Misplaced in Mommydom

Kushies Beanstax

Kushies Beanstax is a collection of 12 whimsical, vibrantly colored, multi-textured little beanbag figures that look as though they’ve popped off a Picasso canvas. What to do with the little guys? They’re meant to stimulate imagination – there are no rules, no guidelines, no right or wrong way to play – and create open-minded, flexible thinkers.

Each figure is unique, expressive and satisfying to the touch and eye. Babies will first chew on them, later progressing to explore the beanbags’ tactile properties with their fingers and toes. Beanstax can be stacked, squished, tumbled or tossed, so throw a few into the crib or scatter them on the blanket during tummy time for interest and giggles. Or create a sculpture for your little one to mush and mash.

The set is packed in a see-through vinyl storage bag with handle, which itself can be used as part of the play experience. Toddlers like piling them in, dumping them out and carrying them about. You’ll find it handy for outings too.

Excerpted from mbeans.com.

M A L L Y B I B S Your baby may be too young for a leather biker jacket, but a eather bib is definitely in order. The appliquéd leather designs are mighty cute and refreshingly modern.

Nicole Garza, founder of Mally Bibs, was inspired by her ten-month-old daughter Malia to create a durable, easy to clean, water-resistant bib. Mally bibs are made with safe, soft leather that doesn't irritate baby's skin. They don't stain either; just wipe promptly with a wet cloth and hang to dry. No more orange and green goo-encrusted cloth bibs in your laundry bin.

The bib clasp is magnetic, allowing you to adjust the size from a snug fit for babies to a more relaxed one for preschoolers. No Velcro means no ouchy hair tangles. And you can stick it to the fridge until the next mealtime. You'll always know where your Mally Bib is.

Spilling the beans: If you happen to abandon a tomato sauce splattered bib until morning, a quick scrub with a water and baking soda paste should eliminate possible staining.

Excerpted from mbeans.com.

svan mini furniture

Are you raising a little modernist? It’s never too early to instill a keen sense of aesthetics. This ensemble of classic Scandinavian design, reminiscent of Alvar Aalto’s iconic stool, works in any interior. The bentwood style and natural finish meshes with the décor of the sparest loft or the most brightly-colored play space. This sturdy set includes a round table, three chairs, and a four-legged stool so an adult can sit at the table too. Its child-size proportions, ideal for kids ages 2 through 7, are perfectly suited for meals, art projects or board games. Plus, the seats stack nicely if need be.

Excerpted from mbeans.com.

BOON Potty Bench
One, two, three, shoot! Potty training is hit or miss. Whether you have an overzealous boy, or a modest little girl, teaching him or her to use the toilet can be a real challenge. The Boon Potty Bench adds some whimsy to the task. This white and lime green potty cum stepstool offers a spare form that blends with modern décor in a color that appeals to kids. It features two enclosed side storage spaces for toilet paper and whatnot, and a large lid that when flipped down, transforms the potty into a wide and sturdy stepstool. (Even mom or dad can stand on it – it supports up to 300 pounds.) The design is thoughtful, with an angled seat to control overflow and a pull out drawer for easy, sanitary clean up. The bright orange shield is a fun target for little boys, albeit a bit small for those still perfecting their aim. The potty is recommended for ages 18 months and up. Boon Inc. donates 10% of its profits to children’s charities, disproving the old adage, “Waste not, want not.”

Excerpted from mbeans.com.

Take Back the Treats


With Halloween comes hysteria over cavities, obesity and sugar highs. These are valid concerns, but why is Halloween doomed to take the rap for what are actually long-term, everyday issues? There’s soda in school cafeterias, alluring movie character toys tucked into fast food restaurant kiddie meal packs, and three-mile high frosting peaks on cakes at weekly birthday parties. And, while soccer is fast becoming the new national pastime for the under 12 set, the Game Boy lives on.

But back to Halloween. Probably, like most American kids, your children paraded through the neighborhood, dressed as bumblebees, miniature firefighters and satin-swathed, tiara-topped princesses. They knocked on doors, smiling shyly and reciting “Twick aw Tweat” with relish. From one house to the next, they made their way, faithfully posing and perhaps even preening, with encouragement from retirees reminiscing about when their now adult children were tots. They are rewarded handsomely for their efforts with candy, candy and more candy, as well as some packs of raisins, a granola bar and even a stray apple. (Bummer.) And you want to confiscate the fruits of their labors? Throw the results of their hard work in the garbage? For shame. We’re kidding, of course. But your kids are going to take some convincing to part with their stash. What’s a mom to do?

First, remember that you’re in charge. Remember when you couldn’t wait to grow up so you could make the rules? Well, now’s the time. Second, set rules, and consequences for disobeying the rules, ahead of time, so your kids know what to expect. This should help keep Halloween night bingeing under control. Third, determine and discuss the after plan.

Some suggestions:

How many treats will they be allowed per day? And when? After dinner or before breakfast? (They wish.) Must they earn their treats by eating their veggies or cleaning the playroom, or is candy their divine right? Stick to your plan. Don’t let them wear you down. And finally, set a date to end the sugar madness. Come Thanksgiving, whatever’s left goes out with the turkey.

When you arrive home, have each child dump their loot and discard the sweets they don’t like. Okay, that’s two or three less treats. Hmmm. Next, ask them to divide the loot in half. They get to keep half and the other half goes to charity. Find a charity, ship it to American troops overseas, dump it in the disposal. Whatever. Now for the trickery. How can you eliminate the massive pile that’s left? You could allow your kids to use candy as currency. Maybe your child forgoes a daily dose for an extra story at bedtime one night, or an extra half hour of television on a rainy afternoon. Or, kids could trade in their whole batch for a trip to a toy store for a non-edible treat. I’ve also heard of dentists around the country that buy candy for $1 per pound. My kids let my husband buy some of their stash, but not until talking him up from 10 cents apiece to 25. Five bucks for a bowl of Almond Joys and Kit Katx. It could be worse.

However you decide to deal with the onslaught of sugar this Halloween, remember, you can use similar tactics to train, trick, convince, cajole or bribe your kids to eat more healthily year round.

Baby's Breath
StretaKidz at StretaPower Yoga 1524 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury
Brand new to the Boston scene, Streta offers “hot” vinyasa yoga classes in high tech facilities that include shock-absorbent, anti-bacterial, bamboo flooring and a lounge with a flat screen TV. There’s a dedicated and brightly decorated children’s studio for classes, as well as for birthday parties complete with a yoga mat mascot. StretaTeenies helps new moms get back in shape while stimulating newborns’ growing muscles. StretaTots and StretaTykes incorporate playful poses with art and puppets to increase flexibility and concentration. Kids receive their own yoga mat as part on enrollment. Say ommmm.

Excerpted from the Holiday 2006 issue of Boston Common Magazine.

Baby’s Breath
Itsy Bitsy Yoga at Exhale 28 Arlingston St., Back Bay
Exhale, the go-to yoga studio and spa for an intense experience in a peaceful and luxurious environment, now counts babies and toddlers among their most dedicated practitioners. Peek into a Buddha-endowed, candlelit studio two mornings a week for a glimpse of the smallest seekers of spiritual soothing. The Itsy Bitsy Yoga regimen, founded by Helen Garabedian, is designed to help young ones feel comfortable and build confidence in their bodies. The program for newborns teaches new mothers to relieve stress through breath and meditation, and to instill calm and quiet to their babies through gentle movement and gas-releasing techniques. The sessions for tots are active gatherings with songs and the practicing of poses like downward dog, tree, and bridge. Here’s to early ecstasy.

Excerpted from the Holiday 2006 issue of Boston Common Magazine.

Product Pick
Fizzy Fun

What: Me! Bath Ice Cream

Philosophy: Indulge yourself and your kids in ice cream without worrying about calories or cavities, with fizzy scoops of bath minerals and oils.

Favorite flavors: Chocolate Covered Strawberry (pictured here) for moms and Land or Milk and Honey for tots.

Celebrity fans: Jessica Simpson and Joss Stone are fans, as is Amber Valetta’s little one.

Where: Available at C.O. Bigelow, Copley Place, 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617.236.7259, or at www.mebath.com.

Boutique Banter
9 Months 286 Newbury St., Back Bay


Philosophy: Owner and Brookline-based mom of two, Katie Tagliazia, loves small collections, especially ones with a range of price points. For instance, she carries high-end baby furniture by Netto Collection, as well as the company’s more affordable line, Cub.
Most popular items: Cotton socks with sneakers printed on them are year-round best-sellers. During the holidays the Silver Cross toy pram is popular – the one Zahara pushes alongside Angelina and Shiloh.
Fall trends: A little trench coat with Liberty print lining, by Makie, that’s so divine Katie commissioned a large-scale version for herself; baby T-shirts by Wooliwiess, on which you can stamp a footprint; and, inspired by an exhibit at the MFA, she’s added slings which are dyed and printed using Old World Japanese techniques.
Celeb sightings: Every pregnant Red Sox wife, but no baby Violet. They keep hoping, especially as they now carry Serena & Lily, Jen’s reported choice for baby bedding.
Season event: 5th Annual Fashion & Trunk Show to benefit Birth Sisters. This year they’ll showcase the trendy California maternity label Maternal America.

Excerpted from the Fall 2006 issue of Boston Common Magazine.

Boutique Banter
Bump 45 River St., Beacon Hill


Philosophy: Patricia Marks-Martinovich, owner and mom of 2-year-old twins, shops the children’s markets in Paris, Milan, New York and L.A. to find pieces she’d wear herself. As for maternity pieces, tailor them to wear post-pregnancy.
Most popular items: For kids, it’s cashmere hoodies. And larger sizes; due to demand she now carries up to child’s size 10. For maternity, she re-ordered Diane von Furstenberg pieces six times in six months. Women drive from Maine, New Hampshire and New York City for them.
Fall trends: Patricia asserts it’s important for tots to wear a cool T-shirt on the playground. She’s got the snappy one-liners you see celeb babies wearing in US Weekly, plus rock tees from Trunk, and James Perse’s clever tidbits. “We are cool T-shirt headquarters,” promises Patricia. She adds, “Pirates are big for fall.”
Celeb sightings: We hear Jennifer Garner and baby Violet stopped by, though Patricia will neither confirm nor deny.
Season event: On Pickle & Ice Cream Wednesdays, 25% of sales are donated to charity, and shoppers receive coupons from Vlasic Pickles and Ben & Jerry’s.

Excerpted from the Fall 2006 issue of Boston Common Magazine.

Shop, Baby
Boston's Best Boutiques for Toys, Clothes, Gifts & Gear

While mass-market toy stores are closing and department stores have scaled down their children's departments, Boston has witnessed a Renaissance of the privately-owned neighborhood shops for high-end products like designer strollers, trendy outfits, contemporary bedding and wooden toys. Here are my absolute favorites.

9 Months
This brick-walled boutique is swamped with new mothers craving maternity fashions akin to those won by Hollywood darlings. They carry fifteen maternity lines, including Ripe, Japanese Weekend, Liz Lange and Cadeau, which was worn by Jennifer Garner both onscreen and off. There's a jeans wall stocked with Citizens of Humanity and Childish, and a nursing bra corner. They also offer contemporary baby furniture by Netto Collection.

Mulberry Road
A charming spot to purchase baby gifts, Mulberry Road stocks everything from clothing by Tea Collection and Wonderboy to witty oilcloth bibs and splat mats by Icky Baby and Bella Tunno. Rather spoil mom? Go for a Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag. Toy offerings include cuddlies from Jelly Cat and colorful keep-me-busies by Manhattan Baby.

Lester Harry's
This mainstay for tasteful wee ones offers distressed pastel furniture, baby albums, bedding by Shabby Chic and Bella Note, cozy blankets by Barefoot Dreams, Bla Bla creatures and must-have hair trinkets. For clothing there's Lucy Sykes' creations among others, plus shelves of European shoes.


Bump
Bump is a hip baby frock and maternity wear boutique on a side street in Beacon Hill. Maternity lines include the ever-cool Diane von Furstenberg, Chaiken, Cadeau and Fragile. Children's lines include Nicol Caramel and Milk on the Rocks. Our faves are Kitson-worthy onesies with sparkly decals proclaiming stuff like "wild child" and "rock star".


Red Wagon
Red Wagon is where Beacon Hill kids get their loot. There are plush puppets, Thomas trains, Haba toys and games. Upstairs is a book loft, with costumes and raingear. There are lots of accessories - blankets, barrettes, hats, tights abd backpacks. The front showcases clothing for toddlers to size 7T, with brands like Lily Pulitzer, Juicy and Paul Frank. They also sell shoes. Spring fave? Lelli Kelly sequin-covered canvas sneaks.

Curious George Goes to Wordsworth
This privately-owned children's bookstore/toyshop is a Harvard Square treasure. The yellow shelves are filled with books for toddlers through chapter books, with a concentration on the best picture books published. Toys, games, educational projects and art supplies are scattered throughout the shop.


Magic Beans
Boston-area parents flock to Magic Beans for the latest and greatest colorful equipment and a staff that is knowledgeable enough to demystify the purchasing process. Beyond that, Magic Beans is a fabulous neighborhood toy store, with all the best brands and a spacious gated playspace in back.

Stella Bella
This Inman Squarecreatures, and must-have hair trinkets. For clothing there's toyshop is a gathering place for nannies, moms and tots. The colorful, airy space offers the best toys and games in every category, and includes a play area whose backdrop is a magical mural. The owner graciously hosts new-parent coffee hours, toddler playgroups and lively sing-alongs.

This piece appeared on 4.06.06 in getsugar ink.

PTA PrattleGive Back the Gift Wrap

Anyone who has a school-age child is an expert in the game of fundraising. The PTA will get you, one way or another; they plan it that way. Take, for example, the gift-wrap. Does anyone actually sell it? Seems to me we all buy a few rolls for ourselves, and maybe check in with our mom to replenish her supply. I hit up the babysitter once. One mom, Chloe bag in hand, told me she refused to buy any, as the practice is “too suburban.” (She lives in Beacon Hill.)

At a PTA meeting at my sons’ school this fall, we debated doing away with the stuff. “No,” wailed one frosted-haired mom, “the sale is how my family back in Iowa participates in the school”. (It seems the practice of selling gift-wrap is not only suburban, but mid-western as well.) Another mom, educated at Berkeley and still clad in wooly socks and Birkenstocks, eschewed the all too colorful wrap, bags, and stationery. Her solution was to give the catalog to her daughter’s teacher, telling her to pick whatever she wanted for the classroom, on her. The teacher couldn’t find a thing. A pair of new mothers from Back Bay, decked out in Sevens and pointy-toed boots for their first-ever PTA meeting, bemoaned the lack of guidelines. They wanted to know how much they’re supposed to “sell” (code for “buy”).

As we were about to abolish this age-old practice adopted by just about every school in America, the PTA treasurer, a levelheaded numbers guy in a button-down shirt, cleared his throat. “If I may make a suggestion… Let’s look at our budget to see how much money the sale brings in.” Well, ok, that makes sense. Papers shuffled as we each pull out a copy of the budget. There’s a bit of silence. Seems the sale generates more money than the crafts fair, the bake sale and book sale, put together, Needless to say, we all continue to buy and sell gift wrap.

Details have been altered to protect individuals' identities.

The Excel Chronicles
Can’t Shake That Corporate Feeling

We diligently excelled in high school, enrolled in respectable colleges, to say the least. Pursued our careers, be it in law, finance, business, literary circles or the arts. Turned thirty, married, and finally reproduced. Some of us went back to work, others pulled off part-time positions, and others, for whatever reason, abandoned the civilized workplace to dedicate every fiber of our being to motherhood. I mean, really, can it be any other way when you’re home alone all day with an infant?

You’re engulfed in diapers, breast pumps, red and black toys, and if you’re smart, a bouncy seat and Baby Einstein video. All of sudden, you’re expected to be an expert in pediatric nutrition, children’s literature, suburban real-estate, family travel, automotive safety. You’re smart; you know it. Your degree and subsequent career success prove it. Maybe your bank account too. Then why do you feel so clueless?

How have we been trained to tackle unfamiliar situations? Research. We hit the books, websites, new mom’s groups. How to organize this vast array of new information? In an Excel spreadsheet. Obviously. And how to present it to your partner? In a Power Point presentation. I kid you not. This is how I handled motherhood. (Well, I didn’t have time to put a slide show together, but I organized my thoughts in my head one slide at a time.)

My best spreadsheets tackled the tricky subjects of the four food groups, paraphernalia you need when traveling with Baby, and what to buy when you’re expecting. These spreadsheets made the rounds of major cities via emails, from mom to mom, all of whom found this format to be a perfectly logical way to digest such information.

Hey, we weren’t trained for touchy-feely spit-uppy stuff. We’re cognitive thinkers, and damn it, we’ll make order of this baby stuff

Misplaced Mom now has progressed to creating spreadsheets that inventory her sons’ collection of Thomas the Tank Engine trains.

This piece appeared on 3.09.06 in Beantowners.