The food traditions of Super Bowl Sunday are almost as enticing for me as the game itself. We make all kinds of fun treats each year, including both new recipes and old favorites. Soups and chili are always part of the menu, though. Here are three of my family’s favorite recipes, all of them healthy, low-fat, and quick to make.

Caitlin’s Weeknight Chili
When my oldest daughter was four years old, she went to day camp for the summer. While she was there, she fell in love with her swim instructor, a warm graduate student named Caitlin. On the last day of camp, she begged me to ask Caitlin  to babysit sometime. More than 5 years later, Caitlin, now an English professor, is still babysitting for us.  A couple of years ago, she started cooking with the kids, and now it’s a tradition for them to make dinner twice a week (I know, I’m insanely lucky! I still thank my daughter for finding Caitlin). This chili recipe is a regular part of their repertoire, and we all love it.

1 package of chili seasoning (McCormick is good)
1 lb ground turkey breast
1 onion, chopped fine
2 cans of diced tomatoes
2 cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Salt & pepper to taste (Eli adds hot sauce to his bowl, the rest of us like it mild)

Heat a medium-size Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Saute the ground turkey in a little bit of olive oil. Add the onions, tomatoes and seasoning. Let simmer 20 minutes. Add the beans and let simmer another 20-30 minutes. Season to taste. Serve with tortilla chips, salad, and easy guacamole (mash two ripe avocados with 1/2 tsp cumin, the juice of 1/2 lime, salt and pepper).

10 Minute Hearty Corn Soup
There is no soup in my repertoire that comes together as quickly as this one. It’s so good on a cold night, and it’s very kid-friendly, too. It’s definitely in the semi-homemade category.

1 box Imagine Low-Sodium Organic Creamy Harvest Corn Soup
1/2 bag frozen corn (I prefer the white varieties because they are usually sweeter)
Salt and pepper

Heat the box of soup in a saucepan on medium-high heat. Add the frozen corn. Let simmer 10 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. That’s it, you’re done. You can experiment with some extra seasoning and garnishes, but this is the basic recipe.

Low-Fat Low-Calorie Highly Nutritious Cauliflower Soup
This soup is really easy, really creamy, and really good. You would never believe that it’s basically cauliflower and water. You will probably burn more calories eating and digesting the soup than there are in the soup itself. Plus you’ll get all the vitamins and nutrients in the cauliflower and you’ll feel warm and full. My foodie kids like to sprinkle truffle salt on top (they may or may not have picked up the habit from their parents).

2 tsp olive oil
1 onion
1 clove garlic
1 head cauliflower
6 cups water
Salt & pepper

Optional seasonings: add 1 tsp dried thyme OR 2 tsp curry powder OR 1 tsp cumin

Dice the onion, mince or press the garlic clove and chop the cauliflower into florets, discarding the stems. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Saute the onions and garlic (if using curry powder or cumin, add it now, then wait until it is aromatic before adding the cauliflower).  Add the cauliflower and the water (if using thyme, add it here). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the cauliflower is soft. Use a blender to puree the cauliflower in batches with just enough of the liquid to make a smooth, silky consistency. Then stir the puree back into the remaining liquid, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If you have an immersion blender, this goes even faster.

Even though we were still recent transplants from New York at the time, we lost our hearts to the Patriots that night, and we’ve never looked back.

Over the years, watching the Super Bowl has become a tradition in our home, although we’re not usually die-hard sports fans. I used to watch for the commercials, but I’ve acquired the taste for football since then. Unfortunately, our kids are still not sold on the idea of sitting down for three hours and watching a bunch of men chase a ball and knock each other down. So it’s important to find ways to keep them engaged (and supervised) so everyone can have fun.

Here are some ideas:

1. Do what you can to get them into the game.
Even if your kids have never wanted to watch football before, this might be the game that turns them into fans. Your passion and excitement will go a long way, particularly if you involve them and give them attention. Remember that football is a complicated sport, and if kids don’t understand what they’re seeing, they’re sure to lose interest. Find a book to read to them that helps to explain it, or take some time to explain how football works using YouTube videos (this one is really good) before the actual game begins.

Give them some things to look for, like whether a team got a first down or not. Help them make predictions, like, will they punt or try for a field goal? Get them to count how many times the announcer says the word “yard” or “tackle.” When things go well, give the kids high-fives. If they’re focusing on the game and asking questions, tear yourself away from the screen to praise their interest and provide answers.

2. Get some good solitary games.
The old classic Rush Hour is great for older kids, as is a newer favorite, Logic Links. Smart Car is nice for younger kids, who love the blocks just as much as they love the puzzles. Perplexus is another challenging game that will keep kids occupied for hours. Trying to move the marble through the spherical obstacle course is harder than it looks. My kids are currently obsessed with Bop It! We don’t sell it at Magic Beans, but it is addictive AND it has a headphone jack. Whatever you give them, they’ll keep at it for longer if you take some time to acknowledge their accomplishments as they move through the levels.

3. Get crafty.
Some basic art supplies are a good bet – crayons and paper or a coloring book will be fine. If you’re feeling ambitious, cut out some football-themed shapes (balls, helmets, goalposts, fields) in advance and then let the kids go to town. Or pick up a craft kit that takes some time, like Loop n’ Loom or Sticky Mosaics, both of which are great for both girls and boys. If you don’t mind a little mess and sugar, make the kids some chocolate clay. They can sculpt it into footballs!

4. Plan a movie night for the kids.
My kids are already campaigning for a little screen time of their own on Sunday night. If you have a second TV in the house, select a couple of age-appropriate films and queue them up. It’s not quality play time, but if you’re spending the night glued to the game, you’re hardly in a position to do much about that. My kids all enjoy watching animated hits like Tangled, Shrek, Toy Story, and Up. An iPod or iPad is also a good silver bullet, if you have one to lend the kids.

5. Get a (young) babysitter.
If you’re going to be home for the evening anyway, consider asking a local high school student to come and hang out with your kids. It shouldn’t cost you too much (the going rate is $8-$12/hour, depending on where you live), and the kids will have someone fun to hang out with them and supervise activities. And put them to bed on time.

Mary Poppins on the Big Screen
Mary Poppins flies in with her umbrella in response to the request of the Banks children and proceeds to put things right with the aid of her rather extraordinary magical powers before flying off again. Coolidge Corner Theatre - 290 Harvard Street, Brookline.
Sunday, Feb 5, 2012

Digging for Mastodons: Harvard Museum of Natural History
Paleontologist Dr. Kirk Johnson of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science will share the latest news about Snowmass Village, where he´s leading a team that recently unearthed over 5,000 fossils of Ice Age animals. 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge.
Sunday, Feb 5, 2012

Stony Brook Winter Walk
Winter walk that will explore the woods and look for signs of creatures that make Stony Brook their winter home. Meet at parking area on Enneking Parkway opposite Smithfield Road in Hyde Park. If there is snow on the ground, we’ll have snowshoes available to borrow. Enneking Parkway, Hyde Park.
Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

Dan Zanes Concert
One of the hottest bands in children´s music is coming to town – Grammy Award-winners Dan Zanes and Friends create fun-filled, rockin´ dance parties wherever they go, performing exuberant, handmade 21st-century music that transcends language, genre and age.  Somerville Theatre – 55 Davis Square, Somerville.
Sunday, Feb 5, 2012 | 11am & 3pm

The Nook Lilypad Playmat is one of our favorites because it’s a super-comfortable pebble surface for your child to lounge on – and it’s super-safe, too. It’s made from organic cotton, eucalyptus, and PETE (polyethylene teraphthalate – a clean and non-toxic plastic). The pebbled surface facilitates airflow, and the eucalyptus wicks away moisture so that kids stay comfortable on hot days. The unique texture of the Nook’s surface provides an interesting sensory experience for babies. Perfect for tummy time! And like all of our other offerings from Nook, it has a totally unique look with plenty of kid-appeal.

You can enter to win the Nook Lilypad Playmat below, through our fun new app, which offers you lots of fun ways to get extra entries. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights
Joanie Leeds has one of those big, beautiful rock ‘n roll sopranos that can go full-out or soft and tender, and she uses both to full effect. Her latest album, What a Zoo, was named one of the Best Children´s CDs of 2011 by Parents Magazine. The Coolidge Corner Theatre - 290 Harvard Street, Brookline.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012

International Children’s Film Festival: ICA
Bring the family for this special day devoted to family films. Learn about the filmmaking process through demonstrations and hands-on activities. 100 Northern Avenue, Boston.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012

Winter Wonderland DJ Skate at the Simoni Ice Rink
Baby It’s Cold Outside…Warm Up With a DJ Skate. We amp up a favorite winter pastime by hosting a live, ice-side DJ to play today’s hottest hits. Grab your winter gear and your friends and get on the ice. 155 Gore Street, Cambridge.
Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

Bread and Puppet Theater: Man = Carrot Circus
The family-friendly ‘Man = Carrot Circus’ is based on the revelation that an upright man rooted in dirt was created in the image of the upright carrot rooted in dirt. The production is recommended for audiences ages 1 to 101. 539 Tremont Street, Boston.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012 - Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

Cat Mountain by Behind the Mask
Sho, a young servant girl, journeys to a strange and far-off mountain where she hopes to find her freedom and her lost cat. Will she ever return? 32 Station Street, Brookline.
Wednesday, Jan 25, 2012 - Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

When we realized that our chosen Grand Opening weekend date coincided with National Kazoo Day, we just couldn’t resist the opportunity to make another dream of ours come true. We’ve been fans of the flash mob trend since the good old days of Frozen Grand Central Station, and we’ve always wanted to do one. But since a stroller flash mob (yes, we discussed it) seemed difficult to choreograph and likely to cause injuries, we laid the dream of our very own Magic Beans flash mob to rest.

Until now.

This Saturday at 11am, we’ll be hosting a kazoo flash mob at the Pru. Between 10am and 11am, you can stop by our new store and pick up your free Melissa & Doug kazoo (while supplies last), and warm up your dancing feet. At 11, we’ll congregate and then we’ll Skip to My Lou through the Pru with kazoos. Vanessa Trien will be our fearless leader, and she’ll wrap up the flash mob with a free 20-minute concert in the food court, starting at 11:15am. It will be unforgettable. I mean it.

Will it go viral? Probably not. But stranger things have caught on (evidence: 5.8 million people have watched this 4-second video of a dog reacting to a fart).

We even made a rehearsal video, which I hope and pray will not go viral, since I was the designated kazooist, and I took it very seriously. Please don’t make fun of me. [editor's note: this video is adorable.]

See you on Saturday!

OH. There will be some other fun things happening on Saturday (and Sunday too). Check out our complete schedule of grand opening festivities.

And you can see my favorite flash mob video of all time here.

Image by Joel Benjamin, 2011. All rights reserved.

No one likes to leave the house on a morning when the temperature is 9 degrees, but it can be especially brutal for your baby. Babies feel the cold very acutely because they don’t have the same fat stores as adults, and they also can’t shiver – and shivering is the body’s way of warming up. Now that the weather in the Northeast is (finally) starting to act like winter, I thought it might be helpful to talk about 5 essential products that help babies stay nice and warm.

1. A footmuff
If you’re taking your baby for a walk outdoors during the winter, a footmuff is one of the best ways to add warmth to the stroller. There are many different options and price points. Usually, as with winter coats, price correlates to quality and quantity of the insulating materials, so a more expensive footmuff will be warmer than a less expensive one. So if you’ve got a really good snow suit, you can probably spend less on a footmuff. But the reverse also applies. If you invest in a great footmuff (which you can use for 2-3 seasons), you may not need as good a snow suit (which will typically only fit for 1 or 2 seasons at most).

Bonus: Baby Jogger makes a stroller hand muff for the caregiver pushing the stroller around. Brilliant!

2. A rain cover for your stroller
A lot of people think that a rain cover is only for rainy days (which makes sense, I suppose). But actually, rain covers do a great job of blocking the wind and holding in heat. If you can get one that’s tailored to your stroller, you’ll get a really tight fit against the stroller frame, but any rain cover will help on a bitterly cold day.

3. A hat
Scientists have proven that the old adage about body heat getting lost through the head is a myth, but no one disputes that wearing a hat makes you warmer. Get at least a couple of warm hats for your baby, since hats have a way of disappearing (and with all the adorable options out there, who could choose just one?). I prefer hats with some sort of lining, because they’re extra cozy. If you wish you had the skills (or time) to make your baby a hat, you can always visit Etsy.com and live vicariously through the talented craftspeople there, who will gladly whip up something spectacularly cute.

4. Mittens
If your baby is old enough that trapping his hands inside his bunting isn’t going to fly, you’ll need a good pair of mittens. As you know from your own cold-weather experience, keeping hands warm is always a challenge. Some days, even the most high-tech ski gloves just aren’t up to the task. Not so for Bearhands. I own a pair of adult Bearhands, and they are easily the warmest option for any winter day (not great for snowball fights or text messaging, but ideal for everything else). They are lined with Thinsulate, and, as with any mittens, the fingers are all in one section, so body heat also helps keep fingers toasty.

5. A bunting
Snow suit, bunting, footsie: whatever you want to call it, I’m referring to a piece of outerwear that’s all one piece, preferably with a hood, and for younger babies, with fold-over arm and foot flaps. Don’t buy a coat for your baby if this is his first winter – a full-body snowsuit holds in heat and keeps your baby warmer. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a down-filled poofy affair (though those are very nice and warm). A good fleece will be fine most of the time, especially if the feet and hands can be closed off, and if it’s paired with a hat and a footmuff, or another blanket for extra warmth. It’s all about the layering. If you do go for something very cushy, it should not be worn in the car seat. All that “poof” can create the illusion that the harness straps are tight when actually, they are not. In a crash, the material will compress and the straps can become too loose to properly protect the baby.

6. Booties
Depending on your outerwear selection, you might be able to get away with a good pair of socks. But if your bunting doesn’t cover the feet, or if you’ve got an older baby who’s on the move, a good pair of warm boots or booties is indispensable. I’ve always been a big fan of Ugg boots for toddlers and older kids, because I know how warm they keep my feet. 7AM Enfant has really nice, warm booties for babies and toddlers that are just SO snuggly I wish they came in my size.

With these winter essentials, your baby can enjoy the sights of the season without suffering from the cold. Get some air, get some exercise, get dressed and get outside!

Winter Panto 2012: Humpty Dumpty
A giant egg has appeared mysteriously on the wall surrounding Old King Cole’s Castle – and that’s no yolk! It’s a portent of doom sent by Old Icicle himself. If the egg should fall, down will come King, crown, castle and all. 539 Tremont Street, Boston.
Now thru Feb 4, 2012

The Monkey King by Galapagos Puppets
Join us for a special collaborative performance with Behind the Mask Theatre & puppeteer Margaret Moody of Galapagos Puppets at Harvard Peabody Museum. 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge.
Saturday, Jan 21, 2012

Ice Skating: The Charles Hotel
Back by popular demand, The Rink at the Charles Hotel is open for all winter enthusiasts. The 2,900 square-foot ice skating rink is located just steps from the property´s front door. One Bennett Street, Cambridge.
Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 - Sunday, Mar 4, 2012

Tasty Tuesdays: Boston Children’s Museum
Make a yummy, healthy snack that tots and adults will both enjoy at the Boston Children´s Museum 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month. 300 Congress Street, Boston.
Tuesday, Oct 18, 2011 - Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012

‘If You Build It’ Workshop: ICA Boston
Calling all dreamers, designers, and budding architects Join us for a brief tour of the ICA´s distinct architectural features then draw, design, and build your own structure of any size using a variety of tools and materials. 100 Northern Avenue, Boston.
Sunday, Jan 22, 2012

The Mickey Spain Musical Jamboree Concert
Have you ever wondered what the animals do on the farm once the farmer has gone to bed, wished you were a fish or thanked the big old yellow moon for guiding you safely through the night? Well you can through the imaginative lyrics and infectious melodies of these original songs by Mickey Spain. 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge.
Saturday, Jan 21, 2012

A Day in Pompei: Museum of Science
Visit this new exhibit with more than 250 artifacts from the ancient Roman city buried under ash for 1,700 years. Artifacts include 13 wall-sized frescoes, gold jewelry, frying pans and carbonized bread. Science Park, Cambridge.
Monday, Jan 2, 2012 - Sunday, Feb 12, 2012

Clifford the Big Red Dog Family Musical
For more than 40 years, Scholastic’s Clifford The Big Red Dog™ has charmed and amazed children with his engaging adventures and ‘Big Ideas.’ Enjoy this big family musical on stage at the Wilbur Theatre. 246 Tremont Street, Boston.
Saturday, Jan 21, 2012

It turns out that Dan Zanes, formerly of the Boston rock band the Del Fuegos*, is a cottage industry unto himself, the founder and king of the “kindie rock” scene. He’s been producing his own soothing, folksy style of music since his debut solo kid-album in the year 2000, and has been releasing satisfying musical soul-food for families ever since. His 2006 album, Catch That Train! won a Grammy, and his latest, Little Nut Tree, provides the same seamless combination of musical styles. Really, we’re not sure how he fuses musical styles as disparate as reggae, bluegrass, country, and rock, often in one song, but we’re just glad that someone figured it out.

And the Dan Zanes experience translates well in real life, too: the Zooglobble kid music blog says that “The wonder of a Dan Zanes concert, then, is that he produces a very communal experience that isn’t so focused on him. Instead, the community itself is the communal experience.” Singing, dancing, and other audience participation is not just encouraged – it’s a must! You can even get in some practice ahead of time with the interactive features on Zanes’ website.

Tickets for Dan Zanes and Friends are available at www.worldmusic.org, or by calling 617-876-4275, or visiting the Somerville Theatre box office at 55 Davis Square in Somerville. Shows are at 11am and 3pm, and tickets are $25 – all patrons must have tickets, including babies.

* If you haven’t heard the Del Fuegos but the name sounds familiar, you’re probably thinking of the catchy 1993 rock hit “My Sister” by Juliana Hatfield – before you click on this link for some ‘90s nostalgia, though, be aware that it includes some iffy language.

Magic by Scott Jameson
Come see the show audiences are calling ‘superb’, ‘a blast’, and ‘heartwarming fun for the whole family.’ Join magician and juggler Scott Jameson at the Coolidge for an extraordinary performance that will have you laughing out loud and perched on the very edge of your seat. Coolidge Corner Theatre - 290 Harvard Street, Brookline.
Saturday, Jan 14, 2012

Boston Children’s Chorus Annual MLK Concert
The Boston Children’s Chorus annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is an inspiring event for the entire family. 30 Gainsborough St, Boston.
Monday, Jan 16, 2012 - Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Franklin Park Zoo
Visit Franklin Park Zoo and celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Enjoy a day of traditional dance (including a lion dance), arts and crafts, learning and fun to celebrate the Chinese New Year. 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston.
Saturday, Jan 14, 2012

The History of Tap: Moments in Time
Join the Cambridge Youth Dance Program and the Boston Tap Company as they explore the history, rhythm, and multicultural expression of tap, a dance that transcends time and cultures. Columbia Point, Boston.
Monday, Jan 16, 2012

David Grover: Beloved Pied Piper of the Berkshires
To hear this pied piper croon is to become a “Grover Groupie”. Grover has been compared to Mr. Rogers, Paul Simon & James Taylor. He´s won countless awards including a Grammy nomination and Artist of the Year. 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge.
Saturday, Jan 14, 2012

But when it was time to move my baby to a convertible car seat, I perused the manual for a moment or two before I became overwhelmed by all the illustrations and legal jargon. I felt fear boiling up inside me again,  so I took a deep breath. Just put it in the car, I told myself. The baby will be fine. And so I did the best I could, and I was sure that was good enough.

A few weeks later, I was leaving a playgroup with a friend whose baby was just a few weeks older than mine. She was much less relaxed than I was. She glanced at my car seat and reached in to feel how securely it was installed. She rocked it back and forth easily and her eyes widened. “You need to get your car seat checked! This isn’t in properly.” She explained that she’d brought her car seat to her local police station and they had checked it for her. “Mine doesn’t feel like this.”

I practically snorted. What a worry-wart! She’d brought her CAR SEAT to the POLICE? I smiled and nodded, thanked her for her feedback and drove off, shaking my head at my friend’s anxiety level.

A week later, as I was packing to drive to New York for the weekend, my phone rang. It was my friend, and she was calling me from the side of the road. She had just been in a car accident (everyone was OK), and all she could think about was my loose car seat and my upcoming four-hour drive. “Please,” she told me, “you never know what can happen. Go get your seat checked.”

Well, now that karma had gotten involved, I wasn’t feeling quite so relaxed. I called the Brookline Police department and begged the officer to see me, even though she didn’t have an actual appointment available for several weeks. Casey Hatchett, who has since become a friend, spent a good, long time with me, instructing, pushing, pulling, and tightening until the car seat was completely immobilized. I drove to New York the next day with great peace of mind.

After that, I became a noisy advocate for getting car seats checked, and I never quit. When I finally had the time to get certified this past summer, it felt incredible to finally be able to help parents myself. Now, I’m delighted to announce that Magic Beans has started offering car seat installation services in all of our stores.

Parents can now make an appointment online to meet with a Child Passenger Safety Technician for a one-on-one car seat checkup. We’ll teach you all about how your car seat works, and we’ll show you how it fits into your car. We’ll give you the confidence you need to install the seat yourself, because it’s an essential skill. And we’ll make sure you drive away with your seat installed properly.

Our car seat installation service costs just $19.99 when you purchase your car seat at Magic Beans, and it’s $39.99 if your seat was purchased elsewhere. This makes a great gift also, if you have a friend who you suspect may need a kick in the pants to go and get her seat checked. I’m just saying…

Debbie & Friends Family Concert at the Coolidge
Debbie and Friends will present a full-band show that will be great fun for the whole family. Get ready for some sing-along, dance-along, laugh-along family fun in this rockin´ musical journey through classic kids´ tales and original songs. The Coolidge Corner Theatre - 290 Harvard Street, Brookline.
Sunday, Jan 8, 2012

Ice Skating On Frog Pond
A hopping spot for ice-skating on the Boston Common! Boston’s Frog Pond has its own ice-making system and offers skate rentals & hot cocoa at the Pond Cottage. Boston Common, Boston.
Now - Thursday, Mar 15, 2012

Second Fridays: MIT Museum
Jump-start your weekend with the MIT Museum Second Fridays. Enjoy performances, demonstrations, and lectures throughout their stunning galleries. 265 Massachusetts Ave. Bldg. N52, Cambridge.
Friday, Jan 13, 2012 - Friday, Dec 14, 2012

Winter Photography Workshops & Scavenger Hunt
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is proud to introduce an extension of this summer´s successful “Pics in the Parks” Photography Workshops. In addition attendees can participate in a three-month winter Scavenger Hunt. Various Locations.
Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 - Sunday, Feb 5, 2012

Ben Rudnick and Friends Family Concert
Come hear Ben Rudnick and Friends play the hippest family music in town, 10-11am. Arrive early or stay late and explore Fayerweather’s Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms, 9:30-11:30am. 765 Concord Ave., Cambridge.
Saturday, Jan 7, 2012

Newton Center Skating Rink Grand Opening
Postponed from December 31st, the brand new free ice skating rink in Newton Center will be officially opened to the public in a ceremony with Newton’s Mayor Setti Warren. 1241 Centre Street, Newton.
Saturday, Jan 7, 2012

1. I will put down my iPhone.
I’ve already been working on this for a number of months. I was in an Apple store earlier this year, and a sales associate saw me clutching my phone and said, “It’s almost like we’re turning into cyborgs, isn’t it?” I totally freaked out. I don’t want to be a cyborg.

2. I will feed my family healthier foods.
I’ve spent half my life trying to lose weight. I know enough about nutrition to be more than a little ashamed of some of the things that are routinely part of our family diet. And it’s starting to show on the scale (at least for me). We can do better with the lunches we pack, the snacks we eat, and the desserts we bake.

3. I will get home earlier.
Over the past couple of years, my departure time from work has slid from 5 to 6. I’ve found it makes a huge difference in the evening’s quality time. Plus, I might even find time to cook a meal or two and reduce the amount of Chinese take-out in our lives (see #2).

4. I will involve the kids in my exercise regimen.
I already have a pretty fair exercise routine, but it’s almost all at the gym (especially at this time of year). I want to find ways to stay active that can include my kids in the fun (and include them in the benefits). We’ll do more indoor rock climbing, more running around outside, and more XBox Kinect Dance Central battles (don’t see #5).

5. I will limit screen time more aggressively.
My kids are 9, 7, and 3 years old now, and while we used to have strict rules around screen time, those have completely fallen by the wayside. To some extent, that’s probably not unusual. It’s also fun that the older kids love Top Chef just as much as I do, and we can watch it together once a week. And Zev’s favorite movie is Tangled, which I happen to adore even though it always makes me cry. But there’s a difference between quality time together in front of the TV (Dance Central) and mindless-zombie Disney Channel marathons (sorry, Disney!).

And the late-night sneaking of laptop computers to bed needs to stop. I need my rest.

What are your mom-resolutions for the upcoming year?

Bouncy Ball Blast

A great kit for co-ed play dates, this kit makes 6 bouncy balls in a variety of shapes and sizes. The process is easy and fun, and kids love playing with the balls when they’re all done making them.

Kiss Naturals Lip Balm Kit

I adore this kit, because it’s a really fun craft AND it contains high-quality, all-natural ingredients like safflower oil, shea butter, bees wax and essential oils. Not only can you make your own lip balm, but the end product is nicer and better than any lip balm you’d pick up in your local drug store. There’s enough to make 10 little jars of lip balm – plenty for a party or to give away to friends.

Mug Decorating Kit (pictured)

The only thing better than a steaming mug of hot cocoa on a wintry day is cocoa in a mug you designed yourself. This kit comes with blank ceramic mugs and permanent markers, making for instant gratification.

Whipple Cupcake Set

My kids were instantly enthralled with this kit, which comes with a pastry bag full of goo that’s the same consistency as frosting, but hardens when dry. Decorate all kinds of plastic pastries and then turn them into key chains or just add them to the doll tea party tray.

Fashion Headbands

This is a cute, girly craft kit that has enough materials for a whole afternoon of fashion fun. It comes with 10 headbands and enough  ribbons, rhinestones and accents to generously decorate each one. If you have one (and your kids are old enough to use it safely), use a hot glue gun instead of the craft glue that’s included. It makes any kid feel like a pro.

First Night Boston Celebration 2012

Catskill Puppet Theater: JFK Library’s Celebrate
The performance features an animated giant willow tree and blends humor, mystery, drama, and magical effects. Columbia Point, Boston.
Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011

Disney on Ice Presents Treasure Trove
Treasure Trove sets the gold standard with a magical medley of Disney tales in one jam-packed ice show commemorating the legacy of Disney animated films. This brand-new skating spectacular visits TD Garden for ten performances. 100 Legends Way, Boston.
Dec 26, 2011 - Dec 29, 2011

First Night Activities at the Mary Baker Eddy Library
Join The Mary Baker Eddy Library in ringing in the New Year. Throughout the day there are plenty of activities to keep families involved and excited. 200 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston.
Saturday, Dec 31, 2011

Arabian Nights: Central Square Theater
Based on One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of folk tales from the Middle East and Asia, Arabian Nights is rich with suspense, romance and hilarity – stories irresistible for all ages. 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun from Nov 17, 2011 - Dec 31, 2011

Family Puppet Show: Hansel and Gretel
The National Marionette Theatre Hansel and Gretel, featuring exquisitely crafted marionettes, scrolling scenery and the beautiful music of Engelbert Humperdinck, Hansel and Gretel is sure to delight audiences of all ages. 32 Station Street, Brookline.
Thu, Fri from Dec 29, 2011 - Dec 30, 2011

Ice Skating On Frog Pond
A hopping spot for ice-skating is Frog Pond on the Boston Common. Frog Pond has its own ice-making system and also offers skate rentals and hot cocoa at the Pond Cottage. Boston Common, Boston.
Friday, Nov 18, 2011 - Thursday, Mar 15, 2012

Get the recipe from VegNews.com (added bonus — these cupcakes are both egg- and dairy-free).

Happy Chanukah!

First Night Boston Celebration 2011-2012
Boston’s First Night celebration is a fun filled, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration for the entire family; and includes over 250 different indoor and outdoor locations, with lots of musical, dance, theater and other artistic performers. Various Locations, Boston.
Saturday, Dec 31, 2011 - Monday, Jan 2, 2012

Winter Solstice Night at the Museum
Celebrate the winter solstice at the Harvard Museum of Natural History and explore human’s fascination with the symbolic power of antlers. The Pinewoods Morris Men will perform the traditional Abbots Bromley Horn Dance in the museum´s Headgear at 6:00 pm. 26 Oxford St., Cambridge.
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2011

Family Puppet Show: Mr Punch’s Christmas Carol
Watch as Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, who teach him to look beyond his bank account and help him see a world of hope and love. 32 Station st, Brookline.
Tue, Wed from Dec 27, 2011 - Dec 28, 2011

Boston Pops Holiday Pops Kids Matinees 2011
Final performance of this special family concert include a children’s sing-along and photos with Santa. For those seated at the floor tables, there are special kid-friendly menu options along with holiday treats. Symphony Hall, Boston.
Saturday, Dec 24, 2011

The Christmas Revels
The 41st annual Christmas Revels finds pilgrims, from all over Europe, streaming towards a small French fishing village by the sea. It’s the 16th century and villagers are preparing for a great annual feast and holiday pageant marking the end of the old year and the birth of the new. Sanders Theatre, Cambridge.
Now thru Dec 29, 2011

Catskill Puppet Theater: JFK Library’s Celebrate
The performance features an animated giant willow tree and blends humor, mystery, drama, and magical effects. Columbia Point, Boston.
Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011

Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker 2011
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a must-see holiday event for the whole family Join Clara on her magical journey through an enchanted winter wonderland to a palace of sugary confections. 539 Washington Street, Boston.
Tue, Dec 20, 2011 - Friday Dec 30, 2011

Christmas Eve Family Service: Old South Church
Join Old South Church in Boston’s our stunning Sanctuary adorned with Christmas poinsettias and greens, we will sing favorite carols and tell together the Christmas story. 645 Boylston Street, Boston.
Saturday, Dec 24, 2011

Blue Discoveries Family Days: N.E. Aquarium – Boston
Learn more about the blue planet through art, science and storytelling. This week: discover The Deep Sea. Programs highlight Aquarium favorites as well as Aquarium hidden treasures. Central Wharf, Boston.
Friday, Dec 30, 2011

Boston Pops Holiday Pops Kids Matinees 2011

Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus: Harvard COOP
Kids ages 2-7 can get their picture taken with Santa and listen to holiday stories read by Mrs. Claus. Photos, stories, and holiday goodies. 1400 Mass Ave. – Harvard Sq. Book Buildi, Cambridge.
Saturday, Dec 17, 2011

The Christmas Revels
The annual Christmas Revels finds pilgrims, from all over Europe, streaming towards a small French fishing village by the sea. It’s the 16th century and villagers are preparing for a great annual feast and holiday pageant. Sanders Theatre, Cambridge.
Fri, Sat, Sun from Dec 16, 2011 - Dec 29, 2011

Everyone Loves Latkes
Harvard Square welcomes all holiday revelers to celebrate a Festival of Lights. Enjoy latkes with every topping under the sun. 27 Brattle St., Cambridge.
Saturday, Dec 17, 2011

Radio City Christmas Spectacular w/ the Rockettes
Experience the magic of Christmas like never before with an all new production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. 270 Tremont Street, Boston.
Friday, Dec 2, 2011 - Wednesday, Dec 28, 2011

Family Hanukkah Party
Join the Workmen´s Circle community for a family-oriented Hanukkah celebration with games, art projects, singing, and holiday treats. Ages 3 through 10 year-olds are welcome, accompanied by an adult. 19 Kennard Road, Brookline.
Sunday, Dec 18, 2011

Kroc Center’s December Program Intensive Showcase
Experience the creations of the Kroc´s young artists in this special night designed to highlight the dance, vocal and artistic work of the December Program Intensive classes. 650 Dudley Street, Boston.
Friday, Dec 16, 2011

Family Puppet Show: Snowflake Man by Puppet Kabob
The story of ‘The Snowflake Man’ is inspired by Wilson ‘Snowflake’ Bentley. This self-educated farmer and scientist attracted world attention in 1885 when he became the first person to capture the image of a single snow crystal with a camera he connected to a microscope. 32 Station Street, Brookline.
Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun from Dec 14, 2011 - Dec 18, 2011

A Christmas Celtic Sojourn w/ Brian O’Donovan
Entering its 9th year of sold out performances in Boston, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan will showcase folk/Celtic singers, string and percussion instrumentalists and talented dancers. 219 Tremont Street, Boston.
Friday, Dec 9, 2011 - Sunday, Dec 18, 2011

Free Holiday Parking – Boston
The City of Boston is offering two hours of free metered parking at each of the city´s parking meters on Dec 3, 10, 17 & 24. Boston.
Saturday, Dec 3, 2011 - Saturday, Dec 24, 2011