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October 31, 2008
Weekend watch: Happy haunting
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Wishing you and yours a happy, safe, and memorable Halloween.
Friday evening starting at 5 p.m. is the informally-organized and irresistably cute Dupont Circle children's Halloween parade. Gather by the fountain, with the costumed little ones to start their walk at 5:15. Open to children of all ages, but is especially geared toward families with babies and toddlers who can't stay up late, can't yet trick-or-treat with the big kids, but would still enjoy a little Halloween fun. Participants can bring treats to hand out (but not required). Many parents come in costume, too - So don't be shy.
In MD, don't forget about kid-centric Halloween Rocks at the Kentlands, Halloween afternoon from 3 to 6:30 p.m., with a live show from kids' band Rocknocerus. In VA, Halloween night and Saturday, November 1 is the free and fabulous Halloween Art Show of elaborately carved and illuminated jack-o-lanterns in Vienna, from dusk to 10 p.m.
And before you head out, better safe than sorry: Check out this Halloween candy safety alert from MomsRising.
Posted by Sarah at 6:04 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend watch: Happy haunting."
October 30, 2008
Just for fun: DCB in the City Paper
Categories: Washington, DC
Just when you suspect you've become irretrievably middle-aged, the local alt-weekly newspaper makes you feel almost cool and nearly relevant. DC BABY's in the City Paper this week, here (in the arts section in print and online) and again here (on The Sexist blog, which covers sex and gender in DC).
Many thanks to City Paper reporter Amanda Hess. I generally dread the role of interviewee...but this was fun!
Posted by Sarah at 2:00 PM. Permanent link to "Just for fun: DCB in the City Paper."
October 26, 2008
Join us November 8: Mr. Knick Knack performs @ our book release party!
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Please come! We're celebrating the release of the Revised Second Edition of my book, DC BABY, with a (free!) performance by the fabulous Mr. Knick Knack - plus refreshments and book-signing and a chance for me to meet more of my readers in person - on Saturday, November 8 starting at 10 a.m. at Hooray for Books children's bookstore in Old Town Alexandria.
We named Mr. Knick Knack, aka Steve Rossi, our "favorite local children's performer" and we are thrilled to have him perform at the book release party. We're also thrilled to have the book available at our own neighborhood independent children's bookstore.
Here's the lineup:
10 a.m. Mr. Knick Knack live performance
11 a.m. Storytime (with a special Karen Katz theme)
11:30 a.m. Refreshments, book signing, chatting, and a jumpstart on holiday shopping
To RSVP that you can join us, please visit the e-vite. See you there!
Posted by Sarah at 10:16 PM. Permanent link to "Join us November 8: Mr. Knick Knack performs @ our book release party!."
October 24, 2008
Weekend Watch: Kid fun in the District
Categories: Washington, DC
Several things happening in DC this weekend for the young ones: A Halloween magic show at the Smithsonian, a book fair in Georgetown, and an election-themed storytime and party at the DCJCC.
The lovely new Discovery Theater on the National Mall (on the lower level of the Ripley Center) will host "Halloween Magic" this Saturday at 12 noon. It's a holiday-themed magic show, plus face painting and other children's activities, to boot. Best for ages two to eight. Advance tix required: 202.357.3030.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Georgetown it's the St. John's Episcopal Preschool Book Fair and Family Fun, featuring storytime, music, games, face painting, and grilled lunches for sale. Plus the opportunity to shop a large selection of books and games for kids ages two to eight, including award winners and "teachers' picks." St. John's is located at 3240 O St., NW. For more info, call 202.944.2753.
Calling all future presidents on Sunday at 10 a.m. The DCJCC will host a FREE book event centered around a visit from Sue Pyatt, author of Call Me Madame President and President Amanda's Whistle-Stop Trip, who will read aloud and answer questions from the kids. PLUS a parade and election-related arts and crafts. No cost, but register here. For more info, contact Sarah Rabin Spira @ 202.777.3278 or: sarahr-at-washingtondcjcc-dot-org.
Posted by Sarah at 10:08 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Kid fun in the District."
October 23, 2008
Halloween @ Turtle Park
Categories: Washington, DC
Heads up: For those of you who live in or near AU Park/Tenleytown...a tradition not to be missed. Turtle Park's annual Halloween Festival is set for Friday the 31st from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The highlight - the children's costume parade - starts around 4:30.
Turtle Park (known officially as Friendship Park), at 48th & Van Ness Ave. NW, is one of our all-time favorite destinations in the District. Such a great community of families who keep this city park/rec center/social hub beautiful and welcoming. In addition to their Halloween fun, we love going to May Fair each spring and playing in the "sprayground" on hot summer days. It's again listed among our favorite local playgrounds in the Second Revised Edition of DC BABY.
Posted by Sarah at 4:14 PM. Permanent link to "Halloween @ Turtle Park."
October 22, 2008
November 6: "Organizing for baby" in Bethesda
Categories: Maryland
Expecting a baby or know someone who is? Daisy Baby in Bethesda will host a special Organization Open House on Thursday, November 6 from 12 noon to 7 p.m. Professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal and baby planner Kimberly Shore Levin of Nursery Know-It-All will give workshops on the hour throughout the afternoon, with a brief overview of getting ready and organizing for baby, as well as tips for getting things in order once your baby arrives. They'll also be on hand for individual Q&A.
Rachel will cover organizing and preparing, time management (including family schedules and group calendars), reducing clutter in the house, and solutions for twins. Kim will cover creating and managing your baby registry list, timelines for lining up services pre-baby, babyproofing, and nursery design/assistance.
Daisy Baby's at 4924 Del Ray Ave., downtown. For more info, call 301.654.7477.
Posted by Sarah at 2:58 PM. Permanent link to "November 6: "Organizing for baby" in Bethesda."
October 21, 2008
Halloween kicks for (little) kids: Our picks
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
It's that time! Loads going on in celebration of Halloween. Here are our picks for the little ones:
In Rockville, Cabin John Regional Park is doing their annual Eye Spy Halloween Train in the evenings from 6 to 9 p.m, Thursday the 23rd through Thursday the 30th. Just $4 with a canned food item to donate. (Intended for children under age 8, and not older-kid-scary like the Wheaton Regional Park train.)
Boo at the Zoo is also right around the corner, this Thursday the 23rd through Sunday the 26th. Limited tix are still available for all dates except Saturday (sold out). Metro strongly advised, unless you're a FONZ member and able to secure the (very limited) parking. Last year we scrambled to buy tix and second-hand parking at the last minute, only to have it rain cats and dogs. Bummer. Better luck to those of you giving it a go this year.
This Friday, the 24th at Fairlington Center in Arlington, Parent Child University will host their Annual Halloween Fashion Show - a fun chance for the little ones to don their costumes early - along with a FREE demo class from 10 to 10:40 a.m. Intended for infants to five-year-olds. No cost, but you must RSVP in advance. Send your name, names and ages of your children, and email address to: classes-at-parentchildu-dot-com or by calling 571.643.1002.
Saturday the 25th is the annual Fall Frolic at Glen Echo Park in Maryland, with trick-or-treating and a costume parade through the park, pumpkin painting, decorating trick-or-treat bags, and more arts and crafts fun. If you want to make a day of it, ride the carousel and catch the Three Billy Goats Gruff at the puppet playhouse or Harold and the Purple Crayon at the Adventure Theater (advance tix for both strongly advised).
Sunday the 26th in Alexandria is the annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, starting at 2 p.m. All are welcome to march down Mt. Vernon Ave. in costume - decorated strollers included! - to the Mt. Vernon Community School, where there will be live music and food to follow, as well as the Jaycees-hosted Goblin Games for all ages. We love this parade - So many kids and adults alike in a show of the most creative costuming! It's a BIG event with a big crowd, so get there early to hunt for parking.
Finally, on pumpkin night proper: It's the FREE-admission Second Annual Halloween Rocks Festival for kids at Market Square, Kentlands in Gaithersburg, October 31, 3 to 6:30 p.m. A concert by Rocknocerus, plus other live performances, a petting zoo, trick-or-treating, creative costume contest, face painting, carnival and moonbounces, crafts and games. A safe, fun, non-terrifying Halloween-day destination.
Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 2:53 PM. Permanent link to "Halloween kicks for (little) kids: Our picks."
October 20, 2008
November 7: Lunchtime workshop on navigating the nanny-maze
Categories: Washington, DC
You don't have to be an attorney - or a woman! - to attend a low-cost program on choosing a nanny and dealing with payroll/tax issues, to be hosted by the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia on Friday, November 7 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at Howry LLP (1299 Penn Ave. NW, 2nd Floor, near Metro Center).
"The Insider's Guide to Finding and Keeping the Perfect Nanny (Including How to Decipher Taxes and Payroll)," organized by the WBA's Working Parents Forum, is open to all DC-area parents (and expectant parents). It's the first in a four-part series to focus on childcare options.
Great speakers whose knowledge could save you money and headaches going forward in the nanny process: Barbara Kline, president of White House Nannies (and author of the gossip-licious book White House Nannies: True Tales from the Other Department of Homeland Security), and Stephanie Breedlove, president of tax firm Breedlove & Assoc. since 1992. Breedlove & Assoc. specializes in tax and payroll services for household employers.
Cost to attend is just $10 for WBA members and $20 for non-members. An optional box lunch is available for $12 to those who register by Wednesday, November 5. You can RSVP at www.wbadc.org, or for more info call 202.639.8880 or send email to: admin-at-wbadc-dot-org.
Posted by Sarah at 9:31 AM. Permanent link to "November 7: Lunchtime workshop on navigating the nanny-maze."
October 17, 2008
Weekend Watch: Prime time for fall festivals
Categories: Maryland | Washington, DC
To celebrate the return of real fall weather this weekend, consider pulling that wool cardigan outta the closet and getting outdoors with the little ones, by visiting one of the festivals in the District or the 'burbs.
Our favorites are the Annual Pumpkin Festival at Butler's Orchard in Germantown and the Fall Festival at Cox Farms in Centreville. For first-timers and the youngest children, Butler's Orchard is a good bet (especially the hayloft barn, where toddlers delight in jumping in the stuff until you drag them away). The Butler's Orchard extravaganza is slightly smaller in scale and may be less crowded than Cox Farms (which does have our favorite, longer hayride for preschoolers and older kids, plus a bazzillion slides of all sizes and pony rides). But at either place, you're wise to arrive EARLY, when the gates open, for the easiest parking and most tolerable crowds. At both places you should expect to pay an entrance fee, plus additional costs for food, pumpkin purchases, etc.
Also, in DC on Saturday, the Kids Corner nonprofit, bilingual daycare center will host its Second Annual Fall Fair at Mitchell Park in Kalorama (23rd and S Sts. NW) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food, games, music, dance, storytelling, and crafts from around the world, for all ages, with FREE admission (tix can be purchased for food and games). For more info, call 202.797.1555.
Posted by Sarah at 11:18 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Prime time for fall festivals."
October 16, 2008
Yiro does Bethesda
Categories: Maryland
The fabulously upscale, organic, and eco-friendly Yiro boutique has expanded beyond its original Georgetown location. You'll find their second store @ 4823 Bethesda Ave. in Bethesda Row (next to Quartermaine Coffee). Open seven days a week, just like the Georgetown location.
We love Yiro! They carry soft, fun, fashion-forward layette and kids' clothing; furniture and decor; baby gear; and the real deal on quality wooden toys in their co-located Tugooh Toys boutique. It's no bargain bin, but it's quality. And there's a lot to be said for that.
Happy shopping!
Posted by Sarah at 9:08 PM. Permanent link to "Yiro does Bethesda."
October 15, 2008
Childcare needs in NoVa? Check out ASAP Sitters
Categories: Northern Virginia
Landing quality, reliable childcare when and where you need it can be a challenge of epic proportions. So I have to share this great, new-to-me resource, owned and directed by local mama and DCB reader Ewa Skoczylas. ASAP Sitters is a professional babysitting service placing sitters in and around Alexandria and Fairfax, VA. Their referrals run the gamut of childcare needs, from last-minute sitters to permanent sitters/nannies.
They do the legwork for you by pre-screening and interviewing care providers. When you register, one phone call or email gets the ball rolling. Client applications, a complete Q&A on how it works, and up-front information about the agency's fees are available at their website. You can even preview the profiles of selected sitters available for assignments!
ASAP Sitters can be reached at 703.209.4717, or send email to: asapsitters-at-gmail-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 9:12 PM. Permanent link to "Childcare needs in NoVa? Check out ASAP Sitters."
October 14, 2008
October 25: Halloween dance party at The Avalon
Categories: Maryland
Heads up for John Henry England's 4th Annual Halloween Costume Party at the historic Avalon Theatre in Chevy Chase, Saturday October 25 @ 10 a.m. Tix will sell out for this one!
Cost is just $5 per person (or $3 for Avalon members) for the costume ball: Live music and dancing - plus face painting (no extra charge) and treats for all.
If you're not already acquainted with the groovy John Henry England... he's a Virginia dad (born and raised in Bethesda) serving up "peaceful punk rock, preschool power, music to move to."
Posted by Sarah at 10:55 AM. Permanent link to "October 25: Halloween dance party at The Avalon."
October 9, 2008
Weekend Watch: Big consignment sales, Oktoberfests, & free class previews
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
A long holiday weekend, and plenty to do. Among the highlights: Two of the biggest and best consignment/benefit sales in NoVa, Oktoberfests on both sides of the Potomac, and free class previews in DC.
Among the weekend's biggest discount children's clothing and gear events are the mondo Dani's Duds sale @ Dulles Expo Center and the positively famous NoVa Parents of Multiples Semi-Annual Sale in Falls Church.
Oktoberfest celebrations are also happening this weekend at The Kentlands in Gaithersburg, in Accokeek, and Reston.
Last but not least, Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., Jonah's Treehouse is hosting more FREE preview classes for any child age six months to three years. A chance to learn about their program and meet other parents from Georgetown, Glover Park, Spring Valley, Palisades, Wesley Heights, Cleveland-Woodley-AU Park, and all over NW. You do need to call ahead to reserve your free preview spot: 202.298.6805. And take note of this bit of news: Jonah's Treehouse now offers a flex schedule allowing you to come to classes at different days and times throughout the session.
Enjoy your Columbus Day weekend!
Posted by Sarah at 9:50 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Big consignment sales, Oktoberfests, & free class previews."
October 7, 2008
DC BABY discount: 25 percent off ANY service @ Hela Spa
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Hela Spa really loves DC BABY. So much that they're giving my readers a generous 25 percent discount on any service! Just mention DC BABY when you call to make your appointment.
(You can also take advantage of their limited number of appointments for a special promotion: 45-minute massages for $50.)
Among their many services, Hela Spa offers prenatal massage, infant massage instruction (at both the Georgetown and Chevy Chase locations), and a monthly mother's tea where you can meet other DC moms and get your questions answered about prenatal and/or infant massage. They also host a monthly drop-in group you can sample an intro to infant massage without committing to an entire session of classes. Even a small lending library of books and DVDs that clients can borrow - And they've been known to lend a body pillow to an expectant mom with sleeping troubles.
Senior massage therapist Mary Szegda draws heavily on her previous work as a movement psychotherapist and licensed counselor, with an interest in developmental movement patterns and the non-verbal relationship between parents and young children. And she has hired infant massage instructors with similar backgrounds. According to one reviewer mom, "Going to Mary at Hela Spa for a pregnancy massage was heaven. I could not have survived the second and third trimesters without my regular visits... After my daughter was born, I signed up for the infant massage class...This was a great bonding activity and a wonderful way to meet other moms in the area."
Enjoy your 25 percent off Swedish spa experience! Contact Mary at: mary-at-helaspa-dot-com, or call 202.333.4445.
Posted by Sarah at 2:06 PM. Permanent link to "DC BABY discount: 25 percent off ANY service @ Hela Spa."
October 6, 2008
Mom Made goodness, online
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Our friends at Alexandria-based Mom Made Foods have launched a beautiful, user-friendly new website with some swanky features, including yummy recipes and tips for fostering healthy eating habits (and dealing with eating challenges) for all ages - infants, toddlers, and big kids.
The site also includes an events section, where you can find out about Mom Made tastings and classes - such as their monthly class at the fabulous Breastfeeding Center in DC. You can also use the "find us" feature on the homepage to locate all the stores in your neighborhood stocking their tasty treats. And you can sign up for their free newsletter to get more recipes and info about events and special offers.
As I write in a review of Mom Made Foods in the revised second edition of my book, they're a local success story, founded and managed by local mama Heather Stouffer and featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and in the Wall Street Journal. You can find their line of organic foods for babies and children at Whole Foods, Balducci's, Wegmans, Super Targets, and more. We love their award-winning sweet potatoes!
Posted by Sarah at 11:34 AM. Permanent link to "Mom Made goodness, online."
October 3, 2008
Weekend Watch: Street festivals & shopping opps
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
This weekend in Bethesda and Alexandria there are two great street festivals with activities for kids - plus the added perk of discount shopping nearby.
Taste of Bethesda is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. And while you're there, stop into neighboring Wiggle Room for a very rare Ergo carrier sale, prize giveaway, and demo. They'll be raffling a FREE Ergo carrier ($105 value), plus offering 10 percent off all Ergo merchandise (Saturday only). Also free demos and your questions answered by Ergobabycarrier rep Karin Buck between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. And you can preview their new designs, out this fall. As the mama of an exceptionally long, heavy, and active baby boy, I can't say enough good things about the Ergo. Just yesterday while out for a walk in Old Town, a new mother stopped me to ask about the carrier. Like most everyone I talk to, she shared my experience of pain and aggravation with other baby carriers - so I was v. happy to plug a product that I truly LOVE.
But I digress. Saturday in Alexandria, it's Art on the Avenue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. More kids' activities, tasty treats, and live entertainment. And while you're in this neck of the woods, be sure to stop by the BIG yard sale at our family's very own Meeting House Cooperative Preschool in Old Town (318 S. Royal St.) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Loads of baby and kid gear, toys, books, and clothing - plus adult clothes and household stuff. At low, low bargain prices! I personally donated some goodies in perfect condition - including a Maclaren baby seat, an infant play gym, loads of baby boy clothes and sleepers, and some nice J. Crew jeans/pants and dressy Ann Taylor skirts that I can no longer fit into postpartum. (Alas and alack.)
p.s. Thanks to DCB reader Maria for sharing this: "There's also a Greek festival this weekend, Oct. 3-5, at St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church. These are always fun, with lots of activities and yummy sweets! Free admission."
Posted by Sarah at 1:04 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Street festivals & shopping opps."
October 2, 2008
New oceans exhibit at the Museum of Natural History: Our review
Categories: Washington, DC
So yesterday after pre-K, I took my daughter to check out the big new oceans exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History - and it totally lived up to the hype! The exhibit is beautifully done, incorporating many types of media, realistic full-size models of some of the most amazing creatures, and loads of preserved specimens of the craziest-looking fish and sea life you didn't know existed. My four-year-old was fascinated by the exhibit, and we're so glad we made it downtown sooner rather than later.
Among our faves: The large tank of live coral reef and the colorful fish native to that habitat. (My daughter and some other girls her age squealed with delight at the "Nemos" and "Doris" in the tank, and Ava had to be dragged away after a good 15 minutes of hogging the best view.) Also the 24-foot-long giant squid suspended in a fluid-filled tank and the 45-foot-long North Atlantic right whale model hanging overhead the gallery. And the huge shark jaws. And I really appreciated the volunteer docents available on the exhibit floor - They were so friendly and shared fun facts, as well as some hands-on models, with the kids.
I will say that the exhibit was more crowded than I'd expected for a Wednesday afternoon in October - BUT, it just opened and it's been getting some much-deserved press coverage. In our experience, the crowd was manageable and did not take away from the fun. But I do suggest going on a weekday, or early in the morning when the museum doors open on weekends (10 a.m.).
Must see to appreciate. And plenty of eye-level marvels for young children. This is one of THE best things about raising kids in Washington, DC - So many museums, and so many of them FREE! Enjoy them to the fullest.
photo credits: Chip Clark, Smithsonian Institution
Posted by Sarah at 2:21 PM. Permanent link to "New oceans exhibit at the Museum of Natural History: Our review."