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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.

Continue reading "My Favorite Mocha Brownies" »

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:

Continue reading "Pretty Produce Bags" »

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.

Continue reading "Chinese Chicken-Vegetable Soup" »

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):

Continue reading "Run My Errand Please" »

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.

Continue reading "Oooh…Raclette!" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying Gift Wrapping" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying The Holidays: Instant Holiday Mojo At Home" »

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.

Continue reading "Best Gingerbread People Ever" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying The Holidays: Last Minute Holiday Shopping Tips" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying The Holidays: Working Mom Tips" »

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.

Continue reading "Have Pockets, Will Travel" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying The Holidays: CSA 101" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying The Holidays: Easy & Fabulous Photography Tips" »

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:

Continue reading "Multifunctional Modern Mix" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying The Holidays: Holiday Hacks" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying The Holidays: Easy Holiday Crafts" »

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.

Continue reading "Giveaway Goodness: Sterling Pear" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying The Holidays: Mindful Gifts" »

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!

Continue reading "Holiday Tabletops with a Twist" »

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:

Continue reading "Road Dogging with Puppies" »

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.

Continue reading "Simplifying the Holidays: Rocks in a Jar" »

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):

Continue reading "Inspiring Creativity With IdeaPaint" »

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.

Continue reading "Food Gifts & Floral Tricks" »

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:

Continue reading "Pretty Little Plush Puffs" »

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.

Continue reading "Three Easy T-Shirt Makeovers" »

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).

Continue reading "Pass The Candy" »

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:

Continue reading "(Halloween) Beet Risotto" »

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.

Continue reading "Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Bread" »

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):

Continue reading "Eco-Friendly Lunch & Snack Sacks" »

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).

Continue reading "Home Safety Checklist" »

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.

Continue reading "Stoked About STOKKE" »

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.

Continue reading "Awesome & Easy Apple Crisp" »

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):

Continue reading "Back Up Your Mac" »

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.

Continue reading "Little Locket" »

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.

Continue reading "Spicy Citrus Snapper" »

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.

Continue reading "A King in a Catalog" »

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.

Continue reading "Parmesan Popovers" »

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!

Continue reading "Yummy Chocolate Zucchini Cake" »

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)?”

Continue reading "From Errand to Adventure" »

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).

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Sugabettens Baking" »

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!

Continue reading "Back To School on a Budget" »

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).

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

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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June 4, 2009

Childproofing Necessities

kidco-magnet-lock.jpgToday, Heather recommends childproofing products that have kept her triplet tots out of trouble:

“Will, Adie, and Theo turned two in January and while I wouldn’t say that we are in the throes of the terrible twos, I will say that they have given the word busy a whole new meaning. We have found the need to take extra precautions in safeguarding our home. Working together as a team, my three tots often can outdo the efforts of a single child, scaling greater heights, exploring more remote cabinets, and outdoing restraints with greater efficiency! My husband and I joke that we are living in lockdown mode. There are many products available to childproof your home; here are some tried and true recommendations that have worked for us:

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June 2, 2009

Ridiculously Awesome Banana Muffins

banana-muffins-1.JPGEvery so often Jon one-ups me in the kitchen, which leaves me both a tad surprised (read: vaguely jealous) and utterly grateful that he knows how to cook and bake. And this past weekend, he decided to make banana bread with Laurel and it was way better than my standard recipe. The loaf was gobbled up within a day and Laurel and I repeated the recipe yesterday, instead opting to make muffins - the advantages being plenty of awesome crustiness, faster baking time (handy for summertime baking), and improved portion control.

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June 1, 2009

HomeFree Treats

Home-Free-Gift-Basket.jpgToday, Tracy reports on HomeFree Treats, a great source for allergen-free, organic goodies and ingredients. Read on for Tracy's review of some HomeFree goodies and their allergen-free cookbook, as well as to learn how to win a HomeFree organic cookie sampler pack!

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May 29, 2009

Grilled Salad with Herb Vinaigrette

grilled-salad-1.jpgToday, Jules shares a great recipe for weekend grilling:

“For me, there's nothing better than a hearty salad for dinner, especially in the summertime. Recently, my husband and I went a little crazy at the market, purchasing enough herbs and vegetables to last two weeks. And since herbs and vegetables taste best when freshly harvested, I set out to create a dinner salad where I could use much of what I purchased that day. For me, it was a meal, but my hungry husband paired his salad with grilled steak, which he nestled on the grill right next to these versatile veggies.

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May 27, 2009

Simple Pan Seared Tofu

tofu-thumb.JPGOn chilly, raw days like today, I gravitate towards Asian comfort foods, and this weather reminded me that I’ve been meaning to post about my favorite way to prepare tofu. Don’t scowl; it really tastes fantastic! The original inspiration came from Susanna Foo’s Pan-Seared Tofu with Scallions & Ginger in Chinese Cuisine, though I have simplified the recipe to reduce the ingredient list (I’m currently obsessed with creating dishes out of 6 or less ingredients), and also added an extra step (flour dredging) that adds awesomeness to the taste and texture.

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May 26, 2009

Cabbage Slaw Redux

red-cabbage.jpgYesterday we enjoyed a fabulous BBQ with friends, and amidst the plates and piles of food, one simple yet elegant dish stood out as my favorite. A modern twist on traditional (sometimes unfortunately soupy) coleslaw, Bon Appétit’s Grilled Red and Green Cabbage Slaw is perfect for summer: quick and easy to prepare and requiring minimal cleanup thanks to use of the grill. My friend Nooshi made this dish especially pretty by arranging the slaw in a square dish, alternating the red and green cabbage in striped sections, then drizzling the dressing over top. Simply divine, and high in fiber too!

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May 19, 2009

Cooking Parties for Kids

pizza.jpgToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking shares tips for hosting a cooking party for kids:

“If your family is like ours, you’ve been to more play gym birthday parties than you can count. It’s understandably easy to gravitate towards the familiar, but what about considering a different and perhaps less expensive type of party, where kids can learn, be creative, and have fun all at the same time? Cooking parties are gaining popularity, and for good reason. Almost anyone who has cooked with kids can attest that kids who help in the kitchen are better eaters and are more enthusiastic about trying new foods. And if dinnertime is a challenge in your house, you will be up for anything that will improve the mood at your table!

Here are some tips to help you host a cooking party for kids:

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May 14, 2009

Greener Clean Delivers

scotch-brite-greener-clean.bmpI’ll be the first to admit that cleaning is not among my top priorities these days, but hand me new eco-friendly cleaning products and I'll roll my sleeves right up to start scrubbing, hoping upon hope to discover that the eco stuff can live up to the non eco stuff. And this was, in fact, the case when I got my hands on Scotch-Brite’s Greener Clean line. Made from natural materials (e.g., bamboo, agave, corn) and packaged responsibly, this collection of scrubbers, soap pads, soft sponges, and washable cleaning cloths (the latter two of which are excellent for reducing paper towel use) perform just as effectively as their less environmentally friendly counterparts. At reasonable price points, it’s a no-brainer to go with green. And it might just inspire you to clean more.

Want to win a collection of Scotch-Brite Greener Clean goodies? Here’s how:

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May 13, 2009

Mysterious Magic Eraser

mr-clean-magic-eraser.jpgOn Laurel’s first birthday my friend Anne gave us art supplies and a box of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and said, “These erasers will save your life.” Remarkably, whether it’s due to Laurel’s nature or our vigilance, the product sat untouched under our sink the last couple of years. It wasn’t until after a recent play date where we needed to break out the magic erasers to cope with a major bout of pencil + red crayon wall scribbling.

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May 12, 2009

Giveaway Goodness: Artimus Art

artimus-art.jpgIf you’re like us and live amidst a landslide of kiddie artwork, here’s a clever solution to preserve and share those heartstring-tugging gems. Locally based Artimus Art compresses your child’s artwork into a hardcover book and web gallery (optional add-ons include DVDs and canvas prints). Simply choose your package, return the artwork in the collection box they send, and Artimus scans, corrects, and transforms the art for you. The book makes for a lovely keepsake, but what's especially cool is that you can share the web gallery with loved ones. Because, really, why keep all of that creative cuteness to yourself?

For our next installment of Giveaway Goodness, Artimus Art generously is offering one lucky reader their Red Wagon package. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by May 14 (noon) to enter to win.

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May 6, 2009

My New Friend The Flip

flip.bmpI’m well aware that my passion for preserving and sharing memories – via photos, videos, and on paper – is related to the fact that I have very little documentation of my own childhood (other than school photos, I have about a dozen baby pictures, all shot on the same day). And as someone who relies on technology (both for work and said memory preservation) yet desires simple spaces and clean lines, I’ve long felt defeated by the battle of cords and cables. So it’s no wonder that I am totally in love with the ridiculously easy to use, blissfully cord-free Flip camcorder.

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May 5, 2009

Easy No-Knead Crusty Bread

bread-tin.jpgBefore it gets too hot to turn on your oven, try this bread recipe from Tracy:

“There are few memories of my grandmother better than those of making bread with her when I was a young girl. Even in the heat of summer she could be found kneading pristine white dough into impossibly smooth, elastic, round balls and baking with the back door wide open. But as fond as I am of these memories, the reality is that I don’t have the time or patience to deal with multiple knead sessions. Luckily, a friend passed along a great “no-knead” bread recipe that satisfies my love for fresh baked bread.

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Giveaway Goodness: Dropps

dropps-baby.jpgI’ve raved previously about Dropps’ lightweight, eco-friendly, and effective ultra concentrated detergent capsules, and now Dropps offers Dropps Baby, a variety of their original detergent formulated to be super gentle for sensitive baby skin. And the folks at Dropps well know that parents need to run a lot of laundry; for our next installment of Giveaway Goodness, Dropps generously is offering one lucky reader a one-year supply of Dropps Baby eco-friendly laundry detergent! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by May 7 (noon) to enter to win.

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May 1, 2009

Teleflora’s Modern Mom

teleflora.jpgI’m honored to be among a handful of moms that Teleflora is featuring in advance of Mother’s Day. Check out the interview – I'm their Modern Mom – and also the other lovely moms they’re featuring. Also, Teleflora kindly offered to send me their Mother’s Day Butterfly Bouquet, but since I’m fortunate to receive flowers regularly from Jon, I thought I’d instead offer the bouquet to one of my awesome readers (enjoy it for yourself or send it to your mom!). To enter to win the bouquet (standard size), simply leave a comment below (by midnight 5/4) about something you’d love to have happen on Mother’s Day this year.

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April 29, 2009

Clever Custom Window Treatments

clever-windows_thumb.JPGI’m thrilled to introduce new contributor Paige, a home décor guru among many other things. Today, Paige shares a ridiculously clever idea for custom window treatments:

“I believe that window treatments are like mascara for rooms – you don’t have to have them, but when you do, the room looks finished. I’ve had a long, sordid history with window treatments – not really loving most inexpensive pre-made ones and having limited ability to make more unique ones because of sub-par sewing skills and (cue the standard motherhood excuse) lack of time.

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April 28, 2009

Fast & Yummy Chicken Pesto Salad

basil.jpgOne of my favorite time and energy savers these days is store-bought rotisserie chicken. I don’t need to remember to prep and bake it (perfect, since there’s no way I’m turning the oven on today…), my kitchen is saved from pan dripping smoke, and the chicken is ridiculously versatile. Today, I’m sharing our latest favorite usage of rotisserie chicken: fast and fantastically yummy chicken pesto salad.

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April 21, 2009

Let Them Eat Naturally Nora's

naturally-nora.bmpIf you love the ease of boxed cake mixes and desire all natural ingredients, fear not - you can have your cake and eat it too. Today, Kristin reviews Naturally Nora’s all natural collection of boxed cake and frosting mixes. Read on for Kristin’s review, as well as to learn how to win a year’s supply of Naturally Nora cake + frosting mixes!

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April 15, 2009

Walnuts For Home Repair

walnuts.jpgHere’s a handy household tip from Heather; walnuts apparently are good for the body and the home:

“I went to my mom’s newly renovated beach house to be there for furniture delivery. Her only instruction was to make sure the delivery guys didn’t scratch her newly refinished hardwood floors. I subsequently was horrified when I realized that I had scratched the floor when pushing a table that I thought had furniture pads.

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Giveaway Goodness: FLOR Rug

flor.jpgAs someone who likes things to be just so (yet periodically frets about permanence), I can’t help but love FLOR rugs. These clever interchangeable modular carpet tiles allow you to mix and match colors, patterns, and textures in whatever size you need while being easy to install (no nails or glue required), clean (just remove stained square to treat), or relocate (no onerous rolling and hefting). And how awesome is this? For our next installment of Giveaway Goodness, FLOR generously is offering one lucky reader a 5 x 7 natural fiber rug*! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway (by April 17) to enter to win.

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April 14, 2009

Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookies

lemon_sandwich_cookies_sm.JPGLast night my willpower was put to the test when I gathered with some lovely mama pals for an evening of wine and desserts. As I described in yesterday’s post about negotiating sugar battles, in addition to trying to decrease Laurel's obsession with dessert, I’ve also been working to curb my own sugar intake. So, I decided that last night I would enjoy a small treat (read: not sample everything like I normally would) as my one indulgence of the week; the one cookie I tried was worth it! Many thanks to Karen for sharing her Rosemary-Lemon Sandwich Cookie recipe, and to Paige for the use of her camera!

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April 10, 2009

Easy Last Minute Easter Egg Dyes

easy_easter_egg_dye_1.jpgToday, April shares an easy last minute Easter egg dye how-to:

For a crafty person, I have a desire to do general crafts, but I rarely do any planning ahead to prepare for them. I always worry that if I plan to do something date-related, we'll have a rough week (e.g., meltdowns, colds, etc.) and I'll feel a sort of crafty failure and sadness for my girl as I stuff the unused box of Paas into the back of the closet on Easter Monday...only to not be able to find it again next year when it turns out we do have time and inclination to color eggs. So, yes, I suffer from avoidance of craft disappointment.

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April 8, 2009

Latin Inspired Pork & Beans

cilantro.JPGToday, Jules offers a new favorite recipe:

I am so excited about this dish. After watching a food show where the host traveled to Mexico City and ate the most appetizing street food I’ve ever seen (I actually was salivating), I raided my refrigerator to see what I could make that might resemble these dishes. This dish looks complex but actually is really fast once you’ve got all the ingredients lined up. It packs a lot of flavor and nutrients; the bite of the cilantro vinegar works really well with the sweet pork.

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April 3, 2009

Love These Links!

frogs.jpgI haven’t even begun to sort out Easter crafts or goodies for Laurel, but luckily some lovely other bloggers have done my homework for me. Here are some cool Easter/Passover/Spring craft and treat ideas that caught my eye around the web this week per Love These Links!, where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas. Enjoy!

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March 30, 2009

Teddy Bear Tea Party

teaparty1.JPGMy friend Nicola claims not to be terribly crafty, but she seems to have a knack for assembling super cute birthday parties. I’ve been meaning to post for some time about this teddy bear tea party she hosted when her daughter turned 4 years old. In a similar spirit to my nature fairy party and marvelous messy party posts, here’s the how-to:

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March 26, 2009

Korean Mixed Grill

mixedgrill.JPGLast night we had a dear friend in town for dinner and were thrilled to fire up the grill for some Korean BBQ. The marinade (originally inspired by a Bon Appétit feature) is lightning quick; an even speedier alternative to my bulgogi recipe (which I still love and use). Below is my modified recipe, which we used for both chicken and beef. We served the grilled goodies with brown rice, seasoned nori, scallion pancakes, pan seared tofu, kimchee, and cucumber salad.

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March 25, 2009

Food Explorer Passport

foodpassport1.jpgToday, April offers a cool idea to inspire kids to try new foods:

My daughter has interesting tastes in food. She is my child in so many ways, but in the food adventure sort of way, not so much. I was dying to try everything as a child...just because. I wanted to try it all, and I often did. My daughter? Well, she has her favorites and she'd like to stick to them, thankyouverymuch. Luckily for us, her favorite foods are black beans, broccoli, and pasta. Not a bad triad of vitamins, protein and fiber. But try to get an apple in the girl? A grape? A suspect vegetable? It all produces a gag reflex that upsets the stomach of everyone around. Even the promise of a treat for sampling everything on her plate cannot tempt her. She'll decide to go without.

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March 23, 2009

Fluffy Brussels Sprouts

brusselsprouts.jpgToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking shares a quick and yummy brussels sprouts recipe:

I never thought I’d “make friends” with brussels sprouts but as I wandered the aisles of Trader Joe’s last week, I noticed that my friend (and TJ’s employee) John was buying brussels sprouts. John and I love to talk about food and share recipes, so I thought he might be able to offer ideas for how to use these little cabbages. Lo and behold, he gave me an idea that I rushed home to try and we loved the results; sweet and a little salty, with none of the residual bitter flavor that I normally associate with brussels sprouts.

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March 17, 2009

New Life for Old Pots

paintedpot1.JPGI’m constantly looking for ways to streamline or repurpose around the house; here’s a lovely way to give old plant pots new life. This project was inspired by: a) plant clippings we already had rooted (plus more overgrown plants that needed grooming); b) yet another snow day where we were looking for something to do; and c) a tired collection of empty plant pots. Laurel and I decided to paint one of our old pots to make a creative, earth-friendly gift for a loved one. Here's the how-to:

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March 16, 2009

Accolades for the Humble

dustbuster.jpgToday, Kate recommends a humble yet essential household gadget:

“Our world is filled with the seductive calls of shiny, splashy, colorful things, all vying for our attention, time, and money. I like to shop because I enjoy pretty, clever, and well-packaged products; however, I have a number of items that are simple, un-fancy, and humble, and that make me inordinately happy because they do what they are designed to do so well, so effortlessly, and with so little razzmatazz, and by doing so genuinely improve the quality of life in my household. One such product is the Black and Decker DustBuster.

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March 11, 2009

Two-Chocolate Forgotten Cookies

forgottencookies.jpgMonday night I met up with some mama friends for a lovely evening of catching up, crafts (bring a long abandoned project to work on…), and desserts. My fabulous friend Sarah brought a plate of divine meringue cookies studded with chocolate. Sarah kindly has shared her recipe for Two-Chocolate Forgotten Cookies (pictured, the last cookie standing):

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March 9, 2009

Accidental Family Log

penandpaper.jpgLet go of mom guilt with Heather’s tip about baby documentation:

"Capturing every 'first' was easy to do with our firstborn. I was given a beautiful baby book as a shower gift and religiously kept it up to date until Emma was about two years old. I had every intention of doing the same for our triplets. I was determined to treat them all equally; what I did for one I wanted to do for the rest. I even purchased 3 separate baby books.

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March 4, 2009

GreenFest at Hill House

hillhouse.jpgDuring this seemingly endless winter, why not think green thoughts? And tomorrow (Thurs., March 5), you can think and learn green at Hill House's GreenFest community day. Suitable for the whole family, this event runs from 3 – 6pm and is free and open to the public. In addition to crafts, projects, and demos for kids, adults can learn about green living from local businesses. Local students also will be on hand to discuss ways to make urban living more eco-friendly, and Hill House will collect reusable bags to donate to a school in Zimbabwe.

Hill House, 127 Mt. Vernon Street, Boston; Tel: 617-227-5838

March 2, 2009

Winter Boredom Busters

bubbles.jpgPerfectly timed for yet another snow day, today, Tracy shares her favorite winter boredom busters:

Despite having been raised in Northwestern Ontario, where winter hangs around for about 8 months of the year, I dislike late winter intensely. So do my kids. I mean, really, after you’ve built your 10th snowman, gone sledding for the umpteenth time, and spent countless hours playing board games (I swear my 7-year-old thinks these are “bored” games), you need to shake it up a bit. Here are some of my favorite winter boredom busters:

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February 27, 2009

Winter Garden Fair

russells.bmpNow that our urban composter is in place and my mind officially has turned to gardening, it seems like the perfect time to trek out to the Winter Garden Fair at Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland. This free weekend of activities will include gardening how to’s, entertainment, activities for kids, refreshments, and an impressive roster of exhibitors (not to mention some much needed skin rehydration in their tropical greenhouses). Also cool, raffle proceeds and a portion of the weekend's sales will benefit Massachusetts Farmers' Markets.

Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston Post Road, Wayland; Tel: 508-358-2283

February 26, 2009

Featured Mama Melissa Roiter

roiter_1.jpgWelcome to Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas from all walks of life. Read on for today’s interview with Melissa Roiter, mother of triplets and owner of Yummy Mummy Brownies, a locally based but nationally serving brownie and apparel business. Then nominate yourself or a friend!

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February 25, 2009

Love These Links!

hankandwillie.jpgDespite the disaster that is my inbox, clearly my mind is elsewhere on domestic matters. Here’s what caught my eye around the web this week – interesting for those who enjoy pets, baking, gardening, and/or not getting sick - per Love These Links!, where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas. Enjoy!

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February 24, 2009

Restorative Chicken Soup

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

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

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Local Trolley

reisenthel.bmpI adore clever green solutions, and here’s a fabulously chic pick to encourage shopping local. Reisenthel’s foldable trolley is super compact and amazingly lightweight; when folded it looks like a small, handled laptop case and could fit in a shoulder bag or tote. When you’re ready to shop, simply unzip (and re-zip the outer case in reverse to secure in place), unfold the length, pop out the two wheel/kickstand pieces, and in about 15 seconds you’re ready to roll with an ultra cute shopping tote (several vibrant colors and patterns are available). And as a mom who loves to shop local with a daughter who periodically still likes to be carried, this trolley offers a wonderfully easy, one-handed way to lighten my load.

Want to win a Reisenthel foldable trolley? Here’s how:

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February 19, 2009

Swap & Restyle

designhive.jpgI’ve recently become obsessed with spring cleaning, and if you’re similarly ready to shake the dust from your closet, head over to Design Hive’s Closet Cleanout Clothing Swap & Restyle Clinic in Cambridge on March 1. Swap clothes, shoes, and bags completely free (for those who RSVP), or if you don’t have clothes to contribute you can fill a bag for $10 (proceeds benefit charity). Attendees also are welcome to enjoy free styling advice at the Restyle Clinic, as well as great deals from local indie designers who are spring cleaning their showrooms. Space is limited for the free swap session; click here to RSVP.

February 18, 2009

Cauliflower For All

cauliflower.jpgToday, Sara Cabot of Little Lettice offers a primer on cauliflower, including yummy recipes for the whole family:

“Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it comes from the same family as cabbage, broccoli, and kale, but it lacks green chlorophyll because its leaves shield the white florets from the sun. There now are many studies that have shown that cruciferous vegetables can help combat lung, colon, breast, ovarian, and bladder cancer.

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February 17, 2009

Marvelous Man Products

pevonia.bmpIf there’s one lesson I've learned from my mom, it’s that it’s never too early to start caring for your skin. And today we offer a little something for the daddies who read this site (yes, daddies apparently read this site) and/or the women who like to gift them. Carole Arsenault’s husband Marc kindly steps in with a guest review of Pevonia Botanica’s natural home-spa man products. Read on for Marc’s review, as well as to learn how to win men’s skincare products from Pevonia!

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February 13, 2009

Love These Links!

activitytable.jpgToday I’m sharing a bit of a hybrid link post; including posts that caught my eye per Love These Links! (where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas), plus links from my style blog Weekly Web Roundup partnership. Enjoy!

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February 11, 2009

Valentine's Fudge Cakes

ChocolateFudgeCakes.JPGToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking shares a yummy Valentine's recipe that you can enjoy preparing with your kids:

Aside from frilly hearts, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Valentine's Day is chocolate. This year, bring your children into the kitchen to help you make these delicious fudge cakes. Creating and sharing food is one of the best ways to show your love.

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February 4, 2009

Love These Links!

kidscraftweekly.jpg'Tis the season for craft love. Here are some crafty, Valentine inspired posts that caught my eye for my 3rd edition of Love These Links! (where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas). Enjoy! And if you have a fabulously crafty Valentine link to share, please feel free to comment in at the end of the post.

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February 3, 2009

Easy & Yummy Homemade Granola

granola.jpgIn an ideal world, I’d make everything from scratch, but often – not surprisingly – time is an issue. But the one thing I never, ever compromise on is granola. Store bought granola has never suited me (too sweet, not clumpy enough, skimpy on nuts and fruit, etc.), and the good news is that granola is super easy to make at home. I made Food to Live By’s granola pretty steadily for about a year, but our friend Amy recently passed on a fantastic recipe from Martha Stewart. The online version is a bit different from the clipping Amy shared; below is my annotated/adapted version of the recipe; fantastic if you like chunky granola. It’s so good I make it in double batches.

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January 29, 2009

Clementine Clafoutis

clementines.jpgA couple of weeks ago Laurel and I attended a super fun cooking class at the Museum of Science and I have been meaning to post about the divine clementine clafoutis that was served. If you’re similarly overrun with peak season clementines, consider trying this fabulous, simple recipe. I plan on making it this weekend for brunch dessert.

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January 26, 2009

Favorite Chocolate Pudding

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

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January 22, 2009

Love These Links!

heartlinks.jpgIt’s been a crazy, crazy week, but apparently there’s always time to surf. Here’s what caught my eye around the web this week, in my 2nd edition of Love These Links!, where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas. Enjoy!

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January 15, 2009

Natural Little Nuggets

soapnuts.jpgI used to have a love-hate relationship with laundry, but these days it’s all love thanks to Soapnuts (which I first learned about via Daily Grommet). Harvested from fruit trees in India, Indonesia, and Nepal, these natural little nuggets contain the cleaning substance saponin. Simply drop a few soapnuts in the washbag, add essential or fragrance oil (optional), and toss in the laundry. These nuts not only get the job done, but also last several loads, are biodegradable, and are packaged minimally, making them a truly awesome eco-find. And did I mention how fabulous it is to no longer heft giant laundry detergent jugs around?

Want to be 1 of 2 winners to receive a Soapnuts starter kit*? Here’s how:

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January 14, 2009

Eating Green

bonappetit.jpgI’m always looking for ways to improve our green living practices, and was pleased to see Bon Appétit’s February 2009 feature on 50 easy ways to eat green. Among the tips related to shopping, cooking, and consuming, I particularly enjoyed – and have put into practice - the practical yet ridiculously easy ones, such as #2 (boil once, cook twice), #7 (don’t open that door), #11 (become a human food processor), and #40 (stop whistling). And of course, how can you go wrong with tip #1 (eat more chocolate)?

January 12, 2009

Home Made Corn Tortillas

tlacoyos.bmpToday, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking shares a way to conjure visions of Mexico this winter:

“It’s always a sudden shock to return home from vacation and be thrust back into the throes of laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, shuttling children, scooping pet poop, and paying bills. It's enough to make me turn around and drive right back to the airport. But I’m taking comfort in the serene memories of our recent visit to Club Med, Ixtapa; a trip replete with lavish meal buffets filled with fresh produce and seafood, tropical drinks, and family fun. The fresh corn tortillas and guacamole are especially missed; here’s a recipe for making them at home with your kids.

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January 9, 2009

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_90.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners: