Ellis Paul – Live in Charlottesville

Please welcome critically-acclaimed folk musician Ellis Paul to Traveling with Baby.  You may have heard him on the soundtrack of Me, Myself, and Irene with Jim Carrey or perhaps, Shallow Hal with Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow.  This American songwriting icon has recently released his first (of many) children’s album titled The Dragonfly Races.  It’s story-telling folksy tunes targeted for young audiences, but definitely enjoyed by the whole family.

I am so excited about this interview exclusive.  I pondered Ellis’ answers for several days afterward, and they’ve given me a fresh perspective in choosing great children’s music for my son.

The Dragonfly Races national tour kicked off in Roanoke, Virginia in early April.  On May 13th, Charlottesville’s Explorations Play Studio will showcase Ellis in two family shows at 10 AM and 3:30 PM.  Tickets are $5 per person, and they’re in limited supply.  Please, call in advance to reserve yours! Call434-227-0258.

Venue: Explorations Play Studio, 1919 Commonwealth Dr, Charlottsville, VA 22901

Interested in learning the inspiration behind the album?

Do you want to know the difference in writing music for children versus adults?

How do you get a famous songwriter to pen a heroic tale named after your child?

Better yet, what’s one of the best ways to create a love of music among children?

We tackle those questions and more in an interview exclusive with Charlottesville’s own Ellis Paul.

So, grab a steaming cup of your favorite beverage, and get ready to enjoy learning more about the artist behind the album.  If you pay particular attention, you might even win a copy of the album or win tickets to the Charlottesville family shows.

Blogaversary Bash

It’s been 2 years since Traveling with Baby first began with posts on pregnancy, home birth, travel, natural parenting, health and nutrition, and, of course, product review and giveaways.

How convenient that our Blogaversary happens to fall on the same month as Mother’s Day.  This a mom’s blog, after all.

For those of your who’ve remained loyal readers and who actively comment, THANK YOU!  To those of you who’ve discovered this blog more recently, Welcome! I hope you enjoy the community at Traveling with Baby.

Launching mid-month is a new weekly series on Traveling with Baby called Health Happy Round-Up which will feature information on nutrition (yummy and nutritious recipes), natural remedies for common health conditions experienced by all ages, and information on the latest health research related to chiropractic and alternative health options.  Occasionally, you may even find information on my area of practice expertise: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.  Stay tuned for more starting Friday, May 15th.

In honor of our Blogaversary Bash, several nifty sponsors have stepped up with some very groovy finds that are simply perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day.  Check back daily in May for fabulous giveaways on Traveling with Baby.

Blogaversary Bash Giveaways

• Ellis Paul’s Dragonfly Races audio CDs (U.S. only) AND 2 pairs of concert tickets to family shoes (local readers, only) (retail value $15)
• Keen Newport H2 sandals for Kids (infant, toddler, and youth sizes) (retail value $50)
• Walker Silverworks – Organic O necklace with several silk cords (retail value $39)
• Chip and Pepper jeans – Stella boot cut in Ash Rapids (retail value $203)
• Ivan and Mary – handmade interchangable ribbon headband set (retail value $15)
• Putumayo Kids – 2 European Playground audio CD (retail value $16)
• prAna’s Kate skirt in Agean or Berry (retail value $65)

As the giveaways go live, the links on this post will be active.  Comment on the specific giveaway posts to participate, and also comment here at the Blogaversary Bash post to be eligible for the prizes.

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Mother’s Day

My ideal Mother’s Day would be spent with my two favorite guys.  Phone off and no computer access all day long, but my camera would be by my side!  I’d love to start the day with breakfast in bed.  Something yummy that I don’t have to cook or clean up afterward.

Next, I’d love to do something outdoors whether it’s a hike on a trail with a breathtaking view or a leisure walk in flowering gardens hand-in-hand with my husband and son.

Finally, I’d love to wrap up the day with a savory picnic in a place with panoramic sunset views.  Chocolate-covered strawberries would definitely top my dessert list.

Sure, I’d love material things (I could REALLY use a new pair of those silky soft cotton pajama pants at Target with the cute prints).  But the most important thing to me about Mother’s Day is spending it with the people that make me glad to be a Mom.

Here’s what I want to know from YOU.  Tell me about your ideal Mother’s Day.  How would you like to spend your special day with your family?

–By Dr. Dolly