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November 28, 2008
Special discount from Pineapple Grove
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Local-mama-owned Pineapple Grove Gifts is offering a special discount to DCB readers this holiday season: 15% off online purchases. Just enter discount code CUSOON15 at checkout.
We love their personalized gifts (especially the children's plates) for holiday giving... as well as their fun selection of stationary and papers, and sweet hair clips for girls.
Happy shopping.
Posted by Sarah at 6:44 PM. Permanent link to "Special discount from Pineapple Grove." | Comments (0)
November 27, 2008
More Black Friday sales
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Three more post-Thanksgiving sales you should know about: At Dawn Price Baby, with two locations in DC (Capitol Hill near Eastern Market and M St. in Georgetown), Wiggle Room in Bethesda, and Pink & Brown in Old Town.
Friday only, Dawn Price Baby is offering 20% off fall and winter clothing, furniture floor models, bedding, and other select items.
All weekend, Friday through Sunday, Wiggle Room is offering 15% off ALL Melissa & Doug toys. We love these. They're classic, safe, colorful... and non-plastic. Wiggle Room just got a new shipment of M&D toys, including blocks and puzzles, so the stock is plentiful.
Friday only, Pink & Brown is offering 15% off your total purchase from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their only exclusions are furniture, mattresses, and strollers.
Happy Turkey Day.
Posted by Sarah at 8:44 AM. Permanent link to "More Black Friday sales." | Comments (0)
November 26, 2008
Early Santa sightings in Georgetown & Old Town
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
The holidays are officially upon us. And for families who celebrate Christmas, the guy in the red suit is on his way to town. Here are our favorites among his early appearances:
Welcome a new local tradition this year, when Santa takes to the Potomac by boat. The Christmas Attic in Old Town is partnering with The Potomac Riverboat Co. to offer Christmas cruises with Santa... Saturdays and Sundays starting this weekend, November 29, through December 21. Three departure times daily. You start on Union St. at The Christmas Attic, a block from the waterfront, to pick up your tix and get treats and hot chocolate. Then your group will proceed - led by a friendly elf, no less - to the boat where you'll meet Mr. Claus and take a cruise with him to the new National Harbor. There will be holiday sing-alongs and stories from Santa during the ride, and the opportunity to have your child's picture taken. For more info, contact Jill Walker at 703.684.0580 or jwalker-at-potomacriverboatco-dot-com. Reservations are required, and you can make them online at www.potomacriverboatco.com.
Santa will also make appearances at the Georgetown Mall this weekend. I'll say this: I'm generally not into mall Santas - or the mall, period. But I do like this Santa, at this mall. It's not so huge, loud, and chaotic as, say, Pentagon City or Tyson's Corner (neither of which I can tolerate myself, much less subject my children to). There's a parking garage, so you're doing city shopping without having to search for a street space. The crowds are more reasonable. Santa's setup is relatively classy and simple. Plus, you have easy access to good restaurants and strolling on M St. while you're there. Anthropologie - in the mall, and my personal "happy place" - has the sweetest Christmas ornaments and children's specialty clothing this year. And for the kids, there's the new Creativity inside the mall - Definitely worth a visit!
These are just a couple of our faves to kick off the season. We recommend checking out Our-Kids.com for holiday happenings in the District, NoVa, and suburban Maryland. On their website, under "Seasonal Activities," you'll find extensive lists of Santa sightings, holiday shows, and holiday lights. Subscribers to their weekly newsletter get all that, and loads more.
Happy Thanksgiving! And may you reign victoriously on-budget this Black Friday.
Posted by Sarah at 10:54 AM. Permanent link to "Early Santa sightings in Georgetown & Old Town." | Comments (1)
November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving & winter camps for (little) kids
Categories: Northern Virginia
Heads up: Parenting Playgroups is offering a new program this week: A Thanksgiving drop-off camp for ages two to six years, with preschool teachers leading art projects, sing-alongs, circle games, snacks, storytimes and free play. Offered today through Wednesday the 26th, and again on Friday the 28th. A morning option from 9:15 to 11:45, or afternoon from 12:30 to 3 p.m. You can participate every day or just one - giving you a window of time to run holiday errands, shop, cook, clean...or just take a deep breath while your little ones have fun in a safe, fun, and nurturing setting.
The Parenting Playgroups drop-off camp will be offered again, at the same times, during winter break: December 22-23, 29, and 30. They're located close to great shopping in Alexandria. And yes, they're even welcoming the two-year-olds who are still in diapers. Reservations are required: Call 703.922.0044 or send email to: rene-at-parentingplaygroups-dot-com.
Over in Falls Church, Monkey Business will offer a winter day camp, December 23, 29, 30-31. Mornings from 9:15 to 12:15 or afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30. The half-day drop-off camp is for ages three to five years, with fun winter-themed arts and crafts, music and movement, playdough, snacks, and more. Registration is required: Call 703.241.PLAY or visit www.monkeybiz4kids.com.
Posted by Sarah at 5:35 PM. Permanent link to "Thanksgiving & winter camps for (little) kids." | Comments (0)
November 23, 2008
New discounts added to the Holiday Shopper, + Black Friday sale in Old Town
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Two additions since our Holiday Shopper went live last week: 20% off all Serena & Lily nursery bedding at Red Barn Mercantile, and 15% off the cover price of DC BABY, Revised Second Edition in paperback (plus free shipping!).
You can shop the fabulous Red Barn Mercantile online (use coupon code "serenalily" at checkout to redeem your 20% off), or at their store in Old Town, next door to Apple Seed (which is offering 20% off any one item in the store).
If you plan to shop for bargains the day after Thanksgiving, several of the best Old Town retailers are participating in a Black Friday Sale - A great alternative to crowded malls and big-box stores. If you shop in any of the Old Town Boutique District's member stores on November 28, you get 10% off your entire purchase at all the other participating stores. So... If you buy something at Apple Seed, you pay full price. But then you go to Red Barn and get 10% off your entire purchase. And then you go down King St. to Nina's Closet and get 10% off everything you buy. And so on and son on. No limit on how many stores you can redeem your 10% off at. But it's one day ONLY. So strike while that iron's hot.
Posted by Sarah at 7:13 PM. Permanent link to "New discounts added to the Holiday Shopper, + Black Friday sale in Old Town."
November 21, 2008
Weekend Watch: Ice skating, parade, & free kids' yoga
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
This weekend: Cold weather fun on the National Mall, a Thanksgiving parade in Silver Spring, and free kids' classes in Alexandria.
Downtown, the outdoor ice skating rink at the National Gallery's sculpture garden is OPEN for the season. Saturdays the skating starts at 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. on Sundays. Enjoy the music while you're teaching the little ones to skate, and grab a hot chocolate or cider at the pavilion cafe next to the rink. While you're in the neighborhood, you can check out the grand re-opening (at last) of the Museum of American History, with special activities planned for all ages.
On Saturday, Silver Spring holds its annual Thanksgiving Parade from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Huge helium balloons, floats, and marching bands.
Sunday in Del Ray, Alexandria, the fabulous new Mind the Mat studio offers two FREE classes: Kids' Yoga at 4:15 p.m. (ages 5-8) - and if you happen to have an older child, check out their free Tween Yoga at 3:30 (ages 9-12).
Posted by Sarah at 9:03 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Ice skating, parade, & free kids' yoga."
November 20, 2008
Special discount from JuneBee Baby
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
We love love love the sweet and soft handknitted clothes from JuneBee Baby. And they're offering a special discount to DCB readers, through December 31: Enter promo code HOLIDAY08 for 25% off your order of anything in their stock, which includes sizes 0-6 months to 3T. Plus, free shipping on all domestic orders
JuneBee Baby is a mom-founded online boutique whose products are handmade with 100% natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, cashmere, and wool - Each piece is one-of-a-kind. They've been featured recently by American Baby magazine, The Daily Stroll, Urban Baby, and SheFinds. As the Urban Baby reviewer says, "Designs are whimsical and classic; most styles feature hand crocheted decorations..All are soft and cozy, can be dressed up or down, and are hand-me-down worthy. Keep in mind they'll be plenty of time for ironic T-shirts, designer jeans, and cropped shirts in loud colors when they're tweens, but the era of sweet strawberry pockets passes quickly."
Enjoy the discount!
Posted by Sarah at 11:45 AM. Permanent link to "Special discount from JuneBee Baby."
November 19, 2008
Save the Date: African children's concert in NW DC, December 7
Categories: Washington, DC
Thanks to DCB reader Erin for sharing this: Temple Sinai Nursery School in NW DC will host its annual Winter Benefit Concert featuring acclaimed African children's musical duo Anansegromma (ah-non-se-groma). Takes place Sunday, December 7 at 10:30 a.m.
Anansegromma, aka Kofe Denis and Kwame Ansah-Brew, has performed at the Kennedy Center, Strathmore, Wolftrap, and the Folklife Festival. Their music, talking drums, percussion, storytelling, and games magically "transport kids to an African village."
Tix are just $8 in advance or $10 at the door. To reserve them in advance, call 202.363.6394, ext. 3. For more info, contact Robin Gellman at: robingellman-at-yahoo-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:30 AM. Permanent link to "Save the Date: African children's concert in NW DC, December 7."
November 18, 2008
November 22: Kaydee Puppets in Georgetown
Categories: Washington, DC
Heads up for the talented Kaydee Puppets, performing a children's show in Georgetown this Saturday morning, November 22.
Tix are just $25 per family, with proceeds benefiting the Georgetown Recovery Fund of the DC Public Library Foundation, earmarked for the reconstruction of the Children's Room. (As all who love the Georgetown library will remember, a devastating fire caused extensive damage in 2007.)
The puppetry fun takes place at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3240 O St. NW. To buy your tickets, send email to: georgetownprojects-at-gmail-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 4:40 PM. Permanent link to "November 22: Kaydee Puppets in Georgetown."
November 17, 2008
Great deals in the DC BABY Holiday Shopper
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
It's live! Check out our 2008 Holiday Shopper for some nice perks this shopping season.
Among the special offers for DC BABY readers:
* 15% off an item at Pink & Brown
* 20% off an item at Apple Seed
* 15% off an entire order from The Silken Thread
* $75 credit on a photo session with Elizabeth Dranitzke of PHOTOPIA, when you book by 11/30. (Some recent pics of our own little fam are now on Elizabeth's blog, where you can see samples of her beautiful work. We are happy clients!)
* Complimentary manicure/pedicure with the purchase of a gift certificate from Hela Spa
* And in the practical-and-important-department: A private, small-group CPR class discount from Safe Start Baby - Just $40/person (when you mention DC BABY and book by 12/31)
* + more!
Thanks to these local, independent retailers (and artist!) for offering great deals to our readers - I hope you'll support them with your holiday shopping dollars.
If you are a local retailer or service provider serving children/pregnant gals/families and would like a spot in the Holiday Shopper, drop us a line at: sales(at)dc-baby(dot)com.
Posted by Sarah at 4:48 PM. Permanent link to "Great deals in the DC BABY Holiday Shopper."
November 16, 2008
Ticket giveaway! Author Dr. Edward Hallowell in Potomac
Categories: Maryland
UPDATE: There was a huge response to this ticket raffle! Thanks to all of you who entered. I drew the following winners' names: Moira S. (for one ticket) and Dominique M. (for one ticket). Congrats - and enjoy Dr. Hallowell's talk!
In conjunction with PEP, we're giving away TWO FREE TIX to see noted child development and parenting author Dr. Edward Hallowell this Wednesday night, November 19, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Potomac, MD.
Dr. Hallowell's talk, "Five Keys to Raising Motivated, Positive, Capable Kids" is drawn from his book, The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness and "focuses on what parents can do today that really matters toward raising kids who are happy tomorrow." He is featured in this month's Washington Parent magazine.
Nearly 500 tickets have already sold for this event taking place at The Bullis School, and they go for $25/person or $40/couple. Two FREEBIES will be held under your name at Will Call, if your name is drawn as the winner of our giveaway. To enter, send an email to sarah(at)dc-baby(dot)com with the subject line "Dr. Hallowell giveaway," by 5 P.M. MONDAY. In the body of your email, indicate whether you need just one ticket, or two. Winner(s) will be notified by email Monday evening.
Posted by Sarah at 11:13 AM. Permanent link to "Ticket giveaway! Author Dr. Edward Hallowell in Potomac."
November 14, 2008
Weekend Watch: Nutcracker in Clarendon + concerts in DC
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
This weekend it's the unofficial launch of Nutcracker season - and a fundraiser for a great children's charity - in Arlington's Clarendon neighbhorhood... plus a coupla big-name kiddie concerts in the District.
Thanks to DCB reader (and my friend) Heather for the heads up: This weekend the Barnes & Noble Clarendon will host a couple of family happenings. A special storytime, Saturday at 10 a.m. features characters from the Nutcracker ballet. Kids can get up close and personal with The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Prince, and other costumed dancers from the Center Dance Co.
And Saturday and Sunday, the store hosts a book fair to benefit First Book, a nonprofit organization that gives low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. A percentage of in-store purchases this weekend will go toward First Book. IMPORTANT: Tell the clerk at checkout that you are there for the First Book benefit. (Or you can participate at any other B&N bookstore or cafe by giving them the First Book fair code. Jot it down before you go: 415323.) And yes, you can buy a copy of DC BABY's Revised Second Edition at B&N - and have a portion of your purchase go to the First Book program!
In DC, The Laurie Berkner Band performs Saturday at GW's Lisner Auditorium. And Lisa Loeb & Friends (performing stuff from her new CD of kids' camp songs) will do a show Saturday at National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium downtown.
p.s. Quick reminder that on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Celebrate Mama! event goes to Loudon County, at the Claude Moore Rec Center in Sterling. Free admission (fee for some services and activities once you're in the door). Goodie bags to the first 300 families.
Posted by Sarah at 10:14 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Nutcracker in Clarendon + concerts in DC."
November 13, 2008
Mark the calendar: Shop & Tot @ the Capitol Collection in DC
Categories: Washington, DC
This year's Capitol Collection of Holiday Shops in DC, sponsored by the Junior League of Washington, will feature a special event just for parents and families. Shop & Tot is set for Saturday, November 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Marriott Wardman Park near the Woodley Park metro station.
They've lined up a morning of kid-friendly food, pictures with Santa, activities and crafts, storytelling with local children's authors, cupcake decorating, face painting, and live music. One of our favorite local kids' musicians, Mr. Skip, will perform at 10 a.m. All that in addition to hassle-free, stroller-friendly shopping for the grown-ups. (And coverage of football's "rivalry weekend" on a 60-inch Sony, lest any of you worry about missing a game.)
If you can't make it to Shop & Tot, general hours for the Capitol Collection are November 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and November 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Strollers will be welcome on the shopping floor any time during general hours - but there'll also be a stroller-check available if you decide to ditch the wheels.
Proceeds from this great event go to support literacy programs right here at home. For more details and tix, go to www.jlw.org.
Posted by Sarah at 4:15 PM. Permanent link to "Mark the calendar: Shop & Tot @ the Capitol Collection in DC."
November 12, 2008
Children's books about DC: Our faves
Categories: Washington, DC
Election season has inspired us to read Washington, DC-centric books with our daughter - and to put together this list of our favorite picks for the kindergarten-and-younger crowd:
Woodrow, the White House Mouse
Call Me Madame President (authored by the owner of Arlington's Kinder Haus Toys)
DCB readers also recommend:
Underground Train (thanks, Melanie)
Goodnight Washington, DC (thanks, Sharon)
Our White House: Looking Out, Looking In (thanks, Martita)
Posted by Sarah at 4:19 PM. Permanent link to "Children's books about DC: Our faves."
November 11, 2008
Get your tix NOW: Enchanted Forest, November 22-23 in NoVa
Categories: Northern Virginia
It's almost time for the annual Enchanted Forest, set for the weekend of November 22-23 in Reston, with loads of stuff for young kids.
With this annual extravaganza, the gals of the Junior League of Northern Virginia raise $$ that goes directly back to meet the educational and social needs of NoVa's neediest children. The festival has holiday shopping and theme-decorated trees... but also live music and children's entertainers, a Polar Express train, games and crafts for kids, breakfast and photos with Santa, cupcakes and cocoa with the "Snow Fairy Princess," balloon artists, face painters, pirate "tattoos," a pirate magic show, and gingerbread house decorating.
Click here for complete details and to buy your tickets. A lot of kid fun, for a very worthy cause.
Posted by Sarah at 2:52 PM. Permanent link to "Get your tix NOW: Enchanted Forest, November 22-23 in NoVa."
November 8, 2008
Thanks, DC!
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Thanks to all of you who turned out to the book release party for DC BABY's Revised Second Edition at Hooray for Books this weekend!
We had a fun live show with Mr. Knick Knack (aka Steve Rossi), a storytime with the store's fabulous Mr. Patrick, and some good eats from Mom Made Foods and Whole Foods Market.
It was fun to get to meet some of you in person for the very first time. I appreciate your support of the book - as well as your support of a great independent children's bookstore!
If you didn't make it to the party but want a copy of the book, you can order online, here. Or at any of these DC-area booksellers and boutiques.
Posted by Sarah at 10:28 PM. Permanent link to "Thanks, DC!."
November 7, 2008
Weekend Watch: Our party in Old Town, + Kids' Euro Fest in DC
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
We hope you'll join us tomorrow morning, Saturday the 8th, for the celebration of the release of the revised second edition of DC BABY in paperback! Starts at 10 a.m. with a free show by kids' musician Mr. Knick Knack, followed by storytime at 11 a.m. and refreshments/signing/time to chat at 11:30. It all takes place at Hooray for Books children's bookstore in Old Town. RSVP to the e-vite.
Also this weekend, check out the Kids' Euro Fest in DC. It's a children's arts festival starring European kids' entertainers in more than 100 FREE performances taking place at locations throughout the District. Puppeteers, bubble-blowers, storytellers, mimes, a virtual orchestra...you name it. All in partnership with 27 EU embassies and more than a dozen cultural institutions. The festival is ideal for ages six+... BUT there are a number of performances that will be great for preschoolers, too. Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 2:27 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Our party in Old Town, + Kids' Euro Fest in DC."
November 6, 2008
New resource alert! HandMeDowns.com, DC edition
Categories: Washington, DC
New in the "What a great concept!" department: The Washington, DC edition of HandMeDowns.com, where you can unload your gently used baby and kid gear, furnishings, and clothing... and find gently-used versions of what you need for your own growing rugrats.
You can buy, sell, give away for free, or donate to a worthy cause at this child-centric classifieds clearninghouse. The site is brand new, but already features a growing list of participants and items. So jump on board - and if you have friends or family with kids in other parts of the country (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, L.A., Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle), you can help spread the word.
Posted by Sarah at 10:22 AM. Permanent link to "New resource alert! HandMeDowns.com, DC edition."
November 5, 2008
"DC Week" - & DC BABY - in Cookie magazine
Categories: Washington, DC
Should the new President and First Lady happen to peruse Cookie magazine for insights on parenting Malia and Sasha Washington-style, they might stumble upon this little feature, part of the publication's recent "DC Week" guide.
Beyond the Beltway, Cookie's "Going Places" City Guides are helpful for moms and dads planning a vacation - or a relocation - anywhere in the country.
Posted by Sarah at 4:32 PM. Permanent link to ""DC Week" - & DC BABY - in Cookie magazine."
November 4, 2008
Sale alert! Savings @ Dawn Price Baby & DCB discount @ BabyEarth
Categories: Washington, DC
First things first: Today, please VOTE. And after that, mark your calendar for two fabulous sales coming this month at one of our favorite baby and children's boutiques, Dawn Price Baby, with locations in Capitol Hill (near Eastern Market) and Georgetown (M St., in the former K Baby location).
At their Capitol Hill boutique only, Dawn Price Baby will host a November 13th "Mom's Night Out" shopping spree from 6 to 9 p.m., with 15 percent off your purchases (does not apply to strollers, stroller accessories, custom orders, or orders already in process). Wine and appetizers will be served! The day after Thanksgiving, November 28, DPB will host their first ever Black Friday Sale. Register for their email list at www.dawnpricebaby.com to get all the details.
Also, don't forget to take advantage of the discount being offered to my readers by BabyEarth.com: Ten percent off (plus free shipping on orders over $99) when you enter code "dcbabyo8" at checkout. Expires November 14!
Happy (bargain) shopping!
Posted by Sarah at 10:12 AM. Permanent link to "Sale alert! Savings @ Dawn Price Baby & DCB discount @ BabyEarth."