You are here: Home / Archives for 2013

Archives for 2013

Holiday Gift suggestions from mark.

November 27, 2013 By 1 Comment

unnamed     unnamed (1)

Looking for some stylish and cool holiday gifts for Moms and other women in your life? mark. has you covered this holiday season! These three are my favorite gift ideas for the holidays! Check Out My Pad Case is great for iPads and tablets or you can even use it as a clutch! First off, it’s black and goes with everything and second, it’s just cool! It retails for $24.00. My absolute favorite is the Gift of Gab Phone Case and Lip Gloss. This really is a Mom-Must-Have gift! This one retails for $16.00. I love that this is partially a wallet and a protective phone case. I love the color and it really is quite fashionable! The key chain holds mini glow baby glow shades peek-a-boo and girly girl. What a great stocking stuffer idea!

unnamed (3)

Looking for  a cool dress for New Years Eve? The Exotic Edge Dress is the perfect little black dress! It retails for $32.00 and is cool, shiny and black! The perfect dress for New Years Eve and all other date nights! Retails for $32.00. All these items and many others can be found at mark.

Self Disclosure: I received these items for free to facilitate this review but any opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

accént® Moisturizing Lotion and accént® Cleansing Wash

November 26, 2013 By 14 Comments

jpeg

Keep gift giving simple this holiday season and give pretty presents that pamper! Try creating a gift set with your friend’s favorite beauty products by including her favorite perfume, makeup, nail polish, hairbrush, etc. and don’t forget to include new accént®Moisturizing Lotion and accént® Cleansing Wash. New accent® skincare products are the only line of moisturizers and cleansers to utilize Protease Technology, a proprietary blend of plant-based enzymes, amino acids and moisturizers that work in concert offering a skincare regimen like no other product. The brand’s Protease Technology combines ficin (derived from figs), bromelain (derived from pineapple) and actinidia chinensis fruit extract (derived from kiwi) with a blend of advanced moisturizers including hyaluronic acid and amino a cids. Additionally, accent® products include niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) which helps to activate skin’s natural ability to produce ceramides to protect skins barrier.
I received samples to try out and I love both the moisturizing lotion and the cleansing wash. I love how you only have to use a little of the cleansing wash and it leaves my skin feeling so clean and refreshed. The lotion leaves my skin feeling soft and doesn’t have a greasy feeling. Both would make great gifts this season!
Now a recommended skincare regimen by dermatologists, accent® products help to soothe and protect all skin types. The accént® products are available at CVS stores and online at drugstore.com. The accént® Moisturizing Lotion is sold at a suggested retail price of $15.99 and the accént® Cleansing Wash for $14.99. Visit www.accentskinhealth.com.
We are teaming up with  accent® products for a holiday giveaway! One winner will win both the moisturizing lotion and the cleansing wash. You must be a subscriber to enter! Next, leave a comment below telling us one of your Winter holiday tips! Deadline to enter is December 2nd, 2013. Winner will randomly be selected from all entries!
Self Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this review/giveaway but any opinions expressed are my own.
Filed Under: Archived Content

“Frozen” – Comedy, Romance, Adventure, Suspense, Thrillers, Fantasy and Much More!

November 25, 2013 By 1 Comment

unnamed (1)

Just in time for the holidays and the winter season comes “Frozen,” based on the Hans Christian Anderson story The Snow Queen but, with a few twists of its own. Two young princesses face the test of their love when one, plagued by icy powers traps the kingdom in eternal winter. This is a wonderfully animated film from Disney’s Animation Studio that delivers a visual extravaganza from beginning to end. It’s one to share with your entire family this holiday season. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. points out that, “What makes this film amazing is the animation. They have created fantastic visuals. The way the ice and snow glisten and dance is spectacular. I also love the music.” Gerry Orz adds, “The movie has so much to love – comedy, romance, adventure, suspense, thrillers, fantasy and so, so much more.” See Keefer and Gerry’s full reviews below.

 

Frozen

By Keefer B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Video review available here: http://youtu.be/8RmRYemHZPw

 

This is a beautifully animated, musical, family Disney film. The story is about Princess Elsa (Idina Menzel), who was born with the power to manifest ice and snow, and her sister Anna (Kristen Bell). When Elsa accidentally turns their kingdom into an eternal winter, it is up to Anna to save the day with the help of a reindeer, snowman and a prince or two.

 

What makes this film amazing is the animation. They have created fantastic visuals. The way the ice and snow glisten and dance is spectacular. I also love the music. The songs that stand out in this film are the beginning song “Frozen Heart,” “Want to Build a Snowman,” and my favorite – “Let it Go.” All of these songs are brilliant. Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel do a fantastic job singing and playing these two roles. Voice acting can be tough to pull off because you have to put all your emotion into your voice. Since they succeed, it makes the characters very believable and you can feel for these two sisters.

 

My favorite character is Elsa. You can feel the pain she’s going through. All she wants is to be with her sister but, because of her uncontrollable powers, she doesn’t want to hurt her. This is a well written role.

 

My favorite scene is when Elsa is running away and sings “Let it Go.” Where do I begin? First of all, this is the best animation in the film. We see her use the powers she’s been denying. Bravo to the animators in creating this visual enchantment. The song does what songs should do. It tells how the character feels in a musical form and is extraordinary. Add in the wonderful singing from Menzel and you have my favorite scene.

 

The message of the story is, love conquerors all. Elsa can’t control her powers. Whenever she is sad or mad, she creates a blizzard. She finally learns that the love of her sister is all she needs to gain control of her powers.

 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this to kids ages 5 to 13. The younger kids will enjoy the princesses, the princes and the comedy reliefs.  This film opens in theaters on Thanksgiving day.

 

Frozen

Reviewed by Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

See full video review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4OTPWTw9gA

 

I expected the movie to be kind of like “Tangled” with a main plot and a long, long quest. Well… I was almost right. “Frozen” is a great movie the whole family should see!

 

The movie has so much to love – comedy, romance, adventure, suspense, thrillers, fantasy and so, so much more. It also teaches us a valuable lesson of not being afraid to show who we are and put our “powers” to a good use.

 

The fun starts when two young royal sisters get into an accident. One has a magical power to summon ice. The magical girl hits her little sister, Anna. She lives but, has no memory of the magic and does not see her sister for many years. When Anna finally gets to see her sister, it turns into a tragedy.

 

The animation is so adorable and fitting for the actors. They play the voices very well. The two sisters, Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) sound so much alike. The other actors, like Josh Gad do fantastic as well. The film flows very nicely too. The graphics and animation look unbelievably real.

My favorite scene is when Elsa (the one with powers) runs away and builds her own ice castle. She is also my favorite character because she tries to protect her sister, but keeps messing up at it. The castle is built very nicely and it shows her true powers of being the “Snow Queen.” I wouldn’t mind living in a castle like that myself, if you know what I mean.

 

Since the movie is so kind, bright and educational, I recommend it to ages 4-18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

unnamed (3)      unnamed (4)

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions

 

 

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

Nyakio Skincare Stocking Stuffers

November 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

image001

Looking for some wonderful beauty sticking stuffers?  From a hydrating Face Oil and Lip Balm to an exfoliating Body Scrub, these products – which incorporate natural and sophisticated ingredients from and indigenous to Africa – will refresh and hydrate from head-to-toe. In addition, they are all formulated without parabens or sulfates, and effective for women of all ages, skin types and ethnicities. I have tried samples of these products and love how they leave my skin feeling hydrated. They would make great gifts this holiday season!

Product

Collection

Product Detail

Price

Giant Fig Gift Collection

image002

 Giant Fig Collection The nyakio™ Giant Fig Gift Collection is the perfect gift or travel set. While the refreshing body wash cleanses without stripping skin of moisture, the luxurious body cream moisturizes for 12 hours. Both unique fusions envelop the senses with the essence of the rare Gabon Giant Fig and leave all skin types revitalized, soft and more youthful-looking.

 

Launching December 2013

 $24.95

Kenyan Coffee Body Scrub

image003

 Kenyan Coffee Collection This scrub blends naturally energizing and exfoliating Kenyan Coffee with Sugar to remove dull skin while providing antioxidant benefits. With Mongongo Nut Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Grape Seed Oil and Avocado Oil, this unique fusion leaves all skin moisturized, smooth and soft.

 

Launched May 2013

 $55
Hydrating Lip Balm with Kola Nut

 image004

 Hydrating Kola Nut Collection Infused with African Kola Nut, Marula Oil, Trichilia Oil and Honey to help relieve and hydrate dry lips. This unique fusion also provides superb antioxidant benefits, leaving lips immediately comforted and soft.

 

Launched August 2013

 $20
Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut

 image005

 Hydrating Kola Nut Collection A light, non-greasy fusion of African Kola Nut, Ximenia Oil, Chamomile Oil and Trichilia Oil that invigorates and hydrates for 12 hours.

 

Launched May 2013

 $49

 

ABOUT NYAKIO:

Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, the brand’s founder and namesake, created the brand to pay homage to her Kenyan family’s heritage and share their beauty secrets, and also to fill a gap in the marketplace, bringing the timeless beauty traditions and sophistication of Africa to women everywhere.

Self Disclosure: I have received samples to facilitate this feature.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

What is a Shandle? Read on to find out!!

November 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
 
You don’t want to miss out on this giveaway! Besides, by reading this post, you will learn something new!

 

 


Meet The Shandle!

This sample of products shown are a three pack.



Right now you may be asking what exactly is a Shandle.

To put it simply, it is an inexpensive toilet seat handle with a durable peel-and-stick application that can take all sorts of abuse!



“The Shandle instantly gives small hands more control when lifting and lowering the toilet seat. Goodbye seat slamming, Hello healthy habits!”




  • Easy peel-and-stick installation.
  • Built-In Antimicrobial Protection
  • Waterproof decals on both sides.
  • Product Size: 3″ x 3″
  • Made from ABS Plastic.
 
Shandle-Toilet Seat Handle would love for you to visit and also purchase one of their toilet handles.
 
Shandle is generously giving away $50 Paypal Cash to one lucky reader. This giveaway is open worldwide.
Enter in the Rafflecopter below for your chance.
 
Disclosure: I have partnered with Away We Go Media and several bloggers to bring you this great giveaway. SoCal City Kids is not responsible for prize shipment. This giveaway is sponsored by Shandle-Toilet Seat Handle. The giveaway is open worldwide and will be paid in US dollars only.
The winner must respond to an email sent within 48 hours or forfeit prize. Giveaway runs from November 22, 2013 to December 7, 2013 at 12 AM MST.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Filed Under: Archived Content

Ravensburger Sends Creativity Soaring with New Interactive Family Games and Imagination-Inspiring Arts & Crafts Sets!

November 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

unnamed (3)

Ravensburger, the first name in high-quality, beautifully-designed puzzles and playthings, unveils an all-new collection of engaging games and art activity sets that celebrate the “kid” in everyone!  With exciting introductions that include new multi-player games, Make ‘N’ Break Party and Las Vegas, and engaging arts & craft kits such as the all-new Aquarelle watercolor painting system and Outdoor Mandala Designer®, Ravensburger’s 2013 collection of toys, games, puzzles and more will steal the spotlight at the 2013 American International Toy Fair, February 10-13, at the Javits Convention Center, Booth #1617.

“We’re so excited to introduce families to our latest games and crafts kits,” said Ravensburger CEO, Thomas Kaeppeler.  “From innovative new versions of our most popular games to debut activity sets that are sure to become classics, we’re proud to present a whole new range of playthings that represent our commitment to quality and promote creative expression in children at every age and skill level.”

Highlights of Ravensburger’s 2013 games include:

  • Make ‘N’ Break Party – The whole family will have a blast with the newest version of Ravensburger’s best-selling, award-winning Make ‘n’ Break series!  Without seeing the chosen card, a player must assemble the structure in one of four game variations – building according to team members’ descriptions, building with taboo words, building blind and creating objects.  With multiple ways to play and endless combinations, there’s never a “break” in the fun!  Ages 10+, SRP $30.99
  • Las Vegas – Players press their luck with a flip of the wrist in this interactive strategy game.  With different sums to be won in various casinos, players decide where to place their dice – and their bets!  Ages 8+, SRP $34.99

 

  • Saint Malo – It’s a tactical battle for players to build the most prosperous city and keep it safe from pirates in this multi-player game of strategy and luck.  When it’s their turn, players must roll the dice and then strategically choose what to draw on their erasable game board: a market place or house, a nobleman or soldier. Ages 9+, SRP $34.99

 

  • On the Farm – Preschool players discover “Who’s in the barnyard?” in this quick-play game that promotes deduction and association and teaches young children how to follow simple rules while they learn new vocabulary through expressive play.  Ages 2+, SRP $20.99

Ravensburger’s latest assortment of arts & crafts kits will dazzle pint-sized Picassos and mini Monets everywhere.  Among the new masterpieces:

  • Aquarelle – This new watercolor painting set series is picture-perfect for ensuring hours of creativity-powered fun!  Available in three sizes – mini, midi and maxi – the attractive, ready-to-use kits include everything young artists need to complete their projects, including special watercolor paint canvases with unique paint-resistant outlines; liquid paints in easy-squeeze bottles; useful tools such as water pipette, color-mixing palette; and detailed instructions.  With a variety of images — from animals to landscapes and more! — artists of all ages and stages will shine!
    • Mini – A kit featuring a mini canvas (4” x 5.25” x 1.75”) perfect for beginners, available in four different designs with three different paint colors: Horse, Cat, Butterfly and Parrot.  Ages 8 +, SRP $9.99
    • Midi – A mid-sized version (8” x 10.5” x 1.75”) that provides even more opportunities for creative expression with three different canvases and five watercolors in each kit.  Themes include: Dolphins, Horses, Elves and Exotic Birds.  Ages 8+, SRP $19.99
    • Maxi – Large-format canvases (14.25” x 10.5” x 1.75”) that offer three different design themes in each package accompanied by five different watercolors for the ultimate in self-expression.  Styles include: World Cities, Provence, Café and Beach Paradise.  Ages 8+, SRP $29.99

We received the Aquarelle Midi in the Dolphin Theme and highly recommend this as a holiday gift suggestion for children ages 8+.  It is fun and creative! Just perfect for those young artists on your holiday shopping list!!

  • Outdoor Mandala-Designer® – Sidewalks are transformed into life-sized canvases with this new chalk stencil set, the latest version of Ravensburger’s creativity-inspiring Mandala series!  Styles include: Animal Fun, Fairy Dreams, Flowers & Butterflies and Romantic Garden.  Each set comes complete with two Mandala stencils, six colored chalks and detailed instructions to help budding street artists create stunning designs.  Ages 5+, SRP $24.99.

About Ravensburger

Newton, NH-based Ravensburger is the U.S. subsidiary of Ravensburger Spieleverlag GmbH, a German toy and game manufacturer with a 130-year history of tradition.  Founded in Ravensburg, Germany in 1883, Ravensburger is a leading producer of toys loved the world over and celebrated for its meticulous commitment to detail, high production standards and superior quality control.  In addition to Ravensburger-branded puzzles, games and arts & crafts, the company is the exclusive distributor of WOW Preschool Toys and holds licenses for such well-known brands as Chuggington™, Thomas and Friends™, Tinga Tinga Tales™, The Hobbit™, Moshi Monsters™ and more.

Self Disclosure: We received a product to facilitate this feature but any opinions expressed are those of SoCal City Kids.

 

Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week

Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed New Game for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS

November 22, 2013 By 2 Comments

image003 image004

It’s time for Katsuma to take the spotlight! We’re very excited to announce that Moshi Monsters™: Katsuma Unleashed™ – the newest game in the best-selling series for Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ – hit shelves nationwide on November 5, just in time for the holiday season! The new game is based on Moshi Monsters™, the popular interactive online world with 70 million registered users worldwide!

 

A vibrant, side-scrolling, action-adventure platform game, Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed (3DS SRP $29.99; DS SRP $24.99) will bring fans of all ages into the Moshi Monsters world like never before. The non-stop action begins when Dr. Strangeglove, intent on his evil mission to learn the secret of Moshi Picchu, captures Elder Furi and all of the innocent Moshi Monsters – except Katsuma! As the most popular Moshi Monsters character, players embark on a far-reaching voyage, traveling through six new worlds packed with mini arcade challenges and epic boss battles. Katsuma must work to rescue his Moshi Monsters friends, so he can gain their unique powers – from Furi’s “Smash” to Diavlo’s “Flight” – to help him combat the enemies and keep the secret of Moshi Picchu safe!

 

Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed is jam-packed with bonus content and includes hidden areas for players to unlock, plus exclusive codes that they can redeem to earn virtual items at www.MoshiMonsters.com. In addition, Nintendo 3DS Streetpass™ users can search for interactive maps and special monster attack games that allow them to play as each Moshi Monsters character and enjoy their distinct set of “moves”! Here’s a special sneak peek trailer, so you can check out the new game in action!:http://www.katsumaunleashed.com/us/

 

Developed by UK-based studio Sumo Digital, Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed, follows on the “tail” of the first two hit Moshi Monsters Nintendo games, Moshling Zoo and Moshlings Theme Park. The game is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB for Nintendo 3DS. (It is not yet rated for Nintendo DS.)

One of our new young reviewers reviewed this fun game for us! Check out Parker’s review:

Katsuma Unleashed is a really fun game! It is like my favorite game, Mario Bros because it is a platformer and has the same controls. It is challenging and I get to use strategy.  The monsters are hard to defeat and the boss fights are even harder, which is fun. I’m on World six and it gets even harder!

Katsuma is a cat guy that spins around to defeat monsters but he can also transform into different guys with different upgrades that you gain when defeat bosses. It gets two thumbs up.

Parker, age 7

unnamed

Self Disclosure: We received a game to feature this review but any opinions expressed are by our reviewer.

Filed Under: Archived Content, Featured Products of the Week

pediped black Friday Sale

November 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

unnamed

This is pediped’s one andonly BOGO sale of the year where you buy one get one half off all styles November 25 –December 2.  Use code FALLBOGO13 at checkout.

A great time to shop for holiday footwear and gifts.  Happy shopping to you!!

About pediped®
Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. pediped® footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and preeminent orthopedic medical professionals, Dr. Mininder S. Kocher and Dr. Thomas W. Vorderer, deem pediped® shoes an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily. In 2011 Earnshaw’s, the premier media resource serving the children’s market recognized pediped® with Earnshaw’s Earnie Award for Company of the Year and Best Footwear. In 2012, Earnshaw’s recognized pediped® for their philanthropy efforts of nearly $2 million, and pediped® was awarded the Earnie Award for Company for Good.

 

pediped® footwear is sold in over 2,500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 140 designs for boys and girls between their three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex® are available in EU sizes ranging from 17 to 33. For more information, visit www.pediped.com.

 

Follow pediped:

• Facebook address: http://facebook.com/pedipedfootwear

• Twitter address: http://twitter.com/pedipedfootwear

• Instagram address: #pediped

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
« Previous Page
Next Page »