Issue 10 - Nov 07 Newsletter

Our hearts go out to San Diegans during the aftermaths of the devastating wildfires. We ask of you to please check out our page dedicated to San Diego Bargain Mama Member families who lost their homes in the wildfires. We would also like to thank our friends at SDTravelTips.com and TodaysMamaSanDiego.com for collaborating with SDBM in a fundraiser for our friends who lost their homes and possessions.

If you know about a great event, product, sale, etc. that would be a good topic for a blog, please share it with the SDBM Team! If you have a product, book, service, etc. that you would like us to consider reviewing on the SDBM Newsletter please email us a description or a press release along with a way to contact you. Items sent will not be returned nor guaranteed to be highlighted.

This month's SDBM Newsletter was created less to share big steals in town, and more to reflect relief efforts for the wildfires and opportunities to that await us in the city. Please be sure to sign up for a valuable daily blog at San Diego Bloggin' Mama to keep in touch with how San Diego communities are finding ways to make a difference. We ask you to continue sharing your finds, freebies, deals and steals. Perhaps now more than ever they will be appreciated! Lastly, check out the must-have book for bargain hunters, by the author and teacher who inspired SDBM!

September Contest Winner: Clarissa from Vista is the winner of two tickets to the San Diego Zoo, for referring ten friends to www.SanDiegoTravelTips.com. Congratulations!

November Contest: Win Deborah Sherrell's Baby Lauren and Theodore, a children's book (geared towards ages 3 to 7) that explores the four seasons in a fun and playful manner, while exposing kids to the valuable role that trees play in the environment. The book is gorgeously illustrated and printed on recycled paper that was processed chlorine-free. Read more about the book: look under For Your Reading Pleasure in last month's issue. The 25th SDBM Member to email Contest@SanDiegoBargainMama.com with the answer to the following question will win a free hardbound copy of this beautiful book. Not yet a member? Subscribe here.

Question: What are some examples of how you reduce, reuse, and recycle! Email your examples to Contest@SanDiegoBargainMama.com

Please Note: For the month of November, Deborah Sherrell is making a limited time offer: Take $3 off the hardcover price if you send a check or money order with "San Diego Bargain Mama" on the memo! Remember to include sales tax of $1.16 and your preference on shipping: Media Mail is $2.47, and Priority Mail is $4.60. Offer expires November 30, 2007. Happy reading!

Thank you, sponsors, for supporting San Diego Bargain Mama. Please remember to let these sponsors know that you saw them in San Diego Bargain Mama - The Newsletter for Moms who Love to Find Deals!

I invite you to email me and consider how I can help you take hold of your health TODAY.

If you are interested in becoming a Health Coach & enjoy working from home, please email me.

Plus, mention San Diego Bargain Mama when you register and receive 10% off all classes!

Get ready for the SPRING EVENT '08 SALE EVENT! Go to www.ybcnorthsandiego.com for updates and registration information. Sign up for our NEWSLETTER for a FREE Admission Coupon!

Grab a cup of coffee and browse through a collection of hand crafted baby and children's items designed by local moms. We will be displaying bracelets, hair accessories, hats, tutus, bibs and burp cloths, hooded towels, blankets, wipes cases, car seat covers, nursing shawls, lullaby CDs, custom clothing, cloth diapers, photography, custom tea parties, and much more. You will find everything you will ever need or want for your pampered prince or princess, and to top it all off you will have the opportunity to place orders for custom embroidery. To see some pictures of our designs visit our site at: http://www.myspace.com/chicbabyboutique

Join us Saturday, November 17, from 1-4 p.m. at Java Mama Cafe, located at 8250 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa, 91941

Savvy shoppers in the Southern California area will finish their Thanksgiving dinner and head straight to Carlsbad Premium Outlets and Las Americas Premium Outlets for their chance to shop and save at the stroke of midnight! This is truly an event for the savviest of shoppers! Carlsbad Premium Outlets and Las Americas Premium Outlets, in addition to all Chelsea Premium Outlets across the country, will open their doors at midnight after Thanksgiving to kick-off Black Friday and the official start of the holiday shopping season. Midnight Madness is the beginning of Chelsea Premium Outlets annual After Thanksgiving Day Weekend Sale, which starts at 12 a.m. after Thanksgiving dinner on November 23 and continues through November 25. Shoppers will save even more on top of every day savings of 25%-65% during this three-day holiday shopping sale event. This is power shopping at its best!

Serious shoppers will enjoy center-wide extended hours and additional deals through November 25th!

At www.premiumoutlets.com/vip it is free and easy to sign up for the VIP Shopper Club. Immediately upon signing up, you will receive a voucher for a VIP coupon book worth hundreds of dollars of additional savings at Chelsea centers.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets has 90 designer and name brand outlet stores. Located north of downtown San Diego, this outlet center is home to some of the most famous designers and brands, including: Banana Republic, Barneys New York, Calvin Klein, Coach, Crate and Barrel, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Theory, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

Las Americas Premium Outlets has 125 designer and name brand outlet stores. Located 20 minutes south of downtown San Diego, this outlet center is home to some of the most famous designers and brands, including: Adidas, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Bebe, Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap Outlet, Guess, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

The Knocker Blocker nursing cover up allows for comfort and privacy while mom feeds her baby in the presence of others. The cover ups are made of a lightweight breathable fabric and they have a specially designed scooped out neckline so mom can view baby and baby can view mom while breastfeeding. And the fabrics are chosen with mom in mind to coordinate your cover up with your style. For more information and fabric selections visit: http://www.knockerblocker.com.

Families with infants, young children and parents with a baby on the way will find something special at The Parent Connection Family Swap Meet. Admission $2, children 12 and under are free.

CCT presents the 15th annual Traditions of Christmas, featuring musical numbers, dancers, a live orchestra and favorite Christmas traditions. Since 1993, this family holiday presentation has thrilled children and families with its variety of song and dance, costumes and special effect, stories, and music portraying familiar "traditions of Christmas" on stage. Features guest appearances from favorite characters: Rudolph, Frosty, The Grinch, Charlie Brown and, of course, Santa.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets: Annual Shop under the Stars Charity Fundraiser Event

100% of ticket sales benefit these charitable organizations: Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Casa de Amparo, Girls Incorporated of San Diego, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Inc., and Simon Youth Foundation. Purchase tickets directly from your favorite charity or at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets Information Center (limited number of tickets available).

FREE PAIR! The tenth member to enter this contest wins!!! Jot down your first name and city and send your email to Contest@SanDiegoBargainMama.com WAIT! There is one catch: tell us your three favorite stores that you shop at when you visit the outlet!

100% of proceeds benefit the San Diego Food Bank's "Food 4 Kids Backpacks" program

For tickets call 619.544.1000 and for information on Hullabaloo visit: www.hullabalooband.com

SDBM Tip: Spread the word, as Hullabaloo is one great example of how kids are going through a musical cleansing process of sorts: enriching themselves with a wholesome musical experience that involves traditional as well as original lyrics, interactive participation, and a load of great energy and personality! What the SDBM Team loves most of all is that the music is very enjoyable to both adults and children and helps children with the development of language, using great rhyme, vocabulary, patterns and alliteration. Hullabaloo is expecting a great crowd to raise money for a great cause!

San Diego Holiday Fashion Bash tickets are now on sale! On Thursday, November 8, from 5 pm -10 pm, join in the fun at Stingaree: 454 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92191. 2-for-1 advanced tickets are $15 and that includes a "Sassy Gift" Click Here to purchase your 2 for 1 Tickets! The "Sassy Gift" includes makeup and lingerie goodies for you and a friend, when you purchase a 2-for-1 advanced ticket!

"We've assembled esteemed professionals from a wealth of industries that cater to women, to create three magical days of rejuvenation, education and entertainment. With an emphasis on health, happiness, style and a balanced life, Head to Toe Women's Expo offers something for every woman."

SDBM went last year and gives the experience a big thumbs up! Look forward to finding very quality products, gifts, spa packages, and so many more things that women typically enjoy. The prices are generally very fair, and some are a downright steal! It is a perfect opportunity to get together with your gal pals and have some fun time together! It will be located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on November 16, 17, and 18.

Where: Encinitas Community Center: 140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024 join in for some great holiday shopping!

Free photo with Santa, compliments of Sandra Kay Photography. Special appearance by Mrs. Claus! Hand Crafts - Art – Quilts / Children’s Clothes, Shoes & Accessories / Women’s Purses, Jewelry & Hair Accessories /Scrap Book Supplies, Creative Memories, Close To My Heart & More / Home Made Pepper Jelly / Children’s Books, DVD, CD & Toys / Personalized Gifts / Massages & Spa Treatments / Wine & Winery Packages / MUCH MORE…

Admission is free and open to the public. Gift Drawings every ½ hour. Grand Prize $150 gift card to Westfield Shopping Centers. Cash Prize $50. 1 ticket - $1, 6 tickets - $5, 26 tickets - $20

You've heard that you can tell a lot about people by their friends? We believe it, and so we asked your friend to introduce us. If you like live entertainment but settle for a movie or DVD more often than you'd like, you might be interested in joining Goldstar Events. Tell us what kinds of live entertainment you like and the areas where you live, work and play, and we'll deliver dozens (or even hundreds) of half-price offers to comedy, music, theatre, sports, spas and more. It doesn't cost anything to sign up, and you can do it in just a few seconds. You'll be getting out to great live entertainment and having a good time with friends and family right away. Join Goldstar Events

* Darling Shoes.com - Huge Huge sale on little kids' shoes: From GoCityKids.com: Use code CITY85 at check out to get the huge GoCityKids discount!

* 20% off at Old Navy Now through November 8th get 20% off on your order when you pay with your Gap, Old Navy or Banana Republic card.

* In light of the wildfires Southern California Nordstrom is currently offering a 15% off all purchases. Those who have been issued an American Red Cross Client Assistant Cards are exempt from paying sales tax. Half-Yearly Sale: November 7, at 8 am!

The following are great offers to assist San Diego families as they return to their typical routines! Tell them that SDBM sent you!

Lantern Light Candles is having a sale on all 2oz soy glass votives. Now $3 each, you can afford to place a few around your home to scent the house while it is all closed up due to the smoke and subsequent bad air quality. Remember, soy candles are virtually soot free! We can also host fundraisers for anyone in need. Visit at www.lanternlightcandles.com

Becka gives away over 100,000 digital books to remind all to give to the fire relief effort. What better book than her 5th adventure (a book not available in stores until Sept 2008) - Becka and the Big Bubble - Becka goes to SAN DIEGO! Check out www.beckabrigade.com for charities and your free book.

Weekenders Fall 2007 Collection is perfect for women that would like to rebuild their wardrobe. Maximize your options with our mix and match concept. 10 garments create 20-27 outfits! If you would like to host a presentation to benefit someone you know, I will donate 100% of my profits! If you want to purchase, I am offering 30% off to anyone affected by the fires. www.weekendersusa.com/mjrelth

Global Essentials Online.com - We sell very inexpensive hygiene and school supplies for humanitarian efforts at www.globalessentialsonline.com.

Friends with Class - For every registration to "Little Snaps - Photography With Your Toddler" class, Friends With Class will sponsor a fire victim family's registration to the class for free so that they too can learn how to take great shots from a professional photographer as they begin recreating albums of their little ones. Simply register for the class at www.friendswithclass.com and we will register a fire victim family for free with each new registration like yours!

Have you subscribed to SDBM? If so, you will soon receive a Bargain Alert that will spotlight many, many more sales in town and online!

Sally Gary is a savings guru!!! The Best Deals & Steals in San Diego (8th Version), by Sally Gary, is a San Diego bargain hunter's must-have. Her advice, tips, research and experience is very valuable for consumers who want to become more savings savvy. I promise you that you will think twice about paying full price for almost everything. Consider the book a very worthy investment. Read more...

There’s something special about getting together with friends to discuss one of the most important things in our lives -family. Once Upon A Family provides you with the tools you need to connect, enrich and celebrate the family life you want. Learn the power of one simple tradition a month, learn how to do more for your family in less time, and learn valuable ideas about what to do with the boxes of pictures you have that are waiting for that "someday". All this is and more is waiting for you at a Once Upon A Family Celebration. Contact Terri Clark today and learn more.

I love capturing unique, sweet moments for people to cherish forever! I have a passion for photography, and specialize in Family and Children Photography. As a mother of two children and a marine wife, I can relate to most moms out there; you want to get a good deal, but also want good quality for that good deal. Currently, I have a package starting at $149 for 1.5 hrs on location. You get all of the pictures I take on CD (between 100-200 images - full resolution, full rights). I shoot my portraits on location. I am located in Oceanside, CA, but I do travel within the San Diego County, and some of Orange County as well. My prices are very reasonable and negotiable. Some other types of photography I do are: Military Deployments, Homecomings, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Anniversaries, Engagements, Modeling, Glamour, and anything in between.

I invite you to visit my web site and consider how I can help in capturing moments that you will forever cherish.

Kids Stuff Etc. is a highly popular resource and classified ads publication serving San Diego North County that is a "must have" for bargain hunters! Over ten thousand readers each month enjoy this freebie that offers loads of information to parents, such as classifieds for kids’ merchandise, ads for schools, children’s extra-curricular classes, and party services. Also, you’ll find ads that include valuable coupons to some very popular stores that cater to children and parents. You can find copies sent out monthly to establishments such as pediatric and OBGYN offices, daycare centers, movie theatres, and gyms. It’s available for viewing in its entirety at: www.kidsstuffetc.com

You can choose videos and DVD's in person at your local San Diego County library to check out for FREE. You can also search the online catalogue for videos and DVD's - both kid and adult titles. If the movie you want is not available at your local branch, you can request a copy. The San Diego county library system will send your requested item to your local library for FREE from any other library in the San Diego County system. You will get an email when your item is ready for pick up. You can pick it up at your local library and it is FREE to check out for 7 days. Insider tip: You can renew the movie online or on the phone on the 7th day and keep it for another 7 days (unless it has already been requested by someone else). So, you can get movies for two weeks for FREE! There is no limit to how many titles you can check out at one time. Just don't forget to return it, as the late fees are $1 per day per movie. Items may be returned to any library branch in San Diego County. Video and book drops are available for after hour returns. They also have a program called Viewer's Express; these are new releases that you can check out for FREE in person at your local County library, but there are some restrictions: 7 day check out, limit 3, no renewals, and they must be returned to the branch where they were checked out. Visit the County of San Diego Library Calender

Some folks are spooked about this FREE service, but it is truly a necessary tool sometimes. It has saved me plenty-o-times.... like when I thought my sister's-in-law birthday was Saturday but it is TOMORROW!!! Birth Database ~ Julia

Boxproject.com, based in National City, links families in need with families that want to give. Visit the website: http://www.boxproject.org

The My Stuff Bags Foundation is offering its duffel bags filled with new, comforting items (toys, stuffed animals, clothing, blanket) to children and teens throughout Southern California who have lost all their belongings in the recent fires. The bags will be distributed through qualifying community organizations such as schools, houses of worship, employers, insurance companies and others in the fire-devastated areas. Organizations are encouraged to contact the My Stuff Bags Foundation immediately at (866) 3-MYSTUFF. "Each 'My Stuff Bag' carries the message, `Lots of people care about you,' because almost all of the items inside are donated," says Janeen Holmes, president and CEO of My Stuff Bags, a nonprofit organization that provides its duffel bags to abused, neglected, abandoned and displaced children. "It is the foundation's way of wrapping its arms around these unfortunate children." The foundation, launched in 1998, is calling upon individuals, corporations, organizations and public and private foundations for funding and donations of new children's items, including essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste, toys, stuffed animals, books, games, clothing, school supplies, and one of the most comforting and important items, a cuddly blanket, often made by volunteers. Visit www.mystuffbags.org for more information.

Tammy, a proud mom of three kids and a Marine wrote: Please share this! 10News.com featured this piece that was helpul that related to helping military families work with their kids through the challenging times. I was wondering if you could share it with your subscribers?
Thanks to member Carol for sending this in: Xerox is doing something special: If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com, you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some members of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!! This is a great site. It is FREE and it only takes a second.
Sandra, a proud mom of a newborn baby wrote: We all know someone that has served, is serving, has lost his/her life or is a loved one fighting for the freedoms that we take for granted here in the States. This is a small way to help out their families who live on limited military income. Please send your expired manufacturers coupons to military families overseas. Apparently they can use the coupons for up to 6 months past the expiration date at their commissary. If you receive a newspaper...clip out all the manufacturers coupons and send them to:

SDBM Input: A great idea to get great savings is to use a manufacturer's coupon in conjunction with a store coupon. When the item happens to also be on sale, you might just have an item costing just pennies!

Military Outreach: Military Outreach is in need of baby items (such as changing tables, cribs, strollers, high chairs, etc.) for military families at Camp Pendleton. For information and pick up contact Jayme McFadden.

Thanks, Members: Sally, Larry, Missy, Sunny, and Keith for (independently) sending in this great You Tube! - If you are a mom, had a mom, or want to be a mom.....watch and see if you relate! "The Mom Song", sung to the William Tell Overture, by Anita Renfroe.

What Members Say: Thanks so much for the updates during the aftermath of the fires. I was able to utilize your "Bloggin' Mama" resources and that was helpful. We were able to quickly find where we could go to donate or things for those in need. Keep up what you are doing. ~ Trish, proud mom of two

What Haven't They Told Me? - Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving During Baby's First Year

New parents-to-be will most likely inquire about the following: What are the key things to know about preparing for a newborn? What are the best pointers for feeding and bathing your baby when you take him/her home from the hospital? What are the tricks of the trade for the first-time-parent? And the wonderment of it all perhaps never ceases.

When folks are expecting their firstborn they are often full of inquiries, questions, and concerns. Some collect and bookmark stacks upon stacks of books and magazines, as to be well-armed with their newfound knowledge. Others interview and probe for seasoned folks' advice, frantically taking notes before forging into the unknown territory. Enter: What Haven't They Told Me? - Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving During Baby's First Year, by Lorraine E. Fisher. illustrated by Denise Wallace. This book is, frankly, a breath of fresh air in that it avoids lengthy dissertations and expert advice and gets down to business! It delivers invaluable tips, resources, and advice from experienced, wise, perceptive moms! It cuts out the frill and gives parents-to-be valuable wisdom to help them maneuver their way through their beginning journey called parenthood!

For example Marci, in California, mother of Ryan (2 mo.) suggests, "Put the baby down to sleep when he's semi-awake. That way he won't be scared when he wakes up and doesn't know where he is."

Sarah, in New Jersey, mother of Elizabeth (15 mo) says, "Place a couple of cloth diapers under your couch cushions for those unexpected baby accidents."

Karin, in New York, mother of Jeremy (2 1/2) says, "For washing socks and hats and other small items, use a lingerie bag (you won't be using the lingerie bag for anything else for a while!)."

There is a reason why this book is stocked in over thirty stores in ten states: because moms are not only getting more bang for the buck, but they realize in skimming the book that it is a must-have find, and an ideal baby shower gift, as well!

Keep your eyes out during the beginning of 2008 for What Haven't They Told Me? - Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving During the Toddler Years and Daniel's Collection, a children's story with a strong environmental message.

I must admit that when I first heard the phrases "momprenuer" or " moms who have it all" or "soccer mom", I found them somewhat condescending, or even belittling in a way, as if we as moms warranted separate, but equal, labels for straight-up hard work. Is not the need for distinguishment from our male counterparts (husbands) somewhat sexist by nature or even tantamount to a runner’s up ribbon? I thought so before, but currently see things very differently.

For about a year now I have scoured the internet for mommy-type reading content and juicy topics, and here is what I have discovered about mommy-run businesses: "Mompreneurs" are often quite impressive and inspiring and have acquired a strong sense of discipline and balance that can be mind-blowing. When I meet them through my SDBM ventures I will sit them down and pick their brains, take notes, and re-evaluate mine (notes, and brain, for that matter). Most impressive to me is when they choose to maintain the huge task of remaining their kids’ primary caretakers, yet still micromanage their business venture. Unlike, perhaps, their husbands' achievements, their success under any subsequent title that does not attach itself to motherhood (or care taking) as the primary identity indicates something that is, frankly, often worthy of distinguishing. It indicates that they identify with the role first as a caretaker, yet are also devoted to accomplishing something for themselves and others, as well. And the venture, especially with young kids on board, is quite a juggle and unique challenge!

The phrase, "I am my kid’s mom", created a frenzy of another sort; critics claiming that in its boastfulness it rubs in other moms’ faces that their level of devotion is grander. To others the phrase is a serious badge of honor, and it personally speaks volumes to me, as well. When a devoted mom, in a sea of other people, is defined in any category warranting recognition or praise (soccer mom, room mom, troop mom, mom author) I say, "You go, Mama". It is an honor to own it. And for the sake of motherhood, a double honor. Personally, as long as "mom" is somewhere lovingly placed in ANY phrase, I am one "happy mama", and will graciously wear it with pride!

The San Diego Bargain Mama Newsletter goes out monthly and on special occasions as Bargain Alerts. If you were forwarded this and would like to subscribe, go to www.SanDiegoBargainMama.com/Subscribe.

San Diego Bargain Mama assumes no responsibility for the advice given. You, as readers, must determine what is best and safe for yourselves and your family regarding what you do with the information you receive both from this newsletter and in its links and resources. The information passed on to you is sent as researched to the best of our knowledge, but we suggest that you confirm it's validity, as the terms are subject to change.

San Diego Bargain Mama assumes the right to deny advertisement of products or services on the Newsletters, Bargain Alerts, and website if they are deemed inappropriate and/or are not kid-friendly.