Calling all Moms to Klaradal

Adorable Swedish store Klaradal in Olney is celebrating Mother's Day a week early (they'll be closed Mother's Day, May 9). If you haven't already discovered this charming store, Sunday might be a good time to check it out. There will be a wine tasting from 1-3 with Mark Monahan of Paul's Fine Wines offering a selection of summer-happy wines. In honor of Sue Kopperman's mother, Rose, enjoy a 10% off anything with a flower. Stop by the store next Saturday May 8 for a celebratory margarita in honor Cinco de Mayo! Ole!

Fancy That! You as Cake Artist

Love the fancy cakes you see in bakery windows and wish you could do it yourself? Give it a whirl at Fancy Cakes by Leslie, the Bethesda bakery that has done artistic cakes for the Pope, Marc Antony, Ace of Cakes, and the Today show. The bakery is offering 2-hour workshops through May:

May 3: Buttercream Piping Workshop: Learn about decorating pastry tips. Pipe borders, create side designs, flowers, garlands and swirls. $95.00. Note: Class is also available on May 24.

May 10: Beginning Fondant Workshop: Learn to weigh, cut, knead and color cake fondant, and techniques in rolling, covering and trimming cakes. All materials provided, $125.

May 17: Beginning Cake Decorating Workshop: Discuss box mix cakes/icings vs. scratch, plus torting and filling cakes. Finish icing in buttercream with piped, pulled borders. All materials provided, $95.00

Farmers in the Lane are back

May 6 marks the opening of the second season of the Bethesda Central Farm Market located on Bethesda Lane on Thursdays from 3 - 7; the market runs on Sundays from 9 - 1 off Elm St. at Wisconsin and Woodmont avenues. Look for vinegars from Bethesda's All Things Olive, local meats, produce, baked goods, fresh flowers and cheeses from local farmers and vendors. The market also showcases local chefs and restaurants including Redwood, Raku and Lebanese Taverna. Click here for a recap of our visit last season.

What is this? The latest men's exercise craze? No, not quite. This picture is a still from the film "A Matter of Size," one of many interesting and eclectic, critically acclaimed films playing April 22-May 2 at the JCCGW Second Annual Film Festival. This film tells of the story of Herz, an overweight Israeli cook living with his mother, who soon finds himself unemployed and thrown out of his weight-loss classes for his ever-increasing weight gain, but soon finds a perfect fit for his zaftig build. This film concludes the festival, and ends with a sushi and Sapporo reception. The festival opens with a film about a Catholic-turned-Jewish comedian Thursday.

Don't miss an opportunity to see these unique and award-winning films from Israel, France, Tunisia, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and the U.S. covering any number of themes. Below is a pic from "For My Father," a love story about isolated individuals, Keren, who broke from her Orthodox parents, and Terek, a Palestinian terrorist, who were brought up to be enemies.

The Festival will take place at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington in Rockville. For more information, contact 301-348-3805 or visit www.jccgw.org.

Chicly Cheap Eats

Get your fingers ready to make those rezzies---Bethesda Row Spring Restaurant Week is fast approaching with bargain-priced three-course meals ($15 and $30) from April 26-May 2. Participating restaurants on the Row are: Redwood, Mon Ami Gabi, Raku, Assaggi, Parker's, Le Pain Quotidien, Jaleo and Lebanese Taverna--not a dud in the bunch. Before or after you dine, be sure to stop in the great indie shops lining Bethesda Row: Ginger, Pink Palm, Bella Italia, Waygoose, Urban Chic and Wear It Well, to name a few. Okay, what are you waiting for?? Make that call! Need more? Here are some special week-long menu samplings:

$15 Lunch at Raku includes your choice of:

1. Mesclun Salad or Ginger Pumpkin Soup

2. Japanese Hamburger Steak; Korean Grilled Spicy Chicken; or Sushi Assortment

3. Croissant Pudding or Chocolate Cake

$30 Dinner at Mon Ami Gabi includes your choice of:

1. Petit Salad; Chicken Liver Mousse Pate; Warm Brie Cheese; or Soup du Jour

2. Steak Frites; Lemon Chicken Paillard; or Seared Salmon

(...and the best for last...)

3. Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake; Chocolate Mousse; or Sorbet du Jour

Ok, if you're still not completely convinced, try this on for size. One lucky diner will win a $200 dinner certificate. Visit www.bethesdarow.com to register to win.

Hammers and Heels!

OK, here's a new one for you: CityShopGirl reports that Strosniders hardware store is having two "Hammers and Heels Ladies Nights." The first is in Silver Spring this Sunday from 6:30-8:30; on May 2 the Bradley Shopping Center location in Bethesda holds the fete; and the party moves to Potomac May 16.. Is this kinda like we can bring home the hammer and hit the hell out of that nail? Whatever--watch out. The hammer will be at a 15% discount as will your entire purchase during the 2-hour party. Fun includes massages, wine tasting, how-to demonstrations and giveaways. Subscribe to CityShopGirl for a special that entitles subscribers to a free sample of Fresh Wave natural deodorizer. Click here to print the required invitations for the events.

Work it for Autism Speaks

Join the team from fitnesswear boutique Stretchalicious this Sunday at 10 a.m. for a workout at CrossFit Done Right in Rockville benefiting Autism Speaks. A minimum $10 donation is all it takes for an hour of CrossFit. Never tried it? You must. It's the fitness wave of the future--an intense workout that will get you in the best shape of your life. Though it's tough, the workout is adaptive so all ages and levels can participate. But this weekend, multitask: work your bod, learn new skills and support Autism Speaks.

The Literati are Coming!

Mark your calendars for the Bethesda Literary Festival starting Friday April 16 and going through the weekend. Writers and reporters like Helen Thomas, Eleanor Clift, Aviva Goldfarb and Bethesda's Sarah Pekkanen are just a few notables on the roster. There are also writing contests for youths and adults, a night of improv and a writers' reception. For more information, hours and events, please check the website here.

Weekend Update

Give it up for some good causes this weekend.

Eat, drink, discuss and shop: Sylene Lingerie Boutique in Chevy Chase holds another installment in their Bras and Brunch series this Sunday to benefit the Humane Society. A $15 donation gets you a $20 Sylene gift card and helps a furry friend in need. DC style expert Lauren Rothman of Styleauteur will discuss spring fashion trends and must-have pieces while you enjoy mimosas and a light brunch. 10:30-noon. 4407 South Park Ave., Chevy Chase. RSVP required: http://sylene.eventbrite.com or call 301-654-4200.

Donate and shop: B Scene boutique in Cabin John Shopping Center is holding a spring clothing drive as it celebrates the launch of One Life One Legacy (OLOL) philanthropic T-shirt company on Sunday. One Life One Legacy is a unique company that sells T-shirts honoring everyday heroes and donates one tee to a child in need for every shirt sold. Bring in used clothing from 12-3 to get a 10% discount on all B Scene merchandise. Proceeds go to the Interfaith Clothing Center of Montgomery County.

Vote: One Life One Legacy (OLOL) has been chosen to compete in the Pepsi Refresh Project to Change the World. If OLOL gets enough votes to make it into the top ten, the company receives a $25,000 grant. To vote, go to www.refresheverything.com/onelifeonelegacy. Voting continues through April 30.

Watch: New Galaxy Theatre Company holds a benefit show for Haiti at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts in Georgetown Sunday at 2 and 6. 100% of the proceeds benefit Haiti. Click here for details and ticket info.

Eno-miney-mo-Bordeaux!

Do you know how to Eno?? If you try the new Tasting Room at the Shops at Wisconsin Place in Chevy Chase, you'll see how it's done. The recently opened wine bar has an Enomatic Wine Machine (Eno Bar), a wine-lovers' ultimate vending machine. Tasters activate the Eno Bar (stocked with wine bottles and dispensers) with a card they buy at the bar. You can put any amount on it over $10; it doesn't expire. We each got a $20 card and ended up adding another buck or so at the end. (Once you get started "tasting," it's hard to tell your eager palate to stop.) Simply insert card, place the glass under the dispenser, push the taste button and presto--instant gratification at a fraction of the price of trying an entire bottle--or even a glass. The idea, according to owner Sean Martin, is to show the world that his stepfather John Kent Cooke's Virginia Boxwood Winery stands up to the array of international vintages at the Eno Bar. My companion's fave was actually the Boxwood Cab; I liked the spicy Topiary. We also tasted bordeaux from the Left and Right Banks of France; a Spanish Llicorella and some Napa reds. Tastes come in 1-oz, 3-oz or 5-oz pours. The Tasting Room also offers wine-accompanying nibbles like cheese plates (we shared a large one as dinner), bruschetta, hummus and sweets. The atmosphere is appropriately chic and streamlined. The Tasting Room also offers outdoor seating.

Fabulous Faso

Keep an eye out for new jewelry company FASO, which I discovered the other night at the Chevy Chase Hela Spa's Tashia Senn fashion show. I had the pleasure of meeting Maryam Sardari and Banefsheh Fatoorechie, whose unique jewelry was an elegant addition to the runway. FASO combines natural stones like turquoise with delicate pearls and other semi-precious stones to create unique, sophisticated pieces - that can not only be seen from the front, but also draped down the back for an elegant look from behind. When I met Maryam, I immediately noticed her necklace and complimented her on it. I was happily surprised to learn she and Banefsheh had designed it. What I love about some of the necklaces is the unique mix of delicate shimmer with the boldness of natural stones. So far Faso is available at Caramel in DC and at Bloomers in Alexandria and can be seen at shopfaso.com . The partners hope to launch their fabulous jewelry in many more boutiques soon. I can't wait for their MoCo debut!

A doorman, a waiter proffering drinks and these macaroons welcomed guests to M29 Lifestyle's grand opening party Monday night. The new Georgetown boutique at--surprise--29th and M carries a little of everything from home goods to apparel to jewelry. We especially loved jewelry designer and Ralph Lauren alumnus Carol Workinger's trunk show and were grateful she could manage an appearance just a week before her wedding. Other faves include winsome cloth dolls from Jess Brown, tissue-weight tee's and cardigans from Marika Charles and sequined clutches from Indian designer Moyna. If you need to find a birthday or housewarming gift for someone who has everything, chances are good you'll find it here.

Blingy jewelry bags and clutches

Exquisite tee and cardi by Marika Charles

Luscious soaps, candles and dolls

Carol and her Carolina jewelry designs

Really love these winsome dolls by Jess Brown and their adorable textured stockings.