My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks .... Rocks!!!

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks .... Rocks!!!

Do your little ones love My Little Pony? Well, they will love the spin off, My Little Pony Equestria Girls. To get the full effect, check your local listings for the movie My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks. This is not just a movie, it's a musical event with a message of what else, but friendship.

When a new all-girl band comes to Canterlot High, former bad girls herself, Sunset Shimmer fears they have their own plans when they turn a "Mane Event" talent show into a "Battle of the Bands." The Equestria Girls start to see that the Adagio and her band The Dazzling are poisoning friendships all around them with their magic powers of music. That is when they know they must call upon their old friend Twilight Sparkles to come to their aid and help them restore harmony once again. This time around it will not be as easy to defeat their nemeses. They have to look within themselves  to see that they too need to do a little extra in order to stand together as one for a battle of the bands show down. 

My daughter, Abbey, and I stumbled upon the movie My Little Pony: Equestria Girls one day after a My Little Pony episode and just loved it. A bigger thrill came when Abbey learned she would be attending the movie premier of the sequel My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks. It was a family event with my husband and our two daughters ( 22 month old & 4 year old). Abbey was just mesmerized by the movie while my younger, who is a bit too young to truly understand, only understood the power of music as she danced to the music. On the way home and all week Abbey told us all about the movie, as if she were the only one that saw it, just too cute.

As a mom I loved that she enjoyed the movie and understood the message of how important it is to be a good friend. Even more important is the message of forgiveness and not always being perfect. In the first movie Sunshine Shimmer played the villain and in My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks, she is trying to prove that she has changed her ways. This has become my daughters favorite character. She is not perfect, but is trying her best to be a good girl. I loved the character and it just warmed my heart that my daughter felt the same way.

My husband had only one question... 'where are the pony's.' If you don't know the backstory to the Equestria girls here it is: they are the My Little Pony alter selves in a differnt realm, in a colorful human form with a love for music. In the first movie My Little Pony: Equestria Girls, princess Twilight Saprkle came to Equestria to find her missing crown that fell onto the wrong hands. While in Equestria she met a human for of Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Apple Jack and the lovable Fluttershy. 

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls- Rainbow Rocks is a movie about girl power and the power of friendship. I would event call it a musical. I even found myself singing along and looking forward to each song. My 22 month-old had a great time dancing to the music. The movie combines a message of being a good friend by listening to each other through music. A definite movie to put on your little ones To See: list. It also gives you some ideas for the kids Santa List as your Equestrian dolls ca be found in your local Target and Toys r' Us.  If you love these dolls, stay tune for our upcoming Giveaway!  

                                       

The My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks soundtrack is available now on iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-little-pony-equestria-girls/id917844146.

Written by Hasbro
In theaters now, check your local theatre
Running time 88 minutes
Language English

Nation Wide Baby Wipes Recall

Nation Wide Baby Wipes Recall

Moms check your wipes, a nationwide recall has been issued for several brands of baby wipes sold at Walgreens, Sam's Club, Family Dollar, Fred's, and Diapers.com, after the FDA announced the wipes may contain bacteria.

Nutek Disposables Inc. has "voluntary recalled" baby wipes under the brand names Cuties, Femtex, Kidgets, Member's Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings. These wipes were distributed by Nutek prior to October 21, 2014 to the following retail stores: Walgreens, Sam's Club, Family Dollar, Fred's, and Diapers.com.

After several complaints were receive due to odor and discoloration, Nutek conducted testing that revealed the presence of bacteria called Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of the products. “B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people,” the FDA said. “However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia.”

"As of October 3, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report of irritation," according to the FDA "Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues, and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of these products." Nutek has stopped shipping of the baby wipes until the on going investigation determines what was the cause of the problem.

What to do if you have purchased these products:

Consumers who have purchased this product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-855-646-4351, Monday–Friday, 7 am–7 pm CST and Saturday–Sunday, 9 am–5 pm CST.

Brand Name	Retailer	Lot Numbers of Product Manufactured by Nutek
Cuties	Internet and various retailers	All Lots
Diapers.com	Diapers.com	All Lots
Femtex	Family Dollar	All Lots
Fred's	Fred's	All Lots All Lots
Kidgets	Family Dollar	All Lots
Member's Mark	Sam's Club	All Lots
Simply Right	Sam's Club	All Lots
Sunny Smiles	Walgreens	All Lots
Tender Touch	Various retailers	All Lots
Well Beginnings*	Walgreens	Certain Lots±
*These lot numbers represent all lots manufactured by Nutek. There may be other lots that are made by manufacturers other than Nutek and that are not subject to this recall.

Kristin Cavallari: Wife, Mother & Modern Day Fashionista

Kristin Cavallari: Wife, Mother & Modern Day Fashionista

It's not Laguna Beach or The Hills anymore for Kristin Cavallari, it's "mommy world." Kristin is that mother we love to hate for having such an amazing post-baby body after two children. In addition, to being a mother of two, she is a wife to Jay Cutler (quarterback of the Chicago Bears), shoe & jewelry designer, host of E!'s The Fabulist and is continuing to add a mobile platform to her resume. She tells me what are some of the things that help her balance motherhood and everything else that comes along with it.

Guest Co-Host on Access Hollywood Live

Kristin has been making the news recently for her post baby body. She shared with Access Hollywood, Billy Bush one major factor ... good genes. But she hasn't relied on just her good genes. She has a non-diet approach, "I think eating healthy is 80% of it. I’m constantly reading labels, and won't put toxic chemicals in my body." She went on to say that, "I never count calories… it’s just all about eating real food. I worked out until the last month of my pregnancy, and I did a lot of leg and butt workouts." It's refreshing to hear that it's not a 'I can eat everything and not gain a pound.' When Kristin eats out she doesn't over analyze her food. She makes sure to have a balance. For some, that may not be enough. We need a real kick in the butt to get us going. Kristin, admits to one of her secret weapons ... Brazilian Butt Lift DVD. "Funny name, but it really works," she says. 

You've seen many pictures of Kristin in magazines wearing great fashion styles. As host of  E!'s The Fabulist she loves to talk fashion, has her Chinese laundry collection, has a jewelry line, Emerald Duv, that captures a beach feel to it and has guest host on Access Hollywood Live. If you can catch your breath long enough from this long list of things she is somehow balancing, you will see she is just added a new level of coolness. You can now say that Kristin is a true modern day 'Fashionista.' Kristin recently teamed up with DWNLD—a mobile platform that allows anyone with a smartphone to create an app—to launch an eponymous app that focuses on health, fashion, and more. She is low taking fashion to just about every level there is. 

During her Kenya trip in 2010

She is no longer that little girl from Colorado. Kristin has separated herself from her reality tv persona. In addition, to her role as a wife, mother and fashionista has been involved in several charities over the years. This includes "Until There's a Cure" public service advertising, to raise awareness and funds for AIDS and HIV research and vaccine development. In 2006, Cavallari appeared in ads for PETA, was part of the NOH8 Campaign in support of gay marriage. In January 2010, she traveled to El Salvador for charity work as well as to Kenya to work with the non-profit organization One Kid One World.

I asked  Kristin a couple of questions of how she balances it all and some question you mother e-mailed me. Here I what she told MothersoftheValley:

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Mothersofthevalley: Most of the time us moms are so busy getting the kids ready we rarely have time left for us to get dolled up as we leave the house. What are 3 must have things for a mom to wear/do when she only has 5 minutes to get ready.

KC: Klorane Dry Shampoo is amazing for in between washes, and it gives hair volume. I love Armani mascara, because it makes the eyes pop, and Revision tinted moisturizer.

Mothersofthevalley: You really look great post (2) baby deliveries! What are some of your fitness secrets you would like to share. Are you into juicing?  Yoga? What workout exercises/routines do you like to do? Workout Videos you can recommend? 

KC: I think eating healthy is 80% of it. I’m constantly reading labels, and won't put toxic chemicals in my body. I never count calories… it’s just all about eating real  food. I worked out until the last month of my pregnancy, and I did a lot of leg and butt workouts. A great DVD that I like is the Brazilian Butt Lift. Funny name, but it really works.

Cynthia: Spending alone couples time is important in growing a relationship. What are some of you and Jay’s favorite date nights?

Wedding Picture of Kristin and Jay

KC: We just like going to dinner and having a glass of wine. It doesn’t happen very often, so we really enjoy it when it does. 

MothersoftheValley: How long have you been organic? Are your strictly organic or do you try to eat as organic as possible? Is the whole family organic?

KC: As a family we try to eat organic as often as possible. If I’m cooking at home it's organic, but we don't stress about it when we eat out. I’ve been like that for over 10 years, but it wasn't until I got pregnant with my first one that I took it up a notch. 

Lindsay: For those moms trying to move towards a more organic way of living what are the ingredients in food products that you made a point to eliminate?

KC: The most important ones are high fructose corn syrup, any food colors and genetically modified ingredients. I actually have an entire list of what to stay away from on my app (Kristin Cavallari in the App Store). It’s all about having a healthy lifestyle with some fashion and beauty mixed in.

MothersoftheValley: We know kids can be picky about their meals. What are some of your go-to meals for the boys?

KC: We got lucky with Camden because he likes everything we like. Eggplant Parmesan is one of his favorites. I make a healthier version that isn't too bad for you. He also likes salmon and loves veggies, so he’s easy. If he’s in a picky phase, we just give him a little BBQ sauce to dip his food in then he's good to go!

MothersoftheValley: What surprised you most about yourself once you had kids?

KC: How happy I am. I knew that I would love it, but I finally feel like I’m doing exactly what I'm suppose to be doing. 

Photo by: Jonathan Clay Harris
Kristin in Chinese Laundry Candence flat

Lucy:  We moms love your Chinese Laundry shoe line, but during the pregnancy we can be limited. What are your picks for the different stages in a pregnancy?

KC: Thanks! The Cadence flat is good throughout the entire pregnancy because it's comfortable and incredibly stylish as well. My Copertina heel is also really comfortable, and it comes in a million colors. It's a great staple shoe, not just during pregnancy.

Natalie: It's important to take care of our skin. What is your skin care regime? Must have skin products? Skin peels?

KC: I do a scrub once or twice a week… I like an organic one by Acure. I use vitamin c and moisturize. That's about it. I don’t fuss too much with my skin... it's sensitive. The most important thing for me is to wash my face at night even if I'm exhausted.

MothersoftheValley: Between your job and Jay's NFL job you must travel a lot with the kids. What are some of your traveling secrets to survive the flight with two boys?

KC: The plane is the one place where they can have/do whatever they want! Anything to keep them distracted and behaving well. That's when Cam is allowed to play games on the iPad. I also pack a ton of snacks, and I bring his favorite toys and coloring books. 

MothersoftheValley: What are your five must have’s in your diaper bag? 

KC: Healthy snacks, chap stick (cam loves putting it on and it will keep him entertained!), cell phone charger, lotion so my hands don’t dry out from washing after changing diapers, and one of whatever cam is into at the moment, so right now I have a little toy car always in there because he’s obsessed with cars. 

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Kristin is honest about what it takes to maintain her hectic schedule and that includes working out, healthy eating, having an amazing nanny and still learning how balancing two boys. I just love that. It's what I call "a real mom's, mom." Someone that doesn't hold onto the information, but is willing to share it with other mothers. 

Will she be adding another member to her family? She has said that is the plan, just not right now. Will we see her on reality TV again? Probably not, but that doesn't rule out her being behind the scenes. I am excited to see what she is doing now and what is to come.

To learn more about Kristin's ventures you can go to her official pages:

Shoe line - http://www.chineselaundry.com/brand/kristin-cavallari

Jewelry Line - http://www.emeraldduv.com/

iPhone  app -https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kristin-cavallari-official/id833834031?mt=8

Oscar de la Renta losses his battle to cancer

Oscar de la Renta losses his battle to cancer

Oscar de la Renta, designer to the socialite and Hollywood has lost his 8 year battle to cancer. He was 82.

Monday Mr. de la Renta passed away in his Connecticut home surrounded by family and friends.  According to CNN there was a handwritten statement signed by his stepdaughter Eliza Reed Bolen and her husband, Alex Bolen."While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much with us. Oscar's hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company," the statement said. "All that we have done, and all that we will do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar's example we know the way forward. We will make Oscar very proud of us by continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much."

July 9, 1956 Cover of Life Magazine - Beatrice Cabot Lodge of the US ambassador to Spain,
debutante gown made by Oscar de la Renta

De la Renta was born July 22, 1932, in the Dominican Republic, he was the only son of seven children. Early in life he knew his passion was for the art of design. "My father had different aspirations for me than I had for myself," he told the "Fashion Talks" audience. "If I ever told my father I would become a fashion designer, he would drop dead on the spot." At the tender age of 19-years-old he persuaded his mother to let him study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, Spain. A year later his mother passed, he continued his journey in Spain.

He lived off his allowance to cover wardrobe, room and board. For extra money, he drew clothes for newspapers and fashion houses. It was when Francesca Lodge, the wife of John Davis Lodge, then the United States Ambassador to Spain, saw his sketches that put him on his path. In 1956, Mr. de la Renta was asked to design a coming-out dress for her daughter Beatrice. The dress and the debutante appeared on the cover of Life.

Beyonce in de la Renat in Vogue Magazine

He was apprentice to Cristobal Balenciaga for a couple of years. Then moved onto Paris were he was immediately offered a job at Christian Dior, but instead worked with Lanvin and Balmain. In 1963, he tested his luck and moved to the states where he worked with Elizabeth Arden. In 1965, Mr. de la Renta left Arden to join the Seventh Avenue company of Jane Derby, as partner and designer. Shortly after, Mr. de la Renta took over, with backing from Ben Shaw. It was then that the ready-to-wear label launched in New York. It is fair to say that before de la Renta labels read store brand names, such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Macy's.

People Magazine cover,  Amal Alamuddin wearing de la Renta

Recently, Mr. De la Renta made the wedding dress for Amal Alamuddin. This could be the last Oscar de la Renta wedding dress creation. "It’s the most important dress in the life of a woman,” de la Renta told Vogue. “Any girl from any walk of life dreams of that special dress, and I try to make that dream a reality for her. Amal and I looked at a lot of evening dresses and wedding dresses together, and we discussed what she liked. That gave me the idea of what she wanted.” 

Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw, in Oscar de la Renta wedding dress 

It has been in high society and the red carpet that de la Renta truly has shined the most. He has dressed the Royals such as Princes Diana, First Ladies: Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, and first daughters Laura Bush (wedding dress) and Chelsea Clinton. Recently, First Lady, Michelle Obama was criticized by Mr. de la Renta for wearing a J. Crew cardigan when meeting the queen and for not wearing foreign designer labels. Last week the First Lady wore her first foreign label. It was made by Mr. de la Renta. 

First Lady, Michelle Obama wearing first time wearing Oscar de la Renta

De la Renta darlings including Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift and Penelope Cruz. His designs made cameos in Sex and the City. I say cameos, because his dresses almost stole the show when on screen. Charlotte styled his maternity dress and Carrie wore his dazzling wedding dress. It was not just on the big screen that Mr. de la Renta showed his elegance in maternity wear. Kerry Washington wowed spectators on the red carper wearing a de la Renta maternity dress.

De la Renta Maternity dress in Sex and the City (left), Kerry Washington in de la Renta maternity dress (right) 

He served as a board member of The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall, and others, and he made sure not to overlook children's charity, this includs New Yorkers for Children. He also helped fund schools and day-care centers in La Romana and Punta Cana in his native country.

De la Renta Family: Son-in-Law and CEO, Alex Bolen, step-daughter Wliza Reed Bolen,
Oscar de la Renta and son Moises de la Renta

"The only realities in life are that you are born, and that you die," he told an audience at New York's 92Y "Fashion Talks" series in June 2013. "We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we will never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of life." -CNN

He is survived by his second wife, philanthropist Annette Reed. His first wife, French Vogue editor Francois Langlade, died in 1983.

In addition to his wife Annette, Mr. de la Renta is survived by a son, Moises; stepdaughter, Eliza Reed Bolen; by three sisters, and by three stepchildren and nine step-grandchildren.