In our second in a series of interviews with Bay Area children's musicians, we talk to singer and instrumentalist Betsy Stern, who's  jazz- and world-influenced music for children and families can be heard at live venues throughout the area, such as Novato's Playtime Safari, and in her new CD Foyo. In fact, we're giving away a free copy of Foyo, courtesy of Betsy Stern, to one lucky visitor to this site. To enter the drawing, send an email to //contests@marinmommies.com">contests@marinmommies.com with the word "Foyo" in the subject line by midnight on Sunday, June 1, 2008. We'll select one winner at random on Monday, June 2. 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your new CD.

BBQ Chicken BLT

Cooking with your children is a great way to spend quality family time, and, above all, it's fun! Here's a delicious BBQ idea, courtesy of Michelle Stern, owner of What's Cooking. What's Cooking is a Marin-based business that offers cooking workshops in home or school for kids aged 2-1/2 through 19.
   
Mmmmm...BLT's in the summer, when the tomatoes are at their best! The barbeque adds great flavor to the chicken and the bread, but beware: your neighbors might come over to see what you are making for dinner! Make extra chicken to add to a salad or for lunch the next day. Serve with baked chips and pickles.

8 slices of soft country bread  

Coming up with the perfect birthday party is never an easy task. My 5-year-old likes the type of birthdays that involve hands-on or learning and creative activities. There are a few businesses out there that help you plan exciting and educational hands-on parties for ages 5 and up.

It's too hot for the park, so we went and spent the morning playing at Playtime Safari in Novato. Everyone had fun, and it has air conditioning. You can read more about Playtime Safari, and indoor play space for kids 0–6 that's great anytime, but especially when it's raining or sweltering, in our article here.

Another favorite place to head to in hot weather is one of our favorite spots in West Marin: Heart's Desire Beach. Located just north of Inverness in Tomales Bay State Park, if features a sandy beach with calm, shallow, and relatively warm water that's perfect for wading, splashing, and swimming. Read all about it here.

Unfortunately, Playdate Café has closed it’s doors due to the poor economy.

Have a wonderful Mothers Day from all of us at Marin Mommies!

One of the things our family loves is music, and in the Bay Area there's no shortage of skilled and talented musicians who specialize in performing for children. One of the most popular performers in both Marin and San Francisco is multi-instrumentalist and singer Enzo Garcia, who has been delighting children and their parents with his "Breakfast with Enzo" for over five years. In what he hope is the first of a series of interviews with area musicians, we asked Enzo some questions about himself and his music and why he loves doing what he does.

Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you have to give up your creativity and passion for art. Novato mom and artist Alice Orth shows her paintings in exhibitions and shows throughout the North Bay, including area wineries. Her work can also be seen during the annual Marin Arts Council Open Studios, which are coming up this weekend, May 10 and 11, 2008. We asked Alice to tell us about herself, her family, and what it's like to be an artist and mompreneur.

Please tell us a little about yourself. What's your background?
After completing an AA in Fine Arts at the Collage of Marin, I attended and graduated from California College or Arts and Crafts [now called California College of the Arts] with a BFA in Interior Architecture. Encouraged by family and friends to pursue my love for art, I continued to paint alongside my design work. I discovered painting to be more gratifying than design and spent several years creating custom murals and mixed media on canvas. I am also the mother of a very charming four-year-old boy, and wife to an incredibly supportive husband. A couple years after the birth of my son, I passionately returned to painting solely on canvas. It allows me to be the best me.

I think many moms will agree that there’s no better Mother’s Day gift than a massage or spa package. I know that’s what I want, especially after working and chasing two small children around all week, every week. Fortunately, there are a number of places in Marin for busy moms to relax and take some time out to be pampered. Go ahead, you’re worth it…