Today, Judy shares a great collection ideas for how to celebrate the Lunar New Year with kids:

Growing up in the suburbs of Boston, I was often the only Asian student in my class, and I looked forward to the Lunar New Year as an opportunity to share our cultural traditions (and my mom’s yummy cooking) with my classmates. Although I can’t share my mom’s dumplings with all of you (sorry!), here are some ideas to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year (January 31), the Year of the Horse, with your kids! 

1. Read Lunar New Year books. Bringing In the New Year by local children’s book author, Grace Lin, is a favorite in our house, and tells the story of a Chinese-American family preparing for the LNY.  More children’s books about this holiday can be found on Amazon.

2. Make a Chinatown field trip. Bundle up and take the little ones on a field trip to Chinatown. There’s no more exciting time to visit this historic neighborhood than during the LNY. Parking isn’t always easy to come by so take the T if you can. While you’re there, treat yourselves to some authentic Chinese pastries at Eldo Cake House.

3. Enjoy dim sum. Dim sum isn’t just brunch – it’s a unique cultural and educational experience. Jumbo Seafood (Newton) and China Pearl (Woburn) are great options for those who don’t want to deal with city crowds. Not sure what to order for the kids? Can’t go wrong with char siu bao!

4. Get crafty. There are some adorable LNY craft ideas on Pinterest, such as these good luck goldfish.

5. Make dumplings.  Sweet dumplings (or “tong yuen”) are a traditional Chinese New Year treat. The Dumpling Sisters have an awesome tutorial for how you and the kiddos can make your own at home.

6. Make red envelopes. In many Asian cultures, parents fill red envelopes with monetary gifts to bestow good luck to children. Teach your children about this tradition (perhaps through this craft activity), and hide a red envelope under their pillow on new year’s eve!  

7. Enjoy a local event. There's no shortage of wonderful programming coming up in and around Boston:

• January 19: Partake in the Boston Children's Museum's OSHOGATSU (Japanese New Year) celebration, featuring TAIKO drumming, the SHISHIMAI lion dance, MOCHI rice pounding, giant origami, tea ceremony, and TAKO kite making.
• February 1: The Peabody Essex Museum is hosting a Lunar New Year weekend festival including traditional lion dance performances (by the Gund Kwok Asian Women's Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe), a film set in Boston's Chinatown, sword play, and drop-in art activities.
• February 8: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with free admission at the Museum of Fine Arts. Browse the MFA’s galleries to learn about Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions, and ring in the Lunar New Year with activities scheduled throughout the day, including a festive parade and lion dance performance, interactive demonstrations of Gong-Fu (martial arts) and Saebae (Korean bowing ceremony), and fun family art-making activities.
• February 9: One of the most exciting events is the annual Chinese Lion Dance Parade in Boston’s Chinatown. A word of caution: loud drumming, firecrackers, and the dancing lion can be intimidating and overwhelming to those with sensory sensitivities and/or fear of characters in costume.
• March 7: Join the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center for their traditional Chinese New Year celebration, including a dim sum reception, multi-course banquet, and silent auction. This evening fundraising event might be better suited for older children.

Do you have other ideas for celebrating the Lunar New Year? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

Image credits: all images credit to linked sources above.

Happy almost first weekend of March! It's been a crazy week here, as it always seems to be following school vacation and travel (my inbox was a particularly scary place on Monday since my phone was cranky and I couldn't triage messages from the road), and I'm really looking forward to the weekend, despite the fact that one thing I need to do involves prepping for taxes! I hope you have a great weekend; here are 11 fun weekend picks for your consideration -- enjoy!
1. An event perfect for ballet fans. (Acton)

2. Sensory walk + yoga = awesome. (Belmont)

3. Free skating and skate rentals for a cause. (Cambridge)

4. Dinosaurs and more at Paleo Planet. (Cambridge)

5. Introduce kids to International Women's Day. (Concord)

6. Freeskate kickoff party at Mansfield Crossing. (Mansfield)

7. Stomp your way through a good story. (Medford)

8. Boil sap to syrup. (Somerville)

9. A musical representation of the American journey. (Watertown)

10. Explore Latin American music and culture. (Watertown)

11. For those south of the city, join in a Seussational celebration. (Providence, RI)

Image credit: Last Bostonian Skating

Today, Jennifer (also of Hey Girl Momma Go) shares 12 ideas for winter birthday parties (that go beyond the bouncy castle):

I actually don't mind indoor jumpy houses and long inflatable slides. I have even grown to appreciate the "fun" in large singing mice, cheesy pan pizza, and gobs of tickets that propel out of game machines like a crazy paper adrenaline rush. But as a parent who frequents the kid's birthday party circuit, it is refreshing to switch it up. Here are 12 ideas for kid's birthday parties that are great for the winter season (many are great the rest of the year too!).

1. The nostalgic Woburn Bowladrome north of Boston has bowling for kids that's complete with a glow in the dark setting (the more white clothing the kids wear, the higher the glow factor). Young bowlers will enjoy the bumper lanes, good tunes, and small arcade for post-bowling games.

2. If you can handle the cooler temps, snow tubing at Nashoba Valley in Westford is great outdoor fun.

3. The birthday party package at Coco Key Water Park in Danvers includes admission for all kids, where they swim their little hearts out in a huge warehouse-sized lifeguarded water park. They also offer side rooms for pizza and cake and post-swimming arcade games. If you want to party on the fancy side, you can rent a cabana that's poolside. (Also, FYI -- for a fun family outing, Coco Key offers day passes. We went as a family one Saturday and had a blast.)

4. On the other end of the physical exercise spectrum, I've heard good things about Treat Cupcake Bar in Needham, where party goers can enjoy a cupcake decorating mini-class and decorate their own aprons.

5. For crafty types, check out Dabblers in West Concord, where you can focus your party around a range of hobbies such as woodworking, soap making, fiber arts, and science. And they make it one-stop shopping for party-planning parents by including invites, goody bags, and thank you notes in the party package. Awesome.

6. Kidstock is wonderful for budding thespians.

7. The MFA offers lovely creative and educational birthday parties.

8. Pottery painting provides a great hands on activity where the project doubles as the party favor. Team Boston Mamas has had great experiences at Clay Dreams, Made by Me, and Plaster Fun Time. It would also be worth checking whether Barefoot Books offers birthday parties in their lovely studio.

9. If you want to blend outsourcing + being at home, the New England Aquarium will bring sea critters to you.

10. Obviously, outsourcing can get pricey, particularly if you have a large party size. If you have the energy and space to host at home, dance parties are great. Simply put the kids in a finished basement with the Cha Cha slide blaring and a disco ball, and you're good to go.

11. Also in the home spectrum: host a "pretend" sleepover with pizza, cake, PJs, and a movie (note, however, that this does not work when it's your daughters entire kindergarten class -- I learned that one the hard way!).

12. Finally, there's always the beautiful simplicity of sending the kids outdoors. Tell attendees in advance to bundle up and plan a scavenger hunt or simple games like freeze tag and dodge ball. If there's snow on the ground, gather your old beach shovels and pails so the kids can build snow forts. And make a big batch of hot cocoa to help the kids warm up when they come in!

Do you have other awesome winter party ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Image credit: Treat Cupcake Bar

Hello, hello! For those who were off last week I hope you had a great February vacation! I enjoyed a lot of relaxed and happy time with the girls on the front end of the week and then had an amazing time at BlissDom. It was fun to share around More Birthdays (client work), speak about doing less as a life strategy (the response was overwhelming...I can't wait to write more about this topic), and celebrate Asha and my new book deal. Meanwhile, it's a new week and l am looking forward to tackling it! Here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's Weekly Blueprint:
February 28: It's not feeling tremendously wintery right now, but hopefully there will still be chili!

February 28: Laurel loves examining "nature treasures" with her microscope. Enjoy this bird-inspired microscope magic.

February 29-March 4: Oh my goodness I totally want to take Laurel to this spectacle of acrobatics.

February 29-March 25: I think it's awesome that there will be an art exhibit inspired by spring mud.

March 2: Maple sugaring season = yum.

March 2: Read, read, read in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday!

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Free Film Fridays are back!

At your leisure: Tackle one small decluttering project. I'm going to take 10 minutes to declutter the two high-value-real-estate-yet-full-of-junk-drawers in our kitchen. I am weirdly looking forward to it!

At your leisure: If you haven't done so already, get your tax materials together.

At your leisure: Say a heartfelt thank you to someone. When I was at BlissDom this weekend, I think my eye was very trained on all the details (and amazed by how seamlessly everything came off!). I took the time to express thanks throughout -- to the food service staff, the tech staff who handled my session, the sponsors who helped support the conference, etc. After the event, Asha and I were dashing off to the closing party and I was amazed to see how fast the booth expo staff was breaking down and cleaning up. Having interfaced with these folks (on behalf of the More Birthdays booth), I was definitely tuned into how amazing they were all weekend. I asked Asha to hang on a moment and walked over and expressed my thanks to them for everything they did. The two women looked so happy and said, "That is so nice! No one ever says thank you!" Little expressions of gratitude go a long way.

Image credit: thank you cards by photospell via Etsy

Oh my word, is February vacation upon us already? Laurel is beyond excited to take it down a notch and spend the next nine days in her jammies. I kind of wish I could too! Also, I'm really hoping that this vacation period brings with it the release of our family from the plague -- after eight very long days, Violet finally perked up last night and started giggling and causing trouble again (I never thought I'd be so happy to see her make giant messes everywhere!). Anyway, today I wanted to round up a few picks for the weekend + several for next week so you can plan accordingly if you are, like us, enjoying a February staycation. Enjoy!
1. February 18: Explore color at this family day event. Click through on the link to see the image shown partially in the thumbnail above -- it is breathtaking (if you don't see it immediately, refresh your browser until you do as they have rotating images)!

2. February 18: Go on a folk art exploration.

3. February 18-19: This event is perfect for train fans of all ages.

4. February 17-25: I posted about this earlier in the week, but really, this is delightful for Bugs Bunny fans.

5. February 17-26: Laurel and I are super excited to head to Disney on Ice's Dare to Dream tomorrow. Rapunzel and Flynn!

6. February 18-26: Go back in time at Old Sturbridge Village.

7. February 18-26: Practice those sailor skills.

8. February 20: Enjoy Doktor Kaboom! -- an interactive science comedy show.

9. February 20-24: Cast your vote in a PreZOOdential Election.

10. February 20-24: A building full of kid-friendly fare, including special winter vacation week programming.

11. February 20-24: Get outside during the winter break.

12. February 20-24: Artful February vacation programming. I think Laurel would love this.

13. February 20-25: Programming perfect for budding techies.

14. Ongoing: Finally, if your elementary school aged kids are in programming and you're looking for some structured play for your little ones, Knucklesbones is running open play sessions for babies/kids 8 months - 5 years.

Image credit: deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Wow, what a weekend. Poor Vi has been suffering since Wednesday and we're still not out of the woods. It's been a challenging several days, but also included a major revelation. I'm wishing all of you and your little ones excellent health! Meanwhile, here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's Weekly Blueprint:

February 13: Pack Valentine's for school. If Valentine's prep has fallen off your radar, don't fret! Check out these free, fast, and adorable robot printables. And if you're volunteering in your kid's class for Valentine's, arm yourself with a few of these cute classroom party ideas.
February 14: Hug or call someone you love. I'm planning on recording a short Valentine's video greeting from the girls to email to the grandparents.

February 16: Bring your baby to enjoy some art.

February 16: Katherine Stone educates on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

February 17: The Mitten, brought to life.

February 17: Come garner great ideas during a live chat I'm leading on taking 10 minutes for yourself every day.

February 17: A technicolor singalong.

February 17-25: Perfect for Bugs Bunny fans.

At your leisure: Print and hang some new family photos. (Personal goal: get photos of Violet on the wall before her first birthday next month!)

At your leisure: Engage in some preventative medicine -- whatever works for you, whether it's a yoga class, upping your vitamin C, or going to bed an hour earlier.

At your leisure: Make some comfort food. Like this easy, cream macaroni and cheese.

At your leisure: And if you've been having a tough go of things as we have, make a yummy sweet treat. I think it's time for me to make these peanut butter bliss cookies.

Today, Lindsey (also of A Design So Vast) recommends a welcome addition and workshop series:

The famed Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum recently opened a new addition to the existing, ornate, historical space. The modern, Renzo Piano-designed addition -- a 70,000 square foot temple of light and glass -- holds space to showcase art by current and former members of the museum's artist-in-residence program, an impressive performance hall, and a gleaming new studio. It is in this latter space that the museum is holding weekly Education Studio workshops. Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate in workshops, which are drop-in and held on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4:30pm, and included in the price of museum admission.
I recently took my 9-year-old daughter to one such workshop and she thoroughly enjoyed building a three-dimensional freeform building out of a variety of materials. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and I think the workshops are most suitable for children 6 and up. The workshops are themed, such as this weekend's Cupid's Arrow, during which attendees will visit the Titian room to observe Cupids in art before making their own Cupid's arrow with dowels, features, and paints, and The Uncommon Canvas (March 17-18), when participants, inspired by contemporary artist Victoria Morton's works (in the Special Exhibition gallery) will create multilayered pieces of their own from materials such as scrap fabric, tissue, and acrylics.

For a slightly older child, the Gardner is an enchanting place. My daughter was captivated by the internal garden and the story of a fascinating, eccentric woman whose personal selections and assortments have never been altered. Combining a visit with a workshop in the bright new space made for a wonderful weekend morning.

Editor's Note: Unfortunately I couldn't find direct links for the Education Studio workshops. I recommend calling advance of your visit to confirm programming.

Friends, how are you all doing? Staying healthy? Perhaps it's simply a function of having one more family member in the mix, but it feels as if this has been the season of plague, with one, more, or all of us sick at some point or another. I'm actually a little relieved that our plans to have company this weekend have fallen through so we can take it easy and get everyone healthy. I hope you all have a wonderful, plague-free weekend; here are 15 picks for your consideration!
1. Chinese New Year celebrations, among many other kid-friendly activities. (Boston)

2. I think this claymation workshop sounds so cool! (Boston)

3. An event for teens to connect with community service opportunities. (Chestnut Hill)

4. Enjoy a contemporary classical rendering of The Tortoise and the Hare and The Pied Piper at this family concert. (Boston)

5. A battle of the teen bands to benefit Children's Hospital. (Boston)

6. Bundle up for a winter family fun safari hike. (Milton)

7. Learn how to turn every movement into dance. (Boston)

8. Rock the lunar New Year in Quincy. (Quincy)

9. Celebrate the release of Bari Koral's new album. (Natick)

10. Chinese New Year in the Square. (Cambridge)

11. A family show by Laura Veirs & the Tumble Bees. (Cambridge)

12. Lowell Winterfest continues. (Lowell)

13. Get your sci-fi on. (Somerville)

14. A place to find travel inspiration. (Boston)

15. Yes to chocolate and ice sculptures. (Salem)

Image credit: HarvardSquare.com

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a great weekend (despite the, er, sporting events of yesterday) and are gearing up for an excellent week. I'm going to kick things off by getting back on the self care wagon via a 10 minute run after I hit publish on this post! Meanwhile, here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's Weekly Blueprint:
February 6: Drop in for a playdate at the MFA.

February 8: If you've ever thought about writing a children's book.

February 9: Carnevale! in New Bedford.

February 9: An event for parents who need guidance about colic, sleep, and feeding issues for baby.

February 9-11: Let's hope for some pretty snow for Lowell Winterfest.

February 10-12: A film festival perfect for sci-fi fans.

February 10-12: If you're looking for travel inspiration.

February 10-14: The Salem's So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival. Yummy. Pretty.

At your leisure: I have a couple of fantastic giveaways going if you'd like to enter to win: Boston Musica Viva (by noon Tuesday the 7th) and a Killington Resort lift ticket package (by noon Thursday the 9th).

At your leisure: Give this yummy white chili a go!

At your leisure: Do something nice for someone you love -- before they ask you to do it. Like this.

At your leisure: Experiment with a new look. This loose waves tutorial makes me want to grow my hair back out.

At your leisure: I received so much great feedback via Facebook and Twitter on this roundup of 10 awesome Valentine's Day craft and treat ideas. However, if you want a couple of super quick and easy Valentine's projects to do with your kids (no exacto knife needed), try these pop up cards or pipe cleaner heart goggles. Or how adorable are these homemade photo cards?

At your leisure: I started this post mentioning self-care and I highly encourage you to join me. I've been very bad about self-care lately and have decided to engage in a little 10 minute a day challenge for myself, whether that 10 minutes is spent running, walking, doing a few sun salutations, attempting ballet, or simply stretching and breathing. We all deserve at least 10 minutes a day!

Image credit: strawberry treats via Pinterest