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Amy’s Vegan Tomato Bisque is a Must-Buy!

March 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Looking for a healthier soup this Winter? I have to admit that Tomato Soup is not usually a favorite of mine but I do love Amy’s Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque. It has chunks of vine ripened tomatoes and a smooth creamy tomato base. It’s really quite good and it is also Gluten Free. I cup has only 130 calories so it’s also a healthier soup option. I also believe that soup helps fight against colds so this is a Must-Buy for this cold and flu season. It’s also easy to find in stores in SoCal. I easily found it at my local Sprouts and Ralphs. For more information, go to http://www.amys.com/

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Any opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Easter Bunny Photo Experience Is Coming Soon To Los Angeles Simon Malls To Delight Families

March 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Simon®, a global leader in retail real estate, is hosting its annual Easter celebration festivities at Del Amo Fashion Center and The Shops at Montebello, offering families the chance to participate in traditional and unique seasonal events.

 

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

 

Bunny Photo Experience

The Bunny Photo Experiencegives children the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion.

 

The presenting sponsor for the 2015 Bunny Photo Experience is The Gymboree Corporation – including its Gymboree and Crazy 8 clothing brands and Gymboree Play & Music Centers.

 

Hop into the following locations:

  • Del Amo Fashion Center: Begins March 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and runsthrough April 4, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in JoAnn’s Court.
  • The Shops at Montebello: Begins Thursday, March 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and runsthroughSaturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Center Court.

 

“We love to hold family-friendly events and we always look forward to watching children interact with the Bunny at Easter,” said Lindsay Hermance, director of marketing and business development at Del Amo Fashion Center.

 

Kidgits Club Easter Event

The Simon Kidgits Club®will also host a special, where kids can participate in various Easter activities and games. Participants willreceive a special Easter keepsake to take home. The egg-citing celebrations will take place at the following centers:

  • Del Amo Fashion Center: Hosting a Kidgits Hop Into Spring event on March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bunny Photo Experience set, in JoAnn’s Court, where kids can participate in Spring-themed activities, games and crafts.
  • The Shops at Montebello: Hosting a Kidgits Easter event on Saturday, April 4 from noon to 1:30 p.m., where kids can participate in various Easter activities and games including arts and crafts and a coloring contest for children ages 3 to 10. Beginning March 20, children can pick up a coloring sheet and submit the completed entry to Guest Services by April 4. Winners will be notified by phone on April 7. Prizes include special Easter baskets, filled with goodies. The first-place winner will receive an Easter basket with a Build-A-Bear stuffed animal and a $40 Gymboree gift card, second place will receive an Easter basket with a $20 Gymboree gift card, and third place will receive an Easter basket with other goodies. Kidgits members willalso be treated to a face painter, balloon artist and a coupon for Easter photos at The Shops at Montebello Bunny Set. Members of the Simon Kidgits Club will also receive a special Easter bucket, which they can decorate with multicolor grass and Easter egg shapes.

 

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8.  The Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused for over a decade with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

 

For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visit www.simon.com/kidgits/.

About Del Amo Fashion Center

Del Amo Fashion Center, a joint venture of institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Simon, is the South Bay’s retail destination for shopping, entertainment and dining. Del Amo Fashion Center boasts more than 200 stores, including Macy’s, H&M, Anthropologie, Barnes & Noble, Coach, and more. Visit the outdoor promenade and enjoy dinner at Stacked or PF Changs before a movie at our 18 screen AMC Theater. The indoor mall offers fashion for women, men and children plus jewelry, footwear and electronics. Del Amo Fashion Center serves the nearby communities of Palos Verdes, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach and Gardena. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit www.simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center or call 310-542-8525. Check out a 3D architect rendering animation at youtube.com/watch?v=4jO0g8d8Kcs for a bird’s eye perspective on the future Del Amo Fashion Center once the transformational, property wide renovation is complete.

Follow Del Amo Fashion Center on these social media channels:

Twitter: twitter.com/delamofashion

Facebook:  facebook.com/DelAmoFashionCenter

Instagram: instagram.com/delamofashion

 

About The Shops at Montebello

The Shops at Montebello is a modern indoor super regional shopping center featuring four department stores and more than 160 shops, eateries, and restaurants—remaining the leader for shopping in the San Gabriel Valley. The Shops at Montebello is home to Macy’s, jcpenney, Forever 21, Coach, G by Guess and more, with dining options such as BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery, Hikari Sushi, Marie Callender’s and Olive Garden. The Shops at Montebello serves communities in San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles including Montebello, Monterey Park, and Rosemead. With its modernized look and feel, The Shops at Montebello strives to provide the best shopping experience with its retailer and dining selections for the entire family.

Follow The Shops at Montebello on these social media channels:

Twitter: twitter.com/shopsmontebello

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ShopsatMontebello

Instagram: instagram.com/shopsmontebello

 

About Simon                                                                                                             

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

 

About Gymboree

Gymboree has a rich heritage in dressing children, newborn to 12 years old. From dressy collections to everyday playwear, Gymboree offers colorful, coordinated clothing and accessories – quality clothes that let kids be kids.

 

Gymboree is part of The Gymboree Corporation family of brands, which began in 1976 with its Gymboree Play & Music Centers, offering parent-child play programs. Today, as the Official Sponsor of Childhood, along with franchised and company-operated Gymboree Play & Music locations, The Gymboree Corporation operates three specialty retail brands – Gymboree, Crazy 8 and Janie and Jack – offering unique, high-quality products delivered with personalized customer service in more than 1,300 stores worldwide and onwww.gymboree.com, www.crazy8.com, and www.janieandjack.com.

 Credit: Simon Malls.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Cinderella – Cinderella is a Magical Ride for Everyone!

March 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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From Disney comes the live-action Cinderella directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James, Cate Blanchette and Richard Madden. The story takes off when Cinderella’s father unexpectedly passes away and young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters. Never one to give up hope, Ella’s fortune begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger in the woods. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Morgan B. comments, “The glass slipper –  WOW! That is a story in itself. Made of glistening Swarovski crystal with a golden butterfly on top that took over 150 hours, six versions and la voila, you have the perfect glass slipper.” Brandon C. adds, “I was very entertained throughout the movie. Even though its target audience is kids, anyone can sit down and truly enjoy this classic tale.” See their full reviews below.

Cinderella

By Brandon C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I attended a screening of the upcoming film Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh. The story is set in Renaissance times, somewhere in England. It’s about a young girl named Ella who seems to have the perfect life. After her mother passes away, everything changes. She then has to deal with a couple of mean stepsisters and a manipulative stepmother.

There are no true “big-name” actors and actresses in this movie. However, Lily James plays a spectacular role as Ella by providing a different side of Cinderella I never really thought of. She invokes a “take charge” attitude and has very good morals, as a person. Also, Richard Madden as Prince Charming has a very good scene in the middle of the movie as his father passes away. This was very important for the character’s development, as we usually see Prince Charming as a one-dimensional character.

I was very entertained throughout the movie. Even though its target audience is kids, anyone can sit down and truly enjoy this classic tale. Personally, I was thrown off by the scene between Prince Charming and his father the King. As a son, I was emotionally invested as the character had to deal with the passing of someone he looked up to. On that same note, I was very surprised that Disney would incorporate so many depressing scenes into the movie. While it is a depressing story in the beginning, I thought Disney and Branagh would try to lighten the story up.

Technically, the movie is incredible. Between the special effects and the music by Patrick Doyle, everything looks and sounds so appealing. As the viewer, you truly feel immersed in every scene. Also, Haris Zambarloukos does a great job with the cinematography of every scene.

Nevertheless, the movie has a very good overall message behind all these different scenes. Ella is constantly guided by the morals of having courage and being honest. Those are true morals that a younger audience needs to be exposed to. With that being said, Kenneth Branagh does a great job of emphasizing those morals throughout the film.

I recommend this movie to ages 8 to 18. Whether as a date-night movie or a movie you take the family to go see, no one is truly excluded from watching this timeless classic. I give Cinderella a 4 out of 5 star rating for its great overall structure of a film, great special effects, and solid acting.

Cinderella

By Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! FILM Critic, Age 10

The wait is over.  On March 13, Disney releases the new live action feature Cinderella on the big screen.

Director Kenneth Branagh made a visually stunning movie. Filmed in England, the castles and scenery in this movie are gorgeous. Mr. Branagh is an actor known for Harry Potter, Valkyrie and many other movie and TV appearances. He is also known for directing as the Thor, Jack Ryan and Much Ado About Nothing.

Lily James plays the part of Cinderella. Her blue dress is outstanding.  The way it twirls when she dances makes that one of my favorite scenes. This is just one of the many costumes that take your breath away. The costume design department outdid themselves. Everything is spot on with no detail left out.

Helena Bonham Carter is the perfect Fairy Godmother and my favorite character. She is adorable with the perfect white dress and a wonderful sense of humor. I missed the Bibity Bobity Boo song from the original but the special effects make up for it. Take an exploding pumpkin, a golden carriage, lizards, mice, a goose and you are off to meet The Prince played by Richard Madden. His voice, blue eyes, and charm make him the perfect Prince to swoon over.

The wicked Stepmother is played by the lovely Cate Blanchett. Do not let her beauty fool you, as she is one evil mastermind. Her two stepdaughters are truly spoiled rotten with no filters or discipline. I would not like them as sisters.

The glass slipper – WOW! That is a story in itself. Made of glistening Swarovski crystals with a golden butterfly on top that took over 150 hours to make with six versions and la voila, you have the perfect glass slipper. Add another 1.7 million crystals for costumes and this movie is full of sparkle thanks to designer Sandy Powell.

My favorite scene is, of course, the Royal Ball. Cinderella and The Prince have an elegant dance, which enchants The Price and wins his heart.

I loved this movie but it is actually a very sad story and, when I looked around the theater for the first half hour, many were in tears. This movie is very different from Disney’s animated Cinderella, which is cute, silly and has you laughing and cheering.

The movie starts off with Cinderella as a young girl and takes you through the death of her parents and the loss of the life she once knew. It is a much more realistic version and therefore very young kids might not enjoy it as much as the original. I recommend this movie for ages 8 to 18. I give this movie 5 out of 5 twinkling glass slippers.

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions, www.kidsfirst.org

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

“Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition”

March 11, 2015 By 1 Comment

 

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The California Science Center in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority is proud to present “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition”, the largest of its kind ever mounted outside of Israel, featuring over 600 ancient artifacts. Opening March 10, 2015 at the California Science Center, the exhibition explores the science and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, manuscripts composed, copied and hidden in caves 2000 years ago. Over half of the scrolls on display have never before been seen in the US, and some have never been exhibited since their discovery. The Los Angeles presentation is made possible with generous support from presenting sponsors The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Jewish Life Television and the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles.

Of special interest will be sections from ten of the Dead Sea Scrolls, including parts of the oldest discovered copies of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. The fragmentary scrolls in the exhibition contain passages from Genesis, Isaiah, Psalms, and even, an ancient marriage contract dated to the 1st century CE. Visitors will experience the Dead Sea Scrolls within the rich historical and cultural context of ancient Israel. Through multimedia exhibits, guests will explore the science and technology used to date, assemble and preserve these ancient manuscripts for future generations.

Additional highlights include a 3-ton stone from Jerusalem’s Western Wall, limestone capitals from the First Temple period (1000-586 BCE), ossuaries (ancient bone boxes) from the early Roman period, and a signature preserved for millennia on the unique Archer Seal.  Among the over 600 artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period in Israel are examples of delicate jewelry, pottery shards bearing royal seals, weapons including sling-stones and arrowheads, and many objects excavated from active archaeological sites in Israel.

“Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition” is created by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) from the collections of the Israel National Treasures and features the most comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized. Presenting sponsors of “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition” are The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Jewish Life Television and the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, with additional support from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation, the Herta Amir and Paul Amir Foundation, the Stanley and Joyce Black Family Foundation, the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors—Zev Yaroslavsky (District 3), the Teichman Family Charitable Foundation, Irwin S. Field, the Max Webb Foundation and Barry and Mireille Wolfe.

“This exhibition demonstrates a remarkable blend of science and history,” said California Science Center President, Jeffrey Rudolph. “Cutting-edge conservation technology will allow our guests to see the most significant archeological find of the last century.”

“We can only piece together the past by examining and interpreting objects from daily life or ancient written documents,” said Dr. Risa Levitt Kohn, Professor at San Diego State University and one of the exhibition curators. “This exhibition reveals in ancient pots, coins, weapons, jewelry, and handwritten texts, a record of extraordinary human achievement constituting a significant contribution to our own cultural legacy.”

The many highlights of the archaeological materials in the exhibition include the following:
•       A female figurine believed to represent Asherah, whom ancient Israelites may have thought to be the consort to the god of Israel
•       Arrowheads and sling-stones from Lachish, the site of a fierce battle between Israelites and Assyrians
•       A storage jar stamped with a seal indicating that it belonged to royalty
•       Ossuaries, or small stone boxes, that once contained human bones — three by coincidence, bear the names Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, names commonly  used in the years preceding Christianity
•       A finely wrought 2,000-year-old gold earring inlaid with pearls.

The centerpiece of “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition” will be the presentation of 20 texts (ten scrolls at a time, in two rotations) that are part of the remarkably preserved trove known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. The scrolls date from 250 BCE to 68 CE and were discovered in a group of caves near Khirbet Qumran, close to the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea. Most of the texts are written in Hebrew, though some are in Aramaic and Greek.

The first cache of scrolls was discovered in 1947 when a Bedouin shepherd casually tossed a rock into a cave and heard a pot shatter. Over the following eight years, archaeologists and Bedouin found thousands of parchment fragments in eleven caves, including the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible. Scholars pieced the parchments together, some no larger than a postage stamp, during the decades that followed. An exhibition video reveals fascinating details of the discovery and ongoing conservation of the scrolls.

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Risa Levitt Kohn, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Judaism at San Diego State University; and Ms. Debora Ben Ami, Iron Age Curator, Israeli Antiquities Authority.

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*Photo credit: Darryl Moran/The Franklin Institute

To enhance their experience, Science Center visitors are encouraged to view JERUSALEM 3D, premiering at the California Science Center IMAX® Theater on March 10, 2015. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “Star Trek into the Darkness,” PBS’s “Sherlock”), this giant screen film adventure immerses audiences in a cinematic journey—soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City— to experience iconic sites cherished by billions, and explore on a grand scale the intersection of science, history and religion in this ancient, enigmatic place. JERUSALEM 3D is an original production from Cosmic Picture and Arcane Pictures, and distributed by National Geographic Studios, with a run time of 43-minutes.

My son and I visited yesterday and found this exhibit very interesting. Actually, I was quite amazed! This exhibit is really a Must-See! I was just amazed and my son thought that it was pretty cool! We have seen many of the exhibits at this California Science Center and I have to honestly say that this is one of the most amazing. Some of the Dead Sea Scrolls had never been seen before and to actually see them? I was actually speechless through most of this exhibit. We were planning to see the Jerusalem 3D in IMAX but the timing did not work out for us. We do plan to go back. This one sounds like a great feature!

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More info on Jerusalem 3D:

Soar high above the ancient city of Jerusalem – a city of many religions and an important crossroads of civilization. Through breathtaking aerial footage, eye-opening personal stories and remarkable historical perspective,  Jerusalem takes viewers inside the heart of the city in ways never seen before. Narrated by Oscar nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

Tickets + Information:http://www.californiasciencecenter.org

The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive. The Science Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. Please check the Science Center web site for schedule updates. Tickets for Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition are currently on sale. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets online at www.californiasciencecenter.org to reserve an entry date & time. The general information number is (323) SCIENCE. Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition admission prices are $19.75¬¬¬ for adults 18-59, $16.75 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $12.75 for children 4 – 12. Member discount rates are $12.75 for adults, $11.75 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $10.75 for children 4-12. Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition and IMAX combination ticket prices are $26.00 for adults 18-59, $21.25 for youth 13-17, college students with I.D. and seniors 60+, and $16.50 for children 4-12. Member discount rates for combo tickets are $18.25 for adults, $15.25 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $13.75 for children 4-12. Special rates for schools and other groups of 15 and over apply. The exhibit’s special group information number is (213) 744-2019. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Admission to all other Science Center exhibits is free. More information is also available at www.californiasciencecenter.org

Self Disclosure: I received Media passes to feature this new Exhibit at the California Science Center.  Photo Credit (top photo): Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library, Israel Antiquities Authority, photographer: Shai Halevi.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Events

COLGATE TOTAL® New Gum Health Mouthwash

March 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth, which is why Colgate is introducing  a new variety to its Colgate Total® portfolio – Gum Health Mouthwash.  This new mouthwash has an advanced* germ-fighting formula that forms a protective shield along the gum line and protects against bacteria.  With twice-daily use, it’s clinically proven to deliver 45% stronger, healthier gums*.

I received a sample of the Colgate Total new Gum Health Mouthwash and it has quickly become my new to-go-to daily mouthwash! I love the Clean Mint flavor and even more, I love how it freshens my breath and also fights plaque between teeth and along the gum line. This is really important to me because I am prone to plaque. Cavities seem to stay away from me but not the case with plaque! This mouthwash really seems to help!

MSRP:

  • 8.4 : $3.49
  • 16.9: $4.29
  • 33.8: $5.49

Colgate Total® offers a broad portfolio of products that provide a range of oral care benefits.  Each product has a formula that helps improve the health of your mouth, to make you confident you are taking better control of your oral care.  For more information, visit http://www.colgatetotal.com.

 Self Disclosure: I received a free sample from Colgate-Palmolive for review purposes.

[*] Reduction in gingival bleeding vs. a non-antibacterial mouthwash in a 6 week clinical study.

[*] Vs. non-antibacterial mouthwash

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin Collection is a Beauty Must-Have!

March 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Clients|Olay  Clients|Olay

Don’t let a breakout stop you from standing out! Young women own the morning, the night, and everything in between-but nothing stands in the way of their 24/7 lives quite like an unwelcome breakout. For those moments when unsightly blemishes threaten, instant skin improvements is now available, courtesy of the NEW Clear Skin Collection from Olay Fresh Effects.

Boasting a powerful formula that instantly improves the look of blemishes, redness and imperfections, the {1-2-3!} Acne Solution System is proven to reduce the look of acne Better & Faster than Proactiv.* Infused with the reinvigorating essence of citrus and mint, the entire system is dermatologist tested, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, leaving skin fresh-face and even-toned while effectively treating acne.

So, how well does the New collection work? I actually had a good friend try out a couple of these products since I am not prone to acne. I did try the {See Spot Swipe!} Oil Reducing Wet Cloths and I simply love these pre-moistened cloths! They are packed with exfoliating power due to Textured Exfolidots technology. The Exfoli-dots clean deep to wipe away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that can clog pores. Great for all skin types, including acne prone skin. Affordable at a retail price of $4.99.

My friend tried the other products in the collection and her favorite was the {Acne Hater Deep Scrub} Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Deep Scrub, She loved how it exfoliates! She says just after a couple weeks of using, she has noticed a difference in her skin. This exfoliating scrub has deep cleansing power plus acne-fighting ingredients. Retails for $6.99.

Also available are the {Spot Zinger!} and the {Swirled Mattifier!} The {Spot Zinger!} is a 2-In-1 Salicylic acid acne spot treatment that is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and beautifiers to instantly improve the look of blemishes in just 10 minutes. Retails for $6.99. the {Swirled Mattifier!} is a swirled moisturizer that mattifies skin to instantly reduce the look of shine and redness. My friend said this one really hydrates and evens out skin tone. This one retails for $9.99.

The best way to go is with the {1-2-3!} Acne Solution System which includes the {Acne Hater Deep Scrub!}, {Spot Zinger!} and the {Swirled Mattifier!} for $19.99.

*Visual assessment on 29 women by expert graders at 15 minutes compared to Proactiv Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Treatment System.

Clients|Olay    Clients|Olay

For more information, go to Olay.com.

Self Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this feature. Photo Credit: Olay.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Children’s Book Author Asks Would You Adopt a Pink Dog?

March 11, 2015 By 2 Comments

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America loves its 83.3 million dogs but for some five million dogs that enter shelters each year, who will love them?

A new children’s book, The Painted Pilgrim by Dale Ryan (Breeze Hill Books, January 2015), shines a light on the dog adoption process and shows us why we should take care of dogs of all sizes, shapes, colors, and breeds.  The main character, Pellegrino, is a pink dog, and the shelter seeks to find him a good home while warding off dog owners with bad intentions.

“Some five million dogs will enter a shelter this year and 3.5 million will not make it out,” notes author and animal photographer Ms. Dale Ryan.  “I hope my book inspires more dog adoptions, especially of dogs that aren’t perfect or pure breeds, such as mutts, less favored breeds or those with a disability or perceived shortcoming.”

In her book, Dale shares the following insight:

  • How dogs have become America’s #1 pet
  • What dogs teach us – and give back to us
  • How we can advance the pet-adoption movement
  • The valuable lessons children learn from a dog adoption
  • Advice for people debating whether to adopt a dog

I received a book to review and love this book! My family is currently considering adopting a puppy so I found this book very helpful. This is great for children but is also great for the whole family! I also like the subtle lesson  in the book that you can’t always “judge a book by its cover”, so to speak. It’s also a very heartwarming story with a very happy ending! I highly recommend this book. It truly is a must-read and also love the questions to ask children at the end of the book.

About the author:

Dale Ryan is a dog-loving photographer and writer. Her debut book, Sleeping With the Beast, a coffee table photo-essay book, was featured in the Los Angeles Times Summer Reading List of 2012 and mentioned in the New York Post. Dale, who has owned some 15 dogs over the years, has two sons and resides in Litchfield, Connecticut, with her husband and two dogs, Clementine and Rupert. Read more about her and the book here: http://www.thepaintedpilgrim.com

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. I received a free book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Introducing the World’s First “Smart” Baby Formula Maker

March 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Milk Nanny

Whose turn is it?  Oh the dreaded times of getting out of bed in the wee hours of the night (several times every night) to make the babies bottle! Or your baby is crying and wants to be fed like NOW! Been there, done that twice!  Typically, parents make a bottle of milk for their babies between the ages of 0-3 about 4,000 times, including approximately a thousand late night feedings!  Now there is an easier way to make bottles for parents who feed their babies formula and it’s called Milk Nanny.

Milk Nanny is the first fully-automatic appliance to make fresh, warm baby formula milk in just 15 seconds.  The coolest thing about it….Milk Nanny can also be remotely controlled with a mobile phone. Parents simply connect to Milk Nanny with their mobile device via Wi-Fi, and they’re ready to start making milk. Milk Nanny knows exactly how much water and powder is needed to make a perfect bottle. Parents will finally be able to skip the daily chore of measuring and scooping formula from a can into a bottle, mixing with water and shaking it to get “most” of the clumps out.

Current milk making machines on the market today can’t be started remotely, they produce clumpy milk, they’re not self-cleaning, and don’t look very nice sitting on your kitchen counter.  The Milk Nanny will change all of that!  The Milk Nanny has a MSRP of $199.00 and will be available to the public in May 2015. Check out Milk Nanny http://www.wicoz.com/

Credit: Wicoz Inc. No compensation or product was received.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week
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