STYLE + BEAUTY
MON CHOUCHOU: CHILDHOOD CHARM
LIFE + CULTURE
CANINES & KITTIES’ PET ADOPTION TIPS
FROM HOMELESSNESS TO SELFSUFFICIENCY WITH MOBILE HOPE
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This month, Leesburg Lifestyle is all about the wonderful bond between kids and pets here in Loudoun County. Just like our picturesque towns evoke a sense of charm, our vibrant community spirit fosters strong connections between our youngest residents and their furry companions.
You'll see this heartwarming connection woven throughout our “Kids and Pets” theme this month, from our feature on Canines and Kitties and their many successful adoption events to stories about how these initiatives educate families on responsible pet ownership. These programs perfectly align with Loudoun County's dedication to youth development, a commitment highlighted by the recent recognition of Leesburg's own Teacher of the Year. Educators here often integrate animal care lessons, sometimes even welcoming classroom pets, to instill empathy and responsibility in their students. These pages also feature a story on fashion – kid style. Mon Chouchou, a local children’s boutique, evokes a sense of European charm to match the community spirit that helps foster the strong bonds between our kids and pets.
Beyond the classroom, organizations like Mobile Hope provide life-changing support to homeless and at-risk youth. They create a supportive environment where young people from all backgrounds can thrive, developing a sense of purpose and community. Along with vital efforts from groups like The Arc of Loudoun and the Youth and Family Resource Center, these organizations offer a steadying force for vulnerable youth.
In Loudoun County, the well-being of both children and animals is clearly a priority. This focus enriches the very fabric of our dynamic community, helping to shape the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
DOUG STEELE, PUBLISHER @LEESBURGLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Doug Steele | doug.steele@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Glenye Oakford | glenye.oakford@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Heather Steele | Heather.Steele@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Campbell Reagan campbell.leesburglifestyle@gmail.com
MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER
Shelby Rose Steele | SRSteeleCL@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Beth Rasin | beth.rasin@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Mary Lanaghan, MJL Studios
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Mon Chouchou blends luxury children’s fashion with a boutique experience worth savoring.
Simpson Middle School’s Washington Post Teacher of the Year says building relationships is the key
Canines & Kitties Rescue in Chantilly helps families find the right pet.
Mary Lanaghan/ MJL Studios
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Betsy Hansen plays Annie Position in Murder by the Numbers, set in 1970s Las Vegas. 2: Ilan Komrad plays Wayne Kerr, author of a book whose fans want more than autographs. 3: StageCoach Theatre’s Murder by the Numbers runs at local venues from June through August dates. 4: Find tickets at stagecoachtc.com/murder-by-the-numbers 5: StageCoach Theatre for Young Performers is now enrolling for its exciting fall afterschool theatre program. 6: Our youth classes build confidence and creativity through acting, voice, improv, musical theatre, and stagecraft. 7: There’s a place for all children, whether experienced performers or just curious, to shine.
Photography Courtesy of StageCoach Theatre Company
Enjoy a glass of red, white, or rosé wine with the rolling hills of the gorgeous Loudoun countryside as your backdrop.
Tucked into the winery hilltop, Black Oak Café is a new foodie haven serving authentic Italian gelato, locally made pizza, charcuterie picnics, and espresso drinks. This charming space is sure to become your new favorite. www.canavineyards.com
The Wellness Way celebrated its ribbon-cutting on June 11 at 540 Fort Evans Road NE in Leesburg. Mayor Kelly Burk (center) joined co-owners Dr. Destiny Decker (left) and Dr. Sean Van Newkirk (right), both chiropractors, for the ceremony. The Wellness Way is part of a network of health restoration clinics that solve health challenges, including gut problems, hormone imbalances, weight gain, and more, using comprehensive lab testing to uncover root causes for health concerns.
Hotel Burg is now accepting reservations for stays beginning August 1. Located on King Street in the heart of downtown Leesburg, the intimate, 39-room boutique property will reimagine luxury in Leesburg, offering an immersive experience for both discerning travelers and locals seeking refined hospitality and curated lifestyle moments. “Our vision was to create a destination that feels intimate yet aspirational—a place where modern sophistication and Loudoun County’s rich heritage intersect,” said Owner Kevin Ash.
Mon Chouchou Baby & Child blends
luxury children’s fashion with a boutique experience worth savoring.
ARTICLE BY BETH RASIN
Nestled above Goosecup Coffee on Leesburg’s vibrant King Street, Mon Chouchou Baby & Child Boutique is more than an upscale children’s clothing store; it’s a love letter to childhood, community, and thoughtful design. Opened in January by Beth Bullard and Scott Rottmann, who bring
“We want people to feel like they can come, relax, and enjoy their time.” —Beth Bullard
backgrounds in healthcare and finance, the store has quickly become a bright spot in downtown Leesburg for parents seeking high-quality, timeless clothing for children.
Bullard, inspired by a desire for a career change and seeking to fill a gap in the local market, envisioned a space where parents could find beautifully made pieces for their little ones without leaving town or compromising on style.
“We saw a major need for a higher-end children’s store here,” Bullard says. “Something curated, with both everyday essentials and special gifts.”
The couple knew they wanted to set up shop in the heart of the community they call home. After living in Leesburg for over a decade, raising children and enjoying the walkable charm of King Street’s restaurants and cafes, downtown felt like the perfect fit. As soon as they found the sunny space above Goosecup, they knew it was their spot.
With the help of an interior designer, Lauren Wodika from LBW Studio, they transformed the space into a boutique that feels straight out of a European village—airy, elegant, and inviting. The name “Mon Chouchou,” French for “my darling,” reflects the boutique’s European influence.
“The idea of ‘my little darling or sweetheart’ is kind of endearing,” Bullard says, “and we want everyone to feel welcome.”
Mon Chouchou carries a range of thoughtfully selected brands, from sought-after American staples like The Beaufort Bonnet Company and Little English, Pink Chicken New York and Minnow, to harder-tofind European lines imported directly from Paris. The boutique specializes in clothing for newborns through age 12, offering pieces for boys and girls that balance timeless design with practicality.
Top: Beth Bullard’s daughter, Sienna, models some of the clothing and accessories at Mon ChouChou Baby & Child Boutique.
Bottom: There’s a spacious dressing room with a changing table that doubles as a quiet nursing space for new moms. Photo: Kip Dawkins
Next page: Plush chairs and a relaxed atmosphere encourage lingering at Mon Chouchou. Photo: Kip Dawkins
“We carry a lot of organic cotton, especially for newborns,” Bullard notes. “And we’re always looking for brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production.”
One standout is Mon Coeur, a brand that creates stylish, eco-conscious pieces from recycled materials and gives back to environmental causes.
Bullard is also excited about the back-to-school sets they will be offering. “We have high quality, timeless and diverse pieces,” she says, “whether you’re looking for something as a gift or something that you can wear every day, we’re trying to offer something for everyone.”
The couple runs Mon Chouchou entirely themselves, often alongside Bullard’s children, ages 9 and 11, who spend time in the store. “It’s very much a family business,” Bullard says. “Customers get to know us—and our kids!”
The space is designed with families in mind. A cozy corner with toys, books, and Magna-Tiles keeps children entertained while parents browse. Plush chairs by the windows and a relaxed atmosphere encourage lingering. There’s even a spacious dressing room with a changing table that doubles as a quiet nursing space for new moms.
“Instead of children wanting to leave right away, they want to stay and play, and their parents end up trying to shoo them out,” Bullard says with a laugh.
Partnering with Goosecup downstairs, Mon Chouchou offers the chance to grab a latte or glass
“We have high quality, timeless and diverse pieces, whether you’re looking for something as a gift or something that you can wear every day.”
—Beth Bullard
of wine and browse while the kids play. “We want people to feel like they can come, relax, and enjoy their time,” Bullard says.
From wine-and-cheese socials with neighborhood groups to book readings and kids’ music classes, Mon Chouchou is quickly becoming a local hub. “It’s been even better than we imagined,” Rottmann says. “We’ve had such a warm reception from families.”
For Bullard and Rottmann, the boutique is more than just a business—it’s a joyful new chapter that blends their professional
backgrounds with a shared dream. And the community has responded with resoundingly positive feedback.
As Bullard puts it, “I feel like we’re creating something that gives people somewhere to come and see something that they haven’t seen before, and that feels really good.”
Whether you’re shopping for a baby shower, back-to-school outfits, or just browsing with a cup of coffee in hand, Mon Chouchou is a place where parents, children, and neighbors escape the everyday bustle, relax and feel at home.
MARY LANAGHAN/MJL STUDIOS
Several decades before she was a Washington Post 2025 Teacher of the Year, J. Lupton Simpson educator Kimberly Poole was a marketing major with dreams of a corporate career. But even then, she felt tugged toward a different calling.
“I was always teaching,” said Poole, a Simpson alumna herself. “I taught Sunday school, I taught swim lessons, I coached swim team—everything I did was about working with kids. But I kept saying, ‘I want to wear heels and carry a briefcase.’”
The real turning point came in the mid-1990s, during a conversation with a marketing executive. “He said, ‘How important is family to you?’ I told him, ‘God first, then family, and everything else will fall into place.’ He said, ‘Then I don’t think this is your best option.’”
That conversation helped clarify what she truly wanted. “I am a teacher at heart,” she said. “I love kids, I love relationships. Most teachers aren’t just teachers. They’re investors and relationship-builders, especially in middle school.
“When you’re choosing to be a teacher, an educator, you’re choosing to invest in students, not simply to share knowledge of a subject matter,” she continued. “And I think that is so important, the teachers that stick with kids. If I think back to who impacted us as we went through school, the teachers who impacted us the most were the ones that chose to invest in us, as opposed to simply sharing a lesson.”
Now in her third decade at Simpson in Leesburg, Poole is still investing in kids everyday and watching that investment pay off as her students go on to college, to jobs, and to having children of their own. It’s also earned accolades among her peers in the school system: before receiving her 2025 Washington Post Teacher of the Year honor, Poole was named Loudoun County Public Schools’ 2024 Teacher of the Year.
Even after 30 years in the classroom and having raised her own two kids, too, she still feels energized at the school. “I’m not tired of teaching,” she said. “The paperwork is the part that feels like work. The students? They’re a joy.”
“Even elementary and high school teachers will go, ‘You chose middle school?’” she said, laughing. “But I’m like, ‘Yes, it’s the greatest place on earth.’ These kids are in between, and they need people who are positive.”
Her guiding philosophy has a straightforward starting point: kids want to be loved. “They want to feel joy,” she said. “They want that sense of peace when they’re at school. They need people to be patient with them. They want to show kindness and be good kids. And where they get all of that is through teachers who are giving them that gentleness, that grace, to be themselves, to learn to make mistakes, and have that compassionate redirection. You have to start by thinking, ‘What do these kids need? And how are we as teachers bringing that solution?’”
That kind of relationship-building starts small. “It can be as simple as remembering a kid had a soccer game and asking about it on Monday,” Poole explained.
It also means taking responsibility for one’s own actions, even as you hold students accountable for theirs. “I’ve had times where
I handled a situation and thought, ‘Great job.’ And I’ve had others where I thought, ‘Kimberly, you need to circle back,’” she said. “Being willing to say, ‘Hey, I think we both could’ve handled that better’—that’s important.”
That consistency, accountability, and a willingness to show them she values their perspectives form the foundation of trust—something Poole says has helped her earn students’ attention and respect.
“We have substitute teachers who’ve told me, ‘This is why they listen to you,’” she said. “It’s because they know my heart is theirs. From day one, they know I care.”
It also helps to address behavior with warmth rather than cold authority. “It can be connecting with a student who is struggling with their behavior, and instead of feeling frustrated with them, pausing, having that quiet conversation with them, and trying to understand what’s going on with them,” Poole said. “Sometimes they can’t share exactly what it is, but you can have conversations
This page: Washington Post 2025 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Poole teaches computer science, allowing her to meet every student at her school.
Next page, circle: "Most teachers aren’t just teachers. They’re investors and relationship-builders, especially in middle school," says Kimberly Poole.
around it, right? I try to respond with the knowledge that that behavior is coming from somewhere. How I choose to respond to a behavior that’s not appropriate or that is disrespectful or that is pushing limits in some way says a lot about me.”
Even meting out consequences for bad behavior can become an opportunity for connection rather than only punishment. Poole points to a recent example where taking a less authoritative stance toward a student paid off. “A student had a problem in class, and I told her, ‘We’re going to eat lunch together tomorrow.’ Not detention—just the two of us, talking,” Poole said. “We figured out what happened, what we can do differently, and what I can do for her next time.”
Spending that kind of time, energy, and attention is vital to creating an environment that helps students mature, Poole feels.
“That’s my calling: to build those relationships,” she added. “I love walking the halls, calling kids by name, standing outside my door when it’s time for them to come to class and greeting them. I think the teachers with the best relationships are the teachers who are focused on the kids and giving them attention.”
The transition to middle school is a “big leap” for both students and their parents, says Poole. Her first piece of advice: “Everybody take a deep breath. The more nervous parents get, the more it transfers to their kids.”
“They know my heart is theirs. From day one, they know I care.”
— Kimberly Poole
Luckily, schools are there to help. “Look for your school’s communication plan,” Poole advised. “Most schools have a newsletter or a website where a lot of information is pulled together. At Simpson, it’s the Mustang Messenger. It answers 875 million questions! Our principal, Dr. Tripp Di Nicola, is meticulous. Everything he can think of ends up in that newsletter.”
Parents also can join kids at special events designed to familiarize them with a new school’s surroundings, the teachers, and staff. “Take advantage of summer intro programs,” Poole said. “Our ‘Stampede into Simpson’ gives rising sixth-graders a chance to see the building, meet teachers, and connect with kids from other schools. We also have a load-your-locker day. Normally, there’s a little orientation, or a time when you get to come in and load your locker and walk the school, walk your schedule, you know, just kind of have that vibe, see friends, catch up on things. Those are all great opportunities to just kind of have that have that, ‘I’m ready. Let’s get excited.’ and the more excited for middle school that parents are, the more excited for middle school the students will be.”
You can help your child thrive during the shift to middle school by staying calm, staying informed, and embracing the experience.
• Take a deep breath—your attitude sets the tone.
• Read the school’s newsletter or website for key info.
• Attend orientation programs and walk-through days.
• Encourage excitement about new friends and new routines. These simple steps help both students and parents approach middle school with confidence and curiosity.
Canines & Kitties Rescue in Chantilly helps families find the right pet—and the right start
Your family pet should have a dedicated rest area, like a bed or crate, where "everyone just leaves it be," says Crystal Wood . Photo: GabrielG/stock.adobe.com
When Crystal Wood and Kim Larimer co-founded Canines & Kitties Rescue in 2022, between them they had already spent decades volunteering with other organizations. But they saw a need and an opportunity to do more.
Today, the all-volunteer nonprofit they established in Chantilly places adoptable dogs and cats with carefully matched individuals and families. One key to their success is the organization’s foster model: each animal lives in a home, not a shelter, while waiting for adoption.
“We really get to know our animals,” Wood explained. “We know their day-to-day schedule. We know what they like and what they don't like. Typically, we can tell you, if they're in a home with children, if they love those children—or if they don't.”
That kind of deep knowledge helps match adopters find pets and ensure the animal has the best chance of staying with their new family for the long term. Fostering also can be a gateway to pet adoption and is a great way to support Canine & Kitties in its mission to help animals.
“One really important thing for anyone who’s considering adopting a pet is to understand what type of pet is going to work for you and your household,” Wood said. She encourages families to have honest conversations about their lifestyle and the amount of time they can commit before adopting—especially if children are involved. Understanding each animal’s temperament and teaching children how to interact safely and respectfully with pets also are important parts of the process.
“You have to be mindful that these are animals,” Wood said. “We’re bringing them into our homes, and they don’t understand what we’re
saying to them. A lot of people have certain expectations, and they expect a dog or cat to fall in line with what they had envisioned. But we have to be open-minded and adaptable to change if we’re going to bring a pet into our home.”
Wood advises parents to prepare children for a calm, thoughtful introduction to a new pet. She recommends giving new pets space, teaching children to use quiet voices, and committing to respect the animal’s designated rest areas, like a dog bed or crate. “When the animal is there, everybody just kind of leaves it be,” she said. “It should have a safe space.
“You have to understand that that animal doesn't know you,” she added. “It doesn't know where it's at or its environment, and it needs a little time to adjust. You don’t want to overwhelm your new pet.”
“WE REALLY GET TO KNOW OUR ANIMALS,” CANINES & KITTIES CO-FOUNDER
CRYSTAL WOOD SAYS OF THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION’S
ANIMALS IN HOMES
WHILE THEY AWAIT ADOPTION. “WE KNOW THEIR DAY-TODAY SCHEDULE. WE KNOW WHAT THEY LIKE AND WHAT THEY DON’T LIKE.”
Integrating a new pet into a family requires some thought and planning beforehand—and can help pets and kids become best friends. Photo: pikselstock
That’s especially true for rescue animals, who may have come from difficult circumstances before their rescue.
Wood also recommends online resources like those produced by the nonprofit Your Dog’s Friend, which offers free training videos focused on positive reinforcement that can help families ease a new pet’s integration into the household.
“And it’s good to prepare kids that, hey, we have to stick to a routine: as soon as we get up, we have to let the dog out. Then it’s feeding time, and we’re going to measure the food out,” Wood said.
She also urges parents to remember that the responsibility ultimately lies with the adults. “For everybody’s safety, having that adult as primary caregiver is important,” she said.
Wood also recommends not letting children under age 16 walk the family dog alone. “Not because your dog is bad, but you just never know what they’re going to walk into out there,” she said.
Ready to add a furry friend to your family? Canines & Kitties holds monthly adoption events in rotation among Pet Supplies Plus in Sterling, PetSmart in Dulles Landing, and PetSmart in Frederick, Maryland. They also recently partnered with Mount Purrnon Cat Café and Wine Bar in Alexandria to expand their reach with adoptable cats. The “cat room” is upstairs, with comfy chairs and couches. “When you start to look around, you will see in every little nook and cranny, there's a cat,” Wood said.
“It has really changed our ability to save a lot more cats,” she said of the Mount Purrnon partnership. “In years past, we were doing maybe 50 cats a year, and we’re thinking this is probably going to at least triple that number.”
With no physical shelter, Canines & Kitties relies entirely on a network of 50 to 75 foster homes— including Leesburg Lifestyle publishers Heather and Doug Steele—as well as dedicated volunteers and donations.
“We are 100% volunteer-run,” Wood said. “No one gets paid anything to help this organization run. That’s a big deal for us, because when people donate their money, we can say this is 100% directly going to animals.”
There are several ways you can help:
• Foster a dog or cat while they wait for a forever home
• Volunteer to help with transportation, adoption events, or administrative support
• Make a monetary donation
Learn more at caninesandkittiesrescue.org
Every purchase at Mobile Hope goes toward the mission of helping homeless and at-risk youth.
Helping kids on their journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency
ARTICLE BY BETH RASIN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY
At first glance, the new Graffiti & Silk thrift store on Mobile Hope’s Leesburg campus looks like something out of a design magazine: a chandelier made of paintbrushes, a moped staged as a beauty bar, and clothing racks created from vintage doors. But each of these pieces, designed and produced by the unhoused teens Mobile Hope serves, tells a deeper story of hope and resilience.
“There are so many interesting things in the store that are specific to the mission,” CEO and Founder Donna Fortier said. “The lamp shades represent all the kids we have lost to suicide or drug overdose whose light has gone out. The clothes racks made of doors? They’re for the kids who don’t have doors to walk through if they’re living on the streets.”
Details like vintage hotel keys serving as hooks recall the hotels that house newcomers at Mobile Hope. “It’s a reminder to shoppers of what they are supporting,” Allyson Ruscitella, Director of Development, said. Their mission of empowering homeless and at-risk youth is woven through every detail of Graffiti & Silk, which is a component of Trading Up, the nonprofit’s trade school, launched in 2022 with support from Google. One of their projects involves restoring an Airstream trailer, giving students a chance to practice construction and creative skills. They’re also developing a garden. These initiatives are all geared to the whole individual, providing shelter, teaching self-sufficiency, and raising awareness about the lack of affordable housing for this age group.
“Creative construction is one of our most engaging tools,” Amy Burns, creative director, said. “We’re teaching them to use saws, sandpaper, paint. They’re learning real skills, but they’re also contributing. They’re helping us build something, and that’s powerful.”
The Mobile Hope staff works alongside about 500 kids in the crisis care program, who are in various stages of homelessness. As they tackle projects like the thrift store, they develop trust and relationships.
CONTINUED >
“So when it’s time to have hard conversations we’ve already built the foundation,” Ruscitella said.
Fortier explained that everyone on staff wears a case management hat. “The kids have to feel safe in order to open up and move forward, so we’re nonjudgemental and welcoming,” Fortier said. “We engage them in everything we do so they can feel safe and can move forward.”
Students, volunteers and staff eat, work and attend events together, all in an effort to break down barriers and build networks of support.
“They meet CEOs who are volunteering, working side by side with businesses, and they branch out as far as who they have in their world,” Fortier said. “The more people who are involved, the more opportunity there is. They recognize that they are important, and people care about them.”
She said the more experienced kids tend to welcome and support new ones. “There’s a lot of peer-to-peer support that happens when new kids come in terrified,” Fortier said. “Others help walk them through what to expect, and we rely on them as much as they rely on us.”
The Mobile Hope kids help with Listen for the Honk, a program organizing bus runs for food distribution to struggling families. “It lets kids take a deep breath and recognize that everyone struggles, and it’s OK to ask for help,” Fortier said.
As Director of Community Affairs for Inova Loudoun Hospital, Donna Fortier noticed a lack of services for homeless youth. “Especially those who were aging out of foster care,” Fortier said.
She began Mobile Hope as a project with Inova, distributing clothes, food and hygiene items. In 2012, Mobile Hope became a 501(c)3, with Fortier working full time to help each kid on their path to self-sufficiency.
“They’re learning real skills, but they’re also contributing. They’re helping us build something, and that’s powerful.”
—Amy Burns
Mobile Hope’s crisis care program has a success rate of around 90 percent, with countless inspiring stories. One young man, brought in by a neighbor after being found sleeping on a park bench, now lives in his own apartment and was recently named employee of the month at a local grocery store. Another arrived expecting only a sleeping bag and a tent. Today, he’s employed by the organization that welcomed him in.
“Even on his worst day, he still held the door open for someone and told them to have a good day,” Ruscitella said. “That moment mattered. These small successes build confidence and help them realize they’re good people. Many of them have spent their whole lives being told they’re not.”
Volunteers play a critical role in making it all happen, contributing thousands of hours each month. From food distribution to mentoring to simply sitting down and sharing a meal, community members are helping to change lives in tangible ways.
“Whatever your passion is, you’ll find a way to apply it here,” Fortier said. “Get involved. Get a tour. Help cook or mentor. Join our community and help kids recognize that they are not alone.”
Because at Mobile Hope, success is measured by each young person who recognizes their own worth. Every chandelier, every door, every handmade shelf is a reminder: They have the power to build something better.
To learn more about Mobile Hope, get involved, or make a donation, visit mobile-hope.org
• 1 cup and 2 tbsp white flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
• 4 tbsp buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tbsp of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
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Explore open markets nationwide.
SATURDAYS EXCEPT AUG. 10
Town Green, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Va. | 7:00 PM
The Town of Leesburg’s summer concert series features Black Sterlings on Aug. 2, JP Jones on Aug. 16, and Brisk on Aug. 23. Free and open to the public; no smoking or pets allowed. idalee.org
SATURDAYS
Virginia Village Shopping Center, 30 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, Va. | 8:00 AM
We promote local, sustainable and organic agriculture, increase economic opportunities for farmers and small food businesses, to offer access to healthy local foods, and to build a vibrant gathering place. Enjoy a variety of vendors offering everything from pasta to produce, from flowers to pho, and from to soap to kebabs. Market hours are 8 a.m.-12 p.m. loudounfarmersmarkets.org
AUGUST 1ST
Great Country Farms, 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Va. | 9:00 AM
Summer is for sunflowers! Cut your own sunflowers for $1/ bloom or add on a French bucket with 20 cut-your-own blooms. Come experience the glory of the sunshine, fill your spirit and nourish your soul. Bring your own clippers or buy at the farm market. $12/child, $14/ adult. Included for season pass holders. Tickets and info at website. greatcountryfarms.com
AUGUST 1ST
Mon Chouchou Baby and Child, 216 S King Street, Suite 200, Leesburg, Va. | 5:00 PM
Join Mon Chouchou Baby and Child for First Friday "Back-to-School" specials alongside One Hope Wine for a complimentary Napa Valley Tasting. monchouchouboutique.com
AUGUST 9TH
Downtown Leesburg | 5:00 PM
Enjoy food vendors, sample drinks, learn about local nonprofits, interact with art on display, and enjoy events on two stages—all in the heart of downtown Leesburg on Market and King Streets. Drink-tasting wristbands available for pre-purchase and at the event. Festival happens rain or shine. Free. leesburgva.gov
AUGUST 10TH
Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Dr. Purcellville, Va. | 7:30 AM
Come out and enjoy this scenic 5k/10k race through the trails of Franklin Park in Loudoun County. Runners receive a finisher medal, technical (Drifit) event shirt, and a chip-timed event. bishopsevents.com/event/2025-summer-sprint-5k-10k
CONTINUED
AUGUST 16TH
Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, Va. | 11:00 AM
Join us at Ida Lee Park for a family-friendly celebration of colorful kites, creativity, and community fun. Whether you're flying your own kite or watching the incredible displays, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the open sky, vibrant arts and crafts, and delicious food and beverages! Free. artsandcrafts@royal-eventsplanning.com
AUGUST 16TH
Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Lane Leesburg, Va. | 11:00 AM
Discover the oldest artifact in Morven Park Mansion's collection, check for secret drawers in the writing chests, and peek inside the wardrobes with Collections Manager David Roettger. This 60-minute tour is for 12 people and appropriate for ages 12+. Arrive at least 10 minutes early to walk from main parking lot to Davis Mansion Visitor Center. Tickets $15-25. morvenpark.org
AUGUST 22ND
StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Auburn Rd., Ashburn, Va. | 7:30 PM
Just like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” the Bandits perform short-form improv using suggestions from the audience. Shows are completely interactive. No show or game is ever the same twice! Online reservations close at 5 p.m. the day of the show. Recommended for ages 18+ due to possible language and mature themes. Tickets: $23 stagecoachtc.com
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Strategic Event Marketing: Targeted campaigns that drive attendance and engagement.
Creative Concept Development: Unique and memorable event themes and designs.
Production Excellence: State-of-theart audio-visual, staging, and technical support.
Logistics & Vendor Management: Seamless coordination of all event elements.
On-Site Execution: Professional and experienced teams ensuring smooth operations.
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.