So, stop on by Town Center Park (next to the Westin) before the festivities begin at 6:00 P.M tomorrow, November 20, 2008. Then, starting Friday, November 21 at 10:00 A.M., Santa will make himself available for photo ops with the little kiddies. ‘Cause nothing says ’tis the season like overpriced photos and early holiday shopping!

Mother's Market in Santa Ana

Selection
They have a nice selection of canned, boxed, jarred, and frozen food items. I was thrilled to find that they carry the Quorn brand of frozen “chicken”, as well as a variety of seitan and tempeh, all of which I could previously only find at Whole Foods. The fresh meat fridge seemed a little sparse on my trip today, but the produce section was well-stocked. As someone who doesn’t have a lot of time (or energy) to cook decent meals, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t find much in the way of pre-packaged, freshly made, ready-to-heat meals. Fresh & Easy has a killer selection of these, and Trader Joe’s is getting there, so I was hoping the same for Mother’s. They do, however, offer some fresh refrigerated items, as well as self-serve cold and hot food bar; while nowhere near as plentiful as Whole Foods’, it’s nice to have something closer to home.

Produce at Mother's

Food Bar at Mother's

As far as non-food items, I thought Mother’s has a nice selection. Lots of bath and body items, makeup, pet food, house cleaners, and detergents, many of which are organic, fairly traded, etc. For parents, Mother’s also carries a few organic clothing items for babies, organic formula and baby food (both jarred and frozen), as well as diapers by Seventh Generation, gDiapers, and (I think) Tushies.

Price
Probably not as expensive as Whole Foods, but definitely not cheaper than Trader Joe’s. The cheapest jar of organic spaghetti sauce was around $3 and change, whereas I believe it’s $2.99 at TJ’s. Their hot and cold food bar is $6.99 a pound, a dollar less per pound than Whole Foods. While I spent less at Mother’s today than I would have if I had done my weekly grocery trip at TJ’s or Fresh & Easy, I don’t feel like I bought that much and I will probably need another trip out for food later in the week.

While you’re there, I recommend stopping by Native Foods for lunch and trying out one of their awesome bowls or sandwiches. My faves include the Mad Cowboy bowl and the Chicken Run Ranch Burger. Don’t forget the Seasoned Fries (try dipping them in their salsa verde) and Native Iced Tea!

For a full list of locations, as well as info on what to expect and what to bring, check out OCVOTE.com.

I realize OC supervisors have nothing to do with that AIG weekend retreat, but it does make me question our society and its priorities. How is it that a failed company which the government felt it needed to save can throw a lavish getaway, yet local services for people who can really use the help aren’t getting the support they need to operate. Some may say that none of this is new, but that shouldn’t make the practice any more disappointing.

And … I’m ever more thankful to have a son. I think I would have a conniption if I had a tween daughter who got into this stuff.

A mom from one of my moms groups is holding a special garage sale tomorrow to raise funds for a hearing aid for her 4-year-old nephew. Each item for sale will be for only $1! The items being sold come from multiple families that have kindly donated them for this event. Things you will find on sale include: toys, purses, vintage clothes, a Graco Pack ‘n Play, several car seats, womens and toddler shoes (all sizes), pottery books, 8-track player and tons of tapes, baby blankets and bibs, hundreds of baby clothes (mainly from 3 months to 2T, but some 3T to 5T from Gap, Gymboree, and Old Navy), plus tons of womens’ clothes (all sizes with lots of S and M from Bebe, Gap, Old Navy, the Limited, Express, and Banana Republic), and mens’ clothes (mostly XL tall).

If you’re looking to buy some things for yourself or your kids, do check them out and the families involved will be so thankful. Plus, buying things second-hand is great for the environment!

The deets: Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 8 A.M. to 11 A.M. 4104 N. Ramona Street, Orange, CA 92865.

Which is why I have to recommend Perfect Nail & Skin over by Trader Joe’s in Tustin. After some errands today, I had a little bit of free time before a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon, so I decided to give these girls a try. The place was clean, the girls wore gloves, they did a nice job, and there was absolutely no hard-sell. For $21 (plus tip), I left relaxed and my toes were clean and purdy.

I am never going back to Happy Nails.

The deets: Wednesday, October 15 starting at 1:00 P.M. Space is limited to the first 450 customers who call (714.751.1166) or visit the store and purchase books for the event. Giada will only personalize copies of her newest cookbook, Giada’s Kitchen. Other titles are eligible for signatures only. No photography allowed.