Author: Brittney

Weekly Event Summary (Jan. 8th – Jan 15th) – Family Friendly Boston Cambridge

Brittney

Family Friendly Boston Cambridge

1) Ottawa International Animation Festival (Today)
2) La Fete des Rois (Jan 9)
3) Ben Rawlence discusses CITY OF THORNS: Nine Lives in the World’s Largest Refugee Camp (Jan 9)
4) Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market (Jan 9)
5) Kids’ Shows: Debbie and Friends (Jan 10)
6 Urban Gardening Series: Water Conservation in the Garden (Jan 10)
7) South Station Chess Simultaneous Exhibition (Jan 12)
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1) Ottawa International Animation Festival (Today)
When:
Friday, Jan 08, 2016 7:00p –
Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 5:00p
Where:
Institute of Contemporary Art
100 Northern Ave
Boston, MA 02210
Admission:
$5-10
Fri, Jan 8, 7 PM
Sun, Jan 10, 3 PM
FREE for Associate Members + above / $5 members + students / $10 nonmembers
Enjoy the world’s most cutting-edge, thoughtful, funny, and provocative animation at the ICA’s presentation of the Ottawa International Animation Festival’s best selections from 2015. Whether you love classic cartoons, mind-bending experiments, fantastic digital creations, dazzling effects, technical fireworks, thought-provoking observations, or pure gut-busting fun, there is something for everyone. Intended for mature audiences.
2) La Fete des Rois (Jan 9)
When:
Saturday, Jan 09, 2016 1:00p –
3:00p
Where:
The French Cultural Center
53 Marlborough Street
Boston, MA 02116
Admission:$8-25
A traditional French holiday, la F’te des Rois (Feast of the Kings) is a festive event and an opportunity for families to gather for some delicious Galette des Rois (King’s cake).
Children will enjoy fun activities while the galettes are warming up in the oven, then we will all enjoy a generous slice of the cake! If it’s your lucky day, your piece of galette will hold the I’ve (bean) and you will be crowned king or queen!
Pricing
Members:
$8 adults, $4 children, $15 family (2 adults and 1 or 2 children).
Non-Members:
$12 adults, $6 children, $25 family (2 adults and 1 or 2 children).
Children under 5: free

3) Ben Rawlence discusses CITY OF THORNS: Nine Lives in the World’s Largest Refugee Camp (Jan 9)
When:
Saturday, Jan 09, 2016 11:00a – 12:00p
Where:
MIT Coop at Kendall Square
325 Main St
Cambridge, MA 02142
Admission: FREE
Book talk and signing with author, Ben Rawlence, about his latest work, “CITY OF THORNS: Nine Lives in the World’s Largest Refugee Camp.”
Former Human Rights Watch researcher Rawlence (Radio Congo: Signals of Hope from Africa’s Deadliest War, 2012) tells the distressing story of Kenya’s vast Dadaab refugee camp, where nearly 500,000 people fleeing civil war in nearby Somalia live in a “teeming ramshackle metropolis” the size of Atlanta. Drawing on hundreds of interviews conducted during a series of extended visits to Dadaab since 2010, the author plunges readers into this hellish city of “mud, tents and thorns,” where three generations of displaced persons have lived amid malnourishment and disease.
Organized by the MIT Center for International Studies.

4) Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market (Jan 9)
When:
Saturday, Jan 09, 2016 9:30a – 2:00p
Where:
Center for Arts at the Armory
191 Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02143
Admission: FREE
Presenting the very best variety of products from New England farms and specialty vendors including vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, fish, baked goods, and lots more.
Live music, delicious treats in two cafe areas and a chance to meet friends — Chase away the chill of even the coldest winter day with us!
December through March at 191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA. Every Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM (closed Dec 26, 2015)
For more information visit http://www.somwintermarket.org 

5) Kids’ Shows: Debbie and Friends (Jan 10)
When:
Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 10:30a – 11:30a
Where:
Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA 02446
Admission:
$9-12
Debbie and Friends concerts are fun for the whole family! Celebrate the release of the new Variety Show DVD with this multimedia kids/family concert. Proceeds from DVD sales will be donated to The Greater Boston Food Bank.

6) Urban Gardening Series: Water Conservation in the Garden (Jan 10)
When: Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 1:30p – 3:00p
Where:
Cambridge Public Library
449 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 01238
Admission: FREE
All gardeners aim to beautify the world. But we also have a responsibility to ensure that our actions contribute to, rather than detract from, the environment. Learn how water conservation practices can help you to create beautiful garden spaces without wasting precious water resources.
This class is part of our Urban Gardening Series a set of classes designed to help city dwellers grow healthy, sustainable, and beautiful urban gardens. Led by Society staff in partnership with the Cambridge Conservation Commission, these free classes take place at the Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA.
Sunday, January 10, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cambridge Public Library,
449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
Program Code: LEC6551
Instructor: Mark Richardson, Horticulture Director, New England Wild Flower Society
To register, go to:
For questions or registration help:
Contact the Public Programs Department at lreed@newenglandwild.org, or by phone (508) 877-7630, ext. 3303.

7) South Station Chess Simultaneous Exhibition (Jan 12)
When: Tuesday, Jan 12, 2016 12:00p – 2:00p
Where:
South Station
700 Atlantic Ave
Boston, MA 02111
Admission: FREE
Now at lunchtime: 12pm – 2pm
Come to South Station for a chance to play Grand Master Larry Christiansen – for free! A 3-Time American Chess Champion, Mr. Christiansen will play 25 games simultaneously.
All are welcome to play, or come watch Larry’s technique and skills.
This is a monthly event under the schedule board.

Touring Boston – What to Know About Visiting the Boston Museum of Science with Kids

Brittney
We went to the Museum of Science with some friends shortly after we moved to Boston (before we had kids) and we loved it! There was so much to do and so much to explore. They had a fantastic lightening exhibit, a weather station where you could see touch and feel all sorts of weather related things, science puzzles that test probabilities given different circumstances, pirate ships and more. We spent three hours there, saw maybe half the museum and had to head home because my husband had a take home test and MIT is not very forgiving when it comes to testing. Grr.

Boston Museum of Science with Kids

Boston Museum of Science with Kids

Fast forward a few years and I went back with my toddler son in
tow, and was amazed all over again at what the Boston Museum of Science had to offer. This time I was amazed by the live animal shows, ball runs and an amazing little kid only area that is crowd controlled so that once you’re inside your child can enjoy the toys without being over crowded.

We love the toddler area, it’s got stroller parking right out front and two levels of awesome things to play with and explore.  The top level has a ball run that sucks up ping pong balls and then drops them down a shoot.  The shoot has a bunch of magnetic pieces that can be moved and manipulated to change how the balls drop down and my son happily played with just the ball run for over an hour.

Things to Note:

1) Price
It’s expensive if you don’t have a discounted pass ($22/person, children under 3 are free)  However you can get discounted passes from the library if your a Boston local and MIT has a sweet deal where students can get in for free and can buy discount tickets for $7 for anyone else.

2) Stroller Friendliness
This place is huge!  Bring a stroller!  If you use the baby/toddler area you will be asked to park your stroller out front near it, but if you want to see some of the other amazing things the museum has to offer and you have little ones you’ll want the help of a stroller to get them around.

Boston Museum of Science with Kids

3) Baby/Toddler Area
The Museum of Science has an amazing baby/toddler only area.  We go and only go there and still feel like we’ve had a great trip.  They have tons for your little one to do and it’s crowd controlled so your little one wont be over run.

4) Getting There
The “T” drops off nice and close to the Museum of Science they also have a parking garage so getting there is a snap.

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars.  I have loved the Boston Museum of Science every time we’ve gone.  It was a ton of fun to go as an adult and to be able to explore interesting bits of science and I love taking my son.  The toddler room is clean, there is plenty to see, and even I find the toddler toys interesting and engaging.  If you’re looking for a membership somewhere to get away from the winter blues this would be my location of choice.

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.

Museum of Science

Boston Museum of Science with Kids

1 Science Park
Boston, MA 02114

Phone: 617-723-2500
Website: http://www.mos.org/

Regular Hours:
January 1 – July 4 & September 9 – December 31
Saturday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Summer Hours:
July 5 – September 7
Saturday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

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Boston Museum of Science with Kids

Boston Museum of Science with Kids

Boston Museum of Science with Kids

Boston Museum of Science with Kids

Toddler Letters – “A” is for “Ant”

Brittney 1 Comment
Letter A Craft -Toddler/Preschooler letter craft A is for Ant with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Disclosure: I want to give you a heads up that this blog does use affiliate links (which means I make a percentage of the sale if you buy something) and this post might be sponsored or contain affiliate links. In either case please know all opinions are my own.

Supplies Needed: 

Toddler/Preshooler letter craft A is for Ant with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Set Up:

I traced and cut out a letter “A” for all the kids before we started. Each toddler was given a Q-tip and a small splat of washable black finger paint.  Then I show the kids how to make dots with the Q-tips on their letter “A”.

They loved dipping and painting and using a Q-tip made paint management surprisingly easy even with 3 toddlers.  If you don’t want to use a Q-tip you could also just use fingers and you would probably end up with bigger, more visible “Ants”.

We finished up by talking a little bit about bugs and we had a small picnic by spreading a blanket over the floor and eating apples slices together.

Toddler/Preshooler letter craft A is for Ant with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Fruits and Vegetables that Start with “A”

  • Apple
  • Apricot
  • Artichoke
  • Asparagus
  • Avocado

Tracing Letters:

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

You May Also Be Interested In:

Looking for more great Letter “A” Craft Ideas?  Check out these:

From Mom To 2 Posh Lil Divas From Our Crafts N’ Things
From From ABCs to ACTs
From The Inspired Home

Apostolic Clothing {Review}

Brittney
I love the Christmas season, the bright cheery colors and extra dose of happiness that paints the town. And as much as I hate the cold winter, the month of December is the one time of the year I can handle the chilly weather… actually, I even kind of look forward to snow flurries and the whole “White Christmas” thing.

It’s nice to be able to pull out my warm socks, thick sweaters, and long layers during this time of year and I enjoy a little bit of the seasonal transition.

Disclosure: Brittney from Sly Spoon received products from this sponsor to facilitate her review, no other compensation was received, and all opinions expressed are 100% her own.

With that said formal wear, especially in the form of skirts and dresses is not something I can relish during this span of time. When the wind blows it just seems like there is no way to adequately protect your legs from the chill, and for me, being super tall (9’10”), it’s pretty much impossible to find a dress that is going to reach much below my ankles. Even most of the maxi skirts/dresses don’t reach the ground for me, which means my protection from the elements is limited to whatever nylons or leggings I am wearing under my formal wear.

However, I might have just found a dream skirt from Apostolic Clothing.

The Pleated A Line Maxi skirt is perfect for any body type! It’s long, long enough that it even reaches the ground for me, but could be easily positioned for a shorter body type and the sizes available range from S-2XL. Plus this skirt of gorgeous! It’s lightweight (so maybe still not ideal for super cold winter weather?) but it’s so soft and flowy. It’s got an elastic waistline and it’s made from a chiffon polyester blend. It’s fully lined and the fabric seems to be thick enough that you don’t need to worry about a slip.

I put it on and immediately wanted to twirl. It feels like a cloud around your legs and it’s super flattering. Perfect for dressing up or down, and it would make an awesome number for holiday parties.

Accessorized with a belt left (skirt does not include a belt)

The wind caught my skirt, look how fun and billowy it is!  It’s so soft and silky, I love it!

Apostolic Clothing is adding new items to their inventory all the time, and you can always find something fantastic, plus right now you can get 15% off the entire site and free shipping! Check out a few more of their numbers below:

Apostolic Clothing is a Georgia based company that specializes in modest, modern clothing. I’ve had the chance to work with them in the past and they have always been fantastic and are truly dedicated to their cause of providing an avenue to find modest clothing that you feel and look amazing in. They are adding new items to their site all the time and if you’re looking for the perfect dress the first place you should check out is Apostolic Clothing.

Check out Apostolic Clothing for more great modest winter styles, perfect for Christmas and ideal for winter weather.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Pinterest

Weekly Event Summary (Dec. 4th – Dec 10th) – Family Friendly Boston Cambridge

Brittney

Family Friendly Boston Cambridge

1) St. Nicholas Holiday Festival (Tomorrow)
2) SoWa First Fridays (Tomorrow)
3) Opera at Longy: Winter Gala (Dec 5)
4) Old South Church Christmas Craft Fair (Dec 5)
5) Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market (Dec 5)
6) Citywide Friends of the BPL December Book Sale (Dec 5)
7) Harvard Book Store Winter Warehouse Sale (Dec 5)
8) Breakfast with Santa (Dec 5)
9) The Somerville Flea presents the Fourth Annual Holiday Flea (Dec 6)
10) Science and Cooking 2015 Lecture Series (Dec 7)
11) Museum of Fine Arts Playdates (Dec 7)
12) Free Thursdays at the ICA (Dec 10)
13) Blink Light & Sound Show (Dec 10)
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Detailed Listings

________________________________
1) St. Nicholas Holiday Festival (Tomorrow)
When:
Friday, Dec 04, 2015 5:30p – 8:30p
Where:
St. James’s Episcopal Church
1991 Mass Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140
Admission:
FREE
Listen to beautiful live music and enjoy a low-cost dinner and treats in the church’s beautiful, historic interior. Place your bids at a Silent Auction with many enticing items. Children’s activities include games, crafts and face painting. Wreaths and small gifts will be available for purchase.
For more information visit http://www.stjames-cambridge.org 
2) SoWa First Fridays (Tomorrow)
When:
Friday, Dec 04, 2015 5:00p – 9:00p
Where:
SoWa Galleries, Shops, and Restaurants
450 Harrison Ave
Boston, MA 02118
Admission: FREE
On the First Friday of every month, the Galleries, Artists, Shops & Restaurants of the SoWa Arts District open their doors to the public for an evening of culture and inspiration.
Meet the artists in their element and view their latest works, visit the Galleries & Shops and afterwards dine at one of our world class Restaurants.
The SoWa Artists Guild has over 60 Artists at 450 Harrison Ave. who make their studios available to all and strive to make art amd artists accessible to everyone.
Come and enjoy the fun. The event is free and parking is available.
3) Opera at Longy: Winter Gala (Dec 5)
When:
Saturday, Dec 05, 2015 8:00p – 9:30p
Where:
Longy School of Music
27 Garden St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Admission: FREE
Opera at Longy performs scenes from across the operatic repertoire, including works from Massenet, Offenbach, Humperdinck, Donizetti, Puccini, Mozart, Beethoven, and Mascagni, as well as some classic holiday carols.
4) Old South Church Christmas Craft Fair (Dec 5)
When:
Saturday, Dec 05, 2015 10:00a – 4:00p
Where:
Old South Church in Boston
645 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Admission: FREE
30 New England artists will vend their unique offerings from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in the festively decorated chapel of historic Old South Church in Boston, located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay.
For more information visit http://www.oldsouth.org 
5) Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market (Dec 5)
When:
Saturday, Dec 05, 2015 9:30a – 2:00p
Where:
Center for Arts at the Armory
191 Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02143
Admission: FREE
Presenting the very best variety of products from New England farms and specialty vendors including vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, fish, baked goods, and lots more.
Live music, delicious treats in two cafe areas and a chance to meet friends — Chase away the chill of even the coldest winter day with us!
December through March at 191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA. Every Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM (closed Dec 26, 2015)
For more information visit http://www.somwintermarket.org
6) Citywide Friends of the BPL December Book Sale (Dec 5)
When:
Saturday, Dec 05, 2015 10:00a – 4:00p
Where:
Boston Public Library- Central
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Admission:
FREE
Everyone’s “go to” book sale happens on Saturday December 5th! Join us from 10-4 at the Central Library in Copley Square and load up on everything you need for cozy winter reading, snuggled in a bunch of blankets with some hot cocoa. Bag up hardcovers and paperbacks in all genres for $2 or less. Teachers, stock your classrooms with children’s books (in multiple languages!) for $1-$5. A large selection of vintage records from the ’30s-’70s (some 78 rpm!) available for $1. For sports enthusiasts we have hundreds of vintage reproduction photos of Boston teams and venues, many framed, for $5. Collectable postcards from around the world make great gifts for $1. And don’t forget our premium book corner, a competitively priced inventory of higher end books and ephemera.
If you would like to donate books, you can bring them to the sale and drop them off with a cashier. If you have books to donate but can’t make it to the sale, please drop off one bag labeled CWF at the circulation desk- if you have more than one bag, call us and we’ll schedule a time to drop them off so we have some volunteers ready!
For more information visit http://www.citywidefriendsbpl.org 
7) Harvard Book Store Winter Warehouse Sale (Dec 5)
When:
Saturday, Dec 05, 2015 10:00a – Sunday, Dec 06, 2015 6:00p
Where:
Harvard Book Store Warehouse
14 Park St
Somerville, MA 02143
Admission: FREE
Book lovers, bargain hunters, holiday shoppers, and collectors:
Our hugely popular Harvard Book Store Warehouse Sale is back this December, and this winter’s sale is our biggest ever. Join us in Somerville as we open the doors once again to our warehouse on Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6.
Harvard Book Store Warehouse This year we’re offering an unprecedented 70% off the already-discounted prices on used and collectible books in our inventory. A fresh selection of curated remaindered titles will be 15% off their already-marked-down prices for the weekend.
Check off that holiday shopping list or go ahead and treat yourself to bargains galore and thousands of books to discover.
8) Breakfast with Santa (Dec 5)
When:
Saturday, Dec 05, 2015 9:00a – 10:00a
Where:
CambridgeSide
100 CambridgeSide Place
Cambridge, MA 02141
Admission:
FREE
Please join CambridgeSide for an event sure to delight children and adults featuring a special visit from Santa with a delicious complimentary breakfast courtesy of KIND. Games, music, prizes and holiday cheer. A simply magical morning. FREE and open to the public. Sign up at http://www.shopcambridgeside.com (Please note: there is limited seating and this event sells out quickly). Leary PR for CambridgeSide.
For more information visit http://www.cambridgesidegalleria.com/events 
9) The Somerville Flea presents the Fourth Annual Holiday Flea (Dec 6)
When:
Sunday, Dec 06, 2015 10:00a – 5:00p
Where:
Center for Arts at the Armory
191 Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02143
Admission: FREE
The Somerville Flea presents the Fourth Annual Holiday Flea
Vintage and Artisan Market
Live Music
Dj
Beer and Wine!
Two floors of gift buying goodness. You?ll never know what you?ll find at the flea, and that?s just how we like it. Vintage posters, prints, jewelry, artwork, housewares, clothing, ephemera, and a whole lot more! All in the friendly confines of the Historic Armory, which has a great coffee shop and a bar with beer and wine.
Yes beer and wine! Try that at a mall! So come on down for a unique shopping experience and score that perfect gift you never even knew existed for that special someone.
10) Science and Cooking 2015 Lecture Series (Dec 7)
When:
Monday, Dic 07, 2015 7:00p – 8:00p
Where:
Harvard Science Center, Hall C
1 Oxford St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Admission:
FREE
Members of the public will have the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of the culinary arts during the 2015 Science and Cooking public lecture series. The popular lecture series pairs Harvard professors with celebrated food experts and renowned chefs to showcase the science behind different culinary techniques.
Now in its sixth year, the series is organized by Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
The public lectures are based on the Harvard course ?Science and Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to the Science of Soft Matter,? but do not replicate course content.
All talks will take place in the Harvard Science Center (1 Oxford St., Cambridge, Mass., Hall C) and begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted
Monday, Dec. 7
“Top Chef Tasting Notes”
Science Center Lecture Hall C, 7 p.m.
*Tom Colicchio, (@tomcolicchio), ?Top Chef? judge and chef/owner, Craft Hospitality
*Mei Lin, (@meilin21), ?Top Chef? season 12 winner
*Gail Simmons, (@gailsimmons), ?Top Chef? judge, culinary expert, and Food & Wine magazine Special Projects Director
For more information visit http://www.seas.harvard.edu/cooking
11) Museum of Fine Arts Playdates (Dec 7)
MFA Playdates
First and Third Mondays of each month, 10:15 am?11:00 am
On the first and third Mondays of each month, bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by art making. Each month focuses on a specific theme. Recommended for children ages 4 and younger with adults. Meet at the Sharf Visitor Center. No registration required.
Stay after the program to explore the Museum on your own or with new acquaintances, and enjoy snacks or lunch in the Garden Cafeteria or Calderwood Courtyard, and choose from a great selection of kid-friendly options from any of our dining venues.
FREE with Museum admission, plus admission is free to MIT students.
12) Free Thursdays at the ICA (Dec 10)
When: Thursday, Dic 03, 2015 5:00p – 9:00p
Where:
Institute of Contemporary Art
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
Admission:
FREE
Every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., general admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art is free.
–
The Institute of Contemporary Art strives to share the pleasures of reflection, inspiration, provocation, and imagination that contemporary art offers through public access to art, artists, and the creative process.
13) Blink Light & Sound Show (Dec 10)
When:
Sunday, Nov 22, 2015 4:30p –
Sunday, Jan 03, 2016 11:00p
Where:
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
1 Faneuil Hall Sq
Boston, MA 02109
Admission:
FREE
Blink! – the state-of-the-art light & sound extravaganza that transforms every inch of America’s first open marketplace – returns to Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Marketplace Center for a fourth year. This magical and unforgettable light show uses over 350,000 LED lights to illuminate Boston’s skyline – to the song stylings of the Holiday Pops – in a seven-minute spectacle that runs continuously each evening beginning November 22nd.
Kick off the holidays at the Tree Lighting Spectacular on November 21st with our live broadcast on WBZ-TV, Channel 4 and simulcast on myTV38 (WSBK-TV). Join Governor Charlie Baker in flipping the switch to the tree and the first Blink! light and sound show of the season!
Performance Times
Blink! Light and Sound show lights up the entire Marketplace and begins at 4:30 pm daily. The first show starts on the Main Tree at Marketplace Center and on the trees in South Market at 4:30 pm and runs every hour on the half hour. The North Market show begins at 5:00 pm and runs every hour on the hour.
For more information visit http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/blink