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September 29, 2008
New morning class: "How to Talk..." in Annandale
Categories: Northern Virginia
Can't make it to evening events? Francine Ronis, LPC, is now offering a new morning session of her popular parenting workshop based on the principles of the bestselling book, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen.
The class runs six Tuesdays, beginning October 28, from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. in Annandale. With on-site childcare for those who reserve it first.
The session covers positive discipline, attachment, alternatives to punishment, engaging cooperation, enhancing your child's self-esteem, and more. For more info or to register, contact Francine at: francine.ronis(at)gmail(dot)com or 571.213.9215.
Posted by Sarah at 7:49 PM. Permanent link to "New morning class: "How to Talk..." in Annandale."
September 26, 2008
Weekend Watch: FREE kid fun on the Mall - National Book Festival & new ocean exhibit
Categories: Washington, DC
Tomorrow, Saturday the 27th, rain or shine (and we're hoping for shine), there are loads of kids' events at the National Book Festival - as well as the grand opening of an impressive new ocean exhibit at the Museum of Natural History.
Sponsored by the Library of Congress, the National Book Festival takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Mall between 3rd and 7th Sts. Check out the children's pavilion and the teens tent for readings and book signings from some of the nation's most celebrated authors, illustrators and poets. Admission is FREE - no tix required!
Join PBS KIDS at the Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the "Let's Read America" pavilion near 7th St. (between the Navy Memorial and L'Enfant Stops on the yellow and green lines). Kids can have their photos taken with characters from PBS KIDS shows Sid the Science Kid, Martha Speaks, Clifford, WordGirl, Super Why, Curious George, Maya and Miguel, and many others - as well as free painted character tattoos. Plus hands-on activities tied-in with the shows, and info for parents and educators.
In the PBS KIDS area you can join 10:30 a.m./12:45 p.m./3 p.m. sing-alongs with SteveSongs, an 11 a.m./1:15 p.m./3:30 p.m. "Martha Speaks" drawing and storytelling with author Susan Meddaugh, 11:30 a.m./1:45 p.m./4 p.m. stage shows by (the newly revived) Electric Company, and a 4:05 p.m. reading with Arthur author Marc Brown in the Book Festival's children's pavilion.
While you're on the Mall with kids, you must check out the grand unveiling of the Museum of Natural History's newest and largest exhibition, Sant Ocean Hall, which has been five years in the making. You'll see seven-foot-tall prehistoric shark jaws, a 24-foot-long giant squid suspended in a fluid filled tank, and a model of a 45-foot-long North Atlantic right whale hanging overhead in the 23,000-square-foot- hall. See some pics here. Created with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it is the only exhibit in the country with an exclusively global view of the ocean. It also incorporates lots of cool technologies. We can't wait to check it out!
Posted by Sarah at 1:08 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: FREE kid fun on the Mall - National Book Festival & new ocean exhibit."
September 25, 2008
Sunday events: PPD Awareness Day at LUCY - and ICAN support group in DC
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Two informative, supportive events this weekend specifically for mamas (and one of them comes with a shopping discount, to boot!):
The LUCY store (coolest, coziest women's fitness wear ever) at Pentagon Row in Arlington will host a PPD Awareness Day this Sunday, September 28, to benefit new nonprofit organization Postpartum Support Virginia. Just mention you're with Postpartum Support Virginia and you'll receive 25 percent off all purchases! Stop by LUCY at 10:30 a.m. for coffee and an informative discussion about postpartum depression (PPD), with an opportunity to get more info about free local support groups and other resources. Shopping to follow, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Also this weekend, the DC chapter of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) is back in action. This free support group is open to all, and will meet this Sunday, September 28 at 7 p.m. at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill (320 G St. NE). The presentation and discussion session, "Healing After Cesarean: Postpartum Recovery and Beyond," will focus on a variety of post-surgical treatments and emotional support resources in the DC area - and will be led by Janet Brown, Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Integrative Health Massage Therapy, and Laura Possessky, ICAN of DC leader and birth rights advocate. For more info, contact Janet at 703.863.3156 or jbrownlmt(-at-)yahoo(-dot-)com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:01 AM. Permanent link to "Sunday events: PPD Awareness Day at LUCY - and ICAN support group in DC."
September 24, 2008
It's here! DC BABY, Revised Second Edition, now in paperback
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
It's rolling off the press this week! I'm pleased (and exhausted) to announce that the Revised Second Edition of my book, DC BABY, is now available for pre-order! Copies ordered this week will ship via priority mail approx. October 1.
By mid- to late-October the book will also be on the shelves of DC-area bookstores and select baby boutiques. Also on Amazon.com.
It's been a long time coming and a lot of hard work. The new edition represents a complete overhaul, with tons of updates, new information, and a more user-friendly organization. Did I mention it's over 300 pages?
Thanks to all of you who sent me your tips and recommendations over the past few years, since the book's first edition sold out in early 2006. You provided invaluable insight as I did the research that would make this handbook a more useful tool for expectant mamas and the parents of young children. I couldn't have done it without you! Thank you, THANK YOU again for your support. And thank you for reading!
p.s. For those of you who have purchased an e-book version of the Revised Second Edition any time this year... Yesterday you should have received a new email linking you to a FREE e-book that reflects the final additions and edits made to the paperback book before it went to press. The latest and greatest version, if you will. Our apologies that this email did not go out with an explanatory note. Rest assured, you were NOT charged for another e-book!
Posted by Sarah at 8:33 AM. Permanent link to "It's here! DC BABY, Revised Second Edition, now in paperback."
September 23, 2008
Wednesday evening: Shopping perks at Old Town boutiques
Categories: Northern Virginia
To celebrate the launch of the consortium and its new website, Old Town's boutique district is sponsoring a special night of "shopping under the stars" tomorrow evening, Wednesday the 24th, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Among the Old Town boutiques catering to babies, children, and expectant moms are Apple Seed, Nina's Closet, Tickled Pink, and Whistle Stop Hobbies. There will be refreshments, gift bags, and special deals. If you visit all participating stores in Old Town during the event, you'll be entered to win an $1,100 shopping spree - a $100 gift certificate from each store.
At Apple Seed maternity and baby boutique, customers who make a purchase on Wednesday evening will be entered to win the new Emily Storksak diaper bag. (Which I love primarily because it looks NOTHING like a diaper bag!)
Happy shopping!
Posted by Sarah at 8:30 AM. Permanent link to "Wednesday evening: Shopping perks at Old Town boutiques."
September 22, 2008
A day of FREE classes at Bethesda's new Hot Mama Fitness
Categories: Maryland
This Saturday, September 27, the new Hot Mama Fitness Studio celebrates its official grand opening in downtown Bethesda with a day of free fitness class previews, seated massage, raffles, and activities for young kids from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free previews line up like this:
10 a.m. Postnatal belly dance
10:30 a.m. Preparing for birth with yoga
11 a.m. Goddess yoga
11:30 a.m. Postnatal ballet-sculpt
12 noon Postnatal fuctional training
12:30 p.m. Postnatal fluid movement
1 p.m. Seated massage
1 p.m. Prenatal fitness
1:30 p.m. Prenatal belly dance
2 p.m. Dance for expectant and new mamas
2:30 p.m. Postnatal small group training
3 p.m. Oh Baby!
3:30 p.m. drum circle
Hot Mama Fitness is located at 4715 Cordell Ave., Suite 200, just four blocks from the Bethesda metro station. Their fall lineup of classes begins next Monday, September 29.
Posted by Sarah at 10:27 AM. Permanent link to "A day of FREE classes at Bethesda's new Hot Mama Fitness."
September 19, 2008
Weekend Watch: Fiesta Musical at the zoo
Categories: Washington, DC
It's time for the National Zoo's annual Fiesta Musical, this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This FREE family party on the zoo property celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with delicious Latin American foods, live music and dance, costumed characters, arts and crafts (including beautiful items for sale, to jumpstart your holiday shopping), and, of course, animal demos.
As if you need reminding, parking will be a nightmare. The lots will fill up with FONZ members extra-early, so plan accordingly. Metro if possible. The weather is predicted to be lovely. Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 11:06 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Fiesta Musical at the zoo."
September 17, 2008
Richard Scarry-inspired show at Imagination Stage opens September 27
Categories: Maryland
Thanks to DCB reader Bette for sharing this tip: The fabulous Imagination Stage in Bethesda will soon open its production of BUSYTOWN, inspired by one of our family's favorite children's picturebook authors, Richard Scarry.
Many of the productions at Imagination Stage are geared toward older children, but this one is great for all ages - including the youngest preschoolers. The Washington premiere of this show runs September 27 through November 2, with selected weekday matinees, as well as weekend shows. (As an added perk, kids get to meet the actors after every weekend matinee.) Tix range from $10 to $21.
Posted by Sarah at 11:41 AM. Permanent link to "Richard Scarry-inspired show at Imagination Stage opens September 27."
September 15, 2008
Saturday in Sterling: Portraits & ballerina fun for a great cause
Categories: Northern Virginia
Do you have a young prima ballerina in the family? Baby Ballerina in Sterling will host a special event this Saturday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photographer Johanna Waisley (featured in the soon-to-be-released revised second edition of my book) will take mini-sessions of your tu-tu cuties in the ballet studio, wearing their favorite dancer attire.
The best part: Your entire session fee and a portion of any prints you order will be donated to benefit nonprofit organization The Band of Parents, to help raise funds for a cure for neuroblastoma - and for Taylor Love, a three-year-old in Ashburn, VA who has spent the past year and a half of her young life fighting stage four neuroblastoma, a devastating pediatric cancer.
DCB reader Jennifer Militello tells me, "The session fee is an incredible deal for the quality of photography. I have personally used Johanna Waisley of Simply Create Photography for the last four years, and she is an incredible artist."
These portraits would make cute holiday gifts, while at the same time helping to treat and find a cure for this childhood disease. For more info, contact the photographer at 571.223.1938 or the ballet studio at 703.430.3033.
Posted by Sarah at 1:32 PM. Permanent link to "Saturday in Sterling: Portraits & ballerina fun for a great cause."
September 13, 2008
Saturday Afternoon Fever: Our review of Baby Loves Disco
Categories: Washington, DC
So we were the lucky winners of tix to this weekend's Baby Loves Disco event in DC, thanks to a contest at our favorite parenting site, Babble.com. And we had a great time!
Once a month, the scrappy Rock & Roll Hotel on H St. NE near Capitol Hill gets transformed into a kid-friendly dance party, where a professional DJ spins 70s disco hits and the little ones gnosh on muffins, animal crackers, and juice boxes. Think dance club lights, a bubble machine, hoola hoops and percussion instruments... with another level of fun upstairs, where you'll find more kids' activities (balloon artist, face painting), yummy snacks more the grownups' speed, quieter rooms for chilling out with babies. And did we mention the cash bar serving grownup beverages?
Our favorite part was discovering talented face painting artist Greta Gonzalez, who specializes in working with children. She transformed our daughter into a stunning kitty-cat, while other kids became Spiderman, puppies, tigers, butterflies, and princesses. Greta also does amazing body art with pregnant women, as well as henna - Her portfolio is something to behold! And she's available for children's parties and special events. I was blown away by watching Greta work. Plus, as a mom herself, Greta is great with young children and adjusts her speed and level of detail to the attention span of her young subject. What a pro.
The crowd at today's Baby Loves Disco was a diverse mix of parents in their 20s-40s with children ranging from infants to 10-year-olds. But our take is that the event is ideal for kids ages two to five. It may be too loud and overstimulating for some babies and young toddlers, while children past Kindergarten might find themselves too "cool" to boogie with mom and dad. But your mileage may vary - we saw many happy partiers of all ages and stages. It does get crowded, so pace yourself.
It's also DC. Be smart. Parking is a challenge. Don't plan to walk from the nearest metro stop (Union Station), as it's a long trek. (But be aware that there IS stroller parking at the event.) If you're the type who rarely ventures east of Connecticut Ave. - or into the District at all - or if you're too far removed from your bar-hopping youth to appreciate a little rock n roll grunge, this might not be the place for you. Otherwise, get your dancin' shoes on. Baby Loves Disco is a lot of fun!
p.s. In related news...We're sad to report that a similar local event, Rock-n-Tot DC, is no more. They have canceled all the upcoming gigs, due to slow ticket sales.
Posted by Sarah at 9:17 PM. Permanent link to "Saturday Afternoon Fever: Our review of Baby Loves Disco."
September 12, 2008
Weekend Watch: Fall festivals in DC, Takoma Park, & Old Town
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
'Tis now officially the season for fall festivals - with several this weekend, great for getting outdoors with the kids. And each of these promises a decent dose of entertainers and activities for children.
Saturday is the Arts on Foot Festival in DC's Penn Quarter. Sunday is the Takoma Park Folk Festival and the Adams Morgan Day Festival. The Alexandria Festival of the Arts along Old Town's King St. runs both days.
Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 6:24 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Fall festivals in DC, Takoma Park, & Old Town."
September 11, 2008
Free kids' & postpartum classes at Mind the Mat
Categories: Northern Virginia
The new and fabulous Mind the Mat pilates and yoga studio in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood is offering three FREE classes you might want to take advantage of:
Free preview - Kids' Yoga on Sunday, September 14 at 4 p.m. for ages six+
Free preview - Kids' Yoga on Sunday, September 14 at 4:45 p.m. for ages three to five
(Both children's yoga classes are taught by popular children's instructor Patrick Good, aka "Patch" to the kids)
Free preview - Mommy & Me Yoga on Wednesday, September 17 at 10:15 a.m. (for moms with babies ages six weeks to crawling)
If you're new to Del Ray's Mt. Vernon Ave., there's good coffee and eats at St. Elmo's and good children's shopping at The Purple Goose.
Posted by Sarah at 11:11 AM. Permanent link to "Free kids' & postpartum classes at Mind the Mat."
September 10, 2008
Free event at DCJCC: Children's author Richard Michelson
Categories: Washington, DC
On Tuesday, September 16 at 10 a.m., the DC Jewish Community Center (DCJCC) will host a FREE children's book event aimed at two- to five-year-olds with a parent or caregiver.
Children's author Richard Michelson will be on hand to read his book A is for Abraham and engage with the audience. Here's a description of the event from DCB reader Lili:
"Join the 16th Street J's Early Childhood Center for a morning of storytelling, creativity and fun.Become immersed in the sing-song rhyming language as the author reads from his beautiful book. Act out some of the stories in the book, create your own alphabet illustrations and join our Pre-K classes in asking Richard Michelson about why and how he wrote this wonderful book for children, which shares the history of Jewish traditions and customs and explains how they are practiced today."
No charge, but click here to register your spot at the event.
Posted by Sarah at 4:52 PM. Permanent link to "Free event at DCJCC: Children's author Richard Michelson."
September 9, 2008
Kudos to - and news from - Classic Tales 'n Tunes
Categories: Northern Virginia
Many thanks to Classic Tales 'n Tunes for sponsoring the DCB website this month (which helps keep our e-publications free-of-charge for you, the reader!).
This fall the integrated early childhood arts program created by local mama Jody Katz has expanded class offerings at the Vienna, VA location (in addition to Arlington and Falls Church), and welcomes a new instructor who is fluent in several languages and working toward her master's degree in vocal performance at Catholic University.
Classic Tales 'n Tunes has been on the receiving end of several awards, including Fairfax County's Human Rights Award for 2007, an honor previously bestowed on giants like Booz Allen Hamilton and Marriott Corporation. And because of the many, many positive reviews I received from families participating in the program, they also get a prominent recommendation in the forthcoming edition of my book! Visit the Classic Tales 'n Tunes website for upcoming preview classes (fee required), and to register for their fall session.
Posted by Sarah at 1:20 PM. Permanent link to "Kudos to - and news from - Classic Tales 'n Tunes."
September 8, 2008
Put this on your fridge: National Capital Poison Center hotline
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
A must-know resource for all DC-area parents and kiddo-caregivers: The National Capital Poison Center in DC, 1.800.222.1222. If it's not posted on your refrigerator with all the other emergency numbers, it should be!
Each year The National Capital Poison Center receives 55,000 phone calls from residents and health professionals in the metro area - Most of them from mothers whose children have gotten into household products and who are panicked about what to do. The Poison Center is a nonprofit, non-government organization providing medical guidance in poison emergencies. Their services are FREE, and they are open all day, every day, providing confidential information. They even provide translation services for parents and childcare providers who don't speak fluent English.
I know how easy it is for me to fall into the "that stuff happens to other people" mindset. And I bet I'm not alone. Better to take a few moments to be prepared.
Posted by Sarah at 8:42 PM. Permanent link to "Put this on your fridge: National Capital Poison Center hotline." | Comments (0)
September 5, 2008
Weekend Watch: Cool shopping opps & Imagination Stage open house
Categories: Maryland | Washington, DC
So it's not kid-centric - but the best news of the weekend is, the Georgetown Flea Market is back in Georgetown! During my younger, unmarried, pre-mommy stint as a Washingtonian, this was my favorite Sunday destination. And there's no reason you can't take the children, while you enjoy a bit of non-child treasure hunting. Check it out this Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A coupla miles up Wisconsin Ave. in Bethesda... This Saturday it's the Second Annual "Bethesda Kids Block" Sidewalk Sale and Block Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in conjunction with Imagination Stage's open house.
Head to the downtown block bordered by Del Ray Ave., Norfolk Ave., Auburn Ave., and Old Georgetown Rd. for big savings. Wiggle Room will host its big stroller and gear sale, plus face painting and 10 percent off purchases. Jabberu offers 10 percent of all store merchandise, $25 off your first month's tuition (new families only), and fun activities in Spanish, French, and Chinese. Musikids will offer demo classes and open play. Daisy Baby & Mommies Too will hold a sidewalk sale and offer 10 percent off all in-stock merchandise. LightWave Photography will offer a free portrait sitting and a 4x6 print of your child between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To sweeten the deal, Hard Times and Guardado's family-friendly restaurants will feature yummy specials. And Imagination Stage's open house runs 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for families with children ages 1-5, and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for families with kids K-5th grade.
Posted by Sarah at 4:09 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Cool shopping opps & Imagination Stage open house."
September 4, 2008
Free preview classes at Jonah's Treehouse in DC
Categories: Washington, DC
The fabulous Jonah's Treehouse in Glover Park, NW DC is offering a lineup of FREE preview classes - a chance for new families to visit the studio and get a taste of what classes are like before deciding on fall registration.
To see the schedule of free demos and to reserve your spot (a must), click here. Or call Jonah's Treehouse at 202.298.6805. You can leave a message on their voicemail to reserve your spot in a particular preview class after viewing the schedule online - but you MUST leave your call-back phone number and your child's name and age, or your spot can't be held.
Back in 2005 when Jonah's Treehouse was new on the scene, they hosted the launch party for the first edition of my book, DC Baby. It was a blast! We love founder Vicki Gersten and her staff, and we have first-hand appreciation for how bright, well-equippped, and spacious the play studio is. A great custom space with fun and challenges for all ages.
Posted by Sarah at 10:07 AM. Permanent link to "Free preview classes at Jonah's Treehouse in DC."
September 3, 2008
Starting September 15: New parenting workshop in Dupont Circle
Categories:
DCB reader Mali Parke is one of the co-hosting parents of an interesting six-week workshop starting September 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Dupont Circle: Based on the book of the same name by Sura Hart and Victoria Kindle Hodson, the "Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids" workshop focuses on Non-Violent Communication (NVC) between parents and children.
Mali tells me, "NVC is a communication method developed by Marshall Rosenberg that promotes peaceful resolution of conflicts through hearing, speaking and respecting the needs and feelings of one another, out of natural compassion." The workshop series "helps you learn practical skills to handle disagreements with more confidence and ease, understand your own needs and those of your kids, express yourself so you're heard and understood, listen to your kids so they feel heard and respected, foster cooperation and trust, and build the kind of lifelong relationship you want with your children." Plus, this is a great way to meet other like-minded parents to create a supportive network of friends.
It's a small group of 15 parents, which means plenty of time for interaction. As of this posting, there are just three spots left in the workshop! The six-week series runs through October 20. For more info and to register, click here.
Posted by Sarah at 12:02 PM. Permanent link to "Starting September 15: New parenting workshop in Dupont Circle."