I stopped by the SIP Certified table at the Paso Robles Grand Tasting Tour a few weeks ago. I hadn’t heard of it before,  but knew it was something I’d be interested in learning more about. SIP Certified was developed by the Central Coast Vineyard Team, which is a network of farmers located in the Central Coast region of California, that have been dedicated to sustainable farming for the past 15 years.

The SIP Certified program provides a way for wineries to adhere to certain environmental and employee welfare standards. It’s a commitment to protecting natural and human resources.  In order for wineries to qualify for SIP Certified, they must have their practices verified by an independent accredited inspector. The short video below does a fantastic job of explaining what SIP Certified is and why it’s important. Please take a few minutes to watch it.

Here is a list of SIP Certified vineyards.  I bet you’ve had some of their wines.

Ampelos Cellars – www.ampeloscellars.com
Ancient Peaks Winery – www.ancientpeaks.com
Baileyana-Tangent – www.baileyana.com
Castoro Cellars – www.castorocellars.com
Catherine’s Vineyard – Templeton, CA
Chula Viña – Chualar, CA
D’Anbino Vineyards & Cellars – www.danbino.com
Edna Valley Vineyard – www.ednavalleyvineyard.com
Hahn Estates – www.hahnestates.com
Halter Ranch – www.halterranch.com
Hilliard Bruce Vineyards – www.hilliardbruce.com
Hope Family Wines – www.treana.com
Jackson Family Wine Estates – www.kj.com
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery – www.laetitiawine.com
Luft Vineyard – www.luftvineyard.com
McIntyre Vineyards – www.mcintyrevineyards.com
Paraiso Vineyards – www.paraisovineyards.com
Paris Valley Ranch – San Lucas, CA
Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery – www.pomarjunction.com
Red Hills Vineyard – Templeton, CA
Robert Hall Winery – www.roberthallwinery.com
Saucelito Canyon Vineyards & Winery – www.saucelitocanyon.com
Tolosa Winery – www.tolosawinery.com
Wolff Vineyards – www.wolffvineyards.com

I’ll be looking for the SIP Certified label when buying Central Coast wines now, definitely!  It’s a program that’s good for everyone.

www.sipthegoodlife.com

I had the pleasure of visiting Armonia Skin Care a few weeks ago and my skin is still noticeably improved. Armonia was recommended to me by Noel at Birdrock Fabrications who is also fan. I dare say, I do know my spas. I have been lucky in that department.

First off, I love how Armonia Skin Care is decorated – zen, classy, comfortable, with a little flair. Having renovated my own house (with professional design help), this isn’t an easy objective to achieve. So, before I had a treatment I was already kind of sold. I just like the way I feel when I walk in the door.

My therapist was Danielle, who also happens to be the owner of Armonia Skin Care. She has an extensive background, working for some of the most well known plastic surgeons in town.  She saw a need for a comfortable environment where medically proven treatments and a spa like setting could be combined. She left me to change into my robe and hop into the extremely comfortable, heated spa bed. I wish I had taken a photo of the lovely treatment room, complete with chandelier that added a perfect finishing touch.

Since I knew I was going to be writing about my experience at Armonia for La Jolla Mom and another project (stay tuned) I didn’t specify which facial I wanted. I just asked for “whatever is popular”. It turns out that their menu of facials is short, relative to some other spas I’ve been to, because your Armonia therapist will assess your skin and perform a facial customized just for you. Prior to my treatment, we talked about my overall health, diet, lifestyle and of course, my skin.

My facial was fabulous. I have very sensitive skin and at one point my dermatologist banned me (!!!) from facials all together. Danielle took the time to explain almost everything she was doing. My favorite part of facials is the extractions, because I need them and feel mentally cleansed afterward. She paid very serious attention to detail during this time, unlike a lot of therapists I’ve had. Nothing stung, nothing hurt, even though I couldn’t see what was happening to my skin at the time, it felt great.

Everything Danielle did was diligently written down in my file for reference later.  The idea is that they can see how my skin reacts to certain products or therapies and they can adjust during further treatments.  I like that. Danielle also put together a small packet of skin care samples for me to try based on my skin type.  I loved all of them. Here’s some other good news:

New Armonia Skin Care clients will receive 15% off their first facial.

I was able to sample two gadgets that I’m seriously considering purchasing and will write about in a separate post.  The first is NuFace microcurrent technology. It is like a mini instant face lift and the only hand held device approved by the FDA for facial toning and stimulation.  It’s $325, which is pretty inexpensive damage control that you can self administer at home. The second gadget is the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System. This little gadget gently dabs eye serum under your eye and stimulates the skin while doing so. I complain of dark circles and baggy eyes and this might do the trick.

Both of these items are available at Armonia Skin Care at competitive if not lower prices than found online. However, please support local businesses! If you’re interested in either of these two items, stop into Armonia Skin Care to buy or try them out. Also, make sure to subscribe to Armonia Skin Care’s newsletter so that you can receive  their monthly specials.  Trust me you won’t want to miss these – see below!

I received my facial complimentary as well as a fabulous pedicure (more on that in a separate post), but I’m hooked and am looking forward to be a returning customer on my own dime.   Book an appointment, you won’t be disappointed.

Armonia Skin Care
5636 La Jolla Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 459-9011
www.armoniaskincare.com

You may have noticed the new “My Blog is Carbon Neutral” button in the La Jolla Mom sidebar. This program was recently brought to my attention and I think it’s a brilliant idea. The “My Blog is Carbon Neutral” program was started by the Make it Green Programme in Germany. In the US, they work with the Arbor Day Foundation, a non-profit conservation and education organization. The Arbor Day Foundation’s goal is to reforest 5,500 acres, destroyed by fires, of the Plumas National Forest in Northern California with 792,000 trees.

You can help this initiative by making your blog carbon neutral. A Harvard physicist determined that a blog with 15,000 monthly visitors generates about 8lbs of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This is from sources such as computer usage, servers and cooling systems. It’s difficult to say how much carbon dioxide one tree absorbs due to species, age of tree, latitude, soil conditions and more. However, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) assumes a yearly absorption of one tree at approximately 22lbs (10kg) of carbon dioxide emissions. To be conservative, the Make It Green Programme assumes 11lbs (5kg) for the “Make Your Blog Carbon Neutral” initiative.

This means that ONE TREE neutralizes the carbon dioxide emissions of your blog, assuming you receive about 15,000 visitors or less per month.

If you receive more than 15,000 visitors, not to worry, just email CO2-neutral@kaufda.de and they’ll neutralize your blog too.

Here’s how you get a tree planted in the Plumas National Forest:

1. Write a blog post about the program including the “My Blog is Carbon Neutral” button.
2. Email the link to CO2-neutral@kaufda.de
3. A tree will be planted for you

This is a no brainer, so please go do it. You could obviously plant another tree in your yard, but the Plumas National Forest could use your help too. It’s good for all of us.

La Jolla Family loves us some TMZ. La Jolla Dad even used to (he reads it online now) toss the National Enquirer in the shopping cart. The looks from other people in line and the checker were always of total confusion. I’d awkwardly nod my head as if to say “Yes, he’s (very) gainfully employed…”

I knew we’d love Celebrity Beehive when it launched. It’s a new site “buzzed” up by two stay at home moms who love all things Hollywood and online gaming. How is it that these things go together? I wondered the same thing. First, I should mention that Celebrity Beehive is NOT a gambling site.  The games are for entertainment only.

After exploring the site, I gravitate toward the quick games for some quick, mindless entertainment.  There’s a Vampire Memory game (for the Twilight fans, like myself), Celebrity Picture Jumble, one where Elin is hitting golf balls at Tiger and more. These are definitely good for a laugh.  In Fantasy Games, there’s the Super Celeb Showdown where you can form a team, join a team and draft celebrities. Points are earned by how much publicity your celebs get and weekly trivia questions. First prize is $1,000. I can see some of my friends liking this.

If you would like to spice up your Oscar party this weekend, consider playing their Red Carpet Showdown.  There’s money to be won here too.  The first place is $500, second is $250 and there’s more.  This is perfect for the host or guest who loves Oscar trivia and celebrating the evening in general.  You must enter to play by March 6.

If gaming isn’t your thing, Celebrity Beehive still will be.  It’s not your average celebrity gossip site.  The home page alone has pretty much everything you want to know on it, in one glance.  Some of the article titles are laugh out loud funny too.  These two stay at home moms clearly have a sense of humor.

I fan Celebrity Beehive on Facebook and they are really on top of breaking celebrity news.  They posted the Simon Cowell engagement rumors within seconds of other major news sites.  That’s important data in my world as I’m an Idol fan!  It’s worth following Celebrity Beehive for the latest and greatest celebrity news.  You might think it’s not important, but c’mon we all love it.

Overall, Celebrity Beehive is a very well designed site that must have taken loads of work. If I had a desk job, I would no doubt be spending tons of time on this site.

You may follow Celebrity Beehive on Twitter @CelebrityBeehiv or fan them on Facebook here.

www.celebritybeehive.com

Stacey’z Salon in La Jolla is celebrating the arrival of Spring by hosting a Spring Soiree Party at the Salon on  March 19th.  It’s going to be a very fun event with $30 spray tans by Heather’s Mobile Tanning, massages, trunk show, champagne and heavily discounted hair products.  Stacey’z Salon is where I received my first Brazilian Keratin hair straightening treatment.

Nicole at Stacey’z Salon is giving one La Jolla Mom reader a chance to have a Brazilian Keratin treatment prior to the Soiree!!! The winner will be able to show off their newly straightened hair at the event. The only requirement is that you have the straightening done some time on 3/19 and be available for the Soiree (I’ll be there too).

Here’s what you need to do to enter (leave a comment at the bottom of this post as your entry):

**Follow @StaceyzSalon and @NicoleatStaceyz on Twitter**

-or-

If you’re not on Twitter, just leave a comment mentioning why you’d like straight hair.  Trust me, it’s fabulous.

As a bonus entry, you may tweet about the Soiree once a day until the end of the giveaway. You can cut and paste this – I’ve entered to win a Brazilian Keratin Treatment to model at @StaceyzSalon’s Spring Soiree on 3/19 from 6-8pm http://bit.ly/9mx4OD

Or use the TweetMeme Button below. Come back and enter a comment each time you tweet. Please just remember to include a link to this post in your tweet and some Soiree details.

The winner will be chosen by Random.org after 12 pm on March 12th so the more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning!

Everyone is invited to the Spring Soiree.  I put together a Tweetvite below.  If you’d like to join us, please RSVP!  It’s going to be fun and some of us will grab a bite to eat and/or drinks afterward in La Jolla.

I learned so much at the Paso Robles Wine Country Grand Tasting Tour. The a majority of exhibitors were wineries, however, a table off to the side caught my eye. I’ve been thinking about buying green water glasses. With my plain white dishes, white linens and colorful flower arrangements I thought green water glasses would look nice on the table when I host casual parties. I saw green glasses on this exhibitor table so I walked over, wine in hand, of course.

Turns out these green glasses are, in fact, the bottoms of wine bottles, formed to make surprisingly attractive (but funky) juice glasses and tumblers. They are heavy, in a way that makes them easy and kind of fun to hold. As there are different shapes, sizes and colors of wine bottles, Bottlehood makes a variety of glassware. They even leave the labels on some, for effect. In the photo below, you’ll see glass cheeseboards (with cork feet) and glass lighting pendants. They make jewelry too.

Bottlehood glassware is made using wine, beer, soda and liquor bottles from San Diego restaurants, bars, events and hotels.  I love that it’s a local business using local resources to create an eco-friendly product.

You may buy Bottlehood online or visit them at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market. La Jollans can now find Bottlehood at Adelaide’s. The solid color Bottlehood vases I saw looked like they should be sold at Pottery Barn and would mix in nicely on a very casually set table. The vase I have my eye on is only $15, and it looked beautiful with an arrangement in it.

Check the glassware out at www.bottlehood.com or follow them on Twitter @bottlehood.

I‘m just going to say I paid less than this sale sticker says but even if I didn’t, this is a pretty good sale price for Lanvin Ballerina Flats at Nordstrom Fashion Valley, which almost never go on sale. Oh and Lanvin Ballerina’s run small, I actually wear a 9 in real life.

I thought about blacking out the sale price and not showing the brand, but decided leaving them on emphasizes my point. I HATE it when major department stores put these next to impossible to remove sale stickers on the bottom of shoes, once they go on sale. I mean $440 is a lot to pay for a pair of ballerina flats. Just because you mark them down, does it really make it acceptable to put these frustrating stickers on the bottom? I mean these are $440 shoes and it’s not my fault you couldn’t shift your inventory fast enough! I shouldn’t have to scrape a sale sticker off the soles.

These stickers don’t just peel off. In fact, they are perforated so you have to peel them off in sections. After that, there’s the sticky residue to deal with. I used to leave the residue, but then started feeling my shoes stick to floors when I walked. Then it looks really weird, screaming “I bought these shoes on sale” when you see a rectangle on the bottom of someone’s shoes, where the sale sticker used to be, that’s so encrusted with dirt, etc. that it’s an entirely different color.

These Lanvin ballerinas have been sitting in my closet for 2 months, because I was procrastinating sticker removal. I Googled “shoe sticker removal” and up popped threads by people with similar problems. Except they all swore that it was the cheap stores that did this and if there were buying designer shoes, this would never be an issue. Not so, my friends! Anyway, no one seemed to have a great solution. Most agreed that soapy water worked just “ok”. Some suggested spray oil, nail polish, hot water, hairdryer, etc. A lot just tackled the problem with a knife and lots of scraping. Yikes.

I tried one shoe with soapy water. That was a bust. Then I used spray oil and regular olive oil. Bust. Then I tried nail polish remover, similar to my if your husband puts your keys in a pile of super glue post. 5 paper towels later, the nail polish remover worked and there was no sticky residue. So the next shoe I went straight to the nail polish remover. Bust. Tried soapy water on top of that and it seemed to work, several paper towels later. I think there is something about the combination of something slimy, like soap or oil plus the nail polish remover. The slimy helps the nail polish remover slide the sticky residue off the shoe, otherwise you just spread it around the bottom.

If anyone else has a good method, I’d love to hear about it. I just wish that they wouldn’t put these stickers on the bottom of expensive shoes, just because they’re on sale. Am I alone?

Don’t get me wrong.  I’d rather deal with the sticker on the bottom than pay $440 for the same shoes.  I just think there has to be a better way.

You all have heard my grumblings about the mold in my front loading LG washer. The people at Fresh Wave heard too. They sent me a bottle of Odor Neutralizing Fresh Wave Multi Purpose Additive to see if it might help. I know that others are having similar problems based on the response that post still receives.

I was expecting Fresh Wave to just be a laundry additive, but it actually is multi-purpose. You can use it in a carpet cleaner, humidifier, for kid and pet accidents and basically anything else you can think of that might need an odor neutralizer.  Some people report great success with masking kitty litter box odors.

How it works:  Utilizing extracts of lime, pine needle, aniseed, clove and cedar wood, the Fresh Wave Laundry Additive is biodegradable and non-toxic. The malodor molecules are absorbed and then broken down by the plant extracts – so the odor is completely eliminated (rather than masked with a chemical or fragrance). It smells nice.

Does it work:  I put a cap full in several loads of laundry. If you read my front loading washer post, you know that my washer is almost beyond repair. After using Fresh Wave in several loads of laundry, my washer smells much better. La Jolla Dad just caught me sticking my head in it and sniffing….again…just to make sure. My clothes smell great too. Fresh Wave doesn’t, nor is supposed to, rid the washer of mildew. It just helps with the smell. Even after using Affresh High Efficiency Washer Cleaner
or bleach, sometimes my washer still smells funky even though I’ve attempted to remove every single bit of mold.

I would say that if you use Fresh Wave, don’t forget to wipe down the washer or ease up on mold patrol. You might forget, because there’s less smell there to remind you! We’re getting a dog in the summer, and I would definitely think keeping some of this on hand will be useful then. A 32oz bottle of the Fresh Wave Multi Purpose Additive retails for $15.95. Fresh Wave makes other products pictured below. I laughed when I saw the Stinky Dorm Kit. Based on my college dorm experience, there is definitely a market for that!

GIVEAWAY:

The people at Fresh Wave are giving away a bottle of Odor Neutralizing Fresh Wave Multi Purpose Additive to TWO lucky La Jolla Mom readers.

***To enter, leave a comment telling me how you’d use this product or any other Fresh Wave products.***

You may view the other products at www.fresh-wave.com. Once you make your initial entry, you qualify for bonus entries. Leave a separate comment for each bonus entry:

1. Follow me on Twitter: @lajollamom
2. Follow Fresh Wave on Twitter: @fresh_wave
3. Subscribe to La Jolla Mom via RSS or Google Friend Connect
4. Tweet about this giveaway. You can use the green Tweet Meme button at the bottom of the post or cut and paste this - Fresh Wave Multi-Purpose Additive helps eliminate washer mildew & pet odors. Win a bottle here http://bit.ly/dzVr2d @lajollamom @fresh_wave
5. Vote La Jolla Mom San Diego Best in Lifestyle Blog here. Click up arrow until it turns green. VERY much appreciated. It only takes a second.

The TWO winners will be chosen by Random.org after 8pm PST on Monday, March 15. The more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning. Thanks to Fresh Wave for making this giveaway possible!

Most of you probably haven’t heard of Cri du Chat or “Cry of the Cat”, a rare genetic disorder.  I hadn’t, until shortly after Zoe Budwick was born on this day, February 26, of 2007.  Zoe is about 6 weeks older than La Jolla Girl.  Her parents are close family friends of ours. Cri du Chat Syndrome affects only 50-60 babies born each year in the US.

Many of the Twitter/San Diego blogger/social media crowd know Laura of VPG Printing.  I am working with Laura on a project (details later) and needed directions to her office. I looked for them on her website and was floored to see that she has an entire section of card’s called Zoe’s Meow.  I knew that she and Zoe’s parents were friends, because I told Laura that I’d received a Christmas card, made by her, from the Budwick family. But I had no idea about the Zoe’s Meow cards.

All proceeds from these darling cards go toward helping Zoe directly. PLEASE take a minute to read this message from Zoe’s parents, because they articulate Zoe’s Meow better than anyone could:

Zoelia Claire Budwick was born on February 26, 2007 after a beautiful, uneventful pregnancy. She was a full term baby but when she arrived, she was unexpectedly small (5 pounds, 2 ounces). At first, the hospital staff thought she had an infection so she was rushed to the ICU, put on antibiotics, and watched closely. After a stressful week and less than ideal circumstances, everyone at the hospital assured us things were progressing nicely and she just needed to gain weight so that she was strong enough to come home. What a relief.

Ten days after she was born, our world changed… the results from her chromosome test came back. She had a rare genetic disorder (the true cause of her petite stature) and was diagnosed with deletion of chromosome 5P, meaning she was missing the short arm on the “X” of chromosome number 5. This disorder had a syndrome associated with it called “Cri du Chat” or “Cry of the Cat” due to the high pitched cry these babies make.

We were told she would have significant disabilities and that her development in all areas would be delayed – either a little or a lot, both physically and intellectually. The doctors explained that she most likely would have significant challenges, especially in the area of verbal communication. We were told optimistically, about half the kids with Cri du Chat can communicate verbally… with at least a few words… and most can walk. As a comparison the doctors explained she would be special, like a child with Down Syndrome, though most likely not as high functioning. They advised us to not rush to the internet for more information just yet – the outlook we found there might not be as positive.

The news was a complete shock. We couldn’t believe it. We took it in. We cried. And then we cried some more. There was no history of genetic disorders on either side of our family. About 80% of Cri du Chat cases, have no known cause… it’s just the luck of the DNA draw. It affects only 50-60 babies born in the U.S. each year so there’s no big telethon or walkathon out there to help find a cure.

But we believe the story of Zoelia Claire is yet to be written. And she, the sole author. No doctor can write her story, no therapist, no expert can chart her path or the limits of her journey. She alone will create and sing the melody of her song. Part of our job as her parents will be to keep the page blank and free from other tunes the ‘experts’ would compose for her. Our job will be to hold open the world of possibility for her. Our challenge will be to let go of attachments and expectations so she is free to express her spirit. She will teach us and guide us. And we hope that we are worthy.

We search everyday for answers. We look in all directions for guidance. We are committed to finding her the best care, the most innovative treatments and most of all, surrounding her with love so that she may thrive and flourish. Though the road may not be smooth, the bumps and curves force us to slow down and appreciate the scenic route. We have been astounded and amazed by so many people who have been moved by her. Just her quiet presence in this world has called so many to action in creative ways to help her. And we have been overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of love and support. We thank you for sharing our journey and reaching out to make a difference for her… for us… for you. Please, keep it up! It takes a small village to raise a child and this is ever more true for Zoe.

So we’ve had a chance to ponder our situation and we’ve asked ourselves, “Why us?” And our answer so far has come back, “Because we are blessed.”

The Buddhists believe a child like this is one of the highest forms of incarnation and it is considered an honor and a blessing to receive a highly evolved soul such as this. So we will end by offering this prayer:

“I honor the Divine place in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the place in you of love and light, of truth and peace. When you are in that space in you, and I am in that space in me, there is only One of us. Namaste.”

If you want to reach out to us, feel free to email us – erintheraven (at) yahoo.com

Wishing you love and many blessings,
Erin and Jeff Budwick

Zoe is the luckiest little girl in the world because you have no idea how proactive her parents, Erin and Jeff, are. The fly all over the country, do endless amounts of research and basically anything humanly possible to help little Zoe. To their extreme credit, it’s working.

I know that times are tough for a lot of you, but if you have a little $ to spare, please consider a set of Zoe’s Meow cards. One set of 5 cards if $12. To ship them is $1.25 per set, or a flat $10 if you order 10 or more sets. If you happen to be near or visiting Laura’s office, please pick up packs that she has in stock. Everyone needs a thank you note at some point, right? I used these cards for my Christmas thank you’s. Erin and Jeff’s message above is included, on a separate sheet, in every packet of cards you buy. This helps alone spread awareness regarding Cri du Chat.

Thank you to Laura of Vertical Printing and Graphics for making Zoe’s Meow possible.

Happy Birthday 3rd Zoe!

www.verticalprinting.com/zoe/

As I’m attending the Paso Robles Wine Country 2010 Grand Tasting Tour today, I thought it would be appropriate to mention a Paso Wine, even if it’s not one of my favorites (though I liked it). This one was recommended by the staff at San Diego Wine Company. I paid $12.95 there, however, on the WCP Cellars website the bottle retails for $25.

This is the second bottle that I’ve reviewed from San Diego Wine Company in the last few weeks. Again, not a ton of information online that I can add to my tasting experience. This wine did earn a Silver Medal from the San Francisco Chronicle which is always a good sign. Only 175 cases were made, just not sure why San Diego Wine Company is selling it at 50% off. The bottle says that food pairing and tasting notes are available on their website. They are not, for this wine.

It’s a good Zinfandel to eat with steak or Italian food. La Jolla Dad thought it was just ok.

www.wcpwines.com

Rating: The vineyard is a small operation but I will have to say that even at 50% off, I’d rather go to BevMo and load up on Zynthesis at the 5 cent sale ($8 per bottle). Don’t get me wrong, this wine is good but the price drags it’s rating down.

I love Paso Wines in general, however, and can’t wait to report back from the Paso Robles Grand Tasting Tour!

For an explanation of Wine Wednesday ratings click here.