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January 29, 2009
Weekend Watch: New kid-friendly ice rink, & Chinese New Year parade
Categories: Maryland | Washington, DC
While we're reveling in all things cold and wintry: The new outdoor ice skating rink is open at Rockville Town Square, located downtown across from the Regal theater and a block from the Rockville metro station. The rink uses a synthetic, environmentally-friendly ice that is said to be more safe and forgiving for children and beginners.
Also this weekend, the Chinese New Year Parade in DC's Chinatown takes place Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., with the giant firecracker scheduled to go off at 3:45. Head to H St. NW, between 6th and 8th Sts. The Chinese dragon dances are beautiful. And it's FREE.
Posted by Sarah at 1:42 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: New kid-friendly ice rink, & Chinese New Year parade." | Comments (0)
January 28, 2009
This Saturday: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo @ Jammin' Java
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Get your tickets now: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo will perform his live show for kids at Jammin' Java this Saturday, January 31 at 10:30 a.m. Tix are $8.
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo's positive hip hop, a.k.a. "KID HOP," is showcased on his hot-selling, one-year-old debut release, "Easy," which has been number one on XMKids and Kids Korner, reviewed by Cookie magazine as "a revelation," and praised by OutwiththeKids.com in Philly as "one tremendous musical experience."
He's known for genre-bending production and great storytelling, putting on a dance party mixing classic breaks with fun, reggae, and even bluegrass. Adults who really know hip hop will appreciate the writing and delivery, but the kids will appreciate the dragons, mermaids, robots, and sea monsters. Secret Agent 23 Skiddoo was a professional, nationally-touring hip hop artist long before he became a dad and created a niche especially for the wee ones - So he knows what he's doing.
Take a listen at www.secretagent23skidoo.com.
Posted by Sarah at 9:42 AM. Permanent link to "This Saturday: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo @ Jammin' Java." | Comments (0)
January 27, 2009
Wanted: Your changing station reviews & news
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
A couple of ingenious local parents have put together a new website that researches and rates local diaper-changing facilities in restaurants and shopping areas.
It's ChangingStationEvaluation.com, and they'd love to have your input! Know of a great changing spot in the DC area - or want to warn others away from places that are lacking, or particularly foul? Help them help others via this handy compilation of insider knowledge.
As those of you who bought the first edition of my book (back in 2005-2006) will remember, I included a brief and thoroughly unscientific "Changing Table Tour," reviewing a random sampling of public baby-changing facilities throughout DC and its suburbs. The results were mixed... but I understand at least one of the major offenders has made significant improvements since I gave them the thumbs down. (Connection? I'd like to think so!)
Three+ years after my Changing Table Tour, your mileage may vary. But at the time, I gave thumbs-up to the facilities at Nordstrom's department stores (especially Pentagon City and Tyson's), the National Museum of Natural History, Buy Buy Baby stores in Springfield and Rockville, Babies R Us locations throughout the area, Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Barnes & Noble on Rockville Pike, and the Chinquapin Rec Center in Alexandria.
The National Cathedral facilities got mixed reviews, as did many Starbucks locations (which are hit-or-miss). At the time, the big thumbs-downs went to RFK Stadium, the Tenleytown McDonald's on Wisconsin Ave., Dulles Airport, and American City Diner on Connecticut Ave. I'm told that RFK mended its ways about a year after the first edition of my book came out. (Bravo!)
Posted by Sarah at 1:44 PM. Permanent link to "Wanted: Your changing station reviews & news." | Comments (0)
January 26, 2009
In memory of Lisa Flaxman, local mom & founder of musiKids
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
I'm saddened to share the news that community leader, Chevy Chase mom, and founder/president of the wildly popular musiKids program Lisa Flaxman has died after a valiant battle with breast cancer. Lisa leaves behind her three children and husband, as well as a strong legacy as an advocate for kids and a patron of the local arts.
To honor Lisa's life and continue her work, you can contribute to the Lisa J. Flaxman MusiKares Fund for the Celebration of the Performing Arts, through the Montgomery County Community Fund. The funding will be used to support performing arts celebrations, elementary school artist-in-residence programs, public school performances, and scholarships for local students to attend performing arts institutions or to gain access to private arts instruction. You can donate online - or make a check payable to "Lisa J. Flaxman MusiKares Fund/MCCF" and mailed to:
Lisa J. Flaxman MusiKares Fund/MCCF
c/o The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
Attention: Kenny Emson
1201 15th St. NW, Suite 420
Washington, D.C. 20005
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lisa's family. She will be missed.
Posted by Sarah at 1:54 PM. Permanent link to "In memory of Lisa Flaxman, local mom & founder of musiKids." | Comments (0)
January 23, 2009
Weekend Watch: Baby races in Fairfax, & Chinese New Year in DC
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
This just in for News of the Weird: Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, VA will host a "Diaper Derby" Saturday morning, in which crawlers under 14 months old will race to the finish line, winning you tix to the Nissan Pavilion or a two-night stay at the Gaylord Resort at the new National Harbor. Co-sponsored by local radio station 98.7 WMZQ.
I'm so serious. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the race starts at 11:00. You must bring legally-valid proof showing that the baby is younger than 14 months.
For those of you not into jockeying your baby, there's the Chinese New Year. The Smithsonian American Art Museum downtown will host a FREE, all-ages celebration Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Check out the amazing Lion Dance Parade and the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe, plus martial arts demos and the chance to make your own red paper lanterns. Happy Year of the Ox!
Posted by Sarah at 10:03 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Baby races in Fairfax, & Chinese New Year in DC." | Comments (1)
January 22, 2009
Children's parties, Confetti-style
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
A fantastic new-to-me resource for stress-free, fun, and memorable kids' soirees: Confetti Event Planning, based out of Alexandria to serve the DC metro area, founded and operated by attorney-mom Brandy Falk.
Confetti's high-profile clients have included CEOs and the U.S. military, but the parties Brandy creates for children and families are extra-special works of art, with themes like "Ahoy Matey," "Pink Princess Tea," "Safari Soiree," "Garden Fairies," "Barnyard Bash," "Under the Sea," and "Picasso Paints."
Depending upon your needs, Confetti does some - or all - of the party-planning, invitations, decorations, entertainment, favors, and food for your event. And they can handle parties held in your own home or at another location of your choice. Confetti's online photo album, which includes several shots from their children's parties, is a must-see!
Posted by Sarah at 10:10 AM. Permanent link to "Children's parties, Confetti-style." | Comments (0)
January 21, 2009
Special discount from Parent Child University
Categories: Northern Virginia
One of the things we like best about Parent Child University is their willingness to offer evening (and weekend - even Sunday) classes for families in which both parents work outside the home - allowing these parents to take part in programs with their young children that they would otherwise have to miss out on.
PCU is now offering you a $10 coupon off the cost of home materials for any of their upcoming evening classes. Just register at 703.228.4747 and then send email to: MissTracey at ParentChildU dot com, telling her you want to apply the discount code DCBabyRocks! to your registration. Complete details on classes and registration here.
You can take advantage of this discount on evening classes including beginner-level Signing Smart (Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. at the Fairlington Community Center in Arlington) and Kindermusik Family Time (Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., also at the Fairlington Community Center).
Thanks to PCU for offering this discount to working families!
Posted by Sarah at 10:20 AM. Permanent link to "Special discount from Parent Child University." | Comments (0)
January 19, 2009
Inauguration countdown!
Categories: Washington, DC
A few last minute tips for inauguration celebrations, whether you're braving the crowds with kids or hosting your own family-friendly inaugural ball at home:
For those of you who'll be taking children to the Mall for inauguration festivities: A heads-up that the Smithsonian offers several warm and inviting spaces you can duck into, when you need to escape the low temps and the huge crowds. Among the best options: The new Live Butterfly Pavilion at the Museum of Natural History, an 80-degree, 1,200-square-foot tropical setting featuring more than 400 tropical butterflies in flight. And the new Sant Ocean Hall exhibit, also at the Museum of Natural History - a 23,000-square-foot hall featuring 674 rare marine specimens, 97 models, anda 1,500-gallon coral reef tank. (We've been - It's amazing!)
Over at the Museum of American History, check out Abraham Lincoln's inaugural suit and top hat... plus the celebrated inaugural ballgowns of the first ladies! (Go, Jackie O.) Don't plan on ducking into the National Gallery of Art or the Holocaust Museum, though. Both closing for the day.
If you're staying home to celebrate in a more intimate style with the kiddies, be sure to check out Kids Off the Couch's "Bringing the Inauguration Home" guide.
Posted by Sarah at 11:51 AM. Permanent link to "Inauguration countdown!." | Comments (1)
January 16, 2009
Weekend Watch: Children's Theater Fest, & National Day of Service
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Get warm and cozy on Saturday at the Children's Theater Festival in Rosslyn, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rosslyn Spectrum. It's an all-day lineup of bilingual English-Spanish theater and fun from Teatro de la Luna, with activities including face painting, puppet-making, arts and crafts, and storytelling. Children ages four and under get in FREE.
Also during this long MLK and inauguration holiday weekend...If you're thinking of taking part in the National Day of Service to honor Dr. King, check out the online listings of opportunities and events happening across the DC metro area. Some are kid-friendly and would make for a good day out together as a family. In DC, click here. For those who live in the suburbs, enter your zipcode at this national website to look up the Day of Service events near you.
Posted by Sarah at 10:51 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Children's Theater Fest, & National Day of Service." | Comments (0)
January 15, 2009
Gustafer Yellowgold's coming to town!
Categories: Washington, DC
On Valentine's Day at 10 a.m., the historic Avalon Theatre on Connecticut Ave. will host Gustafer Yellowgold's "Mellow Fever Tour," an all-ages show applauded by Entertainment Weekly and dubbed "a cross between 'Yellow Submarine' and Dr. Seuss" by the New York Times.
Never heard of Gustafer Yellowgold, brainchild of NYC illustrator/songwriter/performer Morgan Taylor? The hero of the series of DVD/CD sets, Gustafer is a little yellow fellow who came to Earth from the Sun. His shows are a one-of-a-kind blend of live music and moving image, projected in vivid color onto a large screen. Catchy original songs and minimally animated illustrations are interwoven in a multimedia spectacle, with Taylor's wry narration and interaction with the audience. Part concert, part animated movie, party alternative comedy act.
Tix are $8.50, or $5.50 for Avalon members. Get more info or buy yours at 202.966.6000 or www.theavalon.org.
Posted by Sarah at 10:19 AM. Permanent link to "Gustafer Yellowgold's coming to town!." | Comments (2)
January 14, 2009
February 1: "Acupressure & Yoga for Labor" on Capitol Hill
Categories: Washington, DC
Heads up, all pregnant gals and their partners: The fabulous Janet Brown, licensed massage therapist and certified prenatal yoga instructor, is offering a new workshop, "Acupressure and Yoga for Labor" at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill on Sunday, February 1 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Janet says the class will instruct you in how to use yoga poses for pain relief and an easier labor and delivery. You'll also practice positioning and breathing to help you during all the phases of labor, as well as many different approaches to pain management. You and your partner will learn a sequence of acupressure points, as well as how you can use aromatherapy for labor comfort. Pre-registration required. Contact Janet at 703.863.3156.
Janet Brown is also quite active volunteering her time with the DC chapter of nonprofit organization ICAN, which meets next on January 25 from 4 to 5 p.m., also at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill. No charge to attend, and all are welcome. The next meeting topic is "Chiropractic Care for Avoiding Cesarean." For more info, contact Janet at: jbrownlmt at yahoo dot com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:50 AM. Permanent link to "February 1: "Acupressure & Yoga for Labor" on Capitol Hill." | Comments (0)
January 13, 2009
New workshops from Foundations for Families
Categories: Northern Virginia
Foundations for Families has announced a new lineup of parenting workshops for January through February and beyond, to be held at their Old Town Alexandria offices.
Workshops are offered at both morning and evening times, covering a wide range of topics affecting new and expectant parents, parents of infants/toddlers, parents of preschoolers, and those with school-age children. Cost to attend is $20 per workshop.
Here's just a sampling from their calendar:
January 26, 9:30-11 a.m.:
A Practical Guide to Selecting High-Quality Childcare
January 29, 9:30-11 a.m.
From Managing Sibling Rivalry to Supporting Sibling Relationships
February 3, 9:30-11 a.m.
Parenting Strategies to Match Your Baby's Personality
Posted by Sarah at 11:08 AM. Permanent link to "New workshops from Foundations for Families." | Comments (0)
January 12, 2009
It's sale season
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Now that the holidays are past and retailers are starting to focus on spring inventory, several of the boutiques recommended in my book(s) are hosting nifty sales. Here's a sampling:
The Pajama Squid's 30% off sale is on now, for both clothing and shoes, in their Takoma Park boutique AND online.
In our own 'hood, Pink & Brown's 30 to 50% off sale is underway now.
Also in our 'hood, Apple Seed has significant markdowns on maternity clothing, baby and toddler clothing, Hotslings, and more - BOTH in-store in Old Town and online.
In Bethesda, a clearance sale is now underway at Wiggle Room.
Piccolo Piggies in Georgetown and Bethesda currently has its clothing AND shoes marked down 30 to 60%.
Dawn Price Baby's semi-annual "crawl, walk, run sale" at both locations (Georgetown and Cap Hill/Eastern Market) goes now through March 15. Current discounts are 30 percent off, but will increase to 40 percent off in early February and 50 to 75 percent off after February 20. Best selection early on, deepest discounts later on.
If you know of other good local sales for maternity, infants, and kids, feel free to share them by posting a "comment" here at the blog entry.
Posted by Sarah at 9:44 AM. Permanent link to "It's sale season." | Comments (0)
January 9, 2009
Weekend Watch: Planes in flight @ the Building Museum
Categories: Washington, DC
In both editions of my book I heap praises upon the National Building Museum as one of the best places in the District to take young children - especially during wintertime. It's a beautiful space... with loads of room for little ones to romp, and rarely a crowd. You can also grab a bite to eat while you're there, browse great exhibits, shop in the gift store, and it's right across the street from metro.
Calling all airplane-loving kids (and parents): This Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Building Museum hosts "Flying in the Great Hall." The DC Maxecuters club will fly their model airplanes in and across the great hall. FREE for all ages.
Older kids (ages eight+) are invited to come early, from 9 to 11 a.m., to make your own model airplane with a group of cub scouts as your guides. (Tix required for kids; accompanying adults are free). For more info, call 202.272.2448.
Posted by Sarah at 7:32 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Planes in flight @ the Building Museum." | Comments (0)
January 7, 2009
Kids @ the inauguration: Crazy, or what?
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
So here we are, locals living a stone's throw away from one of the biggest moments in American history. And we have kids.
I know I'm not alone in entertaining two lines of thought about the situation. They go something like this: 1) We MUST take our pre-k-age daughter to see this moment she'll tell her children and grandchildren about, and watching it on TV while we sit a few miles from the action is lame and lazy, 2) We are INSANE to consider taking our pre-k-age daughter into this crowd-control/security/transportation nightmare amid 2.5 million tourists in the dead of winter.
I don't know yet what I'll decide. And I'm not lucky or important enough to have tix to the swearing-in, so that's not an issue - It's the parade and the other unticketed mayhem I've been pondering. If you, like me, are trying to do the due-diligence and make an informed decision about taking children, of any age, to inaugural celebrations, here are a few online resources you should consult:
Advisory for parents of young children attending swearing-in ceremony
Using the metro system during inauguration week
Issues affecting District of Columbia residents during inauguration week
More on the Verizon Center kids' concert from the Post
Tips for families from Chesapeake Family magazine
Nickelodeon kids' cable channel coverage of the inauguration
Know of other important info or resources on this topic? Please share with the rest of us by posting your "comment" at the end of this blog entry.
p.s. Tix to the children's inaugural ball hosted by the NCM are now SOLD OUT!
Posted by Sarah at 1:15 PM. Permanent link to "Kids @ the inauguration: Crazy, or what?." | Comments (4)
January 6, 2009
Limited tix available to Children's Inaugural Ball
Categories: Washington, DC
The National Children's Museum and the Every Child Matters Education Fund are co-hosting a first-of-its-kind Children's Inaugural Ball on the afternoon of Sunday, January 18, with live music, arts and crafts, food, interactive exhibits, play areas, a storytime stage and exhibitors including Friends of the National Zoo, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Aquarium, National Geographic Kids, and others.
The Children's Inaugural Ball will be held at the Historical Society of Washington, DC (801 K st. at Mt. Vernon Square). Tickets are FREE, but available in very limited supply; first come, first served.
Posted by Sarah at 10:25 AM. Permanent link to "Limited tix available to Children's Inaugural Ball." | Comments (4)
January 5, 2009
New must-know resource: Mommy Blueprint
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
A new resource based out of Silver Spring, founded by three mamas (and sisters): Mommy Blueprint produces handy tablets and notepads for organizing your parenting and family life. A step beyond that crowded daytimer you're lugging around. Brilliant little tools, they are!
But in addition to their products, Mommy Blueprint also hosts an online community, e-newsletter, and blog where they share organizing and time-saving tips - as well as plentiful freebies you can take advantage of. No purchase necessary to enjoy these free perks.
Posted by Sarah at 9:43 AM. Permanent link to "New must-know resource: Mommy Blueprint." | Comments (0)
January 1, 2009
This weekend @ the Kennedy Center: Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Categories: Washington, DC
Have a quintessential Washington experience with your kids this holiday weekend: Take them to the Kennedy Center. The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia will present for a puppet production of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, based on the classic children's books by Margaret Wise Brown.
Saturday is sold out, but as of this posting, tix are still available for the Friday, January 2 shows (1 and 3 p.m.) and the Sunday, January 4 shows (1 and 3 p.m.). $18 per person. The production runs about one hour and is suggested for ages three+.
Posted by Sarah at 4:45 PM. Permanent link to "This weekend @ the Kennedy Center: Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny." | Comments (0)