Archives for April 2017

Discover Skinerals: Organic Skin Line with a Life-Changing Purpose

unnamed (1)

Skinerals innovative formulas focus on minerals—not chemicals—to restore, pamper, and protect the body’s most important and hardest working features.
Skineral’s founder, Michael Schindele, launched his brand after his daughter was diagnosed with severe eczema and skin allergies. His mission to create products that could manage and repair her skin damage led to a healthier, all organic approach to beauty.
The brand includes 16 natural and organic skin care products. Dedicated to improving the skincare industry through organic skin solutions, Skinerals has pledged to donate a share of every single bottle sold to skin cancer research.
Recommend by dermatologists, Skinerals offer a natural solution to those with sensitive skin.
“I recommend these formulas for my patients with sensitive skin,” states Doctor Michael Swann of Swann Dermatology, “The natural ingredient composition, replenishes and hydrates the skin without causing irritation.”
Skinerals uses hundreds of different minerals and earth elements to naturally promote healthy cell growth and development, providing relief from many chronic, irritating, and embarrassing skin conditions.
“Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture by binding water molecules. I recommend the Diamond Age-Defying Serum for its hydrating abilities as well as its capability to repair and protect the skin,” explains Dr. Michael Swann.
People with eczema and other skin allergies are susceptible to skin irritations year around, both indoors and outdoors.
Reduce stretch marks, smooth fine lines, and attain a natural glow with Skinerals:
· Sweet Jasper Body Lotion – Gentle yet deeply moisturizing, this lotion reduces stretch marks, scarring, and cellulite. It’s safe to use daily and blends in quickly without leaving behind a greasy residue.
· Californium Sunless Bronzer – This mousse formula applies a natural tan effortlessly, free of streaks and unevenness. It’s available in an 8oz bottle for home use and a travel size for touch ups on-the-go.
· Luminous Citrine Facial Cleanser – Its light citrus fragrance entices the senses while its formula of activated charcoal, aloe, and orange peel oil work to neutralize acidity and gently exfoliate. Nourishing Vitamins C, B5, and E promote supple, smooth skin.
· Diamond Age Defying Serum – A blend of premium natural oils and extracts, which combat wrinkles, retain moisture, restore reliance, smooth fine lines, and prevent skin inflammation.
Skinerals’ products are entirely vegan as well as paraben-free, cruelty-free, and gluten-free; proudly made in the USA in an FDA approved facility.

I had the opportunity to try out a few of their products and I am really quite impressed! I tried the Luminous Citrine Facial Cleanser, the Crystal Coconut Conditioner, and the Sweet Jasper Body Lotion.  I really like all three products but my favorite is the body lotion. It works really well, absorbs well on my skin and smells great! The Facial Cleanser is a real hit with me as well since it cleans my face and also doesn’t dry it out. 
About
Michael Schindele founded Skinerals in 2014 after his daughter was diagnosed with severe eczema and skin allergies. His mission to create products that could manage and repair her skin damage led to a healthier, all organic approach to beauty. The brand now includes 16 natural and organic skin care products and has pledged to donate a share of every single bottle sold to skin cancer research.

Self Disclosure: I receive free samples to facilitate this post. Photos were also provided.

Are you baking this Easter?

unnamed (2)

Are you planning to bake this upcoming holiday? I know of the perfect Cake Pan! It’s easy to use and easy to clean! I love how it is non-stick and the cake is so easy to remove!

It also is a winner! 

The 2017 Housewares Design Awards honoring products offering design innovation and new ways for improving everyday living were presented at a Gala awards ceremony during the Winter Las Vegas Market recently. Trudeau Corporation’s Silicone Round Cake Pan with an integrated steel frame took top honors in the Cookware and Bakeware category — a testament to the inventive spirit and keen product development the Company has placed in their bakeware collection.  The Trudeau’s Round Cake Pan is one of eight cake, cookie and muffin pans integrated with Trudeau’s exclusive reinforced steel rims for secure handling and Supra Silicone, a patented, seamless manufacturing process providing a flexible non-stick, easy release surface.

The 9” round baking pan is heat resistant up to 428°F / 220°C and is freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe. Suggested retail price is $27.99 Available nationwide. To find a retailer near you visit https://www.trudeaucorp.com/us_en/cook/baking-tools/pans.html

Self Disclosure: I received a free product to facilitate this post.

 

Los Angeles Times Announces Lineup for 22nd Annual Festival of Books

The Los Angeles Times today announced the lineup for the 22nd annual Festival of Books, the nation’s largest literary festival, April 22-23 at the University of Southern California. The event will feature more than 500 authors, celebrities, musicians, artists and chefs. On Friday, April 21, the 37th annual Book Prizes will honor reading and educational activist Ruebén Martinez with the Innovator’s Award, novelist Thomas McGuane with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, and 11 outstanding literary works published during the last year.

 

Authors and celebrities scheduled to appear at the festival include Kareem Abdul-

Jabbar, Margaret Atwood, Andrew Aydin, T.C. Boyle, Michael Connelly, Bryan Cranston,

Ayesha Curry, Roxane Gay, Dave Grohl, Virginia Grohl, Hannah Hart, Chris Hayes, Tippi

Hedren, Marlon James, Clinton Kelly, Rep. John Lewis, Cheech Marin, Danica McKellar,

Viet Thanh Nguyen, Joyce Carol Oates, Kelly Oxford, Chuck Palahniuk, Nate Powell,

Mary Roach, Luis J. Rodríguez, George Saunders, John Scalzi, Scott Simon, Nancy

Silverton, Angie Thomas, Stephen Tobolowsky and Ngugi Wa Thiong’o with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Additional festival highlights:

  • 10 outdoor stages: Acura Cooking Stage, Hoy Stage, L.A. Sound Stage, L.A. Times

Central, L.A. Times Main Stage, Poetry Stage, Reading by 9 Children’s Stage,  Travel &

Wellness Stage, USC Stage and YA Stage

  • Street-art-style mural installations curated by Branded Arts; finished murals will be donated to the Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School
  • Center Theatre Group performance of songs from the musical “Into the Woods”
  • Hundreds of exhibitors with books and merchandise for sale, giveaways and activities Musical performances, food trucks and more

 

At the Book Prizes, the L.A. Times will present the Innovator’s Award to Ruebén Martinez for his work that honors the contribution of Latino writers and expands the community of readers throughout Southern California.

 

“We are thrilled to recognize Ruebén Martinez with the 2016 Innovator’s Award for his contribution to the literary life of Southern California,” said Carolyn Kellogg, Times book editor. “By sharing books in his barbershop in Santa Ana he showed how books can be celebrated anywhere, and how essential they are to all our lives. Ruebén is a dedicated advocate for the love of literature wherever it might take hold.”

 

Martinez’s passion for reading inspired him to open a bookstore in his Santa Ana barbershop in the early 1990s. It quickly became a cornerstone of the community, evolved into a nationally renowned center of Chicano/Latino literature and art, and lives on today through the Centro Comunitario de Educación – Chapman University’s learning center which houses

Martinez’s book collection. Currently a Presidential Fellow of Chapman University, Martinez acts as an ambassador to encourage Latinos to pursue higher education and lifelong learning.

 

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is presented in association with USC, and the Southern California Acura Dealers are the event’s platinum sponsor. The festival is free, open to the public and centrally located in the Downtown Arts and Education Corridor adjacent to Exposition Park. Beginning at 10 a.m. today the public can purchase Festival Passes (which provide advance reservations for up to 20 conversations) as well as tickets to the Book Prizes.

Schedule, location, ticket and transportation information can be found on the festival website, Facebook page and Twitter feed (#bookfest).

Credit: The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is presented in association with USC, and the Southern California Acura Dealers are the event’s platinum sponsor.

 

Spring Break Must-Haves!

Here are some of my favorites this Spring!

Babytime Sunny Sunscreen

Now that it’s Spring and it is warmer, the urge to get outside with your family and enjoy the sunshine has most likely set in. For parents of young children this can be a tricky situation because of the need for sunscreen, but you don’t want to subject your children to harsh chemicals and sprays or lotions you can smell from miles away. Babytime! makes Sunny Sunscreen, which is a light-weight, non-greasy and unscented lotion that provides up to 80 minutes of water-resistant protection. The sunscreen is doctor developed and is mild enough to use on a baby, but strong enough to use on an adult. Sunny Sunscreen is enriched with green tea and aloe to keep your skin cool, while the safe minerals, found in the product, work to protect you from UVA/UVB rays. Babytime! is the only U.S. formulations currently on the market that contain probiotics to enhance skin immunity with every use.

I like that this can be used for babies and children and that it is safe for all to use! I highly recommend this one!

This next one is perfect for travel this upcoming Spring Break!

unnamed (5)

BADA BOARDS are personal desktops that enable users to create workspaces just about anywhere. They can be folded and neatly tucked in a briefcase, backpack or book bag, making them easily transportable.

I like that they are easy to put together and easy to pack! They are available in different designs and are perfect for both kids and adults! They are great to use in the car or on a plane.

More info:

Made in the U.S.A. from durable 35% recycled material, BADA BOARDS are sturdy enough to hold a laptop, notebook or tablet. The curved travel desktop fits snugly in a lap or on a flat surface and is available in an array of photographic and artistic designs, using soy based ink and child-safe glue. Use BADA BOARDS to:

 

  • Eat on the go
  • Do homework
  • Bring work home or take it out of the office
  • Taking notes at conferences, seminars and meetings
  • Play games
  • Surf the internet
  • Paint nails
  • Doodle or draw
  • and more!

 

BADA BOARDS are the brainchild of Laurinda Stanton, a single mother whose iron worker father brought home a board of similar shape and size when she was a child.

These are available on Target.com, Walmart.com and Stage Stores.

The next one is one I love! 

unnamed (9)  unnamed (8)

With delectable culinary flavors, NEW Lypsyl Yummy Sticks Lip Balm will leave your lips feeling soft and luxurious! Available in Passion Fruit & ChocolateSweet Mint & Basil, and Sea Salt & Caramel, Lypsyl Yummy Sticks are formulated with shea butter, hydrogenated coconut oil, and paraffin for ultimate repair and hydration. Plus, the products are vegan friendly, completely free of beeswax, parabens, and palm oil!

These are a must for the family! My favorite is the Sea Salt & Caramel! They are really affordable too!

Lypsyl Yummy Sticks are available at Rite Aid stores nationwide and JET.com with an SRP of $0.99. For additional information, please visit: www.lypsylhome.com.

This next one is great for those moments when the kids say they are bored!

But, I also ighly recommend the subscription year round! It’s great for homeschooling those little older kids who love Science and it would be great for the upcoming Summer break!

unnamed

It’s a brand NEW subscription from Little Passports, SCIENCE EXPEDITIONS, which can help kids tap into their inner science Einstein. I know when my child was younger, he loved Little Passports and I am thrilled that they now have something Science related for the older kids.

There are a lot of science boxes out there, but what makes Little Passports different is the hands-on geography theme embedded in every monthly subscription. This subscription will bring to life real-world STEM-related concepts, such as magnetism, forensics, or rockets but will also inspire curiosity and problem solving with hands-on experiments from characters Sam and Sofia. Each month Sam and Sofia visit somewhere in the world and ask kids for their help to solve a mystery.

We received a couple kits to check out and my son’s favorite was learning about Crystals and making his own. We highly recommend this subscription for kids 9+.

Designed for kids ages 9 and older and sold in monthly, 6-month, and 12-month subscription options. Science Expeditions monthly themed packages include: Guide and materials for hands-on science experiments, 16-page comic book with a glossary and bonus activities, A new mystery to solve with Sam & Sofia, Achievement badges and access to bonus online videos and science content. Now, how cool is that!?

 

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photos were also provided.

 

 

Amazon Original Special “Spring-a-ling Surprise” Springs onto Prime Video April 4!

unnamed (4)

I’m so excited to share that on Tuesday, April 4, “Spring-a-ling Surprise,” an adorable new Amazon Original Special from the award- winning children’s series Tumble Leaf, is set to “spring” onto Prime Video for kids and families across the country!
 
In “Spring-a-ling Surprise,” everyone helps Bloom the bunny hunt for his lost eggs, which he plans to plant for a spectacular spring surprise, while Fig the fox uncovers many other signs of spring along the way!
Here’s more on Tumble Leaf:
 
Created by Drew Hodges (Community, SNL) and executive produced by Hodges and Kelli Bixler (The Roadents) of the award-winning studio Bix Pix Entertainment, Tumble Leaf follows Fig, a small blue fox, who lives in a whimsical land where he discovers adventure, friendship and love around every bend. The series reinforces the importance of learning through play, as it helps children understand the world around them. Tumble Leaf features the voice talent of Christopher Downs as Fig, Brooke Wolloff as Maple, Zac McDowell as Hedge, Addie Zintel as Pine, and Alex Trugman as Ginkgo.
 
Featuring lush worlds and playful stop-motion animation, Tumble Leaf has garnered multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Animated Program, and just received four 2017 Daytime Emmy Award nominations. The show has also earned the Jury Award for a TV series at the 2014 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, the 2015 Annie Award for Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children and a 2015 Parents’ Choice Gold Award.
 
Credit: Amazon Prime Video.

Cleo is Pet of the Week!

unnamed (2)

Cleo will come pattering (sorry—we couldn’t resist it) out from her little barge as soon as she senses the security of a person willing to be patient and kind. So often, pets get left at our shelter without knowing what the deal is and why they aren’t in their safe places anymore—if they had one. Cleo’s a royal seal-point Siamese who’s about 2 years old and has plenty of good years to share with the right people. Meet her at the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A573245.

 

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

 

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village.

Experience a Burke Williams Blow Out at Style

unnamed (3)

Burke Williams Day Spa invites guests to take the spa experience to the next level with a visit to the in-spa blow dry bar, Style. Available at the new Hollywood and Woodland Hills spas, hair care experts will shampoo, condition, and style your hair with the finest products available. With a visit to Style, spa goers leave looking as fabulous as they feel.

 

Burke Williams welcomes spa lovers to indulge in a day of luxurious relaxation that ends with a visit to Style for just $45. After shampooing and conditioning your hair with products from the iconic Shu Uemura hair care line, stylists will create a look ranging from straight and sleek to curly and chic. Burke Williams’ team of hair stylists can also create fashionable braids. Perfect for the end of a rejuvenating spa day or as a dedicated service, Style offers an option for hair care on the go. Walk ins are welcome but reservations are recommended.

 

Burke Williams is a haven for healing and beauty, and the Hollywood and Woodland Hills spas offer an array of innovative services including blow outs at Style, aromatherapy at the Custom Blend Alchemy Bar, and Steam Pedicures in the Nail Lounge, as well as a full menu of facials, massages, and body treatments. To book an appointment and learn more about Burke Williams Day Spa locations, services and products please visit http://burkewilliamsspa.com.

Credit: 

Burke Williams

For over 30 years Burke Williams Day Spa has been committed to creating an environment of refinement that inspires and provides its guest with a luxurious sanctuary to unwind. With ten locations across Northern and Southern California and the exclusive in-spa skin care line H2V, relaxation awaits with each of our European-inspired treatments including massage therapy, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures, baths and an array of signature spa services.

Easter Bunny Photos Available at Lakewood Center

unnamed (2)

Lakewood Center is welcoming the Easter Bunny to kick of the spring season with festive photos and a visit with the Easter Bunny.

WHAT:

Lakewood Center invites families to hop over for a visit with the Easter Bunny and receive a free gift. Create special holiday memories that will be cherished for years to come with a fun Easter photo package or customized photo gift. Reservations are not required but are available online for convenience.
WHEN:

Now through Saturday, April 15
Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 11am-7pm
WHERE:

Lakewood Center in the Center Court

500 Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood, CA  90712

 

Information: Visit www.shoplakewoodcenter.com/events/EasterBunny_2017  for details.

Credit: Lakewood Center.