Floam (PlayFoam) was in my hands for the first time today, and it is magical. Floam is made for kids, but I have a little kid left in me, and when I got my hands on this stuff our little bean ended up only watching for a while. You can sculpt, tear, break, squish, bounce, throw, etc… This stuff does everything. The first thing I made was an Easter Island sculpture and my little bean loved it, it was like a new doll. Then we made a shark, and a dinosaur, and we continued on and on. When my bean and I were  done with Floam I took just a little piece with me and continued to squish it in my hands as a stress reliever. I love Floam.

I saw this bike online and thought it was awsome. If you are in the market for a bike for light shopping or around the neighborhood with your kids, take a look at the new MADSEN Cargo Bikes.

How to Choose the Right Public School for Your Child

Tuesday, May 5th 7:30pm

Featured Panelists:

• Robert Burke – The Open Magnet Charter School
• Patricia Escalante – El Rodeo Elementary School
• Phillip Hollis – Marquez Charter School
• Jeffrey Kaufman – Warner Avenue Elementary School
• Pam Marton – Community Magnet Charter School
• Pat Samarge – former principal, Franklin Elementary School
• Brenda Weinstock – Marvista Elementary School
• Lana Brody – Moderator

SOME TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED:

• What is the difference between charter schools, magnet schools, and other public schools.
• Who is eligible to attend and what is the process for applying.
• Is the API score a good indicator of a school’s performance.
• What is the difference between public school education versus private school education in LA.

Admissions into Private Schools – What You Need to Know

Tuesday, May 19th 7:30pm

Presented by:

An Esteemed Panel of Admissions Directors – Get insight and advice directly from Admissions Directors to help you calmly navigate your way through the process.

SOME TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED:

• Preparing for the Process (i.e., how to find out what a school is really about, the need to tutor or not, whether there is a “feeder” or “right” preschool, the best way to prepare for the interview, whether or not to hold back a child);
• During the Process (i.e., the extent of follow up, whether to state a first choice, whether  board member assistance or letters of recommendation are essential, whether it is acceptable to apply to both traditional and developmental schools); and
• After Letters Are Sent (i.e., how a wait list works, what to do or not if on one, process of learning about a decision, what options remain if not accepted).

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – SPACE IS LIMITED

Luxe Hotel, Brentwood (The Luxe is located at 11461 W Sunset Blvd, near the 405 Sunset exit and entrance) $40 per person per lecture; $75 per couple $75 per person for both lectures; $120 per couple for both lectures

If you have questions contact Morgan Smith
at morganann129@gmail.com or call 310-614-8221

Register Online here

If you are planning to breast feed, I think breast pump is something you should consider. There are so many choices available for the new mom. Some are manual others run on electricity. Some models attach to only one breast and others let you express from both breasts at once.

To decide which type of breast pump the right one for you, you should ask yourself these questions.

1. How often do you plan to use the breast pump?

If you are only planning on being away from time to time then a hand pump will do you just fine. However, if you need lots of milk for those long cruises to Alaska then you may want to upgrade to some good ole motorized action.

2. How long will it take to pump each breast?

If you are after speed then there is no substitute for electric. Electric if always going to pump more than manual unless you are Flash. One thing to think about is if you need milk in a hurry then get a double pump electric. You’ll have more milk than your baby can handle.

3. Is the pump easy to assemble?

Most manual pumps are pretty easy to assemble. The one we got has three pieces and is real easy to assemble. Electric pumps should not be that much more difficult. One thing to thing about is cleanliness. You will want to be able to clean any area that moisture touches. Pay attention to cleaning it makes a huge difference.

4. Is the suction adjustable?

This is especially pertinent to the electric pump, and for your breasts sake don’t let your husband “improve” the performance of your electric. Love your breasts don’t torture them. Look for adjustable speeds- that’s how you will adjust your suction.

5. Is the pump heavy?

This is something you’ll want to consider if you are mobile. If you just cant sit home with the baby you are going to want to look at the weight of the pump. Remember that even a pound gets heavy after you carry or hold it for an hour or two. Check the weight and make sure its right for you.

6. How noisy is the pump?

Hand pumps are pretty much quiet, except for the soft squishy noises it makes. However, the electrics have motors so get used to some noise. If you need to be quiet while pumping take this into consideration.

7. Are the breast shields the correct size?

Every pump has a shield to place over your breast. Make sure that the one you get is going to fit your breasts.

8. If you’re considering an electric pump, does it have backup power options?

Most electric pumps need to be plugged in. Make sure you check out all the options. The usual power supplies are gong to be , 1. a standard outlet, 2. a battery, 3. a car electric outlet. Get the one that is appropriate for you.

9. Is cost a concern?

Manual pumps are cheap under $50 electric pumps are not some go over $200. Make sure you do an appropriate cost to benefit analysis- see above.

10. What if you’re just not sure?

Call your insurance company and ask what they cover. Talk to your doctor about lactation consultants.

Locally you can purchase your pump at:

TOYS”R”US/BABIES”R”US
1833 La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310)558-1831

The Pump Station Santa Monica
2415 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 998-1981

Baby Style
1324 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.434.9590

J. Crew is offering an additional 20% off of their holiday prices. But you gotta act fast it ends today. Use promo code EXTRA20.

Polo Ralph Lauren is having a huge factory warehouse sale. You have to go shop at their factory outlets you can get up to 50% off. Go Shop Los Angelinos, Go Shop.

Getting back in shape after giving brith. Yoga is a great way to do it. Now that you have a new bean in the world you’ll want to make sure the world stays around for them, so be environmentally friendly and choose products that reflect that decision. Get a Manduka yoga mat and your one step closer to a better body and a better world.

They aren’t cheap though:

The Black Mat® PRO $85.00 PROlite™ $68.00 eKO™ Mat $70.00 eKO Lite™ Mat $42.00