January 17, 2012 | in:
guest posts,
hot mama
Sara Damelio is one of the country’s first eco-facialists and has been practicing and studying natural skincare for over 12 years. She is also the owner/creator of Skincando — a luxury natural skincare line based and manufactured in Silver Spring, MD.
Naturally Beautiful Skin
Living in the DC area we all struggle with dry, dull winter skin. It is a challenge to stay hydrated, but made possible through the use of natural and organic exfoliants and moisturizers. Natural skin care products are made with high quality pure ingredients including apricot kernel oil and beeswax that help heal your skin, rather than cover it with chemicals like in traditional beauty products that include petro-chemicals and artificial fragrances. With a few simple changes and the correct information, you can have naturally beautiful skin all winter long.
Step 1: Exfoliate
Exfoliating is fun, easy, and yet a total mystery to many of us. When do I do it? How often? With what? Do I even need to exfoliate? Your skin is an amazing, living organ that does an efficient job of sloughing, protecting, purifying and regenerating on it’s own! Contrary to popular belief, exfoliating once or twice a week should simply improve, not substitute, your skin’s own ability to slough and renew — a practice that is essential during the winter months.
So why exfoliate? Taking exfoliation into your own hands means your skin is clear to evenly absorb healthy products like your organic face oil and moisturizer, while relieving it of environmental pollution and built up waxes from cosmetics that trap dirt. Here are two different methods and types of exfoliants to help you choose which one is best for you:
1. Mechanical – where abrasives are mechanically ground against the skin to remove debris and have a detoxifying effect over the skin. Mechanical exfoliants include face brushes, scrubs, drying clay masks, microdermabrasion and exfoliating pads.
2. Chemical – where enzymes or acids dissolve debris from the skin. Chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic and malic acid, papaya enzyme and pineapple enzyme peels, masques and cleansers.
Both mechanical and chemical exfoliation work to achieve the same result. It is a matter of personal opinion which one you choose.
Step 2: Hydration
One of the most frequently asked questions I get this time of year is “How do I find a winter moisturizer that will keep me hydrated but won’t make me break out?” If you’re breakout-prone, like so many of us are now and then, the last thing you want to do is use a “heavier” moisturizer – but you also don’t want to be stuck all winter with parched, undernourished skin! The solution is layering.
By layering a nourishing face oil with a protective moisturizer, you don’t have to worry about using something that’s too heavy for your skin. Face oils are the best way to hydrate the skin on a deeper level but alone can be leeched out of the skin in dry, cold environments. Moisturizers with larger molecules tend to treat on the skin with natural waxes that stay put longer to prevent moisture evaporation. Together, you get the best of both – a light breathable barrier and deep hydration - without compromising on either, which could lead to breakouts or buildup.
For best results, I recommend layering during the AM and using a rich nourishing night cream in the PM.
For more information on natural winter skincare, Sara Damelio of Skincando is happy to give free email or phone consultations. She can be reached at sara@skincando.com or 202-215-8991
January 13, 2012 | in:
Washington With Kids
Friends of the Library Montgomery County (FOLMC) is this year celebrating 30 years of supporting, protecting, and defending the Montgomery County Public Libraries. To start off a year-long anniversary party, they are hosting a free, but ticketed concert by Hot Peas ‘N Butter. You may have seen these guys and heard their groovy family songs on Noggin and Jack’s Big Music Show, and they are the recipients of Parents Choice Awards for kids’ music for three years running.
Hot Peas ‘N Butteris a unique children’s musical group that incorporates elements of traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, folk, and rock. By combining an interactive, invigorating approach to performance with mature, multicultural music, Hot Peas ‘N Butter has developed a distinct way of inspiring care and creativity in kids and adults alike. – Hot Peas ‘N Butter website
The free concert will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 11am at the Germantown Library. Free tickets are available only in advance in person at the Germantown library branch beginning Tuesday, January 24 at 5:30pm. The Germantown Library is located at 19840 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD (map and directions).
January 11, 2012 | in:
performances
UPDATE: The winner is Lisa Betts. Thanks everyone.
One of my goals for 2012 is to take my family to a children’s theater performance at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. We have yet to check out their offerings for families, but their line-up of plays and musicals for kids always impresses me.
This performing arts center is celebrating its 10th anniversary season, and as an anniversary gift to A Parent in Silver Spring, BlackRock is giving away four free tickets to their upcoming performance of Fancy Nancy & Other Story Books on February 4!
Fancy Nancy & Other Story Books is a musical revue by Theatreworks USA based on six favorite children’s books — Duck for President; Babymouse, the Musical; I Have to Go!; Leonardo, the Terrible Monster; Pirates Don’t Change Diapers and Fancy Nancy — and is geared towards kids aged four and up.
There are two performances, at 1pm and 3pm, and tickets are just $12 each. (Of course, one lucky winner will receive his or her four tickets for free.) Tickets may be purchased at the box office: 240 -912-1058 or online at www.blackrockcenter.org. BlackRock Center for the Arts is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD near the intersection of Middlebrook Rd. and Route 118 (Germantown Rd.)
For a chance to win four tickets to the 3pm show on February 4, leave a comment below with which of the six books – Duck for President; Babymouse, the Musical; I Have to Go!, Leonardo, the Terrible Monster; Pirates Don’t Change Diapers or Fancy Nancy – YOUR child will most like to see come alive on stage!
I received no tickets or compensation for hosting this giveaway. Photo courtesy of Theatreworks USA.
‘Tis the season for open houses and school applications for the 2012-2013 school year. Here are more upcoming open houses and information sessions in our area.
St. Luke Christian Day School in Silver Spring Open House: Friday January 13 10 am. Open Houses are for families new to the school and include an overview from the Director and a tour of the school. Children are welcome to attend with their families. A schedule of tuition and fees for 2012-2013 will be published in January, at which time they will begin accepting applications for the 11-12 school year. Admissions are determined by lottery and notifications made prior to the end of February.
Evergreen School Open House: Friday January 13 9:00-11:00 am. Evergreen School is an independent, co-educational Montessori school for children from 18 months old through 3rd grade, located at 10700 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902. This event will allow you to learn about Montessori by observing a classroom, talking to parents and touring our school. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Caitlin Garry or Lourdes Buenaflor at 301-942-5979 or at info@evergreenschool.com.
Spring Knolls Cooperative Early Learning Center Annual Open Houses: 9:30am- 11:30am Wednesday, January 18th; Thursday, January 19th; and Friday, January 20th. During the open house, prospective families can observe classes in action, meet teachers and parents, learn more about the school. This is a parent only event. To sign up for a tour, email membership@springknolls.org. For more information on Spring Knolls, go to www.springknolls.org.
Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School Open House: Thursday January 19 at 7:30 pm. To register for an information session or learn more about programs for children ages 2 through 5, please visit www.TakomaCooperativeSchool.org or call 301-585-7272, #2.
Acorn Hill Waldorf Nursery School and Kindergarten Open House for Families: Saturday January 21 10:00 am-12:00 pm (Snow date: Saturday, January 28). Children are welcome to come to experience Waldorf early education first hand. Twice a year we open our classrooms for a taste of a typical day at Acorn Hill. You and your child can meet our teachers and enjoy an activity, such as grinding grain, beeswax modeling, and story-telling. 9504 Brunett Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20901, 301.565.2282.
Silver Spring Day School Open Houses: University Campus – Tuesday January 24. New Hampshire Campus – Monday January 30. Time for all Open Houses is 10-11:30am. Reservations for attendance at Open Houses are required. To reserve a spot please contact the school at mail@ssds-coop.org or 301 593 6581. SSDS asks all Open House registrants to arrive promptly and plan to stay for the entire 90 minute session. Sessions are for parents only and babysitting is not provided.
Silver Spring Nursery School Open Houses: January 25 & 26 at 10am. Silver Spring Nursery School will hold its Open House for the 2012/2013 school year on Wednesday, January 25 (2s, 3s and 4s classes in session), and Thursday, January 26 (2s and 4s classes in session). We encourage you to come on the day your child’s prospective class is being held. There will be an informational session each day at 10:00 am, followed by a tour of the school. Reservations are NOT required. (In case of school delays/closures due to weather, please call SSNS at301-434-2313 to check on the status of the Open House.) Applications will be accepted between the time of the Open House and Friday, February 3. Admission will be determined by lottery selection the following week. Applications received after February 3 will be placed on our waitlist. For more information, please visit www.silverspringnurseryschool.org, or contact Lisa Büttner,301-408-1523 or lisa.buttner@gmail.com.This co-op preschool is located at 10309 New Hampshire Avenue, 3 blocks north of the Beltway (about 8 minutes from downtown Silver Spring and 10 minutes from Takoma Park).
Acorn Hill Waldorf Nursery School and Kindergarten Information Evening for Parents: Wednesday January 25 7:30-9:00 pm. These evenings provide parents with a brief, comprehensive presentation of Waldorf early childhood education and our programs, followed by a question and answer period led by one of our teachers. All enrolling parents are asked to attend. 9504 Brunett Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20901, 301.565.2282.
Casa de Montessori’s Open House: Saturday January 28, 10am-2pm. Casa is located on New Hampshire Ave. just north of Randolph Rd. Casa starts at age 2.5 as of Sept. 1 (and potty trained) and includes a full-day Kindergarten. There is before- and after-care.
Kensington Cooperative Nursery School (KNS) Open House Sunday January 39 3-5 pm. Kensington Cooperative Nursery School (KNS) is accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year. You can also schedule a visit to the school at your convenience, where you can observe a class in session. Please contact the Membership Chair, Christina Lange (301-949-0359 or cmlange753@yahoo.com), for more information or visit www.knscoop.org.
If you would like your school open house listed and get the word out to thousands of local parents, unlike other publications in the area, there is no charge to list it on A Parent in Silver Spring. However, you must email me the info well ahead of your open house date. Thanks!
January 4, 2012 | in:
Washington With Kids
St. John the Evangelist in Silver Spring Preschool and K-8 Open House: Thursday January 12 from 8:30am – 11:30am. Please come, tour the school, meet principal Sister Kathleen Lannak I.H.M, meet some teachers and see others in action, and visit with current school parents. Discover our enthusiastic small community with a large heart and a faith-based, academically-challenging education. The preschool (3 year-old-half-day and 4-year-old full-day and half-day programs), full-day kindergarten and grades 1-8 will all be featured. Located at 10201 Woodland Ave in Silver Spring at the intersection of Wheaton, Kensington and the SS.
St. Raphael Open House Doubleheader!: Open House for St. Raphael School 9-10 a.m. Jan. 11; Open House for St. Raphael Nursery School 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 11. Guests are welcome to visit for a presentation highlighting all St. Raphael School/Nursery School has to offer, followed by a tour of the facilities. SRS is K-7 for 2012-13 and specializes in tailored academics through differentiated learning and small-group instruction. SRNS has programs for 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds and 4-Plus (Pre-K), as well as extended-day offerings. Before-Care and After-Care also available. 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville. 301-762-2143. www.straphaels.org.
The Arc Summit Academy in Gaithersburg: Thursday, January 12 from 5 to 7 pm, Friday, January 13 from 10-11:30 am, Saturday, January 14 from 10 am to 1 pm. The Arc Summit Academy is an innovative preschool with a Maryland State Department of Education approved educational program for children 2-4 years old. Open Houses will provide an opportunity to learn about the range of learning opportunities available to children. Reservations recommended. Contact Eileen Coyne, School Director, at 301.984.5777 x3315 or eileenc@arcmontmd.org. The Arc Summit Academy follows MCPS for weather related closings. Reschedule dates are the exact times on Thursday and Friday of the following week if an Open House is cancelled due to inclement weather. Parents are encouraged to bring their preschooler. Individual tours can be arranged by contacting the School Director.
Glenbrook Co-operative Nursery School Open House: Wednesday Jan. 18 and Thursday Jan.19; tours are given from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. (the last tour each day begins at 11am). (Note the two-year-old class does not meet on Wed. if you would like to observe in action) Classes for 3 year olds and 4 year olds meet both days. Children are welcome to attend as well if you like. Tours are hosted by current parents, so you will have a chance to meet and speak with current families as well. For you or someone you know who is thinking about preschool, cooperative nursery schools are a perfect opportunity to be involved in your child’s first school experience. The school is located at 10010 Fernwood Road (at the corner of Fernwood and Democracy) in the Bethesda United Church of Christ. (The school is not church affiliated.) For more information, please visit
www.glenbrookschool.org, email
membership@glenbrookschool.org or call
(301) 365-3190.
Thank you and we hope to see you at our Open House!
