Month: April 2013

  • Free Seminar: Children, Teens, and Technology

    Free Seminar: Children, Teens, and Technology

    Rules of engagement: Are there any?

    Dr. Rich is a pediatrician and Director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital, Boston. His research explores the positive and negative effects of technology (computer, television, cellphones, etc.) on children and teens.

    Join us as Dr. Rich discusses:

    • Strategies and tips to manage children’s use of technology
    • How to fight the “crowd” mentality
    • Addictive nature of technology as it relates to children with attention issues
    • Impact of violence and inappropriate content on child development

    Dr. Michael Rich

    Dr. Michael Rich,nnhs, teen parenting
    Wednesday, May 8, 2013
    7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

    Newton North Auditorium
    Light refreshments

    Visit here for more information.

  • FREE Open Gym for Kids at Day Middle School

    FREE Open Gym for Kids at Day Middle School

    OPEN GYM (NO CHARGE)
    4:00-6:00 PM Every Tuesday at Day
    All students from Day, Bigelow, Brown and Oak Hill are invited to participate in the new Open Gym program.  Tyler Wachtelhausen, F.A. Day’s Physical Education, Health and Wellness Teacher, will lead the program EVERY TUESDAY through the rest of this school year at Day Middle School.  Kids can enjoy basketabll, dance, volleyball and just about whatever fitness activity you can think of.  And, best of all, it’s FREE!
    Please click on the link below for more information about the program and the registration form.  Or, have your child pick up a form in the Main Office of their school.
  • Soccer Clinics and Camps for Kids in Newton

    Soccer Clinics and Camps for Kids in Newton

    There is a Co-ed clinic being run this Sunday, today,  (April 28) by Weston Youth Soccer and the New England Revolution. It’s a fundraiser for Weston’s unique “Score One Save One” campaign, which raises money for UNICEF, the United Nations program for children. It’s such a great example of combining soccer with citizenship. The cost is just $45 and several Revs starters are expected to attend. For more information, go to Weston’s web site at: http://www.westonsoccer.org
    soccer clinic for kids Newton MA
    The other clinic is for girls only on Sunday, May 5. It’s being run by US Women’s National Team star Heather O’Reilly. Heather, who also plays for the Boston Breakers, did NGS a good turn last week when she showed up at our NGS-Breakers April Vacation camp to sign autographs and talk to the campers – despite not being one of the Breakers players assigned to work the camp. She has her own soccer academy and is running an offensively focused clinic at Harvard’s athletic fields. The cost is $85.
    Heather O'Reilly, Heather O'Reilly soccer clinic
    We are lucky to live in a city that has many wonderful sports camps options for kids! Here are a few more that we’ve tried and can wholeheartedly recommend:
    The Lady Eagles Women’s Soccer Team at Boston College is also running soccer camps this summer.  My kids have done these camps for years and have a consistently great experience. They especially love the coaching by the B.C. women’s soccer team.
    Lady Eagles girls soccer camp, Newton girls soccer camps, Newton summer camps for girls, Newton girls soccer campWorld Cup Day at Lady Eagles Girls Soccer Camp is always a fun day!
    We have also done Garden City Soccer Camps at Newton North High School. Soccer combined with swimming is a great combination during the summer. It’s run by my daughter’s coach, Brian Rooney, who is a wonderful coach! Newton high school players help run the camp and it’s been fun for my daughter to recognize high school kids around town.
    Be Ahead of the Game also runs great summer sports camps including tennis and soccer. My son has done these and it has been a great experience.
  • Free Family Fun in Watertown!

    Free Family Fun in Watertown!

    We’re having an open house with arts activities and performances at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown – a free day of family fun called Open Arts Day – on May 4.

    Open Arts Day Newton MA

  • Newton Girls Soccer Camps at Boston College

    Newton Girls Soccer Camps at Boston College

    My girls have been attending the Lady Eagles soccer camps for girls near the Boston College Law School in Newton for years. It’s a very special soccer camp because the girls think it’s really fun but they also learn the next level of soccer skills from what they have been playing.

    Boston College Girls Soccer Camp Schedule

    • 9:00am -11:00am: Warm-up/Skill Development
    • 11:00am -12:00pm: Fun Small-sided Games
    • 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch and Entertainment
    • 1:00pm – 3:00pm: Games, Scrimmages and Coaches Challenge
    • 3:00pm: Dismiss from Camp
    • 3:00pm – 5:00pm: (for $20/day late pick up is available!)

    There’s also the role model aspect. The women’s soccer team is a wonderful group of young women who typically have a special gift working with kids. Many of them are studying to be teachers. I know this because sometimes I am lucky to have them as babysitters.

    The camps are usually 4 days long (Monday through Friday) but this year because of all the snow days, the first session is different so I wanted to point out that there are two options:

    1) 4 Days: Tuesday June 25th through Friday June 28th. $295

    This option works for schools who had less snow days.

    OR

    2) 2 Days:  Thursday June 27 through Friday June 28. $195

    This works for the Newton Schools since our last school day is Wednesday June 26th.

     

    The second session is the typical one: 4 days starting on Monday.

     

    Boston College Lady Eagles Soccer Camps for Girls

    Summer Session I

    Dates: 6/25/13 – 6/28/13   OR

    6/27/13 – 6/28/13 (2 day option)

    Ages: 6 – 14 years

    Time: 9am – 3pm
    Cost: $295 / $195


    Lady Eagles girls soccer camp, Newton girls soccer camps, Newton summer camps for girls, Newton girls soccer camp

    Summer Session II

    Dates: 7/22/13 – 7/25/13

    Ages: 6 – 14 years

    Time: 9am – 3pm

    Cost: $295

     

    To register, please go here.  Early drop off and late pick ups are also an option.

     

  • J Briggs & Co. and a Once Upon a Fine Jewelry Story

    J Briggs & Co. and a Once Upon a Fine Jewelry Story

    There has been a lot of publicity directed toward women in business and why it’s important for women to support each other and work together to make a difference. We all desire to do the best by our families and at the same time be happy and true to ourselves. Not an easy feat, but I know one woman working very hard to accomplish it all!

    Jennifer Briggs Jenkins, jewelry designer extraordinaire, mother of two, and owner of J Briggs & Co.  Jen is an accomplished artist who harnesses her passion, spirit and design talents to create beyond beautiful fine jewelry. Just look at these stunning pieces:

    Jen’s pieces are unique, timeless and made with a quality and attention to detail you cannot find in most jewelry stores.  Her designs are all original, versatile and crafted to make the women who wear them sparkle.

    What makes J Briggs & Co unique and the best place to find something special?

    I asked Jen, with so many options to buy jewelry. “To me, my work is much more than creating and selling jewelry.  Jewelry represents our personal style and the pieces we wear can remind us of important moments and people in our lives. When I design a piece, I am emotionally invested and know what I am creating will mean something extra special to the person who wears it.”

    Jen takes tremendous pride in all her designs.  “When someone entrusts me to create a special piece, I take that responsibility very seriously.”

    She tells me, “It is imperative my clients have complete confidence and trust that we will deliver that heirloom piece they have been envisioning.  Our mission is to try to always exceed their expectations.

    The Ability to Customize Each Piece of Jewelry

    Is this really true?  Jen answers, “Yes, each piece is made to order to each customer’s specifications. You can choose the metal alloy (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, etc), gemstone combination & engraving, allowing you to personalize your jewelry in many ways.  I also work with clients to make other modifications or create completely custom pieces.”  Jen listens to each customer ~ considers their vision, ideas, stories and lifestyle to create amazing jewelry.

    Check out her custom gallery online.  This is one of my favorite custom rings she designed for a client incorporating an heirloom diamond that was in a setting not suited for the new wearer. When the customer first put the new ring on her finger, she said “I feel like the queen of England!”. These are the reactions Jen lives for.

    After working in many jewelry store settings, Jen discovered she could offer something better for those people seeking fine jewelry they could not find in a traditional jewelry store. What she learned was that there were sales associates, managers and craftsmen offering to sell something special- but not a designer or artist to create the vision.

    Jen believes jewelry making is an art and the key to creating exceptional pieces is combining traditional craftsmanship and technology with the vision of an artist.  She does not shy away from designs that may take extra time and attention to finish. She utilizes leading technology like CAD & CAM software (computer aided design and manufacturing), master craftsmen and hand engravers.  The raised letters on the backs of these pendants are an example of a process Jen incorporates into her designs most jewelers do not offer clients.

    J Briggs & Co is the perfect find right before Mother’s Day!!  I am compiling my wish list now and have already ordered something special for my mom.

    Check out Jen’s website and her special Mother’s Day Promotion.   Support this growing mom owned business with beyond beautiful jewelry!

     

  • Tapas in Brookline: Newly Expanded Taberna de Haro

    Tapas in Brookline: Newly Expanded Taberna de Haro

     

    Our favorite Spanish Tapas bar is newly expanded. They took over the space next door and now there is a bar and much more seating. They also have the outside patio which will be welcome when the weather turns nice.

     

    What is so great about Tapas is that it’s family friendly. We brought kids and these are the dishes that everyone enjoyed.

    Taberna de Haro Has New Bar and More Seating!

    Taverna de Haro, tapas in Brookline, newly expanded Tapas restaurant Brookline,

    Gambas al ajillo (Shrimp with garlic and olive oil)

    The shrimp is juicy and redolent of garlic. It comes out sizzling in a hot cast iron pan and it’s impossible not to dig in even though you’ll burn your tongue!

    photo-2

     

    Patatas bravas (Feisty potatoes – fried, with a spicy sauce)

    Can potatoes be feisty? These are deliciously spicy and crispy. Think French Fry but bathed in spicy goodness instead of ketchup.

    Taverna de Haro, tapas in Brookline, newly expanded Tapas restaurant Brookline,

    Grilled Sardines

    This was a special that night. The freshest sardines grilled to perfection. Watch for small bones though! 
     
    photo-5


    Chorizo a la sidra (Chorizo braised in hard cider)

    I’m not sure why their Chorizo is so much better than anything I can buy but it is.

    photo-4

    Steamed clams are not on the menu at the moment. Too bad. They were delicious.

    photo

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The menu is always changing with specials and seasonal items.

  • Take the Boxygen Challenge!

    Take the Boxygen Challenge!

    What is Boxygen™ at the Nonantum Boxing Club?

    High intensity anaerobic boxing circuit training.

    Where: 1st floor of Nonantum Boxing Club

    When: Classes begin Saturday, May 4th

    Boxygen™ Challenge Date: June 1st

    boxing for kids, boxing for boys, boxing in Newton, Newton Boxing Club, boxing lessons for kids, Nonantum Boxing Club, Newton and boxing

    If you are interested in taking the Boxygen challenge, please email Eric Busa at ebusa22@comcast.net for details and information.

    Only the first 20 applicants will be accepted so “punch” quickly”!!

    boxing class, boxing classes, Newton, boxing class for kids, boxing for women

  • Still Snow at Killington! GIVEAWAY

    Still Snow at Killington! GIVEAWAY

    Killington has extended their hours in honor of Spring’s arrival. This year the new season brings big fun in the way of soft snow, later sunsets, and events like the NOR’BEASTER, which includes activities for the whole family on and off the snow! There will be competitions, live music, BBQs, and so much more in store, so grab a piece of the action now through the very last day of the season!

    I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY for 4 family sets of lift tickets.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway


    Killington, VT, ski passes, giveaway

    • EXTENDED LIFT HOURS

      • STARTING SATURDAY, MARCH 30:
        • – Saturday, March 30: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
        • – Saturday, April 6: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
        • – Saturday, April 13: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
      • STARTING MONDAY, APRIL 15:
        • – Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
        • – Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
    • TRAILS & CONDITIONS

      Despite warmer weather approaching, over 60% of Killington’s trails and lifts remain open for mountain lovers! For daily trail reports and ride conditions, click here.

    The fine print:

    Once the winners have been chosen they will need to know the name and phone number of each winner(s), number of tickets needed (one ticket per family member), plus the ages of all attending. Tickets will be held at will-call for the remainder of the 2012-2013 winter/spring ski season.

  • Healthy Habits Kitchen FREE Events

    Healthy Habits Kitchen FREE Events

    Healthy Habits Kitchen in Wellesley has a couple of great and totally FREE events coming up.

    To celebrate 5 years of business, Healthy Habits Kitchen is hosting an anniversary party with the Urban Grape at their facility on April 24th from 5:30 – 8 pm.

    Healthy Habits

    Attendees will enjoy 5 food and wine pairings, special 1-night only savings and much more! See here for more details.

     

    chocolate therapy

    On May 2nd from 5 – 8 pm, HHK has joined forces with Chocolate Therapy, a new store in Needham, to host a Happy Hour.

    CT_Cure Truffle

    They’ll be sampling their Black Bean Chocolate Chili together with The Cure truffle as well as viewing a truffle-making demonstration.

    black-bean-chili2