I love that Boston is welcoming May with an awesome collection of free, family friendly festivals. On the university circuit, consider: the Boston College Arts Festival (now through May 1; special kids activities run tomorrow from 12-4pm), the Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts at Brandeis University (now through May 2), and the Harvard University Arts First Festival (now through May 2; check out the impressive roster of kid-friendly entertainment). And in the general community, there's the Wake Up The Earth Festival in Jamaica Plain (May 1), and MayFair in Harvard Square (May 2). Finally, browse in awe of the plethora of local talent at Somerville Open Studios (May 1-2). Enjoy!

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local
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As a musician in a previous life, I can't help but be a proponent of exposing kids to real music of all kinds (end result: Laurel already has way cooler music taste as a 5-year-old than I did in high school). And this Saturday (May 1, 10:30am), you can enjoy a beloved classic along with your kids as the Radius Ensemble plays a free family concert at the Central Square Branch of the Cambridge Public Library. The concert will feature Vivaldi's Four Seasons; new and seasoned concert goers will be welcome to play along on kazoos and meet the string quartet after the show.

At the Cambridge Public Library, 45 Pearl Street, Central Square

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local
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Yesterday, I was honored to be featured as a do-it-all mom in the 1-800-FLOWERS Spot A Mom interview series. It was fun to answer a few reflective questions about motherhood, and I thought interviewer (and floral lifestyle expert) Julie Mulligan was spot on with this pretty and peaceful orchid arrangement she proposed for me. 1-800-FLOWERS also was kind enough to offer to send me flowers (which I asked be sent to my mom...she was thrilled!), and also share a $75 gift certificate + a copy of Celebrating Mom with one of you fabulous readers. Simply leave a comment below about this giveaway by midnight, May 3, 2010 to enter to win.

Also noteworthy: now until May 2, 1-800-FLOWERS invites folks to share lessons your mom taught you. They are giving away daily prizes, and one grand prize winner will receive a Hawaii vacation getaway, a year of flowers, plus a year of flowers for the submitter. Sweet!

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (144) | Filed in Gifts & Paper; Home; Web (Admin)
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Every mama needs a night out from time to time, and next week (May 6) you can join in a national party with scores of moms across the country for National Mom's Nite Out. Check the state-by-state listing for local events; in Massachusetts, Simon Malls and Children's Orchard are sponsoring events at multiple locations, and Lands' End will host an event in Natick. I'll be at the Atrium Mall event with some girlfriends (please come say hello if you see me!) and here's some of the cool stuff going down at the Atrium (also, there's a special Boston Mamas deal at the end of this post):

One thing that used to curb my shopping at Lands' End was that they never offered flat percentage discounts + free shipping. And whether they started listening to consumer complaints (admittedly, I grumbled about this issue on Twitter at least once or twice), or simply decided to jump on the bandwagon with all the other online retailers, it's all good: LE has been offering lots of online deals of late. And while I recently took advantage of one of said deals, in addition to stocking up on Laurel's tankinis and action sandals, I was thrilled to find that this year's collection includes some cute women's bikinis with decent coverage.

I should say that it wasn't until last year that I decided to return to the land of bikinis (after a decade-long hiatus). Part of the motivation was a personal challenge via the Shredheads, and part was from hearing the encouraging words of my college friend Kim, who said -- when I asked her how to shop for bikinis -- something along the lines of, "Key feature? Confidence! Cannot be sold in stores!" Since then, I've been a bikini convert.

Well, sort of. Because the thing is, I'm picky. And also admittedly still a little self conscious. I don't quite have the courage to wear tiny string bikinis, many non-string bikinis still seem to have very small bottoms, and I don't like tops with tie closures because I'm modestly endowed and subsequently fret that one big wave will leave me with a bikini top floating around my neck (which used to happen all the time when I was a kid). In all of my bikini hunting last and this season, I've been surprised by how challenging it is to find bikinis that are somewhat affordable, offer decent coverage, and have secure closures (not string ties) on top.

So that's why I wanted to share my two recent finds from Lands' End. The first is the super cute AquaTerra Hibiscus Floral bikini top and matching bottom. This suit definitely projects a more sporty look (I could totally play beach volleyball in this bikini if I, you know, knew how to play beach volleyball), I love the print (I chose tango hibiscus; shown above), the top fits securely, and the bottom is especially great. It looks cute and modern but covers the seat and has a wide waistband to prevent the dreaded cinching and pinching effect.

The second suit I bought is the Isla Morada Scrolls Floral bikini top and matching bottom. The top is a classic bra-style top with adjustable straps and secure closures and a bit of silver hardware to add a little punch. Like the hibiscus suit, the bottom also covers the seat beautifully, but features an asymmetrical fold-over waistband that you can adjust to your liking across the midsection. Both the hibiscus and floral scrolls bikinis are well made and will last many seasons with proper care (I hand wash in cold water).

It still blows my mind a bit that a bikini bottom alone can cost $35 (or more), so that's where the sales come in. Sometimes Lands' End's sales are available directly on site, and other times via the mailing list. I bought both of these suits plus Laurel's tankinis and sandals at 25% off + free shipping, which made for fantastic deals across the board. So I suggest keeping an eye out for the next sale then stocking up. It's not even May and I'm in the (very unusual) position of being totally set for summer beach fun.

Editor's Note: I just hopped on the Lands' End site and they're having a swimwear sale, up to 40% off, ending Thursday, April 29. You'll just need to decide whether you want to hold out for a combined discount + free shipping deal or get your desired suit while it's in stock.

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Fashion; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be
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When I'm hanging out with my mama friends, talk invariably turns to work -- whether it's current work, past work, or potential future work. And wherever you are on that spectrum, if you're in need of inspiration or some brainstorming help, consider investing a day exploring the options at the Detours&OnRamps forum next week (May 4) at Bentley. This event will focus on the topics of work/life balance, restarting a career, or making a career work for your family via speakers, practical breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.

As a partner of Detours&OnRamps, I'm thrilled to offer some registration deals for Boston Mamas readers:

1. For a limited time, Detours&OnRamps is offering a 2-for-1 registration bonus to Boston Mamas readers. When you register, include "Boston Mamas 2-for-1 special" + your friend's name where it asks "How did you hear about us?" The first 10 registrants to respond will receive 2-for-1 registration.

2. Mention Boston Mamas to save $25 off the day's $125 registration fee (which covers sessions, meals, and a goody bag). Simply enter "Boston Mamas" on the registration page where it asks "How did you hear about us?" and you'll receive a $25 credit within a day of registration.

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Family Issues; Mama in the Workplace
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Today, Kate shares a charming book series for girls:

When I was a young girl, my favorite gift to receive was one of the books in the Very Young series by photographer and writer Jill Krementz. Oversized and filled with gorgeous black and white photographs, each book follows a period in the life of a young girl -- all between 8 and 12 or so -- who excel in particular sports or hobbies: ballet, gymnastics, figure skating, horseback riding.

The text was adapted directly from the words of the girls themselves, and the books are formulaic in the best possible way: the design is the same for all of them, the stories follow the same sort of arc, and they can be read over and over with the same level of enjoyment. Best of all, the girls at the center of the books are sympathetic and natural, simultaneously remarkable for their achievement and dedication and just like every other girl their age.

The books were such a special part of my girlhood that I've kept them all these years, and I recently pulled them out of the closet to share them with my daughter (she is much younger now than I was when I first read them). Although the text is a little advanced for her -- I paraphrased the words rather than reading them all out -- the photographs are as compelling and the girls just as easy to relate to as I remember. The books are a little hard to find now, but they are available online and at used bookstores, and are definitely worth experiencing or re-experiencing. The girls and their stories are sure to charm.

Editor's Note: Reader Diane commented in via the Boston Mamas Facebook page that the series isn't just for girls. She notes that "A Very Young Circus Flyer is about a boy and I think there are others too." Thanks for the lead Diane!

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (6) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids; Tweens & Teens
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When Laurel started kindergarten in the fall, one transition we faced was that of being a one car family in which Jon needed the car most weekdays for his new job. The walk home from school seemed a bit long for Laurel (0.8 miles) but I was bolstered by: a) Kate's recommendation to just get Laurel used to walking (Kate is an urban planner/public transportation/on foot gal); and b) the realization that I used to walk that very same distance to and from my elementary school as a kid. Today's Be Out There idea is to walk it out, whether generally or for a cause.

Walk In General

I can't advocate enough for walking (or biking) in general with your kids. Ours is a car culture and I know that in some communities (e.g., rural, no sidewalks, etc.) it is challenging to not use a car, but if you live in a walk-friendly community, go for it! (Or if you're not in a walk-friendly community, consider talking a hike or walking laps on a school track.) As I mentioned, I had my doubts about Laurel being able to handle the 0.8 mile walk home from school and yes, the first couple of days she grumbled about it, but then the walk evolved into a fun and treasured part of our day -- a time where it is just us, holding hands, catching up about things. With the exception of a couple of torrential downpours this spring, we walk through all weather conditions and I have found that things like snow and rain don't bother Laurel a bit since she is geared up properly.

Now, like anything else, if your kids aren't used to walking very much, take baby steps: start with a walk to the nearby park, then go a little further to the drugstore around the corner to get a newspaper, then go a little further to the center of town to enjoy browsing around or getting a snack together. You'll be surprised by how kids acclimate.

Also, if you need inspiration and a more formal reminder to walk, check out this profile I did on Janie Katz-Christy. Janie is the force behind Green Streets Initiative's Walk/Ride Days -- a citywide celebration that encourages people to use alternative transportation.

Walk For A Cause

Another great inspiration to get out there with your kids is to walk for a cause. This is the time of year where you'll see a lot of cause-based walks happening and they are always replete with families hoofing it out together. For example, tomorrow (April 25) there is the Annual Stroll for Shaken Baby Prevention, Project Bread's Walk for Hunger on May 2, and NSTAR's Walk for Children's Hospital on June 13.

And then of course, very close to my heart, is the May 8 March for Babies, through which I have organized a formal team, Team Boston Mamas & Friends. I would love to have you walk with us, and would be super grateful if you would consider making a donation to the team or my personal page. Also, I am thrilled that these fellow local bloggers are rocking the walk as part of Team Boston Mamas and Friends:

Manic Mommies
Digital Dads
Mommy Bytes
Fairly Odd Mother
Momisodes
Hey Girl Momma Go
3 T Communications

It's not too late to join us if you want to walk or help fund raise. (And no, you don't have to be a blogger to hop on board!)

Happy walking!

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Eco Living
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This week when I was at the park with Laurel and some of her friends, out of nowhere, they got the idea to clean up the park. Gleefully, they ran around picking up trash, announcing their finds, and depositing the items next to me -- almost as if they knew I had this post on my editorial calendar. Today's Be Out There idea is to pitch in and help clean up your community. Tomorrow, families can participate in the DCR Park Serve Day and Charles River Cleanup (unfortunately registration for Boston Shines is now closed but this event is worth keeping tabs on for next year).

And if you can't make it out to one of these events, simply walk around your neighborhood with your kids and do a little community sprucing. This is a great way to lead by example, both for your kids and fellow residents.

Image credit: DCR Park Serve Day

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Eco Living; Fun Outdoors; Local
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And speaking of gardening, here's a relevant event to help spark your child's interest in nature. This Saturday (April 24, 11am - 3pm) at the Lands' End Shop at Sears (Burlington Mall), author Sharon Lovejoy will be on hand to sign books and introduce families to nature inspired activities (sunflowers! worms!) from her book Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks. Lands' End is hosting the event as part of their Way to Grow: Plant a Seed, Make a Difference initiative to connect families and schools through gardening. At the event, parents also can register to win gardening supplies and enter their school to win funds for gardening or science programs (you can also enter and vote for schools online). Happy gardening!

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Eco Living; Fun Indoors; Home; Local; Solutions
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When I was a kid, yard work always seemed onerous because all we did was remove stuff -- weeds, leaves, cut grass, etc. But oh the joy of adding. In alignment with Earth Day, today's Be Out There idea is to get up close and personal with the earth via gardening. The great thing about gardening projects is that they can be as simple or complex as you want them to be depending on your space, motivation, and need for immediate gratification. There are two scenarios for where to garden -- directly in the ground or in containers -- and two scenarios for what to plant -- seeds or already sprouted plants/flowers. We've tried all permutations and they all are rewarding. Here are some tips to get you and your kids going -- green thumbs totally not required.

Where to plant

Take a look at your space and note your sunniest spots. I've done everything from window boxes to a garden plot to terra cotta pots on the patio. Work with what you've got!

What to plant

Once you've decided on the where, decide on what your space can accommodate in the way of herbs, vegetables, and/or flowers. It's good to narrow the decision down before you go to the garden store; otherwise the options can get a little overwhelming. Also, engage your child's help in deciding what to plant. I narrow down, say, 5 options, then ask Laurel to pick her favorite 2 or 3. Giving her choice invests her in the process and it has even led to her consume vegetables she normally wouldn't touch.

If planting flowers, also think about the distinction between annuals or perennials. Annuals only last a year whereas perennials last across seasons. Given my desire for low maintenance gardening, I tend to opt for perennials.

As you think over the options, peruse these pretty pictorial tutorials from Real Simple -- RS offers lovely ideas for herb, salad, and cutting gardens, whether in a garden patch or container garden.

Head to the store

Your local hardware store should offer seeds, soil, and tools, but if you want to plant already started herbs, veggies, and flowers, visit Home Depot or head to a pretty garden center such as Mahoney's Garden Center or Pemberton Farms.

Note: we found peas, radishes, and beets very easy to grow from seed. We also recently planted wildflowers and nasturtium in container gardens from seed and it's been fun to watch them sprout.

Get planting

When you get home, lay all your materials out and get planting. Let your kids do as much as possible; encourage them to scoop and dump the dirt, plant the seeds (or place the plants or flowers in the soil), and water. Don't sweat it if they spill dirt, seeds, or water. Just enjoy the time outside together.

All done? Sit back and enjoy watching your garden grow!

Image credit: Perennial ground cover from Mahoney's Garden Center

A couple other links I wanted to share: if you want to "grow your own dirt" I highly recommend composting. This is the composter we use, which is nice in an urban environment since it has a very compact footprint. And if you want fresh grown veggies but don't have the space to grow your own, check out this guide for Boston area CSAs. Some of the CSAs are filled up but others have shares available. April is a happy returning shareholder at Siena Farms and we are trying Parker Farms for the first time this year.

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Eco Living; Home; Solutions
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Back in the B.C. (before child) era, Jon and I used to go camping periodically -- both hard core overnight backpacking and laid back car camping. Since then, our gear has sat unused the past six years, moved only during the two times we changed residence since Laurel was born. And while Laurel now is at an age where I think she'll love car camping, last week I found the tent to be a brilliant solution to get Laurel and her friend Annabelle to Be Out There.

Now, I admit to being the total girl in Jon and my relationship; during our previous camping adventures I favored collecting kindling and organizing the provisions over setting up camp. I pulled out our compact backpacking tent and was completely stumped. So I moved on to our giant Academy Broadway two-room tent (similar in concept to this Academy Broadway three room tent except ours has the main tent then a little side "porch" screened tent), found the two long cross poles, and yes, managed to pitch a tent for the first time. I was so proud. And I broke a sweat while I was doing it too. (Note: I didn't tell the girls about, or set up, the second room of the tent. That's an adventure for another day.)

Laurel and Annabelle went CRAZY. And proceeded to spend two hours in the backyard, running in and out of and around the tent. They loaded the tent up with furniture (Laurel's picnic table and some foldable chairs), gathered snacks and books, and engaged in all sorts of creative play around the tent. Somehow, bringing inside outside made everything way more fun.

So if you're like us and have a camping tent that's long gone neglected, give it new life as a kid's play structure outside. Or if you think you might be interested in camping with your family, consider investing in a tent. The Academy Broadway tent we own is no longer available online, but I was impressed to see on Amazon that you can get the same brand in two person, three person, and four person sizes for very reasonable prices (ranging from $24 - $53). The big three room tent is currently on sale for $135.

Happy camping everyone!

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Sports & Fitness
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One of the things I adore about Boston is that green space is so easily accessible. And whether you reside here or elsewhere, I hope you'll take the time to enjoy today's Be Out There idea: to take a hike, whether it's through the woods (as Jon is doing with Laurel today) or along a river or some other green space for a nature walk (as I've done with Laurel in the past). Laurel especially loves finding nature treasures (e.g., unusual rocks, already-fallen twigs, flowers that actually are weeds, etc.). She uses these treasures to create the sweetest centerpieces (see below).

For locals, I love the Department of Conservation and Recreation website as a resource. They make it super easy to find DCR parks and locations for specific types of nature activities (e.g., hiking, bike paths, nature trails, etc.) and family programs.

Also of note, now through April 25 is the National Park Service National Park Week, during which entrance to national parks across the country is free. Within the state by state listing, participating parks in Massachusetts include: Adams National Historical Park, Cape Cod National Seashore, John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, and Longfellow National Historic Site.

Happy hiking everyone!

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (6) | Filed in Eco Living; Fun Outdoors; Local; Sports & Fitness
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The forecast is looking pretty sweet this week, a very good thing for those of us negotiating April vacation week (or, you know, running marathons). Today's Be Out There idea is an easy but fun one: rock an outdoor celebration. Whether you want to introduce your kids to history or simply take in spectacle, there's the Boston Marathon to offer inspiration and the Patriot's Day parades and festivities in Boston (9am), Concord (9am), and Lexington (2pm) to offer reflection. Yes, parades and marathons involve standing once you get there, but there's always a lot of walking getting to and from the sidelines.

And if you're unable to attend these events, why not host your own parade? I've found that some of the most crazy and fun play emerges when we bring indoor toys outside. Whether you're on your own with your kiddo, or can rally some neighborhood kids, grab some musical instruments or household objects to bang on and shake (pots, pans, oatmeal containers filled with dry pasta, etc.) and parade around your backyard or up and down the street.

It sounds a little kooky but whenever Laurel and I do silly stuff like this we have the best time ever.

Image credit: Oompa Toys percussion set

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (4) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Given that I spent the majority of my childhood free time toy-free and playing outside, I have always been concerned about curbing material excess in Laurel's life, and aware of how important it is for her (and us) to be active outdoors. I thus was happy and honored to be invited to be part of the National Wildlife Federation's Founding Mothers, a group of women writers who will work to mobilize families outdoors in partnership with the NWF's Be Out There campaign.

There are a lot of reasons why it's important to be out there; I admit that I was more than a little horrified to see the statistic that these days, many kids spend only 4-7 minutes outside in contrast to 6-7 hours per day in front of electronic media. This, despite findings showing that outdoor play leads to increased creativity during play, enhanced concentration, and less aggression. It seems like a no brainer to be out there, right?

But I get it. It can be hard to motivate to get outside with your kids. It is easier to have your kids play video games or watch TV so you can deal with household minutia or catch up on work. But I hope you will think about change and sign the pledge to spend time outside with your kids. There's nothing formal or binding about the pledge; it's simply a solidarity type thing.

And given that: a) we enjoy the gift of living in a city where both urban and more bucolic outdoor adventures are within reach; and b) you may need a little inspiration for April vacation week, this week I will be sharing an idea each day to inspire you and your kids to Be Out There. (And fear not fantastic readers outside of Massachusetts: though there will be a local spin to each post, otherwise, the basic ideas will be applicable regardless of location.)

I hope to see you out there!

I'm honored to be in the company of these talented fellow National Wildlife Federation Founding Mothers. I hope you'll visit their sites.

Amie Adams (Mamma Loves)
Holly Ambrose (Tropic of Mom)
Kristin Brandt (Manic Mommies)
Leighann Calentine (D-Mom)
Veronique Christensen (Little Elephants)
Asha Dornfest (Parent Hacks)
Anna Fader (Mommy Poppins)
Ashley Gaddy (Fletcher and Lola)
Tracey Henry (Suburban Diva)
Jennifer James (Mom Bloggers Club)
Rachel Matthews (A Southern Fairytale)
Kim Moldofsky (Hormone Colored Days)
Cooper Munroe (The Motherhood)
Emily McKhann (The Motherhood)
Debi Pfitzenmaier (SA Busy Kids)
Liz Thompson (This Full House)

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (7) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Eco Living; Family Issues; Fun Outdoors; Local; Web (Admin)
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Here are some lovely links that caught my eye this week around the web. Clearly I've got DIY projects (and travel) on my mind. I love this pretty plantable paper project from Alpha Mom (shown) and this sweet paper corsage tutorial from Make and Takes. These homemade bath bombs from Petit Elefant would make a cute gift for mom or a girlfriend. If you're feeling really crafty and like sewing (and love embellished tops as much as I do), try these DIY embellished tops from BlogHer. And it's not DIY, but since I'm the minimalist mama, I can't help but love these minimalist travel tips from Gwen Bell. Happy reading!

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Arts & Crafts; Bath, Beauty & Health; Eco Living; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gifts & Paper; Home; Travel
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Last weekend Laurel and I had a fantastic time at the Down:2:Earth sustainable living expo. Laurel loved the face painting, games, snacks, and garden displays, and I was especially thrilled to see many green companies I have featured (Boston Organics, Bum Boosa, Diaper Lab, Go GaGa, Sakura Bloom, Seventh Generation, snackTAXI, Stonyfield) present, and also to discover new ones, such as Acero Studio. Mom-owned and based out of New Bedford, artist Anne Wolfe creates lovely vintage-styled graphics then hand prints them onto a delicious array of microwave and dishwasher safe ceramics and porcelain jewelry.

The designs are so clean and simple and pretty. I spent a good amount of time ogling the options, then Laurel picked out a pretty upcycled floral patterned container with a printed and painted butterfly on the lid (for my mother-in-law's upcoming birthday). Whether you're shopping for yourself, Mother's Day, or a birthday, definitely consider supporting local talent at Acero Studio. I know I'll be shopping there again soon.

Posted by Christine Koh on 17 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Eco Living; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gifts & Paper; Home
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These days I don't often get out to see live music (other than, um, children's music) so it was really fantastic to host some friends this week at the Straight No Chaser concert at the Wilbur Theatre, thanks to the generosity of Atlantic Records. And oh my word, it was awesome. Given that I was a musician in a previous life, I'm a critical listener and was truly impressed by the complexity and cleverness of SNC's arrangements, their phenomenal voices, and also the down to earth nature of the band; the guys are funny and don't take themselves too seriously, making for a show that's part stand-up comedy, part concert.

Yesterday I crawled out of the dark ages and signed up for a YouTube account so I could share the videos I shot from the concert. They include: I'm Yours/Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Billie Jean, and Fix You. Enjoy!

After experiencing their show, I couldn't resist peeking at SNC's tour schedule. Straight No Chaser is touring across the country in the coming months and the last chance to see them in Massachusetts on the current tour is in Northampton this Sunday, April 18 and one of the shows still has tickets available. If you can't get to a concert, consider picking up their With A Twist album, which released this week and is fantastic. As I watched SNC at the concert and as I have listened to them at home, I've been struck by: a) how successfully SNC elevates the a cappella art form; and b) how nice it is that this is music you can enjoy with your kids (the former music teacher in me will be talking to Laurel about the amazing ways in which the human voice can sound like different instruments).

As I mentioned, the members of SNC are very cool and down to earth. They were kind enough to do a little meet and greet with me and my friends before the show and they are so nice. Many thanks to the lovely Jennifer of Hey Girl Momma Go for snapping this picture of me and the guys (click image to enlarge). And thanks SNC for taking the time out of your pre-show routine to hang with us.

Finally, I have three copies of the new With A Twist CD to give away. Simply e-mail contests@bostonmamas.com with 'Straight No Chaser' in the subject and your mailing address in the e-mail (only to be used for the purpose of facilitating this giveaway) by midnight, Wednesday, April 21, 2010. I hope you love this album as much as I do -- I'm actually listening to it right now, while I'm shoring up this post.

Posted by Christine Koh on 16 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids; For Grownups; Fun Indoors; Local
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I'm currently in the final stretch training for Eat. Blog. Run. and at the beginning of April I decided to aid my training by eating super clean. Which meant -- gulp -- giving up dessert; not an easy task given my sweet tooth. However, I have found the perfect solution. A few weeks ago, we enjoyed the cutest little parfaits at a friend's house, and I have since replicated them to enjoy in place of dessert and also offer when we're hosting (guests similarly go bonkers over it). I hope you enjoy this perfect parfait as much as I do; it's great as a dessert replacement or for a healthful snack.

You will need:

Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Perri via Facebook:

Hello Boston Mamas, I'm (relatively) new to Boston and am looking for a great photographer to take some photos of my one year old. I'm looking for color and black & white, maybe some shots at Boston Common, and yes, at least one with the [Make Way for] Ducklings statues. Any suggestions?

Dear Perri,

Welcome to Boston and thanks for writing in! And you are in luck -- there are lots of amazing photographers in the Boston area who specialize in family photography. I have a few thoughts on this matter.

If you are -- like me -- a total commitment-phobe when it comes to childproofing (I opted to drive myself crazy being hypervigilant rather than installing anything with screws or adhesive), I've got a chic and sleek answer for you: Rhoost. This locally based company offers cabinet locks and table corner protectors that are blissfully minimal in design, cool in color palette, and easy to install. When I first laid my eyes on these products I immediately thought: a) I can't believe clunky and ugly childproofing has been the norm; b) I'm psyched someone local thought of this; and c) I hope they expand their product line because this rocks. Effective in preventing injuries, competitively priced, stylish, unobtrusive, screw and adhesive free, and made of material that's BPA-free, lead-free, phthalate-free, and 100% recyclable? Bring on the toddlers.

Want to be one of two winners to receive Rhoost products? Here's how:

I'm not sure what it is with kids and face paint, but when I mentioned to Laurel that there would be a face painter at Down:2:Earth, she immediately was on board about coming with me. Face painting was, in fact, our first stop at the expo and I was impressed with Jill Reed of Baja Face Painting. Friendly yet gentle in approach towards my initially shy girl, Jill queried Laurel on favorite colors then went to work on creating a fantastic full-face monarch butterfly with sparkling accents (to complement the costume Laurel put on in anticipation of said face painting).

Reed worked from a professional sized version of the Snazaroo rainbow face painting kit we own; the line is non-toxic, water-based, and easy to wash off. But the difference, of course, is her speed (she's fast, perfect for squirmy kids) and skill. Her work was so effective that Laurel stirred countless smiles and sighs and comments as we toured the expo (and Shops at Prudential Center), and as we walked up Boylston Street, an entire Boston Duck Tours bus yelled, "Hey pretty butterfly!" to Laurel. Pretty awesome.

So consider booking Baja Face Painting for your next kiddie party. And if you're feeling totally silly and have a kid who's begging to emulate this line of work (as Laurel was after we got home), break out your own kit and let your kid do something like this (a matching butterfly):

I totally earned some extra mom points yesterday don't you think?

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (4) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys; Kid's Parties; Local
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Today, Kate shares a great lead for fledgling and experienced crafters:

My mother was once a knitter and a sewer, as were my grandmothers. I dabbled in both a bit as a child and young adult, but I lacked the creativity and patience to give myself the time to let the skills grow and become something more interesting and more meaningful. I'd get interested, buy the supplies, work on a few projects that were over my head, get frustrated with my mistakes, and drop it all, once again convinced of my own inability to make anything beautiful or useful with my own hands. But I retained the familial sense that fabric crafts could be something ennobling and meditative, something worth pursuing if I could ever get myself into the right frame of mind for them.

Things changed this past year when I again took up knitting -- inspired to complete a blanket for my daughter and a scarf for a friend -- and then began to tentatively experiment with sewing and quilting. For both skills, I'm still only standing on the shoreline dipping my toe in, but I have passed an important threshold: I'm sticking with it, and I'm loving it. And in my fledgling efforts, I have been greatly assisted by the grande dame of Boston sewing and knitting stores: Windsor Button, on Temple Place. Although it does indeed carry a mind-boggling large and diverse selection of buttons, Windsor Button also offers an unpretentious and quite comprehensive array of knitting and sewing supplies. The store isn't chic -- it doesn't offer a fireplace and wine bar, like a lovely knitting store I recently discovered in Brooklyn -- but it's affordable and quirky and the staff is both happy to help and happy to let one wander the aisles without being bothered.

First opened in 1936, Windsor Button also feels like a step back in time. Whether you are experienced with threads and yarns or just starting, Windsor Button is a wonderful resource and a charming taste of old Boston.

Windsor Button, 35 Temple Place, Boston; 617-482-4969

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Local; Retail
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It's a spring full of science in Boston. And as a former scientist, I applaud these efforts to make science fun for kids, particularly programming designed to encourage girls to thrive in science alongside boys (I was one of few women in my lab during my postdoctoral fellowship...it made the need to pump in my shared-with-dudes office, well, awkward). Here are three great opportunities to get your kid's science mojo running this and next month:

There's so much creative, organic mojo going on this weekend in Boston. In addition to the Down:2:Earth sustainable living expo, consider CRAFTBOSTON, which runs today through Sunday at the World Trade Center. CRAFTBOSTON will feature 200 talented artists featuring lovingly handcrafted wares. Among those showing, I am utterly intrigued by Northampton artist Ananda Khalsa's tiny paintings set in metal jewelry (shown). Though definitely not for the faint of budget, Khalsa's little treasures look of heirloom quality. And there are also plenty of beautiful creations to be had at CRAFTBOSTON for under $100.

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Gifts & Paper; Home; Local; Retail
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Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Jan via e-mail:

We are visiting Boston this summer (from Ireland) with 3 kids (12, 10 and 5) and are looking for recommended kid-friendly restaurants, some free activities, best ice-cream, best toy shops, etc. We will have 10 days in Cape Cod then 10 days in Concord. We will have a car, and the house we are staying at in Concord is close to the train station so the plan would be to take the train into Boston.

Dear Jan,

Thanks for writing in! I'm thrilled that you and your family have chosen Boston for your summer vacation. You will enjoy amazing slices of Massachusetts by virtue of experiencing the beaches of Cape Cod as well as the bucolic and urban natures of Concord and Boston.

There's so much to do here! Here are some general recommendations to get you started:

Today, Jules shares a yummy way to treat beets:

Beets currently are en vogue due to their vibrant color and nutritional content, but if you have bad childhood memories of beets, or have never tried them, I suggest you give them a second (or first!) chance. Opt for classic red beets, or try gold beets, which have a beautiful and bright yellow hue, but are milder in flavor than -- and don't bleed like -- their red counterpart. Beets are packed with potassium, folic acid, and vitamin A and are more versatile than you might suspect, whether used in beet salad, beet risotto, or even the occasional brownie. Here's one of my favorite way to treat beets:

Roasted Beet and Lentil Salad

In a fit of panic during the (first) great flood of 2010, Jon and I made the mistake of using one of Laurel's (ratty but apparently beloved) beach towels to soak up water in the basement. She was distraught. It subsequently was oddly fortuitous that I received a towel buddy bag in the mail a couple of days later courtesy of The Children's Place. Laurel adores the pattern (shown) and has been wearing this towel around the house as a shawl ever since (said ratty and water logged old beach towel is a distant memory). And functionally, these cozy 100% cotton terry towels have a built in bag so you can stuff the towel inside itself, toss in other small essentials, pull the drawstring closure, and tote it backpack style. It's a brilliant solution for the beach, which finally seems like a not too distant reality.

Want to win a towel buddy bag from The Children's Place? Here's how:

Before it gets too hot to turn on your oven, try these cookies from Sarah Magid, recommended by Kate:

It took me several weeks after the grand opening to get myself to the new Cambridge Public Library, but on my first visit I stopped in my tracks to check out a selection of new books placed at the check-out desk. At the top of the display was Sarah Magid's Organic and Chic: Cakes, Cookies, and Other Sweets That Taste as Good as They Look, a delightfully pink and pretty cookbook dedicated to organic pastries and baked goods. I checked it out, renewed it, checked it out again, and have enjoyed practically every recipe I've made.

Magid is both a baker -- special-occasion cakes are her specialty -- and a stylist, and the visual design of the book reflects a clean, feminine aesthetic that I find a pleasure to read and bake from. The recipes are appealing and almost universally successful, and she actually manages to make elaborate frosting and decorating techniques feel within reach (not that I've tackled them yet). For anyone who enjoys baking, values organic ingredients, or just enjoys thumbing through a pretty cookbook, Organic and Chic is a terrific bet.

One of the entertaining elements of Organic and Chic is a chapter dedicated to Magid's re-conceptions of traditional junky treats -- Twinkies, Oreos, etc. -- using organic ingredients. Among the recipes is this fabulous one, meant to invoke the classic Girl Scout Thin Mint.

Sarah Magid's Skinny Mints
Makes about 30 cookies, depending on cutter size

Cookies

I am so very grateful that my work here at Boston Mamas has provided me a platform for philanthropy, and I'm thrilled to partner for a third year with the March of Dimes to support the March for Babies on May 8 at the Hatch Shell. This year I'm especially thrilled to collaborate on this effort with my amazing and talented friends over at Digital Dads and Manic Mommies. I hope you will join us -- Team Boston Mamas & Friends -- whether by walking with us, joining the team for fundraising (walking or not), and/or making a donation. No gift is too small and anyone is welcome to join the team. Thanks so much in advance for your support! Please email me if you have questions.

Also, if you are a blogger and join the team, please send me an email after you join the team with your link. I'll be linking up all participating bloggers in a future post. Thanks!

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Good Deeds; Local; Outreach; Web (Admin)
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Today, Kate recommends a great place to get messy with your kids:

"Although I generally enjoy apartment life, I do occasionally regret that we lack an extra room in which my daughter could give free (e.g., messy) reign to her artistic creativity. Given the chance, she loves nothing more than to cover herself in paint and glitter up to the elbows -- with some in her hair for good measure -- and we just don't have a space in which she can easily do that at home. Happily, the newly opened Muckykids Art Studio in the Porter Square neighborhood of Cambridge offers just the solution.

Owned and run by a local mother, teacher, and entrepreneur, Muckykids is a warm and inviting space filled with kid-sized furnishings and more art supplies and equipment than you can imagine. It's also bustling with kid-oriented and kid-driven projects, and the environment is so relaxed and encouraging that even the shyest kids feel comfortable trying out new things and testing out their artistic ideas.

Muckykids offers a mix of classes and open studio times during the week, and even hosts birthday parties. Muckykids is new to the neighborhood and is a wonderful addition for families; try it out and watch your little one light up at the opportunities there.

Muckykids Art Studio, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge; 617-354-0540

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Apr 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local
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Today, Michelle Stern of What's Cooking shares her killer applesauce recipe:

One of the Mommy & Me cooking classes I teach is called Eating the Alphabet: From Apples to Zucchini, and I figured I couldn't go wrong starting with something familiar but undeniably delicious: applesauce. Kids love it. Grownups love it. And it's insanely good when made from scratch. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Michelle's Applesauce

Ingredients:

Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Perri via Facebook:

Baby girl turns 1 this week and I wanted to find a cute T-shirt or onesie for her to wear on her special day. I saw a couple of cute (non-cheesy) items in Chasing Fireflies but unfortunately do not have time to order. Any ideas of local shops that might have some fun, cute, sassy, non-cheesy birthday gear?

Dear Perri,

Thanks for writing in! I'm often in the same boat as you; I love online shopping but often get to it too late (and I refuse to pay exorbitant expedited shipping costs!). Fear not, though, because we live in a city of retail awesomeness. There are so many baby and kid's boutiques in Boston and the surrounding communities, but here are a few great indie ideas to consider: