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Introducing the New Wholly Guacamole 100 cal minis cups!

August 8, 2013 By 36 Comments

avoranch classicminis spicyminis

I’m a big fan of Wholly Guacamole! I have to admit that I was hooked at the first taste of the no preservative Wholly Guac goodness! It really is my favorite guacamole especially the Spicy! I love adding it to recipes or just eating it with chips! But, okay…it would be nice if I could put it in my lunch to go and not worry about any mess. Whoa! Guess what? Wholly Guacamole now has that all covered! Say “Hello” to the New Wholly Guacamole 100 calorie minis cups!  These are just perfect for lunches on the go! I received samples from our friends at Wholly Guacamole and have truly been enjoying these mini cups every day this past week.  You can grab some veggies, chips or squeeze it on your favorite sandwich or salad. The Wholly Guacamole Classic Minis are all natural, have no preservatives and are Gluten Free. They are made with real Haas Avocados and freeze up to 3 months! The Wholly Guacamole Avocado Ranch Minis are yummy but spicy will always be my favorite! The great taste hasn’t changed but the new mini packaging is a hit in our house! What’s so great about the new mini packaging? My favorite thing of all is that it travels great to the park, the beach or any other outings! But, you can also peel a little to squeeze your guac or you can peel all the way to dip and dunk! You can also freeze and stash in a lunch box. They are great for summer and also for back-to-school! You can even use them for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner! Check out eatwholly.com for all the delicious recipes!  Here’s one of my favorites:

TaiShrimpNachos

THAI SHRIMP NACHOS

Submitted by: Wholly Salsa®

Shrimp Marinade/Glaze

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 Cup Pineapple Wholly Salsa dip
  • 1 Lime Juiced
  • 2 tsp Sesame Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix all ingredients, then add to 1 lb shrimp, let marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Skewer shrimp and grill for 3 minutes on each side.

 

Nappa Cabbage Slaw

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Head Napa Cabbage Shredded
  • 1/2 Cucumber Julienne
  • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper Small Diced
  • 1/3 Cup Green Onion Biased Cut
  • 1/3 Cup Cilantro Rough Chopped
  • 2/3 Cup Pineapple Wholly Salsa dip
  • 2 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
  • 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix all ingredients together, and let rest for at least 30 minutes.

 

Wasabi Aioli

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp Wasabi Paste
  • 1 tsp Green Onion Minced
  • 1 Tbsp Water
  • 1 Tbsp Cilantro Minced

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix all ingredients together.

(Suggested Garnish: Lime Wedge, Chopped Cashews, and Sesame Seeds)

 

Now we have teamed up with Wholly Guacamole for a delicious Back-to-School Giveaway!  You must be a subscriber to enter! Next, go to the Wholly Guacamole Facebook page and “like” them! You can tell them we sent you! Also, make sure to “like” our page too! Next, visit their website and tell us your favorite recipe in the comments below! Deadline to enter is August 16th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries and will win a Wholly Guacamole package of the New Wholly Guacamole 100 cal minis cups! You don’t want to miss this one!

Self Disclosure: I received samples to facilitate this review/giveaway. Photos and recipe: Wholly Guacamole.

 

 

Filed Under: Archived Content

Squish, Slither and Stomp Through the Muddiest Event in Town:

August 7, 2013 By 38 Comments

mm_girl center

 Squish some history between your toes at Mud Mania: A Celebration of Adobe! It is the perfect venue for people of all ages who love to get “down and dirty.” Guests will have the opportunity to make real adobe bricks, plaster a wall with mud, construct a mini-adobe home, compete in mud relay races, and much more as they learn about our local adobe soil and its many uses throughout history. This muddy, wacky event will be held on Sunday, August 11 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Admission is $6 adults, $4 for children 4-12; 3 and under are free.

Adobe is one of the oldest and most common building materials known to man. Traditionally sun-dried, adobe blocks are made of sand, clay, water and straw and were used to construct the home at Rancho Los Cerritos – built 169 years ago in 1844. At Mud Mania, guests young and old can squish and stomp mud in the adobe pit, where they will learn all about building homes with adobe bricks. Digging through the adobe soil in our archaeology lab, they can uncover lost treasures from bygone years – fragments of kitchen pottery, metal cutlery and even bone from the cattle and sheep that once grazed on the 27,000 acre Rancho.  Participants will also have an opportunity to see and touch different insects that live in the soil, make a clay pot, and play mud-related games.  For those who prefer to stay neat and tidy, Mud Mania offers plenty of “clean” activities including cuneiform writing on clay tablets, Mud Mania trivia, and paper crafts. 

The Grasslands Bluegrass band will be performing lively bluegrass music throughout the event. The Mex Express, food truck of Super Mex, will be participating at this year’s Mud Mania event and selling tacos, burritos, taquitos, chicken strips, churros and beverages. In addition to these tasty treats – folks with a sweet tooth will be able to purchase ice-cream at the event!

Guests at Mud Mania are required to park in the overflow lot across from our entrance or on the street; carpooling is desirable.  No more than six children per adult, please.  Shoes are required, except in the mud pit, and guests are encouraged to wear old clothes and bring a towel plus a change of attire for the ride home. “De-mudding” stations will also be available for limited clean up; showers will not be available.

About Rancho Los Cerritos:
Built in 1844, the Rancho Los Cerritos adobe home and grounds echo with the rich history of Spanish, Mexican, and American California and with the families who helped transform Southern California from its ranching beginnings to the modern urban society it is today. The two-story Monterey-style adobe is primarily furnished to reflect occupants and lifestyles from the 1860s-1880s. The site, a National, State and Long Beach Historic Landmark, also includes historic gardens and a research library and archives. It is owned by the City of Long Beach and operated through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine. For more information please call (562) 570-1755, or visit the website at www.rancholoscerritos.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rancholosc.

MM3

Photos and info provided by Rancho Los Cerritos.

Filed Under: Archived Content

August is Family Fun Month

August 7, 2013 By 3 Comments

Room on the Broom_3D

Family Fun Month just happens to coincide with the August 6th DVD release of the multiple award-winning half-hour animated family film, Room on the Broom, from NCircle Entertainment. Based on the #1 best-selling children’s picture book in America, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (the same author and illustrator team that created the critically acclaimed The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child), Room on the Broom is filled with humor and adventure, and teaches the importance of family, friends and teamwork!

Why not kick-off Family Fun Month with Family Movie Night? In Room on the Broom, the witch and her cat couldn’t be happier, flying through the sky on their broomstick—until the witch drops her hat, then her bow, then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals—a dog, a parrot and a frog—find the missing items and all they want in return is a ride on the broomstick. But is there room on the broom for so many new friends? The kindly witch thinks there is—much to the frustration of her cat.  But when disaster strikes, and the witch is about to be eaten by a fearsome dragon, she is saved by the gang of animals, all working together.  The witch’s cat learns the importance of friends and family, and the witch rewards her new friends with a magnificent broom that is big enough for everyone!

Beautiful CGI animation brings the book’s drawings to life under the direction of Max Lang.  Gillian Anderson (The X Files) provides the voice of the witch; while Timothy Spall of Harry Potter fame, lends his voice to the dragon. Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) narrates the story which also features the recognizable voices of Martin Clunes, Rob Brydon and David Walliams portraying the helpful animals that comprise the witch’s family.  Room on the Broom is produced by Magic Light Pictures (the team behind award-winning animations The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child).

Complete Family Movie Night by enjoying together the fun-filled activities available for FREE for download at NCircle Entertainment’s activity site, EntertainmentThatEducates.com, including a coloring page featuring all of the endearing characters from the film; the “find the…” challenge that incorporates counting skills; templates for creating your own Room on the Broom finger puppets; and the elements for creating your very own magical wand! There’s also a word search puzzle and a dizzying maze to navigate.

The Room on the Broom has already earned numerous awards and accolades, including Britain’s Royal Television Award for “Best Children’s Program” and France’s Annecy Animation Festival’s Crystal Award for “Best TV Production.” It has been named “Best Animated Short” by the Toronto International Film Festival Kid’s Festival; was the “Audience Choice” at the Cleveland International Film Festival; and was the winner of the Curtinhas Competition for children’s programming at the Curtas Vila do Conde Film Festival in Portugal.

We received the Book and DVD and found it quite enjoyable! Young children will be delighted with both the DVD and the book! It is a delightful story with wonderful, creative illustrations and animations.

Need more Family Fun Ideas for the month of August?  Here are just a few:

August 9 is Book Lovers Day 

Bring the family together and find a shady tree to sit outside and enjoy reading books together, includingRoom on the Broom.  Reading is educational, informative and relaxing and sharing a love of reading with your family and friends makes everyone smarter, too.

August 23 is Ride the Wind Day    

No broom is required as you can catch a ride on a gentle summer breeze by flying a kite, riding a bike, standing on a hill or just driving in the car with the windows down!

 August 26 is National Dog Day

Where would our witch be without the help of a dog?  This day, organized by the National Dog Day Foundation, honors dogs everywhere for all that they do for us – love, companionship, protection, service, safety and so much more.  Get your kids involved by playing a little longer with your family pooch, by volunteering at your local animal shelter, donating unwanted blankets to Operation Blankets of Love or by making a family donation to one of the many worthy animal rescue groups.

 August 27 is Just Because Day

As the final days of summer get swept into the early days of Fall, this holiday gives us all a chance to do something special “just because.”  Replicate the kindness of the witch and the helpfulness of the dog, bird and frog.  Open your heart as the cat ultimately did—and before you know it… iggety, ziggety, zaggety, zoom … you’ll be falling in love with Room on the Broom!

Planning ahead for Halloween gifts?  Although the Room on the Broom book is not a traditional Halloween story, it is Penguin Publishing’s best-selling Halloween title, selling over 500,000 copies in 2011/2012.  So stock up on Room on the Broom to share with your friends and family!  Room on the Broom DVDs are available at Target, Walmart, Toys”R”Us, amazon.com, Kmart, and many other retailers (SRP $9.99); Room on the Broom books are available everywhere books are sold (SRP: 16.99).

To celebrate Family Fun Month, NCircle Entertainment is offering one of our readers the DVD and Book! 

If you would like to enter the giveaway, you must be a subscriber to SoCal City Kids to enter! Next, “like” the NCircle Entertainment Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NCircleEntertainment and also the Room on the Broom Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/roomonthebroomus  and you can tell them we sent you! Deadline to enter is August 13th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries!

Check out the Room on the Broom website: roomonthebroom.com /us!

 

Filed Under: Archived Content

The Bootstrap VA: The Go-Getter’s Guide to Becoming a Virtual Assistant, Getting and Keeping Clients, and More!

August 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The-Bootstrap-VA-PDF-Cover

The Bootstrap VA: The Go-Getter’s Guide to Becoming a Virtual Assistant, Getting and Keeping Clients, and More! is a 154-page, organized brain dump of everything Lisa Morosky has learned and experienced (and what she wishes someone had told her) over her four years of building, growing, downsizing, and repositioning a business as a virtual assistant.

The eBook includes chapters on creating your business plan, setting up your business offline and online, getting clients, working with and keeping clients, alternative income streams for virtual assistants, and more. It also includes interviews with successful virtual assistants, interviews with clients who utilize a virtual assistant, resources at the end of most chapters, a 30-day reading guide and action plan, and access to The Bootstrap VA Facebook Group where readers can bounce ideas off of each other, ask Lisa questions, and get the support needed no matter where they are in the process of becoming and working as a virtual assistant.

If you want to get started as a virtual assistant, and you’re a go-getter looking to bootstrap your way to success, this is an eBook you can’t afford to miss.

I had the opportunity to review this and really felt that I learned about how to become a Virtual Assistant! It is a very helpful book and a must-have for those who would like to be a Virtual Assistant or for those thinking about it.

More About Lisa Morosky:

Lisa Morosky is the author of The Bootstrap VA: The Go-Getter’s Guide to Becoming a Virtual Assistant, Getting and Keeping Clients, and More! and is a premier virtual assistant in the blogging, Internet marketing, social media, and online business realms. As the founder of VAforBloggers.com, Lisa worked with dozens of clients from 2009-2011, received mentions by and recommendations from top experts, spoke at the BlogWorld conference in Las Vegas, and built a business from the ground up. In 2011, Lisa made the decision to cut back, reposition her services and her client base, and spend more time on personal projects. She moved her services to her new, centralized home at The Home Life {and Me}, lowered her rates (to pass on her new savings to her clients), and changed her title to “blog helper”. In 2012, Lisa launched her virtual assistant coaching services.

In addition to being a virtual assistant and a virtual assistant coach, Lisa is a Christ follower, a proud wife to her amazing husband, a homemaker, a real foodie, and a lover of all things simple and natural. You can find her blogging about creating a simple, natural, faith-inspired home life at The Home Life {and Me}. You can also connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

LisaMorosky1

 

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

Mom Makeup Must-Haves from NYC!

August 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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I love NYC makeup because it’s affordable and it is often long-lasting so I was thrilled the receive some of their newer products to try out! The HD Trio Eye Shadow is quite affordable at $2.99 and love the color! I also like that it is long-lasting and has a dual-ended applicator for a professional result.

NYCL_BBPLG_471SPRSZDRD  NYCEY_SED_883AMBRGLTZ

The Big Bold Gloss comes in great colors such as Big City Blush and Pumped Up Purple. It adds up to 50% more volume to your lips. I like that it lasts longer than most lip glosses and is non-sticky. Retails for $3.99. I also received the Sparkle Eye Dust, which is a high shimmering powder eye shadow. I really like the colors and that the applicator is easy to use and apply exactly where you want it. Retails for $2.99. All products are Mom-must-haves this summer and can be found where NYC products are sold. For more information, check out their website!

Self Disclosure: I received these products to facilitate this feature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

CLIF Kid snacks perfect for summer type snacks on the go!

August 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Zbar Chocolate Chip

I love summer time and like to pack lunches for our outings! CLIF Kid snacks are just perfect to pack in the backpack! We received samples to try out and my son’s favorite is the CLIF KID Z BAR in chocolate chip flavor. I like that they are an organic baked whole grain snack made with no high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils. They also have no artificial flavors. My son simply loves them because they taste good! The CLIF KID Z BAR CRISPY is also very tasty!  A must-have for the summer and for back-to-school!

To find out more, check out the CLIF BAR website!

Zbar Honey Graham

 

Self Disclosure: I received the CLIF KID Bar samples to facilitate this review but any opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week

Evidence of Flat Head Syndrome Statistics On the Rise

August 5, 2013 By 3 Comments

image001tortle

A new study from Calgary-Alberta-based Mount Royal University quoted in Pediatrics (found that of 440 healthy infants sampled, 47 percent of babies ages 7 to 12 weeks had some form of Flathead Syndrome (positional plagiocephaly and torticollis).

Link to study:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/07/02/peds.2012-3438.abstract?sid=65067d31-99a7-4ca7-b0cc-ba90756f6cf9

Awareness of positional plagiocephaly has increased since 1992, the year when parents were first encouraged to have healthy babies sleep on their back to help combat Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  While infant death from SIDS has decreased by 50 percent, there has been an increase in Flathead syndrome, a condition where an infant’s head becomes flattened or misshapen from too much time on their backs in the first months of life.

“This most recent study further validates the increasing incidence rate of Flathead Syndrome and the need for greater parent education about prevention,” said Dr. Jane Scott, Pediatrician, Board Certified Neonatologist.  “By incorporating some simple repositioning strategies parents can help prevent development of Plagiocephaly.”  Dr. Scott whose specialty is pediatrics and neonatology is recognized as an expert in the areas of Plagiocephaly and Torticollis.  In her nearly 30 years as a practicing physician Dr. Scott has counseled and educated parents to help prevent as well as treat the many problems associated with Flathead Syndrome.  In 2012 she introduced Tortle, an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device which provides parents a cost effective and simple solution to prevent the Syndrome in babies 0-6 months of age. The Tortle, a lightweight knit beanie promotes proper head and neck movement, which is essential for appropriate development.

Some of Dr. Scott’s guidelines for repositioning strategies include:

Correct Positioning is imperative; we suggest you reposition your baby’s head every 2-3 hours during your waking hours. Encourage the infant to turn their head in the opposite direction from the preferred side.

baby elephant tortle

In addition, try the following:

Feeding – alternate the arm in which the infant is held for both the bottle and breast feeding.

Diaper Changes – stand on the opposite side of the changing table each time to encourage baby to turn their head to a different side in order to see you.

Sleeping – Place baby’s head at opposite ends of the crib on alternate nights. Baby can wear their Tortle for optimal alignment during any supervised sleep time throughout the day.

Tummy Time – The more time baby can spend playing with supervision on their tummy, the better. Get down on the floor at baby’s eye level, and play stimulating games during tummy time. While most babies are resistant to tummy time at first, it should become more enjoyable as they become more familiar with the position. Starting tummy time when your infant is very young will help with this.

Travel  – Make sure baby is wearing their Tortle while riding in car seats, strollers, etc., and switch the side of the support roll from time to time.

More than a million babies each year will be diagnosed with Flathead Syndrome in the USA alone.  This number has increased over 600% since 1992, and affects nearly 48% of all babies 0-6 months old.  This is largely a consequence of the combination of lifestyle changes in families and because babies now sleep on their backs.  If not corrected in early infancy, expensive and unpleasant treatment options can sometimes follow.

Recommended retail for Tortle is $19.99.  For more information visit www.tortle.com.

Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA7MPnyXUcY&feature=share

Follow Tortle and Dr. Scott on Facebook at facebook.com/TortlebyDr.Jane;

on Twitter: TortlebyDrJane and on Pinterest: pinterest.com/tortlebydrjane

 

About Tortle

Founded by Pediatrician and Board Certified Neonatologist Dr. Jane Scott in 2012, Tortle Products, LLC is located in Denver, CO.  Tortle Products manufactures Tortle, an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device, a stylish knit beanie that provides parents a cost effective and simple solution to prevent Flathead Syndrome, a condition that is prevelant in babies 0-6 months of age.  Tortle is available in three sizes and in a variety of colors and designs.  Recommended retail is $19.99.  For more information visit www.tortle.com.  Watch the videos:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA7MPnyXUcY&feature=share

“How to” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPfmHgbaU64

Follow Tortle and Dr. Scott on Facebook at facebook.com/TortlebyDr.Jane;

on Twitter: TortlebyDrJane and on Pinterest: pinterest.com/tortlebydrjane

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Amy’s and Farm Aid team up for a Giveaway!

August 5, 2013 By 1 Comment

Amy’s is an official sponsor of Farm Aid and has an amazing offer for a chance to  win a pair of VIP tickets to the already sold-out Farm Aid Concert in Saratoga Springs on Sept 21!

There are more prizes too, like cool Amy’s limited-edition “I Heart Farmers” swag. You can enter by visiting the Amy’s iheartfarmers webpage. Everyone gets something for entering! Now, how cool is that?!
The URL is http://www.amys.com/iheartfarmers/ The promotion runs through August 30th. Don’t miss out!
Self Disclosure: Giveaway opportunity is not sponsored by SoCal City Kids and I did not receive any compensation to post about this opportunity.

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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