Whether it’s a function of post-winter pounds or running in circles with mamas who lack the time to run for real, I’ve recently found myself amidst several episodes of collective discontent over muffin tops (as in, the unwanted roll that hangs over your jeans). To negotiate this problem, as well as that of rear crack or undie exposure, I’ve been recommending the hip-T. This shaped band of comfy stretch cotton covers the potential vulnerable zone between your outfit's top and bottom while creating a stylish, layered look. Offered in a variety of colors (some with lace trim…ooh la la!), you can breathe more comfortably in your clothes since the hip-T’s got your crack covered.

Want to win a hip-T*? Here’s how:

These days, Laurel is all about looking fancy and colorful (current favorite color = “pink and green and purple and blue and yellow and orange!”), and we’ve recently found a way to bridge her love of color and flounce with comfort through Twirly Girl’s bright and cheery clothing.

Offering head to toe creations bursting with colorful, traffic stopping patterns, Twirly Girl’s reversible skirts and dresses are particularly fun. Dual patterned to suit your daughter’s day-to-night (or let’s face it, hour-to-hour) whims, Laurel’s been rocking the Dancing Dots reversible skirt, which features a kaleidoscope of multicolored dots on one side, a shimmery blue/black disco dot pattern on the other, and a contrast waistband. The skirt’s material and reversible construction make it weightier than something like a standard cotton skirt, but Laurel hasn’t had a problem taking flight to twirl.

Want to shop Twirly Girl? Use coupon code Boston at checkout to enjoy a 10% shopping discount.

Posted 29 Apr 2008 in Fashion; For Little Ones | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Today, Carole Arsenault of Newborn Nurses offers basic lessons on infant sleep:

"'Lack of sleep' is a phrase that most new parents are all too familiar with. The first few weeks at home with a new baby can be exhausting and overwhelming. Despite the happiness and joy a new baby brings, parents often find themselves eagerly anticipating the time when their newborn will sleep through the night.

There are many books and DVDs that offer strategies and techniques designed to help babies sleep better. Plus, parents are often given lots of advice (some good, some bad) by well meaning friends and family members. The combination of sleep deprivation + information overload can, at times, be exhausting and misguiding. Here are some basic facts to help you understand infant sleep.

As someone for whom the word Clorox tends to elicit middle school memories of fad-driven bleached denim experiments, imagine my surprise when I learned that the makers of Clorox products were rolling out a natural cleaning line. And happily, these green goods deliver. Plant and mineral based, biodegradable, and petrochemical-free, the Green Works line cuts through the most determined grime (OK, I’ll admit that my formerly neglected shower tile now stands as evidence), and does so with a pleasant lemony scent that is thankfully far from my fumed middle school denim.

Want to be one of 5 winners to receive a Green Works Starter Kit? Here’s how:

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

Weekend reading. Coochicoos features the way a family of four makes it work in a 640 square foot NYC apartment. One Chic Mama recommends The Find Green search engine to lead you to all things green. Moms’ Buzz wants to know what you do to stay green at home. And Kris at Clever Parents shares her journey to Disney with baby Charles in tow.

Goods & giveaways. Classy Mommy is giving away over $1200 in goodies to a mom impacted by breast cancer. MomFinds is offering a chance to win a pair of See Kai Run shoes for baby. The Nest Baby features a Mother’s Day gift guide plus a chance to win personalized jewelry, gourmet dinners, and more. And We Covet is giving away a copy of The History Channel's documentary on our climate crisis, "A Global Warning?"

Posted 25 Apr 2008 in Books & Entertainment; Decor & Furniture; For Grownups; Gifts & Paper; Home; Solutions | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I’m thrilled to welcome new guest contributor Suz. A proud Boston mama to two kids – one who was born with Down syndrome – Suz will provide content on resources and ideas for “differently-abled” kids. Today, she shares information on a new networking program sponsored by the MA Down Syndrome Congress; the kickoff event is this Sunday at the Waltham YMCA.

“The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) is launching a new program called Advocates in Motion (AIM), this Sunday, April 27 from 1 - 4 PM at the Waltham YMCA. AIM is a monthly networking program for teens and young adults (ages 13-22) with Down syndrome; the program will include fostering of social networking skills, recreational and athletic events, skill-building activities such as public speaking or cooking, and development of employment and community service skills.

The kickoff event this weekend will feature multiple activities to choose from, and the chance to make some great new social connections. One attendee will win a new iPod Shuffle! Teens and young adults, parents, and brothers and sisters are all welcome to attend. Click here to register for the event.”

Posted 25 Apr 2008 in Local; Outreach | Permalink | Comments (2) | E-mail this link

Here’s a way to honor mom while supporting local women in need: The Women’s Lunch Place has provided a safe, nurturing, and nourishing space for Boston women since 1982. Through the end of April, you can give mom a gift that keeps on giving by ordering a WLP Mother’s Day card in exchange for a $25 donation. An anonymous artist who was served by the WLP created the card’s watercolor image, and WLP volunteers will pen by hand your personal note.

Posted 25 Apr 2008 in Local; Outreach | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

My first visit to Florida was not a pleasant one. I was there against my will (the mere beginnings of my dysfunctional relationship with my postdoc advisor…), presenting data I barely understood for an otolaryngology conference (don’t try to say that 3 times fast). And I wasn’t alone in my suffering. I lured poor Jon to join me, with promises of calm beaches, nature excursions, and swimming with manatees. Little did we know that the hotel was simultaneously hosting Canadian Spring Break and Harley Davidson Week (hence the bargain hotel rates), and the manatees had long since swum off for cooler waters.

My second go at Florida couldn’t have been more different. I was honored to be invited by Disney and Maria Bailey of BSM Media to the first Walt Disney World Mom Blogger Mixer, an opportunity for Disney to learn about the mom blogging culture and for mom bloggers to learn about Disney. So after wrapping my Method Detox Your Home party last week, I turned around and started packing for Disney.

At first it seemed a bit odd to go to Disney for the first time: a) as an adult; and b) without my princess-obsessed daughter. But truly, throughout the whirlwind weekend, I was grateful to be able to take everything in through a focused lens. Or rather, I probably should say attempt to take everything in because even with a full agenda, given the vastness of Disney (it’s apparently twice the size of Manhattan), we – 16 mom bloggers, 2 members of the Disney Moms Panel, Maria Bailey, our amazing organizers Michelle and Joyce, and many other visiting members of the Disney family – really were just scratching the surface.

Several of my fellow attendees (see below for list) already have recapped in detail the incredible itinerary; on that I’ll just say that in a nutshell, the experience was tremendous, both from a personal and professional standpoint. And instead, in my characteristic resource-oriented manner, I’ll provide my Lessons From Disney. Ordered chronologically by epiphany, as it were, these lessons reflect both nuts and bolts Disney information I found particularly useful, as well as larger level realizations I experienced during the course of the weekend. Here goes:

The beauty of irony. As much of an environmentalist as I am, I’ll confess that given: a) how exhausted I was before this trip; b) the timing of my flight; c) the need to haul my laptop; and d) the fact that I really wanted to wear my new pair of pretty but unsupportive madras flats, I decided to forego the schlepping of public transit and splurge on car service to get to the airport. I just wanted to have a few peaceful moments to fall asleep in the back of a chic black sedan. But when I called to confirm the car the day prior, the driver said that due to a scheduling crunch, he may need to show up with a different car: a white stretch limo. The idea of climbing into a white stretch limo by myself – corsage free – in front of the inevitable line of rush hour traffic on our busy street seemed both hilarious and mortifying. Ultimately, it turned out that he had time to switch cars and whisk me off in the black sedan. Then, during the Disney weekend, we actually did ride in a fleet of white stretch limos and you should have seen me jumping up and down when I saw them. In this case, the context - a gaggle of women toasting with champagne while heading to a fancy dinner then Cirque du Soleil - seemed perfectly fitting. And of course then I was regretting – for story arc’s sake – that I didn’t actually begin and end my Disney journey in white stretch limos.

Location, location, location. For warm weather destinations, Jon and I are huge fans of the cabana right on the beach idea, and we’ve been sorely disappointed in the past by vacation hotels that have claimed beachfront access while actually being a couple of miles from the water. We were lodged at the Disney Beach Club Resort, a lovely hotel that is just amazing for families. If you can afford it, it’s well worth the splurge. The hotel is gently appointed in New England styling (read: not an eyesore for parents), there is a huge, amazing pool for the kids (plus a couple of quiet, smaller ones for adults), a waterslide, and a little faux beach next to the water. Plus, you can walk right over to Epcot. Ultimately, Disney makes a point of enabling shuttle or monorail access from all of their hotels to get you to the action, but I loved the look and convenience of the Beach Club Resort.

It’s time to book a babysitter. We were treated to some amazing meals at Disney, including dinner at Tutto Italia in Epcot Italy, lunch at The Hollywood Brown Derby, and a spectacular dinner at California Grill – all of which reminded me that I could honestly not recall the last time Jon and I enjoyed a fancy meal on our own. We are, in fact, foodies, but the craziness of our weeks typically means that on weekends we want to hang around and enjoy time with Laurel. But I was reminded that in the grand scheme of things we give Laurel gobs of time and love and it’s time to book a babysitter and head out for an evening of culinary appreciation together.

The power of seemingly small memories. On our first night at Disney, we were escorted to the VIP viewing area at the United Kingdom Pavilion to enjoy coffee and dessert while watching IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. The spectacular fireworks and front row seats immediately made me think of my mom and Boston’s Fourth of July fireworks. We had very little hang out time with my mom when we were small, given that she was constantly on the go trying to run a business with my dad and manage a family of 11 (2 parents, 2 grandparents, 7 kids), but one Fourth of July I vividly remember her scooping a couple of us into the car, and driving brazenly to the Charles River to get us the best view possible (I believe she parked right in the middle of Storrow Drive and flat out played the confused cute Asian lady card when the cops showed up). After a childhood of very little mom-daughter time, I had never realized until that night at Disney how grateful I am for that seemingly small memory.

If you’re heading to Disney, consult the Moms Panel. We had the opportunity to meet Kim and Darcie, a couple of wonderful moms who are among the 12 (of 10,000 applicants!) Disney mom enthusiasts who comprise the Disney Moms Panel. They are an amazing resource for families planning a trip to Disney. The DMP forum covers everything from planning and budgeting, to where and when to get great deals, to dining, to recommendations for hotels, to where on earth to start when it comes to planning activities. The mom bloggers had tons of questions for Kim and Darcie and I kid you not, they knew the answers to every single question. They were unstumpable!

There’s something for everyone. I’ll freely admit that – likely due at least in part to my residual childhood glumness about never going on a family vacation – I was initially a bit skeptical about the Disney empire. Plus, when it’s time to plan a vacation, Jon gravitates towards nature inspired options. But one of the things I learned is that Disney has a range of accommodation styles; in addition to hotels suited to different budgets, they have a resort called Fort Wilderness where you can book 6-person cabins and have access to activities like horseback riding and canoeing while still being a shuttle ride away from Mickey. We unfortunately didn’t have a chance to tour this resort, but I would definitely consider it in the future as a way to balance Jon’s desire for nature and Laurel’s obsession with Cinderella.

Whatever you do, get FASTPASS. One preconceived notion that did live up to my expectations was the unbelievable ride queues. We were fortunate to have media FASTPASS tickets so for many rides (woo hoo, I finally got to ride Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain!) we could bypass the crazy lines. Honestly, I was amazed by how patiently the kids were waiting in line, but if you even remotely share my impatience with long waits, make FASTPASS a priority in your budgeting.

The arts must prevail. When we went to see Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, I got all internally worked up about the survival of the arts in public schools. The show was both visually and musically stunning, and there was one passage in particular where the joint impact of these artistic presentations moved me to tears. Sometimes I wonder whether over-saturation – 18 years of violin lessons, countless recitals and competitions, serving as a private music teacher and group coach, and training for a decade as a music and brain scientist – killed off my desire for music (I don’t play at all these days). Seeing Cirque made me realize that I do still have musicality at my core, and enlivened my ideas about future outreach initiatives to bring music to kids.

The importance of loving what you do. I have no doubts that leaving academia was the right choice for me, but as I have struck out on my own ventures, I’ve had plenty of moments where the panic over general survival and the desire for steady income, benefits, and official days off has made me question whether I should throw in the towel for a more lucrative day job. While at Disney, I was amazed time and again by how passionate everyone is about their jobs, and how powerful and inspiring that passion can be. From bellhops, to horticulture experts, to PR reps, to chefs, to bartenders, to the fabulous Jake - the amazing Disney guide who personally escorted Erin (of Manic Mommies) and me the half mile back to the gates of Epcot when we were lost, exhausted, and not processing verbal directions – Disney’s crew comes from all over the world, has worked there for a long time, and seems genuinely passionate about their work. Yes, they probably all have 401K’s but I’m still inspired to keep following the passionate path.

The importance of community. Writing, editing, and designing can be a solitary business and it was rejuvenating to talk candidly about kids, work, and balance with a group of women all negotiating the same issues. I am eternally grateful in particular for some conversations I had with Erin and Maria (click thumbnail to enlarge photo); they’re not only incredibly smart and insightful women, but – even more important in my book – they are kind, funny people (and hey, nothing forms a bond more immediately than screaming your brains out together on a roller coaster). Scheduling face time with friends/colleagues like the women I met this weekend is something I want to do more regularly from here on in.

Believe in karma. This is sort of joke but sort of not. As conversations on people and predicaments proceeded rather openly, anyone within earshot of me heard me blabber on about how much I believe in karma. It may sound trite, but I truly believe that if you manipulate or take advantage of people, it will come back to bite you.

Own up to your misconceptions. I’ll be the first to admit that I had some misconceptions about Disney, whether it was related to said childhood glumness over never going on vacation, or riding on a high horse about not wanting to cave in to Disney mania. The trip truly reinforced the notion that it’s important to keep an open mind generally in life, and also that - from a personal growth perspective - it’s a good thing to own up to your misconceptions.

In sum, this was an amazing trip in many, many ways and I am grateful to Disney and Maria Bailey for including me in the weekend. I also wanted to disclose that while Disney generously assumed all of the trip expenses, I was not paid to share these thoughts or required to write about the experience in order to attend (for the record, I wouldn’t agree to go to an event that made attendance contingent on editorial...). As devoted readers of this site know, all editorial on this site is not bound (advertorial or otherwise) in any way.

Again, my thanks to:

It’s no surprise why babies get showered with goodies, but moms need attention too - particularly postpartum - and that’s why I dig Susan Brown’s Baby. This collection of rich yet gentle, paraben-free body products ensures that mom and baby get their TLC in tandem; the mom products focus on nurturing the belly and feet, while the baby line includes items for bath, diapering, and relaxation. I particularly love the SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion; the composition is creamy yet mild, fragrance-free, and packed with cocoa, shea, and jojoba butters to keep your kid’s skin hydrated. I especially love that it’s gentle and effective enough to be used on Laurel’s face and doesn't feel greasy or sticky.

Want to win a Susan Brown’s Baby gift basket*? Here’s how:

I think people who love hosting parties inherently have a bit of control freak in them. That’s certainly the case for me anyway; I think a lot about assembling a good mix of people, food, and drink, I inevitably fret over the RSVPs, and I want everything to look perfect yet effortless. And last week, at my Method Detox Your Home Boston party, I had the odd and delicious experience of enjoying the benefits of a fabulously assembled party, with all of the hard work done for me.

A couple of months ago, the folks over at Method (purveyors of green cleaning products) contacted me about working together on their Detox Your Home campaign. Hitting a handful of select cities around the country (the program launched in Seattle, and I believe New York and Minneapolis are the next stops), they opened a temporary store at 329 Newbury Street to teach folks about detoxing their homes chemical-free, doing so via the storefront itself and through cool themed parties.

Agreeing to connect with Method on this event was an easy decision for me, given my passion for green living and my belief in their product line and lifestyle philosophy. It also didn’t hurt that the team of folks I worked with on the event are fun, energetic people with a hilarious addiction to Brain Age (I'm convinced that my Ph.D. in psychology was the real draw; they insisted I try the test and it turned out that I do, in fact, have a freakishly low Brain Age...). So last week – on one of the season’s first truly gorgeous spring evenings - I played hostess to some of my family, friends, and colleagues for an evening of socializing at the bright and stylish 329 Newbury Street temporary store. Method provided a yummy spread of beverages and food, an opportunity for folks to learn about chemical-free cleaning and turn in their toxic cleaning products (to be disposed of safely), and a fabulous behind-the-curtain lounge space with all the supplies needed for a craft session with environmental lifestyle guru Danny Seo.

Danny Seo is an absolute nugget (the highest descriptive rating on my adorable scale), and I’m not just saying that because we look related (click thumbnail above to enlarge). He’s cute, amusing, and has a passion for crafting...what's not to love? He was on hand to answer eco-friendly lifestyle questions, and then engaged us in a project where we transformed old plates (think mismatched items you have at home, or inexpensive pieces picked up at the Salvation Army) into décor pieces by cutting out silhouettes from adhesive paper, sticking them onto plates, brushing the plate with glaze paint, then removing the adhesive so the silhouette remains (the last step is baking the plate at home to set the glaze). He also showed us a way to turn old or inexpensive ceramic tiles into cute coasters by applying the same type of glaze paint onto the tiles using wood grain rollers (to create a ridge pattern), then attaching felt feet to them. This photo (click thumbnail above to enlarge) shows a collection of some of the plates created during the evening (sadly, I didn't manage to get a shot of everyone's plates before people started to leave).

As for the product itself, it's a shame that the beautiful Newbury Street store will leave after this week. Since you can find Method in lots of major stores, paying rent on Newbury long term obviously isn’t part of a keen financial model, but the current space is truly inviting, the “cleaning confession booth” hilarious, and the ability to smell and try out products in a bright, stylish, and dedicated space terrific. Method treated all of my ladies to a generous goodie tote, but many folks also were excited to pick up additional cleaning or personal care products (the prices were a bit less than what you’ll find in external stores). And as I mentioned in my quick post last week, the mamas were very interested in checking out samples from the new baby care line that launched this week. Truly, I have never seen so much hubbub over diaper cream.

It was refreshing and unusual to be so relaxed and duty-free before a party (I even had time to pop into a few boutiques beforehand), and it was a pleasure to work with Method in spreading the green message. Definitely check out their line if you haven’t yet had a chance to do so; the products are effective, the scents terrific, and the cool product design will actually inspire you to spring clean.

Posted 23 Apr 2008 in Eco Living | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

The Regent Theatre’s Family Fun Saturdays series is coming to its seasonal end, and they’re closing with two kiddie classics. This weekend (April 26, 10:30am) the Paint Box Theatre will present Little Red Riding Hood, and next weekend (May 3, 10:30am) the Makeshift Theatre Company will perform Laurel’s favorite fairy tale, Cinderella.

To celebrate the end of this year’s series, our generous partners at the Regent are giving away 2 family four-packs of tickets to each show! Here’s how to enter to win:

The March for Babies is this Sunday at 12:30pm and now that spring has truly sprung, perhaps you’ll feel inspired to stretch those legs and walk the 3 miles with us! If you dig what we do on this site, please consider joining Team Boston Mamas, whether it's via walking or by making a donation to the team. We're grateful for a contribution of any size; every little bit counts! Thank you!

Posted 23 Apr 2008 in Local; Outreach | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

As supportive and involved a dad as Jon always has been, the one thing he just wasn’t into was reading those textbook-like, geared-towards-mom baby manuals. Luckily, for new dads, there’s The Baby Bonding Book for Dads, a sweet little gift book that – in a gentle, friendly dad voice - offers simple, straightforward ideas for how dad can bond with baby at home and on the go. Interspersed throughout the book are artful photos. Yes, there are a couple of buff, bare-chested daddy shots, but otherwise the photos are – like the text – representative of what many of us feel joy seeing at home; regular dads enjoying time with their babes.

Want to be one of 5 winners to receive a copy of The Baby Bonding Book for Dads? Here’s how:

I truly believe in the notion that every little bit counts, and I find this philosophy particularly important to hang on to when I read reports on the plight of the planet. The news can feel overwhelming and discouraging, but it’s crucial to keep on trucking with the little acts of greenness. Here are 10 easy green tips to cultivate your family’s awareness about the earth and its limited resources. Enjoy these for Earth Day and beyond:

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

Weekend reading: The Nest Baby’s experts weigh in on the topic of antidepressants during pregnancy. Classy Mommy features an interview with Christopher Gavigan, author of Healthy Child, Healthy World. Clever Parents details the ten most important steps to permanent weight loss.

Gear & goodies: One Chic Mama reviews Holly Aiken's line of stylish and durable bags ranging from diaper totes to cute purses. Healthy Bump features Tickle Bellies’ line of cards and announcements. MomFinds is offering up a Boon animal bag for the winning. And Moms’ Buzz has a giveaway going for Warm Biscuit, an online bedding and furniture store for children.

Posted 18 Apr 2008 in Bath, Beauty & Health; Gear | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Someone told me that April typically is crazy as people come out of hibernation and get ready to party. This certainly has been the case for me in the realm of scheduled events, and last night kicked off Chapter 1 of a crazy but fabulous April, via an event where I played hostess to some of my family, friends, and colleagues as a Boston Method Maven. It was a terrific evening of socializing, getting the dirt on chemical-free cleaning, and eco-crafting with environmental lifestyle guru (and fellow Korean!) Danny Seo.

I’ll be providing the full report on this event next week (I’m currently in the midst of preparations for Chapter 2 of said crazy but fabulous April), but I wanted to encourage folks to stop by the temporary Method shop at 329 Newbury Street…STAT. This fabulous space is only in town through next week, and after visiting, I swear you actually will want to head home for some eco-savvy spring cleaning. The shop is bright, stylish, and loaded with cool, yummy smelling products. Plus, turn in your toxic cleaning products (which they’ll dispose of safely for you) and leave with a free Method product.

Also of note, Method is launching a baby care line next week (online, on Earth Day), and while the physical product isn’t available for purchase in the temporary Boston store, you can check out samples. Some of us tried out the baby care products last night, and it’s safe to say that I’ve never seen a group of mamas line up so quickly to squirt diaper cream on the back of their hand.

Store hours are roughly 10:00 am - 7:00 pm; call 866-963-8463 for details.

Posted 17 Apr 2008 in Bath, Beauty & Health; Eco Living; Home; Local; Retail; Solutions | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Laurel and I loved babywearing, but as she outgrew various slings and packs, I was resigned to hoisting her on my hip, which led to exhausted arms and the loss of hands-free babywearing. If only I had known about the Hip Hammock. This streamlined carrier comprises a soft, lined triangular hammock with two easy straps: one to secure around the waist, and a well-padded shoulder strap that goes over the head and across the chest like a messenger bag. This carrier is designed for kids 4 months to 3 years, but it’s especially fabulous for toddlers, with the open leg areas negating the pinch factor and the hands-free design allowing you to score that coffee you desperately need after a busy morning of toddler chasing.

Want to win a Hip Hammock*? Here’s how:

I’ve finally made live a local resources page where parents can find mom, dad, and/or general family groups, networks, and support services. The link is readily available via the "find local parents" button in the site banner. If you know of a group to be included, e-mail tips@bostonmamas.com and provide the site's URL. Please note that the group must be active, have a website, and serve Massachusetts parents. Thanks!

Posted 16 Apr 2008 in Local; Outreach | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Today, Sara Cabot of Little Lettice offers a primer on flax seed:

“In my last post I wrote about the importance of eating a good breakfast, and how protein can help children concentrate through the morning at school. Another nutrient that helps mental health and the ability to focus is omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). Egg yolks and fish contain this essential fatty acid, which is another reason why they make excellent breakfast items. However, for a couple of my kids, eating too many eggs can cause constipation, and eggs do contain a fair amount of cholesterol. A good solution I have discovered is flax seed.

Flax seed is not technically a grain, but it has a similar vitamin and mineral profile, while being far more nutritious. Here are some of the great properties of flax seed:

For parents in the Greater Lowell area looking to sort out summer plans, tomorrow the Chelmsford Mothers’ Club is hosting a free Summer Activities Fair. From 7-9pm, reps from local schools, day camps, and community recreation programs will provide families with summer programming information geared towards kids 6 and under. Some information for older kids will also be available, as will refreshments and giveaways.

At the All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Billerica Road (Rt. 129), Chelmsford

Posted 15 Apr 2008 in Childcare & Education; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Mamas need to stick together, and former New Yorker Erin Brennan Allan and Nairobi native Mary Wambui are helping women do just that through Toto Knits. Featuring unbelievably cute hand knit sweaters and blankets for kids 3 months to 6T, the collection is ethically produced from start to finish. The cotton and wool are locally grown, spun, and dyed, then knit by a group of Kenyan women - many single mothers – who knit as a means to earn a living in an empowering, family friendly, and flexible environment. Their Safari Animal sweaters – all knit with little tails on the back – are particularly inspired.

Want to win a sweater from Toto Knits? Here’s how:

As much as I love the convenience of online shopping, I also firmly believe in supporting the local economy, particularly when the offerings are fabulous and eco-minded. Today, Jen reports on Fiddlehead, a lovely new mama and babe boutique in Boston that provides plenty of fuel for Jen’s obsession with organic baby goods. Read on for Jen's review, as well as to learn how to win a $25 gift certificate to Fiddlehead!

“My daughter is at the age where everything goes in her mouth. While she tends to find the least appropriate items the most appetizing – most recently the television remote control - I try my best to have safe alternatives within her reach. Fiddlehead, a new store located on Newbury Street between Hereford and Gloucester Streets, has plenty of options for me to choose from.

Named after a baby fern, Fiddlehead sells products that are recycled or made from sustainable materials. For babies and toddlers there are colorful stuffed animals crafted from wool sweaters, wooden blocks that are made in the United States from FSC certified wood and painted with non-toxic paint, hair brushes with wooden bristles that are finished in natural oils, pencils from trees pruned in Poland, picture books about recycling, and much more. While the stairs and double doors can be a little tricky to navigate with a stroller, owner Carol Miller and her staff are more than happy to help you in the door.

Just be careful, the items for moms are just as attractive. A simple trip for an organic cotton bib can easily end in the purchase of an entire dinner set made of recycled glass.”

Fiddlehead, 292 Newbury Street, Boston; Tel: 617-247-1120

Now, here’s how to win a $25 gift certificate to Fiddlehead*!

Laurel recently has grown particularly opinionated and independent regarding fashion; she wants to pick her outfit from the skivvies forward and dress herself. And while this new level of independence takes more time (particularly compared to my habit of dressing her based on what's on top of her clean, unfolded laundry pile), the slowdown is made up for by the ease with which she now chooses her shoes.

I’ve reported before on Vincent, but this line – which includes everything from sporty to blingy to springy to waterproof – has some great spring picks that have made Laurel’s process of shoe elimination fast and easy. The Emilia’s are fabulously sparkly, comfortable, and easy to get in and out of independently. Essentially, Laurel can feel like a princess (yes, we’re in full blown, peer-inspired princess mode) without clomping around in sure-to-break-an-ankle princess dress up heels. The Emilia’s are billed as party shoes, but they are in fact comfortable enough to hit the playground. Laurel would wear these every outing if she could, but for the sake of preserving the glittery finish, we’ve compromised that it’s fine for her to wear them anywhere except to the park.

And for said park outings, the Chrissy shoes are a great girly yet sporty spring pick. Built with playground romping in mind, they’re comfortable, flexible, and sturdy yet lightweight – the latter of which I find particularly important to accommodate the clunky, rapidly growing feet factor. The perforated, tongue-free design also makes the shoes nice and breathable, and like the Emilia’s, the Velcro closures make it easy for kids to handle the shoes independently. Of the color offerings, I’d recommend the brown and pink Chrissy’s; they’re cute as cupcakes and they’ll hide dirt.

In short, Vincent has continued to do well by little feet via their hip aesthetic, fine construction, and versatile offerings (despite the angle of this review, yes, they have plenty of boy shoes!). And really, if you have a daughter who resists getting out the door in the morning, get her a pair of Emilia’s. Your problems will be long gone.

To get you on your way to some cool kicks, enjoy 20% off using the coupon code SPRING-DEAL-8; this code is valid for all full-price item purchases at www.VincentShoeStore.us through April 30, 2008.

This review was brought to you courtesy of the Parent Bloggers Network.

Posted 14 Apr 2008 in Fashion; For Little Ones | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

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

Weekend reading: One Chic Mama highlights citrus spiked hues that will add a dash of warmth and a burst of color to your wardrobe. Moms’ Buzz has a report on men’s trends for spring. Classy Mommy offers a Q&A chat with Dr. Bob Sears, author of The Vaccine Book. Clever Parents features ideas for entertaining and connecting over Sunday brunch.

Finds & giveaways: We Covet thinks the brilliant Shemergency Survival Kit has just about everything you might need in a pinch. Healthy Bump features the Bummis complete diapering kit. MomFinds is offering a giveaway for a deluxe learning kit for your little reader. And submit your belly pic to The Nest Baby bump contest to enter to win a trip to Jamaica.

Posted 11 Apr 2008 in Childcare | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I have a real place in my heart for the YMCA; I was at my fittest during my Y membership (in those childless days I’d hit the gym at 5:30am on my way to work), and I overcame my waterphobia (developed after losing a friend during a swimming outing in high school) via one of their adult swim classes. Tomorrow, at locations across the country, the YMCA will host Healthy Kids Day, a day of free activities designed to introduce kids to the fun of fitness. Also debuting at the event will be their new Healthy Family Home program, which offers simple tips to help families play, eat, and enjoy time together at home.

Posted 11 Apr 2008 in Fun Indoors; Local; Outreach |