Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from @papaproducts via Twitter:

Hey @bostonmamas do you have ideas for places to go out to Easter brunch/dinner with little kids? Have you seen a roundup of spots anywhere? Thanks!

Dear @papaproducts:

Thanks for writing in! Both Boston Magazine and Boston.com offer pretty pictorial Easter dining features that are worth perusing. And both handily include adult/kid pricing where relevant. I also recommend you check out OpenTable, where you can browse Boston area Easter brunch and dinner specials (that are, obviously, affiliated with OpenTable) and then make your reservation right there. Two birds with one stone, as it were.

Note, however, that a lot of the brunch specials are expensive regarding fixed kid pricing. As much as I love a fancy eating adventure, and as blissfully well behaved as my daughter Laurel is at restaurants, $25 for a kid seems a bit steep if they're going to eat, say, bunny shaped pancakes. (Note: I imagine the $25+ kid's menus are fancier than bunny shaped pancakes; I'm thinking in terms of what a kid will reasonably be up for eating.)

Subsequently, if you'd like to enjoy a grownup and festive meal while not breaking the bank, I recommend choosing a restaurant that is offering both their holiday + regular menus for Easter so you still have access to the kids menu. Where you choose to dine will depend on geography and what cuisine you have a hankering for, but I will say that I was thrilled to discover how kid-friendly Legal Sea Foods is (and they will offer their regular menu on Easter), and Sel de la Terre also is worth investigating. Sel de la Terre is so pretty and elegant and I recall being similarly surprised when I learned that they offer a kids menu.

Happy Easter! Please feel free to come back and comment in; I'd love to know where you end up booking.

Image credit: Boston Magazine Easter dining feature

Have a question for Christine? Drop her a line!

Posted by Christine Koh on 31 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (4) | Filed in Dear Boston Mamas; Easter; Food & Drink; Holidays; Local

I field a lot of inquiries here at Boston Mamas and I've been thinking for some time about sharing some of the reader Q&A I typically engage in via e-mail with the community at large (as I've seen my friends Gabrielle and Jo-Lynne do so well on their blogs). As a result, I just wanted to share that tomorrow I'll be launching a new series called Dear Boston Mamas, in which I'll periodically post reader Q&A. I hope you find the series useful and entertaining, and of course feel free to comment in if you have recommendations beyond those I've made. And if you have questions, send them in; I'm always happy to hear from readers!

Now, I need to sign off and shore up my answers to tomorrow's first installment of Dear Boston Mamas.

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Dear Boston Mamas; Web (Admin)

Today, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth of Alphabet Soup 4 Parents shares her five Boston area café faves to enjoy with or without the kids:

"I'm not a homebody. I never was; even having two daughters within two years, we were always on the go. Or if I got some much needed alone time, I'd head out the door and find a place to read the newspaper or write in my journal. My go-to retreats? Independently owned coffee houses. Here are a few of my favorites in the Boston area:

Nashoba Brook Bakery in West Concord is well worth the drive out Route 2. This bakery is great to visit with kids as it offers healthy breads, yummy scones, cupcakes, and luscious looking sandwiches. Besides the food, there's a back room area with comfy couches, rocking chairs, piles of children's books, a small basket of toys, low tables, and an outdoor patio for fine weather. A brook runs out back and we've even watched turtles swimming while munching on our tuna or turkey sandwiches. If you're on your own, you can enjoy the excellent eats and soul-soothing nature scene along with free Wi-fi.

If you enjoy soft pink walls and chocolate brown velvet cushioned chairs, you might enjoy Susu's Bakery Boutique in Wellesley (575 Washington Street; on the corner of Washington and Church). Susu's serves up tea in small silver pots and confections such as coconut and chocolate cupcakes, and you can enjoy these treats sitting at round dining tables or on a flowered comfy couch. It feels like a bit of bliss in a suburb west of Boston. Given the sweet fare, it's a great spot for kids or a nice getaway for moms meeting with friends. The cupcakes look like flowers and French songs often waft through the sound system. Mid-afternoon, this bakery/restaurant feels uncrowded, relaxing, rejuvenating, and like a well earned reward.

Panificio at 144 Charles Street in Boston is more of a busy, lively brunch, lunch, and bakery spot than a place to take a coffee break. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pastries. The pumpkin walls, battered wooden tables, and a view onto Charles Street might appeal to a city starved suburban mama. It certainly works for me. Sans children, it's a comfortable place to read the newspaper or write your next novel. With children, it's a good place to order pizza or a panini. Either way, you can then wander down Charles Street and peek at the toy stores, children's clothing stores, vintage clothing shops, or even enter a jewelry shop. Walk all the way down Charles Street and you're at the Boston Common where you can wander or run off the calories of the pizza and pastry.

Burdick's on Brattle Street in Harvard Square offers the best hot chocolate in the Boston area. Children love the chocolate mice, bunnies, and penguins, and grown-ups love the dense hot chocolate, teas, coffees, pastries, and the atmosphere: plenty of exposed blond wood, mustard walls, and dim lighting provided by chandeliers and wall sconces. Burdick's gets very busy by mid-afternoon. Better to go there for a morning treat.

The Danish Pastry House in Medford is a terrific spot if you enjoy roof to floor windows, exposed brick, and utterly gorgeous confections. I remember when this pastry place first opened five years ago. The owners put out prodigious amounts of samples and the sweetness and richness of the marzipan and chocolate overwhelmed me with delight. The pastries still amaze and delight and they've expanded their menu to include high quality salads, soups, and sandwiches. Go if you want to relax or work. The café area is spacious, comfortable, and bustling.

These are my fab five mini escapes in the Boston area. The snows are gone but March into April still brings the wind and rains. If you must get out the door, these retreats won't disappoint. Also, FYI, all five cafés provide clean and comfortable bathrooms, which is a necessity when bringing children or when drinking lots of coffee or tea. Enjoy!"

Do you have a favorite local spot to enjoy a hot drink and delicious treat? Feel free to comment in below to share with the community.

Image credit: L. A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (11) | Filed in Food & Drink; Local

Amidst the sadness of attending two funerals within one week, I have taken heart in the reconnection and reflection that can occur around such events. On Friday we hosted one of my long out-of-touch relatives following the family funeral, and to lighten the mood I decided to make lemon meringue pie. This dessert is a bit more involved than recipes I typically post here, but it was so ridiculously good that I wanted to share it for those looking for a lovely and lemony dessert. The pie served as the perfect cheery welcome over which we were able to reflect on lives lost and celebrate existing relationships; fittingly, Laurel said the meringue looked and tasted like happy clouds.

This recipe is from Lori Longbotham's amazing Luscious Lemon Desserts (I highly recommend you purchase this and her Luscious Chocolate Desserts cookbooks). Below I've edited the steps and added notes to offer some shortcuts and tips.

Mom's Lemon Meringue Pie

Pastry Crust

Here's a roundup of inspiration as you plan for Easter and Passover. At Make & Takes, I love the tips for growing wheatgrass and adorable Easter coloring pages. I'm not a ham person, but if you are, A Southern Fairytale can hook you up with some mouth watering ham recipes. How cute is this DIY bird's nest from Alpha Mom, or the Easter clothing picks from Design Mom? And for your Easter baskets: $15 or less ideas from Cool Mom Picks, basket picks for grownups from Mighty Goods, and gorgeous bunny and egg gift picks from Lil Sugar.

And humbly, from my own archives, check out this awesome last minute Easter egg dye tutorial from April, and my own tutorial on how to make a bunny cake.

Finally, for everything from recipes to printables to crafts to activities for Passover, check out Martha Stewart and Kaboose. And BlogHer offers some sweet treat ideas for Passover and Easter.

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Arts & Crafts; Easter; Gifts & Paper; Holidays; Home; Recipes

Given how passionate I am about all things eco, I am thrilled to be a media sponsor of Down:2:Earth. This sustainable living expo will take place April 9-11 at the Hynes, and in addition to covering everything from products to gardening to services to fashion to food for grownups, there is plenty of programming for families to enjoy. The D2E Kids Block will include activities such as butter making, a demonstration on worms and farming, hands on animal activities, face painting, and storytelling. There also will be a panel on clean energy opportunities for teens, and Dr. Mayim Bialik of the Holistic Moms Network (and formerly of Blossom fame) will present a workshop on holistic parenting.

Also, foodies take note: D2E kicks off on Friday, April 9 (5 - 9pm) with Local Bites, a food and wine tasting event featuring area restaurants that are green-certified or who focus on local sourcing. A portion of the proceeds from Local Bites will benefit the Federation of Mass Farmers Markets and the New England Aquarium's Sustainable Fisheries Initiative. Tickets for Local Bites are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Otherwise, tickets for Saturday/Sunday are $10 for adults and $8 for students; kids 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. (And psst! Subscribe to the Boston Mamas mailing list by March 31st and you'll get a D2E ticket discount code in the next newsletter.)

So come get your green on, will you? I look forward to seeing you at D2E!

At the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Eco Living; Food & Drink; Fun Indoors; Local; Tweens & Teens

Here are a couple of fun and unusual picks for Saturday (these pesky flurries should have passed by then). At Drumlin Farm's Woolapalooza, families can enjoy cute baby animals, sheep shearing and sheepherding demonstrations, fiber artisans at work, and other activities. And the West End Community Center is hosting a Holi celebration -- the spring Hindu festival of color -- that will include Indian food, Bollywood dancing, and more.

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local

If your kids are eager to get the Easter party started early, there are plenty of eggs to be hunted for this weekend in Massachusetts. Consider the Capen Hill Great Egg Hunt in Charlton, the LEGGacy Place Easter Hunt in Dedham, the Choate Park Easter Egg Hunt in Medway, the Winslow Farm Easter Egg Hunt in Norton, and the Westborough Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day.

Do you know of other local Easter egg hunts on tap for this weekend? Feel free to share in the comments below.

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Easter; Fun Outdoors; Holidays; Local

Today, Heather recommends Disney Digital Books for budding and experienced readers. Read on for Heather's review, as well as to learn how to win a Disney Digital Books subscription + gift pack.

"If your child loves Disney, is reading or learning to read, and enjoys using a computer, I recommend trying out Disney Digital Books, which I recently had the opportunity to test out with my daughter Emma. DDB is an online library of over 500 new and classic Disney children's books through which readers (from beginners to advanced readers who can read chapter books) can choose stories about their favorite Disney friends, then click to read independently, hear words aloud, see definitions, turn pages on screen, and more.

DDB is a web-based service (no pesky download required!) and the interface is loaded with lots of great features. Kids can create a My Books section where they can see all the books they have read or want to read, and if they love a particular character, it's easy to select a category (e.g., Little Mermaid) and view all the relevant titles. Kids also can select books to be narrated and words are highlighted as they are narrated to help kids follow along. For budding readers, the dictionary is one of my favorite features; kids can use the "magic pen" to click on any word to hear the pronunciation and definition.

For advanced readers, DDB also encourages reading comprehension via pop up trivia boxes that ask multiple-choice questions about the book being read. Kids earn reward points for questions answered correctly, as well as for completing books, adding books to their bookshelves, and recommending books to friends. Kids can then use reward points to unlock features on the site. They also can build their own story via the Story Builder function that includes tools to create a book cover and print. There are other interactive features, such as emailing and connecting with other readers online, but I wasn't ready to explore that territory with my 6-year-old so we didn't go there.

In short, I still favor reading paper books with my kids, but feel that Disney Digital Books are a great supplement. Since the stories (obviously) all are based on Disney productions, a subscription would be best suited for kids who love the characters. The cost is $8.95 for a monthly family subscription (or $79.95/year), which includes a parent account (through which you can monitor your child's activity, suggest books, and send motivational messages to your kids) and profiles for up to three children in the same household. And if you want to explore before taking the plunge, the site offers a free (limited access) seven-day trial."

Now, want win a Disney Digital Books subscription + gift pack? Here's how:

This past weekend when Laurel and I hit the hardware store to pick up some final flood cleanup supplies, she immediately headed for the seed racks. Though we lack the garden space of our previous residence to grow veggies (tragic, but we're instead eagerly awaiting the start of our CSA), I couldn't resist the opportunity to engage in a fun nature project with her. Here are some simple tips to start sprouting with your kids, even if you're lacking a garden plot:

Take inventory of your pots. Before you set out, take inventory of your pot collection so you don't waste money on new pots if you already have empty ones at home. And don't discount old and grungy pots; your child can always give old pots new life to adorable effect. We used two window boxes and one very large pot for our project.

Pick your flower seeds. I'm by no means an experienced gardener, so I rely on packet descriptions and present Laurel with options that indicate that the seeds are quick and easy to grow, hearty, and/or require little care. We decided on nasturtium (tall single mix), which are hearty, quick growing (10-14 days), and produce a wide range of brightly colored flowers (the web description also indicates that the flowers may be used in salad - fabulous!). We also chose wildflowers (Northeast mix), which require little care and include a mix of annuals and perennials so they'll reseed next year.

Don't forget dirt. We haven't yet had a chance to dig out the rewards from our urban composter so we picked up a couple of bags of Miracle-Gro organic potting mix, which we selected because of its organic composition and the fact that the fertilizer provides quick and slow release feeding for up to two months.

Get gardening. I set Laurel up on our patio with the pots, dirt, seed packets, her little shovel, and a watering can. Just as in her toddler days she had a great time scooping and dumping the dirt, then spreading the seeds and watering them. She planted the wildflowers in a large round pot that will sit on our patio and the nasturtium in two window boxes that we're planning on setting along a fence once they start climbing.

And that's it! The project was simple but offered a lovely means to be outside and talk about the life cycle. And each morning since, Laurel has eagerly checked to see if any sprouts are popping up yet. It will be fun to watch the flowers grow.

Are you growing anything this year? What flowers or veggies are you planting? Feel free to comment in below if you have any surefire favorites to share.

Final notes:

1. These plant pots would make a fantastic gift for a loved one. Follow the steps above and simply tie a ribbon around the pot and attach a sweet note. The recipient no doubt will have fun watching the flowers grow and thinking about the little sprout who planted the seeds for them.

2. If you need more formal gardening guidance, check out Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! -- a lovely gardening guide by local author Kim Smith.

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Gifts & Paper; Home; Solutions

Today, Sarah shares her findings from test driving the process and offerings of Healthy Habits Kitchen in Wellesley:

"Regardless of education level, culinary skill, or available cooking time, I've found that the eternal struggle for a family-friendly yet healthy meal can lead to burn out. I enjoy cooking, but every now and then I get a tad disgruntled about having to come up with something on a daily basis.

Enter Wellesley's Healthy Habits Kitchen. Located in a well-hidden hallway of an office building just off 128, this ready-made meals shop offers the perfect solutions to the eternal question. Owner Susan Schochet started the company in 2007 to fill a niche in the prepared-meals landscape. "Other companies were offering family-style meals, but no one was focusing on really healthy food," she explains. "I wanted to make eating healthy meals easy and convenient."

Customers can choose from an extensive menu of poultry, fish, meat, or vegetarian options, side dishes, and awesome cookie doughs; there are even choices that can be prepared in your slow-cooker. You can order a meal plan in advance, or stop into the kitchen for last-minute pre-thawed pickup on desperate nights (you know, school-to-music-to-soccer-to-holy-smokes-it's-dinnertime), with a minimum purchase of three meals.

Susan takes recipes from her family collection, magazines, and cooking shows, and works to make them as healthful as possible. After testing the recipes, they are reviewed by a nutritionist to ensure they meet HHK's menu requirements: rearranging and substituting the ingredients brings each serving in at less than 400 calories, 30% fat, and 800 mg of sodium.

Each pre-frozen kit comes in a "half order" (2-3 servings), or a "full order" (4-6 servings). My family of four (5 and 7-year old boys, a VERY hungry daddy, and not-as-hungry me) nearly polished off the large meal kits, with just a small lunchtime leftover on two of them. Susan admits that the calorie count will vary if the meal is serving "hearty eaters" vs. "healthy eaters," but I was reassured that even eating a larger-than-prescribed meal was still quite healthy. And as a veteran calorie-counter, having the exact nutritional count per serving was a huge relief over having to add up all the ingredients and then divide by number of servings, especially since my math skills are usually shot by dinnertime.

The meals our family tried -- Chicken Cacciatore, Tilapia Parmesan, and Fruited Chicken Curry Stew -- were delicious. While my palate found the salt a little lacking (as one would expect), and my control-freak tendencies led me to want to doctor the dishes a bit (substitute brown rice for the white included with the curry, add a little vino to the cacciatore sauce), that's the option you have with prepare-at-home meals. All the dicing, measuring, and even some of the saucing are already done for you, and the thawing and cooking directions are simple and straightforward, even for novices. HHK will also be flexible putting together combinations for those who don't like a particular ingredient, or for food allergies, although protein substitutions (pork for fish, for example) aren't allowed: the preparation times and directions are based on the protein of the original recipe. But there are enough options on the menu to please any palate. And my boys, who have previously turned up their noses at any type of curry, devoured the stew and were looking for seconds.

HHK offers a discount on meals if you come to their kitchen during assembly hours and assemble your own from their pre-chopped and pre-measured ingredients; for those who love to cook but hate to clean up (anyone else raising their hand?) it's a great option. And if you get a group of friends together, HHK will host a private party for up to fifteen guests in their lounge; each guest gets appetizers, dinner, and dessert that night (BYOB) and must purchase at least four meals, but again, all the prep and clean-up are done for you. Can anyone say "Mama's Night Out"?

With hors d'oeuvre options and holiday specials like "Everything But the Turkey" for Thanksgiving and a prix fixe Valentine's Day menu, Healthy Habits Kitchen might make themselves indispensable to today's busy families. The menu prices range from $15 for half orders to $30 for more expensive full orders, but that still computes to less than $6 per serving. And in my house, when some nights I'd pay nearly anything to have dinner already made, that would be a bargain -- and a healthy one at that."

DEAL ALERT: Ready to head over to Healthy Habits Kitchen? Purchase a meal and mention Boston Mamas and receive a free full side dish (up to a $7 value) of your choice. One free side per person; offer valid only for new customers through April 30.

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (4) | Filed in Domestics; Food & Drink; Local

In the vein of spring cleaning, here's a new use for old spices. Instead of simply trashing stale spices, line them up on the counter with a bowl, mixing spoon, measuring spoons, and spray bottle (less messy, plus adds longevity to the project), then let your kid go to town. The more variety (color, smell, shapes, e.g., cardamom pods) the better. Laurel loves pretend playing that she's making a stew or science experiment, we get entertainment mileage by repurposing a household item that we'd otherwise toss, and if you're feeling particularly pedagogical, you can build in some math moments via measurement.

After a recent round of spice play (we have a big bin of old spices that we keep for this purpose; they're gradually getting used up), Laurel plated up a serving of her mystery mix and served it to Jon for lunch. Yummy, no?

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Eco Living; Home; Solutions

Spring has sprung! And today, Jennifer shares a recommendation for the book Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! Notes from a Gloucester Garden. Read on for Jennifer's review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a copy of Oh Garden:

"One of the things I love about New England is the intensity of the seasons. Their unmuted variety -- from snowstorm to heat wave, spring swell to autumn's unabashed palette -- reminds me of the earth's strong rhythms, and the corresponding ebbs and flows in my own nature. But unlike early winter -- with the sparkle of fresh snowflakes and the cheer of holiday gatherings -- late winter can feel heavy and dull and cold, and leaves me deeply yearning for signs of spring.

What a gift, then, to read Kim Smith's Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! Notes From A Gloucester Garden. Using her own small garden as a backdrop, Smith deftly guides her reader along every stage of cultivation -- from quiet observation, through planning and planting, and finally among the blooms -- sharing successes, failures, and surprises along the way. Bursting with information, yet much more than a how-to guide, Oh Garden reads like a meditation. Smith envelops the senses with lyrical prose and exquisite watercolor illustrations, infusing poetry and wisdom from across the ages to tap into the soul of the gardener -- which insists that the garden's beauty stems not from finished product, but from the cultivation itself.

Oh Garden will arm novice gardeners with all the information and inspiration needed to get started. Smith's gentle guidance makes those early days in the garden -- with their seemingly endless array of choices -- less overwhelming. As I read her accounts of her own decisions of what and where to plant, I was reminded that there is no single "right way" to create a garden space -- that gardening is equal parts art and science. More experienced gardeners also will enjoy this book, feeling refreshed by new ideas and affirmed by Smith's shared and obvious love for the hobby they already enjoy.

As I finished reading this book, and I expect as a result, winter's last days seemed slightly less gray. Smith's appreciation of nature's details surely informed my noticing of an early-returning bird's morning song, the faint smell of earth beyond the melting snow, and brave bulbs just pressing from the soil. The book inspired me to begin planning some much-needed reformations to my own garden, and, following Smith's instructions, coaxed my first winter blooms, which proved a wonderful reminder that spring was just around the corner."

Now, want to be one of three winners to receive a copy of Oh Garden? Here's how:

It’s a good thing Boston Restaurant Week is actually Boston Restaurant Weeks because if you missed the first week (which I will have after tonight), you can enjoy fantastic food next week (which I will). In its 5th year, BRW includes a fantastic roster of restaurants in and out of the city, all offering special prix fixe menus (2-course lunches for $15.10, 3-course lunches for $20.10, 3-course dinners for $33.10). My only regret is that the spectacular coconut cream pie is not on the prix fixe menu at The Capital Grille; otherwise I would be there right this minute.

Image credit: It's almost too pretty to eat...roasted rib eye with potato and truffle mille feuille, chanterelles, and oxtail from No. 9 Park via the BostonChefs.com site.

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Food & Drink; Local

Today, from Kate, because waffles are good any time of day:

Like many other young brides, I received a waffle iron as a wedding gift. My main association with making waffles was a positive one: my father would occasionally make sausages and waffles -- on a waffle iron, practically antique, that had belonged to his mother -- for Sunday supper when the weather was cold and all other cooking inspiration failed him. With my own kitchen and my own iron, however, I struggled to make decent waffles: no matter what recipe I tried, they came out dry, cake-y in a bad way, and not amenable to softening with melted butter and syrup. So, the wedding waffle iron sat on a shelf neglected.

All of that changed this winter, when a friend introduced my daughter and me to the Best Waffles Ever. Light, chewy in a good way, and so moist that almost no additional toppings are needed, these waffles are based on the Overnight Waffle recipe in Mark Bittman's How To Cook Everything, but with slightly less butter. They rely upon yeast and the overnight hours for the yeast to work its magic, as well as frothy eggs whites for extra lightness. Believe me: the results are well worth the extra time and planning. Try these for a family breakfast, a special occasion brunch, or a Sunday supper on a chilly night. I promise that you won't be disappointed.

The Best Waffles Ever
Serves 3 people

Because I'm obsessed with compactness and efficiency, I am immediately drawn to all in one anything, especially when it comes to tech matters (because really, who doesn't want less cables and blinking lights in their office?). So how's this for cool? As part of my Giveaway Goodness series, HP generously is offering one of you awesome readers their snazzy HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One printer! This multifunction (print, fax, scan, copy) meets smartphone (web access!) touch printer handles all of the traditional office duties and also connects online via HP apps so you can easily print maps, photos, coupons, recipes, coloring pages, and more. No doubt the whole family will be happy with this one.

To enter to win this awesome printer, check out and follow the rules below by midnight, Wednesday, March 24.

Rules:

Today, Tracy shares a recommendation for the book Simplicity Parenting. Read on for Tracy’s thoughts on the book, as well as to learn how to win a copy of Simplicity Parenting:

"As a parent and clinical psychologist, I frequently am asked for parenting book recommendations, and I have always found this a difficult task. For one, I haven’t met many books that I find useful enough to be a go-to general recommendation. Another issue is that many parenting books seem to offer lots of strategies and tips in a very general way, which doesn’t help you tune in to your parenting instinct. Or they espouse a great philosophy of parenting with no or very vague ideas about what this philosophy would look like on the front lines, so to speak.

Well, at very long last I have found a book that I am willing to recommend to anyone who asks. Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross is, in my opinion, the perfect blend of philosophy, instinct, and how-to, and it’s all backed by the kind of research and developmental information that makes you go, “Hmm.”

What the authors have crafted is a book that takes a good hard look at what it is to live in our world today with its busy-ness, overstimulation, and “more, bigger, faster” mentality, and brought it back to basics. Many parents are going to cringe at their instruction to throw out more than half of the toys your children own, or have difficulty considering modifying how their family relates to screen time, but the arguments the authors make are so aptly put that instead of an admonishment it feels like inspiration. When the authors ask the reader to remember back to what your dream was of how your family would be at this stage and compare it to current reality, I firmly believe any parent would be hard pressed not to find some way that they can recreate that dream.

The authors talk about four areas for simplifying: Environment (e.g., toys and books), Rhythm, Schedules, and Filtering Out the Adult World. I felt good about the parts I have worked really hard to preserve on my own because it felt inherently right to me. My kids (and I) are rather routine oriented, and I realized that what I have instinctively been doing is grounding their days for them, and that our schedules are important to us, but not inflexible. However, what I had long been ignoring was the little voice saying “it’s too much.” Too much screen time, and for sure, too many toys. I’ll be the first to admit that I felt defeated by the pressures of long distance grandparenting, which makes up for absence with stuff. This book seemed to give me permission to make changes that my kids have and will continue to protest for a while longer, that the grandparents may have a hard time reconciling, but that my husband and I feel are really, truly important for our children.

In our house, we have a plan for reducing our toys in the very near future, and we’ve already made substantial changes in the amount of screen time our kids get. While I’m certain we were nowhere near the national averages for screen time, we were feeling it was interfering with family and free play time, and had the behavioral and emotional issues to show for it. A few weeks into our simplicity plan, we are noticing that bedtime is an easier transition for our 8-year-old, and he and his 5-year-old brother have put away the Pokemon video game in favor of inventing, drawing, and cataloging their own characters. Perfection? I think not. Simpler and more peacful? Oh, yes.

As I said earlier, the authors don’t just impose of list of “shoulds and shouldn’ts.” They offer really compelling reasons for why it is important to preserve and protect the work of childhood. Kids need room to figure out who they are in relation to the world and others, and they can’t do that if they are bombarded by too much, too fast, too young, whether it be in the form of information, toys, or sports. This book is so worth the read, and I am positive that many of us trying to raise kids into good, happy people will find within its pages the strength to listen to the whispers of our instincts. Even if you can’t see yourself implementing every strategy (which I, admittedly, am not), the final words of the book are almost awe-inspiring in their simplicity. Just do one thing. Begin."

Now, want to win a copy of Simplicity Parenting? Here's how:

In Laurel’s 5+ years of birthday party going, we've seen a variety of home and off-site party ideas, but yesterday we experienced something very cool and different from the typical house or play gym party: a New England Aquarium On-the-Road birthday party.

Available for members and non-members (the friends who hosted the party first learned about the program when they became members in order to avoid long ticket lines at the aquarium on a blustery day), the traveling aquarium party was a huge hit with the kids. Two aquarium staffers were on hand; they first taught the kids about tide pool critters by showing them large pictures (while explaining anatomy and behavior), having them guess at questions, and engaging them in some sea creature role play. Then they let the kids loose to explore the starfish, mussels, crabs, snails, etc., that were housed in observation trays on a tarp on the living room floor. (They also concluded with a larger surprise guest...I won't be a spoiler here.)

The staffers were wonderful; laid back, friendly, and excellent at relating to the kids and making the educational piece fun, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the hands on activity. Personally, given that Laurel has always tended towards shy, it was great to see how comfortable she was with the staffers, even at one point agreeing to don a starfish costume. Laurel lingered after most of the kids had finished exploring the observation trays; she was so sweetly eager to usher me over to teach me everything she had learned about the tide pool critters.

Since Laurel (and admittedly our) preference has been towards small, home parties, we haven't needed to go the at-home entertainment or off-site play gym route. But for those looking for a birthday party idea for a larger group of kids, definitely consider the traveling aquarium party. It was super fun, hands on, and educational. And way easier to experience the aquarium to go than herding a gaggle of families downtown…especially in a monsoon like yesterday.

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local

Today, a peanut butter primer from Jules, because as she and I agree, a day without peanut butter is a day without joy:

I LOVE peanut butter. I mean, really, really love it. I remember joking to my husband when I was pregnant for the first time that if our son had a peanut allergy, we might have to house him elsewhere. I eat peanut butter with sweet things, savory things, salty things...fish, chocolate, noodles, and most often, off a big kitchen spoon right out of the jar.

Though peanut butter is high in fat, it's also packed full of nutrients. Peanuts are full of monounsaturated fat, which can help lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol, plus raise HDL (good) cholesterol. The end result may be a decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease. Peanuts also are a great source of:

After enjoying some maple-tastic meanderings, consider these fun cultural events tomorrow. Experience West African music and dance at Springstep’s family workshop. Rock out at Cambridge’s 34th Annual Israel Folkdance Festival. Or conjure visions of Ireland in the comfort of your community at the St. Patrick’s Day parades in Boston, Scituate, and Worcester.

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local

I love when the March maple madness events kick in; they're a great way to show kids that syrup comes from somewhere other than a grocery store aisle. This weekend you can enjoy: the Somerville Maple Syrup Project (Sat.), South Shore Natural Science Center Maple Festival (Sun.), Blue Hills Maple Sugar Days (Sat. & Sun.), Drumlin Farm Sap-to-Syrup Farmer’s Breakfast (Sat. & Sun.), and Ipswich Sugaring Off Tours (this & next weekend).

Have I missed other awesome local maple syrup events? Feel free to comment in below to share them with the community.

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (5) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local

Today, Jennifer shares a fabulous find for ladies who love switching up their accessories. Read on to learn more about the Switch Gear Kit, a cool and artsy interchangeable earring kit designed by local metalsmith Lisa Monahan, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a Switch Gear Kit (entry closes March 15).

From Jennifer:

As an accessory-lovin' gal, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to evaluate the Switch Gear Kit, a cool and artsy interchangeable earring kit. At first glance, this small, stackable earring kit looks part craft project, part jewelry case, but judging by the overall design and contents, it's no surprise it was developed by a jewelry artist, metalsmith, and former architect. The kit is designed to give you tons of options to create your own earrings using various combos of interchangeable hoops, silver chains, and funky architectural materials such as metal and even rubber hoops (the tortoise shell hoops are my favorite so far). It comes with two lever-back earring sets that serve as blank canvases for 100+ possible earring creations. It may take a few extra seconds to "build" your earrings each time, but it makes for fun experimentation and the kit includes a chart that provides lots of ideas to get you started.

I've used the Switch Gear Kit several times to stylish effect; I recently created a pretty silver chain combo for a date night with my husband, and wore a pair of earrings from the kit to a playgroup with a bunch of my mom friends and got several compliments. I then revealed the kit at the playgroup and my friends and I had fun brainstorming different combos together and agreed that: 1) the kit provides a very cool and fun way to dress up your jewelry box; and b) we really liked that the architectural materials offer a funky departure from the normal jewelry offerings you might find in general women's stores, the mall, and in catalogs. We also agreed that for the right person (e.g., artsy friend), the kit would be a fantastic gift.

However, there are a couple of things to consider. First, one must be equipped with the creative flair and patience to spend the few extra minutes (OK, seconds) to create the earrings you want for the day. Though the kit includes a chart, it would be great if the chart included even more combination ideas to accommodate those who are time and/or creatively challenged. Second, the $80 price tag definitely feels like a bit of an investment, though ultimately, it's a great deal if you consider the cost-per-pair analysis.

In sum, the Switch Gear Kit is a cool and unusual find for fashion forward, creative friends. Also excellent? Switch Gear donates a portion of every sale to an organization that supports survivors of domestic violence. It's a gift that keeps on giving.

Now, want to be one of two winners to receive a Switch Gear Kit? Here's how:

Laurel and I spend a lot of time in the kitchen together and I continually remind myself to let go of perfection and control so she can really experience the cooking and baking processes. And it’s paid off. Check out my guest post for Michelle Stern’s What’s Cooking with YOUR Kids series, where I share how letting Laurel take charge in the kitchen resulted in a fine meal (and some time for me on the couch!). Enjoy!

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Feeding & Nursing

It's well south of the city and definitely more of a grown up event, but if you're in the area and appreciate crafty things, consider AHA!’s All Sewn Up event tomorrow night. In celebration of the area's textile history and artists, downtown New Bedford will be hopping with shopping, gallery showings, art demonstrations, readings, and classical music.

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local

Today, Kate shares details on Cambridge's new community hub:

The City of Cambridge is blessed with a beautiful new public library. After years of public debate followed by years of construction, the library building in which I spent many happy childhood hours has been largely subsumed into a welcoming, sunlight-filled addition.

The Cambridge Public Library features large open areas of books, magazines, newspapers, and DVDs and CDs, all in an environment that manages to combine serenity with openness. For those who want quiet and solitude, the second floor includes semi-private study rooms, and the top floor features a patio with views towards the Charles River. Best of all for families, the entire third floor is devoted to services for children, and the space is everything that a children's library should be: warm, safe, full of interesting things to touch and look at, and designed so much with children in mind that it even includes a resident hamster.

The success of the new library - among architecture critics and city residents alike, both of whom have flocked to see it - reminds us that libraries can and should be much more than repositories for books and newspapers. At their best, they are centers of civic life, both reflecting and reinforcing values of community-building, self-improvement, and quiet reflection.

Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge; 617-349-4030; Image credit: Bob Coe

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local

Who doesn’t love Eric Carle? His stories have inspired countless hours of reading, song (yes, Laurel prefers that I sing some of the books), and art projects, and I always see Carle’s books gracing the shelves of Laurel’s friends. And on March 20 The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites will show at the Colonial Theatre for three performances, bringing Carle's stories to life via a nature inspired journey following the title story, Little Cloud, and The Mixed-Up Chameleon.

Want to win a 4-pack of tickets to The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites? Here's how:

To enter to win, simply email contests@bostonmamas.com with “Eric Carle” in the subject by midnight Friday, March 12, 2010.

One winner (randomly selected using Random.org) will win a 4-pack of tickets for the March 20 show at 5pm. Many thanks to Broadway Across America for kindly offering this set of tickets for you awesome readers.

Posted by Christine Koh on 8 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local

One of my favorite ways to make a lazy weekend morning feel special is with scones. And these currant scones by Martha Stewart are simple in composition (without any forethought I had all the ingredients on hand) and are easy enough to whip up while everyone is still lolling around in jammies. I made these scones last weekend for company and they were a huge hit; light (um, seeming), flaky, and delicious. And everyone was happy to simply nibble these special treats alongside fresh fruit. Easy peasy.

Currant Scones

Unfortunately this recipe (from an old issue of Martha Stewart Living) was not in Martha’s online recipe database to link directly to. They end up looking just like this photo (credited to a different currant scone recipe); the process is very similar but the recipes are different. Below is the recipe I use.

This spring-like weather is utterly delicious, and if your kids want to create colorful flowers to match (while nature catches up), consider this Alex Toys Giant Paper Flowers Kit. My in-laws got this kit for Laurel and she loves the resulting pretty paper blooms. The kit includes an impressive quantity of colorful, decorative-edged tissue paper sheets + pipe cleaners (enough to make 30 flowers). Simply stack and accordion fold the paper, twist fasten with pipe cleaners, and fluff the flowers. It's a lovely, creative, and affordable away to have flowers all year long.

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys

Indeed it does. And tomorrow (March 6) the Harvard Museum of Natural History is celebrating with a day-long family festival designed to help kids and grownups learn about rocks, fossils, meteorites, and more in hands-on fashion. Kids are welcome to bring in a rock for scientists to identify (I recommend bringing the most bizarre rock possible to see if you can stump the experts). Earth Rocks! is free with museum admission ($9 adults: $7 seniors; $6 age 3-18) and free parking is available.

Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge; 617-495-3045

Posted by Christine Koh on 5 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local

Are you looking for a compact, portable reference to help navigate the kid-friendly ins and outs of our fair city? Today I share my thoughts on Kim Foley MacKinnon's new book, Boston Baby: A Field Guide for Urban Parents. Read on for my review, as well as to learn about an opportunity to meet Kim and eat well tomorrow at Aura Restaurant, and be one of three winners to receive a copy of Boston Baby:

Being a Boston lifer, I know a considerable amount about the ins and outs of this city and its surrounds, but I'm always happy when a local guidebook comes along and points me to some cool leads I don't already know about. Such is the case with Kim Foley MacKinnon's Boston Baby: A Field Guide for Urban Parents. Slim enough to stow in your diaper bag for on the go referencing, this book hones its scope on Boston, Cambridge, Newton, and Brookline (though it does include some notable mentions beyond those borders) and covers support groups and classes, postpartum resources, classes and gyms, indoor and outdoor adventures and attractions, family friendly dining spots, play spaces, retailers, and day trips. MacKinnon even bravely wades into the child care, preschool, and Boston public school system waters.

I know Kim via her work at Daily Candy Kids, Boston and our paths have crossed a few times over the last year or so at media events. However, she's so humble and laid back that we talked about Boston Baby briefly in the early stages, but otherwise, I didn't hear a peep about the book until I received a press copy (and was honored to see Boston Mamas listed as a web resource).

But that's not why I'm recommending the book. Though I do wish this book featured a page index in the back, otherwise, Boston Baby is a thoughtfully compiled, well organized little volume packed with a wealth of information; it's a great pick for new and seasoned local parents. And an unexpected benefit? It recently helped me help a reader. Just the other week a mom wrote in asking about cooking classes for kids. This is not an area I've covered editorially since I do a lot of cooking and baking at home with Laurel and subsequently have never had reason to explore cooking classes. But just like that, I was able to thumb through and point my reader to a couple of leads from Kim's book (and also recommend the book itself!).

Even if you don't reside in Boston proper, Boston Baby offers plenty of fodder for exploration, whether you want to take advantage of Kim's family-friendly out of town getaway recommendations, or take a jaunt into the city and neighboring communities to shop, connect with other parents, eat real food, and explore cultural offerings.

Intrigued about Boston Baby? Of course you are! So:

1. If you want to meet Kim and nosh on some fantastic food, reserve a spot at Aura Restaurant's "I Love My Boston Baby" family-style dining event tomorrow, March 5. Kim will be signing copies of Boston Baby and chef Rachel Klein will offer kid-friendly fare and a fine prix-fixe menu for parents. Extra bonus: staff from ArtBeat will be on hand to lead craft activities for the kids.

2. Want to be one of three winners to receive a copy of Boston Baby? Here's how:

I stopped drinking coffee several months ago and since have been consuming a lot of herbal tea. And our friend Taina recently introduced us to a fantastic tea blend (inspired by her mama friend Jess) that I’ve been enjoying daily (I am, in fact, enjoying a cup right this minute). One batch is great to share with friends after dinner, or to enjoy through the day, whether it sits stove top at home or in a travel thermos at work. And it seems to me that the citrus-ginger blend could help stave off, or at least soothe, winter colds.

I edited the original recipe to cut down on time and accommodate the teas I had on hand; substitutions are indicated below in brackets and work beautifully.

Yummy Citrus-Ginger Tea

Today, Jules shares a crowd pleasing barley salad recipe:

I first cooked this barley salad for a New Year’s gathering of six friends, including three very large, very hungry meat-eating men. It was not the main dish, but it really could have been. This dish was a huge hit; a hearty meal that is simple to prepare and loaded with whole grain goodness. Enjoy!

Jules’s Barley Salad

Serves 4-6

Despite leading an uber digital life, I remain loyal to the tactile joys of books and print magazines. And given my passion for simplicity and minimalist living, I adore locally produced Seeing the Everyday. Including beautiful photography and thoughtful, well written reflections about the small yet meaningful moments in life, the personal stories and academic articles of this ad-free magazine make clear how deeply our actions as parents impact our children. Some of the stories have made me laugh and some have moved me to tears. And throughout, it's truly amazing that once I start flipping through this periodical’s pages, I can’t help but slow down, breathe, reflect, and feel grateful.

Now, want to be one of two winners to receive a subscription to Seeing the Everyday? Here’s how: