Archives for March 2016

Celebrating Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood “Would You Be Mine?” DVD

DTN Vals Day DVD

In honor of the release of the heartwarming DVD, “Would You Be Mine?,” and to check out  the festive new party supplies from Buy Seasons, I recently received a very special package to host my very own Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood-themed “screening party”!

I just love this heartwarming DVD and recommend for all young children! Buy Seasons also has really cute Daniel Tiger party supplies from plates and cups to decorations and balloons!

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Look how cute these party supplies are!

We had a Ready for Spring family party and really enjoyed watching this fun DVD!

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Even our cat, Titan seemed to enjoy the DVD!

You can buy the party supplies here.

DVD is available on Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a free DVD and party supplies to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.

Vintage Retro T-Shirts are great for Landmark Birthdays!

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Do you have a friend or family member that is turning 50 this year? Maybe 40? Looking for a great gift idea? How about a Retro/Vintage Style T-shirt? I love these ones from The Birthday Gift Store and found on Amazon.com.  They are just really cool! They are also comfortable and available in sizes S-XXL. I like that this is an unique way to celebrate someone with a landmark birthday! So, if you are looking for 30th birthday gift ideas,  40th birthday gift ideas , 50th birthday gift ideas and even 60th birthday gift ideas,  this is a great choice! I like that the screen print doesn’t look like it will fade quickly and these really make for an unique way to celebrate someone special!

Self Disclosure: I received a free or heavily discounted products to facilitate this post. 

Indestructa Dog Toy Series

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Looking for a great toy for your dog? The Indestructa Dog Toy Series Ball is a great choice! It is made from a soft and light weight material. I like that it is safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly. I also like that my dog didn’t chew it up within 10 minutes like many other toys. It is mostly Blue and Yellow, which are colors that studies say that dogs can see. It also has green. It is a rather simple toy but one that dogs will love to play fetch with. I like that it can be used both outdoors and indoors. Also included is a Mosquito Repellent Bracelet for people, not dogs. This one is great to use when hiking with your dog!

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

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

Splash into Spring with Peppa Pig’s “The Golden Boots” Celebration!

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Peppa Pig is making a BIG splash this spring with The Golden Boots TV special, DVD and app! With out-of-this-world adventures and loads of muddy puddle fun to be had, Peppa Pig’s The Golden Boots celebration kicks off on Sunday, March 6, and we’d love for you to be a part of it and spread the word to readers everywhere so they can join in, too! Here’s more:

 Tune-in with your little ones!

On Sunday, March 6th, 6pm ET on Sunday , tune-in to Nick Jr. for a very special “peppasode”! In “The Golden Boots,” Mrs. Duck takes a liking to Peppa’s favorite Golden Boots and runs away with them! With the help of her friends, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George, and Grampy Rabbit, Peppa must travel across land, sea, and even into space to track down the Golden Boots before the big Puddle Jump competition! Leading up to the debut of The Golden Boots, fans can celebrate  Peppa Pig “Super Fan Sunday,” with back-to-back episodes airing all day long on Nick Jr., beginning at 11 a.m. ET!

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Bring home muddy puddle adventures!

The Golden Boots DVD, the latest Peppa Pig release from Entertainment One, splashes onto shelves from coast-to-coast on Tuesday, March 8. The brand-new DVD features ten snortingly-funny “peppasodes,” including: “The Golden Boots,” “Horsey Twinkle Toes,” “Shadows,” Kylie Kangaroo,” “Captain Daddy Dog,” “The Little Boat,” “Going Boating,” Grampy Rabbit in Space,” Desert Island,” and “The Fish Pond.”

I received a copy of this DVD and highly recommend! Young children will enjoy these fun ten “peppasodes.”

Get app-y with Peppa!

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Peppa Pig’s Golden Boots app, launching Sunday, March 6, provides endless fun for fans everywhere! Inspired by Peppa Pig’s “The Golden Boots” special episode, the new app lets young players join Peppa on a day of exciting adventures to help her find her missing golden boots! The brand-new app, from Entertainment One and produced by Kids Industries, features six engaging games that give preschoolers the chance to interactively explore the wonderful world of Peppa Pig with familiar locations and immersive activities. Fans can design Peppa’s new rain boots while playing Dress Up Peppa; draw and write in the mud in Muddy Puddle; blast off on a rocket ship in Space Adventures; make a special visit to Miss Rabbit’s Gift Shop; chop up tasty food in Feed the Ducks, and sing along with the Muddy Puddles Song!

 

 

For even more Peppa Pig fun, a very special “Peppa Pig and The Golden Boots” Facebook photo contest is kicking off on Monday, March 7, so be sure to mark your calendars and check www.facebook.com/OfficialPeppaPigUS  or www.peppapig.com for more information and for your chance to enter to win an oinktastic Peppa Pig prizepack!

Airing each weekday on Nick Jr., Peppa Pig follows the adventures of Peppa, a loveable, exuberant little piggy who lives with her brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa’s favorite things include playing games, dressing up, spending days outdoors, and jumping in muddy puddles. All episodes are wholesome entertainment for the entire family; Peppa’s adventures always end happily with loud snorts of laughter. Peppa Pig episodes are available on DVD, and for download on iTunes and Amazon Instant Video. For more information on Peppa Pig, please visit the popular website and check out Peppa on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Here is some more fun below:

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We have also teamed up for a Special Giveaway! One winner will win the DVD mentioned above! To enter, leave a comment below telling us your child’s favorite character from Peppa Pig! Deadline to enter is March 12th, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

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

Del Amo Fashion Center Continues Transformation with Series of New Eateries

South Bay shoppers will soon be able whet their appetite for new flavors as Del Amo Fashion Center prepares to welcome its first wave of new snack and dining options this year. Popbar, Lemonade, and Luna Grill will add to the expanding dining lineup at the revitalized Southern California retail and entertainment landmark which debuted its new Fashion Wing in October with the addition of Nordstrom and 100 new stores.

 

“Del Amo Fashion Center is quickly becoming the premier spot for guests to gather with friends, shop the latest fashions, share a meal and enjoy top-notch ambiance,” said Lindsay Hermance, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Del Amo Fashion Center.

 

By the time spring comes, Del Amo Shopping Center will be ready to welcome Popbar, a gelato shop with a twist. The approximately 820-square-foot gelateria offers all of its handcrafted, natural gelatos on a stick. Committed to ensuring quality flavor in every bite, Popbar only uses real fruit and a handful of ingredients. With flavors ranging from coconut and coffee to banana and pistachio, visitors will enjoy a unique and personalized experience. Popbar will be located next to Macy’s in the Fashion Wing.

 

Expected to arrive at Del Amo Fashion Center this summer is Lemonade. A cafeteria-style eatery with a modern marketplace appearance, Lemonade is the perfect stop for those with an on-the-go lifestyle who don’t want to sacrifice their health. Lemonade serves a variety of colorful, seasonal California comfort foods, which change on a daily basis. Guests can get sprouts and grain salads one day, then braised short ribs the next. The 1,690-square-foot Lemonade will also be located in the Fashion Wing, between Macy’s and Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ.

 

Also bowing this summer,  is the roughly 2,190-square-foot Luna Grill, in Luxe Court, next to Michael Kors. At Luna Grill, shoppers can enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine like gyros, kabobs, salad, and falafel. Guests won’t find GMO, antibiotics or additives in their food, only natural, locally harvested ingredients.

 

For ongoing updates and to learn more about the transformation of South Bay’s retail destination follow Del Amo Fashion Center on Facebook at facebook.com/DelAmoFashionCenter, Twitter at twitter.com/delamofashion or Instagram at instagram.com/delamofashion.

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Del Amo Fashion Center

Embrace the coastal chic lifestyle at Del Amo Fashion Center, the Southbay’s premier retail destination. Accented by an abundance of natural lighting, exquisite architecture, living green walls, gorgeous palm trees and a new Fashion Wing, Del Amo Fashion Center is a favorite in Southern California.

Visit more than 200 stores including Southbay exclusives such as Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade New York, HUGO BOSS, Vince Camuto and Z Gallerie. The center’s department stores include a brand new 140,000-square-foot Nordstrom, Macy’s, Macy’s Men & Home, JCPenney and Sears. Experience the charm of our Outdoor Village with an array of retail and dining options. Other featured retailers include Michael Kors, 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons, Arhaus, Great Maple, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Lululemon Athletica, Sephora, UNIQLO, Zara, and more. 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.

 

 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.

Keep those New Year Resolutions with Tandoor Chef!

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Are you keeping the Healthier Eating New Year resolutions?  Tandoor Chef makes finding quick and easy healthy eating options much easier!

Recognized as the nation’s #1 frozen, restaurant quality Indian food. Tandoor Chef provides exotic flavors and meal experiences, rooted in the convenience of frozen food. The brand is also certified vegetarian, vegan, and offers many gluten-free products within its robust line of appetizers, entrees, naan breads and naan pizzas.

I recently had the opportunity to try a couple of their meals and I love that they are healthier and taste delicious!

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Two of my favorites are the Chicken Curry and the Chicken Samosa. The Chicken Curry tastes really fresh and makes a great dinner meal. I love the Tandoori Chicken Samosa because it is a great appetizer or makes a great lunch. I like that Tandoor Chef really has a great variety and just the right amount of spices!

Look for them at a store near you!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: Tandoor Chef.

Egg-citing Springtime Festivities Taking Place at OC Simon Malls

Simon®, a global leader in retail real estate, is hosting its annual Easter celebration festivities at Brea Mall and The Shops at Mission Viejo, offering families the chance to participate in traditional and unique seasonal events.

 

“We love to hold family-friendly events and we always look forward to watching children interact with the Bunny at Easter,” said Nate Weirbach, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Brea Mall.

 

Bunny Photo Experience

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

 

Hop on in to the following locations:

  • Brea Mall:Begins Saturday, February 20 at 10 a.m. and runs through March 26, at 7 p.m. in Fountain Court, near JCPenney and Nordstrom.
  • The Shops at Mission Viejo:Saturday, March 5 and runs through Saturday, March 26 on the lower level, near Nordstrom.

 

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.

 

The presenting sponsor for the 2016 Bunny Photo Experience is The Gymboree Corporation – including its Gymboree and Crazy 8 clothing brands.

 

Caring Bunny™

The Shops at Mission Viejo’s Caring Bunny™ event will offer families that have children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. Caring Bunny has been developed by Simon and is guided by AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community. Over 90 Simon® properties will host the Caring Bunny this season. Promotional assistance for Caring Bunny has been provided by Autism Speaks.

 

On Sunday, March 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary):

  • Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the

lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.

  • Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called.
  • Special activities geared toward the needs of the child during the ‘wait’ period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit.

 

Families can reserve a spot for Caring Bunny at www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-bunny-tickets-21392823511?aff=es2.

 

Pet Photo Night

The popular Pet Photo Night makes its debut for the Easter season at Brea Mall this year on March 6 and March 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Center Court. Many pet owners view their pet as an integral member of the family and are just as committed in caring for their pets as their “human” family members. Pet Photo nights are hosted after regular mall closing and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.simon.com/breamall.

 

 

About Brea Mall

Brea Mall is a modern shopping center that features some of the best names in retail including Nordstrom, Macy & Macy Men Children & Home, jcpenney, and Sears, and more. In addition the mall offers more than 175 specialty shops, a full service day spa, and several popular restaurants. Brea Mall is highlighted by Italian tile walkways, vaulted skylights, fountains and original art sculptures which produce an unforgettable Southern California shopping and entertainment experience. A multi-million dollar property renovation has recently been completed. The project included: New light fixtures at the centers two primary entrances, elevation and redesign of the mall’s four entrances and new signage at the main entrance, new landscaping at all mall entrances, a new Children’s Play Area, restroom upgrades including a new family restroom by the new Play Area, larger elevator at Center Court and improved stairways throughout the mall, cosmetic upgrades to the surfaces of Food Court, new flooring throughout the center, and new overhead lighting. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/brea-mall or call (714) 990-2732.

 

About The Shops at Mission Viejo

Among the 150 stores and restaurants at The Shops at Mission Viejo, this indoor mall features Nordstrom, H&M, Macy’s, Apple, Sephora, and The Cheesecake Factory. The Shops at Mission Viejo serves many nearby communities such as Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, San Juan Capistrano and the city of Mission Viejo. The Shops at Mission Viejo is conveniently located at the intersection of the I-5 and Crown Valley Parkway in the city of Mission Viejo. With over 150 stores and restaurants, The Shops at Mission Viejo is south Orange County’s main shopping destination. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/the-shops-at-mission-viejo or call 949-364-1771.

 Credit: Simon.

 

 

Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-Winning”DOC MCSTUFFINS” News!

The McStuffins family experiences the joys of adoption and also now must adjust to a new baby in the house in a multi-episode story arc of Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning animated series “Doc McStuffins,” beginning FRIDAY, MARCH 4 (8:00-8:30 a.m. EST) on Disney Channel. Geared toward kids age 2-7 and their families, baby-themed episodes will continue to roll out on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney Junior on Demand throughout the spring, with storylines focusing on a variety of emotions and situations young children can encounter when a new baby arrives in the family.

Following is the full premiere schedule (all episodes will air at 8:00 a.m. EST on Disney Channel):

FRIDAY, MARCH 4
“Baby McStuffins” – Mom and Dad announce that they are adopting a baby and give Doc a new baby doll to practice her babysitting skills.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11
“Runaway Love” – Doc’s little brother Donny worries that the arrival of the new baby will take attention away from him so he hatches a plan to run away. Meanwhile, Doc is so busy helping her parents prepare for the new baby that Lambie also starts to feel left out.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18
“Hooty’s Duty” – When Doc realizes that the arrival of a new baby means a new group of baby toys will also be coming home, she seeks to put one of her own toys in charge of them, and Professor Hootsburgh proudly volunteers for the job.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25
“Bringing Home Baby” – The baby’s gender will be revealed during this special 22-minute episode. Mom and Dad get the call that the new baby is on the way, so Grandma McStuffins arrives to take care of Doc and Donny. Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World”) guest stars in the new recurring role of Grandma McStuffins.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1
“Baby Names/Night Night, Lala” – The McStuffins family comes up with the name for the baby and baby’s new toy, Lala, has a hard time adjusting to her new environment.

Created and executive-produced by Humanitas Prize and Emmy Award-winning Chris Nee and directed by Emmy-winning Norton Virgien, “Doc McStuffins” is a production of Dublin, Ireland’s Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Channel. The Hollywood Health & Society division of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center serves as its health and medical consultants, advising on basic health issues that are relevant to young kids and families. “Doc McStuffins” airs daily on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Credit: Disney Junior.