Come out on May 3rd for the first ever Taste of Merrifield in the Mosaic District from Noon - 8:00 p.m. Try dishes from local restaurants, a brew from Port City Brewing and enjoy live entertainment. There will be children's activities including pony rides and face painting. 

The festival is the same day as the Kentucky Derby.  They will be celebrating with a hat contest for attendees and the race will be shown on the big screen. 

This event is FREE and Open to the public, but select tickets are needed for food tastings and children's activities. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the charity Homestretch.
 
Restaurants Participating
BlackFinn AmeriPub
Flippin' Pizza
Open Road Ice House
Ovvio Osteria
Matchbox Restaurant
Capitol Kebabs
Port City Brewery
Red Apron Butchery
Sea Pearl
sweetgreen
Taco Truck
TRIO Gril
 
LIVE Entertainment!
Split String Soup
School of Rock
The Joe Chiocca Band
 
Derby Day Activities
Showing of the Kentucky Derby on the Big Screen
Hat Contest
Pony Rides
 
Children's Activities
Train Rides
Face Painting
Pony Rides 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Balloon Artist
Lego Building Tent
Caricature Artist

May 2014

May 2: "Planes" Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
May 9: "ET" Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
May 16: "Despicable Me 2" Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
May 17: "Frozen" Cinema Del Ray, Alexandria, VA
May 18: "Cars" and "Planes" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
May 23: "Little Rascals" Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
May 25: "The Incredibles" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
May 30: "Monsters University" Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA


June 2014

June 1: "A League of Their Own" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
June 1: "Finding Nemo" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
June 8: "The Incredibles" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
June 8: "Wizard of Oz" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
June 15: "Father of the Bride" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
June 21: "Despicable Me 2" Cinema Del Ray, Alexandria, VA
June 22: "Mary Poppins" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
June 22: "The Parent Trap" (1998) Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
June 29: "The Princess Diaries" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
June 29: "Up" at Lake Anne Plaza, Reston, VA


July 2014

July 4: "The Rookie" Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
July 6: "Up" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
July 6: "Freaky Friday" (2003) Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
July 8: "Frozen" at South Riding Center (42420 Unicorn Drive, South Riding, VA)
July 13: "Freaky Friday" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
July 13: "The Wizard of Oz" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
July 16: "Despicable Me 2" at South Riding Town Green (43055 Center St, South Riding, VA)
July 18: "Despicable Me 2" Alexandria Waterfront (Old Town Alexandria) 
July 19: "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" Cinema Del Ray, Alexandria, VA
July 20: "Despicable Me 2" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
July 20: "Willy Wonka" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
July 22: "The Lego Movie" at South Riding Center
July 27: "Annie" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
July 30: "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" at South Riding Town Green


August 2014

August 3: "Goonies" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
August 3: "Singing in the Rain" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
August 5: "The Lorax" at South Riding Center
August 8: "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" (original) Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
August 8: "Brave" Arlington County Fair Outdoor Family Movie
August 9: "Despicable Me 2" at Starlight Cinema, Centreville, VA
August 10: "Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
August 13: "The Nut Job" at South Riding Town Green
August 16: "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" at Starlight Cinema, Centreville, VA
August 16: "The Lego Movie" Cinema Del Ray, Alexandria, VA
August 17: "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" Stonebridge at Potomac TC, Woodbridge, VA
August 19:  "Monsters University" at South Riding Center
August 22: "Frozen Sing a Long" Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
August 23: "Frozen" at Starlight Cinema, Centreville, VA
August 24: "Frozen"  Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
August 27: "Finding Nemo" at South Riding Town Green
August 29: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
August 30: "The Lego Movie" at Starlight Cinema, Centreville, VA


September 2014

September 7: "The Lego Movie" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
September 7: "Finding Neverland" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
September 14: "Muppets Most Wanted" Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA
September 14: "Peter Pan"  (animated) Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
September 21: "Double Feature: Monsters, Inc/ Monsters U" Stonebridge at PTC, Woodbridge
September 21: "Peter Pan" (2003) Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD
September 28: "Hook" Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor, MD

When a local moms' club asked me to speak about local family fun, I decided I would much rather throw a party.  Langford Market at the Mosaic District was a perfect fit.  Ladies from a few local international MOMS Clubs as well as Stroller Strides came out to shop, get our exclusive top picks for summer family fun, enjoy refreshments, mingle, and get some great door prizes.  Plus, I got to sell our must-have Kid Trips Northern Virginia books.  See the gallery of images below:

Why I love Langford Market?

Shopping at Langford Market is so much more than finding fun, unique pieces. The staff there is so fun and makes shoppers instantly feel comfortable. If you are a clueless shopper like me (and I have actually PRAYED for Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear to show up while shopping,) you will appreciate the staff putting fun outfits together for you that flatter your body type.  Plus there are some shoes and jewelry that are just to die for!

I am impressed with Langford Market's personal, boutique feel, yet there is such a wide selection.  Plus, the average price point for clothes is $44, and they are always having specials and sales. Right now, Langford Market is stocked with fantastic merchandise for the spring and summer. Visit them at:


Langford Market- Mosaic District
2905 District Avenue #135
Fairfax, VA 22031
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am — 9:00 pm
703.942.6879
langfordmarket.com

Many women have unwanted hair and are curious about laser hair removal. The kind, knowledgeable staff at NoVA Plastic Surgery offer laser hair removal options in a serene and professional setting. 

What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a pulsating light that passes through the skin to individual hair follicles.  This ultra hot laser damages the hair follicles it permeates and limits or eliminates future growth. (NoVA Plastic Surgery website.) 

Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal works best for people with lighter skin and darker hair.  The lasers target the pigment in the dark hair follicles and also leaves the lighter skin undamaged.  

What happens during the procedure?
The laser hair technician goes over your medical history and answers any questions you may have.  Then, your skin is cleaned and treated and the machine is adjusted to the setting that is right for you. The light is extremely bright so you must wear goggles.  Even with the goggles on, you can still see the flash of red light.  

Does it hurt?
Different regions hurt more than others.  The sensation can be described as a rubber band snapping against the skin, and it is very quick.  The pain does not linger.  According to the laser hair removal professional, the most sensitive areas are the bikini and the underarms. If you have a low tolerance for pain, the machine can be adjusted to a lower setting. After the procedure, your skin will be red and bumpy, but the bumps will dissipate within a few hours. 

Are the results permanent? 
The results will not be permanent after one procedure.  Depending on the area being treated, permanent results are often seen after about six treatments (sometimes more or less.)  However, after the first treatment, you will experience less re-growth, finer and lighter hair, and smoother skin. 

Some tips to know
About 24-48 hours prior to the procedure, you should shave the area to be treated. Also, avoid the sun before and after the treatment. Recently tanned skin (natural, tanning booth, or self-tanning products) cannot be treated. You can purchase a medical grade sunscreen from the office after the procedure.  You should also avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing the hair 4-6 weeks before the procedure. 

Review of NoVA Plastic Surgery

We were extremely impressed with how comfortable the staff made us feel. Before the procedure, all questions were answered, and the technician showed us how the machine worked.  After each laser application, she asked if it was okay and said she could adjust the setting if it was too uncomfortable. We were also impressed by the follow up phone call later in the day to check on how the treated area. With NoVA Plastic Surgery, patients can expect the latest technology and highly skilled professionals. The staff goes above and beyond to make the experience pleasant and will ease your nerves.  We highly recommend their office as a leader in laser hair removal treatments in the Northern Virginia.  Learn more at http://www.novaplasticsurgery.com.

The USA Science and Engineering Festival is the largest celebration of STEM in the nation and will feature over 3,000 hands-on activities, 150 stage shows (with science celebrities like Bill Nye, Dr. Michio Kaku, Danica McKellar), a Book Fair, Career/College Fair, a family concert with They Might Be Giants and much more. 

The Festival is FREE and open to the public event and will take place this coming weekend (4/26-4/27) at the Washington DC Convention Center. There is also a "Sneak Peek Friday" for schools, homeschoolers and military families on the 25th. There is still time to register for this. 

We attended the Festival in 2012, and it was amazing.  Please note that the festival is very, very large.  There is no way that a person could see everything.  It is best to be organized and plan ahead of time.   There are more than 3000 fun, hands-on activities for all ages, and you can create your personal list of must-see exhibits here.  Plus, the Festival boasts over 150 stage shows, including music, magic, comedy and more (create your personal Stage Show Schedule here). High school students can check out the Career Pavilion and College Fair, and everyone will also love the book fair with twenty-five featured authors.  


The Festival is appropriate for people of all ages- from toddlers to grandparents. There is something for all curious minds to learn and discover. We highly recommend this amazing event! 

This is a satire based on some of the funny email exchanges my friends have had with overbearing room parents throughout the years.  I love teachers and always get them a hefty gift card.  

Dear Parents,


As many of you already know, Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner.  Instead of collecting money for a group gift card, I thought it would be best to take a more personal approach this year. We will be bringing in some of Mrs. Jackson's favorite items for a group gift basket. Please have your items to me in the morning on May 6th.  I will assemble the basket right away.


Johnny and Brianna:  Bring dark chocolate.  I suggest getting a nice brand from Whole Foods.  Do not buy any dark chocolate at the drug store. That would be very low quality.
Christine and Max: Bring notecards or stationery. Make sure it has Mrs. Jackson's favorite animal on it, a black footed ferret.
Elizabeth and Kevin: Bring flowers. Mrs. Jackson's favorite flowers are purple Liisianthus. No exceptions please.
Molly and Nate: Bring tea.  Mrs. Jackson likes green tea.  Everyone's taste is different, but I find the best one to be Tazo Organic Chun Mee Green tea. 
Bethany and Ryder: Bring socks.  Mrs. Jackson loves to run and is training for a race.  Each of you should get her a pair or two of white moisture wicking quarter crew socks. She is a size 8 1/2 in shoes.


On Wednesday, we will be singing a song to Mrs. Jackson to show our thanks.  We will sing the song at 11:45 a.m on May 7th.  The song I selected is "The Thank You Song" from Kids123.  If you are not familiar with this song, please see the YouTube video online.  Make sure your child knows all the words.  One great way to do this is by burning a CD of the song and practicing in the car.  Also, it would be great if your child can wear the teacher's favorite color, bright chartreuse, on Wednesday to go along with this performance.  Please search your wardrobes for any bright chartreuse items.  I will video tape the performance for any of the terrible working parents that will miss it.  


On Friday, we will provide a lunch for Mrs. Jackson.  I will email you all the recipes for that in a separate email.  This year I decided the best menu would be homemade roasted butternut squash and shallot soup, wilted spinach salad, balsamic glazed salmon with orzo and creme brûlée for dessert. If you are able to make any of these simple recipes, please let me know.


I also have a super surprise planned for Mrs. Jackson, but I can¹t reveal too much about this now.  To help with this surprise, I will be collecting cleaned and washed stage 2 glass baby food jars and pomegranates .  Please give them to me as soon as possible. At the very latest, you should give them to me at pickup tomorrow.


I know that besides the group gift, many families decide to do their own gift as well for added thanks.  If you need some ideas, feel free to look at my Teacher Appreciation Pinterest board.


If you have anything to add, please reply all.  I¹m sure everyone will appreciate their inbox getting clogged up with a thousand messages.


Sincerely,
The Overbearing Room Parent

We've been visiting Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for years, but this is the first year that my tween was tall enough to do ALL the roller coasters.  So on a gorgeous day during Spring Break, he and his dad did just that and rode every single one -- at least half a dozen times.  My husband was happy to finally have an enthusiastic roller coaster buddy and I was relieved to pass the torch.  Here is our family run down (with minimum height restrictions in parenthesis):

Loch Ness Monster® (48") is a fun starter roller coaster with fast 60 mph speeds, smooth turns and loops.  This is a good roller coaster for anyone who meets the height restriction: it's thrilling, but not terrifying. Located in the Scotland area.

Verbolten® (48"): we were fooled by this one.  The cars look like friendly race cars, which attracted the younger kids in the family.  And from the outside, the dips and turns look manageable, so our whole family (from my 7 year old daughter to my 70 year old mother) climbed in for a ride.  Big mistake.  This coaster packs a lot more jolts and surprises than we realized: racing through a darkened Black Forest, dropping unexpectedly, and then accelerating rapidly.  My husband and tween were impressed and couldn't wait to ride it again, but the rest of us were a bit shaken! Verbolten is located in the Oktoberfest area.

Apollo's Chariot (52"):  the ups and downs on this roller coaster make it advisable to eat your lunch AFTER riding it, not before.  Speeds reach up to 73 mph at incredibly steep angles.    My thrill seekers LOVED it.  This is an intense ride meant for speed demons.  Located in the Italy area.

Alpengiest® (54"): this is by far my favorite coaster.  As you travel at speeds up to 67 mph with your legs dangling freely below you, the sensation of flying is incredible.   There are multiple loops and incredible heights too (200 feet).  Anyone who loves roller coasters will love this one too -- but if you're scared of heights -- beware!  Located in the Germany area.

Griffon (54"): this is one INTIMIDATING coaster.  Just before the enormous drop, riders are dangled over the edge…just waiting for the fall. It's a perfect ploy to wring the maximum about of terror from its riders.  Because of this dangling trick, riders in the front row have to be very brave…or close their eyes (like I did).  In fact, I was so terrified I had to repeat a yoga mantra to get through it.  The straight down 90 degree drop is so much like a free fall that I was literally floating in my seat as my breath was sucked out of my lungs. Needless to say, this my tween's favorite coaster -- and the fact that it scared the heck out of his mom was just a bonus.  Griffon is located in the France area.

All in all it was a thrilling day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  Spring is the perfect time to visit -- the weather is mild and there were no lines for many of the rides.  While my husband and tween rode coaster after coaster, the rest of us had a wonderful time with the attractions on the ground.   With the variety of rides and extreme thrills offered, I don't know of a better place for a family to experience great roller coasters!  

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
http://www.cbmm.org
St. Michaels, Maryland                                                                                                           

$15.00 Adults (ages 17-61)
$12.00 Seniors over 62 & Students age 17+ with college ID
$6.00 Kids (ages 6-17)
Under 6 is free!

Open year round, check website for times. 

Winter is over, warmer weather is here, and the water beckons.  Did the cold winter make you a pale version of your parenting self?  Do you need to get outside?  Do you need to get away?  We understand.  Unfortunately you might not have the time or money to schedule a lengthy trip, which is why the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is so ideal.  In the spring or fall, the museum is a manageable two hour drive from Northern Virginia,  but be mindful of bridge traffic in the summer.

The waterside museum offers wonderful scenery, plenty of space to run, and boats to climb on and in.  While there are a wide variety of exhibits, our boys especially enjoy climbing to the top of the Hooper Strait Lighthouse to see views of St. Michael’s harbor and the boatyard, climbing into the oyster harvesting skipjack the E.C. Collier, and learning about the bay.  The museum offers boat rides (additional charges) that, circumstances permitting, may include chances to steer.  In addition, they offer a variety of educational programs and special events – such as Tall Ships in May, the Antique and Classic Boat Festival in June and an Oyster Fest in October.

There is a gazebo in the middle of the boat yard and several other places to enjoy a low-key picnic lunch.  Alternatively, the shops, restaurants, and ice-cream stores of St. Michaels are just a short, dock-walk from the museum (http://www.stmichaelsmd.org/).

If you need a chance to get away, rediscover the sun, and family members’ sunny dispositions then consider the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum as a perfect day trip.

Tuesday

Crystal City Farmers' Market : 3-7 p.m., April-November
 
City of Manassas Summer Market: 5-8 p.m., June, July, & August

Manassas Park Smart Market: 3-7 p.m., opening Spring 2014


Wednesday

Clarendon Farmer’s Market : 3-7 p.m., April-December

McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market :8:00 a.m.-Noon, May-December

Oak Marr Farmers’ Market:  8:00 a.m.-Noon, May-November

Wakefield Farmers’ Market: 2 -6 p.m., May-October

Reston Smart Market, 3-7 p.m., April-November

Frying Pan Park Farm Farmers Market: 8 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., June-October (farm stand)


Thursday

Lorton Smart Market: 3-7 p.m., opening Spring 2014

Frying Pan Farmers’ Market: 3:30-7:00 p.m., May-October

Annandale Farmers’ Market:  8 a.m.-Noon, May-November

Herndon Farmers’ Market, 8:00 a.m.-Noon, May-October

Rosslyn Farmers’ Market:  11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., May-October

City of Manassas Farmers’ Market: 7:00 a.m.-1 p.m, April-November

Ballston Farmers' Market: 3-7 p.m., May- October

Chantilly Smart Market: 3-7 p.m., opens June 19


Friday

Tackets Mill Shopping Center (Woodbridge) :  3-7 p.m., May-November

Kingstowne Farmers’ Market: 4 -7 p.m., May-October

McLean Farmers’ Market: 8:00 a.m.-Noon, May-November


Saturday

Old Town Farmers’ Market (Alexandria):  7 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. year round

Del Ray’s Farmers ‘Market:  8 a.m. - Noon, open year round

Oakton Smart Market: 10 a.m – 2 p.m. year round

Springfield Smart Market: 10a.m.-2p.m., May-November

Reston Farmers’ Market:  8 a.m.-Noon, May-November

Burke Farmers’ Market:  8 a.m.-Noon, May-November

Falls Church Farmers’ Market,: 8 a.m. to Noon (April-Dec.),  9 a.m. to Noon (Jan-Mar)

Arlington Farmers’Market: 8 a.m. to Noon (April-Dec), 9 a.m.-Noon (Jan-Mar)

City of Fairfax:  8 a.m.- 1 p.m., May-November

Ashburn Farmers’ Market: 8 a.m-Noon, May-October

Leesburg Farmers’ Market: 8 a.m-Noon, May-October

City of Manassas Farmers’ Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m, April-November or 10 a.m.-2 p.m (winter)

Vienna Farmers' Market:  8 a.m.-noon, May-October

Middleburg Farmers' Market: 8 a.m.-noon, May-October

Occoquan Farmers' Market: 8 a.m.-noon, May-October

Great Falls Farmers' Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., year round


Sunday

Four Mile Run Farmers' & Artisans Market : 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May-November

West End Farmer’s Market : 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May-November

Bristow Smart Market, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., year round

Lorton Farmers’ Market,:  9 a.m.-1:00 p.m., May-November

Westover Farmers’ Market  9 a.m.-1p.m. (Dec-April) and 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. (May-November) 

Columbia Pike Farmers’ Market, 9a.m.-1 p.m., year round

City of Fairfax: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May-October

Brambleton Farmers’ Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., May- October

Cascades Farmers’ Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., May- November

Mosaic District Central Farmers' Market: 9 a.m.- 2p.m., May-November

Dale City Farmers' Market: 8 a.m.- 1p.m., April- November

McLean Smart Market- 10 a.m.-2 p.m., opens May 18

Have one to add?  Email us at [email protected], and we will add it to the list as soon as possible!  Eat fresh and eat local!

The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre-MTC is a pure delight for the senses.  The show tells the classic story of young Mowgli, the man-cub based on the stories by Rudyard Kipling and director Shirley Serotsky adapts the fable in this exciting, engaging performance for families. 

Orphaned in the jungle as an infant and adopted by a wolf pack, young Mowgli the man-cub is taught the Laws of the Jungle by Baloo, the bear, and Bagheera, the panther. As Mowgli discovers himself and his place as a human, the jungle’s greatest menace, the Bengal Tiger Shere Khan, prepares to finish the kill he abandoned years ago. (Official Press Release) 

We were thoroughly impressed by the animated, entertaining cast that constantly had the audience laughing and interested. The set was colorful, sound effects were authentic, and the costumes were great.  I enjoyed the talented, multi-ethnic cast and crew and found the overall story to be very well told. My kids loved the humor of the silly monkeys, lovable Mowgli, wise wolves, the vibrant Baloo the bear and enticing Kaa the snake. 

Although Shere Khan is killed at the end by a stampede, it is appropriately done for young audiences. All the audience hears is stomping and then Shere Khan's hat is left on the stage to symbolize his dead body.  To be honest, the fact that he was actually killed went over my 4 year old's head.  

I would recommend this show for ages 4 and up, but we did see some younger toddlers in the audience that seemed to be engaged throughout the entire 55 minute performance.  Parents know their children best.

Show details:

The Jungle Book
April 4-May 25, 2014
www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org  
Tickets are $19 each, with group and field trip rates available. (Children under the age of 1 are free.)

***All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.   

Photos by Bruce Douglas