Week End Wrap Up

You may have noticed, the posts here at East Sac Mom have been, well, sporadic at best. With my full-time day job, full-time family, and part-time attempt at actually participating in the fun *FREE* activities we highlight here at ESM, blogging has taken a back seat. Rather than give it up completely, I’m thinking a Week End Wrap Up post each week will suffice for now. (Okay, maybe a few sporadic posts here and there.) Again, an enormous thanks to Amanda for filling in twice a month with her Farm Fresh and Family Friendly posts (who else has a craving for pizza after this last post?)

Without further ado, what are you and your families doing this weekend? Here are a few ideas to get you inspired…

• Check out a Stroller Strides workout at McKinley
• Take in a *FREE* yoga class (mom only)
• Shop at the Urban Produce Stand or the downtown farmers market
• Head over to East Portal for some play time
• Enjoy story time with baby at the Central Library
• Help clean the American River parkway on Saturday, September 25 from 9AM to noon. Contact Steve Harriman (from the River Park Neighborhood Association) at 916.716.2765 or at president@riverparksacramento.net or click HERE for more information. OR just show up along the river with your trash bags, sturdy shoes and lots of energy!

We’ll see you there!

Farm fresh and family friendly :: grilled pizza

I know, I know, grilling season is almost over. This is Sacramento, however, and I know we’ll be grilling for many weeks to come. So…humor me with one, end of season grilling post.

Grilled pizza. Super yum. There’s something about the way the crust cooks on the grill and the way the cheese melts over the other ingredients. Only grilling the pizza provides such a combination of flavors and texture.

With that said, a bit of prep is necessary. All toppings must be prepared ahead of time and taken outside–to the grill–for pizza assembly.

The dough must be rolled quite thin, cooked on one side (on the grill), flipped, and then covered in toppings.

We grill with a Webber and use a chimney to start the briquets.  Grilling pizza is probably a bit easier on a gas-powered grill, but don’t let a charcoal grill dissuade you!

Making pizza–inside or out–is an easy way to eat seasonally. Almost anything can be placed on a pizza. One of the pizzas we made this last time included pesto, potatoes, and eggplant. All local.

Just like pizza made in the oven, grilled pizza is kid-friendly. Depending on the age of your kids, they may or may not be able to help assemble the pizza (my kids are 5 and 2 and were not able to help throw toppings on the pizza), but all kids will love the way it tastes.

If you’re interested in trying grilled pizza, check out this post from 101 Cookbooks.

Bon appetit!

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For more cooking and urban gardening ideas, trials, and errors, as well other things from the commonplace scene, please visit my blog at urbanalmanac.wordpress.com.

Week End Wrap Up + a WINNER!

Thank you for letting us take a bit of a break this week here on East Sacramento Mom. Sometimes you just can’t fit everything in, you know? Thank you to Amanda for her consistently inspiring (and delicious) farm fresh and family friendly posts! I look forward to those every other week.

Now on to our winner! Congratulations to Henria O. who won this month’s giveaway. Enjoy your $40 gift certificate to the CNS family of stores and be sure to let us know what you purchase!

What are you and your families doing this weekend? Second Saturday, perhaps? Check out the ESM Calendar for more ideas.

We’ll see you there!

Taking a break

We’re taking a few days off from posting here at East Sacramento Mom. Check out the ESM Calendar page for daily fun, *FREE* or cheap activities in our area.

We’ll see you there!

Farm fresh and family friendly :: in season

For the past few months, I’ve discussed zucchini, eggplant, berries, and other seasonal fruits and veggies. With summer–the most abundant of seasons–soon folding into autumn, I invite you to stay true to the season.

Your initial reaction may be, “Sure, no problem. There’s so much to choose from at the Farmers’ Market. It’s so easy, however, to get caught up in convenience, efficiency, and mindlessness. With school starting, soccer leagues in full swing, and the sense of busyness that often comes during times of transition, I encourage you to stay connected to what the earth is providing us right now. Fully enjoy peach juice running down your arm. Corn–crisp and sweet. Tomatoes, warmed by the sun.

There’s no time like the present. There’s no time like the current season.

Week End Wrap Up + a GIVEAWAY!

It’s Labor Day weekend, what are your plans? This East Sac Mom is headed out-of-town, but if you’re staycationing this year there are plenty of events and activities to keep your families entertained. Check out the East Sac Mom calendar page for the full list!

In addition to getting a three-day weekend, you also get an opportunity in the next week to win a cool giveaway hosted by CSN Stores! There is literally something for everyone within the CSN family of stores, from gorgeous new kitchen tables for mom, to a shiny new grill for dad, or (one of my favorites) a sweet wheely bug for your toddler.

CSN Stores makes online shopping easy with their partnership of over 200 stores. Since it’s already September, are you beginning to think Christmas shopping? Check out their deals as you make your lists. Here are a few of my favorite things…

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug Bee Ride-On Toy

Blomus Cioso Wall-Mounted Wine Bottle Holder

 

BowHaus Modern Pet Crate DenHaus

To enter to win a $40 gift certificate to the CSN family of stores, all you have to do is comment on this post. A winner will be selected at random and announced on Friday, September 10. The contest closes at 11:59PM on Thursday, September 9, 2010. Good luck!

Enjoy your long weekend. 🙂

We’ll see you there!

September Home Depot Kids’ Workshop

This month’s Home Improver Club project is a cool football stand, just in time for the season. Take your little builder or crafter to Home Depot on Saturday, September 4th from 9AM to 12PM to make one on their own.

Home Depot Kids Workshops are *FREE* and participants ages 5-12 get to decorate and keep their crafts along with a kid-sized Home Depot apron and achievement pin.

The Home Depot is located at 8000 Folsom Boulevard and for more information click HERE or call 916.381.3181.

We’ll see you there!

Sacramento Greek Food Festival

(Image found here)

One of the best reasons to live in Sacramento (right up there with the proximity to both San Francisco and Tahoe) is the diversity we have and availability to immerse your children into another culture. Personally, the Greek Food Festival is my favorite way to do that!

The Sacramento Greek Festival is held each year during Labor Day weekend at the Sacramento Convention Center. Friday, September 3rd from 11AM to 11PM, Saturday, the 4th from 12PM to 11PM and Sunday, September 5th from 12PM to 10PM you can take a tasting tour of Greece, stroll through Hellenica (a cultural display), sample Greek wine and beer and enjoy music of “Mythos” band– all without the pricey plane ticket.

Don’t miss the authentic Greek cuisine and pastries, Greek folk dancing (there are even lessons available), the Pantopolion (marketplace of imported gifts and jewelry) and cooking demonstrations! General admission is $5, seniors (55 and older) are $4 and children 12 and younger are *FREE* and if you click HERE you can print a $2 off admission coupon. Also, show up on Friday from 11AM to 3PM and admission is *FREE* for everyone!

The Sacramento Convention Center is located at 1400 J Street and for more information click HERE.

We’ll see you there!