Podcast: The 39 Clues

This week it’s Kristin who’s on vacation and it’s sounding a lot like the Griswolds meets Caddyshack. Later, in anticipation of the release of 39 Clues book #10 this month, we chat with Clues author Jude Watson about what has made this multi-platform series a runaway success. Links mentioned: House in Raleigh | The 39 [...]

Jen’s Fitness Corner: Food Diary

As part of my work as a personal trainer, and overall fitness/wellness coach, I teach courses on healthy eating and nutritious shopping. One of the most surprising tips I tell clients is the importance of what you eat versus exercise with regard to weight loss and staying in shape. Did you know that nutrition is [...]

Recipe of the Week: Creamy Chicken Salad

This recipe and photo comes from Whole Foods Market Creamy Chicken Salad with Yogurt and Apples Serves 4 to 6 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon honey 2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt 2 tablespoons nonfat milk Salt and pepper to taste 1 pound cooked skinless, boneless [...]

Podcast: Sleepovers and Summer Squash

This week we’re talking about sleepovers (has your kid ever taken a bite out of a glow stick?), summer squash from the CSA and finding a new pediatrician. We also take a stroll down memory lane to five years ago when we recorded our very first episode. Some things never change. Kristin’s still wearing PJs [...]

Strengths. Weaknesses. Opportunities. Threats.

Every year, when the Tour de France rolls around, I think about the state of Manic Mommies. That’s because we recorded our very first podcast during the Tour. Five. Years. Ago. Sophie was only two months old at the time and Kristin’s husband Steve was in France watching the Tour. I didn’t know Kristin all [...]

Recipe of the Week: Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Crisps

This recipe is from the Junior League’s In the Kitchen With Kids

Differences Between Here and There

It’s been almost a month since we moved out of our house in Massachusetts and I have noticed some differences between my life here and my life back there. While they are mostly minor by all accounts, I thought I would share for no other reason than I have a blog and what else would I do with this info if not publish it?

August Book Club: The Island

Are you thinking about a vacation on the beach but can’t get there? Or maybe planning a trip and need something to read? Why not read with us in August? We are reading The Island: a novel by bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand. This is a great story, perfect for summer. You will smell the salt [...]

How to make a tent piñata

After three years posting pictures of home made piñatas, I’m often asked how I make them – So I thought I’d take you step-by-step as to how I made the tent for Anders camping themed party: 1. Start with the basic structure – In this case, I used a Hammermill paper box from my office. [...]

Podcast: Mentoring young athletes

The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) is a non-profit network of domestic violence programs founded in 1990 by survivors and their allies. Kelly Starr joins the Manic Mommies to share information about the WSCADV’s mission, as well as their latest project – teaming up with the Seattle Mariners to raise $200,000 through the [...]

Win Manic Mommies Calendars

We just received a shipment of our new Manic Mommies calendars from Mead, and we are so excited about how they turned out. There are also so many of them: 2-Year Monthly Planner – July 2010 – June 2012 Undated Calendar Station Weekly Engagement Calendar – July 2010 – June 2011 16-Month “Big Plans” Calendar [...]

8 years ago, yesterday

Yesterday was Anders birthday, and I was looking forward to what I assumed would be a happy day of celebrations and cake as we marked the day of his birth. I imagined starting the day with homemade chocolate chip pancakes (his request), followed by a day at work and camp;  a birthday dinner (cheeseburgers, again, [...]

Recipe of the Week: Grilled Banana Split Sundae

Grilled Banana Split Sundae with Homemade Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache Serves 4 Recipe courtesy of The St. Francis Girls’ Guide to Grilling (download here). Grilling Method: Direct/Low Heat 4 firm, but ripe, bananas, unpeeled 1 tablespoon white sugar ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon untoasted walnut or other nut oil, plus more if needed 8 small [...]

Podcast: 168 Hours Per Week = More Time for You?

Although it doesn’t feel this way, there are actually more hours per week than you might think! Subtract a 40-50 hour work week, 8 hours of sleep per night, and you’ve still got more hours left for fun and personal time than you’ve spent at the office! This week we talk with Laura Vanderkam, author [...]

Kids and Hydration

The Meal Makeover Moms sent me this post, I don’t know, probably a month ago! I forgot about it until today when I was packing the kids’ water bottles for camp and downing an 8oz glass of cold water myself. One thing that’s similar about Rochester and Boston: It’s damn hot this week. Kids and [...]

Summertime Smile

Letter to Erin

Dear Erin, You caught me this afternoon on the phone just as I was sitting down to write you this letter. Yesterday’s post made me so sad for you – I know we both anticipated some separation pain, but that didn’t make it any easier to see it in writing. I remember too well that [...]

Podcast: Mommy, Why is Oil Spilling into the Ocean?

If your kids have seen any news on TV or glanced at the front page of your newspaper, they’ve probably asked you this question. This week Jaime Matyas of the National Wildlife Federation returns with some suggestions on how to talk with your children about the oil spill in the Gulf. Erin and Kristin also [...]

Letter to Kristin

Hey Friend, It was great “seeing” you yesterday on video chat. It felt like I was right in your office with you. Then I got a little sad because after we finished recording the podcast, I went outside to play with Brendan (Mike and Tommy were at the Y for Tommy’s swim lessons) and we [...]

The cheetah and the zebra

Yesterday was “Dress as a Wild Animal” day at camp – it’s amazing what you can do with an old t-shirt and a couple of Sharpie markers.