Archives for September 2013

Geronimo Stilton: Operation ShuFongFong Giveaway!

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The unlikely hero, mouse adventurer Geronimo Stilton is back in action in Geronimo Stilton: Operation ShuFongFong, the first-ever DVD from the hit animated kids TV show and best-selling Scholastic book series! Kids and families from coast-to-coast are in store for a wild ride full of hilarious hijinks and far-flung antics with this brand new title from Entertainment One. The DVD features four action-packed episodes, including “Operation ShuFongFong,” “Mouse House of the Future,” “Reported Missing,” and “It’s My Scoop.” The animated children’s global sensation leaps onto DVD and digital platforms for the very first time in the US on September 24, 2013. My son and I received this DVD and my son says, “It is awesome!”  He likes it much better than the books!

Geronimo Stilton: Operation ShuFongFong stars Geronimo Stilton, the brilliant but klutzy journalist with two left paws, who is joined by his fearless, gadget-loving 12-year-old nephew, Benjamin; ultimate pack rat cousin, Trap; and younger sister, the daring special correspondent, Thea. The DVD invites children and their families on thrilling journeys from the high seas to the jungles of Asia with lots of fun stops in between, as they make fascinating discoveries and encounter amazing people and places along the way.

We have teamed up for a giveaway! One reader will win the DVD! Simply leave a comment below telling us your favorite children’s book series! Deadline to enter is September 22nd, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: I received the Geronimo Stilton: Operation ShuFongFong DVD to review and offer a giveaway.

The Fort on Fourth Street by Lois Spangler

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When a young child decides to build a fort in the backyard, Grandpa come forward to help. But they can’t do it alone- they get help from the simple machines: lever, pulley, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, and wedge. Told in cumulative rhyme, similar to The House That Jack Built, this story follows grandfather and grandchild as they build a fort together from start to finish. Great for ages K-2nd. My son and I enjoyed reading this book and I love the For Creative Minds at the end of the book. This book includes learning activities that include matching the machine, measuring tools and a Hands on: Building a Fort. To find this book, and so many more wonderful books, check out the Sylvan Dell Publishing website.

Self Disclosure: I received the book for free to facilitate this feature.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Jenny Packham – Spring 2014 Collection

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Inspired by the exquisite styling of the 1975 cult classic film, “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” Packham’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection represents a “seventies take on austere Edwardian attire.” The makeup look for the show, created by Talia Shobrook for Laura Mercier, further highlights the contrast between the eras, combining a “flush of innocence with a hint of naughtiness.”

Face:  Flawless skin with a youthful glow

·         Talia prepped the skin with Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, $32.

·         Next, she applied Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Sunrise, $24 to the model’s cheekbones.

·         Then, she applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – Oil Free Broad Spectrum SPF Sunscreen, $43 all over the face.

·         She concealed minor skin imperfections using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, $32.

·         Adding the final touch to the skin, Talia applied Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Radiance, $32 to the T-Zone. This gave the skin a beautiful, illuminated and youthful glow.

Lips: Feminine, rosy lips

·         Talia dabbed the lips with Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Spiced Rose, $26 and Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Pink Blush, $26.

Eyes: Subtle lashes allowed the eyes to sparkle

·         Talia used a silver eye glitter that was specially made for this show to accentuate the eyes. For a similar look, apply a thick layer of Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Sterling, $26.

·         Next she filled in the eyebrows using Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil, $22.

·         To complete the look, Talia applied one swipe of Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara, $24– keeping the lashes very subtle.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Look created by Matin Maulawizada, Global Artistry Director, Laura Mercier.

Pamella Roland’s collection was inspired by the glamour and decadence of the Cannes Film Festival in the early 1960s. Matin Maulawizada, the show’s lead makeup artist, channeled the “nonchalant attitude of the French stars of the ‘60s” in the creation of the makeup look. According to Matin, the French stars “were very different from the polished British and American ladies. They kept it sexy, a bit smudgy, like they just rolled out of bed and put lipstick on.” With a coral lip that paid homage to the colour palettes of ‘60s, and a modern peach and chocolate smudged eye, the look perfectly merged the past with the present.   

Face:  A flawless, flushed complexion

·         First, Matin applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen, ($45) to create a flawless canvas for makeup application.

·         Then, he covered minor skin imperfections using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, ($32).

·         Next, he applied Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Sunrise, ($24) and Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Rosebud, ($24) onto the cheeks, adding a natural, rosy flush to the skin.

Eyes: Natural hues and bold lashes accentuate the eyes

·         Matin applied Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Sunrise, ($24) all over the eyelid.

·         Then, beginning at the lash line, he applied Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Truffle, ($23) and faded the colour outward. Using the same shade, he rimmed the eyes creating a “halo effect.”

·         To complete the eyes, he applied a coat of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara, ($24).

Lips: A classic, feminine lip

·         Matin first stained the lips using Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour in Mod, ($24).

·         To add a final touch of glamour, he applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Brigitte, ($26)and then blotted the lips.

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Laura Mercier sponsored Feature.

 

 

BODIES

The BODIES Exhibition provides an intimate and informative view into the human body. My family had the opportunity to visit this educational and eye-opening exhibit. It is a great educational way to learn about the human body. Using real human bodies and individual specimens, BODIES..The Exhibition really does allow you to look inside the systems of your body: Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Respiratory, Urinary, Digestive, Reproductive, Circulatory and the Treated Body. I have to admit before  going I wasn’t sure if it would be appropriate for my 9-year-old son. But, my family was quite impressed with this exhibit. It is very educational and the staff is so knowledgeable! It really was a great experience that shouldn’t be missed! BODIES..The Exhibition is open 7 days a week except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Located at 7711 beach Blvd, Buena Park,CA. For more information, check out the website.

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Self Disclosure: My family visited this amazing exhibit for free but opinions are my own.

New England chocolatier Harbor Sweets new contemporary collection, Salt & Ayre

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New England chocolatier Harbor Sweets new contemporary collection, Salt & Ayre that was launched at the Summer Fancy Food Show in time for the company’s 40th anniversary and the holiday season. Salt & Ayre was created with support of eminent cookbook author and food veteran Lora Brody and was influenced by the coastal trading ports of hometown Salem, MA. The full upscale line of truffles is rich with 70% cacao bittersweet dark chocolate and evokes an ethereal sensory experience. The line  includes Chai, Café au Lait, Hazelnut and Espresso; and three sea salt pieces covered with the finest 70% dark chocolate, Caramel with Himalayan Sea Salt, Crystallized Ginger with Thai Ginger Sea Salt, and Almond Butter Crunch garnished with Chipotle Sea Salt. Salt & Ayre features sky blue packaging. The collection debuts this fall in retailers nationwide and online. It ranges from $5.00 to $28.00 MSRP. I received delicious samples of the chocolate collection. I received a box that contained 4 yummy salted chocolates and 5 delicious distinctive truffles. I really can not select my favorite one but the Almond Butter Crunch and the Chai Truffle are sooooo good that I can’t even begin to describe them! They are simply too good for words! They are great with a cup of coffee, after a meal or just by themselves! To find out more (or to order) go check out the Harbor Sweets website.

 

PR NINE PIECE WITH CHOC

 

Self Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this review but any opinions are my own.

TickleMe Plant

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Looking for a fun and educational party favor at your child’s next birthday party? Or maybe a fun science experiment for the classroom or home? The TickleMe Plant is the answer! We received the party favor one to try out and am impressed that the plant really does move when you tickle it! It took nearly 3 weeks for the leaves to grow and move when tickled. What I also like is that it really is simple! You just add 3 Tbs of warm water to soften soil pellet, then plant the seeds! It really can’t get much easier than that! It sprouts in days although the first leaves that sprout are not the tickle leaves. This plant can grow indoors all year long and even outdoors in the summer. The party favor plant retails for $6.50 but you can also buy a Family Greenhouse for $21.95. The plant we received includes 10 science project ideas but You can buy a book with more science project ideas for $10.95.  For more information, check out the website.

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Self Disclosure: I received a product free for review purposes but opinions are my own.

 

 

Florsheim Kids Shoes for boys this Fall!

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Summer is ending and it’s already back-to-school time! So, Fall is on its way in! So, it’s time for all the Fall fashions!  My son and I were quite excited to receive shoes from our friends at Florsheim Kids shoes for boys. They have a great variety of styles and colors! We received the Valco Jr Moc Toe in brown multi and my son likes how stylish and comfortable they are.  The Valco Jr Moc Toe is a sporty moc toe boot for boys. I love how durable they seem to be and the top quality!  They are just perfect for those days at the playground or hiking the trails at our favorite park!  The Upper: Combination genuine leather and fabric and the lining is breathable fabric. I am just thrilled with how sturdy they are. My son just says “they are cool!”

Check out all their great styles here!  You can also sign up here with your email to find out about special promotions, offers and to learn more about Florsheim Kids.

Now, for the Back-to-School Giveaway! Florsheim Kids has teamed up with us for a $60 gift card giveaway so you can choose your own shoes! To enter, leave us a comment below telling us your favorite Fall fashion for kids. For an extra chance to win, visit their Facebook Page and “like” them. You can tell them we sent you! Deadline to enter is September 18th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: I received Boys shoes to facilitate this review but opinions are my own.