Despite the fact that the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is ridiculously underfunded (see today’s story in the Boston Globe about the state slashing its funding by 25 percent), there’s still reason to celebrate what we do have.
Tomorrow, the Greenway Conservancy is throwing a daylong party to celebrate Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy’s birthday and the theme for the day is taken from the story of Rose's Garden, written by local luminary Peter H. Reynolds. Reynolds, author/illustrator extraordinaire (Ish, The Dot, The North Star) dedicated the book to the Kennedy clan’s matriarch and details a young girl’s dream to plant a garden in the city.
Rose's Rolling Teapot, a replica of the illustration in Rose's Garden, will make its way around town, stopping at various locations along the Greenway District from 11:30am to 5pm. There will be family-friendly activities such as art projects, storybook readings, lawn games and food. Look for it at the Children’s Museum at 11:30am; the New England Aquarium at 1pm; and in the North End Parks 3-5pm.
One of the hardest things about being a mom is finding time for yourself and your friends. Inevitably, you’re always last on the list of priorities, but no matter what you should carve out the time. Nobody is good at anything 24/7 and that includes being a mom.
Over the course of writing Boston Baby and the subsequent events surrounding that, I became friends with Sheri Gurock, co-owner of the incredible baby and kids retail shop Magic Beans, and Dara Kelly, a personal trainer and fitness expert who specializes in pre- and post-natal wellness. About a year ago, they had a phenomenal idea to create Moms Going Out. The idea is to offer a series of evening workshops and social events designed especially for moms. MGO provides high-quality opportunities for in-person socializing and networking, along with a chance to learn something new.
I only wish I had thought of it. But since I didn’t, I joined forces with the pair.
Our next event is called “Midsummer Night's Market Dream.”
Join us on Thursday, July 22 at 6:30 pm at Sunshine Academy on Harvard Ave in Brookline. Acclaimed author Sherri Vinton, whose latest book details the intricacies and delights of preserving and canning, will tell us secrets of the farmer’s markets, how to pick the best fruits and veggies to eat now-and in the middle of our dreary winter. She’ll show us the right way to preserve flavors, and create delicious meals fresh from the farm. We’ll be noshing on goodies prepared with fresh ingredients from the market, and sipping cocktails concocted by Sherri, using flavors from the market as well. Register now here.
I like to go out to eat. A lot. Given a choice, most times I’d choose a restaurant over a home-cooked meal–even with a kid in tow. I’ve always been like that. I just like the scene, the new dishes, the adventure of dining somewhere new. My daughter has been dining out since she was two weeks old and 11 years later, she’s as comfortable in a restaurant as most adults (and sometimes even better behaved!). I know, however, I am often in the minority of people who think it’s a good idea, or fun at all, to bring kids along.
If you’re nervous about introducing your child to fine dining or new foods or even restaurants, a low cost test-run opportunity is right around the corner: Boston Restaurant Week (which is actually two weeks, March 14-19 and 21-27). It offers a bonanza of budget dining at both lunch and dinner at top notch spots around town. There are 228 restaurants participating as of this posting. There must be one or two you’ve been tempted to bring your kid to.
Prices are $15.10 for a two-course lunch; $20.10 for a three-course lunch; and $33.10 for a three-course dinner. Not every place offers all three options, so visit www.bostonusa.com/visit/restaurantweek to check out who’s doing what. Foodie website BostonChefs.com offers the Insider’s Guide to Boston Restaurant Week at www.restaurantweekboston.com, with advice, tips, menus and more.
Some other perks this year include partnerships with various hotels, a few parking garages, and ArtsBoston, which are all offering discounts and package deals related to Restaurant Week. (ArtsBoston and BosTix.org are offering half price tickets to The Dinosaur Musical at the Stoneham Theatre.)
March is always a tease –warm one day, cold the next, winter and spring vying for supremacy. At least if you make a reservation at a great restaurant, you know what to expect.
One last thing; as a server in my former life, I always tip servers on discounted meals for what they would have cost without the discount. So, if your $33.10 dinner really would have cost $75, tip accordingly. Especially if your little epicurean is still working on his table manners!
Visit www.opentable.com to make your reservations!
I don’t know about everyone else in the world, but at my house we’re glued to the 2010 Olympics coverage. Somewhat to my surprise, my daughter loves the snowboarding competition, while not surprisingly, my husband can’t get enough of hockey. Me? I’m a sucker for pairs ice skating. But really, it’s not healthy to stay inside glued to the TV.
If you are inspired by the winter sports, get out and try some. The Department of Conservation and Recreation is holding its own version of the Olympics with an Opening Ceremony this Friday night at Revere Beach from 6-8 p.m. And yes, here’s another plug for the Harbor Islands – head to Spectacle Island on Saturday from 11-2 p.m. with your snowshoes, cross-country skis or hiking boots for Snow Day with park rangers and REI staff who will lead winter activities. Finally, on Sunday, there will be ice skating and winter sports at the Reilly Rink at Cleveland Circle in Brighton from 2-4 p.m. Activities are free and there are sure to be lots of fun surprises. Visit www.mass.gov/dcr/ for more info.
And if you’d rather shed your coat and put on a swimsuit instead, a couple of area hotels offer day passes at their indoor pools. The Boston Harbor Hotel charges $25 for adults and $15 for kids and the Seaport Hotel charges $20. Call for specific hours. You can also try your local YMCA. If it has a pool, it likely has non-member hours. Visit www.ymcaboston.org to check.
Despite the fact that the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is ridiculously underfunded (see today’s story in the Boston Globe about the state slashing its funding by 25 percent), there’s still reason to celebrate what we do have.
