You are here: Home / Archives for 2014

Archives for 2014

Skin Care that Fights Aging and Breast Cancer

September 22, 2014 By Leave a Comment

There is more to beauty than what meets the eye. That’s why the Avon Foundation for Women is proud to introduce two of their newest fundraising products: Avon ANEW Vitale Day Cream and Avon ANEW Vitale Night Cream. Just in time for breast cancer awareness month, these new pink products provide benefits, for the soul, skin and Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

Breast Cancer Crusade Benefits: During the entire month of October, a percentage of the net profits from Avon ANEW Vitale Day and Avon ANEW Vitale Night Cream ($5) are donated directly back to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Each purchase helps fund access to quality breast health care and research into the causes and prevention of breast cancer. To date, Avon breast cancer programs in more than 50 countries have donated more than $815 million for breast cancer care and research.

Skin Care Benefits: When using both the Avon ANEW Vitale Day Cream and Avon ANEW Vitale Night Cream, you readers will receive the perfect 24/7 skincare regimen that fights the signs of aging, dullness and fatigue. Apply the Day Cream in the morning for that extra strength to fight off daily stresses. Complete the day feeling calm, cool and collected by applying the Night Cream to leave your skin refreshed. Additional skincare benefits and specific active ingredients are noted in the grid below.

 

Soul Benefits: Indulge in some “guilt-free” shopping this October with the Avon ANEW Vitale Day and Night Creams. It is a great opportunity to contribute to a charity and receive fulfilling benefits on the inside and out!

I received samples of both of these products and just love them especially the Night Cream! My skin feels so soft and refreshed after using it at night. These really are Mom-Must-Haves and what a great cause to support!

 

 

Product Product Details
 image001

Avon ANEW Vitale Day Cream

  • Price: $28 ($5 is donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade)
  • Helps strengthen skin to fight the signs of aging
  • Contains SPF 25
  • Targets essential multi-functional protein, SP1, for delivery of skin nutrients
  • Powered by ProEnergy Complex to offset the negative impacts of loss of SP1
  • Product will be available in October

image002

 

Avon ANEW Vitale Night Cream

  • Price: $28 ($5 is donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade)
  • Helps refresh skin overnight to fight the signs of dullness and fatigue
  • Targets essential multi-functional protein, SP1, for delivery of skin nutrients
  • Powered by ProEnergy Complex to offset the negative impacts of loss of SP1
  • Product will be available in October

 

Self Disclosure: I received samples to facilitate this feature but this is also a cause that SoCal City Kids strongly supports.     Thank you to our friends at Avon! 

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

The Beat Goes On For Women Drummers: A History from Rock and Jazz to Blues and Country

September 22, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Drummer Viola Smith shocked the jazz world by claiming “hep girls” could sit in on any jam session and hold their own. That was more than 70 years ago. Yet the very idea of women drumming remains a novelty even today. That shouldn’t be. Women Drummers: A History from Rock and Jazz to Blues and Country (Rowman & Littlefield) is a compelling argument for gender parity, the first comprehensive book of its kind, focusing on women drummers in popular music idioms.

Author Angela Smith offers an exhaustive look at the world of professional drumming and the women who had the courage and chops to break the barriers of this all-too-male field. Combining archival research with personal interviews of more than fifty female drummers representing more than eight decades in music history, Smith paints a vivid picture of their struggles to overcome discrimination—not only as professional musicians but in other parts of their lives. 

Women Drummers outlines the evolution of female drumming from pre-biblical times when women held important leadership roles to their silencing by the church during the Middle Ages to spearheading the fight for women’s rights in the modern era. The stories and personal accounts of female drummers who bucked tradition and societal norms are told against the backdrop of the times in which they performed and the genres they represented, from rock and jazz to blues and country. 

Written for followers of popular music and also for those interested in gender and women’s rights issues, an excerpt appears in the latest issue of Tom Tom Magazine.  

Angela Smith is a native Texan and award-winning writer and working musician.  She is Executive Director Emeritus of the Writers’ League of Texas and a former reporter for the Associated Press.  A graduate of the University of Texas, she is also a political activist and a member of Zonta International, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women’s status throughout the world. Smith is active as a board member and advisory board member of numerous arts organizations.

Her book Steel Drums And Steelbands: A History (Scarecrow Press/Rowman & Littlefield) has been an international bestseller since its release in 2012. When she’s not writing, editing or gigging as a pan player, cellist or pianist, you can find her gazing through a telescope at star clusters, galaxies and nebulae, talking politics or fighting for women’s rights.

I received this book and am finding it very interesting to read! A very inspiring book!

For more, please visit the Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/RbxM5z 

Self Disclosure: I received this book to facilitate this feature.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Guinness World Records® Celebrates 60 Years with the 60 Years/60 Words Challenge!

September 21, 2014 By Leave a Comment

email_header

For the past 60 years, Guinness World Records has inspired millions of people to achieve record-breaking feats. To celebrate these amazing feats, Guinness World Records is launching the 60 Years/60 Words Challenge on September 8, 2014.

 

Kids 7–12 can enter this national competition by selecting their favorite GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® record and telling about it in EXACTLY 60 words! The entries can be poems, raps, videos, posters and/or short essays, but they each must include PRECISELY 60 words! The competition winner will earn a $500 scholarship, a copy of the  Guinness World Records  2015 book, their photo in the 2016 book, and a $500 grant for his/her school. 10 semifinalists will win a copy of the  Guinness World Records 2015 book. Kids can enter online or by mail at www.guinnessworldrecords.com/60words. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and representation of the record. The competition ends December 1, 2014.

 

Educators, youth groups, and parents can also access fun English Language Arts activities on the website under the Parents and Educators/Youth Groups buttons. These activities get kids’ creative juices flowing!

 

“The competition is a fun way to celebrate 60 years of record-breaking achievements,” said Stuart Claxton, Marketing Director for Guinness World Records. “I am looking forward to seeing some of these kids break their own records in the future.”

 

About Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) is the global authority on record-breaking achievements. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book has become one of the biggest-selling copyright titles of all time, selling 120 million copies to date in 22 languages and in more than 100 countries. The internationally renowned brand is now also available across a number of platforms—GWR’s global television shows are watched by 250 million viewers annually; digital media and online record-processing services attract more than 50 million visitors a year; and the live events team annually entertains and inspires 1.5 million people around the world. GWR receives more than 1,000 applications each week and has a specialized team of multi-language record managers and adjudicators who travel the globe to verify official record attempts. GWR also has a commercial division (Guinness World Records Corporate) that offers accessible record-breaking business solutions to other organizations and brands.

 

 

 

About By Kids For Kids

By Kids For Kids® (BKFK®) is an organization that empowers youth invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship. BKFK partners with leading corporations to inspire and promote product development and crucial 21st century digital skills with a cycle of innovation that provides a unique platform for young people to develop and showcase their concepts. The company provides educational resources, curricula, and challenges that promote social change and entrepreneurial endeavors. For more about BKFK, visit www.bkfkeducation.com.

Credit: Guinness World Records  and By Kids For Kids.

Filed Under: Announcements

ARTHUR season 18 premieres 9/29 on PBS Kids

September 21, 2014 By 1 Comment

image001

On September 29, families can join everyone’s favorite aardvark for the premiere of season 18 of ARTHUR on PBS KIDS (check local listings)! The Emmy Award-winning PBS KIDS series explores childhood challenges with heart and humor, while teaching problem-solving and pro-social skills.

 

This season, imaginations run wild as Arthur and friends embark on all-new adventures — from funny and original storylines about everyday life to tongue-in-cheek parodies of film noir, The Wizard of Oz, and The Tell-Tale Heart. In the new episodes, families will follow the familiar and beloved cast of characters as they explore the bewitched halls of Muffy’s basement, hunt for clues in a puzzling mystery, and attempt to sneak their way onto Wonder World’s new, chill-inducing rollercoaster. Along the way, the characters will learn valuable lessons about honesty, empathy, and determination.

 

On the ARTHUR website, kids, parents, caregivers, and teachers can access a variety of fun and educational games, lesson plans, and activities. Families can also keep up with Arthur and his friends on the new ARTHUR Family Health Website — a resource that helps caregivers and children build and maintain healthy living habits.

Arthur 1802 The Friend Who Wasnt There1

Credit: PBS Kids.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Foodtweeks

September 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

5d1e97df8d094bd18c060aa4f7a9572b35df0b83

Well, if you have been a follower of SoCal City Kids for awhile, you know I am into causes! I like to make a difference and help others whenever possible! I’m not sure if it is all my past experience working in non-profit and with families and different causes, but causes really matter to me! So, I actually was quite excited to find out about this app. September is “Hunger Action Month,” a nationwide campaign mobilizing the public to take action on the issue of hunger. This is the time of year when families are still adjusting to the “back to school” schedule and getting kids to all of their extracurricular activities. For many, this may not be the ideal time for them to volunteer at their area food bank with their children. So, there is a much easier way!

There is a simple and family friendly tool that can help everyone feel involved and raise awareness at the same time. That tool is a free mobile app called foodtweeks™ which has the dual purpose of helping its users to manage their weight by trimming calories from their favorite foods, and donating calories to food banks to help provide nutritious meals to those struggling in the community.

Each time a foodtweeks™ user reports “tweeking” (cutting calories from their food), a local food bank will receive donations from foodtweeks™, enabling the food bank to distribute an equal number of nutritious calories to hungry families – at no cost to the user. By using social media to get the word out about the “tweek” they used, they can double the calories donated and help raise awareness about the reality of hunger in America. 

I had the opportunity to check this out (by the way is is a FREE app!) and it is easy to use and it is so helpful in cutting calories and eating healthier. I really like that it donated the calories to food banks! That is actually my favorite part! It is actually fun to use this app and it is a great way to help others! You can actually double your donations very easily! All you do is  download the foodtweeks™ mobile app for your Android or iPhone. It’s FREE! Then you create your FREE account and when you create your FREE account, you simply use the promo code MOMS! Now, how easy is that?!  Here is the link to the website: visit http://www.foodtweeks.com/communities/moms/ promo code MOMS #calories4good

4873d0d2c088dfe551e115263e94df11d131f768

 

 

 
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: Media Reviews

Luxurious Holiday Launches from ReVive Skincare

September 20, 2014 By 2 Comments

Launching in October, these lavish gift sets are perfect for your upcoming holiday gift guides. Each RéVive product contains RES technology, a collection of special bio-engineered ingredients that include patented and Nobel Prize winning technology which mimics the performance of youthful skin.

 

·         Artbox 12: RéVive Founder Dr. Gregory Bays Brown is excited to share his passion for the arts with the annualLimited-Edition Artbox 12 ($595), featuring the incredible painting WHATAPIECEOFWORKISMAN by renowned artist Markus Linnenbrink. This beautiful keepsake box contains a collection of five luxurious ReVive products.

·         Intensité Travel Kit: The RéVive Limited-Edition Intensité Travel Kit ($375) is available just in time for holiday travel, as it features four anti-aging Intensité best-sellers in TSA-regulation sizes.

For the Art-Enthused Beauty Devotee

 
Artbox 12: WHATAPIECEOFWORKISMAN

image002

 RéVive celebrates the 12th Annual Artbox with an incredible painting by Brooklyn-based artist Markus Linnenbrink. Hand-selected by Dr. Brown, an art connoisseur and collector, Artbox 12 is a celebration of his passion for the intersection of art and beauty. The image featured on the keepsake box is WHATAPIECEOFWORKISMAN from Markus Linnenbrink’s newest body of work which is a continuation of his well-known drip paintings made of epoxy resin on wood panels with a decadent glossy finish. The luxurious collection includes: Moisturizing Renewal Cream Supreme, Eye Renewal Serum, Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream, Fermitif Neck Renewal Cream SPF 15 and Sensitif Renewal Cream SPF 30.

 

 $595*

 

*(value of $921)
For the Frequent Traveler

 
Intensité Travel Collection

image004

 This essential travel collection features our most intensive, anti-aging bestsellers in convenient travel sizes. Used together, this powerful regimen visibly “fills in the gap.”  Plumping.  Volumizing.  Nourishing.  Restoring firmness and elasticity for rejuvenated, more youthful looking skin. The collection contains TSA-regulation sizes of RéVive Intensité Collection’s core regimen, including: Intensité™ Volumizing Serum, Intensité™ Les Yeux, Intensité™ Volumizing Eye Serum and Intensité™ Crème Lustre Night.

 

 $375*

 

*(value of $515)

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to feature. Credit: RéVive.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Priority Chef’s Premium Garlic Press

September 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

20140920_132236

Looking for a way to crush and mince peeled or unpeeled garlic? If so, the Priority Chef’s Premium Garlic Press is for you! I just love how easy this is to use! I especially love how I do not need to peel the garlic first! That is usually my least favorite part and that alone will sometimes prevent me from cooking with fresh garlic. But, this Garlic Press is so easy to use and so easy to clean! It is even dishwasher safe. I also like the quality and that it is stainless steel so I really do think that this will last a long time and it shouldn’t rust.(It is Premium industrial strength 18/10 stainless steel.)  It has a lifetime guarantee but I doubt that it will need to be returned. Besides all that, it is quite stylish and would make the perfect gift for anyone especially garlic lovers! It really is a Must-have for the kitchen!  You can find it at Amazon.com.

29c4feda68d670630a0ceea5701726556e45b7d8

Photo Credit: Top photo: SoCal City Kids and Bottom Photo: Priority Chef. 
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

Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor

September 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

qm_dh_logo_black

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Unveils Two New Mazes Aboard the Notoriously Haunted Ship.

 

Dark Harbor returns October 2 with multiple new attractions to tempt thrill-seekers and explore the depths of fear!

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will once again rise from the depths of a rich, haunted history to frighten those who dare October 2 through November 2. This year’s Dark Harbor is thrilled to unveil a spectacle of new attractions that include two brand new mazes, the new The Voodoo Village, and an Exclusive Encounter on board the infamous ship. Beloved veteran characters including The Ringmaster and all grotesque spirits of the Queen will make a chilling return for 20 nights of delightful terror amidst freaks, food, and live entertainment.

 

The two new death-defying mazes will take guests through never before visited areas of the ship and will replace the former Hellfire and Containmentmazes. Details of each new terrifying maze will be unveiled in the months leading up to the October 2 Dark Harbor opening. Half Hatch Harry will once again emerge from the Deadrise maze, the infamous Captain will return to haunt the Dark Harbor grounds, and The Ringmaster will host the most frightening show on earth at The Circus, located in the outdoor dome just off the ship.

 

In addition to new mazes, Dark Harbor will feature the new Voodoo Village with dark magic gypsies that will taunt guests passing by in a setting wrought with shrunken heads, voodoo dolls and the feared Voodoo Queen. Also breaking ground at Dark Harbor in 2014 will be the Exclusive Encounter aboard the Queen Mary ship that will require a signed waiver to participate. This new, exclusive experiment in horror puts guests in an intimate and frightening setting that will leave a lasting impression jarring extreme fear.

 

The all-new Monster Midway will be where guests, zombies, food, and entertainment intertwine. The Midway will act as the centerpiece of Dark Harbor and welcomes back the Freakshow, exposing even more freaks than ever before including the harrowing Beast. Adventurous guests can chance the Mechanical Monster and check out the newest Dark Harbor ride that is yet to be revealed.

 

Dark Harbor will also feature stage shows that spotlight timeless characters as well as the fresh presence of the feared Voodoo Queen and her lackeys. LED hula hoopers, live musical entertainment, costume contests, holiday celebrations, and drag shows will enhance the spine-tingling experience.

 

Dark Harbor brings the real haunted history of The Queen Mary to life, offering an unforgettable, authentically frightening experience. The annual event kicks off October 2 and runs for 20 haunted evenings through November 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Ticket prices start at just $20 online, with Fast Fright, VIP Passes, and lodging packages available. Season passes are also an option for optimal adrenaline seekers. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.queenmary.com/dark-harbor.

QM_2014DH_TheCaptain_1

But, guess what?  We have teamed up to give our readers a discount!  Just go to the website and use the discount code: BLGR0004 which is good for $14 tickets for Oct. 2, 3, 9 & 10. But, hurry! 

 

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received but SoCal City Kids is participating in a Blogger contest.
About the Queen Mary 

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.

Filed Under: Announcements
« Previous Page
Next Page »