Bay Area Mommy

Smells Good To Me!

misty070@sfbayareamommy.com (Misty DeFord) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:16:20 +0000

Sometimes as mom’s we forget about ourselves. One thing I do like to buy for “date night” or “girl’s night
out” is a nice perfume. I like buying something that masks the spit-up and whatever I made for dinner
smell. So when I recently got my hands on a sample of Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries, Bare Skin I knew
I had to share it with you. When I opened the envelope I knew I would like this perfume because it is a
clean and not strong. You might recognize Leslie Blodgett’s name from the Bare Escentuals line (which I
LOVE!). This is the first scent in her series, which is great, because that means that there is more to come.
If you’re like me and like to “transform” with your perfume, then this is one you have to try. You can find
Bare Skin at Sephora, and who can't find a reason to shop there!

Boppin’ to Kidz Bop

misty070@sfbayareamommy.com (Misty DeFord) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:46:04 +0000

I remember watching commercials for the Kidz Bop CD’s on television. It was like the top pop
songs transformed so kids can sing along and parents didn’t have to worry about what they
were listening to. Can you believe that Kidz Bop is on number 16?! That doesn’t include their
videos and other song collections. Wow! Kidz Bop is the #1 music brand for children ages 5-12
in the US.
I just received some copies of their latest release, Kidz Bop 16, and it has well known hits like
“Boom Boom Pow”, “The Climb”, and more. You'll find yourself singing along to songs that you
know.
If you’re looking for some stocking stuffers, along with their latest release, they also have a
Kidz Bop Christmas CD. The CD has all the classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”,
‘Frosty the Snowman”, and more. It's a great CD to play during a children's holiday party!

Win It! – Want to get a jump start on your Christmas List?! You can win one of the CD’s you
just read about! We will be picking four lucky Bay Area Mommy readers to win! (We have
two Kidz Bop 16 CD’s and two Kidz Bop Christmas CD’s to giveaway) All you have to do is
leave a comment that lets us know which CD you would like! Winners will be randomly
selected on 11/14/2009.

Candy Work of Art

misty070@sfbayareamommy.com (Misty DeFord) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:18:33 +0000

We recently did an article with some ideas of what to do with that extra Halloween candy, but I just found
out another creative thing to do with your candy! The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose is inviting
Bay Area families to trade in their least favorite candy in exchange for a NESTLÉ CRUNCH fun-size bar!
Additionally, museum attendees who trade for NESTLE CRUNCH receive a 10 percent discount on admission.
You might be wondering why they would want your candy…well, the renowned “found art” artist Leo Sewell
will use the candy donations to produce a one-of-a-kind “candy creation.” You can take part in helping donate
to a work of art! Here is their schedule:

Friday, Oct. 30 - Sunday, Nov. 8: Bay Area residents participate in Crunch Candy Swap

Friday, Nov. 8 – Monday, Nov. 11: Artist builds candy structure in Museum Atrium

Thursday, Nov. 12: Candy creation unveiled, on display for press and museum attendees

The Tech Museum of Innovation
201 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113

Win it: Want to visit The Tech Museum of Innovation? They have generously offered us 3 pairs of tickets to
giveaway to Bay Area Mommy readers. All you have to do is leave a comment on what your least favorite
candy is. Winners will be chosen on November 4, 2009. Good Luck!

Help The SF Ballet Create Magic!

misty070@sfbayareamommy.com (Misty DeFord) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:19:46 +0000

The SF Ballet is having a magic shortage! Can you help them? Create a short video, 65 seconds long, depicting your favorite Nutcracker memory or reenacting a scene. The submission deadline is 11:59pm on November 29, 2009. You could win a trip to Aspen, a stay at the Fairmont, and more. Check out their website for details http://www.sfballet.org/contest/.

BAM's Weekend Guide (11/6/09 - 11/8/09)

misty070@sfbayareamommy.com (Misty DeFord) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:04:47 +0000

11/06/09 - 11/08/09

11/6 - 11/8
29th Ia 'Oe E Ka La Hula Festival
Fri 3pm - 10pm; Sat & Sun 9am - 6pm
Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton, CA
Cost: Fri Competition $12; Sat Competition $15; Sun Competition $15; Arts & Crafts, Food only (no competitions) $10;
Parking $8
www.kumuhulaassociation.com

11/6-11/7
31st Annual Holiday Boutique
Fri 12pm - 8pm; Sat 10am - 4pm
Veteran’s Memorial Building, 2203 Central Avenue, Alameda, CA
Free
http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/arpd/pdf/Fall_2009_Alameda_Highlights1.pdf

11/7 - 11/8
40th Anniversary Celebration Weekend @ the Exploratorium
10am - 5pm
Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA
Free Admission
www.exploratorium.edu/40th

11/7 - 11/8
2nd Annual The Fabulous Food Festival
10am - 5pm
SF Exhibition Center, 635 8th Street, San Francisco, CA
General Admission $10; Senior Admission $7
http://www.pacificexpositions.com/FabFoodFest/

11/7
The East Bay Baby & Kids Fair
11am - 3pm
Veteran's Memorial Bldg., 1325 Portland Avenue, Albany, CA
Free
http://birthways.org/family-events.htm

11/7
Gingerbread Wishes - Make-A-Wish Event
11am - 1pm
One Market Restaurant, 1 Market Street at Steuart, San Francisco, CA
$20 per cookie kit; $5 add'l cookies
For reservations, please call 415.777.5577 and specify “Gingerbread Wishes Decorating Party.”

11/7
Baby Loves Disco: Pajama Party (6mth - 7yrs)
2pm - 5pm
Avalon Nightclub, 777 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, CA
$12 online; $15 at the door; non-walkers are free
http://www.babylovesdisco.com/locations/southbay/

What To Do With That $$ In Your FSA?!

misty070@sfbayareamommy.com (Misty DeFord) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:50:02 +0000

Thank you Coopertone for the following guest post!

The average American family spends $2,000 on personal health care expenses each year. Contributing that amount to an FSA can translate to a federal tax savings of more than $500 (assuming the average tax bracket of 27%). But there’s a catch…you need to use all of the funds in one calendar year—or the money vanishes.

The good news is that many surprising categories of products are typically covered by flex spending accounts. Here’s a handy guide to some seasonal, everyday items often covered by flex spending to make sure you don’t waste a single dollar this year:

1. Hand Sanitizer: Flu season is here, and this year, families and schools are being especially vigilant about H1N1 infection. According to a recent study, only 50% of middle and high school students say they washed their hands regularly. Send kids to school with FSA-approved portable hand sanitizer as an added precaution from getting sick.

2. Cold Remedies: If you do fall ill, FSA’s got you covered. Over the counter cold remedies such as cough drops and syrups, throat lozenges, and cold medicines are often reimbursable. Make sure to stock up on a cold medication at the beginning of the season — that way you won’t have to rush out for relief when you’re feeling under the weather.

3. Sunscreen: Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen year-round to protect against ever-present UVA and UVB rays. Good thing sunscreens with SPFs over 30 are typically covered by FSA. Moisturizers with SPF aren’t eligible, so purchase a sunscreen that’s lightweight enough for year-round, everyday use, like Coppertone® Oil Free lotion SPF 50. Buy now and you’ll still have enough to toss in your suitcase for a winter vacation.

4. Gym Bag Essentials: With after-school sports in high gear, bruises, scrapes, and athlete’s foot are regular occurrences. Use flex dollars on items like bandages and antibiotic ointment, as well as for antifungal athlete’s foot treatments. To maximize FSA dollars, it’s a good idea to buy a band-aids in a variety of shapes and sizes so no “boo boo” goes uncovered.

MacLaren Recalls

emmavictoria@yahoo.com (Emma Blanco) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:09:59 +0000

British company Maclaren is recalling over a million of its strollers due to potential hazard to children's fingers. Apparently, "a side hinge mechanism poses the risk of cutting or amputating a child's fingers when the stroller is being opened or closed."

Maclaren has developed hinge covers which can be easily affixed to the elbow joints of the stroller and have an order form for consumers to complete.

For more information about the recall, you can visit the US CPSC's Maclaren Stroller Recall website.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

emmavictoria@yahoo.com (Emma Blanco) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:46:12 +0000

The most beloved of children's shows, Sesame Street, turns 4o today!

And the series is celebrating with a "new block format, new show open, new nature curriculum and the new First Lady Michelle Obama!"

Adding to the show's exciting new elements are:

the new Abby Cadabby CGI Animation segment, which introduces "Abby's Flying Fairy School" in 3-D fashion; "the first time a Sesame Street character has been transformed into CGI animation."
the parade of celebrities including, NBA MVP Kobe Bryant and actors Greg Kinnear, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Cameron Diaz, Hugh Jackman, Debra Messing, Eva Longoria, etc.

Finally, if you are a collector of all things Sesame Street, or if you just want a keepsake about the landmark celebration, the series is launching "a commemorative DVD (Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days, [which includes] classic stories, songs, monsters and celebrity segments) and a new, comprehensive, fully-illustrated behind-the-scenes, coffee-table book, A Celebration: 40 Years of Life on the Street."

Looking for something more fun to celebrate the landmark occasion? Why not Ask Big Bird a Question? The New York Times has invited Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the show’s debut in 1969, and Carol-Lynn Parente, executive producer, to take questions submitted by Times readers. My question for Big Bird: "Exactly how tall are you?"

Well, you know what I'll be doing today - watching Sesame Street in its new format with my daughter, relishing the fact that she is enjoying the same show that I used to love when I was a kid. New format or not, I'll be experiencing sweet nostalgia.

Need A Little Holiday Spirit?

misty070@sfbayareamommy.com (Misty DeFord) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:42:36 +0000

The holidays are right around the corner. I love the holidays and one of my favorite traditions is watching some of the holiday classics with my family. A big bowl of popcorn, a holiday movie, and my family snuggled up together...I just love it! Today starts ABC Family's "Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas" which leads to their "25 Days of Christmas" starting Dec 1st. Every night they show a holiday favorite! I love it!

I print out the schedule and put it up on my fridge. You can check out the schedule here:
http://a.media.abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/standalone/pdf/25DOC_P_Guide_Sponsor_2009_web4.pdf

BAM's Weekend Guide (11/13 - 11/15)

misty070@sfbayareamommy.com (Misty DeFord) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:25:30 +0000

11/13/09 - 11/15/09

11/13 - 11/15
Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show
Fri & Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm
1346 Saratoga Dr., San Mateo, CA 94403
General $9; Senior (62+) $7; Youth (13-17) $4; 12 and under Free
http://www.harvestfestival.com/visitors/Shows/SanMateo/Index.aspx

11/13 - 11/15
GreenFestival
Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm
635 8th Street (at Brannan St), San Francisco, CA 94103
$15 per person; Free under 18 yrs (other special pricing - see website)
http://www.greenfestivals.org/san-francisco/

11/14
Lakeshore's Free Crafts For Kids (Leafy Buttefly)
11am - 3pm
Various Locations
Free
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/storeCrafts.jsp?f=m

11/14 & 11/15
13th Annual Holiday Craft & Gift Faire @ the SJ Flea Market
10am - 5pm
1590 Berryessa Rd, San Jose, CA 95133
Free Admission - Parking $6
http://www.sjfm.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eBkG%2bM%2b8fMI%3d&tabid=68

11/14 & 11/15
Fall Faire
Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm
1201 West 10th St., Antioch, CA 94509
General $5; Kids 12 & under Free
http://www.contracostafair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=108

11/15
The Bowl That Keeps Feeding w/ Studio 4 Art
11am - 2pm
Fresh Starts Cooking School, 1385 N. Hamilton Parkway, Novato, CA 94949
$10 online; $12 at the door
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/83027