Archives for July 2016

Pink Sea Salt Mill from Trudeau is a Must-Buy for Summer Entertaining!

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Are you grilling meat and veggies this Summer? The Classic Pink Sea Salt Mill from Trudeau is a must-have for outdoor tables! It’s so decorative and looks beautiful but the pink salt also adds such flavor to food. I was also told recently be a family member that pink salt is very healthy! All, I truly know is that it makes my grilled veggies taste even better and even my son likes to use the pink salt on his french fries! It’s 6-inches and did I already say how beautiful it looks on a table or even the kitchen counter?

More info:  The Mill features a corrosion-resistant ceramic grinder, has a crystal-clear body, and comes filled to be the star of summer soirées.

 MSRP 13.99

Look for it at Trudeau this Summer!

Follow Trudeau on Facebook

 

 

Self Disclosure: I received a free item to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: Trudeau.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Holds #RipleysGo Contest for Pokémon GO Players

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Yes, I am posting this! I have to admit since my son has been a fan of Pokemon for many years now, I have played this app in the last few days!

Heads up players: catch a rare Pokémon character at a Ripley’s attraction and you could win $5000!
Today Ripley’s launched its #RipleysGo contest to see who can find the rarest Pokémon lurking at its Odditoriums, Aquariums, and other attractions in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia.
Ripley’s attractions are full of PokéStops and Gyms. People are flocking to Ripley’s attractions around the world to add to their collections.

 

How to enter the #RipleysGo contest:
 
  • Screenshot a Pokémon you catch at or inside a U.S., Canada, UK, or Australia Ripley’s attraction.
  • Upload photo to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #RipleysGo
The contest runs July 15th – July 24th.
There is a grand prize of $5,000 for the person who catches the rarest Pokémon character, as well as a $100 cash prize to one random winner each day during the contest. The rarest character will be determined according to this ranking index.

Players can check the leaderboard on the contest page each day to see where they rank.

Ripley’s is making it easy for players with this list of PokéStops and Gyms at its attractions.

Click HERE for complete contest rules.  The contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Pokémon Company International, Inc. Nintendo Co., Ltd. or Niantic, Inc. Pokémon and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
Credit:  Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Take the AquaBall Pledge This Summer!

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AquaBall, the only zero calories, zero sugar and now zero preservative children’s beverage on the market wants you to help promote a healthier lifestyle for children by taking The AquaBall Pledge.

The AquaBall Pledge asks kids to make one healthy choice a day to reduce sugar. One of the easiest ways to do that is by eliminating a high-sugar beverage, such as a juice box/pouch or a soda, and replacing it with an AquaBall…which has zero sugar!

To take the AquaBall Pledge, please follow the link for instructions to make this summer your child’s healthiest yet – 20 lucky participants who complete the challenge for three months will win an AquaBall party to have with friends.

Credit: AquaBall.

5 Favorite Grilling Recipes by Terra’s Kitchen

Warmer weather and brighter evenings call for firing up the grill and getting outside for your dinner prep. I’m not talking about your standard burgers either, I wanted to pass along a few delish recipes from Terra’s Kitchen, meal delivery service, that will satisfy your urge to cook with fire tonight. Here are five of my favorite grilling recipes, just in time for National Grilling Month!
1. The Big Island Steak Bowl – Nothing says, “Summer is almost here,” like this dish inspired by Hawaii. Skip the brutal plane ride, and enjoy the flavors of Waimea Bay in your own backyard with a glass of Riesling while you’re dreaming of white sand beaches.

2. Grilled Lamb with Pan-roasted Asparagus, Olives + Tomatoes – This meal brings back memories of huge family dinners that seemed to last all Sunday. The best part about this one though, is that you can cook it in 30 minutes and share with your favorite people even after a 10-hour workday. From the asparagus to the tomatoes and olives, this dish has just the right amount of the good stuff.

3. Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Goat Cheese Sauce – Grilled chicken is often a backyard barbeque favorite, but go outside the norm and use yours in tacos. Toast your tortillas on the grill for a little extra flavor, and get ready to fall in love with the avocado goat cheese sauce (trust us).

4. Happy Chicken Salad Bowl – A salad on the grill? Yep, it’s possible, and delicious. Bonus points if your grill has a side burner to make the quinoa, so there is no reason to go back inside until bedtime.

5. Grilled Sirloin, Dijon Shallot Smear + Asparagus Salad – Our top grilling picks would not be complete without a steak! If he is anything like mine, your guy will insist on taking control of searing this sirloin to perfection, leaving you nothing to do except open another stout and stoke the conversation.

Credit: Terra’s Kitchen.

It’s Time for Iced Tea!

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Ingredients

4oz. Jasmine Green Tea

4oz. Filter Coffee (A balanced Latin-American coffee, such as Counter Culture’s La Voz, Guatemala, works well here)

1/2oz. Honey Syrup

3tsp. Lemon Juice

Add all ingredients to your favorite mug. Stir gently to combine. Express the oil of a slice of lemon peel over the top of the drink, discarding the peel. For iced, chill in a refrigerator for three hours and add ice before enjoying.

Credit: From the Kitchen of KRUPS.

Be The Maddest Scientist Around!

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Looking for a fun game for Family Game Night this Summer?

Dr. Eureka, designed by the award winning Roberto Fraga, is a tactile problem solving and brainteasing matching game. Players pass colorful molecules between test tubes to match the pattern on a challenge card, building both cognitive processing and dexterity skills. Play it alone or at a party with friends, Dr. Eureka is your best bet for some crazy molecule juggling fun!

What I like about this game is that it’s fun and different! I like that it can be played solo or by the whole family! Recommended for ages 6+.

Game includes:

• 12 Test Tubes
• 24 Colorful Balls (8 Red, 8 Purple,
8 Green)
• 54 Challenge Cards
• Illustrated Rules
Skills developed in this game:
Dr. Eureka is a problem solving game. It works on fine motor skills, visual perception, focus and attention, and processing speed.

Find  out more at www.blueorangegames.com

Self Disclosure: I received a free game to facilitate this post. Photo and press info credit: Blue Orange Games.

DADS (And MOMS!) for More Changing Tables in Public Restrooms!

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Last year, Ashton Kutcher championed a cause for changing tables to be made available in men’s public restrooms in Target, Costco and other retailer and restaurants.

 

See here for more info.

 

Thousands of people empathized with his cause and jumped on the bandwagon to support his effort. As with any news story, it came and went, but we think it is still an important cause that parents need to build awareness around, not just at the big retails, but the local restaurant in your neighborhood or small business you frequently visit with your kids.

 

Koala Kare is making it possible for dads…and moms…to be an advocate for this cause by creating a place for parents to get information, create more awareness and direct their local establishment to resources and information to have a changing table available if they do not. http://www.koalabear.com/imagine

Did you know that 75% of parents seek out establishments that have child accommodating amenities? And that includes changing tables.

Dr. Mary Ellen Renna, MD, FAAP offers the following tips on what to pack in your diaper bag for a day out with baby:

1. Bottles and formula. If bottles are pre-made be sure to place them in a freezer pack bag so milk and formula stay fresh particularly, during the warmer months.
2. Pack diapers and always carry extra. Earth’s Best carries a line of Chlorine Free Disposable Diapers that are
3. Alcohol free wipes are recommended. For sensitive babies stay with unscented.
4. Carry a changing pad or blanket to protect the baby from germs particularly, when using a changing table in a public restroom. Petite Namaste carries a great line of portable changing pads that are great for on the go and easy to clean. www.petitenamaste.com
5. After the diaper change be sure to wash the babies hands with a little soap and water before they put their hands in their mouth. Soap and water is always best but, if you only have a hand sanitizer available than be sure to wipe the babies hands after with some a towel after applying.
6. For diaper rash a diaper cream with zinc oxide is recommended over the petroleum based formulas.
7. Always pack a change of clothes. SOZO makes an adorable and comfortable line of clothing for babies that are kid and parent friendly. Also pack some type of toy, teething ring or pacifier to keep baby happy and occupied. www.sozousa.com
8. Sunblock is essential, but should be applied to children six months and older. The SPF should be between 30 and 50 (parents should try and avoid the ingredient oxybenzone). Babies that are six months and under should avoid the sun. Wearing a hat, clothing and being in the shade is always the best protection.
9. For older babies carry healthy snacks. The less processed the food the better. Cut up fruits or vegetables. Peppers or edamame are two favorites for the older toddlers who can chew. Blueberries or cut up strawberries are also very portable and a great choice.
10. Keep Motrin and/or Tylenol for any emergencies. Be sure to consult with your physician beforehand for any questions. Pack any medications in a ziplock bag so baby cannot get into itis a board certified pediatrician, mother, spokesperson, radio host and author. Her latest parenting book is “10 Steps to (Almost) Perfect Parenting” offers lots of helpful advice for parents.

Dr. Mary Ellen Renna, MD, FAAP is a board certified pediatrician, mother, spokesperson, radio host and author. Her latest parenting book is “10 Steps to (Almost) Perfect Parenting” offers lots of helpful advice for parents. Please see more info here.

We have teamed up with Petite Namaste and SOZO for a Giveaway!

Check out http://www.koalabear.com/imagine  and share the hashtag on social media #koalaparents . You can also add hashtag #parentsforchangingtables and tag @socalcitykids for giveaway entry as well. Leave a comment below letting us know where you shared on social media. Deadline to enter is July 22nd, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will win a baby bundle prize package that includes: a Petite Namaste portable changing pad or changing pad cover http://www.petitenamaste.com/baby/changing-accessories.html and a SOZO Weeblock http://www.sozousa.com/product-category/weeblocks-parent-protector-set/

Self Disclosure: Credit: Koala Kare. No compensation was received. SoCal City Kids will select the winner via Random.org. Article credit: Huffington Post. Giveaway: Petite Namaste and SOZO.

 

Get Set for a SUPER Summer with PJ Masks – New Episodes and a FREE App!

PJMasks Moonlight Heroes App       Gekko's Super Gekko Sense

Gear up for a  SUPER summer with PJ Masks!

“Owlette and the Owlteenies”/“Gekko’s Blame Campaign” – Friday, July 15, at 9:30 a.m.

When Night Ninja finally pushes the Ninjalinos too far in “Owlette and the Owlteenies,” they become Owlette’s new sidekicks. But when Owlette forgets what it means to be a good leader, the Ninjalinos cause some chaos of their own. In “Gekko’s Blame Campaign,” the mini-car that Greg borrowed from Cameron goes missing after he doesn’t take good care of it. And when it turns up in the nighttime powered up by Luna Girl, Gekko’s desire to not take the blame allows the villainess to nearly destroy HQ.

 

“Owlette and the Moonflower”/“Slowpoke Gekko” – August (date to be announced)

In “Owlette and the Moonflower,” Luna Girl uses her Luna Beam to create a giant evil moonflower and once it blooms, its seeds will scatter throughout the city and turn it into her very own giant weed garden. Owlette won’t admit how little she knows about plants and each of her plans get the weed closer and closer to blooming. In “Slowpoke Gekko,” Gekko has to learn to not get distracted if he wants to stop Romeo from using his super slow ray to take over the world.    

 

In addition to the premiering episodes, the first-ever PJ Masks app, PJ Masks: Moonlight Heroes, has just soared into the iTunes,Google Play and Amazon app stores! The FREE app lets players embark on exciting nighttime adventures with the PJ Masks team: fans can play as Catboy and use his speed and agility to overcome challenges;  engage Gekko’s ability to stick to walls and run up the side of buildings; and take to the sky with Owlette to fly over the city’s rooftops! With the familiar music and special sound effects from the hit TV series, PJ Masks: Moonlight Heroes lets kids immerse themselves in the exciting world of their favorite heroes!

 

PJ Masks is a colorful and inventive CGI-animated series from Entertainment One that follows 6-year-old Connor, Amaya and Greg, who transform into their dynamic superhero alter egos, Catboy, Owlette and Gekko, when they put on their pajamas at night and activate their special animal amulets. Together, the three friends embark on action-packed capers, solving mysteries, having thrilling nighttime adventures, and learning valuable life lessons all along the way.

 Credit: PJ Masks.