Check out Imagination's Stage's newest production and world premiere of  Cinderella: The Remix, complete with music, dancing, and girl power!

Cinderella lives in the basement of her step-mama's house and longs to DJ, but only boys can do DJ in her town of Hip-Hop Hollywood.  Cinderella disguises herself as a  boy and auditions for the super famous "jam" thrown by the J-Prince and gets the gig.  With some help from her Fairy Godmother Hope-rah, Cinderella DJs the Jam (at least until midnight). Will she ever be allowed to spin as her true self? Or will Cinderella be convicted of frontin’ and sentenced to solitary confinement with only the music of Kenny G for company?

SHOW DETAILS:

Cinderella: The Remix at Imagination Stage
Best for ages 5-10,
April 9-May 25, 2014 (Public performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with occasional 11:00 a.m. performances (April 19, May 3, May 10, and May 24)

Tickets start at $10, and may be purchased online at www.imaginationstage.org, at the Imagination Stage box office, or via phone at 301-280-1660. Group rates are available.



SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

$10 Preview tickets (applies to most seats) April 12 at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Sensory-friendly performance: April 27 at 11:00 a.m
ASL-interpreted performance: April 27 at 4:00 p.m.
The Children’s Ball: May 10 at 4:30 p.m.
Friday night performance and dance party: May 16 at 7:00 p.m.


Imagination Stage
4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD

Parking: Metered parking in the adjacent public parking garage; parking is FREE on weekends
Metro: Red Line / Bethesda Station

Run Stroller Run is a national website focusing on stroller-friendly races that allow parents to jog or walk with their jogging stroller, and family-friendly races (which include kids’ races and kids’ activities) and other competitive endurance events. The comprehensive, integrated calendar is searchable by both state and distance, and is the largest directory of these races in the world. Founder and Northern VA resident,  Lara Coffee started Run Stroller Run after discovering how difficult it was to find stroller-friendly races.  

"It seems I wasn’t alone, based on the outpouring of interest from racers to race directors and running companies of all types," Coffee stated,  "We started our interactive stroller-friendly calendar in April 2013, and plans have been afoot to put our offerings on a really top-notch platform.  So many people were inquiring about stroller-friendly races throughout the United States – and now the world – I felt it was important that Run Stroller Run have its own dedicated site."

Run Stroller Run's next big push is to add a registration functionality allowing race directors to set-up their race registration through the website and make it a quick, simple registration for Stroller Runner athletes, teams and families.

By the end of 2014, they also hope to roll out our Run Stroller Run stroller-friendly, family-friendly and/or kid-friendly race certification; whereby race directors will be able to certify their race(s) as “stroller-friendly”, “family-friendly” and/or “kid-friendly” race. Once the race(s) is approved and certified by our team of experts, the race directors will receive a Run Stroller Run seal to be used on their websites and other race materials, giving you the participants the ability to automatically recognizes races as stroller-friendly, family-friendly and/or kid-friendly.

Check out the site at www.runstrollerun.com.

The great thing about the Warrenton Aquatic & Recreation Facility (WARF) is that even though it is a facility run by the town of Warrenton, you do not have to be a resident to use the pools.

A 1 day pass for a child (up to 17) is $5.50 and for adults is $7.50. Children 2 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

WARF boasts a "lazy river" but while we found it lots of fun, it was not very lazy! Keep close to kids who are not strong swimmers as the water is almost 4 feet, and the current is quite strong.  There are also no tubes provided. 

The toddler pool area has zero depth entry and never gets higher than about 1.5 inches in any area.  It has slides and fun features like little waterfalls where the big pool overflows into the play pool.  We really liked it because the smaller children could easily take breaks from the action if needed.

The large waterslide is for kids 48 inches and up, but if your child is under the height requirement and wants to try the big slide, she or he can take a quick swimming test in front of a lifeguard.  Once they pass they are allowed to ride the slide.

The outdoor Claude Moore Fun for All Playground, located just outside the
aquatic center,  is of course a big hit for all sizes. In addition to the rock wall, swings and slides there are plenty of shaded benches for families to rest and see almost everywhere.  The playground itself is right next to a beautiful lake as well.

WARF is a great place for active family fun in Northern VA! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise Stern is a mom of three children under six and the CEO and President of Let Mommy Sleep, the premier baby nurse agency in Washington DC, offering overnight newborn care and education for parents. 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus doesn't disappoint.  Built to Amaze! is a classic circus with all the thrills you'd expect from The Greatest Show On Earth...a daredevil shot from a canon, 16 powerful tigers, soaring acrobats, revved-up motorcycles, and plenty of kooky clowns.  

The kids especially loved the wide variety of animal performances...from tiniest poodle to the biggest elephant. The acrobats, gymnasts, and trapeze artists were very impressive and might even inspire you to do a few extra sit-ups at your next workout.  If you haven't yet taken your kids to the circus, this is a perfect opportunity...the Patriot Center is an easy venue with plenty of close-in free parking.  With ticket prices not much more than an outing to the movies, the circus is a show they'll remember for lifetime. 

Show info: 

FAIRFAX, VA SHOW 
The Patriot Center | April 9 – April 20, 2014

Show times:
·       Wednesday, April 9 – 7:00 pm
·       Thursday, April 10 – 7:00 pm
·       Friday, April 11 – 10:30 am, 7:30 pm
·       Saturday, April 12 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm
·       Sunday, April 13 – 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm
·       Thursday, April 17 – 7:00 pm
·       Friday, April 18 – 1:00 pm; 7:30 pm
·       Saturday, April 19 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm; 7:30 pm
·       Sunday, April 20 – 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm
 
Fairfax Ticket Prices: $15.00/$20.00/$30.00 (Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP available)
 
Ticket Information: All seats are reserved. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000, via www.ticketmaster.com , and the Patriot Center box office. For group rates and information, call 202-661-5061. For additional information about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, please visit www.ringling.com.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, approximately 12 miles south of the town of Cambridge. Boasting over 27,000 acres rich with marsh land, ponds, and forests, the refuge is a great place to check out wildlife and enjoy serene natural scenery.

Blackwater is also host to one of the largest breeding populations of American bald eagles on the east coast, and contains the largest remaining natural population of the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel. During certain times of the year, it is a haven for migration of geese, ducks, and the peregrine falcon. 

We started our visit at the beautiful Visitor Center, where we were able to get maps and information from Blackwater staff.  Then we continued down to the Wildlife Drive, which is about a 7-mile loop and takes visitors in cars, on bicycles, or on foot past some of the most scenic marshes, forests, and fields at Blackwater.  During the drive, we stopped our car many times to take short hikes on trails and view wildlife. 

On our journey, we were able to spot a some American bald eagles, the Delmarva fox squirrel, an osprey nest, turkey vultures, and common ducks, frogs, and geese.

Check out our gallery below, and click on the images to enlarge:

Besides the Wildlife Drive and hiking, visitors can also find three paddling trails, miles of cycling roads, hunting/fishing/crabbing opportunities, and adventures and programs in environmental education.  For more specific details, visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge FAQ page.  Information about boating trails & rentals can be found here. 

Where to eat?
While the refuge hosts a few picnic areas, we opted to try the local gem Old Salty's, located about 20 minutes from the refuge on the traditional Chesapeake waterman community of Hooper's Island.  Old Salty's  This is a no-frills, old school seafood restaurant with beautiful views and honestly some of the most delicious seafood and crab dishes we have ever tasted. More info at:  www.oldsaltys.com. 

Where to stay?
The most beautiful, luxurious Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is a short distance away. The hotel is in the historic town of Cambridge, MD and boasts many amenities and attractions. Check out my review of the resort in this blog post here. 

More information:
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
2145 Key Wallace Drive
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina is the perfect weekend getaway from the DC Metro/Northern Virginia area.  The resort features:

• A large indoor and outdoor pool with waterslides
  
• 18 holes of golf overlooking the Chesapeake Bay
• Seven restaurants and lounges
• A luxurious salon and spa
• Recreation: tennis, boating, nature trails, beach volleyball, frisbee golf, & mini golf

• A full service marina
• Daily scheduled activities

We loved the clean spacious rooms and stayed in a family suite with a king sized bed and bunk beds for the kids.

For dinner, we enjoyed an incredible meal at Blue Point Provision, just a 5-10 minute walk down a shelled path from the hotel. The atmosphere was fun, and the menu was filled with delicious, local food. We sampled the Choptank Oysters on the half-shell, which were sweet and fresh, loved the cocktail menu, and took advantage of being in Maryland with crab and fresh fish specialities. For breakfast, we at inside the main hotel at the Water's Edge Grill, which has a great breakfast buffet and specialities such as a crab omelet. 

Since the weather was still too cool for the outdoor pool and beach, we took advantage of the beautiful and large indoor pool, played some mini-golf, and when the sun went down, we enjoyed roasting some s'mores by the outdoor fire. 

While at the Hyatt, here are some great things to do around Cambridge:

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge boasts 27,000 acres of woodland, rich tidal marsh, freshwater ponds and managed cropland. It's a great for viewing wildlife, cycling, hiking, and paddling. Read our blog post for more information about visiting the refuge.

Choptank River Lighthouse: The Choptank River Lighthouse is open for free, self-guided tours by appointment from November through April. To make an appointment, call 410.228.4031. From May through October, the lighthouse is open regular hours for touring. Admission is free, but donations are welcome!

Harriet Tubman Museum: Underground Railroad 'conductor' Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County probably in the 1820s. The museum is part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a self-guided, scenic driving tour with more than 30 sites related to freedom seekers.  For more information and an audio guide, stop by the Dorchester Visitor Center, 2 Rose HIll Place; Cambridge, MD.

Richardson Maritime Museum: A unique collection of vessels and a museum dedicated to the region's maritime history. 

Mr. Knick Knack! has led the family music scene in the Washington DC area for over 15 years, melting hearts with his infectious original songs focusing on the fundamentals of family, love, and overcoming fear. As a solo artist, he has performed thousands of shows in the DC area dominating the regions family music venues including Tysons Corner Center, Reston Town Center, and Market Common Clarendon in Arlington.

In 2013, the Mr. Knick Knack family grew to include electric guitarist and back-up vocalist, John Eggers, and became Mr. Knick Knack! and the Bric-a-Brac Band!. Their debut album “Rocket Ride to the Little House” is pre-released in the DC Metro area and is set to be released nationally Spring 2014. Mr. Knick Knack! and the Bric-a-Brac Band’s CD delivers catchy lyrics about mom, love, and family with rocking music that any parent would be happy to play over and over.

He can be found performing weekly in Reston, Arlington, and Tysons Corner, as well as many other locations in the DC area. For more details visit: www.mrknickknack.com

by Micaela

My kids are probably the biggest Wild Kratts fans around. They are obsessed with the entertaining show and constantly quizzing me with their amazing animal fact trivia.  We were so happy today when PBS KIDS announced a brand new app called WILD KRATTS World Adventure.  This is a must have-app for fans of the popular PBS KIDS series, WILD KRATTS, World Adventure brings animal science to life!

Through 30 levels of game play, WILD KRATTS World Adventure helps build key skills and encourages science inquiry. With the app, children ages 4 to 8 can tilt and tap their way through games that help them learn how different animals live and adapt to their habitats.


Additional features include:

*  Over 60 stickers and “Wow facts”
*  Kids can take their own creature power “selfies”
*  An Orangutan creature power game that lets kids tilt their device back and forth to imitate the swing of the Orangutan.
*  A Woodpecker creature power game that lets kids imitate the strong beak of the woodpecker by tapping on trees to listen and find beetles.
*  A Dolphin creature power suit game that lets kids swim and jump with dolphins as they tilt their device to clean up trash in the ocean.


I reviewed the app with my 4 year old, and we are excited to unlock more levels to gain more facts and stickers.  I do wish that the stickers did not need to be unlocked as it is very boring to make a picture with one sticker.  I am also not sure how difficult the games become as the levels increase. Younger kids may need guidance and assistance. 

If your child loves the Wild Kratts like mine does, he or she will enjoy this educational app that combines fun with learning.  

Click through the gallery below to see some screenshots of the app:

By – Jeannine Miller ([email protected])

Let’s face it, life with little kids is busy.  Sometimes just finding a quiet moment to pick up the phone to make an appointment can seem like a hassle.  At Moss, we know this and are always looking for innovative ways to make the home improvement process as painless as possible.  

Enter our newest product -- the Moss app, available through iTunes and Google Play.  Not only does it make your life easier, it’s fun!   Homeowners who download the MOSS app can take pictures of their potential projects and submit them via the app with inquiries.  You will have exclusive access to announcements, event invites and much more.  Additionally, once a client, you can use the app to easily track your project’s progress via MOSS Online by viewing your selections, change orders, budget and photos.  Users can also view the Moss portfolio to keep up with the latest trends in remodeling.  

We have always used technology as a partner to better ourselves, our processes and our customers’ satisfaction.  If it’s a way to improve the experience for our customers, then it has our support.

Moss Building & Design is an award-winning, Northern VA remodeling company that has been serving the area for over a decade. In addition to Moss’ superior customer care and exquisite remodeling, Moss is also a leader in technology in the home improvement industry.  

In addition to blogging about all things home and family-related, Jeannine Miller manages Moss Building & Design’s Community Relations Department, which includes the popular HandyMOM 101 and HandyGirl 101 workshop programs.

Now that Spring is FINALLY HERE, it's time to take advantage of one of my favorite places for a weekend trip…Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA.  I love the easy drive to Williamsburg and highly suggest leaving Northern VA very early, spending the day at this beautiful theme park and spending the night at one of the great nearby hotels.  But, this little getaway doesn't need to break the bank.  Take advantage of some of these great deals to save on the fun:


*  Spring Bounce Ticket – Valid for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens® and Colonial Williamsburg for up to 7 consecutive days from date of first use, thru April 27, 2014. This online only offer must be purchased by April 24. Visit the buschgardens.com/va ticket page for details.

* Spring Tour Special – Book now and save 25% on select tours experienced between April 4 and May 26. Tours included in this promotion are the Family Fun, Landscape Life, Ultimate Busch Gardens Insider, Roller Coaster Insider, Ultimate Animal Insider, Animals Up Close, Clydesdales & Collies Up Close, Wolf Training and Birds of Prey tours

* Meal Deal – Make mealtime a breeze and get your lunch and dinner all in one delicious package for only $24.  Add a souvenir cup for only $5 extra and get $.99 refills for the entire year.

* Free 2-Park Preschool Pass – Visit www.buschgardens.com/bgwpreschoolpass before May 31 to register for a free 2-Park Preschool Pass for children ages 3-5. Proof of the child’s age is required at the time the passes are redeemed and the passes must be redeemed at either park by May 31, 2014. Children ages 2 and younger receive complimentary admission and do not need to register. See http://www.buschgardens.com/bgwpreschoolpass for complete details.

* Wendy’s Single-Day Ticket deal – Visit participating Wendy’s restaurants in Virginia and North Carolina for $5 off a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens. Triple the discount to $15 by entering the promo code found on the Wendy’s in-store coupon online at www.buschgardens.com/va. 

* Pampers Kids Free Promotion – Back again for 2014, get one free child’s single-day admission to Busch Gardens through the Pampers Gifts to Grow rewards program at www.pampers.com. Enter the Busch Gardens promotional code provided by the rewards program and receive one free child’s admission with the purchase of one regularly priced adult single-day ticket. The child’s ticket is valid for children up to age 9, and the purchase must be made online using the promotional code provided at www.pampers.com.

* Spring Vacation Packages- Whether you’re coming for a weekend or during spring break week, a vacation in Williamsburg will put some spring in your step. Click here to review Busch Gardens’ best Springtacular vacation package that includes a Busch Gardens Fun Card, your choice of hotel accommodations, a free dining voucher and a Quick Queue pass.

* Buy an Annual Pass- Purchase a 1-Park Annual Pass for just $10 per month on EZpay (or a one-time $120 payment) and watch the savings add up. Annual Pass members receive free parking, in-park discounts on food and merchandise and reduced pricing on single-day tickets for friends and family. In-park discounts and other perks of being a member, including invitations to exclusive events like ride nights and appreciation weekends, discounts on single-day Christmas Town™ tickets and unlimited admission to Howl-O-Scream®, makes owning an Annual Pass a no brainer for people who enjoy the park.

Pass members who sign up for email through buschgardens.com/emailva will receive updates on the latest park news, exclusive email-only offers, invitations to exclusive events and other information that will help you make the most of your membership.