I love yoga, but my need for yoga increases considerably when I’m traveling and/or training for a long race. When I was in Chicago last month, my friend Nicole introduced me to the concept of yoga gloves and I recently bought this Yoga[Addict] glove + sock set. And this week when I was in Seattle, the yoga gloves/socks were a lifesaver given that my back and neck were a wreck from my flight and my legs were tight from a 12-mile training run.

Yes, I feel slightly goofy wearing them, but they’re perfect for travel! Obviously, the gloves/socks take up very little space in luggage, and they work great (no slipping!). I was so grateful to be able to do a couple of yoga sessions during my trip to help work out my kinks!

Image credits: Amazon

I love yoga, but my need for yoga increases considerably when I’m traveling and/or training for a long race. When I was in Chicago last month, my friend Nicole introduced me to the concept of yoga gloves and I recently bought this Yoga[Addict] glove + sock set. And this week when I was in Seattle, the yoga gloves/socks were a lifesaver given that my back and neck were a wreck from my flight and my legs were tight from a 12-mile training run.

Yes, I feel slightly goofy wearing them, but they’re perfect for travel! Obviously, the gloves/socks take up very little space in luggage, and they work great (no slipping!). I was so grateful to be able to do a couple of yoga sessions during my trip to help work out my kinks!

Image credits: Amazon

Here are three seemingly unrelated personal things that are bizarrely converging on the blog today! 1) After a 4-year hiatus, Laurel returned to soccer this spring and is loving it. 2) Through the soccer program, a Boston Breakers player joins Laurel's practice each week. 3) Laurel adores mangos (like, gobbles them with abandon!). Bizarre convergence = thanks to the National Mango Board, I’ve got Boston Breakers tickets to give away to one lucky reader!

OK, what gives with the mangos you ask? Mangos apparently are the official fruit of the National Women’s Soccer League. They're loaded with over 20 vitamins and minerals and I particularly love that their sweetness deems them dessert-worthy but without all the junk. We load up on fresh mangos in season, and in the winter, buy them frozen, which Laurel often eats straight out of the freezer or in smoothies.

So this brings me back to the Breakers! I think it’s especially important for girls to see female athletes in action (especially since broadcast sports focus so heavily on male athletes) so how awesome is it that the Breakers are right here in our backyard? If you’d like to win this 4-pack of tickets (~$100 value) to the Friday, May 22, 2015 match between the Boston Breakers and Sky Blue FC, simply post a comment below by noon Wednesday May 20, 2015 to enter to win! Good luck!

Hello lovely people, I've got an amazing Mother's Day giveaway for you, thanks to my friends at New Balance! Because self-care is awesome and necessary, and also easier and more fun with a pal, YOU + a FRIEND can each win a pair of shoes from the newly launched, premium New Balance Grey collection ($195 value)! They're awesome for kicking around town in stylish comfort. I'm obsessed with the metallic accents!

To enter to win, enter via Instagram here! It only takes a few seconds! Good luck!

I have only owned two bicycles in my life, and I owned them 20 years apart. No joke. I bought my first bike when I was in college, enjoyed one glorious ride, and then it was stolen two days later (CUE SAD TROMBONE). Over the last decade, despite Jon's repeated encouragement, I have since (rather stubbornly) resisted owning another bike, both due to my bike theft trauma and also because of cost. And then I learned about Priority Bicycles.

Priority Bicycles reached out to me late last fall about trying out their bike, and I know it sounds crazy, but I was still somewhat resistant because I didn’t want to own another bike and have it get stolen two days later (ridiculous, I know, but still!). However, after some contemplation -- and a really lovely exchange with founder David Weiner, who personally helped with product recommendations -- I decided to get over myself and try their (super adorable) ladies’ step-through bike.

And I’m not exaggerating when I say this bike is a total game changer. Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Empowerment. I will admit that I’ve fallen into a pattern of having Jon handle anything requiring fixing and assembling. My brain typically isn’t suited to processing instructions. But when the bike arrived, I decided I wanted to try putting it together. And while the instructions do advise you to have a professional review your bike assembly, I found the instructions to be straightforward and simple, and I'm not sure I can begin to convey how empowering it was to assemble the bike then take it for a ride. The bike rides well and comfortably and it was easy to get used to the internal (reverse pedal) braking system.

2. Active togetherness time. My bike arrived about a week before the onslaught of snow, and during that week I went bike riding with Laurel twice. Biking has been her and Jon’s activity and to be able to do something new and physical with Laurel was amazing. I actually had tears in my eyes as I rode behind her that first time, with Laurel leading the way and showing me the loop she usually does with Jon. I'm the kind of person who needs some kind of physical activity every day (or else I go crazy and cranky) and I love that biking now offers a way Laurel and I can do something active together.

3. Less car time. Now that the weather is finally warming up, I am seriously excited about being able to bike to do errands when I don’t want to use the car, but don’t quite have the time to walk.

4. Easy add-ons. Priority’s bicycles are pre-drilled to accommodate a bunch of different accessories. After enjoying my pre-snowpocalypse rides, I ordered their U-lock, back rack, and cargo net. I am ready to do all the errands! Also cool for parents who want to ride with little ones, they have a Peg Perego rear mounted seat.

5. Price. As I mentioned earlier, in addition to my bike theft trauma, a related bike barrier for me was cost. On the couple of occasions I have visited bike stores (to get gear for Laurel), I’ve looked at the price tags and been completely overwhelmed by the idea of spending close to $1,000 (or way more!) on a bicycle that, well, might get stolen in my urban neighborhood. Priority Bicycles run just under $400, which I didn’t even know was possible for an adult bike. So, basically, though I will do all I can to protect my ride, even if it got stolen tomorrow, I know I could order a new one at a reasonable price.

So, if you’re looking for a bicycle, definitely check out Priority! Given that the forecast is calling for a string of 60+ degree days starting Sunday, my bicycle is coming out of hibernation this weekend. And you can be sure I’ll be locking it up at every turn.

Image credits: 1) Christine Koh; 2) Priority Bicycles

Disclosure: Priority Bicycles kindly sent me a bicycle to test out for editorial consideration. All thoughts and opinions are, of course, my own.

Can you believe the Red Sox open at home next week? It’s hard for me to wrap my head around this fact given that we still have a snow pile on our tiny front yard! But yes, it’s true, and, as a Boston lifer + Red Sox fan, I’m looking forward to working with the Red Sox this year as part of their Red Sox Moms program. A few weeks ago I met with the team that is working hard to make Fenway family-friendly, and I wanted to share 6 ways they're upping their game in that department.

1. FREE TICKETS! With the support of Hood, the Red Sox have a new program called Calling All Kids, in which kids can join Red Sox Kid Nation for free. The first 25,000 kids registered for Red Sox Kid Nation will receive a free ticket to a 2015 game. And yes, you can of course make sure they line up with tickets you are purchasing. So go sign up!

2. A DEDICATED GATE. There’s a special new Fenway entrance just for families. Gate K is adjacent to Gate B, near the corner of Van Ness and Ipswich Streets.

3. A DEDICATED CREW. The Red Sox Kids Crew is a new dedicated staff for families; they'll greet kids as they enter Gate K, lead kids in games, and be on hand to help families at the park.  

4. KID NATION CONCOURSE. Gate K leads families into the new Kid Nation Concourse, with activities (games, balloon artist, face painter, etc.), kid-themed concessions, and more.

5. WALLY’S CLUBHOUSE. After you've enjoyed a couple of innings with your kids, you can hop over to Wally’s Clubhouse. Open from the 3rd to 7th innings, your kids can enjoy clubhouse offerings and take a selfie with Wally the Green Monster. (And yes, there's a TV there so you can follow the game.)

6. STUDENT TICKETS. Got older kids? As a longtime poor graduate student, I love that the Red Sox are making $9 home game tickets available for students 15 and older. 

So great, right? First and foremost, go grab your kids a Red Sox Kid Nation membership before they run out. And if you have Red Sox/family related questions, please drop me a line at editor@bostonmamas.com. I will patch your queries through to headquarters!

Image credits: Red Sox

Disclosure: The Red Sox Moms program is an experiential blogger program. I'm not paid to share information; I'm just sharing what I think is cool and useful for you all!

I have a bit of an emotional narrative around water, both from my teen years and also as a parent. And these experiences have reinforced my belief that swimming is a life skill (not an optional extracurricular). Through an editorial partnership with the JCC’s Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy, I was intrigued to learn more about survival-based swim programs. Read on for my Q & A with director Korrinn Lubarsky (who can be seen in the photo below, teaching her 3-month-old daughter Harper to float on her back).

1. How do survival-based swim programs differ from regular swim classes?

With traditional swim lessons, the approach is an introduction to water (e.g., singing songs, getting your child comfortable in a larger body of water than their infant tub at home). With survival-based swimming programs, the approach focuses on water safety and not only teaches children how to swim, but what to do if they fall into the water.  

2. What do kids learn in survival-based swim classes?

Survival tests are used where children are gently tossed into the water fully clothed. The theory behind keeping children’s clothing on is because statistics show that children who fall in the water are typically clothed. They are taught to respond appropriately based on their experience level to show they can save themselves. Swimmers are taught to roll over onto their back, called a survival float. This is essential because if you fall into the water, the first instinct of rolling onto your back and floating so you can breathe is critical to survival.  Survival tests provide parents and children with the confidence of knowing their child knows how to save themselves in the water.

3. Does this approach scare kids?

Children can be a bit nervous when they first start their lessons. This is a new environment for most kids and they are learning to be comfortable in the water and with their instructor. We build upon the survival float from the start of the first lesson. Some children are still frightened, yes. However, each week we build confidence and slowly reduce a child’s apprehension. Some children do not pass their survival tests when it comes time to take it, and that is OK! Whenever you start a new skill, it takes time, practice and consistency to excel at it.

4. How early can you start teaching survival-based swimming?

Kids can start survival-based swimming programs as early as three months old. Some parents think they should hold off on swimming until their child is a little older because they don’t think they will learn much at that young age. They say, “How much can babies really learn when they are three months old?” You would be surprised! Little ones will start by getting used to being in the water and learning to float.

5. Why is it important to consider a survival-based swimming program?

Being a certified instructor for over 15 years, I have been exposed to and taught many different approaches to swimming. I grew up learning the traditional method and there is nothing wrong with that! However, back then, drowning statistics were not as alarming as they are today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for young children ages 1 to 4, and one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of 13.  Since drowning statistics have been on the rise, it makes it more imperative for children to learn what to do in the water.

6. If my child already knows the basics of swimming (crawl, treading water), should they take a survival-based swimming program or focus on stroke improvement?

Most survival-based swimming programs have stroke improvement and development wrapped into the curriculum. The curriculum is usually a structured and detailed sequence of building upon each skill. Even though you will be mastering all four swimming strokes, the water safety component is still evident with different drills and skills being tested. The goal is to create water-safe children and proficiently sound swimmers.

For more information about survival swimming programs in your area, contact director Korrinn Lubarsky at the Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center in Newton at lksainfo@jccgb.org. Also, on Sunday, March 22, enjoy a free wellness expo including interactive exhibits and demonstrations for kids and adults at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton!

Disclosure: This post reflects a sponsored editorial partnership with the JCC  Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy. Image credits: 1) LKSA at the JCC; 2) Korrinn Lubarsky

Today, Rene shares 5 HIIT workouts that have been kicking her rump -- in no time at all:

Looking to get in shape but have no time, no gym membership, and no idea where to start? Check out HIIT workouts to get the blood pumping and the sweat rolling. HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training, where a series of exercises are performed at high speed with high intensity in a short amount of time, with short breaks between sets. (You might also see these called Tabata workouts. Same principle.)

A sample workout could be 20-60 seconds of classic exercises (think squats, jumping jacks, and push-ups) with a 10-second rest in between sets. The sets are repeated any number of times, but the workout never exceeds 30 minutes. In fact, you can get a full body workout in as little as four minutes. HIIT workouts are not only effective, but are also quick, free, and you don't have to leave the house. Here are a few great routines to try out.

1. Straightforward HIIT Workout. No video is needed for this straightforward workout that you can really do anywhere. This is my too-tired-to-think fallback routine, thanks to the basic movements I remember by heart after many, many rounds.

2. World's Fastest Workout (4 Minutes). This four-minute workout gets the job done before your brain can even register it's exercising and hates it. I like to crank this one out while the kids are zoning with the iPad -- sometimes twice if I'm feeling ambitious.

3. 12-Minute Lean & Tone Workout. Twelve minutes of exercise is totally doable during nap time or before you fall into bed. I use five pound dumbbells for this workout, though the trainer uses ten pound weights. If you don't have dumbbells, use large canned goods from your pantry, or a full 12-ounce bottle of water.

4. 15-Minute At-Home Workout. Perform each exercise at high intensity first and then regular intensity to fire up your metabolism ASAP. I use the stopwatch on my phone to keep track of time.

5. 30-Minute Body Weight Workout. I printed this routine out to ensure I performed the moves correctly. This detailed HIIT workout is 30 minutes long but will burn major calories using only your own body weight as resistance.

Totally doable right? Have you tried HIIT workouts? Share your thoughts or favorite routines in the comments below!

Happy weekend and happy November (also, congratulations on surviving Halloween)! We have an uncharacteristically packed weekend (including heading to see the Boston Ballet's Swan Lake...exciting!) so I wanted to share this week's Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome before the day runs away from me. Enjoy, and don't forget to enter to win my $50 Amazon gift certificate giveaway this weekend!

- Rest in peace, Mayor Menino.

- The Bruins bring Frozen to life.

- The race to nowhere in youth sports.

- Turn your princess obsessed toddler into a feminist in 8 easy steps.

- The cheapest generation.

- Holy crap, Danielle Ratcliffe!

- Design disasters make me laugh.

- Who has been helped the most via the Affordable Care Act.

- Honored to be featured on Media Shower, talking about the power of authenticity.

- 50 best culturally diverse children’s books.

- Notes from the losing team.

Image credit: crack pie via Pinterest