Looking For Childcare in Mar Vista? Try Connections For Children

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Mar Vista Mom

Connections For Children has been assisting families find childcare that meets their needs all over West Los Angeles for 35 years, from Malibu to Redondo Beach, and of course, Mar Vista as well. Their service is free and can be accessed on their website or over the phone. Connections For Children’s staff can help by offering referrals to licensed childcare facilities, and since they’ve been a community resource for so long, they have comprehensive knowledge of the options available on the Westside. They also have a handy checklist of what to look for in a childcare provider on their website.

They have a lending library of both children’s books and books on parenting, and they run a toy loan program as well. They can even facilitate park playgroups. I happen to love the fact that they also offer assistance to low-income working families looking for childcare.

Connections For Children, 2701 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 253, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 452-3325

House Of The Week

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Mar Vista Mom

Love the white, love the landscaping, love the stone work.

Mar Vista Farmer’s Market Wrap-Up 8/29/10

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Mar Vista Mom

Today I am cooking from Anna Getty’s Easy Green Organic cookbook (affiliate link), which I was given to review back when she was my Sunday Shopper. I’m going to try a bunch of the recipes that I can make with ingredients from the market, and I’m starting with Sauteed Baby Squash with Tarragon and Soy Sauce (except that I dislike tarragon, so I’m leaving it out). The baby squash is so cute, and it cooks up very quickly. I also love that it uses the squash blossoms as well. The recipe took only about 20 minutes from first slice to first bite, and it’s a hit with my family. I was afraid it would be too salty because of the soy, but it’s not. Delish!

There are heirloom tomatoes at the market today, both big and small.

And TreePeople was represented in the Green Booth today by Torin Dunnavant. They are a non-profit whose mission is to inspire people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment.

The Sanctuary Birth & Family Wellness Center

Posted on August 28, 2010 by Mar Vista Mom

The Sanctuary Birth & Wellness Center has been operating in Mar Vista for a few years, but they have recently opened a new birthing suite that’s so luxurious — I’m talking boutique hotel luxurious — I’m almost tempted to have another baby just so I can deliver there. (But as it happens, my childbirthing ship has sailed – now I’m just raising the kids.) The Sanctuary caters to those expectant parents looking for the personal touch and a supportive, loving environment. They offer services ranging from midwifery to lactation consulting to pre- and post-partum support. And theirs is a truly beautiful environment for it all to take place.

UPDATE: I neglected to mention that the Sanctuary also does Well-Woman care, so that even if you’re not currently in the birthing business, you can still be treated there. Contact them for more information.

The Sanctuary Birth and Family Wellness Center, 11965 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066 (310) 566-7690

50% Off Sewing Arts Center Mom & Me Apron Class

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Mar Vista Mom

$25 for Mom & Me Apron Class at Sewing Arts Center – that’s 50% off the regular price. Once upon a time, Mar Vista Mom was the name of my Etsy shop, and I sold these hooded towel sets for babies and purses and diapers bags made from oilcloth. And I made them all myself. (Ah, past lives revealed.)

My mom taught me to sew when I was very young and I have always loved it. So when I was running my business, Sewing Arts Center was a mecca for me, a place of wonder and worship. I bought a sewing machine there at 5am once, which is a long story, but suffice it to say: it was worth getting up early.

So I am very pleased to pass on this deal at Sewing Arts Center to those of you who like to sew or would like to learn: Spend a Saturday afternoon with the child in your life while you both learn to sew! $25 enrolls you both, provides all the tools, fabric, supplies and know-how, and sends you each on your way with an apron of your own making. Such a deal!

This is a new class, created due to popular demand – and their classes do tend to sell out, especially at a great price like this. Click here to purchase the Mom & Me Apron Class at Sewing Arts Center (affiliate link).

{I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the DailyD. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.}

TubaCzar at The Fanatic Salon Saturday 8/28

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Mar Vista Mom

Finish August with a bang! Catch TubaCzar at the Fanatic Salon this Saturday night 8/28 at 8pm. Showcasing the talents of Mark Beltzman, Mark Nutter, Cynthia Carle and Fred Kaz, TubaCzar is different each time, but funny every time. If Back-To-School season is making you tense, take yourself to the Fanatic Salon for some laugh therapy. Tickets are only $10.

The Fanatic Salon, 3815 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 795-7469

Rockreation Kids’ Climbing Class For Just $12

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Mar Vista Mom

Looking for a deal on kids’ activities near Mar Vista? How about $12 for Kids Climbing Class at Rockreation? That’s a savings of 60%. Rockreation‘s West LA location is just a short drive away and you can purchase this great deal right here. (Affiliate link.)

Looking for a new, fun, safe activity for your 6-11 year old? Try rock climbing at Rockreation! Each 2-hour climb time session has a maximum of 5 kids per instructor, so they get plenty of attention and instruction. They won’t know it, but it’s also a good learning experience, teaching them how to work with other kids and adults while learning about safety, responsibility and respect. This low $12 a class deal is 60% off the usual price of $30 – take advantage now by clicking here through this affiliate link and get them climbing rocks, not the walls!

{This is an experiment I’m trying — selling space to advertisers who can offer a great deal to my readers. I welcome your feedback about the deals and this type of sponsored post.}

{I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the DailyD. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.}