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!

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot!

Here comes a heatwave!  In Boston that means one thing - SPRAYGROUNDS!  For wet fun in the sun, check out this list of free spraygrounds throughout Boston & all of Massachusetts.

To be the cutest thing at the sprayground, we suggest you dress your little girl in one of these vintage inspired bathing suits by Dagmar Daley:

Now, the sad truth is there just isn't the same selection of over the top cuteness when it comes to baby boy swimsuits - but these little European style swim trunks from Zara will set your guys apart from the crowd.

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!

Bicycle Mama!

It's gorgeous outside...go ahead, take your little ones on a picnic!

While you're at it, save yourself some time by using Poketo's Swedish Bicycle Basket  - it easily comes off of your bicycle and turns into a shopping basket.  You can put your little one in their bike seat, put a cozy blanket in the basket, travel to the store, let your bebe help pick out food for the picnic, use the basket to carry your shopping goodies, head straight to the park and use the basket to carry your food and blanket to the perfect spot.  Sounds like a great afternoon to us!

To Do List: Easter & Passover

Will you be in the Boston area this Saturday, April 7, 2012?
Here are some free activities for your little ones to celebrate both Easter and Passover. 

10:00 AM
Roslindale Egg Hunt
Adams Park in Roslindale Sq, Boston, MA
Join Mayor Menino & Mr. Bunny in finding over 5,000 eggs "hidden" throughout Rosi Square, fun activities for the whole family.

10:00AM
Egg-stravaganza
Cambridge Common Park, Cambridge, MA
Second annual Easter egg hunt, games and prizes.

11:00AM - 12:00 
Passover Stories & Crafts for ages 2 - 6
Harvard Coop
1400 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA

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!