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

Build your child’s confidence in the water with the adjustable buoyancy Konfidence Jacket (from Clever Parents; shown). Forget those alphabet and number playmats - Skip Hop's Playspot playmat is the perfect answer (from Coochicoos). La Leche League launches a new line of nursing bras that are both pretty and affordable (from One Chic Mama). The eBeanstalk gift series allows you to send your favorite tot a new toy every 3 months to match their stage of development (save 10% and get free shipping with code CLASSY, from Classy Mommy). Win the chic, travel-friendly Lexie Barnes Darling diaper bag just in time for your summer vacation (from MomFinds). And check out this little boy who just doesn't look innocent enough (from Babyfaces).

Posted 29 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Fashion; Feeding & Nursing; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

We have visitors in this weekend so I’ve been browsing my recipe binders (yes, I have binders for my clippings) for simple, yummy food to prepare. I was reminded of Martha's panzanella; easy to knock together and great for summer (especially when the stores or your garden get overrun with tomatoes and basil).

A few comments: 1. The recipe has a typo - the amount of garlic you need is one clove. 2. Toasting the bread works fine if you don’t want/know how to grill or broil. 3. If you want to tone down the onions a bit, slice then soak them in a bowl of cold water (pat dry before including in recipe). The oil and vinegar also will take the edge off a bit.

Posted 29 Jun 2007 in Home; Recipes | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

I’m a classic New Englander with a hang up about the region’s weather variability, and as I’ve dragged along during the heat wave, I can hardly believe that I was in my last trimester with Laurel during this time of year. Clearly, the only reason I survived was frequent soft serve twist cones.

If you’re looking to submerge yourself in something more expansive than the backyard kiddie pool, there are lots of public spaces to cool off. The Boston Common Frog Pond Spray Pool opens tomorrow, the City of Boston’s pools and cooling centers have opened, and the Mass. DCR offers directories for pools, fresh water beaches, and ocean beaches (including specific listings for handicapped accessible beaches and pools) across the state.

Posted 28 Jun 2007 in Fun Outdoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

From the very beginning, we’ve referred to Laurel as “Busy Legs.” She was acrobatic in the belly, squirmed and kicked continually as a baby, walked early, and has been unstoppable since discovering the vertical dimension. When she was a toddler, we quickly tired of saying ‘no’ every time she tried to climb something unstable, instead attempting to engage/distract by asking, “Does it feel safe?” or “Do you need safety?” This method stuck, and ever since, she calls out “Safety!” when she knows she needs a grown up to spot her.

For little people, everyday safety situations get more complex than chair and stair climbing, and the award winning team behind the Danger Rangers have made it their mission to create entertaining, educational materials to help parents teach kids how to make smart safety decisions on topics such as water play, the medicine cabinet, fire, and recreation. The Danger Rangers are available via broadcast and DVDs suitable for the 3-8 year old crowd. Another nice product alternative (given that Laurel isn’t into TV) is their coordinating line of storybooks and coloring/activity books.

Posted 28 Jun 2007 in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

My family birthday list includes a weird proliferation of birthdays that align with national holidays, including the July 4th birthday of my fabulous niece. I think it’s pretty cool that she’ll always be guaranteed a big, fanfare-laden national party on her day.

Boston’s July 4th celebration can be enjoyed starting tomorrow via Boston Harborfest. Running through July 4th, Harborfest includes over 200 daily events through the historic downtown and waterfront districts, and at Boston’s City Hall Plaza. The main events include: the Harborfest Concert Series (daily), Chowderfest (Sunday, July 1), and Children’s Day (Monday, July 2).

Posted 27 Jun 2007 in Fun Outdoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

July marks the 1st birthday of Boston Mamas, and September will mark a year since I left research to make a go of it on my own professionally. I feel grateful every day for making the jump, but - not surprisingly - working independently brings a new set of challenges to the family system, such as feeling more (self imposed) pressure to take care of mundane household chores when I’m working at home, or dealing with the assumption that it’s easy for me to pick up the child care slack if Laurel gets sick or a family care arrangement disappears (e.g., earlier this week I found out from Sharon that my mom wouldn’t, in fact, be coming over to take care of Laurel as planned because she had flown South for a couple of days).

If you’re looking for solidarity in the struggle for balance, reader Julia from Newton wrote in to suggest Flux by Peggy Orenstein. Julia writes, “[It is] a wonderful book about the choices women make (or default into) about their lives.”

Posted 27 Jun 2007 in Books & Entertainment; Family Issues; For Grownups; Mama in the Workplace | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Inquiring minds want to know: Does your child use bodily fluid as a means to communicate low parental approval ratings?

We finally are nearing the end of an insane two-month stretch where every weekend has involved travel, visitors, or (least fun of all) Jon being away. Not surprisingly, Laurel has not been happy about Jon’s weekend absences, and it appears that she also hasn’t been oblivious to the tight lipped tension or petty squabbling that has occured when my grumpiness and his guilt about these weekends have collided.

Coincidentally, as we have navigated the family through this period, Jon has been reading up on the family systems and dynamics literature for a class. And we’re now completely convinced that indeed, if there’s bad mojo somewhere in the family system, all members are affected. (This follows the idea that kids sometimes act out in the face of family conflict.)

In our case, it seems that Laurel has chosen to act out and call for our attention in messy ways. One instance occurred over the first of Jon’s series of weekends away. However supportive I tried to be externally, in reality, I was feeling sorry for myself and pouty. In turn, Laurel was edgy and gave me a hard time all weekend, including refusing to use the potty (literally, she’d kick and scream and make it physically impossible for me to put her on the seat), instead opting to pee intentionally all over the house. (She’s been potty trained for months, so this isn’t the way things normally work.) The second example occurred last night, where Laurel woke up crying for both of us in the middle of night (again, this usually never happens), complained of a mysterious stomachache (she and I had eaten the same food all day and I felt fine), and then we all spent a couple of hours in the bathroom together, alternating between Laurel clearing out her system and us cleaning up the associated mess.

Ironically enough, while Jon and I have struggled to rationally and intellectually communicate well and keep grounded as a family over the last several weeks, we were at our absolute best last night in the trenches; lightheartedly working as a system, helping one other, being soothing and calming for Laurel and to each other, and not allocating blame anywhere.

During that first potty revolt weekend, Laurel and I finally made it over our grumpy hump when I took a minute to breathe, then told her that I always love her even if I periodically get mad or frustrated about things and can’t figure out how to handle them. She nodded vigorously as if she understood. I then asked her if we could declare a truce, she asked me what that was, and I paused (thinking that maybe I was getting in over my head here…) then responded with, “A truce is when we decide to stop being mean to each other and start having fun again.” We shook on it, and miraculously, after that declaration, the tides turned (including those of the potty nature). And now I wonder whether last night’s otherwise unexplainable stomachache was Laurel’s way of getting Jon and I to come together and declare our own truce.

Posted 26 Jun 2007 in Development & Behavior; Family Issues | Permalink | Comments (2) | E-mail this link

For a fun outing with the kids, some quiet time on your own, or an alternative to the typical coffee break at work, consider this idea from Sharon:

“Summer brings an array of beautiful fruits and vegetables. If you lack yard space or the time to garden, but want to involve kids in the process of appreciating and picking their own produce, try visiting a local farmers’ market [click here for MA listings]. You don’t need to travel far or deal with unmanageable hoards waiting for a hayride. All you need is an appreciation for being outdoors and the feet to walk from one kiosk to another to see what hand picked items are available that day. I went to one of these markets last week and was pleasantly surprised to see fresh seafood, homemade cheeses, and craft items being sold alongside produce, beautiful wildflower bouquets, and potted herbs. Shopping these markets supports local farmers and impacts the environment by reducing the use of fuel required to ship items from far away.”

Editor’s Note: Sharon took Laurel to a farmers’ market over the weekend and Laurel went crazy over the strawberries. As Sara Cabot wrote earlier, local strawberries are smaller and sweeter; stunningly different than commercial produce.

Posted 26 Jun 2007 in Eco Living | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

Our neighbor (a psychologist who has taught scores of preschoolers) recently shared a great idea that her teaching team had for creative play. In response to parental concerns about the violence and marketing of some commercial characters, “Be Your Own Superhero” time was created, during which the kids developed imaginative characters with amazing powers (I especially love “Bionic Dinosaur”). The kids enthusiastically latched onto the power and creativity of this game, carrying it through the entire school year.

Great minds apparently think alike, and thanks to Little Capers, your little superhero can get into character in comfort. Little Capers offers colorful, boldly designed 100% cotton short and long sleeved superhero shirts made in a non-sweatshop environment. Shirts for the 2-8 year old crowd come with cool, detachable contrast capes; cape-free shirts are available in 6-24 months. We love that this non-commercial super gear offers inspiration for both girls and boys, while being practicable and comfortable on the playground.

Posted 25 Jun 2007 in Fashion; For Little Ones | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

My sister-in-law Estelle wrote in with this indoor entertainment tip: The Regal Entertainment Group’s 2007 Free Family Film Festival offers families across the U.S. nine weeks of free movies during the summer. Films start at 10 am each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival; entrance is first-come, first-served per theatre capacity. In Massachusetts, showings start tomorrow and wrap up August 22; participating theatres include Bellingham (Stadium 14), Boston (Fenway Stadium 13), Kingston (Independence Mall 14), Marlborough (Solomon Pond Stadium 15), and Taunton (Silver City Galleria 10). Check the film festival site for schedule and location details.

Posted 25 Jun 2007 in Fun Indoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

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

Get your little one squeaky clean and squealing with delight with these fun bathtub essentials for comfort and safety, colorful towels to stave off the shivers, and water toys sure to entertain (from MomFinds). One-pot meals can be the solution to quick and easy cooking when no one really has the time to cook (from Clever Parents). Birthdays Without Pressure offers up suggestions to simplify birthday celebrations (from One Chic Mama). Angelina Jolie is one stylish mom and now she's passing her favorite jean style down to daughter Zahara (from The Stylish Child). And Jennifer Garner may be an A-List celebrity mom, but she still has her insecurities (from Celebrity Moms).

Posted 22 Jun 2007 in Gear; Home; Recipes | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Reader Erica from Northampton wrote in to notify us about AP writer Lindsey Tanner’s article Is Video-Game Addiction a Mental Disorder? This weekend at the American Medical Association’s annual policy meeting, the AMA Council on Science and Public Health will lobby for gaming disorders to be included in the American Psychiatric Association’s mental illness manual (the DSM, I assume). Classifying addictive gaming behavior as a psychiatric disorder would serve to raise awareness and allow insurance coverage for treatment. Debate is sure to ensue given potential consequences for the video game industry, and current disagreement about this added classification from some mental health providers.

Posted 22 Jun 2007 in Development & Behavior | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

This weekend's family event picks are all about free "ahts" and "cultcha." Tonight at 7pm and tomorrow at 4pm, enjoy "A Celebration of the Sea," a concert highlighting Boston's nautical history, featuring Circle of Song, Revels's touring ensemble of adults and children (with special guests, David Coffin, Marshall Hughes, and Milton Wright). Outdoors at the Boston Children's Museum Children's Wharf Park.

And as part of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, check out Strings and Things! tomorrow at 10am. This interactive performance features Monique Mead and Andres Cardenes (violin), Anne Martindale Williams (cello), David Leisner (guitar), and Marc Ryser (piano). At the Rockport Art Association.

Posted 22 Jun 2007 in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

My violin calluses may be long gone, but music remains a big part of our household via Jon’s guitar, Laurel’s singing, and our music collection. One challenge, though, has been finding enough music that the adults are able to enjoy, while being suitable for (unbelievably attentive) preschooler ears. We've been lucky that Laurel digs the (less trippy) likes of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon (she sings along with Jon’s accompaniment), and a recent addition that fits a good, mellow niche is Renee & Jeremy’s It's A Big World.

Part of the kid-friendly-music-that-won’t-drive-parents-bonkers revolution, this album (created by musicians/parents Renee Stahl and Jeremy Toback) includes songs that are simple in their predominant use of vocals and guitar, but structurally far more complex than basic kids tunes. Generally, the album has an intimate, lilting, and soothing feel, although towards the middle of the CD the tracks pick up the pace for good contrast. All songs - save a gentle, pretty cover of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” - are original.

Posted 21 Jun 2007 in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids; For Grownups | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

What with the proliferation of summer sweat, dirt, and sand, you're likely hanging around the tub a lot these days. This morning Tracy reports on a super cool tub toy that Nana gifted to her younger son:

“Whenever Nana visits, she typically comes equipped with the requisite “long-distance-grandmothering” presents for the boys; however, this time she hadn’t had a chance to shop so we all set off for one of the local toy stores.

My older son gravitated towards his usual knights and rescue vehicles, while the younger descended on anything brightly colored in between stops at the Thomas Train Table. At one point I saw him hunker down in front of a display of bath toys; he was eyeing the Alex Work Zone Tub Island (shown). I was impressed that this modestly priced set included a floating “table,” pieces of foam “plywood” for building, a construction worker, and three trucks. Nana was equally impressed, so we went home with one tucked under his little arm.

In the tub, I was happy to find squirt holes in the figures large enough to help drain water (thus avoiding scummy build up inside), and the flat, foam-backed platform dries quickly post bath. My son enjoyed being able to play with “his guys” without having to search for them in the bottom of the tub, and has made at least 5 different structures with the “woods” each time he bathes. Other themes in this toy line include dinos, farm, and race track."

Posted 21 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

One of the challenges of traveling with kids is the limited bathroom access factor. During our recent vacation (see Car Travel With Kids), we relied on backup diapers for day adventures where we knew public bathrooms would be scarce or completely disgusting, and we were really happy to tote CleanWell, a natural hand sanitizer, for quick clean up before snacks on the go.

We’re not wild about typical hand sanitizers due to the chemical factor, so CleanWell was a very happy recent discovery. Offered in spray (with a flip top lid) or wipe format, this sanitizer is free of alcohol and synthetic chemicals yet kills 99.99% of germs using a blend of thyme and other essential plant oils. We also dig that the wipes are biodegradable; they’ll break down in sewage and are suitable for composting. Click here to shop the product line.

Posted 20 Jun 2007 in Bath, Beauty & Health; Eco Living | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Few things stress parents like having family, friends, or professionals raise their eyebrows when they hear that your babe hasn’t done X, Y, or Z by a specific age. I’ve already made clear my thoughts on statistical variability and individual differences (see Redshirting), and today we’re grateful to Kate for sharing her story and lead regarding Early Intervention:

"From the very first APGAR score, taken moments after birth, childhood seems full of milestones and measurables these days. Is your child smiling, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, talking, relating - all at a particular time, all in a particular way. If understood as a range and not as hard-and-fast points in time, these markers can be helpful both for parents and pediatricians, but they can also cause worry, particularly for first-time parents. We were concerned when our daughter - who has been expressive and communicative since her first days - seemed slow to use and understand spoken language, but also frustrated by the prevalence of conventional wisdom indicating that she should be accumulating words by a particular age and in a particular sequence. Following discussions with her pediatrician and several mama friends and relatives, we opted to have our daughter evaluated for speech delays, a process which led to enrolling her in the Massachusetts Early Intervention Program. Funded largely through public grants, and providing services for families and children with a range of therapeutic needs both physical and cognitive, Early Intervention is a wonderful service for parents who are concerned that their child may be falling behind but are fundamentally uncomfortable with the metric-driven approach of some pediatricians and parenting books. Consisting of sessions that seem like structured play for the little ones, Early Intervention offers intensive one-on-one time for kids who may need extra help in a particular area of development without making them feel pushed or 'different.'"

Posted 20 Jun 2007 in Childcare & Education; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

After finishing grad school, Jon and I did something fit for the truly crazy and devoted; we moved back to our beloved, exorbitant city without jobs. And as we pushed interviews and grant applications along, we played cribbage, pursued creative endeavors, drank a lot of coffee, and tried not to panic. One artistic by-product from this time is a self-portrait I made during an oil painting class; it appears to be a wishful, creamy-complexioned salute to the days before I obliviously “rotisserized” (my friend Braden’s term for sunbathing) and set off a spray of freckles across my face. These freckles may look kind of cute, but they’re officially sun damage.

I’ve since become the house skin care watchdog, and thus was interested to learn about a nifty way for Boston women to do some good for themselves and others simultaneously. SkinHealth (at Newbury Street and in Wellesley Hills; owner Cheryl Clarkson lost her sister to skin cancer) has discounted two of their popular spa services when you buy them through getsugar. Purchase an anti-oxidant facial ($48; normally $85), light chemical peel ($70; normally $125), or both ($110; normally $210); $25 from the facial/peel or $50 from the joint service will be donated to the MGH Cancer Center in Boston.

Posted 19 Jun 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

What with Laurel’s predilection for scooping and dumping + my urban cluelessness, I assumed that last month’s planting of our first garden was mostly a fun exercise. But this week, we found that our Radish Cherry Belle seeds were as fast and easy to grow as advertised, and it was extremely moving to see Laurel’s delight in harvesting food from where she had scattered seeds just weeks before.

These radishes are a bit too spicy for Laurel’s taste (they’re fabulous for the grown ups though), but amazingly enough, after hearing from our beloved neighbor that the garden greens were suitable for consumption, Laurel munched down a couple of radish leaves (odd, since they are a bit prickly and bitter) as well as some pea leaves (sweet and delicious). I think it was the first time I’ve ever seen her voluntarily eat green leafy matter not covered in cheese.

Our neighbor had this to say on the topic: “When I taught preschoolers, I noticed that they were much more likely to eat something they had some part in preparing. Parents were shocked by all the kids eating the Stone Soup [click here for an interesting looking Buddhist monk revision of the classic] that they had prepared for Parents Night with the veggies they had brought from home… Similarly, making a salad dressing or dip led them to eat almost anything they could dip into it. And growing the veggies themselves was the best of all.”

If you don’t have the time, space, or interest to plant a garden, we’ve also found that having Laurel help pick out produce at the grocery store has improved consumption.

Posted 19 Jun 2007 in Feeding & Nursing | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Yesterday Laurel and I had to leave the park shortly after arrival as the sun bore down intensely and I realized I forgot to bring sunscreen (note to self: stow extra bottles in the car and tote). Any ideas about risking a little color were quickly shelved by mommy guilt as I watched the other parents slather their kids. And while Laurel was a good sport about leaving so soon, at that moment I wish we had had another magical line of defense to allow at least a few (less guilty) rounds on the structures.

Such a line indeed exists in Cabana Life’s nifty UV protection collection at Skimbaco. Including breezy, beachy items for boys, girls, and women, Cabana Life’s cotton collection (founded by melanoma survivor Melissa Papock) offers 50+ UV protection (typical lightweight cotton tees offer about SPF 5). A great pick for kids is the White Lifeguard T-Shirt ($28; listed for boys but I think girls could wear it too). The tee is soft and comfy in construction and freshly styled with the ringer contrast and lifeguard motif in a cool blue.

Posted 18 Jun 2007 in Fashion; For Little Ones | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

A local reader wrote in with a tip about Chatterboxes, a group of pediatric speech pathologists in Boston. She writes: “We had trouble with the hospitals as their waiting lists were long and our son couldn't be seen for 7 months. Chatterboxes is the only pediatric SLP private practice in Greater Boston…we were excited to find them. Chatterboxes came through and helped our son tremendously.”

Chatterboxes doesn’t yet have a live website; contact them at 617-723-TALK.

UPDATE (8/3/07): The reader who submitted this tip wrote in with a link to the Chatterboxes website. Much appreciated!

Posted 18 Jun 2007 in Childcare & Education; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Dad this weekend (sending him out to mow the lawn doesn’t count…), consider these cool weekend picks:

Pick your own strawberries at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln or at the Lookout Farm in South Natick. Enjoy a weekend of nature inspired celebration and activity along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers at the Sixth Annual Riverfest. Or twist and shout tomorrow (noon - 6pm) along the Charles at the Cambridge River Festival.

Posted 15 Jun 2007 in Fun Outdoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

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

This Just In: Yikes…check out Clever Parents to find out which Thomas and Friends™ trains and accessories are being recalled due to lead poisoning hazard (from sales over the last two years), and how to get your replacement toys. One Chic Mama reports on In the MotherHood, an Internet sitcom based on your true-life adventures with kids. Babyfaces’s photo of the week features a young enthusiast of baseball.

Cool Finds: Enter this week's (June 10th - June 16th ) Classy Mommy Giveaway sponsored by Forty Weeks and Bumble Bags to win a choice selection of the entire Bumble Bags line including the newest prints for Spring 2007 (value of $260). MomFinds shares their top five picks for cool diaper bags dad would be proud to carry. Coochicoos features car and plane game decks offering ideas to keep kids entertained on your vacation trips.

Posted 15 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I know many parents whose babies have, at some point, hated extended car rides. Laurel responded similarly as an infant, and no wonder; it’s noisy and likely weird to be strapped into a car seat unable to see the parents. Back then we dreaded car trips since they typically involved unsuccessfully trying to console Laurel and thus driving with a screaming baby; our first Thanksgiving trip with Laurel fit this scenario and at one point I actually climbed into the backseat, uncomfortably wedged myself over the car seat, and nursed, hoping that Jon wouldn’t hit any sharp corners.

We’ve come a long way since that time, but our recent vacation’s 14 hour round trip drive still left room for intimidation. We decided to plan what we could but roll with the rest, and it worked out amazingly well. Consider these tips when readying for your next family road trip:

Unless you (generously) count goldfish crackers and wipes, it’s unusual to find much in the diaper bag that truly serves mom and babe well. So we love that Skin MD Natural shielding lotion offers a multitasking means to reduce the load in your tote and take care of your and your kid’s skin.

Great for every day (and proving especially handy during our recent vacation), Skin MD's shielding formula enhances the skin’s natural abilities to lock in moisture and repel irritants (vs. simply temporarily alleviating dry skin). Suitable for face, hands, and body, testers here at Boston Mamas found the lotion refreshingly light and quick absorbing. And personally, as a typical mom lacking in leisurely morning shower and moisturizing time, and as the parent of a kid who has been prone to itching and scratching from day one, I’ve been thrilled to find that this natural lotion is effective yet gentle enough for both of us to use; I only need to tote one bottle, and soothing Laurel’s itches reminds me to tend to my own skin. Available at Amazon and Skin MD Natural, a little lotion goes a long way; the 4 oz bottle ($25) is good for 1-2 months with daily use.

Posted 14 Jun 2007 in Bath, Beauty & Health | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I’m officially back after an unprecedented 5 days of vacation, completely e-mail/web free (I haven’t been this electronically unfettered since my hospital stay to deliver Laurel). And as much as I love my work, it was fantastic to have the freedom to enjoy our first real family vacation; replete with old friends, leisurely strolls, ice cream, midday siestas, and Laurel’s joy over new discoveries (e.g., learning to toss lucky pennies into fountains; shown). This freedom wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Sharon, who kept the site’s daily content rolling by launching my posts this week. Thanks, Sharon!

Of course, this leisure time also allowed for mental note taking on great travel and everyday tips to share with you all. Stay tuned!

Posted 14 Jun 2007 in Web (Admin) | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I'm actually in a pretty decent place right now, having just returned from a much needed vacation (thanks to Sharon for launching this week's posts in my absence!), but if you're in a less favorable midweek zone, check out these stress relief tips from Jules:

"When I was in social work school, I had a professor tell me a secret “quick fix” to lose my stress. The trick? Smile. I know, I know, who can smile when you feel like crying? But, trust me, this works. I do it most when my road rage gets me, but try it whenever the mood strikes. Count to ten and take a few deep breaths. Now, smile. A great big grin. Go on, no one has to see. Hold the smile for at least thirty seconds. Smiling lowers our blood pressure and reduces endorphins, both changes that can be felt right away. You should notice that after you pause for a moment to smile, you really will feel better (even if it’s because you’re laughing at how silly you feel!). Smiling is contagious, so be sure to share the wealth.

Smiling away your stress may seem very simple, but stress is a complex and significant contributor to health risks like hypertension. Stress often makes communication with loved ones and home life difficult. Here are a few more quick fixes for stress relief:

How cool is this Endangered Species Finger Puppet Kit from Craftsbury Kids ($9.95)? Cute, environmentally minded, and great for a rainy afternoon (or one so hot that you need to hang in the AC for a while), the kit comes with pre-cut felt pieces to make fox, deer, and owl finger puppets. Also included is a cotton muslin drawstring bag for storage; if you can get these little critters off of your kid’s fingers of course.

Posted 13 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

If physically sifting through discount racks tuckers you out, try this online shopping suggestion from Kate:

“Anyone who regularly shops for baby and kid items knows how expensive it can be to do so. KidSurplus.com offers a great selection of toys, clothes, shoes, feeding items, art supplies, and other gear, all at amazingly low prices. The website is a little low-tech, and it can take a long time to look through all of the available items, but the prices are great, the brands are well known (although sometimes disguised behind cute false names), and the customer service is top-notch. This site was particularly handy back during the holidays, when I wasn't in the mood to face the stores but still wanted a good range of options for the range of babies and little people in my life. Shipping is always $7.95, no matter how much you order, and my items arrived quickly and without trouble.”

Posted 12 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Fashion; For Little Ones; Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

The other week Kate and I met up for lunch in Davis Square, and we were thrilled to check out Poor Little Rich Girl’s new home on Elm Street. It’s just steps from their former Highland Avenue location, but they’ve upped their square footage by leaps and bounds and the new space suits them well. In addition to an extensive collection of designer & vintage second-hand women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, they now also carry a small selection of men and baby clothing. Baby items are hand picked – not consigned - by shop owner Meredith, baby gift items are forthcoming, and the shop is looking to consign maternity if your shop is closed, as it were. Their website is currently down, but you can stop in Monday (12 - 6pm), Tuesday - Saturday (12 - 7pm), and Sunday (12 - 5 pm).

Poor Little Rich Girl, 255 Elm Street, Somerville; Tel: 617-684-0157

Posted 12 Jun 2007 in Local; Retail | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

There’s a lot to love about summer, and we're especially keen on the arrival of vibrant, seasonal fruit (Laurel can make disturbingly quick work of a big bowl of summer strawberries.) Today, Sara Cabot shares some good facts about strawberries and rhubarb, as well as her recipe for English Rhubarb Crumble:

Strawberries

Hurray – strawberries are here! OK, they’re from California and look like they’ve been given steroids, but they remind us of the smaller, sweeter local strawberries that will follow soon.

Here are some facts about strawberries:

If you’re looking for a peaceful change of scenery and a chance to get a little exercise, check out Babes in the Woods, a free Tuesday drop in activity at the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham. Tomorrow’s event (June 12, 10 – 11:30am) will involve stroller-friendly loops around Bellevue Pond. Next Tuesday’s event will be a more challenging (but not strenuous) hike, suitable for slings, packs, or rugged terrain strollers.

Posted 11 Jun 2007 in Fun Outdoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

The forecast is looking good for our two favorite outdoor event picks for tomorrow. Introduce your kiddies to Asian culture at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival of Boston, a free event that will feature dragon boat races, food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment from 9am - 5pm along the Charles River (click here for details). And burb-side, check out the DeCordova’s Art in the Park Festival and Art Sale (10am - 5pm), which will feature performances, art activities, food, and an art exhibition and sale featuring over 100 of New England’s finest artists and artisans.

Posted 9 Jun 2007 in Fun Outdoors; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

A tip from reader Erica in Northampton: The acclaimed program Motherhood Manifesto will air tomorrow (June 10) at 3pm on Channel 2/44 (WGBH). Based on the book of the same title, the program (narrated by Mary Steenburgen) addresses topics such as family and work balance, paid family leave, universal health care, flexible work hours, after-school programs, and affordable child care.

Posted 9 Jun 2007 in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

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

Cool Finds: Visit ModMom to enter to win boon’s flair pedestal high chair (shown). Coochicoos features Europe’s favorite Quinny stroller, now available in the U.S. Classy Mommy loves Laurie Lagniappe’s custom stamps and embossers. One Chic Mama has raves for the new cosmetic line, Beauty Addicts. MomFinds has a big shopping event coming up where you can score huge savings on the hottest baby and mom products.

Entertainment: Celebrity Moms reports that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have decided to wait until the kids are older to have their time together. The Stylish Child gives you a peek inside Mariska Hargitay's home. MamaPop is officially Noggin’d out; join in on the convo about entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Clever Parents features a vidcast from Fort Bragg of the baby shower thrown for 11 moms and moms-to-be of deployed soldiers in Iraq and 6 moms who are also active duty soldiers. And check out Babyfaces' photo of the week, which begs the question, who’s baby’s best friend?

Posted 8 Jun 2007 in Bath, Beauty & Health; Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids; For Grownups; Gear | Permalink