« February 2009 | Main | April 2009 »
March 31, 2009
Free previews of Classic Tales 'n Tunes in Falls Church
Categories: Northern Virginia
Classic Tales 'n Tunes, one of our favorite early childhood enrichment programs in the area, will offer a couple of FREE preview classes in April. Here's the scoop:
Wednesday, April 15
@ 10:15 a.m.
Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St.
Enjoy a free preview class of this award-winning program of stories, music, movement and puppetry enriched with Spanish and ASL, offered by the ever popular Susan Hayes. Ages 1 1/2 - 5 with an adult. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Registration is not required. Feel free to bring a friend. Regular spring session starts in April in Arlington, Falls Church or Vienna.
Wednesday, April 15
@ 11:15 a.m.
Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St.
Beloved teacher Susan Hayes leads this "Tiny Tunes" session for ages birth to 17 months with an adult. Music, movement, puppetry, and sign language are all part of the experience. Registration not required. Feel free to bring a friend. Regular spring session for this group starts in April in Arlington, Falls Church or Vienna.
Posted by Sarah at 11:10 AM. Permanent link to "Free previews of Classic Tales 'n Tunes in Falls Church." | Comments (0)
March 23, 2009
This weekend: "Adoption 101" program in Fairfax
Categories: Northern Virginia
National infertility organization RESOLVE will host an "Adoption 101" program this Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
A mental health expert will discuss making the decision to adopt and parenting adopted children, and you'll have the chance to hear speakers on international, domestic agency and private adoption, and to meet parents and their adoptive children as they tell their stories. If you are just starting to think about adoption, or if you have decided to adopt but are unsure of which way to turn, this program is for you. (FYI, RESOLVE also offers support groups for those considering adoption as a family-building option.)
Cost is $10 per person for RESOLVE members, $25 per person for non-members. Go to www.midatlantic.resolve.org to register or get more info.
Posted by Sarah at 2:35 PM. Permanent link to "This weekend: "Adoption 101" program in Fairfax." | Comments (0)
March 20, 2009
Weekend Watch: Celebrate spring with FREE dessert in Columbia Heights, + BABY film fest in Silver Spring
Categories: Maryland | Washington, DC
To celebrate the first day of spring, today, Friday the 20th is FREE Italian ice day at the fabulous and family-friendly Rita's Water Ice in NW Columbia Heights. Just stop by between 12 noon and 10 p.m. to receive your free regular size treat.
This new-to-us treasure of a destination opened in 2007 and is co-owned by local mama and DCB reader Tammy Davis. Located at 3237 14th St. NW (across from DC USA and Giant), Rita's serves frozen dessert ices in 42 flavors. Their ice is made fresh daily on-site, and they feature eight to 12 different flavors each day. Rita's also does frozen custard and additional desserts.
Perhaps the best part during tough times? A family of four can have homemade dessert at Rita's for under $15. Hard to find. You can reach Rita's Water Ice at 202.251.1014. Enjoy your free Friday afternoon or evening treat!
Also this weekend: The BABY International Film Festival and BABY Fair takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crowne Plaza in Silver Spring. The event focuses on a progressive, new approach to the experiences of pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.
Posted by Sarah at 7:52 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Celebrate spring with FREE dessert in Columbia Heights, + BABY film fest in Silver Spring." | Comments (0)
March 19, 2009
Children's portrait special @ the Tidal Basin
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
One of DCB's featured child/family photographers, Stacey Vaeth, is offering her annual "Cherry Blossom Mini-Session" on Saturday, April 4 between 7 and 10 a.m. at the Tidal Basin.
For the low, low sitting fee of $35 (which includes all images available online for ordering and sharing, and a 10% discount coupon toward a family session), Stacey will capture a portrait of your child that could only be taken in DC at cherry blossom time.
And get this: Stacey will provide animal crackers, juice, water, and a few blankets for you to relax on as you wait for your session - You're also welcome to bring your own picnic and toys.
Spaces are limited, so you need to RSVP pronto if you want to take part: info-at-staceyvaeth-dot-com or 202.276.2481.
Posted by Sarah at 11:06 AM. Permanent link to "Children's portrait special @ the Tidal Basin." | Comments (0)
March 17, 2009
Thursday: Free bellydance class for moms in Bethesda
Categories: Maryland
The Hot Mama Fitness Studio in downtown Bethesda is offering a FREE Hip Mama Bellydance class this Thursday, March 19 at 10:15 a.m.
Studio owner and personal trainer Vionna Jones says, "Toddlers are welcome in the class. Don't worry about what to wear. Come dressed in your workout clothes and have some fun!" Donations will be accepted for the studio's march of Dimes March for Babies fundraising team. A reporter from the Washington Post is expected at Thursday's free demo class.
They're also offering a Bellydance for Birth Preparation class this Saturday, March 21 at 12 noon, covering how bellydance can help ease discomforts during pregnancy and help to prepare you for labor and birth.
For more info or to register for either class, send email to: info-at-hotmamafitnessstudio-dot-com or call 301.560.0626.
Posted by Sarah at 8:34 PM. Permanent link to "Thursday: Free bellydance class for moms in Bethesda." | Comments (0)
March 16, 2009
Cherry blossoms on the way!
Categories: Washington, DC
It's about time. Winter's on the way out...and cherry blossoms are on their way in, with the National Cherry Blossom Festival just around the corner.
The festival's Family Day and Opening Ceremony is set for Saturday, March 28 at the fabulous National Building Museum, with family activities from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, with loads of performances by martial artists, dancers, and children's groups such as young performers from DC's Levine School of Music. Families can enjoy origami and other arts and crafts, explore a floating Japanese tea room and build your own mini tea house, plant a seedling, and more.
At the Opening Ceremony from 4 to 5:30 p.m., watch live performances by The Washington Ballet and a mix of local and international musicians. It's all FREE and open to the public.
The '09 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 28-April 12, with the parade and the Japanese Street Festival set for Saturday, April 4.
Posted by Sarah at 9:06 PM. Permanent link to "Cherry blossoms on the way!." | Comments (1)
March 13, 2009
Weekend Watch: DC's St. Patrick's Day Parade + TotSwap consignment sale
Categories: Maryland | Washington, DC
This weekend, check out another parade and a massive consignment sale.
DC's St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place Sunday at 12 noon on Constitution Ave., from Seventh to 17th St. NW, with bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, fire engines and vintage cars, motorcycles, military, and lots more.
And it's the massive TotSwap kids/baby/maternity consignment sale at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, today through Sunday. Free admission and lots of on-site activities, in addition to the bargain shopping on gear, clothing, toys, furniture, et al.
p.s. For those of you having trouble with the discount code for circus tix... Word I got back is that you need to be sure to enter the discount code into the correct field in the Ticketmaster system when you check out. The correct box to enter the code reads: MC Promotion. Hope this helps!
Posted by Sarah at 10:02 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: DC's St. Patrick's Day Parade + TotSwap consignment sale." | Comments (1)
March 12, 2009
DC area loses one of its best resources for birthing women
Categories: Maryland
In yet another sign that times are tough all over, I'm sad to report that the oustanding and innovative Doula Support Program for women giving birth at the nonprofit Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring is being eliminated due to budget cuts.
Women currently part of the program with due dates up to June 10, don't panic - You are still covered! But after June 10 due-dates, the program will cease to exist. Many of the doulas who have been serving at Holy Cross for years will now be available on a private, contract basis to women birthing there. And there are many other private doulas in the DC area who also take Holy Cross clients.
I applauded this program in both editions of my book as a feature that makes the DC area one of the most progressive places to give birth on the East Coast - just one of the myriad of options available to families here. Many women planned births at Holy Cross specifically because of the doula program.
If you're expecting a baby and considering hiring a doula for support (which I highly recommend, from personal experience!), please check out the pregnancy/birth/postpartum chapter of the Revised Second Edition of my book for referrals... and/or go to www.dona.org to look up DONA-trained doulas serving the DC area. Do your research as early as possible in the pregnancy.... they book up quickly!
Posted by Sarah at 10:19 AM. Permanent link to "DC area loses one of its best resources for birthing women." | Comments (2)
March 11, 2009
Next week: Pachyderm Parade + special discount on circus tix
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
It's an annual tradition in DC: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Pachyderm Parade on Capitol Hill is set for next Tuesday, March 17 - complete with a bagpiper to mark St. Patrick's Day.
Scheduled start time is 10 a.m., and the route is: East on Virginia Ave. SE (by Garfield Park), north on 4th St. SE to East Capitol st., continuing north on 4th St. NE to Stanton Park. It will then continue west on Mass Ave. NE to Columbus Circle (in front of Union Station), to E St. NW, and down 3rd St. NW to G St. NW to the Verizon Center.
Important sidenote: I'm told that due to unpredictable train schedules, the start time and route are subject to change. Continuous updates will be available on the Animal Walk Hotline: 1.866.683.3670.
The circus will be in town at the Verizon Center March 19-22, at the First Mariner Arena in Baltimore March 25-April 5, and at the Patriot Center in Fairfax April 8-19. Special discount: Use the coupon code "mom" (no quotation marks) to get four tix for $44.
Other special events at this year's DC dates: On opening night, Thursday March 19, there will be a special tribute to the troops, with Ringling Bros. honoring wounded veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. And on Friday the 20th at 5 p.m., Ringling Bros. will partner with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to host an on-site naturalization ceremony for new citizens.
Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 11:10 AM. Permanent link to "Next week: Pachyderm Parade + special discount on circus tix." | Comments (4)
March 9, 2009
Last day for celebratory book discount
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Happy first birthday to my baby boy! Today is the last day to take advantage of the 25% off (+ free shipping) discount for online orders of the paperback, DC BABY: Revised Second Edition.
The new book's cover features a photo I took of my son when he was just a few months old. And how he has grown and changed since then. You mothers know what I mean when I say that the first year is the hardest, the most draining, and the most amazing time. More than any other phase of parenting, during that first year the days have a way of simultaneously grinding forward tediously and slipping away too quickly. And poof, suddenly babyhood is gone. Granted, I'm really ready to start regaining some freedom and sense of "myself" again...But he's my last baby, so these days do feel extra precious. [Sob!]
Posted by Sarah at 2:07 PM. Permanent link to "Last day for celebratory book discount." | Comments (1)
March 6, 2009
Weekend Watch: St. Patty's Parade in Alexandria
Categories: Northern Virginia
If we get the promised warm-up this weekend, we can all (at last) unleash the cabin-fevered children into the great outdoors. Just in time to catch the 27th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and related festivities in Old Town Alexandria.
Here's the lineup:
10 a.m. Classic Car Show Competition (N. Pitt St. adjacent to King St.)
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Fun Dog Show (at Market Square)
12:30 to 2 p.m. Parade down King St. (starting at King & West Sts. and moving east toward the Potomac)
Several streets will close and parking will be tricky, so arrive extra early or take metro to the King St. station. Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 10:15 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: St. Patty's Parade in Alexandria." | Comments (0)
March 5, 2009
Time for spring consignment sales
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
'Tis almost the season for spring consignment sales.
Thanks to DCB reader Lisa R. for tipping me off to the Montgomery County Parents of Multiples (MCPOM) Semi-Annual Children's Clothing and Gear Sale, set for Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Julius West Middle School in Rockville (651 Great Falls Rd.) Most items will be half-price near the end of the sale, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They'll have clothing (preemie to 5T, maternity, summer clothing, swimsuits), childproofing gear, strollers, high chairs, playpens, bathtubs, toys, furniture, and more. Cash and checks accepted. Admission at the door is $2/person, to benefit MCPOM, a not-for-profit organization. For more info, call 301.419.8008 or send email to: sale-at-mcpom-dot-org.
For more great spring consignment sales for maternity, baby, and kids' stuff, you've got to consult the local online bible for such things, courtesy of Our Kids. Their list is continually updated - So If you're involved with a sale not already listed there, be sure to email the Our Kids staff to have your event added.
Please also feel free to post a "comment" here, at the end of this blog post, to let DCB readers know about your own neighborhood sales!
Posted by Sarah at 10:38 AM. Permanent link to "Time for spring consignment sales." | Comments (0)
March 4, 2009
Left Noodle-Right Noodle offers day camps & after-school fun for pre-k+
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
A new-to-me resource! Left Noodle-Right Noodle, which offers creative after-school and day-camp enrichment classes for ages pre-k through grade schoolers at sites throughout the NoVa and Montgomery County 'burbs.
Founded by Arlington moms/teachers/artists Moley Evans and Lola Lombard, Left Noodle-Right Noodle is now registering for Day Camps located at Arlington elementary campuses on Friday, March 6 and Friday, March 20 - as well as a Spring Break Camp April 6-10 at an Arlington middle school. Sibling discounts are available, and the kids will enjoy theme-based games and fun, art projects, movement, and a pizza lunch.
To get more info, to register, or to find out how to bring Left Noodle-Right Noodle programming to your neighborhood school, send email to: moleyevans-at-yahoo-dot-com.
Thanks to DCB reader Heather A., for letting me know about this great program!
Posted by Sarah at 11:25 AM. Permanent link to "Left Noodle-Right Noodle offers day camps & after-school fun for pre-k+." | Comments (1)