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Summer’s Coming: “Just Say No” to Boredom and Brain Drain!

May 26, 2013 By 2 Comments

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Green Kid Crafts, a mom-owned, earth-friendly and award winning craft kit subscription service, urges parents and caregivers to “just say no” to boredom and brain drain this summer.  To help, the company has introduced its Summer Survival Collection, delivering award winning Discovery Boxes each month that are packed with craft and science activity kits to keep kids learning while they have fun, explore the outdoors and get creative.  The three month Collection is $59.95, including shipping within the US, and can be reserved at GreenKidCrafts.com/summer.

Subscribing to Green Kid Crafts Summer Survival Collection is an easy way for families to ensure that their kids are exposed to a diverse set of fun and educational activities throughout the season. Each month, kids receive a Discovery Box filled with three or four craft and science kits, including all supplies and instructions, as well as additional extension activities and learning resources. The projects are designed by experts to promote creativity, build confidence and develop key skills while nature-related themes and sustainable materials encourage a child’s love and respect for nature.

The collection presents three specially designed learning themes:

  • June’s Backyard Science box inspires and delights budding scientists and naturalists
  • July’s Gardening box is sure to create a lot of little green thumbs
  • August’s Around the World box takes us on a trip to three exciting spots around the globe to learn about culture and art.

In order to receive the June box you will need to place your order by June 1st. If you order after that, you will still get the others in the series (and then some) depending on the length of the subscription you select.

For more information about Green Kid Crafts or the Summer Survival Collection, please visit GreenKidCrafts.com orGreenKidCrafts.com/summer.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Zoe Saldana “Blood Ties” Premiere The Cannes International Film Festival May 20, 2013

May 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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Makeup artist Vera Steimberg created an Audrey Hepburn-inspired makeup look for actress Zoe Saldana for the “Blood Ties” premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival.

 

LIPS: Deep red lips gave a “pop to the entire look”

 

·         Steimberg applied Laura Mercier Stickgloss Lip Colour in Cranberry ($22) to Saldana’s lips. She noted that it was the perfect red to complement the rest of the makeup and that there was no better place to “rock” a red lip than France.

 

EYES: Extended eyeliner and bold brows

·         First, Steimberg lined the eyes using Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir ($22) using theLaura Mercier Angled Eye Liner Brush ($20), and extended the line outward.

·         Next, she applied Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Fire Glow ($24) under Saldana’s eyes, close to her lashes to give her a “golden luminescent colour.”

·         For added definition, Steimberg applied a combination of Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour inFire Glow ($24) and Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Cocoa ($24) to the tops of Saldana’s eyelids.

·         She added the final touch of glamour by applying multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara in Black ($24) to the actress’ top and bottom lashes, along with a few individual faux lashes.

 

FLAWLESS FACE: Illuminated, flawless skin

 

·         Steimberg covered minor imperfections using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-6 ($30)and then applied Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #3 underneath Saldana’s eyes.

·         Next, she lightly dusted Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder in Candlelight ($32) all over the star’s face to create a natural glow.

·         Lastly, Steimberg applied Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Rosebud ($24) to the apples of Saldana’s cheeks to give her a natural, soft flush of colour.

 

Filed Under: Archived Content, Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Get Ready for Summer with ToySplash!

May 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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It’s almost summer! We’re on count down to summer vacation in my house! Two more weeks of school and then time to hit the pool and the beach! Looking for pool toys or Inflatable Tubes for the river? ToySplash has you covered! We received a really cool River Rat Tube that is just great for adults and older kids! It is made with 14-guage vinyl on top and 16 guage on the bottom. It is very durable and comfortable and even has an all around rope to keep a friend in tow. It is even on sale right now for $9.99 so you save $5.00.

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They also have fun kids’-size pool goggles that feature colorful starfish, dolphins or fish. These are fun and colorful designs that protect your child’s eyes. We received the Starfish/yellow goggles and they are cool! They also come in Dolphin/pink and Fish/Blue. Great for children ages 4-10. They are also on sale now for $2.97!  These are only two of the fun products you can find at ToySplash! Check out their website to see all that they offer!

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You can also find ToySplash on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest! We have some great news! ToySplash has offered our readers a 15% discount on any ToySplash product! Use the code: “SoCalcitykids.” Code is valid for 30 days starting today.

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

 

Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week

Celebration of America

May 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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This patriotic collection is aimed at giving young listeners a taste of good old American music. The tracks are by folk and country artists, as well as a few orchestral and choral pieces. Some of the highlights are Nickel Creek’s peppy take on “Home on the Range,” the Weavers’ “This Land Is Your Land,” LeAnn Rimes’ “God Bless America,” and the Limeliters’ “America… More the Beautiful.” The tone of the record is reverent, yet light enough to keep young listeners interested. Perfect for the Fourth of July.My son and I received this fun CD and love it!

1. Big Country
2. Follow the Flag
3. Back in the U.S.A.
4. Swanee River Rock (Talkin’ ‘Bout That River)
5. O Shenandoah/Sail Away
6. Cotton Fields
7. Ol’ Man River
8. This Land Is Your Land
9. Yankee Doodle Dandy
10. Seventy-Six Trombones
11. Stars and Stripes Forever
12. America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)
13. Battle Hymn of the Republic
14. America the Beautiful

You can find it at Amazon.com! Check out more great kids music on the Music for Little People website at www.mflpdistribution.com

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

Teacher Appreciation Month at Erin Condren

May 23, 2013 By 22 Comments

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Are you a Teacher or a Homeschool Mom or Dad? Or are you looking for a great gift for your children’s Teachers? Soon the school year will be ending and summer will be here! A great website for Teacher’s gifts is Erin Condren.com. I love their products! I currently received a discount and purchased a Teacher Lesson Planner for next school year. I just love this planner! I was able to personalize it and it is so colorful and inspirational! I am a Homeschool Mom and don’t teach in a classroom but this planner is still perfect for me! I love the inspirational quotes and all the space I have for writing! I really can’t imagine a better planner! I also received a sample pack of gift labels and am so impressed with the design and quality. Besides the Lesson Planners, there are acrylic clipboards, deskpads, notepads, gift labels, flat note cards, folded greetings and gift cards. Such a wonderful variety to choose from! May is also Teacher Appreciation Month! The entire Teacher’s category, including the Lesson Planner is 25% off until May 31, 2013 (midnight PST). Just use the code: WELOVETEACHERS at checkout to redeem.

We have teamed up with Erin Condren for a Special Giveaway! One winner will win a $25 gift code! You must be a subscriber to enter! Next, go to the Erin Condren Facebook Page and “like” them. It’s okay to tell them we sent you! Next, follow Erin Condren on Twitter. Then leave us a comment below telling us either your favorite subject that you teach (if you are a Teacher or Homeschool parent) or tell us why you are looking forward to the end of the school year! Deadline to enter is May 28th, 2013 at midnight! One winner will randomly be selected from all entries!

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Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Wrinkle Revolution Complex

May 22, 2013 By 6 Comments

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Looking for a way to relax the appearance of wrinkles quickly? Olay has you covered with the Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Wrinkle Revolution Complex. It’s a moisturizer that utilizes optics-based skincare to smooth skin and relax the appearance of wrinkles in an instant. Its chronic anti-wrinkle complex hydrates to reduce the appearance of deep eye lines and instantly smoothes the appearance of eye wrinkles. So does it work? I received a sample to try and I did notice a difference! Of course, I still have wrinkles but they aren’t quite as noticeable. I definitely plan to keep using it! The product contains: Optical manipulators: A blend of three different-sized light manipulating particles or micro fillers that fill the valleys between fine lines and wrinkles to remove the shadowing that crates the contrast of a wrinkle. It also contains Peptamid Y6 which hydrates and Amino Peptide + B3 complex (Vitamins B3, B5 and E): Exclusive Olay skin hydrating complex and Humectants: Glycerin and propylene glycol that deeply hydrate the skin’s surface. I’m just thrilled that it works! Retails for $24.99 and can be found where Olay products are sold. *Actual prices may vary at the discretion of the retailer. For more info, check out the Olay website.

 

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

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

NEW Sweet Lemonade PEEPS®

May 21, 2013 By 10 Comments

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I love PEEPS but I finally have a favorite! Peeps New Sweet Lemonade is a new Summer Treat that has hit the stores this month! I received some of these yummy Peeps and they taste like lemonade! The are so good that my son and I could not eat just one! Think of  lemon meringue and that is what it tastes like to me. Really! I have tried many peeps and love them all but this is my favorite! PEEPS® Sweet Lemonade Chicks are white marshmallow with yellow glitter, in a 2 ct. package with an SRP of $0.99 – $1.29. They can be found at stores such as Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael’s, Rite Aid and Walgreen’s. They can also be found at PEEPS & Company® retail stores or www.peepsandcompany.com, where in addition to candy, visitors can buy PEEPS® and MIKE AND IKE® – themed merchandise and apparel. You really should try these!

Now, for the giveaway! We have teamed up with our friends at PEEPS and Four winners will win 2 pkgs. of these delicious NEW Sweet Lemonade PEEPS! You must be a subscriber to enter!  Next, check out the new www.marshmallowpeeps.com. It is a colorful and fun site that allows fans to really connect with their PEEPS®. Fans can Express their PEEPSonality by clicking on links to: Fun with PEEPS®, PEEPS® are Talking, Cookin’ with PEEPS®, Products, Promotions and more! Check it out and leave a comment below telling us your favorite thing about the website! Next, go to their Facebook page and “like” them. Don’t forget to tell them we sent you! Don’t forget to also “like” our page! Deadline to enter is May 28th, 2013 at midnight. Four winners will randomly be selected from all entries.

 

Filed Under: Archived Content

Wholly Guacamole New Avocado Verde…yum!

May 21, 2013 By 1 Comment

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I love Wholly Guacamole! If you have been following SoCal City Kids, you probably know by now that it is truly my favorite Guacamole! I was excited to find out that they have a New Avocado Verde and this is one of my favorites of all their products! I received samples from our friends at Wholly Guacamole and it is so delicious! What I really love is that it can be used as a yummy salad dressing and a dip! It is also great to add to recipes that would be perfect for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend…or well..anytime! You just have to try the following recipes!

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ZESTY SEA SCALLOPS

Submitted by: Wholly Salsa®

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 20 min
Yield: 3 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound sea scallops, cut in half horizontally.
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup Wholly Salsa® Avocado Verde Dip
  • 3 to 4 cups basmati rice (cooked)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cook the basmati rice according to the package directions or warm up left over rice, enough for 3 servings. This is a great way to use leftover rice if you have it.
  2. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and sprinkle with slat and pepper to taste.
  3. Take the seasoned scallops and lightly toss in the all purpose flour.
  4. In a sauté pan, over high heat, melt 1/2 the butter until sizzling.
  5. Add the scallops to the hot butter making sure every scallop has direct contact with the pan.
  6. Lower heat to medium and allow to cook for about two minutes untouched so they start to brown.
  7. After two minutes or so, gently turn and repeat the same process on the reverse side. This whole process should take about four to five minutes.
  8. Add the rest of the butter to the pan with the scallops and add in the minced garlic, lemon zest and parsley. Allow to cook for another two minutes.
  9. After two minutes, add wine and lemon juice and allow to cook for one final minute.
  10. Remove the scallops to a plate and pour the wine sauce over the rice and mix well.
  11. Add to the rice mix a 1/4 cup of Avocado Verde Salsa.
  12. Place the hot scallops over the rice and top with remaining salsa.

The next one is really simple but just as delicious!

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HOUSE SALAD WITH AVOCADO VERDE DRESSING

Submitted by: Wholly Salsa®

Fresh greens and veggies tossed with wonderful avocado and garlic flavors.

I love the Wholly Guacamole website and all their recipes! Check them out here!

Have a Happy Memorial Day weekend!

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

Photo and Recipe Credit: Wholly Guacamole.

Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week
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