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January 26, 2012

Spy Alley

spy-alley.jpgToday, Lindsey (also of A Design So Vast) recommends a favorite family board game:

My family loves to play board games. I haven't had too much luck finding any beyond the old classics -- Sorry, Connect Four, Monopoly -- that everybody really gets into, but that changed when my daughter was given Spy Alley for her ninth birthday. Spy Alley is "a game of suspense and intrigue" and we have found ourselves playing it over and over again. Each player has a secret spy identity, and the goal is to complete your mission by obtaining code books, disguises, keys, and passwords while also hiding who you are from the other players. To do this you have to purchase the books, disguises, keys, and passwords of other spies, hoping to confuse your competitors as to your real identity.

Continue reading "Spy Alley" »

December 20, 2011

Books By Smart Peeps

lets-panic.jpgMy life list includes writing a couple of books that have been percolating in my brain the last couple of years (I'm actually drafting outlines for a potential publisher!). Meanwhile, I have a few friends who published books this year and I'm utterly thrilled for them! These titles technically are no longer new releases (though a couple of them, er, were in fact so when the review copies were sent to me during my Violet babymoon), but I wanted to share them before more time elapsed. The first title would be an entertaining gift for a new mom; the second and third handy for aspiring mamapreneurs.

Continue reading "Books By Smart Peeps" »

November 3, 2011

A Crazy Amazing Reading List

cutting-for-stone.jpgI'm trying to get back into the habit of reading before bedtime, as both a means to transport and unwind. I so enjoyed Katherine Center's book recommendations earlier this year so I decided to query on my social channels for literary inspiration. The responses were so fantastic that I wanted to post the recommendations here, both to share the wealth and archive for myself. I left the responses intact instead of simply listing the books because the comments definitely are helping guide my choosing. Print this list out for your library/used book tote or go crazy at your local bookstore or on Amazon (note: I included affiliate links below). Thanks to everyone who commented in, and enjoy! And if you have other books to recommend, feel welcome to add them to the comments.

Continue reading "A Crazy Amazing Reading List" »

October 4, 2011

Ballet Conditioning

ballet-conditioning.jpgToday, Kate shares a home fitness recommendation (shockingly well timed as I've been thinking of taking ballet but haven't found a class that works with my schedule):

I have written before of my love of ballet, a love that has been kept at a very long arm's length by my lack of necessary talent, drive, and height. However, a recent discovery allows me to feel like a prima ballerina for a few minutes each day: Ballet Conditioning -- a wonderful DVD by Element (the producers of Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners) -- offers several hours of appealing and fun exercises, all based on classical ballet positions and stretches and all aimed at toning and lengthening different muscle groups.

Continue reading "Ballet Conditioning" »

September 1, 2011

Handmade Beginnings

handmade-beginnings.jpgToday, Kate shares a great resource for getting your craft on:

For much of my life, I could sew on a button and mend small tears, but I didn't have the slightest idea how to tackle a real sewing project. My grandmother sewed and my mother occasionally used her sewing machine, but the skills and interest seemed to have skipped my generation. And then, two years ago, I suddenly became intrigued by the idea of learning to sew. I read up, bought a simple sewing machine, and plunged in. My projects to date have included several sets of napkins, a simple bag, a pillow, some basic summer dresses for my daughter...and lots of crooked seams and asymmetrical corners. I love the work, though, and the joy of picking fabrics and watching them come together into something both pretty and useful.

Continue reading "Handmade Beginnings" »

August 14, 2011

Free to Be You and Me

free-to-be-you-and-me.jpgToday, Kate shares an oldie that, nearly 40 years later, remains a (sociologically oriented) goodie:

If you grew up in the 1970s, as I did, chances are that you owned (and loved) the album Free to Be You & Me. Conceived and produced by Marlo Thomas, the album -- and eventual book and television special -- grew out of a project of the Ms. Foundation and was an effort to provide children with positive messages about gender roles.

Continue reading "Free to Be You and Me" »

July 26, 2011

Recommended Reads by Lisa Genova

still-alice.jpgToday, Jennifer shares two book recommendations from local neuroscientist turned author Lisa Genova:

At first "back-of-the-book-jacket" glance, the topics of local author Lisa Genova's first two novels may seem on the heavy side for beachside reading, but trust me, you won't be able to put them down. Lisa -- who happens to have a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Harvard -- does an amazing job of literally getting inside the heads of her characters to tell their compelling stories.

Continue reading "Recommended Reads by Lisa Genova" »

June 18, 2011

10 Bits of Web Awesomeness

say-yes-to-hoboken-freezer-stencil.jpgHello friends! Per usual, the web was replete with interesting tips and inspiration this week. Here are some links that I thought you'd find interesting -- enjoy!

1. I think I need to give these cute freezer stencils a go.

2. I'm totally on board with these five money saving tips for summer.

3. Yikes, here are some sobering statistics on food waste. But also some good tips on how to reduce it (and also save money). And more thoughts/tips on food waste here.

Continue reading "10 Bits of Web Awesomeness" »

May 11, 2011

The Joy of Flour

flour-bakery.jpgToday, Kate shares a great local spot for sweet and savory treats, and a cookbook that will allow you to recreate tasty treats at home:

One of the many great things about living in the Boston area is getting to enjoy Joanne Chang's wonderful Flour Bakery + Cafe. Chang is a pastry chef and entrepreneur, and a devotee of all things baked and frosted and all-around yummy. Each of the three locations of Flour (Cambridge, Fort Point, the South End) is a happy haven in which to sit, relax, and enjoy a range of sandwiches, salads, and lots and lots of baked goods. Chang is committed to using real foods and fresh ingredients -- none of your pre-packaged, over-oily muffins and scones here -- and to helping people to learn how to bake well at home.

Continue reading "The Joy of Flour" »

May 9, 2011

Four (OK, Five) Favorite Books

persuasion-jane-austen.jpgI love Katherine Center's writing, so it was such a treat to meet her last year at Mom 2.0 Summit. She is warm, welcoming, lovely, and creative, and probably the only person (aside from Laurel) who I have allowed to mark up my person (she painted the word "awesomeness" on my arm during our first meeting). For today's four favorites guest post (sadly, the last in the series!), I asked Katherine to share four favorite books -- books that are excellent in quality yet easy enough to absorb while in the trenches of nursing and sleep deprivation.

Continue reading "Four (OK, Five) Favorite Books" »

April 26, 2011

Best Homemade Baby Food

best-homemade-baby-food.jpgWhether it's craft projects or food, I have always loved making things from scratch. And one thing I suspect the voracious Violet will appreciate in the coming year is homemade baby food. I was a pureeing fiend when Laurel was a baby, but this go around I'm even more excited about experimenting with baby food because I'll be able to draw inspiration from both the locally grown bounty of our CSA, and the remarkably good looking recipes in The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet.

Continue reading "Best Homemade Baby Food" »

April 15, 2011

Four Ways To Find Happiness In The Trenches

the-happiness-project.jpgI met Gretchen Rubin last year at Mom 2.0; I loved hearing her speak, reading The Happiness Project (which I highly recommend everyone read), and becoming friends with Gretchen over the course of the year. Gretchen is a gifted writer, deep thinker, and lovely friend, and given that I reflect on gratitude in life's big and small moments regularly, I particularly love that Gretchen's mission involves finding happiness in all corners and in tangible ways. For today's four favorites guest post, I asked Gretchen to share four ways to find happiness while in the trenches of parenting a newborn.

Continue reading "Four Ways To Find Happiness In The Trenches" »

April 6, 2011

The Baby Nurse Bible

baby-nurse-bible.jpgCarole Arsenault of Boston Baby Nurses has been sharing her wisdom as a regular contributing here at Boston Mamas for over two years, so when she told me she was writing a book, I was thrilled. And Carole's book -- The Baby Nurse Bible -- does not disappoint. In fact, given the sea of information parents typically are overwhelmed by, this book is particularly refreshing in the tangibility of scope (it's just over 300 pages) while covering an impressive amount of information.

Continue reading "The Baby Nurse Bible" »

April 3, 2011

The Cleaner Plate Club

cleaner-plate-club.jpgToday, Kate shares a recommendation to help cope with picky eating:

Like many parents, I periodically wind up locked in conflict with my 5-year-old about whether or not she will eat the food I put in front of her. I know this is a poor parenting strategy, but also know that there were few things I hated more as a child than being made to sit at the table until I swallowed down whatever despised leafy green my parents insisted upon. To this day I have a limited vegetable repertoire, and wonder how much of this dates to my early, agonized relationship with said leafy greens. Dealing with picky eating is particularly frustrating given my sense of responsibility to help my daughter learn how to eat well, and the irksome knowledge that if I cave, she will contentedly eat potato chips until there's nothing left but the greasy, salty bag. What's a parent to do?

Continue reading "The Cleaner Plate Club" »

April 1, 2011

Four Baby's First Year Myth-Busters

todays-moms.jpgI first met Alicia Ybarbo at Blissdom last year and she is such a lovely, smart, and dynamic woman -- every time I've seen Alicia since Blissdom, I just feel happy. Alicia is a producer at NBC's TODAY Show and is co-author of Today's Moms: Essentials for Surviving Baby's First Year. So for today's four favorites guest post, I asked Alicia to share her top four myth-busters about baby's first year. (I figured I could use the reminders, given that it's been six years since I've done the newborn thing!)

Continue reading "Four Baby's First Year Myth-Busters" »

March 26, 2011

Four Hysterically Funny Websites

hyperbole-and-a-half.jpgThe 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.

Continue reading "Four Hysterically Funny Websites" »

March 10, 2011

Get Organized With Baby

one-year-to-an-organized-life-with-baby.jpgWhether 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.

Continue reading "Get Organized With Baby" »

March 5, 2011

Healthy Eating & Cooking With Kids

life-style-episode-14.jpgWhat 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!

Continue reading "Healthy Eating & Cooking With Kids" »

February 12, 2011

Finding & Nurturing Relationships

life-style-episode-11.jpgWhat a fun episode of Life.Style this week! I chatted about finding and nurturing relationships with Kristen Chase, author of The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex, and Meredith Goldstein of the Boston Globe Love Letters column. During the show we discussed everything from common issues for those in or looking for relationships, advice for those seeking or trying to maintain relationships, and the pulse on Hallmark holidays such as Valentine's Day. Check out the episode for full commentary and inspiration, and for easy reference, below are the conversation point links that were shared during the interviews. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Finding & Nurturing Relationships" »

February 10, 2011

The Book Rack

the-book-rack.jpgWhile I adore the community feel and eco-friendliness of public libraries, and the shiny newness and convenience of large bookstores, my current happy medium is the independent used bookstore. And The Book Rack is one of those little gems I've walked by a million times but never paid much attention to until recently. I was surprised to learn that The Book Rack has roots dating back to the 1960s and is a network of independently owned bookstores, with about 100 stores across the country, including five locations in Massachusetts.

Continue reading "The Book Rack" »

January 16, 2011

Bread Machine Magic

zojirushi-mini-breadmaker.jpgToday, Kate shares a compact, frequently used favorite solution for achieving fresh baked bread at home:

Years ago, my mother bought me my first bread machine. We were shopping together and it was an impulse purchase; one that I treasured simply because my mother -- who was suffering from serious health problems at the time -- had given it to me. After a period of using it, however, I made the dispiriting discovery that bread coming out of the machine all tasted kind of the same, all appeared in an unnatural cube shape, and all featured a peculiar hole at the bottom left over from the kneading blade. And so, I left the bread machine behind while packing for one move or another, thus ending my career as a bread machine user.

Continue reading "Bread Machine Magic" »

January 13, 2011

Easy & Yummy Bread Pudding

bread.jpgEvadne was too polite to share this, but we were the guests at her brunch, and I ate three servings of this bread pudding, it was so good! See my additional comments at the end of the post:

My husband, the true chef in our family, loves this time of year because he enjoys making warm, hearty foods like stews, braises, and pies. And I love this season because I get to eat what he makes! Recently we had some friends over and he made bread pudding, taking the recipe from his favorite go-to cookbook, Mark Bittman's How To Cook Everything.

Continue reading "Easy & Yummy Bread Pudding" »

January 11, 2011

Little House, Big Lessons

little-house-on-the-prairie.jpgOne cool thing about raising a growing reader is that we're now hitting material that: a) I remember loving as a young girl; and b) still captivates after all these years. Before the holidays, Laurel decided that she wanted to read Little House On The Prairie (a hand me down from her cousin) together, and she loved the characters and story so much that she asked for more Little House books for Christmas (there are nine books in the series). We're currently reading On the Banks of Plum Creek and spent -- I kid you not -- almost two hours cuddled up reading yesterday (and Laurel spent much of dinner filling Jon in about Nellie Oleson).

Continue reading "Little House, Big Lessons" »

January 8, 2011

Reflections & New Routines

life-style-episode-8.jpgIt was so great to get back into the studio this week, and it was wonderful to kick off my 2011 programming talking about reflections and new routines. Definitely check out the episode if you didn't see it live on Thursday! I chatted about the #reverb10 reflection/manifestation project with Gwen Bell, and about starting and sticking to fitness routines with Leah Segedie of Mamavation. Check out the episode for full commentary and inspiration, but for easy reference, below are the resource links that I shared during the interviews.

Continue reading "Reflections & New Routines" »

December 18, 2010

Holiday Happiness & Raising Charitable Kids

life-style-episode-7.jpgSo fitting for the holiday season, this week's episode of Life.Style was a wonderfully reflective one. Definitely check out the episode if you didn't see it live on Thursday. I chatted about happiness during the holidays with Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project, and about raising charitable children with Carrie Lundell of This Mama Makes Stuff. Check out the episode for full commentary and inspiration, but for easy reference, below are the links I shared during the interviews.

Continue reading "Holiday Happiness & Raising Charitable Kids" »

December 7, 2010

Delicious Divvies...For Everyone!

divvies-cookbook.jpgToday, Tracy shares a review of The Divvies Bakery Cookbook: No Nuts. No Eggs. No Dairy. Just Delicious! Read on for Tracy's review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of the cookbook:

I recently had the chance to test out the new Divvies cookbook. I've previously reviewed Divvies products, and our family loved them. Well, Divvies founder and mom-of-a-food-allergic-child Lori Sandler has released a cookbook sharing her well-loved recipes, and a few more, so everyone can enjoy Divvies.

Continue reading "Delicious Divvies...For Everyone!" »

December 6, 2010

Handbells = Happiness

handbells.jpgGiven that my parents used to subject their household visitors to impromptu recitals by me and my six siblings (at a point where none of us were exactly musically proficient), I tend to cringe a little when I think of family recitals. However, recently I was overwhelmed by the awesome that was Laurel's assembly of a family recital, thanks to these fantastic Kidsplay handbells that my mother-in-law had on hand.

Continue reading "Handbells = Happiness" »

November 29, 2010

Start Talking

start-talking.jpgToday, PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody shares a review of Start Talking. Read on for Amy's review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of Start Talking:

Start Talking is an engaging resource for mothers and daughters to help open the door to better communication about a variety of topics ranging from periods and sex to self-esteem and dating. According to authors Mary Jo Rapini (mother of two daughters, psychotherapist, and feature consultant on TLC's Big Medicine) and Janine Sherman (mother of two daughters, teen health expert, and OB/GYN nurse practitioner), the best time to talk to your teen daughter about sex and her body is right now. Starting at the age of 8 or 9, moms must begin having these conversations. They stress that by opening up now mothers can turn "the talk" into an ongoing conversation, and become a trusted resource for their daughters.

Continue reading "Start Talking" »

November 7, 2010

Expressive Photography

expressive-photography.jpgOn Thursday's episode of Life.Style I interviewed Tracey Clark, founder of Shutter Sisters and editor of the amazing book Expressive Photography: The Shutter Sisters' Guide to Shooting from the Heart. The publishers of Expressive Photography sent me a copy of the book to peruse in advance of the show and I cannot recommend it enough, whether as a gift to yourself or a loved one. Whether you're a novice, amateur, or professional photographer, Expressive Photography is replete with inspiring imagery and practical tips and tricks on approach, perspective, composition, lighting, details, and processing for different types of photos (e.g., landscape, portraits, still life, etc.). When I created my life list last month, #5 was "Remember to take photos of my family on the first day of each month." This book is providing immense inspiration to move forward with this project.

November 6, 2010

Life.Style Feeding Baby + Photography

life-style-episode-3.jpgWow, I truly cannot get over the awesomeness of episode 3 of Life.Style -- not because of me, but thanks to the amazing guests I had on the show! In this episode, I share an exclusive interview with pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, who shares advice on how to teach kids to love real food, and then interview talented photographers Tracey Clark, Karen Walrond, and Casey Mullins -- who all offer fantastic tips for shooting great photographs (whether with a point and shoot or DSLR), as well as insightful critiques on amateur shots. It was such a terrific show that I'm thinking of doing a follow up on choosing photography gear as well as great ways to output your photos (e.g., for gifts or home artwork). If you've got specific ideas/questions in these areas, drop me a line!

November 5, 2010

The Joy of Bread

artisan-breads-every-day.jpgThanks to Kate, for reminding me of the joy and mindfulness involved in bread making via Artisan Breads Every Day:

At restaurants, I'm the person who always devours the basket of bread -- dipped in olive oil or smeared with butter -- before the appetizers come. And then, if I'm feeling bold (or particularly hungry), I ask for the basket to be refilled. That whole no-carb/low-carb/bread-is-evil trend? Not for me. I love bread and bread loves me and I've embarked this past year on an effort to learn how to make bread -- really good bread, bakery-quality bread -- at home.

Continue reading "The Joy of Bread" »

October 21, 2010

Mother-Daughter Book Club

books.JPGToday, from Lindsey -- an utterly lovely idea for cultivating a family and community based love for reading:

One of my favorite things I do as a mother is participate in a book group with my 8-year-old daughter. We are six mother-daughter teams, and all of the girls are 7 or 8. Each visit we gather at someone's home, and the girl who lives there has picked the book that we discuss.

Continue reading "Mother-Daughter Book Club" »

June 15, 2010

Belatedly, BABIES

babies-movie.jpgToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth of Alphabet Soup 4 Parents suggests that it's never too late to see BABIES:

I went to see BABIES last night, for the second time. Who would have thought that a movie about four babies' first year of life would continue to attract an audience? We went to see Sex and the City 2 a week ago at a small town theatre and only seven women and one man came to that showing; in contrast, last night 10 men and women opted for a not recently released, small budget movie that proceeds with no conflict, plot, or fast pace. The movie clearly has legs (other than the eight adorable and pudgy ones sported by the babies in the film), and while the movie's babies mesmerize, I also found some parenting take away points following two viewings.

Continue reading "Belatedly, BABIES" »

June 1, 2010

Food For Thoughtful Parenting

food-for-thoughtful-parenting.jpgToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth of Alphabet Soup 4 Parents shares a review of food for thoughtful parenting. Read on for Hetti's review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a copy of food for thoughtful parenting:

Continue reading "Food For Thoughtful Parenting" »

April 16, 2010

Straight No Chaser Rocks

straight-no-chaser-with-a-twist.jpgThese 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.

Continue reading "Straight No Chaser Rocks" »

April 5, 2010

Organic and Chic Skinny Mints

organic-and-chic.jpgBefore 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.

Continue reading "Organic and Chic Skinny Mints" »

March 20, 2010

Spring Has Sprung

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

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

Continue reading "Spring Has Sprung" »

March 18, 2010

The Best Waffles Ever

waffle-maker.jpgToday, from Kate, because waffles are good any time of day:

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

Continue reading "The Best Waffles Ever" »

March 16, 2010

Simplicity Parenting

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

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

Continue reading "Simplicity Parenting" »

March 4, 2010

Boston Baby

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

Continue reading "Boston Baby" »

March 1, 2010

Seeing the Everyday

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

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

Continue reading "Seeing the Everyday" »

February 4, 2010

The Beauty of Ballet

jose-mateo-ballet.jpgToday, Kate reflects on the beauty of ballet across generations:

Does the beauty of ballet call to every little girl at some point in her life? Probably not -- there must be at least a few who are immune to the magic of toe shoes, the awe of the light-as-air lift, the seeming impossibility of a dancer on pointe -- but the appeal seems to be almost universal. I remember my mother describing how as a child she would watch and re-watch The Red Shoes, an overwrought 1948 melodrama about love and devotion gone wrong among dancers, and though the film itself didn't do much for me, I fully appreciated the pull of the ballet scenes. I'm not sure whether it's the costumes, the immense strength and discipline hidden under layers of pink tulle, or the fairy tales recreated on the stage, but ballet got to me too, and now it's gotten to my preschool-aged daughter.

Continue reading "The Beauty of Ballet" »

January 21, 2010

Sage Sayings

365-perfect-things.jpgToday, Heather reviews Maureen Healy’s 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids, a book loaded with a year's worth of sage sayings to help empower, educate, and inspire kids. Read on for Heather’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids:

Continue reading "Sage Sayings" »

January 6, 2010

What Makes a Good Mother?

to-hell-with-all-that.jpg Today, Kate recommends a thought provoking book about motherhood:

“The essayist Caitlin Flanagan has developed a successful career writing thoughtfully and often with acerbic humor on issues of family, marriage, motherhood, and feminism. She courts controversy by raising uncomfortable questions about whether men or women are better suited to housework, whether small children should be cared for by anyone other than their mothers, and whether contemporary women are fundamentally unsuited to accept the sacrifices required by marriage. She points at working mothers, stay-at-home mothers, and work-at-home mothers -- in other words, all of us -- and asks us to look into ourselves to understand our motivations, our compromises, and our choices and their impacts on our children. She is also the mother of twin boys, and a breast cancer survivor.

Continue reading "What Makes a Good Mother?" »

November 18, 2009

Simplifying the Holidays: Everyday Philanthropy

everyday-philanthropist.jpgJennifer James is one of the first bloggers I met in real life, through the inaugural Disney mom bloggers mixer. She since has become a dear friend and a trusted professional confidante; someone I admire for her kindness, good karma, smart insights, and astute perspective as a long time blogger (among her many projects, she’s best known as the founder of the Mom Bloggers Club). The second in my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, today Jennifer shares a collection of wonderful ideas for everyday philanthropy where you can make a difference from the comfort of your home.

Continue reading "Simplifying the Holidays: Everyday Philanthropy" »

October 26, 2009

Petit Appetit

petit-appetit.jpgToday, April shares a review (and some amazing results!) from Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Easy, Organic Snacks, Beverages, and Party Foods for Kids of All Ages:

“What to have for snack? It's the eternal culinary question for a parent who wants choices that are fun, tasty, and reasonably healthy. What about lunch, little gatherings, and festive moments that call for creative bites, drinks, and goodies? It's easy to run out of ideas and get stuck in a rut of cheese sticks, juice boxes, and yogurt tubes.

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October 15, 2009

Partnership Parenting

partnership-parenting.jpgToday, Sarah recommends Partnership Parenting, a book written to help parents reach mature discussion and calm compromise amidst conflicting parenting styles. Read on for Sarah’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of Partnership Parenting (entry closes October 17):

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October 6, 2009

SteveSongs at the Regent

stevesongs.JPGLet’s just say that SteveSongs makes an impression. SteveSongs was Laurel’s very first concert and his catchy, fun music (remarkably enjoyable for kids and grownups) subsequently was tops on Laurel's playlist for the better part of a year. This weekend you can catch SteveSongs live, when he kicks off the Regent Theatre’s Family Fun Saturdays series on Saturday, October 10 (10:30am & 3pm shows). Also cool, my friends at the Regent kindly are offering a family 4-pack of tickets to each show. Simply check out the rules below and enter to win by noon Thursday, October 8.

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September 29, 2009

Happy Babies, Happy Parents

harvey-karp.jpgBack in our sleep deprived (and admittedly clueless) days of early parenting, Dr. Harvey Karp’s Happiest Baby on the Block was one of our go-to parenting manuals. And lucky for local parents, on October 7 (6-8 pm), you can learn baby and toddler calming techniques (related to sleep, tantrums, etc.) from Dr. Karp himself, thanks to an event coordinated by my friends over at Isis Maternity. Taking place at the Isis Prudential location, the event will include Dr. Karp’s presentation + Q & A, refreshments, book signings, and raffle prizes. Space is limited; ticket proceeds will benefit Massachusetts Citizens for Children.

August 13, 2009

Hold Me Tight

hold-me-tight.jpgToday Tracy shares a recommendation for a book that can help couples reconnect in times of discontent:

“In my practice as a clinical psychologist, my clients often asked for book recommendations. It’s a rare book that is accessible enough and/or leaves me comfortable enough with the message it sends that I’m happy to recommend it to clients. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love is different, however.

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July 21, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Hachette Book Group

hachette.jpgFor me, few things signal summer like lolling on the beach with a juicy book (which unfortunately means summer hasn’t quite arrived in my household…), and lucky for those looking to load up their beach bag with summer reads, Hachette Book Group generously is offering a bonanza of books for our 3rd birthday party. Five lucky winners each will receive a 10-book summer reads collection valued at $164 per set (titles listed below). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Wednesday, July 22).

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June 30, 2009

Love, Marriage, & Experimentation

uncommon-arrangements.jpgToday, Kate shares a book recommendation for grownups:

“I have long been fascinated by marriages. What keeps two people together over many years? What really goes on during all of those dinners together, those long car rides, those epic changes and everyday activities? How do some couples manage to strike the right balance between independence and interconnectedness? And how is it that some couples - even after decades - still share private smiles that suggest love and excitement, while others seem like barely more than comfortable companions?

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June 18, 2009

Featured Mama Carol Fishman Cohen

carol-cohen-1.jpgWelcome to Boston Mamas Rock! – where I share the voices of fabulous local mamas from all walks of life. Read on for today’s interview with Carol Fishman Cohen, mother of four and career specialist for women looking to re-enter the workforce. Carol is the co-author of Back on the Career Track and co-founder of iRelaunch. Then go ahead and nominate a fabulous fellow mama!

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June 5, 2009

Surf, Sand, & Summer Reading

time-of-my-life.jpgToday, Jennifer recommends a book for your summer reading list:

“A writer friend recommended Allison Winn Scotch’s Time of My Life and oh did I love it! I grabbed it at the library (quite proud of myself for being so frugal) and read almost the entire book on a train ride from D.C. to Boston. I loved it so much I bought myself a copy to share with friends.

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April 8, 2009

Welcome, Dan Zanes

danzanes.JPGAs a former musician with a low tolerance for singsong-y kids music, I’m grateful for artists such as Dan Zanes, who create cool music that the whole family truly can enjoy. Upbeat, impossible not to groove to, and wonderfully culturally minded, Dan Zanes & Friends will play the Somerville Theatre next weekend (April 18 & 19; click here for tickets). I imagine Zanes will sample from his new gospel inspired album The Welcome Table, but I hope he’ll also introduce families to some of the amazing music from his ¡Nueva York! album. Declared by Laurel as music that “just sounds so happy and pretty!” there’s so much – both in musical and cultural texture - to appreciate, even if you’re like me and can’t comprehend a lick of Spanish.

Want to win 4 tickets to see Dan Zanes & Friends, or be 1 of 5 winners to receive a copy of ¡Nueva York!? Here’s how:

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March 10, 2009

Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-Be

fathertobe.jpgToday, Jules reviews Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-Be, a book designed to provide daddies with practical, helpful, rudimentary, and important details about what is happening to partner and baby during pregnancy. Read on for Jules’ review, and then learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-Be:

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March 4, 2009

Everyone is Beautiful

everyoneisbeautiful.jpgEver since realizing – with more than a modicum of embarrassment – that I nearly closed 2008 without reading a single (non-children’s) book, I have made reading a priority again. And I absolutely love the way books can automatically relax me and send me into an alternate universe. Today, I’m sharing a review of Katherine Center’s recently released Everyone Is Beautiful - a “mom lit” novel set in our very own Cambridge, Mass. Read on for my review, as well as to learn how to be one of five winners to receive a copy of Everyone is Beautiful.

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February 24, 2009

Restorative Chicken Soup

bittman.jpgToday, Evadne shares a key ingredient for her family surviving winter sicknesses:

“Hailing from Canada, there are many things I love about wintertime. But as a mom to a sociable preschooler and thumb-sucking toddler, the season has become overshadowed by sniffles, colds, stomach bugs, and - most recently - a bout of pneumonia (sigh). The road to recovery for us inevitably involves visits to the pediatrician, vitamins, and lots of rest, but we've also added another ingredient to the remedial mix: chicken soup - the quintessential comfort food.

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February 19, 2009

The Joy of Pregnancy

joyofpregnancy.jpgToday, Jules reviews The Joy of Pregnancy, a book that goes beyond the typical pregnancy tome, offering a fresh perspective that allows readers to forget their fears and see the joy in being pregnant. Read on for Jules’ review, and then learn how to be one of five winners to receive a copy of The Joy of Pregnancy:

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January 26, 2009

Favorite Chocolate Pudding

lusciouschoc.jpgThis post is a bit oddly juxtaposed to the previous, but I'm late on a friend's request to share my go-to chocolate pudding recipe and decided to do so here for all to enjoy. The recipe is from Lori Longbotham’s lovely Luscious Chocolate Desserts. Below is my revised recipe that includes a couple of minor time-saving shortcuts (to the already super easy recipe) + ingredient modifications. The latter are based on personal preference, but they do – via reduced milk fat and added fruit – make this dessert somewhat less bad for you while still being divine. Enjoy!

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The Instinct Diet

instinctdiet.bmpToday, Sara Cabot of Little Lettice reviews Tufts University nutritionist/psychiatrist Susan Roberts’ The Instinct Diet, a resource for learning how to identify your food instincts, establish good eating habits, and manage weight loss healthily. Read of for Sara’s review, as well as to learn how to win a copy of this book.

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January 21, 2009

Positive Strategies for Negative Thinkers

chansky.jpgDoes your child have a tendency to look at life through somewhat darkened lenses? Today, Tracy offers a review of Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking, a book for parents of kids who tend towards negative thinking. Read on for Tracy’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of this book!

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December 31, 2008

Best Reads of 2008

BM_bestreads2008.jpgLast week, it was with more than a shred of embarrassment and regret that I realized I had not read a single book all year (I’m afraid my perusal of The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and In Style just doesn’t count). Reminded of my love of reading by Amy Bloom’s gritty and gripping Away (gifted to me by Jon), I was inspired to canvas some mama, Twitter, and Facebook peeps to create the unofficial Boston Mamas Best Reads of 2008 List. Enjoy, and please feel free to comment in with other recommendations, and/or grab the button code at the end of the post to share the link with friends!

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November 19, 2008

So Sexy So Soon

sosexy.jpgFor parents seeking guidance on how to negotiate their kids through today’s sexualized commercial culture, tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7pm), Jean Kilbourne and Diane Levin will speak at Simmons College about issues and coping strategies raised in their book So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids. For details on the event, click here.

November 18, 2008

Featured Mama Betsy Block

betsyblock1.jpgWelcome to Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas from all walks of life. Read on for today’s interview with Betsy Block, mother of two and author of The Dinner Diaries, where Block chronicles the challenges of feeding a family. Then go ahead and nominate yourself or a friend!

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November 17, 2008

Weekend Baking

weekendbaker.jpgToday, Kate shares a recommendation for a cookbook that provides inspiration for baking projects with her daughter:

“I have loved to bake for as long as I can remember. Cooking - dinners, real meals, nutritionally well balanced and all miraculously ready at the same time - isn't necessarily my thing, but baking is one of my refuges. My mother started me on simple sugar cookies and carrot cakes when I was in preschool, and I've carried the love - for the flour, the sugars, the whiff of vanilla, the hand-feel of kneading dough - through my life until now, when I can spend weekends with my own toddler baking.

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November 5, 2008

Fabulous Folk Songbooks

yarrow_folk.jpgI’ve always loved the tradition and timeless calm of folk music, and Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary just released two fabulous songbooks - Favorite Folk Songs and Sleepytime Songs - that no doubt will become family keepsakes. Gorgeously produced, these sturdily bound, prettily illustrated songbooks make learning and appreciating traditional folk tunes easy and fun for the whole family, with printed lyrics and guitar chords for those who wish to strum along, and an accompanying CD to make familiar any unfamiliar tunes. Laurel’s been singing along with these songbooks nonstop (she especially loves Puff, the Magic Dragon), and tonight at 7pm, you can experience the music live with Peter Yarrow at his free performance at Brookline Booksmith.

Want to be 1 of 5 winners to win a Peter Yarrow songbook*? Here’s how:

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October 15, 2008

Featured Mama Carol Band

carolband1.jpgWelcome to Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas from all walks of life. Read on for today’s interview with Carol Band, mother of three and nationally syndicated parenting humor columnist and book author. Then go ahead and nominate yourself or a friend!

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September 23, 2008

Featured Mama Marjorie Druker

marjoriedruker1.jpgWelcome to Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas, whether they're entrepreneurs, avid volunteers, stay at home moms, moms who have closet talents, authors, media professionals, politicians, professors, etc. Read on for today’s interview with Marjorie Druker, mother of one and chef/co-owner of the New England Soup Factory. Then go ahead and nominate yourself or a friend!

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September 12, 2008

Learning the Lingo

readyforbed.jpgSometimes I wonder how being raised by a pair of psychologists impacts Laurel. Jon and I definitely have had moments where we stop and listen to ourselves speak, and wonder whether we’re just flat out being too verbose with her. But a couple of new books from Free Spirit Publishing make it clear that others are talking a similar talk, and to saner effect. Today, I’m reviewing these titles - Ready for Bed! and Ready for the Day! - in conjunction with the Parent Bloggers Network.

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September 10, 2008

BabyBabyOhBaby

babybabyohbaby.jpgLooking for a way to bond with baby while encouraging relaxation and good digestion? Today, Jules shares her experience with the new infant massage DVD BabyBabyOhBaby. Read on for her review, as well as to learn how to be one of four winners to receive a copy of BabyBabyOhBaby!

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July 1, 2008

Birthday Giveaway: Summer Reads

hachette.jpgNothing says summer like juicy beach reads and July fireworks, so we’ll start our online birthday party off with a bang with Hachette Book Group. Five winners each will receive a generous Hachette "Summer Reads" collection, including 14 books collectively valued at $272! Simply check out the title list and rules after the jump and leave a comment on this prize to enter to win.

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June 24, 2008

Time-Out, Mama

mothersneedtimeouts.jpgToday, Jules and Heather review Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too, a book that seeks to motivate moms to give themselves the time-outs they need and deserve. Read on for their reviews, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too:

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June 6, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_64.gifAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

One Chic Mama features the affordable and eco-friendly household products by Charlie’s Soaps. Clever Parents offers guidance on “green” decorating and remodeling. Moms’ Buzz reviews content from April and May. The Nest Baby wants you to weigh in on a report of a grandma trying to breastfeed her grandson. And you could win: a $75 gift certificate to Vincent Shoes at Modern Mom, a Homedics Shiatsu Massaging Cushion for Dad from MomFinds, and a copy of the Sex and the City: The Movie book from We Covet.

May 19, 2008

Pressured Parents, Stressed-out Kids

pressuredparents.jpgAlthough guest contributor Sara Cabot of Little Lettice is one of our family food experts, today Sara – a mom of four children approaching or in their tween years - takes a diversion from nutritional content to provide a review of Pressured Parents, Stressed-out Kids. Read on for Sara’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of 5 winners to receive a copy of Pressured Parents!

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May 14, 2008

The Toddler Café

toddlercafe.jpgAre you ready to venture beyond typical toddler fare? Today, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking offers a review of The Toddler Café: Fast, Healthy, and Fun Ways to Feed Even the Pickiest Eater. Michelle also includes one of her family's favorite recipes from the cookbook - Treasure Triangles - which are sure to suit both sweet and savory cravings.

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May 9, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_60.jpgAnd 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.

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Daily Did Do's

rookiemoms.jpgNew 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.

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May 6, 2008

Growing Up Green

growingupgreen.jpgToday, 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.

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April 25, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_59.jpgAnd 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.

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April 22, 2008

Bonding With Daddy

babybonding.jpgAs 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:

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April 10, 2008

The Talk

thetalk.jpgLike 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!

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April 9, 2008

Bunny Classic

watershipdown.jpgWhile 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.

March 27, 2008

The Ten-Year Nap

tenyearnap.jpgI’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!

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March 11, 2008

Waiting for Birdy

waitingforbirdy.jpgToday, 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).

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February 21, 2008

Just Tell Me What To Say

justtellmewhattosay.jpgI 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:

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January 31, 2008

Remembering Forever

judyblume.jpgToday, 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.

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January 25, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_46.jpgWeekend 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.

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January 23, 2008

Only Child

onlychild.jpgReader 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:

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Big Girl Quilt

quilt.JPGWhen 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.

December 27, 2007

Ellis Paul

ellispaul.jpgWhether 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:

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December 18, 2007

Food to Live By

foodtoliveby.jpgWhether 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. Created by the founders of Earthbound Farm, Food to Live By is an excellent general cooking resource, covering all the major meals and categories via clear instructions, helpful cooking tips, and resplendent photography. Also included are demystifying notes on everything from selecting produce to USDA organic certifications. We’ve enjoyed easy-to-make classics (apple bran muffins) and classics with a twist (an herbed turkey loaf that cleverly embeds a layer of spinach and arugula), and next plan on trying ethnic favorites (such as lamb curry).

Want to be one of 5 winners to receive Food to Live By? Here’s how:

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December 14, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_40.gifAnd 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.

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November 9, 2007

Beauty Confidential

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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. Written by a former New York City beauty editor, this book cuts the concealer, as it were, to bring you the straight scoop on beauty (including recommendations for products worth their weight in gold, and those just as well procured at the drugstore). I’m reviewing this book today in conjunction with The Parent Bloggers Network.

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November 6, 2007

Handbag History

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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. Starting with the handbag’s modest pouch origins, ending with celebrity arm candy and man-bags, and hitting all the iconic bags in between, Handbag traces the sociohistorical context of the handbag within a stylish spread of illustrations, product stills, and model/celebrity shots.

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.

November 2, 2007

Operation Asian Cover Up

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Today our Parent Bloggers Network pals are running a blog blast in conjunction with Harper Collins’s release of Nadine Haobsh’s Beauty Confidential (check back next week for my review). If you’re a blogger willing to post today about your biggest beauty blunder, you’ll be eligible to win Haobsh’s list of 12 beauty editor must haves! Click here for details on how to participate. And read on to learn about my biggest beauty blunder, Operation Asian Cover Up:

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October 31, 2007

The Black Dress

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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 is replete with evidence that black is nowhere near boring. Black Dress offers an accessible historical essay on the evolution of the classic, embedded within a chic spread of black dress fine art, illustrations, and photographs. The origins of each image are detailed in a terrific pictorial annotated bibliography of sorts at the conclusion of the book.

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.

October 29, 2007

The Daring Book for Girls

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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. Similar to Boys in coverage of survival, literacy, sport, and history, Girls also explains topics and rules vaguely understood during my days in the schoolyard (e.g., palm reading, hopscotch, jump rope, friendship bracelets), and ones I’m keen to learn about now (e.g., how to tie a sari, putting your hair up with a pencil, fabulous women in history). This book no doubt will come in handy as we raise an inquisitive daughter who’s raring for adventure each and every day.

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.

October 22, 2007

Vintage Fashion

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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. Vintage Fashion traces the evolution of designer trends from 1900-1990, culturally framing the key looks, details, and designers of the decades within lavish photo spreads that will make you want to reach in and touch each and every creation. An amazing resource, this book is positively making me itch to learn to sew clothing.

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.

October 15, 2007

Master of Deception

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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, which I’m reviewing today per The Parent Bloggers Network.

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September 24, 2007

Smart Medicine

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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 to troubleshoot our way out of unnecessary trips to the pediatrician. Now it's time to pick up Tracy's integrative child health recommendation, Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child; this book recently proved particularly useful in providing a motion sickness remedy for Tracy's son:

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September 19, 2007

Practical Wisdom for Parents

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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. Childcare veterans Nancy Schulman and Ellen Birnbaum created this informative, nonjudgmental, and assuring book to help modern parents gain (or regain) confidence in their own intuition and authority; confidence that Schulman and Birnbaum have seen crumble in the face of the extreme pressures facing modern parents.

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September 12, 2007

Mama Knows Breast

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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 by Boston native Andi Silverman. Friendly and non-judgmental, this compact (easily stowed in the diaper bag) book covers the mechanics (e.g., feeding and burping positions, troubleshooting, nursing on the go and at work), common questions, and tips for nurturing your body, brain, and relationships.

Want to win a copy of Mama Knows Breast? Email us by midnight EST tonight and name one of Andi's professions before becoming a mom and author; we'll draw one winner from the correct responders.

September 6, 2007

Little Black Book of Style

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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 by Nina Garcia (of Project Runway and Elle magazine fame; published by Harper Collins), of course I was eager to do so.

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August 30, 2007

Just Say No

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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):

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August 20, 2007

Birthday Contest: Renee & Jeremy

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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?

August 15, 2007

Birthday Contest: Daddy Books

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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.

August 9, 2007

How It All Vegan

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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:

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July 30, 2007

Your One and Only

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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, by psychologist Susan Newman, addresses and disputes a lot of the cultural myths of only children (spoiled, antisocial, etc.) while offering practical strategies to prevent the myths from becoming reality.”

July 27, 2007

Birthday Contest: Dangerous Book for Boys

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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.

July 20, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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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.

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July 16, 2007

Birthday Contest: The Organic Mom

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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.

July 11, 2007

Body, Soul, & Baby

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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.

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July 10, 2007

Birthday Contest: Baby Daze

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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?

July 9, 2007

Buy, Buy Baby

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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. Written by investigative reporter and mother of two Susan Gregory Thomas, the book will take you inside the marketing blitz aimed at kids.

July 2, 2007

Birthday Contest: Bright Side

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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 Side by emailing us (by midnight EST tonight) the correct answer to the following question: What esteemed undergraduate institution did Katherine Center graduate from?