The Nutcracker

A must do for the Christmas holiday season in the DC area is the Warner Theater to see
the Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker. It is truly a special event that captures the
the classic version of The Nutcracker along with local flare that makes it so
special and unique. The show starts off in Georgetown on
Christmas eve, Clara is given a nutcracker that happens to be portrayed as
George Washington and the classic story of the nutcracker happens with a lot local
flair that keep popping up through out the whole performance. In the second
act, during the spring, they even have cherry blossoms all over the stage which
makes a beautiful backdrop. The set design itself is gorgeous with so much
detail. The snow sequence and cherry blossom scenes were breath taking.
The effort and detail that went into the set design is just as amazing as the performers.The Warner Theater as a whole was very impressive. They cater to the children
that would be coming to see this performance. There is a grilled cheese bar
with lots of fun and yummy options and also an adult bar with lots of drink
options. Inside the lobby it was decorated just as nice as the sets that were
inside the auditorium. Everything was ready for Christmas. The Warner theater
is a must see with all of their decor and the performance and show itself is
nothing less of that. The dancers were beautiful, they hit all of
their marks and points with the music. The costumes were amazing.
Everything looked beautiful on stage. I do have to say that it was interesting
that there was no orchestra at the ballet, it was all on a CD. I thought that was
going to take a ways from the feel of the ballet for me, but everything else was
so picturesque and beautiful there was no need to think about the orchestra not being
there. The Nutcracker during the holiday season is a tradition and
special event, and at the Warner Theater they truly made it a memorable time for
everyone that goes. If you have extra cash this holiday season to see a
beautiful show, this is the one check out!

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Cox Farm

There is something very special about fall on the east coast.  Being from California I didn’t really understand that until I moved to Virginia.  The leaves change so the trees look like they are on fire, the weather gets a little cooler and there is usually some kind of fall festival or some kind of fall event happening that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and that is exactly what Cox Farm gives you.  Cox farm is an operating farm with animals, a pumpkin patch and lots of yummy food and elaborate slides.  It is truly fun for all ages!  There is usually some sort of band playing on a honky tonk kind of stage, apple cider, hay rides, a petting zoo, and an endless amount of entertainment for the children.  Cox Farm’s is located a little west of the Washington DC area and is worth going to.  The average ticket is around $15, which may seem a little steep for a glorified pumpkin patch, but with the amount of family entertainment and fun Cox Farm has to offer it is worth spending a little extra to get a small town feel with a lot of festive fun! 

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Check out Chique Handmade Cards!!!!

Chique Handmade Cards, based out of Washington, MO , is a one woman shop.  Run by Heather Hauck, this shop is able to make just about any card you can dream up, and it’s all done with style in mind.  Right now, Heather is working on the new line of Christmas, Chanukah,  and Kwanzaa cards for the holiday season.  These lines will be debuting sometime in October.  Check out Chique Handmade Cards’ Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ChiqueHandmadeCards,  and Etsy page, www.etsy.com/shop/ChiqueHandmadeCards,  for details.   For any type of card for any occasion, or just because, try Chique Handmade Cards.  Chique cards with style in mind!

This is a great find that we just discovered so check it out!!!!  Great for a child's birthday or holiday!

Pearmound Winery

Pearmund Winery in Fauquier County, VA, is a revamped and newly renovated vineyard that is worth checking out!  This is one of the closest vineyards to Washington DC and is a very easy day trip, only taking about an hour to get to.  Of course there are other vineyards that are in that area as well so you can go just for this tasting or keep moving on to others.  You do taste about 12 different wines, which they specialize in their Viognier and this white table wine is delicious!  They also have the option of buying a barrel if you want to join their club and of course different options of food and other wines.  Their reds are also very well done!  And the people are so friendly and happy to discuss the wines, the process, or happy just to be social with you. 

The setting is beautiful!  It is very country meets Tuscany.  The outside seating is very scenic and relaxing.  You are able to walk through the vineyard as well as the barrel room and it really makes the experience entertaining and a great spot to go wine tasting.  The great thing about this winery is it is very children friendly as well as pet friendly.  There are different games to entertain children, plenty of room for them to run around and your dog will love sitting out on the patio!  This is a vineyard that is making a new name for itself, a great mommy’s day out, or fun for the whole family!

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Christmas in July in Old Town Alexandria, VA

Such a fun and wonderful community event for Alexandria, Christmas in July!  All children want Christmas to be more than just once a year, I want it to be more than once a year.  This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a midyear Christmas.  The Christmas Attic in Old Town Alexandria is the center of all the activities.  There you can meet and talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate Christmas ornaments and play loads of fun games for the whole family.  It is a lot of fun to see Santa dressed up in a summer outfit. 

The Christmas Attic isn’t the only store that participates in this mid summer’s Christmas holiday.  There is a list of stores and restaurants that enjoy getting in the spirit of the holiday with Christmas cookie decorating, games, music and lots of holiday cheer.  There are carolers walking around and a band playing Christmas music.  The spirit of the season is definitely captured with this event.  Besides being in the middle of summer you feel like you are walking the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria during the Christmas holiday.  This was the perfect activity to bring your child to.  My daughter thought it was so cool to see Santa in summer clothes and to be able to tell him what she wants for Christmas.  You can’t beat the Christmas spirit and this is a perfect way to have a mid-year celebration!

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The Sculpture Garden

One of Washington DC’s best little secret, especially during the hot summer, is the Sculpture Gardens.  If you have the family out exploring “The Mall” area you need to stop by and explore the Sculpture Gardens.  The abstract sculptures that make up this garden are entertaining and fascinating as it is all set in a very European setting with gardens and long path ways.  And in the middle of everything there is a huge fountain that you are able to cool off by putting your feet in.  The whole scene looks like it comes directly from Paris.  There is a little bistro café with beautiful outdoor seating and it is a tossup if the fountain or all of the sculptures are the main attraction!

This is a great place to come and bring the children to enjoy looking at larger than life pieces of art as well as letting them enjoy splashing around in the fountain.  The Sculpture Garden is hidden behind gates and it is almost as if nothing was there until you go in.  It is located down the street from the Natural History Museum.  It is hard to bring children to an art museum, so this is the perfect setting because it is outside where they can run around, the art is so big and exciting that it intrigues even a toddler and if all else fails; the fountain is a great place for them to splash around and cool off.  On top of the good entertainment value for children it is so spread out and enclosed that it makes a very relaxing setting for someone opening up a book or getting a coffee. 

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River Farm Garden Park

River Farm Garden Park is nestled on the Potomac in Alexandria, VA.  It is the perfect place to spend the afternoon having a picnic with your little one!  This park is part of the American Hortircultural Society but is open weekdays to the public, and the grounds are beautiful.  The grounds itself offers literature to read about all of the gardening and different types of local flowers that are grown there.  There is an education office with people to answer questions and give tours and everything is self-labeled so it is easy to walk around and enjoy the sites and learn about the gardening that takes place there.  It is all set in a beautiful, colonial setting. 

This is a great place to take your toddler to run around for a couple hours, or to enjoy a picnic.  There is plenty of climbing areas and manipulatives available.  There are also plenty of big and smaller tables set up just for that beautiful lunch hour in the garden.   I went there not really knowing what to expect and was pleasantly surprised.  There is plenty of nature’s beauty as well as the history.  It is very easy to get to, just down the road from Mount Vernon.  These gardens also make the perfect backdrop for a wedding.  It is such a beautiful and romantic setting overlooking the Potomac.  I would highly suggest checking out the River Farm and Gardens on a beautiful and sunny day!

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Sailing Around DC!

While visiting the Nation’s Capital it is fun to get outside of the typical sightseeing and adventure into something new. Renting a sailboat is a great way to see some sights and experience the Potomac.  It is also a very fun activity for the whole family.  Savannah, my two year old loves being on the water and has really picked up on "Pulling the ropes."  Sailing the Potomac is definitely interesting, it is a lot of fun, but it is interesting. You are in a very shallow flowing river, so you better know what you are doing. If you get too shallow, you will be stuck in the mud, which means that most likely the Coast Guard will have to help fish you out to shore. But don’t let that discourage you, when there is a nice wind and a good cloud cover, not only is it a pretty place to sail but it is also a lot of fun. You can see the National Monument, National Harbor, and many of the other Washington DC landmarks.


A great place to rent a boat from is a little hidden spot, the Belle Haven Marina in Alexandria, VA. Located right off of the George Washington Parkway, it is a nice little spot to do a nature walk, bird watching, and of course rent a boat. The rental fees are very affordable, averaging around $25 per hour for a 24 foot sailboat. The best part is that the boats are rigged up and ready to go! You do have to call in advance because boats will be rented and sold out days ahead of time, most likely because it is one of the cheaper and low key areas to rent about around town. The Belle Haven Marina really makes it easy to enjoy a day of sailing around the DC area!

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Tea Party at the Mandrin Oriental Hotel

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