I totally understand that everyone is on a diet in the wake of Valentine's Day. But believe, me, that diet will be history by March 1...just in time to hit the Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax VA, the weekend of March 2-4. There's stuff for adults, like a three-course Mexican dinner at Coyote Grill (and chocolate), and stuff for kids, like face painting (and chocolate). 

A giant perk of living here is that we actually have a decent chance to visit the White House at some point. And one really fun event is just around the corner, so if you haven't ever tried to get tickets to the White House Easter Egg Roll, give it a try this year. Yes, it's crowded, and chances are good you won't actually see The Big Cheese, but still...your kids will never forget the experience.  The lottery for tickets opens March 1.

The circus is coming to town! Well, to the Verizon Center. Or the Patriot Center. But close enough to smell the elephants. Grab the kids and head to the world-famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus during March and April to see the big tents, the colorful performers and the amazing animals.

Get your green on, lads and lassies! If you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a parade, we've got them for you in DC, Alexandria and Gaithersburg.  If you want to do a pub crawl (and come on, who doesn't love a good pub crawl?), check out Bethesda favorites . . .

A favorite rite of spring in DC launches on March 20 with the 100-year (that would be centennial) celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. There are so many fun families activities packed into this celebration that you could be busy for weeks! Really, there are kite festivals, soccer tournaments, paddle boats, concerts, dancers...the list goes on and on, so check the website for all the details. 

If you have a warm April afternoon and are hankering to see some beautiful spring flowers, stop by McCrillis Gardens on Greentree Road. It's peaceful, beautiful and relaxing...and literally in our back yard. Think of it as a mini Brookside Gardens, which happens to manage the property. 

Yes, this might show your age, but it will also show that you're still cool: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be offering one performance at the Verizon Center on April 1. I think we're all a little curious to see if the Boss still rules!