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June 24, 2008

Urban Composting

envirocycle.jpgFor the past year we’ve been sharing in our neighbor’s slow and lazy composting method, but we now want to move to a more contained, easy to rotate system. I immediately e-mailed my friend Braden, who has urban composted everywhere from NYC to Tokyo. She writes, “I love that when you think of rotting food you think of me! We use the EnviroCycle Composter [available at Planet Natural and Amazon], a rotating composting bin with a fairly small footprint. Indoor composting or vermiculture are other urban options but I really cannot imagine most urbanites taking up that challenge.”

June 13, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_65.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Weekend reading: Car & Caboodle highlights a feature on learning to improve your gas economy. Clever Parents encourages readers to support Ella’s Miracle Fund, and/or attend the Ella’s Miracle Fundraising Event in Raleigh, NC. Coochicoos reports that the Beaba Babycook has hit the US market, but is not BPA-free.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

June 10, 2008

Keeping Cool

waterplay.bmpFormal heat advisory or not, it’s important to keep cool and hydrated during this incredibly hot weather. Aside from installing air conditioning units or fans in your home, here’s a roundup of simple, inexpensive activities to keep the whole family cool:

Continue reading "Keeping Cool" »

June 6, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

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

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

May 15, 2008

Grippy Not Sticky

mayfairlane.bmpGiven Laurel and my needs to post (her artwork, my notes-to-self), it’s not uncommon to find sticky tape shards on walls and doors throughout our home. Thankfully though, now there’s a stylish, tape-free way to exponentially increase your household display surfaces. Mayfair Lane offers clippers, photo frames, and notepads in a chic variety of graphic designs, all backed with an amazing material that grips non-porous surfaces such as stainless steel refrigerators, glass, and even wood, in addition to magnetic surfaces. I’m feeling far more affectionate towards our (drafty in winter) windows, now seeing them in a new, display-friendly light.

Want to win $50 worth of Happeez products*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Grippy Not Sticky" »

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

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 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 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 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

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 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 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" »

January 25, 2008

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 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 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 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 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 14, 2007

Snow Day Solution

shovel.gifI never would have thought a preschooler could be so adept at shoveling snow, but Laurel really rocked yesterday’s storm, thanks to a pint sized snow shovel borrowed from our neighbor’s granddaughter. The shovel is the perfect solution for busy, cabin fevered kids on light and fluffy snow days (we spent an hour shoveling and Laurel could have kept going). The shovel Laurel used isn’t labeled but the Suncast Kids Snow Shovel (shown) looks similar and is inexpensive (at Kmart and Amazon).

December 7, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_39.gifAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Good to Know: Clever Parents outlines the 15 most important questions to ask when hiring a professional organizer. Healthy Bump features an interview with a nutritionist, answering questions about holiday eating tips and sharing tasty recipes. Modern Mom describes five ways to keep relationships faithful.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

December 4, 2007

Toy & Safety Guides

toys.gifWe've recently received some useful leads for toy and safety guides, good for the holidays and all year round. Locally organized Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment (TRUCE) has a printable toy guide featuring recommendations for toys that promote positive play (and those to avoid), as well as great ideas for themed creative play gifts made of household items. ToyTips.com features unbiased reviews generated by a team of psychologists, educators, child-care, and health professionals. And the Toy Industry Association has launched ToyInfo.org, a site dedicated to toy safety information.

November 29, 2007

SmugMug

smugmug.gif

Today, Heather shares a fabulous family photo system find, SmugMug:

“I’ll admit to my uncontrollable need to document my 4 children's every smile, frown, silly face, and everything in between. With my first child I was vigilant about taking, loading, and emailing loved ones about photos that were ready for viewing. I tried various online album services, but my main complaint was the requirement for viewers to create an account to log in to view. I also needed to send an invitation email in order for friends and family to check out the latest collection.

Continue reading "SmugMug" »

November 7, 2007

Losing Your Lunch Rut

laptoplunches.gif

If you – like pretty much every parent I know – need help losing your lunch rut, check out the Laptop Lunch System, which offers the physical structure and information to encourage balanced, eco-minded eating. Including a lead-free case, bento box tray, water bottle, utensils, and nutrition/recipe guide, the 4 colorful bento boxes (+ sauce/dip container) remind you to include a mix of food groups, offer flexibility (remove boxes to make room for a larger item), and are dishwasher safe, making reusability and waste reduction a breeze. Offered in four styles (shown, Whimsical), this system works for adults and kids alike (for kids, you need not fill every container depending on your kid’s eating patterns).

Want to win the Laptop Lunch System (Whimsical)? Here's how:

Continue reading "Losing Your Lunch Rut" »

November 1, 2007

Fuzz Be Gone

dfuzzit.gif

Mamahood has exacerbated my negligence about tidying up clothes at the end of each season; when I broke out my fall sweaters, they were laundered but teeming will pills. After some hunting around, I was thrilled to find the Evercare D-Fuzz-It Sweater & Fabric Comb. Inexpensive, compact, and effective (it’s worked beautifully and easily on cashmere and wool), this little comb also saves you the worry of buzzing a hole through your favorite sweater with an electric de-piller.

Laurel became rather fascinated by the process and took charge of disposing of the fuzz balls. Maybe there’s hope for my laundry yet.

October 5, 2007

What's Cooking

whatscooking.gif

We at Boston Mamas love food, so I’m thrilled to introduce new guest contributor Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking. Michelle will provide content on healthful family eating, including recipes and tips on how to engage your kids in the kitchen (click here for her first contribution). And for more meal ideas, check out What’s Cooking Weekly, Michelle's family menu subscription service that includes recipes, printable grocery lists, nutrition information, and tips on getting kids involved in meal prep.

Want to win a 6-month WCW subscription? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “WCW” in the subject) and name a fab sample WCW meal.

Continue reading "What's Cooking" »

September 13, 2007

Making Me Time

lobotome.gif

I’ve always been a big list maker; there used to be satisfaction simply in jotting down the to-dos and seeing them checked off, but now lists are a necessity. I need to write ideas and to-dos down or they leave the building, as it were. And for fellow paper-oriented list makers and schedulers who need a little help getting their thoughts organized, there’s lobotoME.

Continue reading "Making Me Time" »

September 10, 2007

Mommy Auctions

mommyauctions.jpg

Even if you have a minimalist approach to nesting, the basic baby survival gear results in considerable accumulation; some items seeing only a brief window of baby action. And when you are ready to say goodbye to various goods, check out Mommy Auctions, a dedicated site for moms to buy and sell used or new baby clothing, gear, toys, décor, mommy items, and more.

Continue reading "Mommy Auctions" »

September 4, 2007

Get Clean Contest

getclean.gif

Last month, we wrote about how much we love the eco-minded, efficient, and economically oriented Get Clean Starter Kit (see our review), so we're thrilled to report that Shaklee - our September featured contest partner - is giving away one of these amazing cleaning kits (valued at over $150) to one lucky entrant! Click here to enter to win. This contest closes at midnight on September 30, 2007, and is open to US residents. Good luck!

August 21, 2007

Get Clean

getclean.gif

Whether it’s due to planetary or personal health concerns, the introduction of a pure little newborn, or a combination of these factors, I’ve seen a lot of families and friends go green when it comes to food and household products. So on the latter, I’m thinking that the amazing Get Clean Starter Kit is going to be my new go-to housewarming, wedding, baby shower, or I-love-that-you-want-to-save-the-planet-too gift (didn’t I just write today about loving clutter-free, consumable gifts?).

Continue reading "Get Clean" »

August 15, 2007

Parallel Work & Play

busybodybook.jpg

When it comes to organization, some folks are wed to digital solutions, some to paper, and some dabble in both. If you find yourself in either of the two latter categories, check out the BusyBodyBook grid organizer.

This spiral bound weekly planner features five blank columns for each day of the week, allowing you to fill in and see five schedules (e.g., family members) or activities/projects (e.g., academic subjects, work projects, personal goals) in parallel (click here to see the layout). Four chic cover styles are available: the academic year (Aug. ’07 – Sept. ’08) in Dots (shown) and Stripes, and the calendar year (Jan. – Dec. ’08) in Zigzag and Brown.

Continue reading "Parallel Work & Play" »

July 12, 2007

The Family Calendar Goes Digital

googlecalendar.gif

I keep promising myself that I’ll spend less time on my laptop, but when it comes to optimizing organization, Kate’s my go-to girl and she’s got an online family scheduling solution that warrants a look. Today, Kate reports on her family’s fabulous (free!) social secretary, Google Calendar (and no, Kate doesn’t work for Google!):

Continue reading "The Family Calendar Goes Digital" »

May 14, 2007

Slow & Lazy Composting

compost.jpg

Continuing on the inadvertent vein of multi tasking workouts: I’ve been on a bit of an eco bender recently, particularly disturbed by how much biodegradable waste ends up in our trash. A while back we looked into urban composting but were overwhelmed by the contraptions and logistics; so we were thrilled when our neighbors invited us to join in their “slow & lazy” composting. Yesterday I tidied and turned the compost, which ended up being a great whole body workout (read: I hurt all over today). I was so inspired by the simplicity of their method that I asked our neighbors to write up their how to:

Continue reading "Slow & Lazy Composting" »

May 2, 2007

OodleMoms

oodlemoms.gif

Kids grow incredibly fast, and a major part of parenting involves purging and recycling. The good news is that breathing new life into your child’s outgrown items, or finding new goods, has gotten even easier with the launch of OodleMoms, a giant new classifieds site for moms. Serving over 370 regions across the US, you can find anything from kid stuff to event tickets, to your next pet, car, home, or job. It’s also easy to schedule automatic alerts for items that you want but aren’t currently listed, or to hear about garage sales in your neighborhood. And if you don’t have the patience or interest to sell off items one by one, OodleMoms offers regional charity donation directories.

To post an ad, pick one of OodleMoms’s free classifieds partners (e.g., Lycos, Local.com, eBay), submit your ad information, and your ad will show up on OodleMoms within 30 minutes. It’s easier than ever to move out the old to prepare for the new.

April 23, 2007

Backyard Birding

audubon.jpg

I consider myself a bona fide nature loving urban girl, but ever since referring to a seagull as a “beach pigeon” one vacation, I don’t exactly get props for my ornithological taxonomic prowess.

There may be hope yet. Through my in-laws’ and our neighbors’ new spring feeders, Laurel and I have discovered a lof of fun in backyard birding. Not surprisingly, our resident preschool sponge already has matched my bird ID abilities, and she’s now looking for answers that I don't have. I couldn’t find a quick, visual online catalog of common backyard birds, but the Audubon Songbirds and Other Backyard Birds calendar looks like it will do the trick. Even though we’re already a third of the way into the year, this visual aid looks worth it based on the rave user reviews; you also can preorder the 2008 calendar.

For budding birding enthusiasts, check out the Audubon at home guide for tips on how to create your own little backyard bird sanctuary.

Medical Must Have

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Nothing could possibly dampen the joy brought by this weekend’s weather (Laurel went positively bonkers over finally being able to wear summer sandals), but a bout of conjunctivitis served as absurd evidence of my personal medical cluelessness.

Yesterday I needed prescription antibiotics and was quickly reminded that – despite being a Palm carrier who used to work at one of Boston’s top hospitals – I haven’t had a check up since my 8 week postpartum visit, I couldn’t remember my PCP’s name (I met her once, 3 years ago), and when I connected with the doctor on call, I couldn’t remember where I got my last prescription filled (C-section painkillers) and didn’t have any local pharmacy information on hand. I picked what I thought was the most likely pharmacy (where I fill Laurel’s scripts) only to find on arrival that I wasn’t registered, and that I brought my hospital card instead of my insurance card to process the prescription. Oops.

Continue reading "Medical Must Have" »

April 13, 2007

Weekly Web Finds