Childrens' Outing - Jelly Belly Factory

 Written by Amber Simmons

The Jelly Belly Factory!!! To this day, saying those words bubbles up a child like excitement in me like it did when i was a much smaller (and cuter) version of myself back in elementary school! The yearly Jelly Belly field trip was always one that my friends and i looked forward to. And even though my parents did not have a lot of extra money to spare, they always made sure their little girl had a few dollars to buy a special treat. Ahhh yes, many fond memories of that place. Its been upwards of 20+ years since i last took a tour. So i was so excited to take my boys there and experience it through their little eyes. And what a great outting it was!!

Several Natomas moms, and their adorable little ones, turned out for the tour. As we gathered together with our tour guide, we were given hats (or the option of a hair net) and told we had to wear them at all times during the tour. As you can see from the attatched picture, the kids totally rocked the paper hats. However we adults...yeah, we were cute too in our own special way. Goofy or not, we were on our way to discover all things Jelly Belly!

Our very wity and energetic tour guide (his name escapes me) lead our lively bunch down corridor after corridor overlooking massive machines, workers scurrying about  and highligting many neat facts about the company and its numerous products. Free samples abounded as we were allowed to taste the Jelly Bellies at each stage of development. Thank you tour guide man for not skimping on the samples!! It was through these samples that we learned Jelly Belly has partnered with Snapple and has launched new flavors of beans...Mango Madness is my favorite of the new ones!

At the end of our tour, we bid the fabulous tour guide adios and high tailed it to the gift shop!! The jelly bean sampling bar was jumpin' and Jelly Belly's own mascot came out to greet us! It really was a terrific outing. *Side Note* Tucked away in the back of the gift shop was a FUDGE COUNTER!!! Totally didn't expect that. Our family loves fudge so that was an added bonus for us! I decided to try the Red Velvet Cake fudge along with the Pistachio fudge as well. I highly recommend them both!

Needless to say, the Jelly Belly Factory rocked! Loads of fun had by kids and adults alike. But how can you go wrong when you mix heavy machinery, tons of sugar, free samples, great friends and fudge?! The answer is you can't!!

Plates - Mother's Night Out February 2012

Nine NMG moms had an inspiring dinner at the Plates Cafe in early February. Plates Cafe is a program of St. John's Shelter and if you've never heard of it, you should check it out at http://www.eatatplates.com/. The world needs more places like St. John's Shelter, where people (homeless women and their children in this case) are not only given a place to live in their time of need, but also job training and life skills to succeed on their own. Plates Cafe gives these women the opportunity to have on-the-job training in the food industry. 

On the first Thursday night of every month, chefs from some of the best restaurants in Sacramento come to Plates to make a 3 course meal for 120 guests for only $40-45 per person. We were lucky enough to attend on the night when the guest chef was Matt Woolsten of The Supper Club. I had never eaten at his restaurants before but had heard they were really good. 

First, we had the chance to sample three different appetizers that were being passed around -- my favorite was the Thai-spiced lamb pinwheel. As we stood around enjoying sampling the little hors d'oeuvres, we also sampled the wines from the featured winery, Caymus Vineyards. Next, we sat down to enjoy the "soup and sandwich" course. The sandwich, although only about 2 inches square, was a little "Portobello BLT," which was good, but I wish it would have been larger. It was served with a cute little "latte," which was really a creamy mushroom soup that looked like a latte, and was incredibly delicious. After that was the dinner served family style -- steak and a very interesting potato tart. Dessert was a really yummy apple crisp with fresh whipped cream. It was all great -- but thinking back a week later, my favorite part was definitely the mushroom latte. 

As dinner was ending, a few of the program "graduates" told their personal stories, and they were very moving. These women have worked very hard to come back from difficult situations -- but they didn't take the easy way out, and are working hard now to provide for themselves and their children. I was very impressed by the women there -- most of the ones working were quite competent, and our server in particular was very excited to be serving a table of moms. There were "tip jars" on the tables, in case any guests felt inclined to donate -- and I was very proud to see that our table seemed to have the fullest jar. 

We all enjoyed the dinner so much that many of us have already registered to attend in March or April. I know $40 is a large chunk of change to many of us these days, but trust me -- it's worth going at least once, and the money goes to a very deserving charity! Another wonderful NMG Moms Night Out, with some of my favorite ladies. 

Christmas Caroling

We gathered together at Katie’s house to go caroling.  But before we headed out, there was pizza and drinks for everyone who hadn’t eaten.  (Thank you Jen for organizing that.)  Afterwards, we rounded up the kids to practice songs.  With bells ringing and the kids singing, there was so much happiness all around.  Then we bundled up and headed out.  We stopped at a couple of Katie’s neighbors and we sang “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer”.   Of course we stopped a few times to admire the Christmas decorations all around us.  Next, Jen took us into her old neighborhood and we were invited into one of the homes.  The kids were so cute as they stood and sang to the neighbors.  Afterwards, we went back to Katie’s house and sang to Peter, who was kind enough to listen to our singing.  Hot chocolate and cookies anyone?  Yes!  The kids decorated cookies, ate them, and followed that down with delicious hot chocolate.  Spreading some holiday cheer - what a wonderful way to spend an evening.