Blogtoberfest!

Last year I missed Blogtoberfest but I heard it was a blast. People posted about how much fun they had, how interesting it was to meet other Boston area bloggers, and how many new ideas they got about posting. It was organized by Jenny, of All Eyes on Jenny, who is an artist and has a funny blog about the single life in Boston. Ah, memories!

Well, like all great things, Blogtoberfest is returning this year! I've already signed up, but I'm hoping the NEMamas represent. Anyone else interested in going? It is a way to get our site noticed, and maybe we can sponsor some sort of small prize.

Blogtoberfest sounds like a blast. And don't we all need an evening out without children? I know I do.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Pour House
907 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts

Do I have a meet-up idea for you!

I'm a Pottery Barn affiliate (I have PB ads on my blog occasionally) and today I got email from PB about a FREE decorating class they're offering. Yes, that would be FREE. My all time favorite word.

The class will be Sunday, August 19. The ad says "Join us for a complementary class and learn tips on organizing and adding style to your workspace." Just what I need as my workspace is disorganized and messy! Hey, I share it with two teenagers. I'm not the worst of the slobs in our house.



Anyhow, I want to call and sign up, and I need a show of hands to see who else wants to go. My closest Pottery Barn is at the Atrium in Chestnut Hill. But according to the web site, there are more in the general New England area. If you can't make it to Chestnut Hill, maybe you can make it to one of these stores and we can compare notes.

So who is up for a decorating challange? And just to make sure you're up it, post a photo of your workspace so we can see who needs the most help. I bet I win!

Shopping? Me? Why yes I occasionally enjoy shopping.

I'm not a shopaholic by any means. I hate malls, for example, and although there are several malls in my little city, I don't go to them unless I am forcibly dragged by my teenagers. They're stronger than I am. It will happen to your kids, too.

However, take me to a crafts fair, or an outdoor market, or even a little shopping center that isn't a strip mall, and I'm all about the shopping experience. I guess I buy into the shop locally thing, but I like to shop in places that aren't selling the same thing in Boston, New York, and Timbuctu. I know, I'm difficult to please, but I like my stuff to be a bit more unique than say, The Gap.

So, today I saw this event and wanted to clue you Boston area women in to the happenings. Now, this doesn't look like the kind of thing I'm into (pole dancing? POLE DANCING. Me? I think not!) But for the more adventurous amoungst you, I say go for it and give us all a full report. I'm serious. Live blog it for me. I live vicariously anyhow.

But while we're on the topic of shopping, let me remind you about the South End Market and get a hint about who wants to attend the first Sunday in August? That would be August 4th. I'm definitely up for it. Who else wants to try it?

Hey, Binky, what happened with that Salon idea of yours? Are you still planning on discussing the state of the universe anytime soon?

Meet-up

I was thinking of going to Davis Farm in the next few weeks. Is anyone interested in doing a meet-up there? They have the farm area and splash park. The girls always have alot of fun!

BBQ on City Hall Plaza

Is anyone else going to brave City Hall plaza for the Phantom Gourmet Beach Party BBQ? We got tickets through a friend, and we're going. But I've heard that it's better to have a large-ish party of at least 6 so you can share the sampler plates from all the different vendors. We're all big fans of the Phantom, despite the fact that we've probably never eaten at 99% of the restaurants they review. But the food looks so GOOD. I'm always starving by the end of the show!

I personally think it sucks that you have to buy the food as well as the ticket, which is why they say to get a big party together. Then you don't spend anywhere near as much and you get to sample much more.

So, if you're going and are a small party, wanna get together?

Salon, Anyone?

No, I'm not talking mani and massage. I'm talking intellectual gatherings where discussion revolves around the arts and sciences, around issues. A real life place where we can exercise the mental muscles that, for me, have been flexed only in the virtual realms of the blogosphere. Play dates at home or the park are well and good, but chasing after the under-five part of the equation tends to deplete the quality of adult discussion. One of the reasons I was so happy to see this group formed is because it presents the opportunity for us to sit down, sans kids, and talk with other articulate, opinionated women from whom we can all learn.

I admit that this idea was sparked in my head for a selfish and particular reason. I am beginning research on a novel I plan to write. One of the elements that will play heavily into the plot is that of euthanasia. In my very, very preliminary perusal of books on the subject, I realized I know next to nothing. My background in the study of philosophy comes from an introductory course I took at a community college while I was still in high school. It's safe to say the only hazy notions that remain in my head involve Plato and a cave. Or was it Socrates and a cave?

It was then that I realized I would need more than book larnin' to really get my head around all the issues. I needed to talk to people with a grasp on philosophy, on current events, on practical understanding of the human condition. I thought of this group immediately. There are too many women from too many backgrounds not to be able to expand my own understanding in a welcomed way.

Even if euthanasia as the first topic of discussion doesn't appeal to everyone, I hope the idea of a salon held at a coffee house or some meeting place might spark interest. Topics for discussion are endless. We could meet every other month, quarterly, twice a year--whatever works for those of you who might be interested.

Your feedback is appreciated. I look forward to what you have to say.

I have an idea-rrr

I was busy browsing for my stylehive. As an aside, does anyone else find it time consuming to constantly update their stylehive? It drives me nuts sometimes. But I digress....

Anyhow, I came across this. I didn't even know it existed, but it looks like FUN. And since it's location is near bars and restaurants, it might be a good outing for us NE Mamas. I know it's in Boston and all you outer states people are going Ugh, BOSTON. But it says they have free parking! FREE PARKING IN BOSTON. Who would have thunk it?



It's open Sundays. I looked at about half the vendor sites (how do you think I update my stylehive?) and it looks like there is just about something for everyone. Heavy on the purses, like that's a bad thing? But I think there should be enough to look at before hitting some watering hole. I'm totally unfamiliar with the South End, but I know it's like restaurant ally with plenty of places for drinkie poos. Does anyone know more?



So what do you think of maybe planning an outing for shopping, schmoozing, and libations?

(pics stolen from their web site)

Hey there

Hello New England Mamas!

Our corner of the world may be small (representin' six states, yo) but we are fierce.

Can I hear a "Whoop Whoop"?

So this corner of the web is just for the ladies of the NE. If you'd like to contribute to this blog send me an email at Chicky Chicky Baby at hotmail dot com and I'll add you. I have no idea what direction this site will take but I figure if it's anything like our weather this blog should prove to be a wild ride.

Also, there's been a rumble about a NE Mama Bloggers meetup. I'd be more than happy to organize something if there is enough interest. So leave a comment if you'd like to meet other mothers who blog (MOBs - Holla) and, based on interest, I'll get the ball rolling. I'd love some of you other ladies to help out as well - as my organizational skills are not what they used to be - so leave in your comment if you'd like to pitch in. Don't forget to leave your email or send it to me directly at the above address.

Let me hear you, my sisters of the north east. If you know of other Mama bloggers that I may not know about, send them on over too. The more the merrier.

Now, who brought the chowdah and the bee-ah?