Posts filed under 'travel'
E-I-E-I-O!
We love anything sustainable, and are looking forward to visiting Jordandal Farms—which practices sustainably in Argyle, WI—for this year’s “A Day on the Farm.”
It’s sponsored by REAP Food Group—Research, Education, Action and Policy on Food Group, focused on building a regional food system that is healthful, just, and both environmentally and economically sustainable.
The day features a farm tour, kids activities, oohing over baby farm animals, and getting up to speed about Jordandal’s sustainable practices with the farm’s owners. A farm-fresh picnic-style meal will be served up by some of Madison’s finest chefs Madison Club, Restaurant Magnus, Dayton Street Grill, and Tornado Steak House.
Here’s what else you should know about REAP: The organization is all about making local farm-to-table connections easy, supports small family farms, and also organizes the Farms to Schools program (YAY! Keeping it fresh by connecting our local farmers with our schools’ food needs), and the excellent “Food for Thought Festival,” Burgers and Brew, and Pie Palooza, among other events, in Madison each year. Check those out — and don’t miss the organization’s local coupon book.
Date: Sunday, July 18
Time: 11am-3pm
Advance tickets (recommended!): Adults, $20; kids 12 & under, $12; kids 3 and under, free.
For more details and to order tickets, visit REAP’s site, or call 608.310.7836.
—Mama Kate
June 26th, 2010
For years I’ve struggled to put my diaper bag into the basket of strollers, and I have had no idea that there was a solution out there… I bet you have found yourself in the same position!!
Leave it to Skip Hop, a company that makes hip and stylish diaper bags to have a bag, called The Saddlebag which attaches to your stroller frame for hands-free stroller time—like blue-tooth technology for your diaper-bag! Fantastic!!!
I adore mine and got it at 
, a site that will have you drooling all over the place…great stuff there!!! Mama Jen
November 3rd, 2009
I’ve been riding the same bike for 18 years. It’s an “urban mountain” bike, and it weighs a ton. But, it’s not even close to worn out because I simply don’t ride much. But, just the same, inspired by Madison’s “Ride the Drive” today, I thought I’d take a look at what’s out there in stylish-yet-can-haul-kids category. It may finally be time for me to update.
Friends rave about their Madsen “Precious Cargo Bike.” The kids sit in a bucket right behind you, and over the back tire. That way, they’re not way off back yonder enclosed in the chariot (as we call it) and you feel like a singular unit. It feels like you’re keeping them a little tighter to your chest—a good thing especially when riding roadside. And, when there are no kids, you can haul stuff. Very utilitarian. I’m ruining my own chances by telling you this…but you could WIN a FREE bike from Madsen. The company gives one away each week. My friends purchased their new ride at Williamson Bicycle Works, here in Madison, WI.
I also like the looks of WorkCycles bikes, a company known for making “Dutch city bikes.” They’re made in Amsterdam, but there are a few dealers stateside. Dig the Fr8Family bike, with the seat tucked snugly between you and the handlebars. This model can be fitted to carry up to three kids. Rear seat options available, too. Also like the looks of the Onderwater Family Tandem (pic of dad + 2 tinies). Please, let me not have the need for the company’s 12-seater extralong cargo bike.
WorkCycles has other cool child transport bikes, too. And just cool-looking bikes in general. Maybe it’s just that anything Euro or Scandinavian (except the pop music) appeals to this modernist mama.Like this one, the Secret Service ladies bike. 
Wow, and look. I can look ultra stylish on any of the bikes, sporting a skirt instead of something to sweat in. This makes me want to trade in my yoga pants for a wardrobe from Boden, complete with hip trench coat, don some Dansko clogs, and decorate my home with Marimekko patterns.
— Mama Kate
August 30th, 2009
Not sure what to do this weekend? Problem solved. Head to Madison this Sunday, August 30, 8am - 2pm, for Ride the Drive, a family-friendly event celebrating the city’s commitment to healthy living. A 6-mile loop from John Nolan Drive to East Washington will wrap around Capitol Square, and you can hop in at any point—on foot, bike, or skates—on the “car-free care free city streets.” Along the way you’ll find great events: kids’ bike rodeo, bike/stroller decorating and parade, art cart and obstacle course; adult group exercise classes; tunes in the tunnel underneath Monona Terrace; a block-long picnic; demonstrations; bike tune-ups; workshops with Suzy Favor Hamilton—and too much more to list here. Check out the Ride the Drive site for complete details.
— Mama Kate
August 26th, 2009
I gotta say, I am digging Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP website/newsletter, whose mission is to “nourish the inner aspect.” It’s filled with lots of ideas, both hip and helpful (well, and some not so at the moment—though I do love anything foodie oriented, I, sadly, don’t envision I’ll be lunching with the kids in Barcelona or London any time soon, or purchasing any designer fashions until my next life …). About every week or so, I get a nifty, conversational email about the idea of the week (and hey, it’s from Gwyneth, no less!). GOOP is wrapped around six main categories: Make, Go, Get, Do, Be, See. And, Miss GP includes plenty of family- and mommy-friendly ideas. GOOP features expert advice aplenty. And, there are lots of celebrity hooks—recipes and restaurant ideas from GP buddy Mario Batali, Cameron Diaz’s “green list,” DJ AM’s party jam picks, gal pal Madonna’s fave books, and so on—and that’s kinda fun. Essentially, though, I find it a great resource and collective of ideas—info on things alternative (healing modalities, for example), travel ideas (for my future files…), general food for thought (parenting ideas from experts). Back on that foodie note, I absolutely love the recipes GOOP features—a great variety that runs the gamut from family friendly to vegan, dairy-free, meat-free, super healthy deals that sound truly delicious. One friend had great success with Gwyneth’s detox diet (minus 6 lbs in one week) … that’s one aspect of GOOP I’ve not yet checked out, but hope to soon!
—Mama Kate
July 3rd, 2009
With Spring officially arriving this Thursday (wahooooo!) you may be getting that spring cleaning fever. I know I have been organizing here and there—only for it to be re-organized by my two year old, but I am making a little, more, OK, some headway! Buttoned Up is a company that helps “stretched and stressed out women” get themselves and their families organized. Personally, I think they are going to rescue our bulging file cabinet.
Buttoned up features about 30 great products or “kits” that will help you organize your tax documents, be prepared if you are in a vehicle collision, get your fitness goals in order, organize to-do lists diaper bags, moves and more…virtually all the important parts of our lives that would be so much easier if they were neatly “buttoned up!”
You can browse their selection of nifty kits that help you organize life’s important information at their website, or look through them in person at Target, where they are available in some locations.
The company was invented by a Alicia Rockmore (a mom) with her business partner Sarah Welch and her sisters, who know just how much you are juggling and found a way to help.
Fabulous idea that has major MomAppeal! Mama Jen
March 18th, 2008
Amazing handmade baby changing pads, diaper and wipe totes and beautiful items for mom can be found at b. handmade designs.
The colors and fabrics used are so adorable, fun and playful. Perfect for spring handbags and whimsical baby items!!!
This crafter also makes duvet covers, curtains and pillows. There are also fashionable beds for your four-legged children!
Custom orders are always welcome, so if you have a theme going for your child, or would love a purse in your favorite fabric, b. handmade designs can do it for you…this is very helpful for moms like me who can dream up ideas, but don’t know their way around a needle and thread to save their lives!
Mama Jen
March 6th, 2008
And I ate it last week!!!!
On our trip to the Bay Area last week, where we used to live, our friends who live in Half Moon Bay suggested we all go to Sam’s Chowder House for dinner. I had never been there because it wasn’t there when I had lived out there—our friends are real foodies, so I knew we were in for a treat. The restaurant is right on the ocean, so there are wonderful views. It was casual though, which was good since we both had our kids in tow.
Once I mentioned the Lobster Roll on the menu, our friends chimed in about how delicious it is and how, no matter what we order, we must get two for the table to share…we also learned that it was one of the top five contenders last week for “America’s Best Sandwich” on The Today Show.
Well!!!! East Coasters prepare yourselves!!! This is the best lobster roll I have ever had, and for good reason! I love lobster, and that is what you get…lots of tender big pieces of lobster which aren’t hidden under the typical mound of mayo—just light dressing of delicate butter, herb and celery. Out of this world. Even the ex-East Coaster in our party agreed.
If you find yourself in Half Moon Bay (where I have long had visions of my fantasy dwelling), you must go to Sam’s Chowder House for their famous Lobster Roll! (Don’t forget—being able to have lobster in a rustic but swanky, oceanside restaurant where it is fine to have your kids in tow is a huge plus!) Mama Jen
September 30th, 2007
Recently, a friend of ours was researching flying with her daughter who has severe food allergies. She was nervous about wiping down the plane seats, because her daughter could have a reaction just being in contact with residue or near the foods she is allergic to. Talk about stressful parenting!!! The research she did to help make things as safe as possibe on their multiple flights from the US to New Zealand, led her to this amazing product by Planesheets.com!!!
Leslie Danelion and Rick Berge, whose relationship began as a long distance relationship with numerous flights between Minneapolis and Los Angeles, are the masterminds behind this great product. With so much flying, they were subjected to unclean airplane seats so often, that they ended up making a cover to use…now their idea has grown into a successful company that helps so many people address cleanliness on flights, as well as lower the risk of coming into contact with allergens. Smart smart smart!!!
If you, or someone you know flys often, or needs something to aid in the protection from allergens while flying, check these out!! They are available as reusable, washable plane seat covers, or disposable covers! Mama Jen
September 16th, 2007
