January 27th, 2012

Weekend Fun in Metrowest

Pretty good weekend on the schedule! So I had to put together a whole blog post to share it all. If you know of anything else, please share! Otherwise, have fun!

All Weekend

Lincoln Winter Carnival – Lincoln
The Winter Carnival is a annual event sponsored by the Recreation Committee designed to foster a sense of community throughout the Town of Lincoln. Lots of events and most are free or low-cost.
Friday, Jan 27, 2012 - Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

Fire & Ice Days at Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge
Old Sturbridge Village embraces the joys of an old fashioned winter with a “Fire and Ice” celebration, complete with ice skating, sledding on vintage 1830s sleds, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Kids get free admission to OSV.
Saturday, Jan 28 and Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

The 2012 deCordova Biennial - Lincoln 

The 23 artists and collaboratives involved with the unthemed deCordova Biennial exhibition. Wondering if it is family-friendly? It can be.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012 - Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

Saturday

Fruitlands Winterfest Weekends – Harvard
Create your own fun and winter memories on Fruitlands Museum’s 200 acre wintery wonderland and catch snowy views of towering Tree Figures. Join us on winter Saturdays for skating, snowshoeing, sledding and X-country skiing then warm up with hot chocolate and hotdogs around the bonfire. $20 per car.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012 

Celebrate Winter Family Day at Spellman Museum – Weston
Using real postage stamps, make snowmen, snowflakes and snowballs. Other arts and crafts with stamps. Stamp games for prizes. Create your own free stamp collecton. Wear mittens and/or ear muffs win a special prize.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012

Especially for Me! Free Evening for Children on the Autism Spectrum at the Discovery Museum - Acton

Come join in all the fun during this special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum. Pre-registration required. Visit http://tinyurl.com/EspeciallyforMe2012-1 to register. Funding provided by the Boston Bruins Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Nypro, and the Wayland Cultural Council. Free.
January 28, 2012 5:30p – 8:30p

Sunday

10th Annual Sudbury Camp Fair - Sudbury
80+ camps offering information on day, overnight and travel programs for students in grades K-12. Parents and students can meet and speak with representatives from these camps offering unique programs including travel, community service, arts, sports, academic enrichment and traditional camp options. Free.
Sunday, January 29, 2012

[If you want to head into Boston, here are these two family-friendly events that may be worth the drive.]

Chinese New Year Parade – Boston
Chinatown Main Street welcomes the public to the Chinese New Year Parade. Enjoy a Lion Dance parade, and see your favorite clubs perform all day parading from business to business. Free.
Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

The ICA Third-Annual International Children’s Film Festival – Boston

Kids get their very own film festival with selections created by kids and professionals. Young film buffs will learn about the filmmaking process at demonstrations and hands-on activities. Learn more about the museum here.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012

Magic Beans Grand Opening – Boston

Flash Mob, Elmo, Music, Discounts, Raffles, Pinkberry. Check out their website for all the free fun and schedule!
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012

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Charlene Chronicles does its best to accurately list the details of the events, but ultimately, the responsibility is for you to check the dates, times and fees.

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January 25th, 2012

Mom Pressures

Mommy_walking_babyLast week, there were two posts by other Bloggers that really resonated with me, and I wanted to pass them along.

The first post was from a Mom of nine children to a Mom of one child. I saw it tweeted and retweeted on Twitter. The writer mentioned when she tells people she is the mother to nine children, other mothers were astonished on how she can handle so many children since they find it hard to be a mother to one. (That would be something I would say!) But her response was amazing and really touched a point within me. I have written before about my struggle transitioning to motherhood and I have always felt very guilty about it. But this writer gave a perspective that provide me with a better understanding that it may be normal to feel that way.

You can read the full post here. It is called: “To the Mother With Only One Child”.

The next post that struck a cord with me was about the pressure of trying to be a happy Mom. We have all had someone mention it….”Enjoy every moment because this time goes by so fast.” Or “You must love being a Mom!” Or the nasty comments where someone criticizes the fact that you aren’t glowing in your “Momdom”. When someone mentions we should love every moment (as our child is screaming in the background or painting the walls with spaghetti sauce) we wonder why we aren’t happy. And get stressed, thinking, “OMG, I should be happy and I am not! What’s wrong with me!”

Her post was about how the concept of Carpe Diem (living in the moment) really does not relate to Mom life when you are counting down the hours to bedtime, why that is okay, and what we can be ‘diem-ing’ instead. You can read the post called, “Don’t Carpe Diem” here.

So if you are a happy Mom or a Mom who has it figured out, rock on. Otherwise, rock on over to these two posts. Maybe it will provide you with some comfort that you are not alone.

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Image Credit: Ahylton at stock.xchng.com

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January 24th, 2012

Video Blogging Product Must Haves

As a Video Community Leader at Blissdom 2012, I want to make you super savvy in video blogging. The first step is eliminate fear. (You can do it.) Once you get over that hurdle, the next step is to determine what tools you need to get started.

Frankly, all you need is a computer with a webcam and video editing software. Or just a smartphone with a link to YouTube. However, there are some other fun products to consider if you want to take your video on the go (or to the next level).

So check out my Pinterest Board on my “Video Blogging Must Haves” that I think are super fabulous. And follow me on Twitter or Facebook to see the video series I have on key tips to consider when creating your videos!

 

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January 23rd, 2012

Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy BellyDealing with pregnancy myths is one thing, dealing with pregnancy symptoms is another.

You know those times when you wake up and wonder where the heck you are? Why you are wearing one sock, a hat and nothing else?

For those of you that have experienced that, you must have had some great college years. I can only blame it on my pregnancy.

The hot flashes, which explains the no clothes. The cold flashes, which I guess explains the one sock and hat. The itchy skin, the nose bleeds, the dry mouth one minute and the drool the next, or the nausea one minute and the binge eating the other. I finally realized that many of these symptoms was like the aftermath of a raging party. Sadly, the only party that one is having in this house right now is the baby I am currently pregnant with and whom is currently kicking me in my bladder. (I’m a little nervous that the smell of pee may not be a figment of my imagination.)

Recently on Twitter, my Metrowest Mamas Facebook page, and my Charlene Chronicles Facebook page, I asked many of you what pregnancy symptoms do you remember the most? Here’s what you many of you stated: vomiting, bed rest, need for naps, bladder kicks, irritable uterus, kicked ribs, pinched nerves, gum bleeds, sleepless nights, people commenting on your size, fatigue, mood swings, and many more!

Fun times, right?

Oh, but if you haven’t been pregnant before, don’t worry. About 99% of us would say it is all worth it. The other 1% just can’t be reached for comment.

If you didn’t get to weigh in before, do share all the lovely symptoms that you didn’t see coming in your past (or current) pregnancy. Misery loves company and it will make it seem more like a raging party after all.

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January 23rd, 2012

Pompeii Exhibit Review

Museum of Science BostonI’ll be honest, I am not a big art person. You won’t find me hanging out at art galleries or traveling to see the latest exhibit, but when I was provided the opportunity to see the “A Day in Pompeii” exhibit at the Museum of Science (Boston), I was tempted to go.

I have always been interested in Roman, Greek and Eyptian history and this was about a civilization that was destroyed, yet preserved, as a result of a volcanic eruption in 79 A.D. For 17 centuries, the city remained lost, forgotten and preserved. It was rediscovered in the 1700s, building by building, street by street, and room by room. It was the most complete and intact ancient city that has ever been discovered. Beautiful art work, furniture, jewelry, insights into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked there, show many similarities to our modern day society. Medical tools, cooking utensils, and beauty supplies were all discovered. Sadly, many individuals were also discovered, preserved under volcanic ash and debris from a natural disaster that, from scientific research, happens once every 2000 years.

The exhibit is only open until February 12, 2012 here in Boston, but it is traveling around the country, so check to see if it will be near you. It is definitely worth a date night to spend some time learning about the people and the lives they lived, as well as details of a volcanic eruption beyond the scope that many of us know as Mt. St. Helens.

Here are some samples of the art, sculptures and artifacts from the exhibit. (Non-flash photography is allowed in the exhibit.) Note that these are real – not reproductions.

Museum of Science Boston

 

Museum of Science Boston

Museum of Science Boston

Museum of Science Boston

As a mentioned before, while the volcanic debris preserved various artifacts, it also preserved the people who were not able to escape. The exhibit shows some of that (though just cast molds). I didn’t feel comfortable sharing those out of respect and it is just something that needs to be experienced rather than seen. If you want to avoid that section you can, as it is in a separate space. (Also good if you don’t want to explain to children.) But based on research, over the years, they have been able to re-create what an average Pompeii citizen would look like.

Museum of Science Boston

I wouldn’t say it is a great place to bring young children. While many of the pieces are behind glass, some are not, and there are signs everywhere saying “Don’t Touch”. Furthermore, it is more adult-like and many younger children would be very bored. So get a babysitter and check it out before it leaves Boston (next stop is Cincinnati, OH). It was amazing, moving, and haunting. So if you can’t fly to Pompeii, this is the next best thing.

YouTube Video also available courtesy of the Boston Museum of Science.

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Image Credit: My own.

Disclosure: I received free admission from the Museum of Science to attend the exhibit. The thoughts and opinions of this post are my own.

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January 21st, 2012

Museums and Kids

Museum of Science BostonIn the heart of winter, there often seems like there is nothing to do. How many play spaces can we take our kids to anyway? Baring the endless summer (and various school vacations), the months of January and February (with the cold and snow) requires some strategic thinking…and new places to visit.

It is around this time that I suggest checking out Museums. Yes, you read that right, and no, it does not have to be boring. While it may have been boring to many of us while growing up,  a significant number of Museums and Galleries in and around Boston, have changed their models to make art and science kid-friendly and welcoming. They want you to come…and bring your kids too.

Musuem of Fine Art. (All Ages)

On the weekends, from 10am-4pm, the MFA has the Family Art Cart for families with children ages four and up. Piece together puzzles, learn mythical tales, and uncover ancient Egyptian mysteries. They have an ever-changing array of interactive activities, books and Art Cards, and you can borrow a tote bag equipped with a sketch-book and colored pencils. Everyone is happy. They even have special monthly playdate events for kids under 4 years old.

Museum of Science (All Ages)

We all know that this place rocks for the elementary, middle school and high school set. But even toddlers can find the space filled with wondrous things to explore. So don’t let the fact you have a child under the age of five deter you from visiting. There are lots of things to do if you know where to look. I pulled together some ideas worth considering, and how the whole family can enjoy the space.

Institute of Contemporary Art. (All Ages)

A newer Museum in the Boston scene, it does not lack the family-friendly vibe. While Friday nights may cater to young professionals and a date-night activity, it is a great space to visit on the weekends with the whole family. Here is a past review I wrote to showcase the fun to be had at any age.

deCordova Museum (All Ages)

Whether you’re exploring the Sculpture Park in the summer (kids love running around and babies can snooze in the stroller) or discovering technique and material in the indoor Museum, deCordova is a great place for families to expose kids to art! Their website has great tips on how to get children engaged when visiting, and they have family activity kits that are free and available at the front desk to give kids activities and questions to consider as you explore. They also have story hours and other special programs.

So if you are looking for something different to do this winter, check out one of the Museums listed above. Also check your local library for special passes and if you have a family favorite Museum you like to go to, leave a comment below and share with other Moms and Dads!

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Image Credit: My own.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

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January 20th, 2012

Boston Museum Of Science

Head to the Boston Museum of Science any day of the week, and you will see school-aged kids on field trips or families on the weekend. But what about kids under the age of five? Will they enjoy the museum as much as their school-aged counterparts?

The answer is yes, but in a different way. While some of the activities are clearly aimed at older children, there is fun to be had at every age…if you know where to look.

I spent an hour one morning quickly touring the Museuem with my ‘Toddler-Mom’ eyes. These are the exhibits, or features of exhibits, that I thought could fascinate, enthrall or other capture a toddlers attention.

For example, in this exhibit, older children can press buttons to light up objects to learn to identify certain animals. For a two year old, just pressing all the buttons is sure to provide lots of entertainment. Just watching the lights turn on and off is fabulous for a three year old.

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There is an anatomy section that will enthrall budding scientist but may scare or otherwise be confusing to a toddler. But as you walk by, stop and see the eggs with little hatching chicks. Expect to spend some time as most toddlers will be sooo excited to watch.

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Plan on watching this contraption. The balls, the sounds and the bells will provide many minutes of entrainment for the toddler set. Frankly, I love watching it too.

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There is also a monkey exhibit. What child doesn’t like to see monkeys jumping around?

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In the science related areas, there are some things that even toddler’s can enjoy. While the science component of light and reflections are well over  a toddler’s comprehension, they will still enjoy seeing themselves in mirrors and making goofy faces.

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This is a fun play area to check out. It can be overrun by teenagers, but on a quiet day or early in the morning, toddlers can run around and explore.

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The Math section is even over my head, but seeing and hearing the clinging and clanking will cause most toddlers to investigate.

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There are fish….

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And butterflies (real ones too…)

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And don’t forget the Dinosaurs and Lions! (Oh my.)

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So take a morning to have fun with your little ones. Make a playdate, or schedule a weekend family outing. Plenty of space for strollers and easy to find elevators. For non-members, children under 3 are free, children 3-11 are $19, and adults are $22 for admission to the exhibits. If you are member, everyone is free. Always check your local library for passes or discounts. For parking and hours, check the website for details. But they typically open at 9am so you can get a solid three hours to explore before grabbing lunch in the expansive kid-friendly food court or heading home for lunch and nap time.

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Image Credit: My own.

Disclosure: I received free admission, thanks to the Museum of Science, to attend the current Day in Pompeii exhibit and then I voluntarily spent time exploring. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

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January 18th, 2012

Jockey’s Spring 2012 Collection

Intimate apparel company Jockey (sounds so much better than panty maker right?) is adding more underwear styles, color and fabrics this spring, which will make them a huge undergarment contender.

Let the panty wars begin!

Seriously though, I got the privilege of participating in an online fashion show with style expert Jenn Falik and Jockey Designer Miryha Fantegrossi getting a sneak peek at Jockey’s Spring 2012 line (available now).

I thought I would write a post on it because we often focus on what to wear on the outside, but how we feel and look can start underneath the pants, shirts, boots and coats. So here are the lingerie items that I thought were the coolest, prettiest and functional-est from the fashion show.

Some things that caught my attention was a “stay cool” product that regulates your body temperature. Tanks, tees, and camis that warm you up three degrees when it is cold outside and cool you down three degrees when it is hot outside. What sealed the deal for me was the fact that the tops were also reversible to make it either v-neck or crew neck to give you different silhouettes. Totally layer-able too.

Picnik collage

Jockey has new lacey gear too, which they have not been known for. They are known, however, for comfort so they really wanted to make sure they did it right. Looks like they did. Soft lace, full coverage in the seat so you don’t get the panty wedgies, with girlie detailing that adds a great feminine expression.

Jockey Lace Panties

Another funky Jockey product I liked was the new “Skinny Slip Short”. It looks like shape wear but it is really just underwear to give you a slip-like, smooth texture under clothes. Great to wear under a pencil skirt – another a big style trend this spring – and you definitely don’t want to see those panty-lines under that.

Jockey Slip Short

Lastly, I loved what Jockey calls the Vintage Brief. Think Grannie panties without the Grannie part. More like 1950s Mad Men kind-of glam. So if you are a full coverage panty girl, they have a up-to-date option without looking like grandma with its technical contour and super cute fabrics.

Jockey Vintage Briefs

Jockey’s existing collection has also gone through a upheaval too with new colors (pastels are big for spring – even in underwear), patterns, camisoles that have larger straps to hide bra straps, and a longer length for layering.

So a great New Year’s resolution is to clean out your underwear drawer and buy some pretty, femimine panties and camisoles to spruce up your look. (Even if it is only you that knows -wink, wink.)

(Note: They have a sale going on right now in their online store, plus a discount for another 10% off.)

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Image credit: Jockey.com with edits by me.

Disclosure: I am part of the Jockey Blogger program and can receive Jockey-related products, but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

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January 17th, 2012

Top Technology Trends for 2012

gI_83412_hotels-social-mediaLast week, there was a huge conference for technology buffs called the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Companies, designers, developers, Dads and Moms were all in Sin City for a glimpse at the latest and greatest tech devices, tools and software. I couldn’t make it, but I watched the reports, blogs and tweets for the cool concepts expected for 2012. There was a huge list and a range of perspectives, but here is what seems to be on the techie horizon as it relates to us parents.

Keep your Head in the Cloud

While most of us grew up with our parents telling us to get our “head out of the cloud”, turns out we shouldn’t have listened to them. Otherwise, we may be millionaires. Those that kept their head in the clouds actually, uh, created them. Since many of us are moving more and more of our stuff (movies, music, calendars, budgets) online, more and more companies are creating new products to help us manage our various puffy online “clouds”.

Clap on, Clap Off

Remember when the product “The Clapper” was the big thing? When you could walk in the house, clap your hands and the lights would turn on? How passé is that? Actually have to walk in the house, and have only the lights come on? How limiting! New technology is making headway in enabling us to start the car, unlock the door, turn on the oven (eliminating the chicken-still-frozen problem), and turn on the air-conditioning, when we are in the next town at the after-school soccer practice. So seems as if big things will be coming in this arena.

No one is Home!

With many families carrying cell phones and using technologies like Skype, who needs a home phone (and the extra expense that comes with it?) With more people moving to cell phones (smartphones in particular, see below) and computers to make calls, expect more “landline alternatives” to emerge this year.

Future Techies

Ah yes, kids and their electronics. Kinda like Laverne and Shirley, or Laurel and Hardy. More brands have apps and accessories for kids – whether they are 2 or 22 – and it is only going to continue to grow. As a result, expect more parent-help tracking devices and features to limit content and usage. (Reminds me of what my parents did to the cable box in the 80s.)

Bling your Vrrr-ring

Moving past the crystal-bling smartphone covers, most people are now looking to what the smartphone, tablets and other tech devices we tote around can actually do for us. Change the channel? Become a projector? Make us dinner? Seriously though, as we expect more from our smartphone and tablets, expect more innovations that will increase the capabilities of them.

Stay tuned for specific product features in the year ahead as some of the companies launch products in these areas. We may not be driving in the sky supposedly like we should be doing if “Back to the Future” and “The Jetsons” were any indication. But then again, I don’t remember them walking around with an iPhone either.

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Image Credit: PhotoBucket 

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January 16th, 2012

Pregnancy Myths

Pregnancy BellyWhen you’re pregnant, there are a lot of pregnancy symptoms, but it amazes me the misinformation people wish to impart on you.

Case in point, my Mom has ‘baby-brain’ these days, as my sister-in-law and I are both expecting. My Mom has two best friends who have daughter-in-laws that are expecting as well. Turns out most of us are due all around the same time, which makes it worse, since comparisons are flying.

 

Here is one conversation I had with my Mom about my pregnancy and her friend’s daughter-in-law’s pregnancy.
Mom: You must be having a boy. 
Me: Why is that?
Mom: Because she is only two weeks behind you and she is not even showing yet, while you have really popped out.
Me: Isn’t this her first pregnancy?
Mom: What does that have to do with it?
Me: Mom, after you have one baby, your abdominal muscles aren’t as tight and you typically show much earlier the second time around.
Mom: Well, that doesn’t make sense.

 

Here is another conversation:
Mom: You obviously are having a boy.
Me: Why do you say that?
Mom: Because you are really sticking out. And that is how you know it is a boy.
Me: Didn’t you say that Mrs. C said her daughter-in-law is carrying all over and you think that is the sign of a girl?
Mom: Yes.
Me: But she is having a boy.

 

At this point, I wish I knew I was having a girl so I could prove her wrong. Seriously, you’d think these women who have had 7 children and an existing 6 grandchildren amongst themselves, that they would be a bit more informed with these wives tales.

 

Of course, I get other strangers imparting their thoughts on my pregnancy. Which, of course, always starts of with: ”Congratulations!” Followed by, “When are you due?” Further followed by,”Do you know what you are having?” I’m really tempted to say I’m having an alien baby and they don’t have a gender…just to see what they say. Often, these strangers then proceed to tell you what they think you are having. I was told at a Starbucks recently that I was carrying a girl because I was carrying high. (Note that during my last pregnancy, another woman, coincidentally at another Starbucks, said I was carrying low and that it must be a girl.)
Then you have the people that state, “Wow, you must be due any day now?” When, I have to respond, “I am only 5 months along, so I would hope I would have more time.”

 

Pregnancy, in and of itself, is not easy. Then you leave the house and deal with all of this. Which is why I often don’t leave it.

 

So what crazy things have been said to you during your pregnancies?
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Image Credit: Doriana via stock.xchng.com

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