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Max – Heartwarming Story About Man’s Best Friend

June 25, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Not all dogs are created equal. This story features a U.S. Marine dog that served in  Afghanistan and suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome. When he returns to the U.S., he has issues not uncommon to humans who’ve experienced similar experiences. This original story will pull on the heart-strings of any animal lover. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “Max is truly an inspirational adventure many will love and enjoy.”

 

Max

Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

https://youtu.be/NRHpiS_c7EE

 

 

Cast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwOwh4Gz6U8

 

 

This movie is about a marine who faces challenges on and off the battlefield. However, this marine is not a human. This marine is a dog, a dog that inspires many.  Max is truly an inspirational adventure many will love and enjoy.

 

This movie is truly a thriller with a pinch of mystery, however in the form of an adventure that is full of dramatic scenes. There is action with a sparkle of romance spicing up the story as well. At the end, and at its core, it is an inspirational and heartwarming story.

 

Max starts off when a soldier named Kyle, his squad and his search dog Max are heading to a town in Afghanistan to do their mission. On the way there, they get ambushed and Kyle passes away. Max is traumatized and develops post dramatic stress disorder. The only person who seems to have a positive affect on Max different is Kyle’s younger brother. Soon the two bond and start an epic adventure that holds a answer to a mysterious question. If you want to know what it is you have to watch the film!

 

This film tells an original story and very nicely too. Actors of all species are wonderful in portraying their parts and showing all the varied emotions of those characters. The director makes the story unfold smoothly. I think that some parts of the film are a little bit stretched out. However, Max will make you laugh, cry, gasp and awe. It is a joy to watch.

 

My favorite scene is when Max and Kyle’s little brother, Justin are just starting to get to know each other. Justin brings Max to his group of friends and they race down the hill together. Justin quickly picks up speed and not only does Max easily follow but, he also guides Justin down a safe path. I like the scene because it’s really the first time that Max and Justin work as one and it shows the full range of skills that Max has.

 

This film is rather violent and also has some very mature scenes. The story itself is sad at times and it does contain a bit of gore and intense violence, so I recommend it for ages 11 to 18. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. For even with its minor imperfections, the creators did a wonderful job showing a heartwarming  and original story that generation after generation can be inspired by.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Upcoming Attractions.  www.kidsfirst.org.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

$1 million in Simon Youth Scholarships includes award for local Los Angeles student

June 25, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Local Los Angeles student Shan Shakoor will continue his education at Woodbury University in Burbank this fall with the help of The Shops at Montebello and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF).

 

Shakoor, of Glendale, has received a Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship valued at $1,500. The scholarship was awarded in partnership between The Shops at Montebello and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities for youth.

 

Shakoor is a recent graduate of St. Francis High School in La Canada and exemplified himself through academic excellence, leadership skills, and participation in both school and community activities. He plans to study Business atWoodbury University in the fall.

 

“We are very proud of the Simon Youth Scholarships program, because it has given us the opportunity to support the academic endeavors of promising youth right here in our community,” said Marida Petitjean, Director of Marketing and Business Development at The Shops at Montebello.

 

Simon Youth Scholarships are awarded annually to at least one student in every U.S. community that is home to a Simon®property. This year, approximately $1.1 million will be awarded.

 

“Simon Youth Community Scholarships reward academic excellence across the country and help students to continue their education,” said J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF.  “Financial concerns should never be the reason preventing a child from pursuing their dreams.”

 

About SYF

Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit, exists to help at-risk students, who are on the verge of dropping out of high school, graduate. Through 22 Simon Youth Academies in 11 states and Simon Youth Scholarships, SYF advocates, creates and initiates educational opportunities for students. In partnership with local public schools, SYF has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its Academies since inception, graduated more than 13,000 students, and awarded more than $13 million in scholarships.  Learn more at syf.org.

 

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, Old Navy 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

Credit: Shops at Montebello and Simon Youth Foundation.

 

Filed Under: Announcements

Travelling with Kids this Summer?

June 24, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Are you travelling this Summer with the Kids?  Here are some real Summer Must-Haves! Wildkin will have you covered with really cool Duffel bags for the older kids such as overnight duffel bags, traveler duffel bags, rolling duffel bags and weekend duffel bags. My son received a really cool Weekender Duffel Bag in a Digital Camo pattern and he really likes it! I like that it is large enough to fit everything that he would need for a weekend away. It is also made from rugged, water resistant polyester. It is also available in a variety of other patterns. You can find them here. Wildkin also has Rolling luggage by Olive Kids for the younger kids.

Wildkin also features sleeping bags, beach mats, picnic mats, ponchos, snack packs and so much more for all your travel needs!

For more information go to: http://www.wildkin.com/

Looking for a fun product for the kids that is part blanket and part pillow? Skip Hop Travel Blankets are a Must!  These are fun especially for the younger kids. Whether you’re hitting the road for a day trip or catching a flight for a family vacation, our Zoo travel blanket will make sure your child is happy and comfy on the go.The soft, sweet blanket easily tucks away into its own friendly portable pillow, complete with a carry-on strap for little hands. This plush zoo friend also keeps little ones company at home, perfect for cuddling on the couch or getting cozy with sleepover pals.

We received an Owl and it is just too cute! We gave it to a friend who loves owls and she loves using it especially as a pillow.

Available in Ladybug, Monkey and Owl for $20 at: http://www.skiphop.com/product/zootravelblankets.html

Check out the website!

Now, one of my favorites for younger kids is the Zoo Neckrest little kid travel neckrest. This one is also available from Skip Hop. We received an adorable blue Dog but it is also available in Ladybug, Monkey, Owl or Giraffe. Great for the car or an airplane and perfect for ages 2-4 years old.

Find them here.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: Wildkin and Skip Hop. Dog: Socal City Kids.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Waist Pack, Aegend™ Running Belt

June 24, 2015 By 15 Comments

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I have to admit before receiving this product, I was slightly worried that it would remind me of the old school fanny packs. Nothing against those..they were cool back in the day. But, today? Not as cool! I was quite thrilled when I did receive this product though because it is..well, stylish and cool and it is also lightweight and comfortable to wear. I love the size too! It is not too big (like those old school fanny packs!) but it it just the right size for my keys, cash and phone. Just what I need when I am jogging, walking or hiking. So, I am not a Runner…but I can walk pretty fast! I plan to use this on my next 5K!

You can find on Amazon.com.

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win their own Aegend Running Belt! To enter, leave a comment below telling us why you would like to win! Deadline to enter is June 30th, 2015 at noon PST. US residents only.

Self Disclosure: I received a sample product from Aegend in exchange for an unbiased review.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Kites for Kids – Best Large Delta Kite with Tail by Get Childish

June 24, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Summer is here and what  great time to fly a kite! We received a Kite from Get Childish and had so much family fun! I like how fancy this kite is but how simple it is to fly! I love the bright colors and the quality of this kite. I love that this also comes with a Kite bag and a 100% lifetime guarantee. Now, how cool is that?! I really don’t think that I have ever had a more beautiful kite in my life!This product actually exceeded my expectations!

My son has had difficulties with flying other kites but he can fly this one easily and he really likes it. I highly recommend this Kite for everyone! So much fun!

 

 

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

Find them on Facebook!

Self Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for an unbiased review and it has exceeded my expectations.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Manolo is Pet of the Week!

June 23, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Manolo, June 25 Pet of the Week

Manolo is a 20- (yes, 20) pound neutered male Siamese cat, about 5 years old. His family had to relinquish him to the shelter because they lost their home. This is too common a tragedy for both humans and animals. If you can at least make it better for Manolo (and maybe provide enough exercise to shed what may not be muscle and bone), come meet him on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A494777.

 

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

 

 

Credit: Companion Animal Village.

 

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Stand Up & PROTECT Your Skin This Summer with Cabana Life

June 23, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Summer is officially here and so it the Summer weather! As I am  getting older, I am much more concerned about protecting my skin from harmful rays. I am also more concerned about Skin Cancer.  But, I love the beach! I love boogie boarding and being outdoors. I am quite excited about Cabana Life and for more than one reason!

Cabana Life combines fashion with sun safe function by offering 50+ UV protection in its entire beach chic collection. I received a sample Rashguard to facilitate this post. I like how comfortable it is, how it protects me out in the sun and how stylish it is! It’s a real Must-Have for the Summer months! I love that it has 50+ UV protection. It’s my must-have for my days of boogie boarding. The Rashguard is also available at SU2C’s webstore, with 100% net proceeds benefiting SU2C.

Now, for the other reason, I am a big fan of Cabana Life! 

Cabana Life, the leader in stylish sun protection, launched the Stand Up & PROTECT campaign to benefit Stand Up To Cancer, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which funds innovative cancer research. It debuted in May 2015, in conjunction with Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Cabana Life unveiled their limited edition rashguards styled for women, men and kids. The rashguards magnify the message of PROTECTing your skin in the sun, as skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States.* 100% of net proceeds from PROTECT rashguard sales will benefit Stand Up To Cancer.**

Founded by Melissa Marks Papock, a skin cancer survivor, the collection offers a variety of fashion forward beach-essentials including swimsuits, rashguards, hats, cover-ups, tunics, shirts and pants for women, men and kids. Cabana Life’s goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of the sun while providing sun protective clothing as a stylish wardrobe staple for women, men and kids. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Stand Up To Cancer on our PROTECT collection and campaign this summer, and hope that together, we can inspire more people to dress responsibly while being active and enjoying the outdoors,” explains Papock.

 

These limited edition rashguards made their debut on cabanalife.com on May 1st and will retail year-round from $25-$48, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting Stand Up To Cancer. Now, how cool is that?!

More info:

About Stand Up To Cancer

Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2008 by film and media leaders who utilize the industry’s resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, and to increase awareness about progress being made in the fight against the disease. As SU2C’s scientific partner, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a Scientific Advisory Committee led by Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D., conduct rigorous, competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and provide expert review of research progress.

 

Current members of the SU2C Council of Founders and Advisors (CFA) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Kathleen Lobb, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Roberstson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, and Ellen Ziffren. The late co-founder Laura Ziskin executive produced the Sept. 5, 2008, and Sept. 10, 2010 Stand Up To Cancer roadblock fundraising telecasts. All current CFA members were producers of the 2012 and 2014 telecasts, with Lisa Paulsen and Pam Williams serving as executive producers in 2014. SU2C was formally launched on May 27, 2008. Sung Poblete, Ph.D., R.N., has served as SU2C’s president and CEO since 2011.

For more information on Stand Up To Cancer, visit www.standup2cancer.org

 

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

**Cabana Life will donate to SU2C a minimum of 50% of the sales price from each SU2C-branded rashguard sold with a minimum guaranteed donation of $8,000.

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample. No other compensation was received. Photo Credit/Press info: Cabana Life.

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

11 WAYS TO LOOK YOUNGER IN 30 DAYS OR LESS

June 23, 2015 By 1 Comment

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Getting older is inevitable.   But looking older doesn’t have to come with the territory.   Here are 11 simply beautiful ways to up your youth quotient in 30 days or less, courtesy of SmileSimplicity.

 

  1. Re-do your do: Tip # 1 – loosen up. Perfect, symmetrical curls and waves and tight updos read “uptight” and severe.  Go for a softer, messier look.   As for color, nothing ages faster than a single solid hue, whether platinum blonde or raven black.  Add dimension with highlights or lowlights, especially around the face to make skin glow.

 

  1. Fill in the lines: Ask your dermatologist about Botox or laugh line fillers like Restylane and Juvederm. They last for a few months and are great for a special occasion.

 

  1. Fill in the FINE lines: Consider a “smile lift” otherwise known as porcelain veneers. Not only can this magic transformation correct chips, cracks and imperfections and brighten teeth, they can also help plump out some of the fine lines of the upper lip.   Don’t like needles?   Don’t get them!   SmileSimplicity is a new generation pain-free porcelain veneer that does not require any drilling away of sensitive tooth structure and thus no anesthesia.
  1. Instant refresher: Consider a light peel to even out skin tone and smooth out fine lines
  1. Out out brown spots: When you don’t have time to wait for a skin brightening cream (which works gradually after consistent use) to do its job, consider a laster treatment to remove skin discolorations. Hint:  you can have them on your hands too.

 

  1. And speaking of hands – exfoliate and moisturize for an instantly younger look.

 

  1. Stand up straight. Your mother always told you to, and now you wish you had listened.  (Remember, we naturally lose height as we age, so why make it even worse by slouching?)   Poor posture can be a result of weak core muscles, so try adding a few planks into your daily exercise regimen.   Start at 15 seconds and gradually add to your time.

 

  1. Be flexible… it makes you feel and look younger. Try yoga or barre classes to stretch out tight muscles.

 

  1. Tooth whitening.. Today, there are more tooth whitening options than ever to consider, from whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses to gel trays and strips to in-office professional treatments. While more costly, in-office procedures usually produce the fastest, most dramatic and long-lasting results.

 

  1. Framing your face. Thinning brows are a sure sign of age.   Don’t forget to fill them in with a soft pencil, or use a stencil.

 

  1. It’s not all about the face. The skin on the neck and décolletage is super thin and shows age more quickly than elsewhere. Try a moisture treatment that is specifically formulated to build collagen.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post.  Credit: SmileSimplicity. *Before and After photos are posted above.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner
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