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December 3, 2008

Giveaway Goodness: Sothys, Deux

sothys.gifThere’s no time like the holidays for spa treatment, and for our seventh installment of Giveaway Goodness, Parisian skin care company Sothys is partnering with us for a second generous giveaway. One lucky reader will receive a Sothys at home spa kit (available for normal, sensitive, or oily skin) valued at $140! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win. Be sure to include whether you would like the normal, sensitive, or oily skin care kit.

Continue reading "Giveaway Goodness: Sothys, Deux" »

December 2, 2008

A Multifunction for Multitaskers

epson.jpgAs someone who strives for streamlined living and working, I’ve always loved the concept of multifunction machines, but until recently, I had yet to find one (on a reasonable budget) that really and truly did what it was supposed to do. That is, until I tried the Epson Artisan 800 All-in-One, which I’m reviewing today thanks to One2One Network and my blog peep Jennifer James of the Mom Bloggers Club.

Continue reading "A Multifunction for Multitaskers" »

Basement Treasures

train.jpgIn these challenging economic and environmental times, consider Kate’s reminder of the beauty of basement treasures:

“My toddler daughter and I recently visited the childhood home of a loved one, a house that has seen four children grow up and go off into their adult lives. As the first evening of our visit was growing a little late and my daughter was getting restless, our hostess knowingly suggested that we check out the basement, a virtual kid's utopia. Shelves of neatly packed toys and games, baskets of stuffed animals, cabinets of baby dolls and their clothes - all just waiting for a new little person to come along and play with them.

Continue reading "Basement Treasures" »

December 1, 2008

Seasonal Hash

turkey.jpgToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking offers a seasonal recipe that’ll give your turkey leftovers a new life:

"Eating in season makes for a smaller grocery bill and fresher flavors. This tasty recipe is an ideal use of some of our favorite winter ingredients: sweet potatoes and apples. It can be served as the main course for brunch or for dinner with a simple side salad. It’s also an ideal way to transform leftover turkey into a brand new meal. This version brings together traditional holiday flavors in a satisfying new dish. Don't forget to Call The Kids into the kitchen to help!

Continue reading "Seasonal Hash" »

Bookplates for Bookworms

felixdoolittle.jpgLaurel has long been a bookworm, and her well-loved (read: grubby) baby and toddler books thus are far from keepsake quality. It’s only now, as she’s grown into a pre-K’er who takes pride in – and care of - her belongings, that I’ve looked at some of her books and toys in a preservative light. And I subsequently adore Newton-based Felix Doolittle’s gorgeous bookplates. These elegant yet playful watercolor motif plates (shown motif; Favorite Things) can be ordered blank or personalized and are a lovely way to commemorate your child’s favorite books, or – as a friend pointed out to me - offer a simple way for an older child to mark ownership of a few items when a sibling comes along.

Want to be 1 of 5 winners to receive a set of Felix Doolittle personalized bookplates*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Bookplates for Bookworms" »

November 26, 2008

Model Crafting

airplanekit1.jpgToday, Evadne shares a terrific bargain craft (and gift) idea:

“I secretly used to mourn the fact that my son seemed to have no interest whatsoever in arts & crafts: coloring, stickers, painting - you name it, he wasn't into it. He much preferred playing with trains or racecars, or engaging in any other activity that was, well, active. But as my son nears his fourth birthday, I have noticed a change... he actually colors the pages that restaurants give to kids, takes time to arrange and glue a collage, and recently even became engrossed in Perler beads.

Continue reading "Model Crafting" »

November 25, 2008

Picky, Picky!

veggies.jpgToday, Tracy shares strategies for coping with picky eating. Read on for her tips, and feel free to share others that have worked for your family.

“If there’s one issue that can unite and divide parents, it’s picky eating. I have lost count of the number of conversations I have had with other parents about how to manage this ubiquitous tendency.

Continue reading "Picky, Picky!" »

Giveaway Goodness: Robeez

robeez.jpgThis holiday season, if you want to get baby something useful and cute, you can’t go wrong with shoes, which undoubtedly will see plenty of action as baby learns to cruise, stomp, walk, and run. And for our sixth installment of Giveaway Goodness, our friends at Robeez generously are gifting two of our readers from their holiday collection, which includes holiday themed shoes, ultra cozy luxe shoes, and super sweet coordinated gift sets. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win.

Continue reading "Giveaway Goodness: Robeez" »

November 24, 2008

Sending Thanks

envelope.jpgToday, Suz shares an idea for showing appreciation to loved ones; a reflective twist on the classic December holiday update letter:

“In our household, every day is proof that it takes a village to raise a child. We feel blessed to have many warm hands, talented minds, and doting eyes in our "village," and thus find it particularly appropriate and meaningful to – literally – send thanks around Thanksgiving.

Continue reading "Sending Thanks" »

Track Back In Style

capeclogs.bmpAs a parent, sometimes I find it absurdly challenging to get out the door in one try, and since we’re a shoes-off household, tracking back through the house to fetch forgotten mittens, lunch box, stuffed animal, etc. is much easier with slip on shoes. And these days, I find that I don’t mind the track backs as much thanks to Cape Clogs. Great for every day or as a welcome upgrade to the sneaker + suit commuter look, these Swedish orthopedic clogs are classically structured in make but not the least bit dowdy in look, available in a variety of cheerful and feisty patterns (such as this fierce leopard) for women and kids. I still aim to make it out of the house in one try, but on the days I don't, these cute kicks make the track backs easy.

Want to win a pair of kids Cape Clogs*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Track Back In Style" »

November 21, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_86.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

You could win a Skip Hop Studio tote (shown) at One Chic Mama, a Nintendo Wii at Classy Mommy, one of two M1093 IS Kodak EasyShare cameras at The Bump, or $50 gift cards to Macys and Borders at MomFinds. Also, Moms’ Buzz features their flu and cold season must haves.

All About Eve

eve_winter.jpgLaurel loves the spectacle associated with holidays, and we subsequently try to strike a balance between celebration and reinforcing ideas about material alternatives and diversity during these times. As such, we’ve been enjoying a few “holiday alternative” titles from Positive Spin Press - All Hallows Eve, Christmas Eve, and Winter's Eve - which I’m reviewing today in conjunction with the Parent Bloggers Network.

Continue reading "All About Eve" »

November 20, 2008

C-Section Recovery Tips

bed.jpgToday, Carole Arsenault of Newborn Nurses shares tips for C-section recovery:

“One out of every three infants born in Massachusetts in 2006 was delivered by caesarean section, according to a state report released on February 13, 2008. This increase can be attributed to many factors, such as advanced maternal age, increases in obesity and diabetes, obstetrician’s fear of lawsuits, and parental desire to schedule the delivery to plan around older children. Whether you have a planned or unexpected C-section, here are some practical tips to aid your recovery post-surgery.

Continue reading "C-Section Recovery Tips" »

Island of Anyplace

islandofanyplace.jpgGiven the frigid turn in weather, Boston families are especially lucky to be privy to plenty of indoor entertainment. And this Saturday (11/22 at 3pm), you can catch the final show of the American Repertory Theatre’s Island of Anyplace at the Zero Arrow Theatre in Cambridge. Suitable for 6-11 year olds, Island takes kids on a creative adventure while teaching them about all aspects of the theatre.

Want to win a 4-pack of tickets to see The Island of Anyplace? Simply email contests@bostonmamas.com with “Island” in the subject by noon Friday, Nov. 21.

Continue reading "Island of Anyplace" »

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.

Bring on the Brown Rice

brownrice.jpgToday, Sara Cabot of Little Lettice offers a primer on brown rice:

“Brown rice is healthier than white rice so it’s good to start your kids early on it. Brown rice is brown because the grain is wrapped with a layer of bran that is stripped away when rendering white rice. So, white rice is just starch, while brown rice is the starch plus fiber from the bran. Brown rice tastes nuttier than white rice, and also takes longer to cook.

Continue reading "Bring on the Brown Rice" »

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!

Continue reading "Featured Mama Betsy Block" »

Signing With Baby

babysigningtime.jpgLooking for a way to communicate with your preverbal baby? Today, Evadne shares her raves for Signing Time’s baby sign language DVD series and accompanying music CDs. Read on for her review, as well as to learn how to win a four-volume Baby Signing Time gift set!

Continue reading "Signing With Baby" »

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.

Continue reading "Weekend Baking" »

Giveaway Goodness: See Kai Run

seekairun_julie.jpgOne can never have enough shoes for busy, growing feet, and thanks to our friends over at See Kai Run, for our fifth installment of Giveaway Goodness we’re giving away three pairs of their awesomely stylish and comfortable shoes! Specifically, you could score the Julie boot (size 7, in limited edition pink; shown), the Paul (size 3, in limited edition blue; shown below), or the Mike boot (size 6; shown below). Simply check out the rules below to enter to win a pair of these fabulous kicks!

Continue reading "Giveaway Goodness: See Kai Run" »

November 14, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

life-preserver.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Clever Parents features a bailout plan for parents, including tips for teaching kids to act responsibility. One Chic Mama recommends using accessories to play up your eyes. Modern Mom provides tips for foxing up your look. The Bump introduces their new series of web badges. And you could win a $100 Minted holiday card gift certificate at MomFinds.

Children Welcome

childrenwelcome.JPGKids can get a bad rap; presumed to be whiny or on the brink of tantrum, and I was reminded yesterday during a meeting with the folks over at Daily Grommet (an in depth look at them is forthcoming on this site) of how appreciative I am when people: a) trust my judgment about my kid, and b) welcome children without the aforementioned presumptions.

Continue reading "Children Welcome" »

November 13, 2008

Top Travel Tips

airplane.jpgThe busiest travel holiday of the year is fast approaching, and today Mary and Kate share useful tips on flying with kids and babies (also provided is a useful archive link from me). Feel free to comment in if you have additional ideas to share!

Continue reading "Top Travel Tips" »

Zebra Mix

ZebraMix.jpgToday, Heather reports on her daughter's fabulous experience with Zebra Mix, kids baking kits that are designed to make culinary adventures fun from start to finish. Read on for Heather’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of five winners to receive a Zebra Mix baking kit!

Continue reading "Zebra Mix" »

November 12, 2008

Mommies Who Shop!

mommieswhoshop.jpgIf you’re north of the city, love shopping, but find it challenging to get into the city to shop (or park the minivan once here), our friends at Mommies Who Shop! have a fabulous event for you. On Dec. 11 (6-10pm), convene with your mama pals for an evening of shopping (30+ cool designers), food and drink, spa and beauty goodies, and a silent auction and raffle that boast a Quinny stroller among the winnings. Tickets are selling fast; if you get one of the first 200 sold, you’ll also get a VIP swag bag.

At the Community House of Hamilton and Wenham, 284 Bay Road, Hamilton

Creativity In a Box

kidsbusybox.jpgDespite being an artist with a closet full of craft supplies, I still periodically run out of ideas or have trouble thinking outside the box to fuel Laurel’s creative appetite. Enter, Kid’s Busy Box. A creative and financial bargain compared to single project craft kits, Kid’s Busy Box includes instructions and materials for 20 craft projects suitable for 3- to 7-year-olds. Those with basic tools such as markers, tape, and scissors can opt for the basic box, or upgrade to a deluxe box to get all supplies included. Laurel loves being able to choose from a variety of projects, I welcome the fresh inspiration to promote fun, hands on learning, and the results make for cute home art or gifts for loved ones.

Want to win a Kid’s Busy Box*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Creativity In a Box" »

November 10, 2008

Pediatric Dental Associates

pda.jpgHalloween’s passing – and the obsessive post-treat teeth brushing that has followed – reminded me that I wanted to post about a terrific pediatric dental practice in the Greater Boston area. Following an enthusiastic referral from Evadne, I recently took Laurel to Pediatric Dental Associates for her first dental visit.

Continue reading "Pediatric Dental Associates" »

Backup for Dummies

clickfree.jpgEveryone’s heard of, or experienced firsthand, computer crash (with no backup) horror stories; tearful, frustrated tales of valuable work lost and precious digital family photos and videos never to be seen again. Thankfully though, the onerous nature of backups is a thing of the past thanks to the ridiculously easy to use ClickFree HD801 device. Read on for my review of this must-have gadget, as well as to learn how to win a Clickfree HD801!

Continue reading "Backup for Dummies" »

November 7, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_84.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Clever Parents
recommends a clever and inexpensive product designed to keep mementos organized for long-term storage. The Bump now features a baby naming tool. And you could win: two Pluto Tees at MomFinds and $250 worth of Creativity for Kids craft products at Modern Mom.

Mayor's Holiday Special

holidayspecial.jpgIf you’d like to introduce your little one to classic holiday performances on a budget, the Mayor’s Holiday Special site recently re-launched, offering exclusive half-price tickets for Boston area shows. I especially like that tickets for popular performances such as The Nutcracker and Holiday Pops are offered both in the time-honored Boston traditions by the Boston Ballet and Boston Pops, as well as at smaller suburban venues with lower ticket prices (and likely better visibility). Note that ticket sales for some shows close as early as next week.

Continue reading "Mayor's Holiday Special" »