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.