Archives for April 2016

Enter to Win: Kellie Pickler Get in Shape for Summer Sweepstakes

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Enter for your chance to win a work out prize pack full of Kellie Pickler’s favorites to get in shape for the summer! The grand prize package, sponsored by Rockin’ Refuel, includes:

  • $1,000 to use to meet your fitness goals, whether it be yoga, CrossFit or barre, the winner can customize to their own interests
  • $500 gift card to spend on a new workout wardrobe
  • $1,000 retailer gift card to fuel your healthy lifestyle
  • Wireless headphones
  • Fitness tracker
  • Kellie Pickler memorabilia – autographed The Woman I Am CD
  • Year’s supply of Rockin’ Refuel Lean Builder to be sent quarterly

Total value estimated at $3,270!

 

Made with real milk, Rockin’ Refuel is Kellie Pickler’s favorite protein beverage to build and maintain lean muscle for her active, on-the-go lifestyle. With 20 grams of high quality protein, Rockin’ Refuel Lean Builder tastes great and only has 150 calories. It’s low in sugar and carbs, and it’s also lactose free. Look for Rockin’ Refuel in the dairy case, click here to find a retailer near you. And follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

 

To enter the Rockin’ Refuel Get in Shape for Summer Sweepstakes with Kellie Pickler, follow the instructions online here: https://www.facebook.com/rockinrefuel/?sk=app_194975693850063&rest=1. The sweepstakes is now live online until 11:59 p.m. CT, April 27th.

Credit:  Rockin’ Refuel.

Get “In The Nude” with new products from Sally Hansen, Rimmel London and NYC New York Color

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Rimmel London, Sally Hansen and NYC New York Color have the perfect new products to give you a subtle and sexy “nude” look! The new  Expert Last Matte Lip Lacquer in Noho Matte Nude and the Rimmel London NEW! Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Nudes collection will add a subtle glow to your lips while the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure (new formula infused with Keratin Complex) in Camelflage or Au Nature-Al, will add the perfect “nude” hue to your nails!

I love these neutral shades for the Spring!

NYC New York Color Expert Last Matte Lip Color: ($3.99)

With a comfort of a gloss and a color impact of a matte lipstick, the NYC NEW YORK COLOR Expert last matte lip laquer offers you the most glamourous look ever

  • With High Impact, explosive color, a velvet smooth, non-sticky finish and full coverage, this gloss has it all.
  • Available shades: Bowery Matte Berry, Riverdale Matte Red, Noho Matte Nude (shown above)

FOOD FOR YOUR NAILS: SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE SALON MANICURETM IS NOW INFUSED WITH NEW KERATIN COMPLEX ($7.99)

YOUR FAVORITE NAIL POLISH TAKES STRENGTHENING TO ANOTHER LEVEL! SALLY HANSEN LAUNCHES NEW AND IMPROVED COMPLETE SALON MANICURETM FORMULA INSPIRED BY HAIR-CARE TECHNOLOGY.

Sally Hansen continues to lead in nail innovation! Complete Salon ManicureTM, loved by millions of women worldwide, is now even better. Drawing from technological advances in the hair-care arena, the newly revamped formula now incorporates a keratin complex to help reinforce nail strength to resist breaking and chipping for up to 64% stronger nails and up to 10 days of chip- resistant wear. It’s everything you need to achieve a professional nail look at home.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon ManicureTM boasts 7 benefits in one bottle, plus a flawless-finish brush for easy application and a salon-quality finish. The chip-resistant polish still features all of the elements you know and love: base coat, strengthener now featuring a keratin complex, growth treatment, salon color in runway-ready shades, top coat, and gel shine finish. 

RIMMEL INTRODUCES THE NEW NUDE COLLECTION BY KATE MOSS, A SOPHISTICATED PALETTE OF DELICATE AND CHIC SHADES FOR LIPS DESIGNED BY THE SUPERMODEL HERSELF.

THINK: Dare to go bare!

 

WHAT IT IS: Ready to go bare?  No one knows better than Kate that neutrals create a gorgeous and understated look, transcending day to night and demure to sexy. What’s more, there is a perfect, flattering nude for Each and Every skin tone – perfect for boosting your natural glamour.

 

Kate has created the season’s most lust-worthy nude shades for lips and tips. Inspired by the catwalks and her own timeless sense of style, the Nude Collection By Kate Moss offers delicate pinks, subtle apricots, cashmere beiges and rich toffee tones – there truly is a chic shade for everyone!

 

Talking about her Nude Collection, Kate says: “I want every girl to feel great in her own skin and find her prefect nude. Makeup is all about having fun and experimenting with both natural looks and red carpet glamour.  But, for this collection, I really wanted to go back to basics, so I have designed a perfect palette of nudes to suit everyone. I think we’ve truly got a shade for every Rimmel girl.”

 

The Essential Nude Lip: Lasting Finish Lipstick By Kate

Nude lips are having a major moment. Whether you’re a delicate rose or a caramel beauty, every girl needs the perfect au naturel lipstick. The Nude Collection stars ten new shades of Lasting Finish Lipstick, each carefully created by Kate. You’ll love the tan nude hue of shade #043, flattering for girls with warm undertone. Add warmth to skin with three pretty nude pink shades: #040, #041 and #042. Brighten-up your look with coral-hued #044, rose-tinted #045 and olive nude #046. Or give dimension to lips with the brandy, chocolate and coffee tones of #047, #048 and #049. Find your fave then go nude with total confidence and a full-on London attitude.  Don’t know which nude is right for you? Keep an eye out for Rimmel lipstick map on social media platforms to find your perfect nude.

 

The lipstick’s ultra-elegant design makes it a must-have. The soft peach nude pack echoes the shade palette with the Kate signature emblazoned on the cap in chic white.

These are my favorites! I love the colors!

 

AVAILABLE SHADES: #040 – a pale nude (not pictured), #041 – a pink nude, #042 – an apricot nude, #043 – a tan nude, #044 – a coral nude,  #045 – a rose nude,  #046 – an olive nude,  #047 – a brandy nude, #048 – a dark nude,  #049 – a coffee nude.

WHAT THEY COST: $5.79 exclusively at Walmart.

Credit: Sally Hansen, Rimmel London and NYC New York Color.

 

ergoPouch Swaddles, Sleep Sacks & Sleep Suits Acknowledged As “Hip-Healthy” Products By The International Hip Dysplasia Institute

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Award-winning manufacturer ergoPouch’s range of baby swaddles, sleep sacks and sleep suits have received “hip-healthy” designation from The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI).  Australian-based ergoPouch is renowned for the design and manufacture of premium baby swaddles, sleeping bags and sleep suits made from pure natural fibers.  The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of those afflicted with hip dysplasia.

 

“We are thrilled to receive this designation from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute,” said Alina Sack, Founder, ergoPouch.  “Baby’s health and comfort is at the forefront of every ergoPouch design and we’re pleased to be recognized for our products which promote healthy hip development during infancy by an organization of this caliber.”

 

In 2012 Prof Nicholas Clarke of University Hospital Southampton raised the alarm about tight swaddling. Prof Clarke stated, “Safe swaddling with appropriate devices should be promoted because it is recognized that traditional swaddling is a risk factor for developmental dislocation of the hip.” Prof Clarke added “In order to allow for healthy hip development, legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips. This position allows for natural development of the hip joints. The babies’ legs should not be tightly wrapped in extension and pressed together.”

 

His article highlighted potential issues associated with the traditional wrapping method — parents can end up wrapping too tightly to ensure their babies stay securely swaddled. Wraps can tend to unravel, but it is really important to avoid wrapping a baby’s legs tightly in a straight (prone) position.

 

There is no origami and no wrapping involved when using an ergoCocoon or AirCocoon, they keep even the most determined Houdini babies snug!  For this reason the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) has recognized these products as “Hip-Healthy”.  ErgoPouch products are ergonomically designed with a bell-shaped bottom for extra legroom and made from stretchy organic cotton or bamboo to allow babies to move their legs comfortably and adopt the ‘frog-leg’ position.  They are perfect for babies diagnosed with hip dysplasia as a brace can be worn comfortably inside the swaddle. ErgoPouch also offers different sizes to ensure the right fit for baby.

Credit: ERGOPOUCH.

Melbourne, Australia-based ergoPouch was founded in 2009 by Alina Sack.  As a mother, Sack drew on her own personal experiences of sleep deprivation to come up with innovative products designed to help babies and kids get a better night’s sleep.  The award-winning ergoPouch collection includes premium quality baby swaddles, sleeping bags and sleep suits available from birth to 6 years of age sizing.  All ergoPouch products are made with pure natural fibers including Organic Cotton, Bamboo and Merino.  ergoPouch products offer great functionality and versatility with swaddles that can easily transition to a sleeping bag, and sleep suits that convert from bags to suits with legs for easy use from bassinet to stroller to baby carrier.  For more information visitwww.ergopouch.com.

 

FOLLOW ERGOPOUCH:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ergopouch

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ergopouch

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ergopouch

YouTube:  ergoPouch

First 365 by Whole Foods Market will open May 25 in Silver Lake

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Last week, 365 by Whole Foods Market™ announced it will open its highly anticipated first location Wednesday, May 25 in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Designed to complement the Whole Foods Market® (NASDAQ: WFM) brand by bringing fresh, healthy food to a broader audience with a streamlined, quality-meets-value shopping experience, 365 by Whole Foods Market stores will feature a curated mix of products that adhere to the company’s industry-leading quality standards in an environment that’s fun and convenient for shoppers.

Silver Lake’s 365 by Whole Foods Market will host several “Friends of 365” venues through partnerships with by CHLOE., Allegro Coffee Company and teaBOT, a new retail platform that provides custom grab-and-go tea in less than 30 seconds. Friends of 365 is an opportunity for innovative businesses and entrepreneurs that align with the mission and quality standards of Whole Foods Market to establish their own independent retail spaces inside of 365 by Whole Foods Market stores.

Allegro Coffee Company will expand its coffee experience with its craft brew bar, serving customers hot coffee, cold beer and a selection of food items. Toronto-based startup teaBOT will install an efficient self-serve kiosk, allowing customers to personalize tea by mixing up to three of 18 different teas and herbal ingredients. Popular New York -based vegan restaurant by CHLOE. will offer guests a diverse menu of plant-based foods, including burgers, salads, market specials, pastas and sweets that can be enjoyed in the restaurant, taken to-go or to a communal dine-in experience elsewhere in the store.

“With each store, we’re looking to curate a unique experience that’s customized to that location. Allegro’s craft brew bar will provide a casual place for Silver Lake residents to relax before or after they shop, while teaBOT’s unique service will offer a quick, yet deeply personalized tea-making experience,” said Jeff Turnas, president of 365 by Whole Foods Market. “We’ve really dedicated ourselves to partnering with like-minded companies that are doing new and interesting things in their respective field to bring a truly unique shopping experience that complements our thoughtfully curated selection of foods.”

To provide shoppers with added convenience, 365 by Whole Foods Market stores will offer online ordering and delivery services through Instacart.

365 by Whole Foods Market also selected sustainable casual goods purveyor Loomstate to custom design team member apparel for its stores. Loomstate was chosen for its contemporary looks, sustainable practices and commitment to organic products.

The Silver Lake Los Angeles location will also feature hand-picked product selections from Whole Foods Market’s 365 Everyday Value® brand products, plus select local and branded products. Two additional 365 by Whole Foods Market locations will open in 2016 – in Bellevue, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Up to 10 stores are expected to open in 2017.

Credit: Whole Foods Market.

Zoe is Pet of the Week!

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Double feature! Last week, we introduced Jazz, and this week, near-identical Zoe is in the spotlight. Both cocker spaniels were brought in to Animal Care Services by their owner despite their being 12 years old and accustomed to care for so many years. This is a sad situation for two sweet dogs. Luckily, they have each other—all they need is one loving forever home. Meet them at Animal Care Services on the shelter side of the P.D. Pitchford Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A567903 for Zoe and ID#A567904 for Jazz.

 

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

Credit: Courtesy of the P.D. Pitchford Animal Village.

The Dog Film Festival is Coming to Los Angeles this Summer!

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This summer, the Dog Film Festival™ will premiere on the West Coast when it comes to Westwood to celebrate the love between dogs and their people – and the animal welfare groups that bring them together.

The Dog Film Festival™ features canine-themed films – documentary, animated and live-action – in two separate screenings of entirely different films. The earlier screening features a medley of light-hearted, animated and narrative films (perfect for younger children and families) while the later screening is more sophisticated and includes a series of short documentaries and sub-titled narrative films.  Both programs are approximately 90 minutes long.

To kick off the Dog Film Festival™, VCA Hospital is sponsoring an outdoor Afternoon Tea Pooch Party, where the green carpet will be rolled out for dogs and their escorts. Serving tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, special canine treats and more, the Pooch Party will feature adoptable dogs from the Lange Foundation, fun contests with prizes, a doggy fashion show, photo opps, meet and greets with celebrity dogs, and special sWag bags.

Tickets to the festival are $15 per screening, or $25 for both screenings. Tickets to the Pooch Party are $150 and include an “all-access dog tag” that allows for VIP early entry to both screenings of the Dog Film Festival™.  Fifty percent of every Film Festival ticket and $50 of every Pooch Party ticket benefit the Lange Foundation.

Dates:
Dog Film Festival™
Sunday, June 5, 2016
2:00-3:30 PM, 4:00-5:30 PM

Pooch Party
Saturday, June 4, 2016
3:00-5:00 PM

Location:
Dog Film Festival™
Majestic Crest Theater
1262 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Pooch Party
VCA WLA Animal Hospital
1900 South Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Credit: Dog Film Festival.

“THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER”

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Harry Potter film talent, Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), joined Universal Studios Hollywood’s President, Larry Kurzweil and the Hogwarts Express conductor to officiate today’s eagerly-awaited opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” at Universal Studios Hollywood.

 

More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” has been masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood, marking its official open date as April 7, 2016.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Octonauts: Creature Encounters – Stealth Learning at its Best!

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This stealthy science series dives into adventure with the fabulous underwater explorers, The Octonauts! On this exciting DVD, join the Octonauts as they encounter strange aquatic creatures of all shapes and sizes! Plunge into a red-hot lava cave as Peso and the team search for a teeny tiny water bear! Race to a colorful coral reef with Shellington as he tries to meet a special jellyfish that can live forever! And escape a scary moray eel with the help of Barnacles, Kwazii and a mysterious master of disguise – the mimic octopus! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha A. comments, “While watching this show I noticed the how original it is. It’s the only TV I have ever seen about bears that helps creatures and kids seem to really enjoy that. I can say, that even as a teenager this captured my attention.” Morgan B. adds, “In this DVD, I learned about creatures I never knew existed! Who knew there were water bears that are so small you can barely see them unless you have special glasses.”
The Octonauts: Creature Encounters
Samantha A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

While watching this show I noticed the how original it is. It’s the only TV I have ever seen about bears that helps creatures and kids seem to really enjoy that. I can say, that even as a teenager this captured my attention. So younger kids would definitely be interested in this show and that’s good because then they’ll pay attention to all the important messages that it teaches.

Octonauts is a funny and creative show about a group of silly bears that go on adventures and help other creatures underwater. This show teaches important kids important qualities to develop such as generosity, courage and team work. It also teaches how helping is always a great thing to do. Besides teaching important character traits and messages it also teaches educational things too. During the show I noticed how they teach things to each other and take a deeper look at things to make sure the viewer understands. This is good because a kid can have fun learning new and important things without even knowing that they are actually learning.

The scenery in this show is also great. The bright colors and unfamiliar environment of the sea floor really keeps kids in tune with what they are watching. Also, the scenery really adds to the storyline of each episode and adds to the personality of each character. This makes the show more interesting to watch and often lead me to asking myself questions such as “what type of animal was on the screen” or “where were they were in the ocean?” These questions were answered soon afterwards and with lots of thought put into the answer.

I recommend this show for ages 2 to 7 because it is very educational and toddlers who watch it will be very intrigued by the colors, characters and scenery. This show also gets 4 out of 5 stars from me because, though it is educational and fun for little kids, sometimes it got a little too corny for me. I suggest that you show a younger sibling this show as soon as possible because little kids love it.

The Octonauts: Creature Encounters
By Morgan Bertsch, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

In this DVD, I learned about creatures I never knew existed! Who knew there were water bears that are so small you can barely see them unless you have special glasses. An octopus is a great actor and can camouflage himself into different animals to avoid being eaten. This DVD was fun to watch and I found it to be amazing.
The Octonauts are adorable. I love all the different characters of the recue team. The team consists of a white teddy bear, a penguin, a cat, a puppy, a rabbit and more. And, they all made me smile because they are huggably cute. They are great educators and are very serious about their mission to rescue sea creatures. I learned so much by watching the eight episodes on this DVD.
My favorite episode has to be Immortal Jellyfish. It is so cool. I had no idea that a jellyfish could start its life all over again and that it never dies unless it is eaten. Now, that is what I find mind- blowing and totally awesome.
My favorite character is Captain Barnacles because he is always calm and in control and I really enjoyed that about him. Also, he is very patent and has a plan no matter what. He really reminds me of my Mother! He knows a lot about the animals because he has a whole ship full of adorable animals that do research for the team and the animals in need of rescue.
The animation is crisp and clear. It really looks like the animals are right in front of me. I really wanted to jump right inside the TV and play and help them all.
My favorite part of this DVD was learning about the creatures and the strange things they can do and then seeing the real ones at the end. It is presented as a cute cartoon version of the creatures to explain what they are and what they do in real life. You learn while laughing and having fun. It makes science and marine biology seem very interesting. I would enjoy watching more episodes because the show takes on many extraordinary things I have never heard of before and made me feel very smart by the end of the show.
I recommend this DVD for ages 4 to 12. Adults will enjoy it too. Everyone could learn something new from watching this show. I give it 4 ½ out of 5 swimming stars.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!