capital style MARCH 2014
IDEAS FOR LUNCHBOXES AND TOY BOXES
SUPER SITTERS AND SUMMER CAMPS
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capital style
Raquel
MARCH 2014 OUTSIDE THE BOX: A fresh take on lunch. PAGE 6
ON THE HUNT: Designing the perfect nursery. PAGE 9 SUPER SITTERS: Meet the Naptown Nannies. PAGE 12 A BEAUTIFUL MESS: Create art with your little ones. PAGE 15
STAFF
EDITOR & DESIGNER SHANNON MILLER
DIY ADVENTURES: An easy outdoor project for kids. PAGE 18
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS MANAGER ELIZABETH PICCIRILLO-PUDDESTER
CAPITAL GAZETTE COMMUNICATIONS
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: Get to know the Bridal Readers Choice newcomers. PAGE 20
EDITOR STEVE GUNN
WEDDING SAVVY: Raquel takes on more readers’ questions. PAGE 22
PUBLISHER PAT RICHARDSON ADVERTISING DIRECTOR MARTY PADDEN
BRAIN BUILDERS: Toys to engage all ages. PAGE 23
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR ROB PRYOR
ACTIVE KIDS: Summer camps and open houses. PAGE 24
ON THE COVER Photo by Marisa Crider, MISA ME Photography www.misamephoto.com
Elizabeth
Sherron
CONTRIBUTORS Alexandra Carey Marisa Crider Christina Han Diana Love Megan Pena-Ariet Zoe Read Raquel Shutt Sherron Watson Wendi Winters
Shannon
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CAPITAL STYLE© IS PUBLISHED BY CAPITAL GAZETTE COMMUNICATIONS INC., 2000 CAPITAL DRIVE, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401. CAPITAL STYLE, VOL. 5, ISSUE 2, MARCH 2014. ©2014. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF CAPITAL STYLE© MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL MEANS, INCLUDING INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS, WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. ADDITIONAL COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT $3.95 EACH AT CAPITAL GAZETTE OFFICES. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
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Flavor
think outside the
LUNCHBOX
By SHERRON WATSON
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acking a lunch, for kids or ourselves, can become The “feathers” for the wings are lettuce pieces that can be added to routine. We get into habits that are easy and simple the sandwich. I used a carrot piece for the beak and feet. I added because our mornings become hectic and full. When more carrot sticks under the leaf wings. This took me about five I talk to other parents about minutes once I decided what I would do and taking lunches they have some of the same how to create my owl. My daughter Isabella concerns I do. LOVED the surprise when she opened her WHAT IS BENTO? Those concerns are usually centered on lunch on that day! Bento is a single-portion healthy choices, easy planning and budgetPreparing foods in advance, like the Japanese meal, either homefriendly lunches. A lot of friends also made tortellini and sausage soup I’m sharing, is a packed or takeout. references to flavor and taste. great way to get a head start on lunches for A traditional bento box To keep things within my budget I buy in the week. Add half a sandwich, some fresh bulk. I’ll portion up crackers, chips, nuts, grafruits and veggies and you’ve got lunch the would include fish, rice or nola, fruit snacks, etc. I also have learned to next few days for you or your spouse. Grab meat along with pickled ask my kids what they want in their lunches. and go — I like that idea. or cooked vegetables. The I’ve assumed too many times with lunch ideas Isabella reminded me the other day that ingredients can be arranged only to be greeted with a full lunchbox when we eat lunch to create energy for our bodies. simply or very artfully. they returned home from school. Apparently This is a very simple way of looking at food. An online image search they didn’t like the things I had chosen. It fuels our mind and body and sustains for “bento box” will show just Preparing for this month’s piece, I was us for the day. Finding lunches that are how endless the possibilities inspired by my exposure to bento-boxed well-balanced, healthy, stay on budget and are. Take a look and find your lunches to create the owl sandwich. You have include great flavors are my goals when inspiration! to admit, it’s cute. Time friendly? Probably feeding my family and I hope the ideas I’m not. But I think once in a while it’s fun to sharing will inspire you too. surprise your kids with something creative. Think outside the lunchbox when it comes I used a large circle cutter to create the body/belly, and silicone to creating your next midday meal! cupcake liners provide the bases of the owl’s eyes. I used cucumber Please visit my blog, Simply Gourmet, for more recipes and helpful tips. I share a new recipe weekly. rounds for the eyes, topped with a round carrot and half an olive.
BORED WITH BREAD? Consider these replacements: • Tortilla wraps • Rice wrappers • Hotdog buns • Lettuce leaves • Crackers • Pita pockets • Bagels • Waffles • Corn muffins • Rice or Pasta
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MAKE IT FUN! Why not try some of these ideas to jazz up your kid’s lunch? • Make kabobs using fruit or veggies. • Use fun cookie cutters for cheese, meats and sandwiches. • Include a note. • Surprise them with a bento-inspired lunch. • Make your own DIY “Lunchable.”
Photos by Sherron Watson
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CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD 1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped into bite-size pieces 2 cups romaine heart lettuce, chopped Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated 1/4 cup croutons 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing (see below) CREAMY CAESAR DRESSING Makes 1 cup Prep Time: 10 minutes 1 large clove garlic, minced 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 3-5 anchovy fillets (They won’t be too fishy, trust me.) 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/3 cup sour cream 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated Black pepper to taste Combine all dressing ingredients in a food processor or a high-power blender and blend until smooth. Store in refrigerator for up to 10 days.
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TORTELLINI AND SAUSAGE SOUP Makes 4-6 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes 2 large sausage links, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup red onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced small 4 cups chicken broth 1 can diced tomatoes, drained 1 cup fresh spinach or kale 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 cup fresh basil, optional In a medium frying pan, add olive oil and heat to medium. Add sausage and cook in oil until done. Remove sausage pieces to a paper towel and set aside. Add diced onion and bell pepper to oil (add more oil if needed). Cook for 3 minutes, add garlic. Continue cooking for 1 more minute. In a medium stock pot, add broth, diced tomatoes and the vegetables from above. Bring to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until pasta is cooked through. Time will vary based on whether you are using fresh or frozen pasta. When tortellini is done, add sausage pieces and fresh spinach/kale. Stir to combine. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers for up to one week.
S’MORES TRAIL MIX Makes 4 cups Prep Time: 5 minutes 2 cups cinnamon or graham cracker cereal 1 cup mini marshmallows 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/4 cup sliced almonds 1/4 cup shredded coconut Combine all ingredients in a large zipper bag. Mix. Store in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 month. Sherron lives in Cape St. Claire with her family. Hungry for more? Find Sherron online at www.simply-gourmet.com.
HOME on the hunt
Christina & Cora O
By CHRISTINA HAN of PROPER HUNT
ne of my favorite rooms in our home is my daughter Cora’s (full name Victoria) nursery. It’s actually one of the few rooms in the house I consider “done” and is filled with lots feminine pieces mixed with modern ones. Before Cora was born, I envisioned a space that wasn’t too girly but still feminine and had a mix of different styles. I think I was able to achieve that with all the elements in the room. Capital Style | March 2014 9
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irst up, I have to talk about her closet. It’s absolutely, hands-down my favorite design element in our house. Originally, I wanted to wallpaper the inside of her closet, but because my husband was somewhat against that idea, I compromised by wall stenciling instead. And honestly, it came out even better than I thought the wallpaper would look. Every time I open the doors to her closet, it just makes me so happy.
O
ne of my favorite pieces in Cora’s room is her looks-expensive-butwasn’t mirror. It was definitely one of my best finds at HomeGoods and really adds a hint of bohemian glam I wanted for her room.
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nother large design element in the room is her changing table. It’s actually an Ikea dresser we embellished by adding wood pieces in the shape of a Greek key pattern for some extra oomph.
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knew that because her room is on the smaller side I couldn’t really have the matching ottoman that goes with her glider. So instead, I had a cute mushroom stool made to add some functional whimsy to her room.
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he Land of Nod saved me with the perfect window drapes for Cora’s room. I was looking for drapes with a geometric pattern in a soft color but couldn’t find one in my price range. Thankfully, the Land of Nod came out with these ones and they are perfect!
I
’m not the biggest fan of wall decals, so I wasn’t sure I was going to put any in her room. But the giant, slanted wall in her room really needed something. These 3-D butterflies provide visual interest along with some added whimsy, and I chose them in kelly green so they would really stand out against the lilac walls.
M
ost of the wall art in Cora’s room were gifts from family members and dear friends. It’s so special to have those pieces and know that people who love Cora helped decorate her room!
Christina Han is the creator of the lifestyle blog Proper Hunt. Follow her style and decorating journey at www.properhunt.com. Capital Style | March 2014 11
N A P T O W N N A N N I E S
the new baby sitters club By DIANA LOVE
W
orders a background check and requires CPR and first hen Christine Lasser moved to Anaid certification before she ever considers employment. napolis from Philadelphia, she was She also interviews each family, surprised to even those joining the basic discover that baby sitting membership, to see many area their home, meet the children families were and assess individual preferdesperate for reliable, trustworences and needs. thy child care. “I can’t send my nannies to a She found that while nanny situation where they aren’t peragencies were available in fectly comfortable and safe; at Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, the same time, my family memthere was a dearth of quality bers need to feel completely at child care across Anne Arundel ease with my nanny candidates. County. Our brand, reputation and “It shouldn’t be difficult to financial success is based on get a baby sitter for the night or mutual trust.” to find child care you can trust. To start, families register on But for my friends and acquainthe Naptown Nannies website, tances, taking a break from pay an annual fee to join the the children seemed to be very service and are matched to problematic and at times even qualified nanny candidates. In impossible,” she said. the case of long-term care, once Lasser put her MBA, profesa match is made, Lasser helps sional experience and love of nannies and families navigate children to good use when she Christine Lasser and negotiate wages, hours and started her company, Naptown particulars. After contracts are Nannies, in 2012. signed, Naptown Nannies continues to support both Naptown Nannies provides a vital service: reputable, the nanny and the family, though the family pays the dependable, responsible child care. “We match qualified nannies with families and sched- nanny directly. Naptown Nannies also offers occasional baby-sitting. ules,” Lasser says. She receives scores of nanny applications from career Families pay the annual membership fee then depend on Lasser to find qualified sitters as needed. fairs, teachers looking for seasonal or weekend work, The company has a pool of candidates available for college students trying to earn extra money and even planned or last-minute needs, including special events, mothers whose babies have left the nest and miss the weddings, parties and other unique situations where a joy that is childhood. local sitter may otherwise be difficult to find. Lasser interviews each nanny candidate personally,
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The hourly rate for baby sitters includes an agency fee as well as the cost of the baby sitter. Many families purchase a package of agency hours, which can bring the agency cost down, depending on how many agency hours are purchased. Lasser offers military discounts on the membership fee and occasionally offers package discounts through the Naptown Nannies Facebook page. Scheduling periodic child care is done online with emailed confirmations that include sitter profiles and specifics that are clearly, efficiently and easily communicated. Parents can request a particular sitter or simply rely on Lasser to send a nanny perfect for the job. “My company is founded on a reputation for understanding that parents want the highest quality, most
engaged and responsible caregivers for their babies and that they want this service to be both easy to schedule and totally reliable. My clients, both nannies and families, trust that I will pair them compatibly, safely and efficiently.” Parents are pulled in so many directions these days, it’s nice to know a convenient, personalized resource exists in Annapolis to give them a break, even at the last minute. There is a cost for the service, but the reward is the assurance of knowing your kids are safe, having fun and being well looked after by qualified, vetted nannies who are easy to find. For more information, visit naptownnannies.com. Here are four active Naptown Nannies:
Joanna DeBrouse Originally from Frederisckburg, Va., Joanna DeBrouse earned a bachelor of science in nursing and currently works full-time in the neonatal unit at Children’s National Medical Center in D.C. She also works as permanent nanny one day a week for a family in Crownsville. Her charges are two young boys, ages 5 and 7, whose mother needs just a few hours each week to work, run errands and attend appointments. DeBrouse also baby-sits for area families through the Naptown Nannies membership service. Her favorite aspect of being a nanny, she says, is being able to experience the innocence of childhood: “Baby-sitting reminds me of when I was a child. I can forget about being an adult for a little bit, chill out and play with the kids. I plan to do this for as long as I can.” DeBrouse especially appreciates the unique bond that can form between a nanny, the children she cares for and the family. She likes to go to the pool with the boys, in addition to exploring downtown Annapolis.
Aimee Reed Aimee Reed started baby-sitting in high school for other military families stationed where she lived in Germany. She realized at a young age that she loved working with kids and felt a strong calling to dedicate her career to children. She attended University of Maryland, College Park, earning a degree in early childhood education. As a requisite for her degree, she student-taught at elementary schools near her home in Greenbelt. Working in public schools with packed classrooms was very intense and not quite what she was prepared for after working in private preschools. She decided to nanny and through Naptown Nannies was matched to a family with three boys, aged 2, 4 and 7. “I was meant to be a nanny,” Reed says. “I love the positive interaction of working with the kids, and I love the boys I was matched to. Working with Naptown Nannies made it easy for me to find a job I love and to help a family who needed me.”
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Amy Barkley
Heather Bellrose
Raised in a family with four kids, Amy Barkley grew up in Anne Arundel County and was home-schooled for most of her elementary and middle school years. Following graduation from The Antioch School in Arnold, she attended an accelerated program for business support specialist at Anne Arundel Community College. After graduation she struggled to find a job that was challenging or fulfilling, so she decided to nanny. She has been happy in this second career for the past eight years. Naptown Nannies placed Barkley in a fulltime position where she works a typical work week of 40 hours. She takes the children to classes and events in addition to fun outings for sunshine and fresh air. They especially love trips to the library, the Bounce Zone off Benfield Boulevard and summers at Mears Marina in Eastport.
Heather Bellrose fell in love with Annapolis while working as a camp counselor at The Key School. After graduating from Marymount University with a degree in elementary education, she decided to nanny while also working as a substitute teacher for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She turned to Naptown Nannies for weekend, evening and summer positions, eventually finding a full-time job over the summer caring for a family in Cape St. Claire. Bellrose now teaches full-time at Rolling Knolls Elementary School, but continues to work with Naptown Nannies as an occasional baby sitter. She says Naptown Nannies “are very extensive in the work they do before placement, much more so than other online agencies. I feel safe in my family’s homes since I know Christine has met and interviewed them. They feel safe knowing I’ve had a background check, first aid and CPR training and that I am a professional child care specialist. I know what the kids enjoy before I get to the home, and the family knows what I am able to deliver.”
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DIY
MAKE ART TOGETHER By MEGAN PENA-ARIET of ART BY MEGAN
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aving a creative child can be loads of fun — it can also get a little chaotic and messy. Sometimes you just want to a project you can do together that you’ll both enjoy. I can honestly say this easy chevron painting is easy, fun and less messy than some others we have tried! Here are six easy steps to create a work of art with your little one. I completed this painting at home with my daughter, who loves to paint. It runs in the family!
Step 1: Plan out and purchase your supplies. We used a canvas, blue painter’s tape, silver spray paint and acrylics. When painting with kids, I find acrylics work best — they dry quickly and wash off nicely. Step 2: Spray-paint the canvas with your base color (don’t forget to spray the sides, it adds a nice finishing touch). I chose to complete this step sansmunchkin because of the fumes. Spray your canvas during nap time or the night before, and it will be dry by painting time.
Step 3: Tape off your design with painter’s tape. Make sure to press firmly down on the edges to seal the tape to the surface of the canvas. Step 4: Pre-mix your acrylics on a palette. We chose shades of blue and green. A reminder: you don’t want to give a toddler every color of the rainbow to work with at once unless you want a brown painting!
Step 5: PAINT! This is the best step. Get messy and have fun. No worries about “staying inside the lines” here — that’s what the tape is for! Step 6: Once the paint has dried completely, very gently peel the painter’s tape off of your canvas. The edges might not be perfect, but you can touch up a little with a wet paper towel and a fine brush. Enjoy your awesome new painting collaboration and celebrate with milk and cookies! Megan Pena-Ariet is the owner and local artist behind Art by Megan. Her works include abstract acrylics and watercolor paintings based on her travels, sunsets and sunrises, and time spent by the water. Art by Megan was recently featured by HERE. A Pop-Up shop at their Eastport location. Find her online at www.artbymegan.com. Capital Style | March 2014 15
THE BEST OF THE BEST WILL BE REVEALED SUNDAY, MAY 18 IN THE CAPITAL GO TO CONTESTS.CAPITALGAZETTE.COM TO VOTE! 16 Capital Style | March 2014
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DIY
S R E T S I S N I P e h t f o S E R U T N E V D A Y I D The By MARISA CRIDER and ALEXANDRA CAREY
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rowing up, we spent countless hours playing make-believe in homemade forts, tents, teepees and playhouses. They are little havens for imaginations to run wild. So when we stumbled across this hula hoop tent idea on Pinterest, we knew this was a must-do!
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This quick and easy DIY tent can be completely customized to your child’s style. We chose shower curtains with tons of pastel colors. To top it off, the project took under 10 minutes to assemble!
Supplies
• Hula hoop • Two shower curtains • Two sets of curtain rings • Rope
We are sisters. And we pin. Some pins are a win. Some pins are a bust. Trying our favorite pins is a must. Find us online at adventuresofthepinsisters. blogspot.com. Photos courtesy of MISA ME Photography, www.misamephoto.com.
How-To
• Grab all the curtain rings and shower curtains. Loop one ring through each shower curtain hole. • Hook each ring, with the shower curtain attached, onto the hula hoop. Repeat until both shower curtains are hanging from the hula hoop. • Cut the rope into four equal strands, 2 to 3 feet in length. Then cut a longer strand, depending on the height of the tree
branch you’ll be hanging your tent from. • Attach one end of each of the four equal-length strands to the hula hoop, spread out evenly around the hoop. Gather the untied ends of the four strands and tie in a big strong knot. Then, tie the extra-long strand to the knot you just created. • Hang your tent from a strong branch and enjoy!
Pin Sister Tips
• Fill the tent with blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. • In place of the curtain rings, you could also use colorful ribbon.
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E
Love at First Sight By ZOE READ
very year, Capital Style readers send in their votes for the best of the best in all things bridal. Last month we tallied up the votes and gave you the winners. Among them were lots of area vendors brides have turned to time and time again — the classics. And then there are the newcomers — first-time winners and runners up in their categories. Here’s a closer look at some of the businesses gaining recognition in the local wedding scene. Read more at www.capitalstylemag.com.
Kimberly Brooke Photography www.kimberlybrooke.com Winner, Best Wedding Photographer
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After being disappointed with the photos from her own wedding, photographer Kimberly Brooke decided to take on the challenge herself. “I did a couple for my friends’ weddings, and it grew from there,” Brooke says. “I’m just a people person, and like to be around others and make people feel beautiful.” Brooke has been in business for about 12 years. For the past two, her focus has been on weddings. She advises brides to get to know their photographer, and make sure there’s a true connection. “It’s a collaborative effort.”
Christa Rae Photography www.christaraephotography.com Finalist, Best Wedding Photographer
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“I love seeing all the different types of weddings and hearing the different couples’ stories,” says photographer Christa Rae. “I love love.” Rae has been a professional photographer for about six years, and has been shooting weddings for about a year. She decided to get involved in the wedding industry while working in a photo lab. “I would see some of the stuff that came in for wedding photography and a lot of it was really bad,” she says. “I always look for beauty, harmony and expression of emotion,” Rae says. “I treat weddings like I treat concerts — catching a moment rather than setting it up.”
Light It Up with Triple A www.lightitupwithtriplea.com Winner, Best Event Lighting
Beloved Paper www.belovedpaper.com Winner, Best Calligraphy
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Sarah Coats opened Beloved Paper in 2011. She designs custom-made watercolor painted wedding invitations. The graphic designer had made her own wedding invitations and a friend’s, but didn’t consider making it a business until she was laid off in 2011. “My husband and I decided, ‘Let’s just try it,’” she says. Today, Coats handles about five weddings a month.
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Phylis Adams fell in love with lighting when her daughter got married. The names of Adams’ daughter and son-in-law shone in lights, and the walls were lighted purple. “The look on her face (when she saw it) made me know this was something I wanted to do,” Adams says. She opened Light it Up with Triple A one year ago. Adams learned quickly, and business grew faster than expected. In one year, she did 50 events. Adams advises brides-to-be to include money in the budget for setting the atmosphere they want. “Lighting transforms a room. It accents a room,” she says. “I want to be able to satisfy my customers. I want them to walk away thinking, ‘This is the best night of my life.’”
“I just love weddings. I love the style — the light, airy, fun parties,” she says. “I like meeting with the brides and hearing about their dreams, and being able to design something specifically for them.” Coats paints everything by hand in her studio. Everything she designs is customizable. She is currently launching her destination honeymoon and wedding prints. She recently designed an invitation for a Cape Cod wedding, which included a watercolor map and a beach scene. “I didn’t originally start out in watercolor design, but it was something I thought would be beautiful. I just always loved the watercolor style, so I decided this is my niche, this is what I love to do,” she says.
Tommy Gatz Entertainment
Cascia Vineyards
www.tommygatzent.com
mcascia.wix.com/cascia-vineyards
Winner, Best DJ and Best Wedding Videography; Finalist, Best Wedding Photographer
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Tommy Gatz opened Tommy Gatz Entertainment five years ago after being a professional DJ on his own for about a year. His company provides music, photography, video and lighting for any event. The 24-year-old has about 30 different contractors he hires out to DJ, shoot photos, record video and design and install lighting. “I wanted to take away the headache from the client and brides,” he says. Gatz says he and his employees take the time to get to know their clients, and work to personalize their event. “We run it like a mom-and-pop shop where we know everyone intimately. Knowing these details makes the day better, and makes it personalized,” Gatz says. “This isn’t work for me. I enjoy getting to know brides and grooms, and families. I enjoy how on the day of we’re able to come together as a team and be a part of making a day special for someone.”
Winner, Best Bridal Shower Location; Finalist, Best Outdoor Reception Site and Best Rehearsal Dinner Location
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Mark Cascia developed an appreciation for wine while in France. When he came back to the United States he set out to look for a farm. “The night I met him, he said his dream was to have a vineyard and winery,” Mark’s wife Kim says. In 1998, the couple bought a farm on Kent Island. Today, it’s known as Cascia Vineyards. Licensed as a winery in 2005, Cascia Vineyards began offering private parties, including weddings and showers, in June of last year. “We wanted to be the best-kept secret, and so we kind of played it low-key and advertised by word of mouth, and now we’re getting more and more exposure,” Mark says. “Everyone we’ve done events for have been very nice, and they’ve always come back with more people. We still talk to all of them.” “His passion is making wine, and when someone does have an event here we’re very hands-on and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible,” Kim says. Mark says what makes the venue stand out is its location. “A winery on the water in Maryland is very rare,” he says. “Kent Island is just a beautiful place.”
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Wedding
Savvy with Raquel Shutt
What a busy start to the year we’ve had at Wedding Savvy! The phone is buzzing and we are busy planning spring and summer weddings. From table mock-ups to site visits to menu tastings, this is one of our busiest times of year. Follow us on Instagram at @weddingsavvyinc and share your photos with us! I’d love to see how your wedding plans are coming together.
Q
I love reading your column in Capital Style. My daughter is getting married in June and I never thought about hiring a wedding planner. We really enjoyed planning, but as we move closer to the wedding day we both are feeling more anxious. The ceremony and reception sites both have on-site coordinators, but I still feel like there are several things that need to be addressed during the entire day. My friend suggested I hire a day-of wedding planner. Could you tell me what it is a day-of planner does and what I should expect to pay? — Patricia B., Annapolis Your friend gave you a great recommendation. Day-of wedding planners are becoming more mainstream and are now commonly included in bride’s budgets. A day-of planner typically begins working with a bride and her family one or two months before the wedding. This gives the planner a chance to properly understand your plans. Your planner then will confirm the arrangements and take care of last-minute details like submitting your seating chart, giving the final table count to the florist and getting your transportation contact phone numbers. On the wedding day, your planner will be on-site with you typically for eight to 10 hours and will oversee hair and makeup, pre-ceremony photos, arrival and distribution of wedding flowers, transportation of bridal party to the ceremony, guest transportation, the ceremony itself (or simply attend to bride and family’s needs if an on site coordinator is present), after ceremony photos, transportation back to the reception site, set up at the reception site, the schedule of events at your site. Your planner will work with the vendor team (including site coordinator) at the reception to make adjustments as necessary on your behalf. Your planner is the one constant who knows your plan start to finish and can step in at any moment to handle anything that may arise. Now more than ever, professional vendors are recommending day-of coordinators because they know weddings with planners will be wellorganized and quite simply, flow better. You can expect to pay between $1,000-$3,000 for a day-of planner, based on their experience and your event details. Just as in every industry, there are new planners who charge less due to lack of experience. While you could take your chance on someone new with ambition, your best bet is to work with a junior planner who is working at an experienced firm. Then you have the added benefit of working with someone who bills out at a lower rate but has access to the resources of more seasoned planners. All in all, I can honestly say if you hire an experienced and reputable planner, you will not be disappointed. In my 12 years of service, I’ve never had a client who wasn’t completely satisfied that they retained our services. They all were able to relax and enjoy the wedding day and know someone would take care of every need on their behalf. Give us a call and enjoy your day!
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Q
I have a question about cleaning wedding dresses. I have mine and my step-daughter’s to have cleaned. Who would you recommend for this service? Should it be preserved as well? If it’s not preserved, is there a proper way to store wedding dresses? — Cindy S., Annapolis Kudos for thinking about cleaning and preserving your dresses. I’ve seen heirloom dresses make all kinds of appearances in today’s weddings. While I’ve never seen a bride wear an heirloom dress exactly as it appeared in its original wearing, I have seen some beautiful uses. I’ve seen dresses made into wearable creations like wraps, cap sleeves, jackets or trains. I’ve also seen some great uses of a dress in the wedding such a as a ring bearer pillow, a cake table linen, handkerchief for the bride to tuck into her bouquet, or a wrap to go around the stems of the bridal bouquet. Whatever the use, it’s always special and sentimental to all involved. I suggest www.weddinggownpreservationkit.com. This is a company most dress shops trust and send dresses to. They’ve been around since 1913 and have a great reputation. They will clean and preserve your dress and ship it back to you in a box with a viewing window, and it looks great. The price range is $150 to $200 and includes cleaning and preservation. It’s very easy; they send the box right to you and you simply put your dresses in and return. If you dress has severely yellowed, you may want to consider having it restored. Gowns Remembered in Crofton can give you more information (www.gowns-remembered.com). Restoration can cost between $500 and $1,000. This company also provides preservation. If you don’t want to undertake the costs of preserving a dress, you can purchase an acid-free box and acid-free paper and have the dress cleaned by your local trusted dry cleaner, then package the dress yourself. Even less, if you’d like to hold on to the dress for less than two years, simply hang it on a padded or wooden hanger, without any cardboard inserts or plastic garment bags, for best wear over a few years.
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How can I host a great wedding cheap? — Dan T., Annapolis There are so many ways to host a great wedding without breaking the bank. My no. 1 advice will always be to cut your guest list. Second, choose a date that is not a peak wedding date. If you could host a Friday, Saturday day or Sunday event, vendors may be more flexible with pricing. Also consider off-months like December through March (in Annapolis). To host a great wedding “cheap,” pick a Sunday night in February. Wedding facilities will be fighting for your business!
Raquel Shutt is the owner of Wedding Savvy Inc., a premier full-service wedding planning company located in Annapolis. Email Raquel at weddingquestions@weddingconsulting.net. Photo by Allison and Chris Britton Photography
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Brain Builders
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By WENDI WINTERS
TeleStrations
urrounded by a fascinating array of toys, Jeff Franklin says, “Brain building with toys and puzzles isn’t just cognitive, it’s physical, social, emotional — you need all of them for a child to have a well-rounded experience.” Franklin and his wife Lee are the owners of Franklin’s Toys in Annapolis’ Festival at Riva and Severna Park’s Park Plaza. The two shops are filled, floor to ceiling, with quality toys, books, crafts, puzzles and all manner of creativity-inducing games. “Imaginative play makes kids problem solvers,” said Franklin, who’s made a career out of just that for more than three decades. “Kids need games, puzzles and toys that help them develop an attention span. With all the electronic distractions today, they don’t have as much of an attention span as earlier generations. Extended play items like construction blocks, Magna-Tiles and Legos help them. These are things where kids are only limited by their imagination.” Franklin’s Toys is hosting a Lego Expo through March 28 in both shops. For details, visit www.franklinstoystore.com.
Age 12 and Up TeleStrations is the “telephone game” done on a sketchpad. Like “telephone,” the story changes as it goes around the circle.
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Rory’s Story Cubes All ages Roll the dice. “Once upon a time...” The nine cubes in each themed game kit have a total of 54 images. They are rolled and become props to create a great story.
Jeff Frankin and Anne Danneberger play TeleStrations at Franklin’s Toys.
LOGIK STREET Age 12 and Up “This game helps kids develop deductive reasoning. Players use clues to solve a challenge. Children can progress at their own rate; it can be played on different skill levels.”
Magna-Tiles Age 3 and up “This is a toy that any age can enjoy. You can build an endless number of structures with these tiles.” It lives up to its slogan: “Where math, science and creativity meet.”
24 Game: Original Age 9 and up Add, subtract, multiply and divide to make 24 using the card in your hand. 96 cards provide over 192 combinations and three levels of challenge.
Laser Maze Age 8 to Adult Builds sequential reasoning and planning skills. “Via its challenge cards, you lay the game’s pieces out into order to bounce the laser light off obstacles and hit the target.” Capital Style | March 2014 23
Camps & Open Houses CAMPS • The Brick House, LEGO Learning Center Annapolis www.NaptownBricks.com Ages: 3 to 16. Length of camp day: Varies. Camp session length: 1 week. Activity categories include: LEGO robotics, building, simple machines, dress up, creative play, songs, design, programming. All things LEGO.
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• Summer Camps at The Seton Keough High School Baltimore www.setonkeough.com Ages: 3 to 18. Length of camp day: Half Days, morning and afternoon, plus some evenings. Camp session length: Various weeks throughout the summer. Activity categories include: Traditional day camp as well as sports, creative arts, and academic camps.
• Bricks for Kidz Summer Camp, Aleph Bet Annapolis www.alephbet.org Length of camp day: 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Camp session length: One week; weeks of July 7, 14, 21 and 28. Activity categories include: Building with LEGO bricks; Themes: mining and crafting, superheroes, Angry Birds and more.
• Rolly Pollies Crofton, Severna Park www.rollypolliesmaryland.com Ages: 3 to 8. Length of camp day: three hours. Camp session length: Varies. Activity categories include: Art, music and gym programs. • Eagles Explorations Severn www.aacssummerprograms.com/ Eagles_Exploration.html Ages: 3 ½ to 16. Length of camp day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Extended day from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Camp session length: June 16 to Aug. 8. Each week starts a new session. Activity categories include: Traditional day camp, sports, art, science, photography, tennis, video production, Photoshop, archery, water games, weekly themes. • Musical Theatre Summer Camp Annapolis, Brooklyn Park www.musicalartiststheatre.com Ages: 6 to 15. Length of camp day: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Camp session length: Two weeks. Activity categories include: Singing, dancing, acting, costumes, stagecraft and performance. • Navy Blue and Gold Tennis Camp Annapolis www.navysports.com/camps/ navy-camps.html Ages: 8 to 17. Length of camp day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Camp session length: Two one-week sessions. Activity categories include: Tennis, swimming, conditioning. • Indian Creek School Summer Programs Crownsville www.indiancreekschool.org Ages: 3 to 16. Length of camp day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp session length: Six weeks. Activity categories include: Performing arts, sports, visual arts. Capital Style | March 2014 25
• Chesapeake Montessori School Arnold www.chesapeake-montessori.com Ages: 3 1/2 to 10. Length of camp day: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Camp session length: Six weeks in oneweek increments. Activity categories include: Gardening, science, crafts, sports and games. • Annapolis Recreation and Parks Annapolis 410-263-7958 www.annapolis.gov/recreation Ages: 4 to 12. Length of camp day: Varies, but usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (before and after care provided for some). Camp session length: Varies (one week, two weeks, six weeks). Activity categories include: Soccer, karate, tennis, basketball, floor hockey, flag football, lacrosse, rock climbing, fitness, skateboarding, ballet, tap, jazz, boating, swimming, art, music.
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• Severn School Summer Day Camp, Specialty Camps Severna Park www.severnschool.com Ages: Pre-K to eighth grade for day camps; K through 12 for sports. Length of camp day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp session length: June 23 to Aug. 1, one- or two-week sessions. Activity categories include: Traditional day camp, weekly themed camps, specialty camp, and sports camps. • Navy Volleyball Camp Annapolis www.navysports.com/camps Ages: 10-19. Length of camp day: Four days, three nights. Camp session length: Four days, overnight available. Activity categories include: Volleyball instruction with additional activities. • Rockbridge Academy Summer Programs Millersville, Crownsville www.rockbridge.org Ages: Grades K through 12. Length of camp day: Full- and half-day. Camp session length: Day, week and multiweek camps depending on activity. Activity categories include: Science Wonder (grades one through six); Spanish (grades one through six); Fiction Fun (grades three through five); Strings Summer Serenade (grades one through 12); Algebra Review (grades nine and 10); Keyboarding (grades seven through 12); Dialectic Discussions — C.S. Lewis (grades seven through nine); Mythology Camp (grades seven through 12); PSAT/SAT Math Prep; Sports Camp British Challenger (grades K through eight); Speed Camp (grades five through 12). • Temple Beth Shalom Arnold www.annapolistemple.org/ Camp session length: Weekly.
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• AACC Child Development Center Arnold www.aacc.edu/cdc Ages: 2 to 5. Length of camp day: Varies, 9 a.m. to noon or full day. Camp session length: Varies; weekly and all-summer options. Activity categories include: See website for details. • Severna Park Gymnastics Arnold www.severnaparkgymnastics.com Ages: Half day: 3 to 13; Full day: 5 to 18. Length of camp day: Full day: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Half day: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Camp session length: Campers can attend for a day, a week or the whole summer. Activity categories include: Gymnastics, Taekwondo, cheerleading, recreation. Indoor, air conditioned.
OPEN HOUSES • Seton Keough High School Baltimore www.setonkeough.com Noon to 3 p.m. March 29. An all-girls, college preparatory, private, Catholic school dedicated to promoting excellence in education and developing leadership in young women. Visit academic departments and talk to teachers, administration, staff, coaches, parents, students and alumnae about the school’s faith life, academic programs, facilities and culture. • Wye River Upper School Wye Mills www.wyeriverupperschool.org 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 3. • Elizabeth Seton High School Bladensburg www.setonhs.org 6 to 8 p.m. May 1. For middle school and transfer students.
• St. Mary’s High School Annapolis www.stmarysannapolis.org 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2. Showcase of academics, athletics and clubs; meet administration, faculty, students and alumni. • Montessori International Children’s House Annapolis www.montessoriinternational.org Open houses every Wednesday. Call ahead. Discover a world of difference in early childhood education. MICH educates in a nurturing atmosphere emphasizing individual-paced learning, creativity and collaboration. Extended day available. • Annapolis Area Christian School Annapolis www.aacsonline.org Lower School: Every Tuesday; Middle School: Every Wednesday; Upper School: Every Thursday. 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
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