The Marin Scoop: April 2011

April 27th: How To Have A Royal Wedding Tea Party & local Tea Parties happening this weekend

The Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton is taking place this Friday and I am super excited to get into the spirit of this joyous occasion! You can make it into a play date by grabbing a group of friends and enjoying “Royal Wedding Tea Party”. Read more below about ideas on costume, deco, food and drink.

Talking of tea parties…the ‘Mad Hatter’s Spring Tea Party’ will be taking place this weekend at Falkirk House in San Rafael, and ‘The Petaluma Mother’s Club Spring Tea’ will be on Sunday afternoon.

“One lump or two?”

Weekend Events

Saturday April 30^th

‘Cat in the Hat and Friends’ at 11.00 – 11.45 am, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd, Novato; http://marinlibrary.org

A reading of Dr.Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat” book with dramatic storyteller Tracey Tate.

‘The New Village School Rummage Sale’ at 9.00 – 4.00 pm, the New Village School, 100 Ebbtide, Sausalito, tel; 415 331 4483

Rummage through baby gear, children’s toys, dolls/collectables, clothes and furniture.

‘Spring Clean Flea Market’ from 8.00 – 2.00 pm, Terra Linda Community Center, 670 Del Ganado Road, San Rafael.

Come see what gems you can find at the flea market.

Saturday April 30^th & Sunday May 1^st

‘Mad Hatter’s Spring Tea Party’, two sittings at noon and 3.00 pm both days, Falkirk House, 1408 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, Must make reservations by calling 485-3333; $27.50 for adults, $22.50 for children, includes goodie bag; http://www.falkirkculturalcenter.org

Enjoy a tea party with Alice, the March Hare, Door Mouse and the Mad Hatter complete with tea sandwiches, hot chocolate and desserts. Enjoy the theatrical company of characters in original costume from the Stark Ravens Historical Players, as they entertain in Falkirk’s elegant Victorian setting.

Sunday May 1^st

‘Petaluma Mother’s Club 9^th Annual Spring Tea’, from 1.00 – 4.00 pm, Petaluma Golf & Country Club, 1500 Country Club Drive, Petaluma, Tickets; $30; http://www.petalumamothersclub.org

Bring your mom, sister and friends to an afternoon of food and fun to benefit the Petaluma Mother’s Club. There will be live music, silent auction, a raffle and gift bags. The Tea will consist of mimosas, tea sandwiches, chocolate fountain and other treats.

‘Jerusalem Marketplace’ from 12.00 – 1.30 pm, Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave, Mill Valley, free; http://www.gbgm-umc.org

Come and take in the sights, sounds and tastes of a busy marketplace in Jesus’ time. There will be authentic food, crafts, dancing and games for all ages.

Play Date Idea – A Royal Wedding Tea Party

I remember my sister and me dressing up and reenacting Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding back in 1981, so I am super excited about the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton this Friday. It is great that so many Americans are getting into the spirit of the occasion, and a fun idea would be to turn it into a play date this week. Get a group of your mommy friends together to have a Royal Wedding themed tea party!

As the wedding ceremony will be taking place in the early hours of the morning, you could show the recorded televised version over breakfast together! We are expecting good weather in Marin this Friday so take it outside and host a traditional English garden party. The party could have a “Prince & Princess” costume theme for the children, and ask the moms to get into the spirit too by wearing a hat (sun, wedding, tiara or crown).

It is easy to make some British themed decorations for the party such as ‘Union Jack’ flag bunting to hang in the garden or round the house using paper or fabric, or decorate with red, white and blue garlands, flags or balloons.

The food can be simple English style breakfast sandwiches such as sausage, egg or bacon “butties” with tomato ketchup or ‘HP Sauce’ dips, or smoked salmon and cream cheese…these might be tastier than the traditional English cucumber tea sandwiches! Also toasted English muffins or crumpets with melted cheese would be good too!

These can be washed down with cups of English Breakfast black tea, served in a warmed teapot of course. Wedding flutes of orange Juice or mimosas, a fruit punch perhaps or my personal favorite drink is a refreshing mix of apple juice and ginger ale with fresh mint, squeeze of fresh limes and slices of cucumber. Delicious!

Depending on the children’s ages, a Royal Wedding craft table could be set up for decorating flags, crowns or even cupcakes with red, white and blue decorations, feathers, candy etc.

Decorated cupcakes with a British theme are a fun dessert option, or maybe an English ‘Victoria Sponge’ cake can be decorated with strawberries and blueberries in the shape of the Union Jack flag on top. Fruit scones with English clotted cream and fruit jam are popular, or bite size English cakes like ‘Bakewell Tarts’ and mini apple pies. Serve plates of English biscuits (cookies) like Cadbury’s ‘chocolate Digestives’, ‘Mini Chocolate Fingers’, or ‘Hob Knobs’. Other traditional English desserts include ‘Spotted Dick’ pudding (Heinz do a canned version) or a homemade ‘Trifle’ pudding which consist of layers of lady fingers on the bottom, fruit set in Jell-O in the middle and whipped cream on top with sprinkles and grated chocolate served in a large bowl. You can simplify this by offering fresh strawberries or fruit flavored “jelly” (Jell-O) served with vanilla ice cream or cream.

You can find most of these ingredients in ‘World Food Market’ and the British sections of some supermarkets.

Have fun with it and as the Brits say… enjoy “a jolly old knees up!”

Photos by Sophie & Adam Davies

Coming Soon…

I will be launching a ‘Weekly Calendar of Ongoing Baby Activities in Marin’ very soon, if there are any classes/activities that you would like me to include please let me know by leaving a message in the comments box:

Weekly Calendar of Ongoing

Toddler Activities in Marin

Monday

10.00 - 12.00 pm - 'Power Play' at Cal Star Gym, 70 Digital Drive, Novato

10.00 - 10.30 am - Kid's Story Time Club, Pharmaca, 7514 Redwood Blvd, Novato

10.00 – 10.30 am – Book Babies, San Anselmo Library, 110 Tunstead Ave Town Council chamber

10.30 – 11.15 am – ‘Music Together of Marin’, The Parent’s Place, 600 Fifth Ave, San Rafael

3.00 – 5.00 pm – Crawlers Camp (up to 23 months) at Stretch the Imagination, 47 Tamal Vista Blvd

10.00 - 6.00 pm - 'Jump n Bounce’, 718 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo (every day)

Tuesday

9.30 – 10.45 am – Baby Bounce Story time – Larkspur Library, 400 Magnolia Ave, 1^st Floor

10.00 – 10.30 am - ‘Baby Bounce’ Story time at Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd

9.30 – 10.30 am - ‘Jumping Jacks’ (up to 24 months) at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.30 – 11.30 am - ‘Jumping Jacks’ (24 months & up) at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.00 – 11.30 am - ‘Play date for 2 and under’ at The Parent’s Place, 600 Fifth Ave, San Rafael

10. 00 – 11.00 am – ‘Little Soccer Club’ (3 – 5yrs) until Apr 5th, MLK Gym, 610 Colma Street, Sausalito

10.15 - 10.45 am - 'Music Circle' (walkers up to 3 1/2), at The Parents Center, Heller's Store, 514 4th Street, San Rafael

11.00 - 11.30 am – ‘Book Club Story Time’ at ‘Pottery Barns Kids’ store, Corte Madera Village

11.30 – 12.00 pm – ‘Jamaroo Kids’, Terra Linda Community Center, 670 Del Ganado Road, San Rafael

3.30 – 4.15 pm – ‘Doodler’s Craft Time, Terra Linda Clubroom, 670 Del Ganado Road, San Rafael

Wednesday

10.00 - 12.00 pm - 'Indoor Power Play' at Cal Star Gym, 70 Digital Drive, Suite 3, Novato

10.00 -10.30 am – Music Together, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

9.30 – 12.30 pm – Playgroup Drop in (until June 11^th) Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax

10.15 - 10.45 am - ‘Music Circle’ (walkers up to 3 1/2), The Parents Center, Heller’s, 514 4th St, San Rafael

11.30 - 12.00 pm - ‘Music Circle’ (infant to walkers), The Parents Center, Heller’s, 514 4th St, San Rafael

10.00 - 10.45 am - Fun & Funky (age 2 - 4), Fairfax Community Center,

10.30 - 11.30 am – Adventure Club Drop in Play, MLK Gym, 610 Colma Street, Sausalito

11.00 - 11.30 am – Story Time at Giggle Store, Corte Madera Village

11.00 -11.30 am – Preschool Story Time, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd

3.00 – 5.00 pm – Crawlers Camp (up to 23 months) at Stretch the Imagination, 47 Tamal Vista, Corte Madera

Thursday

9.30 – 12.30 pm – Playgroup Drop in (until June 11^th) Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax

9.30 – 12.30 pm – Playgroup Drop in (until June 11^th) Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax

11.00 am & 12.00 pm – Bookmobile presents Story Time at the Farmers Market, The Civic Center, 3501 Civic center Drive, San Rafael

10.00 - 12.00 pm - 'Indoor Power Play' at Cal Star Gym, 70 Digital Drive, Novato

9.30 – 10.30 am - ‘Jumping Jacks' (up to 24 months) at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.30 – 11.30 am - ‘Jumping Jacks' (24 months & up) at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.15 -10.45 am – Toddler Story time (2-3 yrs.), Mill Valley Library, 375 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley

10.30 – 11.00 am – Story Time at San Rafael Library, 618 B Street, San Rafael

11. 00 – 12.00pm – ‘Mommy & Me- In the Garden’ (1 – 4 yrs. until June 9^th), Landmarks Art & Garden center, 841 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon

11.00 - 11.30 am - Story Time at Barnes & Noble, 313 Corte Madera Center

3.30 - 4.00 pm - 'Stories with Phil Sheridan', Sausalito Library, 420 Litho Street, Sausalito

Friday

9.30 - 11.00 am - Art for You and Me, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

9.30 – 12.30 pm – Playgroup Drop in (until June 11^th) Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax

9.30 – 10.15 am – Doodlers Craft Time, Terra Linda Club Room, 670 Del Ganado Road, Terra Linda

10.00 – 10.30 am – Intro to Ballet, Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax (until July 6^th)

10.30 - 11.30 am - Story Time with Sara Sonnet, San Rafael Library, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.30 – 12.00 pm – Jumping Jacks, Strawberry Recreation District, 118 Strawberry Drive, 2^nd floor gym

10.30 – 12.00 pm – Free Playgroup (Under 5), Marin Head Start, 610 Drake Ave, Marin City

April 19th: The Parent's center Re-location & Easter Events Happening This Weekend!

There is so much going on this Easter weekend, with various Easter Bunny breakfasts and egg hunts happening all over Marin on Saturday. There will also be the Easter Parade on Union Street in San Francisco on Sunday.

This week I share a news story about the fantastic parenting resource ‘The Parent’s Center’ who offered so much support to me during the first 12 months of my son’s life. They will be re-locating in May and have a new ‘Music Circle’ website and CD to enjoy!

Weekend Events

Saturday April 23^rd

‘Breakfast with Bunny & Egg Hunt’, from 10.00 am, Marinwood Park & Community Center, 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael, $6 per person for breakfast; http://www.marinwood.org/events.aspx

Free Easter egg hunts split into different age groups starts at 10.00 am and then a breakfast with the Bunny will be served at the Community Center afterwards.

‘Breakfast with Mr. & Ms. Bunny’ from 9.00 am – 11.00 am, Corte Madera Recreation Center, 300 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, $10 per adult & $6 per child; http://www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us

Both the Easter Bunny & Ms. Bunny will be on hand for pictures and handing out eggs. The buffet breakfast includes eggs, pancakes, chorizo, taters, juice, coffee and milk from 9.00 – 11.00am.

‘Easter Bunny Breakfast’ from 9.00 – 10.00 am, The Village at Corte Madera, address, due to limited seating RSVP by calling The Village Concierge at (415) 924-8921,$5 per person; http://www.villageatcortemadera.com

Easter Bunny breakfast at The Cheesecake Factory for children of all ages, will donate $5 per person to benefit ‘Special Olympics Marin’. Music provided by Lori & RJ, and balloon animals from Oliver Twist and Buki the Clown.

‘Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at Memorial Park’ from 11.00 am, Memorial Park, 1000 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, free; http://www.sananselmochamber.org/insights.html

Traditional egg hunt for children 7 and under, with a fair, youth activities, puppet show and magical performances.

‘Easter Egg Hop’ from 12.00 – 4.00 pm, San Anselmo Avenue, Downtown San Anselmo.

Hunt for all the colored eggs hidden in participating shops on San Anselmo Avenue starting at the Town Hall and finishing at party shop ‘Felice!’, and enter draw to win goody bags.

‘Easter Egg Coloring – Marin Style” from 9.00 am – 2.00 pm, Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur; http://marincountrymart.com/calendar

The farmer’s Market is offering complimentary Easter egg dying using pastured eggs and natural vegetable dyes. The eggs are provided by local farmer ‘Rolling Hills Ranch’ which produces eggs with 20 times more healthy omega-3 fatty acids, a fun activity that is also good for you!

‘Spring Faire’ from 10.00 – 12.30 pm, Strawberry Recreation District, 118 East Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley, $8 per child and adults are free; http://strawberry.marin.org/events.html

All ages are welcome to bounce, hop and jump into the season at the Annual Spring Faire. Play carnival games, decorate spring bags, ride the train and bounce the jumpy house. Get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and then follow him to the candy hunt. This event will go on rain or shine.

‘Annual Fairfax Egg Hunt’ at 10.00 – 12.00 pm, Bolinas Park, 124 Bolinas Road, Fairfax; http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/

Egg hunt for children 8 and younger in Bolinas Park starting at 10.00 am, and music provided by James K from 11.00 am – noon.

‘Easter Bunny Brunch’ from 10.00 – noon, Belvedere Community Center, 1505 Tiburon Blvd, Suite A, Tiburon, $10 per person included brunch & egg hunt, children 1 and under are free, purchase tickets at 415 435 4355; http://www.btrecreation.com/

Tickets include a continental brunch, Easter crafts, music, face painting, carnival games and the Easter egg hunt (spilt into age groups) will be taking place in the playground.

‘31^st Annual Spring Easter Egg Hunt’ ’ from 100.00 – 12.00 pm, Dunphy Park (at Napa and Bridgeway), address, free;

The Easter parade will start at 10.00 am at the corner of Johnson and Caledonia Street and end up at Dunphy Park, with an egg hunt starting at 10.15 am. There will be an Easter bonnet contest at 11.00am, and live music from 10.30 am.

‘Mariela Herrera’ at 11.00 – 11.45 am, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd, Novato, free; www.marinlibrary.org

Celebrate the “15^th Children’s Day/Book Day” with Chilean storyteller and singer, Mariela Herrera, and enjoy stories, singing and playing musical instruments.

Sunday April 24^th

‘Easter Parade & Spring Celebration’ from 10.00 – 5.00pm, Union Street, San Francisco; http://www.unionstreetsf.com

San Francisco’s only Easter parade and Spring Celebration is taking place this Sunday, families can enjoy local restaurant al fresco dining while you watch the parade starting at 2.00pm. Children’s activities will include pony rides, face painting, bubble jumps, train rides and entertainers such as stilt walkers. There will also be an Easter bonnet contest, and vintage car display.

News Story

The Parents' Center; Parents & Parents-to-Be Resource Center, San Rafael.

Becoming a parent for the first time is an overwhelming experience, especially once the paternity leaves ends, the family help go home and the well-wishers stop calling. Just the two of you are setting sail on a voyage of sleep deprived vulnerability and inexperience. You have so many questions about motherhood and the need to connect with other moms going through the same thing. I found myself in this situation when my son was five weeks old, and that was when I found my savor...in the form of ‘The Parent’s Center’. A resource center set up by the lovely Georgia Montgomery whom I met during baby classes she teaches at a hospital in San Rafael.

I attended the Parent’s Center’s very first ‘mom’s group’ and met a circle of moms who would become my close mommy friends, regular sounding board and more importantly… my sanity!

The Parent’s Center is an online resource dedicated to providing families in and around the Marin County with referrals for education and support to improve the health and well-being of their families. The center was set up by founder and program director Georgia Montgomery who teaches various classes including an infant/child CPR and choke saving class. She also teaches at The Parent’s Place in San Rafael. Georgia is joined by Margie King; volunteer lactation consultant, Emily Schaffer; volunteer coordinator and postpartum doula, and Korin Weir; assistant program director and lactation educator. They make up a warm group of women who offer great support and advice to the Parent’s Center community.

Since February 2009 The Parent’s Center have been situated above the children’s store ‘Heller’s’ in San Rafael, but classes will be re-locating to the UU Marin Church at the beginning of May. The new Mom’s Group will be moving to Tuesdays and will be starting at the new venue.

Georgia also hosts a wonderful ‘Little Music Circle’ that will start there on May 25^th. The music class is unique – and not a franchise, the three weekly classes are specifically developed for infants through to 3 ½ toddlers to help stimulate language and interactivity. You can listen to the music and purchase their CD from the website; www.littlemusiccircle.com

Check out their website; www.theparentscenter.com for a full schedule of classes and more information.

Address:

- Prior to May 25^th (music circle) and May 31st (mom's group) are located at:

The Parent’s Center at Heller’s, 514 Fourth Street, San Rafael

- Beginning May 18th classes will be located at:

UUM Church (The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin), 240 Channing Way, San Rafael.

Tel: (415) 608 8308 Email:Georgia@theparentscenter.com