Just Regular Bay Area Parents

Would You Let Your 16 Year Old Marry a 51 Year Old Man?

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:25:00 -0700

She's a 16 year olf GIRL, he's a 51 year old actor... would you ever let your daughter enter into this kind of marriage?

(Courtney Alexis Stodden's Music Video)

Her parents gave them their blessing and they are now married.

The bride, Courtney Alexis Stodden, looks older than her age... a lot older, but not in a good way. It appears as though she has had a lot of plastic surgery and, in a recent interview, looking like she was high on something.

Did she do it for the money? To build her Pop-Star-Wanna-Be career? Or is this a case of Puppy Love???

Are our little girls growing up too fast?

CLICK HERE to read the E! Online article.

Check out Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:46:00 -0700

Stop PAYING for a weight loss program and join a FREE online community that let's you count calories, track water intake, post to forums and more...

I got it for my iPad2 and go online at http://www.caloriecounter.com/ to track my progress!

52 Ratings

Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker

CalorieCount.com

Category: Healthcare & Fitness

Updated: Jun 07, 2011

iTunes for Mac and Windows

Please note that you have not been added to any email lists.
Copyright © 2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

Teen Pregnancy: GLORIFIED

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:17:00 -0700

Romantic getaways without
supervision, PDA and now
a rumored pregancy?

According to Britain's NOW Magaizne, 17 year old Justin Bieber has plans to propose to Selena Gomez on her 19th Birthday (in July). With her being in and out of the hospital this week -- and now the prospect of an engagement -- the media is speculating that teen star, Selena Gomez is pregnant. (Read the full article at http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/teen-now/527425/shock--justin-bieber-to-propose-to-selena-gomez-/1/)

With MTV promoting shows like "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom," teenage pregnancy is starting to look normal, common and, perhaps even glamorous. Afterall, becoming a teen Mom can now earn you fame, opportunities for fortune and, a free boob job (rumors have it that MTV compensates "Teen Mom" stars for going through with a breast augmentation).

"Teen Mom" star Jenelle was recently
arrested for assault. Her child lives in the
custody of her mother.

Teenagers are very impressionable and putting out these types of messages into pop culture is very dangerous. The reality shows DO NOT focus on the daily trials and tribulations that go along with being a parent. There are financial responsibilities, physical and emotional strains and the mess of being in love at such a young age. Young people watching these teen stars may get the wrong impression. Adults struggle with intimate relationships, family, finances and the stress of children, but TEENAGERS?

The photo on the left is from the cast of "16 and Pregnant." Smiles on their face, all displaying the "OK" hand gesture, these girls make it look easy and, considering there MTV fame, glamorous to be pregnant at such a young age. But without the cameras, what kind of job can a 16 year old have to support their child? Daycare, diapers, clothes, a place to live... these things require financial independence and a sense of responibility, both of which your average 16 year old has yet to develop.

Having a child is a life long responsibility. If you can't support yourself (buy your own food, have your own place to live, afford your own transportation, etc.), can you really support another, entirely dependent, huiman being?

6 FREE Family Meals from eFoods Global

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:00:00 -0700

I don't have TIME to cook a full meal every night. Both of us work full-time and our son is in preschool. After preschool, we have Piano lessons on Mondays, swimming on Thursdays, etc. Sometimes you just have to take a short cut to save your sanity.

eFoods Globals is having a promotion where you can TRY their short or long term storage foods for free. You get 6 FREE meals and are only responsible for the $9.95 shipping cost.

Remember, all of these foods can be kept for short or long term storage, which means you use them WHENEVER you want and don't have to waste food. Visit their website for nutritional information and cooking instructions.

They have:

*Breakfasts

*Breads

*Soups

*Entrees

British Magazine Names Disney Teens in their 100 Sexiest Women List

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:47:00 -0700

Are they even WOMEN, yet?

Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez have been placed by Britain's version of FHM Magazine as 3 of the 100 sexiest women in the entertainment business. But are they women?

All 3 were born in the second half of 1992 and are only 18 years old! Little girls look up to them as role models, they want to BE them, but is this healthy for our children?

Would you want your 18 year old daughter to become a sex-symbol?

Furthermore these 2 teens are anything, but squeeky clean with a combined history of post sexy photos of themselves on twitter, smoking salvia on youtube, publicly photographed getting physical with a famous boyfriend, cutting and going to rehab.

Nowadays more and more young starlets are growing up too fast and making poor choices that are made public. If anything, they serve as a perfect example for tweens of what not to do.

Let Dora Help with the First Day of School!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:21:00 -0700

FREE "First Day of School" episode form season 5 on iTunes.

Even if you don't have an iGadget, you can download it on your computer and let your kids watch it FREE on your computer wherever you go.

Check out this TV Season on iTunes:

Dora the Explorer, Season 5

Dora the Explorer

Kids

Released: 2008

157 Ratings

(The full season isn't free, just the "First Day of School" episode)

Wild Thing... you Make my Heart Sing!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 08:45:00 -0700

One of our favorite FREE programs last year were at the San Mateo County Library! This year they are bringing back the Wild Things! No, not the ones that Max visits in his dreams, REAL wild things!!!

This program brings in Wild Things, Inc. (with their animals) to teach them about wild life rescue and allow them to meet the animals! Last year we got to touch a REAL alligator!

It's a free kids program and will be going on once every summer month in one of the San Mateo County Libraries:

June 21, 2011 at 7:00PM at the Millbrae library

View Larger Map

July 27, 2011 at 7:30PM at the Brisbane library (Mission Blue Center)

View Larger Map

August 6, 2011 at 12:30PM at the San Carlos library

View Larger Map

1 of 11 Precious Stones 14K White or Yellow Gold Studs

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:27:00 -0700

$15 for natural gemstone earrings, including most birthstones? I prefer a natural semi-precious stone over a precious stone replica any dad! A great gift for the mother of your child... Check out all the colors!!!

End time: Jun 24, 2011 8:53:31 AM PDT

Browser URL:
1 of 11 Precious Stones 14K White or Yellow Gold Studs

Download eBay for iPad

Phineas & Ferb Walkie Talkies for Kids.Woot

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:18:00 -0700

http://kids.woot.com/

Look what Kids.Woot is offering today!

$12.99 + $5 for shipping! I love this site for toys that are kind of different and for a good price.

My son looooves Phineas and Ferb... maybe I should get a set?

For all you Phineas and Ferb lovers (like us!)...

San Mateo County Fair!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:19:00 -0700

The fun begins tomorrow, Saturday, June 11, 2011 and runs until Sunday, June 19, 2011!

This is a chance for families to spend the day together doing fun things, and enjoying the fresh air. There is plenty to do for everyone's taste: shows, food, rides, animals and concerts

What can you expect to see at the fair? Pig Races, Stilt Walkers, Balloon Artists, a Walking Tree, Rainforest Exhibit, Science Exhibit, Petting Zoo, Music, Food, Vendors and, our families personal favorite RIDES!

The Man (Charles G. Gonzalez)

If you're AT LEAST 36" (most 4 year olds and older), there are PLENTY of rides to enjoy. Click here for a list of rides with height requirements and ticket values.

...And of course don't forget to watch Charles G. Gonzalez take on 6lbs of burger and 1lb of Fries at 3PM! Charles is a Cook at Zynga, and is no stranger to tackling massive amounts of food in the kitchen (but is used to feeding it to the Zynga employees).

The Burger

2 Movie Tickets for $9 (only 20 hours left!)

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Thu, 9 Jun 2011 16:28:00 -0700

Living Social is offering 2 movie tickets for $9 for a limited time: https://livingsocial.com/deals/57725?ref=conf-jp&rpi=14342831

Once in a while they do this deal in conjunction with Fandango.com. But they are only available for a few hours, so... Grab 'em while they're available!!

AFFORDABLE Health Insurance... Is that an Oxymoron?

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Thu, 9 Jun 2011 15:18:00 -0700

Every child should be under a pediatrician's care, but many families can't afford the $100+ (per person) bill that is the cost of medical insurance these days. A lot of the time it is the low to moderate income families that struggle the most because they do no qualify for services such as Medi-Cal, do not have jobs that provide excellent employee benefits, but yet cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs of private insurance.

If you, or your child do NOT have medical insurance, a great solution is the Healthy Kids program in San Francisco (similar programs are available in other Bay Area counties). To be eligible you must be:

Uninsured and under 18 years of age
San Francisco residents, US citizens, nationals, eligible qualified immigrants, or undocumented immigrants
Not eligible for no-cost, full-scope Medi-Cal or the Healthy Families Program
Within the income guidelines (contact the enrollment office for further information)

Depending on the family size and income, Healthy Kids members pay between $4 to $16 a month for this health plan. In order to enroll request an appointment:

Call (415) 777-9992 or 1 (888) 558-5858

Email Enrollment@sfhp.org

For adult San Francisco residents, there is also an option through Healthy San Francisco. Using this plan, you may even be able to sign up for Kaiser San Francisco or Saint Francis Hospital (other choices offered as well). An single, full-time employed adult male making $12 pays approximately $50 a month with this plan (and the cost decreases with family size).

Remember, nothing is more important than your and your families health.

SUPER WHY! for iPad

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Thu, 9 Jun 2011 12:39:00 -0700

SUPER WHY! for iPad

PBS KIDS

Category: Games

Updated: Apr 06, 2011

39 Ratings

It's hard to keep our children away from media before. You can go to school online, watch movies in your computer, and of course, play games on everything from your computer to a game console and now in your iPad.

My child LOVES the iPad and I realize that being tech-savvy is important for the future generation so I don't completely deny him. Pediatricians recommend no more than 2 hours of screen time each day so I make my child earn it and monitor his usage.

Super Why! for iPad let's your child see his or her favorite PBS Kids in action while learning the skills necessary for beginning readers and writers. I recommend it for kiddos age 3 to 6, but wouldn't put it past a savvy 2 year old to start enjoying (and get a head start on her reading skills!)

A Great Way to Nap!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Thu, 9 Jun 2011 10:59:00 -0700

$9.99 (+ $5 shipping charge)

Naptime in a new place can be difficult for children to adjust to. These affordable Nap-N-Go's from Kids.Woot.Com allow kiddos to bring something comfortable from home to make naptime that much easier, and more comfortable. They are roll up, take home and wash too!

A NEW Look at Eating Right

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Wed, 8 Jun 2011 12:30:00 -0700

ChooseMyPlate.gov

The Food Pyramid can be confusing and serving sizes are somewhat difficult determine for a piece of meat or a fruit or vegetable. Fortunately the United States Department of Agriculture has great new approach to looking at healthy portions: ChooseMyPlate.gov.

This interactive plate is much easier way for families to visualize what meals should look like. Once you visit the site, you are able to click on the various food groups to get information and recommendations for better selections and even guides for looking at food labels.

You help your child develop healthy eating habits from the very start (and maybe change a few bad habits of your own.

Some of our favorites:

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Learning Financial Responsibility with Elmo!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Wed, 8 Jun 2011 09:36:00 -0700

You have to be savvy with your money to pull of living in one of the most expensive cities in the world: San Francisco.

Sesame Street Friends talk about Saving, Sharing (donating) and Spending.

Watch the full episode. See more PBS NewsHour.

Starting early with these concepts helps prepare them for the future and instills the famous concept "Money Doesn't Grow on Tree."

In addition, you can help introduce the concept of work, earnings and responsibility by compensating your children for housework, exceptional performance in school or participating in events like Lemonade Day, bake sales, etc.

A few great ways to start... a REAL ATM for depositing and withdrawing money (LCD screen that works!); a Piggy Bank with sections for saving, investing, spending and donating; or for first-timers a Melissa & Doug Piggy Bank to decorate on your own!

San Mateo County: 2 Pajama Story Times TONIGHT!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Tue, 7 Jun 2011 16:05:00 -0700

Although we live in San Francisco, we prefer to visit the San Mateo County libraries. They have more afterschool/work events available for Families, including Pajama Storytimes, Puppet Shows, Kindergarten readiness programs, etc.

TONIGHT (June 7, 2011) the East Palo Alto and San Carlos Libraries are both hositng 7PM story.

Visit their website http://www.smcl.org/en/events for more details or for future library events.

Some recommended bedtime reading:

Family Movie Night is Back! - Stonestown Galleria , San Francisco, California

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Tue, 7 Jun 2011 12:13:00 -0700

Family Movie Night is Back! (click on this link for this event's official website!)

Tonight they are showing "Tangled" (2010) for FREE at Stonestown Galleria (View Map)

They will be hosting kids movies every Tuesday night at 7PM for FREE with popcorn included! Check out the movies they'll be showing in the future.

This event repeats every Tuesday night until Aug 16, 2011

Special thanks to http://www.sfkids.org/ for sharing this event! (Another great resource for city parents!)

The New, Smart, Drug Dealer

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Tue, 7 Jun 2011 11:06:00 -0700

In 2008 the United States youth (ages 12- 17) were surveyed regarding their substance use within the preceding 12 months.

33.33% had drank alcohol
20% had used illicit drugs

[Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/185/185TypicalDay.htm]

Now, technology is making it even easier for kids to get access to illegal substances and they can have them shipped straight to their home.

A website known as "Silk Road" has been dubbed the new "eBay" and "Amazon.com" for drugs. The site allows you to select from a variety of illicit substances and have them shipped, inconspicuously, straight to your home.

So why hasn't the government put a stop to it? This is a new, and much smarter, generation of drug dealers. The website can only be accessed through a secret network.

Once "in," patrons use untraceable currency, known as Bitcoins, to purchase their supply of everything from marijuana, to LSD and heroin.

(Source: FOX 40 New http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=18912)

As parents, we have to stay ahead of the game, know what is out there and educate our children on the dangers of substance abuse.

This Week's FREE PBS Kids Episode

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Tue, 7 Jun 2011 07:00:00 -0700

This weeks FREE episode is from WordGirl, Vol. 1: BookEnds. Download it on your iGadget or on your computer.

WordGirl, Vol. 1

WordGirl

Kids

Released: 2008

77 Ratings

iTunes for Mac and Windows

Letters to Batman

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Mon, 6 Jun 2011 20:52:00 -0700

My child isn't too excited about learning to write letters... At least he WASN'T, until we started writing letters to Batman! During a playmate, I asked the boys if they wanted to write a letter to superhero and for once, they were excited to write. With my help, letter by letter, we wrote letters to Batman and Robyn! I have a sneaking suspicion that these Heros are going to write letters back... And ask questions that will require response! ;)

$25 tickets to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Mon, 6 Jun 2011 10:45:00 -0700

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a great place to go with kids. Fun for the whole family with roller coaster rides (for all ages), animal shows, elephant rides, giraffe feedings, and the list goes one!

ONE CATCH: It's expensive! at $50/ticket a family of 3 will spend over $150 on ONE DAY.

I am always looking for discounts for these types of parks because 1. I love them, but 2. I don't want to blow that much dough in 1 day.

Last year I was able to score $25 tickets to Great America and this year we're going to Discovery Kingdom (in Vallejo, CA) for the same price:

http://www.goldstar.com/events/vallejo-ca/six-flags-discovery-kingdom?p=F1955713EB

BE AWARE:
1. You have to pick a date and stick to it when you purchase

2. There is $6 "transaction fee" per purchase, which is a bummer, but is still worth

I looked all over the internet and this is the best price for ticekts!

Because Diamonds are a Girl's (especially a Mom's) Best Friend!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Sun, 5 Jun 2011 20:35:00 -0700

Marilyn knew it, but as a mom, the fine and fancy can turn into a fantasy.

A close friend recently commented on how her beautiful engagement ring had lost it's luster due to many missed cleanings and as I saw mine start to fade after less than a year of wear (and only 1 missed cleaning), I realized upkeep would be a challenge. There sometimes isn't enough time in the day to keep up with laundry, let alone cleaning jewelry.

I saw this at Target and was skeptical, but now use it for my silver and fine jewlery.

Dip it, rinse it, wipe it off and it looks as good as new!

It is avialable at Amazon.com for $5.55 and at Sears.com for $4.99. (Check the specifications on the bottle as therer are seperate cleaners available for silver and gold/precious stones)

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Fri, 3 Jun 2011 11:13:00 -0700

Have you seen the weather forecast for this weekend? It's raining everywhere. Since this cancels our camping trip, stay tuned for my Rainy Weekend Family Finds!

San Francisco Weekened Weather Forecast (but it's similar ALL around the Bay, and Cali!)

Parents App Alert: Whistle Phone!

noreply@blogger.com (AnnaBanana) — Thu, 2 Jun 2011 05:45:00 -0700

This app let's you use your iPad as a phone for FREE! Unlike FaceTime, you don't need WiFi (3G is sufficient) and it even provides you with a FREE phone number with the area code of your choice. This is perfect as a back up phone, or to save cell phone minutes. I love it.

Cons:

-you cant use a number you already have

-no voicemail

1067 Ratings

Whistle Phone

Vail Systems, Inc.

Category: Social Networking

Updated: Dec 01, 2010

iTunes for Mac and Windows