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Hip, hot, and happening might describe the clothes in this boutique. The catch? They're made for the 1 and under set! As you walk in the front door, you'll see the cutest onesies ever to cover a...
Hip, hot, and happening might describe the clothes in this boutique. The catch? They're made for the 1 and under set! As you walk in the front door, you'll see the cutest onesies ever to cover a diaper, and you might even recognize some of the labels from the Hollywood rags. Dying to dress your tot like celebs' kids? You must visit Daisy Baby & Mommies Too.
In the center of the store are some of the best brands in maternity clothing, including Japanese Weekend and Ripe. (These were two of my favorites when I was expecting. The prices are high, but the quality can't be beat, and they'll last you through at least one pregnancy.) Cute tank-tops, too, with sayings like, "What's Kicking?" (I bought this one for my expectant sister!)
Head to the back, and you'll find beautiful bedding, chic suede rockers, gorgeous nursery furniture, and -- best of all -- sale items. (Hint: They're tucked away in the back right corner of the store.)
Whether you're shopping for yourself, your little one, or for a friend, Daisy Baby & Mommies Too has top-quality merchandise that is sure to please.
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Opened less than a year ago, Wiggle Room offers parents and moms-in-waiting an alternative way to shop: second-hand. Located in downtown Bethesda, this little shop carries gently used infants' and...
Opened less than a year ago, Wiggle Room offers parents and moms-in-waiting an alternative way to shop: second-hand. Located in downtown Bethesda, this little shop carries gently used infants' and children's clothing (both casual and formal), as well as some pretty hip maternity clothing. (My expectant sister bought a really cute top a couple of weeks ago, and it was much cheaper than in the boutiques.)
They also sell baby gear, such as strollers, bouncy seats, and exersaucers. I've bought little gadgets like outlet plugs (to prevent injury to my soon-to-be-crawling little one), and I keep popping my head in, in hopes that I'll find the perfect used glider for our nursery. (They've had a couple, just not what I'm looking for. That's the only bummer -- you have to hit it at the right time.)
Already done with kids? This is the place for you, too. Wiggle Room takes items on consignment, so you can clear your attic without feeling guilty about giving away items that are still in perfect condition.
The shop is open every day but Monday and takes consignment by appointment only.
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Several years ago, I worked at this restaurant's kissing cousin in Chicago (Uncle Julio's Hacienda). A decade later, I am still addicted to the chile con queso, and I can never eat here without...
Several years ago, I worked at this restaurant's kissing cousin in Chicago (Uncle Julio's Hacienda). A decade later, I am still addicted to the chile con queso, and I can never eat here without ordering a cup.
A lot of the menu is standard Mexican fare. I'd recommend focusing on the grilled items, particularly the fajitas and shrimp brochette. Note to first-timers: You can order the chicken fajitas with no skin and no butter if you're looking for a healthier version. (The regular kind comes with a delicious albeit not-too-heart-healthy butter sauce.)
While the restaurant touts its Swirl (fancy frozen sangria-margarita concoction), it's not my favorite. Stick with the margaritas on the rocks -- with salt, of course -- and you can't go wrong.
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Out for a romantic dinner for only the second time since my son was born, my husband and I were enchanted by our evening at Mon Ami Gabi. Apart from the size (it's larger than most Parisian...
Out for a romantic dinner for only the second time since my son was born, my husband and I were enchanted by our evening at Mon Ami Gabi. Apart from the size (it's larger than most Parisian bistros), this place has a real European feel. And the food is -- how do you say? -- magnifique! While not a hot spot for vegetarians or those who shun beef, the menu is sure to tempt anyone who salivates at the thought of a perfectly cooked steak au poivre.
My only complaint was the overly nonchalant attitude of our server. We ordered two separate appetizers -- a stuffed artichoke and French onion soup (divine and gooey, by the way) -- but received instead two crocks of soup. Shrugging off the mistake, we began to eat and were halfway through our soup before our server returned and inquired about what had happened (as if the error were our fault). No apologies, no corrections -- but at least the food was tasty.
One more note: It was my birthday, and we were treated to a lovely dessert that I forced myself to finish. Be sure to leave room for the sweets; they're worth the indulgence.
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Everything about it oozes relaxation. When you arrive, you are offered a drink and a comfortable seat in front of the aquarium. (It's mesmerizing and somewhat hypnotic, staring at the tropical fish...
Everything about it oozes relaxation. When you arrive, you are offered a drink and a comfortable seat in front of the aquarium. (It's mesmerizing and somewhat hypnotic, staring at the tropical fish in the many tanks around this salon. Oh, Aquaticca...fish...I get it!)
The staff is very professional and highly skilled, and the one time I visited this salon I was thrilled with my cut and color. The best part of my visit, though, I have to admit, was getting my hair washed. I know what you're thinking: "That's the worst part! Those sinks make my neck ache!" Aha, but Aquaticca has figured out a way to make you sink right back into that porcelain tub without a complaint near the tip of your tongue. Yes, friends, they have massage chairs. You know the kind you sit in when you get a salon pedicure? Yep, that's the kind. I sat down, ready to be shampooed and tortured, when my body was pleasantly shocked with a wave of warm vibration up and down my spine. These 10 minutes were worth the excessive price of my services.
Unfortunately, the cost of a cut and color is pretty steep here. I was lured into the salon because of a Val-Pak coupon that came in the mail. New to Bethesda, I figured that was as good a reason as any to check this place out. However, the "50% off highlights" was a little misleading. My stylist gave me highlights then informed me that he was adding a toner to warm up the color -- without informing me of the extra charge. I was floored when I got the final bill, particularly when I figured how much I'd have to pay the next time around without the 50% discount. (Alas, I haven't been back.)
If money's no issue, I'd recommend this salon, if only for the shampoo/massage perk.
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Let's face it: nobody feels particularly lithe and agile after giving birth. It's amazing how that once rock-hard stomach can feel like a bowl of Jell-o after baby arrives. And after 40 weeks of...
Let's face it: nobody feels particularly lithe and agile after giving birth. It's amazing how that once rock-hard stomach can feel like a bowl of Jell-o after baby arrives. And after 40 weeks of carrying all those extra pounds, your back is bound to be aching every now and then, even without the physical stress of carrying an infant around. Of course that bundle of joy is worth every bit of chub and achiness, but we all want to regain our strength after baby's born. Enter Unity Woods Yoga Center.
Every Thursday afternoon, instructor Linda teaches a class just for us -- those new moms who want to build our ab and back muscles back up, who desperately need a little bit of relaxation, and who want to be able to do it with the babe in tow. This is not a baby playgroup; it's a real yoga class, with the understanding that it's okay for your baby to fuss a bit while you're posing in downward dog. Need to nurse your tyke? Feel free; it's the norm. Change a diaper? Go ahead (as long as you take the dirties with you when you go)! Babies are embraced in this class, but you will also find that you are able to finally pamper yourself again, with some poses that target those areas that need the most TLC.
Join for the entire session, or pay per class if you're wary about making it every week (though I do highly recommend making the effort).
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