Hot House: 11530 Falls Road, Sparks, MD.

Colonial style wood frame over brick farm house, circa 1853, wrapped with porches, set on a slight rise. 5,642 sq. ft. over three stories with finished basement.  6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, with swimming pool, veranda, three car garage, 9’ ceilings, mudroom, hardwood floors, fireplaces: $1,795,000 Read More →

So, it’s National Health and Fitness Month. Maybe you’re already so on top of it that you’re reading this post on your iPhone while on mile five of your morning 10K. Or maybe this information makes you squirm a bit with the vague memory of that New Year’s resolution that somehow fell to the wayside somewhere along the line. But no matter. It’s never to late to start getting fit– and there are so many ways and reasons to do so, that there’s no need to panic. In fact, National Health and Fitness Month makes it easier than ever– not only because the weather is finally the kind you want to enjoy outside– but also because fitness centers such as the Maryland Athletic Club are offering great opportunities this month to use the facilities, take classes, and start getting healthy. We checked in with Sharon Nevins, Vice President of Marketing at the MAC to find out how they’re celebrating National Health and Fitness Month and how we can, too.

Baltimore Fishbowl: So May is National Health and Wellness Month. What does that mean? And what is the MAC doing to help celebrate it?

Sharon Nevins: National Health & Fitness Month was created to help shine a spotlight on the importance of exercise to be healthy. Our industry, along with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” Campaign joined together to encourage everyone to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. MAC helps celebrate by opening its doors to the entire community to enjoy the MAC and get moving for 7 days. We also have designated community wide classes where non-members can try us out with others just like them.

BFB: That’s great! What an awesome opportunity for those of us who are interested in trying out a new gym. Now that the nice weather is finally here, what are some of the best outdoor exercises we can do to supplement our time at the gym? Baltimore has so many great outdoor spaces and activities. Any top picks or workout ideas?

SN: Just getting outside and walking is always nice. Baltimore also has some incredible trails for hiking. From the NCR trail to Loch Raven to Soldiers Delight and the B&A trail for biking. Whatever is fun and easy for you, you should do. The idea is to enjoy it (most of the time) so you keep up the habit. Read More →

Want to be certain you buy something mom will love?  Head to Halcyon House, the gift shop and home store of  renowned interior designer Stiles Colwill, close your eyes and point! The selection is just that good, with elegant home accessories, divine bed linens (a wide selection of John Robshaw lines the shelves), chic jewelry and more to make the store the place to a find sure-fire winning gift for mom.  See what’s in store below!

Handmade Ceramics

Agraria diffusers & soaps

Pono Tortoise jewelry

Rattan serving pieces

Vases & cachepots

Wheel Barrow Salad Bowl

Multiple colored leather clutches

Hand carved soapstone decorative boxes

Angela Caputi bracelets

Summer Tunics

Pewter Topiary salt & pepper shakers

Lafco scented soaps and candles

Decorative Mexican dishes

Mouthblown vases

Halcyon House Antiques

Are you ready for some high drama this weekend? How’s this sound: When Lilly the mouse brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school for show and tell, her teacher, Mr. Slinger confiscates them. Lilly’s fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends. No, this is not one of the offerings at this weekend’s Maryland Film Festival; it’s the story of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, by Kevin Henkes. On Saturday, May 4, from 2 pm to 3 pm, Wee Chic Boutique will host Pumpkin Theatre as they perform a dramatic reading of this and other children’s tales. Read More →

Ah, spring. Sunshine, flowers, warm weather. We’ve been waiting for this for too long, right? And yet, I don’t think I’m alone when I say that lately, whenever there’s a warm, sunny day, I actually have a moment of being terrified—upset, even. I’m so used to my winter wardrobe (my uniform, I’ve taken to calling it) that I’m actually not ready for something that doesn’t involve my well-worn layers of drab-colored wool. So consider this as much a self-help (as in, help for myself) mission as a public service announcement. Spring is here, and it’s time to re-boot the wardrobe, and it’s been so long that we should probably seek the help of a professional. Or several.  That’s why we checked in with some of the boutiques at Green Spring Station and asked them each for their one top pick for Spring 2013.

For those who want to go Easter egg hunting in style (warning: this may have to mean avoiding grass stains, mud, and using one’s shirt as a napkin), the PGA Official kids line arrives at Wee Chic! The line is spot on with one of 2013’s biggest trends in kids’ clothing. According to parenting.com, this season is all about “pretty patterns, hipster formal and lots of yellow!” And getting the little ones into these formal looking duds doesn’t have to be a chore. Wee Chic’s dedication to carrying only comfortable cuts in high quality fabrics means that this collection can satisfy both you and your child’s fashion standards. Created in collaboration with design genius Paul Nguyen, the collection is described by Nguyen himself as “country club meets California cool.” Now available for boys and girls at Wee Chic.

Well, there’s always one rule-breaker in every crowd. When asked for their one (we repeat, one) top spring item, the enthusiasts at FRESH! Boutique just couldn’t whittle it down. Well, the more the merrier, we say. FRESH’s take:

“First, we are really excited to showcase Max & Cleo’s strapless print dress this season. Prints are extremely in, as well as the high-low cut of the dress; This dress is sure to be a hot item.”

Indeed, Fashion Week 2013 could have easily been renamed “Prints on Parade Week,” as far as we could tell. Everyone from Paul & Joe to Moschino had gorgeous, colorful prints going up and down the runway. Other pieces FRESH just happens to be excited about:

“Bailey 44‘s black and nude Madrid Dress is heading the leather and lace theme that is expected to take off for Spring. With its leather bust and black lace and nude bottom, Bailey 44 has created one of our favorite items for this trend. “

The dress combines the luxe lace that NY Mag’s thecut.com cites as a big trend this year, along with the luxe leather that Glamour.com names among the most wearable trends for Spring 2013.

“Finally, pastels have become more saturated for this Spring and Black Halo does a beautiful job with their ice colored Dallas Dress; it is definitely a classic Spring look with a twist.”

The cool, seafoam shade is exactly the color The Cut reports to be the “in” color of the season.

This spring, fashion website Refinery 29 has been pushing espadrilles, and who are we to argue? Meanwhile, the folks at Matava Shoes tell us that vibrant colors will be all the rage for spring; so how to get the best of both worlds? With the Vidoretta “Gita,” an espardrille wedge with an orange suede upper and adorned with a matching flower accent for $135 that puts you on trend for spring and summer. Though your toes might shiver to think of these right now, in a few weeks, you’ll be glad you’ve got them.

Read More →

Children’s clothing from Tea Collection, T-Shirt $20

Well, winter storm or no, spring break is just around the corner. Which means that spring proper should be following soon (we hope). With the kids home from school for a week and the seasons beginning to change, spring break means spring shopping for many parents. It’s like back-to-school’s half birthday (if that make sense to anyone else).

So, who better to give us the scoop on trends for the younger set (or youngest, as the case may be) than Bridget Quinn Stickline? The owner of Wee Chic Boutique — Baltimore’s fab place for children’s clothing– answered all of our burning questions (and more) about children’s fashion, spring trends, and why you should take your child with you when you shop for them (gasp–we, know).

Dress available exclusively at Wee Chic in Baltimore, $96

Read More →

Yesterday, we feared we wouldn’t have anything to talk about this week besides planning our Super Bowl party. Then this little notice came across our desk: 72-hour hot stone massage deal from the Healing Path. Suddenly, we’ve forgotten all about chicken wings and football-shaped cakes and that Ray Lewis person. If you need us, we’ll be lying face down on a table saying “ahhhhhhhhh” over and over again. And you can, too. And if you purchase the special deal that Healing Path is offering right now, you can enjoy one hot stone massage this week (relax before the big game) and one next week (to celebrate our inevitable victory). Read More →

No matter how much the Ravens’ victory this weekend warmed our collective hearts, the fact is, it’s cold outside.  We are feeling that Baltimore January that always seems to come out of nowhere. And while snowy days might not immediately trigger thoughts of outdoor strolling and shopping— this particular weekend, they should. After all, this is Greenspring Station’s Winter Sidewalk Sale. So not only can you count on Greenspring’s fabulous boutiques (with their sales of up to 75% off!) but you can also duck inside for hot chocolate (or wine, or a salad, or a California roll) at one of the station’s awesome dining spots when you need to warm up or simply put down all your shopping bags for a minute. Trust us—it’ll happen. The amount of good stuff you’re likely to pick up at this sale will even try the biceps of those doing Michelle Obama’s pushup regimen.  Read More →

You’re invited to Green Spring Station’s and Baltimore magazine’s VIP Shop Crawl – a complimentary event that combines neighborhood shopping, exclusive sales, champagne, gift bags (for the first 100 only),  in-store raffle items, and, of course, you and your fabulous friends! End your evening at Tark’s Grill with food and drink specials!

Green Spring Station

Wednesday, December 5, 6-9 PM

View the Green Spring Station Gift Guide to see what you’ll find at the shop crawl.

Courtesy Bmore Media – For many years, Stone Mill Bakery co-owner Alfie Himmelrich has admired Stevenson Village, the small, upscale shopping center nestled among the farmland in Baltimore County’s Greenspring Valley. Read More →