Looking Backward & Forward

To be perfectly honest, I’m struggling a bit to get back into the swing of things after two weeks of weird schedules, too many cookies, and holiday chaos (despite my best attempts to keep the holidays stress-free). Inspired by some year in review type posts by some of my blog peeps (thanks Musings of a Housewife and Motherhood Uncensored!), on this day back to business I was inspired to peruse the Boston Mamas archives and look back on 2008 and forward to 2009. I am grateful to all of you for tuning in and wish you a Happy New Year!

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In addition to being extremely proud of the varied and rich content that my contributing writers and I have assembled on this blog, here are some of my favorite site developments and posts (in loose chronological order):

Worked to support Boston mamapreneurs, connect Boston parents, and celebrate amazing local mothers by creating the mamapreneurs business network, local resource page, & Boston Mamas Rock! interview series.

Relocated myself so I no longer live amongst squirrels.

Finally flew with Laurel, and had a fabulous time doing it.

Continued to do absurd crafty things like make bunny shaped cakes, gingerbread castles, and a quilt for Laurel when she transitioned to a big girl bed.

Raised money to support the March of Dimes March for Babies.

Continued my passion to provide green content, whether it be simple tips for green living, ideas for activism, or green holiday decor ideas. (Check out the eco living archive for more...)

Was honored to meet amazing bloggers at the Disney and Pampers mom bloggers meetings, and at BlogHer Boston.

Moved Boston Mamas to a new hosting provider and was back up and running within 5 days after former evil hosting provider pulled the plug without warning.

Celebrated how the nimble nature of blog editorial can help my readers, such as with this post on coping with separation.

Got to embrace my domestic diva by chatting about parent friendly kitchen gadgets on New England Cable News and by being a Method Maven.

Designed a super cute Boston Mamas tee.

Got some really foxy headshots done.

Finally tried Cuchi Cuchi in Cambridge.

Finally joined the Facebook and Twitter revolutions.

Took my first internet vacation.

Rounded up some cool, crafty birthday parties (see explorer party, messy party, nature fairy party; and also in the archives tie dye party).

Finished 2008 reading a really great book, and assembled an awesome best reads of 2008 list.

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I am grateful for all of these developments and inspirations for writing, and in 2009 it truly would be a gift to stay on this trajectory with the same passion and excitement that I have felt since launching the site in 2006. Thanks again for being part of the fantastic Boston Mamas community of readers, and I hope you will share this site with your friends. It has been an honor to "meet" so many of you online.