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Wonderbly Books For Birthday Gifts
My little nieces had their birthdays this month and I sent them the Wonderbly Multiverse personalized book! Since they live in Canada, shipping a book is a great option for a gift. Wonderbly is based in the UK and was named “children’s publisher of the year in 2021
They loved the book and share the adventures on how they can ‘save the day’. Each page is filled with look and find activities to ignite their imagination. There are so many fun books available on their website for kids of all ages. Get 20% off when you buy 2 or more books. Code: BOOKS20
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StarLux Games: Cobra Strike and Kick the Can
Cobra Strike is a fun and interactive game that is like tag elevated! The game uses clips and magnets that stick on the players clothes. The point of the game is the strike the ‘star’ off of each player while chasing them. The kids had a great time playing this at Container Park and ran around quickly and laughed!
Kick the Can is a glowing version of the traditional game. The kids loved the story of the alien that came down and made the can luminescent. A very creative way to make an indoor game safe for furniture, pets and kids alike.
Starlux games creates fun and interactive screen-free games for kids of all ages.
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Big Bounce America is Back!
The Big Bounce America, The Guinness-Certified ‘World’s Largest Bounce House’ is Set to Inflate Cities Across North America in 2023 The Big Bounce America, home of the only Guinness-certified world record holder of The World’s Largest Bounce House, announced its 2023 North America tour visiting cities coast to coast. Produced by XL Event Lab, The Big Bounce America is the biggest touring inflatable event in the world and features four massive inflatable attractions. The quartet of inflatables includes the even bigger 16,000 sq. foot World’s Largest Bounce House; Sport Slam, the most recent addition to the tour featuring a customized sports arena; an incredible 900+ ft. long obstacle course named The Giant; and a unique, space-themed wonderland called airSPACE. The Big Bounce America continues to turn up the wowfactor and push family-friendly entertainment to new heights! For the most up-to-date tour schedule, visit: https://thebigbounceamerica.com/tickets/ The World’s Largest Bounce House Standing 32 ft. tall at its highest point and covering an area of over 16,000 square feet, this inflatable goliath has been certified by Guinness as The World’s Largest Bounce House. Inside you’ll find giant slides, ball pits, climbing towers and basketball hoops alongside fun, friendly, over-sized characters of various colors, shapes and sizes for those all-important Instagram moments. At the center of this dreamland is a custom-built stage where the resident DJ really turns up the party, hosting games, competitions and playing music tailored to each age group. Everyone is invited to enjoy the experience as sessions are organized by age, ranging from tiny tots to adult-only sessions. This is the place to really kick those sneakers off and PARTY ON! Sport Slam Sport Slam is an amazing addition to The Big Bounce America experience. It brings a whole new dimension to an already action-packed day out, with a customized sports arena filled with goals, nets, hoops and balls of every size and type you could imagine! There are also special zones for climbing and a ‘battle zone’ where you can compete against your family and friends in a competition to see who can stay on their podium the longest. The Giant Calling all aspiring Ninja Warriors! At over 900 ft. in length, The Giant is one of the most fun and energetic experiences you’ll ever have. There are 50 different obstacles to overcome as you make your way from the start line to our grand finale monster slide. Whether you’re looking for some fun competition between family and friends, or you just want to bounce around the weird and colorful inflatable landscape at your own pace, The Giant is not to be missed! airSPACE airSPACE is a truly unique space-themed wonderland filled with friendly aliens, spaceships, moon craters and so much more! Not only does it have a gigantic 5-lane slide, but also a huge 25 ft. inflatable alien at the center of the action and three ball pits. For a totally immersive experience that’s out of this world, look no further than airSPACE! Sophia Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of The Big Bounce America, shared how important the event is for the times: “We need more fun in the world! After the times we’ve just gone through, we invite you to kick those shoes off and let loose for a while. We have the perfect event to allow kids and adults alike to get out of the house and enjoy an outdoor event like they’ve never experienced. Complementing the biggest bounce house in the world, Sport Slam, The Giant, and airSPACE make The Big Bounce America an event not to miss… this is going to be one immersive bouncing festival for all ages!” All-Access Tickets are available online and jam packed with value. These tickets include a three-hour pass to the event, with a timed session on The World’s Largest Bounce House, as well as unlimited access to Sport Slam, The Giant and airSPACE!
Tickets start at just $22. Events are expected to sell out; advanced tickets are encouraged. Catch The Big Bounce America tour through social media by following on: • Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebigbounceamerica/ • Instagram: @thebigbounceamerica • Twitter: @thebigbounceusa
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Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients
Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients
by Mikki Hernandez (Author), Victoria Lewis (Illustrator)
Paw Prints; July 4, 2023; Ages 5-8; 32 pages
Hardcover; $18.99; 978-1223186429; 8 3/5 x 11 1/3
Paperback: $9.99; 978-1223186436; 8 1/2 x 11A young mixed-race girl named Remy, encounters that intrusive question, “What are you?” during her first day at a new school, which sends her on a journey towards self-acceptance. Feeling confused about where she belongs, Remy learns about ethnicity and what it means to be mixed by doing her favorite activity with her mother: baking. When she then returns to school, Remy shares the importance of celebrating different backgrounds, as you would the ingredients that make up a delicious cake, with her classmates.
About the Author: Mikki Hernandez is an actress, voiceover artist, and writer. She attended UCLA earning a degree in Communications and works in entertainment. She is of mixed-race heritage and enjoys discussing culture and new perspectives on her blog MixedKids&Co. Her debut children’s book, Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients, is now available. In her free time, she can be found dancing, taking long walks in the sun, or planning her next int
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Hello, Sweet Baby: An Adoption Journey
Hello, Sweet Baby: An Adoption Journey
by Janeen Jackson (Author), Brittanie Gaja (Illustrator)
Paw Prints; August 22, 2023; Ages 4-7; 40 pages
Hardcover; $18.99; 978-1223186535; 11 x 8 1/2
Paperback; $8.99; 978-1223186542; 10 3/4 x 8 1.2Young and in love, Momma Red and Poppa Yellow Tomato decide to have a baby tomato. However, Momma and Poppa quickly learn that they cannot properly care for their sweet seedling the way they want and make the difficult decision to release her to another loving tomato family in Hopewell Garden, using the assistance of a helpful ladybug adoption agent. Hello, Sweet Baby is a heartfelt, magical story by a bright new talent about adoption, making tough choices, honoring differences, and celebrating different types of families.
About the Author: At age 46, Janeen Jackson received unexpected news through DNA technology: she was adopted and biracial. She found inspiration for this book in a small tomato garden at her son Phoenix’s elementary school. Writing this story was Janeen’s way of explaining her adoption, her mixed race background, the family that released her, and the family that adopted her and loved her as their own. Janeen was a longtime resident of Santa Monica, CA, and in 2022 moved to Evanston, IL, with her husband, Ron Clark, and their two sons, Tyson and Phoenix. She received her B.A. from the HBCU Norfolk State University and completed her master’s in Education Leadership and Change in 2020 from Antioch University. Hello, Sweet Baby is Janeen’s first children’s book. Janeen is represented by Jesse B. Creative and you can find her online at janeenjackson.com and read her blog mixedupdiary.com.
About Jesse B. Creative
Jesse B. Creative specializes in developing diverse children’s books on behalf of traditional publishers. They prioritize creating better access to and growth within the world of children’s books for artists from marginalized communities. Through its literary agency arm, Jesse B. Creative represents authors and illustrators of children’s books, prioritizing diverse creators. As a book packager, Jesse B. Creative develops children’s books for major publishers and delivers the books ready for print. And finally, through its Each Story Matters non-profit, the company has hosted more than 20 publishing workshops in the last two years while transforming kids into published authors. By Fall 2024, more than 300 kids will have become published authors. This program was created to give kids insight into the science and artistry of how stories come together; give them exposure to guest instructors from places like PIXAR, Marvel, and more; provide them with the pride of being published authors; and hopefully, reduce fear of and improve their relationship with literacy. Learn more about Jesse B. Creative at jessebcreative.com, and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. -
Karina Brez Launches the Cowgirl LUV Collection
Western charm meets everyday luxury in Karina Brez’s new signature collection, Cowgirl LUV, which echoes the vibrant landscapes of the USA.
New York, NY. September 26, 2023. A tribute to the untamed spirit of the American West, renowned equestrian jewelry designer Karina Brez unveils her latest signature collection, Cowgirl LUV, an ode to the inspiring mountains and cities that grace the landscape of the USA. The collection pays homage to the rugged beauty of the American West, featuring stackable rings that artfully symbolize various mountain ranges, and a thoughtful double entendre, with each mountain range doubling as a cowgirl name, embodying the spirit of adventure and independence.
Honoring the majestic Sierra Nevada, the towering Denali, and the legendary Mount Whitney, Karina Brez has crafted six distinct stackable ring styles that encapsulate the essence of these monumental peaks. The Sierra Nevada, often referred to as the “Range of Light,” stretches majestically across California and Nevada, offering a panorama of breathtaking peaks and valleys. Its snow-capped summits and ancient forests have provided an enduring muse for artists and adventurers alike. Within the Cowgirl LUV Collection, the essence of the Sierra Nevada is captured in delicate yet powerful Sierra stackable rings, each echoing the natural contours and sublime beauty of this celebrated mountain range. Denali, standing tall as North America’s highest peak, commands a profound presence in the Alaskan wilderness. Its icy, towering façade looms over a landscape of untamed wilderness, a testament to nature’s raw power and resilience. In Cowgirl LUV, Denali’s spirit is channeled through its namesake designs that reflect its stoic grandeur, allowing wearers to carry a piece of this majestic peak with them, wherever they may roam. Mount Whitney, a sentinel of strength and endurance in the Sierra Nevada, holds the distinction of being the highest summit in the contiguous United States. Its towering prominence and commanding views serve as a testament to nature’s capacity to inspire and humble. Through Cowgirl LUV, the essence of Mount Whitney is captured in Whitney stackable rings that echo its towering majesty, inviting wearers to embark on their own personal ascents, both in style and spirit. Together, the Sierra Nevada, Denali, and Mount Whitney represent more than just geological formations; they are living testaments to the indomitable spirit of the American West. Karina Brez has masterfully translated this spirit into jewelry that embodies the resilience, strength, and untamed beauty of these iconic mountain ranges. Within Cowgirl LUV, nature’s wonders continue to inspire and captivate the hearts of all who venture forth. Each ring captures the spirit and grandeur of its namesake, offering wearers a tangible connection to these natural wonders.
“A cowgirl is a strong, resilient and confident woman, and it was important for me to create a collection that embodied the untamed beauty of America through the spirit of the American Cowgirl,” says Karina Brez.
Combining elegance with a nod to the Wild West, Karina Brez’s artistic vision extends beyond the mountains, celebrating beloved American Western cities and states with five captivating hoop earring styles: Montana, Aspen, Dakota, Sedona, and Dallas. Known as “Big Sky Country,” Montana boasts vast open spaces, rugged terrain, and an undeniable sense of freedom. The Montana Diamond and Turquoise earrings in the Cowgirl LUV collection evoke the grandeur of this state with their open, airy design reminiscent of the endless horizons. Renowned for its elegant ski resorts and alpine charm, Aspen, Colorado, is a place where sophistication meets the untamed wilderness. The Aspen Diamond and Turquoise earrings in the collection embody this unique blend of refinement and nature with their intricate, slope-like design. The Dakotas are known for their wide-open plains, prairies, and the enchanting Badlands. The Dakota Diamond and Turquoise earrings in Cowgirl LUV embrace the simplicity and rugged elegance of this region, with a design reminiscent of the rolling hills, reflecting the untamed beauty that defines the Dakotas. Arizona’s Sedona is celebrated for its striking red rock formations and spiritual energy, alongside its nod to luxury with its world-famous spas. The Sedona Diamond and Turquoise earrings are a tribute to the unique energy, natural beauty, and opulence of Sedona. The heart of Texas, Dallas, embodies the vibrant spirit of the Lone Star State with its blend of modernity and Western tradition. The Dallas Diamond and Turquoise earrings in the Cowgirl LUV collection capture the city’s cosmopolitan flair with their contemporary, urban design. “Turquoise is often used in Western-style jewelry and accessories, making it a staple in cowgirl fashion. Its bright blue hue adds a pop of color to outfits, complementing other Western elements like leather and silver. It is a symbol of tradition, and a nod to the enduring legacy of Western fashion,” says Karina Brez. The jewels embody the essence of places cowgirls roam and ride, allowing wearers to carry a piece of their adventurous spirit wherever they go.
“At its core, the cowgirl spirit is about a fierce determination to conquer challenges, a love for wide-open spaces, and a commitment to taking care of one’s horses and cattle. It is an attitude of self-reliance and grit, with a deep connection to the land and horses,” says Karina Brez. “It has a nice place alongside my signature collections and gives me the opportunity to incorporate the essence of the equestrian and Western spirit while being more mainstream with contemporary lines.”
Karina Brez’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every piece of the Cowgirl LUV collection. The jewelry showcases exquisite turquoise, which provides a vibrant, authentic touch to each creation. Complemented by delicate pink sapphires and dazzling diamonds, the jewels exude luxury, allowing every cowgirl to experience opulence in their everyday life.
Mix and match from the Cowgirl LUV collection to effortlessly embrace timeless cowgirl style. Whether worn alone or stacked together, these pieces offer a versatile and elegant addition to any wardrobe. From a day at the ranch to an evening out on the town, Karina Brez’s latest collection brings a touch of the American West to every moment.
The Cowgirl LUV collection by Karina Brez invites one to embark on a journey through captivating landscapes, spirited names, and places that define the heart of America. “Cowgirl LUV is a symbol of tradition and a nod to the enduring legacy of Western fashion. The cowgirl spirit embodies independence, resilience, and a deep connection to the American West. It is reflected in both fashion and lifestyle choices, including the use of gems like turquoise, which symbolizes the enduring beauty and spirituality of the Western way of life,” says Karina Brez. Embrace the cowgirl spirit with these exquisite pieces, designed to inspire, empower, and captivate.
For more information about the Cowgirl LUV collection and to explore the full range of Karina Brez’s equestrian designs, visit karinabrez.com. The Karina Brez Cowgirl LUV signature collection is available online and will be shown in person at The Jeweled Barn, a mobile luxury retail experience, from September 28th-October 8th at the Capitol Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD, the Washington International Horse Show in Annapolis, MD from October 23rd-29th, and Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas, NV from December 7th-17th. On Instagram, follow Karina Brez @karinabrezjewelry and The Jeweled Barn @thejeweledbarn.
About Karina Brez
A first-generation Ukranian-American, Karina Brez earned the title of Miss Florida USA in 2012, and was inspired to design a jewelry collection after fellow contestants were impressed by the design she created for her own pageant dress. A horse enthusiast with a passion for gemstones, Brez completed the GIA Graduate Gemologist program, is an appraiser, and advocates for non-profits introducing children to the healing power of horses. Her signature fine jewelry collections are Huggable Hooves®™, Horse LUV®™, Bit of LUV®™, Lucky Horseshoe, Horsea®, The Garden Collection, and Cowgirl LUV™. In 2020, Karina Brez was voted one of the top three Equestrian jewelers by Equestrian Living Magazine. She opened a retail flagship in Palm Beach, Florida in 2021, and is available in retailers throughout the USA.
