Saturday December 4, 2010

Today in History
– Operation Santa Paws week
– Santa’s list day
– Wear brown shoes day 
http://www.kids-list.com/Blog.aspx?blog=248

MALIBU FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2010
Sunday, December 5th from 12-5pm
Over 2,000 guests will savor Unlimited Tastings of Fine Wines and Delectable Cuisine, as they enjoy the sounds of live Cuban Jazz, overlooking the Bluffs of Malibu. Come grab your glass and start swirling and sipping, as you choose from an array of Tantalizing Dishes served by exceptional Malibu Restaurants, and all for one General Admission price! Please type “Team Cecilia” in Special Notes when purchasing your Tickets, and 35% of the proceeds will be donated to Talbert Family Foundation.
www.malibufoodwinefestival.com

“Secrets Your OB/Gyn Won’t Tell You: From Hormones to Hysterectomy”
Wednesday, December 8th at 6:00pm

Eden Surgical & Wellness Center of Calabasas is presenting this free health seminar by Dr. Ian Taras. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. There will be a raffle and giveaways for all attendees. Call 818-444-4244 to reserve your spot now!
23951 Craftsman Road in Calabasas, 91302
http://www.edensurgical.com

Want to win pediped shoes for a year?!
Head over to enter at facebook.com/nouncee for details and hurry as deadline is December 8, 2010.
 Yummy Free Holiday Dinner: eyou style
Tuesday, Dec. 7th at 7 p.m. in Venice Beach
Come meet the Skinny Girls and eat lots of Skinny Girl foods. The cost of the eyou program is going up Jan 1st so this is your last chance to lose the weight at the current price. If you have been thinking about eyou- don’t wait any longer, make this year YOUR YEAR. Email tiffany@elementalyou.com to rsvp and get the address. Call 310.633.1333 with any questions.
www.elementalyou.com

Does it really take a village to raise a child?
If we are required to take drivers education to obtain a drivers license, then why aren’t we required to take a class to be effective parents? The truth is that we are not naturally born parents and children don’t come with user manuals. Just because you are a parent, doesn’t mean you are supposed to automatically know what to do all the time. Parenting is an ongoing learning process. The more you work towards increasing your parenting knowledge and developing your parenting skills, the easier it will be for you to be the best parent you can be. The Optimal Parenting Program at Stein Psychological Associates provides an 8-week parenting class that addresses many common challenges, provides you with practical skills and a supportive environment to ultimately help you feel more equipped, confident and in control as a parent. Classes are offered in Encino and Beverly Hills. For more information, please contact Dr. Roxanna Rahban at Roxanna@steinpsych.com or (818) 789-5035.
www.steinpsych.com

An Optimal You
An 8-week concise doable program designed for weight loss and weight management that lasts using both Hypnotherapy and Medical Nutrition Therapy. It is about creating a happy life where you love yourself, make yourself a priority and have a healthful relationship with food.
Included in the program are:
· Weekly hypnotherapy sessions
· Three visit with a Registered Dietitian
· Valuable tools (including supermarket
· Support and Guidance
· And Much More!
Nicole Meadow, MPN, RD is a Registered Dietitian who works successfully with weight loss in addition to other nutritional issues.  Her philosophy is about lifestyle management and learning to live a life where food is enjoyable.
Susie Jacobson, C.Ht., CYT is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Lifestyle Counselor who specializes in weight release and self-defeating behaviors.  Health and Well-being is a quality of life, it is not negotiable.  Life is to be enjoyed.
For additional information or to set up your initial appointment,contact either Nicole at (818) 304-1876 nicole@nicolemeadow.com or Susie at (818) 261-9587 susie@susierjacobson.com.
16055 Ventura Blvd Suite 420 in Encino, 91436
 

Half Baked Co. is the perfect place to order those holiday treats
They bake with half the fat, calories and sugar, but with all the taste. Save the guilt for the holiday dinner, not the dessert.  New cupcake flavors include eggnog, candy cane and vegan orange cranberry. Now shipping cupcakes on a stick and marshmallows on a stick!
http://www.halfbaked.co

Mom’s with Cancer
A new support group in the San Fernando Valley open to women whom not only face the challenges of parenting, but do so during and following treatment for cancer. This is a great way to learn current, credible information and tips on coping with the day-to-day difficulties for women under these circumstances. This group meets the first Saturday of the month. Group is open to both working and non-working women. Children are welcome. Please contact Marta Blum at 818-326-0675 for more information or email smarta8@gmail.com.

Mini frittatas – kids love to eat finger foods
Soooo easy.  Inexpensive.  Use up leftovers.  Introduce new flavors.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mini-frittatas-recipe/index.html

TOY DRIVE FOR A LOCAL FAMILY IN CRISIS:
A Canoga Park single mom has Stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to her lungs, bones, and brain. She has three young children, BOY, 11 years old, with Autism, GIRL, 7 years old & BOY, 4 ½ years old. Her financial situation is dire, and she is unable to work. The wonderful Talbert Family Foundation has begun to help her with her medical expenses but she needs your help to pull off a small holiday miracle for her children. Let’s help give this family a beautiful Christmas! The goal is to deliver toys and needed items on Christmas eve, “from Santa”. Please email alisonwatters@mac.com for a local delivery address. Get your UNWRAPPED item to the address that you are given on or before 12/20. You can have it shipped or deliver it yourself. ALSO: They are also encouraging you to show you care by giving a card from your family – and/or a handmade card /artwork from your child(ren).
WISH LIST:
AGE APPROPRIATE TOYS
SUPERMARKET GIFT CARDS
GASOLINE GIFT CARDS
TARGET/WALMART GIFT CARDS
RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS FROM RESTAURANTS THAT DELIVER

Group of outstanding young singers(ages 5-18) in the SFV & beyond
MUSYCA is currently auditioning new singers for the 2010-11 Season. The mission of the MUSYCA (Musical Youth of California) Children’s Choir is to provide the highest quality of music education to Children and Youth of all religious, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds through study and performance of outstanding choral repertoire. MUSYCA is dedicated to diversity, access, and service to community. You will sing  great music, sing it well, and will be heard! MUSYCA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. To schedule an audition, please email sing@musyca.org or call 818-554-9937. 
http://musyca.org/

Is My Baby Too Fat? Parents Put Infants on Diets
http://healthland.time.com/2010/11/30/is-my-baby-too-fat/

Parent Café Host Training
Sponsored by Partnerships For Families (PFF)(A First 5 LA Initiative)
Wednesday, December 8th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Continental Breakfast & Lunch Will Be Provided
Host training participants will:
· Explore the role of host and what it takes to be an good one
· Practice skills to keep parent cafe conversations going and take them deeper while maintaining group agreements
· Learn more about the purpose and structure of Parent Cafes
· Become more familiar with protective factors and how they relate to café conversations
· Better understand café questions and the diverse responses to them
To RSVP, please email karajcoleman@gmail.com
Cathedral of St. Paul (in the Great Hall)
840 Echo Park Avenue in Los Angeles, 90026

How to get your kids interested in cooking
http://www.kwgn.com/videobeta/56c62b48-ad54-4d7f-9a47-4eff2fa362e8/News/Handstand-Cookbooks-for-Kids

Little Passports
Your child’s ticket to an exciting global adventure. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a country’s geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way. Your child will love receiving their own mail every month.
http://littlepassports.com/index.html

Register now for Winter Parent & Child Program at Highland Hall
Young children (ages one year through two years six months) and a parent are invited to come to Highland Hall’s serene park-like campus for creative free play with all natural and handmade toys in a warm and inviting classroom. The morning also includes a nutritious and tasty snack followed by outdoor play and concluding with a fun interactive circle time with seasonal songs and movement activities. Call 818-349-1394 for more info.
https://www.highlandhall.org/PC%20Program

Need Your Baby Seat Installed or Inspected?
Adam Lari is a certified safety technician in your area and he makes house calls! For parents convenience you can make an appointment that will fit your busy schedule. He provides the education, instruction, and installation. Can come to your home, work, or meet at your local retail store. Purchase your new car seat on the Online Store section of the website. He also does stroller, toys, and other baby gear assemblies! Call (818) 770-2547 or visit www.ITYsafety.com to make an appointment! Find them on facebook at Infant Toddler Youth Safety.

BPA is NOT safe for your baby
Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) attempt to eliminate the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups was shot down.  Show your outrage to the chemical manufacturers of BPA. Send this letter. Pass this on.
http://thedelicioustruth.blogspot.com/

Personalized M&M’s
Create your own! Inscribe you’re a message or image on your favorite color. Take 15% percent off any order with promo code THANKS15.
http://www.mymms.com/

I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing: How to Handle Holiday Overeating
http://amihungry.com/how-to-handle-holiday-overeating.shtml

Edible Dreidel Crafts
http://savvima.com/2010/11/30/edible-dreidel-crafts/

December Events at the Discovery Cube
Hands-On Kitchen Science Activities:
Daily through Jan 2
Find out all about kitchen tools, recipe science and more! “A Matter of Taste”
Stage Show:
11a,1p,3p,4p; Sat/Sun through Jan 2 – How are taste and smell different? Find out for yourself!
Award Winning Gingerbread Displays & Workshops:
Learn from local chefs how to build & decorate a gingerbread house.
Daily through Jan 2nd
Photos w/Santa Claus:
11am-3pm; Dec 4&5,11&12,18-24
Cookie Decorating:
11:30a, 1:30p, 3:30p; Dec 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18-30 – Decorate holiday cookies and eat them too!
Train Modeling Demonstrations:
Schedule TBD Check out exclusive demos by Toy Train Engineers of the Southern California.
 “Ask a Scientist” Series:
See special presentations by local scientists.
All activities and demonstrations are free after admission. Dates and activities are subject to change.
http://www.discoverycube.org/programs.aspx?q=69
2500 N. Main St. in Santa Ana
714-542-2823

Vintage Reunion
Assembling vintage & found items to create wearable art
www.VintageReunion.Etsy.com

Do you know all the different passwords to all the different sites you belong to?
So many sites, so little time…Keep track of all your favorite websites, and remind yourself of the ones to avoid, with the Open Sesame! Password Reminder Book from Bob’s Your Uncle. It features a no-snag spiral binding so it lays flat on your desk or counter. Measures 6″ x 4″, 50 pages. *A Little Trivia From Jane: “Bob’s Your Uncle” is a phrase commonly used in Britain to indicate success will come easily. It’s reputed to have originated from a 19th century politician, named Robert, who assigned his inexperienced nephew to a prestigious post in government.
http://seejanework.com/ProductCart/

Plush Nail and Waxing salon
Provides mothers of babies and small children with high-quality services in a child-friendly environment. Helping moms feel like themselves again! They feature Zoya, Hopscotch Kids, Ramona Cline, and many other wonderful products.
· Low-fume / low-toxic nail polish & treatments
· Children’s play area
· Fast, high-quality service
· Renowned Brow Shaping Team
· Shellac “14-day” Manicure
www.plushbeautybar.com

Project Nursery’s 2010 Virtual Holiday Baby Shower
Fabulous prizes from Mutsy, Natural Mat, Kokopax, Baby Blanket Music, Silikids, Oilo, pediped, Carousel Designs and Kushies.
Enter today at http://projectnursery.com/2010/12/giveaway

MORE EVENTS HAPPENING TOMORROW!

Holiday Home Boutique!
Sunday, December 5th from 12pm-4pm
Private Quarters, Luxury Bed & Bath Gifts – with Debbie Leonard
Two Tomatoes Boutique – Miche Bags & More – with Diane Fonteboa
Pampered Chef, Creative Kitchen Tools & Gifts – with Shanda Vail
Arbonne, Pure, Safe Skin Care & Make-Up – with Lisa Kinman
Lia Sophia Jewelry, Beautiful & Affordable Jewelry – with Lindsay Antoniskis
Melaleuca, Green Cleaning Products & More – with Cynthia Dewey
Great food, drink and shopping fun!
5120 Nagle Ave in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

AND
The Shops at Woodman and Ventura 3rd annual Holiday block party
Sunday, Dec. 5th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 20 local businesses in Sherman Oaks will participate with live bands, food, games, “freebies” and fun for adults and children. The Vespa dealer will be giving away a “Christmas Red” Vespa Motor Scooter as the grand prize in a raffle to benefit Dixie Canyon Avenue Elementary School. There will be a toy collection for the SOHA annual Holiday Toy Drive. Businesses up and down the block will be offering deals and free products as their gifts to you. You can get your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, visit the Children’s Nature Institute Discovery Van, arts & crafts, free Child ID Cards and fingerprinting, get a glitter tattoo, and have your tarot card read dance to the live music and more
AND
Fifth Night Hanukah Celebration at Vista Del Mar
Sunday, December 5th
For a fun and simple way for children to give one night of Hanukkah gifts to children in need. We’ll light the candles, do a craft, then talk for a few minutes about how much the donated gifts mean. Space is limited, but registration is FREE. After dinner 6:30 to 7:15 pm. Wish list, register and info:  http://losangeles.fifthnight.org/
3200 Motor Avenue in LA, 90034
AND
Hanukah Puppet Party with Len Levitt and the Levitty Puppets
Sunday, December 5th from 1:30-2pm
Free admission and parking.
Slavin Family Children’s Library
6505 Wilshire Blvd. in LA
323-761-8648
AND
Better Than A Boutique Sale
Sunday, December 5th from 10am – 3 pm
Vendors you won’t find at other boutiques at prices that beat them all! Come shop and celebrate small businesses that are giving 20% of the proceeds to Valley Charter School.  Some vendors include Appaman Kid’s Clothes, Emily Green Creative Kids Table Wear, Julie K Custom Handbags, Jagger Edge, Marit Rae Jewelry, Stella and Dot Jewelry, Schultz Watches, Juliet Dream Ladies Clothes, Baby Ya Ya Dresses and more! Cash and Checks only. 
13100 Margate Street in Sherman Oaks, 91401
AND
LOGAN AND BLUE AND LOVE EMILY HOLIDAY SALE
Sunday, Dec. 5th
Logan and Blue is selling excess merchandise at discount prices. Tees, chenilleboppies, frames, placemats, blankets, adorable wooden sign and more. Also, check out the amazing jewelry, custom water bottles, bags, lunch bag and chore charts. Perfect personalized gifts for family, friends and teachers! 
www.loganandblue.com
Emily is a published artist/illustrator and Rhode Island School of Design graduate. Get a portrait done of your favorite pet or person hand drawn or painted!
www.lovemily.com
5328 Woodman Ave in Sherman Oaks, 91401

TWELVE DAYS of Christmas Giveaways at L.A. Kid Stuff website and Facebook Page!
Now thru 12th
They have already given away tickets to Disney on Ice and Scrooge…More giveaways to some of the hottest shows/performances, coolest toys/merchandise and passes to the best classes/programs and destinations in town! Don’t miss out on your chance to win something special for your L.A. kids and family!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LA-Kid-Stuff/87770233731
http://lakidstuff.com

Classic latkes are all about the details
Liquid, texture, flavor, cooking.
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/

Children’s Dept of “The-J” Preschool is now enrolling for the Spring

Become part of a warm, welcoming and inclusive Jewish community. Join “The-J”s award winning Preschool and Transition classes and discover a world of friendship for you and your little one, Preschool 2.6 years old to 5 years old, Transition: 2 years old. Located in the Santa Clarita Valley, their developmental program is rich in Jewish traditions within a reform environment. Try a class and leave feeling part of the community. Call Bari at 661-877-7121 to schedule a visit.

In Home Cooking Instruction
Learn how to cook and shop like a chef. Chef Rinaldi will show you tricks, tips, and techniques to make you a better cook at home. He has  been featured in LAX magazine, The Pasadena Star, as well the long running Community Cooking TV series. He has also taught for Bon Appétit Magazine and Sur La Table.
www.christianrinaldi.com

Holiday Gift Boutique to benefit The Rescue Train
Today, Saturday, December 4th from 12PM-4PM
The Rescue Train is a nonprofit 501c3, no-kill dog and cat rescue. Come shop for unique Christmas & Hanukkah gifts including Candles with a Cause, Gift Of Life cards (where you can help save a shelter dog or cat in a loved one’s honor), jewelry, clothing, Soulmutt hats, Combo Star knife sharpeners, scarves, accessories from Trinkets & Treasures, spice sets from the Spice Station and other wonderful items for your friends, co-workers and/or loved ones. There will be cupcakes and light refreshments served.
5704 Ranchito in Valley Glen, 91401

When the fridge becomes too crowded with artwork from your child, where does it go? 
Why not save it forever in a one-of-a-kind book written by a published author especially for your child? From fridge art to a one-of-a-kind rhyming storybook!
www.fridgeartbooks.com

BECOME A BIO-TECH / MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN
FREE TRAINING AS MANUFACTURING TECH I
Initial Requirements:
High School Diploma/GED, Ability to Pass a Background/Drug Check/Physical, Basic Math, Science, and Computer Knowledge.
MUST CALL 323-825-2603 TO REGISTER FOR AN ORIENTATION or Send resumes to jaramiaj@lavc.edu. All orientations begin at 10AM sharp and be prepared to stay until 3pm.
December 8th at LA Valley College

Monarch Den 5800 Fulton Ave. in Valley Glen, 91401

December 9th at Wilshire Metro Worksource

3550 Wilshire BL. #500 in Los Angeles, CA 90010

PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING WITH YOU:*Social Security Card *Driver License *Resume including 3 References *Proof of UI benefits *Copy of DD214(Veterans Only)

www.communitycareer.org