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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Giveaways: One Chic Mama is giving away a mother/daughter set of Cambodian jingle bell anklets from Baby Emi Jewelry. Classy Mommy is offering up a $100 Toys R Us gift card + 5 Veggie Tales DVDs. MomFinds is giving away a giant gift basket from Neat Solutions.
New mamahood sometimes seems akin to stepping into an amnesic vortex: you feel as if you’re spinning in a whirlwind of chaos and activity, but at the end of the day, you can’t recall how you spent your hours. Or rather, perhaps it’s just that the “little things” you’ve done all day don’t seem as noteworthy as your frantic working girl episodes. Never mind that many of those little things result in keeping another human being alive.
Today, Jen reports on a recent eye opening green event in Boston:
"I recently had the pleasure of attending a vegan luncheon and book signing at the Four Seasons's Aujourdui in honor of Deirdre Imus's new book, Growing Up Green. Over a spectacular meal prepared by executive chef Brooke Vosika, Imus spoke passionately about environmental toxins and their effect on our children's health. I must confess that both the food and Imus's message surprised me. The vegan food was surprisingly elegant and Imus's message was surprisingly scary. Although in retrospect, given our host chef and the state of our environment, I should not have been so surprised.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Weekend reading. Coochicoos features the way a family of four makes it work in a 640 square foot NYC apartment. One Chic Mama recommends The Find Green search engine to lead you to all things green. Moms’ Buzz wants to know what you do to stay green at home. And Kris at Clever Parents shares her journey to Disney with baby Charles in tow.
As supportive and involved a dad as Jon always has been, the one thing he just wasn’t into was reading those textbook-like, geared-towards-mom baby manuals. Luckily, for new dads, there’s The Baby Bonding Book for Dads, a sweet little gift book that – in a gentle, friendly dad voice - offers simple, straightforward ideas for how dad can bond with baby at home and on the go. Interspersed throughout the book are artful photos. Yes, there are a couple of buff, bare-chested daddy shots, but otherwise the photos are – like the text – representative of what many of us feel joy seeing at home; regular dads enjoying time with their babes.
Want to be one of 5 winners to receive a copy of The Baby Bonding Book for Dads? Here’s how:
Like it or not, talking the talk is necessary to keep your kids safe in our increasingly complex world. Today, PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody recommends Dr. Sharon Maxwell’s The Talk: What Your Kids Need to Hear from You About Sex as a helpful new resource to ready you for these conversations. Read on for Amy's review, as well as to learn how to be one of five winners to receive a copy of The Talk!
While we all likely can recite Goodnight Moon and other kiddie stories by heart, when was the last time you picked up a book for yourself? A pair of bunnies that visited our yard this past weekend reminded me that it’s time for my yearly read of Watership Down. Who would have guessed that a tale about a troop of rabbits on a mission for higher ground could be so engaging? This classic truly has something for everyone – adventure, spirituality, group dynamics, good guys and bad guys, and romance (of the G-rated rabbit variety). I am moved every single time I reread this book and have never looked at rabbits the same way since.
I’m thrilled to welcome new guest contributor Jen. A Boston mama, prosecutor turned writer, and avid reader, today Jen reviews Meg Wolitzer’s new parenting novel The Ten-Year Nap. Read on for Jen's review, as well as to learn how to be one of five winners to receive a copy of The Ten-Year Nap!
Today, Tracy shares a book recommendation:
“As I progress in my pregnancy with our third child, I find myself wishing for a connection with mamas in the same situation. I’m finding that the further away from the “first baby” club I move, the more difficult it is to find those all important connections with moms who are dealing with the same anxieties, concerns, and joys that I am. Expecting the first time is nothing like doing it the second and subsequent time(s).
I generally consider myself a pretty tuned in, communicative parent, but there’s no denying the moments when stress, fatigue, or just being human result in a short fuse and loss for words. And for those moments there's Betsy Brown Braun’s Just Tell Me What to Say. Replete with tips and scripts to help parents learn the basics of effective communication and handle everything from discipline to tantrums to praise to sibling fights to food battles to tough topics (e.g., death, divorce), I've been particularly impressed by how quickly some of Braun’s bullet points have helped me realize the impact of seemingly innocuous behavior (e.g., spelling out words in front of Laurel, identifying her as shy when she hides from strangers), and then how much better it feels to stop the behavior and opt for a different script.
Want to be one of 5 winners to receive a copy of Just Tell Me What to Say? Here’s how:
Today, Kate takes us on a walk down memory lane…with Judy Blume.
For girls of a certain generation - mine, and those directly before and after - the experience of reading the novels of Judy Blume was a double-layered rite of adolescent passage: the books themselves were sacred texts, and the universal stories they told - of being teased, of being not the prettiest, of being kissed, of having your parents split up, of loving and being loved, and of losing (love, virginity, friendship, your lunch in public) - were the stories we were all living, vividly and in real time and with an empathy that our parents couldn't come close to.
Weekend Reading: Car & Caboodle features an LA dad who tells of his road to becoming a minivan owner. Healthy Bump chats with former nanny Deborah Smith, who offers advice on how to search for a nanny. Moms’ Buzz offers 10 tips to help parents encourage children to eat right and maintain a healthy weight. Clever Parents highlights an easy, cheesy cauliflower pasta recipe from Rachael Ray. Coochicoos features the ultimate Batman home theater set up.
Reader Erica from Northampton wrote in previously about a resource for parents who are set on raising one child. Today, she shares thoughts on Deborah Siegel and Daphne Uviller’s Only Child: Writers on the Singular Joys and Solitary Sorrows of Growing Up Solo:
When we finally got around to transitioning Laurel out of her crib a few months ago, it was a joyful (for her) and emotional (for me) moment. Despite being decidedly short on leisure time, I decided to commemorate the occasion with a quilt, and found excellent inspiration in Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. The project took longer than the estimated 8-12 hours - largely because I adjusted the pattern, added an extra detail, and obsessed over getting the measurements right - but the results were marvelous. Click here for details and project photos. I wish the book offered a few more diagrams (although it probably doesn't hurt to exercise the spatial orientation neurons a bit...), but I otherwise highly recommend this book for beginning or experienced crafters.
Whether you're disappointed that folk singer/songwriter Ellis Paul’s weekend shows at Club Passim are nearly sold out, or are intrigued to hear this seasoned musician’s new, already-buzzed-about first family album The Dragonfly Races, you’re in luck. Thanks to Club Passim and Ellis Paul, we're giving away two tickets to Paul’s Saturday family show (12/29 at 3pm), and 5 copies of The Dragonfly Races. Here’s how to enter to win:
Whether you’ve just started reading labels, or already are committed to organic produce and natural foods, you’ll likely find inspiration to fuel your family well in Food to Live By
Want to be one of 5 winners to receive Food to Live By? Here’s how:
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Books, books, and more books: Healthy Bump has raves for Easy Labor. One Chic Mama finds inspiration in I Love You More and Joy Is the Greatest Gift. And Clever Parents offers a fun idea to get those Christmas classics read and slow down with your family.
If you’re like me, a lover of beauty products who has found frustration in highly touted, highly priced beauty goods that do squat, then you’ll likely find relief in Nadine Haobsh’s Beauty Confidential
Okay, I’ll admit it. When Laurel was a baby, all those hours of nursing while perusing celeb fashion mags inspired my obsession with handbags. Luxe and low budget bag features are forthcoming; meanwhile, for lovers of fashion, history, and fabulous photo spreads, there’s The Handbag: An Illustrated History
Want to win a copy of The Handbag? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Handbag” in the subject) and name one of author Caroline Cox’s two previous books. US entrants welcome.
Today our Parent Bloggers Network pals are running a blog blast in conjunction with Harper Collins’s release of Nadine Haobsh’s Beauty Confidential
I’ve found black to be a crucial color in the mama wardrobe, what with its slimming, toddler food blob camouflaging properties. And if you need inspiration beyond your basic black sheath, The Black Dress
Want to win a copy of The Black Dress? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Black Dress” in the subject) and name author Valerie Steele’s day job. US entrants welcome.
Having grown up with 4 sisters and 2 brothers, it’s long been clear that girls are just as well suited to adventure as boys. And lest moms of girls were feeling left out with the publication of The Dangerous Book for Boys, there’s now the equally fabulous Daring Book for Girls
Want to win a copy of The Daring Book for Girls? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Daring” in the subject) and name co-author Andrea Buchanan's profession prior to becoming a writer. US entrants welcome.
Whether you have a passion for vintage clothing, want to learn more about design trends, or just love fabric, color, and pretty pictures, you will adore Vintage Fashion
Want to win a copy of Vintage Fashion? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Vintage Fashion” in the subject) and tell us where author Emma Baxter Wright studied fashion. US entrants welcome.
When Laurel moved from purees to finger foods, I thought I was so done with the Cuisinart. And I never imagined that I’d be so excited to steam and puree again (especially for a peanut with a capable, full set of teeth), until I received Jessica Seinfeld’s Deceptively Delicious
As new parents (and professionals who have served the applied and educational medical trenches), Jon and I relied on the web and The Baby Book
Parents of kids under 5 who fear, are on the brink of, or feel trapped in the over-parenting frenzy must read Practical Wisdom for Parents: Demystifying the Preschool Years
During the dazed and stressful early days of breastfeeding, sometimes you just need the quick facts; a concise means to bypass the overwhelming sea of nursing resources that your newly short-circuited attention span can’t handle anyway. For this purpose, check out Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner's Guide to Breastfeeding
Want to win a copy of Mama Knows Breast
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to find the perfect outfit amidst a sea of ill fitting, outdated, or just plain uninspiring options (the latter of which tends to be the case for me, with the exception of dresses and fancy shoes). So when our friends at The Parent Bloggers Network offered an opportunity to review The Little Black Book of Style
Truly, I'm not prone to histrionics, so take me at my word when I say that yesterday made me feel as if I was a priority to no one. Part of the problem is the overstretched, overwhelmed state that seems like the modern motherhood status quo; the other (related) part involves my rampant yes tendencies, even in the face of absurd requests. Read on to find out how I unraveled (and then, lest you think this is pure rant, I’ll provide a resource to consider if you feel similarly overwhelmed, overbooked, and overlooked):
If you love music but the household kid tunes are driving you bonkers, today’s birthday contest is for you. Three lucky winners (worldwide entrants welcome) will receive a copy of Renee & Jeremy’s soothing, great-for-kids-and-grownups It’s A Big World (see our review). To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Mon., Aug. 20) the answer to the following question: Amazingly, where did Renee and Jeremy record It’s A Big World?
To date, all of our birthday contests have gifted mamas or babes so we’re happy to present today’s birthday contest for the daddys. Our partners at Abbeville Press generously are gifting eight lucky winners (worldwide entrants welcome!) with one Armin Brott fathering book (we'll draw 2 winners per book): The Expectant Father, The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year, Fathering Your Toddler, and Fathering Your School-Age Child. To enter to win, click on the links above to learn more about Brott's books, then email us (by midnight EST tonight, Wednesday, August 15) and let us know which book(s) would you like to win.
I’m grateful for all of Tracy’s excellent ideas and resources regarding allergies (see her previous posts on hosting and attending parties when allergies are a concern). Today, Tracy shares a cookbook (and a couple of fab excerpted recipes) that has proven critical in offering recipes that accommodate her son’s milk, egg, and peanut allergies, and is great for the vegetarians/vegans out there:
Some mamas have a very firm sense of how many children they want (present company not included…). Reader Erica from Northampton wrote in with a recommendation for parents who are set on one child: “There are precious few resources out there for those of us considering the single child route. Parenting an Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only
The Dangerous Book for Boys has been flying off the shelves since its release in May (see our review…) so we’re grateful to our friends at Harper Collins for reserving a copy for the lucky winner (worldwide entrants welcome!) of today’s birthday contest. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Friday, July 27) the answer to the following question: Name one of the topics included in this book that you'd most like to learn about.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Cool Stuff: Clever Parents features BabySmarts (shown), a fun new twist on old baby shower games. MomFinds offers tips on how to pull together a fabulous baby shower. The Stylish Child features Livie and Luca’s fun and funky line of European inspired kids footwear. Classy Mommy reviews MediBags’ first aid kits for kids.
There’s no better reminder that I’m overdue for a little me time than when a magazine arrives in my mailbox (or via the fun magazine sharing/recycling thing Kate and I have going…). And if you enjoy printed material with a mindful message, today’s birthday contest is for you. One lucky winner (US residents eligible) will receive a print subscription (4 issues) to The Organic Mom (see our feature). To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, July 16) the answer to the following question: Name one of the types of charity programs to which The Organic Mom donates proceeds.
As often happens with women, I was optimally dedicated to self-care when I was pregnant. I fueled my body with good food, swam laps several times a week up until the day before Laurel was born (the lifeguards always looked terrified when they saw me waddling up to the lanes), and calmed my mind with plenty of stretching and breathing.
Even so, it wasn’t until the last few years – during which I faced the major life stressors of becoming a parent, losing loved ones, and experiencing the mother of all professional upheavals – where I really started thinking about mind-body connection practices, largely thanks to the therapist Jon and I started seeing after Laurel was born, and from what I have learned via Jon’s dedication to mindfulness practices.
As a new parent, you can barely recall what you had for breakfast (if you remembered to have it), much less a myriad of daily feeding, diapering, and sleeping specifics. For today’s birthday contest, one lucky winner (US entrants only, for this draw) will receive a copy of Baby Daze, a fantastic organizer/log book for new parents (see our review). To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, July 10) the answer to the following question: What’s another handy product created by the husband and wife team behind Baby Daze?
If you’ve ever felt trapped or tempted by emphatic declarations that your kid will become a genius if you buy product X, Y, or Z, you’re not alone. Check out this lead from Kate: Business Week’s recent review of Buy, Buy Baby: How Consumer Culture Manipulates Parents and Harms Young Minds
The Bright Side of Disaster is this summer’s must read (see our review), and our partners at Random House are kicking off our birthday bash by offering 5 signed copies of Katherine Center’s terrific debut novel! This contest is open to US residents.
Enter to win a signed copy of Bright