Restoration Hardware Baby & Child Store Now Open!

OMG! Are you a fan of luxury plush items at Restoration Hardware? I never had a blankie as a young child, but I am now hooked on my luxury plush throw. Can't sleep without it. Makes me feel 5 all over again! Speaking of such an innocent age, I just learned that Restoration Hardware has opened a new Baby & Child store at the Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo. Now baby can have luxury plush for his/her nursery and an adorable bear too. In addition to toys, games, apparel, blankies, (check out those cute mobiles--what a great shower gift!), they will also have a nice selection of furniture for baby and kids. Take a peek at their wonderful stuff and then hit the mall!

http://www.rhbabyandchild.com/rhbc/index.jsp

A Totally Sweet Destination: Powell's Sweet Shoppe

Moms, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents...you have GOT to check out Powell's Sweet Shoppe in Lafayette. They are in the new Lafayette Mercantile Building on Mt. Diablo Road and this place is filled with outrageous candy and confections that will give you that "blast from the past" feeling. Remember Mary Janes, Beemans, Clark Bars and Wax Lips??? They've got em--and Good & Plenty too! My kids like the different color M&M dispensers, perfect for making that perfect rainbow custom blend. There's all the candy I remember from my childhood in the old-fashioned barrels and a ton of new stuff and novelties that will make your eyes pop out. Willy Wonka is playing all the time on the flat screen TV and kids can watch a bit while they lick their lollipops and wait for the grownups to buy one of those "to-die-for" gelatos. Divine! There's something for everyone and once you visit, you will always come back--for that occasional special treat or a weekly indulgence. Go this weekend. Surpise the kids! And tell owners Zeina and Nabil Hissen (and Manager Didi Reed) that the Minivan Reporter sent you!
http://www.powellsss.com/go/index.cfm/locations/california/lafayette/

"Applause for the Cause" June 6 Fundraiser

Just wanted to let you know that the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, part of Alta Bates/Summit Medical Group, will be having its first annual "Applause for the Cause" fundraiser. I am on the committee as a volunteer, helping to round up sponsors and support from the community. I've been so impressed by the generosity of so many people, including Genentech, Chloe & Jane, Sumbody, Sagawise Stones, Edible Arrangements, and o2 Marketing.

The Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center helps women, regardless of their ability to pay, to get important diagnostic procedures aimed at detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages. Early detection really is the cure, and I am doing my part to pay-it-forward and help this center elevate this most worthy cause and raise money for crucial educational resources and services. The Bay Area is a hot spot for breast cancer and most of you no doubt know someone who has been touched by this disease. Please let me know if you would like to help or participate. A little enthusiasm can help us a lot--even if it is passing out fliers or telling your girlfriends, sisters, aunts, mothers, brothers, husbands, fathers, grandparents, colleagues, etc.

"Applause for the Cause" will be on June 6, 2009, at the Oakland Marriott Convention Center. The guest performers are the legendary Dionne Warwick, Sinbad and the Oakland Youth Chorus. Tickets are now available at tix.com