Real Parties: Curious George 1st Birthday

Birthday Boy ready to party!

Curious George was an obvious choice for KJ's parents when deciding a theme for their soon-to-be one year old.  The party was enjoyed by all, especially the birthday boy.

Are you curious too? Read & see more after the jump!

Plan Ahead! Marathon Monday (April 18th)

Its that time of year again - celebrate Boston Strong!

The energy in Boston is palpable and the bright yellow finish line is freshly painted across Boylston Street.  Yes, the Boston Marathon takes place Monday, April 18th.  The Boston Marathon is not just to be celebrated by the runners, Beacon Street Baby suggests you turn it into a great family friendly day!

Breakfast:  Its not often that we get a bonafide excuse to indulge in a carbohydrate laden meal.  Sure, we're not running in the marathon, but in the spirit of the marathon, why not start your day with a Carbo-load Breakfast Burrito!  Tortilla, eggs and potatoes - totally delicious and sure to give you energy throughout the day.

Storytime: The First Marathon: The Legend of Pheidippides, by Susan Reynolds.  Marathons existed long before they came to Boston 120 years ago.  The marathon tradition is rooted in ancient Greek society.  This illustrated children's book provides the story of Pheidippides, the original marathon runner, in a manner that children will understand and enjoy.

Playdate: Heartbreak Hill Helpers.  The road race of the Boston Marathon consists of 26.2 grueling miles, and the most infamous segment is Heartbreak Hill.  This is the perfect spot to help the runners by cheering them on.  Help your little ones make signs to root on the runners, put on your best marathon gear, and cheer on the runners.  Your support will help them conquer Heartbreak Hill, and your kids will love being part of the action.  If you can't make it to Heartbreak Hill, consult the Spectator Guide and find a space & time that will work for you and your family.

Dinner: A delicious meal that can be made ahead of time is the perfect answer after a long day of marathon celebrations.  Pastitsio is best described as a Greek Lasagna, and this version is delicious and nutritious with spinach and chard.

Late-Night Cap:  Boston-based Sam Adams has an annual tradition of releasing a special edition brew for the marathon - 26.2 Boston Brew.  Its a light German beer called a Gose, and its the perfect ending to a perfect marathon day!

Playdate: A Trip to the Market (Free Downloads!)

We stumbled across this website, 1 et 2 et 3 dous dous, and its too cute not to share.

Now granted, its all in French... but the magic of pretend play doesn't require translation! 

A favorite page on their site are these market themed downloads.

What a fun playdate!  Invite over some friends and play market.  From fruits and veggies, to soft cheeses and bakery items - turn your playroom into a little French Marche!

Outfit one child in an apron and they can play shopkeep.

Supply the others with grocery bags, pencil and paper to make their lists - and send them off shopping!

The images shown below are just a sample, there are many more to download and print available.

 

The site even has a mock up for a printable register along with play Euros.  But if you want to use this opportunity to begin teaching your little one about American currency, you can find printable play US dollars here!

Finally, while the kids are spending their cash at the market, you and your Momma friends can be oh so au courant while sipping on some Sofia Blanc de Blanc!

Merci Beaucoup!

Plan Ahead! National Find a Rainbow Day is April 3rd (Free Download!)

Did you know April 3rd marks National Find a Rainbow Day?  What a great excuse to plan a fun day for your kids and their friends!

The topic of rainbows will not only draw your kids' attention, but its also a great opportunity to work a mini-science lesson into your day by explaining how the natural phenomena occurs. 

Breakfast:  Rainbow fruit skewers and pot of gold yogurt.
This is a fruity breakfast option to start your day.  Take wooden skewers and skewer fresh fruit in the following order - strawberry, cantaloupe, banana, green grape, blueberries, and red grapes - Viola! a rainbow appears before your own eyes.  For pot of gold yogurt, take a serving of plain Greek yogurt in a small cup, pour a thin layer of honey over the top.  Doesnt get much easier than that!

Storytime:  A Rainbow of My Own, by Don Freeman.
"If I were a rainbow where would I hide?"  Follow along in this engaging book as a little boy plays with his imaginary friend - a rainbow.

Playdate:
Unfortunately April does not always provide the best weather for outdoor activities.  Make your own rainbows with many items found within your home.

Take a box of Fruit Loops, have the kids separate the colors, teaching the little ones ROY-G-BIV (red-orange-yellow-green-blue-indigo-violet). Then take the colors and paste them onto this free printable activity page.

Not into Fruit Loops?  Take pasta wheels, cook and use food dyes (we suggest mixing both the regular and the neon food dyes) to color the pasta the night before. 

Dinner:
With a little creativity and access to fresh fruits and vegetables, most meals can be turned into a rainbow experience.  Rainbow TexMex Tortellini Salad is easy, healthy and tasty - a true crowd pleaser.

Late-Nightcap:  
Look what mama found at the end of her rainbow!  An April Rain Martini is your beloved vodka martini with a hint of refreshing lime.  Easy to make and sure to put some Spring in your step.

To Do List: Berries & Cherries

It is a little known fact that March is the Berries & Cherries Month.

Why not spend the last day of March celebrating these wonderful fruits with the following activities:

Breakfast: French toast and berries is a no-brainer, turning them into sticks is sure to entertain your family.  Lets face it, kids love finger foods, and with a recipe this easy - we love making them!

Storytime: Blueberries for Sal, by Viking Kestrel & Robert McCloskey (author of the beloved Boston based book, Make Way for Ducklings) is a classic.  Chances are you already have it in your collection - this is the perfect occasion to re-read this time tested tale.

Lunch:  When you're dealing with Berries & Cherries, you don't need fancy recipes to make food taste great.  Your kids will love a classic peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich, and even more so when you pair it with a fresh berry lemonade. 

Playtime: Listen, we're not saying that tie-dye is making a come-back... lets put that on the record!  But we know for sure that this is an activity that everyone will love.  Not only is Berry-Tie Dye fun, but its 100% green.  So get in touch with your very distant past, pull out the rubber bands and show your kids how to tie-dye like a pro!

Dinner:  Its important for your kids to experience new flavors.  Try topping your regular grilled chicken dinner with berry salsa. Its an interesting twist on a basic meal, the flavors will delight the whole family.

Late-Night Cap:  We all know the Cosmo - early Carrie Bradshaw, no need to say more.  Try the Merry Berry Cosmo for a new flavor profile on the classic vodka beverage ... 4-inch heels not required!

4 Momma Approved Boxed Wines

Yes - we said it - BOXED WINES!

Now, dont let your mind go back to your mom's box of Franzia that occupied that middle drawer of your white fridge growing up each summer.  Boxed wines have changed!

This trend has been growing strong for a couple years now - so remove the mental stigma.  Next time you're looking to try something new - pass on by the bottles and take a look at the boxes.  You will be surprised at the great variety and quality of wines.

Save Waste:  One of the great benefits of boxed wines is that it stays fresh for much, much longer then its bottled counterparts.  Now you can have a glass or two, or whatever (ahem) without having to toss the rest the next day.   And on the flip side - when you have an impromptu mommy playdate, you dont have to worry about running out... usually (ahem ahem).

Save Time: Boxed wine is an inevitable time saver - most boxes contain the equivalent of 4 bottles.  Now, if this doesnt save you from at least one or 2 trips to the package store I would like to see your current wine cellar!

Save Money:  Even the higher quality wines that are now available in boxes are more reasonably priced than if you had bought the equivalent number of bottles.

After many, many, (ahem) many diligent taste tests - here are our selections for the 4 Mommy Approved Boxed Wines:

From The Tank, Vin Rouge:  This organic wine is a great choice, you may even recognize it from several restaurants throughout Boston.  As described by their importer, it is from "a wine cooperative of local growers in the south of France comes this high quality, powerful blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan grapes. Delicious from beginning to end, it has dark cherry notes that make it particularly tasty with meat hot off the grill."  We also recommend the white wine version - equally delicious.

  
Le Vin de L'Uncle Charles:  Uncles Charlie is a man after our own heart.  This is a very easy to drink wine, and this fitting description "Uncle Charlie  likes his wine light, with a nice balance of earth and fruit.  Not to mention low in alcohol so it goes down easy in the hot afternoon sun on the terrace."  Delightful!

  

Bota Box Shiraz:  Bota Box wines can be found in almost ever liquor store in New England.  Its not the best on the market, but it is reliable and really well priced.  As described by Bota Box, their Shiraz is a "juicy red wine―rich with ripe blackberry flavors―packs a punch. Though pleasantly supple, it is robust enough to cut through the spiciness of Mexican and Cajun dishes."

  

Bandit, Pinot Grigio:  Now technically it isnt a box - so dont confuse Bandit wine for your Coconut Water!  Packaged in a little green Tetrapak, Bandit Pinot Grigio is described by Wine Enthusiast as "totally dry, and the lime and grapefruit flavors are balanced with ultra-crisp acidity. Great with grilled veggies, sole with a squeeze of lemon, and Asian fare."




So have we convinced you to give the box a try? Is your fridge already stocked?  Share with us your finds & recommendations!

Real Parties: Little Peanut Baby Shower

Friends and family gathered to wish Alexandra and Andy the very best with their first baby.  The peanut theme was a no-brainer, Alex had long referred to her little girl as her "little peanut".  From invitations to party favors the peanut theme was tastefully intertwined throughout the garden party.  A wonderful turn out and perfect weather made this a baby shower to remember.

Little Peanut Baby Shower Custom Invitations by Sassyrae Expressions

Garden Party Bar, featuring Sour Cherry Lemonade (both virgin & spiked available)

Beautiful & delicious cake by Konditor Meister of Quincy, MA

Homemade Peanut Brittle favors, offered in adorable packaging from The Party Fairy

Centerpieces of fresh Hydrangeas in vintage teapots mixed with whole peanuts in glass jars

Little Peanut Baby Shower photography by Nneka Anadu

 

To Do List: Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)

Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, commemorates the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla of 1862.  Cinco de Mayo is not a major holiday in Mexico, yet it has taken on a life of its own here in the US.  Its a great opportunity to bring some fun and culture into your family's day!

Breakfast:  Chilaquiles.  Chilaquiles are a delicious traditional breakfast served throughout Mexico.  They are easy to make, and make good use of some leftovers you may already have in your kitchen.  To make the meal complete, serve along side scrambled eggs and a fruit salad.

Storytime:  Grandma's Chocolate, by Mara Price.  This wonderful story introduces a young girl into a whole new world when she asks her Grandma to play princess.  The story will educate your children on Aztec and Mayan cultures, and offers a much welcomed twist on the typical "princess" definition.

Playdate: Make & Break Pinatas:  We all are familiar with pinatas, and no doubt have seen them hanging in every major big box party store around town.  But in reality, pinatas are not difficult to make, and are a fun creative project for your family.  If you don't have the time (and/or the patience) to make a paper maiche pinata, then try this super easy alternative that uses a paper bag and the base.

Dinnertime:  Fish Tacos & Corn on the Cob.  Save some tortillas from the chilaquiles you made in the morning, and use them in this easy healthy recipe for Fish Tacos.  The perfect Cinco de Mayo side dish is a delicious Mexican style corn on the cob.  Such a tasty meal - you'll wish every day was the 5th of May! 

Late-Nightcap:  Georgia Peach Margarita.  Once los ninos are asleep, let the real fiesta begin!  Try this delicious Patron and Peach Schnapps margarita - que rico!

To Do List: World Water Day (March 22nd)

Did you know that March 22nd is World Water Day?  World Water Day was created by the United Nations to bring attention to the issues relating to clean water supply throughout the world.  World Water Day is a great opportunity to educate your children on the environment and the importance of clean water.

Breakfast: Starting out the day with a Sailboat Ham & Egg Sandwich is sure to put your child in the spirit.  Turning a sandwich into a sailboat is about as easy as it can get, and sure to entertain the little ones.

Storytime:  Clean Water for Elirose, by Ariah Fine is a great way to communicate to children issues related to water availability and what some people have to do to get clean drinkable water.  The author has generously set it up so that you can read the whole book for free online.  While you're there, you can order your own copy at whatever price you can afford.

Playdate:  Its important for children to understand the role they can play in ensuring our water supply is clean.  Grab your rain boots, rubber gloves, and trash bags and head down to a local river, pond or beach to collect litter.  As always, adults should be involved in the playdate, you will not only set a great example for your children but you can also ensure that they aren't picking up and hazardous materials. If you're in the Boston area, Beacon Street Baby suggests the following locations: the Esplanade, Jamaica Plain Pond, and Spy Pond.

Dinner:  What more perfect way to end a day celebrating water then Fish Sticks and Seaweed Salad.  Seaweed Salad can be bought in most supermarkets, check the fish section or the sushi station area.

Late-Nightcap:  After a long day sloshing around in rain boots and scrubbing pond dirt off the little ones, mama needs a beverage.  Shake up a Fox River Cocktail for a perfect after dinner drink.

To Do List: St. Patrick's Day (March 17th)

There is much more to St. Patrick's Day than just green beer and shamrocks.  Here's the Beacon Street Baby way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style.

Breakfast:
Wish your little ones top of the morning with Green Eggs & Ham.  Whisk together eggs, add one cup chopped fresh spinach and a 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.  Pour into buttered frying pan, scramble as usual.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread is a great accompaniment to the breakfast, especially when lathered with butter and jam!  No time to bake bread?  Check out the bakery section of your local supermarket, many actually carry Soda Bread for the time frame prior to St. Patrick's Day.

Playdate:
An essential pat of Irish culture is music and dance, for inspiration look no further than Riverdance.  A fun way to translate the rhymic step dance for children is through jump roping.  Lace up the tap shoes, pump up The Chieftains and let the kids loose!

Did you know that St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland? Well he did!  Hide and Go Snake is a great game for kids and adults alike.  Plant hidden snakes throughout your yard / nearby park / or inside your house if its raining.  Whoever collects the most snakes - wins!

Dinnertime:
Shepard's Pie is a delicious traditional meal in Ireland.  While a true Shepard's Pie is made with lamb (hence the whole "Shepard" part), you can substitute ground turkey or beef stew meat if preferred.

Late-Nightcap:
The kiddies are asleep, what a better way to finish your day then with a delicious adult beverage.  The Nutty Irishman is a delicious combination of Bailey's, Frangelico, Kahlua, coffee and whip cream.  But if you're gonna call it a night after a long day of jigging and jiving, you may want to do decaf!