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Make Magical Memories At The Simon Expereince At Del Amo Fashion Center This Holiday Season

November 16, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Eager children and their families can experience the joy and magic of the holiday season with a visit to the Simon® Santa Photo Experience at Del Amo Fashion Center. Children can visit and be photographed with Santa every day until December 24 in his winter wonderland in Macy’s Court. Santa will be available for photos every day until December 24. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1558561561040665/ for a complete list of dates and times.

 

Save time, avoid the line with Santa by Appointment! Now you can reserve your magical moment with Santa online at http://simon.noerrsanta.com.

 

The Simon Santa Photo Experience is again sponsored by Gymboree. The Gymboree Corporation is a specialty retailer operating stores selling high-quality apparel and accessories for children under the Gymboree, Gymboree Outlet, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8 brands.

 

Simon’s theme for Holiday 2014 is “Spread Love.” From the love of giving to those who matter to children’s love of Santa to celebrating love through holiday festivities with family and friends. Join Simon to experience the season’s good cheer with the best of holiday shopping and entertainment.

 

During the holiday season, Del Amo Fashion Center will offer giftwrap stations hosted by Madrona Middle School, Torrance High School, and Girl Scouts Troop 3135.

 

For more festive cheer, the Cottone Christmas Tree Lot will open November 28, and will be located on Madrona Ave. across from Black Angus.

 

Del Amo Fashion Center will also host several events throughout the holiday season, including the following: Breakfast with Santa (December 6, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Lazy Dog Restaurant. Event is for Kidgits members only and reservations are required. Call (310) 542-8525 for more information), Tunes for Tots Sounds of the Season Holiday Mall Tour (December 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and the Chanukah Festival (December 21).

 

In addition, carolers will be strolling throughout the mall and Ricky Sims will play holiday jazz music on various dates throughout the holiday season.

 

Del Amo Fashion Center will also host a Salvation Army Giving Tree from December 1 through 12 in JoAnn’s Court. Shoppers can pick out an Angel Gift Request from the tree and help those in the community that are less fortunate this holiday season.

 

“One of the great traditions of holiday shopping at Del Amo Fashion Center is the annual family visit to the Simon Santa Photo Experience,” said Lindsay Hermance, director of marketing and business development at Del Amo Fashion Center. “I know Santa can’t wait to greet children bringing him their holiday wishes.”

 

The Noerr Programs, providers of the Simon Santa Photo Experience, will be sharing the heart of Santa online this holiday season through  “BeMerrySanta®”, where families can keep up with Santa’s daily musings on his Facebook page at facebook.com/BeMerrySanta, on Twitter @BeMerrySanta or Instagram at BeMerrySanta. Parents can also share their child’s good deed with Santa by going to his Magical Badge Generator at simon.bemerrysanta.com. After their child creates their badge, they can show Santa on a mobile device or print out their child’s customized badge. He will merrily reward each child for their kind act with a very special chocolate treat from Lindt, while supplies last.
Guests to every Noerr set will have another opportunity to share Santa’s heart by making a donation via The Noerr Programs to Save the Children. For nearly 100 years, this non-profit has given underserved children in the U.S. a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Since this program began four years ago, Noerr has collected over $708,000 largely due to the generosity of Simon shoppers. Each holiday season, Noerr kicks off the fundraising campaign by visiting a Save the Children location. Each launch is connected to a Simon mall. This year, Santa will travel to the community of Union, South Carolina to spread holiday cheer for those in need.

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Make Magical Memories At The Simon Experience At The Shops At Montebello This Holiday Season

November 16, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Eager children and their families can experience the joy and magic of the holiday season with a visit to the Simon® Santa Photo Experience at The Shops at Montebello. Children can visit and be photographed with Santa every day until December 24 in his winter wonderland in Center Court. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/810550919009846/ for a complete list of dates and times.

 

Upon Santa’s arrival on November 7, he gave presents to 100 children selected by the Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles. The children, ages 6 to 18, were selected based upon academic success.

 

Save time, avoid the line with Santa by Appointment! Now you can reserve your magical moment with Santa online at http://simon.noerrsanta.com.

 

For local pet owners, the popular Pet Photo Nights with Santa will occur on Sunday, November 30, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7, from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 pm.

 

The Simon Santa Photo Experience is again sponsored by Gymboree. The Gymboree Corporation is a specialty retailer operating stores selling high-quality apparel and accessories for children under the Gymboree, Gymboree Outlet, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8 brands.

 

Simon’s theme for Holiday 2014 is “Spread Love.” From the love of giving to those who matter to children’s love of Santa to celebrating love through holiday festivities with family and friends. Join Simon to experience the season’s good cheer with the best of holiday shopping and entertainment.

 

During the holiday season The Shops at Montebello will be offering Surprise & Delight opportunities and shopper shuttles for mall guests. A giftwrap station will also be available near Guests Services in Center Court. Proceeds from the giftwrap station will benefit the Montebello-Commerce YMCA.

 

The Shops at Montebello will also host several holiday events. Join The Shops at Montebello on Saturday, November 15 for a member-only Kidgits Snow Day! The event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. outdoors, next to Olive Garden. In addition to 20 tons of snow for Kidgits members to play in, there will be seasonal crafts, a face painter, balloon artist, and other kid-friendly fun. The KOST 103.5 Street Team will also be onsite providing entertainment. Not a member yet? Visit Simon Guest Services for membership details.

 

On Black Friday, shoppers spend a minimum of $150 can score a Disney Mickey or Minnie plush toy by presenting their receipts at Guest Services. Receipts must be from November 28 only, and the gift is limited to one plush toy per customer, while supplies last.

 

Guests can also enter to win a Disneyland family vacation from December 1 to 12 by entering at Guest Services. The prize package includes four one-day passes to Disneyland and overnight hotel accommodations.

 

The Shops at Montebello will also be celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas from December 1 through 12 with daily giveaways and promotions. They’ll also have Friday Free Days on December 5 and 12 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Center Court. The first 100 shoppers will receive a shopping tote filled with retailer coupons and promotions, as well as a $10 retailer gift card.  Gift cards vary per shopping tote, and may include See’s Candy, Starbucks, Aeropostale, Express, Bath & Body Works, fye, Old Navy or Hollister.

 

“One of the great traditions of holiday shopping at The Shops at Montebello is the annual family visit to the Simon Santa Photo Experience,” said Marida Petitjean, Director of Marketing and Business Development at The Shops at Montebello. “I know Santa can’t wait to greet children bringing him their holiday wishes.”

 

The popular Pet Photo Night makes its debut to the Simon Santa Photo Experience at The Shops at Montebello this year. Many pet owners view their pet as an integral member of the family and are just as committed in caring for their pets as their “human” family members. Pet Photo nights are hosted after regular mall closing and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers.  Pet Photo Night at The Shops at Montebello will be on Sunday, November 30, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 7, from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

 

The Noerr Programs, providers of the Simon Santa Photo Experience, will be sharing the heart of Santa online this holiday season through  “BeMerrySanta®”, where families can keep up with Santa’s daily musings on his Facebook page at facebook.com/BeMerrySanta, on Twitter @BeMerrySanta or Instagram at BeMerrySanta. Parents can also share their child’s good deed with Santa by going to his Magical Badge Generator at simon.bemerrysanta.com. After their child creates their badge, they can show Santa on a mobile device or print out their child’s customized badge. He will merrily reward each child for their kind act with a very special chocolate treat from Lindt, while supplies last.
Guests to every Noerr set will have another opportunity to share Santa’s heart by making a donation via The Noerr Programs to Save the Children. For nearly 100 years, this non-profit has given underserved children in the U.S. a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Since this program began four years ago, Noerr has collected over $708,000 largely due to the generosity of Simon shoppers. Each holiday season, Noerr kicks off the fundraising campaign by visiting a Save the Children location. Each launch is connected to a Simon mall. This year, Santa will travel to the community of Union, South Carolina to spread holiday cheer for those in need.

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Salad Spinner by Key Largo Traders

November 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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I love how easy this is to use! It really does keep salad fresher! I thought that this may be a complicated thing to use but it is so simple! It’s also a larger size than other salad spinners I have seen. But, my favorite thing is how easy it is to use! You simply push down the handle and it also locks. My other favorite thing is that it is super easy to clean. It just works so well and has quickly become one of my kitchen items that I use every week! It’s a Must-Have in the kitchen and perfect for those who love salads (like I do!)

This can  be purchased on Amazon.com.

 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Thanksgiving Cocktails

November 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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The below recipes feature popular Thanksgiving flavors including spiced apple, tart cranberry, and rich red wine. Thanks to our friends at  Sparkling ICE and VOGA Italia Wines. 

SPICED APPLE HONEY CIDER

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz. Sparkling ICE Crisp Apple
  • 1 ½ oz. Whiskey or Brandy
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Cinnamon stick and allspice cloves for garnish

 

Directions:

  1. Coat the bottom of a glass coffee cup with honey. Add whiskey or brandy
  2. Heat Sparkling ICE Crisp Apple in a small sauce pot
  3. Pour hot Sparkling ICE Crisp Apple into glass and stir to combine ingredients
  4. Garnish with cinnamon stick and allspice clove

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ORANGE SPICED PUMPKIN MARTINI

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. VOGA Prosecco
  • 2 oz. Pumpkin flavored vodka
  • 1/2 oz. triple sec
  • 1 dash orange zest
  • 1 dash of cinnamon

 

Directions:

  1. Pour vodka, triple sec and orange zest into a cocktail shaker half-filled with cracked ice
  2. Shake well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
  3. Top with VOGA Prosecco
  4. Garnish with an orange twist, a dash of cinnamon and serve

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POM-BLUEBERRY FROSTED SANGRIA

Ingredients (makes 10 servings):

  • 1 cup Sparkling ICE Pomegranate Blueberry
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 cup lime juice
  • 1 bottle of dry red wine
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup frozen apples
  • 1 cup frozen oranges

 

Directions:

  1. In a large glass pitcher stir together the Sparkling ICE Pomegranate Blueberry, orange juice and lime juice
  2. Add wine and sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves
  3. Add frozen apples and oranges
  4. Cover and chill for 3 to 24 hours before serving
  5. Garnish with orange peel

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CRANBERRY WINE DELIGHT

Ingredients:

  • Frozen Cranberries
  • 1½ oz. VOGA Dolce Rosso
  • 1 oz. Cranberry Juice
  • 1 oz. Vodka

 

Directions:

  1. Crush cranberries into bottom of a glass
  2. Shake VOGA Dolce Rosso, Cranberry Juice and Vodka with ice
  3. Pour over crushed cranberries and add more cranberries for garnish

 

About Sparkling ICE® Beverages

    

Sparkling ICE has made a great tasting, refreshing, zero-calorie beverage Perfectly Possible™. Combining naturally flavored mountain spring water, fruit juice, vitamins and antioxidants, Sparkling ICE offers a bold, flavored, lightly-carbonated beverage that appeals to all age groups. Available in eleven refreshing flavors: Black Raspberry, Orange Mango, Pink Grapefruit, Kiwi Strawberry, Coconut Pineapple, Pomegranate Blueberry, Peach Nectarine, Lemon Lime, Crisp Apple and new in 2014 Cherry Limeade and Strawberry Watermelon. Sparkling ICE Lemonades®, launched in 2013, are available in six refreshing flavors: Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, Lemonade with Tea and new in 2014, Peach Lemonade and Mango Lemonade. Sparkling ICE can be found in retailers nationwide. Sparkling ICE is part of the Talking Rain family of beverages, and retails for $1.19-$1.29. To locate Sparkling ICE visit www.sparklingice.com.

 

 

VOGA Italia hails from Italy, the country best known for producing some of the world’s best wine as well as its’ keen sense of style. VOGA Italia encompasses all aspects offering a collection of crisp delicious wine thoughtfully packaged in a revolutionary re-designed bottle featuring a unique resealable cap. Since the company’s inception, VOGA has earned numerous awards and accolades for their sleek and sexy glass cylindrical bottle, presentation and most importantly taste.  The collection retails from $10.99 to $15.99 and includes Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Dolce Rosso, Prosecco, Premium Sparkling and Baby Sparkling. VOGA is available in over 62 countries, hundreds of major cities, and can be found in thousands of the world’s trendiest bars, restaurants and shops. Wherever, whenever, if you are drinking VOGA you are drinking IN Style. For more information on VOGA Italia wine www.vogaitalia.com

Self Disclosure: No compensation or products were received to post: Credit: Sparkling Ice and VOGA Italia Wine.

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Books Make Great Holiday Gifts!

November 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Looking for children’s books this holiday season? They make great gifts for young readers! Here are a few of our favorites!

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From Sea to Shining Sea

by Callista Gingrich
Regnery Kids

 

This is a delightful book with amazing illustrations and a great way for young children to learn about history! Children will love this adorable Elephant! 

A patriotic American history introduction for young children, From Sea to Shining Sea follows an adorable elephant named Ellis in exploring the early years of the United States and the epic journey west into uncharted territory with Lewis and Clark. Charming rhymes and beautiful illustrations make the 50th reading as fun as the first, for children as well as adults!

In earlier books, Sweet Land of Liberty, Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride, and Yankee Doodle Dandy, Ellis, the time-traveling pachyderm, learns about pivotal moments that shaped America. Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, From Sea to Shining Sea will delight those who want to know how brave Americans forged a growing nation and spread freedom from coast to coast.

Callista Gingrich is the president of Gingrich Productions. She and her husband, Newt─ a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives─host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, and Nine Days that Changed the World.

Mrs. Gingrich is also the co-author of Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny.  Her photography is featured in the New York Times bestseller Rediscovering God in America. An avid musician, she sings in the Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and plays French horn with the City of Fairfax Band in Fairfax, Virginia. She resides in McLean, Virginia with her husband, Newt Gingrich.

Available at independent and major book stores across the country including Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and Amazon.com
$14.99. To find out more visit http://www.ellistheelephnat.com/

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Our next suggestion is such a fun Christmas story!! Santa’s (Zany, Wacky, Just Not Right!) Night Before Christmas by DK Simoneau and David Radman.

This is a fun book! I actually couldn’t stop laughing! I imagine that many young children wonder what is going on in Santa’s head the night before Christmas! 

Here is a rock and rolling story about the unique and remarkable challenges Santa faces on the night before Christmas.  This exquisitely illustrated book will have you and your kids totally enthralled and when you get to the last page, you will explode with laughter and delight.  Santa’s (Zany, Wacky, Just Not Right!) Night Before Christmas is a whimsical tale of Santa’s journey through a Christmas Eve that doesn’t go as he expects.  One small event leads to a series of surprises that change Santa and Christmas as we know it. It’s a story to spark the imagination, make kids giggle, and bring a smile even to a grownup’s face!  Here is a story that even grownup will relate to and enjoy.

Available wherever books are sold. For more information visit www.santasnightbeforechristmas.com

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For children with a passion for drawing, or dreams of creating buildings, this book explores how architects really work, taking the young reader through the entire process for planning and designing a house. Learn about an architect’s four main drawings: the Site Plan, Floor Plan, Section, and Elevation—including the concept of drawing each plan to scale. Aspiring architects discover design techniques, along with different, exciting architectural styles used today. All of this is brought to life in freehand, pen-and-ink architectural drawings that will inspire children to apply these lessons to their own designs. This book is the perfect introduction to architecture, revealing why buildings look and function as they do. While this creative book is ideal for the middle grades, ages 9-12, even adults will find it inspiring.

I actually am quite impressed with this book and can not wait to give it to my son for Christmas! He has wanted to  be an Architect for years now and I think that he will find this book very interesting!

Visit www.schifferbooks.com to find out more!

Stay tuned! We will be having more Book Suggestions soon this Holiday season!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of books mentioned in this feature to facilitate this Holiday feature.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Bonapiel Anti Aging Moisturizer is a Must-Have!

November 13, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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I really like this because it works great as a moisturizer. It is very lightweight and does not feel sticky or greasy. It also makes my skin feel hydrated and works great under makeup. Does not make my skin flaky. It also absorbs really well. I have been using this product for a little over a week and am very happy with the results so far. I am not sure about making fine lines disappear but like I mentioned, have only been using for a little over a week. I also like that I can easily wear under my makeup.

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Maxgate™ Generic Philips Sonicare Proresult Compatible Replacement Brush Heads

November 13, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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I have had a Sonicare brush for years. The downfall is that replacement heads are a bit pricey! So, actually I am quite excited to find out about this product and to find out that you get 12 replacement heads for such an affordable price! Yes, it actually fits on my toothbrush and works just as well. I am very happy with this product and am sure I will purchase in the future. I like that they don’t seem to be cheaply made and I can’t believe that a set of 12 replacement heads is under $20! Really it is an amazing deal! Now, I can afford to keep using my Sonicare toothbrush!

You can purchase on Amazon.com. This would even make a great Holiday sticking stuffer or gift!

 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Adeline Organic Eye Serum

November 13, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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I really like this Anti Aging & Anti Wrinkle Eye Serum! I like that it is made with all natural ingredients such as Aloe and Cucumber extract. It does have a slight cucumber smell but it is not overbearing. I just started using it, but I love how it feels on my face and it also really seems to reduce puffiness under my eyes. It’s simple to use and you only need a very small amount each time you use it. This product really seems to work much better than other eye products I have used in the past. I have sensitive skin and it works great on my skin.  It’s now a part of my daily skin care routine! A Beauty Must-Have! You can purchase this item on Amazon.com.   Here is a amazon.com promo code for 20% off the organic eye serum:

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner
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