DC Metro Mom

Our family has been visiting Medieval Times pretty regularly since 2006 when our oldest son developed an intense interest in all-things-knights.  And for a little boy who loves all-things-knights, there is no better place than a ringside seat at a Medieval Times banquet.  But it's an experience that grown-ups will enjoy too, with plenty of action, good food, fine displays of horsemanship, pageantry, and falconry.  The new show has returned to its roots, focusing more on the horsemanship and less on Hollywood lighting and smoke.  We also found it to be even more kid-friendly than previous shows, with a lighter story line that was more about the tournament between the knights than the punishment of a dark villan.  

Over the weekend our family had one of the best days ever (or "boss-est" day, as my son put it) at the spring season opening of The Adventure Park At Sandy Springs Friends School. Designed by Swiss alpine mountaineers, The Adventure Park stretches over 5 wooded acres of the 140 acre campus of the Sandy Spring Friends School and is the largest aerial forest park in North America.  What is an aerial forest park?  Think Ewok village crossed with a circus trapeze and you'll begin to get an idea of the fun in store high-up in the trees. Each course has zip-lines (usually at the end) but is comprised mostly of various configurations of cable, wood, and rope that form bridges, tight-ropes, and climbing challenges in between over 150 unique tree platforms.

Special offer for DC Metro Mom readers!  See The Washington Ballet's spectacular production of the Nutcracker and save 20% off on tickets!  To get your special savings, order online at washingtonballet.org, select any of the performances listed below, and enter the offer code/password THANKS.

When you think of Shakespeare, you probably don't think of sultry music or dirty dancing, but that's only if you haven't yet seen Shakespeare Theatre Company's version of "Much Ado About Nothing."  Set in a 1930s  Cuban hacienda, this classic comedy takes on a seductive new life with slinky costumes, a romantic lantern-lit courtyard, and the latin beats of the rumba and cha-cha-cha.  If you rarely get a date night, forget the movies and the popcorn and set the stage for a truly memorable evening by surprising your romantic partner with the flirty fun of this show.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's hot new version of "Much Ado About Nothing" is the ultimate battle of the sexes Shakespeare-style, where young lovers woo each other and old enemies fight (before finding their true loves).  Set against a back drop of hot and sultry 1930s Cuba, passions and temperatures are rising at Sidney Harman Hall in this classic tale of love and wits.  

Adventure Theatre's world premiere production of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas began with a distinguished gentleman (DC actor Gary Sloan) in a richly appointed parlor, reciting from the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore in a Shakespearian voice.  (Uh-oh...is this going to be a full reading?  Am I going to have to carry a fidgeting-wriggling child out to the lobby?) But WAIT!  The first line barely left his lips when a giant mouse in suspenders leapt out stirring some cookie batter.  My daughter's eyes widened...o.k. this is going to be good!  From there the mouse, Amos, and the gentleman argue about the poem, including misconstrued visions of "pigeons" dancing in their heads.  Emily, a little girl eagerly waiting for Santa joins the fracas, as well as some holiday visitors, and a hilarious rapping Jewish elf named Calliope.  And so the grand adventure begins!

Okay...I will admit I was a major wimp about breastfeeding.  After seeing one too many of my girlfriends in toe curling pain from the process I decided it wasn't for me.  Multiple friends have harassed me.  Even the ones that were in pain!!

Obviously my moment has passed. My daughter is turning 3 and I don't plan on starting the process now.  Still I can't help but be overrun with talk of breastfeeding.  Every one of my friends that have had kids in the last six months (and there are many) have opted to breastfeed.  So what is the consensus of opinion on the world's best product... "My Breast Friend".

For years it has been a staple item for new mothers.   It easily attaches around your waste and makes for a more comfortable experience while breastfeeding.  Women have also indicated that they are able to achieve long feeding cycles.  Let us not forget it is the #1 choice for lactation consultants.  As with any "It" product, it has been featured on Oprah.  Since its launch in 1994, My Breast Friend has helped over 1,000,000 customers.  For more information go to LINK.

Who can resist the touch of a Little Giraffe blanket?  After polling some new moms, this was listed as an overwhelming favorite.  You and your little one will fall in love with the faux-fur Luxe and silky satin borders that is the signature of the Little Giraffe Collection.  You can choose from a cozy list of goodies that include: blankets, blankys, pillows, a burpy, throws and hooded towels.  Nothing chases the cold away after a bath like a Little Giraffe Hooded Towel.  In addition to the core products, Little Giraffe also makes adult cover-ups, bedding, throws, travel sets and pet gear.  In our area Nordstrom carries a line of Little Giraffe products.  You can also find Little Giraffe items on the web or by contacting LINK.

Even though my daughter is only 2 years old, it appears that her mates are already adopting DIVA taste in shoes.  In all fairness our neighbor who turned me onto Lelli Kelly shoes has a very posh 4.5 year old.  Who knew preschoolers were so tied into to fashion?  I am suddenly realizing the virtues of a Catholic School education that comes complete with a uniform.  If the need to be stylish starts at the age of 4...I am going to have to take out a home equity loan to dress my daughter throughout grade school and high school.

Idle gripes about the cost of fashion aside, Lelli Kelley are absolutely adorable shoes that come the most vibrant collection of colors and designs.  It is easy to see why little girls fall in LOVE with these shoes.  Note, while these shoes typically retail for $65 and up...some styles are currently on sale at Nordstrom's Anniversary sale for $42 and up.  If you miss the sale that runs until 8/3/08, http://www.shoes.com/ also carries a nice selection.  Search the web for current http://www.shoes.com/ coupons before buying.  These shoes are just too cute to pass up.

After living in the DC Metro area for nearly a decade, I am always looking for a new restaurant to add to the list of potential Saturday night escapes. After being told that I must see Clyde's Willow Creek Farm in Ashburn, VA, I admit I was a little leery. On date nights I tend to make my way into the District versus a suburban haunt. But friends assured me that Willow Creek was worth the trip.

While it wasn't DC or Arlington, I welcomed the opportunity to take a break from Rt. 66, Constitution Avenue and valet parking. It was very nice to take a leisurely ride to Loudoun County on a beautiful Virginia evening. Ahh...no traffic. In addition to a stress-free ride and plenty of parking, the restaurant didn't disappointment. The aesthetics were amazing. The structure is a collage of restored barns and historic taverns that Clyde's Restaurant Group bought over the years and stored for a future restaurant project. It all comes together at this impressive venue. Willow Creek's property size allowed for each of the different and unique structures to be reassembled and put together for one amazing restaurant. You can also add wonderful food and a thoughtful wait staff to the list of accomplishments. The biggest highlight for me was the gorgeous outdoor garden. People flock to the patio. It is filled with tables for seasonal dining, teak benches and a huge koi-filled pond adorned with swan fountains.

I would recommend Willow Creek for brunch, a date night or a destination when entertaining out-of-town guests. Kids are welcome. As you might expect, Willow Creek is incredibly popular. While reservations aren't required, I would highly recommend that you book a table. Walk-ins can wait as long as 2 hours. Do yourself a favor and book a table on http://www.opentable.com/. Restaurant LINK.

Children are a life altering event.  Any way you slice it life changes dramatically after a little one arrives.  My first order of business was to reevaluate my spending.  After all I had a host of new expenses to think about such as life insurance, 529 accounts, trips to Janie & Jack and memberships to The Little Gym.

As a consquence I swore off many of my staple makeup items.  Well...I am here to report after 3 years...I have decided every mother needs a few luxury items in her medicine cabinet.   I have returned to some of my favorite products and I was amazed at how much I missed them!

Here are two....  Oh...before I get started, if you have any favorites either comment on this blog or send me an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  I would love to share your "Top Picks" with our readers.