Are You Giving Back?

When I was little during the holidays, I would go to see my dad when he was ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at the grocery store. I would help him ring and get excited every time I saw someone contribute. Now years later, whenever I see those red buckets and hear the bell I can’t help but dig through my purse to find some money to contribute.

During the holidays there are lots of opportunities to give back to those that are less fortunate. Although we live in an area of great abundance, in Fairfax County alone there are over 2,000 homeless people. On our Web Extras page, we’ve compiled a list of places in the area where you can donate goods and services. If you see a worthwhile charity not listed please send me the information at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com.

Looking for Toys for the Holidays?

There’s something really great about a toy store. When I walk in the door, to see all the different types of toys, all the bright colors and hear all the noises that come from the laughing kids; it brings me back to being five years old again. Don’t get me wrong, I love that you can get everything at stores like Target or Wal-Mart but there’s just something about a toy store that gets me every time. During the holidays, if you’re looking for a special gift for a child in your life why not check out an area toy stores. Go to Web Extras and check out the list of stores. If any store is missing, email me the information at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com

It’s that time of the year…

The holidays are upon us. Get ready for the Christmas season by visiting an area Tree Farm. Nothing makes a house feel festive like the smell of a just cut tree. Please call ahead for opening dates and times. If there’s a farm missing from this list, please email me the information at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com.

Where do you find the perfect toy?

Every year there seems to be a toy that kids can’t live without. With the holidays coming up, the idea of buying the perfect gift can be an overwhelming idea. I’m compiling a list of great toy stores in the area. If you have a toy store that you go to regularly please send the information to my email at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com and I’ll add it to the list.

Pumpkin patches are great

I love pumpkins, pumpkin patches, pumpkin pie and really anything that relates to this vegetable. Pumpkin patches are a great way to spend the day on the weekend. Finding the perfect pumpkin can take some time, so why not have fun while there? Many of the farms that we have in our Web Extras list are having great events and activities along with their selection of pumpkins. So check out our list at www.WashingtonFAMILY.com. If there is a missing farm or pumpkin patch be sure to email me at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com and I’ll be sure to add them on the list.

Great Fall Events for the Family!

There’s nothing better during the fall than going to a festival or a fair. There’s just something in the air. I remember when I was a little kid going to the Annandale Parade & Fall Festival every year. Watching the parade, I would wait patiently for those in the parade to throw Halloween candy. When I grew up my Girl Scout troop marched in it. It was one of the highlights of my fall every year. In the Web Extras this month we’ve compiled a list of Fall Events to get excited about. So get the family together to explore all that the area has to offer and create some lasting memories of fall. Go to http://www.washingtonfamily.com/ and visit the Web Extras page to find activities to keep the family busy. Email me at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com if there’s a great event that I’ve missed so I can add it to the list!

Fire Station Open Houses

In response to Jessica McFadden’s Washington Post article on Fire Station Open Houses and National Fire Prevention Week (http://www.nfpa.org)/, we have put up her list of open houses in Maryland and Virginia. These open houses are fun and informative for the whole family. Go to http://www.washingtonfamily.com/ and check out the Web Extras page to see the complete list.

What events or festivals do you go to in the fall?

Last week I had the privilege of seeing Cavalia. It is an amazing spectacle of beauty, movement, horsemanship and stunts that blew me away. If you have a chance it is playing through Sunday, October 4th and I recommend it highly. Sitting under the White Big Top in Arlington, I realized how lucky I am to live in this area, especially during the autumn months. All around the area there are parades, festivals and fairs ready for the public. There are pumpkins to be picked and corn mazes to be discovered. I am gathering a list of great events and places to go for the fall and I want to know what you events you are most looking forward to. Is there a pumpkin patch you visit every year? Or a festival that you just can’t wait for? Leave me a comment or send me an email at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com.

Get Back into Nature!

I love fall. The colors of the leaves, the changing weather, the candy from Halloween (I’m getting ahead of myself). Living in this area, I feel that I get the best of both worlds: the city feel from the busy streets of DC and the quiet serenity that the parks and nature centers around the area provide. Fall can be a stressful time since families are getting back into routines of school life. But to take a break from the craziness, check out one of the nature centers listed in our Web Extras. CLICK HERE for a link to the page on our web site. You’ll be able to get up close to nature at this great time of change and beauty.

Get Back into Nature!

I love fall. The colors of the leaves, the changing weather, the candy from Halloween (I’m getting ahead of myself). Living in this area, I feel that I get the best of both worlds: the city feel from the busy streets of DC and the quiet serenity that the parks and nature centers around the area provide. Fall can be a stressful time since families are getting back into routines of school life. But to take a break from the craziness, check out one of the nature centers listed in our Web Extras. You’ll be able to get up close to nature at this great time of change and beauty.

Let Me Eat Cake!

I don’t know about you but I love dessert. So I’m all about the cupcake trend. These bakeries are popping up all over the area and country with the focus on cupcakes. And with these stores come original flavors and designs. When I visited Los Angles last summer I told my dad that we HAD to go to Sprinkles, a cupcake store that all the celebrities went to for their sweet tooth, and I was not disappointed. So to combat the back-to-school blues I’ve compiled a list of cupcake bakeries for the area in the Web EXTRAS section of the homepage. Check them out and if I missed your favorite place let me know! Email me at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com.

Play Mini Golf lately?

With summer coming to a close sometimes it’s hard to find things to occupy your time. A great activity to do is mini golf. You can spend a couple of hours playing around the course and with so many different courses throughout the area; you can always be surprised. Grab the kids or make it a date night. Either way you are sure to have fun!

Fun at Mom MEET UPS!

Having a blast at Mom MEET UPS!

Last week we had a great time at Loudoun Gymnastics for a Mom MEET UP. We had make-your-own sandwiches and listened to FAMILY Magazine’s Publisher, Brenda Hyde give out tips about how to choose the right preschool. The kids were so cute when they got their pictures taken by Elizabeth Dranitzke, of Photopia, for their sample covers. We ended the lunch by getting a tour of Loudoun Gymnastics’ physicality and the Managing Editor, Annette Cooper and I took a flying leap into the foam pit (The picture is on my blog). If you want more information on upcoming events, all of the details are on our Web Extras page at www.WashingtonFAMILY.com/web_extras.php. Hope to see you at the next one!

Just Posted on Washington FAMILY Magazine!

Hey! If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend, check out the Web Extras that have been posted on the home page! We have lists of summer concerts in the area but also great water parks to enjoy. So whether you want to listen to great local music or take a ride down a water slide, just get outside and play! If you see any concerts or parks not mentioned in our list feel free to email me the information at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com.

Just Posted on Washington FAMILY Magazine!

Hey! I’ve just posted our list of Vacation Bible Schools in the area. Be sure to check it out and if you know of any that I’ve missed please feel free to send me the information at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com. Also check out our list of parks and playgrounds in the area. Nothing beats spending a beautiful day in a park so get out there and play!

What Summer Concerts Are You Looking Forward To?

What could be better than summer? For me, it would be a free, outdoor concert during those warm months. Relaxing and listening to fantastic acts perform is literally and figuratively music to my ears. Some of the best memories I have as a kid are the nights that I spent with my family and listened to some great music.

I’m looking for free, outdoor concerts that you are looking forward to. Are you looking forward to a band? A singer? An orchestra? Are they on The Mall? Are they local? Are they ones that the whole family will love or are they ones you have for a “parents night out”? resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com

Happy Mother’s Day!
Liz

Favorite Mother’s Day Gift?

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and with it comes taking a moment to appreciate all that your mom has done for you or being appreciated yourself by your own kids! I know that I couldn’t have made it to where I am today without my mom’s help. She’s the best mom I know (But I’m a little biased).

So to honor moms and to give some help to those looking for the perfect gift, I’m compiling a list of the best Mother’s Day gifts. Was it flowers? A picture? Tickets to a show that you wanted to see? Send me your favorite gift you have either given or received to resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com

Happy Mother’s Day!
Liz

Favorite Park or Playground?

Favorite Park or Playground? Tell us where they are located!

Spring is here and in full bloom. After winter I can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Longer days, sunshine and swings sound like music to my ears. The Washington area is full of great parks and playgrounds where kids of all ages can have fun in the great outdoors.

I was wondering what parks and/or playgrounds you take your kids to when the weather gets nice? I’m putting together a list of great places all around the area. Let me know and you might discover a brand new place to take those antsy kids.

Send the location of your favorite playground or park to me at Resources@theFAMILYmagazine.com. We would also love to have photos of your kids playing at your favorite outdoor venue. Please send them to us. Make sure you have permission from parents of all children who are in the pictures.

Happy Spring,
Liz

Need your opinion for article

What have you gained or benefited from networking on social networking site?

I am writing an article on Social Networking and I'd like to know what you have learned and what benefits you have gained by networking on social networking site.

We're also going to mention this on the WUSA News Now 9 AM show on Monday, April 13th. So please tune in.

Thanks!
Liz

Crazy, Crazy Crazy

I never had any idea how many resources we had at Washington FAMILY Magazine until I had to get them all loaded into our new web site. The new site is going to launch this Thursday and we are still furiously entering data!!!!

It is AMAZING!

The good news is that the new site is going to be unbelievable. Parents are going to be able to find anything they need to raise kids in this crazy area we live in, the Washington, DC region.

Be sure to look at the site on Thursday to see all the great STUFF!

It is hard work, but it definitely is going to pay off for parents.

Liz