After finishing grad school, Jon and I did something fit for the truly crazy and devoted; we moved back to our beloved, exorbitant city without jobs. And as we pushed interviews and grant applications along, we played cribbage, pursued creative endeavors, drank a lot of coffee, and tried not to panic. One artistic by-product from this time is a self-portrait I made during an oil painting class; it appears to be a wishful, creamy-complexioned salute to the days before I obliviously “rotisserized” (my friend Braden’s term for sunbathing) and set off a spray of freckles across my face. These freckles may look kind of cute, but they’re officially sun damage.

Continue reading "Spa Goodness" »

Posted 19 Jun 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Sometimes (particularly after a stretch of indulgent eating) serving as a fashion consultant to a friend is more fun than shopping for yourself. Yesterday I had great fun hitting the maternity pavement with a girlfriend desperately in need of bumpworthy business attire.

After checking out Target and Kohl’s, both of which have a few business separates options but are better suited for casual wear, we hit the jackpot at Destination Maternity in Natick. Surprisingly not overwhelming in square footage, this one-stop shopping location includes retail areas each for Motherhood, Mimi Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, Destination Maternity, and Edamame Spa, which ensures satisfying a range of budgets and clothing styles, whether you are in the market for a $10 basic vs. $300 designer dress.

Continue reading "Destination Maternity" »

Posted 12 Mar 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I’m a sucker for cute kids’ boutiques and since opening in the fall, I’ve been keeping my eye on Bird by Bird in Inman Square. Originally debuting with a modest selection of products conjuring a bit of a spare, upscale boutique feel that intimidated some readers who wrote in, Bird by Bird has since impressively expanded its offerings to feature an array of stylish products from both national and independent (including local) designers; the shop now feels decidedly warm and welcoming. Some particularly cool finds include an impressive, hip collection of screen printed and appliquéd tees and onesies (various designers), beautiful mixed fabric creations from Lorna Lowe Custom Couture and Beary Basics, and the snuggly soft hoodie cardigans by Angel Dear. Apparently, they also have started carrying the stylish, locally crafted baby slings by gOzOzO, in designs exclusive to Bird By Bird.

Bird By Bird also periodically offers programming such as fitness and baby signing; click here for their latest announcements. They also have future plans for an online store.

Bird By Bird, 1361 Cambridge Street, Cambridge; Tel: 617-497-1361

Posted 6 Mar 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

A well-shaped brow can make even the most frazzled mommy feel utterly put together.

Yesterday I got the best eyebrow treatment ever while kicking back with Laurel at Baby Loves Disco. Arwen of The Salon at 10 Newbury brings her acclaimed eyebrow shaping prowess (she has been lauded by InStyle, Allure, and Boston Magazine) to this hottest ticket in town. (She is providing her services to BLD gratis so please tip kindly.) In the past I have asked other aestheticians to give my brows a slimmer, more arched shape and they all claimed it wouldn’t work. I thus didn’t bother making any specific requests, but Arwen shaped my brows exactly as I had always envisioned. I feel like a new woman.

It may prove tough to see Arwen at Baby Loves Disco if you don’t already have tickets (new dates into the summer already are sold out), so book an appointment with her on Newbury. You deserve it.

The Salon at 10 Newbury, 10 Newbury Street, Boston; Tel: 617-247-4900

Editor’s Note: This just in from our new friends at The Salon at 10 Newbury. Mention BostonMamas.com and receive a facial, eyebrow waxing, and blow dry for $125 (regularly valued at $160).

Posted 26 Feb 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

When I was in grad school I signed up for jazz, ballet, and hip hop lessons to shake up my fitness routine; it provided both a fabulous workout and a means to channel my closet desire to be a Broadway hoofer.

I’ve been thinking about revisiting dance here in Boston, and have heard great things about the Dance Complex in Central Square (the African dance classes are supposed to be especially killer). DanceNet offers a good directory of studios and freelance dancers in the Greater Boston area; the homepage also offers links to (less exhaustive) listings of classes and events in New England, nationwide, and worldwide.

Posted 8 Feb 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Just in time for another chilly weekend…a local reader wrote in with high praise for Together in Motion in Arlington. This drop in play space offers Motion & More play sessions geared towards children ages 0-6 (every day of the week!). Admission rates are $7 for kids 1 year and up and $5 for kids under 1 year (infants under 6 months are admitted free when tagging along with a sibling). Group and individual multi-pass discounts also are available.

Together in Motion also soon will offer group exercise classes for women, including parallel sessions where kids can play while mom is working out. Check out their current schedule; birthday party services also are available on weekends.

Together in Motion, One Broadway, Arlington, Tel: 781-643-1377

Posted 2 Feb 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fun Indoors; Kid's Parties; Local | Permalink | Comments (2) | E-mail this link

I feel blessed to have creative, talented friends and my mama pal Honey Jo is one of the best in the business when it comes to cut and color. She can translate vague directives into fabulous cuts, has the knowledge and intuition to implement designs to favorably frame the face (in the face of no directives whatsoever!), and is expert in her color technique.

Previously full-time at Mechanique on Newbury Street, Honey Jo adjusted to a part-time schedule when her fabulous little tyke arrived. You now can book with her at Mechanique (115 Newbury Street, Boston, Tel: 617-236-0555) on Thursdays and Saturdays, or at Spinale and Co. (224 Humphrey Street, Swampscott, Tel: 781-598-5400) on Wednesdays.

UPDATE (1/23/07): Mention that you were referred by Boston Mamas and Honey Jo will give you 20% off your first hair cut or color!

UPDATE (12/1/07): Mechanique has closed its doors and Honey Jo now is exclusively at Spinale and Co. in Swampscott on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Posted 22 Jan 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I did Laurel a major disservice when I tried to cut her bangs for the first time. Despite cutting tips from a professional stylist pal, my efforts rendered a look disturbingly similar to Ralph Wiggam from The Simpsons.

So I gave up on bangs and moved to hairclips. This strategy worked well for the front, but the back – after a recent botched attempt – was looking pretty sorry. Following a strong recommendation from my mama pal Kate, we headed to Lulu's Kids' Cuts last weekend.

Truth be told, when I called to make the appointment I nearly backed out based on the price ($25; cash or check only), but it was worth it. Laurel got a great haircut, and the atmosphere was relaxed and pretty (it’s sort of like a hair salon meets gallery, with artwork, jewelry, and accessories for sale) yet kid friendly, with fun patterned smocks, a playroom downstairs, and ring pops at the end of the journey.

Lulu's Kids' Cuts, 2323 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, Tel: 617-876-2323

Posted 9 Jan 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

A lot of things become more challenging once you have a babe in tow, and fitness often drops on the priority list due to scheduling logistics. Luckily for local mamas, Shannon Nelson, a certified fitness expert and former nanny, has created a space for moms to stay fit while their kids have fun.

Nelson's Mama & Me in Newton offers fitness programming for mothers, with parallel art and gym classes for kids ages 18 months – 7 years (pre-crawlers are welcome to attend all classes with mothers free of charge). All classes are available on a drop in basis and discounted 10-class passes are available. Come January 15th, expanded hours and a new schedule will be available, and Mama & Me currently is offering a January promotion; $20 off a 10-class fitness pass (offer expires 1/31/07).

Mama & Me, 1280 Centre Street, Suite 6, Newton Centre; Tel: 617-372-7448

Posted 4 Jan 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fun Indoors; Local; Pregnancy & Postpartum | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

One of these years I hope to actually feel rejuvenated and relaxed at the conclusion of a holiday season.

If you’re similarly in need of recuperation, try a facial at the Carriage House Salon in Harvard Square. Tucked upstairs above the Starbucks on Church Street, the Carriage House holds a place dear in my heart as the blissful location of my first postpartum self-care facial, thanks to a gift from my mama pal Kate. Kate recently hit the Carriage House herself and had a fabulous Signature Facial with Erin, whose services come with high recommendation. The salon also offers hair, nail, and massage treatment.

Posted 2 Jan 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Yesterday, desperately in need of relaxation and rejuvenation following wrap of a series of crazy deadlines, I headed to Urban Oasis. Urban Oasis offers private and community hot tub sessions and massages set within peaceful, elegantly appointed rooms. (Sessions are suit on; the community tub schedule largely is co-ed, but there is some single sex availability.) Towels and plush robes are provided, and change rooms and showers are stocked with quality body products. During my visit I was the only person in the community tub and enjoyed a half hour soak ($10 on its own; $8 when booked along with a massage) prior to my massage with Beth, who was marvelous at untying the knots in my back.

These fabulous hot tub soaks give new meaning to tubby time, and would make for a fun outing with friends or family (my mom will go crazy over this place...). Student and senior discounts are available.

Urban Oasis, 243 Hampshire Street, Cambridge; Tel: 617-491-0716

UPDATE 4/5/08: Urban Oasis has changed its name to Inman Oasis.

Posted 20 Dec 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Newton Community Education offers an impressive range of programming for little ones (ages 4 and up) and adults, including Soccer for Moms. Even if your babe hasn’t yet made it onto the playing field, you are welcome to join. Coaches from Viking Soccer provide the equipment, officiate games, and offer skill pointers to players of all levels. Bring a soccer ball, wear shin guards, and stay hydrated; cleats also are recommended.

From 8 – 9am on Saturdays starting September 16, 2006. You need not be a Newton resident to sign up.

Posted 21 Aug 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

A mama from Medford highly recommends her pediatrician Dr. James Pert, of Harvard Vanguard
Associates in Medford. The practice has a 24/7 telephone service, Tel: 781-306-KIDS.

Thanks mama from Medford!

Posted 22 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

You love your partner for offering massages, but often it’s tough to coax them to go for more than 5-10 minutes. How can you blame them? They didn’t take Massage Therapy Stamina 101 last fall.

For pre/postnatal massage services, I highly recommend someone near and dear to me: Jennifer Koh, LCMT. I have received both pre- and postnatal massage therapy from Jennifer; both approaches were relaxing and therapeutic. I’m just always sad when it is time to slide off the table and re-enter the real world.

Jennifer operates her practice out of The Healing Center, 259 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington. Give her a call (781-424-1060) or send her an email to book an appointment. Her regular hours are: Sunday (12-6pm) and Mondays & Tuesdays (6:30-9:00pm); other appointments may be available upon request. Fees are $70 for one hour, or $100 for 1½ hours.

Update (1/11/07): In addition to her practice at The Healing Center in Arlington, you now also can book appointments with Jennifer in downtown Boston at Boston Bodyworker.

Posted 21 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Ah, how I took the Nursing Weight Loss Plan for granted. I was one of the lucky ones whose pregnancy weight fell off quickly, thanks to the voracious infant who nursed her way through the entire 2004 World Series, and otherwise was happiest being walked around and around the block in a sling.

Then a few months post-nursing, many baked goods, and three major clothing crises later I discovered that I had gained 15 pounds. My fabulous husband, who insisted he didn’t even notice the weight gain (perhaps it’s the myopia) suggested that there was one thing I should do and two things I could do. The “should” was to buy myself a pile of clothes that actually fit and made me feel good. The “could’s” were to join him in trying to cut down on the daily desserts, and/or find a fitness outlet.

Continue reading "Your Fabulous You" »

Posted 20 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Possibly ranking #1 on the Worst Things Ever list is the experimental dentist. I had an out-of-country dentist not long enough ago who, I later discovered, performed a number of experimental procedures on me, including a freakish bridge procedure apparently not implemented in the United States as well as an experimental cavity filling procedure (also typically not used in the US). When I developed the hiccups during one visit he instructed me to hold my breath and then – without asking – jammed his fingers in my ears and wouldn’t let go until he finished counting to 10. I never knew that ears could feel so violated. At least he was wearing gloves.

Not surprising then was my aversion to finding a new dentist when I relocated back to Boston several years ago. Luckily, one of my mama pals turned me onto The Best Dentist Ever, Dr. Russell Forman. Dr. Forman is knowledgeable and friendly; he explains procedures before they happen, honestly prioritizes urgent and back burner dental work, and employs his small practice with kind, skilled hygienists and reception staff. Dr. Forman is so hands on with his practice that it’s even not unusual to find him booking an appointment at the reception desk himself.

Plus, did I mention that he keeps his fingers out of my ears?

Dr. Russell Forman, 875 Mass Ave, Ste 63, Cambridge. Tel: 617-868-5500

Posted 19 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

Sometimes the best way to cope with the rigors of mamahood is to let out an emphatic “Ohm!” To locate a studio near you, check out Boston Yoga; this resource website is blissfully clean and easy to navigate. The studio directory extends to the Cape, Southern New Hampshire, and beyond.

Even better, Boston Yoga loves mamas! Check out their pre/post natal class recommendations.

Posted 14 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Interested in a different kind of fitness activity? A mama pal in search of higher ground recommends Volo Farm in Westford. Riding instruction is offered to riders of all levels; beginners start in private lessons and move up to small group lessons once they have mastered simple control of their horse. Individual lessons can be purchased for $49 each. Packages are available for monthly sessions.

Posted 11 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link