Rhode Island Mommas

The Backyardigans are Coming to PPAC

2008-04-26T15:19:00.003-04:00

If your kids are fans of The Backyardigans, then get your tickets early because the live musical show is coming to The Providence Performing Arts Center on June 20-21, 2008. In this first live show from The Backyardigans, knights Uniqua and Tyrone have a special challenge from King Pablo. Along the way, Austin and Tasha join the adventure to Dragon Mountain. Something tells me that there is a Dragon on Dragon Mountain so even though Hannah enjoys the imaginative wanderings of The Backyardigans, this might be a show that we skip.

New Parking Payment System at Providence Place

2008-04-25T09:52:00.003-04:00

I stopped by Providence Place yesterday afternoon to pick up a quick gift. After buying Hannah some ice cream, we wanted to hurry home to play outside. While in the food court area I noticed a new parking payment kiosk. This was my first indication that anything had changed in the parking garage. I didn't see any signs as I entered the garage (ok, maybe I was distracted there) and I definitely didn't notice anything as I came and went through the Nordstrom elevators. Of course I didn't bring my ticket in so I didn't pay inside, figuring this was a new option -- not a requirement.

Well, much to my frustration, a lot has changed upon exiting the Providence Place Mall. When you leave you are directed to an "Unpaid" line. Ok, that is fine I thought, I might just have to wait a little longer with all the other schmucks that didn't know about this new system. But wait, why is everyone getting out of their cars?

Yes. In case I'm NOT the last one in the world to know, the new system at Providence Place is completely ridiculous. To truly discourage someone from ever being this stupid again, you have to leave your car in line and lug your child (or children) into the security office near the toll booths to pay in person. Then, once you are back in your car (not the safest situation by the way), you are then blocked in by all the others around you doing the same thing. Eventually, someone moves and you can maneuver your way out.

So, do I care that Providence Place is moving to an automatic payment system? Not at all. Do I mind having to pay inside before I leave the mall? Not at all. But come on people, do you know a thing about customer service or marketing????

There should have been very noticeable signs upon entry to the garage and at EVERY mall entrance/exit reminding you to bring your ticket, then pay for parking before entering the garage. There also needs to be a payment kiosk at EVERY exit to make this simple. I'm not trucking to the food court or god knows where else they've hid them just to make this happen. And, during the transition, for the sake of safety and frazzled moms, put a GD person in a booth to collect tolls. Don't make people get out of their car and create chaos. It is unsafe and idiotic. The line alone will quickly discourage people from using this method.

I haven't been to that mall in a while so maybe this has been in effect for a while but given the other confused faces around me, clearly not long enough to have gotten the message across. Take a tip from airport garages, you need prominent signage, audio announcements, visuals on doors, and convenient kiosks to make this system work. Get it together!

Learning to Read with Hooked on Phonics

2008-04-16T14:54:00.002-04:00

I've been tempted to buy the Hooked on Phonics set for a while but the cost always held me back. I wasn't sure what the package could offer that I wasn't already doing. Hannah has been able to recognize all her capital letters since she was 18 months old and quickly moved on to lower case and letter sounds. She's recently been sounding out words and seems eager to learn to read. However, not being a teacher, I was completely clueless on how to go from letter sounds to actual reading. And clearly, at less than four, it isn't exactly on the curriculum at preschool. But if that is what she is good at and enjoys, why wait until Kindergarten?

So on Sunday I broke down and bought the Learn to Read Kindergarten Edition from Hooked on Phonics and I LOVE IT! On Monday she was begging me to open it up so we got started and the program just works together so well that 1/2 hour later, she had read 28 words and 2 little books. Retention will be an issue and it will take regular "lessons" for it all to really click but I was really blown away (and yes, oh so proud.) The Kindergarten edition starts with a review of letter recognition and letter sounds and moves on to rhyming words like at, cat, mat, pat, rat, etc. Together with your child, you listen to an audio CD and read along, then pause the CD and read by yourself. After a few words, you read a short story -- first by yourself then along with the CD. It continues to build until you read your first "book."

The motivation is great (if your child is into that). They include a gameboard/progress chart and stickers so as you complete each "lesson" your child gets a sticker. The set also includes flash cards and a CD-ROM with some great games to support the workbook activities. It follows the same progress path and you have to "win" each game by getting five answers in a row correct before you can move to the next level. Of all the "educational" products I've seen and bought, so far this is clearly the best. If your child is reading to read and not getting what they need in school, I'd strong recommend it. They also offer Pre-K editions that focus on letter recognition and letter sounds, and 1st grade+ products. I'd love to hear your feedback and other suggestions.

RI Public School Choice

2008-04-11T20:11:00.003-04:00

I've been so behind in my email, blog posts, and life in general recently that I feel like a gerbil on a wheel. However, I ran across something when finally sorting through old email that I thought was important to share with other Rhode Island Moms. If you are concerned about the state of education in RI and are interested in public school choice, there are a couple of websites that you might want to check out.

http://www.ripublicschooloptions.org

http://www.rifpso.org

To make your voice heard, sign the petition at http://www.gopetition.com/online/15702. Many thanks to Kelly Connerton from Cumberland for her passion and dedication to this cause.

Leaving Las Vegas

2008-04-08T18:27:00.002-04:00

I think I hate Las Vegas so much because I'm always there for conventions and trade shows. The one weekend I spent there with my husband (before a business convention), I actually enjoyed it. I still think I have a maximum limit of three days in the town before I feel like I'm losing my mind. Last week I was in Vegas for the first time in seven years and even though the hotels are nicer, the monorail is easier, and the restaurants have come a long way from $6.99 steak and lobster tail -- I still couldn't wait to leave.

It was the longest I'd ever been away from my daughter and that was hard in itself. Add to it long days, schmoozing with clients, and the endless barrage of noise, lights, and cigarette smoke and what sounds like a dream getaway for some moms just became a bore for me.

Here are the things I hate about Vegas:
1. Having to tip the doorman just for opening the door of the cab.
2. Walking miles to get to your hotel room.
3. Married people who take off their wedding bands.
4. The noise of slot machines.
5. Rehab at the Hard Rock Pool on Sundays (in my body).
6. Cigarette smoke.
7. Food and alcohol gluttony.
8. Trade shows where something always goes wrong.
9. VIP parties that we feel compelled to try to get into even though I could care less about actually attending.
10. An endless stream of superficial conversations.

Things I like about Vegas:
1. Restaurants from top chefs, even if they aren't as good as the real thing.
2. Copycat originality like the Venetian.
3. The waterfall in the Wynn.
4. Shopping, and having time to do it.
5. Getting on the plane to leave.

Hasta la vista Vegas...

Gracie's -- Perfect for a Special Occasion

2008-04-07T22:12:00.002-04:00

Last year I went to Gracie's wine cellar for a special chef's tasting dinner and wine flight with six of our closest friends for a going away party. It was an amazing evening. When I took my in-laws last weekend, I wasn't sure if it would hold up to the memories in the upstairs dining room. Instead, I was able to surprise and delight our guests once again. Coming from New York, it isn't always easy to impress our family but they often remark that they've rarely had a bad meal in Providence. It makes me proud of our little city and the wonderful culinary masterpieces it contains.

It was so hard to decide but we chose not to go for the chef's tasting menu and instead, order a' la carte. First came the amuse bouche of chilled asparagus soup in a shot glass -- delightful. Next we ordered the lightest, fluffiest gnocchi I've ever tasted to share for the table. Apparently the chef has experimented for 18 months to find the right ingredients and if I want to replicate it, I'll have to conduct the same due diligence. Next, I started with the blue crab and avocado salad, which was light and refreshing. For a main course, I chose the Strip Steak, perfect a medium rare. Around the table everyone enjoyed the Foie Gras, Duck, Trout, and Scallops. All were perfectly prepared and presented. The portions allow you to finish your meal and still have room for dessert and some flaky Linzer Tarts that accompany the check.

The room offers many desirable tables for special occasion dining, including some large, comfy booths and a semi-private, draped table for two. And don't forget, for an evening with friends, you have to book the wine room downstairs.

Computer Games for Kids

2008-04-07T22:06:00.000-04:00

Since I'm always on the computer either working or blogging, my daughter always wants to be also. We bought her a Leapfrog Clickstart keyboard for the holidays but it just doesn't hold the same interest as a real computer. To get her off my back (literally), I've been letting her play around with PBSKids.org or PlayhouseDisney.com. She still needs a lot of help navigating, especially since my laptop doesn't have a big enough screen and requires some scrolling, but she enjoys it.

I've been considering getting her some software of her own for her 4th birthday. I know she plays Dora and Diego games at school and, apparently, next they will have My Little Pony. However, all I ever see in stores in the Jumpstart software. We tried the Toddler version a while back and I was very disappointed. You had to put the CD in your drive every time you want to play it and it was very graphics based, making you sit through long intros each time it loaded.

Just as I was considering researching other options, I ran across PBSKidsPlay on Parent Hacks for kids 3-6. It is a subscription-based service that offers educational games and programming for $9.95 per month or up to 4 kids, with a free 15-day trial. The games focus on math, science, literacy, language development, and social skills and adjust according to skill level. In case you need to walk away, they even offer a built-in timer that let's you set how long your kids are allowed to play.

But the true test, how does my nearly four-year-old like it? And, is it easy to navigate? I put it to the test with the free trial before signing up. Hannah found it pretty easy to navigate, occasionally having trouble clicking in exactly the right spot. Somehow she even managed to completely exit the program when I wasn't in the room, which is a a little tricky. The interface is cute, with plenty of things to click on and change. The playroom offers games, music (videos really), and art projects (like creating a home movie or coloring) from favorite PBS characters. In the TV room, kids can download and watch short show excerpts. The downfall is that it is a little buggy and clips don't always download, or they take a while and the clock doesn't provide any indication for an impatient child, or parent, how much longer it is going to take.

All in all, it doesn't offer significantly more than the free website so I'm not sure it is worth the subscription. Supposedly new games and features are added regularly so I might give it a try for a month to see how I like it. I still prefer the Clickstart because at least then I can still work on my own computer! It does make her happy to be able to do something on a "real" computer though. Let me know what you think and if you've found some good options for preschoolers.

Zooma Makes the Grade

2008-03-16T16:27:00.000-04:00

Ever since Eclectic Grille on Atwells became Zooma a few years ago, it has been consistently at the bottom on my list of restaurants to try. Since I don't get out much and because I've heard mixed reviews, I never made it there until recently. I went with a friend to celebrate her birthday and we were both pleasantly surprised by the food.

We started with the calamari, sauteed in basalmic vinegar. It was fabulous but beware of what looks like a calamari ring, it might be a clove of roasted garlic. Since it was a cold winter night, we both opted for a warming pasta dish. I tried the lobster ravioli in a light tomato and vermouth broth, which was nice and light versus the usual cream-based sauces that disagree with my lactose intolerant stomach. My friend enjoyed the gnocchi alla nonna baked with eggplant and vegetables.

The atmosphere was a little austere with lines of closely placed tables. Overall, I much prefer the cozy atmosphere and consistent cuisine at their sister restaurant, Pane e Vino down the street but I'm glad we finally tried Zooma. Unfortunately the desserts weren't tempting, and we were in the mood to be tempted, so we skipped down the street to Cafe Dolce Vita and dug into some delicious peanut butter tartufo. Yum!

Indoor Fun at Bass Pro Shops

2008-03-08T23:22:00.005-05:00

When I heard it was going to rain this weekend I immediately started racking my brain for something fun to do that wasn't another trip to the mall. After Hannah asked me if bass was a word I thought of the Bass Pro Shop. Ever since reading about the grand opening at Patriot's Place [Note: added 3/10 -- Patriot's Place shopping center is right next to Gillette Stadium on Rt 1 in Foxboro] a few months back, I've been meaning to make the trip. We certainly weren't the only ones with that thought -- the place was packed! But with everything to see and do, we still managed to spend over three hours there.

The highlight is the aquarium featuring live fish found locally with a fish feeding between 1 and 2pm on Saturdays. Just around the corner from the aquarium is a waterfall with a stuffed moose standing in the midst of a fish pond. Follow the pond around the corner and you will see stuffed beavers building a dam and live turtles swimming in the water or resting on a log. Continue into the "cave" to get behind the waterfall but don't be scared by the very large, and realistic, bear protecting the cave.

We had fun looking at all the kids' fishing supplies like Barbie fishing kits and Spiderman tackle boxes. Hannah liked sitting on the pink ATV and climbing on all the boats playing "Captain." All the exploring made us hungry so we went to the Blue Fin restaurant on premises. After waiting and waiting we got our fairly unimpressive food. For an easier selection, check out the snack bar upstairs for a light bite.

Altogether we spent three hours of family fun for the cost of lunch, a $5 compass, a pink straw cowboy hat, and a paint-your-own birdhouse. Our little outdoorsgirl (not) is having fun walking around the house figuring out which direction she is going. Now when she reads the direction indicator in the car she can understand better what that means.

I highly recommend checking it out. They also have a shooting gallery (arcade style) if you are into that kind of thing. We skipped the whole hunting section ourselves. Enjoy!

Hunting for Waterfalls in Rhode Island

2008-03-05T15:25:00.000-05:00

Like every three year old, Hannah has some unique interests. One of them is waterfalls. Every time Hannah and I drive back from her preschool she gleefully shouts "waterfall" when we pass the reservoir. In the summer, we ride the Blackstone Valley Bike Path to see the waterfall. One day recently on the way to a playdate I tried to point out another waterfall and she missed it so I promised to show it to her on the way home. Supermom that I am, I forgot and she was in tears. So I promised that the next day we would go on a "waterfall treasure hunt." I was back to being supermom.

We set our goal at seven waterfalls but we only made about 4 (if you count seeing the same one twice) but we did do multiple loops around Woonsocket. When we pulled up at the Waterfall in Market Square in Woonsocket it was as if I took her to Niagara Falls. Her face was aglow with excitement and she was nearly speechless. I could hardly hear her over the roar of the falls and she couldn't get over that droplets of water were sprayed across the street from the force.
If you haven't seen it yet, it is worth a trip. It was too cold for much of a sightseeing trip but the Museum of Work & Culture is right across the street and a good restaurant, Vintage, is a stone's throw from the falls.

From there, we eventually found our way to Blackstone Gorge, on the Blackstone, MA/North Smithfield line. The path was too muddy to navigate in our trendy shoes but we did get a look at the falls. Information that I found on line indicates that if you hike a few minutes down the path you get a great birds' eye view of the gorge as well.

For your ever day waterfall sitings, travel throughout Lincoln on George Washington Highway and Breakneck Hill Road, as well as Highland Avenue in Cumberland/Attleboro. If you find any others worth the trip, be sure to drop me a line (and directions -- waterfalls aren't a POI in my GPS system!)

Please Vote!!

2008-03-01T13:26:00.004-05:00

The level of excitement about this year's primary and coming general Presidential election has been electrifying. The candidates have energized people to get involved and let their voice be heard. So please, please..remember to vote on Tuesday, March 4th! Bring the kids and use it as a way to educate them on democracy and the freedom to vote.

Of course, my mind has been made up for months (in case you haven't noticed the Obama widget on this site, me wearing my ObamaMama shirt, or seen my bumper sticker.) But if you are still undecided, here are links to all the leading candidates websites where you can find information about their policies and how to find your local polling site.

Democrat:
Barack Obama
Hillary Clinton

Republican:
John McCain
Mike Huckabee

By the way, I've been talking to Hannah about the election and have gotten her to say my mama's for Obama. Now she's been running around singing her own song..."My mommy's cheering for Barack Obama, what a beautiful day, I'm cheering for Rhode Island, and Barack Obama, what a beautiful day..." Too cute not to share. Ok, and maybe trying to influence a teeny, tiny bit.

Great "Chick Flicks"

2008-02-28T21:51:00.002-05:00

If the winter blues are getting to you and the Oscars have you in the movie mood, step out for a girls' night out, or just some solitary relaxation at the movies. Tuesday night is movie night with $5.00 tickets at most Showcase Cinemas and $6.00 at Cinemaworld in Lincoln. Here are two safe picks:

27 Dresses
Not only was this cute romantic comedy shot in RI, but it offers the whole package...laughs, romance, misunderstandings, and a touching ending that might...if you tend that way...make you tear up. I was psyched to see some key scenes at my favorite restaurant, Mill's Tavern and I'm pretty sure they were registering for gifts at Butterfields on Westminster.

Juno
My husband wondered how a movie about teenage pregnancy could possibly be called "cute," but it was. With a sharp wit and quick dialogue, this movie about an unusually mature girl who found herself unexpectedly pregnant was far from typical fare. The alternative pregnant girl was best friends with a teenager and in love with a geek but none of the high school stereotypes prevailed. Instead, it was a truthful look at marriage, parenting, the desire to be a parent, and love.

Don't forget the popcorn!

Local Dining

2008-02-18T22:31:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I can be a bit of a food snob and tend to think that the only good restaurants in the area are in Providence. I've been proven wrong. This past weekend we were pleased when friends introduced us a new gem in The Colonel Blackington Inn in Attleboro, MA.

While we dined in the Carriage House, where I'm told the atmosphere isn't quite the same as the Inn itself, we were still enchanted with the quaint and cozy atmosphere and superb service. It was a great "getaway" right next door. The menu and wine list are both very extensive (and somewhat expensive.) I started with the Lobster Bisque, which was creamy and delicious, without being too rich. For my main course, I had the Chicken Aragosta, which was chicken breast topped with lobster meat, asparagus, and Bearnaise sauce. The wine, a BV Tapestry blend, was smooth and flavorful.

On Valentine's Day, my husband and I also ordered take out from Andrew's Bistro in Cumberland. I've heard about this local bistro for a couple of years but we still haven't made it in. After being pleasantly surprised by the quality of the takeout, we are looking forward to enjoying the charming atmosphere as well. And -- they have a kids' menu!

What to Watch??

2008-02-11T17:39:00.001-05:00

I hear the writer's strike may be ending soon and it can't come soon enough. With all my favorite shows, except LOST, already in reruns, I don't know where I'd be without Netflix and my Tivo. I had high hopes for "girly" shows like Lipstick Jungle but I found the reality so incredibly cliche and ridiculous that I couldn't even get through the pilot. American Idol is back and finally out of the audition phase so I have my Tuesday night "brain candy."

But what else is there to watch?? I've been catching up on shows I've heard about by renting the whole season through Netflix and watching them all at once. If you don't subscribe to Netflix, now might be a good time to try. I've been enjoying 30 Rock, The Sopranos, Entourage, and Battlestar Galactica and I have lined up Weeds, Friday Night Lights, The Closer, and Rescue Me. Now is the time to get caught up on those shows everyone is talking about but you feel you are too behind to ever figure out what is going on, like Lost and Heroes.

In between watching DVDs, I've been setting my Tivo to capture Psych, old episodes of Sex and the City, Project Runway, and Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles. So, any other ideas??

Cleaning Green

2008-02-06T22:16:00.000-05:00

Over the last few months, I've been trying to transition my cleaning supplies to more eco-friendly alternatives. I've switched from using paper towels and wipes to microfiber cloths and rags. I've also switched from my old standbys of Tide, Cascade, Palmolive and Softscrub to more family and earth healthy products. After using these products for a while, here is what I've found.

1. Laundry detergent -- I've been using the Seventh Generation Laundry Concentrate, Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender, 50-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 6) and it has been working fine. At first I had a hard time using more plastic since they came in such small bottles vs. the jumbo size Tide I used to buy at BJs. I also hate having to go out constantly and buy more detergent. I'm paranoid I'm going to run out. Since the bottles are made from mostly recycled material, I felt a little better. And, while they offer it for not much more than your standard detergents at Target, I wasn't hit financially. However, I just found out that Amazon offers it by the case for home delivery (supposedly saving your gas & time), which, if you order a subscription, they offer for 20 percent off.

2. Bathroom cleaning -- I still use Windex but I've switched from Softscrub for the tub/vanity and Comet for the toilet to the Seventh Generation or Method bathroom and toilet bowl cleaners. Again, both are working fine. I'm still not sure which works better for soap scum though.

3. Kitchen cleaning -- I'm in love with the biodegradable Method cleaners (available at Target) and their coordinating microfiber cloths. I have one for wood, one for granite, and one for stainless steel. After a couple of uses, I toss the cloths in the laundry with a load of towels and save a TON on paper towels, while getting my counters shinier than ever.

4. Dishes -- I've also switched to the Seventh Generation dishwasher and regular dish detergent. I find it a little thin, so I might use a little more when doing the pots, but it works fine. I read some reviews of the dishwasher detergent leaving a residue but I haven't found that to be true. Then again, I don't run my good crystal through the machine and don't pay that much attention to our other glasses.

5. Floors -- I'm slowly transitioning from disposable Swiffer products (dusters, wet jet, and dry cloths) to washable, reusable microfiber mops. Again, I like the Method O Mop Wood Floor Kit.

For more ideas on how to "green" your home, visit National Geographic's new site The Green Guide, for blogs, buying guides, and more. Please share your tips and product recommendations by leaving a comment.

Family Fun at Japanese Hibachi Restaurants

2008-02-04T20:57:00.000-05:00

When we go out for dinner as a family, we try to break out of the traditional family chain restaurant mode, which is hard given that Hannah always votes for Chili's. We recently convinced her to try a Japanese Hibachi restaurant for the second time. While she hides her face because of the noise and fire, she loves to brag about going to the place where they "cook in front of you." It is a little pricey but at least dinner comes with a show. For months after each visit we hear about how they "FLIP the shrimp tails into their hat and pocket" and make a volcano out of onions. And her ability to eat with chopsticks astounded us all.

We've tried both Oki's in North Providence and Shogun in Warwick. Here are my thoughts about the two.

Shogun
While Shogun is a longer drive, I definitely prefer it. It isn't fancy but the layout is spacious, giving a little more room between the tables and therefore reducing the news level. They also cater more to kids, including special chopsticks help together with a rubber band. While they offer the standard fare of chicken, shrimp, and steak, they also offer my favorite -- garlic noodles on the hibachi grill.

Oki
We tried Oki this time because it is closer and I heard just as good. We barely found it located in a small strip mall/office building. Climbing the linoleum covered stairs, I wasn't sure I was in the right place. Once we stepped in, I was even more confused. The lounge area seemed like a bar scene, even at 6 pm on a Saturday night. The hibachi tables are close together and very noisy. While the food was good, they didn't offer any noodles. Luckily, Hannah just learned to eat rice so she sipped my soup and ate some rice. Unfortunately they didn't even offer milk so she went home a little hungry, but entertained and we were happy to avoid another night of fried food at Chili's (not that there's anything wrong with that.)

I'm always looking for suggestions on places to dine with kids, so please share your favorites!

Stock up for Next Year at The Children's Place

2008-01-27T23:31:00.001-05:00

I was at the mall last weekend and happened to wander into The Children's Place without needing anything. I walked out with a bag full of clothes for only $87! If you haven't made the trip yet, check it out while they still have stock. Both Emerald Square and Providence Place have a good selection of clothing for an additional 50% off already marked down merchandise.

I was able to purchase quite of few basics in a bigger size that I am putting away for next winter. Sweaters are $5, fleeces <$10, long sleeve t-shirts $3, jeans $9.99. They have these sales at the end of each season but usually the pickins' are slim, but this year there is an abundance. Actually, the majority of the store was on sale. And, they had some pretty basic colors, unlike some of the odd color combos The Children's Place is known for that are impossible to match unless you purchase in a pair. So, save a buck, check it out.

Waterman Grille is a Great Spot for a Cozy Romantic Dinner

2008-01-24T23:05:00.000-05:00

The Gatehouse used to be a favorite spot of ours but since the turnover, we had yet to try the new Waterman Grille in Richmond Square in East Providence. A member of the Newport Restaurant Group (22 Bowen's Wharf, The Moorings, Castle Hill), we expected something pricey but not necessarily great food. We were pleasantly surprised, at least in one aspect.

We were happily able to get a last minute reservation using OpenTable.com and when we arrived we only had to wait a few minutes before being ushered upstairs to a table for two near the fireplace. It was more for ambiance because it was still a little drafty at the table but the rustic inn setting was quite romantic. Unfortunately, after that they forgot about us for about 30 minutes until someone caught view of my unhappy face. After that, they quickly took and delivered our order and the manager personally apologized for the confusion and bought our appetizers. It is amazing how a simple gesture makes a big impression.

We started off with the Short Rib Bruschetta over white truffle mashed potatoes and the Shrimp and Lobster Fritters. Both were terrific and very reasonably priced. We followed up with the Sole Roulade and Georges Bank Scallops. Both were good. Not exceptional but well prepared and a good value. I have to make a note about the bread and butter. They brought it late but I still couldn't help myself and took a slice. The butter was served just as I like it. Softened with a little salt, bringing out a perfect flavor.

For dessert, we split the chocolate bread pudding, also quite yummy. We shared a wonderful, and very affordable, bottle of Cono Sure Pinot Noir from Chile ($27) and altogether the meal was much less than I would expect at other similar restaurants.

Bottom line: It won't make my top five but I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and wouldn't hesitate to go back.

Growing Up Online -- A PBS Special Airs Tonight

2008-01-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

If you are techy savvy enough to have found my blog, you probably know a thing or two about the web. But do you really know what your kids are doing? What is Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Club Penguin, and how do you be a part of your kids' lives online? This is the subject of a new Frontline documentary, Growing Up Online, which airs tonight (January 22nd) at 9pm on Channel 2 or 36.

Our kids are growing up in a different world then we did. I remember when getting cable was a big deal and my first computer was a hand me down that I got in graduate school that booted off of two 5 1/4" floppies. Yet my daughter already has a digital camera, uses an iPod, pretends to take pictures with her play camera phone, pretends the remote is a Blackberry, and always wants to "click on the trash can" on my computer. We have to break new ground as parents and decide how much exposure they are allowed and when. Then when our kids are older, we need to decide how much "monitoring" we are going to do of their online lives. They may be our "friend" in Facebook but do they have a MySpace page we know nothing about? What videos are they posting on YouTube? What is their persona on Second Life?

Understanding what your kids do online goes way beyond being concerned about child predators. From the reviews I've heard and the interview of the producer over at the Manic Mommies, this show raises some interesting points and is a "must see." If you read this after the show airs, head over their website and view it online.

Orpheum Theater in Foxboro Offers up Great Kids Performances

2008-01-20T20:52:00.000-05:00

Looking for something interesting to do during a school vacation week or just want to do something special one weekend? Check out the new show schedule from OrpheumKids at the Orpheum Theater in Foxboro, MA.

Upcoming Shows include:

SteveSongs - Tuesday, February 19th at 11am
A fun vacation week show. Steve is headed for TV stardom in the spring. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies into an experience that leads young listeners on what the Boston Globe calls “not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one.” Come see him live before he makes his DVD release and TV debut this spring. $8 in advance/$10 at the door.

Tommy James Magic Show - Friday, March 28th at 10am
Sophisticated magic combined with lots of comedy makes this a perfect family event! The audience gets "hypnotized" at the beginning of the show and then gets taken on a wild ride where they will witness amazing feats of sleight of hand, mind reading and ESP. $6 in advance / $8 day of show.

The Toe Jam Puppet Band Pirate Show - Wednesday, April 23rd at 10am
Dance piratey jigs with the Toe Jam crew like, The Skull & Crossbones Square Dance, and a line dance called Pirates Arrr Funky, where the kids become dancing Lobsters, Seagulls & Sharks! Come in all your pirate gear for a Piratey Celebration! $6 in advance, $8 at the door.

For Preschoolers, check out their performances of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," and "Charlotte Web." But be sure to buy tickets early because field trips fill them up fast.

For tickets, call 1(508) 543-ARTS(2787).

Finally-- A Disney Movie that Isn't Scary

2008-01-19T13:14:00.000-05:00

Well it may not appeal to your little boys but I was so thrilled recently to rent Disney Princess Enchanted Tales - Follow Your Dreams from Netflix. Even though Hannah loves the Princesses, we don’t watch the movies because even a glimpse of the “evil” character is enough to send her running. Actually, it has gotten to the point that she won’t watch any show alone because she scared of “bad parts.” (Thanks Disney) So I was tentative but optimistic when I tried the Enchanted Princess Tales on a recommendation from a friend.

The reviews on Netflix were mostly negative, regarding story line and animation quality. However, it was PERFECT for my timid 3 ½ year old. It contains two short (about 30 minutes each) stories about how Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and Jasmine, respectively, have to work hard and persevere to meet a challenge. Nothing scary, nothing evil, just nice stories with a good moral. Personally, I like that they are short because I don’t really want her watching TV for two hours at a time anyway. So if you have a little girl like mine, check it out. It will be going on our shelf, next to Disney Princess Sing-a-long songs.

My Daughter is an Alien

2008-01-15T14:43:00.000-05:00

Hannah loves to make up words, nicknames, and sometimes her own language. Whenever she is talking gibberish, she tells us it means goo goo ga ga in Spanish. Yeah right. So the other night we were giving her a bath and she was doing her usual. Making up names like "blahyasrattaca" for story characters and places like "islattatayaridy."

My husband, who can get exasperated by this nonsense, looked at her and said, "What planet are you from?"

Without hesitation, she answered, "Uranus."

We haven't laughed that hard in a very long time. Someday she'll know why.

Winter Skating Fun

2008-01-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

Ever since we saw the skaters in Rockefeller Center and then the Disney Princesses on Ice, Hannah has been obsessed with wanting to try ice skating. I was a little leery because she's not always coordinated on her own feet, I couldn't imagine her on ice skates. But I decided to put my cynicism aside and give it a try. I spent some time trying to find some open ice options and we eventually settled on the Bank of America Rink in Downtown Providence. On weekends, they are open 11-2, 2-6, or 6-10pm.

I thought for sure the rink would be mobbed on a nice weekend but it wasn't really that crowded. There was no wait to get in and no line at the skate rental. We didn't even feel too crowded clinging to the boards along the side. And once again, my girl surprised me. No, she's not the next Michelle Kwan or anything but after a few loops around the rink holding our hands (getting a workout for everyone,) she was insistent on trying it herself. She fell a couple of times but only cried when I caught her by the hood as she was going down and choked her (great mom.) After skating, we scooted over to Tazza to warm up with a late lunch.

So if you are thinking of giving ice skating a try, here are some options. Maybe we'll see you on the rink!

1. Bank of America City Center, Providence
2. Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center, Newport
3. Cranston Veteran's Memorial Ice Rink, Cranston
4. Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink, Smithfield
5. Dennis Lynch Arena, Pawtucket

Motherhood and Business Travel Just Don’t Mix

2008-01-09T21:54:00.000-05:00

I recently took a consulting engagement which requires me to travel from Providence to New York City once a week. Just coordinating the logistics of this fairly simple request has required some childcare gymnastics. I travel down on Tuesday evening, requiring my babysitter to work late until my husband gets home. Then I work in the office on Wednesday, returning Wednesday night. That requires my husband to work from home so that he can do dinner and bath after my babysitter leaves. If he has to go to the office, I had to work out a backup plan of my babysitter dropping my daughter off at a friends’ until my husband can pick her up at 7 pm and bring her home for a bath. Of course, that is assuming he isn’t off to India or somewhere.

When “after school” programs end by 5pm and most daycares close by 6pm, how on earth do two full-time working parents manage? I suppose if I worked full-time I’d have to get a nanny (which is why I chose not to work full-time,) but intermittent long days are even harder to manage, especially without family nearby to help out. In a couple of months I’ll have to travel to Las Vegas for 5-6 days. I have to start mapping out the childcare schedule now. And I only have one preschooler!

This experience gives me a whole new level of respect for working moms! Kudos to you all!

Storytime

2008-01-03T20:09:00.001-05:00

Each night at bathtime, Hannah asks me to tell her a story. Sometimes it is challenging to be creative at the end of the day and I take my cues from the name or character she picks to hear about. Here is tonight's story...

Once upon a time there was a starfish named Lucy. Lucy didn't like being a starfish.

"Lucy Starfish doesn't go, I'd rather be Lucy Lobster," she said. "All starfishes do is float along, while lobsters have legs and claws and are going places."

Lucy always wanted to travel and see the world. It was boring being a starfish. So one day she pretended to be a lobster. She moved her starfish points trying to walk like a lobster, following her lobster friends around the bottom of the sea. She followed them right into a neat little box when, oops, the lid closed and she was locked inside with the other lobsters.

The lobsters started saying "Oh no, oh no." But Lucy was excited. It was an adventure and she always wanted an adventure. Then all of the sudden, the box started moving up through the water.

"Yay," said Lucy. "This is fun, no we are really going places!"

Pretty soon they, POPPED, out of the water and into a fishing boat. "Oh no, a fishing boat," said the lobsters. But Lucy still thought this was fun. Pretty soon they were on shore and the lobsters, and Lucy, were put into a tank. Lucy thought it was a little disappointed to be trapped in a tank after living in the big blue sea but she still was eager for her adventure.

"At least I get to see PEOPLE," she thought. Pretty soon some big people and little people came to look at the lobsters. The big man was pointing to her friend, Larry the Lobster.

"Oh no," said Larry. "Not me!"

"What do you mean?" asked Lucy.

"You don't want to get picked," said the other lobsters. "They take you into the kitchen and you're never seen again."

Sure enough, they took Larry into the kitchen and put him in a big pot. Then, Lucy saw the little girl pointing at her!!

"OH NO," said Lucy, no longer excited for adventure. Next thing she knew, a big net came and scooped Lucy up.

"What are you doing in there?" asked a man. "You aren't a lobster, you are a starfish!"

So the man took Lucy and put her back into the ocean. Lucy swam home to her family and was never so happy to be a starfish. She never wished to be a lobster again. She was happy just the way she was.

And she lived happily ever after.

THE END