February 29 2016

Great Offer On Custom Orthotics- Check out Footcare Orthotics USA’s Facebook Page
For just $45*, Footcare Orthotics USA is offering custom orthotics worth $300. These orthotics are tailor-made for your feet, your shoes, your job, and whatever sport you play. In exchange, they need you to fill out a short questionnaire to help them perfect their custom service. The high-quality orthotics allow people to live without foot pain. The first step is to take the questionnaire at https://goo.gl/6a8KGc or contact jackie@footcareorthotics-usa.com. You can earn back $35+ by sending 2 videos & referrals.
 
 
Today in History
Yellowstone becomes the 1st National Park (1872)
Leap Day – it occurs once every 4 years
 
 
Boost Confidence, Build Understanding, Earn Great Grades with StudyShop Tutoring
What PARENTS are saying about StudyShop:
StudyShop has tutored my daughter in Geometry and Algebra 2. Charles and his staff are awesome people. StudyShop is a wonderful resource and we are pleased with the results.” ~ Lisa D.
Doug is truly amazing with kids and getting them to learn in a way they understand. Our son has ADHA so it was no small task. You won’t be disappointed with StudyShop.” – Kristen M.
Give your child the gift of INSPIRATION. Contact charles@studyshop.org or 310-845-9130.
 
 
Applying to Private School Next Year? Join Us for Free ISEE Practice Test + Panel Discussion
April 16th, May 21st or June 18th in Santa Monica
Academic Achievers is hosting a free diagnostic practice test plus presentation and discussion to answer all your questions about the application process and the ISEE exam. The discussion will be led by Dr. Lauren Rubin, ISEE Test Director, Rob Stone, Application Specialist, and Jamie Bakal, private school consultant and founder of LA School Mates. Refreshments will be served. It is free but you must RSVP. Space is limited. RSVP to (310)883-5810.
 
 
LA County Fire Dept Lifeguard Division Junior Lifeguard Program
Session 1: June 27th-July 29th(No JGs on July 4th, 15th, & 22nd)
Session 2: August 1st-August 27th
The Junior Guard Program is offered to all boys and girls in Los Angeles County. The program is designed to instruct youth (ages 9 through 17) in beach and ocean skills.  The program provides instruction in water safety, swimming, body surfing, surfing, physical conditioning, competition skills, first aid, lifesaving, rescue techniques, CPR and the use of professional lifesaving equipment.
 
 
Awesome Facialist Lead
Bonnie Burgess’ vision, the owner and skin care therapist of Cella Skin Care, is to marry the effective result-oriented approach of a skin care clinic with the healing, restorative, holistic feel of a luxury day spa in perfect balance. Her goal is to have each client leave feeling restored in body, mind, and spirit. Each client has very individual goals for the treatment of their skin and it is her commitment to meet these needs & exceed their expectations. She offers many different facials including Lactic Acid Peel & Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion. I HIGHLY recommend!
818-623-7333
23548 Calabasas Rd. Suite 205 in Calabasas, 91302
 
 
Grand Opening Infant Toddler Center in Malibu ‘The Family Room’
March 13th
Gan Malibu Early Childhood Center is proud to announce the opening of their new infant/toddler center. They are accepting applications for children 3-24 months and will be open to the community. The new “Family Room” will also house the Parenting Center offering a menu of programs and seminars on hot topics and issues relating to parenting and early childhood education. For further information, contact sarah@ganmalibu.com.
 
 
Pregnant? Have a New Baby? FREE Community Event: Birth, Baby, and Bonding Expo
Saturday, March 19th from 11am-2pm
In honor of World Doula Week, Doulas of Santa Clarita Valley invites you to join them for an afternoon of support, shopping, swag bags, food, education, raffle prizes, and “doula speed dating”. This event will also benefit the non-profit, The BIRTH Foundation which provides free and low-cost midwifery care and doula support to military and low-income families. Go to www.birthbabybondingexpo.com to register by March 10th and receive a free swag bag and raffle ticket (one per family).
 
 
Valley Jewish Community Center-Summer 2016 JCC Maccabi Games
Do you know a teen who would like to participate next summer in the Maccabi Games? Teams from the Valley Jewish Community Center will be going to the Games in Columbus, Ohio and Stamford, Connecticut. Tennis, Soccer and more! Contact Phil Benditson at vjccmaccabi@valleyjcc.org or the Center at 818-360-2211 for more information.
 
 
Girl Empowerment, Play and Support Group
Girl Group started nearly 2 years ago. It’s a weekly Girl Empowerment Group. The group we all wish we had growing up! A weekly time and space to receive feedback that “I’m ok” with navigating school, friendship and parents (plus our changing minds, emotions & bodies). Enrolling now for the Spring series, plus weekend works and Summer Camps. They also offer Girl Scout and school workshops at your location or theirs. Registration and additional information can be found at www.girlgroup.us.
 
 
Electric Run Recharged 2016
Saturday, March 26th at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
Heart-pumping music along the entire course, electric lights and lasers, five new dance party zones, ELECTROBANDs-an illuminating LED bracelet that automatically syncs with the music-and an epic after party with even more eclectic features. Waiting at the finish line will be an epic after party with a live DJ, light show, dance floor and multiple food and drink vendors. The Electric Run in San Diego will benefit Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence, a San Diego non-profit that works to educate communities on the dangers of domestic violence, connect victims and survivors, and assist in the transformation of those affected by domestic violence.
 
 
“Spring and Passover Cleaning & Organizing Special”
Got dust? Feeling disorganized? Got Chametz? Pearl Concierge cleans and organizes every room in your home…the garage too! It’s time for our Annual “Spring and Passover Cleaning & Organizing Special.” Book 3 hours with Pearl Concierge and receive the 4th hour FREE. Work must be completed by April 21st. Visit the Yelp page to see what their happy clients are saying –
 http://www.yelp.com/biz/pearl-concierge-services.
 
 
Oak Park Neighborhood School Snow Carnival
This coming Saturday March 5th from 10am-2pm at Oak Hills Elementary
Featuring 25 tons of real snow, bouncers, face painting, balloon animals, carnival games, silent auction and story time with the Snow Queen! Admission: $5 per person / kids under 2 are free. Admission gives unlimited access to the snow and bouncers.
1010 Kanan Road in Oak Park, 91360
 
 
Parenting in the Digital Age of Pornography
 
 
Knitting or Netflix?
Is the recent surge of knitting and crocheting a response to the rise in technology? In addition to people reporting having a happier mood after a knitting session, using your hands meaningfully triggers healthy and engagement and activity in 60% of the brain allowing escape from stressful thoughts and allowing for internal reflection and balance. 
Some how-tos for left-handers. Basics and videos.
 
 
Belli Eye Brightening Cream
Illuminates tired eyes and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Vitamin K is scientifically reported to help reduce the appearance of dark circles, and Vitamin B3 increases circulation to help eye area look restored. Hydrates delicate skin around eyes to reduce the appearance of puffiness and cools on contact. Whether your baby is 30 days or 30 years old, you may be experiencing some sleepless nights. We hope Eye Brightening Cream can help brighten the next day. Allergy Tested. Paraben Free. No Artificial Dyes or Fragrances. LactMed Screened. OB/GYN & Dermatologist Recommended.
 
 
The Autobahn of Meditation: March Breath Circle in the San Fernando Valley
Saturday March 12th from 4-5:45pm
Breathe out the old, breathe in the Fresh! Come to a Breath Circle, a guided, group meditation using a form of breathing called ‘pranayama.’ It’s an easy-to-learn technique that helps shed negative feelings, increases endorphins and makes you feel refreshed, cleansed and happy. Done in a group, the feelings are amplified and shared. It’s a fun and heart-opening experience. $25. RSVP to (818) 989-3146 for address/directions. Private sessions also available. Contact abbe@tyrantsintherapy.com for more info.
 
 
Taking a trip with a child just got remarkably easier
The brand new YOYO+ stroller by BABYZEN is the most compact travel stroller ever (it’s lightweight enough to be flung over a parent’s shoulder like a bag) and can easily and single-handedly be folded/unfolded, while holding baby in their arms. It also is designed to accommodate baby from birth to 6+.
 
 
The 4th Annual HOPE4Kids Festival and Run
Saturday, April 23rd from 8am-2pm at the Camarillo Community Center Park
Events include a 5K, 10K and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run, festival in the park with FREE KidZone (bounce houses, face painting, climbing rock wall), Silent Auction, 50+ Vendor Booths, Food Trucks and various community performers. Attendees can visit our Foster Gallery to learn about the need for foster and adoptive families in our community. All proceeds of this event go directly to help foster youth in paying for any needs that are not covered by Medi-Cal and other organizations. Register or volunteer!
 
 
Doggies need treats, too – go homemade
Sweet potato jerky. Bake sweet potato slices on low for a few hrs.
Peanut butter pupsicles.
Peanut butter – banana cookies.
Foods dangerous for pets; includes anything with xylitol or caffeine, many pits and seeds, more.
 
 
The Hills are Alive! (with the Sound of Music!!)
March 6th at 6pm at Muvico
FREE, brought to you by the Cabrillo Music Theater
 
 
FLAYK – A free, family/life management app
Flayk is the perfect solution for moms looking to simplify juggling every kid, every sport and all the practices, gear, games, snacks and celebrations in 2016. Flayk provides a central hub for families to share calendars, tasks, events and to-do lists, taking the stress out of coordinating hectic schedules and eliminating the need for messy group texting.
 
 
Pley – the leading toy rental company. Get the coolest toys while saving money and reducing clutter
From LEGO to American Girl, drones and more. For a monthly fee, members receive unlimited toys delivered directly to their door. With Pley, your children are never bored. It’s like Christmas every month. Once they’ve finished playing with their toy, they can simply swap it out for a different toy. No more wasting money on toys that are left gathering dust on your shelves.
 
 
Storytime Singalong, Volume I
Emily Arrow has created her own musical genre — -Kidlit tunes. Emily’s whimsical and charming singalong tunes are adored by kids, parents and teachers alike. Great for ages 1-10! She is the winner of the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Competition for her children’s music, Emily’s journey started in the classroom as an elementary music teacher. She now performs at schools, libraries, and bookstores all over the country. Emily plays guitar, uke, piano, and kazoo.
 
 
Want to lose that belly fat, tone your arms and build some lean muscle?
Servando Dominguez will text you, call you and even pick you up if he has to. Do you not have the body you want simply because you haven’t been consistent in your diet and exercise? Servando will not yell at you like a drill sergeant. Instead, he will do everything he can to make your workout experience the fastest and most effective one, every time.
 
 
Your Jr. Chef can make pizza on pitas
On a pita (white or whole wheat), spread a few T pasta/pizza sauce, sprinkle on shredded cheese and your choice of toppings and herb seasonings. Consider setting up stations and letting kids make their own personal pita pizzas. You do the baking, 5-7 min. Slice and enjoy. Parental supervision. 
 
 
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.
9- to 12-month-old SKILL DEVELOPMENT discussion:
*  BY 9 or 10 mo. old, babies are usually able to creep, 
    crawl or cruise around the room, possibly walking
    with the furniture’s assistance. (gross motor, tactile,
    visual, thinking/learning)
*  BABY’S also more interested in interactive activities.
    –  Tickle him and let him tickle you back. (tactile, 
          social/emotional, thinking/learning)
    –  Make a silly noise and encourage her to imitate
          the noise; make noises back and forth. (auditory,
          social/emotional, thinking/learning)
*  USING objects as tools, she is likely pushing a ball
    with a stick or chasing the carrots around her plate
    with a spoon. (fine motor, visual, thinking/learning)
*  Q: What do we mean by Developmental Skills? 
    A: (in no special order) tactile, visual, auditory, 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 mo, and make
          structural creations with lots of blocks later.
Comments to msmarm@roadrunner.com.
Next week – “Developmental Learning Tools for 9- to 12-mo-olds, pt. 2”