July 29, 2009
Last love letter to Washington
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
Washington, I miss you already!
Tomorrow morning I'll be on a plane to Texas with my children. Between now and then we have the dreaded, inevitably tearful goodbyes with our our dear friends, their son (our daughter's best pal and pseudo-sibling), and the beloved caregiver who has been part of our family for the past four+ years. Ava and I were already in tears this morning. It's that kind of day.
I hate goodbyes more than the average person, I think. Maybe it's because I'm a child of divorce, but they just kill me. But I need to formally, finally thank you all for reading this blog, for buying my books, for lending your tips and input over the years. I will miss this work, and I wish all the very best to you and your families. I appreciate the way you helped make DC BABY a success.
As for DC itself. This has been my second stint calling it home, and I still say this city is a knockout. It's like no other on earth. I'll miss the thrill of driving across the Memorial Bridge toward the white columns of the Lincoln, with the sun bouncing off the Potomac and the breeze blowing through my open windows. I'll miss Eastern Market on a Saturday morning, and cheering on the bagpipers on the streets of Old Town at Christmas. I'll miss riding the metro and showing off our museums to out-of-towners. I'll miss the politicos and their politics. I'll miss knowing Ben's Chili Bowl is 15 minutes away. I'll miss spring's big blooms and winter's whiteness, and the reds and oranges of fall. I will miss calling it "mine."
Take care of this fabulous city, and take care of each other.
Posted by Sarah at 4:39 PM. Permanent link to "Last love letter to Washington." | Comments (20)
July 28, 2009
Where will you turn? Here's where!
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
This one's for all of you who have (very kindly) written to me about your dismay that the DCB blog will no longer be updated after my move to Austin (now less than 2 days away).
While it's genuinely gratifying to know that what I've spent the past four+ years working on has been useful and well-liked... and while I will miss you, too... I just want to let you know that there's no shortage of other web-based resources for parents in the DC metro area. Each has its own style. Browse around and find some that suit you. Here are some of our favorite online parenting resources with a local focus - several of which are also featured in my book:
Our-Kids.com
The champion, gold-star resource. Can't say enough good things. Love the free website and love the weekly subscription e-newsletter even more. Worth EVERY penny, and then some. Local mom-owned and mom-staffed.
Daily Candy DC-Kids
Hip, concise, and stylishly select. We've always loved Daily Candy as a decadent treat, and the DC-Kids edition is no exception.
Washington Parent magazine's website
The online supplement to the local print magazine. Nice features and columns, and some calendar listings.
Washington Family magazine's website
The online supplement to the local print magazine. Access to features, etc. - but also some blogs penned by DC-area mamas.
Washington Post's Going Out Guide, Kid-Friendly section
Subscribe to the weekly e-newsletter, or just check out their web page when you're looking for coming events and ideas for seasonal outings.
Washington Post's KidsPost
Great for young school-age children.
A Parent in Silver Spring blog
Nice local blog penned by a Silver Spring, MD mom.
DC Urban Moms & Dads (DCUM)
The original big-ass Mother of All DC Parents' Listservs... but it now also has its own standalone site, topic-specific message boards, sub-listservs, and a blog.
DC Metro Moms
A blog penned by a talented, interesting gaggle of Beltway mamas.
GoCityKids - Washington, DC edition
A relative newcomer, but getting better all the time. The site has potential as a go-to resource.
Feel free to post info about your own favorite online resource for DC-area parents in the "comments." And I challenge and encourage any of you who are toying w/ the idea of starting your own blog, or establishing your own listserv, to fill the info gaps: You can do it! All it takes is one mama (or daddy) with a good idea, who is willing to follow through and be patient while it grows. If you start it, they will come. They really will.
Posted by Sarah at 9:45 AM. Permanent link to "Where will you turn? Here's where!." | Comments (5)
July 27, 2009
Save the date: Great Zucchini back @ the Avalon
Categories: Washington, DC
Later this month, one of our personal favorites, The Great Zucchini, will return to the Avalon Theatre on Connecticut Ave. for an all-ages show. August 29th at 10 a.m. Also performing: Barry the Magician.
Last time Zucchini performed at the Avalon, it sold out in advance, so be sure to get your tickets well ahead of time if you'd like to catch the show.
And, especially if you're among the yet uninitiated, check out this fun Great Zucchini video with your kids. Believe it or not, preschoolers and kindergarteners go wild with laughter at this stuff in a live, group setting! It's infectious.
Posted by Sarah at 10:25 AM. Permanent link to "Save the date: Great Zucchini back @ the Avalon." | Comments (0)
July 24, 2009
Weekend Watch: Hot fun in the summertime, in Silver Spring
Categories: Maryland
TONIGHT in downtown Silver Spring, check out "Rock & Romp," with kid-friendly live music, face painting and temp tattoos. Not to mention those big fountains spraying high throughout the evening, for little ones with swimsuits and towels who want to cool off. It happens 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the plaza, as part of the ongoing "Friday Night Spotlight" series.
Tonight's lineup hosts indie rock bands playing a family-oriented gig that encourages kids get into the groove on the dance floor. You can also plan to bring a picnic dinner, or grab food from any of a number of takeout restaurants on the plaza.
Enjoy! And p.s.: For those of you who live in or near Silver Spring, be sure to check out their Wednesday morning summer program for tots, also on the plaza downtown.
As for me and mine, our last weekend in DC will be spent furiously packing (and all that goes along with it), with our move to Austin looming the end of next week. (Sob. We miss you already, Washington.)
Posted by Sarah at 9:49 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Hot fun in the summertime, in Silver Spring." | Comments (0)
July 23, 2009
Wings of Fancy @ Brookside Gardens
Categories: Maryland
We love recommending this every year, because it's one of those outings that brings little ones such joy: Brookside Gardens (in Montgomery County, MD's Wheaton Regional Park) is hosting its "Wings of Fancy" event, with more than 30 species of Asian, North American, and Costa Rican butterflies in flight in a beautiful setting.
You can catch this exhibit 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, through September 20. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for ages three to 12, and babies/toddlers under age three get in free. You can call their "butterfly hotline" for more info: 301.962.1453.
Posted by Sarah at 11:25 AM. Permanent link to "Wings of Fancy @ Brookside Gardens." | Comments (0)
July 22, 2009
New consignment & eco-friendly boutique in Columbia, MD
Categories: Maryland
Good news for Marylanders in or near Columbia: A new children's and maternity consignment boutique, Greenberries, opens next month, with a celebration event and special sales on Saturday, August 22.
Greenberries carries maternity and newborn through size 8, as well as baby accessories. They also stock a selected lineup of brand-new, eco-friendly and organic gifts, such as wooden toys, cards, bags for mom, safe bottles and baby gear. And the store has a small play area for children, to make your shopping experience a little easier.
p.s. Muchas gracias for all the Amazon.com love!
Posted by Sarah at 12:20 PM. Permanent link to "New consignment & eco-friendly boutique in Columbia, MD." | Comments (0)
July 21, 2009
Amazon.com reviews + free e-books of DC BABY, Revised Second Edition
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
So as most of you know from recent monthly newsletters, the clock is ticking on my time as a Washingtonian. We will be leaving for Austin, TX on the 30th.
While the blog will fall quiet, the four years of archives will remain here for your reference. And my book will still be available for sale at local stores and online (including here at dc-baby.com). But I have to admit that, considering how nicely the books have been selling since the Revised Second Edition came out last year, I feel a little dejected saying farewell with no reader reviews on Amazon.com. It's a trifling thing, sure... But it sure would feel nice to have some of the many kind comments about the book you've emailed to me shared on Amazon in support of my work.
So here's my offer. If any of you who have read my book, DC BABY, and found it useful are willing to post a reader review on the book's Amazon page - I will gladly send you a (free) e-book copy as a "thank you." Just send me an email (sarah-at-dc-baby-dot-com) after posting your review and I'll reply with a nifty PDF copy attached.
I'll be blogging through next Wednesday the 29th. Stay tuned. And thanks again for your 4+ years of support and friendship!
Posted by Sarah at 3:08 PM. Permanent link to "Amazon.com reviews + free e-books of DC BABY, Revised Second Edition." | Comments (1)
July 20, 2009
THREE summer sales in Old Town
Categories: Northern Virginia
Three of our favorite local baby and children's boutiques, both in Old Town Alexandria, have good sales underway.
Apple Seed maternity and baby/toddler boutique is offering 25% off ALL summer children's clothing.
Nina's Closet (1017 King St., @ Henry St.) is celebrating an anniversary with a range of markdowns on their sweet, traditional clothing and accessories. (Don't know if they're marked down, but our favorite purchase here was a pair of the Pipsqueeks shoes for our daughter when she was a new walker.)
And, Pink & Brown's summer sale runs now through July 31st, with 25 percent off ALL summer clothing.
If you're needing something boutique-y special, now's the time to find it at a reasonable price. Happy shopping!
Posted by Sarah at 8:12 PM. Permanent link to "THREE summer sales in Old Town." | Comments (0)
July 17, 2009
Weekend Watch: Summer Safari in Gaithersburg
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
The best ticket of the weekend is the second annual Summer Safari family concert and festival, Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Gaithersburg - with live shows from our family's favorite, Recess Monkey (from Seattle), and local kids' band Rocknocerus and Sirius XM's Robbie Schaefer.
You can also expect: mini-carnival, petting zoo, face painting, balloons, crafts and games, food, and lots of vendors. This event was a HUGE success last year, and I expect will be even better the second time around.
If by chance you can't make it to the festival... you have one more chance to take your kids to a Recess Monkey live show, Saturday at 11 a.m. at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA. We caught them there on last summer's tour and have been listening to their CDs... including the rockin' newest one... ever since. Get your tix advance tix on Jammin' Java's website.
Posted by Sarah at 2:47 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Summer Safari in Gaithersburg." | Comments (0)
July 16, 2009
New play space in NoVa
Categories: Northern Virginia
I'm happy to help spread the news that there's a new play space in Reston, VA!
The independent, locally-owned and operated At Play Cafe is an indoor play area for young children, coffee shop for parents, and preschool classroom all in one. Best of all, if you ask me, is the fact that the play area is supervised by qualified staff, so parents can meet to enjoy a cup of coffee, conversation with a friend, or just a few minutes of well-deserved off-duty time.
Be sure to check out Our Kids' recent review of At Play Cafe.
Posted by Sarah at 3:18 PM. Permanent link to "New play space in NoVa." | Comments (0)
July 15, 2009
NEW, comprehensive registry service from Dawn Price Baby
Categories: Washington, DC
Dawn Price Baby (Capitol Hill & Georgetown) just announced a new service for local moms-to-be registering for baby gifts through the store. It's the antidote to having to register at multiple stores to get both the boutique items and unique keepsakes you really want and the superstore gear and necessities you really must have.
Dawn Price Baby Concierge Services allows you to sign up for a baby registry through DPB, and then add on select items from Great Beginnings, including pack 'n plays, mattresses, Diaper Genies, and more. Dawn Price Baby has put together a comprehensive catalogue covering essentials that are both in the store and available at Great Beginnings. Expectant parents can flip through the sections, read up on specific products, and choose what's right for you. (If they don't have a specific item you want in the catalog, they'll check to see if they can get it!)
There are no fees associated with the new service - You pay retail at the time of purchase, just like usual. But it does streamline the process for you and your family/friends/baby shower planners.
How do you take part? Call DPB to book a consult and they'll go over the baby registry items with you. Or drop by to look around the store on your own and browse the catalog on your own. If you can't make it in person, they'll work with you over the phone or by email to identify the items you need and set up your registry.
p.s. FINAL DAY! Please vote for DC BABY!
Posted by Sarah at 1:52 PM. Permanent link to "NEW, comprehensive registry service from Dawn Price Baby." | Comments (0)
July 14, 2009
Just for DCB readers: Special FREE drop-in play sessions @ Parenting Playgroups
Categories: Northern Virginia
Parenting Playgroups has graciously set up two FREE drop-in play events exclusively for DC BABY readers. You can bring the kids for up to two hours of free play on either of the following dates:
Monday, July 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. @ the Alexandria location (6161 Fuller Ct.)
OR
Friday, August 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. @ the new Falls Church location (246A W. Broad St., Arlington).
These events are geared toward age 15 months through preschoolers.
You MUST rsvp that you will attend a specific event by directly emailing Dr. Rene Hackney, Parenting Playgroups founder, at: drrene (at) parentingplaygroups (dot) com. Max capacity is 25 participants with their children, first registered first served.
Thanks to Rene and her team for offering this to my readers.
p.s. LAST CHANCE! PLEASE VOTE FOR US TODAY!
Posted by Sarah at 1:15 PM. Permanent link to "Just for DCB readers: Special FREE drop-in play sessions @ Parenting Playgroups." | Comments (1)
Correction to yesterday's post
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia
Argh! I've just received updated info about the free storytimes @ Jabberu, featured in yesterday's post: These sessions have gone on hiatus for a summer break, but will return in September.
However, their Bastille Day party is still ON for this evening. Enjoy!
Apologies for the confusion.... And another new post coming later today, with a free opportunity to sample Parenting Playgroups.
Posted by Sarah at 10:40 AM. Permanent link to "Correction to yesterday's post." | Comments (0)
July 13, 2009
FREE Tuesday storytimes @ Jabberu (+ Bastille Day for kids)
Categories: Maryland
CORRECTION: These storytimes have gone on summer hiatus, but will return in September! Call the Bethesda or Gaithersburg location for the start date.
Did you know? Jabberu's Bethesda and Gaithersburg locations host FREE storytime and sing-along sessions - And you don't need to be enrolled in their programs to take part.
At the Gaithersburg location, Tuesday mornings from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., stop by for stories and songs in Spanish and English, for babies and toddlers up to age three with a parent. For more details, call the Kentlands location (1.888.951.1119 (press 2)).
Tuesday mornings at the Bethesda location from 11:35 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., stories and songs are presented in French and English, for babies and toddlers up to age three with a parent.Call the Bethesda location (1.888.951.1119 (press 4)) for more details.
Also, THIS TUESDAY, July 14th: Jabberu hosts a free Bastille Day celebration for preschoolers and school-age kids 4 to 10. Stop by the Bethesda location tomorrow evening from 6 to 7 p.m. for a celebratin of French culture. Space is limited, so RSVP at 888.951.1119. Vive la France!
Posted by Sarah at 3:06 PM. Permanent link to " FREE Tuesday storytimes @ Jabberu (+ Bastille Day for kids)." | Comments (0)
July 3, 2009
Weekend Watch: Get a jumpstart on your kid-friendly Fourth
Categories: Maryland | Northern Virginia | Washington, DC
If you've been-there-done-that with the insane crowds on the National Mall, or just want something with less hassle and more for little kids, here's a nice alternative:
The Gaylord Resort at the swanky National Harbor is hosting a family-oriented "July 3rd Celebration" TONIGHT from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
There will be a Kid Zone with carnival rides, face painting, balloon sculpting, and caricature artists; great food options (including Lefty's BBQ); live rock/country/ and Caribbean music, a wine garden for the adults, and a 15-minute fireworks display over the Potomac after sundown.
Not a bad way to low-key the holiday, while still giving your children their promised fireworks fix.
p.s. I will be offline for the next week, but the blog will return Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 29th when I depart for Austin.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Posted by Sarah at 4:58 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Get a jumpstart on your kid-friendly Fourth." | Comments (0)
July 2, 2009
Fun summer outing: Backyard Theater @ Strathmore
Categories: Maryland
The summer children's program Backyard Theater is underway at the Strathmore in Bethesda, with outdoor shows every Thursday morning at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. during the month of July.
I think the African-fusion dance and drumming performance and the Red Grammer show sound especially appealing.
Little ones under age three get in FREE. Kids age three+ and adults are an affordable $6 each. You can buy online OR at the gate.
Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 1:29 PM. Permanent link to "Fun summer outing: Backyard Theater @ Strathmore." | Comments (0)
July 1, 2009
Thursday: FREE mom & preschooler yoga in Alexandria
Categories: Northern Virginia
One of our personal favorites, mom-owned Mind the Mat in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, will host a FREE mom-and-preschooler yoga session tomorrow, Thursday the 2nd, at 10:15 a.m.
We're told it'll be a fun yoga session for the children and a mini- yoga boot camp for the mamas. (A caregiver other than mom herself is also welcome.)
No obligation if you attend, but this is a chance to preview the class, which will meet all summer, Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.
After the session, we highly recommend visiting the other family-friendly stops along Mt. Vernon Ave., like St. Elmo's coffee shop, The Dairy Godmother (best frozen custard), Tex-Mex lunch at Los Tios (where the waiters will be SO sweet to your children and will remember them by name the next time you come in), kids' clothes/shoe shopping at The Purple Goose, and the Mt. Vernon School playground (across from Los Tios). The front entrance of the school (on Commonwealth Ave.) also has a vintage red train caboose, beloved by little kids. And a good public library next door.
Posted by Sarah at 10:17 AM. Permanent link to "Thursday: FREE mom & preschooler yoga in Alexandria." | Comments (1)