DVD teaches kids to sign

The DVD “Sign-A-Lot: The Big Surprise” was created for hearing children ages 3 to 11. Creators Barbara Granoff and Lee Sher -- specialists in American Sign Language -- developed the first “Sign-A-Lot” DVD to teach sign language vocabulary to children in an exciting, and entertaining way with animation, child performers and fantasy. Research shows that children who sign can improve other skills including vocabulary, reading and spelling, understanding concepts and number recognition. It also benefits the ability to express emotions. “Sign-A-Lot: The Big Surprise” teaches children more than 80 signs. The DVD uses a novel approach to learning sign language: The illustrated images appear and disappear over the signs as they are demonstrated. The DVD is available at the First Page at 270 E. 17th Street in Costa Mesa. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. (949) 645-KIDS. Or you can order at www.signalot.com. Online orders offer free shipping.

PLEIN-AIR AT LAHAINA

Plein-air artist John Cosby will be at Lahaina Galleries on Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cosby paints ocean and landscape scenes of Coastal California, as well as street scenes in major cities. He observes people on street corners and park benches and incorporates them into his paintings.

Cosby has painted for the Irvine Barclay Theatre, the Laguna Art Museum and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. He’s also painted scenes of San Diego, Corona del Mar and Newport Beach. Lahaina Galleries is at Fashion Island just below the Cheesecake Factory. (949) 721-9117.

AT EASE, MEN

Also at Fashion Island on Saturday, Jhane Barnes makes a personal appearance at At Ease Men’s Store to show her fall collection. Customers can receive $100 off any suit or sport coat Saturday. And a Mezlan trunk show features the fall collection of Mezlan and Baco Bucci shoes.

At Ease is a specialty shop for men’s casual to dressy sportswear. Robert Comstock, Barry Bricken and Remy leather are top sellers. Unique at At Ease are its concept shops inside the 10,000-square-foot store: Cutter and Buck weekend wear, Bobby Jones golf wear, and Zanella’s fine Italian sportswear. Also, it has an exclusive collection of Reyn Spooner apparel. Same-day tailoring is available if needed. Complimentary gift certificates are sent for clients’ birthdays.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (949) 759-7979.

EUROPEAN BOUTIQUE

Novecento Boutique at Crystal Cove Promenade is an upscale European boutique for women. It specializes in Italian, French, and American designers from New York and Los Angeles. Owners Alex and Melika Towhidian select elegant furs, evening dresses, fun casual wear, Italian shoes, and accessories. Melika designs comfortable dresses in French silk jersey, perfect for everyday wear and great for traveling. Fits are flattering, and she offers custom designs. Together Alex and Melika design a line of comfortable casual shoes for fall. Novecento offers a 40%-off shoe sale on spring and summer styles. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 8002 E. Coast Highway in Newport Coast. (949) 715-1700. www.novecentofashion.com.

MAKEUP ARTIST

Makeup artist Trish McEvoy makes a personal appearance today at Neiman Marcus. Trish McEvoy has a wonderful line of skincare, makeup, fragrance, professional brushes and more.

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Fashion Island in Newport Beach. (949) 759-1900. www.neimanmarcus.com.

PUMPKIN PATCH

The Fall Faire and Pumpkin Patch at the Environmental Nature Center is a day of family fun Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features children’s activities foods and drinks, music, nature center tours, gifts and native plants. There will also be an opportunity drawing and a silent auction. Sponsors include Haute Cafes Caffe, the Arches, Bluewater Grill, the Pizza Bakery, Shirley’s Bagels, Al’s New York Cafe and Wahoo’s Fish Taco. 1601 16th St. in Newport Beach.

* BEST BUYS runs Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com; at 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626; or by fax at (714) 966-4679.

20051013he8eeukfMARK DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Barbara Granoff makes the sign for “cat.” Granoff and Lee Sher -- specialists in American Sign Language -- have created a new DVD to teach sign language to hearing children, ages 3 to 11. 20051013inynzaknMARK DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Barbara Granoff makes the sign for “cat.” Granoff and Lee Sher -- specialists in American Sign Language -- have created a new DVD to teach sign language to hearing children, ages 3 to 11.