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Introducing Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates – Join us for some virtual fun!

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As you already know, events are being canceled, businesses are temporarily closing and kids are out of school for the next month. We know that school closings will cause lot of disruption and worry for some families. Baton Rouge Moms (soon to be Baton Rouge Family Fun) hopes to make the transition a little easier and a little more fun! Beginning this week, we will be partnering with local businesses and organizations to help you over the upcoming weeks – in the form of Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates!!

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

Many thanks to our community partners for making this project possible.

Do you have a business or organization that would like to get involved? Email Tiany at Tiany@batonrougemoms.com to let us know you are interested.

 

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

We’re lining up some of your favorite small businesses, organizations and groups to lead us through daily 15-30 minute activities via video.

The Virtual Playdate videos will be available each day on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We hope that this will be a great way to keep our families engaged in the community even while practicing social distancing.

Look Forward to:

  • Follow-Along Dance Lessons
  • Special Character Appearances
  • Study Tips for doing Schoolwork at Home
  • Fun Science Experiments (Video demos you can follow along to)
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Fun Treats Kids Can Make at Home
  • Easy Art & Craft Ideas (How to videos with these too)
  • Family Challenges
  • Ideas for Helping Families in need
    and more!

How to Follow Along 

>> Virtual Playdate videos will be posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages starting this week! 

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Facebook

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Instagram

Stay tuned for all this and more in upcoming emails! Sign up to receive the emails to be notified about each days video and any prep you might need to participate.

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See below for links to each day’s posts; we will add them as they are published.

 

More posts relating to COVID – 19

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

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So your kids are home from school for the next month. What are you going to do? How will you keep them entertained? Will they fall behind in school? Take it from this homeschool mama of two, all of these things can be avoided with a little prep and a good measure of organization. I’m not talking crazy and elaborate projects that tie you to a table helping for hours. I’m talking about some good planning leading to you not losing yourself in kid chaos.

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Stick to a schedule

You will never convince me otherwise. Kids like expectations to their day. My kids know breakfast, school work, art, etc. and when each thing is coming. When you set the expectation for your kiddos it will help keep them from coming back over and over with “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do”. It also allows for you to plan when you need to get your own things accomplished.

Get outside!

This past week we flew a kite. It was simple, cheap, and fun. Get some bubbles or chalk. Play hopscotch. Throw the ball. Go for a walk or jog. For us, it is one of the best times of the year for getting to spend time outside. Going outside lets the kids get out pent up energy and the fresh air is great for you. The heat isn’t stifling yet, and we’ve even had a breeze as of late.

Online time

Our kids get online time that isn’t, as we call it, “brain dead”. There are so many free educational sites and games that are available for kids to get their screen time and still have to think. For example, for science we use mysteryscience.com. There are several free lessons available. A video plays and they usually have an easy project or follow up that they give directions on how to complete. If you want a subscription, there are even more options. We personally use ABC Mouse for my younger and Adventure Academy for my older. The kids have to complete educational tasks to get to do other fun things on their “journey”. 

Pinterest!

I know I said no spending hours glued in project assistance mode, but Pinterest really has some easy projects that kids love. They also have great science projects, game ideas, cooking projects, and so much more. We may do one Pinterest idea a week. Sometimes they are great and sometimes they are a most definite #pinterestfail, but we always have fun and make memories while we do it. That’s what it’s really all about y’all!

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Free Time

I know that we are trying to fill this, but kids really do need some free time. Our free time consists of me being able to get things done without interruption. The kids should not have to ask “Can I?” They have the option of playing with toys, playing board games, pretend play, etc. All things that are at their disposal and they are able to do themselves. They great thing about this is that you get to set the parameters. They could have access to one specific toy bin or shelf. They could get to spend time in a playroom or however you are set up. It’s about what works for you.

School work

There are so many FREE resources for worksheets, coloring sheets, etc. The local library is a wealth of books and dvds. Where we live, they also have educational tablets. I have made youtube lists of educational videos that we watch. Disney + has Nat Geo with so many interesting shows. One of the great things about the digital age is that if you want your kids to learn, you have only need to hop online. You can also find many Facebook groups of homeschoolers to join that have pre-built lists of all kinds of resources for parents. They don’t care if your kids are only home for a month or if they homeschool full time. They welcome you to the information.

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Quiet time

This one is important Mommas because we cannot spend all day running kids from project to project to be a non-stop source of entertainment. We have things to do too! We have a quiet time every single day. When my kids were smaller, they napped. They now have additional options. They can read, they can draw or color, they can listen to music. Anything that allows for some quiet to enter your home and you to get that break that you may really need to re-center and gain focus, where there may be chaos.

Finally, use the TV

We don’t sit in front of the TV for hours on end, but there is certainly nothing wrong with sitting the kids at the TV for a movie or a couple of shows. Go ahead and sit down with them! I find that when my kids are not sitting in front of the TV constantly, they grow to be much more appreciative of the time they are given. They are selective on the shows or movies they choose to watch. They pay attention to what is on. It is a treat instead of a constant background noise. 

As a homeschooling mom, you come to realize that there has to be balance. A balance of entertainment, of getting things accomplished, of managing your house and the kids. We constantly have things that need to be done and sometimes the biggest thing you can do for yourself is just realize that the day doesn’t always go as planned. Don’t be afraid to phone a friend. It doesn’t matter if it is for ideas for rainy days or just to have some good conversation with another adult.

Don’t be afraid to just kick up your feet with the kids for a movie. If a project fails, laugh and take pictures. We have some pretty great fail memories. Let go of expectations, whether they are from others or yourself, and find what works for you!

At bedtime, I always ask my kids what their favorite part of the day was. Sometimes they do say it is something big that we did as a treat. Most of the time, my kids list simple things that you wouldn’t think about: Popsicles outside, flying a kite, messing up our baking project, or playing a board game. Through the eyes of a kid, the simple things sometimes mean the most. That is what it’s all about!

Baton Rouge Moms Ambassador -Erica Mautner

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?Erica is an LSU alum, with a Master’s in Business Administration. She recently left her career in banking to be at home with her 2 boys, Fisher & Sawyer, full time. They have started an adventure in homeschooling. Erica likes to travel, take photos, and attempt crafting projects with her boys. She also likes to attend LSU football games with her boys and husband of 11 years, Cody, who proposed while tailgating fall of 2008. 

Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

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We know the Governor’s announcement that all public schools will be closing through April 13th has left us all with lots of questions. Unexpectedly staying home can have some complications beyond having enough food and supplies. Many are wondering what they are going to do with the kids for the next month. There is a plethora of resources for our families to learn and enjoy the extra time we will have together. How about Family Night at the Museum??? According to Fast Company, Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world. 

Now, families can “go to the museum” and never have to leave the couch.

Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science. This collection is especially good for students who are looking for ways to stay on top of their studies while schools are closed.

Family Night at the Museum - 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

British Museum, London

This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Google’s Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

One of Korea’s popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.

Family Night at the Museum - 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer – even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum – the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

European artworks from as far back as the 8th Century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de’Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de’Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.

MASP, São Paulo

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a non-profit and Brazil’s first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization.

Sadly, not all popular art museums and galleries could be included on Google Arts & Culture’s collection, but some museums are taking it upon themselves to offer online visits. According to Fast Company, the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website.

To see more of Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website. There are thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well. Google Arts & Culture also has an online experience for exploring famous historic and cultural heritage sites.

This article originally appeared on TravelandLeisure.com.

Red Stick Refinement – Eat, Drink, and Mind Your Manners

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There’s a new etiquette teacher in town and our kids may need her more than we would like to admit! Manners, politeness and being confident in social situations are characteristics of proper etiquette — imperative lifelong skills that will transform the lives of our children. While we do our best to teach our children these basic skills at home, with full days and the busyness of life some important lessons can fall through the cracks… that’s where Red Stick Refinement can make all the difference!
 
Red Stick Refinement
 
Red Stick Refinement’s Baton Rouge Etiquette Classes focus on teaching both traditional etiquette and also modern etiquette. Founder, April Palombo Setliff, teaches the Importance of Eye Contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions. These are skills students will use their whole life, instilling confidence in children and teens so that they feel confident in any social situation. During class students also learn to set a formal table and learn how to eat both American and Continental (European) Style. They also write thank you notes and for the teenagers discuss Social Media Etiquette. Our children are considered digital natives, and with our digital world managing your social media presence is important. 
 
Red Stick Refinement

April has taught hundreds of kids from over 20 different schools in the Baton Rouge Area. In addition to teaching classes out of her home, she also travels to campuses to teach. Below are a few options for classes at Red Stick Refinement:

PART I – SOCIAL SKILLS 
We discuss Eye Contact, Handshakes and Proper Introductions. We also talk about respecting others and writing Thank You Notes. Social Media Etiquette is addressed for classes of teenagers.

PART II – DINING ETIQUETTE 
Students learn all there is to know about table manners for both ladies and gentlemen. They learn to set a formal table and also how to eat both American Style and Continental (European) Style.

Red Stick Refinement

Red Stick Refinement‘s Top 5 Etiquette Lessons a Child Needs to Know

1.) Put the device down and make Eye contact. Eye contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions are the first things in teach in my class. Having a firm handshake and making Eye Contact not only shows the other person respect, but it also shows self-confidence. I want students to walk away with self-confidence to succeed in any social situation.

2.) For teens, I discuss Social Media Etiquette. They have heard the bad that can happen by posts, so I try to encourage the good. I teach there is a way to position yourself in the best light online.

3.) Send thank-you notes! Thank you notes are becoming a lost art but they are still so very important in my opinion. Send thank-you notes in a prompt manner. State the gift or service you are thankful for then state WHY. 

4.) Table Manners: Learning table manners are important because it’s a skill set they will use their whole life. Have your kids take turns setting the dinner table. Make it a fun activity instead of a chore. 

5.) Be Kind & Mind Your Manners: I feel a person with good manners can carry a conversation and make the people around them feel comfortable, respected and welcome. When making a proper introduction say the name of the older person first out of respect. Or the person of higher authority. For example, if a teen is introducing a new friend to their parent the parent’s name should be said first. “Dad, I’d like to introduce to you my new friend, Matt. Matt, this is my Dad.” A good conversationalist takes it a step further by making a connection between the two people. This encourages the conversation to continue. “Dad, Matt plays soccer at his school. Matt, my Dad coaches my soccer team. We have a game coming up this weekend. When is your next game?” Make a connection then you could ask an opened ended question.

The above is just a glimpse of some of the lessons kids and teens will learn with April at Red Stick Refinement. And Etiquette lessons are not just for children and teens, April also teaches business and personal etiquette for adults!

For more info., visit Red Stick Refinement online on Facebook, Instagram and on their website www.redstickrefinement.com.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

PetSuites Baton Rouge – Stay and Play, Boarding and more!

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We recently had the opportunity to visit the new PetSuites Baton Rouge facility at 8200 Perkins Road near Southside Produce. We were pleasantly surprised by the facility, the qualified and knowledgable Pet CPR certified team and the many services they provide. It’s guaranteed to be your pet’s new favorite place! Pet Suites has a gorgeous facility focusing on safety, comfort, and fun for your fur babies!  It’s truly a one of a kind experience that features bone-shaped in-ground pools, indoor play yards and unique services including all-day play and puppy preschool! 

PetSuites Baton Rouge

There’s no doubt that PetSuites Baton Rouge will provide the most fun a dog can have. They will also provide a tailored, safe environment for your four-legged bestie. The attention to detail on every level is impressive. The facility is sparkling clean with climate-controlled indoor playrooms, they keep clean bedding and high-quality (easy on the tummy) food available for their guest.

Stay and Play, Boarding and Grooming

Above all, they really get to know the dogs and cats and cater to each pet’s unique personality. Playgroups are arranged by pet size and personality after rigorous safety evaluations. They also monitor every feeding and playtime to make sure guests are eating well and getting plenty of exercise. 

PetSuites Baton Rouge

As the “Leader of the Pack” in the pet boarding industry, PetSuites currently operates 27 locations in 12 states. For nearly 20 years, PetSuites has been providing a convenient one-stop location for daycare, overnight stay, and grooming services, therefore, Pet Parents can have peace of mind knowing that PetSuites’ top priority is caring for their pet’s needs with genuine love and exceptional care – keeping them happy, healthy, and safe. 

PetSuites Baton Rouge

One of our Baton Rouge Moms Ambassadors, Courtney Cotharn-Lambert, had the opportunity to check out PetSuites and get her dog groomed, here’s a short review from a Baton Rouge Pet Mama:

“I had the pleasure of getting to tour the PetSuites facility off of Perkins. They have suites for dogs and cats to stay; indoor and outdoor play spaces, yard time, play time, and cuddle time. They also provide puppy training and grooming. My sweet Yorkie and Carin terrier mix needed a bath and a cut badly. They got her shot records and then escorted her back. A little less than two hours later I get a call that she’s finished and ready to be picked up. I pick her back up with little wait time in the lobby and let me tell you that eleven year old girl looked some kind of cute! She was dressed in a purple bow and bandanna. This place is cute, well staffed, and I’m looking forward to using them again in the future. Go take some time and check them out!”

PetSuites Baton Rouge

PetSuites Baton Rouge New Customer Specials: 

  • New customers will receive $35 off their first services (boarding, grooming, etc.) – not valid on retail items. All they have to do is type the code “SOCIAL35” in the additional information section if they fill out the registration form online.

  • New customers can also book now and get their first day of daycare FREE! https://batonrouge.petsuitesofamerica.com/reservation

Unique Services:

All Day Play – for the most energetic and social guests! Over 8 hours of play during the day, large outdoor play yards include exercise equipment and puppy pools in warm weather, the indoor playground provides lots of room to play and relax when needed.

The new PetSuites Baton Rouge care facility features fun and expansive play areas, comfy cat condos, appealing daycare options, overnight boarding, grooming and more. Amenities include early check-in/late check-out and an extensive retail area for all your pet’s needs. Stop by the Baton Rouge location for a free tour and experience the PetSuites difference for yourself! To learn more, visit Pet Suites on Facebook, Instagram and on their website. 

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Gluten-Free King Cake Recipe – Mardi Gras 2020

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I pride myself on being a solid scratch baker: Alton Brown practically raised me, for Pete’s sake, not to mention I audited an online Food Science class from Harvard one semester (hair flip). Harvard, people! So when I was tasked with developing a recipe for gluten-free king cake, I wasn’t intimidated. How hard could it be, I know how to bake!

As it would turn out, I do NOT know how to bake without gluten.

Gluten-Free King Cake

Test after test came out dry, crumbly. Disappointing. Just when I had decided I never wanted to see Bob’s Red Mill 1-To-1 baking flour again, I realized: I was going about it all wrong. I was trying to force my favorite king cake recipes to be gluten-free, rather than find a great gluten-free recipe that I could then make my own. Off to the internet I went.

I quickly became overwhelmed by expensive, unfamiliar ingredients. Whey protein isolate? Tapioca starch? Potato flour? If I were looking to get into the gluten-free baking market professionally, investing in these might have made sense. But all I really wanted was to occasionally be able to make a good king cake for my friends.

After some thought, it finally dawned on me: what was simple, comparably inexpensive, and easily accessible? Bread mix! After all, what is king cake, after you strip it of all the flavors, fillings, and toppings? Just mildly sweet, soft, bread.

I used Hodgson Mill gluten-free white bread mix because it was convenient to pick up at my local supermarket, but this recipe is straight-forward enough to work with whatever your favorite may be. For best results, it should be the kind that stays loose, like the consistency of a thick cake batter. I hope you enjoy creating your own homemade gluten-free king cake and would love to hear about the results!

Gluten-Free King Cake

Gluten-Free King Cake
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Cake
  1. 3 ½ cups Gluten Free Bread Mix of your choice
  2. ½ cup butter, divided (one stick)
  3. 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  4. ¾ cup white sugar, divided
  5. ¼ cup light brown sugar
  6. ½ teaspoon vanilla
  7. 1 ½ cups milk
  8. 1 ½ teaspoons fast rise yeast (included in most mixes, check yours to confirm)
  9. ½ teaspoon salt
  10. 2 large eggs, room temperature
  11. 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  12. 1 teaspoon orange zest
  13. ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Glaze
  1. 1 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  2. 1 tablespoon milk
  3. 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  4. 1 teaspoon almond flavoring (optional)
Sugar Topping
  1. 1 ½ cups white sugar
  2. Purple, Green, and Yellow food coloring
  3. 3 sandwich size plastic storage bags
Cake
  1. 1. Prepare a standard size bundt pan by spraying with thoroughly cooking spray and lightly coating with either cornmeal or GF baking flour. Tap out excess.
  2. 2. Melt ¼ cup butter (half stick) in a medium sized bowl; add ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Stir to combine, set aside.
  3. 3. Warm milk in a small bowl to approximately 100*-110*. It will be warm to the touch but not scalding.
  4. 4. Add 1 teaspoon of the remaining sugar and all of the yeast to the milk. Stir, set a timer for 5 minutes and set aside.
  5. 5. Pour the bread mix into a mixing bowl of a stand mixer* equipped with the paddle attachment. Add remaining sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt and mix on low briefly, just to combine.
  6. 6. Melt the remaining ¼ cup butter.
  7. 7. When your 5-minute timer goes off, add milk and yeast mixture to bread mix along with melted butter, room temperature eggs, cider vinegar, and orange and lemon zests.
  8. 8. Mix on low until mostly combined, stop the mixer and scrape the bowl well with a spatula. Mix again for on medium-high for 3 minutes. The dough will be similar to a very thick cake batter.
  9. 9. Spoon approximately 1/3 of the dough into prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with another 1/3 of the dough, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Finish with the last 1/3 of dough, smoothing the top with a wet spatula. Spray lightly with cooking spray, cover loosely in cling wrap. Allow to rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
  10. 10. Preheat oven to 375* near the end of rising time.
  11. 11. Bake at 375* for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when tested.
  12. 12. Turn out onto a cooling rack after 5 minutes, allow to cool completely.
Sugar Topping
  1. While cake is cooling, divide sugar into 3 sandwich bags. Add the purple, green, and yellow food coloring to the bags, then seal and shake. Add more food coloring, a few drops at a time, until desired color intensity is reached.
Glaze
  1. Combine powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and almond flavoring (if desired). Stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled king cake then top with colored sugars immediately.
Notes
  1. *A hand-held mixer can work also, but add 2 minutes to mix time. Mixing by hand is possible but tough on the arms! Stir for 8 full minutes if by hand.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
Gluten-Free King CakeThe Little Things Cakes is a home-based bakery owned and operated by Christy Broady. It was founded in 2016 when increasing demand for her baked goods inspired Christy to go into business on her own. In the three years since starting, Christy has grown from making a few dozen cupcakes here and there to several elaborate cakes a month. With her sophisticated flavors and impeccable attention to detail, Christy can’t wait to show you why it’s the little things that will truly make your next event special.

Mother Son Dance benefiting OLOL Children’s Hospital – Giveaway

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Calling all BOY MOMS, grab your dancing shoes and get ready to enjoy a memorable evening for mothers and sons! Baton Rouge Moms is honored to be a media sponsor for the annual Mother-Son Dance hosted by Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Activities will include face painting, balloon artists, dancing contests, fun games, costumed characters, music and much more! Proceeds from the Mother-Son Dance will benefit Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

Mother Son Dance

 

*NEW THIS YEAR*

Superpower Hour
3 – 4 pm

Use your SUPERPOWERS for fewer lines and more fun with early access to the 2020 dance! Limited tickets are available for our first-ever SUPERPOWER HOUR and they will sell quickly, secure your spot today! *Please note, all Superpower Hour attendees must also purchase tickets for the dance. Superhero Sponsors will receive 10 complimentary tickets to Superpower Hour.

Mother Son Dance

Activities throughout the evening are appropriate for ages up to 13 years old.

When: Sunday, January 12, 2020, 4 – 6 pm

Where: Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge, LA

Tickets: Learn more and purchase tickets at http://www.ololchildrens.org/mothersondance

Proceeds from the Mother-Son Dance will benefit the freestanding Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

What is the Mother-Son Dance?
The Mother-Son Dance is an opportunity for moms and their sons to spend a fun-filled, memorable evening together.

Is there an age limit for the dance?
Activities throughout the evening are appropriate for ages up to 13 years old.

What is the attire for the dance?
Dressy casual is recommended.

Will food and drinks be provided?
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. A cash bar will also be available.

What is the individual ticket price?
Tickets are $50 per attendee. (So, $50 for Mom and $50 for each son.)

What is the Superpower Hour ticket price?
Superpower Hour tickets are an additional $25 per attendee. All Superpower Hour attendees must also possess tickets to the Mother Son Dance. (So, $75 for Mom and $75 for each son to attend the Mother Son Dance with early access to Superpower Hour.)

The new hospital, designed specifically for children, has six floors, 350,000 square feet,  It includes inpatient beds, a pediatric emergency room, surgical unit, a dedicated hematology/oncology unit that will serve both inpatients and outpatients, playrooms on every floor and more. The hospital also includes a four-story, 95,000 square foot medical office building primarily for pediatric medical specialists. Whether through community outreach programs, health education, physician training, advanced research, or a state-of-the-art hospital completely dedicated to the care and healing of children, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital stands ready to change our children’s future and we are so very thankful for them.

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Mother Son Dance Ticket Giveaway

Baton Rouge Moms is hosting a giveaway for two tickets to the dance!! Simply enter via our Rafflecopter Giveaway widget below with more entry options on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

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Operation Imagination: NEW Indoor Play Area in Baton Rouge

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Something NEW and EXCITING has opened up for families in Baton Rouge! If you’ve been wishing for another indoor play option for your littles, you’ll want to visit Operation Imagination, an intimate 2,000 square foot imaginative indoor play area where children can explore, learn and have fun through pretend-play! We’ve partnered with Operation Imagination to host a giveaway, be sure to enter below!! 

Operation Imagination

Operation Imagination is a unique and imaginative play experience designed for young children. The play stations have been well planned with great attention to detail to stimulate children’s minds through exploration and pretend play. Unlike other local facilities, Operation Imagination doesn’t just focus on active play but use pretend-play to engage the mind. The elements/activities are structured for preschool-age children to learn gross motor skills and build confidence as they interact in this “town within a town” with settings such as a grocery store, a theater, a camping area, home, education station, a mail stop, construction area, streets, an airplane to fly and more!

Operation Imagination

 

Pretend play is the acting out of stories that involve multiple perspectives and the playful manipulation of ideas and emotions; an important part of thinking and brain development. Our focus is for those 6 months to 7 years old looking for a play space to put their imagination to the test. 

Operation Imagination

There are endless options for pretend play inside of the magical walls of Operation Imagination. If you’re searching for a new birthday venue for your little one, you can book parties too! You can also reserve a time for larger groups of field trips. Have questions about Operation Imagination, no worries, they have answers on their FAQ page here!

Events

Operation Imagination also holds events and craft times – the next event is coming up in December. Wear your Christmas PJs and join Operation Imagination for milk & cookies, letters to Santa, elf hats and Playtime and a special Elf guest all the way from the North Pole! Register here!! 

Operation Imagination

 

WHERE:
4606 Jones Creek Rd, 100
Baton Rouge, LA 70817, US

HOURS: 
Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday Closed

PRICE: 
Children under 1 (utilizing the play space) – $4
Children over 1 – $7
Adults – Free

GIVEAWAY

We stopped by Operation Imagination and we were blown away by this locally mom-owned play area, it was evident that it was created with much thought and love. Don’t miss out on this gem, your little ones will LOVE it! We’ve partnered with Operation Imagination for a fabulous GIVEAWAY too! Operation Imagination wanted to bless one mama with a 10 Visit Punch Card – valued at $70! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

2019 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide – Sponsored by Rapid Urgent Care

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Our Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide is our largest guide to date with over 50 events.  This list will be updated daily as we learn of new events being hosted in our area. We’re sharing events within a 60 mile radius of Baton Rouge. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, or lights display, there’s the cornucopia of holiday-themed programs and events throughout the season. Be sure to grab for our FREE Christmas Events List Printable so you don’t miss an event! If you have an event or activity to add, please email us – info@BatonRougeMoms.com

Thanks to Rapid Urgent Care for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Events Guide.  

Baton Rouge Christmas events

2019 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide 

Baton Rouge Events and Christmas Guide

Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Battle of the Bands: 4:00pm

Parade Starts: 5:30pm

The 68th Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge on December 9 at 5:30 pm. Every year, more than 70,000 people watch the parade live and thousands more enjoy it on television through the holiday season. The Parade is a celebration and a great way to connect with the community. The parade is open to everyone. Typically the parade includes about 80 entries. These entries are a mix of marching bands, celebrities, dance troups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes.

ZooLightsZooLights 2015 Baton Rouge

November 29 – December 30
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas
Gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

  • A mile-long trail through the Zoo
  • More than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays
  • A festive family activity, adding to the quality of life for residents throughout the region
  • The beginning of a new tradition

This year, the Zoo is partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to bring more impact & excitement to Zoolights. Every guest presenting non-perishable food items (minimum of one per person) during the hours of Zoolights, will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. Regular admission prices are: $5 for adults/teens; $4 for senior citizens; $3 for children (2-12 years old) and $3 for Friends of the Zoo members. These amounts will be cut in half when a non-perishable food item is presented at the time of entry & all food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Learn more at www.brzoo.org. 

ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.

GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: Flamingos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Rhinos, Elephants, Alligators, Giant Santa, Giant Snowmen, Holiday Trains, Santa in Sleigh pulled by Giant Reindeer and Toy Soldiers. Displays can be up to 30 ft. tall!

ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.

VISITOR AMENITIES: Safari Photo Booth, Seasonal Specials from the Flamingo Cafe’, Safari Post Gift Shop

A Rural Life Christmas

A Rural Life Christmas Baton Rouge

Sunday, December 2
12:30pm until 6:00pm

Ring in the Holiday season with a 19th century Louisiana celebration at the LSU Rural Life Museum.  Decorations with natural trimmings representative of special times of long ago will be displayed throughout the museum’s grounds.  Seasonal activities such a musical groups, demonstrating artisans, open-hearth cooking, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors will present during this event.

Admission: $10.00 per person. Children 10 years and younger are admitted for free. 

This event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel!

Holiday Skating on the River

The Raising Cane’s River Center will once again magically transform the arena into a “Winter Wonderland” just in time for you to create your holiday memories. 

Please join us for a skating session soon and create winter memories that will last a lifetime. Tickets are currently available at the Raising Cane’s River Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and charge by phone at-1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please contact the Raising Cane’s River Center at 225-389-3030.

Festival of Lights Friday, November 30th, 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Two popular events intertwine for a special holiday Far-Out First Friday combined with the annual Festival of Light’s activities – all rolled into one exciting night! Join an evening under downtown’s historic oaks to commemorate Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition. Transforming the winter sky into a wonderland, the Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 35-foot Christmas tree in Town Square. Bethlehem Village with a real-life village set in Biblical times where children can craft ornaments and decorations, plus a magical train ride on the Mansion Express at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Visit Santa’s Gift Shoppe and listen to holiday music during an evening of visual, culinary, and performing arts. 

A full schedule of Downtown Baton Rouge Christmas Events can be found here!

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Downtown Baton Rouge Christmas events

All aboard The Polar Express! Wear your holiday PJs and bring your family and friends to enjoy this beloved holiday movie like never before in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, and warm up with complimentary hot chocolate before each show.

This event is included in general admission, $12 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-12) and seniors (65+). LASM Members are free!

Sponsored by Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 4:00pm
Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 1:00pm
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 4:00pm
Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 4:00pm

The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou

The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou

December 14 & 15, 2019

The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, created by Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews in 1992, has become one of the most highly-anticipated events of the holiday season. Accompanied by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the production incorporates local landmarks while maintaining the grandeur and integrity of the classic ballet. This lavish production continues to thrill children and adults alike, and snow is always guaranteed!

 

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra

Holiday Brass – Houmas House Plantation

 

BREC Holiday EventsBREC Holiday Events

Creole Christmas: Sunday, Dec 1st 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Magnolia Mound Plantation
Creole Christmas is an annual event featuring seasonal decorations in the historic house, traditional songs in French and Spanish sung by local school children, period demonstrations, folk crafts and the annual bonfire to welcome Papa Noel.

See full list of BREC events here. 

 

Reflections of the Season – West Baton Rouge

REFLECTIONS OF THE SEASON

Drive through the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Conference Center and view the spectacular lights. Take advantage of the FREE shuttle service as there is no parking available on the grounds of the WBR Conference Center during this event; Parking will be at Louis Mouch Multipurpose arena located at 152 Turner Road. You must obtain a wristband at the entrance gate to participate in all the activities. Come inside the conference center to visit the talking reindeer. Walk through the holiday decorated rooms. Enjoy carnival rides for the children or buy those last minute gifts from our crafters. Santa will be here on Friday and Saturday nights only.  Take your holiday pictures with Santa and his elves. 

HORSE & BUGGY RIDES. Cuddle up in a blanket next to your friends and loved ones and take a ride through the lights in a horse-drawn wagon for $5.00 per person. Bring your family and friends and make West Baton Rouge and “Reflections of the Season” part of your Christmas tradition.

Holiday Events Beyond Baton Rouge

 

Nottaway’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Notaway-Mansion-Christmas-

It’s time for Nottoway’s annual Christmas Bonfire Festival! For just $5 per car, you’ll experience a night filled with music, food, vendors, bonfires, fireworks, Santa and more!

  • Friday, December 7,  | 5-9pm
  • Bonfires on the Levee
  • Arts & Crafts Vendors
  • Food & Concessions
  • Holiday Music
  • Christmas Church Choirs
  • Carolers Roaming the Grounds
  • Louisiana Vintage Dancers
  • Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • A Visit From SANTA!
  • Fireworks
  • Admission is only $5 per car! 
    Buy your tickets online to avoid the long lines!

Celebration In The Oaks- New Orleans

Celebration In The Oaks- New Olreans

Celebration in the Oaks season:
Open Nov. 30 through Jan 1, 2019
Closed Christmas Eve
Open Christmas Night
Closed New Year’s Eve
Open hours:
Friday and Saturday 5pm to 11pm
Sunday through Thursday 6pm to 10pm

Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country. This beloved annual celebration is fun for all ages and has become an enduring holiday tradition for families, who come to Celebration in the Oaks to ride the train or carousel every year. Visitors are treated to a wide range of attractions, from light displays to the walkways lined with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups. Perennial favorites include the two-mile train ride through glittering light exhibits, the animated Cajun night before Christmas display, and of course, New Orleans’ iconic snowman Mr. Bingle.

Family Preview Party – New Orleans

celebration_in_the_oaks-family_party_logo_4_600_510November 18th – Kids get the royal holiday treatment at their own Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party and – bonus! – mom and dad can enjoy this family experience without lifting a finger. Your little ones will feel like the kings and queens of the ball at this fun-filled party.

And special this year at the Celebration in the Oaks Family Party – we’ll have the characters from FROZEN! That’s right, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and the lovable Olaf. They’ll be walking around and will be ready to take photos with the kids (and those who are kids at heart, too). Don’t forget your camera.

Krewe of Jingle Parade & More! – New Orleans – TBA

New Orleans’ official holiday parade, the “Krewe of Jingle,” will once again delight locals and visitors alike with authentic parade floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, Christmas characters and many more magical surprises!

A Civil War Christmas- – St. Francisville

12/7 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville – A Colonial Christmas School Day, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Preregistered students will learn about Christmas traditions in early America. Wassailing, hunting for Christmas dinner, and origins of Christmas traditions are just some of the things students will experience. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

12/8 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville – A Dickens of a Christmas, 6 – 8 p.m. The plantation comes to life during the holidays, as it shows off its seasonal decorations. Costumed guides accompany the visitor on a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. Take a taste of what´s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the yearly Christmas dance or listen to live period music. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

Christmas in the Country St. Francisville

Nothing says Christmas to an excited child more than a parade, especially a safe small-town one like St. Francisville’s popular Christmas in the Country parade the first Saturday each December, complete with marching bands and decorated floats, Santa resplendent in his sleigh. Millions of tiny white lights trace soaring Victorian trimwork and grace gallery posts to transform the entire town into a veritable winter wonderland for Christmas in the Country, as special activities throughout the extensive National Register-listed downtown Historic District provide fun for the whole family at this celebration of the season, a joyful alternative to mall madness. View the full schedule of events here.

Christmas in the Village – Zachary

Come out to the annual Christmas In The Village in the Zachary Historical District! Kickoff the holiday season and join Zachary Mayor David Amrhein as he welcomes everyone to the annual Zachary Christmas In the Village Celebration from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7. The event will take place in the Zachary Historical District, on Virginia Street behind City Hall and this year, expands to the fire station and along Main Street to Lee Street. Bring a camera to take photos while you meet the Whoville characters. Santa will be at the Whoville House at the corner of Virginia and Florida streets.

Noel Acadien au Village – Lafayette

LARC’s Acadian Village

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 23, 5:30-9:00 pm Nightly (weather permitting)

HALF A MILLION LIGHTS   ~  NEW ANIMATED DISPLAYS  ~  CARNIVAL RIDES  PHOTOS WITH SANTA  ~  LIVE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT LOCAL CUISINE   ~   HOLIDAY SHOPPING – VIP Parking Available 
For more information, click on the drop-down menu on the Noel Acadien au Village tab.
LARC’s Acadian Village hosts its 23 night Christmas festival fundraiser annually in December to benefit LARC, a local 501c(3) non-profit organization benefiting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit  Chapel, new displays for our Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store and much more! 

Louisiana Bonfires Chrsitmas25th Festival of the Bonfires – St. James Parish

December 14, 15, 16,
Lutcher Park
2545 Louisiana Avenue
Lutcher, LA

CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER…CAJUN STYLE! Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!! 

Christmas Past Festival: Old Mandeville

Christmas Past Festival  Christmas Past Festival DEc. 8th  10 AM-3 PM in Old Mandeville.

The Christmas Past street festival is packed with over 40 vendors lining Girod Street.  The festival will extend from near the Mandeville Trailhead complex and continue down to the lakefront.  Keeping with an international season theme, each block will highlight a different region: Germany, England, France, Louisiana, and America.  For maps and the program of events,  please visit their Christmas Past Festival Facebook Page.

Christmas Under the Stars – Slidell

The City of Slidell celebrates the holiday season with Christmas Under the Stars, an annual celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Parade of Trees, the life-size Christmas Cottages, Slidell’s Nativity, Christmas songs, and much more. 

 

Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights

Holiday Trail of Lights

This would be another option for a day trip and lots of driving along with lots of memories made.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights has existed for nearly 30 years to enhance the holiday experiences for locals, visitors and group tours. The trail spans I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana and incorporates Shreveport-Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Alexandria/Pineville.

Festivities generally start in mid-November and run through the New Year. Some of the popular and recurring events include shopping/dining/entertainment at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Shreveport-Bossier, Fasching Festival in Minden, shopping and dining in Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe, Festival of Lights in Natchitoches and the Christmas parades in Alexandria/Pineville.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights can be experienced in one day or a week with each day totally unique and special. The cities are all within driving distance of one another, making the tour a convenient hour-long trip from any one city to its neighboring city. Visitors are encouraged to see the brilliant lights, dine at the local restaurants, dance at the festivals, shop, and play in all of the eight festive cities.

See a full list of featured events—> https://www.holidaytrailoflights.com

 

There will be many fun events that you won’t want to miss taking place, we’ve created a fun Christmas Events List printable for you to print and fill out so you don’t miss a thing! 
Baton Rouge Moms PrintableBaton Rouge Christmas events bucket list printable

 

FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM  for more community info, activities and events!

Thanks to Rapid Urgent Care for sponsoring the Holiday Events Guide.

Mistletoe Market Shopping Extravaganza

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Mistletoe Market Baton Rouge Eighteen years ago, two women entrepreneurs were on a mission to develop a market where local vendors could create a memorable shopping experience and it has grown to be more than they could have ever imagined! What started with 10 vendors, has now grown to over 120 vendors, and from just a handful of shoppers to now an expected 6,000 shoppers at Mistletoe Market! 

 

Shoppers will have access to a multitude of vendors from boutiques, to chefs, to hand crafted work. Mistletoe Market always strives to provide the best shopping experience by creating a child-friendly environment with wide aisles for ease of shopping. Make sure to stop by the Kids Zone at Mistletoe Market to meet everyone’s favorite Snow Queen and her friends! They will be available at different times for meet and greets and pictures free of cost! 

Mistletoe Market

Mistletoe Market Shopping Extravaganza VIP

Baton Rouge Moms is excited to partner with Mistletoe Market for the third year as a premier media sponsor! We will host a Mistletoe Red Carpet for some photo fun at this year’s Mistletoe in the Morning VIP Shopping Experience – Saturday Nov. 11th!! 

 

Purchase a VIP Shopping Pass for just $20 and receive discounts, FREE premiere parking, sweets & treats and fun in a relaxed, comfortable shopping atmosphere.

What is included with the VIP Shopping Pass?
  1. VIP Shopping from 8am to 10am
  2. Premiere Parking {FREE & close}
  3. Princess Greeting
  4. Royal Shopping with complimentary orange juice in champagne glasses and sweets and treats at the Baton Rouge Moms table
  5. Exclusive discounts! (Receive 20% off select popular retailers from 8am to 10am)
  6. Photo fun on our Mistletoe Red Carpet hosted by Baton Rouge Moms
  7. Get your shopping done early, before the crowds, in a fun comfortable atmosphere!

  Learn more and purchase tickets —> http://bit.ly/MistletoeVIP

Cookies with Santa at Mistletoe Market – SOLD OUT

Mistletoe Market at Lamar Dixon (9039 S. St. Landry Ave, Gonzales, La 70737)

This year Mistletoe Market is excited to offer something new for your little ones. Cookies with Santa! This fun experience will include:

Decorating cookies w/individual decorating kits. Write letters to Santa and receive a personalized reply. Child will deliver the letter directly to Santa -photo with Santa -storytime & sing along with Santa & Mrs. Claus -and other fun activities Come and let us show your children a Santa experience like no other. ***How it works…. Purchase one ticket per child. Parents get in free to take pictures, assist their child and observe the fun. Parents please note that table seating is reserved for the children unless you want to purchase an extra ticket for yourself.

Why Mistletoe Market?

Mistletoe Market is a firm believer in giving back to the community. Each year, Mistletoe Market chooses a local charity, involved with children who have terminal illnesses, and donates a portion of admission prices. Last year, Mistletoe Market was able to raise over $5,000! 

This year’s chosen charity is Cheering for Breanna Foundation, a local organization that makes dreams come true for children with a terminal illness, from electronics to family trips. 

Don’t delay, get your VIP shopping pass today and we’ll see you at the Mistletoe Market!