Category Archives Music

Bandwagon with Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights

Disclosure: I received a copy of the new CD by Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights from Waldmania PR to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own. As big fans of this talented artist, it was a pleasure to check out the new CD coming out shortly.

JLeeds_Bandwagon_FINAL

Music is a big part of our lives. Both of the boys are really into listening and dancing with songs. NHL plays in advanced band at school and JSL is begging to try an instrument soon. I believe that being exposed to different musicians and genres of music has helped both of my boys with this passion.

Several years ago, we were introduced to singer and song writer Joanie Leeds. We reviewed I’m a Rock Star. Our entire family was dazzled by this CD and it played over and over again. When we looked to see what other items Joanie Leeds had, we were intrigued with Challah, Challah and bought it to listen to on Shabbat. Once again, we were not disappointed. So when I was asked to review the latest CD from Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights, I jumped at the opportunity.

When the CD arrived, I had it waiting in our car to surprise the kids after school. To say that they liked it would be an understatement. The boys are in love with the new songs and argue who gets to hold the case to read the words, look at the photos, and decide which song we begin with. Yes, each morning for the last week, the boys debate on the songs they want to hear. This morning tradition helps the boys to be silly, sing, and forget about their worries for the day.

More about Bandwagon

Bandwagon (Amazon affiliate link) will be released on June 25 and is Joanie Leeds’ fifth CD for kids. The CD will sell for $15.00, but you can also purchase the MP3 version online. The music is geared for children ages 2-9 and runs for 42 minutes.

The songs include: 1) “Are We There Yet?”  2) "Back to School”  3) “Bandwagon”  4) “I Love New York”  5) “UFO”  6) “Family Tree”  7) “Nutritious”  8) “Helmet”  9) “Use Your Words”  10) “Little Cloud”  11) “Falling”  12) “Let’s Go”  13) “Canon Song”  14) “Bed”  15) “Nightlights”

Bandwagon - Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights

Our Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, the kids really adore this new CD from Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights. We have listened the the entire song list countless time in order, and shuffled by request. The song variety keeps everyone in the car happy, including the adults. NHL’s favorite is “Bed” because my little musician likes the way it picks up tempo as the song progresses. JSL constantly asks to hear “Helmet” and “Bed” because he can dance with the one and thinks the other is silly since he does not always want to go to bed.

As the parent, “I Love New York” it great because it makes the sights of New York City come alive. “Use Your Words” really hits home as a parent of a child with Asperger’s. We have used it to talk about standing up for yourself, using words to be an advocate, and not being bullied. I will also note that “Bed” has been a slight earworm for me, but in a fun way. Oh and parody song fans will also love “Nutritious” which is a play off of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious” fame.

I am sure we will be gifting this CD and others from Joanie Leeds for birthday presents, baby showers, and beyond because they are great for kids of all ages. A huge thank you to Joanie and company for making a family friendly collection of music.

It's Me

Additional Disclosure: An Amazon Affiliate links is included in this post for the CD mentioned (noted above). I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to purchase it through that link.

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Les Misérables for Passover

For months now, people all over have been talking about Les Misérables taking over the big screen. While I have not had a chance to see it yet, I have watched the phenomenon take over. It isn’t new for Les Misérables to make a splash thanks to the success it has had on Broadway and traveling productions over the years. Even Shalom Sesame Street made a spoof a few years ago called Les Matzarables for Passover.

While this is a cute example of the long time popularity of the Les Misérables culture, there is now something new out for Passover. The Maccabeats just released a new Passover song that is inspired by Les Misérables. Once again, they show their amazing talent, sense of humor, and reach.

For those getting ready for Pesach, I thought you would enjoy a little break to get into the spirit of the holiday.

Passover Seder Table

If you have other songs or family fun items for the holiday to share, I would love to hear about it in the comments below.

It's Me

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Songs of Autism Acceptance

Autism RibbonImagine a world where children were accepted by their peers no matter what. They didn’t have to worry about acting, looking, or speaking differently. Kids could be themselves and embrace who they are for life. No bullies would be around to remind them about their quirks and how it does not fit in with the societal norm. This is the world I wish my children and yours could live in, but we don’t. Instead, we need to remind our kids that they are unique individuals and we would not change them.

As a parent of a child with autism, I would never for a minute want to change my son. He is an Aspie. It is just part of who he is, but does not define him. NHL is smart, funny, serious, curious, loves math/science/geeky things, and amazes me each and every day. In almost ten years, he has had to deal with cruelty that I never experience in my 30+ years. It is heart breaking, but I know he will show the world what he can and will be.

Someone in our local autism group posted a link to something that caught my eye. When I clicked over, I was immediately in awe of an amazing man named Brady Rymer. He is a singer who started a project called Love Me For Who I Am. Rymer made an album of songs that was inspired by the children at a New Jersey school that have autism and other related items. Rather than write a summary, I think it is best to watch the video of the story. I know when they talked to a boy at about the 2:00 mark, I had tears in my eyes thanks to his words.

Yes, the words of that one young boy really hit me. He loved the fact that the song talked about not fixing children with autism and loving them for who they are.

When we listened to the songs, both of my boys got the message. My kindergartener even said he loved the words and doesn’t want his brother to change. This truly was music to my ears. Yes, we are buying the MP3s with all of these fantastic songs of acceptance. Here is a great video that they made with all of the kids.

The video shows the beauty of this project and how it can help to raise awareness and acceptance. I, too, hope more people will not try to fix and change my son, but love him for who he is.

It's Me

Disclosure: The Autism Awareness ribbon icon above was created by Melesse and comes from Wikimedia Commons.

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Festival of Lights with Music

Chanukah started Saturday night. Each night, we light the candles with the boys. This year, they each have a new menorah from Uncle J and Aunt A. We say the prayers together and then watch the candles slowly burn. Chanukah Menorahs

As the candles are flickering, we often put on Chanukah music. We have songs from Barenaked Ladies, Susan Egan, The Mama Doni Band, and others. This year, we also added a new song from Laurie Berkner’s holiday album called Candle Chase. Yes, I bought the song and it is a great addition to our collection.

Laurie Berkner Candle Chase

Of course, more music is available in video form. The Maccabeats have a new original song for the Festival of Lights that they wrote called Shine. Here is the video below:

In addition to this, four of the original Maccabeats alumni moved on to start a group called StandFour and they have a song new video out called Eight Nights – Hanukkah Mashup.

Do you have a favorite song for Chanukah? I would love to know so we can add new titles into our song collection.

Happy Chanukah to all that celebrate the festival of lights.

It's Me

Disclosure: An Amazon Affiliate link is included in this post for the song mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to purchase it through that link.

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Tuesday Tales – Get Cooking! A Jewish American Family Cookbook

Growing up in a very close Jewish family, many of my memories revolve around celebrations that were filled with amazing food. Every time we got together to celebrate Shabbat at my Mimi and Poppy’s house, we would have a chicken soup with matzah balls, chicken, and other items along with challah. Thanksgiving would be filled with extended family members and once again delicious specialties. I also remember baking and watching my family members and being involved. Now my boys are making memories of their own with our family. My parents have started a Chanukah tradition at their house with extended family that we have all grown to love.

Get Cooking - A Jewish American Family Cookbook

When I recently heard that Mama Doni (AKA – Doni Zasloff Thomas) would be teaming up with Rachel Harkham (Recipe Rachel) to create a new family cookbook, I was excited. Then, I received a copy of the book to review and I could not stop planning possibilities to make, bake, and share with the kids.

Rachel Harkham and Doni Zasloff Thomas

Get Cooking: A Jewish American Family Cookbook – By Rachel Harkham and Doni Zasloff Thomas – Published by Behrman House Inc. – September 2012 – ISBN 9780874419481 – Hardcover 128 pages

As a big fan of Mama Doni, I loved that Get Cooking: A Jewish American Family Cookbook includes a CD with a collection of her songs to listen to during the holidays and beyond. The Get Cooking! A Rockin’ Mama Doni Celebration includes favorites like: “Challah Day” and “Chanukah Fever” on the 29 track CD. I love that “Mission Immaztzoble” is also included along with others for different holidays and celebrations.

The first item that you notice when opening the book is that Harkham and Thomas cover a wide range of Jewish holidays and general celebrations. They begin with Shabbat, move to Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and beyond. The recipes are all able to be made in kosher kitchen (which we have) and contain meat, fish, vegetarian, and sweet options.

Inside Get Cooking! A Jewish American Family Cookbook

As I write this post, we are in the middle of Sukkot. I am hoping to get the supplies to make some edible sukkahs with the boys. Check out how adorable they are.

Edible Sukkot fun from Get Cooking! A Jewish American Family Cookbook

Of course, the timing of this cookbook is fantastic. I plan on talking with my mother to utilize some of the items for our annual Chanukah celebration at the beginning of December. I think the kids will adore the Judah Mac’n’cheese Squares and Chocomallow Dreidels. The Jelly Donut Muffins also look amazing.

Chanukah recipes from Get Cooking! A Jewish American Family Cookbook

If you celebrate Jewish holidays or know someone that does, this book is a great find. The recipes from Harkham truly are family friendly and inspire you to celebrate and make your own memories together. I also know friends that want to share other celebrations with their family. This is a great cookbook for them as well. Thomas is a Jewish educator and shares lots of items in the book and songs.

What are some of your favorite cookbooks? As always, please share what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

It's Me

Disclosure: My family received a complimentary copy of this book from Behrman House Inc. in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed are my own and my love for the creativity of Mama Doni continues to grow with each of her new projects. An Amazon Affiliate link is included in this post for the book mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to buy the book through that link.

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