where parenting meets fun in the sun

We have a winner!

The winner of the complete  Holiday Meal  from Golden Share Foods featuring a spiral cut ham is….

I believe that is Mommyof2girlz.

Please visit the Godlen Share site and choose a pickup location close to you and then email vistamommy(at)yahoo(dot)com your pick up location info.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the giveaway. I hope you have learned a little about this wonderful company and the incredible savings that they offer!

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Golden Share Foodsis a Food Co-operative Program whereby the company, on behalf of it’s co-op members, purchases a variety of high quality foods in bulk at a considerable discount and passes that savings onto the co-op. Food Co-op’s are wonderful way to save money in this downtrodden economy. GSF services primarily the San Diego area, but it’s pick up sites stretch as far as Irvine, San Clemente and Riverside County. And you don’t have to income qualify. They just want you to give back to the community in the form of some sort of community service. From the Golden Share Website:

“Southern California’s largest LOCAL Community Food Cooperative! SAVE up to 50% on your monthly food budget! This program welcomes everyone.”

Golden Share provides a series of food packages to it’s members. The Basics, The Pantry, Fruits and Veggies, and the Holiday Meal Package are just a few to choose from. You choose the package that best fits your needs, pay for the food ahead of time, and then pick it up at one of their many pick up locations on the designated day for that month. GSF posts menus each month on their website, so you can browse throughwhat comes in each package before you buy. My family was blessed with a Holiday Meal Package for Thanksgiving. The package is priced at $36 through the co-op (don’t even get me started on the full retail value).

Thanksgiving Holiday Meal Package Contents:

• 1 – 16 lb Turkey
• 1 bag of apples
• 1 bag white onions
• 1 pkg 12 rolls
• 1 box stuffing
• 1  – 1lb bag baby carrots
• 1 bunch celery
• 1 bunch of fresh broccoli
• 1 pumpkin pie
• 1 bag potatoes
• 1 bag sweet potatoes

That’s a lot of food! This year, I was able to contribute to my husband’s Grandmother’s traditional Thanksgiving Meal. She was so thrilled with the gift of this package and I was able to help her prepare the meal! Because our family is so large (there were 25 people there for the holiday), we had two turkeys. (Golden share gives you the option to add another turkey).

The package they provide is enough to feed 10-12 people.So we supplemented our package with extra sides and I turned the sweet potatoes into a delicious and buttery sweet potato casserole. We also ended up saving the broccoli and carrots for the weekend as an alternative food choice for those who were all “turkeyed out”.

Grammy and I in September.

So, here’s the wonderful news!

 Golden Sare Foods has graciously allowed for San Diego Mommy Spot to GIVE AWAY ONE DECEMBER HOLIDAY MEAL  to one lucky reader? Can you believe it? I am so excited to be offering this amazing giveaway!  It’s is valued at$36 (and way more if you paid retail).

Here’s are several ways to the giveaway, leave me a comment on this post for each entry:

• Leave a comment here telling me what your favorite holiday dish is.
• Tweet about this giveaway linking to it and hashtagging it with  #HolidayMeal or @GoldnShareFoods
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, linking back to this post
• follow @GoldnShareFoods on twitter, leave a comment here that you did
• Follow @SanDiegoMommies on Twitter, leave me a comment here
• Subscribe to this blog’s feed via RSS or Google Friend Connect (leave me a comment that you did so)

Contest ends Sunday, December 6th 9pm.

You must be local to one of Golden Share’s many pick up locations to enter. Good Luck and I hope you win!

 **Disclosure: I recieved the Holiday Meal free from Golden Share in oreder to review the experience and report back to you, the readers.

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This weekend, Sugar Jones  (@SugarJones) and I had the opportunity to participate in a holiday inspired cooking class at the fabulous Dining Details in El Cajon, CA.  Through simple (yet, complex in taste) recipes, demonstration and a little class participation, Chef Julie guided us through a Thanksgiving Feast for eight!

On the menu for last Sunday’s cooking class:

• Citrus Brined Turkey with herb and mustard butter rub and cranberry glaze
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Red Grapes
• Winter Melange
• Fall Salad with Persimons, Apples, and Cranberry Vinagarette
• Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
• Is your mouth watering yet?

It was hard to pick a favorite dish. What I loved most is that it was a simple menu and I walked away inspired to try new things! Sugar put together a Whrrl Photo Story of our wonderful experience!

Dining Details is a company that specializes in personal chef services. They offer a wide variety of services and products. They even have a line of healthy organic baby food (Chickpeas) made from locally grown organic produce! Classes are $49 per person (a competitive rate compared to others around San Diego). Julie will be offereing two classes in December featuring another Holiday menu. Space is limited, so you best get on that phone and call today!

For More Info: Visit www.dining-details.com or call 619-447-4140

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Crave California is a new start-up company that features homemade bakery goodies and artisan foods. I was able to sample one of their exclusive German Chocolate cupcakes this morning. All I have to say is wow! From the moist cake to the creamy frosting- I was in heaven! To taste them is to love them. Planning a luncheon or dinner party this holiday season? Then look to Crave.  They currently offer a select menu of cupcakes, muffins, and cookies with more to come soon.

Crave California  foods are currently available through private order, but look for them at your local Farmer’s Market in and around San Diego.

For More Info visit http://cravecalifornia.com/

*This is not a paid review. I did not recieve compensation of any kind. I just love their cupcakes!

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From the moment I walked into Numero Water Boutique, I knew I was about to take a delightful pause from sippy cups, room mom duties, and impending laundry and be treated to a blissful experience.

Located in the charming downtown San Diego district of Little Italy, Numero Water is a Japanese Premium Bottled Water company that has opened a one of a kind water boutique that features their flagship water brand, in house tea service, as well as spa services that include chair massage, reflexology, and onsen foot baths. From Numero Water: “A Japanese oasis located in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy, the Numero Water Boutique unites the elements of a spa, wellness-center and tea house.”

I attended an open house* recently where I was able to taste and see for myself what Numero Water Boutique has to offer. Of particular enjoyment was the “foot love” combination treatment that I recieved (Onsen Foot Bath + Reflexology). The Onsen Foot Bath was an unexpected delight. They infuse their signature water with your choice of flowers and essential oils such as jasmine and rosewood. The reflexology treatment was equally relaxing. They are located above all of the hubub of Little Italy, with floor to ceiling windows in the main lobby. It’s a bright, open, tranquil location.

I was able to have a water tasting while I was there and was suprised to learn a few nuggests of interest about Numero Water’s brand. It is comprised of three signature premium bottled waters: 29, 51, and 76. Each numbered water has benefits that are not added but natural occuring from the source: the foothills of the Fuji Mountains in Japan. From the website:“Numero Water is premium natural bottled water from the beautiful foothills of Mt. Fuji Japan, a region located on the Izu Peninsula and recognized as one of the greatest natural resources in the world. Numero’s three water sources pass through a natural geological purification formation tens of thousands of years old. Due to the unique natural conditions in this region and hundreds of years of filtration, Numero Water is able to offer a line of three premium natural bottled waters with unique mineral content and refreshing taste.”

I brought home a large bottle of of the No. 51 water, said to have naturally occuring bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is an excellent fighter against lactic acid, which is what your body produces after a strenous workout My husband is a runner and knew this would be of particular interest to him.

If you are in the San Diego Area, I highly recommend a trip to the Numero Water Boutique. Don’t wait to treat yourself or a loved one to this Downtown Oasis. Right now, Numero Water Boutique is o

ffering a limited number of elite customers a $45 Monthly Membership Program where you can recieve a case of their premium bottled water, plus a host of other VIP benefits which include:

·         Monthly home/office delivery of one case of the Numero Water 29, 51, or 76 of member’s choice ($43 value);

·         Monthly complimentary Foot Love Special which entitles members to one 20-minute onsen mineral footbath and a 20-minute reflexology session ($25 value);

·         20% off all treatments provided by the Cristiano Spa & Wellness team including: acupuncture, spa facials, foot reflexology, Shiatsu massage, Swedish massage, hot stone massage, and luxurious chair massage (unlimited value);

·         10% off all Numero Water Boutique store merchandise;

·         Complimentary in-store tea service with the purchase of a personal stock of tea ($20 value).

 Annual memberships are now available for purchase (billed monthly) on a first-come basis while still available. To sign up or receive additional details, please email boutique@numerowater.com or call 619-236-8369. Mention code NW619 to receive 50% OFF the first month when purchasing an annual membership during the month of October.

 So, what are you waiting for? With the upcoming holiday season, this is the perfect opportunity to pamper yourself or someone you love!

To learn more about Numero Water visit www.numerowater.com and find them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/numerowater

*Special Thanks to La Jolla Mom for collaborating with Numero Water for the open house event.

*The open house was an event sponsored and paid for by Numero Water, but in no way effects the content of this post.

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by: Abby Lacey, Massage Therapist/Aromatherapist

Did you hear? The flu is coming!!! We hear the same thing every year. “Here comes the flu! Get your shot!”

Do we, vaccinate or not? Tough question to answer. With the media totaling the deaths and listing the horrors of getting (or not getting) the flu shot, it is hard to know what the right answer is. My take? There is no right answer – just the one that’s right for your family.

Which ever decision you make, there is another option besides the vaccine which can prevent you from getting sick and doesn’t involve direct exposure to the H1N1 virus. The cool part? It also means NOT spending even more to add to that big pile of cough/cold/flu/nausea/heartburn/fever/headache/diarrhea medications in your medicine cabinet. Yup. I’m going to say it… those two words the pharmaceutical companies don’t want you to hear – holistic health. It is a meaningful way to empower yourself and manage your family’s well being. I advocate (and personally use) essential oils.

Why?

The amazing thing about essential oils is they have three distinct properties.

One: they are organic which means your body knows how to process them with NO SIDE EFFECTS. Did I really say that? Yes, let me say it again – used properly, essential oils have NO SIDE EFFECTS. In fact, most of them can be used to treat more than one complaint.

Two: you can use as much as you like, as often as you like (within reason of course). Tried one solution and it isn’t quite working just right? Try another. Unlike common over-the-counter medications, you can try various oils without worrying about overdosing your system. Go ahead – layer them on!

Three: a majority of oils have anti-septic, anti-viral, or anti-biotic properties… some are two out of three. It has been documented that several species of bird use lavender to line their nests for this exact reason.

How does this translate to avoiding the flu? You can diffuse oils in your house, apply them to your skin and, in some cases, ingest them to protect yourself. In the case of the flu, they can boost your immune system to keep you from getting sick or reduce the severity of symptoms you already are experiencing.

What products are out there to help you? I’m steering clients to two specific products this season:

doTerra’s “OnGuard” can help to boost your immune system before you get sick. This proprietary blend is a fragrant mixture of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, & rosemary. I recommended this to my own family to avoid a secondary infection during a recent hospital stay, as well as to prevent sharing a severe cold between my niece and nephew. I’ve used it to avoid catching bugs from clients and colleagues during the course of my workday. Apply this is a very potent oil blend directly to the bottom of the feet and/or chest or ingest it in capsules. Diffusing it in your home not only helps kill airborne viruses, but creates a cheerful atmosphere with an energizing scent. Added bonus? My niece says it “smells like Christmas”. On Guard is only available online or from a local representative. Check this blend out here.

Have symptoms already? Check out Boiron’s “Oscillococcinum”. I’ve used it for years to help me minimize the severity of oncoming colds/flu. It is available at WalMart or Target, but if you want to read up on it first visit www.oscillo.com. It’s a great holistic remedy that even kids will love because the delivery is sweet, dissolvable pellets that melt under your tongue. Keep it handy – it is only effective if you take it as soon as you feel the onset of symptoms. (BTW – some stores don’t take the online coupon. Boooo!)

If you like the essential oil route but aren’t wild on the clove/cinnamon, there are other oils to combat symptoms. Peppermint is fabulous for breaking a fever, soothing upset tummies, relieving aches & pains and reducing headaches for starters. Eucalyptus is a potent expectorant and great for opening up sinuses/breathing. If you are a Vapo-Rub fan, try Peppermint & Eucalyptus together in some unscented lotion or oil. Rub it into your chest and on the bottoms of your feet.

The short version? Whether or not you choose to get the flu shot, there are great compliments out there for health care that are easy to use. Biggest reminder: don’t let intimidation or fear make your healthcare decisions. You have options. There are more choices for you than just traditional western medicine. And they’re actually kinda fun.

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Abby is the owner of Sanctuary Massage. A NCBTMB Certified Massage and Aromatherapist, she lives in San Diego a mile from her niece and nephew. For other essential oil or holistic therapy questions, visit the “Ask Abby” forum (under the master Health and Fitness Forum here at SDMS). Post questions about essential oils, recipes, massage therapy, holistic health and whole body well being. For confidential conversations Abby can be reached by email: SanctuaryMassageSD@gmail.com

photo by M@rg

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Did you know that September 19th is International Coastal Cleanup Day? If you’re a beach-lover like me, this is a great way to get involved in making a difference in our community.

There are a variety of locations throughout San Diego County that will be hosting cleanups on the morning of September 19, 2009, sponsored by I Love a Clean San Diego and San Diego Coastkeeper.

I’ll be at the Swami’s, Encinitas location, ready to do my part!

Click here to see the list of all SD County locations and to register.

This is also a great way to introduce your children to caring for the environment in practical ways. I love the quote on the California Coastal Cleanup Day website that says, “Coastal Cleanup Day coordinators encourage youth participation, as it instills environmental stewardship and volunteerism at an early age.”

Let’s get our beaches cleaned up so that we can continue to enjoy them!

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photo bylizhenry

San Diego County is  full of exciting things to do and fun places to visit, there is even fun to be had in your own backyard!  Why not invite a friend or two along with you and make a day of it? Here are some fun ideas to get you started:

1. Visit Balboa Park’s many museums and exhibits, including The San Diego Air & Space Museum & The San Diego Natural History Museum. Many of the museums offer programs specifically designed for kids! While you are there go on a “fact finding” scavenger hunt (this may require a little prep before hand!).

2. Beat the heat and visit an indoor play-place like Playwerx, My Kids Clubhouse, Kidsville, or Pump It Up.

3. Take a joy ride on the Sprinter or Coaster! Inexpensive, super fun transportation!

4. Visit your local fire station for a meet & greet with firefighters. They may even offer you a tour of the fire station. Bring cards and baked goods to show your appreciation for all their hard work & sacrifice!

5. Visit your local San Diego Library Branch. They offer a variety of children’s story hours. Invite your friends over for lunch at your place afterward!

6. Visit one of our many fine beaches! Make sure you pack all the cool tools to make a sand castle!

7. Invite a few friends over for some backyard fun! Serve up super fun snacks like “sharks on the beach” . Play sticker tag and duck, duck, sponge!

8. Take in a movie at the dollar theater or participate in one of the many Summer Movie Programs for kids!

9. Plan a Cooking-Themed playdate! Bake something together and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

10. Visit a park you have never been to before. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch!

11. Do you know any other mommies online? This may be a great excuse to get to know her “in real life.” Make a morning of it with coffee, muffins, and good conversation!

12. Make a mini “parade” with wagons, strollers and bikes. Decorate your transportation and bring along a “boombox” to get the parade pumpin’! Stop at neighbors houses with cookies and well wishes!

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