Mothers Day

Weekend picks and Mother’s Day ideas

May 8, 2020

So this year Mother’s Day looks like none other but the day still holds the same meaning– love on the Mama’s! We have found a few virtual events and then supplemented with some ideas to make the day special– this year you may have to be more creative to make the day as special as she deserves. Here’s a cute tribute to Mom’s from CBS News.

Saturday
10:15am: Strathmore Family Jam Session: Discover the Blues with Mark G. Meadows
Join jazz pianist, singer/songwriter, and music director, Mark G. Meadows, as he breaks down the blues and its influence on all of American Music. Through storytelling, call and response, and performance, Mark will make blues artists out of everyone by the end of the jam session!

11:00am-11:30am: Dino Drawing
Parents, take a breather and allow your kids to hang out dinosaurs for a bit. The National Museum of Natural History and some of the world’s top paleoartists—no, that’s not a diet—will help guide your little ones through their very own sketch of a dinosaur. As participants draw, they’ll get to ask these experts questions about how they use science to create realistic artwork on the dinosaurs. The weekly series, which begins Saturday, will feature a new dinosaur each week and is FREE.

11:00am-11:45am: Stories on the Horizon: Blossoming Together from Arts on the Horizon
Parents/Caregivers join their little ones for this virtual class where we will grow and blossom together through the use of songs and movement. Stretch out your leaves and reach towards the springtime sun! Best for children ages 9 months to 2.5 years old.

May 8-11 Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden will be sharing the best of the New York International Children’s Film Festival’s short films with you. (View the trailer here.) With these hour-long screenings, you can bring artful, inspired storytelling and hilarity to your home screen. Two short film programs are available, Kid Flicks One recommended for ages 3+, and Kid Flicks Two for ages 8+. Enjoy high-quality films as a family, and continue the fun with coloring pages, art projects, games, and more when you Explore Hillwood from Home. Be sure to try out the following activities, inspired by Marjorie Post’s use of her pavilion to screen first-run films.

Maryland has now expanded opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation which include beaches, boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hunting/trapping, off-road vehicles and shooting ranges all with specific conditions.

The Yards has just the thing for every mom – and everyone. Explore special menus and gifts. Plus, what better way to celebrate mom than with sundae fun? Join Ice Cream Jubilee founder and super-mom Victoria Lai, as she shakes things up with a spiked ice cream recipe guaranteed to make the day that much sweeter.

The Lane Social Club has put together an all-inclusive kit, so you can have Mother’s Day in the Ba g.

The Creative Kitchen in NYC has many virtual offerings! They have a special “Mother’s Day Weekend Breakfast for Dinner” class or you can sign up for a private family cooking class! Freshmade NYC also has virtual cooking classes!

Ideas to make Mama feel the love:
-Make breakfast in bed or even just deliver a coffee and newspaper. Treat her to homemade pop tarts because we are all over banana bread.
–Support your local community and order dinner in and/or pick-up curbside or contactless delivery
-Turn off electronics for the day
-Homemade cards are the best
-Give an Audible subscription or send her a Kindle book
-Take the kids out of the house and leave Mom in a quiet home
-Clean up the kitchen or do laundry– even better teach your kids to do both!
-Have a “spa day” and make DIY masks and bath bombs and do her nails
-Plant flowers or weed the yard
-Have a social distance happy hour if you have the space– invite Mom friends over and bring your own drinks, snacks and chair
-Picnic in your backyard and create a fun playlist

Ways to celebrate your Mom:
-Organize a drive-by if you live close to your Mom and decorate her driveway with chalk and leave gifts
-Schedule a Zoom call with family members and/or friends and share something special with the Moms like a story, recommend a podcast or show a special photo. You could even enjoy a meal together over a Zoom call.
-Invite your Mom to come park in front of your house and wash her car while she keeps her distance

Enjoy this coloring sheet from District Dabble Lab! Click on the image to print it out.

Mother’s Day gift idea that won’t go out of style

April 27, 2020

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and sadly your child won’t be coming home with the annual handmade surprises made at school. That doesn’t mean the moms and grandparents in our lives don’t deserve something special. We’ve got the perfect gift to send your mom, friend or grandparent that will be enjoyed for many years and admired by guests.

Comet Cloth kitchen aprons & towels are created by talented, local food photographer, Renée Comet. They are 100% cotton, grown, printed, sewn and finished in the USA. These vibrant aprons & towels are a great addition to any kitchen. As Florence Fabricant from the New York Times said, “coordinate your kitchen linens with your menu”.

Comet has launched children’s aprons for select designs which make a perfect parent/child (or grandparent/grandchild) shareable gift. Personally, I also love the idea of getting my kids matching aprons. As seen pictured above; the perfectly ripe strawberry print looks pretty adorable on! Your kitchen towels and aprons shouldn’t be dreary and boring. Add some color to your kitchen especially since these days we are all home and cooking so much; it’s a perfect time to include some fun to the experience. Shipping typically arrives takes 4 days. Order today! Don’t forget to plan ahead for the fathers in your lives as well.

Mother’s Day fun in and around Washington, DC

May 8, 2019

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. In case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama, here’s a list of some family friendly places.

Saturday
10:00am-3:00pm: Frying Pan Farm Park Spring Farm Day
Watch sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. Participate in hands-on farm activities such as cow and goat milking. Enjoy crafts, games, and get an up-close introduction to the baby farm animals. Walk-ins welcome $8 at the door.

10:00am-5:00pm: Rosslyn Blooms Flower Festival
On Mother’s Day Weekend, drop by the region’s premier spring flower market, the Rosslyn Blooms! Flower Festival. Petworth florist Holley Simmons of She Loves Me will bring her unique cut-flower creations and live indoor plants to Central Place Plaza for a day filled with shopping, fun and activities for all ages. Flower Festival will be a great opportunity to pick up last-minute gifts for mom or create your own by participating in several DIY workshops led by the talented team at The Lemon Collective. Prices range from $30-$80 for floral arrangements, with other gifts available for purchase. There will be two kids’ workshops accessible to kids between 8 and 12 years old. They are free but registration is required. There will also be coloring and sticker stations for younger children throughout the day.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mother’s at Freer|Sackler
Join us on Mother’s Day weekend to experience Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644–1912! Take a family-friendly tour and learn about the lives of Qing dynasty empresses (12:30 and 2:30 pm). Drop in anytime to create your own royal portrait and greeting cards inspired by the exhibition. All ages welcome with adult companions. This event is FREE.

6:00pm: Alphabet Rockers at Kennedy Center (Millennium Stage)
Grammy®–nominated artists Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. Based in Oakland, California, this Hip Hop group invites children and families to interrupt their biases and spark a true commitment to social justice with Rise Shine #Woke. (FREE)

Saturday & Sunday

9:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-6:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave. Festival takes up space from Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves.

Sunday

10:00am-4:00pm: Mother’s Day Brunch at Pinstripes
Treat mom to an expansive bottomless brunch this Mother’s Day and then a game of bowling or bocce! Indulge in favorites like made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib and fresh shrimp, bagels with spreads and smoked salmon, flatbreads, waffles ‘her-way’ topped with berries, bananas foster or Nutella, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Moms will be especially encouraged to sit back and relax with mimosas and bloody Mary’s as the kids are taken care of at the ‘Kids Corner’ station with pizzas, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and more. Adults $40, includes bottomless mimosas or $34 without Mimosas | Kids 6-12 $15 | Kids 5 & Under: Free | $4 Mimosas & $7 Bloody Marys available all day. Please call to make a reservation!

11:00am-2:30pm: Brunch at Westend Bistro
Treat mom to the luxury she deserves! Westend Bistro, located inside The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., will offer a gourmet brunch. Featured menu items include Poached shrimp, oysters, Alaskan Crab claws and legs; Corvina Tequila ceviches; Curry roasted cauliflower salad with labneh and pomegranate; and more! $110/adult; $45/child (4-12 years old) with an option to upgrade for $25 inclusive of bottomless Mimosa or sparkling wine.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mothers Day at United States Botanic Garden
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Join Lee and Danielle to explore the Wall Flowers exhibit as you make your own oversized flower to take home. Afterwards, learn how to make (and taste) several healthy recipes you can make for your mom. Please note: This is a drop-in program and appropriate for ages 7 and up.

1:35pm: Bowie Baysox Baseball Game: Mother’s Day Celebration
The Baysox have two great ways to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day. Moms and their family can Take The Field with the Baysox Starting Lineup before the game with the Mother’s Day Field of Dreams Package. This special package includes four box seat tickets, access to the field to take a family photo with a Baysox player, opportunity for autographs in the dugout, $50.00 in Baysox Bucks to spend around the stadium and the opportunity for the family to run out onto the field with one of the Baysox Starting players for the National Anthem.

2:00pm: Owls with Mom Painting
Looking for something fun to do with Mom this Mother’s Day? We have just the thing! Paint a beautiful nighttime scene with a Mom and Baby owl perched on a Cherry Blossom branch. You and mom will use two canvases to create one scene, while you and mom sip on a complimentary Cherry Blossom Cocktail. Our ArtJamz Instructors will take you through the steps and Mom will leave with a whimsical scene to take home. All ages welcome! Remember to buy class passes/canvas for you and mom!

Make a donation to DC Diaper Bank and support other Mom’s

Mom picks this weekend in and around Washington, DC

May 11, 2018

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. And, in case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama, here’s a list of some family friendly places. Find more ideas on our Instagram & Facebook pages!

The Kennedy Center is hosting Artes de Cuba through May 20.

Friday-

5:30pm-8:00pm: Pajama Party at Hillwood Estate & Museum
Embark on a magical adventure as you enjoy short films featuring all sorts of fanciful creatures from friendly dragons to the monster under the bed. Before the movie begins, relax in the gardens and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Sandwiches, drinks and snacks, including popcorn and other movie treats, will be available for purchase from the Cafe’s express menu. Hunt for knights and dragons in artwork displayed in the mansion and make your own work of art: decorative medals to celebrate your bravery, inspired by honorary knight’s badges in Hillwood’s collection. Bring pajamas, pillows, blankets, and cushions from home to get cozy as you head indoors and settle in for the film screening. Enjoy a selection of award-winning, family-friendly short films.

6:00pm-10:00pm: Drive-in at Union Market: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Drive-In at Union Market is back for a new season — from May through November — our biggest season yet! $10 parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Free for walk-ups. (Synopsis: Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. 1h 55 min, rated PG) Lot opens at 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:15, Film begins 8:30; Film ends at 10:25

Saturday-

9:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-3:00pm: Frying Pan Farm Park Spring Farm Day
Watch sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. Participate in hands-on farm activities such as cow and goat milking. Enjoy crafts, games, and get an up-close introduction to the baby farm animals. Walk-ins welcome $8 at the door.

10:00am-1:00pm: Acton Children’s Business Festival
Outdoor market with over 100 young entrepreneurs ages 6 to 14. Shop original board games, Star-Wars-themed noodles, tooth fairy monsters, hand-dyed jump ropes, race car crayons, and more! (Rain date is Saturday, May 19, 10am to 1pm)

11:00am-12:00pm: InterAct KidStory Theatre Festival
It’s that time of year again! Join InterAct Story Theatre as we present the second annual KidStory Theatre Festival: A celebration of stories for kids, by kids! Throughout the year, InterAct’s artists help students craft unique stories and share some of them on stage. We take a handful of these stories and transform them into short plays, musical numbers or theatrical vignettes, all so we can share the creativity of kids at this wonderful FREE event. This year’s selections come from Prince George’s County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), DC Public Schools and more!

11:00am-1:00pm: Nibble+Squeak Mother’s Day Lunch at Plume
Nibble+squeak will be hosting a very special, Mother’s Day Weekend lunch at Plume. Nibble+Squeak is a community of “parents with pipsqueaks” who love to eat! A family-friendly resource for restaurant dining, we host private events that allow everyone to relax and enjoy the meal, in a welcoming and worry-free environment. As the recent recipient of one star from the prestigious Michelin Guide and the only Forbes five star rated restaurant in Washington, DC, Plume at The Jefferson serves as a discreet and elegant backdrop to the artistry of an award-winning culinary team. Savor classic dishes crafted using traditional techniques and a seasonal menu inspired by the harvest from Thomas Jefferson’s kitchen gardens at Monticello.

1:00pm-12:00am: Funk Parade
Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind day fair, parade and music festival, celebrating Washington DC’s vibrant music, culture, and arts, the U Street neighborhood, and the Spirit of Funk that brings us all together. Day Fair 1-7pm, Parade is 5-6pm, Music Fest 7pm-12am and the Showcase is at 8pm.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Mother’s Day Wine Tasting at Firehook Cleveland Park Garden
Join us in celebrating all the wonderful moms in our community! Wine tasting will begin at 6 PM, and feature 3 tastings, $5 glasses, complementary small bites and a new pop-up menu! Come enjoy beautiful weather, fine wine, and delicious, local food in our neighborhood garden! All ages are welcome ( Must be 21 to purchase/consume alcohol).

Sunday-

9:00am-10:30am: Littlest Critters class at National Zoo
Celebrate Mother’s Day with some of our favorite new moms and babies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Bring your little critter and get to know some of our favorite Zoo babies, including our juvenile orangutan Redd and baby gorilla Moke. Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. “Littlest Critters” will run on Sunday, May 13 from 9-10:30a.m. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

10:00am-5:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave. Festival takes up space from Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves.

11:00am-2:00pm: Mother’s Day Tour of the Rose Garden
Is your Mom breathtakingly beautiful, cuddly or–oh my goodness–ferociously thorny? Does she flit like a butterfly or prefer walks in sensible shoes? We have just the right rose and rose story for her. Bring your Mom to stroll the paths, hear the rose’s stories, and enjoy our beautiful rose garden. Please note: This tour is held outdoors. We suggest wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and bringing water. The tour is canceled if it rains or during times of extreme heat (head index of 95 degrees or higher/Code Red weather alert).

12:00pm-2:00pm: Fluffness at The Plaza at CityCenter
They will be passing out free cotton candy to celebrate Mother’s Day. After taking mom on a stroll through Palmer Alley or after enjoying brunch at one of our restaurants, make sure to stop by the Fluffness cotton candy cart to make her special day even sweeter!

1:00pm: Free movie screening of Book Club + Pampering at Mazza
The screening begins at 2:00pm, but beforehand there will be a Mother’s Day tea in a private room at the movie theater. The pre-party tea will include snacks, tea, complimentary massages, a photobooth, and makeup touchups by the Glam Squad! There are also some prize packs to give away at the screening.

6:00pm: Despicable Me 3 at National Harbor
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than movie nights at National Harbor. Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza screen for a free evening of fun!

Shows:
Judy Moody at Adventure Theatre plays all weekend long with some extra treasures! Saturday & Sunday at 11am & 2pm.

Robin Hood at Imagination Stage plays at 1:30pm & 4pm on Saturday & Sunday.

Make a donation to DC Diaper Bank and support other Mom’s.

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

April 27, 2018

The Georgetown French Market, one of the District’s most anticipated shopping weekends, marks the triumphant return of the spring season, this weekend beginning on Friday. Georgetown’s Book Hill neighborhood will transform into an inviting open-air market as the over 40 locally-owned merchants, restaurants, salons and galleries display discounted items and unique finds.

South Mountain Creamery Spring Festival is taking place all weekend long. All year round you welcome us them your home. This weekend, they’re welcoming you to theirs. There will be vendors, music, farmers market, food, games, activities, animals, hay rides and you’ll want to check out the milking parlor and take the production tour!

A few Parent’s Night Out events happening!

Saturday

10:00am-4:00pm: Ring in Spring with KinderCare
Union Stage is being transformed into a blooming spring pasture of overgrown flowers, exaggerated ladybugs and a sunny sky darted with clouds! Bring the entire family to spend a day with us and enjoy complimentary family portraits by Red Tricycle DC’s favorite family photographer, Stacey Vaeth, spring-themed activities for kids (6 weeks to 6 years), story time with Amy Mascott, of the famed teach mama blog, plus live musical entertainment! Before you leave, don’t forget to take home one of our favorite spring themed books, seeds for planting, and even schedule a tour at one of our KinderCare centers. Register above for a time slot.

10:00am-7:00pm: DC Chocolate Festival
The DC Chocolate Festival is a celebration of artisan and fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! This event brings together over 30 chocolate vendors and thousands of chocolate lovers for a day of tasting, talking and learning. The morning block is perfect for families and kids of all ages.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp is the featured story.

11:00: Ready, Set, Think at Chevy Chase Library
Walk before you run; think before you code. Calling all 5-to-7-year-olds and their families: Come play some games and learn about computational thinking skills. Computational thinking is not thinking like a computer, but understanding how to organize and interpret information in a way that computers can process. These skills are the foundation for coding and problem solving. Each participant will take home activity sets to keep the fun going. Limited to the first 16 families. Recommended for ages 5-7 with adult.

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day at Glen Echo
The historic Dentzel Carousel will open for its 98th season in Glen Echo Park on Carousel Day! The event also offers a full day (11:00am-4:00pm) of FREE activities for throughout Glen Echo Park, including live music & other performances, face painting, a roving magician, and carousel themed crafts. The carousel operates from 11:00am-5:00pm, $1.25 per ride. See Judy Moody and the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt at Adventure Theatre while you are there!

Sunday

9:30am: Power Mama Yoga at Little Bit Yogi
Adult yoga class with little ones roaming.

10:00am-5:00pm: KID Museum Spark Behind the Science Day
What sparks someone’s passion for science and technology? Is it a trip to a museum, an inspiring teacher, or simply collecting shells at the beach? At Spark Behind the Science Day, meet STEM experts and find out what drove them to pursue their careers. Then, participate in a variety of hands-on activities to find your own spark! Drop in anytime.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Dragons Love Tacos is the featured story.

11:00am-2:00pm: The Rumpus Room: A Family Dance Party
Welcome to the Rumpus Room, a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who all happen to be parents themselves). Created by DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, the Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. The soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. We provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props. You come to dance.

2:00pm AND 4:00pm: NSO Family Concert at the Kennedy Center
In the spirit of a series of Young People’s Concerts made popular by Leonard Bernstein at Carnegie Hall, Emil de Cou conducts this delightful performance that explores the concepts of melody and rhythm. NSO Principal Second violinist Marissa Regni hosts and Emil de Cou conducts, with guest appearances by Christylez Bacon and Ben Folds. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” in the Opera House Lobby. Starting one hour before each concert (1 p.m. & 3 p.m.), hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. The 2 p.m. performance is sensory friendly. Most enjoyed by ages 5 & up. Please note: everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Performance Timing: 1 hour, with no intermission.

Plan Ahead for Mother’s Day with some fun events:

Little Loft will have a spring photo shoot that will include be moms and kids. Kids draw portraits of mom at Little Loft, and Red Turtle Photography takes a professional portrait of mom with littles. Book your 15-min shoot for $95, $10 for second child, $5 for third+ for Saturday, May 12, 10:00am-2:00pm. Edited prints and digital files available for purchase — great Mother’s Day gift!

Nothing says love like a handmade gift from your little one. Red Panda Art Studio wants to help your child celebrate his or her wonderful mama by creating a fabulous gift (or gifts)! May 6 at the Little House at Westmoreland Hills Park from 10:00am-11:30am. Each child will have the opportunity to create a framed portrait of his or her mom, an Ikebana-inspired flower arrangement, a homemade herb planter, and more (we don’t want to give away all of the surprises here!). Geared towards ages 3 to 8. $35. Drop-off welcome.

Looking ahead:

Night Out at the Museum:
National Museum of Natural History Sleepovers

Sleepover guests will experience the museum through an interactive exploration of exhibit halls consisting of games, puzzles and challenges; exhibit-based craft projects; and sleeping under the museum’s giant North American right whale, Phoenix. Sleepovers at the National Museum of Natural History will be heldMay 18, June 1, June 29, July 6, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.

National Museum of American History Sleepovers

Participants will solve a mystery of historic proportions during an interactive exploration of exhibit halls. When the devious diva Miss Rose steals six valuable objects from the museum, kids must discover what is missing before the evening’s end. Using their detective skills, they will collect clues to guide them to the crime scene. Along the way, they will take part in games, experiments and craft projects—and even become a presidential candidate. Sleepovers at the National Museum of American History will be held May 11, May 25, June 15 and Aug. 10.

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center Sleepovers

Kids and their chaperones will explore the whole world of flight, from its pioneering days through the era of commercial aviation to the excitement of today’s space program. After they grab a flight checklist, they will take off for a night that includes plenty of games, art activities and close-up looks at some of the most historic and fascinating craft ever to take to the skies. Udvar-Hazy Center staff will be on hand to offer information and insights about the aviation treasures on view. Sleepovers at the Udvar-Hazy Center will be held July 14, July 28 and Aug. 18.

We Care For Moms; Mother’s Day Initiative for Eliana’s Light

April 17, 2018

We are teaming up with Eliana’s Light again after such an extremely successful Valentine’s Day Initiative, thanks to YOU! Help us celebrate all of the Mama’s and Caregivers for the 2nd Annual We Care For Moms Initiative! Eliana‘s Light, a local non-profit organization, is organizing caring members of our community to collaborate with us to develop gift bags for moms who will be spending Mother’s Day in the hospital to care for their child/ren who has/have a complex medical condition. There are various ways you can show your support for these moms! Below are some ideas but you are more than welcome to come up with your own. All gifts, donations and contributions are needed by May 8, 2018. We thank you in advance for your interest.

1. Organize a group of friends to make lavender sachets, aromatherapy putty, or a baked good at your house. Eliana’s Light can provide the supplies and recipes if necessary.

2. Make an in-kind donation of supplies for others to make crafts or baked goods for moms who will be at local hospitals over Mother’s Day. We have various options on our Amazon Wish List.

3. Donate a small self-care item from your business, or ask a local business you know to make a donation. We welcome lotions, gift certificates, and other self-care items you think would be appropriate for these moms.

4. Give a financial donation to enable Eliana’s Light to purchase ingredients and supplies.

5. Introduce Eliana’s Light to a corporation that could provide items you think moms would love.

6. Coordinate a used book drive to donate gently read books to Mom’s.

The options are endless! Let’s make these Mama’s feel extra special. If you are interested please email Whitney
or BeltwayBambinos.

Mom Picks this Weekend

May 11, 2017

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. And, in case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama here’s a list of some family friendly places.

All Fired Up offers 10% off to all Moms Saturday & Sunday at both locations.

Friday-

3:00pm-7:00pm: Jo Malone London at City Center
(996 I St NW)
Customize a cologne or candle with a beautifully engraved message. RSVP to attend.

Saturday-

8:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
(3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121)
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-6:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, Md)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

10:00am-12:00pm AND 1:00pm-3:00pm: Children’s Ball at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
(701 21st Street, NW)
Dress in your best for our Children’s Ball during a very special Mother’s Day weekend at the museum. Join us for fun and fancy treats, dancing beats, and a kid-centered visit to the exhibition Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair. $10/museum members and GW students, faculty, and staff; $15/public (entrance for one adult and one child). Advance registration is required; space is limited. Register online or call 202-994-7394.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Adam’s Morgan Summer Concert
(Columbia Rd and 18th St NW)
Join us for the second show in Free Summer Concert Series! We’ll have hula hoops and bubbles for the kids as free wristbands good for discounts at businesses all over Adams Morgan. The Oxymorons take the stage with a mix of the hottest new songs, the best of the old, and their award-winning originals, giving audiences a night of hip-shaking New Orleans funk, soulful blues, Americana roots, and jam-band rock. This seriously-fun eight-piece band has been playing the DC area for more than 25 years, reeling off favorite party tunes spanning four decades and witty, well-crafted originals.

Sunday-

9:00am-12:00pm: La Bella Strada
(Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA)
Del Ray’s main street, Mount Vernon Ave. will come alive with vibrant chalk art. The second annual La Bella Strada Street Painting Festival, modeled after an ancient Italian art form, will bring artists from around the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. region to create masterpieces up and down the sidewalk. Learn more about the event here. The event raises money for The Del Ray Montessori School, a 501c3 profit, for an outdoor playspace.

9:30am-4:00pm: Mother’s Day Brunch at Pinstripes
(1064 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20007)
Make this Mother’s Day special by treating mom to an expansive bottomless brunch fit for a queen! Indulge in favorites like made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib and fresh shrimp, bagels with spreads and smoked salmon, flatbreads, waffles ‘her-way’ topped with berries, bananas foster or Nutella, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Moms will be especially encouraged to sit back and relax with mimosas and bloody Mary’s as the kids are taken care of at the ‘Kids Corner’ station with pizzas, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and more. Adults $36, includes bottomless mimosas | Kids 6-12 $15 | Kids 5 & Under: Free | $4 Mimosas & $7 Bloody Marys available all day. Please call to make a brunch reservation: 202-625-6500 Or plan ahead to Father’s Day Brunch.

10:00am-5:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, MD)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
See my review of the play here. Bring your mom to see Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp this Sunday and she will receive a chocolate rose!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mothers Day at United States Botanic Garden
(Conservatory Garden Court)
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? It is never too early to start planning your vegetable garden. Bring your mother to the USBG and help her design and plant her very own cook’s garden! Join Danielle Cook as she whips up two recipes and savor the bounty your garden will bring. Please note: This is a drop-in program and appropriate for all ages.

Weekend Picks

May 6, 2016

The 77th Annual Flower Mart at The National Cathedral takes place Friday & Saturday. This event is fun for the entire family; food, flowers, performances, carnival rides and more!

Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon is Saturday and Sunday.
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

Saturday-

8:00am-11:00am: Spring Celebration at Woodend Nature Sanctuary
(8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD)
Learn to identify our region’s birds on this volunteer-led walk around Woodend Nature Sanctuary. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Join our Master Naturalists for a nature hike around Woodend Nature Sanctuary. This kid-friendly nature walk is great for all ages. Visit our Blair Native Garden to see what’s in bloom and stroll through our meadow to learn about butterflies. Take a guided tour of the historic Woodend mansion.
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