Sunday June 9 2013

Academic Achievers is offering FREE PSAT/SAT/ACT or ISEE Diagnostic
Assessment Tests

Sat., June 22nd

Academic Achievers’ exceptional, comprehensive preparation process provides a more customized approach to test preparation.

They will equip your student with top-notch strategies and quick, efficient problem solving techniques.

They combine at-home visits with full-length practice exams at their Santa Monica facility.

Academic Achievers was given an SBA award this year as one of the fastest growing businesses in LA.

Although the practice test is FREE, you must RSVP. Call (310) 883-5810.

www.academic-achievers.com

 

 

Today in History

Disney’s Donald Duck makes his debut. (1934)

www.history.com/this-day-in-history

 

 

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.  

DEVELOPMENTAL Skill Definition, SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: bonding, building relationships, appreciating differences, self-esteem, self-expression, responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, curiosity, motivation, persistence, self-control.

THE CRITICAL WINDOW during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for “SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: STRESS RESPONSE” development is birth to about 3 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.

Some Social/Emotional: STRESS RESPONSE tidbits:

*  STAY WITH Toddler when someone new is around.  Encourage strangers to approach slowly.

*  INTRODUCE strangers by name (indicates familiarity), and let your child explore someone new feeling safe with you nearby.

*  KEEP DANGEROUS OBJECTS out of Toddler’s reach and safe ones within it – this minimizes your running around saying ‘NO’ every time he touches something that could harm him.

Next week – “Social/Emotional: STRESS RESPONSE” Pt. 9

Comment to msmarm@roadrunner.com

 

 

Fresh Dish – a new affordable personal chef service

Fresh Dish is a new, on demand personal chef service! With only 24 hours notice, we can have a chef in your kitchen to make dinner for the family, help you throw a spontaneous dinner for friends, make meals to enjoy throughout the week.  With a network of culinary rock stars, the most inspired (and healthy!) recipe collections and a team of dinner coordinators at the ready, Fresh Dish can turn any day into a special occasion you can enjoy.  $25 off for first time Jen’s list customers!

www.Freshdish.com

 

 

Finally…You Can Throw a Really, Trendy, Stylish, & Original Party: Just Like You

Beatbox is the real party. The beatbox truck is equipped with the top of the line DJ sound and lightening equipment, Interactive LED dance floor, club lighting system, fog machine, DJ booth, Karaoke, Flatscreen TV and state of the art pro-audio system. The beatbox staff will manage your party so you can enjoy and relax. They offer a flax rate of $175/hour with a two-hour minimum. For the maximum Beatbox party experience, they suggest that you plan you party for 1.5 hours of dance club mode and 40 minutes of Karoke mode. One of their most unique features allows you to create your own personalized party playlist. (855) 692-3282

www.Beatboxparty.com

 

 

LA Cactus/Succulent Soc. Drought Tolerant Free Plant Festival

Today, Sunday, June 9th from 9am-4pm
Today is “KIDS’ DAY” with arts and crafts, creating a Father’s Day gift, pot-a-plant, games, display from the Turtle and Tortoise Club and The Future Rock Rockhounds of America. Learn how landscaping with drought tolerant plants can save money and water. Plant sale/show and workshops with guest speakers, Plant Society displays, classes, a touchable garden, an under-the-sea display, silent auction, craft sales. Sepulveda Garden Center

16633 Magnolia Boulevard in Encino, 91436 – Free parking
http://www.lacactus.com/JuneShow.html

 

 

CPR & First Aid Certification with Free Childcare
Saturday, June 15th from 9am-1pm

Little Acorns Grow is offering a 4 hour CPR and First Aid class to parents, caregivers and teachers. This class will include child and infant CPR and first aid information. They will also be providing free childcare for kids over 12 months in their green outdoor space during the class. Don’t miss this great opportunity! Limited space is available so be sure to reserve your seat early! Cost $75/single or $120/couple. Call (818) 779-1099 or email littleacornsgrow@yahoo.com to sign up.
www.littleacornsgrowclasses.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/cpr-and-first-aid-class/

 

Your Jr. Chef can make Easy BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs

It’s never too early to start on the road to becoming a grill master! This oven-to-grill method can be done in stages, so there’s no need to baby-sit the ribs. First, coat them with a sweetly spiced rub after removing membrane on back (step-by-step pix), then roast in the oven in foil packets (pix) while you make a simple barbecue sauce. You can prepare to this point up to 2 days ahead. When ready to serve, throw the ribs on the grill, brush (pastry or bbq basting brush) with sauce, and let the heat turn the sauce into a sticky glaze. Can you see all those sticky fingers around the table? Parental supervision.

http://www.chow.com/recipes/30741-easy-bbq-baby-back-pork-ribs

 


What You Need to Know About  Doulas, Midwives, & Natural Childbirth

One of Embracing Babies’ articles is featured on the homepage of YourTango. In an interview with Debbie Benton, a certified midwife assistant, birthing and postpartum doula with 15 years of experience, she answers all of those questions from parents-to-be.
www.yourtango.com/experts/michelle-smith-embracing-babies/what-you-should-know-about-doulas-midwives-natural-childbirt

 

 

Improv & Sketch Comedy Summer Camps for Ages 4-16
Studio LOL is now enrolling for all 2013 summer camps and classes. Students will spend the summer studying improv and sketch comedy at Studio LOL’s brand new location in Studio City. Ages 4-16, all levels welcome, especially beginners! Classes meet once a week for an 8-week session, while camps meet for an entire week (M-F) from 9am to 2pm. Schedules are available on the school’s website. Studio LOL was recently named “Best Improv Classes for Kids” by Los Angeles Magazine.
www.studioLOL.com

 

 

New Online Children’s Clothing Store-New & Gently Loved

Just Opened! Consignment Mama is a new online store selling new and gently loved children’s clothing newborn through age 6. They hunt out the deals so you don’t have to! Take 20% off your first order for the first twenty Jen’s List Subscribers using code: JENSLIST.
www.consignmentmama.com

 

International Health & Fitness Club for Women: Join an Amazing Women’s Health, Fitness & Empowerment Group, Learn How to Live a Healthy Life
The Bikini Booty Club is an international health, fitness, and lifestyle brand that teaches women from all over the world how to live healthy active lifestyles. They provide a variety of tools for members to accomplish their goals in a fun, social environment. They meet every Saturday or Sunday and do a variety of events: beach workouts,cycling, pilates, yoga hikes, beach days, healthy dining out, pool days. They are a fun, welcoming group of women. Please click the link for their next active event.
www.meetup.com/Bikini-Booty-Club-BBC/

 

 

Vendors Wanted: Free, CITYFEST
Saturday, June 15th at 11am

Downtown Ventura, Plaza Park
In honor of the upcoming music week in Ventura, CityFest will be offering free Vendor Booths. Music, Kids activities, Arts Food Trucks!! Email LoniLaLa888@aol.com if you are interested.

 


Community Meeting on Common Core Standards in California Schools

Monday, June 10that 6pm
CVUSD superintendent Jeff Baarstad and the CVUSD school board invite parents and teachers to a Community Forum on Common Core. The Monday meeting is in Thousand Oaks, but Common Core is coming to every district in California. What will it be like to have one size fits all nationalized education standards? Detroit has a reading proficiency of 7% and math proficiency of 4% when some California districts are at 90%. Information and RSVP at www.Dolz.com or (805) 371-7500.
www.dolz.com

 

Clean Out Your Closets For The Woodland Hills: Tarzana Chamber of Commerce
Sunday, June 23rd from 8am-2pm
A day of donating at The Absolute Yoga and Pilates Studio parking lot! Welcoming all donations- everything from clothes to e-waste is fair game. All proceeds will go to The Woodland Hills- Tarzana Chamber of Commerce. As a token of appreciation, they are offering 2 complimentary classes available to those who donate. Join them for yoga at 8:30am or pilates/fitness at 9:30 am on Sunday, June 23rd. Call (818) 226-0695 or e-mail theabsoluteyoga@sbcglobal.net with questions.

 

The Playroom Sherman Oaks: June Specials 

The Playroom Sherman Oaks- “The Hot Spot for Tots” Now offering extended Summer Hours. Monday – Friday 10am -7pm all Summer long. Also come on in on Wednesdays and play for just $6. Adults must wear forget socks. (not valid with any other specials or discounts. not valid for play card holders)

14392 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, at the SE Corner Ventura/Beverly Glen

(818) 784-7529
www.theplayroomvalley.com

Pure Barre Sherman Oaks Grand Opening Party
Thursday, June 27th from 6:30pm- 8pm

13559 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks
Join Pure Barre Sherman Oaks for its grand opening party. Drinks, appetizers, raffles, and giveaways. Discounts on class packages! Valet parking in the back behind the studio. Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective way to change the shape of your body! Come check out what we’re all about!
www.purebarre.com

 

 

Yak: 365, An Email Hub For Kids

Providing a safe environment that allows kids to communicate via email from an “approved” list of family and friends.

*Kids can only receive an email from contacts on the approved list.
*If the “sender” is not on the list, the parent/guardian gets a notification requesting permission.
*Parents can select if the child’s email may or may not receive attachments like: images and/or documents.
*Parents can monitor emails.
Finally a great idea in email for kids!  Use promo code=JPROM.

www.yak365.com

 

Feeling Like You Need to Keep Up With Today’s Fast Paced Technology:

Now you can! Perfect Your Skills With Apple Products – Receive personal training on your Apple products and learn more than you ever thought possible on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Tracie Karasik will work with you to create a curriculum tailored to your goals, learning style and experience. She worked for Apple, Inc. for 3.5 years and has a B.A. in film from CSUN. She is knowledgable, professional & consults in SF and Conejo Valley. Call (805) 558-0188 or email tracie@tlkmultimedia.com to schedule your 1st lesson!

www.tlkmultimedia.com

 

Private Swimming Lessons with Mira

Always wanted to learn how to swim, but never bothered? Start the summer off right! Want to ensure water safety on your next trip? Looking for a fun way to get fit? Private swim lessons are directed to your specific needs at any pool of your choice. With over 10 years of experience with all ages and skill levels. Mira is certified in first aid, AED, lifeguard, WSI, pool op, and EMT. She has a BS in neuropsychology and is studying toward her MD. Email mirabreitstein@gmail.com with any questions and to schedule lessons!

 

Share the Performing Arts With Your Family With the Hollywood Fringe Festival’s Free Fringe Family

Sundays June 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 11am-3pm
Hollywood Fringe Central Station 

6314 Santa Monica Boulevard

A hub of fun shows and activities to delight the young and young-at-heart. They’ll feature performances, music, magic, storytelling, workshops, craft tables, princess lessons by Cinderella, and so much more fun for kids of all ages. All shows are family friendly with experienced performers, and all are free!

http://hff13.org/1439

 


Individual & Group Piano Lessons
Veronika has a B.A. and M.A. in music and 21 years’ experience teaching piano. She has taught at the Connecticut School of Music, Santa Monica Academy of Music, Hollywood Academy of Music, and is now accepting students at her home studio in Santa Monica. Group Piano Lessons: $120/student (6 lessons, 3-4 students)
www.veronikaspianostudio.blogspot.com/

 

MommysWithCancer Support Group
A free support group in the San Fernando Valley open to women who not only face the challenges of parenting, but do so during and following treatment for Cancer. This is a great way for women to learn current, credible information and tips on coping with day-to-day difficulties under these circumstances. This group meets on the second Saturday of the month at a home in Northridge. Childcare is provided at no cost. Contact Marta Blum at (818) 326-0675 or marta@mommyswithcancer.org for more information.
www.MommysWithCancer.org

 


Come Cheer With ElatiCheer
July 8th-July 27th
A fun-filled week of cheerleading during the summer. They have tailored our Summer Camp programs for the beginner to advanced cheerleader. They will focus on jumps, motions and tumbling skills specific to cheerleading. During camp, campers will learn proper cheerleading motions and jumps. Campers will work on tumbling skills specific to cheerleading. Also, campers will learn cheers, stunts and a routine which will be performed for parents on the last day of camp.
www.YoYoElastiCheer.com

 

 

KidzCity Has All the Entertainment That Kids Want

KidzCity in Woodland Hills grand opening June 25th-30th. They are open Mondays through Thursdays from 10am-4pm, Fridays 3-8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-7pm. There are free activities and special discounted rates. A secured, video monitored Play Center for kids 1yr -12yrs. Computer Games, XBox, Wii, Art & Crafts. Fridays & Saturdays are Parents Nights Out! Offering birthday parties, summer camp, after school care, tutoring. Call (818) 887-7516 or visit www.kidzcity.us.

 

 

Children’s Theatre & Improvisation Classes ACT Established 1980
From June – August 2013
All children ages 6-15 are invited to join the Agoura Children’s Theatre, Est. 1980. 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 available. Call (818) 225-1459 to reserve a spot in ACT.
www.agourachildrenstheatre.com

 

Developmental Milestones Summer Social
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30-11am starting July 8th-Aug 2nd
A fun summer social where your child will be able to engage in activities that promote social awareness, engagement and skills that will help support your child in meeting new friends and having opportunities to socialize during the summer break! Activities will be based around therapeutic support that encourage effective communication, interpersonal/social and coping skills.For more information,email eileen@cdmtherapy.com or call to RSVP your spot at (818) 203-5063.
www.cdmtherapy.com 

 

Are Your Medical Insurance Rates Out Of Control? Do You Have Questions About Healthcare Reform?

Jeremy Licht is an independent medical and life insurance expert who has helped thousands of individuals, families, and companies find plans that fit both their needs and their budget.  Let him do the same for you. He works with all the major companies and knows their plans inside and out.  Contact him today at (818) 762-5947 or jeremy@jlcapitalmanagement.com.  All information is kept strictly personal and confidential. 

www.jlcapitalmanagement.com

 

One-Of-A-Kind Handmade Father’s Day Cards For A Cause
Give the fathers, grandfathers, and father-figures in your life a card that represents who they are and also gives back!  atiliay’s block printed cards are available in a tool print, kitchen print, ways to say dad print, and a sports print, all hand pulled onto hand cut and folded cards. $1 from every card will be used to fund micro-loans through Kiva.org to help fathers around the world support their families and grow their businesses! Help spread the love this holiday!
www.etsy.com/shop/atiliay

 

House Sitter Lead

Theylove animals! Their services will ensure that your pets feel safe and loved when you are not able to be with them! They also guarantee the safety of your house and possessions from any threat of burglary by making sure that your house appears lived in!Pet services include:
*Feeding
*Walking
*Overnight & extended stays 
*Spending time with your animal & giving affection
*Updates via text messages, emails, and pictures

Email gettingsmama@aol.com for more information.

 

 

Health & Wellness Delivered to Your Door: Work at Home or Just Shop!

Are health and wellness important to you? How about saving time and money? What about having a positive impact on the Earth? Want to earn an additional stream of reliable income from home? 
With Melaleuca, you get it all! They are a responsible US manufacturing company that makes eco friendly consumable products. Try the brand, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  To schedule an appointment to see an overview of the store and/or business email Leslie at lmlauten@gmail.com.

 

 

Home Cleaning Business serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas

Amber Maids is a house and apartment cleaning service that is making it easy, convenient, and fun to clean your home. The professional maids bring their own eco-friendly supplies and will take care of any special requests, such as pets who may be at home during cleaning. They offer a 200% money back guarantee, which means that if you’re not pleased with your cleaning then they will re-clean for free, and if you’re still not happy then they will refund your money. You can book online.

www.ambermaids.com

 

 

When You Were A Kid Vs. Kids Today

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicamisener/when-you-were-a-kid-vs-kids-today?s=mobile

 

 

Talia J. Photography: For Any Life Event

Recommended by Jen’s List Member Banitag@aol.com
Talia specializes in wedding, engagement, newborn and family shots. She is beyond talented, easy to work with and her prices are very reasonable. Talia is deaf but uses her other senses to compensate and it definitely shows in her photos. She is easy to communicate with. She reads lips and speaks well.
Text her at (818) 357-7687 or email taliajphotography@gmail.com.
www.taliajphotography.com

 

Milan Soccer Academy Tryouts & Summer Camp

Looking for highly athletic boys who love playing Soccer and are passionate in Developing/Training their soccer skills through the Techniques developed from the historic club AC Milan. They are looking for Boys in the age groups for Under-9 (Born between Aug 1, 2004-July 31, 2005) and Under-11 (Born between Aug 1, 2002-July 31, 2003). They also have a summer camp coming up soon. Visit http://milansocal.com for details.

Show Biz Kids: Summer Acting Camp, Ages 6-12 With a Focus on Film+TV

From July 8th-19th from 9am-2pm

Price $250 1 week or $450 2 weeks. Take one or two sessions! Camp is 5 days a week. Late pick up is  available until 3pm. Kids will receive expert instruction in Interview & Audition technique, Breaking down audition scenes, Commercial Auditioning, Improv and more! Each child will go home with a video demo scene suitable for sending to agents or putting on Breakdown Services.
www.valleyactors.com