recommended book for new moms- The Diaper Diaries- The Real Poop on a New Mom's First Year

I got the book, Diaper Diaries, when my son was just a newborn.  I love the cover, there is a woman holding a baby thinking, "why would they allow this perfect baby to go home with ME?  Don't they know I can't balance my checkbook?  Never iron?  Lose my sunglasses once a week?"  The author, Cynthia Copeland, is funny and wise at the same time!

I highly recommend this book as a gift for a new mom, or for yourself!

The Diaper Diaries- The Real Poop On A New Mom's First Year
by Cynthia L. Copeland
Workman Publishing
New York

Children's spring and summer hats- San Diego Hat Company has kids hats as well as great adult hats!

My favorite hat company is San Diego Hats!

glamping at Costanoa campground resort in Pescadero, CA and dine at Cascade Restaurant on site

In the fall we stayed at a cabin at the Costanoa resort in Pescadero,CA.  There is also a KOA that is adjacent to the resort.  We ate dinner at the Cascade Restaurant, which is available for all meals.  The meal was yummy but very expensive.

Hedgehog kitchen timer by Kikkerland

I got my son a Hedgehog kitchen timer at half price books in Concord, CA.  It was only $4.99.  I use it for timing how long he does homework, reading, etc.  It is a great teaching tool!

www.kikkerland.com

yummy soy free seasoning sauce- I use for stir fry chicken, tofu, steamed veggies, etc.

Coconut Secret Raw Coconut Aminos
Soy-free Seasoning
100% organic
Gluten free
www.coconutsecret.com
(415) 383-9800

This is a really yummy seasoning for stir frying or putting on steamed veggies!  Yum!

organic, uncured hot dogs for spring BBQ's

I found these organic, uncured hot dogs at Whole Foods.  These are great for BBQ's or camping.  They are also gluten and casein free.

Applegate
uncured stadium beef hotdogs
www.applegate.com

Recommended Toy- Kinetic Sand (Great for indoor fun, practicing writing letters, and just having fun!)

I am amazed by the choices of play sand these days!  When I was a kid, when you wanted to play with sand, you'd have to go to a beach or a sandbox, but now there all all these boxes of fancy sand!

There are a few kinds of sand that my son and I have tried out.  Kinetic sand has been really fun for my son because it is easier to mold than regular sand!

This is what the box says:

"Kinetic Sand is Waba Fun's first product that breathes motion.  Easy-to-shape sand that mold into simple desktop designs.  Playing with Kinetic is a magical and mesmerizing experience, giving a moment of relaxation for both young and old.   Kinetic sand is based on 98% pure sand.  The secret to the movement is our patented technology hidden within the binder.  The product conforms to safety  directives for the US and EU markets.  Kinetic is sensitive to water, for the best experience we recommend indoor climates where humidity levels are naturally lower than 60%.  If the compound gets wet, let it air dry and it will return to the same great texture as before.

Resources:

kinetic sand
item # 150-101
WABA Fun, LLC, PO Box 74
Erie, CO  80516
www.wabufun.com


I purchased this sand at THE ARK toy store on 4th Street in Berkeley, CA.  It was $15.99.

Living History - U.S. Civil War Reenactment at Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton, CA

Over the Memorial Day weekend, Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton (a small town in the Santa Cruz Mountains; Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is literally next door) hosts a U.S. Civil War reenactment.  Several hundred men and women dress up in period clothes and camp out on the railroad grounds for the weekend.  Participants reenact a skirmish several times daily, firing Civil War period rifles, cannon, and large guns.  The event is a lot of fun - particularly if you have any interest in history (or want the kids to have an interest).

The railroad is PACKED due to the large number of visitors for the event so get tickets in advance.  We recommend you bring earplugs or get some at the train depot - the cannon and large guns are VERY loud.

Family Game recommendation: Ravensburger Enchanted Forest by Ravensburger

I want to get this book and sit outside in the backyard and play it after a yummy BBQ!

Tony Wagner's 7 Survival Skills students need for future success

These are the 7 survival skills Tony Wagner discusses students need:

1.  Critical thinking and problem solving.

2.  Collaborative across networks and leading by influence.

3.  Agility and adaptability

4.  Initiative and entrepeneurship

5.  Effective oral and written communication.

6.  Accessing and analyzing information

7.   Curiosity and imagination.

Tony Wagner

Http://www.tonywagner.com/7-survival-skills

Children's Books recommended for Mother's Day 2015! These are my favorites this year!

A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams
(Caldecott Honor Book)
I have had this book for several years, and discovered it as a teacher, before I had my son.)

Because Your Mommy Loves You
by Andrew Clemens
( I got this for my son this Mother's Day and we have already read it several times!)

Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, CA- whale exhibit is open!

Happy Mother's Day! We went to Bubba Gump's at Pier 39 for lunch!

Berkeley Marina

Adventure Playground in Berkeley

Adventure Playground in Berkeley is a unique place for kids to play outdoors, work and build with tools including saws and hammers, climb, and use a zip-line.  Admission is free; they accept donations of wood and other building materials; parents sign a waiver before heading into the playground.

The zip-line:

Zoo Phonics Programs for preschool, grade K, grade 1, and beyond! I love this program!

When I taught kindergarden, I used the Zoo Phonics program and loved it!  It worked for most of the children as the program uses the different senses to learn phonics!  I especially loved the songs on the CD's!

Resource:

Zoo Phonics Products
http://www.zoo-phonics.com

4 Cats Art Studio in Berkeley/Kensington, CA- Recommended Art Program for elementary aged children

I have a friend whose daughter is an amazing artist, of course it could be a natural ability as her mother is a professional musician.  Yet, one thing that this  child does is attend the classes at the 4 Cats Art Studio in Berkeley, CA.  I haven't personally tried these classes yet, but am looking forward to enrolling my son in the fall!

Resource:

4 Cats Art Studio
http?//www.4cats.comberkeleyhills/
379 Colusa Avenue
Kensington, CA

Sight Words- Book for parents about learning Sight Words- 100 Words Kids Need to Read...

Many schools focus on memorizing sight words, but I personally think there are many parts of learning to read, and sight words are only one of them.  Some children don't need as much work on sight words as others, so each child is an individual in their learning.

I recommend this book as it gives lists, but the grades and ages children should learn these words is negotiable depending on what philosophy and school your child attends.

Some philosophies believe in learning sight words early, and others believe in waiting, I think it depends on the child.

100 Words Kids Need to Read by 1st Grade:  Sight Word Practice to Build Strong Readers by Terry Cooper

Recommended book for parents teaching reading: Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons

The book, Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons, by Siegfried Engelmann is a great resource to use when a child is ready for ready.  I love the way it is broken up into comprehensible parts.

Movie tonight at Subterannean Arthouse - Class Dismissed

Frustrated with the traditional school system, a family in L.A. pulls their two kids out of school and takes their education into their own hands.  Class Dismissed takes a fresh look at what it means to be educated in the 21st century and explores the rapidly growing movement of parents providing an education outside a classroom setting.

Class Dismissed
Subterranean Arthouse
2179 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA  94704

Mendocino Outside Science School- in Mendocino, CA

Child friendly TV show- Pit Bull and Parolees

My cousin introduced us to this show.  It is a great show to introduce children to the responsibility of owning a dog!

This program is extra special to us since my son's first dog was a beautiful black and white pit bull!  He was wonderful to my son!


AnimalPlanet.com/Pitbulls

Pit Bull and Parolees
Animal Planet

Rice Krispie treats- a treat I remember from my childhood!

I grew up in Michigan, and I spent  lots of time in the spring and summer having picnics by lakes, streams and rivers.  My mom would make Rice Krispie treats and we gobbled them up!

Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

What you need:
-3 Tablespoons of butter or margarine
-40 medium sized marshmallows (I now use the Whole Foods homemade marshmallows, but you can also use another variety.)
-6 cups of Rice Krispie or other rice crisp cereal

Making the Rice Krispies:

Heat butter until melted, by stovetop or microwave.  If using microwave, heat butter in large microwavable bowl for 45 seconds on high.  Add marshmallows, toss to coat.  Either heat butter and marshmallows in microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds or heat on stovetop, until mixture is well blended.  If heating in microwave, stir after 45 seconds.

Add cereal immediately, mix well.  Press into greased 13 X 9 -inch pan.  Cool completely.

Cut into 12 squares.

Other recipes at JETPUFFED.com

USS Hornet, Alameda,CA

The USS Hornet is a spectacular place to visit with your child!  We have a membership so go several times a year!

Some extra toys and books my son plays with after visiting the hornet:

Matchbox toy, Skybusters Aircraft carrier
R0778

Matchbox toys, set of 4 aircraft
-Sky Force
-Sky Knife
-Vertibird
-Cessna Caravan
(From Handlebar Toys, $12.99)
(This toy is not appropriate for children under 3)

Role Play Sets- so much fun for 3 to 6 year olds (and even seven year olds!)

My son loves the Melissa and Doug role play sets!  We've used them for Halloween and also for dressing up other times!  He's seven now and still occasionally uses them for play, so we need some older children dress up clothes!

Role Play Sets
Pretend Playtime is exciting with role play sets!  Each durably constructed role play set is machine washable, and fully equipped with realistic, functional play accessories  for years of active, creative play.  Each set is for enhancing imagination of any boy or girl.

Melissa & Doug, LLC
P.O. Box 590
Westport, CT  06881
www.MelissaAndDoug.com
1-800-284-3949

Some examples:

Doctor
Veterinarian
Police Officer
Fire Chief
Hair Stylist
Knight
Construction Worker
Pirate
Train Engineer
Chef

Gold Mining, 2015

My son has been learning to gold mine.  There is a cool store in Auburn, CA that has anything you would ever need for the sport!

S & W Mining, Auburn, CA

Prospector's Gold Pick
$14.95
by Stansport
www.stansport.com

Camping List 2015

Here are some things for this summer's camping:

Glow Sticks-  My son loved these last year as children were running around the KOA
These can be worn!
Amscan Inc.
Elmsford, NY
www.Amscan.com

2 Jumbo Laundry Bag
100% Polyester, for holding dirty clothes or wet swimsuits.
by room essentials
Target

Portable coffee maker (non glass)
I haven't figured this one out yet
Maybe french press

Portable kitchen that folds up like a suitcase (a friend told me about this!)

tent

sleeping bags

air mattress

beach towels

swimsuits

walkie talkies

Flashlights, small and large
(Last year I bought my son a Thomas and Friends small flashlight at the KOA shop for $8.75
MIK#004-0813- www.thomasandfriends.com)

dog collars, food, bones, etc.

Food:

organic marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers and sticks

seasoning, such as Coconut Secret Raw Coconut Aminos

Making homemade veggie, California rolls, and regular sushi

I first learned how to roll my own California rolls years ago when I was single and without children.  I learned the art from John and Marty in San Diego, dear friends who are partners who I met in Europe.  My son was delighted when I shared this gift of sushi making with him!

Ingredient recommendations:

Emerald Cove Organic Pacific Sushi Nori, for wrapping rolls

Organic California Sushi Rice, by Lundberg Family Farms
Richvale, CA
www.lundberg, com

Brown Rice Vinegar

To be continued.......

Favorite songs-My son's 2015 playlist, favorite new and old songs

His list:

-Castle of glass, Lincoln Park
-Sweet Home Alabama, Lynard Skynard

To be continued.........

Spring picnic ideas and snacks

Spring is here and it is time for snacks, teas, and picnics in the  park!

Here are some snacks that are easy to pack:
- Annie's Homegrown Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, summer strawberry flavor.

-Barbara's Cheese Puffs, made with non GMO corn

-Late July Organic Mini Cheddar Cheese crackers

-Newman's Own Organics Thin Sticks Pretzels

-Horizon Organic cheese sticks

-grapes, apples

-Mt. Sterling Co-op Creamery, raw goat milk mild cheddar cheese
www.buymtsterlinggoatcheese.com
1-866-289-4628

Easy take-out ideas:

Fresh Challah from Grand Bakery, kosher.  3264 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA
(510) 465-1110

Roam Burger Restaurant in Lafayette, CA has all grass fed burgers and shakes, and salads.  Lafayette Reservoir is really close!

Sweet Bar Bakery, Oakland, CA- yummy cheese pizza, best in area!

La Primavera in Martinez, CA has yummy takeout Mexican food and handmade corn tortillas.  Martinez Shoreline Park is close to this restaurant.

Whole Foods Markets has great takeout selections.  I like the hummus and dolmas!

Market Hall in Rockridge has a huge selection of picnic items and is close to Frog Park.

La Panotiq Bakery Cafe in Livermore, CA.  This place is walking distance from the Bankhead theater!

desserts:

Lucy's gluten free, nut free, vegan chocolate chip cookies in individual packets
Dr.lucys.com

Recommended gluten free pastas

I found a yummy new gluten free pasta.  It is both gluten and corn free.

Resource:

Andean Dream
Quinoa Pasta
Gluten and Corn Free Shells
100% organic and kosher

Edison
Organic Quinoa Penne
Gluten Free
Edison Grainery
Emeryville, CA  94608
edisongrainery.com

Jovial Gluten Free
Brown Rice Pasta
with Organic Brown Rice
www.jovialfoods.com

Field Day Organic Wheat Free and Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti
100% organic brown rice
www.fielddayproducts.com

RP's Pasta Company
gluten free linguini
RPSPasta.com
(I get ours from Village Market in Oakland, CA)

Recommended Dance studio for children: Kids n' Dance in Oakland and Lafayette, CA

The Kids n' Dance Studio offers mostly children's classes, with a few adult classes.  They have a wide range of classes such as gymnastics, modern, tap, jazz, musical theater, and hip hop.  There are classics for both boys and girls, though the classes such as ballet have more girls.  Classes range in age from young children to teenagers.

I have never had my child take a class here yet, though I looked on the website and discovered they offer free trials, so I am going to try a class this month!

Resource:

Kids N' Dance
3369 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA
94549
(925) 284-7388

Kids N' Dance
3840 Macarthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA  94619
(510) 531- 4400

Classic Car Show at Jack London Square

We had a great time walking around the Classic car show at Jack London Square.  Here are some pictures of a few of the cars at the event: