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December 30, 2008
Last chance for Holiday Shopper discounts
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
It's your LAST CHANCE to take advantage of the discounts offered in our Holiday Shopper! Among the deals you can redeem through December 31st only:
15% off online orders of DC BABY, Revised Second Edition - PLUS free shipping
15% off your entire order from The Silken Thread (use code DCBABY08 at checkout)
20% off one item at Apple Seed (print our Holiday Shopper page and bring with you to the store to redeem)
20% off Serena & Lily nursery bedding at Red Barn Mercantile, in-store or online (print the page, or enter code serenalily at checkout)
15% off one item at Pink & Brown (print our Holiday Shopper page and bring with you to the store to redeem)
Complimentary mani and pedi with the purchase of a gift certificate from Hela Spa
$75 credit on a photo session booked with pregnancy/child/family photographer Elizabeth Dranitzke of PHOTOPIA
Discounted private/small-group infant/child CPR class from Safe Start Baby (just $40 per person) when you mention DC BABY and book by December 31st
Happy New Year!
Posted by Sarah at 2:51 PM. Permanent link to "Last chance for Holiday Shopper discounts." | Comments (2)
December 29, 2008
More New Year's Eve kid fun @ Jammin' Java
Categories: Northern Virginia
The fabulous Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA will host their Second Annual Kids' New Year's Eve Party on the 31st with live music from Robbie Schaeffer and Rocknocerus... plus a full-fledged "countdown" and an apple juice toast for all.
Two shows, and the 11 a.m. is already sold out. But, as of this posting, tix are still available for the 2 p.m. Cost is $12 per person (infants under one year get a free ride). Reserve yours online - Pronto, before they're gone.
Posted by Sarah at 9:41 PM. Permanent link to "More New Year's Eve kid fun @ Jammin' Java." | Comments (0)
December 27, 2008
New Year's Eve for kids, Capitol Hill & Alexandria
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Two good options for celebrating NYE with children, in DC and Alexandria:
The Family Room on Capitol Hill will host a celebration on the 31st from 3 to 7 p.m., with a "countdown" and sparkling cider toast at 6:00. They provide the food and drinks and noisemakers...You supply the kids. Discounted tix in advance, until the 28th.
Also on the 31st is First Night Alexandria, a multi-venue, family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts with live entertainment and activities for children of all ages in and around Old Town. Choose from 65 acts at 38 indoor stages, plus opportunities for face painting, moonbounces, arts and crafts, balloon animals, etc. Tix required for adults, but kids age 12 and under get in FREE.
Posted by Sarah at 9:11 PM. Permanent link to "New Year's Eve for kids, Capitol Hill & Alexandria." | Comments (0)
December 23, 2008
Live theater for preschoolers, January & February at Imagination Stage
Categories: Maryland
Something fun in the New Year: Imagination Stage in downtown Bethesda is bringing back performances geared toward preschoolers, with a busy schedule January 21-February 14.
Their StoryTheatre program, which features three artists in four weeks, is a series of 30-minute morning performances for children ages two to four. Tix are just $7, and should be purchased in advance by calling 301.280.1660.
The lineup:
Wednesday-Saturday, January 21-24, Alison Gee in Beatrice Pickles - Pirate, Princess and Mermaid Tales.
Wednesday-Saturday, January 28-31, Diane Macklin, another popular storyteller returning to Imagination Stage with multicultural stories, chants, songs, and movement.
Wednesday-Saturday, February 4-7 and February 11-14, The Shadow Puppet Workshop. Daniel Barash uses the ancient art of shadow puppetry to bring to life stories and folktales from around the world.
The series will make an April/May return with environmentally-themed children's music and African drumming, songs, stories, and games.
Posted by Sarah at 2:40 PM. Permanent link to "Live theater for preschoolers, January & February at Imagination Stage." | Comments (0)
December 22, 2008
Kid's Days @ Lebanese Taverna in Bethesda & Arlington
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
The fabulous and child-friendly Lebanese Taverna local chain of restaurants has added new Kid's Day events at its downtown Bethesda location. On Tuesdays they host live children's music performed by local favorites from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch... and kids eat FREE with an adult meal.
Thanks to local mama and Lebanese Taverna co-owner Grace Abi-Najm Shea for sharing the December and January lineup for Bethesda:
Tuesday, December 23: The Banjo Man
Tuesday, December 30: Miss Belle
Tuesday, January 6: Oh Susannah
Tuesday, january 13: Mr. Nate
Tuesday, January 20: Miss Belle
Tuesday, January 27: The Banjo Man
Lebanese Taverna also hosts weekly Kid's Days at the Arlington location, Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Posted by Sarah at 8:49 AM. Permanent link to "Kid's Days @ Lebanese Taverna in Bethesda & Arlington." | Comments (0)
December 19, 2008
Weekend Watch: Countdown to Hanukkah & Christmas
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Hanukkah's almost here and it's the last weekend before Christmas... so there's plenty happening around town. Also, orders for copies of DC BABY, Revised Second Edition placed today should arrive by December 24 to households in the DC/MD/VA area. All orders are shipped via priority mail, and the book is discounted 15% - plus free shipping - through December 31 only.
Sunday, December 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Fairfax Corner kicks off the Festival of Lights with a FREE "Magical Hanukkah" event for kids. It includes a performance by The Great Zucchini, live music, the lighting of a giant menorah, Hanukkah storytelling, and a paint-your-own menorah or dreidel craft. Stores in Fairfax Corner will also participate with small giveaways.
The lighting of the National Menorah at the Ellipse near the White House is set for Sunday, December 21 at 4 p.m. The event is free, but tix are required. Call 202.332.5600 for info.
Also on the Ellipse, now through January 1, is the beautifully lit National Christmas Tree. Nightly live holiday music performances by local choirs and groups are scheduled through Tuesday the 23rd.
Posted by Sarah at 1:28 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Countdown to Hanukkah & Christmas." | Comments (0)
December 18, 2008
Trains & holiday cheer @ the National Botanic Garden
Categories: Washington, DC
If you've never taken your little ones to see the FREE walk-through holiday display at the National Botanic Garden on the Mall, now's the time.
The traditional December setup includes an elaborate train display and a garden court with miniature National Mall landmarks and monuments (all crafted from natural plant materials, believe it or not). There are hundreds of blooming seasonal plants, a beautifully decorated tree, and a smaller train display with a Capitol Hill neighborhood in miniature.
Windows to Wonderland is on display through January 4. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the garden stays open until 8 p.m. with live holiday music. For more info, call 202.225.8333.
Posted by Sarah at 2:48 PM. Permanent link to "Trains & holiday cheer @ the National Botanic Garden." | Comments (0)
December 17, 2008
New resource: Preschools guide for Montgomery County, MD
Categories: Maryland | Washington, DC
Great new resource for Montgomery County parents: The MCPOM has published a comprehensive preschool guide. A must-have for anyone beginning the preschool search - or looking to swtich schools - in suburban Maryland.
The 80-page guide will be available for purchase starting this Sunday, December 21. It contains detailed info on approx. 250 preschools in Montgomery County, and a few in nearby Washington, DC - including program offerings, affiliation/teaching philosophies, admission priorities and processes, interview requirements, tuition rates, app fees, sibling discounts, and application timeslines.
Schools are listed alphabetically but are also cross-referenced by geographic area and philosophy/affilitation. The guide contains important and helpful information on different types of preschools, steps in the preschool search, questions to ask during visits to preschools, practical advice from parents who have gone through the preschool search and how children can best prepare to enter kindergarten.
Copies of the guide are $10 plus $2.50 postage, and may be purchased with PayPal or a check. They start mailing out to purchasers next Monday, December 22, and will also be distributed on Sunday at a location in Rockville. Proceeds help to fund club services and support to families with multiples in the DC area.
For more information and to purchase your copy of the guide, go to www.mcpom.org. Direct questions to: mcpom-at-mcpom-dotorg or 301.419.8008.
Posted by Sarah at 1:29 PM. Permanent link to "New resource: Preschools guide for Montgomery County, MD." | Comments (2)
December 16, 2008
Free classes & Kindermusik sale from Parent Child University
Categories: Northern Virginia
Parent Child University has joined our Holiday Shopper to announce FREE preview classes in December and January - plus a mondo 20-80% off sale on Kindermusik instruments, toys, books, and music.
Parent Child University's free demo classes are set for this Friday, December 19, and again on January 9, 10, and 31st. Click here for more info and to register.
PCU, which offers early childhood enrichment classes and parenting workshops in Arlington, Falls Church, and throughout the DC metro area, gets two-thumbs-up in the new edition of my book. Among their vast lineup: Signing Smart play classes and parent workshops, Kindermusik classes, ABC Music & Me preschool and childcare music classes, music/movement/ASL storytimes, Happiest Baby on the Block parenting classes, and a popular conflict resolution class, "Playground Diplomacy." They also host a parenting book club, after-school programs, birthday party entertainment, and an online store with award-winning music toys and resources. Founder Tracey Kretzer is a respected child advocate and educator. Take advantage of one of the free preview classes to get a personal feel for what they offer.
Posted by Sarah at 2:20 PM. Permanent link to "Free classes & Kindermusik sale from Parent Child University." | Comments (1)
December 15, 2008
New local chapter of Holistic Moms Network
Categories: Northern Virginia
News of particular interest to crunchy-leaning NoVa parents: A new chapter of the Holistic Moms Network is forming for Arlington/Alexandria, with a launch party and open house set for Thursday, January 22 from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the Burke Branch Library in Alexandria (4701 Seminary Rd.).
DCB reader Jessica Haney is the hardworking founder of this new group. She tells me there will be food, prizes, and healing touch demonstrations at the inaugural meeting. Subsequent meetings are set for the same place and time on the fourth Thursday of the month through the spring - February 26, March 26, and April 23. Both moms and dads are welcome.
To learn more about the national organization, Holistic Moms Network, click here. Want to volunteer with, or even co-lead, the new chapter? Contact Jessica at: holisticmomsarlalex-at-gmail-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 1:11 PM. Permanent link to "New local chapter of Holistic Moms Network." | Comments (0)
December 12, 2008
Weekend Watch: Hanukkah fun, + Christmas live nativity on the Hill
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
UPDATE: How great is the interfaith friendliness of DCB readers? I love it. Thanks to Deborah S., who passed a sign for this on her way to the Washington Hebrew Congregation and sent the info my way: On Sundays December 14th & 21st from 6 to 8 p.m., Christ Church on Embassy Row in DC is hosting an outdoor "Living Nativity." Petting zoo animals, live characters, music, cookies, hot chocolate, and good cheer. Sounds like it'll be v. child-oriented.
To all of you who celebrate it, Happy Hanukkah! There's a ton of kid-oriented fun for the holiday this weekend. Here are our favorite picks:
The Washington DCJCC at 16th and Q Sts. in the District will host its Community Hanukkah Celebration on Sunday, the 14th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a recommended donation of $10-15 per family, your children can enjoy a sing-along with kids' musician Joanie Leeds, arts and crafts, face painting, dreidel games, and faux tattoos.
On Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., Chevy Chase Pavilion's Hanukkah Celebration features the Lox and Vodka klezmer band, dreidel games, blaloon sculptures, and arts and crafts. Free admission.
And at the JCC of Greater Washington in Rockville on Sunday from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Hands-On Hanukkah will feature edible treats, arts and crafts, a treasure hunt for school-age kids, and more. The event will have a range of activities for ages two+. Adults and toddlers under age two get in free. Kids ove rage two are $7 each 9with a $20 per family max).
Also this weekend, families who celebrate Christmas will enjoy a live nativity scene and Christmas pageant at Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill. Saturday, the 13th, from 4 to 6 p.m. We're told there will be beautiful choir music, live animals, a manger scene, and hot chocolate and cookies served. Free admission. Sponsored by National Community Church and Ebeneezer's Coffee.
Do you know of other Hanukkah or Christmas events for kids and families happening this weekend? You can share them with other readers by filling in the "comment" field below this blog post. Don't be shy, people! Others would really appreciate hearing from you, and I'd love for all of us to make better use of this interactive feature on the DCB site. Happy holidays!
Posted by Sarah at 2:08 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Hanukkah fun, + Christmas live nativity on the Hill." | Comments (0)
December 10, 2008
Discount from Onesies DC
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Onesies DC - about which I wrote a glowing review in the revised second edition of my book - is offering a 15% discount on their winter session if you register before December 20. (They're also offering program gift cards, which make nice holiday presents for new mothers.)
Onesies DC is six weeks of a rotating sampling of DC-area enrichment programs, with plenty of opportunity to make new playdate friends during the ride. As I say in the newest edition of DC BABY: "Brilliant! Long overdue!...This innovative program exposes both newbie and veteran moms to a wide variety of early childhood and parent ed opportunities...saving potentialy expensive trial-and-error while making new friends...No commitment needed to a single program or a long session that might or might not turn out to be the right fit. Onesies DC partners with local favorites like PEP and Hot Mama Fitness to offer you a smorgasboard of baby fun."
Among its many other program partners, Onesies DC has recently joined forces with the JCC of Greater Washington and with Kidville (a popular new import from NYC). So their lineup is continually expanding. Hope some of you will be able to take advantage of the winter discount.
Posted by Sarah at 2:39 PM. Permanent link to "Discount from Onesies DC." | Comments (0)
December 9, 2008
Tree Top Kids, now in Friendship Heights
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Thanks to Sonya S. for tipping me off to this one: There's a new Tree Top Kids location at Chevy Chase Pavilion in Friendship Heights. On Wisconsin Ave., on the bottom level of the mall across the street from Mazza Gallerie, next to World Market.
Sonya and I agree that this is a long-overdue addition to Friendship Heights, since there's been little in the way of children's shopping in the neighborhood. And if you've never been to a Tree Top Kids store, now's the time. They're a great independent local retail chain featured in both editions of my book. They carry a big selection of toys, games, arts and crafts supplies, books, baby and kids' clothing, accessories and gifts. And they host some of the best in-store events in the DC area - many of them free.
In addition to the new Friendship Heights location, you'll find Tree Top Kids in the AU Park neighborhood at Foxhall Square, in Potomac at Cabin John Mall, in Bethesda at Wildwood Shopping Center, additional spots in Maryland, and throughout NoVa (with stores in Arlington, McLean, Falls Church, Fairfax, etc.). To find the TTK nearest you, click here.
Posted by Sarah at 1:13 PM. Permanent link to "Tree Top Kids, now in Friendship Heights." | Comments (0)
December 8, 2008
Sunday, December 14: Georgetown Jingle
Categories: Washington, DC
Get your tix now: This Sunday is the v. family-friendly Georgetown Jingle at DC's Four Seasons Hotel, which raises $$ for the pediatric bone marrow transplant program and pediatric cancer survivorship program at Georgetown University Hospital.
From 4 to 8 p.m., families can visit with Santa Claus and friends, decorate cookies, make holiday crafts, enjoy tastings from some of the best local restaurants, dance to kids' bands Rocknocerus and Jack Frost, and bid on over 200 (really, really good) silent auction items for your holiday shopping. All proceeds benefit the selected children's health charities. Great fun for a great cause.
Purchase tickets online. Or you can call 202.726.0504 for more info.
Posted by Sarah at 11:03 AM. Permanent link to "Sunday, December 14: Georgetown Jingle." | Comments (0)
December 6, 2008
Next weekend: Breakfast w/ Santa @ the Hard Rock Cafe
Categories: Washington, DC
Congrats to Tracey K. of DC, winner of our ticket giveaway for next weekend's Breakfast with Santa at the Hard Rock Cafe! There was a huge response to the contest, announced in the December 1 DCB newsletter. Thanks to all of you who entered. Here's the complete scoop on how you can join the fun:
Next Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14, the Hard Rock DC (located downtown, a short walk from Metro Center, next to Fords Theater and across from the FBI building), will host little rockers and their families for a buffet-style breakfast and photos with Santa, plus goodie bags to take home. Two seatings each day, at 8 and 10 a.m.
Tix are $13.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids (which includes both tax and gratuity). Toddlers/babies under age two are free with a paying adult. To reserve your spot or get more info, email Jordan Rosenblatt at the Hard Rock: jordan_rosenblatt-at-hardrock-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 11:30 AM. Permanent link to "Next weekend: Breakfast w/ Santa @ the Hard Rock Cafe." | Comments (0)
December 5, 2008
Weekend Watch: This & that around town
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
The weekend's picks are an eclectic bunch of goings-on, with events in Old Town, NW DC, and Wolf Trap's Filene Center.
This afternoon, Friday the 5th from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Anne Leslie Silhouettes is at Hooray for Books children's bookstore in Old Town Alexandria. Her last appearance of the year! Anne's art is unique and memorable... and makes a much better grandparent gift than, say, another necktie. The silhouettes are hand-cut, and surprisingly affordable for the detail and quality of the work. It's also Scottish Walk Weekend in Old Town... our favorite neighborhood tradition every year. (With Willard Scott as grand marshal, no less!)
Thanks to Heather A. for sharing this one: Tonight, Friday the 5th from 6 to 10 p.m., the University of DC's David Clarke School of Law will host another in its series of Eco/Justice Cafe events, at the university's Firebird Inn on Connecticut Ave. NW. Heather tells me it's a v. kid-friendly happening with lots of children's activities - including a play area with toys and games for all ages, stamps and ink, modeling clay, craft materials/glue and glitter, bubble wands, and milk and juice to drink. A tabling area for the grownups features environmental and social justice organizations and businesses. There's also "live music, poetry, an open mike session, god food, good beer, good people, and good karma!" Accessible from the Van Ness/UDC red line metro stop, west exit. Suggested donation $15/$10 students/$5 kids.
And don't forget that Sunday at 4 p.m. is the FREE-admission annual Holiday Sing-Along @ Wolf Trap in NoVa. Quite the beautiful spectacle and a fun time... complete w/ music from the U.S. Marine Band. Bring your own jingle bells and candles. Arrive early - Parking is free but fills up quickly. And dress WARMLY - you'll be outdoors.
Enjoy.
Posted by Sarah at 10:08 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: This & that around town." | Comments (0)
December 4, 2008
Kids Eat Free - with Santa - @ Austin Grill
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
As anyone who's been reading this blog for any length of time knows, deep down I'm still an Austin girl, even after years in Washington. We eat at Austin Grill in Old Town with perhaps alarming frequency - It's as close as I can get to "home food" in DC, and they are exceptionally kid-friendly.
This month they're hosting "Kids Eat Free" evenings with Santa Claus (including photo opps w/ the bearded man) at several DC-area locations:
Friday, December 12 at the Centreville, VA Austin Grill
Wednesday, December 17 at the Silver Spring, MD Austin Grill
Wednesday, December 17 at the Springfield, VA Austin Grill
Thursday, December 18 at the downtown Bethesda, MD Austin Grill
Thursday, December 18 at the Old Town Alexandria, VA Austin Grill
Thursday, December 18 at the Annapolis, MD Austin Grill
Happy Tex-Mex Xmas.
Posted by Sarah at 10:25 AM. Permanent link to "Kids Eat Free - with Santa - @ Austin Grill." | Comments (1)
December 3, 2008
Thumbs up for holiday children's theater @ Glen Echo Park
Categories: Maryland
I really believe that live theater and live music - when they're done well - are some of the best things I can expose my children to. And we're v. lucky here in DC to have loads of talent in the theater department. Last weekend, in what's become an annual tradition for our family, I took my daughter to see the gorgeous performance of The Nutcracker produced by the Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo Park. They're such pros, and the costuming and set design alone are worth the trip. I'm a bit of a cynic when it comes to reviews, but this is Magical. Go see it. Recommended for ages five+, BUT our child has been enjoying this show since she was three years old. And I saw a number of younger preschoolers in the audience.
Also at Glen Echo, the fabulous Adventure Theatre is staging Frosty the Snowman, this Saturday through January 4. We really enjoyed Babe, the Sheep Pig last summer, so we're looking forward to another visit. They're also offering a full lineup of theater-for-kids classes and workshops for ages two+ (the youngest preschoolers participate with a parent or caregiver).
Enjoy.
Posted by Sarah at 10:06 AM. Permanent link to "Thumbs up for holiday children's theater @ Glen Echo Park."