Weekly Blueprint
Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a great weekend (despite the, er, sporting events of yesterday) and are gearing up for an excellent week. I'm going to kick things off by getting back on the self care wagon via a 10 minute run after I hit publish on this post! Meanwhile, here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's Weekly Blueprint:
Continue reading "Weekly Blueprint" »
| Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local
Share: Facebook
kirtsy
StumbleUpon
Delicious
Happy first weekend of February! Here's a roundup of 10 picks that caught my eye. I suspect we'll also engage in some of these 
I have many friends who are passionate about Vermont and/or skiing, and after recently reading 
As a former musician and music psychologist, it's not surprising that I'm all for tapping into what I believe is kids' innate appreciation for music (baby Violet rocking out to music is such a cheerful sight!). And on February 12 at the Tsai Performance Center in Boston, you can introduce your family to something different via 
Greetings, friends! I hope you had a great weekend -- we enjoyed a lovely one here, filled with nostalgic moments (I was honored to deliver a keynote and do some filming at my undergraduate alma mater. Also, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that the current students were born in the 90's...), friends, family visits, great food, and some very, very gooey brownies. I'm excited to tackle the week and hope you are as well; here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's 
I sort of can't believe that I've been thinking about and planning for February vacation (I mean, really, it's almost February?), and one of the things I'm looking forward to is heading to Disney on Ice's February vacation show 
What a crazy week it's been -- I have some exciting news to share very, very soon! Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to a fun weekend and hope you are too. Here are 12 picks for your consideration:
Dan Zanes is one of our favorite also-awesome-for-adults kid's musicians. 
Today, 
I hope you all enjoyed this lovely weekend! In my opinion it was the perfect amount of snow -- plenty to be pretty and fun to play in (Laurel frolicked outside for two hours with her cousins yesterday!) but not too arduous to shovel. Oh, and also, congrats to the Patriots! Now, here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's 
Happy Friday everyone! I hope you're gearing up for a wonderful weekend. Here are 12 picks that caught my eye:
Happy Friday! I hope you're looking forward to a lovely long weekend. Here are 12 picks that caught my eye. And stay tuned -- this weekend I'll post some ideas for fun, creative, and educational ways to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at home.
I hope you all enjoyed the gorgeous weather this weekend. It's hard to imagine that this time last year we were buried under piles of snow! I hope you have a fantastic week lined up -- here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's 
I hope you've all had a fantastic first week of the New Year! It's been a tad crazy here, attempting to get caught up on things, but I feel grateful for all of the good stuff going on -- not the least of which is the incredible outpouring of applications in response to my 
Hello folks! I'm currently digging out after a few days away on a press trip (more to come on that front in the next week or two) and hope you had a spectacular weekend! Meanwhile, here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's 
Hello everyone! I'm soon to depart for a press trip to explore a (potentially) family friendly travel destination (hopefully I'll have excellent things to share with you in the next week or so!) so I wanted to leave you with this roundup of 13 fun weekend picks to consider:
Today, 
Laurel and I have made a happy tradition of attending Disney on Ice together the last couple of winters, so I haven't yet had the heart to tell her that this month's DOI show, 
Today, 
Happy Monday everyone! Here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's 
If the number of hours I used to spend polishing musical theatre dance numbers and color guard routines is an indication, I clearly have a thing for organized spectacle. And it arguably doesn't get more organized or spectacular than a blinged out kick line. The 
I hope you all have a fantastic first weekend of December! Here are 12 fun weekend picks to consider:
I can hardly believe I'm writing this, but Happy December everyone! There's so much great stuff on tap home and work-wise this month; I hope you're finding the same! Meanwhile, if you're looking for a Santa adventure that extends beyond the local mall, the kind folks at Spirit of Boston offered me a 4-pack of 
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday long weekend! As I mentioned last week, we're in the midst of a lot of transition in my house right now so I decided to take time off and focus on the family. It was really lovely and I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things this week! I hope your re-entry back into the real world is smooth; meanwhile, here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's 
Though I do enjoy shopping, I've admittedly been turning a blind eye to the onslaught of big box Black Friday pitches I've been receiving -- partially because this marketing approach seems awfully tiresome, and partially because I'm a big fan of supporting local indie businesses. As in past years, we plan on adhering to a pretty minimal approach to holiday shopping, but when I do get around to it, I'll start by turning to what's immediately around us. I wanted to share some great ways to shop local -- there's so much talent that warrants your attention!
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this week. I'm both looking forward to the connection and reflection that happens around this time of year, and admittedly am also a little overwhelmed by the details of life right this second, given that there's a lot of transition going on in our household (plus, poor Violet is suffering from a bizarre full body rash right now). Anyway, I hope you all enjoy lots of relaxing time this week; here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's 
Today, 
Ah, weekend, I'm so excited for you! Here are 10 fun picks for your consideration: 
Today, 
Hello everyone -- apologies for the radio silence! I considered posting from the road but decided to be present and immerse myself in 
Greetings all! I hope you're all adjusting to the time change. Did anyone else's kids fight bedtime yesterday, despite the "You know, it's actually an hour later than now" argument? And did anyone else not get their extra hour of sleep (my kids still woke up super early)? Anyway, how about a fresh start? Here are some fun ideas for your consideration in this week's 
Happy first weekend of November! I hope you've all been rocking this new month. Here are some fun picks for the weekend:
Per my 
How is everyone doing getting ready for Halloween? Are you getting dressed up alongside your kids? Laurel is going to be a witch and Violet her black cat companion (Laurel has several years of coordinating costumes planned). I hope you have a fantastic weekend and enjoy this roundup of 16 Halloween inspired weekend picks:
Hello everyone -- I hope you've been having a fantastic week! I went off the grid longer than expected due to an 
Hello friends! I hope you're having a super week. I'm going off the grid for a few days so I thought I'd leave you with this weekend roundup a bit early. Enjoy! Also, a couple of fun media things. I've been meaning to share that a cute little picture of me, Laurel, and Violet is included in the October issue of 
I hope you enjoyed the gorgeous weekend! Ours was full of fun stuff like soccer, play dates, baking (to celebrate our oven finally being fixed we made 
Today, Stacey Sao of 
When Laurel started using a locker at school, I was immediately transported back to the days where I'd gaze lovingly at magazine cutouts in my locker between periods. Included were the likes of Michael J. Fox, Rob Lowe, and Duran Duran (and yes, I had coordinated pieces of flair for all of these artists on my denim jacket). Subsequently, I was feeling rather nostalgic when I heard that 
We're hosting friends today so I'm just popping in quickly to share some 
Today, Stacey Sao of 
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! After knocking off a huge deadline on Friday (that was hanging over me all of September), it was so wonderful to decompress and enjoy the weekend with Laurel and Violet. Even though I miss Jon when he's away, I find it really fun to fly solo with the girls -- we had the best time! Anyhow, I wish you all a lovely week, and if you're looking for stuff to do, here are some 
Hooray for October starting tomorrow! Kick off the new month with any or all of these 11 event picks that caught my eye: 
When it comes to baby and kids stuff, I'm all for 
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! After waking up feeling sick after a strange night of sleep, I'm hoping to turn the Monday blahs around ASAP and wish you all a fantastic week. If you're looking for stuff to do, here are some 
I hope you're all having a fantastic week and are gearing up for a fun weekend. If you're looking to head out for an adventure or two, here are 11 fun weekend picks that caught my eye. Enjoy!
I love when creativity meshes with doing good, and this weekend the 
I hope you're all enjoying the fall weather and finding your rhythm with back to school routines and such. Among other things, this weekend was notable in that Violet had her first nibble of solid food -- it was both lovely that Laurel fed Violet her first non-mama snack and I also couldn't help but feel a little weepy about it all! Anyway, I'm wishing you all a wonderful Monday; here are some 
I know I shouldn't be so typically New England and obsess about weather, but 60s for this weekend -- welcome, fall! It'll be the perfect weather to enjoy any (or all, if you're feeling crazy ambitious) of these 17 fun weekend picks:
Musical theatre always brings high school drama club memories flooding back, so I was feeling happily nostalgic when I learned that the Boston Opera House is showing 
I hope you all found pockets of space to reflect and remember yesterday. Though our weekend was busy with various family things, I took several moments to stop and send healing wishes into the universe, and also feel gratitude for what was in front of me -- it's a practice worth carrying forward every day. Meanwhile, I'm wishing you all a wonderful Monday; here are some 
I know I'm not the only one who is super excited about a respite from the rain. The forecast looks beautiful -- perfect for enjoying any or all of these 15 (!) weekend picks that caught my eye: 
Today, 
I hope you all had a fantastic holiday weekend! We've been busy with family travel and social engagements over the past several weeks, hence my spottiness here the last few weekends, but I'm hoping to get back on track now that the school year is upon us. I'm wishing all of you with school aged kiddos a super smooth transition back to school! Meanwhile, enjoy my 
I truly still cannot wrap my head around the fact that it's September and Labor Day weekend is upon us. Yesterday I posted some 
Despite the hurricane on Sunday (which didn't amount to more than heavy rain in our neighborhood), we headed out to a surprise birthday party for my friend 
It quickly became clear to me after leaving academia to start Boston Mamas (and my other writing, editing, design, and consulting endeavors) that the Boston area is replete with career changers, aspiring career changers, and awesomely creative women. I receive a lot of inquiries about how I got from point A to B in my career 180 so I'm thrilled to announce that I'm co-hosting an event -- 
I hope you all made it through the hurricane with minimal negative impact. We were sad to leave our vacation earlier than planned, but were grateful to have a few days away in the first place, make it home safely, and come out the other side of the storm perfectly fine. Meanwhile, this week is supposed to be perfection weather-wise. Enjoy my 
During the pushing phase of my 
Raise your hand if you also can't believe we're two weeks out from Labor Day weekend. (My disbelief stems from both the freakishly fast evaporation of summer and the fact that Laurel is soon to turn seven years old...sniff!) And then go on and relish what we've got left of summer by enjoying my 
Hello everyone! I'm going off the grid for a few days so I leave you with an early weekend roundup (also see 
Rain, rain, go away -- there's too much good stuff to enjoy outdoors this week (though I am grateful that the rain is watering the plants...)! Check out my 
Assuming you're going to do something other than stimulate the economy via the impending tax-free weekend (thank you all, for your couch shopping suggestions via 
Growing up in a large family, salon haircuts were not in the budget. Fortunately, my mom had a steady hand, and it wasn't until I went away to college that I stepped into a salon for the first time, paying for the haircut myself. Subsequently, 
Given that we're still happily clinging to summer in our house (task I have not missed the least bit = packing school lunches), it's been amazing to already see friends updating about their kids heading back to school. And whether or not you're off this week with your kids, hopefully you can enjoy some of 
Doesn't it feel fantastic to get to Friday? Here are 5 fun picks to consider this weekend:
Here's another strange example of how the universe works: I've been thinking for some time that it would be helpful to share weekday event roundups. And then some folks who completed the 
This week has been crazy so I'm behind on sifting through my calendar pitches. However, I wanted to share two events that have been on my radar for some time now. Indie artist collective 
Today, 
Oh. my. swelter. Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and enjoy these weekend picks:
Following a query on 
The forecast for the weekend looks sunny and hot -- perfect, in my opinion, for lapping up soft serve ice cream while enjoying any one of these 8 fun weekend picks:
If you're finding it challenging to get away and/or invest in events this summer, here's a fun way to celebrate staying put at zero cost (except, perhaps, for T fare). Kicking off tomorrow and running through September 1, 
I can hardly believe that school just let out for Laurel last week. It (happily) feels like we've been in summer mode for a while already! I hope you're all having a fantastic summer -- enjoy these 6 fun weekend picks:
I hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend! If you're looking to head out for some fun, I wanted to share a few links with you. Boston Central has a fantastic roundup of 
It's hard to believe tomorrow is July 1, but the good news is that the change of month is marked by the start of the Highland Street Foundation's 
I'm sharing my weekend picks a bit early this week since I'm going to hibernate with the family for a few days (Violet's 100 Days is this weekend...I can hardly believe it!). I hope you enjoy the first official weekend of summer! 
Was this the craziest week ever for you too? I hope you have a chance to kick back and relax this weekend and celebrate a Dad you love. Here are 12 fun weekend picks to enjoy:
Yay, Friday! Here are 10 fun weekend picks that caught my eye:
I love this city. With the good weather comes many opportunities to help others in need. Some of these events (such as the March for Babies and Walk for Hunger) have already passed, but this week you can participate in the following family friendly philanthropic events: June 11 is the 
Oh, this awesome weather. It serves as the perfect backdrop for, well, everything! There's no shortage of fun stuff going on this weekend in and around the city (including Jon and my first date night -- to celebrate 
Hello everyone -- I hope you have fantastically relaxing plans for the Memorial Day long weekend! We're going to be staying local and keeping it low key since June will be a bit crazy, but at the very least, yummy food and fun and games with Laurel and Violet are on the docket. (Admittedly, hopefully we'll also chip away a bit at some household to do's.) Meanwhile, I thought I'd share 12 bits of web awesomeness to entertain you over the long weekend. Enjoy! 
The 
I know I'm not the only one eager for the sun to break through, and tomorrow -- for 
Some of my happiest high school memories are musical in nature -- I made wonderful friends and played in fantastic venues such as Symphony Hall as a violinist on the competitive circuit. Not surprisingly, I'm a fan of the BSO and the Pops, the latter of which opened its season last week. And if you and your kids would like to enjoy the musical brilliance that frames many memorable movies, the Pops will present three performances of 
I've 
Today, 
I hope the rain holds off this weekend because ever since our recent overnight to Maine (where Laurel 
Today, 
Spring always brings up discussions about the life cycle with Laurel, and this week there's a unique show in town that celebrates a "nature treasure" (as Laurel likes to call them) not to be taken for granted. Running today through Sunday, May 15, 
Hello everyone! Tomorrow is the March for Babies in Boston and I would be super appreciative if you would make a donation to 
Few things cute overload me like baby animals, and if you're of a similar persuasion and would like to enjoy Mother's Day with your own little critters in tow, you can celebrate Mama's Day at the 
Having received clearance yesterday from my midwife, just this morning I got back on the fitness wagon with a short (yet shockingly sweaty) yoga practice. And if you're looking to cash in some Mother's Day self care time via fitness, consider heading to 
Last month, I actually had to ask someone when Mother's Day was, which seemed comically fitting. However, once informed, I was thrilled to connect with several local establishments who are hosting fun Mother's Day events. I'll be sharing these events over the next few days, and first up is a pick for moms who love to engage in a little retail therapy. This Thursday (May 5), moms around the country will enjoy a collective night out via 
Hooray for a gorgeous weekend on the forecast! There's no shortage of fun on tap in Boston and the surrounding communities; here are some events that caught my eye, via my lovely site partner Boston Central: 
One of my favorite things about living in Boston is the access to cultural offerings, and how cool is it that we can now lay claim to having an international kids film festival? Running April 15-22, the first annual 
This weekend is shaping up to be downright spring-like, perfect for this cool and unusual event I heard about from my friend 
I adore Heather and Whitney of 
Truly, one of the best postpartum gifts imaginable is the gift of food. And on Thursday, when it was cold and rainy out, my friend Jen kindly brought over a 
One thing is for sure: in this fast paced, instant gratification world of social media, being an online person who disappears for a few days apparently results in some digital hand wringing. When I finally turned my Blackberry back on following 
Today's 
I know I've been lucky to have such a wonderfully smooth pregnancy, carrying on per usual with everything in life. However, some typically onerous chores have take on even more onerous dimensions -- such as house cleaning. I'm good at cleaning when I get to it, but it's just not among my favorite things to do, particularly when super pregnant. Subsequently, a few weeks ago I called some eco-friendly cleaners to book a one-time pre-baby cleaning, but I either received no response or was told that there was no immediate availability or that one-time cleanings were not possible. So last week, when a 
Today, 
As I mentioned 
Today, 
Given my pregnancy, I haven't been able to take skating lessons this winter (which I took for the first time last winter and adored), so I've definitely needed to get my skating fix from a distance. I'm subsequently thrilled to see 
Today, Stacey Sao of 
I had a bit of a 
Today, 
One thing that has become very clear during all of the traveling I've done with Laurel is that she loves hotels (and admittedly, I'm also a fan of not having to make my bed). And if you're looking for a fun family staycation option during February vacation week (or just to get through the rest of winter), check out the 
Hooray for rabbits! And you can celebrate them in fine fashion this weekend at the 
While I adore the community feel and eco-friendliness of public libraries, and the shiny newness and convenience of large bookstores, my current happy medium is the independent used bookstore. And 
Despite needing to rearrange our plans when the first (or was it the second? I can't even remember) snowmageddon hit during the December holidays, we eventually made it to, and Laurel utterly adored, the Disney on Ice Princess Wishes show (her sister did too...she kicked non-stop during the entire performance!). And returning to entertain during February vacation week is a Disney on Ice show perfect for Toy Story fans. Running February 18-27 at TD Garden, 
In contrast to Jon and my low key approach, Laurel is totally cranked up about celebrating Valentine's Day. If you're in a similar boat, and are looking for a family-friendly Valentine's outing, what about the 
I just loved the clever responses (via comments, 
There's little new I can say about this month's snow shock, with the exception that I'm impressed that our 
Today, 
One thing that I quickly learned with Laurel is that her level of content is completely different depending on whether I'm doing something not-so-present such as, say, checking my e-mail vs. crafting alongside her. Of course, her favorite kind of time is when we're working on the same project (e.g., we're finishing a really crazy quilt right now -- Laurel has become impressively facile with my sewing machine!), but when she's working on something like latch hook or pot holders, I'm kind of left hanging. So I've been thinking of -- and getting excited about -- revisiting knitting.
Today, Stacey Sao of 
Though I must admit that I'm relieved that Laurel has finally moved on from her obsessed-with-all-things-princesses phase, she remains faithful to Belle ("because she has brown hair like me," says Laurel) and I'm planning on taking Laurel to Disney On Ice during winter break. Laurel and I have seen three previous DOI shows in Boston and the skating and creative spectacle has proven so, so fun and entertaining for both of us!