Author: rttriciamirchandani

Tricia Mirchandani is a mother of two, a freelance writer and the blogger behind Raising Humans. Her words have appeared on the Huffington Post, Washington Post, SheKnows, and in Pregnancy and Newborn magazine. She tells stories because sharing words can make the world a better place.

Fairest in the DMV: Your Guide to Fair Season

By rttriciamirchandani
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  • live entertainment
  • live musical
  • monster trucks
  • pony rides
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Cotton candy and hot dogs. Three rides on the carousel. Fistfuls of tickets and as many prizes as your arms can carry. What’s not to love about a good, old-fashioned county fair? We’re lucky to live among several counties where the fair tradition is going strong. In fact, you could spend every weekend in August bouncing from pony rides to the top of the Ferris wheel if you want to! Here’s our rundown of local fairs.

Photo: Brittany Randolph via Flickr

Loudon County Fair
When: July 24-29
Best known for: Kiss-a-pig fundraiser and livestock auction
Highlights: rodeo-bull riding, goat show, magic acts, floral exhibits, obstacle courses, live musical entertainment
This year, look for: the Monster Truck Event

Where: Loudon County Fairgrounds, 17564 Dry Mill Rd. (Leesburg, Va)
Cost: adults $10, kids 6 – 12 $5, kids under 6 free
Online: loudouncountyfair.com

Fairfax County 4H Fair and Frying Pan Park Farm Show
When: August 3-6
Best known for: Carnival Rides
Highlights: old-fashioned games, pie-eating contest, cow milking, hayrides, horse shows, live entertainment
This year, look for: the big truck event

Where: Frying Pan Farm Park 2739 West Ox Rd., (Herndon Va)
Cost: admission is free, tickets are $1 each
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov

Howard County Fair
When: August 5–12
Best known for: Kids and Critters Barn
Highlights: carnival rides and games, livestock exhibits, talent shows and contests
This year, look for: Howard County’s Got Talent

Where: Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairground Rd. (West Friendship, Md)
Cost: ages 10 and up $5, seniors $2, children under 10 free
Online: howardcountyfair.com/

montgomery-county-fair

Photo: Derryk A. via Yelp

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
When: August 11–19
Best known for: being the largest county fair in the state of Maryland
Highlights: carnival rides, live animals, monster tricks, demolition derby
This year, look for: Carrie McQueen roaming the fairgrounds on stilts

Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Perry Pkwy. and Route 355 (Gaithersburg, Md)
Cost: ages 12 and up $10 per person, 11 and under free
Online: mcagfair.com/

Maryland State Fair
When: August 24 – September 4
Best known for: concert series on the Racetrack Infield Stage
Highlights: nature play space, educational exhibits about food and farming, carnival rides, fair foods, square dancing, livestock competitions
This year, look for: the Grand Parade Celebration

Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd. (Lutherville-Timonium, Md)
Cost: advance adult tickets $6, seniors $5, children ages 6 – 11 $2, children under 2 free but require tickets for rides

http://www.marylandstatefair.com/

Photo: Holly Schroeder via Flickr

Arlington County Fair
When: August 16-20
Best known for: indoor exhibitor hall and entertainment
Highlights: Harlem Wizards, racing piglets, kids’ court, carnival rides
This year, look for: Find the Disco Ball contest

Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 South Second Street, Arlington VA
Cost: admission free, tickets cost $1 each
Online: http://arlingtoncountyfair.us/

Prince George’s County Fair
When: September 7–19
Best known for: being Maryland’s oldest fair, dating back to 1842
Highlights: fireworks, arts and crafts, carnival rides, livestock, crafts
This year, look for: the beautiful baby contest

Where: Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave. (Upper Marlboro, Md)
Cost: adults $6, children ages 6 – 17 $5, children under 5 free
Online: countyfair.org

Do you have a favorite county fair? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

–Tricia Mirchandani

Photo: Derryk A. via Yelp

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  • live entertainment
  • live musical
  • monster trucks
  • pony rides

The Sweet Spot: 5 Ice Cream Shops to Try This Summer

By rttriciamirchandani
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  • pistachio
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  • blueberry
  • banana
  • passion
  • vanilla
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We’ve chilled out at Thomas Sweet and Moorenko’s. We’ve indulged in Nicecream and Trickling Springs. And if you keep on bee-lining to those sweet spots this summer, we won’t judge (in fact, we’ll likely be right behind you!). But with summer comes a whole new crop of ice cream shops to explore, like these five spots across the DMV.

Photo: Aikawa Ke via Flickr

Dolcezza Gelato Dupont
Go for: The local ingredients.
Gelato crafted fresh every morning using locally sourced ingredients. Need we say more? How about a variety of locations serving not only gelato but coffee and snacks too? You can find one of the family owned business’ shops in Bethesda, City Center, and the Mosaic District, but we recommend the Dupont Circle location for its exposed brick and seating area.

1704 Connecticut Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
Online: dolcezzagelato.com

Les Glaces de Diplomate
Go for: That vintage French feeling.
The popular French restaurant, Le Diplomate, sends its pedal-powered cart full of ice cream and sorbet to the corner of 14th and Q St. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. Equal parts charming and vintage, kids will love checking out the bike while they wait for their cones. The menu changes weekly but with previous options like pistachio and banana fruit-passion, we’re pretty sure you can’t go wrong.

14th and Q Sts., NW (Logan Circle)
Online: facebook.com/lediplomatedc

Lil City Creamery
Go for: Simple decision making.
If you’ve ever held up the line in the ice cream shop while your kids (or you) struggle to decide which of a couple dozen flavors you’re in the mood for, Lil City Creamery is the answer. There are only 8 flavors to choose from. But don’t for a minute think that means you’re stuck with the vanilla-vs-chocolate conundrum. Think blueberry cotton candy for the kids and salted caramel for the grown-ups. That way you can spend the bulk of your time there gazing at their wall of toys.

114 W. Broad St. (Falls Church, Va)
Online: lilcitycreamery.com

Henry’s Sweet Retreat
Go for: A sweet-filled experience.
More of a candy shop that serves ice cream than a pure ice cream shop, we can’t help but send you to Henry’s Sweet Retreat anyway. Not only is walking into the place an experience all its own, but the ice cream is shipped in from Graeter’s, Cincinnati-based producer of the French pot ice cream that Oprah called the “best ice cream I’ve ever tasted.”

4823 St. Elmo St. (Bethesda, Md)
Online: henryssweetretreat.com

Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Go for: All of the choices.
Soft serve (including a few lactose-free flavors), ice cream, and a bevy of toppings will keep you busy for a while at this old-fashioned diner-esque spot. There’s plenty of space to sit and Pop’s also hosts private parties.

109 King St. (Alexandria, Va.)
Online: popsoldfashioned.com

Where do you go for your favorite scoop of ice cream? Dish in the comments below. 

–Tricia Mirchandani

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  • banana
  • passion
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10 Off-the-Beaten-Path National Parks in and Around D.C.

By rttriciamirchandani
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Spring sun and warmer temperatures are probably enough to get you and the family out and about these days. But if you need an extra push to lace up your sneakers, smear on some sunscreen, and head outdoors, let us remind you that National Park Week is upon us. Running from April 15 – 23 and bookended by two free entrance weekends, National Park Week celebrates our national heritage and encourages discovering and enjoying the great outdoors. To get you started, we rounded up 10 nearby National Parks you may not of even known existed . 

Photo: Bureau of Land Management via Flickr

Anacostia Park
Delight the kids with playgrounds. Feed the family with picnics or grill out. Come together for roller skating, boating, fishing and any sport you want to play.

Online: nps.gov/anac

Chesapeake Bay
Few days are more perfect than ones spent bird watching by the bay or paddle boating across it.

Online: nps.gov/chba

Ford’s Theatre
Rarely find yourself wandering off the Mall to take in the history at Ford’s Theatre? Now’s the perfect time to change that.

Online: nps.gov/foth 

Photo: BeyondDC via Flickr

Frederick Douglass House
Take a tour and explore the grounds of this national historic sight preserving Douglass’ legacy.

Online: nps.gov/frdo

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Hiking, birding, picnics, fantastic natural photo backdrops and more make a perfect spring day even more perfect.

Online: nps.gov/keaq

LBJ Memorial Grove on Potomac
Spend a day relaxing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking where President Johnson used to go when he needed to escape.

Online: nps.gov/lyba

Fort McHenry
Go way beyond the Mall and head to Baltimore for a tour of the fort, exhibits, and more.

Online: nps.gov/fomc

Photo: elstudio via Flickr

Fort Washington
Explore one of our country’s few remaining Seacoast Forts in its original designs or enjoy hiking, bird watching or fishing.

Online: nps.gov/fowa

Harpers Ferry
A bit of a daytrip, Harpers Ferry is totally worth the drive with museums and exhibits, overlooks and hiking, tours, shops, and a living history workshop.

Online: nps.gov/hafe

Claude Moore Colonial Farm
History buffs will dig this spot where you’ll experience farm life from revolutionary war time.

Online: nps.gov/clmo

What is your favorite local National Park? Tell us in the comments section below. 

–Tricia Mirchandani

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Where to Clean Up Nicely on Earth Day

By rttriciamirchandani
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Spring weather got you in a cleaning kind of mood? Take a break from your closets and put that spring cleaning energy to use at rivers and parks throughout the DMV. We found four places where the whole family can pitch in this Earth Day (plus two places to celebrate when you’re done!).

Photo: Lisa Parker via Flickr

Anacostia River
With multiple points throughout the district, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County, there is likely an Anacostia clean-up site near you. The Anacostia Watershed Society welcomes all, families and kids included, at their annual Earth Day Cleanup and Celebration. They provide the tools and supplies, you provide the manpower to make the river sparkle. In 2016, nearly 2,000 volunteers removed more than 74,000 pounds of waste from the river. This year, you can be part of that.

When: Apr. 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sites around the Anacostia Watershed
Online: anacostiaws.org

Potomac Overlook
With 67 acres of park, trails, and gardens (both wild and cultivated) plus dozens of programs and activities, Potomac Overlook is a great place to spend a day. But a space like this doesn’t stay beautiful on its own. On Earth Day, join the staff for a big spring clean. Tasks include removing invasive plants, cleaning up trails, and more.

When: Apr. 22, 10 a.m.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
2845 North Marcey Rd. (Arlington, Va)
Online: active.com

Rock Creek
Head to one of 75 sites along the 33-mile length of Rock Creek to participate in the 9th annual Rock Creek Extreme Cleanup. Although the cleanup happens each year, trash also accumulates annually, gathering from littering and runoff from street gutters. The Rock Creek Conservancy runs the day and aims to completely clean Rock Creek, its tributaries, nearby parks and neighborhoods.

When: Apr. 22
Cleanups at 75 locations along the 33-mile length of Rock Creek
Online: rockcreekconservancy.org

Carrie Murray Nature Center
The Carrie Murray Nature Center in Baltimore offers two Earth Day opportunities. Take a naturalist-led hike along the trails and help pick up trash along the way from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Arrive earlier with your little ones for a morning hike (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) to gather litter from the trails and stream that you’ll then use to create LITTERBUGS.

When: Apr. 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1901 Ridgetop Rd. (Baltimore, Md)
Online: carriemurraynaturecenter.org

National Zoo’s Earth Optimism Day
If your little ones are a bit too little for an Earth Day hike or clean up activity, you can still celebrate the day with fun and education. This family-friendly event includes interactive demonstrations and a conservation scavenger hunt. Enjoy the morning as a family or stop by after you’ve done a little cleanup elsewhere.

When: Apr. 22, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

Alexandria Earth Day
With a focus on clean water, Alexandria Earth Day takes place at Lenny Harris Memorial Fields with exhibits and events. Engage your kids ahead of time with the activity packet, all about water consumption.

When: Apr. 29 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1005 Mt. Vernon Ave (Alexandria, Va)
Online: alexandriava.gov

What are your plans this Earth Day? Tell us in the comments section below. 

–Tricia Mirchandani

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Roll Up Those Quarters: Our Favorite Local Arcades

By rttriciamirchandani
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If you’re aching for a good old fashioned game of skee ball (or dreaming of the fun little prizes you can get with all those tickets), then we have the list for you. Duck into one of these local arcades and introduce your kids to the joy of PacMan as you relive your pinball wizard days.

14555681596_f2a0685be5_zPhoto: Matthew Peck via Flickr

Kid Junction
Think of Kid Junction as your little one’s introduction to the game world. Smaller versions of arcade favorites like skee ball and air hockey are great for early motor skills and good for at least an hour of fun on a rainy day. If the arcade games don’t hold much interest for your tots, make your way over to the tubes and slides or toddler area instead.

4090 Lafayette Center Dr. (Chantilly, Va)
Online: kidjunction.com

Monster Mini Golf Video Game Arcade
At Monster Mini Golf’s video game arcade, everything glows. Literally. Get ready to play glow in the dark games for an assortment of glow in the dark prizes. Newer games mix with old ones and you can even try your hand at a few prize cranes. When you’re done, gather your group for a game of Monster Mini Golf which is also, you guessed it, glow in the dark!

9116 Gaither Rd. (Gaithersburg Md)
Online: monsterminigolf.com

Stampede Arcades at Adventure Park USA
Perhaps one of the largest in the area, Stampede Arcades boasts 110 different games ranging from classic favorites to new gaming innovations. Both the game room and redemption counter have something for everyone. When you’re done gaming, check out the park’s other attractions including laser tag, a ropes course, and a climbing wall.

11113 West Baldwin Rd. (Monrovia, Md)
Onlined: adventureparkusa.com

Central Park Fun Land
With no admission fee and free parking, not to mention, pinball, space invaders and the Terminator, Central Park Fun Land can be a great place to spend an afternoon. Choose from hundreds of games and prizes or check out the spot’s other indoor rides and attractions like bowling, rock climbing, and laser tag.

1351 Central Park Blvd. (Fredericksburg, Va)
Online: centralparkfunland.com

VUK Pinball
While typically offering more of a bar scene, this new pinball and pizza spot in Bethesda opens on Saturday and Sunday mornings to host kids’ birthday parties.

4924 St. Elmo Ave. (Bethesda Md)
Online: facebook.com/vukpinball

Do you have a favorite local arcade? Share the deets in the comments below.

–Tricia Mirchandani

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  • rock climbing
  • ropes course
  • pinball
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Nobody Else Laughs at Your Jokes, Plus 14 Other Reasons You Need to Befriend a Toddler

By rttriciamirchandani
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Toddlers. When you’re in the trenches with them, a minute can feel like hours, and not in a good way! But between the tantrums live some of the sweetest moments you’ll experience with another human being in your time here on Earth. Don’t believe us? Here are 15 reasons why you need a toddler as a friend.

10074659836_43d4b362a4_zPhoto: Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr

Hugs. An endless supply of genuine, perfectly timed hugs, given generously without reason.

Naptime. Every day.

Goldfish and Cheerios. The presence of a toddler requires a constant supply of snacks.

Smiles. Those big, gummy smiles remind you to smile more yourself.

Tears. Those big, heartfelt tears remind regularly you that emotions are normal and it is ok to cry.

7754491250_ee6f7578f8_zPhoto: RoniLoren via Flickr

Kid’s menus. Without your toddler friend, there are no pictures to color, word searches to solve, or games of tic-tac-toe to play while you wait for your meal.

Honesty. They can’t help themselves and the result is often equal parts refreshing and hilarious.

Loyalty. It’s not just about the access you hold to the snacks on the top shelf. Toddler loyalty comes from a true place.

Trips to the park. You’ll never miss the true beauty of the first warm day of spring again. (Or, at least, not until they start kindergarten)

Singing in the grocery store. Or in the car. Or pretty much anywhere. With toddlers, the world is a song.

2817763305_a9b4c352c2_zPhoto: BRJ INC. via Flickr

Holding hands. All. The. Time.

They shrink the world. Figuratively and literally. And sometimes, we all need a dose of smallness.

Everything is new and, therefore, thrilling. (Leaves in the fall, flowers in the spring, trains and buses all year long. Every single blessed dog that walks by delivers a joyful experience.)

Laughter. It doesn’t matter how old, tired, or just plain bad your joke was. Toddlers make you feel like the funniest person alive.

The best gifts you’ll ever receive. We’re talking acorns, leaves, flower petals, and beads they found on the floor at the mall. Even as you plan to dispose of that mangled dandelion, you know you just received something very special.

What do you love most about your toddler friend? Tell us in the comments section.

–Tricia Mirchandani

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Dinos, Cats & Zebras: Oh My! 6 Wacky Day Trips from the DMV

By rttriciamirchandani
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Legend says that it is virtually impossible to see every Smithsonian exhibit. (And we’re pretty sure the legend didn’t take little toddler legs and snack breaks into account). But if you feel like you’ve seen them all, or if you want to spend your Saturday someplace a little out of the ordinary, scroll down to check out these six weird places just a day trip from the DMV.

screen-shot-2016-10-07-at-1-12-57-amPhoto: Brett Davis via Flickr

Dinosaur Land
Wander around a field of prehistoric creatures—50 to be exact—at this self-proclaimed roadside attraction. There are no rides and no moving parts; just your family and your wild imaginations. Oh, and a T-rex of course.

3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. (White Post, Va)
Open: 9:30 am–5 pm (most days)
Cost: $5 for ages 2 – 10; $6 ages 11 and up
Online: dinosaurland.com

Civil War Diorama Museum
Twin sisters have recreated key Civil War battle scenes in diorama and set them up what once was an orphanage for Civil War soldiers’ children. All battle scenes are historically accurate except for one small detail. Every soldier is a cat!

785 Baltimore St. (Gettysburg, Pa)
Online: civilwartails.com

hunt4Photo: Ladew Gardens

Ladew Gardens Topiary Gardens
Explore these gardens, named one of the top 5 gardens in North America, and admire 22 acres of thematic garden rooms featuring topiaries of every variety from running dogs, men on horses, squirrels, swans, and more.

3535 Jarrettsville Pike (Monkton, Md)
Gardens open till end of October but check calendar for off season events
Cost: $13 – adults; kids 2 – 23, $4
Online: ladewgardens.com

Mooseum
Get your Moo on as you tour the barn and take in this dairy heritage museum. After your tour, enjoy a picnic on the grounds while the kids play on the playground. This one is soon to be closed for the season so go…now!

18028 Central Park Cir. (Boyds, Md)
Cost: Free
Online: http://mooseum.com/

 

13938162_10157514199625725_8013806947571038162_oPhoto: Go Ape

Go Ape
This unique outdoor experience promises to be more than just zip lines. In fact, if offers a 2-3 hour journey through forest canopies—great for the family looking for a little more than just your average Sunday morning hike!

Online: goape.com

Virginia Safari Park
Get up close and personal with bulk elk, zebra and camels at Virginia’s only drive-thru safari adventure. The animals are free to roam as you drive through, feed them through the window, and get closer to these wonders than ever before.

229 Safari Ln. (Natural Bridge Va)
$19.95 /adults; kids 2-12/$12
virginiasafaripark.com

Where is the wackiest place you’ve ever visited? Tell us in the comments section below. 

—Tricia Mirchandani

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7 Places That Cook Your Thanksgiving Turkey for You (and Do the Dishes)

By rttriciamirchandani
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If you get to the thankful part of Thanksgiving far more easily without the mess and chaos of cooking, then we’ve got you covered. Read on for seven places that will whip up your Thanksgiving Day for you (and do the dishes!) so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment.

8136585545_a1f8c13c3b_zPhoto: UCI UC Irvine via flickr

Lincoln Restaurant
It was Abraham Lincoln who proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday. So celebrate historical-style downtown at Lincoln Restaurant. The buffet and carving station are available to all with child and adult prices and portions available.

Cost: $59/adults; $21/kids
1110 Vermont Ave., NW (Dpwntown)
202-386-9200
Online: lincolnrestaurant-dc.com

Art and Soul
A local staple, Art and Soul will host its traditional Thanksgiving Day Buffet, all day, at its Capital Hill location. With two kinds of turkey, ham, ribeye and all varieties of trimmings and pies, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Cost: $70/adults; $30/kids
415 New Jersey Ave., NW (Capitol Hill)
202-393-7777
Online: artandsouldc.com

Gadsby’s Tavern
What could be cooler than chowing down on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the same spot that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson used to hang out? Choose the family style meal, where you’ll be served at public tables in the 19th Century Ballroom.

Cost: $53/adults; $26.50/kids
138 N. Royal St. (Alexandria, Va)
703-548-1288
Online: gadsbystavernrestaurant.com

 

thanksgivingpie-cc-amy-wagliardo-via-flikr

Photo: amy wagliardo via Flickr

Seasons 52
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey raised antibiotic-free on family farms at Seasons 52, located within the Tysons Corner Mall. Adults and kids prices and portions are available. And if pre-black Friday shopping is of interest to you, the mall should be open when you’re done.

Cost: $26.90/adults; $12.90/kids
7863L Tysons Corner Center (McLean, Va)
703-288-3852
Online: seasons52.com

Georgia Browns
Whether you want to eat out or stay in, Georgia Browns will cook your turkey dinner for you with a side of Southern hospitality. Make a reservation at the restaurant to enjoy what CNN ranked as the Nation’s Top Thanksgiving Dinner or pre-order your meal for pickup.

Cost: Prices vary
950 15th St., NW
202-393-4499
Online: gbrowns.com

pumpkin-cheesecakePhoto: stu_spivack via Flickr

Carmines
If you have out-of-towners coming to visit, this legendary family-style Italian restaurant might be your best bet. Offerings include a hearty feast of giant plates piled high with turkey with sausage and sage stuffing, sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, and more. Bonus: You can eat in Carmine’s dining room, or get the whole shebang delivered to your own kitchen table.

Cost: $239.95 (serves 8)
425 7th St., NW (Judiciary Square)
202-737-7770
Onlline: carminesnyc.com

Amici Miei
Known for their authentic take on Italian grub, this neighborhood favorite will be whipping up three versions of Thanksgiving mains—roasted turkey, arctic char, and homemade gnocchi—plus a slew of kid friendly trimmings (think: mashed potatoes and pumpkin cheesecake!).

Cost: $38.95/adults; $18.95/kids
1093 Seven Locks Rd. (Potomac, Md)
301-545-0966
Online: amicimieiristorante.com

 

 

What’s your Thanksgiving meal plan—staying home or eating out? Dish in the comments section below.  

—Tricia Mirchandani

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Our 10 All-Time Favorite Pieces of Parenthood Wisdom

By rttriciamirchandani
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  • sleep
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  • breakfast
  • swaddle
  • pay attention
  • kindness
  • glow
  • math
  • memory
  • routine
  • trust
  • newborn
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Whether you want to or not, as a parent you learn a wealth of knowledge (most days, before normal people have had their breakfast). Some lessons flutter away as soon as a particular stage passes. (How exactly do you swaddle a newborn? Can’t remember anymore.) Others, you wish you never knew. (The names of every princess and superhero often take up precious brain space). Then there are those lessons that stand the test of time. These lessons weave into the fabric of your life, create meaning and leave you glowing with wisdom. There are hundreds of these little nuggets but we’ve collected our ten favorite lessons from parenthood.

balloons

Life is lived in the small moments. It’s in the simple conversation over breakfast, the rushed hug at pickup, and the sweet cuddles before sleep. The milestones and firsts are exciting but the true beauty happens in the small moments.

Every day is a new chance to do something good, try harder, or make a memory. Yesterday’s arguments, missteps, and stumbles all fade with the stars every morning and leave space for you to try again.

Nobody is ever too old or too young to say, “I’m sorry.” Sorries used carefully but generously with your children create lasting trust.

Everything you do matters. Every lunch box note, every good morning hug, every time you say, “I love you” matters. You may not see it right away, but keep watching and you’ll see the blossoms of the seeds you plant.

Speaking of “I love you,” you can never say it too much. Even if they imply they’ve heard it all before, each time is new and life affirming.

Love is subtle after the age of 3. It’s no longer fireworks and parades and desperate pleas to attach themselves to you. But it’s still undeniably there, everywhere, if you pay attention.

You can go crazy trying to impress and make every moment amazing. You make every party, festivity and experience beyond your wildest childhood dreams. But, in time, you’ll find that a couple of balloons creates the same result.

Do something once and you create a routine your children will expect you to repeat. Remember this and act carefully.

Learning about one’s day requires specific questions. Who did you sit with at lunch? What did you do in Math? How is your friend these days? This is true of adults as well.

Learn together, always. Every lesson you teach them—kindness and grace, love and mercy, patience and determination, hard work and integrity—is a lesson you too are learning in a new way. 

What have you learned as a parent? Tell us in the comments below.

–Tricia Mirchandani

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Totes Adorbs! D.C.’s Cutest Shops for Baby Shower Gifts

By rttriciamirchandani
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  • baby shower
  • baby needs
  • mom to be
  • stuffed animals
  • wake up
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  • feel special
  • toy store
  • artisan
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  • shower
  • boutique
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There’s just something about shopping for a new baby that makes us feel all mushy inside. Maybe it’s that everything is so teeny tiny. Maybe it’s the calm, pale color palette. Or maybe it’s the way baby blankets are so soft we just want to drop everything and cuddle. Shopping for a baby shower gift can be a sweet experience, especially when you make your way to one of these four local shops.

13151705_10154120587372770_3905825104609624970_nPhoto:Dawn Price Baby

Dawn Price Baby
Stocked wall-to-wall with all of the softly colored softly textured and newborn sweet things you could imagine, Dawn Price Baby is a baby boutique with gifts for every age from babyhood through toddlerhood. And with four sweetly decorated shops around the DMV, there is sure to be one nearby you.

The. Perfect. Gift. While you’re there, check out the Piero Liventi baby rattle socks for something a little different than the typical baby bootie.

Georgetown, Merrifield, Reston, Capitol Hill
Online: dawnpricebaby.com

183760_116733125067673_2463667_nPhoto: Wake Up Little Suzie

Wake Up Little Suzie
The beauty of walking into Wake Up Little Suzie for a baby shower gift is that you can choose from an assortment of sweet baby things or buy something just for mommy-to-be. This locally owned shop is stocked wall-to-wall with quirky gifts for just about anyone. From locally inspired items to artisan made jewelry, you may go in for a shower gift and come out with more.

The. Perfect. Gift. Every baby needs a Jellycat lovie and a box of Trumpette socks and you’ll find both here. Or browse their collection of unique jewelry and find something to make mama feel special.

3409 Connecticut Ave., NW
online: wakeuplittlesuzie.com

everlyandmonetPhoto: Everly & Monet

Everly & Monet
What could be more perfect than buying a gift for a mom-to-be from a local mom? Owned by Dana, a D.C.-based mom of three, Everly & Money takes a design approach to all things baby.

The. Perfect. Gift. While her main focus is décor, furniture, and bedding, she also creates stunning pre-packaged gift boxes that usually include a soft stuffed animal and all sorts of itty bitty clothing, beautifully wrapped. Who wouldn’t want to open one of these?

4912 A Del Ray Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
Online: everlyandmonet.com

oPhoto: Kinder Haus

Kinder Haus Toys
Baby toys are definitely one of the most fun things to buy for a newborn (second only to impossibly small booties). And small, local shops like Kinder Haus Toys make it even more fun. This sweet toy store is full of great, classic toys for all ages and sweet baby gifts. A great selection of clothes and books encourage lots of browsing and free gift-wrap gets you on your way all set to go.

The. Perfect. Gift. For a great, local-themed gift, check out the new book, “Call Me Madam President.”

1220 N Fillmore St. Arlington
Online: kinderhaus.com

 

What are your favorite places to shop for baby shower gifts? Tell us in the comments.

–Tricia Mirchandani

Search more like this
  • baby shower
  • baby needs
  • mom to be
  • stuffed animals
  • wake up
  • jewelry
  • newborn
  • feel special
  • toy store
  • artisan
  • furniture
  • shower
  • boutique
  • clothing

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