Many, many years ago I picked up a contract editing gig with First Night Boston and I was floored by the amount of programming the then small team assembled. And the organizers are still at it, with First Night 2007 offering over 200 performances, exhibitions, and workshops featured at over 40 Boston venues.

Events run from 1pm to midnight on December 31. Admission buttons ($15; children under 4 free) are good all day, and also can be used for discounts throughout the month of January at select venues. Be sure to check out the handy search engine (category, time of day, indoor/outdoor venue, artist) to help plan your day. Happy New Year!

Posted 30 Dec 2006 in Fun Outdoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

It’s typically difficult to make sense of any conversation when you have a collective of 12 adults and 4 preschoolers at dinner (as was the case Christmas Day), but the family went audibly and definitively berserk over the salmon cakes we brought for potluck. This recipe also happens to be Jon’s all time favorite; it works well during fall/winter (paired with rice pilaf and simple vegetables), spring/summer (over a bed of salad greens), for potluck (as evidenced by the empty platter I brought home), or as elegant little bite-sized appetizers for a New Year’s gathering. Enjoy!

Posted 29 Dec 2006 in Home; Recipes | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

If you’re feeling the effects of holiday cookie excess, be sure to enter to win one of four fitness decks being given away by our friends at Sane Fitness. This contest closes at midnight on December 31, and is open to entrants worldwide; click here for prize details. Good luck!

Posted 28 Dec 2006 in Web (Admin) | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Typically, I am all about color, and am thrilled that Laurel’s favorite activity is painting, but the no mess factor of the Aquadoodle is pretty fantastic.

Laurel received the (award winning) Aquadoodle Travel Doodle ($14.99 at Toys R Us) for Christmas from her aunt and uncle and she loves it. Just add water to the pen capsule and your babe can draw on both canvas sides of the board. Doodles disappear in minutes.

Some Amazon users with extensive experience with other Aquadoodle products weren’t as happy with this new entry in the Aquadoodle line, but as newbies to Aquadoodle, we have no complaints. If traveling, we’d just suggest bringing a bottle of water along to keep the pen (and yourself) hydrated during the journey.

Posted 28 Dec 2006 in Art Supplies & Toys; Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

‘Tis the season for depleted immune systems.

On Christmas evening, exhausted from the day’s adventures, I downed a couple of packets of Tangerine Emergen-C (a clever Christmas party favor given by my sister Sharon) in an aggressive attempt to stave off an oncoming cold. My introduction to this fizzy vitamin drink reminded me that a papa pal wrote in to report how much his daughter loves Strawberry Emergen-C Jr For Kids (shown; 36-pack currently on sale for $9.77 at Amazon). Just add water to render a multivitamin drink containing 500 mg of Vitamin C plus Vitamins A, B's, D & E, and 32 Mineral Complexes.

Posted 27 Dec 2006 in Bath, Beauty & Health | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Are you off all week with the kid(s) and looking for an activity? A local reader wrote in to inform that Big Joe the Storyteller will be telling tales as part of a fundraiser for the Montessori Middle School in Braintree tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 28) at 10 am. All are welcome and stories will be suitable for pre-school, kindergarten, and early elementary aged children. The cost is $5 per child.

Montessori Middle School, 25 Brow Ave, Braintree (Inclement weather Tel: 781-848-0759)

Posted 27 Dec 2006 in Fun Indoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

There are countless nursery rhyme books out there, but we hit on a real winner at the public library. And lest none of the other children at the local branch have a chance to read it, we finally ordered our own copy so we could stop renewing the loaner.

Sanja Rescek’s Hickory, Dickory, Dock: And Other Favorite Nursery Rhymes ($7.95 at Amazon) comprises soothing, pretty illustrations of classic nursery rhymes; the rounded corner, padded board book format is perfect for little hands and will withstand a lifetime of reads.

Posted 26 Dec 2006 in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I have to admit that I’m a little nervous reporting on the hidden gem that is the Grand Prix Café in North Cambridge, lest it results in us not being able to get a table on weekends. But it is the holidays after all, so here goes.

Initially wary of the racecar reference (I still need Jon to remind me of the difference between the Grand Prix and NASCAR), the Grand Prix is now a favorite, whether I’m on my own with my laptop, with Jon, or out with the whole family. This morning wasn’t the first time that we spent over an hour enjoying breakfast and watching soccer highlights (the owners are avid soccer fans) while Laurel happily munched her food, chatted with the staff, and enjoyed people watching. The staff is kind and professional, and they serve what quickly has become my favorite coffee in the area, in addition to a full menu of snacks, sandwiches, and desserts (including several homemade items).

The Grand Prix Café is a terrific addition to a block that includes the stylish and modern Asierica and the bounty that is Pemberton Farms. Just remember to bring quarters for the Mass. Ave. meters.

Grand Prix Café, 2257 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, Tel: 617-547-4700

Posted 23 Dec 2006 in Food & Drink; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Moms are the ultimate multitaskers; at the park the other day I met a mom who was knitting some groovy socks while looking after her son. I used to be an avid knitter, but I had never seen anything like the little knitting pouch wristlet she was working from and I had to try tracking one down.

A super stylish option is the GoKnit Pouch from KnowKnits ($18; available at KnitPicks.com). Made of lightweight, ripstop nylon fabric (in hot pink, lime green, or turquoise), this pouch has a loop that can go over your wrist, belt loop, or purse strap and includes an interior snapped guide loop to keep your yarn in order. Measures 6 inches in diameter by 8 inches tall.

Posted 22 Dec 2006 in Arts & Crafts; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Every now and then, a home good comes along and changes the way our household operates.

Since receiving a panini press as a gift a couple months ago, we have enjoyed pressed sandwiches every day (or sometimes several times in a day…quesadillas also work well). And since grilled cheese sandwiches are a top request from Laurel, we’ve been especially thrilled with the ease and amazing non-burn factor of this tool, which now holds a central spot on our kitchen counter.

We received a Napa Style press, but the Breadman Panini Press ($39.99 at Target.com) has similar specs at a fraction of the price, and the user reviews are very favorable.

Posted 22 Dec 2006 in Gadgets; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I don’t think I’ve ever had a conversation with my mother about tampons, and this morning I found myself discussing them with my 27-month-old.

Laurel had gotten herself into my bathroom toiletries, and as I worked out some preschooler-friendly explanations on the fly, I was reminded of the increased confidence I gained in having these types of conversations since attending a Planned Parenthood home talk a couple of months ago.

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts’ Let’s Be Honest program is designed to help parents create an environment of trust and comfort in talking with their children about sex and sexuality. Although the program is especially suited to parents of children aged 10-14 years old, the facilitators were open to discussion of how to talk to kids of all ages about sex, and they provided useful handouts (e.g., how to respond to the “where do babies come from” question) applicable to kids aged 2 and up.

Click here to learn about how to host or attend a “Let’s Be Honest” workshop. If you’re not in Massachusetts, the national Planned Parenthood website offers educational resources for parents, including age by age guides for how to talk to children about sex, human sexuality, and AIDS.

Posted 21 Dec 2006 in Local; Outreach | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Kids love to imitate their parents; next time you are ready to replace your wallet, hang onto the old one (or purchase an inexpensive wallet) and fill it with expired IDs and frequent flyer cards, faux credit cards from promotional mailings, etc. Laurel loves loading and unloading her wallet and pointing out the ridiculous number of expired university IDs her parents have collected. She also loves filling up the wallet's change pocket (supervised of course…), naming all the different coins as she goes.

The only problem now is that she has started requesting paper money.

Posted 20 Dec 2006 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

Yesterday, desperately in need of relaxation and rejuvenation following wrap of a series of crazy deadlines, I headed to Urban Oasis. Urban Oasis offers private and community hot tub sessions and massages set within peaceful, elegantly appointed rooms. (Sessions are suit on; the community tub schedule largely is co-ed, but there is some single sex availability.) Towels and plush robes are provided, and change rooms and showers are stocked with quality body products. During my visit I was the only person in the community tub and enjoyed a half hour soak ($10 on its own; $8 when booked along with a massage) prior to my massage with Beth, who was marvelous at untying the knots in my back.

These fabulous hot tub soaks give new meaning to tubby time, and would make for a fun outing with friends or family (my mom will go crazy over this place...). Student and senior discounts are available.

Urban Oasis, 243 Hampshire Street, Cambridge; Tel: 617-491-0716

UPDATE 4/5/08: Urban Oasis has changed its name to Inman Oasis.

Posted 20 Dec 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

As someone who spent many years “driving with the brake on” professionally, I very much want to encourage Laurel to follow her natural gifts. Next on my reading list is another book suggestion from Boston Mamas’ contributing therapist Adelaide Smith, MSW. Adelaide highly recommends Caron B. Goode’s Nurture Your Child's Gift: Inspired Parenting. Goode’s book offers ideas and techniques on how parents can encourage their children to be confident and joyful through procession on a path that draws on their natural talents.

Posted 19 Dec 2006 in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

The other day, Auntie Sha-Sha left her sneakers at our house; this was a major event for Laurel. She wanted to know all about why the shoes were there, what we could put in them, and how fast Sharon could run when she was in them (answer: pretty fast). Ultimately, she wanted a pair just like them.

Laurel’s been in need of more weather appropriate footwear (she’s still been roaming around in her fall kicks) so we decided to check out the New Balance Factory Store this past weekend.

This store is definitely worth a visit. The infant/toddler section is smaller than the kid, women, and men sections (there were about 8 different infant/toddler shoe styles to choose from), but Laurel loved the sneakers she picked out and they apparently fit great (I have never seen her jump around in a store like that before…). They also were a mere $14.99.

New Balance Factory Store, 40 Life Street, Allston, Tel: 877-623-7867

Posted 19 Dec 2006 in Local; Retail | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

If you haven't yet finished your holiday shopping, consider purchasing some fabulous Barefoot Books products while supporting a partnership between Boston Mamas and one of Barefoot's sellers (Amy Platt, who also is a Boston Mamas reader, and owner of an online resource for Long Island parents).

Shop Amy's Barefoot site (the interface is the same as shopping the regular Barefoot Books site) and use code EV1 at checkout in the event code (not special offer code) box; 20% of sales will be donated to BostonMamas.com (expires 1/31/07). And here are some extra holiday bonuses. Place your order by 11:30am EST on 12/20 to receive: 1) guaranteed holiday delivery (choose US Standard Shipping); and 2) complimentary gift wrap (red paper, raffia, artist's gift card; valued at $4.95 per item) when you check off the gift wrap option with each item.

Posted 18 Dec 2006 in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Holiday brunches ought to be enjoyed; you’ll be able to do just that with this terrific make ahead Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Strata from Epicurious.com. This dish (first enjoyed at the home of fellow food lovin' friends) is a winner every time. And it’s easy enough to substitute spinach for prosciutto to accommodate vegetarian guests.

Posted 18 Dec 2006 in Home; Recipes | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

This year we’re going easy on the holiday gifts; I wasn’t going to bother with more than some art supplies for Laurel since she already is blessed with so much (plus a fleet of loving relatives who are planning gifts for her), but I couldn’t resist picking up the mod Manhattan Toy Zooya Zebra. Made of snuggly fleece in soft, pretty colors, this doll – which is flatly oriented – will serve as the perfect replacement for Laurel’s current well worn (read: gross) pillow.

I picked up the last one at Maxima yesterday, but the zebra is available at Target.com (regularly $15.99, currently on sale for $11.19), as are it’s dog, bear, and cow counterparts.

Posted 16 Dec 2006 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Oh how I love the holiday butter cookie. Here’s a terrific, simple cookie recipe that I picked up from a departmental secretary when I was in graduate school. As if it wasn’t enough to just have a butter cookie, this recipe involves wrapping the butter cookie dough around Hershey’s Kisses and rolling the finished product in powdered sugar. Brilliant!

Posted 15 Dec 2006 in Home; Recipes | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

While little ones’ loveys often take the form of a Linus-like blanket, the super cute line of soft and snuggly stuffed animals from Jellycat make an argument for a three-dimensional type of comfort critter. Jellycat’s Tumblebum Giraffe ($32.99 at Oompa) offers a plush floppiness that is great for cuddling, and a generous bottom that allows this little dude to sit unassisted when your babe is ready to do the same.

Posted 14 Dec 2006 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

As Laurel and I were enjoying an unusually warm day at the park last week, another mom and I expressed – as our preschoolers ran amok around the playground – mutual concern about limited park access during bitterly cold winter days.

Drop-in play spaces are tough to come by so I’m pleased to pass on word from my mama pal Kate about Guggies in Brookline. Kate reports that Guggies is “a comfortable space with lots of toys and mats and little nooks for kids to play in, along with a whole arts/crafts area and various neat tactile displays and puzzles, games, an indoor sandbox, etc. I think it would be great for a birthday party…”

Current drop-in play and art rates are $5/hour (no charge for adults and babies under one year who are accompanying a child/sibling who is paid for); discounted rates are available if you sign on as a member. Guggies also offers 8-week art class sessions ($120) and birthday party services ($250). They are open every day of the week, although they ask that you call to check weekend availability, which is subject to party scheduling.

Guggies, 368 Boylston St. (Rt. 9), Brookline, Tel: 617-731-2388

UPDATE (6/20/07): Sadly, effective immediately, Guggies has closed their doors.

Posted 14 Dec 2006 in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

I have this terrible retail habit of developing an idea in my head of what I want, and then being repeatedly disappointed when I can’t find it out in the world. It’s a problem with perfectionism that is proving resistant to therapeutic intervention.

But I digress. As I have mentioned before, given Laurel’s love of painting, we have great fodder for very cool holiday art gifts. Yesterday I decided to try Target again for frames; I wanted a combination of elegance and quality for cheap (don’t we all?) and every time I visit Target I always hope that the frame in my mind (simple matted format, but in small, single window sizes) will appear. I braced myself for disappointment, given numerous failed missions to date, plus the possibility that the stores would be demolished after the shopping weekend.

I literally heard angels singing when I arrived at the frame section and found my dream frame in a number of sizes and finishes. The 4 x 4” Thin Metal Pewter Frame (shown, $7.99; 8 x 8 frame, white mat with a 4 x 4 inch opening) and the 4 x 6” Wide-Mat Maple Frame ($9.99; 8 x 10 frame, white mat with a 4 x 6 inch opening) are especially pretty for creating gallery style photos or art, and are exactly what I had conjured in my head.

Posted 13 Dec 2006 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Last month, as part of my flurry of life transitions, I decided to decrease Laurel’s preschool schedule so we could spend more time together.

The first week of the new schedule I was terrified that I had made a horrible, horrible mistake. In addition to finding myself amidst a bad week replete with personal and professional self-doubt, Laurel began presenting with some startling Jekyll and Hyde moments. In retrospect, quantitatively, her sweet moments far outweighed the nasty ones, but the nasty ones really made an impact.

As someone who believes in positive energy, good mojo and the like, one of the most challenging aspects of parenting a headstrong, adventurous preschooler is dealing with the “no” factor (whether it’s her or me saying it). I found that on my end, “no” became a reflexive response to all things dangerous or troublesome but I disliked charging our interactions with that sort of negativity, plus it didn’t seem to be getting me anywhere.

ParentCenter provides some useful tips on alternatives to “no.” And while it definitely takes extra brain power to inhibit the “no” response and rephrase statements in a positive orientation, we’ve had success diffusing potential battles with this method, or by offering choices, or just by asking Laurel about something completely unrelated (i.e., distraction method). Positiveparenting.com also offers a helpful feature on coping with power struggles; I especially liked the analogy of refusing to “pick up the other end of the rope” of a power struggle; that by side stepping the battle you are able to convey that you aren’t going to fight, hurt, overpower, or give in to them.

Posted 13 Dec 2006 in Development & Behavior | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Beautiful fabric makes me dizzy; I can only assume it was new parent fatigue that left me with the bland (navy blue, beige) slings I purchased a couple of years back when Laurel was born. And with Laurel, the sling practically was my uniform during her first year; I deserved better trimmings.

ZoloWear celebrates stylish babywearing through their gorgeous collection of pouches (one loop of fabric that can be tightened with a single button and four buttonholes) and ring slings (rectangle of fabric threaded through two rings for adjustability and positioning versatility) in bright, modern cottons, luxurious silk brocades, and breathable Solarveil mesh for warm weather. For true hands-free walkabouts, pouches come with a d-ring for keys or a toy, the ring slings with a zippered pocket on the tail (which also can serve as an impromptu burp cloth or breastfeeding cover).

We especially love the modern, coordinate-with-any-outfit Jetson fabric (shown, ring sling $89.99; pouch $53.99), which features yummy blue and cream dots on chocolate stretch cotton sateen. These slings are so breathtaking that passersby might actually overlook your cute bundle of joy for a split second.

Posted 12 Dec 2006 in Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Pursuant to my last post, Auntie Sha-Sha has renewed my faith in the fact that elegant, hand crafted ornaments can in fact be made quickly and glue-free.

Sharon made a fleet of amazing bell cranes (shown) for Laurel, and confirmed that they were simple to put together. Fold a paper crane using origami paper. Thread ribbon through the top of a bell (she used 1/2 inch bells and 1/8 inch satin ribbon, about 16 inches long). Hold the ribbon ends even and together and tie a knot about 3/4 of an inch up from the top of the bell. This knot will sit under the belly of the crane (to fix space between the crane belly and the bell). Thread the ribbon ends through a needle with a large eye and insert needle in existing hole in the bottom of the crane and poke a hole through the top point. Pull the ribbon all the way through and tie a knot at the end.

For non-denominational cranes, you could forego the bell (leave a longer ribbon end under the belly and snip to separate), or replace the bell with a different trinket (e.g., snowflake, dreidel, photo).

Posted 11 Dec 2006 in Arts & Crafts; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Sometimes Martha’s crafts are not for the faint of heart.

Over a decade ago, shortly after one of my sisters got married, I saw Martha’s feature on beaded ornaments and decided to make a set of six for my sister and her husband to celebrate their first married Christmas together. The ornaments looked so pretty and sparkly in the feature, and I had tons of beads and supplies. All I needed was some Styrofoam balls and a couple of hours, no?

No. Obviously, part of the problem was that my beads were not pre-strung so the stringing process added several hours to the project, but the other major setback was the glue and wrap. I had the right materials and followed the instructions, but the bead strings kept slipping and twisting and popping off; I spent more time cleaning glue off the bead strings and my hands than doing anything else.

Countless hours later, and too late for Christmas, all I had to show for my efforts was one ornament (shown) and a tattered Martha Stewart magazine in the corner. I kept the ornament since it didn’t seem right to give a gift that had so much cranky construction mojo behind it. And while we always have a good laugh at my expense when we unveil the ornament, from now on Laurel likely will be the artistic muscle behind future decorations; we’ve already got the makings for a fleet of fabulous (and easily storable!) glitter stars.

Posted 11 Dec 2006 in Arts & Crafts; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I know a lot of hip and stylish grandmas out there, but they get little focused due in the retail market (try Googling the topic and among your first hits will be medication pill boxes). An inquiry from a friend/reader from Los Angeles - whose mom is about to become a new grandma - inspired me to collect some gift ideas that have proven to be winners with grandparents.

Artwork, including anything from sticker collages to scribbles to paint, is at the top of my list; an inexpensive frame adds a professional finish. If you have an infant, however, other picks include photo gifts such as albums, calendars, or photo coasters (ordered easily through services such as Kodak EasyShare Gallery or Snapfish); Laurel's non-local grandparents also love the video clip CDs we burned for them.

Handprint molds are another great option. Check out the nifty handprint towers in blue (shown) and pink from Target. Each set includes 5 graduated tins and easy to use nontoxic plaster to create handprints for every year from ages 1 to 5.

Finally, here are a couple of great gifts that can be presented before the baby is born (or with minimal effort from exhausted parents). L’Occitane carries beautiful gift sets, such as the Best Gift Box (includes Aromachologie hair care products, Verbena scented body care products, and Shea Butter soaps) or the Ultimate Shea Butter Gift Box (includes Shea Butter body cream, hand cream, and soap). And you can never go wrong with flowers; Martha Stewart Flowers offers beautiful single arrangements and monthly flower deliveries (choose from 3, 6, or 12 month plans).

Posted 9 Dec 2006 in Family Issues; Gifts & Paper; Home | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

Tomorrow’s weather isn’t predicted to be as deadly cold as today, but if you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit indoors, check out the Museum of Fine Art’s holiday programming (December 9-17). Tomorrow’s schedule alone includes live music and dance, family art-making activities, Christmas films, mini-Nutcracker plays, shopping, and a holiday tea.

Most events are free with museum admission (click here for details). Check your library for discount admissions passes; if you’re feeling ambitious you could even try to catch the Paris fashion exhibit while you’re there.

Posted 8 Dec 2006 in Fun Indoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

All moms likely have felt completely adrift at one time or another. Here we are, faced with the most demanding job ever (although my last academic post runs a good race…), with no training, and no requirements for certification.

If you’re flailing, or looking for a useful quick reference, check out Moms' Lifesavers: Tips for Making Life Easier for New Mothers ($14.95 at Amazon), a book packed with tips for mothers, covering topics from birth to age 5. Compiled by two moms with training in childhood education and occupational therapy, this book – slim enough to tuck in your diaper bag or purse with little compromise – offers tips on everything from newborn care, to meals, to travel, to household management, to activities, to mom care, to book and web resources. In addition to the wealth of survival tips, we especially like the Recipes for Fun (do-it-yourself art supplies and craft projects) and Milestones to Remember sections; the latter summarizes developmental milestones from birth to 5 years, and leaves space to note the date and brief comments.

Posted 8 Dec 2006 in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Dear local readers: Inspired by inquiries from new moms, moms who have moved to Boston, and moms in active support groups, we would like to start a resource page including links to mom, dad, and/or general family groups and support services (e.g., support groups, cooperatives, Yahoo groups, playgroups, special needs groups, etc…). If you are part of, or know of a group, click here to send us a tip. Please provide a website link if possible, or other relevant information that would help us track down the resource.

Posted 7 Dec 2006 in Local; Outreach | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link