SOME, Sasha Bruce Youth Network and Toys for Tots are just a few of some of the great local places to donate items.

How do I make a difference?

I am honored and more than a little proud to be the mother of such 2 wonderful, beautiful and healthy children.  Everyday I gain confidence in bringing life, love and nourishment to Kennedy and Liam.  Looking back over the past year, I notice the little daily differences that really have made a huge impact on my family’s life.

One extra cup of coffee in the morning

Taking a yoga class

One extra glass of wine before bed

Turning off my cell phone at 10pm

The relationship with my mom I believe has greatly contributed to helping me rear my children. We had a very open and loving relationship and though both of my children are under the age of 4, I already see a lot of her in them.  When days are not going so well, I remember that I’m not alone, with thousands of moms just like me looking for the balance that we all strive for in our lives.

Juggling 2 kids, a busy real estate career and a making time for my partner/being a lousy wife in fun filled city, blogging is something I’d like to dedicate more time to in the future.  But for now, I’ll pat myself on the back and say thank you to all my readers and to my husband and children, who inspire me along with all the quirky funny life situations I find in our lively city.

I wish you all a pleasant and well deserved Mother’s Day.

By the way, don’t forget to call your mom.

How long have you been teaching?

The first time I stepped into a Montessori classroom was as an assistant just after college in 1996. I needed a part time job while I started my graduate degree. However, after about a year there, I knew Montessori was the place for me. I began my Montessori training the summer of 1998 and finished in 1999 with my Primary training.

I taught Primary for a few years, in MD and NYC, than took a break from teaching while in Houston to continue my graduate studies and begin a family.

We returned to the area in 2005, my children were in Primary by this time.  I finished a Montessori training for Infant and toddlers, and have been in that setting for three years now.
How old are you children?

Daughter, age 8

Son, age 6.5

Yes, only 18 months apart

Why did you choose Montessori?

While discovering the philosophy of Maria Montessori, I had begun graduate work in Educational Psychology. The students at the facility, where I was an intern, had suffered physical to sexual abuse. It was not possible for these children to learn in a traditional setting. Although the Special Education teacher was amazing, and did her best to provide activities and hands-on lessons, I felt these children would better thrive in a Montessori environment. Many were on the same academic level as my Primary (pre-school) students at the Montessori school, however, these students were in third to fifth grade.  I felt they would have also benefitted from the other aspects of Montessori education, such as care of self, care of environment, peace education, so much more.

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day?

Well, let’s see, my husband works a lot, so it not only changes each year, but each minute.  My daughter is 8 now, so last year she organized breakfast in bed for me.  They promise me that they will not fight and let me relax. Last year this gift resulted in the three of us watching movies in bed and snacking all day.

Do you have stories from your students who have shared with you funny discussions about their parents?
Ah, my favorite part of the job. I tell my parents, “ if you believe only 50% of what they tell you about me, than I’ll only believe 50% of what they tell me about you.”

Let me just say that everything they see, I’ve probably heard about.

What advice can you give to help students succeed in classroom?

Well, success in the classroom as pre-schoolers means that they are happy and have a love of learning. My advice is to read with your children and talk to them. Instead jumping in when you see a potential obstacle let the try to solve. It’s great to see them excited about a victory. Especially from their own challenges.  Of course don’t let it go on so long that they become frustrated. Also, SHOW them how to solve things, get down on the ground and show them how to get up or put on their shoe, don’t just tell them. Geez, kids are “told” so many things throughout their day. Show them.

As a working mom, how do you balance everything in your life with kids and work?
One step at a time. I try not to rush through the day and I take a break if I need to. I tell them I’m tired and just sit with a book by them as they play.  I let dishes sit until they are in bed.

I also have a job that is very supportive. I’ve known these ladies since I was young and single.  They know my husband, my children went to the school, and we are like family. It really takes a village to raise a child, and they are my village.

Besides your kids, what is your biggest motivation in life?

I want to spend time with my husband; I want my children to see the world.  I feel that we are doing enough in our daily life to save the Earth, help those less fortunate, those that are sick, and many other causes.

What “mom” resources do you regularly turn to?

I turn to my community. I call the other teachers at the school for advice about school for my children, how to cook, where to vacation. I also, ask parents that have their children at the school.  Actually, I’ll even ask a random mom at the park. I find most mom’s willing to advise.

I also Google any question I have – from symptoms of illnesses to recipes.

I met up with Gina recently for a coffee and a chat, mom to mom, about how she balances her love for life, kids and work.   What an amazing person!  Check out Playseum if you haven’t done so already.  It really is a place created by kids, for kids.

How long have you been in business?

We opened November 2009.

How old/how many kids do you have?

6 year old, Andrew; 9 year old, Ashlen; 11 year old, Ianna; 14 year old, Nisha

How did you come up with the name for your business?

After my mother passed suddenly in 2006.  We had a very challenging relationship after my parent’s divorce during my teen years and as I looked back on our early memories now as a mother of four I was thinking of what one thing could I give to my children that is more important than anything else?  The answer was for me to be with them.  The best times I had with my mom was when she just took time even to do nothing but to “be with me”.  The concept of how it would look came to life in my mind when I drove past this big old house that had been on the market for a years and originally had been purchased by Mother Theresa and used as an orphanage many years ago.  I began to imagine what it looked like inside and what the rooms would look like bustling with children and parents playing together.  Another favorite place of mine and my kids when they were young was the fountain outside of Barne’s and Noble in Bethesda.  One day as I sat there watching all the children and parents I began to dream of a place much like the fountain but inside where families could gather and be together all year round.

How did you choose the different activity rooms at Playseum?

The different city shops have really come about because of the inspiration of my own children and their unique personalities and likes. For example, “come create with me, come imagine with me, dress up, very girly rooms, very boyish rooms, karate, etc.  We like to say, “It has been made by kids for kids”.

I wanted to provide parents with a place to have quality time with their children. The Playseum is really unique in that way.  I also wanted to create a place where children were not divided by ages but where the whole family could feel like they were getting their needs met.

Imagination can be an amazing instrument in a child’s life.  It cannot be taken from a child nor should it be allowed to run wild with no constraints.  This business for me is more than just a business. It is a place for parent to relate and for children to create!

As a working mom, how do you balance everything in your life with kids and work?

I balance work and life by taking time every morning to journal and read the Word and pray.  If I don’t, nothing gets balanced and my day starts out in a rush.

Besides your children, what is your biggest motivation in life?

My Faith in Jesus, My love for people from around the world and my passion to love and help children in whatever situation they have found themselves in at a young age.

How is the Buzz around group helped grow your business and connect moms?

The Buzz is not a formal group of any kind nor administrated by anyone from the Playseum.  It is simply our desire for moms to have a place where they can find other moms, connect with them informally and have a place to come anytime of the day to meet and do an activity with their kids. Everyday that moms gather here we see success!

Do you have any specials coming up for Spring and Summer?

Of course the many holidays around the corner like Mardi Gras, Purim, St. Patick’s Day, Easter, May Day, Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated here at the Playseum.  This summer we are offering different themed weeks to make each week at the Playseum a new experience.

But this wasn’t the first time Liam had all the lime light.  In fact, he has been seen by thousands of people nationwide perhaps worldwide before he was even born.  While I was expecting and in my “not so lean” 7 month of pregnancy, ABC Niteline contacted me about trying out a new prenatal device that I tried out with Liam.  It was a baby belt playing music to the womb.  You can see mine and Liam’s reaction in this video from Niteline.

The second time my son Liam appeared on television was last October when my friend Stacie Turner called me and asked if I would help her for a taping on one of the BRAVO series, The Real DC Housewives of DC.

I was starting my maternity leave (though as a realtor you are not quite “off from work”) and Stacie asked me to portray a buyer’s agent for a house listing she had in my neighborhood of Crestwood.   It was fairly simple.  Show up, say a few words about the house, the real estate market, that kind of thing. When The Real Housewives of DC premiered on TV in August, my family and I were vacationing in Rehoboth, renting a home that had no cable TV (or at least we thought).  That night, I received several text messages from friends and family saying “I just saw you on TV”.  I had no idea that the filming that one Fall day would make it on national television, much less the premiere show!  I feel funny admitting this, but I still haven’t seen that first show.

I was 8 months pregnant with my son Liam when they did the shoot, which still to this day, felt a bit awkward as being pregnant is really a BIG ordeal. The experience was a lot of fun and if asked to do it again, I’d be happy to help my friend Stacie but I think I’d prefer to not to be so hugely pregnant.

My son turned one year old yesterday and this unique moment of meeting Liam for the first time and sharing him with the world on TV feels like yesterday. Funny how time flies and look Liam now.

Birthdays only come once a year, after all.

How long have you been in business?

Started Certifikid January 2010. Launched first deal May 2010.

How old/how many kids do you have?

2 kids – 1 and 3.

What was the inspiration behind Certifikid and was there a life event that inspired you to start your own business?

I have always been obsessed with deals. I had a deals blog for 4 years that I updated daily with all the restaurants, shopping, free magazine and travel deals I would find. I have amazing stories of all the unbelievable deals and freebies I have received over the years. People seem to love the one about how I was able to get a new Vera Wang dress at the Vera Wang store on special for $1000 and then sell it after the wedding on ebay for $800.  I was following Groupon when they first launched in DC and loved the concept, but the deals were just not geared to me as a mom of young kids since it was all fancy restaurants and spas and I just did not have the time for that. That is when the idea of Certifikid hit and the rest is history!

How has this journey connected you with moms in the community? I never realized how connected moms were until I launched this site. No matter where we live, how old we are, and our backgrounds we are ALL going through the same motions when it gets down to it. I have really enjoyed meeting so many moms and mom business owners in the area. I love hearing all the feedback from moms about the new classes, resources, products they have been exposed to through Certifikid and how much joy the deals have brought their families.

Do you have a bigger following in DC, MD or VA?

It is actually pretty equal. I try to hit deals in all areas.

What is your secret to success?

Being a very hard worker and being creative.

As a working mom, how do you balance everything in your life with kids and work?

I don’t sleep, have given up TV and plan out every ounce of time! I try to do as much possible when the kids are napping or sleeping. I try incorporate things like exercising and errands into fun tasks for the kids so I can use as much of my “free” time to work on Certifikid.

Besides your kids, what is your biggest motivation in life?

I love – my husband, family, FOOD, running and travel.

What “mom” resources do you regularly turn to?

Washington Parent Magazine and Our-Kids.com are the two resources I think are the best in DC – and for deals Certifikid of course

How long have you been in business? lil omm was founded in 2008 and did not open as a center until March 2010. Before I opened the space I taught prenatal, mom and baby, itsy bitsy classes at Lululemon in Georgetown and then as it grew and wanted to have more offerings I began looking for space!
How old/how many kids do you have? 1 sweet girl 2.5 years old named Saylor Eloise

What was the inspiration behind the name Lil Omm and was there an event that inspired you to start your own business? Connecting to other moms in a positive and informative way is the inspiration behind lil omm, and Saylor is the original “lil omm” I had a very spiritual and enjoyable pregnancy and loved spending time with her in my body while pregnant and wanted to share in that joy with others. OF COURSE there are pregnancy complaints and growing pains that come along with the journey but I noticed there were so many moms and families in DC who did not have family in the area, so creating a space where we could learn, grow, practice yoga with each other and our families is the real mission. A community center , of sorts.. I believe that yoga is so important to the parenting stage of life and any way that we can bond, connect, and be present with ourselves and our children is really important along with flexibility

(which we all need more of with our little ones!!!)  The one event that inspired this space was being pregnant and my husband was actually the creator of the name, lil omm !

How has this journey connected you with moms in the community? I meet the most bold, beautiful, brave, centered, caring and loving women in the city.. the moms who come to the studio and attend classes or workshops are so in tune with their children and babies and bodies. It’s fabulous to spend a class or  a day with these families and our entire community is dedicated to them. They are inspiring me every day, we share stories and connect.  We all have our own parenting styles and we know intuitively what’s right for our children. Moms come to the studio and ask for certain classes, class times, workshops, donations to charities that are important to them, etc. We listen to suggestions and feedback all the time, we really see our community as an ongoing growing vibrant place that will continue to evolve as does our parenting..

Do you have special events? yes! omm mama expo (baby wearing, baby food making, cloth diapering, etc) prenatal date night, Kids night in!, Special classes on days when kids don’t have school..our fall line up is really filled with offerings for all ages of children and all stages of parenthood!

What is your secret to success? There are many –my husband, friends, family, Saylor- knowing what I LOVE in life and trying to do as much of that as I can in each day. So I love teaching prenatal and postnatal and mom/baby yoga so those are the classes I teach right now. Balancing and prioritizing time for myself (even if it’s 10 minutes or yoga, breathing or  a walk) I have a teacher who always says when you loose your breath return to nature. I do that a lot lately, if I feel overwhelmed I just get outside and start to move and feel better right away! I love to plan so that helps be able to balance all of the commitments, friends and family and travel. I do spend quite a bit of time on self study and reflection, goal setting , vision board making and getting to know myself. I think it has paid off in that I am pretty clear and focused about what I like/need that fills my heart and spirit as opposed to doing things that drain me. I have let most of that go… through the practice of yoga.

As a working mom, how do you balance everything in your life with kids and work?

plan , plan, plan and communicate, I ask for help A LOT from my husband, friends and family. I am learning how to close the computer and take time for myself.  I like to get up early before everyone else- get a little work in, a little writing or reading and me time- so that I am FULLY aware and present for everyone once the house starts to wake up!

Besides your kids, what is your biggest motivation in life?

life itself. the present moment is FULL of joy and love. Literally to stop and smell the flowers and see the beauty in the trees has been life changing for me. to STOP and breathe is terribly motivating for me- I love to study, read, write and learn and knowing that this path will continue b/c there is so much to learn and so many ways to evolve. I think wondering what today will bring is incredibly motivating.
Do you have any relaxing tips to share with our readers? find a pose that helps relax you- legs up the wall is my GO TO pose these days. at the end of each day- I grab an inspiring book and read for a little while allowing the inversion to work wonders in my body and relax me. I also believe it’s important to pamper ourselves by using oils, creams, baths, etc to relax. we don’t need hours to do it – even a 10 minute bath with Eucalyptus oils and candles is REALLY relaxing. Reflect on your day before you begin and before it ends. Notice your breath when you wake and bring it into awareness before you rest. Another practice I enjoy that relaxes me is to bring one hand to the heart and one to the belly and for 5-10 breaths just focus on gratitude for what you have in your life, in your body, the breath, etc. Starting and ending my day with gratitude and love REALLY grounds and relaxes me even when things around me are chaotic.

What “mom” resources do you regularly turn to? lots! I am an info junkie- and I LOVE to read mom blogs, websites, support moms, go to mom sponsored events, promote mom owned small businesses, etc! There are a number of yoga mom related blogs that I enjoy- and I always ask students at the studio what they are reading, doing ,etc.  I am getting back into reading fiction again which feels like a fabulous escape/treat! And I use my, ” Mindfulnes Parenting BIBLE “.. a book called Everyday Blessings by Jon and Myla Kabat Zinn and I return to this book regularly for parenting inspiration and guidance.

Time’s recent cover story on Thomas Edison, America’s greatest inventor, makes both instructive and inspirational reading.

Aside from patenting over 1,000 ideas in his lifetime, Edison gave birth to the modern ideas-driven organization. As the Time article points out, his Menlo Park “invention factory” was “the forerunner of every business-world creative cockpit, from the Ford engineering center to the Microsoft campus and Google’s Googleplex.”

I admire Edison’s endless capacity for innovation. But, after reading the article, I am even more in awe of how focused and productive he was. His invention to-do list was ambitious to say the least. It included, among other things, a long-distance telephone transmitter, an electric piano, a new version of the phonograph, and ink for the blind!

Edison is one of the greatest exemplars of the term “purpose-inspired, benefit-driven.” He very deliberately sought to make the world a better place.

How many times have you spent an entire day dealing with immediate problems – sorting through email, going to meetings, straightening up your desk – without devoting any time to your broader goals?  Anyone who knows me, knows I’m purpose driven and deal with all the immediate needs (including taking care of my kids and my hubby) as mucho importante and immediate.

Many of the ideas that Edison wrote down in his notebook are now realities. And it all started with a simple to-do list.  Do you have simple to-do lists to get you through your day?  Love to hear how you juggle them. Maybe we can inspire each other.

I bought the Stroller Strides DC franchise almost two years ago, though I have been taking or teaching classes for more than four years, since my daughter was 8 weeks old.

How old/how many kids do you have?

I have one daughter, Claire, who is 4 years old and she STILL sits in the stroller throughout class from time to time – I trained her well!

Special moments in your work that you’d like to share with others?

One of the greatest joys about owning Stroller Strides is helping new moms get back on their feet – both literally and figuratively – after giving birth.  Exercise helps new moms battle post-partum depression or baby blues and helps rebuild their self-esteem after “giving up” their bodies for nine months.  Stroller Strides is also about building friendships and connecting with other moms.  It’s as much a support network as an exercise class.

Why did you choose this profession?
Stroller Strides combines my personal and professional interest in fitness and health with my desire to help women feel physically and emotionally powerful.  Stroller Strides also allows me to strike a perfect balance.  I have been able to stay home with my child, while still being able to work.

What is your secret to success?

I think one of the most essential aspects of any business is connecting with your clients.  And that is something I have tried to do with the new moms who join our classes.  I can’t meet every single person, but I try to reach out and connect personally when I can and to create a welcoming and supportive environment.  I think people come to class as much for the social aspect as for the workout.

As a working mom, how do you balance everything in your life with kids and work?

The balance thing is not easy – I recently returned to a four day-a-week “real” job and have continued to manage Stroller Strides.  Some weeks are better than others.  But what I have learned is that I need to take life one day at a time and go easy on myself.  Asking for help is also key – I have a wonderful husband and group of friends who have pitched in to help when I’ve needed it.  And knowing when to take time for myself helps relieve the stress and pressure of my busy weeks.

Besides your kids, what is your biggest motivation in life?

Staying healthy so I can be around to enjoy life to its fullest.

Do you have any summer “get in shape” tips for moms and kids?

Family activities in the summer are a great way to stay in shape and spend time with your family.  Swimming, walking, riding bikes, playing soccer in the backyard – all of these activities help manage the energy balance to maintain a healthy weight.  Also, visit your local Farmer’s Market weekly to pick out fresh ingredients to make healthy meals together.  Parents are role models for their children and are extremely influential on their children’s eating and activity habits as they grow.

What “mom” resources do you regularly turn to?

I read a few “mom” blogs, but mostly turn to other moms directly for resources and support.

Nichole and I had a BLAST and we’d love to hear your thoughts on our first event.  You can post comments here on the blog.  Now if could just repeat this before the summer is out, we may just have a good thing going on.  Thank you to all who joined us.  We celebrated you and had alot of fun doing it.