Mommy FTW

We live near the Whole Foods Friendship Heights in Chevy Chase and shop there all the time, and often eat lunch as well (FYI, it’s a great place to eat with the whole family because everyone can pick something that they want).  I just found out that this particular Whole Foods is about to roll out a delivery service, and for those who give it a try during the soft launch (5/29-6/12,) you can get a 10$ gift card, and a free delivery!

Free delivery and 10$ of free food? Yes please.

Here’s the details about the Friendship Heights delivery service: Customers will come to the store and shop as usual, at check out they can opt for delivery. Whole Foods will hold on to the groceries and deliver within a 4hour window from the point of purchase. The idea is that customers who take great pride in picking out their own groceries will still get that experience but won’t have to hustle home to drop off their items when they may have other plans.  So now you can still get your shopping done and then run straight off to the kids soccer practice, karate, art class, or all of the above.

Violet at Whole Foods last Sunday getting some shopping done

Whole Foods is using a completely green electric truck, and they hope to extend the delivery area and that eventually the Tenley and Bethesda store will implement the service to serve their neighborhoods.

The delivery fee is a flat $5 and any deliveries of groceries totaling $200 or more will be free.  Check out the map to see if you are in the delivery area, and stop in and talk to the friendly folks at Customer Service to learn more about getting your 10$ gift card.

FYI, you can ‘Like’ Whole Foods Market Friendship Heights on Facebook and find out more about weekly specials (Lobster tails are on sale this Friday!!) and classes.

When I was growing up my mom always grew food in her garden, and I loved participating in the process, and of course, eating the proceeds!  I have tried very hard to pass on this love of homegrown foods and gardening (both the growing, and the eating) to my kids.

So, I was excited to hear about a book called We Grew It, Let’s Eat It.  It was written by two young twins in Washington, DC who learned about the White House Garden and wanted to start one of their own – but they lived in an apartment with no outdoor space.  They started their project at a Community Garden – planting, tending, harvesting, and preparing their homegrown food, and writing about it.

Help your kids get excited about gardening and homegrown food!

Simply put, We Grew It, Let’s Eat It illustrates how exciting and rewarding creating and enjoying homegrown food can be to little ones.  And, this weekend (April 14th at 3:00 pm) at the Tenley Friendship Library (Wisconsin Ave at Albemarle St) the twin authors Annie and Veda will be reading excerpts from their book and talking to fellow gardeners (young and old) about their experience.  Bring your little ones and learn and help them get excited about gardening!

To learn more about Tenley Circle Press, the publishers of We Grew It, Let’s Eat It!, check out their website.

Recently I did a post on a week of free story time options in NW DC.  While I was at the Bird House story time yesterday at the Zoo I found out some information that I wanted to share:  For the summer, the Bird House story time will be on break.  Sad news – but there is some good news too!  Starting Thursday, April 5 at 10:30 there will be a new story time at the Kid’s Farm.  Here’s the description of Farm Stories from the Zoo website:

Moo! Come for the book, stay for the stories!

Families with young children are invited to visit the Kids’ Farm for a special story featuring our farm friends. Sponsored by State Farm®.

State Farm in partnership with Reading is Fundamental will provide a free book to children attending Story Time at the Farm while supplies last.

Yes – a free book!  Sounds good to me – see you there!!

Now that Violet has decided to drop her morning nap (not my idea!) I have found myself with a lot less free time on my hands (hence the slow down in posting) and researching ways to keep her occupied while my son Cameron is in preschool.  I decided to look into all the local (FREE!) story time options near where we live.  As it turns out, there is a story time for every week day – most of them offered by the local libraries.  FYI, the post below is filled with links to the locations as well as the schedules of the events – be sure to click through for more details.  Also, I added my favorite nearby lunch spots in case you happen to be hungry after listening to all those stories.

"I'm totally not napping mom, so make with the entertainment already!"

Monday -

10:30 am Politics and Prose Story Time with BearSong the Guitar man If you need a snack or some lunch, Politics and Prose has a coffee shop, and there is also one of my favorites, Marvelous Market, just down the block.

10:30 am Palisades Library Crafty Tales for Toddlers age 2  Palisades Library is my favorite library for kiddos near me – they have a train table and lots of spots for the kids to draw and do puzzles.  And, FYI, there is a Safeway just around the corner from the Palisades Library which makes really yummy deli sandwiches if you are looking to pick up some lunch while you are around!

11:15 am Palisades Library Baby Lap Time ages birth – 12 months

Tuesday -

10 am Chevy Chase Library Toddler Story Time Stories, songs and so much more ages 1-5

10:30 am National Zoo Bird House Story Time in the Bird Resource Room for special stories featuring our feathered friends. Come for the story time, but stay for the zoo!  There’s so much to see, be sure to make a morning of it!  And, if you are looking for some yummy lunch, check out my favorite Italian Delicatessen Vace just down Connecticut Ave for some to-die-for (and cheap) pizza and sandwiches.

Wednesday -

10 am Cleveland Park Library Terrific Twos Storytime ages 2-3 FYI – Vace is right across the street from the Cleveland Park Library – now you just have to try it!

10:30 am Palisades Library Preschool Story Time ages 2-5

11:15 am Palisades Library Music and Movement Music, dancing and instrument playing ages birth – 5

Thursday -

11 am Chevy Chase Library Toddler Story Time Stories, songs and so much more ages 1-5

10 am Tenley-Friendship Library Bilingual (English/Spanish) Story Time Stories, songs, rhymes and lots of fun with Miss Veronica 2nd and 4th Thursdays only

Friday -

10 am Tenley-Friendship Library Tales for Twos and Three Listen to stories and enjoy music, movement and other fun activities ages 2-3 Whole foods, and a just added Panera Bread are right across the street from the Tenley-Friendship Library.  These are both great spots to grab some snacks or lunch.

11 am Tenley Friendship Library Baby Toddler Lap Time ages birth – 24 months

I realize that a lot of you don’t live near me -  sorry that was so hyper local.  But, I do suggest that you check out your local library and see what they have going.  I am so impressed with the DC Public libraries – they offer so many incredible programs!  And when we were living in Brooklyn, Cameron was a big fan of the story time at Clinton Hill Library.  It’s great that there are so many free options out there to get our little ones interested in books – so be sure to take advantage of them!!

UPDATE! As of this week, story time on Tuesday at the Bird House is on break for the summer, but a new story time is starting up at the Kids Farm.  Check out this post for more information.

I have a new found love for the library now that I have kids.  We go all the time to pick up books I’ve requested (see my post on putting books on hold) as well as to browse the shelves for something new and excited.  So I was happy to hear about the Check it In Fine Forgiveness Campaign that the DC Public Libraries have in effect.  Here are the details:

Don't worry, the library still loves you. Bring it back!

The “Check It In” campaign is an effort to encourage DC Public Library cardholders who haven’t used the library in a while because of overdue, lost or damaged books or other library materials to return to the library.  The DC Public Library will forgive all fines and fees on any overdue, lost and damaged item.

The DC Public Library wants to get back as many overdue books as possible to benefit more District residents. The Library wants to also ensure we have your most up-to-date information so this is an opportunity for you to update your customer record with your new email address, phone number or mailing address.

How long is the campaign?
The 60-day campaign will run from Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 – Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.

How does it work?
No matter how long you’ve had the book. No matter the condition of the CD. You can return them to any DC Public Library. No questions asked. And best of all NO FINES OR FEES charged. You lost it? No problem. Stop by your local library and we’ll forgive that too.  When returning your book, you must see a library staff person in order to clear your record of fines and fees.

What are you waiting for? Check it in and discover the joy of using your library again.

I remember as a child I lost a book and was so scared of paying the fines (my allowance was non-existent) that I never went to the library again.  It wasn’t until I came back to DC as and adult (with a new last name from my marriage – ha!) that I started using the library again.  Don’t let this happen to you!  The DC Public Libraries want to give you a clean slate.  Start your love affair with the library again!

For more information on where to find your local DC Public Library branch, check out their website.  Also be sure to read my post on placing books on hold (my favorite way to get the most out of the library) and check out what Cameron is reading if you need some inspiration!

I did a post on the topic of trick or treating with your toddler last year, and it was pretty popular, so I am doing a repost since it’s that time of year again!  I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and fun Halloween!

Our pumpkins this year. Cameron's is the cat!

Choose a costume that is comfortable and don’t cover your child’s eyes. If your child is working on potty training, think about how easy it will be to remove for a bathroom break. If your child’s costume has a hat, try putting it on them a few times before the big day so they can warm up to it. Also, put it on your head to show them how cool it is.

Try and go visiting before your toddler’s bedtime. No one says you have to wait until dark to visit your neighbors in your Halloween costume. This will help avoid crankyness! I think we will head out after dinner, but before bath time.

If you are going to go around the neighborhood, bring a stroller or wagon. That way if they get tired of walking you have a back up plan that doesn’t involve you carrying them.

Take a flashlight with you if you are going out after dark. Also, Give your toddler something that is lit to hold. A flashlight, glow bracelet or necklace work great. You want others to see them coming

Make sure your toddler is wearing comfortable shoes – even if they don’t go with the costume!

If your child is potty trained, suggest they go to the bathroom before you go. If not, put on a fresh diaper.  (Even thought Cameron is mostly trained, I might try and get a diaper on him anyways to avoid any tricky situations).

Consider using a backpack as a goody bag. It’s easier to carry if things get heavy, and it keeps those little hands free to carry a flashlight.

Be sure to bring a bottle of water or your toddler’s sippy cup so that they can have a drink.

Take pictures before you go out trick or treating while everyone is well-rested, well fed, and happy.

I hope everyone has fun! Please feel free to post pictures of your little one in costume on our Facebook Fan Page!!  Cameron is going as Thomas the train – is anyone surprised?!

PS: if any readers live nn NW DC I hear that Brandywine St is closed to traffic between 46th and 47th streets from 5-8:30.  There will be a fire truck there around 6:30. That’s where we will be!

We’ve had a few rainy days here in D.C. but the weather this weekend is actually looking like it will be pretty good.  So if you are looking to get out with your little one and have some fun, why not check out Truck Touch 2011!  If your kids love trucks as much as Cameron does, it’s sure to be a hit.  Here’s the info which was sent to me this morning by Suburban Nursery School (Thanks for the heads up!):

Cameron gets his Truck Touch on!

Join us on Saturday, October 15th from 10am-3pm for our biggest, most colorful Truck Touch ever! Suburban Nursery School has assembled a ton of trucks for kids (and adults) to explore and touch including: a pink dump truck and a pink trash truck; a fire truck and a tree-trimmer bucket truck; a lime green shredder truck and a big white snow plow; big trucks and small cars; and many, many more.

Enjoy home-made baked goods, snacks and lunch from some of your favorite local vendors (pizza and ice cream!!), facepainting, and take a tour of the school too! This is a great opportunity for you and your kids to climb on and pretend to drive all of the trucks they love to read and talk about.

Truck Touch will take place in the school parking lot at 7210 Hidden Creek Road in Bethesda, MD (20817), near River Road, off of Wilson Lane. The cost is $5 per person; FREE for children under 2. All proceeds benefit Suburban Nursery School.

I’m always on the look out for a kid friendly place to take Cameron for a meal – and when I can find a place that I also enjoy eating it’s a bonus! Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza is perfect for us. There are a few locations, but the one we frequent is in Friendship Heights (4940 Wisconsin Ave). Their pizza is “New Haven Style” – I’m not exactly sure what that means – but having moved to DC from New York (and having eaten a lot of really good pizza) – I can say that “New Haven Style” must mean “tasty.”

It’s a thin crust pie with sophisticated, quality, locally sourced toppings available (don’t worry, they also have peperoni – Cameron’s favorite) like broccoli rabe, roasted while garlic, and sautéed wild mushrooms to name a few. This isn’t Dominos, people! They also have super delicious salads, some pasta dishes (which I admit I’ve never tried) and desserts.

If you head there for lunch, which is what we do, be sure to consider one of the lunch specials – 2 slices of cheese pizza + a fountain drink, or 1 slice of cheese and a small salad + a fountain drink for $5.99 (you can get toppings on your pizza for 25 cents each).

After you order, the food comes out quickly. There’s plenty of places to sit, and it isn’t a huge deal if your kid is a little rambunctious. There are plenty of high chairs and booster seats, they have kids cups with lids, and a bathroom for the all important potty break.

If you are a fan of Pete’s A Pizza like me, be sure to sign up for their email list so you can hear about specials. For example, October’s special is on Tuesdays 25% off your order, all day, all three locations (dine in or take out only). Not bad! You can also follow Pete’s on twitter.

The Hurricane is coming!  It’s time to batten down the hatches, and figure out what the heck to do with your kids!  Here’s a round up of my favorite rainy day activities in Washington DC if you need to get the little ones out of the house, most of them FREE!

Some ideas to beat the rainy day blues. Of course, there's always puddle stompin'!

Wilson Aquatic Center – The Aquatic Center is currently closed for it’s yearly “deep clean” but will re open Sunday, August 28th all refreshed.  Given that Sunday is supposed to be one of the more rainy days, this seems like great timing to me!  Check out my earlier post on the Wilson Aquatic Center to learn more about this fabulous, free spot.  It’s the perfect place to take your kiddos and really tire them out!

Rock Creek Park Nature Center – While not the most glamorous spot, it’s a great little gem for a rainy day.  There’s lots of things for your little explorer to look at and touch, and plenty of free parking.  Check out my earlier post on the Rock Creek Park Nature Center for more information.

The National Museum of Natural History – This museum has Dinosaurs, bugs, a huge Elephant, gems, and so much more.  Both my son and daughter loved being able to hold the bugs, and were amazed by the butterfly exhibit.  Check out the National Museum of Natural History website for more information on the current exhibits and hours.

National Museum of American History – If your little one loves trains, trucks, machines, and hands on activities don’t miss the Spark Lab!), then you definitely want to check out this Museum.  Check out the website for more information on exhibits and hours of operation.

National Air and Space Museum – There is something amazing about giant planes hanging indoors just a few feet away from you – even to an adult!  Air and Space is a guaranteed winner for kids.  Be sure to check out the How Flight Works exhibit which has lots of fun hands on activities.  Check the Air and Space website for more info.

Wisconsin Place Rec Center – This isn’t the most exciting outing, but if you are desperate to get your little on out of the house, this is a decent option.  Check out my previous post on the Rec Center to learn more.

Metro Train Ride – If your toddler loves trains as much as mine does, they might enjoy just a train ride on the Metro.  I know I’ve done this before!  Cameron really loves the “underground train.”  Seems silly…. but you never know what is exciting to a little one.  Kids under 4 ride free.

National Zoo – Yes, much of the Zoo is outside, but there are lots of indoor exhibits too.  Cameron’s favorites are the Bird House and Amazonia.  Check the Zoo website for more info on exhibits and hours.

Palisades Library – Did you know the Palisades library has a train table, and a whole floor devoted to the kids section?  It’s the best kids library I’ve ever encountered.  The library isn’t open Sunday, but it’s a good option for this Saturday (or any other rainy day!)  Check out the Palisades Library page on the DC Public Library website for more info.

Those of you who read Mommy For The Win regularly know that Cameron loves to read, and I try to encourage this by always getting him new books.  I’ve become a huge fan of the D.C. Public Library because really, who has the money to buy all these books!

When I first started going to the Library I would aimlessly search the shelves and pull out what seemed like it would interest Cameron.  Occasionally I would find something good, but it was hard to really get in there to look for specific things while wrangling a toddler and a newborn.  So, with the encouragement of the DCPL on twitter (@dcpl) I checked out the D.C. Public Library website, and learned how to place books on hold for pick up at whatever library I wanted.  It’s really easy – Here’s a step by step guide:

1)Figure out what book you want to check out – this can be the hardest part.  If you are short on inspiration, use Amazon.com to help you.  Today I started by typing in “Truck Book” to the search box.  One of the suggestions that came up was “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle.  The reviews seemed good, so I thought I’d see if the Library had it.  (Honestly, I would say 8 out of 10 times they do have the book I am looking for!)  FYI, another great resource is the “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought” suggestions box.  It’s full of other great ideas for similar books.  If your toddler has a favorite book, search for it and see what Amazon suggests in this area.  It’s really helpful!

Use this suggestions box to come up with ideas

2)Go to the D.C. Public Library website and search their online catalog.  The website is catalog.dclibrary.org – just type the title of the book (or if you have an author you like, you can try that as well) to find your book.

Search the online catalog

3)Place the book on hold.  Click on the book – when looking at the book information page you will see there is an option to “Place Hold” – this means that they will fetch the book for you (from any DC Library branch) and bring it to whichever Library branch you ask.  Yes.  THEY DELIVER IT!! If the book is checked out, they will get it for you once it is returned.  Usually it takes a few days if the book is not checked out.  They will email you when the book has arrived at your requested library.

Place your book on Hold - you can choose your pick up branch

4)Pick up your book.  Once you get your email, go and pick up your book – it will be there waiting for you under your name.  It’s so easy.  You will never aimlessly browse the Library again!

You can manage your holds and see what the status is as well.  If you decide you don’t want a book after all, you can cancel the hold.

Manage your Holds using the "My Requested Holds" button

Of course to do all this you need a library account.  If you don’t have one of those, sign up.  It’s quick, easy, and FREE!

Not in D.C.?  Don’t worry – I know other Libraries have a similar system.  Stop in to your local branch and ask them how to place a hold for a book and if they have an online catalog.  You will be so happy you did!