Friday, November 30, 2007

Weekend Happenings: Deck the Palms


Forget the traditional white Christmas and retreat to Seaport Village to celebrate all that makes the holidays unique in Southern California—tepid temperatures, palm trees, surfboards and sand. On Sunday, Decemeber 2, Deck the Palms will transform the bayside shopping center destination into a warm-weather wonderland embracing San Diego's most-renowned winter elements. Organizers expect Santa to arrive with a splash around noon, and he will be available for photos until 4 pm.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Holiday Giving Opportunities: Henry's Grab-N-Give


Looking for a great way to give to those in need...then head to your local Henry's Farmers Market store.

From now through December 31, Henry’s patrons can drop off non-perishable staple food items at collection bins at the front of any participating Henry’s Farmers Market stores in San Diego County. The items in the collection bins will benefit Father Joe’s Villages, its fire relief program and the 4,000 meals that The Villages serve each day.


To make giving even more convenient for customers, Henry’s will also be providing pre-packaged Grab ‘n’ Give grocery bags filled with items that are appropriate for Father Joe’s meals and other holiday and fire relief food drives. Patrons can choose from bags at a variety of price points to purchase at the checkout stand and drop them off in the Henry’s collection bin on their way out or take it with them to benefit the cause of their choice.

What a convenient and wonderful way to give back this holiday season.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

San Diego Mama Giveaway: The Lilypad Store


Need the perfect gift for those people on your list who already have everything? Let The Lilypad Store help! Check out San Diego Mama and enter to win $100.00 in gift certificates and toys from this fantastic store.

The Lilypad Store has it all….natural toys and clothing, books, craft projects, infant clothing, home accessories and more. There is something for everyone on your list!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Calendar Pick of the Week: The Great Train Show

Before we start with all the holiday whirlwhind of activities staring in December, I thought I would share a non-holiday event:

What: The Great Train Show

The show features 200-500 tables of train dealers, Hobby Tools, Die-cast vehicles, train whistles, scenery items, Railroadiania, Slides, T-shirts, Videos, Railroad Gift Items, Books, Photos, and more. The show offers a variety of operating model railroad and toy layouts for the entire family to enjoy.

Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds

When: Saturday, December 1

Adults: $7.00; Children younger than 12, free
More information: www.trainexpoinc.

NOTE: If you want to put a holiday spin on your day, you can end the train show with a viewing of The Polar Express, a holiday movie any child interested in trains is sure to enjoy.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is our last post for this week...so we can spend time with family and friends. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving for you and your families!

Need some last minute help with your Thanksgiving meal? Check out the Thanksgiving guide at ThisWeekforDinner.com
Don't have time to cook? Check out Rachael Ray's store-bought Thanksgiving Menu
Looking for something to entertain the family after Thanksgiving? Check out our Calendar of Events.

Happy Turkey Day!

Monday, November 19, 2007

San Diego Mama Giveaway: Java Mama


Win a Free Class of your choice at Java Mama!


With all the holiday stress upon us, it’s good to schedule a break for you and your kids…and what better place than Java Mama?

Unwind in a yoga class, get creative in a music or art class, or learn a little baby sign language.

Then, let your kids play while you enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee or hot chocolate!

Keep the gift for yourself…or use it as the perfect holiday gift for a good friend.

Enter now!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Head to Toe Women's Expo Ticket Giveaway!


Hey Mamas - The Head To Women's Expo is this weekend at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Get details about this great event here. A generous friend gave me 8 tickets to the show! And, I won't be able to make it!

So, if you are interested in attending the show...email me at emily {@} sandiegomama.com

The tickets are first come, first served, and you can have as many as you would like!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Meet the San Diego Mama Behind...

Kids love birthday parties...but moms know they can be time consuming to plan and expensive to put together. San Diego mom, Rachel, has come up with a perfect solution...Party Pax!

"Party Pax puts the punch into your parties and play dates with unique and affordable children's party rentals that provide fun themes, toys, games, activities, decorations, and character masctos and costumes to help your next party or play date go the extra round, but without the extra cost, time, hassle and stress!"

Some of the themed party options include Backyardigans, Blues Clues, Dora, Pirates and Hello Kitty. Check out Party Pax for complete details.

Meet San Diego Mom, Rachel!

How long have you lived here?
5 yrs.

Why did you start your business?
It’s been a long-time dream of mine to start my own business (my dad, mom and brother have already done so – must be in the genes J). Once my babes came along, I saw a real need for affordable, fun and unique children’s party solutions that would make it easier for parents to throw a great party. A wave of inspiration came to me after praying about it one night, so I knew the timing was right and decided to go for it.

What is your favorite thing about writing running your business?
Bringing joy & smiles to kids and bargains & convenience to other parents, and still being able to keep my family my top priority.

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
The weather matches the spirit of the people…beautiful! (As seen with the fire disaster response!)

What is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
I love Thai food - Siamese Basil in Encinitas and Royal Thai in downtown are two favorites.

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego? Tough question, we have so many! We love Quail Botanical Gardens, Birch Aquarium, Swammy's mediatation garden in Encinitas, free Balboa museums on Tuesdays, the zoo, Legoland, and of course... the beach.

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
Hubby and I love a night of Lamb’s Player Theater & dinner on Coronado.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The Mama Gift Guide for Kids Presents


Check out our Holiday Gift Guide...
this week we are featuring gifts especially for kids.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Calendar Pick of the Week: Great Ape Awareness Week

It's Great Ape Awareness Week at the San Diego Zoo...check it out!

What: Every day throughout the event the Zoo’s three great ape species – gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans – will be spotlighted with animal enrichment sessions at each habitat followed by keeper talks addressing issues impacting great apes, such as the bushmeat crisis and habitat loss due to illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming practices, and the removal of rainforests for palm oil plantations in Indonesia. Special graphic panels at each great ape enclosure will feature photos and information about conservation efforts and ways people can help.

Where: The San Diego Zoo

When: All week long!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Autumn Recipe Favorite: Caramel Popcorn

My husband is a huge fan of Caramel Popcorn, but for some reason it seems only appropriate during Autumn. Make a big batch, pop in a movie and enjoy! Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving or Autumn recipe...please share in our forums!

Caramel Popcorn Recipe

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup corn syrup

1/2 tsp. baking soda
10 cups air popped popcorn

Add first 4 ingredients to large pan. Cook over medium heat. When bubbly around the edges, let it cook for 3-4 more minutes.

Remove from heat and add baking soda. Add mixture to popcorn and stir. Careful - it is super hot!

Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Holiday Gift Guides on San Diego Mama.com


I know, I know...it's a little early to start thinking about holiday shopping, but Christmas is closer than you think...and you know the kids are already counting down. One of my piano students informed me just yesterday that we only have 49 days left to go.

So, as a little bonus we're posting gift guides on our site every week from now through Christmas. Check out this week's guide focusing on Cards & Stationery!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

San Diego Fire Relief Fundraiser

Join SanDiegoMama.com, SanDiegoBargainMama.com and SanDiegoTravelTips.com in the San Diego Fires 2007 Disaster Relief Fundraiser, and help two families who have suffered due to the tragic wildfires.

The Deehan Family
Tim and Susan Deehan and their children, Ryan (a senior in high school) and Kayla ( a third-grader), were forced to evacuate at 5 o'clock on Monday morning, October 22, 2007 from their Poway home. They watched from just 6 miles away as the fire destroyed their neighborhood.

Just less than a week after the fires, Tim and Susan, like many others, are hustling to catch up with important business affairs. Amidst all the anguish and sense of loss, they must also tend to the supervision of the debris crew and all of the rebuilding/recovery logistics, run their family business, and uphold their commitments to church, school, and extra-curricular activities. Unfortunately, they were unable to take many of the basic necessities a family needs in an evacuation process, so they, like many of their neighbors, must start from scratch to build their lives anew.


Tony Brencola
On Monday, October 22nd, Tony received a call he could not anticipate. His co-worker called suggesting that he might want to check out his house in Fallbrook. The house had been purchased merely seven months ago. The Rice Fire was on the move and it was approaching the area of Tony's home. Given the immediate mandatory evacuation notice, Tony was able to retrieve only a couple of his belongings, just minutes before his Valley Oaks Park home went up in unforgiving flames.

Tony, like the Deehans, is starting to rebuild his life, and just wants a “a place where I can stay, to be with my daughters.”


Make a Donation:
Mail your financial contribution or gift card to:

San Diego Bargain Mama
c/o (enter the name of the family you with to donate to)
PO Box 411
Carlsbad, CA 92010


We are not a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, therefore no tax deductions are allowable.

In order to ensure your confidence that any and all contributions (financial or gift cards) will be distributed to the proper individuals, we ask that you make the contributions in the name of the individual(s) you wish to contribute to.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Calendar Pick of the Week: Legoland Model Mom Club

Who: All San Diego Mamas

What: Model Mom Club @ Legoland

Membership is a one-year pass to LEGOLAND valid on Thursdays only and is available for just $57. Moms, Dads, Grandparents and caregivers with children 4-years of age and under qualify to purchase a Model Mom Pass.

Model mom weekly activities include: Stroller Strides Fitness Walks, LEGO Explore Play Groups, and Specialist Visits.

When: Every Thursday!

Where: Legoland in Carlsbad

Why: Fun for the kids and for you! I went with a friend last week to check it out...we spent 3 hours at the park with our toddlers...and they loved every minute.

More Information: Call, (760) 438-LEGO.

Visit our San Diego Mama Calendar for a full list of this week's events!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Weekend Happenings: Fall Back Festival

Celebrate the changing time this weekend at the 7th Annual Fall Back Festival in the Gaslamp District.

Where: Gaslamp District, Main Gate 5th and Island Avenue
Where: Sunday, November 4th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
What: Face painting, puppet shows, wagon rides, pony rides, ice cream, pumpkins, gold panning, dance performances, live music, crafts and contests.

Tickets are $5.00. Children 2 and under are free.