Twirl Cafe

Apps that Parent's Need (and not the food kind!)

2011-12-08T16:34:00.001-08:00

Do you have a smart phone, and wish you could take it to its full potential?? Here is your chance. As a working Mom of two, I greatly appreciate it when I can find a good, wholesome iphone app that helps make my life easier. I mean who doesn't? If I am going to have a cell phone attached to my right hand, it might as well be doing something FOR me. Here is a quick review of a few cool apps that can be found on my iphone! And by all means, please share your favorites!!

OFFER UP - Cost: FREE

This app is great for the parent who is ready to part with all of those outgrown toys and clothes. I tried it out myself and found it incredibly EASY! As a newly started company, this app revolutionizes the way you post your junk on Craigslist! Hold up that adorable dress that your child hardly ever wore, and the app helps you snap a picture, type in a short description and post it on their website where other Offer Up users can check it out. Then, when someone wants to buy it, they can make an offer! To make things even sweeter, it will help you post on Craigslist too - talk about a time saver!

BABY CONNECT - Cost: $4.99

Although not free, if you want an app that will document every drop of pee and minute of sleep your child has, this is for you. A friend turned me onto this app and I have to say, its been a life-saver! Essentially, this app is a living journal of what your child does all day, from the basics (eat, drink, poop) to milestones, activities, moods and more!

The best part about this baby log app is that it can be shared across several 'caregivers.' For me, that's been my nanny, my mother, and my husband! If your not careful you can get carried away with this one, but for me its been a great way to communicate my newborn's feeding and nap schedule with my nanny throughout the day so that I can run home and breastfeed when able. The app operates by syncing with your other caregiver's phones and will push notify you when entries you specify are added. Plus, this app can create graphs, charts and email summaries of the data. So next time when your doctor asks you how many pee and poo diapers your child has on average, you can actually answer with confidence...oh joy!

BABY MONITOR - Cost: $2.99

This one is sort of a no-brainer. You are on vacation... you don't have a plug that reaches far enough...or you are at a friends house and just need to lay your little one down in the next room for an unplanned nap. This app operates like a baby monitor by calling another phone you specify when it detects noise, at a level you specify. You can actually set this one to play back your own voice recording at the first sign of noise, although this seemed to me somewhat silly and useless. The app has a nice look and feel and it's super user friendly. The best part, you can turn it on and have it play a song or lullaby (or white noise) from your music library so your wee one can drift peacefully to sleep. In the past, these apps have made me nervous as I found they didn't always work well or had to constantly be reset when the phone rang, a text message came in, etc. Although you should always periodically check on your child, and never leave them out of earshot, I found this monitor app worked much better and consistently than previous ones I've tried.

TOCA HAIR SALON - Cost FREE

This is just silly. You have a toddler and you are trying to get through your conversation with your spouse (let alone your meal) at a restaurant and your 2 or 3 year old is done eating...now what? This app is what! My sister found this little gem and it keeps them busy for way too long. With a name like Hair X-Mas, you know its going to be good. This app let's you shave, grow, paint, and blow dry Santa's beard or a nice little Christmas tree. Lots of tools to play with, lots of action, your toddler will love it.

EPICURIOUS - Cost: FREE

Not sure what to make for dinner? You are not alone. I can often be found standing in the middle of the grocery aisle (likely blocking someones way) staring at this app. When you are not sure what to make, you can quickly and easily sort and filter through 1000s of recipes with pictures and reviews. You can even specify particular ingredients or dietary restrictions to narrow down your conquest for the perfect meal. With a click, you can add it to your virtual 'shopping' list so you can cruise through the store with ease and worry about more important things like your child having a grocery store meltdown. If you pay a little extra, you can buy the full version that syncs with your online account, making sharing among computers and other iPhones a cinch.

IWRITE WORDS - $2.99 OR FREE (lite version)

If you are worried about the screen time your preschooler is getting on your ipad or iphone, you can actually feel good about this one! This little program helps preschoolers trace and learn their numbers and letters. In small steps, this app shows them the direction their finger needs to follow, and when they get it right, little icons drop down to play with. I was skeptical when I saw my older nephew playing this one with ease, but sure enough, my daughter picked right up and loved the fact that she is writing real letters and numbers. There is a free version, but if you want to avoid your kiddling trying to click on all the ads and such, spend the 3 bucks and download the full version.

PANDORA - FREE

So this one is a given. Not only do we use it to stream music in the cafe, but I dock it in my kitchen when my daughter and I need to do a little dance while cooking dinner. You choose your favorite song or a genre, and it will continue to play music that is similar to it! Great for music lovers who don't want to manage itunes accounts. Best part? It's FREE! At least if you don't mind listening to a few Ads. Or, pay around $10 for the year to get endless ad-free play. Here's our

Twirl Favorite Pandora Stations:

Adele (wind-down)
80's Disco Party (or, toddler dance party)
Christmas Classics (get festive)
Pink Martini (cocktail parties, or maybe you just want to feel suave)
Indigo Swing (cooking in the kitchen)
Caspar Babypants (kids need a sing along)
Jack Johnson (chillin with da kids)
Ocean Waves Radio (nearing nap time, kids are high strung, your nerves are high)
Today's Hits (feeling out of touch)

RUNNER'S UP:

Walk Score: App that tells you businesses within walking distance of your location, great for traveling!

Still Tasty: Find out how long those leftovers are good for (both in the fridge and freezer), then have it alert you when its time to toss!

Amazon Fresh: Now you can order your groceries for next day delivery, virtually anywhere?!

TELL US YOUR FAVORITE APPS!

Now Enrolling! Winter Mommy Matters Series!

2011-12-08T16:19:00.001-08:00

Twirl Cafe is excited to host another weekly series of Mommy Matters, a dynamic workshop for moms of toddlers/preschoolers ranging in age from 18 months to 3.5 years old.

This engaging 8-week workshop is for moms who want to enjoy their lives while parenting a toddler and/or preschooler. Mommy Matters addresses the whole mom and in-depth tools for handling discipline.

We want to make sure you understand that Mommy Matters is not individual or group therapy. This group is not for individuals in need of greater services than a 12 hour psycho-education workshop can provide. We are happy to provide you with referrals for more intensive services if that is appropriate.

Registration Required. Go to www.mommymattersseattle.com to learn more.

Workshop Location/Details

Dates: Wednesdays, January 25 – March 21, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Twirl Cafe, 2111 Queen Anne Ave North, Seattle, WA 98119. 206-283-4552.

Childcare: Available on a pre-paid or a drop-in basis. Information is available upon request!
Please Note: Babies up to 6 months are allowed in the workshop. Older babies and toddlers need outside care.

Creating Family Traditions

2011-10-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

At first glance, it's like something out of a J.Crew catalog...except these are real families and traditions! This winter, we are excited to bring our Twirl families the chance to preserve their special holiday memories. My family and I sat down with Sarah and in 20 minutes, created a unique snapshot of what our winter holidays are often about, Scrabble, hot chocolate, and cozy family time. In my opinion, 20 minutes was the perfect amount of time to try and wrangle a 3 year old and a 2 month old for a photo session. But that is the thing, it really didn't feel like the traditional "smile at the camera" sitting. We had a blast spending a few minutes together on the couch having a laugh and getting silly.

I am happy to extend this experience to others as we open up our space to create a unique photography experience that will be a fun, timeless gift for you and your family that gathers the essence of what 'family' means to you. It's a chance to create and preserve tradition with your family.

How it works

Bring in something that signifies your family’s holiday traditions to show off in your mini session with Seattle’s premier child and family photographer, Sarah Vasquez of Hope and Memory Photography.

For 20 minutes you’ll get Sarah’s undivided attention while she captures you and your family in the holiday spirit at Twirl Cafe. Afterward, you’ll receive 5-8 proofs in an online gallery. Should you choose to purchase photos, you will have the option of picking them up at Twirl on a designated day or having them mailed to you… all in time for Christmas!

To Schedule Your Appointment:

Hope and Memory Photography, Sarah Vasquez

sarah@hopeandmemoryphotography.com

Live Mural Painting at Twirl Cafe with Ryan Henry Ward!

2011-05-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle Muralist Ryan ‘Henry’ Ward to Paint LIVE at Twirl Cafe

Come Watch a Seattle Artist in Action!

Date: May 26th , 2011

Twirl Cafe (2111 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle) is excited to announce that Seattle’s famed public muralist, Ryan Henry Ward, will paint LIVE at Twirl Cafe on Monday June 6th between 12PM and 5PM. Ryan Henry Ward’s whimsical and animal-themed art murals can be seen throughout the city in popular neighborhoods like Wallingford, Ballard, Capitol Hill, and SODO.

Twirl Cafe invites the media, elementary schools and preschools to watch him paint LIVE here in the cafe. Although the general public can drop by anytime, we are scheduling visits in 15-30 minute blocks for group visits. If you are interested, please contact Rebecca at info@twirlcafe.com to schedule an appointment.

Our play area will be closed during this time, but the cafe will remain open for coffee and lunch as usual.

Who is Ryan Henry Ward?

Ryan graduated with a degree in Art, Writing and Storytelling for Children from Fairhaven College in Western Washington. It was at Fairhaven that he began to focus on his writing, theatre crafts and painting. He has written and illustrated several books for loved ones, as well as illustrated children’s books authored and published by others.

Since June of 2008, Ryan has completed over 110 murals, and it is this body of work that he has become most famous for. Previous to becoming a public muralist, he had painted dozens of murals in private residences around the Pacific Northwest. He has created works in India and Thailand, as well as four murals in the Dominican Republic. Selling over 400 original canvases in Seattle over the past couple of years, Ryan's vision of creating primitive images with a dream like surreal quality has come to fruition... He wants the natural rawness of the painting process to show through his balanced, bright, and whimsical work.

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For more information, please contact Rebecca Pelletier via email at info@twirlcafe.com

Mom and Me Night Out THIS Sunday! Get Your TIX!

2011-05-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
Date: May 9th, 2011

FEATURING: MOM AND ME NIGHT OUT!

A night out for Moms and Tots!

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, Twirl Cafe is hosting an event just for Mom’s and their little ones (ages 0-7). This will be the ultimate evening play date! A great chance to celebrate MOM and build community.

The event will take place on Sunday, May 15th from 4-7PM at Twirl Cafe (2111 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle).

THE FINER DETAILS:

Tickets are for $28+ tax for Mom and Child. Individual tickets available.
Tickets and Event Website: http://www.twirlcafe.com/Mom_%26_Me_Night_Out_2011.html

Tickets Include:
Dinner and Drinks
Beer, Wine, and Champagne available for purchase
Lots of Milk and Goodies from Smith Brothers Farms
Glow in the dark Baby Disco, Parachute Play + Face Painting
Monitored Play Area Support by College Nannies & Tutors
Chair Massages with Laurie Swanson
Jewelry Display from Stella + Dot for your shopping pleasure!
Sweet Raffle Prizes, like 2 tickets to the Seattle Mom Prom, FREE play cards, and MORE!
Storytime with Tegan from Queen Anne Books!
Swag Bag, with discounts, including gems from Queen Anne’s newest Charley + May, City Mommy and Seattle Kids Dentistry

For more information, contact info@twirlcafe.com

Top 10 Reasons to Come to Twirl Happy Hour!

2011-04-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

1. You don’t want to make dinner (we don’t blame you).

2. Your little one is doing laps around the house, why not bring the party here?

3. Your too tired to “constrain and entertain” your child at a restaurant table

4. You’re overdue for a catch up with your spouse or friends, even those without kids

5. You want to wear out your child before bedtime

6. We always have delicious Mac n Cheese that even YOU will go GA-GA for.

7. Your spouse is out of town and you need a break (and maybe a glass of wine!)

8. Your babysitter is on duty and the kids need to eat!

9. Because you can’t remember the last time you were able to go to “Happy Hour” with friends?

10. Because our menu contains Organic, Local, Gluten Free, Vegan, and All-Natural choices!

Join us for Happy Hour!
Thursday through Saturday
5-8pm

FREE Open Play
Beer and Wine Selections
HOT Weekly Dinner Specials
FREE Parking in our Garage. It's that easy!
http://www.twirlcafe.com/

Mom and Me Water Exercise Class at QA Pool!

2011-04-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

I recently attended the Mom & Me exercise class at the Queen Anne Pool. I had a blast, and was compelled to write about my experience to let other Moms know about this fun class! Armed with a heavy toddler in a wet life jacket, noodles, and balls, we began a great workout around the pool. We lifted up the kids, swished them around the water and got in some lunges and abs too. It was a great arm workout, and a fun bonding time with my 2.5 year old. Her last pool experience was overwhelming and included a busy pool with lots of splashing, so this was a great way to get her back in the water. After a few nervous minutes, she was laughing and kicking. Being 20 weeks pregnant, I always jump at a chance to get into the pool to feel weightless for just a few moments, so this was a great excuse! If your looking for a fun afternoon water activity, this 30 minute class is for you! Roust the kiddo after nap, and come jump and splash with other Moms and tots. Laura and I will be there for sure!

The class series just began, but you can still join!

What: Mom & Me Exercise Class
Where: Queen Anne Pool, Seattle Parks and Rec
When: Mondays 2:30-3:00pm
Who: You and your little one!
How Much: $6.00 drop in or series pricing available
BONUS: Walk around the corner to Twirl afterward and get a $1 Off Open Play! Just mention QA Pool.

CD Release Party: Polly-Glots !

2011-03-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Check out the CD Release Party happening for our friends at Polly-Glots! Information about the event below:

DATE: March 24, 2011

WHEN: 10:30-11:00 French / 11:00-11:30 Spanish

WHERE: Starbucks 1600 East Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98102

WHY: It's a free event for you and the kids!

Foreign Language makes this an event that's fun and GOOD for you!

WHO: Parents, Educators, kids alike!

RSVP: This Starbucks is big but space is limited. Please RSVP to kim@polly-glots.com

Red Tricycle Play Dates at Twirl Cafe

2011-02-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

Twirl Cafe is excited to continue our Community Play Date series with Red Tricycle!! You've been asking - so here it is! We are excited about the next series of play dates. It's only as fun as you make it - so let your neighbors know and bring the kiddos for a fun time!

1/2 price Admission with matching zip codes so bring ID or Mail!

RSVP here and get entered into a drawing for a free punch card! Let us know you are coming, and see who else might be there!

Red Tricycle Play Date Schedule

Magnolia / Queen Anne 98199, 98119, 98109 2/3 3-5pm

Greenlake Area 98117, 98103 2/3 10-12pm

Madrona Area 98144, 98108, 98118 2/10 10-12pm

Ballard 98107 2/10 3-5pm

University / Ravenna 98115, 98105 2/17 3-5pm

Bellevue / Kirkland *NEW All Zipcodes 2/17 10-12pm

Capitol Hill / Eastlake 98102, 98122   2/24 10-12pm

Downtown Corridor 98101,98121, 98104   2/24 3-5pm

Mercer Island *NEW 98040 3/3 10-12pm

Madison Park 98112   3/3 3-5pm

West Seattle 98116, 98126, 98136, 98106 3/10 3-5pm

North Seattle *NEW 98177, 98133, 98125, 98155

Think we missed your zipcode? Or want your neighborhood to have a play date? Let us know! We are continuing to grow our coverage area, based on demand. info@twirlcafe.com

Photo courtesy Rachel Caprio www.rachelcaprio.com

This SUNDAY! Come Play with a Purpose & Support Street Youth!

2011-01-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Twirl Cafe and

Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington (SYLAW) presents:

Play with a Purpose!

Join us at Twirl Cafe
Sunday, January 30th
10am-1pm

Admission fee: $10 / Child (donation)

* 3 hours of play at Twirl Cafe
* Art Station for the kiddos
* Raffle Prizes, 2 for $5
* Food and Beverage
Beer and Wine available for Purchase

We are opening our doors Sunday for a special charity event. What better way to support homeless youth in our community AND enjoy your sunday morning!

SYLAW is a non-profit organization that provides civil legal representation, information and education to homeless and at-risk youth. Primarily, SYLAW seeks to help youth with housing, education, employment, family law, consumer law, and public entitlements.

Twirl Cafe
2111 Queen Anne Ave North
Seattle, WA 98109
206-283-4552

Meet Trainer Jill! Sign up for MamaTone Fitness!

2011-01-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

Our MamaTone Fitness Series is beginning Next Thursday, January 20th at 10AM. We still have spots left, so MOMS sign up for this awesome workout class, and get your New Years Resolutions on track! This group work out is for all skill levels. You won't be disappointed. Email info@twirlcafe.com to register for MamaTone. 5-Week Series, $70.

Introducing Jill!

Jill Bruyere is one of the leading health and wellness experts in the area. She is a certified health professional by the American College of Sports Medicine. Jill holds a BS in Exercise Physiology and a Masters in Sports Leadership from the University of Washington.

Jill has been training and teaching bootcamp fitness at the Washington Athletic Club for the past 10 years. She also trains and leads her own bootcamp business in West Seattle.

Bottom line - Jill teaches a motivating and challenging class that gets her clients the results they desire. If you are serious about losing weight, tightening and toning your body, MamaTone fitness is for you!

Learn more about Jill here: http://www.runwithjillbootcamp.com/about.html

PRESS RELEASE: Announcing Community Play Dates

2010-12-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rebecca Pelletier

Phone: 206-283-4552

Email: Becky@twirlcafe.com

ANNOUNCING NEW COMMUNITY PLAY DATES AT TWIRL CAFE

A Child-friendly Café and Play Space

Date: December 11, 2010

New to the neighborhood or interested in meeting other parents or caregivers from your hood? Every Thursday we will feature two different Seattle-area communities for our play dates! Community residents with matching zip codes will get 1/2 Price admission on specific dates and times (regularly $5 with purchase) so don’t forget your current ID (or mail addressed to you). Take advantage of this great opportunity to network with other families with young children from your area and have some fun too! We’ll be asking funky Seattle neighborhood trivia - guess right and get the chance to win more prizes!

Our upcoming play dates schedule is below, but can also be found online at http://www.twirlcafe.com/Classes_and_Activities.html

Magnolia 98199; 16-Dec 10-12pm

Phinney/Wallingford/Greenlake/Fremont 98117, 98103; 16-Dec 3-5pm

Queen Anne 98119, 98109; 23-Dec 3-5pm

Ballard 98107; 23-Dec 10-12pm

Downtown Corridor 98101, 98121, 98104; 30-Dec 3-5ppm

Madison Park 98112; 30-Dec 10-12pm

Capitol Hill / Eastlake 98102, 98122; 6-Jan 3-5pm

Leschi / Beacon Hill / Mt Baker / Madrona 98144, 98108, 98144; 6-Jan 10-12pm

West Seattle 98116, 98126, 98136, 98106; 13-Jan 10-12pm

University / Ravenna 98115, 98105; 13-Jan 3-5pm

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For more information about Twirl Cafe, please contact Rebecca Pelletier via email at info@twirlcafe.com

Now Enrolling for Mommy Matters Series!

2010-12-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

Twirl Cafe is excited to host another weekly series of Mommy Matters a dynamic workshop for moms of toddlers/preschoolers ranging in age from 18 months to 3.5 years old.

Share experiences about adjusting to motherhood, balancing family life with other life challenges, working outside the home and/or staying at home, coping with change, and learning to nurture relationships with child(ren) and partner while taking care of yourself.

We want to make sure you understand that Mommy Matters is not individual or group therapy. This group is not for individuals in need of greater services than a 12 hour psycho-education workshop can provide. We are happy to provide you with referrals for more intensive services if that is appropriate.

Registration Required - go to www.mommymattersseattle.com

Workshop Location/Details

Dates: Wednesdays, January 26 – March 23, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Location: Twirl Cafe, 2111 Queen Anne Ave North, Seattle, WA 98119

Childcare: Available on a pre-paid or a drop-in basis. Information is available upon request.

Babies: Up to 6 months are allowed in the workshop. Older babies and toddlers need outside care.

Other: Espresso and other drinks, as well as light snacks, will be available for purchase from TWIRL prior to and following the workshop. However, you are not obligated to purchase anything if you do not choose to. Feel free to bring anything from home.

Exciting New Faces during Supervised Play Sessions!

2010-12-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce our new partnership with College Nannies and Tutors! Starting December 1st, their staff of experienced nannies will be helping watch the kiddos during our Supervised Play sessions on Mondays and Wednesday mornings!

Here's a little info about what they are all about:

College Nannies and Tutors is the nation’s largest employer of nannies. With local ownership, they have been providing nannies to Seattle families since March of 2009. College Nannies’ approach to childcare is active, engaged fun! Every College Nanny is background screened, reference checked and experienced in care of children. Our Nanny Placement Manager personally interviews, screens and trains each of our nannies. Whether it’s a night out, a day on the golf course or a weekend away, their Hourly Childcare Nannies are the perfect option. Or if you have a regular activity you need childcare for, their Part Time College Nanny program may be a good fit. They work individually with each family and build a job description to meet their specific needs.

They are offering FREE Enrollment into their On Call Hourly Childcare ($99 value) to Twirl Cafe customers! Call Katie McWilliams at 206.659.4156, and mention Twirl Cafe!

Drop by the cafe during our supervised play sessions, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9AM to Noon and meet our new childcare providers (and maybe sneak in a few chapters of that book you've been meaning to finish!)

NEW EVENING HOURS!

2010-11-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Families!
We are excited to announce NEW evening hours at Twirl Cafe!

This is a way to not only offer another great KID-friendly dining option three nights a week, but allow working parents to come join in the fun after work. Forget trying to whip up dinner after a long week, come let your kids blow off steam while decompressing with your spouse, a friend, or solo!

NEW HOURS:
Monday through Wednesday 9AM to 5PM
Thursday through Saturday 9AM to 8PM (open for dinner!)
Closed Sundays for Private Parties

Play Area Discount!
Spend $10 on food and beverages between 6 and close and we'll give you 1/2 off the play admission!

Join us with your kiddo for Pumpkin Painting

2010-10-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Kids
Pumpkin Painting!!

Wednesday, October 20th &

Wednesday, October 27th

3 to 6pm

Call us or Come in to Sign up

$12 / child – All Ages Welcome

Includes play admission, pumpkin,

painting supplies and instruction by Miss Courtney!

This will be a fun-filled parent-child activity

Hours of Operation and Rate Structure

2010-10-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy Rachel Caprio. www.rachelcaprio.com

We had a TON of fun on Saturday with a full house of kids, parents and grandparents. We want to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating. We got a lot of questions about how things work at Twirl. I wanted to clarify a few things, especially as information is in the process of being updated on our website.

Our Hours:
Monday through Friday 8AM to 6PM.
Saturday 9AM to 6PM
Sunday: CLOSED for private parties.

Our Rate Structure and Schedule:

OPEN PLAY
Open play at Twirl is $5 all day, with any purchase. You are welcome to use our main play area, or our upstairs gym area (when not in use). During this time you are responsible for supervising your own child.

SUPERVISED PLAY - Mondays & Wednesdays from 9AM to Noon

Photos courtesy Rachel Caprio. www.rachelcaprio.com

Supervised play at Twirl is $8/hour with purchase or class attendance. Your child will be signed into our play area under the care of our qualified childcare supervisor. During this time you must stay on site, but we invite you to take a class, enjoy our free WIFI, or an uninterrupted visit with a friend while we ensure your child has a fun experience in our play area. During supervised play, we will have story time, games, and activities for the kids to participate in on a rotating basis. Ages 6 months and older. Open play rate is not available during this time.

Press Release: Twirl Cafe Grand Opening October 9

2010-09-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release

Twirl Cafe Opening October 9th

September 25th 2010

Twirl Cafe, located on quaint upper Queen Anne at 2111 Queen Anne Ave N, is excited to announce the official opening of their doors! Come celebrate the unveiling of our imaginative play area and sophisticated café space on October 9th, with events starting at 10AM! Bring the kiddos and enjoy live music, food samples, door prizes, raffles, and free play from 10am-12pm !

Twirl is not your ordinary family-friendly cafe. With well-designed finishes and furnishings, the main purpose of this comfortable community gathering spot is for parents to network with other parents, meet their friends with (or without) kids, and have some one-on-one play time with their child(ren). We can’t wait to share our beautiful space with you!

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For more information about Twirl, or to schedule an interview, please contact Rebecca Pelletier via email Becky@twirlcafe.com or phone 206-697-0441.

Table Talk Workshop - Coming to Twirl!

2010-09-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce a workshop event coming to Twirl Cafe! If your toddler is making dinner times difficult and you have had enough, come join this workshop and learn some great information and tips on having a more peaceful mealtime!

Table Talk

Want your kids to try new foods willingly?
Want to sit down as a family for dinner?

Join Brandi Olden (Registered Dietitian and Family Nutrition Expert) and Melissa Benaroya (clinical social worker, Gottman Educator, Parent Coach, and co-founder of Mommy Matters Seattle) for this informative and fun workshop on creating peace at the dinner table.

Who: Parents of 18 month to 3 year old children

Where: Twirl Café, 2111 Queen Anne Ave N., Seattle, WA

When: October 21st, 6:30 to 8:30pm

The last event sold out, so sign-up now!
For more information or to register, contact Brandi - brandi@brandiolden.com.

Toddler Eating - a few things to try for picky eaters

2010-08-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

My daughter has always had a passion for food (not surprised, after all she is my kin!) But, as with all children, nothing ever stays the same for too long - that would just be too easy! We have gone through some rough patches at meal time. Part of this, I believe, has much to do with the control that babies and toddlers crave. As she approached 1.5 years old, her bravery to eat whatever I put in front of her subsided. I was challenged to get her to continue to eat healthy food, without the battle.

After careful observation of her eating habits, I realized that a lot of it was like a game. Was eating fun? Well for most of us, we have been taught by our parents that meal time is a peaceful, civilized event. So of course toddlers don't see eating as "fun!" From that point on, I tried to make meal time a little more interesting, yet civilized.(because YES part of the above is true that good table manners are important to teach early on.) Here are a few things I found, based on my experience:

Utensils: Offering spoon and fork was important, even if it started out with a 5% catch rate, and ended in hands to mouth. The idea of eating like Mom and Dad was pretty dang cool and soon what was on the fork became less important. Start this early! You will be amazed how fast even a 9 month old will learn to grasp and eat.

Cup: My friend Keren taught her son at a year old to drink with an open cup. While over to dinner, I was baffled by her sons dexterity, while watching my daughter fumble with her spill-proof sippy. This was a reminder that the sooner you expose your child to new things, the sooner they will learn them. Yes, in the beginning it was a little messier than usual, but so what? Start with water if that helps!

Getting Excited: Talking and having your child help you or watch you prepare their food builds excitement. It doesn't always guarantee they will eat it, but it helps them understand where food comes from and exercise patience while waiting for their meal. The other day Laura scarfed down 5 broccoli nuggets (Dr Praegers) without hesitation, simply because I showed them to her and pointed out that they were shaped like dinosaurs. Kids like food that is in the shape of anything (even if it just appears that way) Maybe your nuggets look like basketballs, or your broccoli looks like trees? Go with it!

Dips: I am not sure how many parents have unleashed the power of the DIP. The chance that my daughter will eat anything goes up by 75% if there is some sort of dip involved. The act of dipping food into something else takes us back to that "fun" thing. In our family we joke that ketchup is a drug for kids - that sugary delicious red stuff. Laura would eat ketchup on everything, if I let her. But knowing this, I have a standard list of dip alternatives I serve with foods when the "no eat" risk is high (and I am not saying you should always make special circumstances at every meal).

Try these:

Hummus

Yogurt

BBQ Sauce (good ketchup alternative)

Sour cream

Guacamole (or just plain mashed avocados)

Mild Salsa

Cottage Cheese

Just because your toddler won't eat something the first time, doesn't mean you shouldn't continue to give it to him or her to try. The more flavors and tastes that toddlers experience, the better. Some days my toddler doesn't want anything to do with noodles, other days she will eat the whole bowl in under 3 minutes. Don't give up! Variety is key. Also, make sure you limit snacks before meal-time. It seems like a no-brainer, but even I fall victim when I am trying to keep her busy during dinner prep. Dinner time = meltdown time, I know! I recently started letting Laura stand on a short stool in the kitchen so she could watch me prepare food (and keep busy). She loves it. You can also try a Learning Tower, a little more pricey but also a great tool for the older ones!

Do you have any tips, tricks or stories for baby and toddler eating?

Please leave a comment! Happy Eating!

Our booth at the Queen Anne Farmers Market

2010-08-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce our new booth at the Queen Anne Farmers Market, Thursdays from 3 to 7pm! Last Thursday we served up delicious Rosemary Lemonade, made with organic sugar and lemon juice as well as Mint Iced Tea. We used fresh herbs from Magic Bean Farm, a Seattle CSA farm.

We enjoyed talking with our fellow Queen Anne neighbors while providing some thirst quenching drinks - just what was needed on a hot day at the market. We hope to see you again this Thursday from 3-7pm. Come talk to us! We would love to share what we are all about and get your feedback!

We are handing out free pinwheel craft projects for the kiddos, so be sure to stop by and grab one!

U-Pick Blueberries at Blue Dog Farm

2010-08-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

We took the family to Blue Dog Farm in Carnation this past Saturday for some delicious, organic blueberry picking! U-pick fruit is a great way to teach your kids about where their favorite fruits come from, and to help them understand the concept of gardening. Our toddler loved picking the ripe ones off the bush, and happily placing them in her bucket. It is pay by the pound, and the best part... you are welcome to eat some as you pick. My toddler definitely exercised that option!

Once you are done picking, enjoy a nice picnic in the grass, or visit the chickens, pigs and cows that live on the farm. To top it off, the drive to Blue Dog Farm is only 40 minutes from Seattle and you get the pleasure of driving along some beautiful roads through lush, pastoral farm land. It's a great reminder of how blessed we are here in the Northwest.

Blue Dog Farm

7125 W. Snoqualmie Valley Road

Carnation, Washington 98014

(425) 844-2842

Blue Dog Farms is open for u-pick Tuesdays and Saturdays only from 9am to Noon (through second week in August). Check the website before you go, as hours and days may change with crop availability!

Here are a few photos from our trip! Happy Picking!

Twirl Press Release - July 8th 2010

2010-07-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rebecca Pelletier

Email: info@twirlcafe.com

TWIRL, OPENING LATE SUMMER IN QUEEN ANNE NEIGHBORHOOD

A Child-friendly Café and Play Space

Date: July 8, 2010

Raising a nineteen (19) month old daughter has been a wonderful challenge for Rebecca Pelletier, owner of Twirl Café, but she soon hopes to make this challenge easier for other Seattle area families. Late this summer, Twirl Cafe will open on bustling Queen Anne Avenue in Seattle (2111 Queen Anne Avenue North). Through her experiences living on Queen Anne, a sense of community has become important to Rebecca. For Twirl, this means partnering with other small, local business to provide unique products and services. The café-style menu will offer breakfast and lunch, and is full of natural, organic, and sustainable menu choices. “The menu has been put together with our little ones in mind. This means lots of healthy snacks and food options,” Rebecca says.

Twirl is not your ordinary family-friendly restaurant. It will include a large play space geared towards children under six that is clean, contained and visible to parents. Designed by Kidtropolis architects, the play area will include an imaginative tree-house structure, as well as many other toys and activities. An upper classroom space will double as an open gym area for additional tumbling and active play. To enable Twirl to sustain a clean, creative, and changing environment, use of the play areas will be based on a small flat-fee. “It will not be your average box of toys,” notes Rebecca.

When open gym is not in session, a variety of classes will be offered at Twirl. These classes will provide a fun learning opportunity for both parent and child. Classes include yoga, puppet making, fitness and exercise, parenting and more. Many of the classes will be child-friendly or provide options for onsite childcare for an additional fee. For parents looking to host birthday parties or private events, Twirl can offer a headache-free experience by providing everything needed.

Twirl will be a comfortable, hip environment for parents to network with other parents, meet their friends with (or without) kids, and have some one-on-one play time with their child(ren). It's a chance to take play outside of the house, and enjoy a good cup of coffee or sandwich (or both!) while you are

at it.

* * *

For more information about Twirl, or to schedule an interview, please contact Rebecca Pelletier via email info@twirlcafe.com

Take our survey!!

2010-07-07T13:15:00.001-07:00

We value your feedback! Please take a quick survey regarding the Twirl class schedule and our childcare options.

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2ynuhqbgbcdb1yt/start

Thanks!

Twirl in the News and Classes to Boot!

2010-06-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

Twirl was featured on the Queen Anne View blog this week. Check out the news story here.

Sign ups are rolling in for our first Mommy Matters parenting class this fall, and we are getting excited about the many other classes we plan to offer onsite in our recreation room.

Just Imagine! You arrive at Twirl in the AM with your toddler in tow. She is rearin' to go and you are just trying to wake up, while sipping on your nonfat one-pump mocha. She pulls you into the play area to explore, but when its time, our onsite childcare program steps in while you go upstairs to do some gut busting ab exercises in our 20 minute abs class. Or maybe its a soothing hour of yoga? Either way, you'll emerge feeling refreshed, and your toddler will be happy as a clam (with energy expended!) The possibilities are endless. Kids Yoga, Mom and Me workouts, Family Bootcamp are all classes in the works - as well as a host of other free activities that will be available with play admission. Sign-ups soon - so stay tuned!

Do you have any ideas on classes you wan to see? Email us offline! We would love to hear your feedback.

info@twirlcafe.com

Twirl partners with Mommy Matters parenting series!

2010-06-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

We are excited to bring Mommy Matters to Twirl this fall! We will provide childcare options, while you attend an excellent 8-week parenting class that covers Gottman, Love and Logic, and other principles. Classes are for Moms looking for help and support with toddler through preschool age children. Learn from local parent educators, Melissa Benaroya and Robin Dowdy, as they lead Moms on the path to a better relationship (and a little sanity) with your little ones.

I just finished the spring Mommy Matters session and was excited to implement some new techniques to our house that have removed unwanted chaos and increased my confidence. I also picked up some much needed support from other Moms dealing with many of the same issues. Yes, out-of-control tantrums can be avoided... and no, your NOT alone!

Check out the Mommy Matters website and sign up now for this popular series!

Father's Day Weekend + Beer Festival = Happiness for Dad

2010-06-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Father's day is upon us! For some Father's, this might mean a day full of "in-home relaxation" (watching the World Cup, tinkering in the basement, putting feet up) or it could mean a day full of activities outside the house. Either way, here is an event worthy of mentioning.

Washington Beer Festival - St. Edwards Park
Does the Dad in your family love beer? This is a GREAT beer festival (and one we will be attending this weekend!) Lots of local brewers, family-friendly, live music, special activities for kids - all at the scenic Saint Edwards Park. The great thing about this beer festival (compared to the several I have been to with my beer loving husband), is that many of the brewers are on site pouring your glass, and available to answer questions about their beer. The selection is also huge and LOCAL. Weather looks like it will hold this weekend!

Location:
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr. NE, Kenmore, WA 98028

Festival Hours:
Friday, June 18, 4 - 9pm- 21+ only
Saturday, June 19, 11am - 9pm- All Ages
Sunday, June 20, 11am - 6pm- All Ages

Cost at the door:
$25 / person (includes 6 beer tokens); $8 for designated drivers
Parking:
Take the FREE Shuttle from one of the listed Park and Rides; on site parking available but limited - fee is $15.

Bottoms up! And CHEERS to all the Dads, thanks for all that you do!

Lease is Signed! Our new home on the AVE!

2010-06-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that the lease was signed today at 12:31PM! Thanks Mike Yukevich of Queen Anne Real Estate for help finding a good location and negotiating a great lease agreement! Our new home is 2111 Queen Anne Ave N. This is located on the top of Queen Anne hill, across from Safeway in the new Sweetbrier building.

Right on the Ave

Our space is approximately 2,000 sqft, and we are excited to provide a great multi-purpose space, cafe and espresso bar, lounge seating, and of course, a large play area!

Check out our very first customer, Bentley. This doodle is anxiously awaiting the big opening.

Build-outs are beginning soon! Keep Twirlin'...

Play Structure Design in the Works!

2010-05-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Twirl is excited to announce that Kidtropolis of Virginia has been commissioned to design a creative play structure for our little ones to climb and explore.

Kidtropolis specializes in furniture and interior space solutions for children, whether it be a custom nursery, bedroom, or playroom. Check out their site for some cool pictures!

We can't share the final design with you just yet... But we can tell you it will offer an organic Tree house feel, complete with a bridge and look-out. We are looking forward to seeing all of those little monkeys at Twirl, late this summer!!

More soon...

Mother's Day Weekend Adventures!

2010-05-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Mother's day weekend is a perfect chance to celebrate yourself and your family! Here are a few great Mother's day adventures for the active family.

Rattlesnake Ledge Hike and Picnic

This is a perfect, 4-mile Round-trip hike, easily accessible off of I-90 (Exit 32). The trail is well maintained, and perfect for the beginner hiker. The trail, popular with kids, families and dogs, winds up the mountain through beautiful foliage. Once to the top, you will find yourself on a massive rock ledge, with (in my opinion) one of the most breathtaking view hikes in Seattle. Have a picnic at the top, or head back down to the trailhead and find a nice picnic spot in the park around Rattlesnake Lake. If it's warm enough, let your kids splash in the shallow water.
BONUS: Grab a delicious, sustainable tote lunch from Homegrown in Freemont to make your picnic day perfectly easy! With sandwiches like Turkey Bacon Avocado or Ham and Beecher's cheese, you will be in for a treat. All tote lunches come with the sandwich or salad of your choice, homemade popcorn, seasonal fresh fruit and a mini Mighty-O Donut in a reusable tote bag. YUM!

Hike Stats
Elevation Gain: 1,100 Feet
Distance Each Way: 2 miles
Time to Complete: 2 hours
Best time to go: 9AM to avoid congestion
Directions: Take I-90 East, Exit 32 (468th Street), turn right and follow road for approx 5 miles, parking and trailhead on the right.

Pike Place Market - Flower Festival

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market this weekend during the flower festival. Lots of flowers for Mom to choose from, plus Ciscoe Morris and other events. A trip to the market is great way to help your young ones identify and learn about all of their favorite (or not so favorite) fruits and veggies! They might even see a flying fish or two. Yes, it will be crowded, but duck into Lowell's for a salmon sandwich or casual lunch, while enjoying great views from any of the three floors!
BONUS: Swing by the Great Windup shop, located in the market center, and test out a large selection of windup toys your kids will be sure to enjoy!

Relaxation for Mom on Queen Anne

Go with a friend, or give yourself or partner a break and schedule a deluxe pedi at Mimisan on Queen Anne. Recline in their comfortable chairs, with a warm neck wrap and hot tea while you receive a blissful spa treatment that doesn't break the bank! Are pedi's not your thing? Try their wonderful facials, I guarantee you won't be disappointed! They also offer kid's services too, a great chance for some special mom and daughter time.

Classic Pedi: $38
Signature Pedi: $48
Pregnancy Pedi: $46
Kids Pedicure: $25

Bonus: Wander across the street to Queen Anne Mail & Dispatch and browse through an awesome selection of stylish shoes, bags, and clothes.

Thanks Mom's for all that you do!

Toys Everywhere

2010-04-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning amazed at the amount of toys we have collected in 1.5 short years. Our small living room is overflowing with toys. We have stuffed toys of all shapes and sizes, chewing toys, battery operated toys, push toys, riding toys, wood toys, puzzles, books, galore. And then of course there are the toys we wish we didn't buy that somehow become our children's favorites. Like the toys that don't have an off button, but happen to make a large amount of noise. Who thought that up?? Along the way we acquired a nice set of plastic keys that with every movement made a nice jingling noise, "just like Moms." It was novel at first, until I quickly realized the keys did not turn off, nor could I figure out where the battery was hidden. At some point they ended up in my car, and with every stop light and right turn, they jingled ...all the way home.

If I had to start all over again, I would have kept these few things in mind when toy shopping:

1. Don't buy anything that doesn't have an off/on switch. Even better, toys that have volume control are great. There will be days that you need to turn down the cow moo for sanity sake.

2. Stick with the simple stuff. One of my daughter's favorite toys is a classic that I remember from my childhood. Stacking Cups. They are brightly colored, you can put stuff in them, you can stack them up and, best of all, knock them down. The best thing is, they don't cost a fortune and are easy to store. Besides the obvious uses, my daughter uses them like a teacup, in the bath, in the sand, and as a vessel for small objects. It's great. Other classic favorites include blocks, stacking rings, and shape sorters.

3. Look beyond the toy. The kitchen is one of the best places to find new discoveries when your toddler needs something different to play with. I have found (as you may have too) that a wood spoon, whisk and some plastic bowls or Tupperware goes far with a cranky toddler at your feet when you are trying to make dinner. In our house, we made one drawer in the kitchen a "safe" drawer with an assortment of kitchen equipment that can be played with. Another great entertainer is a deck of cards. They can dump them out of the box, spread them around, pick them up. There is no guarantee 52 card pickup won't be involved. I would use a deck that is already missing cards. Remember, toys don't have to be bright and flashy and bought at Fred Meyer. Get creative. Sometimes the best attention grabbers are the ones that don't look like toys. Just remember to ensure it's safe for your child, and of course, provide extra supervision.

4. Books... I have a bookshelf of used books I bought at an auction when I was first pregnant. It was great because not only was it a donation, I had an instant collection. From the time my daughter was born, I put her on my lap and started reading to her. I was frustrated at first because she never wanted any part of it. I tried book after book, the flashy ones, the interactive ones, the girly ones. Nothing. One page in and she was wiggling away. It took me some time to realize it was the simple ones with 2-3 words and lots of pictures that she enjoyed most. I also realized that it wasn't always the book, but how I READ it. She liked it when I used her finger to point, or when I used my voice to accentuate words, or mimic the story in a silly voice. Bingo. So don't be discouraged if your toddler is a wiggly reader! Try singing the book and you might be surprised!

I would love to hear about your adventures in toys!

Enter Twirl. Coming soon to Queen Anne!

2010-03-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

My Queen Anne Neighbors, here we come! Twirl will be opening soon to offer a fun, creative play cafe for your little ones. Along with open play, we look forward to offering a variety of parent education classes, exercise classes, parent-child activities, birthday parties, and much more!

Have the chance to sip a GOOD cup of coffee and nourish yourself with a variety of natural, organic, or local foods and snacks. We take good food seriously, don't expect anything less.

Planning is underway, and we are busy making Twirl YOUR place. Seattle Area Moms and Dads, help us by taking our survey.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you and your little ones soon!