Parenting Workshops all Spring at Well Baby Center, with topics ranging from intimacy after childbirth, to parents’ own needs, to setting effective limits. Check them all out!
Well Baby Center, 12316 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, CA 90066 (310) 402-2229 ext 101
The Well Baby Center is hosting this Preparing for Mindful Childbirth Workshop on February 4th, from 10am – 1pm. Please contact them for all the details.
Well Baby Center, 12316 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, CA 90066 (310) 402-2229 ext 101
The Moving Joint opens January 28th and will be celebrating with an Open House from 2-7pm. 
The Studio MDR recently invited me to try their new BABYlates class for New and Expectant Moms. (And no, I’m Not Pregnant; don’t even ask.) Still, it’s a killer workout, and I get the feeling if I did it all the time, I’d look more like the owner and trainer, Lisa and Jessi, who are amazing – and look amazing, too.
The Studio MDR, in nearby Marina del Rey, uses the Megaformer, a Pilates-inspired machine, similar to the Reformer. They run their SPX classes on this machine and designed the BABYlates class so that pregnant women could utilize the machine and safely get a great workout. The class is held every Saturday at 2pm. See their website for how to sign up.
I really liked the location and the atmosphere at the Studio MDR – and I highly recommend trying it out. Pregnant or not. Male or Female.
The Studio MDR, 330 Washington Blvd., Unit C, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Introducing Asteme Afterschool Math Tutoring Program. Mention Mar Vista Mom for a 30% discount on services! Visit their website for more information.
ASTEME LEARNING CENTER, 11672 Gateway Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 740-3337 info@asteme.com
Fantastic deals are to be had at this famous sale, held every other month at the Mar Vista location of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Thrift store. Trust me, Not To Be Missed!
NCJW Thrift Store, 12120 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
American Express is promoting Small Business Saturday November 26, 2011 as an antidote to Black Friday Big Box Madness and here in Mar Vista, we have many great small businesses to choose from. How appropriate for my Mar Vista Holiday Gift Guide for 2011!
Soaptopia
Of course I’ll begin with Soaptopia, one of my all-time favorite places to be in just to smell the delicious scents – and it’s my go-to-place for gifts. Everyone I’ve ever given a soap, scrub or boxed set has loved it and wanted more. You can’t go wrong, especially since this is the time of year to get my favorite: Candy Cane! **ALSO: Plum District is running a great deal right now on Sopatopia products: $20 for $40 worth – but hurry, this deal only lasts a little bit longer.
Venice Grind
Arguably the anchor tenant of the Mar Vista Business District, the Venice Grind was the coffee house that really got the ball rolling in terms of Mar Vista’s transformation into a hip, happening neighborhood. While the best thing to do at the Venice Grind is sit and linger over a cup of Stumptown coffee, the gift items they carry include a great T-shirt and one of my favorite coffee mugs. Or there’s always a pound of coffee beans to brew up at home.
The Curious Palate
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Mar Vista and I was thrilled when they opened up. It’s no secret the Blue Paradise sandwich (or salad) is my favorite thing to eat at the Curious Palate, but I’ve had a terrific breakfast there on more than one occasion as well. They’ve got a market as well as a cafe, so the gift idea I have is their homemade jellies and jams. Blackberry is my personal favorite, but there is something for every taste. By the way, if you’re ever in Santa Monica, they’ve recently opened a second outpost in the Santa Monica Place Mall Marketplace where they can serve beer and wine, just FYI.
Rotem Gear
R. Jean Roth, Mar Vista Designer of both graphics and T-shirts, offers up Chanukah-themed shirts in her Rotem Gear shop. I think we can all agree that a Got Latkes? shirt would certainly enhance any wardrobe. She’s got many more items to choose from, and now’s the time to shop, since Chanukah begins December 20th this year.
{This is not a sponsored gift guide; these are just my choices of great things to buy here in Mar Vista, from businesses I’ve shopped at and loved for years.}
Located in Culver City, practically right next door to Mar Vista, the Pod Photography has announced their Holiday Photo Specials. Photographer Erika Seress is really, really good! She took my family’s holiday photo last year, and I happen to think it was terrific!
Shop locally!
