It's been so fun to run this Eat Seasonal feature! I've garnered so much cooking inspiration, as have many of you! However, today's feature on cranberries (in season in Massachusetts September to November) will be the last for 2014; I'll resume the series next year when the spring produce starts popping again! Enjoy this 12-item roundup, largely focusing on off the beaten path recipes!

Click on each link for the full recipe and more beautiful photos; these food bloggers are totally rad!

1. Get breakfast off to a healthy start with these butternut squash muffins with cranberries. (Who knew?)

2. Season your winter salads with this cranberry vinaigrette with fresh thyme and shallot.

3. Cranberries are a brilliant addition to glazed carrots.

4. Love the flavor combination and presentation of this acorn squash with walnuts and cranberries.

5. I would eat this quinoa with butternut squash, cranberries, and pistachio straight up or as stuffing.

6. This cranberry sauce with dried cherries is perfect for Thanksgiving.

7. This cheerful citrus cranberry cake will lift you out of your winter doldrums.

8. I plan on making these almond-cranberry-chocolate cookies with the girls this weekend!

9. Keep up your holiday stamina with these no-bake cranberry pistachio energy bites.

10. Give the gift of cranberry infused vodka.

11. These sparkling sugar cranberries could serve as both tasty snack and beautiful centerpiece.

12. Make your house smell like the holidays with this cranberry infused simmering stove top potpourri.

Image credits: all images via linked sites above

Today, Lindsey (also of A Design So Vast) shares 7 great chapter books for kids (especially boys). See also, Lindsey's roundup of great books for boys + this crowd sourced collection of recommendations for books for boys!

I spend a lot of time thinking about books for my daughter, 12, and my son, 9. They love to read and keeping up with their changing tastes and interests is both fun and, sometimes, difficult.

While my daughter is easily engrossed in a book (with the exception of a few classics, to my chagrin), my son Whit's imagination is harder to capture. Finding books that he loves and wants to read is a constant challenge for me. I am always looking to trade suggestions of books other boys of the same age have liked, and love sharing what it is my son is reading.

1. Right now he's engrossed in The Secret Series, by Pseudonymous Bosch. This series of five books begins with The Name of This Book is Secret, and the plots seem to be as inscrutable and difficult to decipher as the title implies. At least for adults, which I think is part of the fun. Whit is now on book 3, and he tells me that each features the same main characters engaged in different adventures. Each book centers on one of the senses, and the story and plot relates to that (book 1, smell, book 2, hearing, book 3, taste). The first book taught Whit about synesthesia, and we have had fascinating conversations about that. All I really know is that he's riveted and staying up after his bedtime to read by flashlight, and I love that.

2. Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor, by Jon Sciezska, was another recent favorite. Whit was dismayed to learn that the second book in this series was not yet out (it will be released in March, 2015). Frank Einstein is an inventor whose contraptions are entertaining and awe-inspiring. "He made a bike that flies," Whit told me. This book is fantastic for kids who are interested in the way things work.

3-6. The Volcano Disaster, by Peg Kehret, absolutely engrossed Whit. Like the I Survived series, these stories take their inspiration from real world events (in this case, disasters). They are relatable and exciting without being scary. Whit also read and enjoyed Escaping the Giant Wave, The Blizzard Disaster, and Earthquake Terror, all by Kehret.

7. Finally, slightly different but equally riveting for Whit is Bill Bryson's A Really Short History of Nearly Everything. This book, which has short two-page chapters covering everything from Einstein to atoms, is beautiful illustrated and makes science entirely understandable. As I write this, Whit is curled up on his floor reading Bryson's book. I just called out a question to him and in response heard, "Shhhh, Mum!  I'm reading!"

Is there anything better?

What chapter books do your kids love? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

I've been reading. I just finished WE WERE LIARS. It caught me in between the belly scales.

I'm upset. I'm fascinated.

I wish I could write a book like that.

Hat off, E. Lockhart, my brim brushes the dust.

Friends, I have an immensely rad giveaway for you today! I have partnered up with the lovely Audrey McClelland (Mom Generations), Allison Czarnecki (Petit Elefant), Heather Flett (Rookie Moms), Jane Maynard (This Week For Dinner), Morgan Shanahan (The 818), Rachael Herrscher (Today's Mama), and Sarah James (Whoorl) to offer one lucky follower a 128GB wi-fi iPad Air 2 ($699 value)!

Enter to win between November 10-21 via the Rafflecopter widget below; you have 8 entry options and of course we encourage you to enter all 8 ways to maximize your chance to win! US entrants only. Once the giveaway ends, the winner will be chosen randomly and contacted by email, with 48 hours to respond. Good luck!

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Happy Monday everyone, I hope you had a great weekend and are gearing up for a wonderful week. It's definitely starting to feel as if the holiday season is setting in, and I'm readying my mindset for another minimalist holiday season! Meanwhile, enjoy this roundup of fun events for the week via the Weekly Blueprint. And stay tuned for an incredible giveaway that I'll post about shortly!

November 10: Hop onto Twitter today (following the hashtag #QuandaryGame) from noon-1pm to learn about a digital game that will teach your kids about ethics, empathy, and decision-making.

November 10: Mayor’s holiday half price shows and dining deals. (Various locations)

November 10 - 30: Visit this rad pop up shop. (Boston)

November 11: Join the author of Blue Ribbon Dad for a reading and more. (Acton)

November 11: The 4D Polar Express experience begins. (Boston)

November 11: Experience the joy that goes into creating music and dance. (Boston)

November 11: Free admission to the zoo for veterans. (Boston, Stoneham)

November 11: Patriotism is overflowing at the children’s museum. (Easton)

November 11: Family concert with SteveSongs. (Needham)

November 11 - 15: Boston Comedy Festival continues. (Somerville)

November 11: Veterans receive free admission to Old Sturbridge Village. (Sturbridge)

November 11 - 14: Send your leftover Halloween candy and a sweet note to the troops. (Wellesley)

November 11 - 16: Puppet Showplace presents The Racoon. (Brookline)

November 14: Talented and passionate young musicians lead demonstrations and live musical performances. (Boston)

November 14: Do your part to build a strong foundation for babies in poverty. (Boston)

November 14: Yummy food storytime. (Cambridge)

November 14: Craft beer walk...perfect for those who prefer not to run for their beverages. (Lowell)

November 14 - 16: Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair. (Boston)

Image credit: Old Sturbridge Village

Happy Friday everyone, I hope you're having a great week and are adjusted to the time change! It's been a crazy week here work-wise and I'm super excited to take things down a few notches this weekend! If you're looking for something to do, enjoy this roundup of 25 weekend events, lovingly curated for your consideration. And also, be sure to enter the $350 Minted giveaway!

1. FREE evening at the museum for families with children with Autism. (Acton)

2. Family fun with Karen K and the Jitterbugs. (Arlington)

3. The Three Little Pigs and Other Tales puppet show. (Arlington)

4. Join in an afternoon of environmental stewardship. (Belmont)

5. Laurie Berkner Rock ‘Til You Drop show. (Boston)

6. Noah’s Ark scavenger hunt. (Boston)

7. Celebrate your neighborhood toy store. (Boston)

8. The Boston Christmas Festival is in town. (Boston)

9. The New England Conservatory presents Hansel and Gretel. (Boston)

10. Shop this special pop up shop featuring 8 indie Boston stores. (Boston)

11. Boston comedy festival. (Boston)

12. Visiting artist workshop with Casey Weibust: Monster Hunt. (Boston)

13. A family viewing of The Parent Trap. (Brookline)

14. The story of Migration using puppets. (Brookline)

15. Exploring the science of plants. (Cambridge)

16. Welcome the winter season with a bonfire, drummers, light sticks, and s'mores. (Harvard)

17. The Crane Estate art show and sale. (Ipswich)

18. Light up the night of 10,000 lights. (Medford)

19. Kiniwe, Tufts African drumming and dance ensemble, performs. (Medford)

20. A safari right on Revere Beach. (Revere)

21. Dancing, artist-curated experiences, open bar and dessert at the gala DREAM dance party. (Salem)

22. Relax and listen as bold storytellers share revealing moments from their own lives. (Salem)

23. All things vintage for the holidays. (Salisbury)

24. An international film festival just for kids. (Somerville, Medford)

25. A beautiful evening of illumination. (Sturbridge)

Image credit: Vintage Bazaar

So remember last week when I shared about how to create a gorgeous gallery wall, including my favorite picks from Minted's art marketplace? Well, my friends at Minted have followed up with a generous giveaway for you awesome readers: $350 of Minted credit towards your holiday cards! Crazy amazing, right? Check out 10 of my favorite picks from the Minted holiday collection and then enter to win via the Rafflecopter widget at the end of the post.

First, worth noting: the Minted holiday card collection offers wonderful flexibility; in most cases you can opt for a flat or foldover card (depending on how much content you want to include), choose from different colorways, and change the holiday greeting. Also, my mind is sort of blown that right now you can opt for free recipient address printing. No wrangling with mail merge -- YAY! Now, here are 10 of my favorite picks from the collection:

1. This Happiness Is... single-photo card cracks me up. I'm pretty certain "blankie," "milkie," or "chocolate" would be one of Violet's top words.

2. Break up the visual lines of the usual photo block card with this four-photo Prismatic layout. So modern and simple and cool! I am heavily leaning towards this one for our holiday cards.

3. This Merry Streamers design is bold, pretty, and so very festive.

4. Try a new approach to holiday cards (and create a keepsake for your family) with this Sparkling Be Merry ornament card.

5. The sparkly minimal aesthetic of the Modern Shimmer design gives a tasteful touch of bling, while otherwise allowing the beauty of a single family photo be the focal point.

6. The holidays or the turning of a new year call for the shimmery confetti in this cheerful Sprinkles design.

7. Want to create something more involved? This Family Recipes Holiday Booklette takes thoughtful correspondence to an entirely new level and would make for an incredible gift and keepsake.

Now, sometimes you just don't manage to capture a great holiday card photo...most of the time you're the one shooting all the pictures. BEEN THERE. No worries, there are many (close to 500!) gorgeous non-photo options.

8. This Modern Confetti design fulfills my obsession with gray and gold.

9. I love the symbolism of these Paper Cranes For Luck.

10. This Holiday Splashes design is so unusual; full of unique artistry and light.

Now, surely you're eager to order some gorgeous holiday cards, yes? Enter to win the Minted $350 gift credit giveaway! The one required entry is to leave a comment below about one of your favorite Minted holiday card designs. You can also earn optional extra entries by following Boston Mamas and Minted on Pinterest and Instagram. Just follow the entry prompts via the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

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Image credits: all images via Minted

So y'all LOVED last month's mystery mom tote giveaway so I thought I'd repeat with another mysterious newsletter subscriber giveaway! I've filled another roomy Lands' End tote with a collection of cool unisex baby gifts. One lucky newsletter subscriber will win this delightful gift tote (estimated retail value = $200). To be eligible for the giveaway, all you need to do is subscribe below by Tuesday, November 11! Good luck!

Subscribe to the newsletter!

Note: the Boston Mamas newsletter drops 1-2 times per month and offers the best from this site (and elsewhere on the internet), as well as periodic exclusive goodies. Yay, for periodic exclusive goodies!

I spent last night at the Lawrence watch event for Paul Davis/Jill Docking's Kansas governor's run. I've known Paul since he married my best friend, and their daughter is my girl's unofficial little sister. So of course I wanted him to win. Beyond that, Paul's politics mirror my own almost exactly, only he is calm under pressure and I am not. He would've been a great governor. Kansas, I'm sorry. You're missing out.

I probably offended a room full of people when I said after the call had been made and the speech presented that I felt like I did when the Royals lost the World Series last month. That I would compare baseball to politics is probably uncool, but what I meant is this: Both were underdogs, both had worked very hard for years to get to the big stage, the nation was focused on both events, and I had spent months emotionally engaged in the events that unfolded before the big event. And in both scenarios, it was really close. There was no blowout. It got called late.

As I drove back to my hotel, I felt shell-shocked, amazed that he could've possibly lost. This morning, though, I spent the hour-long drive back home thinking about how dangerous and how satisfying it is to care, to hope.

I know what it's like to come really close with something and have it denied you. THE OBVIOUS GAME came thisclose to being picked up by a big publisher. In the immediate aftermath, it felt so awful I asked myself over and over why I was doing it to myself. Why bother trying to make a mark, share yourself in some way other than a Facebook status update? Why try when so many people live happy, productive, meaningful lives without putting themselves through such capacity for rejection? Why work so hard when there is absolutely no guarantee it will pay off?

Why do I start over every time I finish a book? Why do I get back on that horse that keeps bucking me off?

For the same reason I'm really glad I was at that event last night and for the same reason I'm glad I chewed my knuckles until the very last run of game seven of the 2014 World Series. Because it's good to care. It's good to have things you really believe in. Caring about things other than yourself make life worth living, force us to connect with other humans, be proud of who we are and with whom we align ourselves. 

Caring puts you at a much greater risk of heartache, but it's worth it, every time.