Dec 6th: "Calm Down, Boris" Book Review & "Rue Magazine"

Happy New Year to you all!

This weekend the ice skating rink in Fairfax opens, also catch an interesting exhibit at the BADM featuring Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl that will help children learn about the natural resources that sustain our world. The book of the week is “Calm Down, Boris!” featuring a lovable furry monster that will make your children giggle!


I also feature the new digital 'Rue Magazine' which is a great lifestyle magazine that I love and wanted to share with you, enjoy!

Weekend Events

Saturday January 8^th

‘Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home’ from 10.00 – 5.00 pm, Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito (until January 16^th)

Join Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl in their pretend woodland, urban and stream settings that will teach children to care for the natural resources that sustain our world. Activities include the Itsy Bitsy Rain Garden, a ranger station, a campsite, also a pretend bridge and stream that illustrates the water cycle, the creatures that live in water and the importance of clean water to an ecosystem. Interesting stuff!

http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/tour-the-museum/special-exhibits/smokey-bear-woodsy-owl-home-sweet-home/

‘Ice Skating at the Pavilion’ from noon – 5.00 pm (every Sat until June 6^th) at Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax (next to Peri Park)

Ice skating on the faux ice rink for kids age 5 and up at the Fairfax Pavilion with refreshments, games and music!

http://www.fairfaxfocas.com/calendar/calendar_day/6968500/2011-1-8.htm

Sunday January 9th

‘Captain Jack Spareribs’ at 8.00 pm, The Osher Marin JCC, 200 N.San Pedro Road, San Rafael:

The Buddy Club presents Ace Miles whose multi-talented pirate character can juggle while making volunteers disappear and at the same time trying to escape from a straight jacket.

http://www.marinjcc.org/performing_arts_events_by_month.html

Book of the Week

‘Calm Down Boris’ by Sam Lloyd

This is a funny book that will make your child giggle, as it features a lovable monster called Boris who is a furry orange hand puppet that pops out of the book. This interactive book allows you to put your hand inside Boris to move his mouth and wiggle his jaw around to make funny kissing faces.

The story by Sam Lloyd takes you through a day in the life of Boris, a misunderstood monster that just loves to show his affection!

We start the day by helping Boris get ready for the park, by grooming him and checking his fur for bugs, which he loves so much that he thanks you with lots of kisses, to which you reply “Calm down Boris! It tickles.” After scooting to the park, Boris is hungry so the reader helps to feed him some of his picnic, which he enjoys so much that he nibbles your fingers. “Sorry” says Boris while smothering you with kisses, to which you reply; “Calm down Boris! Your kisses are too tickly!”

Boris wants to play with the other monsters at the park but he is so big and loud that the other monsters don’t want to play with him. Until a big scary dog jumps over the fence and makes the monsters run away and hide. But Boris likes the dog and try’s to kiss him all over which scares the dog away. The other monsters are so pleased that they all want to kiss Boris, no matter how tickly he is, “Kissy, kissy, well done Boris!”

A cute book that you can have lots of silly fun with, especially when you child needs some extra cheering up because “sometimes being big, kissy and tickly is exactly what’s needed!”




Mommy's Treats


Grab a coffee and something sweet then settle down with a great new digital magazine; "Rue Magazine" launched in September and is a home deco and lifestyle magazine that is visually wonderful and very inspiring! I love it!


www.ruemag.com

Weekly Calendar of Ongoing 

Toddler Activities in Marin

Monday

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

9.00 - 1.00 pm - 'Jack and Jill' indoor play space, 217 Western Avenue, Petaluma (every day)

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

(CLASSES ON HOLD AT THE MOMENT)

10.15 - 10.45 am - 'Music Circle', at The Parents Center, Heller's Store, 514 4th Street, San Rafael

(CLASSES ON HOLD AT THE MOMENT)

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

Wednesday

10.00 - 12.00 pm - 'Indoor Power Play' at Cal Star Gym, 70 Digital Drive, Suite 3, Novato (NEW START TIME)

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

10.15 – 10.45 am - ‘Music Circle’ (Under 1 yr),The Parents Center, Heller’s, 514 4th St, San Rafael 

(CLASSES ON HOLD AT THE MOMENT)

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, Corte Madera


Thursday

8.00 – 1.00 pm – Farmers Market, The Civic Center

10.00 - 12.00 pm - 'Indoor Power Play' at Cal Star Gym, 70 Digital Drive, Novato (NEW START TIME)

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 - 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


Friday

10.30 - 11.30 am - Story Time with Sara Bonnet, 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

'No Matter What' Book Review & 'Fresh Choice' in Novato Review

As November arrives we should embrace this week’s warm weather and get out and about to festivals, parks and other outdoor spaces before the sunshine disappears! You can take a look at my past play date ideas such as Tilden Park, Schoonmaker Beach, Marinwood and Terra Linda Park under the archive or popular posts sections.

This week I review a wonderful book that teaches children about unconditional love, and suggest somewhere to fill your kids up on healthy hot and cold food for a great price! Giving our kids nutritional food is so important and some parents have asked; “how can we get their kids to eat vegetables in a less obvious way?” I will start a forum for readers next week to offer tips and recipes, so please participate by emailing me recipes and advice at sophialdavies@gmail.com or leave tips in the comments box at the end.

Weekend Events

Friday November 5^th

‘Craft Fair’ from 11.00 – 8.00 pm, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael, free, call 415 485 3348.

Crafts for sale from over 60 vendors that will make great holiday gifts including jewelry, ornaments, gift baskets, holiday decorations, ceramics, and if you or a friend are expecting a baby over the winter there are great baby blankets and quilts. There is a café and bakery goods available too.

Saturday November 6^th

‘Marinwood Farmer’s Market’, Marinwood Plaza, corner of Miller Creek Road & Marinwood Avenue.

A small farmers market with local musicians playing most weeks, grab a delicious chocolate & pumpkin muffin from the bakery and a coffee from “Maddie’s Mud’ and watch the kids bouncing in the jumpy house.

‘Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy with the Brian Waite Band’ at 11.00 am, Bay Area Discovery Musuem, Fort Baker, Sausalito, child $10, adult $12, members $5; www.baykidsmuseum.org

A concert for age 1 & up in the Madison Square KinderGarten filled with funny props, antics and appearances by the Rocktopus, Harlin the wizard and reggae musician Skankin’ Ja Toddeh.

‘Prenatal Yoga’ every Saturday at 10.45 – 12.00 pm (until Jul 2^nd 2011), The Yoga Source, 1570 Fourth Street (at F St), San Rafael; www.theyogasource.net

Wendy Heneghan teaches women of all levels of yoga experience and stages of pregnancy. Your first class can be a drop in at $17, and then you can sign up for a five week class card ($75) to use throughout your pregnancy.

‘Marin County Parks K-9 Carnival’ from 11.00 – 1.00 pm, McInnis Park, 310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael

Take your family dog along to the first Marin County Parks K-9 carnival!

‘Ivy & Bean Celebration Day’, at 4.00 pm, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera: www.bookpassage.com

Author Annie Barrows will host an Ivy & Bean celebration at the store and read from the latest book; “What’s the Big Idea?”

‘Big Turkey’ Marin Food Bank from 9.00 – 9.00 pm til Dec 31^st, Town Center Corte Madera; www.shoptowncenter.com 
Every year children can enjoy feeding the giant turkey and donating canned, non-perishable food items and toiletries that will be distributed by the Marin Food Bank.

Sunday November 7^th

‘Children’s Garden – Haunted Harvest Fall Festival’ from 12.00 – 4.00 pm, Edna Maguire School, 80 Lomita Drive, Mill Valley; www.ednamaguire.org

Featured last week but rescheduled for this Sunday due to weather forecast, featuring a wicked tea party, witches brew stew-off, potion making, recycled sculpture contest and games such as barrel apple bobbing and wrap the mummy.

‘Family Sundays’ from 11.00 – 3.00 pm, 1^st & 3^rd Sunday of every month, SF MOMA, address, San Francisco

Explore art and create your own by getting hands-on with Mod-erators guide participatory art activities, book readings and movie screenings.

‘3^rd Annual Harvest Crafts Fair’ from 10.00 – 6.00 pm, Los Robles Community Clubhouse, 100 Roblar Drive, Novato; www.irnovato.com

Stock up on holiday gifts from over 30 vendors including toys, bath & body products, hand crafted ornaments, holiday wreaths and baked goods available.

                                                                                                                                             

Restaurant of the Week

Fresh Choice, 124 Vintage Way, Novato; www.freshchoice.com

Less of a restaurant review this week and more of a recommendation for a great place to fill the kids and yourself up on a budget, with a wide choice of healthy hot and cold food that is mostly local and organic!

Fresh Choice is located by the entrance of Vintage Oaks Shopping Center at the Rowland Way, Novato exit off Highway 101 so a great place to stop off for food on your way home from ‘Power Play’ at Cal Star in Ignacio, or if you are heading home from ‘Jack and Jill' in Petaluma, or even from a big shop at Target or Costco!

For under $9.00 you can purchase an adult or kid’s meal which will include as many trips to the various food bars as you wish and a cup to fill up at the water or soda machine. There is a wide choice at the cold salad bar such as various tossed green and pasta salads that I was very impressed with, some are also gluten free and low sodium, accompanied by various salad dressings. There are fresh tomatoes, cucumber, egg salad, humus, and endless vegetables like baby beets, peas, peppers, corn, olives and potatoes and mixes like their ‘Broccoli Obsession’ that has carrots, red onion, raisins, sunflower seeds, mayo and white vinegar. Unlike some salad bars they are regularly restocked so they don’t have that sad, wilted look about the food that you sometimes find at other places. It also has an allergen and health guide on the displays.

There is also a potato bar with either baked potatoes or yams that can be topped with sour cream, various butters, chives and cheese. There is a soup bar with five or six choices of soup or chili with crusty or garlic bread. My son’s favorite is the pasta bar with mac n’ cheese, spaghetti and other types of pasta or herbed rice with a marinara, meat or vegetable sauces. A great bakery and pizza bar with a minimum of four choices of pizza, slices of harvest bread, baguette, carrot or zucchini bread, lemon shortcake, and cornbread. If you still have room for desert you can fill your plate with a selection of fruit salad, fruit cobbler, peaches and cream pudding, bread pudding, sugar-free Jell-O or ice cream with sprinkles. I personally loved the amazing ‘Triple Decadent Chocolate Brownies’ that I couldn’t resist eating one…ok three!

This style of self-service makes it easier for the parents to control what their kids eat for lunch or dinner, and allows them to have a wider choice of food that they can pick and choose depending on what they are in the mood for that day. If they don’t want to eat the salad greens that you chose for them, then you can get pasta alternative without wasting any money that sometimes happens in a regular restaurant. The price is great value for money and will make you feel better about that big shopping spree you just did at Target!

Children’s Book of the Week

‘No Matter What’ by Debbi Gliori

I have a real soft spot for this children’s book, as it is a sweet and touching story about a child’s fear and confusion about a parent’s temporary absence. It is a good book to get if a parent in the household goes away on business trips or works late preventing them from being home every night for bedtime. As the author says…’it is a little book about big worries”.

It is a warm story about a little one trying to understand what unconditional love is, and features two foxes named ‘Small’, the child, and ‘Large’, the parent. It begins with Small feeling upset because Large is speaking on the phone while doing housework, so he sits in the corner with a bucket on his head to get attention. Large asks “what is the matter?” to which Small replies; “I’m grim and grumpy, and I don’t think you love me at all”. And so begins a series of questions like; “what if I was a grizzly bear, would you still care?”, or “if I turned into a squishy bug, would you give me a hug?” To which Large reassures that Small will always be loved and cared for no matter what; “I’d still hold you close and snug and tight, and tuck you up in bed each night.”

Small tries to understand scenarios such as; what do you do when love wears out or breaks, and can you can fix it like a toy? Finally Small asks where love goes when Large is far away; “Does your love go too or does it stay?” Large tells Small to look up at the moon and stars which are far, far away; “But their light reaches us at the end of each day.” As they cuddle at the window looking up at the sky Large tells Small; “It’s like that with love - we may be close, we may be far, but our love still surrounds us…wherever we are”.

I will admit that this book especially the ending has moved me to tears a few times, as not only is it a touching story but the illustrations are beautiful. They complement the story so well, and the both of you will also discover new little details in the pictures each time you read it together. I hope you enjoy it, and maybe your child will enjoy pointing and counting the twinkly stars on the last page before bedtime too.

Weekly Calendar of Toddler Appropriate Activities in Marin

Monday

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

10.00 -10.40 am - Toddler class at Studio 4 Art, 1133 Grant Avenue, Novato (until Dec17th)

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


9.00 - 1.00 pm - 'Jack and Jill' indoor play space, 217 Western Avenue, Petaluma (every day)


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

Tuesday

9.30 – 10.45 am – Baby Bounce Storytime – 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

10.15 - 10.45 am - 'Music Circle', 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

Wednesday

9.30 - 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

10.15 – 10.45 am - ‘Music Circle’ at The Parents Center, Heller’s store, 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 Storytime, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd

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

4.00 – 8.00 pm - Farmer’s Market, Bolinas Park, Bolinas Road, Fairfax


Thursday

8.00 – 1.00 pm – Farmers Market, The Civic Center (Puppet Show, balloon lady, Jumpy Houses & music)

9.30 - 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 Storytime, San Rafael Library, 1100 E St, San Rafael

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

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

3.00 – 7.00 pm – Farmers Market, Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross

6.00 – 9.00 pm - Farmers Market, 4th St, between Lincoln and B St, San Rafael


Friday

10.30 - 11.30 am - Story Time with Sarah Bonnet, San Rafael Library, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.30 - 11.30 am - Tot's Club, City Hall Parks & Recreation, 420 Litho Street, Exercise Room, Sausalito

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

9.00 – 2.00 pm – Farmers Market, Alto Shopping Center, Mill Valley

9.00 am – 2.00 pm – Farmers Market, Bank of America parking lot, Downtown Sausalito

Oct 27th: Halloween Events, 'Scientopia' Play Date, 'Spooky Smells of Halloween' book review & Weekly Calendar of Activities

Welcome to a spooktacular Halloween edition full of parties with haunted houses, frightening festivals and local trick-or treating leading up to Halloween night. There are also Halloween festivities going on this weekend at the indoor space that I have suggested for Play Date of the Week, and Spooky Smells are coming out of the Book of the Week!

Halloween Events

Wednesday October 27^th

‘San Anselmo Annual Goblin Parade’ at 5.00 – 7.00 pm, Town hall Plaza, San Anselmo, tel: 415 258 4669

For Children up to age 7 can dress up in costume and begin the parade at the U.S Bank, walk along San Anselmo Avenue and finish at the Fire Station where they can enjoy well deserved juice and cookies. Some merchants will provide treats along the way.

‘Spiders, Bats & Black Cats: A Not –Very-Scary Halloween Sing Along’ at 6.30 – 7.30 pm, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd, Novato. (Also showing at South Novato Library, 6 Hamilton Landing on Thursday 28th at 6.30pm)

Local singer and songwriter Bonnie Lockhart presents a fun Halloween themed sing along at both libraries.

Thursday October 28^th

‘Halloween Puppet Show’ at 7.00 – 8.00 pm, Corte Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Drive, Corte Madera

A puppet show adaption of Bill Peet’s ‘Big Bad Bruce’ ideal for children age 4 and up.

Thursday October 28^th & Friday 29^th

‘Novato Youth Center Haunted House 2010’. At 4.00 – 6.00 pm, 680 Wilson Avenue, Novato; www.novatoyouthcenter.org

Come and experience the chills and thrills of the Haunted House open to ages 3 and up, with a special lunch time tour at noon.

‘Haunted Pirate Manor’ at 6.30 – 10.30 pm, Faulkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Avenue,  San Rafael. $10; www.hauntedpiratemanor.com

Thursday 28^th at 6.30 – 10.30pm, Friday – Sunday 6.30 pm - midnight

The first annual Haunted Manor will have live local bands in the Pirate’s Barrel Inn and indoor entertainment that includes a fortune teller, a pumpkin carving contest, a Pirate Zombie Crawl and a kid’s costume contest. Also local pirate performers and Halloween poetry by the Marin Poetry Center. The haunted manor may be scary for smaller kids.

‘Jumping Jack’s Halloween Party’ at 9.30 – 10.30 am for 12 – 24 months, & 10.30 - 11.30 am for 24 months & up, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael; www.cityofsanrafael.org

Come in costume for free play during the first half hour and then a sing along and games with the parachute.

Friday October 29^th

‘Halloween Faire’ at 10.30 am – noon, Strawberry Recreation District, 118 East Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley, $8; www.strawberryrec.org

Come in costume to play with other witches and wizards on the bouncy house, follow the candy & prize hunt and play carnival games

‘Halloween Harvest Festival’, at 5.00 – 8.00 pm, Marinwood Community Center, 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael, Free entry, $2 per activity, or $8 passes online or $10 on the door; www.marinwood.org

Make your own custom trick-or-treat bag, get a family photo in front of a scarecrow backdrop by photographer Brian Dettor, visit the Marinwood Farmer's market table or enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie, or a hot dog from 'Moon Doggies'. Take part in pumpkin carving and decorating, face painting, bounce house, cookie decorating and candied apples.  Come in costume and get a free ticket for the activity of your choice.

‘School Fuel’s 3^rd Annual Haunted House’ at 5.00 – 7.00 pm, Novato United School District Office, 1015 Seventh Street, Novato, free but donations welcome.

Fun haunted house for all ages, and dinner available for purchase.

‘Halloween Fest’ at 3.30 – 5.30 pm. Pacheco Plaza, 366 Ignacio Blvd, Novato; www.pachecoplaza.com

A spooky afternoon in costume round the plaza where you can enjoy visiting local merchants for trick-or-treat, face painting, pumpkin giveaways, balloon animals, costumed characters, a magic show, and an interactive Drum Workshop.

Friday October 29^th & Saturday 30^th

‘Halloween Haunted House’, Tamalpais Community Services District, 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley, $3: www.tcsd.us

Friday 6.30 – 7.30 pm will be semi scary & 8.00 – 9.00 pm will be really scary & Saturday 30^th at 2.30 – 5.30 pm will not be scary for younger kids, & 6.30 – 7.30 pm will be semi scary, & 8.00 – 9.00 pm will be ‘horrifying’.  A party with ghouls, creatures, grave sites, zombies and more…

Saturday October 30^th

‘Annual Halloween Spooktacular’ at 11.00 am, Borders, 588 Francisco Blvd, San Rafael; www.borders.com

Children aged 3 – 8 are invited to join the fun and listen to scary stories, play spooky games, make creepy crafts and participate in a costume parade.

‘Pirate Halloween’ at 12.00 pm, Pasta Moto, Hamilton Marketplace, 5800 Nave Drive, Novato, free; www.pastamoto.com

Family fun with the cast of ‘Pirates of Penzance’ at noon, and live music with Barbary Ghosts starting at 3.30 pm, free eye patches and pirate hats for little mateys.

‘Haunted House’ at 11.00 – 3.00 pm, Saint Raphael’s School,  1100 Fifth avenue, San Rafael; www.downtownsanrafel.org

Stop by and play games or make crafts before the Fourth street Trick-or-Treating begins (see below).

‘Trick-or-Treat’ at 1.00 – 2.30 pm, Fourth Street, San Rafael (between Downtown City Plaza & the West End Village); www.downtownsanrafel.org

Families can pick up a list of participating merchants, a free Halloween pencil and stickers then walk down Fourth Street where friendly merchants will be handing out goodies and candy to kids in costume.

‘Annual Trick-or-Treat Day’ at 12.00 – 3.00 pm, Town center Corte Madera; wwwshoptowncenter.com

Children of all ages come together for this annual event where kids can run around in costume in a safe environment leading up to Halloween night.

Mark Your Diary this week

Marin Preschool Fair on Wednesday October 27^th at 7.00 – 8.30 pm, Osher Marin Jewish Community center, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael; www.mc3.org

Looking for a preschool for your child? This free event hosting by the Marin Child Care Council will take place at the JCC and will feature over 40 Marin Preschools. It is an opportunity to meet their directors and staff, and find out which is the best school for your child.

Play date of the Week

Scientopia Discovery center, 1785 B Tanen Street, Napa; www.scientopiadiscoverycenter.com

It is essential to find fun indoor spaces for your toddlers to run around in during this wet weather we have been having, especially as winter is creeping in. Our favorites are’ Jumping Jacks’ in San Rafael , ‘Power Play’ at Cal Star Gym in Novato (check weekly calendar below for details), and of course the wonderful ‘Bay Area Discovery Museum’ in Sausalito.

But if you want to drive a little further, then ‘Scientopia’ in Napa is a great place with lots of different themed indoor areas and a garden outside with a picnic area for dry days.

Scientopia is a Discovery Center designed for children to combine play while learning music, art, math and science through creative free play and interactive exhibits. There is a soft play room for children three and under, full of soft building and climbing blocks, with slides, a small ball pit and lounge area alongside a full book shelf to chill out in.

The main room has a wide array of exciting activities for children to try out that are constantly rotated.   It has a puppet theater for kids to create their own show, a dress up area full of costumes, and a music area with instruments to play with. A produce stand and little 50’s style diner where kids can learn the different fruit and vegetables going into their food cart. A little dig pit full of rubber gravel (much cleaner) where they can play with shovels and trucks, and a large train table with pop up holes in the center full of trains and other vehicles. There is a ‘Thinking Corner’ where children can explore and learn about pulleys, magnets, simple machines, use a turn table and wind tunnels. Also a ‘Brainiac Lab’ for children 5 and older, to experiment with microscopes, electricity and more.

It is advised to check the calendar on their website before your visit on the weekends, as there are sometimes private parties booked, but this weekend is a great time to go for their Halloween Festivities. They will be offering Halloween craft making, games, cookie decorating and some ‘sticky slimy fun’. There will also be ‘Crossroad Chicken’ selling pizza and other food from their gourmet truck. Also adults are free if their children come in costume!

It is a great place for children to experiment and learn new things while playing in a fun, vibrant environment!

Children’s Book of the Week

'The Spooky Smells of Halloween' by Mary Man-Kong

This is a great book to enjoy as you and your children get ready for Halloween, it is also interactive, as it allows your child to scratch and sniff some of the illustrations that release various smells throughout the story.

We join a little boy Sammy as he is getting ready for his Halloween party with his parents and black cat. They hang the decorations, prepare the bobbling apples game, get into costume, carve the pumpkin and then going trick-or-treating. It allows you to scratch small circles on certain pages so that you can smell the cookies, the apples, and the pumpkin amongst other smells, along the way.

The illustrations really attracted me to this book and these ones by Viviana Garofoli are charming with great colors. All I will say is beware of the skull on the last page and maybe skip scratching this picture as it isn’t a smell you want to release in a hurry!

Weekly Calendar of Toddler Appropriate Activities in Marin


Monday

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

10.00 -10.40 am - Toddler class at Studio 4 Art, 1133 Grant Avenue, Novato (until Dec17th)

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. 

Tuesday

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

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

10.00 – 11.30 am - ‘Jumping Jacks’ 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

10.15 - 10.45 am - 'Music Circle', at The Parents Center, Heller's Store, 514 4th Street, San Rafael ( ON VACATION UNTIL 1^ST WK OF NOV)

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

Wednesday

9.30 - 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

10.15 – 10.45 am - ‘Music Circle’ at The Parents Center, Heller’s store, 514 4th St, San Rafael ( ON VACATION UNTIL 1^ST WK OF NOV)

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 Storytime, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd

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

4.00 – 8.00 pm - Farmer’s Market, Bolinas Park, Bolinas Road, Fairfax


Thursday

8.00 – 1.00 pm – Farmers Market, The Civic Center (Puppet Show, balloon lady, Jumpy Houses & music)

9.30 - 12.00 pm - 'Indoor Power Play' at Cal Star Gym, 70 Digital Drive, Novato

9.30 – 10.30 am – Jumping Jacks, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.15 -10.45 am – Toddler Storytime, San Rafael Library, 1100 E St, San Rafael

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

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

3.00 – 7.00 pm – Farmers Market, Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross

6.00 – 9.00 pm - Farmers Market, 4th St, between Lincoln and B St, San Rafael


Friday

10.30 - 11.30 am - Story Time with Sarah Bonnet, San Rafael Library, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.30 - 11.30 am - Tot's Club, City Hall Parks & Recreation, 420 Litho Street, Exercise Room, Sausalito

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

9.00 – 2.00 pm – Farmers Market, Alto Shopping Center, Mill Valley

9.00 am – 2.00 pm – Farmers Market, Bank of America parking lot, Downtown Sausalito

Oct 22nd: 'Hilltop 1892' review, 'Aliens Love Underpants' Book Review, Weekend & Weekly Events & Activities

Welcome to a bewitched edition of The Marin Scoop, full of fun Halloween events over the weekend, a review of a historic hill top restaurant in Novato with amazing views, and a book review about funny aliens who steal underpants!

Weekend Events

Saturday October 23^rd

‘Green Halloween’, from 1.00 – 3.30 pm, Sustainability Center Backyard, 141 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, $5 – 10 donation suggested; http://www.sustainablefairfax.org/

The 3^rd annual ‘Green Halloween’ will provide fun in the garden while learning about sustainability through a recycled mask and craft making, face painting and a Harvest Sing-along with Miss Kitty. There is also a gently used costume exchange and delicious organic treats available too.

‘Twin Cities Cooperative Preschool Halloween Event’, from 10.00 – 2.00 pm, 56 Mohawk Ave, Corte Madera, free entry; www.twincitiescoop.com

Come in costume to a fun event with face painting, craft projects, jumpy house, candle making carnival games, a cake walk, bake sale.


'Halloween Haunt', from 5.00 - 8.00 pm, Belvedere Community Center, 1505 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon, Haunted house admission $5; http://www.btcreation.com 
3rd Annual Haunt will have a haunted house and you can go through 'the jungles of Skull Island', also a jumpy house, face painting, magician & snacks. Tame version at 5 - 6 pm and scary version for older kids at 6.30 - 8.30 pm. 

Saturday 23^rd & Sunday 24^th

‘Fall Book Blowout’, from 10.00 – 5.00 pm on Sat & 12.00 – 5.00 pm on Sun, Belvedere-Tiburon Library, 1501 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon; http://www.bel-tib

lib.org/info/events.htm#postimpressionist

A huge array of children’s and adult’s books donated by Corner Books (the library’s new bookstore on the Boardwalk) will be available on the front patio at bargain prices and then slashed by half on Sunday, or purchase a $10 shopping bag to fill with books.

Sunday October 24^th

‘Petaluma Mother’s Club Fall Carnival’, from 11.00 – 2.30 pm, Kenilworth Jr. High School, 800 Riesling Road, Petaluma; http://www.petalumamothersclub.org

Event suitable for children under 5 years old that includes a petting zoo, jumpy house, ‘Museum On The Go’, bake sale, games and live music by James K. Cash only tickets can be purchased for game booths, Food & drink. Costume contest at 12.00 pm.

‘The Mill Valley Children’s Garden 20^th Anniversary – Haunted Harvest Fall Festival’, from 12.00 – 4.00 pm, Edna Maguire School Garden, 80 Lomita Drive, Mill Valley; http://www.ednamaguire.com

The children’s garden will have an eerie transformation with competitions for kids (build a fairy house, recycled sculpture contest & pie eating contest) and adults (witches brew stew-off and best pie contest). Also a whole host of other activities and games including potion making, wrap the mummy, barrel apple bobbing, the fishing game and a wicked tea party. There will also be music, prizes, food and homemade baked good to enjoy!

Restaurant of the Week

Hilltop 1892, 850 Lamont Avenue, Novato; www.hilltop1892.com

We decided to check out the newly revamped Hilltop 1892 Restaurant up in the Novato hills, as we had heard so much about it. When we pulled up outside we took in the surroundings which were really beautiful, especially in the golden evening sunlight. Taking advantage of the balmy weather, we sat outside on the patio to soak up the atmosphere and the panoramic 10 mile views. The background music put us instantly in a relaxed mood that almost felt like we were on holiday…so far so good.

Unfortunately we had a rather long wait for our food which puzzled us as there were only a few tables full in the bar and the main restaurant seemed empty. I decided to take a look around the restaurant which has been tastefully restored, with a cozy fireplace in the bar, a wine room and the main dining room offers booths or tables with wonderful views. As any parent knows a hungry child kept waiting makes an unpleasant experience for us and those around us. Our waitress didn’t seem to notice but thankfully a helpful gentleman did, and offered us some bread while we waited and some Parmesan crisps to delay the hunger.

After half an hour, our finally food arrived. My husband ordered the Hilltop Specialty Burger with brie cheese, sweet and sour red cabbage, roasted tomato aioli and fries which sounded promising but was a bit underwhelming with a dry tasteless bun. I initially wanted to get the Garlic Chicken Breast with roasted potatoes and braised swiss chard, but last minute I opted for the Steak Frites which arrived in an uninspiring manner, without any vegetables or salad garnish, poor presentation for $20! The saving grace was the truffle aioli and compound butter on top of the steak, but generally it was not very enjoyable. Other options include the California Halibut with almond crusted cauliflower gratin, baby artichoke and cherry tomato vinaigrette or the Orange Braised Short Ribs with horseradish potato puree, baby carrots, peas and red wine reduction.

The kid’s menu was the standard affair, and I don’t know about you but I wish kid’s menus would offer some sort of nutrition? Vegetables can so easily be hidden in a tomato based pasta sauce, why do chefs think all children would want to eat pasta in a boring butter and cheese sauce? We normally order off the main menu for our son, as he loves his food, but the only option we could find was the Apple wood Smoked Bacon Spaetzle which he seemed to enjoy and finish.

We hoped the restaurant could redeem itself with it desserts, we were tempted by the Toffee Bread Pudding, but instead decided to share Banana Creme Pie with chocolate sauce, which was actually really delicious and ended our meal on a higher note.

The Hilltop 1892 is not ideal for family dining, in my opinion, and unfortunately we won’t be going back for dinner. But I do think the bar makes a great place for drinks and bar snacks with friends or a date night as the amazing view really makes this place.

Children’s Book of the Week

'Aliens Love Underpants' by Claire Freeman & Ben Cort

I wanted to share a book that is not well known in this country, but offers the parents a funny read as well as your children. It is called ‘Aliens Love Underpants’ by Claire Freeman and tells the amusing story of how aliens scour planet earth from their space ship, not to take out the world like you might think, but to steal human’s underpants! ‘Their radar bleeps and blinks the moment that it sees a washing line of underpants, all flapping in the breeze’.

They land in your backyard and start trying on your underpants, they dance in them, put them on their heads, their feet and other silly places. They use underpants as trampolines to bounce up and down on and try to see how many aliens can fit inside each leg, they even hold upside down pant races.

The genius of this book is not only the funny story but the clever rhyming, and vibrant illustrations by Ben Cort that are wonderfully silly. Such as the picture of their spaceship covered in bumper stickers that say ‘Pants Rock’ and 'Hot Pants', and the alien inside reading a copy of 'Pants World'.

The English author has also written a couple of follow up books called ‘Dinosaurs Love Underpants’ and ‘Aliens in Underpants Save the World’ which are also funny, but this story is an award winning book that is a favorite in our household and I hope you consider introducing it to your family too.

Weekly Calendar of Toddler Appropriate Activities in Marin


Monday

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


10.00 -10.40 am - Toddler class at Studio 4 Art, 1133 Grant Avenue, Novato (until Dec17th)

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. 

Tuesday

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

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

10.00 – 11.30 am - ‘Jumping Jacks’ at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

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

10.15 - 10.45 am - 'Music Circle', at The Parents Center, Heller's Store, 514 4th Street, San Rafael ( ON VACATION UNTIL 1^ST WK OF NOV)


10.00 - 5.00 pm - A week long opening party at Kidz Swap Shop, 821 Petaluma Blvd N., Petaluma

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

Wednesday

9.30 - 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

10.15 – 10.45 am - ‘Music Circle’ at The Parents Center, Heller’s store, 514 4th St, San Rafael ( ON VACATION UNTIL 1^ST WK OF NOV)


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 Storytime, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd

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

4.00 – 8.00 pm - Farmer’s Market, Bolinas Park, Bolinas Road, Fairfax


Thursday

8.00 – 1.00 pm – Farmers Market, The Civic Center (Puppet Show, balloon lady, Jumpy Houses & music)

9.30 - 12.00 pm - 'Indoor Power Play' at Cal Star Gym, 70 Digital Drive, Novato

9.30 – 10.30 am – 28th ‘Jumping Jacks’ Halloween Party, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.15 -10.45 am – Toddler Storytime, San Rafael Library, 1100 E St, San Rafael

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

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

3.00 – 7.00 pm – Farmers Market, Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross

6.00 – 9.00 pm - Farmers Market, 4th St, between Lincoln and B St, San Rafael


Friday

10.30 - 11.30 am - Story Time with Sarah Bonnet, San Rafael Library, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.30 - 11.30 am - Tot's Club, City Hall Parks & Recreation, 420 Litho Street, Exercise Room, Sausalito

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

9.00 – 2.00 pm – Farmers Market, Alto Shopping Center, Mill Valley

9.00 am – 2.00 pm – Farmers Market, Bank of America parking lot, Downtown Sausalito