Boston Mamas

Wellesley Marketplace Craft Festival

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:36:21 -0500

Today, Jennifer shares a great local lead to get a jump on holiday shopping while supporting independent artists and crafters. Read on to learn more about next week's juried Wellesley Marketplace Craft Festival, as well as to learn how to win a pair of premier shopping tickets to the event (entry closes at noon, Friday, November 13):

Buffalo Exchange

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:13:56 -0500

Davis Square’s bargain retail profile recently kicked it up a notch with the addition of Buffalo Exchange (on the same block as Poor Little Rich Girl and Good Will). Giving national chain a good name, Buffalo Exchange allows for direct sale or trade of used clothing and accessories, and carries both classic pieces (such as the J. Crew print dress I scored for $23.50...sweet!) and quirkier ones. The two-level store currently offers more goods for women (including rows upon rows of shoes downstairs), though there are some racks for men. Laurel loves treasure hunting with me in Davis; she only requests that this and other stores start carrying used kid’s clothing.

Buffalo Exchange, 238 Elm Street, Somerville; 617-629-5383

Snack Revolution

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:29:02 -0500

Like most parents, I periodically lament over packing lunch and snack, especially when we’re low on fresh produce. Having a stash of Revolution Foods snacks on hand subsequently has bailed me out on more than one occasion. These organic snacks and sandwich fixings are happily free of trans fats, high fructose syrup, and other nasties, and Laurel especially digs the Grammy Sammy (whole grains + yogurt) and Jammy Sammy (whole grains + fruit spread) snack squares and squeezable fruit Mashups. And I love how easily these pieces can round out her lunchbox; both items make for an excellent snack or seem treat-like enough to pass for dessert (though admittedly, we’re those parents who don’t include dessert at lunch time), and there’s no need for utensils. Extra cool: Revolution Foods donates 3% of purchases to help feed kids in under-served schools.

Now, want to be one of three winners to receive a Revolution Foods Lunchbox Simplicity Sampler? Here's how:

Motherhood, In Less Than 650 Words

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:54:43 -0500

Today, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares key lessons from motherhood:

“Could I write an essay -- under 1000 words -- about motherhood? What an absorbing assignment. In the recently released movie Motherhood -- which includes great actors, great Manhattan scenes, and too many New York tears shed over a life that looks terrific -- Uma Thurman attempts this very project for a magazine contest. Inspired by this task, here I share a few key lessons from the alphabet stew of motherhood, in less than 650 words.

Gamewright Games

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:36:19 -0500

Today, Kate and April share their thoughts on a couple of winning games from local children’s game company Gamewright. Read on for Kate and April’s reviews, as well as to learn how to win a signed copy of Gamewright’s popular Can You See What I See? Finders Keepers Game (entry closes November 11).

Bellaziza Trunk Show & Brunch

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:57:32 -0500

I recently wrote over at my personal blog about how moving in real life events are for me, particularly as a person who spends an absurd amount of time interfacing with people digitally. I’m thus pleased to welcome you all out to an IRL (i.e., that's tech talk for in real life) get together this Sunday, November 8, from 10am – 2pm. The Bellaziza Trunk Show and brunch will take place at Kenzie Kids in Wellesley in partnership with Boston Mamas and Magic Beans. Come eat, mingle, shop (mention Boston Mamas and get 20% off at checkout), and enjoy some swag. This event is free and open to anyone who digs cute kid stuff. Hope to see you there!

At Kenzie Kids, 200 Linden Street, Wellesley; 781-237-3666

Big Boston Warm-up

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:53:34 -0500

It’s the season of giving and I hope you will participate in the Big Boston Warm-up. This coat campaign is hinged to an art installation at Boylston Plaza at Prudential Center. The installation comprises 768 figures, each representing 10 of Boston’s homeless men, women, and children. Simply donate a gently used coat to a local Lands’ Ends at Sears (you’ll receive 20% off a new Lands’ End coat) and a red heart will be added to each installation figure for every 10 coats donated. Also, as part of the campaign, tomorrow, November 7 (10:30am-12pm; 1-2:30pm), at the Burlington Mall Lands’ End/Sears, families can enjoy a meet and greet, reading, and book signing with Carol McCloud, author of Have You Filled a Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids. The concept of “bucket filling” is all about encouraging positive acts, such as helping those less fortunate.

Three Easy T-Shirt Makeovers

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:37:52 -0500

Last month I guest posted about baby activities in Boston for the lovely ladies behind Rookie Moms. And today I’m thrilled to share some clever craft ideas from Rookie Moms co-founder Whitney Moss. Whitney offers three easy ideas to help you reinvent stained, outgrown, or simply worn out t-shirts. These solutions are perfect for breathing new life into old faves. Make it work.

Indie Artists & Gingerbread Houses

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:47:31 -0500

Though I still can’t stomach the concept of holiday in terms of retail displays in early November, I’m willing to make exceptions for the performing arts and independent artisans. And from November 6 – 8 you can access the wares of 300 fine artists at the Boston Christmas Festival at the Seaport World Trade Center. Also, given my obsession with gingerbread last year (and, admittedly, cake competitions on cable), the gingerbread house competition (of which this Fenway Park replica was a winner) seems particularly intriguing. Tickets are $12 for adults (discount available); kids under 14 are admitted free.

Musical & Social Harmony

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:54:08 -0500

Back in high school, audition jitters aside, I adored being on the competitive orchestra circuit. The long rehearsals led to beautiful music and amazing friendships. And if you want to learn about a local arts group that creates music, friendships, and unity across cultural and social gaps, check out the Boston Children’s Chorus tomorrow, November 5 (6-7pm), at the Boston Public Library. The BCC -- which uses music to unify Boston’s diverse communities, inspire social change, and provide kids with music education and performance opportunities -- will preview a documentary about its recent tour to Jordan and celebrate the release of their This is the Sound of Harmony CD.

Pass The Candy

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:25:03 -0500

If you’re like us, you’re overrun with Halloween candy. I subsequently was thrilled to read Fairly Odd Mother’s post about ways to put the candy to good use; namely, by donating the loot to troops overseas. Check out the leads Christina culled, as well as those by Cool Mom Picks. And if you’re looking for local drop offs, bring your Halloween candy to Magic Beans (all 3 locations) through November 10 and trade it for 25% off a toy, or to Wellesley Dental Group where they’ll buy back paper lunch bags full of candy for $1 then donate the candy to the troops (through November 13).

Mary Kaye's Music Box

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:30:42 -0500

Are you on the (seemingly elusive) hunt for music that the whole family will enjoy? Today, Jennifer recommends Mary Kaye’s latest album Music Box. Read on for Jennifer’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of Music Box (entry closes at midnight, November 5):

Mayor’s Holiday Special

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:35:33 -0500

Now that we've hit November, the concept of holiday is slowly creeping onto my radar. I'm still ignoring holiday retail displays, but I'm all for securing tickets to Boston’s fabulous arts scene at a budget in celebration of the season. In addition to discounted arts tickets, the Mayor’s Holiday Special site features shopping, dining, and lodging deals and is open now through January 18, 2010.

Hands On Small Business

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:10:41 -0500

Calling all small business owners and budding entrepreneurs! There are just two Kirtsy/Microsoft Office Live Hands On Small Business sessions remaining in Boston. HOSB is a series of 100 fun, FREE gatherings in 20 cities across the US and Canada, and covers free online and social media solutions to help entrepreneurs and small businesses build and promote their business. I’m teaching the Boston sessions with Angela from Mommy Bytes. The remaining two sessions are this Thursday, November 5 (7-9pm) and Wednesday, November 11 (1-3pm). Click here to register and hope to meet you soon!

(Halloween) Beet Risotto

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:09:14 -0500

In a comment response to my Halloween candy alternatives post, Tracy made the excellent suggestion of creating a pre-Halloween feast, given that there’s time since Halloween falls on a Saturday, and also to fill bellies so there's less room to gorge on candy. Tracy’s Halloween “gross-out menu” includes beet risotto (aka “Blood and Guts”), which another commenter requested. The beet risotto recipe follows below: