Archive for the ‘Featured’ Category

Greenville Youth Chorale: Sharing A Love For Singing

Do you know a young person who loves to sing? Greenville Youth Chorale is a children’s choir offering a four-choir program that serves Upstate singers in K5 through 12th grade. This is the real deal with professional-level choral instruction and inspirational performance opportunities for the Upstate’s young people. GYC is celebrating 5 seasons this year!

Thank you to Greenville Youth Chorale for sponsoring this article.

Greenville Youth Chorale

Greenville Youth Chorale is the creation of Dr. Steven Brundage, a pianist and teacher. Founded in 2019, GYC rehearses in downtown Greenville and serves nearly 100 singers throughout its 4 choirs each season.

“We are creating a community of young people who love to sing and are committed to vocal and personal growth,” says Artistic Director, Laura Brundage.

Husband and wife team, Steven and Laura Brundage, lead GYC with a priority towards excellence and inspiration. Their staff of conductors include a talented and award-winning group elementary, high school, and collegiate choral conductors from all throughout Greenville county.

Inspirational Experiences

GYC singers experienced a milestone this past year as they performed at the Peace Center with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra in their “Holiday at Peace” shows throughout December. “Providing inspirational and transformative experiences is foundational to our programs and belief system,” says Steven Brundage.

Chamber Singers, GYC’s high school choir, performs each Christmas with the International Ballet and Greenville Symphony Orchestra in their production of “The Nutcracker,” singing the angelic “Snowflake Waltz” scene.

Beginning this past April, GYC’s annual spring concert is now held at the Gunter Theatre in downtown Greenville, providing its singers, family, and audience with a world-class performance experience.

There are so many more transformative experiences awaiting young people who sing with Greenville Youth Chorale. This summer, an ensemble of GYC singers are performing in New York City at Carnegie Hall as part of the National Youth Festival Chorus, and in summer 2025, GYC will perform in London and Canterbury, England!

The 2024-2025 Season

Reaching year-five was no easy feat. GYC’s first season was cut short by the COVID pandemic, halting all regular season activities for Greenville Youth Chorale until the fall of 2021.

“Starting GYC in 2019 with more than 100 singers and such a positive response from the community and then immediately stopping all regular activities before our first season had even ended was hard,” says Steven.

Greenville Youth Chorale bounced right back from COVID shutdowns, beginning the 2021-2022 season with 100 singers back in their rosters.

The upcoming 5th season will be a celebration of the past while looking to the future. “We have such a wonderful community of singers and families who love the music making, the camaraderie, and who really enjoy the experience of singing together.” says Steven.

Greenville Youth Chorale will cap their 5th season with a performance in London next summer, 2025!

Join GYC

Looking for a music-making community perfect for your child? New singers can apply at greenvilleyouthchorale.com and schedule an audition for August!

Interested in staying up-to-date during 5th GYC season? Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Making Your Child’s Haircut Enjoyable at Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids- Five Forks

Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids- Five Forks offers much more than a haircut. Their attention to detail, inviting atmosphere, and helpful stylists remove the stress out of getting your child’s haircut. Plus, what kid doesn’t want to sit in a tiny airplane or train engine while getting their new ‘do! We were invited to the Five Forks location so you will know what to expect during your next visit to Pigtails & Crewcuts. Thank you to Pigtails & Crewcuts for sponsoring this article!

Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids at Five Forks in Simpsonville, South Carolina

Our Experience at Pigtails & Crewcuts- Five Forks

We all know that getting your kid’s hair cut, especially if it is their first few times, can be overwhelming for most children. The staff at Pigtails & Crewcuts at Five Forks go above and beyond to ensure that each child feels safe and comfortable while in the stylist’s chair. We took our two-year-old for a trim, something that has been quite emotional for her in the past. However, our stylist Lexy, made the experience effortless!

When we arrived, Lexy had my two-year-old decide which of the awesome chairs she would like to sit in, and she b-lined to the model airplane. There are 5 unique chairs to choose from, including a train engine, fire engine, police car, racecar, and an airplane. There are also a couple of regular barber chairs to accommodate older children.

Child in airplane for a haircut at Pigtails & Crewcuts - Five Forks

Beginning the Haircut

Lexy then engaged in conversation with her, making her feel at ease before gently spritzing her hair and beginning to cut based on what we were looking for. She even gave me some helpful tips on dealing with her fine yet curly hair texture. Lexy truly loves her job and says that her most favorite thing about working with kids is “watching them grow up. [I’ve] been here for seven years now so I have seen some go from kindergarten to middle school.”

My daughter was so distracted by the magnetic toys, Frozen playing, and the airplane chair that before we knew it, our haircut was complete! Our stylist even platted her hair in two pig tail braids before we left the chair. She was then able to pick a small toy from the treasure box.

Young girl getting a haircut at Pigtails & Crewcuts -Five Forks

A+ Effort While Working With Children

The staff are also comfortable working with children with sensitivities, developmental challenges, medical challenges, and children who may have difficulties getting a haircut. Lexy, who has a lot of personal experience working with children on the autism spectrum, knows all the tricks for working through the process, saying the staff “try to pull out all the tricks and all the things by gently approaching and letting them get used to the environment.”

The studio provides “tons of accommodations. Whatever we got to do to get it done” while promoting a calm and relaxing environment. Parents are even welcome to bring their child in and just spend some time there, hanging out in the playroom at the back of the studio, and getting adjusted before their first haircut.

My Personal Opinion Of Pigtails & Crewcuts at Five Forks

Overall, our personal experience was fantastic! Their staff was so gentle and kind to my two-year-old daughter, and they took their time to ask questions from me about what I wanted to see in her haircut. Our stylist was able to do everything so seamlessly, and my daughter was happy the entire trip. The shop is super clean, is adorably decorated, and I absolutely love the chairs! I would highly recommend this haircut studio to all families.

Fire engine at Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids - Five Forks

What Types of Haircut Packages Do They Offer?

Pigtails & Crewcuts- Five Forks offers several packages to choose from, including:

Kids Cut: This is the basic haircut package for both boys and girls. Prices start at $24.95.
1st Haircut Package: The 1st haircut is always a big deal, and Pigtails & Crewcuts will help make it a special experience. Your child will even get their picture hung on the 1st Haircut Wall, what an honor! Prices start at $29.95.
Bang Cut: Looking to shape up your child’s bangs and get them out of their eyes, then this package is for you.
Dad’s Cut or Mom’s Cut: You might as well shape up your own ‘do while your little one gets a cut. The studio offers cuts for Mom’s and Dad’s!
Detangling: In need of some TLC for your kid’s tangled hair. The stylists can help gently remove those tangles to improve hair health.
Fairyhair: Add a little sparkle to your kid’s hair with Fairyhair, we promise they will love it!
Neck Trim: Short hair shape up? Get a neck trim to keep it sleek.
Up-Do/Style: Have a special occasion where your kid needs to look a little more spiffy? The stylists can create a stylish hairstyle or up-do for your kid.

Picking a prize from the treasure chest at Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids - Five Forks

Making an Appointment With Pigtails & Crewcuts – Five Forks

To book an appointment with Pigtails & Crewcuts, you will need to make an account on the Pigtails & Crewcuts online portal. Making an account is super easy, and allows you to choose the the type of appointment your child needs and the stylist you would like to book with. Once your stylist is chosen, you are shown available times based on your preferred date. Once booked, you will receive reminder emails, so you do not have to worry about accidentally missing your appointment thanks to their built-in reminder system!

Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids- Five Forks
Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids-Five Forks Facebook
2815 Woodruff Road, Suite 105, Simpsonville, SC
fiveforks@pigtailsandcrewcuts.com
864.626.3338

Method Learning: Preparing Your Kids For College Admissions

Our Kidding Around readers are like family—which means we’re here for the early and later stages of parenting. If you’re starting to think about college, Method Learning is a critical element when building your college prep toolbox!

Don’t miss access to valuable free test prep and college admissions resources in this article! Thank you Method Learning for sponsoring this article.

In the ever-evolving world of college admissions, navigating the path from high school to higher education can often feel like a daunting challenge. With numerous variables to consider and obstacles to overcome, students and parents alike seek reliable guidance and support to ensure a successful outcome.

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Mom’s Guidebook To Children’s Skin: Unveiling Pediatric Skin Concerns

As mothers, we’re the guardians of our children’s health and happiness, and their skin is a window into their well-being. From those tiny toes to their rosy cheeks, nurturing their skin health is a top priority. Yet, navigating the landscape of pediatric skin concerns can be daunting.

The newest providers of your local dermatology group, Epiphany Dermatology, are here to assist you! Dr. Jaimie Rodger, PA Ragan Phillips, and NP Rebecca Holt would like to share common skin issues in children and explore why teaming up with a dermatologist is essential for ensuring our little ones’ skin radiates with health and vitality. Thank you to Epiphany Dermatology for writing this article .

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From Crooked to Confident Teeth: Our Journey with Dr. Tom’s Orthodontics

This article is written in partnership with Dr. Tom’s Orthodontics. All opinions are our own.

Do you have a kid who is definitely going to need braces and maybe even can’t wait to get them so they can have straight teeth? My daughter Elizabeth has begged us for braces for years as she is self-conscious about her teeth being crooked. However, every time we had an orthodontic consultation, we were told that her mouth was not ready yet. Finally, this spring, we got the news that she had been waiting for from Doctor Tom’s Orthodontics that Elizabeth’s mouth was ready for braces.

We know that many of our readers also have kids who will need braces. Plus, you probably have a lot of questions (we did!). We’ll be sharing our braces journey here on Kidding Around so that you know what to expect. You’ll also learn why Doctor Tom’s Orthodontics is a spot you should include on your list of local orthodontists to consider.

Meet Dr. Tollison: The team’s newest addition

After serving Greenville for over 30 years, Dr. Tom is stepping aside to make way for new a new doctor to begin crafting smiles for our local kids. He cannot wait for you to meet his hand-chosen replacement, Dr. Tollison!

Dr. Tollison is a Greenville native, having gone to high school at our very own Riverside High School, and attending Clemson University for his undergraduate degree. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree at the Medical University of South Carolina, and graduated top of his class. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a military dentist. After his military service, Dr. Tollison completed his orthodontic specialty training at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Accomplishments aside, Dr. Tom cannot wait for you all to meet Dr. Tollison because of his positive energy and love for life! Dr. Tom couldn’t believe how seamlessly their philosophies and outlooks on life matched up. He is confident that everyone will be in good hands with Dr. Tollison!

His practice, Dr. Tom’s Orthodontics, was voted by our readers as a 2024 KABOOM Awards Winner.

How Do You Know If Your Kid is Ready for Braces?

The journey kicked off with a free consultation, where Cathy, the Treatment Coordinator snapped some x-rays and made sure our paperwork was entered correctly. After everything was in the system, Dr. Tom examined Elizabeth’s teeth and laid out a treatment plan. The plan included what types of correction Elizabeth’s teeth would need, any necessary dental appointments, and the predicted length of the treatment.

A consultation to learn if your kid needs braces and what they will cost is absolutely free, no strings attached!

The office even offered to send the x-rays taken to our pediatric dentist to save costs at our next dentist appointment. We left with everything we needed to make an informed decision. Dr. Tom even offered to record his assessment on my phone so I could share it easily with my husband.

Dentist and child after receiving braces at Dr. Tom's Orthodontics

Dr. Tom’s Office is a Space Designed to Make Kids and Parents at Home

At Dr. Tom’s, the office is more than an orthodontic clinic; it’s a kid-friendly space that helps ease stress. From the cheerful greetings to the personalized name boards adorning the walls, every detail is designed to make kids feel right at home. And let’s not forget the prize wheel the kids can spin at the end – Elizabeth’s favorite part of every visit!

At Doctor Tom’s, parents are welcome to accompany their child in the treatment room, because let’s be real – sometimes your kid wants you there for support. In addition, with an average of just three office visits per year during school hours, your kid will miss a minimum of school.

Oh, and did I mention the little free library in the lobby? Elizabeth is a bookworm, so she had fun picking out a new book and maybe next time we’ll bring one of our favorites to leave for another child.

For parents that need to bring work along to appointments, the lobby also has several workstations complete with outlets.

Picking up a tie dye t shirt from Dr. Tom's Orthodontics.

Top-notch Treatment, Tailored for You

Dr. Tom’s all-inclusive fee covers everything from the initial exam and consultation to office visits and retainers. And if you decide to move forward, they offer a monthly, no-interest payment plan to make it easier on the budget. Yep, you heard that right – no surprise fees or hidden costs, just a straightforward path to a dazzling smile.

And speaking of retainers, Dr. Tom has got you covered with three replacements included in the fee. Because let’s face it, kids will be kids, and retainers have a knack for disappearing into thin air (or the school lunch trash can)!

New set of braces from Dr. Tom's Orthodontics.

SPEED Braces: A Smile Above the Rest

At Doctor Tom’s, it’s not just about straightening teeth; it’s about boosting confidence. That’s one of the reasons that they provide the modern option of SPEED braces. The SPEED braces are only ⅓ of the size of traditional braces and use a spring clip to move the teeth. This new technology isn’t only less visible but is more comfortable, traps less food, and can even result in less visits.

Progress of SPEED braces in just 4 months at Dr. Tom's Orthodontics in Greenville, SC.

Are You Curious if Your Kid Needs Braces?

If you think your child might need braces, it costs nothing to set up a free consultation. Just call Doctor Tom’s office at 864.329.1971 or fill out the form on their website.

We are looking forward to seeing Elizabeth’s smile transform over the next two years and we’ll share her progress here!

Phone Number: 864.329.1971
Address: 20 Creekview Ct Ste A, Greenville, SC 29615
Website: drtomsortho.com

7 Tips for Staying Safe While Camping

Ahh, the great outdoors. Sleeping under the stars and eating hotdogs cooked over a campfire can be super fun, but it’s good to be prepared so you don’t have any camping mishaps. Emergency medicine expert Spencer Robinson, DO, offered a few tips for staying safe while camping.

Interested in Prisma Health’s photo contest and being featured on Kidding Around Greenville social media? Scroll down to enter! Thank you to Prisma Health for sponsoring this article.

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Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry: Passionate About Providing Pain-Free Dentistry For Kids

What’s the first thing your child asks you when they know a doctor is going to perform a procedure? “Is it going to hurt?” From a child’s perspective this notion largely consumes their thoughts and spares little room for feelings of encouragement. Dr. Lisa M. Cherry, Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry, is highly sensitive to this scenario and has incorporated the use of the latest technologies so that she can often confidently tell her patients, “No, it will not hurt.”

Thank you Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this article.

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Five Amazing Communities Near Greenville, SC

Ready to move to or around Greenville, SC but want to avoid that high cost of living? Hamilton & Co is here to help! Thank you to Hamilton & Co for sponsoring this article!

It’s no secret Greenville, SC is a city on the rise. “Best Small City in America,” “Best Food City in the US,” and “Happiest City in America” are just a few of the many accolades our city has received in recent years.

But rising popularity means rising house prices and overall cost of living.

If you’re considering a move – either local or from out of state – but are intimidated by the rising cost of housing, this article is for you!

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See the Best of Greenville, SC with Greenville Bike Taxi Pedicab Tour

Ready to do something a little out-of-the-box with your family to see the best of Greenville, SC? Let us introduce you to Greenville Bike Taxi, where you’ll get treated like a VIP while exploring some of the coolest places near downtown Greenville.

Imagine being in the back of a pedicab – a bike with a comfortable cart that can carry four people – cruising around downtown Greenville, taking in the sights with your kids, enjoying a couple cool shops and playgrounds, and taking photos in front of iconic places like Unity Park and the Medusa Tree, then have we got just the thing for you to do.

You may have already heard of Greenville Bike Taxi if you did the Earle Street Santas bike tour during Christmastime (wasn’t that fun?!), but if you haven’t, we will tell you all about them and their new Tikes on Trikes tour to some pretty neat places!

About Greenville Bike Taxi

The Tikes on Trikes Tour for Families

Book Your Tour

Greenville Bike Taxi tour — Stops along the way

Watch: The Tikes on Trikes Tour

Book Tikes on Trikes Tour

About Greenville Bike Taxi

Phil Gonzalez grew up in Greenville and moved to the coast to go to school. In Charleston, he ended up working for a bike taxi company and loved it. He peddled all over King Street and through the historic district, taking people to restaurants, markets, bars, and on shopping trips. Literally anywhere they wanted to go.

When he decided to move back home to the Upstate, he wanted to bring that same experience to Greenville. So he did. After obtaining the necessary permits and navigating all the business paperwork, Phil opened up Greenville Bike Taxi in the spring and people have loved it.

It’s easy to see why. It’s such a unique way to get around town and since Greenville is so beautiful and since there is lots to see, it’s far from a boring way to be stuck in traffic on Main Street.

If you’re in town and want a bike taxi, you can book it right from the website. A standard ride is $7/person for 10 minutes. We’ll give you pricing info on the new kids tour below.

The Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour

We got to collaborate with Phil on putting this tour together and we can confidently say it’s awesome because you’ll get a taste of some of the most iconic places in town that kids will absolutely love.

Here’s where you’ll go on the Tikes on Trikes tour:

Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn
Poinsett Statue on Main Street
Linky Stone Park: The Children’s Garden
Unity Park
Falls Park
O.P. Taylor’s
Mast General

You’ll start and end the tour with free gifts, too, which is fantastic. We absolutely love Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn and you’ll see why when you go because you’ll get a free sample of their delicious popcorn. At the end of the tour, you’ll also get a free gift from O.P. Taylor’s and Mast General. If you haven’t stepped foot in O.P. Taylors, it is an amazing little toy shop with a wide variety of not only the latest toys but some of the very best toys and games from the past few decades. And we are big fans of Mast General for their great outdoor clothing and gear selection and candy barrels.

At the statue of Joel Poinsett on Main Street, you’ll learn some neat tidbits about him and why in the world there’s a statue of him downtown. At Linky Stone Park, you’ll be transported to the world of Peter Rabbit.

At Unity Park, you’ll get to ride past the wind chimes and get about 10-15 minutes of playtime. The splash pad opens May 1 so bring towels if you want to do that!

At Falls Park, you’ll get to take a photo with the backdrop of the Reedy River Falls and iconic Liberty Bridge plus see the Medusa Tree. If you don’t know what that is, here’s a photo.

Overall, we had such a great time on this bike tour. The novelty of the pedicab is a lot of fun and is a unique way to enjoy our beautiful city. I think this tour would be particularly fun for someone who wants to take their kid on a one-on-one date or families who want to do an outing together and something different.

The bikes can hold up to four smaller adults or two adults and up to four kids. If you have more people than that, you can reserve two (or however many) bikes to accommodate everyone.

Tips on Enjoying the Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour

While the name is geared towards smaller kids, kids of pretty much any age will enjoy this. I took my daughters, ages 13 and 9, on the tour, and they really had a lot of fun – who doesn’t love free popcorn and Unity Park?

Since you will see a lot of the iconic places in Greenville, the tour goes by quickly. You’ll get time to enjoy each spot but not spend a lot of time so just prepare your kids, letting them know they cannot spend the entire hour playing at Unity Park. You can bribe them with the free gift at O.P. Taylors at the end of the tour!

The weather changes in Greenville a lot so be prepared with layers of clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You can bring water with you also.

If you want to allow your kids to use the splash pad, bring towels.

Booking Your Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour

The cost for the tour is $40/adults and $30/kids. They are an hour long and run Sundays – Fridays 11 am – 3 pm.

When you’re ready to book, use the button below.

Book Tikes on Trikes Tour

Greenville Bike Taxi
864.293.3065

A Premier Private Preschool & Kindergarten Experience at Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks

Since opening in 2015, Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Fo rks has established themselves as a highly valued and respected private kindergarten & preschool. They’ve brought their high standard of education and enthusiasm to local families and continue to provide students with early learning education—making sure students are ready for elementary school!

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Archive for the ‘Featured’ Category

Greenville Youth Chorale: Sharing A Love For Singing

Greenville Youth Chorale

Inspirational Experiences

The 2024-2025 Season

Join GYC

Making Your Child’s Haircut Enjoyable at Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids- Five Forks

Our Experience at Pigtails & Crewcuts- Five Forks

Beginning the Haircut

A+ Effort While Working With Children

My Personal Opinion Of Pigtails & Crewcuts at Five Forks

What Types of Haircut Packages Do They Offer?

Making an Appointment With Pigtails & Crewcuts – Five Forks

Method Learning: Preparing Your Kids For College Admissions

Mom’s Guidebook To Children’s Skin: Unveiling Pediatric Skin Concerns

From Crooked to Confident Teeth: Our Journey with Dr. Tom’s Orthodontics

Meet Dr. Tollison: The team’s newest addition

How Do You Know If Your Kid is Ready for Braces?

Dr. Tom’s Office is a Space Designed to Make Kids and Parents at Home

Top-notch Treatment, Tailored for You

SPEED Braces: A Smile Above the Rest

Are You Curious if Your Kid Needs Braces?

7 Tips for Staying Safe While Camping

Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry: Passionate About Providing Pain-Free Dentistry For Kids

Five Amazing Communities Near Greenville, SC

See the Best of Greenville, SC with Greenville Bike Taxi Pedicab Tour

Watch: The Tikes on Trikes Tour

About Greenville Bike Taxi

The Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour

Tips on Enjoying the Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour

Booking Your Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour

A Premier Private Preschool & Kindergarten Experience at Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC