All Fired Up is getting ready to welcome spring with some beautiful art projects for adults and kids. Learn a new skill, come in for a little bonding time with your favorite buddy or drop in and paint whatever you’d like. Don’t forget, Richmondmom readers get 10% off walk in projects anytime!
Camp Sign-Up Open Now, early bird special until MARCH 31st, 10% off price of entire session, learn all about the amazing summer camps at All Fired Up and register online or in the store.
Technique Workshop: Paris Canvas
Thursday, March 5, 6-8 pm
Come out to our workshop to paint a beautiful ceramic canvas with a Paris theme. Reservations are required, only $35. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Kid’s Fun Night
Friday, March 6, 6-8 pm
Drop off the kids with us as we create a clay St. Patrick’s Hat Mug, Splatter 4-Leaf Clover Plate, AND enjoy a pizza dinner! The cost is $25 per child and is for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required and space is limited, so call and sign up today. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Mug Monday
Monday, March 9, all day
Get 20% off all mugs all day long. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Technique Workshop: Starry Night Tray
Thursday March 12, 6-8 pm
Come paint a Van Gogh inspired ceramic tray for only $35, reservations are required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Preschool Pottery: St. Patrick’s Rainbow
Friday, March 13, 10:30-11:30 am
WHAT: Parents, come in with your preschool aged kids for a shared creative experience, as we make a fingerprint rainbow and pot of gold on a small coupe plate inspired by St. Patrick’s Rainbow for only $15. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Pi Day Special
Saturday, March 14th, all day
WHAT: When you mention Pi Day, you can receive $3.14 off of a purchase of $15 or more. Does not apply to private parties or gift certificates. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
St. Patrick’s Day Special
Tuesday, March 17th, all day
Wear green, save gold. 10% off all day when you wear green. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Technique Workshop: Pop Art Vase
Thursday, March 19, 6-8 pm
Create a Piet Mondrian inspired primary color rectangle vase for only $35, reservations required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Make-an-Alien Kids Class
Friday, March 20, 6-7:30 pm
Drop off the kids for an out-of-this-world kids class where we will be making our own unique wet clay aliens. The price is just $25 and reservations are required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Glass Jewelry Special
Monday, March 23, all day
Buy 3 Dichro glass necklace kits, get the 4th FREE. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Ladies Night Out
Thursday, March 26, 6-9 pm
Come join us for ladies night. We close down the studio to the public to give you a relaxing night off. Plus you will receive %10 off and snacks are provided. Reservations are recommended, so please call ahead to sign up your group. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Princess Party Kids Class
Friday, March 27, 6-7:30 pm
Drop off the kids with us for a fairytale inspired evening. Enjoy a night on the town while your kids paint a high heel slipper or princess bank. Call to sign up for this class. A snack is included all for the price of $30. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
All Fired Up is a Sponsor of Richmondmom
]]>
The 4th annual “I Heart Art” Contest is a chance to show off your creative abilities for a chance to win $500 for your school’s art program and a $50 gift card for yourself.
Roll up your sleeves and create your own coupe salad plate anytime between September 15th and October 15th for a chance to win.
All Fired Up staff will pick their favorite 15 plates from across the three studios and if your plate is chosen, the race is on! Voting will open up on the All Fired Up Facebook page on October 20th and run through the 30th. You can vote for as many entries as you like, once per day. – So be sure to pass it along to your school’s PTA, principal, art teacher, friends, family and more to advertise the contest and your plate to improve your chances of winning!
The plate with the most votes by October 30th will receive the Grand Prize: a $50 gift certificate to All Fired Up, and $500 to the school art program of their choice. Two runners up will receive a $25 gift certificate to All Fired Up. All participants will receive a $5 “kiln cash” gift certificate and be invited to our “I Heart Art Show” on November 6th, 6pm, at our Short Pump studio.
Don’t forget, readers get 10% off walk in projects. Find out more here.
Many schools have very tight budgets for the arts, and in many cases a $500 donation will practically double what the art teacher can use to enrich your kids’ creativity all year long. All Fired Up provides a wonderful chance to boost your school by having fun!
Find your All Fired Up location here.
All Fired Up is a Sponsor of Richmondmom.com
]]>
And if you need proof, there’s this cute gif of a panda baby protecting his ball from a mysterious gloved human:
(Don’t take his ball!)
If you need more than just a few seconds of cuteness, you’ll want your tickets to see 40 minutes of pandas on the big (76-foot) screen!
Pandas: the Journey Home comes to The Science Museum of Virginia on August 16th and brings you 29 million pixels of these amazing animals. The film shows the story of Tao Tao as he is released into the wild. Audiences will discover the panda’s natural habitat, laugh (and aw) at the playful nature of the panda and be inspired by the efforts of people to save these marvelous creatures.
Pandas: The Journey HomeThe Dome
at the Science Museum of Virginia
Opens Saturday, August 16, 2014
Pssst. Savvy Savers get a buy 1 get 1 free deal to admission to the Science Museum of Virginia! Get the details here
The Science Museum of Virginia is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com
]]>
The school year is coming up, and everyone wants to get off to the right start, but you may be overlooking an important exam in addition to your child’s back to school physical.
We contacted Dr. Inna Marcus, M.D. at the Virginia Eye Institute to tell us a little bit about the importance of getting an eye exam before starting school and a little bit of what to expect at your appointment.
Why are eye exams important before entering school?
It is important to identify vision problems before entering school for two reasons. The first is that poor vision can interfere with learning. Secondly, visual development occurs in early childhood and is completed in early adolescence. Visual development that is interrupted causes amblyopia, commonly called lazy eye. Amblyopia can be due to a need for glasses, the eyes are not aligned or something blocking vision like a cataract. Amblyopia responds best to treatment before age eight. Children with amblyopia who are diagnosed at an early age, preferably before starting school, have the best chance of improving their vision and having normal vision in both eyes throughout life.
How often and at what age should children get eye exams?
Screening for eye problems begins in the newborn nursery when children are screened by the the pediatrician for abnormalities caused by structural problems. This type of screening continues at well visits until age three when the visual acuity can be tested by having the child read an eye chart. Screenings should continue yearly throughout childhood. Any child who fails a screening, has suspected structural or eye movement problems, has medical problems associated with eye problems or has a family history of eye disease should be referred to an eye doctor for a complete exam.
What can parents and kids expect from a routine eye exam?
A complete eye exam, sometimes called a routine eye exam, has five components.
1. Comprehensive history about any eye problems, medical problems and family history of eye problems.
2. Testing the visual acuity with an age appropriate method (ie. matching for younger children and lines of letters for older children).
3. Evaluation of depth perception and muscle balance including tracking and the ability of the eyes to work together.
4. Structural exam of the pupils, eye surface and inner structures including the lens, optic nerve and retina. The pupil must be dilated with special eye drops to allow the doctor to see the inner eye structures. This part of the exam can identify important problems like cataracts, retinoblastoma, coats disease and optic nerve problems.
5. Refraction which is the measurement of the glasses prescription which reveals the ability of the eye to focus light and project a clear image on the retina. Nearsightedness, astigmatism and high farsightedness make the vision blurry. Children should have the refraction done after dilation which relaxes the the eye. Before dilation the lens, which is very flexible in children, can flex to focus light and give a false refraction. This can result in a glasses prescription that can cause eye strain and headaches.
What are some signs of a vision problem that parents should look out for?
Most children show no signs of vision problems which is why screening is very important. Some signs of eye problems include eye drifting or crossing, squinting, and tilting or turning the face to look at things.
Virginia Eye Institute has 10 offices throughout Central Virginia and services areas including Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Prince George, Petersburg, and New Kent.
VEI provides treatment for an entire range of ophthalmic needs, including cataract surgery, retinal disorders, glaucoma care, corneal disorders, pediatric eye care and adult strabismus, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, LASIK and refractive surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, optometry, as well as optical shops for glasses or customized contact lenses
Get 30% discount off eyeglasses, sunglasses & accessories and 10% off contact lenses at VEI with the Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver app (or just print off the page and bring it in!)
Dr. Inna Marcus, M.D. specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus, including amblyopia, ocular motility disorders, pediatric cataracts and glaucoma. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from New York University following her undergraduate studies at Columbia University. Dr. Marcus completed her ophthalmology residency at Yale University, and she completed her fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Duke University. She is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophtalmology, and the American Association for Pediatric Ophtalmology and Strabismus.
Virginia Eye Institute is a Sponsor of Richmondmom.com
]]>
There are great things happening in August at Romp n’ Roll!
Kids Night Out:
Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you! Parents get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner at Romp n’ Roll! No need to be a member; register by calling 804-730-2060. ($20 for one child, $35 for two children, $40 for three children; no discounts apply, children must be siblings to qualify for pricing)
Mark your calendar for a night out!
Romp n’ Roll Mechanicsville Kids Night Out
6300 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville VA 23111
Saturday, August 2nd, 6p-9p
Romp n’ Roll Midlothian Kids Night Out
11541 Busy Street, Midlothian VA 23236
Saturday, August 9th, 6p-9p
Romp n’ Roll West End Kids Night Out
9677 W Broad Street, Glen Allen VA 23060
Saturday, August 16th, 6p-9p
FREE Romp n’ Roll Open House!
Looking for a fall activity for your child? Want to learn more about Romp n’ Roll? Our instructors will be leading super-fun activities in our gym during the Open House and staff will also be available for parents to ask questions about our classes and membership options. No need to register; this event is FREE! More information at www.rompnroll.com or 804-364-6363.
Romp n’ Roll’s Fall Open House
All Richmond Romp n’ Roll Locations
Saturday, August 23rd, 9a-noon
Pssst… Romp n’ Roll offers discounts on play-based early- learning classes (Gym, Art, Music, and more): $10 off 3-month enrollment (limit one discount per year). Find out more here.
Romp n’ Roll is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com
]]>
Members and non-members are invited to attend classes
for only $10 per class between July 14th and July 20th!*
Keep the kids entertained during the hot summer days and check out everything Romp n’ Roll has to offer!
This is also the perfect opportunity for you to try a new class with your toddler or have your preschooler check out one of Romp n’ Roll’s many parent-optional classes to help you find that perfect fall activity!
Space in many classes is limited!
Check the schedule of classes to find one that works for you and register online or call them at (804) 364-6363.
(Pssst… Save big at Romp n’ Roll with the Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver app)
*Offer valid July 14-20 at West End, Midlothian and Mechanicsville locations only, subject to availability. Pre-registration required. Open Gym admission is not included in the $10 class special. No other discounts apply. Use promo code 10class. Promo code may be used more than once during the specified period.
Romp n’ Roll is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com
The Science Museum has gone to the… Monsters?
From monster trucks to monsters from beyond the Science Museum is promising a hair-raising good time on June 21st!
Take a photo next to the legendary Bigfoot® #1– the original Monster Truck. But that’s not all, keep their eyes peeled monsters lurking around the museum!
“Monsters have been a part of human culture since the ancient mythologies. We are very proud to continue this tradition at the Science Museum of Virginia by showcasing monsters in film as well as featuring a classic Monster Truck, named for a mythological monster,” says Rich Conti, Chief Wonder Officer.
Find out what makes a monster tick by exposing its mechanical makeup and dissecting a heart, brain or eye with the help of mad scientists. Channel your inner Dr. Frankenstein and get hands-on in the lab and create your own clay monsters. Enjoy monster-sized fun with special activities all day long!
And of course don’t forget to take a tour of How to Make A Monster the latest exhibit at SMV. Read all about How to Make a Monster here.
Monster Summer Celebration
at the Science Museum of Virginia
Saturday, June 21; 9:30 am – 5 pm
Summer Science Family Fun is included in exhibit admission.
Tickets are $11 with $1 discounts for ages 4-12 and 60+.
Visit www.smv.org or call 804.864.1400 for details.
The Science Museum of Virginia is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com
]]>
Photo by Jessica Nazarova
Dad’s shoulders have been there for you, now you can be there for them.
Whether dad spends most of his days at a desk, on his feet, or staying home with the kids, day to day life is putting a lot of strain on his body.
We all know getting a massage feels good, but it also has a whole host of health benefits from stress relief to pain management. Studies have even suggested that massage can boost the immune system and aid the body’s ability to get nourishment to important areas.
This year, forgo the tie, the mug, and the other nicknacks and pick up a gift card to Massage Envy Spa and he can treat himself to the massage that’s right for him.
Massage Envy Spa offer Swedish massage, deep tissue 
massage, sports massage, reflexology and cranial sacral therapy. Get a little more out of your massage with aromatherapy for aches and pains, to help increase circulation or to ease tension.
For particularly achy dads, boost his experience with Deep Muscle Therapy which includes a muscle relaxing warming towel compression, a warming ointment which allows therapist to work deeper into the muscles and an invigorating and pain relieving cooling gel for only $12 extra.
Massage Envy gift cards are availableat any of your 6 Richmond area locations today.
This post is sponsored by Massage Envy
]]>
The animationic gorilla has 26 motors in it’s head acting as facial muscles to manipulate expressions.
The Science Museum of Virginia is packed to the gills monsters (sometimes with gills) and you are going to love it.
Oscar-winning special effects creator John Cox, created a special exhibit to allow you to get up close to his incredible creations.
I normally breeze by videos which are set up for exhibits wanting to get my hands on something, but the first video of the how they made the gorillas from George of the Jungle 2 was absolutely fascinating. You are taken from how the actors learned to move their bodies to the addition of the gorilla costume. Ever wondered how actors fit inside those costumes? See a live deconstructed costume and watch how the actors eyes had to be seamlessly blended into the costume.
Once inside you’ll meet a werewolf and watch how lighting design changes how they look. See how movies blend animatronic with real animals for filming (and try to spot the difference.
“We believe in the power of STEM at the Museum. This summer, we will be defining STEM as science, technology, engineering and monsters,” according to Rich Conti, Chief Wonder Officer.
How to Make A Monster is actually more than just STEM, it’s a perfect example of how art and science can come together. While the engineering and technology are interesting on their own, the artistic qualities and extraordinary attention to detail is what makes each piece come to life. Perfect for the little engineer and the artist.
Summer movies will take on a whole new meaning when you see a unicorn, get up close with an abominable snowman, touch alien guts(!), wave the tail of a crocodile and watch how it looks on screen. How to Make A Monster lets you be a part of the movie magic.
Nosh on popcorn and soak up all the action at the Science Museum with their special movie nights and events.
Science After Dark: Monster Editions
Friday, June 20
Enjoy a Horror Movie Panel Discussion featuring horror icons Dr. Gruesome and Skeeter, Bowman Body, and Dr. Madblood, moderated by Sean Kotz, followed by a special presentation of Horror of Dracula in The Dome.
Friday, July 18
Spend an evening in the Museum to experience live science activities including brain dissections and monster CO2 Racers. After the activities, take a seat in The Dome to see a special presentation of Gremlins.
Friday, August 15
Spend an evening in the Museum to experience live science activities including heart dissections and create your own slime. After the activities enjoy a presentation by Todd Raviotta and see a special presentation of Bride of Frankenstein in The Dome.
Summer Science Family Fun
Saturday, June 21
Are you afraid of the dark? Venture into the sunshine to celebrate monsters, from the iconic Bigfoot #1 The Original Monster Truck® to a monster trebuchet sending items soaring through the air.
How to Make A Monster is inspiring movie-goers everywhere until September 7, 2014.
(Don’t forget to use your savvy saver app for an exclusive discount)
The Science Museum of Virginia is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com
]]>
Upcoming May Events & Specials:
Tiny Prints: Mommy’s Sweeties Keepsake Plate
Come in anytime in May for a special rate on our “Mommy’s Sweeties” keepsake plate designs! Our friendly staff will help you get the perfect hand or foot print from your infant or toddler on a large coupe dinner plate, and turn it into a cupcake or ice cream cone! The best part is that we do all the design work for you! All-inclusive cost is only $30. Interested in another design? Check out our new Tiny Prints Catalog and choose from tons of great designs our staff can help you create!
Kids Fun Night!
Join us on May 2nd from 6-8pm to get ready for Mother’s Day as we create a family plaque from wet clay, paint a ceramic jewelry dish, AND enjoy a pizza dinner! The cost is only $25 per child and is recommended for ages 6 and up. Space is limited, so call and sign up your kids today!
Mother’s Day Special – Mom’s get 20% off any walk-in project on Mother’s Day, May 12th!
Set Special – Buy any three of the same item and get the 4th for FREE on May 21st!
Mug Monday – On May 26th all mugs are 20% off, while supplies last!
Preschool Pottery: “To the Moon & Back” and “My Family Tree”
Parents, come in with your preschool aged kids for a shared painting experience geared toward kids 5 and under! On Saturday, May 3rd from 10:30-11:30am we’ll have a class is inspired by the phrase “I love you to the moon and back” and on Monday, May 5th from 10:30-11:30am we’ll make a one-of-a-kind family tree! These projects will make great Mother’s Day gifts! The all-inclusive cost is just $35 per project + tax.
Tea With Me: An All Fired Up Tea Party
On Saturday, May 10th, from 10am-Noon come and have a ‘paint date’ with your child! We will be serving punch and cookies, and painting a complete doll-sized tea set that includes a teapot, creamer, sugar, two mugs with saucers, and a tray. All-inclusive cost is only $40 per tea set + tax.
Technique Workshop: Peacock Silk-Screen Vase
The second Thursdays of the month we host a Technique Workshop for adults! Come in Thursday, May 8th, from 6-8pm, for our Technique Workshop on how to create a stunning Peacock Feather Vase that is easier to create than you could ever imagine! Cost is only $35 + tax, and pre-registration is required to attend, so invite your friends and reserve your spot today!
Ladies Night Out
Ladies… Imagine a relaxing night creating your own work of art while gabbing with your best girl friends! Come join us on Thursday, May 29th from 6pm-9pm for our Ladies Night Out! We are closing down the studio to the public to give you a relaxing night off! You’ll also receive 10% off your piece, and snacks are provided. Please call and register your group.