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Forever Flex Exercise Ball by Live Infinitely makes exercising more fun!

October 13, 2015 By 1 Comment

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I love the quality of this exercise ball! It doesn’t seem cheap and is very durable! I like that it is easy to pump up with the included hand pump. I was worried that my son or puppy would pop it. But, my puppy stays clear of it and my son loves exercising with it and he hasn’t popped it yet! This is a great way to exercise and I love using it for yoga. It is available in different sizes so just make sure to order the correct size.

Sizing Chart Based On Height
Shorter than 5′ 6″: 55cm
From 5′ 6″ – 5′ 11″: 65cm
From 6′ 0″ – 6′ 4″: 75cm
Taller than 6′ 4″: 85cm

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Friendship Games – Fun, Magic and Adventure

October 13, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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The latest installment of the film series. My Little Pony Equestria Girls, will come as a please addition to My Little Pony fans and newcomers alike. It is colorful with great animation, songs and loads of positive messages. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 13 and a self-proclaimed Brony comments, “After two series consisting of seven seasons, almost 200 episodes and two movies, people might think the series is getting old. But, I think it is not even half way over. The third installment in My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls does not disappoint My Little Pony fans of all ages.” KIDS FIRST! adult reviewer, Eli B. comments, “This title approaches many social elements for children to consider. Throughout the film, characters prevail by using kindness, honesty, courage, teamwork, friendship, sacrifice and a little ‘Equestrian Magic’.” Mia A. adds, “As a true My Little Pony fan,  I was so excited when I heard that My Little Pony Equestria Girls Friendship Games had been released!  I was not disappointed.  This animated movie is so fun and entertaining! “See their full reviews below.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Friendship Games
By Eli B. KIDS FIRST! reviewer

This title is very colorful with great animation and songs. It teaches lots of positive lessons including kindness, forgiveness, courage and teamwork. This title approaches many social elements for children to consider. Throughout the film, characters prevail by using kindness, honesty, courage, teamwork, friendship, sacrifice and a little “Equestrian Magic”. This title will prompt any child to examine the way treating others affects everyone including themselves. The ponies face many challenges and through teamwork, courage and kindness, they find resolve.

This film also teaches that although cheating may seem easy and produce results, that trying and losing is better than winning dishonestly. Its great to see so many different and at times opposing characters come together to find the common goodness in everyone. This DVD has bonus features including audio commentary, animated shorts, sing-a-longs and deleted scenes. You can easily choose specific chapters to watch or stop and play as needed.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Friendship Games
By Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

 

After two series consisting of seven seasons, almost 200 episodes and two movies, people might think the series is getting old. But, I think it is not even half way over. The third installment in My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls does not disappoint My Little Pony fans of all ages.

This movie is an adventure about the main characters. However, with most My Little Pony titles, friendship is a magic related thing. There is also a good amount of silly humor that viewers can enjoy and a small dose of drama which makes it more entertaining.

The story follows Twilight Sparkle, the only pony who seems to be able to go between the human and pony world. She hasn’t been in contact with any of her human friends and one day she arrives there.  However, it isn’t the Twilight they know. Additionally, the six friends are starting to get better control of their hidden magic powers which they need to learn to control for the friendship games (an athletic and academic competition between rivalry schools). If you would like to find out what happens, you have to watch the movie or read the book.

This film continues developing the positive reputation for the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic movies. The story is exciting, with many twists, and you still learn an important message. For this film, there are many. One of them is that, when help comes, accept it. The animation looks very tidy and, even though this is 2D animated, they are very creative with adding some 3D camera shots. The voice talent for Ashleigh Ball, Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash are spot on. Tara Strong who plays Twilight Sparkle makes us love the character, hate her and pity her all at the same time. The rest of the cast are also great at projecting the emotion of their characters. For example, in one scene with Applejack, she is helping her competition with archery and you don’t hear pity in her voice, you hear a kind, friendly tone, which Ashleigh Ball is so known for.

My favorite scene is when two of the main characters are fighting the enemy high school on a dirt bike course. It includes my favorite character, Rainbow Dash and another main character, Fluttershy. The race goes well at first. However when the other Twilight Sparkle accidentally releases some strange magic, the race goes haywire.

There is something you should be aware of. You don’t need to follow the TV show that the film is based on in order to understand the storyline of the film. However, it is probably best if you watch the first movie, My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls, in order to understand this story.

Age rating is surprising for My Little Pony. A lot of people think this show is meant for 2 to 6-year-olds. But really, it is suitable for older kids and event adults. Many of this show’s fans (including me) are 12 years old and older so, I recommend this for ages 2 to 18 and adults as well. Small children will enjoy the fun, bright, colors and the funny characters. But, older kids and adults enjoy the show as a fans. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars because it entertains people while teaching important messages. This film is out on DVD/Blu-ray on October 13 so check it out.

 

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Friendship Games
By Mia A, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

As a true My Little Pony fan,  I was so excited when I heard that My Little Pony Equestria Girls Friendship Games had been released!  I was not disappointed.  This animated movie is so fun and entertaining!

If you haven’t seen the other My Little Pony movies, this plot will probably be confusing.  These My Little Pony movies need to be watched in chronological order just like the Hunger Games or Harry Potter.  This Friendship Games movie reminded me of the first My Little Pony movie because of reasons I can’t say because it would be a spoiler.

This movie is about Sunset Shimmer and her friends (Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinky Pie and Applejack) at Canterlot High.  They are competing against Crystal Prep in the Friendship Games which are held every year.  This time, the human world’s Twilight is competing against them during the friendship games!   Who will win, Canterlot High or Crystal Prep?  Will the human Twilight ever come together with Sunset Shimmer and her friends?  In Equestria there are ponies and there is a portal that goes to the human world which is where this movie takes place.

If parents don’t want their kids to be watching movies about portals, this is not the movie for them because there is a portal in this movie and all the other My Little Pony movies.

The moral to this movie is that friendship is more powerful than magic or anything else. I really enjoyed this movie because of the design of the characters and settings.  The songs and music in this film also help set the mood and emotions.  I love all the characters because they all learn a valuable lesson such as how people make mistakes.  Even when the characters disagree and get in little fights, they always forgive each other.  These characters are good role models for younger kids because they learn and care.

I rate this movie 4 out of 5 stars because of the awesome animation and because it’s kind of like the original movie. I recommend it for ages 5 to 12 due to the portals and some monsters that could be scary to younger kids. If you or your child is a My Little Pony fan, then this is the movie for you!

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Filed Under: Media Reviews

If you love Music…You have to visit The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live!

October 13, 2015 By 1 Comment

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Earlier this month, my family had the opportunity to visit The GRAMMY Museum. If you love music, this really is a place you must check out! Even if you don’t love music, I am sure you will find this museum quite unique! We had the opportunity to see The Taylor Swift Experience. This one was a fun one for  kids and adults as long as you are a Taylor Swift fan. My son and I are fans. There was even a sound studio where you could sing a Taylor Swift song and it is played back. It really was pretty cool!

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What I really like is there are different exhibits and different genres of music. There really is something for everyone! I was pretty thrilled to see Kurt Cobain featured in The GRAMMY Museum!

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But, my favorite thing to do was dancing to Taylor Swift with  my son!

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Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday 10:30am – 6:30pm
Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:30pm

*On October 7, 2015 the fourth floor will close at 5:00pm for a private event.*

*On October 15, 2015 the fourth floor will close at 6:00pm for a private event.*

*On October 21, 2015 the Museum will close at 4:00pm for a private event.*

*On October 27, 2015 the fourth floor will close at 5:00pm for a private event.

*On November 5, 2015 the fourth floor will close at 6:00pm for a private event.*

They will be closed on Thursday, November 26, 2015 and Friday, December 25, 2015.

To find out more, check out the website!

Self Disclosure: I received media comps to feature The GRAMMY Museum. No other compensation was received. 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

CicLAvia Heart of LA Explores Six Miles of Car Free Streets in Downtown Los Angeles

October 13, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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‘Next Stop Little Tokyo’ is a curated guide to one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant neighborhoods. Presented by Go Little Tokyo, these bi-weekly itineraries report on the best dining, shopping, arts and cultural destinations while providing the tools to navigate and explore the streets of Little Tokyo in a whole new way. On Sunday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., CicLAvia – Heart of LA will celebrate what has become a Los Angeles institution with a fifth-year anniversary route that will take participants through Boyle Heights, the Arts District, Civic Center, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Historic Core and as far west as Macarthur Park.

 

CicLAvia began as an idea with an uncertain outcome when it first removed cars from the streets of downtown Los Angeles on October 10, 2010. Now, five years, fourteen events and hundreds of thousands of participants later, CicLAvia is the largest open streets event in North America. Heart of LA will have six miles for participants to explore by bike, foot, skateboard, wheelchair and other non-motorized traffic.

 

Take a break from route and explore one of LA’s most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods – Little Tokyo. Stop off at the “Go Little Tokyo Zone” at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM)’s Plaza (100 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles California 90012) to learn about Little Tokyo, relax in the shade, listen to live music and participate in an art workshop. Park your bike at the FREE bike valet station at JANM Plaza provided by the LA County Bike Coalition (LACBC) and come back for it when your are done exploring, getting lunch, and shopping.

 

Enjoy the sounds of Taiko drumming performances throughout the day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the JANM Plaza. Students and staff of Los Angeles Taiko Institute will present new work for Japanese drums written specifically for CicLAvia, including a “trap”-inspired improvisation, a Taiko bike-trailer, and audience participation.  More information can be found at http://taiko.la/event/taiko-ciclavia-oct-2015.

 

Participants can create one of kind 3D geometric art at the Go Little Tokyo Origami Workshop in collaboration with Raw Materials Art Supplies from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop at the Go Little Tokyo booth for all the latest information you need to explore the neighborhood, find out about the local great restaurants, shops, and cultural programs. Also enter a free drawing to win various raffle prizes including orchestra seat tickets to La Cage Aux Folles at East West Players, tickets to performances at the Aratani Theater, and prizes from local Little Tokyo shops and restaurants.

 

For more information on Go Little Tokyo and Next Stop Little Tokyo visit www.golittletokyo.com complete with an interactive map, multi-venue calendar listings, business and community directory and blog for all the latest news. Sign up for the mailing list and be the first to receive bi-weekly Next Stop Little Tokyo self-guided tours that highlight neighborhood favorites and uncover local hidden gems.

 

Go Little Tokyo is a Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) project developed and produced by Community Arts Resources (CARS) and made possible with support from Metro.

Credit: Go Little Tokyo.

Filed Under: Archived Content

Magic Balloons Water Balloons are fun and easy!

October 13, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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What do you do when there is a heat wave and you homeschool? You include Water Balloons in your PE time! I received these Magic Balloons that are super easy to fill up. You simply attach to your hose and have a bunch at a time! This set included 111 pre attached water balloons and 111 empty balloons along with the rubbers. I love how you do not have to tie them! I also love that a refill is included and it is reusable! So much fun and so easy! These are great for family and friend fun time. I am still amazed that I no longer have to tie the balloons!!

 

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

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Self Disclosure: I received a free product in exchange for an unbiased review. Any opinions expressed are my own.

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Making Family Memories in a Very Unique Way

October 12, 2015 By 1 Comment

Over a year ago, three mothers saw a growing need for togetherness in today’s world and decided to create a product that would unite a family much like a team: Matching swimwear! PETIT LIMOI™ was created as an innovative brand to channel the pure, fun energy of little ones into fashion and letting parents play along with them. It was designed to promote family identity and the importance of making family bonding experiences.

The swimwear designs are youthful and modern, making them ideal for both children and grown ups. Their exclusive prints are inspired by nature and life combining small intricate details and bright lively colors. They offer two different fabrics to achieve a unified family look. Both fabrics are produced and printed with the highest quality. Each product is specifically made with the consumer in mind. Men’s and boy’s trunk are soft and comfortable while women’s and girl’s have more elasticity and are extra soft.

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The importance of family is in the core of everything PETIT LIMOI™ makes. Because of this, its founders, since the beginning, have sponsored a little girl through the World Vision Organization. Their goal is to sponsors as many kids as possible as the brand grows, making the PETIT LIMOI™ family grow stronger!

PETIT LIMOI™’s revolutionary and meaningful concept has translated into organic growth and local success. Now it is time to take it to the next level! To do so, the partners have decided to create a Kickstarter campaign that will be launched on 10/06/15 for a period of 30 days. The money raised will be used for bigger distribution, smarter production and expanded sales outlets.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. No samples were received at this time and no review was completed. Credit: PETIT LIMOI™.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Duri Cosmetics’ “Revel in Luxury” Collection adds Cool and Chic Shades for Fall and Winter 2015

October 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Looking for the perfect nail shades for the Fall and upcoming Winter? Duri Cosmetics has your covered!

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Fall and Winter don’t need to be drab and dreary – especially when painting fingers and toes – according to Faina Ritz, founder of Duri Cosmetics.  With the new “Revel In Luxury” Collection, Ritz elevates autumnal- and winter-toned neutrals into rich nail polish hues that add just the right amount of pop to cold weather’s manis and pedis.

 

Each shade in this collection has its own unique flare and glamour. Ritz notes, “‘Revel in Luxury’ is made up of robust and lush shades that feature blended multi-faceted, androgynous colors, luxe neutrals and powerful statement-making pigments that are extravagant yet effortlessly sophisticated.”

 

These twelve brand new polishes are inspired by the trending Pantone 2015 Fall Fashion reports, which indicate a balancing of earthy neutrals with bold color statements.

 

“We want women to be able to wear a shade both day and night and to go from the office to a swanky night out, all while feeling elegantly confident and polished – and nothing makes a woman feel more polished and put together than a fresh coat of the right color polish,” Ritz explains.

 

“Revel in Luxury” features twelve new colors that work perfectly with fall and winter.

I received samples and I love the variety of different shades!  I tried out six of the shades below and my favorite are the Revel In Luxury (a beautiful blue) and Chic Chick. I like that only one shade is needed and these shades are just perfect for both day and night. These are Beauty-must-haves this Fall and upcoming Winter!

The following shades are available:

It’s All About Me (659) – a cultivated, vibrant watermelon pink

Posh (667) – an enigmatic, sensual purple

Live It Up! (662) – a soothing moss khaki

In Vogue (666) – a sophisticated and playful salmon

Oh, My Stars (657) – a serene yet confident dark turquoise with just a hint of blue micro-shimmer

Black Diamond (663) – a powerful black saturated with silver micro-glitter

Chic Chick (658) – a luxurious taupe-hued mink

Au Moment (660) – a stately pearly iced pink

Lost In Elegance (661) – a sumptuous chinchilla with subtle copper and silver micro-shimmer

Paint The Town (664) – a tasteful winter amaryllis red

Feeling Beautiful (665) – a dusty, comforting rose

Revel In Luxury (668) – a magnificent shimmering royal sapphire

 

Indulge in this opulent yet wearable new collection and all of Duri’s polishes, available nationwide at salons, spas and specialty stores, as well as online at www.duri.com.

 

Duri’s entire collection of 300+ nail polishes are all 3-free from DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde, and are also environmentally friendly, ensuring your nails will look exquisite without all of the questionable chemicals. Individual polishes can be purchased for $6 – pure elegance without a lavish price.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

New Chuggington DVD “The Big Freeze” Releases October 13!

October 10, 2015 By 5 Comments

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Cool high-speed adventure is on the way to preschoolers nationwide with the newest“Chuggington™” DVD, “Chuggington: The Big Freeze”! The latest release in the popular DVD collection from Anchor Bay Entertainment is jam-packed with six fun-filled adventures – including a never before seen holiday special episode from the top-rated Disney Junior series. “The Big Freeze” pulls into retail on October 13, 2015, just in time to help families from coast-to-coast celebrate the season – Chuggington style!


The chuggers perform one heroic rescue after another in this cool new seasonal collection of “Chuggington” adventures! When icy temperatures cause the town to run out of fuel and all diesel engines are grounded, it’s wheels-to-the-rails as Chief Jackman and his team of brave Chug Patrollers work together to find a way to the frozen docks to retrieve fuel and get the town of Chuggington moving once again. Fans can join Fletch as he tries to repair the lighthouse, chug along with Calley as she tests to become a first responder, watch as Brewster gets closer to being a Chuggineer, and more! “The Big Freeze” will help teach little chuggers nationwide important lessons about safety, responsibility and teamwork as they ride alongside their favorite friends, Wilson, Koko, Brewster, and Asher!

I received an advanced copy and I highly recommend for younger children! It is fun and so entertaining! I love that it also teaches important lessons for young children such as safety.

Dove.org reports: “Now this is what good children’s entertainment is about! The stories are terrific, the characters are delightful, and the animation is awesome!” And, for double the turbo-charged adventures, Anchor Bay Entertainment will release in tandem the new-to-DVD dino-sized “Chuggington” title, “Wilson and the Dinosaur.”

 

Young fans can experience even more “Chuggington” fun at Amtrak Train Days events, taking place across the country. For information visit https://amtraktraindays.com/events/.

 

Now in its fifth season on Disney Junior, “Chuggington” is a colorful and contemporary CGI-animated TV show fromLudorum that reinforces early social readiness skills. The series has become a global sensation since its debut in September 2008 in the U.K. The show has been licensed to more than 175 territories worldwide and has established ratings records in several key international markets, including the U.K., Germany, France and Australia. The series made its U.S. debut in January 2010.

We have teamed up for a Special Giveaway! One winner will win both DVDs! 

Chuggington Wilson & The Dinosaur 3D   Chuggington Big Freeze3d

I haven’t reviewed Chuggington Wilson and the Dinosaur but it looks like a great one!

To enter, leave a comment below telling us why you would love to win this cool combo! Deadline to enter is October 15th, 2015 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org. 

In the meantime, also click on the following link for some more fun!

chuggington wilson & the dinosaur Coloring Pages

Self Disclosure: I received a free DVD to facilitate this post, No other compensation was received. The winner will be sent both DVDs from Anchor Bay Entertainment.

Filed Under: Archived Content
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