Monthly Archives: May 2016

Fantastic, Little Known, Cambridge Parks – 5 Things to Know About Heritage Rose Park

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Heritage Rose Park is such a fun place to visit during the summer.  They’ve got a great splash pad dotted with raised piping that sprays outwards, perfect for toddlers.  There is a great gated playground with slides, swings, and a climbing gym and best of all there are so many activities that go on at the park all summer long!

This past summer every day from 11:30-12:30 there was a free lunch (like something you would get in a elementary school cafeteria) available for any child under the age of 18. On different days of the week there were different activities going on all summer long such as “Arts in the Park” and “Book Bike”.  (You can read more about Book Bike here, but know that it’s an awesome summer program that goes park to park during the summer providing both activities and free books for kids).

Things to Note:

1) Parking
There is street parking and metered parking in the area, but I think you have to have a Cambridge Resident sticker to use it.

2) Stroller Friendliness
Totally stroller friendly.

3) Water Feature
Great water area with raised, chest high sprayers that sprit in all directions.  Also the spray park is in a different area from the playground so you can bring you kids and still play at the playground without worrying about them getting wet if you don’t want them to.

4) Green Space
This park has a really nice grassy field, perfect for field games.  In fact during the summer there is a “Get up and Move” crew that often has field games going and is there to encourage anyone who is interested to join in.

5) Benches and Chairs
There are a bunch of benches surrounding the splash pad and a few tables located in the playground area.  There isn’t great shade in any of the places with tables/chairs so you’ll have to choose if you’d rather be in a real seat or sitting on the ground in the shade to enjoy you activities.

Summary and Rating: ★★★★☆

Four Stars.  I think this is great park, I love the splash area and the summer programs probably make it a five star park, the only pit fall is that all summer long this place is also swamped with day care kids, so there are tons of little ones running around which can be a overwhelming.  The day care kids all seem to clear out at about 11:30 but for us there was always a cross over and little bit of chaos which was both good (more kids to play with) and bad (more kids everywhere).

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Green Rose Heritage Park

155 Harvard St,
Cambridge, MA 02139

Website: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/greenrosepark

Toddler A-Z – 100 Objects That Start with the Letter “H”

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A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “H” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “H” objects.
  1. Hackney: A horse suitable for riding
  2. Hacksaw: A saw with a fine-tooth blade used for cutting metal or wood
  3. Haddock: A saltwater fish that is commonly used for food
  4. Hair: The strands that grow from the skin of humans and animals
  5. Hair Clip: A small metal or plastic clip used to hold the hair in place
  6. Hair Curler: A device used to curl or style the hair
  7. Hair Dryer: A device used to dry the hair using hot or cool air
  8. Hair Tie: A band or piece of fabric used to tie or hold the hair together
  9. Hairbrush: A tool with bristles used to comb and style the hair
  10. Hairspray: A cosmetic product that holds the hair in place when sprayed
  11. Half Dollar: A United States coin worth 50 cents
  12. Halibut: A large flatfish commonly used for food
  13. Hall: A large room used for gatherings or events
  14. Halo: A circle of light or radiance around a person’s head, often depicted in religious art
  15. Ham: A meat product made from the leg of a pig, often served cooked or cured
  16. Hamburger: A sandwich made with a cooked beef patty, often served with various toppings
  17. Hammer: A tool with a heavy metal head used for driving nails or breaking objects
  18. Hammock: A fabric sling hung between two points, used for resting or sleeping
  19. Hamper: A large basket used for carrying or storing items, often used for laundry
  20. Hamster: A small rodent often kept as a pet, known for its cheek pouches
  21. Hand Sanitizer: A liquid or gel used to clean and disinfect the hands
  22. Handbag: A small bag typically carried by women, used to hold personal items
  23. Handcuffs: A metal device used to secure a person’s wrists together
  24. Handkerchief: A small cloth used for wiping the nose or face
  25. Handle: A part of an object designed to be held or grasped
  26. Hands: The body part at the end of the arm, used for grasping and manipulating objects
  27. Hanger: A shaped piece of wood, plastic, or metal used to hang clothing
  28. Harbor: A sheltered area of water where ships and boats can anchor or dock
  29. Hard Boiled Egg: An egg that has been cooked until both the white and yolk are solid
  30. Hare: A fast-running mammal that resembles a large rabbit
  31. Haricot Bean: A type of bean commonly used in cooking, also known as a navy bean
  32. Harmonica: A small musical instrument played by blowing and drawing air through reeds
  33. Harp: A musical instrument consisting of a frame with strings that are plucked
  34. Hash Brown: A fried potato dish made from shredded or diced potatoes
  35. Hat: A head covering worn for protection, fashion, or religious reasons
  36. Hatchback: A car body style with a rear door that swings upward, providing access to the cargo area
  37. Hawaiian Punch: A popular kids drink mix known for its fruity flavors
  38. Hawk: A bird of prey known for its sharp vision and swift flight
  39. Hay: Dried grass or other plants used as fodder or for bedding
  40. Hazelnut: The edible nut of the hazel tree, often used in baking or as a flavoring
  41. Head: The uppermost part of the body containing the brain and sensory organs
  42. Headstone: A stone marker placed at a grave to memorialize the deceased
  43. Headband: A band worn around the head, typically to hold the hair back or as a fashion accessory
  44. Headdress: A decorative covering worn on the head, often representing cultural or ceremonial significance
  45. Headphones: A pair of electronic devices worn over the ears to listen to audio privately
  46. Heart: The muscular organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body
  47. Heater: A device used to generate heat, often used for warming a room or water
  48. Heel: The back part of the foot below the ankle or a low-heeled shoe
  49. Helicopter: A type of aircraft that uses rotating blades to hover, take off, and land vertically
  50. Hen: A female chicken often used for egg-laying
  51. Herbal Tea: A beverage made by steeping herbs, flowers, or other plant parts in hot water
  52. Herbs: Plants valued for their aromatic or medicinal properties, often used in cooking or natural remedies
  53. Hero: A person admired for their courage, noble qualities, or achievements
  54. Heron: A long-legged wading bird commonly found near bodies of water
  55. Hershey’s Kisses: Small, bite-sized chocolate candies made by the Hershey Company.
  56. Hiccups: Involuntary contractions of the diaphragm that cause a sudden intake of breath, often resulting in a sound.
  57. Hickory Nut: Edible nut produced by hickory trees, typically used in baking or eaten as a snack.
  58. Hickory Tree: Large deciduous tree native to North America, known for its hard wood and edible nuts.
  59. High Chair: A chair designed for infants or small children to sit in while eating, with raised sides and a safety belt.
  60. High Five: A gesture of celebration or congratulations, in which two people slap each other’s upraised hand.
  61. Highlighter: A marker pen with bright, fluorescent ink used to mark and emphasize important information.
  62. Highway: A major road that connects different cities or regions, typically designed for high-speed traffic.
  63. Hiking Boots: Sturdy, supportive footwear specifically designed for hiking or walking on rough terrains.
  64. Hill: A raised area of land, typically smaller than a mountain, with a rounded summit.
  65. Hinge: A movable joint or mechanism used to connect two objects and allow them to rotate or swing.
  66. Hip: The area on each side of the body where the thigh bone meets the pelvis, also used figuratively to refer to style or trends.
  67. Hippopotamus: Large, semi-aquatic mammal with a large mouth, barrel-shaped body, and short legs.
  68. Hive: A structure in which bees live and store honey, typically made of honeycomb and wax.
  69. Hoagie: A sandwich made with a long roll of bread filled with meats, cheese, and vegetables.
  70. Hockey Jersey: A shirt worn by ice hockey players, typically made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
  71. Hockey Puck: A flat disk made of hard rubber that is used in the sport of ice hockey.
  72. Hockey Stick: A long, curved stick used to hit a puck in the sport of ice hockey.
  73. Hoisin Sauce: A thick, dark brown sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a glaze or condiment.
  74. Hole: A hollowed-out or excavated space, typically deep and round.
  75. Holly: An evergreen shrub or tree with shiny, prickly leaves and red berries, often used for decoration during Christmas.
  76. Home: A place where one lives, a dwelling or residence.
  77. Honey: A sweet, sticky substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowers, used as a natural sweetener.
  78. Honey Badger: A small carnivorous mammal known for its aggressive nature and fearless attitude.
  79. Honey Mustard: A condiment made by combining honey and mustard, often used as a dipping sauce or salad dressing.
  80. Honeydew: A type of melon with sweet, juicy green flesh and a pale green rind.
  81. Honeysuckle: A climbing shrub with fragrant, tubular flowers, often cultivated for its beautiful scent.
  82. Hood: A covering for the head and neck, typically attached to a jacket or coat.
  83. Hoodie: A casual sweatshirt or jacket with a hood, often worn for comfort or warmth.
  84. Hook: A curved or bent implement designed to catch, suspend, or anchor objects.
  85. Hoop: A circular band or ring, often used in games or as part of jewelry.
  86. Horn: A hard, pointed, often curved growth on the head of certain mammals, typically used for defense or communication.
  87. Horse: A large, hoofed mammal of the Equidae family, commonly domesticated and used for riding or pulling loads.
  88. Horseradish: A pungent, spicy root vegetable commonly used as a condiment or flavoring agent.
  89. Horseshoe: A U-shaped metal plate or shoe, typically made of iron, nailed to the hooves of horses to protect their feet.
  90. Hose: A flexible tube or pipe used to convey water or other fluids.
  91. Hospital: An institution providing medical and surgical treatment for the ill or injured.
  92. Hot Cocoa: A hot beverage made from cocoa powder, typically mixed with milk or water and sweetened.
  93. Hot Dog Bun: A soft, long roll of bread sliced on one side, specifically used for holding hot dogs or sausages.
  94. Hot Dogs: Cooked sausages made from a combination of meats, typically served on a bun with various condiments and toppings.
  95. Hot Fudge: A thick, sweet sauce made from melted chocolate and cream, commonly used as a topping for ice cream.
  96. Hot Plate: An electric or gas-powered appliance used for heating food and beverages.
  97. Hot Pocket: A type of frozen snack comprising of a pastry shell filled with various savory ingredients, typically eaten hot.
  98. Hot Sauce: A spicy condiment made from a variety of chili peppers and other ingredients, used to enhance the flavor of dishes.
  99. Hour: A unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
  100. House: A building used as a living space for humans, typically consisting of rooms, a roof, and walls.
  101. House Plant: A plant cultivated indoors as a decorative addition to a house or other building.
  102. Hubcap: A protective covering on a wheel hub, often made of metal, to improve the appearance and safety of the vehicle.
  103. Huckleberry: A small, round, blue or black edible fruit that grows on shrubs in North America.
  104. Hula Hoop: A large, circular toy that can be twirled around the waist, hips, or limbs for recreational purposes or exercise.
  105. Humidifier: A device that increases the humidity or moisture content in the air of a room or building.
  106. Hummingbird: A small bird known for its ability to hover in mid-air and its swift wingbeats, often attracting attention due to its vibrant colors and hum-like sound.
  107. Hummock: A small, rounded and elevated area of land, often found in marshy or boggy terrain.
  108. Hummus: A Middle Eastern dip or spread made from mashed chickpeas, blended with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and tahini.
  109. Hundred: The number equivalent to ten times ten, or a combination of two-digit numbers.
  110. Hunter: A person who engages in the act of pursuing, capturing, or killing wild animals for sport or food.
  111. Hush Puppies: Deep-fried ball-shaped cornmeal dumplings, typically served as a side dish in Southern cuisine.
  112. Hydra: A small, predatory, freshwater creature characterized by a tubular body with several tentacles surrounding its mouth, capable of regenerating its lost body parts.
  113. Hydrant: An upright fixture with a valve, typically located in streets or buildings, providing access to a water supply for firefighting purposes.
  114. Hyena: A carnivorous mammal known for its distinct laughing-like vocalization and scavenging behavior, often found in Africa and Asia.
  115. Hyrax: A small mammal native to Africa and the Middle East, resembling a plump rodent with hoof-like toes and short ears.

Can you think of any other letter “H” words?  If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

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Review – Pacific Baby World 3-1 Insulated Toddler Travel Cup

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We live in Boston, and since we live in a big city parking in most places is a nightmare.  We often end up taking public transportation and do a lot of walking. Summers here are hot and I often get concerned about how my son is going to handle being out in the warm weather. I sunscreen him up, he wears a hat and I try to keep him in the shade, but it’s still so hot.

I want to be able to get as much liquid into him as possible and I’ve found the Pacific Baby all-in-one cups to be a pretty amazing addition to our summer outings.  Not only are they super versatile but the are amazing at keeping drinks cold. Ice cold. In fact, if I add ice to his drink, 4 hours later there are still ice cubes in his cup… Pretty fantastic right?

Here is a brief summary of the benefits of a Pacific Baby Cup:
  • They keep drinks cold or hot for up to 7 hours! 
  • They are a great transition cup and you can upgrade it to meet the needs of your child simply by switching out the mouthpiece on the cup; they have bottle, sippy cup, and straw tops. 
  • They are environmentally friendly (and you only need one cup for a baby through a 5 year old).
  • It’s made out of stainless steel which is good for sanitation. 
  • It’s super easy to clean by hand and they are dishwasher safe. 


    My son never took a bottle, so we didn’t end up using the default top that came with the cup and instead we went straight for the sippy cup top. My boy loved it. It’s soft and flexible, easy to drink from and the cup really is amazing at keeping a drink cold… like to the point I’m a little bit jealous of it. I also love that it comes with lid to cover the sippy cup spout and I can add hand grips to the side if I want them.

    This cup seemed perfect for a few months… and then we noticed a few slight drawbacks. First there was a day I filled up the cup, didn’t bother putting the handles on it and handed it off to my son. About five seconds later he was screaming bloody murder because it had slipped out of his hand and smashed his foot.  I believe it hurt. These cups are really sturdy.
    The spout on the sippy cup is really easy to invert but kind of a pain to pop back out (and toddler will play with anything they can get their hands or mouth on so our gets inverted fairly often.) The sippy cup top is also really flexible which means my son can easily push the whole spout into the cup if he’s playing with it… which of course makes a mess.

    And finally, we found that straw top is not quite as good as the other two tops at keeping liquid in.  If I have the cup in the side holder of my backpack and it’s got the straw top on it I can expect to have a slight amount of leakage if I don’t keep my backpack upright (the other I could flip in circles and they didn’t leak a drop.)


    Pros: 
    • Durable Bottle
    • Fantastic Insulator 
    • Changeable tops resulting in less clutter and the need for fewer cups
    • Customizable
    • Washable

    Cons: 

    • Heavy
    • Sippy cup top is a little too flexible
    • Straw top is more prone to leaks (though it does have a great built in cover)
    • Price

    All in all it’s been a great bottle to have over the summer, and I’m looking forward to being able to use it this winter as well.  I can recommend it as a good product and I think it’s worthing having something that can keep your toddlers drink (especially if that drink is milk) cold even when it’s 90 degrees outside.

    Check out Pacific Baby and more about their 3 in 1 bottles 

    Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Instagram
    What are you favorite kinds of cups/sippy cups for outdoor adventures?  

    Fantastic, Little Known, Cambridge Parks – 6 Things to Know About David Nunes Park (aka Old Morse Park)

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    This park is located one block over from Fulmore Park and is amazing for older children, (I would say it’s best suited for ages 5+).  The have a giant climbing structure made from thick rubber mats, a basketball court, ping pong/table tennis tables, a giant water sprinkler and lots of other fun stuff to keep your older children engaged and moving.

    Things to Note:

    1) Parking
    There is no dedicated parking for this playground, though you might be able to find street parking near it.

    2) Water Feature
    There is a big geyser of water in this park that shoots ten or so feet into the air.  My two year old son was both fascinated and terrified of it, but the older kids seem to love it.

    3) Climbing Structure
    This park has a really unique and fun climbing area.  There are a bunch of thick black rubber pieces strung up that create small, wobbly platforms for the children to climb up and crawl on. There is also a thick rubber slide made out of the same material and a rope/net climbing area.

    4) Seesaw
    This park has a suspended seesaw and I have to admit I played on it with my husband and have not laughed so hard in a long time.  You climb onto a disk shaped seat that has a rope coming out of the middle of it.  That rope is attached to some mechanism high above your head and somehow it becomes a combo between a seesaw and a swing.  I would not dare put a young child on it, but it was a blast to swing on as an adult.

    5) Courts
    This playground has an enclosed basketball court as well as couple of enclosed table tennis/ping pong tables.

    6) Pizza
    Okay… not that you’re going to come here looking for food, but right next to the park is a little pizza joint and we have spent a couple of great evenings enjoying a pizza and playing in the park. Check out Cambridge Pizza for pricing and to learn more.  I happen to think they make a pretty good pizza myself…

    Summary and Rating ★★★★★

    Five Stars. Though I think my son is too young to fully enjoy this park we still had fun at it.  I love the uniqueness of the playground and I love that there are no swings (my son would happily sit on a swing for hours)  it’s all about climbing and playing, but it’s also a park for older kids.  If you have toddlers or children under five I would suggest checking out Fulmore Park, which is exactly one block south of this park, a super short walk, and it’s perfect for younger kids.

    Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

    David Nunes Park/ Old Morse Park
    129 Allston Street
    Cambridgeport, Cambridge, 02139

    Learn More: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/parks/parksmap

    Toddler Letters – “J” is for “Jellyfish”

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    Supplies Needed:

    • Colored Craft Paper
    • Letter “J” Cutout
    • Elmer’s Glue
    • Scissors
    • Googly Eyes
    • Ribbon
    • Markers

    Set Up:

    I cut out our “J” ahead of time, then we sat down at the craft table and I let my son cut little strips off of a whole bunch of random ribbons and colored strings I had.  Once we had a good pile of strings I showed him how to put glue on the “J” (I have a glue stick pictured above, but we ended up using Elmer’s glue) then we glued the strings to our “J”.  Finally when we had enough strings we added some goggly eyes and let our J with its strings dry.  Once our “J” was dry we glued our jellyfish to a sheet of craft paper.
    We finished by talking about different kinds of things that live in the water; fish, starfish, jellyfish, crabs, sharks, dolphins etc.

    Tracing Letters:

    *Courtesy of http://bogglesworldesl.com/

    Have you made this craft?  What was your experience like and do you have an suggestions to make it better?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.

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