Archives for January 2015

10th Annual Coaster Run

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Run, Walk and Ride the Coasters for the Kids of Speech and Language Development Center. The Coaster Run offers a 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and 1/2 Mile Kids Camp Snoopy Fun Run followed by a finish-line expo with a complimentary piece of Knott’s famous Boysenberry Pie.

10th Annual Coaster Run
March 8th
Knott’s Berry Farm
5K, 10K & Kids Run
Finishers get pie, medal and event t-shirt.
Special discount for our readers! Use this code: SOCALCITYKIDS good for 10% off any race, unlimited as long as registration is open.
The website is www.thecoasterrun.com
Twitter: @RenegadeRace
Instagram: @RenegadeRaceSeries
Hashtags:  #CoasterRun #RenegadeRace #KnottsBerryFarm #SLDC
Don’t miss out!  See you there!
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Self Disclosure: I have received Media comps to feature.

Paddington – A great Adventure! Lots of Twists and Turns and an Adorable Character

Paddington

From the producers of Harry Potter comes this 21st Century version of Paddington with all the charm that this classic character deserves. The storyline follows a young Peruvian bear who travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven. KIDS FIRST! Critics Gerry O. comments, “This movie has a nice core of humor with an intriguing story that is intense, but lighthearted too. Breathtaking special effects, animation and a strong feel of adventure round out the show.” Brianna Hope B adds, “Paddington is so outgoing and adorable. You can’t help but love this bear. He has an innocent way about him, but still is a little mischievous and gets into trouble.” See their full reviews below.

 

Paddington

 

Reviewed by Brianna Hope B. KIDS FIRST! Critic, age 15

 

Paddington is a great adventure, with lots of twists and turns. This film is playful, comedic, enjoyable and definitely a great film for friends and family.

 

Paddington (Ben Whishaw, voice) is a rare breed of bear that travels all alone to London.  He wants to find a home after his is destroyed. While there, he discovers that it’s not what he expects, but finds a family that’s willing to take him in and look after him for just a little while. This is when everyone’s adventure begins.

 

Paddington is so outgoing and adorable. You can’t help but love this bear. He has an innocent way about him, but still is a little mischievous and gets into trouble. His visual effects and fur looks very real and life-like. Nicole Kidman’s character (Millicent) is very determined to add Paddington to her collection of stuffed animals.  She will stop at nothing to get him. She’s fierce, frightening and intimidating. I love the story line, humor, and definitely the action. I liked that the climax of this film is very unpredictable and shocks the audience. My favorite character would have to be Paddington. He truly thinks of the wellbeing of others and his curiosity is adorable. He reminds you of a child learning new things. A scene that I would call my favorite is when Paddington tries to return a wallet to a man that dropped out of his packet while walking out of an antique shop. Paddington chases him, trying to get the wallet to him. Finally he catches up with the man by falling on him from the air. When he falls on the man they both tumble down and about 30 wallets fall out of the man’s coat. Paddington catches a pickpocket and ends up in the paper on his first day in London. It’s a very comical scene that makes the audience crack up.

 

One of the messages of this film is that families are not just made up by the people who are related to us, but friends and even animals can be a part of our family.

 

I recommend Paddington for ages 8 to 16. However it’s great for the whole family and anyone who loves Bears. It’s rated PG and there’s nothing really you would need to look out for.

 

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.  It’s a great film that makes you feel good. Paddington arrives in theaters on January 16th, so please check it out.

Paddington
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Critic, age 12

 

From the producers of the Harry Potter franchise comes another children’s film that many families will love for its humor, storyline, special effects and of course – the Bear! Paddington will be loved by families everywhere.

This movie has a nice core of humor with an intriguing story that is intense, but lighthearted too. Breathtaking special effects, animation and a strong feel of adventure round out the show.

The story starts when a very intelligent family of bears is sadly separated. An earthquake happens and the aunt must send her young nephew to London for a better home. After arriving in London, this young bear is taken in by a family but immediately starts running into challenges of fitting in to the human world.

This film is wonderful. I love the cast – lots of talented and wonderful people. Ben Wishaw plays the voice of Paddington and is excellent at making his character seem adorable and innocent, yet smart and caring at the same time. The humor is off-the-charts amazing and the camera angles and shots are one-of-a-kind. Some shots I could not get over and had to watch again and again.

My favorite scene is when Paddington tries to say his name to Mr. Brown, who is kind of the father of the family. But, Paddington says it in bear language. When Mr. Brown tries to repeat it, Paddington looks horrified and says, “How Rude!” It is a funny and lighthearted scene and kind of sets the right mood for this funny film.

This film is diffidently meant for kids but adults will enjoy it as well. I recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST! www.kidsfirst.org

 

Lines That Rhyme By Mark Tepper

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Lines That Thyme is a fun book for children ages 6+. It isn’t too long or wordy which makes it perfect for younger readers to read alone. But, it is more fun to read together and try to guess the answers to the rhymes. It is only 24 pages which makes for a great story time bedtime read. The collection is a variety of fun rhymes on different subjects and my son enjoyed guessing what the answer and illustration would be on the next page. He also likes that the poems aren’t too long and wordy. They usually are about 8 sentences. It is a good book for children and the illustrations are also quite fun! I easily give this one 5 stars! I am looking forward to more children’s books by this author.

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

Roses Are Red, Violets are Blue Laura Mercier Introduces New Skincare for You

Laura Mercier is adding two new skincare products to her portfolio: Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil and Infusion de Rose Nourishing Crème. This collection is very special to Laura, as she has long adored the rose flower for its sophisticated fragrance, natural simplicity and powerful skincare benefits. The two new products were also inspired by experiences as a makeup artist on-set.

 

The Need for Nourishment

–        After working closely with models on the set of photo shoots, Laura noticed that some models had extremely dehydrated and damaged skin, which was the result of being under the bright lights. These conditions made it very challenging to achieve a flawless canvas.

 

The Solution

–        She created Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil and Infusion de Rose Nourishing Crème, a dynamic combination designed to repair, hydrate and restore balance to the skin.

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For more information, check out the website. 

 

Credit: Laura Mercier.

How to look like Chris Pratt + Liev Schreiber at the Golden Globes

Chris Pratt

72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards

January 11, 2015

Look by Celebrity Groomer Bridget Brager for RéVive

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Groomer Bridget Brager created a “classic Hollywood leading man” look for Chris Pratt, who was a presenter at the 72ndAnnual Golden Globe Awards. She shared, “his suit and bow tie pointed me in this direction!”

TRIM

“I started by giving Chris a fresh, new trim. I used my clippers to freshen up his facial hair.”

 

MOISTURIZE

“On clean dry skin, I layered RèVive Intensitè Line Erasing Serum Advanced Wrinkle Corrector, ($600) all over the face. Once product was set and dry, I massaged RèVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Retexturizing Hydrator, ($195) into his face and neck.”

PRE-EVENT SKINCARE TIPS

“One thing that has countless benefits for the skin and is a must-do before a red carpet event is drinking a substantial amount of water. It’s a magical trick that helps to rejuvenate the skin. Another way to prepare for a red carpet event is find a fantastic moisturizer that really penetrates the skin. This helps to create a radiant glow – for both men and women.

My clients’ go-to products are RèVive Intensitè Line Erasing Serum Advanced Wrinkle Corrector, ($600) and RèVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Retexturizing Hydrator, ($195). Both work to plump the skin and soften lines and wrinkles – making for a healthy youthful appearance.

If a client wants to e clean-shaven for an event, I always have them shave hours before I arrive. This way, the skin has ample time to calm down and redness or blotchiness that may occur has time to dissipate.”

 

Liev Schreiber

72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards

January 11, 2015

Look by Mary Wiles for RéVive

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Groomer Mary Wiles created a “healthy, glowing” look for Liev Schreiber, who was a nominee at the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama category for the Showtime series, “Ray Donovan.”

Below please find a breakdown of the 20-minute skincare and grooming regimen Mary undertook to get Liev ready for the evening, as well as her tips for how your readers can create a red carpet-worthy glow at home.

CLEANSE

“Before anything, I thoroughly cleansed and toned Liev’s skin. Moisturizers and serums absorb best on well-cleansed skin.”

MOISTURIZE

“A man’s skin looks its best when it’s properly moisturized. Therefore, I applied RèVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Retexturizing Hydrator, ($195) – massaging it deep into the skin. This helps brings blood and oxygen to the surface and invigorates the skin, helping to expose its natural flush.”

EYES

“I always apply eye serum, regardless of my client’s age. I applied RèVive Intensitè Volumizing Eye Serum Targeted Skin Filler, ($350) around Liev’s eyes.”

LIPS

“I applied Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, ($15.99) to his lips to soften any dry patches.”

PRE-EVENT SKINCARE TIPS

“Preparation is key leading up to a red carpet event. Far in advance, I’d recommend exfoliating the skin to slough off dead skin cells, which minimizes fine lines and imperfections to reveal glowing skin. It also allows moisturizer to work at its optimum level.

I recommend using a moisturizer with glycolic acid, which both exfoliates and deeply moisturizes. RèVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Retexturizing Hydrator, ($195) is my go-to product. I also recommend using a serum, such as RèVive Defensif Renewal Serum Daily Antioxidant Infusion, ($210), to help improve the skin’s texture and tone.

In general, most men in Hollywood do take good care of their skin. They like to keep their skincare routine simple, yet effective. Serums and moisturizers are at the top of their list. I love to use RèVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Retexturizing Hydrator, ($195) and RèVive Intensitè Line Erasing Serum Advanced Wrinkle Corrector, ($600) on my clients.”

 

Credit: RéVive

 

Reese Witherspoon: Golden Globes Makeup Breakdown

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Reese Witherspoon

Nominee for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama, Wild

72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards

January 11, 2015

FACE:  Clean and photo-ready skin

·        Stern first applied Caudalie Eau De Beaute Elixer, ($49) to invigorate Witherspoon’s skin.

·        Next, she massaged RéVive Serum Pressé Illuminating Skin Firmer, ($310) to give her complexion a natural, luminous and smooth base. She lightly applied RèVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Retexturizing Hydrator, ($195) for added hydration.

·        Stern then applied NEW Laura Mercier Silk Crème Moisturizing Photo Edition Foundation in Cream Ivory, ($48, April 2015) to ensure Witherspoon’s complexion looked “clean and bright.”

·        Using Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Abundance, ($56), Stern lightly contoured Witherspoon’s cheeks to accentuate the colour.

·        She then added an intense flush to the apples of Witherspoon’s cheeks, giving her the look of “vibrant heat,” by applyingLaura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Blaze, ($25) topped with Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Fira – Mango, ($37).

EYES:  Golden wash of colour

 

·        Stern’s inspiration for Witherspoon’s eye look was a “golden wash of colour” on the lids, with a smoky look underneath the lash line. Her goal was for the actress’ eyes to look defined and sultry.

·        She first created a base using Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Black Karat, ($24). She then smudged Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Gilded Gold, ($28) on Witherspoon’s upper lids, “creating a brilliant sheen to compliment her sterling silver gown.”

·        Then, she roughly lined the upper and lower lash lines using Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir, ($24).

·        Lastly, Stern curled Witherspoon’s lashes with the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, ($29), and coated her lashes twice usingLaura Mercier Full Blown Volume Supreme Mascara, ($25).

LIPS: Wine-stained lips

·        To complete the look, Stern created wine-stained lips by applying Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Merlot, $27 topped off with a gold gloss for a luminous sheen.

·        After that, Witherspoon “left for the red carpet glistening!”

 

Credit: Laure Mercier,  ReVive.

Zim’s Vapor Rub is a Must-Have this Cold & Flu Season!

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Zim’s, a line of over-the-counter products for temporary pain relief, skin care, lip care and body care is a Must-Buy this Winter season!  I received a sample of the Vapor Rub and  it really has come in handy when I came down with a cold over the holidays.

With the common cold making its rounds from friends and family during the holidays, an unexpected sore throat or achy muscles and joints can take their toll. That’s why Zim’s created Vapor Rub, to help relieve those symptoms and get you back on your feet in no time.

The Vapor Rub comes in two forms: An easy-on applicator tube and a traditional jar.

The easy-on applicator keeps hands clean and serves as a mini-massager during application. I love the easy-on applicator! I received a sample of this one and it really is easier to use and I love that it is All Natural!

Zim’s Vapor Rub temporarily relieves coughs due to the common cold, and helps relieve pain associated with minor aches and pains. It is 100% natural and contains natural menthol, arnica extra, aloe vera, camphor, coconut oil, white beeswax, and eucalyptus. That’s it! (When’s the last time you could pronounce all the ingredients on a bottle in under 10 seconds?)

Vapor Rub is just one of the many products that make up the Zim’s line. Also popular among our fans is our trademark Crack Creme hand and foot lotion. Made with aloe, arnica and hydrocortisone, it’s the ultimate skin saver go-to for cold days and dreary skin.

To find out more, check out the website!  It is also available at many retailers in the U.S. Check out the website for locations.

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this feature. Photo Credit: Zim’s.

Southern Recipe, a brand of Rudolph Foods, makes Crackins!

Looking for tasty Pork Rinds? Southern Recipe, a brand of Rudolph Foods, makes Crackins! These are too delicious that they didn’t last very long in my house!

They are available in the following flavors:

SouthernRecipeCracklins

  • Traditional Cracklins
  • Washpot Cracklins
  • Cracklin Strips
  • Curly Cracklins
  • Dipper Cracklins
  • NEW Red Pepper Dippers

These are so good that I can’t pick a favorite!  Check them out on the website for more information!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post.