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Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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Spring is a season replete with surprises. This morning, guest contributor Sara Cabot shares her new knowledge about parsnips' potential for the whole family:

"After a long winter’s silence, I recently received an email from Brian at Hutchins Farm in Concord. Instead of talking about the first asparagus or arugula of the season, to my surprise he mentioned parsnips. I had always thought (wrongly, as I now know) that parsnips were a winter vegetable. According to Brian: “Over-wintered parsnips develop incomparable sweetness and tenderness and are at their absolute best when dug just before they begin to grow again in the spring--here's your opportunity to find out what a parsnip is supposed to taste like.”

I went and tried some, and Brian was right; if you like parsnips, that is. It seems as if Americans nowadays have a bit of a love or loath relationship with this sweet, nutty tasting root vegetable. But the fact is that parsnips - a good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C - are a versatile vegetable that can be given to babies and the whole family.

For Baby:

Parsnips are a great secondary vegetable to give after baby has had a few of the first vegetables like peas, carrots, and squash. In fact, parsnips combine well with any of the first veggies and serve to build on your baby’s palate by adding a different taste and texture to what baby already likes.

To cook parsnips for baby, wash and peel 1 large or 3 small parsnips. Cut into ½ inch chunks and add to boiling water. Cook until tender, drain, and then puree in a Cuisinart or food mill.

Variations:

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

The latest in cool stuff: The Stylish Child features Bebe au Lait’s nursing covers (shown), beloved by celebrity moms in need of a little privacy. Clever Parents reviews PortaMEe, a stylish, hands-free baby carrier that won’t kill your back. SheFindsMom wants you to weigh in on whether you’d dress your son in smocked overalls. And Classy Mommy’s got a big celebrity swag giveaway coming soon.

The latest in girl talk: One Chic Mama reports that Top Tips for Girls (ahem, women) offers advice on solving all of life's pesky little problems. Celebrity Moms dishes on Rachael Ray’s new organization to educate kids about food and cooking. And MamaPop reports that Britney Spears is hurt and angry and she wants the world to know (via a juicy tell all).

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; Gear
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As someone who obsesses over fine papers and textiles, I repeatedly am blown away by the beauty and intricacy of Japanese papers and fabrics. And now you can introduce the latter art form to your little one by way of the amazing vintage Japanese hair clips and barrettes from Craftsbury Kids. These new clips and barrettes feature “ume” (Japanese plum blossoms) that have been hand crafted from vintage Japanese silk kimonos. Single ume clips are $9 and triple ume barrettes (shown) are $16.

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fashion; For Little Ones
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New Englanders love to talk weather, and for parents, each season requires different techniques to protect kids from the elements. Fall and spring keep us guessing about cool or warm weather clothing, winter requires obsessive bundling and lotioning, and the summer – which we got a taste of this past week – requires increased attention to skin protection.

To survive summer bugs and boo boos, consider ZenMomma’s natural skin care products for kids. Their Mane-Event hair gel and No-Fly Zone bug spray include natural oils and extracts concocted to repel bugs. The hair gel also includes lice deterring rosemary oils, and the water-based bug spray is free of DEET or other synthetic insecticides. Our favorite of their summer collection is the Bye Bye Boo Boo herbal salve (shown; $12.50). This award winning salve serves to soothe cuts, abrasions, chapped lips, diaper rash, and insect bites. Laurel wore shorts for the first time earlier this week and soon had her first scraped knee of the season. Every day since, she has asked for her “boo boo salve” for her scrape, as well as for any other bump, bruise, or stubbed toe she has incurred.

ZenMomma is offering our readers a 10% discount (applied following receipt of your order) + a free gift using code BOSTONMAMAS.

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Eco Living
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It’s hard to believe that the end of April is fast approaching. If you haven’t already had a chance to do so, you have until Monday to enter to win a fabulous pair of baby shoes from IsaBooties! Open to US & Canada residents; we’ll draw two winners who will pick their choice of size/style from the IsaBooties collection.

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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If you persistently badger your partner for back rub relief, your back likely could use a little preventative TLC. This morning, new guest contributor Jules shares some great tips for how to back yourself up:

“We all know how vital it is to exercise regularly, but many of us don’t realize how important it is to work each and every one of our muscles. Many women neglect working the back muscles because, aesthetically, most of us are more concerned with our thighs or abs. But, the muscles in our backs are overworked and overused, even though we don’t often know it. A strong back will reduce back pain, protect you from some potential back injuries, and improve posture (a quick way to look like your lost a few pounds!). In addition, a strong back helps us with the undeniable activities of daily living: picking up the kids, carrying groceries, and overall flexibility and strength. While it can be challenging to tone what you can’t see when you look in the mirror, it is worth your health (and that sexy strapless dress) to take the time on your back that you take on your front. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any work out program. Try these to exercises at home to begin (you can buy a stability ball at any fitness stores and at many chain stores like Kmart or Target):

Pursuant to our recent post on Lilypad’s cloth bibs, reader Julie from Newton wrote in with kudos for the Baby Bjorn Bib (classic style shown in blue; click here for an alternative model). Julie writes, “…we couldn’t have gotten through the initial (or even later) stages of feeding without our rubber bib from Baby Bjorn. It’s easy to clean and even comes with a lip to catch dropped food.”

More in the bib means less on the floor for you to clean up. Rock on. Thanks, Julie!

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing
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Kids can be incredibly variable with their food; some days eating very little, and other days eating as if hibernation season is around the corner.

Last week, Laurel knocked off a prehibernation-like lunch, including half a tuna melt, a couple of raisins, a few pieces of stinky (bleu) cheese (pilfered from my salad), one kiwi, half a pear, a couple of chunks of avocado, and two rice cakes. We joked about how she was just like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which currently is one of her favorite books. This beautifully illustrated classic is a must have; in addition to offering a means for kids to learn about counting, food (Laurel of course goes nuts on the junk food bonanza page), and the cycle of life, more recently the book has helped us teach Laurel about being more aware of her body. Specifically, if she’s on a food bender, demanding more, we ask her whether she’s really hungry or if her belly is already full. And now she’ll pause for a moment, sometimes rub her belly or wiggle side to side, then tell us that she is, in fact, still hungry, or that she’s full and doesn’t want to get a stomach ache like the very hungry caterpillar.

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids
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It’s never too early to start teaching your babe about the joys of giving. And while these lessons typically take shape in the form of sharing Cheerios or toys with a friend (good luck with that…) or gifting art projects, today, new guest contributor Sharon writes in about a way for local families to give back to other families:

“There are many ways to show little ones how we can serve our community. One upcoming event that helps hungry families throughout Massachusetts is Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. This event (May 6th) requires whatever part of yourself you are willing to give, whether it is by pledging a walker, making a general donation, volunteering, or walking yourself. What it does is provide critical resources for hungry children and families in Massachusetts, and offers those who take part a sense of action and awareness to create a community where truly no one is left behind or left hungry.

Last year’s event was amazing to be a part of. A friend and I walked/ran alongside families, athletes, school kids doing community service, and elderly people. It was a lovely day to take time away from PDAs, computers, and television to get fresh air and spend time with loved ones. Whether you choose to walk one, some, or all 20 miles, the experience of being a part of something big clearly was exciting for both kids and adults.”

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Outreach
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As one of seven children, ill fitting, bargain shoes were - not surprisingly - the norm. And while it didn’t bother me in the least back then, resulting bunions (a major nuisance for this shoe addict) have left me particularly sensitive about the fit and comfort of Laurel’s footwear.

While there are some terrific soft-soled play shoe options on the market, we love that pediped makes typically unyielding, uncomfortable baby/toddler dress shoes a thing of the past. Offered in sizes 0-24 months, pediped’s collection includes stylish, fun Mary Janes, patent shoes, penny loafers, sandals, and athletic shoes. And perhaps because of the soft-soled construction, their boy and girl kicks can work both at your next party, or just out and about every day, giving parents more bang for their shoe buck. Podiatrists also give this footwear line a thumbs up due to the cushioned leather soles, wide toe box, and soft leather uppers.

The new, funky Zoe shoes in metallic pink are a must have for girls (shown; $29). With cute star cutouts, a glimmering finish, and super comfy construction (not to mention easy on/off Velcro fasteners for parents), your babe can and will want to wear these everywhere.

Our new pals at pediped want to share the foot love with our readers; use code bostonmamas4 for free shipping.

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fashion; For Little Ones
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I consider myself a bona fide nature loving urban girl, but ever since referring to a seagull as a “beach pigeon” one vacation, I don’t exactly get props for my ornithological taxonomic prowess.

There may be hope yet. Through my in-laws’ and our neighbors’ new spring feeders, Laurel and I have discovered a lof of fun in backyard birding. Not surprisingly, our resident preschool sponge already has matched my bird ID abilities, and she’s now looking for answers that I don't have. I couldn’t find a quick, visual online catalog of common backyard birds, but the Audubon Songbirds and Other Backyard Birds calendar looks like it will do the trick. Even though we’re already a third of the way into the year, this visual aid looks worth it based on the rave user reviews; you also can preorder the 2008 calendar.

For budding birding enthusiasts, check out the Audubon at home guide for tips on how to create your own little backyard bird sanctuary.

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Gifts & Paper; Home; Solutions
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Nothing could possibly dampen the joy brought by this weekend’s weather (Laurel went positively bonkers over finally being able to wear summer sandals), but a bout of conjunctivitis served as absurd evidence of my personal medical cluelessness.

Yesterday I needed prescription antibiotics and was quickly reminded that – despite being a Palm carrier who used to work at one of Boston’s top hospitals – I haven’t had a check up since my 8 week postpartum visit, I couldn’t remember my PCP’s name (I met her once, 3 years ago), and when I connected with the doctor on call, I couldn’t remember where I got my last prescription filled (C-section painkillers) and didn’t have any local pharmacy information on hand. I picked what I thought was the most likely pharmacy (where I fill Laurel’s scripts) only to find on arrival that I wasn’t registered, and that I brought my hospital card instead of my insurance card to process the prescription. Oops.

In a sense, I’m lucky that this ignorance is driven by my low maintenance medical status. But this experience made obvious how much more attuned I am to Laurel’s medical details over my own (never mind that the only reason I knew the diagnosis and treatment for conjunctivitis was because Laurel contracted it last year), and I’m sure many parents experience the same phenomenon. So in the spirit of avoiding medically oriented “mommy moments” in the future, enjoy the wallet-sized medical quick reference card (in pink/chocolate and blue/chocolate) I designed to keep important medical details all in one stylish place. Just print, cut along the dashed lines, fill in your info, and fold in half along the solid line to tuck in your wallet.

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Home; Solutions
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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Cool Finds & Bargains: Learn more about Boon’s funky stuffed animal organizer/chair (shown; from Swanky Moms), baby shower invites designed for babies born in this year of the pig (from Coochicoos), and the luxurious swaddling receiving blanket by Swaddle Designs (from The Stylish Child). Win a chance to create your own D-artCompany.com Photo Realistic Canvas Print of your favorite memory (from Classy Mommy). And get 15% off a hip new (spill proof!) laptop bag made of WeatherTac Nylon (from Mommies with Style).

Cool Candy: Check out Friday Eye Candy: TV Hotties (from MamaPop), and the report on Shiloh Jolie Pitt’s first legal battle (from Celebrity Moms)

Cool Organics: Peruse eco-friendly organic finds for babies and Earth Mamas (from SheFindsMom), luxurious Erbaorganics products for mother and child (from One Chic Mama), fun Earth Day activities and crafts (from Clever Parents), and the organic, early bond between a father and son (from Babyfaces).

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Books & Entertainment; Decor & Furniture; Eco Living; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gear; Home
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If you’ve been wondering what to get for your next baby gift, reader Perrin of Amherst, NH wrote in with high praise for Lilypad Baby’s bib and burp cloth sets. Perrin writes, “Their fabric selections are really cute and each item is available for personalization... the quality of workmanship is excellent. We received a set when my son was born two years ago and it is still in fantastic shape. The Velcro fastening has maintained its integrity through many, many washings. The sets are gift wrapped in complimentary white tulle bags.”

Lilypad offers reversible bibs (shown; Laney, $12), burp cloths, blankets, diaper covers, pillowcases, and jewelry. Perrin’s go-to bib and burp cloth gift set is $22 in a variety of boy/girl styles.

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing
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Mother Nature will serve up fabulous weekend weather, perfectly timed for Earth Day events at the 8th Annual Charles River Cleanup (Saturday, 9am-12pm) and the Franklin Park Zoo (Sunday, 11am-3pm).

For the Charles River cleanup, show up at 9am at one of the drop in sites in Boston, Brighton, Watertown, Waltham, Needham, or Bellingham to receive supplies and instructions. Franklin Park Zoo’s earth party (free with admission) will include crafts, activities, animal encounters, exhibitors, and entertainment by Radio Disney. You also can participate in the zoo’s recycling drive, and little ones can learn about zoo animals through yoga and play (11am, 2pm).

Charles River Cleanup, multiple locations; Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester; Tel: 617-541-5466

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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It’s refreshing when others have the answers and today we’re thrilled to introduce Tracy, a new guest contributor, who has made her decision about family size. Read on, and weigh in with your opinion on ideal family size.

“The word is out. I want a third baby. Call me crazy (at least 5 people already have), but that’s the truth. And no, it’s not because I have two boys and desperately want a girl. A girl would be lovely, yes. But so would another boy. I happen to think the ones I’ve already got are pretty neat. Not to mention the odds of actually having a girl are not in my favor.

Peoples’ reactions to my wanting a third child have taken me aback. They’ve ranged from barely disguised cynicism (“Oh, I suppose you want a girl?”) to open hostility (“Why would you want a third child?”). Sometimes the tone implies I’m being selfish, which I don’t understand, because it will be me groaning with pelvic pain while I turn over in bed. It will be me laboring to birth another baby. It will be me breastfeeding and getting up to soothe a baby trying to figure out how to sleep through the night. Selfish? How? Only a few have said, “That’s wonderful.” Or, said nothing at all, like it could possibly be fine, normal even, to want more than two children.

There was a time between the birth of my second son and his 6-month check up where I really thought 2 might be it. Then, one day he and I were standing looking out the window to our backyard trees (one each, for the boys), and it hit me. There was another person for this family. That image hasn’t left me since. Not that I don’t waffle every now and then. I know going back to baby land won’t be a piece of cake, but I can’t shake the feeling that I will regret not having a third child for the rest of my life.

There have been all kinds of web-polls lately asking what people thought the ideal family size is. I’ve come to look at it this way: enough is enough. Every parent knows when they’ve got it left to give, and when they have just enough to do their best job with the kids they’ve got. I admire people who decide one is enough, just as much as I am awed by some of the women I know with six! For my husband and me the magic number is three.”

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Family Issues
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More music for vacation week munchkins! Tomorrow (April 20th) at 10 am, check out Boston native Maria Sangiolo’s Enchanting Fairy Concert at the Orpheum Theatre in Foxboro. Suitable for the preschool to age 12 crowd, this show will include fairy songs (from her acclaimed CD, Fairy Moon), puppets, games, and more. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door.

At the Orpheum Theatre, 1 School Street, Foxboro; Tel: 508-543-2787

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local
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Artbeat in Arlington may be small in square footage, but they manage to both house an impressive selection of cool crafty goods (and if you don’t see what you need, ask; they appear to keep large stock such as foam core downstairs or out back), and host a busy studio workspace for classes. Now through April 20th (10am – 6pm) kids and adults can create pattern or chaos using paper ‘tiles’ and sand grout, or glass tiles and marbles during Mosaic Magic Week ($12 and up for materials).

In addition to their workshops and walk-in studio time, Artbeat also offers evening adult creativity classes and art themed birthday party services in their store or at your home.

Artbeat, 212-A Massachusetts Ave., Arlington; Tel: 781-646-2200

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local
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These days, it seems as if events oddly align as a directive for my writing. And as much as it makes this mama bear bristle, two recent events pointed me on the trajectory of child safety.

The first event involved chatting with a friend about her daughter’s three-year well visit. Towards the end of the visit the doctor told the three-year old that it was time to check the areas of the body under the underwear to make sure that they were healthy, and that it is OK for a doctor to do this if mommy or daddy are in the room. Not surprisingly, my friend couldn’t help but think, “Crap, it’s already time to start talking about this stuff?”

The second event occurred when a Craigslist buyer dropped by our house. Per usual, Laurel was shy and cautious while the person was here, and replete with questions afterwards. But there was something noticeably different about Laurel’s behavior, and as we continued to talk through the event with her, we learned that seeing this stranger in our home set off physiological alarms; among other things, Laurel told us that seeing the stranger made her belly “hurt and feel tight.” That moment made it clear that it was time for us to learn more about how to talk about safety, beyond our existing strategies for coping with imaginary animals.

Parenting involves myriad mental gymnastics to reduce concepts to simple yet meaningful elements. Tack on the complexity and emotion of trying to converse about tough topics like strangers and predators and it is enough – quite frankly – to make you feel like your head is going to explode. But the conversations have to happen, and while there is plenty of child safety content out there that will - however well intentioned - work you up into a frenzy, I found the Child Safety Kit from the Polly Klaas Foundation the most helpful. Right off the bat, the guide sets a reassuring tone; that the point is to teach kids to recognize and avoid dangerous situations in a way that won’t scare kids (or yourself). The guide provides a reality check on typical scary statistics, constructive tips on how to teach your kids to question the safety of various situations (through “what if” role play), key safety practices for infants through teens, and situation-specific abduction prevention resources. One particularly interesting pointer was to avoid using the word “stranger,” instead focusing on situation specifics (see p. 4).

For older kids, TalkingWithKids.org provides resources to help parents tackle specific conversation topics (e.g., sex, drugs); they also offer 10 general communication tips, applicable for children aged 8-12.

As much as it makes my belly hurt and feel tight thinking about Laurel’s safety, having the tools to learn how to talk about these issues with her in a matter of fact, confident manner already brings peace of mind.

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Family Issues; Tweens & Teens
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Can music soothe the savage rainy day cabin fever beast? Acclaimed children's entertainer Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs no doubt is ready for the challenge. This Thursday (4/19) from 10am - noon, you can get your sillies out in solidarity with Steve and the Sillies during an engaging, interactive program of songs and stories. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door (children under two years old are admitted free); click here for ticket details. Proceeds from this family concert will benefit The Children's Cooperative Nursery School of Newton.

At the Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands; Tel: 617-916-1877

Posted by Christine Koh on 17 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local
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Good things can happen when Daddy stays home.

Live as of last month, stay at home dad inspired Sandbox Threads offers an impressive collection of funky, retro/vintage graphics printed on 100% cotton sweatshop-free tees and onesies. Among the Future Activist designs, we love the groovy, colorful promise offered by the Peace Baby Circle design (shown; $18.95).

Sandbox Threads’ designs can be printed on a variety of hip ringer tee/onesie color combinations in sizes 3 months – 6T. Word on the street is that they are thinking about offering adult sized shirts in the future. Let’s hope so.

Posted by Christine Koh on 17 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Eco Living; Fashion; For Little Ones
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If your kid loves arts and crafts (and you’re in need of a couple hours on your own this week), check out the April Vacation Camp at The Kids Place for Fun in Newton. Now through April 20th the morning session (9:30am – 12:30pm) includes painting, crafts, and games for kids potty trained and up. The afternoon session (4:30 – 6:30pm) offers pottery painting for kids 7 and up. The starting cost for one child is $40 per day (+$3.00 for pizza lunch/dinner per child); click here for pricing details for siblings. Reservations may be made by phone. The Kids Place for Fun also offers birthday party services.

The Kids Place for Fun, 188 Needham Street, Newton; Tel: 617-527-0500

Posted by Christine Koh on 16 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local
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Dear Readers: It’s a bit embarrassing that something this easy has taken this long, but we finally have added e-mail services to Boston Mamas. The ability to subscribe for automatic e-mail updates - once a day when new posts are available - is easy and convenient both for those not familiar with RSS subscriptions, and for RSS users who want to access content on platforms without an RSS aggregator.

To sign up, simply submit your e-mail via the box in the left column (in the “Stay Connected!” section; you also can opt to subscribe for RSS and our twice monthly newsletter), FeedBlitz will register you as a Boston Mamas subscriber, and you’ll need to respond to a confirmation e-mail. We hope you enjoy getting Boston Mamas delivered right to your inbox. Click here for information on our and Feedblitz’s privacy policies.

UPDATE:Our apologies. We learned that adding FeedBlitz caused our IsaBooties contest form to cramp up. The bug has been fixed; if you had problems entering the contest earlier, please go ahead and do so now. Thanks!

Posted by Christine Koh on 16 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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Despite the rain this week, you can keep alight your anticipation of spring growth at The Children’s Museum in Easton. Now through April 22nd the museum’s Let's Get G-R-O-W-I-N-G! program includes nature inspired art and science projects.

The Children’s Museum in Easton offers exhibits and programming geared towards kids from 1-8 years. They also host birthday parties. Admission is $6 per person, or free for members and children under one year.

The Children's Museum in Easton, The Old Fire Station, 9 Sullivan Avenue, North Easton; Tel. 508-230-3789

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local
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April showers indeed. The forecast is looking grim for local families eager to enjoy April school vacation week outdoors. We’ve thus decided that this week – in addition to our regular content – we’ll highlight promising indoor local programming to help you beat the rainy day vacation blues. Enjoy!

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Moms may find comfort in: Fat Girl Slim, a great cream from Benefit that helps smooth skin as it firms, trims, tones, and energizes (shown; from One Chic Mama); tips for how to take advantage of the freshest, most in-season produce in your regular grocery store (from Clever Parents); the style and functionality of Sara Bear diaper changing baskets (from The Stylish Child); and the serenity of an angelic baby face (from Babyfaces).

Kiddies may find comfort in: the most adorable, comfy shoes for newborns, crawlers, toddlers—and big kids, too (from SheFindsMom); Baby Jogger’s City Series Double Stroller (from Mommies with Style); Fairy Princess Designs tooth fairy pillows for boys and girls (from Classy Mommy); and the customized Bumbi Doll (from Coochicoos).

And on the West Coast… learn more about Jayneoni Moore & Renae Plant’s fashion show at BCLA (from Swanky Moms); get the scoop on Tori Spelling’s modern nursery (from Celebrity Moms); and find out whether Marc Anthony is “suffocating” J-Lo (from Mama Pop).

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys; Bath, Beauty & Health; Books & Entertainment; Diapers & Potty; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; Gear; Home; Solutions
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One of my favorite signs of spring is “amoeba soccer,” the sight of a clump of little kids chasing a soccer ball with a spirited oblivion to the fine art of positioning and passing.

Clumping or not, budding enthusiasts, serious players, or parents in need of a means to move to a beat beyond “Get me more Cheerios, Mommy” ought to check out FoldFastGoals. These goals are handy for home use (particularly as the parks get overrun in the spring and summer) and stow conveniently in the off-season. Assembly is easy; just fit the six goal pieces together, place seven screws, and attach the netting. Once the goal is assembled, folding or opening the goal literally takes seconds, which means less time struggling with equipment and more time bending it like Becks.

Boston Mamas readers can enjoy a 10% discount using checkout code 109070001 at FoldFastGoals; the soccer, lacrosse, and hockey goals also are available at Amazon.

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Home; Solutions
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Clearly, it's time for our first poll. We want to know, how often do you bathe your babe?

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health
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We're thrilled to welcome Amy Cody as our Sex & Sexuality Parent Education Guest Contributor. Amy will bring us interesting and essential information to help parents develop the skills and resources to have ongoing conversations with their children about sexual health. Here's Amy’s first contribution:

“On Monday, April 23 (7-9 pm), parents will be interested to attend Risky Business: How Parents Can Navigate the Adolescent World of Sex, Substance Abuse, and other Hot Button Issues. Hosted by Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, the Brookline PTO, and the Brookline Coalition Against Substance Abuse, this informative and engaging evening is dedicated to helping parents understand risky behavior for pre-teens and teenagers. Our panel discussion – featuring specialists from Tufts New England Medical Center and Children’s Hospital, Boston – will provide you with the tips and skills you need to raise an adolescent in today’s challenging world.” (Download flyer)

This event is free and open to the public but seating is limited; reserve your seat online or by phone, 617-616-1658. At Brookline High School, MLK Room,115 Greenough Street, Brookline.

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Outreach
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With a curious preschooler on our hands, more often than not daily interactions typically evolve into behavioral lessons. This week the folks from Saturn came to pick up the VUE hybrid we test drove for Boston Mamas. Laurel’s repeated inquiries about why the green car would be gone by the time she got up from her nap evolved into a conversation about sharing, and how our turn with the car was up. Here’s our review of the 2007 Saturn VUE hybrid, first addressing general then mama related priorities:

As the parents of one child, it’s easy for us to espouse the virtues of small cars. But driving the VUE hybrid SUV was pretty luxurious in comparison. The elevation and lateral space felt roomy and safe, and strangely enough, the actual footprint of the SUV wasn’t that much bigger than our sedan. The adjustment to driving the car thus was surprisingly quick, with the exception that I had difficulty getting a sense of the vehicle length and figuring out by the mirrors how much room I had in back. So I largely avoided tight parallel parking situations (and I should say that I typically don’t shy away from parallel parking, having learned on a behemoth woody wagon).

One of our favorite aspects of the VUE was the noise reduction associated with the car powering into eco mode. I’m not sure whether this is common to all hybrids, but when we slowed to a stop, for example, the car essentially went silent. Jon and I tend to be very sensitive to sensory pollution and I was so excited about the noise reduction that I almost called a former colleague to borrow a sound level meter so I could quantify the decibel difference (pretty nerdy, I know!). Beyond the auditory experience, we didn’t feel a functional difference on the road; the car always felt powerful.

From a mama perspective I was thrilled with my first interaction with the car, which involved installing the car seat. The LATCH side anchors are in plain view (no jamming your hand between the seat cushions looking for the connection); the seat installation couldn’t have been easier. The back storage area also was spacious, and included a pop up organizer and recessed side wells to keep items in place.

One area that could stand to be improved (and perhaps the 2008 model addresses this) involves the internal ergonomics. The dash/stereo interface was a tad clunky and not altogether intuitive; the worst offense (insert drum roll) involved the cup holder. It might sound silly to complain about cup holder ergonomics in the context of an eco SUV, but all moms know that cup holders can make or break stroller purchases (or at least cause considerable grief afterwards if you opt for a stroller without one...the doctors instruct you to stay hydrated after all...). Anyhow, at first I thought it was novel and interesting to have the cup holders between the seats (instead of in front of the gears), but I learned quickly during a day trip that my coffee drinking was severely compromised by the ergonomics. I had to bug Jon to pick up or put down my cup every time I wanted a sip since the holder was out of my peripheral vision and since the placement of the arm rest (which Laurel insisted be in the down position) made the reach awkward.

In sum, we enjoyed the test drive. The Saturn VUE hybrid feels safe and spacious, the mileage is good (estimated 27/32 city/highway mpg), and of course we love the eco angle and associated global and immediate sensory benefits. Now if only they’d fix the cup holder!

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Eco Living
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I’m afraid Laurel has been ready to transition out of the crib for some time now, and we’ve totally been dragging our heels about it due to inconvenience. We don’t use gates in our house, which isn’t a problem during the day, but seems disastrous for night. (Although I know a family who, rather hilariously, has dealt with this issue by teaching their daughter to knock from inside her bedroom door when she wants to come out.) Plus, the freedom of a big bed seems likely to fuel Laurel’s periodic midday nap resistance.

But the cool bedding collection available at Mason & Matisse might just inspire change. This boutique features modern furnishings, clothing, gear, and toys; we especially love the Deep Sea bedding, whose fun underwater graphics are represented in a gender neutral, refreshing color palette (shown; $119 for duvet and pillow sham set; $58 for coordinating fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillow case set).

Mason & Matisse currently is offering a 10% discount to our readers; use code BOSTONMAMAS at check out.

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Home
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Obesity is a critical public health issue for adults and children in the U.S., and one whose complexity goes beyond the seemingly simple factors of intake and exercise. Mama reader Erica from Northampton just wrote in about FAT: What No One Is Telling You. The program, framed through personal narratives – including those of a grandmother who wants to get fit so she can keep up with her grandchild and a public health professional committed to educating families and kids (including her Latino community) about nutrition and activity – details the biological barriers, cultural habits, and economic realities that play a role in this increasingly common condition.

Part of PBS’s Take One Step Health Campaign, FAT premieres tomorrow at 9pm on PBS (click here for local broadcast information). Also check out their 20 Steps to Better Health guide, which includes tips for families.

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Family Issues
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Do you know a fabulous, reliable college student who is looking for a great professional learning experience? Boston Mamas is seeking interns who have strong communication and research skills, and who are motivated and attentive to detail. Interns will gain experience in online publishing, public relations, and/or graphic design/web development. Responsibilities will include any of the following: product research, researching local resources (for interns based in Boston), contacting publicists, advertisers, and partners, working on content, and scouring the web for cool stuff that would serve the Boston Mamas readership. Those interested in the graphic design/web component must already be familiar with HTML and graphics applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

Internships are unpaid, telecommuting, and at minimum 10 hours per week. You must have your own computer and Internet connection. Please e-mail your resume including listed references with contact information. Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries prior to resume submission.

About the site: Boston Mamas is a one-stop source for cool ideas and resources for families in Boston and beyond. Featuring product reviews, information on local resources, and tips and commentary on everything from parenting to eco living to development and behavior to domestics, the site enjoys a national and international readership, in addition to its niche geographical audience.

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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If you love to cook and share recipes with friends and family, check out this Mother’s Day idea from our friends at MothersClick. Now until April 16, submit your favorite fabulous recipe to the Cookbook for Moms project; moms then vote for their favorites and the top vote-getters will be published in a professional quality, hardcover cookbook that will include a foreword and recipe by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson. The cookbook will go on sale in time for Mother's Day and 100% of the proceeds will benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Click here to submit your favorite recipe and good luck! We’re looking forward to seeing who has the culinary goods to hang with Nigella! (And if you are a Boston Mamas reader who ends up in the cookbook, be sure to drop us a line to let us know!)

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Home; Recipes
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Jon and I recently met downtown for lunch and I couldn’t help but feel doubly sheepish; the last time we carved out time to meet midday was back in November, after I was put on the hot seat by New York City marriage and family therapist Esther Perel. And I have been meaning to write about meeting Perel since.

No, Perel isn’t my therapist. In November, on an invite from the Manic Mommies, I attended an insightful reading and discussion of her book, Mating in Captivity. During the Q&A I asked whether she had suggestions for, generally, how to connect better on a day to day basis; that our workloads and daily to do lists often left Jon and me scurrying to achieve household or e-mail tidiness after Laurel went to bed. Perel asked when I last went out to dinner with Jon. I stammered about the challenges of having anyone other than Auntie Sha-Sha put Laurel to bed. She asked whether Laurel was in day care and then asked when I last met Jon for lunch. I explained that since I left my downtown job it took more time to meet up midday and that I already felt pressed for hours in the week. Even as I scrabbled for these justifications I knew that I just needed to make the time; that finding connection with my partner was worth those couple hours (and that the household chores, fortunately and unfortunately, would always be there another day).

If this scenario sounds all too familiar, check out Perel’s book. She writes as frankly and engagingly as she speaks, arguing the importance of couples creating space to reignite dwindling (or completely defunct) home fires; that modern couples place too much pressure on their partner being everything (lover, friend, household bookkeeper, etc.), and that these constraints suffocate eroticism.

Perel’s descriptions of clinical approaches with couples (both hetero and homosexual) are fascinating and some scenarios likely will ring awfully familiar. Exhausted parents no doubt will jump right to the “Parenthood – When Three Threatens Two” chapter, where Perel describes typical situations that stymie the connection between new parents and case studies from both the perspective of the dad or mom losing their mojo. In these and other non-parenting couples cases, Perel offers perspective and suggestions on how to work on righting the intimacy ship.

Hopefully going on the record with our rather pathetic current stat of 2 lunch dates in 5 months will improve our efforts. It’s amazing how much better in step a couple can feel after a mere hour of focused time together.

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups
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I have eaten a lot of birthday cake in my years, but every now and then I sample one so good that there’s no choice but to throw polite airs (and any standing resolutions) to the wind and go back for seconds. Such was the case yesterday at the one year birthday party for Laurel’s pal Sebastian.

Sebastian’s cake – Fresh Strawberries & Cream with Chocolate Meringue Buttercream frosting – came from Dessert Works in Norwood. The vanilla chiffon cake layers were moist yet airy, and the delicate sweetness of the whipped vanilla pastry cream & fresh strawberry layers perfectly contrasted the deadly chocolate frosting.

Dessert Works offers cakes, pastry, and seasonal confections fashioned in simple to complex designs (the wedding cake gallery is breathtaking to browse); Laurel went nuts over Sebastian’s cake, but I suspect the Jungle Animal cupcakes (shown) also would be a huge hit.

Dessert Works, 38 Vanderbilt Avenue, Norwood; Tel: 781-769-1133

Posted by Christine Koh on 8 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Food & Drink; Local
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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Put a little spring in your step with: Clever Parents’ clutter busting guide on what to do with all those shoes you have and how to make room for the ones you've been eyeing, SheFindsMom’s feature on stylish raingear for the entire family, and the Celebrity Baby Blog’s review of the new spring collection from Bumble Bags.

Also from CBB, get glowing Bridget Moynahan’s look for less. New dad Tobey Maguire opens up about his turbulent childhood and the lessons it taught him as a father, from Celebrity Moms. And check out Alanis Morrisette's hilarious cover of the Black Eyed Peas singer's hit, from MamaPop.

And last but not least, One Chic Mama’s got the latest on fashionable medical ID bracelets and necklaces. Classy Mommy previews Momzillas, by Jill Kargman (best-selling co-author of The Right Address). Coochicoos shows how lunchboxes and a booster chair get reinterpreted. And Babyfaces shows how the primping and preening starts early in their photo of the week.

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Diapers & Potty; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gear
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I’m thrilled to formally introduce Kate, who essentially has served as a guest contributor by virtue of the number of tips she has shared with us! In her debut guest post, Kate passes on word about a terrific dual function bib that no doubt will save you countless hours wrestling with stain removal. Welcome, Kate!

“My daughter was a big drooler as an infant, and we developed quite a collection of cloth bibs in her early months. As she got older and progressed to eating solid food, we quickly learned that the cute cloth styles weren't going to cut it. We needed full coverage, preferably in an easily washable material. My sister-in-law turned me on to the perfect solution: long-sleeved bibs. Gone are the days of crusty cuffs and collars coated in veggies! Surprisingly hard to find, we've been particularly happy with the full coverage, easy to clean Best Bib from I Play, which can also double as an art smock.” (Available at Target.com in girl and boy styles; $13.99 per 2pk.)

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys; Feeding & Nursing
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Laurel seems predisposed to a future of warm weather leisure; she loves hotels and has expressed her excitement about summer sandals ever since the weather started to creep past freezing.

But summer feels awfully far away these days, making us that much more grateful for the versatility of Laurel’s Toni shoes by Vincent (shown; $44.95). These recently released spring kicks are about as close to sandals as we can get (via vented openings) while still offering plenty of coverage on chilly days. We also have tried the groovy, striped Smith sneaker, and in both cases love the easy Velcro fastening (which encourages Laurel to work on getting her shoes on and off on her own), and the sturdy yet lightweight, flexible construction.

Vincent’s designs are modern and hip; their collection includes cool sneakers, indoor kicks, rain and winter boots, party shoes, sandals, and clogs for pre-walkers up to big kids, each in a variety of colors. The only problem is that they don’t make sizes for adults.

Shop Vincent online or click here to find US and Canada retailers; Beantowners can check Vincent out locally at Bird by Bird.

Posted by Christine Koh on 5 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fashion; For Little Ones
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Sometimes Grandma really can save the day.

The other day when Jon was on the phone with his mom, and Laurel was – in a no nap state of post-dinner psychosis – running around the house screaming happily into a digital tuner (she just learned that the tuner reacts to her voice), Jon’s mom made an excellent suggestion: don’t squelch the self-expression, just contain it in a can.

It’s almost embarrassing that I (what with the fancy training in acoustics and auditory perception…) didn’t think of this and it worked like a dream. In this instance, we dumped out a cylinder of blocks, tossed the metronome into it, and told Laurel to try yelling into the can to see if she could make the tuner blink (shown). Everybody won. Laurel got to get the craziness out of her system (and subsequently exhausted herself into a quick slumber that night), the painful sensation in our ears was alleviated, and we were able to avoid the tired (and usually ineffective) flat out “no.”

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Development & Behavior
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And now, pursuant to our announcement about our impending regular guest contributors, here is Sara Cabot, with a feature on the power of peas (including recipes for babies up to adults!). Welcome, Sara!

“Early spring is a funny time for produce. The stored winter apples, squashes, and root vegetables are over and we find ourselves waiting impatiently for the first fruits and vegetables of summer.

In this ‘betwixt and between’ time, frozen fruits and veggies are always an option. They are easy to store and use; they are picked and frozen at source so are sometimes actually fresher than ‘fresh’ produce which may have sat around in a warehouse for weeks; they are reasonably priced too.

Frozen peas are a great vegetable to give to your kids as they are nutritionally dense (some people call them a ‘super food’), and children tend to like them as they are sweet and fun to play with. Green peas are also bursting with nutrients as they provide good amounts of 8 vitamins, 7 minerals, dietary fiber and protein..." [Click here for the remainder of the article (in PDF printable format), including tips on how to prepare peas for babies, and recipes for Pea Soup and Pea Risotto.]

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing; Home; Recipes
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It’s hard for me to believe that Boston Mamas will be turning one in July (I’m currently mulling over ideas for an online birthday party - stay tuned!). When I started this venture, I knew I had a lot of thoughts and information to share, but I’m amazed that, save the occasional writer’s block, it hasn’t been difficult to generate daily content now totaling over 450 posts. It’s an honor to serve a steadily growing national and international readership, some of whom I’ve had the pleasure of “meeting” via e-mail comments and tips.

And while I still have plenty to write about, I’m thrilled to announce a very exciting development for the site. Over the next couple of months I will introduce a series of regular guest contributors, including industry professionals and parents/caretakers slogging it out “in the field.” I will continue to write daily for Boston Mamas, but I believe that these new voices will add interesting, useful, and hopefully periodically cheeky dimensions to the content.

Our next post will feature the first of these contributors, and with each debut, I will add the guest contributor to the About page so you can learn a little more about the folks who have agreed to jump into this crazy and amazing adventure.

As always, thanks for reading! If you have comments or questions, don’t hesitate to write in!

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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Third grade was arguably my favorite of the elementary school years. I adored my teacher, my desk was right across from my huge crush, and music became a big part of my life through learning violin and being introduced to the song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Never was the collective power of music more evident than when our class got to rock out to this classic during music time.

Now you can celebrate this song and teach your kids about green living with Barefoot Books’ Whole World book + CD. This large format hardcover includes lyrics, colorful illustrations, music notation and chord charts for those who wish to play along, and tips for eco living. A mini edition of the book will be available in June, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit global conservation charities.

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Eco Living; For Babies & Kids
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Some might call me crazy, but last week I chose privacy over publicity when it came to the unusual balancing act that now defines my identity as an online publisher.

On Friday I was scheduled to give my first TV interview on the topic of potty training. When I first picked up the interview request, I have to admit that I was pretty excited about the potential exposure the interview could bring for Boston Mamas. The producer wanted to interview me about our potty journey. No problem. Her crew wanted to conduct the interview in my home. No problem (except for the fact that I’d have to clean the house). Oh, and they also wanted to shoot footage of Laurel on the potty.

Maybe I should have backed out right then, but I couldn’t quite do it. I left the conversation with a time scheduled, a very tentative commitment about Laurel’s involvement, and my insistence that Laurel – if she was involved at all – only be shot over the shoulder from the waist up (i.e., back to the camera, no skin showing). They consented. But as the day wore on, I grew more troubled. What if they made a mistake? What if they just didn’t take me seriously and showed more revealing footage of Laurel against my wishes? And come to think of it, they didn’t seem particularly interested in the Boston Mamas angle; what was up with that?

As much as an integral part of this site involves sharing personal parenting stories (and it is extremely gratifying that readers enjoy and appreciate the candor on these pages), I am protective of plenty else. I contacted the producer to tell her that, as a parent and in my capacity as the publisher of Boston Mamas, I would be happy to conduct the interview but that my daughter would not be involved in the shoot. She called back and cancelled the interview.

Perhaps I should have been more upset that the producer clearly was less interested in me and more interested in roping a potty model. But her decision affirmed that I made the right decision. I’m proud of what I have built here at Boston Mamas, and I’d hate to look back years from now and realize that I lapsed in integrity – as both a parent and a publisher – for a chance to be on TV.

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (5) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Web (Admin)
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Back in the fall we reported on the super stylish, thoughtfully constructed collection of baby treads from IsaBooties. We're thrilled that IsaBooties is the Boston Mamas partner for our April contest.

Two winners each will choose one pair of baby shoes (any style and size) from the IsaBooties collection. Click here to enter to win. This contest closes at midnight EST on April 30, 2007, and is open to US & Canada residents. Good luck!

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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Congratulations to Wendy F. of Hancock, Maine, the winner of our March contest! Wendy won a New Stylin' gift set from New For Baby. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest!

We also would like to thank our friends at New For Baby for their generous partnership. Be sure to check out their fresh and functional layette collection if you haven't yet had a chance to do so.

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Web (Admin)
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With a potty-trained peanut on my hands, public restrooms are both a blessing and a curse. I’m grateful for their existence but freaked by the potential germ factor. Not to mention that our current system – I lay a (wishfully hygienic) layer of tissue on the seat, squat in front of Laurel so she can plant her feet on my thighs, and wrap my arms around her waist so she doesn’t fall into the hole – is utterly uncomfortable.

None of these issues seem to bother Laurel, but in anticipation of our travel this past weekend (i.e., exponential increase in the need to use public restrooms), I ordered One Step Ahead’s Folding Potty Seat and it was a huge success. This seat is remarkably compact folded, and unfolds to provide a sturdy, secure potty seat. The seat also has handles so your kid can hold onto those instead of the toilet itself. This travel potty, which provided me with sanitary peace of mind and Laurel with a comfortable place to go potty, is a steal at $12.95.

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear
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