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August 23, 2008
Popular "Positive Discipline" class at new locales
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Dr. Rene Hackney, founder of Parenting Playgroups, is offering her well-regarded "positive discipline" class at a bunch of new locations this fall. By partnering with DC-area businesses, this fabulous eight-hour class (perfect for parents of children ages 2-10) will be available at:
Wednesday, Sept. 10 - Oct. 1 @ Monkey Business in Falls Church
Thursday, Oct. 16 - Nov. 6 @ JW Tumbles in Rockville
Tuesday, Oct. 28 - Nov. 18 @ Wee Play in Herndon
Wednesday, Nov. 5 - Dec. 3 (not 11/26) @ The Family Room in DC
Thursday, Nov. 20 - Dec. 18 (not 11/27) in Del Ray, Alexandria
This fall she's also offering the one-day, five hour version of "Positive Discipline" on Saturday mornings: Sept. 20 and Nov. 1 in Alexandria and Sept. 27 in Williamsburg, VA.
Posted by Sarah at 9:50 AM. Permanent link to "Popular "Positive Discipline" class at new locales."
August 22, 2008
Weekend Watch: Prince & princess party, big sale & community food drive at Kinder Haus
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Take note, aspiring princesses, knights, and other fancy fairytale folk: One of our favorite DC-area shops for kids, Kinder Haus in Arlington's Clarendon district, will host a Prince & Princess Party this Sunday the 24th, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wear your costume, if you like (or perhaps just your crown?), for themed stories, games, crown-making, and prizes to take home. Free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot by calling asap: 703.527.5929.
While you're there, take advantage of their mondo 50-percent-off summer sale. And bring a canned or boxed food items to contribute to the Kinder Haus August food drive for the Arlington Food Assistance Center - One item can make a difference for a family in need, and it's a great way to practice service and caring with our kids.
Posted by Sarah at 12:36 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Prince & princess party, big sale & community food drive at Kinder Haus."
August 20, 2008
Now inside the Beltway: Daily Candy Kids
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Sweet news for Daily Candy fans: They're launching a weekly Washington, DC-centric edition focused on kids.
They promise a free delivery of the latest scoop in your mailbox each Monday, covering "the slickest stroller to the kookiest kids' menu to the swankiest sales." Sign up online to join the party.
I have a sugar addiction, myself. So I take note of the news that Daily Candy was just bought by Comcast for a reported $125 million. They're doing something right! And I'm glad DC babies made their list for expansion.
Posted by Sarah at 2:38 PM. Permanent link to "Now inside the Beltway: Daily Candy Kids."
August 19, 2008
Open in historic Occoquan: The Story Tellers
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Word of a new children's bookstore always makes my day! So I'm thrilled to help spread the news that The Story Tellers is open in the historic district of Occoquan, VA (located between Fairfax and Prince William Counties). The Story Tellers had its grand opening in April, and will soon launch a virtual storefront online.
Co-founder Kendall Holbrook tells me the store stocks both children's and young adult books, with a focus on award-winning, school-approved, and culturally diverse titles. They've got lots of activities planned for kids of all ages (and some for adults), including readings, book signings, writing seminars and art classes. Enjoy their beautiful setting near the river, and show them how much you value bookstores dedicated to children's and family literature!
Posted by Sarah at 1:45 PM. Permanent link to "Open in historic Occoquan: The Story Tellers."
August 15, 2008
Weekend Watch: Kid fun at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
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It's a good weekend for kids at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse: The Great Zucchini on Saturday at 12 noon, and a screening of classic The Muppet Movie on Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
Sunday is also "family night" at the Drafthouse's Old Arlington Grill - which, ironically, is new. This Sunday they'll be screening one of our family faves, Milo & Otis, at 5 p.m., with food and drink specials for all.
Posted by Sarah at 1:49 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Kid fun at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse."
August 14, 2008
Give your used baby gear a new home: Donate to A Wider Circle
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How many times have my friends, neighbors, and fellow listserv mamas asked, "Do you know anywhere to donate all this gently-used baby gear and furniture we've outgrown??" Here's a great answer: Local nonprofit organization A Wider Circle, which provides basic home furnishings to individuals transitioning out of homeless shelters, is trying to keep up with the significant needs of local children whose parents are being served by the program. Most recently: In an effort to give every child in metro DC a bed, they've launched a new campaign, "A Bed for Every Child."
DCB reader and A Wider Circle volunteer Malia tells me, "There is a desperate need right now for some items that we might have just sitting around, such as cribs, portable cribs, bassinets, infant car seats,, strollers, etc. If you have things that are just lying around - not awaiting a next child - please think about contributing. Or please keep it in mind for when you are done with these items in the future, as there is an ongoing need."
Need more info about the program and their drop-off facility? Visit www.awidercircle.org or contact Malia at: maliabrink-at-yahoo-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 7:04 PM. Permanent link to "Give your used baby gear a new home: Donate to A Wider Circle."
August 11, 2008
New resource created by DC mamas: BabyBunching.com
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Are you a "baby buncher"? If you have two or more young children very close together in age - two years apart or less - you're a member of the club. And two local mothers who've been there/done that have created a new resource you'll want to check out.
BabyBunching.com is a blog and online social network launched by a duo of DC mamas who are in the process of writing a book on the subject. The new blog has taken off like a rocket and offers plenty of practical tips on juggling two or more little ones close together in age. Por ejemplo: Do you need a second crib? What about interchangeable clothes? How to do you juggle naptimes? How do you get through another pregnancy with a baby or toddler in your life?
Authors Linda and Cara assure you that although baby bunching means a few years of chaos, "Your little twiblings will become good friends as a result of your bunching strategy. You will become strong, creative, organized, calm and at peace with your new lifestyle, without even realizing it." They make it sound...almost survivable.
Posted by Sarah at 1:56 PM. Permanent link to "New resource created by DC mamas: BabyBunching.com."
August 8, 2008
Weekend Watch: Summer Safari Festival & Arlington County Fair
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Looks like we're getting a slight cool-off this weekend, with beautiful weather for taking the kiddos outdoors. Perfect for the big Summer Safari Festival, Saturday in Gaithersburg. Go ride the rides, visit the petting zoo, eat some tasty treats, and rock out to SteveSongs! FREE admission - all you have to fork over $$ for is eats and rides.
Arlingtonians, you've got to hit your County Fair this weekend. We took our daughter 2 years ago and had a blast. If you really want to beat the crowds, go first thing in the morning, between 10 and 11 a.m.
Posted by Sarah at 12:22 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Summer Safari Festival & Arlington County Fair."
August 4, 2008
Now in the third trimester... DC BABY Revised 2nd Edition in paperback!
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It's almost fully baked! The revised and expanded DC BABY, 2nd Edition is coming this fall. The book will be available in bookstores and select baby boutiques throughout the DC area, as well as online through this website and Amazon.com.
Stay tuned for the official due date, and the chance to preorder your very own bundle of joy online.
Posted by Sarah at 9:40 AM. Permanent link to "Now in the third trimester... DC BABY Revised 2nd Edition in paperback!."
August 2, 2008
Sara Lavan: Nourishing moms (and kids) on the local scene
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I've recently had the chance to know a new (and extraordinary) Washingtonian serving pregnant and postpartum moms, babies, and children. Sara Lavan - transplanted from NYC to Alexandria in 2006 with her kiddos and spouse - is a holistic health counselor, pilates instructor (including pre- and postnatal pilates), and dancer with years of experience teaching creative movement for kids. She's also the co-publisher of Nourishing Moms, an online resource for expectant and new moms with an emphasis on whole foods nutrition and mind/body health.
My smallhead enrolled in Sara's summer movement class - and fell in love! Ava has to be dragged away at the close of each session, and lights up with joy at the prospect of the comeback.
Sara's currently teaching a wide range of classes for expectant and new moms - as well as children - at Body in Balance (near the fabulous Buzz coffee bar/bakery) and at the new Mind the Mat studio in Del Ray. I've also just signed up for Sara's Nourishing Moms newsletter, where I've already gained a summer recipe (watermelon lemonade!) - as well as some inspiring, quick reads for my own postpartum self (struggling, I admit, to adjust to life with 2 kids... and to regain anything resembling balance in my life and health. I suspect I'm not alone.)
I'm so glad Sara came to town! She's a great local resource for mamas of all stages and ages.
Posted by Sarah at 8:44 PM. Permanent link to "Sara Lavan: Nourishing moms (and kids) on the local scene."
August 1, 2008
Weekend Watch: Tax-free shopping in DC & VA
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It's that glorious time again. Do your back-to-preschool shopping this weekend, TAX-FREE in the District and Virginia. The sales tax exemption covers all clothing, shoes, accessories, and school supplies.
To make the most of your tax-free shopping, check out these tips from About.com. As they suggest, consider shopping sales to really get a bang for the tax-free buck. My suggestions for the weekend: the 50 to 75 percent off sale at Dawn Price Baby, the 40 percent off sale on baby and kids' clothing at Apple Seed, Hanna Andersson's denim and seasonal sale (tax-free at the McLean location only), and the "monster sale" at Children's Place (tax-free at the VA locations only).
Sadly for Maryland shoppers (and retailers), the turkeys running M.D. have nixed the state's tax-free shopping holiday. Bummer.
Posted by Sarah at 1:56 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Tax-free shopping in DC & VA."