You are here: Home / Archives for 2013

Archives for 2013

Legoland Hotel and Legoland makes for a very Epic Birthday!

October 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment

photolegoolandd  photopirate photolegodrag photohotlejroom

Looking for a place that children of all ages will Love?! My son was turning 10 and so when he decided on Legoland Hotel and Legoland for his birthday, I was more than happy to have the opportunity to feature this fun trip on my website! My son was in absolute awe of the hotel! From the time we walked into the lobby, it was obviously a fun and magical place! As we walked into the lobby, the Lego Pirate welcomed us and then after receiving our room keys we proceeded down the hall into the elevator! The elevator is a fun experience in itself! Yes! They have Disco elevators! Now, how fun is that?! Yes, complete with music and a real live disco ball!

photodiscoo   photodisco2

But, the moment my son walked into his Adventure themed room, the biggest smile spread across his face, as he exclaimed, ” This is epic! When I get home I am going to start saving up all my allowance so I can come back here for my 11th birthday!” Priceless! He hadn’t even been in the room for more than 5 minutes! The room theme was so fun and he loved the Treasure Hunt! You get clues and you go through the hotel to find the answers and then the numbers are a code that opens up a safe in the room, where the child gets a prize!

photoTVV   photolegopoollll

I think my son’s favorite things were the TV in his room and the pool! This really is such a fun place for children and parents will enjoy it too! The Hotel has different themed rooms available and fun things for kids and parents of all ages! For more information, check out the website!

photosmileatpool photofuninpool

Then there is Legoland!

photojandbuildings  photoskeleton

If you stay in the hotel, you also get in 30 minutes early! This means no lines! We zoomed in and had no lines for 3 rides! This is the perfect place to come to at Halloween time too! So many great photo opportunities with Lego pumpkins, ghosts and more! Legoland is just too much fun with its rides, shows and my son loved seeing all his favorite buildings and landmarks made out of legos. I have to admit, I loved seeing all the Halloween decorations!

photojandghostlego  photoeiffel

You don’t want to miss this fun place this Fall! For more information, check out the Legoland website!

Self Disclosure: I received free tickets to Legoland and media rate for the hotel but any opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News, Travel Trips

Penguin writing contest for students by 10/19

October 9, 2013 By 1 Comment

IMG_3353

The Aquarium of the Pacific would like to invite students from Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties to compete in a story-writing contest about penguins. The deadline is October 19, and the prizes include an encounter with a penguin and Behind-the-Scenes Tour. One grand prize winner from the classroom submissions will receive a free field trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific for his or her class (up to fifty kids).

For details, please visit: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/penguincontest

Photo Credit: Aquarium of The Pacific

Filed Under: Contests, SoCal City Kids News

Your Bladder Matters!

October 8, 2013 By 3 Comments

image003

Your bladder matters so it’s time to join Cystex® and Kegel your way to better bladder health. It’s easy to get a stronger, better bladder with daily Kegel exercises that can be done while you’re doing just about anything else and no one knows you’re doing them– so there’s no excuse.

image002

Kegeling can be done by squeezing and holding your pelvic floor muscles up and in.  Most healthcare professionals suggest Kegeling regularly for ten seconds three times a day, to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles in a pre-emptive defense of many bladder issues.

Still not convinced you should Kegel? Watch the fun new Cystex “I’m Kegeling!  Are You?” music video to see just how easy it is. Find a how-to-Kegel guide and more information at http://www.cystex.com/Pages/yourbladdermatters.

Besides daily Kegel exercises, Cystex Cranberry Urinary Health Complex can help promote better bladder health.  It is a sugar-, dairy-, and gluten-free daily supplement that tastes great and boosts urinary tract health.  The unique Proantinox® cranberry formula can end the cycle of infection for those who are unfortunately prone to recurrent urinary tract infections, and can be found nationwide at drug chains and mass market retailers, including Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Duane Reade for a suggested retail price of $9.95 (7.6 fl oz).  I received a cool T-shirt and also the Cystex Cranberry Urinary Health Complex to feature this! Sounds like a great way to take care of your bladder! The t-shirt is quite cool too!

image004

Don’t forget to check out and LIKE the Cystex Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cystex) for some fun Kegel tips and better bladder basics, and Cystex news and information. Actually, we have teamed up for a giveaway! One reader can win a T-shirt!! To enter, simply leave a comment below. Next, go to their Facebook page and “like” them. You can tell them we sent you! Deadline to enter is October 15th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

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

Filed Under: Archived Content

The Little Mermaid Just Got A Little Bit Cooler

October 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

“The Little Mermaid” brought animated feature films back to the forefront of family entertainment when it was released in 1989. Based on the short story by Hand Christian Anderson, this film garnered awards from the Oscars, the Golden Globes and the Grammys for its music by Alan Menken as well as its cinematography. Now, it’s been released in Blu-ray 3D as well as digital and – reviewed here, Second Screen Live! As KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Canela R says, ” I’ve already seen this movie many times, obviously; but now, with the App, it’s as if I was a seeing a great film from a totally new perspective.” Check out her full review below.

 

The Little Mermaid Second Screen Live

by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Canela R., age 11

Video review available here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chllpV12JWY

 “The Little Mermaid” just got a little bit cooler.  If you want to see how, then you’re going to need to listen up.

“Little Mermaid Second Screen Live” is a new App that you can get on your iPad or iPad Mini. It allows you to interact with the movie on the big screen. The way it works is you bring an ipad and on the movie screen directions will pop up and tell you when the next game or sing alongs will begin on your Ipad. So instead of just one screen, you have two!

“The Little Mermaid” is, of course, a movie about a young mermaid named Ariel who falls in love with a human but is forbidden to go up to the surface (or at least, that’s what her father the King says).

And now, we can experience all of this on our iPad at the same time.

One of the best things about “The Little Mermaid” is the songs.  With the interactive App, I have a sing-a-long at my fingertips for some of my favorite Little Mermaid songs like “Kiss the Girl” and “Under the Sea.”  And when there’s not singing, I can do mazes, uncover puzzles, and play trivia games that take you anywhere inside Ariel’s world as the movie unfolds.

My favorite part of this Cinema/App Combo is interacting with the movie by playing games to earn treasure (points).  If you get the most points, you get a special prize.  I really like the games; but also, it doesn’t take away from the magic of the movie itself – and that’s a good thing considering I was watching a classic.

“The Little Mermaid” App definitely makes for a better repeat viewing.  For example, I’ve already seen this movie many times, obviously; but now, with the App, it’s as if I was a seeing a great film from a totally new perspective.

I think all ages will like “The Little Mermaid Second Screen Live” because instead of just watching a “little kids” movie you get to play games and sing-a-long with the action.

I rate this Movie/App five out of five stars because this is a very clever way to watch a movie and kids of all ages (and adults too) will really enjoy it just as much as me.

“The Little Mermaid Second Screen Live” is out in exclusive theaters now.

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions

 

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

scünci® Headbands and Headwraps for the Fall!

October 5, 2013 By 15 Comments

image001

Wearing headbands and headwraps used to only be cool for Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf, the queen of the Upper East Side of Manhattan, but now every girl can reign supreme! This season, scünci® Hair Accessories has an array of headbands and headwraps that will band together queens everywhere in quick, easy, and fashionable hair-dos. Whether you’re a sporty girl, an animal print fanatic, or a bohemian chic fashionista, scünci has a look that’s right for you!

image005

Sporty Strands: The scünci® No-Slip Grip Evolution Mix Headwrap or the scünci® No-Slip Grip Waistband Headband will actively hold your hair back  while you’re working out or running around to keep up with your busy schedule. Available at drug and mass retailers for an average retail price of $5.49.

 

image003 image007image009

Trendy Tresses: Show off your beauty smarts with the scünci® 6-Strand Fabric and Beaded Headwrap, a trendy and chic way to get your hair off your face!  Want a little extra bling?  The latest scünci® Jeweled Headband has that added wow factor for extra glamour.  Or go bohemian with the scünci® Wide Loose Knit Color Striped Headwrap. Available at drug and mass retailers for an average retail price of $5.99.

 

Animal Accents: Go wild with the scunci® animal accents accessories collection.  The new scünci® Animal Print and Solid Interlock Headwrap, or the scünci® Knotted Animal Print Headband, are perfect to add a little edge to your fall fashion this season. Available at drug and mass retailers for an average retail price of $2.99- $3.99.

 

Luminous Locks: Want to just make a bold, colorful statement?  Neon is the way to go.  Get noticed with your locks wrapped in the scünci® Wide Stretch Neon Interlock Headwrap or try the scünci® Wide Ruffle Shiny Spandex Headwrap! Available at drug and mass retailers for an average retail price of $4.99 – $6.99.

I received the Sporty Strands (for free to feature this review) and love using them! Great for the busy life style of a Mom! You can wear them for days at the beach, to exercising or just running around town. A real Mom-Must-Have this Fall!

For styling ideas, hair accessory trends and scünci giveaways, connect with the brand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/scuncihair, or follow scünci on Twitter at www.twitter.com/scunciHair.

For more information about the scünci line of hair accessories for everyday or special occasions, visit www.scunci.com.

Fall Giveaway Opportunity!

One winner will win their own scünci® Sporty Strands! You must be a subscriber to enter! Next, leave a comment below with one of your Fall hair-styling tips!  Next, “like” their Facebook page! You can tell them we sent you! Deadline to enter is October 12th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: I received the scünci® Sporty Strands for free to facilitate this review but opinions are my own.

 

 

Filed Under: Archived Content

nyakio Kenyan Coffee Collection

October 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

image002coffee

The perfectly-balanced Kenyan Coffee Body Scrub and Kenyan Coffee Face Polish are infused with naturally energizing and exfoliating Kenyan Coffee which has a pleasant, non-bitter aroma. Both products help to reveal fresh, more youthful-looking skin while providing antioxidant benefits. I received samples and love how it feels on my skin and my skin feels so fresh! A must-have this Fall!

This collection was inspired by the beauty secrets of Nyakio’s namesake grandmother. She worked on the family’s sustainable coffee farm, and after spending the day outdoors under the sun, she would boil down coffee beans with honey and apply the grounds to her skin and exfoliate using a sugarcane rod. For more information check the collection out here. It also can be found here.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to feature.

 

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Brian James™ New Essential Women’s Footwear Collection

October 4, 2013 By 4 Comments

Logo for PRINT - CMYK

Angela Edgeworth, founder of the award-winning and fastest growing children’s footwear brand, was inspired to develop her women’s footwear line, Brian James Footwear, following years of countless requests from moms, celebrities and fans who were seeking the same quality, comfort and style they learned to love from pediped®.

 

Refusing to sacrifice comfort and quality, the collection highlights season essentials that are certain to become a staple in any woman’s wardrobe.  Brian James™ reflects a sense of timelessness and relaxed elegance, focusing on luxurious fabrics and a perfect fit. Each Brian James™ style offers a soft, flexible sole and all leather uppers and linings. This line meets the needs of every trendsetter’s desire for style and every shopper who puts comfort first.

 

Brian James™ Fall Winter Collection features great looking comfy boots, wedges and flats.  The collection is available in EU sizes 36-41 (US 5.5-11).

3-5 Wedge Pump Noir 2 3-5 Wedge Boot Noir

 

I received the Angie Ballet Flat and they are great for every day or for a date night out! You may remember my featuring the comfortable sandals over the summer but I love these ballet flats and they are great for Fall! I received a pair in black and they are stylish and comfortable! This style is a chic and timeless ballet flat, available in noir, cognac and rouge, will transition perfectly from spring into fall. Complete with sheep leather, elastic topline, and featuring a memory foam insole and flexible rubber outsole, this creates the ultimate ballet flat that is classy and comfortable.

 

Available for purchase online at www.brianjamesfootwear.com and in select retail stores.

IMG_7168

About Brian James™

Henderson, Nevada-based Brian James Footwear was founded in 2012 by Angela Edgeworth, best known for creating pediped®, the award winning children’s footwear brand.  The Brian James Collection is designed for women who adore fashion as much as they love comfort.  Brian James offers a range of boots, wedges and flats available in sizes 5.5-11 (EU 36-41).  For more information visit www.brianjamesfootwear.com.

Find Brian James on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

Self Disclosure: I received a pair of Angie Ballet Flats free to facilitate this feature.

 

 

Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week

The Queen Mary’s Annual Dark Harbor

October 4, 2013 By 3 Comments

 

2013_qm_dh_logo_black

The legendary Queen Mary welcomes the return of a frightful Halloween tradition with their annual Dark Harbor event October 3 through November 2, 2013. For 17 haunted evenings guests will experience the deadliest show on earth featuring a new horrific circus of spectacles, freaks and sideshows inspired by some of the ship’s most infamously haunted spirits and tales.

 

Dark Harbor is pleased to introduce the newest spirit character, The Ringmaster, as she orchestrates the freaks and monsters through the nightmare of evil. The Ringmaster, The Captain and their gaggle of ghosts including Samuel the Savage, Graceful Gale, Half-Hatch Henry and Scary Mary have conjured up an all-new bloodcurdling vintage circus under the big top tent inside the deadly dome.

 

“Through the actual haunted history of the ship we are able to increase the fright factor for Dark Harbor each year,” commented JJ Wickham, production designer and art director of Dark Harbor. “With the new Ringmaster spirit and her cast of freaks leading the circus- inspired festivities, this season’s event is sure to be the scariest yet.”

 

An all-new circus maze featuring a terrifying MAD house will disorient guest’s illusions through fatally horrific magic, paranormal wonders and spirited thrills like never before seen. A new freak show of devilish entertainers invites guests to “step right up” and experience fierce and terrifying freaks from beyond the grave.  The new Coney Island inspired vintage circus ride “ferris-squel,” mini mazes and chilling side shows will have visitors shocked in awe.

 

The Queen Mary is often cited as one of the most haunted places in the world. This gives the Dark Harbor event an authentic atmosphere unlike any other theme-park haunt.

 

Dark Harbor is not only the most unique haunted experience in Southern California but also the best value with ticket prices starting at just $20 online, with Fast Fright, VIP Passes and lodging packages also available. Want more Dark Harbor? Season passes include a General Admission and Fast Fright Pass and are currently available for just $50 through August 19th and $65 after August 19th (restrictions apply). Dark Harbor will be open October 3-5; 11-13; 17-20, 24-27 and Oct 31 – November 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.queenmary.com/dark-harbor.

c01

About the Queen Mary

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.

Filed Under: Archived Content
« Previous Page
Next Page »