Local Business

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…

 

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Making impressions of your children’s hands and feet in clay is a neat way to create a reminder of when they were small. Marin “mompreneur” Shawna O’Connor has made a business out of creating these special personalized keepsakes out of fine china clay with This Little Piggy. We asked her to tell us a little bit about herself and her unique business. She’s also agreed to give one lucky Marin Mommies reader a gift certificate for a free double print (two impressions on one piece), a $45 value. To enter the drawing, send an email to contests@marinmommies.com with "This Little Piggy" in the subject line.

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Right around Valentine’s Day, I always make a special stop at See’s Candy to pick up some of their marshmallow-caramel hearts for the kids. If you’re looking for some last-minute places to get some really good or unique Valentine’s candy for family or friends, here is a list of a few places that I really like here in Marin:

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Ever since my son and daughter were born, overflowing bins of outgrown clothing have accumulated year by year in my garage. I’ve been holding on to them with the intention of giving them to someone in need, selling them at a local rummage sale, or having a garage sale. Yeah right! Who’s got the time for that?

Since this is a challenge that nearly all parents face, Marin mompreneur Melissa Hereford has created Marin Kids Consignment, a unique local business that encourages the community to recycle kids’ and maternity clothing through local sales events. Their motto is “Saving the earth, one outfit at a time.”

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Looking for a modern decorative mobile for your baby’s nursery, child’s room, or anywhere else in your home? Check out the Oras mobiles, created by local mother of two and designer Vilija Marshall.  Oras designs take a fresh, playful approach to traditional mobiles. They’re available in either square or oval styles, both of which in turn are available in a wide variety of color combinations. All mobiles come ready to hand with mounting hardware and instructions, and retail for $180.

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If you want to buy or make unusual, distinctive, and unique gifts this year, check out the many holiday bazaars, boutiques, craft shows, and craft workshops throughout Marin and the Bay Area. If you have or know of a holiday craft fair or activity that you'd like to see added here, leave a comment below or contact us and we'll list it.

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Looking for that true Halloween pumpkin patch experience? Check out list of pumpkin patches in Marin and southern Sonoma counties to find the perfect place for you and your family to pick out your pumpkins and get in the Halloween spirit. In Marin County, only the Lafranchi Pumpkin Patch offers that on-the-farm experience, but old favorites like the St. Vincent's Pumpkin Patch are open as well. To find an abundance of real-live farms offering pumpkin patches this season, head up north a short distance to rural Sonoma County.

We plan to visit as many of these pumpkin patches as we can this fall season, and will post reviews as soon as we can. Have we overlooked your favorite pumpkin patch? Let us and everyone else know by leaving a comment. Admission to pumpkin patches is free unless otherwise noted.

Marin County

Lafranchi Pumpkin Patch
Nicasio Valley Farms
5300 Nicasio Valley Rd (1/4 mile north of Nicasio square)
Nicasio
(415) 662-9100
Daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Pumpkin picking, hay rides, farm animals, jumpy houses, farm stand, BBQ on the weekends. Tim Cain performs on Sunday October 7 and 21 at 11 a.m. Read our review of Lafranchi Pumpkin Patch.

Godmothers of Timothy Murphy School Pumpkin Patch
St. Vincent's Field, at the Marinwood/St. Vincent's exit off Hwy 101
Marinwood
(415) 785-3264
Daily, 10 a.m–5:30 p.m.

Bounce houses, hay pile, face painting, snack shack, picnic area. Groups welcome. Read our review of St. Vincent's Pumpkin Patch.

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Looking to pick up a baby furniture bargain? Baby and Kids Company is having their semi-annual warehouse sale at their warehouse in Richmond on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16, from 10 am to 4 pm. Their 10,000-square-foot warehouse is normally closed to the public, but during this event it will be open to retail customers. You can save up to 75% on a variety of baby and kids items, including cribs, changing tables, dressers, beds, linens, clothing, and more.

Their new warehouse is located at 3427 Regatta Boulevard (visible from 580). See the attached PDF flier for more information and directions, or visit www.babyandkidscompany.com for more information. Their retail location is located at 12 Miller Avenue in Mill Valley.