Don’t fall behind on flea and tick treatment this season with Seresto!

Bayer Seresto

It’s easy to forget about fleas and ticks bothering our pets when summer is over, but they really do need protection from these annoying little pests all year-long. I recently had an opportunity from Bayer to try out a flea collar on my pet cat, Titan.

Topical solutions work but getting any pet to sit still for the treatment can be tricky. Plus, it’s easy to put off or even forget the monthly application, especially when the weather gets cold. But it’s a fact – flea and tick-borne diseases simply don’t take a holiday. Seresto is an innovative flea and tick collar for dogs and cats that delivers the same stopping power as a topical, but lasts up to 8 months. One collar, no mess, 8 months, done. I received a collar to try out on our pet cat, Titan and was really quite impressed!

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What impressed me the most is there is no icky smell and it doesn’t seem to bother him to wear it. Normally, he does not like collars so this is a big thing that he is fine with it and not constantly trying to get it off of his neck. What is also impressive is that it really seems to work! Watch this video to see more about how it works.

I know most people think of flea collars as dog products, these are available for cats as well. And unlike other flea/tick products for dogs that can’t be used on cats, Seresto works equally well for both! Check out the Seresto website for more information.

There pet parents can:

  • Use the product finder to find out where to buy Seresto in their area
  • Request a rebate on a Seresto collar
  • Join Bayer’s PetParents online community

Self Disclosure: I received a Flea Collar for my cat for free to facilitate this review but any opinions expressed are my own. Photo Credit: Seresto (except for cat photo of Titan the cat).

 

 

 

Tickety Toc

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It’s time to celebrate the holidays with Tickety Toc, the animated hit TV series for preschoolers from Zodiak Rights! Families from coast-to-coast can join their favorite comedic twin stars, Tommy and Tallulah, and all their adorable Tickety Town friends for non-stop seasonal fun in “Christmas Present Time,” a brand-new half-hour special, premiering Saturday, December 14, on Nick JrThe holiday special will re-air on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25.

 

As Christmas Eve falls upon Tickety Town and all the townsfolk are busy putting their final preparations together for a Tickety Christmas, a sudden crash landing by Santa throws everything into turmoil. The reindeers have caught a chill, Santa’s sleigh is broken and all the presents are spread across Tickety Town. It’s up to Tommy and Tallulah to work together “quickity tickety” and come up with a plan to save Christmas before it’s too late! The festive, fun-filled special also features a Christmas song that will have the whole family singing along.

Tickety Toc presents the everyday adventures of 6-year-old twins, Tommy and Tallulah, as they work to “chime the time” and keep everything running like clockwork in Tickety Town.  Through the hilarious heroes’ madcap adventures, Tickety Tocexplores teamwork, social responsibility and problem solving – important concepts for preschoolers as they learn and grow.

 

Tortle, the Pediatrician developed Lightweight Baby Beanie Designed to Prevent or Treat Flat Head Syndrome Now Available on Target.Com

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Tortle Products, LLC, manufacturer of Tortle, the lightweight knit beanie that helps prevent and treat Flathead Syndrome, announced today that Tortle will now be available on Target.com beginning December 10, 2013.

 

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Target.com will carry three Tortle designs; Blue Elephant, Pink Flowers and Solid White.  The Tortle beanies are available in medium and large sizes at a suggested retail price of $19.99.

 

Developed by Dr. Jane Scott, a Board Certified Pediatrician and Neonatologist, the Tortle beanie is an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device that promotes proper head and neck movement which is essential for appropriate development.  Tortle helps prevent and treat early stages of flat head syndrome: plagiocephaly (the flattening of the baby’s skull) & torticollis (unbalanced neck muscles). Tortle works by gently deflecting a baby’s head from side to side when they are sitting or lying on the back of their head.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends regular head repositioning of babies younger than six months.

 

“Every baby is at risk of developing Flat Head Syndrome with one out of two babies being diagnosed with the Syndrome,” said Dr. Jane Scott.  “Through Target.com we will have an opportunity to further increase awareness of Flat Head Syndrome and the ease in which it can be prevented or treated.”

 

The incidence of Plagiocephaly and Torticollis (or Flathead syndrome) has increased to epidemic proportions since 1992 with more than a million babies being diagnosed with the condition each year in the U.S. alone.  This is due to their lack of movement and the amount of time infants spend on their back (the safest place for them to be).  If left untreated, there can be long-standing problems.  Treatment is frequently expensive and can be somewhat uncomfortable for a baby.  Plagiocephaly and Torticollis are almost 100% preventable with repositioning and Tortle makes this safe and easy.  It is recommended that all newborns wear a Tortle for the first 6 months of life to support healthy development.

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Dr. Scott, whose specialty is Pediatrics and Neonatology, is recognized as an expert in the areas of Plagiocephaly and Torticollis.  In her nearly 30 years as a practicing physician, Dr. Scott has counseled and educated hundreds of parents to help prevent as well as treat the many problems associated with Flathead Syndrome.  Dr. Jane’s mission is to prevent Flathead Syndrome-an epidemic affecting the babies across the world. Please visit tortle.com for more information.

 

About Tortle

Founded by Board Certified Pediatrician and Neonatologist Dr. Jane Scott in 2012, Tortle Products, LLC is located in Denver, CO.  Tortle Products manufactures Tortle, an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device.  This stylish knit beanie prevents and treats Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), a condition most prevalent in babies 0-6 months of age.  Every baby is at risk for developing Flat Head Syndrome with one out of two babies being diagnosed with the Syndrome.  Tortle works by gently deflecting a baby’s head from side to side while they are lying on their back.   Available in a variety of colors and designs, Tortle has a recommended retail price of $19.99.  For more information visit www.tortle.com.

Follow Tortle and Dr. Scott on Facebook at facebook.com/TortlebyDr.Jane;

Twitter: TortlebyDrJane

Pinterest: pinterest.com/tortlebydrjane

We have teamed up for a fabulous Holiday Travel Essentials Package for baby Giveaway! Prize package will include: a Tortle and a 2 Red Hens Diaper Bag! Here is more info about 2 Red Hens: 

2 Red Hens Studio Rooster Diaper Bags

This custom designed bag gives mom all the style and sass she had before she had a baby, and all the functionality she needs now that her precious little one has arrived.  Features include:

•             Interior zipper pocket, bottle holder and 2 elastic pockets

•             Convertible stroller straps

•             Attached key fob

•             Magnetic snap and button closure for easy access

•             Extra long changing pad in 2 Red Hens signature red dot pattern.

 

Available in 5 custom designed, vintage-inspired patterns:

•             Chevron Stripes, Grey Damask, Peacock Mum, Pink Lemonade and Owl Dots

Recommended retail: $50

DiaperBag_Grey     DiaperBag_Green

 

About 2 Red Hens Studio

Based in Denver, Colorado, the 2 Red Hens Studio collection of Vintage Chic Inspired Items for Modern Mamas include diaper bags, the Toy Nanny, Shopping Cart Nests, and a range of accessory items. Limited edition handcrafted one-of-a-kind diaper bags and dolls are also offered. For more information visit 2 Red Hens.com.

Follow 2 Red Hens on:

Facebook:  facebook.com/2redhensstudio

YouTube: youtube.com/user/2RedHensStudio/videos

Twitter: @2redhensstudio

Tumblr: 2redhens.tumblr.com/

 To enter the giveaway, simply follow these guidelines:

You must be a subscriber of SoCal City Kids to enter!  Next, leave a comment below telling us who you would give the prize package to this holiday season! For extra entries, like the 2 Red Hens Facebook page and the Tortle/Dr. Scott Facebook page. Deadline to enter is December 17th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to feature this post except for the prize package being shipped to the winner.

Art of Problem Solving Presents: Beast Academy!

Batterson Beast Academy (cover)

As a homeschool Mom, I am always trying to find ways to make school more fun..especially Math! My son does not care much for this 4 letter word and it can sometimes be more than a chore to get him to even half way want to do the subject.  One reason I chose to homeschool is because I have a gifted child who does get bored easily. I was thrilled when Beast Academy sent me the Math Guide 4A and the practice book to go along with it. The fully illustrated Guides for the grade includes complete lessons in an entertaining comic book style. My son was impressed with this because he likes to read. The practice books have challenging problems and much more. What I did find is that they are slightly advanced in the Grade 4 book we reviewed, which is not a bad thing at all.  We received the Grade 4A book because the 5th grade books are not out yet but the book was not too easy and too boring. I like that the book is aligned to the 2010 National Common Core State Standards and my son likes that the book is not boring like many other brands of Math Books. To find out more, check out the website!

Self Disclosure: I received the books free to review but any opinions expressed are my own.

Kaijudo: Clash of the Duel Masters

Invasion Earth - Napalmeon The Conquering - Pojo    Invasion Earth - Victory Gunner - KidzWorld  KJVDES_BoosterMockup   Kaijudo logo (no ROD)

Looking for a fun and competitive gift for boys (ages 7+) on your holiday shopping list! Kaijudo Invasion Earth Competitive Decks are fun and who wouldn’t want to defend the World Against Domination?  It’s a fantastic new trading card game for kids, with a brand-new TV show on Hub Network.  My son and one of his friends are Pokemon fans and they found this trading card game quite entertaining! We give it a 5 stars! Although, there may be some pretend violence, it also is creative and  as my(10 year old) son says is just “an epic card game.”  Learn more about the game and where to buy it at Kaijudo.com!

Self Disclosure: We received this game to facilitate this holiday gift suggestion but any opinion expressed are those of SoCal city Kids.

 

“Angels Sing” – An Original and Unique New Holiday Film, Perfect for Family Viewing

Most of us have our favorite holiday films that we enjoy from year to year. Here is a new film that you might want to check out that puts a new spin on holiday movies. One of our youth reporters, Brianna B has this comment on the film, “I like how the writers, Lou Berney and Turk Pipkin, basically take a holiday scrooge and make him into a person that loves and enjoys the holidays with real life messages.” See her full review below.

Angels Sing

Reviewed by Brianna Hope B., age 14, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

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This is a wonderful Holiday film that I really enjoyed watching.

Michael Walker (Harry Connick, Jr.) loved Christmas when he was a kid. Then, an accident crushed his holiday spirit. Years pass and he is married to Susan Walker (Connie Britton) and he still cannot enjoy the holidays. His family tries to help him. When his son David (Chandler Canterbury), faces his own tragedy, Michael needs to make amends with his past so he can help his son through his tough time. A stranger named Nick (Willie Nelson), gives Michael an amazing gift that helps him find the joyfulness that he lost.

“Angels Sing” is a great family film. The story line is original and unique. The acting, I feel, is very truthful and believable. I also like the singing by the cast, because it is very harmonious. I like how the writers Lou Berney and Turk Pipkin basically take a holiday scrooge and make him into a person that loves and enjoys the holidays with real life messages. This film is entertaining, and funny at times with some great comedy in lots of the scenes.

My favorite character is David because he is a kid like me and I like how he wants to help his dad with what is bothering him about the holiday season.

My favorite scene is when Michael is teaching David how to fly a remote control toy airplane, because it shows me how much David loves his father and how close he is to his father. I also like this scene because it shows how loose and carefree Michael is with his son and vice versa.

A great message that in this film is that that family love conquers all. If you love your family and your family loves you, the love between you will be more important than all your problems and all your worries.

I recommend “Angels Sing” for ages 10 to 17 and adults will enjoy it as well. It is great for a movie night with the whole family.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. “Angels Sing” is in theaters now and will also be available on Video on Demand and DVD December 10th.

Brianna Hope Beaton, Age 14, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Wholly Guacamole for the Holidays!

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taco-bean-dip-and-guacamole     spicy

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I love Wholly Guacamole! It truly is a favorite of mine!  So, I am always very excited to try any of their new products! I recently had the opportunity to taste their newest bean products…oh yum! The Wholly Guacamole Layered Black Bean Dip is my favorite! If you like to dip your chips, this really is a must-have this holiday season! It’s made with avocado, pinto beans, roasted corn and tomato! Great warmed up or even cold! But, the Taco Bean Dip over Guacamole is delicious too!  The Wholly Salsa Avocado was a big hit in our house too! Made with avocado, black beans and roasted corn..too delicious for words! Of course, I also still love my Spicy Whole Guacamole..it is my favorite on sandwiches and tacos. I just can’t imagine the holidays without Wholly Guacamole! I love their website too! They have so many great recipes. One of my favorites for the holiday season is below!

GuacamoleDeviledEggs

GUACAMOLE DEVILED EGGS (*found on Wholly Guacamole website)

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 whole Land O Lakes® Eggs in the shell
  • 1/2 cup Wholly Guacamole dip
  • 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 1 Tbsp minced green onion
  • 1/4 tsp salt, or optional
  • 1 dash hot pepper sauce e.g. Tabasco, or to taste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon-style prepared mustard
  • 1 pinch paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, and peel. Slice eggs in half, and remove yolks to a mixing bowl.
  2. In the bowl with the yolks, combine the Wholly Guacamole dip, cilantro and green onion. Season with salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix well, and fill empty egg halves. Chill until serving. Sprinkle with paprika just before serving.

 

Would you like to try these New Wholly Guacamole Bean Products and receive some yummy Guacamole too? We have teamed up with Wholly Guacamole for a Holiday Giveaway! One winner will win a package of guac, salsa and new layered bean dips! Yum!  You must be a subscriber to enter! Next, go to the Wholly Guacamole Facebook page and “like” them! You can tell them we sent you! Also, make sure to “like” our page too! Next, visit their website and tell us your favorite recipe in the comments below! Deadline to enter is December 15th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

 

Self Disclosure: The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Holiday Baking and Decorating with Sweet Dani B!

SDB Expert Icing Kit Bottle Photo     SDB Heart Applicator Decorating Tweezer

It’s that time of year for baking and decorating Christmas cookies! My favorite ones to bake are sugar cut out cookies and Gingerbread Men! I love the Sweet Dani B Expert Icing Kit and Heart Applicator decorating tweezer because they make decorating so much easier and fun! You may remember my reviewing them both in the past. These really are a Must-Have this holiday season! Great news! They are on sale right now for 20% off! You don’t want to miss this sale!

Looking for really cute Christmas cookie cutters? You can also find the cutest ornament cookie cutter! Just check it out here!  There are so many fun ways to decorate this one!

SDB Assorted Ornament Heart Plate   SDB Ornament Cookie Tray

I’m a big fan of Sweet Dani B and her cookies are also the best! Although it is too late to order for Christmas here in So California, you can still buy these really cool decorating tools and cookie cutters and make your own this holiday season!

I just love this video with Sweet Dani B and Martha Stewart!

Self Disclosure: I did receive delicious cookies for free but any opinions are my own. Photo Credit: Sweet Dani B.