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Lolleez, organic throat soothing lollipops are great for when you have a cold!

April 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

     

When it came to sore throats, mom of four and health coach, Melissa Evans couldn’t find anything to “eez” her kids’ throats or her mind. Thus, the idea for Lolleez was born. Lolleez are organic, worry-free, throat soothing lollipops for kids, that offer a simple solution to a simple problem.

I had the opportunity to try Lolleez and they are a hit with my family! I like that they are also great for when you have allergies! They are also available in three delicious flavors that both kids and adults will love! Flavors available are Watermelon, Orange, Strawberry and my favorite: Mango! After surveying hundreds of kids, Lolleez™ founders determined that traditional flavors like cherry and grape have a negative association that is tied to medicines. Another great thing is the shape! Lolleez are flat and on a stick versus a round ball, which is a potential choking hazard.

You may be thinking “What else makes Lolleez different?” Lolleez are made from USDA Certified Organic ingredients and ingredients you can pronounce and understand, like natural fruit pectin and organic honey. They are also Non-GMO as well as gluten, dairy and nut free.

Lolleez is available at Target stores nationwide this April and just in time for allergy season!  Lolleez come in packs of 15 pops: Watermelon, Strawberry, Orange Mango and a Variety Pack for a suggested retail price of $6.99. For more information about Lolleez, please visit www.lolleez.com. “Like” them on https://www.Facebook.com/SoreThroatPops and follow them on Instagram @Lolleez_Pops.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to post. Images were also provided. 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

The 2nd Annual Lollipop Superhero Walk Sunday, April 29th Pan Pacific Park

April 23, 2018 By 2 Comments

THE 2nd ANNUAL LOLLIPOP SUPERHERO WALK  

Put on your capes and #beasuperhero for the day while walking to raise awareness and funding for Lollipop Theater Network’s in-hospital programs that provide pediatric patients and their family members with a fun escape from their daily reality. This year LOLLIPOP has partnered with the Costume Designers Guild, pairing designers to create personalized costumes for eight of our very special patients— the ultimate superheroes!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2nd-annual-lollipop-superhero-walk-2018-tickets-42999001170

WHEN:    Sunday, April 29th        WHERE:     Pan Pacific Park  @7600 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

  Walk Starts: 9:00 AM

We have teamed up and have 8 registration entries to give away! To enter, leave a comment below telling your favorite Superhero (or your child’s) and why! We figure you may want to walk with a friend or family member so there will be 4 winners (each will receive two entries!) Deadline to enter is April 26th, 2018 at noon PST. 

Supporting the Cause

LOLLIPOP’s mission is to bring joy into hospitals around the country through the magic of movies and music. Bringing movies currently available only in theaters, provides a moment of escape for the pediatric patients whose illness prevents them from going to the cinema and from just being a kid. We create excitement and diversion from the illness and daily medical treatments these children must face by rolling out the “red carpet,” handing out movie tickets and fun gifts, and having actors from the film visit whenever possible!

Self Disclosure: Information and Images were provided to post.

Filed Under: Featured Events

The 6 Big Secrets to a Happy Childhood

April 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Moms and dads everywhere will want to make sure their children had a better childhood than they did – even if they had a fantastic upbringing and wonderful parents. If you want to provide your son or daughter with the best life possible, read the six big secrets to a happy childhood.

  1. Find the Right Nursery

Nursery will gradually ease your child into education, and it can potentially shape future interactions with adults and children alike. It’s therefore essential to select an environment that allows your child to learn, while helping them to develop their social skills, make new friends, and have a little fun. This will ensure your children are happy to leave your side every day to both play and learn. Find a nursery that will support your child’s happiness, as well as their academic, emotional, and personal development, such as the outstanding North Bridge House Nursery.

  1. Choose the Best School

Of course, your children will need to attend school once nursery ends. Sadly, a negative experience can live with a child forever. Similar to nursery, you must thoroughly research the schools in your neighborhood to select the best option for your son or daughter’s happiness and education. So, read articles online, explore the facilities, and ask your friends and family members about a school’s reputation before you enroll your child.

  1. Make Time for Fun

Children often want nothing more than to spend some quality time with their family. When they’re not at school or doing their homework, you should set some time aside to have a little fun by playing with your kids. Even ten minutes each day could be enough to make your child feel loved and secure within the home, so they’ll never question your love as they grow older.

  1. Nudge Your Kids to Follow Their Dreams

If a child believes their parent has 100% confidence in their ability, they will be certain they can accomplish any goal. If your child has a dream, you should encourage them to follow their dreams, no matter how difficult it might be to attain. Never use the word “can’t” because it will allow self-doubt to set in. Your faith in their ability can make your child become a happier, more confident individual.

  1. Set Rules for Children to Follow

Children crave structure, but they’ll always attempt to bend the rules just for fun. It ultimately makes kids feel more secure in their life, which can improve their personal happiness. If you took all the rules away, your children would feel less loved and secure. So, set rules every family member must follow, which will add structure and safety to their everyday life.

  1. Get Your Kids Moving

Overweight or obese children often suffer from low self-esteem and, as a result, are more likely to experience depression at a young age. In addition to impacting their happiness, the excess weight can also negatively affect their health. If you want your child to enjoy a healthy, happy childhood, you must encourage your child to get off the couch and embrace physical activity, such as dancing, running, or playing sports, which should be in conjunction with a healthy diet. Not only will exercise help them to drop many pounds, but it will allow the brain to release endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that can make a child feel happier.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Yogurtland Celebrates Spring with Three New Handcrafted Flavors and they are delicious!

April 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The ever-popular, industry leader Yogurtland is springing into this season with three new scratch-made flavors that are sure to fulfill all dessert cravings. Beginning April 2, and available for a limited time, Sea Salt Caramel Soft Serve, Hibiscus Pear Tart and White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake will join the lineup of delicious treat offerings at Yogurtland.

A scrumptious, creamy indulgence, the new Sea Salt Caramel Soft Serve combines real caramel with sea salt for the ideal balance of sweet and salty.

Yogurtland’s Hibiscus Pear Tart brings together the delicate flavor notes of hibiscus with the mouth-watering taste of fresh pear, creating a flavor that will leave all taste buds satisfied.

Taking Yogurtland’s fan-favorite cheesecake to new heights, the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake froyo combines real white chocolate with the fruity flavor palette of raspberries. Combined in a creamy cheesecake base, this froyo flavor offers fans next-level flavor in every bite.

I had the opportunity to visit our local Yogurtland over the past weekend, and my son and I really like the New Sea Salt Caramel! I am also a fan of the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Froyo!

Yogurtland’s flavorologists are continually creating craveable flavors that keep fans loving their frozen dessert experience. Yogurtland owns its own dairy, and by controlling the frozen yogurt making process, the company can deliver the highest quality flavors, setting new standards for millions of fans.

Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors, ice cream, and non-dairy and no sugar added choices while using milk that does not contain antibiotics or added hormones. Fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost.

Presently Yogurtland has more than 320 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Guam, Korea, Myanmar, Oman, Singapore, Thailand, and Venezuela. Flavors are always subject to creative change and popular demand. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com or http://www.facebook.com/yogurtland.

 

Look for the newest flavors at a Yogurtland near you!

Self Disclosure: I received a media-comped visit to post. Information was also provided. The image is my own.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Charlie & Frog by Karen Kane is a Must-Read!

April 20, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Looking for a great Mystery story for your kids? This one is great for ages 10-14! (Maybe a little younger or a little older depending on the kid). I also love how it teaches about sign language! This is a must-read.

We also had the opportunity to ask the Author a question and I love her answer to this one!

“DEAF CAN!” In Charlie & Frog, there is a statue at the school that represents a real-life true story about ASL’s origins. Frog’s dad explains that this is where her name comes from. Could you please share that story?

In Charlie & Frog, there is a statue at the school that represents a real-life true story about ASL’s origins. It is there because I took a piece of Deaf history and added my own twist. Inside the front gates of Gallaudet University, the world’s only university for Deaf and hard of hearing people, there is a statue of Alice Cogswell and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. Gallaudet was a neighbor of nine-year-old Alice, and even though she couldn’t hear, he was convinced she was intelligent and could learn. He proved it by placing his hat on the ground and writing the word “hat” in the dirt. Alice pointed to his hat, understanding those letters meant “hat.” Encouraged, Alice’s father sent Gallaudet to find a teacher for his daughter. Gallaudet went to Paris and returned with Deaf teacher Laurent Clerc. Together they opened the first school for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817.

Now comes my twist to this piece of Deaf history. In Charlie & Frog, Frog’s family history includes the story of Francine, the first child to be born Deaf in her family. The family learned about this newly established school for the Deaf, and planned a visit. When they arrived, they encountered Alice Cogswell sitting outside, studying a frog. Francine headed over to Alice, who signed “frog,” and pointed to the little hopper. Francine then repeated the sign “frog” and began hopping around. Two hundred years later there is now another bronze statue—this one of Alice and Francine, each signing the first letter of her own name. And a little frog sits between them.

Credit: Karen Kane.

Photo: Author, Karen Kane. 

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book for participating in this Book Blog Tour. I only feature books I highly recommend and love this one! 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Aquarium’s Harbor Seal Shelby Gives Birth to Pup

April 20, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is pleased to announce that Shelby, one of the Aquarium’s harbor seals, has given birth to a pup. Shelby is one of the Aquarium’s original animals and was two years old when the facility opened in 1998. Most seals give birth to young starting at four to five years of age. At twenty-two years old, Shelby is considered a mature mom, and this is her third pup. Shelby gave birth to her first pup, a female named Bixby, in April 2012 at age seventeen and her second, a male named Toby, in 2013. Bixby was moved to a zoo in the Midwest in 2015 with other female harbor seals, and Toby is slated to move to an aquarium in the southeast in May. Troy, the Aquarium’s only male harbor seal, is the father of all three pups and has lived at the Aquarium since 2007.

“Shelby has had a normal, healthy pregnancy, and with her success at giving birth to two pups here at the Aquarium in recent years, we were cautiously optimistic about the arrival of her third pup. It is particularly special to the Aquarium that one of our charter animals has given birth to the next generation in the year of our twentieth anniversary,” said Dudley Wigdahl, Aquarium curator of mammals and birds. Shelby and her pup are in the holding area next to the Seal and Sea Lion Habitat. The shades may be open at times and closed at other times to allow for privacy for the mother and pup to bond.

Shelby is a Pacific harbor seal. Harbor seals can be found in the eastern Pacific Ocean from the southern coast of Alaska to the northern portion of Baja, Mexico. Their color and markings are unique to each seal, like a human’s fingerprints. Some have light-colored fur of almost white to silver or gray with darker circular or ring marks. Others have darker fur with light-colored markings. They range in size from 4 to 6.6 feet long and weigh between 110 to 375 pounds (males tend to be larger than females). They may spend up to 85 percent of the day diving for prey, primarily schooling and bottom-dwelling fishes such as herring, surfperch, rockfish, salmon, and hake. They are also partial to some invertebrates, including crustaceans. They get the water they need from their food and live about twenty-five to thirty years in the wild and longer under human care. Harbor seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. While the species is not currently listed as endangered or threatened, harbor seals are sensitive to human encroachment.

The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among people. Home to over 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include FROGS: Dazzling and Disappearing. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages. The Aquarium won a 2015 Travelers’ Choice Award for Aquariums, as awarded by TripAdvisor® travelers, and the 2017 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other benefits. For more information, please call (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific. Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific.

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

A Quick Look at California’s Smaller (and Safer!) Theme Parks

April 20, 2018 By Leave a Comment

With summer rapidly approaching, parents are looking for fun places to take the kids. California is always a great place for families because there is so much to do and see. With so many theme parks and beaches, there is almost too much to choose from! However, you aren’t exactly thrilled about the prospect of being pushed and shoved in elbow-to-elbow crowds and so you are probably looking for some attractions which won’t be as big, and probably not nearly as dangerous.

Every Parent’s Nightmare – Losing a Child in the Crowd

Not only can you quickly lose sight of kids who tend to wander away if you don’t keep them tightly in hand, but there is always that off-chance that they will willingly go with a stranger, which is every parent’s nightmare. You might want to check on sites like Parent Guide to get tips from other parents who have found ways to keep their kids close in crowds. You’d be surprised at some of the innovative ways they’ve discovered. In the meantime, here are some alternatives if you have your heart set on a vacation in California this year.

Adventure City in Anaheim

While it isn’t the massive Disneyland Resort, Adventure City is nearby and for some, even more fun. It’s like stepping back in time with roller coasters dating back all the way to the 1940s and a really spectacular place for family photo ops. You will also find a petting farm and a place where the bunnies roam (Canoodle), along with an assortment of larger rides that the tweens would probably prefer. Located just outside of Los Angeles, it’s close enough to downtown where mom can get in plenty of shopping, especially in the Fabric District where materials by the yard are so much cheaper than they are back home.

Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Just to the west of LA is Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Here is where kids can have a field day. Not only does the amusement park date back over 100 years but it’s located on the pier itself. It isn’t Coney Island in the East, but it sure is the next best thing. The amusement park itself is called Pacific Park, and no wonder because, as mentioned, it is actually on the Pacific Ocean – the coast that is! From the park, it’s just a short distance to the long, sandy beach where the family can get a quick dip in the ocean and spend a bit of time resting in the warm Southern California sun.

These are just a couple of examples of where you can go that isn’t nearly as crowded or as large as the main SoCal attractions, but they are delightful nonetheless. For a longer list of small but amazing attractions in California, check out the Visit California website. Take your time planning because there is much to offer. You may want to spend a day at Disneyland, Universal Studios, or Knotts Berry Farm, but then again, with so many smaller attractions to visit, you might not have time this summer. Maybe next year, but for now, there’s plenty to do without spending a small fortune. Have fun in the Golden State and see you next year!

Filed Under: Featured Services

Sesame Place Becomes the First Theme Park in the World to be Designated as a Certified Autism Center

April 19, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Sesame Place®, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street®, in conjunction with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), today announced the completion of a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training at the theme park.  The completiondesignates Sesame Place as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) as distinguished by IBCCES, — the first theme park in the world to receive such a distinction. The certification aligns with National Autism Awareness Month and comes as the park readies for its 38th season, opening on April 28, 2018.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options, and in response, created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry.

As a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place is required to provide ongoing training to ensure that team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to interact with all families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum. Training takes place in the areas of sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness as well as a comprehensive autism competency exam.  The autism training must be taken every two years in order to maintain the certification.

“As the first theme park in the world to complete the training and become a CAC, Sesame Place is better equipped to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special needs,” explained Sesame Place park president Cathy Valeriano.  Robust pre-visit planning resources will be added to the park’s website including a sensory guide, developed by IBCCES.  This sensory guide will make it easier for parents to plan activities that satisfy their child’s specific needs and accommodations by providing insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for each attraction.  The park will also have two quiet rooms located on Sesame Island.  These rooms will have adjustable lighting, and a comfortable seating area for guests to take a break.

Sesame Place’s certification aligns with Sesame Workshop’s commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of autism.  Sesame Workshop launched the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative in 2015 and Julia, a Sesame Street Muppet with autism, came to life on the award-winning broadcast last spring, signaling a strong, continuing commitment to the autism community.  Julia made her debut at Sesame Place in 2017 as a walkaround character and is available for guest meet & greets. The park is developing in-park programs that will be implemented this season giving guests additional opportunities to interact with Julia.

“Since her debut, Sesame Street’s Julia has touched the lives of millions of children and families around the world and we’re proud that partners like Sesame Place are committed to providing autism-friendly experiences,” said Scott Chambers, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America Media and Licensing, Sesame Workshop.  “We applaud them for earning this distinction.”

“IBCCES works with leading travel destinations to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe that have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Sesame Place is ideal because of its accessibility to families and convenient location, as well as everything the organization has done to be inclusive for all. The CAC certification helps give parents and other guests on the spectrum peace of mind when visiting a new destination or attraction.”

“Sesame Place is honored to be leading the theme park industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum,” added Valeriano.  “We’re dedicated to providing all of our guests with an exceptional and memorable experience.  We look forward to applying this training and expanding our commitment to help spread awareness about autism.”

Credit:

About IBCCES

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) was established in 2001 to meet the training and credentialing needs of professionals who work with individuals with special needs. IBCCES has since expanded into over 40 different countries with training centers in the United States and Singapore and members all across the globe. Our Certified Autism Specialist, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist and Certified Autism Center credentials were established with the highest standards in the industry. As a result, our programs have become the benchmark for those who work with cognitive disorders around the globe. In addition, IBCCES created and hosts the annual International Symposium on Cognitive Research & Disorders.  This global event brings together top neurologists, education leaders and healthcare experts with a focus on research, innovation and collaboration. For information about training and certification, visit ibcces.org

 

About Sesame Place®

Sesame Place®, the only theme park in the U.S. based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street®, is ideal for families and kids of all ages.   Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from New York City, the park has over 25 attractions, three live shows, a daily parade and of course, everyone’s favorite furry friends.  NEW IN SPRING 2018: the biggest, most exciting roller coaster ever – Oscar’s Wacky Taxi™! The new wooden-steel hybrid roller coaster will take thrill seekers of all sizes on a crazy, curvy taxi cab ride, with everyone’s favorite grouch at the helm.  Before little kids become big kids, go before they grow® to the nation’s only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street®.  For more information, visit www.sesameplace.com.or call 1-215-752-ELMO.

Filed Under: Announcements
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