How to Keep Cool Today...

Trying to keep cool today??? Head towards water! There are plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz like the Boardwalk, the beach, Capitola and it is only about an hour away. But, of course, you have traffic, the effects of the fires (latest one was 50% contained as of this am) and still a high of 92 degrees, but you have a breeze and the water! In SF, where the high is only expected to be 85 degrees, Ghiradelli Square will have free ice cream sundaes at 4pm and there are plenty of stores, museums and parks to enjoy the day and stay cool. Or you could head to nearby Stinson Beach or Sausalito too for a picnic and great scenery. Other options: Half Moon Bay is always cool and the downtown Main Street is fun to stroll, grab a sandwich and window shop. If the kids need to play and splash in the water, the nearby beaches are happy to facilitate! Less obvious options: Alameda shoreline, Mountain View shoreline, Quarry Lakes, Fremont, Vasona Park, Los Gatos. There are also numerous parks with water elements - Campbell Central Park, San Ramon Central Park and many others. And, don't forget that Chabot Science Center has Family Day today...air-conditioned entertainment! Whatever you do, enjoy and keep cool!

Green Mom Finds on GE Foods

GE (or genetically engineered) foods, also called GMOs, are addressed on the green mom finds web site - http://greenmomfinds.com/. There hasn't been much written or reported on GE food, but it is really a huge industry. The top four items that are genetically engineered: corn, soy, canola and cotton. There are a few good DVDs and books on this subject. I have seen a powerful DVD called The Future of Food which was fascinating and scary all at once. The EU doesn't allow any GE foods nor does Japan. They are watching the US to see what the outcome of this GE will produce in a decade or more down the road....not such a good feeling to be the guinnea pig of the franken-foods! So, beware! And, more pesticides are used for GE foods. There is a good snapshot guide to GE foods on the green mom finds site which reminds you that organic foods are never GE foods so that once again, organics are the way to go if you want to stay away from GE foods. These days, we are all more educated and aware of the food we eat and the eco friendly way to grow and eat that food. Information is key. Keep researching and reading. That is the only way you can make the best decisions for yoru family.

Free Family Fun Day at Chabot Space and Science Center

June 21st is Family Fun Day at the Chabot Space and Science Center - they are celebrating their 125 years and it means admission is FREE! What a great way to learn about the stars, organic matter and much more! I was hoping to join the masses there but we will be celebrating Midsummer at Sveadal which we do every year. So, we will have to check it out some other time. Olivia's school is studying space and the stars this month, so she is definitely ready for the Space Center! Enjoy this fun day!

Children's Fairyland in June

Children's Fairyland in Oakland at Grand and Bellevue Avenues, will have daily puppet shows, arts and crafts and children's theater performances each weekend through June. I have never been there but plan on heading up one of these weekends. It sounds great, especially for 3-8 year olds! Entrance is $6 for ages 1-100 and under 1 is free. On the 3rd weekend of June, July and August, Target will sponsor the exploration of a different culture's stories and arts and crafts, geared for young children. They also host birthday parties. Check it out at http://www.fairyland.org/ or call 510-238-6878.

How to Raise a Successful Child - According to the Experts

There was an interesting program on The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch last week about successful children and how to raise them. There were a handful of panelists with somewhat differing ideas but some similarities too. Troy Dunn was one of the guests and he has written a book about it, not to mention living it with 7 children of his own. He think it is healthy to give them incentive to win early as this is how life is and otherwise you are shielding them from it. Kimberly Spinks Burleson was also on the show and talked about the influence her father had and how she influences her children to succeed. Dr. Koplewicz, a psychiatrist, has his own top 10 list of how to raise successful children including taking time with your kids, share your stuggles, let kids make mistakes. And, Donnie himself, seemingly based on the collective info from the panelists, has The Ultimate Playbook for Raising Your Kids for Success. Always interesting to hear what the "experts" say and then adapt it according to the very personal needs of your own children. Take a look and make your own assessment...http://www.cnbc.com/id/24856934 - another article to add to your parenting playbook!

Baby Tip for Teething - Bath Toys

I have a 9 month old that just got her lower incisors and has been biting everything! I have given her teething rings but she only seems mildly interested by them. One thing that I happened to notice works well though, which makes perfect sense - RUBBER BATH TOYS! She loves chewing on the little rubber animals and it seems to calm her down. So, if you haven't already thought of this, just a little tip!