deets!

Babysitters Club & Pop Rocks to Dick Pics?! Generation Xennial Kids

July 28, 2019July 28, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Babysitters Club & Pop Rocks to Dick Pics?! Generation Xennial Kids

If being gender neutral is so important why do people have gender reveal parties? Do I call the boy in class, who is now a girl, “he”, “she”, “you”, if I get it wrong I’ll forever be called a bigot? What’s catfishing? Can I please get SnapChat…dick pics won’t be sent, I’ll only be friends with my friends, please? Say what?? These are just a few of the many questions asked by my 13 year old. Back when I was a 13 years old my biggest concern was getting enough babysitting hours so I could cover that bike I really wanted & still get candy at the $1 movie theater. Who remember the $1 theaters? Those were the days! And while there’s always a difference between a parents’ generation & their children’s generation our dynamic (us 45-36 year olds) is extra special, there’s lifetimes worth of technology between us & our kids!

We are the Oregon Trail Generation, the My So Called Life Generation, the Xennial Generation! Xennial is a term being used to describe people born between 1977 and 1983. We are the small unique micro-generation that were the last to use the Dewey decimal system card catalogs, microfiche (google it), had to actually read a map for directions, we used pay phones, knew the struggle of a sibling listening in on a landline, though, also had the luxury of being anywhere we wanted to without parents being able to track us, & we know the struggles of trying to hold it till the next commercial…and if you missed those last few crucial minutes you’d have to wait until summer reruns.

Who would have thought that both, my parents, when they were kids, & my own children, could both be ask, “what’s a rerun?”. Crazy, right?! So where am I going with this?

Though the differences are vast & maybe our children will never come to experience the anticipation of having to wait an entire week for the next episode and sadly miss out on all the fun lunch table conversations that ensued, we as Xennial parents have so much to offer!!

We are young enough to be able to remember the analog, pre-iPhone days, & we can keep those days alive by encouraging our kiddos to have a 1980’s type of childhood, to go play with friends until the streetlights come on, to experience the joy of selling that first cup of lemonade at a lemonade stand, to slip-n-slide a summers day away, & don’t let them binge watch a show, pick one you watch as a family and set aside a day each week to do so, watch 80s movies together, sign up kids for one less activity this school year & instead use that time to have friends over for REAL face time, teach them how to have conversations, to disagree respectfully, to learn that virtual reality isn’t reality!

Parents be vigilant, know that their adolescent minds aren’t ready to handle having the whole world at their fingertips. Remember, technology makes a horrible master but an amazing servant!

Are you part of the small unique generation born between 1977 & 1983? are you a generation Xennial? What do you miss most from your childhood that you wish your kiddos could have in their childhood?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/globalnews.ca/news/3579270/xennials-generaion-x-millennials-generation/amp/

Life is a Highway at TMA FREE on Thursdays

July 17, 2019July 17, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Thursdays just got a whole lot thriftier at the Toledo Museum of Art! Looking for something fun to do with the kiddos, the family, a night out with the gals, or a date night, that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? The Toledo Museum of Art has you covered!

Toledo Museum of Art is always FREE admission!! But did you know TMA’s latest exhibition, Life is a Highway is also FREE? On Thursday evenings 5-9pm only, stop at front desk to receive your FREE ticket(s). (This ticketed exhibition is usually $12 for nonmembers; $10 for military, college students, and seniors; $7 for youth ages 5-17, & free for children four years of age or younger).

Life is a Highway

The first large-scale domestic exhibition provides a historical overview of life on the highway with an emphasis upon the Midwest, Life Is a Highway brings together a diverse selection of artists to showcase the automobile’s reshaping of the 20th-century American landscape and cultural attitudes of self-expression. Featuring more than 100 works from the Toledo Museum of Art’s own collection and both private and public loans, this exhibition charts the rise of auto-mobility as a visual icon of American identity. With works spanning from early depictions through the Pop Artists’ portrayal of the automobile’s impact upon consumer culture to the present, the car’s image as a symbol of newness, freedom and independence, mobility, and renewal is explored. Organized through four themes that call attention to the social, aesthetic, environmental, and industrial dimensions of its legacy, this exhibition includes a range of visual media.

Hurry and make plans today…Life is a Highway Exhibition ends September 15^th

While you’re there be sure to checkout……

“Everything is Rhythm” Mid-Century Art & Music

The New Media gallery features a multisensory display focused on an exploration of the relationship between art and music. Jointly curated by Halona Norton-Westbrook, Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Scott Boberg, Manager of Programs and Audience Engagement, the exhibition features a selection of 20th-century abstract paintings each paired with carefully curated musical composition. Presented together in this manner, the art and music engage in a multi-sensory experience that simultaneously engenders close looking, contemplation, and a consideration of the connection between visual and auditory art forms. Free admission

And there is legit fun around every corner!

Make an official evening/night of it and stop off at the Museum Café beforehand for delicious, gourmet, garden to table, reasonably priced meals. Click on link to see Spring/Summer 2019 Menu, https://www.toledomuseum.org/sites/default/files/caf_springsummerwebmenu_043019.pdf

Museum Café Hours

Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: Noon – 4 p.m.

Then head over to the Glass Pavilion for a public glassblowing demonstration (free) and a glass of wine.

Glass Pavilion Coffee Bar

Located inside the Glass Pavilion, this trendy lounge features signature coffees, teas, beer, wine, soft drinks, and homemade pastries.

Tuesday & Wednesday: Noon – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday & Friday: Noon – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: Noon – 4:30 p.m.

How to Throw an Epic Tween Boy House Birthday Party

June 24, 2019February 25, 2020momonthegoinholytoledo

Not to brag, but, the words Epic and Legendary did get tossed around! But I’m getting ahead of myself. So, a few weeks back I asked my son what he wanted to do for his 12^th b-day party. Two eye rolls and one exhale of disgust later he replied, “I don’t know…nothing too babyish, no stupid themes, dumb games, or cupcakes.” And just like that he managed to crush my party throwing soul! No stupid games or cupcakes?! I live for Bingo, Hot Potato, saran wrap balls, & frosting piled a mile high on cupcakes! I may not have liked it & it might not have been easy, but I accepted the challenge!

Theme

First things first, theme! No stupid themes…no sharks, clowns, etc. Hmmm, he is a huge fan of Stranger Things on Netflix and as he embarks on adolescence a lot of stranger things are going to be happening, lol! Cheers to the double entendre theme, lol!

Decorations

I am not a huge crafty kinda gal, but thankfully Sugarberry Lane had this momma’s back! And they can have yours too! They create custom banners, party bags, cake/cupcake toppers, etc.

Sugarberry Lane

Phone: 419-944-6305

Email: funonthelane@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Sugarberry-Lane-1356968484446294/

Balloons were from Party City…FYI, you can order and pay for balloons up to a month in advance. I totally recommend spreading out payments when it comes to parties & planning ahead!

Food

Since my cupcakes got vetoed & the main character in Stranger Things is obsessed with Eggo Waffles, we had a Waffle Bar where the kiddos could make their own waffle creations.

Games

As the VR Mobile Game Trailer rolled up I could literally hear the kids’ jaws drop!

The trailer was lit; it came complete with Xbox 1, PS4, Virtual Reality PS4, VR Race, Car Simulators, & Nintendo Switch. It seats 30+, is climate controlled, & most importantly there is no playing Hot Potato or Bingo onboard!

I HIGHLY recommend you book VR Mobile Game Trailer for your next party, whether it is a b-day party, diaper party, graduation, bachelor, etc. this SWEET gaming trailer will take your party to the next level!! Be sure to like their FB page so you can stay up to date on any deals, new systems, games, etc.

VR Mobil Game Trailer

Phone: 313-715-8093

Website: http://www.vrmobilegametrailer.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vrmobilegametrailerllc/

Entertainment

Moving right along with our theme, Jake from Frogtown Exotics brought a couple stranger things for the kiddos to see, hold, & pet! And, I’m not gonna lie, at first I was afraid that this might be too baby-ish, but boy was I wrong!

Not only did the kiddos have a blast, seeing, touching, and learning about all the amazing reptiles and amphibians Jake brought, but a lot of the neighbors drove a bit slower as they passed by our house, lol! The highlights included feeding a tortoise carrots, holding Fluffy the snack, & petting a crocodile.

Jake was amazing with the kids, very patient, kind, & did an amazing job of teaching the children about the various reptiles and amphibians and the importance of appreciating and respecting each. If you are looking for something awesome to do with your scout group, church group, at your next party, etc. you’ve gotta give Jake a call today!

Frogtown Exotics

Phone: 419-350-7453

Email: Frogtownexotics@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToledoFrogtown/

***Disclosure: I partnered with VR Mobile Game Trailer & Frogtown Exotics to promote their services. In exchange, I received service to use at the party. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Gals, grab a glass! June is Ohio Winery month Celebrate w/a Ladies Night Out

June 6, 2019June 6, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

It’s like a magic potion! It boosts the immune system, increases bone density, contains antioxidants, reduces your risk of stroke & heart disease, helps lower cholesterol, reduce risk of type 2 diabetes & cancer, it improves cognitive function, but most importantly it ensures moms don’t officially make the transition to full on Cruella de Vil status! The benefits of wine are vast, but what about those vines?

Warning, what you are about to read may blow your mind!

Did you know Ohio is home to more than 280 wineries?! That’s 950 acres of vineyards & over a million gallons of wine produced here each year, making Ohio the sixth largest wine producing state in the country. Mind officially blown, right?!

And what better way to bring attention to all of Ohio’s amazing wineries than by devoting an entire month to celebrate them! So what are you waiting for? Plan a Ladies Night/Day Out at the Winery today!

How to get started:

1-Order or download FREE wine Tools

http://www.findohiowines.com/about-ohio-wineries/order-wine-guides/

2- Select a handful of the coolest ladies you know

3-Decide on a winery, or 3 to visit…a Ladies Weekend is always an option 😉

4- Set Date

5- Take Flight!

Our Ladies Night Out at Mon Ami Winery

Mon Ami Winery

Address: 3845 E. Wine Cellar Rd. Port Clinton OH, 43452

Phone: 419-797-4445

Website: https://monamiwinery.com/

Cost: Wine Tasting Flight is $5 for 4 or $1.50 per single taste

We encouraged each other to step outside our wine comfort zones & opted for all four tasting flights. My wine comfort zone has always been a dry red, but thanks to our LNO at the winery I found a couple semi-sweets & dry whites that I actually enjoy.

And what’s a Ladies Night Out without some light shopping? Everyone needs to go home with a souvenirs!

And then we stopped off at the restaurant for Happy Hour ($5 glasses of wine & discounted appetizers) & dinner

We had a lovely experience at Mon Ami & are looking forward to trying out some other local wineries this month.

Drink local & responsibly, Ohio!

Sources: https://www.wideopeneats.com/10-health-benefits-get-drinking-daily-glass-wine/

https://drinkupcolumbus.com/2018/06/01/ohio-wine-month-2/

***Disclosure: I partnered with @Ohiowines to promote Ohio Wine Month. In exchange, I received a gift card to use at the winery of my choice. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Breakfast On The Farm Preview (Mark your Calendars!)

May 18, 2019May 19, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

I opened the car door and was greeted by a potpourri of country “aroma”, lol! We definitely were outside the city limits & my comfort zone, but I was beyond ecstatic to go country for an evening! Last Thursday, this city girl had the pleasure of attending “Ladies Night on the Farm”!

The evening began with a tour of the Henricks & Krieger Dairy (HKD), a third generation, three family partnership owned by Richard & Sue Henricks, Phillip & Tara Henricks, and Shawn & Kim Krieger. The family farm was founded 72 years ago by Clifford and Annabelle Henricks in Chesterfield Township, located east of Fayette. The family cares for Holstein cows and calves as well as raises corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat. Henricks & Krieger Dairy is a member of the Ohio and National Holstein Association, Farm Bureau and the Fulton County Dairy Association.

During the tour, we got a preview of four of the 20 educational stations that will be debuted at the June 15th Breakfast On The Farm event; each station resourced by the farm family and supporting professionals. The first stop was the milking parlor where the milk safety and inspection process begins with cow milking and then milk cooling, testing and agitation.

At the calf area, we met the farm’s veterinarian before up-close and personal contact with the dairy’s next generation of milk cows…baby heifer (female) calves. At the animal waste station, preview we saw how dairies recycle organic manure nutrients to their corn fields to produce feed in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way.

The tour concluded with a visit to the free stall barn where cows socialize, rest, and are provided a clean, dry stall with unlimited feed and fresh water. Check it…we were provided new rubber boots, sponsored in part by Tractor Supply Co of Wauseon. And they are so stinkin cute, right?! (see image below)

Upon completion of the tour, a light dinner via grazing stations provided us an opportunity to meet eight additional farmers from Northwest Ohio who directly provided local produce and commodities for the meal. Samplings included….local fresh spring green salad, leg of lamb sliders, pork barbeque with corn muffin bun, shaved prime rib on crosonti, homemade local potato chips fried in high oleic soybean oil, fresh chicken salad lettuce wrap, additional fresh salads and, of course, a cheesecake buffet.

While sampling the local fare, Karen Bakies, Registered Dietitian with American Dairy Association Mideast, provided a nutritional discussion on the differences between dairy milk (cow, goat, sheep) and plant-based drinks. Further informing discussion was Melissa Rupp, OSU Extension-Fulton County, who followed with thoughts on wading through several food labels and production practices. The event finished with a question and answer panel including Richard Henricks (dairy farmer), Dr. Christine Greiner (veterinarian) and Bakies (dietitian).

As a parting gift, we each received a ‘market basket of goods’ including more than 20 items produced by local farmers from Fulton County and beyond. The basket included items like Arps chocolate milk, NatureFresh tomato-on-the-vine, Dei Fratelli pasta sauce, Red Gold Catchup, Myers Honey, Dicks Maple Farm syrup, Rupp Seeds popcorn, Turkeyfoot Creek Creamery chevre, Kinsman Farm spring greens and Hertzfeld eggs.

June 15th Breakfast On The Farm event to be held at the same Henricks & Krieger Dairy from 9 am to 1 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

While the Ladies Night event served to help us understand the workings of a dairy farm and discuss food production practices, it was also an opportunity to promote the upcoming June 15th Breakfast On The Farm event to be held at the same Henricks & Krieger Dairy from 9 am to 1 pm. The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast On The Farm will give the public a chance to visit this modern dairy, take a crop tour, pet baby calves, see large tractors, visit the children’s area and so much more! Henricks & Krieger Dairy is located at 14692 County Road 16-3, Fayette, OH 43521. Registration is requested, visit, www.go.osu.edu/fultonbotfregister2019 and follow them on Social Media.

Fulton County Breakfast on the Farm is coordinated by Fulton County OSU Extension, Farm Bureau and SWCD, along with a community-based planning committee and sponsorship partners. Fulton County farmers, Alysia Callender and Whitney Short, provided volunteer leadership for the BOTF Preview event.

Play: CLE

May 7, 2019October 14, 2020momonthegoinholytoledo

“Coolest place EVER!”! “I want to have my B-day party here”! ”Finally a place for older kids to play”! Those are quotes from my kiddos, age 8-13 yrs old on their experience at Play: CLE. And I couldn’t agree more, finally a place where older kiddos can let loose and have fun without the fear of trampling a toddler or running down a preschooler. This momma highly recommends Play:CLE for a fun filled afternoon/evening for the entire family (kiddos 7+).

UPDATE: They are officially open as of October 8, 2020! NEW PRICING & HOURS have been updated in post. Masks required when entering and hand sanitizing stations are now included. Read more →

COOLEST Camp EVER! Circus Camp!!

May 6, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Silks, trapeze, lyra, hammock, tightwire, acrobatics, aerial skills on silks, as well as stilt walking and walking globe! Think elephant on a tiny ball, high flying strong humans, and a lot of new friendships that’s what your kiddos will get out of Circus Camp!!!

This is legit one of the coolest places in Toledo! If you haven’t had the opportunity to checkout one of Bird’s Eye View Circus classes you need to! We had a Moms Night Out here and it was awesome! But we’re not talking about us; we’re talking about the kids! Lol! Here are the DEETS…..

Bird’s Eye View Circus

Campers: kids ages 8-17

Camp Dates: June 10-14 & 17-21 half days

Address: 1153, 2413 Collingwood Blvd 1st floor, Toledo, OH 43620

Phone: (567) 298-6841

Website: https://www.birdseyeviewcircus.com/

Cost: $300

Circus Camp (Youth) Ages 8-11

Monday June 10th- Friday June 14th
8:30am-12:30pm
$300
SIGN UP

Spend a week learning circus skills! Silks, trapeze, lyra, hammock, tightwire, acrobatics, object manipulation, and character development. Beginner children will learn a simple but fun sequence and advanced students will work harder skills such as drops and endurance.

No prior experience needed – students should wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle and one snack.

Circus Camp (Teens) Ages 12-17

Monday June 10th- Friday June 14th
1-5pm
$300
SIGN UP

Spend a week learning circus skills! Silks, trapeze, lyra, hammock, tightwire, acrobatics, object manipulation, and character development. Beginner Teens will learn a simple but fun sequence and advanced students will work harder skills such as drops and endurance.

Performance Camp (youth) ages 8-11

Monday June 17th- Friday June 21st
8:30am-12:30pm
$300
SIGN UP

This camp would aid students in creating solo, duo and ensemble acts that they would showcase these acts in a performance at the conclusion of the camp. Skills covered in this camp would be: movement quality, character work, choreography, and collaboration, working their current circus skills.

Prerequisite:

Students should have taken at least 1 full session of regular weekly circus class, or, a week long circus camp, or, be coming from another youth circus program.
Brand new circus students should take our week long circus camp or regular weekly classes.

Performance Camp (teen) ages 12-17

Monday June 17th- Friday June 21st
1-5pm
$300
SIGN UP

Prerequisite:

Students should have taken at least 1 full session of regular weekly circus class, or, a week long circus camp, or, be coming from another youth circus program.
Brand new circus students should take our week long circus camp or regular weekly classes.

It is literally the best time to be a kid; they can go to circus camp, sign them up today! And don’t forget to tag friends and set up that carpool!

3 Summer Wellbeing Tips For The Whole Family

April 27, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Summer is right around the corner and it’s a great time to focus on our health! The weather is at its peak, the flowers are in bloom, and it’s exciting to get outside! However, with a busy life, it can be hard to prioritize your health. Here are some unique ideas to help get you motivated to focus on the your mental and physical health and that of your family.

1-MAKE THE TIME-Improve your mental health by simply taking the time to do the things you love

Utilize holidays like Father’s Day & 4^th of July to take a break from work, spend time with your kids while they’re off from school, and get active. Make plans over these holiday weekends to get away from work or any hustle and bustle in your life and spend time recharging with your family. This break can help you all relax, bond, improve your mental health by simply taking the time to do the things you love. If you want to get some physical activity this weekend, go somewhere you can hike, swim, canoe, or even rollerblade around with beautiful scenery. If you only have time for a day trip, that’s okay too! Need some inspiration? Here’s a list of 101+ places to go with your kids in Toledo. The important thing is, is to take intentional time to bond as a family.

2-GET ADEQUATE SLEEP-Limit Screen Time! Too much blue light exposure can disrupt your sleep/wake cycle, causing difficulty falling asleep & deprivation.

Did you know that blue light can affect your vision? With cellphones, computers, and tablets becoming more and more prominent in our daily lives, we have to be more vigilant about screen time, especially for our kiddos. Artificial blue light, like that from digital screens and LED light bulbs can have detrimental effects on health and eyesight. Too much exposure to blue light can cause digital eye strain, which means your eyes become dry, itchy, and blurred. Blue light can disrupt your sleep/wake cycle, causing difficulty falling asleep and deprivation. This can be especially hard for children who have to wake up for school, camps, or sports and can begin to affect their focus, effort, and mental health. To help combat these effects, browse for new eyeglasses that have blue light filtering lenses for you and your children. These glasses can help block harmful blue light from reaching the eyes and affecting physical health. Try to be very proactive on limiting screen time before bed to reduce the effects on the sleep cycle. Luckily, now smartphones come equipped with night mode to remind us it’s time to wind down and stop looking at our screens to help us all get a good night’s rest.

3-BE ACTIVE!-Impromtu game of ball is great for your metal, physical & emotional health! July 15^th-21^st is National Youth Sports Week!

There are virtually endless benefits to children who play sports from a young age. Children can boost their physical health by playing an active sport, especially outdoors during the summer months. Not only are they bettering their strength, stamina, and coordination but their lung and heart health too! However, it’s especially important for kids to reap the mental and emotional benefits of playing a sport. Sports allow children to show leadership, companionship, and great communication skills with peers. It can also help with feeling included, confident, and worthy, which is amazing for a person’s self-esteem as they begin to age into adolescence.

Take time each month this summer to focus on your health and wellbeing, especially utilizing that time your children have off from school. Whether it’s your physical health, mental health, or bonding as a family – these are all equally important when it comes to caring for your overall wellbeing.