Stephanie Shipman
Stephanie and her husband moved to the DC area from St. Pete, Florida (but hail from the Midwest) with their French Bulldog Reggie in 2018 for her husband's job. A few weeks after arriving, she discovered she was pregnant. Carson was born later that year, and with no family around, had to create her own village of mom friends. The family of four live in Mclean, Virginia. A former journalist, she recently rejoined the client success industry after being laid off at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She enjoys activities with both Carson and Reggie, including walks around the neighborhood and visiting dog-friendly parks and monuments in the DMV area.
The 8 Best Patios to Dine With Kids
It's summer, AKA patio season! With kids, patio season might mean something different—maybe you bring your kids to a happy hour/early dinner on a patio, or perhaps you do a family breakfast or brunch...
The Best Quick + Free Workouts for Busy Moms
Moms are busy. And I don't know about you, but when I find myself with some ever-rare free time, usually the last thing I want to do is workout.
But moms, we have to look...
13 Simple Crafts and Activities for Kids
Summer is here, and if you haven't signed your kids up for a summer camp yet, your kids might be uttering that dreaded phrase: "I'm bored." But fear not—if you don't want your kids sitting...
My Family Finally Caught COVID – And I Had All the Emotions
Two years (and maybe a month, give or take): that's how long we were COVID-free. That's if you start counting from the lockdowns for "two weeks" that started back in March 2020.
I remember those...
A Trip to Frying Pan Farm Park
Located in Herndon, Virginia, Frying Pan Farm is a great place to visit with young kids. There's a petting zoo, a working farm, a carousel, even a playground! With a variety of activities and...
How to Get Your Child a Passport
Summer is approaching and it's the perfect time for a vacation—maybe even an international one! But don't allow delays in getting your child a passport to delay your travel plans.
Navigating and obtaining a passport...
Guide to Pizza Places in the DC Area
Need help with dinner tonight? Pizza is usually a fan favorite, and it's definitely a kid-pleaser. Check out this round-up of great pizza places in the Washington, DC, area. We LOVE supporting locals and...
We’re Not Divorced, Just Sleep Divorced
My husband and I have been married for almost five years now, together for eight. But we don't sleep in the same bed.
We used to. I remember thinking I was so lucky because he...
10 Short Hikes with Toddlers In the DMV
The DMV area has an abundance of nature parks nearby. You can see a waterfall, various wildlife, and serene rivers, depending on which park you choose to walk or hike in. Walks or hikes in...
20 Kid-Friendly Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is internationally known as a day of love – but the romantic kind of love. Hallmark, Kay Jewelers, etc. capitalize on romantic relationships when it comes to celebrating Valentine's Day. But what...
How to Celebrate the Holidays with No Family Around
My husband and I had a plan for our life together after our wedding: he'd get his security clearance granted, and once that came through, we'd move to DC. I'd keep my job because...
An Open Letter to All Lawmakers About Parental Leave
Dear All Lawmakers (especially Democrats):
I understand that to compromise with other Democrats and get the infrastructure bill introduced to attempt to be passed, the paid parental leave for parents was cut from 12 weeks...
Introducing Your Dog to Your New Baby
When we found out we were pregnant, I didn't know how our dog would handle it.
At the time, our then two-year-old French Bulldog Reggie was our only "child," and he definitely got all of...
Fox Pest Control to the Rescue
Summer means pool days, ice cream, running through the sprinkler and soaking up the sun before it's time to go back to school. And even though fall is right around the corner, both summer...