2012 Gift Guide: For Tweens

When your kids start thumbing their noses at tricycles and tea sets, it’s time to expand the pool of potential gift ideas.   We’ve got suggestions for those “in-between” girls and boys:   Vera Bradley bag and wristletIf you’re trying to spot a tween girl in the jungle, just look for the Vera Bradley bag. […]

2012 Gift Guide: Gifting the Kids

It’s the best part of the holidays—picking the perfect present for the kids on your list.   Even better is watching them open it. Kids’ presents are fun—bright colors, sparkly lights, soft and squishy stuffed animals—the stuff that even the adults want to play with after all the wrapping paper is undone. If you’re looking […]

From Park District to the “Pros”: Making the Leap to Travel Sports

Everybody’s read your Facebook posts about your 7-year-old tearing up the soccer field—the next David Beckham, you say.   Now you’re wondering, is it time to join the travel squad? Maybe. Before you start negotiating that signing bonus, there are a few things to consider. When to consider travel leagues Paul Keenan, one of the co-founders […]

Daring to Be a Different Kind of Parent

Can you dare to be different?   Dr. Brené Brown is a very popular “researcher/storyteller,” as seen millions of times on YouTube in her TED Conference talks. Her research on vulnerability and shame have led to several books, with her newest, “Daring Greatly,” published just last month. She’s also a mother—and as a speaker, offers […]

Makeover 2012: Nutrition

When Northfield’s Jill Manchester asked for a nutrition makeover, her reason stood out not for being special or different. It simply described the situation so many of us find ourselves in.   “As a working mom, my time is my most valuable asset,” she wrote. “Looking back, when my three kids were young, I traded […]

ScreenBreak 2012: Turn Off the TV

It’s time to turn off the TV and see what a difference it makes.   ScreenBreak 2012 is a week-long event, sponsored by The Alliance for Early Childhood, created “to encourage families to turn off the television for a whole week and to explore other options.” There are a number of family-friendly activities scheduled all […]

Love for Life: Ned and Debby Jannotta

When Ned kissed Debby for the first time, she promptly turned around and walked into a door. It was 1952, and Debby was at Princeton visiting her brother and touring colleges. Ned, a senior and football player, had agreed to be Debby’s escort after the football game. “I thought she was cute then,” Ned says. […]

2011 Holiday Go Guide

Is your house home base for the family over the holidays? We’ve got the goods on where to go—for everyone in your family:   Arts & Music For kids of all ages: Try Dr. Suess & The Art of Invention at the Museum of Science and Industry. 40-somethings will enjoy the trip back in time […]

Fresh: Well Made

Finally, you won’t have to listen wistfully to your far-flung friends as they brag about all the great, affordable denim, downtown-chic clothes and accessories they found at Madewell.   The store recently opened at Westfield Old Orchard! So if you’re living in your jeans, cardigans and leather boots this winter (and who isn’t?), check out […]

What’s on Your Book List?

There’s nothing quite like reading a few good books. Books are portable, low cost and easily accessible.  And the best part? It comes at the end, when you can share your thoughts with friends. There’s a reason book clubs are popular, and it isn’t just the chance to get out of the house and share […]