It has been really exciting to partner with the "Friends of Ricki" meet ups. Our first meet up was so much fun! Thanks to LeCiel Salon and Spa.
Our next meetup is on Wednesday, October 3rd from 7-9pm at Urban Chic in Georgetown. If you haven't signed up yet, you can do so here. This event is filled with good stuff for everyone. Lindsay Buscher, owner of Urban Chic will speak about her experience as a mompreneur. We will have a Q and A, enjoy delicious apps and wine AND a 20% discount on shopping that night. We will film some of the event and it will be shared on Ricki Lake's Facebook page. But most important, the networking and exchanging of information, leads, feedback, experiences for all of us at every stage of business will be invaluable. Whether you are thinking about starting a business, or whether you've been at it for years, this event will be worthwhile.
It will be a celebration of moms and mompreneurs supporting one another. Please join us!
Showing posts with label moms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moms. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friends of Ricki Kick-Off
Tomorrow is our Kick-Off event at Le Ciel Spa and Salon in Bethesda. Sign up here if you haven't done so yet.
I am so thrilled to have partnered with such a genuine and valuable model for moms everywhere. The show began this week, launching the beginning of a new era of television. A huge basis for the Ricki Lake Show is to support and inform moms and by integrating the reach and scope of social media to do so is really commendable. In the past few years since we launched Capital Baby Planners and Capital City Mamas, we have worked hard to keep up with all of the trends and outlets via the web.
First, it was Facebook, then Twitter, then Pinterest. Now we have incorporated Meetups to our repertoire. Ricki understands our society continues to learn new ways to connect, inform and grow; and by embracing these opportunities, she is modeling what all moms know. We need to be open, flexible and multi-tasking at all times. By using social media to drive the ways we connect, she can influence the conversations and format her show will take, and therefore, we all win.
At Capital City Mamas, we have the same philosophy. When we "gave birth" to this business we wanted to help, support and inform expectant parents as they entered into this exciting time in their lives. Those core values have not changed, but as we expanded and grew, we have learned to value and embrace the many ways we can connect with you.
Thank you for allowing us to do so, and please let us know when there is something new we should learn about, so we can continue to grow and support you.
Hoping to see you at these upcoming events, and in the future.
My best,
Sharon
I am so thrilled to have partnered with such a genuine and valuable model for moms everywhere. The show began this week, launching the beginning of a new era of television. A huge basis for the Ricki Lake Show is to support and inform moms and by integrating the reach and scope of social media to do so is really commendable. In the past few years since we launched Capital Baby Planners and Capital City Mamas, we have worked hard to keep up with all of the trends and outlets via the web.
First, it was Facebook, then Twitter, then Pinterest. Now we have incorporated Meetups to our repertoire. Ricki understands our society continues to learn new ways to connect, inform and grow; and by embracing these opportunities, she is modeling what all moms know. We need to be open, flexible and multi-tasking at all times. By using social media to drive the ways we connect, she can influence the conversations and format her show will take, and therefore, we all win.
At Capital City Mamas, we have the same philosophy. When we "gave birth" to this business we wanted to help, support and inform expectant parents as they entered into this exciting time in their lives. Those core values have not changed, but as we expanded and grew, we have learned to value and embrace the many ways we can connect with you.
Thank you for allowing us to do so, and please let us know when there is something new we should learn about, so we can continue to grow and support you.
Hoping to see you at these upcoming events, and in the future.
My best,
Sharon
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Capital City Mamas Partners with The Ricki Lake Show!
We are back for fall and partnering with the Ricki Lake Show to organize and sponsor meet ups for our mamas!
You spoke, and we listened. Summer is a tough time to commit to events and getting together. So we used our summer to gear up for a HUGE fall. Have you heard of Meetups? They are organized get togethers, where you join a free group via the meetup site, (or via Facebook). Once you sign up for the group, you find out about great events with new people, all with similar interests.Ricki Lake is launching a new talk show on September 10th geared toward moms (and dads). Ricki and her team had the brilliant idea to include you, the moms she is focusing on, to be a part of the experience on a real and concrete level. So she is sponsoring "Friends of Ricki" meetups (you can sign up here) all over the country to get you involved in a movement to get the conversations started. We have so much to say, so many interests, and she wants to grow this community, which will in turn, have a very real impact on the show.
At Capital City Mamas, you know we are passionate about our mom network and community. This could not be a better fit! So here we are, including our new and seasoned mamas, and inviting more every day, to join the conversation. Let's get back to center, carve out a little time for ourselves, and enjoy one another. Each month we will sponsor a meetup with a different topic, at varying times and days to include as many of you as we can, and do more for us!
We look forward to seeing you all at our Kick-off for "blow outs" at the Blow Bar at LeCiel in Bethesda. We can meet, nibble on appetizers, drink some wine, make new friends, and choose the direction we want our meet ups to go, by deciding what fun events we can have together.
We can't wait to see you!
Our best,
Sharon and Meredith
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Fitness and Makeovers and Nordstrom, oh my!
We are buzzing with exciting new opportunities for our moms (and dads, actually!) as 2011 comes to a close and we prepare for 2012. On December 3rd, we are hosting "Makeover Mama" at Bloomingdale's in Chevy Chase. From 10-11 a.m., mamas of any age and stage can get an "instant pretty" makeover from the experts at Bobbi Brown, get substantive advice from Jen Kogan, area therapist focusing on counseling and support for parents, and nutritionist extraordinaire, Karen Schachter. We'll have munchies and mimosas, fabulous goody bags for our first 50 RSVPs, and raffles to die for -- a Britax B-Agile stroller, a 4Moms Mamaroo, two $50 gift cards to Bloomingdale's, and a 3-month membership to Equinox Fitness!
Oh, and speaking of Equinox Fitness, get this! Just for being one of our mamas (and we use that term loosely -- you don't have to "join" anything or be a VIP member), you can come to FREE monthly classes at Equinox in Bethesda and/or Tyson's Corner (while you husband loses his baby belly with a one-hour customized personal training session or Max 30 structured circuit training program and your children are entertained and engaged at Equinox's Kids' Club -- on the house!). Want more? Our members get an amazing discount at Equinox (did someone say ZERO down, $125/month, and 6 free Kids' Club passes?) if and when they join the club.
In January, we'll be hosting a HUGE breastfeeding event at Nordstrom Montgomery -- details will follow. All you need to bring is your boobs!
We'll be starting ongoing sessions for mamas-to-be, as well as new mamas and their babies. Email us with your info (due date, baby's age, zodiacal sign?) so we can work with you and get a fabulous group going at a time that works for you!
We've got so much we can't wait to share with all of you. PLEASE sign up for our mailing list to get the latest info and everything we have going on. There's so much exciting news coming up. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Holy Cross Baby Fair-COME SEE US!
Come hang with us at the Baby Fair at Holy Cross Hospital on November 6th from 1-4 pm. Not only are we just fun to be with, but our raffle prize at this event will be A-MAZ-ING. Really. Come see it.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Easing the Shift From Couple To Parents
Welcome our Guest Blogger, Jen Kogan, LICSW!
Is there a way to prepare for the cosmic shift from couple to parents? The answer is a resounding, yes!
Conversations about expectations can help pave the way to start. Talk with your partner about how each of your own parents balanced family responsibilities. Even if your plan is to do exactly the opposite it can help to understand where your spouse is coming from once baby arrives.
How will you share your own joys and frustrations? Come up with a code word to use together when things are tough or terrific so you can know when to drop everything and listen to each other.
Express appreciation, admiration & affection
Research shows that it is vital for couples to express appreciation and validation for each other. This may feel daunting when you are operating on little sleep but it is a surefire way to stay in touch as new parents.
Keep in mind that this is also a time when your sex drives may be out of sync with each other. This stage is a temporary one and everyone goes through it. A good way to stay connected is to add in lots of hugs and snuggling.
Support is Essential
Making sure that there are enough supports in place is essential. This is especially relevant here in DC where many couples don’t have family living nearby. Plan ahead so you can each get a break and find time to go out together without baby. Laying the foundation for your new life as parents may not solve every problem but it gives you the tools you need to stay close and connected.
Jen Kogan, LICSW provides support and counseling to parents in her northwest DC private practice.
Is there a way to prepare for the cosmic shift from couple to parents? The answer is a resounding, yes!
Conversations about expectations can help pave the way to start. Talk with your partner about how each of your own parents balanced family responsibilities. Even if your plan is to do exactly the opposite it can help to understand where your spouse is coming from once baby arrives.
How will you share your own joys and frustrations? Come up with a code word to use together when things are tough or terrific so you can know when to drop everything and listen to each other.
Express appreciation, admiration & affection
Research shows that it is vital for couples to express appreciation and validation for each other. This may feel daunting when you are operating on little sleep but it is a surefire way to stay in touch as new parents.
Keep in mind that this is also a time when your sex drives may be out of sync with each other. This stage is a temporary one and everyone goes through it. A good way to stay connected is to add in lots of hugs and snuggling.
Support is Essential
Making sure that there are enough supports in place is essential. This is especially relevant here in DC where many couples don’t have family living nearby. Plan ahead so you can each get a break and find time to go out together without baby. Laying the foundation for your new life as parents may not solve every problem but it gives you the tools you need to stay close and connected.
Jen Kogan, LICSW provides support and counseling to parents in her northwest DC private practice.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Time to Get Organized with Capital City Mamas
This is the time of year, we strategize about how to take back our homes, the ones we can hardly recognize because the kids destroyed them over the summer. We try to put our lives back together, dust off our calendar, get ready to be held accountable for all of the responsibilities and duties we have volunteered to do. But first that means we need to wade through the toys, clutter, and summer “treasures.” Starting to wish for summer back already? Wait! Don't stress! Capital City Mamas (and the amazing Container Store) are here to save the day!
Save the date for Sunday, September 18th at 10:30am in The Container Store in Rockville to hear all of the life-saving tips you will need to regain your sanity, reclaim your house, and be reminded of the organized and together person you once were...
Here's one: To avoid losing puzzle pieces, take a sharpie and draw a shape (or other recognizable design) on the back of all the pieces, and that same shape on the box or wooden board. That way your child will be able to quickly know which puzzle the piece goes with, and it will also enhance their pre-reading, matching and problem-solving skills.
Don't forget that you'll be taking home amazing goodies from our fab friends are K'nex, Mabel's Labels, Munchkin, Sprout and more! And you might be the lucky winner of raffle prizes from Britax, The Container Store, and Daisy Baby!
Can’t wait to see you there!
Save the date for Sunday, September 18th at 10:30am in The Container Store in Rockville to hear all of the life-saving tips you will need to regain your sanity, reclaim your house, and be reminded of the organized and together person you once were...
Here's one: To avoid losing puzzle pieces, take a sharpie and draw a shape (or other recognizable design) on the back of all the pieces, and that same shape on the box or wooden board. That way your child will be able to quickly know which puzzle the piece goes with, and it will also enhance their pre-reading, matching and problem-solving skills.
Don't forget that you'll be taking home amazing goodies from our fab friends are K'nex, Mabel's Labels, Munchkin, Sprout and more! And you might be the lucky winner of raffle prizes from Britax, The Container Store, and Daisy Baby!
Can’t wait to see you there!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Our Top Exercising Gear Picks for Moms!
Gym bag that doubles as diaper bag (or vice versa!)
Storksak – fashionable, practical, roomy (especially styles like Tania and Jess)
Jogging stroller
Baby Jogger F.I.T. – we could go on! Great canopy, washable seat cover, one-handed fold, adaptable for car seats, large storage basket and more!
Sunscreen (when exercising outside)
Little Twig Mineral Sunscreen – rated best mineral sunscreen by Babble – so important for you and your baby – doctors recommend not using sunscreen on your baby for 6 months (see above re F.I.T. canopy!)
Sun protection for your child
Baby Banz – sun hats with UPF 50+ and sunglasses with strap and 100% UVA/UVB protection Category 3 lenses
Sneakers
Best sneaker for you, your body, and the type of exercise you’ll be doing – stores like Georgetown Running Company provide personalized, customized fittings and recommend the appropriate shoe for you
High-quality, flattering work out clothes
Apifeni activewear for women – ShapeTech™ waist technology provides seamless support & stability for your core, while SoftTech™ activewear bottoms will flatter your curves, keep you dry and prevent chafing; you can happily wear it to drop-off & pick-up!
Baby carrier for walking when your baby is young and wants to be held
Britax Baby Carrier – padded waist belt distributes weight across shoulder, back and hips; easy to snap, buckle and adjust with one hand; babies can face in or out; can use with newborns
Water! Water! Water!
We love waters like SmartWater because they are electrolyte-enhanced but don’t contain the sugar of many electrolyte-enhanced drinks
Snack bar (and kid snacks)
For adults: LÄRABAR – delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices; nothing artificial! Our favorite flavors? Chocolate-coconut Chew and Cashew Cookie
For children: Snikiddy Snacks – made from simple, wholesome, real ingredients, unlike so many other handy snacks
Cool App
Runmeter – uses iPhone’s GPS to track info about various aerobic exercises; can track your pace, distance & calories burned while running, biking, swimming, walking, hiking, skating, or skiing; can set up audio prompts that will play as you exercise; can set up email notifications to email out a map of your location at certain time or distance intervals, recipients will receive a link to a google map that shows where you are, which is great for peace of mind
Pedometer
Omron HJ-112 pedometer - wear it on your belt, carry it in your pocket, clip it to your bra, or wear it anywhere it is perpendicular to the ground; counts steps and calculates distance and calories burned; tracks aerobic steps separately when walking or jogging more than 60 steps per minute or more than 10 minutes continuously; 7-day memory – take 10,000 steps/day!
*If you are exercising with your child, don’t forget to bring some of their favorite toys or books. If you are going for a really long walk or run, we recommend one or two toys from the dollar store – new toys go a long way with your child while you go a long way on your feet!
** If you happen to get deodorant marks on your exercise bra or tank (is it possible to avoid?!?), wipe away with denim. We don't know why, but IT REALLY WORKS!
Storksak – fashionable, practical, roomy (especially styles like Tania and Jess)
Jogging stroller
Baby Jogger F.I.T. – we could go on! Great canopy, washable seat cover, one-handed fold, adaptable for car seats, large storage basket and more!
Sunscreen (when exercising outside)
Little Twig Mineral Sunscreen – rated best mineral sunscreen by Babble – so important for you and your baby – doctors recommend not using sunscreen on your baby for 6 months (see above re F.I.T. canopy!)
Sun protection for your child
Baby Banz – sun hats with UPF 50+ and sunglasses with strap and 100% UVA/UVB protection Category 3 lenses
Sneakers
Best sneaker for you, your body, and the type of exercise you’ll be doing – stores like Georgetown Running Company provide personalized, customized fittings and recommend the appropriate shoe for you
High-quality, flattering work out clothes
Apifeni activewear for women – ShapeTech™ waist technology provides seamless support & stability for your core, while SoftTech™ activewear bottoms will flatter your curves, keep you dry and prevent chafing; you can happily wear it to drop-off & pick-up!
Baby carrier for walking when your baby is young and wants to be held
Britax Baby Carrier – padded waist belt distributes weight across shoulder, back and hips; easy to snap, buckle and adjust with one hand; babies can face in or out; can use with newborns
Water! Water! Water!
We love waters like SmartWater because they are electrolyte-enhanced but don’t contain the sugar of many electrolyte-enhanced drinks
Snack bar (and kid snacks)
For adults: LÄRABAR – delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices; nothing artificial! Our favorite flavors? Chocolate-coconut Chew and Cashew Cookie
For children: Snikiddy Snacks – made from simple, wholesome, real ingredients, unlike so many other handy snacks
Cool App
Runmeter – uses iPhone’s GPS to track info about various aerobic exercises; can track your pace, distance & calories burned while running, biking, swimming, walking, hiking, skating, or skiing; can set up audio prompts that will play as you exercise; can set up email notifications to email out a map of your location at certain time or distance intervals, recipients will receive a link to a google map that shows where you are, which is great for peace of mind
Pedometer
Omron HJ-112 pedometer - wear it on your belt, carry it in your pocket, clip it to your bra, or wear it anywhere it is perpendicular to the ground; counts steps and calculates distance and calories burned; tracks aerobic steps separately when walking or jogging more than 60 steps per minute or more than 10 minutes continuously; 7-day memory – take 10,000 steps/day!
*If you are exercising with your child, don’t forget to bring some of their favorite toys or books. If you are going for a really long walk or run, we recommend one or two toys from the dollar store – new toys go a long way with your child while you go a long way on your feet!
** If you happen to get deodorant marks on your exercise bra or tank (is it possible to avoid?!?), wipe away with denim. We don't know why, but IT REALLY WORKS!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Glennon Gordon, Capital City Mamas, and Fox 5 News!
Here's a link to this morning's news clip featuring the wonderful Glennon Gordon, seen here talking about the importance of, among other things, staying connected by joining groups like Capital City Mamas!
A lot of couples dream about building a family. But the reality of having kids can be very different from the dream. Psychotherapist Glennon Gordon, will be at a ‘Capital City Mamas’ event discussing Happily Married with Children: Managing the Shift from Couplehood to Parenthood.
A lot of couples dream about building a family. But the reality of having kids can be very different from the dream. Psychotherapist Glennon Gordon, will be at a ‘Capital City Mamas’ event discussing Happily Married with Children: Managing the Shift from Couplehood to Parenthood.
How Au Pairs Help Moms Get Back into Shape
Submitted by
Au Pair in America
Is there anything that new moms could use more than extra hours in the day? Unfortunately, we haven’t found a way to get more hours in the day. What we have found is that having an extra set of hands can help you fit more in your day.
In years gone by, it was common for new moms to have the support of their own mothers or other family members in the early weeks after giving birth. That is not always possible nowadays. Many new moms have found that having an au pair can provide that much needed extra set of hands.
Au pairs are carefully screened, live-in child care providers from countries all over the world. These young woman (aged 18-26) come to the U.S. to live with an American host family to provide child care and learn about American language and culture.
During the first three months, an au pair can assist you in caring for the baby as well as independently caring for older siblings. Once your baby reaches three months, an au pair is authorized to care for the baby on her own. Au pairs can also help with childcare related housekeeping tasks such as the children’s laundry, preparing meals and tidying their bedrooms and play areas.
Having someone to help with these tasks can allow you to carve out a little “me time.” It’s important for new moms to set aside time to take care of themselves. In addition to getting adequate rest, exercise is an important thing for new moms to make time for. The health benefits of getting back into shape post-baby are only part of the equation. Exercise is also a great stress reliever. Taking care of yourself is essential for you to be able to take the best care of your baby.
Getting and staying in shape after the birth of your baby will help you be a more physically active and engaged parent. Making fitness a priority for your family, will set a positive example for your child and set them on the path to an active, healthy lifestyle.
Au Pair in America
In years gone by, it was common for new moms to have the support of their own mothers or other family members in the early weeks after giving birth. That is not always possible nowadays. Many new moms have found that having an au pair can provide that much needed extra set of hands.
Au pairs are carefully screened, live-in child care providers from countries all over the world. These young woman (aged 18-26) come to the U.S. to live with an American host family to provide child care and learn about American language and culture.
During the first three months, an au pair can assist you in caring for the baby as well as independently caring for older siblings. Once your baby reaches three months, an au pair is authorized to care for the baby on her own. Au pairs can also help with childcare related housekeeping tasks such as the children’s laundry, preparing meals and tidying their bedrooms and play areas.
Having someone to help with these tasks can allow you to carve out a little “me time.” It’s important for new moms to set aside time to take care of themselves. In addition to getting adequate rest, exercise is an important thing for new moms to make time for. The health benefits of getting back into shape post-baby are only part of the equation. Exercise is also a great stress reliever. Taking care of yourself is essential for you to be able to take the best care of your baby.
Getting and staying in shape after the birth of your baby will help you be a more physically active and engaged parent. Making fitness a priority for your family, will set a positive example for your child and set them on the path to an active, healthy lifestyle.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Balancing Act of New Parent Fitness
Submitted by
Britax
“What does baby gear and being a 'fit' parent have to do with each other,” you ask? May seem silly, but certain types of baby gear can in fact make it easier for mom (and even dad…) to get back to her (their) pre-baby shape. Strollers and baby carriers offer great health benefits if you use them correctly.
Below is just a short list of ways to get back on track with baby in tow! By “shape,” we are referring to your mind, body AND spirit! As always, to ensure that you are cleared to begin exercising, get the approval from your OB-Gyn during your post-delivery check-up.
· Set realistic goals and start by taking a short stroll with your sleeping angel in her B-Ready Stroller to clear your mind. Take in the sights and smells around your neighborhood that you haven’t been able to truly appreciate for most of the third trimester.
Getting your body back in shape:
· When you’re ready to get really serious, throw your B-Agile Stroller in your car and drive to the closest Stroller Strides class. First class is usually free! Don’t forget your nugget, b/c he will provide the extra weight you’ll need to build those lean muscles!
Getting your spirit back in shape:
· Pull out your brand new Britax Baby Carrier when your little guy hits eight pounds. With the simple slip-on-and-off design, you can easily check a few chores off your growing list while “little cranky” naps quietly on your chest.
Just keep reminding yourself that your miracle monster who keeps you up all night really does mean well. Try your best to keep your mind, body and spirit in check during this trying time and you’ll be the best parents you can be! After nine months of constant catering and then being forced to enter a foreign world of bright lights and weird looking googly-googly-goo faces, I would want a little extra attention every now and again, too.
Britax
Below is just a short list of ways to get back on track with baby in tow! By “shape,” we are referring to your mind, body AND spirit! As always, to ensure that you are cleared to begin exercising, get the approval from your OB-Gyn during your post-delivery check-up.
· Set realistic goals and start by taking a short stroll with your sleeping angel in her B-Ready Stroller to clear your mind. Take in the sights and smells around your neighborhood that you haven’t been able to truly appreciate for most of the third trimester.
Getting your body back in shape:
· When you’re ready to get really serious, throw your B-Agile Stroller in your car and drive to the closest Stroller Strides class. First class is usually free! Don’t forget your nugget, b/c he will provide the extra weight you’ll need to build those lean muscles!
Getting your spirit back in shape:
· Pull out your brand new Britax Baby Carrier when your little guy hits eight pounds. With the simple slip-on-and-off design, you can easily check a few chores off your growing list while “little cranky” naps quietly on your chest.
Just keep reminding yourself that your miracle monster who keeps you up all night really does mean well. Try your best to keep your mind, body and spirit in check during this trying time and you’ll be the best parents you can be! After nine months of constant catering and then being forced to enter a foreign world of bright lights and weird looking googly-googly-goo faces, I would want a little extra attention every now and again, too.
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