Guest Pots: Tips for a Happy, Healthy Easter

Thanks to Health Wise Home for this fantastic set of tips for keeping Easter Happy AND Healthy!! 

Tips for a Happy, Healthy Easter

Easter is almost here! As an adult, I look forward to our family’s traditions that surround the holiday. When I was a child, I looked forward to many of those same traditions, but my main focus was centered around one common theme: Easter candy! Between school celebrations, a visit from the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, and family celebrations, I was practically swimming in jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, and chocolate bunnies by the end of the Easter weekend.

As a health-conscious parent in today’s over-commercialized world, trying to maintain a healthy balance can be especially challenging around the holidays. It seems like everything is centered around candy, and lots of it. I have found that the best solution for our family is to allow our children to enjoy the celebrations outside of our home (class parties, community events, etc.) at their own discretion, and try to make our home and family celebrations centered around more meaningful things, like having fun together!

With a little planning, you can help create a happy AND healthy Easter for your family. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1.     Choose a Healthier Theme for Easter Baskets. Chances are, your kids are going to get plenty of Easter candy between school, community, and family celebrations. Instead of focusing on filling their baskets up with candy, pick a healthier theme that appeals to your child’s interests or upcoming events. In years past, we have done a Sports theme, a Beach theme, a Garden theme, an Art theme, and a Rainy Day theme. My kids look forward to seeing what the new theme will be each year!

2.     Mix Up the Egg Hunt. Who says that all of the plastic eggs have to be filled with candy? Mix things up a bit. The anticipation of “What will be in the next egg?” makes the egg hunting even more fun. Fill some of the eggs with trinkets, money (always a BIG hit), or family fun “passes” (family movie night, stay up 30 minutes past your bedtime, a trip to the zoo, etc.). You can even turn your egg hunt into a scavenger hunt by filling each egg with a different clue leading everyone to a final prize or destination.

3.     Play with Your Food. Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. That’s what Pinterest is for, my friends! With a little creativity, you can create an Easter spread that is healthy and visually appealing to your children. Better yet, let your kids play with their food to come up with their own healthy Easter creations.

4.     Enjoy the Holiday. At the end of the day, holidays are meant to be joyful celebrations that bring family and friends together. Don’t stress over the little things. Instead, try to find a healthy balance that works for your family and then focus on enjoying the moments and time shared with those that bring the most love and joy to your life.

Happy Easter!






Sarah Young is a wife, mother of three, Health Education Specialist, and healthy living advocate. She created Health Wise Home several years ago to help educate, empower, and inspire others to "Eat Healthy. Live Well.". In her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family and her dog, Maple. You can find her at her website, Health Wise Home, and on Facebook, too!

Previous St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans I Have Had

This year I've been a little preoccupied with Silver Sparkles and I haven't done anything fun, but if you're still looking for some St. Patty's ideas, here's what I've got in the "blast from the past" department.

1) Leprechaun Room Raid (2012)
"We're neither Irish, nor Catholic, but Logan's favorite color is green and Riley spent all his free time building "Leprechaun Traps" after being jealous about the treats and mischief at Savannah's preschool.  I decided (at 12 am, which is when my best inspiration always strikes) that I'd go with it, so, here's what I did.  The leprechaun mischief:  This involved a skein of yarn, some tape, and a package of green balloons.  Luckily the kids are having a "sleepover" together tonight, so I only had to sneak around one room!!  In the kitchen I drew a picture and threw down some glitter.  I have 0 artistic skill, I know, so no laughing at my leprechaun!! Also on the table are goody bags for the kids.  Each kid got a shirt, bracelet, 7 Up, crayons, gum, granola bar, lollipop, and jello.  The boys have flat green shirts and green "lucky" bracelets."

2. Rice Krispies Treats Shamrocks (2010) 

(Did you know that you can dye your rice krispies treats any color you want by adding food coloring to the melted marshmallow goo? You can. You can also cut them and frost them to look like clovers. With decorator sugar. FYI.)

3. Teacher Gifts (2010) 

"These are a little more involved, but we did them over two days. So, here goes. First the supplies. You will need to assemble some glue, glitter, a terra cotta pot, your green scrapbooking paper scraps, scissors, bamboo skewers, a green crayon, tape, floral foam, small brads and ribbon. o, first things first, paint a line of glue around the top edge or rim of your pot and roll it in glitter. We put our floral foam inside first. Also, if you've never tried Martha Stewart's glitter- you totally should. So, next, paint a little glue on your floral foam (or sqeeze it out, whatever floats your boat) and let your baby cut up a ton of ribbon to be grass. We also added some confetti. That's optional :) So now we have a glittery pot of grass! Hooray! Next, cut up your scrap papers into hearts. You'll need 4 as far as I'm concerned, per 4 leaf clover. Savannah preferred 3 and Logan enjoyed 5. But I say 4. Either way, it was a good way to practice counting to whatever number. Line them up in circular formation, and attach them one at a time with the brad. We also had a little circle plastic embellishment that came in our brads. I had run out of green by the time I decided to take this picture, so there's an orange one. True story, the flag of Ireland is Green, Orange, and White. I'm an unintentional GENIUS ;) Fabulous! Now, peel your crayon a little so that you can use it on the side and color the skewers green. I'll wait. Done? Excellent. So, now you'll want to either glue or tape them to the back of your shamrock. I'm not very patient, so we prefer tape. Once you've assembled them, stick them into your floral foam. At the end, we add a square piece of paper to a skewer and write "I'm so lucky you're my teacher" and the child's name. Or, in Savannah's case, Coach, since she has a swim coach, but no teachers yet. :) Although this would be cute for a Sunday School teacher, too, no? People tend to forget them, and they need love, too!"

4. Limericks and Graphing Marshmallow Lucky Charms (2015) 
I should note that as the kids get older (and by kids, I mean "the boys") things get less cute at my house.  This "adorable" Limerick exercise ended up being about a dead guy.  Thank you 5th grade boys.

We also graphed Lucky Charms.  I made them glue them down and told them they couldn't eat them (I had extras as a treat) but the boys ended up licking theirs after they were glued down to show me who's boss.  Thanks, again, Y chromosome! 

Easter Egg Hunts 2016

Looking for fun springtime or Easter events in Manassas, Woodbridge, Gainesville, Lake Ridge, Bristow or Montclair? (Or maybe you're one of the brave folks who will drive all over Prince William County!) Here's what we've got! You can email us to add your event to this list for free, but please be kind to us and submit it in the same format you see all of these listings!!

Now, let's hop to it!

Event: Hippity Hoppity Pool Hunt
When: March 5th from 1-2pm
Where: SBDCRC
What:Egg Hunt and Open Swim event. Children will collect floating eggs in the pool and trade them for a “goodie bag”. Find the special egg and receive a special prize!  Children will be grouped by age for the Egg Hunt from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Age Groups: 6 yrs and under (parents may help): 1:00pm - 1:20pm 7 to 9 yrs: 1:20pm – 1:40pm 10 to 12yrs: 1:40pm - 2pm  
Fee: $14/family of 4, $5/child, FREE to SBDCRC Passholders
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/446021715595749/

Event: Breakfast with the Bunny at Matchbox (Potomac Mills)
When: March 12th from 8:30-10am
Where: Matchbox Potomac Mills
What: Potomac Mills will also be offering a chance to have Breakfast with the Bunny on
March 12th from 8:30 am to 10 am at Matchbox. The event is free, but seating is limited.  RSVP online.

Fee: FREE

Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/potomac-mills-kidgits-kids-club-breakfast-with-the-bunny-tickets-21462583164

Event: Bunny Frame Craft Class
When: March 12th from 10am-12pm
Where: Michaels Stores
What: They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Fee: $2
Link: http://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classesandevents

Event: Eggstravaganza (Pool Egg Hunt) 
When: March 18th from 5-7pm or 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center
What: Lots of fun and an egg hunt in the pool! REGISTER ONLINE.
Fee: $14/child, parents free
Link: http://www.freedom-center.com

Event: Easter Egg Hunt (includes adaptive option)
When: March 19th from 10am-12pm
Where: Costello Park, Manassas Park
What: Ages 0-7 can enjoy an egg hunt! Adaptive egg hunt available at 12pm.  Use the codes by age group to register online. 
Fee: $5
Link: https://apm.activecommunities.com/manassaspark

Event: Flashlight Egg Hunt
When: March 19th from 7-8pm
Where: Costello Park, Manassas Park
What: Ages 8-11 can enjoy a flashlight egg hunt.  Use activity number 7313 to register. 
Fee: $5
Link: https://apm.activecommunities.com/manassaspark

Event: Tissue Paper Eggs Craft Class
When: March 19th from 10am-12pm
Where: Michaels Stores
What: They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Fee: $2
Link: http://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classesandevents

Event: Egg-cellent Easter Extravaganza
When: March 19th from 10am-12pm
Where: Chinn Park Aquatic and Fitness
What: Come join us for an Egg-cellent egg hunt, face painting, family games, crafts and bounce house fun.  Egg hunt is for children ages 2 - 12.  Must Register by March 10. 
Fee: $5.00 per child, free to children ages 2 and younger
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/955832027786388/

Event: Monkey Joe's Easter Eggstravaganza (Sterling)
When: March 23rd from 2pm-close
Where: Monkey Joe's 
What: On Wednesday March 23, the location will be hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza with $7 admission from 2pm to close. “Easter Bunny Joe” will be available to take photos with children all day. He will also be handing out Easter eggs to each child.
Fee: $7
Link: www.monkeyjoes.com/locations/dulles

Event: Egg Hunt at Camp William B. Snyder
When: March 26th at 9am SHARP
Where: Camp William B. Snyder, Haymarket
What: Be here at 9am sharp! This event moves fast.  Children will be separated by age to hunt for filled plastic eggs. Keep an eye out for the prize winning golden eggs and make sure you bring a basket and your camera! The Easter Bunny will be there for photo ops and fun.
Fee: $5/child by March 23, $8 day of registration
Link: https://scoutingevent.com/?CWBSEggHunt

Event: General's Ridge Egg Hunt
When: March 26, 2016 10am-12:30pm
Where: General's Ridge Golf Course
What: Join us for our First Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 4 & Under 10:00 am - 10:20 am, Ages 5-8 10:30 am -10:50 am, Ages 9-12 11:00 am - 11:20 am. Egg Hunt on our driving range. Must be accompanied by a parent. Crafts on our patio 10:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Fee: FREE
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/849751228504328/

Event: National Community Church Gainesville Egg Hunt
When: March 26, 2016 2pm-4pm
Where: Buckland Mills Elementary School
What: Featuring carnival games, moon bounce, petting zoo, face painting, picture with a live Easter Bunny, local Fire Truck onsite, lots of free prizes, everyone wins, free raffle prizes including movie tickets, restaurant gift cards, Spark Scooter give-a-way and more. And of course a massive Easter egg hunt!
Fee: FREE
Link: http://eggstravaganzadc.com

Event: Egg Hunts
When: When: March 12/13, 19/20, 26/27 and April 2/3 at 11am and 2pm
Where: Ticonderoga Farms
What: Egg hunts and farm fun.  The Easter Bunny will make appearances, too! 
Fee: $14.95 all day admission (open 10am-5pm) 

Event: Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Harvest

When: April 2/3 from 11am-1:30pm

Where: Great Country Farms (Bluemont)

What:  Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts each day this year, with over 18,000 eggs filled with treats to enchant your children.

Fee: $10

Link: http://greatcountryfarms.com/festivals-events/egg-hunt-and-marshmallow-harvest/

Easter Bunny Pictures at Potomac Mills Mall will run March 3-March 26th.  Times vary, but can be found online here. 

Easter Bunny Pictures at Manassas Mall will run March 9th-March 26th

Mon Ami Santa Pictures 2015

Want to have something a little different this year? Not interested in standing in line at the mall? Parlez-Vous Photography is offering "Mon Ami, Santa" sessions on November 22nd and 25th in Springfield, VA.  For more information, or to register, visit parlezvous.org/santa

Mon Ami, Santa {my friend, Santa} is a *15-minute interactive visit with your old friend St. Nick. Children are greeted by name, and spend their time with Santa talking about things that make them excited - things that make them genuinely laugh! Santa will guide children into jolly situations, without them ever knowing it. With a little help from you, we will make this time with Santa personalized and special for your family. (Parents are even welcome to send a gift early for Santa to deliver specially for your child).

Santa will be visiting from the North Pole for two special days!
Sunday November 22 (10am-1pm)
Saturday Nov 28 (10am-1pm)
at The Historic Sydenstricker School House
8511 Hooes Road
Springfield, VA 22153

$150 for a 15-minute personalized visit with Santa. Includes:
one-on-one interactions with Santa photographed by Parlez-Vous Photography
Print package including 1-8x10, 1-5x7, 1-4x6, 4 wallets (all of one image)
Online gallery for image review and additional purchases
Complimentary Christmas card design with purchase of cards.

Turkey Cupcakes

Hi Guys!

If you followed me here from News Channel 8, welcome :)

Here's our video on how to make our Turkey Cupcakes! The materials you need are:
1- Cupcakes
2- Chocolate Frosting
3- Nutter Butter Cookies
4- Orange or Red Frosting
5- Eye Candies (or white and black frosting)
6- Candy Corn

A quick note on the candy corn- most grocery stores have already flipped over to Christmas, so they can be a little hard to find.  Check the clearance section, and if you can't find them there, then check an actual candy store.  Amazon always has your back as a last resort.

Hope you enjoy!

2015 Potomac Nationals Home Games

I tried to match up the promos I thought you guys would be interested in with the Potomac Nationals Home Games.  There's a few promotions every night, but some of them (i.e. Beer Tasting Night) aren't kid-centric so I skipped those :) Fireworks nights are hilighted in yellow, and the ever-popular $1 Monday is in aqua.  As always, BUY YOUR FOURTH OF JULY TICKETS EARLY!! That sucker sells out every year! 

I would WAY prefer to go to a P-Nats game than a Nats game.  I know that's sacrelige to some of you, but I hate parking in DC, I hate the enormous stadium where you are so far removed from the action, and I hate baseball.  There, I said it.  

And yes, I know, hate is a strong word. 

If I'm going to watch baseball, I'd rather be close in, not packed in (although on 4th of July it's cozy) and not pay some sketchy guy $50 when he's probably going to scratch up my car to park it.  

May 19^th 7:05pm vs. Carolina

May 20^th 7:05pm vs. Carolina

May 21^st 7:05pm vs. Carolina

May 27^th 5:05pm vs Wilmington DOUBLE HEADER

May 28^th 7:05pm vs Wilmington

May 29^th 7:05pm vs Wilmington

May 30^th 6:35pm vs. Myrtle Beach FIREWORKS

May 31^st 1:05pm vs. Myrtle Beach

June 1^st 7:05pm vs. Myrtle Beach $1 MONDAY

June 2^nd 7:05pm vs. Myrtle Beach

June 12^th 7:05pm vs Frederick  KIDS RUN THE BASES/SCOUT NIGHT

June 13^th 6:35pm vs. Frederick FIREWORKS/GIRL SCOUT NIGHT/BASES

June 14^th 1:05pm vs. Frederick KIDS RUN BASES

June 18^th 7:05pm vs Carolina

June 19^th 7:05pm vs Carolina KIDS RUN THE BASES

June 20^th 6:35pm vs. Carolina  FIREWORKS KIDS RUN THE BASES

June 21^st 1:05pm vs. Carolina KIDS RUN THE BASES

June 28^th 6:05pm vs Carolina FIREWORKS

June 29^th 7:05pm vs Carolina DOLLAR MONDAY

June 30^th 7:05pm vs. Carolina

July 4^th 6:35pm vs Wilmington FIREWORKS

July 5^th6:05pm vs Wilmington FIREWORKS

July 6^th  7:05pm vs Wilmington DOLLAR MONDAY

July 7^th  7:05pm vs Lynchburg

July 8^th  7:05pm vs Lynchburg

July 9^th  7:05pm vs Lynchburg SUMMER CAMP DAY

July 15^th  7:05pm vs Myrtle Beach

July 16^th  7:05pm vs Myrtle Beach

July 17t^h  7:05pm vs Myrtle Beach KIDS RUN THE BASES

July 18^th  6:35pm vs Myrtle Beach FIREWORKS/ KIDS RUN THE BASES

July 31st  7:05pm vs Salem KIDS RUN THE BASES

August 1 6:35pm vs Salem FIREWORKS KIDS RUN THE BASES

August 2 6:05pm vs Salem FIREWORKS KIDS RUN THE BASES

August 11 7:05pm vs Winston-Salem

August 12 7:05pm vs Winston-Salem TEACHER APPRECIATION

August 13 12:05pm vs Winston-Salem SUMMER CAMP DAY

August 14 7:05pm vs Wilmington KIDS RUN THE BASES

August 15 6:35pm vs Wilmington MILITARY APPRECIATION/FIREWORKS/KIDS RUN THE BASES

August 16 6:05pm vs Wilmington FIREWORKS/ZIMMERMAN BOBBLEHEAD

August 24^th 7:05pm vs Frederick DOLLAR MONDAY

August 25^th 7:05pm vs Frederick

August 26^th 7:05pm vs Frederick

September 1^st 7:05pm vs. Myrtle Beach

September 2^nd 7:05pm vs. Myrtle Beach

September 3^rd 7:05pm vs. Myrtle Beach

September 4^th 7:05pm vs. Salem KIDS RUN THE BASES

September 5^th 6:35pm vs. Salem RALLY TOWEL/FIREWORKS/KIDS RUN BASES

September 6^th  6:05pm  vs. Salem RALLY TOWEL/FIREWORKS/KIDS RUN BASES

September 7^th 7:05pm vs. Salem RALLY TOWEL/DOLLAR MONDAY

Easter Egg Hunts/Events 2015

Some bunny told me you guys love egg hunts, egg rolls, and all things Easter Bunny! Great! Let's do this! Here are the events I know of happening in Prince William County, Manassas, and the nearby areas for you and your kiddos to enjoy!

(Please note- the White House Egg Roll lottery already happened.  There is not a way to get in after the fact. Don't ask me! Also note, if I'm missing your event, just email it to me!)

March 2015

March 20th
Eggstravaganza at the Freedom Center at two times, 5-6:30pm or 7-8:30pm. $10/child includes pool egg hunt, crafts, and meeting the bunny.

March 21/22, March 27/28, April 4/5

Ticonderoga Farms Egg Hunts













https://www.facebook.com/events/731916423574186/ Occoquan Bible Church from 10am-1pm. Free.

March 27th
Flashlight Egg Hunt- Costello Park Manassas ages 8-11, 7pm-8pm $5/child

March 28th
Eggstravaganza at National Community Church- 1pm to 3pm at Tyler Elementary. FREE carnival games, moon bounce, petting zoo, face painting, picture with a live chocolate bunny, fire truck, prizes, raffles, and egg hunt

Costello Park Manassas ages 7 and under, times vary 10-11:30am by age. $5/child

Ukranian Eggs- Learn to make painted eggs.  Family session from 10am-1pm.

Adaptive Egg Hunt- Miracle Field Manassas 12pm, $5/child

First Baptist Church of Woodbridge Easter Celebration 11am-3pm. Free.

Rippon Lodge Egg Hunt $5 per child, $2 per adult and children 2 and under free. Eggs have been hidden all over Rippon Lodge and we need your help to find them.  Egg Hunts will be at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30.

Egg Hunt at Dillingham Square

March 29th
Beeping Egg Hunt at Gari Melcher's Home (Falmouth) 2-4pm.  Specifically for visually impaired students and their families.

April 4th
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, VA ​$5 per child, adults and children 2 and under free. Egg Hunts will be at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30

For more details visit their facebook event page here. 

Come to a FREE, family-fun filled Breakfast with the Easter Bunny!

New Life Linton Hall is hosting Breakfast with the Bunny at Piney Branch E.S. in Bristow, VA on Saturday, April 4th, 2015 from 8:00am-10:00am. Breakfast is being catered by Bob Evans and you’ll have a chance to decorate your own pancakes. But wait, there’s more… You’ll also be able to get photos with the Easter Bunny, play games, make crafts, hear great music, and have a chance at winning one of our giveaways. So invite your neighbors, friends, and co-workers and come hang out with us for some fun.



April 11
Marshmallow Harvest at Great Country Farms- 10am to 5pm, $10/child $12/adult at the gate.