Monday January 25 2016

Upholstery Slipcovers L.A.
Upholster your sofa (7-8ft, fabric included) – $699
Slipcover your sofa (7-8ft, fabric included) – $599
Free in home consultation. Over 1000 fabrics in stock for you too choose from. Special bonus – free SCOTCHGARD!
MANY happy Jens List members!
Call 818-539-4561 or email fabricsupfront@gmail.com.
 
 
Today in History
Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
Opposite Day
The first Winter Olympic games begin in Chamonix, France. (1924)
The first Emmy awards were given out. (1949)
 
 
Gangster Gardeners, Gifts for Kids in Shelters, & Sweet Treats Help Animals in Need
#GiveBackNews is a new social media local broadcast dedicated to highlighting those who are giving back in the LA area, making our community a better place to work and live. Watch this week’s #GiveBackNews at https://youtu.be/W1OicPNYeDM. Former television news reporter and anchor Stephanie Abrams started #GiveBackNews to celebrate those making a difference in our community with stories that invite participation by volunteering, or by joining the broadcast and sharing their GiveBack stories. Stephanie heads up GiveBackPR, working exclusively with charities and nonprofits, with the same goal of “making a difference one story at a time.” Visit www.GiveBackNews.com to share your story or to get involved.
 

Special Event Icon  DADLY Rally Debuts In LA: $1,000 Reward for Good Dad
March 19th
DADLY Rally will debut Saturday, March 19th at the beautiful Kellogg Center on the Cal Poly Pomona Campus in Pomona. They invite dads who share their passion for parenting; and would like to raise their dad game to join us in celebrating dads as parents! The DADLY Rally will also award one dad with a $1,000 cash prize for serving as a good role model dad. The dad we select will be based on the Moms Essay Contest Rules posted on the Agenda/Registration Page at www.dadlyrally.com.
 

Stress Less
We recently read a startling article in the NY Times, called: Is the Drive for Success Making Our Children Sick?” by Vicki Abeles. The take-away from this article is that stress at school is making kids sick: “54 percent of students (middle and high school) showed moderate to severe symptoms of depression”. This is very scary and clearly can affect our families.
http://grandparentingplus.blogspot.com/
 
 
The Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University presents Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends
Now-April 3rd
This exhibition is provided by Bank of America’s Art in our Communities program. This exhibition features over 80 works from his silkscreen portfolios. It includes some of his best-known images such as the Campbell Soup Cans, Flowers, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century, the Wicked Witch, and Uncle Sam. Free admission.
 
 
Buddy Benches Build Friendship And Connection Nationwide
 
 
Looking for a Labor Doula?
Lauren Ryan and Elizabeth Bedolla work shifts as a doula. Clients get double the expertise & have a well rested doula. They offer physical & emotional support, technical knowledge & navigate the hospital world. Take the pressure off your partner by having an experienced birth professional make your birth the best it can be. It does not matter if you want to avoid medication or get an epidural, Lauren and Elizabeth will help make the transition from pregnancy to parenthood a positive experience.
 
 
Birthday Party? Material Grrlz Sewing does all the work so mom can relax and actually enjoy the day
They bring the party to you, sewing machines, fabric and all the materials a designer would need. Visit www.materialgrrlz.com for more info and see what kids are sewing.  Email Yolanda@materialgrrlz.com or call 818-723-1164.
 
 
The Top 10 Family Vacation Destinations For the Ultimate Getaway in 2016
 
 
It’s Couple’s Portrait Season
If you’re looking for that special Valentine’s Day gift for your spouse or loved one, Jodi Jacobs Photography is especially excited to photograph those busy moms and dads who need to make more time for each other. If you book now, you’ll receive $100 off your session fee! Contact jodi@jodijacobsphotography.com for more info.Some of Jodi’s past couples:
http://www.jodijacobsphotography.com/p466992007.
 
 
Professional Writing Services for Websites & Articles
A seasoned writer with over a decade of experience is offering writing services for website content, blogs and other needs. Whether you need to tell your story on your website, or want to attract a new audience to your online business – writing can help you SEO (search engine optimization) and increase sales. Contact bestwritingservices1@gmail.com for a free quote!
 
 
Bully Defense Workshop (ages 5-12)
Saturdays at XplosiveFit Martial Arts in West Hills
In the Bully Defense Workshop, we teach students:
-To recognize bullies & not become their victims
-To carry themselves with confidence, to set & respect personal boundaries, & to be assertive when seeking help
-How to use martial arts defensive skills (as a last resort)
-The characteristics of bullying & red flags to look for
-How to stay cool under pressure
Call 818-880-7813 or click https://form.jotform.com/XplosiveFit/BullyDefense to register.
 
 
Celebrate Trees & Nature at Shalom Institute’s Tu B’Shvat Nature Festival
Sunday, January 31st from 11am-4pm
Tu B’Shvat is the Birthday of Trees and, at Shalom Institute in Malibu this nature-focused holiday with Family fun! Enjoy nature crafts, Tu B’Shvat Seder, awesome music, gardening, time with our animals, and much more! You will also learn about our 200 year-old Holocaust Torah, which we are restoring. Meet the Sofer (Scribe) and take a turn scribing a letter in this special Torah. $5 if you pay in advance, $10 at the gate. Kids 3 and under free. Wear your Camp JCA t-shirt and get in for free!
 
 
Eggshells As Organic Pest Control and More
 
 
Have fruit trees on your property?
Learn the basics of training and pruning your home orchard: terminology, general rules, tree-training systems, pruning tools, more. Specifics for apple, pear, sweet/sour cherry, peach, prune/plum, apricot, fig, walnut, persimmon, hazelnut, chestnut.
 
 
Date-Night Sitters & Nannies
Looking to hire a childcare provider? Busy Bee Nannies do all the hard work so you don’t have too. They interview, screen, write agreement, and place high quality child care providers that meet your needs. They are less expensive than other agencies but still bring the highest quality to you because they are passionate about child care and education.
 
 
Timeshares for sale/available
Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar – Cabo San Lucas Timeshare Available
6/4/16-6/11/16 (current reservation, though timing flexible based on availability)
Presidential suite with 2 bd/3ba (sleeps 6-8) with private spacious terrace with jacuzzi. Master w/ king bed/bath/TV. 2nd bedroom with 2 queen beds/bath/TV. A third full bath en suite. Queen sofa sleeper in living area plus a dining area and fully equipped kitchen. Beautifully manicured grounds, multiple swimming pools, restaurants and Jack Nicklaus golf course. Asking $2,000/week. Contact Wendy at pomgold@sbcglobal.net.
AND
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach timeshare for sale
15 years remaining in the contract. One week per year-no restrictions as long as there is availability. Can use at any of the 4 resorts in Cabo San Lucas or in Mazatlan. It is an executive suite. Sleeps 4-6 comfortably, has 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette. Maintenance is approximately $900/year. This year is paid. Asking price $4000. Email tpollack68@yahoo.com
 
 
New Children’s Book Celebrates Special Bond with Grandparents
“The Adventures of Camp Nana Papa,” a touching children’s book about two children, Nick and Sarah and their friend Flash the Firefly™ enjoying a fun-filled weekend with their grandparents at Camp Nana Papa! This hardback book is the first in a beautifully illustrated series, bringing Nick’s, Sarah’s, and Flash’s adventures to life, as they swim, run, play, go to the zoo, roast marshmallows and more! It includes six keepsake pages to personalize and preserve special memories for each grandchild.
 
 
First Fridays: Big Screen, Bigger Science
Friday, February 5th from 5-10pm
Kick off the First Fridays season with us as we explore science in film! Hear Spiros Michalakis and Alex Wild discuss the body mechanics of everyone’s favorite superheroes with moderator Patt Morrison. Roam the Museum afterhours with a cocktail in hand, check out behind-the-scenes tours, our all-night DJ lounge, and performances by The Hood Internet, Boulevards, and Mark Redito aka Spazzkid. Online Registration Required. Members are FREE and Non-Members are $18.
 
 
Hiring Women Who Enjoy Parties, Cocktails, & Luxurious Products
Looking for 2 part-time or full-time Style Ambassadors to join my team & rep the India Hicks Collection of stylish luxury products (view collection at http://www.indiahicks.com/rep/trishconverse). This opportunity will only be available for a short time, so don’t wait to get involved in this life changing career. The company is only a year old, growing rapidly, & positions will be filled. You’ll be part of an exclusive group of dynamic women who support the local team, the business, make money & have a blast while doing it! Call Trish at 818-438-4138) or email triciaconverse@sbcglobal.net for more info.
 
 
Tutor Leads
Reading tutor for elementary school children
With a Masters degree in Education from Columbia University, this experienced tutor specializes in helping K-6th grade students improve reading and writing skills, including homework assistance. Hourly sessions are available weekly or bi-weekly in the comfort of your home. Call (818-630-9743) to discuss your child’s needs and to set up a free initial consultation.
AND
K-5 Tutor available in Calabasas and Agoura
Parents, if you have a child in grades K-5 needing extra help in reading and/or math, Michelle is a credentialed teacher available to help your child Friday afternoons and weekend mornings. She has 2 daughters attending schools in LVUSD. Email Michelle at mnemes@me.com.
AND
Professional Private Tutor Available to Meet Your Child’s Needs
Is your child having difficulty keeping up in class or are you trying to get ahead? The Valley Tutors, LLC is a private tutoring company servicing the Greater Los Angeles County and Ventura County. Each private tutor is matched with the learner based on the tutor’s competence in the subject and similarities between tutor-learner personality and learning styles. Visit www.thevalleytutors.com to learn more and schedule a free assessment today.
 
 
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken-Wild Rice Soup
1-min video. Ingredients slow-cook from raw: wild rice, basmati rice, chicken breast, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay, chicken broth, seasonings. After 4 hrs on high or 7-8 hrs on low, remove chicken, shred, and return to pot. Make easy béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk), and stir into soup. Soul-warming.
 
 
Home & Office Organizing Simplified & Affordable
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with clutter, paper, & desire a filing system that’s easy to use & maintain. If there’s any rooms in your living space creating havoc or could use some TLC & having peace of mind is important to you, Tara Christopher is your gal! She can help you simplify & organize any area of your living space. New clients – 50% off 1st session. $100/4hr minimum. $100 savings off regular rates.
 
 
Lewis & Bark- On The Trails And To The Park
At Lewis & Bark they believe a tired dog is a happy dog. That is why they offer daily group hikes, dog park trips, and individual walks. They also offer boarding and house sitting. The staff is bonded and insured, professional, and best of all – LOVE their job! You can feel confident knowing that your dog is being exercised, socialized, and loved when you are away. Call 310-980-2325 or email samantha@lewis-bark.com for more information or to schedule a free in home consultation.
www.lewis-bark
 
 
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 weekly on Jen’s List since 2010. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
3- to 6-month-old SKILL DEVELOPMENT discussion:
*  Q: What do we mean by Developmental Skills? 
    A: (in no special order) tactile, auditory, visual, gross 
    and fine motor, social/emotional, creativity, life skills, 
    language and vocabulary, math/logic 
    (thinking/learning) and music.
*  BEGIN to build a “learning library” of “developmental 
    learning tools” designed to grow as Baby grows:
    –  consider choosing toys (learning tools) with multiple 
          features and developmental skill elements that 
          stimulate Baby AND (your future) Toddler AND 
          Preschooler;
    –  ex. Baby may stack 2 blocks at 6 months old, and 
          structural creations with lots of blocks can be built
          later.
*  HANDS are amazing things! (tactile, visual, fine 
    motor, social/emotional, thinking/learning)
    –  Now that hands are no longer clenched, 
          reach and explore – 
          .. fingers can be sucked.
          .. toys can be grasped (safe, light objects of
              grasping size with different textures).
*  WRISTS!
    –  rotate to inspect a “learning tool” (toy) from all 
          sides.
    –  help in passing a toy back and forth between 
          hands.
Comments to msmarm@roadrunner.com.
Next week – “Developmental Learning Tools for 3- to 6-mo-olds, pt. 2”