What's Up For Kids, January/February 2012

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

What’s up for kids Vol. 16— jan/feb 2012

Organize Waiting: Time Wasted versus Time Saved!

Cookin’ Corner Kid Friendly Recipes For the family

Annual birthday bash issue bash issue!

PLUS FIND OUR Daily Calendar of Things to Do Around Town!

Cover Photo Courtesy of Fleur De Lis Photography

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www.WhatsUpForKids.com

Saturday, March 10 Palos Verdes, 10am—2pm Norris Pavilion

Sunday, March 11 Santa Monica, 11am—2pm Adams Intermediate School

Explore the opportunities with your kids!

Get all the details at www.whatsupforkids.com Or call (888) 544-1042

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ENTS T N O C F TABLE O…………….. Page 20

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Calendar ner……………..Pa e 16 ag or Cookin’ C sh ……………….P e 31 Ba ory.. Pag t c e Birthday ir D e sourc age 10 Family Re dly Travel……..P ge 12 Pa ien Family Fr Child…………….. e 15 ur …...Pag …

Gift to Yo … … …

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Letter From The Publisher: Publisher Happy New Year! 2012 has arrived and there is so much family fun to be had! We’ve made a few little tweaks to our print magazine—changing a few things around. See if you notice?!

We have a few new writers—both online and in print! Did you know we have new articles on all kinds of exciting topics posting to our website all the time? From food and recipes to parenting articles and our new easy to use calendar! Check it out—click on “calendar” and you’ll see the whole month at a glace. Click on an individual event and get all the details—even a Google map! Super easy so you can get out the door and have FUN!!

If you have a family event or activity coming up that is open to the public, submit it on our website to be included in our online calendar!

Did you participate in our recent online survey? Marsha R of Hermosa Beach won a $100 Toys R Us gift card! But we are compiling everything we learned from you— including what you want more of—and working to put in into action in 2012! Keeping you in the loop of the latest breaking news for family fun in the South Bay! Lastly, mark your calendars now for our spring family expos! Our 2012 Camp Expo is March 10th in Palos Verdes and March 11th in Santa Monica! Our 15th Annual What’s Up For Kids Expo is in Torrance on April 28th! We hope you will plan to be thre!

Until next time,

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

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QUICK TIPS FOR ORGANIZING QUICK TIPS FOR ORGANIZING Waiting: Time Wasted vs Time Saved

By Ann Gambrell 1. Schedule doctor or clinic appointments for first thing in the morning or right after lunch. Many times waiting is the result of patient tardiness or the doctor had n emergency. Which will set the entire schedule off for the day. When you arrive at the your appointment, ask if they are on time. You may be able to run a quick errand or come back when the time is better. It may mean making another appointment.

2. When scheduling an appointment for a haircut, manicure/pedicure, etc., ask what day & time is least busy. These are events you do not want to rush and you may get better service when there is less rushed.

3. Shop for groceries early in the morning and in the mid afternoon. There are generally fewer shoppers and shorter lines at the checkout. Avoid shopping between 11:00 am & 1:00 pm, when many are taking advantage of their lunch hour.

4. Visit the smaller postal stations in lieu of the larger post offices. They provide most of the same services including credit card use. Avoid lunchtime and Mondays for quicker service. Purchase stamps by mail.

5. Avoid the car wash on Friday afternoon when many are preparing for the weekend. Also ask about special discounts. EG: Senior or discount day. Check out their discounted prepay car wash offers to save time and money.

6. Plan to not visit the gas station on Friday or Monday. Friday folks are getting ready for the weekend. And Monday they replenish for the week ahead. Paying at the pump also saves time and no waiting in line at the cashier. Some offer pre-paid cards with a discount also.

7. In many of the larger drug store chains you can pay for purchases in the photo department, cosmetic counter or the pharmacy. Using cash or credit card is quicker than writing a check. If you must use a check…have it filled in as much as possible before arriving at the cashier. Those behind you, which might be you next time, will be appreciative.

8. When you are pressed for time at the grocery store, make use of the 10 items or less checkout, or make use of the, self-checkout with any number of items allowed. Store staff is always willing to help you the first time. It’s a snap once you learn it.

9. Unfortunately, sometimes you just have to wait! I know…patience has never been one of my virtues either. However, there are times when it is nonavoidable. If you know ahead of time, bring something along to help pass the time… like a magazine or mail you have not had time to read or a word puzzle book. Or get a cup of coffee or a soft drink and just mellow out while waiting in line. Or do what I do…talk to others in line. Most are eager to reciprocate or even commiserate. At any rate, it passes the time and may help lessen the stress. We all need to “mellow-out anyway! See you in line or in the waiting room!

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.

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Go to www.PublishMyWhatsUpForKids or Call (888) 544-1042, ext 701

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January/February 2012

Cookin’ Corner Cookin’ Corner

Good Luck Gumbo

By Nancy Newcomer Happy New Year! With the holidays behind us, it is time to welcome in 2012 with good health and a positive attitude. It's a time for optimism, a fresh start, and new beginnings. Here's a yummy recipe that is healthy, yet hearty enough to satisfy during the cold winter months. This was made the “cheater’s way” with canned beans & tomatoes for a quick New Years meal. Please swap for fresh beans and tomatoes when you have more time. Either way, it's a winner! PS--check out the History Lesson below!

Good Luck Gumbo • • • • • • • • • •

1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 (15 oz) cans black-eyed peas with liquid 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 5 stalks celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup brown rice

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook the onion, pepper and celery until tender.

Pour in the chicken broth, and mix in rice, black-eyed peas with liquid, diced tomatoes and green chilies, diced tomatoes, and garlic.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered 45 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Add water if soup is too thick.

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History Lesson: Did you have your black-eyed peas and collards as a traditional New Year’s Day meal? The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck generally is believed to date back to the Civil War. At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman’s troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, blackeyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates.)

Longtime Santa Barbara radio personality, Nancy Newcomer is a food blogger and an accomplished cook & creator of simple, healthy meals made from fresh, organic ingredients. With an emphasis on gluten free fare and local farmer’s market bounty, her Facebook food blog, “Back to the Kitchen: Healthy Living with Real Food” is followed by people in over 22 countries. Check out Nancy’s new website, www.NancyNewcomer.com where she shares recipes & shopping tips and continues to advocate cooking “real food “ recipes and having sit down family dinners.

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Family Friendly Travel Coronado—A Gem Off the Coast of San Diego

By Karen Murphy Just over a bridge from San Diego is beautiful Coronado Island. Home to the National Historic Landmark, the Hotel del Coronado. This cherished hotel has been home to Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin while filming the award winning movie Some Like it Hot and Charles Lindbergh to name a few. Built in 1888 it’s by far the anchor property and iconic landmark of this lovely Island. The 'Hotel Del' as it's affectionately referred to, comes alive during the holidays, with a skating rink on the beach, beautiful decorations and lots of traditions.

For families with small children you may also want to consider the Marriott on the bay side, or Loews Coronado, which is also on the beach. Both of these properties offer flexible family oriented accommodations (connecting rooms, suites etc). Families with pets can also vacation at the Loews since it’s the only resort that is pet friendly on the island. Coronado Island also has a large pet friendly beach just for our beloved furry friends.

A short distance away is the amazing San Diego attractions. Sea World, San Diego Zoo and the wonderful museums, but a relaxing place to stay away from the crowded city – your own island getaway. There is plenty of great shopping and dining, only a short walk or bike ride away – try the huge pizza at Coronado’s Island Pizza. Or if you are looking for a great burger try McPee’s Irish Pub with outdoor seating. Whatever time of year you visit you’re sure to have a good time and be drawn into the island culture.

For More Information or to book a relaxing getaway please contact me!

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, 310922-6902.

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 Fall Schedule of Classes!

3051 Fujita St., Torrance (310) 326-1818 www.studiowestgymnastics.com

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January/February 2012

A Gift to Your Child

By Lauren Perelmuter Happy New Year! How can another year pass us so quickly? As I look at my own two sons, now 5 ½ and 9 years old…I really can understand what everyone was saying when they were born… “it goes by so fast, before you know it they will be etc…”

So many thoughts run through my mind on a daily basis regarding my parenting life like so many of us.

So what are the “seeds” that we parents should plant in our kids? Manners? Of course! Respect! Of course! Self-esteem and self-confidence! Yes and yes!

But as I am continuing my journey into elementary school (our youngest left preschool this year and started kindergarten) I truly believe that giving them the opportunity to be able to think critically, problem solve, imagine, and create will elevate them even more so as they continue to grow.

Math calls for it. Social Studies calls for it. Playing in the yard and getting into arguments calls for it – the ability to analyze a situation, concretely or theoretically come up with solutions, and communicate those solutions either through thought, speech, the written word, movement, or art.

I opened Art To Grow On Children’s Art Center, Inc. in 2000. There were not as many demands on our children as there are now. Kindergarten is truly the new first grade. Our children’s minds need to be agile, sharp, open to new ideas, curious, passionate and creative, no matter if they become a chemist, professional athlete, teacher, artist, musician, or CEO. If you can give your child a gift in 2012, take the time to do something creative with him or her. Get out those cardboard boxes and turn them into a race car or doll house. Get out wire, tile, glue and play. Read books, take a walk and collect rocks….write a letter, talk!

These life skills will be a gift to your child.

Thank you to Lauren Perelmuter, President/Founder of Art To Grow On Children’s Art Center, Inc. for this article.

Lauren has had extensive education and schooling in the arts with a B.A degree from the University of California Santa Barbara, a degree in Textile Design from Otis Art Institute of Parson School of Design, and studied at the University of Paris France, with a focus on Art History. Art To Grow On Inc.’s mission and philosophy places high priority on exposing children to the art process, giving them the opportunity to see the world through their own eyes and to have the opportunity to express themselves as individuals. Lauren can be reached at www.art2growon.com or (310) 625-6028.

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Kids Driving You CRAZY? Find the latest FUN things to do with your family at www.WhatsUpForKids.com Our print calendar in this magazine has lots to do—but our website has new “late breaking” South Bay fun!

Visit Often—It’s Updated Regularly!

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Home & Family Critiquing Your Child’s Homework: What’s the Best Way?

By Erin Kurt Suppose your daughter has just completed a story she has written and excitedly comes to share it with you. You begin reading and notice that there are some misspelled words. Your first instinctual reaction might be to point out those errors right away, however that is the WRONG thing to do.

There is a method that is being taught to managers, leaders, teachers and all professionals who have people directly reporting to them. This is called the PNP Method. It stands for Positive-Negative-Positive. This method states that when you are critiquing someone’s work you first praise them for something, then, if necessary, offer an area they need to work on, and finally, end by praising them again.

The theory behind this is that if a critique session ends with a negative, people tend to remember only that and begin to feel badly about themselves. This is in turn leaves them with little inspiration to improve their performance. However, the reverse is true for the PNP Method. People generally feel relaxed once they hear praise, feel open when they hear an area that could be improved and happy and motivated after they receive the final word of praise.

This technique works exactly the same way with children. When they finish their homework or show you a piece of work, be sure to follow this formula. State something positive about the piece of work such as, “Wow, you sure did this neatly!” Then offer, if necessary, an area for improvement such as, “Oops, I see this word and this word need spell checking” and finally, end with another word of praise such as “I’m really proud of your effort, Julie”.

If you follow this PNP Method of critiquing, your kids will want to bring you quality work more often and their overall effort on projects will be higher.

Thanks for Erin, a new writer for What’s Up For Kids for this article! Erin Kurt, B.Ed., discovered her passion for studying families when she herself was a child, interviewing her friends’ parents and siblings to learn more about their family life. Throughout her education and years of experience, Erin became an expert on child development, child psychology, family counselling, and methods of improving children’s self-esteem and learning capabilities.

Erin has been a teacher and a nanny in five different countries.

She’s worked with children of all kinds – at all ages, at every socio-economic level, with all kinds of personalities, some with disorders and some with family issues – and through this experience, she discovered that she used the same four steps over and over again to transform the kids she was working with.Visit Erin’s web site at www.erinparenting.com to learn more about her live events and teleseminars, and to subscribe to her weekly e-zine for moms.

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It’s a Birthday Bash!

Kid Sized Birthday Adventure!!

By Cindy Donnelly This year we were at a bit of a loss as to what to do for my younger daughter’s sixth birthday party. Her birthday is in September and she had just entered kindergarten. Her friends from preschool were not attending the same school and we had not yet really connected with any of the new families at the elementary school. It seemed a big party was not really the right fit for this year.

I remembered taking my older daughter (now 17) to a little amusement park called Adventure City in Orange County quite a bit back when she was this age. I asked around and no one seemed familiar with it anymore. I actually wondered if it was still there. We looked online, and sure enough they were still there and it seemed very little had changed over the past 10 years since our last visit. So, we decided to invite one special friend and off we went for our little adventure!

As soon as we arrived, I remembered why I liked this little park. It is just the right size for kids under 8 years old. There is a petting zoo, a little train ride, a small roller coaster, an airplane ride, balloon ride, an emergency vehicle ride and a few other attractions that please the little ones. Often, there are also puppet shows and a magician! I was surprised that after riding the roller coaster once with my husband, Molly and her buddy Bonnie (age 5) could ride it on their own. I was a little reluctant, expecting they would both be crying by the end, but the only tears came when they had to get off and get back in the very short line to get back on. There is another one car roller coaster type ride that I deemed a little too scary for this year, something to look forward to next time. The girls were able to ride everything at least two or three times and never waited more than 10 minutes for any attraction. After 3 hours, they were exhausted and the ride home was very peaceful!

There are not a lot of food choices inside the park (the usual pizza, fast food fare) so we decided to have lunch before arriving. This allowed for nonstop action in the park without having to take time out for lunch. We did enjoy an ice cream before heading home, and Bonnie informed us that the party could not end until we served birthday cake (mental note, bring cupcakes next time!!). I purchased the party favors for the two girls in the park while the kids were riding the fire truck, and I even found an Adventure City birthday kid T-shirt as a souvenir of the day for Molly.

Admission is $14.95 per person which included unlimited rides, and parking is free. There is a discount for AAA members, and the park offers party packages.

During the school year they are mostly open on weekends, but the hours vary so it is best to check the website for the latest information at www.adventurecity.com.

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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.

SATURDAY Barnes & Noble, 1800 W. Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, hosts Children’s Storytime.

11am. 310-725-7025.

Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts habitat restoration every Sat. 9am-12noon. 782-3989.

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 March/April issue is February 10, 2012.

Submit your event on our website!

MONTHLY calendar begins on page 20.

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Bonus recipe!

I’m always looking for new yummy treats! And this recipe was submitted to us! Give it a try and let us know what you think!

XyloSweet® Blueberry Snack Cake Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/3 cup XyloSweet® 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 egg 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 cup blueberries

Topping: 1/3 cup XyloSweet® ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1/3 cup finely chopped almonds 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

To prepare cake batter: Combine flour, XyloSweet®, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. In another bowl, mix together egg, sour cream, oil, applesauce and lemon juice. Add liquid ingredients all at once to flour mixture and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter into a buttered 8” square pan; sprinkle with blueberries.

To prepare topping: Combine XyloSweet®, flour, cinnamon and almonds. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly; sprinkle topping over blueberries. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cover with foil, if necessary, during last part of baking to avoid over browning.

Yields 12 servings at only 92.5 calories per piece!

XyloSweet® can be found at Whole Foods Market.

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

1350 West Seventh Street

San Pedro

(310) 832-5133

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY/FEBRUARY TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 Michael’s Comedy Juggling in the Food Court, 3rd floor. 6:30pm. (310) 371-7546

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for family and friends. 6-9pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts 2nd Sunday Science: Birds of Winter. 2-4pm. $5 per person. (310) 7823989.

Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a tyke hike. 10-11am. $5 donation. 310-782-3989.

Free Violin Group Classes every Sunday afternoon through June of 2012 It's never too late to begin, New Students always welcome!

Hesse Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd., RPV, www.palosverdesstrings.com 310 750-6866 or 310 614-2300

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Friday fun (all Fridays in January)! Learn about nature through crafts, stories and hands-on fun! 10-12noon. $5 donation. (310) 782-3989.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR/Heartsaver. 9am-3pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Dr, San Pedro, hosts tidepool wonders. 1-2:30pm. Free. (310) 548-7562 TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

For information, email hbmoms@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts a Supersitter Class for kids ages 12-14. This 2 session class is $30. To register, go to www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 628-6659.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 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, JANUARY 18 Mom’s Club of Palos Verdes in a non-profit 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.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Dr, San Pedro, hosts tidepool wonders. 1-2:30pm. Free. (310) 548-7562 Club Kids Yoga is offering a Teacher Training Class in Palos Verdes. www.clubkidsyoga.com. (310) 377-6530.

www.WhatsUpForKids.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club.

10:30am Food Court. (310) 371-7546 MOMS Club of San Pedro meets the last Wednesday of every month at Peck Park Recreational Center, meeting room B, San Pedro. 10:30am. Call Shannon at 310809-1886 or sanpedromomsclub@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Friday fun (all Fridays in January)! Learn about nature through crafts, stories and hands-on fun! 1012noon. $5 donation. (310) 782-3989.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free.

310-782-3989 PLUS storytime for kids from 2-2:30pm. Free. AND a Star Party from 8pm-10pm.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free.

310-782-3989

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 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 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Watercolors for Kids.

10am-12noon $10. (310) 782-3989

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Free Violin Group Classes every Sunday afternoon through June of 2012 It's never too late to begin, New Students always welcome!

Hesse Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd., RPV, www.palosverdesstrings.com 310 750-6866 or 310 614-2300 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 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.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts a Supersitter Class for kids ages 12-14. This 2 session class is $30. To register, go to www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 628-6659.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 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 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Friday fun (all Fridays in January)! Learn about nature through crafts, stories and hands-on fun! 10-12noon. $5 donation. (310) 782-3989.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for family and friends. 9am-12pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts 2nd Sunday Science, 2-4pm. $5/ person, $10/family. (310) 782-3989 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

For information, email hbmoms@yahoo.com

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(Continued from page 21) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Mom’s Club of Palos Verdes in a non-profit 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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a night hike. $5/person or $10/ family. 7PM – 9PM. (310) 782-3989 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for family and friends. 9am-12pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am.

Free. 310-782-3989. PLUS kids storytime from 11-11:30am and play with nature from 11:30 -1pm. FREE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29 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.

As event dates and time change, please call ahead!

List your event free of charge on our website. Go to www.whatsupforkids.com, click on “submit my event” and enter all the details. It must be family friendly! Your event will be posted within 48 hours if approved!

Get You r Copy o f this Ama zon.com Bestselle r! #1 in Ho t N ew R e leases For Wom en in Bu siness on April 26,

Read the stories of Cathy Alessandra, Gina Bell, Jennifer Bourn, Joy Chudacoff, Lesley Bohm, Michele DeKinder-Smith, Tina Forsythe, Cindy Greenway and more!

14 inspirational stories of struggle to success! Buy your copy TODAY!

www.WhatsUpForKids.com

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FAMILY RESOURCE DIRECTORY BIRTHDAY Birthday - Parties Giggles & Glamour

(310) 679-8610

www.gigglesandglamour.com,, Email—giglnglamr@aol.com

The original #1 party choice for girls ages 3-12. Dress up fun for all occasions. Check out our website and call today!

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 Healthcare - Dentistry/ Orthodontics

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 Web 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 March/April Edition is February 10, 2012.

Mitra Evans, D.D.S. (310) 375-3939 23326 Hawthorne Blvd., #350, Torrance, 90505 Family and cosmetic dentistry for adults and children.

Warm and friendly atmosphere.

SERVICES FOR THE FAMILY Travel Travel Store, Gail Woloz (310) 545-3085 24 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 Vacation planning expertise for families including Club Med, family villages, cruises, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, Caribbean and Disney World. Email: gw.travel@verizon.net.

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.

24 What’s Up For Kids

January/February 2012