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May 9, 2008

A Little Bird Told Me

giftsdefine.jpgIf you’ve got something to say that’s deserving beyond a typical phone call or email to a loved one, consider the unbelievably cute conversation birds from Gifts Define. Available in themes to celebrate babies, birthdays, or any day, these indie wool felt wonders are hand-stitched, stuffed with non-allergenic fill, and finished with sweet details such as a beaded eye, a blush to the cheek, and an embellished ribbon hang tie (theme printed if you wish). The bird comes gift ready with an organza bag + gift tag and can serve as its own messenger, keepsake, or present topper, or be joined with other birds to create an amazing personalized wall art banner.

Want to win a 10% discount to Gifts Define? Here’s how:

Continue reading "A Little Bird Told Me" »

May 8, 2008

Personalized Art Posters

tadababy.jpgAs the mama of a round-the-clock little artist, I’m always looking for interesting ways to post or preserve Laurel’s work. And the personalized child art posters by TADABABY offer a nifty way to do just that. Just pick your artwork faves from the pile currently obscuring your refrigerator, then email the images or send in the original art to be scanned. TADABABY will digitally touch up the juice spills and incorporate up to 9 pieces of your child’s art in a personalized 20 x 30 poster that will do justice to your little artist's masterpieces.

Want to win a personalized child art poster from TADABABY*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Personalized Art Posters" »

May 7, 2008

GreenPan

greenpan.jpgAs grateful as I was for my first cookware set, I distinctly remember Jon and my later disdain – sometime before the Teflon safety scare actually - when we looked at the set's scratches and thought about all of the little Teflon flakes we likely had ingested over time. We’ve since stuck with stainless steel or cast iron, but recently have enjoyed GreenPan as an eco-friendly nonstick solution. Constructed with a PTFE/PFOA-free Thermolon coating, this line is safe for use at high temperatures, heats evenly, and is scratch-resistant. Despite the nonstick, we still do like cooking with a bit of butter or oil, and with the lightly buttered GreenPan frypan over low heat, my scrambled eggs have reached a light, fluffy, and thankfully flake-free perfection.

Want to win a GreenPan Entertaining Set*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "GreenPan" »

April 28, 2008

Green Works

greenworks.jpgAs someone for whom the word Clorox tends to elicit middle school memories of fad-driven bleached denim experiments, imagine my surprise when I learned that the makers of Clorox products were rolling out a natural cleaning line. And happily, these green goods deliver. Plant and mineral based, biodegradable, and petrochemical-free, the Green Works line cuts through the most determined grime (OK, I’ll admit that my formerly neglected shower tile now stands as evidence), and does so with a pleasant lemony scent that is thankfully far from my fumed middle school denim.

Want to be one of 5 winners to receive a Green Works Starter Kit? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Green Works" »

April 25, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_59.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Weekend reading. Coochicoos features the way a family of four makes it work in a 640 square foot NYC apartment. One Chic Mama recommends The Find Green search engine to lead you to all things green. Moms’ Buzz wants to know what you do to stay green at home. And Kris at Clever Parents shares her journey to Disney with baby Charles in tow.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

April 17, 2008

Just Call Me Maven

method.bmpSomeone told me that April typically is crazy as people come out of hibernation and get ready to party. This certainly has been the case for me in the realm of scheduled events, and last night kicked off Chapter 1 of a crazy but fabulous April, via an event where I played hostess to some of my family, friends, and colleagues as a Boston Method Maven. It was a terrific evening of socializing, getting the dirt on chemical-free cleaning, and eco-crafting with environmental lifestyle guru (and fellow Korean!) Danny Seo.

Continue reading "Just Call Me Maven" »

April 7, 2008

Nest Transitions

nest.jpgWhether it’s due to laziness, a desire to not rush the process, or not having a 2nd child waiting for the crib (one of my girlfriends needed to transition her older daughter early to a big girl bed when #2 was on the way, and the older child responded by climbing into the crib, removing her diaper, and leaving an unpleasant surprise…), it occurs to me that we’ve had a tendency to let Laurel’s growth - or, let’s face it, claustrophobia – determine her nest transitions.

Continue reading "Nest Transitions" »

Let Them Eat Cake!

cherrybrook.jpgHappily, gone are the days where kids and adults with allergies are left out at treat time. Today, Tracy reports on her testing sessions of the allergy-friendly Cherrybrook Kitchen baking mix line. Read on for her review, and also to learn how to win a gift basket of goodies from Cherrybrook Kitchen!

Continue reading "Let Them Eat Cake!" »

March 27, 2008

Me Dough!

medough.jpgToday, April shares a kickin’ recipe for what I will now forever refer to as “me dough!”

“My daughter calls play dough 'me dough!' She runs to her craft table, sits down, and politely declares that it’s time for her favorite craft of all. She wants it and she wants a lot of it. In great colors, too, like teal and magenta.

Continue reading "Me Dough!" »

March 25, 2008

Ethnic Food for Kids

garlic.jpgToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking (and What’s Cooking Weekly), offers inspiration for introducing ethnic food to kids (beyond typical favorites like Chinese and Mexican), including a recipe for Slow Cooker Indian Braised Chicken and tips to get your kids involved in the kitchen.

Continue reading "Ethnic Food for Kids" »

March 24, 2008

Do Good With Dropps

dropps.bmpIf you’re looking to streamline your laundry routine and your imprint on the planet, check out dropps, a brilliantly efficient and eco-friendly laundry solution. Each biodegradable, phosphate-, chlorine-, and NPE-free pac is pre-measured (just toss in 1-2 pacs depending on load size), ultra concentrated (1 pac = 1 cap of regular detergent!), and dissolves in water. What you lose in "strength training" (from hauling giant laundry jugs around) you gain in impressive waste reduction via reduced product transport costs, water use, and packaging…not to mention squeaky clean laundry you can feel good about.

Want to win a one-year supply of dropps*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Do Good With Dropps" »

March 21, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_54.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Home, sweet, home: Submit your best nursery decorating tip to The Nest Baby and you could win a crib set of your choice from DwellStudio. Visit Coochicoos to learn more about the perfect playhouse design competition. Clever Parents offers a play list to groove - and get organized - to. MomFinds rounds up their favorite time saving products to use with baby, at home, and on-the-go.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Bunnylicious

bunnycake.jpgI have this thing about cake, and if you’re interested in creating a showstopper for Easter, try this bunny cake (also fabulous for a baby shower or birthday party). The construction actually is very straightforward (plus, think about all the sculpting experience you have via Play-doh).

Continue reading "Bunnylicious" »

March 19, 2008

Margot Madison

margotmadison.jpgThe art of letter writing is far from dead and today, Heather shares her thoughts on one of Margot Madison's personalized note card collections. Read on for Heather's review, as well as to learn how to win a set of Margot Madison stationery!

Continue reading "Margot Madison" »

March 13, 2008

Leftover Lessons

leftovers.jpgToday, Jules offers creative ideas for livening up leftovers:

“My husband and I recently realized we were in a food crisis. I love to cook and he loves to eat, but neither of us is too hot on leftovers; we were wasting too much. I just have this thing about them - I don’t enjoy them and am marginally freaked out by them. In reality, I know that anything I cook or eat fresh is good for another 3 days (beyond that, leftovers really do begin to collect bacteria). So I decided that what I needed to do was come up with creative ways to use leftovers for another entire meal. It turns out I do like leftovers…so long as they’re served in a totally different way than the night before.

Continue reading "Leftover Lessons" »

For Little Letter Writers

marmaladeink.jpgFew gifts tug the heartstrings like a “letter” or artwork from a budding scribe/artist, and your kid won’t be able to resist writing (or scribbling) on Marmalade Ink’s Kids Stationery Pads. Offered in styles for doodling (blank), doodling + writing (half blank/half lined), and full on letter crafting (completely lined), these 8.5 x 11” pads are perfectly sized for evolving kiddie scrawl. Plus, the ability to personalize the pad with your child’s name and photo not only is cute, but there’ll be no doubting who was responsible for brightening grandma and grandpa’s day with personal mail.

Want to be one of two winners to receive a personalized Kid’s Stationery Pad? Here’s how:

Continue reading "For Little Letter Writers" »

March 12, 2008

Mabel’s Labels

mabelslabels.jpgA passion and skill for ironing is not something I inherited from my mom (who used to press sheets and my father’s boxers), nor do I have legible penmanship. I’ve thus found the chore of labeling Laurel’s clothes and shoes for school onerous; that is, until I discovered Mabel’s Labels. Makers of labels for anything in your home that requires identity or organization, their adhesive Tag Mates and Shoe Labels are my new best friends. Just specify your text, icon, and color, and these labels – which stand up beautifully through the wash – will save you the hassle of ironing or sewing on labels, and the expense of replacing lost, unlabeled clothing.

Want to win a Mabel’s Labels gift pack*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Mabel’s Labels" »

March 10, 2008

The Big Breakfast

eggs.jpgToday, Sara Cabot of Little Lettice offers ideas to fuel the family:

“I realize that bagels are popular and convenient (at Whole Foods I often see babies chewing on bagels as big as their heads...), but the truth is, they aren’t terribly nutritious. The below ideas may lack the on-the-go convenience of bagels, but getting a good start on the day is well worth the extra 10-15 minutes.

Continue reading "The Big Breakfast" »

March 3, 2008

Fight the Tide

greendimes.jpgI love the convenience of online shopping, but I resent the accompanying landslide of junk mail and catalogues. To fight the tide, I now have a new online obsession in GreenDimes. For just $20, their ‘Free Me!’ service helps you (and up to 7 additional household members) remove your name from general junk mail and postcard lists, stop specific catalogues, and get 10 trees planted on your behalf (5 at sign up and 5 additional for the first 5 catalogs you elect to have stopped). Signing up was quick and easy, and now I actually look forward to combing through our mail to remind me of catalogs to add to our remove list.

Want to win a GreenDimes ‘Free Me!’ membership? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Fight the Tide" »

February 29, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_51.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Weekend reading: Clever Parents offers tips to clutter bust and overhaul your master bedroom. Modern Mom introduces its online book club; grab a book and join the fun. Moms’ Buzz demystifies lypossage – a body contouring massage you may want to try.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

February 28, 2008

Warming Up Winter

ditalini.jpgToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking (and What’s Cooking Weekly), offers up a great way to warm up winter – both through the soup itself, and by getting your kids moving in the kitchen:

“This winter, try this delicious Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta and Bean Soup) recipe. And don’t forget – kids make great helpers! See the Call The Kids section towards the bottom of the recipe to guide you on what your kids can do to help.

Continue reading "Warming Up Winter" »

Fuss Free Framing

imagekind.jpgI typically am all about do-it-yourself crafts, but to artfully frame photos, I’ve experienced considerable frustration in the process of printing images, then finding frames that are the right style, have appropriately sized windows for your printed photos (sometimes resizing and reprinting photos is necessary), and aren’t dinged up from excessive handling at the store. Luckily, I now have a great solution. Read on for a review of the online framing service Imagekind, and also to learn how to win a $100 Imagekind gift card.

Continue reading "Fuss Free Framing" »

February 22, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_50.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Cool goods: Coochicoos showcases a light for little kids who love spaceships. Classy Mommy gives her stamp of approval to Born Free’s BPA-free bottles. Clever Parents finds Fabkins fabulous. Car & Caboodle features the new Maxi Cosi Priori convertible car seat. And Healthy Bump reviews Belly Bars.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

February 19, 2008

Freepeats

freepeat.jpgIt only makes sense to recycle quickly outgrown kiddie goods, and lucky for Boston parents, Freepeats is here. Devoted exclusively to baby, children, and maternity items, Freepeats is an online forum/message board that allows parents to post or pick up gently used goods locally, and also find information on area retail, consignment, and garage sales. The Boston forum started this month; sign up by February 29 for a free lifetime membership (otherwise the one time membership fee is only $4.95). Freepeats also serves Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC, with more city forums forthcoming.

February 11, 2008

Divvie It Up, Please!

divvies.bmpI remember being devastated in 1st grade when I learned that one of my best friends was allergic to chocolate and peanut butter. After missing out on all those classroom birthday cupcakes (always with an accepting smile), I can only hope that wherever he is, he knows about Divvies, purveyor of treats to be enjoyed by those with (or without!) life threatening allergies. Read on for Tracy’s review, and also to learn how to be one of 2 winners to receive a gift box assortment of Divvies gourmet popcorn, cookies, and candy!

Continue reading "Divvie It Up, Please!" »

February 8, 2008

Valentine Crafting with Kids

valentine_1.jpgI’m thrilled to welcome new guest contributor April. A local mama and lover of all things cool and crafty, among other things, April will provide content on crafting with kids. Today, she provides fodder for weekend Valentine crafting:

Continue reading "Valentine Crafting with Kids" »

February 6, 2008

Kids in the Kitchen

woodenspoon.jpgToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking offers a guide for involving kids in the kitchen:

“Since I teach cooking classes for children, people ask me all the time about what their kids can really do in the kitchen. They find it hard to believe that their toddler can actually help, without causing complete chaos. The following guide highlights some of the age-appropriate cooking skills that children typically can handle. Of course, use your discretion depending on how much experience your child has had experimenting in the kitchen.

Continue reading "Kids in the Kitchen" »

February 1, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_47.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Moms’ Buzz offers pointers to help parents help their kids develop self-control. Clever Parents features Rachael Ray’s classic Bayou Fat Tuesday feast. MomFinds highlights a collection of politico tees and bodysuits for the tiniest citizens. One Chic Mama has raves for the hooded personalized bath towel from Alex Casey Baby. Healthy Bump reviews the Fun To See room makeover kit. And Classy Mommy takes a sneak peek into the 1st birthday gift bag for Patrick Dempsey's twins.

January 30, 2008

Unleash the Creative Beast

garnish.jpgI firmly believe that everyone’s got a little creativity at their core, and sometimes all that’s needed to unleash the creative beast is the right canvas. And for those who love hosting parties but need a little help figuring out how to personalize the details, there’s Garnish, purveyor of cool party and gift packaging ideas that will keep your guests coming back for more. Reader Catherine from Thunder Bay, Ontario wrote in about Garnish, where you can use the Bits & Pieces line as a springboard for inspiration, or just go ahead and borrow one of their stylish themed ideas. We love that you can order specific quantities, and that they’ve done the hard work of tracking down the materials so you can get right to the fun of personalizing the look.

Want to win the Garnish goods for a party for 10*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Unleash the Creative Beast" »

January 25, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_46.jpgWeekend Reading: Car & Caboodle features an LA dad who tells of his road to becoming a minivan owner. Healthy Bump chats with former nanny Deborah Smith, who offers advice on how to search for a nanny. Moms’ Buzz offers 10 tips to help parents encourage children to eat right and maintain a healthy weight. Clever Parents highlights an easy, cheesy cauliflower pasta recipe from Rachael Ray. Coochicoos features the ultimate Batman home theater set up.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Squirrel Symbolism

squirrel.jpgDear Readers: This is a departure from the usual, but today I feel compelled to ask for your advice. Over the last few years - as I have learned how to be a parent, and also free myself of external expectations and make major professional leaps - I have come to believe firmly in the power of the universe; that life throws you the crazy pitches to force you to deal with stuff. So this week, as I was driven to the brink of a breakdown over an invasive squirrel, I have been trying to figure out what my lesson is. The chronology follows, and I welcome you to share your thoughts.

Continue reading "Squirrel Symbolism" »

January 23, 2008

Big Girl Quilt

quilt.JPGWhen we finally got around to transitioning Laurel out of her crib a few months ago, it was a joyful (for her) and emotional (for me) moment. Despite being decidedly short on leisure time, I decided to commemorate the occasion with a quilt, and found excellent inspiration in Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. The project took longer than the estimated 8-12 hours - largely because I adjusted the pattern, added an extra detail, and obsessed over getting the measurements right - but the results were marvelous. Click here for details and project photos. I wish the book offered a few more diagrams (although it probably doesn't hurt to exercise the spatial orientation neurons a bit...), but I otherwise highly recommend this book for beginning or experienced crafters.

January 14, 2008

Finger Knitting

fingerknitting.jpgIf you’re looking for a fun project to do with older kids, consider finger knitting. My ultra crafty sister-in-law (as in, she spins and dyes her own yarn) showed me this technique recently; the process is perfect for mamas and kids because it’s needle-free and fast, particularly if you use a bulky yarn (this bolero yarn is similar in bulk to what I used). I made some fab coordinating mama & daughter scarves in under an hour, and I can’t wait until Laurel’s paws are big enough so she can try making one on her own. For excellent instructions and photos, see Knitty.com.

Continue reading "Finger Knitting" »

January 11, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_44.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Clever Parents invites you to crunch the numbers with their 2008 Smart Spending Grocery Challenge. Healthy Bump charts where the rest of that non-baby baby weight goes. MomFinds features six simple products to babyproof your home. Moms’ Buzz features the seven new wonders of the world for family travel. Modern Mom is hosting a toddler trouble photo contest. And One Chic Mama has raves for the SoRa charm necklace.

January 9, 2008

Tips for Change

cheese.jpgToday, Sara Cabot of Little Lettice encourages healthier eating for kids in 2008 (and beyond!). She shares 10 tips for change, and a couple of recipes for kid favorites that can be knocked together easily, and without all the salt and preservatives of typical processed goods:

Continue reading "Tips for Change" »

January 2, 2008

Green Resolution

minusbags.jpgIt’s never too late to make a resolution to go green, and whether you’re new to eco efforts or are an avid recycler, check out minusbags. These stylish, sturdy totes stow easily and unfold to a roomy 15" x 18" x 7" size (an XL tote also is available, as are two handle length options). These bags not only are particularly handy for toting heavy items that sometimes rip through plastic or paper, but there’s something about their tactile richness that makes them, well, unforgettable. After countless frustrating market runs where I've realized - as I'm standing at checkout with groceries and babe in tow - that I left my plastic bag stash in the car, I have yet to forget to tote my minusbags with me.

Want to be one of two winners to receive a minusbags tote? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Green Resolution" »

December 31, 2007

They Do The Math

swaptree_logo.jpgEver since becoming a parent faced with the inevitable incoming flow of kid stuff, I’ve become increasingly obsessed with our household “stuff in, stuff out” mantra. And if you're eager to recycle outgrown books, music, movies, or games, check out Swaptree. Just set up “want” and “have” lists by inputting an item's UPC code or ISBN, and Swaptree’s fancy trade algorithms determine users who want what you have and have what you want. We also dig that, unlike other online selling services, Swaptree is free (users just pay for shipping), and you can opt to have them calculate an item's weight and generate printable shipping labels.

December 28, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_42.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners (the few not on vacation today!):

MomFinds highlights their favorite backpacks, stroller totes, messengers, and clutches of 2007. One Chic Mama reports that the MomAgenda - available in 5 silky shades and featuring both a month-at-a-view and a weekly calendar - is a stylish way to keep track of your busy schedule in 2008. And Classy Mommy loves the customizable stories by Aardvark Adventure.

December 21, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_41.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Save time and expense with the professional laundry tips featured on Moms’ Buzz. Clever Parents highlights a way to visit Santa without leaving home. Modern Mom’s got the dish on celebrity holiday plans. Healthy Bump reviews To The Nines Maternity’s holiday tops. Visit MomFinds to enter to win a $50 Gifts.com gift card. And One Chic Mama is giving away a BusyBodyBook.

December 20, 2007

Hearty Barley Soup

barley.jpg

The time couldn’t be more right for this winter soup recipe from Michelle of What’s Cooking:

"When the weather outside is frightful, nothing appeals more than a simple, delicious hearty bowl of soup. This recipe is ideal when you are winding down from a long week, and tastes wonderful when served with warm buttered whole-wheat pita bread. To give the barley a richer flavor, toast it in a dry pan over medium heat, shaking occasionally until golden brown. While this recipe calls for ground beef, you could substitute ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer your soup to be on the thick side, omit one cup of water, and you will have a more stew-like consistency. Don't forget to Call The Kids into the kitchen to help you prepare this family meal.

Continue reading "Hearty Barley Soup" »

December 19, 2007

Extreme Makeover

funtosee.gifWhether you share my status as an apartment dweller with walls made challenging to adorn by aged plaster or attic-level angling, or simply want a blissfully easy kid’s décor solution, check out Fun To See’s room makeover kits. Available in a variety of general or character-specific themes, these wall stickers are impressively easy to remove, stick, and reposition, and Laurel had enormous fun transforming her room with the Fairies kit. This set creates a truly lovely sense of depth via the varied sticker sizing (from 3 inches to almost 3 feet!), and the striking contrast between the colorful, detailed fairy and wildlife illustrations against the simple, peaceful elegance of the nature silhouettes.

Want to win a Fun to See room makeover kit? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Extreme Makeover" »

December 18, 2007

Invasive Critters

squirrel.jpgI’ve noted before my inability to cope with invasive critters, so imagine my panic when I came home today to find that a squirrel had worked its way into our home and ravaged our kitchen and laundry room (and, oddly enough, left a peanut in Jon's slipper). Sitting here with the panic zone closed off, and cringing in anticipation of the inevitable next round of activity, I’m not feeling particularly charitable towards squirrels, but we are gearing up for humane squirrel removal. Click here if you find yourself waging a similar urban wildlife battle (UWR also addresses raccoon, skunk, beaver, and fox removal).

December 17, 2007

Squeezing in Breakfast IV

breakfast4.gifFollowing installments I, II, and III, here’s the final segment in our squeezing in breakfast series with nutrition expert Elizabeth Ward. Here are 15 breakfast ideas from Elizabeth:

Continue reading "Squeezing in Breakf