Author: Kylie Fahnestock

Whether you’re new parents, or you’ve been in the parenting game with your partner for a while now, you’ll probably agree: Once kids enter the scene, life (and love) changes in ways you couldn’t have predicted. But change doesn’t have to be a negative thing. It invites us to grow — and for parents, it opens the door to discovering connection in new forms. Yes, the holidays may look different now, but there is still room for celebration — and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Your love can still be honored in meaningful, intentional ways that fit this season of…

Parent-Approved Picks for Learning Through Play Note: The products in this article were chosen by our editors without bias or paid advertisement. If you would like to support us, so we can create more of this content for you, you can purchase the products from the affiliate links. Thank you! If you’re the parent of a toddler, you know just how energetic they can be. This stage is filled with plenty of opportunities for play and learning, but it can also feel overwhelming to choose just how to keep them entertained. The options seem endless when it comes to toys for…

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gratitude, connection, and good food — but for many parents, the weeks leading up to it feel like a juggling act, especially if you’re the designated hosts (like my family is!) Between getting the turkey in the oven (and planning enough days in advance for it to thaw if you go the frozen route), keeping the kids happy, and trying not to lose your sanity…the stress can quickly pile up. The good news? With some planning, mindset shifts, and a few shortcuts, you can pull off a calm, warm holiday your family will remember…

As a foodie and a mom to a 9-month-old, I didn’t want to give up eating out just because we have a little one in tow. Not to mention, now that he has started eating solid foods, we want him to experience the excitement of dining out too! Luckily, my husband and I live in an ideal region to give our son that experience. Sure, it may take a little extra planning at this stage, but it’s completely worth it! When it comes to finding the best family-friendly restaurants in CNY, families like ours have no shortage of options to…

From local stages in Central New York to gaining national recognition, Joe Davoli has built a career rooted in both performance and education. A gifted fiddle player with a deep appreciation for tradition, Joe is just as passionate about passing on the joy of music as he is about playing it himself. Whether he’s guiding a student through their first tune or helping advanced players learn to play by ear, Joe creates a teaching environment that celebrates growth, creativity, and connection through music.What first drew you to the fiddle, and how did you discover your passion for teaching it?My parents…

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of these links.  Halloween through a toddler’s eyes is pure magic. It’s the sound of giggles as they toddle up to a neighbor’s porch, the sight of tiny hands clutching a plastic pumpkin, and the proud moment they shout “Trick or treat!” for the first time. For parents, these early years are less about candy and more about creating memories — snapping photos, laughing through the costume chaos, and soaking in the joy…

Fall in Central New York is really something special. The leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, the air gets crisp, and weekends suddenly feel made for wearing cozy sweaters, sipping hot beverages (and munching on apple cider donuts!), and of course, going on memory-making adventures. For families, it’s the perfect season to get outside, enjoy local traditions, and discover new favorites together. To celebrate the turning of the seasons, we’ve put together a fall bucket list of must-do activities between September and November to help your family make the most of autumn in CNY. Outdoor Adventures & Nature…

This month we’re interviewing Marnie Murray, Co-Founder and Owner of Lice Clinics Upstate NY (formerly known as Naughty Nits)!Can you tell us a bit about Naughty Nits and what inspired you to start it?I started the business in 2013 when my kids got head lice.  I quickly learned that the over the counter products were highly ineffective so I came up with an organic, alternate treatment using an FDA cleared medical device that works by dehydration.  The topical products such as Rid, Nix, Fairy Tales, Listerine, and Spinosad (to name a few), do not kill lice eggs and many adult…

Family-friendly activities to add to your end-of-summer bucket list.Summer is winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to soak up the sunshine and make a few more memories before the school year begins. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip, a fun afternoon in the park, or a family-friendly event, Central New York has no shortage of options to close out the season on a high note.Here’s your go-to guide for end-of-summer activities the whole family will enjoy.Splash into Late-Summer Cool off and enjoy one more splash before the bathing suits are packed away!Boating Adventures: Try renting a kayak…

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of these links. We only recommend products and deals we truly believe will help families save this back-to-school season!One of the sure signs that summer is winding down? Receiving your child’s school supply list. Maybe you’re looking forward to getting the kids back into a routine and putting more structure into their (and let’s face it, your) days. But as exciting as it can be, back-to-school season comes with added expenses. Between backpacks,…