« March 2009 | Main | May 2009 »
April 30, 2009
Alexandria's Biggest Baby Shower
Categories: Northern Virginia
Attention, Alexandrians: Now through June 5, nonprofit group Community Partners for Children is sponsoring Alexandria's Biggest Baby Shower, to benefit families of the Arlandria Health Center, the Casey Clinic, the Center for Alexandria's Children, the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry, and the Tiny Titans at T.C. Williams High School.
NEW and unopened items needed include diapers, wipes, bottles and formula, blankets, burp cloths, and gift certificates. Drop off your donation at any of the following spots in Del Ray and Old Town:
A Show of Hands (2301 Mt. Vernon Ave.)
Burke & Herbert Bank (306 E. Monroe Ave.)
The Dairy Godmother (2310 Mt. Vernon Ave.)
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (2300 Mt. Vernon ave.)
Video Vault (113 S. Columbus St.)
Yoga in Daily Life (2402 Mt. Vernon Ave.)
Today's Cargo (1102 King St.)
For more info, contact Community Partners for Children at 703.683.2570.
Posted by Sarah at 10:46 AM. Permanent link to "Alexandria's Biggest Baby Shower." | Comments (0)
April 29, 2009
"Celebrate Mama" event coming to downtown Bethesda
Categories: Maryland
The DC area's annual "Celebrate Mama" event comes to Bethesda Row this weekend, with a day of kid-friendly entertainment, shopping, and information for parents on Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The entertainment stage has lots of good stuff this year, with an 11 a.m. performance by Rocknocerus, a Funfit performance at noon, a 12:45 puppet show, 1:30 p.m. bellydancing, and an afternoon of ballet and storytelling.
Several DC BABY friends will have booths with information and prizes/giveaways, so be sure to stop and say hello to Our Kids, Parent Encouragement Program (PEP), My Gym Potomac, Stroller Strides, March of Dimes/March for Babies, The Breastfeeding Center, and MommyBlueprint.
p.s. Also on Saturday is the family-oriented Kentlands Day festival in Gaithersburg...More on that in Friday's "Weekend Watch" post.
Posted by Sarah at 1:39 PM. Permanent link to ""Celebrate Mama" event coming to downtown Bethesda." | Comments (0)
April 28, 2009
Mother's Day gift from Let's Dish!
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
Have you given birth or adopted a baby in the past year? If so, you should take advantage of a special promotion at one of the five DC-area Let's Dish! locations. Their annual Salute to New Moms special will be offered May 5-23 to any of you who became a mama since Mother's Day last year (May 11, 2008).
To get a "free dinner for 2-3" from your neighborhood Let's Dish!, you just need to present a valid email address and proof of your baby's birth or adoption date. You'll get to pick among several meal choices to assemble your fave.
For more details, contact your L.D. location:
Alexandria (6550 Little River Turnpike, 703.750.0790)
Ashburn (44260 Ice Rink Plaza, 703.858.7900)
Fairfax (11215 Lee Hwy., 703.359.1450)
Columbia (6925 Oakland Mills Rd., 410.309.3415)
Baltimore (9602 Deereco Rd., 410.560.5634)
We found Let's Dish! to be a lifesaver during a tough pregnancy #2 and for several months after the birth of our son - so I gave them a big thumbs-up recommendation in DC BABY, Revised Second Edition. Gift certificates make great baby shower gifts, too.
Posted by Sarah at 1:41 PM. Permanent link to "Mother's Day gift from Let's Dish!." | Comments (0)
April 27, 2009
Baby-Mommy (& Daddy) Happy Hour in DC
Categories: Washington, DC
Heads up, District parents: One of our fine mama readers is organizing a Baby-Mommy (& Daddy) Happy Hour at Nellie's (U St. and 9th St. NW, a block from the Shaw-Howard metro station) this Saturday, May 2, from 2 to 5 p.m.
DC moms and dads of little ones are all welcome to join the fun! For more info or to RSVP, please contact the organizer by email at: deepashley-at-gmail-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 11:02 AM. Permanent link to "Baby-Mommy (& Daddy) Happy Hour in DC." | Comments (0)
April 25, 2009
Tomorrow: Fishing fun for kids @ the C&O Canal
Categories: Washington, DC
It's a lovely weekend to take your kids on a first fishing trip...And the Family & Youth Casting Call event takes place this Sunday the 26th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fletcher's Boathouse on the C&O Canal in DC.
This fun all-ages intro to fishing is hosted by the American Fly Fishing Trade assoc., the National Park Service, and others working to connect kids with nature. A section fo the C&O Canal is netted and stocked with native fish to ensure that every child who attends will get the chance to reel one in - as well as to take part in other related activities, like fly tying and casting, fish art, touch tanks, scavenger hunts, the chance to earn a National Park Service Junior Ranger badge, etc. Something for every age group.
Happy fishing!
Posted by Sarah at 4:01 PM. Permanent link to "Tomorrow: Fishing fun for kids @ the C&O Canal." | Comments (0)
April 24, 2009
Weekend Watch: Annual KIDSTUFF sale, NCM event, + a Lily & Serena trunk show
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
On Saturday, Mt. Olivet Preschool in Arlington will hold its mondo 13th Annual KIDSTUFF sale. Stop by for great finds at great prices. Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church is super easy to find, at 1500 N. Glebe Rd. near its intersection w/ 66. Proceeds will go to benefit the school's programming.
Both Saturday and Sunday, the still-under-development National Children's Museum at the National Harbor will host a Grand Opening Celebration for its "Launch Zone," where kids can enjoy free performances, make a recycled art/craft project, and make chalk drawings.
Also this weekend...One of our favorite Old Town shops (owned by local mama Amy Rutherford), Red Barn Mercantile, will host a Serena & Lily trunk show on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m., with a 15% discount on purchases. Designers will be on hand - as well as a Serena & Lily rep - to help you choose bedding and design your rooms. Serena & Lily does crib/nursery all the way up to king-size bedding, so there's something for everyone. And it's beautiful stuff! Treats and bevs will be served.
Posted by Sarah at 2:36 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Annual KIDSTUFF sale, NCM event, + a Lily & Serena trunk show." | Comments (0)
April 23, 2009
FREE parenting workshops in Tenleytown w/ Jen Kogan, LICSW
Categories: Washington, DC
One of the great local therapists I've recommended especially for moms, Jen Kogan, LICSW, is offering two FREE parenting workshop sessions, "How to Handle Your Child's Intense Feelings," for parents and caregivers of kids ages three to 14.
A daytime session is set for Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and an evening session will be offered Tuesday, May 12 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Both will meet in Tenleytown, NW DC, near the red line metro station at 4000 Albermarle St., Suite 504.
Jen says the workshops will focus on what we can do for ourselves and our children as we grapple with normal-but-difficult emotions like anger, worry, and fear. Participants will work on identifying what pushes your buttons, handling conflict constructively, teaching your children how to identify emotions, expressing anger safely, improving family communication, and building stronger relationships.
No cost, but you must register by calling Jen at 202.215.2790 or sending email to: jenko108-at-gmail-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 12:01 PM. Permanent link to "FREE parenting workshops in Tenleytown w/ Jen Kogan, LICSW." | Comments (0)
April 22, 2009
Mother's Day pampering with Jennifer Moore
Categories: Northern Virginia
Yoga instructor and reflexology practitioner Jennifer Moore is offering her fabulous Annual Mother's Day Out workshop Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bethel UCC in Arlington.
I've done this workshop with Jennifer and it's a great way to get two hours of personal time (running errands and doing the grocery shopping alone don't count!) to relax and replenish with yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation and deep relaxation, relfexology, and massage. Plus, Jennifer gives you a wonderful little goodie bag and does drawings for door prizes at the end of the class.
All women are welcome, and I highly recommend bringing a friend, your mother or sister with you. Pre-reigster no later than Tuesday, May 5 to secure your spot. Cost is $35 for pre-registrants. Visit the website or contact Jennifer at 703.671.2435.
Posted by Sarah at 9:47 AM. Permanent link to "Mother's Day pampering with Jennifer Moore." | Comments (0)
April 20, 2009
THE face painter you must hire for your next kids' party!
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Last weekend we celebrated our daughter's birthday with a gang of 4- and 5-year-olds. It was a beautiful day to eat cupcakes and romp at the park...but the highlight was the discovery of our new favorite face painting artist for children, who was THE hit of the party. Erica Exline, who also happens to be a local mama of young children, was brilliantly talented, friendly and patient with the kids, and a great pleasure to work with.
Thumbs up - We love her work! And we're not talking about a lame little rainbow or smiley face drawn on your cheek (of the caliber I would personally produce, if asked to paint children's faces)... We're talking full-face paint that transforms the kids into the most creative, elaborate animals, princesses, fairies, butterflies, you name it. It was fun to watch our daughter and her party guests take on the "roles" of the animals and other characters they'd become, as they played happily and independently for a solid two hours and gave the parents the little leisure of chatting and eating leftover cupcakes.
Once upon a time I wrote rave reviews for local artist and face painter Greta Gonzalez, whose work I also love...but unfortunately she's moving out of the DC area. While I'm sad to see Greta go, I am thrilled to know about Erica's talent, and honored and to be able to give her a personal recommendation.
To get more info or to hire Erica Exline for your next party/festival/special event, send email to: erica-at-sweetcheeksfp.com, or call 703.946.0203. Visit her site at www.sweetcheeksfp.com. And tell her you were sent by her biggest fans at DC BABY.
Posted by Sarah at 8:40 PM. Permanent link to "THE face painter you must hire for your next kids' party!." | Comments (3)
April 17, 2009
Weekend Watch: Earth Day party on the Mall + Face painting @ IKEA
Categories: Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
If Saturday's your shopping day, you should know that the Woodbridge/Potomac Mills IKEA will host free face painting for kids from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., upstairs in the restaurant area.
Also this weekend, Earth Day will be celebrated on the National Mall this Sunday from 12 noon through the evening. Free admission, lots of live musical performances (including headliners The Flaming Lips that night, if you've got a sitter!), and activities for all ages throughout the afternoon.
Posted by Sarah at 5:01 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Earth Day party on the Mall + Face painting @ IKEA." | Comments (0)
April 16, 2009
Ergo event + nursery sale @ Wiggle Room
Categories: Maryland
Starts tomorrow! Our friends at Wiggle Room in Bethesda will host a nursery sale Friday the 17th through Sunday the 19th, featuring very-gently-used bassinets, gliders, crib bedding, pack & plays, etc. at fabulous prices.
Also this weekend, on Saturday the 18th, Wiggle Room will host a repeat of their popular Ergo Event, with a rare 10% discount on Ergo products (Saturday only) and a representative of the Ergo company on hand to answer your questions and do demonstrations/try-ons. You can also enter a drawing for a FREE Ergo baby carrier, as well as prizes from Hot Mama Fitness, Stroller Strides, and others. As I've mentioned on this blog many a time, the Ergo carrier was one of a small handful of truly inspired, saved-my-life products after having baby #2. Love it, love it.
New at Wiggle Room this spring are gently-loved clothes from Lilly Pulitzer and Burberry, along with gear like a Svan highchair and a Stokke crib. Looking to consign your own high-end stuff? Check their summer appontment calendar at www.wiggleroom.genbook.com.
Did I mention that my book is in stock @ Wiggle Room?
Posted by Sarah at 9:50 AM. Permanent link to "Ergo event + nursery sale @ Wiggle Room." | Comments (0)
April 15, 2009
Join The Momoir Project: Starts April 16!
Categories: Washington, DC
Talented DC writer and mama Jessica Stockton Clancy will lead a new series of classes in The Momoir Project starting TOMORROW evening, April 16 at Circle Yoga.
Classes meet every-other week for six sessions (4/16, 4/30, 5/14, 5/28, 6/11, 6/25) and will support, inspire, and guide you toward telling whichever of your many motherhood stories you choose to explore - the good, the bad, the ugly, and all that falls somewhere in between. Space is limited to 10 participants, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and group feedback. Cost is $360 for the series.
Jessica is an award-winning writer and the parent of a three-year-old daughter. Pre-motherhood, she lived in Los Angeles and worked in the film industry, producing TV commercials, music videos, and an independent feature film. She has been pubished in the Washington Post and contributes to Washington Parent magazine. For more info or to reserve your space, send email to: jessicastockton-at-verizon-dot-net.
Posted by Sarah at 2:01 PM. Permanent link to "Join The Momoir Project: Starts April 16!." | Comments (0)
April 11, 2009
Weekend Watch: Cherry Blossom festival goes out with a bang
Categories: Washington, DC
TONIGHT: The farewell event of the Cherry Blossom Festival.
If you're willing to keep the kids up a bit late, the Cherry Blossom Fireworks are set for 8:30 to 9 p.m. near the Southwest waterfront. Best viewing from East Potomac Park or the Southwest Waterfront promenade. You can take metro to the Waterfront/SEU stop, but there's also said to be parking available on-site this time. (I suspect there will also be plenty of nice remote views for families from just across the Potomac near the airport and at some of those higher elevations in Arlington overlooking the Potomac.)
A fireworks Prelude Party with family-friendly activities, food, and music by military and local groups, takes place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park (600 Water St. SW). Again, we're told parking will be available on-site.
Posted by Sarah at 11:41 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Cherry Blossom festival goes out with a bang." | Comments (0)
April 9, 2009
An ode to Imagination Stage
Categories: Maryland
It's spring break from pre-k for my daughter this week. So yesterday I took her to see "Heidi" at Imagination Stage...and was reminded again why Bethesda, MD is one of the best cities for raising kids on the East Coast. A place like Imagination Stage is a rare gift to a community.
The "Heidi" production is fabulous (for ages five+), the theater is beautiful and state-of-the-art, and the entire facility is a joy to visit. We were helped by friendly staff every step of the way, enjoyed great eats from the on-site cafe, and had fun visiting their gift shop - which is truly one of THE best toy stores in the DC area (especially for dress-up/imaginative play and unique educational toys). Loves it, loves it, loves it. Well worth the drive, even for those of us coming from afar.
Advance tix are already on sale for Imagination Stage's summer production, "Lyle the Crocodile," (for ages four+) based on the popular children's books by Bernard Waber. And their Story Theatre program for ages two to four has been expanded, with more 30-40 minute performances suited to younger attention spans.
If you live in Bethesda, also be sure to check out their creative summer camps for ages four+.
Posted by Sarah at 12:51 PM. Permanent link to "An ode to Imagination Stage." | Comments (0)
April 8, 2009
Hanna-Me-Downs at Montgomery Mall & Tysons Corner
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
For those of you who love the high-quality Hanna Andersson kids' clothes as much as we do: They're sponsoring a Hanna-Me-Downs event April 13-26 at their Montgomery Mall and Tysons Corner stores. Bring in your gently-used, good-condition Hannas, which will be passed along to local children in need, and get 20% off your purchase.
Your generous donations will be distributed with help from the United Way. A few no-no items: Swimwear, shoes, socks, and underwear.
As always, I advise that you give your store-of-choice a call before you go in, to verify and get any additional details.
Posted by Sarah at 2:29 PM. Permanent link to "Hanna-Me-Downs at Montgomery Mall & Tysons Corner." | Comments (0)
April 6, 2009
Bunnyland is back
Categories: Maryland
The 14th Annual Bunnyland at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, MD takes place April 9-13 and 18-19, with activities for kids running continuously from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
The eggstravaganza includes egg-hunting (bring your basket), a hayride, a rubber ducky derby, barnyard bunnies and chicks, inflatables and slides to play on, a hayromp, pedal tractors, pony rides and face painting (for an extra fee), and a big Country Bunny in costume. Food vendors will also be selling veggie pitas, popcorn, cookies, and other snacks. Admission: $7 per child, $5 per adult.
Be sure to dress for the weather - And call ahead to verify if they're open, if any weather-related doubt.
Posted by Sarah at 9:58 AM. Permanent link to "Bunnyland is back." | Comments (1)
April 2, 2009
Weekend Watch: Cherry Blossom Parade, Street Festival, + Extreme Egg-Hunt
Categories: Washington, DC
The weather forecast looks lovely! And the blooms are at their peak. So even if you didn't line up those advance tix to sit in the bleachers for the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, you and your little one(s) can still grab a FREE spot on the sidewalk all along the parade route this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon along Constitution Ave. (from 7th to 17th Sts. NW). Best metro stops: Navy Memorial or Federal Triangle.
After the parade, hit the free-admission Sakura Matsuri Street Festival along Pennsylvania Ave. (between 12th and 14th St.s NW), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Performances on multiple stages (including martial arts demos), traditional Japanese arts and crafts, and restaurant booths offering Japanese specialties. Best metro stops: Federal Triangle or Metro Center.
Also this weekend...Alvey Elementary School in Haymarket, VA will host a FREE mondo Easter egg hunt for ages two+ on Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. A helicopter will drop 5,000 treat-filled plastic eggs onto the schoolyard...where another 25,000 eggs will already be pre-hidden. (Is it just me, or is this the recipe for mayhem?) There will also be a moonbounce, face painting, and games. A canned food donation is requested for the Haymarket Food Pantry.
Posted by Sarah at 4:40 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Cherry Blossom Parade, Street Festival, + Extreme Egg-Hunt." | Comments (2)
April 1, 2009
More free preview classes in Bethesda, Arlington
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
Two more FREE demo classes for families interested in these early childhood enrichment programs:
Hola Baby founder and instructor Maria Elena Greene will do a free demo class at Aladdin's Lamp children's bookstore in Arlington, tomorrow, Wednesday April 1, at 11 a.m. No RSVP needed. Hola Baby's spring session begins April 14, and spots are still available in a few of the classes.
And...This Friday, April 3, musiKids will host an open house with free trial classes at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. at their downtown Bethesda location. No reservations needed. Just show up.
If you know of additional preview classes for DC-area early childhood programs, you're welcome to post them in the "comments" after this entry.
Posted by Sarah at 4:20 PM. Permanent link to "More free preview classes in Bethesda, Arlington." | Comments (0)