Explorations Play Studio

Welcome to "Explorations Play Studio", where Nicole practices hospitality in her special way...

In my last post I wrote about how my sister-in-law, Nicole, has the gift of creating spaces that inspire...  Well, aside from her lovely home, she has made the most inviting play place for kids called "Explorations Play Studio".  Using her experiences as a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, and as mother to 2 great girls, along with her God-given gifts, she has developed a haven for play.  Nicole acts as the hostess.  She welcomes parents and children into her space and nurtures them completely.  Her motivation was to give back to her community in Charlottesville, Virgina.  She practices hospitality in her workplace so graciously.  Check out these pictures! 

Don't you want to go and explore and play?!

As you can see, her studio is pleasing to the eye, but when you go there, it smells so good too!  This past visit, we were greeted by the relaxing scent of lavender.  The colors are also soothing and she plays nice music.  And the 'toys' are merely props for one's imagination.  She has great hollow blocks for building houses, restaurants, ramps, roads ... what ever you dream-up.  She has whimsical and eclectic accessories to add in, such as dishes, play foods, small animals, balls, etc.  And there's a sensory table that's contents change based on the season.  We played with corn kernels and bowls.  In the winter the table might be filled with play snow, polar bears, plastic ice-cubes and penguins.  It's all just too cute!  A session at the studio ends with a circle time.  A stuffed frog is passed around and hugged on as the kids share their favorite thing about their play-time.  Then each child is handed a warm, lavender scented wash cloth to wipe hands, face, nose etc. with.  This ritual concludes a play experience like no other.  All senses have been awakened, most importantly, a child's spirit.  I only wish EPS were closer, we'd be there every day!   There's nothing like being in a place where hospitality is practiced excellently!  I love you, Nicole.  Thanks for inspiring me.

For more information about Explorations Play Studio, please visit explorationsplaystudio.com, or check them out on Facebook.  You could also ask me any questions.  Thank you.

Remember, to practice hospitality.  What are you excellent at and are you using your God-given gifts?  Share them with me ...