May 2011

I was thrilled to receive a bottle of Purex Complete with Zout detergent on my doorstep!  With a three-year old, the mountains of laundry in our house multiply with alarming speed; and, aside from the Lord dropping a maid on my doorstep, I don’t foresee my enormous piles of laundry lessening anytime soon.  While I wait for the maid request to be filled, I’m thankful to Purex for free laundry detergent.

What I loved about Purex Complete with Zout Laundry Detergent was its amazing cleaning properties.  Since my daughter loves to stain her clothes with sharpies and things that warn, “if this gets on your Spring dress, your mom will burst into tears,” I’m always at my wits’ end scrubbing her outfits.  While Purex Laundry Detergent didn’t always erase all signs of the stain, they did miraculously whiten her onesies in one wash cycle and got out most of the tough tomato, grass, and dirt stains.

For those of you who are wondering how the Purex Complete with Zout scientifically works, here is a breakdown of the ingredients.  It contains three powerful stain-fighting enzymes: Protease, Amylase, and Mannanase.  Protease works against protein-based stains like grass and blood.  Amylase fights starchy stains such as chocolate and tomato sauce.  And, Mannanase counteracts guar, which is a thickener in many foods, such as ice cream, barbecue sauce, and salad dressing.  Because guar is super sticky, its one of the most difficult stains to remove.

Purex Complete with Zout Laundry Detergent works in both traditional and High Efficiency washers.  I appreciate that it is a detergent and a “pre-treater” rolled into one.  If you have a normal load of soiled clothes, you just add your detergent as usual.  But, for tougher stains, you can let your clothes soak for five minutes, before starting the wash cycle.  This saves you the additional hassle of purchasing a separate pre-treater and then remembering to use it!

Want to try it?  You can print a $1 coupon here – and, check their site daily, for free samples of Purex Complete with Zout.

:: Giveaway Details ::
Or, you can enter to win (2) coupons for a FREE bottle of Purex Complete with Zout detergent (expires 12/31/2012).  To enter, you must be a public blog follower and let me know your laundry detergent of choice.  This contest is open to the US and will close at 11:59 PM on June 9, 2011.  I will draw the winner by Random.org, and they will have 48 hours to respond to the email notification that they won. 

For extra entries:

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Jellies Invasion (Photo Credit: National Aquarium)

Around Christmas last year, we were given complimentary tickets to the National Aquarium in DC.  It was definitely worth braving the freezing cold to enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Aquarium!  A loved the alligators the best, and kept wandering back to visit their cage.   

Until then, I didn’t know that the National Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the nation and showcases over 200 marine species.  It’s perfect for younger children, who prefer “museums” that are exciting and about an hour in length.

Worried about navigating through the crazy DC traffic?  Here is a tip from my review post in December: 

For those of you who are like me and get lost very easily in DC, the Aquarium is extremely easy to find.  We prefer to use the Metro than to fight the insane traffic, so we parked at West Falls Church, hopped on the Orange Line and rode to the “Federal Triangle” stop.  Once there, we walked about a block, and the National Aquarium was right on Constitution Avenue.

Throughout the Summer, the National Aquarium will be offering many fun events, most of which are free with the cost of admission.  Toddler days are every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM.  This hour consists of story time, exciting science experiments, fun crafts and a tour of the Aquarium designed especially for toddlers!  The next events will be June 3rd and 17th.  “Tots & Tales” is free with the purchase of an aquarium admission.

For all ages, the National Aquarium will be featuring a special event to celebrate World Oceans Day, on June 8th from Noon – 2:00 PM.  They will have a story reading, arts and crafts, and other fun activities, which are free with the price of admission.

:: Admission Prices ::
General Admission (Ages 11-59) – $9.95
Seniors (60+) – $8.95
Military Personnel – $8.95
Child (Ages 3-11) – $4.95
Child (Under 3) – FREE

:: Giveaway Details ::

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This giveaway has ended!  The original winner did not respond – so I had to pick a new one.

To continue our guide of fun places to visit in Washington, DC this summer, we’re highlighting the International Spy Museum today.  My husband and I visited the International Spy Museum when it first opened in 2002, and found it highly entertaining, especially since we love the world of mystery (be it NCIS or Agatha Christie).

For those of you who are not as familiar with the Spy Museum, it is the only public museum in the US dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world that provides a global perspective on the subject.  According to their website, it features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display, many of which have never been released before.

I love that the Spy Museum lets you delve into the world of spooks, by allowing you to adopt a cover, break codes, and identify disguised spies.  If you’d like to bump up the intrigue, you can choose to become an “Operation Spy.”  For one intense hour, you will be on a mission to isolate a missing nuclear trigger.  Just crack a few safes, interrogate a suspected double agent, decode a few messages, and you will rival Jack Bauer…well, at least, for a blissful 60 minutes.

Parents, to make the experience even more rewarding for your child, take some time to look at all the Educator Resources that the Spy Museum offers.  Their guides offer questions for discussion, activity suggestions, and books and websites for further reference.  If you spend a few days leading up to your visit reading about the Cold War or the science behind the cool espionage gadgets, your child/family will have a better understanding of the history behind the Museum.  And, you’ll get in some summer time reading and learning without too much pain!

:: Admission Fees :: 
Adults & Children (ages 12+): $18

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Today, we will be highlighting the Baltimore National Aquarium, a place near and dear to my heart.   My husband, knowing my fondness for aquatic life, decided to take me to the Aquarium before he proposed at the Inner Harbor.  I’m certain part of the reason I said, “yes,” was due to that decision.   My favorite part of the Aquarium was watching the Dolphin Show – it brought back awesome memories of home in Hawaii.  We also loved seeing the Sting Rays, laughing over the Puffins antics, and recoiling (at least I did) over the salamanders.

There is so much to do at the Baltimore National Aquarium!  The five floors of the Main Building boast over 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals.  And, the The newest building, which opened on Pier 3 in December 2005, is 65,400 square feet. It features the Aquarium Cafe, Aquarium Shop, Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes, and a remarkable 35-foot waterfall for visitors to enjoy as they enter the Aquarium.

There are some tips to a successful trip to the Baltimore National Aquarium.  Due to the 1.4 million visitors that the Aquarium gets annually, it is suggested that you plan your visit for days of the year when tourist activity is low, or to arrive either before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.  That way, your Aquarium experience will be less harried, and you’ll be able to enjoy each individual exhibit.

Also, for those of us with children that can *gasp* become cranky, there are special places throughout the Aquarium to accommodate you.  They provide a room on Level 1 of the Pier 3 Pavilion, behind the bubble tubes, that contains a TV and a microwave, as well as coloring supplies for children. The room is always unlocked and available for guests who need a quiet or private space; there is a sign to hang on the door when the room is in use.  And, there is a fun, interactive play area especially for young kids, called the Children’s Discovery Gallery, and is located on the upper level of the Pier 4 Pavilion, and is open daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Aquarium also suggests purchasing tickets ahead of time to avoid the long lines.  I know my toddler loses patience after just a few minutes, so we try to steer clear of lines and crowds.  Another perk of online tickets is that there are occasionally great discount codes.  And, don’t forget to print your coupon for $3 off at the parking garage!

:: Pricing ::
Adults (12-59): $24.95
Seniors (60+): $23.95
Child (3-11) $19.95
The 4-D Immersion Theater & Dolphin Show are additional costs of $3 each.

:: Giveaway Details ::

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While I have yet to visit Wolf Trap, it’s a high priority on my Washington, DC Bucket List!  In fact, a few months ago, we purchased tickets to one of their summer musicals – and, provided nothing earth-shattering occurs, we will be enjoying “Mamma Mia!” in July.

In addition to their amazing selection of concerts for adults, Wolf Trap, along with the National Parks Service, offers “Children’s Theatre-in-the Woods.”  This annual series of 70 performances kicks off on June 28th and continues through early August.  The family-friendly shows at 10 am and 11 am on Tuesdays through Saturdays are set in a shady grove amidst 117 wooded acres.  It’s a place where your children will enjoy lively adventures in music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and theater. All performances are recommended for children between Kindergarten and 6th grade.

In recognition of Wolf Trap’s 40th anniversary season, a special week of performances has been planned to celebrate 30 years with the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts!  During the week of August 9 – 13, African drummers, storytellers, musicians, and dancers will take the stage each day for this once-in-a-lifetime gathering led by local treasure and nationally recognized artist John “Kinderman” Taylor.

To make these shows more affordable for families, Wolf Trap is offering daily tickets to both performances for only $8 (the cost of one last year).  Tickets may be purchased at Tickets.com, by calling 1(877)WOLFTRAP, or at the Filene Center Box Office. Pre-purchased tickets may be picked up at the footbridge leading to the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. Day of show tickets—IF available—may also be purchased at the footbridge with exact change, check, or credit card.  Tickets are required for all performances for adults and children ages 3 and up.

Wondering who will be performing?  Check out this list of all the visiting artists:

June 28 –July 2
10:00 a.m.: City Dance – The Dreaming Tree
11:00 a.m.: Music with Milkshake – featuring the Milkshake Trio
 
July 5–9
10:00 a.m.: Hobey Ford’s Golden Rod Puppets – The Ant and the Grasshopper, and more!
11:00 a.m.: Robbie Schaefer – Songs for Kids Like Us

July 12–16
10:00 a.m.: Baba Jamal Koram, Under the Griot’s Tree: Stories of Wonder & Wisdom
11:00 a.m.: Steve Roslonek – SteveSongs

July 19–23
10:00 a.m.: Bob Brown Puppets – Teddy Bear Picnic
11:00 a.m.: Recess Monkey – Flying Kid-driven Dance Songs About
Superheroes

July 26–30
10:00 a.m.: Maryland Youth Ballet – Caroline Goes to the Seashore
11:00 a.m.: Monumental Brass Quintet – Textures and Brass

August 2-6
10:00 a.m.: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
11:00 a.m.: Wolf Trap Opera Company – Instant Opera!

August 10-14
10:00 a.m.: Dinorock and Friends at the Dew Drop Inn
11:15 a.m.: Kinderman and Friends – Celebrating 30 Years of Imagination and Learning


:: Giveaway Details ::

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