Going with the Flo

by Alanna

Wow,  I was truly amazed and impressed when walking through the Flo Studio one Saturday.  Not really sure what to expect, I was greeted by two wonderful people who have a real love for their craft and their business.  If you are not aware of this new business, let me fill you in. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.



The Furnace

Brownwen Co-Owner giving us a demo

Flo Glass partners Melody Jewitt of Red Om Glass and Bronwen McKnight of Kiss My Glass {Merrickville},   have brought 27 years experience in Glass blowing to Ottawa.  They are a glass arts teaching facility, providing multi-level workshops to the public in the forms of glassblowing, flameworking, fusing and casting.



What does this mean to parents, caregivers and children?  Well, let me tell you.  These two teaming up is a coup for us.  These wonderful artistic people are over the moon excited about sharing their knowledge with us and our little people.  Bronwen is so excited about teaching after years of running her store.  She is ready to share her love for the art with everyone and does so regularly with her own grandchildren.  Yes, that is right, glass blowing for children. Fear not, it is safe.  After being told this I had a few questions.  I am sure that it can be safe after a few lessons? or if the children are above 10 right?  No.  In fact it is safe from the get go.  There is a cordoned off area away from the furnace.  The children are about three feet away from the molten glass while they are rolling and blowing.  In fact, as long as they can blow through the blow pipe children can join in on the fun.  Bronwen and Melody are offering classes, drop-ins and (get this) Birthday parties.

You can bring a group of children to the studio to make an ornament or paper weight OR a Fuzed art piece.  They can accommodate up to 6 children.  With the party they will do a lesson with them including hands on making and designing of their own piece all for 25$ per child.  Although they won't be able to take their creations home with them right away, they will take a memory and experience that won't soon be forgotten.  Pieces are picked up the next day after they have been in the kiln for 3 - 18 hours depending on the piece.

How does it all work?  According to Melody, as long as the furnace is up and running (call ahead to make sure) the children can drop in and make something.  If you are thinking about bringing a group through for a party, they would appreciate at least two weeks notice.

Why not drop in to make something for Mom for mother's day - and hey why not Grandma too!!  I am positive that the children will be over the moon with this experience.

If you give it a go let me know.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Alanna is a mother of two beauties, Nora age 3 (aka coconut) and Avery 5 (aka polka dot). Former ECE turned mother, party planner and blogger.  Never a dull moment around this house.

Creating Tranquility in Children's Lives

by Amanda Integration of yoga into a child’s life allows for a sense of calmness and relaxation, coupled with environmental awareness and tools for personal stress management.  Children’s yoga classes foster a sharing and caring environment and bring honour and thankfulness for their self, family and surroundings.  Yoga classes encourage kids to move their bodies, create calmness in their little minds and allows their spirits to soar.

Here are some fun yoga postures you can do with your kids at home or at the local park!

 Downward Dog (Mommy Dog)

(Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Begin on all fours (table position) distributing equal weight in your hands while spreading the fingers. Gently lift your hips towards the sky, as your press your heels deep down into the earth.  Keep the fingers spread and hands pressed evenly into the ground as you create a V shape with your body.

Preschoolers enjoy shaking their “tail” in this position as they bark like a Mommy Dog.

Bound Angle (Butterfly)

(Baddha Konasana)

Begin in a comfortable seated position and bring your knees in close to your chest. Allow your knees to slowly drop to the side, towards the earth. Your hips should stay on the floor, with a tall spine.  Press the souls of your feet together.

Move your legs and/or arms in a fluttering motion so your butterfly can fly high in the sky!

Upward Dog (Baby Dog)

(Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

Begin on your stomach with your chin resting on the floor, bringing your hands in close to your chest. Spread your fingers and press your palms into the floor.  Pressing the feet into the floor and begin to lift your chest and shoulders off the floor.  Lengthen your arms and press the crown of your head towards the sky. Open up your chest, pressing your shoulder blades together. Toddlers and Preschoolers may want to bark and make noise like a little puppy!

Child’s Pose (Sleeping Bunny)

(Balasana) 

Begin in a kneeling position, with your buttocks on the heels of your feet.  Allow your upper body to fold forward reaching towards the earth.  Your forehead drops towards the floor, and your hips reach back towards your heels.  Lengthen the spine as your breath dances throughout your body.  Place your hands on the floor next to your body.  Another option that the children enjoy is a variation (as shown in picture) with the arms extended in front. This is a great relaxation pose. 

 Amanda is mom to Dominic, 2 months, and can be found blogging about life, product reviews & giveaways at Namaste Mommy, PTPA Panel of Moms & Tools for Schools.  When not feeding and changing diapers Amanda is busy with her company DeGrace Energetics & Little Lotus.

Hush-A-Bye Babies

by Lara About a year ago my friend Jenny told me that she and her baby (who was probably about 4 months old at the time) were going to be signing up for a singing class called Hush-A-Bye Babies.

I was skeptical. The class was an hour and a half long - seemed too long for little babies. And really, what is a 4 month old going to get out of a singing class?

She took the class and LOVED it, and when Vicky asked me a few months later if I'd be interested in taking the class with my twins I decided to go for it (it was especially appealing because she doesn't charge extra for twins, even if you bring a second adult to every class.)

And it. was. perfect.

Alice is one of the warmest and friendliest people you'll ever meet. She'll make you and your baby feel welcome in a second. The hour and half format means that you can be late if you need to, or leave early if you need to, and still get to take part in the class (I tried a different class after this one and the half hour format was so brief I made it to two classes total).

This class is as much (if not more some days) for the moms as it is for the babies. There is a break in the middle where the moms have a chance to chat with each other - many becoming friends and support networks for each other. And Alice always provides a snack - fresh fruit and a HOMEMADE baked treat.

The songs are fun and easy to learn, and Alice takes you through them slowly making sure you'll be able to sing them for your babies at home later.  The "La La" song is pretty much a miracle song and worth the cost of the class right there. She also emails you all the words to the songs you've learned so you'll have them if you forget them later.

This would be one of my most recommended things for a new mom to do with her baby. And if you go, say hi to Alice for me!

Lara is the mom to 3.5 year old Kiernan and 10 month old twins Quinn and Juliette. You can find her at her blog Gliding Through Motherhood.