As you know, each new year brings changes, challenges and opportunities.

We’ve realized that our strength is in our classes and support groups and that having a retail store and just one location is limiting our flexibility to serve our community in as many ways as we would like.  Therefore, we’re making some big changes and giving MoCo, so to speak, to you–our community.

What this means is …

• Our West Boylston location is closing effective Sunday, January 29, 2012. HOWEVER, we will continue to provide our most popular classes and groups at various locations in Worcester and Central Massachusetts but through a new Mothers & Company, which will be a non-profit organization.

• We are excited to announce that we have a group of committed community members who have agreed to sit on the board of directors of this new organization. Transitioning to a nonprofit organization with the same mission will allow us to continue to provide the classes and groups that you care about in locations that may be more convenient to you. It will also allow us to provide some of the services and activities you have requested and nonprofit status will provide YOU with the opportunity to get involved.

• The current schedule will continue for now and we will announce later this month what our January schedule will be (as far as classes and groups in our current location). There are some classes already scheduled for early 2012 and they will most likely run as scheduled, just in other locations in Worcester and other towns. We’ll have a firmer plan and schedule for the future soon, so stay tuned and please continue to refer your friends to MoCo for classes and support via our website, mothersandcompany.com or mothersandcompany.org or have them call us at (508) 835-6666.

• Of course, in order to close our store, we’ll have a big sale. We encourage you to come visit our shop before the holidays to benefit from big discounts on items that are perfect as holiday/birthday/shower gifts for expectant parents, new parents, babies and small children. (Details coming soon.)

We know this may come as a surprise to most of you and please know it was an extremely difficult decision to make but we are excited for this new adventure.   All of us at Mothers & Company have enjoyed getting to know you and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing information and support to families in Central Massachusetts in a non-profit capacity in 2012 and beyond.

Warmly,

The MoCo Mommas

Have questions?  See our Frequently Asked Questions page!

Want to leave a comment here, please do!

Suzanne Hauerstein

What was your background, before you were a mom?

I lived in Rhode Island and worked at the Newport Art Museum where I taught ceramics and multi-media classes and workshops to students of all ages and abilities for almost two decades.   I was a studio artist and designed and created tile murals and ceramic sculptures of sea life and insects.

What brought you to art?

My mother is an interior designer and watercolorist and my grandfather was a commercial lithographer and painter so I have been exposed to art since I was a small child.  I grew up in New Jersey so my parents made frequent excursions with my sister and me to New York City.  They would take us to see exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, Museum of Natural History and many other great museums.

When you’re working with parents and kids, what do you find helps them connect with their inner creativity?

A relaxed and fun atmosphere!  I believe a class environment that encourages experimentation is integral to a good experience.   I like to have students do a little warm up exercise before we do an actual art project.  It can help loosen the hand and mind from self-imposed restrictions.

Some parents aren’t sure why an art class would be beneficial to a child..what do you say to that?

I am a strong believer that making art can help a child to focus and relax.  I choose projects that can be altered for any ability so that the child will be successful at what they are doing.  When a child is successful at something they get excited and usually want to do that activity again.  In this way it can help to build the child’s confidence.  Doing art projects enhances hand- eye coordination and fine motor skills in both children and adults.

What’s one thing that you can share about yourself that’s more unique and not related to motherhood, art or your past professional life…what’s your passion/guilty pleasure/favorite hobby or pasttime?

I really enjoy cooking.  I used to love to hang around my grandmother’s and my mother’s kitchens as a young girl and watch them preparing our huge Italian family meals.  Then of course I enjoyed eating the food!   My guilty pleasure is definitely chocolate.   I love to sing and read to my two year old daughter and take her for long walks.

If you had more time, is there another job or activity you’d love to do?

My most recent focus artistically has been working with encaustics; an ancient painting technique that involves using pigmented bees wax.   I would love to have an apiary and learn about bees and beekeeping and incorporate the bee’s wax into my artwork.

Interested in reading more about the classes Suzanne will be teaching?  Or interested in registering?  Click here.

Only  Thursday stands between us and Consign My Closet! (Get excited this year there is TWO floors of merchandise! )

Thank you all for the wonderful responses, we wish everyone could win!

And the winners are:

Jennifer Caron

Erin Baffuto

Woo hoo! Congrats!  Please email holly@mothersandcompany.com for details!

If you didn’t win don’t worry! Consign My Closet goes all weekend long:

It’s that magical time of year again. Cooler weather. Cider. Apples. Apple Crisp. Cider donuts! Ok, I am making myself hungry…

It’s also the time to start pulling out the fall/winter clothes, oh what’s that you say? Little Shawn is in need of a new fall wardobe since the growth spurt? Susie needs some winter boots? Looking for a new stroller for walks at the park? We have just the thing for you!

Consign My Closet – Fall/Winter Event 
Friday-Sunday, September 30th – October 2nd
St. Anargyroi Church Hall, 9 Central St., Marlborough, MA 01752

Shopping hours
Friday 10 am – 12 pm Exclusive VIP Pre-Sale Event for Consignors and Volunteers
Friday 12 pm – 8 pm Open to the public
Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday 9 am – 1 pm (many items 50% off)

Consign My Closet is one of the area’s hottest event for gently used kids clothes and gear. Recyling at it’s best!  The events takes place twice a year and features everything from toddler to teen! Think fashionable name brand items – clothing, toys, gear and sporting goods : Gap, Abercrombie, Mini Boden, Gymboree, Hanna Andersson, Hollister, Ralph Lauren, Chicco, Playskool, Graco, Peg Perego, Pottery Barn and more.

If you aren’t in need of anything you can always consign too! Check out their information about consigning. It’s easy and helps clear out the closets. Print out some tags, hang your clothes and drop them off during drop off hours. At the end of the sale you can opt to pick the items up or have them donated. You receive a payment via check within two weeks of the end of the event. Pretty easy!

Heading out to the presale event early Friday morning has become a bit of a MoCo Staff tradition. How would you like to join us ? Consign My Closet has been generous enough to give us TWO presale tickets for some lucky MoCo Mamas! ( Last year we only had one ticket and over 30 people entered!- trust us, it’s that good.)

To enter our little giveaway  please tell us, what would you look for at the presale?

Leave your comment below (on the blog, not facebook ) and we will select a winner NEXT Wednesday by 5PM. Please only enter if you can attend Friday morning at 10AM to give everyone a chance!)

Want an extra chance to win? RE-POST this Blog post on facebook and let us know that you did.

Good luck!!!!

What is your background, before you were a mom?

I was, and still am, a teacher.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Massachusetts College of Art, and a Master’s in Art Education from Tufts/School of the Museum of Fine Arts.  I taught in public and private school art programs for 10 years before I had my son, and I’ve worked with all ages, from toddlers right on up to adults.  My mom will tell you I started teaching when I was 12 years old.  I used to bring this arts and crafts book called “Sticks and Stones and Ice Cream Cones” with me to babysitting.  I still have that book, too!

What brought you to art?

A roundabout route, actually.  I’ve always loved art, and took a bunch of courses in high school, but I thought I wanted to be a marine biologist from the time I was 9 years old.  I had been inspired by a book about Eugenie Clark, “Shark Lady,” and I wanted to work as an interpreter at the tide pool exhibit at the New England Aquarium.  I didn’t change my mind until I took a college-level physics class (eek!).  I realized in college that I was more interested in the alternative learning experience provided by the aquarium, and that my strength was as a teacher, not as a scientist.  At the same time I had always loved to create things, so I transferred to art school, and then went to grad school to learn to teach art to others.  The art classroom is definitely a place for alternative learning experiences!

When you’re working with parents and kids, what do you find helps them connect with their inner creativity?

Don’t be afraid to get messy.  Put on your jeans and a t-shirt and dig right in.  Art is very forgiving, and if it doesn’t look how you expected, well that’s just fine!  People often tell me “I can’t draw a straight line!” or similar clichés.  Drawing is a learned skill that takes lots of practice, just like learning to read.  Lots of great artists can’t draw!  There are so many other art areas where you can find strength: maybe you are good at building things, or shaping with clay, or at choosing colors for a room, or at taking a photograph.  This is just one reason why I do a lot of abstract art with my students, because taking away the need to have it look “real” frees us up to simply have fun with the materials.

Some parents aren’t sure why an art class would be beneficial to a child..what do you say to that?

In addition to improving fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and observational skills and more, art teaches us in ways that other subjects can’t: to express ourselves, to solve unique problems and think in less predictable ways.  Art has no right answers, only the answers that you decide are right for your purposes.  Art is never “messed up” because you can always change your mind about what you want it to be.  We live in a world that increasingly needs original thinkers, where jobs are quickly being consumed by computers, robots, and a global workforce.  Our children need to keep coming up with new ideas, and what else builds imagination like the arts do?

What’s one thing that you can share about yourself that’s more unique and not related to motherhood, art or your past professional life…what’s your passion/guilty pleasure/favorite hobby or pasttime?

This summer I took up running for the first time.  I’m running my first 5k in a few weeks, and I’m very excited.  I want to be a good example for my son in many ways, and fitness is a huge part of that.  Eventually I’d like to do a sprint triathlon or something similar, but I still have a long way to go!

If you had more time, is there another job or activity you’d love to do?

I want to grow up to be a jazz singer.  I love to sing, and one of these days I’ll take voice lessons.  For now, lullabies for CJ and singing along with my iPod will have to do.

Register now for classes with Aimee…her Paper, Paint and Play classes start on Wednesday, September 21!

An interactive and fun art class for kids aged 1.5 – 6 years old called Paper, Paint and Play.  Aimee will guide you and your child through 2-3 different art stations each week where kids will be creative using many different types of arts and crafts supplies. Make collages, create water color masterpieces, paint with tempera paint and more. We’ll be inspired by nature in colors and themes. We’ll also enjoy reading books and sing songs about each art theme! Come and get creative!  This 10-week class series costs $145 (10% less for members). Siblings attend for 15% less than the first child.

•••

What is your background, before you were a mom?
While attending Worcester State College, I was a member of the Dance Company.  Not only did I fall more in love with dance, but I found my passion for teaching.  After graduating college, I opened a dance studio where I could expand my love of teaching to children as well.  I was the owner of A Step Up Dance Studio for 6 years up until a few months ago.  My son was born in September 2010 and my priorities shifted where I wanted to spend more of my time and energy with him.  I decided to step down as owner/director to an instructor which has been wonderful because I am still able to teach my students who I have watched grow over the years!  I am so happy to join forces with Mothers & Company because I am able to continue my love and passion with all of you!

What brought you to dance?
I look at dance as a great escape.  Whenever I am feeling wound up, at my edge or ready to lose it (which I am sure as parents, we have all been there), dance is my place to release that tension and stress from everyday life.
I grew up doing gymnastics.   There we had to take dance classes as part of our training.  I always loved going up to the dance room to practice. That is what kept me dancing into college and into opening my studio.

When you’re working with kids, what do you find helps them follow along in a dance class and connect with their bodies in a new way?
When teaching, I have found that music is a key factor for holding kids attention.   I really try to incorporate different songs with fun beats to draw the kids into their movements.  I also like to repeat a few songs throughout the session to help improve their music recognition. The best is when I get a song request from a little one!
Children tend to get bored easily at this age so the class is continually changing with new dances/activities.  Props are a great way for kids to connect with their bodies.  For example, scarves work wonderfully as an extension of their hands and are a perfect way to show smooth vs. sharp movements.

Some parents are nervous to come to a dance class WITH their child…what do you say to that?
Don’t be nervous! This class is a great way to do something FUN with your baby (yes…we can still call our 4 year olds our babies too!)! Also, the class is really geared towards the kids so don’t feel like you’re going to need a sweatband and water bottle to make it through.  There will movement but nothing extreme.  One thing I am very aware of is the fact that all kids are different! Some kids need/want their Mom or Dad holding their hand throughout the class while others are ready to venture away and explore a bit more. Both situations are O.K.! There may be portions of the class where I will ask the parents to sit to the side but parents will always be welcome to stay with their child if that is what the child needs.  This class is not designed to make the parents uncomfortable – it is designed to make your children comfortable.  It will also be an excellent way to witness how your child interacts with others in a structured setting.

What’s one thing that you can share about yourself that’s more unique and not related to motherhood, dance or your past professional life…what’s your passion/guilty pleasure/favorite hobby or pasttime?
I love to SWIM! If I could swim all day, I definitely would.  When I was younger, we would go on family vacations and I would stay in the pool for 6 hours at a time.  And when watching The Little Mermaid, I never understood why she wanted to be human when she got to swim all day, every day! Ha!

If you had more time, is there another job or activity you’d love to do?
Now that you have me thinking about swimming, something I would really love to learn to do is surf!
Any additional thoughts/comments about Sweet Beginnings Dance?
A lot of dance studios require you to sign up for an entire dance season (9-10 months) and that can be a big commitment for your little one! This 6-week session is a perfect way to help your child figure out if dance is what they are interested in doing long-term.  You’ll also be able to take home some new and fun ideas to use in your daily routines!

I really look forward to dancing with you. It’s always fun to try something new!

•••

Laura’s classes start Wednesday, September 14.  There are two classes available (both six-week sessions):

9:15 – 10:00 am for 2-4 year-olds

10:15 – 11:00 am for 12-24 month-olds

Click here to register!  Sign up today!

Do you remember what it was like to be a new mom?

I remember staring at his little feet for hours ( thinking, wow- I grew those! and  goodness are they cute!), sleepless nights, baby’s first smile and endless amounts of  laundry…

Those first few months can be the most wonderful experience with all the fascinating  things your little baby brings. After the glitter settles, the in-laws leave, and the  stocked freezer is dwindling some moms ( and dads!) can find parenthood isolating.

Think back to that time and think about what you really needed or wanted. Someone  to talk to and share all the awesome poop stories with? The crying to stop and for  baby to sleep? Help feeding your baby? Time with your spouse or partner? We all need  help throughout parenthood- as the saying is true- it really does take a village to raise  a child.

Here is a starter list of things you can do for your friends, or even that mom at Trader Joes you see struggling with her newborn and toddler:

1) Bring over some yummy food or snacks- Make some lasagna, veggie soup, or a big hearty salad. Bring a bag of snacks: almonds, cheese and crackers, or smoothies. anything that could be a quick pseudo meal for momma or papa.  Don’t have time to cook? Drop over takeout from her favorite place. She’ll be glad you did!

2)  Offer her resources: Tell her where the mommy party is at: Do you come to New Mom’s Group? If you do, you know how valuable it is to hear that no-one’s-baby-is-sleeping-through-the-night-at-3-months-old and  yes you are wearing the same shirt as yesterday.  Have a favorite class or place to visit with your little one? Tell your friend or even a random stranger about it. It’ll be your good deed of the day and it will make theirs.

3) Offer to baby sit: Many moms are reluctant to leave their new precious cargo with a sitter they don’t know, but would be more apt to go our for that post pregnancy glass o’ wine with the hubs if you were on duty. They may return from their date after only 30 minutes and may call every 5, but you remember what that was like don’t you? 

4) Do a load of laundry: I will NEVER forget my aunt coming over after my son was born for an hour. She did a load of laundry and it meant the world. I had to choke back tears of thankfulness to have one load in the wash and one folded ready to be put away. It’s amazing what clean clothes can do.

5) Writer Ann Douglas is responsible for our last piece of advice which is wonderful and true: “Help her to feel that she is part of a chain of women that spans from generation to generation. This is her time to receive. She will have plenty of time to give. For now she should just relax and accept the love and gifts from other women. That will be your greatest gift to your friend.”

There are dozens more things you can do for your friend or a stranger- what say you? Did someone do something above and beyond after your child came into your life? Please share!

As a childbirth educator, birth doula and mother, I’m frequently asked many questions about birth.  I have plenty of answers, but I can’t say which ideas and suggestions you’ll like or take, since everyone is different and everyone’s birth is different.  I do know for sure, though, that there are four keys to opening the proverbial door to an amazing birth.  Yes, I said “amazing”.  I’ve witnessed it and heard it from parents–those who LOVE their birth experience.  It’s true:  parents who feel informed, respected and supported are much more satisfied with their birth experience than those who weren’t.  So how do you get informed, get respect and feel supported?  Let me count the ways…

• Take a thorough, fun and high-quality childbirth class.  A great class provides you with all the information you need to decide what you want for your birth and the care of your baby so you can have productive and intelligent conversations with your care providers.  A top-notch class focuses on you and your partner’s needs and desires.  A fa-anta-astic class should make you feel more relaxed about becoming parents and feel empowered to make decisions that feel right for you and your baby.  And hey, it should be fun!  You’re having a baby–it can’t all be serious–this should be a fun time in your life!  The classes at Mothers & Company do everything stated above and are small, comfortable, fun, interactive, thorough and customized to ensure you get what you need. And we’re here for you after class via phone and email to keep supporting you even after your baby is born!  Why not start with the best when all you want for your baby is the best?

• Choose the right care provider for you.   Interview a few.  Find a care provider that fits your personality, has the medical background you feel most comfortable with in relation to your level of health and who catches babies in your preferred birthplace.  Do you like spending a lot of time getting to know your provider or are you a no-frills kind of person that likes to get in there and get out quickly?  The right answer is your honest answer.  And what are your wishes for your birth?  You should like and trust your care provider and feel comfortable discussing your wishes with him or her.  Are you interested in natural childbirth (no medications) or planning an epidural?  Find a provider that has a track record of supporting families in the kind of birth you seek (when medically possible, of course).  Feel free to email us for recommendations of care providers of all kinds (obstetrician, family physician, hospital midwife, birth center midwife, homebirth midwife, lactation consultant, chiropractor, acupuncturist and others).  Do you love your care provider?  Tell them to come to our Meet the Doulas and Care Providers event so we can get to know them and refer to them, too!

• Hire a doula.  Ideally, you’ll have your partner with you or someone else who cares for you on an emotional level.  And of course, if your mother, your best friend, your aunt or your sister are people who you know will make you feel more supported, then yes, invite them!  But a doula is a wonderful option as an addition to your supporters.  She is a woman trained and experienced in birth who provides you with information and emotional and physical support before, during and after birth.  She supports you and your partner continuously.  She knows what you want and helps you feel supported no matter what happens.  Research has shown time and time again that it’s continuous support in labor that makes a huge difference.  If that support person has skills and knows how things work at your birthplace, then bonus, it makes more of a difference!  Check out the Doula tab of this blog to learn more about why every woman (and her partner deserves a doula).  And don’t forget about the option of a postpartum doula, too.  Come to our Meet the Doulas and Care Providers events or contact us for recommendations!

• Trust that your body rocks and that your baby is smart!  So much of labor and birth is mental.  The more you can work on your mind to reach a point where you can believe that billions of women have given birth before you because birth works, the better off you’ll be trusting that your baby can be born easily, too.  And babies are smart: they know how to get out.  That’s what babies do–they come out.  The more you can do to make your body and mind healthy, the more satisfying and better your birth will be.   Getting quality prenatal care with a care provider you like and trust, doing prenatal yoga (we have classes on Wednesdays) taking long walks, eating healthy foods, immersing yourself in a high-quality childbirth class, visiting a chiropractor who is experienced in working with moms and children, having good supporters around you cheering you on, receiving prenatal massages and perhaps even acupuncture and other bodywork like reiki–all of these help increase your physical and mental health and prepare you well for an amazing birth.  And who doesn’t want that?

What all of us here at Mothers and Company wish for you is an easy pregnancy, amazing birth and smooth transition to parenthood.  And whether it ends up being easy or not, we’re here for YOU.

• Never leave children alone in or near the pool or spa, even for a moment. (AAP)

• Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children and parents a false sense of security. (Source: http://www.aap.org/ family/tipppool.htm)

• If you are interested in using the foam bubbles we have used in MoCo swim class they can be purchased on SwimOutlet.com or your local YMCA. Keep in mind MOST public pools and lakes will not allow these, or any other swim aids. They are best suited for personal pools.  Bubbles provide important core and back support for young swimmers unlike floaties that hold just arms ( Holly Johnson) Remember that they are not a substitute for parental supervision.

• Keeping the AAP guidelines in mind, life vests should NOT be used as swim aids for children in a pool as they provide a false sense of security. The best place for your child (if they cannot swim on their own) is in the arms of a parent or caregiver in the water. ( Swim Instructor, Holly Johnson Mothers & Company) Also, life jackets and life preservers should never be substitutes for adult supervision. (AAP)

• Life jackets are designed to turn most people who are unconscious in the water from the face- down position to an upright and slightly backward position. This jacket helps the person to stay in that position for a long time. It is to be used in open water and oceans.( AAP)

• Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult – preferably one who knows how to swim and perform CPR – should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.” (Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm)

• Children should wear life jackets at all times when on boats. (Source: http://www.aap.org/ family/tipppool.htm)

• Children ages 1 to 4 may be at a lower risk of drowning if they have had some formal swimming instruction. However, there is no evidence that swimming lessons or water survival skills courses can prevent drowning in babies younger than 1 year of age. (Source: http:// www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm)

• Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should not be used as life jackets or personal flotation devices.Adults should wear life jackets for their own protection, and to set a good example. (Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm) Swim suits with built in flotation should also be avoided. ( Holly Johnson)

• The decision to enroll a 1- to 4-year-old child in swimming lessons should be made by the parent and based on the child’s developmental readiness, but swim programs should never be seen as “drown proofing” a child of any age. (Source: http://www.aap.org/family/ tipppool.htm)

• Large inflatable above-ground pools have become increasingly popular for backyard use. Children may fall in if they lean against the soft side of an inflatable pool. Although such pools are often exempt from local pool fencing requirements, it is essential that they be surrounded by an appropriate fence just as a permanent pool would be so that children cannot gain unsupervised access. (Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm)

• Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren’t tempted to reach for them. (AAP)

We still have room in our upcoming swim classes for our last summer session starting July 9th! If you cannot commit to weekly lessons do take advantage of our Midday Open Swim to keep your child swimming during the week. 

With a baby or toddler at home…what is the best thing to offer your partner in return for their blessing for you to go golfing?

Before we announce the winner, we thought you might enjoy seeing the answers…

• Offer her time to take a shower, wash her hair, AND shave her legs. Doing all three at once is usually a miracle with a busy baby in the house.
• Money and jewels and a maid service and a hand written poem and a new outfit – shoes and handbag included and some fun money because Father’s Day is about spending that time with your KIDS. Just my opinion.
• Offer to do a whole night of night feedings so she can get 8 hours of sleep in a row for a change!
• Get up with the baby at night so mama can get some sleep!
• Ask for a family day in return….Father’s Day *should* be a family day, but if it was what he really wanted to do, let him with the stipulation that we do something fun, like go to the zoo, next week
• A day at the spa for mom and a MoCo gift card towards something for the little ones!
• Saying no to the next overtime shift he’s offered, even though the extra money is nice our baby is growing up too fast and the family time is more valuable then extra cash.
• An evening out with girlfriends…
• Let me sleep until I’m absolutely “done” sleeping with no guilt…
• For Mommy to get a whole day to do what makes her happiest
• Diaper duty for a weekend!
• My hubs does so much for us. He works long hours, does the dishes, yardwork, vacuums, deals with the garbage, feeds our furry son, AND still enjoys spending as much time as possible with our son and me. He lets me take naps when I need them.
• To never second guess me when I say “studies show….”
• To find a sitter so we can go to a movie/dinner by ourselves
• To find a sitter so we can go golfing together! We have the best time when playing golf together
• He’s already given me a spa day and helps out around the house or watches our daughter when I take some time (though i’m still not ready to be gone for very long yet).. and he gave up a golf career to move back home to marry me soooo….. I would ask for him to take a sunny warm day off of work to treat his two best girls to a day trip somewhere pretty and allow me to eat anything and everything I wanted
• Go for a day without turning on the tv! I would love for us to be a little more “unplugged” in general…
• A day where we relive our first date as teenagers–a burger at Harry’s and an icecream Sunday at Ulhmans. 12 years later, now with 2 little people in tow.
• A morning of sleeping as late as she wanted followed by a manicure, pedicure, facial, and lunch with the girls.
• I would love for him to hang the pictures of our beautiful baby…He had knee surgery so he has been out of commission…. But I really want our beautiful baby up on the walls so I can cherish the moments… He ‘s growing up so fast….:(
• One word….chocolate!
• I’m not sure if this deserves a round of golf (but I hope). I would make her homemade waffles with Vermont maple syrup and a Nespresso latte for breakfast in bed

Great answers!  Feel free to either tell your partner how you love how he/she is so wonderful or give your partner this list and ask them to perhaps pick one of these ideas and go for it!

And the two winners are:  Kelly Fullen Santoro and Sarah Rogers!  You two ladies, please email jeanette@mothersandcompany.com with your mailing addresses for the gift certificates!

*the title is a slight variation on the first lyrics of Christina Aguilera’s song “What a Girl Wants”