Thursday December 2, 2010

Today in History
– Barney B. Clark receives the world’s first artificial heart transplant. (1982)
– National cookie cutter week
– National fritters day
http://www.kids-list.com/Blog.aspx?blog=245

HESCHEL WEST – Dedicated to Lighting the Spirit of Each Individual Child
Tuesday, December 7th from 5:00pm-6:30pm
Come for a FAMILY CHANUKAH CELEBRATION AND OPEN HOUSE for families with children.
* Children’s Chanukah activities and crafts
* Chanukah performance and songs
* Meet teachers
* Visit classrooms
* Learn about our amazing programs
RSVP REQUIRED – Email judye@heschelwest.com or call 818-707-2365

$45 for $120 for Two Hours of Holiday Help from Your Own Personal Assistant
Get your own holiday elf – a personal assistant to help with shopping, shipping and all those pesky seasonal chores. Now that the holidays are upon us, why not leave those tedious to-do lists to somebody else so you can be free to enjoy all the best parts of this time of year? Legally Organized has a crew of assistants to shop, wrap gifts, stand in line at the post office, address holiday cards, and hang your twinkle lights, leaving you free to focus on family and friends and all the things that really matter to you.  Your time is valuable – especially during the holidays – and a personal assistant will keep the season jolly.
www.familyfinds.com/jenslist

“Admissions Assistance, Preschool through College”
It’s Never Too Early – An evening of Q & A with L.A. School Scout’s college counseling expert Sue Eiges Hansen
December 9th from 7:00-8:30p.m.
You may have heard that it’s impossible to get into a good college, that figuring out how to get into a good college is worse than applying to preschools, that no matter how many schools you apply to your chance of getting into a top-notch school is slim to none. College counseling expert Sue Eiges Hansen of L.A. School Scout™ helps separate myth from fact, and gives you tools to help you start planning now for a successful college admission. Space is limited – rsvp to college@LAschoolscout.com. L.A. School Scout helps families make informed and thoughtful choices about the schools that will best suit them. Thier mission is to promote, encourage and applaud children’s enthusiasm for school and learning; take the mystery and anxiety out of the school finding process for parents; and provide families with comprehensive information on all of their educational choices.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church
1260 Eighteenth Street in Santa Monica, 90404
www.LAschoolscout.com

TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF GIFT GIVING
Tired of having to tell everyone what you, your husband, your wife, your daughter, your son and pet want this holiday season? Create a gift profile for you and your family on Moomie.com. It’s simple and easy to set up your profile and enables you to add new gifts in seconds. Moomie.com allows you to create a personal gift profile so that friends and family will know exactly what to get you. Not limited to just the holidays, you can make lists for all occasions (birthdays, graduations, etc.) So create a profile, search for friends and family and be inspired. Happy Gift Giving!
www.moomie.com

Lowe’s recalls about 11M blinds, Roman shades
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11054.html

Copper Willow Paper Studio’s 1st Annual Holiday Event
Saturday, December 4th and Sunday, December 5th from 11am-4pm
Have your child’s silhouette custom cut ($25), or have their portrait taken ($50) and create your eco-friendly holiday cards right there! Just in time for the Holidays! Copper Willow specializes in recycled papers and uses only eco-friendly practices in creating their glamorous, gorgeous products.
8530 B Washington Blvd, near Helms Bakery in Culver City
www.copperwillow.com

CASTING
AMAZING opportunity to ask “Super Nanny” star Jo Frost some questions, and get her advice.
I will be there asking her advice about sleep training…a 2 ½ year old…come join me! Are you a mom in the Los Angeles area with parenting problems? Are you at your wits end with your children and want help? If you or someone you know would like parenting advice, please respond ASAP to take part in the live taping on 12/07/10. Email Ann Marie Williams-Gray at TheTalk at Annmarie.williams-gray@cbs.com.
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Do your friends and family members call you a Bridezilla?
Do you think of yourself as a Bridezilla? If so, Oprah’s top experts, Dr. Oz, Suze Orman and Dr. Phil, are looking for you!  “Ask Oprah’s All Stars” is a four-part special on OWN, premiering Sunday, January 2nd at 8/7c. The all star team is ready to answer questions about relationships, health or your finances. No matter what your problem is – America’s top experts are ready to help. To apply for yourself (or nominate a Bridezilla you know) send an email to Margaret Haddad at margaret.oprahsallstars@gmail.com.
http://www.oprah.com/own/all_stars/index.html
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Looking for people willing to openly talk about their most intimate medical, financial and/or overall life issues
This is for an upcoming TV special and you will eceive advice from world renowned experts: Dr Oz, Suze Orman and Dr. Phil McGraw! Please email the following information to Casting4OWN@gmail.com before Friday, December 10th, 2011
2 Photos of Yourself.
Full Name & Age. 
Phone Number
1-2 short detailed paragraphs of your story, problem, question or situation.
If interested, a producer will contact you directly for your entire story!
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Dream Wedding Show
The producers of a new extraordinary and touching television show are looking for amazing brides (along with their fiancé, family & friends). If selected, these couples will have the opportunity to receive a wedding of a lifetime as part of the series. In honor of the victims from 9/11 and their families, they are giving those who have experienced loss this amazing opportunity. Are you currently engaged, getting married in 2011 and going to miss celebrating with that special someone you lost in the 9/11 tragedy? Please send a current photo of you and your fiancé along with contact info and your story to castingbrides@gmail.com.

Will you send out a yearly letter relating your 2010?
How not to be obnoxious: 3 easy steps to a better holiday letter
http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2010/11/

Dining with Dogs
A free site that lets dog owners find restaurants in their area that allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas. Currently focusing on New York, Chicago, California, Arizona and Florida, the ad-supported site lets users submit and review restaurants as well as interact with other dog lovers online. Reviews can also be posted directly to Facebook and other popular social networks.
www.diningwithdogs.com

Roasted Rosemary Walnuts
Easy.  Good for happy hour or just snacking. Nuts are Good for you! (Recommendation – use less salt in this recipe.)
http://www.chow.com/recipes/14260-roasted-rosemary-walnuts

Discount Nutcracker Tickets, Dec 4-5 and Dec 11-12
Westside Ballet of Santa Monica is offering Jen’s List subscribers discounted tickets to its upcoming productions of The Nutcracker. Westside Ballet’s Nutcracker is the traditional ballet, from the Victorian-style party scene to the glittering Sugar Plum Fairy. The Shows are at the Wadsworth Theatre in Brentwood, Dec 4-5 and Dec 11-12, 2010. Saturday performances are at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm, and Sunday performances are at 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm. All tickets are normally $30, but the discount offers them at $15 for kids and $25 for adults. Discount tickets must be ordered using the Friends of Ballet discount form (click on the link below to download). Tickets can be picked up at Will Call the day of the event. Visit http://www.westsideballet.com/nutcracker/ticket-friends-mom.pdf. For more information and theater directions, visit www.westsideballet.com. For questions, email meisterjr@aol.com.

Rachel Abroms Studio HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR SAMPLE SALE
December 5th from 12-4pm
Prices on Jewelry and Accessories can’t be beat! (50% off website prices). Design Award Winner Rachel Abroms’ designs have been sold to over 1000 stores around the world. Her work has also been featured in all of the major fashion magazines including PEOPLE and IN STYLE. Celebrity fans include: OPRAH, EVA MENDES and JESSICA BEIHL. Bring your friends!
1019 S. Crescent Heights Blvd. in Los Angeles(corner of olympic)
www.rachelabromsstudio.com

Parenting Classes, with Bill Stierle
Wednesday Nights, Dec. 8th & 15th from 7:15 – 9pm(attend both classes or just one)
Hosted by Cathy O’Neil
Suggested donation $15 – $25 (no one turned away)
These classes provide you with a foundation that will allow you to spend more time creating a home environment that is grounded in compassion, emotional harmony, safety and trust. You will learn the latest in brain development and new communication skills to take home and apply immediately. With over 20 years of experience, Bill Stierle has received rave reviews for his practical and innovative trainings and workshops. He draws from his personal experience of being the 4th child in a family of eight and by raising three children of his own, ages 17, 9 and 4. Bill has a passion for helping parents thrive in their relationships with their children and most importantly with one another.
244 16th St. Santa Monica(North of Montana, btwn Carlyle & Georgina) 
Call Bill to reserve your space 310.433.8380
www.BillStierle.com.

Lanai Road Elementary School’s Wild West Gala & Auction is seeking donations for their March 2011 event
Lanai is a public school serving 500 students in the Encino area. Support the school’s premiere fundraising event with a tax-deductible donation of goods, services or sponsorship.  f you would like to make a donation, please email either alexwald@sbcglobal.net or genene_levy@yahoo.com for a donation form. If you would like them to pick up the item, please email and schedule a pickup time. A receipt will be mailed for all donations received.
Friends of Lanai Booster PO Box 260585, Encino, CA 91426
Gala Hotline: 323-363-1147 Fax: 818-808-0105
501 (c) 3 non-profit #02-0592638 

Race to Nowhere Screening at Woodlake Elementary in Woodland Hills
Thursday, December 9th at 7 p.m.
A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded schools and children’s lives. Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace; students are disengaged; stress-related illness and depression are rampant; and many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. Race to Nowhere is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. Seats are limited, so be sure to get your tickets quickly at www.rtnwoodlakeelementary.eventbrite.com. 

Studio City Co-Op Pre-School Offers New Parent & Me Classes for 2-3 Year Olds
Beginning Friday, December 10th, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Each 4 week session is $80 dollars. The class is intended to give toddlers the chance to play freely, express themselves through art and begin to interact with one another in a secure, stimulating environment. For parents, it is a chance to spend some time with their child and make new friends in the community. Sign up by calling Teacher Debi at 818-506-6641 or by email at debandav@pacbell.net.
www.studiocitycoop.com

One 90 Minute Session with Michelle Kapture, Clairvoyant Energy Healer, is All You Need to Get Started in a New Direction
Her energy readings are spot on and her energy clearings will make you feel wonderful! Michelle’s compassionate and loving guidance will provide the space for you to heal, grow and expand. Visit her website and become a fan of Kapture Healing on Facebook to receive her free Energy tip of the day and to view her free healing meditations on Youtube.
www.KaptureHealing.com

Hanukah or Chanukah: Sign Language Signs
Click here to practice Chanukah or Hanukah Signing: www.signshine.com/channukahgiving.pdf.

HAIR LEADS
Attitude Salon, A Unique Hair Salon in Woodland Hills
Nakya is an extremely experienced stylist who offers full services including: haircuts, organic color, organic straightening system (no harmful ingredients and can be done without using gloves and masks!), two (2) private rooms for women who have hair thinning issues, hair extensions and custom made hair pieces to fit exactly what you need. Genuine customer service.  New customers will receive a 15% discount on any service by mentioning Jen’s List.
22150 Ventura Blvd. Suite 102, between Shoup and Topanga Canyon in Woodland Hills
818-605-2279
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Hairstylist Shai Cohen is Offering Christmas Specials
-Color, Cut and a Styled Blow Dry $90
-Styled Blow Dry $30
Shai has been in the business for 15+ years, and is licensed through Schwarzkopf. He is also a Stylist on the TV Show QVC.
BlueWaters Salon & Spa
21312 Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills
818-340-8400
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Yossi Salon in Woodlands Hills is offering great specials for this holiday season
– Free Haircut (Men’s, Women’s, Children) (new clients only)
Yossi is trained by Vidal Sasson and specializes in:
– Color
– Bio Ionic Japanese Straightening
– European Hair Extensions
818.825.3467.
21849 Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills, 91364
http://www.YossiSalon.com

Money Mechanix
Financial advice for the new high school graduate (and student) has been received so well by parents, teachers, and teens themselves – that Mike Kelly, California National Guard helicopter pilot & author is planning a book for Tween generation!  Book is fast becoming huge high school fundraiser…find out why. How do you get kids to lift their heads from texting and facebook posts?  Get a helicopter pilot to explain why their car payments shouldn’t last longer than the car!  Or, that a security deposit can actually get returned…or why being nice to your obnoxious yet successful cousin is important since he could be your co-signer one day….debit cards aren’t checking accounts so figure out how to get one at the local bank. Traditional financial planning is appreciated and being taught through humor and practical anecdotes that kids can make sense from…no lectures…just common sense told for today’s teen.  Visit the website to view a free chapter. Take advantage of the promotional discount codes available for your readers too. For additional information, contact Carrol Van Stone at 304-671-0244 or visibilitybook@aol.com.

Tracie Karasik Media
Need a memorable/professional looking slideshow for a special occasion? Weddings, bar and bat mitzvah’s, graduations, anniversaries — occasions that celebrate love, dedication, and unforgettable memories. Bring your family and friends together in a captivating montage. Tracie Karasik can create a beautiful, touching, light-hearted slideshow to culminate some of life’s most significant events. Have a keepsake of that special event in your life. Call 805-558-0188 or email TracieKarasik@gmail.com.

POSTITIONS AVAILABLE
Pilates Instructor Needed at BetterBody Pilates Fitness Studio in Calabasas
Looking for a responsible, highly professional but fun, and motivated, certified Pilates Instructor (or near completion) to teach private, semi-private and group sessions. Must be available afternoons and evenings. Work in a fun and relaxed environment with dedicated and hard working clients. Please email resume to Pilates1@sbcglobal.net.
818-224-4734
www.betterbodypilates.com
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California Center for Healthy Living Tele-Sales Position Available
Fast-growing, integrated and unique medical practice in Encino promoting healthy weight and body image for children, adolescents, and adults.  Excellent phone communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Power Point, Excel, Word, and Outlook); tele-sales prospecting experience is a must; excellent positive attitude and sales experience; creating and changing phone scripts to optimally communicate. 10-15 hours a week, $10/hr., work from home. Send resume to resume@californiachl.com.

Stress in Childhood: How You Can Help Your Kids
www.therapyinwestla.com/blog/2010/11/23/stress-in-children.html
www.therapyinwestla.com

FITNESS LEADS
Are You Nervous About Gaining Weight During the Holidays?
Did you overeat at Thanksgiving? Will your New Years Resolution be to lose weight? If you answered YES to any of these, look no further, Ryan and Alison can help you.  What’s the secret? It’s the 24 Day Challenge! This revolutionary program helps shed pounds/body fat and increases energy which ultimately makes you look and feel better. Look and feel better before the New Year even arrives! Give yourself the gift of health this holiday season.
Call 310-962-5927 or email Ryan@RyanKrane.com OR email Alison@RyanKrane.com or call 805-558-0188.
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It is a Known Fact That People Gain Between 5 and 10 Pounds Between Thanksgiving & Christmas
Don’t become part of that statistic.  Enjoy the holidays, but don’t give up the workouts.  Stay in shape with Betsy Mendel’s No Excuses Fitness special:
 3 sessions for just $99.00*.
*Sessions are 45 minutes and must be used in a 7 day period.
*Subsequent sessions are just $45.
*Workouts are custom designed so you can reach your personal goals
310-980-1477
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Indoor Holiday Bootcamp
Backyard Bootcamp will be holding a special Winter Bootcamp for the month of December.  For only $189, you can workout up to 9 times before Christmas!  Jump in at any time!  Classes meet at 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. at Topham Street Gym.  Get a jump on your New Year’s Resolutions.
18619 Topham Street in Tarzana
818-633-5180  
www.backyardbootcamp.org
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Arena Fitness Training Center
Ballet Booty, Cross-Training, Cardio Kickboxing classes and Personal Training. If you’re looking for a great place to train without long-term contracts, initiation fees and overcrowding you have to try Arena Fitness Training Center. They’ll give you a FREE WEEK of semi-private training and group classes to try them out ($125 value), all you have to do is visit www.arenafitness.com or call 818-906-3030.
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Lose Weight Instead Gaining Weight over the Holidays
Take Shape for Life is an amazing program that provides free coaching on a successful food plan that helps you lose weight, change the shape of your body and keep the weight off.  It was create by a doctor and is so amazing. For the first time in over 6 years since having her first child, Wendy Newman was able to lose the “baby weight” and – easily! Now, she’d love to coach you (no charge for coaching) if this is a fit for you. The food costs approximately $8 a day and with no cravings. Her normal coaching fees (for her personal branding) start at $500 an hour but she’s so passionate about this as it’s worked for her, her husband, her friends and clients that she wanted to extend her health coaching to Jen’s List parents!
310-277-2200
www.thePBcoach.TSFL.com

Be Your Child’s Jewish Teacher Through Melton Adult Mini-School’s “Foundations of Jewish Family Living” Course
Non-denominational, no homework, tests or grades. Provides parents of pre-school to 6th grade kids with learning, language and confidence to support Jewish learning at home. Like the renowned Melton Curriculum, “Foundations” was developed at Hebrew U. of Jerusalem.  Each class explores a different Jewish story.
On Thursdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills, January 6th through June 2, 2011.  $360. Contact Jordanna Flores at 818-346-6106 or jflores@stsonline.org.

Parents of Twins and Multiples Group Led by Marliee Hartling RN, MFT and Edi Cooke PsyD.
Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m.
Marilee is a specialist in maternal-child nursing and is a licensed child and family therapist. Edi is a clinical psychologist and mom of 4 year old twins.
Hollywood Pump Station
1248 Vine in Hollywood
www.pumpstation.com
www.ecdevelopment.org

Fat Tie, Inc.
Featured in Real Simple, Newsweek and Babytalk magazines for the holidays. Fat Tie T-shirts make the perfect gift for baby and toddler boys and are made of 100% super soft cotton. Have your special little man dress up and wear a Fat Tie to holiday dinners and then be comfy enough to play after. Even Grandma will get a kick out of these shirts. Use JEN25 (letters in caps) at checkout for 25%.
www.shop-fat-tie.com

Turn Your Loving Memories into Works of ART

Paintings From Your Favorite Photos. These make great gifts.
www.azzusicart.com

Need Parenting Help?
You’ve tried all the parenting techniques, but they don’t work. You know there has to be a better way. Changing the way your kids behave is easier than you think. Click below to schedule a complimentary 20 minute strategy session with Parent Coach Gila Brown, M.A. and learn how.
310-497-7461
www.gilabrown.com/shop_session.php

University Synagogue’s Toddler Program
Become part of a warm, welcoming and inclusive Jewish community. Join University Synagogue’s award winning Parent & Me classes and discover a world of friendship for you and your little one, aged 10-24 months. Their developmental program is rich in traditional Judaism within a reform environment and they believe in the importance of  process rather than product, and that experience is the best teacher. Call Tessa or Elaine at 310-472-0603 to schedule a free class.
www.unisyn.org

WINTER CLASS/CAMP LEADS
Ladybug Music is Offering a 2 Week Winter Holiday Mini-Session in Studio City
From December 6th through December 16th
Ladybug Music is a new mixed age (infant – 5 years old) research based early childhood music program that fills the great need for music and classes that speak to the diversity and tastes of this generation of parents. Ladybug has created music collections from all genres and eras which provide eclectic, rich and hip music for the children that the parents can enjoy as well. In the Ladybug classes there is singing, playing percussive instruments, dancing, listening, getting very silly and so much more all in a non-performance environment where every child and parent is able to experience their own style of learning with no expectations – just play! Visit
www.LadybugMusic.com to sign up for a free demo and to view the Mini- session schedule and location.
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LA With Kids Winter Break Camp Guide
Find a great camp for your kids to keep them moving and having fun over their school break. Find out the hours offered, cost, ages of kids attending and activities. If you know of a camp not listed, or would like to let the LAwithKids.com community know about your child’s experience at a certain camp, please email camps@lawithkids.com.
www.lawithkids.com/los-angeles-winter-camps.html
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Wildlife Learning Center Winter Zoology Camp
If your son or daughter loves animals this is the camp for them!
Winter Schedule:
December 20th-24th  9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
December 27th-31st  9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost:  $300 per week (This includes a special winter discount!)
16027 Yarnell Street in Sylmar
818-362-8711
Year round tour and party packages are also available. Visit the website for more information on the Tour and Party Packages.
www.wildlifelearningcenter.com
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Tarzana Aikikai offers Aikido Winter Camp for kids ages 5-12 during two weeks of LAUSD’s winter break
Monday-Friday, December 20-24 and December 27-31, from 9 am-3 pm.  Children learn the Japanese martial art Aikido in a traditional dojo, build friendships, practice kindness.  Program includes art and cooking.  Call 818-705-0600 to register or get more information at http://www.TarzanaAikikai.com.
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DK Dance Factory Annual Winter Dance Camp
Daily classes in HIP HOP, BROADWAY and an end of camp SHOWCASE for friends and family!
Ages 5-10yrs
9:00am-3:00pm
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20th- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23rd
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27th- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30th
MONDAY, JANUARY 3rd- FRIDAY, JANUARY 7th (5 DAYS)
$65 per day, $225 for all four days! $280 for 5 days (last week of camp)
Sign up for 2 weeks and recieve 2 FREE DANCE CLASSES to use in 2011!
(818)980-4635
5505 Laurel Canyon Blvd in Valley Village, 91607
http://www.dkdancefactory.com

Amazon Mom
A free membership program created especially for parents and caretakers of small children. Amazon Mom members receive benefits such as three months of FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime (with the potential to earn up to one year of free Amazon Prime shipping benefits), 30% off diapers and wipes which are auto-delivered to your doorstep with Subscribe & Save and other promotions geared toward parents. Current Amazon Prime members can also join the program.
http://www.amazon.com/mom

CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS & UPHOLSTERY

Dress up your windows or make your favorite chair or sofa look new again by calling Jacoby Company today! The husband and wife team of Gary and Cory Jacoby, they treat their customers with care. They’ve been in the business of creating fabulous custom window treatments, bedding and upholstery since 1980! They make your home the showplace it was meant to be. Don’t just take my word for it… check out their multiple reviews on yelp and google. Until December 15th get 10% off entire order. * NEW ORDERS ONLY * CAN NOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS* Call or email them today and have your home ready for the holidays. Call 1-800-921-8686 Email jacobydrapery@mac.com.
www.jacobycompany.com

SPARKPlaytime
An early childhood enrichment program that brings nursery school type activities to your home.  Your child’s playgroup will enjoy our curriculum while you and your friends relax.  SPARKPlaytime also provides in home parent and me and grandparent and me classes.
www.SPARKPlaytime.com

Combi Chopstick Training Set
Designed to adjust to your child’s hand growth. Step 1 includes the training bridge which provides beginner support. Step 2 involves removing the beginner support while allowing use of the training bridge. Step 3 allows for regular use by removing the training bridge once your child is ready to eat with chopsticks. The training set may be used with the right or left hand and is microwave and dishwasher-safe.
http://www.combi-intl.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=23