Looking for a ghost story? You won’t want to miss this one!
Self Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in which I will be receiving compensation.
Archives for March 2014
Schism The Battle For Darracia
March 7, 2014 By Leave a Comment
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!
PURCHASE ON AMAZON
Self Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, in which I am receiving compensation.
Hands-On Science Camp Makes Summer Fun at the California Science Center
March 6, 2014 By 3 Comments
The California Science Center’s Hands-on Science Camp offers a class for every age and stage to inspire young imaginations, stimulate thinking and showcase science as a fun, everyday part of your life. Camp begins June 16 and continues through August 15, 2014.
With 165 classes, there are 30 unique week-long courses to choose from, including popular parent-and-child classes that give families a chance to investigate science together. Campers can choose space-themed courses such as “Planet Patrol” (Pre-K), “Space: The Incredible Frontier” (Kindergarten), “3, 2, 1 Blastoff” (1st/2nd grade), “Mission to Deep Space” (3rd/4th grade), “Living in Space” (5th/6th grade), and “Working in Space” (7th/8th grade) to learn more about our universe and space travel. Students will also visit the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion.
“Our classes combine fun, classroom activities with unique experiences, such as a visit to the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit or guest appearance by one of our aerospace or ecosystems curators,” says Ron Rohovit, Deputy Director of Education, who is responsible for the Science Center’s education programs.
Little Learner programs are parent-child classes for the pre-K age group that focus on a scientific theme with exciting hands-on activities and crafts. For example, in “Bugs and Botany,” young campers get up close and personal with a variety of “critters,” from ladybugs to hissing cockroaches, to learn about the miniature ecosystem of bugs and plants. Kindergarten classes such as “Eco-Explorers” invite students to get “down and dirty” with the plants, soil, people, animals, water and weather of our environment and includes a visit to the Ecosystems gallery.
There is a full slate of half-day and full-day sessions for students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grades. Highlights include “Survival Science,” which teaches the practical skills needed to survive in a cold, barren forest or tropical, deserted desert; “All Cooked Up!,” which blends a little bit of chemistry and a dash of science to create a fun culinary class; and “aMAZEing Robots,” where campers design and build a robot that can navigate through a maze using its own senses.
Hands-On Science Camp takes place in the Wallis Annenberg Building for Science Learning and Innovation. The facility offers state-of-the-art themed classrooms and the 32,000 square-foot Big Lab, with its large-scale experiment platforms. Many courses take advantage of the Big Lab’s unique features with hands-on investigations involving air flow, buoyancy, gravity, ecology and more.
Courses vary in price with half- and full-day session rates. California Science Center Foundation members receive a discount rate. An extended day program is available for kindergarten – 8th graders. Call the Hands-On Science Camp Hotline at (213) 744-7444 for a free brochure, or visit www.californiasciencecenter.
Special Programs
In addition to Hands-On Science Camp, special programs are also offered, including Home School Days and Just for Scouts. Visit our website for descriptions and dates.
About the California Science Center
The California Science Center’s mission is as follows:” We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people’s lives.”
The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission to Science Center exhibits is free. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $10 per car, $25 for buses or oversized vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.
Self Disclosure: California Science center sponsored.
Mr. Peabody Takes the Big Screen in 3D and a Rich Storyline
March 6, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Based on the characters from Peabody’s Improbably History which were included in 1960s animated TV series The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, this new 3D film from DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox is sure to resonate with adults as well as kids. Tiffany Ward, daughter of Jay Ward, one of the creators of the original series, is the executive producer. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. was surprised at how much he enjoyed the film. “Fastastic” is the word he uses to describe it. See his full review below.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman
Reviewed by Gerry Orz
I saw the trailers and I expected it to be more concentrated on time travel and not have much of a story line. Well there is. A fantastic one at that! “Mr. Peabody and Sherman” is a wonderful story about a dog who adopts a boy.
The film also has lots of animated things to love – like history, comedy, romance, suspense and so much more. To make it even better – characters come to live thanks to the brilliant voice-over actors such as Ty Burrel and Max Charles.
The film starts when a young puppy is growing up in different shelters. From a very early age he shows everyone how very special he is. He is intelligent, athletic and smooth. He wins many prizes, but his greatest adventure happens when he adopts a boy. Together they go through multiple adventures and troubles but able to stay together.
I love so much about this film. The film itself is fantastic! I love how they take twenty five-minute shows that had old, colored 2-D animation and turn it into modern 3D animation with the use of modern technology.
My favorite scene is when they show the story of how Mr. Peabody adopts Sherman. They show points throughout Sherman’s little life of great moments, like his first step in 1709. Then it shows how he finds Sherman. That is definitely a sweet and loving part!
This movie has a bit of violence in it, therefore I recommend it to ages 5-18. I also believe that adults who admired this cartoon kids, will love this new version of these beloved characters. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions
I really do Bundoo! You should too!
March 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Have you ever worried about your child and Google searched and searched to find out what to do? Most parents have been there and done that! I remember when my son was a baby and a toddler and I would search the parenting books and online trying to find answers about milestones, behavior, health symptoms. Sometimes it would take so much time and sometimes I couldn’t even find the answer! Sometimes, it wouldn’t be a medical emergency and I would wait nervously by the phone for our Pediatrician to call back. (And, I love our Pediatrician!) Well..now there really is a solution! Bundoo! The Bundoo community includes parents and Bundoo Childcare Experts sharing information and advice you can trust. This is such a great resource for parents, especially new parents!
Bundoo is primarily a FREE resource with the added perk of the paid Ask Bundoo service.
Bundoo.com offers a wealth of information and an online community for smart, busy parents. Some of Bundoo’s amazing key features include:
- Free articles reviewed and written by pediatricians, OB/GYNs and child development specialists
- A Marketplace that features pediatrician-approved products
- The groundbreaking Ask Bundoo paid service that connects parents directly with pediatricians, OB/GYNs and other childcare experts to answer questions privately so that parents can get peace of mind without having to make a trip to the doctor and pay a co-pay.
I signed up and tried this great resource out and am quite impressed with Bundoo! I love that I can just log in and ask a question and will get an answer back rather quickly! Bundoo A-Z also has such helpful and interesting articles! The Categories include: pregnancy, Babies, Toddlers, Health issues, Feeding and Family Life. Oh, how I wish I had this resourceful website to go to when my son was a baby and toddler! The Bundoo Community is also a great place to join groups and make new friends. Check it out today by clicking here. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter!
Self Disclosure: I received a free code to check this out but any opinions expressed are honest and truthful.
NYC New York Color Spring Time Faves!
March 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Looking for new Makeup this Spring? NYC New York Color has a couple of really wonderful products! You can get luscious lip color with the New City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color. I tried this one out and love the Spring time colors but what I really liked is the shine! They are lightweight,soft and silky lip color and the color is long-lasting. Available in 12 colors, NYC New York Color City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Colors are highly pigmented and will perfectly outline lips without bleeding or feathering, giving you amplified color and shine that lasts up to five hours. I like that it is not greasy or sticky and the lip color glides on easily. Available Shades: Ballroom Bluch, Brooklyn Brown Stone, Canal St Coral, Fulton St Fuschia. Gramercy Park Plum, Metropolitan Mauve, Nolita Neutral, Park Slope Peach, Parsons Pink, Riverside Rose, Roosevelt Island Red and South Ferry Berry. They retail for $3.99 each and can be found at chain drugstores and mass merchandisers nationwide this month. For more info check out their website.
I am always looking for the best Mascara so I was excited to find out about the New Big Bold Volume By The Lash Mascara from NYC New York Color! This mascara dramatically coats each and every lash, giving you up to 12 times fuller, thicker lashes. I really do love this one! This mascara actually made my lashes seem longer and thicker and it’s only $4.99! NYC New York Color’s high-tech Individualizer Mega Plastic Brush captures even the smallest and hardest to reach eyelashes to plum up, extend, and volumize each and every one. It really helped my bottom lashes look fuller! This mascara is ophthalmologist tested, to be safe for sensitive eyes, and gives you the eye-catching look you want without smudging, smearing, or flaking. Available in Black. It can also be found at chain drugstores and mass merchandisers this month.
Self Disclosure: I received products for free to facilitate this review/feature but any opinion expressed are honest.Photo Credit: NYC New York color.
Press The President Celebrates International Women’s Day
March 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment
On March 8th, citizens across the globe will celebrate International Women’s Day. This practice has been in place since Russian women first observed the holiday in 1913 on the eve of World War I in a campaign for peace. Although equality for women has come a long way both in the U.S. and globally, there is still much more to be done. This March, in addition to celebrating women, Press the President is asking writers to speak out on issues they are passionate about and raise awareness about how much work still needs to be done.
“Fourteen million young women are forced into marriage at age 13 to men average age 37. One in nine girls are married before they turn 15. The leading cause of death for girls age 15-19 is childbirth,” said the Founder of Press the President. “These are horrifying facts and yet so few people are aware of them. It is time for Americans to push Congress and the President on supporting bills that will save lives and ultimately makes this a better world for women to grow-up in. It is not a question of whether or not to support programs that combat these issues, it’s a question of how. Writing for Press the President and getting the word out is a start.”
Press the President is a worldwide forum for unfiltered debate about U.S. issues that affect the globe. The site’s founders have created a space where writers can express their opinions freely. Americans are often criticized as not having enough of a political voice. Press the President provides a platform for people who want to make their voices heard from the White House to Main Street. Online visitors can share their views at www.pressthepresident.com or visit our Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/ptp.
In addition to writing about these issues, Americans can join The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), a global research institute with headquarters in Washington, D.C., for an upcoming event at The National Press Club. Event Details are below:
- · Event Name: ICRW’s Passports to Progress Discussion Series
- · Host: International Center for Research on Women
- · When: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST)
- · RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
icrws-passports-to-progress- discussion-series-tickets- 10226613075
Visit Press the President’s website at http://www.pressthepresident.
Self Disclosure: Press the President Sponsored feature. No compensation was received to post.
Children and Parents can make Reading a Social Experience with Special In-Mall Activities
March 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Simon Malls® are welcoming families to experience the magic of reading at its Orange County-area centers with the annual Simon Kidgits Club® Book Blast events, meant to invite parents and children to bring books to life through special read-aloud sessions, giveaways and story-inspired activities.
The festivities will be taking place at the following locations:
- Westminster Mall: Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon in Center Court, located near Guest Services and Target.
- Brea Mall: Saturday, March 8 from noon to 2:00 p.m. in Center Court. The event features crafts, activities, and a guest appearance from Curious George.
- The Shops at Mission Viejo: Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to noon near the Children’s Play Area. The event features a read-aloud of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Children can also participate in interactive crafts including making their own crown and monster face.
Simon Kidgits Club’s Book Blast will provide families the chance to make reading a fun, social experience with various kid-focused crafts and activities. Book Blast events will kick off with an exciting read-aloud session, Children are also invited to bring a new or gently used book to the event to be donated to a local non-profit organization, helping families give back to their own communities.
“Because Simon Malls are destinations for families and friends to do more than just shop, Simon Kidgits Club is giving children the chance to experience all that books have to offer in a social setting,” said Jayne Stilson, assistant vice president of business development for Simon Brand Ventures, the business-to-consumer division of Simon Property Group. “We’re combining education with fun and allowing kids to simply have a blast with reading.”
The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.
Simon Kidgits Club members receive a variety of goodies, including a Simon Kidgits Club T-shirt, membership card, birthday card and gift, discounts and scheduled activities. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visithttp://www.simon.com/kidgits/.
About Westminster Mall
Westminster Mall is a modern shopping center that features some of the best names in retail including Macy’s, jcpenney, Sears, Target, Victoria’s Secret PINK, Old Navy and more. In addition to more than 180 specialty stores with shops ranging from teen apparel to shoes to women’s apparel and jewelry, Westminster Mall also features exciting dining destinations such as Outback Steakhouse, Toda and the newly opened T.G.I. Friday’s and CUPS Frozen Yogurt. In November 2008, Westminster Mall completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Included were brand new family restrooms, a first of its kind children’s fully soft play area, new interior and exterior directional signage. The entire lower level of the center was carpeted for guest’s shopping enjoyment and comfort. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/
About Brea Mall
Brea Mall is an upscale center showcasing four major department stores, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, jcpenney and Sears, and more than 175 specialty shops. Brea Mall also features a full-service day spa, a newly remodeled Foodworks Food Court, and several fine restaurants, including The Cheesecake Factory, BJ’s, Le Diplomate Cafe and California Pizza Kitchen, which all feature outdoor patios. Since February 2013, Brea Mall has been undergoing a large-scale interior and exterior renovation, meant to touch several areas of the shopping center, including new mall entrances, the addition of family-style restrooms, a brand new children’s Play Area on the lower level and new flooring, landscaping, handrails, signage and lighting throughout. The center will showcase updated textures, colors and amenities, creating a more contemporary and inviting shopping environment. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/
About The Shops at Mission Viejo
Among the 150 stores and restaurants at The Shops at Mission Viejo, this indoor mall features Nordstrom, H&M, Macy’s, Apple, Sephora, and The Cheesecake Factory. Home to Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, Paradise Bakery and Microsoft, recognized by the OC Register’s 2013 People’s Choice Awards for “best ice cream,” “best cookie,” and “best tech store” respectively, The Shops at Mission Viejo serves many nearby communities such as Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, San Juan Capistrano and the city of Mission Viejo. The Shops at Mission Viejo is conveniently located at the intersection of the I-5 and Crown Valley Parkway in the city of Mission Viejo. With over 150 stores and restaurants, The Shops at Mission Viejo is south Orange County’s main shopping destination. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/the-
Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is an S&P 100 company and a global leader in the retail real estate industry. The Company currently owns or has an interest in more than 325 retail real estate properties in North America, Asia and Europe comprising approximately 243 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S. For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website atwww.simon.com.
About Simon Brand Ventures
Simon Brand Ventures (SBV), Simon’s business-to-consumer arm, is pioneering the transformation of shopping centers into a medium where consumer brands can build relationships with Simon shoppers who make over 2.8 billion visits each year. Simon’s vast franchise of market-leading shopping centers nationwide provides SBV the foundation to monetize the distribution system through numerous consumer ventures. SBV and its affiliates have engaged in a number of consumer business initiatives, including the Simon Visa Giftcard® and the American Express®/Simon Giftcard; launch of Simon platform programs such as Simon dTour Live® and Simon Kidgits Club®; a national media delivery channel including static, digital and experiential marketing and advertising vehicles; and multiple national and local marketing alliances with Coca-Cola and Visa U.S.A. among others.
