May 12th, 2012

Mother’s Day Activities

Whether you are heading out for a Mother’s Day Brunch or just going to get soggy cornflakes in bed, I hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day.

Here are some fun things around town if you want to head out with the whole family.

 

If you know of other related activities, share here and give a shout out to your favorite Mom or Mom-figure!

 

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May 11th, 2012

Parks and Playgrounds in Metrowest Boston

Spring has stuck and summer is staring us down. (Can I get a hallelujah?)

Here are two recommendations for Parks and two recommendations for Playgrounds around Metrowest, Massachusetts. They don’t charge admission either! (Though some parking fees or meters may apply.) Pack the sunscreen, beverages and either snacks or a lunch, so you can really enjoy these fabulous outdoor spaces. If you have a favorite park or playground, leave a comment below to share!

Hopkinton State Park. With two swimming beaches (summer only), fishing, picnic areas with tables and charcoal cooking grills, 10 miles of marked trails, and open field space, there is so much to do in one place. Leashed dogs are welcome in most areas. The park is open everyday at 8am and closes at dusk in the spring and fall and at 8pm in the summer. Don’t panic – there are public restrooms are available during the spring, summer and fall months. Auto parking is $5, but you can get a Parks Pass for $35 (good from January-December).

Warren Park in Wellesley. Plenty of free parking and the playground has two play areas – one for toddlers and one for older kids. There are slides, climbing structures, sandboxes, seesaws, benches to sit on, and the equipment is well maintained. It is also fenced in for safety. There is a big grassy area if you want to have a picnic or bring a soccer ball. There is a sidewalk if you want to take a quick walk down the street for pizza or coffee.

The Sudbury Playground. There are two areas: one for 5 – 12 year olds and a 2 – 5 year old tot area. It is partially fenced so there is definitely a need to keep an eye those fast toddlers. There are slides, climbers, several swings, some sandboxes and ride ons. There are soccer fields surrounding the playground for running, playing ball or having a picnic. Yet, there are also fun interactive objects like bells and animal footprints, and colored plates to assist visually impaired children. There is also a transfer station near a couple of slides for children in wheelchairs who can get in and out with assistance. Parking is free and there is a restroom on-site.

Martini Junction in Needham. In the Needham Town Forest, there is a trail with bird houses and a miniature railroad set with hundreds of feet of track to find. Kids love going on the hike and finding the treasure that is nestled in the forest. It is part of geocaching – a fun way to explore a variety of places, including this one. To learn more about geocaching, click here. Best for kids 5 and up.

Enjoy!

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Image Credit: My own image.

Note: I posted a similar article on Savvy Source in March, 2012.


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May 2nd, 2012

Drool Baby Expo by Magic Beans

The Drool Baby Expo

I am really excited about sharing this post again because, well, it is about a super-awesome high-end baby expo here in Boston.

Not New York. Not LA. Here…in Beantown.

Aren’t you now excited too?

This extraordinary expo called Drool (awesomely clever name) is the brainchild of the locally amazing Magic Beans, in collaboration with Big City Moms. They wanted to create a baby expo to connect expecting and new Moms with the hottest brands. All in one space.

See the best new strollers, car seats, baby carriers, accessories, and safety items, and learn about cord blood banking, photographers, 3D ultrasound and more. Explore new products, win incredible prizes, and walk away with an amazing gift bag. Complimentary light refreshments, mini-pampering sessions, and drinks will be served. Plus, many of the brands will have show-only discounts to get you started on your nursery or add to your new baby stash of items.

Check out this YouTube video from last year to see the fabulousness in store for this year!

And it is not just for parents-to-be or new parents; grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who are looking for the best products for babies should definitely go too.

So the details: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts (in Boston’s trendy South End) from 5:00pm-9pm. Valet Parking is $15, but there are facilities and street parking in the area. Tickets cost $35 per person with an amazing swag bag worth double the ticket price. For $20, you can get a basic ticket (but no swag bag though), but you get access to all the fun, show giveaways and discounts.

There is a ton of parking in the area and is right on several subway lines. So order your tickets soon before they’re gone! But (drum roll please), I am giving away a VIP ticket! (Thanks to Magic Beans!) So use the form to enter and don’t miss out on the awesomeness! Personally, as an expectant Mom, I can’t wait!

read more »

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April 9th, 2012

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Day

I grew up spending my weekends at campsites. Our family’s pop-up trailer took us all over New England and it was such fun to explore each place we went. Having two brothers, I also had to keep up with the boys and learned to fish too. Being a Girl Scout, I also earned many badges like ‘Winter Camping’ and ‘Outdoor Cooking’ so I can make coffee and an egg on a re-used coffee can, which is a pretty rad skill in my book.

While we don’t have a pop-up trailer now (and I haven’t had the need to make an outdoor egg) I do want to provide my kids with experiences like these.

LL Bean Fishing

If you want to introduce your children to fishing, kayaking, or camping too, check out the L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Day this Saturday, April 14th from 10-2pm on Boston Common (Corner of Boylston & Tremont Street) in Boston, MA. Expert guides from L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools will lead various family-friendly (and free!) outdoor activities on the Common. Learn to fly-cast and knot-tie. Enjoy backyard-style games, hang-out at a mock campsite and learn a thing or two about tent set-up. There will also be other fun announcements too. With some great weather planned for next weekend, it is a great time to be outside with this 100 year old outdoor company (and their cool Bootmobile…)

LL Bean Bootmobile

In the current world of indoor internet games and electronics, younger kids haven’t explored a kayak, a camper or a tent first-hand. So to get everyone active outdoors, leave a comment about what you are doing, or want to do, to get your kids active outside. One person will win a $100 L.L. Bean gift card for one of L.L. Bean’s various family-friendly Outdoor Discovery School experiences; go on a family bike trip this summer, or plan a snow-shoeing adventure next winter. With the school just 90 minutes from Boston, there is lots of fun to be had. (Especially if you can show them how to make coffee on a coffee can.)

LL Bean Kayaking

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Rules: (Gotta have them)

+Leave a comment about this post; US entrants welcome. Include your name and email in the appropriate fields so I can contact you if you win. (Including just first name or first name + last initial is OK!). For your safety, please do not put your email in the actual comment. Anonymous or SPAM-like comments will be discarded. Entry period closes at 11:59PM ET, Monday, April 16, 2012.
+ + 
One lucky winner (drawn randomly via “And the Winner is” WordPress plugin) will receive a $100 gift card that you can apply to the sL.L. Bean Discovery School. No substitutions and the winner will be notified directly via e-mail who has roughly 48 hours to respond and claim their prize. They then will be listed back at this post using first name only. A minimum of 5 people must enter in order for the Giveaway to occur.
+++Winner must comply with all rules mentioned here, or a new winner will be selected. Charlene Chronicles has the final decision on the winner and is not responsible for wrong email addresses or notification being tagged as spam. Full legal disclosures can be found here.

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation or product for this post. 

Images used with permission from L.L. Bean and partners.

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March 8th, 2012

Wayland Country Club Golf Giveaway

Wayland Country Club

If you or someone you know lives in Metrowest, Massachusetts, this is a “hole-in-one” deal. (Get it – hehehe)

Eversave has a deal for 46% off 18 holes of golf and a cart at the Wayland Country Club (Wayland, MA). Not only is $34 for 18 holes of golf a sweet spot, but it is valid weekdays anytime and weekends/holidays after 11 a.m. So no big blackout dates or times. Plus, the golf cart rental is included and you can buy up to four – so if you are a big golfer, definitely put some of these in your golf bag.

Just 15 miles from Boston, it is surrounded by conservation land and is set to open for the season on Monday (March 12, 2012). So with this fabulous string of weather we are having, you can hit the course as soon as next week, and the saves you buy are good until December 31, 2012. So you have all season to practice your putt.

Today and tomorrow are the last days to buy, but leave a comment and I’ll give one of you this Save to use, give to a spouse, friend, parent, or other said golfing enthusiast…regardless of golfing score.

I don’t think we need a mulligan for this one.

(Note: you don’t need to sign up for Eversave to get this deal, but follow them on Facebook or Twitter to stay on top of all the cool deals in the Boston area.)

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Disclosure: Thank you to Eversave for providing a giveaway save to Amy! I did not receive any compensation for this post.

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February 7th, 2012

Saves for those Winter Blues

This week Eversave Boston has some fun deals that can save you from the winter blues. Each day, check back here for the my top five ‘winter blue savers’, and take some time to pamper, relax and enjoy. Spring will be here before you know it (despite what the rodent in Pennsylvania said.)

Day One: Massage

Time to let your poor body know you care. Here is a relaxing Save: $35 for a 55-minute therapeutic massage at  Blondie Salon & Spa in Waltham, MA. With five stars on Citysearch and a spot on Boston.com’s A-list, locals call this a “Newbury Street experience in the ‘burbs.”

Day Two: House Cleaning

Being stuck in the house all winter can make you start seeing dust bunnies. Let Ultimate Cleaning sweep them up for a $65 standard cleaning package for one-to three bedroom house or apartment (2,000 square feet or less) within 10 miles within Charlestown, MA. They are bonded and insured professionals, using green products, and take part in regular training classes to keep their tidying techniques sharp — just what you’d expect from a family-owned and operated business.

Day Three: Laser Hair Removal

While swimsuit season is a few months away, start the prep now and imagine how the sun will feel on your stubble-free skin. Get three laser hair removal treatments from A&A Laser in Newton: $99 for three laser hair removal treatments for eyebrows (in between and above), upper lip, chin, sideburns, front of neck, back of neck or underarms, or $149 for three laser hair removal treatments for Brazilian bikini or extreme bikini. You will look fabulous.

Day Four: Flowers

By mid-February, I am craving some green. Flowers, plants, you name it. So at least add some fragrance and color to your indoor space with this deal. $10 for $20 to spend at Mahoney’s second annual Orchid and Tropical Plant Festival from February 11-February 26th in Winchester, Brighton, Tewksbury, Chelmsford, East Falmouth. (PS. Perfect for a Valentine’s Day find too!)

Day Five: Get out of the House

Sometimes all you need to shake the winter blues is to get out of the house and have a nice meal with some friends. Nothing puts the spark back than some good belly laughs. So snag this deal for Appetito in Newton. The money you save can go to another fun gathering.

These deals won’t last long – just like Winter. So heat it up.

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Disclosure: I am an Eversave affiliate. However, all opinions and thought are my own.

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February 6th, 2012

They Call It Plane Love

Many of you know that airlines are merging left and right. For example, United and Contential Airlines, who merged a couple years ago, are finally attempting some sort of seamless operation. Which, apparently is a cause to celebrate. On a magazine cover.

When you have such deep feelings for another, who wouldn’t want to show the love.

Err….

Plane Merger

So what do you think. Creative take on a boardroom merger or a little too much sharing behind bedroom doors?

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Image Credit: Businessweek.com

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February 5th, 2012

Chicken Wing Cupcakes

There are only a matter of hours until the Super Bowl XLVI kickoff. Regardless of what team you root for, or who ultimately wins, the best part of the game is the food.

While I wrote a post about fun Super Bowl food ideas, and even shared Coloring Sheets for the kids…..here is one recipe you should try.

While you can order from this Albany, New York bakery (who came up with this lovely creation) directly, I’m sure you can pull this treat off at home. If you really wanted to. And really, who wouldn’t want to.

If you can’t make it in time for the game tonight, serve it at your next basketball bash or baseball BBQ. You need corn muffin baking mix. Then mix a small amount of blue cheese into a can of cream cheese frosting.

Oh, and top with a chicken wing.

Score.

ChickenWingCupcakes

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Source: MyFoxBoston.com

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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 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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