Hello Parents!

Happy Back-to-School season!  Where did the summer go?  Our girl just started Kindergarten (misty eyes) and our boy gets to enjoy the "pre-school lifestyle" for a couple more years.  More time to explore!

Stay posted for some fabulous community resources for pre-school age kids in San Diego to be shared in SDBM's blog called San Diego Bloggin' Mama, where you'll find exciting and affordable opportunities, products, and places in San Diego that are all the rage with San Diego moms (and visitors to San Diego, too)!  Keep the comments, leads and suggestions rolling in. You have been great at forwarding cool "stuff", so thank you!  We couldn't be more excited about the growing numbers of members - keep them rolling in!  You will only continue to receive the e-publications in the future if you opt-in via an email that was sent to you on August 30, so please become "official"!

The upcoming San Diego Bargain Mama website will provide folks the ability to subscribe to the SDBM Newsletter and Bargain Alert e-publications.  Included will be an optional short survey to answer. Sponsor feedback is very important in creating content for future e-publications and for the website.  Since your membership will be transferred by SDBM, we would very much appreciate your answering the following questions (if you already didn't in the previous inquiry).  Three people who respond will be randomly chosen on September 25 to win either a Baby Einstein DVD, a kids' bath kit, baby clothes, or the children's book, Scholastic Book of Firsts, by James Buckly, Jr. The winners will be announced in the October SDBM Newsletter!  Either just reply to this email or cut and paste these questions and add your answers in an email, then send it to Contest@SanDiegoBargainMama.com  Winners of these great prizes will be notified on September 25!

SDBM Inquiry

1. What's your name, age, and city?

2. How many children do you have and what are their ages?

3. What top three stores do you usually shop at for your family in town (off-line)?

4. What are your top three favorite on-line places to shop? 

Yours, 

San Diego Bargain Mama

Email: Contact@SanDiegoBargainMama.com

Coup’ Scoop:

Contests and News:

News

SDBM is soon to launch the first phase of www.SanDiegoBargainMama.com.  If you are an organization that would like to be considered as a possible partner or sponsor to our upcoming site, please contact us at  Contact@SanDiegoBargainMama.com 

September Contest! 

Thanks, again to Vintage Sanctuary, in Oceanside, for providing gift certificates for the July Contest.

Win 2 Free Guest Passes to the San Diego Zoo (expires 9/30/2008). It's easy! Refer as many friends as you can to www.sandiegotraveltips.com.  The SDBM member who refers the most people by the end of the month wins!  You will be emailed at that time and asked to send your full name and address. 

1. Go to San Diego Travel Tips.com 

2. Sign up for your free membership. 

3. Make sure to put SDBM in the specify friend's name or other referral box. 

4. Then, refer your friends to www.sandiegotraveltips.com 

5. Make sure that your referrals specify YOUR user name when they sign up so you can get the referral credit!

6. The SDBM member who refers the most people will be notified sent tickets immediately, and also announced on the next issue of the SDBM Newsletter!  

Attn: Review recall of Fisher-Price toys:  Recall 

Messages From Our Sponsors:

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! 

Featured Sponsor:

Want to lose 20 lbs. a month, KEEP it off, and have MORE energy?!?

Feel better and look better!

Start wearing those cute clothes in your closet again.

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

Gina Ruby, Certified Health Coach

ginaruby1@aol.com 

www.PursueHealth.TSFL.com

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

Above Boards Fine Arts Studio

Sign-up today for art classes from AB Fine Arts Studio!

We specialize in: 

  - Preschool Art (ages 3-4)

  - After School Art (ages 5-16)

  - Adult Art Classes

  - Birthday Parties

  - Murals

  - Girl & Boy Scout Art Badges

  - Special Events

  - MUCH MORE!

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

Visit us on-line at www.aboveboardsco.com 

For more information, call (760) 643-9400 or email aboveboards@sbcglobal.net.

AB Fine Arts Studio - 4093 Oceanside Blvd. Ste. G - Oceanside

Parenthood 101

Remember your significant other? That person who shares your bathroom, your fridge and your bed? You probably have been like two ships passing in the night since the baby was born. Who has time to share a meal, let alone an occasional tryst, when there's a mouth to feed, a diaper to change, or a belly to burp?

Unlike law, medicine and accounting, there's no formal course of study for becoming parents (not even a simple owner's manual), and that lack of direction can put a ton of pressure on you and your mate.

To the rescue: Bringing Home Baby, a two-day workshop for new and soon-to-be parents created by famed relationship experts Dr's. John and Julie Gottman, PhD's, authors of And Baby Makes Three, and hosted by Carrie Grange Isaacson, a San Diego-based social worker who practices in New York and California.

The seminar will cover a slew of topics you probably never dreamed you would care about (but now are deeply obsessed with), including how to co-parent effectively and keep dads involved in infant care, how to improve the quality of parent-infant interaction, how to deal effectively with stress and conflict, and how to increase both intimacy and friendship in the relationship. According to the Gottmans' research, children of parents with a strong relationship do better in school, adapt better socially and are physically and emotionally healthier.

So, in a way you can consider this seminar not just an investment in your own well being, but in theirs, too. 

Seminar: October 20 & 27, at Java Mama in La Mesa

More details: http://www.babymaven.org/ 

Your Baby’s Closet

Is your house overflowing with maternity and baby items that no longer fit or interest your child? Your Baby's Closet is a unique resale event designed to help you buy quality items at a decent price. Sell your gently used baby/toddler items - drop off your sale items then return at the end of the sale to pick up your check.

Come to our next event on Saturday, September 29th, from 9am- 5pm and Discount Day on Sunday, September 30th from 9am - Noon. There will be a special sale time for New Moms. Entertainment by Channel 93.3, free balloons and give always. We will be holding a raffle for children and adults! This sale event is one you won’t want to miss! Location:

The Shrine Center (Al-Bahr Shrine)

5440 Kearny Mesa Rd.

San Diego, CA 92111

Free Parking (behind Hampton Inn)

$2.00 for Adults, Children Free

For More Information, please go to www.yourbabyscloset.com

760.807.5663

The Shower Hug™ - Mama's Essential to Soothe and Comfort Tender Breasts". 

Website:  http://www.belmamaandcherub.com/

Java Mama

Java Mama is a cafe created especially with parents and caregivers in mind. Relax with a cup of gourmet coffee or tea while your little one plays nearby in our specially designed play area. During designated hours let our experienced staff watch your child while you read the newspaper, surf the Internet, or attend one of our many classes. Come cool off this summer with one of our delicious frozen drinks. Mention San Diego Bargain Mama and receive 10% off your order. We also have lots of free activities such as story time, rockin' dance party and family movie nights!

Java Mama Cafe

8250 La Mesa Blvd.

La Mesa, CA 91941

Monday through Saturday: 9 am-7:30 pm

Sunday:  9 am-4 pm

Website: www.javamama.com 

Munchkin Minders

Take some much needed time for yourself and let our 'Minders' entertain your Munchkins.  We proudly provide fun and creative care to fit the needs of San Diego families and families vacationing locally. Munchkin Minders is a fully licensed and bonded company, and we service most areas of San Diego County - including North and East Counties.

Call us for a sitter or nanny today!

Shannon Willard and Danielle Podlesny

   (760) 494-8764

www.munchkinminders.com 

Fun & Creative Sitters & Nannies!

Bargain Rundown:

Events and Opportunities

The 2nd Annual Dog Surf-a-thon -  This is so cool!  Sunday, September 9 at Dog Beach, Del Mar from 8:30-2:00 p.m. Click here.  

Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad - Musical Story Time for Kids coming Saturday, September 8 at 9:30 am at the Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad (free, however a $5.00 donation would be appreciated).  "Families with children age 7 and under are invited to join educator Anne Fennell, who conducts interactive storytelling sessions that inspire reading and expose audiences to elements of music, musical instruments and music making. Each Musical Story Time contextualizes stories with recordings, interactive instruments and other story-enhancing elements." For more: http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/

Quail Botanical Gardens, Encinitas - Sunday, September 16, Hullaballoo performs in the Eucalyptus Grove by Seeds of Wonder . San Diego's own award-winning kid-folk duo rocks the house; if you haven't experienced the music you just have to!  Take along a picnic lunch, a blanket or beach chair and get comfortable!  Check out: http://www.qbgardens.org/events/children.shtml

Roxy Surf Jam, Cardiff Beach - Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23, check this annual women's longboard surf contest at Cardiff Reef. They will have a variety of booths, music and a yummy pancake breakfast served by Encinitas firefighters! It's a great way to take in the surf scene and let the kids see women battle the surf!  Visit: http://www.wahinesurfing.com/news.asp?Id_news=29917

Home and Garden Show - Head to the Del Mar Fairgrounds to the Bing Crosby Hall and O'Brien Hall this September 14-16.  Check out hundreds of exhibits of home improvement products, furnishings, decorating and remodeling ideas, display gardens, and free seminars. Friday, 11 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. More information: www.fallhomegardenshow.com 

Second Saturday: Mexican Independence Day - Cruise over to the Escondido Children's Museum where your family will be welcome to a fiesta, with Mexican treats, piñata making, and exposure to Mexican culture.  It's at 1 pm, and it's a free activity with paid admission.   Visit:  http://www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org

ArtSplash Carlsbad - ArtSplash is a free, non-profit family event that promotes and benefits arts within the community and is a community-wide partnership of organizations and businesses working together to establish an annual family event showcasing North County.  Saturday, Sept 22 from 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, September 23 from 10 am-5 pm.  More at: http://www.carlsbadartsplash.org/ 

Taste of Carlsbad - The 11th Annual Taste of Carlsbad features 15 tastes from a variety of restaurants. All proceeds benefit the Kids Are Worth A Million Educational Foundation. Saturday, Sept 22 from 2 pm-5 pm  More: http://www.kidsareworthamillion.com/events_taste.php

Sales in Town 

Tip: The tail end of the season is the best time to stock up on summer gear at your favorite stores. Don't forget that the least visible end-caps often have the best discounted goods. Labor Day sales will end, but then in some stores the real clearances begin (for my fabulously frugal friends).  Summer promotional items and seasonal wear is 50% off all over, but will go down as we kiss summer goodbye. We're receiving some feedback (thanks for the tips) that this weekend you mamas plan to take advantage of the extra savings when you sign up for store credit cards. The following are just some examples of this weekend's steals: 

Kohl's is having a huge 50% off sale on tons of merchandise Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1, Children's Orchard in San Marcos - Show up at the store this Saturday, September 1, and you will receive a complimentary kids' book. Take with you a new friend, and you will receive a second complimentary book!  No purchase is necessary, while supplies last (up to $3.99 value per book). Also, tell them that SDBM sent you and get 10% off one (non-sale) item. REI has an annual clearance sale: 25%-70% off on most merchandise in the store through Labor Day. Cindy's Swimwear ("Largest Selection on the Coast") in Carlsbad and in Del Mar (love this place) have their annual sale, offering 25 - 50% off selected items. Target - For the "pampered dogs": all dog beds and apparel is 15% off their low prices (likely Paris H. approved styles). Gymboree retail stores or www.gymboree.com - Gymbucks time! During their earnings period (until September 30) you will receive $25 worth of Gymbucks to be used for your future visit (check for details). Toys 'R' US - Save up to 65% during their Clearance Blowout going on until Saturday, September 1. Carlsbad Premium Outlets -Don't miss The Back-to-School & Fall Preview Sale through Sunday, Aug 5, where you'll enjoy extra discounts on top of their everyday savings of 25% to 65%.  Look for deals at stores including Adidas, Gap Outlet, Lacoste, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. Bombay (don't get me started) - Get 30% off all regular items and 25% additional off clearance items through September 3.

THREAD - Are you all about finding hip, high-end apparel and accessories and want a day of free pampering? Live it up on Sunday, September 9, from 11am to 6 pm at the Aerospace Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park.  Tickets: $7 RSVP at www.threadshow.com, $10 at the door.

Choose from a slew of freebies, as THREAD is offering to keep their guests pampered and entertained all day:

944 Crash Pad - This super-chic lounge will be styling with the finest from Design with Reach, offering free gift bags, free pedicures, free beverages, and free magazines! Are we there yet?  Disconnected Salon - They will be ready to give you a new look: Update your hair style (free) on site at THREAD!  THREAD will provide San Diego's finest massages (complimentary). Be sure to sign up early! Free reads: GOOD and URB magazine will be up for grabs!

Hot Tips for Shopping:

Advice for Successful On-Line Shopping

A growing amounts of household members (of the feminine type) shop on-line regularly; it's a growing practice.  Here are some helpful tips will come in very handy!

http://www.bbbonline.org/OnlineShopTips/

More Messages from Our Sponsors:

Katrina Wheeler Photography

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 $99 for 1.5hrs 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.

Web site: www.katwheeler.com

Kids Stuff Etc.

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

Fun Freebies:

Free Learn to Play Hockey Clinic

Kids can learn to play hockey for free - and the gear is provided! Advance registration is required. 760.839.5425 http://www.Escondido.org/sportscenter/ Ages: 6-10 each Saturday until September 8.

Family Health and Wellness Event

You are invited to The Family Health and Wellness Event with Lisa Druxman, Stroller Strides founder and author of Lean Mommy: Bond with Your Baby and Get Fit with the Stroller Strides Program

Saturday, October 6 at 10 am

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, 92011

Gowland Meeting Room

Admission is free

For more information, call (760) 602-2012. To learn more about Stroller Strides visit www.strollerstrides.com 

Join in to hear from Lisa Druxman, Stroller Striders founder and author of Lean Mommy: Bond with Your Baby and Get Fit with the Stroller Strides Program, Lisa will lead attendees in a Stroller Strides demonstration following her talk. Refreshments will be provided and Lean Mommy books will be available for sale.

Happy 6th Birthday, Stroller Strides!

Free Advice Just for Moms: A Must-Hear Podcast Special 

This is probably the most succinct, straight-forward advice for moms around!

Podcast

Birch Aquarium Two-for-One Admission

Help conserve energy as you save some cash!  San Diego residents are eligible to receive a two-for-one admission to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps one last time if you do the following on September 15:

For more details check out http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu/Releases/?releaseID=822

Community Connection:

ABC News- Featuring our Sponsor, Bringing Home Baby!!!!

"Banishing Baby Blues - How the Whole Family Can Help"

Great San Diego Resource for Locals and Travelers

SDBM found a highly impressive and very informative web site recently - San Diego Travel Tips.com:   If you are looking for things to do in San Diego, whether you live here or not, you have got to check out this site!  It is free to join and it provides all sorts of information and great ideas on what to do in San Diego. A couple of San Diego women put the site together to showcase the "real San Diego".   Please tell 'em San Diego Bargain Mama referred you!   http://www.sandiegotraveltips.com/

Contribute to a New Book About Toddlers! 

Open to Moms, Dads and Grandparents Throughout the United States

The San Diego author of the book, What Haven't They Told Me? Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving During Baby's First Year, is working on a sequel about surviving the toddler years and is collecting tips from parents and grandparents on this subject.  If your tip is used, you'll receive a complimentary copy of the book!  Please go to http://www.themomtest.com/toddler-years.html to submit your tips which will be passed along to author, Lorraine Fisher.  She will follow up with you to get your information to send you a copy of the book if your tips are used.  You can read about Lorraine's publishing business and her first book at  www.offramppublishing.com 

3rd Annual Women's Empowerment Luncheon - Fresh Start Surgical Gifts

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts presents its 3rd Annual Women's Empowerment Luncheon featuring national award-winning speaker, Michelle Renee, author of Held Hostage: The True Story of a Mother and Daughter's Kidnapping.

In November 2000, Michelle Renee, an Assistant Vice President at one of the nation's largest financial institutions, was home playing video games with her seven-year-old daughter, Breea, when three masked gunmen broke into her Southern California house. Duct taped and tormented with bombs placed on their bodies, they were threatened with murder if Michelle didn't rob the vault of the bank she managed...

Join some great ladies to hear how Michelle overcame this devastating tragedy and used adversity as an opportunity for a fresh start in life.

SPACE IS LIMITED!  RSVP by Thursday, October 4.

Tickets are $25; Email megan@freshstart.org to buy tickets or call 760.448.2018.

Thursday, October 11, 2007 12:00-1:00 pm 

Handlery Hotel and Resort

950 Hotel Circle North

San Diego, CA 92108  

100% goes to Fresh Start's medical program to help provide free surgery to disadvantaged children suffering from physical deformities.

News 8 Pets

"News 8 has joined forces with the Friends of County Animal Shelters and the San Diego Humane Society to answer your questions about pet care as well as introduce you to special animals who are in need of a loving home."  http://www.cbs8.com/features/local8pets/

Readers’ Input/Tips:  

A few people have mentioned that for a newsletter that this is somewhat long.  Well, the website will take some of the load off, eventually alleviating that issue, and things will evolve in stages.  Thank you for your patience in this process. - SDBM

For Your Reading Pleasure:

San Diego Bargain Mama's Book Review

Becka and the Big Bubble

Written by: Gretchen Schomer-Wendel and Adam Anthony Schomer

Illustrated by: Damon Renthrope

All week long my kids (ages three and five) have been pretending that they can fly and have been creating a backdrop for their adventures in imaginary flight. I am sitting here... and ... hello... it only now dawns on me what has transpired: My preschoolers have the Becka and the Big Bubble Bug!  One very telling way to test how captivating children's literature can be is to observe kids during story time.  Their inquisitiveness and authentic engagement while waiting in anticipation to see what the next page brings can be quite telling!  A piece of children's literature that transcends its magic beyond story time is extra-special when it prompts kids to bring it to life, later returning to request more.

Gretchen Schomer-Wendel, from Encinitas, and her brother, Adam Anthony Schomer, from Los Angeles, are authors that have struck a cord with young children by means of their beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated children's book series that commences with Becka and the Big Bubble - All Around Town.  We follow a young girl's journeys as she travels around the world by transporting herself on a magic bubble.  Written in a fun and playful rhyme, the stories follow adventurous and capricious Becka as she travels to the North Pole, San Francisco, and India.  In each of her journeys, Becka discovers and samples the wonderment of historic landmarks and the richness of various cultures, for example in India where she visits the Taj Mahal, samples native food, then witnesses a Hindu wedding.  To boot, our young friend tucks away some valuable food for thought that she acquires in her travels, and takes back home with her as a souvenir of sorts.  While readers take comfort in Becka's consistent, safe return to her loving parents at the end of each story, we can't help but be left thirsty and eager to partake in a new Becka adventure around just the corner.

We'll be accompanying our friend, Becka, in flight on many adventures to come, such as in her journeys to San Diego, Egypt, Paris, Chicago, Thailand and more!  I'd bank that in time some little girls I know will be asking where their Becka Bubbles and Becka Dolls are! Books go nationwide in September.  Order your copies today at copies at Amazon.com, and make sure to read SDBM's interview with the authors coming very soon at www.SanDiegoBargainMama.com!   

Time and Money $avers:

The Chula Vista Nature Center

Want something special to do with the kids?  Why not make a trip to the Chula Vista Nature Center?  The Chula Vista Nature Center is one of San Diego's best kept secrets.  Just off the I-5 at E Street, park the car, grab the free shuttle and get a free guided tour onto the property. What kid (grown or otherwise) doesn't like a shuttle ride of some type?  The shuttle will take you to the main building of the Nature Center. 

Once you reach the main building, you'll have two choices:

1.  FREE:  This is awfully tempting because there is a lot you can do for FREE.  Admission is inexpensive but sometimes, as we all can agree, doing something for free is rather fun.

2. PAID ADMISSION:  You can choose pay to enter the Nature Center building and see all that is available

to see at the Nature Center. 

Here's the skinny.  The Chula Vista Nature Center is an wonderful wetlands area, the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and it is preserved for the public to enjoy.  This place is just special.  The free outdoor area includes an aviary with raptors, eagles, hawks, owls, herons, egrets, and the clapper rail.  The green sea turtles are visible from outside the building as well. There are trails leading to and from the bay on the perimeter of the refuge.  Take a picnic, grab the shuttle and go!

The kids may get excited about the shark exhibit but that will cost you a few bucks.  Really, the Chula Vista Nature Center deserves our hard earned cash and they aren't ripping us off with ridiculous admission prices.  So, you can opt to get the whole enchilada experience by paying for admission to get into the building for the interactive parts, or you can go give it a look-see and take a look around for free. 

Admission Prices

$6.00 Adults (18-54)

$5.00 Seniors (55+)

$5.00 Students (18+ w/ID)

$4.00 Juniors (12-17)

$3.00 Children (4-11)

Free Children (under 4)

You may even opt to really make a day of it by hopping on the San Diego Trolley to the E Street station, walking across the street (to the west) to the Nature Center's shuttle pick up area, and take in all the wonder of the Nature Center.

The Chula Vista Nature Center is 7 miles from downtown San Diego and 11 miles from the San Diego-Tijuana border.  Exit I-5 to E Street and turn west to the parking lot at the entrance of the secured gate. You can not drive a vehicle on the reserve. Access to the facility is available from the public parking lot via free, convenient shuttles buses running every 15 minutes.

Hours- 10 am - 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday

Last shuttle to the Center is at 4 pm

Make it at Home:

Make a watermelon basket!

What a sweet little talented girl! Click here  

"The best place to succeed is where you are, with what you have."

~ Charles M. Schwab  

Happy Labor Day: September 1

Happy Grandparent's Day: September 9

Forward this newsletter to your friends and family, please!

Website is under construction: www.SanDiegoBargainMama.com

Subscription Information:

The San Diego Bargain Mama Newsletter goes out monthly and Bargain Alerts are sent bi-minthly. If you no longer wish to receive them please email  Subscription@SanDiegoBargainMama.com and type "unsubscribe" in the subject box. If the first newsletter you received was forwarded and you would like to subscribe, please email: Subscription@SanDiegoBargainMama.com and type "subscribe" in the in subject box.

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.