Music and Movement: Dance like a leprechaun!

In case you missed this post on How Does She...

I am sharing this again... because it is....ST. PATRICKS DAY.

 

They sit. They sit in the car. They sit at school.  They sit in front of the computer. They sit in front of the TV. They sit and play video games. They sit and play on their smart phones or tablets. They sit. Has it occurred to anyone that our kids are not moving as much as we did as when we were kids? is anyone else concerned? 

 

Studies show that kids who have more opportunity to move will be more likely to become confident movers and have more physical ability and coordination. Therefore, these kids will be more likely to enjoy moving later on in their life and have a healthier life because of it.

 

It is up for us as parents to get our kids moving! One thing we do a lot in our house is DANCING!! In celebration again of St. Patricks Day...I bring back this video with Bee's music for you to play and dance along with your kids!! You are their best example!! Plus it is fun!

Happy Monday! Enjoy.





besitos, xo

Turkey Dance

While you are waiting for your turkey- dance to the Turkey Dance Song by Bianca Merkley!

beistos, xo

One day...

Since Flash Back Friday was interrupted due to my excitement for Mister being on Shark Tank…(which was awesome by the way...I'm so proud of him- go here to watch if you missed it- they are the last to pitch) I thought I would share some photos I came across from my birthday celebration in New York last summer- they made me smile. Mostly, because of the memory of this day- it was a perfect day that I have yet to write about but will soon... photos are not super great but snapping and riding was tricky- especially as we passed the camera around... but I treasure the memory.

 I love my sisters. 

Through my parents divorced- we clung together for support. They were all I had of the family I once knew. It was so nice to have someone that understood what it was like... someone to cry with... someone to hash out all the disappointments and frustrations with over and over and over again. We had no choice but to rewrite the story of our family and recreate a new family unit of our own. 

I have had these two girls on my mind the past few days. This last week Bee and my brother-in- law Joe came out to visit for Little Man's birthday party. The love these two have for my little one is like nothing else. They honestly love him like he is theirs and I love that. Little man loves that. I mean they traveled across the country to celebrate with him, they regularly skype call us, and even send video messages to him... they are amazing. 

Sadly, their trip out here is over... and they are back in the City...sob sob... I have to admit that there is such an emptiness in my heart and in my home when they leave. Is this normal?

 I hate it.

I am not sure if it is pregnancy hormones or what but I cried the entire way home from the airport and pretty much on and off for the entire day. When I was hugging her at the airport I just never wanted to let go...I just hate that we live across the country from one another. Why does all my immediate family have to live so far away?

{Mandy...I mean Sister Van Leeuwen- currently serving a mission in Puerto Rico}

{Bianca or Bee as we like to call her}

Dear Bee-

What would I do without you in my life?  Who would I call when I had an idea or needed some clarity in my life. You always listen and have great insight...such a wise soul you always have been. It's no wonder everyone always mistook you for the oldest... you were/are so much wiser than me! ;) 

I just loved having you out here this past week and cherish each moment we had... why did it go by so fast?? I hate when it’s time to say goodbye…especially when we aren't sure when the next trip to see one another is going to be.

Oh how I long for a day (even if in my dreams) that we lived in the same town... maybe on the same street. We could plan trips to the art museum, zoo, and the park with our little ones while we talked about life long goals and dreams. We could open up our Music and Art center for kids... We could have sleepovers and watch chick flicks while our husbands were out of town and our kids were fast asleep.

 We could go camping and hiking on the weekends or spend our lazy summers outside with our families. 

Our kids would be best friends... make lemonade stands together and have secret club hideouts. 

We could raise money together and travel to third world countries and get involved in service projects...okay that one we could do even if you lived somewhere else...but still.

Can we live in the same town one day??

You are always so inspiring to me

and 

I love you.

xo

besitos

P.S. Write me back okay.

Additional Printable for Download Codes

Additional Printable!

Download PDF here or

 Download jpg here

Bianca's  Says Thank you: 

"Ok, first of all...I've just got to say THANK YOU so much for downloading this song, sharing it with others, and for the kind comments and emails! My heart is so full. Thank you so much. "

As for the download codes...here's how you can get them.

1. Download and print this printable tag. Download PDF here or Download jpg here
2. Then be sure to download the song here. When you do so, there will be a section where you can send me a comment. If you want download codes (perhaps to give away as gifts), just send Bianca a comment on this post and she will respond to you with the download codes.
3. Or, you may also email her at biancamerkleymusic@gmail.com and she will reply to your email with download codes.
4. If you would like multiple download codes (perhaps to give away to your neighbors with some hot cocoa), then I would suggest (although you don't have to) that you put an extra dollar or more in the "Name Your Price" box (for example, if you want 10 download codes, then $10 would be appreciated). 
5. Lastly, once you receive your codes and have printed out your printable, then you may write the download codes in the blank on the bottom of the cards where it says, "Download Code."
6. If you'd like some super cute ideas as to how this download card thing can work as a gift, then go check it out my post on "How Does She." 

Now keep spreading the word! 

Pin it, FB it, email it, text it, tweet it, blog it, tell everyone you know about this fundraiser! 

Besitos

Xo,

Fundraising through music for Hurricane Sandy

As you may have seen on this post of How Does She- I am putting a little fundraiser together with my sister Bianca, a singer songwriter living in New York. She has been sharing with me the continual burdens that many families are still enduring this winter due to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Volunteering to clean out homes this past week, she was stunned at the devastation and destruction of many homes and neighborhoods who are still in shambles and some still without power! 

Bianca along with several other musicians have volunteered their time and talent and recorded a Christmas track for you to download for $1!  

And guess what? 

100% of the funds will go to families in need who were affected by hurricane Sandy! 

Now, grab a warm mug of hot chocolate and sit back and take a listen.

Didn't you love it? It can be all yours- just download it here and don't forget to spread the word and share this link with others! 

Bonus: If you are one of the first 200 downloads than you qualify for a FREE download code to give to a neighbor or friend! After you have downloaded the code email Bianca at biancamerkleymusic@gmail.com and she will get you the code! 

Bianca in her blog writes: 

“When we first drove into these devastated neighborhoods and communities, I wanted to burst into tears. While the storm happened weeks ago and hardly affected me personally at all, it was hard to believe that not too far distant there were people who had lost nearly everything and who were still struggling to get their lives back together! I almost felt like I was in another country. I went back again on Friday (just a few days ago), and the roads were still covered in dirt and filled with piles of garbage, thrown out sofas, and broken up dry wall. The stench inside the home we went in was too much to bare- I couldn't have done it with out my mask. Most homes were flooded up to 4 feet of water, and as a result, there was now mold growing everywhere, nestled into every nook and cranny. The woman we helped on Friday said that she was sleeping temporarily on a plastic garbage bag on top of her soaking wet sofa. Not only does this sound miserable to sleep on a wet sofa, but her power didn't get turned back on until just a few days ago. Many still don't have hot water either! The thought of taking a cold shower in the winter is chilling. During our time working with "Mormon Helping Hands," we worked on taking out the walls and insulation leaving the homes with less mold but more vulnerable to the cold. Although I was able to return home to my warm and well lit apartment, the images of these homes were haunting, and I decided I wanted to try to do something more to help."

There are still so many families in need this holiday season. Want to see what I am talking about- watch this:

To find out more on the stories and the follow up of the families that were touched this holiday season you can follow Bianca Merkley's quest to spread a little cheer this holiday season with her music on her blog right here or check back here as I will be giving you more updates!

Besitos, 

xo

Hot Chocolate + Christmas Music = Heaven

I'm over at here at How Does She  today sharing a tutorial on how to make these lovelies!

But you will need the printable... so I am happy to share this for Weeds to Wishes readers! To become one simply click here and join this group! 

Download JPG version here.
Download PDF version here.


So I thought I share how I did the chocolate spoons. I found these spoons at Zurchers and were from an etsy shop called Sucre Shop.


I grabbed some of the Hot chocolate toppings I used to make the hot chocolate jars.


...and then dipped in the warm chocolate melts and let cool for like 20 seconds before dipping them in the topping. I experimented to see what I liked the best.

I also decided that I should put them in small bags to give with my gift- just to keep them clean!

Stay tuned to find out about the Christmas Download that Bianca Merkley just came out with to help the Hurricane Sandy victims!

besitos, xo

under construction.

This blog is currently under construction.  So, if you push something that leads you to nothing... just wait- I'm working on it... Be ready for some amazing changes.

While you wait- Watch this amazing video with My sister's song "Grateful."

besitos, 

xo

Turkey Dance- just in case you missed this lovely.

Bianca Merkley and The Sea Shell Song

Happy Music Monday everyone...

Just in case you missed it. I was over here last week sharing Bee's latest children's song "Shake Your Sea Shells." But don't forget to make a seashell shaker to go along to the music! 

Check it out here for more photos and info.

 Sea shell shakers: All you need is a glass or plastic bottle (depending on age of child) and then add some sand and seashells- and there you go- a seashell shaker!!

Enjoy a little bit of beach fun without having to leave your home!

besitos, xo

Easter Eggs into Shaker Eggs.

In case you missed it... this week over at How Does She I talk about how to transform old easter eggs into musical shaker eggs...

Check out the DIY here.

and we have Bee sing us a lovely song! 

Happy Easter!!

besitos xoxo.

Friendship coaching

7 DAYS and counting for Valentines Day!!! YAY! I love Valentine's Day!

 But don't forget your little valentines this year! I'll be posting 7 gifts you can give your children this year to celebrate the week of Valentine!

As for today, I am over here at How Does She talking about how to be a "friendship coach" with our children and the benefits of positive social peer interaction. It is something that can often go overlooked.

Although, I think every child may need a little "friendship coaching" here and there-
 Here are some signs that they may benefit from additional help:

-Lacks at least one or two close mutual friends of his or her same age

-Invades personal space of others

-Has an abnormally loud or soft voice when speaking to others

-Seems ignored or victimized by peers

-Has trouble winning or loosing gracefully

-Doesn’t show empathy when others are hurt or rejected

-Acts bossy or insists on having everything their way

-Constantly tease other children

-Doesn’t attend to facial expressions or nonverbal cues

-Doesn’t make eye contact when speaking or listening to others

Check out some pointers here  on three ways to coach your little ones some social skills. Don't hesitate to seek out additional professional help!

 Also BONUS...We are also making these "friendship bracelets" and singing and dancing along to Bee's Friendship Song!! Did you know that she just started her blog?? This week she is counting down to Valentine's with her thoughts about love and music. Go check her out!

www.biancamerkley.blogspot.com

besitos,

We Wish You a Merry Christmas...

  Bee shows us how to increase social skills while singing along to a Christmas tune.

My gift to you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

besitos

Feliz Navidad!

Get out your shakers and dance along! 

Here is Music Monday (delayed) 

Thanks Bee!

besitos,

Music Monday: The Holidays are Here!

I love this time of year. I know, I know...I say that about every seasonal change, but there's just something different about the Holidays.  Seriously, don't you think?

Well Bianca's Music Monday song is all about getting us excited and ready for the holidays! Go buy your jingle bells because we'll be doing more jingly songs in the weeks to come. Happy Monday everyone! And most of all...Happy Holiday!

Besitos,

Music Monday- Kernel song

Today I am grateful for my sister Bee and her music. Little man could watch her sing for hours.

Happy Music Monday.

I found these at Hobby Lobby for less than $1 each....

besitos,

More on Apples with Bianca Merkley...

I got word that Bianca Merkley had a fabulous cd release concert this past Friday!

And she is back again for Music Monday.

Get out those apples and drums and play along!

Thanks B!

Besitos!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner...

So wanna know who won Bianca's album? 

EVERYONE who entered....yes, you read right.

 I want to show my gratitude for those who took the time to write a comment and share with me your insights. I always look forward to reading them...so, this is my gift to you from me. 

Now in order to get one- make sure you are a follower of this blog and have liked Bianca's Music FB....then email me your address (cristidame@gmail.com)  and we will pop one in the mail for you! 

It's on me!

besitos, 

P.S. I am really feeling sad that I am going to miss my sister's album release show tomorrow on 11/11/11 in New York. I have been in denial about it- but it is here now. 

Good luck little sister. I am thinking of you all day.

Please Stay with Me...

Okay so I finally got to finishing this post today... While you listen to this song I want you to imagine this scenario:

My sister,  Little Man, and me driving on the highway from Boise to Salt Lake...anyone who is has driven that stretch knows there is NOTHING but fields and nothingness.

The wind was blowing like 75 miles per hour and blowing our car all around the road.
I looked at Bianca and she looked at me when we suddenly pulled over to the side of the road,  hopped out, and let our kite shoot high into the sky as as we frolicked around the field.
The wind was blowing so hard that the kite kept ripping out of our hands and we chased it around giggling so hard that tears came running down our faces!
 It was FREEZING!!

I so wish I had it on video...you had to be there. ;)

Anyhow- back to the song...the song that the album cover was inspired from.


enjoy.



 Please Stay with Me by Bianca Merkley

Also, don't forget to go over and get in on the GIVEAWAY OF BIANCA'S NEW ALBUM  HERE.

Besitos, 

Freebie Friday: Bianca Merkley's new album-CLOSED

Hello there...sorry this is a tad late today...but it's time for another Friday Freebie... and today you are in for an amazing treat...not only do you get to listen to Bianca Merkley's song "Time" right now... but you can also enter to win a signed copy of her NEW ALBUM "A Part of Me!!"
No one but Bianca herself has a hold of this album...not even me!

This song "Time" was written by Bianca and inspired by her childhood need to want to grow up quickly. Realizing the wasted energy she spent on always wanting to be something or somewhere else, she decided to "live more in the moment" and appreciate every stage of life." Bianca describes this song as "advice to herself"...take a listen for yourself.

Time Rolls on By by Bianca Merkley

What do you think?

So, what do you have to do to possibly get one of these babies?

#1 Be a follower of Weeds to Wishes here. 

#2 head to Bianca's Facebook page and "like" her page here

#3 Leave a comment telling me if you could pause life for one moment in time...what would you be doing?

 For every 10 entries- I plan on giving one of her albums...so if there are 20 who enter...I will give out 2...30 comments- give out 3 and so on.

Be the first to get this album!

Besitos, 

A New Day by Bianca Merkley

Well, hello there! Happy Halloween...Okay I have to confess that today's Music Monday is not really Halloween related at all...BUT if you would like to hear something Halloween in addition to today's post go here.

Today, I am stoked to introduce you to something really quite special and dear to me...

one of my sister Bianca Merkley's songs on her NEW ALBUM!!

It hasn't even come out yet...so you are one of the FIRST to have a listen...and let me tell you... you are gonna LOVE it!

I chose to have you listen to "A new day" because I thought it was fitting for a Monday... plus it is the first track on the new album. She wrote it last winter to help her get through some of those painfully cold NY Winter days. And let me tell you- we were there last Christmas....and it was sooooo COLD and I am from Salt Lake and know what cold is...but this was frigid cold.

In this song she sings, "I can choose to put grey colored glasses on to keep the sun from shining down...or I could choose to put rose colored glasses on, to help me see the flowers, they're coming up...and they're telling me...that today is mine..."

I thought it goes a long nicely with the theme of this blog...

Do you choose to see a Weed or a Wish?

Have a listen:

A New Day by Bianca Merkley

I told you she is awesome.

When can you get your hands on this goodness?

You are in for a treat...because this FRIDAY'S FREEBIE will be a signed copy of Bianca's NEW ALBUM!!!

So, come back to see me real soon and find out details on Friday!

Her album "Pieces of Me" is available on 11/11/11 which is also the day where Bianca and Mindy Gledhill will be doing their cd release concerts in New York.

I really really really wanted to be there...but it doesn't look like it's going to work out after all... So, if you are in the New York area...YOU HAVE TO BE THERE FOR ME! Paleeeeze?

Bianca's Photos were  taken by Cristi Dame

besitos,