Nature Play with Nora

02/01/2026

Embracing Midwinter.
It’s easy to find the beauty of nature in Summer, Spring, even those quintessential Autumn days. Midwinter is a challenge. When the decorations have been packed away and the holiday buzz subsided, we are left in January with what feels like a long, grey stretch.
But if we push ourselves outside, there is beauty to be found.

I took inspiration from , maker of the beautiful pinecone and citrus wreath in the final slide, and took a walk in the nature preserve on a particularly bleak Wednesday. Armed with my airpods, a great book on audible, secateurs and a sturdy tote bag; I snipped bits of any flash of winter beauty I found to make a wreath of my own.

On the walk, I noticed the wealth of beautiful songbirds that remain all winter. The sat down that weekend to make feeders to help them through the worst of the freeze.

Using silicone donut molds (linked above) we filed them with bird friendly suet, cracked corn & peas. But crisco, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, cranberries and other kitchen items work great!
A bit of water and sometime in the freezer, (or on your back porch in this weather!) and they are ready to be hung!
The beauty of cardinals, robins, blue jays & more filling your yard with song, will help to chase the winter blues away.

Tomorrow we celebrate - the return of the light and the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Check my highlights and story for fun ways to recognize and celebrate this important day in the natural world.

We will gain close to 2 hours of daylight in the short month of February! The wheel of the year turns and each season gives way to the next! Get outside, and find something to love about it!

12/25/2025

:::: Dreaming of a Little Women Christmas ::::

The is as guilty as anyone else in getting caught up in the ; bouncing from social engagements to performances, to commercialized event. The glitter, the lights, all of it. But from December 21st - 31st I really do try and make a conscious effort to slow down & unplug. We start on the solstice with cooking, celebrating the spiral & honoring the light. We try over the next few days to really connect with the slower, softer practices of winters past; reading, sketching, baking, crafting and more.
Christmas Eve, while the littlest napped, we spent some time making paper bag snow flakes, paper chains, baking cookies and finalizing our luminaries.

Was it a bit messy? Yes. In perfect harmony? No.
Did it slow us down? Connect us? Bring joy? Absolutely

02/26/2025

Amazing program that reinforces resilience & grit

Our innovative group program approach includes a 1:1 staff-to-child ratio, allowing for a personalized treatment plan in a social and supportive environment. Every child is guided toward building confidence, meeting personal goals, and learning the skills needed to manage anxiety and thrive in everyday life. ​

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We recognize the crucial role parents play, so we believe involving them in the treatment process is essential for long-term success. Club Confident also offers workshops and tools for parents and caregivers. By learning how to respond in supportive, but non-accommodating ways, parents can empower their child to face challenges and build resilience.

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We believe independence and confidence come from giving kids new experiences, allowing them to face challenges, and helping them learn how to tolerate discomfort. By stepping out of their comfort zones in a supportive environment, children can grow and develop the resilience they need to thrive in various situations—both now and in the future.

02/22/2025

::: B A K I N G w K I D S ::: sounds like the title to most parent’s nightmare but if you’ve never made gâteau au yaourt - the classic French mum goûter (after school snack) staple - it is a great one to do with kids.

Few ingredients and little to no recipe/measuring is the dream layout for child baking.

A 5-6oz yogurt pot is the staple of this mix. After using the yogurt itself, use the pot to measure out 1 container of oil, 2 of sugar, and then 3 of flour. Add in 3 eggs and a decent sprinkle of baking powder and you’re done.

Add in vanilla extract, lemon juice, or fresh berries if you have on hand, but perfectly delicious plain.

Mix and bake in a greased loaf pan or cake tray at 350 degrees until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.

🎂🍰🎂🍰🎂🍰🎂🍰🎂🍰🎂🍰

09/23/2023

Process Art; refers to where the process of its making art is not hidden but remains a prominent aspect of the completed work, so that a part or even the whole of its subject is the making of the work.

Toddler Process Art classes are available now! Give your little artist the opportunity to play, discover, imagine, collaborate, and create with us! One off classes with multiple time slots means you can pick and chose your classes! Register Now!

09/09/2023

Very excited to start creating, playing & learning again! With 2 age groups, and multiple day/time options, its never been easier to encourage your little one to get messy & explore at our Toddler classes!
One off sessions with unique themes filled with different projects & stations that allow them to experience different mediums and sensory experiences!
and feel free to reach out for more information!

invitationtoimagine

07/05/2023

Looking for something wonderfully creative to do with your little ones this Summer?
My Classes are back for some pop-ups!
Ages 18 Months - 3 years old with Caregiver
Friday July 14 9:30-10:15
Friday July 28 9:30-10:15
Friday August 11 9:30-10:15
Friday August 25 9:30-10:15

helps parents and caregivers get out of the house to make the most of their kids’ early learning years by incorporating art, socialization and sensory play. These art based sessions will guide parents and kids through different themed and seasonal projects and crafts utilizing a host of materials allowing your child to explore art in an open-ended, unstructured way.
We will have super fun themes each week! ahead to page and find the link in bio for more info and registration!

05/23/2023

Was so good to be back in the studio with little artists. Stay tuned for a few more pop off toddler mornings at over the Summer and a new series of classes come fall!

02/10/2023

Filled the studio with hearts the past two weeks! So many great projects and sensory exploration in the name of love! A short break on classes until early March but you can always come see me at open studio on the weekends and get your paint on!!

11/29/2022

WINTER SESSION INCOMING! Back in the studio with the littlest artists this week! Head to NOW to register your little one for one of two series for toddlers!

11/29/2022

Toddler classes are back this week! Head to Mini Monet Inc to register for the Thursday afternoon or Saturday sessions NOW! Sensory table, process driven projects, play & more! You don’t want to miss out on this fun & messy opportunity for you little one to learn!

10/28/2022

Being laid up with a broken ankle means missing out on all the 🎃 fun but Ms. Pam has kept these artists busy & creative! Looking forward to a cozy winter session getting messy and exploring with everybody!