One of the indulgences associated with my first week recovering at home with Violet was watching a little daytime TV while nursing; in particular, The Nate Berkus Show. I met Nate at BlogHer and enjoyed joint interviewing him this past fall, but hadn't yet had a chance to see his show. He's just as adorable on TV as in real life, and my ears perked up during his segment on dessert flipping with Anne Thornton since I was planning on bringing thank you treats for the midwives and hospital staff when I went to my postpartum visit this week. So on Monday, I made four (yes, four) trays of Thornton's goodies. I wasn't the most efficient (that particular day Violet decided she didn't want to sleep more than 15 minutes at a time), but ultimately -- thanks to Laurel's help when she got home from school -- we made a double batch each of the peanut butter brownies and s'mores bars. And oh. my. yum.

Warning: These treats are super decadent -- not for those counting calories -- and absurdly yummy. The peanut butter brownies involve more steps but the layers are fantastic. When I make them again, I'll try skipping the raw peanuts layer -- the texture contrast is nice but I felt that the peanuts detracted from the peanut butter buttercream layer. And the s'mores are super easy -- I skipped the chipotle pepper powder and they were still great.

Whether you make these brownies and bars as gifts, for home, or for parties, I recommend cutting them into smaller squares than specified in the recipes since the treats are so rich. I cut the bars into approximate 1 inch squares and they looked really cute in the gift tins and also were a more reasonable serving size. Especially since I figured that people would want to sample both types of bars.

Posted by Christine Koh on 31 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Home; Recipes

My friend Amy Turn Sharp is a talented writer, a mamapreneur -- she and her husband craft lovely little wood toys for wee ones via their indie, eco business Little Alouette -- and she also has a baby in the house. So for today's four favorites guest post, I asked Amy to recommend four favorite (indie and eco-friendly) baby things that she and her son Scout are digging right now.

From Amy:

I am so excited to be guest posting for one of my favorite bloggers! I have a wee one in the house again and though we do have some plastic and battery operated toys, we otherwise try and stay as natural as we can with our play, keeping in mind the importance of quality over quantity with our kiddos and possessions. We really don't need so much for babies but it is wonderful to give them beautiful natural items that hopefully can be kept for future generations or passed on to other lucky kiddos. Here are my current favorite indie/eco-friendly baby things for Scout:

1. Barley and Birch one pieces. This is an amazing company. They use only certified organic cotton and water-based inks and they give back big time to lots of organizations. Love.

2. Soft baby toys. I love soft baby toys and this chicken is Scout's fave thing in world. Safe and charming. Go get yourself a cheeky chicken!

3. Rattles. Dress Me Up hails from Canada and is an indie maker of GORGEOUS baby goods. I love these organic rabbit rattles (shown above). They are so heirloom to me.

4. Wee baby shoes. Freshly Picked makes these amazing moccasins. They rock. So hip it hurts is her tag line. Love it. Scout rocks his moccs and all the girls swoon.

Wonderful picks, no? And I love supporting anything eco and indie! If you're not already reading Amy, definitely check out her blog. And when you're next gifting a wee one, consider the super cute wooden toys at Little Alouette. You can also follow Amy and Little Alouette on Twitter at @amyturnsharp and @littlealouette.

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys; Eco Living; Fashion; For Little Ones

During a recent play date at a friend's house, Laurel fell in love with playing marble solitaire. I had never seen this game before but I loved the simplicity, compactness, and natural look (it's simply a wood base + marbles). And admittedly, I wanted to have a crack at the game myself. I ordered the game to include in Laurel's big sister gift bag from Violet and we've since had a great time playing, whether together or in solitary form. The concept is simple -- set up the marbles with an empty space in the center and every time you jump a marble (as in checkers), place the jumped marble in the circular holder rim. The object is to clear the board. The best I've gotten to so far is five marbles remaining; I hope to improve on that soon!

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys

Asha Dornfest of Parent Hacks is one of my favorite people on the planet, both online and in real life. Via Parent Hacks, Asha has built a wonderful community around the sharing of all things practical, yet she also is a deep thinker who ruminates continually on the complex well beyond the nuts and bolts hacks of life. So for today's four favorites guest post, I asked Asha to share four ways to help older children adjust to a new family member.

From Asha:

Of all the transitions that happen in a child's life, gaining a new sibling is one of the biggest. I mean, a new kid in the family. Someone else calling you "Mommy" and "Daddy." A partner in childhood and life. Profound, world-changing stuff.

And while it's impossible to generalize too much about the experience, here are four things to keep in mind as you consider how to help your child adjust to a new, bigger family:

1. Stay relaxed and positive about change. If your older child is like mine, change is fraught with anxiety. So it's natural to want to comfort her about the arrival of a new sibling. My (perhaps odd seeming) advice is to hang back a little. Treat the new baby's arrival as a normal, happy occasion, not a traumatic (if joyful) upheaval. It's a delicate balance. You want to respect your older child's understandable fear about what the future with a new sibling will hold, but you also want to project an attitude of calm, confident, "it'll be just fine"-ness. Try not to talk through every possible change or what-if scenario -- many of which won't come to pass anyway. Address fears openly and warmly, but briefly. Treat your older child as if you are fully confident in his/her ability to both handle the change and be a wonderful helper and role model. This is a chance to demonstrate your belief in your child, and to appeal to his/her desire to be the "big" one.

2. Plan for regular one-on-one check-in time with your older child. Can you think of a time, most days, when you can spend a few minutes uninterrupted with your older child? Perhaps a snuggle and chat at bedtime, or a cocoa break after school? You will naturally be strapped for time and lap space after the baby arrives. But if your older child can look forward to regular "Mom and me" time, those moments will be easier to take.

3. Involve your partner and your child's friends. This is the ideal moment for your older child to create new, special rituals with your partner, a family friend, or an extended family member. And play dates! Use this time to help your child strengthen his relationships with the other loving adults in his life, and deepen his own friendships.

4. Expect kindness, but don't push. Many kids await the arrival of a baby with eager anticipation. I know one little girl who pointed at her mother's pregnant belly and exclaimed, "I'm going to LOVE this kid!" But others are ambivalent and even suspicious. "How can I love the baby? I don't even KNOW him!" Remember that the latter response is okay. As long as your older child's words and actions are kind (or at least neutral), let the relationship take its own course. Don't pressure her to kiss, hug, or hold the baby. Point out how much the baby loves her. Express your delight when your older child reaches out to the baby, and impartially ignore the times she doesn't. Pretty soon, your two children will have grown closer all on their own.

Such wise words from Asha, wouldn't you agree? If you're not yet reading Parent Hacks, you'll find so much goodness in Asha's sharing. You can also follow Asha on Twitter at @parenthacks.

Image credit: Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (4) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Family Issues

One thing is for sure: in this fast paced, instant gratification world of social media, being an online person who disappears for a few days apparently results in some digital hand wringing. When I finally turned my Blackberry back on following 58 hours of labor, I was touched and surprised to see so much concern about my whereabouts on Twitter and Facebook. There have been some frequently asked questions, and I thought I'd share the responses here since some of the information may be handy to other expecting parents.

Q: 58 hours of labor? Seriously? What was that all about?

This by far has been the most frequently asked question! I recently wrote about my birth story if you want all the details, but in short, yes, it was really that long! I spent about 48 hours in early labor (though at some points it felt as if I was transitioning to active labor), and that may have been in part due to the fact that Violet was in an awkward position that slowed her descent.

Q: Where did you deliver?

I was private about this question in advance of the delivery because some of the media requests I received asking for this information weirded me out. Apparently, because I was willing to be interviewed for print about things like grooming before and after delivery, some people also figured I'd be willing to be filmed in the hospital (um, no). However, now that we're through the process, I cannot say enough good things about the Cambridge Birth Center and Cambridge Hospital.

When I learned I was pregnant, I knew that I wanted to work with established midwives and the Cambridge Birth Center and Mount Auburn Hospital were recommended by my PCP. I have heard great things about the midwife group at Mount Auburn, but that is where my father and grandparents died, so I didn't want to be in that thinking space in labor and delivery. Plus, admittedly, I liked the idea of being near Inman Square, since I figured there would be good food and retail distractions for Jon and Laurel should they need it.

One thing I loved about the Cambridge Birth Center is that it is its own house, right across from the hospital. I received all of my prenatal care there and would have loved to deliver there too, but ultimately, because I was trying for a VBAC I needed to deliver at the hospital. However, there was always a midwife on call at the hospital (and it was a midwife who delivered my baby...I didn't see the MD on call until after the birth) and the hospital staff in labor and delivery and the maternity suite were fantastic. I truly couldn't have asked for a better birthing experience...they were amazingly supportive of my desire for natural childbirth.

Q: So, did you primp in the hospital?

Well, I've written here about how the points I made in the Globe article were not to suggest that I think people need to don full makeup in the hospital -- my point was about general self care. And I think the best thing I did this time around -- both for my own spirits and to be more happily attentive to Violet -- was showering, brushing my teeth, and brushing my hair while in the hospital (and since returning home). Seriously! After I delivered Laurel, I was in the hospital for five days because of the C-section and did not shower that whole time. I can't remember if I brushed my teeth and I'm fairly certain I didn't brush my hair. Suffice to say, I felt gross. This time, I have showered every day since delivering Violet and that simple act goes a long way in making one feel human. Add in brushing my teeth and combing my hair and I feel like a million bucks. I did brush on some concealer one day in the hospital, and that felt pretty nice, especially since it made me look a little less scary since my eyes were all bloodshot (more on that in a second).

So bottom line, a little basic self care post-delivery goes a long way!

Also, I recommend taking care of yourself in advance of delivery, not only because it will be more challenging to do so after the delivery, but because when you're hugely pregnant, it just feels nice to take care of yourself. In the weeks leading up to my due date, I took care of grooming matters that I normally enjoy -- mani/pedi, hair cut, eyebrow wax... Funny enough, I received a shocking number of compliments on my pedicure in the hospital.

Q: How has Laurel reacted to her new sibling?

Kids no doubt react very differently to a new sibling and I won't be surprised if we hit some rebellious patches, but to date, Laurel's response to her new sister has been amazing. She already feels so protective of Violet and loves holding her...it's unbelievably sweet.

That said, I think it's important not to take older kids for granted when a new baby come along. I put together a little gift bag for Laurel from Violet and Laurel loved that. Also, my in laws came bearing gifts for both girls. And possibly the best and most simple gesture came from my sister Jenn. When Jenn walked into the hospital room, Laurel said, "Do you want to hold Violet?" and Jenn said, "Actually, can I give you a hug first?"

Also, since returning home, I've made a point to carve out one on one time with Laurel, whether it's cuddling and reading or working on homework or whatever. I think this has helped the transition a lot.

Q: Aside from the crazy long labor, has anything surprised you?

Actually, there are a few things -- the first of which really shouldn't surprise me. And that is how startlingly knowledgeable people on a maternity ward can be. When I was pushing, the midwife told me to open my eyes otherwise they'd get all bloodshot (I had never heard of that before). I tried but found it hard to resist closing them, and the next day I woke up with bloodshot eyes. Also, when I was moving from the delivery to postpartum room, the nurse warned me that some people get woozy and pass out and asked if I needed a wheelchair. I said no, of course I was fine and we started to walk and then I said I was starting to feel woozy. Then I passed out standing up, apparently with my eyes completely open. A wheelchair arrived just in time to catch me and the nurse immediately produced smelling salts (which really do work). Remarkable.

Second, I have a new perspective on people who are in a profession where they might not yet have experienced the core event itself. Meaning, admittedly sometimes I've been surprised to meet women who are doulas who aren't mothers themselves. But clearly, being passionate about a profession and logging enough hours of experience makes all the difference. Our intake nurse was not a mom and she was phenomenal; she knew what to do at every single turn and her presence was an enormous source of comfort for me. Same goes for the (not yet a mom) nurse who helped me address a breastfeeding problem the day we were leaving the hospital.

And finally, I've been surprised by how awesome it's been to have a second go at parenting and how smooth the transition has been so far. Everyone talks about how hard and onerous additional children can be but Jon and I are over the moon. I mean, yes, sleep is now interrupted and we have to think a little more when planning logistics, but it feels great to be so relaxed about things this time around -- for example, we don't completely freak when Violet cries and just don't sweat the small stuff. Also, remarkably, Jon and I grew closer than ever following Violet's birth experience; it's just been wonderful all around and we are very, very grateful.

Image credit: phanlop88 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Family Issues; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum

The thing about my friend Jenny (aka The Bloggess) is that online she is this absurdly funny, irreverent writer (who writes about everything from parenting to sex to clowns to zombies -- all with a healthy dose of the f-bomb), yet she is -- while still being very, very funny -- an utterly sweet snuggle bunny in person. Jenny's blog never fails to make me laugh (her responses to PR pitches are particularly hysterical), so for today's four favorites guest post, I asked Jenny to share what she finds funny -- to recommend four websites that will make you laugh so hard you'll be crying alongside your baby.

From Jenny:

My friend Christine asked me if I'd write about the "four websites that will make you laugh so hard you'll be crying alongside your baby" and I said I would except I don't even have a baby and now I feel kind of weird because it's possible that she has me confused with someone else and will be terribly disappointed when she realizes who I am. But regardless, I do have four websites that I love because they are hysterical and also because each of the people writing them are all genuinely nice people.

Unlike polar bears, who are not people at all.

1. Hyperbole and a Half. I used her pain scale (pictured in part above) last time I went to the ER. They gave me major narcotics. Yay for drawings!

2. David Thorne. There's not really a good way to describe him so I won't.

3. The Adventures of Dr. McNinja. "How stupid of me. That was the sound of chainsaw NUNCHUKS."

4. Natalie Dee. She inspired me to start blogging. This is all her fault.

So there are four funny blogs to add to your feed reader. And if you aren't following The Bloggess, this would be a good time to do so. You can also follow Jenny on Twitter at @TheBloggess.

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Grownups

I can't believe it's been one week since Violet was born. She is such a love and Laurel is a wonderful big sister; we feel so grateful every day. And one thing is for sure; it's very easy for the days to slip away -- I feel fantastic and full of energy (compared to how depleted I felt after Laurel's C-section...I even made lasagna yesterday!) and I love snuggling with Violet during the day, and reconnecting as a family after Jon and Laurel get home from work/school. Anyway, a lot of people have been asking about photos. Here are two from when we were in the hospital. I know I'm biased, but isn't Violet the cuteness? She's plumping up nicely; I laughed out loud when I found out yesterday at the pediatrician that she gained 6 ounces in two days. Clearly, milk supply (and demand) is not a problem.

Also, aren't these flowers beautiful? The colors are so very appropriate for baby Violet; the arrangement came from my mom via Brattle Square Florists -- they always do such beautiful work!

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (22) | Filed in Web (Admin)

Words cannot sufficiently express how much I adore Liz Gumbinner and Kristen Chase. These ladies are smart, funny, and have fantastic taste -- and they share all of their favorite picks via Cool Mom Picks and their newer site, Cool Mom Tech. For today's four favorites guest post, I asked Liz and Kristen to share their four favorite apps for moms. As a Blackberry user, I'm completely clueless in the apps department, but one of these days I'm hoping to join the app world. Meanwhile, all of you app savvy users can benefit from their research.

From Liz and Kristen:

We are just thrilled that Christine's lovely family of three is now an even lovelier family of four. No matter how many kiddos you have, a little extra help to make life easier is always welcome. We depend on our iPhones to streamline as much as possible. Yes, they're not just for Angry Birds.

With the help of smart apps that are like having an extra hand or a few hundred more brain cells, we're able to save time and get more done. Maybe even drink an only once reheated cup of coffee. So grab your phones and take a look at four of our faves:

1. Intuition. This free, simple app allows you to track your calendars, appointments, and to-do lists all in one place. We especially like how you can add tasks based on location, which is great for when you've got multiple errands to run.

2. Moms Made Easy. Keep all your kids' vital info -- everything from social security numbers to medical information -- all together with this secure, password protected app. You can even have it send you reminders for birthdays, appointments, or you know, Real Housewives premieres. Ahem.

3. TeuxDeux. To-do lists never looked so good (and organized) with this app from design guru and swiss miss author Tina Roth Eisenberg. Nothing fancy here -- just add your tasks on the corresponding dates and cross them off when you're done. But it's about 400 times better than using the old envelope that's sitting on your desk.

4. Red Rover. This app may be the new standard in location-based apps for parenting. Sort of FourSquare for the playdate set, but it's less about checking in and more about spontaneous meetups when you find yourself at the library or the park with a few hours to kill. Plus it feeds you local activity ideas, restaurants with clean changing rooms, and it looks fantastic.

If you aren't already reading Liz and Kristen, you won't regret starting now. You can find them at Cool Mom Picks and Cool Mom Tech (@coolmompicks and @coolmomtech on Twitter) and I also highly recommend that you follow their hilarious personal blogs at Mom-101 (@Mom101 on Twitter) and Motherhood Uncensored (@thatkristen on Twitter).

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Home; Solutions

I wasn't terribly organized in the nesting department, but one thing I did square away last month was a line up of wonderful guest posts to share with you all while I'm enjoying a bit of a babymoon with little Violet. I decided on the theme of "four favorites" since we're now a family of four (and I later realized the fitting visual alignment with four-leaf clovers, given that Violet was due on St. Patrick's Day). I was truly touched that the super busy and talented friends I reached out to graciously agreed to guest post for this series. I hope you enjoy their fantastic posts, which I'll start running tomorrow. To whet your appetite, here's just a sampling of some of the amazing writers who will share ideas and inspiration in the coming weeks:

Katherine Center
Lindsay Ferrier
Gretchen Rubin
Sharon Couto
Natalie Zee Drieu
Joslyn Taylor
Amy Turn Sharp

...and even more awesomeness forthcoming!

Image credit: Clover pendant from As Luck Would Have It

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Web (Admin)

Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Katie via the Boston Mamas Facebook page:

Dear Boston Mamas, I am looking for ideas on how to incorporate a nursery/baby area into our guestroom/study. We don't have a lot of room, and this is my first baby -- what do I need and what don't I need? Where should I get things?

Dear Katie,

Thanks for writing in and congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope everything is going smoothly.

Your question is an excellent one, because as beautiful as magazine-spread nurseries are, the reality -- particularly given that we live in a city where square footage is precious and expensive -- is that not everyone has expansive room for a nursery. Never mind the fact that there are a lot of items that are touted as "must have's" that aren't really necessary. My approach is minimalist and with Laurel, we were in the exact same situation as you are space-wise. And with my newborn daughter, we don't even have a room appointed for her (I'll address that issue below as well).

Here are my thoughts on the true essentials:

1. A place to sleep. We started Laurel in a Moses basket. It was the one splurge-type item I purchased (I bought a more expensive version than the one shown/linked to, back when Babystyle was in business) but it ended up being an essential because we could keep it in our room with us (co-sleeping didn't work for us since Laurel was a thrasher) or relocate it around our apartment as needed. And then we used it to help transition Laurel to her crib -- by placing the basket in the crib and then removing the basket once she was comfortable with the environment. So I recommend a Moses basket (the one I linked to here is very affordable), or you could just go for a crib straight out -- you'll need the crib itself + sheets, and you may also want a waterproof mattress pad or cover. A bumper, however, is not essential, nor are lots of other fancy bedding items.

2. Clothing storage. Because of all the frequent spitting up and diaper leaks, you'll need to access baby clothes a lot, so it helps to have a dedicated storage area. When we were expecting Laurel, I bought a large, wide dresser on Craigslist (3 smaller drawers in the top row, then 6 larger drawers -- 2 across, 3 down -- underneath).

3. Changing area. I think stand alone changing tables are unnecessary, particularly if you're cramped on space, but having a baby requires a lot of diaper changes so you will need an area where you can change the diapers and stow supplies. When I was looking for the dresser mentioned above, I searched for one that would be a similar height to a changing table so that we could use the top as the changing area. Then I simply bought a contoured changing pad plus a couple of fitted covers. It was the perfect space saving solution!

Now, a few notes on the three items above that are related to space-saving + our new baby. As I mentioned, we don't have a dedicated room for the baby at this point. We do live in new construction, however, with ample closet space and Laurel's room and our master bedroom are very large. So, first, we will use the Moses basket in our room and probably eventually set up the crib in our room for a while. Second, I reorganized Laurel's closet and made room for a set of these Sterilite stacking drawers. I reorganized the drawers of Laurel's dresser so that Laurel has three large drawers but the rest of her clothes live in the closet (shelving, hangers, new stacking drawers) and her sister's clothes and diapering essentials live in the remaining dresser drawers + one shelf of the closet. Third, the contoured changing pad has made its return to the top of the dresser. And if I need to change her sister while Laurel is sleeping, I'll just do it on a changing mat elsewhere in the house.

Optional things:

Literally, those are the only three items you really need to ready a nursery for baby! When we had Laurel we fit the dresser (with changing pad) + crib in a modest sized room with a guest bed + office desk. However, here are a few optional items that might come in handy (we had the first two bullet point's worth in our little guest room/nursery for Laurel):

Hello everyone! As you may have gathered from my absence here the last few days, the baby has arrived! It was not a fast journey -- I wish I was kidding in reporting that I endured 58 hours of labor (including excruciating lower back pain during contractions due to the baby's positioning), but I'm thrilled that my desire for a natural birth panned out and that the baby latched right on after delivery. Jon and I were so grateful to the wonderful midwife, doula, and hospital staff that helped us through the process and Laurel is thrilled to be a big sister...she said she doesn't want to leave her little sister's side for her whole life.

And thanks to everyone who weighed in online and offline, we had over 150 names to consider in our quest for a girl's name. What an amazing community this is! So without further ado, Jon, Laurel, and I joyfully announce the arrival of baby Violet. She is beautiful and healthy and already has the cutest chubby cheeks and haunches. What a gift.

Image credit: Posh Peacock

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (56) | Filed in Web (Admin)

Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Amy via the Boston Mamas Facebook page:

Dear Boston Mamas, do you know of any St. Patrick's Day parades downtown or in the metro-Boston area? It's our first year here and we'd love to take our 2 year old to a parade!

Hi Amy,

Thanks for writing in! I adore the spectacle of parades, but since I've been assuming that I'll either be in labor or recovering with a wee one (my due date is St. Patrick's Day), admittedly, I haven't been thinking too much about parades for this weekend!

However, clearly others have and there will be plenty of celebration to be had in the Boston area! I did a little hunting around online for you -- here are a few thoughts:

1. Amazingly, there's a website dedicated to collecting information about St. Patrick's Day parades around the world. Check out the Boston page for details, but in short, the Boston parade will take place this Sunday (March 20) at 1pm in South Boston. If you scroll down, there are also listings for parades in Abington, Yarmouth, Holyoke, Lawrence, Scituate, Worcester, and Manchester, NH.

2. If you'd like to enjoy a pint with the crowd (we've found pubs to be remarkably kid-friendly...and often times we're just stopping in for a snack), here's an impressive listing of Irish pubs in the Boston area.

3. And (no doubt because I'm itching to get back to running with my secondhand jogging stroller) those who'd like to burn some calories before enjoying a pint can participate in a run this week. The South Boston St. Patrick's Day road race takes place on Sunday, March 20, and there are a number of other fun runs/walks happening Thursday to Sunday in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Interested runners can visit the Cool Running race page and select "Massachusetts" via the "By Location" search engine on the left side. The results will return options spanning different distances (e.g., 5K, 10K, 4-5 miles) and towns (e.g., Somerville, Woburn, Holyoke, Marshfield, Lynn).

I hope this information is helpful Amy! Enjoy the holiday!

Have a question for Christine? Drop her a line! And of course feel free to comment in if you have recommendations beyond those made above.

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Dear Boston Mamas; Fun Outdoors; Holidays; Local; Spring; Web (Admin)

I was truly honored when Momversation invited me to become part of this amazing group of panelists, and one of the projects I'm working with them on involves fostering dialogue around family and food, a subject about which I'm super passionate. I'll be participating in a series of these food chats through the remainder of this year; the project is sponsored by Ragú® (who I was thrilled to learn makes organic products, btw), and my first video with the lovely Whitney Moss and Mindy Roberts focuses on tips around involving kids at mealtimes. I've embedded the video below (it's just under three and a half minutes) for your viewing pleasure -- enjoy!

Note: This video was produced in partnership with Ragú® and Momversation's Mom's the Word on Dinner Program. You can find out more about the program and join in on the conversation at the Ragú® Sauce Facebook page.

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing; Momversation; Web (Admin)

Today, Carole Arsenault of Boston Baby Nurses shares tips for traveling with baby:

Whether your baby is newly born, a few months old, or nearing a year, the better prepared you are for any trip you're taking, the happier everyone will be. So rule #1 is to plan ahead. You really want to keep your baby's needs in mind as you decide where to go, where to stay, and how you're going to get there. After that's decided, you'll want to plan additional details, such as what to pack, ideally no later than two weeks before your trip. Make lists and check things off as you go. Here are a few areas you'll want to focus on:

1. Air travel. Call your airline ahead of time to find out how much your baby's ticket will be. Yes, it may sound strange, but even if you will be holding your baby during the flight, you will have to pay a fee and get your baby his/her own ticket. And while you may save money by not buying a seat for your baby, sometimes it can be worth the extra cost. Having your baby restrained in a car seat during the flight is not only safer, but will give your family a bit of extra room, which will inevitably add to everyone's experience. You'll also want to ask the airline what the baggage allowance is for your baby, if there's a bassinette on board for longer flights, and whether or not you can use a stroller right up to the gate.

2. Car travel. If traveling for several hours by car, be sure to plan several stops along the way so that you can feed baby, change diapers, and allow baby to be out of the car seat for a while.

3. Accommodations. Call around to different hotels, resorts, or to friends and family you might be visiting and find out what baby gear -- such as cribs, strollers, and high chairs -- may already be available. Also, know beforehand whether there will be laundry options available to you during your stay so you can adjust the amount of clothes you'll need to pack.

4. Childcare and baby concierge services. Depending on your budget and the primary goals for your trip, enlisting the help of a baby nurse/nanny to accompany you, or a baby concierge service to supply you with essentials where you're going, may help make your trip go more smoothly.

5. Baby care essentials. You will need basic baby care items while on your trip, so be sure think about your options and which makes the most sense for your family. You can pack extra diapers and wipes and bring them with you, go on a shopping trip once you get to where you're going, or send them ahead of time so they're waiting for you. Other items you may want to bring for your baby include:

Now that we're finally getting tastes of spring weather, it's the perfect time to think about moving in ways other than hoisting a snow shovel. For inspiration, check out my latest episode of Life.Style, during which I chat about home and studio fitness solutions with Renee Ross and Lisa Johnson (of Modern Pilates). We covered everything from home fitness programs, to gear essentials, to tips for finding the right gym/studio, to recommendations for people who feel they don't have time for self-care, to tips for shaking up your fitness routine. Check out the episode for full commentary and inspiration. And for easy reference, below are links that were shared during the interview. Enjoy!

Links shared during Renee Ross interview

Modern Mom fitness challenge
EA SPORTS Active Challenge
Renee's EA SPORTS interview
Renee's post weight loss video
Exercise TV
Jillian Michaels
Spark People
The Wave
Couch to 5K
Polar heart rate monitor
Daily Mile
Netflix

Links shared during Lisa Johnson interview

AOL's That's Fit
Aircraft Aerial Arts
Hoopnotica

Also, for updates about Life.Style, I've now got a Facebook page for the show; come join along!

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Life.Style with Christine Koh; Sports & Fitness; Web (Admin)

Laurel definitely has the design bug, and when she recently became obsessed with and started sketching wedding dresses, part of me couldn't believe she'll be one of those girls who will be able to say, "I dreamed about my wedding dress since I was six years old!" and part of me was stunned by the creativity, color, and detail she includes in her designs. Even so, Laurel knows that white is the norm, and given that she has has asked me if it's OK that her dresses are super colorful, I was thrilled to find this Brides from Around the World Paper Dolls book while shopping around for a few "from baby sister" gifts.

Including four paper doll models and 28 bridal outfits from around the world (including Korea, yay!), the illustrations are colorful and artfully detailed and the booklet includes descriptions about each country's wedding apparel and ceremonies. The only negative is that the paper dolls and dresses are not perforated, so good cutting skills by the child or help from a grownup will be required. But for $6.95, the visuals, historical lessons, and play are worth some scissor time. I can't wait to gift this activity book to Laurel!

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys

Whether you're early or late in your pregnancy, read on for my thoughts on One Year to an Organized Life with Baby, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a copy of One Year:

To be perfectly frank, when I received a copy of One Year to an Organized Life with Baby for editorial consideration, I initially fretted a little. Why? Because by my typical obsessed-with-Excel-and-Outlook-to-do-list standards, I've been something of a slacker in the baby organization department. (Actually, I like to think that I've just been really chill and Zen about the whole baby thing.) I was concerned that this would be a "should" book, replete with non-essential super mom type tasks that would make me feel bad about myriad things unaccomplished. Never mind that I was looking at this book well into my third trimester.

But then I sat down and started flipping through the book. And I started smiling. One Year to an Organized Life with Baby is a book that is tangible in scope -- perfect for those who need guidance on what to get done, and in a totally doable fashion. Each chapter represents one month (starting at 8 weeks pregnant and running all the way to 20 weeks postpartum) and presents a short summary of the month and then a breakdown of each week of that month. And each week describes the how-to for a tangible and practical number of items (i.e., small...sometimes only one item!) to address each week, spanning everything from conquering clutter on your desk or in your closet (first author Regina Leeds is a professional organizer after all...), to working out logistics such as child care, a birth plan, and maternity leave (second author Meagan Francis is a mother of five after all...), to the more psychologically complex, such as negotiating new and old friendships, co-parenting, and toxic relationships. The book is peppered with handy call out boxes (e.g., issues to cover when devising your birth plan) for easy reference.

As I mentioned earlier, I opened this book late in my pregnancy, but two things quickly became clear. First, as disorganized (or laid back) as I've been this go around, it was gratifying to flip through the early chapters and confirm that I have covered the important bases (e.g., arranging child care post-baby). Meaning, the book is not filled with superfluous super mom type tasks -- it covers key nuts and bolts to offer guidance to new moms or provide a refresher (and probably some new nuggets of wisdom) for experienced moms. And second, even this late in the game (I'm due one week from today), this book not only will help me with the to-do's of the final stretch (such as that hospital bag Jon keeps bugging me to pack...), but will help me keep my head on straight in the 5 months postpartum, particularly given that I'm a freelancer without a formal maternity leave plan.

Now, want to be one of three winners to receive a copy of One Year to an Organized Life with Baby? Here's how:

I know I've been lucky to have such a wonderfully smooth pregnancy, carrying on per usual with everything in life. However, some typically onerous chores have take on even more onerous dimensions -- such as house cleaning. I'm good at cleaning when I get to it, but it's just not among my favorite things to do, particularly when super pregnant. Subsequently, a few weeks ago I called some eco-friendly cleaners to book a one-time pre-baby cleaning, but I either received no response or was told that there was no immediate availability or that one-time cleanings were not possible. So last week, when a Boston Sparkling Clean deal rolled through my e-mail via Buy With Me, I immediately bought a voucher (well, after doing due diligence by looking at their website and finding some positive Yelp reviews online).

And oh my word, did they deliver. Boston Sparkling Clean is a family-owned local business that does home or office cleanings, and they will do one-time or regularly scheduled cleanings. The promotional voucher was for two hours (two cleaners, up to 2,000 square feet) for $75 instead of $150, with a $40 per hour add on fee if you needed time above the two hours.

Here's why I was thrilled with Boston Sparkling Clean and highly recommend booking them:

1. After my earlier failed attempt to book a cleaner, I wasn't holding out hope that I could book an appointment before the baby arrived. But Boston Sparkling Clean booked me within a week of contacting them.

2. They bring the cleaning tools (vacuum, mops, etc.) but will use your cleaning supplies -- which was perfect for us since we only use eco-friendly cleaning supplies in our home.

3. The two women who came to do the cleaning did a phenomenal job. Admittedly, our house was in pretty sorry shape to begin with (we definitely needed the extra hour, and we told them not to even bother with the loft), but literally, all the surfaces on our first two floors are now sparkling clean. Especially awesome? Our rugs are pristine. (We have wall to wall carpeting in two bedrooms + two area rugs downstairs -- which is cozy yet problematic given that vacuuming is the bane of my existence.)

4. They tended to little details without us asking. In my mind, I was just happy to get the bathrooms and kitchen scrubbed and the rugs vacuumed. But they dusted everything, cleaned areas that I didn't even realize really needed cleaning (but love now having clean), obliterated even the most resistant dust bunnies hiding in my office, and even arranged all of Laurel's stuffed animals on top of and under her loft bed (and believe me, there are a lot of them). Laurel freaked out when she saw her room ("I can't believe how much I love my room!") and said she's now inspired to keep her room neat -- sweet! (And she's not the only one -- I've been obsessively putting things back in their places and keeping up with the dishes since Boston Sparkling Clean departed yesterday afternoon.)

I originally figured this would be a one-time booking -- a little pre-baby gift to myself -- but after the fantastic job that Boston Sparkling Clean did, Jon and I are planning on booking them monthly. We received a ballpark estimate of around $95-120 for regular cleanings -- a monthly expense that seems well worth it if it means more time to snuggle my kiddos and less time feeling guilty about, or grossed out by, the state of my shower.

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Domestics; Eco Living; Local

Well, friends, my due date is St. Patrick's Day, but clearly, I'm not going to be the only lucky one. I adore the Flip camcorder; I carry mine everywhere and it has proven fantastic for capturing video for family (far away relatives need not worry about missing out on Laurel's school plays and concerts), work (the tech guys at Life.Style have been super impressed with the quality of my on the fly interview footage), and fun (thanks to the easy interface I set up a YouTube channel...I'm a little shocked by how many people have viewed my Straight No Chaser clips). So how cool is it that as part of my Giveaway Goodness series, the kind folks at Flip want to gift one of you fabulous readers with either their shamrock or retro clover UltraHD 8GB (2 hour) Flip camera? Totally awesome! Check out the rules below to enter to win:

Rules:

I'm thrilled to partner for a fourth year with the March of Dimes to support the March for Babies on May 7 in Boston. Last year's rain didn't deter the spirit of the team (even the kiddos...and this year I plan on toting my wee one!), and I hope you will join us -- Team Boston Mamas & Friends -- whether by walking, joining the team for fundraising (walking or not), and/or making a donation. Truly, 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 or business owner 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 and business owners in future posts + have some other cool incentives to share!

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Good Deeds; Local; Outreach; Web (Admin)

Today, Jules shares a fantastic local chocolate find:

Mothers' Day is creeping up and while I'm constantly telling my husband to never, ever bring me chocolate for occasions such as this, this year I do want just one thing -- and it happens to be chocolate. This is the kind of chocolate that I will eat guilt free and will happily share with my kids so they can experience the beauty of quality chocolate made with natural and fresh ingredients -- not the kind that sits on a shelf in a box for weeks (months? years?) before the foil is torn away.

Capone Foods (in Somerville and Cambridge) -- purveyor of fine pastas and sauces -- recently started making their own chocolates and these treats will bring you to your knees. In particular, get yourself one (or several) of their chocolate covered figs and a glass of red wine and all will be copasetic.

In addition to the figs (which are hand dipped in dark chocolate with a peach brandy ganache filling...YUM), Capone's offers chocolate clusters (cornflakes and dried cranberries covered in dark chocolate) and chocolate dipped pretzels. They make their chocolates about three times a week and sell out every single batch, so get there early -- whether it's this coming week (because hey, every day is mother's day) or in advance of the official Mother's Day.

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Food & Drink; Gifts & Paper; Home; Local; Retail

What a fantastic episode of Life.Style this week! I chatted about healthy eating and cooking with kids with Carrie Vitt (author of Deliciously Organic) and Michelle Stern (author of The Whole Family Cookbook). We covered everything from easy and healthy family friendly recipes, to resources for sourcing organic and finding recipe inspiration, to encouraging kids to eat vegetables, to getting out of food ruts, to tips and tools for cooking with kids. Check out the episode for full commentary and inspiration. And for easy reference, below are links that were shared during the interview. Enjoy!

Links shared during Carrie Vitt interview

The Festive Kitchen (Carrie's mom's catering company)
Carrie's homemade "hamburger helper"

Sourcing local:

Local Harvest
Eat Wild

Recipe inspiration

Whole Living
Bon Appetit
Food and Wine
Donna Hay
Natural Home
Perfect Vegetables
The Quick Recipe
How To Cook Everything
Epicurious

Cooking with kids

Wiliams-Sonoma: The Kid's Cookbook
Williams Sonoma: Kids Baking

Links shared during Michelle Stern interview

The Whole Family Cookbook trailer
Kale chips

Tools for cooking with kids

The Learning Tower
Curious Chef 3-Piece Nylon Knife Set
WEDGEY egg slicer
Pampered Chef Cutting Edge Food Chopper
Oxo Good Grips Chopper
Dumpling press

Posted by Christine Koh on 5 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Eco Living; Family Issues; Feeding & Nursing; For Grownups; Gadgets; Home; Life.Style with Christine Koh; Web (Admin)

Last week while I was in hibernation, my latest Stonyfield Farm column went live and I wanted to share it with you all. Particularly given that I'm not a milk drinker (and whether by example or preference, neither is Laurel), I'm always looking for ways to infuse calcium into my family's diet. So, hop on over and check out my tips and tricks for getting more calcium into your diet. Both sweet and savory recipe recommendations are included. Enjoy!

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing

A couple of months ago, after (probably too) many weeks of winging it with my regular clothes, I finally came to terms with the fact that I needed maternity tops. It also quickly became painfully (literally) clear that I needed new bras too. Read on for my thoughts on three of Bravado's maternity/nursing bra offerings, as well as to learn how to win a Bravado nursing bra or tank!

For reasons that still escape me, when I nursed Laurel, I opted for -- and soldiered on with -- cheap nursing bras that were unattractive, uncomfortable, and not that great functionally. I'm not sure whether it was sleep deprivation, martyr complex, or something else, but I still find it completely bizarre that I stuck with those crummy bras through 13 months of nursing.

So this time around (i.e., while I still had my wits about me) I was already planning on investing in quality bras. As it turned out, I mentioned briefly in one of my pregnancy photo journal posts that it was time to get some new bras, and Bravado reached out about sending me some items from their collection to test drive.

And it has been a huge treat to experience a completely different bra experience with Bravado, even before nursing has begun! Bravado sent me three styles, and though only two are indicated on their website for use during pregnancy (the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra + Essential Nursing Bra Tank; and then I also tested the Bliss Nursing Bra), all of the bras are supportive and comfortable during the maternity phase and are super easy to use for nursing (via easy release tabs). I found that each of these bras is great for different uses (more on that next) and I love that they are all comfortable as maternity bras and will function for nursing. Meaning, more bang for your buck.

Regarding functionality: Though the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is touted for its smooth shape, I actually think the Bliss Nursing Bra does a better job in this department. Because of its satin finish, the Bliss Nursing Bra feels more fancy compared to the cotton-based body silk bra and thus functions better under clingier tops (e.g., good for work or event outfits with clingier bodices). In contrast, for me, the foam padding (which you can swap for nursing pads) in the body silk bra creates a little bit of a ridge that can be evident depending on what type of shirt you're wearing (e.g., how clingy the fabric). But otherwise, I really dig the comfort factor of the body silk bra -- it almost feels like wearing a sports bra (in the comfort not restrictive sense) -- just really comfortable and great for kicking around in. Subsequently, you can wear the body silk bra under non-clingy work tops, casual tops, or under a t-shirt or tank to your prenatal yoga class.

Finally, the Essential Nursing Bra Tank is my favorite Bravado pick because it is perfect alone (e.g., when you're overheating) or as the base layer under a cardigan, tunic, or button down shirt. I have been wearing this tank a lot (including when I do yoga) and I suspect the nursing tank will also be a post-delivery staple. Bravado sent me the tank in black and I loved it so much that I bought another in white, and am now thinking I should buy another one in black (or go for another one of the color options) for back up -- particularly since a friend told me that she loved this tank so much she wore it during delivering; I'm totally following her lead on this one.

In short, if you're expecting and planning on nursing, definitely try Bravado. I've been living in these bras during my third trimester, and, assuming that nursing works out as it did with Laurel, I will continue to live in them into 2012!

Now, want to win a Bravado nursing bra or tank? Here's how:

As I mentioned last week, I'm super excited to see Smucker's Stars on Ice this Friday in Boston (there's still time to get tickets if you want to see the show!). And thanks to the folks at Stars on Ice, I had the lovely opportunity to chat with US champion, two-time Olympian (and Olympic silver medalist), and world medalist Sasha Cohen, who is one of the headliners of the tour. Read on for my interview with Sasha, where we talk about everything from family, to staying grounded as an elite child athlete, to encouraging kids to try or stick with hobbies, to competitions vs. shows, to the awesomeness that is Boston.

Christine: Sasha, it's so lovely to chat with you today. I'm thrilled to see Stars on Ice in Boston on March 4, as is my 6-year-old daughter Laurel, who has proclaimed you her favorite. skater. ever.

Sasha: Oh, thank you! That's so sweet!

Christine: Given my blog's focus, not surprisingly, I want to start with some family oriented questions. You've been on the road so much for such a long time and my impression is that you're very tight with your family. What have proven to be your best coping techniques and tools when you've been away from your family over the years?

Sasha: Well, I always try to stay in touch by calling or Skype'ing and I think the biggest understanding that I have with my family is that we don't have to spend all day or all of our time together, but when we are together we really cherish the time. We spend time cooking together or just doing little things -- grocery shopping, taking walks...just doing daily things together as a family [like when we were little kids]...We're all over the place [geographically] but when we're together it feels just like when I was 8 years old.

Christine: That's great -- that must feel very normalizing given your travel schedule.

Sasha: Yes, it's nice. I love change and I'm also very independent. So it's nice to have my own space and time, and then when I'm with my family I appreciate the time that much more.

Christine: Being on the competition circuit so young, how did you stay grounded when both successes and challenges were so public?

Sasha: I think it was just the world I grew into...you become accustomed to the pressure and sacrifice. And the support of my mom was essential, as was my coaches' guidance. And you know, you learn, make mistakes, and you get better. That was a big part of it...just continually working and upping what I could endure in terms of stress and pressure, especially in competition, when every week, every month, every year you push yourself to be better.

Christine: What's been the best advice you've ever received from your parents related to your profession?

Sasha: You're so lucky to do what you do. Just love what you do because people love to watch you.

Christine: You've done a lot of charitable work in the past, undoubtedly serving as a role model for many kids. What's been the most fun for you and where do you feel your influence with kids most acutely?

Sasha: Definitely at the ice rink because there will be the little girls there with my book and they've been watching every skating competition and have the posters on their walls. To have such an impression on a young girl and know that you have made such an impact -- that they've been watching you. Because sometimes I forget about that...I have my problems and tough days...I forget how much influence I have and that I can make people happy. And that's really important for me because my life is great but it also has challenges when I'm always on the road or have an injury...and the small things ground me and also make me really enjoy and want to meet people. For me it's such a joy to have an impact on somebody, and as I get older and think about someday wanting to have kids...you know how cute [the kids] are and how excited and impressionable...it's an honor to be in that position.

Christine: Speaking of role models and inspiration...my daughter wanted me to ask about your costumes. I told her you design a lot of your costumes and her eyes got huge -- she was impressed! I know you love fashion -- are you still doing design, for your costumes or otherwise?

Sasha: I do! I design all my own skating costumes. It's a lot of fun for me -- to pick the music and costumes. It really says a lot about who I am and it's a way to express myself. It's fun to pick colors and go over dye samples and patterns and beads.

Christine: Where did the inspiration come from? Do you have family in the industry?

Sasha: No, I don't, but ever since I was 5 years old, I would design princess dresses...painstakingly drawing pearls and lace and patterns and colors and I just loved it. And then as soon as I started to get my own costumes custom made, I realized I could do this myself!

Christine: What are your top tips for kids who want to learn how to skate, or, maybe more importantly, for kids who have tried and gotten frustrated fast?

Sasha: It's so difficult and I'm frustrated every day that I go in! But whether you win medals or not, by having to deal with your frustration and the difficulty you become stronger as a person and you develop character and learn to deal with challenges and not give up. And then you have the satisfaction of accomplishing something difficult. So that in itself is really important.

Christine: I agree, but it's difficult. I don't want to be the pushy parent but I also know from my former experience as a competitive violinist that for something that exacting, you have to stick with it. And I think that's a challenge with modern parenting -- when to pull the rip cord because your kid is unhappy and you don't want to be too aggressive and when to encourage your kid to stick with it.

Sasha: Well, the kid has to find their passion...no matter what you do in life you want to be great at something. And with anything there will be challenges. I was almost 7 when I started skating...I did gymnastics before that. And I think Evan [Lysacek] started when he 9. So there's time!

Christine: Let's talk about Smucker's Stars on Ice, which runs now and on into April. What's your favorite thing about being on tour?

Sasha: I love the feeling of family. Getting to do group numbers vs. individual shows, getting to see the same people every day, and work on finales together. You feel like you're at home and like you have a place and you feel special. There's an amazing sense of family.

Christine: I interviewed Kimmie Meissner a couple of years ago and she mentioned you when we talked about the Stars on Ice star struck factor. Obviously, now, you're a Stars on Ice headliner, but have you ever experienced being star struck at Stars on Ice? Or have there been Stars on Ice mentors you want to give a shout out to?

Sasha: Oh, that's so sweet [of Kimmie]! I think Kristi Yamaguchi was an idol...I watched her videos over and over and over again. It was funny, I didn't even realize they were the same competition...I'd say "Kristi always wins, Mom!" She made such an impression when I was a little kid and then getting to see her on Stars on Ice...she's such an amazing role model and such a gorgeous skater.

Christine: You were last in competition just last year, making an admirable comeback to try for your third Olympic games. What has been the biggest challenge of transitioning from competitions to shows such as Stars on Ice?

Sasha: It's very different. You get to be home a lot more when you're training for competitions and there's much more intensity and purpose. With shows, you're gone a lot and it's more about performance. You get into a different rhythm because when you're doing shows, even if you're injured you want to come out and do the show because people have come out to see you. It's very different training for one event -- for example having a live and die purpose like the Olympics vs. overall purpose.

Christine: So speaking of overall purpose, what's in your future? Any juicy future plans you'd like to share with my readers?

Sasha: I'm doing the US tour and the Canadian tour and going to Prague for some shows. And I have a show in China this summer. And then I'm planning on going to New York in June to take summer classes at NYU. I'm planning on getting in applications for the fall to Columbia and NYU. To have options if I want to go to school in the fall...I'm excited to see where the next 6 months take me.

Christine: Wow, that's fantastic! And finally, is there anything you're excited about doing when you come to Boston? Or any questions you have for me about the city?

Sasha: I love Boston...it's such an amazing city! I love Cambridge. I did summer school at Harvard. I'm just really excited -- we actually have a day off here so we can run around and go crazy. We never have a Saturday off so it's a big treat for us!

Christine: Oh, that's fantastic! You'll have to do some shopping -- it's great here!

Sasha: Yes, Newbury Street is amazing!

Christine: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat Sasha. I'm sure you hear this all the time, but I've loved watching you skate -- you're a beautiful skater and it'll be fun to see you at the show since I haven't gotten to see you in competition on TV this year.

Sasha: Oh, thank you. And I hope you enjoy the show -- it's a really special show this year!

Images by Paul Harvath; courtesy of Smucker's Stars on Ice

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local; Sports & Fitness

One exception to my mini-internet hibernation last week was filming Life.Style and it was a fantastic episode, during which I chatted about sugar, obesity, soda in schools, corporate responsibility, and all things Coke with local journalist Michael Blanding, author of The Coke Machine. It was a truly fascinating conversation; check out the episode for full commentary and inspiration. And for easy reference, below are links that were shared during the interview. Enjoy!

Links via Michael Blanding

The Coke Machine website
The Coke Machine Facebook page
Sugar comparison chart
Anti-soda-in-schools activist Jackie Domac

Posted by Christine Koh on 1 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Feeding & Nursing; Life.Style with Christine Koh; Web (Admin)