Monday December 20, 2010

Today in History
Go Caroling Day
http://www.kids-list.com/Blog.aspx?blog=265

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.
“SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL” DEVELOPMENTAL SKILL DEFINITION: bonding, building relationships, appreciating differences, self-esteem, self-expression, responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness.
THE CRITICAL WINDOW during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for “SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: EMPATHY, ENVY” development is about 2 years – 9 years.  The more opportunity children have for positive social-emotional experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
More SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: EMPATHY, ENVY tidbits:
·· FROM 4 YEARS, preschooler is capable of feeling jealousy.  In general, emotions can range widely and be felt intensely.
·· EXPRESSING anger verbally rather than physically most of the time, he may still throw tantrums over minor frustrations.
·· SHE MAY be boastful (enjoying showing off/bragging about possessions), be bossy or like to shock using “forbidden” words/profanity.  (Remember your role model status – be the model with appropriate language and appropriate response to emotional situations.)
·· TO DEVELOP EMPATHY, understand social roles and enhance building relationships, choose books with beginning notions of teamwork, cooperation, communication and self-esteem.
Next week – “Social/Emotional: Empathy, Envy, Pt. 4”
Any ?’s – msmarm@roadrunner.com <msmarm@roadrunner.com>

$15 for $30 Worth of Food/Drinks at Mogan’s Cafe
Mogan’s Cafe, in business since 2003, is a kid-friendly restaurant in Pacific Palisades that offers delicious food that appeals to children and parents alike. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and were recently named one of the top 7 places to eat breakfast in LA by Citysearch and ABC News. Their outdoor patio is a huge hit with families, and they even offer free Wi-fi. The kids’ menu (for kids 10 and under) is extensive, and there’s something for even the most picky eaters.
www.familyfinds.com/jenslist

Finally an AWESOME children’s book for working mothers with young children!
MOMMY BRINGS HOME THE BACON, written by working mother Nikki Mark, has just been released on Amazon.com and is perfect for children ages 3-7. The book addresses a child’s appreciation for a working mother in a lighthearted manner, and is a powerful tool to help working mothers discuss an emotional topic with their children. All working mothers and their children will relate to this sweet and whimsical story. To learn more visit www.Mommybringshomethebacon.com. The beautifully illustrated hard-cover book sells for $14.99.

Loungefly Sample Sale Just in Time for Christmas
Tuesday, December 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featuring brands including Disney, Hellow Kitty, Deter, The Nightmare Before Christmas,  Crowded Teeth, etc. for under $10.  $10 totes, $5 tees and wallets, $3 coinbages, $1.00 jewelery.  The Buttermilk Breakfast Truck will be making an appearance until Noon, and  Fry Smith and the Sweets Truck will be there in the afternoon.  Cash only. You will not want to miss this.
Loungefly Warehouse
9423 Oso Avenue in Chatsworth
www.loungefly.com

Healthy Holiday Travel with your kids
Dr Tanya Remer Altmann joined KTLA  to talk about parents traveling with their children this holiday season
http://www.ktla.com/news/local/viewerinfo/

Get 30% off Your Entire Dinner (Food and Drinks!) at Great Restaurants in LA
Find out how to get 30% off up to 10 different meals at many of the best restaurants in LA.  This is a perfect way to entertain family in town for the holidays and into next year, or even clients, and the discount is discretely taken off your check, no matter what the total amount is.  Click here for more details.

GORGEOUS young female blue Staffordshire Terrier Needs a Home
Molly was used to breed & then dumped by her “owners” after delivering her litter! This poor girl has been traumatized, her tail is between her legs and she cowers and will run and hide when approached. She looks healthy, and is likely a very friendly & loving girl (most breeder dogs are, because they are mothers by heart). She’s currently living in a vacant lot where she was dumped with nothing but a makeshift shelter constructed with a tarp & blankets to shield her from the rain & cold (see pictures). Contact aofhvolunteercoordinator@gmail.com for more info.
http://theedoghouse.chipin.com/molly-urgent

Christmas Special at Sagebrush Kids Club
Tuesday, Dec. 21st
A Christmas story followed by a surprice Santa visit. Face painting, ballon lady, dancing kids under 10 eat free with an adult entree. Every Tuesday rain or shine in the heated tent.
23527 Calabasas Rd. in Calabasas. 91302
818-222-6062
www.Sagebrushcantina.Com

OMG –  These personalized party plates are SO cute!
Personalize the front and back of this 9″ round dinner plate.  Choose from several layout options-add a photo, text or both.  Sold in packages of 10.  Complementing solid color tableware is available (napkins, cups, table covers, dessert plates). Save 30% when you use promo code HOLIDAY30. Ends 12/25.
http://www.hallmark.com/online/product/party/

“Martha and the Christmas Tree”
Today, December 20th at 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT.
A new holiday-themed primetime special for kids that inspires creativity and goodwill, on Hallmark Channel. This original primetime special debuts a new brand from Martha Stewart and A2 – “Martha & Friends” – featuring Martha in animation as a 10-year old, with an additional five primetime specials to air on Hallmark next year. For the holidays, the www.MarthaAndFriends.com website (via AOLKids) will host selected themed games, crafts and cooking how-to’s produced in partnership with MSLO, in addition to the “Martha and the Christmas Tree” special.

Winter Cooking Camps Katie’s Cooking School in Encino
3 exciting cooking camps for kids 5-14 during winter break, Tuesday – Thursday mornings from 9 to noon. 
Pasta, Pasta, Pasta
December 21st-23rd
Italy, fresh pastas & regional dishes. 
Baker’s Dozen
December 28th-30th
Baked goods for snacks, meals & desserts.
From the Garden
January 4th-6th
Delicious salads, dressings, spreads & desserts.
To get your kids involved, call 818-377-6200 or email info@katiescookingschool.com.
www.katiescookingschool.com

Super soft and comfortable NAP SET for preschool
Quilted Minky Mat
Plush Minky Pillow
Super Soft Blanket
JENS LIST SPECIAL $39 or 2 FOR $65
http://mylittlesleepy.com/
Pickup available in Woodland Hills or delivery available.
818-723-6424

Congrats to these Jens List Contest Winners
Vicky Hung Rangsuebsin -Llama Llama Book Series
www.amazon.com/Llama-Holiday-Drama-AnnaDewdney/
AND
Bridget Schum  – Activity books from Lazoo!
www.lazoo.com

Brodie & The Yeti…children’s stories about adoption, acceptance, sharing and caring
Discover these delightful pups and their real-life adventures in Komick’s Brodie & The Yeti storybook collection. His whimsical writing is great for all ages! We have read the books and my boys loved both stories! The Tales of Two Little Dogs tells the story of how the two dogs came to be brothers and The Yeti Saves Coco Bunny shares the story of how The Yeti Saves Grandma’s Bunny named Coco. As a long time advocate of animal rescue and safety, Dennis Komick has a sincere sense of urgency to aid rescue agencies and dog adoption organizations. A portion of the proceeds from the Brodie and The Yeti products and books will forever be donated to help organizations working with this cause. Currently these books can be found within a number of local animal hospitals and pet food markets as well as adoption groups.
www.brodieandtheyeti.com

Stress-busting treat in your home at a great savings!
Holiday Massage Special: Reserve a 75 or 90 minute Massage or Combination Massage/Reconnective Healing session or purchase a gift certificate now through Friday, December 24th and receive a second One hour session for $50.00 – a 50% savings!
Holiday Reconnective Healing Special: Schedule One Reconnective Healing Session and receive a second session for $36.00 or purchase a Package of 3 sessions for $125.00 – a 45% savings!
Modalities include but not limited to: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy and Post-pregnancy, Pre and Post Surgical, Trigger Point, Cranio-Sacral and Seated Massage. Hospital/Nursing Home visits may also be arranged. Gift certificates available.
Reconnective Healing is a revolutionary form of Energy work – it is not massage, and does not involve touch, but can be combined with a massage. For more information please visit: www.thereconnection.com. Sale applies to sessions purchased or reserved by Friday,. Dec. 24th, but may be redeemed up to 90 days after purchase. 50% off session must be redeemed within 30 days of first session. Special Chair Massage rates also available for office visits/Holiday Parties. To schedule or to purchase gift certificates, call 310.442.9810. 24 hour notice required to schedule, change or cancel appointment. Small travel fee may apply.

FULL IMMERSION SPANISH WINTER CAMP
Dec. 20th to Jan. 7th from 9:00 to 3:00.
The children will have workshops that include cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries, music and dance, arts and crafts, cooking, exercise, games, teamwork, and more. The program is for a few number of children to insure the understanding of the Spanish. Space is limited! For more info. call (818)2238328.
www.thespanishclub2010@yahoo.com

LA Kings Hockey Tickets for Sale
At Staples Center.  Makes a great holiday gift and below face value. 
1 pair for Sunday, December 26th: Kings vs. Ducks, Level 100, $175 for the pair.  A $50 savings.
1 pair for Sunday, January 1st: Kings vs. Sharks, Level 100 – $150 for the pair.  A $75 savings. 
If you are interested, please email gogetter611@yahoo.com and include a phone number where you may be reached.

Paintings designs
Give your child an amazing theme mural, from cartoons like Disney Princess, Sponge Bob, Super Heros, cars, sports, Elmo, Hello Kitty, logos etc. Email Incrediblemurals@yahoo.com for more info.
http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/bab/2109948949.html

The Wrapping Fairies
Recommended after originally seeing on Jens List by list member theflossboss@me.com
A mobile wrapping business that provides a quick, cheap and unique option this Holiday! They can come to your home & wrap your gifts, then put ’em under the tree! Drop-Off option too! They can also wrap & store your gifts! $2.50 per gift, any size – Minimum 10 gifts of $20. $15 fee to provide their own supplies. Service available up to 10 miles outside of NOHO. Call 720-273-7879 for Ashlee or 818-742-7149 for Stacey.

Mommy group: 33 and over with a child 4 and under
http://www.meetup.com/primetime/

Each year, the Jewish Community Endowment Fund invites students to apply for the Haas/Koshland Memorial Award
It provides up to $20,000 to support a year of study and personal development in Israel. The award is open to college students, from sophomore year through graduate school, who are from, or attend school in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you know people in that area or have family there, please tell them to visit http://www.jewishfed.org/see-how-we-help/haaskoshland-award.

Manicurist Lead
Referred by Jens List member leonardteam@aol.com
“Jessica is one of the best manicurist around. After taking a few years off, Nails by Jessica is back with the best manicures and pedicures done in a clean, comfortable environment. You will always be happy with the results and enjoy being pampered. She now offers gel manicures too. Many of her clients have been with her for more than a decade and would not dream of seeing anyone else. New clients get $15 off a gel manicure.”
Nails by Jessica – in Trinity Salon
22201 Ventura Bl, Woodland Hills, 91364
818-640-4199

Is your child having difficulty making friends, taking turns, or initiating play?
The Adat Ari El Rose Engel Early Childhood Center is offering GAN HAVERIM, a 10-week social skills class, from February through April 2011.  Led by a child development specialist, and supervised by Dr. Penni Seller, your child will be helped to develop and foster positive peer relationships. Doesn’t everyone want to make a friend, keep a friend, and problem solve with that friend?  Small class size in a warm and loving environment, for children ages three to five years old. For more information or to register, please contact Beryl Strauss at 818-766-6379 or bstrauss@adatariel.org .

Give your dog or cat the gift of health this holiday season!
Most pet foods provide ample nutrition for survival, but are sadly lacking in what your pet needs to thrive! Vetraceuticals® is a complete nutritional supplement. It is a daily dose of active enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, green foods & more in a powder added to your pet’s food. New customer & multi pet discounts. Contact Dr. Jennifer Taketani (310) 962-3593. Great work at home business opportunity also!
www.myvetra.com/doctorjenn

FITNESS LEADS
Get Fit and Get Your Holiday Gift!
To Celebrate Your Fit Journey’s site launch, you will have a chance to get a holiday gift to enjoy yourself or to give to family and friends. Your Fit Journey is a FREE Coaching site to help you get fit and healthy with products of Team Beachbody, such as P90X and Slim in 6! Don’t let the holidays get you out of shape. Visit http://yourfitjourney.com and get a head start on the New Year being in shape and feeling great! 
AND
MOM’s that need to lose 10lbs or more Only!
This is your last chance to get rid of any baby weight. Servando PT has this amazing women’s only fitness class in the city of Tarzana 3x a week at 6a,9a&7p MWF. Are you ready? You get 2 full weeks for $1 and after that u will lock in a 75% off discount for life! The classes are fun & effective. If you are planning to join a gym, or hire a personal trainer. Try his classes first! What do you have to lose? (besides a buck) call 818 314 2775 or visit
http://www.mechanicalfitness.com/.
AND
No Excuses Fitness Year End Holiday Special 
Buy 2 Sessions, Get 1 Free
Contact Betsy at 310-980-1477
betsm1@yahoo.com
AND
Personal Fitness Training
Robb Rugg has been a Fitness Trainer for 20 years, helping 100’s of people lose weight, gain lean muscle, increase strength, boost energy and increase health. Stop by his website that details exercises for the whole body: www.robbfitnesstraining.com. Call 310-383-5811 or email robbrugg@yahoo.com for a free no-pressure consultation. Time slots will fill, so do not wait. Even pros have a trainer, start your success story today.

Bookkeeping/Business Manager Available
Over 12 years experience in bookkeeping/business management, organaized, pays attention to detail and works in Quickbooks. Email dustifishback@gmail.com or visit www.dustifishback.com for more info.

Choosing a nanny/housekeeper is a very important decision
When you utilize this free connection service, you are able to see all candidates available in your area. They pre-screen them. As soon as you decide who best meets your needs, an interview is coordinated. In the interview, you will be provided with references, and any other documentation that you request directly from the candidate. At the conclusion of the interview, you decide whether to hire the candidate, and then you arrange all matters with her directly once she is hired. You must check references and do background checks on your own. All candidates work independently and most of them are referred by word of mouth, friends or family.
http://DomesticReferralServices.com

NAME BRAND CLOTHING  SAMPLE SALE, BELOW WHOLESALE PRICES
Gypsy 05, primp, Heaven & Terra, Jesse usa, 2 B Free, Hard Tail,  Michael Stars, Ed Hardy, Christain Audiger  Lili Rose leather jackets and more. Located in Valley Village area. Call (818) 731-0996 for more info.

Now is the time when to reflect on the current year and start planning for the year ahead
As such, it’s a perfect opportunity for moms and dads to consider setting some positive parenting resolutions for the New Year. This site is free and offers a variety of goal setting solutions for the entire family.
http://www.goalforit.com/

Simplicity Parenting in Schools
Everywhere we are seeing what excess is doing to us – to the economy, to the environment, to our health, to family life.  With the national attention being given to films like Waiting for Superman and Race to Nowhere, people are questioning whether education is also part of our culture of excess. What can we do? Bring a Parent Enrichment Program in Simplicity Parenting to your child’s school.
www.yourparentingjourney.com/Program_for_Schools.html

Have Art Will Travel: Children’s Art Lessons in Your Home
Encino Elementary School art teacher offers private one hour art lessons for age 4 and up. Your child will create beautiful works of art in media such as oil and chalk pastels, watercolors, acrylics and printmaking. Call Laurel Schwartz for details at 818 929-024.

Leaky Roof? Need to Replace Your Roof?
Call the roofing specialist at Final Touch Roofing, They can help. New roof, re- roof, repairs and gutters. Call 818-487-7071.
www.roofneeds.com

Mike Silverberg Plumbing
For all your plumbing needs – Call (818) 903-0525 or (818) 986-7130

FOR RENT – VACATION AND RESIDENTIAL
Westwood House For Rent
Beautiful Spanish style 2 bedroom, one bath house located just south of Santa Monica Blvd. between Westwood and Westholme Blvds. Hardwood floors, fireplace, spacious kitchen with eat in breakfast area, washer/dryer hook up. Large backyard. Walking distance to Westside Pavilion, Century City Mall, shops and restaurants. Rent is $2,300 per month. Please call 310-890-3090 or email mkcali@hotmail.com.
AND
Rent a Westin Time Share
1 bedroom sleeps 4. Go anywhere in the world.  Available now thru June 30. 2011.  Great rate for the week $1200.  Book now and travel before June 30, 2011. Email poolwatch06@sbcglobal.net or call Sandy at 805 433 4632.