Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Rich & Creamy Oatmeal with Blueberries & Walnuts

Rich & Creamy Oatmeal with Blueberries and Walnuts
Prep Time: 2 minutes Ready In: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes Servings: 4
"From the Weight Watchers in 20 minutes Book"
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups Water
2 cups quick-cooking (not instant) oats
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:
1. 1. . Combine the water, oats, sugar & cinnamon in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
2. 2 Remove the saucepan from the heat & stir in the milk until combined. Fold in the whipped topping & blueberries; sprinkle with the walnuts.
3. Serving size 1 cup

If you're doing weight watchers, POINTS = 5

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Halloween Weekend ~ Bay Area Events!

San Carlos ~ Goblin Walk
Friday 10/29 4-5:30
FREE, target ages kids 7 & under
All kids must be accompanied by a parent/adult
1) wear costumes 2) pick up trick or treat bag @ dwtwn park or fr volunteers 3) trick or treat at businesses displaying the "Goblin Stop" Sign!

BELMONT: Saturday 10/30 Trick or Treat on Twin Pines Lane
20 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont 94002 / 650.595.7441
6-8 pm
Cost: $5 - $15
Includes carnival games, trick or treat and more fun in the Haunted House!

Redwood City
10/30 Halloween Carnival at Redwood Parents Nursery School
10am-2pm Face painting, monster maze, bbq, raffle and so much more! On-site playground for kids with wiggles!
3997 Jefferson Avenue

San Francisco
10/30-10/31 Boo at the Zoo!
Free with Admission, 10am-4pm

10/28-10/31 Supernatural Fest @ CA Academy of Sciences
See Site for day-specific details

Menlo Park:
10/30 Halloween Hoopla 11:45-3 Join in on the parade & carnival!

10/31 Halloween Concert & Book Reading - See Andy Z!
Menlo Park Library, 600 Alma St
Free! 10:30 am - 3pm

Foster City
10/30 Halloween Festival
650 Shell Blvd.
Free! 11am-3pm
Magic Show, Costumes, Games!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Today's Afternoon Adventure 4-5pm


Story time at The Reading Bug in San Carlos...let your little ones explore and pick out a pumpkin book!

Graco Recalls 2 million Strollers!

Check here for information from the CPSC

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Culinary Class with Chef Steve Cortez ~ A Great Date Night!

Last night I ventured out with the Hubbs for a long overdue date night minus our Tiny Tot. My husband LOVES BBQ, especially Ribs so I thought it might be fun to change up the RomCom/Dinner Date Night and take a Culinary Class. If you are like us you have a very busy schedule and have trouble committing to even a 6 week course much less a full semester offering. I love a 1 night class, show up, learn something new and no pressure with homework etc.

We took Chef Steve Cortez's BBQ Sauce & Rubs class and I could not have been happier. Chef Steve has a warm and engaging approach, nothing like Hell's Kitchen. I am not a great cook and lack what I like to call "Kitchen Confidence" and even I found it to be a great atmosphere. We all received a packet of 5 Sauces/Rubs and were all able to participate in not only preparing them but trying them on chicken, ribs, potato wedges & corn on the cob. DELICIOUS! I have fallen in love with one of his sauce recipes and will be ditching my former BBQ Flame Hi Life as I have a new light in my own kitchen. Post the recipe you ask? Not a chance, it's my new secret. You'll have to take Chef Steve's class to find out for yourself!!

See his Fall 2010 Culinary Class Offerings through RWC Park & Rec
Chef Steve also teaches at Sur La Table and CSM but if you are looking for "bang for your buck" definitely go with a Park & Rec Program close to home!
Chef Steve also offers private parties where you and your friends can enjoy a class in your own space - what a luxury!
cortez_sc@yahoo.com



Story Time @ Woodside Library

I took my little man out for an adventure today to story time at Woodside library. We usually attend the story time in San Carlos but fell off the wagon with their "summer break". (Isn't that when kids should really pick up the reading....silly I say, summer break!)

I was not prepared for Woodside's ultra tiny library and story time area. We arrived 2 minutes late and there was absolutely NO parking. To my surprise Woodside has also put up NO PARKING signs on the street. I slinked over to the elementary school (across the street) hoping I wouldn't be ticketed for the 1/2 hour I was at the library.

Once inside my little guy was overwhelmed by the Mom/Tot crowd squeezed into the tiny story space. He was not interested in sitting with the crowd and instead found some baskets o'books and a couple toys in the next row over :) Like Mother Like Son I say...I am not a fan of crowds.

I found the Story/Song Leaders to be engaging and cute with the kids. I was also relieved to find that they could sing on key the majority of the time!!

It can be frustrating that my toddler would rather pull all the DVDs (especially Thomas the Train) off the shelf and play with the scarce toys than read or sing along but I take comfort in knowing I'm exposing him to age appropriate music, other tots his age and ACCESS to new books.

To my relief on the way out I found a handout on parking offering the following alternatives:
*Visitor parking in front of Woodside Elementary
*Visitor parking in front of Woodside Elementary Tennis Courts
*Parking in front of and beside the Woodside Parent's Nursery School
*Front parking at Woodside Village Church

No Ticket For Me!




Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Holbrook-Palmer Park ~ Review

Recently I took my little man out to Holbrook-Palmer Park to check out the play area and I was also just curious how beautiful it is as I've been hearing lots of talk about weddings out there...

Let me start by saying that it is a beautiful and expansive park for this residential area. The playground is great for little train lovers like my little guy as it is designed as a multi-car train complete with an atherton "station". What is also fun is that the actual Caltrain runs close by (the trains are a couple of blocks from the park entrance) and the kids can see and hear the big choo choo.

With that said, the Caltrain noise is a HUGE drawback to ANY wedding, especially an outdoor ceremony or dinner here. Who wants that noise rolling through, especially for a fee of $4,000? Are you kidding me?! Brides-to-be if you are looking for a local park venue you are better off checking out the Pulgas Water Temple ($200 ceremony fee) or Huddart Park where I have attended beautiful weddings without any train noise!

If Holbrook-Palmer is a sentimental favorite you could have your engagement session photographed here. Check out Cuevas Photography and Kate Baldi Photography.






Monday, October 4, 2010

Monday Morning Madness

I have a toddler son and Mondays are not my favorite days. The house is a mess from having the hubbs and my son run around everywhere and get everything possible out of it's "place". The laundry is backed up because I didn't do any on may "day off" chuckle chuckle. What day off right?

My son does not understand this...

Somehow Mondays seem to be his MOST energetic mornings...or maybe that's just because I'm so tired?


To avoid frustration/yelling/becoming the crazy parent I don't want to be we take off on Monday Morning adventures. We used to attend a Gymboree class on Mondays but we're taking a break from that to try a new Saturday class. The budget can only handle so much and BOY do I miss Gymboree! (and the guaranteed naps that follow)

I'm looking for a new Monday Morning Adventure right now and realized I didn't post on last week's morning out at Gull Park, Foster City.

Gull Park is a great little cove near the San Mateo Bridge. It has everything a toddler could want in two play structures, a big grass area and, drumroll please, a tiny beach. The problem with the little beach is that, well, the water SMELLS. Smells like something you DON'T want your kids to play in with sand toys. Maybe it's the old advice that you should only be around/in/drink running water? I don't know but needless to say it was a battle I wasn't willing to take on especially on MONDAY morning. My son was insistent on playing near the water and it's not just because he's a boy. We had a playdate with a toddler girl who was all about going in the water despite her very frilly princess attire. If you visit the park get firm on the rules or stay away all together! I made my son get right in the shower once we were home but I'm also THAT kind of Mom...




Park Improvements in RWC


I know many, many parents have been frustrated with the caution tape at Maddux and Stafford parks this Spring/Summer and I admit that I have been one of them. Put up some caution tape and it's bound to attract every curious toddler's attention! I am grateful though that we have a city who is testing the sand and looking out for the health of our children (and parents for that matter!) E.coli is no joke and I don't want my son rolling around in sand containing it....

With that said, when will these improvements show some signs of WORK and COMPLETION? I was at Maddux park last night with the hubbs and little guy and am happy to report that all the sand was removed, Yeesssssssssssss! While online this morning (looking to register for a class with the hubbs for a future date night) I saw a link for park renovation updates - I love it! Check it out and let's get out and play together.

Park Improvement Projects include:
Maddux Park - Sandbox replacement
Stafford Park - Sandbox replacement
Red Morton Park - Picnic Area
Hawes Park - Synthetic turf field, new bleachers, score booth, restroom, etc.
Dove Beeger & Westwood Park - New play equipment and ADA accessibility
Fair Oaks - Child care play equipment

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Lemos Farms, Half Moon Bay

As promised we hit the 92 early this morning after soccer practice to beat the traffic to HMB. I don't know if it's because this was the first pumpkin patch we ever took my son to but it's definitely become the sentimental favorite. There's definitely enough fun for a full day but what toddler and matching parent last ALL day? :)

Lemos Farms

Last year at around 13 months my son enjoyed:
*trying to "climb" on pumpkins
*train ride w/ parents
*music from the live band
*pumpkin pie

This year at 2 years:
my son enjoys all this place has to offer - his favorites include:
*the pony ride (who knew that he'd allow a stranger "cowboy" lift him on? No parents allowed inside the ring!)
*the hay ride (much longer than the train ride)
*the train ride (despite the very scary skulls/mummies etc...I think the live chickens make up for that)
*train and pumpkin bounce houses
*bikes to play with
*live music to shake his booty

Bring your cash or checkbook - no cards accepted here. I highly recommend that if you have a 2+ year old do the day passes so you don't have to worry about tickets and "budgeting activities". $15 child / $5 adult all day - yes kids are more $$$ :) And - if you fall in love with the place you can host your child's next birthday here - either a train or pony party for a whoppin' $275.







Friday, October 1, 2010

Pumpkin Patch Time!



Where is your favorite pumpkin patch? If you are in the south bay - or just looking for a little road trip, definitely check out Uesugi Farms, there's a ton of fun things for all ages! Don't forget your cash though, all the little attractions add up from $1 - $5.

We're looking forward to what Half Moon Bay has to offer this weekend - stay tuned!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Smithsonian Museum Day

Been itching to get out to your local museum? Smithsonian has a free museum day today and your local museum just might be on their list! Some of the major attractions are already sold out and/or may have long waits but plenty of smaller museums will be easy to manuever with the kids.



Check it out for your free ticket!
*Includes museums nationwide!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Kidaroo Music Festival


Saturday 9.25.2010
11-5
Music festival all day for kids!
Red Tricycle is giving away a 4 pack of tickets - check them out!
General Admission $20
Family 4 pack $60

Friday, September 17, 2010

Disaster Preparedness Day ~ San Mateo County

6th Annual Disaster Preparedness Day

Free Admission
Free Hot Dogs
Free Soda
Free Gift for the first 500 families!

Saturday 9.18.2010
10am-2pm

US Geological Survey Campus
345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park

Emergency Kit and Disaster Plan Instructions!
First-Aid, Police, Fire & Emergency Equipment Demonstrations

Fiestas Patrias ~ Redwood City ~ Photos (2010)

We feel so blessed to live in the bay area where so many cultural events are free to the public! I have never seen the courthouse square so packed!




Sonora Santanera
El Mariachi Tapatio (San Jose)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Vagabond Opera is coming to RWC 9/18/2010 6pm ~ Free!

http://www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us/events/cultural_performances.html

This Weekend! 9/18-9/19

9/18 Redwood City 6:00 ~ Free!
A cultural performance series presentation - Vagabond Opera, a bohemian cabaret. They've been very popular so show up and find a seat early!



TONS of Moon Festivals Going on this weekend - Check out SF, SJ & PA!

SF - Saturday & Sunday 11-6
Chinatown - You are strongly encouraged to use BART or MUNI

SJ - Saturday only
Plaza de Cesar Chavez

PA - Saturday only 4-7:30 pm Free for PAMP members, $5 non-members
Mitchell Park, 3800 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

SF: Family Kite Day - Saturday & Sunday 11-6

PV: Horse Party - Sunday only Noon-4
Glen Oaks Equestrian Center

RWC: Come Play at Mezes! KaBoom National Park Play Day! Free! Sunday 1-4
Warren Street and Standish Street
Not your neighborhood? Check KaBoom's website for a play day near you!

Free! Fiestas Patrias ~ Downtown Redwood City Tonight

Join us in courtyard square as we explore Fiestas Patrias tonight starting at 5:00. We'll be looking for good "authentic" Mexican Food, ballet folklorico, and of course, great dancing! Sonora Santanera and El Mariachi Tapatio promise to not disappoint!


http://www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us/events/fiestaspatrias.html

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Blog Worthy Children's Birthday Party

Looking for the perfect compliments to any children's birthday? Local parents look no further:
Delicious Birthday Cake by Kathy's Kreative Cakes:



Music by Andy Z (Redwood City)



I had the pleasure of attending a fantastic bash of a birthday party - Tickle Me Elmo Style for a 2 year old friend this weekend. Despite the rain it was quite an event to remember! Just wanted to show support for the locals that I loved!

Photos Courtesty of Cuevas Photography

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Choco/PB Cookies Courtesy of my favorite "SkinnyGirl"

Oatmeal Chocolate/Peanut Butter Cookies
Bake Time: 23 minutes (rotate halfway through)
Makes 8 large cookies
INGREDIENTS:
¾ cup oats
2 tablespoons butter
¾ cup sugar
½ cup natural peanut butter
1 egg
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup soymilk
PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix together ingredients. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
2. Use a 3 oz. ice cream scoop to drop batter onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (to prevent sticking).
3. Bake for 23 minutes, rotating the cookies at around 12 minutes.
4. Cool slightly on baking sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

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Family BikeRide over the Golden Gate Bridge

SF Bicycle Coalition Rec Ride: Family Golden Gate Bridge Ride
Sun., Mar. 21 | 10:30am | Ride will depart from and return to Little Marina Green, located just west of the Ft. Mason parking lot, corner of Marina Blvd and Buchanan

Join SF Bicycle Coalition member Tim Hurley on a family ride traversing Marina Green and Chrissy Field, then through the Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge. The return trip follows the same course, so those who wish to visit the Discovery Museum can separate from the group and return on their own. Walking bikes up the hills is encouraged! Due to distance and hills, this ride is recommended for kids on 16" bikes and above, and not recommended for training wheels.

SF Bicycle Coalition recreational rides are free for SFBC members (a $5 donation from non-members is appreciated); rain cancels rides. Contact Tim at sonotimo@yahoo.com for more info.

Los Gatos Rec Egg Hunt 3/27/2010

BUNNY FUN HUNT - Saturday, March 27, 2010- 10AM-1:00PM
14th Annual Bunny Fun Hunt Saturday, March 27th
Los Gatos High School-Front Lawn 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Carnival Games, Food Booths, Fun Jumps, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo and Much More!

Free Egg Hunt - Bring Your Basket!

Last Game tickets sold at 12:30PM

EGG HUNT TIMES (free)
Under 2 years 10:15 AM Parent & Child- New age Time!
Ages 2-3 yrs. 10:45 AM - Parent & Child
Ages 4-5 yrs. 11:30 AM Children Only
Ages 6-7 yrs. 12 NOON Children Only
Ages 8-10 yrs. 12:30 PM Children Only.

More Info
Please contact Cindy McCarthy at 408-207-4907; cindym@lgsrecreation.org for information about this great event!

Redwood City Rec Guide Registration Is Now Open!

Residents can now register for Spring/Summer Classes online. We just enrolled my little guy in swim lessons and it was easy! (READ: Less than 2 minutes! :)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Nutrition for Preggies & Nursing Women Information @ Lullaby Lane

How appropriate...no green beer on St. Patty's for you? Check out this informational meeting...

Healthy Nutrition and Supplements for Pregnant & Nursing Women

Eating healthy, nutritious foods during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. After all, your baby's only source of nutrition is from the food you eat.

In this workshop, you will learn:
- What the "Top 10 Power Foods" are to help you make smart choices
- Benefits of pregnancy supplements
- How prenatal vitamins are different from other daily vitamins
- Reasons for choosing organic food
- Nutrients that need your special attention
- Facts about fish and seafood
- What foods to avoid during pregnancy

The class is FREE and is held at Lullaby Lane in San Bruno (556 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno)

Register and questions, please register at info@petitevillage.com or contact Lullaby Lane at (650) 588-7644 or email contact@lullabylane.com with the subject line "Pregnancy Nutrition Workshop"

Date & Time: March 17, 2010 at 6:15pm (1 hour workshop)

Check out: http://www.lullabylane.com/MyPages/Events.aspx

** You also have a chance to win a one month membership at Equinox in San Mateo. Come and join us!

See more events offered at Lullaby Lane


Event Details & RSVP
----------------------
What: Healthy Nutrition and Supplements for Pregnant & Nursing Women
Who: Petite Village
When: Wed Mar 17, 2010, 6:15-7:15 pm PDT
Where: Lullaby Lane in San Bruno
556 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno

Redwood City Rec Guide Registration Opens Tomorrow (Wed)



Word on the street is that available spring/summer classes/camps and the biggie, swim lessons fill fast. Register online early! You can also get reminders when you become a fan on the Redwood City Rec Facebook Page.

Redwood Shores Library, Redwood City

CC and I went out to visit the new library in Redwood Shores today as we were out and about exploring. I really like this little library and it's great/safe/clean neighborhood. Upon entering you are greeted by a child/tween friendly exhibit on the local wildlife habitats inclusive of flat panel/interactive screens, very impressive. The colors and furniture are all age appropriate for their many sectioned areas including quiet reading room, teen room, storytelling area, and toddler play zone. The windows all face out to the bay trail and at 10:00 in the morning it is very bright and refreshing. I didn't find their book selection to be as inclusive/impressive a their larger rivals RWC Downtown Library or SC Library but luckily the county system allows you to have books transferred to your neighborhood library for a nominal fee. I also love that there is a cafe (horizon's deli cafe) INSIDE the library for when your tummy starts to grumble or when you forgot your child's snack & juice on the kitchen counter.

We recommend visiting for a story time and picnic lunch or dinner on the cafe patio on bring your own blanket for a private feast on the grass!

Highlights:
*Book Drop Off Bin~Easy to drop off your books without having to haul your tikes out of the car! Not as great as the downtown locations' book "drive thru" as this one has a parking space to pull into, but still a great feature.
*Cafe Inside
*Access to the Bay Trail

Room for Improvement
*There is a family restroom but don't look for it near the adult restrooms, you'll find it in the story book section (no general signage regarding it's location) and family restrooms should include or should be located near a mother's/nursing room with a large chair. Mom's shouldn't have to hunt around for a place to feed their child in a quiet space!
*Trail and landscaping should include plants or fencing to create a barrier or boundary to keep small children from running/falling downhill into the bay or down the relatively steep hills alongside the library.

Storytimes:
Tip: Can't keep all the locations/times etc for local play opportunities for your child straight? Create an online calendar using yahoo calendar or google calendar etc. with recurring appts for these activities, send reminders to your email. Your a "paper calendar" kind of gal? Easy, print it out at the beginning of the month and write on top!
Tuesdays 7pm Ages 3-8 Bedtime Stories
Thursdays 10:30 am Ages 3-8 Preschool Stories
Thursdays 11:00 am Ages 0-18 months Tiny Tales
First Saturdays 11:00 Paws for Tales...Dogs love stories too
Second Saturdays 11:00am Hindi Storytime