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March 30, 2007
Weekend Watch: "Family Day" launches the Cherry Blossom Festival, & Easter events begin
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It's time...The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off on Saturday, with Family Day (10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and the Opening Ceremony (4 p.m.) at the National Building Museum (one of my favorite downtown outings for little ones, since it's a huge, wide open space - and beautiful, to boot). The free concerts also start this weekend at the Tidal Basin.
And for those who celebrate Easter...This weekend is Palm Sunday, and the egg hunts are beginning throughout the DC area. Amy Miller has, true to form, compiled a fabulous calendar of Easter happenings for kids and families.
Personally, I will be enjoying none of these activities over the weekend (sob), since my family and I are moving to a new house. It's only a mile away from our current abode in Old Town, but it might as well be Timbuktu. Moving is just HARD - especially with a young child. Because I'm in residential limbo, the April 1 newsletter will not be mailed until April 2 or 3 - assuming all goes well on the tech side. And if you email me over the several days, it may take a while before I can get back to you. I have already fallen behind on replies to some of you this week, but will catch up ASAP. Thanks in advance for your patience!
Posted by Sarah at 7:08 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: "Family Day" launches the Cherry Blossom Festival, & Easter events begin."
March 29, 2007
Today only: Great baby & children's shopping in Alexandria
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TODAY, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Alexandria, don't miss the final day of the Annual Spring Fling benefiting Aldersgate Day School at Aldersgate Methodist Church (1301 Collingwood Rd., corner of Fort Hunt Rd. and Collingwood).
The baby and child-focused specialty vendors include several of my faves, featured in the first edition of my book. Check out Lilly's Pad, The Silken Thread, Big Yellow Box, Children Naturally Photography, My Kissing Hands, Usborne Books - and bling for mama from creative darling Allison Priebe Brooks of Queen Bee Designs - plus many others.
Good shopping for springtime gifts - Mother's Day, Easter, graduations - to benefit a children's program and the small businesses of a number of local mompreneurs.
Posted by Sarah at 6:45 AM. Permanent link to "Today only: Great baby & children's shopping in Alexandria."
March 28, 2007
Tuesdays are "Mommy & Me" movies at the Drafthouse
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I've been asked to help spread the word...The new "Mommy & Me" movies program at the fabulous Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse is now a reality!
As of March 6, every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. the Drafthouse is screening "second run" movies exclusively for moms (or dads) who have their babies with them. The lights are dimmed (but not totally dark), the sound level is reduced, and you can bring your stroller inside the theater.
Tix are $5.50 per adult, and no charge for the kiddos. They also offer a limited food menu during this show, so you can have a late lunch or a snack while you're at it.
This is a great way for new mamas to get out of the house and catch a movie in a baby-friendly environment. I hope lots of you Arlingtonians will support this, so that the Drafthouse decides it's good business to keep it going! The movie schedule is determined week-by-week. For more info: www.arlingtondrafthouse.com.
Posted by Sarah at 7:35 AM. Permanent link to "Tuesdays are "Mommy & Me" movies at the Drafthouse."
March 27, 2007
Fewer options for DC area's expectant mamas
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It's a sad day for local healthcare, with the news that both The Maternity Center (Bethesda) and The Takoma Women's Health Center (Takoma Park) will be closing within the next two months.
Both midwifery practices have offered excellent prenatal, labor, and delivery care for women in the DC area for many years, and The Maternity Center has long been one of only two freestanding birth centers in the area. (The other is BirthCare & Women's Health in Old Town, which, for the moment at least, is still alive and well!) I covered both practices in the first edition of my book, and will be sorry to remove them from the second edition. I'm especially sorry to know that, ultimately, it's all about the money. (Forgive me for noticing, but American healthcare is a total disaster.)
The Washington Post just published a story on the demise of these two practices: "Midwife Centers in Montgomery Prepare to Close."
Posted by Sarah at 8:27 AM. Permanent link to "Fewer options for DC area's expectant mamas."
March 25, 2007
This Wednesday: Save 15% at DPB in Georgetown
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You can save 15% this Wednesday, March 28, at the grand opening of the new Dawn Price Baby boutique in Georgetown (3221 M St., very near the intersection of M and Wisconsin Ave.)!
The new DBP (their original location is on Capitol Hill, a few doors down from from Eastern Market) is in the space formerly occupied by the late, great K Baby. And DPB in Georgetown will be carrying most of the same lines K Baby did, as well as bringing in those carried at the Capitol Hill store. And I think it's going to be a huge success. Congrats to Dawn - who also recently gave birth to her third child - on a second Washington boutique!
(The 15% discount on Wednesday applies to only the Georgetown location, and on all products except custom orders.)
Posted by Sarah at 8:58 PM. Permanent link to "This Wednesday: Save 15% at DPB in Georgetown."
March 23, 2007
Weekend Watch: The blossoms are coming! - & free family fun in Falls Church
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This morning I noticed the very first of the apple blossoms and cherry blossoms peeking out in Old Town... So I'm sure the blooms are well on their way over at the Tidal Basin, too. Get out and enjoy it this weekend, before the bazillion tourists descend on downtown DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 31-April 15)!
Also this weekend (thanks, Francine Ronis, for the details)... The Literacy Council of Northern VA will sponsor a family festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church (2855 Annandale Rd.). Admission is FREE for all ages, with various book-related events geared especially toward kids. And the biggest draw? Clifford the Big Red Dog and Maya & Miguel will be there in person from WETA children's public television... plus magician Joe Romano, musician Robbie Schafer, Kaydee Puppets, and a host of professional storytellers.
Posted by Sarah at 11:38 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: The blossoms are coming! - & free family fun in Falls Church."
March 22, 2007
Pirate Alert: New kid-friendly, themed restaurant in Silver Spring
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Thanks to local mama Katie MacCarthy for allowing me to share this kid-friendly restaurant rec with my readers:
I have to recommend a new restaurant in Silver Spring. It is called Piratz Tavern. It is locally owned, not a chain restaurant. Food is great - nothing really fancy, but great sandwiches, salads, soups - and affordable. They make their own bread and it is really good.
Best of all, the entire theme is pirates, and they do a great job with kids. They have a small kids' hangout nook where they show pirate movies (like Peter Pan) and have a library of kids' books about pirates to read while waiting for your order.
When my boys go there they are always given a pirate skull ring, and the kids' menu looks like a pirate map. Their kids' food is fairly standard - mac and cheese, chicken nuggets and french fries - but it is all freshly made - real chunks of chicken they fry up, and thick home-fried potatoes. The waitstaff are all dressed like pirates.
Location: The corner of Georgia Ave. and Bonifant St.(Across Georgia Ave. from Bombay Gaylord, which is superb Indian food.)
Posted by Sarah at 11:05 AM. Permanent link to "Pirate Alert: New kid-friendly, themed restaurant in Silver Spring."
March 21, 2007
Rocknocerus returns to Herndon, VA!
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Thanks to Kathy for sharing this good news: After a fun and wildly successful first concert (almost 100 children attended!), Rocknocerus is returning to Wee Play in Herndon, VA this Sunday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Get there early - Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Cost is $8 per child - Adults and babies (age 12 months or younger) get in free.
If you haven't been to Wee Play yet, you really need to check it out. A great new space for NoVa children to get the proverbial ya-yas out. They're located at 441 Carlisle Dr. (Suite A). For more info, ring them at 703.870.7400.
About the band:
Rocknoceros is a three-man children's show featuring original children's songs as well as popular sing-alongs. The show caters to children from ages one to six, but the show is designed to entertain the parents in attendance too. Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie of Rocknoceros have recorded one full-length album and can be heard regularly on XM Radio Channel 116.
Posted by Sarah at 9:56 AM. Permanent link to "Rocknocerus returns to Herndon, VA!."
March 20, 2007
Farewell sale at Silverspoon Boutique
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I just learned from local mama and entrepreneur Jennifer Militello that as of March 31, Silverspoon Boutique will be saying farewell and closing shop.
But the good news is, Silverspoon has marked down all of its merchandise through the end of the month. Here's a listing of the sale items and their discounts:
All Burp Cloth Sets - 30% off. Now: $15.
All Little Giraffe Blankets - 25% off. Now: $46 - $56.
All Manhattan Toy Stuffed Animals - 30% off. Now: $14.
All Silver - 30% off. Now as low as $11.
All Signs - 30% off. Now: $12 - 24.
All Frames - 30% off. Now: $26 - $30.
All Embroidered Diaper Covers - 35% off. Now: $13.
All Embroidered Bibs - 35% off. Now: $13.
All Ceramics - 35% off. Now as low as $15.
All Hand-Painted Pillows - 60%. Now: $30.
As you may know, Jennifer is also a co-founder of the NoVa Mamma-Palooza event, whose second annual family festival to benefit DC-area charities will still be held in 2007. (Last year's event was held in Ashburn, VA in early October.) More info coming this summer!
Posted by Sarah at 9:35 AM. Permanent link to "Farewell sale at Silverspoon Boutique."
March 18, 2007
Girls' Night Out: Lunafest to benefit local outreach of Postpartum Support International
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The Sixth Annual Lunafest Film Festival DC (featuring films made by...for...about women), set for Wednesday, April 11 at the Arlington Cinema & Draft House, will raise funds for a very special cause that helps local pregnant women & new moms... and is dear to my own heart.
This year, net proceeds of Lunafest go to Postpartum Support International (PSI) - a worldwide network of volunteers, advocates, and professionals who care about the emotional health of expectant and new moms.
I volunteer locally with PSI as the DC-Area Coordinator, along with local mama Adrienne Griffen, who is the Virginia Coordinator. Together, Adrienne and I lead the free DC Peer Support Group, which meets two evenings each month NW DC, geared toward women experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress before or after having a baby. (Adrienne also leads a daytime Peer Support Group that meets twice a month in Arlington, and there are additional groups in Loudon County and Fairfax, VA.)
The need is almost overwhelming in the DC area for information, emotional support, and simple empathy and kindness. There are many women reaching out for help each day, and sadly, many more who can't or don't. Those of us doing PSI's work in the Washington area are volunteering our time. We don't get paid, and we don't get a stipend to produce materials. But fundraisers like Lunafest can offset costs associated with designing and copying brochures that can be distributed to women at doctor's offices, special events, and moms' clubs, letting them know that they are not alone and help IS available.
I hope some of my readers will turn out for this fun "girls' night out" at Lunafest, to watch some cool independent films and contribute to a worthy cause. Tix are $10 at the door. The evening will start at 6 p.m. with live jazz music and wine tasting, and the movies start at 7:30.
Many thanks to local mama and Stroller Strides instructor Jennifer Lungren for putting this film festival together - and for taking the initiative to contribute to PSI's community service. For more info about Lunafest, contact Jennifer at jlungren (at) strollerstrides (dot) net. For more about Lunafest, click here.
For more info about the DC Peer Support Group, email me at: sarah (at) dc-baby (dot) com. For more info about the NoVa Peer Support Groups, email Adrienne at: griffens (at) comcast (dot) net.
Posted by Sarah at 7:43 PM. Permanent link to "Girls' Night Out: Lunafest to benefit local outreach of Postpartum Support International."
March 15, 2007
Weekend Watch: Cathy & Marcy in Silver Spring
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If you've never taken your kids to a live show by local heroes Cathy & Marcy, aka Grammy-award-winning Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, check them out this Saturday in Silver Spring, performing songs from their CD Bon Appetit. The show takes place at 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at the Woodside Methodist Church (8900 Georgia Ave.) and will feature sing-alongs, hula hoops, and plenty of dancing.
We saw Cathy & Marcy perform live with Dan Zanes (who also just won a Grammy) at The Strathmore last fall. Don't let their Birkenstockish, "aging hippie" exterior fool you...These folksy ladies can totally rock the house!
Tix are $10 at the door or $6 per person for groups of 10 or more. To get an advance-purchase discount, visit www.classactsarts.org or call 301.588.7525 TODAY to reserve.
Also this weekend... If you're not shamrocked out yet (is it just me, or have the festivities been going on for like a month now?), there are St. Patty's Day Parades in Gaithersburg, MD and Manassas, VA.
Posted by Sarah at 9:13 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Cathy & Marcy in Silver Spring."
Discounted professional portraits for a worthy cause
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Each year in March and April, local portrait photographer Jeff Lubin holds a discountd series of children's portrait sessions to benefit the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University. Here's how it works: You write a check for $150 directly to the center (tax-deductible, of course), and in return you get a sitting of your child (multiple poses) and one 8x10 print photograph.
As you might imagine, this is a major discount on Jeff's sitting fee and 8x10 print price. He's very generous to do this bit of artistic activism each year for such a worthy cause - And just this morning I read one mom's post to the DC Urban Moms list, attesting to her great experience having her child photographed by Jeff for this fundraiser.
If you want to schedule a sitting (only available Monday through Friday during regular business hours, BTW), contact him NOW. There are limited spaces available and they fill up quickly! To get in touch, go to www.jefflubin.com.
Posted by Sarah at 1:37 PM. Permanent link to "Discounted professional portraits for a worthy cause."
March 14, 2007
This Saturday: Free Trial Prenatal/Postpartum Pilates
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Evolution Pilates in Alexandria is offering a FREE trial Prenatal & Postpartum Pilates class this weekend, Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m.
The class is taught by the fabulous Megan Brown, a physical therapist who is certified in Pilates (and just had a baby herself, less than a year ago). No experience necessary, but if you are pregnant you do need to get permission from your ob/gyn or midwife.
No charge, but space is limited and you need to RSVP in advance. Contact Megan at: megan (at) evolutionpilates (dot) net or 703.751.1733
Evolution Pilates is located at 5249 Duke St., Suite 203.
Posted by Sarah at 9:53 AM. Permanent link to "This Saturday: Free Trial Prenatal/Postpartum Pilates."
March 13, 2007
Call for focus group participants
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Wanna earn a little spending cash and help develop educational materials for pregnant women and new moms at the same time? The Helix Group, Inc., a social science and public health consulting firm in Camp Springs, MD, is looking for more focus group subjects for a project they're working on for the Maternal Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (a federal agency).
The Helix Group has developed some print materials, and your responses would be helpful. They are looking for local-area pregnant women (at least 7 mos. pregnant by March 24) and new mothers (baby under one year of age) who can give two hours of your time and feedback in exchange for $75 "thank you" stipend.
The date of the focus group is Saturday, March 24, and groups will be scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Please be aware: Babies/children cannot attend with you, so you need to have childcare coverage to participate.
For more info or to take part, contact Marsha Jenakovich: 301.899.0360 (ext. 19).
Posted by Sarah at 9:41 AM. Permanent link to "Call for focus group participants."
March 12, 2007
"Celebrate Mama" in Silver Spring
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I recently received this announcement on what promises to be a fun event, produced by local mother Corina DuBois (who is also a Stroller Strides instructor/franchisee):
Celebrate Mama! Montgomery County is set for Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Place Mall in downtown Silver Spring, MD.
Admission is FREE, and there will be raffles, kids' activities, and loads of specialty vendors and service providers who cater to babies, young children, and moms-to-be.
Also check out Corina's cool blog on topics relevant to entrepreneurial mothers!
Posted by Sarah at 9:59 AM. Permanent link to ""Celebrate Mama" in Silver Spring."
March 10, 2007
Icky, icky fun
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Thanks to Jacquie Lambertson at Noodles & Noggins (in historic Clifton, VA) for sending this announcement about a fun children's exhibit this month in the store:
Starting this weekend, March 10-11, Noodles & Noggins is presenting "Ickology, a hands-on science exhibit and craft experience" focusing on "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of the human body - Perfect for preschoolers and school-aged kids who are in the stage of being obsessed with all things icky and gross.
Each weekend features a different theme, and the exhibit is intended for kids ages 3+. Cost is $5 per child (adults and babies under one year of age are free), and you need to reserve a spot in advance. The exhibit runs Saturdays and Sundays in March, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more info or to reserve a spot, click here.
Posted by Sarah at 4:24 PM. Permanent link to "Icky, icky fun."
March 9, 2007
Weekend Watch: Let the bargain shopping begin
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'Tis the season for the first of the spring consigment sales. This weekend is the Junior League of Washington's Tossed & Found Children's Trunk Show, on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Crystal City Shops in Arlington. And don't forget about the Children's & Maternity Sale at The Campagna Center in Old Town, Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
While we're on the subject...This spring, be sure to consult the regularly-updated listings of DC-area children's consignment sales on the Our Kids website!
And last but not least for the weekend...Don't forget Sunday's benefit concert and arts event for Cal Robbins, to be held at The Black Cat in DC! Great live music for a great cause.
Posted by Sarah at 1:11 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Let the bargain shopping begin."
March 8, 2007
Discount on custom children's decor from Camille Love Designs
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Local mompreneur Heather Cwynar, founder of Camille Love Designs, has graciously extended the 10 percent discount she offered to my readers over the winter holidays!
To redeem the discount, just mention DC Baby in the "Special Instructions" section at checkout.
Camille Love Designs specializes in custom, handpainted letters and plaques for babies' and children's bedrooms, playrooms, and bathrooms. She offers lots of colors and styles that can be customized, but Heather can also create a one-of-a-kind piece that matches your decor.
To find out more, visit www.camillelovedesigns.com or call 301.897.1582.
Are you the owner of a Washington-area boutique or early childhood enrichment program who would like to offer a percent-discount for DC Baby readers? Drop me a line: sarah (at) dc-baby (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 2:08 PM. Permanent link to "Discount on custom children's decor from Camille Love Designs."
March 7, 2007
Cleaning out the closets on a snowy day?
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MORE snow? What a good time to clean out your child's closet and donate your gently-loved infant, children's, and maternity clothes, toys, strollers, and other gear to The Campagna Center's Benefit Consignment Sale in Old Town! They are accepting donations until 8 p.m. this evening.
For shoppers looking for great bargains and an even greater nonprofit cause, the SALE takes place at The Campagna Center (418 S. Washington St.) this Friday, March 9, and Saturday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon each day.
To sweeten the deal, all items will be reduced by an extra 30 percent on Saturday.
Fifty percent of total proceeds go to The Campagna Center programs serving local children and families. Thanks to "Campagna Center Junior Friends" Karen Haggerty and Kassie Baker for sharing this announcement with us!
Posted by Sarah at 9:51 AM. Permanent link to "Cleaning out the closets on a snowy day?."
March 6, 2007
Prenatal & "Mom & Baby" yoga in Alexandria
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Thanks to instructor Sharon Stevenson for passing along this announcement of new prenatal yoga and "Mom & Baby" yoga in Alexandria, VA. Here's the scoop:
PRENATAL YOGA meets Fridays from 5 to 6:30 p.m., March 16-May 25 (no class April 13), for a total of 10 sessions. Eight spots are open, and participants must get doctor's permission to participate. Bring your own yoga mat and pillow. Cost is $120, which includes several handouts on childbirth-related topics. Pre-registration is required!
MOM & BABY YOGA is for babies who are at least six weeks old but not yet crawling. It meets Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., April 21-May 26, for a total of six sessions. Bring your own yoga mat and a blanket for your baby to lie on. Six spots are open, and cost is $90, which includes the "Itsy Bitsy Yoga" book.
All classes meet at:
Landmark Towers
101 S. Whiting Street, #314
Alexandria VA 22304
To register or get more info, contact Sharon at 703.971.7305 or sharon (at) yogabirthandbeyond (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:06 AM. Permanent link to "Prenatal & "Mom & Baby" yoga in Alexandria."
March 5, 2007
"How to Talk..." workshops in Arlington
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New sessions of the parenting workshop "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen," led by the fabulous licensed child/family therapist and local mama Francine Gilbert, are set for March 13th and 14th in Arlington.
The workshop uses the now-classic (and award winning) book by the same title to present and practice strategies for communicating with children, toddlers through teens. Francine uses exercises, clear examples, and practical discussion to guide the workshop.
Francine and I are members of the same "virtual parenting book club" (where we discussed this book a year or so ago) and she always has great insights and real empathy for the realities of everyday parenting.
For more info or to register, contact Francine at: frgilbert (at) gmail (dot) com or 571.213.9215.
Posted by Sarah at 11:15 AM. Permanent link to ""How to Talk..." workshops in Arlington."
March 2, 2007
Weekend Watch, Irish-style
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Top o' the Friday afternoon to ya! My pick for this weekend was really easy, given the promising weather forecast and my fondness for any event featuring a marching band.
The Annual St. Patty's Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria is tomorrow, Saturday, March 3, starting at 11:30 a.m. and concluding around 2:30 p.m.
And before the parade, don't forget to check out the dog show in Old Town's Market Square from 10:30 to 11 a.m. (My daughter loved this last year.)
Wear your green!
Posted by Sarah at 12:48 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch, Irish-style."
March 1, 2007
Next Monday: Bethesda baby massage
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Tranquil Space Bethesda is hosting an Infant Massage Workshop with Barbara Jazzo on Monday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Here's a description of this event from Tranquil Space Bethesda's Andrea Creel:
"Infant massage (for babies two to eight months) is open to moms and dads who are interested in creating another level of communication and bonding with their baby. Baby massage has numerous benefits. massage can help babies sleep better, be less colicky, improve their digestion, and help them relax. The teacher, Barbara Jazzo, is a licensed massage therapist who has been teaching infant massage for 10 years, and is a mom who has massaged her child throughout his whole life."
"Please bring your baby and a blanket, since we will be working with the babies on the floor. Cost is $40 per family, or $35 if you pre-register."
Tranquil Space Bethesda is located at 7475 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 8. To register, call 301.654.9642 or go to www.tranquilspacebethesda.com
FYI, they also offer weekly "Baby & Me" yoga classes, on Fridays from 12 to 1:30 p.m., for new moms and babies who are not yet crawling.
Posted by Sarah at 1:56 PM. Permanent link to "Next Monday: Bethesda baby massage."