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Summer Fashions with mark.

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

sunny disposition hat tank you knit top

Summer is just around the corner and I love Summer fashions! I usually can’t find hats that I actually really like but this has now changed! I received the Sunny Disposition Hat from our friends at mark. This hat is just perfect for sunny days at the beach! It is an extra-wide-brimmed, swirl-patterned hat that shields you from the sun while you look stylish at the same time! One size fits most and retails for $26. I also received the Tank You Knit Top which is really cool and stylish! It’s perfect to layer a tank underneath it to complete a stylish summer look! I love that it is lightweight and has a cool silver sheen to the champagne color. You can find it at mark. and it retails for $28. Find these and many other super Summer fashions at mark.

Self Disclosure: I received both products to facilitate this review.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

MIKE AND IKE® Lemonade Blends® Sweeten Summer 2013!

May 20, 2013 By 10 Comments

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Summer is almost here! It’s almost summer vacation! As a homeschool Mom, I find this very exciting news! What better way to celebrate than with a “Summer is almost here Giveaway”? I received the Mike & Ike Lemonade Blends from our friends at Just Born and they are a hit at our house! This delicious flavor is returning for its 4th year. The favorite candy now has a new look and did you know that they are made with real fruit juice? They also are just perfect for movie nights, movies at the beach, and movies in the park this summer. Actually, they are good anytime! Mike & Ike Lemonade Blends are available in a 5 oz. theater box and retail for $.99-$1.29. They can be found at favorite stores such as Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael’s, Rite Aid and Walgreen’s. And, of course,the Peeps and Company website. The Lemonade Blends also contributes a portion of its proceeds to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer. Now, how cool is that?!

Now, for our giveaway!

You must be a subscriber to enter! Next, go to the Mike & Ike Facebook page and “like” them. You can tell them we sent you! Then leave a comment below telling us why you are looking forward to Summer! Deadline to enter is May 27th, 2013 at midnight! Two winners will win two packages of the Mike & Ike Lemonade Blends. Winners will randomly be selected from all entries.

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

 

Filed Under: Archived Content

Adventures Abound this Summer at Rancho Los Cerritos!

May 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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Youngsters can combine a little learning with old-fashioned fun during “Summer Adventures” at Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site. These weeklong historically themed camps for children ages 6-11 years old include historic crafts and activities, games, stories, and even special guests. The “Summer Adventures” day camps are designed to allow today’s urban children learn about history by “doing” history. For questions regarding cost, and the limited number of scholarships available, please call (562) 570-1755.

“Summer Adventures” offers three sessions, as follows: 
        Session I:        Vaquero Adventures – July 15-19
        Session II:        Old Time Adventures – July 22-July 26
Session III:        Adobe Adventures – July 29-Aug 2

In Vaquero Adventures, children will learn about cattle ranching and fiestas by designing brands, churning butter, drawing diseno maps, cutting papel picado, and making tortillas. They will also get to try roping a (fake) cow, tooling real leather, punching tin, and dancing to 19th century music at our end-of-week fandango! 

Old Time Adventures will focus on children’s activities in the late 19th century. Modern children will make their own toys, learn how to decoupage, scrub clothes on a washboard and wringer, and even walk on stilts. They will also play marbles, dip candles, and enjoy a formal Victorian tea party. 

During Adobe Adventures, children will stomp mud, sculpt with clay, plant seedlings, and make birdhouses. They will also explore the Rancho’s gorgeous gardens by going on a garden scavenger hunt, playing croquet, and making mud pies. A fabulous storyteller will delight participants with stories of nature, too!

Built in 1844, the adobe home and grounds of Rancho Los Cerritos 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 and urban society it is today. 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 atwww.facebook.com/rancholosc.

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Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Zoe Saldana “Star Trek Into Darkness” Los Angeles Premiere May 14, 2013

May 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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Makeup artist Vera Steimberg created a “chic, French-inspired” makeup look on actress Zoe Saldana for the “Star Trek Into Darkness” movie premiere in Los Angeles.

LIPS: Deep red lips provided an elegant contrast to the actress’ sheer, nude gown

·         Steimberg applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Hollywood ($26) to Saldana’s lips. “As soon as I saw the dress, I knew we had to go with a red lip,” she stated.

EYES: Soft browns and metallic golds balanced bold lips

·         First, Steimberg mixed Laura Mercier Metallic Crème Eye Colour in Gold and Burnished Copper ($23 each) and applied the combination to Saldana’s eyelids and along the bottom of the star’s lash lines.

·         She then lined the inside rims of the eyes using Laura Mercier Eye Pencil in Special Brown ($20).

·         Next, she applied Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Earth Glow ($24) under Saldana’s eyes, close to her lashes.

·         For added definition, Steimberg applied a combination of Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour inCoffee Ground and Truffle ($23 each) to the outer corners of Saldana’s eyes.

·         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.

FLAWLESS FACE: Illuminated, flawless skin

·         Steimberg covered minor imperfections using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-6 ($30). 

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

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

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Animal Helpers: Sanctuaries

May 18, 2013 By 1 Comment

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When you need a place to call home…

Just as tiny kittens and puppies grow into bigger cats and dogs, wild animal babies grow into adults too. These full-grown animals may no longer be cute and cuddly. Their wild instincts may kick in. They can become very large, even dangerous. What happens to these exotic pets when owners realize they can no longer care for them but they can’t be returned to the wild? And what about big predators that get hurt or sick? This photographic journal takes readers “behind the scenes” at five nonprofit sanctuaries and rescue zoos, and one care farm, that have opened their doors and their hearts to desperate animals in need.

My son and I received Animal Helpers: Sanctuaries from our friends at Sylvan Dell Publishing and we really loved learning about what happens to the animals that could not be returned to the wild. Very educational and interesting book that would be great for all ages! We also enjoyed the section at the end of the book “For Creative Minds.” It includes Domestic pet, Exotic Animal or Farm Animal?, Animal Enrichment activities and Behind the Scenes at animal sanctuaries. The hardcover (32 pages) retails for $17.95 and the paperback (32 pages) for $9.95. Also available in ebook downloads in English and Spanish for $9.95. For more information, check out Sylvan Dell Publishing.

Filed Under: Archived Content, Books, Media Reviews

Well executed plot, excellent visuals, unique music and a brilliant cast and crew

May 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment

GreatGatsby

From one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century, F. Scott Fitzgerald, comes this latest filmed version of his book, “The Great Gatsby” by Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, the director of “Romeo + Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge.” Known for his lavish productions, he delivers no less than that in this new treatment of this classic book. Fifteen-year-old Raven D., whose review follow, gushes over the production and the acting. Be aware that it is rated PG-13 for some violent images, sexual content, smoking, partying and brief language.

The Great Gatsby
Reviewed by Raven D. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

NEW! Unconditional Self-Love Message Cards!

May 14, 2013 By 1 Comment

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It is important to love ourselves! It really is! I truly believe that you can’t fully love someone else if you don’t love yourself. So, I was thrilled to receive a set of Rita Loyd’s New Unconditional Message Cards. I’m already a big fan of Rita Loyd and these new Self-Love Message cards are just beautiful!

A collection of fifty art images by Rita Loyd with messages of unconditional self-love on the back of each card. Card size 2.5 ” x 3.5 “. Packaged in a lavender purple organza bag.

Choose a card from the deck when you need a reminder to unconditionally love yourself! Or share with friends, they are perfect to hand out at group gatherings or to tuck inside a card or letter. Spread the healing message of self-love with others! These really are a must have for Moms! (or anyone else!)

Here are some of the subject titles on the cards ~ Believe in yourself, Trust yourself, Free yourself, Respect yourself, Be yourself and Pace yourself.

To order, Go to the Rita Loyd’s website and click on the word “shop” at the top of her home page. Shipping is free in the U.S.A. (Outside U.S.A. $10.00 shipping fee.)

One deck is $16.00 with FREE shipping in the U.S.A.
Quantity discount:
2 decks ~ $15.00 each  with FREE shipping in the U.S.
3  decks ~ $14.50 each with FREE shipping in the U.S.
4 decks ~$14.00 each with FREE shipping in the U.S.
5 decks ~$13.50 each with FREE shipping in the U.S.
Six decks ~  $13.00 each with FREE shipping in the U.S.

I also love her book and have used it in the past when I was a Domestic Violence Advocate.

Rita Loyd is a watercolor artist and writer. The message of her work is about the healing power of unconditional self-love. Rita began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression. Through this journey, the creative process became her teacher, healer and friend who would guide her to find the true meaning and experience of unconditional self-love. Rita writes about this experience and all that she has learned about self-love in her new book entitled “Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It’s important and How to Nurture It in Your Life.” 

View her artwork and purchase her message card deck, greeting cards and book on her website.http://www.NurturingArt.com
Photo Credit: (image above) Rita Loyd.
Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week

Spring Fashions with Umi!

May 14, 2013 By 20 Comments

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It’s Spring and love all the Spring time fashions! We love Umi Children’s shoes for the Spring! They have so many stylish shoes for both boys and girls and the new fashions are “just really epic!” (according to my 9-year-old son). He received The Umi Dann  and he loves them! These classic lace-up oxford sneakers are quite trendy and stylish! They even look a bit old-school style!   My son usually isn’t big on tie shoes so I’m thrilled that he likes them.They have a canvas upper with rubber toecap and sole. This style is available in two colors: Taupe Multi and Navy Multi. Retail for $40 on the Umi website.


We’re excited to announce that we have teamed up with Umi for a Spring time giveaway! You can win a gift card to purchase boys or girls shoes! You must be a subscriber to enter! Next, leave a comment below telling us your child’s (or yours!) favorite thing about Spring! Deadline to enter is May 23rd at 12 PM. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries! But, wait! Do you want extra entries? You can do the following and earn up to 4 extra entries!  Here’s the list: Another great thing about Umi is that they offer free shipping and returns and you can sign up for their newsletter and sign your kids up for the birthday club.

“Like” Umi and SoCal City Kids on Facebook

Follow Umi and SoCal City Kids on Twitter

Follow Umi on Pinterest

Sign up for Umi’s newsletter. (email list on bottom of their page)

Good luck!

Filed Under: Archived Content
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