Meet The San Diego Mama Behind...

Mom & photographer Gina Geigley just moved back to San Diego and is ready to take your photograph! Having a baby? Want a family portrait taken? Getting married? Then you need to talk to Gina. Check out the beautiful photography in her gallery. This Mama sure knows how to capture a moment in time!

Meet Gina!

How long have you lived here?
Well, my husband is in the Navy, and we lived here previously from 2000-2003, my oldest child was born here. We moved back about a month ago, and plan to stay forever!!

Why did you start your business?
Photography has always been a passion for me. I was always the one with the camera where ever I went. It wasn’t until I had my children, that I realized that I wanted to capture every little thing about them on “film” and hold onto it forever! I didn’t decide to turn my passion into a business until my 2^nd child was born, was only a month and we had a horrid experience at a chain photographer. I knew I could do better, and so set into motion Gina Geigley Photography! I want to help other families capture the preciousness and spirit of their children…not just their smile.

What is your favorite thing about running your business?
I make my own rules! I don’t have to “call in sick” if I am having a bad day, and I can be there for anything and everything that my kids need me for!

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
There is always, always, always something to do!! And of course the weather!

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
Keiserhoff, a little German restaurant in OB

Where is your favorite place to go with your children in San Diego?
They would drag me to the beach everyday if I let them! So, for them, the beach.

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
ANY scrapbook store!! Just some ME time to do one of my favorite hobbies!

Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
One thing I always like to do when we move to a new city (or even did it in our hometown), it take a tour…yes, one of those cheesy tourist tours of the city. You will be amazed at what you learn! Plus, it also gives your children a chance to learn about the city too! We plan to take ours on the duck tour soon. As well, get out of your car and WALK around…everyday I am amazed at what I find and see just by walking or riding our bikes around. You miss too much just zooming around in your car (and the GAS $$!)….slow down and take a walk…this city is PERFECT for it!!

San Diego Mama Giveaways!

Check out the San Diego Mama "Win" section to win great new prizes each week!

This week we are giving away darling dresses from Shabby Apple...perfect for your daughter for spring.

Also, enter to win gorgeous blank notecards from Posh Peacock.

Calendar Pick of the Week: Henry's Easter Ham Donation Program

rkeInspired by a successful turkey program in which Henry's shoppers raised $19,000 worth of turkeys during the recent holiday season to help feed families in need, Henry's Farmers Market will continue its commitment to supporting local charities by hosting an Easter Ham Donation Program.

When: Between March 3 – 23

What: Henry's shoppers will have the option of donating dollar amounts offered in several increments at the check-out stand, to go toward the purchase of hams for Father Joe's Villages. Donations of ham will help local charities feed families all over Southern California.

Where: All Henry's Locations, benefiting charities vary upon store locations

For more information please visit www.henrysmarkets.com


Visit the San Diego Mama calendar of events for all this week's activities.

Calendar Pick of the Week: Strawberry Days

I've been waiting for what feels like FOREVER for strawberries to come back in season. It looks like I'm not the only one. Henry's Farmers Market is celebrating the return of strawberries with a Strawberry Days Celebration this weekend.

Stop by any Henry's Farmers Market location this weekend between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM for mouth-watering samples, tastings and demonstrations: strawberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, fresh strawberry salsa, and more.

And, while you are enjoying the delicious treats, the kids can enjoy coloring contests, games and prizes.

San Diego Mama Favorite: Lookybook

Moms are always on the lookout for great books for their kids. It's not always easy to know which books your kids will like...especially if you have limited time browsing at the library or bookstore(which is always hard for me with a 2-year-old in tow).

Thanks to Lookybook a brand new website...you can now view more than 250 children's books online, cover to cover, from the comfort of your home. If you like a book you see on their website just click "Buy it" and they will send you directly to a store. You can also read reviews from other moms and save books in your own "bookshelf."

Check out this book from the site's creator, Craig Frazier(the books are much bigger on the site):

Every time I go to the website I spend at least 20 minutes just browsing the books. I think you'll enjoy this San Diego Mama favorite as much as I have!

San Diego Mama Favorite: Mama Hair Care Services

My hairstylist, Nancy Eklund, just emailed me about her new Mama Hair Care Services. She is an excellent stylist who is going to be making mom's days all over San Diego. Not only will she give you a great haircut and style...but she will drive to your house to do it(free if you live in the greater San Diego area)!

Check out the details below, and give Nancy a call...her schedule is sure to fill up with an offer like this!

(858) 336 2695

www.NancyEklund.net

Introducing...

Mama Hair Care Services
Luxurious, at-home TLC for busy young moms and their locks!
Sometimes it is so difficult to juggle our lives—husband, job and kids. So many times, you seem to come in last. Mama Hair Care Services were created just for you. You don't need to leave home or find a sitter to get a great cut and/or color.

Make an appointment on one of our at-home service days for Nancy to come to your home and give you the care and pampering you've deserved for so long.

Haircuts*

Haircuts include consultation, oil neck/shoulder massage and precision cut.

Mama Haircut - $55 ◦ Daddy Haircut - $40 ◦ Kid Haircut - $30

Color/Highlights*

Color services include consultation, oil neck/shoulder and hand massage.

New Clients: Prior, In-Salon Consult Required

Color - $75/hour

Corrective Color – Available In Salon Only

"Haircut Party" Packages*
Feeling lonely? Have a couple Mama Friends over for a play date and everyone can get beautiful with one of our group packages.

Package A: 3 Mamas – 3 Haircuts - $150
Package B: 2 Mamas – 2 Haircuts with Color – Each Mom Receives $10 off

Travel

*No travel fee for greater San Diego.
Travel fee of $20-40 range for outside San Diego such as San Marcos or Chula Vista.

Payments

Credit Card deposit required to secure an at-home appointment.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice: 50% fee billed to credit card.
Cash and check accepted for at-home services.
If you choose advance payment, you may use Visa, MC or Discover.

Appointments
Mama Hair Care Services are available by appointment according to the following specific hours and days in 2008.

Appointment Hours: 9am – 5pm

Appointment Days in 2008:

March – Tue 11 and Wed 19

April – Wed 9 and Thur 24

May – Wed 7 and Thur 15

June – Wed 11 and Thur 26

July – Wed 9 and Thur 24

Aug – Wed 6 and Thur 21

Sept – Wed 10 and Thur 25

Oct – Wed 8 and Thur 23

Nov – Wed 5 and Thur 20

Dec – Wed 3 and Thur 17

Call today for an appointment.

Nancy (858) 336-2695

Free Parenting Workshop: Positive Parenting Program

Looking for some parenting tips and advice to improve your relationship with your child? Sondra Santos LaBrie, a mom and Certified Parent Educator, is offering a free introductory class to her Postive Parenting Program.

When: Thursday, March 13, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Java Mama in La Mesa

This first workshop is an introduction to the Positive Parenting Program as well as the opportunity for participants to meet other parents committed to enriching their relationship with a child.

Check out her website for more information about the workshops Sondra offers, as well as all of her other services.