I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Easton, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, Watertown, and Wellesley features)! Today's Huron Village recommendations come from Leah Klein, blogger at Leah's Life, mom to Henry and Isabelle, and Boston Expert for the app and online magazine Mommy Nearest. Thanks for sharing these 15 local gems in Huron Village, Leah!

1. Sarah’s Market & Café. Sarah’s Market is like the kitchen of the neighborhood; it's where everybody gathers and catches up. The early morning crowd includes regulars getting their coffee, parents out for an early morning breakfast with their kids, and various workmen and women, police officers, and firefighters grabbing a hearty breakfast to start their day. Sarah’s Market is half café, half market and they now carry beer and wine as well.

2. Hi-Rise Bread Company. Hi-Rise is a busy neighborhood bakery that offers treats and also dinner options. After 4pm, oven-roasted chickens are ready to be packed to go with gravy, onions, and a choice of a couple of sides. During the day, professors, professionals, and students pop in and out picking up coffee, soup, salads, and sandwiches. Kids will love the hand painted gingerbread cookies, vanilla bean loaf, rich chocolate sandwich cookies, cupcakes, and cream filled cakes.

3. Majestic Yoga. Majestic Yoga is a cozy little yoga studio with classes that let mom and dad hang upside down on straps. They have classes for all levels of yoga and for those who practice different types of yoga as well. The Tuesday afternoon children’s classes are also very popular.

4. Boudreau Branch Library. A sweet little branch of the Cambridge Public Library, the staff at Boudreau is extremely helpful and will gladly encourage little ones to get their own library card, try a new series, or request a book even if they can only remember what the cover looked like. There is a weekly singalong and story time for younger future readers as well.

5. House of Chang. House of Chang is popular for takeout and dine-in; try the dim sum on the weekends! The owners are very nice and they’re happy to talk about menu items and suggest dishes based on what you like, or what they think your children might want to try.

6. Formaggio Kitchen. Formaggio Kitchen is mecca for cheese and charcuterie, but while you are sampling cheeses the kids might have their eyes on the beautiful cookies from Lakota Bakery or the shelf full of penny candy. Formaggio also has soups, sandwiches, salads, and other prepared foods for busy parents who want to eat well but have no time to cook.

7. Magic Beans. Magic Beans is one of the best toy stores in town, offering everything from baby gear to games and toys for your tween’s next birthday party. They also have a display of little toys near the checkout that makes for great party favors.

8. Fresh Pond Market. A true neighborhood market, you can stop at Fresh Pond Market for a bottle of wine and ingredients for dinner, pick up a roasted chicken, or stop in on your walk home from the local park to buy the kids a popsicle.

9. Larch Road Park. Larch Road Park (off of Larch Road) is a great little playground with swings, two climbing structures (suitable for different ages), a basketball court, and two grassy areas.

10. Full Moon Restaurant. A truly kid-friendly spot, Full Moon offers a little play space, buckets of toys that children can bring to the table, and books, not to mention a menu that pleases both little and big palates. Come early for a quiet dinner with the family. Brunch is also very popular so head in early.

11. Marimekko. Though Marimekko is a chain, this little oasis of beauty and color warrants inclusion. Marimekko's classic graphic prints can be found by the yard or on beautiful little trays, mugs, and clothing for kids and adults.

12. Susi’s. This quirky, tiny little shop is a great place to pick up unique, handmade gifts for baby showers or birthday parties. Walking into Susi’s is like opening a treasure chest. Whether you only have time to window shop or pop in quickly, it's worth a stop because you will definitely see things you have never seen before.

13. Crate Escape Too. Whether you have your own four-legged friend or a little dog lover in the family (my kids love seeing the visiting doggies!), Crate Escape Too offers treats and playtime for dogs.

14. Elizabeth Clark Photography. Elizabeth Clark captures beautiful images both in her Huron Village studio and on location at favorite family spots and city landmarks.

15. GrayMist. GrayMist is a boutique full of beautiful things. Not only can you shop for gifts, home decor, and unique jewelry, you can also take classes and learn how to make Nantucket baskets.

Do you have other Huron Village gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages with the exception of the Marimekko image, which is by Christine Koh

Violet is not the most diverse of eaters, so when she recently decided that she liked cantaloupe I did a big 'ol happy dance inside. Sweet, juicy, loaded with vitamin C, and a good option to send in the lunchbox, cantaloupe is in season in Massachusetts in August so you'll likely see good prices right now. This week's Eat Seasonal feature includes 10 recipes that offer creative inspiration that goes well beyond fruit salad.

1. Ever a classic appetizer: prosciutto and cantaloupe skewers.

2. If you want a variation on #1, try these cantaloupe bruschetta.

3. A clever new twist: cantaloupe gazpacho.

4. This cantaloupe salad is paleo friendly.

5. Holy YUM. Grilled shrimp with cantaloupe-lime salsa.

6. Love the presentation of these chicken melon salad bowls. (Also, yay, no dishes!)

7. Preserve your seasonal cantaloupe by making dried cantaloupe (no food dehydrator required!).

8. What a fun twist: cantaloupe and sweet ricotta pizza.

9. Three ingredient cantaloupe popsicles.

10. These cantaloupe cupcakes look so cheerful!

Image credits: cantaloupes via FreeDigitalPhotos.net; all others via linked sites above

Last night I made my best friend meet me twenty miles closer to my house than she originally intended because on Saturday, I broke my ass. Okay, I don't know if I broke it, because I can't get in to my doctor until Thursday, but I fell backwards on tile and bounced, so let's just say it together: OW OW OW OW OW. Also, I really hate driving right now.

I tell you this partly in an obvious bid for sympathy (hello, I'm supposed to be training for another half-marathon, not trying to type with my butt on three pillows) and also partly to maybe explain the following, in that about 80 percent of my brain is thinking about the pain in my butt at all times, leaving only 20 percent left to process actual thought.

Her: Have you friended your fifth-grade teacher on Facebook?

Me: What? Why?

Her: She's, like, awesome on there.

Me: My mom was friends with her ... sister? Cousin? That's crazy, since they didn't live in the same town or anything. What was the teacher's name? Martha?

Her: Mary.

Me: I think her cousin's name was Martha.

(pause)

Me: Oh, wait. Maybe that was Jesus.

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are looking forward to a great week. If you're looking for things to do, I've got a big roundup for you this week, including lots of free options. Yay, free! And speaking of that, I hope you'll come out to talk tech with me tomorrow at Microsoft Prudential. It's going to be a great panel and I hope to meet you there!

August 11: Unwind with some free yoga. (Boston)

August 11 + 13: Family farm access and free admission for those with special needs. (Lincoln)

August 11 - 16: If You Dream; an exploration of children who have changed the world. (Boston)

August 12: Come talk tech, education, and teacher/parent collaborations with me! (Boston)

August 12: Rainbow Fish reading and activity at Whole Foods. (Boston)

August 12: Sing sea shanties and more with the Revels on this sunset cruise. (Boston)

August 12: Free concert with Little Groove. (Boston)

August 12: Downtown dancing with Greg Coles. (Ipswich)

August 12 + 14: Performance by Berklee musician Sarah McKenzie. (Boston)

August 13: Music, mime and physical comedy. (Acton)

August 13: Landmarks Orchestra presents The Legacy of the Spirituals. (Boston)

August 13: Creatures of the night family hike that promises not to be creepy. (Chappaquiddick)

August 13:  From field to fork crop dinner. (Concord)

August 13: Outdoor story hour. (Hingham)

August 13: Tractors and trucks at Smolak Farm. (North Andover)

August 13: Free concert - Divas with a Twist with Greg Greenway. (Plymouth)

August 13: Sit out on the patio and enjoy a great local band. (Somerville)

August 13: Amazing animals of Cape Cod LIVE! (South Wellfleet)

August 13: Invite your best doll friend for a special day out. (Wenham)

August 14: An I spy woodland trail search. (Acton)

August 14: Enjoy the sounds of the Song Yi Jeon Quintet. (Boston)

August 14: The museum has gone to the dogs. (Easton)

August 14: Thursday night picnic concert with The Beantown Swing Orchestra. (Ipswich)

August 14: Children’s tour of the farm. (Lexington)

August 14: Outdoor summer wine tasting. (Lincoln)

August 14: Yum! Make your own ice cream with foraged fruit and high quality ingredients. (South Wellfleet)

August 15: Free admission to The Discovery Museums. (Acton)

August 15: Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell: Beetlejuice. (Boston)

August 15: Free admission to The Institute of Contemporary Art. (Boston)

August 15: Free admission to Plimoth Plantation. (Plymouth)

August 15: Free admission to Garden in the Woods. (Framingham)

August 15: Free admission to Museum of Russian Icons. (Boston)

August 15: Free admission to Fitchburg Art Museum. (Fitchburg)

August 15: Free admission to Historic Deerfield. (Deerfield)

August 15: Free admission to Reagle Music Theater. (Waltham)

August 15: Morningstar Access to the museum for children with special needs. (Boston)

August 15 - 24: The Marshfield Fair begins. (Marshfield)

August 15: Happy hour yoga in the park. (South Boston)

August 15 + 16: Get ready for the Falmouth Road Race. (Falmouth)

Image credit: Verrill Farm

Happy Friday everyone, what an incredibly beautiful morning...perfect for a longer run than I had originally planned! Anyway, I have a very full day today and then I'm looking forward to kicking the weekend off with the family. There's lots to do in and around town -- enjoy any or all (if you're feeling super ambitious!) of these 26 event picks in the Weekend Roundup:

1. Especially for Me night at the museum for children with Autism. (Acton)

2. Magic show with Rupayan Neogy. (Acton)

3. Free family film festival presents Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2. (Boston)

4. Berklee Music Fest. (Boston)

5. Free Commonwealth classical concerts. (Boston)

6. Final weekend for free performances of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. (Boston)

7. All about sharks family day. (Boston)

8. If You Dream; an exploration of children who have changed the world. (Boston)

9. Enjoy some Sunday Parkland Games. (Cambridge)

10. Chatham Arts and Crafts Show. (Chatham)

11. Music at the Manse. (Concord)

12. The Gloucester Blues Festival. (Gloucester)

13. Music, wine and a taste of old Hanover. (Hanover)

14. The Bolton Fair. (Lancaster)

15. Wilson Farm Corn Festival. (Lexington)

16. Get moving as a family; yoga for kids. (Lincoln)

17. Build it and be it; castle and costume construction. (Lincoln)

18. Put on your dancing shoes for the New England Dance Festival. (Newton)

19. The Pembroke Arts Festival. (Pembroke)

20. Plymouth Rock Harborfest. (Plymouth)

21. Investigate the local secrets of a real hidden place. (Salem)

22. Enjoy the Handmade Arts Market. (Somerville)

23. Riverfront Park Movie Series - The Lego Movie.  (Somerville)

24. The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival. (Springfield)

25. Meet Wally and help the zoo by recycling your bottles and cans. (Stoneham)

26. 7th annual butterfly festival. (Worcester)

Image credit: Wilson Farm

I recently shared about ONE's new Girls & Women site; I'm honored to be part of such an incredible advisory board and I'll share more about this work in the fall. Meanwhile, I hope you'll read this piece I wrote on finding and celebrating voice through art. Writing the post helped me put words to my own stifled journey and why I feel it's crucial to give kids the chance to find their voice and passion.

Never doubt the power of your voice.

Image credits: my 9-year-old daughter Laurel

Like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches, summer is an awesome time for raspberries. Just this past weekend I picked up a couple of large boxes at the market and they were quickly devoured (toddlers, btw, love sticking their fingers in the raspberry holes)! Raspberries are in season in Massachusetts July to September and this week's Eat Seasonal feature includes 8 recipes that offer good inspiration to consume these beautiful berries.

1. Wake yourself up with a raspberry sunrise smoothie.

2. This claims to be the best raspberry bread so I'm going to give it a go!

3. I'm loving the combinations in this fresh summer salad.

4. This creamy raspberry vinaigrette sounds delicious.

5. This lemon raspberry chia pudding is easy and good for you.

6. Add a little surprise to your raspberries via these chocolate filled raspberries.

7. Oh goodness. Dark chocolate raspberry pie bars.

8. I want one of these watermelon raspberry slushies NOW.

Image credits: raspberries via FreeDigitalPhotos.net; all others via linked sites above

Let's meet in Boston next week! On Tuesday, August 12 (3:30-5pm) I’ll be speaking on a panel hosted by Microsoft and Parade at the Microsoft Store at Prudential Center. We’ll discuss technology in schools and how to improve learning + teacher/parent collaboration; the panel will be moderated by Maggie Murphy (Editor-in-Chief of Parade) and include Ty Hapworth (Microsoft store manager), Lydia Smyers (Sr. Director, US Education at Microsoft), an educator, and me. Please come learn and mingle -- I'd love to meet you!

UPDATED 8/12: Also, AWESOME UPDATE ALERT! All attendees will be eligible to win a Microsoft PC! So come on by and enjoy the chat and you could walk out with a PC, perfect for back to school!

Image credits: 1) FreeDigitalPhotos.net; 2) Microsoft

When I was a kid, my uncles and aunts and my gran would call from far-away places and all action in the house would cease as we passed the phone from person to person, sometimes picking up a second extension that rendered the first person mouse-voiced for the remainder of the call. Time morphed from bulbous drops of homework hell to the fast lane where every minute cost thirty-five cents.

We couldn't get enough of that long-distance.

When I was a senior in high school, my boyfriend went off to college, taking a little part of my teenaged heart with him. After watching me mope around the house for a few weeks, my parents allowed me one hour a week to talk to him on the phone on their dime. I would sit in our basement in the most private possible room and talk on my sister's leftover princess phone. My boyfriend told me about his new fraternity and how different college was and how long it would be until he'd be home for a visit. I sat with a travel alarm clock between my feet, watching the second-hand sweep as we paused, listening to each other breathe, and each breath cost so much money. To be able to communicate for only one hour a week was torture. We sent letters, but they took so long to arrive the news was old and all there was to do was caress the ink and know the other person touched this piece of paper, too.

Somewhere in there, along came cell phones and affordable long-distance plans. The cheaper talking got, the less I seemed to do it. I was quick to email and slow to text. Now I communicate via words and pictures on all manner of social media with my friends, with the world, with people I've never met. I show them who I am in many ways, and that can be amazing and wonderful and new.

But usually, I just miss talking.