mommysee

expectant mother's day

You’re invited to an afternoon to celebrate the mother-to-be
May 4th, 2008 from 12 noon to 4 pm
Come enjoy refreshments and appetizers and tour their facility
Flower Sale - All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes
Get questions about labor delivery answered by a childbirth educator
Win raffle prizes and giveaways
Grand prize is a $250 Gift Certificate towards services at Pregnancy Journey
(some restrictions apply)

Pregnancy Journey
4030 Truxel Road, Suite B
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 419-3343

*Some restrictions apply

drop in, drop off, get out

Local parents needing flexibility are lucky to have some awesome businesses catering our need for drop-in, licensed care, and if you are a busy mama, you have to be in the know on this. You no longer have to stay homebound sans babysitter!

Kidspark is an innovator in the concept of offering hourly childcare for preschool and school age children. Since coming to Sacto, my kids have enjoyed going there to play and do fun arts & crafts (my girls love the fusebeads), kick back in the movie room or burn some energy on the play structure. The play space offers entertaining and learning activities through a mix of teacher-organized and child-initiated activities. Play components are selected to promote cooperation, socialization, listening skills and motor development. Kidspark also has monthly featured activities that include cooking, sensory exploration or hands-on science, too! (During Easter, my kiddos had a fun time petting some baby chicks.)

California Kids opened recently in Rocklin and also provides a safe, fun and nurturing environment for little ones. California Kids boasts a state-of-the-art infant room that is private from the rest of the facility. Cal kids can be kids, while enhancing their motor and verbal skills, developing social aptitude and enriching their lives in a loving play environment. My kids have a blast there too (pretending to run a store, or playing on the train table), and it's been a lifesaver having a place to take all my kids (all four of them, the youngest being 18 months).

So just do it! Make yourself a reservation for a hot date this weekend, knowing that you no longer have to reserve a babysitter! Now that's what I'm talkin' about...

California Kids
Rocklin
Infants through age 12
Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 am-12 midnight
Sun 9 am-7 pm

Kidspark
Natomas, Folsom, Rocklin (and coming to Elk Grove)
Ages 2 through age 12
Hours:
Mon-Thurs 8 am-10 pm
Fri 8 am-12 midnight
Sat 10 am-midnight
Sun 1 pm-6 pm

mom-centric classes at borders live

Have you heard about Borders free classes in Sacramento (Fair Oaks Blvd.), Natomas and Roseville yet? Taught by local professionals, celebs and business owners they are designed to be fun, educational and interactive. They are doing a fabulous job scheduling mom-centric classes:Here are a few just to give you an idea of some coming up!

Are you a mom that wants more energy and confidence? Develop a great workout with personal trainer and Kidaround contributor Lorri Ann with Body By Code. To learn how to fit fitness into your busy life, don't miss Mama Boot Camp (Thursday, April 24 at 12 pm, Sacramento).

If you are a new parent struggling to preserve marital intimacy and romance after baby, check out And Baby Makes Three: Keep Romance Alive After Baby Arrives (Thursday, April 24 at 1:30 pm, Roseville) with Certified Gottman Educator and Childbirth Instructor Jennifer Rizzuti.

If you are a woman who wants to successfully navigate friendship with an ex-husband's new wife, or new husband's ex-wife, there's Co-Parenting for the Hip, Modern Mom (Thursday, April 24 at 3:30 pm in Roseville & Sunday, April 27 at 12:30 pm, Natomas). March-April 2008 Kidaround cover moms Nirvana Mommas Jill Christopher and Shelley Ronan-Perez teach women how to save their sanity while creating stable, nurturing environments for your children.

If you fantasize about doing somethin you love and being your own boss while working from home, don't miss Basement Betties: How to Be a Work-at-Home Mom (Sunday, April 27 at 12:30 pm, Roseville) where Kidaround founder Barbara Hennelly shares some tips on turning their passions into profits. Planned guest speaker is lifestyle photographer Penny Sylvia.

Does procrastination get you in trouble, cost you money or cause you stress? Professional organizer and Kidaround contributor Lee Mahla from Get Orderlee shares tips to help you complete projects, increase productivity, and stop perfectionism from slowing you down (Kick the Procrastination Habit, Weds., April 30 at 12:00 pm, Roseville).

There's tons more too—and the schedule changes monthly. Check out the online course catalog today.

The 3rd Annual Family Fun Fest is at Fairytale Town this Saturday evening! It's a family-oriented event and the whimsical atmosphere of Fairytale Town is an ideal setting, especially since Fairytale Town was started by the Sacramento Junior League over 50 years ago!

The members of Junior League transform Fairytale Town into a magical atmosphere filled with numerous community organizations and local businesses.Children's entertainment, games, food, beer and wine for purchase, child-based service organizations, a marketplace, and others will be on hand to create a fun, safe, and educational evening fit for the entire family.

April 26, 2008, 5:30–8:30 pm
Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive
Children under 2 free
$10 general admission/$5 dinner tickets
150.00 for VIP Mother Goose family package*
Click here to purchase admission and food tickets!

*Includes admission for four people, four dinner tickets and ten beverage tickets to be redeemed at the event. You will also receive recognition in the Junior League newsletter, the Link and at the event.

Saturday, April 26, 2008
Sheraton Grand Hotel
5:30–9:30 pm
Jay Alan, Master of Ceremonies
Black Tie Optional

Next Saturday, April 26, join community leaders for an entertaining evening of laughter and celebration that benefits the Nonprofit Resource Center, dedicated to building a strong, vibrant nonprofit community. A fun event with a serious purpose, the Look of Success features "models of success" in our business community modeling the fashions of today and recognizes excellence in the nonprofit sector.

Attend and you'll see yours truly walking the catwalk (why does that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie falls on her face on the runway keep running through my head?). I am excited to be outfitted by Taylor James clothing boutique (and I trust she won't change my outfit to just jeweled underwear and a blue trenchcoat at the last minute).

Click here to view a special 90-second video short to learn more about this event. Also featured is a special auction of an original work of art by renowned local artist Joe Zaniker—who also happens to be a friend, old colleage and all around talented and nice guy. Call (916) 264-2772 for ticket information.

I cannot wait for this for this fun night out! Hope to see you there...

word from the drive-thru

Imagine my amazement when I was driving through 'bucks today to get my afternoon hit of caffeine when I pull to the window and the barista said, "Here you go...tall coffees are free today!" Huh? Was I getting Punkd, I asked? No, she said...through the 28th, they are doing a promotion and giving away free tall coffees on Wednesdays! Rumor has it all the locations are supposed to be doing it! So make a mental note for next Wednesday to see if I dreamed this whole experience, or if it is not too good to be true...

And don't forget to tip your barista! Cheers...

Listen up! StoryCorps coming to Sacramento

StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening. It's one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, creating a growing portrait of who we really are as Americans. The heart of StoryCorps is the conversation between two people who are important to each other: a son asking his mother about her childhood, an immigrant telling his friend about coming to America, or a couple reminiscing on their 50th wedding anniversary. By helping people to connect, and to talk about the questions that matter, the StoryCorps experience is powerful and sometimes even life-changing.

A mom featured in the next issue of Kidaround, Catherine Warmerdam, was inspired to start her personal historian services business, Retrospectives, after participating in the project several years ago with a family member. And starting April 17 through May 10, 2008, StoryCorps is coming to Sacramento! The StoryCorps MobileBooth, an Airstream trailer outfitted with a recording studio that travels the country year-round collecting stories, will be parked at the 9th Street entrance of the Sacramento Central Library between J and I Streets.

It’s easy to record an interview with someone important in your life. First, think of a person whose stories you would like to hear, or someone who might like to ask about yours, like a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend. Then go online at StoryCorps to reserve an appointment for the StoryBooth (also find a cool great questions generator). Bring your friend or loved one to the StoryBooth. Their trained facilitator will explain the process, make you feel comfortable, and sit with you during your 40-minute session. At the end of your session, you’ll receive a free broadcast-quality CD to pass along to family and friends. A second copy will be archived at the Library of Congress.

Learn more, listen to stories, and make your reservation online at StoryCorps.

Goore's 16th Anniversary Sale

If you need anything for babies to teens (mommies too), now is the time to get it...at 16% off!

Goore's For Babies To Teens
2700 Marconi Ave
Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 485-1915

Monday - Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday 12pm-6pm

2nd Annual "Something to Smile About" Baby & Child Photo Contest

Here is the perfect chance to update your children's portraits as well as have a chance to win $150 to $5,000! Enter the 2nd Annual "Something to Smile About" Baby & Child Photo Contest! Pre-register online at www.claycombphotography.com or at Purely Pasta and you will receive a free kid's meal and (2) free 5x7 prints. Categories include: color, black & white or sepia, humorous and special needs.

May 3 and 4, 2008, 10 am–1 pm
Purely Pasta
1060 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville

Contest details, rules and directions online.