Boston Mamas

Awesome Ideas for Valentine's Day

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:52:16 -0500

As a designer and people person, I do love Valentine's Day for its focus on relationships and heartfelt, crafty tokens. I recently guest posted at Care.com’s blog about my favorite family-friendly ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. I hope you enjoy the post! And for additional awesome ideas for Valentine’s Day, check out the following fabulous links:

The Lion King Live

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:45:52 -0500

As a former performer, I've always been an avid supporter of the arts, but now I see the power and magic of live shows through a new lens via Laurel’s wide, elated eyes. And if you’re staying put during next week's February vacation, consider treating your kids (and yourself!) to The Lion King, which kicks off at the Boston Opera House on February 16 and runs until March 21. As has happened with every live show we’ve seen with Laurel to date, no doubt the multisensory thrill of the performance will stick long and fast in memory.

Now, want to win a 4-pack of tickets to The Lion King*? Simply email contests@bostonmamas.com with “Lion King” in the subject by midnight Thursday, February 11, 2010.

The Beauty of Ballet

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:35:41 -0500

Today, Kate reflects on the beauty of ballet across generations:

Does the beauty of ballet call to every little girl at some point in her life? Probably not -- there must be at least a few who are immune to the magic of toe shoes, the awe of the light-as-air lift, the seeming impossibility of a dancer on pointe -- but the appeal seems to be almost universal. I remember my mother describing how as a child she would watch and re-watch The Red Shoes, an overwrought 1948 melodrama about love and devotion gone wrong among dancers, and though the film itself didn't do much for me, I fully appreciated the pull of the ballet scenes. I'm not sure whether it's the costumes, the immense strength and discipline hidden under layers of pink tulle, or the fairy tales recreated on the stage, but ballet got to me too, and now it's gotten to my preschool-aged daughter.

My Favorite Mocha Brownies

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:58:07 -0500

I 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.

Community Service Fair for Teens

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:21:08 -0500

They say that boredom leads to trouble, so here’s a great way to engage teens to be active community members while staying out of said trouble. This coming Sunday (February 7, 12 – 4pm) Teen Life Boston is hosting a community service fair to introduce middle and high school students, parents, and educators to a fantastic roster of national and local non-profit organizations that are seeking teen volunteers. The event is free and pre-registration is recommended.

Cyberbullying 101

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:42:16 -0500

Between recently watching the PBS Raising Girls program and reading about Phoebe Prince last week, my mind has been on cyberbullying. I’m subsequently grateful to PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody, who today shares helpful information, tips, and resources for parents regarding cyberbullying:

Shop Local For Haiti

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:56:18 -0500

A couple of weeks ago I announced my plan to launch the Boston Mamas Have a Heart for Haiti campaign. I’m thrilled to share this group of talented and generous Boston Mamas mamapreneur network members who are donating a percentage of sales collected from February 1 - 15 to the campaign. Proceeds will be directed to UNICEF, which is absorbing administrative costs so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to relief efforts for children in Haiti. So please shop these vendors and shop them generously! Your dollars will do double duty by supporting local women business owners and relief efforts in Haiti.

Buckle Up

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:31:39 -0500

Today, Jennifer shares an accessories find that is sure to lift your outfit and spirits during the dead of winter. Read on to learn more about the fun and fashionable offerings by locally based EllaBelle Creations, as well as how to win a leather or suede embellished belt from EllaBelle Creations (entry closes February 7):

Bringing Sexy Back

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:31:12 -0500

My friend Kristen Chase is a funny, prolific, no holds barred writer and I’m currently laughing my way through her new book, The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex, in which Kristen offers advice for bringing sexy back during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. I’m thrilled to help welcome Kristen to Boston on Tuesday, February 9 (7-9pm) for a Valentine’s chocolate and wine tasting + sex chat at Finale in Brookline, via Moms Going Out. Tickets are only $5 and space is limited (autographed books will be available for purchase); I hope to see you there!

Winter Carnivals & Community Service

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:14:20 -0500

Yes, we're in for another cold weekend, but that's all the more reason to stave off cabin fever and support those who are bundling up and braving the outdoors to host community winter activities. This weekend, consider pitching in at the Franklin Park Winter Volunteer Day (Saturday) or enjoying winter activities at the Dunstable Winterfest (Sunday), Groveland Winter Festival (Sunday), or Lincoln Winter Carnival (through the weekend).

Rushes in Paradise

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:08:45 -0500

Apologies for my reduced posting this week, but, save a couple of brief Twitter and Facebook updates on the front end of my trip, from Saturday through Tuesday I went radio silent while absorbing a visit to Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas and I'm currently attempting to cope with my besieged inbox. While the trip was for work (a press event), it also was very personal, signaling my first mom-daughter flight with Laurel and my first work trip where Laurel was encouraged to attend. The trip also provided opportunity to reflect on some of my baggage about life's luxuries (suffice to say, growing up, my immediate family of nine never flew anywhere), and also about human behavior in response to rushes of all kinds (you can take the girl out of psychology, but not the psychologist out of the girl).

Pretty Produce Bags

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:13:57 -0500

Though 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:

Gone Bowling

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:14:59 -0500

I haven’t been to Lanes & Games since I was in high school, which was, well, a really long time ago. Earlier this week, however, I broke my (inadvertent) non-attendance streak with a group of friends and was reminded of how fun candlepin bowling is. The kids all went berserk over it, and Laurel was a machine out there, mowing down frames well beyond when others had lost interest.

Mom 2.0 Bound

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:32:50 -0500

It’s been over a decade since I visited Houston and I’m thrilled to return to this city next month for the Mom 2.0 Summit. Last year I heard incredible things about this conference, which serves as a meeting grounds for moms and marketers and this year explores professional, product, and personal paths. My attendance, however, would not be possible were it not for the kind and generous sponsorship of Care.com.

Have a Heart for Haiti

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:50:13 -0500

In the wake of the devastation in Haiti I have been pondering how best to use my voice at Boston Mamas to help. And yesterday I thought of a way to engage you wonderful readers while also supporting talented local mamapreneurs. I'm currently assembling a group of Boston Mamas mamapreneur network members to donate a percentage of sales collected from February 1 - 15 to the Boston Mamas Have a Heart for Haiti campaign. Donations will go to UNICEF, which is absorbing administrative costs so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to relief efforts for children in Haiti (thanks for that lead, Cool Mom Picks!). If you are a local mamapreneur and want to participate, simply join the network and I'll follow up with details. I will be launching the campaign next week, so act soon!