Welcome to the 2nd installment of Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas, whether they be entrepreneurs, avid volunteers, stay at home moms, moms who have closet talents (e.g., community theatre, juggling, what have you…), authors, media professionals, politicians, professors, etc. Read on for today’s interview with Janie Katz-Christy, the Director of Green Streets Initiative. Then go ahead and nominate yourself or a friend!Welcome to the 2nd installment of Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas, whether they be entrepreneurs, avid volunteers, stay at home moms, moms who have closet talents (e.g., community theatre, juggling, what have you…), authors, media professionals, politicians, professors, etc. Read on for today’s interview with Janie Katz-Christy, the Director of Green Streets Initiative. Then go ahead and nominate yourself or a friend!
I’m thrilled to announce a new component to the site: Boston Mamas Rock! We’ll be featuring interviews with fabulous local mamas, whether they be entrepreneurs, avid volunteers, stay at home moms who take care of a crazy number of kids, moms who have closet talents (e.g., community theatre, juggling, what have you…), authors, media professionals, politicians, professors, etc. Basically, folks with an interesting story to tell! So go ahead and nominate yourself or someone else! And I’m pleased to introduce our first featured mama: Susan Callahan, a “cookiepreneur” from Westford.
We’ve covered BPA in breast pumps and bottles previously, and this Thursday (May 29) at 3pm, you can attend and/or testify at a public hearing to examine the health risks posed by BPA to Boston residents, and potential action the City of Boston may take. The hearing will be held in the Iannella Chamber of Boston City Hall. Among the expected presenters are Dr. Michael Shannon of Children’s Hospital, Mia Davis of Clean Water Fund, and Dr. Steven Hentges of the American Chemistry Council’s Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group. Click here for the public hearing notice.
I’ve finally made live a local resources page where parents can find mom, dad, and/or general family groups, networks, and support services. The link is readily available via the "find local parents" button in the site banner. If you know of a group to be included, e-mail tips@bostonmamas.com and provide the site's URL. Please note that the group must be active, have a website, and serve Massachusetts parents. Thanks!
There likely are few degrees of separation between you and a woman with breast cancer, and probably not many more between you and someone who can't afford screening and treatment. On Friday, consider joining the Mass. Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure for a legislative luncheon from 11am – 1pm in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House. At this event, breast cancer survivors, advocates, community leaders, and health care providers will meet with legislative leaders to discuss closing the health care funding gap in Massachusetts so all women can get the breast health care and screening services they need. Click here to RSVP.
Today, Kate reports on a local space where function and beauty intersect:
“We live our lives in spaces, most of them interior: offices, houses, schools, stores. The buildings in which we spend our days - some beautiful, many bland - each serve a purpose, keeping us warm and dry, allowing us to collaborate with our colleagues, sleep safely at night, shop, eat, reflect, communicate. Most buildings today are preoccupied with function, but every once in a while one finds a building in which some combination of architect, sponsor, and magic come together to create a space that is about nothing so much as whimsy, beauty, and the joy of being alive.
Today, Kate reports on two local spots to get your comic fill:
“Reading the comics has always been one of my pleasures. Comic strips and comic books were my introduction to newspapers and to independent reading, as my father quickly discovered that a stack of comic books - he still had some Walt Disney classics left over from his own childhood - could keep me happily occupied on weekend mornings and allow him several extra hours of sleep.
Today, Sharon offers a fabulous local find for all things shiny and beautiful, plus a couple of suggestions for fueling and refueling, before and after your shopping adventure:
“Sometimes I feel like a raccoon; I instantly gravitate towards things shiny and colorful. And during some recent adventures through Somerville, I was happy to rediscover Blue Cloud Gallery.
Whether or not you've seen The Business of Being Born, if you are expecting – or interested in maternal rights in general – consider heading to Being Born in Massachusetts: Pushing for More Midwives this Wednesday (Feb. 27). During this panel, women’s health authors, midwives, and public health/OB-GYN specialists will discuss how the issues raised in Business relate to birthing practices in Massachusetts. Those interested in learning more about pending legislation for a state licensing board for midwifery should click here.
Today, Kate reports on a local purveyor of glass treasures:
“With the holidays long gone and as the grey of winter persists, finding ways to keep shine and brightness in life becomes all the more important. Colorful accessories can add sparkle and happiness, and a small store in the Back Bay offers a beautiful selection of vibrant glass jewelry - rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair ornaments - that is both fun and elegant without being overly expensive. Lalo Treasures is a treat for the eyes: the cozy store is bright, welcoming, and colorful. Not to mention that Lalo's blend of materials makes for unusually durable jewelry (customers are encouraged to try on anything they want), making it terrific for moms with babes equally drawn to pretty baubles.”
Lalo Treasures, 255 Newbury Street, Boston; Tel: 617.437.6666
We received word about the Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, which recently launched a new website offering resources for parents of adolescents with panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. The center offers cognitive behavioral therapy treatment (i.e., no medication) with free treatment for qualifying families. I’m grateful to guest contributor Amy Cody, who canvassed some colleagues for feedback about the clinic. Here’s what they had to say:
Having grown up in a large household with little in the way of material luxuries, I am grateful on a daily basis for what our household has. We subsequently made a point this weekend to celebrate the collective joy of giving and receiving by trimming a Christmas tree with Laurel, purchasing gifts for our school's holiday drive (it was really marvelous to involve Laurel in the shopping process), and depositing several bags of warm clothing and shoes to a donation station. In the latter vein, today Kate reports on her excellent experience with Room to Grow:
If you’re fed up with the recent toy recalls and want to do something about it, the Consumers Union is running a Twelve Days of Safe Shopping campaign to engage and educate shoppers. Ground efforts will take place in Boston, New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis this Friday (the biggest shopping day of the year). To become part of the local effort, meet up at 9:45am this Friday at the Park Street T station. CU also has an easy online means to send a message to lawmakers urging for improved toy safety legislation.
Given the real estate market, I have yet to figure out who is filling all of the luxe condo complexes that have sprouted up along Mass. Ave. in North Cambridge over the last year, but the Good Food Café is good news for these residents (and locals in striking distance).
Take this lead from Kate, and enjoy a shopping trip outside of the mall:
“Let's face it: malls offer reliability and convenience, but isn't it nice to try something new and different? Or, as in the case of the latest and greatest addition to Boston's increasingly interesting universe of vintage fashion, old and different? The Velvet Fly, a small, elegant, and inviting boutique located in Boston's North End, offers a range of designs both vintage and new, for anyone interested in going slightly off the beaten path for clothing, jewelry, lingerie, and handbags. Featuring items most appropriate for days at work and evenings out, The Velvet Fly caters to customers who enjoy fashion but don't enjoy pretension. In this era of the mega-mall, check out The Velvet Fly and appreciate the intimacy of a small-scale shopping experience.”
Want to win a $25 in-store gift certificate to The Velvet Fly? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Velvet Fly” in the subject) and name one of the fabulous designers TVF carries.
It’s a little pathetic when things get so hectic that you forget your own birthday. Lucky for me, last week Jon ensured a festive day by bringing home one of my favorite confections (cupcakes) from one of my favorite bakeries (Lulu’s in the North End). Boston guides typically point North End visitors to Mike’s or Modern’s, but what’s the point of standing in ridiculous lines when this cheery little gem awaits? Right this minute, I’d give anything for an espresso and a plate of their amazing almond apricot biscotti.
Lulu’s Bake Shoppe, 229 Hanover Street, Boston; Tel: 617-720-2200
I’m hard pressed not to pounce on any fresh baked treats that are set before me, but there truly is something uniquely cozy and comforting about cobbler (and no, it’s not just because you can rationalize the fruit intake). And while there's still some good summer produce available, try Jules's new cobbler recipe. No doubt it’ll make your weekend even sweeter.
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.).