{hot} dish: national aquarium extends purple pride deal

Just got this in my inbox. Thought you might appreciate the info!

To continue the city-wide show of support as the Ravens advance in the NFL postseason, the National Aquarium, Baltimore will once again offer a special $5 discount on general admission tickets to guests wearing Ravens or purple apparel on Friday, January 20. The promotion is available through on-site admission ticket purchasing only. The discount will apply only for operating hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on January 20, 2012. One discount per person. Cannot be combined with any other offers.



Visitors are encouraged to join Aquarium staff in wearing their purple Ravens gear on Purple Friday, January 20 and for the rest of the weekend.

{hot dish} baltimore ravens rule the roost at towson town center on friday

The Ravens Purple Caravan and 98 Rock will be rockin' Towson Town Center on Friday in anticipation of this weekend's playoff game. They're inviting kids of all ages to show off their purple spirit!

Expect tons of energy, fun and ... wait for it... giveaways.

You'll find the party  -- which includes kid-friendly refreshments, face painting and visits/photographs with Poe-- in the Grand Court beginning at 2:00 PM. The Raven's Caravan makes its appearance between 2:45 PM and 3:10 PM. Participants will also be treated to tunes by the Raven's marching band, the LARGEST band of any NFL organization.

The first 100 people to wear their Ravens purple and/or Ravens apparel at the start of the event will receive a free $10 mall gift card by visiting the M&T Bank table.

Find more information on the Towson Town Center website. And don't forget to wear your purple.

{hot} dish: new federal hill playground plan

The South Harbor Renaissance community organization recently commissioned a new playground design for Federal Hill Park -- and just released the plan on their facebook page. The new playground is being designed by Hord Coplan Macht and includes Baltimore-centric elements such as a Federalist model ship for kids to play on and explore.

From South Harbor's website:

The proposed playground design will provide a child-centered, parent-friendly experience that also honors Baltimore’s and Federal Hill Park’s rich history. 

The main theme of this plan is a set of miniature, child-centered historic icons, including “The Federalist” ship from the 1780s, for which Federal Hill is named; “Signal Hill Tower”, which stood watch for merchant ships in the 1800s; and “Fort Federal Hill”, which occupied Federal Hill during the Civil War. 

baltimore walks: take the pledge

The Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance wants you to help make Charm City safer - by increasing Baltimore's walkability factor.

DBFA has launched a new campaign to make Baltimore safer for walking.  The organization believes that living in a walkable neighborhood decreases crime, enhances public safety, and increases home values, public health, and adoption rates of public transportation. However, according to a DBFA email newsletter, pedestrian injury is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 5 to 14 years old. Excessive vehicle speed is the leading cause of crashes in Baltimore City.

To start educating Charm City residents, DBFA created Baltimore Walks, a new website dedicated to providing information about walking in Baltimore neighborhoods. They're also gearing up for October 5th: National Walk to School Day, launched a city-wide pledge campaign encouraging drivers to break for pedestrians and are co-sponsoring a student pedestrian safety video contest with Baltimore City Public Schools.

{hot} dish: DBFA uniform drive

Just received this announcement from the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance and wanted to pass on the information. Consider helping a child get their school year off right!
_ _ _

Do you have gently used school uniforms from last school year that your child has outgrown? Please pass them along to the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance!

DBFA is partnering with Baltimore City Public Schools to provide uniforms to children whose families are unable to afford new ones. One of the reasons that many children have high rates of absenteeism is the lack of clean uniforms to wear to school. Your gently used uniforms or plain colored collared shirts* or khaki pants can provide children across the city with clean clothes to wear to school so they are ready to learn.

If you would like to donate uniforms, please contact DBFA Executive Director Heidi Vorrasi at heidi@dbfam.org to arrange a drop-off.

 If you're a DBFA Member and attending the pool party this weekend, there will be a collection bin at the event.

*Common shirt colors that are accepted into the dress code are red, white, baby blue, and royal blue.

(hot) dish: creative families on classic play

I posted this on our Facebook page a little bit ago, but it merits a full blown blog post. Have you been reading the Creative Family series over on Classic Play? Classic Play is written by Charm City mom Jennifer Cooper and always has simply amazing ideas for engaging your children in play. {{Coincidentally, Jen is also the fabulous designer behind Ellie Bellie Kids.}} So when Jen started the Creative Family series a few weeks ago, I really wasn't surprised that it knocked my socks off.

The series is a collection of interviews with creative families that chronicles what makes them "tick." The first interview was with LA-area blogger Deborah from My Life at Playtime, who talked about nurturing creativity in children and shared how she created headboards from vertical planters (uber cool, by the way). The next week we met Molly de Aguiar and her family. Molly blogs at Charlotte's Fancy, and shared how travel inspires her, her designs and her girls. Last week we met Joya Logue and her Chicago-area family. I've been a huge fan of joyababy's product line and Joya's blog, so I loved hearing her thoughts on fostering creative expression in her children. A fav Joya quote from Jen's interview: "being creative can be in forms other than crayons or drawings, that it can be in writing creatively, in thinking creatively and looking at the world through creative lenses. Using them through art, writing, play, invention, or any other route of expression makes it original."

Today I was THRILLED to see Charm City-ites John and Sara Waire, and their two wee Waires, featured as this week's creative family! John was kind enough to photograph a Milkshake Concert benefiting Autism Speaks for us earlier this year, and is an incredible photographer. To say his art-meets-documentary style is inspiring would be the understatement of the year. He and Sara are the creative forces behind The Wairehouse, a family owned photography business built on the idea of creating what matters. Sara also works with textiles and designs clothes for kids -- which is coming in really handy right now because her daughter is in a bit of a 'dresses only' phase. {{Did you know that princesses only wear dresses?}}

Are you still reading? You haven't hopped over to check out Classic Play yet? Do it. You won't regret it.

{hot} dish: congrats to our "best of bmore" friends!

So thrilled for our friends at Wee Chic - A Baby Boutique, aMuse Toys, and Urban Baby Runway! Baltimore Magazine has given them all "Best of Baltimore" honors in the 2011 awards. Wee Chic - A Baby Boutique has won Best Kids Clothing for the second year in a row. aMuse Toys took best place to buy Earth-friendly toys. Urban Baby Runway took best new store.

We couldn't agree more!

Want to see the best of what Charm City has to offer? Pick up the August edition of Baltimore Mag -- which hits newsstands on July 29th. For a fab date night, check out their "best of" party on August 18th!

Congrats again to all our friends!!!

(hot) dish: maryland zoo offering 25% off tix, free frozen treats and evening hours

This August, The Maryland Zoo is offering a couple of fun ways for visitors to beat the heat! Reduced admission on Tuesdays and -- evening hours on Thursdays!

Each Tuesday during August, the Zoo will offer a 25% discount on admission for tickets purchased at the gate, and each visitor will get a coupon for a free frozen popsicle or ice cream treat, redeemable at The Village Green. Don't worry -- your treat won't have fish in it like the popsicles the polar bears get.

On Thursdays in August, the Zoo will stay open late – until 7:00 pm – so people can visit into the early evening when temperatures should be cooling off just a bit. Prices will dip too, with tickets available for 50% off after 4:00 pm at the Main Gate. Guests can tour the zoo, listen to some live music and enjoy happy hour in the Jones Falls Zephyr Train Station. Bring the whole family, or make it a date night!

For more information, check out the Maryland Zoo's website.

(cool) tip: Kids under 2 are always FREE at the zoo!

(hot) dish: two city pools to open today and tomorrow due to exteme heat

It's certainly HOT outside. And Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has responded by asking the Department of Recreation and Parks to open the Druid Hill and Patterson Park Pools today and tomorrow to from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is $1.50.

“Baltimore faces extreme heat,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “In addition to the Cooling Centers open throughout the city as part of our Code Red plan, the large park pools will provide an opportunity for young people and families to stay cool and safe.”

Forecasters predict temperatures will rise to the upper nineties today and Thursday. However, with the humidity, the heat index will exceed 100. Because of the high temperatures, Baltimore City Public Schools will have half-days.

Both pools have been open since May 28 on weekends only. City pools will begin full-time operations on June 25, following the end of the school year. For more information about city pool hours, visit Department of Recreation and Parks.

Image of Druid Hill Park Pool, from The Baltimore Sun.

(hot) dish: Milkshake and Autism Speaks team up for tot-friendly valentine's day extravaganza

Last week, our friends from Milkshake let us know that they are planning one heckuva Valentine's Day Spectacular for all of their pint sized friends and those who are kids at heart. Best part? The concert proceeds benefit Autism Speaks, a favorite charity of ours.

The festivities kick off at 1:00 PM on Sunday, February 13th at Rams Head Live Baltimore. Along with Milkshake in concert, there will be chocolate kisses from Moo, face painting, balloon art, cartoons, videos, flowers and other fun activities. The concert begins at 2:00 PM.

You all know we're huge fans of Milkshake. Their rock 'n roll vibe and tot-friendly lyrics keep the Bug bouncing all day long. {{You know the bounce I'm talking about? It's the classic toddler dance move. It's a kind of a two-footed squat with hip action.}} Two of the band's songs made our 'top 10 toddler friendly songs that don't make us feel like we od'd on saccharin' post a few weeks ago. We know this Valentine's Day concert will be a huge hit with the whole family.

Tickets for the event at $15/person (kids under 2 are free) and can be purchased at Rams Head Live (410.244.8854) or online. You can purchase a family four pack of tickets for $50.

Remember, all proceeds from the concert go to help fund Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

Haven't heard the grammy-nominated band yet? They sent along an mp3 track of "I Love You" song from their Great Day album. Enjoy!

(hot) dish: National Aquarium at Baltimore Memberships are $30 off TODAY ONLY!

We love a good deal - - and a good membership. Just found out that The National Aquarium is offering $30 off their annual membership. That means a family membership is just $129 for the year. That pays for itself in ONE VISIT for a family of four. To get the deal, you need to enter the secret code LORDS10 at checkout.

Why do you want an aquarium membership? They tell it better than we could! From the website:

Membership to the National Aquarium has fin-tastic perks, including: daily admission for one year at both the Baltimore and Washington, DC, locations; member discounts and special members-only events; magazine subscription; member advance tickets; special entrance for members; plus, your membership helps the Aquarium protect threatened marine wildlife.

Here's a list of benefits:

• Unlimited daily admission for one full year from the date of purchase at both the Baltimore and Washington, DC, locations.
• Priority entry for members only (Baltimore)
• Discounts at the Aquarium gift shops, restaurants, and onsite SharpShooter picture purchases
• A subscription to Watermarks magazine
• Discounts on programs and events
• Members-only events
• Dolphin show, when available (Baltimore)
• Ability to purchase advance tickets for friends or family (Baltimore)
• Memberships are fully or partially tax-deductible

So, um, what are you waiting for? Make your child's real life Nemo experience a reality!

Photo credit: Image from AquaViews.net

(hot) dish: Saurette Kids Designer at Wee Chic NEXT WEEK

Remember dressing up in your mom's 70s-era strappy sun dresses and heels, pretending to strut down the runway? Although you had to do some pretty extensive imaginative alterations, you could just picture how fabulous you'd look if only the dress came in your size. Alas, you had to wait until you were a 'grown up.'

What does 'big girl' style look like in a pint sized package?

You can find out next week when Saurette Kids designer Lisa Kanouse makes an appearance at Wee Chic- A Baby Boutique. Known for catering to the twirly girl, Saurette's frilly designs feature ultra feminine embroidery, hand beading and unique trims. Gilt Group describes Saurette's line as 'contemporary with a vintage touch' and 'an aesthetic that resembles an Anthropologie shoot for the toddler set.' Simply mah-va-lous for the frilly, bohemian whirly girl in your life.

Wee Chic will have Saurette's holiday looks in stock (sizes 2-10), you'll be able to preview their spring collection and hob nob with the designer who brings feminine whimsicality and big-girl style to the everyday girly girl. Lisa will be there from 11 AM - 7 PM on Friday, November 12. Feel free to RSVP through Wee Chic's Facebook page and see some online photos of the collection!

(hot) dish: Tea Collection Stock Up Sale at Wee Chic!

I don't know about you, but I'm a huge fan of Tea Collection clothing. Gorgeous, durable, washes beautifully and goes from playtime to dinner out with a few accessory updates. Super excited to announce one of my favorite local stores is having a stock up sale! Today and tomorrow, buy any three Tea Collection items and get your fourth FREE from Wee Chic - A Baby Boutique. Fine print? All items have to be from either the Girls Tea Collection or the Boys Tea Collection, respectively. What a fabulous opportunity to stock up on some mix 'n match staples, or knock out some holiday gifts! They've got 3/6 months through size 8 in stock. Wee Chic is located in Green Spring Station, and is open 10-6 on Friday and 10-5 on Saturday. See you there!

(hot) dish: FREE Photo Mini-Sessions with a side of on-site monogramming next week at Wee Chic

Wee Chic - A Baby Boutique just alerted their Facebook fans that they are hosting Laura Black of Laura Black Photography for two days of mini-sessions on August 26th and August 28th. You can use your free session to capture one child or your entire crew! Added bonus? Laura will gift each family 1 free 8x10 from the session. As always, their Facebook fans get dibs on the best appointments. So fire up your Facebook account, "like" wee chic, and get the details on how to set-up your appointment!

Wee Chic will also have in-store monogramming available on August 26th and 27th, courtesy of embroider-on-the-go Candace Marshall of Madeljacks. Yes, you can have your purchases and gifts monogrammed while you shop. Stay tuned for specials on one letter embroidery...

We have it on good authority that wee chic owner Bridget Quinn Stickline will be at the Best of Baltimore Party the night of August 26th... (they won best Kid Boutique, after all!). It's going to be a pretty jam-packed 24 hours for the Wee Chic crew! So maybe bring them some celebratory coffee when you stop by next Thursday or Friday?

(hot) dish: FREE admission to the American Visionary Art Museum and Reginald F. Lewis Museum with your Bank of America Card THIS WEEKEND

We are culture junkies. And we LOVE free. (Don't you?)

This weekend, when you present your Bank of America card at the door, you'll get into the American Visionary Art Museum OR the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture FREE! You just need your Bank of America ATM, Debit or Credit Card! It's all part of Bank of America's Museums on Us program. More than 100 museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens and other cultural institutions are taking part in this national program (74 cities in 27 states are involved!). The AVAM and Reginald F. Lewis are the only museums in Maryland participating this weekend.

Can't get a little culture in this weekend? Bank of America is hosting another Museums on Us weekend on September 4th and 5th!

Thanks to Twitter and our friends @njoyplay and @BaltimoreMD for letting us know! (If you're not following them on Twitter, you should be!)

(cool) tip: children under 6 are ALWAYS free at the American Visionary Art Museum AND the Reginald F. Lewis Museum!

(hot) dish: DBFA Pool Party Rescheduled to August 8th

Due to the impending inclement weather, the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance has postponed the Patterson Park Pool Party and it has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 8th. Same time. Same place. Noodles & Company and Taharka Brothers will still be providing food, and Harbor East MAC and Backyard Bounce will be there too! You must be a member of DBFA to attend (and need to RSVP), but you should be a member of the alliance anyway! :0)

(hot) dish: Half Price Tuesdays & Free Ice Cream at the Maryland Zoo this August

If you were looking for a reason to visit the Maryland Zoo, you've got one! They let us know this morning that they are offering half priced admission for tickets purchased at the zoo entrance every Tuesday in August - - AND every Tuesday visitor gets a coupon for a FREE ice cream or popsicle! Elephants, Penguins, Giraffes and refreshment. What more could you want?

Check out our post on visiting the Zoo before you go -- we've got the low down on the best places to cool down while visiting the zoo in the August heat! (Personally, we like the Tundra Buggy and cave exhibits best...)

Tweet