Sunday November 14, 2010

Help Babies in LA – Holiday Charity Drive
Have lots of barely used baby and kid items lying around your house? Want to clear them out, get a tax deduction, and help poor and homeless moms and babies this holiday season? Come donate diapers, clothes, toys, and more at sponsoring baby boutiques across LA County. All items will go to the LA Mission, a non-profit serving the poor and homeless in Downtown Los Angeles.
Items Needed:
    * Diapers (All sizes, especially 3, 4, 5, and pull-ups)
    * Clothes and toys for babies, toddlers, and older children
    * Clothes, toiletries, etc for pregnant and new moms
Visit www.helpbabiesinla.com now to find your closest drop-off location or donate online! With your help, we can make this holiday season a lot brighter for so many babies in LA!

Today in History
– The first streetcar went into operation (1832)
– Yale University goes Co-ed. (1968)
– Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day
www.kids-list.com/Blog.aspx?blog=222

Don’t let your kids forget everything they learned in swim lessons last summer!
Laura Reardon runs an amazing swim school in West Hills that is open year round. The pool is tented, heaters all around and the pool is over 90 degrees each day. We were there last week when it was pouring rain and didn’t affect us one bit! Laura is so terrific with kids of ALL ages and all abilities. She swam at the Nationals & was a tri-athlete. Not only do I recommend her, but the list goes on of other Jens List members who are happy too! Not only is it important for the kids to keep up with all they accomplished in lessons when it was hot, but it’s wonderful exercise too! Call her at 818-404-0700!

Today’s Moms
www.moms.today.com

A UCLA Holiday!
Bruin fans can light up their holiday season with officially licensed Blue and Gold mini lights from www.collegehighlites.com. The bulbs and wiring are exact UCLA colors and are for indoor/outdoor use. They’re great for parties, tailgates, dorm rooms, game rooms, holiday cheer, car and boat decorations, gifts and more. Order for the  today at collegehighlites.com. Oh, and if you aren’t a UCLA fan, but want to decorate for Hanukah, these are perfect for that as well. Type in promo code “JENFAN” and receive a 10% discount for being a Jen’s List supporter.

Southwest Air credit for $342.80
Travel must be completed by 1/27/2011.
Will sell for $275.00. Please contact LilyPaige@mac.com if interested.

Cooking Class Series
Thursday November 18th from 7-9 pm
Chef du Jour limits the number of people attending because he likes everyone to be hands on, have plenty of food to eat and to take home, and the intimacy creates a fun cooking environment for everyone. Location: To be announced; Cost $50 per class NVJCC, TRZ, TBT, TBA, TAS members; $60 per class for non-members. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT. Contact Jerry Wayne at 818-360-2211.

THE NUTCRACKER
Weekends Dec 4th-5th and 11th-12th
Westside Ballet of Santa Monica presents its 38th annual The Nutcracker. It’s the traditional full-length ballet, from the Victorian-style party scene to the glittering Sugar Plum Fairy. From the moment the lights dim, The Nutcracker transports its audience to magical place filled with peppermint candy and dancing snowflakes, set to Tchaikovsky’s majestic score. Wadsworth Theatre, 11301 Wilshire Blvd. Saturdays at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm, Sundays at 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm, www.westsideballet.com. DISCOUNT tickets (kids $15, adults $25) offered to Jen’s List, must order using this form:
www.westsideballet.com/nutcracker/ticket-friends-mom.pdf

Boy’s $12 monster drawings help fund his chemo
www.today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40013966/ns/today-today_people/

Enchanted Events – THE Place for Costumed Characters!
Need a Princess or Superhero for you birthday party? Check out Enchanted Events at www.enchantedevents.org. Their goal is to make your little one’s day EXTRA special, and make you feel worry-free! Make your child’s dream come true with a memory they’ll NEVER forget! They have the best performers in LA. Their services include:
-Princesses
-Superheroes
-Fairy Tale Characters
-Facepainting
-Balloon Sculpting
-Princess Makeup
-Music
-And MORE!
Email at enchantedeventsinfo@gmail.com.

Studio LOL Winter Camp
The kids will learn improv comedy games, how to write sketches, and laugh! 
11634 Ventura Blvd in Studio City
818-660-3460
www.studiolol.com/upcoming-camps/

The Brain and Your Child’s Development
Wednesday, November 17th at 10:00 am
Team Tutors invites you to hear expert licensed pediatric neuropsychologist JAYME NEIMAN-KIMEL, Ph.D. talk about Demystifying the Neurological Assessment Process.  Dr. Neiman-Kimel will give an overview of neurological development and what milestones to expect at each age. Jayme Neiman-Kimel has extensive experience working with toddlers, children, teens, and their families to provide a comprehensive ‘plan’ in order to achieve success in many areas of functioning including academic, social, emotional, physical, behavioral, nutrition, and sleep.  Dr. Neiman-Kimel is well connected with a variety of community resources that she utilizes when tailoring solutions for the individual and family to achieve optimal success. Come for coffee and snacks. RSVP to carrie@teamtutors.com.
806 North Camden Drive in Beverly Hills

Personalized children’s books make your child the star!
As seen in the Wall Street Journal and on the Early Show and Fox Business, these award-winning personalized children’s books make perfect keepsake baby gifts, baptism gifts, birthday gifts, or holiday gifts for newborns and young children.
www.custommadeforkids.com

Help a local family in need this holiday season
Lend your time and/or donating food to the Westlake Village Junior Women’s Club 31st annual food drive. Sort and deliver food at the Agoura Do-it-Center on Dec. 4th. Lots of entertainment, Santa appearance and good cheer. Turkeys are also available to purchase for delivery to those in need. For info on the event and how to purchase a turkey for the food drive, go to www.westlakejuniors.org. Food drives for the month of November take place at the following locations:
Community Food Drives
11/15 – 11/19: All Oak Park public schools
11/15 – 11/19: Agoura High School, Lindero Canyon Middle School, Lupin Hill, Sumac,  White Oak, Willow, Yerba Buena
11/20: Albertsons Calabasas held by the Girl Scouts of America
11/20: Ralphs Agoura Hills held by the Boy Scouts of America
Drop off locations (from 11/1 to 11/19)
Do-it Center – 28750 Roadside Dr., Agoura Hills
Newbury Park Bicycle Shop – 1560 Newbury Rd # 6 Newbury Park
First Federal Bank – 5701 Kanan Rd. Agoura Hills
Human Hybrid Conditioning Gym – 30135 Agoura Road, Suite E Agoura Hills
Westlake Indep. Honda/Acura Service – 31290 La Baya Dr/ #1 Westlake Village
Lacombe Karate – 31848-50 Village Center Road, Westlake Village

Nintendo has a celebration is in the pipeline for Mario
www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/  

Macaroni Kid Mom Expo and Meet-Up
Tuesday, November 16th from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm!
Here is how it works: There will be vendors including Stella & Dot, Pampered Chef, holiday cards and gifts from Phoenix Trading, Emily Rose @ Home 4 U Doll Clothes and Furniture, Discovery Toys, awesome boutique style clothing (Indah, Elan), Brinca Dada, Avon Stroller Strides and more! The best part? Kids are welcome to come! Not only will they be able to have fun playing with all the great toys and equipment at Jungle Land but they will be entertained by Melissa of Rockin’ Tots, who will be running a complimentary 30 minute class, starting at 4:30 pm, to keep your little ones busy so you can shop, shop, shop! There will also be giveaways from our vendors during the event so don’t miss out! Everyone is invited to attend so bring a friend and make a play date out of it. For more details and to RSVP: http://bit.ly/cv8uq8.
Jungle Land
30315 Canwood St. in Agoura Hills

Created 4 Me’s
www.created4me.com

That stroller may be how your youngster rolls – but is it also making him roly poly?
When do you stop using your stroller?
www.blog.oregonlive.com/themombeat/2010/11/

Dog Boarding and Day Care
Leave your dog where they are part of the family
Feeding, lots of TLC, exercise and dog walks, home security, access to a 24hr veterinarian. In business 20 years, reasonable rates with references available. Cage-free environment. Long-term discounts available. Call Susan 818-773-8378.
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Pampered Pet Care
Pet sitting and dog walking service. Experienced, loving, affordable as well as licensed, bonded and insured. Email acanetty@yahoo.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY LEADS
Kris Skurja Photography
Referred by Jens List member sharonkelly26@yahoo.com:
“I’ve been using Kris for years! I have 4 kids and she’s amazing with them! Truly talented!” Receive 200 beautifully retouched photos of your family at just $1 a picture. Everything will come to you on a disk within one week, making it easy for you to select the shots that you want to print on your holiday card. Please mention that you saw this ad on Jen’s list and you will receive $50 off. Email kskurja@hotmail.com or call 310.433.6858 for more info.
www.kriskurja.com
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Taken by Storm Photography
Maggie is doing family mini-sessions on 11/28/10 from 1:30PM on at Temescal Canyon Park – every family (of 5 people or less) gets a 30-minute session that will include a CD of all the images for only $100. All families will also get a password protected gallery so that they can order prints/cards/merchandise directly from there. Email contact@workingstorm.com to book your mini-sessions, there are no walk-ins available.
www.takenbystormphotography.com
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Sweet T Studios
Candis is offering a special on family portraits for December and January. 1 hour photo session, a full CD of retouched images, and one 16×20 print or two 8×10 prints. She also offers gift certificates in any amount that can be redeemed for family portraits, headshots, love shoots, and wedding or event photography. Some of her other services include Photography, Videography, Custom Photo booths, and Design & Style for all your sweet occasions. Email candis@yoursweettstudios.com for more info.
www.yoursweettstudios.com
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Toki Lee photography
Toki Kanitz is offering mini sessions, just in time for the holidays! Visit www.tokileephoto.com/blog/?p=479 to get the scoop on when & where. If you have ever wondered what custom photography is all about, this is a great way to try it out and see for yourself. Visit www.facebook.com/tokileephoto to see examples of some images. Be sure to mention Jen’s List to receive a complimentary 8×10 portrait! Email toki@tokileephoto.com for more info.
www.tokileephoto.com
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Divine Shots family Portrait Day
Get your personalized holiday cards done at the best deal this year. One day only we have A Family Portrait Day and this day is on Sunday, 21st November from 10 am till 6 pm. Session Fee : 15 minute session fee for only $10 for family up to 5 members. Your session fee will be donated to your favorite school. Packages start from $25 and a set of 25 personalized holiday cards with envelopes starts from $35. This offer is valid only for one day so call 818.451.3316 and book your time.
www.divineshots.com
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B&G Photography!
Sessions are $350 and include the following:
An hour of time with Jen or Nate
Any location of your choice (park, beach, your home you name it!) A private viewing of the images a week after the session an 8×10 print of your choice BOOKING BONUS – Book your session by Nov 10th and pay only $250!
Plus – buy 3 packs of holiday cards, get a fourth for free!
Email info@BandGphotography.com or call 310.441.1581 for more info.
www.BandGphotography.com
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Trippypics Photography
They are happy to announce a 20% “Jen’s List” discount on all Bar and Bat Mitzvah photography sessions. Call Mark Tripp at 310.750.5728 or email trippypics@yahoo.com to schedule your session today. Prints and digital files sold separately. Visit www.trippypics.biz and click on Mitzvah!
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LMilanPhotography
$50 off your session fee if you book your Holiday Portraits by December 12th. Hurry the holidays are just around the corner! Contact Kishana@LMilanPhotography.com or visit her website at www.LMilanPhotography.com for more information. Act fast! This deal has never been offered before! 818.264.6946 Call Today! Mention Coupon Code:JEN50

Joseph Lamberti – Certified Hypnotherapist
Recommednation by Jens List Member aprilmft@yahoo.com
“I had my 9 year old son sit for a hypnotherapy session with Joseph for help with night fears of the dark. My son was able to immediately put the skills to use to begin relaxing and feeling in control of his night fear aft. Since he slept better his performance at school quickly improved and his confidence improved. Joseph is great with kids and I was present the entire session so I higly recommend him to help both adults and children overcome bad habits and fears. www.rewardyourlifenow.com.”

Signing with Children with Autism and Children with Special Needs
Did you know that signing empowers children with special needs by offering them a multitude of cognitive, emotional, and social benefits, including: Improved communication skills – Increased speech and language development – Increased confidence and self-esteem – Increased social-interactions – Reduced negative behaviors – Creation of a more peaceful learning environment – Improve fine motor skills. Children of all abilities can reap the rewards of learning sign language, especially children with special needs. In fact, as parents and professionals who interact with children with special needs know, often the frustration that children can experience is rooted in their difficulty with communicating effectively. Signing is a great way to help your child build a working vocabulary to assist with communication and ease frustration. Children with all types of disabilities can benefit from learning American Sign Language (ASL), including autism, Down Syndrome, apraxia, speech and language delays, Cerebral Palsy, and many others. Call 310.277.SIGN for free consultation.
www.signshine.com/specialneeds.php.

Opening night of CINDERELLA performed in the style of a traditional London panto
Saturday, November 27th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Reception to follow including the meet-and-greet with cast members and fantasy holiday dessert and beverage buffet. Not only will guests be able to enjoy this hilarious production, but all of the proceeds go to LA’s BEST, an after school enrichment program serving 28,000 kids each day after school in Los Angeles’ most challenging neighborhoods at no cost
to their parents. Additionally, the tickets include a reception after the show with a meet-and-greet with cast members and a fantasy holiday dessert and beverage buffet the whole family can enjoy. The show is produced by Bonnie Lythgoe of So You Think You Can Dance Australia and producer of several of the variety shows for the royals. The production stars “Harry Potter’s” Freddie Stroma and “Leave it to Beaver’s” Jerry Mathers. Below are additional details:
El Portal Theatre
5269 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood, 91601
Tickets: $100 each – all proceeds go to LA’s BEST and part of the ticket price is tax deductible. You can purchase tickets at www.lasbest.org or by calling (213) 978-0801.

Williams Sonoma in-store classes and demonstrations
For more than fifty years, people who love cooking and good food have gathered at Williams-Sonoma stores. Today there are more than 250 stores across the U.S. and Canada, each with its own schedule of special events and cooking classes.
www.williams-sonoma.com/customer-service/store-events.html?cm_src=productsearch

FREE LECTURE: The 100 Year Lifestyle
Thursday, November 18th from 7 to 10 p.m.
 “If you knew you’d live to be 100, how would you change your life?” Dr. Punturere will be discussing health and wellness strategies for living a lifestyle that keeps us dynamic & functional into our later years.  He will explore the role of Massage Therapy, Health Care & Lifestyle in creating a state of wellness.  RSVP to 310-277-0220 by 11/15 and receive a free gift.
IPSB
5817 Uplander Way in Culver City
www.drvincent.net

Look Fabulous This Holiday Season
Let Petite Style Studio (www.petitestylestudio.com) give you a style makeover for the holidays and new year. Mention JL to get the discounted price of $150.00 for a complete style makeover. Petite Style Studio gift certificates make great gifts too – treat yourself or give someone else the gift of style. Call 310-926-0005 or email trina@petitestylestudio.com for more info.
www.petitestylestudio.com

Dog Rescue
One Dog Rescue saves little dogs, chihuahuas, yorkies, small breed mixes. They get them vetted, spayed or neutered and their shots and then place them up for adoptions. They only rescue dogs that are going to be killed or are in the medical part of the shelter. These dogs never stand a chance at getting out because sometimes they have a broken leg or some small condition that deems them unadoptable to the general public. They like to give them another chance and are also flying dogs out of state.
www.onedogrescue.org

RosieBear
The creator of Aunt LaLa’s Log – has just launched a new website with 3 new products. They now have a spiral bound baby log, an idea-book (a blank log) and Nanny Notes – designed specifically for fostering communication between parents and caregivers.   They are offering a 10% discount for all Jen’s List readers during the month of November. Just mention “Jen’s List” in the comments line when ordering and they will refund your account 10%. 
www.rosiebear.com

Cherie Valaray Singing Lessons: Learn Singing Secrets to Prevent Vocal Damage
Cherie has a remarkable gift of being able to sing high notes with ease and is able to teach you how to do it too! All styles, All levels. Also work on breath support, breathing, posture, register blending, vibrato control, resonance, vocal beauty.  Located in Woodland Hills.  Free lesson and 50% off the second lesson for Jen’s List readers
818-712-0103
www.soundfeelings.com/singing_lessons.htm

DAYCARE LEADS
Teddy Bear Daycare
New daycare will open it’s doors on Tuesday, November 23rd in Santa Clarita.  Owner Carrie is licensed, First Aid, CPR certified and holds a Master’s Teachers permit in Early Childhood Development.  Ages newborn to 5 are welcome to this imaginative, educational and fun environment. Call 661-714-1069 or email carriegor20@msn.com.
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Rachel’s Daycare in Reseda Has Openings
Private facility in good area has a safe, new rubber playground for kids to enjoy. Loving and caring teachers take care of children, ages 9 months to 5 years.   All meals and snacks are kosher.  CA Lic.#197416491, CPR and First Aid Certified.  Rachel also offers a summer camp full of fun. Children and parents alike are welcome to visit. Call 818-881-1625 or 818-635-6694.
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Happy Kidz Day Care Preschool Program: Accepting Applications for January 2011
Happy Kidz strives to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for toddlers and preschool age children. They provide tools that inspire learning and creativity. A small, licensed home-based childcare preschool program.
Ages 1 – 5 yrs. Lic#197417241. Cost breakdowns are as follows:
7am-5:30pm $650 per month
7am-12:30pm or 9am-2:30pm
5 days – $550.00 per month 
3 days – $450.00 per month 
2 days – $350.00 per month 
Call 818-694-4182 or email rachelshappykidz@yahoo.com for more information.

Home Video Transfer Services
Don’t let your precious memories on video tape disappear for ever
VCR and camcorder tapes degrade over the years, as well as every time they’re played. Some video tapes can begin to fail in as little as 10 years.  DVD’s can preserve your treasured memories for generations to come.  Reel Harmony transfers VHS, SVHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi 8, Digital 8 and Mini DV tapes as well as video to DVD, photos to DVD slideshows, records & tapes to CD and customized DVD’s.
www.reelharmony.com
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Tape to DVD Transfers/Editing
Wish you could enjoy your home movies this holiday season?  Fellow mom Jennifer Brady can help!  She transfers almost every kind of tape to DVD so you can watch and enjoy easily with your friends and family.  She even meets you to pick up your tapes, does the work quickly and at the highest quality and then delivers them back to you.  Its a great service and helps you get one more thing off your to do list!  20% off! Call 310-907-6580 or email info@familyvideoservices.info for more info.
www.familyvideoservices.info

Use Your Subconscious Mind for Weight and Stress Reduction
Learn how to use the power of your mind to lose reduce stress and weight. Sessions will include clearing emotional clutter, self hypnosis for the perfect weight and how to maintain the perfect weight once you get there. Specialist on nutrition, exercise and other weight loss related categories will also be included. Date: Tuesday, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and December 7; Time:  7:00-8:15 pm; Place: Temple Ramat Zion; Cost: $60 for NVJCC, TRZ, TBT, TAS and TBA members; $75 for Non-Members; Call Jerry 818-360-2211 – RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

Lactation Consultant/Newborn Care Consultant
Recommended by Jens List member monishamann@yahoo.com
Helen is a professional Newborn Care Specialist with eight years of experience providing newborn and postpartum care to families throughout the Los Angeles area. She is highly specialized in caring for twins, triplets, premature babies, reflux/colic, breastfeeding, surrogates, adoptions and special needs babies. Helen holds a Masters Degree in Pediatric Nursing. She also has certified credentials as a Newborn Care Specialist, Lactation Educator, Infant Sign Language Specialist, Infant Massage Instructor, SIDS Educator, and Postpartum Doula. Not only can she help families before the baby arrives by organizing a safe nursery with the proper equipment and supplies, she prides herself in nurturing new moms, babies and families with endless support and assistance as families adjust to having a new baby in the house.
www.babycaress.com

Handyman 4 Hire
Harold is available for all types of repairs and installations. Holiday Lighting, Child Proofing, Doggie Doors, Hanging Photos, Indoor/Outdoor Lights, Ceiling Fans, Outlets, Switches, and Mirrors. Is your Toilet Running, Doors not Closing, Drains Not Draining, Lights Not Working? Call Harold at 818-324-4056, and let Him take care of the things on your list. He is an all around fixer. Agoura, SF Valley, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks.

IT’S TIME FOR WARM AND HEARTY SOUPS!
Join Laura Taylor to learn to make everyone’s favorite comfort food, Autumn Soups on Tuesday, November 16th from 4 – 7 pm.  Bring a friend and come make six different soups in this hands-on class then taste them and take home the recipes so you can make them again and again.  Held in a private kitchen in Woodland Hills.  Cost is $60 per person.  Reservations are a must!  Sign up now – classes are limited to 6 people!  Email Laura@LauraTaylorAtHome.com or (818) 716-7130.

4nannies.com
The original online nanny search service is a family-nanny job matching system. 4nannies.com recruits nanny candidates seeking immediate employment and the solution is secure & confidential! 4nannies.com recruits nationally, delivering an extensive pool of candidates to choose from. It helps agencies as well as families locate nanny candidates to staff their client’s vacancies. 4nannies.com introduced the Charter Membership to recognize and encourage the ongoing relationship with its agency-clients. Agencies may register online for immediate service.
www.4nannies.com