If you are a fellow lover of independent retailers and restaurants, check out the ultra cool, ultra informative eat.shop guide series. Great for travelers and locals alike, each stylish, slim guide refers you to 90 of the city’s most fabulously unique, locally owned businesses.

In addition to the Boston guide ($10.17 at Amazon), the eat.shop series currently includes Austin, Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles , Paris, Philadelphia, Portland, Rhode Island, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Washington, DC. And more cities are forthcoming!

Posted by Christine Koh on 31 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups
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Finding childcare is an incredibly stressful process, and matters are made worse when general or personal reports of abuse (e.g., the December incident at Bright Horizons, Lexington) or neglect (e.g., an “honorary niece” of ours suffered from neglectful nanny treatment) surface.

On the latter, luckily our niece’s nanny frequented a neighborhood park replete with the nannies and children of local families. Even more fortunate, the other neighborhood nannies were proactive enough to contact our niece’s parents when they witnessed the ill treatment.

Unfortunately, particularly in urban settings, there isn’t always a familiar collective. To address this problem, Jill Starishevsky, a New York City child abuse and sex crimes prosecutor and mother of two, recently started HowsMyNanny.com, an online nanny feedback service. The service provides license plates for strollers with a unique identifying number and website information so passersby can provide anonymous or identifiable nanny feedback to parents.

Truth be told, I initially was concerned about the negative connotations a license plate could bring to nannies generally, but the service encourages positive as well as negative reporting so fabulous nannies can use positive feedback as part of their work portfolio. To that effect, Starishevsky also is working to implement a nanny of the year award based on praise reports.

The service costs $50/year with discount rates available for multiple year sign up.

Posted by Christine Koh on 31 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Childcare
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If cabin fever is getting to you and your little monkey, a visit to Kids Playground in Woburn will be worth your while. My mama pal Nic was impressed (if not initially a little overwhelmed) with this enormous indoor playground (16,500 square feet to be exact), which includes a 5-level tunnel and tube structure (shown), tree house, multiple theme pretend play village, and rock wall. Climbing structures are particularly suited to pre-schoolers and up, but a toddler area with smaller structures and toys is available.

Admission for walkers up to 18 years is $8.99; each accompanying adult is $3. No outside food or drink is allowed so plan your visit around meals or partake in the snack bar. Kids Playground also offers standard and themed birthday party services.

Kids Playground, 15 Normac Road, Woburn; Tel: 781-935-2300

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local
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When it comes to medical decision-making I tend to be as anti-treatment as they come (sometimes to the point of forgetting about the benefits of over the counter medication), but I also am fortunate to be a healthy woman, and one who was able to conceive naturally.

Today, in the New York Times article “Prospect of womb transplant raises hopes and red flags,” Roni Rabin reports on a study to appear in the academic journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. The article details a protocol used by doctors at New York Downtown Hospital that resulted in the harvesting of wombs from eight brain-dead human donors. While the medical team asserts that no immediate plans are in the works for a uterine transplant, the mere possibility has created a flurry in the medical community, as well as for women whose medical conditions currently preclude the possibility of bearing a child on their own.

I was both fascinated and troubled by this article. How far are we willing to go to have babies?

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Pregnancy & Postpartum
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There are only a few days left to enter to win our contest in partnership with Babesta, purveyor of cool threads and gear for trendsetting tots.

Click here to enter to win a $50 gift certificate good for use on anything at Babesta’s online store. This contest closes 1/31/07 and is open to entrants worldwide. Good luck!

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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These days, environmentally conscious parents have ample cause for concern about the world our children will inherit. Lucky for us, amazing artisans committed to stylish sustainable design are working tirelessly for parents and the environment.

Lilipad Studio offers a stunning collection of children’s hand-painted furniture that is eco-friendly from start to finish. Furniture is built using FSC-certified responsibly forested hardwood; each piece then is intricately painted using non-toxic, no/VOC paints, and finished with three coats of a low-VOC sealer to render durable, easy-to-clean heirloom quality pieces.

Lilipad’s totally green collection currently includes table and chair sets and step stools; toy chests and toddler beds are forthcoming. We especially love the warmth and elegance of the Butterfly Rhapsody collection, which includes 10 1/2" step stools (shown; two-step stool; $300) and table and chair sets ($1100; $300 per additional chair).

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Eco Living; Home
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It’s a good thing we have a big bathroom.

This weekend we officially took the plunge and started potty training; life thus has revolved around finding ways to entertain our extremely busy toddler while staying close to home (i.e., our bathroom loaded with changes of underwear, pants, and socks for Laurel).

No doubt we’ll have more to report on regarding useful potty training products and strategies, but suffice to say the first item that already has provided excellent peace of mind during local errands is the previously reported on Kiddopotamus Piddle Pad. Laundry volume already is on the rise and we're thrilled to avoid having to strip the car seat regularly.

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty
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I pilfer some great art project ideas from Laurel’s school; one of our recent favorites includes the bingo-reminiscent Do-A-Dot Art Washable Markers ($13.49 at Amazon). This set of six, sponge-tip bottles offers hours of painting fun with set up and clean up limited to the twist of a cap.

One Amazon reader griped about washability problems but we haven’t had any trouble removing marks from clothes or hands.

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys
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Boston’s mamas sure are an organized bunch. The first two dates (1/28 and 2/25) of the eagerly anticipated Baby Loves Disco event are already sold out! Baby Loves Disco offers parents the unusual opportunity to groove with their little ones to favorite disco tunes from the 70’s and 80’s (spun and mixed by live DJs) during the post-nap/pre-dinner window (2-5pm). And when the family needs a break from the dance floor, there are other cool activities to engage in, plus snacks and diaper changing stations.

In Boston, tickets still are available for the March 25th event ($12 per walking human); otherwise, this weekend Baby Loves Disco hits East Bay, Scottsdale, and Denver. Other rockin’ cities include Boulder, Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. (If you’re a rockin’ mama or papa who wants to bring Baby Loves Disco to a city not currently on the list check out the requirements on their FAQ.)

In Boston at Revolution Rock Bar, 200 High Street, 1/28, 2/25, 3/25

UPDATE (1/31/07): Due to popular demand, tickets are now being offered for 4/29/07 and 5/27/07. Get 'em while they're hot!

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local
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We have some dear friends who are about a month out of the “fourth trimester boot camp” phase and they have started working on finding some consistency with their babe’s naps and nighttime sleep. They highly recommend Marc Weissbluth’s Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child ($10.17 at Amazon).

A pediatrician and established researcher in the field of sleep and children, Weissbluth describes methods to implement healthy sleep habits within the framework of a child's natural sleep cycles. The book also offers coping strategies for common nighttime issues (e.g., nightmares, bedwetting), discusses common sleep pitfalls, and explores varying sleep needs depending on a child’s temperament.

Click here for further description of popular sleep methods (e.g., Sears, Ferber, Pantley, Karp).

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups; Sleep
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My parents elatedly thought I was destined for a career in medicine when I opened my very own Animal Hospital as a kid. This glimmering hope likely was the only reason I didn’t get in trouble for depleting the household toilet paper supply with my bandaging techniques.

If your babe has a bear in need of repair, save your TP supply by visiting the Well-Bear Clinic tomorrow (Jan. 25) at 10am at The Discovery Museums in Acton. Bears, stuffed animals, dolls, and other well-loved toys are encouraged to visit the clinic for an annual check-up; “bear repairs” by an in-house seamstress will be available. The clinic is free with paid admission (admission is free with membership).

The Discovery Museums include two complementary museums filled with interactive exhibits designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers and school-aged children. Click here for hours; the museum also hosts birthday parties.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main Street, Acton, Tel: 978-264-4200

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local
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A recent conversation with a girlfriend who is planning a wedding shower reminded me of what a challenge favors can be in party planning; it’s tough to find meaningful, pretty, or useful favors that don't break the bank.

Coincidentally, we just learned about a nifty twist in the favor market that comes from Keepsake Concepts. Keepsake Concepts' Couture Keepsakes line takes traditional candy favors to a new level by encasing them in sweet, little outfits that will last long after the Jordan almonds are gone. These impressively appointed favors, which come on wooden hangers in styles for wedding, boys, and girls (shown, Emily, $5.50) measure 4.5"L x 3.5W" and include a miniature wooden clothespin that holds your custom message tag. These keepsakes can serve as party favors or baby announcements, and would preserve beautifully in a shadow box, or make for easy décor hung on a nail or a cute little clothesline.

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Gifts & Paper; Home
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Whether you can check it out at home during regular broadcast, via TiVo, tape, or online, no doubt today’s Oprah show will be of interest to moms. Elizabeth Vargas discusses how motherhood impacted her decision to step down as the anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight and other moms share their perspectives on the ever present work vs. stay at home dilemma. Click here to see the results of Oprah’s Motherhood Poll.

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Mama in the Workplace
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Winter days in Boston don’t get more picturesque than today, where the snow falls light and pretty, and brushing off your car takes mere minutes.

All the better to leave you with time to bundle up and get your skating groove on at The Rink at The Charles Hotel. Located on the plaza side that opens out into Harvard Square, until early March the rink is open from 2pm - 8pm on weekdays and 10am - 8pm on weekends. Skate rentals are $5 and skating fees are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 years old.

And after cutting your figures, be sure to reward yourself with a decadent hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick’s on Brattle Street.

The Rink at The Charles Hotel, One Bennett Street, Cambridge; Tel: 617-234-8008

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local; Sports & Fitness
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I feel blessed to have creative, talented friends and my mama pal Honey Jo is one of the best in the business when it comes to cut and color. She can translate vague directives into fabulous cuts, has the knowledge and intuition to implement designs to favorably frame the face (in the face of no directives whatsoever!), and is expert in her color technique.

Previously full-time at Mechanique on Newbury Street, Honey Jo adjusted to a part-time schedule when her fabulous little tyke arrived. You now can book with her at Mechanique (115 Newbury Street, Boston, Tel: 617-236-0555) on Thursdays and Saturdays, or at Spinale and Co. (224 Humphrey Street, Swampscott, Tel: 781-598-5400) on Wednesdays.

UPDATE (1/23/07): Mention that you were referred by Boston Mamas and Honey Jo will give you 20% off your first hair cut or color!

UPDATE (12/1/07): Mechanique has closed its doors and Honey Jo now is exclusively at Spinale and Co. in Swampscott on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local
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Baby/kid t’s seem to be the canvas for artistic expression these days. And a new standout is Blirt, whose collection for little ones (sized 6 months-8 years) reflects hip graphic renderings of figures of speech (shown; “fish out of water”; $25). These groovy, gender-neutral t’s are eco-friendly (made from 100% organic cotton using non-toxic dyes and a water based silk screening process) and come in ready to gift packaging.

Blirt’s current inaugural collection is petite (3 designs), but they are rolling out a new line of designs come early March. We got a sneak peek at the graphics, which pop with color and cleverness; we're eager for the collection launch this spring.

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Eco Living; Fashion; For Little Ones
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After a very long week, the household finally seems to be turning a corner.

I’m on the mend, we’re taking control of the dust bunnies, and Laurel’s nasty diaper rash is heading to the exit. On the latter, in addition to our air out method, Triple Paste – recommended when we finally called the pediatrician – ended up working very effectively. (Unfortunately, it turned out we had misdiagnosed the yeast rash, thus rendering the antifungal treatment useless.)

Triple Paste is a fragrance-free, over-the-counter compound that includes petrolatum, zinc oxide, lanolin, beeswax, and cornstarch. This thick paste applies smoothly, stays put, and is excellent for severe diaper rash (although it's also gentle enough for preventative use or treatment of mild rashes). We picked ours up at CVS but if you have trouble finding it locally, Triple Paste also is available on Amazon; the smallest size is 2 oz. ($8).

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty
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As an over extended working mom, there are few things more disheartening then being physically derailed on a week where: a) you learn that one of your major project deadlines is actually a week earlier than you thought; b) your babe is showing signs that suggest she may have to stay home from school; and c) your partner is under the gun working for the man and can’t take the day off to take care of sick baby, sick you, and the myriad household chores and errands that have piled up in your compromised state.

All week I have been suffering from a nasty bug that decided to tag on an excruciating earache a few days ago. I knew that it was a cold related symptom, likely due to a fluid drainage/pressure build up problem in the middle ear. But I was so debilitated by the pain yet freaked about my workload that I just kept pushing (groaning and feeling sorry for myself all along the way).

When the possibility of Laurel staying home today began to look like more of a reality, I knew I had to do something. The life-saving Auntie Sha-Sha ran out and purchased what I have now dubbed my new friend, Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain Day & Night Combination Pack Caplets ($5.49 at drugstore.com).

The day caplets resolved my earache within a half hour and I immediately felt more human. And as if someone somewhere out there decided to give me a break, Laurel perked up markedly yesterday while playing with her Halmoni (Grandma) and was fine to go to school today, the caplets are continuing to provide relief, and as a result, I now think I may only be a couple days late on my deadline.

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Mama in the Workplace
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Baby-friendly movie programs are short in supply so we’re thrilled to report on the historical Coolidge Corner Theatre’s Box Office Babies program, which runs every other Friday at 1pm. New parents are invited to check out the latest in international, independent, and documentary filmmaking while stretching out and relaxing with baby. Tomorrow’s (Jan. 19) screening is “Romantico” ($6.50 admission, free for babies under 12 months).

Box Office Babies also now features a new program element called Parent Previews, a monthly speaker series offering the audience information and support, courtesy of co-sponsor WarmLines Parent Resources.

Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, Tel: 617-734-2500

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local
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Here’s a marvelous manner in which to indulge your love of chocolate without worrying about the calories.

Sylvia & Marcos, a natural skincare line whose products reflect "a celebration of love, the land, and you," features a delicious, luxurious collection of body crèmes, soaks, and body scrubs. Their Coco Citrus Butter body crème (shown; $26 for 4 oz.) is positively dreamy. Enhanced with vitamin E, this rich yet subtle chocolate and orange composition provides marvelous aromatherapy on application, and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving an unseemly residue. The result is lovely, soft skin in minutes, and a delectable trace of confection that will leave you feeling properly pampered.

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health
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We were thinking about starting potty training this weekend but a gnarly, prolonged diaper rash has deterred that plan and last night left me feeling more like I was house training a puppy.

On Friday Laurel showed the beginnings of a diaper rash when we picked her up from school and it got worse and worse through the weekend. We tried all of our usual methods (including our pediatrician’s terrific remedy for yeast rashes…turns out we diagnosed incorrectly there...) and then last night I decided it was time to go au natural.

It worked out surprisingly well. I explained to Laurel that we were going to let her play diaper free for a while to air out her rash, but that if she had to pee to let me know so I could put a “pee towel” under her (I promise, friends, this is not one from our public hand towel collection) and if she had to poop, well, I wasn’t quite sure what to do about that but my vague plan was to catch it in a wipe. We spent the next half hour with Laurel running around cheerily with me trailing behind her holding out the pee towel, hoping she didn’t have an accident on the awesome shag rug. (Shallow, I know.)

I’ll report back on the effectiveness of this method, which we plan on repeating over the next couple of days, and that of another rash cream product we are trying. Meanwhile, I’m just glad to have made it out of last night’s adventure without having had to field a poop.

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty
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Baby, it’s cold outside!

If you also are parent to a kid who refuses to keep blankets on (and you don’t live in a home with zoned, adjustable heating), you can find comfort in the DeLonghi TRH0715 Oil Filled Radiator Heater. This heater offers 3 variable heat settings, an adjustable thermostat, and no exposed elements. It’s streamlined yet solid; we favored this traditional heavier heater over lightweight models that seemed prone to tipping or being dragged around by a toddler.

We picked up our first DeLonghi in the fall at Sears and were so thrilled with it that we went back a week later to get one for my mom (by which point they had jacked the price up $15). Who knows what they’re charging now that we’re well into winter but on SHOP.COM you can get this model starting at $47.99 (pre-shipping). If you spend over $50 be sure to take advantage of their site wide coupons (use “SHOP5” for $5 off an order of $50+, “SHOP10” for $10 off an order of $100+, and “SHOP25” for $25 off an order of $250 or more).

Posted by Christine Koh on 17 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Gadgets; Home
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Some of my papa pals have asked me to consider starting a dad's companion website to Boston Mamas - a fabulous idea that I’d be thrilled to entertain pending external funding… Meanwhile, if papa is looking for a sense of solidarity, head downtown tomorrow to hear Neal Pollack read from his book Alternadad (currently $16.29 at Amazon).

A self-proclaimed “pop-culture obsessed writer and rock-star wannabe,” Pollack writes on his and his wife's mission to raise their son ("to be irreverent without being bad...") while staying true to their hipster cores and not growing up too much themselves.

With musical guest Harry and The Potters. Jan. 17 at 7pm. Great Scott, 1222 Comm. Ave., Allston. All ages show, $5.

Posted by Christine Koh on 16 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Family Issues; For Grownups; Fun Indoors; Local
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Never was it clearer than yesterday that a village approach to raising children makes so much more sense than our culture's current individualized method.

For the last couple of days I have been laid out with flu-like symptoms and yesterday I was on my own with Laurel. I could barely move and the best I could do was lie on the couch or on the floor and feign interest in her books and toys. A brief outing we made to CVS and the bakery in the afternoon left me exhausted and drenched in sweat.

And while I was completely desperate for help and wished that a fellow village member could come relieve me (particularly when Laurel woke up from her nap an hour early), I was fortunate that somehow Laurel got it and cut me a break. She’s not typically a play on her own type of kid but she entertained herself for a lot of the day while I looked after her with one eye open and at one point she even came up to me and said “It’s okay mommy!” and pulled up the blankets around my neck.

Posted by Christine Koh on 16 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Family Issues
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If you don’t have room for a standup easel, here’s an inexpensive, unexpected art space that provides hours of entertainment in our house.

The Magnetic Calendar from The Container Store ($16.99; 14" square) originally was purchased to keep track of our schedules in a central location (the refrigerator). Over the last year, the calendar functionality fell out of use, but we still used the whiteboard to jot down menu ideas or grocery needs (when we ran out of pre-printed lists).

Recently, Laurel started demanding time at the whiteboard. We held her up for several back breaking doodle sessions before we smartened up and moved the whiteboard down to her eye level so she could stand and draw on her own. This arrangement is particularly handy in providing entertainment for her while we get meals together.

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Home; Solutions
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Hooray for more local indoor play spaces!

Kid's Fun Stop is suitable for children up to 6 years old, and offers drop in play (they have some impressive looking indoor climbing structures!), birthday parties, movement classes, and craft classes. Bring snacks for your babe to enjoy in the snack room, or purchase from the selection available.

Kid’s Fun Stop is open Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm and for birthday parties on the weekends. Click here for rates (starting at $10 for two hours of drop in time); repeat visitor punch cards are available, as well as periodic discounts on admission and birthday party booking.

Kid’s Fun Stop, 1580 VFW Pkwy, West Roxbury, Tel: 617-325-0800

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local
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If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at painting but feared the investment and the intimidation of thinking up your own imagery, check out a fabulous new twist on paint by numbers for adults.

Savoir Faire’s Design and Paint by Number Greeting Card Sets ($15.15 at ArtCity, Inc.) include 8 folded notecards (5 x 7” Fabriano watercolor paper) and envelopes, 8 acrylic paint pots, and a paintbrush. Templates and instructions will help guide your inner artist to render stylish artwork for correspondence or framing.

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Arts & Crafts; Home
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A tip from a local reader provides support for the notion that you may not need that regular highchair after all. This mama of two loves the Me Too Portable Highchair. She reports: “I got one for my second child and put our free-standing highchair away forever. It hooks on the edge of a counter top or table and it is washable and dries overnight (my friend puts hers in the dishwasher, but the instructions say not to).... And, it has an aluminum frame so it is very light. We take it when we travel, or out for dinner…it is great for small spaces!”

The Me Too Portable Highchair is suitable for babes 9 months and up, up to 40 pounds. It features a durable industrial-strength nylon seat, aluminum frame, and five-point safety harness; this chair attaches to tables up to 1 7/8" thick via adjustable clamps and folds to a petite 13"L x 12"W x 1"H. Available in Baby Feeding & Nursing Essentials at BabyCenter ($49.95), where it has earned similar rave reviews.

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing; Gear
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If the tired browns and greens of winter are getting you and the family down, you’ll do well by bringing color into your home with the pretty murals and painted furniture by Holly Johnson of Cheeky Monkey.

Check out Cheeky Monkey’s online portfolio, which includes murals inspired by nature, storybook, or hobby, and painted furniture of all kinds. We especially love the fusion of paint and decorative paper for Wan’s Room, the groovy graphic circles of the Moore’s Bath, and the red and white nature inspired table in the furniture collection. Cheeky Monkey serves the Boston area and you might have already seen some of Johnson’s work at Bellini Baby; click here to contact Cheeky Monkey for a complimentary consultation.

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Domestics; Home; Local
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Given the size of my immediate family, it was a huge relief when, a few years back, someone finally suggested that we stop the practice of exchanging sibling Christmas gifts. We now only bother with gifts for the little people (i.e., the kids and our petite little mom…), and it cuts the holiday chaos down quite a bit.

That said, I’m a bit of a traditionalist, and I still like the concept and festivity of small homemade holiday gifts of the party favor size. This year Laurel did the heavy lifting by painting up a storm (the results of which were set in small frames), and recently I was reminded of one of my favorite holiday, hostess, or foodie friend gifts when my sister-in-law requested my Magic Salt recipe from a couple of Christmases back. Modified from Sally Schneider’s Tuscan Herb Salt recipe (in A New Way to Cook), I dubbed this salt magical because it truly makes everything taste fantastic. It provides particularly wonderful seasoning for simple sautéed vegetables, or for meats of any kind.

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Holidays; Home; Recipes; Winter
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I did Laurel a major disservice when I tried to cut her bangs for the first time. Despite cutting tips from a professional stylist pal, my efforts rendered a look disturbingly similar to Ralph Wiggam from The Simpsons.

So I gave up on bangs and moved to hairclips. This strategy worked well for the front, but the back – after a recent botched attempt – was looking pretty sorry. Following a strong recommendation from my mama pal Kate, we headed to Lulu's Kids' Cuts last weekend.

Truth be told, when I called to make the appointment I nearly backed out based on the price ($25; cash or check only), but it was worth it. Laurel got a great haircut, and the atmosphere was relaxed and pretty (it’s sort of like a hair salon meets gallery, with artwork, jewelry, and accessories for sale) yet kid friendly, with fun patterned smocks, a playroom downstairs, and ring pops at the end of the journey.

Lulu's Kids' Cuts, 2323 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, Tel: 617-876-2323

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local
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‘Tis the season for lost gloves and you’ll never again have to worry about winterwear singletons with the odd numbered, brightly colored glove sets of Little Miss Matched. These mismatched but color coordinated glove sets (shown, Marshmallow Gloves Kooky 4,5,6, $16) are soft and stretchy, come 3 to a pack, and fit kids starting age 5 and stretch all the way to a women’s medium. With a couple packs at the ready, you and your little one will be set for winter.

Little Miss Matched also offers the same odd numbered model for their sock collection, which includes 3- or 7-pack sets for toddlers, kids, and adults.

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fashion; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be
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Boston is replete with college students, and as such, whenever we put used furniture on the curb for removal, we often wager bets on how long it will take for items to disappear. I used to live near Tufts University and one day when I was hauling an old rug out on trash night, a couple of students actually snapped up the item before it even hit the ground. I love this mode of recycling, which collectively saves on college student expenses, sanitation crew back strain, and landfills.

Yesterday evening, community recycling appeared to take on a new level when we put out our Christmas tree and it was gone within an hour. There were tons of trees out yesterday but perhaps ours got scooped quickly because it was completely bare and bone dry (i.e., ready to go from curb to fireplace), and we’re thrilled that the tree will fulfill another use.

Boston and Cambridge have formal notices about Christmas tree recycling (trees collected curbside during the first two weeks of January are composted); otherwise, check with your town’s Department of Public Works about tree recycling or yard waste collection dates, or completely strip your tree before you put it out in case firewood recyclers hit your neighborhood.

Posted by Christine Koh on 8 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Eco Living; Holidays; Home; Solutions; Winter
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A couple of weeks ago the dreaded preschooler whining began; Laurel was a fairly constant source of intense emotions and whining and we quickly found ourselves exhausted and wondering where our sweet girl had gone.

I was relieved to find a couple of useful articles about children and whining from ParentCenter and ParentingKidsRight. We decided to work on two points consistently, however tiring and repetitive it got. First, whenever Laurel whined, we pointed out how whining sounded different from regular speech. Second, we didn’t give in to whining; any time she asked for something by whining we told her kindly and firmly that we wouldn't respond to a whining voice but that if she would like to try asking again in a polite sentence we’d be happy to get her what she needed.

In just a couple of weeks the results have been amazing. After a few repetitive and tedious days of chanting our whining mantras, we actually started to see Laurel open her mouth to ask for something (presumably by whining) then stop, think, and ask in a polite sentence. Whining still occurs periodically but by far no longer is the norm.

The time it takes for a child to adhere to new rules obviously will vary, but in this and other parenting situations we have found the greatest success by keeping our behavior consistent, even when the repetition is tiresome.

Posted by Christine Koh on 8 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Development & Behavior
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Witnessing a child’s language development is an amazing piece of the parenting journey and we have been blown away by Laurel’s sense of humor and all of the jokes she has been making lately. I was interested to read a toddler humor article citing that research suggests that humor is learned, not inherited; this can only spell trouble for our future given that dry sarcasm is one of the foundations of our household (click here to learn more about how to encourage a child’s sense of humor.)

Meanwhile, more evidence for the case file regarding nurture over nature in the humor department. As we walked by Kotobukiya in Porter Square yesterday, the whole family started giggling madly when we saw this homage to the Red Sox’s recent acquisition, Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Let’s just hope that Matsuzaka doesn’t show up to spring training with no pants on.

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Development & Behavior
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As someone who is personally and professionally obsessed with color I was blown away when I checked out the vibrant, modern designs of Avalisa.

Avalisa offers vivid wall art suitable throughout the home or in professional settings; their animal, color block, and things that go designs are particularly fabulous for kids’ décor. Designs are offered on a variety of colored backdrops (shown; green pandas), printed on canvas and hand-stretched on 1 1/2” deep stretcher bars, and come ready to hang. Three canvas sizes are available: 12x12” ($45), 18x18” ($75), and 28x28” ($115).

Posted by Christine Koh on 5 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Home
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A lot of things become more challenging once you have a babe in tow, and fitness often drops on the priority list due to scheduling logistics. Luckily for local mamas, Shannon Nelson, a certified fitness expert and former nanny, has created a space for moms to stay fit while their kids have fun.

Nelson's Mama & Me in Newton offers fitness programming for mothers, with parallel art and gym classes for kids ages 18 months – 7 years (pre-crawlers are welcome to attend all classes with mothers free of charge). All classes are available on a drop in basis and discounted 10-class passes are available. Come January 15th, expanded hours and a new schedule will be available, and Mama & Me currently is offering a January promotion; $20 off a 10-class fitness pass (offer expires 1/31/07).

Mama & Me, 1280 Centre Street, Suite 6, Newton Centre; Tel: 617-372-7448

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fun Indoors; Local; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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Koreans are a notoriously blunt bunch, so I typically roll with my mom’s well-intentioned constructive criticism. She usually does, however, have a point, as was the case with last week's conversation about my skin care regimen, where we covered how exhausted I looked, my over-30 status, and how it's important for me to show Jon that I still care about him by caring about myself.

This convo reminded me to rejuvenate with my latest favorite skin care product, Philosophy’s Vitamin C Microdelivery Peel ($65; drugstore.com). This two-step exfoliation/Vitamin C infusion mini-facial takes mere minutes and the result is fabulous. This product was developed to suit all skin types and I found it to be quite gentle yet effective for normal skin. The result was soft, glowing skin in an amount of time completely do-able for a busy mom.

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health
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We’ve got a January contest that rocks.

As we’ve noted before, Babesta features a rockin’ collection of hip and unique children’s clothing, accessories, décor, toys, books, and music from innovative artists and designers. One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to be used on anything at Babesta!

Click here to enter to win the Babesta contest. This contest closes at midnight on January 31, 2007, and is open to residents worldwide.

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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Congratulations to the four winners of our December contest! Debra B. (Cherry Valley, Ontario, Canada), Amy G. (Watertown, MA), Angel M. (Chico, CA), and Ann M. (Wayne, IL) each won a Sane Fitness QuickStart Deck. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest!

We also would like to thank our friends at Sane Fitness for their generous partnership. If you weren’t a contest winner, don’t despair; you can still shop Sane Fitness and get a 20% discount by using the Boston Mamas shopping code FitMama.

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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Parenting brings on a whole new set of perceived “shoulds” and “should nots” and while I try to avoid that game as much as possible, I’ll be the first to admit that I never thought that I’d visit a bar with Laurel any time soon. But so it was last week as we accommodated last minute plans with friends who were stopping very briefly through Boston for the holidays and had limited time and transport.

As it turns out, now that smoking isn’t an issue, hanging at a pub with a toddler actually was rather convenient and far less stressful than trying to go to a regular restaurant. We met our friends at The Phoenix Landing in Central Square where the seats were vinyl (easy cleanup), the pub fare was middling but basically toddler friendly (veggie burger, French fries, and plenty of ketchup), and - most refreshingly - the noise level (at the 6pm pre-show hour) made us just feel like part of the crowd. And as if to assuage my sense of social correctness, the staff and other guests didn’t bat an eyelash while we were there, other than to try to make friends with Laurel (who had a grand time).

I suspect visiting pubs with Laurel won’t become a regular occurrence for us, but in a pinch, it works for social gatherings.

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing
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One of these years I hope to actually feel rejuvenated and relaxed at the conclusion of a holiday season.

If you’re similarly in need of recuperation, try a facial at the Carriage House Salon in Harvard Square. Tucked upstairs above the Starbucks on Church Street, the Carriage House holds a place dear in my heart as the blissful location of my first postpartum self-care facial, thanks to a gift from my mama pal Kate. Kate recently hit the Carriage House herself and had a fabulous Signature Facial with Erin, whose services come with high recommendation. The salon also offers hair, nail, and massage treatment.

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local
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I certainly appreciate, and have benefited from, the practicality of baby shower registries, but sometimes you stumble on a seriously fabulous shower gift that warrants diverting from more mundane necessities.

Case in point: Pink Olive Boutique's stock of beautiful, vivid blabla knits. Especially impressive is the Small Jungle Mobile (shown; $78), a hand knitted work of art measuring 8” in diameter. We also love the cheerful ladybug booties and hat ($28 each).

Pink Olive just launched in November but this web boutique carries a cool collection of chic baby items, gifts, and stylish warm weather getaway gear. And Pink Olive is offering Boston Mamas readers a little New Year's gift; type “Boston Mamas” in the comments box before checking out to receive free ground shipping on orders over $50. (Shipping fee will be removed manually on order processing.)

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Fashion; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gifts & Paper; Home
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