One entry per family.
San Diego County residents only.
Deadline: Thursday, January 22, 9 pm.

Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest
Capture the natural splendor of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for a chance to have your photo displayed at the Borrego Art Institute (Feb. 6-14). Categories include desert plants, animals, landscapes/seascapes and people enjoying the desert. Enter your photo in one of two age divisions: adult (ages 14 & up) or youth (ages 13 & under). Awards will be given to the first, second and third place winners, and up to 10 honorable mention awards in each category of each division. For details, visit www.theabf.org/photocontest.htm
or call 760-767-4063.
Deadline: Jan. 15.

Me in 2D: A Visual Art Competition & Exhibition
Create your self-portrait for a chance to win a scholarship to the Visual Art department of the prestigious Idyllwild Arts Academy. The Grand Prize winner receives a $25,000 scholarship, Second Prize winner receives a $15,000 scholarship and Third Prize winner receives a scholarship worth $10,000.
For more information and to enter, visit http://idyllwildarts.org/academy/admission/mein2d.html or call 951-659-2171, ext. 2339.
Deadline: Jan. 15, midnight.

Healthy, Wealthy & Wise

Your guide to local health, fitness, safety and legal services.
Are you looking for a doctor, dentist, chiropractor or local hospital? Do you want new fitness options or need advice with regard to your rights as a parent? If so, these advertisers can help jumpstart your new year!

Yummy for Your Tummy
Encourage your kid to eat healthier with First 5 California’s mini cookbook filled with healthy and affordable recipes developed by nutritionist and popular Latina TV personality, Chef LaLa. This bilingual booklet also features important tips such as healthy portion sizes for kids and how to read nutrition labels. Order your free copy by calling 800-KIDS-025 or going to www.first5california.com.

See All of the Finalists
in the Cover Kids Contest
Click the photo

Coming Next Month
Our February issue salutes the day of hearts with Valentine’s crafts and other articles that are sure to make you appreciate your loved ones even more. This issue also assists you in your search for the right school for your child with Inside the Classroom, a handy guide to local learning. Our special advertising resource, Creative Arts & Sports Guide, offers exciting local programs to develop your child’s potential.

The Refrigerator Door
Want to be part of our readers’ page? Share your family snapshots or hilarious kiddie one-liners. Receive an age-appropriate gift for your child when your submission is published!

Email editor@sandiegofamily.com.
Digital photos are welcome. Include kids’ names, ages, gender and your city. Winners will be selected at random.

Or mail original artwork to:
The Refrigerator Door, SDFM
P.O. Box 23960
San Diego, CA, 92193
Include kids’ names, ages, gender and your city. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your submission returned. Winners will be selected at random.

If we print your submission, your child will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of "Horton Hears A Who!"  DVD, available December 9, or another age-appropriate prize.

Click here to see this month's Refrigerator Door submissions

Special Needs Resources on the Web
Vital information on recreation programs, medical care providers, parenting classes, educational services and support groups for families with special needs are just a click away.

Click here for access to this comprehensive guide.

Toys for
Underprivileged Kids

Background
Twice each year, San Diego Family Magazine reviews new toys. As part of our review process, toy manufacturers donate samples of their toys submitted for review. We have a Summer toy review and a Holiday toy review.

Do you know of a charity that can use some new toys? Submit a children’s charity to be considered for a future donation.

To Submit a Request
Only nonprofit organizations serving children between the ages of newborn to 17 in San Diego county will be considered to receive a toy donation. Please click here to download a Toy Donation Request Form.

Need Acrobat Reader? Click icon below.

Deadlines
Holiday Program: December 1, 2008.
Summer Program: June 1, 2009
Only San Diego County Charities are eligble. Submitting a request does not guarantee a donation.
You can submit your request via
e-mail to:
Sharon Bay, Publisher;
publisher@sandiegofamily.com
mail to:
San Diego Family Magazine,
Toy Charity Request,
P.O. Box 23960,
San Diego, CA 92193;
fax to: 619-685-6978.
The form must be filled out completely to be eligible.

A Blockbuster Read
After renting one of your favorite movies, don’t forget to take home a certified hit: the most recent issue of Family Magazine. Packed with the latest tips, trends and happenings around the county, it's no wonder it’s been getting a lot of rave reviews. Blockbuster, the world’s leading provider of videos, DVDs and video games, has stores all around San Diego. To find a Blockbuster near you, visit www.blockbuster.com.

Family Magazine at Your Doorstep
Wish you could have our magazine delivered to you? Then wish no more! Have your copy sent straight to your home. Get 12 fun-filled issues plus Out & About 2007 for just $18. All you have to do is send a check/money order made out to San Diego Family Magazine and mail it to: San Diego Family Magazine, Subscription Request, P.O. Box 23960, San Diego CA 92193.

Is There a New Baby in Your House?
Let us help spread the word to friends and family about your newborn with Family Magazine’s FREE baby announcements. E-mail us your baby’s full name, date of birth, parents’ names, address and phone number at: family@sandiegofamily.com or mail to: San Diego Family Magazine, S.D. Babies, P.O. Box 23960, San Diego, CA 92193. Announcements for babies, one year and younger, will be included in future issues. San Diego Babies are published in January, March, May, August and October. As our gift to your family, you will receive three free months of Family Magazine delivered to your home. Send in a photo of your bundle of joy to be considered for Baby of the Month.

Stay Warm This Winter
With McCafé Coffee

Moms — Kick back and relax at your local McDonald’s! Enjoy the ambience as you catch up with family and friends over a McCafé Coffee, or pick up espresso-based beverages for everyone at the drive-thru before your next meeting or get-together. Visit www.sdmcdonalds.com for participating locations.

Happy Meals
at McDonald’s

McDonald’s Happy Meal® Choices give children and their parents the opportunity to mix and match traditional Happy Meal favorites like french fries and soft drinks with other Happy Meal Choices, including Apple Dippers served with a low fat caramel dipping sauce, and beverage choices including 100 percent pure Minute Maid apple juice, and 1 percent low fat white and chocolate Milk Jugs.

Hotel for Dogs
Available Jan. 9
through Feb. 5
with a Happy Meal purchase.

Now Brewing... Made to Order Lattes, Mochas and Cappuccinos

Cappuccinos are composed of espresso and steamed milk, topped with frothy milk, and available with Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla or sugar-free Vanilla syrups.
Lattes feature espresso and steamed milk with the option to add Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla or sugar-free Vanilla syrups. Iced Lattes are also available.
Mochas include espresso, steamed milk and chocolate syrup, topped with fluffy whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Iced Mochas are also available.
Customers can also enjoy McCafé Coffee while surfing the Web at one of San Diego’s Wi-Fi-enabled McDonald’s locations. Many San Diego restaurants now feature leather seating, warm colors, flat screen televisions, computers and Wi-Fi access: a perfect location to host your next meeting!