While Mama Jen has crib sheets on the brain, please join me in a shout out to her. Mama Jen, Dadio James, and Big Sis Eve have just had the most wonderful addition to their family—they’ve adopted a sweet little boy named Will Musa. It’s been years of waiting—and an incredibly busy summer of preparation—but finally, they were able to travel to Ethiopia to bring sweet Will home. Congratulations Mama Jen!
—Mama Kate
Add comment September 21st, 2009
The fabulous designer at Amuse Me that makes those great nursing covers with ribbons inside for your baby to play with, has launched adorable Mommy and Toddler aprons in some gorgeous fabrics.
These aprons are totally reversible, chic and whimsical! What little girl doesn’t want everything that mommy has? And what mommy doesn’t want to rock some serious style while in the kitchen or garden?
I absolutely adore these aprons and so does my daughter! You’ll want these aprons hanging in a prominent place in your kitchen. They are a decoration in themselves…
Mama Jen
Add comment September 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
Add comment August 30th, 2009
Ooops… we’re gathering at Bean Sprouts for a Coffee Talk with fitness guru Dustin Maher on Tuesday August 18 (typo said Aug 19). Sorry for the confusion! Call it sleep deprivation / mommy brain…
—Mama Kate
1 comment August 10th, 2009
We know the drill. Have a kid or two, feel lumpy and soft. You want to exercise, but where do you find the time or an affordable class or gym?
A couple of years ago, we both started training with Dustin Maher through his MamaTone group fitness classes for moms. We can’t say enough about the experience—particularly the fact that it’s great to work out with gals of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels who know what you’re going through. Dustin’s created a fun and supportive community atmosphere in his MamaTone fitness classes at Supreme Health club, and it’s fantastic to have a workout that is geared toward women’s bodies and getting us mommies back in shape fast. We’ve come to believe that we deserve to carve out time for focused exercise, as it makes us feel and look better, and helps us cope with and de-stress from the everyday aspects of momhood. That’s good stuff.
Together with the gals at Bean Sprouts cafe, we’ve created a monthly mommy chat. It’s an opportunity to gather, grow your community of moms, and talk about topics that are of interest to you. This month’s Coffee Talk, at Bean Sprouts, is loaded with inspiration and tips to make getting into shape easy. Dustin will teach 5 body-transforming
exercises you can easily do at home—whether watching the kids in the yard or Oprah on TV. He’ll also advise on exercises to avoid (yes mamas, it’s crunches!), and share nutrition tips on the top metabolism-boosting foods you can eat. You may have heard of Dustin; his fitness advice has been featured on local news casts for NBC, ABC, and CBS, as well as on Wisconsin Public Radio. He’s also founder of Fit Fun Bootcamps, and has recently launched a series of workout videos.
To learn more about Dustin Maher, his workouts and fitness philosophy, visit dustinmaherfitness.com/about-
Kids are welcome! They can play while we moms enjoy a complimentary cuppa joe and catch up on getting fit. Stay for lunch afterward, and gnosh on Bean Sprouts delish and healthy eats.
No more excuses — we’ll see you at Coffee Talk!
Date: Tuesday, August 18
Time: 10am-11am
FREE! Bring the kids.
Location: Bean Sprouts cafe, 6719 Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue, Suite 101, Middleton, WI 53562. 608.826.6YUM.
— Mama Kate + Mama Jen
Add comment August 9th, 2009
Well, it may only last for 10 minutes, but it’s worth it: dark chocolate-covered ruffled potato chips. I was looking for just a little sweet bite while running errands, stopped into James J Chocolate Shop on Madison’s Monroe Street, and gave into temptation (the sales clerk was effusive about them). They were, as they sound: decadently, disgustingly delicious. I was only going to have one—the chocolate is thick and rich and, well, it IS covering a potato chip. But, well, you know how it goes, in a moment of crisis or weakness, the whole bag disappears. It was only 5 chips, but that was more than enough. I would have taken a picture to share but, they didn’t last long. Now I better go for a run …
— Mama Kate
Add comment July 16th, 2009
Just a note that the summer is getting away from me and we are also adding to our family in two weeks, so I will not be posting for a bit! I will be back and until then, Mama Kate will keep you posted here and there during her very crazy summer too!
Have a wonderful Summer!
Mama Jen
Add comment July 13th, 2009
Do you find your little girls attracted to body products that smell of candy and youth but are loaded with synthetics that are harmful for their skin?
Sparklehearts bridges the gap between the amount of all natural baby products you can find and the all natural beauty products for women. Somewhere in there, natural based companies seem to have forgotten about the needs of young girls. They need youthful qualities in their products—smell, packaging, maybe a sparkle or two…and please can it also be healthy???
Sparklehearts says “”No way,” to the icky chemicals and toxins that make up the majority of make-up, bath and beauty products, and say, “Yes” to all natural, all safe, practically edible, but seriously glamorous.” You’ve got to love that!!
And—the lotion SPARKLES–with wonderful all natural mica!! Not only does it feel fabulous ( I got to feel it after I had to pry it from my daughter’s hands!!) it has subtle youthful sparkles…not ala Halloween…very hip and subtle! It also smells like dessert which is a bonus!
Sparklehearts currently carries a fun line of hair and body products that are priced right, “rocking some serious style in 100% recycled packaging,” and are made in the USA by two moms!
Thank you Sparklehearts, for recognizing such an important product consumer who also deserves all the health and glam that natural products can bring!!
I posted on this a few weeks ago and for some reason, it has disappeared, so if you feel like you are having deja vu…that’s why 
Mama Jen
Add comment June 8th, 2009
Tiffanie Kinder, the brains behind Wisconsin based Nanny Connections and Babysitter Connections has done it again! She has found new and innovative ways to help working parents, parents who need a break, and parents who are re-entering the workforce.
Nanny Connections itself is based on you, the parent, being able to select from a pool of experienced and qualified pre-screened Nannies that can help you with your children. Just to clarify, this is absolutely not limited to someone who essentially lives with you ala Sound of Music — although you can do that. It can also be that you need a particular time covered here and there . Nanny Connections absolutely helps the family that needs part time help as well!
Babysitter Connections is part of Nanny Connections and is more for the parent that wants someone on call to cover the occasional things that come up in our lives–work, deadlines, fun with a friend, date night— but doesn’t need someone with all of the experience of a Nanny.
Right now, Nanny Connections has two new offerings that really help you get everything covered! “Sick and Emergency Back Up Childcare” and “Oncall Services” from their hand selected pool of qualified Nannies.
First off is “Sick and Emergency Back up Childcare.” This is a fantastic way for companies to help their employees when work needs to be done, but usual childcare plans fall through due to an illness or scheduling conflict. If you own a company or work for a company that you think this may be a useful benefit for, Nanny Connections can help you! Nanny Connections would completely run this aspect of the corporate benefit. The employee utilising the service would pay a small fee while the corporation would cover the rest. Talk about a benefit that goes both ways!
The “On-call Service” is equally fantastic and such a stress reliever for those of us who know what it can be like to have all the pieces fall just right so that you can have childcare coverage when you need it. Buy a membership to Nanny Connections for a year for access to a pre-screened pool of babysitters –then—whammo!— whenever you need a babysitter, Nanny Connections does all the legwork for you. You call and tell them what time-frame(s) you need covered etc and that’s it!! Their skilled coordinators will do the rest! Never again have to wait to accept that all important interview to see if you can find childcare, not be sure if you can make a business dinner or a fun night that has come up! The Yearly Membership Fee: $150.00. Each time you need a nanny, you pay $15.00. You can also forgoe the $150 membership fee and pay $25 each time you need a nanny. Nannies are paid the same day in cash ranging from $10-12 per hour. How fantastic is that? What a lifesaver ! There are so many childcare needs that don’t always come with a lot of time for planning and coordinating to get the time covered!!
Have a Sitter/Nanny? Check.
Mama Jen
Add comment April 29th, 2009
Who doesn’t love a budget decorating tip? Check these out from Ferm Living: giant stick-on wall decals that are removable. They’ve got modernist flair and a touch of cleverness (the barcode, fly-on-the-wall, and ’70s designs elicit a chuckle). The problem may be choosing which sticker to buy. But, For $5o to $200, you can afford to buy a few, mix them up and switch them out. Hey, it’s cheaper than new furniture.
— Mama Kate
Add comment March 10th, 2009
