The Chatterbox

The Chatterbox

News and views from the staff of FamilyEducation.

archives

May 26, 2011
Do you have a dog? Unfortunately, I don't...yet. Growing up, my family always had a dog (among all the other pets-- horses, rabbits, cats, hamsters, gerbils, a turtle...you name it, we had it. I guess those are the benefits of growing up on an apple orchard.) But, now that I'm on my own, living in an apartment in a city, the thought of having a dog sometimes seems impossible. It's not that I don't want one-- I'd love to have a furry little guy to come home to, especially come August when I finally move into my own apartment by myself. But, as much as I want one, I just don...
May 19, 2011
Do you have a typical 9-5 job that requires you to be sitting at your desk in front of a computer for the better part of 8 or 9 hours a day? I do. And come to find out, it's pretty bad for my health. I like to think I'm a pretty active person outside my job. I go to the gym 4-5 days a week, I like to do stuff outside (when the weather is nice, which means in Boston-- almost never!) And I try really hard to eat healthy (most of the time). But is all this for naught? Is the mere fact that I sit for 7-8 hours a day completely erasing all my good habits? According to this article, yes. A...
May 5, 2011
As I mentioned earlier this week, last year our family gave up meat for Lent.  This year we each had our own Lenten challenge (R tried to give up haircuts!), and I opted for doing without chocolate.  To celebrate now that Lent is over, these triple, yes triple chocolate chip cookies, are just what I am craving.  These ain’t light, but when you are celebrating, a little butter is in order! Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies 2 sticks of butter (1/2 cup total)¾ cup sugar¾ cup brown sugar1 egg2 ¼ cups flour1 teaspoon baking soda⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate...
Desserts
May 4, 2011
Well, technically today is Cuatro de Mayo, but it's the perfect time to start planning a quick little party to celebrate this holiday with your kids! We've got some fun and easy activities so your whole family can get in on the fiesta fun: Test your knowledge with this Cinco de Mayo quiz!  Take a tour of Mexico. This printable asks your kids questions about Mexico, and they use a map to help figure out the answers!   Make your very own Papier-Mâché Piñata.  Plant an avocado seed and watch it grow into your own avocado tree!  Make some sombreros so you can...