Wow, what a way to finish off our 2009 Moms Going Out series. This past Tuesday, millions of moms(ok, slight exaggeration, but the energy FELT like that many people) descended on Magic Beans as we celebrated the holidays with a private shopping and wrapping party. While we shopped, we replenished our energy with a lavish spread by the new and fabulous Regal Beagle, right next to Magic Beans. One of the best things that I learned that night (and I did learn quite a bit!)was that the Regal Beagle is not only open for lunch, but has a great kids menu and is very family oriented. Not to mention the fact that the food is incredible. Definitely worth a trip! Always nice to have another dining with kids option in the neighborhood. You can find their menu online at www.thebeaglebrookline.com

After indulging our sense of taste and experiencing the visual delights of Magic Beans, it was more than a pleasure to experience the soothing lotions and scrubs from Melt. Somehow, they managed to create a serene, spa-like atmosphere in the midst of crazy shopping. How do they do that?? Wonderful, handmade products that made us feel warm and fuzzy, that’s how. Their wide array of yummy scents, silky lotions, and gentle scrubs made the tensions of the day slip away. We can’t wait to see more of them. And oh, we will…we’re doing a special event in January with Melt on January 17th! Mark the date…it’s a tropical getaway soiree, right here on Harvard Street. More on that later.

But the BEST part of the evening? The friendships renewed and/or created were amazing. The joy was palpable. And we collected hundreds of articles of clothing, toys, books, and basic necessities for our partner charity, Cradles to Crayons. The fact that one child who was without basics may now enjoy the simple acts of being warm and clean-something we so often take for granted-made my heart swell with happiness. I’m pretty sure we all felt that way. Remember, Cradles to Crayons isn’t just for the holidays. They are always looking for help in any way possible-from giving the most basic of necessities, to helping out in their Quincy Giving Factory. Visit them online at www.cradlestocrayons.org

It was, all in all, a wonderful evening full of sensory delights, friendship and fun, giving and receiving. Exactly what the holiday spirit should represent. We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season, and look forward to more fun in the new year! Bring on 2010…we’re ready to enjoy every “mom”ent.