I am, obviously, a big fan of the internet. And while my adventures around the web largely swirl in the domains of writing and online shopping, I'm always super impressed when service-based companies step it up and take advantage of technology to make getting stuff done easier. Such was my experience with Exec Cleaning, an organic house cleaning service that makes it absurdly easy to, well, get your house clean.

Continue reading "Exec to the Rescue (+ An Awesome Giveaway)" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 May 2013 | Permalink | Comments (15) | Filed in Domestics; Home; Local; Solutions

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 Boston Sparkling Clean deal rolled through my e-mail via Buy With Me, I immediately bought a voucher (well, after doing due diligence by looking at their website and finding some positive Yelp reviews online).

Continue reading "Boston Sparkling Clean" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Domestics; Eco Living; Local

I had a bit of a rough week last week and the baby shower my friend Heidi hosted for me this past weekend was a wonderful antidote, making me feel enormously grateful for the happy energy and wonderful people I have in my life. And I wanted to share the theme -- a secondhand baby shower (because I'm an eco-geek and because I have many friends who are done having babies and were eager to pass things along) -- plus some great leads from Heidi's planning. Here's how it all came down the pike:

Continue reading "Secondhand Baby Shower" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 17 Feb 2011 | Permalink | Comments (10) | Filed in Domestics; Eco Living; Family Issues; Food & Drink; Home; Local; Pregnancy & Postpartum; Solutions

Few household chores overwhelm parents like laundry; indeed, I will confess to poor folding practices (I hang everything or toss clothes haphazardly in drawers) and ironing (I avoid it at all costs). And whether you need dry cleaning services, or want to treat yourself to or make wash and fold services part of your routine, check out Clevergreen Cleaners. Offering standard clothing care services with awesome green practices, you'll feel good getting this household chore done in eco-friendly fashion via Clevergreen's locations in Boston, Medford, and Cambridge. And as part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Clevergreen generously is gifting one lucky winner with a $75 gift certificate! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Tuesday, July 13, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Clevergreen Cleaners" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Jul 2010 | Permalink | Comments (21) | Filed in Domestics; Eco Living; Local

Today, Sarah shares her findings from test driving the process and offerings of Healthy Habits Kitchen in Wellesley:

"Regardless of education level, culinary skill, or available cooking time, I've found that the eternal struggle for a family-friendly yet healthy meal can lead to burn out. I enjoy cooking, but every now and then I get a tad disgruntled about having to come up with something on a daily basis.

Continue reading "Healthy Habits Kitchen" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (4) | Filed in Domestics; Food & Drink; Local

Probably 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" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Jan 2010 | Permalink | Comments (6) | Filed in Domestics; Home; Local; Solutions

Oh how I adore local talent, and tomorrow (10am – 4pm) you can get your fill at the Massachusetts Marketplace Festival at the Elm Bank Horticulture Center in Wellesley. The festival will feature over 60 vendors offering food, crafts, and gifts -- all sprouting from local fields, farms, gardens, and kitchens.

At Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Aug 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Fun Outdoors; Local

Today, Kate shares her lice-related struggles and solution:

“When I was in second grade, a friend and I were sent home from school with matching cases of headlice. I still remember the head mistress using a pencil to separate the strands of my hair as she checked me over, the dismayed look on my mother's face when she picked me up, and the feeling of liberation at being out of school in the middle of the day without actually being ill or in trouble. In my memory - recently confirmed by my father - my mother treated my hair with a medicated shampoo, washed all of the linens and stuffed animals in the house, and life went on as normal. Not so for my own recent parental experience of headlice, a saga that has now gone on for more than two months and pushed me to limits of frustration and despair generally reserved for much more important things but recently triggered by tiny, pernicious, and seemingly indestructible insects.

Continue reading "Angels & Demons" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Domestics; Local

Earlier this year, lice ran rampant through Laurel’s preschool class, and while we were spared, some of our good friends were not. As first timers, they faced stress, disgust, copious loads of laundry, and just not really knowing what to look for on their kids’ heads. If you find yourself in a similar situation, check out NitWits. This Cambridge based nitpicking service uses only organic and all natural products during lice checks and nit removal. They also provide advice for at-home treatment and prevention.

Continue reading "NitWits" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Jul 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local

When it comes to cloth diaper services, there’s a real supply and demand problem in the Boston area. But now there’s good news for parents who live south of the city. Sweet Pea Diaper Service is live as of this month and will swap out your soiled diapers for fresh ones for $21 - 26 per week depending on your diaper plan. Serving families in Norfolk and Bristol counties (plus parts of Rhode Island), we’re thrilled to welcome this new business as it meets both local and global needs.

Want to win a Sweet Pea Diaper Service starter plan*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Sweet Pea Diaper Service" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Jul 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Domestics; Eco Living; Local

If I could free up one degree of craft freedom in my life, I would - hands down - take sewing lessons. And I just wish I lived close enough to LuckyStitches in Haydenville (just outside of Northampton), where New York trained artist Zanne Blair teaches everything from the basics (hems, zippers), to construction and embellishments (t-shirts, jeans, appliqué), to holiday 101 (costumes, tree skirts).

Lucky Western Mass mamas: want to win a $150 gift certificate towards classes at LuckyStitches? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “LuckyStitches” in the subject) and tell us what a LuckyStitches “sew-cial” is. We'll draw one winner from the correct responders.

Continue reading "LuckyStitches" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Domestics; Local

I have yet to meet a mama who doesn’t grumble about the overwhelming nature of household minutia. And if your to-do list is getting the best of you, consider the creative concierge services of Lisa’s Hands of Time, where owner Lisa Schreider uses her resourcefulness and cheery energy to kick your shopping, errand running, and organizational needs to the curb so your time can be more happily spent. Overwhelmed moms will do well to hint or directly ask for a Hands of Time gift certificate, stat.

Want to win 2 hours of Lisa’s services ($100 value)? Email us by midnight EST tonight and name a specific service that Lisa offers that you desperately want help with. Also include the town you live in; entrants must live within the Greater Boston & Metro West areas (e.g., Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Needham, Wellesley, etc.).

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local

Ever wish you could have one of those Oprah days where a stylist swoops in and tells you how to make your living room rock? Well, we’re not landing on anyone’s doorstep with a camera crew, but for today’s birthday contest, one lucky local winner will receive a free interior styling consult (includes a furniture and accessories redesign, interior decorating tips, and the down low on how to make the most of your existing furnishings) from MakeReady. This prize is valued at $300-450 and the winner gets to pick which room they would like redesigned. Entrants must reside in Boston or the surrounding T-accessible neighborhoods (e.g., Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, etc.). To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Weds., Aug. 22) the answer to the following question: Who is the talented interior and product stylist behind MakeReady?

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Aug 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local; Web (Admin)

If you’re looking to simplify your shopping routine and enjoy a variety of organic groceries delivered to your doorstop, check out Boston Organics. Reader Jude from Medford (a happy Boston Organics customer for almost four years) wrote in with high praise for the Weekly Box service. The variety of produce encourages her family to try new foods, and her kids even see the delivery box and shout “fruit and veggies!” (she can’t guarantee that as a result for everyone, of course…).

Box options start at $27 and can include fruits, vegetables, or a mix of the two delivered every week or every other week. And if you have allergies or aversions to certain produce, you can request to not have them included in your produce box. Boston Organics also recently has added a variety of other grocery items to choose from, including bread, chocolate, and dairy. Click here to see their delivery areas.

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 May 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Eco Living; Local

If the tired browns and greens of winter are getting you and the family down, you’ll do well by bringing color into your home with the pretty murals and painted furniture by Holly Johnson of Cheeky Monkey.

Check out Cheeky Monkey’s online portfolio, which includes murals inspired by nature, storybook, or hobby, and painted furniture of all kinds. We especially love the fusion of paint and decorative paper for Wan’s Room, the groovy graphic circles of the Moore’s Bath, and the red and white nature inspired table in the furniture collection. Cheeky Monkey serves the Boston area and you might have already seen some of Johnson’s work at Bellini Baby; click here to contact Cheeky Monkey for a complimentary consultation.

Posted by Christine Koh on 10 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Domestics; Home; Local

Even if you have managed to drop your pregnancy weight, everything fits differently. If you currently are lamenting that fabulous holiday dress you splurged on last season that no longer hits the way it used to, consider calling local tailor Said Bakhouch. My mama pal Evadne has high praise for the quality of his work (alterations, custom work, upholstery, pillows, curtains, etc.), and his timely, responsive, and respectful work ethic.

Even better, for a limited time, Mr. Bakhouch is offering door-to-door service (i.e., pick up, in-home measurements, drop-off); a huge bonus for those with little ones at home. Contact him via phone (cell: 781-325-2718; home: 617-569-4985) or e-mail, and kindly tell him that you heard about his services from devoted customer Evadne via Boston Mamas.

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Nov 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local

As I’ve written earlier, when relocating with kids – and all of their associated gear – it’s time to hire professional movers. For our recent move we used Careful Carriers. This small operation was the least expensive of several companies I called, and they were top notch. Personally, the moving team was considerate, polite and friendly; professionally, they were punctual, efficient, and freakishly strong (I can barely heft one crate of books, much less 3 crates on my back). The team also was incredibly sweet towards our babe, who was – understandably – slightly freaked about the sight of these dudes walking out of the house with all of our stuff. Laurel especially warmed to the mover who helped her dad put the crib together in the new house.

Careful Carriers offers local and long distance residential/commercial moves. Tel: 781-641-0376.

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Sep 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local

Children’s décor options can be overwhelming; so why not keep the furniture and bedding simple and let your walls do the talking? Susannah Webster of Small Pond Murals is a local artist mama who creates custom murals for children’s rooms. Susannah’s murals manage to be both cheery and gentle, through use of vibrant yet soft color palettes, clean lines, and fanciful imagery.

Contact Susannah directly for a complimentary initial consultation.

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Aug 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Domestics; Home; Local

An organically-oriented Boston area mama – who made the astute point that “a housekeeper’s cheaper than a divorce!” – passed on links for two cleaning companies, Healthy Homes Cleaning and AA Environmentally Safe Cleaning. Both companies use environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Please feel welcome to comment if you have used either of these services.

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local

A Boston area mama recommends a domestic service called Household Solutions. Tanya and her efficient team provide typical household cleaning as well as concierge services (e.g., dry cleaning pickup). Imagine walking into a clean house with no need to worry about other errands! Please let Tanya know that Tracee C. (a happy customer of 3 years) referred you.

Tanya, Household Solutions: 617-923-4880

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local

An admittedly OCD Boston mama highly recommends the housecleaning services of Keity (pronounced “Katie”) Barbosa from Wonderful Cleaning. Keity and her team provide one-time or regularly scheduled visits and customize the price depending on what you want cleaned.

Keity is insured and bonded, and is great with kids. Please let Keity know that Jude M. (a happy customer of 5+ years) referred you.

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Domestics; Local

Cotton diapers have obvious benefits: they save trees, lessen landfills, and cut taxpayers’ costs. But it’s tough to face the rigorous routine required to launder cloth diapers at home. It’s one thing to deal with a big baby blowout in the moment, it’s another thing to deal with it again at the laundry machine.

Enter Changing Habits diaper service operated out of Deerfield, MA. The owner, Donna Grybko, is a bit of a kooky koala bear but boy, is she committed to cloth diapers. She even arrived on our doorstep with the first delivery to give us a cloth diaper demo. We loved the service and it was reliable and efficient on all counts.

Changing Habits travels many miles to serve towns in Western Massachusetts and Middlesex County. Check the website for town listings then call to confirm that they can service your address.

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (35) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Domestics; Local