Saturday January 1, 2011

Mamma Mia:

A Mommy & Me group for NEW MOMS
At The Pump Connection in Woodland Hills.
An INCREDIBLE group where lifetime friendships are formed. A 10 week support group for moms with infants 0-5 mos old. Twins welcome! Next session begins January 8. Please sign up quickly as there are limited spaces available. They discuss developmental milestones, sleep issues, nursing, bottle feeding, fussiness, teething, & much more! Call (818) 209-6700 to sign up. Lead by Dr. Amy Clayton, a therapist specializing in postpartum issues. If you already have a newborn or if you think you will have delivered around the first week of February ask to be placed on the waiting list for the next group and they will reserve your space. For more info:  http://www.dramyclayton.com/groups.html

Today in History
HAPPY NEW YEAR – 2011
– Paul Revere was born (1735)
– Emma M. Nutt becomes the first woman telephone operator. (1878)
– The ball was first dropped at Times Square in New York City. (1908)

JANUARY Annual Sales
Most people know about after-Christmas-sales with savings of 50%-90% on cards, decorations and candies. Keep cards in a box with a small freshener and they will look brand new next year. In addition look for substantial discounts on items that were hot sellers at Christmas time such as winter clothing, cookware, kitchen gadgets, housewares, rugs and toys. You may find these on the closeout shelves.
TYPICAL JANUARY ANNUAL SALES: Annual white sales; stock up on linens, sheets and towels.
MAJOR PURCHASES TYPICALLY ON SALE in January:  Appliances, furniture.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: avocados, broccoli, cabbage, celery, collards, endive, grapefruit, kale, oranges, rutabagas, tangerines, winter squash. 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.

The Best Bootcamp in the Valley

Peeler Bootcamps starting THIS Monday, January 3rd! Don’t wait! Sign-up now! Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution you’re determined to keep, or you’re planning ahead for summer – Peeler Bootcamps are the best bootcamp value for the best bootcamp workout in the Valley. Fun trainers, Fun workouts and Fun new friends will help you drop those unwanted pounds. Each 4-week session is $180 – that’s only $15 per class!  Three convenient locations in Studio City, Balboa Park and Woodland Hills. Visit www.peelerbuilt.com for locations and times. Sign-up at peelerbootcamp@yahoo.com All fitness levels welcome!

PBS Kids – The Wild Kratts, premiering January 3rd
An animated series based on the adventures of real life “creature adventurers” Chris and Martin Kratt. Wild Kratts joins the animated adventures of Martin and Chris as they encounter incredible wild animals, showcasing never-before-seen wildlife moments wrapped up in engaging stories of adventure, mystery, rescue, and the Kratt brothers’ brand of laugh-out-loud-comedy that kids love. Real-life Chris and Martin introduce each Wild Kratts episode with a live action segment that imagines what it would be like to experience a never- before-seen wildlife moment, and asks, “What if…?” The Kratt brothers transition into animation and the adventure begins, bringing viewers into the secret lives of extraordinary creatures, many of which have never been animated before – including Tiger quolls, Draco lizards, and Caracals! Aided by the brilliant hi-tech inventor and scientist Aviva Corcovado and her team, the adventuring brothers can activate their Creature Power Suits to fly with Peregrine falcons, or dive to the bottom of the sea with whales and Giant Octopus! Combining science education with fun and adventure, the Kratt brothers deliver an exciting view of science in action in the natural world. From meeting a young platypus and her special electrosensory power, to poison arrow frogs who use chemistry as their defense, to Collossal Squid who can withstand the incredible pressure of the deep sea, the brothers and kid viewers find out that Animals Can Take You Anywhere in Science!
http://pbskids.org/wildkratts/

Does this infant formula make me look fat?
The type of formula a baby gets may predispose them to obesity later in life, a study suggests.
http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-infant-formula-makes-babies-fat-20101227,0,6852309.story

Fitness KidZone VIDEOGAME VENDOR
Great for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah or special event!  Let i-Fitness KidZone bring their awesome state-of-the art, interactive video games to your next Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Birthday Party or Special Event!  They have games such as Dance, Dance Revolution, Virtual Snowboarding, Guitar Hero, the new and popular Wii Sports Resort and many more. They’ll set up and run the games at your venue for a very affordable price!
www.i-fit-kidzone.com

Fairies and Dragons Parties
A whimsical birthday party location for boys and girls and offers fairyland-theme dress up parties for celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. All of the parties are private! If you are looking for a unique & unforgettable birthday experience for your child & a place where your child’s imagination will flourish, this is the place for you. Dinner With Princess & various fairy classes and workshops are offered during the week.
16733 Ventura Blvd. in Encino
818 783 8488
www.fairiesanddragonsparties.com

habla blah blah
Founded by a linguistic anthropologist turned mama, habla blah blah uses music, song, and dance to teach Spanish with an organic approach that simulates native language learning during those first precious years. They address multiple learning styles in the classes and encourage you to play the CD in the car, in your home, where ever!  Try it and you’ll be amazed – it’s fun, simple, repetitive, and…it works.  So check out the music! Join a class!  Visit the ‘Los Elefantes’ video on youTube and enjoy…watching the miracle of how easily children can become bilingual.
www.hablablahblah.com

AUDITIONS FOR THE GAME SHOW “HOLE IN THE WALL”
TEAMS MUST CONSIST OF AT LEAST ONE ADULT (18 AND UP) AND ONE CHILD (10-17)! This is a family show so they would like to see teams with some sort of family bond between at least two members! Team needs 3 people total. To submit to get an audition time, send in a brief description of each team member along with their age and pictures to apply@holeinthewallcasting.com.
http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/hole/index.html

2010 Picture Book Recommendations  
A variety for ages 2 – 8.
http://beavertoncitylibrarykids.blogspot.com/

Katie Smith-Sleep Consultant and Parenting Coach
Is your child sleeping 11-12 hours a night?  Are they sleeping in their own bed? Are they soothing themselves to sleep? Taking long naps?  If not, why not?  Katie will conduct a thorough interview to find out what is causing your child\’s sleep issues and come up with a detailed, step-by-step plan that you can feel excited about. Visit her website at www.theindependentchild.com to find out more about Katie and her services.
310 925-2245

Feeling more stress between you and your partner after becoming a parent?
Free Teleseminar for Parents, Monday, Jan. 3rd, 12noon – Return to Love: 5 Simple Steps to Love, Communication & Harmony With Your Partner When Having Kids Is Putting Stress On Your Relationship. Sign Up Here: http://www.peaceofmindparenting.com/empower/. On Your Phone. Free Recording Provided.

Now a radio show for Mom’s that REALLY talks about what you wanna hear

From sex stuff to embarrassing playdates- Brooke & Jen put it all out there. Think Howard Stern Meets Roseanne, meets Pink…Or whatever you want- it’s sometimes funny, sometimes sweet, but always interesting. Check it out an pass the word- we’re taking over the stations, one Mommy at a time.
www.motherloderadio.com

The easiest way to find restaurants that allow you to BRING YOUR OWN WINE (BYO)
http://www.gobyo.com/index_L.html

Light Mac N Cheese – White Version and Yellow Version
Compared to traditional mac n cheese recipe: 32% less calories, 48% less fat, 49% less cholesterol, 59% less sodium, 20% less carbs, and 199% more fiber, with a satisfying and creamy texture.
http://www.thesneakychef.com/

Baker’s Dozen of Buying Tips for the Savvy Consumer
Be on the alert for shady deals and scams.
http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_general_quick_tips.shtml

Blow Bubbles and Balloons
An interactive game that allows you to interact with your iPhone like never before. This multi function application allows you to blow into your phone to create and pop bubbles and balloons.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/blow-bubbles-balloons/id328382940?mt=8

Learn How to Save Money on Groceries From the Founder of Coupon Mom
“Coupon Mom” is looking for families for an upcoming TV/web series. www.Couponmom.com is a free site that give great information on how to use coupons and save. Stephanie Nelson, the founder, has appeared on several nationwide shows including Oprah. If you live in the Los Angeles area and are interested in learning how to save money from Coupon Mom, Stephanie Nelson, they’d love to hear from you.

Look…at…all…the…booboo…band aids!
Pickles, toast, bacon, ninjas, unicorns, fairies, pirates & more.
http://www.kaboodle.com/za/

Scissor Paper Fundraising Program!
They provide you with an easy way to raise funds for your school, team, or non-profit organization. You won’t be selling the same old things that everyone has seen before. A family-run stationery and gift company based in the San Fernando Valley, Rock Scissor Paper is celebrating 16+ years of creating fun, colorful designs. The products are carried in fine stores worldwide. They have created special designs for great stores like Target, Container Store, and Urban Outfitters. Rock Scissor Paper products have been featured in InStyle, Real Simple, Lucky, Domino, Vogue, Seventeen, Parents, People, and Oprah magazines to name a few! All of the paper & stationery products are printed in the USA on recycled paper using soy-based inks, so you can feel good about purchasing and promoting the products! There is no cap to what your organization can earn and this program is almost effortless to implement.
http://www.rockscissorpaper.com/fupr.html

GARAGE SALE
Sunday, Jan. 2nd from 8am-10am
Boys clothing sizes 3 months to 8 years – New & Used toys, books & accessories – Misc adult items as well.
15443 Milbank Street in Encino, 91436
(2 blocks North of Ventura Blvd – off of Firmament – between Sepulveda & Haskell)
RAIN or SHINE

Parent & Child Program at Highland Hall Waldorf School
A few spots for the Winter session are still available. Call 818-349-1394 x202 to reserve your spot or register online at http://www.highlandhall.org/PC%20Program.

PAVE
Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment
www.pavingtheway.net

NO NONSENSE PRIVATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS HELP
You’ve been scared straight (and probably wrong) about the private school admission process and about how to afford it. Now it’s time to get the facts and downright helpful information. GetIntoPrivateSchool.com demystifies the admissions process and reveals the truth behind how many families afford private school, allowing you to focus your energy on getting in and paying for private school and not worrying if you’re “doing” it right! Sign up for our free report, Private Elementary School Secrets Revealed (there really are two secrets in it!), get access to our free newsletter and discounts on our products from private consultations to outrageously helpful books and tele-classes. Look, we’ve interviewed 202 admissions directors. We know what they want, we know what they hate. If you’re serious about getting your child into private school, why do it alone?
www.GetIntoPrivateSchool.com
310-455-6732

Predators and Child Molesters: What Every Parent Needs to Know to Keep Kids Safe
Before the unspeakable happens to your child you need to read this book. If the unspeakable has already happened YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! Sexual assault is not new to the news, but parents need to be prepared! From a non-fear mongering approaching, today’s Jens List sponsor, Robin Sax, gives you all the information you need from soup to nuts about sexual assault. Drawing upon her vast experience as a child sex crimes prosecutor in Los Angeles, Sax delivers an insightful, detailed and most important book. Sax takes the reader inside the cunning and charming mindset of a sexual predator to reveal just how they manage to get past vigilant parents to their true prey – the children. Further, Sax takes us by the hand and helps us see how to heal from the trauma of child sexual abuse.  This book is the one stop shop for protecting your kids from predators! Available on http://www.amazon.com/Predators-Child-Molesters-Every-Parent/dp/1591027128/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256606812&sr=8-2

Its parents day out every day here at KidsPark!
They are a licensed hourly child care center for kids ages 2 through 11 that operates on a drop-in basis. Parents don’t need to make reservations. They can just come on by and drop their kids off for up to 5 hours per day while they run errands, keep appointments, go to dinner, see a movie, whatever it is they need to do. They are open till 10pm Mon – Thurs and till Midnight on Fri and Sat!!! Come on by for a tour of the brand new 4,000 square foot indoor center.
www.kidspark.com

So Fly Dance BIRTHDAY PARTIES!
L.A.’s BEST POPSTAR/ROCKSTAR/Dance party for boys and girls! Hannah Montana * Miley Cyrus * Camp Rock * Highschool Musical.
– Get ready with hair & glitter make-up (tattoos/hair-color for boys)
– Choose just the right wardrobe and accessories
– Pose for a PHOTOSHOOT (and get a picture to take home)
– Rehearse and perform a routine taught by PROFESSIONAL DANCERS that have been featured on film and TV including VH1 and MTV!
For more info on SoCal’s BEST BIRTHDAY and the party everyone will be talking about:
www.SoFlyKids.com
(310) 578 – 7927
SoFlyKids@gmail.com

Healthy Child Healthy World
Dedicated to protecting the health and well being of children from harmful environmental exposures. They educate parents, support protective policies, and engage communities to make responsible decisions, simple everyday choices, and well-informed lifestyle improvements to create healthy environments where children and families can flourish.
www.healthychild.org

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, & age appropriate web-episodes. A Kid’s Life! is a safe & 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!”
www.akidslife.com

Dr. Elana Norman – UCLA-trained Orthodontist
Dr. Norman continues to stay involved as a member of the UCLA faculty. Her services include Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, iBraces (braces that are on the inside surfaces of the teeth), clear braces, and traditional braces.  She is offering complimentary orthodontic consultations for all ages. If you are interested in an Orthodontist who provides personalized attention and care, appointments can be made by calling: 310-991-6758.
www.SantaMonicaBraces.com
2021 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 500E, Santa Monica, 90404

THEY’RE ONLY THIS LITTLE ONCE…
After 12 years, 50,000 impressions and too many smiles to count, the Little Print Company are the professionals that you can trust to create the highest quality ceramic impressions of your baby’s hands and feet. I have done them for all of my children and they are incredible keepsakes! Find out when they will be in your area at the newly-designed website at www.littleprintcompany.com.

Banners for the New Year at the Zimmer
January 2nd
A brand new year is starting up! Time to get started thinking about all that we can do with 2011! You will make banners to celebrate both the birth of a New Year, and all the wonderful things each of us will do!  All Sunday drop-in programs run from 2:30-4:00pm and are free for members and $3.00 per child for non-members in addition to the entrance fee.  Entrance fee is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 3 and over.  Children 2 and under and grandparents are free.  Zimmer Children’s Museum is located on the lobby level of the Goldsmith Jewish Federation Building, 6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90048.  Sunday hours are 12:30pm-5:00pm. Visit http://www.zimmermuseum.org or call (323) 761-8984 for further information.

Pregnant? Know Someone Who Is?
BABIES FIRST CLASS is 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! Call (818) 501-BABY or email kathy@babiesfirstclass.com for information or enrollment.
14368 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks

Great rainy day (or any day) activity
Join www.worldculturekids.com and visit a new country every month. This month visit France. Learn about art, architecture, fashion and fun facts, make a delicious and easy meal with your kids, do crafts and learn some language. (there is an audio portion so you can learn the correct pronounciation as well) Fun and educational for the whole family (and affordable)!

PackIt
The freezable personal cooler that keeps your contents colder, longer – up to 10 hours in fact! There’s no need for ice that melts or a bulky ice pack. Simply store PackIt in your freezer until you’re ready to pack it and go.
http://www.packitcool.com/