Calendar Pick of the Week: Happy Independence Day

Its been awhile since I enjoyed a great firework show...the past few years I've had a toddler and she goes to bed before the festivities start. But this year I think she is old enough to stay up and enjoy the show...it will be fun to watch her reaction.

So...if you are like me and want a few firework options...the San Diego Union-Tribune has put together a great list...check it out! Hopefully something fun is happening in your neighborhood.

Happy July 4th!

Weekend Happenings: La Jolla Festival of the Arts

La Jolla Festival of the Arts
Date:	Sat. 6-28
Location:	UCSD Campus
City:	La Jolla
Time:	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
URL:	http://www.lajollaartfestival.org/festivalmain.htm
The La Jolla Festival of the Arts is consistently recognized as the number one art show in San Diego County and one of the top rated shows in California. The Festival hosts over 190 award-winning local and national artists displaying watercolors, oils, sculpture, serigraphs, fine jewelry, photography, and more. Event attendees can also enjoy a variety of cuisines in the festival food area, listen to live entertainment, and visit our dedicated children's area with interactive booths, hands-on games, and activities. Produced annually by the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation, the Festival's mission is to provide the highest quality arts and entertainment experience for our patrons, guests, and participants in support of recreational and educational programs for San Diegans with disabilities. In 2006, the La Jolla Festival of the Arts exceeded $100,000 in net proceeds for the first time in 20 years. These proceeds support 35 recreational programs for physically challenged San Diegans. Thank you for your support

Meet the San Diego Mama Behind...

Marlo is a talented photographer here in San Diego...check out her great portfolio and blog. Though not a mom yet, she is very talented photographing children. She'll be taking pictures of my new baby next week...I'll share the photos with you soon!

Meet Marlo!

How long have you lived here?
I’m a Southern California native, but I went to school at UCSD for 5 years, then came back to marry my current husband in 2005. We were in La Jolla for 2 years, and now in San Elijo Hills 1 year since last June.

Why did you start your business?
I have always had a great love for the arts even though I studied science and engineering in school. On the side I was always drawing, painting, writing calligraphy, woodworking, creating art pieces, playing the piano, etc. Once I “retired” from biotech, I decided to marry my love of technical geeky gadgets, computers, art, and families/relationships/emotions . . .and voila my photography business was born!

What is your favorite thing about writing running your business?
I love being able to choose my projects and run with them. I love coming up with new, fresh marketing designs and pieces. I love to network with people who are also running their own businesses and help them out. The most satisfying part of running my own business is that I love being able to capture a memory by creating a timeless piece of art for anyone celebrating a milestone in their life or just commemorating a specific time in their lives forever. I love working for people who appreciate my work!

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
Oh the weather by far!! And the beach. And the amazing restaurants. The people. Oh don’t forget the shopping.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
Really I must pick only one? I am a huge foodie!! How about this . .

Indian food: Taste of India in Encinitas,
Mexican food: Mr. Taco in San Marcos, (would love to find more authentic places!)
Thai: Spices in Del Mar
Filipino food: my mom’s house
Chinese food: Emerald City in Kearny Mesa
Sushi: Sushi Ota in PB
Ethiopian food: Harar in San Diego
Ice Cream: Cold Stone
Japanese Shabu-Shabu: Toshi san Sushi in La Jolla
Salads/Sandwiches: St. Tropez Bakery and Café in Encinitas
Pancakes: The original Pancake house in Encinitas
Italian: Jay’s Gourmet Pizza and Seafood in Carlsbad
Vietnamese: Pho T Cali in Kearney Mesa
Vegan/Veggie: Mozy’s café in Encinitas
Spanish: Café Sevilla in downtown – although Costa Brava in PB is now a strong contender!
I know there is more, but this is a good starter list!

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
My husband and I are officially trying this year for our first child. I am a happy mom of two beautiful rescue dogs though who are 5 years old. Our favorite places have been Muttropolis in Solana Beach and Coronado dog beach!!

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
The beach is always a huge favorite whether it be running, walking, reading, eating, sunset viewing or just people watching. Absolutely love driving through many different areas of San Diego just to explore too!

Any insider San Diego secrets to share? Shopping tips, eating tips, driving tips, etc….
Oh see #5 for all my eating tips! Shopping – that is another long list if anyone is interested! Driving – really can’t share much except avoid Friday rush hour out of the county!

Calendar Pick of the Week: Park At Dark

Date:	June 21 - September 1
Location:	San Diego Wild Animal Park
City:	San Diego
URL:	http://www.sandiegozoo.com
As the sun goes down and the air cools, the Wild Animal Park comes to life with nocturnal creatures and exciting features. The Park’s extended summer hours program lets you stay on grounds until 9 p.m. Features include sunset and nighttime Journey into Africa tours aboard the African Express, unique summer entertainment, up-close animal encounters, outdoor dining, and shopping.

San Diego Mama Favorite: Muffins

I'm not much of a baker, but I do enjoy making muffins at least once a week. I thought I would share just a few of my favorite recipes.

Lemon Ricotta Biscuits
These are good with or without the almond extract. They are very thick...perfect for breakfast.

Banana Stresuel Muffins
I love these muffins as an alternative to banana bread.

Martha Stewarts Blueberry Muffins
A great, classic recipe.


Sour Cream Muffins with Poppyseed Streusel
I love these muffins anytime of day!

Apple Donuts
These muffins have a donut-like texture, hence the name. They are fantastic served warm with vanilla ice cream. Or, have them with juice for breakfast.

Calendar Pick of the Week: Full-moon Paddle on Mission Bay

Full-moon Paddle on Mission Bay
Date:	Wed. 6-18
Location:	Mission Bay
City:	San Diego
Time:	7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
URL:	http://www.sdnhm.org
This tour is a great introduction to kayaking as well as a scenic nighttime tour of one of San Diego’s most beautiful playgrounds. Mission Bay highlights include sea lion sightings, a wide variety of bird species, and a backdoor view of SeaWorld that very few people ever see. Open to ages 6 and up. Member $55 per adult; Nonmember $65 per adult; $20 per child age 6–12 paddling in a double kayak with a parent. For more information or to register, visit www.sdnhm.org or call 619.255.0203 (M–F).

Weekend Happening: Beer and Brat(wursts) for Father’s Day Brunch Buffet

Beer and Brat(wursts) for Father’s Day Brunch Buffet
Date:	Sun. 6-15
Location:	San Diego Bay
City:	San Diego
Time:	11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
URL:	http://www.sdhe.com
San Diego Harbor Excursion is offering dads the ultimate way to celebrate Father’s Day with an all you can eat and drink Beer Brunch Buffet Cruise on San Diego Bay. During this special all-new Father’s Day brunch cruise, fathers will feel like kings as they are greeted with bottomless draft beer paired with a large buffet brunch all surrounded by the awesome scenery of the San Diego Bay. The buffet includes an assortment of pastries, seasonal fruit, Belgium waffles, made to order omelets, a variety of chilled seafood, your choice of three different fresh salads, peppered crusted top sirloin and oven roasted turkey. For dessert, an assortment of fresh cakes, pastries and a fountain of chocolate paired with a bouquet of fresh fruit will be prepared for all guests. For this special cruise, bratwursts with sauerkraut and hot mustard have been added to the men

San Diego Mama Favorite: Peep & The Big Wide World

A few months ago my friend introduced me to Peep and The Big Wide World...a darling show for kids that airs on TLC and Discovery Kids. The show is written to teach preschoolers about science.

Here is the description from their site:

Set in and around a pond, a bush, and a tin can, the show follows a newly hatched chicken named Peep, and his friends Chirp and Quack (a robin and a duck), on their daily adventures. Surrounding them is a large urban park — a place of great wonder and mystery, a place they are forever eager to explore, a place they call "the big wide world."

The show is adorable, witty and smart! And, since I don't have cable...I love that they show a new episode on their website each day, complete with an science activity idea that goes along with the episode and childrens books that also reinforce the concept for each show.

My daughter Amelia is hooked, and I love the show as well. Check it out!

Calendar Pick of the Week: Jack & The Beanstalk

Jack & the Beanstalk
Date:	Wednesday - Saturday
Location:	Balboa Park Puppet Theater
City:	San Diego
URL:	http://www.balboaparkpuppets.com
Jack climbs a magic beanstalk to get his father's treasure back from the Giant. Will he escape the giant or will he become a jackburger? A crowd favorite, loaded with lots of laughs. All Ages Welcome Joe Fitzpatrick, Big Joe Productions

Weekend Happenings: Family Festival @ San Diego Museum of Art

Date:	Sun. 6-8
Location:	San Diego Museum of Art
City:	San Diego
Time:	Noon - 4:00 PM
URL:	http://www.sdmart.org
Kick off the summer by celebrating the art of Georgia O’Keeffe at the next free Family Festival on Sunday, June 8, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. In conjunction with Georgia O'Keeffe and the Women of the Stieglitz Circle, SDMA is honoring the many accomplished women in our region as they lead a variety of artistic activities. Enjoy fascinating stories narrated by the Patchwork Players and marvel at the inventiveness of San Diego’s Eveoke Dance Theater. Write your thoughts about amazing women with Los Bilingual Writers; experiment with chalk, watercolor, and other media to make your own artworks; and watch artists demonstrate how they work and use color. Exhibition tours will also be available in English and Spanish.

Guest Post: Taking Better Photos of Your Children

Since Miles' birth almost 3 weeks ago I think I have taken more than 400 photos of him from every angle....just hoping to catch that perfect shot. I've always wished that I had a professional photographer in my pocket to pull out anytime my children were acting adorable (which is frequent with a newborn at home)...someone like Gina Geigley, a San Diego Mama who is going to be giving photography advice each month here at our San Diego Mama blog. Hopefully with her advice we can all capture more of those perfect moment with our kids.

Check out Gina's first photo tip below!

A Rule in Composition. The Child's Perspective.

What is a photo? It tells a story - freezes a moment, keeps your child little forever, if just in a 4×6 ratio. Thinking of photos in that way it makes sense to start shooting from their perspective. You're telling a story - telling how small your child is/was, how big the trees look to them, how the world seems like an enormous and grand place.

How do I shoot from their perspective? Get to their level! When photographing a baby you'll often find me on my belly completely horizontal to the floor, with toddlers crouched down or sitting opposite them. So moms & dads - roll up your sleeves, put on your sneakers and get to your child's level.

What we're going for here is instead of standing in the backyard telling your child to look up at you - crouch down and call their attention then, SNAP!

Happy Shooting!
Gina

Calendar Pick of the Week: Rip Squeaks Unveiling & Book Signing

Date:	Sat. 6-7
Location:	Seaport Village
City:	San Diego
Time:	3:00 PM
URL:	http://www.seaportvillage.com

The festivities begin on June 7 at 3 pm, with Rip Squeak illustrator Julia Harnett Harvey and Rip Squeak author Lee Cohen on hand to sign the new Rip Squeak picture book, Find the Magic—along with new board books, the new Rip Squeak Calendar and the debut of new limited edition prints. Actress Blaire Chandler, who is heard on the new Rip Squeak Story CDs, will read from the books.

The Baby Boy

Here is the newest edition to our family...Miles...we are all so in love with him.

Born May 17 at 7:32 p.m.
7 lbs. 3 oz.
20.5 inches long

We're back on our feet and will be blogging again, so visit us every day!