Thursday, April 10, 2008

MamaVote: Questions for Local Politicians

With the June primary election quickly approaching, San Diego Mama is looking to do a little sleuthing. We're going to talk with local candidates about their plans for improving San Diego...and hopefully get the inside scoop.

Do you have a hot topic you want to make sure we cover? Do you have a question you want to make sure we ask?

Now is your chance Mamas...just send your question or suggestion to emily@sandiegomama.com, and we'll be sure to ask.

Thanks!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

What's New At San Diego Mama?

We're always updating our website with new articles, music picks and giveaways...check out what's new:

Author Emily Falconbridge shares some cute birthday gifts you can make yourself...as long as you can sew a fairly straight line.

This week we are giving away a darling Baby Bunch, as well as 10 Andys Airplanes DVDs...enter to win now!

And, check out the Mamas Mix music pick this week...Colbie Caillat...perfect for the approaching summer weather this weekend.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

San Diego Mama Favorite: Santa Barbara

My family and I took a short trip to Santa Barbara a few weekends ago. It is only a 3 hour drive so it makes for a perfect weekend getaway. I thought I would share a few of the favorite things we did...in case you were looking for a fun spring vacation.

Day 1
We drove straight to Stearns Wharf, where we rented a surrey bike and rode along the coast for about 3 miles. Our 2 year old loved every minute....though I wouldn't recommend this if you are 32 weeks pregnant.

Then we ate lunch at a restaurant on the wharf called Longboards. The food was yummy and the service was quick...though not terribly friendly. Be careful on the way out...I got pooped on by a bird.

We spent the afternoon driving around Santa Barbara exploring the city by car, while our daughter napped. We drove by the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, but didn't go in. They looked like a lovely way to spend the afternoon, though.

We finished the day off with a dip in the hot tub at our hotel. Note: We stayed in Ventura, to save money on hotel rooms...plus all the Santa Barbara hotels were booked. However, I wish I had paid the extra money and just stayed in the city. While it was a beautiful drive back and forth to Santa Barbara, it was a little too much driving for one weekend.


Day 2
We started the morning at Chase Palm Park, so our daughter could get all her wiggles out. The park was empty but fantastic. There was a pond as well as a carousel, which I think was my daughters favorite park.

Then, we headed over to the El Presidio State Park. This wasn't our favorite part of the trip, but it was fun to see a bit of the history.

We ate lunch at a local pizza place, though we were hoping to eat at Paesano's Pizzeria (1429 San Andres St, Santa Barbara)...it was highly recommended by several websites, but was closed on Sundays.

We drove around in the early afternoon while my daughter napped again. Then, we spent the remainder of our afternoon hanging out at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (which is free on Sundays...if you go before June 15 they have a great exhibit featuring the art of childrens books) and enjoying the downtown atmosphere.

We had a wonderful time. If you have any favorite haunts in Santa Barbara...please share!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Calendar Pick of the Week: Friday Knitting Club


Looking for a relaxing Friday evening out? Check out the Friday Knitting Club at The Lilypad Store.

When: Friday, April 11, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Where: The Lilypad Store

Check out their website for a full list of events - including themed children's storytimes each week!

Friday, April 4, 2008

Weekend Happenings: Mario Kart Wii Driving School

I think this weekend's pick would be perfect for children over the age of 6. It sounds like a blast for kids of all ages!

What: Mario Kart Wii Driving School. Parents and kids get a crash course in Kart racing with the new, intuitive Wii Wheel™ (a steering wheel accessory for the Wii Remote™ controller) at the Mario Kart® Wii Driving School. Inside a 24-foot glass display Driving School truck, visitors experience new vehicles and courses while learning how to drive in the slickest conditions including roads strewn with banana peels, turtle shells and other wacky road blocks.
Upon course completion, visitors are awarded an official Mario Kart driver’s license personalized with their photo, nickname, vehicle of choice and other fun facts.

When & Where: Horton Plaza on April 4 (10:00 AM - 8:00 PM), and the Wave House @ Belmont Park on April 5-6 (11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday and 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday)

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Featured Mama: Jennic Law of Kangaroo Boo


Each month we highlight moms who are fulfilling and living their dreams. Check out this month's featured mom - Jennic Law - the founder of Kangaroo Boo.

Not only does she run a darling online shop full of imaginative and creative toys for children, but she has also battled cancer and donates a percentage of her profits to charity.

Read about how this amazing mom is living her dreams!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

123Move! with Villa Musica

I just signed my 2-year-old daughter up for the 123Move! music class by Villa Musica - San Diego's Center for Community Music Education. I am very excited to let my daughter explore her creative, musical side. And, I know the instructor, Isa Sabey, so I am sure the class is going to be fantastic!

However, Villa Musica is looking for 3 more students to fill the class...SO, if you are a Mama looking for a great, fun, musical class for your 2-3 year old...then check it out!

Here's the details:

Description: This class introduces children to music and dance through creative movement. Using colorful props, imagery and music, children learn basic elements of dance in an age appropriate manner. Through the use of imagination and personal expression they become aware of how their bodies move and gain confidence in their natural abilities.

Spring Session (10 weeks) April 4 - June 6, 2008

Location: La Jolla, University Lutheran Church, 9595 La Jolla Shores Drive
Ages 2 and 3 (parent/guardian participation required)
When: Friday Mornings 10:00-10:45am
Cost: $120.00

Just go HERE to register for the class. I hope to see you there!