Thursday, May 8, 2008

MamaVote...We Want Your Opinion


Our MamaVote team has a few burning questions for you regarding the current state of the presidential race. Take a quick moment to share your opinions in this 6-question survey – and since we know how busy the life of a mama can be, we’ll make it worth your while! One lucky respondent will win a $100 American Express Gift Card.

Click Here to take the Survey:


Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Meet the San Diego Mama Behind...

Since we're celebrating motherhood this month, I thought it very appropriate to feature Rachel ..the super-talented mama behind Mamma Made Designs. This darling website has beautiful clothing for girls, boys and Mammas. They just came out with their summer line...check it out! Meet Rachel!

How long have you lived here?
I moved to San Diego from New Jersey ten years ago because I got married. My husband is from Escondido. I really didn’t like it for the first year and a half. It’s so different from the East Coast. Then…it kind of grew on me.

Why did you start your business?
Before I had children, I worked in the theatre world sewing and “building” costumes. After I got married and moved here, I worked for the San Diego Opera, Repertory Theatre, and Lambs Players Theatre. After the birth of my first child, I stopped working to become a full time Mom. However, I couldn’t stop dreaming and creating. I started to put my creative energies into designing and creating for my daughter as well as the children around me. Mamma Made was born.

What is your favorite thing about running your business?
I have two favorite parts. Finding the fabrics I’m going to use for the new season is always exciting for me. My sister, who is also a part of this venture, tells me that I design backwards. I find the fabric first, and the design creates itself in my head.

My second favorite part is the relationship that forms between myself and my Mamma Made kids. With the garment, I send them a handwritten personalized note telling them that like the garments, they are beautifully and uniquely hand-crafted. I receive so many pictures, handmade paintings, and letters from these children because the garments make them feel so very special. I truly feel that a Mamma Made garment is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s also a special piece of art.

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
I confess I am spoiled by the weather. It’s so beautiful all the time. The few times that we have rain, I love that too. Weather, weather, weather.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
Hmm….there are so many wonderful restaurants to eat here and so many different kinds of cuisine. For a more expensive upscale restaurant, I love to go to the Hotel Del for lunch and get the lobster bisque. It is amazingly good and it’s also really nice to look out on the ocean while you eat. I also love Rubios for a quick meal with the kids. It took me awhile as a girl from the East Coast to brave the fish taco, but once I tried it, I was hooked.

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
Balboa Park is always a favorite. We love the fountain—the kids could run around there for hours. The park there is nice as well. Oh, and don’t forget the Science Museum. The kids love the Science Museum. It’s a great inexpensive day of fun.

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
Shopping! (Not with my husband
J) I love to walk around outside by myself, get a coffee, and just look and listen. Sometimes when I can sneak out, I’ll see a movie by myself. I love that. People always seem to look at you a bit strangely or talk a bit excessively when you are by yourself, but I love to listen to the peace and quiet. Anyone who has three girls knows exactly what I’m talking about.

Any insider San Diego secrets to share? Shopping tips, eating tips, driving tips, etc….
Food tip: There is the most amazing Italian restaurant in a little strip mall in
La Mesa called Antiqua Trattoria. My husband and I go there almost every year for Valentine’s Day. We found it by accident and it’s the best kept secret!

Driving tip: Fear for your life! I swear when I first moved here I would come home from work and tell my husband, “I almost died today three times!” You definitely need to drive defensively around here. I’m getting used to it now. I hope so, after ten years!

Don't forget! Enter our Mother's Day Giveaway Now!

Win two tickets to a Mother's Day Brunch Cruise!

Looking for a unique way to honor your mother this Mother's Day? How about by sending her on a relaxing 2-hour cruise around the San Diego Bay aboard a beautiful yacht where she will enjoy a lavish buffet brunch... think fresh fruit and pastries, omelets made to order, chilled seafood and dessert!

San Diego Harbor Excursion and San Diego Mama are giving away 2 tickets to one of the Mother's Day Brunch Cruises on Sunday, May 11th.

The best part about this gift... other than scoring big points with your mother... you can go too!

Enter now!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Celebrating Motherhood: Door of Hope


Many women won't be given gifts this mother's dayHonor that special mom in your life this Mother’s Day by helping a homeless mom or a pregnant/parenting teen living at The Salvation Army Door of Hope through an online donation. After you donate, download a beautiful mother’s day card designed by 9-year-old Arthur…a young boy living at the Door of Hope.

Monday, May 5, 2008

It's a Parenting Party


Sponsored by Java Mama, the first annual Happy Healthy Hip Parenting Party is sure to become a major event among San Diego parents. Whether you’re single, married or want to take advantage of a Ladies’ Night Out, you definitely want to head to The Airport Lounge on Thursday, May 22nd. Starting at 8pm and for only $10 each ($15 at the door), guests will receive FREE food, 2 DRINK TICKETS, and a chance to win some FABULOUS PRIZES provided by over a dozen sponsoring companies. Tickets are ON SALE NOW!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Mother's Day Giveaway: Brunch Cruise!

Looking for a unique way to honor your mother this Mother's Day? How about by sending her on a relaxing 2-hour cruise around the San Diego Bay aboard a beautiful yacht where she will enjoy a lavish buffet brunch... think fresh fruit and pastries, omelets made-to-order, chilled seafood, and dessert!

San Diego Harbor Excursion and San Diego Mama are giving away 2 tickets to a Mother's Day Brunch Cruise on Sunday, May 11th.

The best part about this gift...other than scoring big points with your mother...you can go too!

Enter now! (You only have until May 8...so hurry!)


Thursday, May 1, 2008

San Diego Mama Celebrates Motherhood


Happy May Mamas!

With Mother's Day in 10 days and the birth of my second child just 3 short weeks away I am definitely finding it difficult to think about anything other than babies and motherhood. What a joy it has been so far!

This month we will focus on celebrating motherhood...I'll share some of my favorite San Diego finds, fun stuff online, inspiration for enjoying motherhood and other tips and tricks!

AND....check back tomorrow for an awesome Mother's Day Giveaway!