Archives for 2013

Mibblio is a fun new App for children ages 3-8

image007mibb

A new musical storybook app for the iPad, Mibblio, has just launched their first interactive app! Now kids can read, sing, learn and play music all at the same time! My son and I had the opportunity to check out this fun app and my son loved the musical aspect of it and all the different musical instruments to choose from. Inside Mibblio is a world of beautiful mibblets- illustrated story-songs that invite children to read, sing and jam while understanding the layers of developing music targeted to children ages 3-8, kids can listen to and build upon a song while simultaneously having fun and improving reading skills.

There are 9 different mibblets to choose from and the first one is free. My son’s favorites are “Wheels on the Bus” and “On Top Of Spaghetti.”  I love the different  mix of classic songs and that there are also new, instant classics like “Monkey Jamboree.” They are written, illustrated, sung and performed by accomplished artists such as Grammy-nominated mandolinist, Andy Statman and Grammy-winning drummer Marty Beller.

image010mibblio

Now parents can watch and listen as children understand the layers of developing music and learn the basics of creating a song, while simultaneously improving reading skills.

Check out a quick video intro to Mibblio here.

Also, be sure to like Mibblio on Facebook and follow on Twitter for the latest updates!

image003mib

 

Self Disclosure: I received compensation to review this app, but opinions are my own.

 

Florsheim Kids Shoes For Boys Has A New Spring Line!

It’s Easter time and that often means a time to dress up on Easter Day! Looking for dressy, stylish and comfortable shoes for boys?  Florsheim Kids Shoes for boys are very stylish and comfortable! We received the Getaway Jr. Bike Toe Slip On for my son to review. They are very stylish and my son says that they are really comfortable! I love how durable they are and my son says that they “look cool!” I also like that they are well-padded and high-quality shoes. Check out the new Spring line-up here. You can also sign up here with your email to find out about all their special promotions, offers and more.

16511-001

 Now, for the Easter/Springtime 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 springtime 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 March 24th, 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.

Disney Easter Matching Game

DMP_Easter_Matching_BoxShot

Easter’s almost here! Can you believe it? Looking for a fun game for the little ones this Easter? Great for Spring break and on Easter Day! Easter’s even sweeter with favorite Disney characters and picture-matching fun! We received a fun game from our friends at Wonder Forge to try out and it’s a lot of fun! The game is called Disney Easter Matching Game. It’s like the classic memory matching game but this one gets all dressed up for Easter. Mickey, Donald, Tinker Bell, and all your favorite Disney characters show their Easter spirit in colorful matching tiles. I like that it has the older characters such as Donald Duck but also has the newer ones. It’s bright, colorful and just fun! Perfect for Preschool children ages 3+ and it promotes matching, memory skills, turn-taking and playing together. Available at local Target store locations. Check out Wonder Forge for many more games for children of all ages.

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

3rd Annual Kids Krazy Krafts Day at the International Printing Museum

Printer Dude (Pheel)

It is very rare that a museum will let you touch their exhibits, let alone allow you to operate them, but that is what the International Printing Museum is up to with its 3rd Annual Kids Krazy Krafts Day and this year sponsored by The Carson “International House of Pancakes.” Printing and Pancakes with hands on activities for all ages! Pancakes are included in admission. My son and I really enjoyed Kids Krazy Kraft Day last year and are really looking forward to the event this year!

It’s a unique introduction for kids and adults to learn and appreciate the Book Arts and Graphic Arts and antiques in general. There are also two Los Angeles Great Artists returning…Yoshika Oishi who will be demonstrating outstanding paper sculpting (origami) once again and Jane Shibata who will be showing the fine art of Calligraphy with a special presentation of Linoleum Cutting by Walt Ratcliff and “Hands on” papermaking with Gary Marc Remson.

International Printing Museum is located at 315 Torrance Blvd., Carson, CA 90746

Bring a T-shirt for some silk screening Art and other surprises.

Admission $8, and students/seniors $7

A Brunch serving of “Printers Pancakes” with fruit juices and coffee provided by the local Carson International House of Pancakes from 11 am-2 pm is included. The event is from 10 am-4 pm.

For more information, call (310) 515-7166 or check out their website.

Kids Krazy Kraft Days - Cartooning #2

 

CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS!

Your Artwork could become the signature piece for

“Moonlight Magic” 2013

If you are interested in participating here are the particulars:

***Art Work is due May 1, 2013.            

***Art must be representative of the Madrona Marsh

***All media are welcome

***Donors must sign release paperwork

***The theme of our event is “Moonlight Magic”

***Art Work not selected as ‘signature piece’ may be donated for auction

***Deliver framed work of art to Madrona Marsh Nature Center

          3201 Plaza del Amo between April 25-May 1st

 

The works will be juried and one piece which most represents “Moonlight Magic” will be selected.

If you plan to submit and or you have questions please contact Suzan Hubert

At suzanhubert@sbcglobal.net or 310-415-4517

The Friends of Madrona Marsh look forward to your participation.

It’s Bath time with Laura Mercier!

creme_brulee_creme_body_wash  creme_brulee_honey_bath

I love bath time! That is my “me” time!  My favorites this Spring are from the Laura Mercier Creme brulee collection. I received the Creme body was and the honey bath and I love how they smell and leave my skin so soft. The collection is inspired by the aroma of French Patisseries. The Creme brulee creation includes succulent notes of warm caramel, spun sugar and French vanilla bean…it actually smells yummy! The body wash is gentle enough to use every day. It retails for $36. The Creme brulee honey bath retails for $40. and a wooden honey dipper is included.  You can find the entire collection at Lauramercier.com.

March launch from Laura Mercier’s Spring/Summer Collection

image002lmlipsticks  image001lipstick2

Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colours

  • ·         A luxurious lipstick that gives lips the ultimate in colour, texture and finish. In one smoothing swipe, the crème formula envelops lips in rich colour with a lustrous finish. The cushiony, lightweight texture feels comfortable and helps to nourish the lips
  • ·         14 new shades including: 60’s Pink, Girly, Pink Pout, Strawberry Sorbet, Royal Orchid, Damask, Fresh Raspberry, Brigitte, Spiced Latte, Cappuccino, Belize, Palm Beach, Maya and Hollywood
  • ·         Available: March 2013
  • ·         Price: $26

 

These 14 new shades (in addition to the original 18 shades launched in September 2012) are perfect for the spring time. From corals to bright red to tangerine pinks, there is a shade for every mood and occasion! I received a few of these and love the colors and how smooth they go on! For these and more products, check out Lauramercier.com

 

 

 

Actress Rashida Jones made her mark at the Film Independent Spirit Awards

 

image001mark

Vanity Fair Oscar Party. mark Makeup Artist Jamie Greenberg shares her tips and techniques for creating her glamorous looks.

Face & Cheeks:“I used mark Min-A-Real Cream-to-Powder Foundation to give Rashida’s skin an even base. Then, I layered mark Touch & Glow Warm Glow onto her cheeks to give her skin an extra glow. I finished with mark Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint in Peachy.” Eyes:“I started with mark Please Hold Eye Primer to help the eye shades last all evening. Then, I applied I-mark Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Barista close to the lash line on her eyelid. Next, I used I-mark Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Tiki above the previous line. I applied mark Keep It Going Longwear Eye Liner and Shadow in Exposure as a brown eyeliner to the top of her eyelids. After that, I added mark No Place to Run Longwear Eyeliner in Foxy Brown to her lower lash line. Adding the final touch to her eyes, I applied mark Lash All You Want Mascara in Black to the top lashes and mark Lash All You Want Mascara in Brown/Black to the bottom lashes.” Lips:“To create bold lips, I applied mark Lipstick Full Color Lipstick in Cha Cha.”

image002jones2

Face: “I started by applying mark Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation as a base to create an even skintone. Next, I applied mark Glowdacious Illuminating Powder in Amped Up and mark Just Blushing Powder Blush in Cameo to compliment her beautiful skin, adding some extra color.” Eyes:“I began by applying mark Please Hold Eye Primer to extend the wear of her eyeshadow. Then, I used the center left shade from mark On the Dot Neutral Palette on her lid, blended it then pulled it out to elongate her eyes. Next, I applied mark What A Line Felt Tip Eye Liner in Brownie Points onto the top eyelid.  I filled in her water rim with mark No Place to Run Eye Liner in Jet Set and used On The Dot Neutral Palette as liner under the bottom lashline. I completed her eyes with two coats of mark Scanda Lash Mascara in Blacklash.” Lips:“To add the final touch to her stunning look, I applied mark Make It Rich Lip Color Crayon in Hot Sauce.”

set things right      min a real 2012   just pinched_Peachy_Product 001

 I received set things right Loose Perfecting Powder, min-a-real Cream To Powder Foundation and just pinched Instant Blush Tint and these are perfect for Spring looks! My favorite is the set things right mineral-infused powder. It is great to use over foundation or even alone. I also like the min-a-real cream-to-powder foundation because it is not messy, simple to use and leaves my face looking fresh all day.

All mark products are available at www.meetmark.com