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I grew up with pets...of all varieties: dogs, hamsters, hermit crabs, fish, horses for a time. As a small child, my running mate was a Dachshund named Strudel, who was famous for running off a German Shepherd that got too close to my stroller at a Fourth of July Parade. We got into a lot of trouble together, playing tug of war with blankets and tracking mud through the house after rampaging through the backyard. At that age, pets are loyal friends and because of their size, often the most relatable living beings around us. They teach us responsibility and non-judgmental companionship. They teach us about death and the fragility of life. As I've grown older and had many more pets, I've learned to appreciate how much we can learn from them and how much our children can learn from both having pets and watching them interact with the world.
Pets are also our first glimpses at parenthood: dependency requires guidance, A LOT of patience and the ability to look beyond our own needs to put someone else first. I would not have been nearly as prepared for children absent my experiences with animals. I'm continually reminded by both my children and pets that we all have very little control of anything, and all we can do is educate, model what is right and good, and hope it all sinks in. The innocence and open-mindedness of our pets and children are constant reminders to live in the present and go at life with a growth mindset. If we don't, we will be left with cynicism and solipsism that does nothing for this world or our own happiness.
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Christine Gacharná christine.gacharna@citylifestyle.com
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Let the Wild
Whether
In order to be your best, you have to sleep your best. Whether it is consultation regarding lifestyle changes or testing for vitamin D-3 deficiency, we are here for you. We can also assess your need for a CPAP, or another device to help you sleep and fight sleep apnea. A much better approach to treating apnea is the Panthera device. It is made by a dentist and brings your chin forward (just like in doing CPR) to open the airway. It is very effective and easy to wear. For most people it does the job as well as a CPAP and in some cases even better. There are many other ways to deal with apnea- most of these are surgical-but the above ideas are simple and generally quite easy to implement for most people.
Book An Appointment With Dr. Brown Today And Live Your Best Life!
Dr. Jeffrey L. Brown DENTIST
Dr. Brown understands sleep apnea and how it correlates to TMJ treatment. His knowledge in the combined fields of TMJ, sleep and orthodontics has given him a perspective unlike most other practitioners who perform basic dentistry. In addition, he has also learned the advanced techniques involved in expanding an airway so that both children and adults can breathe better.
Giving back with your kids in an easy and heartwarming way will brighten someone’s special day
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY QIANA KELSCH
Looking for a fun, easy and creative way to help those in need celebrate their special day? Put together a Birthday in a Box! The main element is a birthday cake, and the best part is that no perishable items are needed; all you need is one can of lemon-lime soda to take the place of the oil, water and eggs.
And what is a birthday celebration without decorations? Get the kids to help decide what fun party decorations to include – think candles, banners, confetti, ribbon and more.
These are great to make in batches when items are on sale at the grocery store. Stock up and make someone’s day!
prep:
Collect all materials. Makes one Birthday in a Box.
• 1 box of cake mix
• 1 jar of frosting
• 1 can of lemon-lime soda
• 1 disposable 9x13 aluminum baking pan with lid
• Cardstock or heavy paper, for baking directions and note (printed or handwritten)
• Party decorations of choice, including candles
step one:
Gather cake mix, jar of frosting, can of lemon-lime soda, aluminum baking pan with lid and party decorations. Carefully place each item in the bottom of the baking pan, ensuring everything fits snugly.
step two:
Print or handwrite the instructions on cardstock, letting the recipient know to replace the oil, eggs and water with the can of lemon-lime soda, following the directions on the back of the cake mix box. You can also include a birthday wish.
step three:
Once all the items are in the pan, secure the lid and tie the package with a ribbon for an added festive touch. Deliver to your favorite food pantry.
These are great to make in batches when items are on sale at the grocery store. Stock up and make someone’s day!
Collect your essentials and special decorations
Place each element in the baking pan, including directions, and cover with the lid
3
Collect your birthday cake boxes together and drop it at your favorite food pantry
TAKE A PAGE FROM CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FOR CLASSIC BIRTHDAY PARTY THEMES
Whether seeking philosophical guidance or deciding what’s for dinner, recipes for life can be found in literature. We learn from great minds that came before us, and that’s true when planning a birthday party. Take a page from classical children’s books to find themes that combine playfulness, colorful illustration and words to inspire food, décor and games that will tickle the fancy of youthful guests, with a central activity of reading aloud. Published in 1963, “Where the Wild Things Are” is one of the most recognizable children’s picture books of all time. Writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak created a universal story about mastering fears. Dressed in his wolf costume, and sent to his room for creating havoc at home, young Max travels to an island of Wild Things where he becomes king. It’s a story about childhood resilience and mastery of fears, but simply observed, the fantastical book provides a colorful segue to an afternoon birthday romp in the park. When it comes to wild things, enjoy inspiration from our own party, plus we’ve compiled some ideas for ways to help the rumpus begin based on other beloved titles:
“ We learn from great minds that came before us, and that’s true when planning a birthday party.”
“Regardless of the theme, be sure to leave time to read a favorite passage from the central book of choice.”
“WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE” BY MAURICE SENDAK
As a costume party, have guests dress as their favorite wild thing. A crown-making activity allows everyone to be King (or Queen) for a day.
GAME: Wild Rumpus Dance Party. A twist on the Freeze Dance, guests dance and prance freely until the music stops. An extra step means that player is out. A winner is the last “beast” to stand still after multiple rounds of play.
“CURIOUS GEORGE” BY MARGRET AND H. A. REY
Gather a barrel of monkeys, plus your favorite Man in the Yellow Hat, for a party where guests can go bananas. George always seems to wander, so try a scavenger hunt that meanders from clue to clue. Banana cupcakes, banana bread, and a tower of bananas add a healthy touch to the dessert table.
GAME: Monkey in the Middle. Create a circle with one guest in the middle. Toss a ball, or soft monkey toy, across the circle without the monkey in the middle catching it.
“DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!” BY MO WILLEMS
Though an unlikely party host, pigeon—with his wide-eyed enthusiasm—sets a party tone. Eat “bird seed” trail mix and hot dogs (inspired by another Willems title, “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!”). Printable images of Pigeon lend themselves to thematic and whimsical decorations.
GAME: Red Light, Green Light. With guests as “bus drivers,” they make their way to the station/finish line with a twist on this classic party game.
Regardless of the theme, be sure to leave time to read a favorite passage from the central book of choice. Give books as party favors or add a layer of philanthropy by having guests bring their favorite book to donate to a local nonprofit.
Costumes by Sarah Lodge and styled by Sarah, Lodge, Janie Jones and Angela Broockerd.
The Phantom of the Opera Summer Camp Musical Theatre
July 5 & 6 at 7:00pm
July 6 & 7 at 2:00pm
Murder on the British Express Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
June 29 & July 13 at Oatlands in Leesburg
July 20 at ONO Offshore in Chantilly
August 3 at Casanel Winery in Leesburg
August 9 at Creek’s Edge Winery in Lovettsville
August 17 at C’est Bon by Savoir Fare in Round Hill
August 23 at Effingham Manor Winery in Nokesville
Puffs - Summer Camp Musical Theatre
July 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7:00pm
July 14 & 21 at 2:00pm
Roald Dahl’s Matilda - Summer Camp Musical Theatre
August 2, 3, 9 & 10 at 7:00pm
August 3, 4, 10 & 11 at 2:00pm
Silly Friends Magic for Kids
July 13 at 1:00pm
StageCoach Bandits Improv
July 26, August 16, Sept 20 at 7:30pm
Summer Camp/Fall After School Class Registration for ages 5-19
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.
“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says. “While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
ARTICLE
BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA
BROOCKERD
“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it , but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm— those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
HOW
Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half
• 3 cups oatmeal
Directions:
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.
Ingredients:
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
