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September 2, 2010

Estelle's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

quinoa-salad.JPGA couple of weeks ago I hosted my mom's birthday party and asked my siblings to bring dishes for potluck. Since my family is so large, it's always fun to see what people bring, and for this event, they did not disappoint; to accommodate my mom's food preferences we prepared mostly vegetarian and the array of colors and flavors was fantastic. There was a lot of great food that day, but the dish I went back for seconds (and, admittedly, thirds) on was my sister-in-law Estelle's quinoa and black bean salad. I've heard a lot of talk about quinoa this year (it's a good source of protein and is high in fiber, among other things) but hadn't gotten around to trying it yet. Now I'm a total convert.

Continue reading "Estelle's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad" »

August 31, 2010

How To Quilt With Kids

christine-koh-quilt-how-to.jpgAs a designer, it feels like a huge gift to have a daughter who digs crafts; we're always working on something, be it in my studio (when the sitter bailed yesterday, I taught Laurel to screen print!) or the kitchen (Laurel wants to be the next Ace of Cakes). This summer I thought it would be fun to have a creative project to chip away at once school was out. Check out my how to quilt with kids guest tutorial at Craft, which includes photos of what Laurel and I have come up with so far.

August 11, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Mabel's Labels

mabels-labels.jpgLaurel started attending day care part-time when she was 9 months old, and a large part of the communal learning environment since then has -- to my initial chagrin -- revolved around labeling her things. But oh do easy to use labels (read: no sewing whatsoever) make all the difference. Once I started using Mabel's Labels, the whole ID'ing-all-of-Laurel's-belongings process became easy and even sort of weirdly fun, and now she's old enough to label things on her own. These self adhesive labels are fantastic for clothes (they stay put through the washer and dryer), shoes (even the labels on her flip flops have gone through countless sprinkler runs and are still holding on), and lunch/school supplies. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Mabel's Labels generously is gifting four lucky winners with their Ultimate Back-to-School label pack ($39-44 value each). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Thursday, August 12, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Mabel's Labels" »

August 9, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Teleflora

teleflora.jpgA few birthdays ago, Jon gave me the incredibly thoughtful and generous gift of flower "credits" at a local florist; over the course of three or so months, I walked around the corner and picked up fresh flowers whenever I wanted them. It made me so happy to have cheerful blooms in the house, and I feel that same happiness to this day, whether we pick up flowers at the market or receive a delivery to our door (which reminds me that I need to order a thank you bouquet for my in-laws, who took care of Laurel while I was at BlogHer). Similarly, I don't think I've ever met someone who doesn't enjoy receiving flowers, and whether you'd like to treat yourself to some flowers, or surprise a loved one with a delivery, it's pretty cool that as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Telefora generously is gifting one lucky winner with their choice of bouquet up to $75 in value. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Tuesday, August 10, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Teleflora" »

August 3, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Equal Exchange

equal-exchange.jpgI have been a fan of Equal Exchange for some time: I've purchased their fair trade products at the market. I invariably visit the Equal Exchange Café when I'm in the vicinity of North Station. I love that they are headquartered locally. I'm a wee bit obsessed with their dark chocolate minis. I think it's super cool that they offer an alternative to cheese log and wrapping paper school fundraisers with a fair trade fundraising program that makes money for schools and community groups via yummy and cool fair trade gifts while benefiting organic farmers and artisans around the world. And as if that isn't enough, as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Equal Exchange generously is gifting one lucky winner with the delightful gift of coffee and chocolate (one 5 lb bag of whole bean coffee + 1 box of 150 mini chocolates; $82 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Wednesday, August 4, to enter to win.

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July 30, 2010

Perfect Storage Solution

effektiv-1.jpgEven though we've been in our home for two years, we're still not completely settled, and one area of the house that troubled me for a long time was our dining room. We have one big wall and I had no idea what to do with it. A single sideboard seemed pricey while not filling the space and what I really needed was a lot of storage to accommodate the contents of Laurel's open bookcase (that was exploding with art supplies), and other platters and vases and things. I recently hit on the perfect storage solution and several visitors have since asked me for the specifics about our setup so I thought I would share it here.

Continue reading "Perfect Storage Solution" »

July 21, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Harvard Sweet Boutique

harvard-sweet-boutique.jpgIn line with my preference for non-tchotchke gifting, I've always found food to be a much appreciated and happily consumed gift. But if you lack time or ability in the kitchen, worry not: Harvard Sweet Boutique can hook you up. Offering lovingly assembled sweet arrangements made from scratch with all natural ingredients in Harvard, MA, you can order toffees, cookies, brownies and bars -- whether packaged on their own or as part of centerpieces, party favors, or even in a package (signed baseball included) to benefit Kevin Youkilis's Hits for Kids charity. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Harvard Sweet Boutique generously is gifting one lucky winner with their Thinking of You Tower ($80 value)! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Thursday, July 22, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Harvard Sweet Boutique" »

July 20, 2010

Kid-Friendly Zucchini

zucchini.jpgThe other week we received some zucchini from our CSA share and I immediately wanted to make these fritter-like zucchini rounds my mom used to make. I called my mom and she recommended using savory pancake batter instead of an egg wash (my original guess). I used my tried and true scallion pancake recipe and it worked amazingly; the centers of the zucchini became deliciously creamy while the edges remained firm -- a fine contrast to the salty deliciousness of the batter. I didn't think Laurel would touch these zucchini rounds because of her stance that zucchini is "disgusting!" but she gobbled about six rounds right off the griddle and came back for more later. Here's the easy how-to:

Continue reading "Kid-Friendly Zucchini" »

July 17, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Artistic Sensations

artistic-sensations.jpgOh the irony of sleep: parents love it and long for more and kids resist it. Either way, pretty bedding helps create a welcoming environment (and yes, I've used cool bedding to make Laurel's bed more enticing for sleep). Whether you're looking for bedding sets, or need a top to bottom room makeover (furniture, décor, etc.), check out Artistic Sensations. Offering a wide variety of themes and styles to outfit kids' rooms, I'm especially drawn towards their organic bedding, which includes sweetly patterned and cozy looking options that make me feel happily sleepy just looking at them online. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Artistic Sensations generously is gifting one lucky winner with a $250 gift certificate towards bedding! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Monday, July 19, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Artistic Sensations" »

July 14, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: Olivia Browning

olivia-browning-paris-bucket-bag.jpgIt was a pretty remarkable day when I moved from my big (way overpacked) diaper bag to cute, compact bags that -- save the occasional snack cup or activity book -- primarily held my stuff. And whether you've been in that zone for a while or are approaching it, this chic Paris Bucket Bag ($165 value) would likely serve you well. Kindly gifted by Charlestown-based brick and mortar (and online) indie boutique Olivia Browning as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, this bag is punchy in color, lined with a washable interior and handy pockets, and features gold hardware to up the fancy factor; you'll no doubt feel happy carrying this bag, whether or not the bottom is lined with a few Cheerios. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Thursday, July 15, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Olivia Browning" »

July 8, 2010

Birthday Giveaway: vianne chocolat

vianne-chocolat.jpgI love fine chocolate and I love all things local so I was thrilled to learn about vianne chocolat, a new Boston-based source for handmade artisan chocolates. Passionate about sourcing local whenever possible, chocolatier Valerie Conyngham uses cream, butter, and jams from New England farms, and spices from independent local spice purveyors to create a delightful variety of chocolates for gifting, home parties, special occasions, and corporate events. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, vianne chocolat generously is gifting one lucky winner with a vianne chocolat canvas tote + assortment of 50 chocolates! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Friday, July 9, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: vianne chocolat" »

June 26, 2010

Weekend Reading

radish-pesto-wicked-tasty-harvest.jpgI recently started helping my web savvy friend Alli Worthington with a project. BlissReads is a collection of websites through which curators (like yours truly) share awesome content. I've been remiss in my link roundups so I thought I'd start sharing what I've been curating for BlissReads. Check out my commentary on these awesome posts: recipes for radish leaf pesto, coconut milk cupcakes with coconut cream cheese frosting (swoon!), and coconut tres leches cake (double swoon!); how to embellish your own tank top, give old lamps new life, and make your own bubble mix (and gigantic bubbles); and roundups for 10 fabulous ideas for bunk beds and 32 birthday party themes for kids. Enjoy!

Image credit: Wicked Tasty Harvest

June 22, 2010

Favorite Summer Party Menu

birthday-cake.jpgJune is a celebratory month in our house, given Jon and my wedding anniversary, his birthday, and Father's Day. Over the years we've downplayed some of these special days over others. Typically low key about his birthday, this year, I was thrilled that Jon was open to having a birthday party and I assembled what may be my favorite summer party menu ever. All of the food was fantastic and simple to assemble (though it was a large menu...I tend to go a little crazy when it comes to food), and offered a good mix for the vegetarians and meat eaters among the group. I hope you enjoy these recipes, whether collectively, or sampled here and there to accompany your own favorite meals:

Continue reading "Favorite Summer Party Menu" »

June 21, 2010

DIY Inspiration Boards

inspiration-boards-1.JPGNext month will mark the second year of living in our not so new, new house, and we are just getting around to hanging things on the wall. Seriously. Part of the delay is attributable to uncertainty (and repeated testing) about where furniture should finally land, and part because some wall hangings required crafting. A couple of weeks ago I finally got around to assembling inspiration boards for my office and my workspace is now approaching a cosmic level of awesome. Read on for the how-to; these boards would be great in other areas of the home as well.

Continue reading "DIY Inspiration Boards" »

June 14, 2010

Awesome and Easy Bean Dip

tortilla-chips-wikipedia.JPGOn Saturday we had some fellow soccer-loving friends over to watch World Cup, and my friend Heather brought a fantastic bean dip that was -- admittedly -- way more awesome (and quickly devoured) than the basic layered dip I made. Heather kindly sent me the recipe, which originated from her friend Betsy. I'm totally making this dip next weekend for another party I'm hosting. Yummy.

Continue reading "Awesome and Easy Bean Dip" »

June 13, 2010

Cakeapalooza!

circus-carousel-cake.jpgToday, Kate shares a great lead for those who want to experiment with cake baking:

I don't generally write about activities outside of the Boston area, but a recent trip to N.Y. Cake provided me with inspiration. And of course if you can't get to the store in New York City, you can order online.

Continue reading "Cakeapalooza!" »

June 9, 2010

Get Up and thredUP

thredup.jpgAs much as I love shopping for pretty new things for Laurel, I'm also keen on finding pretty used things for her, given my eco and minimalist parenting approach. And that's why I dig thredUP, a locally headquartered website that allows parents across the country to swap kids clothes easily, inexpensively, and from the comfort of home (literally, you don't need to leave your home for any of the steps). Read on for my review of thredUP, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a thredUP Pro Membership:

Continue reading "Get Up and thredUP" »

May 24, 2010

Pass Me The [me] & goji

me-and-goji.jpgToday, Sarah recommends [me] & goji's custom organic cereal. Read on for Sarah's review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a [me] & goji gift certificate:

I'm a cereal-a-holic. My family ate it every weekday for breakfast growing up, under the strict nutritional guidelines of my mom: one box of "junk cereal" per month, otherwise everything else had to be healthy (i.e., of the granola or raisin bran variety). In college, I discovered the art of mixing at the row of cereal dispensers (the mixes sometimes were of questionable nutritional value), and now, in my own kitchen, I continue the same mixing ritual (admittedly sometimes adding a sprinkle of "junk" to the healthy) for myself and my kids.

Continue reading "Pass Me The [me] & goji" »

May 19, 2010

Garden(ing) Party

spring-birthday-1.jpgI've long been a proponent of gardening with kids, but that wasn't the only reason I adored the hands on, tchochke-free garden(ing) party my friend Nicola (of teddy bear tea party fame) assembled for her daughter's sixth birthday party. You will totally want to copy this awesome idea.

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May 10, 2010

Wicked Easy Split Pea Soup

green-split-peas.gifWhen I was training for The Relay, I grew keen on eating legume-laden soups for lean protein. However, similar to my experience with hummus, I found that the volume of my consumption resulted in excess packaging waste and expense. Soups generally are so easy and forgiving and inexpensive to make, so I decided to start incorporating them into my kitchen routine. I still have a wonderful French lentil soup I want to share, but first (because it is even faster to make), I want to share this wicked easy split pea soup recipe, which I whipped up yesterday as (an odd and unexpected but happily devoured) part of Mother's Day brunch. The soup -- packed with fiber and protein -- is super easy to knock together, and was perfect given yesterday's windy and chilly weather.

Continue reading "Wicked Easy Split Pea Soup" »

May 6, 2010

Yummy & Easy Hummus

chick-peas.jpgWhen the warm weather returned, so did my voracious appetite for salads and cold things such as hummus and tabbouleh. We've been consuming vast quantities of these foods (I especially like hummus because it reminds me to eat carrots) and I soon found myself disgruntled by the volume of plastic containers we were acquiring. We reuse them all for storing leftovers or Laurel's craft supplies or other odds and ends, but we definitely don't need more of them. So I decided to start making more of these small container items from scratch. I'm still tweaking my tabbouleh recipe and will share that when I land on just the right blend; meanwhile, if you have a food processor, hummus is ridiculously easy to make.

Continue reading "Yummy & Easy Hummus" »

April 29, 2010

Flowers for Mom

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

Continue reading "Flowers for Mom" »

April 22, 2010

Way to Grow

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

Be Out There: Get Gardening

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

Continue reading "Be Out There: Get Gardening" »

April 18, 2010

Love These Links: (Mostly) DIY Edition

alpha-mom-plantable-paper.jpgHere are some lovely links that caught my eye this week around the web. Clearly I've got DIY projects (and travel) on my mind. I love this pretty plantable paper project from Alpha Mom (shown) and this sweet paper corsage tutorial from Make and Takes. These homemade bath bombs from Petit Elefant would make a cute gift for mom or a girlfriend. If you're feeling really crafty and like sewing (and love embellished tops as much as I do), try these DIY embellished tops from BlogHer. And it's not DIY, but since I'm the minimalist mama, I can't help but love these minimalist travel tips from Gwen Bell. Happy reading!

April 17, 2010

Acero Studio

acero-studio.jpgLast weekend Laurel and I had a fantastic time at the Down:2:Earth sustainable living expo. Laurel loved the face painting, games, snacks, and garden displays, and I was especially thrilled to see many green companies I have featured (Boston Organics, Bum Boosa, Diaper Lab, Go GaGa, Sakura Bloom, Seventh Generation, snackTAXI, Stonyfield) present, and also to discover new ones, such as Acero Studio. Mom-owned and based out of New Bedford, artist Anne Wolfe creates lovely vintage-styled graphics then hand prints them onto a delicious array of microwave and dishwasher safe ceramics and porcelain jewelry.

Continue reading "Acero Studio" »

April 15, 2010

Perfect Parfait

oikos-greek-yogurt.pngI'm currently in the final stretch training for Eat. Blog. Run. and at the beginning of April I decided to aid my training by eating super clean. Which meant -- gulp -- giving up dessert; not an easy task given my sweet tooth. However, I have found the perfect solution. A few weeks ago, we enjoyed the cutest little parfaits at a friend's house, and I have since replicated them to enjoy in place of dessert and also offer when we're hosting (guests similarly go bonkers over it). I hope you enjoy this perfect parfait as much as I do; it's great as a dessert replacement or for a healthful snack.

Continue reading "Perfect Parfait" »

April 9, 2010

Craftastic CRAFTBOSTON

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

April 7, 2010

Roasted Beet and Lentil Salad

beets.jpgToday, Jules shares a yummy way to treat beets:

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

Continue reading "Roasted Beet and Lentil Salad" »

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" »

April 2, 2010

A is for Applesauce

applesauce.jpegToday, Michelle Stern of What's Cooking shares her killer applesauce recipe:

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

Continue reading "A is for Applesauce" »

March 29, 2010

Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie

luscious-lemon-desserts.jpgAmidst the sadness of attending two funerals within one week, I have taken heart in the reconnection and reflection that can occur around such events. On Friday we hosted one of my long out-of-touch relatives following the family funeral, and to lighten the mood I decided to make lemon meringue pie. This dessert is a bit more involved than recipes I typically post here, but it was so ridiculously good that I wanted to share it for those looking for a lovely and lemony dessert. The pie served as the perfect cheery welcome over which we were able to reflect on lives lost and celebrate existing relationships; fittingly, Laurel said the meringue looked and tasted like happy clouds.

Continue reading "Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie" »

March 28, 2010

Easter & Passover Inspiration


wheatgrass.jpgHere's a roundup of inspiration as you plan for Easter and Passover. At Make & Takes, I love the tips for growing wheatgrass and adorable Easter coloring pages. I'm not a ham person, but if you are, A Southern Fairytale can hook you up with some mouth watering ham recipes. How cute is this DIY bird's nest from Alpha Mom, or the Easter clothing picks from Design Mom? And for your Easter baskets: $15 or less ideas from Cool Mom Picks, basket picks for grownups from Mighty Goods, and gorgeous bunny and egg gift picks from Lil Sugar.

Continue reading "Easter & Passover Inspiration" »

March 23, 2010

Start Sprouting

wildflowers.jpgThis past weekend when Laurel and I hit the hardware store to pick up some final flood cleanup supplies, she immediately headed for the seed racks. Though we lack the garden space of our previous residence to grow veggies (tragic, but we're instead eagerly awaiting the start of our CSA), I couldn't resist the opportunity to engage in a fun nature project with her. Here are some simple tips to start sprouting with your kids, even if you're lacking a garden plot:

Continue reading "Start Sprouting" »

March 21, 2010

New Use For Old Spices

spices-1.JPGIn the vein of spring cleaning, here's a new use for old spices. Instead of simply trashing stale spices, line them up on the counter with a bowl, mixing spoon, measuring spoons, and spray bottle (less messy, plus adds longevity to the project), then let your kid go to town. The more variety (color, smell, shapes, e.g., cardamom pods) the better. Laurel loves pretend playing that she's making a stew or science experiment, we get entertainment mileage by repurposing a household item that we'd otherwise toss, and if you're feeling particularly pedagogical, you can build in some math moments via measurement.

Continue reading "New Use For Old Spices" »

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 17, 2010

Giveaway Goodness: HP Photosmart Printer

hp-photosmart-touchsmart.jpgBecause I'm obsessed with compactness and efficiency, I am immediately drawn to all in one anything, especially when it comes to tech matters (because really, who doesn't want less cables and blinking lights in their office?). So how's this for cool? As part of my Giveaway Goodness series, HP generously is offering one of you awesome readers their snazzy HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One printer! This multifunction (print, fax, scan, copy) meets smartphone (web access!) touch printer handles all of the traditional office duties and also connects online via HP apps so you can easily print maps, photos, coupons, recipes, coloring pages, and more. No doubt the whole family will be happy with this one.

To enter to win this awesome printer, check out and follow the rules below by midnight, Wednesday, March 24.

Continue reading "Giveaway Goodness: HP Photosmart Printer" »

March 11, 2010

Switch, Wear, Repeat

switch-gear-kit.jpgToday, Jennifer shares a fabulous find for ladies who love switching up their accessories. Read on to learn more about the Switch Gear Kit, a cool and artsy interchangeable earring kit designed by local metalsmith Lisa Monahan, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a Switch Gear Kit (entry closes March 15).

Continue reading "Switch, Wear, Repeat" »

March 7, 2010

Easy Currant Scones

currant-scones.jpgOne of my favorite ways to make a lazy weekend morning feel special is with scones. And these currant scones by Martha Stewart are simple in composition (without any forethought I had all the ingredients on hand) and are easy enough to whip up while everyone is still lolling around in jammies. I made these scones last weekend for company and they were a huge hit; light (um, seeming), flaky, and delicious. And everyone was happy to simply nibble these special treats alongside fresh fruit. Easy peasy.

Continue reading "Easy Currant Scones" »

March 3, 2010

Yummy Citrus-Ginger Tea

tea.JPGI stopped drinking coffee several months ago and since have been consuming a lot of herbal tea. And our friend Taina recently introduced us to a fantastic tea blend (inspired by her mama friend Jess) that I’ve been enjoying daily (I am, in fact, enjoying a cup right this minute). One batch is great to share with friends after dinner, or to enjoy through the day, whether it sits stove top at home or in a travel thermos at work. And it seems to me that the citrus-ginger blend could help stave off, or at least soothe, winter colds.

Continue reading "Yummy Citrus-Ginger Tea" »

March 2, 2010

Bountiful Barley Salad

barley.jpgToday, Jules shares a crowd pleasing barley salad recipe:

I first cooked this barley salad for a New Year’s gathering of six friends, including three very large, very hungry meat-eating men. It was not the main dish, but it really could have been. This dish was a huge hit; a hearty meal that is simple to prepare and loaded with whole grain goodness. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Bountiful Barley Salad " »

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:

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February 26, 2010

Peanut Butter Bliss Cookies

bliss-cookies-1.JPGI love that every culture embraces some variation of food wrapped around food (e.g., dumplings, empanadas, etc.) and I recently was inspired to translate the idea to baked treats. While at Blissdom a few weeks ago, I received a bag of Hershey's Bliss milk chocolates. I was going to pass them on to a friend (admittedly, normally I only go for organic chocolate), but after reading the ingredient list (minimal), decided to keep them. My preference for organics was overshadowed by an overwhelming desire to wrap peanut butter cookie dough around these chocolates with Laurel.

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February 21, 2010

Fancy Yet Easy Mini Crab Cakes

mini-crab-cakes.jpgI adore hors d’oeuvres -- the variety they offer (I love sampling a little bit of everything at a meal), the artfulness, the utter cuteness of food in miniature. And to make any occasion feel special without a huge amount of work, try these elegant little mini crab cakes from Bon Appétit. They are super easy to knock together, delicious, and feel oh so fancy. I made them for a dinner party last week and they were a big hit.

Image credit: Lisa Hubbard for Bon Appétit

February 19, 2010

February Vacation: Easy Bake

chocolate-zucchini-cake.JPGI'm a huge fan of baking with kids; the process is engaging, yields yummy rewards, and provides a natural way to teach math while spending quality time together. Below is a roundup of some baking projects that are fun to make and eat. Also, though baking requires more precision in measurement than cooking, I encourage you to let go of perfection in the kitchen and focus on the fun. Keep an eye out and encourage your kids to transfer ingredients smoothly, but otherwise a little spilled flour here or there isn't the end of the world.

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February 18, 2010

February Vacation: Get Crafty

paintedpot1.JPGIf you’ve followed my February vacation week itinerary so far (and taken in a show, visited museums, enjoyed the great outdoors, and visited your local library), you’re probably ready to take it down a notch and relax at home. Enjoy some extra time in your jammies and get crafty with your kids. The art supply & toy and arts & crafts archives are full of ideas, but here are some great projects that require only basic supplies:

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February 11, 2010

Rosebud Valentines

rosebud-valentines-1.JPGThough we’re very crafty at home, I love when Laurel comes home with new ideas from her art classes at school. And last week I was blown away by the awesomeness of this rosebud Valentine project. These Valentines are a tad time consuming if you make the hearts as big as Laurel did (about ¾ of a sheet of paper) so she’s just making a few for some special sweethearts. Alternatively, you could make them smaller (perhaps cutting 8.5 x 11” sheets of paper into four equal pieces and cutting hearts from those rectangles). The effect will still be spectacularly heartfelt. Here’s the how-to:

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February 3, 2010

My Favorite Mocha Brownies

mocha-brownies.jpgI love mailing goodies to people who aren’t expecting them (which I did on Monday as a thank you for a favor), and this Bon Appétit recipe for mocha brownies is one of my tried and true favorites, whether for general snacking, parties, or to send in the mail (they've made it to California perfectly intact). The brownies are rich and super moist and the recipe is forgiving to alterations (see below), which is handy when you’re cooking on the fly (i.e., missing an ingredient) or with a little one who might spill a little flour here and there. And best of all? While most brownie recipes call for 8” or 9” square pans, this recipe fills a 9” x 13” pan, meaning that one batch will yield plenty to gift, plus some extra for home.

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January 27, 2010

Pretty Produce Bags

bite-bags.jpgThough I always remember my reusable totes when I hit the grocery store, produce bags are another story. I save plastic produce bags with the best intentions, but they never make it back to the store with me. Solution? The pretty, fabric trimmed, cinch-top produce bags by Bite. Not only are they unforgettably cute, but they’re eco-friendly, locally made, and lightweight (just over half an ounce). Add in washability and the fact that you can multi-task them to organize household goods, protect delicates in the laundry, and tote snacks for the kids and, well, you get an awful lot of bang for your bite with these bags.

Now, want to win a 3-pack of Bite bags? Here’s how:

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January 14, 2010

Chinese Chicken-Vegetable Soup

soup-chopsticks.JPGToday, Sarah shares a soup recipe to satisfy the whole family:

The eternal struggle to find a meal for dinner is one of the banes of the mom’s existence. For millennia, we’ve been combining this and substituting that to discover the holy grail of a single dish that will fill hungry bellies, fuel growing bodies, tempt picky taste buds, and soothe savage budgets, all while being prepared with a minimum of fuss, prep, and time. Oh, yeah, and the same goes for tomorrow. And the day after that.

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January 12, 2010

Run My Errand Please

run-my-errand.jpgProbably not unlike many of you, at any given moment, I'm overwhelmed by errands. In addition to the length of my laundry list, I'm short on hours, and also wheels, given that we're a one car family and Jon has the car most weekdays. So I was thrilled to discover the excellence of RUNmyERRAND, a local errand service that recently saved my sanity (and advanced the awesomeness of my office). Read on for more about my experience with RME, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive RUNmyERRAND credits (entry closes January 18):

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January 6, 2010

Oooh…Raclette!

swissmar-raclette.jpgWithout fail, every time we visit with our wonderful friends Anne and Michael, we pick up lovely hosting ideas. And this New Year’s Eve we learned about raclette, a dish/serving method that’s wonderfully communal and conversation inspiring. It’s also perfect for people like me who like to sample a little bit of everything at dinner, and it presents elegantly while being super simple to prepare.

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January 5, 2010

Slick Mini

hp-mini-110-studio-tord-boontje.jpgI don’t typically post about contests on other sites, but I wanted to share this Simplify My Life campaign from Mom Bloggers Club because: a) it’s pretty sweet; b) anyone tuned in here over the holidays knows I'm all about simplifying; and c) I evaluated the product being given away so I know first hand how fantastic it is. In a nutshell, MBC & HP are giving away the super slick HP Studio Tord Boontje Mini 110 netbook. Actually, six of them. Simply blog about how the Mini 110 could simplify your life; the three most creative blog entries will win a Mini 110, plus three randomly drawn readers who comment in on these Simplify My Life posts will receive a Mini 110 (so, if you don't blog, read and comment in!). Be sure to check out the entry rules, and for details on usability and performance, read my evaluation.

December 22, 2009

Simplifying Gift Wrapping

solid-wrapping-paper.jpgToday, Heather shares a fabulous idea that simplifies gift wrapping and makes the holidays accessible for pre-readers:

“I love Christmas and all that comes with it: the music, decorating, baking, shopping, and -- my favorite part -- watching the excitement and anticipation of my four children. The one thing I do not love is gift wrapping, possibly because I come from a family where gift wrapping is considered an art form. The busier my life gets, the more stressful I find this task. Though I love the look of artfully wrapped gifts, my practical side always wonders if it is worth spending so much time on gift wrap that will be ripped off in a few seconds.

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December 21, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: Instant Holiday Mojo At Home

tealights.jpgI adore Gabrielle Blair; I first met her at the inaugural Disney mom bloggers mixer where we bonded over our shared passion for design, and I have since admired and enjoyed all of the artful ideas and stories she shares via her blog Design Mom, as well as the social media smartness that stems from her work as a co-founder of Kirtsy. Gabrielle projects such grace and generosity and kindness and creativity. And for the fifteenth installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, I’m thrilled to share Gabrielle’s three super fast, surefire ways to create instant holiday mojo at home.

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December 17, 2009

Best Gingerbread People Ever

gingerbread-men.jpgThere was a lot of holiday cookie talk on Twitter yesterday, which reminded me that I wanted to share a fantastic recipe for gingerbread people (we're equal opportunity bakers around here). Derived from my trustworthy Baking Illustrated, what I love about these cookies is that they aren’t rock hard crunchy -- testing your dental strength and spraying crumbs all over your shirt with each bite. These cookies are a touch crispy around the edges but chewy throughout, and the sweetness level (not overly sweet) is just right. Laurel and I made these cookies for a holiday party last weekend and people went crazy over them.

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December 16, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: Last Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

deshawn-marie-soaps.jpgMy respect, admiration, and affection for Liz Gumbinner and Kristen Chase of Cool Mom Picks is multidimensional. I met them for the first time in real life at BlogHer Chicago in July, but I have “e-known” them since the early CMP days, followed their hilarious personal blogs (Mom-101 and Motherhood Uncensored, respectively), and interfaced with Kristen through Parent Bloggers Network and also via Kristen motivating me to become one of the original wave of Shredheads. Liz and Kristen are such talented, generous, and funny women, and for the thirteenth installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, I’m thrilled to share their savvy shopping tips to help you survive the last minute holiday shopping crunch.

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December 14, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: Working Mom Tips

snowman-light.jpgI feel as if I've known Kristin Brandt and Erin Kane of Manic Mommies forever; in reality, I’ve known Kristin since college (well, that kind of feels like forever ago…) and Erin since the Disney mom bloggers mixer. They both are smart, hilarious, and impressive in their juggling of work and home; whenever we meet up there's a lot of laughter and also serious parsing of all things social media and family life. For the twelfth installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, I’m thrilled to welcome Kristin; read on to learn about the important lesson she learned from her mom, plus a series of holiday tips that have served Kristin well as a full-time working mom.

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Have Pockets, Will Travel

pish-posh-quick-zip.jpgOne beautiful thing about graduating from early parenting -- during which time I toted way too much stuff in an enormous diaper bag -- was the return of handbag use. Only problem? Laurel and my stuff got jumbled together and swapping handbag contents always was a nuisance, with some critical item (usually hand sanitizer) forgotten. Solution? The PishPosh Quick Zip. These prettily patterned, washable organizers feature seven outer pockets and five inner pockets (two elasticized + one extra zippered pocket). Simply load up the pockets, zip the pouch, drop it in your handbag du jour (this obviously won’t fly for little purses, but will fit larger handbags and totes), and go. The Quick Zip will be a lifesaver whether it’s filled with baby’s diapering essentials, a mix of preschooler snacks + your personal effects, or -- once your kid is grown and toting his/her own stuff -- just your stuff; those pretty pockets will fit cell, camera, keys, cosmetics, snacks, and a fabulous novel just fine.

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December 11, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: CSA 101

siena-farms.jpgApril Paffrath is one of the most devoted foodies I know. No taste is too simple, no ingredient too humble. And when you read her writing, you can tell how much she relishes preparing, tasting, and writing about food. April is a regular contributor here on Boston Mamas, but today I'm thrilled to introduce her via her voice on Wicked Tasty Harvest. For the eleventh installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, April shares a highly impacting way to simplify your holidays and beyond: by thinking about local foods and considering a CSA. Included is a primer on local foods and CSAs, as well as a fantastic guide to CSAs in the Boston area.

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December 9, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: Easy & Fabulous Photography Tips

photographer.JPGI met Amie Adams of Mamma Loves… at the Brand About Town inaugural advisory board retreat in October, during which time I was struck not only by Amie's warmth, humor, and smarts, but by her photography skills. You could almost see the wheels turning when something would attract her eye and she’d pause briefly, capture the perfect image, then resume conversation. It seemed natural and effortless; clearly a part of her creative flow. So I’m thrilled that today, for the tenth installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, Amie shares easy and fabulous tips for capturing gorgeous photos this holiday season.

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December 8, 2009

Multifunctional Modern Mix

flor-modern-mix.jpgJon and I are all about everyday teaching moments with Laurel, apparently even when it comes to assembling a FLOR rug. We recently installed Modern Mix Tan in our sitting nook -- I adore how the Modern Mix collection offers pattern through tonal variations while remaining neutral enough to go with anything else -- and the process quickly evolved into a game for Laurel. The set comes with a 6 x 5 matrix recommending tile color placement for the 4 tile shades (we simply followed a 3 x 4 section of the matrix for our 5’ x 7’ rug), and the tan variations had the yummy names bran, honey wheat, sourdough, and rye. Laurel found this hilarious and immediately set to task sorting the tiles by grain name then arranging the tiles based on the matrix (an impromptu game of memory to remember which grain went with which matrix number...). You just can’t beat unexpectedly family friendly home improvement projects that yield a cozy and warm space for more fun and games.

Now, want to win a 5’ x 7’ FLOR rug? Here’s how:

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December 4, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: Holiday Hacks

christmas-branch.jpgFrom our very first e-mail -- back when I was just starting out and she was very much established already -- Asha Dornfest of Parent Hacks has always amazed me with her warmth and openness. Asha is funny and smart and clever and I just adore her; I only regret that neither of our scheduled in real life event meet ups this year have worked out. The good news is that Asha is so effective at translating her warmth and smarts online, which is what makes Parent Hacks so great (and gives me my Asha fix in absentia). I’m thrilled that today, for the eighth installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, Asha shares her favorite holiday hacks; a useful mantra plus tips for maintaining your merry and bright this holiday season.

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December 3, 2009

Fabulous Photo Bookmarks

photo-bookmarks.jpgAs a designer, I can’t help but adore the amazing craftiness at Craft. So what an honor it is to be featured on their site today. In my guest post, I share the how-to for creating the fabulous photo bookmarks that I first fashioned for my family a few Christmases ago and now create for clients. How can you not love a gift that's pretty and inspires reading? Only problem? Now my family knows what my holiday token is this year.

December 2, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: Easy Holiday Crafts

make-and-takes-fruity-garland.jpgMarie LeBaron is a blog friend who I have yet to meet in real life, but we share a passion for crafting and food and I so admire all of the crafty awesomeness she shares on her site, Make and Takes. And though Marie and my friendship is relatively new, her enthusiasm encouraged me to sign up with her and ten other bloggers for what no doubt will be a (somewhat insane) major bonding experience: a 200-mile relay run come spring (gulp). I’m thrilled that today, for the seventh installment of my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, Marie shares easy yet engaging holiday crafts to enjoy with your kids.

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December 1, 2009

Giveaway Goodness: Sterling Pear

sterling-pear-holiday-decor-set.jpgNow that December is here I’m ready to embrace the holidays, and over the years I’ve found that Christmas décor is actually really easy. Once the tree is up, a pretty tree skirt and some festive stockings go a long way in creating the mood. And if you love having these elements (and more) coordinated just so, consider Sterling Pear’s holiday décor starter set. Great to gift or to start your own traditions with, this simple yet richly embroidered and trimmed set includes two stockings, a tree skirt, and a table runner. And as part of the Giveaway Goodness series, Sterling Pear kindly is offering one lucky reader their holiday décor starter set! Simply check out the rules below and enter to win by midnight, December 4.

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November 25, 2009

Simplifying The Holidays: Mindful Gifts

BBQ-spice-rub.JPGI first connected with Michelle Stern of What's Cooking two years ago, when she approached me about contributing to Boston Mamas. Though Michelle is based on the West Coast, I adore her hands on approach to cooking with kids and we walk the same green path; the geographical disparity quickly became an afterthought. It was such a pleasure to finally meet Michelle this summer, when we happened to film our segments for The Juice back to back. Just as lovely in person as she is over e-mail, though Michelle is a regular contributor to this site, given that she is one of my favorite eco-foodies, I wanted to feature her in my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series. Today, Michelle shares a few simple yet meaningful ideas for mindful holidays gifts.

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November 23, 2009

Holiday Tabletops with a Twist

table-setting.jpgToday, Paige shares easy ideas for creating holiday tabletops with a twist:

“With just four days left until Thanksgiving, the holiday excitement (and stress) is beginning to set in around my house. I enjoy cooking, but truthfully, my favorite part of hosting Thanksgiving (or any party for that matter) is creating fun, beautiful, and sometimes unexpected tabletops. So with just days to go until the beginning of this year’s holiday season, here are some last-minute, easy ideas that will help kick your tabletop up a notch. Use one idea or combine a couple...and have fun!

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November 19, 2009

Road Dogging with Puppies

christine-koh-john-ondrasik.JPGA few weeks ago I experienced a rather unusual night of party hopping that included seeing John Ondrasik (aka. Five for Fighting) live at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. In addition to being utterly moved by the musical experience itself, I also was touched by John’s clear love for his family (exemplified when he explained the inspiration for various songs). Thanks to the lovely Barbara Jones, I met John after the show, at which time he kindly offered to pen a guest blog post on Boston Mamas. In particular, I was curious about John’s best strategies for staying connected with his family while on the road; an issue I discuss with many parents who travel for work. Read on for John's advice on this topic:

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November 17, 2009

Simplifying the Holidays: Rocks in a Jar

holiday-gift.JPGI adore Melissa Massello, not only because she’s super creative and fun (plus, we share bonds over figure skating, fashion, shredding, and all things writerly), but because I’ve seen her jump from traditional employment to fulfilling her dream of launching the online magazine Shoestring Magazine, which focuses on tips for achieving the good life for less. As the first in my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, today Melissa shares a strategy for prioritizing and planning holiday gifting that can result in major bargains, meaningful finds, and less stress.

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November 16, 2009

Inspiring Creativity With IdeaPaint

ideapaint.jpgToday, Paige shares a review of locally based IdeaPaint, a brilliant solution for inspiring creativity in the vertical direction, whether at home, work, or school. Read on for Paige’s review, as well as to learn how to win an IdeaPaint kit (entry closes November 19):

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November 12, 2009

Food Gifts & Floral Tricks

chocolate-chip-cookie-gift.jpgLast week I attended a media event hosted by Stop & Shop and similar to last year, where I came away with lovely ideas for easy and green holiday décor, I left with some good ideas related to holiday gifting and decor. Specifically, I was reminded of the beauty and ease of prettily packaged food gifts and was introduced to a couple of floral tricks that no doubt will come in handy when I host Thanksgiving later this month.

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Pretty Little Plush Puffs

plush-puffs.gifDespite my clean approach to food, I still periodically long for – but abstain from – classic (i.e., preservative laden) childhood confections. So I was more than a little intrigued to learn about Plush Puffs gourmet marshmallows. And more than a little happy that these pretty little puffs deliver. They’re all natural (you can, in fact, pronounce the entire ingredient list) and they hit the spot, whether squished inside a s’more, used as a surprising sundae topping (Laurel went berserk over this), or dropped into a steaming mug of hot cocoa (my favorite). To the latter effect, I'm thinking Plush Puffs paired with quality hot chocolate will make for excellent holiday hostess gifts this season.

Now, want to win goodies from Plush Puffs? Here's how:

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November 5, 2009

Three Easy T-Shirt Makeovers

rookie-moms-baby-hat.jpgLast month I guest posted about baby activities in Boston for the lovely ladies behind Rookie Moms. And today I’m thrilled to share some clever craft ideas from Rookie Moms co-founder Whitney Moss. Whitney offers three easy ideas to help you reinvent stained, outgrown, or simply worn out t-shirts. These solutions are perfect for breathing new life into old faves. Make it work.

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November 3, 2009

Pass The Candy

halloween-candy.jpgIf you’re like us, you’re overrun with Halloween candy. I subsequently was thrilled to read Fairly Odd Mother’s post about ways to put the candy to good use; namely, by donating the loot to troops overseas. Check out the leads Christina culled, as well as those by Cool Mom Picks. And if you’re looking for local drop offs, bring your Halloween candy to Magic Beans (all 3 locations) through November 10 and trade it for 25% off a toy, or to Wellesley Dental Group where they’ll buy back paper lunch bags full of candy for $1 then donate the candy to the troops (through November 13).

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October 30, 2009

(Halloween) Beet Risotto

beets.jpgIn a comment response to my Halloween candy alternatives post, Tracy made the excellent suggestion of creating a pre-Halloween feast, given that there’s time since Halloween falls on a Saturday, and also to fill bellies so there's less room to gorge on candy. Tracy’s Halloween “gross-out menu” includes beet risotto (aka “Blood and Guts”), which another commenter requested. The beet risotto recipe follows below:

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October 23, 2009

Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Bread

pumpkins.jpgToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking shares a how-to on using fresh pumpkin to make your own pumpkin puree, a fabulous recipe for chocolate chunk pumpkin bread, and tips for engaging your kids to help out in the kitchen.

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October 19, 2009

Eco-Friendly Lunch & Snack Sacks

snack-taxi.jpgToday, April shares her two favorite plastic bag alternatives: snackTAXIs and Lunch Skins. Read on for more information about these fabulously stylish and eco-friendly lunch and snack packing solutions, as well as to learn how to win a trio of snackTAXI and Lunch Skins products (entry closes at midnight, October 21):

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October 13, 2009

Home Safety Checklist

home-scene.jpgPer my role as a March of Dimes mom (through which I will donate one post per month to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, newborn, or general family topics), this month I wanted to share some tips on safeguarding your home; these tips are important to consider before bringing a baby home and while you have small children in the house. I extracted and adapted these ten tips from a home safety checklist guide prepared by the March of Dimes with the assistance of Dr. Ruth Etzel (Director, Division of Epidemiology and Risk Assessment, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and editor of the Handbook of Pediatric Environmental Health).

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October 5, 2009

Stoked About STOKKE

stokke-tripp-trapp.jpgWhen first tasked to buy baby gear, it can be challenging to navigate the options; in particular the tradeoff between investing in more expensive long term solutions vs. inexpensive short term solutions. I tend to gravitate towards the former, and am particularly drawn to items (e.g., our convertible crib) that can convert and accommodate kids as they grow. And for those mulling high chair options, I highly recommend you take a look at the STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP high chair.

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September 28, 2009

Awesome & Easy Apple Crisp

apples.jpgIt’s been so long since I posted about baking with apples that I couldn’t remember whether I already posted my mom’s awesome and easy apple crisp recipe. Turns out I did (three years ago, back when Boston Mamas was just a baby!), and today I wanted to share this recipe again from the archives because it is so ridiculously good (plus, the back story is super sweet). Making this apple crisp yesterday with Laurel served as a perfect rainy day activity as well as a way to use up the apples she picked on a recent school field trip. An apple peeler makes quick work of the apples, and I recommend engaging your kids to mix the crisp topping. Also recommended: topping the apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.

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Back Up Your Mac

seagate-free-agent-go.jpgWhether you've experienced data loss directly or have heard about hard drive crashes (and precious family photo and video loss...) from friends, clearly it's important to protect your files. Today, Kristin shares a fabulously easy back up solution for Mac users. Read on for Kristin’s review of the Seagate FreeAgent Go external hard drive/back up system, as well as to learn how to win a Seagate FreeAgent Go (entry open until September 30):

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September 24, 2009

Small Space Solutions

storage-ottoman.jpgNo matter the size of one's home, I believe in maintaining a minimalist, small space mentality given that the less you have, the less overwhelmed you'll be by your stuff. (I chant the mantra "one thing in, one thing out.") In my latest monthly column as Minimalist Mama at Shoestring Magazine, I share my favorite small space solutions for the main areas of the house that tend to collect clutter. Enjoy!

Little Locket

silver-locket.jpgWe’re still not out of the woods with Laurel’s transition to kindergarten, and I recently added something to our repertoire that brings her great comfort. Though ideally I’d prefer more modern styling, I was looking quickly for something affordable; I ordered this silver locket necklace from Overstock.com and Laurel loves it. I had her choose the photos to include (she opted for our family + her eating an ice cream sundae this summer) then resized, printed, cut, and popped in the photos, facing them right side up from Laurel’s vantage point (secure the pictures with a tape roll to keep the photos from sliding around). The locket is easy for Laurel to open (frequently) and the length perfect for her to keep us close to her heart.

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September 16, 2009

Spicy Citrus Snapper

red-snapper.jpgToday, Jules shares a sweet and spicy recipe for fish lovers:

“Regular readers may have gathered that I love fish. And when I think snapper, I think Caribbean flavors. This recipe came to me one night when I was looking for something with punch, but that wasn’t too hot to handle. The sweetness contrasts perfectly with the heat.

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September 14, 2009

A King in a Catalog

king-arthur-flour.jpgToday, Kate recommends a reliable (and resplendent) source as you gear up for fall baking:

“I used to love receiving catalogs, each so colorful and shiny and full of promise. And then the deluge began – so many catalogs, often multiple copies of the same one, and many for products that I would never dream of buying – and the fun turned into annoyance that my mailbox was stuffed and the forests being cut down.

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September 3, 2009

Parmesan Popovers

parmesan-popovers-1.jpgToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking shares a parmesan popover recipe that’s perfect for picnics or playdates:

“When I was preparing lesson plans for my kids cooking camps this summer, I knew I had to include this recipe from Giada De Laurentiis in our Picnic Foods menu. These popovers are light and fluffy, and were a perfect vehicle for all of the fresh herbs that my students harvested from the garden.

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September 1, 2009

Yummy Chocolate Zucchini Cake

chocolate-zucchini-cake.JPGDuring our recent vacation to Maine, my dear girlfriend Anne made a ridiculously yummy chocolate zucchini cake. She hadn’t made the recipe in about 10 years (it was a blue ribbon winning recipe from her childhood) and the source of the clipping was unknown. I replicated the recipe last week – doubling it, actually, to share with friends – and it was just as wonderful. The cake is light, fluffy, and moist and goes down dangerously easily. I delivered a half batch to our neighbors, and was told the next day that I had outdone my previous baked good gifts; the cake evaporated within about 5 minutes of delivery. Enjoy!

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August 28, 2009

From Errand to Adventure

magnifying-glass.jpgDespite my attempts to simplify and streamline life, I still have plenty of errands to run. And the other week, when I couldn’t rally Laurel to get excited about the pile of returns I needed to take back to Target (tantalizing, I know...), I queried on Twitter, “How can I get Laurel to think an errand to Target this morning will be fun and exciting (other than offering to buy her the entire store)?”

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Birthday Giveaway: Sugabettens Baking

sugabettens-bars.jpg One of my favorite things about running Boston Mamas is learning about talented local mamapreneurs such as Christine Crowley, co-founder of Sugabettens Baking. Offering an array of rich brownie flavors and ultra-decadent signature layered bars (all originating from secret family recipes), Sugabettens Baking's gourmet goodies make for lovely family or business gifts or conversation stopping party fare. And for our 3rd birthday party Sugabettens Baking is offering two lucky winners a 6pk of Sugabettens Bars ($36 value each). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Saturday, August 29).

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August 26, 2009

Back To School on a Budget

vincent-hampus.jpgLaurel starts kindergarten in a couple of weeks but I haven’t been sweating the preparations due to a minimalist approach on the material side (the emotional preparation is another story...). In my latest monthly column as Minimalist Mama at Shoestring Magazine, I share back to school on a budget tips to keep stress to a minimum and prioritize the allocation of your hard-earned dollars. Enjoy!

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August 14, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Mabel’s Labels

mabels-labels.jpgGiven Laurel’s volume of clothing and my distaste for ironing, the fabulous no-iron clothing and shoe labels from Mabel's Labels have saved my sanity countless times over the past couple of years. And just in time for back to school season, for a limited time Mabel’s is offering their ultra convenient Ultimate Back-to-School Combo Pack, which includes an assortment of laundry, dishwasher, and microwave safe labels for clothes, shoes, bags, and lunch gear. For our 3rd birthday party, Mabel’s is offering two lucky winners a back-to-school combo pack ($39 value each). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Saturday, August 15).

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August 12, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Mason & Madison

mason-madison-mother-goose.jpgSome people just have a knack for assembling gifts artfully, and if you’re Liz White, you take that creativity to a professional level. At locally owned Mason & Madison (which offers a brick and mortar presence in addition to an online shop) Liz’s gorgeous gift sets abound, whether they’re for baby, business, or a (male or female) BFF. And for our 3rd birthday party, Mason & Madison is gifting two lucky winners; one with their Pig in a Blanket gift set ($45 value) and one with their Mother Goose gift set ($50 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Thursday, August 13).

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August 11, 2009

Airing My Dirty Laundry

drying-rack.jpgToday, Sarah shares an environmental epiphany (and an apology to her mom):

“My mother was an environmentalist before environmentalism was cool. She reused paper and plastic bags (embarrassment: lunch in a reused vegetable bag!), left the heat off until the first frost, and to this day does not own a dryer. Seriously. She hangs her laundry outside in the summer and on dry winter days, and inside in front of a heater vent in inclement weather.

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Birthday Giveaway: Crate & Barrel

crateandbarrel.jpgOh, Crate & Barrel, source of the lovely items from my wedding registry nine years ago (thank you generous friends and family) and designer of the gorgeous Kingston Media Console we recently purchased without a shred of regret, despite it not being the best financial juncture to do so. For good reason, Crate & Barrel has long been a reliable stop for kitchen goods, home furnishings, and décor, and for our 3rd birthday party the menu planning mavens over at Relish! kindly are offering one lucky winner a $75 gift certificate to Crate & Barrel. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Wednesday, August 12).

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August 10, 2009

Treasure Hunting, Part II

ajwright.JPGPursuant to my report on treasure hunting at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, here’s my report on shopping at AJWright. Having never stepped into an AJWright prior to the blogger tour and shopping event, I didn’t have the same experienced eye for layout and inventory as I did walking into the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls event. Even so, it was interesting to learn about a business that has been right under my nose but off my radar for so many years...not to mention fun to discover a few treasures along the way.

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August 6, 2009

Treasure Hunting, Part I

tjmaxx.jpgThere’s something to be said for paying for an experience; say, first class airline tickets, a meal at a chic restaurant that will stow luggage while you shop (as did Stephanie’s on Newbury, where I took a visiting friend yesterday), or spa services that create a truly calming environment (compared to the bargain nail salon where I bang away on my Blackberry so I can work while getting a pedicure). But when it comes to clothing and accessories, generally speaking, I’m all about getting the best bargain. And that’s why I was intrigued to learn about treasure hunting at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and AJWright last week. I’ll address T.J. Maxx and Marshalls here and AJWright in a follow up post, given that these were separate events.

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Birthday Giveaway: ECOBAGS

ecobags-string-bag.jpgI’m forgetful about plenty of things these days, but one thing I’m reliably mindful about is recycling and toting my reusable bags to market. And if you need to stock up on eco-wares, check out ECOBAGS, a one-stop source for eco-friendly totes, string bags, produce bags, lunch bags, and water bottles. And for our 3rd birthday party ECOBAGS is offering one lucky winner a lovely summer getaway gift pack ($91 value) that includes their Sunny Tulips tote, Kleen Kanteen bottle (27 oz., orange), classic string bags (fiesta), To-Go Ware bamboo utensils (agave), and canvas lunch bag. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Friday, August 7).

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August 5, 2009

Avoiding Toy Takeover

toy-storage.jpgToday, Paige offers fabulous tips for avoiding toy takeover:

“Before I (or any of my friends) had children, I remember walking into the houses of those who did and being horrified…blocks in a tumbled-down heap on the kitchen floor, dress-up clothes strewn all over the couch, cars under the toilet. My house will never look like this, I thought. But just a few years and a couple of kids later, I realized that toys creeping out from the requisite toy box is inevitable, and takes a huge amount of energy to combat.

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July 30, 2009

Fast & Eco-Friendly Grilling

flamedisk.JPGToday, Evadne’s husband Ray kindly steps in with a guest review of the FlameDisk, an eco-friendly alternative to charcoal grilling:

“I’m a BBQ snob and grill only with charcoal. I was a skeptic of the FlameDisk; however, I also was curious about how it would perform. It's touted as a no-hassle charcoal alternative that is eco-friendly (I guess charcoal is bad for the environment) and gives you 45 minutes of grill time.

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July 28, 2009

Carrots For Baby

carrots.jpgToday, Sara Cabot of Little Lettice shares tips for introducing carrots to your baby:

"Carrots are a wonderful source of Vitamin A and are abundant at the farmer’s markets right now. Babies obviously need their carrots cooked and mushed up (I recommend steaming over boiling, to retain more vitamins) and once they get their teeth, most young children prefer carrots raw, either plain or dipped in hummus or yogurt based dips.

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July 23, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Wicked Good Cookies

wicked-good-cookies.jpgFew things in life appeal so universally as cookies do, and whether you order a batch online or visit their cookie clubhouse to decorate cookies with your kids, locally owned Wicked Good Cookies is sure to delight. Their photo cookie favors are particularly festive, and for our 3rd birthday party, Wicked Good Cookies is gifting one lucky winner with two dozen custom photo cookie favors ($75 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Friday, July 24).

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July 22, 2009

Outer Space Party

jack-space-party-1.jpgMy friend Nooshi is truly impressive when it comes to hosting parties (whether they’re for grownups or kids) and her birthday parties for her son always are amazing. If you’re feeling up for a challenge, or simply want to glean a few of the basic ideas, check out the below write up of her son’s recent Outer Space Party. It is -- not surprisingly -- out of this world.

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July 21, 2009

Summertime Soup

red-pepper.jpgToday, Heather offers a fabulous summer soup recipe:

“A friend from work shared this super yummy summer soup recipe. It’s the perfect blend of roasted red peppers and cilantro, with a lovely kick from a few other condiments. My friend managed to get the recipe from the café at her previous job so unfortunately I don't have the original source to credit; however, I remain grateful to the creator of this recipe for delivering this simple and healthy summertime soup!

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July 16, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Chroma Lab

chroma-lab-boston.jpgMy passion for color truly blossomed during my postdoctoral fellowship (where I felt rather confined within grey cinderblock walls), and whether I'm perusing clothing, paper, décor, or textiles, I gravitate towards bold, modern, and pretty patterns. So it’s no wonder I adore Boston-based Chroma Lab’s bright and fresh wares. Skilled restorers of vintage furniture, Chroma Lab also creates pieces to order, such as their hand crafted birch plywood clocks, painted in cheery graphic patterns and a glossy finish. And for our 3rd birthday party, Chroma Lab is offering one lucky reader one of their fabulous clocks (retail value: $75). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Friday, July 17).

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July 14, 2009

Birthday Giveaway: Hip Fusion Designs

hip-fusion-designs.jpgLaurel and I both agree that a little bling (OK, in her case, a lot of bling...) goes a long way in lifting one's mood and outfit. And whether you want to purchase ready-to-go, made-to-order, or personalized goods, Hip Fusion Designs offers a unique collection of handcrafted metal, clay, and dichroic glass jewelry to suit different tastes. For our 3rd birthday party, Hip Fusion Designs is offering one lucky reader a $100 gift certificate to spend in their online store. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Weds., July 15).

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July 13, 2009

Chocolate Tofu Pie…For Real

silken-tofu.jpgThis past weekend our friend Rhoda introduced us to a dessert that impressively satisfied everyone’s sweet tooth while accommodating her lactose intolerance. Admittedly, though I adore tofu (it’s in the genes), as an avid classic baker I was a tad skeptical about tofu dessert, but this Easy Chocolate Tofu Pie truly surprised me. Essentially a chocolate pudding pie, the filling was smooth, rich, and chocolate-y, and the graham cracker crust offered a classic contrast; I also served strawberries on the side. Even Laurel – who consumed tofu by the handfuls as a toddler but no longer will touch it in cube form – gobbled her serving (even knowing it was tofu based).

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July 7, 2009

Six or Less Summer Menu

kitchen.jpgI’m always striving for simplicity in life and this approach definitely translates to how I operate in the kitchen. For my second monthly column as Minimalist Mama at Shoestring Magazine, I share a super easy "six or less" summer menu (dishes each comprising six or less ingredients) that will satisfy kids and grownups throughout the summer. Enjoy!

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Calcium Through Bone Broths

soup-tureen.jpgToday, Sara Cabot of Little Lettice shares tips and recipes to bump up calcium intake for the whole family:

“Many children are lactose intolerant and therefore cannot get calcium from milk products. Apart from calcium supplements recommended by your pediatrician, bone broths (aka. stock) are a good way to get calcium – be it beef, lamb, or chicken broth. Broth is a nutritious base for hot or cold soups, or braised meat or vegetable dishes that require liquid be added to them. It also gives dishes a deeper flavor than simply adding water.

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July 6, 2009

Ultra Subtle City Notebook

moleskin-san-francisco.jpgProbably due at least in part to feeling conspicuous as one of a few minority families in our town growing up, I have a residual thing about blending in when I travel. Though I don’t bat an eyelash when I see tourists out and about, you'll never catch me holding up a map at a congested intersection in an unfamiliar city. So on my recent trip to San Francisco, I was thrilled to discover Moleskine’s City Notebook.

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July 1, 2009

Will You Be My Pen Pal?

pen-quill.jpgAlthough Laurel’s daycare runs year round, the summer tends to be a time for transition, and the recent departure of one of her friends reminded me of something I loved doing as a child: exchanging letters with pen pals. Laurel’s friend (or actually, her parents) left a colorful paper bag in each friend’s mail pouch with a sweet goodbye letter that included the friend's mailing address and a request to be pen pals. Also handily included: a note card and self-addressed stamped envelope to get the ball rolling.

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June 16, 2009

Simulating Summer BBQ

crock-pot.jpgToday Tracy shares a recipe to simulate summer BBQ when the weather is uncooperative:

“One of the things I crave during the late winter and through spring - when the weather is grill prohibitive - is the smoky, sweet taste of barbecue. This recipe for pulled pork in the slow cooker is our solution to simulate summer any time of year actually; it takes the sting out of winter and satisfies BBQ cravings during raw spring or soggy summer days.

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June 15, 2009

Drink Clean & Go Green

clear2go.jpgToday, April reviews the Clear2Go, an eco-friendly filtered water bottle with an unexpected bonus parent feature. Read on for April’s review, as well as to learn how to be 1 of 2 winners to receive a Clear2Go:

“My sister visited the other week and took one look at the sports bottle I was drinking from and raised an eyebrow. Later she confessed that she couldn't believe that I was drinking from a grey plastic bottle. Plastic is not my favorite material for food—mostly because it's bad for the environment and sometimes adds icky plastic tastes (and more) to your water or food. But there I was, guzzling water from a grey sports squeeze bottle. And pretty much loving it. Turns out it has a secret bonus when you share a sip with your kids, too.

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June 12, 2009

Parental Purging Strategies

minimalist-mama.jpgOne of the things I love about weekends is restoring a sense of order to our home after a busy (typically rather untidy) week. And purging is one of my favorite mechanisms to achieve said order. Appropriately then, for the first installment of my new monthly column as Minimalist Mama at Shoestring Magazine - where I’ll share tips and tricks for less is more living (undoubtedly with a stylish and/or green spin) - I offer strategies for purging family clutter. Enjoy!

June 10, 2009

Inspiring Aspiring Writers

tikatok.jpgToday, Jennifer reports on Tikatok’s story writing and publishing site for kids. Read on for Jennifer's review, as well as to learn how to win a $25 Tikatok gift card!

“Co-founded by two mothers and based in Lexington, MA, Tikatok is a free online community that allows kids under 13 to write, illustrate, share, and publish their original literary work. From inkling of an idea to bound copy, Tikatok inspires, guides, and preserves the creative process of aspiring writers in a spirit of kid-friendly collaboration not available in other self-publishing venues.

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June 9, 2009

Sippy Cup Solution

thermos-foogo.jpgToday, Kristin shares her favorite sippy cup solution:

“In an ideal world, sippy cups should: a) hold liquids; b) not leak; and c) keep beverages cold and bacteria-free. Unfortunately, during my first son’s early years, I struggled to find a cup that performed all of these functions well. I thus was thrilled to (re)discover Thermos (yes, the makers of my metal Peanuts lunchbox with Thermos bottle!) and their awesome sippy, straw, and grown up cups.

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