What's Up For Kids, Sept/Oct 2012 by Alessandra Media Group LLC

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

What’s up for kids Vol. 16— September/october 2012

Organize

Back to School School bonanza bonanza

Cookin For the Busy Family

Courteous & Cool Back to School With Confidence

PLUS …. FIND OUR Daily Calendar of Things to Do Around Town! Cover Photo Courtesy of Fleur De Lis Photography

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

2 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up For Kids

September/October 2012

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

n u F y l i m a F t s e F Saturday, September 8 10am—3pm South Bay Galleria 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach H a n ds me nt , n i -On A a t r te n c t i v it i E , f s o r Ki ds es d n Bo ot h a s o f A ll y a w a Ag es ! Give F un ! F ly R i E m E! a Tot al F Bring the Whole Family… Celebrate Back to School…. and learn about all the FUN & EXCITING after school programs offered in the South Bay!

First 50 families get What’s Up For Kids tote bag!

www.WhatsUpForKids.com For more information or exhibitor registration, call (888) 544-1042.

4 What’s Up For Kids

September/October 2012

ENTS T N O C F TABLE O…………….. Page 26 2

age 2 ……… Calendar ner………………..P ge 8 Pa or Cookin’ C & Cool…………….. e 31 ag s Courteou urce Directory.. P e 10 so ag Family Re dly Travel……..P ge 20 ien Family Fr ………………….Pa e 12 … ag Fitness… atch …………….P W Page 6 . . ’s d … a g D in n iz O r Orgat’snUp For Kids EZINEEEwaitht fo s ip T k for FR Quic kly W ha Subscribe e the wee do! Receiv st things to .com all the late ww.whatsupforkids w

Letter From The Publisher: Publisher Welcome back….to school that is! Time for new clothes, new backpacks, new books and a fresh start for our kids! This is also a great time for moms to have a breather before the chaos of the holidays begin! We have some great articles this issue! Welcome to our new family food writer, Phoebe Schiller! We’ve highlighted some of our awesome giveaways on pages 16/17—be sure to enter every week! Schedule that holiday picture now—check out my article on that experience! And did you see the announcement of our new City Editor program? See the ad on page 21, or visit us online and click “Become a City Editor”. Yes, the South Bay is already taken— has been for almost 17 years! But there are lots of other cities around the country! Let your family and friends know! As you probably know, I now publish two magazines, What’s Up For Kids, and Today’s Innovative Woman, a magazine for women entrepreneurs! Check it out at www.TodaysInnovativeWoman.com and subscribe to receive it mailed to your home or office for FREE! Because I am no longer just What’s Up For Kids, I’ve changed my corporate name to Alessandra Media Group LLC, which is now the parent company of both magazines. Our new logo is here—but we are still the same great What’s Up For Kids magazine! You wont’ see anything different, I just wanted to share! AlessandraMediaGroup.com shows you everything we are up to! Until next time,

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

6 What’s Up For Kids

September/October 2012

QUICK TIPS FOR ORGANIZING QUICK TIPS FOR ORGANIZING Cookin’ For the Busy Family By Ann Gambrell Had a busy day at work or running errands, shuttling kids to and from sports activities? Everybody’s hungry and the last thing you want to do is cook dinner. You could order a pizza or send out for burgers or tacos or pop another boring frozen meal in the oven. Or…..you could put together some quick, easy and nutritious meals and eliminate the guilt over your family’s fast food rut! Here are a few ideas to get you going on the path to quick & easy mealtimes. 1.

Take a couple hours on the weekend to cook a big pot of vegetable soup. It’s easy to make and very nutritious. Have it as a main course one evening with some canned biscuits or packaged cornbread. Another night that week team a cup of that soup up with hot dogs or grilled cheese sandwiches. Not into making soup? No problem. There are many tasty canned soups on the grocery shelf. See which ones your family likes and stock up. Also consider packaged noodle soups adding some frozen or canned corn, peas or other veggies to add interest & nutrition. Toss in a salad bar for variety along with French rolls or frozen bread sticks. Bagged salad greens are a boon for good & easy salad fare.

Everyone likes pasta! If you have a package of pasta and a jar of sauce in the pantry…you’ve got dinner anytime! Frozen ravioli or tortellini are yummy too and come in cheese or meat selections. Keep a variety of pastas & sauces in the pantry. Once again…add a salad and you’ve got dinner. You could also add a nice baguette of French bread. Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese.

How about pizza? Buy frozen pizza to pop in the oven for a quick & easy meal. Or you can buy readymade crusts and let the kids add the sauce and meats, veggies and cheeses. Smaller individual crusts are fun too and each child can “decorate” their own. Add a salad of canned green beans tossed with Italian dressing. Most kids don’t get many vegetables during the day. (Continued on page 7)

Geoffrey A. Groat, D.D.S. Dentistry for Children and Adolescents

1350 West Seventh Street

San Pedro

(310) 832-5133

Get the Weekly Calendar of South Bay Activities in Your Email Inbox! www.whatsupforkids.com

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

Cook up a pot of chili in the slow cooker before leaving for the day. Then come home to easily prepare a meal of chilidogs or taco salad or burritos (add canned refried beans). Or have a “make your own taco” night using readymade shells or soft tacos in tortillas warmed in the microwave. Add a boxed Spanish rice mix and ole’…dinner. You could use canned chili too. It is sold with or without beans, vegetarian or with beef or chicken. Take your choice. Without beans is great for chilidogs.

Burgers and fries? No problem. Buy pre-made hamburgers or turkey burgers (fresh or frozen) and a bag of frozen French fries. Toss them both in the oven while you get the condiments ready and set the table. Cheese slices, tomatoes and lettuce complete the burgers. Eat your heart out Burger King.

See, it CAN be done…..easy & nutritious. Kids can help with all of these meals. Older kids can help cook. Two of my granddaughters each have a night to cook a meal. They choose the menu and go for it. My younger granddaughters can help with the salad, grate cheese, set the table and retrieve condiments from the cupboard and refrigerator. All can help to clean up! Bon appetit. Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker available to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School. To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or request her for FREE monthly email tips email gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did.

8 What’s Up For Kids

September/October 2012

Courteous & Cool Courteous & Cool Back to School With Confidence By Kari Doody Going back to school can be a very exciting and sometimes a stressful time for kids. Knowing how to prepare your child for the first day of school is key in making sure they start the year off right. Even more important than school supplies and new shoes is bringing a good attitude with you on your first day of school. Each school year is an opportunity for a fresh start. New teachers, new classrooms and potentially new friends. This year make sure a positive attitude is on the top of your back to school list. Positive visualization is a great technique to teach your kids how to have a positive attitude. That’s not to say that they will be able to accomplish anything they want to do by visualizing it, but If they want it, feel it, see it, they’ve taken the first step towards making it a reality. Before school starts, encourage your child to follow these simple tips: 1. Be self confident- Every child cares what other people think about them. Remind your child of all of their positive qualities and why that is attractive to other people. 2. Be realistic- Let your child know that we all make mistakes and they should not be afraid of trying new things. Teach your child that making mistakes is a part of life and as long as they always try their best, they can only learn from their mistakes. 3. Be open minded- Each school year we are given new opportunities and just because you didn’t like your teacher last year, doesn’t mean this year will be the same. 4. Stay true to yourself- Don’t let your child make decisions based on what others think, say or do. This may be hard to do, but occasional reminders will help them build their confidence. We can all remember a time when we were nervous about our first day of school for one reason or another. Share your experiences with your children. Even though they may not believe that you ever felt the same way, there is a sense of comfort knowing that they are not alone. For more etiquette tips and classes in your area visit courteousandcool.com Kari Doody is Founder of the Courteous and Cool Etiquette School. After having three children and sharing stories with other mom’s, she realized that many role models that our children look up to were in the news – and not in a good way. We aren’t born with good manners, they need to be cultivated at a young age and reinforced throughout young adulthood. Whatever level your child is at, she can help them improve their skills and confidence – and they can have fun doing it with my age appropriate games and activities. For more tips and classes in your area, visit www.courteousandcool.com.

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

10 What’s Up For Kids

September/October

Family Friendly Travel Boston, MA “The Capital of New England” By Karen Murphy Welcome autumn, back to school, schedules and the dreaded homework! Hopefully everyone had a relaxing and fun filled summer with family and friends. My family and I spent a great deal of time this summer on the east coast and had the chance to enjoy the city of Boston. You may know that Boston is the first city in the U.S. to have a Subway System, public schools, and a public lending library. The city is filled with history and is known for their higher education establishments with Boston University, MIT, Boston College and of course Harvard to name a few. Boston is a family friendly city with many activities focusing on its rich early American history. The Freedom Trail is a guided tour - a red line that runs through the city that you can walk on your own or with a Colonial costumed guide! Perfect for those young 5th graders studying the revolutionary war. They can even tour Paul Revere’s home located in the North End of the city. The whole family enjoyed Boston’s famous “ Duck Tours” which is an 80-minute driving tour that takes you from land to water in the same vehicle. The duck tour drivers are each unique and give you a colorful interpretation and overview of the city. Book early though since ticket times do sell out. Baseball fans can enjoy the famous Fenwick Park and see the Red Socks play. Boston is wonderful in the summer but the beautiful autumn leaves of Fall are amazing as well. Direct flights on American make it an easy decision and the city has many affordable lodging options. Let me help you plan your visit to a city that truly brings you back in time and reminds us of our amazing American history.

Family Friendly Travel Writer, Karen Murphy, is excited to help plan your next family vacation! Karen can be reached at the Travelstore in Palos Verdes, 310750-9413 or email at karen.mu@travelstore.com.

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

$35

12 What’s Up For Kids

September/October

On Dad’s Watch On Dad’s Watch A Dude and a Dog By Michael Malgeri Last week I heard words that most fathers dread coming from their daughters. "I'm going to marry a dude with blue eyes who likes dogs." Actually, it was my wife who overheard the exchange and delivered the news that blew this "helicopter dad" out of the sky. "Oh, good thing we're in California!" I thought. "There are no guys like that around here!" Jeesh! She turned 12 six seconds ago! The night before she was playing with plastic dinosaurs. Now she's talking about DUDES!? Friends told me this overnight change would happen. I just didn't think it was going to be at the stroke of midnight. Well, if it has to be this way, I'm going to have a say in what kind of DUDE is allowed to bring his blue eyes and dog in the vicinity of my daughter. It goes without saying if he uses the word "sustainability" he's going to get "capped and traded." Also, if he wants to "Occupy" anything, it better be a high paying position at a reputable establishment. To show that it's not all political with me, if he has a tattoo, he better be a Navy Seal and if he wears an ear ring he'll be doubling as an ornament at Christmas. Perhaps I'm a bit extreme. Although I don't have blue eyes and I'm not much of a dog person, my best weapon is to be a good DUDE myself and set a solid example to guide her choosing. So on that note, "right on," "hang

Kindergym, Recreational Classes U.S.A.G. Competitive Teams Cheerleading Classes, Birthday Parties Winter, Spring and Summer Camps 20,000 Sq. Ft. Facility Call Today For Our Schedule of Classes! 3051 Fujita St., Torrance (310) 326-1818 www.studiowestgymnastics.com

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

ten," "far out," and "knarly"...we'll see you DUDES next time. Editor’s Note: Along with “On Dad’s Watch” Michael writes a series of books he calls “Bedtime Stories about Capitalism,” which teaches kids about honest profit making. Visit http://www.kids4biz.com. You can write to him at mmalgeri@kids4biz.com

14 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up For Kids

September/October

www.WhatsUpForKids.com Art Enrichment Programs! We bring Art Programs to Preschools, Public and Private Elementary Schools, City Park and Recreational Services, Corporate Day Care, Non-Profits and More! From Leonardo da Vinci to Monet to Frank Lloyd Wright, our Great Masters Programs will:

Sharpen Critical Thinking Skills Increase the Ability to Think Independently and Innovate Build Self-Esteem and Increase Self-Confidence Let the Imagination Soar!

Programs include: Highly Trained Art Instructors, All Supplies, Educational Art Books, Prints and Props, Accompaniment of Classical Music/ Composers, Manipulatives, and More.

16 What’s Up For Kids

September/October Here at What’s Up For Kids, we are expanding! And that means you benefit!

We receive some of the coolest toys, gizmos and gadgets to review! And we give them away to all of you! Almost every week, we will post a new great product, toy, service etc! We’ll review it—and give it away! It’s in our weekly e-zine and on our website! Subscribe to our ezine to get the announcements or check out our website on Thursday for the latest giveaway! We’ll also post it on our Facebook page for you to “like” and get an extra entry. Here are some of the great products we’ve already given away…….. family together es help bond a nc rie pe ex w Fe in the outdoors ding a few days en sp an th e or m of modern life out the comforts take the roughing it with en you cannot wh t, Bu . gy lo me from Outand techno re is a new ga the ay aw t ge time to feeling of the that brings the n io at uc Ed doors om called to your living ro in rs oo td ou t grea noutdoors.net. tails at educatio de e ing or M p. m Ca nlimited in Roll at W ild Birds U le ab ail av so Al 4.99. Hills Plaza. $2

kids a soccer game, on vacation or at re The u’ . yo es er ori th m he W their own me t en m cu do to e-go and the love the ability for people on-th t ea gr is VR D rfect balNerf Pocket gives you the pe eo vid n io lut so re e rugged 640 X 480 emory space. Th m low d an ty ali ndle the camera ance of qu kes it easy to ha ma so al n sig de sports e moment. in the heat of th kar Nerf Digital rf design, the Sa Ne al ion dit tra orange motif you True to the same bright eo es tur fea er ord budget friends vid Camc e early 90′s! This in th ly m fe fro sa it er ep mb ke reme d grip to ize er bb ru a ts or gcamera also sp and up and it’s su for ages 5 years d de en mm co re y hand. It is officiall is $59.95. ice pr l ai ret gested

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

Do you rem e watching bl mber the days of spa ast offs, m ce explora tion oon Shuttle land ings? Toym landings and the Sp – ace some supe aker Aerom r fu ax has cre ated including th n astronaut-themed toys for the e naut Space super-soaking wate r blasting A kids, Pack! This strowater and space pack can shoot holds a lite w a r of once, or c ter in two d hoose the irections a more traditi t straight-on onal single stream. The mode stly priceless ga priced shooter can be p lactic role-p www.aero laying. Get layed with or withou maxtoys.c t water for more deta om. It sells ils at 5+. for $15.95 and is sugg ested for k ids ages Enough wit h the compu ter games a time in fron nd t of the TV! Escalade Sp “inside” super fun g ames. Zum orts has som e Games’ n outdoor ga e ew indoor/ mes will tra nsform a da night on the y at the beac deck, conce h, into instant rt tailgating fun. Some or rainy day of the most games of th inno eir are fun, eas kind on the market, Z vative ume Games y to play, po rtable, dura signed for ble and desafe play. T he vative gam es includes new Zume brand of in n its CANZ™ TENNIZ™, , SPINNER oDIZK™ and Z™, TOZZ™ . are availabl These gam e at www.z es ume-games .com. The first day of school is al ways cause fo little nervousn ra ess! W ith the new school clothes, back pack and supp lie little help for the hair! To he s, how about a lp tame hair an first-day-of-sc d ho designed a kid ol jitters, Mixed Chicks ha s ’s product lin e that embrac your child’s na es tural curls. The tear-free, sulfate-free M IXED CHICKS Kids Shampo o is a gentle an d safe produc fo r our kids. MIX tioner is grea t t for tangles an ED CHICKS Kids Condid a manageable. Odorless, colo perfect formula to leave ha ir soft and rless and para Conditioner st ben-free, the yling product Kids Leav e-In eliminates frizz Tangle-Tamer and defines cu giv rls. The Kids Av ailable in fin es next day hair a fresh lo ok and hold. e stores or ww w.mixedchick s.net.

18 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up For Kids

September/October

Get Your FREE tick et!

On Saturday, September 29, 2012, Smithsonian Magazine will host a celebration of culture, science, history and education, marking the Eighth Annual Museum Day Live! across the United States. Over 1,400 museums and cultural institutions nationwide are expected to participate, emulating the free admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. by opening their doors free of charge to anyone who downloads a Museum Day Live! ticket at www.smithsonianmag.com/ museumday. Museums with a wide range of diverse exhibitions in all 50 states will be participating in Museum Day Live! Over 350,000 people participated in Museum Day in 2011. Museums participating in the Los Angeles area as of our publication date are: California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park, Los Angeles Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 E. Union St, Pasadena Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, 100 S. Grove St., Los Angeles Santa Monica Museum of Art, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

20 What’s Up For Kids

September/October

Speed Up Your Metabolism By JJ Flizanes 1. Eat more Protein at every meal especially breakfast: For most women and men this would contain about 15-25 grams of protein in the meal. For example, 2 egg veggie omelette…or a smoothie made with one scoop of egg white or protein powder…or ½-1 cup of Cottage cheese or plain yogurt, ½ C. frozen berries with 1-2 Tbsp flax seed meal or walnuts would do the trick. 2. Supplement your fats: Essential fats are also known as omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fats. They work in tandem with L carnitine and CLA as a trio essential for helping your body mobilize your fat stores to be used as an energy source by the mitochondria, particularly during a workout. Quality varies tremendously. Try to use some that are pharmaceutical grade. 3. Control Cravings and Appetite with Ideal Food Choices: The first key is to understand how your brain, gut and fat cells communicate with each other through hormones and brain messenger chemicals to tell you whether or not you need food and compel you to eat. When they are working properly, they are an elegant machine pinpointing when you need energy and asking you to consume calories to obtain that energy. When they go haywire-and there are many ways for them to go haywire in our current eating climate-they cause you to eat when you don’t need to, contributing to metabolic issues and weight gain. Some of the biggest culprits would be gluten and sugar- eliminate as many starchy carbs and added sugar as possible. 4. Manage Stress: Another key is to understand how stress makes you fat and how to overcome its effects. Under any physical or psychological stress, the body is designed to protect itself. It stores calories and conserves weight (you might need that energy reserve to run from a predator). It pumps hormones into your system that increase blood fats, sugar and insulin and cortisol to prepare you for fight or flight. Without eating more or exercising less, stress alone will cause weight gain. 5. Detox: Detoxifying your liver will help it properly metabolize sugars and fats. Toxins from within our bodies and toxins from our environment both contribute to obesity. Getting rid of toxins and boosting your natural detoxification system is an essential component of healthy metabolism and hormonal health for healthy aging. 6. Exercise Efficiently and add Resistance Training: Most people don’t exercise at all, but if you do, you will need to create a plan and have some tools. With cardio, a heart rate monitor and pedometer will help track your calories burned and the efficiency of your session. But you still need to add active muscle to increase your metabolism-add resistance training! You can work out at home, on the road, at the gym, office or outside. There are several exercises you can do to stimulate muscle growth without equipment. JJ Flizanes is the Director of Invisible Fitness and was named Best Personal Trainer in Los Angeles for 2007 by Elite Traveler Magazine. She is the Amazon Best Selling Author of Fit 2 Love: How to Get Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually Fit to Attract the Love of Your Life as well as Knack Absolute Abs: Routines for a Fit and Firm Core. Learn more at www.invisiblefitness.com or check out her latest book at www.fit2love.info.

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

22 What’s Up For Kids

September/October

Cookin’ Corner Pasta Salad for School Lunches By Phoebe Schilla One of the most intimidating things for parents about going back to school is the lunches. As in 'What will I pack? Which quickly segues into 'What will they actually eat this year? This year my daughter has discovered pasta salad. Not only is it easy to make, but you can vary the ingredients to accommodate what you have on hand. Some of Lily's favorite ingredients are corn, diced ham or chicken, cheese and sweet red bell pepper all wrapped up with a tangy Italian style vinaigrette. While you are making some for them, you can make a little extra to have for your lunch too! …...and if you are looking for something fun and fast for breakfast, have you tried waffle toast? Instead of making waffles from scratch, lightly butter a piece of bread, cook it in the waffle iron, then sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. We did this at the lake this summer (no toaster, but we had a waffle iron!) and loved it. Delicious and different! Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, Ham and Tomatoes Serves 4 2 cups of cooked pasta, any kind 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved *we love sweet-as-candy sungold 100s when they are in season. ½ cup of diced ham, turkey or salami ¼ cup corn 1/3 cup of diced mozzarella cheese (cheddar is good here too.) ½ of a small red or orange bell pepper, diced, about 1/3 cup ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or 4 tsp. dried 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried. 6- 8 Tbsp of Italian Vinaigrette*, salt and pepper to taste. Recipe follows, but you could easily use your favorite purchased Italian Vinaigrette. Toss all of the ingredients together and enjoy! Italian Vinaigrette 6 Tbsp. Olive Oil 2 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar (Cider Vinegar is good too.) 1 tsp. each dried parsley, oregano and thyme. 1 clove of garlic, smashed ¼ tsp. salt pinch of ground black pepper Whisk all of the ingredients together and remove the garlic clove.

Welcome to our newest Featured Writer! Chef Phoebe loved cooking from an early age growing up outside of Portland, Maine. Her mother and aunt were accomplished self-taught cooks who welcomed curious Phoebe into their kitchens. From tapping her own maple syrup from trees in the yard to baking homemade bread, Phoebe learned at an early age about the delicious benefits of whole, natural, seasonal foods. Phoebe lives in San Francisco with her husband and their daughter. In her spare time she enjoys reading cookbooks, traveling, studying yoga practices and, of course, learning about all the latest culinary happenings from around the globe. To learn more about Chef Phoebe, visit www.studioofgoodliving.com.

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

Subscribe to our Weekly E-magazine Or “Like” Us on Facebook! You’ll get the latest things to do for that weekend PLUS you you’ll be the first to know about our giveaways! Sign up at www.whatsupforkids.com OR www.Facebook.com/ whatsupforkids Expires 10/20/12

24 What’s Up For Kids

September/October

Is It Really Worth It? YES! If you have kids, I’m sure you’ve had the family photos! And ALL the stress that goes along with it! I recently experienced it again first hand and decided with the holiday season approaching and the family photo potentially looming for your family, I’d share my lessons learned! We have had a few full family photo shoots over the years— one when they were all under 5, another when they were in their pre-teens at a family reunion and now this one! Oh yes, there have been the casual “grab a friend’s camera and take the holiday card photo” - but my kids are growing up, my parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and my husband and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary! So what better time to take a family photo, right?! (laugh out loud here!) From my experience, I’d like to share a few tips with you—that you probably already know (as I did, but didn’t follow) but may want to think about again! 1.

Plan ahead! And I mean clothing. At 15, 17 and 20, you’d think my kids would know how to get dressed! Well I’m here to tell you, they don’t! The girls were better then my son, but shoes and “appropriate” attire were questionable and the searching for the lost dress shoe 5 minutes after you were already supposed to be there is no fun for anyone! Talk with the photographer ahead of time. Cynthia and I discussed the type of clothing and colors that would be best. Nothing plaid, nothing too bold. After all, we had 7 people to coordinate and my husband and mother did not want the usual “jeans with white shirts on the beach photo”. (I did—but I’ll get over it!) In addition, talk to the photographer about the most important shots. Cynthia was sure to ask me ahead of time what was most important—group shots, kids only, parents only. That way our time together for the photo shoot (in the super HOT sun during the recent heat wave of 100 degrees) was efficient! Remember you are creating a memory! The day before our photos, I was emailing with our photographer Cynthia, trying to coordinate all the details. It was HOT, I couldn’t find the top I wanted to wear, I wasn’t really sure if the location was where I wanted it—but in all my stress, she reminded me, “Take a deep breath, it will all work out and remember these are memories we are creating”.

I was greeted by my smiling photographer when we did finally arrive, who made the whole experience fun and painless, and helped take the stress out of what could have been a disastrous day! P.S. You’ll see the final product on my holiday card! And maybe before! Thanks to my family for “posing” for this picture! Even if you weren’t willing to wear jeans and white shirts! If you are ready for your family pictures, give Cynthia at Fleur De Lis Photography a call! Check out her ad on the inside front cover! She has a special offer for our readers!!

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

26 What’s Up For Kids

September/October

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Ongoing Weekly Activities As Events Details May Change, Please Call Ahead. MONDAY Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., R.H.E., hosts Babies in the Library, a storytime designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 310-377-9584, ext. 601. Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts storytime for ages 2-5. Free. 11:30am. 377-9584. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts a storytime for ages 2-5 year olds. 10:30am. 310-377-9584, ext. 551. TUESDAY Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime Ages 2-5. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601. Kids Music N Motion hosts classes for various age levels at 4 South Bay locations. Call for the details. 373-0280. WEDNESDAY Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts storytime for ages 2-5. Free. 11:30am 377-9584. Lomita Library, 24200 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, hosts preschool storytime at 10am. 539-4515. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime for ages 205. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601. THURSDAY Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime for ages 205. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601. Redondo Beach Library North branch, 2000 Artesia Blvd., hosts storytime for 1-5 year olds. 1pm. 318-0675

Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 NO. Pacific Coast Hwy., hosts Pajama story time. All ages. 6:45pm. 318-0675 FRIDAY Little Fawn, a parent participating nature program for children ages 2-5, takes place every Friday at Deane Dana Friendship Park, 1805 W. 9th St., San Pedro. 10-12noon. $5. (310) 519-6115. Kid Concepts, 22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, presents a special program every Friday night. 6pm. Free with paid admission to the center. 465-0075. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts Babies in the Library, a storytime designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:30am. 310-377-9584, ext. 551. Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Friday fun (all Fridays in September/October)! Learn about nature through crafts, stories and hands-on fun! 10-12noon. $5 donation. (310) 782-3989. SATURDAY Barnes & Noble, 1800 W. Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, hosts Children’s Storytime. 11am. 310-725-7025. SUNDAY Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier offers storytime every Sunday at 11:30am. 379-8117. Southern California Live Steamers offers free train rides the first Sunday of every month from 11am—3pm at the East end of Wilson Park in Torrance.

Information about many activities come to us after our print deadline! Visit the website for more exciting things to do with your family!

www.whatsupforkids.com Print deadline for the November/ December issue is October 1, 2012. Submit your event on our website!

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS September/October SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Lemons and Sugar, 2325 Palos Verdes Dr. West, #220, PVE, hosts Fine Art Classes for Kids from 3:30-5pm. $38 per class, all supplies included. Reservation required. For more information www.BobbieRich.com or www.lemonsandsugar.com. The Skirball Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, presents family amphitheater performances. This is the last weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;come sing, dance, hear storytelling and more. Today is family-friendly folk music. 12noon & 2pm. All ages. Included with museum admission.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 6:30pm. 310-371-7546. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Lemons and Sugar, 2325 Palos Verdes Dr. West, #220, PVE, hosts Mom's Night Out Paint and Pour from 7-9pm. $48 per class, all supplies included. Reservation required. For more information www.BobbieRich.com or www.lemonsandsugar.com. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a tyke hike. 10-11am. $5 donation. 310-782-3989. (Continued on page 28)

28 What’s Up For Kids (Continued from page 27) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Friday fun (all Fridays in September/October)! Learn about nature through crafts, stories and hands-on fun! 10-12noon. $5 donation. (310) 782-3989.

September/October WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 MOMS Club of San Pedro meets the second Wednesday of every month at Peck Park Recreational Center, meeting room ABC, San Pedro. 10:30am. Call Marcia at 310-514-9825or saNpedromomsclub@yahoo.com. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts a Supersitter Class for kids ages 11-15. This 2 session class is $30. To register, go to www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 What’s Up For Kids presents Family Fun Fest at the South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach. Enjoy booths, entertainment, giveaways, handson activities and more! FREE fun for kids of all ages! 10am—3pm. Center Court, Levels 1 and 3. www.whatsupforkids.com SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 South Bay Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes, presents a family summer concert with Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. 5:45pm. www.southcoastbotanicgarden.com or (310) 544-1948. Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts 2nd Sunday Science, 24pm. $5 per person. (310) 782-3989. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For information, email hbmoms@yahoo.com While September 11th is a day of memorial, it is also a celebration of my daughter’s 18th birthday! Happy Birthday Lynnie!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 2nd Friday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 10am. krislaleche@yahoo.com SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR/Heartsaver. 9am-3pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659. Coastal Cleanup Day! Everyone is encouraged to adopt a beach to help cleanup the more then 13 million pounds of debris on the shorelines and coast. Many of the local beaches have special activities planned— including Cabrillo Beach & aquarium, and Abalone Cove in Palos Verdes. There are over 800 beaches—search “coastal cleanup” online for a list of beaches near you! SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Dr, San Pedro, hosts Tidepool Wonders. 2:30—4pm. Explore the tidepools during low tide. Free. (310) 548-7562.

www.WhatsUpForKids.com TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 The South Bay evening group of LaLeche meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Beach Cities Health District. 7:00pm. Free. krislaleche@yahoo.com WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Mom’s Club of Palos Verdes in a nonprofit support group for moms. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Rolling Hills Estates. For more information, visit www.pvmomsclub.com. Lemons and Sugar, 2325 Palos Verdes Dr. West, #220, PVE, hosts Mom's Night Out Paint and Pour from 7-9pm. $48 per class, all supplies included. Reservation required. For more information www.BobbieRich.com or www.lemonsandsugar.com. THURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 El Segundo Plaza, corner of Rosecrans and Sepulveda, hosts Mommy and Me & Daddy too! 10am. Plazaelsegundo.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a tyke hike. 10am. $5 donation. 782-3989. Manhattan Village, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, hosts a special kids event with Wonder Tree. 11am. Get the details at www.shopmanhattanvillage.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for Family & Friends (infant/child CPR). 9am –12noon. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 6:30pm. 310-371-7546.

White Point Nature Preserve, 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, hosts storytime with the rangers. 10am. (310) 561-0917.

MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For information, email hbmoms@yahoo.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 MOMS Club of San Pedro meets the second Wednesday of every month at Peck Park Recreational Center, meeting room ABC, San Pedro. 10:30am. Call Marcia at 310-514-9825or saNpedromomsclub@yahoo.com.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for Family & Friends (infant/child CPR). 6-9pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts a Supersitter Class for kids ages 11-15. This 2 session class is $30. To register, go to

Happy 16th Birthday Christopher! (Continued on page 30)

30 What’s Up For Kids (Continued from page 29) www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 2nd Friday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 10am. krislaleche@yahoo.com TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 7pm. (424) 634-2660. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 Mom’s Club of Palos Verdes in a nonprofit support group for moms. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at St. Luke’s Church in Rolling Hills Estates at 10am. For more information, email Susan at susan@pvmomsclub.com. Lemons and Sugar, 2325 Palos Verdes Dr. West, #220, PVE, hosts Mom's Night Out Paint and Pour from 7-9pm. $48 per class, all supplies included. Reservation required. For more information www.BobbieRich.com or www.lemonsandsugar.com. THURDAY, OCTOBER 18 El Segundo Plaza, corner of Rosecrans and Sepulveda, hosts Mommy and Me & Daddy too! 10am. Plazaelsegundo.com SATURDAY, OCOTBER 20 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torance, presents Kids Storytime, Nature Crafts and an evening star party! Kids Storytime is from 11-11:30am (free), nature crafts from 11:30—1pm ($5) and the Star Party is from 7-9pm. For details call (310) 782-3989.

September/October WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 10:30am. 310-371-7546. Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for Family & Friends (infant/child CPR). 6-9pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989. White Point Nature Preserve, 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, hosts storytime with the rangers. 10am. (310) 561-0917. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989. MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 Lemons & Sugar and Doll House present a Halloween Celebration from 1:30-3pm. 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West. Come in costume for trick or treating and kid's activities. Call (310) 544-7100 for info. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 City of Torrance presents the Halloween Carnival at Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd. 4-8pm. Enjoy games, costume parade and more. $9 all day wristband. (310) 6182930. Visit our website for more updated spooky Halloween Happenings!

As event dates and time change, please call ahead! CALENDAR CONTINUED ONLINE…..

Visit Our Online Calendar for Even More Fun Things to Do!

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

FAMILY RESOURCE DIRECTORY CLASSES Classes— Classes—Art KidsArt-Redondo Beach (310) 316-9331 1802 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach www.kidsartredondobeach.com Email: karedondobeach@verizon.com Fine art classes for students ages 4 and up. Students are taught according to their individual skills and abilities. Call today for FREE class.

Classes— Classes—Dance The Dance Factory School of Performing Arts (310) 519-3600 28901 S. Western Ave., #113, Rancho Palos Verdes www.Dance-Factory.com Where kids grow up and make memories to last a lifetime. Ages 2 and up. University trained teachers—limited class size. Peninsula School of Performing Arts (310) 375-1398 2325 PV Drive West, PVE 700 Silver Spur Rd, RHE Please check our website: pspadance.com, for class information, teacher bios, calendar and fees. Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz and More! Tita Boulger, director.

HEALTHCARE Dr. Tiffany Becker 827 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 201 | Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 310.541.5400 www.beckerpeds.com Services offered include: Well child exams, Same day sick visits, Sports and camp physicals, Prenatal consultations

Founder/President/Publisher

Cathy Alessandra cathy@whatsupforkids.com P.O. Box 3893 Palos Verdes, CA 90274 Phone & Fax: (888) 544-1042 Publisher/Editor: Cathy Alessandra cathy@whatsupforkids.com, ext 701 Sales: Cindy Donnelly cindy@whatsupforkids.com, ext 702 Website Design: Jennifer Bourn, BournCreative.com Photographer: Cynthia Olkie, Fleur De LIs Photography www.fleurphoto.com

www.WhatsUpForKids.com To place a listing or advertisement, call our office at (310) 544-1042 or email the listing to: cathy@whatsupforkids.com. Deadline for the Nov/Dec Edition is October 1, 2012.

Need a Babysitter? High school student, 16 years old, reliable, & loves kids! Whenever you need a night out, Call Morgan at 310-359-3201

Disclaimer: What’s Up For Kids is published bi-monthly by What’s Up For Kids LLC. What’s Up For Kids expressly disclaims all warranties as to the contents of this publication and assumes no liability for the contents, including but not limited to any credentials stated or claims made by persons or establishments included in this publication. All rights reserved. What’s Up For Kids copyright 2012. Reproduction in whole in part without written permission is prohibited.

32 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up For Kids

September/October