San Diego Mama Timeout

San Diego Mama is taking a timeout for a few weeks...I've banished myself from the computer until June...to enjoy my new baby born on Saturday. See you in a few weeks Mamas! I'll post all the fun details later.

Mama Book Review: The Breastfeeding Diaries

With my second baby coming any second, I've been preparing my house and my two-year old for the baby's arrival. But nothing can prepare you for spending hours a day nursing an infant....and for all the equipment, accessories and mishaps that can come with it.

Just ask the women featured in The Breastfeeding Diaries, a funny compilation of stories put together by Kate Davis, a.k.a "The Funny Mommy." The book is a fun little read...even my husband chuckled while he read through a few entries. Get a copy for you or for a mama-to-be!

Meet the San Diego Mama Behind...

Last week I received several boxes of cookies from Nana's Cookie Company...a mama owned company here in San Diego. All of their cookies are free of refined sugar, dairy, cholesterol, eggs, hydrogenated oils and trans fat...and many of them are wheat and gluten free. So...you ask...what is in these cookies? Well, plenty of fruit juice, oat flour, vanilla and even chocolate!

The cookies were delicious, and perfect as a healthy alternative to other cookies and bars on the market. And, they are individually packaged, so they can be easily slipped into your child's lunch.

Meet Miriam, the Mama behind Nana's Cookie Company!

How long have you lived here?
I have been a Solana Beach resident for 15.5 Years.

Why did you start your business?
My oldest son was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I began to look for avenues that could give him more energy and boost his immune system, which led me to macrobiotics. This research introduced me to food for better living and then to run a natural foods co-op. From there I started baking healthy cookies. When my tennis group kept asking for more cookies, I knew that I had a market for healthy cookies that contain no sugar, dairy, eggs, trans fat and are fruit juice sweetened.

What is your favorite thing about writing running your business?
I enjoy creating and I love coming up with new flavors and concepts for Nana’s Cookie Company. I also enjoy helping. It is very rewarding to get emails from our customers who have been able to continue their healthy pursuits while also satisfying their sweet tooth. We also get a lot of support from customers who have special dietary needs and are big fans of our No Gluten product line.

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
Outdoor living.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
Beach Grass Café in Solana Beach.

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
Although my youngest son is grown, I enjoy taking walks with him on the beach.

Where is your favorite place to go with your husband or girlfriends?
The Beach for a good walk, to read a book, or just sit in peace.

Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
Cedros Shopping District. Great food, great atmosphere, unique gifts.

TodaysMama Award Finalists

Our national site, TodaysMama.com, recently asked our readers to nominate the amazing mamas in their life for The 2008 TodaysMama Award and we’ve selected our finalists! Vote for your favorite now!

Calendar Pick of the Week: Wild Animal Park Free Admission

It's Founders Day at the San Diego Wild Animal Park on Wednesday...and they are offering free admission to EVERYONE!

Included with free admission are the numerous on-grounds animal encounters, Keeper Talks, the "Frequent Flyers" bird show, "Experience Africa", an African folktale brought to life with music, magic and life-sized animal puppets, and "Animal Trackers," an exploration of the unique and wild world of African animals.

There is however still a parking charge...$9 per standard vehicle, $14 for RV's.

Check out our entire San Diego Mama Calendar of Events.

Weekend Happening: Busker Festival

What: Seaport's Spring Busker Festival a celebration of street performers. Downtown's Seaport Village will come alive with the extraordinary and bizarre when one-of-a-kind performers take to the cobblestone streets for a weekend of outdoor family amusement. In a grueling battle of entertainment and awe, the 2nd annual festival will culminate with the top-voted acts earning a Seaport Village contract for the busy summer months. Check out this one of a kind event!

When: Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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:

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!

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.

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!

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!)

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!