Sarah Reviews Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods

This morning I took The Goon Squad to Wolf Trap to see the Maryland Youth Ballet do a performance of "Caroline Goes to the Zoo".

Outdoor theatre is a fantastic way to introduce your kids to the arts, and my kids really enjoyed watching other kids performing. We especially enjoyed the question answer period at the end when the children got to ask the dancers questions and it came out that the Maryland Youth Ballet had a "Men's Program". My son was very excited that there were men in ballet and male ballet teachers.

I've been telling him for years that ballet isn't just for girls and now he finally believes me.

It was a cool venue.

I was fairly disappointed in the other parents. People were coming in during the entire performance and talking. At least five people showed up so late that the show was already over, but the dancers were good and it was a cute show.

Some people stayed for a puppet show, but as much as we would have enjoyed it, there were 45 minutes between shows and it was just too much time for my kids to sit still in the heat, with the bugs, with no food or drink.

We'll go back, but next time I will come prepared. They say no food or drink, but 80% of the other parents had snacks in their bags and their kids were doing really well. Check it out, but wait for a day where it is under 90 degrees.

Photography is not allowed (not that it stopped the other mothers) so pictures courtesy of Wolf Trap.

‘DC Cupcakes’ Sister Blog Contest

Do you like cupcakes? Do you have a sister? Would you like $500?

TLC has the contest for you.

It is easy - TLC would love to hear about strong sister relationships.

If you have a great memory of you and your sister together, write a blog post about it, follow @TLC and tweet a link to the post with the hashtags #DCcupcakes and #TLCsisters by July 23, 2010, and you’ll be entered into our sister blog contest. The best entry... will receive a $500 VISA gift card — great for a present for (or maybe even a visit to) that wonderful sister!

So go! Enter! Win money! Tell them I sent you.

Okay, you don't have to tell them I sent you, but if you win the $500 you should at least buy me a drink. Or a DC cupcake.

[photo: TLC]

Look What I Can Do!

In my life long quest to make everything I like to do all part of the same thing, look what I made for my friend Kim for BlogHer.

Cool, huh?

If you find her at BlogHer she will probably grace you with one - assuming you use your manners.

It was my very first order in my new line of business. I am very proud.

Of course, my second order was me stepping up one level.



SARAH AND THE GOON SQUAD CORKSCREWS!

I know. Now I can drink wine when I travel too!

Fear not. I still have plenty of beer openers left over if you are in need. I will have those too.

I can also sell not beverage related items, I just haven't had a reason to do so yet.

Wait until you see what I got for Draft Day Suit.

Snuggie Choice Film Awards

No I am not making this up.

BE PART OF THE SNUGGIE PHENOMENON: SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO FOR THE

FIRST-EVER SNUGGIE CHOICE FILM AWARDS

...As evidenced by the thousands of fan-generated videos on the internet, Snuggie, America’s favorite blanket with sleeves, has never been camera shy. That’s why Snuggie brand maker Allstar Products Group issued a call for the Snuggie Choice Film Awards, a contest to find the best Snuggie movie shorts. Entrants have the chance to win $5,000 and the opportunity to produce one of the next Snuggie brand commercials.

Aspiring film makers can visit www.SnuggieFanClub.com for complete entry details. Videos must be no longer than three minutes and can cover a range of genres, such as comedy, drama, action or documentary - wherever your cinematic genius may take you! All entries must be received by midnight EST on September 1, 2010.

Submissions will be narrowed down to six finalists, and America will determine the winners in a public voting period in September. All six finalists will be flown to the Snuggie Choice Film Awards premiere in New York City in October. Also, all finalists will win the entire 2010 Snuggie blanket collection...

For more information on how to submit and the official rules, visit www.SnuggieFanClub.com.

Step 1: Go get your Snuggie.

Step 2: Make a clever video.

Step 3: Profit

Step 4: Buy me something nice.

How simple is that?