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Planet Read! Helps Both Beginner and Mature Students Learn to Read and Spell Using Interactive Games, Stories and Pictures

June 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Planet Read!, a free, educational teaching app, has launched this week as a tool to help students learn to read and spell using interactive games, stories and pictures. Now available for the iPhone and iPad in the Apple Appstore, this phonics-based app teaches students aged 4+ how to read without memorizing. Planet Read! is one of the few apps on the market to decode every single word in the app for the user.

“Our team created Planet Read! as a way to encourage students to learn to read and spell while having fun,” says Dylan Wiebe, CEO of Planet Read! “This is the perfect tool to keep student’s reading sharp over the summer and can provide some extra practice during the year in an interactive, entertaining way beyond the traditional classroom experience.”

Planet Read! trains students to understand and read proficiently by decoding unfamiliar words and introducing all short, long and diphthong vowel sounds using over 54 professionally-written short stories. Students will begin to understand the relationship between the written and spoken English language after being exposed to over 2500 decodable and 100 common English words. Students are rewarded for their hard work and progress with collector’s awards within the app which reflects what games and tasks they have successfully completed.

Plant Read! includes 54 mini lessons, games and exciting stories that will help the following:

  • Beginner students who wish to learn how to read and spell at a proficient level
  • Mature students who wish to improve their reading and spelling foundation
  • Students with reading disabilities who wish to learn how to decode an overabundance of English words
  • Students who wish to learn and improve in the English language

 

The Planet Read! app is a new and improved version of an existing app that has been updated and made free for users with in-app purchases. There are three modules available in the app: Short Vowels, Long Vowels, and Diphthongs. The Short Vowels module is provided freely to users and other modules will be available for download in future releases to complement the existing 3 modules. Users are unable to skip levels or modules as the app was designed to replicate classroom learning mechanics. For more information, please visit Planet Read’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTrek.

 

ABOUT PLANET READ!

Planet Read! was created by Borealis Apps, a team of software developers and experienced technologists focused on educational apps. Planet Read! is an educational teaching app that is a tool to help students learn to read and spell using interactive games, stories and pictures. Planet Read! trains students to understand and read proficiently by decoding unfamiliar words and introducing all short, long and diphthong vowel sounds using over 54 professionally-written short stories. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTrek.

Credit: Planet Read!

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Free and Low Cost Family fun in June at Michaels

June 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Beginning June 15, Michaels is offering its Passport to Imagination series with weekly themed crafting sessions to keep the kids busy while school is out for summer. In addition, a variety of free and low-cost in-store crafting events including a paper crafting class, a nautically-inspired jewelry making session, Father’s Day tie dye T-shirts and more will be available all month long starting June 8.

 FREE AND LOW-COST EVENTS

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Passport to Imagination Weekly Theme: Beach & Boardwalk

Monday, June 15 | 10am – noon

Wednesday, June 17 | 10am – noon

Friday, June 19 | 10am – noon

Come explore the sea at Michaels. Make a pirate doubloon necklace and eye patch, a spyglass and treasure map and a feathery parrot puppet. $5 per session or 3 for $12, includes supplies.

Passport to Imagination Weekly Theme: Lake Picnic

Monday, June 22 | 10am – Noon

Wednesday, June 24 | 10am – Noon

Friday, June 26 | 10am – Noon

Spend a week at the lake with us. Build a paper sailboat, create a felt feast for pretend picnics and make a magnetic fishing game to play. $5 per session or 3 for $12, includes supplies.

Passport to Imagination Weekly Theme: County Fair

Monday, June 29 | 10am-Noon

Wednesday, July 1 | 10am-Noon

Friday, July 3 | 10am-Noon

Let’s go to the county fair! Make a flower with yarn, create a craft stick Ferris wheel and use two paper plates and a cup to build a hot air balloon. $5 per session or 3 for $12, includes supplies.

Free Paper Crafting Class

Monday, June 8 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Learn how to create a paper gift card holder, bow, treat box and small gift box for someone special. Supplies not included.

Jewelry 101

Tuesday, June 9 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Learn the basics of jewelry making as you create this nautically-inspired charm bracelet just in time for summer.

Fun Family Craft Time: Father’s Day Tie Dye Tee

Saturday, June 13 | 1pm – 4pm

Drop in on Saturday June 13th to spend some craft time with Dad this year and create a colorful T-shirt. $7 per shirt, includes supplies.

Make it with Michaels Workshop: Monogram Sign

Thursday, June 25 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Stop by our Make it with Michaels Workshop and create a personalized hanger with a daisy initial. Only $20 per project, includes supplies. Ages 3 and up.

 KIDS CLUB EVENTS

Father’s Day Craftstick Card

Saturday, June 6 | 10am – noon

Your little maker can make a roll up craft stick card that’s perfect to give to Dad on Father’s Day. Just $2 per session for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, supplies included. Ages 3 and up.

Father’s Day Duct Tape Frame

Saturday, June 13 | 10am – noon

Kids can make a Father’s Day Duct Tape Frame for Dad that he’s sure to cherish. Just $2 per session for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, supplies included. Ages 3 and up.

Popsicle Book

Saturday, June 21 | 10am – noon

Come in and have the kids make a fun popsicle-themed book. Just $2 per session for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, supplies included. Ages 3 and up.

Pie Tic-Tac-Toe Game

Saturday, June 28 | 10am-noon

Drop in to create a fun pie tic-tac-toe game. Just $2 per session for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, supplies included. Ages 3 and up.

At your local Michaels!

Credit: Michaels.

Filed Under: Announcements

Give Dads, Grads and Friends the Gift of Relaxation and Receive a Gift For You Exclusively from Burke Williams

June 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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This summer Burke Williams Day Spa invites you to spoil dads, grads and the ones you love with the memorable gift of a spa treatment. For each generous spa gift purchased June 15 – July 15, you will receive a gift for yourself in return.
Guests that spend $150 on a gift card at Burke Williams Day Spa will receive a complimentary $25 gift card. For each $250 gift card purchase you will receive a gift card for $50. Whether it’s a gift for your dad, husband, new grad, best friend or bride-to-be, purchase a gift card and receive a little something special for yourself at Burke Williams Day Spa.

This special summer offer is valid June 15 – July 15, 2015. Connect with a Burke Williams Day Spa near you to purchase your next gifts for the ones you love.

Credit:  Burke Williams Day Spa.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

HOGWARTS IS COMING TO HOLLYWOOD!

June 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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The countdown to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” began on June 2nd, 2015 as Universal Studios HollywoodSM  announces the Spring 2016 arrival of the West Coast’s most anticipated entertainment experience and the introduction of the land’s signature attraction, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” in hyper-realistic 3D-HD.

More than five years in the making, and inspired by J. K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters and the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood will bring guests the same authenticity and storytelling found at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan and is expected to attract Harry Potter fans and visitors from all over the globe for decades to come.

Visitors will be swept into a fully immersive themed land that brings the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and precision. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.

“Harry Potter is an exhilarating multi-generational global phenomenon that has captivated the world’s attention across every one of its mediums, from books and movies to exhilarating theme park adventures,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood.  “With its imminent arrival to The Entertainment Capital of L.A., Universal Studios Hollywood is thrilled to bring our guests a new, compelling experience of ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ as we embark on this next chapter in our storied history.”

“The momentum behind J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world is as strong as ever and we are incredibly excited to bring Hogwarts to Hollywood,” said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans around the world have experienced the magic at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in Orlando and Osaka and we look forward to continued success with our partners at Universal Studios Hollywood as we offer more fans a chance to step into this immersive environment.”

Like its counterparts, Hogwarts castle will sit at the heart of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” where the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” will take guests on a journey into many memorable scenes alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Traveling by Floo powder, guests will soar high above Hogwarts, partake in a Quidditch match, narrowly escape a dragon attack and have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow.

“Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” is an achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology featuring a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects.  Sporting Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles, guests will venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will make its U.S. debut as a dynamic 3D-HD adventure designed to further immerse guests in an already captivating storyline.

Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff” will debut as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s epicurean world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including: Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub, as well the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.

A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail shops and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™.

As excitement builds for the Spring 2016 arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” in-park guests at Universal Studios Hollywood are able to experience and purchase authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” available within the Features Presentation shop, located just inside Universal Studios Hollywood’s main entry.

To hear details of the Spring 2016 opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood, please click here.  The announcement video will be available beginning today, Tuesday, June 2, at 1PM ET /10AM PT.

Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood and for all the latest news, “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @UniStudios.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park andStudio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.  World-class rides and attractions include the popular 3D Ultra-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride” and “Jurassic Park® —The Ride.” As part of its milestone 50th anniversary celebration in 2015, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced a slate of dynamic new attractions, including the electrifying 3D-HD thrill ride, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” as the grand finale to the famed Studio Tour, “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour,” offering evening tours of the iconic movie backlot.

Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms.  A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.

Credit: Universal Studios.

Filed Under: Announcements

Rubio’s® Puts a Fresh Twist on Tostadas with New Menu Offering

June 5, 2015 By 9 Comments

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Rubio’s® Restaurants, the popular fast casual chain known for its uniquely delicious coastal cuisine, announced today the addition of Tostadas Frescas to its menu. Developed by Rubio’s culinary team, Tostadas Frescas offers a fresh twist on the traditional Mexican tostada with handmade guacamole, a choice of pan-seared shrimp, grilled marinated chicken or roasted veggies including zucchini, squash, peppers and onions, and a new signature lemon white sauce for a fresh citrus taste. The new craveable tostadas are available for a limited time.

Tostadas Frescas reflect the brand’s commitment to bringing innovative, new ideas to its menu. Tostadas Frescas combine the new lemon white sauce and handmade guacamole using avocados grown in California, with a fresh blend of spring mix and butter leaf lettuce and salsa fresca atop a crisp corn tostada shell. The plates are served with your choice of any two tostadas and a side of black beans and citrus rice.

“We’ve been passionate about bringing inventive and flavorful options to our menu since Rubio’s inception,” said Ralph Rubio, co-founder of Rubio’s. “As part of our culinary progression, we want to continue providing these unique and delicious flavor combinations. We hope Rubio’s guests enjoy our twist on traditional tostadas, and we invite them to come in and try Tostadas Frescas this summer.”

Rubio’s uses sustainable seafood in nearly all of its seafood dishes and continues to expand its menu with innovative recipes ranging from the sustainable Grilled Gourmet Shrimp Taco and Blackened Tilapia Taco to a California Bowl and Chipotle Orange Salad with Pacific Mahi Mahi.

I was able to visit our local Rubio’s in Belmont Shore and try the delicious New Tostada Frescas! I loved them especially the one with the shrimp! The only bad thing..is I ate them too quickly! Now, I will have to go back for more! I like that they seem healthier and taste so fresh! The burritos are a long-time favorite of mine at Rubio’s but there is now competition with these new Tostada Frescas! Don’t miss them! They are only here for a limited time.

Don’t forget to visit June 6-8th to celebrate World Oceans Day!

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To celebrate World Oceans Day, we have teamed up with our friends at Rubio’s for a Giveaway! One winner will win a Free Reusable Tote Bag! To enter, leave a comment below telling us how you help take care of the Ocean or Planet Earth! Deadline to enter is June 10th, 2015 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

In support of its culinary progression, Rubio’s is in the process of redesigning 60 of its restaurants in California. The new restaurant design draws inspiration from the sea and features elements and aesthetics reminiscent of the brand’s beach heritage, in addition to an updated name and logo—Rubio’s Coastal Grill. The newly designed restaurants are located throughout San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles.  So stay tuned! SoCal City Kids will keep you posted!

For more information on Tostadas Frescas and to stay up-to-date about Rubio’s happenings, events and more, visit Rubio’s website: wwww.rubios.com. Guests can also join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rubios and Twitter at www.twitter.com/rubiostweets.

About Rubio’s® Restaurants:

Rubio’s first opened in 1983, in the San Diego neighborhood of Mission Bay. Today, counting the ocean as a source of inspiration, Rubio’s uses sustainable seafood in nearly all of its seafood dishes and continues to expand its menu with innovative recipes ranging from sustainable shrimp to Atlantic salmon. In addition, Rubio’s offers crisp fresh salads, grilled marinated chicken and steak, “no fried” pinto beans, handmade guacamole, a variety of proprietary salsas, and craft beer and sangria beverage options. The award-winning restaurant regularly receives accolades for its famous Original Fish Taco®. It was also recently named the number one Mexican chain on Consumer Reports’ latest survey as well as ranked as one of Fast Casual’s ‘Top 50 Movers and Shakers’. Rubio’s participates in a variety of ocean-centric efforts throughout the year including its annual CoastFest celebration and beach cleanup. Rubio’s is headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., has over 4,000 employees and operates 193 restaurants in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. For more information, visit http://rubios.com.

Self Disclosure: I received free coupon vouchers to try the new Tostada Frescas at Rubio’s. No other compensation was received. Photo Credit: Rubio’s Restaurants. 

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Services

Simon And Refinery29 Elevate The Millennial Shopping Experience With A Music Festival At The Mall

June 5, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Popular Orange County shopping destination joins forces with online fashion resource Refinery29 to create unique event targeted at the millennial audience. In its second year of collaboration, Refinery29 and Simon, along with local Orange County residents will enjoy custom activations inspired by the music festival culture that include fashion, beauty and fun.

 

 

DETAILS:      Style Festival will make a much-anticipated stop at Brea Mall on Saturday, June 20, offering consumer touch-points around fashion, discovery, and community. Capture the local Orange County community interacting with the following elements:

 

“Sound Stage” Musical Performances: Style Festival attendees will have the unique opportunity to see MS MR live in concert while shopping at Brea Mall.

 

“Style Stage” Indie Boutiques and National Brands: Independent boutiques and retailers will create an interplay between the native, in-market shopping experiences and popular national retail brands, all within the mall landscape.  This shoppable “stage” will be inspired by summer’s trends curated by Refinery29 editors, such as “Jean Scene” and “Fringed Benefits,” and feature select items from local boutiques as well as Brea Mall retailers including Banana Republic, H&M, Ann Taylor, GUESS, and Sunglass Hut.

 

“Beauty Stage” Beauty Bars: A beauty team will be on-hand at pop-up beauty bars to give shoppers festival-inspired hair trends that have been curated by Refinery29 editors.  Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to select from a range of metallic, jewelry-inspired, temporary tattoos at the pop-up tattoo parlor courtesy of Flash Tattoo.

 

“DIY Stage”: Guests of Style Festival can personalize custom band-inspired tour tees, taking home a keepsake souvenir from the experience.

 

WHEN/

WHERE:         June 20, from noon to 5 p.m.

Lower Level, Center Court at Brea Mall

1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821

 

WHO:             Musical Performance by MS MR

Credit: Simon.

Filed Under: Announcements

Summer Must-Haves for your Dog!

June 4, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Summer is almost here! This month we will be posting some of our favorite items for the Summer for Dogs. Our Pup, Bink will help us review. This week is the Orbee-Tuff Orbee Ball!  Bink loves to play with his toys and one of his new favorites is the Orbee-Tuff Orbee Ball from our friends at Planet Dog! What is really cool about this toy is that it is durable. As I like to say, it is “Bink-proof!” He can’t chew through it and believe me, he can chew through or take a bite out of many toy balls. This one is cool looking and it even bounces too! The one we received is blue and green and looks like planet Earth. Bink’s favorite thing is that you can put treats in it. It doesn’t take him too long to get them out either so he gives this one a “paws up!” Find this one at Planet Dog! Check out all their other amazing products too!

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Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. Logo image: Planet Dog. Photo Credit: (Top photo) © Damedeeso | Dreamstime.com – Summer Selfie Dog Photo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Pet Corner

GoMacro MacroBars are a Must-Have this Summer!

June 4, 2015 By 10 Comments

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Looking for a healthy Snack for on-the-go this Summer? GoMacro MacroBars are a healthier option and are very tasty! Have you heard of GoMacro MacroBars?  GoMacro (http://gomacro.com) is a family-run natural food company with roots in organic farming and dedicated to making the best tasting food with the highest quality ingredients. Everything they make is 100% vegan, USDA certified organic, certified non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and made from mostly raw ingredients. Really quite healthy but great tasting!

They had me at Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip! But, I love all the other flavors too! With flavors like Cashew Caramel, Sunflower Butter + Chocolate Chip and Almond Butter + Carob, there is a flavor for everyone in the family! See all their flavors here.  There are 11 delicious flavors! A single bar retails for $2.89.

Coming soon! (I can’t wait!) Thrive ($1.99) See Description below!

Each of the three flavors (blueberry lavender, curry apricot and ginger lemon) contain ingredients that have been selected to target specific systems in the body – neurological, digestive and cardiovascular. At only 180 calories, each GoMacro Thrive bar contains 3g of fiber and 4g of protein. Thrive bars are USDA organic, non-GMO project verified, kosher, gluten free and vegan certified.

GoMacro Social Media Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gomacro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gomacro
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gomacro/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gomacro/

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! To enter, check out all their flavors and leave a comment below telling us which flavor you would love to try! Next,  “like” or follow GoMacro on at least one of their social platforms (listed above), OR share the contest via social media. The more likes and sharing, the more entries to win so feel free to let me know! Deadline to enter is June 12th, 2015 at noon PST. Yes, feel free to leave a comment every time you do any of the sharing listed above. One winner will be selected via Random.org.

Our readers have also received a 40% Off Discount!  GoMacro is glad to extend a special one-time discount for all our readers.  Just enter code “BLOGGER” at checkout and you will get 40% off your first order!

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

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week
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