Category: Spotlight

Local companies highlighted in Newton, MA.

You Think She’s Talking About Newton too?

While sitting in her car wearing sunglasses, Medford, Mass., resident Kim Costa filmed a quick video to give the influx of Boston students a piece of wisdom: Nobody likes them.

Kim Costa took down the video that went viral but here’s what she said. (You can listen to the audio here about 40 seconds in):

“Real quick reminder to all the college students coming back to Boston to continue their higher education. This is really important. This is something you are going to carry through your entire academic career in the 617 area code: nobody likes you, you’re a visitor here; an interloper. I want you to keep that in mind when you’re strutting through the crosswalk in Harvard Square with your pink popped collar and your fucking Banana Republic, date-rape slacks. You have been obsolete to me since my 21st birthday. No need for yah. I’m sure when you graduate you’ll want to move here cause it’s so awesome — and you’re right, we’re awesome. But people like you will be contained to places like Lexington and Concord, where you can live, and wear Tevas, and recycle, and have a kid when you’re 50 years old. And you know what, we probably won’t like them either. And with that, welcome back.”

And the bar scene from Good Will Hunting: the quintessential scene of townies vs. Hahvahd.

September 22, 2014
Obesity Prevention Training for Youth Soccer Coaches
US Youth Soccer Launches First-of-its-Kind Nationwide Child

“Coaching Healthy Habits” equips coaches to teach healthy habits in addition to soccer skills

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the nation, is taking a stand against childhood obesity with Coaching Healthy Habits, a new training to help coaches teach youth players to make healthier decisions on and off the field.

Sugary drinks and calorie-dense snacks are commonly served to young athletes, often due to mistaken assumptions about how many calories kids burn during practice. Studies show that in a typical youth sport training session, children may be active less than half of the time. The Coaching Healthy Habits training module is the first of its kind to equip youth soccer coaches to target these risk factors for childhood obesity with three simple principles:
- Drink Right (hydrate with water instead of sugary beverages)
- Snack Smart (snack on fruits and vegetables)
- Move More (increase physical activity during practice)
The Coaching Healthy Habits training is a result of a collaboration between Massachusetts Youth Soccer, US Youth Soccer and Healthy Kids Out of School, an initiative of ChildObesity180 at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition. The training was tested in a statewide pilot this year with the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association.

As a result of the pilot, all 2,000 Massachusetts Youth Soccer coaches granted licenses this year completed the Coaching Healthy Habits training. With more than 200,000 players and 10,000 licensed coaches, Massachusetts Youth Soccer is the second largest US Youth Soccer member State Association in the country. Moving forward, the training will be required for all new coaches in the state, as well as New Hampshire and Maine.

“Our coaches know that they’re not just teaching soccer skills; they’re teaching life skills that will help their players achieve success on and off the field,” said Ian Mulliner, Technical Director of Massachusetts Youth Soccer. “It’s really important to us that these behaviors become second nature at practice, so we’re including it as part of our required coursework for all new coaches.”

Healthy Kids Out of School works with leaders around the country to promote the Drink Right, Move More, and Snack Smart principles for healthy out-of-school time. The program’s Healthy Kids Hub website provides resources to support the implementation of these principles. Regional funding for the Healthy Kids Out of School initiative is provided by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, with additional support from Newman’s Own Foundation.

For additional information about Coaching Healthy Habits, go here.
September 16, 2014
VOTE Ms. Frizzle Most Inspiring Teacher from TV

As kids are heading back-to-school, Parade has named beloved science teacher extraordinaire Ms. Frizzle, from Scholastic Media’s The Magic School Bus, as one of their “most inspiring teachers from TV and movies”! The vote is on for the top educator and we’re hoping you can help Ms. Frizzle reach #1!

Here’s the link. Please vote for her!

Airing for 18 consecutive years and seen in more than 39 countries, the Emmy-winning Magic School Bus is the longest-running kids’ science series in history. And the legacy continues with a thrilling new Netflix original series, The Magic School Bus 360°, that will premiere in 2016. The all-new CGI animated series from Scholastic Media will feature exciting adventures that will bring young viewers on high-flying hijinks through the incredible world of science, along with the indomitable Ms. Frizzle and her intrepid class.

August 31, 2014
New Equinox Precision Running Class

This September, Equinox is adding a new signature running class to its group fitness line up. Precision Running is a treadmill training workout based on a unique method of interval training meant to teach runner’s how to run right, hurt less and burn more. The new class will be offered at all three of the Boston locations including Chestnut Hill.

Beginning September 2014, Equinox is offering Precision Running, a formula based treadmill training workout that balances speed, incline, duration and recovery.

Created exclusively for Equinox by David Siik, a track & field record holder with a degree in biomedical science and chemistry, Precision Running is based on a unique method of interval training called Balanced Interval Training Experience, or B.I.T.E. This precise running formula mathematically strikes a balance between aerobic and anaerobic forms of interval training and allowing runners of all abilities to run right, hurt less and burn more.

By balancing all four core principles of running: speed, incline, duration and recovery, Precision Running’s has three distinct results: the burn, the build and the body. It’s long been accepted that high intensity interval training destroys calories, but with the balanced approach (B.I.T.E.), the class’ unique design torches calories without putting a strain on the rest of the body. The class also helps build skill, confidence and enduranceover the course of time resulting in a strong, long, lean runner’s body.

Unlike running on the treadmill alone, Precision Running is a high energy and exciting group running program that incorporates socializing and exercise into the hour-long class.

August 27, 2014
Elm Street Farmers’ Market in West Newton

The Elm Street Farmers’ Market in West Newton runs every Saturday until October from 10am to 2pm. Easy parking off Cherry Street but bring change for the meters.

Our first stop was the lemonade stand. $5 for this giant cup of fresh squeezed lemonade with mint and peach. Delicious! He used lemons, limes and oranges.

Chestnut Farms has chicken, beef, sausages and more. Goat anyone?

Beautiful soaps and other toiletries!

We sampled the Tuscan style homemade yogurt and walked away with the feta. When we arrived at 1:30pm, the stall was almost wiped out.

Ice cream is always welcome on a hot day! Wally’s in Auburndale has a stand!

There are several farm stands with beautiful fruits, vegatables and cut flowers. There’s even one specializing in Asian produce. We stocked up on tomatoes, peaches and melons.

New York style bagels were a hit at my house!

Glorious fresh seafood is also available. We bought the last piece of tuna which was fresh enough to eat raw.

Do you drink tea or coffee? Both are represented!

Healthy food products were being made for sampling at Nu3Kidz.

The Elm Street Farmers’ Market in West Newton has a great assortment of farm stands. Come by to see it for yourself!

August 26, 2014
Kidecals Personalized Labels DISCOUNT

Kidecals are personalized labels that are dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer safe!

Plus they stick to any surface!

You can use these stickers on clothing, backpacks, tupperware, devices. Sounds perfect for school? That’s what I thought. It’s worth it to label your kids’ items for a higher probability of getting lost items returned.

Kidecals is offering a 15% discount to my readers. Just use code ilovelabels. And did I mention that shipping is FREE?

August 25, 2014
Crudite Creations Special Discount

Crudite Creations is offering a “BBQ Bundle” for their labor day weekend celebration. This offer includes 2 free (8 oz) dips of their choice with any order delivered during Labor Day Weekend.

Please use discount code “bbqbundle” to take advantage of this offer.

August 21, 2014
JCC Arts and Fitness Fall Classes

Arts and Fitness Classes this Fall at JCC

Registration is underway for fall classes at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton.

Classes begin during the week of September 14 and are open to the entire community. Classes for children include swim lessons, basketball, soccer, Taekwondo, dance, gymnastics, handwriting, LEGO League and musical theatre.

Classes for adults include Pilates, dance, Tai Chi, tennis, painting, drawing and Mah Jongg.

View entire listing of classes and register online here or call 617-558-6419.

August 18, 2014
Water Taxi to Boston Attractions GIVEAWAY
The Cultural Connector is a first-of-its-kind water transportation service that provides a water shuttle linking Boston’s waterfront cultural destinations.

The Fallon Company and Boston Harbor Cruises linked up to create a fun way to experience these six cultural destinations on Boston’s historic waterfront:
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- Tea Party Ships and Museum
- New England Aquarium
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Faneuil Hall
- USS Constitution and Museum
Cultural Connector all-day passes are $15, but I am giving away 4 passes! To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 17, 2014
Tips for First Day of School Photos

The first day of school has long been a Kodak moment, but with the advancement in phone cameras and the rise of amateur photographers, Junior’s picture has gone from a last-minute, front-porch snap to a fully thought-out production, complete with chalkboard lists, professional signs and staged poses.

The photo experts at SmugMug – the largest independent photo-sharing site in the world – have compiled a list of tips to make sure all the effort you put into the first-day-of-school photo shoot results in the perfect snapshots to share with your friends and family. Or, as perfect as it can be when you’re working with children. 🙂

Choose the right light:

Aim for natural light. Taking snapshots in the living room can turn out dark and cast shadows across your child’s face. If you’re using a flash, avoid getting too close or your child will look more like Casper the Friendly Ghost than a fresh-faced kindergartner.

Keep it neutral:
To keep the spotlight on the star of the photo shoot, choose a neutral the background. Avoid positioning your child in front of wild patterns or cluttered furniture, especially if you’re using props.

Zoom in:

In addition to a full head-to-toe shot, get a close-up of your child’s face, so you can remember what he or she looked like during that time of life.

Don’t cry over spilled milk:

Don’t stress if Junior spills his milk on his just-pressed slacks or if Suzie rips the bow out of her hair. Sometimes the unplanned messes make for the most fun pictures and memories.

Have fun:

It might seem like a no-brainer, but have fun. Talk to your child during the photo shoot to capture natural reactions, like laughter, smiles and, yes, even, a frown that you’ll laugh about later.

The photos are by Meghan MacAskill Photography.

August 15, 2014