My dad used to tell me, “A book is your only friend.” A tad extreme in my opinion, but if you feel even vaguely in agreement with that statement, you’ll probably want to stop by the inaugural Boston Book Festival this Saturday, October 24 (10am – 6pm). Spread across the Boston Public Library, Old South Church, Trinity Church, and Copley Square, this free festival will feature 90 authors and presenters, exhibitors, live entertainment, and special programming for kids & teens.

Poor customer service is perplexing, frustrating, and amazingly rampant in the retail industry, so I’m always thrilled to discover a store – such as Marathon Sports – that does it right. In need of a new pair of running shoes in advance of the Gobble, Gobble, Gobble run, I visited Marathon Sports with Laurel on Sunday. I was approached immediately (in a good way) by a friendly staffer, and after observing my feet and walking gait (in socks, pants rolled up) and asking about brand preferences, the staffer made easy work of the sea of sneaker options on the wall and pulled his two top recommendations, the second of which fit beautifully and felt great as I test trotted around the store.
I have walked by the flagship Cambridge location countless times, but this was my first time visiting the store (they also have locations in Boston, Brookline, Melrose, Norwell, and Wellesley). Remarkably, Laurel and I were in and out of Marathon Sports in 10 minutes (a major bonus since it’s not always easy doing errands like this with kids in tow). I’m still amazed that in that short time, the staff was able to put their knowledge and experience to excellent use, while offering personal attention and support as I prepare for my first race.

Yesterday, I hit the 30 minute run mark for the first time in my new sneakers. I have a feeling I'll be logging a lot more miles in these (and future) shoes from Marathon Sports.

Never mind yesterday’s snow, there’s still plenty of fall fun to be had. And in my latest monthly column as Minimalist Mama at Shoestring Magazine, I share my favorite ways to enjoy frugal fall fun for the whole family, each followed by a bonus tip rooted in the spirit of giving. Enjoy!

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you don’t feel like fighting the crowds at Head of the Charles this weekend, consider one of these family friendly fall festivals: Auburn Fall Festival (Auburn), Fall Fun Festival (Boston), New England Wild Flower Society Fall Family Festival (Framingham), Green Meadows Farm Harvest Festival (Hamilton), Homestead Hayfest (Newton), and Rockport Harvest Festival (Rockport).

Kids need to move, and never is that more evident than when our craft and book loving kiddo reaches the end of the day without enough climb time (envision Laurel leaping off of furniture). And if you’re looking for a way to combine literacy and exercise (particularly on a raw day like today), check out the Literacise exhibit at the Boston Public Library. This exhibit is based on local author Irene Smalls's book Jonathan and His Mommy and allows kids to benefit both mind and body by moving and grooving their way through a kid-sized interactive book. Literacise opened in early October and runs until March 2010.

Back in March I gave myself a really excellent gift and started making self-care a priority. And after embarking on various challenges of the shredding and yoga variety, I decided to test my longstanding belief that I'm not built to run by trying the Couch-to-5K running plan. Miraculously, here I am, on Week 8 of the plan and now signed up for the Thanksgiving Day Gobble, Gobble, Gobble run in Davis Square (which, by the way, I thought was a 5K but actually is a 4 miler...gulp).
I’d like to invite you to come run (or walk or wheelchair) with me (and the lovely Sharon and Paige!). I'm giving an early heads up on this in case you want to start training (and also because there are a limited number of spaces for the run), but however you cross the finish line, it will be pretty awesome to give yourself the gift of fresh air and self-care before the Thanksgiving festivities begin. Let me know if you plan on coming!

Finding age appropriate ways to have tough conversations with kids can be challenging, and if you need help addressing the topic of cancer with your child, WGBH is offering a special event this Sunday, October 18 (2 – 3:30pm). When A Child Knows Someone With Cancer will include a screening of The Great MacGrady (a new Arthur special that addresses cancer and survivorship), as well as the opportunity to interface with a panel of pediatric health and education experts on resources and strategies for supporting kids as they cope with the cancer diagnosis of a loved one. This event is free; RSVP is required.

At WGBH Studios, One Guest Street, Brighton; 617-300-5400

As a one less car advocate and former marching band member (color guard, bass drum, and trumpet...though not all at the same time), I’m pretty tickled by the prospect of the Honk! Festival Parade leading to Oktoberfest in Harvard Square this Sunday, October 11 (12 – 6 pm; rain date October 12). After you “reclaim the streets for horns, bikes, and feet” enjoy the Square in full on party mode; Oktoberfest will be replete with entertainment, food, and vendors.

Oh how the paths open when you lose the training wheels! Tomorrow is National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at the Middlesex Fells. This free event runs from 9:30am – 1:30pm and will include rides lead by NEMBA, bike-related crafts, bike fixing services, lunch, and a bike raffle. This event is suitable for kids ages 8 and up who are able to ride without training wheels. Parents are welcome to ride along; helmets are required for all.
Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net