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
Thursday, September 09, 2010
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!
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:
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Truths for Mature Humans
I received this and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it with those of you who haven’t already seen it. I don’t know who wrote it or I would give them credit. Enjoy!
1. I think part of a best friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection…again.
13. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this – ever.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? **** it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
17. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
20. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option.
21. Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
23. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
24. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?
25. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
26. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?
27. There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
28. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.
29. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
30. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I’d bet my *** everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
1. I think part of a best friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection…again.
13. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this – ever.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? **** it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
17. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
20. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option.
21. Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
23. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
24. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?
25. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
26. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?
27. There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
28. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.
29. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
30. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I’d bet my *** everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
High Heel in a Haystack
I had the best experience with Robin Wiener, from High Heel in a Haystack and I wanted to share! She came over to help me clean out my closet and purge clothing...that I have not gotten rid of, literally in about 10+ years. Because I was ALWAYS pregnant or JUST post pregnancy for about 8 of those years, my sizes varied drastically and I still had clothing in my closet that were 3 sizes too big! Needless to say, it was a disaster, I could not find anything and truly ended up wearing 2-3 things over and over. Robin made it so that not only is everything in my closest up to date with the current style, but they fit and are easily accessible. I highly recommend her - she is breathe of fresh air and welcome in my house anytime! http://www.highheelinahaystack.com/
BEFORE:
AFTER
Sunday, June 06, 2010
POOL SAFETY
by Dr. JJ Levenstein
The month of May has come and gone, and yet many of you may not have realized it was "National Drowning Prevention Month." As our warm spring and summer months arrive every year, I brace myself for the inevitable news that yet another child or young adult has drowned in this community. Drowning is the second cause of unintentional/accidental child death in the United States -and the number one cause in California! The State of California and www.safekids.org have published terrific public safety information about drownings, and steps we can all take to prevent this tragedy. It is so important, first of all, to dispel myths about how drownings occur. The following are 9 myths of drowning:1. Is drowning really a problem?A. Yes. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1-4 in California. A residential pool is 14 times more likely to cause a death than an automobile accident.2. Don't more children die in open water (oceans and lakes) than in pools?A. No. 50% of deaths by drowning occur in residential pools.3. Isn't it more important to have a locked gate to keepneighbors out than to have a pool fence?A. No. 65% of the children died in their own pools at home. 46% of the children were last seen safe inside the house just before the drowning. 72% had direct access to the pool once they were outside the house (i.e. no pool fence).4. Isn't it just parental neglect that causes drowning?A. No. According to the U.S. CPSC Drowning Study, conscientious parents who understand the need for supervision were almost always present on the premises.5. Won't swimming lessons protect a child from drowning?A. No. Swimming lessons do not prepare a child for a drowning or a near drowning situation. A young child may be able to learn to float, but may not be able to climb out of a pool. At any age, an unexpected panic may set in with an accidental fall or scare, and a "good swimmer" becomes vulnerable to drowning.6. Isn't constant supervision enough to prevent drowning?A. Although constant supervision is part of prevention, we recommended added "layers" of protection which include a well maintained non-climbable fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate, alarm systems, powered safety pool covers, and self-closing, self-latching doors with automatic sliding door closers (leading out to the pool area). A parent reading a magazine at poolside or peering out a kitchen window can lose up to 30 seconds of reaction time - that time necessary to drown.7. Is there any proof that fences or safety barriers work? Can't a child climb over a fence?A. In studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand, the findings suggest that adequate, four sided pool fencing (at least 5 feet high) reduced drownings by 80%. Studies in Arizona demonstrated a 50% reduction.8. Won't fences detract from the aesthetics of pools?A. There are several kinds of fences to choose from which meet safety requirements and there are also alternatives such as an approved safety cover. Families must always weigh the risk versus benefit of an aesthetic choice prevailing over a safe choice. The answer is obvious to me, and yet countless times I hear of grandparents, in particular, unwilling to give up their beautiful garden view in order to erect a safe pool fence for their grandchildren!9. Do pool owners without young children need to install protective barriers?A. 35% of residential drownings are not at the home of the victim but rather at the home of a friend or immediate family member. So the answer is, YES!Now that I have dispelled those myths for you, how can you be sure that you provide a safe pool environment for your children, family members, visitors and friends?- Never leave a child alone near water to answer the phone, the doorbell, go to the bathroom, attend to another child or attend to household chores, even for a few seconds.- Keep a constant eye on young children playing in or near any body of water, wading pool, public pool, bathtub or lake. At large gatherings, designate an adult to watch children at play, and while in pool. Ideally there should be 1 adult per 2 young children, 1 adult per 3 older kids.- Fence your pool on all four sides with a barrier that is at least 5 feet high. Move lawn chairs, tables and other potential climbing aids away from the fence to help keep children out.- Any gate or door leading to the pool area should be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward, with the latch placed on the pool side out of reach.- Install panic alarms on all house doors and windows leading to the pool area, automatic sliding door closers and automatic safety cover over the pool.- Completely remove cover before children are allowed in pool. Drain off water that accumulates on top of the pool cover. A child can drown in as little as two inches of water.- Keep reaching and throwing aids, such as poles and life preservers, on both sides of the pool.- All non-swimmers should always wear approved personal flotation devices when they are near water (no floaties, but actual jackets with a tether between the child's legs)Swimming lessons do not insure safety. About 25% of all young drowning victims have had swimming lessons. A child who falls int water unexpectedly will panic and forget his swimming skills.- It is crucial that you and all of your child's caretakers can swim and know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency. Immediate CPR could prevent death or massive brain damage.- ALWAYS keep a working cell phone or land line near your pool.- Cover pool and Jacuzzi drains with anti-vortex drain covers (about $5-$10 at your local pool supply store). The force of vacuum from a drain can entrap long hair, body parts, swi(from sitting on a drain). 75 children lose their lives each year by being trapped on drains and being unable to surface for air. This is a little known risk, and yet, again, entirely preventable with the use of these drain covers.
The month of May has come and gone, and yet many of you may not have realized it was "National Drowning Prevention Month." As our warm spring and summer months arrive every year, I brace myself for the inevitable news that yet another child or young adult has drowned in this community. Drowning is the second cause of unintentional/accidental child death in the United States -and the number one cause in California! The State of California and www.safekids.org have published terrific public safety information about drownings, and steps we can all take to prevent this tragedy. It is so important, first of all, to dispel myths about how drownings occur. The following are 9 myths of drowning:1. Is drowning really a problem?A. Yes. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1-4 in California. A residential pool is 14 times more likely to cause a death than an automobile accident.2. Don't more children die in open water (oceans and lakes) than in pools?A. No. 50% of deaths by drowning occur in residential pools.3. Isn't it more important to have a locked gate to keepneighbors out than to have a pool fence?A. No. 65% of the children died in their own pools at home. 46% of the children were last seen safe inside the house just before the drowning. 72% had direct access to the pool once they were outside the house (i.e. no pool fence).4. Isn't it just parental neglect that causes drowning?A. No. According to the U.S. CPSC Drowning Study, conscientious parents who understand the need for supervision were almost always present on the premises.5. Won't swimming lessons protect a child from drowning?A. No. Swimming lessons do not prepare a child for a drowning or a near drowning situation. A young child may be able to learn to float, but may not be able to climb out of a pool. At any age, an unexpected panic may set in with an accidental fall or scare, and a "good swimmer" becomes vulnerable to drowning.6. Isn't constant supervision enough to prevent drowning?A. Although constant supervision is part of prevention, we recommended added "layers" of protection which include a well maintained non-climbable fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate, alarm systems, powered safety pool covers, and self-closing, self-latching doors with automatic sliding door closers (leading out to the pool area). A parent reading a magazine at poolside or peering out a kitchen window can lose up to 30 seconds of reaction time - that time necessary to drown.7. Is there any proof that fences or safety barriers work? Can't a child climb over a fence?A. In studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand, the findings suggest that adequate, four sided pool fencing (at least 5 feet high) reduced drownings by 80%. Studies in Arizona demonstrated a 50% reduction.8. Won't fences detract from the aesthetics of pools?A. There are several kinds of fences to choose from which meet safety requirements and there are also alternatives such as an approved safety cover. Families must always weigh the risk versus benefit of an aesthetic choice prevailing over a safe choice. The answer is obvious to me, and yet countless times I hear of grandparents, in particular, unwilling to give up their beautiful garden view in order to erect a safe pool fence for their grandchildren!9. Do pool owners without young children need to install protective barriers?A. 35% of residential drownings are not at the home of the victim but rather at the home of a friend or immediate family member. So the answer is, YES!Now that I have dispelled those myths for you, how can you be sure that you provide a safe pool environment for your children, family members, visitors and friends?- Never leave a child alone near water to answer the phone, the doorbell, go to the bathroom, attend to another child or attend to household chores, even for a few seconds.- Keep a constant eye on young children playing in or near any body of water, wading pool, public pool, bathtub or lake. At large gatherings, designate an adult to watch children at play, and while in pool. Ideally there should be 1 adult per 2 young children, 1 adult per 3 older kids.- Fence your pool on all four sides with a barrier that is at least 5 feet high. Move lawn chairs, tables and other potential climbing aids away from the fence to help keep children out.- Any gate or door leading to the pool area should be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward, with the latch placed on the pool side out of reach.- Install panic alarms on all house doors and windows leading to the pool area, automatic sliding door closers and automatic safety cover over the pool.- Completely remove cover before children are allowed in pool. Drain off water that accumulates on top of the pool cover. A child can drown in as little as two inches of water.- Keep reaching and throwing aids, such as poles and life preservers, on both sides of the pool.- All non-swimmers should always wear approved personal flotation devices when they are near water (no floaties, but actual jackets with a tether between the child's legs)Swimming lessons do not insure safety. About 25% of all young drowning victims have had swimming lessons. A child who falls int water unexpectedly will panic and forget his swimming skills.- It is crucial that you and all of your child's caretakers can swim and know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency. Immediate CPR could prevent death or massive brain damage.- ALWAYS keep a working cell phone or land line near your pool.- Cover pool and Jacuzzi drains with anti-vortex drain covers (about $5-$10 at your local pool supply store). The force of vacuum from a drain can entrap long hair, body parts, swi(from sitting on a drain). 75 children lose their lives each year by being trapped on drains and being unable to surface for air. This is a little known risk, and yet, again, entirely preventable with the use of these drain covers.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Andie Kallinger Photography
Just wanted to share our recent photoshoot with Andie Kallinger. Andie is AMAZING with babies/kids/adults/pets, she gets great shots and is wonderful to work with!
I HIGHLY recommend her!
Call her at 818.679.6769 or email her at andie@photosbyandie.com
You can see more of her work at www.photosbyandie.com
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Whoops - I did it again!
Hello, my name is Jen Levinson and I am a pack rat. I hate to admit it, but clearly, I am since last summer I had my garage cleaned out and managed to fill it again in less than a year. Who saved me? The 1 Day Garage Makeover people! They are seriously AMAZING and worth every penny spent. It is so nice to be able to WALK in my garage...yet alone park in it! Ask yourself - Can you park your car in your garage? Do you find yourself embarrassed to have the garage door up because the garage is such a mess? Do you trip over items every time you walk in the garage? If you find yourself relating to any of the above questions, as clearly I do, I have a solution for you! The team from 1 Day Garage Makeover came over again yesterday. They arrived at 9am, and left 4 hours later. They cleared out the garage and I was outside for a ½ hr. as they were asking me - should they toss, keep or donate. Piles were made and I went back in until 1pm, there was a knock at the door and the garage was SPOTLESS. Jens List members get $25 off. The avg. garage ranges from $300-$500.Estimates are free – 818-451-8530 – I know they are booking fast, so if you are interested, I would call sooner vs. later!
http://www.1daygaragemakeover.com/
Here are the 2nd set(how embarassing)of before and after photos!
http://www.1daygaragemakeover.com/
Here are the 2nd set(how embarassing)of before and after photos!
Monday, March 08, 2010
WOW...what a day!
If I didn't already know that there were only 24 hours in a day, I really would have thought someone added about 10 extras hours to my Monday.
Today was a big day. I sent over 13,000 people the Jens List newsletter using a new mail server - one equipped with allowing members to follow me on Facebook and Twitter and have everything they would need to access the website at their fingertips.
The program is all new to me. It took me twice as long this morning to do what I have been doing the past 4+ years to get the information out to everyone. Then came the emails from everyone telling me how much they liked...and well...didn't like the new format.
Where on an average day, I receive 300 emails, today was double. I can normally get through them all without panicking, but 2 of the kids were off of school today so even during nap time, there was really no down time!
It's ok...I keep telling myself, as I snack on large marshmallows to cure my feeling of being overwhelmed! Change is hard for most. I am the 1st to admit it is my weakness. Practice makes perfect and practice is what it is going to take to get me used to the new system.
In the meantime, I will move along with being a mommy to the 5 boys, a wife, a friend, the room mom duties, sisterhood board responsibilities, fulfilling the Silent Auction Chair expectations, classroom volunteer, chef, driver, nurse, vet, housekeeper, accountant, therapist, etc. etc. etc.
It's no wonder I feel as if there are 34 hours in my day!
Today was a big day. I sent over 13,000 people the Jens List newsletter using a new mail server - one equipped with allowing members to follow me on Facebook and Twitter and have everything they would need to access the website at their fingertips.
The program is all new to me. It took me twice as long this morning to do what I have been doing the past 4+ years to get the information out to everyone. Then came the emails from everyone telling me how much they liked...and well...didn't like the new format.
Where on an average day, I receive 300 emails, today was double. I can normally get through them all without panicking, but 2 of the kids were off of school today so even during nap time, there was really no down time!
It's ok...I keep telling myself, as I snack on large marshmallows to cure my feeling of being overwhelmed! Change is hard for most. I am the 1st to admit it is my weakness. Practice makes perfect and practice is what it is going to take to get me used to the new system.
In the meantime, I will move along with being a mommy to the 5 boys, a wife, a friend, the room mom duties, sisterhood board responsibilities, fulfilling the Silent Auction Chair expectations, classroom volunteer, chef, driver, nurse, vet, housekeeper, accountant, therapist, etc. etc. etc.
It's no wonder I feel as if there are 34 hours in my day!
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Change Stinks!
I am a simpleton. Most everything I wear can be washed in the washing machine - after all, with 5 young boys, it is a miracle if I am my shirt remains clean when I walk out of the house in the morning! I don't drive a fancy car, just one that will shelp everyone to and fro. I have one pair of earrings that I never take off and a wedding ring that adorns my left hand. My idea of a night out consists of a good movie and or dinner with the kids at Islands.
Needless to say, I do not need much except family and friends to be happy. I have always thought that I would have done wonderfully living in the 1950's, where technology was not at the forefront and it was simple things in life that were truly important to the rest of the world.
I am a simpleton. So, when Jens List grew from me passing along some neat info to a few select friends, to 13,000 people in the Los Angeles area and beyond, I was convinced, by more than just a few people, that it was time to move past the antiquated email system of providing a newsletter. That said, it took a long time to implement the new format, one in which I completely and entirely am afraid of, but with perseverance will get used to and I am sure, like...somewhere down the road.
Change is hard. No matter what it is you are changing. However, being that technology and I don't seem to be the best of friends, getting acquainted to a new system has been not only time consuming and extraordinarily challenging but frustrating at the same time, as I feel the innocence of what was once built is being taken away.
Life progresses. Business expand. Things move forward. Jens List is one of those examples and while I am sure everything will become second nature as time goes on, right now, please bare with me and practice patience as I master the new art of the Jens List newsletter!
Practice does make perfect. Nobody ever told me how much practice it takes, but I am dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible.
Thank you again to everyone who has supported me over the years. From something that was never supposed to be, Jens List has taught me so much, given me the opportunity to learn and has opened my eyes to a part of the world that I am not sure I never would have known about!
Needless to say, I do not need much except family and friends to be happy. I have always thought that I would have done wonderfully living in the 1950's, where technology was not at the forefront and it was simple things in life that were truly important to the rest of the world.
I am a simpleton. So, when Jens List grew from me passing along some neat info to a few select friends, to 13,000 people in the Los Angeles area and beyond, I was convinced, by more than just a few people, that it was time to move past the antiquated email system of providing a newsletter. That said, it took a long time to implement the new format, one in which I completely and entirely am afraid of, but with perseverance will get used to and I am sure, like...somewhere down the road.
Change is hard. No matter what it is you are changing. However, being that technology and I don't seem to be the best of friends, getting acquainted to a new system has been not only time consuming and extraordinarily challenging but frustrating at the same time, as I feel the innocence of what was once built is being taken away.
Life progresses. Business expand. Things move forward. Jens List is one of those examples and while I am sure everything will become second nature as time goes on, right now, please bare with me and practice patience as I master the new art of the Jens List newsletter!
Practice does make perfect. Nobody ever told me how much practice it takes, but I am dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible.
Thank you again to everyone who has supported me over the years. From something that was never supposed to be, Jens List has taught me so much, given me the opportunity to learn and has opened my eyes to a part of the world that I am not sure I never would have known about!
Monday, November 02, 2009
We just had a great family photoshoot and I wanted to share with everyone!
A La Mode Photo/Heather Hart
The holiday season is coming up and you need pictures!
See her portfolio at: http://www.alamodephoto.com/
Schedule a pregnancy, family or baby photo shoot, buy a Gift Certificate for friends or family, or order beautiful fine art photo jewelry - Heather has everything!
*Mention Jen’s List for a Members Only discount.*
See her portfolio at: http://www.alamodephoto.com/
Schedule a pregnancy, family or baby photo shoot, buy a Gift Certificate for friends or family, or order beautiful fine art photo jewelry - Heather has everything!
*Mention Jen’s List for a Members Only discount.*
Heather is a mother of twins (and faithful Jen’s Lister) and has been a pregnancy and family photographer for 14 years. Most of her business is referrals and repeat business!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Best Landscaping Experience!
Jen's List member, Stephanie Davis, is degreed in Landscape Architecture and has taught in this field at both Pierce College and CSUN and has had her own design business for the last 10 years. From my 1st meeting with Stephanie, she has been amazing to work with and I highly recommend her for your next project. Her designs can include pools/spas, water features, patios, overhead structures, planting and lighting plans. No job is too big or too small. No charge for your first appointment. Call 805-231-6117 or email stephanie@stephanieanndavis.com
Once we decided on WHAT to do, we were able to implement all of the design ideas with Danicio’s assistance. He is the person that actually completed all the re-landscaping in my front yard – including installing a new system! He is a very honest, hard working person and currently available as a landscaper or as your maintenance company. Danicio's # is (818) 438-6486. Not only did he do a truly fabulous job for me, but also recently completed another Jens List members home(mbernie76@msn.com)
Feel free to email me anytime about Stephanie or Danicio at Jlev@jenlevinson.com
Here are some before and after photos….Seeing it person TRULY does their work justice!
Once we decided on WHAT to do, we were able to implement all of the design ideas with Danicio’s assistance. He is the person that actually completed all the re-landscaping in my front yard – including installing a new system! He is a very honest, hard working person and currently available as a landscaper or as your maintenance company. Danicio's # is (818) 438-6486. Not only did he do a truly fabulous job for me, but also recently completed another Jens List members home(mbernie76@msn.com)
Feel free to email me anytime about Stephanie or Danicio at Jlev@jenlevinson.com
Here are some before and after photos….Seeing it person TRULY does their work justice!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
New Family Photos
Mark has been crazy about photography since he got his first camera as a high school graduation gift. He studied photo journalism in college, worked for the yearbook and have enjoyed shooting "for the moment" ever since. After college, he fell into an advertising career that led him to producing, directing and copywriting. Through the years he continued to shoot tons of stills. Since he became a dad two years ago, taking hundreds of pictures of his daughter (yup, that’s her and him on the home page) became the norm and rekindled his love of journalistic photography. We recently had the pleasure of meeting Mark and having him shoot some photos of the family. We enjoyed working with him and thought his photographic skills were really good. He is offering Jens List 20% off a photo session. You can reach him at 310.750.5728
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Pondering Life...
10 years ago, one of my very dearest friends was diagnosed with Sarcoma. They found it in her lung, which was very rare and over the years, after treatment after treatment, it spread to her brain. Emily has endured so many medical treatments, some experimental, surgeries and radiation, one would truly wonder how any cancer could survive. But it has and now she is losing the battle. This weekend, I am traveling with Mike to Dallas, to spend my last weekend with her. Even as I write this, my body is numb and I am not sure how I am going to make it through.
I think anyone that reads this will know someone in their lifetime to be effected by cancer. I am so angry at what has happened and how cancer has not only taken over Emily's body but effected some other very close people to me.
I always wonder why it seems so prevalent now. Why I know so many people battling this very ugly disease. Is it because I am older? Is it because its more common? I scares me to think...why them...and why not me?
I look at my parents and in-laws and think to myself all the time how lucky they are to be here, alive and well, to see their grandchildren. I pray, more than you would ever know, that I am that blessed and granted the ability to live another 40+ years.
Life is not fair. I have learned that. My mom always said it to me as a kid...and now I believe her. I wish she was wrong. I really, really do.
I think anyone that reads this will know someone in their lifetime to be effected by cancer. I am so angry at what has happened and how cancer has not only taken over Emily's body but effected some other very close people to me.
I always wonder why it seems so prevalent now. Why I know so many people battling this very ugly disease. Is it because I am older? Is it because its more common? I scares me to think...why them...and why not me?
I look at my parents and in-laws and think to myself all the time how lucky they are to be here, alive and well, to see their grandchildren. I pray, more than you would ever know, that I am that blessed and granted the ability to live another 40+ years.
Life is not fair. I have learned that. My mom always said it to me as a kid...and now I believe her. I wish she was wrong. I really, really do.
Monday, August 10, 2009
5 weeks ago....
My life changed...for the better. Actually, it is hard to believe that 5 weeks have gone by already. So fast! I feel great! Relatively speaking, no pain, and I am pretty much back to normal. Between week 3 and week 5, I was exhausted. Because I felt well during the day, and the kids were out of school, it was non-stop, go, go, go and then by their bedtime...I would crash. The hours rolled into days, days rolled into a couple of weeks...and here I am.
I am so happy to have had the opportunity to blog during this experience. I think its not only helped me but helped a lot of other people who always wondered what it was like and questioning having the surgery done themselves.
I bought 3 bathing suits last week...something I have not done in years...in fact - the only one I really owned in the last few years was a maternity bathing suit...that when not pregnant, just passed off as something perhaps my grandmother would have worn!
I finally was able to get rid of a lot of clothing in my closet. I had been pregnant for pretty much 6+ years straight, so having a closet like Oprah just made sense. I had clothing ranging from size 6 to 16! The 16's were donated some time ago. Held on to some 14's and those were donated recently as well. Then the 12's left and I am holding on to the 8's and 10's. 6's....well - those were pretty much wishful thinking. BC...perhaps they fit...over my hips -I truly think at this point, no matter how much weight I lost, the hips are the hips and they are here to stay!
In about 4 1/2 months, I will take the after photos and then be able to see the full effect of everything I went through. Still pretty swollen, but the scar is healing nicely and I like the way its looking! This definitely is a summer to remember....that is FOR SURE!
I am so happy to have had the opportunity to blog during this experience. I think its not only helped me but helped a lot of other people who always wondered what it was like and questioning having the surgery done themselves.
I bought 3 bathing suits last week...something I have not done in years...in fact - the only one I really owned in the last few years was a maternity bathing suit...that when not pregnant, just passed off as something perhaps my grandmother would have worn!
I finally was able to get rid of a lot of clothing in my closet. I had been pregnant for pretty much 6+ years straight, so having a closet like Oprah just made sense. I had clothing ranging from size 6 to 16! The 16's were donated some time ago. Held on to some 14's and those were donated recently as well. Then the 12's left and I am holding on to the 8's and 10's. 6's....well - those were pretty much wishful thinking. BC...perhaps they fit...over my hips -I truly think at this point, no matter how much weight I lost, the hips are the hips and they are here to stay!
In about 4 1/2 months, I will take the after photos and then be able to see the full effect of everything I went through. Still pretty swollen, but the scar is healing nicely and I like the way its looking! This definitely is a summer to remember....that is FOR SURE!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
3 weeks post op and what I never knew......
I guess I wish I didn't feel so good in the morning, because then I would not be running around all day to leave me feeling like crap all night! It is so hard to stay put. How I ever was on bed rest for 5 months is literally beyond me, but at the time, I did what I had to do....OH...and I only had 1 child!
So....being 3 weeks post op today...for the most part I am doing extremely well. I am healing like I am supposed to and the swelling is all par for the course. Some things happened though, that I never knew was going to and it brought back to the time I delivered my 1st child. I read "What to Expect When You Are Expecting"...about 10 times cover to cover. However, never did it talk about some gruesome occurrences that can happen to your own body during delivery(girls...I am sure you know what I am talking about), never did it talk about the contortion positions the nurses expect you to get into to get the baby out and never did it talk about "tearing". That said, perhaps I was better off NOT knowing all of those things ahead of time or else Zachary would probably still be inside me to this day!
Now...back to THIS surgery. Never in my life had I been under anesthesia for 8 hours. I had no clue how tired I was going to be...3 weeks later. I used to be able to stay up until 11pm, if not later. Since my surgery, I will be lucky if I make it past 8:30pm - which puts a bit of a wrench into my computer time! So tired. Literally fatigued - like the only way my eyelids would stay up is with toothpicks.
I never thought that there would be highs THEN lows to what I went thru. Don't get me wrong, I am so blessed and feel grateful that I was able to have this procedure done...but your mind does funny things. The 1st few days, I was on a high - I guess perhaps maybe because I was high on Percocet! I was not swollen, my tummy was flat and it seemed like the surgery was a success.
Then....you start moving....then you start swelling and then you start second guessing yourself if everything you just went thru really "worked". Of course its stupid, because with most surgery's come swelling and that goes away, but you don't want it to happen. Ever! I somewhat secluded myself...didn't want to talk on the phone, was not up for visitors and was thinking I was going thru some type of post traumatic surgery disorder. It's starting to lift and from my understanding, its all normal feelings....just didn't know about this before I went in!
Just when I thought I was alone for even wanting a tummy tuck, this past weekend I had 4 parties to go to and if I had a $1 for every time I heard "I want to do that too", I would be rich right now! In a strange way, it made me feel better that my initial feelings of plastic surgery being vain were not so off and that probably 9 out 10 woman would do the same thing tomorrow if they could. Is it a Southern California thing? Who knows. Its just nice to know that I am not alone.
All in all, I am healing just as I should be. The doc is keeping a close on eye on me and checking up on me weekly. I have another 3 weeks to wear the compression garment and another 5 1/2 months before the full effect of what I did will be known. If what I see now is any preview of whats to come...I'll take it!
Thank you to everyone for your love and support, friendship and food! It has made the past 3 weeks so much easier in every sense possible.
So....being 3 weeks post op today...for the most part I am doing extremely well. I am healing like I am supposed to and the swelling is all par for the course. Some things happened though, that I never knew was going to and it brought back to the time I delivered my 1st child. I read "What to Expect When You Are Expecting"...about 10 times cover to cover. However, never did it talk about some gruesome occurrences that can happen to your own body during delivery(girls...I am sure you know what I am talking about), never did it talk about the contortion positions the nurses expect you to get into to get the baby out and never did it talk about "tearing". That said, perhaps I was better off NOT knowing all of those things ahead of time or else Zachary would probably still be inside me to this day!
Now...back to THIS surgery. Never in my life had I been under anesthesia for 8 hours. I had no clue how tired I was going to be...3 weeks later. I used to be able to stay up until 11pm, if not later. Since my surgery, I will be lucky if I make it past 8:30pm - which puts a bit of a wrench into my computer time! So tired. Literally fatigued - like the only way my eyelids would stay up is with toothpicks.
I never thought that there would be highs THEN lows to what I went thru. Don't get me wrong, I am so blessed and feel grateful that I was able to have this procedure done...but your mind does funny things. The 1st few days, I was on a high - I guess perhaps maybe because I was high on Percocet! I was not swollen, my tummy was flat and it seemed like the surgery was a success.
Then....you start moving....then you start swelling and then you start second guessing yourself if everything you just went thru really "worked". Of course its stupid, because with most surgery's come swelling and that goes away, but you don't want it to happen. Ever! I somewhat secluded myself...didn't want to talk on the phone, was not up for visitors and was thinking I was going thru some type of post traumatic surgery disorder. It's starting to lift and from my understanding, its all normal feelings....just didn't know about this before I went in!
Just when I thought I was alone for even wanting a tummy tuck, this past weekend I had 4 parties to go to and if I had a $1 for every time I heard "I want to do that too", I would be rich right now! In a strange way, it made me feel better that my initial feelings of plastic surgery being vain were not so off and that probably 9 out 10 woman would do the same thing tomorrow if they could. Is it a Southern California thing? Who knows. Its just nice to know that I am not alone.
All in all, I am healing just as I should be. The doc is keeping a close on eye on me and checking up on me weekly. I have another 3 weeks to wear the compression garment and another 5 1/2 months before the full effect of what I did will be known. If what I see now is any preview of whats to come...I'll take it!
Thank you to everyone for your love and support, friendship and food! It has made the past 3 weeks so much easier in every sense possible.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
2 words – Life Changing...
The past week and half +, during recovery, its given me a lot of time to really think about what my body went thru on July 7th. I think I had short term memory, because truly the impact was made on Friday, when I asked Dr. Schwartz to send me a few photos of "before". WOW. My life has changed for the better, forever. This experience, money spent aside, was the best thing I ever could have done. I am young and have so much more life to live - without ALL of that extra skin around my midsection! Even for the 1st time, now, I did not mind looking in the mirror!
Recovery really was doing a whole bunch of nothing. My mother in law was here helping with the kids and my friends and family continued to help with keeping the boys occupied. Food kept coming, making dinner time a whole lot easier for Mike to take care of. The hard part for the few days after I first got home, was sleeping upright, on my back. After a few days, I was able to turn a little bit on my side and actually felt most comfortable sleeping on the couch, where my back could be supported. The pain pump came out 1 week after surgery, however, unfortunately, the 2 drains stayed. I had been told that that was the worst part...and....I would have to agree. I FINALLY got the drains removed last Wed. and it was an incredibly free feeling. Now, its all about not doing too much, still not lifting the kids and letting the enormous amount of swelling go down. OH...and having to show the "after" to anyone that walked thru the door!
Everyone is so curious, and to their defense, I dont blame them. When you see the "before" you want to know if the surgery "really worked"...the answer...HECK YA and then some! This surgery was never looked at as a way to lose weight. Truly, no amount of exercise was going to fix the damage done by all of the pregnancies.
Dr. Schwartz throughout this entire process has handled me with kid gloves, as I am sure he does all of his patients. Not only are his skills incredible but his bedside manner matches that and kudos to him for being such a fantastic doctor.
I am looking forward to buying a bathing suit and going to the beach before the end of summer. I am looking forward to not having to hide my body behind clothing that is too big and I am looking forward to not looking away from the mirror when getting into the shower! All these things, unless you have been there, it is hard to understand the emotional side behind everything that I am looking forward to.
My goal during this whole experience, was to be as open and honest as possible. From the onset of Jens List, my motto was to share and that is just what I wanted to do here. As the weeks pass, the swelling will subside little by little. The full outcome of the surgery will not be realized until 6 months from now and I can't wait to see it!
Recovery really was doing a whole bunch of nothing. My mother in law was here helping with the kids and my friends and family continued to help with keeping the boys occupied. Food kept coming, making dinner time a whole lot easier for Mike to take care of. The hard part for the few days after I first got home, was sleeping upright, on my back. After a few days, I was able to turn a little bit on my side and actually felt most comfortable sleeping on the couch, where my back could be supported. The pain pump came out 1 week after surgery, however, unfortunately, the 2 drains stayed. I had been told that that was the worst part...and....I would have to agree. I FINALLY got the drains removed last Wed. and it was an incredibly free feeling. Now, its all about not doing too much, still not lifting the kids and letting the enormous amount of swelling go down. OH...and having to show the "after" to anyone that walked thru the door!
Everyone is so curious, and to their defense, I dont blame them. When you see the "before" you want to know if the surgery "really worked"...the answer...HECK YA and then some! This surgery was never looked at as a way to lose weight. Truly, no amount of exercise was going to fix the damage done by all of the pregnancies.
Dr. Schwartz throughout this entire process has handled me with kid gloves, as I am sure he does all of his patients. Not only are his skills incredible but his bedside manner matches that and kudos to him for being such a fantastic doctor.
I am looking forward to buying a bathing suit and going to the beach before the end of summer. I am looking forward to not having to hide my body behind clothing that is too big and I am looking forward to not looking away from the mirror when getting into the shower! All these things, unless you have been there, it is hard to understand the emotional side behind everything that I am looking forward to.
My goal during this whole experience, was to be as open and honest as possible. From the onset of Jens List, my motto was to share and that is just what I wanted to do here. As the weeks pass, the swelling will subside little by little. The full outcome of the surgery will not be realized until 6 months from now and I can't wait to see it!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Clutter...BE GONE!
Can you park your car in your garage?
Do you find yourself embarrassed to have the garage door up because the garage is such a mess?
Do you trip over items every time you walk in the garage?
If you find yourself relating to any of the above questions, I have a solution for you!
Last Friday, I had the team from 1 Day Garage Makeover out to my home. The arrived at 9am, and left 4 hours later and the outcome was no less than a miracle! Proof is in the pudding they say…so here are the before and after photos! I was SHOCKED. Having been recovering from my surgery, I could not lift a finger and I didn’t. They cleared out the garage and I was outside for a ½ hr. sitting on a chair all the while they were asking me, toss, keep or donate. Piles were made and I went back in until 1pm, there was a knock at the door and the garage was SPOTLESS…Unreal feat completed and I had to pass along this info to all…It will be the BEST $ you ever spent!!! I told them about Jens List and they agreed to give $25 off to anyone that mentions Jens List. The avg. garage ranges from $300-$500.Estimates are free – 818-451-8530 – I know they are booking fast, so if you are interested, I would call sooner vs. later!
Do you find yourself embarrassed to have the garage door up because the garage is such a mess?
Do you trip over items every time you walk in the garage?
If you find yourself relating to any of the above questions, I have a solution for you!
Last Friday, I had the team from 1 Day Garage Makeover out to my home. The arrived at 9am, and left 4 hours later and the outcome was no less than a miracle! Proof is in the pudding they say…so here are the before and after photos! I was SHOCKED. Having been recovering from my surgery, I could not lift a finger and I didn’t. They cleared out the garage and I was outside for a ½ hr. sitting on a chair all the while they were asking me, toss, keep or donate. Piles were made and I went back in until 1pm, there was a knock at the door and the garage was SPOTLESS…Unreal feat completed and I had to pass along this info to all…It will be the BEST $ you ever spent!!! I told them about Jens List and they agreed to give $25 off to anyone that mentions Jens List. The avg. garage ranges from $300-$500.Estimates are free – 818-451-8530 – I know they are booking fast, so if you are interested, I would call sooner vs. later!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
