Friends With Tips

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T22:45:00.001-08:00

2011 was a happy, healthy year -- we couldn't ask for more!

The boys are in Kindergarden and Preschool, reading every superhero book that has ever been published, riding bikes and razors, taking karate classes and keeping Steve and I guessing what they will come up with next!

Our highlight this year was a trip to France with Steve's brother, sister and their families (rented a house in Provance and had 8 cousins ranging in ages 2-13 running wild -- oh mon dieu!) When we returned in August we adopted a little hound puppy and named her "Remy" after the town where we stayed.

We're looking forward to 2012 and working with the community since the New Year, as always, will be what we make it... Here's to family, friends and a great future!

Gaby & Steve

Puppy Love

2012-01-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

Last August we adopted the sweetest little puppy from Helen Woodward Animal Center. She's a Treeing Walker Coonhound and has added so much love and laughter to our lives (and a tear or two as she chews her way through everything but the kitchen sink!)

There were many other dogs, cats and other animals in need of a forever home, so please join us at the Feb 12th 5k Run Walk. Details below or at www.animalcenter.org/events/puppylove

THE TIP: You can bring your pups along for one of the best walks they will ever get! In fact, one of the best ways to get on an exercise routine is to adopt a dog that you will walk daily (just be sure you are ready for the full responsibility of bringing a pet into your home and life).

Freestyle Inspiration

2012-01-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

Isn't life great when you're riding high?.... except when you're not.....

My inspiration to blog again came from an unlikely source this weekend. We had just completed a home project to add a garden which left us with tons of dirt that needed to be removed. Our contractor said he could haul it away later in the week but I wanted it gone sooner. So I posted "Free Fill Dirt" on Craigslist but only got calls from people that wanted the dirt delivered.

Then I got a text from someone saying they needed the dirt for a FMX (Free-style Motorcross) event. We texted back and forth, I assumed it was a guy and said I was willing to pay to have the dirt removed. Then I got a call, and it was a girl saying she was on her way. My contractor laughed when I told him who was coming to haul away the dirt ... little did he (or I) know what we were in for!

Turns out Kayla Kahn and her partner Samantha showed up with a borrowed truck and small utility trailer and hand-shoveled mountains of dirt, making back and forth trips to Pacific Beach where they needed to get their ramp set up for an event the next weekend. They were an amazing inspiration of getting things done when you are determined to succeed. How often do we see this anymore??

Kayla described how she is fighting for sports equality so that girls can be comfortable participating -- and kicking butt -- in any sport. I had just read the entry below on a friend's Facebook page about her 7-yr old daughter and told Kayla there are so many girls out there that will benefit from her work.

Click here to read a recent news article on Kayla and Samantha's journey, when they ended up living in their car in Oregon after suddenly losing their sponsor and how they fought their way back to San Diego.

Come check them out Saturday, Jan 14th from 12-8pm (highlight at 2 pm) at Global RV Solutions in Pacific Beach: 2736 Garnet Ave - San Diego, CA 92109.

Admission is FREE, there will be food, music and Kayla on her motorbike! (Event details here)

Please help spread the word, and help make this a success. The girls are launching their own clothing line at the event and working to be self-sufficient toward their goals :)

At one point Kayla said, "I couldn't believe it when you offered $300 to take the dirt -- that is exactly the amount we were short to pay for the kicker ramp." I don't know what exactly a kicker ramp is, but I do know when life just aligns sometimes to show you undeniable inspiration.

THE TIP: If you need something done just roll up your sleeves and make it happen yourself. Also, don't put off anything for tomorrow that you can get done today -- right now!

Improving Neighborhoods

2012-01-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

2012 will no doubt be a political year, already we are drowning in daily news coverage preparing for the November presidential election. But what about in our own neighborhoods?

I was very happy to hear that my close friend, Mat Kostrinsky, would be running for City Council to represent newly formed District 7, the neighborhood where I grew up: San Carlos in San Diego, CA. I was even more excited when I heard from Mat that one of his key focus areas would be to improve efficiency and service through e-Government (an area that I have focused on for the past ten years as a founding member of GovPartner and where sadly San Diego is woefully behind).

Mat and I met back in 1999, I had just moved back to San Diego from Washington D.C. where I met my husband Steve and had been working for a US Governor. Mat was working for Senator Dianne Feinstein and although I was in touch with many community leaders for work, I became friends with this particular colleague who stood out from the rest. I got to know his lovely wife, Dr. Jen Kostrinsky, and we had our boys at almost the same time so we enjoyed birthday parties and playdates.

When I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2009, Mat was one of the first friends who contacted me wanting to know how he could help. He shared the sad news that his sister Hayley was also fighting the same diagnosis (it turned out we were seeing the same oncologist). It was then that I really got to know Mat's family and it was devastating when Hayley passed away in early 2010. To this day, I can see how Mat is driven to do good things in life knowing we can never waste a single moment.

For this past decade that I have known Mat, his family and close friends, I have seen a man who is caring, honest, intelligent and surrounded by a community that loves him as much as he loves them. I saw how hard he worked on a playground project at the same park where I used to play softball as I child. I saw him working diligently at community events and heard from others about what a stand-up quality guy he was. I greeted him at the finish line for the Susan G. Komen walk and congratulated him on again setting a goal to help others.

And now I want to ask you to get to know Mat and support his efforts to become a San Diego City Councilman. Mat is dedicated to our community, to representing the neighborhood where he grew up and to improving San Diego as a whole, for our children and fellow constituents.

In this season of elections it is rare that you get to support an actual friend, but what better way to place the public trust into hands that you have seen tested and that you know are dedicated and decent.

Please visit his website http://www.mat4citycouncil.com and help make San Diego the nation's finest city again, one neighborhood at a time!

THE TIP: Elected office should be something leaders are called to do. Look around you and find people that are trustworthy, hard workers, fair and considerate. Encourage them to consider public service and think about where you too can help out for a season or two... a local non-profit board, planning commission, etc.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T20:50:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of Dandelion Dreams Photography

Happy, happy days!

2010-07-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, what a fall, winter, spring and summer it has been.... Since being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer last September, the seasons all blended together.

But friends and family reassured me all along the way that this would only be a season in our lives and sure enough it seems the worst is behind us.

I'm done with the chemo, surgery, radiation... The final pathology report showed that the 6mms on the pre-surgery MRI were actually benign, which means the chemo, your prayers, everything worked as well as we could have hoped: "complete resolution" meaning I am now cancer free :)

The photo above is of Steve and I at ComicCon, the boys had such a great time that day! Evan just turned 5 and Alec is the sweetest yet toughest little 3 yr old you ever met. I'm having a great time with family, getting back into the swing of things, still fearful some days that the cancer can come back but enjoying every moment of life nonetheless -- perhaps even more than before.

I'm slowly getting back into work for GovPartner. Pitched a column for an international magazine that the editor liked enough to make a two-part series. So it feels good to be writing again and to know I've still "got it" ;)

I don't know if the Friends With Class site will continue. For now, there are so many thank you cards to write, so many friends to catch up with... and I now find myself providing support for a dear cousin, friends and friends' family that have recently also been diagnosed with cancer. We have to all fight this together, you all made such a huge difference for me to know I wasn't fighting alone.

I'm happy to now be able to show others that you can get through anything, you will be stronger than ever and life falls into place once you realize that no matter what happens you will be fine.

Click here if you want to donate to the Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure, you can support my friend Melissa's team. She's the first mom from my son's playgroup to reach out and organize meals from the other moms, check in on me, just an amazing woman (and photographer, I should add -- check out http://www.dandeliondreamsphoto.com/).

Big hug to everyone, I'm looking forward to start seeing you all at events around town again and excited that some of you are coming in from the east coast for a chance to catch up in person as the summer wraps up!

XOXO, Gaby

PS: I'm planning to attend the Moms In Business Unite Conference in September, and the International City / County Management Assn (ICMA) annual conference in San Jose in October -- let me know if I will see any of you there!

Dear friends, today I write with sad but hopeful news...

2009-12-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

As many of you already know, I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in late September and have been undergoing intensive chemotherapy. My apologies for unanswered email about classes, the holiday family fair or your vmails to check in on how we're doing...

We're actually doing quite well. There is no history of cancer in my family, so this was an absolute shock that turned our world upside down. But my prognosis is good and already Friday marked the halfway point for the aggressive chemo regimen, which I decided to do through a clinical trial. We are praying that my MRI tomorrow will show a reduction in the tumor before I go on to the second round of chemo -- so pray with us!

How can we thank so many of you that have sent cards, meals, care packages...? It has truly left us humbled at the amount of love and well-wishes. We hope this holiday season brings you much joy and peace, and we are excited for the new year with new adventures and opportunities to create memories!

All our love-
Gaby, Steve, Evan and Alec

This photo was taken on the day I lost my hair. I'm actually getting used to the new hairdo and my 2 and 4 yr old boys swear I'm still a Mommy-princess :)

Pegasus Rising

2009-12-20T13:12:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I was looking for a program where I could spend an hour a week volunteering with horses as a way to calm my mind during this challenging time as I undergo chemo. As many of you know, I have always loved horses. And even though I certainly couldn't ride during this time, even being around them would be theraputic for my soul...

Well I found the Pegasus Rising Program and as it turns out this is a herd of Arabian horses that were rescued last year and is now being rehabilitated to serve as therapy horses for U.S. veterans and others in need.

I had a chance to visit the herd a few weeks ago and it was amazing to see that despite enduring such terrible conditions before being rescued, this herd is still friendly, positive and offering their kind souls to help humans. These are wild horses in the sense that they have not been "broken" or ridden, and I admire the project's goal to keep them this way as they also train them for therapy.

One horse in particular came to me immediately and was so intense in taking in my scent and standing firmly next to me as if to let me know she understood and would help. This was Lady Avalon (above) the lead mare in the herd. As the organization's president, Gary, explained to me this horse also has cancer and seemed to innately understand that I faced the same hardship.

Please take a moment to learn more about this wonderful organization: http://pegasusrising.org/ I went to their site to "adopt" Lady Avalon and can't think of a better gift than helping to keep this herd together so that they can in turn help others in need.

I'll be sure to post more photos and info as I plan to help this organization with the same passion I brought to Habitat years ago. And as I get better I will surely take any opportunity to visit the herd again and embrace the strength and support that only a noble horse's spirit and soul can provide. (below is the herd in therapy with a veteran -- there are heroes all around us!)

Amazing support from amazing people...

2009-12-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

In addition to Steve, my boys, two sisters, parents and family, I am even further humbled to see what a wonderful community of friends we have. So many of you have just been amazing in reaching out to see how we're doing, sending books that have helped me keep a grip on things, bringing a meal over when I was just too sick from chemo to cook for my boys, sending lovely scarves for my bald head, cozy socks, mindless magazines and movies to help pass the time...

My long-time gal pals from high school (Ali, Brooke, Beth, Kathryn, Amy, Staci, Molly, Dana, Michelle, Keri) have been relentless in their support from all corners of the country, and the moms in my playgroup (above) have only known me since Evan was born but have just been there getting me through each day. My firm GovPartner has been amazing, and so many of you that I met through FWClass have also been incredibly generous and supportive: Laura at VPG, Liz Dang, my SDBargainMama Stacy... my apologies now because there are just too many to list and there really is a thing called "chemo brain" where I swear my brain cells are most affected by these strong drugs...)

And do you remember way back in the Fall of 2007 I sent out an email asking our friends to "Help find a bone marrow match for Lisa"?

As always you all responded then with generous hearts and showed up at a bone marrow drive here in San Diego to sign up and become part of the registry -- a national registry that ultimately DID find a match for Lisa!

Well, I kept getting emails asking "How is Lisa doing?" and am so happy to report that she is doing great! In fact, Lisa has been a tremendous support for me now, especially since I know the words come from another mom who has been in the same situation....

One message in particular that Lisa sent me sticks with me every single day - as a nurse at Sloan once said to her: "A positive mental attitude won't heal you, but a bad mental attitude will kill you."

Yes scary thoughts come all the time, but thanks to the support from so many of you I have been able to keep a positive attitude and know that I too will make it past this difficult time.

Please be sure to read about the Pegasus Rising Project, which has has provided me support from four-legged friends, and I will post more pics of these new members of my support team soon :)

Is Summer Really Over?

2009-09-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Montreal everyone!

I'm in this beautiful city for the 95th annual ICMA conference, and maybe it was the stormy skies last night or the fact that everyone is back to work... but we finally have to admit that summer is over :(

Let's relive our favorite summer memories and extend it just a bit longer... Click here to learn about our favorite summer moment and share yours!

September sure snuck up on us, and the long-awaited Moms in Business conference is tomorrow Sept 16. But guess what? You can win a free ticket... click here to learn how.
One person that is happy September is here is Chef Mark Gold because Eva Restaurant is finally open!

And not just open, but OOOOpened to absolutely rave reviews. Click here to see photos of the beautiful new restaurant and read more... And with the end of summer means time to stock up on a new KleenKanteen and other green favorites at Natural Kidz.

A big THANKS to our friend Kathryn for the awesome 20% off from your full order!! And thank you also to Jill at Facelogic for extending Spa Week - we will be there to face the Fall fresh-faced and ready!

See you again soon!
Gaby & Steve

Natural Kidz - Special Offer for Our Friends!!

2009-09-15T13:57:00.001-07:00

Summer is over and its time for us to restock on our favorite stainless steel water bottles and other must-haves from this favorite GREEN website! See the awesome special offer below for our friends and be sure to read about the amazing mom Kathryn who started it all :)

Many of you will remember Kathryn from her hard work to create Walk Their Walk, which has raised over $60,000 that went directly to building two fresh water wells and an elementary school in a remote village in Zambia. In 2008, Kathryn was inspired to launch her new company, Naturalkidz.com. After her son was diagnosed with a serious food allergy, it became necessary for Kathryn to become more conscious of the items she purchases and the lifestyle choices she makes. In order to ensure the health of her son, Kathryn began making small changes toward a “green” home and lifestyle.

Kathryn is fully committed to giving back and will donate a portion of every purchase at Naturalkidz.com to benefit Nature Bridge and the Surfrider Foundation. These charities are dedicated to educating children about ways to preserve the environment and connect with the natural world.

THE TIP: Shop at http://www.naturalkidz.com and Save 20% Off your entire order with an exclusive offer from Friends With Class.

Coupon Code: friendswithclass (input coupon code upon checkout and press apply to see your savings!) Coupon expires December 31, 2009.

SPA WEEK at Facelogic

2009-09-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Eva Restaurant Opens to RAVE Reviews!

2009-09-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Eva Restaurant is finally open, and just about every day I see a new rave review about Chef Mark Gold's new "home" - just a few are below!

Digital City Fall Dining Preview - The Seasons Hottest New Restarants

LA Weekly - "I just left the open house at Eva...it was packed, great vibe, very intimate, gorgeous black & white prints on walls, and of course the food was amazing! I don't know what Mark puts in his dishes, but I always want more...this guys food has soul!!!!"

Urban Daddy - "Just settle in by a window, and soon you'll see what he felt like cooking for you—all the food will come out on platters, to be served family-style, and yes, the all-inclusive price includes some free-flowing wine from bottles opened that week."

Mattatouille - "My dad's main course was a thick slice of poached beef tenderloin, nearly sous-vided (not exactly that preparation, but similar), and sided with an array of browned cauliflower and tender broccoli... My father was completely enamored by this dish, marveling at the combination of earthy vegetables and the stellar tenderloin."

EAT: Los Angeles Food GPS Review - "Gold grabbed the keys only three weeks ago, but the space is already camera-ready."

And our favorite YELP - "OMFG! This restaurant JUST opened and it's amazing! The hospitality of the staff is 5 stars alone!" and "OMFG is soooooo right!!! You know how you usually read these & think...should I believe this? IT WAS AMAZING from start to finish, every delectible little bite of food we ate, appetizer to entree to dessert was inspiring. Eva is your FAV. NYC corner restaurant that you miss so much...smack in the middle of LA... go figure... and the wine... who knew....such a deal... go now before...the masses find it...hurry...why are you still at your computer????? go........"

Favorite Summer Moment

2009-09-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well we got many more beach days in this summer than last and it was so much fun! The water is still warm in Del Mar and at La Jolla Shores so we're not letting go of those fun memories with the kiddos just yet...

But when we think of our favorite summer moment, it is without a doubt a night that the we spent away from the kids, at the Coldplay concert in July.

It was so much fun, we had great tickets, the band was just terrific and we got to see them with my cousin Poncho and his wife Alicia who were visiting from Guadalajara (they loved it too!)

Click here to see a video we took at the show, and submit your favorite moment via the comments box... we can't wait to hear it!!

Gaby & Steve

THE TIP: Never park in the free parking at Coors Amphiteater where we saw Coldplay! We thought it was pretty cool that free parking was provided fairy close to the theater, but didn't realize that they let out every other lot before that one and so we sat in the car for one hour after the show until they finally opened up our lot!!

Free Tickets to Mom Business Conference!

2009-09-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

EXCELLENT CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL DREAMS -- AND SEE THE TIP BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE TICKET!

Moms in Business Unite (MIBU) Conference (About MIBU) September 16, 2009

University of San Diego, Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice

Conference Sessions: 10:00 a.m. -- 4:45 p.m.

Networking & Awards Reception: 5:00 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m.

Highlights of this Wonderful Conference: Guests will enjoy a keynote presentation by Julie Pickens & Mindee Doney, successful mom inventors and business owners known as Boogie Moms®: Check out their latest blog-post about MIBU and enter to win a free trip to the Conference!

The Educational breakout sessions will be focused on four main areas:

Track A -- Getting StartedIdeal sessions for the mom who wants to learn how to start her own business. These empowering sessions will provide a solid foundation for a mompreneur to get started!

Track B -- Running EfficientlyIdeal sessions for the mom who has her own business but wants to learn how to run it more efficiently. These sessions are packed with useful information providing immediate value to any business!

Track C -- Next LevelIdeal sessions for the mom who has an established business and is considering taking it to the next level. These motivating sessions will help inspire you to take the next step!Track D --Inventor Fast TrackThese sessions, presented by MIBU Keynote Speakers, will give attendees a tangible action plan to bring their inventions to market and cover all major components to take their "concept to cart"!

The evening reception will feature: Maria Bailey, host on Lifetime TV Internationally know Award winning speaker, author of "The Women's Home-Based Business Book of Answers" and many other publications. San Diego women inventors will be invited to showcase their "new" product or service and allow conference attendees to select the "best" new product of the year. The winner will be announced in a post conference press release and be featured on the Moms in Business Unite website for a year.

Register now to attend this value-packed educational conference.

Follow MIBU on Twitter Join MIBU Mailing List!!!GIVEAWAY!!!

THE TIP: MIBU Awards Director and long-time FWClass friend, Elizabeth Dang-Samuel, has purchased a ticket for one of you! Email Elizabeth at edangsamuel@momsinbusinessunite.com anduse subject: "FWC MIBU TIX!" The tenth email will win a FREE ticket to the conference!

Ponyo Loves Sosuke

2009-08-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Given the recent heatwave, we decided to take our boys (2 and 4) to see a movie and pretty much just picked any "G-rated" film that was playing in Del Mar, since we planned to hit the beach afterwards. We were so beautifully surprised by Ponyo.

Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki teamed with Disney to create this animated story of Ponyo, a magical girl-goldfish (voice by Noah Cyrus, sister of Miley) who is rescued by an adorable 5-year-old boy named Sosuke (voice of Frankie Jonas, the little brother of the Jonas Brothers).

Sosuke's mom is voiced by Tina Fey and father is Matt Dillon, add in Liam Neeson and Cate Blanchett and it's a star-filled endeavor, but it is the pure imagination and love and honor of a little boy that is what you will remember.

The drawings are so creative and mesmerizing, it truly is a piece of art. And if you like the modern, hip anime this is a very cool way to spend a few hours.

Click here to check out the movie trailer, but honestly, no matter your age - go see this beautiful film!

THE TIP: It takes a great theater to host a great movie, and oftentimes the surroundings can make or break your movie experience. So I have to give a shout out to UltraStar Del Mar Highlands 8 theater, where we saw the movie.

It is not the most modern theater, but the guy working the concessions actually came INTO the theater to find me to let me know the latte machine had been fixed (very sweet gesture, he must have seen the sadness in my eyes at the lack of caffeine after carting around with the kiddos all day - thanks!)

Full-day conference for mompreneurs

2009-08-14T00:36:00.000-07:00

We are excited for a great conference coming to town. The "Moms in Business Unite" conference will take place Sept 16th and is focused to help new business owners get started, existing business owners become more efficient or take their business to the next level, and help inspiring inventors bring their concept to reality!

Date: September 16, 2009
Place: University of San Diego, Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
Conference Session Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Award/Grant Presentation and Reception: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Keynote speakers are the Boogie Moms, Mindee Doney and Julie Pickens, creators of Boggie Wipes which is selling in 30,000 retail stores nationwide.

More details at http://www.momsinbusinessunite.com/

This all day educational conference, complete with keynote speaker, panel discussions, breakout sessions, new inventor showcase, networking, award ceremony, resource marketplace, and childcare to support and promote the growing number of women and mom-owned businesses.

THE TIP: Get a 10% discount courtesy of our friend Liz, just enter "Ameriprise" in the promo box when you register for the conference.

EVA Restaurant coming soon!

2009-08-14T00:16:00.000-07:00

Remember the amazing chef we first introduced you to in 2007...? Chef Mark Gold...

We were excited to learn that he had received an "excellent" rating by the LA Times Food Critic and are even more excited now to learn that he is achieving his dream of opening his own restaurant on Beverly Blvd in Los Angeles.

So of course we have to go check out his amazing cooking in his new place.... so stay tuned for our first Friends With Class roadtrip to check out the upcoming EVA Restaurant.

The foodie blog and news world is abuzz with info about this hot new restaurant... Read more at: http://www.foodgps.com/mark-gold-claims-hatfields-space-for-eva/

THE TIP: Mark has something very special planned for Sundays... menu based on what was most fresh at the Farmer's Market that day and free-flowing wine, love it!

From our friend's kitchen to the Today Show!

2009-07-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

Many of you will remember one of our first and favorite classes: "Amazing Appetizers" with Chef Marcela at our friend Mickey's house.

Well if you didn't take us up on the chance to cook with Marcela then, Al Roker took the chance last month when he and the rest of the Today Show invited her to their kitchen! What a treat to see Marcela on TV and remember the fun we had with her in class.

You can click here see her Today Show episode and be sure to check out her new website http://www.chefmarcela.com/ where you can get info about her new cook book -- this gal doesn't stop, but we'll be sure to catch her next time she is in San Diego for another great class :)

Casting Call from RJ at Single Dad.com

2009-07-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

A message from our friend RJ at http://www.singledad.com/ - pass on to any single dads you know who would be interested in being part of an upcoming TV show...

From RJ: "I have an opportunity to share and we need your help. SingleDad has been approached by a casting director for a SingleFather TV show and I need to cast (2) more Single Fathers who fit a particular category for the show: A SingleDad never married, Widowed Father, and divorced father all apply. Full Time Dad, Full Custody with Children preferred."

You can contact RJ by July 15th at rj@singledad.com and he will ask for a brief bio of how the Father became a single parent, a family photo, an individual photo and anything unique about your circumstances.

And for the rest of us... we'll stay tuned for this new TV show that will certainly be interesting and engaging :)

Our favorite instructors on TV

2009-07-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

You met Stacey at the Twitter class, Marcy at her career seminars and Elizabeth at her financial classes... now the rest of San Diego is getting to meet some our favorite instructors!

Check these gals out now that they are regulars on one of San Diego's best news outlets: San Diego Living, FOX 6 weekdays 9-10 am.

Win Tickets to Sassy City Chicks!

2009-07-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE SASSY CITY CHICKS SUMMER FASHION BASH!

Join our friend Isela and some of the hottest new designers for a fabulous night on Thursday, July 30th at Float Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel (207 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101) between the hours of 5pm-9pm.

Enjoy an evening filled with discount designer shopping and pampering spa services while indulging in some delicious cocktails at the hottest rooftop bar San Diego has to offer. Featuring SPECIAL RECESSION SAVINGS at up to 80% off designer name-brand jeans, jewelry, clothing, handbags, makeup and much more.

Advanced tickets can be purchased at http://www.sassycitychicks.com (2 for 1 Offer) $20, which includes early entry into Hard Rock Hotel’s Float Rooftop Bar, VIP Gift Bag (valued at $30), drink specials and complimentary spa services.

This event is sponsored by Fredericks of Holly wood, Borba, Pop Beauty, Nailene, Cozmocard and Hpnotiq. See items from some of the following designers: Juicy Couture, Ella Moss, Splendid, French Connection, Miss Me, Michael Stars, Hudson Jeans and many more.

More info at www.sassycitychicks.com or call (310) 318-1731.

THE TIP: To be entered to win a pair of VIP Tickets email info@sassycitychicks.com with ‘Friends with Class’ in the subject line. Entries accepted thru July 28th

2009-06-08T10:49:00.001-07:00

"Organization Class" Wed - June 10th at 6 pm in Banker's Hill. Details at http://ping.fm/loSCH See you there!

2009-05-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't it the best feeling when your house, office, garage or even your Blackberry are organized?

But what is it that always gets in the way when we're trying to get organized?? It's usually ourselves abd our inability to get rid of the clutter that will free up the space we need to be organized!

This is the theme in our latest organization class taught our favorite Organizational Coach, Miss Organized (Tracy Paye of www.miss-organized.com).

Students from her previous organization class at a friend's home in San Elijo Hills said: "Tracy knows her topic - would recommend this to family and friends!" Julie M.

And: "It was an unusual format to be in someone's home but it turned out to be very useful and interesting to see actual organization needs in person. Great instructor!" Wendy S.

As Tracy explains about this next installment in her Organization Class: "By getting rid of a few belongings, it will motivate and inspire you to do more and create momentum to continue once you get home."

Class will be held on Wed, June 10 from 6-8 pm at a private home in Banker's Hill.

CLICK HERE for all details and to register for the class.

THE TIP: For many of us, it is our office space that gets out of control keeping us stuck in clutter where productivity should reign!

Check out the before and after shots of an office Tracy organized as showcased on our friend Stacey's website. This client of Tracy's saw his business increase by 50% within 2 weeks after the completion of the project: http://sandiegobargainmama.com/miss_organized.html

National Mom's Nite Out Photos!

2009-05-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

This blog post is going to be all about THANK YOU's to all of the amazing people that made our National Mom's Nite Out event so much fun :)

THANK YOU to Jill Johnson, owner of Facelogic Spa for hosting. Stop by her fabuous new spa at 208 N. El Camino Real, Suite C or call them at (760) 840-3223 to book a facial (just $59!!). You can have them host a spa party for your group or just enjoy an amazing spa experience. Click here to read my review on my facial :)

THANK YOU to Rowell (www.photosbyrowell.com) for taking the beautiful photos at the event. You've got to have him at your next party or event, he was just terrific!!

THANK YOU Friends With Class for making the funky Mom-osas (don't ya love the ear plugs tied around the stem??!!)

THANK YOU Stacey of San Diego Bargain Mama for bringing awesome giveaways, providing a great spread and Twittering live at the event! (see our updates @sdbargainmama and @friendswclass)

Stacey and our Ms. Organized instructor, Tracy, above -- THANK YOU to the awesome ladies that joined us!

THANK YOU to Kristen of "Wine Shop at Home" for providing wine tasting and guidance on the reds and whites -- contact her to have a similar wine tasting party at your place, it was so much fun!

THANK YOU to all the ladies that brought accessories to swap and donate to a women's charity. Check out Alexis (author of Baby's Little Log Book) below browsing the wares -- we all went home with some cute new accessories!

THANK YOU to Wayne Johnson, Jill's husband and the amazing Grammy Award-winning musician for providing rockin' entertainment. He was just featured in Carlsbad Magazine (below) and we got to hear his beautiful tunes all to ourselves!

http://www.carlsbadmagazine.com/Stories/waynej.html

THE TIP: You don't need a National Holiday to get out for a Mom's Nite Out... get together at a spa, restaurant or at home to spend quality girl time.

Call Jill at (760) 840-3223 if you want your next MNO to be a spa party - we had a blast!

Best Facial - Review

2009-05-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's no longer a secret that Facelogic Spa provides the best deal in town ($59 for their signature facial). But I had to write a review on how amazing the actual facial is...

I've had great facials at La Costa, Spa MD, The Well in Palm Springs etc and my facial at Facelogic last week was a wonderful little retreat without having to splurge and head out of town to a resort :)

Maybe I expected just a standard facial like I've also had at the places I sometimes get my haircut. But as I stepped into a dark, quiet space with relaxing music and aromatherapy scents all around I could tell this would be different...

First was the "zero gravity" weightless chair which was AMAZING in and of itself. The NASA design makes it so that you take all weight off of your back even as you lay back to enjoy the facial.

The rest was an awesome mix of cleansing, head, neck and hand massage, face mask, steam, a treatment, etc. It was really amazing and much more than I expetced -- be sure to ask for Melissa, she was awesome as are all of the gals there!

Stop by to see them at 208 N. El Camino Real, Suite C - Encinitas, CA 92024 (TJ Maxx/BevMo shopping center). Or call them at 760.840.3223 (FACE) to book a facial.

THE TIP: Faceogic also carries great products (I bought a moisturizer with SFP 15 and foundation coverage) and makes a great spot for a spa party for your group.

We held our "National Mom's Nite Out" party there and it was awesome to hang out with the gals, enjoy a bite and a drink and the disappear for the awsome facial to rejoin the party glowing and relaxed :)

Products and "Mom's Spa Party" photos above by Rowell (http://www.photosbyrowell.com/)

What's a Mom-osa??!!

2009-05-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

What's a Mom-osa.....? Come to our National Mom's Nite Out event tomorrow night and try one for FREE!

Take a regular Mimosa, add a splash of pink w/ cranberry juice, tie a pair of earplugs around the stem and VOILA, toast with all the ladies around you!

This special night is being celebrated by Friends With Class, San Diego Bargain Mama and Facelogic with giveaways provided by the National Mom's Nite Out group. All details below, it's going to be a blast :)

WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 6:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: Facelogic Spa in Encinitas (208 N. El Camino Real, Suite C)
**Call them at (760) 840-3223 to book a facial that night for $10 off**

WHAT TO BRING: Your gal pals and three or more accessories to swap for the Accessories Swap (anything we don't trade among ourselves benefits charity)

CLICK HERE for more details and photos from a past frock swap to see what it's all about...

THE TIP: You will also get to meet Jill, owner of Facelogic whom you may recall from a recent BRAVO TV show, and her famous musician husband Wayne who was just profiled in Carlsbad magazine http://carlsbadmagazine.com/

What an awesome couple - thanks so much for hosting this fun evening :)

Boot Camp at Balboa Park

2009-05-04T22:28:00.001-07:00

OK everyone -- and we mean everyone! This Boot Camp class is for ALL of our friends: We have friend's parents coming, people who have not worked out in years, friends who run marathons -- let's all get out there and have a fun morning getting some exercise!

Our friend Jen can't say enough great things about her trainer Marko and is recommending his Boot Camp to all of her friends :)

Marko Sanchez, CSCS is a certified Strength & Conditioning / Performance Coach and Personal Trainer who typically works with clients in sports therapy or on one-on-one sessions. But Jenny has convinced him to start a Fitness Boot Camp at Balboa Park and everyone is invited...

As Jen and Marko describe: "This is not your average boot camp in the park. We won't step on your shoulders or shout in your ears. We aren't drill instructors. Or mad babysitters. We are fitness partners. Our boot camp will help you build strength, power, and agility, increase flexibility, and lose weight."

"This is a comprehensive workout designed for anyone who wants to improve his or her fitness, change their exercise routine, and have fun doing so! You will have a great workout no matter your fitness level."

Class is Saturday, May 16th, 8:30 am at Balboa Park (corner of 6th and Laurel). Class is $15 or four classes for $50. From that has not worked out in AGES, I will see you there!!

We are working on setting up the online payment, for now email Marko at 619fitness@gmail.com to RSVP!

THE TIP: Bring plenty of water and a towel and be ready for a great time! Did we all forget how much fun exercise is supposed to be?!!

Why boys need parents....

2009-05-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

This was my favorite picture in an email I received today which hit home to the daily trials and joys of parenting two boys!

The photo actually also reminds us of what it feels like to wake up every day and imagine the craziness that awaits us... but somehow we take it all on and it's a fun ride after all :)

Charlie Brown Hits the Stage!

2009-05-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

We are happy to support ACT - San Diego (Actors' Conservatory Theatre) www.actsandiego.com in their latest production: "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown."

Our friend Staci's daughter is in the play and she has scored $5 tickets for us and our friends :) We had a blast seeing little Julia in the play Annie last year (my boys' first play) and we can't wait to see this one too!

This Broadway version of the lovable Charlie Brown and his beagle runs May 8 through May 17 at The Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza. The play is based on Charles Schultz's Peanuts comic strip, and chronicles the lives of old favorites Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, Linus, and Schroeder. This production is filled with music designed to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone.

The show touches on childhood dilemmas, pondering such questions as growing up and puppy love. It provides audiences both young and old opportunities to sit and relax, laugh, and remember the days when the backyard was as big as the entire world.

THE TIP: For the special $5 tickets for Friends With Class, call Beth at (619) 508-5556

Live From Del Mar...

2009-04-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

Blogging live from Del Mar... kind of makes me feel like Anderson Cooper here, I wish :)

But I just finished a presentation on the "Style Stage" at the Head to Toe Women's EXPO in Del Mar with our instructor Marcy Morrison (that's us in the photo above presenting and then me blogging!)

We talked about "Finding Your Dream Job" and it was such a treat to share my own experience from jobs in Washington DC, Los Angeles, with governments all over the country and now launching Friends With Class.

There were so many great questions -- this is such a tough time right now for people looking to find their Dream Job, but we had one woman show up to share her success story following the tips Marcy laid out in her book. (that's her below!)

We had people sign up for our next "Career Class - May 11th" on the spot and share tips among themselves.

Gotta go now because the next presentation is starting, I just met author Tedde McMillen and want to hear all about her "Million Dollar Cup of Tea" -- another great success story!

THE TIP: Get out there and network, listen to other people's struggles,success stories and get inspiration from those going through the same situation as you. I learned so much from the questions audience members asked us. Thanks everyone who came out!!

March of Dimes - A GREAT Walk, for Healthy Babies!

2009-04-08T01:11:00.000-07:00

The March of Dimes WALK FOR BABIES is April 18, 2009 at Cannon Park in Carlsbad. There is NO registration fee!! And Whole Foods is catering the event this year, so lots of healthy and yummerific food, not to mention the chance to walk for a great cause and meet great new friends.

You can just how up and walk, or if you want to walk with a team we recommend that you make some donation and do it through one of our favorite local groups: Stroller Strides. They are having three teams walk this year; Central/South County, North County and Corporate. CLICK HERE to see the "Team Stroller Strides" page on the March of Dimes website.

Event Details:
April 18, 2009
Cannon Park -->100 Cannon Rd.Carlsbad, CA 92008
Walk Distance: 3.1 miles
Registration Time: 8:00AM
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Chapter: San Diego - Imperial Division
Phone #: (858) 576-1211

THE TIP: More than 1 million people do this walk every year, and the money raised supports programs that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. Since 1970 more than $1.8 billion has been raised through March of Dimes to benefit all babies. WOW!

Twitter Class Was Terrific!

2009-04-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

We had such a great class on Saturday, March 28th for a Twitter class led by http://twitter.com/searchguru who presented so much terrific information and gave us all a detailed overview of this fascinating medium.

THANK YOU to San Diego's top PR firm, Katz & Associates, for hosting this class. It was great to learn from an SEO expert alongside PR professionals, a Corporate Communications Director for a national technology firm, a mompreneur, small business owner...

Some in the class were already taking off on Twitter and others had barely heard of what it was! But everyone had positive things to say about our instructor and the class:

"Great instruction, handouts, presentation. I learned so much. Anita is a fantastic teacher on social media. She's knowledgeable and a lot of fun too!" Sandra

"I liked everything about this class -- it was very informative and I loved the class size!" Dani

We will definitely be doing another class soon... stay tuned for a date and location (we have requests for La Jolla on a Saturday or Rancho Bernardo on a weeknight....)

THE TIP: I finally GET Twitter now... it is like a huge, cyber cocktail party with some pretty amazing people. And the real power is not just in tyhe numbers (8 million) or the sheer simplicity, but in the power that all of the Twitter-apps provide you....

I had a big "OHHH" moment as Anita covered TweetDeck, HootSuite, Tagalus, Ping.fm ... etc etc etc

**Be sure to follow us at @FriendsWClass - Tweet you soon!

Welcoming a New Baby Boy!

2009-04-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Yoly and Brian on the arrival of the adorable Ethan Benicio born at 7:29 am on Sunday - 5 lbs 14 oz.

Mom is recovering nicely and Dad is absolutely BEAMING. So are Ethan's little cousins ;)

National Mom's Night Out - May 7th!

2009-04-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

Join us Thursday, May 7th 6:00-8 pm as Friends With Class and SanDiegoBargainMama.com celebrate the first ever National Mom’s Nite Out!

The event will be held at Facelogic Spa in Encinitas (208 N. El Camino Real, Suite C) and is FREE! We will be holding an Accessories Swap and enjoying entertainment, refreshments and some fun Mom time to celebrate this great idea.

I'm going to be getting a facial that night, and anyone else that wants to do one just call Facelogic and you can get $10 off of any facial! Their tel is (760) 840-3223 (FACE) and you can read more about this great spa and its FABULOUS owner on a March blog post.

For the Accessories Swap just bring three or more accessories that you want to donate. You will go home with two new accessories from what other people brought and what is left over will be donated to a charity women's group. (See photos from our last Frock Swap, this event will focus on accessories...)

Bring some funky accessories because we will have San Diego's hottest up-and-coming photographer, Rowell, taking free photos where we can do fun poses with some accessory you might never think is your style :)

The "National Mom’s Nite Out" concept is the brainchild and passion of Maria Bailey, internationally known Mom expert and author of “The Ultimate Mom.” Maria is host of Mom Talk Radio, Founder of BlueSuitMom.com, Co-Founder of Newbaby.com and Founder of Mom Select.

THE TIP: If you can't join us in person, you can still be a part of the event through online chats, Skype and Twitter tweet-ups.

As the first nationally organized celebration of motherhood, National MNO will bring together today’s moms, physically and virtually, The National Mom’s Nite Out will unite over 150 social media groups, companies, local playgroups, mommy bloggers and mother social networks in giving moms a well deserved night off. Visit the The National Mom’s Nite Out website for more details!

Interesting View of the World

2009-04-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is a very interesting way to see the world, and a reminder that we have so much to be thankful for.....

It is the Miniature Earth slideshow and shows you what the world would be like if only 100 people livedon it.

http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm

What do you think?

THE TIP: You need to travel far from your home, your life, to look back in and better understand what you have.

Gaby's time in South Africa and Tunesia -- and Steve's summers in Indonesia and Panama helped us see how blessed we are. And while we try to improve other's lives with things like shelter and clean water they continue to bless us with examples of true selflesness, hospitality, wisdom and love.

Why Twitter??

2009-03-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

Whether it was the Twitter segment on ABC Nightline last month, or Jon Stewart's hilarious coverage earlier this month, one thing is clear -- everyone is talking about Twitter. But who is actually talking ON Twitter, and what do they have to say?

My experience with Twitter has been two-fold: For Friends With Class it has been amazing the people I have connected with via this medium (national reporters, amazing local entrepreneurs) and through my role as VP for an e-Government firm I was surprised at a Government Technology conference in Austin when the topic of the day for cities, counties and public agencies was.... Twitter and Web 2.0

CAN'T WAIT for the Twitter class this Saturday with SEO expert Anita Cohen Williams. I'll post some photos and blog about it to let you know how it went. Or better yet -- see you there and we can Tweet about it together :)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASS

This class is regularly $75 but we heard your emails (and Tweets!) and are offering a $37.50 reg fee for individuals and small businesses -- our corporate friends paying ful prince understood. Class is Saturday March 28th - 9 am to 12 pm at the offices of the top PR Firm in San Diego Katz & Associates (4250 Executive Sq., Suite 670 - La Jolla, CA 92037).

THE TIP: Getting a good Tweet name is like how getting the right URL was at the benning of the Internet... my suggestion is to just establish your accountnow to get your name or company name established and then you'll build usage from there. And ofcourse, be sure to follow us: @FriendsWClass

FWC Founder at Head to Toe EXPO!

2009-03-12T00:14:00.000-07:00

Come see Friends With Class founder Gabriela Dow and our favorite Career Coach Marcy Morrison on stage at the Head to Toe EXPO in April at the Del Mar Fair.

The EXPO runs Fri-Sun, we'll be there Sunday, April 19th at 11 a.m. Here's how our session is described in the EXPO press release:

"Ever wonder how to make your dream job happen? This year has brought intense challenges in the workforce, but now is a perfect time to take control of your career or launch your own business. Gabriela Dow, successful entrepreneur and founder of Friends With Class, and Marcy Morrison, a career coach of Careers With Wings, will share with you the steps you need to take to remain competitive in this challenging employment climate."

Come see us and enjoy a great day of shopping and girl time - it'll be a great event!! Click here for details and stay tuned for info on how to get FREE TICKETS :)

THE TIP: Our favorite cooking instructor (and author, TV diva, sweetheart and does-it-all mom) Chef Marcela will also be at Head to Toe... what a treat!!

Sugar Jones on Chicks Who Chat - Favorite Find!

2009-03-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

You never know who you're going to meet as a Friends With Class student!

This week, not only did a group of gals get to learn how to "Organize With Confidence" but they also got to meet the fabulous Sugar Jones, at her home... a big THANK YOU to Sugar for being our wonderful hostess.

It is such a treat to hear her voice on the "Chicks Who Chat" radio and what an even bigger treat to meet her in person.

The radio show covers everything from PR and social media to topics like "Mean Girls," emerging trends and just fun things to chat about. As a mom, Sugar shares mom tips and has a fun time chatting, blogging and tweeting -- check her out, and you'll see why SHE is a favorite find!

THE TIP: Become one of the 5,600+ that follow Sugar on Twitter and have a smile guaranteed from her tweets :)

Gap Give and Get Deal

2009-03-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

This deal combines two of our favorite things: A straight savings of cash with the opportunity to help others!

Through March 15th, you can get 30% off at the Gap, Old Navy, Bananna Republic during the "Friends & Family" event. For every purchase you make, the store will give 5% of the amount you spend to Feeding America. Great deal - thank you Sandra for passing this along :)

CLICK HERE TO PRINT THE COUPON

THE TIP: This is a great opportunity to buy some items for gift-giving throughout the year... nice B Republic sweater or tie for Dad, Gap baby clothes for showers, even fun Old Navy tees as party favors for an upcoming bash!

FREE VIP TICKETS to Sassy City Chicks

2009-03-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

Want to know what a fashion bash and sample sale look like? Check out the Sassy City Chicks event which is essentially a collection of up and coming designers showing off their latest products and styles.

And you get to check it all out for free! Check out the "Sassy City Chicks" Fashion Bash Discount Shopping Event at the Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday March 12 from 5pm to 10pm.

They are offering free tickets for our friends, so you can save money during these tough times and spend your money where it counts.....on clothes, jewelry or handbags for you, not on tickets!

Just email info@sassycitychicks.com with 'FRIENDS WITH CLASS' in the subject line and your name in the email, and you will be emailed FREE tickets for you and a friend. These VIP tickets include early entry @ 5pm, a gift bag (valued at $30), & complimentary spa services!

For more event info and particpating designers, visit www.sassycitychicks.com

THE TIP: The gals that attended last time suggested wearing tight fitting clothes like a tube top and leggings so that you can try items on quickly and on the spot! Be sure to say hi to Isela who puts on this awesome event and let her know of any designers you think should be added to the next show!

Facelogic Grand Opening - Favorite Find!

2009-03-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

**Update: For the Grand Opening Event and during the month of March, Facelogic is offering 2 for 1 facials! If you bring a friend, you receive two 50 minute facials for $59 (just $29.50 each)! It’s an amazing way to try their services.

Also, the Grand Opening Event is on March 21 from 10am – 2pm with giveaways to the first 100 guests and the grand prize: a free year membership to Facelogic!

Our favorite prize that day: Everyone gets to see Wayne and Jill playing awesome rock music (see below for that background!!)**

There is a terrific new spa opening in Encinitas that touts something that is music to our ears: “Affordable Luxury”... it is called Facelogic Spa and this Favorite Find opens its doors on March 7th!

The concept at Facelogic is simple…offer high-end facials, facial waxing and signature product at an affordable price. A favorite in these stressful times is the anti-aging facial for younger looking skin, acne facials are a hit with teens and something like microdermabrasion is offered to men and women to help sun damaged skin and remove dark spots.

Each facial includes a 20 minute hand, arm, neck, shoulder and scalp massage. Just lean back in one of Facelogic’s unique “Zero Gravity Chairs” and let your stress melt away. We love FaceLogic's tagline "Don't be afraid of the 'P' word..."

Don’t be afraid to PAMPER yourself! Facelogic is pure pleasure, pure luxury, purely affordable.

Visit Facelogic Spa at 208 N. El Camino Real, Suite C - Encinitas, CA 92024 or call (760) 840-3223 (FACE) to book an appointment!

THE TIP: Many of you saw Facelogic spa owner Jill Johnson on the Bravo TV show "Welcome to the Parker" and so you know that having reviewed the best spas at five-star hotels, Jill knows what kind of treatments and service will be top notch!

Jill's husband and co-owner, Wayne Johnson, is also top notch in his field as a musician who played guitar for The Manhattan Transfer and plays in Bette Midler’s band for “The Showgirl Must Go On” at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Look for details of a time when Wayne might be playing live at the spa for added star-treatment!

Fashioned for a Cause: "Shoes for the Soul"

2009-02-26T16:54:00.001-08:00

We love everything about this event -- the theme (FASHION), the location (W HOTEL) and best of all the cause!

La Chica Chic and Fashion Careers College are teaming to bring you an evening of stylish accessories and a glimpse at emerging fashion designers for the benefit of the non-profit organization "Shoes for the Soul."

The event is Thursday, March 5th from 6-9 pm at the W Hotel (their awesome "BEACH" rooftop bar and lounge). The goal of the event is to provide shoes for children and youth whose families are at or below the poverty line.

Admission to the event is a brand new pair of children or youth footwear in original packaging, or $15, at the door.

You will enjoy boutique shopping from specialty vendors and a fashion show featuring emerging designers from Fashion Career College (we love that there is an element of education here too!) A competition for the best designer will be held as judges choose their favorite.

THE TIP: Make sure that you wear open-toed shoes to this event... there is an awesome element about the BEACH bar at the W... nothing like cool sand between your toes as you sip a cocktail in front of the fire pit...

Organize With Confidence to Get More SPACE!!

2009-02-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

The Frock Swap was so much fun a few weeks ago -- look for another one coming up soon in La Jolla! This charity event gives you a great excuse to clean out your closet and make room for the new threads you will bring home.

But don't stop at just digging out clothes you will no longer wear... use this as an excuse to get your entire closet organized. Or better yet, take our newest class "Organizing With Confidence" led by a pro (Tracy Paye, Miss Organized herself in the photo above!).

Let's face it: These days nobody is moving into larger homes -- we have to make do with the space we have even though our families are growing and many of us are now working from home. Our space is much more crowded making life feel more stressed out, cramped and scattered.

Tracy will lead this class at friend Cynthia's home in San Elijo Hills where she will walk our group through the steps needed to organize the hostesses' problem closet. We can enjoy refreshments while making new friends and learning first-hand how to get organized.

CLICK HERE to register for the "Organization Class" and don't forget to bring a photo of your problem spot (my desk!!!) because Tracy will spend time with each of us reviewing our photo and issue to provide specific steps and tips on where to get started

THE TIP: Think of you goal as having LESS STUFF cluttering your life, to have MORE SPACE to think, create and enjoy. Isn't it the best rush to see a clean desk, room or even organized kitchen cabinet?

Frock Swap in South Park

2009-02-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

"What is a frock swap?" you ask... well I was wondering the same thing, until I went to the one in South Park Saturday and had such a blast!

I packed up a bunch of clothes I am not going to put to use anymore and I came home with some adorable "new" stylish finds (click here to see more photos from the event).

My "frock swap" naivette was cured by Elizabeth (organizer) and Melissa (planner) who did a fabulous job. They had a whole method to this taking turns showing each piece. And as I sipped a mimosa, met some great ladies and got a sort of fashion show, the time just flew by... basically you donate clothes, pick clothes to take home from other donated items and whatever is left over goes to a charity :)

My favorite was the vintage dress above that one of the gals took home and all of the Australian clothes that a woman who had just moved to the US brought along. The tube top below was hilarious, we had some laughs over what some of us had found deep in our closets... from the 80s or from wilder days ;)

At the end of the event I gave some goodie bags (thanks Sephora!) that I had from our Fashionable Fall class to the gals that put this on and we had a fun raffle for a few more bags. Best of all were all of the unclaimed clothes that were left over which are going to a charity for battered women (Rachel's House), for women seeking work (Dress for Success) and to Cinderella's Attic for girls that need prom dresses (click here to read more details about the event on our catalog).

The Union Tribune ran info about this event in the Smart Living section (thanks Nina, we love the Frugal Shopaholic blog!) and there were so many RSVPs as a result of that mention that we will have to set up a second frock swap... stay tuned...

THE TIP: Pick something at the frock swap that you would never have bought for yourself and you can mix it up in your closet in a fun and surprising way... I donated mostly work clothes that my 3 business trips per year no longer call for (used to be 3 a week before the kids!) and I wanted to come back with some different styles.

Well the Audrey Hepburn-ish striped camisol that I got is kind of standard for what I would get (LOVE it though!) but the funky Japanese tee with bright colors and sequins is so far from anything else in my closet that it could be a new favorite now :)

Look at all of these clothes that will go to great charities - that was the best part!

Photography Tips

2009-02-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

Well the "Little Snaps" class has started and I am getting the greatest shots of the kids at the New Children's Museum. The photo above is one of my favorites -- there is a really neat white dome exhibit (kind of like an igloo) that filters the light in an amazing way and this photo of Evan looking at Alec makes think this is what we all look like sometimes... a little foggy and hard to figure out!

Another cute photo is below from the "rain on tin roof" exhibit (see little brother in the window?!) This venue just has the coolest little spots to take pictures... click here to see more shots. I can wait to see the pictures developed from Evan's camera; he's in the igloo below taking photos of the other kids.

THE TIP: Amanda showed me how to set my camera (ISO at 400) to get really sharp photos. The CF card fills up quickly and I'm sure the files are huge but they look great!

Photography Class at the New Children's Museum

2009-01-22T22:39:00.001-08:00

Just some cute photos that our "Little Snaps" instructor Amanda Dahlgren took of the boys as we prepared for the Photography With Your Toddler Class at the San Diego New Children's Museum (http://www.thinkplaycreate.org/). Call the Museum at (619) 233-8792 to register for the session - see you there!

THE TIP: My plan is to actually learn how to take better photos MYSELF!

I always take photos of the cutest moments but never do justice... too much shade, bad angle, not close-up enough...

Perfect example below, the photo below of the boys feeding a caterpillar at the Monarch Program, this looks more like a photo of the ground. The photo of Evan feeding a butterfly is a little better but I know Amanda will show me some great tricks and tips!

Have you guys SEEN this list???

2009-01-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

OK - the list got so long that I finally had to just add it to the comments for this post. Very sad, but important info -- check the comments.

THE TIP: Plan as if you will be laid off tomorrow and be out of work for six months... thank you to the various readers at SDlookup that posted this info

Tough Times, Don't Give Up

2009-01-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

I don't know what got into me the other day, but I had this song in my head... "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel. I had been thinking about so many friends who have been laid off, stressed out as their home values plunge below what they paid, small businesses closing, marriages falling apart, little kids in the middle of it all...

When I finally played the song, I was surprised that it made me cry.... it made me think more of the wives that provide tender support as their men go another week on unemployment or find untenable options before them.

You can hear the song at the link below - is it just me or is it eerie how true the words are today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJWurqWTeSk

Please offer whatever support you can to friends going through tough times... there are so many right now.

We focused our classes at the start of this new year to try to have an empowering attitude to these difficulties. We grouped a Resume Workshop, Career Seminar, Budgeting & Saving Workshop and "How to Launch a New Business" and "How to Get the Word Out" into a "More in 2009" series (click here to check it out).

You can take all classes, just one a few -- whatever will help you. Email me if you have been laid off and we'll get you into these seminars at a reduced rate, at least 50% off (gabriela@friendswithclass.com).

THE TIP: It's time to save more, find ways to earn more and be more supportive of those that just need to hear the words "Don't give up, you still have friends... Don't give up, we don't need much of anything... Don't give up."

Letter from Obama to his girls

2009-01-20T15:48:00.001-08:00

Steve mentioned this morning that surely some portion of President Obama's speech would end up as words chiseled in stone, which underscored what a special day we all shared today.

I like to also think of the words my friend Ali emailed earlier in the week, from a letter then President-elect wrote to his daughters and I like to think that those words will be tucked in a special place for two amazing little girls that we will see grow through this diffcult but hopeful time in our history.

Obama wrote: "Dear Sasha and Malia... I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential."

CLICK HERE to read the full text of the letter, courtesy of Parade Magazine.

THE TIP: The Obama letter to his daughters reminds to take a moment in between emails, work reports, love notes to our spouse or letters to friends and relatives abroad and also write down the words we want chiseled in our children's minds as he too help to shape them to become good people who recognize their important obligations!

More in 2009

2009-01-17T10:57:00.001-08:00

Every night on the evening news we hear of more job cuts, a steeper drop in housing values, a worsening economy, and uncertainty about how long this will all last....

Well, it's time to stop reeling from the endless bad news and make plans for 2009 to be better for each of us in our own way. You need to save more, earn more and be MORE EMPOWERED so that your career, household and opportunities are headed in the right direction.

We are very excited about the new series of classes that we have consolidated into the "More in 2009" series. All of these classes tie together into the central theme of getting ahead based on what you earn, how much you can budget and save and creating new opportunities.

Click each link below to see class details in this series led by our favorite instructors - our experts when it comes to jobs, finances and deals. You've seen them on TV, now have them all to yourselves in these dynamic sessions:

1 - Career Workshop: Finding Your Dream Career (Marcy Morrison: 2/7, 4/18 or 6/6 - 10 am to 12 pm)

2 - Resume Workshop: Step #1 to Success (Marcy Morrison: 1/24, 2/21 or 5/2 - 10 am to 12 pm)

3 - How to the Get the Word Out: Marketing / PR Seminar (Gabriela Dow: 4/18 - 1 to 3 pm)

4 - How to Launch a Business: From the Founder of FWClass (Gabriela Dow: 3/21 - 1 to 3 pm)

5 - Budgetting and Saving to Reach Your Goals (Elizabeth Dang Samuel brings Cristen Lebsack, Chris Norita and Stacey Ross for this dynamic four-part session: 2/21, 3/21, 4/18 & 5/2 - 9 to 10 am)

THE TIP: You can take each of the classes individually for $50 each, or CLICK HERE to save $100 by taking all five classes for $150. This will allow you to create you own personal plan that you follow through into the Spring of this great new year!

Rockin' Out at Legoland

2009-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Took the boys to Legoland yesterday, it was the sunniest day I think we've ever had in January here in San Diego! We met up with a friend and her son and went on the little storybook boat ride and then to the usual playground there.

My friend reminded us that there was a show starting in the little theater. And although we have passed that theater many times, we hd never gone inside. What a surprise and what a treat it was!

We saw the Journey to the Lost Temple and it was so much fun. There was the evil villain, the trusted hero, the funny mummy and the awesome 80s music (they sang "Walk Like an Egyptian" without the reference to crocodiles snap their teeth "on a cigarette" - very fun and very kid friendly!)

The best part was when you "travel through" space and the theater is pitch black with green stars flashed on eveyone - very cool :)

THE TIP: Lunch can be a little expensive (we have the annual pass so we get 20% off of the food) but a great tip is that you can go to the Garden restaurant next to the pirate splash area and order the tomato bisque in a cup instead of the bread bowl (normally $7.95 in the bread bowl but only $4.95 in the cup -- it is delicious, more healthy without the carbs and a great treat for teh kids).

They also make a good latte at that restaurant!

Lotto vs Stocks - A Favorite Find!

2009-01-08T01:45:00.000-08:00

FAVORTE FIND: Our friend Amy is hilarious, super cool and one of the most creative people we know. She's not just a great writer but also a great blogger (a talent which we know we lack here at FWTips, but we try!)

So who else but Amy to come up with this hilarious -- yet so logical in way -- idea. And what an awesome, simple and brilliant goal: to make it to Anderson Cooper 360 as a hologram! LOVE IT

Check out the details on the blog URL below, track it, post and share with friends!

http://lotto-vs-stocks.blogspot.com/

THE TIP: No stock tips here, just two tidbits on Mr. Cooper whom I love... most people know he is the son of Gloria Vanderbilt (click here to see a cute video of him interviewing her on CNN).

But not everyone knows that he is a tried and true journalist who worked his way up TV news. CLICK HERE to see an ADORABLE video of his mom embarassing him when he was a young pup doing the news :)

Classes get creative to help frugal families

2009-01-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

Nice article ran today in the La Jolla light...

New Children's Museum tries helping families with affordable fun
Jan 6, 2009- La Jolla Light

Friends With Class has teamed with the New Children's Musem to take its class "Little Snaps: Photography With Your Toddler" into the setting of the new museum. Created by a mom, the class combines the opportunity for parents and caretakers to learn about the fine art of photography while with their toddlers and introducing them to this medium.

Originally taught in local parks, the class has now moved into the museum and moved down in price to make it as affordable as possible for families coming out of a very tough economic year.

"The class began with friends and other moms in my playgroup as we were seeking something interesting that we could learn without having to leave our little ones behind. The museum's requirement that any family be able to participate for under $20 was a challenge but together we found a way to make it work," Gabriela Dow, founder of Friends With Class, said.

The "Little Snaps" class begins Jan. 10 at the New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego at 10:15 a.m. Cost for the six-week session is $100 for parents and their toddler (under age 5), or the drop-in rate is $18. Class is taught by expert photographer Amanda Dahlgren, who is also a mom.Class information and registration is available at www.thinkplaycreate.org.

THE TIP: You get the museum entrance fee included in the cost of the class, so this is a great value as you can stay and enjoy the wonderful facily (and tire the kids out!) after class.

Happy Holidays... in the Snow!!

2008-12-26T22:39:00.000-08:00

We hope that everyone has enjoyed the last few days with family, friends and peace in your home and heart! Our Christmas was lovely at home, and in the mountains just east of San Diego we lived out the spirit of a winter wonderland in the snow :)

Check out the photo above -- snow in Julian CA! Just one hour from our house. We knew the storms that brought so much rain to San Diego had to have dropped some snow in the mountains, but we had no idea how much snow, how light, dry and fun it would be, and how easy it was to get there (click here for a current Julian snow and weather report).

We drove into the small town of Julian last Saturday morning, and had brunch at the Julian Cafe (40 minute wait - so the kids slushed around in the snow on the sidewalks while we walked around and waited). The apple cider was delicious, Buffalo Bill and other dressed up characters around town stopped by! (below is Alec hanging out and watching snow melt, dogs and horses pass by...)

There was no need for chains on the tires for the snow, but there was a moment of drama when my dad's car was stuck because the tire could not get traction to back up and pull out from his parking spot on a steep hill. A shopkeeper gave us cardboard to put under the icy tire, a bunch of helpful men helped push the car to gain traction and we were off to go sledding...

We had so much fun playing in the snow that we are going back again tomorrow; hope to see many of you there!! It is such a perfect family day -- we went with my parents, and grandma, aunts, cousin and niece who are visiting. As we watched Alec eat snow, Evan and Sophie sledding down the hill after making snow angels atop a gorgeous, silent hill looking into the woods, my cousin (who usually prefers Bloomingdales and Bebe) exclaimed -- "wow, and you get to enjoy all of this for free!"

THE TIP: As we were driving out of Julian (at 2 pm) there was a huge line of cars backed up on the road into town.... so we advise you get there early as it seems the town gets very crowded for lunch and afterward.

Also, you will be tempted to pull over and play in the snow as soon as you see it on the ground -- hang tight and drive another few miles to where it is less crowded and the show is REALLY deep and fresh :)

See below - can you believe how much snow there was?!

Radio Interviews

2008-12-11T00:16:00.001-08:00

I was interviewed by SignOnSanDiego radio and Savvy Parent Radio, audio clips below:

http://www.bigmediausa.com/archive.asp?aid=32413

Click on the MP3 segments

http://signonradio.com/programs/family-matters-jane-clifford/

See the Nov 20th clip, "Neworking Mothers"

Now you know why they call me "Gaby" - I hate hearing media interviews after the fact, but there should be some interesting tidbits in there for you!

I'm including this post in the "Resaturants" label because the SignOn interview was with Alicia, owner of Java Mama (yummy food, great coffee and fun for the little ones).

THE TIP: You can get so much great advice, in real time, via radio shows. My favorite call-in shows are the George Chamberlin "Buckets of Money" show, Dr. Laura for relationship / parenting advice and "Editor's Roundtable" on KPBS / NPR! What are yours?

WOW!! Peter Schiff had it SO down pat!

2008-12-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

FAVORITE FIND: Not sure if we have made a person a favorite find before, but here's a guy that knew what he was talking about...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I0QN-FYkpw&eurl=http://www.socalbubble.com/

Check out the link abve for a compilation of news segments from as early as 2006 where all of the news "gurus" are laughing and making fun of the warnings Peter Schiff was giving. Fox News analysts were touting "boom" and what bargains Goldman Sachs, WAMU and Merryl Lynch stock were (bankrupt firms now!!) while Schiff pretty much predicted "bust" via the housing bubble, recession, sub-prime collapse and current credit crisis...

I'm going to research this guy further, he is so on target (or WAS so on target) by saying that all wealth in the past years was purely on paper and the only way to get out from this awful recession is to SAVE and PRODUCE.

I am disgusted by the slick commentator laughing at Schiff, and telling him "I have NO idea where you are getting this... what artifical lending standard are you talking about??!!" Please tell me these other guys are no longer given ANY air time, as a courtesy to the nation!

THE TIP: You can probably believe in 1% of the "advice" you hear on mainstream news (and I used to work at CNN guys, remember?)

And for good measure, below is what Schiff has to say of late, Nov 2008:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9rECsp5768

Track Santa!

2008-12-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

How cute is this website that allows you to track Santa as he makes his way to our homes this year!

www.noradsanta.org

Thank you to friend Joelle for sharing the website, along with the complete press release for how this all started in 1955!!

THE TIP: There are many schools of thought on the topic of Santa, but we say live the fantasy as long as you can! We love listening out the window with our boys (Alec may not know what he's listening for exactly) and have even added to the Christmas lore by also having the Christmas Mouse that visit us every December :)

Tis the Season... To Learn!

2008-12-03T16:45:00.001-08:00

As we all know, this is bound to be a holiday season like no other given the troubling economic downturn and reality check that home prices and lost jobs are providing.

But don't forget that ultimately we create our own realities, and instead of going through the holidays with some added pounds from feasts and new sweaters to store in the closet, you can give and seek the gift of knowledge thereby creating for yourself the kind of life you want for 2009.

I am so inspired by the moms in my playgroups that decided to turn their love for photography into blooming businesses. You never know where following your passion could take you, just as I never could have guessed that our first photography class "Little Snaps: Photography With Your Toddler" would go from a fellow mom teaching me, my friends and our toddlers at Old Poway Park, to a class now being offered at the New Children's Museum.

Check out the link below featuring my littl guy Evan on the museum website - we've come a long way from when "Little Snaps" was first offered at a local park!

http://thinkplaycreate.org/ncm_education_classes.html

The link above has all the info for the Museum's Open House, Saturday Dec 6th where you can try the "Little Snaps" class for free and sign up for this and other wonderful classes offered at the museum starting January 2009. (At just $15 per class for museum members taking "Little Snaps" you will not find a better value anywhere for a quality class in these tough economic times).

And the learning this season can be fun photo-taking, or much needed parent-improving, especially with the holidays and family functions. Join me and Steve for the parenting class "From Terrible Toddlers to Terrific Tots" at Java Mama, Dec 9th and stay tuned for the next "How to Babyproof Your Relationship" taught by the same instructor, Carrie of Baby Maven. We also have our 9th CPR class in the works for January 2009, an absolute must for everyone.

But if it is pure "me time" that you need, don't miss the opportunity to take control of how we all spend the majority of our time - working! Join us at our next Career Workshop, Dec 13th in La Jolla and learn from Career Coach guru, Marcy Morrison, how to combine your passion with a plan for an awesome 2009.

THE TIP: We have gift certificates available, which make great gifts and can be applied toward any class. Call us at (858) 673-3973 and don't be shy to ask for a class as a gift as we often get your emails that you are saving up for the next Chef Marcela class or looking forward to our next CPR class or wine tasting ;)

Thankful...

2008-11-29T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

We're writing from somewhere off the coast of Baja California (family cruise, photo below) and getting such a unique perspective on what we have to be thankful for.

Each other, our boys, extended family, health, and so many amazing friends... everything else is truly a luxury above these most important life elements. And as we talk with people from other parts of the world, visit Mexican ports and see what is happening overseas today we are reminded what it means to be so blessed as Americans, in troubling but also inspiring times.

How can we not be inspired, when all of you jumped in to support fire victims last year, supported Habitat's 100th home this year and in all raised over $3,600 through the Family Fair. In just the past weeks, you helped our friend Ilyse gather more than 100 pairs of shoes for children in Africa. Next week, join our friend Patrick in supporting the great event below at Stingaree; another opportunity to help and have fun during the holidays!

We can't wait to return and see you at the following classes & events -- and get back to work adding more to the catalog :)

- Dec 6th: New Children's Museum Open House (try our "Little Snaps" photography class for free and register for all 2009 classes at the museum

- Dec 9th: "From Terrible Toddlers to Terrific Tots" parenting class at Java Mama

- Dec 11th: Stingaree Nightclub benefit party, 7 pm downtown

- Dec 13th: Back by demand, "Career Workshop" in La Jolla

See you all again soon!
Gabriela & Steve

Toys for Tots at Stingaree Nightclub

2008-11-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

FAVORITE FIND: Thank you Patrick Giblin of 451 Degrees for letting us know about this great event!

Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 7:00pm
Stingaree Nightclub
454 Sixth Avenue
San Diego, CA

Cocktail Attire REQUIRED. No Jeans.

With all the tough times we all have faced it makes this year's event even more important. Please come join in the party that a few friends and I have hosted 15 years!

This year we have brought in some of the greatest Downtown Promoters to add new faces to this crowd. This has ALWAYS been a GREAT EVENT with lots of fun people. Married or single, young or old, in town or out of town...this IS the Holiday Party!! No stuffy office party just good fun.

In fact, some people MAKE this their office party and if you want VIP treatment for your staff contact me and we will get you what you need to make it the best. RSVP's are important. To RSVP or for questions, email Patrick at info@451degrees.com

Feel free to pass along the invitation to those that may have slipped through. This has always been a very fun event that allows us to give back a little bit. Bring one nice unwrapped toy (per person $25) to be donated. Couples please bring one boy & one girl toy (ages 1-16). All of the toys are donated to needy children around San Diego on December 24th as a way to give back.

Ameriprise Planner Sharing Tips on TV

2008-11-19T23:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Elizabeth Dang-Samuel of Ameriprise for a great appearance on Channel 6 Monday. As a columnist for San Diego Bargain Mama, Liz shares great tips on family finances and she did such a nice job sharing tips on the show "San Diego Living."

Liz has also set up a terrific seminar to help us all make sense of the how the declining housing market should or should not affect our overall portflio. The seminar is FREE and takes place Thursday, Nov 20th in La Jolla. CLICK HERE for directions and details.

THE TIP: Click here to read Liz's tips on her monthly SDBM column and click here to read all of the columns, including those by Friends With Class!

Tom Friedman Presentation - A Favorite (and Fascinating) Find

2008-11-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

I saw Thomas Friedman speak yesterday at the National League of Cities conference in Orlando. He is a New York Times columnist and his book "The Lexus and the Olive Tree" helped to shape my worldview. I am looking forward to reading his new book "Hot, Flat and Crowded."

Friedman's presentation outlined the challenges the US and the world face today. The stories from his world travels and statistics on energy and globalization are stunning and he shares this trip around the globe and into the past and future in a way that is easy to understand.

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE THE PRESENTATION, move the bar to fast forward to the middle, Friedman is after the speech by Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, which is also very good.

http://www.tvworldwide.com/showclip.cfm?id=10347&clip=2 to view on your computer directly
or http://www.nlctv.org/events/081111/default.cfm?id=10347&type=wmhigh&test=0 to see in the NLC viewer

In his opening, Friedman describes a billboard promoting a car overseas that read: "German Engineering, Swiss Innovation, American Nothing" as an example of how we need to regain our leadership position in the world, not just politically but also in the competitive, capitalistic markets. And he sees that we will regain this leadership position by dominating the alternative energy revolution.

THE TIP: Friedman sees the American marketplace as the place where the solutions for the global climate and energy crisis will be found and this wil happen via a fixed, durable price signal. So look for incentives, tax breaks and pilot programs to come that will be smart for us to adopt.

Holiday Open House - FREE in Poway!

2008-11-14T19:19:00.000-08:00

Meet us at the 4th annual Open House that a fellow cooking instructor is hosting at her home on November 15th from 1 to 4 pm (13021 Solera Way - Poway 92064).

The following vendors will help us get a jump start on our holiday gift giving list - it's going to be great!!

Silpada

Arbonne

Homemade Fudge by Chris

Homemade Gourmet

Pampered Chef

Felted purses by Donna

Chair Massage by Tara

Creative Memories

Goodies by Heather & Nanny

Party Lite Candles

Purses & Pashminas

Handmade soaps

Bring a friend or two and pass the word on!

Happy Cooking!

Chrissy Stone
www.chrissyscooking.com

THE TIP: How creative is it that Chrissy has set up a "kid's shopping" room for school ages kids to shop for the loved ones in their family without mom to spoil the surprise.

FREE Snapfish Album - As Seen on Oprah, and Tested by a Friend!

2008-11-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

Did you all catch the "Clean Up Your Messy Home" segment on Oprah yesterday? (I didn't as I was in Orlando... but THANK YOU to our friend Mickey who passed this along...)

Oprah promoted a FREE photo book being offered through Snapfish, A $29.99 value!
Go to Oprah.com, click on yesterday’s show, and follow the links for the free photo book with 20 pages (8 ½ X 11). But you have to hurry – this offer expires Friday, November 14th, at 11:59 p.m.

***You have to get your coupon by end of Friday, you have until Sunday to finish your book and place the order***

Or click http://www.snapfish.com/freebook2008 and go from there (as Mickey pointed out, the Oprah website does not point out that you need to use an online coupon code - so use the freebook2008 Snapfish coupon code if needed to get your free book.

I'm doing a book for our Germany trip, what a treat :)

THE TIP: Anytime you work with Snapfish, be sure to organize all your photos on your desktop first to make it easy to import into Snapfish vs grabbing photos one at a time from your computer.

All the legal details below for good measure...

* This offer is only good for one standard 20-page 8" x 11" custom-cover photo book per household. Coupon dispersal ends at 11:59 p.m. PST Friday, November 14, 2008. Free photo book must be redeemed by 11:59 p.m. PST Sunday, November 16, 2008. Offer does not include customary shipping and handling changes or additional pages. Offer applies only to mail-order delivery to U.S. customers. Offer cannot be combined with other coupon codes. Coupon cannot be resold or otherwise transferred and is void on the earlier of redemption or the offer end date. Due to heavy demand, you may experience some slowness navigating to the website. Please be patient and try again later.

OMG - How Cute Is This Baby?

2008-11-10T22:55:00.001-08:00

My sister Alejandra sent this photo of her six-month old baby Eva and I could not stop staring at how cute this little bunchkin is!!

I know I'm the auntie so it's my job to show off my niece, but seriously -- how beautiful is she :)

THE TIP: Handi (our nickname for my sis) was at the mall and stopped by the "Picture People" where she and her other friend did a quick photo session with the babies.

There is no sitting fee and she captured this amazing photo. So I think I'll have to try it out next time I'm at the mall...

Financial Tips From a Savvy Planner

2008-11-07T21:07:00.001-08:00

On October 1st we hosted a Financial Planning seminar, which was literally days after the infamous financial collapse we are all experiencing now. We started planning the session after meeting savvy planner Alexandra Kinander (above left) at a Scripps Parent Connection luncheon in April, and had the date set since the summer. What perfect timing for people to have questions answered from inside pros.

More than 25 friends ended up joining us for a great evening at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club -- beautiful location -- where Alex and her colleague David Brenner (who has over 20 years of experience) delivered a great presentation and answered all of our questions. Click here to see more photos of the event...

Stay tuned for a future financial seminar, and likely one on the housing situation. If you are interested in contacting Alex, her info is below:

Alexandra Cabral Kinander
LPL Financial Consultant
CA Insurance License #0F80681
227 N. El Camino Real, Suite 205
Encinitas, CA , 92024-5822
Office: (760) 632-5002
Cel.: (858) 354-1230
Fax: (760) 632-5257
alexandra.kinander@lpl.com

Securities Offered Through LPL Financial
Member FINRA/SIPC

THE TIP: Your portfolio should change if the premises change (time horizon, goals or risk tolerance) and not only if market conditions change.

Dandelion Dreams - Great Photos!

2008-11-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

You've got to check out our friend Melissa's website: Dandelion Dreams Photo. She is a great photographer, such a sweetheart and her rates are very reasonable.

Melissa took photos for one of my playgroups on Halloween, and I have no idea how she got such great shots -- my kids were all sweaty from the playground and not very cooperative. But the shots came out beautifully. I wish I had combed their hair, but nonetheless I am ordering all of the photos she took!

We will also be at her Santa event Dec 1st or 13th -- book her now for your holiday photos as you can still get a session, but she is sure to have the weekends fill up quickly!

THE TIP: You don't need direct sunlight for great shots. Melissa took these photos under an awning and while it seemed a little dark at the time the lighting was perfect!

Free Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's, etc for voters!

2008-11-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

We're assuming (of course!) that all of our friends are voting. So here is a little extra perk for performing such an important civic duty. The following stores are offering the following incentives (we'll call them rewards!) for voters today:

Starbucks – Get a free tall 12-oz. cup of brewed coffee. Limit one per customer. If you live in an area that does not provide proof of voting, stores will operate on the honor system.

Krispy Kreme – Get a free star-shaped donut with red, white, and blue sprinkles when you show them your “I voted” sticker. Participating stores only, so you may want to call ahead.

Ben & Jerry’s – Get a free scoop of ice cream from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Limit one per customer.

THE TIP: Sometimes there is no good deed that goes unpunished... the Sacramento Business Journal reports that the Starbucks' giveaway might violate state and federal laws because it specifically targets voters.

Despite the alleged election law problem, a spokesman for the Washington state attorney general said the office didn't plan to press charges, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Channel 10 News...

2008-11-04T09:12:00.001-08:00

We had a terrific Career Workshop on Saturday; in fact our instructor Marcy Morrison was featured on ABC 10 News as a result of the great feedback from the class. See the news clip at http://www.10news.com/video/17885547/index.html

Marcy did a great job of navigating the Friends With Class website during the segment for those that want to join us for her next Career Workshop on December 13th (click here for details and to register).

If you missed the news, you can always visit the News page on our website to see media coverage.

THE TIP: For our instructors, you never know how far your tips will reach! Marcy reached an unbelievable audience on the 6pm news the night before a historic election.

She also shared info on her speaking engagement at the Jobing.com Career Expo on Wednesday 11/5 at 12:15pm at the San Diego Convention Center. This is a FREE event for the public! http://sandiego.jobing.com/expo_js_workshops.asp?ViewMode=J&eventDate=11/5/2008

A Simple Way to Help Children in Africa

2008-10-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

**Update! As of Nov 27th Ilyse has gathered more than 100 pairs of shoes! Stay tuned for info on a meeting place we might set up for a final drop of where you can still donate. Thanks!! **

A mom from our playgroup, Ilyse Collett, was moved by the message a friend of her cousin's sent following a recent trip to Mozambique and Zimbabwe, where the inflation rate is 231 million percent and children live without the most basic needs like shoes.

As she wrote: "Throughout the many countries and schools that we visited, we noticed that the majority of the children do not wear shoes because their families simply cannot afford to buy them. We also learned that the lack of shoes severely impacts children's lives in many ways. Under the hot sun, shoes allow children to walk long distances (sometimes 1 -2 hours) to school while those without shoes must remain at home. Shoes protect their feet from cuts that not only are the source of infectious diseases but more severe health problems such as HIV and Aids. What we take for granted can make the difference between a child benefiting from an education or falling victim to poverty or illness. "

So Ilyse decided to gather new or used children's shoes from ANYONE willing to donate to this cause. As long as they are still in good shape, they will be greatly appreciated. You can email her at icollett@sbcglobal.net and she will send you her Carlsbad address where you can drop the shoes off -- I'm taking some of my boys shoes there this weekend.

THE TIP: The photo below is from a Habitat trip I took to South Africa in 1998 and it was stunning to see how families could survive with so little... the family that I stayed with only had one lighbulb in their tiny house. They unscrewed the bulb from the sitting area to give me light in my room when I needed to get ready for bed.

Look around your home and try to imagine raising your family only being able to afford one lightbulb, or not being able to afford even shoes for your little ones. I hope that you will all help in this simple but important way!

Congratulations Ali & Brian!

2008-10-28T01:11:00.000-07:00

Our closest friends Ali and Brian were married this weekend in San Diego - it was a truly "urban wedding" extravaganza filled with love, laughter and a tear here and there!

I also love the photo below, which is from their engagement party in August. We got them co-captain shirts to commemorate Brian's love of sports and their pending union. We love knowing that they are just starting on the most amazing path in life... congrats!!

THE TIP: "Expect Miracles"

Family Updates

2008-10-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

Happy B-Day Evan - 4 years old!

The theme for the party started as "outer space" but once the invites went out
Evan wanted a "Praying Mantis" theme - his favorite bug. So we ended up with "Bugs from Outer Space" - love how that just made sense to all the kids!!

The Astronaut (i.e. Steve) arrives.. upon opening the door there were horrified screams from the youngest guests but all of the kiddos thought it was amazing -- we had to keep them from running out front to see the space ship that surely was in the driveway! And Evan was just sad that Daddy didn't meet the astronaut ;)

The astronaut gave prizes to the kids and held a contest with Mommy to see who could blow up the biggest balloon (see the parents cracking up at this entertainment!)

Water balloons out back and a piñata topped off the party... So much fun, we watched the sun go down and kids running around with sticky faces, soaking clothes and big grins!!

Before his party, Evan was at a karate tournament with his best pal Ryan. He won a trophy and was SO PROUD! (How do these kids have SO much energy??!!)

Other than our crazy Saturday, we have been keeping up with the cousins... Yoly and Ethan, he is 3 months old now and growing so fast :)

Nicolas ("Nico") was born just one month after Ethan to my other sister (Alejandra - "Handi") and his big sister Eva is the darling princess among her boy cousins! Eva will actually be the name of Mark's new restaurant

Cousin Ponchin also came to visit earlier this month, had a great time at the beach and Disneyland. And on July 15th we went with Poncho and Alicia to see the most amazing Coldplay concert (floor tickets - the most fun Steve and I have had in a while!)

Oh yeah - we also tok a roadtrip to Palm Springs in June, what could be more fun to our little guys than playing fort in the hotel room and jumping their little hearts out on the hotel bed?!

Much love from us and we hope to see you all soon,
Gaby, Steve, Evan & Alec

When Life Takes Us in a New Direction...

2008-10-20T00:37:00.000-07:00

Last Fall while I was on maternity leave with my second baby, I experienced a difficult period of restlessness and isolation that led to more fun and inspiration than I could have imagined.

When my first son was born over three years ago, I committed to part-time work from home so that I only engaged in work activities when the baby was napping or with grandma. The time with Evan was blissful, but admittedly for a Type A personality like me, being in the house all day was a bit isolating. And I felt there was room for an additional project as long as my baby could be a part of it...

By creating Friends With Class as a forum for unique classes I could not find elsewhere ("Photography With Your Toddler," and an affordable and not day-long CPR / Infant CPR / First Aid class), I also created an outlet for the professional drive I still had stirring within.

Unexpectedly, I also found some amazing people with whom we enjoy playdates as well as business meetings! Some of our most popular classes have been taught by moms in our playgroups. And whereas I felt somewhat isolated from the professional world, I now have a terrific network of professionals that teach our business classes.

Two classes that I want to highlight are being offered in November and are directly tied to taking steps in a new direction. Our November 1st Career Workshop is taught by author Marcy Morrison of Careers With Wings and geared toward not just finding a new job but determining how to turn your passion into a career.

And our Nov 8th class "A Tale of Two Websites" features how San Diego Bargain Mama founder, Stacey Ross, found success running an online business in just ine year along with the success San Diego Travel Tips founder, Julie, Gelfat, also found -- both on a shoestring budget.

I'm taking the class just to learn how the heck Stacey and Julie got their sites to rank so high on Google -- especially Julie for the keywords "San Diego travel" against sites like the SD Convention and Visitor's bureau, long-established San Diego hotesl, all sorts of SD tourism, etc.

See you there, as we all seek to chart a path onto an exciting direction :)

THE TIP: I'll post a tip from each of the classes once they take place, but for now, the best advice I can offer for anyone else who feels they are ready to take on a new career direction or even start a business is to just GET OUT THERE! You won't go anywhere sitting behind your computer.

Take the ideas and resolve that you have in your mind, put them out there and just get started. I networked with other moms that were running businesses, attended business classes and met so many interesting people that are now teaching classes me and my friends enjoy!

Hilton Head, SC

2008-10-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

We took a week off in Hilton Head, SC last week at a beach house with Steve's college buddy John, his wife Becky and their adorable little girl. It rained for most of the week, but it was still warm outside -- even warmer in the pool and jacuzzi -- so while we didn't get too many beach days we still splashed around with the kids most of the time.

And being that we never get rain in San Diego, it was actually really nice having lazy days riding bikes on the beach with a drizzle or staying in to to hear the rain fall on the deck and have mid-day playtime and stories!

I have to admit, it was a bit surreal being in this stunning home (we were guests of another Villanova pal) while watching the equally stunning news of the crash on Wall Street. But we focused on collecting seashells and not checking the historic news too often...

THE TIP: As TV images showed the world "crashing," we realized nothing is more precious than just having time with those you love. And you don't need to be on vacation -- or in an up or down economy -- to find time to take walks, read stories together or enjoy jokes around the breakfast table!

Below is what my darling boys looked like in the morning watching the sun rise over the ocean and preparing for another day with no plans other than to be together :)

San Diego Family Fair is a Hit!

2008-10-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Family Fair was held Sunday, October 5th at the Bernardo Winery and was just wonderful :)

The picture of Steve holding Evan up below is dark, but perfect for what I hoped to create when I agreed through a playgroup to take this on -- we wanted an event where kids would have a great time running around in open space, playing in a jumper, riding ponies and dancing to music while the community browsed tables of mom-run and family-friendly businesses to raise money for San Diego Habitat for Humanity.

Well, we raised over $650 with well over 100 families at the fair - our goal, as we were celebrating Habitat's 100th home in San Diego and giving 100% of the event proceeds to this great organization. Close to 30 businesses participated to make this a success, and the KidsKorp volunteers were fantastic -- everyone came together to make this a terrific event!

Click here to see photos from the fair and stay tuned for next year...

THE TIP: In addition to Friends With Class who coordinated the Fair, please support all of the wonderful businesses below that helped make it a success!

1. Lisa Leete of http://www.thriftykitchen.com/

2. Jeannine LaChance - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - (858) 442-3179

3. The Picasso Kid - http://www.thepicassokid.com/ (760)942-4276 info@thepicassokid.com

4. http://www.theb2bpeople.com/

5. Janice O'Sullivan - Private Quarters, Silver Jewelry and & Jockey - www.myjockeyp2p.com/janice - (858) 336-1052

6. Kristen Wright - Stretch-n-Grow of San Diego (619) 980-9552 http://www.stretch-n-growsandiego.com/

7. Boutique for the Soul - Cristen Lebsack – cristen@boutique4thesoul.com - (877) 752.4463 - http://www.boutique4thesoul.com/

8. Wanda Bass - Arbonne International - http://www.wandabass.myarbonne.com/ - wandabass@myarbonne.com - (619) 390-8696

9. Cookie Lee Jewelry - www.cookielee.biz/renahernandez - (858) 212-3694

10. Discovery Toys - Michelle Adam (858) 449-5106, michelleadam08@gmail.com

11. Cradle2College Educational Resources, an Usborne Books at Home & School Consultant - Diana R~Rutz - 619-857-2821 - http://www.cradle2collegebooks.com/

12. Finders Key Purse - Christina Smith (760) 271-7441

13. Melaleuca - The Wellness Company - JaNell Robins (858) 673-7753

14. AmeriPlan - Mari Perez (760) 687-4973

15. Law Office of Daniel K. Printz - (858) 740-4370 http://www.printz-law.com/

16. Budget $ense - Chris Norita - (760)715-0452 budgetsense@cox.net

17. Essential Baby Planner - Carrie Furet - http://www.ebabyplanner.com/ (858) 405-1913

18. Caps for Kids - Rhonda and Ethan Epstein rhondae@san.rr.com

19. Stacey Ross of San Diego Bargain Mama - http://www.sandiegobargainmama.com/

20. Superstars Photo Balls - http://www.superstarsphotoballs.com/ Nancy Sticka (760) 519-2896

21. The Tea Cart info@theteacart.net http://www.theteacart.net/ - 619.659.5096

22. Elizabeth X Dang-Samuel - Ameriprise - (858) 795-2337 http://www.ameriprise.com/

23. LaVonne Edwards - www.my2.tupperware.com/richardedwards (760) 420-4512

24. http://www.strollerstrides.com/

25. http://www.babymaven.com/

26. Party Ponies Express (Pony rides) - marinobrandydare@netscape.com (858) 486-1990

27. Abbie & TJ Productions (Jumper rental) - abbieandtj@san.rr.com (858) 613-3989

28. Patty Hall's Jumpin Up Songs - pattyhall2@yahoo.com

29. Semisi and the Fula Bula Band - semisi@fulabula.com

30. Bernardo Winery http://www.bernardowinery.com/

Thank You to Kids Korps (http://www.kidskorps.org/) for wonderful volunteers and Vertical Print and Graphics (http://www.verticalprinting.com/ 760-334-2004) for all of the event flyers!

And best of all San Diego Habitat for Humanity http://www.sdhfh.org/ for the great work they do to help provide affordable housing for families in need (I was on their board for 8 years and can attest to what an outstanding affiliate we have here in San Diego!)

Friends With Class Live on Channel 6 "San Diego Living" Covering the Family Fair to Benefit Habitat for Humanity

2008-10-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

We were on live TV news yesterday, Channel 6 "San Diego Living" program with host Joe Bauer, and it was so much fun!

Evan and Alec were there with me, Evan and grandpa on camera, along with some terrific people who are all participating in the San Diego Family Fair that we are putting on for the second year at the Bernardo Winery.

We were joined by Ken Kosman from Habitat for Humanity, Ethan the awesome 12 year old that started "Caps for Kids," the ladies from "The Picasso Kid" with Gabrielle's adorable 4-yr old little girl and Christina from "Finders Key Purse." Even Semisi and his son Keli from their band "Fula Bula" were there playing music to get ready for tomorrow :)

Click here to see photos from the TV interview, I'm trying to figure out how to upload the video so stay tuned for that... it was a 5-minute segment so a rather large file... (UPDATE: CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE...) The Channel 6 staff was awesome -- they even gave Ethan a peek at the studio afterward. Thanks San Diego Living!

We want to also thank Jeff Frank, North County Times columnist, who did such an awesome job covering the fair last year and writing about it again in his Friday column to help get the word out (click here to see Jeff's Oct 3rd column). And we'll see you all tomorrow at the Fair!

THE TIP: I tried to draw upon my days working for CNN and KCBS to get ready for the live shoot yesterday, but I found it is actually a lot less stressful to be in front of the camera vs. behind the scenes making it all happen!

So the best advice I can give to anyone that is going to be on TV is to have your info well-prepared for the producer ahead of time and then just have fun with it once the cameras roll!

Great Deal at THE Hotel Las Vegas

2008-09-29T19:30:00.001-07:00

Next week (after putting on the San Diego Family Fair), we head off to Hilton Head, SC. And since my mom is helping me with the kids almost every day this week, Steve and I decided to send my parents on a little get-away of their own... the swanky "THE Hotel," part of Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas!

Check out the amazing deals we found on Travelzoo: THE Hotel for $110/night (usually $300/night for a suite) with free transport to the airport, free upgrade to a 600 or 750 sq ft suite, 2 for 1 spa access, 10% off meals and 2 for 1 breakfast at the House of Blues. I think you have to book the hotel by Sept 30th to get the suite upgrade. Airfare was $230 roundtrip on Southwest, about what you'd pay for gas each way there!

THE TIP: Always check these two websites when making travel plans: www.Travelzoo.com for the best deals and www.TripAdvisor.com for candid reviews and photos from other travelers.

About Marriage and Bark Bowls

2008-09-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was lovely; I attended a bridal shower in Coronado and got to see dear friends and so much love among Beth, her sister and some pretty amazing women in their lives... and we were even blessed with the most beautiful weather -- blue skies as the "something blue" to be :)

Congratulations Amy, for picking such a terrific guy (some of you got to see Marcel during his San Diego performance with Tales of Banyan). And congratulations to Marcel for not only getting a great gal to marry but one with such good taste -- I could not get over the unique items on her gift registry!

One gift that we all just had to pass around was the Crate and Barrel Bark Bowl - an eco-friendly bowl made from a solid piece of mango wood, it still had the most amazing woodsy, smoky smell and was a piece of art.

So the "Bark Bowl" is now on my holiday wish list, along with the corresponding "Twig Servers," which are such a quaint little pair that I'm reminded of this young couple and the marriage advice I offered them on a card at the shower...

THE TIP: What I wrote to Amy, "You have already done the most important thing, which is to pick the right guy! Now just be sure and treat him like your boyfriend from the very day he becomes your husband." XOXO

Launching a Business...

2008-09-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

I taught a class this morning that actually combined two classes I have given before ("Building a Business for Long-Term Success" and "How to Get the Word Out").

The people in the class were pretty amazing -- an author and career coach, an entreprenur developing a great must-have bag, an artist, a financial planner... it was amazing that although we came from so many different backgrounds and have such different businesses we were all on the same page when it came to the excitement, challenges, obstacles and definition of success.

We had lengthy discussions about how to measure success and I loved the quote one woman shared from a mentor: "Find success at the speed of balance."

As I shared marketing outreach strategies and tactics learned from working at places like CNN and one of the oldest PR firms in town, it was extremely gratifying to see the confidence building for each person to call up an editor or reporter and share their press release and unique offering. We all promised to stay in touch and track the progress of each business, which I know will each be successful.

THE TIP: You cannot be successful if you run your business behind a computer. It is one thing for people to receive your emails, but a tremendous benefit for your contacts and for you to engage in community and networking activities as you get out there and have fun "working" :)

Self Defense

2008-09-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

I wish that was me, though that's how strong I felt during the self defense class I took Saturday at West Coast Martial Arts Academy (thanks to my Stroller Strides instructor Wynne for setting up the class for our group!)

The instructors Steve and Eric were outstanding, covering a difficult topic with seriousness and some humor. They explained how to avoid getting a dangerous situation and then had us practice various self-defense mechanisms.

It was great to take the class with other moms, and I feel much better know being armed with the knowledge and some moves that could help me in an unthinkable situation. I'm thinking of adding this class to the catalog, it really is a must-do for all women.

THE TIP: One of the most effective techniques I learned was how to use balance in order to get away or strike once with effect.

Free Disney Ticket on Your Birthday!

2008-09-22T17:24:00.001-07:00

Thank you Sandra for this awesome TIP: Click the link below for a free ticket to Disneyland on your birthday!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=WDWCelebrationsOverviewPage

I just signed up Steve and I, and even the grandparents so they can take the kids for a great day "on the mouse" - cool :)

A Fashionable Fall

2008-09-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

We had a great class Thursday night: "A Fashionable Fall" taught by Michelle Fuller-Wigg at the W Hotel. Michelle recently moved to San Diego from New York, where she worked for Self Magazine, Harper's Bazaar and designer James Coviello.

Presented through a series of photos fresh from Fall 2008 runways, she led a class covering all aspects of fashion (from designer's inspiration to what can work in your closet today). And she also shared insight from her days on fashion shoots with people like Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet.

The W's Agave Lounge (formerly Magnet) was a perfect spot, allowing us to enjoy appetizers and drinks as we also enjoyed the class -- thank you Brent, our dedicated and very stylish server!

Also thank you to Sephora, who set us up with goodie bags that included their must-have lip glaze and bare minerals i.d. product. The take-home bags also included 20% off VIP cards from Cache, a VIP book from Carlsbad Outlet Malls, drink and app gift cards from Red Circle and other hip and high fashion treats...

We raffled off the best gift of all -- a two hour in-home consultation from Michelle, who is a stylist, personal shopper and closet consultant. The winner also gets free admission to the next "Shopping With a Stylist" class at Fashion Valley.

Click here to see more photos from the class. and stay tuned for the next one at the W: "A Fashionable Winter."

THE TIP: Michelle says "Accessories follow the rule of three -- don't go overboard."

And, "The most important thing in fashion is ALWAYS fit! Get to to know a tailor."

Favorite New Restaurant

2008-09-18T23:06:00.001-07:00

I just returned from Minneapolis and found my new favorite restaurant... 112 Eatery, loved it, loved it, loved it.

Maybe it was that this came as such an unexpected surprise (we were at a conference and restaurants near convention centers are hardly ever breathtaking). Or maybe it was the good company - hadn't seen my boss from GovPartner in about a year and was meeting our client from Abu Dhabi for the first time. Definitely it was the fantastic Russian River Valley bottle of wine that we polished off!

The food was just outstanding -- click here to read a review and visit their website for more info (http://www.112eatery.com). I ordered the marinated tenderloin for dinner, but just LOVED the lamb scottadito with goats milk yogurt (pictured above) that we had as an app.

Tell me if there is a restaurant like this in San Diego... or share your favorite hidden gems that make your mouth water!

THE TIP: Most people expect veggies to be kind of boring, but I have been finding some amazing vegetable dishes lately -- like the cauliflower fritters at 112 Eatery. Veggies absorb and then release so much flavor, have such unique textures and are good for you, so skip the potato skins or calamari and order a veggie appetizer next time you eat out!

The things you can accomplish...

2008-09-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning was awesome... we attended the second annual "Walk Their Walk" event at Lake Muray in La Mesa, a walkathon where 100% of the proceeds go to build water wells and a school in a village in Zambia.

Two years ago the need in Zambia was as dire as ever, yet this effort that began construction for the desperately-needed water and education after last year's walk simply did not exist... until our friend from high school, Kathryn in the photo above, decided she would do something about the life-changing experience she had visiting the African village.

Kathryn, a local mom, created Walk Their Walk working with friends Tara and Jody, and they have raised over $44,000 for the African village! The event was great, with over 250 walkers and a busload of students from one local high school (thank you Sonja from our MeetUp group for arranging that). The educational exhibits, music and just plain old old sense of community is something we will not forget. Our one-year old loved the African displays (below), we can't wait until next year!

THE TIP: You can do anything, and we must teach our children to try to do everything to help those in need. Lead by example and let people like Kathryn be an example to us.

What's hanging around your neck?

2008-09-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

This morning I was at photographer Zoe's studio in Encinitas getting some headshots taken (with a 3 and 1 year old in tow.. whew!) and I got to see some of her beautiful custom jewelry firsthand.

Admittedly I'm not really into "bling" (I wear the same gear every day - watch, plain wedding ring, diamond earrings and pendant to match, Tous boy charms around my neck with my "diamond" Steve in the middle to keep me sane!)

But I love the idea of making even the most basic accessory have meaning. It could be my excuse for not having much variety, my special pieces are all I need and I'm able to coordinate with whatever basic outfit I pull together! Yes, I'm the first in line for the upcoming class with a stylist, I know I need it!

Check out Three Sisters Jewelry and somebody please tell me what song that is playing on her site -- love it! I'll try to remember to ask Zoe and post here whenever I find out...

THE TIP: Create your own heirloom piece; who ever knew that just selecting initials or typeset would make you feel so creative or beautiful when wearing your timeless piece?! What kind of custom jewelry have you all created?

Birthday Celebration!

2008-09-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how as we grow older we can have just about anything we want, except for the things we REALLY want? Everyone kept asking what I wanted for my b-day and didn't understand when I would say there is really nothing material that I want or need, but I am dying for just 8 solid hours of sleeeeep!

My amazing husband Steve got me exactly what I have been wanting for so long now. He went to work late on my birthday and let me sleep in until 8 am, WOW! And I did also get my favorite perfume ;)

The photo is of dinner with my family last night at a terrific new restaurant in the Otay Ranch Center called "Frida." It is a branch of the Beverly Hills location and was perfect for this celebration. The wine was excellent, the food just savory (best salsas I have had since being in Guadalajara) and the decor is so cool.

Thank goodness the boys were on their best behavior for the 2 1/2 hour meal. Now there's something I always want but seem to only get on special occasions!

THE TIP: Schedule nothing for your birthday every now and then so that you can bask in the greatest gift of all - down time with the family and catching up on much needed rest!

Our first and most important class: A New CPR Method Everyone Should be Aware of...

2008-09-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

People often ask what the very first class was that we offered on our online catalog. And the response surprises them, since our "CPR / Infant CPR / First Aid" class may seem a little bland compared to other activities.

The amazing instructor, Brenda, whom we selected after interviewing about a dozen, was already teaching a brand new "hands-Only CPR" method last Fall before it became official in May. As she explained, the research data has been astounding, showing that hands-only CPR is effective in accomplishing the #1 goal of performing CPR: To keep oxygen flowing into the brain until paramedics arrive.

Click here for info about our next CPR class, October 4th in Little Italy, and to see photos of that very first, and very important, class in our living room where we, and 8 other new friends were CPR certified. We look forward to seeing you there!

THE TIP: Everyone should be aware of the new guidelines for "Hands-Only CPR." Please click here for an MSNBC article on the new method and share the info with everyone you know.

Our newest class on Channel 10

2008-09-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Check out Stacey of San Diego Bargain Mama; or maybe you saw her live on Channel 10 Tuesday sharing her expertise on helping families save money.

Her segment featured our newest class "Taking the Grocery Store by Storm" that pays for itself giving $25 in coupons and 3 months subscription to Thrifty Kitchen. This is a great new service that couples items on sale at the grocery store with coupons PLUS RECIPES so that you know what to do with that chuck roast and fancy spice that is on sale that week.

Lisa Leete, founder of Thrifty Kitchen, is a terrific lady and is really on to something with her new service. We are so lucky to have her here in San Diego to share directly with us the secrets to thrifty, healthy cooking and ot then walk us step-by-step at the grocery store.

We'll post the clip on the "News" section of our website (check out the text posting of the Ch 10 news segment). We'll also be sure to include a posting with photos when the class takes place!

THE TIP: You get the greatest grocery store savings when you buy an item already on sale, use a coupon for the item and buy at a store that doubles your coupon. The $5 off $20 purchase at Henry's and Fresh & Easy are also great savers. We'll have these coupons for people in class!

Great class with Chef Marcela

2008-09-05T00:25:00.000-07:00

Yummy Friday Night!

We had another great class with Chef Marcela Valladolid Friday night.

As one student said: "Trying new wine, making new friends and cooking up unique dishes with an expert instructor - what more could I ask for? The Chef Marcela class was amazing!"

In between chopping up gooseberries and stuffing ravioli, we learned what "quick par boil" means and got a little bit of dish on Marcela's experience on the Apprentice and Martha Stewart Show.

THANK YOU Mickey and Jeff for hosting in your fabulous kitchen! Stay tuned for our next class, click the link below to see more photos: http://friends.meetup.com/638/photos/

THE TIP: Chef Marcela says, "Serve appetizers that do not require silverware (bite-sized pieces) so guests can have an app in one hand and glass of wine in the other. " We say a toast to that!