Hi and Bye.

I can't believe I haven't blogged since last Thursday....Yikes! I am back for today, but gone again tomorrow for the weekend. So, I thought I would share a run-down of things I've been meaning to blog:

Since the election is next week, I need to finish doing my research on all the issues and candidates...I'll be checking out the Smart Voter Guide for San Diego. Take a look for yourself!
Basically the guide gives the details for every candidate and issue on the ballot.

And, if you want to vote on Tuesday, but don't have anyone to watch the kids...then we have the solution for you! SanDiegoMama and Sittercity.com teamed up to offer discounted babysitting on Election Day...read more here!

Cakies is my newest favorite blog to read...what a creative gal, and mama of 2.

Check out the great article on SanDiegoMama.com about bringing the outside in...just in time for fall...from scrapbooker and crafter extraordinaire, Emily Falconbridge.

And, I'll be back next week with my last "You Renewed" post and some more fun stuff...especially with the holidays coming. Hopefully our weather will cool down!

See you next week!

Halloween Portraits and Canned Food Drive

Marlo Yoshimoto (that great photographer who took my children's photos a few months ago) has put together a great Halloween photo opportunity.

Bring a canned food donation and $5 and receive a 5x7 portrait of your child with or without costume(one child per portrait).

All canned food collected will be donated to the San Diego Food Bank.

Two dates and locations to choose from.

Lola Butter Children's Boutique
Saturday, October 25th from 10-2pm
1875 Centre City Parkway in Escondido
760-70-1313 | www.lolabutter.com

Childish Couture Children's Boutique
Friday, October 31st from 2-4pm
West Village Plaza
162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. B-40 in Encinitas
760-230-6000 | www.childishcouture.com
Also, join us for Trick or Treating from 1-4pm at the West Village Center. Start your hunt by bringing your canned food donation to Childish Couture and receive a map of locations to Trick or Treat. Costumes not required. Children up to 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Sign up at Lola Butter or Childish Couture to reserve your spot!

Discounted Babysitting on Election

Printable Halloween Freebies

Paper Crave - fun paper blog, has a lot of free halloween printable items....like this awesome ghoulish garland.

Check out the blog for lots of fun freebies

Calendar Pick of the Week: Polka Dot Ghost

The Polka Dot Ghost
Date:	Wed. 10-22 - Sat. 10- 25
Location:	Balboa Park Puppet Theater
City:	San Diego
URL:	http://www.balboaparkpuppets.com
Tommy the Ghost has a biiiiiig problem and needs your help getting ready for the Halloween night. Witches, a dragon and ghosts will make this the perfect show for all ages.

You Renewed: Week 5

Ok. Seriously. I meant to post this last week, but since it was my birthday I took the day off. So, Week 4 turned into two weeks. I'm still loving the "You Renewed" program from Henrys Farmers Market nutritionist, Janet Little. Here are my goals for this week!

Week 5
Eat
Eating lean protein is the focus this week. So that means, things like chicken, turkey, black beans and chickpeas. I'll be making some homemade black beans and having some yummy hummus this week. If anyone has a good homemade hummus recipe...I'd love to have it!

Move
This week the Move section discusses great ways to help your family stay active. Here are is a great list provided in the booklet:

10 Tips to Activate Your Family
1. Schedule physical activity throughout the week, even if it’s just walking the dog around the
block or taking the family for a walk on the beach.
2. Select different activities for the family each week, such as playing catch or having a game
night with an active game like charades.
3. For each family member post a gold star next to daily activities completed and display it on
the refrigerator -- great motivational tool.
4. Be sure to select activities that suit your family’s age and preferences, for example a two-hour
mountain hike may be too long for children under 12.
5. Enjoy games that make everyone feel successful such as Twister or miniature golf.
6. Designate indoor and outdoor play areas where rolling, climbing, jumping and tumbling
are allowed.
7. Buy toys or equipment that promote physical activity, such as jump ropes and chalk to draw
with on the sidewalk.
8. Enroll your family in fitness-oriented activities, such as karate, dance or soccer.
9. Limit time spent watching TV programs or playing computer/video games.
10. Use physical activity rather than food as a reward. For example, if everyone cleans the house,
the family will go in-line skating together.

Think
The think section teaches you how to control your portions. I have to admit that while I think about whether my food is healthy or not, I NEVER focus on the amount of food I eat. Serving sizes are always WAY less than I expect. So, this week I plan on taking the time to plan my portions! The You Renewed Booklet gives great visual examples of correct portions.

If you haven't puchased your copy the "You Renewed" booklet from Henrys Farmers Market yet...go get one...its only $1.00!

No Guts, No Glory - Tale of Two Sites

Stacey, the Mama behind SanDiegoBargainMama.com, let me know about a class she is teaching for people who are interested in starting their own successful websites - just as she has done. If you are interested in starting your own website, or if you currently have a website and want to make it more successful then this class is for you!

No Guts, No Glory- Tale of Two Sites

Learn what it takes to build a successful website. What do you need to know before you take the plunge for your own website-based business? What is involved? What important decisions need to be made before you ever begin?

Learn from the owners of two San Diego websites (San Diego Bargain Mama.com and San DiegoTravelTips.com) who found their way through the myriad of questions and challenges to become successful sites.

If you are thinking about starting an online business, this class is for you!

Class information:

Saturday, November 8, 2008
Ameriprise Office- La Jolla
8910 University Center Lane
San Diego, CA 92122

Class fee is $40

Find out more and sign up today at: Friends with Class

Say Boo to the Flu

I feel like Flu season just ended and now its almost back! Yuck! Check out Say Boo to the Flu - a program created by Families Fighting Flu, the Visiting Nurses Association & The Clorox Company. The website has lots of great information for protecting your family from the flu this year...like these tips for "Scaring Away" the flu.

· Wash Hands Frequently: Wash hands with warm water and soap at least 20 seconds.

· Disinfect Germ Hot Spots: Kids can touch up to 300 surfaces in 30 minutes, so disinfect the surfaces kids touch most frequently - like doorknobs, light switches, faucets or plastic toys.

· Do the Elbow Cough: Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands to help prevent the spread of germs from touch.

· Follow Good Health Guidelines: Eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body's ability to fight the effects of colds and the flu.

Halloween Card Ideas!

Cula, a local Stampin' Up Demonstrator has graciously shared some of her darling Halloween cards! Check them out...and get crafting!

Meet The San Diego Mama Behind...

Cula Parker is a local Stampin'Up Demonstrator. She definitely knows her way around a craft room, can create cute hand-stamped cards in mere seconds, and is a multi-tasking mama.

Meet Cula...and check back tomorrow when I reveal some of her favorite Halloween card designs!

How long have you lived here?
I was born and raised in San Diego and moved away in 2001 and moved back in 2003 and I am here to stay.

Why did you start your business?
I was started purchasing Stampin’ Up! Products in 2004 and found myself spending lots of money, I thought I’d sign up to be a Demonstrator to help support my addiction with Stamping.

What is your favorite thing about writing running your business?
I feel so completely blessed to have so many great roles in my life....wife, mother, sister, and teacher and along with all those roles I'm also very excited to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. I truly LOVE what I do!!! I get to stamp and earn money!! Who wouldn't love that!! I am passionate about all the roles in my life and keeping them all in balance. I love that part of Stampin' Up!'s goals is also to help keep all these things in balance too! How many bosses do you know that want you to spend time doing what you love with the people you love!!!

I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction teaching someone who has never stamped before and watching them fall in love with stamping, just like I did. I love teaching and stretching experienced stampers and helping them grow in this incredible craft and all the while always pushing myself to learn more and bring the best of myself and stamping to those around me.

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
The diversity of its people and their cultures.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
My two favorites are The Cheesecake Factory and Claim Jumper’s

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
Sea World. It has something for every member of our Family. Seaport Village is also a family favorite.

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
My Husband and I share a love of desserts. Right now our favorite places to go together for an evening date are Heaven Sent Desserts in North Park and Extraordinary Desserts in San Diego. If we have an afternoon date you’ll most likely find us in Ramona at the Ramona Café enjoying their Famous Chicken Cordon Blue and their ABC Omelet.

Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
ur favorite place to shop is the Outdoor mall in Otay Ranch. It’s a great family place and makes for a great shopping experience. Our all-time favorite places to eat are the obscure little places that have been in San Diego for decades. Our favorite choice to Mexican Food is El Indio on India St. in San Diego. Our favorite choice for Chinese is Peking’s on University in North Park.

Calendar Pick: Witches Brew @ Balboa Park Puppet Theater

Witches Brew
Date:	Wed. 10-15 - Sat. 10-18
Location:	Balboa Park Puppet Theater
City:	San Diego
URL:	http://www.balboaparkpuppets.com
Something's funny about the magic potion conjured up by a witch who wants to change her ways. This un-scary story will get you in the mood for Halloween.

On Location: SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular

A lot of Halloween activities aren't planned with toddlers in mind...so, it is so nice to find an activity where the entire family is entertained. Enter the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular.

When: Every weekend in October, and the first weekend in November, and Halloween day!
Where: Inside SeaWorld San Diego...included with your park admission

My husband and I enjoyed all the of the non-Halloween exhibits, while my daughter LOVED trick-or-treating and playing in the Sesame Street Bay of Play.

There are lots of Halloween activities - so you are sure to find something everyone in the family will enjoy!

• Clyde and Seamore's spooky Halloween show
• "Sesame Street's Countdown to Halloween"musical
• Photo opportunities with friendly Halloween-costumed characters
• Cookie decorating
• Trick-or-Treating between noon and 6:00 PM - don't forget your costume!

I forgot my camera! So, you will just have to go and check out all the fun for yourself.

More Information Here!

Calendar Pick of the Week: Pumpkin Patch Days

Pumpkin Patch Days
Date:	S0/11-10/12
Location:	Summers Past Farms
City:	San Diego
Time:	10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
URL:	http://www.summerspastfarms.com
You're invited to visit our country pumpkin patch and find yourself a pumpkin. Fun for the kids! We're growing a selection of pumpkins all shapes and sizes for everyone. Come and spend the day with your family in this festive fall setting. Bring your camera for great photos. Animals, Balloons, Corndogs, Popcorn, & Face Painting: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

You Renewed: Week 4

Week 3 Recap: I'm half-way done with the "You Renewed" program, created by Henry's Farmers Market nutrionist Janet Little. So far I've added deleted bad fats, started stretching first thing in the morning, added more whole grains & fiber to my diet and practiced creating and completing goals.

If you haven't purchased your copy of the "You Renewed" program...run to Henry's. It's only a dollar, and takes only a short-time to read through it. Go get your own copy and follow along!

Here's Week 4

EAT
This week the focus is on how to dine out successfully. I try not to dine out very often, especially with a tight budget, but sometimes dining out saves my sanity! I love the tips in the booklet for dining out successfully!

Dining Out Successfully
– Ask for healthier substitutions
– Avoid buffets
– Avoid fried or breaded foods
– Limit alcohol
– Check menus online or phone ahead with your
questions and special needs
– Hold the bread, crackers, chips and salsa
– Look for “heart healthy” choices
– Request that sauces, gravy and salad dressings
be served “on the side”
– Stick to low-calorie sweeteners, low-fat salad dressings,
salt substitutes, low-fat or nonfat milk, unsweetened tea
and diet drinks
– Trim the fat from meats and remove the skin from
your chicken or turkey before eating it

MOVE
The move section focuses on adding steps to your day. With a toddler and a baby in my house I don't sit around very often, but I even have room for improvement. I plan on going on a walk with my kids after dinner (if this crazy 90 degree weather will ever end!). It will get my kids out of the house right before they go to bed, and help us all settle down.

THINK
This week's Think section focuses on de-stressing your life. With my husband finishing graduate school, my two toddlers and San Diego Mama...life can get crazy. The Think section offers several tips for de-stressing (get the booklet to learn all of them!)...my favorite is instructions for taking complete deep breaths:
– Suck in your stomach, drawing your
belly button towards your spine
– Exhale thoroughly
– Now expand your belly button outward,
drawing in a full breath
– Then allow your ribs to open out
– Repeat 5 to 10 times

Halloween Haunts

All month long I'll be sharing fun Halloween events, decorating ideas, recipes, etc. This is the first year my daughter is excited about Halloween, and I intend to make it memorable!

Check the blog often for spooky updates, and stop by our calendar of events for Halloween listings!