Review: Great Food Tours Chocolate Tour of DC

So, there was this Groupon.  It was for Chocolate Tours of DC.

That had to happen, right?

I ended up buying two (they were $60 each for 4 people and the tours are usually $50/person), but had a few people decide not to go at the last minute, so there were only 5 of us, but we had a really great time, so I wanted to share.

We started off with lunch at Peacock Cafe in Georgetown, which didn't have the same menu it had online for lunch, but did have amazing tomato soup.  There's garage parking right next to the Cafe, which is nice, as far as I'm concerned, because I don't like street parking in DC, not that I was driving. Georgetown is a cute neighborhood, although parts of it are under construction right now for road and sidewalk repair, so leave yourself a little time to park.

(You know who else has parking? The hospital! It was a little weird for me to be so close to Georgetown University Hospital and not have some kind of medical testing done...I thought about seeing if my oncologist wanted to join us for chocolate, but figured she was probably pretty busy.)

So.  The tour.  

You meet up at the Old Stone House

Not actually IN the Old Stone House, but just outside.  There's not a bathroom there, but there is one across the street in the Nike store.  You're going to be walking a fair amount for the next 2 hours, so this is good info to have.

 The tour started with a brief (and I do mean brief) history of Georgetown.  The first stop for us was at Sprinkles Cupcakes, which was founded by the woman who judges Cupcake Wars on Food Network. I have to be honest, I didn't realize there was one in DC!! I knew about Georgetown Cupcakes (from the TV, obviously) and Red Velvet, because it's by the Verizon Center and the first place I ever went "for cupcakes".

Let me be really honest for a minute.  That mini-cupcake I'm holding? It may be the most amazing thing I've ever put in my mouth.  I usually hate chocolate cakes that other people make because they're never moist enough, but this was awesome.  I have an MRI on Friday, and I am having that cupcake for lunch after as a reward for laying in the giant plastic coffin for 2 hours.  They don't give you Dora stickers at my age, so I should get something, right?

After Sprinkles, we walked over to the Godiva Store, and they gave us samples of chocolate with dried strawberries in it.  The manager at Godiva was probably the best stop all day.  She actually talked to our group about Godiva and their chocolates and was funny and personable.  

After Godiva, there was a little bit of a hill to climb.  It wasn't very bad at all, but one member of our group has a bit of a foot condition and would've rather not done it, although with all the stops none of us had any trouble walking the entire tour, and there were people who brought children with, and all of them did well, too. 

Our next stops were Thomas Sweet for fudge, Marvelous Market for Chocolate Babka, which we decided would make AMAZING French Toast, Fleurir Hand Grown Chocolates, where we got salted caramel covered in chocolate....

I just need to think about that one again for a moment.....

Then we went down to Dean & Deluca, which previously I thought only existed in movies with Nicolas Cage because, clearly, I grew up in Hoodbridge and until we got Wegmans, we didn't have anything that classy.  Dean & Deluca let everyone pick out their own amazing looking truffles, and I tried the Vanilla Bean filling, which was yummy, but at this point, I was actually really full and over chocolate! We had one final stop, though, which was Pie Sisters, where they gave us mini chocolate bourbon pecan pies.  

By the time we finished, we were all stuffed with chocolate.  It was nice to have the walk between each location, and it was fun to have just a bite or two of each thing to try.  My favorites were definitely Sprinkles and Fleurir as far as actual chocolate, but Godiva for the ambiance, which sounds a little funny, but it was the only place that someone talked to us.  

The chocolate part of the tour was fantastic, but the tour part of the tour left a lot to be desired.  We had a lot of fun chatting with each other while we walked, but it would have been nice to have the shops tell us about their facility or their founders or something, or for the tour guide to have told us more about chocolate or DC, or really anything.  The tour guide was very friendly, he just didn't talk much!

Also, if I was a business owner, I'd give out coupons so people came back.  Something like "$5 off your next dozen cupcakes when you return after your chocolate tour!".  Otherwise, there's not really motivation for people to return....but that's just me. 

At the end of the day, our group had a fantastic time, and we were all happy we came out.  I don't think I'd pay the full $50 to do this, but if you catch a deal or someone offers to take you, it's definitely a fun way to spend an afternoon!!  There's definitely a manageable amount of walking involved, so bring a water bottle or plan to buy one at one of your stops, and if you can, plan for a cooler day.  We got great weather for ours, and we all had a fantastic time.  

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Disclosure: I (fine, my husband) bought my own Groupon, and all opinions are my own.  

Giveaway: Natural Mom Home Day Care

Based on her own desires for natural childcare that allowed for attention, cloth diapering, natural foods including organic cooking, and affordable rates, local mom Rosemarie is opening Natural Mom Home Day Care beginning September 2nd, in the Rippon Landing Area of Woodbridge.  Here's what she has to say:

Natural Mom Home Day Care LLC opens its doors September 2^nd to offer the Woodbridge/Dale City area (Rippon Landing) state licensed child care services for children 6 weeks to 6 years. “This is an opportunity for me to offer the services that mean the most to parents, like organic/natural foods, toddler yoga, baby sign language, family preferred scheduling and  complete preschool curriculum with rates that saves families over $2,000/year versus area day care centers.”, stated owner Rosemarie Groner.

After unsuccessfully searching for safe, affordable, high quality child care that offered the same natural care she provided for her new infant at home, owner Rosemarie Groner saw an opportunity to change the lives of area families. With a background in child care, she received state certification and created a child care program that offers local families an affordable, flexible, and safe alternative to area day care centers. Natural Mom Home Day Care LLC offers small group child care (3-4 children), organic/natural home cooked meals and home-made baby food at no extra cost, accepts cloth or disposable diapers, toddler yoga, baby sign language, photo sharing, preschool curriculum, and flexibility with after hours babysitting available by appointment. 

“I have three assistants that can help me with sick days, vacation and appointments”, explains Groner “Which means parents can feel comfortable relying on me. I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of area families and I take that responsibility very seriously.  A great day care provider is an extension of the family and that’s exactly what I plan to be.” 

To celebrate their grand opening, Natural Mom Home Day Care LLC is giving away a gift certificate for 5 hours of free after hours babysitting by appointment. To enter, head over to their facebook page and like them. One winner will be chosen at random. 

Visit naturalmomdaycare.blogspot.com, call 703-402-0362, or email Rosemarie at naturalmomdaycare@gmail.com to get more information and to request a “Parents Information Packet” with rates, menu plans, policies and procedures, and program highlights. 

In celebration of her new business, Rosemarie is offering something that every parent could use- 5 hours of after-hours babysitting (a $50 value).  Tell your husband to make reservations, and go out without the kids!! Enter using the Rafflecopter below.

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PwcMoms is running this contest, but not responsible for care.  Please see any waivers or agreements provided by the babysitter, as well as her state license for details. This is a sponsored post paid for by Natural Mom Home Day Care, and information was provided by their owner. 

Business Review: Monkey Joe's

Not actually in PWC, Monkey Joe's Dulles Location would be a good fit for our Manassas-side mommas.  I had guest writer attend their grand opening celebration for me to check it out.  You should prepare yourselves for what you're about to see, because her kids are stinkin' adorable.  So. Very. Cute.

Monkey Joe's has your indoor bounce-house stuff, slides, obstacle courses, etc. 

That is one happy kid.  Love it! 

 Monkey Joe's also has some arcade-style games available for the kids to play when they're not bouncing around. 

Our Writer-Mom liked that 

*everything was in one room, which allowed for easy visibility of your kids

*there were tables and chairs so moms could have coffee/sit and chat with a friend 

*the arcade in the front was nice

*the staff was friendly and helpful, so parents didn't have to be all over the inflatables with their kids

*they had smaller inflatables specifically for smaller kids so they won't get run over (she's had this problem at Kids N Motion)

*there was a cute toddler zone, although her kids were too big

Open Bounce is $9.99, which is on the pricey side for a bounce house, but it sounds like the kiddos from our guest writer had a great time. The facility also offers parties, too.  

Check out Monkey Joe's Dulles on Facebook, too, for more pictures of their new place! 

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Disclosure: Our writer attended for free at the Grand Opening, but all opinions are her own. 

Week in Preview: August 5th-August 11th

While there's tons to choose from on our calendar, here are a couple of high lights for the week!

Monday, August 5th
Pack a snack and head inside to Potomac Library for "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" beginning at 11am.  Limit of 125 viewers due to space constraints.
Older children (Middle and High School) can get a mendhi painted on at Chinn Library from 2-3pm.  Limited to the first 50 participants.

Tuesday, August 6th
August 6th is National Night Out  and there are plans in some local communities for events.  Manassas and Georgetown South both have events on our calendar, and PWC Police will run two motorcades, Western PWC will go to New Bristow Village, Westgate, Stonington, Crossroads Village, and Saranac.  The Eastern PWC Motorcade will go through Quantico, Port Potomac, Ruler, County Center, and Kenmar.  Your local neighborhood may also be holding a neighborhood watch program.

Wednesday, August 7th
We're heading quickly towards the end of summer, so if you have a younger child and haven't checked out the Parent/Tot playdate at Waterworks yet, head on over! This program begins at 9am, and gives young children a chance to play before the park gets crowded and hot.
There are Wednesday lunch concerts in Old Town Manassas beginning at 11:30am each week.  With this week's more temperate forecast, why not pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of summer?

Thursday, August 8th
At 10:30 you can join "Uncle Pete Rocks" at Chinn Library: Experience the extravaganza of an "Uncle Pete Rocks" show. Join in the high-energy fun and musical silliness as he sings & plays with The Invisible Band! For ages 2 and up.
At 11, get your hands dirty with the Master Gardeners at Independent Hill Library: The Prince William Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners present your garden as you've never seen it. Dig in and discover what the worms and seeds are doing to the soil of your garden. For children entering grades 1 and up.
The Rainbow Puppets will perform at Central Library on August 15th.  Ticket pickup begins today for this show: Participate in the excitement as twenty giant puppets sing dinosaur songs, and do the dinosaur hop in this highly interactive show.Children ages 2 and up accompanied by an adult. Pick up FREE tickets beginning August 8.

Friday, August 9th
Sign up now for a "Friday Night on the Rocks" so your kids can have fun while you get a break! http://climb-va.com/
Bring a blanket and head to the Harris Pavilion for a free kid-friendly movie beginning at 8:30pm.

Saturday, August 10th
Premiere Martial Arts is having a "Back to School Success" seminar for kids.  Join us for this free event and let us help your child succeed in school! Our positive team of instructors are here to help motivate your child to succeed!  We have a built in achievement program that will build your child's confidence and help them to achieve their greatest potential! Reserve your child's place for this Saturday by emailing or calling today! (703) 361-3428
10AM will bring a "Sensory Friendly" showing of Smurfs 2 at AMC Theatres.
Sign up in advance at the Lake Manassas Wegmans for "Sausage and Salad": First, we’ll make a colorful, crunchy Rainbow Crunch Salad, then take a trio of sausages for a dip in tzatziki (Greek cucumber-yogurt dip), 2 kinds mustards, and a fruity-mustardy dip.
From 10:30-11:30 the Bob Brown Puppets will perform "Mother Goose Cabose" at the Locust Shade Park Amphitheater Delight yourself as all of Mother Goose's characters fall out of the train and hilarious antics ensue. $4 for ages 2 and up (I recommend bringing cash)

Sunday, August 11th
Two chances for Ice Cream Fun on Sunday, as you head either to Manassas for an Ice Cream Social and outdoor concert or to Pump it Up for their Sundaes on Sunday program!

Language Stars Open House

I didn't start a foreign language until 8th grade, and it's one of my greatest regrets.  While I had the opportunity to take years of French and participate in an exchange, I always wished that I'd started sooner, and at this point, while I understand French, I haven't spoken it in so long I'm not sure I could if I had to. At my high school, they also offered Russian my senior year, which I took both there and in college, as well, and enjoyed very much, but I can't claim to remember much beyond the alphabet and basic conversation.

Oh, and Cheburashka.  How could you forget him?

He's so cute!!

In our area, especially, you find loads of bilingual kids.  I think that it gives children such an advantage to start languages early, and, of course, if you have a parent in the home who speaks two languages it makes things really easy.  For those of us without that advantage, we have to look elsewhere if we want to snag our kids some quality language instruction.

Language Stars offers French, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian and German language instruction for children ages one and up, and has been voted "Best Language Instruction" in the DC Area for the last three years.  Their school year programs begin on September 3rd, so now is the time to look into classes.  While they don't have a Prince William County location, they do have a nearby Fairfax Center, and you can check out the classes, and the drive, during their open house program, which runs from August 5-25, 2013.  You can sign up online to try a free class, and if you register during the open house period, you'll save $100 off your tuition.  

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Language Stars.  All opinions are my own, especially those about the cuteness level of Russian Cartoon Characters. 

Hair Cuttery Share a Haircut Event

Hair Cuttery will be giving away a free haircut to a child in need for every child's haircut they sell during the month of August.  Just go in for your child's back-to-school haircut, and they'll handle the rest. 

Giveaway: BelaJuli Photography

Today's giveaway is from Mariana of BelaJuli Photography.  A little about her:

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I am the mom of two beautiful and crazy girls, Isabela and Juliana. Photography has always been a hobby, but when I gave birth to Isabela, I realized I wanted to capture every moment. I am so lucky to be able to wake up every day and do what I love. Having been a Spanish teacher at an elementary school before having my own kids, patience comes as second nature. I look forward to meeting new families and capturing their moments!

BelaJuli Photography offers gender reveal, maternity, newborn, children, family, and event photography.

Mariana is kind, patient, and easy to work with based on my experiences,  and I love this testimonial from her website: 

"Our photo's were gorgeous, but the most important thing about our experience with Mariana was her patience with our children. We never felt rushed and she was super flexible."

- Mary H.

BelaJuli Photography is offering one lucky winner a free 30 minute session and 5 digital copies, with the option, of course, to order more.  Enter using the rafflecopter below:

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