SEEDLINGS

Henna Love

2011-10-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Another belly, for good measure. This one was a surprise so I hadn't brought any designs and it needed to be a quick one because the mama had to hit the road, giving me only 10 or 15 minutes to do an entire belly.

I am starting to miss the grind of spring and summer when the calls come in almost daily for henna. And me, I pack up my vintage round suitcase that I imagine some aristocratic lady once toted to visit her sister in Chicago, and I go visiting.

I sit in women's kitchens, around their pools, I go to their parties. I visit libraries and birthday parties for girls of all ages. I chat, they tell me stories, and I make them feel a little more beautiful than they did before I got there.

I revel in the fact that it is the absolute most stressless existence, to be surrounded by women, by their chatter and laughter, by the smell of the henna itself, by warm skin. To be able to create beauty and art.

I miss it. I am counting the days til spring.

A NEW NEXT STEP

2011-08-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Though it took a few years longer than expected, I am poised to start teaching preschool this fall at my mom's beautiful little childcare center in Boxboro, MA. I grew up working there and haven't been back regularly since I was about 18 years old.

So I have a few more wrinkles. I also have 3 kids of my own and a God-given appreciation for the spirits of children. I have been a nanny, a Daisy leader, an art teacher, yoga-guru to kids -- in general, a woman who loves and appreciates children.

I am excited to start this new endeavor -- for three mornings a week, I will work with kids age 2.9 - 4 with the help of Eileen from Little Acorn Learning, who writes the unbelievably awe-inspiring Nature-based curriculum I will be using. Daily nature walks, journaling and unlimited access to arts and music. Doesn't it sound divine? I even have a spare guitar to leave at work.

Never one to wish summer away, I find myself counting down the days. If you live in the Boxboro area, please share this program with your friends, as I believe there are still 2 or 3 spots in the class :-)

WHERE AM I?

2011-05-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

I get asked all the time....where do you teach?

Well, truth be told, I'm a bit of a nomad. Being married with children has sapped me of my ability to commit and settle down, and so I find myself, in my path as a kids' yoga teacher and artist, drifting endlessly from one place to another. And I love every second of it.

So where do I teach? Everywhere! So far this year, I have held several sessions of yoga at local venues, appeared at countless libraries and worked privately with students through the federally funded 21st Century Program. But if you are interested in bringing yoga to your school, group or family, there are several ways to do so.

One is to contact your local library. I have held workshops in dozens of Bay State libraries, and generally those libraries not only have the funds through grants and "friends", but they are always actively looking for new programs to bring to their patrons. Just ask! Give them my website and ask them to have me come for a workshop.

Another great avenue is to sponsor a yoga class for your child's school. Think of it as a gift that you're giving to your child's classroom :-) I also work privately with families in their homes, or with several families at one time; Playgroups, peri-natal gatherings, you name it.

And the final way (and this is something to think about for the 2011-2012 school year) is to put me in touch with your PTO and help me to get an afterschool yoga class going at your school. For a small tuition fee per child, I can come to your school for a 6-week session and make yoga an afterschool activity for dozens of kids! I have had great success with this arrangement over the past couple years and I would welcome the opportunity to meet some new faces :-)

Blessings,
"miss mandy"
:D

BEAUTIFUL BELLIES

2011-04-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

One of my super-passions is working with kids, in all forms - yoga, art, therapeautic play, plain old-fashioned conversation. Anyone who has ever known me for 5 seconds -- particularly when accompanied by a child -- has figured this out immediately.

But one of my other true passions in life -- a "sub-passion" if you will -- is working with pregnant women to decorate and celebrate them.

Today's post is a celebration of where our children came from <3

Happy New Year

2010-12-30T12:46:00.001-08:00

To all who have supported and nurtured me in 2010, thank you. I hope 2011 is full of exciting opportunities, joyful moments and much abundance for you and your family.

I will continue my school-age yoga class on Tuesday afternoons at Little Stars Gymnastics Center in Leominster, and will also continue my private teen class on Monday nights at my home. I am also holding a Mom & Baby yoga series at the Hudson Public Library starting in March and I hope to see YOU there!

All the best to all of you,

"miss mandy"

LADIES' HENNA-FEST! NOV 27th!!!!

2010-10-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

Inspired by my time lately doing henna tattoos on women of all ages, I have opened registration for a Henna Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 27th at 4 p.m. I will tattoo everyone in attendance, but I will also have extra bottles of henna on hand so participants can learn to make their own designs and have plenty of opportunity to practice them!!!

And if you simply MUST keep on practicing, bottles of henna will be available for purchase (and I will be accepting pre-orders for Christmas!)

This workshop is ideal for moms, teens, tweens and artistic henna lovers of all ages :-) Come unwind and recharge after a busy holiday with family.

Cost will be $12 per person or $20 for mother/daughter duos. Attendees will receive a design booklet and at least one tattoo!

Please email me for a registration form :-) and I hope to see you there! *

*Where?! you ask? Depends on the number of registrants. The most likely location will be my Orchard Street home but if space becomes an issue, I will hold the workshop upstairs at Roots Natural Foods in Leominster.

FROM THE BAY STATE TO THE OCEAN STATE

2010-10-11T02:39:00.000-07:00

I never truly know who is reading this blog/website, so it can't hurt to plug a friend in Rhode Island, can it? Maybe someone is out there googling "Rhode Island Doula" or "Henna Tattoos in RI" or any of the very specific things that I am writing about at this moment.

My nearest and dearest friend in the universe has begun to spread her mama-wings and enter the gentle world of working-with-children.

Not quite Stay-at-Home-Motherhood and not entirely Work-Outside-the-Home-Motherhood, I am noticing a rising trend among women to find unique and enlightened ways to both work and be a present, mindful parent. For some, myself included, this is the only way to do it -- financially and emotionally.

For my friend Kim McNiece, a fellow mamas-of-3-girls, Blessed Beginnings (located in Wakefield, RI) is her beautiful way of emerging from the cocoon of early motherhood and finding a way to spread her love and passion with her children by her side. As a gifted Doula and Massage Therapist (how lucky am I to have such a friend? If only she could fix old VWs I would be even more in love with her than I already am), she has teamed up with a small group of women who support and enhance her vision.

I hope you'll join me and Kim this weekend on :

Saturday, October 16th from 4 p.m.

at her storefront

135 Main St., Wakefield, RI

for Henna, Massage, and all kinds of fun things

going on in the downtown Wakefield area. If anyone with a beautiful pregnant belly would like private belly henna, please contact me at 978-660-2394 and we can set something up before the main event.

If nothing else, stop by and say hello and laugh with us...I look forward to many years of connection and kinship with Blessed Beginnings :-)

EARLY CHILDHOOD OFFERINGS 2010-2011

2010-08-16T05:34:00.001-07:00

I am loathe to discuss what happens after the summer, because I have been having such a great time swimming, sunning and lounging around with my kids.

But alas, plans need to be made! And I am opening enrollment for my "Mom's Morning Out" and "Lunch Bunch" programs, which are great alternatives to traditional preschool for Leominster kids.

My program is a dynamic and interactive part of a child's week -- child-led learning at its finest! While I am lead teacher qualified for Early Childhood Education and a mere 3 credits away from my Director Certification, I am also an artist and am passionate about children. This has led me to the creation of my own program, now in its 3rd official year. As far as I know, there is nothing quite like it -- but I take huge inspiration from Waldorf philosophies sprinkled in with a few of my own.

This year, "Mom's Morning Out" will be held on Tuesday mornings from 9 - 12:30. I will only be taking 4 children so reserve your spot soon! The cost is $15 per morning, which includes all snacks, projects and admission prices for field trips.

One of the major reasons I am limiting my class size (in past years, I have taken up to 7 kids and have been full every year) is that I have a new red bus and it is full of car seats and I would like for my class to go on local adventures together -- from picnics at the Dinosaur Park to field trips to PetCo.

For children for whom this program is not quite right but would still like to be a part of the magic happening at my house, I will also be offering a "Lunch Bunch" program on Fridays from 12 - 2 p.m. This program will cost $10 per day and will include seasonal art and cooking projects, nature walks and all the spontaneous experiences the kids come up with...and trust me, they do!

I have a home (and heart) full of art, music and love. Come check me out on September 2nd from 9 - 11a.m. for an open house/orientation. Registration forms will be available if there are any spaces left.

If you would like to reserve your spot for either "Mom's Morning Out" or the "Lunch Bunch" program, please email me at ahroberge@gmail.com for a registration form. Payment for September will hold your child's slot.

SUMMER FUN

2010-07-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

Happy summer to all! Being a busy bee is very much in my nature, so this summer has gotten off to slamming start. I have been bringing my yoga and art programs for kids to libraries and camps across Massachusetts, but of course it's the HENNA that really lends itself to a summer fun vibe.

Contact me at 978-660-2394 to book me for your daughter's birthday party, a friend's pregnant belly or for a ladies' night at your house. Henna tattoos are fun for women of all ages, shapes and sizes :-)

Spring Makeover

2010-03-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Yoga Seedlings has a big announcement! After much deliberation amongst the shareholders (which basically includes me, myself and I)...it has been decided that the business needed a new name.

So say goodbye to Yoga Seedlings and say hello to...

SEEDLINGS

Create. Laugh. Grow.

Because I started out teaching yoga classes to kids and then grew to include art projects within the class, which grew to standalone art classes and now includes...

* henna tattoo workshops
* recyclable art classes
* mom's morning out
* cooking classes for kids and, of course,
* yoga for kids of all ages

...I felt like "Yoga Seedlings" wasn't the most fitting name for my business.

But I love the concept of the Seedling....the little seed that has weathered the elements and started it's journey toward the sun but still has a little growing to do.

So I decided to simply remove the yoga and keep the rest!

I am so grateful to all of the schools, parents, librarians and directors who have supported my mission for so many years and allowed me to work with their kids and patrons. I have the best job in the world and am so thankful to everyone who has been a part of that journey.

A big cyber-hug to all of you out there who lend me your children :-)

~mandy

JUST CHECKING IN

2010-01-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to drop a line to say howdy to all my little artists, yogis and their parents!

I have been staying busy with my workshops -- running here, there and everywhere. I have been quite lucky to get invited to lots of Daisy and Brownie Troop meetings to give demos on Yoga for Kids, and let me tell you -- these kids are F*U*N.

It looks like I will be making some appearances at various camps and programs run by the Leominster School System so make sure to email me if you would like more info on those programs.

Currently, I have 2 available spaces in my after school cooking class on Thursdays -- I teach the kids how to cook a meal and have them properly set the table and practice their table manners. They are a trip to be around -- it's a very dynamic bunch!

Besides that, I am doing private yoga classes with preschools and libraries and I hope to see your familiar faces in some of these unexpected places!

All the best,

"miss mandy"

WINTER 2010

2009-12-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

W00t! Time to ring in the New Year with yoga, recyclable art, and henna tattoos :)

I have added a school-age COOKING CLASS where kids will learn to boil water and beyond!
************************************************************************

Without further ado, my current classes:

* Mom's Morning Out: Mondays from 9 - 12:30; $15 per day. This class is currently FULL but I will be continuing this class next year so don't hesitate to ask me to hold a spot for your kiddo.

* Tuesday after-school RECYCLABLE ART WORKSHOP; 3:45 - 5:00; $7 per child
Drop by with your kids for complete creative access to all kinds of reclaimed, recyclable or donated craft items.

* Thursday after-school COOKING CLASS! 4:15 - 6:15; $15 per week.
Remember the days of home ec? Those days may be over at school, but I will be teaching kids how to prepare meals and then we will sit and eat together, using our best etiquette and table manners. Stuffed shells, homemade pizza and beef stew with homemade bread are on the menu!

Become my Facebook friend for updates about yoga classes and henna tattoo workshops!!!

And let me know if there is a class or workshop you would like to see -- I always like to know if a certain class is in demand :-) so I can make it happen.

Email me for a registration form :-) Hope to see you around this winter!

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS :: WINTER 2009

2009-10-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

YOGA SEEDLINGS is now on Facebook! Come make me your friend, and you'll have access to updates and pictures I am...um...a little slow getting to around here.

Email me for a registration form!

Best,
mandy

Holiday Offerings :: SchoolAge Craft Workshops
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesdays during November and December; 4 - 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted; $15 per day or $100 for all 8 weeks, extended hours available

Nov. 3 (No school day).........Open Craft time 3 - 4:30
Nov. 10...................................Laminated Placecards
Nov. 17...................................Napkin Rings
Nov. 24 (1/2 day) ................Thanksgiving Centerpieces 2 - 3:30
Dec. 1....................................Ornaments
Dec. 8....................................Baubles and Beads
Dec. 15..................................Rubber Stamp Stationary
Dec. 22..................................Wrapping Station; open craft

Holiday Offerings :: Cooking Workshops
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesdays afterschool during November and December
3:45 - 5:15 unless otherwise noted (take bus home from NW); $15 per day or $65 for all 5 classes; extended hours available

Nov. 4.............................Make-Your-Own Pizza
Nov. 11 (no school).......NO CLASS
Nov. 18...........................Challah

Dec. 2........................Candy Cane cookies
Dec. 9........................Cinnamon Rolls
Dec. 16......................Gingerbread People

Attention Girl Scouts:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Want yoga? It's on the house! I am happy to come to your troop's next meeting and hold a yoga class just for you :-) Call to set up a date: 978-660-2394
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FALL 2009!

2009-09-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yoga Seedlings :: Fall 2009

It's time to get back into the swing of things and what better way than to breathe, stretch and relax throughout your week? Or maybe you need a fun, safe place to send your child while you do errands...or maybe you are looking for an artistic outlet for your little ones. There is something for everyone! Keep reading to find out about the new programs I am offering, including Recyclable Art workshops and Henna Tattoo workshops (invite me to your birthday party!) And of course, Yoga Classes for Kids and Mom's Morning Out is back again for another joyful year :-)

Mamaste,

mandy roberge

mailto:robergeahroberge@gmail.com

UPCOMING CLASSES:

************************************************************

::Yoga for PreSchoolers::

Every Third Thursday of the month!

Sept. 17, Oct. 22 and Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.

Mello's Institute of Karate in Westminster, MA

$6 per child...pre-registration required

Thursday Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.Hudson Public Library in Hudson, MA

Free!

Every Last Wednesday of the month!

Sept. 30, Oct. 28 and Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.

Roots Natrual Foods in Leominster, MA

$6 per child...pre-registration required

::Yoga For Kids::

8-week session at Roots Natural Foods in Leominster

begins Oct. 1st!

Thursdays 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Ages 5 and up!

$50 per child...ask about my sibling discount :-) pre-registration required

::MOM'S MORNING OUT::

Mom's Morning Out is a drop-off program that I offer for moms who would like a morning to themselves! This year, I will offer this program on Monday mornings.

Drop your little ones off at 9 a.m. and pick them up at 12:30. The cost of the program is $15 per morning (sign up for as many or as few as you need each month) and includes snacks! Come stop by to see what it's all about :-)

::Workshops and Birthday Parties::

The Art of Mehndi (Henna Tattoos): Spend some time with friends learning about the history of this beautiful art form. Practice your own designs and tattoo yourself or your friends! Or just get a gorgeous tattoo tailored to your mood and personality. Perfect for Ladies' Night, Libraries or Tween Birthday parties. 1 hour workshop: $60

Recyclable Art: Find projects that can be done with items you might normally throw away! Everything you need will be brought along and the project will depend on what I have to recycle. Great introduction to kids about Green Living and an Eco-Friendly mindset. 1 hour workshop: $60

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

REGISTRATION FORM...

cut & paste, print, fill out and return with payment to:

Mandy Roberge

60 Orchard St.

Leominster MA 01453

please makes checks payable to Mandy Roberge

Student's Name:__________________________Age:__________

Address:_________________________________________

___________________________________

Parent's name and email:_____________________________________ _____________________________

Check class(es) desired:

PreK Yoga at Mello's Institute of Karate; $6 per class___Sept 17___Oct. 22___Nov. 19

PreK Yoga at Root Natural Food Store; $6 per class___Sept. 30___Oct. 28___Nov. 25 ___

___SchoolAge Yoga at Roots; 8-week session $50 per child ($5 discount for each additional sibling)Begins Oct. 1 and runs through November

GETTING READY FOR FALL...

2009-08-04T05:19:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am sorry to say that it is time (for me) to start thinking ahead to fall. *sniff*

I am one of those rare women who loves being home with my kids all summer, so with TWO out of 3 headed to full-day school this year, it will be bittersweet. Better keep busy :-)

I am currently working on my fall schedule of yoga, art and cooking classes. If there is anything you would like to see (if your child wants to attend a certain class but you would like to see it happen on a particular day), now is the time to speak up! Email me and let me know what days and times work for you!

~mandy
ahroberge@gmail.com

SUMMER 2009

2009-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here and it's time to start thinking about how to keep the little ones occupied! I think I have a little something for everyone, so be sure to check out what's coming up and see if anything fits into your little artist or yogi's schedule.

Mello's Institute of Martial Arts...Westminster
June Yoga Series for kids of all ages
Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
June 3, 10, 17 and 24$40 for the 4-week series
http://www.centralmasskarate.com/

Clinton Summer Enrichment Program Camps
July 6 - 10 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Yoga and Crafts for grades K-3
July 13 - 17 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Yoga, Art and Writing for kids grade 3 and up
$40 plus registration and materials fees
View camp descriptions and register at:www.clinton.k12.ma.us

Leominster Library
July 21st...Free!
1 p.m. SchoolAge Yoga
2 p.m. Tween Yoga
register with the Leominster Library

Lancaster Library
Free!
July 2 10:30 a.m. PreSchool Yoga
August 14 [time TBD] SchoolAge

YogaSeedlings Craft Camp!
60 Orchard St, Leominster
Aug. 3 - 7 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Ages 3 and up (potty-trained kids only please!)
Crafts, games, tie-dye and water play
$60 for the week or $15 per day
Register by email: aless1000@aol.com

One way or another, be sure to enjoy the sunshine and the company of your children this summer :-)

APRIL VACATION WORKSHOPS!

2009-04-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

* April Vacation Workshops *
All classes held at 60 Orchard St. Leominster, MA
Snack included; additional childcare hours available

Tuesday, April 21*
Tie Dye Workshop
$20 per child
9 - 11:30 a.m.
ages 5 and up
Join the outdoor fun as we make T-shirts fit for a Grateful Dead show...T-shirt provided
* Rain Date Friday April 24

Wednesday April 22
Earth Day Celebration
$14 per child
9 a.m. - 12 noon
all ages
Join in for a street-wide clean-up effort, crafting time with recyclable materials and a discussion about ways to Go Green. Bring a bag lunch!

Thursday April 23
Kids in the Kitchen
$20 per child
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
ages 5 and up
Each child will make a personal pizza and decorate a half-dozen cupcakes and eat a couple too! Kids will go home with recipes, a cake decorating bag, whatever is left of their pizza and their decorated cupcakes :-)

2009-03-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

CURRENT CLASSES, March 2009

Friday afternoons at Roots Natural Foods, Leominster

4:30 - 5:15 -- SchoolAge *FULL*

5:30 - 6:30 -- Tweens! Age 8 - 12

$7 drop-in

FREE CLASS for new students!!! APRIL 3

Stay tuned for news about April classes in Westminster!

2009-02-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

*****FREE YOGA CLASSES*****

Thursday, Feb. 19

Mello's Institute of Martial Arts

9:30 - 10:45 ages 3-5

10:30 - 10:45 Ages 6+

Stop by and try out a class! I hope to see you there :-)

WINTER CLASS SCHEDULE..begins Jan. 26th 2009

2009-01-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

email http://www.blogger.com/aless1000@aol.com for a registration form!

Preschool Yoga & Craft CANCELLED!!!
At Roma’s Bakery
Monday mornings from 11 to 11:45
Jan. 26
Feb. 9
Feb. 23
$7 per class

Mommy & Me Art and Play
The coffee is on and everything is ready for the kids! Art projects, fun in the kitchen, and playscapes designed for the imaginative child. If you would prefer drop-off, I still have openings for my morning group that runs from 9 a.m. to noon and includes this Art Session ($14)
Location: 60 Orchard St.
Tuesday mornings 10 a.m. to 11 a.m
Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 (no class during school break)
$24 for the 4-week series

SchoolAge Yoga
A dynamic and interactive yoga class designed to teach basic yoga through games and imaginative play
For kids age 5 and up…younger siblings can sign up if parent stays in the room
Location: Roots Natural Food Store, Airport Rd. Leominster
Friday afterschool 4:30 – 5:15
Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27 (no class during school break)
$24 for the 4-week series

Yoga for Older Kids age 8 – 12
A slightly more serious intermediate yoga practice and journaling session with the specific focus of helping with anxiety reduction and stress-related coping techniques.
Location: Roots Natural Foods Store, Airport Road Leominster
Friday evenings 5:30 – 6:30
Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27 (no class during school break)
$24 for the 4-week series

Check back in for updated information about February Vacation Workshops!

HOLIDAY CLASSES!

2008-11-02T05:24:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES: please email me for a registration form aless1000@aol.com

for preschoolers age 3 - 5...
* Kids in the Kitchen; Mondays 1 - 2:15 p.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22...$7 per week or $25 for the 4-week series
Let's focus on Christmas and Holiday treats! Latkes, cookie decorating, hot cross buns and more!

* Holiday Crafting; Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23...$8 per child per week or $30 for the 4-week series
Ornaments, small gifts, cards and more!
Take home something each week that can be wrapped for a loved one and placed under the tree

for school age kids 5 and older...
* Holiday crafting (see description above): Thursdays 4 - 5:30 p.m. -- take the bus here from NorthWest! Afterschool snack included.
Dec. 4, 11 and 18th
...for those of you who think "My active boy wouldn't enjoy this" -- THINK AGAIN! Last year this class was a favorite among hands-on boys who loved to glue, draw and wrap!!!

* SPECIAL FRIDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS! 4 - 6:30 p.m. $15 per child, pizza included! December 5th: Gingerbread Houses
December 12: Cookie Decorating

Happy Holidays and stay warm :-)
~mandy

A SPECIAL THANKS

2008-10-23T05:01:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to express my gratitude towards Roma's Bakery in Downtown Leominster for sharing their space with us for SchoolAge Yoga classes!!! The amazing smells have relaxed all of us and we hope to keep offering classes there throughout the winter!

If you live in the area, make sure to stop in and grad some of their delicious breads, prepared foods and sweets!!!!

FALL CLASS SCHEDULE

2008-08-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

FALL SESSION 2008!!!!

October 1st through November 18 (7 weeks)
* Unless otherwise noted, classes will be held at 60 Orchard Street in Leominster.
* In the case of high enrollment, classes will be held at Unitarian Universalist Church or at Roots Natural Food Store . Separate email will follow.
* Enroll two siblings for this session and receive a $10 discount! Third child receives a $5 discount.

MOMMY and ME ART & PLAY
Monday mornings 9:30 - 10:15; $42 for 7- week session
Ages 1 - 3 with caregiver; Snack included
This is a great class for kids who are not quite ready for the structure of preschool, but who crave interaction with their peers and hands-on activities. Several project areas – including a gluing station, drawing and paints -- are available to kids throughout the morning with a number of stations that vary from week to week. Outdoor time will be part of the morning when weather cooperates!

PRE-SCHOOL YOGA

Monday mornings 10:45 - 11:30; $42 for 7-week session Ages 3.5 + Includes yoga session, snack and art/play time

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Mondays at 1 p.m.. $55 for 7-week session
For kids age 3 – 5…Great for kids who love to crack eggs but don’t get the chance at home because it’s too messy! In addition to learning basic cooking and baking skills, kids will decorate an apron and make their own cookbook! All the mess with none of the clean-up for mom.

MOMS DAY OUT

Tuesdays – a.m. session (9 – noon) or p.m. session (noon – 3)
Fridays – a.m. session (9 – noon)
Open to kids age 3 and older; $14 per session
**ONLY TWO SPACES LEFT FOR EACH SESSION!**
This program is a unique alternative to preschool for the mom who only needs a few hours a week to get some errands run or just to have some down time, while their child is loved and nurtured in a safe and fun environment! Though this program is not driven by curriculum, there will be plenty of structured learning opportunities along with generous amounts of creative projects, yoga, bike riding, gardening and time to just play. Kids will bring their own lunchbox for lunchtime/snacktime with their peers.

“THIRD THURSDAY” DROP-IN YOGA SESSION -- $8 per child
Not sure if yoga is right for your child? Too busy to commit to a whole session but know your child loves yoga? Try it out just once and see what it’s all about! Registration is required as space is limited. Parents are welcome to drop-off or stay Ages 3 and up! (younger children can sign up but need a caregiver to be with them)
SEPTEMBER 18th 10 – 10:45 a.m.
OCTOBER 16th 10 – 10:45 a.m.
NOVEMBER 13th 10 – 10:45 a.m.

SCHOOLAGE YOGA
Thursdays at 4:15 – 5p.m. ; $42 for 7-week session
For kids in Kindergarten and beyond; location TBD
An energetic and dynamic introduction to basic yoga postures through active play! Child-friendly meditation time at the end of class.

email aless1000@aol.com for a registration form!!

MOMS MORNING OUT!!!

2008-07-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

Yoga Seedlings is going to be offering a very special program for moms and kids who live in Leominster and surrounding areas: MOMS MORNING OUT!

Do you need a morning to get your grocery shopping done or to schedule your doctors’ and dentists’ appointments? Or maybe you need to just carve a small chunk of time out for yourself during the busy week.

Beginning in Fall 2008, this program will run two mornings (Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 – 12:30) and will follow a structured schedule of art time, cooking projects, science experiments and outdoor play. There might even be some yoga thrown in for good measure :-) Now that I am Director-certified in Early Childhood Education, I have access to and will be using the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum with the kids, which is a fun and innovative approach to learning to write the letters of the alphabet.

The cost of this program is $14 per morning and will be paid for monthly by the first of each month. You may sign up on a first-come first-served basis for as many days per month as you choose! This is a unique alternative to preschool. Children will bring a bag lunch, but tuition includes all snacks and activities.

Space is very limited! Please email me for more information or to request a registration packet.

Blessings,
mandy

YOGA GEAR FOR KIDS!

2008-06-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have opened an Etsy Shop!

Please share if anyone you know is looking for yoga gear for their little ones! I currently only havea few items listed, but soon there will be more T-shirts, plus personalized yoga mats, carrying bags and more!!! Mark it as your favorite, and be sure to browse around Etsy for other handmade items... it is such a unique place to shop :-)

WITH GRATITUDE

2008-06-19T03:18:00.000-07:00

The school year is coming to an officialy close at 11:45 today when I pick my first-grader up from school and head to the lake for a celebratory swim!

I am finding myself at this moment filled with gratitude to the teachers and schools that allowed me into their classrooms to work with their kids -- specifically Harvard Elementary School, Leominster's Bennett School and Boxboro Children Center. I was looking back on some pictures today and realized that I cannot wait until next year when I can work with these sweet kids again.

Also, thank you to all of the parents who let me borrow their children this year, big and small. From Little Yoga all the way up tp the Schoolage Yoga kids, the pleasure was absolutely mine.

Next fall will bring with it some new classes here at yoga seedlings, including Cooking for PreSchoolers, Crafting for Fours and of course lots of yoga classes for kids. So please keep visiting this blog and drop me a line if you have any questions :-)

Best,
mandy

SUMMER 2008

2008-04-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Summer is coming and I wanted to let you now where you can find me out and about in Central MA!

* Each Monday, from 9 a.m. to Noon, I will offer a Yoga and Craft Workshop at my Orchard Street Studio in Leominster. $15 drop in rate, includes lunch.

* Beginning in May, I will be teaching an Afterschool Yoga Class at FlowForms Yoga inWorcester...more info

* During the week of June 23 -- 27, I will be offering a weeklong Yoga and Craft Camp program through the CLinton Elementary School Summer Enrichment Program. the cost is $40 per child and the camp runs Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon.

* From July 8 -- August 7, I will be offering a Yoga and Craft Workshop every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9 - 11:30 at FlowForms Yoga in Worcester.

Email me for more information!

MOMMY & ME Art and Play

2008-04-03T05:56:00.001-07:00

This new class was a hit! I plan to offer it every session in the future -- it was so much fun for all the littles and their caregivers and mamas...and for me :-)

Each week will bring some old standards of art class -- drawing with markers and crayons, watercolors and playdough...plus something new and exciting each week like fingerpainting, ublek, glitter and painted footprints. Once the spring weather decides to grace us with its presence, we can get outside for a colored rice table, chalk drawing and just some good old-fashioned outdoor play :-) ~mandy

YOGA SEEDLINGS T-SHIRTS HAVE ARRIVED!

2008-03-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Please email me if you are interested in purchasing a Yoga Seedlings T-shirt ($8) or Tote Bag ($10)!

NEW CLASS SCHEDULE!

2008-02-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

HI everyone!

I am working on my new class schedule, and wanted to get the preliminary draft up here so people can refer to it. As long as i get enough kids enrolled, this will be the schedule. As always, I am flexible about adding/moving classes to fit peoples' schedules.

EMAIL ME with questions, comments, requests and/or for a registration form!

MOMMY & ME ART AND PLAY
Friday mornings 9:30 - 10:15All ages! Experience paint, playdough and seasonal crafts with your child and leave the mess for me to clean! Snack included; outdoor play when weather permits...Kids: bring snow clothes and your creativity…and your mama!$30 for 5- week sessionMarch 28, April 4, 11, 18 & 25

PRE-SCHOOL YOGA & ART ...*two sessions to choose from!*Friday mornings 10:30 - 11:30 ORThursday mornings 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.Ages 3.5 + Includes yoga session, snack and art/play time.$30 for 5-week sessionMarch 28, April 4, 11, 18 & 25

SCHOOLAGE YOGA & ART
Fridays at 4:15; $30 for 5-week session; Instructor: Mandy
for kids in Kindergarten and beyond; Begins March 28
***SORRY -- THIS CLASS IS FULL***

BABYSITTING CLASS
For girls age 10 and up -- this class will focus on safety, ethics and etiquette in the babysitting world as well as how to be the best babysitter, and how to make it a business. More information will be forthcoming, please email me if you'd like to be included on those mini-mailing! aless1000@aol.com

LOSING WEIGHT IN 2008!
Join up with a group of local women who are setting goals and encouraging each other! Get involved in training to walk/run a 5K in the spring and participate in nutrition and meditation workshops designed to help women get their old bodies back! Participation is FREE! Workshops will be offered at a fee. Email Mandy at aless1000@aol.com to start your involvement!

APRIL VACATION WORKSHOPS:

MONDAY, April 21
Tie Die Extravaganza!!!!
Two Sessions!
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Pizza delivery included!!
$12 per child
Bring some T-shirts, socks, tights or sheets/pillowcases to tie-dye! All other supplies included.
Children must be 5 or older, younger kids are welcome with an adult ot help them (grown-ups are FREE!)
Space is limited! Two session

TUESDAY. April 22
Earth Day
Reduce, ReUse, Recycle!
After some Earth Day activities, plant some seedlings in your own recycled newspaper-peat pots. These can be put directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed!
Two Sessions, ages 5 and older, younger kids can bring their own grown-up!
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pizza Delivery Included!
$10 per child

WEDNESDAY, April 23
Paper-Making
Get ready to make a huge mess and learn a new trade! The ancient art of paper-making comes to Leominster, 2008!
10 a.m. - 12 noon
Snack inlcuded $8 per child

THURSDAY, April 24
Mothers’ Day Giftmaking!!
Mother’s Day is only weeks away!!!
Come work with tissue paper, cardstock, cutouts, scissors, glue, lace, ribbons, stamps and paints in a no-pressure environment where the key is to create, create, create! Several projects will be on hand for kids to choose from as a gift to mom for all her hard work J
For kids ages 5 – 11; $12 per child, includes pizza for lunch

2008-02-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am looking for a handful of women to lose weight with me!

Yoga Seedlings is teaming up with Nutritionist and Weight Management Counselor Wendy Arena and Yoga Instructor Jennifer Davidson to create a Leominster-based weight loss group...right now we are still formulating our "syllabus" but it will include weekly nutritional counseling, weight training/yoga sessions, positive visualization/meditation, online/email support throughout the week, opportunities for local workout buddies and a whole lot of camaraderie. It is my vision to have a close-knit group of women who are dedicated to helping each other succeed in bettering their health and shedding some pounds.

More information will be included in the next Yoga Seedlings e-newlsletter if space is still available, but I did want to put it out there sooner than later if you know anyone looking to shed some weight (the session will last 8 weeks and therefore is perfect for anyone serious about losing 10-20 lbs, like myself!). If it is successful, we will be thrilled to continue offering the group.

Stay tuned because I am still trying to figure out what I need to charge in order to pay Wendy and Jennifer for their services -- I personally won't seek to profit but will be actively involved in the group -- but it will definitely be cheaper than Weight Watchers, a co-pay to the nutrionist, a gym membership and a weekly yoga class!

Can you guys spread the word for me, if you know anyone who is looking for a group like this? Surely there must be a handful of us out there in Central MA :-) I will be putting flyers up soon -- I welcome any and all suggestions for where to place them.

Best,
mandy

2008-02-02T05:10:00.001-08:00

The Valentine baking workshop was held yesterday depsite an ice storm -- we stayed warm and cozy in the kitchen...making this:

I really enjoy the baking workshops and plan to offer an extra series before winter ends!!! Stay tuned for more info :-)

2008-01-27T04:58:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I am starting to crave the springtime...so I have come up with a few extra workshops and activities to get us through the winter! So now, Yoga Seedlings is offering Baking Workshops and a special Weekend Valentine Card Workshop!

We had our first baking workshop on Friday -- there were 7 girls and I taught them how to make delicious Challah Bread. While the bread was rising, they made laminated cookbooks with the recipe on it, but I will be positing it here soon in case any of you all would like it.

I didn't get any pictures of us eating (devouring) the bread after it came out of the oven...it went straight into our hungry mouths...no time for a photo. So sorry ;-)

But here are the girls baking away:

And my youngest, Patience, simply had to get in on the action:

Stay tuned for an announcement about upcoming baking workshops -- next week we are making Valentine dipped candies and individual heart-shaped Valentine cakes. Any suggestions beyond that?

:-)

2007-12-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Check out the upcoming classes to begin the week of January 21... ---> Please share this info with your friends!
Aslo...please note that SchoolAge Yoga has been moved to FRIDAYS! I hope this makes the class more accessible!

2007-12-15T06:09:00.000-08:00

Finally! I had a second to get some photos from yoga class today -- the theme today was partner poses...

Double Dog:

Yoga Pretzels:

Two Boats:

And a row of beautiful bridges:

Lastly -- i don't want to give away the secrets of what we made for the mamas for Christmas ... but is there anything better in this world than kids digging their hands into bowls full of herbs and essential oils?

2007-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Our first Schoolage Yoga and Art class was unbelievable! We all had such fun -- maybe me most of all ;-)

I didn't get any pix from yoga class (for obvious reasons -- it is very hard to do yoga and take pictures at the same time) but I did snap a shot of the kids having pizza and coloring mandalas after yoga class:

Then we got right to it -- I brought the 9 kids into the artroom and set them loose on paints, sequins, glue, pompoms, pipe cleaners, wood shapes, beads, etc. and watched them do what kids do best -- CREATE!

The finished creations -- ready to be wrapped up at next week's class and placed under their Chrsitmas trees at home!

:-)

2007-11-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

My two older girls (Ruby, 6 and Sage, 4) came with me today to my favorite yoga spot in Worcester, Mass....FlowForms Yoga!!!

We took a Family Yoga class together with a dozen other families...mamas, papas, aunties, siblings...it was quite the energetic bunch and I am so grateful to Jen Faldetta for teaching me some new tricks and for helping me bond with my daughters on a chilly but sunny November afternoon overlooking Lake Quinsigamond...Certainly something to be grateful for as we kick off Thanksgiving week :-)

2007-11-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

2007-11-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

let the shopping begin...

I picked up some craft supplies today for my upcoming crafting class and it is going to be super fun. Forget about all these ready-to-go craft kits where it is spelled out for you with written instructions detailing exactly how to make the perfect finished product...in MY craft class, the kids will have access to raw materials and they will be given a couple ideas of how to create an ornament or a keychain or whatever we are making that week, but then it is a STAND BACK AND WATCH kind of environment where the kids can trust their inner artist!!!

I believe it was Picasso who said that every child is an artist -- and the problem is how to reamin an artist when they grow up. So true :-)

So here we go -- with paints, sequins, ribbons, glue, glitter and feathers. Let's see what we can make :-)

Looking for Space in downtown Leominster!

2007-11-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

Hi yoga mamas and papas!
I am currently hunting for a small space in the greater Leominster area for upcoming yoga classes, open to the community :-) Churches, schools...I am searching high and low...so if you know of any possibilities, let's chat!

I am secretly hoping that this trend toward not having enough space continues and I can enjoy these growing pains!!! It means there are lots of happy little yogis running around town, and I think we can all agree that is a wonderful thing ;-)