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May 17, 2012
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This Week's Highlights!

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day last Sunday.  It was nice to have a day to relax a bit before all the end of the school year events and activities that seem to flood our calendars over the next few weeks.  Kids will be off school soon and that means they may have a lot of free time on their hands.  If you haven't signed up your kids for a summer camp yet, check out our Summer Camp Guide so you won't be hearing your ...


More Giveways for Mom - Stroller Strides!

Subscribers can enter to win a 10 class pass!

We know that the life of a mom is one of great reward as well as intense dedication and hard work. It can be difficult to find the time to take care of yourself when children's needs are at hand. Stroller Strides® gives moms the opportunity to take care of themselves while still spending time with their little one. 


Stroller Strides® Walnut Creek classes provide a fitness program that includes power walking, strength training, and toning exercises. Your class will be taught by Reyna, a trained and certified Stroller ...


Subscriber Giveaway - Yogaworks!

Enter to win a Yogaworks Gift Certificate!

As Moms, we often don't take time for ourselves for such things as yoga.  I think we all know deep down that spending time exercising, reading, relaxing, socializing, etc. offers us benefits that will extend into other areas of our lives, including parenting.   

Yogaworks in Walnut Creek offers a variety of yoga and pilates classes from beginner to more advanced. Classes are taught as early as 6am and as late as 8pm at night and are offered seven days a week. Yogaworks is located at 1131 Locust St., 2 ...


Sunscreen Tips and Facts!

We all know how important sunscreen is, but thought I’d share a few tips and facts with you all!

While sunscreen is important to use year round, we tend to spend a lot more time outdoors in the sunshine during the summertime, so be prepared! 

Create a morning routine for yourself AND your kids that includes a first coat of sunscreen. For my kids, I use a non-oily moisturizer with a 30 SPF on them after they brush their teeth each morning. Then before they go outside, I apply ...


Together Counts

Helping Families Achieve Healthier Lifestyles Together!










At the core of Together Counts’ (link to www.togethercounts.com) message is the concept of moderation and energy balance – balancing the calories you consume with the calories you burn Let’s face it; getting the family all together to share regular meals or activities isn’t as easy as it used to be. Balancing hectic work schedules, after school activities and other social engagements with quality family time has become a job unto itself. Together Counts understands and has been helping families across the country solve these dilemmas by ...

Marble Painting Craft

Supplies:
  • Marbles
  • Tempura Paint
  • egg carton
  • spoon
  • shallow box

This was a fun and easy art project that my kids and our friends did at the park one day.  Both the younger and older kids had fun with this activity.  We first set up all the paint colors into the egg carton then placed a marble in each color.   A Facebook fan of our suggested using acorns, rocks, whatever nature is around you.  Such a great suggestion!  I think next time we'll try it with rocks that the kids ...

Macaroni Recipes

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Summer and pasta salad go hand in hand in this house. I LOVE having the ease of having a chilled pasta salad waiting for us in the fridge when we get home from the pool or zoo or whatever we have done that day. Add the benefit that there is no cleaning dishes and I can’t think of a better quick meal! We eat so much pasta salad, however, that I have had to come up with variations so that we don’t get bored with our typical “family ...


Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Get Ready for Spring and Summer Bargains!

Get ready Tri-Valley, Just Between Friends is coming May 19-20 to the Alameda County Fairgrounds.  It’s a bargain paradise!   If you've never heard of it - Just Between Friends is a consignment event for maternity and children’s items.  Kids grow fast!  As a mom of 3, I know how expensive it is to get the clothes your kids need and want.  Your bank account doesn’t have to suffer with the Just Between Friends event right around the corner!  We will have tens of thousands of items 50-90 ...


Summer Camp Guide 2012

Summer will be here before you know it. Are you prepared? Check out our full 2012 Summer Camp Guide to find some great options to keep your kids busy and having fun and even learning this summer.
Click on the following camps for information about each camp:

California Summer Camps   Steve and Kate's Camps    Viva el Espanol Camps

Adventure Day Camp        Cal Youth Camps             Camp ARF

Galileo Learning - Summer Day Camps     Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District 

Sarah's Science - This Land is Your Land Summer Day Camps  

Walnut ...


This Week's Picks:

May 19th through May 23rd

Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20 - Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Get ready Tri-Valley, Just Between Friends is coming May 19-20 to the Alameda County Fairgrounds.  It’s a bargain paradise!   If you've never heard of it - Just Between Friends is a consignment event for maternity and children’s items.  . 
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds
When: 9:00 AM
Who: Parents, grandparents
How: Get all the details here.  Sat 6pm-9pm and Sunday - Half Price Sale
Cost: $2 admission, Saturday only.
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Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20 - Maker Faire

I am not sure how to describe this event even though I attended last year. The event is devoted to the art of "making" all sorts of things from as simple crafts to as complicated as building large robotic creatures.  There are all sorts of demos and hands on activities.  It is in San Mateo so it is not super close but check out the website, look at the schedule and see if there is something you and your family might enjoy - it is pretty cool!  Website
Where: San Mateo County Event Center, 2495 South Delaware St., San Mateo
When: 10:00 AM (Ends at 8pm Sat, 6pm Sun)
Who: Curious kids and adults
How: Just show up or buy tickets in advance
Cost: Prices start at $12.   Kids 3 and under free.  Check out the ticket options here - savings for online purchase.
For more info: Website
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Saturday, May 19 - May Festival - Walnut Avenue Community Preschool

The Walnut Avenue Community Christian Preschool in Walnut Creek is having its annual May Festival with  food, games, bounce house, train rides, trike riding, face painting, vendor booths, prize giveaways, silent auctions, music, Tai Kwon Do demo, puppet show, Walnut Creek Intermediate Glee Club performance etc.  This event is a fundraiser for this non-profit school.
Where: Walnut Avenue Community Christian Preschool 260 Walnut Avenue Walnut Creek
When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Open to all families
How: Just show up
Cost: $20 per child - unlimited games/bounce house bracelet or Individual tickets: $0.50. Each game will be from 1-3 tickets. Food: Hot Dogs, Mini burritos, juice, soda, water, cookies - all within $0.50-$1.00 price range. 
For more info: walnutavenue@sbcglobal.net
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Saturday, May 19 - Family Fun Carnival

Bring your 18 month to 7 years old to enjoy games, prizes, food, and a bake sale to benefit the Loma Vista Preschool and Early Childhood Program.
Where: Loma Vista Adult Center Playground, 1266 San Carlos Ave., Concord
When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Children ages 18 months to 7 years and their parents, caregivers
How: Just show up
Cost: Free admission, game tickets only 25 cents or 25 tickets for $5.  Your child will win a prize each time.  Food for purchase.
For more info: Website or (925) 685-7340
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Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20 - Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society's Show

Come see Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society's large HO scale model with standard gauge, narrow gauge and overhead electric freight and trolley lines.  This is a permanent 54 x 32 foot layout with complete with full scenery.  With normal conditions, one train on the mainline takes 45 minutes to complete a single circuit. 
Where: 2751 Buena Vista Avenue, Walnut Creek (next to Larkey Park)
When: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $3 ages 13 & up, $2 seniors and ages 6 - 12, under 6 free
For more info: Call 925-937-1888 or visit www.wcmrs.org
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Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20 - The World's Funniest Bubble Show

Come see the amazing bubble creations and bubbly music which make a fun outing for the whole family.  Some of these awesome creations will include spinning flying saucer bubbles, square bubbles filled with fog,  universe bubbles with orbiting planets and bubble chains that look like centipedes.  You might even get a chance to participate inside a bubble!
Where: The Marsh, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley
When: 11:00 AM (Doors open at 10:30 AM)
Who: Everyone
How: Purchase tickets HERE
Cost: $11 adults, $8 kids under 12.  Parties of 4 or more $8 per ticket.  All tickets purchases require a $1.50 service fee per ticket.
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Sunday, May 20 - Lindsay Museum Free Day

Enjoy learning about all the special inhabitants at the museum.  Free day is being sponsored by The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation.
Where: 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.wildlife-museum.org
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Sunday, May 20 - Animals on Broadway

ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) celebrates it's 12th year of Animals on Broadway.  Join the fun with your favorite pet at this free community event.  The event starts of with the Pet Walk at 10:30 (register from 8:30 - 10:00 am.  Join in the walk to raise money for ARF.  After the walk you and your pets can enjoy the vendor booths and a pet wellness fair.  The Pet Walk is a fundraiser to help with the care of the dogs and cats at ARF.
Where: Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
When: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone and their pets
How: Walk registration details
Cost: The Pet Wellness and Vendor Fair is free.  Walkers sign-up pledges to raise money for ARF
For more info: Website
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Sunday, May 20 - Lawrence Hall of Science presents: Fizz, Pop, Wow!

Kids will have hands-on fun learning about how to make the best bubble solution, fizzy solutions and inflate a balloon with a gas.
Where: Lafayette Library and Learning Center - Arts & Science Room, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
When: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Children ages 3 - 6 with participating adult
How: Pre-registration required by calling (510) 642-5134 or online.
Cost: $20 per child
For more info: Payments are non-refundable unless canceled by the presenter.  Call the Registration office for questions (510) 642-5134
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Wednesday, May 23 - OOh's, Ahs and Giggles Performances

May series of free family performances sponsored by the Martinez Restaurant Tour.  This week Randal McGee and Goark.
Where: Martinez City Hall Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta St.
When: 3:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here
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This Week's Calendar:

May 18th through May 23rd

Friday, May 18 through Thursday, May 24 - Library Storytimes & More

This month's Library Calendar for Lafayette, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Ygnacio Valley (WC).  For Clayton, Concord, Moraga and Orinda see link below.
Where: Locations vary
When: Times vary
Who: See class description for appropriate ages  
How: Just show up
Cost: Most events are free.  Occasionally, there will be a fee.
For more info: For Clayton, Concord, Moraga and Orinda libraries CLICK HERE.
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Saturday, May 19 - 2012 Peddler's Faire - Martinez

If you love shopping for antiques, this is one of the largest outdoor shows in northern California.  Over 50 vendors will be displaying antiques, collectibles, and arts & crafts.  There are also 13 antique and collectible stores in the downtown.  For a $5 donation to the Martinez Historic Society you can have up to three carry-in items evaluated by John Humphries, radio and TV collectibles talk show host and author. Come early to line up for a number and bring your old collectible item (no furniture).
Where: Downtown Martinez
When: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone 
How: Just show up
Cost: Parking and admission are free
For more info: More infromation here.
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Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20 - Art on the Main

Come enjoy musical entertainment as your browse arts and craft vendor booths.  Food will be available for purchase as well.
Where: Downtown Walnut Creek.  Entertainment will be located at the corner of Bonanza and Main Street.
When: 10:00 AM (Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm)
Who: Everyone 
How: Just show up
Cost: Free admission
For more info: Entertainment Schedule
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Saturday, May 19 - Free Craft - Rainbow-Colored Creatures

Bring the kids down to make a free craft - Rainbow-Colored Creatures
Where: Lakeshore Learning Center, 1929 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Free Craft Every Saturday)
Who: Kids
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Website
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Wednesday, May 23 - Storytime at giggle

Start a loving of reading early by joining giggle store in Walnut Creek for storytime every Wed. at 11:00 AM
Where: giggle store, 1359 North Main Street (between Cypress & Duncan) Walnut Creek
When: 11:00 AM (Every Wed. at 11:00 AM)
Who: Kids and caregiver
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: (925) 746-0300
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Wednesday, May 23 - Tales a Waggin'

Your child can read to a Corbu the Corgi, a certified the therapy dog, for 15 minutes.  Bring your own book or pick one out at the library.  Space is limited, sign-up at the front desk.
Where: Lafayette Library & Learning Center - Children's Room, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
When: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Kids
How: Sign up at the front desk - space is limited.
Cost: Free
For more info: Ann  (925) 385-2280
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Teen Scene:

May 18th through May 24th

Friday, May 18 - Contra Costa Teen Chess Club

New teen weekly chess club for instruction, matches and tournaments.  All levels welcome.
Where: Pleasant Hill Library - Baldwin Room, 1750 Oak Park Blvd.
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Ages 12 and up
How: Just show up.  Bring your own chess board if you have one.
Cost: Free
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Sunday, May 20 - Free Practice SAT Test

Free proctored exam, score report and analysis. 
Where: Lafayette Library and Learning Center - Homework Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
When: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: High School students
How: Register by calling Smart Cookie Learning (925) 297-5304 or online here.
Cost: Free
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Sunday, May 20 - Improve Your Chess Game - Monthly Chess Club

Monthly chess club for all ages and abilities.  Take instructions, get tips, or just find someone to play. 
Where: Lafayette Library and Learning Center - Library open space, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
When: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: (925) 385-2280
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Monday, May 21 - Teen Volunteer Training for Summer Reading Program

Do you love to read and the library?  Are you a teen looking for volunteer hours?  Apply for a volunteer posiion at the library this summer and attend this training session to learn more about how you can help with the Summer Reading Program.  Commitment is a 2 hour shift each week.
Where: Lafayette Library & Learning Center - Open Space, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
When: 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Who: Teens in middle school and up
How: Visit the library for an application
Cost: Free
For more info: Ann  (925) 385-2280
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Tuesday, May 22 - Teen Tuesday

Meet in the Teen Zone to play Wii, Playstation, and possibly even a board game.
Where: Walnut Creek Library - Teen Zone, 1644 N. Broadway
When: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Teens 12 -17
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Bill Kolb at (925) 977-3340
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Wednesday, May 23 - BAMWOW! Movie

Come on down after school for a movie.  Bring your own snacks.  
Where: Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Rd., Walnut Creek
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Kids in grades 4th - 8th
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: (925) 938-1481
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Wednesday, May 23 - Teen Volunteer Training for Summer Reading Program

Do you love to read and the library?  Are you a teen looking for volunteer hours?  Apply for a volunteer posiion at the library this summer and attend this training session to learn more about how you can help with the Summer Reading Program.  Commitment is a 2 hour shift each week.
Where: Lafayette Library & Learning Center - Open Space, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
When: 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Who: Teens in middle school and up
How: Visit the library for an application
Cost: Free
For more info: Ann  (925) 385-2280
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Thursday, May 24 - Wii Thursdays for Teens

Come to the Pleasant Hill Library and play Wii or board games.
Where: Pleasant Hill Library - Room A, 1750 Oak Park Blvd.
When: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Ages 12-17
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Heather Cummins  (925) 646-6434
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Plan Ahead:

May 25th through May 29th

Friday, May 25 - Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society's Show

Come see Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society's large HO scale model with standard gauge, narrow gauge and overhead electric freight and trolley lines.  This is a permanent 54 x 32 foot layout with complete with full scenery.  With normal conditions, one train on the mainline takes 45 minutes to complete a single circuit. 
Where: 2751 Buena Vista Avenue, Walnut Creek (next to Larkey Park)
When: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $3 ages 13 & up, $2 seniors and ages 6 - 12, under 6 free
For more info: Call 925-937-1888 or visit www.wcmrs.org
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Saturday, May 26 through Saturday, May 28 - Bay Area KidFest

3 days of family fun with live entertainment on 4 stages, activities and sports for kids, learning activities,  community groups, arts and crafts, and more.  15 rides include a ferris wheel, pony rides, EuroBungy trampoline and more for an additional charge.  Food will be available and the event is alcohol and smoke free.  
 
Where: Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord
When: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Kids, Everyone
How: Just show up.  Bring a can of food to save $1
Cost: $5 per person 24 months to 64 years old with a donation of a can of food for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano ($6 without can of food).  Parking $5 at Mt. Diablo High and Queen of All Saints schools.
For more info: http://www.bayareakidfest.com/
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Saturday, May 26 - Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic - Ice Cream Truck

Your child can make their own an Ice Cream Truck as part of Lowe's Build and Grow clinics.
Where: Your local Lowe's store.  Concord store is located at 1935 Industrial Way.
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Kids
How: Register here.
Cost: Free
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Saturday, May 26 - Concerts in The Grove

Come down to the Gazebo at The Grove in downtown Clayton for this twice monthly concert series through September.  This week Caravaserai, "The Santana Tribute Band" performs.
Where: The Grove, downtown Clayton
When: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up - parking very limited
Cost: Free
For more info: Schedule
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Sunday, May 27 - The World's Funniest Bubble Show

Come see the amazing bubble creations and bubbly music which make a fun outing for the whole family.  Some of these awesome creations will include spinning flying saucer bubbles, square bubbles filled with fog,  universe bubbles with orbiting planets and bubble chains that look like centipedes.  You might even get a chance to participate inside a bubble!
Where: The Marsh, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley
When: 11:00 AM (Doors open at 10:30 AM)
Who: Everyone
How: Purchase tickets HERE
Cost: $11 adults, $8 kids under 12.  Parties of 4 or more $8 per ticket.  All tickets purchases require a $1.50 service fee per ticket.
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Tuesday, May 29 - The Lizard Lady

The Lizard Lady brings iguanaz, geckos, skinks, pythos and other snakes to meet you.
Where: Pleasant Hill Library, 1750 Oak Park Blvd.
When: 6:30 PM
Who: Children ages 5 and up
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: Patric Remer  (925) 927-3235
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Local Resources

 


Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music

Save $3 per ticket

Mark your calendar for this once-in-a-lifetime event—monsters becoming musicians! Elmo, The Count, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Bert & Ernie and all their funny and furry friends are taking to the stage to share the magical world of music with children. When Jenny, the new Sesame Street music teacher, moves into town, her instruments get lost. Jenny’s new Sesame Street friends quickly come to her rescue, and they all discover "instruments" that they never knew existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids and even their own laps! The characters teach children ...

Kids Eat Free!

Here is a listing of area restaurants that offer free Kid's Meals with the purchase of adult meals.  Promotions change so it is a good idea to contact the restaurant ahead to ensure the promotion is still in effect.   This will be a regular  weekly feature in the newsletter. 

If you have a favorite restaurant that offers free kid's meals click on the comments and let us know what it is.  Thanks!  

Black Bear Diner - Kids eat free with if they bring their teddy bear on Tuesdays!

Walnut ...


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