Peppa Pig is making a BIG splash this spring with The Golden Boots TV special, DVD and app! With out-of-this-world adventures and loads of muddy puddle fun to be had, Peppa Pig’s The Golden Boots celebration kicks off on Sunday, March 6, and we’d love for you to be a part of it and spread the word to readers everywhere so they can join in, too! Here’s more:

 Tune-in with your little ones!

On Sunday, March 6th, 6pm ET on Sunday , tune-in to Nick Jr. for a very special “peppasode”! In “The Golden Boots,” Mrs. Duck takes a liking to Peppa’s favorite Golden Boots and runs away with them! With the help of her friends, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George, and Grampy Rabbit, Peppa must travel across land, sea, and even into space to track down the Golden Boots before the big Puddle Jump competition! Leading up to the debut of The Golden Boots, fans can celebrate  Peppa Pig “Super Fan Sunday,” with back-to-back episodes airing all day long on Nick Jr., beginning at 11 a.m. ET!

Bring home muddy puddle adventures!

The Golden Boots DVD, the latest Peppa Pig release from Entertainment One, splashes onto shelves from coast-to-coast on Tuesday, March 8. The brand-new DVD features ten snortingly-funny “peppasodes,” including: “The Golden Boots,” “Horsey Twinkle Toes,” “Shadows,” Kylie Kangaroo,” “Captain Daddy Dog,” “The Little Boat,” “Going Boating,” Grampy Rabbit in Space,” Desert Island,” and “The Fish Pond.”

I received a copy of this DVD and highly recommend! Young children will enjoy these fun ten “peppasodes.”

Get app-y with Peppa!

Peppa Pig’s Golden Boots app, launching Sunday, March 6, provides endless fun for fans everywhere! Inspired by Peppa Pig’s “The Golden Boots” special episode, the new app lets young players join Peppa on a day of exciting adventures to help her find her missing golden boots! The brand-new app, from Entertainment One and produced by Kids Industries, features six engaging games that give preschoolers the chance to interactively explore the wonderful world of Peppa Pig with familiar locations and immersive activities. Fans can design Peppa’s new rain boots while playing Dress Up Peppa; draw and write in the mud in Muddy Puddle; blast off on a rocket ship in Space Adventures; make a special visit to Miss Rabbit’s Gift Shop; chop up tasty food in Feed the Ducks, and sing along with the Muddy Puddles Song!

For even more Peppa Pig fun, a very special “Peppa Pig and The Golden Boots” Facebook photo contest is kicking off on Monday, March 7, so be sure to mark your calendars and check www.facebook.com/OfficialPeppaPigUS  or www.peppapig.com for more information and for your chance to enter to win an oinktastic Peppa Pig prizepack!

Airing each weekday on Nick Jr., Peppa Pig follows the adventures of Peppa, a loveable, exuberant little piggy who lives with her brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa’s favorite things include playing games, dressing up, spending days outdoors, and jumping in muddy puddles. All episodes are wholesome entertainment for the entire family; Peppa’s adventures always end happily with loud snorts of laughter. Peppa Pig episodes are available on DVD, and for download on iTunes and Amazon Instant Video. For more information on Peppa Pig, please visit the popular website and check out Peppa on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Here is some more fun below:

We have also teamed up for a Special Giveaway! One winner will win the DVD mentioned above! To enter, leave a comment below telling us your child’s favorite character from Peppa Pig! Deadline to enter is March 12th, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

Self Disclosure: I received a free DVD to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.

Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski jumper who never stopped believing in himself – even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan R. comments, “I was truly delighted to watch the new film, Eddie the Eagle because it is an astoundingly energizing and powerful film.” Mia A. adds, “I absolutely love Eddie the Eagle! This… is an inspiring movie because Eddie is just a regular guy who does amazing things. It makes people like me who watch this movie feel like they could do anything!” See their full reviews below.

Eddie the Eagle
By Mia A, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I absolutely love Eddie the Eagle! This film, directed by Dexter Fletcher, is an inspiring movie because Eddie is just a regular guy who does amazing things. It makes people like me who watch this movie feel like they could do anything!
Eddie the Eagle is based on a true story about a boy named Michael Edwards, known as Eddie (Taron Egerton) who grew up in Great Britain in the 1960s. Eddie always wanted to be in the Olympics, but he had weak knees so all his doctors said not to do sports and to give up. Regardless of his doctor’s advice, he tried lots of sports, but never successfully did any of them right. When he goes to his dad’s work after giving up on this dream he sees a ski slope. From then on, Eddie is determined to get into the Winter Olympics. When he fails to get on the Great Britain downhill ski team for the Olympics, he learns about ski jumping. As there are no ski jumping locations in Great Britain, he travels to Germany. There he tries to learn ski jumping in order to get into the Olympics. He meets a former Olympic ski jumper, Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) and tries to get Bronson to coach him. Will Eddie get to the Olympics, get Bronson to coach or win the Olympics?
My favorite scene is when Eddie sets a new distance jumping record and he flaps around like an eagle and has the best time of his life. This scene is uplifting and funny.
The cinematography in Eddie the Eagle is really intense and makes you feel as if you are right there! Whenever someone gets ready to go down the ski jump ramp and lands, you feel like cheering!
There are lots of morals in this movie including: follow your dreams, winning isn’t always achieving, never give up on your dreams, when you love what you do giving up is never the answer, and many more.
I rate this movie a 5 out of 5 stars because it is inspiring and has a gripping story. I recommend it for ages 8 to 18 because there are some sexual references, like when Bronson makes an imitation of making love with a celebrity. There are also some injuries, like when someone tries to ski jump they fall and hurt themself badly they can’t move.
If you love adventure, and rooting for the underdog, go see Eddie the Eagle in theaters near you!

Eddie the Eagle
Reviewed by: KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Ryan R., age 12
https://youtu.be/8IgnyDpJqvA

Interview with Michael “Eddie” Edwards:

I was truly delighted to watch the new film, Eddie the Eagle because it is an astoundingly energizing and powerful film. I love to watch films based on true stories and this is an unquestionably good one. In this film, you will see the story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards, an Olympic British ski jumper and learn how his determination enabled him to participate in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

This movie tells the story of Eddie the Eagle (Taron Egerton) and shows the tough obstacles that Eddie overcame to achieve his dream of participating in the Olympics.

I love how this movie doesn’t feel rushed. I love the casting. Taron Egerton looks identical to real Eddie and plays him with conviction. Hugh Jackman also gives a great performance. Jo Hartley, who plays Eddie’s mom, gives a stunning performance of a mother who supports her child’s dreams no matter what. The 80s soundtrack also plays an important role in the movie, since it is the type of music that was around when Eddie made his jump. This year is the 28th anniversary of when he made his ski jump in the 1988 Winter Olympics.

The moral of this movie is never give up no matter what. We see that when individuals don’t have faith in Eddie and think his fantasy of setting off to the Olympics is an exercise in senselessness that he would never be capable of achieving. We see how Eddie never gives up. He is persistent, even though people think he is crazy. Eddie never gives up on what he believes in and does his best. Throughout this movie you see Eddie overcome obstacles and he never gives up. This is definitely a good movie for kids to see, especially if they have been put down, taunted, bullied or told they can’t do something they love to do. They can benefit from seeing this film.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to kids ages 5 to 18. I think adults will like this film as well. Those who like docudramas and family movies will particularly enjoy it.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

The latest Chuggington title from Anchor Bay Entertainment features six fun-fueled adventures from the popular Disney Junior TV series and stars two new characters, Daley and Skipper Stu! The DVD is also available with a special Daley collectible Toy Train from Tomy, making it the perfect addition to a young child’s Easter basket!

A special delivery of traintastic fun is coming down the tracks for young trainees all across the country this season with “Delivery Dash at the Docks,” the newest release in the much-loved “Chuggington^™” DVD collection. The brand-new title from Anchor Bay Entertainment contains six standout episodes from the fifth season of the top-rated Disney Junior series as well as trainloads of exciting bonus features. The DVD features two new characters, Daley and Skipper Stu, and is available with a very special Daley collectible toy train from TOMY^™ to give preschool fans and their families even more to honk their horns about! “Delivery Dash at the Docks” moves full steam ahead to retail nationwide on February 23, 2016.

Young fans will love the different episodes such as  Delivery Dash at the Docks Special. There are also bonus features. I received a copy of this DVD and highly recommend for all young children! 

For additional “Chuggington”-themed adventure, fans can visit the Amtrak Exhibit Train Tour as it travels across the country. For more information visit: www.amtrak.com/exhibit-train.

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win a copy of the DVD! To enter, leave a comment below telling us your child’s favorite character from Chuggington! Deadline to enter is February 28th, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org. US residents only, please.

Self Disclosure: I received a free DVD to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. 

In “Delivery Dash at the Docks,” Koko is thrilled to be spending the day training with Chuggington’s new express delivery engine, Daley. Together they pick up and deliver important packages all around Chuggington, frequenting the bustling docks where Skipper Stu, Chuggington’s new Dock Master, is loading and unloading the ship. Through their engaging adventures, Koko, Skipper Stu and all the Chuggers learn the importance of patience, paying careful attention to detail and teamwork!

Looking for a way to make your hair more beautiful for Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching! Whether you’re planning a fancy night out or a cozy night in, iconic hair care brand Alberto VO5 is here to help you love your look for the most romantic day of the year- without breaking the bank. Give your locks some love this holiday by using VO5’s Hot Oil Therapy, a once weekly treatment that only takes one minute. The 5-vitamin and protein rich formula, applied to hair before shampooing, helps restore shine, strength and silky softness.

I received a sample and love how soft and shiny it left my hair! This one is a real beauty must-have! My hair was feeling more dry this Winter season, but this one really helps with dryness.

We have teamed up for a Valentine’s Day Giveaway! One winner will receive their own sample. To enter, leave a comment below. Deadline to enter is February 14th, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this review/giveaway. No other compensation was received. Photo Credit: Vo5.

I love beautiful puzzles and I love walks at the beach especially seeing the Marina at sunset time. So, when I saw this puzzle from Hallmark titled Marina Dreams…I was more than thrilled to be able to feature. It’s a nice size puzzle of 1000 pieces and it’s simply beautiful!

I like that the pieces are sturdy and I can’t wait to put this one together this Winter with my son. It is the perfect rainy day puzzle! I was hoping to put the puzzle together before this post but haven’t had a chance. I can tell though that this one has beautiful colors and the pieces are very sturdy! I really think that this is one that after we put it together, we will be using glue to keep it together.

Hallmark has a variety of different puzzles and the prices range from $14.95 to $19.95. Check them all out here. The puzzles can be purchased online or in the stores. These puzzles would also make a wonderful gift!

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win a puzzle of Hallmark’s choosing. To enter, check out the puzzles and leave a comment below letting us know your favorite one! Deadline to enter is February 14th, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will be chosen via Random.org. Open to residents in the US only. Winner will be notified by SoCal City Kids and prize will be fulfilled by Hallmark.

Self Disclosure: I received a free puzzle to facilitate this feature/giveaway.

Looking for a great tasting after school snack for the Kids? The Jif Bars are a must-buy! I love the great taste and love that they really aren’t messy! They are the perfect to-go snack for kids of all ages…and even adults will love them! I  can’t even choose a favorite! I think it may be the Creamy Peanut Butter ones! But, my son seems to prefer the Peanut Butter Chocolate flavored ones!

The bars come in three different flavors: Creamy Peanut Butter, Crunchy Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Chocolate, and are a good source of protein.

Look for them at a store near you!

Self Disclosure:: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: Jif.

Certainly, one of the most pressing questions for today’s parents is how much “screen time” to allow and the reality is that mobile devices are everywhere.

Over 75% of kids have access to a “smart” mobile device at home — causing an untold amount of parental worry about what constitutes the “right” amount of screentime.

There is no “right” amount of screen time, nor is the answer the same for every family.

With PlayKids, the hybrid of eBooks, audiobooks, episodes, educational games, nursery rhymes and lullabies, they believe screens should never become a replacer (or displacer) of those priceless moments spent climbing trees, throwing a ball, finger painting, or setting up a lemonade stand and they’ve teamed up with renowned professionals to:

• Create a curriculum named ‘childhood rails’ – which is an innovative program focused on children who were born digital based on four main pillars:

  I am; I think; I create and express myself; and I interact.

This is a really fun and cool app! We have teamed up for a Holiday Giveaway!

Two winners will win a free 3-month coupon code for the holidays!

To enter, leave a comment below with a tip on how you limit screen time of let us know your favorite app! Deadline to enter is December 28th, 2015 at noon PST. Two winners will randomly be selected via Random.org.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post.

A polar bear of many words, Norm’s greatest gripe is simple: there is no room for tourists in the Arctic.  But when a maniacal developer threatens to build luxury condos in his own backyard, Norm does what all normal polar bears would do…he heads to New York City to stop it.  With a cast of ragtag lemmings at his side, Norm takes on the big apple, big business and a big identity crisis to save the day.

Lionsgate presents a Splash Entertainment production.

NormoftheNorth.movie | Facebook.com/NormOfTheNorthMovie | Twitter.com/normofnorth | Instagram.com/NormOfTheNorthMovie

#ShakeYourBearThing #NormOfTheNorth

IN THEATERS JANUARY 15!

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win a Prize Package! The prize would include NORM OF THE NORTH promotional items and tickets to see the film in LA or OC once it’s out in theaters. Now, how cool is that?! To enter, leave a comment below telling us why you or your children would love to see this movie! Deadline to enter is December 23rd, 2015 at noon PST. Winner just has to be in LA or OC since the passes are only good for AMC’s or Cinemark’s in those areas.

Credit: Lionsgate. No compensation was received to post. SoCal City Kids is hosting the giveaway and will choose winner via Random.org.