Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Graco SnugRide Click Connect Giveaway and Review

Written by The Blog Committee

Did you know Graco has come out with the first car seat that allows a child to ride rear facing until they are two?  It works from infancy to toddlerhood in a standard bucket seat style car seat. It's called the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40 (as it fits up to a 40 pound child) and Parent Talk has one to GIVEAWAY!!  It's a $220 value and would be a wonderful gift for yourself, or another expecting parent.

There are lots of interesting safety information on the Graco Safety website.
Three car seats in a row!

Parent Talk co-President Mary Richman tested out the car seat with her four-month old daughter.


We were excited to try out the new car seat.  I have to admit, I love our bucket seat so I have high expectations :)
I did the carry test and while I know the Graco is a bit heavier than some bucket seats, it didn't feel too heavy compared to ours (Maxi Cosi). Which is great because I tend to grab ours and carry it while running in and out of stores or doing pick-up and drop-off with the older kids. Installing the base in the car was incredibly easy. I used the shoulder belt and I had it in and snug in just a few minutes.  Getting the baby in and ready to go was just as simple - the straps were easily adjustable, she seemed nice and comfy tucked into the seat and the seat easily clicked in and out of the base.  All-in-all a nice ride.  The only thing I saw missing was a bit more of a hood to shade the baby from the sun and wind. While I didn't get to really make use of it, I do like the built in kick board for the older kids. An update that should save some car seats from dirt and damage!

Since we drive a very large SUV, I wasn't really concerned with the seat fitting, but I was surprised to find that at the infant or lowest setting it was just an inch or so away from the back of the driver's seat. I'm only 5' 4" and the seat was set up for me. When I changed to my husbands seat settings, I noticed the car seat was just pressing against the back of the driver's chair.  Needless to say, if we wanted to use this for a larger child we couldn't have it behind the driver as it just wouldn't fit safely. It did however fit very nicely as one of three carseats across the second row.

Here are the giveaway details:  Contest is open to all current Parent Talk members.  You need to enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway will be open until Sunday, Nov 18th at midnight.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Charlene from Metrowest Mamas for hosting us at a party at MiniLuxe in Wellesley. If any moms need to get away, this is the place!




The Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 – the first and only newborn to two-year infant car seat that actually grows with your baby from four pounds all the way up to 40 pounds. The car seat is designed for a parent on the go. The infant car seat can be easily removed from the base and used as a carrier when the infant is small, providing portability and convenience so you can easily move your infant in and out of the car without disturbing them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently made the recommendation to keep all children in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2. Graco set out to make this product so parents can keep infants rear facing longer while still keeping them comfortable.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco. The opinions and text are all mine.


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Coming Down From Sugar-high Craft


Written by Amanda Liljedahl

Wondering what to do with all of those candy wrappers left over from trick-or-treating? Rather than adding all those individual wrappers to the trash, turn them into art! Open candy carefully as to not rip (easier said then done amidst the excitement), then have children glue onto white paper. Arrange in patterns, by color or flavor and viola- new placemats!  Laminate both sides so they wipe clean easily. These are certain to provide incentive for the littles to clean their plate! 

Happy Halloween!



About the Author
Amanda Liljedahl lives in Needham with her husband and five children (two boys, a set of identical twin girls and their newest addition, another girl). She chronicles her days which include arts & crafts projects, great recipes for the family and driving her kids from hockey practice and ballet to what's happening in her life as a mom, wife and friend on her blog The Little Lily Pad. 

Friday, October 26, 2012

October Book Spotlight





Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting
by Pamela Druckerman 

This book is written by an American journalist who found herself married to a British man and living in Paris when they started their family.  She noticed a number of differences between her children [and those of her friends and family back in the US, as well as other American ex-pats in Paris] and Parisian children, who seemed to sleep through the night much earlier, eat a lot more variety, sit quietly in restaurants instead of running around like maniacs, and the like.  She then set out to find out what the differences are in French parenting that create such differently-behaved kids.  The book won’t provide a miracle prescription on how to raise perfect kids, but it is an interesting exploration of the cultural differences in parenting and the results of those differences.

Kid book:

Cars and Trucks and Things that Go 
by Richard Scarry

This is an old classic that never goes out of style.  If you have a kid who loves vehicles, like I do, this is sure to be a hit.  Scarry’s books always have a ton of detail and fun things to look at on every page, and this is no exception.  There is a plot to the book, but much of the fun is just looking at all the different vehicles [pickle car, toothbrush car, etc], as well as looking for “Goldbug”, a little gold bug who is somewhere on each page.  Highly recommended by my 3-year-old reviewer. :)

About the Author
Katie Edwards lives in Needham with her wife and two children, ages 14 and 3.   She has a Master’s Degree in Library Science, but has been a stay at home mom for many years, so she is happy to have an outlet to share good books with others.  She loves to read [obviously], travel, try new restaurants, and gab with her friends.  Luckily she is in a book group where she can simultaneously eat and talk to friends about books.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Needham Farmers Market Update and Petition

Written by Emily Roach



The Needham Farmers Market opened on June 21st and had a spectacular opening.  The community embraced the farmers market and continues to do so every Sunday.  There is just one more farmers markets left this season, Sunday 28th.  If you haven't made it over yet, I encourage you to drop by and see what the market has to offer.  There are still lots of local produce available from our three farmers: MacArthur Farms, The Neighborhood Farm, and the Needham Community Farm.

Each week we have seen a variety of specialty vendors and artists share their goods with our community.  You may have visited Gay Grace Teas, a specialty tea shop.  Or you may have seen some of our local artists display their jewelry, pottery, or clay impressions.  We try to offer something for everyone, but we realize there are so many other vendors that we want to include in the market next year.

In 2013, we are hoping to move the market to Town Common.  This will allow us to grow in two key ways.
   1. Increase our number of vendors each week with more space.
   2. Improve visibility of the market to people driving through town.

We expect the increase in patrons in the market will also drive up the foot traffic in Needham Center for both businesses and restaurants.  I often see moms shopping alone at the market while dad and the kids head over to Harvey's to go shopping. Or they head to an ice cream store.  Sometimes they stay and have dinner nearby.   The market has been a great opportunity to bring more people to downtown on what can be a slow day during the week.

The request to move to the Town Common will go before the Needham Selectmen.  We are asking community members (YOU!) to show your support.  You can sign our petition sharing your interest in growing the Needham Farmers Market next season.  If there is something you want to see at the market, feel free to leave a comment here as well, or on the Farmers Market Facebook page.

We are also welcoming new members to our committee. The next meeting will be Nov 5th at 7:30 pm at First Parish Church.

Also, don't miss our Halloween festivities on Oct 28th! We will be celebrating the pumpkin with a contest. Watch for details on our Facebook page, or sign up for emails.

Thanks in advance for your support!

About the Author
Emily lives in Needham with her husband Jim and two children.  After working in retail for 10 years, she decided to stay home with the kids and bake.  Emily writes the blog Random Recycling, co-manages the Parent Talk Blog, and is a board member of the Needham Farmers Market.  

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Just two days away! Sale goods are coming in.



Calling all kid cooks!  The ParentTalk Sale promises to offer everything you need to prepare and serve a great meal through this fun play kitchen, grilling area, and child size picnic table.  These are great outdoor play structures to get kids outside to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and transition well to indoor play to keep us all from going stir crazy this winter.  Don’t miss the Sale on Saturday October 20!


DONATE:  Drop off your gently used children's clothing, toys and gear or just bring them to the Sale on Friday, October 19th. For more information, email donations@parenttalk.info.

VOLUNTEER: Register for a 2-hour shift and shop on October 19th, BEFORE the general public.  To volunteer, please select a shift below and register specifically for that shift through our Sign-Up Genius.  
SHOP: The Sale will be held on Saturday, October 20th from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Christ Episcopal Church
1132 Highland Ave., Needham
(across from the Library/next to the High School)


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Peek inside the POD


Apple picking in the fall.  Beach trips over the summer.  Walks around the neighborhood on a weekly basis.  We love our little red wagon!  If this kid-favorite is on your holiday wish list, you're in luck -- come over to the ParentTalk Sale on Saturday October 20 to bring this one home with you for a great price and to support a great cause!  


DONATE:  Drop off your gently used children's clothing, toys and gear or just bring them to the Sale on Friday, October 19th. For more information, email donations@parenttalk.info.

VOLUNTEER: Register for a 2-hour shift and shop on October 19th, BEFORE the general public.  To volunteer, please select a shift below and register specifically for that shift through our Sign-Up Genius.  
SHOP: The Sale will be held on Saturday, October 20th from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Christ Episcopal Church
1132 Highland Ave., Needham
(across from the Library/next to the High School)

Monday, October 15, 2012

Junior League of Boston Show House Event 10/16-11/18


As a Parent Talk member, new mom, Junior League of Boston member, and one who enjoys all home design shows – “Flipping Out,” “Design Star,” “House Hunters,” “Design on a Dime”…you name it – I am so excited that Junior League of Boston is putting on a Show House this year!

Thirty-five prominent local design firms who have generously donated their time and materials are transforming the historic Potter Estate, on the grounds of the Jackson-Walnut Schools in Newton. A different local designer has decorated every room, and it is a fabulous time to walk around and see their different ideas! From one room to the next you can see modern, traditional, contemporary, antique, and avant-garde. Where else can one go to see all the best designers in the area showcasing their work and ideas, while also sipping a drink, talking with friends, and benefitting a good cause?

"I'm very excited to be part of this year's Show House, a fundraiser that's spanned an incredible 40 years," said Cindy Reuter, President of the Junior League of Boston. "The Show House enables us to showcase talented local designers and offer the public a look into the latest design trends with the proceeds going to the mission of the Junior League." The Junior League of Boston is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Tickets to the event are $30 if bought through a member and can be used at any point from October 16 – November 18. Details on hours are below. All proceeds go towards the local charities Junior League of Boston works with! To purchase tickets, please contact Caitlin Moran at cmmoran@gmail.com, visit the Junior League of Boston's website, or speak with a friend who is a Junior League of Boston member (by citing a member's name it helps her to fulfill her requirements).

Times: 
Tuesday and Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday and Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm 
Closed: Mondays and October 31st for Halloween

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