Are you afraid that you have been hiding under a rock? Do you feel hopelessly out of the loop since having children? If so, you will love DC Metro Mommy’s sizzling new section, Hot Mommy! We will update readers on trends, tips, clothing must-haves, dining and all that is new oh-so-cool. Let the fun begin… Click here.

Summer has arrived and it is time for warm days, outdoor markets, and lots of fresh, local fruits and vegetables for your family.

Grab your stroller and head out to one of the many local farmers' markets. DC Metro Mommy has done the homework. We have a full list of farmers' markets in DC, MD and VA. In addition we have profiled the most popular metro market destinations. We even have the days and times of the markets. See our one-stop guide to the area's farmers' markets, LINK.

It looks like the winter will bring an abundance of fashionable kids frolicking in local parks, preschools and playgrounds. Baby fashionistas behold, Stella McCartney has announced that she will have a new collection of children’s fashion for GapKids and Baby Gap. The line is expected to reach stores later this year. “For years now I’ve wanted to create a collection for kids, it’s something I’ve often been asked about,” McCartney recently shared with Vogue.

No doubt the line will sell out quickly. Stay connected to the Gap website to see the launch dates. My advice, stalk and buy the goods on the web at midnight on the day of the launch. Thank you Stella! LINK

As parents we are faced the dilemma of keeping our little ones entertained throughout the summer. DC Metro Mommy has a robust list of activities, parks and, of course, ice cream shops for your kids. While all this can add up, don’t forget to make use of the all the “FREE” activities that the area offers. From parks to museums, there are lots of inexpensive options to keep kids busy and fully entertained!

Our featured venue is the United States Botanical Garden. The USBG offers endless activities for kids. Children will learn interesting lessons about plants and gardening. They will also be exposed to fun facts about the world of botany. The indoor/outdoor facility can also be a lovely place to escape the summer’s heat. Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the USBG can make a great starting or ending point if you are planning for a day on The National Mall. For more information, see our Activities Section. For even more Summer 09 fun view our Kids Play & Fun Section.

I am always on a quest to find new something new and different in downtown DC. I am certainly not clocking in the time in District that I used to… So when I do make the trip I want it to count! So what is my new find? It is The Dupont Hotel. The new remodeled hotel was fun surprise. The updates, the urban cool vibe and the interior were all wonderful. For those not familar with the hotel, The Dupont Hotel was formerly The Jury Hotel in Dupont Circle.

When I last left The Jury Hotel, the bar worked well the über cool Dupont Circle area. Always a sucker for interior design, I was floored at the updates. The space feels more Midtown Manhattan than the standard Capitol Hill/ DC vibe (that is good thing). The hotel falls into place among the embassies, bistros, shops and lively citizenry.

While I have only made my way to the Bar Dupont for a drink, I have heard good things about the reasonably priced hotel. In the end, what does it for me is a unique spot to grab a drink at the beginning of a night out in the District. Hotel Dupont didn't disappoint. LINK

So what is it about The Great Zucchini that makes him the #1 children’s performer in the DC Metro area? In search of answers, I sat down with “The Great One” (my new name for him). Even after an hour long meeting and a 30 minute show for my daughter’s preschool class, I still found it difficult to describe the exact lure of this one man wonder. I will leave it to the French; he has that certain “je ne sais quoi”, that certain something that is hard to illustrate or explain.