Okay, it’s New Year’s again – time to make my resolutions or check how I did with last year’s. And this year I am blogging about it. One of the advantages of publishing a blog is once this is posted I know I won’t lose my list and knowing others will read it may help keep me on task.

My list of 2008 New Year’s Resolutions is really a list of personal and professional goals. The key to success, according to the experts, is to make a plan on how to accomplish your objectives. (I think some of these experts had dependable childcare or didn’t have kids.)

Business
• Do work that is creative, inspires me and is useful to others
• Make a To-do list every day and use it
• Learn at least one new technology this year
• Never leave more than 10 emails in my inbox

Personal
• Read to my kids every day
• Be mindful of our planet and its resources
(Recycle, Reuse, Reduce what we use. Clichéd but true)
• Stay on top of domestic chores (Well the laundry is clean, just not always folded)
• Find an exercise plan that fits my lifestyle
• Don’t eat chocolate. Eat less chocolate. Eat dark chocolate
• Drink less coffee
• Be thankful for good friends and family

It may be helpful to share all or just some of your resolutions with your kids. Ask them if they want to make their own resolutions. This could be a valuable opportunity to teach your children about values and goal setting. Click comments to share your resolutions or tips on how to accomplish them.

Kidoinfo is going on vacation until the New Year. But I have left a list of family-fun events to do in the Rhode Island area while I’m gone. Most of the events on this list are FREE or free with membership. Area libraries are running some fabulous special events. And many libraries have passes you can check out that allow free or discounted admission to places like the Mystic Aquarium and Boston Science Museum.

If you are not a daily Kidoinfo reader, you may have missed some book recommendations or craft projects. Browse past stories for additional suggestions to get you through the holiday break. Send us your own creative ideas, projects, parenting tips, New Year’s resolutions, or daytrips. We would love to hear from you!

2007 DECEMBER VACATION EVENTS (also check our Winter Guide or Weekend Picks)

Wednesday, December 26

• Toe Jam Puppet Band
Shows at 1 pm & 2 pm. Back by popular demand! Don’t miss this popular, hilarious performance filled with songs, stories, and music. Kids ages 3 to 11 are invited to dress up and join in the fun. Providence Children’s Museum - 100 South Street, Providence, RI. 401-273-5437. Free with membership.

Thursday, December 27

• Sparky’s Puppets: “Stories from Snowy Lands”
10 am. Watch Jack Frost’s magic bring a snowman to life. Find out what happens when a boastful bear goes ice fishing. And visit a hard-working toymaker in her shop on a cold winter’s day. Sparky’s puppets dramatize favorite children’s stories with colorful hand puppets, lively humor and plenty of audience participation. This program is free and open to all ages. Children under age 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 150 participants. Barrington Public Library - 281 County Road, Barrington, RI. 401-247-1920 Ext. 4.

• Audubon Environmental Education Center (Dec. 27- 29)
10 am - 3 pm. Take a break from the holiday madness and discover nature with your family! Kids can make nature crafts each day from 10 am - 11:30 am, and there will be a nature story reading at 11 am and 3 pm. Audubon Environmental Education Center - 1401 Hope Street (Rte 114), Bristol, RI. 401-245-7500. Free with membership.

• The Hoopoe Show
Shows at 1 pm & 2 pm. English mime Chris Yerlig brings Hoopoe to life using pantomime comedy, magic tricks, and balloon wizardry to create a hilarious show for kids. The audience is encouraged to join Hoopoe on stage and create magic illusions! Providence Children’s Museum-100 South Street, Providence. 401-273-5437. Free with membership.

• Family Afternoon Movie: Underdog
2 pm. Underdog is rated PG and has a 84-minute running time. Children with their families are invited for a free movie and snack! (Kids ages 10 and older may attend without an adult.) Children’s Room -Pawtucket Library - 13 Summer Street, Pawtucket, RI. 401-725-3714 x208. Afterwards, take your kids on a tour of the Providence landmarks used in the film.

Friday, December 28

• Audubon Environmental Education Center (Dec 27, 28 & 29)
See Thursday for details.

• Making Music
10:30 am. Make musical instruments using everyday recycled materials. Then join the jam session to play and see how the instruments sound! Free and open to all ages. Children’s Room - Pawtucket Library - 13 Summer Street, Pawtucket, RI. 401-725-3714 x208.

• The Singing Ringing Tree
Shows at 1 pm & 2 pm. Kids become the actors in this interactive fairy tale performance by Sarah Salerno-Thomas. With beautiful paper mache masks, children become panthers, princes, and pigs as they are encouraged to use their creativity and imagination on stage. Providence Children’s Museum -100 South Street, Providence, RI. 401-273-5437. Free with membership.

Saturday, December 29

• Audubon Environmental Education Center (Dec 27, 28 & 29)
See Thursday for details.

Sunday, December 30

• Knitting for All Ages
1 - 3 pm. Knitting for all ages will take place on Sunday afternoons. Open to all levels of expertise. Please bring your own needles and yarn. Registration is not required. Knitting will take place in the children’s area of the library. Jamestown Philomenian Library - 26 North Road, Jamestown, Rhode Island. (401) 423-7280. Free Event.

Tuesday, January 1

• Visit the Animals
9 am - 4 pm. Roger Williams Park Zoo - 1000 Elmwood Avenue . Providence, RI. 401-785-3510. Free Admission on New Year’s Day.

More free events:

• Pawtucket’s Winter Wonderland - 400 decorated and illuminated Christmas trees. Trees are lit every evening from 4:30 pm to 10 pm through Dec. 31. Twenty Victorian buildings for kids to explore. Special events are planned for December weekends leading up to Christmas, including Frosty the talking snowman, free visits with Santa, photos with Santa, train rides, hay rides, carousel rides, a tented food court serving hot dogs and hot chocolate, and free entertainment. Check website for details. Free admission & parking. Slater Memorial Park - Armistice Blvd/Newport Ave., Pawtucket, RI. 401-726-3185

• Submarine Force Museum - Dedicated to U.S. Submarine Force, hosts the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine. Open daily 9am - 5pm, Tuesdays 1pm - 5pm. Open Christmas and New Year’s Day from 1- 5 pm. Submarine Force Museum - Groton, CT. 1-800-343-0079. Free admission and parking.

I welcome Adam Darowksi as a new contributer to Kidoinfo. When not hanging out with his three-year old daughter and six-month old son, Adam Darowski works for BatchBlue Software and blogs at Darowski.com.

A couple of months ago, we brought my daughter (who had just turned three years old) to her very first movie. She had only watched one or two feature length movies on DVD before, but we were confident a full-length film on the big screen would keep her attention.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have many options for what movie to see once we decided she was ready for her first theater experience. Our choice at the local cinema was Bee Movie or . . . Bee Movie. So, Bee Movie it was.

We were a bit nervous because it was rated PG, but another parent told us that it wasn’t violent, and that the little bit of adult humor would fly over the a child’s head. Fair enough.

Our daughter thought she was the coolest girl in the world sitting in a “big comfy chair” munching on pretzels and watching previews. When it was time for the feature, the lights dimmed.

Whoops. She got nervous.

“I can’t see my pretzel,” she said timidly, holding her pretzel six inches in front of her eyes.

Soon, the opening credits brightened the room, and she felt okay again. However, we soon realized that some scenes that were likely harmless when sitting on the couch watching a 27-inch TV in broad daylight went over differently on a gynormous widescreen with booming surround sound in complete darkness. Nervousness turned to quiet tears during certain scenes before she announced, “I have to go pee-pee.” (Code for “get me out of here!”)

She returned from the bathroom and gave it a go for a few more minutes, but an hour into the movie, she decided she had had enough. So, off we went to eat dinner at Gramma’s and Grandpa’s. She told them she liked the movie, but “It was scary.”

What seemed to get to her were some particularly loud, noisy, and dramatic scenes (such as the lead character getting stuck in a car engine and desperately trying to save himself). I have the feeling even some G-rated Pixar flicks would have had the same effect on her at this stage.

The experience had me wishing there was a full-length Little Einsteins or Clifford feature, but it seems like that dream went straight to DVD. While I know my daughter is the sensitive type (I was shocked when she cried at an old Mickey Mouse cartoon when Pluto was frozen in a block of ice), I wanted to throw the question out to the readers…

When was your child’s first movie theater experience and how did it go?

By Martha Iachetta

My husband, who is not liberal with the compliments, described me recently as “the real deal.” As it was in the midst of a disagreement, I am still not certain it was a compliment. While I am by no means perfect (just ask my husband and friends), I can honestly say that at 39 years old I finally feel like I live my life according to my dreams and values. And nurturing these dreams and values includes self care, even small versions of it every single day, especially during busy times like the holidays. A wise person once said, “I meditate a half hour each day except for when I am very busy. On those days I meditate for an hour.”

I know I am not alone in my persistent desire to live the most meaningful life I possibly can. I also know I am not alone in aspiring but struggling to do whatever I need to do on a daily basis to make that happen. My gift to myself and all of you is a reminder to put your self on the top of your holiday list. Maybe it is cashmere socks, a massage, a manicure, a walk, a cup of tea with a friend… whatever it is, just do it.

My other strong suggestion is attention to your health and wellness. Take time for yourself, exercise, and, most important, breathe. My two current favorite places for support on how to do those things both on a day-to-day basis and via time away are the YMCA and Kripalu’s center for yoga and health. In very different ways, they provide me with the R & R I need to be re-inspired, relaxed, rested, rejuvenated, and renewed (actually R, R, R, R, & R).

The YMCA and Kripalu are both places that are the “real deal.” While maintaining their missions, they truly celebrate and respect racial, ethnic, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, age and whatever other kind of differences and diversity you can think of. What I also especially like about them is their dedication to providing financial aid in order to attract people from diverse and often under-served/under-represented/under-voiced populations.
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I would like to welcome Katie Mulligan as a new contributer to Kidoinfo. She is a registered dietitian specializing in pediatrics. Through her practice, Nurturing Nutrition, Katie provides individualized nutrition counseling to children (ages birth to 18) and their families. This month she tells us which foods are super (super delicious and super healthy) during the holidays.

The holidays are a time of sharing and giving, especially the gift of food. If any part of your holiday tradition involves cooking or eating, treat yourself and your guests to an extra helping of holiday super foods this season! Super foods have been so named because of their super antioxidant capabilities and their amazing health benefits. What better gift to give than a long, healthy life this holiday season?

10 Super Foods for the Holidays
adapted from Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)

1. Apple and Pears. Rich in vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals - amazing disease prevention food components that give fruit their color. They are perfect for holiday desserts and fruit bowls. I love thinly sliced D’Anjou pears drizzled with honey and candied walnuts for an after dinner treat.
2. Brussels Sprouts and Turnips. These and other related vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and bok choy are tasty and nutritious!
3. Dark chocolate. Treat yourself and someone you love to a small amount of dark chocolate. Buy at least 60% cacao dark chocolate for a delicious heart healthy treat!
4. Carrots. Low cost and a family favorite. These vitamin-A-rich veggies can be served hot or cold and are always a crowd pleaser.
5. Beans: Dried or Green. Dried beans are low in cost, low in fat, and rich in protein, iron, folic acid, and fiber. Whip up some hummus or black bean and olive tapenade. Green beans are healthy and popular at holiday tables.
6. Citrus fruits. Always available, great tasting, and rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and fiber. Enjoy some clementines this holiday season!
7. Cranberries. Full of antioxidants like vitamins C and E, these colorful berries are sure to keep you and yours healthy during the holidays.
8. Pumpkin and Winter Squash. Very nutritious and delicious, rich in vitamin A and fiber. These superstars of super foods are good for the eyes, skin and hair – to keep you bright and shining throughout the hectic season.
9. Nuts. Don’t you just love that nuts made the list? Full of heart-healthy fats, protein and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, you have every reason to go nuts!
10. Turkey. High in protein and folic acid but low in fat and cholesterol. This holiday dinner centerpiece is a family favorite.

Holidays are a time for family togetherness, joy, and friendship. But children who struggle socially because of learning disabilities can feel lonely and excluded. How to Help Your Child Have a Happy Holiday by Dale S. Brown suggests a dozen ways to help your child join in the fun while it educates all parents to be more mindful of children with learning disabilities.

• Help your child prepare for holiday parties by sharing important details — such as the schedule and the names of the guests.
• Role play scenarios with your child.
• Teach your child the names of guests ahead of time if possible.
• Prepare relatives and friends for your child’s behavior that might be misinterpreted. Offer suggestions for how they might respond.
• Consciously include your child with a learning disability in conversation and other activities.
• Make a plan to handle overstimulation that may lead to a meltdown.
• Tactfully accommodate your child’s difficulties.
• Give your child a role or task he is able to do, such as setting the table, that helps him to shine.
• Read a holiday book to your child.
• Ask your child to do good deeds and contribute to the community.

Read the complete list on LDonline.

If you can rustle up a babysitter, here is a delicious and delightful option for those looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve without the kids. Support local talent, as I always like to do, and consider heading to Andrew’s Bistro in Cumberland Rhode Island on December 31, 2007 to enjoy a gourmet dinner and live music entertainment.

The restaurant’s culinary experts have created a six-course dinner menu, with choices offered for each course. Lobster Bisque, Portabella Napoleon, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Sole Scandia, and Mother Earth Rhapsody are but a few of the dishes that caught my attention. And for sure, dinner will end on a sweet note with the pastry chef’s creations. Complete details on their New Year’s Eve menu are available on their website.

Musical entertainment includes, Lino del Signore (Rhode Island based entertainer, guitarist and vocalist) and the Bertrand Laurence and Marc Chenevert duet. With their guitar and clarinet, the duet will perform French songs in English, American Folk and Jazz songs in French, and original compositions in Frenglish. Decades of music will be spanned, starting from the 1920s, both American with Swing, and Parisian with Musette Waltzes. All the way to the count-down to 2008!

The Details
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If you enjoy books and bookstores you will LOVE the New England Mobile Book Fair (less than an hour from Providence)!

While we were visiting an old college friend of mine and her family up in Newton recently, she told us about her favorite bookstore we had to visit. She was right, this place is unbelievable. Unfortunately, we got there 30 minutes before they closed for the day. We barely had time to get a taste of the place, but are already planning our next visit. This warehouse of a bookstore has stacks and stacks of books for kids and adults arranged by publisher. At first visit, it may be a little hard to get used to this system, but there are plenty of staff members to help you. Paperbacks and hardcovers are 20% off everyday. The day we were there, kids books were 30% off the regular marked price. After cruising the aisles to get an overview of the place we had a quick peek at the remaindered room - more stacks of books at deep discounted prices. Beware of going with a bookophile – they may never leave!

New England Mobile Book Fair
82-84 Needham Street, Newton Highlands, MA
Directions: Exit 19A off of Route 128 (1 1/2 miles down on your right).
Open 7 days. Call or check website for hours.
Phone: 617-964-7440

Added bonus, Trader Joes is located down the street at 958 Highland Avenue, Needham Heights, MA.

By Michelle Riggen-Ransom

Since the holiday season is breathing its pepperminty breath down our be-scarved necks, I thought I’d write a bit about one of my obsessions: buying things with birds on them. Lucky for me, birds are very trendy right now. If you’re frantically looking for a gift for a bird-lover, or perhaps just want to feather your own nest, maybe this list can help you.

Anna’s Aviary, owned by a Massachusetts artist, has gorgeous bird-themed art, clothing, cards and prints. The art can be personalized, too, for that special woodpecker or sandpiper lover in your life. My daughter’s middle name is Robin, so I predict I’ll soon be ordering one of these myself.

Barrington-based á la mode designs has several bird-themed switchplates (like these two snuggling black birds) that really cute up a hallway, kid’s room or kitchen.

Beehive kitchenware has lovely hand-crafted metal kitchenware, lots of it with birdies on it. My favorites are the pewter bird candles (pictured). They’ve also got the same birds on fridge magnets, key chains and measuring spoons. Any of those would fit so nicely in a stocking.

Don’t want to chance it with on-line ordering at this late in the game? Head to local kids’ shop Mod Mama (16 South Angell St., Providence) for this cute little toddler top featuring a fat sparrow or other birdly-decorated items for posh tots.

The Audobon Society of Rhode Island has a great Nature Gift shop, and members get a 10% discount on all items. In addition to their Smithfield and Bristol locations, they’ve also got an online store where you can buy a sweet plushie kingfisher, chickadee or other bird, which each play their actual recorded birdsongs.

I love the glassworks at Happy Owl, such as this Night Owl Nightlight. This artist, as well as 150 others, is at craftland through December 22nd. I predict there will be birds aplenty at this excellent show, which features local crafters and artists.

Lastly, no round-up of cute bird-related items would be complete without mention of uber craft site etsy.com. At last count, almost 20,000 items came up when I did a general search for “bird”. I would recommend narrowing down your search to “jewelry” or “children” before trying to look at bird things or your going to feel like you’re in a Hitchcock movie.

Always double-check availability and shipping times before placing any orders online if you want something to arrive before Christmas. Although giving gifts with birds on them is also great for Valentine’s Day, at least in my house.

By Maura Keating

Whether you are a new parent or you are looking for a great baby gift – listen up. Trumpette socks. These are the best socks ever because they actually stay on a baby’s feet. My son’s feet were like adorable malformed trapezoids, hardly better than stumps (adorable stumps). We got plenty of cute tiny socks as presents in the baby shower circus that preceded my son’s birth, but none worked. They fell off in my house and they disappeared when we went out. After the first week, I could never find a matching pair. That is, until my chic cousin came to the rescue with one of the best baby gifts we got.

The Trumpette socks are sold individually or packaged in a box set of 6 pairs of rainbow colors – enough to take you through ’til Laundry Day. The price may seem a little steep for socks but for the stress they will save you and the length of time that they will last, the investment is entirely worth it. The colors and patterns are fun and cute – from dots and stripes to colorful camouflage to bright animal prints and more. The socks are so cute that they often make an outfit cuter than it might be otherwise. After a year full of washing, our collection of socks still looked great and fit my son well until his feet simply outgrew them. Not so for the other socks that got lost or disintegrated long ago. The fabric is a blend of cotton (80%) and nylon (17%) with some added stretch (3% spandex) so that the socks fit, with no red marks, whether your kid is zero or 12 months. The sock bottoms are skid resistant for beginning crawlers, scooters, and walkers. The company also makes toddler socks that fit bigger feet – from one to two years. I only wish that Trumpette made longer socks that came up to the knee for the winter months. Since they are based in California, I will forgive them this oversight and hope that they come out with size 24 - 36 months knee socks in time for next winter.

The Details:
Trumpette Socks. Sizes 0 -12 months and 12 - 24 months.

Available online at Trumpette.com and locally at:
• Mod Mama
16 South Angell Street, Providence. 401-273-7800

• Bellani Maternity
1276 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI. 401-234-1279

• Madre Bella Maternity
1 Waseca Ave Barrington RI. 401-247-0122