Monday December 6, 2010

Today in History
– St. Nicholas day
– Coats and toys for kids day
– Mitten tree day 
http://www.kids-list.com/Blog.aspx?blog=250

Play and Grow Smart-er Tips
Nancy Pyne-Hapke, author of “Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five,” has been giving tips to aid your child’s optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities every Monday.  These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books. 
FOR THOSE NEW TO JEN’S LIST, the following developmental skills will be discussed: tactile, vision, gross and fine motor, auditory, social/emotional, language/vocabulary, life skills, math/logic, creativity, music in the following age increments: birth to 3 mo, 3 to 6 mo, 6 to 9 mo, 9 to 12 mo, 12 to 18 mo, 18 to 24 mo, 24 to 30 mo, 30 to 36 mo, 3 years old, 4 years old, and 5 years old.
“SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL” DEVELOPMENTAL SKILL DEFINITION: bonding, building relationships, appreciating differences, self-esteem, self-expression, responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness.
THE CRITICAL WINDOW during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for “SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: EMPATHY, ENVY” development is about 2 years – 9 years.  The more opportunity children have for positive social-emotional experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
Some SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: EMPATHY, ENVY tidbits:
·· WHEN you and the rest of the family shower Toddler with affection, respond to her needs, and keep her safe in the first few years of her life, she becomes a secure and basically optimistic child.  (Lack of affection supports development of dysfunction and obstructs development of empathy, and empathy is one of the humanistic keys to communicating with/understanding others.)
·· FEELINGS OF RESENTMENT and jealousy about a new baby may be seen – after all, your attention is being focused elsewhere.
·· LOOKING AT normal brain development, Toddler, beginning around 2 years old, becomes even more self-centered, feeling that everyone thinks and feels the way he does.  He begins playing somewhat interactively with other children, although socializing is by trial and error, and he plays alongside peers rather than with them.  Sharing toys and taking turns won’t develop until later.  He’s very possessive, offering toys to other children but them wanting them back.
Next week – “Social/Emotional: Empathy, Envy, Pt. 2”    
Any ?s – msmarm@roadrunner.com

$85 for Family 4-Pack at Santa Monica Pier Amusement Park – 4 Unlimited Ride Wristbands + 4 Meals (31% Off)
Want a day at an amusement park with the kids without blowing a month’s salary? This exclusive deal includes four all-day unlimited ride wristbands for you and your kids at the Santa Monica Pier theme park plus 4 meal vouchers redeemable at Pacific Park eateries (choose from Harbor Grill, Pizza Hut or Taco Bell). This deal is good from December 10 until next March, but go before Christmas and you can celebrate the holidays California-style. For the first time at Pacific Park, kids can ride the roller coaster with a life-like Santa through flurries of faux snow every time the coaster leaves the station. Don’t miss this offer at Santa Monica’s classic theme park for an affordable day of family fun!
www.familyfinds.com/jenslist

Nature Made vitaminID.com, makers of customized daily vitamin packs, have launched an exciting new sponsoring with the Floating Doctors
The Floating Doctors mission is to bring personalized health where it is needed most in the world. Dr. Benjamin LaBrot and the crew of the Southern Wind are bringing their personalized medicine to four major ports in Honduras from October 2010 through the end of the year. Floating Doctors has a unique approach of employing cutting-edge technology, traditional medicine and altruism to promote better health, and the improvement of health care delivery worldwide. To learn more and follow the many adventures of the trip, people can visit http://www.vitaminid.com/webapp/. Dr. Ben and his crew are posting videos, pictures and blogs and encourage everyone to learn more and help if they can.
http://www.vitaminID.com

“Secrets Your OB/Gyn Won’t Tell You: From Hormones to Hysterectomy”
Eden Surgical & Wellness Center of Calabasas is presenting this free health seminar by Dr. Ian Taras.
Wednesday, December 8th at 6:00pm.
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

Ladybug Music
2 week Winter Holiday Mini-Session – Dec.6th – Dec.16th
Free Demos – Dec.17th & 18th
Visit www.LadybugMusic.com to sign up for a free demo and to view the Mini- session schedule and location. 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, they sing, play percussive instruments, dance, listen, get 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!

AMAZING PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
For all your promotional products, gifts for holiday’s or special events call PD SIGNATURES. Specializing in everything from apparel, corporate merchandise items, healthcare related products  and anything you can put your  logo on. They offer awesome customer service and prices too! Contact Laura at (818) 326-5855 or laura@pdsignatures.com.
http://pdsignatures.com/

Nanny/Housekeeper/Babysitter Leads
http://jenslist.com/2010/12/03/nanny-housekeeper-babysitter-leads-nov-9-dec-3/
Info is also archived permanently at www.jenslist.com

Blood Donations Urgently Needed for 3 year old with stomach cancer Daniella Gannot is undergoing treatment.
She is in need of blood donations. Donations accepted Tuesday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am-1:00pm. The bank suggests an appointment by calling (323)361-2441. Daniella’s blood type is A+. Therefore, she can accept donations of A+,A-,O+,O-. Location of the blood bank is: Children’s Center, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90027.  Free parking is available to donors. Please be sure, whether you are donating platelets or blood, that all donations are “credited” to Danielle Gannot. Blood and platelet donations can be done together, in one procedure. Please inform the center when making an appointment.

Know of parents of a hospitalized child(ren) who desperately need a night off?
The Oscar Litwak Foundation is here to rescue them with a pair of tickets to our ROCK OF AGES fundraiser at the Pantages Theatre on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 6pm. Simply “LIKE” them on Facebook at The Oscar Litwak Foundation and send a message of why you feel they deserve a night off, with your friend’s name, phone and email by Friday, December 17th and they will randomly choose a lucky winner to attend a Pre-Performance Party, Meet & Greet with the Cast & Producers and more. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.tinyurl.com/OscarLitwakROA. For more information, visit www.oscarlitwakfoundation.com/rockofages.

 ONLY $39 for Dental Exam, X-rays and Cleaning!
For those of you out there without a dentist, here’s a pretty great deal – $39 for a Dental Exam, X-Rays and Cleaning, which would normally cost about $300, with any of the professional dentists in the Right Dental Group. They have a network of dental offices across Los Angeles, and you can see all of their profiles on the website. An appointment and voucher are required.
http://www.yourbestdeals.com/deal.aspx?r=JensList&dealid=427

Celebrate Hanukkah with HaMercaz & Vista Del Mar
Wednesday, December 8th from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Hanukkah fun for families raising children with special needs-kosher catered dinner, crafts, songs, games, prizes and more! $5 per person, $15 max per family. Scholarships available. RSVP is a must-Contact HaMercaz at 866-287-8030 or hamercaz@jfsla.org to RSVP and for more information.
Vista Del Mar
3200 Motor Ave. in LA

CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA NUT PIES
Award Winning, 5 Star Rated – L. A. Weekly; Malibu Pie Festival, 1st Place Winner! Original recipe featured as popular dessert in Chin Chin Restaurants (throughout Los Angeles) and (mid – city’s) famous Genghis Cohen’s Chinese Restaurant.  ALL pies are homemade using the freshest ingredients: Macadamia Nuts imported from Hawaii, Chocolate imported from Belgium and fresh cocoanut- sprinkled topping (optional).  Now available for sale, individual pies $25/ea; 8 – 10 delicious slices.  Buy three – Get one FREE! Flat-rate – Standard Shipping on orders $25-59/per recipient or Free Standard Shipping orders $60 or above. Contact PENNY LANE PIES at pennylanemalibu@aol.com or 310.890-5762.
 

Holiday Shopping Party at The Treehouse Social Club!
Wednesday, December 8th from 11am-3pm
Bring the kids or come alone, get everything you need under one roof. Shop for the holidays with top brands, the hippest new must-haves, and unique gifts. If you still need to shop for the holidays, get it all done in one place AND you can eat from our award-winning cafe while you listen to live music and entertain the kids with FREE crafts and holiday treats!
426 S. Robertson Blvd. in LA.
310-288-3024
www.thetreehousesocialclub.com

Not Finding Out Baby Registry
Being a part of the notfindingout.com baby registry experience provides a place for friends and family to shop, gives expectant parents more options than green and yellow, reduces the number of store returns, helps mom and dad SAVE MONEY for things like diapers (and college) and most importantly, the experience allows for preparation all while keeping it a SURPRISE!
www.notfindingout.com

NEW DVD RELEASES TOMORROW!
THE DOLPHIN: STORY OF A DREAMER
An enchanting underwater adventure begins when the animated triumph THE DOLPHIN: STORY OF A DREAMER dives onto DVD on December 7th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Swim along on a magical journey of destiny and self-discovery, based on Sergio Bambarén’s novel. Daniel is a little dolphin with big dreams, living in a world where dreams are forbidden. He ventures beyond the safety of his pod and follows his heart into the unknown, in search of the true purpose of life. The journey won’t be easy – he will encounter friends and enemies, paradise and danger, and he must use his heart to navigate the uncharted waters ahead. A heart-warming, coming-of-age adventure, THE DOLPHIN: STORY OF A DREAMER will make a splash with audiences both young and old and encourages viewers the importance of following their dreams and staying true to their selves. Explore this mystical underworld with a delightful animated treasure that the whole family will cherish.

http://www.amazon.com/Dolphin-Story-Dreamer-Robbie-Daymond
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Annie’s Point
Now is you chance to watch a Hallmark original movie with everyone’s favorite Golden Girl. Betty White (You Again, “Golden Girls”) and Richard Thomas (Wonder Boys, “The Waltons”) star in this touching Hallmark Channel original movie about life, love and self-discovery. A recently widowed grandmother (White) sets out on a cross-country journey to grant her husband’s last wish – to spread his ashes over the idyllic bluff they called Annie’s Point. When her son (Thomas) refuses to let her make the 2,000-mile trip and would prefer her in a retirement home, she takes off anyway with her free-spirited granddaughter in tow.

http://www.amazon.com/Annies-Point-Betty-White/
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Thomas & Friends: The Lion of Sodor
Cinders & ashes! Get ready for the big day as the Lion of Sodor visits Thomas and his engine friends. Hop on board as Thomas learns how to be a Really Useful Engine in these four episodes from the all-new CG animated TV series. Host Driver Perkins, who can ONLY be seen on DVD, engages children with interactive dialogue and extra fun! Teaching timeless life lessons such as discovery, friendship and cooperation, the Thomas & Friends animated series invites children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. 

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Friends-Lion-of-Sodor/

 
Zoocchini 
A children’s lifestyle company dedicated to fun products including plush toys, hooded towels  home decor and melamine dinnerware sets. ZOOCCHINI’s signature designs, creative packaging and friendly characters make for a wonderful day of play.
www.zoocchini.com/

Holiday Shopping for Everyone From Your Little Girl to Your Mom
Stella & Dot is a modern boutique jewelry line featured in all the latest fashion magazines. Check out the new fall/winter line featuring wrap bracelets. Design your own charm necklace. Be sure to ask about free shipping.
www.stelladot.com/jamielyn

SoccerKidsUSA™ Now Offers Classes in the Valley
A unique and playful children’s fitness program that introduces boys and girls 3 to 6 years old to the wonderful game of soccer. With its fun and imaginative games and activities, SoccerKidsUSA™ helps kids develop their soccer skills, coordination, cooperation and learning abilities.  A nurturing and safe environment invites children to express their individuality while exploring our playing field of “FUN, SUN & SOCCER!”
www.SoccerKidsUSA.com

Luv My Woobie
Get 20% off your entire order. Choose from luxurious bedding, rock star blankets, mini fashionista travel blankets, matching burp cloths, accessories and more. Of course everything comes with their signature pocket, is made in the USA, and will outlast your washing machine. Enter promo code at check out: HOLIDAY20. AND Get 30% off ALL orders over $99 – Enter promo code at check out: HOLIDAY30. The holidays are crazy and so are they! Take advantage of this during the month of December only.www.luvmywoobie.com

Calabasas Shul Annual Chanukah Concert & Celebration at The Commons
Wednesday, December 8th at  6:30 p.m., the 8th night of Chanukah.
Fireworks, live music, latkes, Jelly Donuts and Candle Lighting ceremony.
1799 Commons Way in Calabasas
www.CalabasasShul.org

Antonia’s Nuts offers Slow Roasted Gourmet Caramelized Pecans and Chocolates
Beautiful Holiday Baskets available! FREE SHIPPING offered until December 21st! Local delivery available. Be the first on your block to have Antonia’s Nut Mobile arrive at your door! Each and every batch are made by hand fresh to your order, using only the finest all natural ingredients and love. To order call (818) 782-5197.
www.antoniasnuts.com

SNOW 90210
Thursday, December 9th from 6pm-9pm
Experience white flakes as you stroll Rodeo Drive. Eat at the gourmet food trucks parked along Rodeo. See the UNICEF 12,000-crystal snowflake floating above the Beverly Wilshire hotel. And those who make a qualifying purchase get a horse and carriage!
http://beverlyhillsbehere.com/cvbgeneral.asp?id=619

Sweet Peas & Stilettos – The Modern Mommy Guide
An extensive online resource for chic modern moms. You’ll find a great selection of modern holiday cards and party invitations, holiday gift ideas, designer baby and nursery essentials, stylish family calendars and agendas to get you ready for 2011, cool iPhone apps for moms, the best deals on designer handbags and shoes, cupcakes galore and a whole lot more.
http://www.sweetpeasandstilettos.com/

Gisele Tune Clothing Trunk Show
Dec 9th from 6pm-10pm
Wine And Hors Doeuvres – Meet, Greet and chat with the Designer and friends. Mention jens list and get 15% off.
12660 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City
818 980-1196
www.giseletune.com

UCLA Project Step Up
UCLA is recruiting teens 16 to18 years old and parents for a research study called Project Step Up. This program gives teens skills to resist alcohol misuse and handle stress. Parents learn about the effects of alcohol on teen development, tips to build a positive relationship with their teens, and how to help teens resist alcohol misuse. Groups will meet one time a week for 6 weeks. Participation is free and includes pizza at each meeting. Teens can receive up to $60 in gift cards. For more information call 310-825-8738.

Are you Obsessed with Beauty Products & Treatments?
If you want to be up on the latest, look no further than InsiderBeautyBuzz.com. From must-have makeup to products that can make you look years younger, they have you covered from head to toe. Sign up for the free weekly email and you’ll get first dibs on giveaways, special events and breaking beauty news as it happens. You can even email your burning beauty questions and they will get back to you with personalized advice.
www.insiderbeautybuzz.com

Give the gift of Music!
Come January, consider adding piano and or voice lessons to your child’s enrichment schedule. Ariella Vaccarino has been teaching for 18 years, and is the creator of Voice Lessons To Go. She offers both voice and piano, private or group classes at her home in Woodland Hills. New Group Sing classes have been added! Please contact Ariella at: 818)593-2038, or ariella@voicelessonstogo.com.
http://web.me.com/sso2005/Site/Ariella_Vaccarino.html

The Legacy Masters will get your videos ready for the Holidays.
Videotape begins deteriorating in as little as 5 years. We are TV pros who transfer your old videotapes and films to watchable, stable DVDs. Call us today to get your old videos converted to enjoy with your family during the Holidays. There is still time if we start now. It’s a great way to spend time with the whole family and it’s why you took the videos in the first place! Our Family Video Biographies are also perfect for the Holidays.  Call Doug Minnick at 818-286-3992 and see more details at http://www.thelegacymasters.com Or E-mail to: info@thelegacymasters.com

WINTER CAMP LEADS
The Los Angeles Baseball Academy
A consortium of teams, players and coaches that offers professional baseball instruction for players ages 8 through 18. Winter camps will be held in Encino on December 20-22 and December 27-29. For more information, visit www.labaseballacademy.com or e-mail P.C. Shaw at pcshaw09@yahoo.com.
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The Rock Team presents Winter Camp
December 20TH, 21ST,27th,28th
January 3RD,4TH,5TH,6TH,7TH
From 9:30am to 2:00pm(includes lunch and snack)
Ages 3-9 years. Features: Music, Arts and Crafts, Cooking(CUPCAKE DECORATING, HOMEMADE PLAY DOUGH, SMOOTHIES AND MORE) Beginning Photography, Beginning sign language and Belly Dancing! PLEASE LIST ANY DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR ALLERGIES WHEN SIGNING UP. Only 20 Children per day. $45.00per day and 10% off for siblings. CALL 818-708-0860 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.
5520 Crebs Ave. in Tarzana(across of CPK Restaurant)
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Wildlife Learning Center
Zoology Winter Camp at Wildlife Learning Center (818) 362-8711. Two sessions: 12/20-12/24 and 12/27-12/31. M-F 9am-1pm. Every Camper will experience firsthand what it’s like to care for animals, learn basics of zoo keeping, animal training through positive reinforcement, learn what animals eat, grooming and making enrichment items like games & toys to stimulate animals’ minds. Camp cost includes t-shirt, journal & group photo and certificate of completion. Mention Jen’s List for promo price!
www.wildlifelearningcenter.com
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The Wesley School Winter Camp
Join Mrs. Hernandez, Ms. Stump, and Ms. Richardson for 8 wild days of Wesley Winter Wonderland fun camp. Activities include sports, games, crafts, dancing, singing, and silliness! Located in North Hollywood, the camp is offered to current students as well as non-Wesley students K-6th grade. Hours are 9-3 on 12/20-12/23 and 12/27-12/30 with possible day care availability until 5. Sign up on the school website or email Lee at lsiwek@wesleyschool.org.
www.wesleyschool.org
AND
North Valley Jewish Community Center Winter Camp at Temple Beth Ami in Santa Clarita
A child-centered program that offers a contemporary Jewish cultural program presented & executed through arts & crafts, music, drama, sports, science, cooking & more. Campers are placed in groups with their peers and participate in activities that are geared toward their age group. Three 1-week sessions of camp from Dec. 20th-Jan. 7th. Call 818-360-2211 or email TheJCamp@yahoo.com.

Jays Gold Party
Host a Gold Party at Home  & Get Immediate Cash for Any Purpose, Even Fundraising! Get all the details by downloading Jays Free 10 Step Guide to a Successful Gold Party  right now at www.JaysGoldParty.com. See what others have to say about Jays Gold party at http://jaysgoldparty.com/testimonials. When you host a Jays Gold Party, Jay will pay you 10% of sales PLUS he will provide a credit for refreshments. Call 818 419-8812 for more info!

Around the Clock Childcare
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
*Nutritious meals served 3 times per day, plus 2 snacks
*Structured schedule & curriculum
*Caring for children from 3 months to 12 years
*Interactive learning environment
*Before and after school care
*Tutoring and homework help
*Safe, secure & loving environment
*Hourly and drop in care
*Potty Training
*Shuttle service available for an additional cost
Accepting CCRC and all other government subsidized programs. Great rates and sibling discounts.
818-471-8488
www.aroundtheclockchildcare.com

Custom Murals by SB Painting
Do you have a plain wall in your child’s room that is in need of that extra “OOMPH”? How about having your child’s favorite character custom painted on it!? SB Painting can create any character, big or small, for much less than you’d expect! Email SBpaintingCo@gmail.com or call (818)297-4993 for availability & free estimate. Pictures available upon request.

Avon Calling…
You’ve seen the ads all over the Internet and now you can get the Flip Mini HD Video Camera for only $89 from Jennifer’s Avon online store. That’s 55% off of the regular price of $199!  Visit Jennifer’s online store for other great deals and holiday gifts including bath and beauty products, holiday ornaments and decorations, jewelry, clothing, and toys.
http://www.youravon.com/jgildea

Robotina’s Domestics
Live in and out nannies, housekeepers, companions and caregivers, chefs, tutors, housemen, personal assistants, butlers and chauffeurs – Robotina’s specializes in recruiting and presenting the best in private service. If you are seeking a trusted professional to take you through the recruiting and hiring process, their goal is finding experienced staff for your home; and they can help make the search easy. Contact them now to discuss your search without obligation at 818-357-8465 or 310-746-3101.