Merry Christmas from Sesame Street!

or if you are feeling like a Grinch... lol! This is really hilarious! :)

It's Black Friday! Shop H&M for Holiday Style!

Hello fashionistas!
Today is "Black Friday" -- known to all budget-conscienscious shoppers across America as the biggest holiday shopping day of the year! It's a bit crazy, the thought of hitting the malls and big box stores with thousands of holiday shoppers looking for a bargain, but I can honestly say, I went last year and saved a bundle on Christmas gifts.  I'm not fanatical, so don't go out at midnight, or even 6 am... instead, I keep it sane and plan on hitting the stores around 8 or 9 in the morning (after a Vanilla Latte & bagel) and see what I can accomplish in one day. If I am lucky...I can finish my holiday shopping in 3 hours (dreaming big here!) and spend the rest of my holiday season enjoying evenings at home by the fire and out at fabulous parties with my family and friends, not worrying about shopping!

One word of advice... The key to "Black Friday" is having a Game Plan.Before I head out, I make sure I have all of my coupons and circulars, and visit the stores' websites to get a sense of what I want to buy for each person on my list. Otherwise, you get to the store and just feel overwhelmed & can really waste your time.  I find the best stores to hit are one-stop shopping stores like Macy's or Kohl's with their departments dedicated to housewares, bath, kitchen, men's, women's, kids and accessories. That way, if you hit your stride, you could complete your entire shopping list at one store! They other key to my game plan is trying to go to one mall or collection of stores...such as Legacy Place in Dedham, The Wrentham Outlets, or The Walpole Mall, then you only have to park your car once. Some of the stores that are really promoting their "Black Friday" specials are Target, Toys R Us, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble and H&M.

One of the stores I'm definitely going to hit on Black Friday is H&M, as they have unbeatable prices for their cutting edge fashion. I have a fashionable sister & sister-in-laws to shop for... not to mention, I have quite a few holiday parties that I need to "look cute for" myself! So, if you love to look stylish on a budget, then H&M is definitely the place for you! No matter your style, body type or age, there are great looks at H&M for everyone (even babies, kids, maternity & men).  I have found many basics like black t-shirts and cardigans, neutral A-line skirts and solid jersey dresses...whereas other times I've chosen to go more bold with a floral printed kimono-style blouse or wildly patterned tunic dress for that modern, edgy look (see image at left).

One of my favorite things about H&M is their accessories. Where else could you buy a chunky, gold "statement necklace," dangling tassel earrings or feather headband for under $8? They have great scarves, hats and sunglasses too. I always say, when you are looking jazz up your wardrobe for a holiday party or just a night out with the girls... go for some new, eye-catching accessories for just a few dollars...and they make great birthday or Christmas gifts! I have included some of my "Top Holiday Looks from H&M" below.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season! 'Tis the season to be safe, thankful, happy & enjoy this special time with your loved ones and friends. 

Peace & Joy,
Mel :)

Enjoy this fun video shot in Tokyo of Japanese model and DJ... Elli-Rose Van Cliffe. She's got a cool vibe & fashion sense..not to mention an awesome job! :)

Fall Family Fun in New England!

Hello friends!
Autumn has arrived in New England! It’s time to put on your jeans and sweaters, pack up the kids, and head out to the local apple orchard for some apple picking’... or pumpkin patch to for your Halloween pumpkins! With so many fall festivals & fairs, theatrical performances & concerts, and museum exhibits...there are hours of family fun! I do my best to search the web for FREE or low cost events, which are really the best kind of events for whole family! Enjoy!

:) Melissa
  

Apple Picking & Pumpkin Patches:

Our favorite thing to do in the FALL is to go apple picking, get pumpkins & other root vegetables and see some farm animals! Many farms and orchards have hay rides, trolleys, farm animals, and many other surprises. Visit each website to find out hours, events and pricing. 

There are so man great farms and orchards in the New England area...Here is a great Google Map with all the orchards! http://www.applepickingboston.com/

Below is a PDF you can download with all the locations in MA! http://www.boston.com/travel/special/ene/apple/applepickin.pdf 

Here are just a few...send me a comment or email if you want to add in your favorites...

Belkin Family Lookout Farm 

89 Pleasant Street, South Natick www.lookoutfarm.com

The Farm is open every day from 10:00 - 5:00. Pick your own fruit, enjoy train rides, moon bounce, caterpillar rides, burlap maze and hay pyramid. Weekends also include live kids' entertainment, face painting and more!

Honey Pot Hill Orchards

www.honeypothill.com/ 

144 Sudbury Road, Stow, MA 01775

Great apple and pear the week of September 19, picking is open daily 10 to 5.  Now picking MacIntosh, Cortand, Empire and Bosc Pears. Visit the Farm store, hedgemaze, tunnelmaze and farm animals open daily 9 to 6. Cider donuts, caramel apples, apple & pumpkin pie.  Soft serve ice cream and peach smoothies.

Weekend hayrides 10 to 5 & Weekday hayrides 12 to 5.

Tougas Family Farm 

234 Ball Street, Northborough www.tougasfarm.com

Our barnyard, playground, weekend wagon rides, and farm kitchen are family friendly activities all will enjoy. After apple picking, come visit the barnyard to see the goats climb their mountain of stone and then enjoy farm fresh homemade baked goods, ice cream, and apple cider donuts at the Tougas Farm Kitchen. Fun for the whole day, a perfect Massachusetts vacation & New England experience

Nashoba Valley Winery (yes! a winery!)

100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, Bolton www.nashobawinery.com

Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon

http://www.wardsberryfarm.com/

April 1 thru December 31
Monday through Friday 9-7 and Saturday & Sunday 9-6

Seasonal Picking Schedule:

Sept 17th - Oct 30th: 

PYO Pumpkins (daily) - pick, then pay

Hayrides to pumpkin patch (weekends only), $3 pp ages 3 & up

4-H Animal Barn: Petting zoo is FREE; donations to Sunnyrock 4H welcome.

Picnic areas, swingset and hay pyramid:  FREE of charge. 

Fall Festivals:

Topsfield Fair

Sept. 30 - Oct. 10

207 Boston St., Topsfield, MA

978-887-5000, weekdays $10, weekends and holidays $12, under 12 with adult free, www.topsfieldfair.org

Entertaining visitors since 1818, this is one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the United States. Throughout the many tents and barns on the extensive grounds, you can observe, pet, and learn about farm animals including pigs, sheep, horses, rabbits, goats, even bees. (Source: Boston.com)

The Big E

Sept. 16 - Oct. 2

875 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA

413-737-2443, adults $15, 6-12 $10, 5 and under free. Special events priced separately. www.thebige.com

The Big E Cream Puff and the Craz-E Burger are only two reasons to visit The Big E, the largest fall festival in the region. This 17-day extravaganza features carnival rides, a circus under the big top, Mardi Gras parade, reconstructed 19th-century New England village, shopping, crafts, live entertainment (Reba McEntire tops this year’s roster), and foods from around the world like shepherd’s pie, corn cake pulled pork muffins, and deep-fried bacon-wrapped hotdogs. (Source: Boston.com)

Newport Yachting Center's International Oktoberfest

Oct. 8-10

4 Commercial Wharf, 401-846-1600, adults $20 Sat or Sun and $12 Mon, under 12 free, 3-Day Weekender Pass $40, www.newportwaterfrontevents.com

Newport, RI may be known for yachting and sumptuous mansions by the sea, but it’s no snob when it comes to embracing beer. When fall rolls around, the Yachting Center celebrates the flavors of the season at this annual festival. Two stages on the waterfront feature spirited Bavarian oompah bands, German dance troupes and yodelers, and Rhode Island’s own Alpenblumen dancers. (Source: Boston.com)

Connecticut Garlic and Harvest Festival

Oct. 8-9

Bethlehem Fairgrounds, entrance at 304 Route 61, 203-266-7810, adults $6, seniors $5, under 12 $1, www.garlicfestct.com

Garlic lovers rejoice! The seventh annual festival is a two-day garlic gala. Garlic specialty food vendors will be selling all manner of dips, cheeses, spreads, and oils, or stop by fresh produce vendors to pick up a head or two to take home. Lectures will discuss how to grow and cook with garlic, including tips for no-fuss gourmet meals. (Source: Boston.com)

STORY TIME for Babies & Kids!

Every week I bring my daughter to different story times around my hometown. These events are not only FREE, but educational...and a great way for your child to meet other kids, explorer reading, singing and being creative, playing musical instruments and having fun in a safe, warm environment. One time an African musician came to do an wonderful hands-on drumming class, while another time a Medeval Jester performed his "unusual" one man show for the audience. Also, I have met many great parents and caregivers...so it's a nice time for adults too! 


Here are some great libraries South of Boston...many which have special programs, musical guests, magicians or puppeteers! Be sure to check your local library for times and events in your town or state!

Walpole Public Library

Baby Book Time - Babies up to 2 1/2 yrs old. Monday mornings at 10:30 am

Preschool Story Time - Children 3-5 yrs. Thursday mornings at 10:30 am.

Music, Movement & Me - Children up to 4 yrs old. Tuesdays at 10:30 am.

http://www.walpolelibrary.org/walpolenew/events.asp

Wrentham (Fiske) Public Library 

Baby/Toddler Playgroup - Birth to pre-walkers with Mom, Dad or caregiver meets on Fridays at 9:30. Toddlers (walkers) to age 2 1/2 with Mom, Dad or caregiver meets on Fridays at 10:30. Meet new friends, play with the new toys and gym equipment purchased with funds from the Friends of Fiske!!!  Come join the fun! No registration required just DROP IN. If arriving before 10AM please ring doorbell.

http://fiskelib.org/kidscorner.html

Foxboro (Boyden) Library 

Story Time - Tuesdays. Ages 3-5 yrs. 10:00 a.m.
Mother Goose on the Loose Story Time - Tuesdays and Thursdays. Infant - Age 3 11:00 a.m.
Story Time -Wednesday Group Ages 3-5 1:30 p.m.
http://www.boydenlibrary.org/childrenspage.html

Norfolk Library

Babygarten - Wednesdays at 10:30 am at Lafayette, Pretlow, Downing branches (or 11:00 am at Park Place and Janaf branches). Infant to 24 months. Spend the morning singing and playing with your baby! Babygarten features actions rhymes, movement activities, shared book reading, and playtime. This program is especially for babies and toddlers and their caregivers. No registration is necessary. 

Babygarten - Thursdays at 11:00 am. Check the website for locations.

http://www.npl.lib.va.us/family/kidscove.html 

Fall Foliage for "Leaf Peepers":

Once September and October come around, but before it is too cold and damp, I love to take a walk through Boston Common (pictured) and enjoy all the lovely colors of the leaves as they turn. Boston.com has a great section on "Leaf-Peeping Itineraries around New England. Click here for the link.


And GoNewEngland.com has a great fall foliage map, for all of you "leaf peepers" - those who enjoy just driving around looking at the beautiful red, orange and yellow leaves! Visit their site for more ideas.

Here are more Fall Fun ideas from the WICKEDLOCAL.COM CALENDAR        

September
“King Richard’s Faire” is a Renaissance fair featuring knights jousting on horseback, fire eaters, stage performances, costumed minstrels, dancers, jugglers, a zoo, rides and showcase of Renaissance crafts and clothing. It runs now through Oct. 30, in Carver.

Nearly 200 years old, the Topsfield Fair has the usual animals and agricultural exhibits, games, rides and music, plus pig and duck races, Bengal Tiger encounters, and blacksmith, beekeeping and furniture making demonstrations. It runs Sept. 30 - Oct. 10, in Topsfield.

October

Check out “A Day in Pompei,” an exhibit of ancient daily life revealed in more than 250 artifacts and body casts of people and animals, buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Interactive stations and multi-media presentation recreate the city’s buildings, sight and sounds, as the exhibit runs Oct. 2 - Feb. 12, at the Museum of Science, in Boston.

It’s time to dance – “Yo Gabba Gabba!” is a live music and dance stage show featuring characters from the  pre-school television show, performed Oct. 2, at Agganis Arena, in Boston. See a sample video below!

Celebrate fall on a working farm operated by Mass Audubon Society, at the Farm Festival, Oct. 4-5, in Lincoln. Visit barnyard animals, pick local produce, hear live music, watch artisans and ride in a hay wagon. 

Every major cultural organization in The Fenway hosts indoor and outdoor celebrations and performances in music, dance, theatre, and art at Open Our Doors Day, a free event, Oct. 10, Huntington and Massachusetts Avenues, Boston.

You want an old-school circus? It’s got to be Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus, a classic three-ring circus featuring elephants, trapeze artists and other performers, Oct. 12 - 16, at TD Garden, Boston.

The Boston Book Festival is a celebration of books where kids can meet picture book and fiction authors, see favorite story characters, and hear stories. It’s Oct. 15, at various locations in Copley Square. Free.

This “Peter Pan” is a unique multi-media stage production from London where hi-resolution video inside a 360-degree tent gives the audience the feel of flying over 1904 London to Neverland.  It plays Oct. 18 – Nov. 27, City Hall Plaza, Boston.

Or check out Tony Award-nominee Cathy Rigby in her “Peter Pan,” as she stars in this theatrical production of the classic story, Oct. 28-30, Hanover Theatre, Worcester.

November

The story of “Peter and the Wolf” set to music by Prokoviev is a highlight of classical musical, performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra with pre-concert family activities on Nov. 12, at Symphony Hall, in Boston.  

The Pumpernickel Puppets bring alive the stories of Sir George and the Dragon and Three Billy Goats Gruff, on Nov. 19, at TCAN, in Natick. (Source: Wickedlocal.com)


I hope this has given you some great ideas for fall, family fun!
Have a Happy & Safe Fall Season!
:) Melissa

VIDEO: Missoni for Target - Designer Home Decor & Fashion on a Budget!

UPDATE: September 13th - Missoni has arrived...but I was (almost) too late! Due to some early morning appointments, I didn't arrive at my local Target until about 12:30, and did I miss the boat! The shelves were nearly empty, the cupboards were practically bare, nary a sweater or scarf in sight! And,the store associates told me that the Target.com site crashed! (I would later read about the great "Missoni Tuesday" crash on all the news sites and see on TV...crazy! The site remained down until the next morning...and almost every item had the sign "SOLD OUT" blazoned below it. We'll see if Missoni decides to keep up with demand and provide more zig zag for the masses...or just keep it exclusive?)


Luckily, I was able to find the fun zig zag print tote bag I wanted...and I got my hands on a scarf and some dishes. It was quite the scene...a ghost town of Missoni! Other "late to the show" shoppers like me, had the same sad look of... did I really miss it? A few of us found a few stray pieces of clothing or pair of shoes (only size 6 or 11 were left!) Oh well, it was great to be part of such a feeding frenzy... and at least I have my cute new fall tote.
********


Hello budget-conscious fashionistas!
I can't tell you how excited I am for the Missoni Home and Fashion line to arrive at Target on September 13th! I will be there in line when the doors open to gather up all the best signature Missoni zig-zag looks for my home & my body! ;) Did you know they even have some looks for kids and babies!? My daughter will be rocking a Missoni onesie for sure! Enjoy these preview images and this video highlight of the Missoni Must Haves!


I promise not to go overboard...just a cardigan, a scarf, and maybe a bag...not worn together of course! :) And for home, I'm loving the pillows and the throws.  The top designers in fashion world have all been flocking to Target to create capsule collections for the masses...and we Thank you!
;) mel

 Here is a sneak peek of the Missoni Home line...enjoy!

Stay Cool this Summer with Baby-Friendly Movie Days & FREE Events for Kids!

It's a Summer Heat Wave across the US and abroad...so with temperatures soaring to dangerous heights in the 90s & even 100s...it's important to find some fun INDOOR activities to keep you and your little ones safe & COOL this summer!

MOVIES:
As a mom to a young baby...I love that malls & movie theaters have monthly (or even weekly) events where you can bring your baby (and let her scream! lol) and enjoy a top notch flick, free concert or story time! Since the kids are so young, the movies are really for the parents, which i love! :) It's such a great way to get out with your little ones, meet other moms, get some air conditioning & entertainment for a low price!

SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX:
Every Thursday this summer, The Showcase Cinema De Lux at Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA is hosting "Baby Pictures!" From their website: Enjoy the latest movies in a convenient baby-friendly setting at a discounted price of only $6! Shows begin at 12 noon! Amenities include soft lighting, lowered volume, area for strollers and baby changing stations.

Schedule:

July 21 - Harry Potter

July 28th - Friends with Benefits

August 4th - Crazy Stupid Love

August 11th - Change Up

COOLIDGE CORNER THEATER:
When my baby was just a few weeks old, my mom & I ventured out to the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline, MA for "Box Office Babies." The first one we say was "Black Swan" - talk about a "non-kid-friendly" flick! haha! We had a blast, the baby slept nearly the whole time and we saw Natalie Portman's Oscar-winning performance! The Coolidge Corner Theater is known for showing art house films, documentaries and indie films. It's a cool, refurbished old theater that is a great place to spend a morning!  (If you haven't seen the amazing documentary film "Babies," you have to rent it today! My husband and I saw it at the Coolidge theater when I was pregnant...and loved it!)


From their website: Box Office Babies! New parents and their infants are invited to join us at the Coolidge for these special bi-monthly, baby-friendly screenings of our current features on the giant screen. All Box Office Babies screenings take place in our gorgeous main theater on the first floor. We turn the lights up slightly so you can walk the baby around if you need to and we keep the volume down slightly so as not to frighten the wee ones . Our lobby has plenty of room for stroller parking and also has two restrooms with Koala changing tables. We're honored to welcome the next generation of movie buffs!

Schedule and Price Info:

Box Office Babies screenings take place every other Friday at 11am. Admission is $6.75 for parents; babies under 12 months of age are admitted free of charge.

Friday, July 22 @ 11am

Project Nim (1hr 33mins) - The story of a chimpanzee taken from its mother at birth and raised like a human child by a family in a brownstone on the upper West Side in the 1970's...

Afterwards, you can walk around the many shops in Coolidge Corner such as Magic Beans (a great, family-owned kids gear store) and Baby Gap, get lunch at any number of great kid-friendly restaurants (we love Panera Bread) and go to Trader Joe's for groceries afterwards! :)


FREE EVENTS at THE MALL:
Like many malls across the country, Legacy Place in Dedham, MA and Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA are doing FREE events this summer called "Summer Sensation"! Events include, balloon artists, face painting, caricaturists, summer concerts, farmers market, story time at the Cinema De Lux with Barney or Dora the Explorer, bouncey houses and more!

BOOKSTORES:
Yesterday, Nana & I took my little girl to Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Walpole...where we cooled off with an iced Frappucino at Starbucks (non-fat, of course! lol) and browsed the bargain books! We ended up getting some great DIY home decor books, a book on sewing and some Winnie the Pooh books for the babe. They have an amazing children's play area with Thomas the Train set and a stage...perfect for kids to play & let off some steam (and for parents to relax & peruse the Parenting or Travel Guide sections!)  ;) Check your local bookstores for story times & special events! It's a great way to get your kids reading, playing & cooling off on a hot day! (We love all the Karen Katz books, especially "Where is Baby's Belly Button?")

KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS in BOSTON Area:

• Register on Meetup.com to find Mom & Child playgroups and activities in your town!
• Visit Boston.com for listings happening in and around the Boston area.  Check websites for Free Family Nights or discounted days!
• New England Aquarium
• The Boston Children's Museum
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Institute of Contemporary Art

This is just an example of some of the fun & often times FREE events you can enjoy this summer in the suburbs of Boston!  No matter where you live, check out the local listings in your city or town to find similar events! (Feel free to share them with me and i'll post them up for you here!) Enjoy!

Have a happy & safe summer!
:) Mel

Video: Stella & Dot's gorgeous, new Fall Collection is here!!

Hello fashionistas!
Stella & Dot's gorgeous fall jewelry collection is finally here! You will not believe your eyes...(or ears, neck or wrists)! Blythe and the design team have really outdone themselves this year...bringing you glamorous styles in lush tones of gold, green, & brown...and silver, chrome & purple!

Whether you love BIG & bold, or delicate & dainty... Stella & Dot's new collection has something for everyone! Are you ready? Click here to SHOP ONLINE in my store right now!

Check out this Sneak Peak video!



I will be debuting the Fall Collection at Trunk Shows this summer! Click here to set up an appointment to host your very own Trunk Show!  Hostesses can receive FREE JEWELRY on all qualifying trunk show orders! What a great way to get together -- a Girl's Night out with your best girl friends, co-workers & relatives - while shopping for the latest jewelry fashions!
Here are some of the highlights of the collection...my personal favorites!

The Marchesa necklace

Contessa Jade necklace 

Amelia Drop earrings

Juliette Gem Drop earrings

Camilla Jade ring

After The Rain bracelet

After The Rain brooch - green/gold

Femme Fatale necklace

Petra bracelet

Now that you've seen a Sneak Peek of the Fall Collection, join me for a....

Style Makes Me Happy Hour!

Be one of the first fashionistas to shop the new Stella & Dot Fall Collection! Catch up with your girlfriends, sip a sparkly drink, and try on this celebrity-coveted line! Bring a friend - all are welcome!

Location & Time TBD… Stay tuned!

In addition to the new fall collection…Enjoy our fabulous “Steals & Splurges” on SALE now!

(50% of the line is under $50!)

Want a sneak peek or can’t make it in person, but still want to order?

Shop my online store TODAY! www.stelladot.com/melissarush

Recipes: Rum-tastic Summer Cocktails!

This summer I am obsessed with any delicious concoction featuring RUM!  Rum is the ultimate summertime beverage, calling to mind those amazing tiki bar/beach party movies like Gidget (circa 1959) with Sandra Dee and her dreamy leading men The Big Kahuna and Moon Doggie...and Beach Blanket Bingo with Annette Funicelo and Frankie Avalon!?

Summer always takes me back to those classic "The Brady Bunch go to Hawaii" re-runs or any episode of Gilligan's Island, The Love Boat or Fantasy Island! Besides...wouldn't any of those tv shows or movies be much funnier with a few fresh & fruity cocktails made with rum?! ;)

My current favorite is the Mai Tai...created by the legendary Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron) in 1944 and introduced to the Hawaiian islands in the 1950s. Mai Tai is Tahitian for "out of this world" as declared by his guest when creating this new drink for her. I love this quote about Trader Vic: "His pungent vocabulary and ribald air made him a popular host, as did his potent tropical cocktail concoctions and delicious Americanized adaptations of Polynesian food." Visit Trader Vic's website, you will learn the story behind this adventurous man and his penchant for making the world's best rum cocktails!

                                                         

Trader Vic's Original Mai Tai

• 2 ounces 17-year-old Jamaican rum
• 1/2 ounce orgeat (almond syrup)
• 1/2 ounce orange curacao
• Juice of one fresh lime
• 1/4 ounce rock candy syrup or Simple Syrup
• Lime slice for garnish
• Sprig of mint for garnish
• Shake ingredients and pour into an ice-packed glass. Garnish with lime and a sprig of mint.
• Makes 1 serving.

Mel's Raspberry Lime Mojito

This is a staple at my house in the summer time! So easy to make...and very few calories! Enjoy!

• 1.5 ounces Bacardi rum (clear)
• Seltzer water (flavored raspberry or lime)
• 1/2 ounce of Simple Syrup (or omit to save calories)
• 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
• A few sprigs of fresh mint
• A small handful of fresh (or frozen) red raspberries
• Pour the rum into tall metal shaker (or pint glass).
• Add in the fresh mint, raspberries and lime wedges, muddle with rum in the bottom of the glass with a wooden spoon.
• Shake ingredients and pour into an ice-packed glass.
• Add in simple syrup & fill the glass with Selzter.
• Garnish with lime and a sprig of fresh mint.
• Makes 1 serving.

Planter’s Punch

  

•1-1/2 oz. dark Rum
•1/2 oz. lime juice
•1/2 oz. lemon juice
•3 oz. orange juice
•1 teaspoon white sugar
•Dash of grenadine syrup
•Ice to fill
•Fill a tall glass with ice.
•Combine all ingredients in a shaker, and strain into the glass.
•Garnish with a fancy umbrella, a cherry & orange slice.
[Source: Tastings.com]