We haven't yet traveled internationally as a family, and though I definitely plan on it once Violet is a little older, meanwhile, I'm always keen on finding ways to expose my kids to different cultures. And luckily, living in a city like Boston, it's not that hard a task! I'm subsequently thrilled to partner with au pair agency Cultural Care Au Pair to bring you a fun new editorial series to help you explore the world from the comfort of home.

The first post in this series is about Brazil. Here are 14 ways to introduce your family to Brazilian culture; for my non-local readers, the recommendations in the second half of the post are for you!

*** VISIT ***

1. Mark your calendar for Boston’s 20th Brazilian Independence Day Festival on September 13, 2015. At the festival, you can soak in cultural activities, food, live performances, and more!

2. Learn a variety of Brazilian dance styles at Moves & Vibes Dance Co. in Cambridge. Let go of inhibition and give forro or samba a try!

3. Experience capoeira -- a Brazilian martial art performed through dance -- at Capoeira Angola Quintal Boston in Somerville.

*** EAT ***

4. For vibrant, authentic Brazilian fare, try Muqueca in Cambridge. The menu offers lots of options but I've totally got my eye on the signature Brazilian seafood stews. #nomnom

5. Love meat on giant skewers? Midwest Grill has locations in Cambridge and Saugus and specializes in traditional Brazilian BBQ, and also offers seafood and vegetarian dishes.

6. When it’s time for something sweet (um, when is it not?), head to Padaria Brasil Bakery where cakes, breads, and snacks await. You can find Padaria at two Framingham locations, as well as Allston and Milford.

*** SHOP LOCAL ***

7. For many, Brazil is synonymous with soccer. If you've got soccer fans in the house, head to the Brazilian Soccer House in East Boston to gear up.

8. Casa de Carne Solucao in Somerville is a butcher shop that offers fresh cut meat and traditional Brazilian dishes.

*** PLAY ***

9. I love using crafts as a lever for cultural teaching. Try these Brazilian craft activities to create maracas, tambourines, and more.

10. As a former music and brain scientist, not surprisingly, I believe that music has lots of power! Learn more about -- and jam out to -- choro instrumental music, which was born out of Rio de Janeiro in the 1800s.

*** READ ***

11. Brazil ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Brazil dives into Brazilian culture, geography, and history in an easy for kids A-B-C format.

12. The best way to build bridges across cultures? Pick up some of the language! Get started with My First Book of Portugese Words.

13. For a 3D learning experience, check out Rio de Janeiro: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape for a foldout tour of Brazil's landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. So pretty!

14. Looking to learn alongside your kids? The Brazil Reader: History, Culture, Politics offers a comprehensive look at Brazil's historical, cultural, and political development.

So awesome, right? Enjoy exploring Brazil and I'm excited to share more cultural educational material over the coming months. Also, totally related: Cultural Care Au Pair is hosting the Somerville 2015 World Fair at The Armory this Sunday, February 1. RSVP today for this free, fun-filled event celebrating South American, European, and Asian cultures.

+ + + + +

Disclosure: This post reflects an editorial partnership with Cultural Care Au Pair. Cultural Care Au Pair is a leading provider of intercultural childcare and educational exchange. Since 1989, Cultural Care Au Pair has placed more than 90,000 au pairs in American homes. Hosting an au pair offers many benefits, one of which includes the opportunity for your family to learn about another country's culture.

Image credits: 1) flag via Wikipedia; 2) compilation graphic by Christine Koh with images via linked sources above.

Money is a source of stress for so many people; not just how to earn it, but what to do with it. And the topic becomes more complex when you have kids and need to budget for their needs and teach them about money. I'm subsequently thrilled to welcome Sandra Gilpatrick as a new contributor! Sandra not only is a Beacon Hill expert and devoted mom; she also works to help women become financially confident and competent. SO AWESOME. Welcome to Sandra's first financial literacy post on teaching kids how to budget:

+ + + + +

From Sandra:

My inspiration to write a series on financial literacy came to me when I realized my son was the only 4-year-old I knew who was already saving for a house. I did the obligatory Google search and had a difficult time finding any articles written by financial advisors who were mothers themselves, writing about actual lessons they were teaching their children. Through my work as a financial planning professional, I’m passionate about helping women find their confidence with finances; through this new series on Boston Mamas I’ll share doable tips on how to become -- and teach your kids to become -- financially savvy. Today I want to share 5 tips to teach kids to budget:

1. Make financial “fitness” a part of your regular routine. Having a basic handle on how much money comes in, knowing what is spent, and understanding your required debt payments is a basic financial exercise. Like most important parts of life, the first few steps always seem the most daunting. As you are reading this, you may be listing one or two reasons why this has caused hesitation. Here is a sample budget worksheet and a cash flow worksheet to help you get started. Becoming financially “fit” will help equip you with the skills to pass along to your kids.

2. Choose a budget threshold. Kids aren’t born with a sense of money and value; you’ll need to give them context. I chose $5 as the budget threshold to acclimate my son about value. For example, if he saw something for $10, he would think it was expensive given that $10 was twice his $5 threshold.

3. Teach financial value through chores. One simple way to teach kids about financial value is through chores. For example, my son wanted a $20 toy desperately, which was well over his $5 budget. He did extra chores around the house to earn the money. The most I gave him was $1 for a major effort; smaller tasks ranged from 5 to 25 cents. Eventually he saved up $20 and he still wanted the same toy. It can be easy as a parent to spend $10 here and $25 there at the whims of your pleading child. Before you realize it, you can cumulatively spend hundreds and be outside of your own budget.

4. Have your kid become a savvy consumer. When my son likes something in a store I have him read the price tag. He will know if it is within his budget or decide if it is something worth saving for. More than once, he has dealt with the disappointment of a newly purchased toy not living up to his expectations, or experiencing hopeless buyer’s remorse when the toy breaks instantly. Over time, he has learned to evaluate items and he often discusses their worth with me. Our conversations also have led to discussing -- and viewing documentary clips of -- toy factories in other parts of the world that permit deplorable work conditions. I gave him a lesson in labor economics! Not only is he used to working in a budget, but he is also becoming a savvy consumer.

5. Keep at it! Instilling sound financial habits early in children increases the likelihood that they will retain these habits into and throughout adulthood. Be consistent with the above, simple practices and you’ll be on your way. And don’t be hampered by feeling behind if finances have scared you; it’s never too late to get started!

+ + + + +

Are there specific financial topics you’d love to see Sandra address? Drop me a line at christine@bostonmamas.com to let me know!

To learn more about Sandra, visit SandraGilpatrick.com. Third party posts on this profile do not reflect the views of LPL Financial and have not been reviewed by LPL Financial as to accuracy or completeness. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Image credit: piggy bank via FreeDigitalPhotos.net; large graphic by Christine Koh

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. This weekend was somewhat comical and chaotic; Jon was out of town and of course we got hit by lice for the first time ever! So, my weekend was filled with nit picking and olive oil treatments and just total craziness, but weirdly, the girls and I remained in great spirits! And now, let's get on to the week. There's a blizzard in the forecast, and also these events via the Weekly Blueprint:

January 28: A spanish story time. (Boston)

January 28: Who has the best chowder on The Row? (Somerville)

January 29: Celebrate National Puzzle Day! (Acton) *Also, check out this roundup of 14 awesome puzzles for babies, kids, and grownups!

January 29: A romantic cooking class just in time for Valentine’s Day. (Lexington)

January 29: What’s happening with snowy winter owls? (Milton)

January 29 - 31: Kerplop! The Tale of the Frog Prince. (Boston)

January 30: A Dream Concert creating sounds using just your voice and body. (Boston)

January 30: KidsJam family dance party. (Boston)

January 30: Weekly storytime with Curious George. (Cambridge)

Image credit: Etsy

I found myself crying today for no good reason. Or maybe it was, in the interest of time. I'd been reading Neil Gaiman short stories on a five-hour drive through ice with ten-year-old feet in my face and sports on the radio so loud I couldn't hear myself think. I had one of those moments where you just want everyone to go away so you can remember what you were trying to do in the first place.

I couldn't remember. So I cried. It was awful and embarrassing, and my daughter reminded me of the time I cried in We Bought a Zoo, and I realized I've become that mother whom you can't bring anywhere.

Fuck it.

I cried because sometimes in the midst of it I forget what I was starting to do snd how important it seemed at one time to get the stories out. And even if, over time, they start to seem more silly, I should remember that since the dawn of time stories are important.

My husband, dear man, told me to carve out time instead of crying, and that does seem more useful (smart bastard) so tonight I scheduled appointments with myself on Tuesday nights and Saturday afternoons. I will work on my stories when I am not exhausted because they and I deserve that. And, if I am honest with myself, because my husband snd daughter encouraged it and said they would occupy themselves elsewhere while I did.

It is hard to be a mother and pursue a dream at the same time. I realize what a huge gift I've been given to be encouraged to grow by my family.

So I pick up my book and my notebook and schedule meetings with myself in off hours, because I promised myself years ago I would keep reaching, no matter what.

*reaches*

Happy Friday everyone, I hope you enjoyed a great week! Despite it being another scramble of a week (I'm basically ready to say goodbye to January), I'm feeling in such happy spirits because my sister and her baby are visiting...hooray! Also, it's Friday and also National Pie Day (he are 10 pies you'll want to try), and it's time to think about the weekend. Here are 21 events to consider via the Weekend Roundup:

1. An afternoon of outdoor winter fun. (Andover)

2. Matt Roberts: Laughs and Illusions one of a kind interactive magic show. (Arlington) 

3. Grab your camera and warm coat and hop aboard a winter wildlife cruise. (Boston)

4. Explore assistive technology with Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital! (Boston)

5. OSHOGATSU 2015 - Japanese New Year's Celebration. (Boston)

6. Shake off the winter cold and warm up in the tropics. (Boston)

7. Kids intro to digital photography. (Boston)

8. Juggling, magic and wacky antics with Davey the Clown. (Brookline)

9. Final weekend for The Pied Piper of Hamlin puppet show. (Brookline)

10. Explore the science of dinosaurs. (Cambridge)

11. Tim Seston concert and CD release party. (Concord)

12. Everything you ever wanted to know about North American birds of prey. (Ipswich)

13. Creature Feature live animals presentation. (Gloucester)

14. Ben Rudnick Family Works benefit show. (Natick)

15. A winter stringfest and instrument petting zoo. (Newton)

16. No snow is no problem at this winter open house. (Princeton)

17. Learn about ONE, international development and the fight against global poverty. (Somerville)

18. A winter day to work and play the old fashioned way. (Sturbridge)

19. It’s time to start thinking about summer camp. (Sudbury)

20. Support the Greater Boston Food Bank and have brunch for a cause. (Various locations)

21. Have tea with Queen Elsa. (Wenham)

Image credit: The Trustees of Reservations

I love pie. There's something so homey and happy about homemade pie and I always lobby to contribute pies for Thanksgiving potluck. However, pie is awesome all year round and tomorrow (January 23) is National Pie Day. I don't need a holiday to eat pie, but hey, I'll take the inspiration! Here are 10 pies to try, tomorrow or any day. I think my 2015 resolution will be to make all 10 of these pies by the year's end.

Click through the links below for full recipes, additional images, and further culinary inspiration from these amazing pie-loving bloggers!

1. Laurel recently introduced me to brownie pie (a true stroke of baking brilliance) and this brownie pie recipe looks similar in composition.

2. I adore coconut and this coconut cream pie looks simpler than a recipe I've used in the past. I can't wait to try it!

3. This French coconut pie (yes, I meant it when I said I adore coconut) looks like a macaroon in pie format. Sign. me. up.

4. Don't feel like firing up the oven? Try this no-bake peanut butter pie. Mmm...peanut butter.

5. S'mores. Great on a stick, even easier to eat as s’mores pie.

6. Got lactose issues? Not a problem with this chocolate tofu pie. I was surprised by how good it was...I was a little skeptical at first, despite being pro tofu!

7. This lemon meringue pie is a major favorite in our house; Laurel mastered it for Thanksgiving! The photo below is of her final product -- impressive, no?

8. Two words. Crack pie.

9. Enjoy two fruity servings with less guilt (that math totally works, right?) with this strawberry pie.

10. Quick and easy caramel pie. I think I'm going to surprise Laurel with this soon. She will FREAK OUT.

Image credits: all images via linked sources above

I met author Margaret Dilloway when I was managing the BlogHer Book Club. We discussed and reviewed her first book, HOW TO BE AN AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, and her second book, THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS. Since then, we've grown friendly and I even got to have dinner with her at last year's BlogHer conference. When author Angélique Jamail gave me the opportunity to interview another author for Women Writer Wednesdays on her blog, I picked Margaret. I hope you enjoy the interview! We discuss craft, her favorite of her books, her career and more!

For the book club discussions:

• HOW TO BE AN AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE
• THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS

Looking for an indoor adventure? Read on to learn more about 5 Wits via Lindsey + enter to win a ticket giveaway!

My children, husband, and I recently headed to Patriot Place in Foxboro to experience 5 Wits, a "cutting-edge, live-action entertainment venue that immerses participants in realistic, hands-on adventures." There are two adventure experiences at 5 Wits, one called Espionage and one called 20,000 Leagues.

Each adventures takes about an hour and immerses you in a high-stakes, drama-filled experience of trying to solve a mystery. In Espionage, you're cracking codes, dodging lasers, and trying to find a corporate mole. In 20,000 Leagues you're solving geography puzzles, building gears that work together to drive a motor, and tweaking a chemistry experiment in order to try to return to the surface of the ocean. In both cases, the 5 Wits team is energetic and well-trained and the technology that underlies each adventure is well thought out and compelling.

During the brief break between the two adventures, we figured out that 5 Wits refers to using all five senses to solve the mysteries. I asked my children what they liked best about 5 Wits, and this is what they had to say:

Whit (9): "I thought it was really exciting!  You had to actually put your mind to things and it was so much more interesting and interactive than a regular museum."

Grace (12): "I thought that it was a one-of-a-kind experience and a lot of fun! The people there were super nice."

+ + + + +

Are you ready for intrigue and adventure? To win a four-pack of combo tickets* to 5 Wits, simply leave a comment below by noon Friday, January 23, 2015. Be sure to include your e-mail in the e-mail field so we can contact you if you win (note: your e-mail will NOT appear publicly when the comment is posted). Easy peasy!

*One winner will receive one (1) four-pack of combo tickets (package value = $92) to 5 Wits, Patriot Place, Foxboro.

Last week I attended the Boston Auto Show via a partnership with Chevrolet and SheBuysCars and it was a truly fascinating experience. I’m by no means a car freak, but I do use a car daily and think about design and usability daily. I learned so much about design research and urban mobility (Chevrolet designer Wade Bryant had me hinged to his every thoughtful word!), and a Women in Automotive panel especially struck a chord with me.

During the panel, moderator Scotty Reiss asked Betsy Flegg (Chevrolet), Michell Lander (General Motors), and Tina Mahoney (Best Chevrolet in Hingham) about their best car shopping advice for women. As these ladies shared their advice, it struck me that their tips extended way beyond car shopping and into the domains of work, parenting, and relationships. Here were the key takeaways I thought you might find helpful.

1. Do your research. A car is a big investment (obviously) -- one worth researching! The panelists recommended using resources such as Consumer Reports, Edmunds.com, and SheBuysCars for comparative research. They also recommended Google’ing dealer reviews (brilliant...never thought of that!), crowdsourcing friends and family, and also asking complete strangers you see driving a car you're interested in (e.g., at a coffee shop, parking lot), given that they'll likely be candid since they have no relationship with you. Similarly, research is so key with many parenting/life choices, though I do advise against driving yourself crazy via the quest for the one perfect solution -- it usually doesn’t exist (totally speaking from experience here)!

2. Know what your needs are. As with many work and personal situations, it's important to outline and make explicit your needs/priorities when car shopping. I'm a big fan of writing down your priorities so you don't lose sight of them in the face of other incoming information and options. Tina Mahoney (who totally awesomely rose the ranks from cashier to sales manager at Best Chevrolet) made the smart recommendation of bringing key things you usually travel with (e.g., stroller, luggage) to make sure your car fits your needs. Super smart.

3. Take a test drive. Related to #2, it’s important to take a test drive to figure out if a vehicle is right for you, or whether there are options that may be right that weren’t even on your radar (here's where the needs/priority list comes in handy...a car dealer could help you learn about other options depending on your needs). It made me think how enormously helpful it was for me to “test drive” careers when I was in college via internships and mentoring programs; the processes of which helped me rule out law, child psychology, and politics! I’ve also heard -- particularly from women exploring new careers after leaving the workforce to raise kids -- how helpful it is to go into a new employment situation with a 3-6 month test drive period.

4. Be confident. Like many things in life, confidence goes a long way. If you're armed with the knowledge, experience, and reflection from tips #1, #2, and #3 above, you will be in a good position! However, if you're really nervous about a situation (car shopping or otherwise), I recommend practicing your opening line/asks out loud. Having a loose script -- so you're not fumbling for words -- helps a lot!

5. Know what your deal breaker is. I loved Michell Lander’s advice to know what your deal breaker is when shopping for a car. And I find this to be 150% relevant to work negotiations! In fact, whenever I'm negotiating a new client project I always explicitly map out the expectations, deliverables, and ideal compensation...and internally make note of my deal breaker line so I'm ready to negotiate if there is push back on my proposal.

It was so interesting to be on the floor at the auto show and to engage with the Chevrolet and SheBuysCars teams in depth. In addition to clearly putting a lot of thought and resources into their work, I love that Chevrolet also commits to social responsibility, and it's wonderful that SheBuysCars is working to help women gain the confidence and experience in a consumer domain that is often male dominated!

Image credits: Christine Koh

Disclosure: I attended the Boston Auto Show as a compensated ambassador of Chevrolet and SheBuysCars. All expressed opinions are, of course, my own.