Weekend Happenings: Clip for the Cure

Need a new haircut? Want to help raise money for breast cancer awareness? Do it all in one place!

What: Get a $15.00 haircut...reasonably priced, right?
When: Saturday, October 20
Where: Regis Hairstyles at the Westfield Horton Plaza in Downtown San Diego
Why: 100% of proceeds will go to the Regis Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. Very generous!

More Information

Mamas in Training

Check out my post on our Mamas in Training blog....happy exercising!

Meet the San Diego Mama Behind....

Mamas love to save money...but are often too busy to find the best deals...that's where San Diego Bargain Mama comes in. Since she is a San Diego Mama herself, Stacey knows exactly what kind of deals and steals we're looking for to help feed, clothe, and entertain our families.

Stacey describes her website as a "one-stop resource for parents who are looking for affordable, kid-friendly activities and great bargains, both online and in town."

So, head on over to SanDiegoBargainMama.com and sign up for her free newsletter, or check our her blog. Let's start saving money!

Meet San Diego Bargain Mama - Stacey!

1. How long have you lived here?
I have lived here for 12 years now (from Los Angeles).

2. Why did you start your business?
In a nutshell, I wanted to contribute financially to the household, but not have to leave it to do so! I always have wanted to have my own business, but doing so became even more attractive as a parent. As a stay-at-home mom I can be with the kids by day, and work on the business around their schedules.

3. What is your most favorite thing about writing/running your business?
I marvel at the enthusiasm, devotion and discipline of entrepreneurial moms who manage to build their dream jobs, yet still prioritize the most important job in the world. I have gotten to know some amazing ladies and moms who have very inspirational stories, and their passion for what they are doing in their businesses is infectious!

4. What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
I love the total package: a scenic paradise, with great weather and air quality and a fabulous, diverse community!

5. Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
For sushi: Nobu in Solana Beach, and for Mexican: Fidel’s in Carlsbad!

6. Where is your favorite place to go with your children in San Diego?
Petco Park for an afternoon Padre’s game, then dining downtown or at Seaport Village can’t be beat. Well, then again, a nice day at one of our gorgeous beaches is right up there!

7. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
I have always loved hanging out at the Del Mar Plaza. Other favorites are the North County Repertory Theatre, the Carlsbad Premium Outlet, and The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. If we have our kids with us it’s the beach, Legoland, or Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas.

8. Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
Travel Tips: Being that there is so much to explore in San Diego I went online to get the nitty-gritty of cool spots and hang-outs in San Diego. Also, I was in search of fun excursions and well-kept secrets of San Diego. I came across http://www.sdtraveltips.com/ and I have been hooked ever since I discovered that site!

Shopping Tips: I discovered that online shopping could be pretty darned convenient for families with children, especially little ones! Also, I became very motivated to compile sales events in town and online, then share them in the form of SDBM Newsletter and Bargain Alerts, which anyone can subscribe to for free through http://www.sandiegobargainmama.com/ . Parents have the opportunity to share their deals and steals, and SDBM will fill them in with the dates, times, special events, and details for cost-effective shopping events and opportunities in San Diego and online.

Dining Tips: Since the SDBM site caters to “moms who love to find deals”, we plan to make sure to share family-friendly dining information about how to save substantially when eating out with kids. For example, Tuesdays are known for kids-eat-for-free opportunities, and we all know how valuable that can be! Also, with just a few moments of time online, parents sign up family members for free meals and gift certificates by joining a multitude of birthday clubs in popular restaurant and store chains all over San Diego! And, there is more!

Driving Tips: Oh yes! We check http://www.traffic.com/ before taking a road trip. Knowing what to expect traffic-wise on the San Diego freeways is a huge stress-relief, as then we are able to plan our schedule accordingly.

Call for Volunteers

Do you, or your children love the ocean and want to share that love with others? Then check out this call for volunteers from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Seeks Ocean Lovers for Volunteer Team!

Share your time and love for the ocean by becoming a volunteer at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Help visitors understand marine life and science exhibits, assist instructors in the classroom and interact with visitors from all over the world.

If you are interested in dedicating your time with Birch Aquarium at Scripps, you are invited to join a team of active and enthusiastic volunteers from all backgrounds, professions, ages and areas of the county. Minimum age for volunteers is 16.

For a complete description of volunteer opportunities, visit http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Members_and_Friends/Volunteer/

The next quarterly volunteer orientation is scheduled for November. If you would like to attend or want to learn more about the fun and excitement of being a Birch Aquarium at Scripps volunteer, fill out an online application, send an e-mail to volunteers@siomail.ucsd.edu or call 858/822-4934.

Don't Forget: Keep A Breast Giveaway

Hi Mamas - don't forget to log-on to sandiegomama.com and enter to win 2 tee-shirts from the Keep-A-Breast Foundation...just another great way to get involved during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Also, check out our other giveaways including, a Chicco stroller giveaway, ITunes giftcard, Snug & Tug swaddling blanket giveaway, and exclusive discounts for San Diego Mamas.

Have a great week, and good luck!

Weekend Happenings: Henrys Wellness Fair

What: Henry's Farmers Market 11th Annual Wellness Fair
The event will feature a special appearance by Sam the Cooking Guy; workshops from 12 prominent natural health experts; and more than 50 exhibits with free food tastings, natural products and health screenings. Henry’s Wellness Fair will also include fitness demonstrations and a children’s zone. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a free Henry’s canvas bag filled with delicious fresh produce.

When: Saturday, October 13, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: Scottish Rite Center,

How: Tickets are $10 per person in advance, $15 at the door and can be purchased at your local Henry’s Farmers Market. Admission is free for children 12 and under. For more information, visit http://www.henrysmarkets.com or call your local Henry’s.


I'll be attending this event - so see you there!

Meet the San Diego Mama Behind....

If you're a mama who is looking for a place you can go that both your kids and you will love...check out Java Mama. Relax with a cup of coffee and mingle with other Mamas, while your kids play! Java Mama also offers fun classes for you and your kids, as well as storytimes, Dance Parties, and shopping! Java Mama Alicia definitely knows what San Diego Mamas want!

Meet Alicia!

1. How long have you lived here?
9 years. Wow, time flies.

2. Why did you start your business?
Need. I wanted a place where I could hang-out and work or read and bring my baby girl. I was fine going to coffee shops when she was a newborn, but the minute she was mobile it was really hard to take her anywhere. I would get dirty looks if she made a noise and I couldn’t put her down to crawl. So, I started dreaming of a place that was child-friendly but still had the feeling of an adult hang-out.

3. What is your favorite thing about running your business?
The flexibility of my hours and being able to bring my kids to work. Also, I meet amazing people everyday.

4. What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
It would have to be the weather. When I go back East, I appreciate the rain and the snow for a couple of days but I am always glad to return to our sunny, temperate weather.

5. Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
I’m a vegetarian and LOVE Sipz Café in Clairemont Mesa. They have every imaginable Asian dish and it’s all vegetarian. For fancy dinners or celebrations, my absolute favorite is Jake’s in Del Mar.

6. Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
I love bringing my kids to the beach, especially dog beach in Ocean Beach. We all have a great time and return home tired and sandy. There is so much to do in San Diego, but one of the problems with owning your own business, is you really need to make time to enjoy them.

7. Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
I have lots of favorites, but my newest one is Wine Steals in Point Loma. It’s a perfect date place with lots of fantastic wine and yummy food.

8. Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
Shopping tips, eating tips, driving tips, etc…
I used to commute from the SDSU area to La Jolla and hated that. My tip for driving is to avoid 805 North and take the 5. My fun tip is to try The Turf Club in Golden Hill. It’s another great date or friend’s night out place where you grill your own steak (or veggie kabobs). On certain nights they have a piano player. Very fun!