Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Prioritize self-care in a seven day Sacred Pause

Alexandra Raquel Hughes is a certified energy healer and intuitive life coach, a life-long researcher and writer who is currently working to be ordained as an Andean Priestess. She’s a Peruvian-Canadian expat mom married to a Catalan, who has lived in 8 countries, speaks 4 languages and holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the UK, and a BA in Environmental Studies from Canada. She’s an Earth loving, tarot reading, astrology junky (Pisces with Capricorn rising) currently based in Brazil with 3 strong personality kiddos and ever-loving left-brained husband. You can likely find her in the bath, garden or dancing under the moon. Below you will find a guest post written by Alexandra that I feel will resonate with most of you, especially after the year we’ve had. I hope you will join me in participating in this free 7-day Sacred Pause experience; more details on that below.

Here we are, D.C. Mom, rapidly approaching February. 

Less than one month into the New Year and so much has happened to throw us off kilter. (As if 2020 hadn’t already perfected the art of WTF-induction, right?!)

2021 was baptized with some shocking, sad, and scary events, followed by a break-the paradigm presidential inauguration.  

All the messages coming in are saying the same thing: 

Sister, it’s time. The world is ready for a rebirth. There is work to be done. 

This is especially true for moms who want, at the very least, to lay healthy groundwork for their children, for the future generation.

Groundwork that promises our kiddos a world with social justice, regenerating environmental health, and the opportunity for them to express themselves fully as who they were born to be.

Overwhelmed (yet driven) by the proposition?

I get it. 

It’s a lot to take on. 

We all know that mom-life is busy and loud. 

That our news and social media feeds are even louder

And we’ve also hopefully learned that rushing around doing #allthethings, went out of style when the pandemic started. (#truthbomb: it never really worked for you, anyway 😉). 

So where do we begin to respond to this call to re-design, re-birth, and re-build?

The answer is to begin with YOU. 

You shuddering with the notion of scheduling self-care in?

Hear me out. 

I know that while it may feel selfish, the first thing you need to take care of right now is YOU.  

But (capital “B”), without approaching the craziness from a healthy and balanced place, you cannot be the mother or woman the world needs right now. 

A leader is someone who models a way of being and doing, someone who influences change. 

And guess what? As a mom, you do this all the time.

So whether you like it or not, you are a leader. 

But to be the leader that your children, the future generation and the world needs, you need to be grounded and balanced.   

It is only from this grounded and balanced place that you can reflect, access your inner wisdom and only then take wise heart-centered steps towards being, and thus making, the change you want to see.

On January 28, I’ll lead a group of amazing moms (like you!) through 7 days of simple, meet-you-where-you’re-at rituals designed for busy moms who:

  • feel the world tugging at their heartstrings (and sanity 🤯) right now,
  • want to heal their nervous systems and find inner peace, so they can…
  • step into their power as change-makers and leaders.

The Sacred Pause is a free collective sisterhood experience that will equip you with the tools you need (and can go back to time and time again) to:

✨ heal your nervous system

✨ slow down & find inner peace

✨ connect with & strengthen your intuition  

Our 7-day gathering is also my invitation for us to gather as creators of the future generation, and talk about feminine leadership and the rebirthing of a new world. 

You can sign up for the Sacred Pause HERE.

I really hope you see the urgency in taking time for yourself as a means of honoring your role, and of empowering yourself as a change-maker. 

We start under the full moon 🌕 on January 28. Click here to learn how it works, and to join us.

In the meanwhile, I want to invite you to pick two of the following to support yourself during these next few weeks:

  • Get back to basics with your news and social media intake. Delete notifications on your smartphone and limit your news checks to twice daily.  Play with the Screentime function if you have one.
  • Connect with nature daily. This can look like standing on the Earth, going for a walk, hugging a tree for 3 minutes, sitting still and taking 10 deep breaths next to your favorite houseplant. It doesn’t need to be complicated, but it is one of the best ways to recalibrate your nervous system, and the DC area has loads of beautiful nature spots for you to enjoy.
  • Move your body. Stretch, shake, dance, walk, run, do yoga….just move. And if you can do this for 10 minutes while consciously visualizing tension and anxiety leaving your body, even better. 
  • Take notice and document what you appreciate in your life. My favorite time to do this is before I lie down to sleep, but taking a moment to feel gratitude at any time of day works.

Looking forward to seeing you on the inside 

P.S. If you’re telling yourself that you’re too busy, read on…I want you to imagine 7 days of it sacred pause — with guidance and in sisterhood. How grounded and balanced would this leave you feeling? The return on your investment of time and energy is a focused mind, centered and open heart and boosted efficiency.

Don’t believe me? Here’s what others have said:

I loved being part of the Sacred Pause. Alex is a true guide in navigating and prioritizing soul nourishing self care. I love how she gently led us to find the time to commit to ourselves, even though we’re all busy women. Alex truly walks her talk, and took us on the journey with her. I highly recommend this for all women with too much on their mind to make self care a priority. ~Rosalie Puiman

Thank you so much for creating the glorious Sacred Pause. What an amazing gift!  I am grateful for all this week-long Experience brought forth… The connection to nature was  amazing and necessary and right. Ahhhh… I am thankful for how you lifted us up and reminded us who we all are — Queens . Yes, we are!   ~ Leisha Davis

Create virtual Valentine’s for Eliana’s Light

You’re invited to show how you care for children, their caregivers, and their care providers through a caring community in advance of Valentine’s Day.

Eliana’s Light is taking its 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids & Cookies for Caregivers community service program virtual! You can be a part of a collaborative effort to share positive messages of kindness, care, and compassion for children with complex medical conditions, their caregivers & their care providers at pediatric medical centers. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for all ages, schools, organizations, businesses, and associations! For more information, please click here. Gather your family members, friends, and colleagues as they can participate from anywhere in the world.

You are invited to submit pictures of:
-Hand-made cards or signs with messages of encouragement, support and empathy
-Poems, quotes or songs you write or select that give uplifting, relevant and appropriate messages
-Pictures you draw or paintings you paint of images/scenes that carry messages of renewal, replenishment & well-being

They will be shared on social media & through emails this year to families Eliana’s Light support and the doctors, nurses, social workers, case managers, therapists & all the others who care for so many.

Eliana’s Light provides emotional, financial, and educational support to families with children experiencing complex medical conditions. It is inspired by Founder Whitney Ortiz’s experience witnessing the gaps left behind by our broken support systems when taking care of her daughter, Eliana, for four years with a heart condition and transplant.

Eliana’s Light’s “C.A.R.E” collaborative model works with medical centers, mental health providers, housing assistance and other specialists to give families the integrated and integrative support services they need. They hope to replicate and scale this collaborative model works beyond our region. They invite your support and collaboration within all areas of their nonprofit’s mission.

The support Beltway Bambino’s readers have given towards this initiative in the past has been overwhelming and one of our favorite holiday events we are a part of. Our hope is that this year is no different even though it is a virtual event.

New Years Eve for families in and around Washington, DC

New Years Eve is going to be much different than others of course and probably a year we are all ready to put behind us. {Although there are things I cherish from this past year that could not have happened in a typical year & I won’t forget those} We are thankful for some fun options that our Bambinos can participate in safely this NYE. Perhaps our kids stay up until midnight and watch the ball drop this year, because why not?! Or maybe we order from a local restaurant to show our support and set it up at home like we are dining out at a fancy eatery. Maybe we treat it as any other night and that’s fine too because after all it is 2020 and we are all so over it. Whatever you choose, we wish you a happy and healthy 2021 and are so thankful to have spent another year sharing adventures and events with you all.

9:00am-11:00am: Forest Bathing at the U.S. National Arboretum
The U.S. National Arboretum will help you disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature in this 2-hour program where they help you relax deeply and raise your mood, immune system, and sense of coherency. The forest bathing walk will end with a modified tea ceremony and a small pre-packaged snacks to close the walk. Sounds like a great way to recharge and set some intentions for 2021!

10:00am-2:00pm: Midnight Noon
Celebrate the ball drop before bedtime with the Maryland Science Center at Midnight Noon. Join in on the socially-distanced festive fun before rocking out to a virtual performance by popular kids band, Milkshake. The entire science center will be open and ready for you to explore. Make a sound shaker, fill a snow globe, and take on your family members in giant games that will be stationed all across the building. Tickets should be reserved in advance due to attendance limits.

11:00am-12:00pm: Noon Yards Eve
The Yards has reimagined its annual Noon Yards Eve celebration into a take-home celebration kit paired with a virtual party for guests of all ages. The free, family-friendly Noon Yards Celebration Kits will be available by reservation with everything guests need to party at home!

11:00am-6:00pm: Kids Craft Day at Hops n Shine
Make your own Noisemaker on the heated patio. Then, join a kid-friendly virtual countdown and ball drop at Noon on New Year’s Eve! You may select from other dates too.

12:00pm-10:00pm: Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather
Enjoy a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for the entire family + festive and fun cocktail pop-up bar.

12:30pm: “Noon Year’s Eve Party” and Annual Balloon Drop 
Families are encouraged to grab milk, hot chocolate, or their favorite treats and dress in their formal best for the festivities, which will feature a performance by Tunes with Tim, followed by a noon countdown and toast to 2021.

3:00pm-4:00pm: Story Pirates New Years Bash
Your favorite Story Pirates DJ is planning a huge party to ring in 2021! Unfortunately, his old nemesis Yorma the ice dragon is trying to spoil the fun with her icy dragon magic. Will DJ Squirm-a-Lot, Peter, Meghan, Rachel, Nimene, Eric, and the rest of the Story Pirates be able to foil Yorma’s plans? With your kids’ help, they just might have a fighting chance!

6:30pm & 9:30pm: First Night Alexandria
Ready to get out of the house? Load up the car and celebrate the arrival of 2021! Sing-along, dance and enjoy a night filled with classic hits, local food trucks and exciting giveaways! Or…Planning an intimate gathering in the comfort of your home? Let First Night Alexandria be the soundtrack for your party, featuring the same great music as the Drive-In experience, streamed to you!

Year Cheer can help you get in the celebrating mood, while supplying fun decorations and games in a box that is delivered to your doorstep. We are big fans of the curated boxes and love supporting a local Mom!

Also, don’t forget about ice skating, holiday displays and checking off ideas from our winter bucket list.

Build your library with Bookroo

Plan ahead:
Registration for DC Public Library’s winter reading challenge runs from Jan. 1-Mar. 31. Kids and teens can sign up to earn badges for reading, staying active, and win prizes from the Wizards. 

KID Museum is offering virtual Winter Break Workshops, December 28-30, for families looking to enhance the holidays (and maybe head off boredom?) We’ve scheduled fun, creative options for K-4th and 5th-8th graders at varying times throughout the day. From building a Rube Goldberg machine, to learning about coding, or designing a kinetic sculpture or video game, there’s a program for everyone. The price is only $15 for KID Museum members, $20 for nonmembers. See website for details and to register.

January 9 from 10am-2:00pm
Mark your calendar to bring your holiday tree to Murch Elementary School (corner of Davenport & 36th Street). Watch Branches Tree Experts recycle it into mulch on the spot! In exchange for a recommended donation of $10-$15 to the Murch Home School Association (HSA), they’ll take your tree and save you the trouble of calling 311 for tree collection. You can even take home a bag of mulch for your yard if you’d like. Keep your curb clean, recycle your tree in an eco-friendly fashion, and support a local elementary school all at once!

Virtual movie screening passes for Come Away

We’ve got passes for you to a virtual screening of COME AWAY, the imaginative origin story of two of the most beloved characters in literature – Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. The film stars David Oyelowo, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Angelina Jolie, with Derek Jacobi and Michael Caine. It’s in theaters and on Premium Video on Demand November 13 but you can see it from the comfort of your home on Wednesday.

Click here for a unique link to access “tickets”–we only have 20 so grab them now!

Details:
Virtual screening: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 7:00pm

How it works: 
-The first 20 people who click through get a “ticket” to the virtual screening.
-One hour prior to the screening, you will receive another email with the link to join.
-Click it, enter the virtual waiting room for the show to begin at 7pm. (The waiting room works like a line, and people will be admitted until full. They do not anticipate any turnaways but be on time to make sure you get in.)

Kid’s Cocina virtual cooking classes

Kid’s Cocina is a virtual cooking class for kids ages 6-11. Your kids can help prepare dinner for Thursday nights! This next session will be Mexican-inspired meals. All of the meals are simple or have been simplified so that children can join without much adult supervision. 

What’s on the menu?
Learn to make your own tortilla, enchiladas, salad-burrito bowl, and the delicious tres leches dessert!
 
When?
Classes are: Thursday, October 29, November 5, 12, and 19
Time: 4:00-5:30pm
Cost: $100 for all 4 classes or $30/class
Check out
Register here

Testimonial:
“My daughter loved it! Thank you for offering this.  You have a wonderful way the kids!” -parent of a 7 year-old

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center hosts a free sampler day this Saturday

Art bot we made in an SEEC class last year

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) is hosting a free sampler day this Saturday, October 10th showcasing virtual family workshops they offer. They recognize that some families may want more information about what a virtual class might look like before committing to several weeks of classes so this is a great opportunity.

What to expect:

  • There will be two preschool sample classes at 9 AM and 10 AM. 30 minutes will be spent experiencing a lesson from the Exploring Nature session that just took place. 
  • For the Early Elementary there will be three sample classes at 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM that will explore one of the Amazing Art lessons. 
  • Staff will also be there to answer any questions and share more about the approach they take and how they are making objects and artwork come to life through active learning even through a screen. 

More posts we have shared about SEEC:

–Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center: Bringing the wonders of the Smithsonian to your living room
-Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) community programs for all ages
–Museum Based-Learning: Ordinary is Extraordinary at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center

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