Annapolitan Mom

News Roundup for the week of 7/15

There's a lot of cool news for Annapolitan parents this week. Here's a run down of some of the best:

One of my favorite southern fast-casual restaurants is coming to The Village at Waugh Chapel this fall! Newk's Eatery was a staple for me when I lived in Memphis, but there isn't one in the whole state of Maryland. That's about to change in a few months. Newk's is known for awesome salads, divine mac-n-cheese, yummy soups, and delicious bistro-style pizzas. They give out free crunchy breadsticks and have a great condiments bar. Even better, they have a rockin' kids menu. It's supposedly going to be next to the Applebee's, but I want to go see the sign out front with my own eyes. I'm so excited for Newk's arrival! 

Giggle is coming to a JC Penney near you! Starting this fall, Giggle Baby for JCP will bring their hip style at an affordable price to more than 500 locations nationwide. With only nine stores nationwide, Giggle is't accessible to most Americans in person. But hopefully their new collection with have quite a few gems you can visit at a mall close by. Whether this partnership will help rescue JCP from its current freefall from market relevance remains to be seen. In the meantime, it'll at least get me in the store. 

The new Severna Park Chick-fil-A is quickly taking shape on Rt. 2 North. It's slated for a mid-September opening, but stay tuned to their facebook page for updates. Even though it's not far from the Pasadena location, this one is closer to Annapolis and I'm sure will be a popular place for area families. 

For you fashionista mamas, check out the opening of temporary pop-up shop, Here, starting this Friday at the Village Green shops off Forest Drive. Featuring locally sourced fashion & gifts, I'm excited to check out this month's selection chosen around the theme "lazy days of summer." You can bet I'll be stopping by Here sometime soon!

Ergo on sale!

Great deals on ErgoBaby carriers today on Zulily. Some are over 50% off! Check it out before they're all gone.

Waugh Chapel South a great new shopping and dining spot!

We all know the Waugh Chapel area in Gambrills along Rt. 3 South between Severna Park and Bowie. If you're anything like me, you've been hitting the Home Goods there for years. For the last six to eight months, the newest addition, Waugh Chapel South, has been adding some great stores and restaurants. Unlike the original Waugh Chapel, which isn't all that pedestrian-friendly, WC South boasts wide walkways down a 'main street', and ample parking for the anchor stores.

Some of my favorites to check out:

• Target! I mean, who doesn't love a good Target. And this one is big, shiny, and easy to get in and out of. 
• Drive-thru Starbucks: Yes, there's one in the aforementioned Target, but for a full-service caffeine fix, head to their store.
• Regal Cinemas: Yes, we now have a movie theatre outside of Annapolis city limits! We've found it clean & comfortable for the many movies we've seen there. Plus, the parking is much better than at the Bowtie Cinemas at the mall & Harbour Center.
• Old Navy: If you're thinking, "An Old Navy is an Old Navy is an Old Navy," you'd be wrong. Old Navy apparently has two types of stores - the normal ones with great deals on everyday items, and slightly higher-end ones that include way more accessories, shoes, and generally a larger clothes selection. WC South has one of the latter. So go pick up some cool ombre wayfarers & enamel bangles before they run out.
• Coalfire: We love this locally-owned chain. Highly recommend starting with the onion rings (lightly battered and bendy - more like onion straws), and following it up with a signature-sauced pizza (though the classic sauce and spicy sauce both earn high marks as well).
• Bonefish Grill: Bang-bang Shrimp, anyone?
• Wegmans: Last but definitely not least, this has become my go-to spot for large shopping trips. While I still go to my neighborhood Safeway to pick up a few last minute items a couple times a week, Wegmans puts itself at the very top of the grocery store... er... food chain. Shopping there is an experience that elevates a mundane errand to a foodie's amusement park. 

There's something for all ages - Carters just opened a store over by Bed Bath & Beyond, and there's a Snip-Its that specializes in kids haircuts and parties. There's also a Five Below, Justice, and the self-serve frozen yogurt spot Yolavie.

My husband and I went for dinner & a movie recently, and they had live music on the main street area and the place was buzzing with families and couples out for a nice evening. I'll be posting reviews as I try the restaurants and shop a little more in the stores. In the meantime, check out this great new spot!

 

Annapolis gets even more pet-friendly!

GoPetFriendly.com recently named Annapolis the second best city for pet travelers to Carmel, CA. While the defeat had more to do with breed-specific legislation than the amenities available to our pets, we're still proud of the showing and thank that website for highlighting all the resources our city has to offer. But we're not stopping there!

Thanks to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, business can now post decals in their storefronts letting us know that pets are welcome:

 
When you see these decals, you'll know where Fido (or Meowser?) is invited & welcomed! 

As we live in a pet-friendly city, here are some tips to keep your little ones pet-friendly as well:

• Teach your children not to approach strange animals. They should always ask the animal's human if the animal wants to be approached or patted. 
• When your little one begs for a puppy, consider rescuing a young-adult dog instead. They are often overlooked because everyone wants puppies. The upside is that you already know their personality, and rescue organizations have vetted them for proximity to small children. Bonus: puppy training is often unneccessary! 
• If you don't have pets at home, practice words and gestures like "gentle" and soft pats with a stuffed animal so the little ones know how to treat live animals.
• For your child's birthday party, consider throwing a "birthday shower" where guests bring donations for the SPCA instead of presents for the birthday boy/girl. Some rescue organizations will even allow the birthday party crew to drop them off and visit with an animal or two.

Rita's Italian Ice: Summer's favorite icy treat

There's something about things only available seasonally that makes it just that much more enjoyable. I wait every year for my favorite seafood restaurant (Jake's Seafood on Nantasket Beach in Hull, MA, if anyone's keeping track) to open each spring. And don't those red holiday Starbucks cups get you in the Christmas spirit? Rita's Italian Ice is one of those things. Light & sweet, it's the perfect icy treat for a hot day. And the fact that you wait all winter for it to open again just makes it sweeter.

You can get italian ice in many flavors (including the insanely good Swedish Fish!), several of them sugar-free. If you want to spice it up a bit, get the gelati, which layers italian ice and soft-serve custard. The misto blends the two together (my personal favorite!), and there are tons of variations and other options. 

Here in the area, you can find locations in Severna Park, Annapolis, Edgewater, Pasadena, Crofton, and Glen Burnie.

Two more days for up to 30% off at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic

If you're looking for some deals to add a few staples to your little ones' (or your!!) wardrobe, check out the Star Spangled Sale at Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic. Going on until tomorrow night, this is a great time to stock up on basics. On summer gear, the code STARS30 will get you 30% off. But there are good deals to be had on everyday steals too. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

Coral Flip-flops ($2.50) from Old Navy

 

I just love Old Navy's flip flops! They come in cheery colors and basic neutrals, and for $2.50 a pair, you can pick up a bunch. Grab some for hubby & the kids too! 

 

Bow Striped Toddler Dress ($26.95) from Gap

 

How adorable is this black and white striped dress for your toddler!? I just love it. It can go from nautical chic in the summer to classy in the fall with a sweater.

 

Peacock Linen Pants ($29.94) from Old Navy

 

I have these linen pants in white and navy, and they are super comfortable. A couple of weeks ago, I spotted this gorgeous peacock color and I just might have to grab a pair in this hot hue. 

Get to the sale before it's over!

Naptown Nannies Event

Good morning!! Our friends over at Naptown Nannies are hosting a great event about intuitive eating habits this week. The guest speaker is Jaqueline Stern, registered dietician. She was just named the area's best nutritionist by What's Up Magazine and she's going to speak and answer questions about what you need to know for you & your kids. Between the country's current obesity epidemic and trying to balance convenience with healthy choices for our kids, this is a seminar we can all learn a bit from!

Wine and light apps will be served. 

Thursday, February 28th from 7-9pm at 5 Park Place in Annapolis, Park Place Residence Party Room. 

For more information, check out Naptown Nannies facebook page.