MAY 2013 ISSUE

Happy Mothers Day!  And a BIG SHOUT out to all past and present moms in the military!  Be sure to read our fantastic feature story Moms on Duty. The Summer Camps and Programs planning season is here and we tons of wonderful options to explore.  And of course, don't miss our Virtual Camp Fair, where you can take a more in depth look at our camps through video, photos, social media, and easy-to-read text!

Find past digital issues of San Diego Family Magazine here >

Baby-Led Weaning
Gill Rapley & Tracey Murkett
$14.95; The Experiment Publishing

Nurse and author Rapley says it’s safe to skip traditional baby foods and purees in favor of letting baby discover which foods she likes. Short sections address weaning, food preparation, foods to avoid, balanced nutrition and answers to parents’ questions. The authors say that babies “instinctively know when they are ready for solid foods … they will naturally develop the skills needed to feed themselves.”

How to Have Your Second Child First
Kerry Colburn & Rob Sorensen
$18.95. Chronicle Books

Wish you knew then what you know now? This practical collection of tips from seasoned parents helps new parents navigate the often-turbulent seas of child rearing. Second-timer tips pepper the book, and the authors offer how-to guidance on feeding, bathing, sleeping and entertaining while enjoying childhood’s fleeting joys.
   As one mom advises, “You don’t need to ‘master’ any stage or age. You just need to survive it. There is always another phase to enjoy and to challenge you just around the corner.”

Mama Wants Her Body Back DVD
Lisa Druxman
$9.99; MamaWants.com

No matter how fit you are, pregnancy takes a toll on your body. Many moms struggle to lose that stubborn baby weight. Stroller Strides founder Druxman created this DVD fitness program to tighten up post-baby bodies and help shed stubborn pounds. Workout schedules and nutrition guides included. Start with one of three 20-minute workouts, then graduate to Abs Advanced Core, Arms, Booty Bootcamp or Cardio Party. Targeted toning helps you achieve your optimal size and shape, no matter how long it’s been since pregnancy.

Beginnings
Ann Geddes
$50; Anne Geddes Publishing

Gorgeous, nature-inspired portraits of babies and pregnant mothers fill the pages of Geddes’ latest collection. With charming, whimsical images of newborns, this limited-edition print book honors the sweetness of infancy. It’s a must-have for mamas and grandmas alike. E-book available from iTunes.

Equally Shared Parenting
Marc & Amy Vachon
$23.95; Perigree

Imagine sharing parenting duties 50/50 with your partner, regardless of your preferences or gender roles. Founders of EquallySharedParenting.com, the Vachons can teach you how to achieve an optimally balanced life by prioritizing parental time. Equally sharing the load can reduce resentment and overwork by ensuring that neither parent spends too much time doing any one thing, making it easier to stay in, and appreciate, the moment.

APRIL 2013 ISSUE

Camp season has officially been kicked off and we have over 89 Summer Camps to explore. Arts, Sports, Residential — we have you covered! And of course, don't miss our Virtual Camp Fair starting April 15th, where you can take a more in depth look at our camps through video, photos, social media, and easy-to-read text!
Earth day is this month and we are celebrating it! Starting with 5 wonderful exhibits in our Growing Earth-friendly Kids. Then, find plenty more  Earth-day activities in our calendar. While you're there, make sure to check out all the other things to do all month long in San Diego's Best Calendar of Events.

Extra Articles for April:30 Recipes That Use Your Leftover Easter Eggs
Spring Break Daytrips & Staytrips
Take Your Child To Work Day
Kids Science: Pizza Box Solar-Oven

Find past digital issues of San Diego Family Magazine here >

Santee author Barrie Summy’s debut novel, I So Don’t Do Mysteries ($15.99, Random House, 2009), introduces Sherry Holmes Baldwin as a modern-day Nancy Drew who traipses from Arizona to San Diego to help her super-cop mom solve a mystery at the Wild Animal Park. This is no ordinary sleuth story considering Sherry’s mom had died in the line of duty and is now a ghost who enlists her daughter’s help to solve a rhino heist. Best friend, love interest, upheaval at home—Sherry encounters it all. Featuring many of San Diego’s hot spots, it’s guaranteed to capture the interest of young and old alike. Can’t wait to read the sequel coming in the fall.

 
Warriors: Power of Three: Outcast ($6.99, HarperCollins, 2009) continues the saga of Firestar’s descendents Hollypaw, Jaypaw and Lionpaw. The Warrior series captivates readers as young as 10 years old with tales of animal heroes, romance and surprises. In this third book, Firestar’s grandchildren progress through their warrior training and are destined to hold more power than any cat before them. Only Jaypaw understands the importance of delving into the felines’ past to find answers to their future. Author Erin Hunter lives in the United Kingdom and is inspired by her love of cats.

Give yourself or your youngster a brain-tease; pick up any of the Pocket Posh series of books featuring Sudoku 3, Word Search 2, Logic and Crosswords ($7.99, Andrews McMeel Publishing). These purse-sized books are encased in stylish covers and contain 75 to 100 puzzles each. The Sudoku book has three levels of difficulty (easy, medium, difficult) that even challenge a 10-year-old. Just tuck one of these in your beach bag or purse for a brain workout anywhere you go.

 
Ziggy Marley comes to San Diego!  Meet him in person July 11, 2009 @11am, Barnes & Nobel; 10775 Westview Pkwy.

For more info http://www.ziggymarley.com/calendar.php#a115

Tickle your kids’ fancy with tunes by Grammy-winning singer Ziggy Marley whose CD Family Time ($12.98, Tuff Gong Worldwide, 2009) was inspired by his own two young children. The reggae album features the music of Marley’s family and friends, including Paul Simon and Willie Nelson. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis also narrates two stories on the CD. “Ziggy Says,” a musical rendition of “Simon Says,” is an example of Marley’s mantra of “put a smile on your face and make the sign of peace.” Also available for download. www.ziggymarley.com

For the younger set, ages 2 to 8, consider the music of Gustafer Yellowgold’s Mellow Fever ($19.99, Apple-Eye Productions, 2009). This CD/DVD set features a quirky sunsational character whose catchy melodies are accompanied by hand-drawn characters and settings. This album combines melodies, animated illustrations and the words to go along with each selection. This is the third in a series of musical sets created by award-winning illustrator/songwriter/performer Morgan Taylor. www.gustaferyellowgold.com

Finally for some fun mom reading, pick up I’d Trade my Husband for a Housekeeper ($18.95, Chronicle Books, 2009), which examines the challenges of parenthood. Through interviews with hundreds of mothers, authors Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile tackle the quandary faced by married couples today: loving your marriage as much as you do your husband and kids. Among the thought-provoking tidbits are suggestions on ways to have a happy marriage. “You have to be happy yourself,” the book states. This section is quick to remind super moms that in trying to live up to the expectations of being a good mom and wife, we often forget about ourselves. By doing something for yourself, you do something good for your family, too.  Great advice to all mothers and wives.

Eileen Cornish lives in Santee with her husband Steve and three sons.

MARCH 2013 ISSUE

It's time to start planning your summer...and we're here to help! Find all of the best spring and summer camps starting with our March issue. Get a jump start on your spring/summer camp registration with our annual Fire Up For Camp. Isabelle helps us take a look into dance camps. Find the Right Day Camp for your child or Encourage Your Teen to Be A Camp Counselor.
Have you started pinning yet? Not sure what that is? Read our Pinterest 101 and then take a look at our pinterest boards.

Hunt for these eggs  in our calendar and find a basketful of Easter egg hunts, brunches and more! Look for these hat icons  to find great ways to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day. Make sure to check out all the other things to do all month long in San Diego's Best Calendar of Events.

Extra Articles for March:St. Patrick's Day
How to Make Digital Grounding Work

Find past digital issues of San Diego Family Magazine here >

The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science
Sean Connolly
$13.95. 2010, Workman

Inspire kid’s curiosity with 50 hands-on experiments that pop, ooze, crash and teach! Based on historical inventions and innovations, these simple experiments demonstrate key scientific principles. Learn about famous discoveries that changed the world. Use basic household items to tame fire, track the spread of “disease,” safely recreate Ben Franklin’s Lightning Mouth experiment, make a Jell-o earthquake, soda bottle rocket and a Hadron Collider in a microwave using marshmallows, calculator and a ruler. Best of all, experiments for ages 9 and up.

Potato Chip Science
A. Kurzweil & Son
$17.95. 2010, Workman

Kids will love this cool science kit that looks like a tasty bag of chips! Use the included foam “peanuts,” stickers, chip lids, potato-powered clock, and other items to perform 29 experiments. Children ages 8-12 can explore biology, chemistry and forensics, earth sciences and physics in this step-by step guide sprinkled with fun potato chip facts and wacky illustrations.

Tutor in a Book
Alexandra Mayzler and Ana McGann
$14.95. 2010, Adams Media

Success in school depends on three vital skills: organization, time management and study skills. Students who lack these skills may have a hard time keep up in class and catching up to peers. This interactive program features real-life stories, with emphasis on helping students understand how their personalities, behaviors, and habits affect their work. Students learn how to set goals, take notes, prep for tests, and create idea maps and homework organization systems. High schoolers can use the book on their own, and parents can adapt many of the techniques for use with younger children.

101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math
Marc Zev, Kevin B. Segal and Nathan Levy
$9.95. ScienceNaturally.com

This book offers middle schoolers the chance to apply their math skills to everyday situations and problems. Mathematical concepts are explained in relation to sports, hobbies, science, food, and travel, using a Q&A format, trivia and math history. Includes answer key, resources, and glossary.

The Dreamer
Pam Munoz Ryan & Peter Sis
$17.99. 2010, Scholastic Press

Introduce your children to world literature through this magical, illustrated story for grades 4-9. The adventure begins when Neftali, a young Chilean boy (who later becomes the poet Pablo Neruda), answers a mysterious call. Dreamers will recognize themselves in this moving tale about discovering the power of one’s own voice. Beautifully illustrated with text and drawings.

FEBRUARY 2013 ISSUE

Happy Valentine's Day!Check out our Valentine's Round Up with 25+ ideas for spreading the love! Or visit the Chocolate exhibit at theNat. But before you do, read our article on Chocolate! February is the month of love, and we're sure you're going to LOVE a Body Renewal Gift Package. Enter our Facial, Mani/Pedi and Massage Contest between Feb 14-28.
Participating in sports or creative and performing arts provides multiple benefits to children. Find an activity for your child in our annual 2013 Arts & Sports Guide. Do you think your child might be interested in Lacrosse? Meet our cover kid who will teach you the ins and outs of this popular sport. Or maybe the creative arts suits your child more. Check our The Best For of Play is Being In A Play.
Are you ready to make a change in your child's educational environment? We've made it easy by listing several preschools, private and independent schools, public homeschools, virtual learning options as well as tutors in our biannual Spring Education Directory.

Exciting things are happening in February. Find our   icons for Valentine's Day-themed performances, crafts and activities. In celebration of the Great Backyard Bird Count, look in our calendar for  delightful, bird-themed activities in our famous Calendar of Events.

Extra Articles for February:Valentine's Day Round Up
Dear Teacher Q&As
Concierge Care

Find past digital issues of San Diego Family Magazine here >

» Going on a road trip? Find some other ideas to occupy the kids with our Unplugged Road Trip: 10 activities to get you there!

Games on the Go

Looking for something fun to occupy your travel hours this summer? Whether your family travels by plane, train or car, these fun games-on-the-go will provide kids of all ages with lots of fun and laughter.

Me vs. You
$10.99; 8+ years
klutz.com

Grab a pal and get ready for a head-to-head pencil puzzle challenge featuring word searches, jumbles, scavenger hunts, puzzles and speed mazes. Includes two hand-held pad-and-pencil sets.
Dad Tony says this game is great for the car. McKenna, 11, says, “Awesome! This is the best.”

Clover Leap
$34; 5+ years
SimplyFun.com

Practice perfect grammar by using clovers and sheep to create wacky sentences.
Score with each subject, verb, adjective and object.
Tyler, 7, had a great time rolling the dog to make the sheep move.

Zip-it
$14.95; 7+ years
Bananagrams.com

Two players use 12 lettered cubes to build a word grid faster than their opponent. A hand in this travel game takes just 20 seconds—it’s perfect for play on planes, trains and just about anywhere else. Each pouch includes a WEORDS dictionary of weird words.
“Built-in scorecard is brilliant!” says mom Lisa. “This fast-paced game is lots of fun.”

CuponK Le Flush Royale Edition
$24.99; 9+ years
Hasbro.com

Use amazing customized trick shots to sink the ball in the golden cup and score points. Practice any of the tricks on the 30 cards to score and make the cup light up. The winner gets to wear the crown. Requires 3 “AAA” batteries (not included). For one or more players.
“This game made us laugh,” says Jacob, 13. “It’s addicting!”

Let's Jet
$40; 8+ years
SimplyFun.com

Learn strategy and geography by jetting around the world. Explore different countries by collecting points for visiting particular destinations.
Tyler, 14, says, “Easy to learn and understand. Fun for the whole family!”

Gotcha!
$27.99; 14+ years
BuffaloGames.com

Players race to hit the buzzer whenever someone breaks a rule while making sure that they don’t break any rules themselves. The fun increases as more rules are added!
“It made us laugh a lot due to the awesome things you need to do,” says dad Tony. “It’s clever, fun and funny.”

Busy Bug Count and Match Dominoes
$15; 3+ years
ManhattanToy.com

This colorful set of wooden dominoes comes in a portable bug habitat with a sliding mesh window. Kids will enjoy the unique twist on this classic game. Mom Brooke says her son Gavin, 4, took to it right away and liked the cute design.

Find It Veggie Tales
$25; 4+ years
FinditGames.com

Sharp eyes are required to locate the hidden objects buried in the recycled plastic pellets in this I-spy styled game. Shake it, spin it and twist it until all the objects are found. “This is a mom’s delight!” says Stacy. “Few parts, age range for everyone, can travel in the car, no irritating sounds…it’s perfect!”

MORE Must-Try Frozen Treats in San Diego

Cool off this summer with a delicious frozen treat. These local spots offer everything from Italian Ice and Snowballs to homemade ice cream and gelato. Add a trip to these shops to your summer bucket list!

Baltimore Snowball
148 El Norte Pkwy., Escondido
1903 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos
www.baltimoresnowball.biz
Stop by Baltimore Snowball to try a crunchier version of shaved ice. Visit one of its two San Diego locations and be sure to sample the owners' recommendations: Poor Man's Sundae and Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie.

The Baked Bear
Pacific Beach, Petco Park, La Costa, Carmel Valley
www.thebakedbear.com
Native San Diegans and childhood friends opened the first Baked Bear in Pacific Beach in 2012 and continue to serve quality ice cream sandwiches using their fresh homemade cookies.

Bobboi Natural Gelato
8008 Girard Ave., La Jolla
www.facebook.com/bobboigelato
Hundreds of online reviews don’t lie; Bobboi is top notch for gelato made daily with fresh, organic and local ingredients. Delicious dairy-free options available. Try their Choco Pear Cinnamon flavor.

Crunch Time
611 K St., downtown San Diego
www.crunchtimepopcorn.com/ice-cream-products.php
Known for their gourmet popcorn, Crunch Time also makes fresh ice cream and frozen yogurt on premises. Choose a popular flavor or create your own, then pick a waffle bowl, cone or have your ice cream smooshed between two homemade cookies.

Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream
3077 University Ave., North Park
www.hammondsgourmet.com
Thanks to Hammond's, San Diegans don't have to visit the Hawaiian Islands for a scoop of Tropical Dreams super premium ice cream. Popular flavors include Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Nut, Kona Coffee and Pineapple Orange Guava Sorbet. Also available: a “flight” of six mini cones!

Lappert’s Ice Cream
12265 Scripps Poway Pkwy., Poway
www.lapperts.com
Going back three generations, Lappert’s has a history with the island of Kauai, but makes their California ice cream right here. Their super premium ice cream combines tropical flavors from all over the world like Costa Rican Plantain Cajeta and Philippine Macapuno Peach Sorbet.

Lighthouse Ice Cream and Yogurt
5059 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
619-222-8600
Hot waffle ice cream sandwiches are this shop’s specialty. Vegan soy ice cream available along with Doggie Ice for your pooch.

Oasis Ice Cream Parlor
1832 Coronado Ave., Imperial Beach
619-429-8980
There’s a reason that many Oasis customers have been loyal since childhood! It’s a family-run business featuring fresh homemade ice cream and pops. Now serving Raspados, a Mexican snow cone.

Rita’s Italian Ice
20+ San Diego County locations
www.ritassandiego.com
OK, it’s not locally owned, but we still think it deserves a shout out since it’s fairly new to San Diego. Italian Ice is a delicious cold treat on a hot San Diego day. Try a Blendini, Misto or the popular Gelati (your favorite flavor of Italian Ice layered with frozen custard).

SnoCal Shaved Ice Truck
www.snocalshavedice.com
Check out the online calendar to hunt down this frozen treat truck offering finely shaved ice made with pure cane sugar and filtered water. No high fructose corn syrup; cups are biodegradable. Discover flavors like Tiger’s Blood and Lemon Lime. Toppings include Pop Rocks!

Viva Pops
3330 Adams Ave., Normal Heights
www.ilovevivapops.com
Committed to using organic and local produce, Viva Pops is the place to go for a cool treat made from the freshest ingredients. Make sure to bring your pooch along for a Dog Pop; all proceeds go to animal rescue groups.

--------------
Laura Pardo writes from South Park and craves her hometown treat of a Baltimore-style snowball every summer afternoon.

Published June 2015

JANUARY 2013 ISSUE

It's a new year, and we have all the ways to get your mind, body and finances in order! Compare dentists, doctors, therapists, fitness professionals and more in our annual Health Guide.  Keep your New Year's Resolutions this year in our 10 Ways to Change (any) Behavior. Or learn how to Fund Your Child's Education From Preschool Through College.
Did you know that San Diego often makes the top 10 lists for best organic and green living? Is it time for you to make the switch? Find out in our "Go Organic: Local Resources For Your Healthy Lifestyle."

Winter brings a lot of things and the most fun is snow! Find great places to snowboard, ski or build snowman in Snow Fun in So-Cal.
The reviews are in! We've reviewed some of the best new products for your home. Read our reviews from simple solar chargers to ceramic cookware to biodegradable dishwasher pods!

It's whale time in San Diego! Find  trips activities, and events that let you explore the world of whales and other creatures of the sea in our famous Calendar of Events. Just look for this icon  .

Extra Articles for January:
10 Ways to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions
10 After-school Snack Ideas
What's New in 2013 for the Family Car?
Make Playtime A Priority
NEW Our Annual Out & About is Out! We couldn't fit everything into our print publication, so we created an Extended Version, where you will find over 455 places to go, things to do, must-see exhibits and much, much more!

Find past digital issues of San Diego Family Magazine here >