I’ve been reading an advance of this book and it’s quite the gem. The authors are co-founders and senior editors of Wired.com GeekMom blog. The book is all about the love of learning and discovering through fun projects . Projects such as how to make the Blob (yes, you read it an actual Blob) a Come As You Were Party where you pick someone from a specific time or place such as a pioneer or an historic figure and dress up, play and sing the according songs. There is a wonderful chapter on education which I am really studying-for as a mother of a wild child who is really into learning his way , I find this chapter timely and helpful. You can get scientific and experiment by making a Sound Wave Experiment. The projects are endless, inventive and a reminder to us as parents that when we have our kids use their imagination and know how the lessons they learn are endless. The book is available on Amazon.
When I was kid I would love to stay home sick for that meant my grandmother would watch me and she made the best comfort food. Her cooking is legionary in my family and though she has been gone for quite sometime my entire family is very connected through her cooking. Today, her chicken soup is the perfect dish for a (very) rainy day.
Ingredients
I was surprised when I took C’s winter gear out a few days ago that it’s did not fit despite being two sizes too big last fall/winter! This means I need to find something and fast. If you’re in the same boat as I, I found some really great pieces that can be purchase now (online or as soon as we can get on the subway again!)
I thought I focus on a true city palette of neutrals that are unisex since they remain timeless and great if you have a younger child who can wear in the future . Brands such as Old Navy have a great selection and amazing deals and let’s not forget Flying Squirrel on North 6th has some great winter finds. I bought a brand new 7a.m Enfant Balnket/ Stroller Cover there two seasons ago and I went by on a ‘maybe’ and was reminded that finds and chic pieces are always in our neighborhood and online for our out of Brooklyn readers.
Left to Right:
Mini Rodini Wool Gloves via Sweet William
Appaman Long Down Coat via Smoochie Baby
Hooded Girls Frost Free Quilted Jacket Via Old Navy
Zara Girls Navy Quilted Wellie
Indoor Movie! Charge up the electrical devices, here are 5 Movies Worth downloading.
3. Up
5. (pictured) Moonrise Kingdom is worth watching once the kids have gone to sleep for it may not keep their interest for long. I found this movie irresistible and have been a fan of Wes Anderson’s movies since Bottle Rocket.
10 Activities to do with the kids, no electricity needed:
1. Build a Fort: This can be easily done with a few creative maneuvers on your part. Push the couches closer or bring the chairs from the kitchen table into the living room to use as support. Drape sheets and blankets over them, and let your kids decide how to use their newly built kingdoms. It even creates a fun place to read or get homework done while still feeling like play time.
2. Play Board Games: In the age of electronics, your old board games may get ignored and start collecting dust on the shelves. This is a great excuse to bring those classics back out for a great family activity. Find games that are age-appropriate and multiplayer for an activity the entire family can enjoy.
3. Paint: This involves a little more mess and clean up on your part, but it can be a fun way for kids to be creative and artistic and maybe get a little messy in the process (It’s always more fun that way!). You can spread out a giant sheet of butcher paper on the garage floor and let them let their imaginations take over. If this must be done indoors, find an old sheet or tarp and lay it across your kitchen floor and let them paint on that to keep any messes from getting on your floors. You’ll be amazed at what your kids can come up with.
4. Crafts: There are many age-appropriate and simple crafts that you can easily put together for your kids. Gather household items such as paper, cotton balls, glitter, straws, Popsicle sticks, scissors, glue and whatever else you have that you think could work well. You can come up with a project, such as making animals or Popsicle stick people, or you can just let your kids be creative and see what they come up with.
5. Play Dough: A classic! Who doesn’t love play dough? This is a very easy activity if you use the store bought kind. If you want this activity to last longer and be more involved, you and your kids can make your own homemade play dough. Check out this site for some great homemade recipes. This can be a fun learning experience for your kids.
6. Have a Scavenger Hunt: If you want to break away from the norm, set up a cute scavenger hunt for your kids. Write out and hide a series of clues for them to find, and let them put their problem solving skills to work to lead them to the prize.
7. Play I Spy: This game requires no props, no set up and most importantly no clean up. All you need is everyone in the same room. Take turns giving clues about what you “spy” in the room until someone guesses what you’re describing.
8. Read: Plain and simple. Rainy weather can be a perfect time to curl up on the couch with a good book. Make it even more exciting with a trip to the library first, and let them pick out a few books. Read together or read independently.
9. Put On a Show: If your kids love to perform, this is the perfect opportunity for them to impress you with their acting skills. Let them dig through your closets for costumes and put on a play. You can also set up chairs in the living room, so they feel like you’re really in the audience.
10. Puzzles: Spend some time working together on puzzles. If you want to add a little competition, see who can finish their puzzle the quickest.
Movie tips via Motherburg, Tips via Shine
Happy Weekend.
What are you going to be for Halloween? Come to our party this Sunday the 28th in (or out) of your spooktacular costume!
Drinks and dessert will be served.
I was speaking with a mom friend who had a bad spell. She was going through some things in her life and distance herself from all around her. She is thankfully doing and feeling better and has had meet-ups with her closet friends to apologize and explain. One friend she explained to was still upset and giving her quite a hard time. As she was sharing with me the things this friend was saying I bluntly said “cut the ties.” I explained that we are all human and this friend in my opinion was going to keep re-hashing what happen. Did my friend hurt her feelings? Yes. However it wasn’t intentional and we’re human therefore flawed and we all need to measure what a friendship needs to gives us and like any relationship we may disappoint the other from time to time. We all know what we need in a friendship and perhaps for this particular woman she wants very little disappointment. This is her prerogative. I definitely do not want dramatic friendships however I do think If a good friend was (and has!) disappointed me I would do my best to understand. This is why I love the below 25 Ways To Be A True Friend.
25 Ways To Be A True Friend via Tiny Buddha
1. Always be there, even in silence. (Nerrisa Nam)
2. Be kind and listen. Be fun and light. Be serious when needed, love extensively, and forgive always. (Sandra Lumb)
3. Don’t be scared to tell each other the truth no matter how difficult it may be. (Eva Valencia)
4. Guide each other in times of need with your honest opinions. (Ashna Singh)
5. A true friend is someone who always listens and is genuinely interested in the good and bad, and someone who calls or writes just to say hello. (Kimberly McCarthy)
6. Be loyal in confidence and character, always open and inviting to share concerns, always honest even if you disagree. (Peggy Turner Beatty)
7. A true friend tries his best to cheer you up when you are upset and makes you feel special. (Kalpana Tewani)
8. Try and improve their life though your friendship. (Barry Cassidy)
9. Be who you truly are—be that vulnerable–and provide the other person the space, safety and choice to do the same. (Cynthia Ruprecht Hunt)
10. Be genuinely happy when they get, receive, or achieve something you truly desire.(Heather Tucker)
11. Share the truth in your heart, without the fear of misunderstandings. (Ricardo Marques)
12. Be loyal and forgive but above all: love and respect. (Casey Jo Wagner)
13. Accept the person as they are, as an individual, without conditions. Also, as important as it is for you to be there for them, sometimes you have to be willing to let them be there for you. (Casey Kimes)
14. Remain friends despite a person’s choices in life and don’t bail on them when they aren’t who you want them to be. (Kim Shaw)
15. A true friend always supports the person but doesn’t feel compelled to support the situation. A true friend knows how and when to say the firm, “No.” (Leslie Mollay)
16. Help yourself and those closest to you grow. To live means to grow, and a true friend is someone that you can honestly say has helped define you as an individual. (Kevin Ball)
17. Celebrate the wins and being there to support the losses. Keep your word and acknowledge it when you don’t. (Margalit Ward)
18. Walk in to a friend’s aid when others are walking out. (Larry Stilts)
19. Don’t hold grudges over petty disagreements. (Annika de Korte)
20. Show up! You can pretend to care but you cannot pretend to show up. (Sherri Levy)
21. A true friend is someone you feel as comfortable with as you do when you are by yourself. No illusions, no holding back. (Liz McConomy)
22. Be there for the other person in the same way you would be there for yourself. Granted, if you can’t be there for yourself, that’s probably something you should address first. (Elizabeth McDaniels)
23. Don’t let your own stuff get in the way. The ego is powerful. (Sabrina Toffey)
24. Know someone’s least admirable characteristics and still love and support them. (Talia Startsman)
And I’ll add the last: share how honest appreciation every chance you get.
Photo via Return To Eden
Do you have your costumes ready? Isn’t it hard to believe that next week is the end of October? I’m stunned how quickly this year is flying by. My daughter decided she’s going to be a Cinderella fairy and that Lulu was going to be a skeleton. Ha! Gotta love those bossy 3 year olds!
If you’re looking for fun spooky scary skeleton stuffs to do, here you go:
-Town Square is having their party on Saturday at the Polish-Slavic Center on Java Street, 2:30-5:00, $5 pp
-Flying Squirrel is having their annual Witches Walk on Wednesday! Come early for photos at 2pm and stay for the parade starting at 4pm! Families can continue the party at PLAY or Klub for Kidz for $5 pp!
And there’s still time to order candy from The Natural Candy Store! Wish everyone would agree to get on board the no artificial colors, flavors or ingredients train!
Photo: Childrenscostumes.com
Those billowy and fluffy golden puffs covet some of the most deliciousness you’ll ever have: chile rellenos!
I bought some poblanos at the farmers market a few weeks ago thinking I’d roast them with the last of the tomatoes and do some salsa. But one night as I was getting dinner together, I remembered I could rellenos. I had never done them before. And I gotta say they were way easier than expected. Here is the recipe I followed. I recommend following the instructions verbatim.
Chiles Rellenos - Recipe and Photos below vis Chow
Game plan: Separate the eggs while they’re still cold, which will make them easier to handle; then let them come to room temperature. And make sure there are no traces of yolk in the whites, or the whites will not whip properly.
Coring and removing the seeds from the peppers is easier before roasting and keeps the peppers from tearing while stuffing in the cheese. Roasting over a gas flame keeps the peppers’ shape and texture intact during frying, but if you don’t have a gas stove, use the broiler in your oven (instructions below).
For the chiles rellenos:
Carefully open the flaps to expose the interior of the chile and, using the paring knife, carefully cut out and remove the core.
Scrape the inside with a small spoon to remove the seeds, ribs, and any remaining core.
Repeat with the remaining peppers.
(Alternatively, heat the broiler to high and arrange a rack in the upper third of the oven. Place all of the chiles directly on the rack. Broil, turning occasionally with tongs, until the chiles blacken and blister on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. The chiles will be softer using the broiler rather than a direct flame, so be careful not to tear them while stuffing.) Remove to a large heatproof bowl; repeat with the remaining 2 chiles.
Remove the bowl from the mixer, add the egg yolks, and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined (do not deflate the egg whites); set aside.
Working with 1 chile at a time, drop 1/2 cup of the egg batter into the oil and use a rubber spatula to spread it to about the same size as the stuffed chile.
Lay the chile seam-side down on top of the mound of batter.
Drop another 1/2 cup of batter on top of the chile, spreading it with the rubber spatula to cover the sides and encase the chile.
Cook without disturbing until the bottom of the chile relleno is golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Using a flat spatula and a fork, carefully flip the chile relleno over and cook until the other side is golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. (If the sides of the chile are not brown, use a spatula or tongs to turn it onto each side to brown.)
Transfer the chile relleno to the rack set over the baking sheet, season with salt, and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining stuffed chiles.
I just loved this idea! Seems like a 3 or 4 year old could really get into this + the combinations are endless! You could do this as well as carve it up!
Enjoy!
To create: Push thin nails around the top and bottom of the pumpkin in a circle formation, leave approximately half an inch between each nail. P.S.- Don’t push the nail heads in yet. Knot the pink string to a nail and wrap it in an up-and-down pattern across the pumpkin. Create contrast with a different colored string and repeat the knot and wrapping step. To finish it off, push the nail heads into the pumpkin to secure.
Photo & idea: psimadethis
Darling Clementine is turning 1 on November 1st and we have a little q&a with Lindsay, the creative genius behind this popular site. Read below on the details on how they are celebrating by hosting a HUGE giveaway featuring tons of products from their favorite brands at a value of $600+ (that’s all for 1 lucky winner!)
MB: You were inspired to start Darling Clementine from your daughter, Juliette. I’ve worked for magazines such as Real Simple Family and Cookie (don’t you miss it?) and I have to say you have a great eye for the kids market. Did you have a background in this market or was something entirely new for you?
DC: First off, thank you for your kind words, I actually have NO experience in this area. I worked in advertising for a little while, but it wasn’t until I was tinkering around with the idea of opening a eco-lifestyle boutique about 5 years ago that I found myself leaning towards children’s clothing, toys, books etc. Once I found out I was pregnant it was a natural progression to focus on opening a children’s shop. While I may have shifted my shop focus, I try hard to maintain the values sustainable living when choosing my brands. It’s a core value I do my best to stick to.
MB: I really appreciate your price points. If I want to indulge, you have something there for me, if I am looking for something on a budget I feel that I also have many choices. Is this something deliberate? You seem to understand the chic mom….
DC: Yes, trust me, finding $100 children’s wear that is gorgeous is simple. It’s finding that $30 - $60 pieces that are gorgeous and timeless that is a bit harder. But it’s out there, and I’m constantly working to bring my customer special pieces that don’t break the bank. Juliette, my daughter has a closet filled with inexpensive basics and special pieces that we mix in daily. Nothing should ever be so spendy that I don’t want to put her in it. I learned early on as a Mom, let them wear the special pieces til they are threads. What’s the point in saving it in the closet?
MB: Lastly, you are quite the pinterest ‘pinner’, I accidentally found you through another board pin- your boards are inspirational. I guess this is more then a declaration then a question, mine if I share your pinterest boards?
DC: No please do! I love Pinterest, I think it’s a brilliant concept. I am constantly inspired when I’m pinning, amazed at what is out there. In a business sense, it helps give me a fantastic gage of what is popular in children’s fashion, seeing a direct response to a few pinned photos of a new line of children’s clothing helps me navigate how to stock the shop. Plus it’s extremely addicting! You can follow along here http://pinterest.com/darlinglindsay/
Thank you so much girls!
Xx
The Giveaway Details:
Click here to find out all details on how to enter. After entering the fabulous giveaway use this code dcturns1 for 10% off the entire shop through November 9th. Happy Shopping!
Ways to enter:
1. Follow @drlngclementine on Twitter
2. Like Darling Clementine on Facebook
3. Sign up for the Darling Clementine Newsletter
*each one is another entry !
I mentioned the mom inc daily blog when I posted on how much I was enjoying the mom inc the book. Since my last post I have become quite the fan of the daily blog. Cat Seto’s (co -author of the book) blog is full of creative people I haven’t always heard of and cool finds. The book was really helpful and inspiring especially as I have been tackling a few work hats and I find the blog as a daily reminder that yes I too can do this!
I know sweet potatoes are good for you yet I have always hated them. However, I have been eating mash sweet potatoes for the last few weeks. I tried them one day while out to lunch and decided mash is the way to go for me. I definitely enjoyed them enough to serve them up to the other haters at Casa Ladd. The winner? This yummy recipe from skinnytaste.
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large pot boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, drain in a colander.
Meanwhile, melt butter and sauté garlic until lightly golden. Return potatoes to the pan, add milk and sour cream;mash until smooth and creamy.Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional information for sweet potatoes provided by Heather K Jones, RD (aka The Diet P.I.). Photo and recipe via Skinnytaste.com
My child fights me every night for all things gadget-y however one ritual he doesn’t fight is our nightly book reading. I will never forget my awe at hearing the story of Charlotte’s Web or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when I was a kid and hope I am sharing the love of these memories for my child. I love the tattered pages of a library book or the crisp newness of a classic book bought brand new for future storytellings. I found most books at WORD in Greenpoint, Amazon and of course our local libraries.
Photo via Street Style Aesthetic
I met up with Alice Bertay recently to chat about her magazine KiD_IN. In the past I have written about how I feel about French women, I know this sounds stereotypical but every single one I meet is always smart and chic. What is in the water there? As Editor In Chief Alice has a pulse on what is going on in art, fashion and local and worldly design. She isn’t about fluffy clouds and rainbows, she is interested in sharing a forum for people with a thread of childhood woven artistically and extraordinarily into her well edited magazine. This magazine is worth a bookmark on your computer, a gem of a creation from Alice and her team.
Photos, Donna Ladd, Motherburg
Yes- because I think you have so much time on your hands I saw this post on Prudent Baby that the talented Cakies designed and couldn’t resist sharing. Here is the template for the Witches hat and the Cat, Sunshine and Dragon. For full instructions click here to Prudent Baby.
Photo via Prudent Baby
Cozy sweaters for fall?! I can never get enough and they get worn until the warmth returns. I wear them to work and on weekends until they become thredbare. Isn’t that the point?
Top from Mango (online only xs,s left but usallly have all sizes in store.) Topshop Knitted Fairisle Jumper Sweater.
I was out and about all day yesterday, meeting with friends, doing errands and having work meetings! Since I was in Williamsburg without kids, I decided to do a bit of shopping at one of my favorite boutiques - POP. Since I started at Kent and Grand I got to walk all down the street and I gotta say Grand is hopping! All sorts of great new stores and fabulous finds! I got so wrapped up, I almost missed my afternoon appointment. Here are some of my favorite Grand Street finds:
Sprout - The cool and well designed gardening store is also a great place to find a unique kids gift (I picked one up myself!). Plus they have materials to make terrariums and classes.
Choplet - This pottery and ceramics studio is awesome. I’m sure I’ve mentioned Nadine before but the pottery classes for adults and kids are not to be missed!
Skinny Skinny - Organic, natural and cruelty free soaps, lotions, candles, makeup and kids products and make up- I love this shop for holiday gifts.
Suckers - The new kid on the block (or rather just off the block-Grand at Roebling) this candy shop offers walls and walls of candy just like an old fashion soda shop. They also do kids party favor bags and business baskets. Doesn’t everyone have a sweet tooth or a favorite candy?
Bird River Studios - I didn’t get to go in as they were closed but I remember the space. Used to be a cool bar… back when I got out more. But I’m excited at the classes: toddler art, weekend art classes and after school! All much needed stuff!
WMAAC - I.E. Williamsburg Movement and Arts Center is such a great place for moms and kids alike. Lakey Evans, the owner and primary teacher is so awesome! The space is great for classes but also for birthday parties!
And obviously there are TONS of great places on Grand like Bird, Bozu, Paul Smith outlet & Le Comptoir so it was very hard choosing just a few!
Photos: My own & Skinny Skinny’s
I LOVE popcorn balls. We used to make them and give away as Halloween treats! I’m sure you can’t do that now… but that shouldn’t stop you from making them to share among your friends or take to preschool for Halloween treats! Since corn syrup is a big no-no, I found this great recipe on Organic Authority that used molasses and honey instead and the verdict is A++!
Side note: I had some trouble forming balls mainly because I can’t stop myself from taking creative license with recipes and did half sugar and half honey but it made some super tasty carmel corn!
Picture: Jessica Glorieux
I have ZERO info on this place. No website and they were closed when I happened upon them earlier today but it looks soooo cute and sooo sooo Spanish and colorful!
Has anyone been? Plan on stopping by over the weekend!
Allegria Boutique
85 N. 3rd btw Berry and Wythe
I’m going loco on the DIY’S this week, I’m in money saving mode which is why I made this lip scrub the other day. My beauty friend suggested this DIY from Honestly WTF and it was a great suggestion. My lips are seriously getting dry and it’s not even winter! One little scrub and they felt and looked so much better. Also Into The gloss has a great DIY with baking soda and raw sugar if honey isn’t your thing. Click here for tutorial.
Photo, Top Unknown
Bottom Photo, Honestly WTF,
I have started to use these sandwich bags for C’s lunch. I hate wasting ziplock bags and these bags are colorful and according to his teacher it’s enough to get him to eat a sandwich which he usually refuses. Oh the ploys us parents use to get them to eat! These bags are from Arctic Zone however they are super easy to make. Here is a great tutorial from Newly Woodwards for making your own DIY bags, what a great way to reuse some worn out or grown out clothes!
I love me a good fall festival and this one looks like it won’t disappoint. The festival will have: 3 bands, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting, fishing for apples, drop-in art classes by ARTLAB, face painting, a visit from the Southside Firetruck, apples and cider from Breezy Hill, coffee from Brooklyn Roasting Co. and, possibly, pony rides or a petting zoo. AND the entire event, pumpkins and all, is FREE.
See you there!
Book I'm loving....Geek Mom Posted on April 14, 2013
Montez Chicken Soup- soup for rainy weather... Posted on April 14, 2013
Chic Kid, winter pieces for stormy & cold weather... Posted on April 14, 2013
