Packed with tips to help you make the most of the rest of the year, from fun fall activities to serious topics like navigating the childcare crisis. Plus, get ready for spooky season with our fall festival guide, tailgating tips, and even ideas on what to hand out to adults while trick-or-treating!
The Motherlode VOLUME 1 / ISSUE NO. 4 | Fall 2024 QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
Making the Most of Your Holiday Budget
Food & Drinks for All of Your Festivities
All Your Local Fall Fests & Holiday Traditions
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2 | THE MOTHERLODE
Letter From the Publisher
ever heard of it? If you have ever lived in a region without seasons, you may be familiar with the feeling of having no clear sense of time. It’s called time blindness. I lived in Los Angeles for 15 years. Every day was room temperature, and I found myself missing the excitement of changing seasons the most. When you consider that many of your memories—and how you recall when they happened—are tied to whether it was raining or snowing, or if you were wearing gloves or a bathing suit, you’ll realize how seasons orient you to a time frame. You remember the smell of a crisp fall morning or fireplaces burning. Putting together this holiday issue of The Motherlode sparked those types of memories and reminded me of everything I love about living in Annapolis during the fall and winter. TIME BLINDNESS
Photo courtesy of DANIE Photography
Our team had a blast listing all of our favorite fall festivals and traditions, from the corn mazes and ghost tours to trunk-or-treating around town. Then, we dove right into the ever-important questions like, "When does Midnight Madness actually start?" and "What should I do with the kids on a snow day?”. We’re here for all of it and love helping you create wonderful memories right alongside us! So, here’s a toast to changing seasons and making memories as a community! I’m ready for a good snow—no time blindness here!
Photo courtesy of Lisa Peri
Lisa Peri, MSW, Founder & Publisher
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Commitment to service is the “common thread” for members of the Hoot family. Their roots in Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) run deep and continue to extend. Brandy Hoot’s father, Admiral Daniel Bowler, USN (Ret.), graduated from the Academy in 1970, and his father in 1945. Born in the former Naval Academy Hospital and baptized in its chapel, Brandy coincidentally went on to marry Todd, a veteran and USNA alumnus (Class of ‘94). The two married at the Naval Academy Chapel, where their four children would also be baptized. Today, three of their four children are Midshipmen themselves. However, this school year is special. It’s the only time Alexander (Class of '25), Madeline (Class of '27), and Olivia (Class of '28) will be at the USNA concurrently. Inspired by their grandfather and each other, the Hoot children voluntarily chose to join the Navy, one sibling after the next. However, their youngest sibling, Sophia, a highschool sophomore, plans to break the pattern for a traditional college experience, and Brandy is hilariously excited for the change—especially because she’ll be able to help decorate a dorm for the first time. Together, Brandy, Todd, their four children, her parents (Daniel and Susan Bowler), and their dog, Whiskey, gathered at the Academy’s Dahlgren Hall to grace the cover of our fall issue as a symbol of family, service, and Annapolitan culture. ABOUT THE COVER by Stacey Coles
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6 ...............Retail 18 .............Community 34 .............Health & Beauty 52 .............Education 66 ............Entertainment 78 ............Food & Dining 92 ............Sports
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The Motherlode Part of Annapolis Moms Media Group | Volume 1 Issue 4 | Fall 2024
Strength Through Community
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Updated as of September 26, 2024
Hannah Goldstein Heather Greenwell
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The Motherlode™ is published quarterly by Annapolis Moms Media LLC™ (AMM) and locally printed. The Mother of All Summer Camp Guides™ is published annually and updated regularly. Reproduction without express permission is strictly prohibited in whole or in part. Any opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions of the Publisher or the publication. The information provided is subject to change with or without notice. AMM makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. It is your responsibility to verify and investigate providers and services. AMM does not purport to be a substitute for health, legal, financial or any other professional advice. In no event will AMM, its employees or contractors be liable for any loss or damage, including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the information provided in this publication. Total print and/or digital circulation is estimated at 40,000 quarterly. Annapolis Moms is a woman-owned local media company established in 2011 that employs and contracts local Annapolitans and our neighbors in Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas. All rights reserved. © Annapolis Moms Media LLC 2024
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RETAIL Photo Credit: Jarvin Photography
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Finding Your Style When Life Swerves by Sarah Amyot
Many of us have been there: standing in front of a closet full of clothes you once loved, with nothing to wear. Something is wrong (and it’s certainly not you)—the clothes might not fit or feel right when you put them on; they just don’t look like 'you' anymore, or perhaps your clothes from when you were in your early 20s are no longer in style. If you nodded to any of those statements, then it might be time for a style refresh! We selected four ladies (including me, your author!) who have experienced recent life changes and paired them up with local boutiques – Cúpla, Lilac Bijoux, The Cottage, and Stellaluna Raine – to help inspire them in a world of fashion possibilities. MEET: MELANIE Age: 45 Occupations: Mom of one, development and communications director for a nonprofit, nonprofit board member Why are you interested in a style refresh? “Throughout my life, I have never really focused on style. However, as I get older, and my body has changed with having my kid and getting older in general, I've needed a style that compliments my curves. I started a new job earlier this year and feel like I’m missing the mark in a professional work setting. I was also diagnosed with melanoma, had it removed, and now have scheduled surgeries for reconstruction, so finding soft fabrics to wear in a professional setting is ideal.”
How would you define your current style? “If you had to
define my style – I hate to say it – but frumpy librarian or dedicated nonprofit worker. I prioritize comfort and I am very unpolished in my style. I normally wear slacks with a soft work shirt, sometimes paired with a blazer or cardigan. I've been trying to branch out and wear dresses more often too.” What kind of style/trend/feeling are you looking (or hoping) for? “Something a little more classic, professional, and polished, but still comfortable. Plus, it needs to fit into my work setting where I walk the trails of the property on a regular basis with supporters and volunteers.” Melanie was paired with Cúpla , at 37 Maryland Ave in Annapolis. Cúpla offers multigenerational customers unique, wearable products that are thoughtfully curated by local makers and women-owned businesses. They pursue efforts to upcycle vintage finds and promote sustainable choices, like renewable fabrics. Their boutique is not one to chase a trend. A sign in their fitting room says, “The only thing you shouldn’t mind is other people’s opinions.” before
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4 Style Tips and Takeaways from Cúpla
What kind of style/trend/feeling are you looking (or hoping) for? “I’m a bit over the place with what I like. I like a mix of casual chic, preppy looks and pops of color/statement pieces too, with comfort being non-negotiable. What I find most difficult is finding classic, everyday wear that is comfortable and fits me well. I want to leave the house and take my kids to the library, looking effortlessly put together.” Sarah was paired with Lilac Bijoux , at 180 Main Street, Suite 101 in Annapolis. Lilac Bijoux offers women's fashion apparel, ◊ How to roll sleeves = aggressively fold the sleeve up once, until it hits your elbow, then fold/roll from the bottom, until you meet your elbow. • Every season, purchase a new white shirt or take your old one to the dry cleaners to freshen it up. #treatyoself Melanie found several outfits she loved, with her favorite being dark vintage high-rise cargo pocket jeans and a knitted cream top. Cúpla recommends she style this outfit with tan booties in the Fall, and she can even wear an Oxford shirt underneath the sweater to give it a different look. Melanie: “I am happy that I tried on the high-waisted pants. They are something that I will look for more in the future!”
• Wearing shorts under a dress gives you an extra set of pockets. • You can change a look by changing its accessories, like switching out a belt or shoes. Secondhand belts are easy to thrift! • Rolling or pushing up long sleeves is a quick way to add style to an outfit, and it creates better proportions.
MEET: SARAH Age: 35
Occupations: Mom of 2, government project manager, freelance writer, wedding and event planner, nonprofit board member Why are you interested in a style refresh? “My sense of style over the years has gone from going out clothes —> urban eclectic (I worked at Urban Outfitters in graduate school) —> preppy —> comfortable —> unknown.
Pre-COVID, I wore business clothes to work. Since the COVID pandemic, I’ve been working fully remote from home where ‘business on top and PJs on the bottom’ really defines my style now. I also have two young kids and have been living in pregnancy and nursing clothes for the past four years. I’ve come to appreciate my post-babies body and would love to find clothes that make me look and feel good.” How would you define your current style? “Comfortable. Is that even a style? I definitely prioritize comfort above all else because it’s 2024. Who wants to be uncomfortable?! I live in my T-shirts and sweatpants. With the few pieces in
accessories, shoes, and gifts for trendy women with casual chic flair. The boutique is a reflection of the owner Fern’s breezy personality and passion for effortless style. 4 Style Tips and Takeaways from Lilac Bijoux • Trust your gut. Intuition is that feeling you get when something is right or wrong, and you just know it. • Build a wardrobe color scheme. Determine your four best colors and stick to it when shopping! It makes things easier when you’re deciding whether to buy a dress or put it back on the rack.
BEFORE
my closet that I actually like, I’d define them as fun and colorful. As a 5’2” person, it’s always hard for me to find proper pants that fit me well, so I tend to wear dresses.”
• Be comfortable in your shape. Fashion is not one-size- fits-all, and it’s essential to embrace our unique body shapes. Focus on understanding your body type and how
8 | THE MOTHERLODE
to dress in a way that highlights your best features while keeping comfort in mind. • Own your style! There is only one you in this world and having our own style involves a combination of personal preferences, values, personality, and influences that set you apart from others. This will make you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin. #beyourauthenticself Sarah found several outfits she loved, with her favorite being a ruffled chambray dress that can be worn year- round. Lilac Bijoux recommends she style this outfit with a short gold necklace and tan booties in the Fall. She can even layer it with a cardigan or sweater to add depth and dimension to the outfit. Sarah: “I never would have picked out this dress on a hanger with the poofy sleeves and ruffled details. It’s a bit more feminine than what I typically wear, and I like it! I feel confident, pretty, and stylish in the dress. I can’t wait to dress it up with shoes and accessories.”
AFTER
Anything to stay cool! In the Fall and Winter, I’m usually in leggings and a sweatshirt or sweater. Nothing very exciting!” What kind of style/trend/feeling are you looking (or hoping) for? “I’m looking for a style that’s in between a dressy event and working out clothes that doesn’t take a lot of effort. Something fun to wear on date night or to a tailgate.” Jennifer was paired with The Cottage , at 562B Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. The Cottage also has a location in downtown Annapolis, located at 149 Main St. The Cottage is a coastal chic boutique dating back to 1974, providing customers with clothing, local jewelry, and gifts, carrying high-end vendors like Gretchen Scott, Z Supply, and Lily Pulitzer. They offer classy, fun, and stylish looks for women of all ages. In addition, they carry a tailored collection of men's and kids’ clothing. 4 Style Tips and Takeaways from The Cottage • Accessorizing with jewelry, shoes, and a purse, can round out and elevate an outfit. For example, adding earrings to a clean and classic look can give it a touch of fun. • A shorter jean jacket goes well with long dresses • Fabric textures can add depth to an outfit • In style now are hoops and wide legged pants Jennifer found several outfits she loved, with her favorite
MEET: JENNIFER Age: 51 Occupations: Mom of twins, palliative care Why are you “I moved here a few years ago from southern California where we lived walking distance to the beach. The style and dress are very different here interested in a style refresh?
in Annapolis! I love the preppiness of the East Coast but don’t have a lot of experience putting it together. I was working from home when we first moved here where t-shirts/shorts/sweats was acceptable. Now I work in an office all day!” How would you define your current style? “Too casual. Is that a thing? Living by the beach with an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees, I got very spoiled. You don’t have to dress for seasons. During the Summer, I wear shorts and a T-shirt or maybe a blouse.
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being a Z Supply outfit that can be worn in the Summer or Fall. The outfit consisted of a printed viscose/linen blend pant, black bodysuit, and tan blazer. The Cottage recommends she style this outfit with a tan or black wedge, gold drop statement earrings, layered necklaces, and black clutch. Jennifer: “I was nervous coming in and was happy to be pushed out of my comfort zone because I found something I would not have ever put together. I can’t believe I was against printed pants!”
MEET: HEATHER Age: 47
Occupations: Mom of 5 young adults (blended family after getting remarried), Mom-Mom of 1, nurse providing medical services (woman-owned, sole business owner, nurse entrepreneur) Why are you interested in a style refresh? I want to get out of the scrub attire and look more professional. I would like to have more of an executive,
AFTER
business owner look rather than a medical provider appearance. How would you define your current style? “Casual comfy. I am a sucker for a super soft, loose-fitting t-shirt, shorts, and jeans with my favorite Sanuk flip- flops, tennis shoes, or I will steal a pair of my kids’ Crocs. At work, I’m in my BluZone cotton t-shirt, nurse scrubs with joggers, and comfy tennis shoes. When I go out or to
Heather was paired with Stellaluna Raine, at 770 Ritchie Hwy, Suite W8, in Severna Park. Stellaluna Raine is an affordable and size-inclusive boutique that carries a wide selection of pieces varying from classic to statement, and everything in between. Launched during the pandemic by three sisters, they have always aimed to make shopping not only easy, but fun, by offering themed event nights, private shopping parties, styling appointments, complimentary delivery, and even a kids playroom for busy parents. When you enter as a customer, you leave as a friend! 4 Style Tips and Takeaways from Stellaluna Raine • Think outside the box for separates – you can create many different outfit combinations by mixing and matching tops and bottoms, throwing on a belt, or putting on a blazer/cardigan/jacket. • Always aim to wear high-waisted bottoms at your natural waist to accentuate your waistline – this is the smallest part of your waist and where a belt should lay when throwing on over a dress or high-waisted skirt. • Accessories and shoes can go a long way! You can pair a beaded bag or fancy earrings with a casual look to dress up or throw on sneakers and a crossbody with a dress to dress it down. When trying on items, keep in mind that different items vary in size due to material, silhouette, and brand. Go for the size that feels good on you vs what the tag says. At Stellaluna Raine, their motto is, “just try it on – you never know!”
executive meetings or events, I dress in neutral cotton pants and a plain dress shirt or I steal a dress from one of my daughters - I am constantly borrowing my daughters’ cute shoes, purses, and jewelry. I do not have much style and feel I am more casual, plain jane.” What kind of style/trend/feeling are you looking (or hoping) for? “I want to look powerful, stylish, and youthful–like I put effort into my attire. I want to look like a powerful, sophisticated entrepreneur, not a run-down nurse.”
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Heather found several outfits she loved, with her favorite being a Kelly green shift dress with puff sleeves and black boyfriend blazer that she can wear to a business event and easily transition to happy hour or dinner afterward. Stellaluna Raine recommends she style this outfit with a short gold necklace, stylish heels or flats, and a black purse. Heather: “I walked in feeling like I’m lazy with my style. During today’s style session, I felt empowered when putting on heels and a blazer. I feel more open-minded when trying new things and learned that I like pink and look good in a higher neckline!” Life throws us unexpected twists–don’t let your clothes keep you in the past or remind you of what once was. Finding your current style isn’t always easy, but once you get the hang of it, you will notice a shift in your wardrobe and shopping habits. The first step is to give those high- waisted pants or patterned shirts you’ve been avoiding a chance. For the clothes that are no longer part of your style repertoire, channel your inner Frozen and “Let it Go”! Consider consigning them or donating them to a local charity. Don’t be afraid to rediscover, refine, or revamp your style!
5 Steps to Rediscover Your Style, by Gianna Nucci Style
We also interviewed personal stylist Gianna Nucci from Gianna Nucci Style to help us understand the foundation to rediscovering one’s style. Gianna is a practical personal stylist who loves to help others conquer their days with style and confidence, whether they’re chasing after kids or presenting to executives in a boardroom. 1. Assess Your Lifestyle Most people will desire to change their personal style after a lifestyle shift – having kids, going back to an office, moving to a new city, etc. – so it’s important to assess the wardrobe pieces you really need that will support your daily activities and feel authentic to you. It also helps to make a list of your weekly activities, Monday–Sunday, to get a clear idea of your actual lifestyle and where you’re spending most of your time. 2. Clarify Your Personal Style Goals Define how you want to look and feel each day. A few ideas are polished, classic, edgy, bold, feminine, relaxed, and glam. Most people will fall into a “style rut” because they haven’t clearly defined what they’d like their personal style to look like, which often results in buying the wrong pieces and having a closet full of nothing to wear. I’d say this is one of the most important steps if you truly want a wardrobe you love and will make shopping much easier.
3. Interpret Inspiration Now that you’ve gained clarity on your personal style, use your defining terms to start researching outfit inspiration on social media and Google. For instance, if you’re going for a bold appeal, type in “women’s bold outfit inspo” and take note of the pieces and outfit combinations that create these looks. You might see fun colors, prints, big accessories, unexpected pairings, etc. These would be the things you’d want to focus on when it comes time to shop. Notice and create a shopping list of the pieces that really speak to you since these will align most with your personal style and help you build an authentic wardrobe. 4. Edit Your Closet It’s much easier to edit your closet when you are clear on the pieces you need and want. I recommend donating and consigning pieces that are no longer working for you in order to avoid closet clutter and make room for the new. 5. Shop and Style Now the fun part! Begin to purchase pieces you identified during step 3 and integrate them into your current wardrobe. Refer to outfit combinations from the inspiration images and style your looks accordingly.
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Honoring Veterans by Supporting Vet-Owned Businesses
by Jenn Morson
Supporting veteran-owned businesses helps save lives. Exponential Support Veterans who own businesses often employ other veterans, so by supporting their business, you are also supporting their employees. Because veterans know firsthand the difficulties of reintegrating into civilian life, they are more likely to employ other veterans. Successful veteran-owned businesses can also provide hope to current military personnel that when their service has ended, they will be able to pursue business ownership or find meaningful employment. The more success that veterans have in the business world, the more veteran- owned businesses can thrive. Financial Stability for Disabled Veterans According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 30% of veterans are service-disabled, meaning their disability is directly tied to their military service. Finding employment can often be more difficult for persons with disabilities, and starting their own businesses is a more likely path to success and stability. By supporting veteran-owned businesses, you are likely to be supporting veterans disabled during active duty. This Veterans Day, consider seeking out and supporting a veteran-owned business as a way to honor and thank a veteran for their service to our country. By your small act of support, you can help better the lives of those who have done so much for their fellow Americans.
According to the US Business Administration, veterans are 45% more likely than non-veterans to be self-employed. Veterans are no strangers to hard work nor to thinking outside the box. Their leadership skills translate to entrepreneurial skills in the civilian world. Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is November 11. While acknowledging and offering our gratitude to veterans is a wonderful way to honor their service, supporting veteran-owned businesses is a tangible way to show them appreciation throughout the year. Here’s how having you as a customer can positively impact First and foremost, supporting veteran-owned businesses is a concrete way to show your gratitude to our nation’s veterans. Often, people are unsure how to help veterans, and this is a great way to show your support because it contributes to their financial well-being which can be unstable after service. Local veteran-owned businesses are easy to find through online databases like veteranownedbusiness.com! Boost in Mental Health Veterans, especially those who have served in times of conflict or participated in direct combat, often experience mental health crises such as PTSD. By supporting veteran-owned businesses, you may evoke feelings of fulfillment, security, and success, which help to combat depression and the stress of a business in financial trouble. veteran business owners: Feeling of Appreciation
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White Elephant: How-To and House Rules
by Sarah Amyot
GAME RULES Gifts:
It’s that time of year–forced, dreaded, get-togethers with your office colleagues who you normally see over Zoom. Little do they know that behind the camera, you rock business on top and pj’s on the bottom. The party planning team carves out time for the not-so-surprising annual White Elephant (aka Dirty Santa) gift exchange. You’ve had 364 days to forget how to play, so here’s the quick and dirty on the game. As with many games, house rules come into play and can trump the official rules at any time. OBJECTIVE Primary: To walk away with the best gift (or at least something better than what you brought) Secondary: Pretend to (or actually) have fun PLAYER PROFILES: As a player, determine who you want to be ahead of time and purchase a gift accordingly: The Sabotager: This is the villain in the game and there can be multiple! This person typically brings a gag gift wrapped nicely to deceive other players, and steals gifts from others. They come prepared with a plan and are three steps ahead of everyone. The “I Don’t Care”: This person brings an unexciting gift and plays by the rules. They may or may not steal a gift. They hope the game goes fast so they can get home and finish their Netflix show. The Angel: This person brings a really nice gift and doesn’t want to ruffle anyone’s feathers. They won’t steal a gift and are hopeful everyone leaves happy. The Drama Queen: This person may or may not bring a gag gift. Everything is over the top and dramatic with them. They have eagle eyes and ask people to show their opened gift several times. If someone steals their gift (and they liked it), they will fall out of their chair and remember it for the next 364 days.
• Each player must bring a wrapped or bagged gift to contribute to the game. The gift must meet pre-set criteria, such as value and theme. • A typical amount to spend on a gift is between $10 and $20. • Example themes include thrift store, bring a gift from home, condiments, puzzles, work from home, the color blue, gifts that begin with C, house gadgets, and gag gifts. Taking turns: • Each person draws a number out of a hat and the game begins with the first number. The first person opens their gift, and each subsequent player can either choose a new gift or steal someone else’s. If a player’s gift is stolen, they can either open a new gift or steal from another player. • The first person has a special power—an additional turn. At the end of the game, they can steal a gift from another player. Stealing: • Gifts can only be stolen a limited number of times, typically three per game. This means that the third person has solidified themselves as the gift’s forever owner. Swapping: Players can swap gifts at the end of the game. House rule variations: • Mystery madness twist: no unwrapping gifts until the end. • The maximum stealing rule does not apply to the first person. • If the first person decides to steal, the game continues until someone decides to keep their gift, rather than steal • No swapping allowed, in or out of the game! Game play variation: • White Elephant meets Secret Santa: before the game begins, draw names and get a gift for your assigned person.
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Seasonal Clothing: Ways to Maximize Your Closet Space
by Heather Greenwell
Just like seasons change, so do the clothes in our closets. Maryland weather during fall and winter is often unpredictable. You never know what to expect from day to day. However, one thing you can count on is the level of satisfaction you’ll get from having an organized closet. If you’re looking for ways to declutter and maximize your space as you transition to your fall and winter clothing, check out our favorite organizing tools below: Storage Bins These have saved me time and time again. Whether I’m rotating clothes out depending on the season or storing things away, storage bins are a fantastic way to group similar items together while maintaining a sleek, well- put-together look. Did we mention that there are even ones that fit under the bed, and have clear fronts so you What’s better than one level to hang your clothes on? That’s right, two levels! Building a multi-tiered system like this can be easily done with an adjustable tension rod. Not only does hanging clothes reduce the number of clothes that need to be folded, but it also frees up a lot of space for other things. Hangers These one-hook wonders really are the bright shiny gems of the closet kingdom. If you’re looking to save space, can see what’s in them? Stacked Hanging Areas
consider buying hangers with hooks on them. This will allow you to color coordinate and stack multiple layers of shirts against one another. Trust me, you’ll thank us later! Cube Organizer This is the perfect combination of form and function when it comes to storing your folded clothing. Due to its design, you’ll have to find storage bins that fit your organizer and your style. Whether you place it in your closet or bedroom, this product is sure to minimize clutter. Shoe Racks or Bins I don’t know about you, but one of the most significant closet-clutter sources I have is undoubtedly my shoes. It makes sense to have a dedicated shoe area beneath your closet’s hanging area. Boots can stay on the floor; however, consider making room for a shoe rack for your sandals and heels or stackable plastic shoe bins for that sneaker collection. They will give your space a clean look and allow you to easily view all of your shoe options. Making time at the beginning of each season to switch out your wardrobe can help give you more clothing storage space to work with daily. Simply place any clothing, shoes, or accessories that are out of season in a plastic storage bin, trunk, or cube organizer, and leave them in a dry area in your home until you need them again. If you have any tips or tricks that you’ve used and loved, please feel free to share them with us at editor@ annapolismomsmedia.com!
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Smart Couponing: Saving Money in the Digital Age
by Hannah Goldstein
While couponing once meant sitting at the table, cutting paper coupons out of Sunday inserts, getting a discount today often requires a different route. Now you can swap the multiple newspapers, scissors, and the envelope half stuffed with expired offers for a charged smartphone. Loyalty clubs and apps exist for everything from groceries to gas, and from office to pet supplies. Some apps provide everyone the same discounts, but they are evolving to customize discounts based on your previous purchases and even to alert you about discounts based on your location. Aggregator apps are another popular method of modern couponing. The next time you fill your tank, use an app to see which local gas station will provide the biggest discount. Other apps and websites make discount codes and cash-back offers to multiple stores available by clicking a button or uploading your receipts. Social media offers saving opportunities with brands and influencers using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to share exclusive discount codes and promotions. Finally, don’t forget that many credit cards offer points or cash back (usually up to a limit of a couple hundred dollars a year). With some creativity, you can layer all of these approaches to get the most money back. One potential drawback for some is that, unlike old- school paper coupons that had no identifying information connected to them, digital couponing requires handing over quite a bit of personal information on how you live
your life, make decisions, and spend money. However, it is because of this information that companies can better target what you are buying and give you better deals. And just like when we were clipping coupons out of the newspaper, expect that it will take some time, organization, and coordination to keep track of it all to get the best deals. Get started by checking out the apps below: Gas Price Apps: Upside GasBuddy Waze Aggregator Apps and Websites:
• PayPal Honey • RetailMeNot
• Rakuten • Groupon • Drop • Ibotta • Flipp • ShopSavvy • GoodRx
Savvy Shopper Weekly Coupon Book Elevating your Savings with Curated Deals for Families Visit this link to have it sent to your inbox every Sunday! Our members asked for more ways to save and we listened!
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18 | THE MOTHERLODE COMMUNITY Photo Credit: Danielle Lawrance of DANIE Photography
The Child Care Crisis
by Diana Love
Nicholas Schaefer and his wife Amanda were thrilled in 2021 when they found out they were expecting a child. Amanda is an active duty service member, and the couple hoped to find infant childcare on the military base where she worked. But they quickly discovered long wait lists, not only at Amanda's workplace but even more so in the Odenton area where they lived. Many childcare centers Nicholas and Amanda explored required non-refundable deposits, some of which were equal to one month of childcare or more. The center where they finally found care for their son required the first month's tuition and an equal deposit in advance. The $2,000-per-month childcare solution they finally sourced didn't feel like a solution at all; in fact, it became a crushing expense. Ask any parent, politician, or provider about infant, toddler, or early childhood care, and you will quickly find it a hot-button topic with nearly universal agreement: quality care is difficult to find and hard to afford. Stories of years-long waitlists, expensive deposits, and costly tuition for childcare abound. Every day, we read comments in the Annapolis Moms Facebook group about the lack of high-quality, affordable childcare in Anne Arundel County. These stories are based on fact. A recent Maryland Office of the Comptroller report notes that between 2019 and 2023, the average cost of child care increased by 14% to 30%. A recent study by the Maryland Family Network positions the current median income in our area against the average annual cost of childcare for a family with an infant and toddler. The cost of childcare is about $27,403 annually, a whopping 20% of the average yearly income of $136,266 and far above the 7% recommended as a budget guideline by the federal government. Solutions for finding, accessing, or affording childcare are few and complex, making building a career especially difficult for folks living in a "child care desert," as is the case for families in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Meade/Severn, Brooklyn Park, and South County, all areas with the most limited child care access. In Anne Arundel County, 7.7% of children under age 5 live in poverty. Often, these deserts impact People of Color and low-income earners the most, preventing them from being able to afford rent or food and causing them to hold multiple jobs at once or seek substandard care. At its essence, the childcare crisis impacts these families in the most nefarious ways by propelling the social injustices that result in generational trauma and cycles of poverty.
Childcare in Maryland is characterized as "broken," and "in crisis." County agencies like the Partnership for Children, Youth and Families and state departments such as the Office of the Comptroller, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and Governor Wes Moore recognize the problem and note the economic ramifications that will only compound without solutions. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce points to ReadyNation's projection of a $2.2 billion annual economic impact in Maryland solely from the shortage of infant and toddler care. This staggering figure doesn't account for the lack of care for older children.
1 Average cost of full-time care in a family child care home (LOCATE, 2023). 2 Average cost of full-time care in a child care center (LOCATE, 2023). 3 National average cost of food at home based on a moderate cost plan (Cost of Food at Home Estimated for Food Plans at Four Cost Level, July 2023), U.S. Average, United States Department of Agriculture). 4Based on U.S. Bureau of the Census 2020 median selected owner costs with a mortgage; included mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities. 5State and local taxes per Comptroller of Maryland (2023), Medicare and FICA taxes per moneychimp.com (2023). Taxes do not reflect Earned Income Credit. 6Current income as shown in the Geolytics Report dated July 2023. This data cannot be compared to previous data.
Employers say the rising cost of childcare makes it harder for them to retain employees and that productivity falls when parents have to leave work to care for their children. A Maryland Family Network report found that childcare breakdowns led to 49.9% of working parents missing work, costing employers $2.41 billion, and reducing Maryland’s economic output by $1.28 billion. The overall opportunity
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cost for the state of Maryland, which loses millions of dollars in tax revenue each year due to absence and turnover solely due to childcare issues, is approximately $2.34 billion per year in lower wages, lower spending, and lower tax revenue. The hit to workplace productivity is especially brutal for women, who historically have borne responsibility for coordinating childcare and whose careers or workforce development suffer the most. Women may reduce or eliminate work hours, use vacation hours as leave when children are sick, forgo important continuing education opportunities, become less productive members of the workforce, or leave it entirely when childcare is not accessible or affordable. Shara Rung is a special educator in the county. She and her husband planned their pregnancy, researching childcare centers well before her due date. They found that spots for their baby weren't available before the expiration of her maternity leave. In addition, Shara discovered that the cost of infant childcare would be $400-$600 per week. "Even with years of experience and a Master's degree, this meant that over half of my take-home pay would be "eaten up" by childcare costs," Shara told us. The family looked for in-home care centers. While these were less expensive, they were difficult to find and required commutes of more than 30 minutes each way, unfeasible with the Rungs’ work schedule. Shara explored finding a nanny, but the costs were $25 per hour to start or $1000 per week. Shara was forced to leave her dream position at an excellent school. Ultimately, she renovated her basement to accommodate an au pair. The cost of care almost exactly equals her take-
home pay but allows her to work part-time, continue her career, and keep her health insurance. Shara found a way to balance her child's care and her career, a situation many other families cannot afford. “Too many Maryland families face a childcare crisis - forcing parents to choose between their careers and the early and critical education of their children. That’s why we’re working at the State House and in the community to bring all State leaders working in this space to the table to collaborate on a long-term solution,” said Maryland Senator Sarah Elfreth. She’s working alongside other legislators and policymakers to connect stakeholders like the Maryland State Department of Education, childcare professionals, early childhood education experts, state regulatory agencies, county and city government representatives, corporations, and parents. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman's Office of the Comptroller 2023 State of the Economy Report notes that between 2019 and 2021, 2% of women ages 16-24 and 25- 34 dropped out of the labor force in Maryland, compared with 1% and 0.4% nationally. The report shows that the lack of spots and the high cost of child care are a deterrent to allowing parents to return to the workforce. "Because of the pay gap... it is often a woman who ends up staying home," Lierman said. "That means that we have fewer people in our labor force, and it means that our private sector can't grow as fast as it could be. This is an issue that our economy depends on getting right." Early childhood education and childcare centers are as concerned about Maryland's childcare crisis as are parents,
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employers, and policymakers. They note that the expense of wages and regulatory licensing for early childhood educators makes their industry a tough one in which to make a profit. AliceAnne Loftus owns Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center, with two locations in Anne Arundel County."Childcare is a professional business that requires a specific education and extensive licensure and regulation. It's an industry that lets everyone - including women - go to work. And yet, it's an industry that doesn't get a lot of respect," she said. In fact, early childhood
balance affordability against the disproportionate costs of operations, credentialing, certification, and insurance. If centers have to raise wages to meet the Maryland $15 per hour minimum wage, or even to maintain or grow their staff; if centers try to address the issue of availability by increasing class sizes and therefore procuring more space and hiring more caregivers and teachers; if they absorb the costs of certification and regulation rather than force those costs on new hires, then they have to raise tuition. Lisa Kovacs of the Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families said her office's studies found that state
care and education experts earn far less than most public or private school teachers or other childcare professionals. A public school teacher in Anne Arundel County makes about $75,294. A teacher at an early childhood learning center earns $31,309. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
grants like the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund that might help ease the operational costs of childcare centers are difficult to access, overly complex, and a heavy demand on the time of busy providers. Likewise, Maryland's child care standards system, EXCELS , has
found that in 2023, the number of childcare workers was 9% below its pre-pandemic level, and the median wage paid to childcare workers is in the bottom 5% of all occupations. The same study found that the median wage paid to childcare workers has grown less quickly than wages paid to workers in other service sector jobs in the post-pandemic period and that childcare workers leave
created multiple barriers to success. A lack of business- specific incentives for providers means the childcare business model has become unsustainable, with small or almost nonexistent profit margins. Between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2024, Maryland lost 15% of its childcare providers and nearly 7% of its childcare slots, totaling 15,152 slots. "The private provision of child
the occupation frequently, often exiting the labor force entirely or finding other jobs in the low- wage service sector, such as housekeeping or retail sales clerk. These jobs pay higher wages than child care. From AliceAnne's perspective, parents want excellent childcare but are understandably alarmed by tuition increases. "I understand parents' worries about the number of spots or affordability of childcare," she said. "I've been in business for more than 20 years, and in my experience, parents have always struggled to find childcare. The childcare crisis is not a supply and demand issue. It is an economic issue." The childcare industry operates at the lowest margins possible, always walking a tightrope to
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care is a market failure. It's simply not profitable to care for children under five," Kathryn Anne Edwards, a labor economist and policy researcher, told the Baltimore Sun. AliceAnne says she started her business because she wanted a high-quality learning environment for her own children, and she continues it out of loyalty to her longtime employees and the parents who trust her. "I'm so proud of the quality of our professionals at Bright Beginnings. Some staff members have been with us for 20 years. I'm proud to advocate for childcare providers and educators, who deserve a fair wage. Morally and ethically, I am unwilling to raise tuition to achieve my revenue goals. I have to get creative and find other revenue streams to do that. In the meantime, we still have to charge tuition that allows us to continue our robust professional development, to purchase materials for a healthy and stimulating environment for the children, and to pay our employees a fair wage and provide access to benefits like health care". In April, the Maryland General Assembly passed a $63 billion budget that allocated $328.5 million to the state’s Child Care Scholarship Program to help eligible families in Maryland pay for child care and early education programs. There are more than 1 million children in Maryland under age 5. The scholarship program currently assists about 30,000 children, with surges planned for 2024 and beyond.
Governor Wes Moore recognizes the economic, financial, social, and emotional impact of the childcare crisis on Maryland families. Working with Comptroller Lierman’s office, Governor Moore recently approved $148 million in budget cuts to some approved programs and reallocated those funds for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program, in hopes of assisting the 40,000 families who applied this year.
Solutions to problem of affordable and accessible, high quality childcare in Maryland are few and complex, ranging from mapping childcare deserts to making certifications easier to achieve and more affordable to
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attain, overhauling a clumsy regulatory system that does essential work but in an inefficient way, acknowledging that childcare workers deserve a living wage, and working on private-public partnerships that engage employers and employees. Many employers are working hard to make childcare accessible and affordable, finding that productivity skyrockets when they do so. These efforts are possible only for large or nimble and well-funded companies that can afford facilities and staff. Companies like Bloomberg offer a menu of childcare options, including a child care subsidy, dependent care pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA), backup child care, a child care referral service, and parental leave. Other companies provide tuition assistance, often paid directly to childcare centers. Ann Covington is the local owner of Covington Alsina, a financial planning firm in Annapolis. She provided an extra room in her office for her employees' young children to use on sick or bad-weather days.
Covington notes that while there are some tax deductions for a limited and specific menu of dependent childcare expenses, neither the state nor the federal government have a program that allows parents to save for early childcare as they do for college, such as a 529 plan. We close by acknowledging with empathy and sympathy the great stress that finding and affording childcare places on everyone: families, employers, child care experts, and policy makers. When growing a family becomes a choice between paying for rent and food over bringing children into the world, we all acknowledge this problem needs a solution. Stay tuned for future stories about this important topic, and as always, please share your stories with us at editor@annapolismomsmedia.com.
This article was only copy edited at the author's request.
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