And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Weekend reading: Car & Caboodle highlights a feature on learning to improve your gas economy. Clever Parents encourages readers to support Ella’s Miracle Fund, and/or attend the Ella’s Miracle Fundraising Event in Raleigh, NC. Coochicoos reports that the Beaba Babycook has hit the US market, but is not BPA-free.

Goods & giveaways: One Chic Mama reports that the Schick Quattro gives you a perfect summer shave. And you could win: a $150 Shopping Spree at BeanNewYork.com from MomFinds, the Microsoft Zune 30GB bundle at Moms’ Buzz, and a Retro Stripe diaper bag from The Nest Baby.

Tickets to the Red Sox can be tough to come by, so how’s this for a fun Father’s Day baseball twist: Hop the ferry over to Georges Island this Sunday for a free vintage baseball game - complete with 1860’s uniforms - at Fort Warren. The Essex Base Ball Club and Waterbury Connors will play a double-header, with games at 11:00 am & 1:00 pm. Alternatively, the dad band The Pop Stars will rock Georges Island with free Father’s Day concerts at noon and 2 pm.

Here is an excerpt from my latest book review, available at Surrender, Dorothy: Reviews.

Nobody is stopping us from changing the world. It's a different worldthan our mothers inhabited, that's for sure.  We have more power andless.  The power we do have, as women, as mothers, can only be found inorganization, and in unification.  Yet we fight each other, we drawlines in the sand, we deem our choices the best, the only.  The onlyway we can make this world better, easier, for us and for our children,is by dropping the pretenses and helping each other. And by not beingafraid to speak out, even if it garners us criticism from our men orour peers.

It's late, and  there are so many things going through my head as the thunder booms and my in-laws are in danger of being flooded out in Iowa by the latest of a series of Biblical storms.  I'm thinking of politics, as I'm sure our politics, and the politics of our leaders, are affecting the weather as surely as God is.  I don't believe God reigns down terror, rather He lets us sleep in the bed we made.

The woman who might have been president has stepped aside, and though I'd have liked to see her take the highest office in the land, I am confident Obama will fight the good fight.  I'm confident another woman will take office in the next 12 years.  I'm confident that we as a country are beginning to change, in many ways. 

I recently took a poll that asked me if I thought our world would be better, worse or the same in the next five years.  I hoped against hope and said I thought it would be better.  Not because I necessarily believe in politicians, not even those I like, but because I believe in us.  I believe in the bloggers, the writers, the thinkers, the artists, the soccer moms, the single women, and yes, the men.  I believe we've had enough of big money and corporate control.  I believe we've had enough Animal Farm to last us a lifetime. 

The book was great.  But what was better was the fire in my belly I once again felt upon putting it down.  You have keyboards.  Will you use them for good or for evil? 

Write what you believe.

I've woefully failed to mention for far too long that I have a new blogging gig!  I'm the Kansas City editor for Savvy Source, and my job is to write some ditties about stuff to do with your wee one in Kansas City.

One of the perks of this gig is that I get to involve guest bloggers.  So if you're in the KC metro area (would also consider Lawrence as part of that area) and have something you'd like to talk about, hop over and check out the format, then e-mail me at ritabiermann(at)hotmail(dot)com.

I'll be posting daily on weekdays, so check back often!  Or, if you just want to see if I can write without cursing, that's fun, too.

Here’s a cool idea for expecting couples. In honor of Father's Day, the Roslindale Yoga Studio is offering a chance for dads to connect with their wives and bun in the ovens. During their Prenatal Partner Yoga Workshop next Saturday (June 21), pairs will work together in a series of gentle partner postures and activities. No previous yoga experience is necessary; the cost is $40 per pair for registration by June 19; $50 for drop-ins. And mention Boston Mamas on sign up to receive a pass for a free upcoming class from Roslindale Yoga Studio!

I used to be a gym and swim rat, but traditional exercise just doesn’t do it for me these days. I need creative movement, and while I used to attribute my inability to hula hoop to stiff hips, I now know better: it’s all physics, and hooping makes for a fun, unexpected workout. The trick is that Hoopnotica’s grown up and kid hoops are slightly heavier and larger, actually making it easier to hoop - since smaller, more controlled revolutions are key - then incorporate tricks into your newfound talent. The Travel Hoop is particularly brilliant; the six segments easily snap together or collapse for toting and storage. And best of all, whether I’m simply hula hooping, or attempting to learn from the hoopdancing DVDs, I can't help but have a good time.

Want to win a Hoopnotica Travel Hoop Kit*? Here’s how:

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Anne S.!
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Visit the Hoopnotica hoop collection, then email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘Hoopnotica’ in the subject), and name the hoop product you’d most like to own.

One entry permitted per person; US & Canada entrants welcome to enter.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Thursday, June 12, 2008.

*The winner will receive a Travel Hoop Kit including an adult travel hoop, tote, and two DVDs ($95 value).

Congratulations to Alison from Watertown, MA, the winner of our featured contest in partnership with Britax. Alison won a Diplomat Convertible Car Seat in the style of her choice (retail value $259.99)! Thanks to everyone who entered the contest, and also to our friends at Britax for their generous partnership. Be sure to consider their top notch line of car seats when you’re gearing up for your baby or bigger kid's next ride.

This morning I have to take the little angel to the doctor to see if her ear infection is gone.  I'm trying to get some work done before we go, as I know going to a pediatrician's office is never, um, quick.

I put in a DVD we made of our home movies.  We've just watched the little angel's second birthday party, and now we're on Easter 2006.  The little angel has crawled up on the back of the couch and has her cold little feet on my neck.  I'm thinking it's the next cool think in European spas.

So I was talking to one of the other moms at ballet class last night about having to take my daughter to the doctor this morning.  One of the dads asked if we were going to be at pictures, which are on Friday at 2:15.  I muttered that at 2:15 I would be at work downtown, then I went to get the two complimentary tickets to the three recitals ($12 per ticket, even parents have to buy a ticket, grrr).  When I came back, the other mom was looking at me expectantly.

"You can say no if you want," she said, "but I'd be happy to pick up your daughter from daycare and take her to pictures. She can come and play with I. afterwards at our house until you can pick her up."

I paused to try to wrap my head around the idea that this woman was willing to take all that on.  I mean, we've been talking every week for the past two months, and our girls are friends.  I. even took the little angel's hand when she was scared about performing last weekend and led her out on stage.  But still, what a lot of work!  What a nice thing!  I paused.

"Like I said, if you're not comfortable..." she trailed off.  I thought about how much she'd put herself out there to suggest it, for no reason at all other than kindness.  So I decided to take her up on it.

"I think that's the sweetest gesture.  I'd love it if you could.  I hope I can return the favor someday," I said, blushing.

"I think it's pretty unfair how they have everything during the workday," she said. 

I'm trying to accept help when it drops out of the universe. 

Although Laurel now revels in being old enough for bare feet or flip-flops, when I’m shopping for little loved ones, I still obsess over baby shoe cuteness. And the ballet criss-cross styles in IsaBooties’s new summer line are deliciously adorable. These kicks represent a bit of a departure from IsaBooties’s classic styling, but still share the super soft, breathable, easy to slip on and stay put construction. Your budding ballerina will look adorable in these soft-soled treads, whether she’s crawling, cruising, or “Frankenstein’ing” her way across the dance floor.

Want to be one of 4 winners to receive a pair of IsaBooties*? Here’s how:

+ + + + +
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winners Catherine, Leah O., Susan C., and Melissa B.!
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Visit the IsaBooties collection, then email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘IsaBooties’ in the subject), and name your favorite style.

If you would like to opt in to the IsaBooties email list for news about sales and new styles, include “OPT IN” in the body of your email.

One entry permitted per person; US & Canada entrants welcome to enter.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Wednesday, June 11, 2008.

*Four winners will receive their choice of size/style, subject to availability.