This post has been moved to our "Roots Mama's Contests & Giveaways" Page HERE: http://rootsmamas.blogspot.com/p/roots-mamas-contests.html
or click on link on upper left side of our blog :)
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Our 1st Giveaway: Nature's Gate Kid's Block Giggleberry Scent SPF 30 Sunscreen! ($8.99 value)
This post has been moved to our "Roots Mama's Contests & Giveaways" Page HERE: http://rootsmamas.blogspot.com/p/roots-mamas-contests.html
Sunday, June 27, 2010
FREE FAMILY FUN!
So keeping in the spirit of getting back to our roots, I've compiled a list of FREE family fun. If you're anything like me, funds can be tight raising a lil' one. But don't let that get you down, it just means you have to be a little more creative. Just remember the wee ones are quite easily amused & everything is new to them.
1. youtube JaMaROOkids page:
All kinds of INTERACTIVE stories, songs, dances & yoga for children ages 0-5 or so
I'm officially a JaMaROO teacher now too (& loving it yay!) Believe me I know what your thinking, you work for them, you would recommend them. BUT...I do what I LOVE and believe in & my daughter LOVES the youtubes. Also check out the website JaMaROOkids.com We can come & teach a class at your school or daycare (we're in over 50 child care facilities in the Bay Area)
2. I say this one a lot: go to your LOCAL LIBRARY. Not only are there usually tons of free classes for babies & children, it's a great way to get in touch w/ other parents & children and your community. Plus it encourages literacy at an early age. At our library they have these cute lil backpacks (Fun Packs) filled w/ books & a cd. My daughter LOVES wearing the backpack & gets so excited about the new music & books. Speaking of music don't forget you can check out not only books for free but music & dvds too! WE HEART LIBRARIES
3. Need something close by, free & something your lil one is sure to love? Take a safari to the PET STORE. It's really like a mini zoo trip for them, without the planning & expense, woo hoo! Plus if you have any pets just plan a trip when you're low on supplies & you've killed 2 birds with one stone.
4. If you have an IKEA nearby, not only will your fam have fun walking around but don't forget about the kids department where tons of toys are on display just for your child to explore & play with. My daughter & I spent a long afternoon in the kids department goofing around. It's even fun for them to explore the display kids rooms. They stock the rooms with books (in Swedish, fresh!) so we looked at them & my daughter wanted to try every bed!
5. Speaking of stores, need a lil break after doing some shopping at the MALL? Don't forget the home furnishings sections at the department store, couches galore for resting & since it's new to your child they're sure to be entertained. While you're at the mall, some more fav's of my daughter: the escalator, the elevator, & look for kid friendly stores that might interest them. Some malls have FREE kiddie events too.
Kids Club Bayfair. Bayfair Mall offers monthly performances and events for kids in its Center Court. There’s also an indoor play area nearby. One Sat. per month. 11am. 15555 East 14th St., San Leandro. 510-357-6000. Bayfair.mallfinder.com.
Simon Kidgits Club. Free monthly events from shows to arts and crafts. Hilltop Mall, 2200 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond, 510-223-1933; Stoneridge Mall, One Stoneridge Mall, Pleasanton. 925-463-2778.
Simon.com/kidgits.
6. Go to a PARK or FARM! Picnic & play! Classic & your kids will thank you. Get outdoors! Here's some FREE fun ones in the EAST Bay:
Loma Vista Farm www.lomavistafarm.org "Fertile ground for growing minds. An outdoor classroom for kids that provides hands-on educational activities involving plants and animals." They have cows, pigs, goats, horses, sheep, alpaca, cats, rabbits, birds, turtles, gardens, a greenhouse & more! I've lived in Vallejo 6 years & just recently found out about them!! Open 9a-2:30 pm M-F & select weekends, closed VCUSD holidays (chk website) (707) 556-8765 150 Ranier Ave. Vallejo, CA
Old Borges Ranch. Learn what it was like to live and work on a family ranch in the late 19th century on a ranger-guided tour. Fourth Sat. of each month at 2pm. 1035 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. 925-942-0225. Walnut-creek.org.
Adventure Playground. Build your own playground structures or ride the zip line. Sat. and Sun., 11-4. (Varies seasonally.) Berkeley Marina, Berkeley. 510-981- 6700. Ci.berkeley.ca.us.
Cal Sailing Club. From May through Nov., the Cal Sailing Club offers free sailing on the bay at several Sunday Open Houses. Children must be at least 5 years old and with an adult.124 University Ave., Berkeley. Cal-sailing.org.
Little Farm. Visiting and feeding the animals at Tilden Park’s Little Farm is always free. Lettuce and celery only, please. Daily, 8:30am-4pm. North end of Central Park Drive, Berkeley. 510-544-2233. Ebparks.org.
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center. Offers lots of free guided hikes, leopard shark feeding and more. Open Sat. and Sun., 10am-5pm. 4901 Breakwater Ave. 510-670-7270. Haywardrec.org.
In SF they do: Sunday Streets. 6 times a year, the streets of Golden Gate Park are closed to traffic for tons of FREE fun from bike rentals to skating lessons to yoga classes. Lincoln Way at the Great Hwy sundaystreetssf.com
In Marin theres: Wild Care Family Adventures. This urban wildlife rehabilitation center offers monthly FREE guided hikes for families in English & Spanish. 451-453-1000 wildcarebayarea.org
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preserves. Offers numerous free activities, including guided hikes and bike rides. Some activities require reservations. Various preserves from San Carlos to Los Gatos. Openspace.org.
7. Take a trip to the BEACH or if you're like us in Vallejo, you can go down to the waterfront & ride bikes/scooters/wagons/strollers etc or fly a kite or play with a ball on the grass or just lay down & look at the clouds.
8. FOUNTAINS! We have some in nearby downtown Fairfield that come straight up from the ground & kids from all over come to play in them, & you don't have to be a big kid to enjoy them, I took my daughter when she was under a year & she enjoyed it. Find some in you area...
9. Take your sweetie to a NURSERY or even the garden section of your local superstore. Refreshing, fragrant & tactile. Stop & smell the flowers!! The San Francisco Botanical garden has FREE family storytime & guided walk. Ages 4-8. 1st & 3rd sundays every month. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way 415-661-1316 sfbotanicalgarden.org
10. Find a free kids center in your area, we have Happy Frog (a indoor jumpy house place, free for children 2 & under). UPDATE: Happy Frog is now Vallejo Fun Center, haven't been yet so, let me know if you have, on their FB it says the price is $0-10. Looks like an upgraded version of Happy Frog from their pix.
Lawrence Hall of Science Inventor's Lab is also a great new addition to our little town of Vallejo, it's FREE every thurs 3p-7p & on special events. Any other day $4, ages 3 & under free. Family Membership — $40: Provides families unlimited access to all drop-in programs through September 2012. Look into a free science center in your area. Hands on learning & experimenting fun! Kids as young as 1 can even participate!! See pix of our adventures there on the facebook.com/RootsMamas
11. Your local Farmer's Market is also a fun place to explore from a child's point of view. They'll be happy people watching, taking in all the sights & sounds & sometimes there's animals to look at or other children's events going on. Not to mention you can go up & down sampling everything & stocking up on local fruits, veggies & other wares.
12. Speaking of FREE SAMPLES, if you have a Whole Foods in your area, go in for some free samples. They have large sample portions (we had a huge cup of tomato, basil, mozzerella salad, all kinds of fruits & cheese too)! Delicious & nutritious!!
13. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY! Playing is your child's "work", it's how they grow smarter, stronger, healthier & happier! Here's some things at home to play with: spoons, plastic or metal bowls, empty pie tins, paper or plastic cups, paper towel tubes, empty boxes, empty baskets, measuring cups/spoons, pots & pans, oatmeal box, pillows, sock balls, dress up clothes, & bubbles. So turn on some music, make a band, dance & PLAY!
((Get out some art or make a homemade instrument. Check back soon for my post on how to make homemade instruments & art fun!))
The SFMOMA has Famliy Studio. Explore art through hands on projects, gallery tours & more at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 1st & 3rd sun of every month 11a-3p ages 4-12. Program & museum admission both FREE. 151 3rd St 415-357-4000 sfmoma.com
Free Kids Play Group: City of Alameda Free Play Group for children 2 1/2 to 5 years old, starting this fall. Field trips, fun hands-on activities (arts, science, math exploration, tiny chefs kitchen, literacy). Snacks provided. Tuesday class taught in English; Thursday class bilingual Spanish. 9/7/10 through 11/18/10.
Los Tamborcitos Spanish Music Class. You and your child under 5 can join in a weekly Spanish singalong. Every Mon. at 10am. Parque Niños Unidos, 23rd and Folsom streets. Sfnpc.org/parkkiosk/ parque_ninos_unidos.
Dancing on the Square. Kick your heels up with free weekly dance lessons on Tuesdays at 6pm. June-Aug. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City.
Berkeley Rep. Become part of the action at the berkeley Repertory School of Theater Sunday Sampler, with several free classes for families. 1pm on Jan. 10 and April 4. 2071 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-647-2972. Berkeleyrep.org
14. Speaking of the arts, most MUSEUMS have a FREE day once a month but here's some that are always FREE.
SF has Randall Museum. Includes a caboose, wild native California animals and a Toddler Treehouse Exploration Zone. 99 Museum Way. 415-554-9600. Randallmuseum.org.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. Has more than 50 species of animals in its outdoor zoo and 2,500 feet of hands-on exhibits indoors. 1451 Middlefi eld Road, Palo Alto. 650-329-2111. Cityofpaloalto.org.
Hayward Downtown Museum. Children can learn the history of the area with costumes, books and more in the Curiosity Clubhouse. 22701 Main St., Hayward. 510- 581-0223. Haywardareahistory.org.
Chabot Space and Science Center. Free viewing from Chabot’s telescopes, among the largest in the country regularly open to the public. Fri. and Sat., 7:30-10:30 pm, weather permitting. 1000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-336-7300. Chabotspace.org.
15. Look for your local ACTIVITY GUIDE, if there's a free activity going on in your community, it's usually in there. They post things such as FREE MUSIC IN THE PARK & OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS.
16. And lastly remember to set some time aside for yourself. Here's an idea: Free Cooking Class at Williams-Sonoma! The store offers FREE cooking classes. Sign up early because classes fill up. Call your nearest Bay Area location for details and schedule.
SUMMER UPDATE 2012: Here's some promotions going on just for the summer.
Free bowling for kids here: www.kidsbowlfree.com to see if there's one in your area. And if you want a Buy 1 Get 1 FREE coupon for bowling click here. All you have to do is pay for a bowling game & you’ll get a coupon for a FREE game. Just sign up for AMF Bowling’s e-club & you’ll be sent periodic coupons & discounts throughout the year.
REI’s Passport to Adventure Program An incentive program for kids ages 5-12 to encourage them to get out with their families on bike rides, hikes, nature walks & more. They can earn a free prize by documenting their activities for the summer. You can also find out some great information about local hikes, walks, bike trails & more on their website. Find out more HERE.
Free Kids Book from Barnes & Noble: elementary age kids get a Free Book (from their book list) when they read 8 (no purchase needed). Just fill out the form listing the books and take it to the store.
EVEN BETTER: your local library probably has a summer reading program that's even better (at ours they have a program for infants/toddlers and teens can earn up to 3 books or $30 towards book purchases!!) AND they have great FREE special events going all all summer long! Solano kids 12 & under programs: Dream Big Read Solano teens program: Own the Night
Try a U-Pick Farm! It's not free (but it's cheaper), such a fun activity for kids to be involved in picking raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches & more ; Pickyourown.org is a great resource to find U-pick farms; prices should be lower when you pick them yourselves, too. (some farms are year round too!)
Don't forget about the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk go here to their coupons & discounts page for their goodies. They also have a bunch of FREE events HERE such as FREE Friday Bands on the beach.
Here's my fav: Weeknight After 5pm Specials: June 18-August 30, 2012
1907 Nights Enjoy old time prices on Mondays and Tuesdays after 5pm. Rides, Pepsi, hot dogs, and cotton candy are just $1.00 each!
PEPSI Nights Get a great deal on Wednesdays and Thursdays after 5pm. Unlimited ride wristbands are just $10.95 + tax when you bring along a Pepsi can! Free Movies on the Beach: Every Wednesday, July 11-August 15, 2012
Free Movies on the Beach: Every Wednesday, July 11-August 15, 2012
ALMOST FREE:
Cinemark theaters will be offering Summer Movie Clubhouse. 10 kid-friendly movies (rated G or PG), priced at $1/ ticket. However, if you buy tickets for all 10 movies at once, you only have to pay $5 total – which means 50 cents/movie ticket!
AMC is not offering a summer program this year (that I found) BUT has this great BRING YOUR BABY program: "Bring the Kids on Your Parental Play Date:
It’s a play date for parents just like you! Catch the blockbusters you want to see on the first Tuesday of every month, shown in a baby-friendly environment.
Brighter lights
Lower volume
Breastfeeding, stroller parking and crying babies are permitted!"
SO AWESOME!!
Thanks Thrifty NW Mom & Michael Finney!
ONGOING FREE EVENTS FOR OLDER CHILDREN
Free Crafts Workshops at Michaels: The crafts store offers Free crafts workshops for kids, with a different make it/take it theme each month.
Free Build & Grow Kids Workshops for kids: Lowe’s Free Build & Grow Workshops for kids are offered on some Saturdays. (Check your local store).
Free Kids Workshops at Home Depot – Free kids workshop first Saturday of every month from 9am-noon.
Free Fishing Clinics: Learn to fish for free in 45 -minute beginner clinics offered by the Department of Fish & Game. Available free at Bay Area lakes in Campbell, Fremont, Novato, San Rafael, Vallejo & Milpitas. (May be a parking fee.) Covers basics of fishing including knots, casting, rigging, safety, & ethics. Equipment and tackle provided. Each adult may bring up to 2 children and a driver’s license for rod loan.
Free Movies Online: Hulu.com.
Oh AND don't forget to check out this fabulous site: Bay Area on the Cheap! TONS of FREEBIES , a complete listing of all FREE museum/attraction days, cheap dates, cheap gas finder, 1/2 price on tickets & MORE MORE MORE!! Can't say enough about how great this site is!! Thanks bayareaonthecheap.com!
PLEASE let me know what your family does for free fun!
All kinds of INTERACTIVE stories, songs, dances & yoga for children ages 0-5 or so
I'm officially a JaMaROO teacher now too (& loving it yay!) Believe me I know what your thinking, you work for them, you would recommend them. BUT...I do what I LOVE and believe in & my daughter LOVES the youtubes. Also check out the website JaMaROOkids.com We can come & teach a class at your school or daycare (we're in over 50 child care facilities in the Bay Area)
2. I say this one a lot: go to your LOCAL LIBRARY. Not only are there usually tons of free classes for babies & children, it's a great way to get in touch w/ other parents & children and your community. Plus it encourages literacy at an early age. At our library they have these cute lil backpacks (Fun Packs) filled w/ books & a cd. My daughter LOVES wearing the backpack & gets so excited about the new music & books. Speaking of music don't forget you can check out not only books for free but music & dvds too! WE HEART LIBRARIES
3. Need something close by, free & something your lil one is sure to love? Take a safari to the PET STORE. It's really like a mini zoo trip for them, without the planning & expense, woo hoo! Plus if you have any pets just plan a trip when you're low on supplies & you've killed 2 birds with one stone.
5. Speaking of stores, need a lil break after doing some shopping at the MALL? Don't forget the home furnishings sections at the department store, couches galore for resting & since it's new to your child they're sure to be entertained. While you're at the mall, some more fav's of my daughter: the escalator, the elevator, & look for kid friendly stores that might interest them. Some malls have FREE kiddie events too.
Kids Club Bayfair. Bayfair Mall offers monthly performances and events for kids in its Center Court. There’s also an indoor play area nearby. One Sat. per month. 11am. 15555 East 14th St., San Leandro. 510-357-6000. Bayfair.mallfinder.com.
Simon Kidgits Club. Free monthly events from shows to arts and crafts. Hilltop Mall, 2200 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond, 510-223-1933; Stoneridge Mall, One Stoneridge Mall, Pleasanton. 925-463-2778.
Simon.com/kidgits.
6. Go to a PARK or FARM! Picnic & play! Classic & your kids will thank you. Get outdoors! Here's some FREE fun ones in the EAST Bay:
Loma Vista Farm www.lomavistafarm.org "Fertile ground for growing minds. An outdoor classroom for kids that provides hands-on educational activities involving plants and animals." They have cows, pigs, goats, horses, sheep, alpaca, cats, rabbits, birds, turtles, gardens, a greenhouse & more! I've lived in Vallejo 6 years & just recently found out about them!! Open 9a-2:30 pm M-F & select weekends, closed VCUSD holidays (chk website) (707) 556-8765 150 Ranier Ave. Vallejo, CA
Old Borges Ranch. Learn what it was like to live and work on a family ranch in the late 19th century on a ranger-guided tour. Fourth Sat. of each month at 2pm. 1035 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. 925-942-0225. Walnut-creek.org.
Adventure Playground. Build your own playground structures or ride the zip line. Sat. and Sun., 11-4. (Varies seasonally.) Berkeley Marina, Berkeley. 510-981- 6700. Ci.berkeley.ca.us.
Cal Sailing Club. From May through Nov., the Cal Sailing Club offers free sailing on the bay at several Sunday Open Houses. Children must be at least 5 years old and with an adult.124 University Ave., Berkeley. Cal-sailing.org.
Little Farm. Visiting and feeding the animals at Tilden Park’s Little Farm is always free. Lettuce and celery only, please. Daily, 8:30am-4pm. North end of Central Park Drive, Berkeley. 510-544-2233. Ebparks.org.
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center. Offers lots of free guided hikes, leopard shark feeding and more. Open Sat. and Sun., 10am-5pm. 4901 Breakwater Ave. 510-670-7270. Haywardrec.org.
In SF they do: Sunday Streets. 6 times a year, the streets of Golden Gate Park are closed to traffic for tons of FREE fun from bike rentals to skating lessons to yoga classes. Lincoln Way at the Great Hwy sundaystreetssf.com
In Marin theres: Wild Care Family Adventures. This urban wildlife rehabilitation center offers monthly FREE guided hikes for families in English & Spanish. 451-453-1000 wildcarebayarea.org
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preserves. Offers numerous free activities, including guided hikes and bike rides. Some activities require reservations. Various preserves from San Carlos to Los Gatos. Openspace.org.
7. Take a trip to the BEACH or if you're like us in Vallejo, you can go down to the waterfront & ride bikes/scooters/wagons/strollers etc or fly a kite or play with a ball on the grass or just lay down & look at the clouds.
8. FOUNTAINS! We have some in nearby downtown Fairfield that come straight up from the ground & kids from all over come to play in them, & you don't have to be a big kid to enjoy them, I took my daughter when she was under a year & she enjoyed it. Find some in you area...
9. Take your sweetie to a NURSERY or even the garden section of your local superstore. Refreshing, fragrant & tactile. Stop & smell the flowers!! The San Francisco Botanical garden has FREE family storytime & guided walk. Ages 4-8. 1st & 3rd sundays every month. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way 415-661-1316 sfbotanicalgarden.org
Lawrence Hall of Science Inventor's Lab is also a great new addition to our little town of Vallejo, it's FREE every thurs 3p-7p & on special events. Any other day $4, ages 3 & under free. Family Membership — $40: Provides families unlimited access to all drop-in programs through September 2012. Look into a free science center in your area. Hands on learning & experimenting fun! Kids as young as 1 can even participate!! See pix of our adventures there on the facebook.com/RootsMamas
11. Your local Farmer's Market is also a fun place to explore from a child's point of view. They'll be happy people watching, taking in all the sights & sounds & sometimes there's animals to look at or other children's events going on. Not to mention you can go up & down sampling everything & stocking up on local fruits, veggies & other wares.
12. Speaking of FREE SAMPLES, if you have a Whole Foods in your area, go in for some free samples. They have large sample portions (we had a huge cup of tomato, basil, mozzerella salad, all kinds of fruits & cheese too)! Delicious & nutritious!!
((Get out some art or make a homemade instrument. Check back soon for my post on how to make homemade instruments & art fun!))
The SFMOMA has Famliy Studio. Explore art through hands on projects, gallery tours & more at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 1st & 3rd sun of every month 11a-3p ages 4-12. Program & museum admission both FREE. 151 3rd St 415-357-4000 sfmoma.com
Free Kids Play Group: City of Alameda Free Play Group for children 2 1/2 to 5 years old, starting this fall. Field trips, fun hands-on activities (arts, science, math exploration, tiny chefs kitchen, literacy). Snacks provided. Tuesday class taught in English; Thursday class bilingual Spanish. 9/7/10 through 11/18/10.
Los Tamborcitos Spanish Music Class. You and your child under 5 can join in a weekly Spanish singalong. Every Mon. at 10am. Parque Niños Unidos, 23rd and Folsom streets. Sfnpc.org/parkkiosk/ parque_ninos_unidos.
Dancing on the Square. Kick your heels up with free weekly dance lessons on Tuesdays at 6pm. June-Aug. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City.
Berkeley Rep. Become part of the action at the berkeley Repertory School of Theater Sunday Sampler, with several free classes for families. 1pm on Jan. 10 and April 4. 2071 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-647-2972. Berkeleyrep.org
14. Speaking of the arts, most MUSEUMS have a FREE day once a month but here's some that are always FREE.
SF has Randall Museum. Includes a caboose, wild native California animals and a Toddler Treehouse Exploration Zone. 99 Museum Way. 415-554-9600. Randallmuseum.org.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. Has more than 50 species of animals in its outdoor zoo and 2,500 feet of hands-on exhibits indoors. 1451 Middlefi eld Road, Palo Alto. 650-329-2111. Cityofpaloalto.org.
Hayward Downtown Museum. Children can learn the history of the area with costumes, books and more in the Curiosity Clubhouse. 22701 Main St., Hayward. 510- 581-0223. Haywardareahistory.org.
Chabot Space and Science Center. Free viewing from Chabot’s telescopes, among the largest in the country regularly open to the public. Fri. and Sat., 7:30-10:30 pm, weather permitting. 1000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-336-7300. Chabotspace.org.
15. Look for your local ACTIVITY GUIDE, if there's a free activity going on in your community, it's usually in there. They post things such as FREE MUSIC IN THE PARK & OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS.
16. And lastly remember to set some time aside for yourself. Here's an idea: Free Cooking Class at Williams-Sonoma! The store offers FREE cooking classes. Sign up early because classes fill up. Call your nearest Bay Area location for details and schedule.
SUMMER UPDATE 2012: Here's some promotions going on just for the summer.
Free bowling for kids here: www.kidsbowlfree.com to see if there's one in your area. And if you want a Buy 1 Get 1 FREE coupon for bowling click here. All you have to do is pay for a bowling game & you’ll get a coupon for a FREE game. Just sign up for AMF Bowling’s e-club & you’ll be sent periodic coupons & discounts throughout the year.
REI’s Passport to Adventure Program An incentive program for kids ages 5-12 to encourage them to get out with their families on bike rides, hikes, nature walks & more. They can earn a free prize by documenting their activities for the summer. You can also find out some great information about local hikes, walks, bike trails & more on their website. Find out more HERE.
Free Kids Book from Barnes & Noble: elementary age kids get a Free Book (from their book list) when they read 8 (no purchase needed). Just fill out the form listing the books and take it to the store.
EVEN BETTER: your local library probably has a summer reading program that's even better (at ours they have a program for infants/toddlers and teens can earn up to 3 books or $30 towards book purchases!!) AND they have great FREE special events going all all summer long! Solano kids 12 & under programs: Dream Big Read Solano teens program: Own the Night
Try a U-Pick Farm! It's not free (but it's cheaper), such a fun activity for kids to be involved in picking raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches & more ; Pickyourown.org is a great resource to find U-pick farms; prices should be lower when you pick them yourselves, too. (some farms are year round too!)
Don't forget about the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk go here to their coupons & discounts page for their goodies. They also have a bunch of FREE events HERE such as FREE Friday Bands on the beach.
Here's my fav: Weeknight After 5pm Specials: June 18-August 30, 2012
1907 Nights Enjoy old time prices on Mondays and Tuesdays after 5pm. Rides, Pepsi, hot dogs, and cotton candy are just $1.00 each!
PEPSI Nights Get a great deal on Wednesdays and Thursdays after 5pm. Unlimited ride wristbands are just $10.95 + tax when you bring along a Pepsi can! Free Movies on the Beach: Every Wednesday, July 11-August 15, 2012
Free Movies on the Beach: Every Wednesday, July 11-August 15, 2012
ALMOST FREE:
Summer Movie Express from Regal "Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard the Summer Movie Express to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00."
Cinemark theaters will be offering Summer Movie Clubhouse. 10 kid-friendly movies (rated G or PG), priced at $1/ ticket. However, if you buy tickets for all 10 movies at once, you only have to pay $5 total – which means 50 cents/movie ticket!
AMC is not offering a summer program this year (that I found) BUT has this great BRING YOUR BABY program: "Bring the Kids on Your Parental Play Date:
It’s a play date for parents just like you! Catch the blockbusters you want to see on the first Tuesday of every month, shown in a baby-friendly environment.
Brighter lights
Lower volume
Breastfeeding, stroller parking and crying babies are permitted!"
SO AWESOME!!
Thanks Thrifty NW Mom & Michael Finney!
ONGOING FREE EVENTS FOR OLDER CHILDREN
Free Crafts Workshops at Michaels: The crafts store offers Free crafts workshops for kids, with a different make it/take it theme each month.
Free Build & Grow Kids Workshops for kids: Lowe’s Free Build & Grow Workshops for kids are offered on some Saturdays. (Check your local store).
Free Kids Workshops at Home Depot – Free kids workshop first Saturday of every month from 9am-noon.
Free Fishing Clinics: Learn to fish for free in 45 -minute beginner clinics offered by the Department of Fish & Game. Available free at Bay Area lakes in Campbell, Fremont, Novato, San Rafael, Vallejo & Milpitas. (May be a parking fee.) Covers basics of fishing including knots, casting, rigging, safety, & ethics. Equipment and tackle provided. Each adult may bring up to 2 children and a driver’s license for rod loan.
Free Movies Online: Hulu.com.
Oh AND don't forget to check out this fabulous site: Bay Area on the Cheap! TONS of FREEBIES , a complete listing of all FREE museum/attraction days, cheap dates, cheap gas finder, 1/2 price on tickets & MORE MORE MORE!! Can't say enough about how great this site is!! Thanks bayareaonthecheap.com!
PLEASE let me know what your family does for free fun!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
It ain't easy being GREEN (well..actually it is!!)
That's right folks another journey back to our ROOTS...don't get caught up in the consumerism, it is easy going green. To prove it here's simple, economical (cha-ching) ways to do it:
CLEANING
All-purpose:
mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part water in spray bottle
spray away on glass, counter tops, toilets & more (don't use on marble)
Laundry:
add 1/2 cup vinegar during rinse cycle to soften clothing & cut down on odors
Bathroom:
baking soda & water to make paste to scrub fixtures & tile
you can also sprinkle baking soda in toilet bowl, add a splash of vinegar to make fizz & clean w/ toilet brush
Wood:
combine 2 parts lemon juice & 1 part olive oil
pour small amount on clean rag & use to polish finished wood surfaces
UPDATE: We just went more GREEN this weekend & set up clothes lines on our balcony . The whole family was excited & helped out getting the line & clothespins, then putting out our first items. It felt great!
DID YOU KNOW...
More than 1 million children between ages 1 & 5 ingest at least 15 pesticides every day from fruits & vegetables.
The Dirty Dozen
we all can't always buy organic so check this list to find what fruit/veggies are best to buy organic & whats ok to not.
Here's a FREE magazine subscription to KIWI "Growing families the natural & organic way" here
Here's a list of things you probably already know how to do to GO GREEN, but hey, you might not so....
MORE TO COME....
CLEANING
All-purpose:
mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part water in spray bottle
spray away on glass, counter tops, toilets & more (don't use on marble)
Laundry:
add 1/2 cup vinegar during rinse cycle to soften clothing & cut down on odors
Bathroom:
baking soda & water to make paste to scrub fixtures & tile
you can also sprinkle baking soda in toilet bowl, add a splash of vinegar to make fizz & clean w/ toilet brush
Wood:
combine 2 parts lemon juice & 1 part olive oil
pour small amount on clean rag & use to polish finished wood surfaces
UPDATE: We just went more GREEN this weekend & set up clothes lines on our balcony . The whole family was excited & helped out getting the line & clothespins, then putting out our first items. It felt great!
DID YOU KNOW...
More than 1 million children between ages 1 & 5 ingest at least 15 pesticides every day from fruits & vegetables.
The Dirty Dozenwe all can't always buy organic so check this list to find what fruit/veggies are best to buy organic & whats ok to not.
Here's a FREE magazine subscription to KIWI "Growing families the natural & organic way" here
Here's a list of things you probably already know how to do to GO GREEN, but hey, you might not so....
- Use reusable shopping bags & recycle your plastic grocery bags. It's best to recycle them but you can also reuse them, Target has these ideas on their bags: tiny trash can liner, doggy duty, soggy laundry, tomorrow's lunch bag & care package padding!
- Replace those plastic water bottles with a reusable metal/aluminum bottle (i found one under $5 at walmart)
- Start a compost with your food/kitchen scraps & use to fertilize your plants! (those of us in apartments well, you might think it's a little harder to do but if you have a balcony or patio you can still give it a try, go HERE for easiest/free way i've found)
- Use rechargable batteries & recycle the old ones (look in phonebook to see how to recycle)
- Replace all your light bulbs with energy efficient (& $ saving), compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLs (they have them at dollar stores) Don't forget to recycle old bulbs those too! (who knew? i just saw this on the side of my light bulb box)
- Avoid as much plastic use as you can. It never breaks down & is causing harm to our environment (& us). Instead choose renewable sources (ie paper etc) when you can.
- Trade in your paper towels for cloth napkins & rags. We haven't fully converted yet (we have cloth rags & will be getting cloth napkins soon), but not hard to do. Use old tees etc for rags. Then you can get a yard or 2 of cotton fabric & cut squares (no sewing necessary depending on what kind of fabric you get) for your napkins!
MORE TO COME....
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Breastfeeding Made Easy
In this post: resources, disadvantages of formula & breastfeeding help!
Cal. Labor Code § 1030 et seq. (2001) provides that employers need to allow a break and provide a room for a mother who desires to express milk in private.
Go HERE to see all breastfeeding laws for all 50 states.
The 10 Easy Reasons to Breastfeed (above is the international breastfeeding symbol!)
Available fresh instantly for hungry baby. (no searching for formula & bottle when you have a crying baby)
It's Free!! (cheaper than formula by a long shot)
Effortless pregnancy weight loss. (i could feel my uterus contracting as i was breastfeeding!)
Reduced rates of breast cancer and ovarian cancer for mother.
Decreased risk of SIDS & diseases than formula-fed babies.
Baby's whole body and brain benefit immensely. (breastfeeding protects your baby from illnesses with immunizing antibodies. And scientific studies have shown that the longer babies breastfeed, the greater the intellectual advantage.)
Releases "mothering hormone", prolactin & re
The 10 Easy Reasons to Breastfeed (above is the international breastfeeding symbol!)
Available fresh instantly for hungry baby. (no searching for formula & bottle when you have a crying baby)
It's Free!! (cheaper than formula by a long shot)
Effortless pregnancy weight loss. (i could feel my uterus contracting as i was breastfeeding!)
Reduced rates of breast cancer and ovarian cancer for mother.
Decreased risk of SIDS & diseases than formula-fed babies.
Baby's whole body and brain benefit immensely. (breastfeeding protects your baby from illnesses with immunizing antibodies. And scientific studies have shown that the longer babies breastfeed, the greater the intellectual advantage.)
Releases "mothering hormone", prolactin & re
leases relaxing hormone to baby & mama.
Breastfed babies are leaner.
Easier digestion & less costipation for baby than formula.
Treasure of a lifetime bond with your child.
And these are just a few of the benefits!!
Breastfed babies are leaner.
Easier digestion & less costipation for baby than formula.
Treasure of a lifetime bond with your child.
And these are just a few of the benefits!!
Having problems with breastfeeding??
DID YOU KNOW...if there is pain with breastfeeding something is wrong. Yes this happened to me, the first 2 weeks after my dtr was born, I had nipple pain & they became dry & cracked. Little did I know this is NOT normal. It is a sign something is wrong, so stop & call your lactation consultant right away. 9 times out of 10 it's a latching or positioning problem, that can be easily fixed, so don't wait!! This is one of the most common reasons why mamas stop Bfing & we don't want that! I didn't know until recently that there shouldn't be any pain w/ BFing. I just stuck it out & eventually me & my baby got it right. Don't make my mistake :) HERE's a youtube on how to get the proper latch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zln0LTkejIs
Always consult an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Remember you can't always trust the "white coat". While they ARE Drs, a lot of them aren't trained in BFing. IBCLC's know best. Trust your gut when a doctor gives you breastfeeding or parenting advice (most weren't trained in that either lol). Ask yourself: "Does this feel right for me?" If not get a 2nd opinion!
DO YOU HAVE WIC OR WANT TO??
Through a new program at WIC (Women, Infants & Children) you now have access to Breastfeeding Peer Counselors & IBCLC's for FREE!!!! I am one (peer counselor) & we can help you with all kinds of support/resources & free pumps! Come see us!!!!
KellyMom.com "Breastfeeding and Parenting. Evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting issues." She's an IBCLC & can answer a lot of questions!
BestforBabes.org "Beating the Booby Traps that prevent Moms from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals"
Also join Roots Mamas on Facebook, as I said I'm a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor & there I post helpful tips & info on common BFing problems (& solutions *wink*) & converse with other Roots Mamas, join us!!
Breastfeeding information & support lalecheleague.org go on their site to find a local suppot group.
Ever gone to ur doctor & got some info about breastfeeding that just didn't seem right? Thanks to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, you have at your fingertips evidence-based protocols on many breastfeeding topics you can show your doctor HERE. (Including: Mastitis, Supplementation in the hospital, Breastfeeding and co-sleeping, Anti-depressants & breastfeeding & more!) thx Motherwear.com for this awesome resource!!
What about taking medications & breastfeeding? You can still breastfeed while sick & taking most meds. Dr Hale (a pharmacologist who is considered the foremost leading expert in the field of perinatal pharmacology and the use of medications) has written this awesome resource book, Medications & Mother's Milk, that lists every medication & it's level of safety while breastfeeding. Can't buy the book?? Call their help line & they can answer your questions Monday-Friday 8am-5pm central time @ (806)-352-2519. Call them!!
Ever gone to ur doctor & got some info about breastfeeding that just didn't seem right? Thanks to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, you have at your fingertips evidence-based protocols on many breastfeeding topics you can show your doctor HERE. (Including: Mastitis, Supplementation in the hospital, Breastfeeding and co-sleeping, Anti-depressants & breastfeeding & more!) thx Motherwear.com for this awesome resource!!
What about taking medications & breastfeeding? You can still breastfeed while sick & taking most meds. Dr Hale (a pharmacologist who is considered the foremost leading expert in the field of perinatal pharmacology and the use of medications) has written this awesome resource book, Medications & Mother's Milk, that lists every medication & it's level of safety while breastfeeding. Can't buy the book?? Call their help line & they can answer your questions Monday-Friday 8am-5pm central time @ (806)-352-2519. Call them!!
For MORE info see my post on support/resources/free stuff HERE & Breasfeeding Celebs & Videos/Pix HERE
DID YOU KNOW...babies can crawl to the breast after birth!! Check out this AMAZING video: http://www.drmomma.org/2010/04/newborn-breast-crawl.html
Black mamas do breastfeed!! thx Blacktating.com for this awesome collage of photos taken by the Indiana Black Breastfeeding Coalition as part of the Landscape of Breastfeeding Support project. These photos are completely public and can be used by anyone! whatcha think?
Thank you to Hayley Nichols article (below)!!!!!
The Risks and Disadvantages of Formula Feeding c Hayley Nichols
Although breastfeeding is now widely acknowledged to be the ideal for babies, and the World Health recommendation is for a minimum of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding, the choice of how to feed a baby is often still framed as one between two equally valid alternatives.
In fact, breastmilk is not "ideal" but the normal, natural food for babies, adapted over millions of years to meet their unique nutritional and immunological needs. Formula, in comparison, has only been around for about 150 years, and its long-term results are still being studied.
Nutrients in Formula Versus Nutrients in Breastmilk
All the nutrients in breastmilk are in perfect balance and the infant can also regulate its own intake, and therefore its weight gain, in a way that is impossible with formula-feeding, according to Successful Breastfeeding [Royal College of Midwives, 2002]. Deviating from this "gold standard" carries risks to the health of both mother and child.
Risks of Formula Feeding For Infants and Children:
The effects of formula feeding on infants and children continue to be studied, and several significant risks have been identified. There is an increased risk of:
- Mortality – this applies in Western countries as well as developing countries. For example, according to Lucas and Cole (1990), if all the preterm babies in British neonatal units were fed breast milk rather than formula, 100 deaths a year from necrotising enterocolotis would be prevented.
- Asthma and allergy
- Acute respiratory disease
- Childhood cancers
- Nutrient deficiencies: e.g., fatty acids, essential for brain development, and amino acids, essential for central nervous system development, as well as calcium and iron, are not in the correct proportions and/or as easily absorbed from formula as breastmilk.
- Infection from contaminated formula
- Diabetes
- Chronic diseases
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Otitis media – inflammation of the middle ear
- Urinary infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome
- Necrotising enterocolotis – an infection or inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel or part of the bowel.
as well as
- Reduced cognitive development
Disadvantages of Formula Feeding For the Mother:
If a mother feeds her baby formula rather than breastfeeding, this has an effect on her health too. There is an increased risk of:
- Breast cancer – the risk of breast cancer is decreased by 4 % for each year of breastfeeding, according to D Hollander in Breast cancer Risk is Reduced By 4 % for Each Year of Breastfeeding [International Family Planning Perspectives, Vol. 28, 2002].
- Being overweight
- Ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Reduced natural child spacing, putting more pressure on the woman’s body and causing general stress, particularly in developing countries where resources are scarce
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stress and anxiety
- Diabetes
Normalisation of Formula Feeding
It is only in a small minority of cases that formula is medically necessary, according to the Royal College of Midwives, and a woman should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed for as long as she wishes. It is extremely rare for a woman to be physically unable to breastfeed, and most problems in breastfeeding are caused by a lack of support and accurate information.
However, formula feeding has become normalised through years of inaccurate information about breastfeeding, because of the vested economic interests of formula companies, and due to the sexualisation of breasts in our culture [Gabrielle Palmer, The Politics of Breastfeeding,New York University Press, 1993]. Fears about breastfeeding in public can be a significant deterrent to many women, but this can be overcome.
Organisations such as La Leche League offer localised support for breastfeeding mothers, and there are also helplines and groups where mothers can meet other breastfeeding mothers.
World Health Organisation Recommendations for Infant Feeding
WHO recommendations are for an infant to be given only breastmilk for 6 months, and for breastfeeding to continue for two years of age or beyond. If a baby is not breastfed, formula is required for the first year of life. Many mothers are not fully aware of the risks of formula feeding and so are making a choice without the necessary information.
References:
Infant Feeding Action Coalition Canada Breastfeeding Information Resource Centre. Risks of Formula Feeding Brochure
A. Lucas and T.J. Cole (1990). Breastmilk and Necrotising Enterocolotis. Lancet 336: 1519-1523.
Copyright Hayley Nichols.
Read more at Suite101: The Risks and Disadvantages of Formula Feeding: Facts About Breastmilk Substitutes Used in Bottle-Feeding Infants http://www.suite101.com/content/the-risks-and-disadvantages-of-formula-feeding-a85064#ixzz17jL3NOQs
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