Saturday April 2, 2011

Maximize Your Maternity Leave: Don’t leave money or time on the table

How long are you entitled to stay home and get paid when you have a baby? It may be longer than you think. Maternity leave laws in California are generous, but also challenging to implement with company policies. HR’s guidance can be hard to understand or incorrect, and you run the risk of leaving money or time on the table. Whether you’re considering pregnancy, are pregnant, or just had your baby, it’s imperative that you understand your rights. Email

lauren@milkyourbenefits.com

to schedule a consultation.

www.milkyourbenefits.com

Children’s Theatre & Improvisational Classes: Summer Acting Camp
All children ages 6 – 15 are invited to join the Agoura Children’s Theatre, Est. 1984. Theatre and Improvisation summer classes are offered both in morning and afternoon sessions. Children receive individual attention, learn about theatre, acting and teamwork. $50 DISCOUNT with early registration for both sessions. $25 discount with early registration for single sessions. Small class sizes, limited space is available. Call (818) 225-1459 to reserve a spot in ACT.
www.agourachildrenstheatre.com 
 
 
The Yellow Balloon: Friday Early Bird Special
Kids haircuts at The Yellow Balloon Children’s Salon of Studio City is offering an “early bird special” every Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Pay only $16 dollars. This offer is only redeemable with their hair stylist “Elena”!  She has recently joined the amazing team of hair stylists, has 25 years of experience in Europe and the U.S. and loves working with children and is an awesome hair dresser. (818) 760-7141
www.theyellowballoon.com
 
 
DISTRICT818.COM
Order a gift for yourself or someone else, today through April 11th, and help Japan at the same time.  10% of anything purchased in the http://www.cafepress.com/District818/7739135 of District818.com goes to the Red Cross to aid in Japan’s recovery. (They offer T-shirts for all ages and a variety of novelty items that can be personalized.)
 
 
Going Away? Leave Your Dogs Where They are Part of the Family
In business 20 years. Cage free environment, reasonable rates and long term discounts available. Feeding and TLC, treated like part of the family with exercise and dog walks. Home and yard security with both kids and dogs to play with. Access to a 24 hour veterinarian. Call Susan at (818) 773-8378.
 
 
The Language Garden Community Preschool: Bilingual Preschool & Toddler Center
A unique preschool and toddler center located in North Hills.
www.mylanguagegarden.com 
 
 
Know Anyone Who Has Always Wanted to Try Pilates on the “Reformer”?
Pilates “reformer” classes in a warm, friendly environment. Small, private, boutique style studio.   Very reasonable rates, Monday through Saturday, morning and evenings, by appointment only. Certified, 20 years experience, same location 11 years. Call Lisa at  (818) 993-3021.
 
 
The Hamilton Musical Academy Presents the Play, “The Suicide”
Running now through April 9th
The Drama Department of the Academy of Music at Hamilton High School will present “The Suicide”, by Nicolai Erdman, a hilarious Russian farce about an unemployed worker, Semyon Semyonovich, who comes up with a plan to get rich by playing the tuba. All he needs now is the tuba. Enter an ambitious politico, a seductive gypsy, a romantic poet, a sentimental butcher, and other disgruntled glory-hunters, and you have a rich and fast-moving satire on human nature’s wackiest foibles.
www.hamiltonmusic.org 
 
 
Kitchen & Bath Contractor & Specialist with 27 Years of Experience
All Phase Remodeling Specialists, custom tile work and cabinets, granite countertops.
www.geneelsoninc.com  
 
 
All About U Montages Now Also Offers Tape to DVD Services
They’ve expanded!  In addition to their unique video montages they now provide comprehensive video tape to DVD transfers. Check out the low prices to transfer your old home movie tapes (all formats) to DVD or Blu-Ray with personalized interactive menus. Jen’s List members get a 10% discount and returning clients an additional 10% off as a thanks for continued business. 
www.aaumontages.com/tape-to-dvd-transfers.html 
 
 
Handmade baby hair clips and headbands made by a stay at home mom:
Spend $20.00 and get a free $8 hair clip of your choice. New Customers only. Leave note at check out and be sure to mention “Jen’s List”, do not add to shopping cart. Expires: June, 1, 2011
www.lilsugarplum.com 
 
 
Environmentally Safe House Cleaning Maid Services
Maidsparkle® is a great company that specializes in cleaning your home with all eco-friendly products. Their English speaking staff is thorough, detail oriented and very open to feedback to meet each individual client’s needs. They bring all their own products including a HEPA filtered vacuum. Read reviews at www.yelp.com/biz/maidsparkle-house-cleaning-los-angeles#query:maidsparkle. Ask for a free quote request and mention Jen’s List to get $20 off now.
www.maidsparkle.com
 
 

Get live advice from experts, for free.
Tell ShopSquad what you are looking for – their expertise on everything from baby products to computers. Get matched with a ShopSquad Advisor & chat live, or leave questions for them to answer. Then, receive great product recommendations – all for free! Experts show you links to great products you can buy at trusted online merchants, for no additional cost.
www.ShopSquad.com 
 
 
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s 51st season as the nation’s oldest ongoing puppet theater continues!
The perennial audience favorite “MAGIC STRINGS” is currently playing Tuesday through Fridays at 10:30am, and Saturday and Sundays at 2:30pm, and has a special discount for Jen’s List readers: Using the code “Mom Blog 04”, Jen’s List readers can get tickets at the special rate of $12.00 per ticket*.  *Note:  This code is good for available weekday performances only (Tuesday through Friday) during the month of April, and can only be used by calling the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre box office ahead of time to make a required reservation at 213-250-9995. The Bob Baker Marionette Theater was voted by LA Parent Magazine as the “Best Children’s Theatre of 2010”, and Jennifer Steinhauer of The New York Times has described Baker’s shows as “a staple of a Los Angeleno childhood. It is the cultural equivalent of the annual march by the nation’s third graders to the neighborhood firehouse.” On June 3, 2009, The Bob Baker Marionette Theater was declared an historic cultural monument by the city of Los Angeles.

 

Helping Hearts At Home Caregiving Services
This local, family-owned agency is grounded in compassionate, personalized caregiving for seniors Since 1998. They provide respectful, dignified care to seniors in the comfort of their own home.  Whether your loved one requires scheduled visits or a live-in caregiver, A Helping Heart is here to support you.  Find out more how they will match the best caregiver to fit your loved one’s needs. Call Heidi at 818-399-2733 and mention Jen’s list!  
www.shalomelderlycare.com
 
 
THE MOST CONVENIENT AND AFFORDABLE STORAGE EVER!
Box-N-Go provides mobile storage and moving services, which means they deliver a storage container(s) to you, you pack it with your stuff and they come back and take it to their warehouse where it’s stored for as long as you need. Prices – start at just $59/mo. Self storage has never been easier!
www.box-n-go.com
 
 
Young Actors Intensive workshop Now enrolling!
The Drama Academy is now enrolling for it’s Spring Break young actors intensive at The Promenade Playhouse in Santa Monica – two hour classes every day from 11am – 1pm for ages 9 – 17. Study the fundamentals of acting technique with highly experienced, professional actor /directors; Building a character, voice, movement, atmospheres, improvisation etc. Two courses available; 11th April – 15th April or 18th April – 22nd April. For more information, call Stuart or Anna on 310 310 2499 or visit www.dramaacademy.net.
 
 
Now available on DVD(and/or)Blu-Ray
A SHINE OF RAINBOWSA truly inspiring story of one ordinary family’s extraordinary journey. An orphaned boy named Tomás is adopted by Maire O’Donnell (Connie Nielsen) to live on a whimsical Irish isle filled with new friends, secret caves and a lost baby pup seal stranded on the coast. But when Maire’s reluctant husband Alec (Aidan Quinn) refuses to accept Tomás as his own son, the boy drifts down a fateful path of adventure and self-discovery, illuminating how rainbows can shine around–and within–us all.
http://www.amazon.com/Shine-Rainbows-Connie-Nielsen/dp/B004IY6A0S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301722804&sr=8-1
AND
ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES 2 & 3 THE NEW MINIMOY ADVENTURES
Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) returns as Arthur, joined by the voice talents of Snoop Dogg, will.i.am, Fergie and Selena Gomez (Ramona and Beezus.
Arthur 2 – The Revenge of Maltazard: Arthur (Highmore) travels back to the Minimoy world and joins forces with his old friend Max (Snoop Dogg) and the feisty Princess Selenia (Gomez) only to discover the evil Maltazard is up to his old tricks.
Arthur 3 – The War of Two Worlds: Arthur (Highmore) and Selenia (Gomez) chase Maltazard into the human world, where an army of giant mosquitoes sets off an epic battle between two kingdoms!
http://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Invisibles-Minimoy-Adventures-Blu-ray/dp/B004TAJSOQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1301722845&sr=1-1
AND
Barney – mother goose collection
Come along with Barney™, Baby Bop™ and BJ™ on a magical and music-filled journey into the land of Mother Goose. Join the fun and sing along as classic nursery rhymes like Hickory Dickory Dock, Humpty Dumpty, London Bridge and more come to life!
http://www.amazon.com/Barney-Mother-Goose-Collection/dp/B004HGCNBM/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301722912&sr=1-1-fkmr1
AND
Strawberry Shortcake:  Puttin’ On The Glitz
Fabulous new fashions, sparkling musical ‘Glamicures’ and delightful new ‘Do’s’ have Strawberry and her friends ‘Puttin’ on the Glitz’! But, all that dazzles quickly unravels with misunderstanding… until the girls find creative and kind ways to be honest with their feelings… and with their friends. It’s heart-to-heart makeover magic… as the girls learn that nothing looks as beautiful as friendship feels!
http://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Shortcake-Puttin-Glitz/dp/B004JIGEFY/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1301722953&sr=1-1
 
 
OPEN HOUSES at BUBBIE’S BACKYARD
Sun. April 3rd from 10am-noon (Rachel Seidel music at 10:30am)
Sun. May 1st  from  2:30pm-4:30pm (Rachel Seidel at 3:00pm)
FREE STORY/PLAY DAYS from 9:30-11:00 AM
Thurs. April 7th / Fri. April 22nd / Thurs. May 12th / Thurs. May 26thRSVP: bubbiesbackyard@aol.com
BUBBIE’S BACKYARD (LIC. 19717317) is a kosher, eco-friendly, small school where every child blossoms. Every child is unique, competent, strong & knowledgeable. Getting messy, making mistakes, & taking risks develops a healthy sense of self. Children learn best through inquiry/play-based opportunities that inspire natural curiosity, imagination, & creativity. 2-5 year olds.

 

Need a Girls Night Out(or In) with your Friends? Book a Romance or Pole Party!
Spice up any party! Email Patty to book or to get more information at patty1198@hotmail.com. Mention Jen’s list and you will receive a Pink Toy Box FREE just for booking a party with a retail value of $40! Interested in becoming a Romance Specialist? Click http://partygalpatty.blogspot.com/ for more information.
www.partygalpatty.com
 
 
Home school parent starting a childrens’ dance class
Professional dance teacher at Cal. State Univ., Northridge and homeschool parent (CAVA) is looking for boys and girls interested in learning social dances such as swing, salsa, tango in a homeschool environment for free! Great for building physical skills as well as artistry & musicality. Fun way to exercise. Email bethana55@earthlink.net if you are interested. Bethana has two children and would like to begin a dance class for them to participate in.
 
 
Do you need help with your child’s behavior issues?
If your child struggles with making friends, bullying, academics, unwillingness to attend school, lack of attention at home or in the classroom, fighting with siblings and/or parents, eating/toileting/sleeping issues, they can help. At Behavior Therapy Solutions, they provide in home behavior support systems for all children in WLA, SFV, SGV, SCV and other areas. For info and free consult, call (818) 217-5743 or email info@behaviortherapysolutions.com.
www.behaviortherapysolutions.com     
 
 
Boogie Time w/ Groovy David
A first time parent and me class that explores the music that moves us!  Boogie Time’s goal is to expose your little one to the wonders of music, while letting them express themselves through creative movement.  Your child will be introduced to 6 genres of music such as 50’s, 70’s disco and much more.  Gather a group and we bring the party to you!  All you need is an open space to jump and a power source.  Class designed for children ages 2 and up. For more information or to set up a class please contact Tiffany Levy at tiffany@totaltalentsolution.com or 818-554-8652