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If I Stay – A Moving Film About a Teenage Girl and Her Life or Death Decision

September 5, 2014 By Leave a Comment

IfIStay

Life changes in an instant for young Mia Hall after a car accident puts her in a coma. During an out-of-body experience, she must decide whether or not to wake up and live an altered life, far different from what she imagined. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D. comments, “If I stay is a beautiful, moving film about a teenage girl and the life or death decision she must make.” See her full review below.

 

If I Stay

Reviewed By Raven Devanney

 

 

If I Stay is a beautiful, moving film about a teenage girl and the life or death decision she must make. Mia is a teenage girl who has a wonderful, quirky family, a boyfriend who loves her to pieces and a bright, ambitious future. But, all of that changes when she and her family are in a fatal car accident. While Mia’s body is in a coma, her mind journeys back to all of her memories, triumphs, heart breaks and future. She has to make the decision on whether or not to fight and stay alive, or let go and leave this world. Will Mia stay?

 

I love this movie. It made me laugh, cry and it helped me to see all of the good in my own life that I should cherish, because you never know when it could all change. The cinematography is beautiful. Most of the film is filled with memories that Mia has and the way they are portrayed is very neat. The music is also beautiful. Mia is a cellist and a lot of the film focuses on her dreams of becoming a successful musician, so the film is filled with beautiful classical music.

 

My Favorite character is Mia played by Chloe Moretz. This film shows so many aspects of Mia’s life, so it’s easy to find something to relate to. She has a great passion for playing the cello and dedicates most of her life to it. She has difficulties relating to her parents and even her boyfriend since their musicals tastes are far more edgy than hers. She has to face her insane loss and she has to choose between many different things in life. There’s something about her life that I think anyone can relate to, so she’s a wonderful character. Chloe does a wonderful job portraying everything she’s going through and she moved me to tears many times.

 

This film makes me think about my own family and everything I would do for them. It makes me think of my life and all the joys and sorrows I’ve faced. There was not a dry eye in the audience because this film provokes unique memories for every individual. I felt especially connected to Mia’s family because I too have a younger brother and am very close with my parents, so I was very touched by Mia’s situation.

 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18 because of the intense emotions and mature content. Make sure you check out If I Stay in theaters since August 22nd.

Credit:  KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions, www.kidsfirst.org

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Epson Makes Back-to-School Prep Effortless

September 5, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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Back-to-School time and you are probably wanting to make sure that your children’s items don’t go missing! Epson makes this an easy task to accomplish! Parents can now print names, initials, and symbols directly onto Epson’s iron-on labels, which can then be easily added to clothing, backpacks or any other fabric. Both durable and machine-washable, the labels ensure items make their way home while adding a unique and personal identifier to children’s belongings.

We received the Epson LabelWorks LW-600P, which is the first app-enabled label printer on the market, offering unmatched capabilities in the world of label creation. I love that it is so lightweight and easy to use! It is the smallest 24mm (~1″) label printer on the market. The best thing is that you can use it with smart phones and tablets because of the Bluetooth connectivity. Another really cool thing is that it includes over 100 label design templates and 400 symbols. and is compatible with a variety of tapes, including iron-on, glow-in-the-dark, metallic reflective and ribbons. This just is really quite amazing! It is easy to use and you can wirelessly create, edit and print labels. Now, how cool is that?! There is even a Handwriting mode for custom drawing or annotation of labels using the touch screen interface.

This really is a Must-have for Back-to-School! The Epson LW-600P printer (MSRP) can be purchased at Epson.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a free product to facilitate this feature. Photo Credit: Epson.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Family Fun for the whole family!

September 5, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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Looking for a fun game for family night? Aztack is a lot of fun for children ages 7+ and adults! Players compete to stack the most stones by matching the colors and glyphs.  Who doesn’t want to build an Empire? It is so much to block out your opponent and make it to the top!

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I love that this can be played with 2-4 players and it’s just so much fun! It has quickly turned into one of our favorite game night games. Laughing and fun are guaranteed!

To find out more and to find a variety of other fun games, check out Blue Orange Games!

 

Self Disclosure: I received a free game to facilitate this feature but any opinions expressed are my own. Photo Credit: Blue Orange Games.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Blue Orange Games Announces 9 new Disney Licensed Games

September 5, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Blue Orange Games, leading designer and manufacturer of tabletop games for the family, announces the introduction of 9 new Disney licensed games for Fall 2014. Disney is the premier source of family entertainment for over 60 years. In Disney, the game company found a natural, “classic” fit that will elevate the playing experience of their games. Blue Orange Games will adapt their existing titles to feature Disney properties, and hope to reach new audiences and enhance the ways in which kids can interact with their favorite Disney characters.

 

“We are thrilled and honored to partner with such a prestigious name as Disney,” said Martin Marechal, VP of Sales and Marketing at Blue Orange Games. “Being in the board game industry, we look for partners with brands that reflect classic values and with properties that fit the play value for our games. The development of the Disney licensed games demonstrates our commitment to creating fun, high quality educational games that appeal to the new generation of kids in the USA andCanada.”

 

Blue Orange games will launch new card games with properties such as Disney Frozen, Disney Planes, Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. The first year is focused on the launch of a series of educational games for ages 3 and up and will include the company’s best seller, Spot it!, as well as a versatile storytelling game called Tell Tale.

 

“Our Spot it! and Tell Tale games with the Disney properties is the perfect combination of exceptional content and play value that will make ‘fun learning’ a true success,” said Martin Marechal.

 

The release date for the seven licensed Spot it! games and two Tell Tale games is projected for the summer of 2014.

 

Game Highlights

 

Spot it!

Learning gets a head start with the educational editions of the best selling matching game. Every circular card has an assortment of Disney images and symbols in varying sizes and orientations. Players race to spot the one matching symbol that exists between any two cards in the deck. Whether practicing their ABC’s and 123’s, or naming shapes and reading basic words, kids build skills and learn the basics through rewarding play.

 

Available in the following properties:

  • Disney Planes Spot it! Alphabet
  • Disney Frozen Spot it! Alphabet
  • Sofia the First Spot it! Alphabet
  • Doc McStuffins Spot it! Numbers & Shapes
  • Jake and the Never Land Pirates Spot it! Numbers & Shapes
  • Disney Pixar Spot it! Words
  • Disney Princess Spot it! Words

 

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Tell Tale

Imaginations come to life with Tell Tale, a creative storytelling game. Players weave wacky and whimsical stories using cards showing a variety of settings, characters, and objects. Players can choose from four storytelling guidelines or even come up with their own. Lay out a story board, build on another player’s tale, or improvise with random cards and watch the magic happen!

 

Available in the following properties:

  • Disney Princess Tell Tale

     Disney∙Pixar

  • Toy Story Tell Tale

 

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About Blue Orange Games

Founded in 2000, Blue Orange Games is a leading creator of tabletop games that excite and challenge all ages. The company is driven to inspire families to “unplug” and connect face to face with the people who matter most by playing games together. Their catalog of over 40 award-winning products has earned a reputation for high play value, skill development, elegant simplicity, and continuous fun. The eco-friendly company focuses on high quality designs using durable materials and plants two trees for each tree used in game construction.

 

Blueorangegames.com · facebook.com/BlueOrangeGamesUSA ·twitter.com/BlueOrangeGames

Self Disclosure: No compensation or products received. Credit: Blue Orange Games.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Pure Relaxation Massage and Spa Style Facial Fall Specials

September 5, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Burke Williams Day Spa invites guests to rejuvenate this fall and indulge in a Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Style Facial starting at just $89 now through September 21. For three weeks, everyone can experience the value of a Burke Williams membership and escape, relax and recharge for the back to school season.

 

Spa goers can enjoy a 50-minute Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Styled Facial at any of the nine spa locations starting at just $89, regularly priced at $119 or higher. Experience the ultimate relaxation with an 80-minute Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Style Facial starting at only $129, regularly $169 and higher. Service and special prices fluctuate per spa location. Members have the benefit of adding-on a Salt or Sugar Glo to their service for just $49 through September 21.

 

Burke Williams’ Pure Relaxation Massage blends Swedish and circulatory massage techniques with gentle kneading to increase flexibility, stimulate circulation and promote relaxation. The highly stylized Spa Style Facial works to heal and rejuvenate the skin with cleansing, hydration, masque and massage to the face, neck and shoulders all while receiving a paraffin hand dip and mini foot massage.

 

Join us at a Burke Williams near you and indulge, regenerate and recharge this fall with a signature massage and skin care treatment.

BW Massage

Credit: Burke Williams.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

The Huntington

September 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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On a beautiful sunny day last week, we had the opportunity to visit The Huntington in San Marino. It is such a beautiful place and I am already planning to go back this school year since we didn’t have enough time to explore as much as I would have liked. This place is big and they have the most beautiful gardens such as the Japanese Garden and the Jungle Garden.  There are more than a dozen gardens covering the 120 acres of the 207-acre ground. There is just so much to see and such a wonderful place for the whole family! One of our favorite gardens was the Children’s Garden with its Rainbow Tunnel.

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You will love the Art Collections! The Art Collections occupy two separate buildings on The Huntington grounds. A third structure, the MaryLou and George Boone Gallery, hosts changing exhibitions.  I wish we had seen more of the Art collections and also the Library, but we were so amazed with all the gardens, that we spent most of our time exploring the beautiful gardens. Of course, we had to check out the Stinky ‘Corpse Flower’ and we were amazed at its size!

The Library has a collection of rare books and manuscripts in the fields of British and American history and literature. We did not explore the Library much on this outing but we can’t wait to explore it more next time!

The Huntington is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday (and Monday holidays) from 10:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.  Summer hours are slightly different and ended on Labor Day. Closed Tuesday and major holidays.

For more information, check out the website.  We loved this place and can’t wait to go back!

Self Disclosure: We received two free tickets to facilitate this feature and any opinions expressed are our own.

Filed Under: Featured Services

Back-to-School with Crocs!

September 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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It’s that back-to-school time and did you know that Crocs are not only for Summer? I love the new arrivals fr the whole family! My son received the  Boys’ Santa Cruz Camo Loafers  and I received the Women’s Adrina III Peep Toe Flats to try out and they are a hit! The Boys’ Loafers are comfortable and stylish! Okay…maybe not stylish…but they are pretty cool! They are a canvas upper with a cool camo print and most important…they can go on and off easily!  It will make getting out of the house much faster! I love the Women’s Adrina III Peep Toe Flats because they are stylish and so very comfy. Perfect for days when you can’t wear flip flops but don’t want to wear tennis shoes or other completely closed shoes. I love the bright colors too! These styles are a Fall Must-Have!

To find these, and so many other great new arrivals for the fall, check out the Crocs website! 

Self Disclosure: I received free Crocs as shown above to facilitate this feature but any opinions expressed are honest. Photo Credit: Crocs.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

2014 Office Depot Foundation National Backpack Program Helps Children Start School on The Right Foot

September 3, 2014 By 7 Comments

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Office Depot Foundation Serves 3.3 Million Children

Through National Backpack Program – Now in 14th Year!

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In the 14th year of its award-winning National Backpack Program, the Office Depot Foundation is donating 350,000 school sackpacks in seven brand new, colorful designs this year to help children around the world succeed in school.

 

By the end of this year, Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation will have donated more than 3.3 million backpacks and sackpacks to deserving children.  The sackpacks, which have been completely reimagined for 2014, feature seven kid-friendly designs – two for boys, two for girls and three that are unisex.  Each sackpack holds a zippered pouch containing essential school supplies – a pen, a pencil, four crayons, a pencil sharpener, an eraser and a 6-inch ruler.

 

The sackpacks do not carry any Office Depot or Office Depot Foundation branding or logos.

 

The specially designed sackpacks are manufactured exclusively for the Foundation.  Highly contemporary in their design, they reflect and respond to changes in the ways that children are taking their materials to school.  Made from the same sturdy material as backpacks, they are water-resistant and lined to provide extra protection for their contents.  They feature strong ropes and have no metal parts.

Intended primarily for use by students in grades K-5, the sackpacks also are suitable for older children, who use them in a variety of ways.  The sackpack is compact and stores flat, yet still offers plenty of room for books and other school items.

 

The sackpacks are being donated throughout the summer as the Foundation carries out the 14th year of its National Backpack Program.  Every Office Depot and OfficeMax store in the United States has received approximately 50 sackpacks to give to nonprofit organizations and schools in their communities.

 

In addition, sackpacks are being donated through more than 35 Back-to-School Celebration events in key Office Depot markets during the summer, as well as in collaboration with nine national nonprofits serving children in the U.S. and around the world:

  • AARP Experience Corps
  • Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
  • National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association
  • Feed The Children
  • Food For The Poor
  • Kids In Need Foundation
  • National Foundation for Women Legislators
  • Operation Homefront
  • Samaritan’s Feet International

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We received a couple of Sackpacks and these are really great for kids! The designs are cool such as the blue one with white stars on it that we received and my son will be using for the library.  They are bright and colorful and perfect for back-to-school!

Website – http://www.officedepotfoundation.org/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/OfficeDepotFoundation

Twitter – @OfficeDepotFndn

We have teamed up with our new friends from the Office Depot Foundation and are having a back-to-school giveaway! Two winners will win a Sackpack. To enter, leave a comment below telling us your favorite or your child’s favorite back-to-school supply! Deadline to enter is September 9, 2014 at noon PST. Two winners will randomly be selected from all entries!

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to facilitate this feature post but I did receive two Sackpacks.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized
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