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

Coochicoos features photos of the new line of children's furniture for Small Paul designed by Eric Pfieffer. Healthy Bump reviews The Diaper Clutch by Kristen Lemoine of AB Baby Boutique. MomFinds showcases their favorite products to help move your toddler from diapers to big-kid pants in no time. One Chic Mama reviews Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld, a cookbook to help get veggies into your kids (check back for our review in the coming weeks!). Moms’ Buzz features a special edition of sweet savings, coupons, and deals. And David and Kris of Clever Parents welcome the newest member of their team, Charles Jackson.

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Gear; Home
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No visit to the Boston Public Garden is complete without a photo op with the Make Way for Ducklings family. Tomorrow, consider this free, celebratory family event recommendation from Kate:

“Robert McCloskey’s gentle Make Way for Ducklings has been a favorite of both children and adults since it was first published in 1941. Invoking a Boston that is both recognizable and distant for contemporary readers, the book follows the urban adventures of a family of ducks – including the remarkably well-behaved ducklings Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack – as it finds its way to a safe and comfortable home in the Public Garden. Featuring cars, boats, bicycles, policemen, and a world view that is both humane and duck-centric, Make Way for Ducklings is a classic both universally and for Bostonians.

To commemorate and recognize the enduring appeal of McCloskey’s story, the City of Boston in 1987 installed in the Public Garden a bronze and cobblestone statue of Mrs. Mallard and her eight charges, a statue which is now beloved and featured in innumerable family photo albums. On Saturday, September 29th, the bronze ducks will celebrate their 20th birthday, with a public party from 10:00am-1:00pm in the Public Garden. Featuring music, face-painting, magic, and Boston Mayor Tom Menino, the event will be an opportunity to reconnect with all that is beautiful and special about McCloskey’s vision of life, love, friendship, and family in an urban environment.”

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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This summer I found myself in need of cake, and lots of it, and a recipe from the Barefoot Contessa became my go-to cake for a crowd. Listed as serving 20-24 people, I found that this cake easily serves 30 or so (and our family and friends are not shy about dessert). I made this cake four times over the past two months, most recently for Laurel’s color party (shown; click all images to enlarge). Here are execution and variation tips, and photo examples.

A big sheet cake may seem intimidating, but this recipe is easy to knock together if you have a standing mixer, and it will feed more people for the same effort as making a 9-inch layer cake. You will need the following items (in addition to ingredients), all of which should be available from a party store that sells cake decorating supplies:

It’s no secret that Baby Loves Disco is one of the toughest tickets in town (more dates are forthcoming), and if you managed to get tickets to this Sunday’s party, drop by and say hello! I’ll be serving as a judge for BLD’s Best Little Dancer in America contest, which will rock Boston and 11 other regional parties this weekend.

And since you were wondering... want to win 4 tickets to the coveted 9/30 Boston event? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Baby Loves Disco” in the subject) and tell us which charity will benefit from the event. We'll draw one winner from the correct responders.

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local
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Being a parent often means being at a loss for words when it comes to tough topics, no matter what your kid’s age is. For parents of teens, Amy Cody sent us a great article written by one of her interns; the content offers parents advice for how to navigate the rocky adolescent communication road:

“Whoever says adolescence is the best time of your life doesn’t remember being a teenager and/or doesn’t know one. Adolescence is rocky and scary and hard. It’s a time full of “firsts” and all the excitement but also the pressure that comes with that. Most parents of adolescents feel fear. Fear for their child’s safety and development, fear of the choices they’ll have to make by themselves and, often times, fear of their child’s mood swings and sudden distancing. This is the first time in your child’s life that she/he is going out on their own, spending more time away from you than with you, and starting to question everything you say while trusting their friends over you. Adolescence is an awkward time, in between childhood and adulthood, a time when the teen wants to be independent but isn’t quite ready to be. Adolescents often experience what my mother calls the “superman” complex, which drove me crazy when I was a teen but which I understand better now. It describes the concept that teens feel their actions have no consequences and that the rules don’t apply to them. I know you’ve all heard this a thousand times before, but this is perfectly normal. These days there is a lot of information about how dangerous this can be and all the horrific ways that events during adolescence can ruin people’s lives and self-esteem. As I said, adolescence is incredibly hard and scary, but everyone goes through it, and most of us come out okay. It’s very important to understand that as you’ve raised your child, you’ve given him or her morals and values and raised him or her to be self-assured and strong. This does not all go flying out the window on his or her 13th birthday. Even though hormones come into play, in conjunction with the media, peers and everything else, your child is still the person he or she was before adolescence. Now, your child is just struggling to find who he or she wants to be independent from anyone else. They’re dealing with all the “firsts” and how they want to be seen in the world by people besides you, and testing their own boundaries at the same time.

One of the big “firsts” that comes with adolescence and one that is one of the scariest for most parents, is sex. One thing that is necessary to understand right off the bat is that your teen is going to be exposed to sex and sexuality. This doesn’t mean they are necessarily engaging in sexual intercourse or even dating, but it means they probably know more than you think they do. They also are unbelievably curious and want to know more. However, learning more from you might be completely mortifying to them, especially if you make a big deal out of talking about sex with them. “The Talk” is no longer the way to go about it. This made more sense in the past when there wasn’t so much sex in the media and everywhere around them, and young people were more innocent and less exposed to outside influences. Now, kids have been seeing sexual images (no matter how good your parental controls are) since they were young, and have probably sought out answers from others before coming to you. Therefore, the best way to communicate with your teens about sexuality is starting from a young age (when they start asking questions) and continuously, in a comfortable fashion. This doesn’t mean the first time your child asks you where he comes from you sit him down and explain intercourse (because the answer to his question might be Minnesota!) It just means that you keep sexuality as a topic that your children feel comfortable discussing with you, and that you answer their questions as they come in the form of on ongoing dialogue. This will help children feel safer about coming to you with questions and confiding in you once they reach adolescence. Some of my favorite talks with my parents when I was a teenager were when they would tell me about stories from their own adolescence (making sure they were age appropriate, of course). I read my mother’s journals from when she was 14 when I was 14, and I found them fascinating. Your teens may act like they couldn’t be less interested in your life. However, chances are that having solid proof (such as stories or documents) showing you went through the same sort of things they are going through will get their attention. Tell them about your first kiss and how nervous you were, how embarrassing it was, etc. Funny or embarrassing stories help remind your kid that you were once their age too, and that the things that seemed mortifying to you at the time are funny now.

It’s also important to understand that there are going to be times when your teen isn’t going to want to confide in you, and you’re going to have to be okay with that. Chances are you’re not going to want to know some of it! The most important thing to remember is that adolescence is often scary and difficult, and your teen’s problems—although seemingly minute to you at times—are very real and important to him or her. The best thing you can do is listen to them and answer their questions honestly. It’s also very important to remember that sexuality during adolescence isn’t always as terrible as the media make it out to be and it very well might not be like that for your teen. There still are loving relationships in which sexual exploration is healthy and normal, and this can be very good for your teen and his or her development. “Firsts” don’t always have to be avoided; sometimes they are simply exciting and important for growth. So before deciding to take drastic measures with your teens to attempt to prevent them or protect them from the dangers of adolescence, talk to them. They’re the ultimate resource on what it’s like to be a teen in today’s world. If you approach them as someone who loves and cares about them and respects them as developing adults, as opposed to someone who’s trying to keep them children, you can help. And, even if it doesn’t seem like it, they are listening!

Here are some brief pointers on how to talk to your teens about sex:

The transition phase between “Hmm, pregnant?” and “Whoa, definitely pregnant!” (and vice versa) can be challenging in many ways. If you’re looking for a seamless way to hang onto your sense of style (and your pants), check out Jules’s report on an item that will endure use before, during, and after pregnancy - the Bella Band:

“Now that I am four and a half months into my first pregnancy, I can begin to revel in the new bump that now is my stomach. Although my bump is beautiful and represents a new world of things to come, it also represents tight pants and ill-fitting clothes. My regular clothes are too small but most maternity clothes are much too big. Thankfully, for now, most everything else on my body is the same size, but my new waistline leaves me with no choice but to walk around the house with unbuttoned/unzipped pants; not exactly the look of beauty. What to do? Enter the Bella Band.

The Bella Band is a classy alternative to rubber bands or paper clips around the buttons of your pants. It is the first piece of maternity wear you need, and likely the last, too, as it will endure every stage of pregnancy, including trying to get back into post-pregnancy pants. The Bella Band is like a giant tube top worn over your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants, allowing you to wear them for a bit longer, unzipped and all. In addition to smoothly and seamlessly covering undone pants and skirts, it adds length to tops (or provides a hip, layered look) and allows you to get back into pre-pregnancy clothing sooner after giving birth. Available in different colors, this is one of the most versatile and useful pregnancy items on the racks.”

Want to win a 3-pack of Bella Bands? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Bella Band” in the subject) and name one of the Bella Band style collections. We'll draw one winner from the correct responders; the winner will choose their size (assorted styles will be sent). Worldwide entrants welcome!

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (14) | Filed in Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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We recently contracted our first family cold of the season and in the miserable middle of it, Laurel and I found great fun and relief in California Baby’s Colds & Flu Bubble Bath. Like all products in California Baby’s impressive line, this bubble bath contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients (free of nut oils, gluten, soy, oat, dairy, or parabens) that are safe for babies, kids, and adults. California Baby also offers a number of products that are specially formulated for sensitive skin.

The herbal, biodegradable Colds & Flu bubble bath is scented with Douglas fir and eucalyptus that effectively cuts through congestion. Laurel and I spent our first moments in the tub (yes, I jumped right in to alleviate my symptoms, although I suppose I could have inhaled from the outside...) gratefully breathing in and out through our nose holes, and then she quickly forgot her cold and went crazy over the bubbles, both via the foam in the tub and with the included wand. She now wants bubbles at every bath and I plan on trying some of the other yummy aromatherapy scents. I’d just suggest pouring some of the mix into a small, handled plastic cup for your kid to hold during bubble blowing. Otherwise, you risk losing the whole 13 oz. bottle in the tub to giggly, slippery paws.

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Eco Living
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As I’ve been trolling for fall shoes, I’ve come to realize that I have something of a case of foot claustrophobia. I want barely there and easy on/off (the latter being a mom essential actually), and I’m already lamenting the end of flip-flop season. With athletic footwear, however, there’s little choice but to lace up, and thanks to a review partnership with The Parent Bloggers Network and Ryka, I’ve had the chance to test a couple of pairs of Ryka sneakers and identify which ones do and do not make my feet hyperventilate, so to speak.

New to Ryka, I was pleased to check out their collection and see a variety of stylishly designed kicks for various fitness scenarios, and learn about their commitment to women’s health and wellness organizations across the country (they're giving away 50 pairs of shoes and tees every day through October, with a “matching shoe” philanthropy program). Of their fall collection, I ended up testing both the MC2 Walk and the MC2 Run.

Given that walking is my primary mode of fitness, my initial preference was to test the MC2 Walk, but due to said foot claustrophobia, I quickly found that these shoes were not going to work for me. While the design of the MC2 Walk is better than most goofy looking walking sneakers, the shoes still felt cumbersome (as I’ve found is typical with walking sneakers). More critically, I encountered my (again) typical problem with walking shoes; that the ultra-supportive construction doesn’t allow much give in the toe box, putting painful pressure on the bunion of one foot.

After consultation with a Ryka rep about the walking shoe’s fit points, I received the MC2 Run. And while I know it’s not advised to walk extensively in running shoes, I can and will walk anywhere in this treat for my claustrophobic feet. Supportive and comfortable yet blissfully lightweight, the mesh construction both allows feet to breathe and offers flexibility for variably shaped feet. I also found the styling to be both fashionable and unexpectedly functional; the darker grey tones offer a cool, urban edge and provided camouflage when Laurel spilled chocolate ice cream all over my feet. Now that’s a shoe that works for you.

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be
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This is, in web terms, old news, but I just heard this morning about the current (maddening) dispute between Harvard medical student Sophie Currier and the National Board of Medical Examiners, who rejected her request for additional break time during the 9-hour licensing exam in order to pump breast milk for her 4-month-old daughter (see Globe 9/21, NYT 9/10). Clearly, the board doesn’t include members who have suffered engorgement, leaking breasts, or the trying ritual of pumping, and they should be embarrassed by this outright lack of practical and physiological consideration for modern working mothers.

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (5) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing; Mama in the Workplace
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As new parents (and professionals who have served the applied and educational medical trenches), Jon and I relied on the web and The Baby Book to troubleshoot our way out of unnecessary trips to the pediatrician. Now it's time to pick up Tracy's integrative child health recommendation, Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child; this book recently proved particularly useful in providing a motion sickness remedy for Tracy's son:

“During recent family travel, I was reminded of my favorite books of remedies. Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child is an informative, holistic, and comprehensive book about common childhood illnesses and injuries; offering the unique perspectives of conventional medicine, herbal treatments, and homeopathy in one volume. This book describes when a particular condition constitutes an emergency, gives conservative guidelines on using supplements with children, and offers herbal and homeopathic remedies with specific dosage instructions. Written by a physician, naturopathic doctor, and a nurse, parents can be assured they are getting the straight goods from each health care discipline.

This book recently served me well as I investigated easy remedies for my six-year-old son Gabriel’s motion sickness. Our travel plans involved a two-hour drive and about 4 hours of flying time (not consecutive). This past spring, Gabriel had gotten sick on a long car ride, giving me flashbacks of my own childhood. As a kid I wasn’t even able to manage the drive to our cottage without taking medication. Usually, I slept through every trip, and missed the spectacular wildlife that surrounds my hometown. I was reluctant to assign Gabriel the same fate. We grudgingly bought our bottle of Gravol, but when Gabe learned that it might make him sleepy, he said that he wasn’t okay with taking a medication that did that. I can’t say that I blame him.

On the hunt for an alternative with fewer side effects, I came across Sea-Bands in our local pharmacy. I had also heard about these bands on line, and wondered if they would be safe for use on small children. Unfortunately, the types sold in our pharmacy were recommended for use in adults and children over 12. The pharmacist came up empty in his search for references for their safe use for kids, and stated that he had to recommend I not use them (incidentally, I later learned that Sea-Bands makes specific kids designs). Discouraged, and a bit frustrated, I remembered the Smart Medicine book.

The sea-band is based on the use of acupressure to treat the symptoms of motion sickness. I looked up motion sickness in my book and, sure enough, the alternative medicine recommendations made reference to acupressure. The spot that needs pressure to alleviate nausea is about 3 finger widths from the first crease in your wrist, on the inside of your arm. I had a brilliant idea; over the next week, Gabriel and I practiced how he could administer his own acupressure treatment. I helped him gauge how much pressure to apply, and where he should press. Ten seconds on one arm, ten seconds on the other. The day of the trip, I marked two X’s on the spots he should press if he needed to. At the very least, I thought, perhaps there would be a placebo effect. If he thought he had some control over whether he got sick or not, maybe he would be okay. (I still outfitted the car and carry-on luggage with plenty of Ziploc bags and wipes, just in case.)

Gabriel did not get sick on this trip. For the next trip, I will probably order some Sea-Bands; it’s a little easier, I think (although the idea of being allowed to write on himself with pen was attractive!). I’ll order a set for me too, because in trying to make sure he didn’t have a childhood full of “sick trips,” I forgot that I never outgrew my tendency to have motion sickness, and spent most of the flight home a little green. The boys had to spend the last 40 minutes of our flight with nothing to do because I couldn’t move to get them more activities out of their well-stocked travel bags. I guess there is a reason they tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first.”

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups
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If I could free up one degree of craft freedom in my life, I would - hands down - take sewing lessons. And I just wish I lived close enough to LuckyStitches in Haydenville (just outside of Northampton), where New York trained artist Zanne Blair teaches everything from the basics (hems, zippers), to construction and embellishments (t-shirts, jeans, appliqué), to holiday 101 (costumes, tree skirts).

Lucky Western Mass mamas: want to win a $150 gift certificate towards classes at LuckyStitches? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “LuckyStitches” in the subject) and tell us what a LuckyStitches “sew-cial” is. We'll draw one winner from the correct responders.

UPDATE 11/22/2008: Sadly for Massachusetts moms, Zanne Blair of LuckyStitches has relocated to the West Coast. For any of our Seattle-area readers, keep an eye out, as she hopes to reopen in Seattle soon!

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local
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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

MomFinds is giving away a Tiny Love Tropic Isle Activity Mat (shown), guaranteed to “take baby away” for hours of tropical back-lyin’ and tummy time fun. Healthy Bump considers the Plush Pad from Ah Goo Baby the Rolls Royce of portable diaper changing pads. Moms Buzz offers a downloadable table to help you learn the difference between allergies and colds. One Chic Mama begins their celebration of chic mamas from all walks of life. And Clever Parents features Jacob’s Cure, the organization that promotes research for and raises awareness about Canavan Disease.

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Gear
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I’m hard pressed not to pounce on any fresh baked treats that are set before me, but there truly is something uniquely cozy and comforting about cobbler (and no, it’s not just because you can rationalize the fruit intake). And while there's still some good summer produce available, try Jules's new cobbler recipe. No doubt it’ll make your weekend even sweeter.

"The only time I ever really crave fruit is in the summer, when berries are round and plump, peaches and nectarines leave their juices behind on your chin, and everywhere you turn, there are fruit salads and cobblers galore. As fall approaches and the last days of summer linger, I always begin to get excited about making cobblers. In cooler weather, I focus on apples, but while we still have fresh summer fruit, I take full advantage of the local, organic farms’ bright offerings. In my opinion, the best cobbler is one that displays the beauty of the fruit but also has plenty of the “cobbler-y” stuff: the buttery and sugar topping that for many of us really is the best part. Here is my recipe for a peach and raspberry cobbler, but no need to be wedded to these fruits; use whatever fruit looks good that day.

Ingredients:

Busy, curious, and appropriately clumsy little hands typically create food messes of the alternately marvelous and maddening variety. For full coverage, check out Petite Violette’s fabulous food smocks. Constructed of vintage and modern coated cotton patterns (our fave is Blue Zoo, shown), these lightweight, easy to clean smocks are unique in extending all the way around the back. We can’t guarantee that your shirt will make it out of the meal unscathed, but these food (or art) smocks will help preserve your kid’s shirt beyond one meal.

Want to win a Petite Violette smock? Email us by midnight EST tonight and name another product that Petite Violette offers. We'll draw one winner from the correct responders (US entrants eligible).

And for those who’d like to shop now, Petite Violette is offering an exclusive deal for Boston Mamas readers. Use code BOSTONMAMAS at checkout to receive free shipping.

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (13) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing; Gear
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Whenever I have a tough day with my one kiddo, moms of multiples loom even more impressive in my mind. So I’m thrilled to introduce new guest contributor Heather, a fabulous Boston mama to a 4-year-old daughter and 8-month-old triplets. Among other things, Heather will offer content on parenting multiples; today, she writes on a terrific Massachusetts-based group that supports families of triplets+ across New England:

“I had never considered myself a 'support group' person, but when we discovered that we were expecting triplets, I felt a desperate need to communicate with other women who had been there, done that. There are many 'multiples' organizations available, and, after researching these groups, I felt that Triplets, Moms, and More was the right fit for us. I joined TMM and I can honestly say that it was the best decision. I was welcomed with open arms into this amazing group of families spanning diverse demographics (age, race, religion, socioeconomic, etc.) yet aligned by one important constant: we all have higher-order multiples (triplets or more). The support and advice I have received from my TMM friends over the past year has been priceless.

TMM is a Massachusetts-based support group for families and families-to-be of triplets, quads, and more. They are a multi-state support network, currently made up of several regional group locations throughout Massachusetts, with membership extending into New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine.

TMM provides opportunities for families to address the unique aspects of parenting higher-order multiples. Recognizing that the stress of parenting multiples can be overwhelming at times, TMM provides support, encouragement, information, and real-life advice to women and their families throughout pregnancy and post delivery via their Strive for 35® mentor program. Support activities, primarily organized by region, include monthly Mom's Night Out, Dad's Night Out, playgroups, and seasonal gatherings for the whole family. They also publish a monthly newsletter, filled with personal stories, pictures, medical information, helpful advice, and more. An on-line discussion also is available exclusively to TMM members. Triplets, Moms, and More also facilitates the passing along of clothing, equipment, etc., when a family has outgrown them.

I will be forever indebted to this exceptional group of men and women, and hope that someday I will be able to give back to this group as much as I have gained.”

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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Here’s a novel idea for some of your tired, outgrown baby clothing. Head to the Children’s Museum in Easton this Sunday (9/23, 11am - 4pm) for their Scarecrow Stomp fall family festival, where you can craft a spooky scarecrow to take home (CME provides the stuffing) and enjoy other fall crafts, games, and music. Admission includes the Scarecrow Stomp + entrance to the museum’s exhibits.

Want to win four tickets to the Scarecrow Stomp? Email us by midnight EST tonight and name another fun special event on CME’s schedule. We’ll draw one winner from the correct responders.

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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As convenient as chain coffee shops are, I won’t go anywhere near the baked goods, instead holding out for the nearest independent bakery where I can be pretty certain that “fresh baked” doesn’t mean that my treat was pulled out of the freezer earlier that morning (after spending who knows how long in transit from baked good headquarters). This afternoon, Kate writes on a lovely downtown spot to indulge both sweet and savory cravings:

“Many of us remember visiting old-fashioned bakeries as children - the smell of the frosting, the look of the display cases, the sound of butcher paper wrapping up treats that were colorful, sprinkled, and certain to make both your mouth water and your tummy ache. Most communities had their own local bakeries, and they were the go-to place for special occasion cakes, cookies for jobs well done, and last-minute party gifts. The city of Boston is now home to the modern version of just such a place, and it is a welcome addition for anyone with a sweet tooth or just a love of the sweet smell of baking. The Spotted Apron, located at the base of Cambridge Street near Massachusetts General Hospital, offers a soothing counterpoint to the hustle of Charles Circle, with creamy yellow walls, chairs, tables, and a counter along the window for people-watching. The menu offers a selection of sandwiches, empanadas, and salads, but the focus is really on the baked goods: mini-cakes (the carrot is especially terrific), cupcakes, a wide variety of cookies, scones, and muffins, all of which tempt the weary office-worker, hungry child, or two friends out for an evening. Visit The Spotted Apron, and remember everything that made childhood trips to the bakery such a treat.”

The Spotted Apron, 326 Cambridge Street, Boston; Tel: 617-624-9700

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Food & Drink; Local
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Parents of kids under 5 who fear, are on the brink of, or feel trapped in the over-parenting frenzy must read Practical Wisdom for Parents: Demystifying the Preschool Years. Childcare veterans Nancy Schulman and Ellen Birnbaum created this informative, nonjudgmental, and assuring book to help modern parents gain (or regain) confidence in their own intuition and authority; confidence that Schulman and Birnbaum have seen crumble in the face of the extreme pressures facing modern parents.

Split into two sections - “school” and “home” - the authors/educators first walk parents through preschool options, the daily curriculum, separation anxiety, socialization, development, and the transition to kindergarten. They then cover an amazing range of “home” topics, such as routines, mealtimes, manners, family systems, discipline, morals and ethics, fostering independence, supporting play, talking about difficult topics, and family downtime. Throughout these sections, the book is replete with concrete tips and examples of how to handle various situations in a way that is supportive of your child while still – appropriately – being in charge. The authors also provide lists of recommended children’s books to help parents have conversations with their kids about various topics (e.g., starting school, friendship, feelings, self-esteem, manners, difficult topics).

Reading this book was aptly timed with Laurel’s transition to preschool this month and the departure of some of her friends, whose parents desired more “academically rigorous” preschool programs (truly, I still don’t even get what that really means for 3 year olds). It has made me sad to think of these kids hitting the fast track at age 3 and so I really took to heart, in particular, two statements presented by Schulman and Birnbaum. First, that a quality early childhood program can do a lot of things, but cannot guarantee a child’s success later in life, replace the importance of parents, or be a substitute for spending time with children (i.e., confidence and competence in kids is fostered through parental support and love, not a preschool that touts being Ivy League prep). Second, that the joys of our own childhoods - invariably “playing with my friends” not “learning French” - are the things that our own kids also will enjoy, learn from, and grow while doing.

Want to win a copy of Practical Wisdom for Parents? Email us by midnight EST tonight (US entrants eligible) and tell us the name of the renowned preschool that Schulman and Birnbaum direct. We’ll draw two winners from the correct responders.

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups
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Laurel loves cuddling up for story time, and we were grateful to receive several wonderful birthday books to infuse new life into her library. Jon Muth’s Zen Shorts offers an elegantly illustrated introduction to Zen themes via the stories that new friend Stillwater the panda shares with three siblings. The reflective beauty of the stories will suit both kids and adults, and I love thinking of our wonderful friends (who hand delivered this book despite being on a crazed East Coast tour from the UK) every time Laurel climbs onto my lap for a read.

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids
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I have yet to meet a mama who doesn’t grumble about the overwhelming nature of household minutia. And if your to-do list is getting the best of you, consider the creative concierge services of Lisa’s Hands of Time, where owner Lisa Schreider uses her resourcefulness and cheery energy to kick your shopping, errand running, and organizational needs to the curb so your time can be more happily spent. Overwhelmed moms will do well to hint or directly ask for a Hands of Time gift certificate, stat.

Want to win 2 hours of Lisa’s services ($100 value)? Email us by midnight EST tonight and name a specific service that Lisa offers that you desperately want help with. Also include the town you live in; entrants must live within the Greater Boston & Metro West areas (e.g., Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Needham, Wellesley, etc.).

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local
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Before the weather turns frigid, I wanted to write a post about tie dyeing, the central activity of Laurel’s recent Color Party. I obsessed about this topic more than I’d care to admit because I wanted the activity to be fun, safe, and hopefully minimal in the mess department for both kids and parents. I’m thrilled that the activity worked out favorably on each of these counts; here are the tips to get your own groovy color party going.

You will need:

Second (and subsequent) babies tend to get a bit overlooked goody-wise, which is why we dig the cute Baby Outfit & Sibling Tee gift boxes from Sofia Bean. Packaged in a sturdy, reusable signature box, playful designs (the 4 Dogs are a great choice) are embroidered on hats and onesies for baby (pants also are included) and screen printed on sibling tees. If this combo doesn’t suit, you can select individual pieces, choose from a variety of gift packages, or build your own box. Everyone wins; baby #2 finally gets some new duds, and baby #1 doesn’t feel left out.

Want to win this gift box from Sofia Bean? Email us by midnight EST tonight and name a non-clothing product that Sofia Bean carries. We'll draw one winner from the correct responders (US entrants eligible).

And for those who’d like to shop now, Sofia Bean is offering an exclusive deal for Boston Mamas readers. Use code BostonMamas15 to receive 15% off one order.

Posted by Christine Koh on 17 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fashion; For Little Ones
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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Healthy Bump reviews SmartMom Jewelry’s "Teething Bling" (shown). One Chic Mama features the O, Yikes! Bag, which combines style with function to create a perfect bag for busy moms (and dads). Classy Mommy’s fantasy find is Table Five Design’s Cinderella Carriage bed. Moms’ Buzz showcases hot product picks for September.

Clever Parents tackles the question “Will my body ever be the same as it was before I got pregnant?” And MomFinds features the best tips, tricks and products to help send your little one off to dreamland.

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Decor & Furniture; Gear; Home; Sleep
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As Jon and I adjust to juggling his new multi-site schedule and my work needs, one car, the never ending list of household errands (requiring said one car), and Laurel’s periodic resistance to heading to her new preschool room, it seems as if we spend an inordinate amount of time figuring out how many minutes it takes to do X, Y, or Z. And this morning’s realization that I’d do well to trade sitting-in-rush-hour minutes for much needed exercise was well timed with a blog blast our pals at The Parent Bloggers Network are running in conjunction with Ryka. All bloggers are invited to submit posts today (by midnight PST) about how you stay active with kids in the mix; randomly selected bloggers will win sneakers or an entire outfit (including sneakers) from Ryka (click here for details)!

I’ve written before on finding a reason to walk, but this morning offered a particularly good example of how, if you need to get from point A to point B while crossing the urban jungle during rush hour, you might as well walk. I needed to get to the periodontist, didn’t have the car, and figured that it would take about the same amount of time to walk the 3+ miles as it would to walk to and wait at the bus stop, sit in traffic, and make it from the bus terminal to the office (same goes for fighting traffic by car and circling for a parking space). So I tossed on my sneakers and it was pretty gratifying to hoof it past the traffic and arrive at my destination with a much clearer head and the decidedly pleasant (and infrequent) feeling of fatigued legs. Not to mention that I also knocked off a couple of quick errands at the bank and post office en route.

After my appointment, I planned on taking the bus home since traffic had cleared up and I needed to get back to work, but I decided to start walking until the next bus came along. I started brainstorming about some writing and design projects, and before I knew it I had made it all the way to my favorite smoothie stop about a half mile from home, and realized that no buses had even passed by in the 3 mile stretch I’d already covered (i.e., I would have spent all that walking time waiting at the grubby bus terminal).

I used to be very committed to hitting the gym regularly, but I – like most non-celebrity moms – have found it extremely difficult to work dedicated fitness time back into my life as a mom. So instead, I’ve focused on trying to cut myself some slack over a (far) less than rock solid body, and instead create healthful opportunities in the day to day, whether it’s foregoing the car to get Laurel to school or do errands, or doing stretches while Laurel and I play with toys on the rug or out at the park. And as lunatic as it may sound, given that I log a ridiculous amount of hours at my office or art desk, I’ll even push back my chair and hold long stretches or squats while I’m writing or editing or trimming paper for a design project. It may not be terribly mindful, but these days, I’ll take what I can get.

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Family Issues; Mama in the Workplace
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Little bookworms no doubt will delight in the Boston Globe Children's Book Festival at Copley Square tomorrow (Sat., Sept. 15) from 11am – 5pm. This free, rain or shine event is particularly well suited to kids up to 9-10 years old; the schedule includes readings and signings by children's authors and illustrators, performances, face painting, giveaways, and more.

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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I’ve always been a big list maker; there used to be satisfaction simply in jotting down the to-dos and seeing them checked off, but now lists are a necessity. I need to write ideas and to-dos down or they leave the building, as it were. And for fellow paper-oriented list makers and schedulers who need a little help getting their thoughts organized, there’s lobotoME.

Using a fresh and cheeky design approach, lobotoME’s product line includes brainiac note pads to help keep track of to-dos (for you, and requests for your partner), travel preparation, and meal planning. And lobotoME’s weekly planners (such as the momME planner, shown) offer a nifty, parallel pad approach. The 9 x 12 60-sheet pad provides the space to keep track of an impressive amount of weekly family information, including the typical spaces for appointments, birthdays, errands, and to-do’s, as well as space delegated to remind moms about personal time, exercise, and even your daily vitamin and water intake. Just fill in the info, tear off and fold a sheet, then tuck it into your purse or wallet and you’ll have your family’s information at your fingertips. And let’s hope that taking the time on Sunday to lay out the week’s plan will help you rearrange nonessentials and address the glaring blanks in the “me time” section.

Our new friends at lobotoME want to help Boston Mamas readers get organized so they can make "me time"; input BOSTON in the comment section on the order form and they will issue you a 10% credit.

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Gifts & Paper; Home; Solutions
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Every mama’s birth story is unique, sometimes totally off plan (I traded a two page natural childbirth plan for an emergency C-section), and yet utterly connected to one another. And all through September, moms around the world can connect via BOLD (Birth On Labor Day), a global grassroots movement that uses the arts to promote education, dialogue, and action around maternity care issues. Locally, on September 28 & 29, Karen Brody’s play, Birth, will be performed at the Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre, with an open conversation directly to follow. Tickets start at $25 ($12.50 for students); proceeds will benefit maternity care organizations.

Want to win tickets? Email us by midnight tonight and name one of the organizations that BOLD Boston will benefit; we'll draw one winner, who will receive 2 tickets to the Saturday, 9/29 1pm performance.

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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Fall means school's in, leaves are down, and it's time to crank the oven back on. Today, Little Lettice's Sara Cabot shares some easy ideas for how to prepare butternut squash for the whole family:

"Now that the local butternut squash is here, we need look no further for a wholesome, delicious, and nutritious vegetable to grace our table. And how much better the local gourds taste than those shipped over from the West coast. Farmers’ markets are full of all kinds of winter squashes, all of them pretty similar in terms of nutrition. I like the butternut as it is large (good for large families like mine), easy to peel, and tasty.

Why is squash so good for us?
Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), and a very good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese.

First food for baby
Butternut squash makes a perfect first food for your baby when s/he starts solids at around 6 months. It’s soft, smooth, and sweet – an instant hit! It’s also a lovely orange color which is attractive to baby.

Butternut squash puree

During the dazed and stressful early days of breastfeeding, sometimes you just need the quick facts; a concise means to bypass the overwhelming sea of nursing resources that your newly short-circuited attention span can’t handle anyway. For this purpose, check out Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner's Guide to Breastfeeding by Boston native Andi Silverman. Friendly and non-judgmental, this compact (easily stowed in the diaper bag) book covers the mechanics (e.g., feeding and burping positions, troubleshooting, nursing on the go and at work), common questions, and tips for nurturing your body, brain, and relationships.

Want to win a copy of Mama Knows Breast? Email us by midnight EST tonight and name one of Andi's professions before becoming a mom and author; we'll draw one winner from the correct responders.

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Feeding & Nursing; For Grownups
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We at Boston Mamas are of a decidedly green persuasion; today Kate reports on a fabulous shop in Cambridge that adheres strongly to an eco-modern philosophy:

“Growing public interest in ‘green’ products – those that are renewable, relatively chemical-free, and gentle for people and the natural environment – is generating a small but discernable boom in available and affordable earth-friendly products. But, until the recent past, consumers with an interest in eco-items have often had to limit their shopping to specialty websites and catalogs, as mainstream stores rarely carried organic products. This situation is changing, and the City of Cambridge boasts one new store dedicated entirely to green products. Greenward, located between Harvard and Porter Squares, carries a range of items for the body, home, family, garden, and bicycle, and pledges that each of their products meets one of their ‘eco-modern’ criteria: recyclable; handmade; made from recycled, organic, or sustainable materials; energy efficient; biodegradable; or educational. The look of the store is colorful, airy, and fresh, with beautifully displayed products and a knowledgeable staff. Run by Scott Walker and Simone Alpen – partners both in business and in life – Greenward is a labor of love, and the products sold there reflect a sensibility that prizes both the natural and the stylish.”

Greenward, 1764 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge; Tel: 617-395-1338

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Eco Living; Local; Retail
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Laurel and I loved baby wearing, but we stalled out once she outgrew little pouches, bigger slings, and the Bjorn. We bought a baby backpack, but Laurel was heavy and I just couldn’t get the pack to sit comfortably and distribute the weight properly. If only I had known about Beco at the time.

Designed by sailor, rock climber, and baby wearer Gabby Caperon, Beco baby carriers are compact, ergonomically designed, washable, fabulously stylish, handmade in a fair trade facility, and workable in 5 carry positions (cradle, front, hip seat, hip carry, back). We absolutely love this carrier, and one of our mamas shares her extensive Beco experience today:

“If you are a mama then you remember those days when you were pregnant and everyone told you how having a baby wouldn't be anything like what you imagined. I remember hearing that a lot and thinking to myself, "I totally know what I am in for." But the annoying thing is that everyone was right, I had no idea. One thing I certainly did not understand was how much my little one would want to carried. I put hours and hours of research into what stroller we should get. Then our boy was born and guess what, he hated strollers. I also spent some time researching baby carriers like the famous Baby Bjorn but I was concerned about protecting my back due to a history of back injuries. We used a wrap initially, but as my baby boy grew exponentially in that first year and yet continued to love being worn, I knew I needed a carrier that would accommodate his weight, my history of back injury, and an active lifestyle (including cleaning horse stalls with him on my back almost every morning), and my research led me to the world of "soft structured carriers." In this class of baby carriers you will find carriers with structured padded waistbands and arm straps - designed to mimic the action of a hiking backpack. Unlike the frame backpack carriers though, soft carriers use lightweight fabrics and have your baby right up against your body. The closer baby is to your center of gravity the easier it is to wear them for extended periods of time.

My research led me to the Beco carrier, a mama's dream come true. The waistband distributes a large chunk of your baby's weight to your waist for really easy, comfortable, almost weightless carrying, and unlike some of the more traditional carriers, the Beco does not involve lengths of fabric you must expertly learn how to tie. If you know how to clip a plastic buckle together you are all set. You can use it in several carry positions and the Beco comes in some seriously beautiful fabrics. I will say this: If I was stranded on a desert island with my baby and I only got to pick one product to have with me, it would be my Beco -- or should I say Beco's, because how could a girl possibly choose just one?”

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Eco Living; Gear
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What a difference a year makes. After learning about Birthdays Without Pressure this year, I vowed that Laurel’s future fêtes would be low key and low attended (i.e., me, Laurel, Jon, and likely Auntie Sha-Sha). But in contrast to a baby/toddler, a 3-year-old knows who her friends are and wants to eat cake with them. So the Color Party was born; low key in that we didn’t hire performers or ponies, a bit chaotic prep-wise (note to self & readers: do not schedule oral surgery the day before throwing a party), and a truly wonderful gathering of friends and family. I’ll post on fab Color Party craft and food ideas soon; meanwhile, I had to share this cool find before they run out. We didn’t bother with gifts, save this amazing groovy t-shirt from Boden. It’s available in guitar, owl, peace & love, or – perfect for Laurel – rainbow appliqués.

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fashion; For Little Ones
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Even if you have a minimalist approach to nesting, the basic baby survival gear results in considerable accumulation; some items seeing only a brief window of baby action. And when you are ready to say goodbye to various goods, check out Mommy Auctions, a dedicated site for moms to buy and sell used or new baby clothing, gear, toys, décor, mommy items, and more.

Mommy Auctions just launched a few months ago and the listings subsequently are still on the rise, but the site already offers a chic, fun layout and simple, orderly navigation. It’s a great niche for those for whom Ebay seems too vast (plus, there’s no listing fee and the selling fees are less than that of Ebay) and Craigslist a little too personal. You can’t beat the benefits of reducing clutter while giving items a second life in the hands of fellow moms (and your own wallet).

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Home; Solutions
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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Cool Finds: Enter to win a Lexie Barnes diaper bag (shown) at MomFinds. Healthy Bump reports that brilliant colors, amazing designs, and exceptional quality describe the collection of handbags, totes, cosmetic cases, and evening bags designed by Maria Argyropoulos. Classy Mommy loves Two Sisters Jewelry Boutique's personalized bracelets for babies, toddlers, moms, and grandmas.

Good to Know: Clever Parents loves Beyond Learning’s Word Chase and Number Hunt games, and also offers tips on fitness and recording baby’s stories. Moms’ Buzz offers tips and FAQ on proper use of your child’s bookpack.

Mamas & Babes: One Chic Mama will soon begin featuring chic mamas each week, sharing their style, their grace and their tips for keeping it all together. Babyfaces’s photo of the week celebrates the memories of summer.

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Gear; Gifts & Paper; Home
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Although motherhood typically results in style deterioration, the combination of making it past the 100%-cotton-spit-up-absorbent-baby-care-uniform-phase, and working at one of Boston’s esteemed, male-dominated, and decidedly fashion challenged universities made me even more committed to looking stylish and feminine. So while I’m far from an ideal wardrobe (due to spending guilt and pickiness), I have, since becoming a mommy, become obsessed with pretty details, great shoes, and color, even at the casual level. But if your mommy sweats are getting you down, don’t fret. Today, our friends at The Parent Bloggers Network are offering a fun opportunity to step up your schlumpy mom outfit with a fantastic Coach bag.

To celebrate Harper Collins’s launch of Nina Garcia’s The Little Black Book of Style (see our review), PBN is welcoming all bloggers to post about your style - or lack thereof - and include a picture of the item(s) in your closet that most desperately need to be donated. Check out the details here (entries must be received by midnight PST tonight Friday, Sept. 7); you could win a $250 Coach gift certificate!

As for me, despite now being a woman on the obsessed prowl for great finds, I do have a hideous beast in my closet that – thanks to Garcia’s wardrobe editing tips – will likely see the door this weekend. Why on earth has this marching band letter jacket followed me on over a dozen relocations up, down, and around North America over the last nearly 20 years (eek!)? I think it’s part nostalgia, part hey-I-could-use-this-for-Halloween-next-year, and part always having loved being associated with a team (one would think I’d have had enough of team work, having grown up with six siblings). Anyhow, I’m not getting matching family outfits or uniforms any time soon, but I think it’s time to let go of this relic and relish the little team that Jon, Laurel, and I have going.

If you write a link and send it to PBN, please also feel free to comment below and include your link; I’d love to see what’s lurking in our reader’s closets!

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be
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This weekend, festivals and family fun abound in Boston and beyond. Here’s a collection of events where no doubt there will be something for everyone: (ähts): The Boston Arts Festival, the Somerville Greek Music & Food Festival, the West Concord Family Festival, Arlington Town Day, Eastham Windmill Weekend, the Medford Arts Festival, the Lowell Rib’n Brews Festival, and, for the more agriculturally oriented, the Sterling and Franklin County fairs.

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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This just in from Jon (my unofficial health correspondent): in today’s New York Times, Elisabeth Rosenthal reports on UK research findings showing that some common food additives and colorings can increase hyperactive behavior and decrease attention span in kids (although Jon cautions that effect size isn’t specified in the NYT article). The British Food Standards Agency has responded by advising parents to eliminate additives and preservatives if consumption couples with behavior change. Interestingly, an MGH doctor makes the point that an increase in hyperactivity may not be clinically significant and worth the social impact of a kid not being able to eat the same food as his/her friends.

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Feeding & Nursing
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There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to find the perfect outfit amidst a sea of ill fitting, outdated, or just plain uninspiring options (the latter of which tends to be the case for me, with the exception of dresses and fancy shoes). So when our friends at The Parent Bloggers Network offered an opportunity to review The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia (of Project Runway and Elle magazine fame; published by Harper Collins), of course I was eager to do so.

Parallel to the creations that strut down Project Runway though, Garcia’s book is, in my opinion, a bit of a mixed bag. This is not a book for those seeking documentation of hard and fast fashion rules (e.g., what’s inappropriate to wear after Labor Day), and Garcia makes her point of view clear from the get go. Instead, her approach is to offer basic fashion tips (e.g., how to edit your wardrobe, what pieces you should invest in, the importance of fabulous shoes, accessories, and a good tailor, how not to be a fashion victim), and general guidelines on the types of clothing appropriate for various occasions (e.g., cocktail hour, meeting the in-laws, etc.). These tips are meant to provide a foundation on which one builds confidence and a sense of style; gravitating towards what intrigues and flatters, rather than chasing down every trend in the latest magazine.

There’s a bit of irony here of course, given that the spreads at Elle inherently offer fodder for said trend chasing. But Garcia continues to emphasize individuality throughout the book, and I appreciate her descriptions of the importance of embracing flaws and stylish imperfection, and the notion that fashion is expensive but style is not (kudos to Target and H&M). The book also really comes across as Garcia’s voice (i.e., not a ghostwriter), based on what we Runway fans know of her, anyway.

So what are the cons? The sections on fashion inspiration via pop culture, fashion guru Q&A, and decade trends seem less useful to me. In order to evolve into the cool little guide that accompanies women when they hit the retail pavement, Little Black Book would be well served by photos to offer examples of how, for instance, one might go about mixing H&M with Prada, or what that must-have Jackie O. bag looks like (to serve the purposes both of those who seek the real thing, and those looking to improv on a budget). I also think a section including basic fashion tips to help women understand the silhouettes and styles that complement different body shapes and features would really make this book a go-to guide.

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups
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I don’t know about you, but I have been sneezing up a storm amidst the changing of the seasonal guard. Luckily, today Sharon shares an effective and natural over-the-counter remedy that has helped knock out her seasonal allergies:

“As fall is upon us, among the host of changes that occur is the seasonal shift of allergens in the air. While the Western method of taking a pill for what ails you has its place, much can be gained from the wisdom of our predecessors. Ayurveda, a 5000 year old Indian philosophy based upon the knowledge of life processes, focuses on the concept of being able to work in conjunction with your body to heal what ails you through nutrition, herbal supplementation, and exercise.

This summer brought about a balancing of nutrition, exercise, and the discovery of a nifty tool called the Neti Pot. This little pot - which looks like a small watering jug - has a small nozzle that - when put to your nostril - filters your sinuses with warm salty water to flush out all of the toxins that have been inhaled. This method is done through both nostrils followed by a gentle nose-blowing to finish. While the act of doing this may seem weird to some, I will say that I’ve had some pretty amazing results. After years of suffering from summer allergies and nearly having to buy stock in Benadryl, I was introduced to the Neti Pot early this spring. With consistent use of the Neti Pot, as well as keeping active and eating decently, I have not had any allergies since starting use, and other friends and family have reported similar success. Even Oprah’s been touting the goodness of the Neti Pot. These pots and the salt used in them can be found at Whole Foods, at many natural food stores, as well as online.”

Editor's Note: Neti-Pot and salt sets are available with white or blue pots. You also can opt for an extended kit including the pot, salt, and nasal wash.

Posted by Christine Koh on 5 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health
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Caring for babies involves a lot of stuff; problem is, new parents typically have no idea what that stuff is. So for your next shower gift, consider Baby Treasure Box, purveyor of prettily packaged baby shower gift boxes. Available themes include Eat, Sleep, Poop, and Splash, and we especially favor the Poop box (shown), which includes diaper bag essentials such as wipes, hand sanitizer, natural diaper rash cream, an extra onesie (for the inevitable on-the-go blowout), linking toys, and a super stylish, super compact Resa Design changing pad and burp cloth set. The changing pad/burp cloth sets are available in a variety of patterns; our fave is the citrus changing pad with stripes burp cloth (shown).

Posted by Christine Koh on 5 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Diapers & Potty; Feeding & Nursing
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Last month, we wrote about how much we love the eco-minded, efficient, and economically oriented Get Clean Starter Kit (see our review), so we're thrilled to report that Shaklee - our September featured contest partner - is giving away one of these amazing cleaning kits (valued at over $150) to one lucky entrant! Click here to enter to win. This contest closes at midnight on September 30, 2007, and is open to US residents. Good luck!

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (16) | Filed in Eco Living; Home; Solutions; Web (Admin)
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Back to school season can be both wonderful and stressful, and allergies add an additional layer of concern to the mix. Today, Tracy shares some great resources for families; useful to check out if your child has allergies, or in the likely case that one of your child’s peers does:

“It’s that time of year again…back to school. This is a time filled with anticipation both positive and negative. Parents are busy trying to make sure everyone has the necessary clothes, gear, and supplies. Kids are looking forward to new challenges, new faces, and most years, a new teacher. Anxiety can be problematic at this time of year, too, as children wonder if they’ll do well this year, if they’ll like their new teacher, etc.

For kids with food allergy, add one more anxiety to the list. Back to school can be a time of pressing worry; while parents ensure that the necessary (and often life-saving) protocols are in place for their child. Food allergic kids have to get used to the school routine for avoidance of allergens. This can include sitting at a special desk or table in the lunchroom, learning to manage allergies on his or her own (e.g., at a bake sale), and carrying an Epi-Pen by themselves. In some regions, set protocols are in place (such as Ontario, Canada, where Sabrina’s Law makes it mandatory for all schools and daycares to have anaphylaxis policies in place).

For our family, and our son with multiple food allergies, many firsts are happening this year. Gabriel is going into 1st grade! This means that he’ll eat in the school gym with everyone else. Our school is small, so kids usually just eat on the floor. Gabe will have his own desk, with his Wrap-N-Mat (found here via One Chic Mama!). The school has decided not to sell milk in its lunch program, and I have requested that parents not bring baked goods to celebrate birthdays, etc.

For the first time also, Gabe will carry his Epi-Pen in a pack around his waist. This is a huge responsibility for a 6-year-old, and I’m proud that he’s feeling up to the challenge.

Here are a few invaluable web resources for you to check out to prepare your family for a new school year. Whether your children have allergies or not, there is likely to be a peer in their classes at some point who does; it’s good to know how to help keep them safe.

1. My favorite website is www.gosafe.ca. This website includes a kid’s section with a trivia game to test your food-allergic tyke’s knowledge about how to stay safe. It also emphasizes the role that the larger community has in keeping kids safe with its SAFE program (Supporting Allergic Friends Everywhere). After all, it takes a village…

2. Another good site is www.foodallergy.org. This is the official site of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. This site is chock-full of information on the top 6 allergens, as well as programs that parent-teacher associations may want to implement in the absence of legislation requiring them to do so. The most valuable thing I found on this site was a list of the ways that a child might describe an allergic reaction. I have given a copy to all of Gabriel’s caregivers, so that they will know what to ask him.

3. www.medicalert.com or .ca is also a great resource. I advocate strongly for kids with anaphylaxis or severe asthma to wear a Medic Alert bracelet.

4. www.allergicliving.com is a great resource for information on all types of allergies, and they cover the most current issues facing people with food allergies. This is the website to accompany their magazine, and often includes recipes and tips on how to pack an allergy friendly lunch for your youngster.

Included on most of these websites are the usual tips and hints that can keep everyone safe. Hand washing routines (before and after eating… for everyone) goes a long way in helping reduce the chance of exposure for a food allergic kid. It is often difficult for parents of kids who don’t have food allergy to appreciate the huge challenge that faces the parents of kids that have them. Awareness if the biggest weapon we have against harm coming to our kids.”

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Childcare; Family Issues; Feeding & Nursing
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