A Spectrum of Reviews http://www.karianna.us/reviews/ This is my reviews blog. My main blog is The Karianna Spectrum: www.kariannaspectrum.com. (This reviews blog was formerly titled "Reviews from the Couch") en Copyright 2013 Thu, 09 May 2013 15:55:51 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Pixi and Other Products to the Rescue
Prior to the conference, I was most excited about getting a chance to wear a hot-pink bowtie to a derby-themed party. (I got the bowtie at CY Design Studio.) On my "to do" list for packing, I wrote "buy pink lipstick!" But, I never got around to it. I was therefore thrilled to find pixi lip twin and nail polish in vibrant pink shades. ("pink peony" for the lips; "summer pink" for the nails.) My toes were already painted a fine fuschia, so I haven't yet tried the pixi nail polish, but I'm totally smitten with the soft texture and gorgeous color of the pixi "succulent lip twin." Succulent, indeed! I love the color and how it looks on me, and it feels fabulous. (I haven't yet tried it as a cheek tint.)

Pixi Makeup Review on the Karianna Spectrum
I had never heard of pixi prior to Mom 2.0, but I'm very happy we've now been introduced! Browsing their site, I see several different products that I'm eager to try.

Starbucks Refreshers review on the Karianna SpectrumThe morning after the fabulous derby party, I hung around the hotel long enough to need breakfast, but not in the mood to spend mucho dinero purchasing a hotel meal. Thankfully, I had various products I had picked up throughout the weekend, like a Starbucks Refresher and a granola bar from Minute Clinic (which is coming to the SF Bay Area soon!) I adored the sparkling raspberry-pomegranate refresher in a can, but I must admit I wasn't so smitten with the raspberry-lemonade VIA sample I drank once I was back home. The former was tasty and refreshing (and I love that it has green coffee extract to give a little kick!) but the latter tasted a bit more like a "diet drink" to me. I'll try the raspberry-pomegranate VIA to see if that appeals to me.

Coco Cafe review on the Karianna SpectrumI also sampled a Vita Coco coconut water with pineapple. A few months ago I had tried plain coconut water and really didn't like it. The addition of pineapple definitely makes it more palatable, although pineapple juice and I haven't really been friends since the days when I complained to my mom that the juice in those metal cans tasted like "noodles." (I happen to like noodles, so I'm not sure what my toddler brain was thinking.)

Vita Coco has plenty of other flavors that I might be more interested in, though, like Acai & Pom and Tropical Fruit. I heard fellow Mom 2.0 attendees rave about Coco Cafe Coconut Water Cafe Latte. (They also have Mocha Latte and Vanilla Latte.) Alas, these espresso-based coconut water drinks were gone when I tried to get a sample. And, so far my efforts to find them at my local store have turned up empty. But, I can try them on Amazon if I like.

Of course there are plenty of other products I had a chance to try at Mom 2.0, but the above are those which "saved the day" both Saturday night and Sunday morning!

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I am an Amazon affiliate. Other products mentioned I obtained at Mom 2.0 for free with a hope from the brands that I'd note them, but with no further compensation for mentioning them.
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]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/05/pixi-makeup-nail-polish-review.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/05/pixi-makeup-nail-polish-review.html Beauty Coconut water CVS extra mom 2.0 conference Nail polish pixi starbucks refreshers vita coco Thu, 09 May 2013 15:55:51 -0800 Today's the Day -- FX Photo Studio is Free! FX_photo_studio-is-free.jpg
(not sponsored / compensated -- just cool! Click on through to get the app FREE for a limited time.)
]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/04/photo-fx-app-free.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/04/photo-fx-app-free.html Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:06:27 -0800 Summer is Coming!
Last week the temperature reached 89. It was amazing to get out tank tops and not hear the heater kicking on first thing in the morning. Our local swim club did its "work day" in anticipation of next weekend's opening - a date that originally I thought was ridiculous since when it was announced  I was still keeping the seat-warmers on in my van. (Of course just to be difficult, the weather decided to be in the 40's this morning.)

During Spring Break, I remembered how I miss summer. Sure, it is harder to do work with the kids around, but there is a playful happiness that is absent on days when they trod to their rooms to do homework, or when the alarm clock awakens us instead of our internal clocks.

I know everyone is saying it, but the time really has flown by this year. It really does seem as though summer 2012 just finished, and yet we're nearing time for summer 2013.

In my kids' case, summer will mean respite from homework, plenty of swimming, lots of free time, and of course Camp Galileo. 

Camp-Galileo-2013.jpgJust a few weeks ago, Camp G hosted activities at our school's science fair. It was a fun opportunity for my son to meet the new camp director for our location and to introduce himself to some of the folks who will be counselors this coming year. I remember from my visit to Camp G HQ last year that the selection process for camp staff is highly competitive: those who end up teaching your children this summer at Camp Galileo and Summer Quest are highly qualified and very motivated. They all have impressive credentials!

My younger son was thrilled to hear that his counselor from last year will be back. This year, he'll be learning all about roller coasters, a topic that is absolutely perfect given his adoration of flipping upside-down, and his curiosity about how things work. I remember studying the physics of roller coasters when I was in school: it is so fun to apply science to real-world situations, especially when they are so amusing as amusement parks.

My older son will be studying digital photography. He's already impressed me with his graphic design work, his musical composition skills, and his computer animation knowledge. For awhile, he was pretty handy with his camera, so I'm glad that this summer he'll have an opportunity to pursue that former interest. Learning Photoshop is going to help him tremendously in what will likely be his future career. But in true Galileo style, this form of education won't be tedious in the least. He'll be learning a LOT while having tons of fun. 

We've got a couple more months of school left --including those dreaded STAR tests-- but I know my kids are looking forward to the more enjoyable educational persuits of Camp G.

Please check out my other posts about our Camp Galileo experience.

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Disclaimer: Galileo will pay for one week of summer camp in exchange for my promotion of their program. (I will receive no further compensation or commission should any of my readers sign up.) Two years ago I had already paid for Camp G before they approached me, so it was a natural fit. Since then, I've paid for additional weeks of camp on my own dime, since I'm such a fan of the program. Please find Galileo Learning on Facebook to keep abreast of the latest news. During the summer, the stream fills with fab photos of happy campers!

]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/04/camp_galileo_2013_coming_soon.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/04/camp_galileo_2013_coming_soon.html Camp Galileo Camp G Camp Galileo Summer Quest Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:17:14 -0800 FX Photo Studio for iPhone is Going to be FREE
I'm not being compensated for announcing this, but I thought it was pretty darn cool:

fx-photo-studio-free-app.jpg

The free date is April 18, 2013 -- Get it while you can!
]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/04/fx_photo_studio_for_iphone_is.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/04/fx_photo_studio_for_iphone_is.html fx photo studio iphone app Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:01:28 -0800 Back to Camp G! I am thrilled that Camp Galileo has asked my kids to return for another year! For the past two years, Camp G and Galileo's Summer Quest have been a big part of my boys' summer adventure: The first year it was a dream come true for my older son, who really wanted to go to video design camp. We were so excited when we discovered Summer Quest has a video game design major! (He then went on to do the advanced video game design major the following year.) He conquered his fears of new situations in order to study a subject he adores. He uses the tools he acquired at Summer Quest every day. The second year was of special significance to my younger son, who adored the real-life applications of the Camp G themes. He studied the Golden Gate Bridge at camp, and now sports a Golden Gate Bridge poster on his wall. He also walked across the Golden Gate Bridge with his family. And of course, he adored the "Galileo Olympics" theme, because we attended the Olympic Trials for gymnastics and of course adored watching the main event. This year, Camp Galileo has four new themes to incite innovation: Medieval Adventure, African Safari, Galileo Amusement Park, and Space Odyssey. Deciding which to select is going to be tough! I think my younger son will lean towards the latter two, but he may surprise me! Galileo_Logo.jpgGalileo Summer Quest offers 14 majors in four different categories: Arts Academy, High Technology, Culinary Arts, and Builders and Movers. Chose from topics like Digital Photography, Chefology, and Website Design. And for those Mario Kart enthusiasts like my older son? Design your card in the Go-Kart Builders major, then refine and rebuilt it in Go-Karts Extreme! Camp G is at 38 camp locations around the Bay Area, so there is probably one near you. I highly encourage Northern CA folks to check out Galileo Camps. They really are fantastic! Not just fun, Galileo Camps are truly educational. (But ask the kids, and they'll say it is pure entertainment!) Special Deals: Refer a new friend to camp, and you both save $25: Use code 2013GLRAF Sign up by Feb 28th and receive $20/off each week! -- Disclaimer: Galileo will pay for one week of summer camp in exchange for my promotion of their program. (I will receive no further compensation or commission should any of my readers sign up.) Two years ago I had already paid for Camp G before they approached me, so it was a natural fit. Since then, I've paid for additional weeks of camp on my own dime, since I'm such a fan of the program!]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/02/back_to_camp_g.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/02/back_to_camp_g.html Camp Galileo Camp G Camp Galileo Galileo Camps Summer Quest Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:16:04 -0800 Wee Forest Folk: Gorgeous Handcrafted Mouse Miniatures Wee Forest Folk, I immediately requested a sample. These adorable miniatures are high-quality castings of clay sculptures that are then meticulously hand-painted. The laborious process to create these beautiful, tiny works of art is all done in New England, right here in the good ol' U.S.A. It is therefore fitting that the amazing piece I received is titled "Homegrown Stars & Stripes." Wee_Forest_Folk_Homegrown_Stars_and_Stripes.jpg Isn't he adorable? I love the little tail: it is actually leather! Wee Forest Folk has a wide variety of sculptures available to celebrate any event or mood. From depicting music lessons to dancing, a garden gnome to a weight-lifter, just about every interest is profiled. I'm especially smitten with "Miss Bobbin Online" for obvious reasons! (She is pictured below, at right.) Of course there are Wee Forest Folk figurines available for every holiday. The Valentine's Day mice are adorably affectionate, the Halloween sculptures are sugary sweet, and of course the Christmas scenes depict a true winter wonderland. Wee_Forest_Folk_Figurines.jpg The detail of each sculpture is incredible: not only are the mice themselves beautifully constructed, but the tiny accessories are intricate and charming. Visit Wee Forest Folk's website, Wee Forest Folk on Facebook, and of course, check out Wee Forest Folk on Pinterest to see the latest sculptures. -- Disclaimer: Thank you to Wee Forest Folk for "Homegrown Stars & Stripes." I treasure it. I will receive no further compensation or commission should my readers purchase a figurine.]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/02/wee_forest_folk_gorgeous_handc.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2013/02/wee_forest_folk_gorgeous_handc.html Adults Hobbies art collectables gifts miniatures sculpture Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:05:52 -0800 Don't Get Lost on the Way to Grandmother's House My panic probably could have been avoided if I had CoPilot Live at the time. One of their main features is that maps are stored on the device, so lack of cellphone service isn't a problem. I could have found the way to class. Even better, had I activated ActiveTraffic, my CoPilot would have directed me the fastest way based on traffic conditions. The downside of housing the maps internally is that they take up space on your device; but better to have them available in the event of an emergency. Thankfully, each download is specific to your region; so only download what you require for your trip. If you need additional maps, download more! (And delete those you don't need.) CoPilot Live includes maps all over the world; so this navigation system isn't just for your local adventures. The CoPilot Live people provided me a trial of their Premium membership for the purposes of review. Initially I had some difficulty downloading the app (through redemption of the review code; a problem which will not occur with the average consumer.) I was exceptionally impressed with those who assisted me in troubleshooting. Perusing their website, I see that customer service responds to user comments, which indicates that my positive experience with their assistance wasn't just because they knew I'd be writing about them. I have two favorite features of CoPilot Live: The first is that the search function is very easy, quickly locating exactly what I'm looking for. Although this includes standard categories like "food" or "gas," the general function is good for if you aren't sure what category your query actually belongs in. For example, in competitor's navigational systems, "Sid's Golf Funhouse" might be under "entertainment" or "golf." It can get frustrating to keep trying the same search, but switching categories. But in CoPilot Live, I can just type in "Sid's Golf Funhouse" and get directions immediately. For fun, I typed in "gymnastics" and my son's gym popped up; nice! Oh, and looking for a gas station? CoPilot Live will show you the nearest gas stations, but with a nifty add-on, it will also show you the nearby gas prices, so you'll get the best deal. The second of my favorite features of CoPilot Live is the very clear map view with gigantic arrows showing the direction of the upcoming turn. Flat maps are sometimes difficult to follow, especially if they don't "rotate" with the vehicle, while completely "straight-ahead" maps are difficult to follow in their own way. (And then there are those fun-house mirror maps that appeared on the scene with the latest iOs "upgrade.") copilot_live.jpg CoPilot Live's maps are at a comfortable angle for viewing. The miles to the next turn, total miles left, and estimated time of arrival are all clearly listed at the bottom. Of course, the voice navigation (choose male or female) will keep your eyes on the road. But, we all know that sometimes we need to glance at the information about the next turn. Besides, such clear information at a glance makes it easy for a backseat driver to just read off the information to cue the driver with the desired information. (And, said backseat driver can answer her own question as to just how long it will be until "we get there.") I did notice that it appeared the positioning was off at the beginning and end of the navigation (for example: the navigation thought I was on the street behind my house rather than my street,) but that might be a function of my aging tablet rather than a function of CoPilot Live. I tried out this app on a Galaxy Tab, but have recently obtained an iPad. CoPilot Live is available for iPhone, iPad 3G, and Android. Don't get lost on your way to important destinations, particularly this holiday season! -- Disclaimer: I was given a CoPilot Live subscription for purposes of review. My words are my own. I will receive no further compensation nor commission from CoPilot Live. ]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/12/copilot_live_mobile_navigation_system.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/12/copilot_live_mobile_navigation_system.html Outings copilot live maps navigation Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:28:46 -0800 The Ozonator: No Stinky Chinese Food Smell Eliminate Odors with OzonatorA couple years ago, we joined a CSA. We wanted fresh fruits and veggies, and wanted to support our local farms. Unfortunately, one side effect of having produce void of the various preservative sprays the supermarket may use to prolong shelf-life is that our big bundle of beautiful organic food quickly wilts or molds, unless used immediately. I was happy to receive an Ozonator Green Refrigerator Machine from MomSelect. This little gadget isn't very large, but advertises a big impact. Ozone is the natural way our planet cleans our environment. It destroys undesirable materials present in our food, air, and water before reverting to oxygen. The product insert explains that The Green Refrigerator Machine promotes a clean environment inside my refrigerator by killing harmful organisms and by elimating many odors. This delays the molding and decay of foods. Eliminate Odors with OzonatorIt was easy to activate my Ozonator Green Refrigerator Machine. I placed it on the top shelf of my refrigerator as recommended, and bought some veggies. Of course, I couldn't do a side-by-side comparison of the vegetables I bought in a fridge with the Ozonator versus in a fridge without one; however, I can report that the veggies still look great several days later. More impressive, perhaps, is that three days ago I bought tons of Chinese food, yet today there is no "leftover smell" eeking from the not-yet-finished containers. (Yeah, I should probably throw it out, anyway.) I'm pleasantly surprised that the Ozonator is doing its job. I'm much happier having a small Ozonator in my fridge than purchasing preservative-filled food or spraying my veggies with who-knows-what to retain their color. Thanks to MomSelect, I have an affiliate link in the event that you fabulous readers are interested in getting your own Green Refrigerator Machine by Ozonator. (Of course, I'll get a little dough in return; but the dough will take longer to mold! Er, maybe that's not the best analogy. Seriously, though, the Ozonator appears to be working quite well in my fridge!) Be sure to check out Ozonator, the Green Refrigerator Machine's Facebook Page for more information about the product and for tips on how to be an environmental hero. (Keep your eye out on Facebook for Ozonator giveaways, too!) -- Disclaimer: As noted above, this review was faciliated by MomSelect. I received an Ozonator in exchange for this review, and will receive a small commission should any of you fabulous readers decided to purchase an Ozonator through my affiliate link. (If you don't want to use my link, simply go to www.ozonator.com to buy, and for more information!)]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/12/the_ozonator_no_stinky_chinese.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/12/the_ozonator_no_stinky_chinese.html Food green refrigerator machine ozonator preserve produce naturally Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:22:26 -0800 Give 'em More than Just one Bottle I gushed about the California Wine Club. This month's shipment from www.cawineclub.com came with two wines dressed for the holidays. Both are slathered with award stickers. Daniel_Gehrs_California_Wine_Club.jpg This month's offerings are a 2009 Merlot and a 2011 Chenin Blanc, both from Daniel Gehrs. The California Wine Club's Uncorked magazine shows a photograph of winemaker Dan Gehrs posing with California Wine Club founders Pam and Bruce Boring, along with his motorcycle. See, winemakers aren't stuffy folks: Dan and his wife Robin apparently embarked on a cross-country motorcycle trip shortly after the photo was snapped. Uncorked also included a prime rib recipe from Daniel Gehrs Wines. Mmmmm, prime rib! I'm also salivating over two other recipes included in Uncorked this month: Shitake Mushroom & Fontina Crostini and Blue Cheese Mousse Parfait.]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/12/california_wine_club_holiday_hostess_gift.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/12/california_wine_club_holiday_hostess_gift.html Adults Food Wine California wine club holiday gift hostess gift wine wine club Mon, 03 Dec 2012 07:00:34 -0800 What a Treat! Personalized Individual Greeting Cards I'm not really a "buy a card at the grocery store" type person because many of those greetings are pretty impersonal, especially those with a long poem. After all, I didn't write that poem, so it isn't really "from me." Of course, I guess if I wrote it in my handwriting and still credited the poet, I'd feel satisfied, because at least I did something other than sign my name. My one exception to the store-bought cards is humor cards. Those are funny. I can't come up with jokes, so those are A-OK in my book. I've looked at some of the "send personalized email" sites with interest. I love the personalized aspect of it, but I still want something tangible. I typically don't send "thank you" notes via email, for example, no matter how "stylized" through a website. (Confession: I've sent email greetings to myself and then printed them out to send to the real recipient through snail mail.) So, I've got to admit feeling pretty happy that I found treat, an off-shoot of Tiny Prints. I've been a Tiny Prints fan for awhile, and of course our holiday cards are from tiny prints. I love being able to incorporate photos of my kids in the cards, and use our names in the graphic design. personalized_birthday_card_treat_greetings2.jpg But ordering 150 holiday cards is much different than if you have a single card to create for a single person. Or at least, it used to be different. Many years ago, I used to print out personalized cards for other occasions. I loved the idea of having a card whose design incorporated the recipient and/or me and my family. That is exactly what treat does, but with far better print quality than my old printer, and on nice professional cardstock, unlike the thin stuff I've got here at home.
I've got a special discount for you:
use code TREATBLOGR to receive a free card from treat.
The code is only good today (November 19) and tomorrow (November 20,) so you'd better get on it! personalized_birthday_card_treat_greetings.jpgMy birthday is Wednesday, so perhaps you'd like to send me a birthday card? Or better yet, think about who is hosting your Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, and create your thank-you card now. (That way you know it will arrive shortly after the meal gets in your belly!) Or, maybe you've been meaning to send a card to your kid's soccer coach even though the season ended three weeks ago. Or your birthday was a month ago and you haven't yet thanked Aunt Gertrude for that awesome sweater. (What better way to thank your dear Auntie than to send her a card with you wearing the sweater on it!?) There are plenty of different cards for a myriad of occasions, so think about who you'd like to connect with in a personal way this week. Seriously - now is your chance: Use TREATBLOGR today or tomorrow to get your free card. -- Disclaimer: I will receive credit in my treat account so that I can send some cards for free. The opinions/words above are my own.]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/what_a_treat_personalized_indi.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/what_a_treat_personalized_indi.html Adults Teens greeting cards personalized greeting cards treat Mon, 19 Nov 2012 06:30:00 -0800 Giants of All Forms: Transformers and Skylanders skylanders_giants_starter_pack.jpgHow wonderful it is to be free from school - if only for a little bit - and get a chance to resume their roles as Portal Masters! Last year I gushed about Skylanders even before it was released. I previewed the game over the summer and then my boys got a chance to play it the following autumn. Activision was generous in starting us out, and then Santa delivered a bunch of additional characters for my boys to fawn over. This year is the same with a twist: Now it is the Skylanders Giants starter pack that Activision has generously sent us. (And yes, I have a feeling Santa will be supplementing the starter pack with some additional characters, shhhhh!)]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/skylanders_giants_transformers_activision_video_games_holiday_gift.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/skylanders_giants_transformers_activision_video_games_holiday_gift.html Video Games activision holiday gift skylanders giants video game transformers transformers video game Sun, 18 Nov 2012 11:38:27 -0800 Bring on the Wine for the Holidays happens to have some tiny grapes growing in it. (Don't ask me the varietal: I have no clue!) I have parents who seriously considered just picking up and moving to Napa to live among the vines. (In fact, I can still smell the musky wood from the house we were thisclose to purchasing.) Ironically enough, the year my parents thought about moving to wine country to embark upon some fantastic vineyard adventure, Bruce and Pam Boring began The California Wine Club, a home-delivery wine service that provides its own adventure through wine country. Amazingly, that was 22 years ago. Robledo_Family_Winery_California_Wine_Club.jpg For folks back East, "California" wine tends to be the big-name labels. If you can purchase it at your local grocery store, it probably comes from one of those enormous mass-production situations. Of course there are some wines from those "famous" folks that are quite tasty, but I'm drawn to the smaller wineries. The California Wine Club was created to highlight these "mom and pop" type wineries, bringing its members inside stories of the winemakers and their vineyards. You won't find these gems in your liquor store. Instead, they'll be delivered straight to your door. Nifty, eh?]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/holiday_gifts_california_wine_club.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/holiday_gifts_california_wine_club.html Adults Wine California wine club holiday gift hostess gift wine wine club Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:00:35 -0800 The Lion King Last night my family was fortunate enough to be SHN's guests at The Lion King, on stage at San Francisco's Orheum Theatre through January 13, 2012. To say I was completely captivated is an understatement. I had seen the animated movie, two different "Disney on Ice" versions of the story, and a depiction of a crucial scene during CA Adventure's World of Color, but this was my first time seeing the musical. In The Lion King's case, the word "musical" doesn't do the performance justice. This show's experience goes well beyond the music. From shadow-play to elaborate puppets; from towering sets that seem to appear and disappear with ease, to a simple prop that holds great symbolism, this experience is joyfully overwhelming. I enjoyed the artistry in both light and dark, and soaked in the scenes filled with vibrant colors. Lion_King.jpg I especially appreciated the actors' amazing command of their bodies. Most wore elaborate costumes that required simultaneous mastery of puppetry and dance. Some characters required sharp movements with precise isolations while others' gestures were fluid and ethereal. The animals looked like animals. The plants moved like plants in the wind. The water rippled. Although the designs and choreography are sophisticated, my boys were just as captivated as I was. There are definitely moments of kid-level humor (fart jokes, anyone?) but my sons no doubt also enjoyed the visual effects, even if they may not have appreciated fully the strength and coordination necessary to achieve them. Lion_King_Embrace.jpgOf course The Lion King's story is similarly both entertaining and more philosophical. There are frightening scenes that children under six may not tolerate well, but the "darker" parts give way to plenty of light and in some cases, whimsy. Kids need not understand the whole "Circle of Life" concept to come away from this performance changed because they have experienced something new to them. I definitely came away from the show with a smile in my heart. I adore storytelling and expression through dance. The Lion King went well beyond my expectations, and I'm thrilled that I had an opportunity to witness it in person. My younger son was especially tickled that he got a chance to meet two of the performers! Tickets for all performances of THE LION KING in San Francisco are on sale now and can be purchased at the SHN Orpheum Theatre Box Office, online at shnsf.com and by phone at SHN Audience Services at 888-746-1799. While you are there, consider purchasing tickets for other shows this season: rumor has it that Mary Poppins is phenomenal! -- Disclaimer: SHN provided my family with our tickets in exchange for publicizing the show. I will receive no commission or further compensation should my readers choose to experience this fabulous event! Top photo is my own; middle and bottom photographs are by Joan Marcus, courtesy of SHNSF.]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/the_lion_king_in_san_francisco.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/the_lion_king_in_san_francisco.html Adults Kids Outings Preteens Relationships Teens shn orpheum theatre the lion king musical Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:08:24 -0800 Election Education kids_vote.jpg Here are several resources I've found that make learning about the election fun: bashers_president.jpgMy son has enjoyed both Thud! Presidents and Basher's Presidents apps. (Sense a theme with the whole crushing?) In general, if it is made into an app, it becomes fun! These apps teach important facts to the more ridiculous tidbits. The accompanying website for Basher's Presidents, Basher Kids' Vote allows kids to vote for either Romney or Obama while indicating which issue is most important to them. Check out the "Explore the Data" section to see how other kids are voting across the U.S. Also check out ProCon.org for "align with the candidate" quizzes and other exercises. This one has a more adult "look" but would be a good springboard for discussion with older kids. See how the candidates view the various issues that are most important to you and your children. thud_stack.jpgPBS Election Resources for Classrooms includes materials for K-12 students, but with an emphasis on middle school and high school. Available resources include both current events for the 2012 Presidential Election and in-depth learning opportunities that can be used in any study of the U.S. government and election processes. The Democracy Project is also from PBS, but geared towards the younger kids. Design your own campaign poster, join the sticker race, or collect Presidential Trading Cards! Oh, and find out about the candidates, too. Before you leave, be sure to step into the voting booth: cast_your_vote_kids.jpg Politics doesn't have to be boring or frustrating! Let your kids discover for themselves how amazing it is that citizens get a voice in our future. If they are excited about it now, then they just might be more likely to really think about their responsibility and privilege when they turn 18, and therefore get out and VOTE as an informed citizen! -- Disclaimer: I was given a review code to try out Basher Presidents. Otherwise, all other mentions are uncompensated. I will receive no commission should my readers visit these websites or purchase these apps. Just VOTE!]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/election_education.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/11/election_education.html Adults Kids Preteens Teens apps education election government kids vote Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:08:36 -0800 Free Halloween Decorations free Halloween printables from HP Creative Studio. My front porch is now happily decorated with a Happy Halloween banner and a variety of Halloween scenes from HP Creative Studio's card section, such as this black cat on an adorable polka-dot background: Happy_Halloween_Banner.JPG If I had some sticky printer paper on hand, I bet my kids would love to produce some Halloween stickers too.]]> http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/10/free_easy_halloween_decorations.html http://www.karianna.us/reviews/2012/10/free_easy_halloween_decorations.html free printables halloween decorations halloween printables holiday printables hp creative studio snapfish Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:18:11 -0800