Monday October 4, 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. 
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.
“GROSS MOTOR” DEVELOPMENTAL SKILL DEFINITION: coordinating and controlling large muscle movements like throwing underhand and overhand, tossing, hopping, running, kicking, skipping, rolling and so on using agility and balance.
THE CRITICAL WINDOW during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Gross Motor is prenatal to 5 years old.  The more opportunity children have to experience gross motor activities during these critical periods, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run. When bodies are moving, mouths are talking, and hands are touching objects, children learn best!
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for the developmental skill of GROSS MOTOR:
· push or pull toys
· items that require rolling, steering, tossing
· balls
· toys that require one to catch, pick up, march, kick or some other gross physical activity during operation
· brooms, shovels
· small but strong garden tools
· play structures
· racing sets
· jump ropes
· construction or building toys that involve hammering or launching     
· sports equipment
SOME “GROSS MOTOR” TIDBITS:
· BABIES CAN START to exercise gross motor abilities on a small scale as early as 6 months – when Baby hits a crib mobile by accident and something happens, then experiences this over and over, a connection is made.  Intentional movement has begun, and the development of these kinds of skills helps lead to better muscle coordination later in life.
· AS CHILDREN BEGIN to gain command of their bodies, they’re smoothing out their muscle movements.  They’ll need places to run, jump, climb and swing, and need objects that encourage a free range of motion and an ability to maintain control.  
Next week – “Social/Emotional” definition, learning tools and tips.
Any ?’s – msmarm@roadrunner.com       

 

$25 for Three Classes at RealRyder Cycling Studio (58% Off)
It’s not just another spin class.  RealRyder is a whole new kind of bike – it’s the first “unstationary” stationary bike.  That means it tilts, turns and leans, just like a real bike does.  Not only does that make the workout more fun and engaging, it actually provides you with a better workout.  Being forced to use your upper body to control the bike, as well as your legs for pedaling, you actually get a 5-in-1 workout (core, upper body, legs, cardio and even balance).   This full body workout helps burn an average of 20% more calories per workout than a standard indoor cycle.  With this “Grand Opening” offer (the Brentwood studio is the first of its kind in Los Angeles) you get to take any three 50-minute classes you like.  Classes are offered mornings and evenings 7 days a week.  Kick your workout into high gear – your abs (and thighs and arms and butt) will thank you for it!
http://www.dailyd.com/jenslist 

 

 

Today, Monday at 11pm on CBS2:
The major national retailer accused of shortchanging customers on their coupons. See what they found in store after store in a CBS2 hidden camera investigation.

 

Secrets Your OB/Gyn Won’t Tell You: From Hormones to Hysterectomy”
Presented by Eden Surgical & Wellness Center of Calabasas
By Dr. Ian Taras, with special guest Dr. Michael Safir
Wednesday, October 6th at 6:30pm
FREE. 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!
http://www.edensurgical.com
23951 Craftsman Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

 

WEB’S PAINTING COMPANY
Voted BEST Painting Contractor 2010 Los Angeles DAILY NEWS Readers Choice Awards
YOU NAME IT! THEY PAINT IT!
Interior and Exterior / Residential – Commercial – Industrial
Serving the San Fernando Valley and Surrounding Areas for over 31 Years Prompt Written Estimates – Professional Dependable Service Additional Service: Drywall Stucco and Plaster Repairs, Wood Repairs and Refinishing, Powerwashing, Brick/Block Walls – Clear Water Sealer, Efflouresance Removal (White Salt Stains) And Much More!
Call 818.727.1242 or visit www.WebsPainting.com to request a free estimate for your next painting project.
They thank you for voting them the BEST PAINTING CONTRACTOR IN LOS ANGELES!
License #532177

 

 

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 e-mail sing@musyca.org or call 818-554-9937. 
http://musyca.org/

 30% off Sale at A Mother’s Haven
Mon 10/4 – Sun 10/10
The gals at A Mother’s Haven are heading to the ABC Show Baby Expo in Vegas soon, but they need to clear out some room in the store before they can bring in new inventory!  So the summer stuff & the old designs have to go!  30% off of baby clothes (onesies, gowns, hats, socks, shoes, swimsuits, etc), diaper bags, children’s books, parenting books, DVDs, and CDs.  They’re also having $5 & $10 sale tables!
818-380-3111
www.shopthehaven.com

 

ParentsAsk.com is Giving Away an iPad!
Do you find yourself scrambling every year at the last minute to buy or find your child’s dream Halloween costume? Well, why not make their costume? Yep! Believe it or not, you don’t have a to be a seamstress (or your mother) to make a super simple Halloween costume. So, Parents Ask wants to know: what’s your super simple homemade costume? Simply leave a comment, tell us what your child is dressing up as for Halloween (even if it’s store bought) and you will be entered for the chance to win…drum roll….AN iPAD! Click http://www.parentsask.com/videos/super-simple-homemade-costumes to enter.

 

2-Time Cancer Survivor Brings Big Event 2 The Canyon
UCAAN & it’s founder /survivor Rachel Shur are having a big event @ The Canyon in Agoura on Fri. Oct. 15th, 2010 @ 7pm. The event includes celebrity autographed items incl./not limited 2 a Rolling Stones Guitar & a Star Trek Cast Photo. Also incl. gift baskets, a date auction w/ men & women complete w/ date activity & a special concert that night with a 70’s Duet. The tickets are only $35 & MUST be purchased through UCAAN prior 2 the event. Tickets: http://ucaanorg.eventbrite.com/ or www.ucaan.org. Call Rachel for more details 805-479-1032.

 Want to look your best this coming weekend?
Do you have an event, wedding, bar mitzvah coming up? Spray Tan and Teeth Whitening Special at Gallerie Day Spa! Both for $90.  That is $60 dollars off! Spray tanning is an instant arm and body slimmer, no matter your skin color. Look like a natural tan. Your newly whitened teeth, administered by dental hygienist, will make you look beautiful for your special event. Not interested in tanning? Teeth whitening special $75 plus free touch up maintained kit. Call 818-667-9830 for more info.
www.healthyskin4u.com

 

PARTY SPECIAL at THE PLAYROOM
Sherman Oaks Best Party Place & Cleanest Indoor Play Space for the 5 & under crowd. “The Hot Spot for Tots”.   Did you miss it the first time? Get it again. Limited time – special ends Tuesday October 5 (no exceptions). Book NOW and get a completely private party for the price of a semi-private party. That’s a $125.00 savings (Space Rental Package only – regular price $375.00).  Must mention when booking. Party can be for any available date. (Good on new bookings only. Not valid with any other offers, discounts, specials or promotions) MINIMAL SPACE AVAILABLE – BOOK NOW!
818-784-PLAY (7529)
14392 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA (SE Corner Ventura/Beverly Glen)
www.theplayroomvalley.com

 

Discovery Toys Toy-Raiser Fall Event
Tuesday, Oct. 5th and Wednesday, Oct. 6th from 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Stop by the lobby with the kids to get great deals on high quality toys that teach, play, and inspire. Toys for all price points and all ages!  Perfect for birthday gifts too! All proceeds support the JCC at Milken Nursery School.
22622 Vanowen St. in West Hills

 Jackeez & Nicolz Semi-Annual Sale is Back!
Come in for incredible savings store wide!
Tuesday, October, 5th – 7am-7pm
Wednesday, October, 6th – Monday, October 11th – 10am-7pm
Tuesday, October, 12th – 10am-2pm
20000 Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills, 91364
818.999.0991
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woodland-Hills-CA/Jackeez-Nicolz/ 

 

Ingenium Charter School Now Enrolling Grades K – 5 & Transfer Students Welcome
Open House Tues. Oct. 5th from 6pm-730pm
It offers your family a “private school” education at a public school price: Free! Discover how Ingenium Schools’ bold new approach to education reform provides an environment where your child becomes a partner in their own educational progress. Ingenium Charter School in Canoga Park is operated by non-profit Ingenium Schools, which also manages Barack Obama Charter School located in Los Angeles. The schools share an award-winning curriculum, the Re-Inventing Schools Model (RSM). This Model features an innovative learner-centered classroom instead of the traditional teacher-centered classroom. As a result, students become accountable for their own progress and develop a lifelong pattern for achievement and proficiency.
818-746-3522
http://www.barackobamacharter.org/apps/pages/

 

 

Cruz Mobile Detail & Carwash
I use them personally and they are so reasonable! They understand that sometimes in your busy schedules you don’t have time to make an appointment for extra services. That’s why they make it easy for you! They come to you! They bring their own state-of-the-art equipment, power and even shade. All you have to do is sit back and relax. They also offer detailing for: * Cars * Trucks * RVs * Aircrafts * Boats. They are reliable, have the finest detailing equipment and products, the staff are highly experienced professionals and they provide superior workmanship. Email cruzmobiledetail@live.com to schedule an appointment

 

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record
Presented in partnership with Pearson, is a world record breaking campaign that brings children and adults together to read the same book, on the same day, in homes and communities all over the world.  Pledge to read today and read The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats on Oct 7!
www.readfortherecord.org/read

 

“No Soup For You?” Yes! Soup For You!
Thursday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m.
Cooking Class from The-J – Seinfeld made “No Soup For You” a classic TV line. Hot or cold, soup is great comfort food and we’ll feature many recipes that will have you saying, “Yes, Soup For Me!”. $60.
Call 818-360-2211 to register.

 

Simple things you can do to feel fabulous every morning
http://www.zenfamilyhabits.net/2010/09/ 

 

Parent Cafe
Mondays, Oct. 18, 25, & Nov. 1 from 9:30am to 11:30am
Learn about Strengthening Families and the Family Partnership Network’s approach to engaging parents in meaningful conversations about keeping our families strong and building better communities. Space is limited. For more information and to reserve your seat
Please call “The Village” at 818-702-1255. INCLUDES: FREE RAFFLE PRIZES! FREE CHILD CARE! FREE SNACKS!
Columbus Middle School – Parent Center
22250 Elkwood St. Room 44B in Canoga Park, 91304

 

Youth League Tennis
A non-profit public benefit charitable 501 (c) 3 organization that was developed by Laura Bernstein-Kassirer, a former Wimbledon player, to provide communities of all kinds with local, quality, social youth tennis leagues that will inspire youth to play tennis by giving them the opportunity to compete with players of equal level in an organized, social convenient setting. YLT is open to every child between the ages 5-14. All participants are encouraged to work towards playing High School tennis and are introduced to quality tennis programs and tennis professionals that can help them get ready for High School level competition. NO CHILD is ever turned away for lack of funds.
http://youthleaguetennis.org/

 

WIN 2 new Goosebumps DVDS
Goosebumps: The Blob That Ate Everyone
Read it and scream! A famous horror writer. That’s what Zackie Beauchamp wants to be. He’s writing a story about a giant blob monster. A pink slimy creature who eats up an entire town! Then Zackie finds the typewriter. In a burned-down antiques store. He takes it home and starts typing. But there’s something really odd about that typewriter. Something really dangerous. Because now every word Zackie writes is starting to come true. . .
http://www.amazon.com/Goosebumps-Blob-That-Ate-Everyone/dp/0439796199
and
Goosebumps: Go Eat Worms
Things get extra creepy-crawly in this episode from the kid-friendly horror series when mean-spirited Todd Barstow (Noah Shebib) gleefully taunts his sister Regina (Kristin Fairlie) with his collection of gross earthworms — only to have the worms start tormenting him. But even with worms turning up in his food, his bed and his dreams, will Todd learn his lesson about being more compassionate?
http://www.amazon.com/Goosebumps-Worms-Artist-Not-Provided/dp/B003U6SJX6
To enter,  email your name, email address & telephone number by Monday, Oct. 4th at 11:59pm (PST) to sfvmom@gmail.com.
Only one email per email address duplicates will deleted. No substitutions please. Winner will be chosen by Tues., Oct. 5th and notified by email.

 

FAMILY YOGA WORKSHOP
With Jen’s List member Kellie Smith
Saturday, October 9th from 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Rising Lotus Yoga
13557 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks
(818) 990-0282
www.risinglotusyoga.com
http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=1392&stype=-8&sView=day&sTrn=100000235

 

4th Annual Halloween Costume Exchange
Saturday, October 9th at 2 pm
Sponsored by OaksParent.com
At Horizon Hills in Thousand Oaks
Visit www.OaksParent.com for more details.

 

Professional Development with Temple Judea – Let’s Connect
Tuesday, October 5th at 7:00pm.
The goal of Let’s Connect is to connect Jewish professionals and their businesses to each other and to provide access to inspiring and insightful guest speakers in the area of professional education and development and business practices. LCTJ is a joint endeavor of Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) and Temple Judea. Featured speaker will be Dr. Jay Schlanger who will give an overview the different health plan options available from employers or on the open market and how new laws impact those choices. Visit http://www.templejudea.com/rsvp.php?rsvp_id=392 to RSVP or contact letsconnect@templejudea.com.
6601 Valley Circle Blvd. West Hills

 

5 MYTHS about Baby Sign Language
http://www.signshine.com/article14.php

 

GERMAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM (in Northridge, CA)
The German-American School Association of Southern California, Inc. (GASA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, founded in 1954. GASA offers classroom-based German language programs to children ages 4 – 17 years in its Saturday Schools and ages 3 – 5 years in its Kinderland Schools. Our Saturday Schools offer classes from 9 am to 12 pm on Saturdays at 10 different locations throughout Southern California. The Kinderland Schools offer their program twice weekly, either from 9 am to 12 pm or 2 pm to 5 pm, depending on the location. Our school year coincides with the public school calendar.The schools are open to students of all cultural and language backgrounds who are interested in learning another language and thereby also strengthen their English skills using the schools’ German language program. Research has shown that foreign language learning not only improves understanding of the students’ native language, but enhances listening skills, improves memory and gives a new perspective and understanding of language itself. For more information, please visit www.germanschool4kids.org or contact Martina Tassius at (818) 730-9452.

 

Gotta Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts
Now offering ADULT daytime classes! Come take a free trial class – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Stretch, and Salsa! Classes offered Monday – Friday. Daytime Tap/Ballet classes also available for ages 3 – 4. Classes for ALL ages begin daily at 3pm. Go to www.gottadancestudio.com for additional details and class schedule.
18167 Chatsworth Street in Granada Hills
818-363-6106

 

College Admissions Counselor
IT’S COLLEGE APPLICATION TIME! Need help? Hourly Rate and Full Service Package Available Contact Melanie Rome, College Admissions Counselor. Email melaniemrome@yahoo.com or Call (818)881-3232.
www.melanierome.com

 

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 – Infant Toddler Youth Safety.

 

Baby Sign Language starting in YOUR area:
El Segundo at Bugaboo Store
Manhattan Beach at The Right Start
Atwater Village/Silver Lake at The Cradle Company
Hollywood at Pump Station
Marina Del Ray at Innovative Baby
Santa Monica at Pump Station
www.Signhine.com

 

National Popcorn Month
The Popcorn Factory will unveil its best-kept popcorn party planning secrets. Each week throughout the month, beginning today, check the blog, www.popcorn.celebrations.com, to view  popcorn-inspired recipes. Included below is a sneak peek of the first recipe – Almond Pecan Popcorn-Crusted Salmon.  Also beginning today, they are celebrating The Popcorn Factory’s 31st anniversary and will give FREE popcorn to the first 31,000 customers who visit www.thepopcornfactory.com and click on the “Try-me-Trio” (plus $5.95 S&H).  The trio includes three of the most popular gourmet popcorn flavors to savor, including caramel, jalapeno and cheese. Popcorn has long been an American staple for all occasions – from homecoming games to gift-giving  – and is also a fresh way to make your next party POP.

 

DEALTAKER.COM DONATES 10 CENTS OF EVERY PURCHASE MADE IN OCTOBER TO THE AVON BREAST CANCER CRUSADE
Dealtaker.com, the premier destination for consumers looking to spend less and get more, is taking a serious stand against breast cancer this October. For every purchase made using a DealTaker.com coupon or deal during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2010, DealTaker.com will donate 10 cents to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, up to $10,000, to support research and advancing access to care, with a focus on the medically underserved. For more information on DealTaker.com’s partnership with Avon Foundation or to make a donation please visit http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/dealtaker.

 

The Fork Knife & Spoon – A Personal Chef Service
As a busy parent you know how challenging it can be to get a delicious and nutritious meal on the dinner table every night. Personal chef Steve will work with you to plan a menu you and your kids will love using the freshest ingredients available. He’ll come to your home to prepare a weeks worth of meals in advance. All you have to do is reach into your fridge or freezer, reheat and serve. It’s that easy!
www.theforkknifeandspoon.com

 

Virtual Assistant
Do you love having the time to do exactly what you want when you want to do it? But life can get in the way and you’d like to pass off those little items to someone else. Now you can! Meet Virtual Nathan – He has over 10 years experience assisting others, helping creative & passionate people get more done! He can help you organize, manage, and run your business or personal life smoothly, using all the technological resources available – it’s like having your own “personal” assistant!
http://www.virtualnathan.com

 

LASER SCULPTURE
BOTOX, DYSPORT $99/area + rebate. LATISSE $99 + $20 rebate.
Buy a Zerona package ( 6 full sessions) at $1500, get a second package at $1000.
Laser hair removal $99 for bikini and underarms.
Juvederm and Restylane $450 + $50 rebate (US product).
Radiesse $550 (US product)
(818) 324-6446
18906 Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana, 91356
www.lasersculpture.net