You are here: Home / 2014 / Archives for March 2014

Archives for March 2014

Celebrate the Easter Season at Los Cerritos Center

March 23, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Los Cerritos Center welcomes shoppers to hop into the Easter spirit with a full month of seasonal themed events that are fun for the whole family.

The Easter season kicks off at Los Cerritos Center on Saturday, March 29 with the annual Easter Bunny Garden Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Easter Bunny will host the garden event and lead children in a special Easter themed flowery craft. Bunny snacks will be provided courtesy of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. All children who attend the event will receive a Buy One Get One Free 5 X 7” photo with the Easter Bunny. The event will take place in the Easter Garden located in front of Forever 21 and is free and recommended for children ages 3-12.

The Easter Bunny will remain in the Easter Garden for Bunny Photos from March 29 through April 19. The Easter Bunny is available for photos from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Various photo packages and pricing specials are available. When children visit the Easter Bunny for photos they will receive a special free gift!

For more information on the Easter Garden Party visit http://www.shoploscerritos.com/Events/GardenParty

For more information on Easter Bunny Photos visit http://www.shoploscerritos.com/events/easterbunny_2014

Self Disclosure: Los Cerritos Center sponsored feature.

Filed Under: Announcements

Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women

March 23, 2014 By Leave a Comment

image001

Avon Foundation Global Ambassador Fergie along with the Avon Foundation, Vital Voices and the State Department announced a new program of the public-private partnership, the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women.

The new program, the Gender-Based Violence Emergency Response and Protection Initiative, will take comprehensive steps to eradicate domestic violence, sexual assault, honor crimes and other forms of gender based violence by providing critical support to survivors.

Fergie announced particular component, The Justice Institute on Gender-Based Violence, which will ensure that existing laws achieve their promise and better protect victims of domestic and gender violence. The Institutes will launch in Mexico, Nepal, South Africa and India.

About Avon Foundation: Through 2013, Avon global philanthropy, led by the U.S.-based Avon Foundation for Women, has donated more than $957 million in more than 50 countries. Avon’s funding is focused on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program.

About Vital Voices: Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading non-governmental organization that identifies, invests in and brings visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities. The Vital Voices Global Leadership Network includes more than 14,000 leaders representing 144 countries who have trained and mentored 500,000 additional women and girls in their communities.
Self Disclosure: Avon Foundation sponsored Feature. No compensation received. Domestic Violence Awareness is a cause that SoCal City Kids truly supports.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Get Maggie Q’s Look from the “Divergent” Premiere

March 21, 2014 By Leave a Comment

image001

Makeup artist Mai Quynh created a “soft and pretty” makeup look for actress Maggie Q that allowed her “natural beauty to stand out.” Quynh focused on using a dusty rose and soft plum palette to complement the actress’ dress and hair. The final look was “fresh and polished.”

 

FACE: Natural Complexion Paired with Rosy Pinks

EYES: Soft Plums and Browns

Lips: Light Pink Pout  

 Self Disclosure: Laura Mercier sponsored post.

 

 

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

It’s Almost Spring! New “Tickety Toc: Spring Chicks Time” DVD

March 20, 2014 By 5 Comments

image002

Spring-Themed Collection of Episodes from Hit Nick Jr.® TV Series for Preschoolers Sprouts Up at Retailers Nationwide from Anchor Bay Entertainment – March 25, 2014

 

Young viewers and their families all across the country will chirp with laughter as they embark on six engaging spring-themed escapades in “Spring Chicks Time,” the newest title in the popular Tickety Toc DVD series. All the high-flying fun from the hit Nick Jr.® TV series springs to life this Easter in the  all-new release, “Spring Chicks Time,” available on DVD, Digital and Video on Demand, March 25, 2014 from Anchor Bay Entertainment.

Synopsis:
In “Spring Chicks Time” ($14.98), the adorable duo, Tommy and Tallulah, celebrate the season with a town picnic, a nature hike and a kite-flying contest! When the mischievous Spring Chicks fly off in one of the kites, the town must save them just in the nick of chime time! In these fair-weather and fun-packed episodes, the Tickety Town team, along with preschool viewers, will learn the importance of teamwork, community and social responsibility.

 

Episodes include:

  • ·         “Spring Chicks Time”
  • ·         “Nature Trail Time”
  • ·         “Picnic Time”
  • ·         “Watermelon Time”
  • ·         “Veggie Time”
  • ·         “Bug Time”

 

DVD Bonus Features:

  • ·         Coloring and Activity Sheets

 

To help celebrate the release of “Spring Chicks Time,” Anchor Bay has scooped-up an exciting national cross-promotion with Joy Cone. From April 1 through December 31, for $2.50 shipping & handling, consumers who purchase a Joy Cone product and any Tickety Toc DVD can receive two free Tickety Toc books from Scholastic. Color box art from the “Spring Chicks Time” DVD will be featured on 1 million boxes of Joy Cone product as part of the “tick tocktastic” promotion.

 

Tickety Toc follows the everyday adventures of 6-year-old twins, Tommy and Tallulah. Traveling through the special Tickety Toc clock, where the twins live, audiences enter a CGI world of eclectic characters and tag along on exciting escapades filled with slapstick surprises. Tommy and Tallulah’s strong “can do” spirit often produces an unanticipated outcome, but their individual approach to sticky situations and joint resourcefulness always shine through and save the day! Through the twins’ madcap adventures, Tickety Tocexplores teamwork, social responsibility and problem solving – important concepts for preschoolers as they learn and grow. Tickety Tochas quickly become the #1 afternoon show on Nick Jr. (Nielsen) and has been picked up for a second season.

We received this DVD and it is fun, colorful and although younger children will love it the best, it is something the whole family can watch! It’s just adorable! There are six episodes full of fun and adventure! There’s even a kite-flying contest! 

 

We have teamed up with our friends at Anchor Bay Entertainment for a fun Spring time Giveaway! one winner will win this adorable DVD and also a FREE coupon for a FREE box of Joy Ice cream cones! To enter leave a comment below telling us your favorite thing about Spring! Deadline to enter is March 25th, 2014 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Check out this fun “Spring Chicks Time” Design Your Own Kite Activity sheet below:

Tickety Toc Design Your Own Kite Coloring-Pre-page-001

Self Disclosure: I received a DVD for free to facilitate this feature.

Filed Under: Archived Content

pediped® Debuts Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

March 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

image004

Collection highlights Memory Foam Technology™, water-safe Adventure Line

and machine washable athletics

pediped® launches its Spring/Summer 2014 Collection of American Podiatric Medical Association accepted footwear. The collection offers more than 70 new styles and color combinations across its three signature lines: Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®.

GG_BreeBubblegum_GG2019    Flex_OrionOcean (IMG_1436)

The collection highlights over 20 styles designed with a water-friendly material that is machine washable. Two new styles have been added to the water-safe, eco-friendly Adventure Line, Shoreline and Shorebet; and best-selling Sahara is now available for girls. Riddell and Orion, two athletic styles featuring Ultra Light Technology™ debut in both Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. Memory Foam Technology™ highlights 10 new styles across Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®.

RS_RiddellTeal_RS2033     Originals_MirabellaSilver (IMG_0495)

Originals®

•             Originals® feature flexible, soft-soles recommended by pediatricians and podiatrists as the shoe’s design closely mimics barefoot walking.

•             12 new styles have been added this season. Highlighting the collection is Louisa and Lacee for a brighter wardrobe, and Isabella and Betty cover signature styles. For boys, Martin is an ultra breathable choice for outdoor adventures.

•             Originals® will retail at $35 and are available for children in sizes newborn to 24 months.

 

Grip ‘n’ Go™

•             Grip ‘n’ Go™ is made with all the benefits of Originals®, but a special feature G2 Technology™ is added to help a toddler stay balanced while transitioning into a confident stride.

•             The collection highlights Memory Foam Technology™ in five new styles: Mirabella, Lacee, Tori, Martin, and Brice. Also new to Grip ‘n’ Go is Riddell and Orion, two athletic styles that are machine washable and water-safe.

•             Grip ‘n’ Go™ will be priced at $39 or $48 and is available in EU sizes 19-23, US kids 4-7.

 

Flex®

•             Flex® is the ultimate shoe for confident walkers who have developed a natural stride. Flex® offers more than 50 styles available in a variety of sandals, Mary Janes, ballet flats, athletics, and casual wear that feature a color palette of pastels, bright neon, classic browns and signature black.

•             Popular as ever, the water-safe, eco-friendly Adventure Line expands with over 10 new styles and color combinations. Featuring pops of bright colors, the Sahara and Shorebet make their debut for girls alongside Shoreline for boys.

•             The innovative line of machine washable athletics, made with Ultra Light Technology™, expands with six new styles and color combinations. Featuring flex grooves to support natural foot movement and heel cushion for added comfort, maximum flexibility is achieved all while remaining light as air.

•             Flex® styles range in price from $48 to $57 and are available in EU sizes 20-36, US 5 kids- 4.5 youth (available sizes vary between styles).

We received a pair of the Flex Sahara Black King Blue and my son loves how comfortable they are! They have an all natural rubber sole and velcro strap. Yes, my son loves velcro! These are easy to put on and take off. I love that they are machine washable and water-safe. They are light-weight, eco-friendly and my son loves that they are great for the beach and can get wet. Tide-pools here we come! 

RS1827_lrg

 

The pediped® Spring/Summer 2014 Collection is now available for purchase online at www.pediped.com and in select retail stores. Make sure to check out the New Spring Summer styles too at Brian James Footwear, brianjamesfootwear.com, the women’s footwear line from pediped founder Angela Edgeworth. Stay tuned! I will be featuring soon!  Look for pediped on Twitter and Pinterest, and Facebook too!

Self Disclosure: I received a pair of boys shoes for free to review and facilitate this feature. Photo Credit: pediped.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

SimpleTherapy

March 20, 2014 By 1 Comment

sittingshot     squat

Looking for  Home exercise therapy that you can easily follow at home? SimpleTherapy is created by a team of orthopedic surgeons that offers customized, in-home exercise therapy focused on joint aches and pains. Users can log on and engage in a therapy session designed specifically for their physical ailment. The group just launched 14 new, targeted exercise sessions for golfers, soccer players, swimmers, older adults and many more. We had the chance to check this out for a week and my husband says it is easy to follow because it is so helpful to actually see someone online doing the exercises. My husband actually goes to out-patient physical therapy because of his knee surgery and this service really  is a complement to traditional physical therapy.

The service  is an affordable complement to traditional physical therapy: three months equates to the average co-pay for a single in-person PT visit ($29.99)—often, folks can recover from joint pain in 6-12 weeks! There is also a free one week trial to try out the site.  For more information check out the website.

Self Disclosure: I received a free trial to review this website. 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Aquarium Of The Pacific Wins Two International Retail Design Awards

March 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Michael Wells_LBAOP-38

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s newly redesigned Pacific Collection store has been awarded a 2014 A.R.E. design award in the category of sustainability and an award for the design of its kelp wall/façade. A.R. E. (the Association for Retail Environments) is an international 700-member, non-profit trade association advancing the retail environments industry. The award ceremony took place at the Four Seasons Las Vegas this week.

Other A.R.E. award winners include Apple, Karl Lagerfeld Concept Store, Carlo Pazolini, Design Within Reach nationwide, Whole Foods Market, and RH Restoration Hardware. The Aquarium’s newly designed retail space officially opened in May 2013. The “green” building design, operation, and management of the Pacific Collections store has enabled the Aquarium of the Pacific to become the first among U.S. aquariums and zoos to receive a 3 Green Globes rating. The store’s sustainable features include several skylights for day lighting, high recycled content in the flooring, and eco-friendly, locally made souvenirs with sustainability messaging for visitors.

The Pacific Collections gift store spans more than 5,000 square feet and features a glass façade with a large-scale underwater image of a kelp forest off the coast of California’s Channel Islands. The design allows daylight to stream in through the kelp window, creating a sense of being immersed in the ocean. The Aquarium commissioned underwater photographer Jim Hellemn to create the kelp forest image. Hellemn’s photography has appeared in National Geographic magazine and in the American Museum of Natural History. He designs his own equipment and has developed techniques to photograph underwater scenes incrementally, often taking hundreds of photographs and months of work to make a single image. His life-sized image of Bloody Bay Wall in the Cayman Islands is the highest-resolution photograph of a coral reef ever captured.

The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important topics facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, the Aquarium explores the waters of Southern California and Baja and the Northern and Tropical Pacific. Aquarium exhibits include the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the interactive Shark Lagoon and Lorikeet Forest exhibits. For more information, call 562-590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org. A world of discovery awaits people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

 

A.R.E. (the Association for Retail Environments) is a nonprofit trade association advancing the retail environments industry and member companies. These international leaders include store fixture suppliers, retail design firms, suppliers of visual merchandising products, suppliers of materials and equipment for the industry, and service providers such as 3PLs and installers. Through on-site, online, and on-target venues, A.R.E. connects retailers and brand marketers with the professionals who bring their brands to life. For more information, please visit http://www.retailenvironments.org.

Photo Credit: Michael Wells Photography. Aquarium of the Pacific sponsored post.

 

Filed Under: Announcements

Muppets Most Wanted – An Adventure from Start to Finish

March 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

MuppetsMostWanted

The Muppets, a perennial cast of beloved characters, come back to the silver screen this week with a new film from Walt Disney Pictures, “The Muppets Most Wanted.” The storyline finds The Muppets wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick. With a stellar cast headed off by Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey, we might all be crowding into the local theater to catch a glimpse of this PG-rated release. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jeremy P. (age 7) says, “This movie is so exciting and also very funny.” Gerry O. (age 11) adds, “I love this film. The idea is priceless and original…” Morgan B (age 9)  continues, “From beginning to end it’s a ton of fun for everybody. You are sure to leave with a smile on your face and a new quirky joke to tell everyone.” And Simone (age 13), sums it up, “This film is fantastic because it has the perfect combination of catchy songs and talented actors. It keeps you on the edge of your seat because you never know who was going to show up next.” Their full reviews are below along with a link to Keefer B’s cast interviews (http://youtu.be/S-bW5vZuprc) at the premiere. Enjoy.

Muppets Most Wanted

Reviewed by Jeremy Badour, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 7
Full video review here: http://youtu.be/fOWuNkgbd9Y

“Muppets Most Wanted” is a very suspenseful and entertaining movie.  There is a lot of fun singing and dancing throughout. The music director (Christophe Beck) does a great job choosing the right music at important moments in the film. Parts that are suspenseful have dramatic music to go along with it.

In the movie, “Muppets Most Wanted,” the Muppets go on a worldwide tour to become famous. They team up with Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) who sends Kermit the Frog (Steve Whitmore) to jail and switches him with the world’s number one criminal, Constantine (Matt Vogel). Dominic and Constantine use The Muppets and their performances to try and steal the Crown Jewels.

This movie is so exciting and also very funny. It takes you to a lot of incredible places like Berlin, Germany; Madrid, Spain; Dublin, Ireland; and London, England. All the adventures keep you wondering where they will end up next and if the bad guys will get caught.  I also think it is cool the way the Muppets are so real in their roles with all of the other actors. There are a lot of awesome celebrities who have bit parts with the Muppets too, such as Salma Hayek, Lady Gaga, Usher and Celine Dion! There are many great parts in this film. My favorite part is when Constantine and Dominic Badguy break into a museum to steal a gold key and a gold locket. The key and locket help them disable traps so they can steal the crown jewels. I was so nervous and excited the whole time.

There are a couple of really good messages in this film. One is that your true friends will always believe in you and will do anything to help when you need them. The second message is a reminder to always tell people you love them and don’t take them for granted. Kermit experiences both of these in the end of the movie when his friends surprise him by standing up for him. It made me feel really good inside.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars because it is very funny and exciting. I think younger children might find some parts of this movie too scary so I recommend it for kids ages 7 to 18.

Muppets Most Wanted

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

Full video review available here: http://youtu.be/3ILW3Td9Meg

I did not know what to expect from this movie. Believe it or not, this was my first experience with the Muppets. I kind of thought it would be a show for little kids, but boy was I wrong. “Muppets Most Wanted” is a great family movie many people would enjoy.

This film has quite a bit to love. It has action, adventure, comedy, mystery, suspense, thrill, romance, history and of course everyone’s favorite, The Muppets.

The adventure begins when Kermit and the Muppets are about to begin a world tour. However at their first destination, something terrible happens to Kermit. If you want to find out what happens, you got to watch the film.

I love this film. The idea is priceless and original and of course, just the concept of Muppets is fun. The directing is fantastic – the Muppets move, run, kiss, jump and fall smoothly and realistically. The Muppets are hilarious. The voice talent also are fantastic. You can’t loose with a cast that includes Ty Burrell, Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey just to name a few.

My favorite scene is when there is a crime at a famous European museum. The European agency and the CIA are at the scene. Two of the agents are seeing who has the bigger badge. It looks like a the French agent wins but, 5 minutes later, A UPS guy (What is he doing here by the way?) comes with a big box. The CIA agent pulls a rope and a gigantic badge is there. It’s funny, lighthearted and the idea alone is kind of ironic.

This film is meant for younger kids but is a bit of violence in it. So I recommend it for ages 9 to 18.  I also give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I’m sure that this new Muppet adventure will very quickly become a favorite among families everywhere and I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for our beloved Kermit and Piggy – will they finally get married and perhaps go on their honeymoon? Stay tuned.

Muppets Most Wanted

Reviewed by Simone Sharrieff, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

See her Video Review here:  http://youtu.be/oFklVds42uE

The Muppets Most Wanted is a fantastic movie packed with comedy and excitement. The crowd was laughing so loudly that sometimes it was hard to hear the movie. This film is fantastic because it has the perfect combination of catchy songs and talented actors. It keeps you on the edge of your seat because you never know who was going to show up next.

The Muppets are back for the eighth time and before they finish catching up with each other, they meet Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais.)  Dominic convinces the Muppets to go out on a world tour. At the same time Constantine, the world’s most dangerous frog, escapes from prison and hatches an evil plan to hide his identity. Constantine kidnaps Kermit and takes over Kermit’s identity. Kermit is mistaken for Constantine and is sent to prison. This leaves Constantine free to steal the crown jewels of England. It is up to the Muppets to save Kermit and stop Constantine before the world’s most beloved puppets become the world’s most wanted criminals.

The scene where the inmates put on a show in prison is hilarious. It’s my favorite part of the movie. Watching scary looking men sing and dance like they are on Broadway is priceless.  I also enjoyed watching Constantine act like he is Kermit. You will laugh out loud when you see what happens to him as he gets ready to go on stage during a musical performance.

All the actors do an amazing job in this movie. One actor who really stands out for me is Ty Burrell who plays Jean Pierre. His witty comments and funny attitude really add to the comedy. My favorite actress in this movie is Tina Fey who plays Nadya. What makes her performance great is that on the outside she is so strict, but on the inside she is really very warm and caring. Her accent is so realistic that I thought she was actually from Russia.

The message of this movie is that true friends will always be there for you no matter how bad things get. “The Muppets Most Wanted” is perfect for both boys and girls ages 8 to 16 and I give it five out of five shimmering stars. You definitely don’t want to miss this one.

The Muppets Most Wanted

Reviewed by Morgan B., age 9, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Full video review available here: http://youtu.be/b_nkhS120wY

It’s time to think green. It’s March and we have Saint Patrick’s Day, the beginning of spring and March 21st Kermit will be on the big screen once again in The Muppets sequel “Muppets Most Wanted.”

Can you say World Tour? Kermit finds he’s been confused with the world’s most dangerous frog “Constantine.” Constantine has a diabolic plot that involves fleeing a Siberian Russian Gulag and taking the Muppets from Kermit. He needs a good cover while he and his side kick #2 use them as a cover to steal the crown jewels. First, he and #2 must travel the world unraveling the clues. They need to find a way to open the secrete passage way into the Tower of London where the jewels are kept.

I really enjoyed seeing the Muppets in many different settings around the world. It just proves the Muppets are loved every where they go. My favorite scene is when Kermit tries to get Constantine away from Miss Piggy at their wedding. That’s right, there is a huge wedding between Kermit and Miss Piggy, kind of. Miss Piggy has the most beautiful dress and Kermit looks so handsome in his tuxedo. We were lucky enough to see this movie at the El Capitan in Hollywood, California. They have the costumes and props on display there including her elegant wedding dress.

I was a bit disappointed that Miss Piggy didn’t give anybody her famous “Hi yea” karate chop. My favorite character of course is Miss Piggy. She’s unbeatable in her duet with Celine Dion. There are so many guest appearances I can’t even list them all here. You’ll have to see the movie to see who all shows up for cameo appearances.

The cast itself is awesome. Ricky Gervais is brilliant as Dominick Badguy (pronounced as Bad G; it’s French). I love Tina Fey as Nadya. She is adorable and has a great singing voice. Ty Burrell as Inspector Napoleon is very funny.

In true Muppet fashion the music is terrific and I enjoyed the “Sequel” song in the beginning of the movie. It’s the best. It is wonderful seeing the whole Muppet gang back together again.

From beginning to end it’s a ton of fun for everybody. You are sure to leave with a smile on your face and a new quirky joke to tell everyone.

I recommend this to ages 5 to 18 because all your favorite Muppets make an appearance in the movie at some point in time. I give this movie 5 out of 5 twinkling stars.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions

 

 

 

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews
« Previous Page
Next Page »