Looking for a healthier snack bar? Thrive by”GoMacro” is a must-try! I love the different flavors. One of my favorites is the Blueberry Lavender bar. Sugars are only 6 grams! The Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip is pretty tasty too! Their new line of bars are plant-based. I received a complimentary box to try all the flavors and I love how these taste so good and are healthy! Thrive are made up of a superfood ancient grain blend, are all less than 200 calories and provide plant-based protein, essential fatty acids, and prebiotic fiber
Like all GoMacro products, Thrive are USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Gluten-Free certified, 100% Vegan, and soy-free. Thrive is currently available to purchase online and are available at Whole Foods. 

We have teamed up for a giveaway! One winner will win a prize of 1 box of assorted Thrive bars! To enter leave a comment below and also like GoMacro on Facebook!  Deadline to enter is November 6th, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will be selected via Random.org.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post/giveaway. SoCal City Kids will select the winner and GoMacro will ship the prize to the winner. Photo Credit: GoMacro.

Metropolis Madness is a four-week “league” running once a week from October 19 to November 9. The league and all of its games feature a “city” theme, drawing from historical US landmarks – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Alcatraz Island, Central Park, and more. Tickets must be purchased for the whole league upfront. The $80 cost of admission includes entry to all four events. Use promo code: SOCAL to save $20.

Here’s the website! http://SuperLeague.com

How it works:

Gamers will bring their laptop into the movie theatre and connect to the Super League server. Once connected, they’ll join a lobby with up to 100 other gamers at the event. Teams will be formed and gamers will embark on 90 minutes of Minecraft fun.

Update! Our second Giveaway! We have teamed up for a Giveaway! Every week in this month there will be a Giveaway so check back weekly in October! There are 5 different theaters that will be holding the League event: Thousand Oaks 14, Cinemark Playa Vista, Century Huntington Beach, iPic Westwood, and iPic Pasadena.

This week , you can win a Family 4 Pack to one of the above! Your choice!  To enter, leave a comment below! Do you want an extra entry? Retweet the following Tweet!

“Retweet/Like for the chance to win passes to Super League’s MINECRAFT METROPOLIS MADNESS event in LA/OC beginning on October 18^th!” The hashtag is  #joinsuperleague and tag @JoinSuperLeague!

Deadline to enter is Wednesday October 21st at noon PST! Goodluck!

Self Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and compensation was received. SoCal City Kids will select the winners.

September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This month-long event increases consumer awareness of baby safety issues and the safe selection and use of baby products. For the past 40 years MAM’s top priority has been the development of products for the well-being, safety and health of babies that make life easier for parents and allow them to focus on the joy of family.

Safe sleep ranks at the top of every parent’s list of worries with SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year of age.  Each year, about 4,000 infants die unexpectedly during sleep time, from SIDS, accidental suffocation, or unknown causes.  By providing infants with a safe sleep environment it is possible to help reduce the risk of SIDS.

As parents, nothing is more important to us than the safety of our babies. In observance of #BabySafetyMonth @MAMbabyUSA shares some recommendations to provide infants with a safe sleep environment and to help you and your baby rest easier at night:

• Always place baby to sleep on their backs. Because babies sleeping on their sides are more likely to accidentally roll onto their stomach, the side position is just as dangerous as the stomach position.

• Consider pacifier usage when placing baby down for sleep and remember that the pacifier may not be reinserted once the infant falls asleep. Pacifier use is shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.  MAM supports the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published guidelines for pacifier usage.  In addition, MAM recommends before placing a pacifier in baby’s mouth, check to see if there is any damage for signs of weakness.  Pull the pacifier nipple in all directions and throw away the pacifier at the first sign of damage or weakness.  Pay extra attention to your child’s pacifier as teeth emerge, which can occur as early as 1 month.  Replace pacifiers frequently – every 1 to 2 months. See more at www.mambaby.com.

• Avoid letting baby get too hot. The baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing. One of the best ways to ensure your baby can regulate their body temperature while they’re asleep is to dress them in natural fibers, like cotton, bamboo and merino. ergoPouch swaddles, wearable sleep bags and suits are a great choice when it comes to correctly dressing your baby for sleep as the entire range is made from natural fibers with tog (warmth) ratings to suit every temperature and season.  If you choose the correct, tog-rated swaddle or wearable sleep bag/suit, your baby won’t require blankets which can place them at risk of SIDS.  Set the room temperature in a range too that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.

• Make certain baby is sleeping safely in a crib that meets the latest U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Ensure that nothing in your nursery including the paint and furnishings contains harmful chemicals or toxins. Micuna offers a collection of safe and stylish cribs made of sustainable materials like solid Beech Wood from sustainable forests.  Place the crib away from windows, where direct sunlight and drafts can make your baby uncomfortable. Keep baby’s crib or bassinet away from blinds or drapery, which are strangulation hazards.

• Place baby on a firm mattress, covered by a fitted sheet that meets current safety standards.

One of the most important purchases for your nursery is the crib mattress, as a newborn can sleep up to 16 hours per day!  Look for a breathable crib mattress designed for baby’s health, safety and comfort such as the Newton Baby Wovenaire Crib Mattress which is Greenguard Gold Certified.

• Remove all soft objects from the crib, including bumper pads, blanket, pillows, & stuffed toys. 

About MAM – standard setting baby products 

MAM combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products that support a baby’s development from day one. Since MAM developed its first pacifier in Vienna in 1976, it has evolved to become a global authority on baby care product design and quality. Today MAM products are used by families in over 60 countries and on five continents. To find out more and view MAM’s baby care range of award-winning pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, oral care items, coordinating accessories and gift sets visit www.mambaby.com.

Follow MAM:

Facebook: facebook.com/MAMbabyUSA

Twitter: @MAMBABY

Pinterest: Pinterest.com/MAMUSA

Instagram: @mam_usa

We have teamed up for a Special Giveaway!

September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This month-long event increases consumer awareness of baby safety issues and the safe selection and use of baby products. In observance of #NationalBabySafetyMonth MAM shares some recommendations to provide infants with a safe sleep environment and to help you and your baby rest easier at night.  Visit MAM’s Facebook page @MAMbabyUSA for details.  In recognition of this special month MAM and ergoPouch have a special prize package for a winner.  The winner will win a $30 gift package of assorted MAM products including pacifiers and Anti-Colic bottles and an ergoPouch ergoCocoon Swaddle to Sleep Bag!

To enter leave a comment below and follow MAM on Instagram! U.S. and Canada residents. Deadline to enter is October 1st, 2016 at noon PST. 

More about ergoCocoon Swaddle to Sleep Bag:

The ergoCocoon ‘no origami’ baby swaddle to sleep bags are designed to be both easy to use and difficult to escape from.  The simple zip up design will keep baby snug and securely swaddled without the need for complicated wrapping. The ergoCocoon is made from skin-friendly, organic cotton outer layer and breathable organic cotton filling, never synthetic. The entire range has also been acknowledged as ‘hip-healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for our ergonomically designed bell shaped bottom, which provides extra leg room for healthy hips.  For those bubs that like a little more freedom or are ready to transition out of a swaddle, the ergoCocoon has patented snaps in the armholes that can be used to convert from a swaddle to a sleeping bag.  Tog rated for warmth, there is an ergoPouch swaddle to suit every season.  New season prints available now! From RRP$24.95

More About MAM – standard setting baby products:

MAM combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products that support a baby’s development from day one. Since MAM developed its first pacifier in Vienna in 1976, it has evolved to become a global authority on baby care product design and quality. Today MAM products are used by families in over 60 countries and in five continents. To find out more and view MAM’s baby care range of award-winning pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, oral care items, coordinating accessories and gift sets visit www.mambaby.com.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. Photos and info provided and SoCal City Kids will select winner via Random.org.

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC’S TWELFTH ANNUAL SOUTHEAST ASIA DAY CELEBRATES VIBRANT LOCAL COMMUNITIES!

Live performances of traditional music and dance, as well as cultural craft demonstrations and displays, will help transform the Aquarium into an exotic destination during its twelfth annual Southeast Asia Day. Ethnic cuisine will be available for purchase, and children will have the opportunity to partake in arts and crafts.

One of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation, Long Beach is home to the largest population of Cambodians outside of Southeast Asia. The local area is also home to vibrant communities from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Through this unique celebration, the Aquarium of the Pacific seeks to foster a stronger connection with the local Southeast Asian community.

WHEN:          Saturday, October 1, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:        Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:           Southeast Asia Day is included with general admission—$29.95 adult (12+), $26.95 senior (62+), $17.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members.

INFO:             (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/southeast_asia_day/  

With coupons adults receive $10 OFF admission on Sept 17-18 and Oct 1. Regular $29.95, just $19.95 with coupons!

www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/southeast_asia_day/

We have teamed up with the Aquarium of the Pacific for a Family 4-Pack Giveaway! One winner will win 4 Tickets for the event! To enter, leave a comment below telling us why you would love to attend! Deadline to enter is September 27th, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

AQUARIUM:  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 peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the new Vanishing Animals and Horses and Dragons exhibitions. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. The Aquarium has won a 2015 Travelers’ Choice Award for Aquariums, as awarded by TripAdvisor® travelers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits.

Credit: Info and photos: Aquarium of the Pacific.

If you love Dark Chocolate, you will love the New Gather Chocolates from our friends at Harbor Sweets®! There are six flavors and they are absolutely incredible! I can not pick my favorite one but it’s a toss up between the Carmelized Honey and the Sour Cherry! There are also Pomegranate Molasses, Sesame Crunch, Coconut Cluster and Cashew Caramel. Each one is also flavored with a note of local wildflower honey. What I love is the unique tastes of these chocolates! I didn’t even want to share but finally did let my son try one! I love these handmade chocolates so much!

Find out more on their website!

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win their own 6-piece box of these delicious chocolates! To enter, leave a comment below telling us which flavor you would be most excited to try! The deadline is September 12th, 2016 at 10 am PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

More info:

The newest Harbor Sweets® small batch chocolate line, Gather, will support a cause critical to the environment: protecting honeybees. The purpose-driven chocolates are presented as a flight of six distinct taste experiences unified by dark chocolate and a subtle note of local wildflower honey. A portion of sales will be donated to the Pollinator Partnership, a 501c3 NGO that educates and advocates best beekeeping practices for honeybee protection.

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample box to facilitate this review/giveaway. SoCal City Kids will select the winner and send out the prize. Photos were provided. 

Designed to fit the lifestyles of today’s campers, verykool’s three latest phones –Maverick LTE SL5550, Spark LTE SL5011 and Cyprus LTE SL6010 – all come with Corning Gorilla Glass or tempered glass, providing exceptional damage resistance to the scratches and bumps of everyday use. Verykool’s smartphones are an affordable way for kids to call their parents to pick them up at the end of the day, but also durable during basketball games. Key Features: Additional external storage up to 64GB, front and rear facing cameras with autofocus and LED flash, and more. Available on Amazon starting at $179.90.

HydroPeptide

Self Disclosure: I received samples of AquaBall to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.