The 413 Mom

My Little Pony: The MOVIE coming October 6! Enter to win! #mylittlepony #giveaway #hasbro

Have you ever wondered about the creative force behind the mega popular franchise of My Little Pony? This iconic brand has been a part of pop culture for over 30 years and has recently experienced a resurgence through its Friendship is Magic storyline. Since its inception in 1981, these rainbow ponies have encouraged creative play through toys, books, television series and movies. AND the ponies will once again hit the big screen on October 6 with the premier of My Little Pony: The Movie. (Can. Not Wait.)

Although I had a few beloved ponies during my 80s childhood, My Little Pony took over my home in 2009 when Eden received her first Pinkie Pie as a birthday gift. It was love at first site and we have been mega fans ever since. My home is covered with MLP toys, books, and comics. Eden has drawn countless MLP sketches of her own and created some of her own storylines. Which is why were were overjoyed to be invited to the recent HASCON 2017 Hasbro fan event in Providence where we got to meet the writers, voice talent, illustrators, and brand manager for the franchise. 

In the photo above we met Meghan McCarthy who's official title is Head of Storytelling for Hasbro (how cool is that?!). She is a writer and producer for the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic animated series and the writer for the upcoming My Little Pony: The Movie.

I had to ask McCarthy how she got to be head of storytelling (since that's pretty much Eden's dream job) and she said as a child she was always, always, reading. And all the reading sparked her interest in writing which led to her career in writing for TV. 

We also asked McCarthy about the universal appeal of the MLP cartoons. The show is translated into over 45 languages around the world. (In Pinkie Pie speak, 'Betcha Didn't Know THAT!') If you've ever been to a PonyCon, you'd see that there are usually more adults in attendance than children. And that male fans are known as Bronys. This is not a character set that only appeals to little girls. 

"The problems you have at 11 years old are the same problems you have at 20 or 30 or 40," McCarthy said. "The problems don't change so at a basic level the show appeals to fans of all ages." The writers manage to keep the show age appropriate for the elementary school set, while throwing in pop culture references for those of us who don't necessarily eat PB&J for lunch daily. (Well, OK, I do that anyway...but have you even seen the bowling episode with a nod to The Big Lebowski?)

We also met with Tyla Bucher (shown below) who is Vice President of Global Brand Strategy & Marketing for My Little Pony. Her dream job is to oversee all of the super cool MLP merch we find in stores. It was fascinating to hear her talk about the 35-year history of the franchise and how Hasbro manages to keep reinventing the brand to keep it current. 

There was one burning question I HAD to ask Bucher....how do the ponies get their names and cutie marks? (You know you've always wondered too). She said they often sit around a table and toss around ideas based on what the pony looks like and it's characteristics.

"Sometimes it's easy and a name just sticks -- like 'Big Mac' -- he's part of the Apple family and he's a workhorse," she said. "Other times we can be more creative." I was a little disappointed that there isn't a huge MLP Bingo cage somewhere in Hasbro's HQ full of bingo balls with words like "sparkle," "dazzle," "fuchsia," and "genius," that her team pulls from to make name combinations...but I guess their approach makes sense. 

We even got to meet Mary Jane Begin, (shown below) who hardcore fans will recognize as the author and illustrator of the MLP books "My Little Pony Under the Sparkling Sea," and "The Dragons on Dazzle Island." She is actually a New England girl herself (Rhode Island) and teaches at RISD. 

AND....(drumroll please) if you've ever wondered what Pinkie Pie or Spike look like in real life? Or, I should say...the voice actors behind these characters, look no further. The pic below shows (from left) McCarthy, Andrea Libman (who voices Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy); Cathy Weseluck (Spike the Dragon); and Rebecca Shoicet (Sunset Shimmer). It was really interesting to learn how these women are all trained actors who use their voices to make the characters come alive. I'm embarrassed to say I've never really thought about the vocal talent behind the animation before but I'll never watch a cartoon the same way again.

HASCON was an unforgettable experience. We were able to geek out over MLP like never before. And my girl received so, so much encouragement for her own creative endeavors from all of these amazing women. I couldn't have asked for a better example to show her of a team of kick ass, creative women who make their living collaborating on a project that brings joy to people all over the world.

In honor of our love for all things ponified and our excitement for the upcoming movie we're giving away a Hascon exclusive My Little Pony Mystery Box and a collection of movie posters. All you have to do to be entered to win is comment below with the name of your favorite My Little Pony character. (One winner will be chosen at random from all entries on Thursday, September 28 at 10 p.m. ARV of prize $30). Good luck to all who enter!

 

Upcycle ideas for those over-loved children's books as seen on Better Western Mass

In honor of Earth Day I shared a few tips for upcycling damaged kids books on today's Better Western Mass show on Western Mass News. If you've got a stack of over-loved books on your shelf, check out the clip here! #raisingreaders #sneakylearning

How do you geek out with your kids? #hogwartsforever

Photo by Live, Laugh, Photograph Studios

What do you have in common with your kids? Not genetically -- you just have to take one look at Eden to know she's my twin -- but in a shared interest kind of way. As my girls get older and develop their own unique interests and passions, I'm so grateful that I'm still just a big kid myself and we can bond over a shared interest in Harry Potter or My Little Pony. 

We're a cosplay-wearing, comic-con-attending, collect-the-whole-book-series total fandom kind of family. A friend was over recently and he commented that "we were all nerds in high school." Let me tell you -- we are nerds for life. And I'm so grateful. Because by having these common interests our family is strong. We can discuss the plot lines of Harry Potter, Star Wars, or My Little Pony over the dinner table like some folks may discuss the election. And these plot line discussions always lead to "real life" discussions. Oh, the life lessons we've gained from Harry Potter!

Harry Potter has helped us rationalize the behavior the the not-so-nice kids at school. Star Wars helps us understand how important it is to always be kind and not let the Dark Side take over. We are often exchanging the characters from My Little Pony for characters in the news and trying to find some comedy in the seriousness of life. 

And it's so intriguing to me to reread the Harry Potter books through my now maternal eyes. Entire chapters that I glazed over when I first read the books as a young adult have such meaning to me now. I couldn't even read this passage from page 667 of "The Goblet of Fire" out loud, Eden had to take over. I couldn't see the words through the tears as this exchange had new meaning to me as a mom. This passage when Harry's parents come back from the dead to help him defeat Voldemort:

 And now another head was emerging from the tip of Voldemort's wand...and Harry knew when he saw it who it would be...he knew, as though he had expected it from the moment when Cedric had appeared from the wand...knew, because the woman was the one he'd thought of more than any other tonight...

The smoky shadow of a young woman with long hair fell to the ground as Bertha had done, straightened up, and looked at him...and Harry, his arms shaking madly now, looked back into the ghostly face of his mother.

"Your father's coming..." she said quietly. "Hold on for your father...it will be all right...hold on..."

And he came...first his head, then his body...tall and untidy-haired like Harry, the smoky, shadowy form of James Potter blossomed from the end of Voldemort's wand, fell to the ground, and straightened like his wife. He walked close to Harry, looking down at him, and he spoke in the same distant, echoing voice as the others, but quietly, so that Voldemort, his face now livid with fear as his victims prowled around him, could not hear...

"When the connection is broken, we will linger for only moments...but we will give you time...you must get to the Portkey, it will return you to Hogwarts...do you understand, Harry?"

"Yes," Harry gasped, fighting now to keep a hold on his wand, which was slipping and sliding beneath his fingers.

"Harry..." whispered the figure of Cedric, "take my body back, will you? Take my body back to my parents..."

"I will," said Harry, his face screwed up with the effort of holding the wand.

"Do it now," whispered his father's voice, "be ready to run...do it now..."

The idea that Harry's mom shows up when he desperately needs her. How she tells him to hold on for his father. That even though Harry's parents were killed by Voldemort when he was a baby, they never really left him. They have always been there waiting to help when needed. The idea that Cedric, who had also been murdered by Voldemort, wanted Harry to bring him back to his parents. 

Family. Family is everything. Even in a wizard-filled world where ghostly apparitions can emerge from a villain's wand and help save you. Or in a sci-fi world where Hans Solo caresses his son's cheek even though he is the baddest bad guy in the galaxy. That love triumphs evil. That family is always there for you even in the bad times. That we're always connected no matter what. And that is a message I will share with my girls every chance I get. 

 

Gotta Visit: The Mount with Remix: A New Sculpture Exhibit (Lenox)

You wouldn't think the historic mansion of a 20th-century novelist to be a family friendly place to visit. However after one trip to The Mount in Lenox, you'd be corrected. 

The Mount, located at 2 Plunkett Street in Lenox was the country home of Edith Wharton -- one of the most prolific women writers of the 20th century (we're talking over 40 books in 40 years here, folks). Some of her more popular works include, "The House of Mirth,"  "Ethan Frome," and "Age of Innocence," for which she won the Pulitzer Prize. It is fitting that her estate is one of the few National Historic Landmarks dedicated to women (only five percent of the designated landmarks are). 

While exploring the extensive gardens you are sure to stumble upon local artists refining their craft with the beautiful landscape. We had a great time watching and engaging with the painters and sketch artists scattered around the property. Eden can't wait to return with her own brushes and canvas to make a painting of her own. (If you have a little artist in your home maybe bring some supplies with you as a surprise. I think they would love to create there as well). Make sure you have plenty of storage on your phone because you will get some of the best natural photos of your kids in this setting.

There are lots of wooded paths to be explored, hills to run down, and grassy slopes to lie back on. Also be sure to visit the pet cemetery. Edith Wharton was ahead of her time in her adoration of her dogs. She makes PetSmart look like small potatoes. The grounds are stroller friendly and comprise about 50 acres so you definitely want to bring a carriage or carrier if your little one is not a distance walker. 

Of course, you can also tour the interior of her beautiful home which is surprisingly family friendly. The kids can learn a lot about history, literature, and architecture. You can indulge your "Downton Abbey" fascination in seeing how the upstairs/downstairs lived right here in our own Berkshires. It is not too fussy and you can go at your own pace with a self-guided tour. 

Now through October 31 is an especially great time to visit with kids as the Remix: A New Sculpture Exhibit is taking place on the grounds. As soon as you exit the parking lot on foot to begin your explore of the property, you will notice some of the 28 sculptures on display. The sculptures are made from metal, fiber, concrete, wood, plastic and reclaimed materials. Some of the installations are bold and obvious and others are hidden more discretely among the woods giving kids a chance to find them like a giant game of hike and seek.

We had a wonderful time exploring each one and discussing what we thought it represented. The ideas were endless as we discussed the different creations and what they meant to us. This is truly a contemporary art exhibit that the kids will love.  

Admission to The Mount is $18/adult and FREE for children under age 18 -- making it a bargain if you visit with your kids. Also, the admission is good for seven days -- so you can return within the week for FREE. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful grounds while having lunch. Don't forget your camera for some winning photos.The Mount is open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

 

Summer Bucket Lists Recap Page

You can now find all of The413Mom's Summer Lists on one convenient page at The413Mom.com.

Including: 

Summer List 1: Hiking

Summer List 2: Spray Parks

Summer List 3: FREE and Low Cost Kids' Movie Schedules

Summer List 4: Summer Reading Incentive Programs

Summer List 5: FREE Bowling & Roller Skating

Summer List 6: FREE and Low Cost Arts & Crafts Programs

Summer List 7: Pick Your Own Farms

Summer List 8: Playgrounds with Shade

Summer List 9: Children's Theater (Live Performance)

Summer List 10: FREE Swim lessons and Pool Time

Bookmark the page and check back often when you need some inspiration for FREE or low-cost summer fun.

Happy Summer! 

TD Bank Summer Reading Program is Underway (Kids Receive $10!)

The TD Bank summer reading program is underway! Kids in grades kindergarten through fifth grade can participate by reading 10 books and filling out a reading log. A completed log may be redeemed at any TD Bank branch for $10 deposited into a new or existing Simple Saving account. What a great incentive to get kids reading this summer and to teach them about finances. Program runs through August 31, 2016.

You can find a list of local branches here. 

Barnes & Noble FREE Summer Reading Program is underway *Earn a FREE book*

The FREE Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Triathalon Summer Reading Program for 2016 is underway. All you have to do is print this reading log, have your child answer the questions, and they can redeem the questionnaire for one FREE book from the summer reading selection. The program is all new for this year -- instead of reading a list of books and writing the title and author of each; children need to answer a few questions about their reading habits. How easy is that? Program runs May 17-Sept 6 and all Barnes & Noble store locations are participating. 

The free books are bracketed for grades 1-6, but any age can participate in the program. You can also download this teaching guide with activity sheets to further combat summer brain drain. 

Happy Reading!

 

413Mom of the Week

I'm happy to introduce our 413Mom of the Week: Melissa from Springfield!  These posts highlight local moms (dads are welcome too) who are willing to share their secrets to the best local hiking spot, tips to reduce the grocery bill, and how they get it all done! A great spot for us to learn from each other.

I would love to showcase you (self promotion is encouraged -- we want to hear about your mom-owned business, civic group, or volunteer opportunity)! If you are interested in being featured as a 413Mom (or Dad) of the week, please contact me at [email protected]

 

Name: Melissa Danehey              

City: Springfield

Occupation: Director of Young Families Ministries at St. Andrew’s Church Longmeadow

Spouse: James Danehey

Kids Stats: Jessica age 8 and Juliet age 6

Pets: Fenway (Dog), Annabell (Dog), Coco (Cat), Tommy (Cat), Gerry (Cat), Paul Boo (Cat)

Do you belong to any civic groups: Coach with Girls on the Run at Sabis International Charter School (Springfield)

Hobbies: Walking, hiking, hanging at the beach, baking, being with my kids

How long have you lived in the 413: All my life   

Favorite Park/Playground: Forest Park , 200 Trafton Road, Springfield

Favorite Hiking Spot: Bash Bish Falls State Park, 143 East St., Mt. Washington, MA

Favorite Library: East Longmeadow Public Library, 60 Center Square #2, East Longmeadow

Favorite New England Beach: East Beach at Rocky Neck State Park, 244 West Main St., Niantic, CT

Favorite family restaurant: Friendly’s Restaurant

 Best place to save on groceries: Arnolds Meats (307 Grattan St., Chicopee or 359 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow) and Aldi’s

Best place to save on kids’ clothes: Once Upon a Child (1458 Riverdale St., West Springfield) and Savers (135 Memorial Ave., West Springfield or 1277 Liberty St., Springfield)

One tip to save on pet care: Feed them good food

One simple Green tip: Turn lights off when not using

Your favorite Mom treat: CHOCOLATE

What is your go-to weeknight family meal that everyone will actually eat: Spaghetti

What else would you like to share with readers of The413Mom: I LOVE working with children. I have completed the DCF MAPP training and our family will soon foster children as well.  All children are born beautiful and wonderful.  It is the unfortunate events that happen in their lives that may make them behave a certain way. We can learn from them and help them get through the bad times to remember the good times!

She knows Edith Wharton!

So, you know by now I like to drag my girls all over. That I've never met a museum I didn't like. Well this weekend finds us in Washington D.C. We started our trip at the amazing National Portrait Gallery. Eden scoots into a small gallery and after a few minutes bustles back out and says all excited," Mom! You know when we go to The Mount? And we learn about that lady who wrote all those books?" And I ask, "Edith Wharton?" And she shouts, "Yes! She's in here!" Sure enough, in the little gallery is a beautiful portrait of Edith Wharton as a young girl. 

So the eight-hour drive is already worth it. Because she gets it. And she is absorbing it all. And I'm one proud Mama. 

"Like" this post if you LOVE your Public Library!

Eden kissing Daisy the Reading Pig at the Agawam Public Library earlier this summer.  Love how Faith is so very skeptical of this whole operation!

Just want to give a shout out to all the wonderful public libraries in the 413 and beyond, and especially the staff at the Agawam Children's Library (you ladies rock the party). What an amazing summer the children's library has provided us. We got to meet many animals and even kiss a pig! We enjoyed so many wonderful crafts and drawing classes. We heard many great books at story time and enjoyed the scavenger hunts and guessing games each week. We even got to plant two sets of green bean seeds which are proudly flourishing in our backyard garden. 

I can't forget all the wonderful field trips we take for free using the library museum pass program. And, oh yeah...the books! If I had to buy all the books my girls go through, I'd be bankrupt. Thank goodness we can head to the library each week and get a new batch. 

So, THANK YOU, to the staffs at our public libraries for all the enrichment you provide to our lives. We love you all year long, but especially in the summer! Check in with your local library to see what children's programming is offered throughout the year. You can connect with your library here.