Where have we been???

Seems to me that all blogs have ebbs and flows and ours has been at an ebb for some time.
(Meaning... it's been way too long since our last post!)
So, here we go with the resurrection of Kaleidoscape Play Studio's blog!

Over the next week, we will announce (an post) from our new guest bloggers and we know you will LOVE them!

Please welcome Jenny Fast as a new bi-weekly GUEST BLOGGER!

You may recognize her wit and voice, as she is the author of The Adventures of Superwife!

Jenny lives in Anchorage with her husband, Adam and their two daughters, Ellie (3) and Jamie (1). When she’s not working, cleaning up juice/water/milk spills, or explaining to her kids that there are more food groups than “fruit snacks”, she chronicles the often-humorous life as a parent of young children on her blog, The Adventures of Superwife. Her website has won the public-chosen “Best Local Blog” award in the Anchorage Press Picks in 2011, 2012 and 2013. “Writing is my passion… my family is my life. When I get to combine the two and write about my kids (or kids/parenting in general), especially in a capacity that helps other parents or makes them laugh about this crazy rollercoaster we’re all on, it just fills my heart. I love Kaleidoscape’s mission to keep kids engaged and creatively encouraged, as I’m continuously looking for ways to keep my own kiddos active and inspired – I love watching how creativity blossoms and grows in a child. I’m so honored to write for KPlay’s site... Cheers to new Adventures!” Jenny can be found at online at www.theadventuresofsuperwife.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/superwifejenny. She can also be reached by email at superwifejenny@gmail.com.

My Current Obsession with Robots

I think I'm going bonkers for 'bots. It started last year about this time when I was asked to make an art piece for Green Star on the Go annual auction and KrE 8; the can-crushing-robot-recycler was born. Since then, I've been contemplating other ways to use robots in my artistic world.

I grew up with the Jestons, R2D2 and Rock'em Sock'em robots. By today's standards, these are quaint ideas of what is truly available with technology. Laughable even - my iPhone is more advanced than all of those archaic robots put together! But the charm of dials, buttons and metal has entranced me.

We added a robot element to the new MechanicKs exhibit at Kaleidoscape on Ocotber 8th. It is complete with buttons to push, lights that flash and 'bots to build... and still, I find myself craving even more.

It's not even what the robot can DO, it's more about the visual appeal. My Pinterest feed is filled with DIY projects of all sorts! With Halloween looming and several places to be in costume, I feel as though I MUST BE A ROBOT! Supplies are compiling, designs coming together.           

 I. will. be. a. mom. bot. 

(Waaaaayy different than a fem-bot for those in the know.) 

     

Play is without age, ability, shade, size, shape or screen.

One of the most heart wrenching things I see is when a parent tells a child, "You can't do that, you are too <insert here> old/young/smart/little/big/slow/fast/green/anything for that." Too old? to play? I say NEVER! At what age does a person become too old to participate in play?
Is it something that we choose to leave behind or does it become stifled? I choose to champion play! Everyone should laugh and be silly and do a maze, to be delighted by the unexpected, to twirl and spin. It is our position that the random collision of these five elements IS play: Creating, Performing & Building, Experiencing & Imagining. When this happens... it is magical.

Play is for All Manifesto
Play is without age, ability, shade, size, shape or screen.

Create without worry of what your final project will be.
Perform... the world IS a stage.
Build and rebuild when your tower topples.
Experience new things; let your senses lead you to playfulness.
Imagine. Oh my stars... imagine a new world, a new way of being.
Embrace your silly side. Release your inner goof-ball.
Do these things in your own way.

Kaleidoscape Play Studio is on a mission to promote play for all!

Ways to Celebrate November 19 - 25th

We love to celebrate life at Kaleidoscape Play Studio and one way we have been doing that is to post the upcoming week's random holidays. In order to truly celebrate them, we feel a little more notice might be needed on your end AND... perhaps some suggestions. We know life if busy with finding mates to socks, figuring out what's for dinner (those kids like to eat every single day!), and just fulfiling your purpose in life - whatever that may be.

So, we've taken next week's list of wacky holidays and searched out fun ways to celebrate them. <3

 

 

Monday

Kick of the week by headed over to any Don Jose's in Alaska for Mustache Monday! If you live in Anchorage, you can meet us at 6pm for dinner and if you wear a mustache... you get 10% off! This applies all day and statewide. Just tell them Kaleidoscape Play Studio sent you!

 

Tuesday the 20thUniversal Children's Day is a real day! Even Wikipedia says so! (giggling) This day is filled with history and meaning, but we feel it's a day to really celebrate and appreciate the kids in your life. You know them best, but these are some sure fire ways to make them feel loved.

 

• Wake them up in a special way today. Confetti and a sign is our suggestion!
• Let them pick the dinner place today. Buck up if it's Chuck E. Cheese, or some equally obnoxious place; it's one day.
• Do something silly just for them... have a nerf gun war, have a dance party, wear mustaches to dinner, paint with your feet, etc.
• Don't underestimate the power of your undivided attention. Children crave attention, so whether you snuggle, read them a book, play a game or just goof off, this is a #1 way to celebrate your kids.

Wednesday the 21st

World Hello Day It’s the perfect excuse to make your office, school or bus journey a little bit friendlier and you can join in simply by greeting ten people. If you wanted to take it a step further, you could make little Hello cards and hand them out or learn to say hello in diferent languages.

 

Thursday the 22ndTwo ways to celebrate in one. It's obviously Thanksgiving, but also Go For a Ride Day! Will you go for a ride to Grandma's for dinner? Ride your bike? Take your dog for a ride? (Ours loves that!) After dinner, celebrate by whizzing by as the wind blows in your hair. Get up, get out and go for a ride!

 

Friday the 23rd

You're Welcome Day! We think it only makes sense to have a You’re Welcome Day after a day of Thanksgiving! You’re welcome is a polite way to respond to thanks and implies that the other person is welcome to request additional favors.  This is a great way to practice manners!

 

 

Saturday the 25th
Yummy... National Parfait Day! Did you know that the word "parfait" means "perfect" in French? It’s no wonder that this dish makes a perfect snack, meal, or dessert! American parfaits are made by layering ice cream or yogurt with granola, nuts, yogurt, fresh fruits, and whip cream. Whip up your own version to celebrate National Parfait Day!