Meet Zena Samona-Ibrahim @edukidsmom. Teacher turned SAHM she has the cutest mom friendly Instagram that might put Pinterest to shame most days. With Valentine’s Day 14 days away she has the best sensory kits to keep your little’s busy and book suggestions all focused around Valentine’s day. The best part, you can snag one here and order!
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
Michael is my oldest. He’s a very bright and caring 5 year old. He loves chess, tennis, and Legos. Alexander is 4 years old. He is such a sweet and funny boy who loves anything construction related. Madeleine is the youngest of the three. She’s smart, energetic, and loves her brothers dearly. She loves all things pink and purple.
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Where do your children go to school?
My children attend Brookfield Academy. It is a Montessori school. Michael is in kindergarten and Alexander & Madeleine are in preschool. We are very pleased with the education they are receiving there.
Tell us more about your business and background? (If you don’t follow @edukidsmom you should)
I was a middle school science teacher for 15 years at Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington Hills. When I had my second child, I became a SAHM. I loved teaching my children early education concepts and reading to them daily. I started posting daily activities I would do with my children on Instagram. Most of the activities were centered around sensory play. Almost instantly my followers started showing interest and asking me to share more. My husband encouraged me to start a business with my background. I started making and selling various themed sensory kits. I wanted to create sensory kits themed around books and I loved the quality of Usborne Books & More, so I decided to become a consultant and incorporate the books with the kits. I love being able to stay at home with my children while running a small business. My page has really been a creative outlet for me.
SENSORY KITS
You make incredible Sensory Kits, tell us more about them and the Valentine’s Day special that you have for our local moms.
I initially started creating the sensory kits to help my children with speech development and it was a fun way to introduce concepts.. I truly get joy out of making them and thinking of all the various ways children can play and learn from them. My holiday kits are always a big hit. For Valentine’s Day, I’m offering different sizes. I think they would be a great gift for a classroom favor or for your child.
SNAG YOURS TODAY! Order Kits by emailing me [email protected] by 02/07: Mini Kits ($12), Medium: ($25), Full kit with book & tray: $45
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USBORNE BOOKS
You’re a rep for Usborne books. What top book recommendations do you have for Valentine’s Day and how can our local Moms snag some for their kiddies?
MOM DEAL ALERT!!!!! I’m offering curated Valentine’s Day book bundles right now. You can order a book bundle by filling out this form:
ORDER TODAY! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UvVw6pwu5P3q20DTzThIr5UfHzrjbJtwYOmP-Obdhko/prefill
You can order any Usborne Books & More books through this link:
https://c10626.myubam.com/Customer/consultantaccountinfo
Order books by 2/9
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VALENTINE’s DAY BREAKFAST
Lastly for Valentine’s Day… give us your best breakfast for the kids to make them smile the morning of.
I truly enjoy purchasing all the Dash mini waffle makers for each holiday. They have a cute heart shaped maker right now. A fun and easy breakfast you can make for your kids is heart shaped waffles, strawberries cut into hearts or other berries and a side of sausage or turkey bacon.
What made you decide to raise your family here?
I grew up in the West Bloomfield area and I love being close to family & friends. We have such great schools around here and I love the community we are surrounded by.
What’s your favorite family activity in Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills?
Going to church at St. Hugo of the Hills on Sundays & then eating breakfast at Bill’s.
Where are your favorite places around town with your kids?
- Cranbrook House & Gardens
- Detroit Skating Club
- Stemville
What do you do to balance your own life and motherhood? What do you do for “me” time?.
My children are in so many after school activities that I need to be organized. I use a planner to keep me organized with appointments and activities. I also plan out dinners weekly. I lay out clothes, backpacks, and shoes the night before to make mornings easier. The minute we get home, I put everything back to its original spot. Staying organized really helps me manage the most of our time.
My favorite thing to do for “me” time is going out with my husband or girlfriends. My favorite restaurants around town are Tallulah, Phoenicia, Prime 29 and Zao Jun. I also love exercising with Bonnie Kassab (@bonniekassab) . I do her boot camp once a week. And never underestimate a good run alone to Target or Home Goods with a good cup of coffee from Roast or Starbucks.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My wonderful mother, Sue. My parents live very close to us. My mom helps me with my children, cooking and she’s always motivating me to do my best in everything. I’m very lucky to have her.
Make sure to give Zena a follow @EduKidsMom! Thanks for sharing!
