Paleo Diets for Chronic Conditions

Fairfax mom of three Stacy Toth will be presenting in place of Jennifer Robins on October 20.
Stacy and her husband Matt are the founders of Real Everything (formerly Paleo Parents) and are the authors of Eat Like a Dinosaur, Beyond Bacon and Real Life Paleo. Stacy will share how a Paleo diet and lifestyle have made a difference for her family.

RSVPs to the Facebook event or HolisticMomsArlAlex (at) gmail (dot) com are helpful but not required.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1848952142000054/

Tough Conversations Series begins in September!

This month we begin the first of several exciting meetings about how to tackle tough conversation topics with your kids. On September 15th, guest speakers Heather Sarmiento, Prevention & Education Coordinator at the Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and Jacqueline McManemin, a Fairfax County Public Health Nurse, will facilitate a conversation on How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex.  We'll discuss recommendations for why and when to approach this delicate conversation in a safe and sensitive way as well as detailed information on what is appropriate to teach at various ages. Everyone will go home with a compilation of strategies and resources at your fingertips for reference throughout the different ages and stages of your children.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1639644693013265/

Please share our Facebook Event and RSVP if you plan to join us for this exciting and informative discussion!

Picking Priorities in August

Our August 18 meeting will be a powerful conversation on picking priorities and balancing commitments inside and outside the home.

Join us for a conversation about harnessing the power of your yes and no with Pamm Fontana of More Green for Less Green. Pamm is a speaker, pastor, writer and parent of three children trying to navigate the balance of vocational calling with the pull of young kids at home.

Please share our Facebook event and RSVP there if you plan to join us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/501720356691851/

Two Meetings in July! Gardening and Outings

We had a a special daytime meeting on July 15 at Shirlington Library with HMN meeting coordinator and certified Master Gardener Maria Huynh, along with Heidi Young answering gardening questions and presenting how-tos, tips and free seeds for fall gardening.

Then, for our regular third Thursday evening meeting, chapter founder and outgoing co-leader Jessica Haney of Mindful Healthy Life blog facilitated a conversation on Greatest Hits: Favorite Spots & Activities in Metro DC. Jessica shared resources of great hikes, festivals and other activities and members shared their family's favorites, too. For an electronic copy of the handout, which was updated after the meeting, email jessica (at) mindfulhealthylife (dot) com. All the information will also be in her forthcoming eBook.

Summer Solstice Potluck Social!

Thanks to all who came out for our annual potluck social! It was a lovely evening. We had some great conversations and lots of tasty bites! The kids had a blast playing on a beautiful almost-summer night!

Breastfeeding through the Years

Thanks to Pat Shelly of the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington for her great talk at our May meeting.

May Member Tea

We had a lovely discussion in May to plan for the future of our chapter after chapter founder Jessica Haney steps down as co-leader this summer. It was great to connect and to share what the chapter has offered us and what we'd like to see it do going forward. Thanks to Mary for hosting and for all the folks who came out or shared their thoughts with the group.