Mommy of Many®

Recently, Lex and I were able to get away for a little Mommy N Me time. We went to eat at a local Chevy’s restaurant and were surprised to find this sitting on our table.

Our server came over to explain that the Ziosk was a convenient way to order, pay and stay entertained during our visit. I paged through it and ordered our appetizer and drinks and then agreed to pay the .99¢ so that Lex could play all the games that the device comes loaded with. Of course, he put aside his crayons and colorable table mat and went right to work on all things Ziosk! He had a great time!

This is a convenient way to get things done when you’re in a busy restaurant and your server is swamped and you are ready to order something to get you started or if it’s time to go and you’re ready for your bill (you can pay with your card right at the device!). And yes, it is VERY handy for keeping the kiddos entertained. Though, I can’t help but wonder if fighting and whining wouldn’t have ensued if I had more than one kiddo with me and turns with the Ziosk had to be taken. All wondering aside, I can see myself choosing to head to Chevy’s next time I take a kiddo out to eat, with the thought that Ziosk will help ease any bordom and yes, .99¢ is worth it!

Thanks Ziosk and Chevy’s for a fun Mommy N Me time!

Check out Ziosk’s Facebook Fan page and give ‘em a “like”.

Doing the Dance of the Children~

It’s that time again…

Mark your calendars, grab your business cards and come out to this month’s Placer Business Tweetup!

We’ll be meeting at La Provence, in Roseville on Tuesday, June 12th from 6-8pm.

This is truly a beautiful setting for any gathering. After reading about their successful blending of elegance and comfort and viewing their menu, I headed out to try a few of their offerings.

Their Lemon drop was tart and refreshing. The Salmon Gravlox will definitely be a repeat ordering! I also sampled the Grilled Center Cut Rib Eye…more please! I’ve already put another visit on my calendar so I can enjoy more of the menu. The staff was friendly and setting was relaxed. I can’t wait to have a Sunday available to try their Sunday Brunch. I’m hoping to sit in the sunshine on their beautiful patio.

For the Tweetup, we will be offered a set menu and drink specials will be available.
The Placer Business Tweetup meets once a month (usually on the 3rd Tuesday) at a different, local venue and is THE gathering for meeting like-minded members of our local, business community. Networking in a relaxed and friendly environment, while supporting our local businesses and restaurants is what brings each of these great people back, month after month and is what brings new business owners and entrepreneurs to check out the group.

The Tweetup is a FREE event, but to register, you need to click here and then head over to the Facebook page and add your “like” to the growing community of fans. Then be sure to check out the La Provence Facebook fan page and “like” the page so that you can keep updated on their specials.

Join us this month at La Provence and treat yourself to an evening close to home, that feels worlds away~

It’s time to put on your sombrero, break out your maracas, grab a stack of your business cards and head out to network with local business owners and entrepreneurs, Cinco De Ocho style (we have to keep the Tweetup on Tuesdays and Cinco De Mayo just wasn’t cooperating this year)!

This month’s Placer Business Tweetup is being held at Mas Cocina Mexicana, a local mexican food restaurant with a menu full of homestyle cooking. Not only will chips and salsa be brought to your table, but warm bean and queso dip automatically accompanies.

We ordered the fresh guacamole to add to the chip ensemble and I have to admit that I didn’t have much room left to order more. But when I saw the chalk board by the bar that announced a FREE VIP quesadilla when you check in on Facebook, I couldn’t resist. Mas gained a new fan on their Facebook page and this girl was treated to a delicious quesadilla full of carnitas and veggies.

You can bet that fresh guacamole and warm bean dip topped the quesadilla perfectly! Let’s be honest, what Mexican Restaurant experience would be complete without a margarita? We sampled their top shelf margarita and if you’re looking for a drink with a punch, that’s the one to order.

For the Tweetup we will be gathering on the back patio area and there will be a set offering of food and drink specials, but lingering after or trying the restaurant out beforehand is recommended.

The Placer Business Tweetup meets once a month (usually on the 3rd Tuesday) at a different, local venue and is THE gathering for meeting like-minded members of our local, business community. Networking in a relaxed and friendly environment, while supporting our local businesses and restaurants is what brings each of these great people back, month after month and is what brings new business owners and entrepreneurs to check out the group.

The  Tweetup is a FREE event, but to register, you need to click here and then head over to the Facebook page and add your “like” to the growing community of fans.

Placer Business Tweetup and Mas Cocina Mexicana…La Combinacion Perfecta!

I’m always looking for fun things to do with the kids that are easy to get to, inexpensive and fun. Downtown Tuesday Nights fits all of those criteria! I remember, last summer, that we stumbled onto a DTN, but didn’t know it was a regularly occurring event. This year, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know about the event from a behind-the-scenes perspective, by providing daily content for the event’s social media platform. This gave me even more reason to grab the kids, tuck a few dollars into my pocket and head out to enjoy the evening.

We spent a total of $5 at the event, but the kids came away with balloons, stuffed animals, tickets and passes to Dave and Buster’s, free water bottles, a few pieces of candy each and the desire to go back next week! We are looking forward to experiencing the fun of the kids’ zone where there are pony rides and bounce houses to be explored. And you better believe that we each have our own list of what vendors’ foods we want to sample. On top of all of that, I’m looking forward to heading down there on a Tuesday without the kiddos, where I can sit for awhile in the margarita garden, enjoy the live music and then walk into The Place for a fabulous dinner. Good Stuff to look forward to!

Everyone we saw was having a good time. The music was being enjoyed, the cars were being drooled over (I have my own dream pick…someday!) and everyone was enjoying time out with family and friends. Roseville’s Downtown Tuesday Nights is full of great things that bring the community together. What’s better?!

The Hank Biggs Band was keepin’ it moving tonight.

This couple was so fun to watch! They made the rest of us wish we knew how to dance!

The kids were in awe of this car. The sign said something like “1922″ or perhaps it was “1944″. Whatever it was, it was incredibly old and amazing!

Max and Tristan both felt that this car was their favorite of the night.

Gabi wanted to pose with this beauty of a car.

This has always been my dream car. Do you see the “For Sale” sign? Do you?! Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Just sayin’~

This is my uncle’s car! We ran into him and his Pride and Joy and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to snap a picture.

Doing the Dance of the Children and Enjoying Our New Community~

The Placer Business TweetUp is held on the third Tuesday of each month, at a different, local venue from 6-8pm.

This month, we are gathering at Mikuni Kaizen, in Fountain’s Shopping Center.

We started off with one of their April drink specials-A combination of Veev, simple syrup, mint and cucumbers. YUM!

Then we ordered from their “Roll Back” menu (They’re celebrating 25 years of rockin’ sushi!). We enjoyed the “Marilyn Monroll”. Another winner! Though, I’m certain that anything we would have ordered would have been amazing.

The poki salad caught our attention and we had to give it a try. We weren’t sorry!

To finish our meal off, we got freaky with their Freaky Edamame-a spicy, salty treat.

We will be gathering in the back room and will enjoy Happy Hour pricing for the duration of our meeting. This is a great chance to meet like-minded business owners AND to enjoy some great deals on all the delicious foods and drinks on the menu!

If you haven’t had the chance to visit Mikuni Kaizen or any of the other Mikuni restaurant locations, here’s a little info-”The Japanese word “kaizen,” which translates to “continuous improvement,” truly reflects the concept behind this newest Mikuni location. While the menu features a host of exquisite sushi rolls made popular at the restaurant’s other locations, it is also highlighted by an extensive selection of small plates and tapas-style dishes- each more exciting and compelling than the next. Guests are treated to a visual feast, as well, with vibrantly colored decor and a one-of-a-kind sushi bar. Artwork by Sacramento urban performance artist, David Garibaldi, and metal sculptor, Terrance Martin, further enhance the sense of pulsing excitement that makes Kaizen a must-visit restaurant.”

The Placer Business TweetUp is a group of local business owners and entrepreneurs who gather monthly to support each other through networking. Our goal is to help build a strong and thriving, local community. We choose a different, local venue each month, to highlight all that our area has to offer. There is no charge be a part of the Tweetup. Simply click here to register.

We look forward to seeing you Tuesday night!

February 28th was marked on my calendar for the viewing of Love Never Dies. I hadn’t been to a movie in a theater in a LONG time. I was excited to meet up with the winners of my giveaway and enjoy the show!

The introduction by Andrew Lloyd Webber was a little bit on the lengthy side, but it was interesting to hear how this unique experience was put together. Once the show started, it was a mesmerizing combination of music and visual excellence. Wow! When you realize that these performers were not only putting on a fantastic musical, but were being filmed LIVE and you witness the beauty of the whole process, you are left in a state of awe for all involved.

It was truly beautifully put together and well worth seeing and experiencing.

And because I want as many people as possible to experience this fabulous show, NCM Fathom Events has sent me 2 pair of tickets to give away for the ENCORE presentation of Love Never Dies which is NEXT week, Wednesday, March 7th. These tickets are venue specific and are for the Roseville 14 theater on Eureka Rd. If you’d like to grab a friend or loved one and head out for a wonderful night of music and visual mastery, ENTER to win! Go to the Facebook Fan page for Love Never Dies, like them and then leave me a comment letting me know you’ve done so. I will announce the winner on Monday, March 5th.

Good Luck!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Michael and Moneka McDermott, the owners and culinary creators behind The Place, a new restaurant in Old Roseville that’s not only serving up fabulous food that’s full of yummy goodness, but also full of heart. This couple has spent the last few years designing the layout and menu for what’s becoming a building place for community. With their culinary backgrounds (Moneka studied food biochemistry at UC Davis and then headed off to Rhode Island to continue her culinary education and Michael worked in restaurants for years before moving to California) and passion for their restaurant they’re successfully creating a warm, welcoming place to gather and enjoy fabulous food.

I dropped in at lunchtime and ordered the homemade clam chowder, to start.

It was delicious! I made sure to go in hungry so I could sample a couple of different items. After the warm, hearty, clam chowder, I tried this delicious, wood-fired pizza.

Check out all those yummy mushrooms and that sauce! I WILL be going back to have this again (Did I mention the bar? I think my next visit will be in the evening when a cocktail can be enjoyed!)! Not pictured is the assortment of biscotti that Moneka sent me home with. She makes all of the restaurant’s pastries and judging by what I sampled, they’re wonderful! The tiramisu is on my list of items I want to go back to sample.

While I was talking with Michael and Moneka (though Michael was busily tending to all the lunch guests and had to be caught for a word here and there, along with the photo), something struck me. Many of the patrons were fellow business owners from the nearby streets. They were all gathering for their lunches and greeting each other, sharing news of their businesses and actively building community! When you can offer fabulous food in a warm and inviting setting and be an integral part of bringing your community together, you know you have a formula for success!

I’m looking forward to the Tweetup this coming week (Tuesday, February 21st) to be able to sample more of the food offered and to continue to visit this great little restaurant (Their official name is That Little Italian Place, but they can be found as The Place on their facebook fan page). If you haven’t already registered to join in the fun at the Tweetup, be sure to click here to get started! And then get ready to meet fabulous people, in a warm and inviting setting where we can all feel great about supporting and building up our local community of business owners!

One of the fun things we did over the Christmas Break was to have an Xbox 360 party. Thanks to Redbox and the good people at Smiley360 I was provided with some complimentary rental codes, planned a good day to get together with friends, rented some games, put together some snacks and watched the kids (and dads) have a good time.

The girls enjoyed Sonic Generations

We had plenty of snacks on-hand so the gamers had plenty of energy to keep playing

The boys enjoyed Spider-Man: Edge of Time

Gathering around to watch and wait for their turns

Then the pizza arrived to make it a REAL party!

Pizza and gaming-a great combo!

This dad waited patiently for his turn and chose to play Sonic Generations

Little kids enjoying the fun of the game

Not only was I provided with rental codes for our party, but I was sent our own copy of Sonic Generations to keep and enjoy. The kids took it to their dad’s house for a weekend of gaming fun.

Lex (5) was intent on playing

Tristan (12) said he really liked it and was happy it was ours to keep because he wants to keep playing it.

All the Little Langs had fun exploring the game and watching each other play!

Redbox makes it inexpensive and easy to put together an afternoon of fun. To ensure the game (or movie) you’re looking for is in stock and ready for you, I suggest using their handy online “Find” feature. Go to their website, click on the game or movie of your choice, click “rent” and click “Find”. You’ll be sent to the exact location where your item is waiting for you. Easy! Redbox carries games for 3 gaming systems, PS3, wii and XBOX360. Chances are you can easily and inexpensively find what you’re looking for! Don’t forget to go to the Redbox Facebook Fan page and like them to keep up on all that’s new and enjoy special offers and promos!

We’ll be going back for more! Thanks to Redbox and Smiley360 for adding some extra fun to our vacation!

Doing the Dance of the Children and Patiently Awaiting My Turn at the Game~

You know I’m ALWAYS on the hunt for cool, FREE, fun for the kids. Being new to the area, I’ve been keeping my eyes and ears open and in the last week I kept hearing about the lights on Pebble Creek Dr. Last night, when there was nothing but boredom and bickering at my house, I told the kids to load up and be ready for something great. I managed to convince even the teens to get in the van (a sure sign that extreme boredom had been reached!). Off we went to find the lights. On the way we found some great houses in our own neighborhood and a house not too far away that modeled itself after the famous internet video of a light display playing to Trans Siberian Orchestra’s Wizards of Winter. Good Stuff! Then we found Pebble Creek Dr. Oh MY GOODNESS!!!! House after house of themed light displays. We were in a long line of cars that drove very slowly through the loop. It took us about 20 minutes to creep through the neighborhood and the kids were constantly finding something to shout out about-”Look! Frosty! It’s Charlie…”. We saw many, many favorite characters and amazing decorative feats! There’s even a red wishing well in front of one house that’s playing a video and is a drop-off point for canned food to benefit the hungry. If you’ve never been over there and are local, GO! And if you HAVE gone, go again! We will.

The only problem I can see is that when we were on our way home, we were saying our night prayers and Lex had this prayer, “Dear God, please let my house look like those houses for Christmas.” Yeah, I whole-heartedly believe in the power of prayer, but I am no Christmas light’s genius!

Doing the Dance of the Children to Other People’s Talents~

What could be better than a discount on services that make you feel better?!

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the massage services offered at Placer Wellness Group. 30 minute chair massage is offered as well as 60 and 90 minute full-body massage. Why not treat yourself to a hot stone massage? All massage services are $1 per minute. However, as a Cyber Monday special if you mention Mommy of Many® now through December 31st, you will receive 10% off ANY services offered at the office! What a great deal! Pain management, Medical Weight Loss, Chiropractic and Physical Therapy are just a few of the services offered. For a full listing of all offerings be sure to visit their website here. Also, don’t forget to check out their facebook fan page for up-to-date info on all things happening at the office. While you’re there, become a fan!

Placer Wellness Group, because Life is Health and being healthy certainly keeps me Doing the Dance of the Children~

Yesterday I had the fun of being the Story Time reader at our local, Big Spoon Yogurt. 3, holiday-themed books were preselected, the room was rearranged and kiddos and mommies came in to enjoy some yummy yogurt and listen to some Thanksgiving fun. I’ve always enjoyed reading to my little ones and thought being able to participate in this monthly event would be fun. I was right!

Every 3rd Thurday from 1-2pm Story Time can be enjoyed, complete with a free 4 oz. yogurt for all listeners 6 yrs old and younger.

If you missed out on this month’s Story Time, be sure to mark your calendars for next month and THIS Saturday, November 19th from 1-2pm a Free and Fun special Holiday craft is being offered. A complimentary hot chocolate can be enjoyed during this craft time. Go! Free fun is my FAVE!

Big Spoon Yogurt, serving up yummy yogurt and a lil extra fun on the side.

Good Stuff that helps me keep Doing the Dance of the Children with a spring in my step~

Talk about a M.O.M.’s dream review! Right before the holidays, I’m asked by the owner of Delight Cleaning if he could come clean my carpets so that I can review the services offered by the company. YES!!!!

Ray arrived, cheerful and on time to see if I had any problem areas and helped get a few pieces of my living room furniture moved (I moved most everything, but the big pieces proved too much for me, on my own). I pointed out the spots I’d been unsuccessful at removing from the dining room and hall and headed out the door to take care of some errands.

I came home a couple of hours later to a perfectly cleaned front room, dining room and hall. Yea! No more spots! Get your home in shape for entertaining for the holidays! Check out all of Delight Cleaning’s cleaning services on their website. You can also follow along on Twitter where helpful cleaning tips are offered and questions can be asked.

Lots of Good Stuff from Delight Cleaning that will help me keep Doing the Dance of the Children in a clean home~

Nothing spectacular has happened, we didn’t go to a parade or win the lottery, but having the extra day to just be has felt SO good!

On Friday, 11/11/11, we celebrated Max’s 9th birthday. It was cloudy out, so we chose to spend a couple hours at an indoor playplace-Wacky Tacky. It was crowded and full of the energy that kiddos with a day off have to burn! Tristan and Max especially liked the foam, air guns. They spent quite a bit of time shooting at anything and everything. When as much energy as possible was expended, we headed home for lunch. Then it was present time! Whoo Hoo! In the last few weeks, we’ve discovered the Plasma Car. One of our neighbors has them and the kids really fell in love with riding them. So not only did Gabi get one for her bday (pink, of course), but Max is now the happy owner of one in yellow. These really are great! They hold up to 180 lbs, sit low to the ground and require nothing but kiddo energy.

Then we enjoyed a nice dinner and dessert was some special Daddy n Max time at a frozen yogurt shop that also boasts a hot chocolate bar! Yum!

Yesterday we ran errands and spent some time visiting with a friend that was up from Pacific Beach. The kids enjoyed some time finding items to add to their Christmas lists at Barnes and Noble while I got to hear what’s been happening at the beach. A great afternoon!

This morning has been leisurely, with kids waking up one-at-a-time over the last couple hours. Max has been taking his Lego Creations vehicle (another bday gift) apart and rebuilding it into one of the other vehicles it’s capable of making. This would NOT of been a toy I would’ve enjoyed. I want things put together and to perform whatever function they’re created to perform, but Max and Tristan both LOVE taking their Legos apart and recreating over and over again. The difference between girls and boys? Or the difference between brains that function at what’s been deemed “genius” level and those of us who have regular ol’ brains? Who knows! But I’m glad they have so much fun with it all!

So it’s Legos and Apple Crumble muffins for breakfast and onto a Sunday that will involve some leftover homework, the beginnings of a school project, church in the evening and then youth group.

A good weekend!

Doing the Dance of the Children and Feeling Thankful For All of It~

I’ve been spending time each day exploring all the new places around me and this is by far, one of my VERY BEST finds! There are global issues that make us all feel so small and helpless and Human Trafficking is at the top of that list for me. As a mom it’s one of those things that absolutely hurts my soul and I’ve never known what to do, except pray for the victims.

A couple of days ago, Lex and I were on the hunt for a new place to grab some iced tea or coffee and I saw the sign for Origins Coffee & Tea. It intrigued me because it said something about making a difference. A coffee house making a difference? I had to go in and see what it was about. I’m sure glad I did!

Origins Coffee and Tea was started by dads who couldn’t let this issue go without a fight. You can read Chad Salstrom’s blog here. Arianna, Maddi and I went in today to find out about volunteering and we were able to meet Chad, get a tour and hear a little of his personal perspective. The shop is run by volunteers who are asked to give a minimum of 4 hours a week for 3 months. These are people working for free to help this important cause. You can easily sign up to give a little time, but if that won’t work for your schedule, you can simply patronize the shop. It’s spacious and comfortable, offering free wifi and is open from 6:30am-11pm each day. Chad showed us the meeting room they have available for groups looking for a place to hold a meeting or a gathering. There’s no charge for this room! Think about holding your next meeting there and let the coffeehouse provide your drinks and refreshments.

I’m so excited about this shop and what they’re doing! The girls and I are signing up to donate our time and plan on visiting the coffeehouse often. I’m drinking coffee anyway, my caffeine addiction might as well help out those in need!

This is seriously Good Stuff! If you’re local to the Rocklin/Roseville area, consider visiting the shop, bring your laptop, your friends and your goodwill!

Doing the Dance of the Children With the Hope of Helping a Little~

What could be better than a HUGE box of premium snacks being delivered to your door?

R.W. Garcia sent me a sampling of their premium chips and gluten free crackers to try out with the kids and when the box arrived at the door, it was torn into and several different kinds were opened all at once so we could compare and find our favorites. This is what happens when you let the kids in on a review! From their Classic Yellow Corn Chips to their super yummy Thai Sweet and Spicy Flaxseed chips, we all found our favorites (I hid the rest of the Thai chips for NOT sharing later. Yum!) and knowing that R.W. Garcia snack products are verified by the Non-GMO Project as meeting or exceeding GMO avoidance standards made me feel better about digging in! Give their flaxseed line of chips a try. The nutty taste and crisp, crunchy texture made them my favorite .

Look for the R.W. Garcia line of premium snack products in your favorite local market and don’t forget to Like them on Facebook. If you’re near me, you’ll have to look REALLY hard for those Thai chips because chances are, I’ve cleared the shelf!

Doing the Dance of the Children and Enjoying some Healthy Snacking~