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Nature Recycles

April 23, 2013 By 1 Comment

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How do animals recycle?

From sea urchins in the Atlantic Ocean to bandicoots on the Australian savanna, animals recycle all over the world. Explore how different animals in different habitats use recycled material to build homes, protect themselves, and get food. This fascinating collection of animal facts will teach readers about the importance of recycling and inspire them to take part in protecting and conserving the environment by recycling in their own way. The perfect book for Earth Day week and any day! Great for ages 4-8. I love that it teaches about recycling, life science and so much more! My son and I enjoyed this book and found it interesting to learn why animals recycle. This educational book can be found at Sylvan Dell Publishing.

Self Disclosure: I received this book from Sylvan Dell Publishing to facilitate this review.

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

nyakio

April 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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I’m thrilled to announce the launch of nyakio, a collection of skincare products formulated with luxurious ingredients from and indigenous to Africa. It is the third founder-driven brand to join Gurwitch Products, a manufacturer and marketer of global prestige cosmetics and skincare, whose portfolio also includes Laura Mercier cosmetics and RéVive skincare.

Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, the brand’s founder and namesake, is an American beauty entrepreneur of Kenyan descent. She created the nyakio brand not only to pay homage to her family’s heritage and share their beauty secrets, but also to fill a gap in the marketplace, bringing the timeless beauty traditions and sophistication of Africa to women everywhere.

Just as Africa represents many cultures and ethnicities, nyakio products were formulated to benefit women of all ages, skin types and backgrounds.  nyakio’s luxurious ingredients, such as Kenyan Coffee, Kola Nut and the Miracle Oil, Marula, work to hydrate, smooth and revitalize skin. Additionally, all products are free of sulfates and parabens.

Please see below for product details, imagery and pricing; the products will be launching on May 14.  nyakio will be available exclusively on HSN and HSN.com for one month and will then be available on nyakio.combeginning in mid-June. Grieco will serve as the on-air spokesperson for HSN.

Please let me know if you have any questions. For additional information about the brand, please visit Facebook.com/nyakiobeauty.

Product

Collection

Product Detail

Price
Kenyan Coffee Body Scrub

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 Kenyan Coffee Collection This scrub blends naturally energizing and exfoliating Kenyan Coffee with Sugar to remove dull skin while providing antioxidant benefits. With Mongongo Nut Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Grape Seed Oil and Avocado Oil, this unique fusion leaves all skin moisturized, smooth and soft. $55
Kenyan Coffee Face Polish

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 Kenyan Coffee Collection Blending naturally energizing and exfoliating Kenyan Coffee with Jojoba, this face polish gently removes dull skin while providing antioxidant benefits. With Lemongrass and Neroli Oils, indigenous to Africa, this unique fusion leaves all skin toned, moisturized, soft and immediately radiant. $34
Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut

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 Hydrating Kola Nut Collection A light, non-greasy fusion of African Kola Nut, Ximenia Oil, Chamomile Oil and Trichilia Oil that invigorates and hydrates for 12 hours. $49

*Exclusively available at HSN and HSN.com beginning May 2013; available on nyakio.com beginning June 2013

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and Tall Tale

April 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and Tall Tale, two classic films for the whole family to enjoy, are screening throughout April on HDNet Movies – kidScene. KIDS FIRST! is proud of our affiliation with HDNet Movies and applauds their mission to bring some of the most fun and popular movies of their time to new audiences. Visit their website at http://www.hdnetmovies.com/programs/kids-first-film-critics/ to see KIDS FIRST! Film Critic reviews and check out their upcoming programming.

Originally released in 2001, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius is a hilarious kid-oriented sci-fi spoof. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Anthony Aranda reviewed the film when he was 9-years-old and said it was “interesting and really funny.” Below is a wonderful review from Adam Chernick, age 7. One of our newest KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Adam says the film teaches us “that size is not as important as intelligence and courage.”

 

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius

Reviewed by Adam Chernick

If you enjoy adventure and action movies than you will love Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.

Jimmy is a very intelligent boy who creates all kinds of  inventions including a rocket plane, robot dog and burp soda to name a few. Jimmy manages to get all of the parents of his town abducted by space aliens . Will Jimmy and his friends be able to rescue their parents before the space aliens eat them?

Jimmy and his robot dog are my favorite characters. Jimmy (Debi Derryberry) is a genius but also mischievous as he sneaks out of his house to go to Rocketland with his friends. His parents tell him rockets are dangerous but Jimmy insists on playing with them anyway. The robot dog is funny especially when he pretends to be Jimmy so his parents do not know Jimmy is gone.

My favorite part  is when all the children use different amusement park rides as rockets to go into space and battle the space aliens. It is exciting to see how Jimmy and his robot dog figure out a way to escape and leave space safely.

The music is fun especially Kids In America and how so many scenes are set to music.

The film teaches us be careful what you wish for as Jimmy and his friends think a world without their parents is what they desire only to find out that they are sad and missing their parents without them. The main message the film is that is size is not as important as intelligence and courage. Jimmy learns this lesson on his space journey as he sees how with his intelligence and courage he is able to save the day.

I give this movie 5 out of  5 stars. Younger audiences up to age twelve will want to see this funny and action-packed movie. It is on HDNet Movies now.

Tall Tale is an action-packed film released in 1995 full of famous characters from the “wild west.”

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

NEW Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Low-fat Chocolate

April 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CML_NB_LF_ChocFlav_new   New Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Low-fat Chocolate is a healthy and delicious all-natural creamer from the Coffee-mate Natural Bliss line. With just 20 calories and 1g of fat per serving, Natural Bliss Low-fat Chocolate (SRP $2.69/16oz bottle) gives your coffee a velvety rich flavor without the sugar rush. This new dark and decadent delight is made with only milk, cream, a touch of sugar and pure natural flavor, so you can truly savor every sip. Whether you’re adding a splash to your java for a morning treat or creating a wow-worthy breakfast with delicious layered crepes, Natural Bliss is the perfect addition to spruce up any recipe! http://naturalbliss.coffee-mate.com/   *Coffee-mate sponsored feature

Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week

Springtime Nails with Sally Hansen

April 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

 

I love Spring make up and nail colors are usually brighter and French manicures are always a big hit! But, I don’t have the time to go to the nail salon and get my nails done all that often. Sally Hansen just made all this so much easier!  Now, there’s a twist on the classic French manicure without all the fuss! Now, how cool is that?! Now you can experience the first-ever no dry time french manicure with Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips French Mani from Sally Hansen. I received these from our friends at Sally Hansen and just love how easy they are to use! You do not have to be an expert to use these! I like that they are available in the classic pink and white but they are also available in trend-inspired shades like polka-dot, black or metallic. All you have to do is peel, apply, file and go, for a perfect, precise, real-polish French mani. Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips are developed with an innovative DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde-free formula that delivers no dry time nail looks that last up to 10 days. Each Salon Real Nail Polish Strips kit includes 16 real nail polish strips and tips, as well as a cuticle stick, mini file/buffer and instructions for easy at-home application. I really love the shades: Excusez Moi!, French Twist, Gold Cabaret, Noir Boudoir, Pink Macaroon, Polka Party, Silver Lining and Steel the Night. They cost $12.99 each and can be found at chain drug stores and mass retailers nationally wherever Sally Hansen products are sold.

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Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Disney Publishing Worldwide Releases Because I’m Your Dad By Ahmet Zappa

April 19, 2013 By 6 Comments

In Ahmet Zappa’s first picture book for children, Because I’m Your Dad, a dad like no other promises to give his kid a childhood like no other. Whimsical monster characters bring the silly and sweet scenes to life and keep the book universal. The book’s ending, a moving tribute to the author’s father, guarantees intergenerational appeal: “Because I’m your dad, I will do all of these things for you and more…because that’s what my dad did for me.”

 Both a tribute to his happy childhood and a promise to his daughter, Halo, for a one-of-a-kind relationship, “I wrote this book for anyone who is a father, has a father, or hopes to someday be a father,” says Zappa.

A perfect book to read on Father’s Day, or any day! We have been offered one to giveaway! If you would like to win this fun book, you must be a subscriber to enter! Next, simply leave a comment below! Deadline to enter is April 27th, 2013! One winner will randomly be selected from all entries!

 

About Ahmet Zappa:

Ahmet Zappa is the son of late rock musician/composer Frank Zappa and, as he puts it, “My awesome mother, Gail.” Ahmet grew up with a learning disability and now writes books to help children discover how wonderful reading can be. Through his production company, Monsterfoot Productions, Ahmet has developed several television shows and movies, including the recently-released Walt Disney Pictures feature film “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” Ahmet, Shana, and their daughter Halo live in Los Angeles, CA under a rainbow with their three fur goblins: Sandwich, Luna, and Figgy. For more information, visit him online at www.ahmetzappa.com.

 

About Dan Santat:

Dan Santat is the author and/or illustrator of many books, including Oh, No! and Oh, No! Not Again! by Mac Barnett and Always Lots of Heinies at the Zoo by Ayun Halliday . He is also the creator of Disney’s animated hit, “The Replacements.” Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, a rabbit, a bird, a cat, and a dog. Visit him online at www.dantat.com.
About Disney Publishing Worldwide

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines with over 700 million products sold each year. DPW consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints, including Disney Book Group in the U.S. and Disney Libri in Italy. DPW publishes a range of children’s magazines globally, as well as Disney kids magazines in the U.S. Disney English is DPW’s English language learning business, which includes Disney English learning centers in China and a worldwide retail-licensing program. DPW’s digital products include bestselling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in Glendale, California, DPW publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com.

 

Follow Ahmet Zappa and Dan Santat on Twitter:

@AhmetZappa

@dsantat

Filed Under: Archived Content

Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage By Ridley Pearson

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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Ridley Pearson’s New York Times bestselling Kingdom Keepers series continues with the thrilling sixth book: Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage!

The Kingdom Keepers (young teens who were tapped as models for holographic Disney theme park “guides”) and their friends have uncovered a startling truth: Maleficent and the Overtakers (Disney villains) are plotting a catastrophic event that could have repercussions far beyond the world of Disney. Aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural passage through the new Panama Canal, the Keepers and their holograms uncover a puzzle hidden within the pages of a stolen journal. The point of that puzzle will reveal itself in the caves of Aruba, the zip lines of Costa Rica, and the jungles of Mexico. A destructive force, dormant for decades, is about to be unleashed—and the Kingdom Keepers are to be its first victims.

 

Now, for the first time, readers get the chance to help write the seventh and final book in the series via the Kingdom Keepers Insider app, launching April 2nd! Available on all mobile devices, e-readers and online, the app will provide a groundbreaking interactive fan experience for readers of the Kingdom Keepers series, allowing them to follow along as Ridley Pearson writes, voting on plot points, character involvement, and locations—even contributing ideas for dialogue! Plus, there will be writing contests based on the previous book in the series and judged by Ridley Pearson, promoting writing and literacy in a safe environment with characters readers already know and love! Learn more at www.kingdomkeepersinsider.com.

Ridley Pearson is the award-winning author of multiple adventure series for (young-ish) readers, including The Kingdom Keepers, Steel Trapp and with Dave Barry, Peter and the Starcatchers. Ridley is also a best-selling crime novelist of more than 25 titles, which have been translated into 22 languages and distributed in 70 countries. Pearson was the first U.S. citizen to be awarded the Raymond Chandler/Fulbright Fellowship in Detective Fiction at Oxford University. In 2008 Ridley served as a visiting professor at Fudan University, Shanghai, China. In 2013, Ridley was awarded Missouri’s Quill Award and inducted into that state’s Writers Hall of Fame. As a “full time dad and husband,” Ridley, along with his wife, Marcelle, live with their two teenage daughters in St. Louis, MO. Find him online at ridleypearson.com and on Twitter: @RidleyPearson

 

Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage

By Ridley Pearson

Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: April 2, 2013

ISBN: 9781423164890; Price: $17.99; Ages 10-14

TOUR CITIES:

  • April 2: 7:00 PM event at Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville, IL
  • April 3: 7:00 PM event at Barnes & Noble, Paramus, NJ
  • April 4: 7:00 PM event at Book Revue Huntington, NY
  • April 6: 2:00 PM event at St. Louis County Library, St. Louis, MO
  • April 7: 2:00 PM event at Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
  • April 9: 7:00 PM event at Books-A-Million, Brandon, FL
  • April 10: 4:00-6:00 PM signing at Once Upon a Toy in Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
  • April 11: 9:30-11:30 AM signing at Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando, FL
  • April 19: 6:30 PM event at Poisoned Pen, Phoenix, AZ
  • April 20: 2:00 PM “Sagas and Series” panel at Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Los Angeles, CA
Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

Laura Mercier’s Spring/Summer Collection

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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What to be excited for:

  • ·         Rich, earthy and tribal colours inspired by cultures of South and Central America in the Summer 2013 Colour Story: Folklore
  • ·         New and sleek Custom Artist Portfolios For Home and Away, available in two great sizes (regular and petite), to store your favorite Laura Mercier products
  • ·         An extension to Laura Mercier’s Ambre Vanillé Body, Bath & Fragrance collection, featuring four new products
  • ·         A trio of Laura Mercier’s best-selling gourmande fragrance sprays in the Eau Gourmande Fragrance Coffret
  • ·         Laura Mercier’s favorite candles in La Petite Patisserie Travel Candle Trio, offering delicious, decadent and delightful fragrances in a portable and convenient carrier.

Laura’s inspiration: Laura Mercier’s inspiration for this collection stems from Aztec influences and fantastical rituals, colours in this collection are reminiscent of ancient symbols and artifacts, textiles and jewelry. When conceptualizing the collection, Laura envisioned the spirit of earth and fire infused into an illuminating new mosaic of colour. The products create a naturally bronzed look, with fiery shades that are perfect for day and night.

I received a few of these products and love them! These would even make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts! (Or maybe you just want to buy them and keep them for yourself! )

My favorite is the Laura Mercier Body and Bath line and the Ambre Vanillé Body Butter and the Ambre Vanillé hand creme smells so good! I also received the Illuminating Eye Colour in Earth Glow and I love the color! What I really like about Laura Mercier eye shadow is that it lasts during the day. I also received their Limited Edition Lip Crayon in Burnt Clay and I love the lasting color!

For these and many more great beauty products, check out the Laura Mercier website.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner
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