Mission Accomplished: Girls Night In is a Success

Yes, it's been over a week since my Girl's Night In: Bridesmaids Style. But it was just THAT fantastic that I was too exhausted to recap. But I'm here now to tell you, in great detail, just how marvelous it was.

13 of us gathered in a girlfriend's "screening" room to escape our typical Family Friday Nights. Not that we don't love the end of the week with our family's, but coming off of the beginning of school, it's been nothing short of exhausting. We popped open some wine, and in my case a few cans of Diet Coke, oooohhh'd and aawwwww'd over the treats from LINDSAYCakes and began to relax. I would have loved to chitchat with all the girls all night long (and I think I foresee my own Girl's Night In coming soon), there was a movie to watch.

Movie candy was passed around, cell phones were put on vibrate, the lights were lowered. For the next two hours, every one laughed uncontrollably. We couldn't stop. No one moved, we were glued to our seats. It's the most quiet I've ever seen this group of women in my life.

After the movie, we did our stretching - hey we're pushing 40, things get tight - and made our way to the desserts. LINDSAYCakes did an incredible job with the cupcakes. Her attention to detail - she did bridesmaids dresses on some, and little faux engagement rings on others. Nearly everyone took one home - in addition to their real party favor: a mini-bouquet from Calabasas Flowers.

The evening was priceless, the company was bar none.

Bridesmaids is a must see, and it's officially out on DVD now, so get your own copy and have a Girl's Night In ASAP!

To place cupcake or cake orders from LINDSAYCakes, email Lindsay @ lindsaycakesxo@gmail.com.

To order flowers from Calabasas Flowers, call Denice at (818) 222-5576

Lights, Camera, Girls Night In: Bridesmaids is Coming Soon to a DVD Near You

Jen's List is honored to be receiving an advanced copy of the hilariously funny hit Bridesmaids. I loved it when it was in the theater, and now I'm equally excited to gather a few of my inner circle and sneak out and watch it from the comfort of a friend's home. We've got big plans for our Girls Night In, Bridesmaids style.

To keep everything organized, I've created this magnificent pinboard (see above) through one of my favorite new sites, Polyvore. It's amazing and helps me put so many things together.

Let's start with the movie theme, because who doesn't need popcorn? Thank G-d for microwave popcorn and those adorable little single serve plastic buckets (as seen above) at Target. I've been eyeing them for quite some time and finally have an opportunity to use them! And movie candy, I've got these multi-purpose mason jars from Michael's that I use for absolutely everything. The night of Girls Night In, we'll take a cute ribbon, tie it around the top and fill them with some of our favorite movie candy: Red Vines, M&Ms, Skittles, etc. (My mouth is watering!)

This isn't just any old movie night so we'll need some centerpieces which will double as our party favors, because party favors aren't just for kids anymore. We're doing a pink theme, because we're still girls at heart. But we'll make these itty bitty bouquets out of stock and mini-mums, wrap them in paper and ribbon and have them set in smaller vases with pink ribbon wrapped around the bottom during the party. I'm all about dual functionality.

It's Friday night, and many of the girls will be glad to have put the kids to bed and sneak out of the house for some much needed alone time, so we'll have some yummy Moscato and Rose Champagne (think pink!) on hand. Anyone that knows anything about me knows that Diet Coke is my personal drink of choice.

Also on hand, will be a fruit assortment, I'm thinking fruit skewers, but those are time consuming, and with 5 boys, that might be fairly ambitious this week!

And let's not forget the cupcakes! We've teamed up with local specialist LindsayCAKES who has agreed to make us a special Bridesmaids themed treat. Who doesn't love that?

Friday cannot come soon enough!

And don't forget you can get your copy of Bridesmaids on Tuesday, so start planning your own Girls Night In.

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).
Some general “Creativity: FANTASY” tidbits:
•• CONTINUE TO talk about, pretend and discuss Toddler’s feelings and other people’s feelings (children’s and adults’).
•• FROM ABOUT 4, having a vivid imagination, he sometimes has imaginary playmates. He has difficulty, however, separating make-believe from reality.
•• HE IMITATES Dad (she imitates Mom), particularly in play.
•• SHE PRETENDS she’s at preschool, the grocery, the mall, in the car.
Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 5”
?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).
Some general “Creativity: FANTASY” tidbits:
•• FROM 3, talk, pretend and discuss feelings a lot – feelings Toddler has and feelings others have. Being able to pretend you are someone else is the first step in understanding others, getting along and sharing.
•• ENCOURAGE HIM to “doctor” his baby doll or stuffed animal before going to the doctor’s office.
•• USE HAND PUPPETS with different voices.
•• TELL “WHAT IF” stories to her, and ask, “What would a happy kitty act like?” “If it started to rain while you’re playing outside, what would you do?” (Do not use scary scenarios.)
•• KEEP A SPECIAL BOX with costume materials – scarves, grown-up shoes (low heels!), bracelet beads on elastic, hats, clothing contributions from grandma/grandpa, etc.
Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 4”
?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).
Some general “Creativity: FANTASY” tidbits:
•• FROM ABOUT 2, suggest Toddler can be an animal living under a table.
•• Play “dress up” and “telephone” with her; help her pretend.
•• Play “copy me” games with him in front of the mirror.
•• Homemade puppets are easy – a white sock with colored marker face is great fun.
•• FROM ABOUT 3, since fantasy play is more elaborate, puppets/stuffed animals can be animals in the jungle, in the zoo, or kings at a tea party.
Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 3”
?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general “Creativity: FANTASY” tidbits:
•• FANTASY is expressing ideas and feelings through pretending. It can include playing “make-believe,” day-dreaming, talking with imaginary companions and reading fantasy books. Fantasy play comes naturally, allowing Toddler and Preschooler to feel powerful and in control, doing the ordering instead of being ordered.
•• CREATIVE/IMAGINATIVE play often stimulates physical growth (playing “cops and robbers” or music video stars) and social growth (imaginary play pretending to be a teacher, parent or doctor).
•• EARLY, FROM 18 months, Toddler enjoys simple pretend play like wearing hats. Using a bottle/spoon, he’ll pretend to feed a doll/stuffed toy.
Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 2”
?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books. “CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).
Some general “Creativity: MUSIC/MOVEMENT” tidbits:
•• FROM ABOUT 3, what counts are activities using muscles and discovering how things feel. He has growing hand control/coordination and is interested in perfecting movement skills, so he may spend the entire morning going down the slide or riding a favorite tricycle.
•• FROM ABOUT 4 and having increasing agility, Preschooler runs, jumps, hops and skips around obstacles with ease. She likes to gallop, turn somersaults, climb ladders and trees, and hop on one foot. She jumps forward with her feet together over objects 5-6” high.
•• FROM ABOUT 5, encourage Kindergartener to jump, hop, skip, dance, tiptoe and march RHYTHMICALLY TO MUSIC. Teach him how to move his body to dramatize the opening of a flower, falling snow/leaves/rain, wiggly worms/snakes. Dance to music on a bad-weather day to transform rainy-day wiggles/squirms to welcome bursts of free-form movement.
Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 1”
?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts. THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
FORMS of Creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general “Creativity: MUSIC/MOVEMENT” tidbits:
•• FROM 18 months, play music with different rhythms, and provide kitchen “instruments” – oatmeal box drum/pots/pans.
•• FROM ABOUT 2, singing spontaneously, Toddler repeats songs/nursery rhymes over and over. Expose her to different musical styles: classical, country, Gregorian chant, rock & roll, opera, rhythm & blues, etc. with solo voices and orchestras. (Pounding/noise “music” is not good for brain development.)
•• SINCE HE IS LEARNING names of body parts and enjoying activities that use these names (touching toes, eyes, elbows), he can do simple creative movements like imitating animals.
•• WHILE BALANCING on each foot for 1 - 2 seconds, she jumps by lifting both feet.
Next week – “Creativity: Music/Movement, Pt. 3”
?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general “Creativity: MUSIC/MOVEMENT” tidbits:
•• MUSIC/MOVEMENT is the expression of ideas and feelings using bodily movements. It includes dancing, singing, playing instruments and using the body to make movements such as leaping like a frog or exploring ways to make a circle with the body.
•• BY 12 MONTHS, Baby responds to music with body motions swaying, swooping, swinging. As she practices new mobility, give her freedom to move around, and free your environment of obstacles, preferably with a cushioned floor.
•• ABOUT 15 MONTHS, create an obstacle course of pillows/cushions to climb over/around/through. He may also be ready for rocking horses/riding toys he pushes with his feet.
Next week – “Creativity: Music/Movement, Pt. 2”
?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general Creativity: LANGUAGE tidbits:
•• FROM ABOUT 5, Kindergartener is a good story teller, enjoying making books of his stories. He draws pictures to go along with his words, and he likes explaining the pictures he’s created. (Don’t say: “What’s that?” Do say: “Tell me about your picture.”)
•• ADD DRAMA to your daily reading sessions by using different voices for different characters. Ask her to tell the story and imitate your voice.•• ENCOURAGE INTEREST in jokes, nonsense and riddles by reading humorous stories, riddles and nonsense rhymes. Join him in jokes from school, books, TV and movies.
•• READ BOOKS which introduce beginning notions of teamwork, cooperation, communication and self-esteem to help develop empathy and understand social roles.
Next week – “Creativity: Music/Movement, Pt. 1”
?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general Creativity: LANGUAGE tidbits:
•• FROM ABOUT 4, make homemade books and read the books often – a “numbers” book, a “words” book, a “letters” book, a “shapes” book.
•• USE THE MAGIC of make-believe – invent stories with Preschooler in them.
•• LET HER INVENT stories with herself in them and stories with you in them.
•• PLAY LISTENING and guessing games with sounds of different animals.
•• ANOTHER GUESSING GAME is to find something he can see, describe it for him, and let him tell you what you described.
Next week – “Creativity: LANGUAGE, Pt. 4”
?s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

Play and Grow Smart-er Tips

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).
Some general Creativity: LANGUAGE tidbits:
•• FROM ABOUT 3, Toddler can make up simple stories about the pictures or books you show him. He enjoys making others laugh and being silly.
•• BEGINNING TO REASON and try new things, she may insist some of her strange notions are right, but reasoning takes practice, so be patient with her.
•• PROVIDE PAPER, small notebooks and fat markers for use in dramatic play. •• DRAW A FACE on an old sock, and show him how to “talk” with puppets. Next week – “Creativity: Language, Pt. 3” ?s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com.

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. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instrumentsForms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general CREATIVITY: LANGUAGE tidbits:
•• LANGUAGE is the expression of ideas and feelings through words, either written or spoken. It includes the stories children tell and their creative “plays” and games.
•• FROM 1 year, play sound games with Baby. Repeat back to him the sounds he makes since keying in on sounds largely establishes the breadth of her later vocabulary.
•• FROM 18 months, Toddler enjoys talking on the phone (real or toy). Don’t expect logical conversation!
Next week – “Creativity: LANGUAGE, Pt. 2”
?s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

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, now every Sunday. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general Creativity: ART tidbits:
•• REMEMBER: avoid making models in 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 and healthy self-expression.
•• FOR OPTIMUM fine motor ease, use art tools (crayons, pencils, brushes, etc.) that are FAT. These should be used through the first grade in consideration of physical fine motor development. “Regular-sized” crayons will break with the strength and lack of refinement of little hands and fingers, get lost, be underfoot and cause frustration for everyone.
•• 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 uncooked macaroni and paint it.
Next week – “Creativity: LANGUAGE, Pt. 1”
Any ?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com

The most AMAZING gift to give your partner this Father’s Day

I had the pleasure recently to do something that I have ALWAYS wanted to do, but never had the courage. Let me tell you…I am so glad I mustered up the nerve and scheduled an appointment with Kathy at Flash Frozen Photography (http://www.flashfrozenphotography.com/) in Woodland Hills for a special Boudoir session. After 5 kids, sometimes it is hard to feel pretty…but after hair with Erin Goldstein and Makeup with Karen Snyder (http://www.cosmeticallyorganized.com/), I was on my way. Kathy’s studio is quaint and just what anyone needs to complete this fabulous shoot. I thought that I would be timid and shy, but Kathy has a way to make you feel totally comfortable in your own skin, no matter what you are wearing, no matter what size you are.

I left with such a smile on my face, like a natural high and so excited to see the final result. I got a sneak peak at some of the shots and was truly blown away. All I could think of was “who is that in those photos?”. I am beyond giddy with anticipation to see what my hubby thinks when I give him a little black book for Father’s Day!

Now, I will tell you, the gift is not inexpensive, but I am not kidding when I tell you that I truly think that EVERY woman, in their lifetime, should do this at least once and if not for their partner, then at least for themselves!

Normally, a session is $500 without hair and makeup. However, I asked Kathy what she would be willing to do for Jens List members and she came up with the following:
45 Minute session, with a 10 page "Little Black Book" - One or two outfits & makeup by Karen - $350.
Hair by Erin is available for an additional $40-$60, additional depending on style.
Fine Print: Must pre-pay - 48 hours cancellation. The response was SO great, that Kathy ADDED some additional spots & she can accommodate gifts for Father's Day until June 13th!!!!

Call Kathy for more info at 818.888.2280 and of course, email me with any questions too at jen@jenslist.com. Do it and cross it off your bucket list!

This is a "G" rated pix from the shoot:

ROUND MEADOW ONLINE BUY IT NOW SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

If you are interested in any of the items below, please email rmpfaauction@gmail.com. Thank you!

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Value - $250
Price - $50


Silent 1020
Blue Jeans Bar - Private Shopping event with drinks, 15% discounts on all denim, and a personal fitting. Enjoy this new, fun and personal event with up to 30 friends.
Value - $250
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Registration for league play to be applied toward the 2011 Summer Basketball League offered through DeAnza Park. Must contact immediately. ONLY good for Girls age 9 and up or Jr Boy's age 13-16 with City of Calabasas
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Price - $25

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In Home private Emergency Preparedness consultation by emergency Cafe. Expires 12/31/2011.By Cari Butler
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One evaluation good for an individual or couple contemplating or going through a divorce. Divorce Detox offers the most comprehensive divorce recovery program in Los Angeles
Value - $300
Price - $40


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Free Valet Parking at the Americana at BRAND in GLENDALE until June 2012.
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Pre Orthodontics, photography, radiographs and Examination with Dr Roger S Lim DDS, MS Inc. Expires December 1,2011 in Sherman Oaks
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Price - $10


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Price - $30


Silent 1210
4 free family passes to Old Faithful Geyser of CA
Value - $120
Price - $20


Silent 1226
Online Nutritional Consultation through email and phone with Curtis Nutrition
Value - $250
Price - $25


Silent 1231
$200 off any order over $1000 of Custom Window Treatments or Custom Bedding at Jacoby Company. plus a 2 hour in home consult $300 value with Cory Jacoby.
Value - $500
Price - $50


Silent 1236
$50 for Swim Lessons for One Month with Aquatic Safety Instruction located in either Encino or Northridge. New Students Only. 2011 season
Value - $50
Price - $10


Silent 1237
$100 Gift Certificate towards 2 Month Commitment with Aquatic Safety. Must be new student and must be used during the 2011 season. Can be used in either Encino or Northridge location.
Value - $100
Price - $20


Silent 1264
2 hours with Randee Samsky Hilborn – Hebrew Tutoring
Value - $170
Price - $25


Silent 1270
$50 off any any 2011 summer camp at Releve Studios. Expires August 31, 2011. Location in Thousand Oaks
Value - $50
Price - $10


Silent 1278
July 11 - July 15 2011. Deisgned for beginner intermediate dancers ages 7 plus. In Agoura. Retter's Academy of Dance
Value - $56
Price - $10


Silent 1281
http://www.o2maxfitness.com/ – Fitness Passport for kids 10-18
Value - $100
Price - $10


Silent 1291
1 hour Tutoring sessions with Shirley Harper in West Hills. Used to teach at Sierra Canyon. Expires September 1. 2011
Value - $60
Price - $15


Silent 1312
1 black and 1 white both with gold from Tempt
Value - $85
Price - $15


Silent 1347
Senna - Makeup Application with Eyebrow Shaping
Value - $85
Price - $25


Silent 1374
Ecobaby - 5 hours of baby planning and or concierge services ie registry set up, personal shopping, shower planning, nursery organization.
Value - $375
Price - $25


Silent 1417
4 vacation certificates accommodations with Premier Cancum Vacations for 5 days 4 nights. 2 adults and 2 children under age of 12. There is a $59 reservation fee and a $110 in hotel taxes fee. Some of the hotels you can choose are The Laguna Suites Golf and Spa, The Ocean Hotel or one of our affiliated luxury resorts. Expires 18 months after purchase.
Value - $1048
Price - $100


Silent 1440
The Brander Vineyard - Tasting certificate for up to 6 Bottle of 2010 Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Brander Logo Glasses.
Value - $100
Price - $20


Silent 1460
Roclord Studios - Portrait Photography Package which includes consultation, studio portrait session, (1) 11x14 custom print matted and signed. Must contact by August 1, 2011 and photography by October 1, 2011
Value - $600
Price - $75


Silent 1464
Next Exit Photography Portrait Session. Session to take place within 5 miles of West LA Studio. Expires November 30, 2011. Session last 1 hour.
Value - $350
Price - $35


Silent 1465
Next Exit Photography Portrait Session. Session to take place within 5 miles of West LA Studio. Expires November 30, 2011. Session last 1 hour
Value - $350
Price - $35


Silent 1492
Jewelry Making Party at the Bead Lounge in Woodland Hills for up to 5 Women. This donation includes private use of the Bead Lounge for you and 4 guests, wine/ cheese/fruit & water Included. Materials are NOT included. Instruction provided and a bead lounge staffer there for you.
Value - $120
Price - $60


Silent 1495
(1) private 45 minute in home breast feeding consultation with Chrisie Rosenthal B.S., L.E.C. Lactation Educator/Counselor. Also includes one week follow up via email, text or skype. OR (1) private 90 minute in home couples breastfeeding class. Must be in Los Angeles Area. Expires December 31, 2012.
Value - $150
Price - $15

Silent 1511

One Cooking or Gardening Class Summer Class - Upcoming Summer schedule Sunday, July 17th or Sunday, July 31st from 3-6pm in Laura Taylors home Woodland Hills. Must email or register for class. New Student only

Value - $65

Price - $15

Silent 1515
http://www.zearly.com/ – 200 points - Awesome Site!
Value - $50
Price - $10


Silent 1540
Metropolitan Educational Theatre Network - Package includes One workshop training fee, Costume, One show T Shirt, 2 Tickets to "Annie" in July. Expires Spring 2012
Price – $300
Value - $50


Silent 1623
Stephen Silver – 11x17 custom drawing
Value - $50
Price - $10


Silent 1641
Amazing Deal! A half day 1A class at Jim Hall Racing School. Everything is provided. Expert instruction, freshly prepped race kart, bell racing helmet, racing jacket, neck collar and gloves. Minimum student age is 14- average student is 40 years old minimum height is 5 ft tall, maximum height is 6'8, maximum weight is 270 lbs. Youth programs are available for ages 10-14, minimum height for youth classes is 4'8.
Value - $225
Price - $95


Silent 1669
Comprehensive Eye Examination with contact lens fitting (up to a $100 value) with Sakani A Jamali OD in West Hills
Value - $195
Price - $50


Silent 1706
CPR for 5 Adults expires Sept. 2011(THINK REFRESHER COURSE!) with In His Hands CPR. (818)324-6570 or inhishandscpr@gmail.com. WWW.INHISHNDSCPR.COM

Value - $250

Price - $75

Silent 1777
LICE! Ekk! One comb Thru at Nik Picker Expires December 31, 2011
Value - $50
Price - $15

FUNDRAISER FLYER

KAPLON FAMILY FUNDRAISER AT FRESH BROTHERS PIZZA

A very special video:

A toddler. Twins on the way. Her husband, taken from her tragically. Please help us help Kristi Kaplon.

Come to a special fundraiser for Kristi, Chloe and the babies on the way. Fresh Brothers will donate 20% of your food and beverage purchases to the Kaplon family. Pick-up, dine-in and delivery all count. Simply present the flyer below(right click on the flyer to print or click on this link: http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2011/04/fundraiser-flyer.html) to the cashier or delivery driver. If you’re ordering online, enter this code word before adding to your cart: JENSLIST.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12th

BETWEEN 11 AM to 8 PM

Calabasas, at The Commons - 818.225.7555

and

Westlake Village, at The Promenade - 805.777.8448

http://www.freshbrothers.com/

To donate directly to the Kaplon Family, please visit

https://sites.google.com/site/kristikaplon/home?pli=1

Amazing new 8 Week Group Focused on Transforming Women's Relationship with Food

Is your negative body image causing feelings of isolation and helplessness?
Do you have days where your thoughts are consumed by what you ate previously and self-imposed rules about what you should and shouldn't eat at any given time?
Do you hold the belief that if only you were able to get control over what you eat and lose weight, you will finally be happy?
Dr. Michelle Gold and Andrea Mendelsohn, MFT, are licensed clinicians with extensive experience helping women to understand their preoccupation with weight, body-image and food. In this group, we will be exploring the underlying beliefs that have created and perpetuated this battle. They will be examining what drives emotional eating with the goal of transforming our relationship with food. They will be discussing the extraordinary work of Geneen Roth (author of Women, Food and God), who has developed practical principles which can free you from emotional eating.
Throughout this 8 week process, they will discuss how you can possess remarkably good reasons to turn to food when you are not hungry. Their hope is to instill the belief in you that change is possible. With compassion and patience, they will provide a confidential and safe environment for this important work to unfold.
8 Week Session – $320($40 a session)
Wednesdays, September 29-November 17, 2010 from 9:30-10:45 a.m.5023
N. Parkway Calabasas in Calabasas, CA 91302
To register or to receive more information, please contact Andrea Mendelsohn at 818.634.4967 or andreamendelsohn@aol.com

Generation Next Crib for sale - GREAT condition

Capturing the classic appeal of sleigh bed styling, it has a safety-gate front that allows easy access to your baby. The crib converts into a toddler bed and then into a full-size adult bed with the addition of adult rails. Generation Next, the ideal choice for your family, is an entire collection of fine furniture that is designed to last for generations. Color - Chesnut.
5 years old. Bought from Baby Town for $456.99. Asking $225.
• W 54 1/4" x D 37" x H 43"
• Solid wood construction
• 15 year limited lifetime warranty
• Mattress and bedding not included
http://www.babysdream.com/Products/Generationnext/Default.htm
Email jen@jenslist.com for more info!

Actual photos of the crib: