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If You Were Me and Lived in…Russia

February 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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I love this series of books by Carole P. Roman. This one teaches young children about Russia.It is a fun and educational way for children to learn about a different culture. I like that the book does more than simply give facts. Children can learn that Russia is famous for being cold to what the capital city is.The author also makes it interesting for both boys and girls. One example is by telling common boys and girls names in Russia. I also found it interesting to learn about the different foods they often eat in Russia and the different sports and games. I think that many children will enjoy learning from this book. It is the perfect introduction to learning about Russia! One big bonus is that the author also gives pronunciations of many of the words. (This is really helpful!) I give this one 5 stars!

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for free to facilitate this unbiased review.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Great Gifts for Book Lovers at Gone Reading.com

February 15, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Great Writers Finger Puppet Magnet Set    Banned Books Coffee Mug

Do you love to read? I absolutely love to read books and have since I was a young girl. I also have many friends who love to read so a favorite website of mine is GoneReading.com. They have the perfect gifts for anyone who loves books! I really like that you can also find the most unique gifts! Here are two of my favorites.  The “Great Writers” Finger Puppet/Fridge Magnet Set is a Must-Have! Maybe, I don’t exactly play with finger puppets but I love that these finger-sized literary greats: Leo Tolstoy, William Shakespeare, Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens can hang out on my refrigerator. They also come in a box that can be used as a stage. Now, how cool is that?! They retail for $22.95.

My other favorite is the Banned Books Mug! This one is perfect for anyone who believes in free speech. I love the original artwork and 24 titles of the most significant banned books of all time. My favorite? Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I loved that book as a child. The mug is quite sturdy and is microwave and dishwasher safe. Retails for $12.95.

You can find both of these great gift suggestions (and so many more!)  at GoneReading.com.

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this feature post. Photo Credit: GoneReading.com.

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

MICHAEL ALAN PECK Giveaway Opportunity!

February 13, 2015 By Leave a Comment
 
Don’t miss this Giveaway! It’s a great one!
Author Michael Alan Peck says he has  made a living writing about TV, its celebrities, and its past.  In addition he has reviewed restaurants, wrote about travel, and has done SEO and content strategy.

He tends to like things that are funny. Have you played his Little Drummer Boy game he hosts every year?  “Funny goes a long way with me, probably further than it should.”
 
Michael Alan Peck has also penned a book called, “The Common: Book 1: The Journeyman”
 
“Paul Reid died in the snow at seventeen. The day of his death, he told a lie—and for the rest of his life, he wondered if that was what killed him.” 

 

 

 

And so begins the battle for the afterlife, known as The Commons. It’s been taken over by a corporate raider who uses the energy of its souls to maintain his brutal control. The result is an imaginary landscape of a broken America—stuck in time and overrun by the heroes, monsters, dreams, and nightmares of the imprisoned dead. 


 

 

Three people board a bus to nowhere: a New York street kid, an Iraq War veteran, and her five-year-old special-needs son. After a horrific accident, they are the last, best hope for The Commons to free itself. Along for the ride are a shotgun-toting goth girl, a six-foot-six mummy, a mute Shaolin monk with anger-management issues, and the only guide left to lead them.


Three Journeys: separate but joined. One mission: to save forever. 
 
But first they have to save themselves. “
 
 
 
 
Michael Alan Peck grew up outside Philadelphia and has lived in New York, L.A., and San Francisco and currently home based in Chicago.
 
Michael Alan Peck is generously offering one reader the chance to win his book. Enter in the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
 
Disclosure:

 

This giveaway has been arranged by Away We Go Media on behalf of Michael Alan Peck who is responsible for this giveaway. SoCal City Kids was asked to promote this giveaway and was not compensated for this post.

This giveaway is open to US only ages 18+. The giveaway will run from 2/13/15 at 12 Midnight MST through 2/28/15 at Midnight MST. There will be one winner and will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter.com. This giveaway is in no way endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media outlet.

NOTE: The first entry on the Rafflecopter is mandatory. You must enter your full name, address, and email in order to be eligible for this giveaway. However, this sole entry does not constitute a win for you as you must enter at least one other entry. If you do not follow this rule you will be automatically disqualified. All entries will be verified. Your information will not be sold to any third party and only viewed and used by Away We Go Media for the purpose of the winners chosen.

Thank you for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Archived Content

Celebrate the magic of friendship with a new episode of ‘Little Charmers’ this Friday on Nick/Nick Jr.!

February 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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On Friday, February 13, a whimsical new episode of Little Charmers will fly onto Nickelodeon at 12pm ET and Nick Jr. at8pm ET – just in time to help celebrate Valentine’s Day with your “little charmer”! The brand-new animated preschool series, produced by Nelvana and Spin Master, reveals the fun adventures of best friends and Charmers-in-Training Hazel, Posie and Lavender, who use their imaginations, along with humor and teamwork, to solve everyday problems and overcome magical mishaps.

 

In the new episode, “A Charmy Hearts Day,” Hazel and her Dad make a heart-shaped puzzle box for the Enchantress as a surprise. But, when Hazel decides to add something extra special to the gift, it doesn’t work out as she planned.

Credit: Nickelodeon.

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Carole P. Roman Giveaway Opportunity!

February 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment



Don’t miss this exciting giveaway! My son and I love Carole P. Roman’s books!
Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2012 for her first book, award winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born.”Captain No Beard- An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life” has not only been named to Kirkus Best of 2012, it received the Star of Exceptional Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award for 2012. “Pepper Parrot’s Problem with Patience” Book 2 in the series, received 5 Stars from The ForeWord Review The Clarion Review. Strangers on the High Seas has won second place in the Rebecca’s Reads Choice Awards 2013. It has followed with six more books to the series.

Just announced on February 11, 2015, Aurora Borealis has been nominated for the Kirkus Book of the Year! 


Her non-fiction series, “If You Were Me and Lived in…” combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us. The debut book in the series, “If You Were Me and Lived in…Mexico” has won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children’s Non Fiction 2012.

Rebecca’s Reads has given If You Were Me and Lived in…Norway an honorable mention in the 2013 Choice Awards. If You Were Me and lived in …France won second place. ForeWord Review has nominated If You Were Me and Lived in…France for best in children’s non-fiction literature 2013. 



Carole P. Roman is generously sharing these two great series with readers. She is giving away the “If You Were Me and Lived In…” series as first prize and her “Captain No Beard” Series as a second prize.


Writing for children has opened up a whole second act for her. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as love for history and culture with the audience she adores. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!



Disclosure: SoCal City Kids was asked to promote this giveaway on behalf of Carole P. Roman and Away We Go Media. Carole P. Roman is responsible for prize distribution. 

This giveaway begins at Midnight 2/12/15 MST and ends at Midnight 2/28/15 MST. The giveaway is open internationally for 18+ years of age. NOTE:If the winner(s) are outside of the US then only Kindle copies will be given. The winner(s) will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter.com and all entries will be verified.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Archived Content

Whole Foods Market-Instacart offer affordable, convenient Valentine’s Flower Delivery in Los Angeles

February 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Here are some of Whole Foods top picks for the season, and for the first time ever, shoppers will be able to order these bouquets (and other Valentine’s Day essentials) online for delivery in as little as one hour  via Instacart.

 

Whole Trade® roses: Like all Whole Trade products, these roses are produced in ways that ensure better wages and working conditions for farm workers, provide fair prices to producers and support community development programs.

  • Why it matters: Through Whole Trade floral purchase, Whole Foods Market has funded more than $11.2 million in premiums to support improvement programs – from housing projects and school scholarships to medical and dental treatments – for floral workers, their families and their communities across Ecuador, Colombia and Costa Rica.
  • Fun fact: Did you know that Americans bought an estimated 247 million roses last Valentine’s Day?* Imagine the impact we could make if even a quarter of this year’s were Whole Trade!

 

Responsibly Grown flowers: Blooms rated under Whole Foods Market’s Responsibly Grown program means they come from farms that are taking major steps to protect air, soil, water and human health.

  • Why it matters: Not all flower farms are created equal. Responsibly Grown prohibits farmers from using some of the most hazardous pesticides still allowed in agriculture, and rewards growers who are protecting human health and the environment.
  • NOTE: The program is still rolling out across Whole Food Market nationwide. While all flowers are not yet rated, shoppers will find plenty of options to choose from. Look for “GOOD” “BETTER” or “BEST” Responsibly Grown labels in stores.

 

 

The scoop on sharing these picks (and more) via Instacart on a cupid-sized budget.

  • From Feb 9 to 15, shoppers across 15 major US markets can order flowers from Whole Foods Market via Instacartfor delivery in as little as one hour. (NOTE: floral options will not be available to view on Instacart before Feb. 9)

 

  • Instacart will be delivering flowers exclusively from Whole Foods Market for the holiday in three bouquet options: adozen red Whole Trade roses, a dozen non-red Whole Trade roses and a 20-stem bouquet of tulips. Prices start at around $25. Delivery fees range from $3.99 to $5.99, but first-time Instacart users get free delivery. Bouquets are delivered in festive paper wrap (not vases like the flowers you received).

 

  • The process is simple. Log on at Instacart.com or via the Instacart mobile app, pick your bouquet(s); use the “notes” feature to specify rose and tulip colors (we’ll do our best to fill it)** and what you’d like the handwritten card to say; choose a delivery window (within an hour, within two hours, or at a scheduled time); and check out.

 

  • Send more than just flowers! Include chocolates, candles, lotion or other romantic items, all curated by Whole Foods Market experts on Instacart’s Valentine’s Day aisle.

 

Credit including photo: Whole Foods. No compensation was received to post.

*AboutFlowers.com: Valentine’s Day Floral Statistics, http://www.aboutflowers.com/about-the-flower-industry/holiday-statistics/valentines-day.html

** Flower colors are subject to availability.

Filed Under: Announcements

Everything I Need To Know About Love

February 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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What’s not to love about a book about Love! Tackle Love’s trials and tribulations with the help of classic art from Little Golden Books in Everything I Need To Know About Love I Learned From A Little Golden Book (Random House/All Ages). This beautiful addition to the new York Times bestselling Everything I Need to Know series features favorite characters such as Saggy Baggy Elephant and Scuffy The Tugboat, alongside valuable tidbits of advice on the ups and downs of love.

I received a copy of this book and I just love it! I grew up reading Golden Books. They were my favorite when I was a little girl so I just seeing the familiar characters. But, this book is so much more than fun characters. I love the messages through out the book about finding love and also how special friendship is. It’s a wonderful book for children and adults of all ages!

This timeless collection is the perfect gift for anyone this upcoming Valentine’s Day!

You can find online at Random House.  It’s also available at Amazon.com, Target.com, B&N and many other retailers.

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

Filed Under: Media Reviews

SuppressMint: 3-Hour Craving Control Breath Mint

February 10, 2015 By 1 Comment

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I received a sample bottle to try and it does seem to work. It did help reduce “snacking” cravings. It is also a benefit that my breath stayed fresh from the mints. I would recommend. I like that you also receive a small container that will fit easily in your purse. The mint taste is quite good too! There’s not a bitter after taste and they are slow-dissolving. They last well over a hour. I was actually surprised about the minty taste and that they seem to work with cravings. This seems to be a great way for those to stay on a diet. 

More info:

SuppressMint® is a dot-sized, long-lasting (3-hour) slow-dissolve time-release peppermint-flavored micro-tab that is fortified with the proven dietary supplement and appetite suppressant Chromax® (chromium picolinate).

You simply put the “dot” in your mouth between your gum and cheek where it takes up to three hours to dissolve — and then, forget about it.

During the time it takes to dissolve or “melt” many people report they lose their desire and cravings for foods that make us all overweight—especially refined carbohydrates (cakes, cookies, chips, ice-cream, donuts, pastries, soda, etc.).

The end result is that you have the willpower to overcome the temptations and cravings that these foods stimulate and the willpower to stay on a healthy dieting and eating program so you can lose all the unhealthy body fat you want and to keep it off for good.

Chromium picolinate, the active ingredient in SuppressMint is a safe, proven and highly effective mineral with 20 years of research behind it. It helps reduce cravings for foods high in sugar and fat (refined carbohydrates and saturated fats) while it helps stabilize blood sugar (glucose levels) and calm anxiety and stabilize emotions.

As the tiny, pleasant pleasant tasting SuppressMint dot rests comfortably and undetectably in your mouth for its hree hour slow-melt duration, it works on four levels to help you curb your cravings for high glycimic foods:

(1) Provides a sense of oral gratification for three hours. You don’t feel the emotional need to eat while it’s in your mouth.

(2)  The peppermint extract works directly on your brain’s appetite control center to help reduce cravings.

(3)  The chromium picolinate also helps sooth cravings by interacting with the brain’s “appestat,” reduces blood sugar levels so you burn more fat for energy instead of sugar and enhances positive mood states.

(4) Most people who diet develop metallic smelling breath caused by ketosis. SuppressMint keeps your breath fresh and your mouth moist for its three hour, slow-melt duration.

 

Available on Amazon.com. But, if you go to their website you can receive a 50% introductory discount. Simply go to www.SuppressMint.com. If you prefer just the breath mint without the chromium you can get the same discount at www.ForeverMints.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate an unbiased review. No other compensation was received.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week
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