Archives for 2015

Celebrate Long Summer Days with New Menu Items at Islands Restaurants

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Islands Restaurants, known for its specialty burgers, ice-cold brews and laid back surf-inspired atmosphere, is welcoming summer with all-new seasonal menu items. Beginning June 15, guests can kick back, relax and celebrate long summer days with the new Hana Hou Burger, cooling Marga’veza and refreshing Mixed Berry Cooler.

Burgers are quintessential summer fare, and Islands’ new Hana Hou Burger brings the heat to the grill for a limited time. Topped with pepper jack cheese, a spicy Machete Aioli and grilled Borracho Beer Onions that are caramelized and simmered in beer, the Hana Hou Burger packs a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the new Marga’veza – a cooling beer cocktail made with Anejo tequila, Coors Light, sweet and sour and a refreshing squeeze of citrus orange. Also new to the summertime cocktail menu is the Mixed Berry Cooler. Hand shaken with mixed berries, Tito’s Vodka, sweet and sour and a splash of soda, this cocktail is ideal for cooling off after a hot day at the beach and is sure to add a little “aloha” spirit to any meal.

In addition to the new summertime menu items, guests will be able to enjoy Islands’ happy hour deals in the bar area every Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., with late night happy hour available at select locations. Happy hour favorites include Islands’ famous Mai Tai, Cheddar Fries and Hawaiian Sliders.

Along with food and drink specials, each of Islands’ 55 restaurants is giving away a custom beach cruiser this summer – perfect for riding along the boardwalk. Beginning June 21, guests can enter for a chance to win every time they visit an Islands location, and the lucky winners will be selected on September 22.

For more information, follow Islands on Twitter and Instagram @IslandsBurgers and like Islands at www.facebook.com/IslandsRestaurants.

We had the opportunity to visit Islands in Long Beach (55 South Pine Avenue) and had the best time!  I didn’t try the new Hana Hou Burger (I love their variety of tacos!) but my husband did and he loved it! He also tried the new Marga’veza and the Mixed Berry Cooler. His favorite was the Marga’veza.  My husband isn’t a big Tequila drinker but he says this drink was just right with his burger. My 11-year-old son can be quite particular about food but he quickly gobbled down more than half of the Sweet Potato Fries we had as an appetizer!

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Although, I did not try any of the new items on the menu, I did try a new variety of tacos. The Yaki Tacos which I really loved! Grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce…yum! I also had the Mangorita Margarita which was really good! Dessert is also a must-have! I had the Kona pie, which is big enough to share! 

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Over all, Islands has awesome food and you have to try the new Summer menu items! Actually, their entire menu is great! But, the very best thing about Islands…is their amazing service!  There simply are no words to say how amazing are visit was due to the customer service. I really have to give a shout out to our waiter, Alex and to the manager Joe! Thank you! Our family had a wonderful time and will be back soon!

About Islands Restaurants

Founded in 1982, Islands is privately held and has managed controlled but steady growth, with a focus on providing the finest quality food and an outstanding guest experience. The company’s philosophy that eating out should not be complicated is reflected in the simple, fresh ingredients found in its signature burgers that are never frozen, daily fresh-cut fries and the best tropical drinks around – all served in a laid back, beach-inspired environment. The Carlsbad-based company operates 55 restaurants throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. For more information visit www.islandsrestaurants.com.

Self Disclosure: My family received a media comped visit to facilitate this post. Our visit exceeded our expectations.

Pizza Dough, Vanilla Cake and Pancakes by Simple Mills…Yum!

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Chicago-based Simple Mills announced this past May that it is introducing three new products to its popular line of almond flour based baking mixes, including Pizza Dough Mix, Pancake & Waffle Mix, and Vanilla Cake Mix. In addition to its new product line-up Simple Mills is unveiling a brand new look. “We think spring is a particularly good time to launch our fresh, new products and bright packaging,” says Simple Mills founder Katlin Smith. “In response to requests from our consumers, we created three more delicious, easy-to-make products that are, as always, low in sugar, high in protein and naturally gluten free.”

The new packaging, which features a bright starburst of color, is in box form, which will improve the ability to merchandise. “We want our mixes to jump off the shelves and into customers’ carts. Finding products that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends can be even more difficult,” says Smith. “Rebranding our line of delicious and healthy mixes is part of our desire to make in-store decision making as easy as possible; we think the new line-up as well as our attractive packaging will do just that.”

In addition to the new look and offerings, customers will be getting even more product. “Our new packaging increases the package yield,” added Smith. “Plus, we’ve reduced the unit price from $8.99 to $7.99.”

Smith, 26, started Simple Mills after she cleaned up her own diet. “All the mixes I found on grocery store shelves had a ton of sugar, a lot of highly processed ingredients, things I couldn’t even pronounce,” she says. “I wanted to offer products that would eliminate refined sugar, high-glycemic flours, gluten, or genetically-modified ingredients.”

All the new products are available on Amazon and are already out on store shelves.

I received samples of all three and they were a big hit in my house! My favorite is the Vanilla Cake, which my husband actually baked for my birthday this past week. What I  love is that it doesn’t just taste like Vanilla cake..it actually tastes like a spice cake. It is definitely quite delicious! My son’s favorite is the Pancake mix and my husband is a fan of the Pizza dough mix!  I love that the Pancake mix is a healthier option than many others on the market. Something for everyone in the family!  I’m also quite impressed that they are lower in sugar and taste delicious!

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Tough to see this cake with the fire on top! That’s what happens when you turn 50!

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About Simple Mills:

 

Simple Mills is a new and exciting company offering grain-free baking mixes made with simple, whole-food ingredients that are naturally high in protein and low in sugar.  Award-winning Simple Mills is currently in more than 500 stores nationwide and is one of the best-selling muffin mixes on Amazon.

(http://www.simplemills.com)

https://www.facebook.com/SimpleMills

https://twitter.com/simplemills

https://instagram.com/simplemills

https://www.pinterest.com/simplemills/

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: (except birthday cake photo) Simple Mills.

Adovia Dead Sea Bath Salts are a Beauty Must-Buy!

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I love this product! My two favorite things are how easily it dissolves in a bath and how soft my skin feels after soaking in the tub. I also love that it is great for my son’s somewhat sensitive skin. He does not have Eczema but he does often get itchy dry skin. My husband also has many aches and pains due to an accident and he was surprised to find after using he had some relief. Seems so much better than Epson salts. I really love that it is formulated with over 26 essential minerals the body needs for natural soothing and relaxation. I really recommend and this product exceeded my expectations.

You can buy on Amazon.com.

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

Talent for Humanity: Stories of Creativity, Compassion, and Courage to Inspire You on Your Journey

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We are all born with the power to imagine what does not yet exist. What if we used this power to create the world we all dream of living in — for ourselves and for others?

Enter Talent for Humanity: Stories of Creativity, Compassion, and Courage to Inspire You on Your Journey (Greenleaf Book Group, April 2015) developed by Talent for Humanity, an international non-profit organization conceived by a group of individuals drawn together by a single vision of serving humanity and creating a better world through entertainment and the arts. Introducing seven inspiring individuals — recipients of the NPO’s Human Spirit Award — who have utilized their passion and creativity in the arts to do incredible things to improve the lives of others, Talent for Humanity ignites the spark in all of us to begin our own journey toward change.

These engaging stories take readers on an exploration of compassion and creativity from revolutionary Iran to Skid Row in Los Angeles, from a Native American reservation in Montana to Norway and Great Britain, from Palestine to the slums of Calcutta, and from Israel to the Sochi Olympics. Each of the seven featured individuals shares their life story and tells readers, in their own words, how they individually overcame obstacles and hardships, and sometimes the most grueling and brutal of ordeals, to take a stand against poverty, apathy, closed-mindedness, oppression, and prejudice.

By harnessing their passion, these talented men and women used the arts and their creative abilities to improve the destiny and lives of others. Talent for Humanity details the incredible stories of:

  • Reza – Philanthropist, idealist, humanist, architect, and award-winning National Geographic photojournalist
  • Sherry and Bob Jason – Attorneys and founders of City Hearts
  • Aliza Hava – California-based singer, songwriter and peacemaker
  • Deeyah Khan – Emmy-award winning film director/producer
  • Yarrow Kraner – “Creative alchemist,” photographer, mentor, and builder of innovative social media communities
  • Daniele Finzi Pasca – Theater director, Olympic ceremony creator/director, and clown.

I received a copy of this book and found it quite enlightening.  The stories are amazing, compassionate and I really enjoyed reading these incredible stories. It will truly leave you with a positive feeling of hope! A must-read for all adults! I can’t even choose which story was my favorite. I loved them all!

For more information, visit www.talentforhumanity.org.

Talent for Humanity was released on April 21, 2015 and is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble stores and all major booksellers. 

NYC New York Color eye pencils for the Summer!

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If you are looking for waterproof eye pencils for the Summer, NYC New York Color has you covered! I received samples and love the City Proof 24 Hour Waterproof Eye Shadow. I love that it is waterproof and love the different shades that are available, It has quickly  become my go-to eye pencil this Summer! I love using it as a liner.  I like that it lasts through out the day even during a trip to the beach. The HD Automatic Eyeliner in black or brown is also a must-have for date nights!But, my favorite is Deep Purple. They are really affordable too! You can find them for under $5. Find out more on their website! I’m sure you will find an eye pencil that you will just love!

You can buy them at chain drugstores and mass merchandisers nationwide. To find a retailer near you, please visit www.newyorkcolor.com.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this Summer Beauty Must-Have post. Photo Credit: NYC New York Color.

Patriotic Pet Collar and Leash are a Must-Have for the 4th of July!

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I absolutely love this Dog Collar and matching leash sold by MSG Market Source! What a great way to show the American spirit this upcoming 4th of July!  It is absolutely perfect for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. I love the look of the American flag in the collar and leash. We actually live on a Military base so plan to have our pup wear the collar more often than just on the 4th of July. I love that the collar is adjustable and it is just so patriotic! It says that it fits small to medium dogs and we have a medium size pup and this fits him perfectly. I like that the leash isn’t too short or too long. It also seems quite durable, which is a great thing since I still have a pup in training! I highly recommend!
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You can buy on Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a discounted or free product in exchange for an unbiased review. This product actually exceeded my expectations.

Lily The Unicorn shows it’s okay to be different!

The Jim Henson Company has been busy creating a new television project, Lily the Unicorn, based on the hit children’s book from acclaimed author/illustrator Dallas Clayton and featuring… an adventurous unicorn!  And now you can watch the pilot episode for FREE!

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Dallas Clayton is the writer of the acclaimed and beloved The Awesome Book series, who began his writing and illustrating career by creating a book for his son about dreaming big that resonated with millions worldwide.  He has been compared to Dr. Seuss in the simplicity yet power of the messages in his books.

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WHO IS LILY THE UNICORN?

 

 

Lily is our heroine!  She is a remarkable, colorful and comical gal and she’s truly one-in-a-million!  Literally!   She’s the only unicorn that she knows of in the world besides her dad!  She is lively, creative, thoughtful and confident—and a bright pink beacon of  hope for her friends—and even her foes (although they never would admit it)!

An outside-the-box thinker, Lily’s goal is to show people how easy it is to be themselves!  Lily’s unique perspective and independent spirit can brighten up any situation and often leads her and her loyal friends into unexpected shenanigans. In Lily’s world, anything is possible. A simple song she hums can go viral and top the charts. A quiet surprise picnic for her best buddy Roger can lead to a city-wide adventure featuring falafel waffles (yum) and a wise guru (of course). Lily the Unicorn puts a hilarious spin on everyday situations as Lily transforms even the most typical day into something extraordinary.

 

WATCH LILY THE UNICORN FOR FREE HERE!

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The pilot episode for Lily the Unicorn is now available for viewing for FREE via Amazon’s pilot program where Amazon customers can watch, rate and review this unique series.

 

You can view Lily the Unicorn HERE via the Amazon Instant Video app for TV’s, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/AIV.

 

Enjoy the show, and follow the lyrics below to sing-along to the “falafel waffle” song!

 

Falafel Waffle, I love you!

Falafel Waffle, you’re a dream come true!

Falafel Waffle, and you’re so fun to chew!

Fala-fala-fala-fala-fel Waffle!

 

Falafel Waffle, it seems so wrong

You’re a yummy gooey coney taco right in my palm

All I want to do is nom nom nom nom nom

Fala-fala-fala-fala-fel Waffle!

 

Falafel Waffle, I love you!

Falafel Waffle, Makes your mouth say WOO!

Falafel Waffle, I always get two

Fala-fala-fala-fala-fel Waffle!

We love you!

 

Show your support for #LilyTheUnicorn – Watch. Rate. Review here on #AmazonPrime: http://amzn.to/1BI0sZW

 

And please don’t forget to share the link on all your social media sites encouraging your friends to do the same!

 

Plus, you can tweet this:

LOVING the new #LilytheUnicorn pilot by @DallasClayton. Watch. Rate. Review on #AmazonPrime: http://amzn.to/1BI0sZW

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win a copy of the book! US Residents only! To enter, click on the link above in this post to watch the pilot episode of Lily the Unicorn. Leave a comment here telling us your thoughts. Deadline to enter is July 5th, 2015 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org. I received a copy of this book and found it delightful and recommend it highly! I like that Lily the Unicorn gives a message that it is okay to be different. 

Self Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received to post. Crdit: Lily the Unicorn/Dallas Clayton/Jim Henson Company.

 

The Original Brand Popsicle® Swoops in as the SuperHero of the Summer

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This summer, the Original Brand Popsicle® – having saved families from heat and boredom with bold flavors, fun shapes and its icy-cool refreshing taste since 1905 – will become a true SuperHero with its first-ever comic book. To help spread the SuperHero news and excitement, the Popsicle Brand has teamed up with actress, entrepreneur, and supermom of two, Vanessa Lachey.

“I am thrilled to partner with the Popsicle Brand Team on their summer campaign,” said Vanessa Lachey. “Popsicle pops are one of my family’s favorite treats and SuperHeroes are huge in my house right now.”

 

Popsicle, in partnership with SuperHero expert Marvel Custom Solutions, a division of Marvel Entertainment, will release its first-ever SuperHero comic book available in select Marvel retail stores and on www.Popsicle.com. Popsicle will release a series of nine digital comics on Popsicle.com on the first “official” day of summer, June 21. Families can also pick up their own limited-edition hard copy comic book, featuring all nine comics, at select Marvel retail stores beginning in July. The comic series details the heroic escapades of Popsicle characters Mandy, Pete and Ace, who were sent to save the summer.

In addition to the comic book release, Popsicle invites families nationwide to visit its new SuperHero hub, “Deep Freeze 9,” on Popsicle.com. The hub provides SuperHero-themed family activities including a “Mission Control” that will house the comics and an action-packed trailer; the “Flavor Force Lab,” providing parents and kids with comic-inspired crafts; and, the option to sign up for an ongoing e-newsletter and be among the first to access the official digital comics.

“From being the staple of the neighborhood summer barbeque, to mom’s go-to afternoon treat for her kids, the iconic Popsicle ice pop has long been the original SuperHero of the summer,” said Nick Soukas, brand building director, U.S. Unilever Ice Cream. “As makers of the Original Brand Popsicle, we are excited to be part of the SuperHero fun and extend the opportunity to families all summer long with our first-ever Popsicle Brand comic book and new online hub, ‘Deep Freeze 9.'”

 

“When the Marvel Custom Solutions team met with the Popsicle marketing team for cool ideas for 2015, we wanted to come up with a program that would set Popsicle apart from other brands in the category,” said Jonathan Rheingold, V.P. of Marvel Custom Solutions.

 

Popsicle pops come in the iconic yellow box and are available in more than 20 unique flavors including the childhood favorites Orange, Cherry and Grape. This year, the iconic Popsicle brand expanded its line of family-favorite pops to include three new varieties:

  • Popsicle Tootsie Pops®come in classic Orange, Cherry, and Grape shells with a chewy, chocolatey center.
  • Popsicle MysteryMiddles feature a cherry berry shell with three white mystery centers: Lemonade Blast, Wacky Watermelon and Bursting Bubble Gum.
  • Popsicle Frozen, inspired by the blockbuster Disney movie, includes delicious flavors such as White Cherry, Purple Berry and Blue Raspberry.

The SuperHero fun also extends in-store with the Popsicle Marvel Avengers Assemble™ pops, featuring Captain America™, Hulk™ and Iron Man™. These pops come in delicious fruity flavors including strawberry, kiwi-green apple, grape, kiwi-cherry, lemon and blue raspberry.

My son loves Popsicle so he was quite excited when we received a couple of free coupons. He quickly selected the Jelly Belly Popsicles. We couldn’t find the Popsicle Tootsie Pops yet but we are on the look-out! My son loves the variety of flavors and this brand has the best choices! Look for them this Summer near you!

Exciting News! The first-ever Popsicle comics by Marvel Custom Solutions are available now on Popsicle.com. Hard copies will be for sale in select comic book store starting in mid-July.

To learn even more about the Popsicle “Original SuperHero of Summer” comic series, families can like the Popsicle Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/Popsicle and can follow Popsicle on Twitter at Twitter.com/Popsicle.

Self Disclosure: I received free coupons to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. Photo and press info: Courtesy of Popsicle.

 

About Unilever United States, Inc.
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Refreshments, Home and Personal Care products with sales in more than 190 countries. In the United States, the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Caress, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, Consort For Men, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Fruttare, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Just for Me!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Magnum, Motions, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond’s, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Simple, St. Ives, Suave, Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto, TIGI, TONI&GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe, TRESemme and Vaseline.  All of the preceding brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies.

Unilever employs approximately 8,000 people in the United States – generating approximately $8.5 billion in sales in 2014.

Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) aims to double the size of its business, while reducing its overall environmental footprint and increasing positive social impact. The USLP is Unilever’s strategic response to the challenges businesses face operating in an uncertain and volatile world. See more on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan at http://www.unileverusa.com/sustainable-living/.

Unilever ranked number one in its sector on the 2014 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. All of Unilever’s global factory network, as well as its US non-manufacturing facilities and dedicated distribution centers, have achieved zero non-hazardous waste to landfill status.

For more information on Unilever US and its brands visit: www.unileverusa.com
To connect with Unilever US via Facebook visit: www.facebook.com/unileverusa
To connect with Unilever US via Twitter follow: @unileverusa
To learn more about taking small actions that can make a big difference visit: https://www.projectsunlight.us

 

About Marvel Custom Solutions 
Custom Solutions is Marvel’s in-house creative agency that leverages all the greatest talent within Marvel Entertainment to create highly dynamic and compelling content and campaigns for global brands. Marvel Custom Solutions has the ability to deploy the work it creates through its robust print, digital, social and theatrical platforms, adding scale to the programs it creates.

 

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.
© 2015 MARVEL