Archives for November 2017

Holiday collection featuring Disney’s Mickey Mouse will help Kiehl’s donate $100,000 to Feeding America®. Collaboration helps to provide 1,100,000 meals to families in need this holiday season

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Kiehl’s Since 1851, the 166-year-old purveyor of the finest skincare, is proud to announce its collaboration with Disney this holiday season, for a collection featuring Mickey Mouse, one of the world’s most beloved luminaries.

Part of this one-of-a-kind collaboration furthers the company’s support of organizations that work to help children and their families thrive:  Kiehl’s is proud to announce that select items from the Disney x Kiehl’scollection will make up the 9th Annual Limited Edition Charitable Holiday Collection. Continuing its holiday philanthropic tradition, Kiehl’s pledges 100% of its net profits of this collection, up to $100,000, to Feeding America®, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. This donation will help provide 1,100,000 meals* to families this holiday.

As part of its commitment to creating healthier generations, Disney also has also been a longtime supporter of Feeding America, by expanding nationwide access to nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, in communities where kids and families need it most.

The Disney x Kiehl’s charitable products will include a Mickey Mouse-adorned whipped body butter, a scented hand cream trio, a gift box, and a tin, all which benefit Feeding America.

With a presence in all 50 states and Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, Feeding America’s nationwide network of 200 member food banks support 60,000 food assistance programs, shelters and meal sites. Each year, Feeding America’s network provides meals and resources to over 46 million people in the United States struggling with food insecurity, including nearly 12 million children. The Feeding America network secures and distributes 4 billion meals annually.

“More than 41 million people in the United States face hunger, including 13 million children and 5.7 million seniors. Feeding America is grateful for the ongoing support of our partners at Kiehl’s and thank them for their creativity and commitment to helping people in need,” said Nancy Curby, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships & Operations at Feeding America. “We are excited to continue our partnership with the generous and incredibly heartwarming Disney x Kiehl’s collaboration, which will help provide more than 1,100,000 meals to children and families this holiday season.”

“I can’t think of a more fitting way to support children and families in need than with this collection featuring Mickey Mouse,” said Chris Salgardo, President, Kiehl’s USA. “Disney has been bringing joy to children and families everywhere for generations, and we are honored that this collaboration will raise funds for those with food insecurities, and awareness for the work of Feeding America. It’s staggering that one in six children in America do not know where they will get their next meal, and we are humbled that the Kiehl’s community can help do their part to alleviate that uncertainty.

One of the world’s most beloved icons, Mickey Mouse made his debut on November 18, 1928, as star of the first synchronized sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, and has remained a sensation ever since. Mickey has become an international personality whose success laid the foundation upon which Walt Disney built his creative organization. Mickey is one of the most timeless originals of our culture and times. His beaming face is recognized around the globe, and his endearing personality has captured the imagination of generations, spanning almost 90 years.

*$1 helps provide 11 meals* secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.

100% of Kiehl’s net profits, up to $100,000, from the following products will benefit Feeding America:

         

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Special Edition Collection For A Cause:  Kiehl’s customer favorite Calendula formulations, packaged in a Mickey Mouse-adorned tin. Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Facial Cleanser, Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque and Ultra Facial Moisturizer. $45 = 350 meals

Special Edition Creme de Corps “Grapefruit” Whipped Body Butter:  Luxuriously scented cream – light on skin, yet rich in 24-hour hydration. Decadently air-whipped for instant penetration to restore, protect, and soften skin. Quickly absorbed to deliver deep moisturization and leave a light, addictive scent on skin. No parabens, glycols or silicones. 8 oz. $38 = 355 meals

Special Edition Scented Hand Cream Trio: This rich, velvety formulation is made with Vitamin E and Shea Butter and has a fresh, invigorating scent to leave skin feeling soft and hydrated. Trio includes one each of Grapefruit, Coriander, and Lavender, each packaged in a separate box, so you can gift the whole trio, or each one individually. Each tube is 2.5 oz. $35 = 310 meals

Special Edition Hydration Essentials Gift Set:  A Holiday set of the brand’s hydration essentials, including Creme de Corps, Ultra Facial Cleanser, Ultra Facial Cream, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and Lip Balm #1. $29 = 212 meals

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About Kiehl’s:

Kiehl’s was founded as an old-world apothecary in New York’s East Village neighborhood. Its unique, extensive background represents a blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal, and medicinal knowledge developed and advanced through the generations. In addition to Kiehl’s freestanding stores nationwide, Kiehl’s products are available at www.Kiehls.com, by mail order at 1-800-KIEHLS-2 as well as through select specialty retailers worldwide. For additional information on Kiehl’s since 1851, visit kiehls.com.

About Feeding America:

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the Unites States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 46 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. Information and images were provided. 

Dana Point Harbor Welcomes 40th Annual Turkey Trot

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The County of Orange, OC Parks, and Dana Point Harbor invite the community to experience the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s 40th annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, November 23. The community is also invited to enjoy special Thanksgiving menu items and prices at select restaurants in the harbor.

“The Turkey Trot is a long-standing tradition at Dana Point Harbor and we’re excited to celebrate this family-friendly race for its 40th year,” commented Dana Point Harbor manager Shannon Levin. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the harbor, and indulge in the Thanksgiving specials offered at select eateries throughout the harbor.”

The Dana Point Turkey Trot will be held from 6 – 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 23. Registered participants can walk, jog, or run a 5K or 10K through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach. Kids ages 5-12 can also join the fun during the Kids’ Gobble Wobble race. Parents are allowed and encouraged to join their children during the Gobble Wobble race without prior registration. All participants will receive a shirt prior to the race and will awarded a medal after crossing the finish line. For more information and to register visitwww.TurkeyTrot.com, online registration closes November 20.

Explore Dana Point Harbor on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy coffee and breakfast from Coffee Importers, where the espresso bar will be open from 5:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and the Deli & Juice Bar will serve guests from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visitors and locals can also enjoy Gemmell’s Restaurant from 12 – 7 p.m. for traditional French style cuisine.

Wind & Sea Restaurant will feature a traditional family style Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. including staple dishes like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie with the guests’ choice of oven roasted turkey, grilled Atlantic salmon, or prime top sirloin.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Dana Point Harbor to experience the 40th annual Turkey Trot and to enjoy food and drink from select eateries. For more information please visitwww.DanaPointHarbor.com.

Credit: OC Parks.

Newport Dunes Celebrates 27th Annual Lighting of the Bay 11.24

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CELEBRATE THE 27th ANNUAL

LIGHTING OF THE BAY.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort will kick off the holiday season with the 27th annual Lighting of the Bay celebration featuring a full schedule of seasonal festivities on Friday, November 24 from 3-8 p.m.

Families will enjoy live chorale performances, cookie decorating, holiday crafts and train rides. Santa will take center stage at dusk as he arrives by stand-up paddleboard and flips the magic switch to illuminate the bay with more than 50 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations. An outdoor screening of a holiday movie will wrap up the evening with hot cocoa and cider. Additional food and bar concessions will be available for purchase.

EVENT SCHEDULE:
3 p.m. – Live performances of holiday favorites by OC Children’s Song Group, Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar High School Choirs

5:30 p.m. – Santa arrival and Lighting of the Bay

6 p.m. – Movie, “Arthur Christmas”

 

WHEN:

Friday, November 24, 3–8 p.m.

 

WHERE:

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort

1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660

 

EVENT PRICE:

FREE

*On-site parking is $10

 CONTACT: 

For more information on events and amenities at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, please call 949-729-3863 or visit NewportDunes.com.

Credit: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

Universal Studios Hollywood “Day of Giving” Community Event

 Hundreds of employee volunteers band together in support of Universal Studios Hollywood’s 13th annual “Day of Giving” community outreach event as the destination hosts 300 homeless children from Operation School Bell.

The inspirational “Day of Giving” event is a yearly Universal Studios Hollywood tradition designed to connect employees with diverse community organizations, many of which are beneficiaries of the Discover A Star Foundation whose mission is to empower individuals and families to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

As part of the event, the children will benefit from the gift of new clothing and school supplies, followed by an afternoon of theme park fun that includes a visit to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” a chance to visit with Minions and experience the popular “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride and “Super Silly Fun Land” play zone, and venture aboard the world-famous Studio Tour to experience the “Fast & Furious – Supercharged” thrill ride.

The day-long event will also support several other non-profit organizations across Los Angeles including AIDS Project L.A. (APLA), Downton Women’s Center, Tree People, Union Station Homeless Services and Shane’s Inspiration.

WHO:               Hundreds of Universal Studios Hollywood employee volunteers and 300 homeless

                        children from Operation School Bell.

WHEN:             Thursday, November 9, 2017

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:           Universal Studios Hollywood – at theme park’s main entrance

                        100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

 Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

Pappy’s Seafood of San Pedro is the place to go for lunch or dinner!

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Historic Downtown San Pedro is now home to Pappy’s Seafood, a casual dining experience focused on classic seafood fare with high quality, fresh ingredients. This exciting addition to San Pedro’s dining scene is the creation of Santa Monica based Yunnie and Greg Morena, a couple with 30 years entrepreneurial ventures between them, including their wildly successful restaurant, The Albright, the longest-running restaurant on the Santa Monica Pier.

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Pappy’s menu emphasizes sustainable and local seafood, sourced fresh from the Port of Los Angeles. Highlights include a clambake party, shrimp cake sliders, fish & chips, Brazilian Moqueca Stew, and a customizable, fresh fish grill. An extensive selection of starters, fresh salads, house made drinks, and offerings for kids, round out the menu with a collection of craft beers on tap and an assortment of local wines.
The comfortable yet upscale atmosphere is outfitted in a nautical color scheme and anchored by a reclaimed brass bar from the old Fisherman’s Market at The Ports o’ Call. The Morena’s worked closely with Undefeated founder, James Bond and architect David Alvarez, alongside the Papadakis family, to celebrate the motley heritage of the historic structure through the new design, creating a classic, seaside vibe. While preserving the original bones, the Morena’s raised the ceiling and exposed clerestory windows, antique brick, concrete, and the original entrance doors, all of which had been covered up for over 70 years.
I had the opportunity to check this place out for lunch and was really impressed with the casual atmosphere, friendly service, and the delicious food! The only thing was I had a difficult time deciding what to try! The menu has some really great selections! I started with the Crab Cakes (which is an appetizer) and they were delicious! Then I decided on a delicious Lobster Roll Sandwich!
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The Lobster Roll Sandwich was quite impressive and even the fries were delicious!
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I visited with a family member and she loved the Salmon plate!
So, if you are looking for a great Seafood place for lunch or dinner, I recommend Pappy’s Seafood! They are located at 301 West 6th Street in San Pedro. They are open 11:30 AM-9:30 PM Monday-Sunday.
Self Disclosure: I reviewed Pappy’s Seafood and had the opportunity to visit as Media. Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids.

How to keep homeschooling fun for your kids

It’s important to keep things interesting and fun when it comes to homeschooling to avoid your kids (and you) getting bored throughout the day. There are plenty ways to have fun while still staying on track with learning and lessons. To keep your teaching from being limited to textbooks, try out some of these ideas in your homeschool!

Take brain breaks throughout the day
Don’t forget to take breaks throughout the day to keep your child engaged in learning. Check out these 20 three-minute brain breaks for some ideas! You can turn on some music and let your kids dance it out between lessons. Brain breaks are a great way to recharge both you and the kids to keep the day moving and to stay on track!

Use hands-on learning
When you let your kids use their hands, they sometimes can forget they’re even learning! You can try including some of these geography crafts into your day, or choose from this list of preschool learning games and let your kids have a blast for a chunk of the day.

Incorporate educational videos
If your child is a visual learner, movies can be great to include in your curriculum. Pure Flix offers a variety of educational movies to supplement your homeschool curriculum. You can watch a documentary or history movie with your kids. Try incorporating an educational video every week of the school year to keep things interested!

Do math in the kitchen
Baking can be a great way to let your kids get messy while still learning valuable information. Take a break from your normal math lessons, and teach your kids about basic fractions while going through the recipe with them. Learn about some of the benefits of learning with baking here. You can use the treat you decide to make for snack time, too!

Take the learning outside your home
Don’t keep your classroom limited to your house! One thing your child might miss out on if you homeschool is interacting with other kids while they learn, especially if they’re an only child. You can go on a field trip to the zoo or a museum near you to mix up your teaching style and learn with fellow homeschoolers, or even just go outside in your own backyard for the day. When you and your kids both need some fresh air, try one of these outdoor learning activities for a change!

If you’re able to let your kids have a little bit of fun during your homeschool day, things will be a lot easier for both you and them! You can choose to incorporate any of these into your school year. To keep things fresh, try incorporating something new each week to keep kids excited to learn at home with you!

Goodbye Christopher Robin – Great Film with Top-Notch Performances from Its A-List

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This film offers a rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh. Along with his mother Daphne (Margot Robbie), and his nanny Olive, Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bringing hope and comfort to England after the First World War. But with the eyes of the world on Christopher Robin, what will the cost be to the family? KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, “You may think this is about the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh, which it is, but it is also about how the beloved bear’s sharp rise to fame affected the family of A.A. Milne and the writer’s own struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder.” Morgan B., adds, “Christopher Robin has a story with a magnificent heart, which is filmed brilliantly. I felt as if I was in England. I cried countless times because the characters are so relatable and there are many touching moments. The acting, photography and graphics are downright superb.” See their full reviews below.

 

Goodbye Christopher Robin

By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

 

Goodbye Christopher Robin is a great film with top-notch performances from its A-list cast. You may think this is about the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh, which it is, but it is also about how the beloved bear’s sharp rise to fame affected the family of A.A. Milne and the writer’s own struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

Goodbye Christopher Robin follows Milne’s young son and his playwright father who finds it difficult to pen any new plays after his experiences in World War I. Father and son begin to spend time together playing in the woods around their new home in the British countryside. Soon, Milne has his friend and fellow soldier, illustrator Ernest Shepherd, visit his homestead to craft stories based on the Milne family’s imaginative woodland adventures. Thus, Winnie-the-Pooh is created and a cultural icon is born. Milne gives his own son’s name to Pooh’s best fictional friend. Suddenly the press and public are eager to meet the real Christopher Robin. The onslaught of interviews and the dwindling time spent with his parents take a toll and he has trouble coping.

 

Domhnall Gleeson is great as A.A Milne. He shows us the effects PTSD can have on veterans and their everyday lives. Gleeson shows us the transformation from the playwright who feels lost in what he will do next to the author on top of the world grappling with how to deal with his fame and his faltering efforts to be a good father. Kelly Macdonald is also excellent as Christopher Robin’s angelic and kind nanny, Olive. She is really the only one watching out for Christopher Robin. Olive has a positive glow that stays strong to the end of the film. She is my favorite character and I compliment Macdonald on making the relationship she has with Christopher Robin so heartwarming.

 

I give Goodbye Christopher Robin an age rating of 12 to 18 for some subjects that could be troubling for younger audiences. If you’re looking for a bright testament to the legacy of Winnie-the-Pooh and the magic of childhood, this is not that film. But Goodbye Christopher Robin is an insightful, historical, sometimes dark drama that goes into other important topics. I give Goodbye Christopher Robin 4 out of 5 stars. It opens in theaters October 13.

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Goodbye Christopher Robin

By Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

 

A creative imagination and playing games is fun, especially when you add the people that you care about your fun adventures! This is a story about what happens when someone takes those thoughts, turns them into books and shares them with the world. Goodbye Christopher Robin has a story with a magnificent heart, which is filmed brilliantly. I felt as if I was in England. I cried countless times because the characters are so relatable and there are many touching moments. The acting, photography and graphics are downright superb. They bring this true story to life.

War is devastating for everyone, especially the families of the soldiers. One of the worst wars in history was World War I. A.A. Mile returns from the war to rejoin his family and friends and has a hard time adjusting to normal life. Once he joins his son’s world of fun and adventure, starring a fluffy bear, he reconnects with his son and finds joy. A.A. Mile wrote Winnie the Pooh stories for his son. They were so good that he published them. He wanted to share his new-found joy with the world and make others happy. The war caused much heartache and Winnie the Pooh made people smile. He thought it would also make his son happy.

 

The cinematography and graphics in Goodbye Christopher Robin are fantastic. The scenes of the woods are very vivid with lots of brilliant colors. The scene when the snow suddenly drifts into the air to make springtime is terrific. I was surprised with its beauty. I love seeing snow fall in reverse.

The acting is fabulous. Each performer seems to have the perfect personality for their character. Christopher Robin (Will Tilston) is adorable and huggable just like Winnie the Pooh. His happiness with his stuffed animals jumps through the screen and makes you smile. He looks like the Christopher Robin we see in the books. A.A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) is played as a stern man. He wants his son to be happy, but he also wants to turn Winne the Pooh and his son’s stuffed animals into wonderful stories. His muse is his son. Through him, he heals from the war and finds his voice again as a writer. He wants to find fame as a wonderful children’s writer who brings joy to those who thought there was no joy left in the world. This is played perfectly because you hate him and feel sorry for him, at the same time.

 

Olive (Kelly Macdonald) is shown as the kind nanny who wants nothing but the best for Christopher Robin and treats him as if he is her own. She tiptoes a fine line between friend and paid help. I love her accent. Christopher Robin’s Mother, Daphne Milne (Margot Robbie) wants fame and money. She has no motherly skills, but she does try. At times, she doesn’t appear to care if Christopher Robin is okay, just as long as he does what he is told. She is thrilled with the New York Times articles and numerous invites for her family to attend events. I resonated with her emotions. Her crying scenes had me in tears. Older Christopher Robin (Alex Lawther) portrays his role in a very serious way. He creates an emotion of uncertainty. I could not decide if I liked him or not. Great acting sometimes creates an emotional roller coaster ride.

 

The best part of this film is when Christopher Robin and his father are in the woods making a door for owl’s house. If you are a fan of Winnie the Pooh like I am, it is thrilling to see all the different adventures come to life.

 

I recommend this for ages10 to 18. It is a complicated and emotional story. Adults will love the scenery, the acting and the cinematography. I give it 5 out of 5 fluffy Winnie the Pooh hugs. This film comes out in theaters October 13, 2017 so, go check it out.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Simple Mills Crunchy Cookies are a Must-Buy this Fall!

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Looking for a really good crunchy cookie? Simple Mills has you covered! I recently received samples and I simply love them! My favorite is the Chocolate Chip! They are soooo good! They are also available in Double Chocolate, Toasted Pecan, and Cinnamon. Almond flour is the base of their cookies and there is also coconut flour, coconut oil and coconut sugar in the cookies. You just have to try them! They were a hit with my family! I also love that there are only natural ingredients!

Today, Simple Mills products are sold online and in more than 6,500 natural and conventional grocery stores so look for them at a store near you!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. The image was provided.