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Would you like to win a grand prize of a year’s worth of spa treatments?

March 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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Parenting can be hard, but your unbridled love for your children drowns out all fears and tears. Share with us what makes your little ones so special, your hopes and dreams for their futures and the joys of parenthood by posting a video, photo or letter on facebook.com/mambabyusa. Eligible entries will be considered for a grand prize of a year’s worth of spa treatments, valued at $2,500. It’s MAM’s way of celebrating you for the love you share.  Enter here:http://bit.ly/mamsharethelove.  Deadline to enter: April 15, 2014.

Self Disclosure: MAM sponsored. I did not receive any products or compensation to post.

Filed Under: Archived Content

Get the Look with Laura Mercier!

March 3, 2014 By 1 Comment

2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - Arrivals

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2014

March 2, 2014

Look by Monika Blunder for Laura Mercier

Makeup artist Monika Blunder created an “effortless, Parisian- chic” look for actress and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Blunder was inspired by the youthfulness and glamour of Huntington-Whiteley’s dress, and kept her makeup looking “fresh.”

 

FLAWLESS FACE:

·         First Blunder prepped the skin with Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer, ($33).

·         Then, using her fingers, she applied Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide (launching Fall 2014) all over her face.

·         She used Laura Mercier Camouflage Powder Brush, ($28) to apply Laura Mercier Seecret Camouflage, ($33)  –covering any of her skin’s imperfections.

·         Blunder blended Laura Mercier Secret Concealer #2, ($23) under Huntington-Whiteley’s eyes with a Laura Mercier Finishing Eye Brush, ($32).

·         To ensure her makeup stayed in place all night, she applied Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent, ($35).

·         Using Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush, ($45) she applied Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder #3, ($36).

·         Next, she applied Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic, ($40) to add a beeautiful glow to her skin.

EYES:

·         First, Blunder applied Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Buff, ($25) onto Huntington-Whiteley’s eyelids.

·         Next, using the Laura Mercier All Over Eye Colour Brush, ($30), she applied Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Baroque, ($23) onto her eyelids.

·         She added definition to her eyes using Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Café au Lait, ($23).

·         Then she lined her Huntington-Whiteley’s eyes using Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Stormy Grey, ($20) in an outward motion to create a cat eye. She used the Laura Mercier Smudge Brush, ($24) to soften the line.

·         To intensify the smoky-eye effect, Blunder applied Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Cocoa, ($26) with theLaura Mercier Pony Tail Brush, ($29).

·         Using a clean Laura Mercier Pony Tail Brush, ($29), she applied Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Ballet Pink, ($24) on the inner corner of her eye and eyelid.

·         Next, Blunder used the Laura Mercier Eye Crease Travel Brush, ($29) to apply Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Café au Lait, ($23) along the lower lashline.

·         After curling Huntington-Whiteley’s eyelashes with an eyelash curler, she applied generous coats of Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara, ($24).

·         Finally, she groomed her brows using the Laura Mercier Brow Grooming Brush, ($10) and added extra definition usingLaura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil in Ash Blonde, ($22).

LIPS:

·         Blunder lined Huntington-Whiteley’s lips using Laura Mercier Lip Pencil in Baby Lips, ($22) and then applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Royal Orchid, ($27) to create the bold pout.

86th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

Amy Adams

86th Annual Academy Awards

Nominee, Actress in a Leading Role, American Hustle

Makeup by Stephen Sollitto

Celebrity makeup artist Stephen Sollitto created a sophisticated makeup look for Amy Adams, who is nominated for “Actress in a Leading Role” for her portrayal of Sydney Prosser in “American Hustle.” He stated, “She wore a stunning sapphire blue Gucci gown, modern and clean. Obviously, I am inspired by this color and simply wanted the makeup to be just as sophisticated.”

 

Below, he breaks down the steps he took to create her flawless red carpet look.

 

 


SKINCARE PREP

  • ·         Sollitto prepared Adams’ skin using RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream ($195). He stated, “I always moisturize with this product. This is the line I use on myself every day. Prepping the skin is just as important as the makeup you use.”

 

FOUNDATION

  • ·         Sollitto applied Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide (NEW  – Coming Fall 2014) to create a flawless complexion.  He noted, “This foundation is simple to apply with a wet sponge or your fingers. It’s long wear, oil free and lightweight. In the end it gives you a matte finish so you don’t have to dust your face with loose powder, it’s built in.”

EYES

 

CHEEKS

LIPS

 

 

Self Disclosure: Laura Mercier sponsored feature.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

DISNEY’S “FROZEN” CROSSES $1 BILLION WORLDWIDE

March 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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On the same day it won two Academy Awards® including Best Animated Feature, “Frozen,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 53rd feature film, crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office. The biggest non-sequel animated film ever released and the second biggest animated film of all time globally, “Frozen” has earned an estimated $388.8 million at the domestic box office and $611.5 million internationally for a global total of $1,000.3 million. It is The Walt Disney Studios’ seventh release to reach the $1 billion mark, joining “Marvel’s The Avengers” and “Iron Man 3,” Disney’s second and fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 3,” and Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

 

“With ‘Frozen,’ we knew we had something truly special on our hands, and it has connected with fans and filmgoers around the world in a way we only dreamed was possible,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “Animation is the cornerstone of our company, and thanks to the vision, dedication, and talent of our tremendous cast and filmmaking team, Disney Animation has come roaring back with a new classic for fans of all ages.”

 

Universally embraced by audiences and critics alike, “Frozen” is the winner of two Academy Awards®, for Best Animated Feature and Original Song (“Let It Go”). This the first animated feature Oscar® win for Walt Disney Animation Studios in the category’s 13-year history. The film has also won Golden Globe®, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and Producers Guild of America awards for best animated film, five Annie Awards, and four Visual Effects Society Awards, among many other honors. The film is directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and produced by Peter Del Vecho.

 

“Frozen” opened wide domestically on November 27, 2013, following a five-day exclusive engagement at Disney’s El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. In its record-setting nationwide opening, “Frozen” became the #1 all-time Thanksgiving debut with a $93.6M five-day gross and a $67.4M Friday-Sunday gross over the holiday period. It was Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest opening ever. “Frozen” was the #1 movie in its second weekend of wide release and, after posting stellar numbers throughout the holiday season, returned to the top spot four weeks later in its sixth weekend. Due to popular demand, a special sing-along version of the film opened in theaters nationwide January 31, its 10th weekend of wide release. “Frozen” has remained in the top 10 films at the domestic box office for all 14 weeks of its wide release, the longest run by any film in four years.

 

Internationally, “Frozen” is the biggest animated film released by The Walt Disney Studios in more than 25 territories, including Russia, China, and Brazil, and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest release in over 50 territories, including UK/Ireland, Australia, Mexico, and Argentina, as well as the Latin America region as a whole. In Korea, “Frozen” was #1 for the first five weeks of release and is now the biggest animated film, the second biggest non-local film, and Disney’s biggest release of all time. It’s also the highest-grossing animated film of all time in Denmark and Venezuela, and the biggest non-sequel animated film in the U.K./Ireland. “Frozen” debuts in one remaining international territory, Japan, on March 14.

 

The Platinum-certified “Frozen” soundtrack, featuring songs by Tony Award® winner Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez and a score by Christophe Beck, returned to the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 album chart last week for a fifth time, the first soundtrack to do so since 1998. It entered the chart’s top five in early January and has been #1 or #2 for eight consecutive weeks. It also hit #1 on iTunes’ Overall Album Chart in 31 countries including the U.S. The Oscar®-winning song “Let It Go,” performed by Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, who voices Elsa in the film, is also certified Platinum and last week reached #18 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

 

“Frozen” is still available in theaters in 2D, 3D and Sing-A-Long and is now available on Digital HD & 3D. It arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & On Demand on March 18.

 

About Disney’s “Frozen”

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), who also wrote the screenplay. It is produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring original songs from Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Winnie the Pooh”) and Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”), and an original score by Christophe Beck (“The Muppets,” Oscar®-winning short “Paperman”), “Frozen” opened in theaters nationwide on Nov. 27, 2013. Accompanying “Frozen” is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Get A Horse!” With Walt Disney himself as the voice of Mickey Mouse, the all-new short features Mickey, his favorite gal pal Minnie Mouse and their friends Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow as they delight in a musical haywagon ride. For more information, check out Disney.com/Frozen, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Announcements

Bundoo.com is hosting a fun sweepstakes

March 2, 2014 By 1 Comment

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Bundoo is offering great products featured in the Bundoo Marketplace, such as an Ergobaby Organic Baby Carrier (pictured), a Snug Square Play Mat by Baby Mushroom, and much more!

Enter on the website here: http://www.bundoo.com/favoritethingssweeps

 

Enter on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/BundooFamily/app_120860451431022

 

Check out what they’re giving away in this Facebook album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.434066586723753.1073741832.255052187958528&type=3

 

…and pin the items from here! – http://www.pinterest.com/bundoo/a-few-of-our-favorite-things-sweepstakes/

 

Filed Under: Archived Content

Schism: The Battle For Darracia

March 2, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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Although this may not be the usual genre that I would select to read, I found this to be a great read! The story is action-packed! It is a tad bit violent at moments but most science fiction with battles are. What I liked was that this was more than just a battle between good and evil! This story is an engaging one about a kingdom on another planet. The King marries a woman who is not in the same race. She is not Darracia and is Planta. Those who can’t accept this, can’t accept change and are set in the old ways. Unfortunately, one of those is none other than the own King’s brother. *Schism means a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief.* Cash could not have chosen a better title to fit this book. He weaves this story with great imagination and it engaged me from beginning to ending. His descriptions and characters are so well done that I felt myself rooting for good to win over evil. Back to the story- the King of Darracia and his wife, the Queen have a son, who of course, has traits from both of his parents. Prince V’Sair is the young son who is half Darracia and half Planta. He really is the best of both although he feels inferior and is angry especially because he has not been told the secrets of the elements. What? Elements? I don’t want to give away the entire plot but the elements teach valuable lessons. The boy’s Uncle and his wife decide to attempt to take over the kingdom and there is a battle. Can Prince V’Sair save the day, so to speak? He is young but he may just do it with some help, of course! You will have to read the book to find out! I actually couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it. This turned out to be one of my favorite books by Micheal Phillip Cash and I am looking forward to Schism: Book ll.
Self Disclosure: I received this book for free to review but all opinions expressed are truthful. This is not a children’s recommended book.

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

Deep Thoughts From A Hollywood Blonde by Jennie Garth

March 2, 2014 By 6 Comments

Jennie Garth Final Cover

In her first book, Garth explores the highs and lows of her sometimes tumultuous life in Hollywood, both in front of the cameras and behind the closed doors of her personal life, sharing the joys and challenges of balancing motherhood, love, and life in the spotlight.  In Deep Thoughts From a Hollywood Blonde, the actress opens up for the first time about the behind-the-scenes stories from 90210, her relationships with other cast members, and her recent divorce.

 

Jennie Garth skyrocketed to fame as Kelly Taylor on Aaron Spelling’s hit television show Beverly Hills, 90210 after being discovered by a talent manager in Glendale, Arizona as a teenager.  Though barely old enough to drive, she was thrust into the world of red carpets, paparazzi, and business meetings with casting directors, producers, and directors where the stakes always seemed unimaginably high.

 

For ten years, Garth starred on one of the most iconic shows on television, experiencing the ups and downs of celebrity, securing her place in the hearts of America. After a few years spent focusing on her family, Garth found herself facing the age of forty from a vantage point she never imagined: as a single mom, in-demand actress, and tabloid favorite.

 

Garth said, “The past few years have been full of changes. Now I’m on my own with my three kids, and I just crossed that tricky invisible line into my forties. Maybe because of all these things or maybe despite them, I feel like another chapter in my life is just beginning.  This book is my story about where I’ve been and where I’m headed—and what I’ve learned along the way.”

Intimate and candid, Deep Thoughts from a Hollywood Blonde takes readers on a revealing and often humorous journey, illuminating the real Jennie Garth for the first time – smart, funny, and stronger than she ever realized.

 We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win this new book! Just released this month! To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us your favorite 90201 character. If you didn’t watch the show, then simply tell us why you would like to read the book! Deadline to enter is March 8th, 2014 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: I have not yet received or reviewed this book.

Filed Under: Archived Content

The Son of God – A Modern Version of the Story of Jesus

March 1, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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With Lent just a few days away, this film is timely and appropriate for Christians. The life story of Jesus is told from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jailene A., age 13 says, “This is the most eye-opening, magnificent film I have ever seen.” See her full review below.

The Son of God
Reviewed by Jailene A.
Full video review here.

This is the most eye-opening, magnificent film I have ever seen. “The Son of God” is about the story of Jesus. This movie modernizes the scriptures of the Bible along with showing everyone the miracles of Jesus. This movie really touched me because of the intensity and power it contains. From the minute Jesus is born, this movie shows every sin he forgives to the crucifixion and resurrection of the Holy Spirit. This movie will make you want to learn more about the Bible and everything about religion. I think the entire cast does such a great job portraying such powerful characters and I think everyone should watch this movie.

This movie has so many qualities that make it great but a key quality is the incredible location where they shot the movie. The movie is filmed in Morocco which is an incredible touch because it really makes the surroundings look like Jerusalem. I really like how Diogo Morgado, who plays Jesus in the film, really got into character and prepared fr such a powerful role.

My favorite character is Mary Magdalene because of her bravery and intense courage. She was one of Jesus’ disciples. She is the first one to find out that Jesus has resurrected and she never had one doubt about who Jesus was. I admire her loyalty and I think she doesn’t get as much recognition as she should.

My favorite scene is when Jesus gets into Peter’s boat and Peter says that there are no fish in the lake anymore. Jesus puts his hands in the ocean and in a matter of seconds; Peter’s net is filled with tons of fish. Peter asks what they are going to do and Jesus says that they are going to change the world. I think this is the best scene because of how touching and inspirational it is. It really shows that if you have faith and believe in the Son of God, anything is possible. This scene is the start of something powerful and I loved it.

I recommend this movie for audiences 13 and over because of the intense and bloody depiction of the Crucifixion and other violent scenes. This movie is very touching and inspirational. I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars because I enjoyed it a lot and it makes me want to know more about the life of Jesus and more of his miracles. This movie is in theaters February 28th 2014 so make sure you check it out!

Jailene A., 13, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

Garden Docent Training Class Offered

March 1, 2014 By Leave a Comment

 Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site’s gardens and grounds include plants from the 1840s, 1880s and 1930s, as well as recently planted California natives that surround the new visitor center.   Share the history and beauty of this historic landscape with visitors as a Garden Docent (tour guide) at Rancho Los Cerritos!  Training for garden docents begins Friday, March 14, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and continues for five weeks; there is no charge.  For more information or to register for this very special volunteer opportunity, please call (562) 570-1755.   

Becoming a garden docent is a perfect opportunity for nature lovers who want to share their joy of plants!  The serene 4.7 acres of landscaped grounds include trees from the mid-19th century, historic roses, exotic vegetation, an herb garden, an adobe horno, an old water tower, and a magnificent Moreton Bay Fig that dominates the main garden.   Newer installations include the arroyo and garden along the western perimeter of the property, planted with California natives. Learn about the early development of the gardens, their renovation in the 1930s by landscape architect Ralph Cornell, and the newest restoration work as you explore hundreds of varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers in docent training.  

During training volunteers will have the opportunity to work closely with the Rancho’s horticulturist as she takes them on an enlightening, educational experience through the grounds.   They will also learn to enhance their public speaking abilities and practice interpretation techniques to liven up tours.   Upon completion of the course, garden docents will be equipped with sufficient knowledge to give informative and engaging tours to the public.

Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site is located at 4600 Virginia Road in Long Beach.  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, urban society it is today. The two-story Monterey-style adobe is primarily furnished to reflect occupants and lifestyles from the 1860s-1880s. The site, a National, State and Long Beach Historic Landmark, also includes historic gardens and a research library and archives. The Rancho is operated by the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation in public-private partnership with the City of Long Beach. For more information please call (562) 570-1755, or visit the website at www.rancholoscerritos.org and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.con/rancholosc.

 

Filed Under: Announcements
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