Kayla Tornello
Kayla grew up in southeastern Ohio and met her Vermonter husband while in college. They now live in Essex Junction with their two children. Kayla is a stay-at-home mom to her son (born 2010) and her daughter (born 2011). She is also a church pianist/organist. Her hobbies include singing, reading, acting, and coming up with tasty ways to feed her family vegetables. She enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Oral Surgeon – What to Expect at Your Child’s Appointment
Both of my children have been to see our local oral surgeon.
I was nervous when they were referred to the oral surgeon. The title makes him sound so much more intimidating than our dentist!...
50+ Vermont Gifts Available Now! Vermont Mom’s Shop Local Favorites 2020!
Still need a gift? Check out these 50+ Vermont gifts that are available today along with Vermont Mom's Shop Local Favorites 2020 Gift Guide. We could all use a little cheer, right? How about...
Grandma – Fond Childhood Memories of my Grandmother
My grandma was one of my favorite people as a child.
I miss spending time with my grandma. She is currently in hospice care in Ohio and I live in Vermont. Due to coronavirus concerns,...
Advent Calendars – Not Just For Kids – They’re Fun For Adults, Too!
My children love to get advent calendars at the beginning of every December.
Advent calendars help them count down the days until Christmas. They also give them a little surprise every day so they don't...
Do It Yourself Ruth Bader Ginsburg Halloween Costume
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an amazing woman, an icon, and a role model for boys and girls everywhere.
She is most well known as a justice of the Supreme Court. Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought hard...
Girly Girl- Remembering my Pink and Purple Childhood
Growing up, I was the definition of a girly girl.
Most of my clothes were pink and purple. I refused to wear jeans because they were "too plain." I enjoyed dressing up for any occasion....
Outdoor Autumn Activities for the Whole Family to Enjoy
Autumn is a magical time of year in Vermont.
The weather may be cooler, but there are so many outdoor autumn activities that your whole family will love. The colorful leaves make a wonderful backdrop...
Sleepover – Preparing Your Child to Spend the Night Away From Home
A sleepover is a right of passage. It means your child is growing up.
That said, your child's first sleepover can be nerve-wracking, both for you and your child. My children's first sleepover was with...
Lessons from Coronavirus – Changing My Family’s Schedule
This coronavirus pandemic is so stressful and terrible.
Thanks to coronavirus, I have been on the verge of tears on an almost daily basis. The routines that we all took for granted suddenly disappeared overnight....
Campfire Food – Delicious and Easy Treats to Cook Over Fire
Summer is here, which means it's time for campfire food!
Campfire food is so exciting for kids, whether it's at a campsite, a park, or even your own backyard. There is something so satisfying about...
Backyard Camping – Enjoy Nature Without Leaving Home!
Backyard camping is an easy way to bring some fun to your summer when everything else has been canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While backyard camping is fun, it is also safe and inexpensive....
Books about Racism to Educate People of All Ages
Racism is a huge problem in this country.
I wish there was an easy way to solve this horrendous problem, but there is no easy answer. Each person must do what they can. One way...
I’m Dreading Summer this Year Due to Coronavirus
Summer is my favorite time of the year.
I look forward to summer every year. I work as a substitute teacher, so summer means a break from school for me and my children. Summer offers...
Painting My Kids’ Rooms – A Project for When You’re Stuck at Home
I finally decided to go ahead and start painting my kids' rooms!
I'm not really big on projects, so the paint on the walls of their rooms is from before they were born. (They are...