Monday March 1, 2010

Need computer and technology support fast? Mention Jen’s list and save $20!
Today’s Jens List sponsor, Your Gadget Guru, is available for all your home and small business technology needs! Affordable and dependable, same-day service.-PC / MAC Expert -Snow Leopard and Windows 7 upgrades and installs -Home Theatre Installation, Flat screen TV hanging, Wireless speakers, Apple TV, Netflix movie Streaming -Data Backup/ Recovery -Virus, Adware Removal -Wireless Networks/wireless printing -On-line banking with bill pay -Manage finances and investments (Quickbooks or Quicken) -Digitize your Home or office. scan photos, copy music CD’s and DVD’s into iTunes -Go paperless (eFax, voicemail to text/email, Skype, Google Voice, Video Conferencing) -iPhone / Blackberry/Pre, iPods, iPAD -Digital Cameras & Camcorders -Alarms and Nanny / Security CamsFree Electronics Recycling! Your Gadget Guru will show you what technologies fit your needs and lifestyle. Everything from purchasing, setting up, installing and training. www.YourGadgetGuru.com is like having own your personal technology guide!Call Gregg at (818) 485-1444 or email greggsteiner@gmail.com
  
This Day in History
Yellowstone becomes the U.S.’s first national park. (1872) 
 
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. 
“MATH/LOGIC” developmental skill definition: recognizing and understanding cause-and-effect relationships, forming and understanding concepts, matching, classifying, categorizing, reasoning, problem-solving, strategizing, organizing ideas.
THE CRITICAL WINDOW during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Math/Logic development is 1 – 4 years old.  The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing musical experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys, etc.) for Math/Logic development:
•  water           •  sand            •  objects that can be taken apart and put back together          •  toys involving problem-solving
•  games        • clay              •  objects involving counting forward and backward                 •  toys with various shapes, colors, sizes
•  blocks         • puzzles        •  objects that can be matched, classified, categorized            •  objects that nest
SOME PRO-ACTIVE Parent-Supervised MATH/LOGIC Activities for 5-year-olds:
•  SEE February 22 tips on making your own Numbers/Letters/Shapes/Words books.
•  WITH AN INCREASING INTEREST in numbers, this is a prime time for counting, matching, classifying and categorizing everything!
•  Look for similarities and differences in clothing (pajamas, shorts, t-shirts, jackets, pants, dresses, skirts, blouses, shoes, socks, etc.)  Ask Preschooler/Kindergartener to group clothing according to their features:
•  solid colors (red, yellow, green, blue, etc.)
•  striped patterns (vertical or horizontal stripes, polka dots, animals, tv/movie characters, flowers, plaid, action figures, etc.)
•  function (clothes put over your head, put your arms into, put your legs into, put on to go outside in the cold/hot weather, etc.)•  weight (thin/light, heavy/thick, etc.)•  texture (fluffy, fuzzy, down-filled, smooth, soft, bumpy, etc.)
•  appearance (shiny, dull/matte, fuzzy, bumpy, etc.)
•  length (long/short sleeves, long pants/shorts, etc.)•  The next level is finding clothes with 2 features, for instance, an item that is BOTH blue AND striped, an item
    with tv/movie characters that is worn in warm weather, something worn under clothing that is white.
•  The 3rd level is to ask for 3 features, for instance, an item that is green AND striped AND you put your legs into,
    an item that is red AND has short sleeves AND you wear to bed.
•  Is Preschooler/Kindergartener ready for combining 4 features?  5 features?
•  ENCOURAGE measuring activities.  Use blocks to show height/length differences.  How many blocks high is the seat of the chair? the table top?  How many blocks from one end of the couch to the other?  from one end of the doorway to the other?  Use a broom/mop handle, walking cane or yardstick to compare the height of a child’s/adult’s chair, the television/coffee table, the dog/cat.  Compare higher/lower, larger/smaller, longer/shorter, above/below, wide/narrow, etc. 
•  Remember to count backward as commonly as forward: forward sequencing = addition, backward sequencing = subtraction.
Next edition – “Developmental Learning Tools for Newborns – 3-mo-olds”  Any ?’s – email Nancy Pyne-Hapke at msmarm@roadrunner.com
 
YMCA Preschool Health Expo – Fun, Tour & Essential Info, Sat. March 20
Saturday, March 20, Moms and Dads can get tips on dental care for kids, pediatric health, holistic nutrition and other essential childrearing information, while kids have fun at a puppet show, arts & crafts table, obstacle course, face painting and more!  It’s part of a free, Preschool Health Expo and open house held by North Valley Family YMCA (www.ymcala.org/nv) at two locations:• 10 a.m. – noon–YMCA Preschool Learning Center, (for children 2 to 5 years-old), 15950 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills• 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.–YMCA Infant & Preschool Center, (children 6 weeks to 5 years-old), 11630 Indian Hills Rd., Mission HillsSpeakers include holistic nutritionist Karen Roth, MS NC who will tell parents “How to Keep Your Kids out of the Doctor’s Office.” Pediatrician Janesfri De Silva will focus on “Fighting Common Childhood Illnesses.” Meanwhile dentists from Blooming Smiles, a Northridge pediatric dental service and Providence Holy Cross Medical Center will provide valuable information. Other San Fernando Valley organizations will participate. The event is an opportunity to tour both YMCA preschools and obtain enrollment information. YMCA preschools follow a curriculum (HighScope) specifically designed to give children experience in decision-making and working with others. The focus on character development, science exploration, multi-cultural experiences and family events readies children for Kindergarten and success in elementary school. North Valley Family YMCA offers health and fitness programs at its main facility at 11336 Corbin Ave. in Northridge. As a nonprofit serving the San Fernando Valley, it also provides essential community services, including youth sports, physical education instruction at 26 grade schools and camping scholarships. The two preschools are part of the childcare program offered before- and after-school at 13 elementary schools and one middle school. For more information, call North Valley Family YMCA (818) 368-3231. 
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE: BERRYFEST PRINCESS MOVIE GIVEAWAY
In the latest CGI installment featuring the character’s new look, Berry Bitty City is preparing for the annual Spring festival, and Strawberry Shortcake has just been appointed Berryfest Princess of the joyous celebration.  Along with her berry best friends, they must work together to ensure the festival and parade are the sweetest events the town has ever seen. Titles are available from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
http://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Shortcake-Berryfest-Princess/dp/B0031Y8018
To enter to win the DVD, please email your name, email address and the correct answer to the following question to sfvmom@gmail.com no later than Monday, March 1st at 11:59pm. Winner will be picked and notified via email.
Only one email per email address; duplicates and incorrect answers will deleted. No substitutions please.
Question – Name another Strawberry Shortcake movie.
 
 
MARCH Annual Sales
TYPICAL ANNUAL SALES: Winter clothes are often on close-out. There may be promotions for spring fashions along with some warm weather goods such as camping and gardening.
MAJOR PURCHASES TYPICALLY ON SALE: Laundry appliances.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: artichokes, avocados, bananas, beans (green & wax), broccoli, cabbage, celery, endive, grapefruit, nectarines, pineapples, onions (bermuda), oranges, rutabagas, spinach NOTE: With some produce now available all during the year, many people have forgotten when fruits and vegetables are really fresh. Buying in season means that these items are often cheaper, fresher, taste better and that money may be going to local farmers..
 
PuddlesCollection.com huge sale on girls dresses
Jen’s List members can get an additional 10% off all sale price and full price items be entering code JENSLIST at checkout. www.PuddlesCollection.com offers a wide variety of items for special occasions including boys suits, girls dresses including flower girl, communion, christening, Easter, spring, and summer dresses as well as accessories like jewelry, shoes, gloves, and purses.
 
READING LESSONS IN YOUR HOME
$40 PER HOUR – They provide your child with the tools he needs to read with confidence! They employ a phonics program that teaches reading through the visual, oral, tactile and auditory senses. The step by step approach has key steps that are left out of most reading programs. Children love the reading games! All tutors are former private school teachers. Call Kay 818-842-8921 www.CurtisEducation.com
 
FREE SignShine Signing Story TimeWednesday March 33rd from 10:30am-11:15am
Robertson Branch Library  – 1719 South Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035-4315
Signing with Dr. Seuss books? Well not exactly, but you’ll be amazed how meaningful and enriching reading combined with signing can be. You’ll learn many ways you can practice sign language while reading your child’s favorite books. Since most kids like to read the same books over and over, it’s a perfect opportunity to use repetition in signing. Research shows that signing with books will help your child’s reading readiness, develop literacy skills, and enhance comprehension. Join us for a unique storytime where your child will be engaged both by stories and sign language.  Call 310.613.3900 for more information or www.SignShine.com
 
GET PREPARED AND SAVE 10%
First Haiti and now Chile!  This is the first time since 1964 that California has had a Tsunami Warning!  Jen’s List mom and President of Emergency Cafe, Cari Butler is offering all Jen’s List a 10% discount on your entire order! Visit www.emergencycafe.com.  Mention Jen’s list at check out – no need ot use a code!
 
Kids-grab your parents…Laughing Pizza is coming to town!
Sunday, March 21st at 12:00pmAt the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills! We will be there with the kids – why don’t you join us!www.laughingpizza.com Laughing Pizza is a real family band –  Mom, Dad and 14 year old daughter that make original pop music for kids, parents and loved ones alike. Their music videos are seen daily on public television stations by millions across the country.  Their live performances are energetic, interactive, dance-filled shows that get kids (and parents!) up and moving. They have created a loyal following across the country – and now you have a chance to experience it yourself!   Full kids menu including pizza, chicken nuggets, sliders, mac & cheese.  Free kids meal with each paying adult meal.  Go to www.canyonclub.net to purchase tickets, ENTER “jenslist” for password/code to receive 50% off ticket price!!!! 
Cooking classes in Culver City, Venice and a new location in Encino!
Come join Chef Amanda in March for hands-on and demo classes for all levels.To register go to www.amandacooks.com or call her at 310 980 0139
 
The “DIGITAL DiIVA” is ready to solve your memory celebration problems
If you have a special event coming up like a milestone birthday, anniversary or retirement, new baby, graduation, etc, the DIGITAL DIVA can create a coffee table quality book that is unique and enduring. She can also teach you how to make your own memory book as she has with her elementary students. Please contact: The ” DIGITAL DIVA” AKA Laurie Schlichter@ Lnr533@aol.com or 818-621-7392 or www.mycmsite.com/laurieschlichter
 
Videos and Recipes: Cooking with GrandmaCandied Yams, Plantation Casserole, Brisket for Passover, and  Burmese Prawn Curry and Coconut Rice.
http://www.chow.com/stories/94/category
 
Pregnant? Know Someone Who Is?
BABIES FIRST CLASS, the  renowned and longest-running baby class in Los Angeles.  Jackie Rosenberg, O.T.R., child development expert, has been guiding and empowering new parents for over 25 years.  Classes include invaluable information on infant development, parenting and discipline techniques, music, movement and sensory stimulation.  Learn, have fun and make new friends in a warm, supportive and clean atmosphere! Babies First Class also offers wonderful and informative classes specifically tailored to multiples, taught by Sue Darrison, child educator and mom of 6 (including twins)!  If you have multiples, this is just an amazing experience! Spots fill quickly, so call as soon as you are pregnant!“I personally took Jackie’s class, know others that have taken the twins class and both are wonderful!~Jen Levinson”
14368 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks
Call (818) 501-BABY or email kathy@babiesfirstclass.com for information or enrollment
 
 
Looking for an office to rent in Chiropractor’s office in the San Fernando
Board Certified Nutritional Consultant. Call Kay at 818-842-8921 www.CurtisNurtion.com
 
Include more fruit and veg in your child’s diet… Offer fruit and veg as snacks between meals.
… Put raw vegetable sticks in your child’s packed lunch.
… Use strawberries, bananas, raspberries and blackcurrants to make milkshakes and smoothies.
… Add vegetables to soup, casseroles, shepherd’s pie, use as toppings for pizza and in pasta dishes.
… Add corn kernels, peppers, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado and celery to sandwich fillings.
… Raisins, apricots and prunes are a good addition to a packed lunch.
… Add fruit to yogurt and breakfast cereals.
Thanks to http://www.waitrose.com/food/healthandnutrition/healthyeatingforchildren/4to6yearolds.aspx
 
 
FREE Group for Jewish Moms with Children aged 0-3
This is a FREE group located in the San Fernando Valley for Jewish Moms with children aged 0-3 and their families. Activities include: Non Walker/Infant Play-dates, Walkers aged 1-3 Play-dates, Moms’ Book-clubs, Moms’ Nights Out, Dads’ Sports Teams, Family Potluck Dinners, Holiday Parties, Tot Shabbats, and much more! To join email HeatherMosko@gmail.com or join at www.meetup.com/JewishMomsGroup 
 
All New for It’s Just A Girl Thing! Fabulous Fashion For $50 or less!A special gift to Jen’s List Email recipients! $20 off!The owner, Kim, is at it again! She is always trying to find creative ways for fantastic savings on the latest fashions. Since Kim is a clothing designer, she has focused her “design” energy on reducing the costs of production. In doing so, she is able to pass these savings on to you and help keep you within your budget! It’s Just A Girl Thing’s NEW concept is to Shop Smart, Save Money & still look Stylish…..ALL FOR $50 AND UNDER! So….every single item in the store has been lowered to $49.99 or less!* $65 Sweater Wraps…..NOW $49.99!; $75 Velour Pants…..NOW $49.99!; $85 Thermals…..NOW $49.99!; $95 Velour Jackets…..NOW $49.99!; $115 Bathrobes…..NOW $49.99! $75 Spa Wraps…..NOW $49.99! Kim also landed a huge buyout deal with a designer on sweat suits, t-shirts, tunics, hoodies, tanks & more…..over 2,000 pieces!!!!!!!!!!!! Offered at amazing price points starting at $18!  This spring season, you will see BIG changes in the Blue Ruby Couture product offering! Kim has added lots of new designs!  Dresses, skirts, halters, knotted tanks, lace tubes……all in solids, prints, and of course…..her one-of-a-kind tie dye! New items are arriving on a daily basis! Come in and treat yourself! Everyone needs a little retail therapy right now! This coupon expires March 31, 2010. Minimum purchase of $100 required. Not valid on sale or consignment items. Be sure to print this page and bring it with you!2281 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; 805/496-0055.
 
Wanted – enthusiastic dancer or dance teacher
Interested in getting unique, fun, and sweaty dance workout program off the ground in Los Angeles. Looking for an experienced dancer/teacher to work with a body of choreographed routines or create their own fusing dance styles and eclectic music inspired by popular and international mix of music (eg Latin, Hip Hop, African, Alternative and R&B) to create an invigorating, physically challenging and fun experience for adults.  The dance based workout is really unlike anything that exists in Los Angeles (trust me I have looked) but has been a highly successful program with a huge following in the bay area for over 30 years.  If you are an interested dance teacher or if you know of a dance teacher who might be interested in getting trained to teach such a class, please contact Sharon at sclandau@gmail.com or 310-633-3085. 
 
MUSIC LESSONS FOR ALL AGES
Join the Band Music Lessons Studio
Call today and register for Music Lessons and the popular band program.
818-345-8950 www.jointheband.com
They have more of you want in a music program. Private Lessons, Band Classes, Concerts, Recording, and Music Camps. Their school features university trained teachers, private lessons and band classes in the same location. Find out what over a 1000 students already know. Join the Band is “Where Everyone Plays!”
 
SWEETHARTS
Stop in and order a gift box or basket that your Sweet Hart will be sure to love! Visit this wonderland of self-serve frozen yogurt, gelato, baked goods, candy & various other delights. Plus the fabulous party room is a GREAT place for all occasions.   SWEETHARTS is the realization & the lifelong dream of Melissa Joan Hart who went from playing kids on TV to raising kids in real life.  Melissa Joan Hart’s known worldwide for her roles on Sabrina The Teenage Witch & recently Dancing with the Stars.  13704 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks(818) 788-5004
 
RePurpose that old Electric Fry Pan – Germinate Seeds IndoorsOr find an old electric fry pan at a garage sale.  Some vegetables you could try are artichokes, broccoli, burdock, kohlrabi, leeks, mustard, onion, parsley, peppers, purslane, Swiss chard, tomatoes, peppers, early cabbage and lettuce.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/homesandgardens/2010/02/germinate_seeds_indoors_with_a.html
 
COME SEE YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE at Egremont School
Egremont School is pleased to invite you to see firsthand how they are shaping the future of a child for the 21st century. With over 70 years of experience and expertise in providing the best learning environment in pre-school through 5th grades, Egremont School is excited to introduce you to your child’s future. Limited individual tours available. Call today to reserve your personalized tour time. EARLY ENROLLMENT DISCOUNT FOR NEW FAMILIES EXTENDED UNTIL MARCH 12th
818-363-7803  Ask for Mr. David Stewart, Director of Admissions
www.egremont.org
 
 
Easy to Understand – Pros and Cons – New Credit Card LawCheck out the pitfalls and an outline of the changes.
http://www.bargainbabe.com/2010/02/22/credit-card-law
 
 
A Kid’s Life! Go and Grow with Friends!
A Kid’s Life! brings wholesome, heartwarming entertainment into the home for children to enjoy. Kids will learn about the world around them through educational online games, interactive exploration, and age appropriate web-episodes. A Kid’s Life! is a safe and secure website where your kids can Go and Grow with friends! The New York Times – says “A Kid’s Life! is virtually sunshine all of the time. Children will be enthralled!”  Visit www.akidslife.com for more info
 
 
HOST A SPRING
LEXIEWEAR PARTY IN MARCH AND RECEIVE 10% BACK IN FREE CLOTHING AND A FREE RIBBED TANK!!!The new SPRING LEXIEWEAR LINE is here! ALL  BRAND NEW! HOST A LEXIEWEAR PARTY AND RECEIVE A FREE RIBBED TANK AND you will receive a 10% credit on the total sales of your party in Free Clothing !!!Contact Samantha to schedule a party…818-344-5288 robsammak@juno.com
 
Filmmaking Boot Camp this summer
Teenagers: Make a film-on-video in two weeks this summer. Enroll in award-winning filmmaker Bruce Postman’s intensive workshop, July 26th – August 6th or August 9th – August 20th.  Learn the fundamentals of filmmaking in a workshop based on NYU’s world-renowned “Sight and Sound” course—the essential introduction that launched hundreds of top filmmakers.  The course will advance young filmmakers no matter what their level is, from novice to skilled, because it teaches the professional process of moviemaking.  Classes and filming will be held at Columbia College Hollywood in Tarzana.  See some of the films we made last summer at our website,  www.AcademyofTeenageVideographers or contact Bruce Postman at info@AcademyofTeenageVideographers.com or (323) 683-0860.
 
 
Tuesday Kids Club at Sagebrush Cantina
This week is a Marionette show with food specials. Kids under ten eat free with an adult entree.  Dancing, face painting and My Gym activities.  The events will begin at 4:30 till 7:3023527 Calabasas rd off the 101 and Valley Circle in Calabasas
 
WESTWOOD COSMETIC DENTAL
*Cosmetic, Family and General Dentistry*Sedation dentistry*Tooth-colored fillings and restorations*Dental implants*Orthodontics and Invisalign*Holistic dentistry*TMJ therapy *Zoom 2 whitening*MENTION JEN’S LIST AND GET FREE TEETH WHITENING AFTER YOUR CLEANING APPOINTMENT* www.westwooddentist.net310-474-3765
 
Call it “Orange Peanut Butter Soup”Get your kids to eat disguised winter squash and sweet potatoes.
http://kitchenscoop.com/recipes/pumpkin-sweet-potato-bisque/
 
 
Web Design Extraordinaire
After researching several Web designers to update and redesign our website, one finally fit the bill!   Chotin Communications did a fabulous job of putting together a site that truly expressed our business and exemplified our style.  Phyllis Chotin listened to what we wanted to convey to our potential clients, and with her intuitive and in-depth knowledge of how people utilize the web and her background as a graphic designer; she did an outstanding job within a short time frame and within budget.  Please visit her at www.chotincommunications.com and also see the end result at www.BKHdesigngroup.com 
 
REAL Volleyball League-Thousand Oaks
New Volleyball league starting April 17, 2010 for 5-8 grade boys and girls. The league is sponsored by VolleyPop and Boys and Girls Club of Conjeo and Las Virgenes. Early-bird registration is now until March 1 @ $150 and registration is open until April 17 @ $165. Please to go www.volleypop.com for information and to register online. Where: Colina Middle School When: Saturday Mornings, 9AM-12PM Cost: $165 Questions? League@volleypop.com 
 
ResumeBootcamp.com
They will Whip Your Resume into Shape! ResumeBootcamp.com is a professional resume consulting service that is committed to getting your resume in top shape. In addition to resume services, other career related services include Career Counseling, Cover Letters, Thank you Letters, and anything else you may need for your job related endeavors. Visit www.ResumeBootcamp.com for more information and to read customer testimonials, or send an email to inquiries@resumebootcamp.com
 
We Just Had a Baby! Now What?
Moms with newborns, this class is for you! Taught by a young mom who has been through it all, Temple Beth Hillel in Valley Village is excited to offer this insightful, engaging and social learning opportunity. Join us for essential parenting advice and to meet other new mommies. Four (4) Thursday classes in March: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 from 4:30-5:30 PM. $20 per class. For more information and to reserve your spot, please contact: Marsha Franklin at 818.761.6983 or marsha@tbhla.org
 
 
This Review Could Save Your “Life”!
Changes in interest rates, changes in policy design and the financial situations of the life insurance company are all factors that must be evaluated to assure that life insurance coverage remain as it was intended. Results show nearly 60% of policies reviewed can be significantly improved on the basis of cost, length of coverage or benefit amount. Call to schedule your Life Insurance Review. ORG/West at (818) 428-2020 david.tarzi@orgcorp.com