Just Take a Look: Find DC’s Favorite Spots in These Books

by Meghan Yudes MeyersApril 14, 2020

Missing your favorite museums and monuments? For now, you’ll have to settle on visiting them virtually. Or you can flip open one these books that features our favorite local stomping ground, Washington, DC. Read on for 8 books that will inspire your next DMV adventure––post quarantine.

On The Loose in Washington, DC by Sage Stossel
Remember Where’s Waldo? Why not play where’s the wildlife? The animals from the National Zoo have taken themselves for a walk beyond the Smithsonian gates. Search each page for a missing animal; can you find the monkey at the Library of Congress? Bet you can’t spot the lion on the National Mall!

Available on Amazon.com, $14.95.

Washington, DC ABCs by Mr. Boddington’s Studio
A is for the Air and Space Museum. B is for Ben’s Chili Bowl. C is for Capitol Hill. Teach the alphabet with this delightfully illustrated book featured iconic DC landmarks. Preorder now (avail. June 22)!

Available on Amazon.com, $9.99

Urban Animals of Washington, DC by Isabel Hill
Go on a zoofari right here in DC! This book explores animals hidden within the District’s architecture and monuments. With cute rhymes and black and white photographs, this paperbound romp through the DMV will inspire your next walk outdoors.

Available on Amazon.com, $7.99.

The Otter and the Owl go to Washington, DC, by Chris Collier
Best buds, Owl and Otter, fly to DC to check out all the city has to offer. Visiting sights made famous by history, wise Owl tells Otter all about what happened and why each place is so special. Otter can’t help but be awed by the stories and people, who courageously fought for our country, passed laws, and strove for equality. Owl and Otter visit the usual suspects such as 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (Otter may or may not have been chased by the Secret Service!), the Washington Monument, Library of Congress, and even manage to hit a few off the beaten path places too! Kiddos will love flying around with Owl and Otter, while Mamas and Papas will love the history lessons Owl imparts to us all.

Available at amazon.com, $16.95

Good Night Washington, DC, by Adam Gamble
Pint-sized fans of the Goodnight Our World books will love reading about what happens in their own backyards. Good Night Washington, DC explores the city from a child’s point of view by visiting everything from the Library of Congress, Springtime at the Tidal Basin (hello Yoshino Cherry Blossoms), dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, to making money at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and of course checking out the White House. Whether you’ve lived here for decades, or just moved here a few months ago, Good Night Washington, DC allows you to explore the city through your children’s eyes. Simple, beautiful and full of wonder.

Available at amazon.com, $8.45

Larry Gets Lost in Washington, DC, by John Skewes and Andrew Fox
Uh Oh! Larry the pup is back and this time he’s lost in DC. Did he take the parkway instead of the beltway?! Help Larry find his owner, Pete by sniffing around the Capitol, nosing through Cherry Blossoms, and saluting President Lincoln. Not only does Larry go on an adventure through our capital city, but you can take your kiddos on a ride through time by teaching them facts (written within the story) about Arlington Cemetery, the Supreme Court, the founding of America and more. Larry might have gotten lost following the scent of treats, but your little ones will know the way to their favorite DC site after following this “tail”.

Available at amazon.com, 13.50

Washington, DC, History for Kids: The Making of a Capital City, with 21 Activities, by Richard Panchyk
Older kiddos who fancy themselves history buffs should read this book stat. From the early 17^th century (before DC was a twinkle in the founding fathers’ eyes) to the earthquake in 2011, Washington, DC, History for Kids: The Making of a Capital City tells the story of the District of Columbia through hands on fun including how to build a cornerstone (since there are quite a few residing around here), taking pictures of famous buildings, and visiting the Botanic Gardens. This book is perfect for at-home activities as well as helping with homework, collecting DC-centric items and even doodling some cartoon politicians.

Available at amazon.com, $11.66

Clifford Goes to Washington, by Norman Bridwell
Miniature purists who can’t get enough of the big red dog will be delighted when Clifford bounds off fur adventures in the nation’s capital with his pal Riley. Not only does Clifford meet the First Lady, but he also gets to check out some of the best parts of DC. Clifford swims in the Potomac (ick!), visits Abraham Lincoln, gets tackled by the Secret Service (!), and even visits a protest…err demonstration. Don’t be surprised when your little ones vote Clifford for President come November! And, maybe you will too!

Available at amazon.com, $3.99

––Meghan Yudes Meyers and Hilary Riedemann

featured photo: Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

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How to Crush Your Morning (Fashion) Routine

By Lauren Woodworth

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 28, 2019

One of the founding concepts at AVYN is that motherhood changes everything, but it doesn’t have to change your style. However, how do you keep your personal st‌yle rocking with waaay less time to get ready? Developing a quick, easy routine with a few staple wardrobe options will significantly help manage your mornings and keep your stress levels at bay. Below are my top five ways to crush your morning routine.

1. Dry Shampoo. While we may have time for a quick shower here and there, we in no way have the luxury of washing, drying and styling our hair everyday. Enter stage left, Living Proof Dry Shampoo. This stuff actually cleans your hair while also eliminating oil and adding some texture. When I think about all the precious free time I wasted on my hair prior to becoming a mom, I dramatically heavy sigh at what a damn fool I was.

2. Balm Stick. The pocket-sized Olio balm stick is locally made in Portland, Oregon and I cannot get enough of it. I want to put it all over my body and call myself pink. For a more conservative approach, simply apply it to your cheeks for a touch of color, moisturize your lips, or tame flyaways. The No. 2 French Melon is my favorite and I promise, this snappy color works for everyone. Buy two, one for home and one for your purse.

3. Bomb Jeans. Levi has taken ‘mom jeans’ to a whole new level with their new rib cage high jeans. Never again will you hike up jeans every time you bend down to pick up a toy and your phone will never fall out of the back pockets. It’s like your whole body is snugly tucked away in a denim hug.

4. Comfy Shoes (but still cute, duh). The Italian shoe company SugerGa had comfort and casual cool in mind when they designed these street-friendly studs. They were made to walk 500 miles (and I would walk 500 more) plus they literally pair well with EVERYTHING in your closet, whether you’re wearing cropped jeans, a dress, or shorts. They come in a rainbow of colors and a few animal prints.

5. The Perfect Bra. Obviously, I’m going to include our AVYN Bras on this list, but I’m going to politely add them at the end of the list in an effort to be subtle. Honestly though, since designing and manufacturing these bras, my morning routine has this element of simplicity I didn’t have before. I no longer have to think about what bra I’m going to wear because I love them all and they all feel like butter. Plain and simple.

Here’s to wonderful days full of big hair, rosy cheeks, and well-supported boobs.

This post originally appeared on shopavyn.com.

Lauren Woodworth

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm an outdoor enthusiast, travel junkie, exercise nerd and co-founder of AVYN. After having my son 4 years ago, I saw a need on the market for athletic-st‌yle nursing bras. AVYN Bras allow women to do "all the things" while still being stylish enough for happy hour. You can find us at shopAVYN.com.

This 12-Year-Old Is Making a Difference for Shelter Dogs Across the Country

by Erica LoopJuly 16, 2019

After 12-year-old Darius Brown heard about the animals displaced by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, he had to help. That’s when he jumped into action—founding Beaux & Paws!

So what exactly is Beaux & Paws? This awesome effort provides handmade bow ties to dogs in need. Not only do the dogs get a serious style upgrade, but as Brown hopes, the new neckwear may help the abandoned pets find their forever homes faster. The young philanthropist told TODAY, “It helps the dog look noticeable, very attractive.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sir Darius Brown (@sirdariusbrown)

Brown, who was diagnosed with speech, comprehension and fine motor skills delays at age two, started making bow ties when he was eight-years-old. His older sister, Dazhai Brown-Shearz, told TODAY, “With his fine motor skills, he wasn’t able to really use his hands well—tying a shoe was challenging.” She went on to add, “My mother and I came up with the idea that if he helped us with things like prepping the ribbon or cutting it, and sewing fabric together, it would help him. And it did—it worked!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sir Darius Brown (@sirdariusbrown)

Four years later brown is still making bow ties and helping shelter dogs across the country. And don’t think this young man’s efforts have gone unnoticed until now. In 2018 President Barack Obama sent Brown a letter of encouragement and according to Brown’s Go Fund Me page, NBA star Allen Houston, actress Kenya Moore and other notable names have recognized his accomplishments.

If you’d like to contribute to Brown’s cause, visit his Go Fund Me page here!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sir Darius Brown via Instagram

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Get Rid of a Bad Cough Once & For All—with Chocolate, Study Finds

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 15, 2019

Getting kids to take their medicine isn’t always easy, unless it happens to be a spoonful of chocolate. Your kids will think you’re Mary Poppins when you bust out the chocolate as a cough remedy and, according to experts, it can do more good for their throat than codeine.

Professor Alyn Morice is the head of cardiovascular and respiratory studies at the University of Hull and a founding member of the International Society for the Study of Cough. In a recent column for the Daily Mail, Morice says when a cough strikes, ditch the cough drops and honey in favor of chocolate instead.

Photo: Rawpixel

Morice noted that a real-world study of an over-the-counter medicine containing cocoa has proven that the substance works better than a cough syrup with codeine. The cocoa is “stickier and more viscose than standard cough medicines, so it forms a coating which protects nerve endings in the throat which trigger the urge to cough,” Morice explained.

Unfortunately this over-the-counter remedy, named Unicough, is currently only available in the United Kingdom, but the next time a cough comes on and your tots refuse to take their medicine, it certainly couldn’t hurt to try a square of Hershey’s.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Today Is National Aviation Day

by Tinybeans TeamJune 19, 2016

Daily

Today Is National Aviation Day

You know you were born to fly.

Let their creativity soar to new heights with these 11 simple airplane crafts.

Read up on the founding brothers of modern flight with some cool facts that are oh-so-Wright.

With these sweet aviation ideas your next party (or snack time) will be on autopilot.

Today’s #HorizonChallenge theme: Water! Take a photo and share your pics with us on social media. Don’t forget to tag #HorizonChallenge.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by 747s }

Rediscover the City: 5 Tourist Things You Should Do Now

by rttriciamirchandaniSeptember 24, 2015

Don’t get us wrong. There are things to love about tourist season. Hosting friends passing through on summer trips is always a treat. And watching large crowds flood through some of our favorite spots reminds us why we love it here. But now, as Fall pulls people back to their hometowns and the streets are a bit emptier, is the perfect time to return to our local favorites. Here are 5 post-tourist season activities for you and your little D.C. locals.

Photo: Elizabeth Murphy via flickr

See some fountains
Sprayground season may be over but fountains all across the city are still going strong. Now that The National Mall is a bit less crowded, stop by the fountain outside the National Gallery of Art for a breakfast picnic (fountain open until November). Or wander around the WWII Memorial and challenge your kids to look for your state (you’ll see just how far back the summer slide slid!).

National Gallery of Art + Fountain: between 3^rd and 9^th streets NW along Constitution Ave NW

WWII Memorial: 1750 Independence Ave SW

Photo: CitySights DC via flickr

Do the touristy things
. If your kids have been begging to hop on (and off) that big, red CitySights bus, now is the time. Check out the Lincoln Memorial and get a good clear photo straight down the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument. You can even stop at the National Archives now and see the Declaration of Independence without standing in line!

City Sights DC: http://www.citysightsdc.com/

Photo: Rockwell group

Examine some architecture
We know you’ve been in the National Building Museum rather recently (who could resist the allure of The Beach?) but now that the line to get in the door is gone, head back and really explore their exhibits. Or, for a different perspective on architecture, head to the National Cathedral and enchant your kids with their gargoy le tour.

National Building Museum 401 F St. NW

National Cathedral 3101 Wisconsin Ave

Photo: Big Wheel Bikes via Facebook

Explore the corners of the city
The secret is out–there is so much more to our city than The National Mall. So it makes sense that the summer crowds expand into some of our favorite hot spots. Georgetown streets get crowded and Chinatown becomes difficult to navigate. But now is the time to head back to the Georgetown Waterfront or take in the sights and sounds around Penn Quarter. Pizza at Matchbox, anyone?

Georgetown Waterfront: Water St. NW

Matchbox: 713 H St NW

Photo: Georgetown Cupcake

Try a new (or visit an old) food fav
Ben’s Chili Bowl, here we come! Hi Carmines, we’ve missed you. Founding Farmers, what’s on the menu these days? Oh Georgetown Cupcakes, your lines are (a little bit) shorter! If you and your little foodie enjoy some of the city’s most well known places to eat, it’s time to get back out there.

Ben’s Chili Bowl: 1213 U St. NW

Carmine’s: 425 7^th St NW

Founding Farmers: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Georgetown Cupcakes: 3301 M St. NW

What D.C. spot are you excited to rediscover? Tell us in the comments section.

—Tricia Mirchandani

Seahorses, Portland’s First Dad-Oriented Boutique

by rttyadamsSeptember 6, 2015

Maybe you remember it from that zoology course in college or maybe because the Octonauts are on near constant-loop in your Netflix cue, but in the watery world of seahorses, it’s the dads that give birth to babies and carry them around. The strange and wonderful creatures (seahorses and dads) were the inspiration for one of Portland’s newest kid-friendly boutique stores, Seahorses – a place for modern dads and their kids.

photo: Seahorses by Ty Adams

Owner Don Hudson credits searching for the perfect diaper bag sites the opening of his store as one of the motivating factors in founding the city’s first daddy-slanted gathering place and retailer of apparel, toys, books, carriers and other kid accoutrements. That perfect diaper bag that Hudson settled on? It’s the Daddy & Co. Slide Messenger Bag, available at Seahorses, of course.

photo: Owner Don Hudson by Ty Adams

They also carry shaving supplies, Kevlar jeans, white pine furniture and Leatherman multi-tools, all carefully curated to appeal to the testosterone-enriched parents among us. The shop also offers non dude-centric items such as locally-made Serendipity dresses, which are adjustable so they can grow with little ones as they age. Other cool products include a full line of Thule strollers and carriers, Potette potty seats and the Doona infant car seat ($500) that easily converts into a stroller. There’s also a heavy helping of Melissa and Doug products, such as reusable sticker books and water-based, reusable coloring pads ($5).

photo: Ty Adams

And for those who happen to have literal minded toddlers who ask 37 times on the way to the shop if there will be seahorses, the answer is “no” on real seahorses and “yes” on toys. There’s always at least one of the store’s namesake toys available.

The focus is to offer high quality items that are durable and will get a lot of use, as well as those that are innovative and fun. Because he estimates he has used 95 percent of the products personally, this former stay-at-home dad feels very confident in the collection. The focus on quality doesn’t eliminate affordable options, with many products available in the $5.00 range.

photo: Ty Adams

In addition to the selling of helpful products, Seahorses offers community gathering space at the back of the store, including a “fenced in” toddler play area surrounded by a wooden bar (for coffee, tea and water), and behind a rolling door, another room available for gatherings.

Hudson and Wolverton are keen to see the space used in both a casual and more organized way as the community sees fit, and the store is already offering “Jam Sessions” every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. for musically oriented parents who want to dust off the old guitar (or other instrument) and rock out. A story time is also in the offing and professional kid-friendly musicians and other artists will be making appearances. Be sure to keep an eye on Facebook for dates.

Seahorses Boutique
4029 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
971-352-6130
Online: seahorsespdx.com

Any other great finds you’ve made at Seahorses or other fun stores around town? Tell us about it in the comments below!

— Ty Adams

5 Ways to Conquer Your Columbus Day Weekend

by rtsarahvogelSeptember 1, 2015

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue; 523 years later, what does that mean for you? The answer is easy: the first long weekend of fall! And in some cases, a day off from work and school. Here’s a roundup of our favorite ways to enjoy some family fun and keep the bambinos busy during this holiday weekend.

Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr

Fill’r Up at Taste of D.C.
Hungry for some new cuisine? Little foodies and grown-up gourmands alike can fill up at Washington’s biggest food festival, Taste of D.C. Take your brood on a tour of downtown while you nosh on nibbles from more than 60 local restaurants and food trucks. There’s also a chef stage where cooks-in-training can watch local culinary experts in action (and you can pick up a trick or two!).

When: Oct. 10-11, 12 pm-7 pm
Cost: $20/adults; $10/kids 5-12; free/kids under 5
Pennsylvania Ave. between 3rd and 7th Sts., NW
Online: thetasteofdc.org

Photo: Ana Kurland via Flickr

Fall for the Weekend at Clark’s Elioak Farm
From hayrides to pumpkin picking, nothing says “fall” quite like a trip to Clark’s. What makes this Ellicott City farm stand out? To start, there’s the Enchanted Forest: a maze featuring dozens of storybook characters that have been dazzling kiddos for more than 60 years. There’s also a petting zoo, pony rides, and even gemstone mining. What’s more, the farm is open on Columbus Day from 10am to 5pm. Road trip, anyone?

Cost: $6
10500 Clarksville Pike (Ellicott City, Md)
410-73-4049
Online: clarklandfarm.com

Photo : Encore Stage via Facebook

Act Out at Encore Stage & Studio Mini-Camp
School’s out for Columbus Day? Let your kiddo enjoy an entertaining vacay while you go to work. During Encore’s mini-camp, elementary schoolers will exercise their imaginations with theater games and activities and also get the chance to relax with snacks and a movie. Word on the street is this session has a Minions theme, so get junior’s yellow duds ready.

When: Oct. 12, 9 am-3 pm (extended hours available)
Various Locations (Arlington, Va)
Online: encorestageva.org

Photo: Tiffanni Reidy via flickr

Do Columbus Day Brunch at Founding Farmers
Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic four times during his exploration of the new world. What more could he have accomplished if he’d eaten brunch? Crowd favorite Founding Farmers celebrates Columbus’ adventurous spirit with a holiday brunch featuring many of its classics like the Farmer’s Scramble and fluffy pancakes (and orange juice to fight scurvy, of course!). Diners of all ages can also enjoy lunch specials from 11am on.

When: Oct. 12, 8 am-2 pm.
Various Locations
202-822-8783
Online: wearefoundingfarmers.com

Photo: Wapster via Flickr

Columbus Day Camp at Jumping Jack Sports
Fill your kiddo’s day off from school with running, jumping, climbing and playing at Jumping Jack Sports’ Columbus Day Camp. While you run errands or finish those TPS reports, your camper’s dance card will be filled with activities ranging from rock climbing to conquering an inflatable obstacle course. For tamer tots, board games and crafts are also on deck.

When: Oct. 12, 9 am-2 pm/4 pm
44710 Cape Ct. (Ashburn, Va)
703-858-9901
Online: jumpingjacksports.com

What “can’t miss” events are your Columbus Day family’s sked? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Sarah Vogel

12 Momtrepreneurs You’ll Want to Be Besties With

by Natasha DavisApril 30, 2015

As parents, we all do it all. (Yay, us!) And then there are those moms that really catch our eyes because, on top of it, they have started their own amazing businesses. You might be surprised to learn just how many supermoms live just around the corner from you. Click through our album to meet local momtrepreneurs that are making it as CEOs of their own companies, and happen to be funny, charming and sweet, too.

Jill Salzman – Founding Moms

This Oak Park mom is the mother of all momtrepreneurs. Really! Through her own struggles balancing parenthood and having two businesses she was inspired to start Founding Moms. Her company organizes meet-ups where local mom business owners connect and swap information as well as educate and support each other. Today, there are Founding Moms meet-ups in 40 cities and nine countries -- with 8,000 members strong. In July, this invaluable support system will be going online to give aspiring momtrepreneurs around the world access to words of wisdom form their fellow moms in business. When Jill isn't helping her fellow moms, she's hanging out with her two little rocker chicks, ages 7 and 5. They love catching up on episodes of Master Chef Junior, jamming in their band Cat’s Pajamas, and busting a move during dance parties.

Her biz: foundingmoms.com

Who do you think deserves to be on this list? Let us know in the Comments!

— Natasha Davis

Just Launched: Fatherly, a New Lifestyle Guide for Dads

by Erin LemApril 8, 2015

Now that your Sundays no longer mean football for 12 hours straight and Thursdays aren’t your prime night for scoring the best happy hour deals (unless you’re counting the early bird kids eat free special), you need a resource that can adapt to your newfound lifestyle as a parent. Good news: Fatherly, a new website and free e-newsletter, just launched to help dads (and moms!) navigate parenthood with practical tips, product guides and interviews with experts and influencers. Read on to discover what makes Fatherly the lifestyle guide all dads never knew they needed… until now.

What You Can Expect
Fatherly successfully toes the line between fun ideas and handy tips you’ll actually use. We recently spoke with Michael Rothman, co-founder of Fatherly, who tells us that this new lifestyle guide is for those fathers “who understand that embracing what they’ve become doesn’t mean giving up who they are.” Fatherly dishes out parenting advice that’s informative, engaging and entertaining—think content broken down by your child’s exact age and tips on everything from preparing your home for baby’s arrival to fun ways to entertain your tiny human being once she starts walking and talking.

What You’ll Dig (& Why You’ll Visit Again and Again)
Fatherly wrangled a range of experts to get personal on subjects important to parents. Their impressive line-up of influencers includes Secretary of Education Arne Duncan talking about how he approaches early education with his own kids, the head writer of Sesame Street who uncovers the secrets to entertaining kids and the father of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai who writes about raising a recipient of such a renowned accolade.

Also on tap is a report on the 50 Best Places to Work as a New Dad and a shop with high designed toys, gadgets and other cool products that makes a guy’s life easier and more fun.

The Dudes Behind Fatherly
Michael and his co-founder Simon Isaacs created Fatherly after aging out of the single, 20-something demographic (Michael served on the founding team at Thrillist in a previous life). After graduating from bars to babies, the two men felt overwhelmed with the information out there for parents and frustrated that most of the resources were geared towards women. And so this digital resource was born with the idea that they’d make parenting easier and cater to men who wanted to be great fathers without turning into cliches. As Michael puts it Fatherly is for, “men who spent their formative years laughing at blogs about dads in short shorts, but who will never, ever wear short shorts themselves.”

photo of Simon, his wife Liza and their newborn Kaia courtesy of Fatherly

What’s Next?
Fatherly plans to tap into the greater community of dads and give them a platform to voice their valuable insights. While these men may not have their own blog, they can turn to Fatherly as a safe place to share their experiences in fatherhood.

Also be sure to keep a look out for the Fatherly Fund initiative where Fatherly will offer regular grants of $1,000 to support inspiring dad-related projects like the Little League team that needs new equipment to the local park that could really use funding for a new skateboard ramp. This idea expands on Michael and Simon’s mission to support young dads who might need a little jumpstart to get their (and their kids’) dreams off the ground.

Online: fatherly.com

“Like” this story if you plan to use Fatherly and then sign up for their e-newsletter, and hop on over to their website by clicking here to check it out.

— Erin Lem

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