Monday August 16, 2010

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.  
MORE DEVELOPMENTAL TIDBITS ABOUT 4-year-olds:
Imitation of adults and other children is healthy, learning about others through doing. Toys become props for cooperative play. Remember, don?t place too much importance on winning at early games ? at this age DOING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WINNING.
Build your learning Library by choosing developmental learning tools designed to grow as children grow, that have features and developmental skill elements appealing to different ages simultaneously all in one object or toy.  This way, Baby learns developmentally at 6 months old with an item, and at 3 years old, Toddler is ready for different features of the same object or toy.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS OPTIONS for 4-year-olds, Pt. 3:
BOOKS With a developing fantasy life, encourage the richness of fairy tales.  Read stories that introduce beginning notions of teamwork, cooperation, communication and self-esteem to help develop empathy and understand social roles.  Provide silly and inventive playfulness with books that mirror the creativity and friendships Preschooler enjoys at school.  (fine motor, social/emotional, life skills, creativity, visual, auditory, language/vocabulary, thinking/learning)
CHILD-SIZED Real Life Toys  Support Preschooler in learning about the world experientially.  Pretend about emergencies, and zoom with realistic traffic toys like a fire engine, an ambulance, cars, play figures.  Be an archaeologist or beachcomber with a child-sized utility belt with attachments like a sieve, shovel, hammer, chisel, pouch to collect discoveries.  Have an area for a make-believe kitchen with all kinds of home-made child-sized pots and pans and your extra wooden spoons/spatula/plastic mixing bowl.  (tactile, auditory, visual, gross/fine motor, social/emotional, life skills, creativity, language/vocabulary, thinking/learning)
Next week – Developmental Learning Tools for 5-yr-olds, Part 1. Any ?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com
 
 
7 Ideas for Family Fun (The Week of August 9th)
Need something fun and different to do?  Suggestion #1: See a classic Disney movie on the big screen! Tonight (Monday) at 8:00 pm Arclight Hollywood is screening ?20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the 1954 live-action movie starring Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre and James Mason. Check dailyD.com each Monday for our list of the top Things to Do in the upcoming week. With their lists (just like the deals) they look for a nice mix of favorites & hidden treasures, in all parts of the city.  So come see the other suggestions for fun things to do this week and sign up to get emails on great deals near you.
http://www.dailyd.com/ 

 
Temple Aliyah ECE in Woodland Hills welcomes interested families to come and visit the wonderful Preschool and Kindergarten
They offer a nurturing environment in a Jewish atmosphere where your child has the opportunity to grow, learn and develop his/her abilities. The school provides the tools, space, and support for your child?s learning experience.  They also offer an amazing Toddler Time / Parent and Me Program. Space is limited; please call Andrea Segall, ECE Director or Ellen Glaser, Assistant Director at 818 346-1552 to schedule a tour.  
 
 
Would you like to have your child count down the days until their next dental visit and tell you what a wonderful experience they had?
Then, Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is the place for you.  The practice has been here for the past 30+ years and following Dr. Udolph?s retirement, Dr. Phaedra Deukmedjian has been entrusted with all his patients. Both Drs. Pabst and Deuk have over 40 yrs. of pediatric dental experience. They are kind, warm, professional, and have an incredible way with kids and their parents. With 10+ years of experience, Dr. Shukan Kanuga, who recently joined them excels in treating children, including those with special health care needs and disabilities. Call 818) 346-6282 for a free dental exam (valued at $65).  New patients only please!
7345 Medical Center Drive, Suite 330 in West Hills
 
 
Summer camps are over, schools are going back and the warm weather doesn?t seem to be going anywhere?so?.STOP MAKING EXCUSES! 

Come join Brian Peeler and the Jen’s List Girls for a fun and exciting bootcamp. You will get in shape, have fun and make great new friends. Please email peelerbootcamp@yahoo.com (Subject line: Jen’s List Bootcamp) for further information.
All sessions start the week of August 23rd and run for four weeks:
Bootcamp #1: Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-11am Woodland Hills (Warner Center Park)
Bootcamp #2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-11am Woodland Hills (Warner Center Park)
Bootcamp #3: Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm Woodland Hills (Warner Center Park)
Bootcamp #4: Mondays and Wednesdays 6am-7am Studio City (Moorpark Park)
Bootcamp #5: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6am-7am Encino (Lake Balboa Park)
$100 for 4 weeks (includes 2 sessions per week for 4 weeks) – That’s $12.50 per session
$125 for 4 weeks (includes unlimited sessions for 4 weeks..you can attend as many bootcamps as you would like!)
Sign up NOW! Space is limited.
 
 
 End of Summer Special at Bliss My Face!
Minimize Lines, Scarring, Sundamage and get smooth with an amazing Microdermabrasion treatment followed by an O2 infusion for only $95. This advanced treatment expedites the natural process of epidermal cell regeneration while eliminating your imperfections. The O2 infusion increases the strength of collagen and elastin, restores cell nourishment, detoxifies, accelerates healing, and makes your skin soft and supple. Email erin@blissmyface.com for appointments by 8/31
www.blissmyface.com 

 
Children’s Six Week intensive Acting Workshop
With artistic director of Stage Right Productions La And former Broadway, TV and film actress: Arminae Reames With Special guest speaker – Executive Producer and Writer of “Suite Life on Deck” and “Wizards of Waverly Place”.
Saturday’s August 28th-October 2nd from 12:00-2:00 pm
4338 Agnes Ave. Studio City California
$250.00 for six weeks or: $45.00/per class (visa/mastercard accepted)
Call: 818 769-7205/818 571-1235 to reserve your spot Or email: Arminaereames@sbcglobal.net
Space is limited only eight students per class. Ages 8 – 11
Help your child build confidence and prepare them for theatrical auditions through dramatic emotional work, on camera technique and acting exercises. Once your child is enrolled they will receive a dramatic or comic monologue to memorize for the first class.
 
 
Newborn Care Specialist (Baby Nurse) and Postpartum Doula Services
Testimonial:
“Veronica has worked for 3 weeks for 24 hours a day. I am a single father with little experience with a newborn so I have relied on Veronica for literally everything. Not only has she taught me how to feed and care for my son, but also run a household taking care of my son, my two dogs and myself, cooking and cleaning and washing,  with many friends and relatives visiting. She has prepared meals for me, my friends with children staying with us. http://thebaronl.blogspot.com/2010/07/.?”
Call 310 365 8042 for more info or visit WWW.BabynurseandDoulaservices.com.

 
Hubble 3D Opens wide on August 20th! Enter to win contest!
Experience the gripping story – full of hope, crushing disappointment, dazzling ingenuity, bravery, and triumph ? in Hubble 3D, the seventh awe-inspiring film from the award-winning IMAX® Space Team.  Through the power of IMAX® 3D, Hubble 3D  will enable movie-goers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA?s history. The film will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope?s legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble 3D reunites the Space Station 3D filmmaking team, led by Producer/Director Toni Myers. James Neihouse, Director of Photography, also doubles as the Astronaut crew trainer. Judy Carroll is Associate Producer, and Graeme Ferguson, Co-founder of IMAX and pioneer Producer of many IMAX space films, is Executive Producer. Hubble 3D is an IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures production, in cooperation with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). To celebrate the wide release of Hubble 3D, they are offering Jens List members the opportunity to win an ?Astronomical? IMAX Prize Pack award to one lucky winner. Package includes:
1 Hubble 3D  poster signed by: Commander Scott Altman, Astronaut Mike Massimino, and Astronaut Gregory Johnson from the STS-125 crew
1 youth Hubble 3D t-shirt
1 kaleidoscope kit
A family 4-pack of IMAX tickets
To enter, complete the following sentence, If I were an astronaut, I would be most excited about ____________? and email your name, email address & telephone number by Thursday, August 19th at 11:59pm (PST) to sfvmom@gmail.com.
http://www.imax.com/hubble/
Only one email per email address duplicates will deleted. No substitutions please. Winner will be chosen by Sunday., August 22nd and notified by email.
 
 
Dinosaurs once again roam the earth in the spectacular theatrical arena show
WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series, now touring North America, returns to Southern California for eight performances at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, September 1 to 5, followed by seven performances at STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles, from September 9 to 12.  The show debuted here in 2008 with unprecedented sold-out runs at both venues. Honda Center tickets ($22.50-79.00) can be purchased at the Honda Center Box Office and at any Ticketmaster outlet, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.  Tickets for STAPLES Center ($39-79.00) can be purchased at the STAPLES Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

 
Putting Our Brains on Hold
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/07/opinion/ 
 

Celebrate the Summer of Cirque With Cirque du Soleil at The Grove in Los Angeles
Sunday, August 22 beginning at 11am
Special performances by Mystère, CRISS ANGEL Believe, Viva ELVIS, KÀ and Zumanity
Cirque du Soleil is bringing performances from the resident Las Vegas productions Mystère, CRISS ANGEL Believe, Viva ELVIS, KÀ and Zumanity. Admission is free. In addition to the three minute performances from each show, a circus play area for children will be on site, along with face painting and other fun activities with cast members from The Beatles LOVE. There will also be the opportunity to meet Cirque du Soleil cast members during the afternoon.  Plan to arrive on time at the Grove in order to see the performances, as they will not be repeated.
 
 
MEMBERS NEED LEADS – CAN YOU HELP?
Need family willing to care for very well behaved 2 year old black lab from 9/5-9/19 for $25 per day and/or dog walker in Encino.  Email hollyann10@hotmail.com.
AND
Looking for a sewing instructor in the valley to help 8 year old with sewing projects. Email nanjill2000@mac.com.
AND
Looking for SAT/ACT Test Prep.  Any recommendations — too many to choose from!  Email jorgail@roadrunner.com.
AND
Looking to purchase gymnastics equipment, i.e. beam, bars, mats.  If you have any new or used equipment you are interested in selling, email linasoifer@yahoo.com.
AND
Looking for maternity clothes to barrow or take off your hands. First baby on the way.  Petite, normally a size zero, 24 inch waist and 5’1/2 inch tall – baby is growing quickly and regular clothes no longer fit.  Looking for smallish sizes if you have them. Studio City area. Will drive to you to pick up.  Anything greatly appreciated.   Please email Iteach1k@gmail.com
AND
If you have a rain canopy for a City Mini Double stroller that you would like to sell, please email akalpert@gmail.com.
AND
Looking for feedback on Church of the Valley Preschool in Van Nuys. Please email corinth13_4@yahoo.com
 
 
Healthy Cooking / Personal Chef
A healthy body starts from the inside! Why not get out of your kitchen/grocery store and spend time with your family?! Let the Healthy Chef do the cooking! Deanna Francke (BS Dietetics and Food Science) shops for the freshest, cleanest, natural, whole food ingredients and prepares healthy meals for the week. You don’t have to think about it! Great for work/school lunches, dinner at the end of a busy day, weight loss, fitness. Email dfhealthychef@yaho.com or call 310 245-4095.      
 
 
Lay’s Mobile Farm at the Grove on Tuesday, August 17th
Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in the following fun and free activities:
Interact first-hand with a variety of growing plants in the 20 foot long green house.
Meet real U.S. potato farmers and a professional horticulturist to learn about how some of your favorite foods are made and where the ingredients come from.
Visit interactive stations and play games.
Take home tips and activities for growing a garden right at home.
Take home your very own basil plant to get your at-home garden growing.
189 The Grove Drive in Los Angeles, CA 90036
 
 
University Synagogue Early Childhood Learning Center
Now offering an alternative to Parent & Me classes for little ones 24 months old. They now welcome two-year-olds to the preschool program in a class designed especially for this age group. Please contact Elaine Rosenfield at 310 472-0603 or erosenfield@unisyn.org.
www.unisyn.org 
 
 
WRITE TO HEAL
This unique 8-week workshop is devoted to exploring the healing power of writing and is open to anyone seeking greater well-being. Writing is known to be a restorative tool that reduces stress and bolsters the immune system, so come for what promises to be a transformative experience.
Two fall sessions are being offered:
9/12 – 10/31 – 8 Sundays, 3-6 p.m. (Malibu)
9/15 – 11/3 – 8 Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Woodland Hills)
For full details, visit: http://www.writetoheal.com
 
 
How you can deal with tantrums, crying, defiance, hitting, kicking, and biting
Connect with your kids so they naturally cooperate.  One-of-a-kind Nonviolent Communication Virtual TeleClass Series for parents begins Aug. 25th.
http://bit.ly/cXMIf8 
 
 
PRIVATE PIANO & VOICE LESSONS IN AGOURA HILLS
All ages welcome. Teach both from my home in Agoura Hills, and will also travel to you if schedule permits.  Classically trained pianist and professional singer/songwriter with over 30 years of performing experience and 10 years teaching experience.  Also entering my 5th year as music specialist for Las Virgenes Unified School District.  Please call /email for rates and current availability.  TYLER NOREN MUSIC STUDIO – NORENE FOIN – OWNER/TEACHER  818-679-9267 / NEFoin@aol.com
 
 
FOR RENT – RESIDENTIAL AND VACATION
Timeshare in Oxnard at Mandalay Shores Resort week of 8/22-8/29 – 2 bedroom 1 3/4 bath and there is a pull-out couch in the living room; 2 stories; kitchen; patio; washer/dryer; the complex also has a pool, spa, sauna, and exercise room; it is half a block to the beach; and the beach has a playset on the sand.  If interested in a week ($1,400) or even half a week at the beach, Call to discuss at (818) 384-6906 or send any questions to telbaum@pacbell.net.
AND
5 bedroom + an office and a detached 3-car garage with a pool in the Oaks of Calabasas open floor plan, high ceilings large master, on a cul-de-sac for $2,400,000. Email davidanddeanna@aol.com
AND
Newport Coast Villas August 22 – August 29
Amazing, upgraded villa, with an ocean view, next to the pool, sleeps 8. Cost $1550 for 7 nights ( including all taxes and fees). Email lisaende@gmail.com.
AND
Agoura Hills-Room in beautiful home close to 101 fwy. No smoking or drugs.  Must love dogs. Share bath with one other.  Prefer student or mature adult. $550 a month plus deposit and share utilities.  References please. Call Cheryl at (818)439-1946 or email cwebb8961@hotmail.com. Photos available.
AND
2 BR/1 BA  Condo in Oxnard Shores 4 buildings from the beach
No smoking / No pets   $1200 Mo. Call 805-496-0219.
AND
4 bedroom 2 bathroom approved  short sale in prime woodland hills location – south of Ventura Blvd. large flat lot, woodland hills elementary school district. Email goodstuff4268@yahoo.com
AND
For RENT: Breathtaking House in prime location right next to the Lake in Westlake Village. 3 bedrooms / 2 baths with a nice patio area. This house comes with 2 car garage attached and plenty of storage throughout the house. Plantation shutters cover all the inside windows and sliding doors. Call Max at 310-486-7723 to arrange a viewing. Or see photos at http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/apa/1891688690.html
AND
4500 sf 5 bedroom 6 bathroom Roman style house in prime lower part of Bell Canyon!
Not on the market! Remodeled kitchen, formal dining room wood floors throughout very high ceilings, wine cellar, basement with a pool and spa, sauna, steam room and a 3-car garage.  For only $1,200,000.
mapit78@yahoo.com
AND
Beautiful guest house with million dollar views in Topanga canyon. Just finished renovating, one bedroom, one bath, upstairs/downstairs.  New stainless steel appliances in kitchen. Cat okay, non-smoker and room for one car parking. $2400 per month plus utilities. Contact danacongdon@mac.com.
 
 
Parenting Classes
Working Moms group now forming in Santa Monica. Connect with other working moms in a supportive atmosphere to discuss the challenges faced in raising families while working. Explore ways to find balance in your life while developing your identity as both a woman and mother. Classes held at Birth & Beyond. 6 week session begins 9/14, 7-8 pm, led by Synthia Praglin, M.A., CPE. For more information: synthiapraglin@yahoo.com
 
 
Learn Sarver Heart Center’s Continuous Chest Compression CPR
http://tinyurl.com/2fx8r59
 
 
Free cosmetic consultation and 50% off a Skinmedica Vitalize Peel (valued at $175)
Vitalize Peel is good for anti-aging, skin with mild pigmentation, and acne prone skin. Offer good until 9/30/10.
Douglas Hamilton, MD & Shanah Gavia, PA-C
6325 Topanga Cyn Blvd #30 in Woodland Hills
(818)884-7150 
www.douglashamiltonmd.com
 
 
Spanish and Chinese FULL IMMERSION MONTESSORI
Bring your child in for a FREE CLASS and see how quickly your child learns the language with us!  Free classes held once/week. They fill up fast so call now! Under the guidance of our native-speaking, credentialed, teachers your child will be completely immersed in Spanish and Mandarin up to 11 hours per day. He will speak, read and write Spanish fluently within the 1st year and Chinese in under 2 years?GUARANTEED .Please call 310-695-8811.
www.spanishmandarinacademy.com 
 
 
Life-Squared necklace
A gorgeous and perfect way to commemorate life’s most cherished moments.
. sterling silver . 7/16″ square . hangs on sterling cable chain . top and 4 blank sides fits 2 lines with up to 8 letters/numbers/spaces each line . bottom side (wax seal) fits 1 initial . comes with 5 signature correspondence cards and 1 stick of sealing wax
http://julianandco.com/  
 
 
Leslie Talley Photography
Award winning photographer based in Encino, CA.  She has been called “the best baby photographer in the valley.”  She has work displayed in the offices of Dr. JJ Levenstein, Dr. Nooshi Akavan and Drs. Cohen and McClintock.  To see her work visit her website: www.leslietalley.com.  Contact Leslie before 8-30-10, mention Jen’s List and receive a complimentary 20-page photobook with your session ($400 value.)  Book your Bar Mitzvah or Wedding and receive a 20×20 gallery canvas.
 
 
Holiday Cards, Birth Ann. Party Invites
Custom designed Holiday Cards with your photos. Unique tri fold cards, square, all custom designed for you. Before you know it, it will be that time of year. Can help you find the right photographer to shoot your kids/family, or use your photos, and then produce our special cards. We also create one of a kind birth announcements, shower invites, and birthday party invitations. Email us to see a few samples and get the early season discount. Smallest quantity 25. Contact: pam@celebrationcards.com. 
www.celebrationcards.com
 
 
FREE SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICAL EXAMS
August 16th, & 18th, Sept 10th
Exams, Check-ups, & Immunizations For Pre-School Children and those entering Kindergarten
Columbus M.S. School Based Clinic
22250 Elkwood St. in Canoga Park, CA 91304
Call the Clinic at 818-702-1270 for more information and appointments. 
 
 
Postpartum Doula   
Jane Bitencourt-Bluhm is a certified postpartum doula with more than five years of experience helping mothers and fathers feel confident in their ability to care for their newborn. She nurtures and supports mommy, so that she feels well cared for and helps her recover her strength. Jane loves her job, and she is knowledgeable, reliable, lovely and has a good personality. She is available, for the months of October and November. Email shjb@att.net or call 310-8667328 for more info.
 

Lori Aronsohn Photography
High School Seniors and their parents are raving about photographer Lori Aronsohn?s artistry at capturing them for their Senior Portrait.  A Jen’s List mom, Lori perfected her photography skills at UCLA and Nikon School. She has 25 years experience capturing the glorious, individual essence of preschoolers, middle schoolers, high schoolers and even way-past-schoolers. Your high school senior will have a great time working with her, and you?ll end up with amazing photographs. Email Loriaronsohn@mac.com with any questions.
http://yourseniorportrait.com
http://loricaronsohnphotography.shutterfly.com
 
 
Temple Judea Story Time at Barnes and Noble in Encino
Tuesday, August 17th at 11:30am
Contact Heather at HeatherMosko@gmail.com for more information.
 
 
Fully-Equipped Skin Care Treatment Room Available for Rent
Are you or someone you know looking to rent space for skin-care treatments? Exclusive Ventura Blvd salon in Woodland Hills has a room available. Facials, Waxing, Eye lash tinting, etc the room is fully equipped and beautiful! Please contact Karen at skinbykaren@aol.com for more information!