Archives for December 2014

Kids CWIST for Kids

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Now that you have had your Turkey, it’s on to the holiday shopping, decorating and festivities. However, during the holidays, with so much promotion about the latest toys and video games, it’s easy to get caught up in the commercial side of the season. And with so much emphasis placed on receiving gifts and making wish lists this time of year, kids especially can forget the importance and value of giving to those less fortunate. To help parents and their kids get back into the giving spirit for the holidays, CWIST has re-launched their Kids CWIST For Kidsinitiative.

 

Launched for #GivingTuesday, CWISTprovides a way for kids to do something for other kids this holiday season, instilling a love of contribution at an early age.

 

CWIST is an incentive-based digital learning platform where parents and educators can share ideas, motivate kids to learn and teach valuable life lessons. With CWIST, parents assign a learning challenge (“a cwist”) that the child will love doing because it’s interactive and it’s fun. There are two types of CWISTs: Ready-made challenges can be drawn from an online library of age-appropriate educational online games, such as a math challenges. Or, parents can create their own challenge for their kids to complete. This might be a chore, such as filling up two bags of leaves from the yard, or a learning activities, such completing a reading assignment.

 

For completing these CWISTs, kids can earn parent-designated rewards such as a bowl of their favorite ice cream, an extra hour of television, or that cell phone upgrade they’ve been yearning for. These CWIST challenges help teach kids the importance of hard work in achieving their goals.

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For an additional holiday twist, The Kids CWIST for Kids charitable initiative connects a parent and their children to a child in need. Parents assign their children CWISTs to complete but instead of their child receiving the reward, a gift will be donated to a child whose family can’t afford holiday presents. In addition, CWIST will also be donating the first $2,000 in toys earned by children for completing CWISTs to family-supporting charities.

 

Here is the perfect opportunity for your child to experience that warm feeling that comes with holiday giving — while learning a little something, too. All you have to do is choose a child, and a “wish” and assign your child a CWIST learning challenge to complete to earn a gift for a child in need. The kids we’re supporting this year at homeless shelters this holiday season, and your child can make their special day bright by earning a toy purchased from our Wish Engine.

Stay tuned! My son and I just signed up for this wonderful way to earn gifts for kids in need. I will be posting again next week to tell you more!

 

For more information go to: http://info.cwist.com/holiday-giving-your-child-can-earn-a-gift-for-a-child-in-need

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Self Disclosure: This is a compensated post but  is also a cause that SoCal City Kids recommends to our readers. Credit: CWIST.

Little Luna, Big Talent from Bastei Entertainment

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Okay, I have to admit…when I received the info about the new app Little Luna, Big Talent and that there was a “Farting Bug”..I wasn’t so sure. But, this app really is a fun, interactive story that I think young children will enjoy.  I am recommending for ages 4-8 years old.

Little Luna’s interactive adventure promotes concentration, musical expression and coordination, while educating children about individuality and encouraging them to embrace their own special talents to help them boost their self-esteem.

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Complete with mini games like practicing toot target-shooting with her dad, doing yoga with her mom, matching musical melodies with her brothers, and other interactive activities; children will enjoy engaging with Little Luna’s world as they learn about the unique ways Luna and her family utilize their special talents.

I like that the tasks are fun for kids and it is really simple to navigate! There are bright colorful colors and graphics and fun music. Young children like to laugh and be silly and it  really is important for them to do so. This app will definitely make them smile and laugh and parents will like that it does teach children that they can be themselves and have their own unique talents. Okay, so  Luna is a Bombardier Beetle which happens to have a unique talent. The talent of the toot! But, honestly, my son was this age not too long ago, and children this age do find things like this funny. Very funny, in fact!

Little Luna, Big Talent is available in the iTunes App Store for $2.99!  

Android platform will be available in the coming weeks as well.

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Self Disclosure: This is a compensated post but opinions expressed are my own and truthful.

New Show, Kate & Mim-Mim, Premiering on Disney Junior This Friday

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In A Christmas Wish, it’s a stormy Christmas Eve and Kate worries that her dad won’t get home in time to put the star on the Christmas tree. While in Mimiloo, Kate tells her friends all about Christmas, and everyone is excited to send a wish to Santa Claus.  But when a blizzard stops their letters in their tracks, it looks like Christmas may be ruined. This is a cute new show on Disney Junior. I think that pre-schoolers will love the fun characters! I like the theme of friendship which seems to be strong in this show.

Self Disclosure: I did not receive compensation to post. I was able to pre-view this new show and highly recommend for younger children. Credit: Disney Junior.

Looking for more Gift Suggestions?

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I think that almost everyone on my Holiday shopping list can use an all-inclusive, hands free, viewing stand and portable charger. I received one from PowerSkin and love it! The PowerSkin Power Stand is a Must-buy this holiday season!  I like that it is small and lightweight but works with most phones.  PowerSkin is also having a  great Buy One Get One Free 48 hour sale on their popular phone & tablet portable charger, the PowerSkin PowerStand. Next week on Tuesday, December 16th & Wednesday December 17th, you’ll get 2 PowerStands for the price of one ($39.99, plus free shipping) – keep one for yourself  and give one as a gift. The PowerStand is able to charge all tablets and mobile phones, including the iPhone 6/6Plus (that’s $20 for an iPhone portable charger!)http://www.power-skin.com/portable-power/powerstand.php

Yes, this started yesterday so you will have to hurry! Today isn’t over yet!

The PowerStand’s unique design allows you to prop up your phone and tablet to easily view photos and videos hands free (ideal for holiday travel) without draining power. It comes in titanium and ice silver and is very compact & lightweight with a 2800mAh battery.
This is a perfect stocking stuffer for everyone on your list.

More info:

Features

  • Wedge shape acts as a perfect viewing stand.
  • Patented suction cups stick directly to smooth surface devices.
  • Lightweight & portable with a 2800 mAh battery.
  • Kickstand feature for videos and photo sharing, and more.
  • Unique blend – stylish stand design with extra power solution.

 

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I love this next one! It is waterproof, portable, and you can charge anything with a USB connection using its huge 6000 milliamp battery. It’s the Kodiak 6000 power bank from Outdoor Tech! My favorite thing is that it is waterproof. But, it works great too!  Never run out of power again!  It is available in a variety of colors: Black, Camo, Red, Electric Blue and Glow. Retails for $49.95 and would make a great gift for everyone on your list! Find out more a OutdoorTech.com.

More details:

– Rechargeable 6000 mAh lithium-ion battery (charge your smartphone 3 times!)

– Switches between 1.0 and 2.1 Amp output to quickly charge any kind of mobile device

– IP67

– Waterproof

– Shock (drop) resistant

– Battery level indicator (aka hunger meter)

– WEIGHT: 0.59 lbs (9.4 ounces)

– SIZE: 3 x 1.25 x 4 inches

– INCLUDES: USB charging cable, stickers and instruction manual.

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Looking for a great way to listen to music when you go to bed? SleepPhones® Simple is a great product that will also make the best stocking stuffer!  I have been a big fan of SleepPhones for quite awhile now. I was excited to receive a pair of these to try out.

More info:

SleepPhones® Simple are the same great headphones as all other SleepPhones® products which feature extreme comfort for listening to music in bed or even for use during travel. The difference is in two attributes. The first is that they actually have a built-in, pre-programmed WAV player inside which plays pre-loaded, scientifically-proven music tracks that include binaural beat technology.

The second difference is that they will be a part of the new SheepCloud™ Breeze fabric line. SheepCloud™ Breeze fabric is a cool, soft, lightweight stretchy fabric that’s geared toward hot sleepers. The end result of combining this easy-to-use technology with a cooler fabric is deep, luxurious sleep with just the touch of a button.

These really are now my favorite SleepPhones! I love the built-in, pre-programmed WAV player. I’m also thrilled that they are available in the Breeze fabric line and in my favorite color Pink. They are so soft and comfy and I really do get better sleep at night! They are also available in the Fleece in grey, black or lavender or the Breeze fabric in  Midnight Blue (or my favorite Pink).

To find out more, check out the website! 

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this Holiday Gift Suggestions Feature. Photo Credit:  PowerSkin, Outdoor Tech., AcousticSheep LLC.

Del Amo Fashion Center is the Best Place to shop this Holiday Season!

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The Holidays are here! It’s almost Christmas time! Earlier this week I had the opportunity to visit and go shopping at the Del Amo Fashion Center.  This actually is one of my favorite places to shop so I was quite excited!  You really can find something for everyone on your shopping list and have fun shopping too!  I had received a $100. gift card to shop so off I went! I just HAD to visit H&M, Bath & Body Works, aahs!, and the Disney Store because they are a few of my favorites!

I finally decided on buying a few favorites at Bath & Body Works. This week they have a great deal on their Signature Body Collection. Buy 3, get 3 free! You really can’t beat that deal! Then I was off to Teavana! This Tea place is fairly new to the Del Amo Fashion Center and is part of the Starbucks family. They opened up in October and it really is a great place to find the best tea! I finally selected  the seasonal White Chocolate Peppermint! You must try this one if you love flavored Teas! I also bought some tea for a family member (but shhh! It’s a secret!)

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My next stop was Old Navy! Yes, they were crowded but it’s because they have such great deals! Too many to pass up and I was able to find something for my husband and son quite easily. I like that there are a lot of people working in there so even though the line was big, it didn’t take very long.  These were just the three shops I quickly found what I was looking for but there are so many great shops at the Del Amo Fashion Center! They really have almost everything I can think of and great places to eat too! The newer Patio Cafe area has some great choices such as Gengis Khan,Blaze Pizza, Ginza Grill, Sbarro , Chipotle, and Panda Express (which is my son’s favorite).

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But, I had to eat at my favorite which is RA Sushi! Besides, I am part of their online club and had my Half Birthday Certificate so off to lunch I went! I was also in for a surprise because a good friend was also there so we were able to enjoy a lunch together without our kids. After lunch, I was shopped out so away I went! But, I know that I will return to the Del Amo Fashion Center again soon. Well…because it’s a wonderful place to visit, shop and eat!

Don’t Miss out on Santa! I love the set up and it’s a great place to have your kids take photos with Santa.

Del Amo Fashion Center is located at 3525 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90503. To find out more, check out the website! 

Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DelAmoFashionCenter

Now, here is some really exciting news!! We have teamed up with the Del Amo Fashion Center for a Holiday Giveaway! One winner will win a $100. Gift Card for the Del Amo Fashion Center! To enter, leave a comment below telling us where you think you would spend it. Old Navy? Macy’s? Marshall’s? To find their listing of stores, just check out the website!  Deadline to enter is December 29th at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

 

Self Disclosure: I received compensation in form of a gift card to facilitate this Holiday Feature/Giveaway and any opinions expressed are all my own.

Celebrate the New Year with BuyCostumes.com

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It’s almost Christmas and soon after that, it will be the NEW YEAR! Yes, 2015! What better way to bring in the New Year than with party accessories and fun hats? BuyCostumes.com has you covered! I received a really great New Year’s Eve Neon Midnight Party Set, Glowby’s Rainbow Hair Accessory and a Hollywood Deluxe Tiara Headband.  I can’t wait to use these on New Years! Find these and so many other great party decorations and accessories at BuyCostumes.com.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday posting. Photo Credit: BuyCostumes.com but I will be posting photos on New Years on our social media sites. Stay tuned!

National Egg Month is in January!

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Did you know that nest month is National Egg Month? Well, I had to admit that I didn’t. I do now! Thanks to NestFresh! I will be reviewing them in the New Year! But, would love to share some recipes with you now.

 

Check out their blog with all these great recipes!  My favorites are the Eggnog Cheesecake and the Cheesy Egg and Potato Breakfast Tacos! Yum!

 

Stay tuned for the review coming up in January!

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. I will be receiving a free voucher soon for the upcoming review.

 

It’s time for More Holiday Gift Suggestions!!

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Looking for an unique gift for Tea Lovers? We received a sample and this is really different! FOR TEA LOVERS
Mix music and teatime for the holidays with the NEW four seasons Teacarinas – a teacup that doubles as an ocarina. The Teacarina is about 3 inches in diameter. It can play 8 diatonic notes. Retail price is $22; on sale now for $18.  I like that this is a great gift because it’s perfect for those who love Tea but it’s also so unique! I have never seen anything like this ever before!  Check out the website for more information.

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Gifts that inspire!

We’ve all seen the gift lists — gifts for dad and mom, for him or her, gifts for teens, techies, green gifts, gifts that give back, and on and on.

But this year your readers can give gifts that INSPIRE, thanks to a new shop at lovingonme.com. Part of the global empowerment movement Loving on Me, the online shop offers inspirational products that make positive affirmations a part of everyday life. At home, work and anywhere-in-between, the products, such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, pillows, totes and more, shout out powerful phrases that remind women that they are “unstoppable,” “a masterpiece,” “strong, mighty and enough.”

Think of it – with these gifts, you can remind your best friend, daughter, niece, student or mentor just how wonderful they are. By doing so, the giver and the recipient also join the growing Loving on Me movement — now reaching 100 countries and more than 100,000 women each month (@iamlovingonme). Founded in 2012 by non-profit leader and social responsibility pioneer Katrina McGhee, Loving on Me has a unique dual mission – to both inspire individuals AND ignite them into action. Its robust social media community and retail business make inspiration a part of every day life, while its Love in Action philanthropy arm ignites action by supporting global charities through financial contributions and volunteerism.

I received a sample of a Journal, Mug and Tote Bag. All three would make great gifts! I would suggest putting the Journal, Mug into the Tote Bag and also buying and including the above shirt. (See photo above!)

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Looking for great shoes for boys? I recommend the Skechers Boys’ Equalizer  Shoes! These are not only stylish but very comfy with Memory Foam insole. I like that they are comfortable for my son to wear. He likes that they are cool!  Check out the Skechers website for more information and to purchase. Retail $50. for this style. There are also many other great styles for everyone on your shopping list!

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From  Joseph Enterprises we have the following gift suggestions! These are really great for those who you aren;t sure what to get on your shopping list!  The ‘Ove’ Glove and The Clapper. Both of these items can be found in stores nationwide.

I had fun trying these out. I especially like The ‘Ove’ Glove because it’s great for baking cookies and no more burns!  The Clapper is great for those who like to be able to turn off lights without getting out of bed or off the couch! I know quite a few people that would love this!

Holiday baking without the burns:

Clap On the Holidays:

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this Holiday Gift Suggestion feature.