aparentinsilverspringaparentinsilverspringfun, free resource for Silver Spring and DC moms, dads and kids Articles
Demystifying kindergarten enrollment by Tech Savvy Mama
2008-02-12 14:06:00 It is February. Despite the fact that we are only 2 months into 2008, many parents I know are busily planning their summers and that means it isn?t too early to start thinking about the next school year. For those of you who have children who will be going to kindergarten in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in the fall, there is tons of information on the MCPS website about enrolling your child in school. No, you can?t just show up on the first day of school camera in hand ready to snap a photo of your child and her brand new backpack. I know from my years of teaching that plenty of parents do it. You don?t want to be that parent who causes panic as the principal finds a spot for your child and the teacher frantically affixes a name tag to a cubby, homework folder, desk, and at least 10 other places in the classroom. Now that you promise not to be that parent, I am here to help you navigate the world that is MCPS. If your child will be 5 years old by Sept... More About: Tech , Mama , Savvy , Kindergarten
Bad Mommy: Drive Thru Starbucks
2008-02-11 15:14:00 Have you ever been in that purgatory of child rearing when your child still naps, but if she falls asleep in the car for one nanosecond, she "counts" that as the daily nap and is an exhausted mess for the remainder of the day?In this situation some of you industrious individuals may somehow keep said child awake with music and snacks and the sighting of wild game outdoors, immediately speed home and deposit her in the crib. Other, more saintly types, may simply go about your usual schedule, let the child nap in the car for a short while and patiently deal with the consequences.If you are a bad mommy like me, you take this opportunity to zone out in the quiet, listen to NPR or music other than Raffi, burn some precious gas and head to the nearest corporate killer of independent commerce: the drive-thru Starbucks .Residents of Silver Spring proper know that our town does not have one of these delicious bank account drains. That's where the queen-of-the-road-gas-wasting-Gwen-Stefan ... More About: Drive , Mommy
Any night with a sitter is Valentine's Day
2008-02-11 14:24:00 OK people, I know that this is a site for activities with our kids. But unless Mom and Dad get out once in a while without the babes in tow, we will not be so cheery about all those singalongs and story times, will we? So here are some local, don't have to drive too far date night ideas. All you have to do is book your in-laws or the nice teen down the street for tuck-in duty:For poetry and theater loversLow Tide Hotel by the Happenstance Theater February 14th-24thPlaying at the Round House Theatre Silver Spring 8641 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910Shows on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 7pmThe Washington Post called this production "...an enchantingly whimsical montage of maritime-themed songs and literary excerpts." It's untraditional comedic theater with a retro-vibe. If this is your cup o'tea, tickets are only $15.For dancing queens & kingsHollywood Ballroom Cupid's Ball on Saturday, February 16th2126 Industrial Parkway, Silver ... More About: Night , Sitter
Any night with a sitter is Valentine's Day
2008-02-09 22:39:00 OK people, I know that this is a site for activities with our kids. But unless Mom and Dad get out once in a while without the babes in tow, we will not be so cheery about all those singalongs and story times, will we? So here are some local, don't have to drive too far date night ideas. All you have to do is book your in-laws or the nice teen down the street for tuck-in duty:For poetry and theater loversLow Tide Hotel by the Happenstance Theater February 14th-24thPlaying at the Round House Theatre Silver Spring 8641 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910Shows on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 7pmThe Washington Post called this production "...an enchantingly whimsical montage of maritime-themed songs and literary excerpts." It's untraditional comedic theater with a retro-vibe. If this is your cup o'tea, tickets are only $15.For dancing queens & kingsHollywood Ballroom Cupid's Ball on Saturday, February 16th2126 Industrial Parkway, Silver ... More About: Night , Sitter
Black history, books & hearts this weekend at area libraries
2008-02-09 14:50:00 Come out this weekend to one of the many wonderful family events at our beloved Montgomery County Libraries. Branches all over the county are offering ways for you and your kids to celebrate Black History Month, Library Lovers Month and good ol' Valentine's Day.Library Lovers Day at the Silver Spring Library on SaturdayFebruary 9th10am-3pm Used book & bake sale10:30am Born to Read storytime for ages 1-23 months with parent12-1:30pm Children's Valentine making2pm African American storytelling for children ages 5 & up with Diane Macklin3pm Author David Matthews discusses his book, Ace of Spades: A Memoir Celebrate Black History Month with Anasegromma, African storytellers & performers, at the Long Branch Library in Silver Spring on SaturdayFebruary 9th2pm Native Ghanaians Kofi Denis and Kwame Ansah-Brew, collectively known as Anansegromma, will share traditional music, storytelling, and dances of the rich heritage of West Africa. For all ages. ... More About: Books , Weekend , Area
Black history, books & hearts this weekend at area libraries
2008-02-08 23:33:00 Come out this weekend to one of the many wonderful family events at our beloved Montgomery County Libraries. Branches all over the county are offering ways for you and your kids to celebrate Black History Month, Library Lovers Month and good ol' Valentine's Day.Library Lovers Day at the Silver Spring Library on SaturdayFebruary 9th 10am-3pm Used book & bake sale 10:30am Born to Read storytime for ages 1-23 months with caregiver12-1:30pm Children's Valentine making 2pm African American storytelling for children ages 5 & up with Diane Macklin3pm Author David Matthews discusses his book, Ace of Spades: A Memoir An Afternoon with Retired Colonel Charles E. McGee, an original Tuskegee Airmen at the Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg on SaturdayFebruary 9th2pm Colonel McGee will share his experiences as one of the first African American fighter pilots in World War II. No registration is required.Library Lovers Celebration at the Little Falls Library i... More About: Books , Weekend , Area
Makeup Giveaway & Coupons - New Mineral Makeup
2008-02-08 19:35:00 UPDATE: Cheers to Marie, the winner of the Mineral Makeup !Silver Spring mom, Mary Kay Sales Director and walking inspiration of glamour Cristie Ritz-King has generously donated a brand new Mineral Powder and Brush Set that will be matched to the exact skin tone of one lucky reader. Honestly, this mineral makeup is great. You just brush on this powder and look as if you have perfect skin, without any heaviness or melting off throughout the day. Although I have dry skin, it did not make me look flaky. It did not settle into my fine (and not so fine) lines and it minimized my craters pores. Mary Kay is known for having a wonderful range of makeup colors to match your skin tone, whether your grandma came from Tanzania, Tokyo or Toledo. If you are on a snoozy conference call or have insomnia, check out this cool virtual makeover tool that will show you what shades will look fab for your DNA. If you covet this new product, just send an e-mail to jessica dot mcfadden at g mail dot ... More About: Coupons
Marimekko & Pat-a-Cakes event this Saturday by Tech Savvy Mama
2008-02-08 04:50:00 Ah Marimekko?The large flowers and bold graphic prints of the 70s are back in a super hip way. As a child, my room was adorned with Marimekko and now as an adult, our master bed and bathroom is a shrine to Unikko. Not only do I love to shop at the concept store in Silver Spring, but they also host wonderful events for children and adults.This Saturday , February 9th Pat-a-Cakes is coming to the Marimekko Concept Store to help you capture a stage of your child's life with a custom ceramic impression of little hands and feet. After 15 minutes you will have a beautiful hand painted impression that is sure to be a less frustrating experience than the ink pad and reams of smudged impressions. Prices range from $25-50 depending on the product selected. Pat-a-Cakes will be at the Marimekko Concept Store from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and you can call Gayle at 202-237-7389 to schedule your appointment. Other workshops that I have recently received invitations to include makin... More About: Event , Tech , Mama
Marimekko & Pat-a-Cakes event this Saturday by Tech Savvy Mama
2008-02-08 04:50:00 Ah Marimekko…The large flowers and bold graphic prints of the 70s are back in a super hip way. As a child, my room was adorned with Marimekko and now as an adult, our master bed and bathroom is a shrine to Unikko. Not only do I love to shop at the concept store in Silver Spring, but they also host wonderful events for children and adults.This Saturday , February 9th Pat-a-Cakes is coming to the Marimekko Concept Store to help you capture a stage of your child's life with a custom ceramic impression of little hands and feet. After 15 minutes you will have a beautiful hand painted impression that is sure to be a less frustrating experience than the ink pad and reams of smudged impressions. Prices range from $25-50 depending on the product selected. Pat-a-Cakes will be at the Marimekko Concept Store from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and you can call Gayle at 202-237-7389 to schedule your appointment. Other workshops that I have recently received invitations to include mak... More About: Event , Tech , Mama
Searching for Child Care or Finding your Mary Poppins by Tech Savvy Mama
2008-02-08 00:20:00 I admit it. I have not always been at stay-at-home-mom. When my oldest was 18 months old, I ran into my boss who offered me the fabulous opportunity to come back to work on a part time basis. I thought I was ready to go back to work. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks that I had to find someone to care for my little girl. Not just someone. Someone who was licensed, caring, wonderful, nurturing, engaging?basically just like me but perhaps a little more like Mary Poppins. Whether you are a SAHM, WAHM, PTWM, or a WM, a time may come where you have to find your Mary Poppins. I was not ready to leave my little girl in someone else?s hands. Nor was I ready for the daunting search for child care providers. Luckily I found some wonderful resources that I feel compelled to share because they helped in my search. Montgomery County Child Care Resource and Referral Center?s LOCATE Child Care allows you to search for licensed child care providers near your home, job, or... More About: Tech , Mama
Searching for Child Care or Finding your Mary Poppins by Tech Savvy Mama
2008-02-08 00:20:00 I admit it. I have not always been at stay-at-home-mom. When my oldest was 18 months old, I ran into my boss who offered me the fabulous opportunity to come back to work on a part time basis. I thought I was ready to go back to work. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks that I had to find someone to care for my little girl. Not just someone. Someone who was licensed, caring, wonderful, nurturing, engaging…basically just like me but perhaps a little more like Mary Poppins. Whether you are a SAHM, WAHM, PTWM, or a WM, a time may come where you have to find your Mary Poppins. I was not ready to leave my little girl in someone else’s hands. Nor was I ready for the daunting search for child care providers. Luckily I found some wonderful resources that I feel compelled to share because they helped in my search. Montgomery County Child Care Resource and Referral Center’s LOCATE Child Care allows you to search for licensed child care providers near your home, j... More About: Tech , Mama
Kids Eat Free at the Austin Grill on Tuesdays!
2008-02-08 00:13:00 Thanks to everyone who wrote in with the super info that kids eat free on Tuesdays at the Austin Grill in downtown Silver Spring and other locations! After a great response to last week's post about kids eat free options, I am happy to give you lowdown on Austin Grill's dealio without any apologies for health info. I mean, how much healthier can you get than rice and black beans? With the purchase of just one adult meal, you will get TWO free kids' meals at Austin Grill. This is WONDERFUL for single parents and parents on their own for mealtime. The promotion is available all day, for lunch and dinner, on Tuesdays. Additionally, the Austin Grill provides craft supplies to kids on Tuesday nights as they wait for their yummy quesadilla. Check out the kids menu here. If Tuesdays are not the best day of the week for your family to eat out, you can sign them up for Austin Grill's Grub Club. Kids get a card that gets punched each time they order a kids' meal, and after f... More About: Free
Silver Spring Style Winners
2008-02-07 01:30:00 Last week a few of you took up the gauntlet for the Silver Spring Style brain drain, I mean, giveaway, and I thank you. The first three respondents, Patti, Emily and Allison, were rewarded with a fresh copy of February's Domino magazine. Here are the fantastic Silver Spring style ideas submitted:The Marimekko Concept Store, located on Georgia Avenue, for gorgeous linens and bagsSmart Mom Jewelry -"Teething Bling" means cute, hip jewelry your baby can gnaw on guilt-freeCatch Can in Kensington, MD for cool and comfy women's clothes, shoes and giftsThe Pure Energy folks that come in and stage your home to sell better than any HGTV showHand-made treasures on Etsy.comThe new Tuesday Morning location in the Woodmoor shopping center in 4 CornersNow and Then in Takoma Park, MD for fantastic gifts like Zutano baby clothes and unique wedding presents so you can rule your next showerKensington's Antique Row so you don't do a Ross and buy your apothecary table at Pottery Barn like every o... More About: Winners
Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium
2008-02-06 19:57:00 On cold winter days, every parent with little kids at home needs some free, go-to places to take the kids to play. For my family, the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium is at the top of our list. Just a short, pretty wooded drive from downtown Silver Spring into the NW DC/Maryland border area of Rock Creek Park, the activities the nature center and planetarium provide are an answer to the stir-crazy-in-the-winter family's prayers.The nature center houses a big hall of live animals and taxidermy indigenous to Rock Creek Park, a hands-on young scientist center and a playroom filled with wildlife puppets, felt boards, toys and books. Every time we go here to play the place is nearly deserted, so no worries about playroom traffic jams. Every Friday at 4pm the nature center hosts a "Creature Feature" discussing the animals of Rock Creek, free for all ages. The small planetarium is fantastic, and every Wednesday at 4pm hosts a free "Introduction to the Night Sky" for kids ...
Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium
2008-02-06 19:57:00 On cold winter days, every parent with little kids at home needs some free, go-to places to take the kids to play. For my family, the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium is at the top of our list. Just a short, pretty wooded drive from downtown Silver Spring into the NW DC/Maryland border area of Rock Creek Park, the activities the nature center and planetarium provide are an answer to the stir-crazy-in-the-winter family's prayers.The nature center houses a big hall of live animals and taxidermy indigenous to Rock Creek Park, a hands-on young scientist center and a playroom filled with wildlife puppets, felt boards, toys and books. Every time we go here to play the place is nearly deserted, so no worries about playroom traffic jams. Every Friday at 4pm the nature center hosts a "Creature Feature" discussing the animals of Rock Creek, free for all ages. The small planetarium is fantastic, and every Wednesday at 4pm hosts a free "Introduction to the Night Sky" for kids ...
Kids Eat Free at the Austin Grill on Tuesdays!
2008-02-06 04:59:00 Thanks to everyone who wrote in with the super info that kids eat free on Tuesdays at the Austin Grill in downtown Silver Spring and other locations! After a great response to last week's post about kids eat free options, I am happy to give you lowdown on Austin Grill's dealio without any apologies for health info. I mean, how much healthier can you get than rice and black beans? With the purchase of just one adult meal, you will get TWO free kids' meals at Austin Grill. This is WONDERFUL for single parents and parents on their own for mealtime. The promotion is available all day, for lunch and dinner, on Tuesdays. Additionally, the Austin Grill provides craft supplies to kids on Tuesday nights as they wait for their yummy quesadilla. Check out the kids menu here. If Tuesdays are not the best day of the week for your family to eat out, you can sign them up for Austin Grill's Grub Club. Kids get a card that gets punched each time they order a kids' meal, and after f... More About: Free
Parent Resource Center opening in Silver Spring - UPDATED
2008-02-05 17:46:00 UPDATE: All 50 free spaces have been filled. However, families in need will NEVER be turned away and payment arrangements can be made. The membership fee based on total family income will be prorated for use from March- June. Mary Jacobs extends her sincere thanks that so many families have responded to this program!Thanks to a fabulous tip from Laura M., a fellow mom I met in a Montgomery County Discovering Music class, I am going to go play with my children twice a week in a preschool setting. Interested? Good - you can too!The Parent Resource Center s are a program of the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County. Operating centers in Gaithersburg, two in Rockville and their newest facility opening in Silver Spring on March 3rd, the PRCs strive to "support families and enhance the healthy development of children while encouraging parents as the primary teachers of their children." The centers are for children aged infant to five years with their parents.... More About: Opening
Parent Resource Center opening in Silver Spring - UPDATED
2008-02-05 17:46:00 UPDATE: All 50 free spaces have been filled. However, families in need will NEVER be turned away and payment arrangements can be made. The membership fee based on total family income will be prorated for use from March- June. Mary Jacobs extends her sincere thanks that so many families have responded to this program!Thanks to a fabulous tip from Laura M., a fellow mom I met in a Montgomery County Discovering Music class, I am going to go play with my children twice a week in a preschool setting. Interested? Good - you can too!The Parent Resource Center s are a program of the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County. Operating centers in Gaithersburg, two in Rockville and their newest facility opening in Silver Spring on March 3rd, the PRCs strive to "support families and enhance the healthy development of children while encouraging parents as the primary teachers of their children." The centers are for children aged infant to five years with their parents.... More About: Opening
Woman of the Week - Diane Macklin, Storyteller
2008-02-03 14:03:00 Have you ever been so excited to phone someone that your hands shook as you dialed? That is how I felt this week when I called Diane Macklin for an interview. One of the country's most revered storytellers, this phenomenal woman is using her gift to educate children and adults about history, diversity and peace. Diane is a griot, a communicator of oral tradition that uses stories and a dynamic, interactive style to convey messages of historic value and wisdom to her audiences. (Diane humbly explained to me that the title of griot is an honored one that must be bestowed on her by others and not one that she calls herself.) In the griotic style, she tells stories from Africa and America, and feels that through story she can help to unite "...our incredibly diverse culture. We all have a story, just as we all have a beating heart." Diane was enthusiastic about the opportunity to reach out to Silver Spring residents. She says, "I really enjoy the diversity of Silver Spring. Ther... More About: Woman , Week
Preschools in Silver Spring & nearby areas
2008-02-03 03:35:00 UPDATED Check out the left-hand sidebar for lists of links to preschools in Silver Spring , Kensington, the Rockville/Silver Spring border and Takoma Park. There are also some programs listed in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and other nearby areas that readers have suggested. Whew, there are so many programs out there! I understand from personal experience how stressful the search for a preschool can be for parents. My goal is to compile these links to help your quest and reduce your stress by one iota...sorry I cannot be there to administer personal shoulder massage.If you have a beloved school that is not on the list, by all means send it in to jessica dot mcfadden at g mail dot com. This list is not complete, it is a work in progress, and if your school is left off it was not intentional. If you would like an open house or public event on the calendar, then bring it on!Aparentinsilverspring will list preschool programs affiliated with any faith, those that are totally secular, Monte...
Year of the Rat & T?t Lunar New Year Events Today
2008-02-03 03:35:00 Vietnamese Lunar New Year Celebration at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring at 11am Saturday Feb. 2, for all ages. Learn about Vietnamese culture, folk & dance music, traditional instruments, arts & craft displays, by the Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA)Chinese New Year Celebration at Kensington Park Library 2-4pm Saturday Feb. 2 for all ages. Special program to kick off the Year of the Rat with a lion dance, shadow puppets, folk dances, hands-on art. Registration required to attend, call 240-773-9515, hosted by the Li-Ming Chinese Academy.Lion Dance at the Silver Spring Library! 2:30-3pm Saturday Feb. 2 for all ages. The Washington Chinese Youth Club & the Friends of the Library, Silver Spring Chapter present this fabulous event not to be missed.Thanks for reading aparentinsilverspring (APISS) via feed. You rock. More About: Events , Today , Lunar New Year
Year of the Rat & T?t Lunar New Year Events Today
2008-02-03 03:35:00 Vietnamese Lunar New Year Celebration at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring at 11am Saturday Feb. 2, for all ages. Learn about Vietnamese culture, folk & dance music, traditional instruments, arts & craft displays, by the Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA)Chinese New Year Celebration at Kensington Park Library 2-4pm Saturday Feb. 2 for all ages. Special program to kick off the Year of the Rat with a lion dance, shadow puppets, folk dances, hands-on art. Registration required to attend, call 240-773-9515, hosted by the Li-Ming Chinese Academy.Lion Dance at the Silver Spring Library! 2:30-3pm Saturday Feb. 2 for all ages. The Washington Chinese Youth Club & the Friends of the Library, Silver Spring Chapter present this fabulous event not to be missed.Thanks for reading aparentinsilverspring (APISS) via feed. You rock. More About: Events , Today , Lunar New Year
Saturday Morning Rock
2008-02-03 03:34:00 A huge thanks to SS dad Chris R. for the recommendation of this event: rock out on Saturday morning to the RTTs! Click that link and listen to their opening tune Turn it Up Mommy and you will get a taste of their family-friendly but inspid-free musical style. You can listen to more tracks from the WAMMIE-winning band and purchase their CD here.Billing themselves as "rock n roll for kids AND their parents," I can think of no better way to spend a rainy Saturday morning then to dance with the kids to their songs...except for maybe The Winterfest Carnival at The Learning Center for Young Children in Kensington from 10am -2pm. (For details on all the fun, see the calendar.)Getting back to the rock...the RTTs special show for kids and parents starts at 10am at The Avalon Theater in DC, box office opens at 9:30am for the $8 tickets. I hope to see you there. I'll be the mom dancing with a coffee and two sippy cups, instead of my standard dancefloor brew.Thanks for reading aparentinsil... More About: Rock , Morning
Saturday Morning Rock
2008-02-03 03:34:00 A huge thanks to SS dad Chris R. for the recommendation of this event: rock out on Saturday morning to the RTTs! Click that link and listen to their opening tune Turn it Up Mommy and you will get a taste of their family-friendly but inspid-free musical style. You can listen to more tracks from the WAMMIE-winning band and purchase their CD here.Billing themselves as "rock n roll for kids AND their parents," I can think of no better way to spend a rainy Saturday morning then to dance with the kids to their songs...except for maybe The Winterfest Carnival at The Learning Center for Young Children in Kensington from 10am -2pm. (For details on all the fun, see the calendar.)Getting back to the rock...the RTTs special show for kids and parents starts at 10am at The Avalon Theater in DC, box office opens at 9:30am for the $8 tickets. I hope to see you there. I'll be the mom dancing with a coffee and two sippy cups, instead of my standard dancefloor brew.Thanks for reading aparentinsil... More About: Rock , Morning
411 on Local Libraries by Tech Savvy Mama
2008-02-03 03:33:00 Sometimes winter just makes me want to curl up under a blanket with a great book. Nowadays my regular reading consists mainly of books with large font and lots of colorful pictures. Like every good parent, I foster a love of literacy by spending lots of time reading to my children. But I do get tired of reading the same old books over and over again! When it is time for an infusion of new reading material, we head to the local library. Armed with the largest L.L. Bean Boat and Tote around, we fill it to brim until it is too heavy to carry and must be dragged from the library to the car and into the house. Maybe it is the former teacher in me, but I love the library. I love the selection- books on tape, books on CD, videos, CDs, picture books, chapter books, and best sellers. I love the librarians at the information desk. They can always tell me where to find my daughter?s favorite book even though I?ve checked it out so many times and should know exactly where it lives.... More About: Tech , Local , Mama , Savvy , Libraries
Dim Sum by Tech Savvy Mama
2008-02-02 12:44:00 One of our favorite things to do on a weekend is to go out to dim sum. Dim sum is like the Chinese version of Spanish tapas with a meal comprised of a collection of small dishes. The only difference is that the dishes roll by your table on carts and you can select whatever suits your appetite. A dazzling array of treats await as dim sum servers lift the lids off metal steam baskets.One of the best things about dim sum, besides variety, is the aspect of instant gratification. Gone is the wait for your food to appear at your table. Appetites of hungry children and adults alike can be satisfied practically as soon as you sit down to the table. Steamed meat dumplings, sticky rice, baked pork buns, and rice noodles wrapped around shrimp parade by on carts that also serve as dinner theater for our preschooler and toddler. With Lunar New Year beginning this Wednesday, February 7th, celebrate the beginning of Year of the Rat by visiting or revisiting Silver Spring dim sum rest... More About: Tech , Mama , Savvy
Dim Sum by Tech Savvy Mama
2008-02-02 12:44:00 One of our favorite things to do on a weekend is to go out to dim sum. Dim sum is like the Chinese version of Spanish tapas with a meal comprised of a collection of small dishes. The only difference is that the dishes roll by your table on carts and you can select whatever suits your appetite. A dazzling array of treats await as dim sum servers lift the lids off metal steam baskets.One of the best things about dim sum, besides variety, is the aspect of instant gratification. Gone is the wait for your food to appear at your table. Appetites of hungry children and adults alike can be satisfied practically as soon as you sit down to the table. Steamed meat dumplings, sticky rice, baked pork buns, and rice noodles wrapped around shrimp parade by on carts that also serve as dinner theater for our preschooler and toddler. With Lunar New Year beginning this Wednesday, February 7th, celebrate the beginning of Year of the Rat by visiting or revisiting Silver Spring dim sum rest... More About: Tech , Mama , Savvy
Free Astronaut Training at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
2008-02-02 11:00:00 Friends make the world go 'round and they always provide the best parenting ideas. So I have to give props to my friend Brooks for turning me on to a fabulous free field trip, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Visitor's Center. She suggested a playdate here about two years ago and I cannot thank her enough. Located in Greenbelt, Maryland, this place is a family's dream come true.Upon entering, kids walk through an archway of views of the universe from the Hubble Space Telescope. Then they are mesmerized by the interactive displays and models, such as real examples of satellites and rocket flight hardware. The kids can climb into an Apollo "pod" while donning NASA flight suits in a size 6X. My toddler and preschooler spend most of their visits playing with the big bin of space travel-themed toys and running around in the outdoor rocket garden.An amazing, fantastically cool exhibit is Science on a Sphere, showcasing the movie Footprints which is viewed on a huge glo... More About: Training , Free , Nasa
Women of the Week
2008-02-02 01:10:00 This isn't a beauty blog.This isn't a mommy blog (stop laughing.)This is a website for Silver Spring parents.But some Silver Spring parents happen to be mommies that are in the business of making people beautiful. One of those individuals is Jillian Behram of Jillian's Hair Design in downtown Silver Spring. Simply put, she is one hot tamale of a hair stylist that keeps tech geeks and executives and punk rockers and postal workers and yes, soccer moms, looking pretty spicy themselves.Formerly of Headlines, she started her own business this summer after the birth of her little boy, Demitrius Anthony. She works three days a week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - and finds this a great work/life balance. She says, "I enjoy having an active role in my kid's life while also having the adult interaction outside the home."Jillian says that she is happiest making other people happy when they sit in her chair, whether she is completely making over a frazzled mom or maintaining an arr... More About: Women , Week
Silver Spring Style & Suggestions
More articles from this author:2008-02-02 01:09:00 Silver Spring folk have a lot of home and garden style. Amongst the political and parenting conversations at parties, the topics of renovations, design and landscaping always come up. Just say the phrases "three story addition" or "best azalea food" at the next get-together and note that all conversations stop like in an old E.F. Hutton commercial.Whether you are the type to have Americana quilts and authentic rag rugs in your converted Victorian, framed vintage campaign posters and Swedish furniture in your light-filled contemporary, or your pad is mainly decorated by Graco and Fisher-Price, I am sure you can appreciate the design styles in this fair town as diverse as its inhabitants.One exciting new style resource is Avery Noll Vintage Home Furnishings. Avery Noll offers vintage furniture, lighting, and accessories that are typically updated with new designer fabrics, paint and touches to suit modern tastes. The online shop's owner is Silver Spring stay-at-home-mom Delores G... More About: Style , Silver 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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