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things to do with kids in los angeles
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fun things to do in southern california
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With the rainy weather in Southern California parents everywhere are trying to find things to do with their kids indoors. I was so glad to be invited to check out the Wonder of Dinosaurs at the West Covina Mall. I live in the area so it was perfect for a rainy day. When you get to the West Covina Mall park by the Sears and the Wonder of Dinosaur is on the second floor just past the arcade.
Read MoreLove that new car smell? Interested in learning about the latest technology that will be rolling down the roads next year and beyond? Well The Orange County International Auto Show is coming to Southern California with more than 500 new model vehicles starting Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18. Attendees are welcomed to the Anaheim Convention Center for an up-close and personal look at the latest cars, trucks, crossovers, SUVs, vans and all that is new in the world of automobiles.
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Get ready to howl with laughter in this all-new family comedy starring America’s favorite St. Bernard, the one and only Beethoven! After a doggone disaster of a movie shoot, the big-hearted pooch and his trainer, Eddie (Jonathan Silverman, Beethoven’s Big Break), are heading home when they get stranded in a small coastal village. When Beethoven befriends a local boy (Bretton Manley, Ted), he helps him find a pirate map to lost treasure and together they em-bark on an adventure that brings the whole town together. Co-starring Morgan Fairchild (Flamingo Road), Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), it’s a heartwarming “tail” about finding fun wherever your nose leads you.
The go ahead to giveaway the All In One Tinted Moisturizer to another lucky reader. I'm super excited because I LOVE this line of facial products and am uber happy for our readers that they too get the chance to try these ultra natural products out for themselves.
With four shades (Light, Medium, Dark and Deep Dark) to choose from, there is a perfect match for every skin tone and with the amazing coverage the application can be built up as needed for any blemishes that you may have or applied lightly for a flawless finish that IS Natural. Because just like the Mereadesso All In One Moisturizer it's a serum, primer, day cream, night cream and eye cream. Still made with 16 botanical extracts, 8 minerals and enzymes, and over 20 antioxidants from around the world, can you say that about YOUR current foundation? There is nothing like it on the market.... so What shade are you?
Thank you Mereadesso for the generous Giveaway once again! Good Luck Everyone
I have to meet this woman! We had to been separated at birth, I just know it! Witty, funny, sarcastic, did I mention sarcastic? This is book 2 of her's that I was given to read and review. Funny....stuff? well let's just say she tells it like it is and how a lot of us want to say things. So here's the thing with this book, if you have kids, this is your book, no, your survival guide on how to best plan for that trip and make it there and back in one piece. She's done her homework people, paid her dues and lived to tell the tales all without ending up in the big house, club FED ,the slammer! Which is always a bonus in my book.
So with this book you get twice the info being that Richards was a Flight attendant, she knows her stuff when it comes to airports and flying, so listen up and take notes. Oh and she has the kid part covered too so she has practiced these theories countless times and has done the footwork (well air work?), good thing she wrote this book right?
What's all covered in the book you ask? Everything from preparing your home before you leave so you don't come home to that unwanted death warmed over smell, to the most important pre-flight check list, preparing your children for airport security (no you cannot bring your pocket knife Billy) to all the clothing do's and don't you should have on you and in your luggage and everything in between.
One last thing, one very important thing! For the comfort of you and let's say the people within 300 yards of you, please take heed. Flying with a baby presents it's own let's just say "unique" challenges, the book covers all those and then some with a few personal stories Richards reveals that will have you laughing, shaking your head and maybe even comparing battle notes. Kids gotta love them because well legally their yours!
In Closing some words of wisdom:
My Grandmother always said there are two way to travel in life, first Class and with kids!
Thanks to Morgan Carver Richards (no hyphen : ) for the copy to facilitate this review
You are now free to move about the cabin, NOT! Ever wonder why some people get that second drink and you don't? Or why your flight attendant won't let you go to the bathroom after you have already taken off? Why am I getting dirty looks for using my phone, I'm almost done I told the Flight attendant, geeze! Hum....Want to know how you can make your trip a bit smoother, well all those questions and so many more are all answered here in this tell all by one sassy and seasoned flight attendant. So sit back, put up your tray tables and prepare for take off cause you may be in for a bumpy and turbulent take off but with this books tips and straight from the hip talk you may make it to your destination on time and enjoy your stay.
So all the do's and definite don't EVER's are covered in this very light and slightly sarcastic book (I say slightly since I'm sure the author had to reign it in). Telling the tales of the dailies that a flight attendant goes through on any given day from their perspective, gives one a whole new RESPECT of the job they do. Their job is not just flipping ice into a cup and giving you half a can of your non preferred soda, oh no it involves so much more. And not just making those funny arm gestures to the exit doors either, cause you were think that weren't you!
Ever since 9/11 the flight game has changed! including the job, duties and rank of a flight attendant. No longer the days of the "Model" attendant, you get out of line and you are going to be in deep...trouble, restrained and arrested upon the flights arrival, if you wanna play it that way. There are many things one tends NOT to think about when flying and we all feel entitled because we paid for OUR seat. Well so did everyone else on the plane and it's just a temporary thing folks, so behave yourselves will ya!
I have to say I'm planning a trip soon and am going to see my flight crew with a new set of eyes and respect for their job.
This book was an enjoyable read for me, had me right away. Richards writes with a no holds bar style that I can totally relate to, raw, sarcastic and to the point, no sugar coating here with a funny real life twist that can't be faked. Bon Voyage Kiddos
And as a reminder folks (wink,wink):
"For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. And on Behalf of the entire crew, I’d like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice day/evening/night/stay!”
A Special thanks to Morgan Carver Richards for the copy of this book to
facilitate the above review.
Loving You Always-Book 2 of author Kennedy Ryan's trilogy is set to release this October 7th! I had the opportunity to speak with her and find out what made her begin writing. Her back story is one with tons of footnotes and a story that is all BUT fiction. With 25% of her royalties going to resourcing families living with Autism, her charitable partners include Myles-A-Part, which she established in 2008 and runs, and Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).
Teaser from the book Loving You Always Available October 7th
Author Gives back to families living with autism
“My son was diagnosed with Autism when he was two years old, and it radically changed our lives. This disorder was a tidal wave that nearly wrecked our family financially, emotionally and socially. We worked hard and have fought long, and even though my son continues to struggle, we are in a good place. In my almost non-existent spare time, I help families find the assistance, resources and services they need.”
Catheryn: So I read you were a journalist before becoming a romance writer, how hard was it to "break" into that area of writing?
Kennedy Ryan: My degree is in Journalism – Public Relations. I didn’t write for newspapers or television. I wrote for non-profit organizations a lot, did some ghost writing. Programming and event planning for non-profits and churches, mostly. I knew I wanted to write fiction, but didn’t expect it to happen as quickly as it did. Well, I say quickly. I put it off for a decade while I was taking care of my son and starting my foundation for families living with autism. But about two years ago, I wrote the story which was just published, When You Are Mine. I pitched to one agent, she signed me, and to one editor. She acquired the book. It was a quick process for me, but I know it isn’t that way for most people. It has its pros and cons. The learning curve was enormous because I had not been in the world of publishing. Kind of got thrown into the deep end!
Catheryn: Did you find it difficult to continue the Bennett story to fill 3 books? And was that the initial plan?
Kennedy Ryan: Filling books is never the challenge. It’s always cutting for me! I write long, so I always have deleted scenes and a cutting room floor covered with stuff I didn’t use. I wrote books 1 and 2 of the Bennetts series as one story originally. It was more than 600 pages. The publisher basically let me know the only way we’d have a deal was to make it two books, obviously. They offered a 3-book deal, but I only had 2 books! At first, it took me awhile to find the story for book 3. I just handed it in to my editor, and will say it is my favorite of the series.
Catheryn: I also read that you have two other projects in the works now that you have completed the Bennett trilogy, how are those works coming along? I'm personally really interested in the one concerning your families journey with Autism.
Kennedy Ryan: I have several irons in the fictional fire. All at various stages of development. Two books I have written and am revising for my agent to pitch. One is women’s fiction and one is New Adult. Other books I’m ideating, researching, spending time with the characters to see who talks the loudest and pushes their way to the front of the line.
The non-fictional book about my family’s journey with autism is probably one of the most exciting things on the horizon. Our story will be the backdrop, but not the point. I’ll focus not on how you deal with autism, as much as how you face life challenges. Make the most of hurts and difficult experiences. How to survive, thrive and mature through adversity.
Catheryn:: Are their any major corporations that contribute to the Myles-A-Part foundation or is it all mostly small private donation driven?
Kennedy Ryan: We are a small foundation focused on Georgia families. Most of our funding is from private donations. Bubba Cathy, VP of Chic-Fil-A underwrites all expenses for our married couples retreats. Otherwise, it’s all small, individual donations.
Catheryn: I see 10K in scholarships will be granted for medical expenses, is this new or the amount? That is amazing! Between how many families will this be split?
Kennedy Ryan: We have done these scholarships and stipends before. It varies based on availability of funds. The $10,000 will be split among 20 families, mainly to offset summer camp expenses, or other services families may need a little assistance with.
Catheryn: How is your son Myles? Did you go the "Normal" therapy routes, any out of the box stuff?
Kennedy Ryan: Myles is doing well. He is happy. He has not made as much progress as we had hoped when we started this journey 11 years ago. And, yes, we’ve done the diet, ABA, speech & OT, hyperbaric chamber, sensory therapy, brain balance, biomedical treatments. The works, but autism, for us at least, has remained a mountain moving only incrementally. We are grateful for the gains he has made, and will continue to press for more progress. We never give up hope.
Catheryn: How do you see Autism awareness coming along in your state/ more needed? Acceptance? How are services now as compared to when Myles was first diagnosed?
Kennedy Ryan: Things are WAY better than they were 11 years ago. I think because it has become so pervasive, people’s awareness is much higher, which makes more people educated and sensitive. Also, services have improved. We need broader services, though, here. A lot of the services are concentrated in certain parts of the state, and less in others. I think our most pressing concern is getting Ava’s Law passed in Georgia, which would secure insurance coverage for some of the treatments we know work, but are still not covered. It didn’t make it up for the vote last year, so we’re all working hard to ensure this year it does! Most people don’t realize how crippling the costs associated with therapies and medical expenses are. Our families are struggling to get their children the services they need. A condition this pervasive, affecting this many, should have more and better support.
Catheryn: Where do you see the foundation in 5, 10 years? Any plans to expand to other states?
Kennedy Ryan: You know, I’m a bit of a workaholic. Always have been, and when I told my husband I wanted to start the foundation, he and I made a deal. We agreed that I would only do what I could do well, without the care and energy I need to devote to my own son waning or suffering. And I gave him permission to step in and tell me when it wasn’t working for our family; if it ever detracted from what he or Myles needed from me. We have volunteers, but I manage a lot of things still and have never taken a salary. I worked a full time job and managed the foundation. I think as I am less involved in the day-to-day, and strategic positions are filled, we may consider expanding. I don’t feel any pressure to, though. I like being a boutique instead of a department store. There are huge organizations doing huge things. I have no desire, nor do I see the need, to replicate their efforts. I have identified a need in marriages, for single parents and funding that isn’t being broadly acknowledged or serviced. That is where we fit. That is our little niche, and we help the people we assist deeply and significantly. I am fine with that for now. We’ll see about the future.
In closing:
In talking with Kennedy, it felt like talking with an old friend. No matter how profoundly affected a family may be by autism, we all have a bond that is undeniable. This recent surge of children that has been hit with autism is the model for awareness and acceptance and we have had to learn each of our individual's road map along the way, all trying to reach the Same destination.
Her families struggles and their triumphs just goes to show what a determined and amazing unit they are and the continued help they give to their community through their foundation is one of pure devotion and compassion for those affected by autism. To live with a family member affected by autism takes tons of work and dedication even with the lightest affected, the more extreme cases, it's a whole other ball game . Loss of relationships, financial security, self and the child you had dreams of raising and the fear of what their future will hold. It's with the generosity of people like Kennedy that families affected by Autism can seek a bit of relief and find support to continue their daily lives with a renewed outlook.
I would like to thank Kennedy for taking the time to talk with me, for her selfless dedication to helping other families that are living with Autism and for writing books that are a gateway of escape for so many and that in return help fund Myles-A-Part. OXOX
Click on the links below to order your copy, find out more about the first book, or read the reviews.
You're invited! Celebrate LOVING YOU ALWAYS with Kennedy Thursday, October 9 at her release party! - CLICK HERE
Be Mine Forever,the final book in the trilogy, releases in February 2015, all through Grand Central's Forever Romance imprint.A
I received a copy of the soundtrack as a member of Entertainment New Media Network. All opinions are my own and this post may contain affiliate links
So are we over it yet? Do we really WANT to Let it Go? Not by a long shot in my household. This is by far one of those movies that the CD can stand alone on it's own. With the removal of the animation, it reminds you of just how splendid the musical score involved in the movie of Frozen is. Not to mention the funny,clever and poignant lyrics used . My girl is constantly playing Let it Go on her IPAD Piano app learning it and tapping it out on her real piano she just got. I could think of worse songs to learn. So here is what's included on the CD:
You also get a poster on the back of the lyrics insert and stickers with this CD.... Sweet!
My girl with her Frozen Castle, Loves the music and sings along to the songs on her Blue Ray in other languages too!
A Little Frozen Trivia/Info: WOW!
The Frozen soundtrack is the top-selling album of 2014 and spent 33 consecutive weeks
in the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, including 13 consecutive weeks at No. 1. It is
certified triple Platinum, selling more than 3.2 million units and over 8.4 million tracks.
The “Let It Go” film clip from “Frozen” has been viewed over 300 million times on
YouTube.
Lishy Lou and Lucky Too on PBS Friday Fun Zone and on Vimeo
With 24- episodes in all, the complete Lishy Lou and Lucky Too series is a set of shorts that feature Lishy Lou and Lucky throwing dance parties, (cause it's what they do best) and the different situations they get into along the way. Each Episode begins with a different story that leads into the pair performing one of their hugely popular songs, it's a fab & fun show for your children to get familiar with their music as well as learning valuable lessons with a touch of bilingual phrases here and there along the way. Super padre! Very Cool!
The show's tree house set is extremely vibrant and colorful, add to that the very lovable Thingamajig,it's got all the makings for silly-fun Lishy and Lucky! There's just nothing like them on t.v for kids, so glad they are doing what they do! Same goes for their music, they just rock!
Having the luck of seeing the band live twice along with my daughter, let me tell you these two are true performers, leaving it all out on the stage every time and it really comes through in this series as well. They are contagiously silly, make your kids go dance party crazy to their catchy sing-a-long music musicians. whew! And that's just during sound check ;)
So now that you know a little about this amazing Grammy winning couple (oh did I forget to mention that, oops) and their band, they have given us the go to do a GIVEAWAY!
Lishy Lou and Lucky Too can be seen on PBS Kids Friday Fun Zone In some areas of the country, Check your local listings. Also on their Web site,Facebook page and on Vimeo.
To learn more about these very special and unique performers, find out where they are playing live next or purchase merchandise hit the button below!
I was fortunate enough to have been introduce to Mereadesso and their all natural skin care products back in February of this year and loved what they did for my skin! Now they are adding a new product to their line that I am excited to share with you.
Mereadesso Tinted All In One Moisturizer 20ml bottle $48.00
This month Mereadesso is launching the debut of it's newest product, the Tinted All-In-One Moisturizer. Amazingly smooth to apply, with the added benefit of their All In One Moisturizer built right in. And ladies do they have your skin tone covered? You bet with 4 tints to select from: Light, Medium, Dark and Very Dark. Need a bit more coverage to conceal a blemish or uneven spot, just apply a bit more simply with your finger tip where needed, the Tinted All In One Moisturizer acts as a concealer too! The tint can be layered on for light or heavier coverage but still feels light, non greasy or caked on with a matte finish that lasts all day.So how impressed am I with this product, Extremely! I have never had a foundation cover and even out my completion as the Tinted All In One does. After trying countless foundations in the past, I just didn't think there was a product out there that could. I was reserved to just not use foundation anymore but am thrilled that I can, when the occasion calls, face the world with an even, sheer, non made up face that looks and IS natural now. It's a keeper in my beauty bag, right along my Mereadesso Lip Treats.
Bravo to Mereadesso for continuing to provide men and women alike with the finest in natural skin care products and now offering women a natural alternative when it comes to their foundation plus moisturizer. Can't wait to see what they come up with next!
I was provided the product mentioned above in order to facilitate this review, all opinions are my own.
When: Sunday, July 13th at 7pm
Where: Hollywood Bowl
Bring your friends to the fun-filled Grease Sing-A-Long, which returns with a pre-show performance and the much-loved movie musical on the Bowl’s giant screen.Grease is the word!
The annual event, which is hosted by Didi Conn, best known for her role as the beauty school dropout Frenchy, will also feature a pre show performance by ‘50s music legends Sha Na Na. The band, who rose to stardom with their portrayal of Johnny Casino and the Gamblers in the movie, also performed six songs on the film’s iconic soundtrack.
Tons of stuff from the show are here on display for the Myth lovers in your family! You can even make a suggestion as to a myth You would like debunked! Get to thinking......
Running Now till September 7th, this exhibit is a complete hands on experience that you and your family will not want to miss!
Discovery Science Center, This place just gets kids!
From the live show that includes audience participation teaching the core philosophy of the show including the variables, conclusions, hypothesis behind a test which is performed live , to the many hands on tests you and your kids can perform to debunk or confirm their outcomes. Of course those outcomes all can differ due to variables which we learned, each one of our reactions, actions and abilities create variables so no two experiment will be alike. This is a must see and do for boys and girls alike. Having an adult makes it even more fun. I recommend it for ages 8 and up for it does take a bit of patience and problem solving to understand some of the tasks though Many are very simple to perform too so there is something for everyone. My daughter is almost 7 with high functioning ASD and was able to participate in several of the exhibits.
So do you get wetter walking or running in the rain? There is a special lighting and mirror area upon exiting to find out. This little number here will help you light your "seat" on fire and a plane takes off on a conveyor belt going in the opposite direction, hum?
The 20 foot Mechanical Shark used on many of Myth busting sessions is also here on display.
Does the buttered side of toast always hit the ground face down? Table Cloth Chaos-Pulling out a table cloth from under the dishes. A swing made of Phone Books and change like a Super Hero! All hands on exhibits you can try!
Autism Pros/Cons:
I can only imagine this exhibit must get very busy, so plan to attend accordingly upon opening in the morning or in the week.
The live show had loud noises (paint ball gun shots) that was an issue for my girl, be aware. Pick your seating accordingly to exit easily if there is an issue with sounds.
Tons of hands on things to do, with lots of eye catching stimulation. Nothing with loud noises or scary explosions within the exhibit area itself.
Self guided, at your own pace. Easy to follow directions and expected outcomes using T.V monitors to assist visually in some cases.
Overall my ASD child had no major issues other than NOT wanting to leave! But did great when we did, giving her a few extra minutes is all it takes.
My daughter did fairly well with this event, enjoying the comparison to the running through the rain and walking (autism and water, her element) and the flying of the airplane,controlling the car and roadway. She enjoyed watching others working out the exhibits as well. Again she is not yet 7 so this may have played a factor and we have never been to the Science center before so she was super excited to go explore the rest of the building, which she LOVED!
I would like to thank the Discovery Science Center for having us, we had a wonderful time today.
I received tickets to attend the event preview , all opinions and photographs are my own.