pop-up playdate: come create a baltimore treasure map with us!

BIG Kids Magazine has a call out. They want kids all over the world to create images inspired by treasure maps. Drawn, photographed, painted, built, folded, soldered or danced... Real or wildly imagined.

They're challenging kids all over the world to think outside the treasure chest.

Well, we love a challenge. And we're inviting families all around the city to help us create a giant Baltimore treasure map.

Join us, the fab creative minds from Classic Play and A Childhood List, and the imagination groovers at aMuse Toys on Saturday, January 28 from 2 PM - 4 PM to create a kids' treasure map of Baltimore. We'll provide the art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue... you name it). We're asking YOU to bring and contribute pictures/quotes/drawings/paintings/magazine cut-outs/small 3-D models made out of cardboard of your favorite Baltimore places to create  a one-of-a-kind collaborate art treasure map. We'll be photographing the final product and submitting it to be considered for publication in the next BIG Kids Magazine.

what's up for the weekend: jan 20-22

Beat the mid-January blahs with one of these fun, area activities this weekend. As always, you can find a full-list of Baltimore family activities on our calendar. Here are our top picks for the weekend:

2012 Progressive Insurance Boat Show: Maryland’s longest running and largest indoor boat show returns to the Baltimore Convention Center, January 19-22, 2012, providing on-the-water enthusiasts a chance to shop the newest boats and cutting-edge gear. Young boaters can join in on the fun by learning nautical knots, boat navigation, and other boating skills through daily, free hands-on sessions. Other options: welcome to the water coloring contest; a cast of characters including the Baltimore Orioles Bird, Pirates of the Caribbean’s Jack Sparrow and Crew impersonators, and Aang from The Last Air Bender; story time with Blackbeard the Pirate; and interactive Boat Show Bingo/Family Scavenger Hunts.

Horse World Expo: Family friendly entertainment, mounted demonstrations and clinics in three arenas and two seminar halls, and shopping at over 450 booths are the features at Horse World Expo. Horse World Expo offers something for everybody, from the casual admirer to top competitors. Friday through Sunday at the Maryland Fair Grounds.

grab a cup of mom-fort at LAMill coffee

Although parenthood doesn't always lend itself to this, I like to eat like a grown-up every once in a while. At a table. With real dishware. And I don't always want to pay a sitter so I can get my civilized society fix.

Which is why I am grateful for European-inspired coffee houses. Most recently LAMill, which opened at the Four Seasons in Harbor East this past fall.

A little bit of mom-fort (or parent-comfort for that matter) in a what can be a kid-crazy world.

Think European-inspired baked goods with an American-twist meet fabulous coffees and teas with a side of soups, salads and melty-sandwiches. Are you swooning yet? You'll find a concise (yet delicious) breakfast and lunch menu that designed for on-the-go or eat-in. I can't speak for lunch as I was there for breakfast, but this review in Grub Street references a lobster pop pie. Hello, deliciousness -- and my next downtown lunch adventure.

{hot} dish: national aquarium extends purple pride deal

Just got this in my inbox. Thought you might appreciate the info!

To continue the city-wide show of support as the Ravens advance in the NFL postseason, the National Aquarium, Baltimore will once again offer a special $5 discount on general admission tickets to guests wearing Ravens or purple apparel on Friday, January 20. The promotion is available through on-site admission ticket purchasing only. The discount will apply only for operating hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on January 20, 2012. One discount per person. Cannot be combined with any other offers.



Visitors are encouraged to join Aquarium staff in wearing their purple Ravens gear on Purple Friday, January 20 and for the rest of the weekend.

(cool) tunes: recess monkey

It's no secret that I am a kids' music snob. Butchering of 'real' music to make it 'kid friendly' really grates on my parenting patience. Especially if the instrumental is reduced to keyboard-generated harpsichord. Yowza.

Needless to say, I make a point of seeking out great music with kid-friendly lyrics. It's a personal parenting mission.

The newest tunes to hit our iPod? The fun and funky musical stylings of Recess Monkey.

Love them. Seriously.

The Bug received one of their CDs as part of the Boogie Monster Dance Kit (includes the Boogie Monster book by Jodie Bisset, Recess Monkey CD and monster leg warmers. The gift was a huge hit by the way). Pat and I always have a little trepidation putting 'untested' kid cds in the player... because if the Bug loves it and we can't stand it, well, let's say it's a conundrum and leave it at that.

5 things to do this week: get your creativity on

You may or may not be aware of the Baltimore area's fabulous blogging community. Fun, creative, inspiring individuals that are always whipping up fantastic idea that I could never dream up on my most imaginative of days. So today's five things come directly from them: ways to cultivate creativity at home, courtesy of some amazing local bloggers. Who just so happen to be moms, too.

Edward De Bono once said: “There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.”

Go ahead. Get your hands dirty. Get creative.

saturday stroll in fells point

Every once in a while, a Saturday comes along that's truly magical. It's (usually) not some big event or concert or trip or dinner out. And you never know when they're coming because they aren't planned or structured. Those rare Saturdays when you wake up and when your husband asks "so what's on tap for today," you can honestly reply... nothing.

We had one of those Saturdays last weekend and found ourselves in Fells Point. No plan. Just enjoying the neighborhood and some much-needed Heather-Pat-Bug time. With some many places to be during the holidays, our free time in Fells felt like a bit like vacation.

{Note to self: perhaps we need a bit more unscheduled time in our life. Just saying.}

Best part? I got to play with my new photo lens and capture a bit of our 'nothing.' Enjoy.