Wednesday, July 30, 2008

On Location: The New Children's Museum


Where: Downtown San Diego!
Parking: You can park in their garage for $10.00; however, I went on a weekday morning and was there when it opened at 9:00. I had no trouble finding parking on the street for only $2.60 for 2 hours. Don't forget to take some quarters!
Admission: $10.00 per person...for everyone 1 years of age or older. I would definitely recommend purchasing the $75.00 family membership - which covers 2 adults and all the children in one family. This could pay for itself in just a few trips. OR, if you want to save a little money, the museum is free every second Sunday.

San Diego Mama Review:
I went with my daughter and a friend and her daughter to the museum a few weeks ago. We were there right when it opened and enjoyed the museum pretty much by ourselves for the first hour...after that the traffic picked up considerably.
My daughter LOVED everything we did. From sculpting with clay, dressing up and performing, playing in the bounce room, trying to climb the rock wall(much to young for this exhibit), playing with the bubbles, building block towers and generally just running around giggling. It was a great 2 hours spent having fun...and I didn't tell Amelia NO a single time...she was completely free to do as she pleased.

I think the museum is perfect for children 2-9...10 year olds might start to get a little bored. The majority of the children at the museum were very young.
Also, I was hoping there would be a few educational exhibits. However, the museum does a great job living up to its motto of "Think Play Create," and getting the children's imaginations working, getting their bodies moving around and making the kids all super happy.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

San Diego Mama Favorite: Blogs

Since I love blogging and reading blogs, I thought I would share a few of my daily reads here:



Here are a few others favs:
Artsy-Craftsy Babe
Bloesem Kids
SouleMama


Enjoy!

Monday, July 28, 2008

San Diego Mama Giveaway!

Win Reusable Grocery Bags from Henrys Farmers Market!



It seems like every grocery store has a version of the reuseable grocery bag. But they always seem so small! Until now... The canvas bags from Henrys Farmers Market can easily hold enough produce to feed my family of 4 for a week. And the best part? They are giving 2 bags away to 2 lucky San Diego Mamas! Enter now for your chance to win!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Weekend Happenings: Just Add Water

Just Add Water
Date: Sat. 7-26
Location: San Diego Natural History Museum
City: San Diego
Time: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
URL: http://www.sdnhm.org
Explore the power of water. Listen to a reading of Stone Soup and transform into a storybook villager with Chef Elizabeth to help create “Stone Spaghetti” to be shared by all. Also, take part in an interactive play all about water conservation. Stop by the Museum’s Eco-fair to learn more out about local water issues and programs to help preserve and enjoy our beautiful waterways. Saturday, July 26; 10:30 AM–3:30 PM

Check out our entire calendar of events around San Diego!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

How To: Make Silhouettes

Right after I had my baby I was looking for artistic ways to display pictures of my kids around my house.

I happened upon this awesome tutorial explaining how to make silhouettes from the More Ways to Waste Time blog.

So, I snapped a few photos (make sure to do them in front of a white piece of paper or wall). And followed the steps...they worked perfectly!

After I printed out the photo and cut it out, I traced it onto the canvas and filled it in with paint.

And, drumroll please...here's a photo of the finished products:

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Freepeats.org Comes to San Diego!


Having just had my second baby, I know how costly it can be to buy maternity clothes and newborn clothes. I wish I would've known about freepeats.org!

Basically, freepeats is an online forum which allows parents to pick up gently-used baby, kid, and maternity items for free from nearby parents who have finished with them.

They've just expanded to San Diego....so check them out! And, if you sign-up before August 1, a lifetime membership is yours for FREE.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Calendar Pick of the Week: Twilight in the Park

Check out the free concerts in the park every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Spreckles Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. Check out the complete concert schedule.

I like to pack a dinner and eat while we watch the show...it's such a lovely setting and so much fun!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

On Location: Bay of Play


Where: SeaWorld San Diego Sesame Street Bay of Play - a two-acre area in Sea World full of family-friendly rides geared toward smaller children...especially since Elmo is all over the place. There is not an additional entrance fee...its included with your admission.

Get Directions here.

San Diego Mama Review:
Right after I had Miles my husband took our daughter to the Bay of Play to get her out of the house. There were several rides geared toward children ages 3-5.

My daughter was too scared to ride any of the rides, but did enjoy the "bounce house" area. Even thought she was too timid to ride the rides, there were plenty of young children enjoying themselves thoroughly.

Here she is with my husband waiting for a ride to start. The picture was taken right before she decided she didn't want to go on the ride and got off...you can see she doesn't look too excited.
My husband spent about an hour in the play area before they headed to the rest of the park.

I don't think I would go to SeaWorld just for the Bay of Play, but it was definitely an added bonus to the day! And...Amelia has talked about SeaWorld almost every day since then, proclaiming that she wants to go back to SeaWorld and go on the fun rides.

If any of you Mamas have been to the Bay of Play please share your experiences!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

San Diego Mama: On Location


Starting tomorrow...and several times a month, I will be doing a new feature on the blog called San Diego Mama On Location. I will be reviewing places around town (shops, entertainment, tourist attractions) and then giving you mamas the lowdown.

If you have a place you would like me to review, just let me know and I will be happy to check it out and report back!

See you tomorrow!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

It's Potty Training Time at San Diego Mama's House

I think my daughter is ready to be potty-trained. Key words being....I THINK. So, tomorrow I am pulling out the big girl underwear and starting this crazy adventure.

If any of you mamas have any tips or tricks...send them over please! I need all the help I can get.

Monday, July 14, 2008

San Diego Mamas Favorite Beach!


When I first started this blog, I wrote a post about my favorite beach...Del Mar. Today, I have a new favorite to share. As a mama I look for 4 things in a beach: 1. lots of grass 2. clean bathrooms close to the beach 3. close parking and 4. a nearby park. While Del Mar has all those things, my new favorite beach, Sail Bay in Mission Bay, has a few additional perks...no waves to make it easy for small swimmers, fewer people, a bigger park right next to the water, and a paved path for biking or running.

If I am going to take my toddler and my new baby to the beach...this is the one I choose every time!

Now, please share your favorite San Diego beach spot...and why!

(image from www.watermarkvacations.com)

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

San Diego Mama Favorite: Chips & Dip


As the days heat up my desire to cook definitely cools down. I can't ever think of anything appetizing to make for my family for dinner between the months of June and September. I don't know if any of you mamas are in the same boat. If you are check out this blog post with great summer meal suggestions from my good friend Jane at This Week for Dinner. Also, check out my guest post from a few years ago...when I shared some recipes from my favorite food group...chips and dips!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Summer Boredom Busters

Check out our list of great online resources for when summer boredom strikes!

Monday, July 7, 2008

Calendar Pick of the Week: Nature, Mommy & Me

Nature, Mommy, and Me
Date: Thu. 7-10
Location: San Diego Natural History Museum
City: San Diego
Time: 11:00 AM
URL: http://www.sdnhm.org
Calling all budding naturalists! Come enjoy an imaginative journey into nature through dynamic readings and visits to exhibitions. Storytime is held every second Thursday of the month. Open to all ages with a parent (recommended for ages 1–5). FREE with Museum admission. For more information or to register, visit www.sdnhm.org or call 619.255.0203 (M–F).

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Meet the San Diego Mama Behind...


Cinnabar Acupuncture was started by a San Diego mom and daughter team, Judith and Lea Andrews, who were trained in the art of acupunture and Chinese medicine to help with their own health problems.

Meet Lia!

How long have you lived here?
8 years

Why did you start your business?
My mom and I are both acupuncturists and we had been working for different people. The places were always either too sterile and clinical or too spa-ish and unprofessional. Our vision was to work in a place that was both professional and efficient like a clinic, and beautiful and welcoming like a spa. We got to the point that we realized we had to create it ourselves.

What is your favorite thing about writing running your business?
I love the creative aspect of deciding what direction we are going to go in next. The unknown is both scary and exciting. I also love the interaction with people.

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
The fact that you can have such a variety of climates in close proximity. You are so close to the beach, and beautiful canyons to go hiking or horsebacking riding in, and an hour or 2 away from snow. That and the friendliness of San Diegans.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
Jake’s Del Mar

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
We love doing things outdoors. We go to the beach, hiking, and to Balboa Park.

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
I love to go to the beach or go away for a weekend in the mountains.

Any insider San Diego secrets to share? Shopping tips, eating tips, driving tips, etc…
The Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido is the best place I have found to get hard to find local microbrew beers as well as all kinds of exotic items.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

4th of July Crafts

With the kids out of school and the 4th of July just a few days away, now is the perfect time to spend an afternoon making some Independence Day inspired crafts. Check out the HP Activity Center for ideas to make your house a little more patriotic this weekend.