[Jen's List] Monday, Dec. 14

Mon Dec 14 09:16:36 CST 2009

Today's Jens List is sponsored by 
Homemaid - A full service domestic agency
*nannies
*housekeepers
*elder-care
*live-in/live-out
Background and reference check
Placements throughout SFV and LA
Contact Michelle Weisman at 818.990.6896 for more information

Sponsor spots are filling fast for Feb. and March - If you are interested in
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the regular newsletter! 
You can choose where the Content Information you submit appears - click here
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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.  
"CREATIVITY" developmental skill definition:  imagination, ingenuity,
invention/originality, creative thinking; dramatic, visual and musical arts.
Within "creativity" are 4 main areas: art, language, music/movement and
fantasy.
THE CRITICAL WINDOW during which the circuits of the brain are being most
heavily wired for CREATIVITY is 1 year old to 4 years old with lifelong
expression.  The more opportunity children have to experience healthy,
positive and nurturing creative experiences during these critical periods,
the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
Some general CREATIVITY: ART tidbits:
.  Art is a way of expressing ideas and feelings in 2- or 3-dimentional
VISUAL FORM using  a child's use of crayons, paint, scissors, glue, play
dough and other craft materials.  (Dance and drama will come under
creativity: music/movement and creativity: fantasy.)  Remember that the
process of creating is more important than the product.  Say, "Tell me about
your picture (or about what you're doing)" rather than "What is it?"
Sometimes the final product may not be anything more than an expression of
feelings.  Post the finished "art" at the child's level so she can look at
it and appreciate it.
.  FROM 18 mo. sensory material (paint, play dough, crayons, chalk) is
important and encourages eye-hand coordination and color-awareness.  Let him
scribble and mix colors.  Supervise so he knows the right place for art -
guide him away from walls, sheets, floor.
.  WATER IS fascinating - bathtub play w/ plastic cups/scoops amuses.  No
matter how much water is in the tub, always stay with her.
.  FROM 2, play dough or clay offers experience for pounding, rolling and
squeezing (fine motor practice).  Avoid making models of clay or drawing
pictures for him to copy. He learns more by working out his own ideas, and
adult-induced items can actually hinder learning.
.  FINGERPAINTS in the bath (followed by a real bath) or colored gooey soap
is hugely entertaining!
.  RIPPING AND TEARING is a fun natural desire, so provide colored scrap
paper and old newspaper (including colored comics) to avoid having books and
magazines shredded.  Then glue scraps on cardboard to make a torn paper
collage.
.  HALF-FILL a dishpan or 2 with beans, rice or snow and, with hands and
plastic kitchen tools, let Toddler explore and practice shoveling, pouring,
dumping and funneling.  Watch her out of the corner of your eye so she
doesn't eat what she shouldn't.
.  FROM 3, some activities include using primary (blunt) scissors, drawing
(circle and face), color matching, tracing circles from objects, rocks glued
together to make animals/people/bugs (add faces with markers), sorting beans
into egg crating (red navy, small white, dried garbanzo, etc.), stringing
large buttons/beads on a shoelace, endless construction with large
snap-together components/blocks.
.  FROM 4, encourage exploration with new media (cork and wire, soda straws,
string, yarn), mix colors with paints, make a collage out of
differently-shaped/colored leaves, make play dough from a recipe, decorate a
small box (gift for mom) with macaroni and paint it.
Each of the next 3 weeks will focus on Creativity: LANGUAGE; Creativity:
MUSIC/MOVEMENT; and Creativity: FANTASY.  
Next week - "CREATIVITY: LANGUAGE"         Any ?'s - email Nancy Pyne-Hapke
at msmarm at roadrunner.com

Inspired Motherhood groups
If you are looking for a modern and progressive Mommy and Me class, look no
further than Inspired Motherhood Parent and Me groups. They were created to
meet the needs and interests of today's new parents, providing exceptional
infant and child development information as well as support and community
from the start of your life-changing journey. Groups are now enrolling for
the winter session, starting January 11th, for Beans (0-4 months), Sprouts
(5-9 months) and Buds (8-12 months). Groups are being offered in Studio
City, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood. Space is limited. You can read more
about these classes (and check out the testimonials!) at
www.inspiredmotherhood.com. You can also contact Danielle Leon, OTR/L CPCC
directly to find out more at dani at inspiredmotherhood.com

Let DJ Dean Schachtel be "The Life Of Your Next Party!"
Do you need to hire a DJ? Are you getting married, planning a birthday
party, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, school dance, High School Reunion or planning a
holiday party? DJ Dean,  has over 30 years of DJ experience and specializes
in all styles of music from Today's Top Hits to Yesterday's Favorites to
EVERYTHING in between! DJ Dean has done many events for Jen's Lists members
over the past few years! DJ Dean's rates are very affordable and he offers
packages to fit every budget and has done events for 100 to over 3000 people
at a time. DJ Dean knows how to get a dance floor going! To celebrate the
upcoming holiday season, book your next event now and receive $200 off just
by mentioning Jen's List!! Call DJ Dean today at 818-352-1661 or
818-421-6234 (cell) or via E-mail at Deanschachtel at hotmail.com to discuss
your upcoming DJ needs. Call DJ Dean Schachtel today!

Birthing Classes at Mother's Haven in January
Supported Birth classes are 4 weeks long starting January 5th from 7-10pm at
Mother's Haven in Encino. To sign up call Mother's Haven at 818-380-3111. To
learn more about the class email the instructor, Lauren Ryan at
laurensbirthclass at yahoo.com  or check out www.supportedbirthclass.com
Couples will come out of class feeling empowered and positive about birth
and that there is "no one right" way or method for giving birth.

The BEST SANTA CLAUS in L.A. is here!!! 
Wednesday, December 16th
He is coming ALL the way from the North Pole to see all our friends at
Giggles 'N' Hugs!!
Come and take your own FREE pictures with the BEST Santa in town!!!!!
He'll be visiting our beautifully holiday decorated restaurant from
4:30pm-5:30pm. 
You can take a picture or two, play a little peek a boo, and even have some
dinner too!!
We hear those sleigh-bells ringing...Santa's already on his way....
Giggles 'N' Hugs Restaurant
11701 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310)478-HUGS (4847)
www.gigglesnhugs.com 

Wagon Wheel community features an informative discussion with speakers
. Christina Simon, Co-Author, Beyond The Brochure: An Insider's Guide To
Private Elementary Schools In Los Angeles and Willows Community School
Parent
. Porcha Dodson, Co-Author, Beyond The Brochure: An Insider's Guide To
Private Elementary Schools In Los Angeles and former teaching partner and
director of diversity at the Curtis School
. Special guest appearance by mom of three at Curtis School.
Topics will include:
. The Parent Interview
. Your Child's Visiting/Testing Day
. Letters of Recommendation
. The "Waiting Period"
. When To Use The Phrase,
"If accepted, we will enroll"
. What To Do If Your Child Is Wait-listed
. And Much More!
When: Thursday, December 17, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Hancock Park Home of Wagon Wheel parent Dayna Devon Moelleken
RSVP: to Christina Simon at csimon2007 at mac.com, no later than Dec. 14th
(address provided upon RSVP)
Scrumptious drinks and appetizers will be served!
Don't miss this event if you are in the application process this year
or you plan to apply to private elementary schools next year.
* Kids Welcome. Child care Provided*
One more thing: could you add, for more information about the authors, visit
www.fatenvelopepublishing.com 

Media War-play Talk with Ruth Beaglehole 
As we enter the Holiday season we consider the influence of movies TV and
internet media on a child's developing perspective. Join us for a single
topic discussion on media and its impact on child play - Monday Dec 14th,
6-8pm Silverlake Presbyterian 2930 Hyperion Av. LA 90027 Non RS members only
$5 per person. Childcare available, please RSVP rosescharlin at yahoo.com Ruth
is the Executive Director of the Center for Nonviolent Parenting and
Education

Daniella ~ Ask the Single Parent
http://www.askthesingleparent.com <http://www.askthesingleparent.com/>  is a
blog compromised of raw, poignant, and thought provoking short stories
derived from Daniella's experiences as a divorced single parent. The blog is
Daniella's way of giving back to those who share trials and tribulations of
divorce, single parenting, and co-parentin; it is a space for those to know
they are not alone and a place for them to make comments as well. Please
visit http://www.askthesingleparent.com <http://www.askthesingleparent.com/>
once there you can "FOLLOW" the blog via NETWORKED BLOGS if you are a member
of Facebook. You can also become a "FAN" of Daniella, Ask the Single Parent
on Facebook or "FOLLOW"  her blog via Google. You can also subsribe to her
RSS feed which will automatically feed your Google homepage any time she
write a new short story - For you tweeters, please follow Daniella on
Twitter @Singlemomblog. 

Holiday Open House & Jewelry Sale
Holiday treats - both nibbles and shopping -
Tues., Dec. 15, anytime from 3 - 8 p.m., at the home of Beth Ullman:
17426 Napa St., Northridge, 818-701-6889.
Baubles for every budget.home-cooked goodies. a fun time for all
Design and make your own earrings!
All profits will go to support Rotary projects.

10 Tips for Buying Toys and Alternative Gifts for Children
Make your gifts safe, sustainable - and, of course, fun!
http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/organic-parenting/safe-toys-
47121201#ixzz0Zajru7Lr

CHANUKAH IN WINTERLAND
Porter Ranch Town Center (northwest corner of Corbin and Rinaldi)
Watch an ice sculpturer carve a large 6 foot menorah out of 500 lb block of
ice
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Music, Hot latkes, Chanukah gelt, crafts
PLAY IN THE SNOW (bring mittens!)
FREE OF CHARGE
www.ChanukahatPorterRanch.com  
Dinner will be available for a nominal fee
Sponsor by: Chabad of Chatsworth, Northridge and Porter Ranch

KISS YOUR BABY GOODNIGHT 
16 whimsical images from the series of collage art by Laurie Raskin.  Now
available - note and greeting cards by the box.  They make wonderful holiday
or hostess gifts or use them yourself to write special notes.  The images
represent a world of peace where we are all part of this wonderful planet.
A portion of all sales go to help heal our planet and support children and
the arts.  Please mention Jen's list and we will add some extra cards of
your choice to your order. 
http://www.kissyourbabygoodnight.com

Chanukah Lighting Ceremony
Temple Beth Hillel invites all who work downtown or have some free time  to
join Rabbi Sarah, Rabbi Kaufman, the Early Childhood students, the Board of
Rabbis and the LA Mayor's office for a Chanukah celebration.  There will be
music, lighting of the Chanukah Menorah, dancing and jelly doughnuts.  
12:00-1:00 pm on Dec. 17 at the City Hall Rotunda
200 North Spring Street. 
For more information please call the Temple Main Office at (818) 763-9148

Daycare and Preschool!
HIGHLY recommended by numerous Jen's List moms, Maria Roca Daycare and
Preschool offers a wonderfully nurturing and educational environment.  All
food is homemade every day (including baby food - nothing from jars here!)
and even though their license is for 14, she keeps her daycare around 8
children.  Maria and her staff (2 other women) fill every day with wonderful
arts & crafts, reading, writing, dance, singing, to just name a few of the
daily happenings.  Because of all the activities and love in this home
daycare, the children who attend are some of the most loving, well-rounded,
polite kids you'll ever meet. Maria does have a few openings and her prices
are extremely reasonable.  Please reach out to Kris Hughes with any
questions (her 7 month old is a HUGE fan of Maria and has been since the
first day he attended her daycare at 3 months old).  Maria's number is
(818) 344-1130  (818) 344-1130, or email Kris at kris.hughes at sbcglobal.net 

Studio 116 has Audio-Visual Rentals & Setups for all Events 
For every occasion... From intimate weddings to extravagant corporate galas,
and everything in-between! Studio 116 provide professional audio-visual
rentals & setup for all events. Low-cost delivery and FREE site inspections
(a savings of $175+)! . Screens, projectors, lighting systems, plasmas, pa
systems, microphones, red carpets and more! The best place to call for
professional & reliable service for your special event! Contact:
323-274-0220 jess at studio116corp.com

Mani-Pedi Travel kit
It's great for your weekly salon visits as well.  This way you're sure to be
using a sanitized kit.  
http://www.shopgogirl.com/Mani-Pedi.htm

Snail Sakk 
Is a mail pouch that catches the incoming "snail mail" that slides through
your door/wall mail slot. . Embroidered, machine washable suede in
chocolate, tan or cream . Easy to install using adhesive velcro. No tools
necessary! . Avoids mail damage from foot traffic & pets . Easy to retrieve
& transport mail . Space efficient . Blocks drafts & peeping into home .
FREE letter opener included! A unique & useful gift for only $19.95 + S&H!

LA County Holiday Celebration 
Thursday, December 24 - 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM 
The Emmy-nominated cultural extravaganza is L.A.'s biggest holiday show -
and it's free, so bring the whole family!  Broadcast live from the Dorothy
Chandler Pavilion on KCET, Holiday Celebration features music and dance of
the season from the many neighborhoods and cultures of Los Angeles!
www.holidaycelebration.org

Save 10% at M. Fredric online! 
www.shopmfredric.com Kids, Man, Women and Active Enter code AC05 into coupon
code box at checkout and receive 10% off your purchase and FREE shipping!
This code doesn't expire. 

Jungle Land offers FREE play for Toy donations! 
Bring in a new, unwrapped toy to Jungle Land and your child plays for FREE
anytime from now until Dec. 23rd. Teach your children the joy of giving.
Come play and donate a toy today. Recommended for children 6 and under.
(With or without kids, please donate and drop off a toy!) Please one toy per
child. Only one Free play day per child for this special offer. Jungle Land
30315 Canwood St. Agoura Hills 818-706-9002 www.jungleland.info
<http://www.jungleland.info/> 

Painting Referral
SB Painting Company is a local painting company that has been in business
for over 20 years. Sylvester, the owner is the most detail-oriented painter
you'll ever find. He is reliable, clean, honest and very dedicated to
completing your project to your satisfaction. He also offers eco-friendly
options for your home! Estimates are always free. www.SbPaintingCompany.com
or (818) 517-8491

 <http://www.serenejourney.com/2009/02/10-tips-to-alleviate-stress/> 10 Tips
To Alleviate Stress
http://www.serenejourney.com/2009/02/10-tips-to-alleviate-stress

What You Need to Know So You and Your Family Live Healthy, Active Lives
Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Available: Have you put on a few pounds
you want to get rid of, have a history of diabetes or heart disease in your
family, or are looking for some practical nutrition tips to keep your family
healthy?  Nicole Britvan Cefali is a registered dietitian and certified
diabetes educator, and has the experience to help get you and your family on
the road to living a healthy and active life. Nicole offers individual
nutrition counseling, group classes, grocery store tours, health fair demos,
and pantry re-makeovers.  Her areas of expertise include diabetes, pediatric
and adult weight management, sports nutrition, women's health, pregnancy and
lactation, disease prevention, cardiovascular health, and disordered eating.
She recently worked at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Outpatient
Nutrition Clinic and her clients credit her practical nutrition and
lifestyle tips for their personal success in getting healthy, staying
motivated, and living well.  Nicole has been in demand by the San Francisco
Bay Area media and has delivered her message on TV and Radio.  She is active
within the American Dietetic Association and is a past president of the Bay
Area Dietetic Association. Nicole has a BA in Psychology from Syracuse
University and completed her graduate nutrition coursework at New York
University. An avid runner and Boston Marathon qualifier, she values her
active lifestyle. Originally from New York, Nicole now lives with her
husband in Sherman Oaks, California. Nicole Britvan Cefali, RD,CDE is
available by appointment only. For more information, please contact (415)
722-2616 or nicbritvan at yahoo.com
<http://us.mc362.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=nicbritvan@yahoo.com> 

10 Tips and Tricks for a Safe Pregnancy
How to avoid unsafe chemicals, and get proper nutrition.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/safe-pregnancy-471210
01#ixzz0ZaiJoCIX

Hanukkah Fun
Check out fun videos, recipes, and much more for Hanukkah at Temple Beth Am 
www.tbala.org

The Eco-Friendly Fundraising Program 
Benefits all Non-Profit Organizations and helps protect Mother Earth at the
same time. The program is easy to administer & saves $$$ for consumers when
they buy cartridges for their Laser or Ink Jet Printers & Fax Machines,
provides a donation to any Non Profit Organization & protects Mother Earth.
Visit www.theeasyfundraisingsite.com or call 800 - 914 -9434

 <http://blog.oregonlive.com/homesandgardens/hg_daily_tips/index.html> Have
you wondered about crystal glassware in your wet bar?
A Gossary.  About Stemware (which glasses for which drink), Cocktail
Glasses, Crystal Care, Safety Issues (lead in crystal)
http://blog.oregonlive.com/homesandgardens/2009/12/crystal_stemware_clarifie
d.html 

Midweek Rental Available for Last Week of LAUSD Winter Break 
Newport Beach Resort - can split the week with somebody who may want to get
out of town for a nice vacation at Marriott Newport Coast Villas. It is a
beautiful resort across and it is for a 2 Bedroom/2 Bath Villa that can
sleep 8 people comfortably. It has full kitchen, living and dining areas,
laundry facilities. The resort has all of the amenities beautiful heated
pools, tennis, fitness center and many activities. It is centrally located
if you want to make day trips to Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Anaheim (15
minutes) or San DIego. You can rent the week - 5 Nights Sunday through
Thursday and leave on Friday for $800. Even take another family to split it
with you and have the kids have a great time while you can relax with a
friend. all 7 nights for $1,200(OBO). These Units rent for $450-$650 per
Night!! If you are interested in a great escape chuckdodi at aol.com or call
310-614-1477. 

Does your child need a subject for a Social Studies report?  
Great article on how plants influenced history.  Example: 3 plants that were
contributing causes of wars, 2 plants that helped spread the ideas and
philosophies of major civilizations, three 3 that played a role in
colonization.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/homesandgardens/2009/12/plant_history_quiz.html 

Nate Waxman Jewelry Holiday Drawing
One lucky Jen's List member will win a beautiful piece of jewelry. No
purchase necessary. Three ways to enter: 1. Go to www.natewaxman.com. Find
Contact link at the bottom, fill in the boxes, tell him your fave piece. 1
entry. 2. Become a Facebook Fan at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nate-Waxman-Jewelry/126007822619?ref=ts. 1
entry. 3. Add the ww.natewaxman.com link to your Website or blog. Plus, give
him a review or spotlight. Contact him at PR at natewaxman.com for reviews. 2
entries - linking, 2 entries - review. Please follow up with email to
tameladrews at gmail.com with your entries (email, FB name, blog/website link)
and I will send to Nate. Ends Dec. 16. Winner selected randomly and
contacted by email. PLUS, 20% off purchases on www.natewaxman.com through
2009. Use coupon code "jenslist" at checkout

Standalone Holiday Radio App from Slacker Now Available at the iTunes App
Store 
Here is a direct link to the free app:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/slacker-holiday-radio/id342596540?mt=8
The app offers 11 Holiday stations ranging from the classics to R&B to
country as well as a "Dysfunctional Holiday" station.  All stations are
customizable........ love classic holiday tunes but have a deep-seated
aversion to Frosty the Snowman?  Ban the song and it's off of your station.

How to Make 4 Traditional Hanukkah Recipes
Potato Latkes with Pear Applesauce Potato
<http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/potato-latkes-chanuka-h
anukkah>  Latke Recipe, Pear
<http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/pear-applesauce-chanuka
h-hanukkah>  Applesauce Recipe
Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts) Sufganiyot
<http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/jelly-doughnuts-chanuka
h-hanukkah-sufganiyot>  (Jelly Doughnut) Recipe
Plum-Spiced Brisket
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/hanukkah-recipes-471208
01#ixzz0ZahSVlPg
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/hanukkah-recipes-471208
01 

Looking for a awesome & dependable contractor? 
Jens List member Debbi would highly recommend Dean Snyder. She just
completed an huge remodel project on-time and within budget. Dean was
wonderful to work with and his subs are equally dependable and professional.
If you are looking to redo a bathroom, add a room or a second story - as she
did, Dean will do a great job. To contact Dean Snyder call 818-968-5845 -
Email Debbie at debfreedman at yahoo.com for a reference.

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