Surviving the Great Indoors of Winter

So, how about this weather we’re having? Feeling a little beat after last week’s rush-hour blizzard? Trying to figure out what to do with the kiddie as temperatures hover around the mid-30s?

I don’t have all the answers, but I have a few ideas on how to try and keep sane during the winter freeze:

1. Eat out. We love the new Red Mango yogurt – the newest addition to the Vienna cold dessert roster. You buy yogurt with toppings by the ounce, so be careful! Also, I am looking forward to the opening of the new Panera, where the former Hamilton Sofa Gallery was, at 136 Maple Avenue West.

2. Cook something. Cooking keeps me busy while making the house smell yummy. I stocked up the kitchen yesterday with a drive around town to my favorite grocery stores.

3. Get active. I went to East Meets West Yoga studio on Thursday night, for a special Vienna Moms group yoga event that I helped to organize. The studio was warm and softly lit. Made my day of dealing with the snow melt away. (I also went with friends afterwards to Caffe Amouri for some tea in a generously-sized mug.)

4. Be crafty. My friend Tara is teaching me how to knit. I know, the last thing I need is a new hobby – as such, I’m not progressing enough to warrant a trip to Vienna’s own Uniquities Yarn Shop on Church Street. Tara and I met at The Soundry by the W & OD Trail – a place that’s a former auto body shop turned public coffee shop/ art gallery /shared studio space. I was intrigued that it had a Monday night open-studio time, and thought it would be a good place for us to meet and do crafts. While it seemed great for actual artists in search of studio space, I can’t say it was the coziest place to sip our hot chocolate, gab and knit.

I wish it was easier to find some baby- and infant-friendly indoor spaces. Barring Oak Mar Rec Center pool, the indoor play places I’m aware of don’t seem to have weekend hours. Got any bright ideas?