PSL has created the The iMainGo X speaker, an ultra-portable speaker system and protective case for your iPhone, iPod Touch or mp3 player. With knock-out sound, the iMainGo® X boasts a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, two headphone jacks and a daisy-chain feature. The sound quality is excellent and the volume is great for such a small unit. And best of all? It easily fits into your coat pocket for on the go listening.

Now the extremely generous people at PSL are giving away not one but two iMainGo X’s to our readership for VALENTINE’s DAY! All you need to do to enter is to “like” @PortableSoundLabs on Facebook and leave a comment Below as to how this device will help you!

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Gym bag checklist: Sneakers- √ Towel- √ Water bottle- √ Ipod- √ Deodorant – double √ Flip Flops – Got my Okabashis!

Whether you are using them for a post workout shower or for a last minute hot yoga class, the Okabashi is the perfect, lightweight addition to your gym packing list.  With so many hidden germs at the gym, protect your feet with these unbeatable shoes that retail for less than $20. I use them as slippers around the house, for driving, gardening, at the beach and more. You will fall in love with these shoes.

Okabashi features:

• 100% recyclable and contains 30% recycled material (Good for the Planet!)

• Supportive with a massaging insole that helps relieve foot and back pain. (Good foot relief post workout!)

• Guaranteed for 2 years (Good for your pocket book!)

• Made in the USA -Buford, GA to be exact! (Good for the U.S.A.!)

• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable (Good for clean shoes!)

• Antimicrobial agents and odor resistant (Good to prevent bacteria!)

• Anti-slip (Good for locker room showers!)

• Completely water-proof (Good for longevity!)

• The ONLY shoe endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (Good to be Good!)

Thanks to the very generous folks at Okabashi, one of our Hollywood Mom Blog readers will be winning a pair of these fitness-forward flip flops! Just leave your name in the the comment section below with some of your fitness resolutions for 2012!

For more information, visit their website at www.okabashi.com Follow Okabashi on Twitter!

Good news: Okabashi’s latest line of footwear is dishwasher-safe, which at high temperature kills all bacteria & germs. The Okabashi sandal won't shrink or lose its vibrant color no matter how often it is placed in a dishwasher. In addition, this vegan friendly line is 100% recyclable and is made in the U.S.A. thereby minimizing its carbon footprint.

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• Because there’s nothing cooler for Christmas than a flame tee in chili red!
• Tees are soft & comfy without sacrificing style
• 100% cotton for easy wash and wear

Bummas - Why do we love these colorful cloth wipes?

Baby Gourmet - The perfect choice for baby’s first Holiday dinner. Why?

• Baby Gourmet is made from much-loved family recipes & each batch is tasted to ensure perfection!
• Baby Gourmet is made with only the best, freshest, organic, kosher ingredients from around the world.
• The company has an unwavering commitment to quality.
• Slim pouch containers takes the hassle out of eating on the go and packaging is BPA free!
• As a Mom founded and owned company, every aspect of Baby Gourmet is overseen with the passionate and watchful eye of a mother.

Abela Designs - Baby’s First Christmas calls for baby’s first jewelry! Here’s why we’ve been charmed by these keepsake bracelets:

Not only blocks rock this year – Crayons rock too!  We love these rainbow-colored pebbles (Under $9 per set) and your kids will too.

• Pebble-like shape allows children to color in large, wide strokes while strengthening their tripod grip (which prepares little fingers for handwriting).
• Crayons are made from soy wax and colored with natural minerals, so they’re completely non-toxic.
• Made in USA!
• 16-Piece Set includes 16 different colors.

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UPDATE: Congratulations to winner Giselle of Sherman Oaks, CA!

I’ve often wondered if my children share their shoe-obsession with other kids their age.. Or are they just innately fashion-forward, trendy and mildly obsessed with foot coverings? My daughter has not left a shoe store empty-handed.. Well, ever. Since the tender age of 1, she has thrown cataclysmic fits if I try to deny her god-given right to shiny new shoes. I always chalked it up to the fact that A. she is a girl and B. she sees mommy wearing different, seemingly fun shoes every day. Albeit mommy’s “fun” shoes now consist of black flats vs. khaki flip-flops, a far cry from the stilettos I once knew.. Sigh.. So when my 18 month old son absolutely freaked out in Marshall’s when I said he could not have a new pair of Converse, I was a bit surprised – for exactly 5 seconds. I immediately conceded and accepted the fact that this would be a lifelong battle I would face as mother to a pair of shoe-hogs.

Imagine their surprise when they opened the mystery package that had arrived at our door and it was.. wait for it… Shoes! We took a good hard look at the beautiful, red, comfy, Corrado slip-ons from Native and they immediately began to fight over them. Luckily, my daughter gave up fairly quickly when she realized they were too small for her and Cash happily stomped away with his new acquisition.

Native shoes are completely animal bi-product free and are made from foam-injection molded EVA, a lightweight, washable, waterproof, and odor-resistant material that molds to your feet. What more could a mom ask for? An eco-friendly company, Native prides itself in manufacturing their products through a low-energy emissions process which produces zero waste.

They have just launched their Fall/Winter 2011 Kids Collection which includes a bevy of fun new color choices like Scuba Green, Jellybean Purple, and Crayon Yellow in addition to the good ol’ standbys: Jiffy Black, Shell White, Regatta Blue, Torch Red, and Hollywood Pink.

Cash loves his Corrados in Torch Red! And Hollywood kidlets like Nahla Aubry, Mason Disick, Vida McConaughey, and Stella McDermott have all been spotted wearing Native shoes all over tinsel town! Leave a comment below telling Hollywood Mom Blog why your little star deserves some new kicks and win a pair for your own Hollywood kid today! Winner announced August 28, 2011.

By HMB Writer/Reviewer Michele Dahl, mom of pint-sized models Shelby and Cash Dahl. You can follow her on Twitter too at @Elle_Renee

And for those of you in the Los Angeles area, tomorrow Native is throwing a block party! See the flyer below.

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Street Surfing

Details of the Whiplash Pink include:

• Rear Caster Wheel
• Riders can kick like a scooter or carve and drift like a Waveboard.
• Unique Torsion Flex Technology
• Riders can self-propel without ever touching the ground.
• Lightweight Design for all Ages
• Kids will love carving on the Whiplash.
• The Perfect Travel Companion
• Folding handlebar makes for easy storage and travel.

The cool scooter’s white, hot pink and black color combination attracts girls of all ages looking for active, outdoor fun. Easy to learn, riders can get as extreme as their ability allows and develop new tricks through the motion of bent knees, the swivel of hips and the shifting of their weight. Whiplash Pink retails for $69.99 at Kmart and Amazon.com.

Now Street Surfing and Hollywood Mom Blog are giving away a free Whiplash Pink scooter to one of our lucky readers!  Simply leave a comment about why the little girl in your life would love to own this scooter in the “Reply to” section below! The winner will be announced August 5, 2011!

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SaverTime, which provides savings of up to 90%, is also more locally focused than the other daily deal sites, so you don’t have to drive 30 miles out of your way to get a deal!

And now for all our Hollywood Moms, SaverTime is giving a $5 credit to help score any deal your heart desires. Also, make sure to invite your friends, so you can benefit from the breakthrough “5-3-2 Rewards Program” that gives you credits each time your referrals — and their referrals — make a purchase.

Join now to take advantage of everything SaverTime.com has to offer, and check them out onFacebook, Twitter and YouTube for all the latest news, contests, and updates.

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Review by HMB Book Reviewer Christine Norfleet

“What happens when we die? Where do we go? What do we do?” These questions and more are answered by Maureen Hancock in her new book The Medium Next Door.  As I finished the last page of this book, the feelings that resonated within me were of inspiration and hope; and the last sentence of this profound read is, “If something resonates in your heart from this story, please share it with family and friends.”  So, I am here to share.

Many of us struggle with the life after death question, especially if confronted with a tragic loss of a loved one, and through books like The Medium Next Door, seek to answer this question. But how does a rational mind know if something or someone is credible enough to believe?  My rational mind looks to the person and the life they have created. Maureen is undeniably a remarkable woman. She is the cofounder of two non-profit organizations, Seeds of Hope and Mission for the Missing. All the work she performs through these organizations is pro-bono. Hancock is a certified energy healer as well as a Medium. She has performed as a stand-up comic and has become known as the “Comedian Medium.”  She is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend and details her experiences in these roles. Maureen’s life is filled with love and loved ones in this world and the next. You come to learn that she has not escaped life threatening illness, an earth shattering diagnosis of sterility, or the horrifying pain of losing a close loved one; and it is in this journey that the reader realizes that having a gift of spirit communication does not spare one the travails of life. It’s in this journey that Maureen shows the reader the meaning of grace. How can you not be touched by grace when you are present with the mother that held her dying infant daughter and nursed her so that her daughter would “…have a part of me with her…when she goes to heaven.”

The undeniable facts are we were born and we will die…the rest of life is made up of choices and how we respond or react to fated occurrences that determine our destiny. Maureen does something unique in her autobiography and shares techniques at the end of each chapter to help the reader make the best choices through building their intuition; reconnecting with their own spirit; building a stronger emotional base; and incenting us to identify ways to celebrate our lives and live with joy. The Medium Next Door is chock full of the people Maureen has helped in her mediumship. Their stories are emotionally moving such as the parents who lost a teenage daughter and then several years later their teenage son; a mother who lost her son to a serial killer; parents who lost their son in a Boston nightclub fire; and a mother, dying of cancer, leaving behind two teenage daughters; these are just a few of the heartbreaking, touching stories contained within her book. But rather than being depressing, these stories are full of hope. Maureen shows the connections to these spirits and the messages they have for us all.

By reading this book you will open a portal. A portal to a different perspective on life and death and maybe, if the reader is so inclined, and you follow Maureen’s suggestions at the end of each chapter, a transformation will occur…a transformation to a life that is once again full of hope and joy because truly life does not end, it just transforms from one state to the next.

About Maureen Hancock:

In her new book “The Medium Next Door,” Maureen Hancock details the adventures of a real life ghost whisperer. “It’s basically part memoir about my life as a medium, yet I’m just like your next door neighbor…only I hear and see dead people,”Hancock explains. “I write about my work with the sick and dying, helping people pass, assisting detectives to help find missing children and adults, and some profound readings that have changed families’ lives.”  Ian Sander and Kim Moses (producers of The Ghost Whisperer) have been signed by Disney ABC to be the executive producers of the reality show based on Maureen’s life.

Spirit medium Maureen Hancock discovered her psychic abilities to communicate with the dead when she was only 5 years old, but she kept the otherworldly messages to herself eventually suppressing them almost completely. Maureen wouldn’t open herself up to the spirits again until she was in a near fatal car crash. Soon after, she had hundreds of voices trying to speak with her, many of them helping her crack cases and expose fraud in her role as a litigation paralegal at Logan Airport. Accepting her gift but still keeping it mostly under wraps, she married and had two children.

It was not until tragedy struck on September 11 that Maureen was so bombarded with messages from the spirits that she realized she had to put her ability to its best use. Maureen left her job at Logan Airport and opened the holistic healing center Pathways to Healing and launched the cancer foundation Manifest a Miracle.

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Umm… awesome new kicks for my little dude, Cash? Yes, please!  And just in time to update his pictures with his agency.

Now that Cash is walking, I need some “action shots” for his agency comp card and See Kai Run shoes possess the perfect blend of style, bright colors and functionality required for the shoot.  See Kai Run features a number of adorable styles for infants to toddlers and beyond, ages 6 months to 3 years. Their line called Smaller features soft-soled booties with non-slip rubber pads for babies 0-24 months. But since Cash is getting increasingly busier and better at walking, we chose shoe style Dan from the Spring/Summer Collection 2011 with some cute matching socks in Chevron Deluxe.

Cash trying out his new Dan Shoes from See Kai Run

Made of butter-soft leather, these shoes are simply amazing.  They have a breathable leather liner with adjustable hook and loop closures! I would have been sold on their adorable urban styles alone but what really sealed the deal is their flexible rubber soles.  The See Kai Run line features an actual sole, geared towards the older baby.  Not only are they healthy for developing feet but they are tough enough for outdoor play.  See Kai Run and Smaller both promote healthy development of babies’ and children’s feet and meet the American Podiatric Medical Association‘s rigorous standards for foot health and functionality.  They’ve even been awarded the APMA’s prestigious Seal of Acceptance.  In the past, I’ve purchased shoes for my children that were so stiff; I’d end up barely using them and ultimately wasting my money. But I feel completely comfortable putting Cash in See Kai Run. I know that they are helping him learn how to master the art of walking – and look pretty darn cute while doing so.

All Smaller and See Kai Run products are truly made with the child in mind.  And thanks to this generous family-owned and operated business, you too can be the proud owner of a pair of See Kai Run shoes for your little monster!  Just leave a comment below about your favorite style shoe for your own chance to win! Winner to be announced Valentines Day!

HMB Writer/Reviewer Michele Dahl is mom of pint-sized models Shelby and Cash Dahl. You can follow her on Twitter too at @Elle_Renee

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These fabulous seamless training socks let children put on their socks with ease. Their double reinforced loops act as grips for tiny fingers, allowing your tot to pull up their socks solo. My 3 year old daughter, Shelby, thrives on being able to complete daily tasks independently – and I’m sure your child does, too. She was thrilled to be able to put her socks on herself, without mommy’s help. I love the sticky grip non-skid bottoms and Shelby loves the adorable animal face designs! Choose from solid colors or a fun face like ‘Jazz the Dog,’ ‘Fred the Frog,’ ‘Priscilla the Pig’ and more!  Eliminate the daily frustrations of getting your child dressed and give them the opportunity to learn how to dress themselves with EZ SOX today!

Whether you are running around the house trying to get your kids ready for school, a play date or their next big audition, EZ SOX will help make your life a bit easier. Don’t forget to leave a comment below for a chance to win a pair of EZ SOX for your little star:  tell us how EZ SOX would help your morning routine, or share a funny story about what it takes to get your kids ready and out the door.  Winner will be announced December 26, 2010. Good Luck!

HMB Writer/Reviewer Michele Dahl is mom of pint-sized models Shelby and Cash Dahl. You can follow her on Twitter too at @Elle_Renee

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Every Hollywood Mom has that one tough cookie to shop for on her list… make your job a bit easier and head over to Mitetees today! As a special offer to HMB readers, Mitetees is offering 20% off at checkout with code “hollywood” through December 20, 2010. And don’t forget to leave a comment in the reply section below for a chance to win a Mitetee of your own! Just tell us which shirt you would choose, for whom and why. Winner will be announced December 18. Good luck and happy holidays!

HMB Writer/Reviewer Michele Dahl is mom of pint-sized models Shelby and Cash Dahl.

You can follow her on Twitter too at @Elle_Renee

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Shelby immediately fell in love with her pink Hello Kitty Cutie rain boots.  She has an innate penchant for pink, as I assume most girls her age do, and she just adores the Hello Kitty character’s face and polka dots.  We both knew that the boots were cute, which she reminded me of as she wore them throughout the house every waking (and sometimes sleeping) moment from the day of their arrival, but the true test was still to come.  So we waited… for the rain.  Luckily we didn’t have to wait very long as this winter is proving to have its fair share of drizzle-filled weather.

At the very first signs of precipitation, Shelby stomped out into the wilderness..err, the streets of the San Fernando Valley.  And boy, were we impressed!  The full-net lining really helped to keep her little feet dry and the non-slip sole kept her from falling on her tiny tush as she tried to run full speed down the sidewalk in an inch of water!  Made from 100% waterproof, natural rubber and reinforced with a steel shank to boot (hehe), we learned first hand that these gorgeous galoshes are made to last.

Now when we go to auditions this winter, I won’t have to worry about my daughter ruining her “nice” shoes before we even get to the casting office door.  She can wear her new Western Chief  rain boots for the road and slip on her shoes when we arrive – clean and dry.  Perfect.  This winter may be a messy one, but this Thanksgiving, I am thankful that we will have our Western Chief boots to help us splash our way through it.

And now Hollywood Mom Blog readers have something to be thankful for too!  If you order a pair of adults or kids boots from www.westernchief.com on Black Friday, November 26th, you will receive a free pair of adults or kids 100% fleece boot liners!  At a regular price of $15, this is a steal!  Just add the liner to your order and add the code TURKEY in the notes of the order.  The liners will initially show as being charged but will zero out once the coupon code is entered.  What a great stocking stuffer!

And there’s more!  One lucky reader will win a pair of Western Chief Rain Boots of their own!  Simply tell us (in the comment section below) what you or your child loves about the rain, be it wearing rain boots (like Shelby), twirling an umbrella, stomping in puddles, catching raindrops on your tongue – whatever!  The winner of the Western Chief Rain Boots will be announced on December 6th!

HMB Writer/Reviewer Michele Dahl is mom of pint-sized models Shelby and Cash Dahl.

You can follow her on Twitter @Elle_Renee

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All WTSB towels are sure to motivate while lightening both your spirit and your waistline!  Each workout towel measures 16×24, is appliquéd with an original mantra and conveniently packaged in a cute little organza bag – just right for stocking stuffers and holiday gifts.  Looking for more ideas? Then be sure to check out their equally hip snack bags, key chains and zipper pulls!

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Between crowded auditions, preschool and the playground, it is virtually impossible to steer my wee ones clear of germs.  Safe for use on children ages 2 and up, Nozin Nasal Sanitizer combines the antiseptic powers of ethyl alcohol with nourishing, antioxidant rich moisturizers to create a powerful defense against germs that can be used year-round.  As an added bonus, it comes in a carry-on approved 8 ml bottle.  If only I had known about this on my multiple cross-country trips these past few months, maybe I could have avoided getting sick in the first place!

Each bottle contains 60 applications and 30 swabs for a reasonable $12.99.  It is currently available online at www.nozin.com and www.drugstore.com and at select pharmacies and retail outlets throughout the U.S.

HMB Writer/Reviewer Michele Dahl is mom of pint-sized models Shelby and Cash Dahl. You can follow her on Twitter @Elle_Renee

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Takeya glass water bottles are a fun, portable, and stylish option for hydrating both you and your kids while on the go. Their airtight, leakproof twist cap gives me peace of mind after I haphazardly toss it in my bag upside-down. Instead of packing the ever-leaking sippy cups, I just bring our Takeya bottle and an empty sippy cup on the side – allowing for my daughter and I to both have a cold drink without the spills! I loved how pure and fresh the water tasted. These BPA free glass bottles completely eliminated the strange taste that often comes from using plastic or metal bottles. And when the audition was over and we returned home, I simply stuck the whole thing in the dishwasher – silicone jacket and all. Talk about Hollywood Mom-Friendly!  Takeya glass water bottle will definitely be a regular addition to our audition bag from now on.  I may have to convince 2 year old to remove such extraneous items as her princess dress and box of 96 crayons from the bag in order to make room – but it’s a risk I am willing to take!

Now one lucky Hollywood Mom Blog reader can add a Takeya Glass Water Bottle to her audition bag too. To enter to win, just tell us below in the comment/response section, what your most important audition bag items are and how a Takeya Glass Water Bottle could help you fight those audition blues! The Winner will be announced on Sunday, November 7, 2010.

Check out the entire range of stylish and eco-friendly products at www.takeyausa.com

About Takeya USA

Takeya USA is committed to bringing Takeya’s manufacturing expertise to the North American market by enriching people’s lives using modern design, a rich palette of colors, food-safe materials, unique functionality and high quality craftsmanship. We provide real solutions that save the consumer money, are eco-friendly and promote a healthy lifestyle. Throughout the entire product line, you will find Japanese-inspired designs and innovative features, such as our twist top airtight pouring lids and our crystal clear BPA Free Acraglass™. The 16 oz. Glass Water Bottles are priced at a reasonable $19.99 and come in a choice of traditional milk bottle or modern design.

HMB Writer/Reviewer Michele Dahl is mom of pint-sized models Shelby and Cash Dahl. You can follow her on Twitter @Elle_Renee

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Actress Larsen Thompson, photographed by Lesley Bryce

Actress Jordan Bobbitt, photographed by Lesley Bryce

As a child, Leslie felt the pull of art and the creative process.  “I believe I knew at about 7 years old I would [eventually] become an artist of some sort.  I was always a ham in front of the camera, and I can remember  incessantly bugging my Dad to let me play with his 35mm Pentex,” she states.  During her senior year of high school, Bryce enrolled in a college course in photography and immediately fell head over heels.  Her love affair with photography led her to California State University at Northridge, CSUN,  where she received a degree in Studio Arts/Fine Art Photography.  Bryce names her influences as Richard Avedon, Annie Leibowitz, Lewis Hine, Edward Weston, Man Ray and Walker Evans. “I find I am still continually inspired by color, geometric shapes, architecture and personality,” Bryce adds.

What’s your philosophy of photography? In other words, what makes a Lesley Bryce photo a Lesley Bryce photo?

I would have to say it is telling a story through an image, revealing the emotion of the subject…this is what photography is all about.  Capturing that moment in time, seeing something  no one else can, and then sharing  it with the world in a photograph.  A ” Lesley Bryce Photograph” is colorful, out-side-of-the-box Art.

You do all types of photography: Baby, Kids, Portraits, Commercial, Weddings, Publicity shots, Fashion. Which do you consider your forte?

Location is key to a good photograph.

Capturing human emotion is my forte…capturing people for who they really are, whether it be a wedding, a portrait or fashion.  The ability to shoot  a variety of styles  in photography keeps me alive and creative  and helps me crossover elements from one type of photography to the other. It keeps the process lucid, alive and original.  I much prefer natural lighting as it gives more room to let the subject be free and fluid.  Location is also an important factor when story-boarding my sessions with my clients.

How much, if any, retouching do you do to your photos?

Much of my work is done in camera…I have a few secret ingredients that I use in post production!

Disney Actress, Allyson Arm, of "Sonny With A Chance"

Reviewing your portfolio, it appears you’ve done a lot of work with young, up & coming  talent in Los Angeles. Who are some of the child and teen actors and actresses you’ve shot? How did that begin and do you see yourself moving in that direction?

Yes, I have[worked] with upcoming talent in LA…It really came about when I started working with my good friend Antoinette Bartsch-Newhouse, owner/designer of Three Peas Co. who had hired me to take lifestyle photographs of her clothing line.  From there I was introduced  to T2PR, a public relations firm and [together] these two companies have been of great help and assistance to me.  I am truly grateful for their tremendous belief in me and my work.

Young talent I have photographed would include  Allyson Ashley Arm (Sonny with a Chance), Chelsea Makela (Dance Flick, 2009),  Amy Paffrath (I Kissed a Vampire, 2010), young musicians Destinee and Paris Monroe ( Despicable Me, 2010) and Keana Texiera (of the teen duo G-Girlz).  I’ve had terrific feedback and agents are really loving the images I’ve [captured].  I enjoy the limitless creative capacity of this type of photography and look forward to continuing on this road with a number of new projects lined up.

What 5 tips would you give to parents of child actors who are about to have professional photos taken?

1. If the child has an agent, discuss with the agent before consulting with the photographer so  you can give a clear description of what you are looking to have captured on film to suit your needs.

2.  Parents should not put too much pressure on their child before and during the shoot.  You have hired a professional to capture your child’s image, and have selected them to accomplish this for you based on their expertise, so please, let the photographer have the room to do so…I sometimes ask the parent(s) to go grab a cup of coffee so  the child and I can relate to one another without the pressure of trying to please their parents…and which almost always results  in their natural personality shining through in the image.

3. If you have no idea about what to wear, or the image you hope to portray, please consult with the photographer for tips on clothing, hair, and make-up.

4. Your child’s head shots are their calling cards, and can make or break whether they receive a call back, so even though you may have a friend who is a photography enthusiast, and may take photos  for little money (which is so awesome of your friend),  this does not mean they have the professional  know how to obtain that perfect shot, the one which could ensure that prized callback .

5. Parents should also be aware that your child should have new head shots done every 6-8 months.  Agencies want to know what your child looks like now….not six months ago, so keep current.

For a limited time, Lesley Bryce is generously offering  our readers a $99 “Headshots Special” to acquaint you with her amazing work.  Mention Hollywood Mom Blog when you call to book 805-443-2188.  At this ridiculous rate, you should book with her regardless of whether or not your child has acting aspirations!  You can review Bryce’s impressive portfolio at www.lesleybryce.com and follow her on twitter at twitter.com/LesleyBryceFoto

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A few weeks ago as I was schlepping (*happily*) to yet another audition, I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I could clone myself?  One of me could be going to this audition with Jo and the other one of me could be doing everything else it takes to keep our household and businesses together.  That’s when I learned about Ready…Go…Set! a unique service which provides the ultimate in audition preparation, coaching, transportation to and from and chaperoning of young actors on set.  That’s right Hollywood Moms, you no longer have an excuse not to get it all done.

Ready…Go…Set! (RGS) is the brainchild of acting coaches Katie Von Till, Joanna Brooks, and Lisa N. Lennox, who collectively have national commercials, TV programs, broadcast news, films, video games, Broadway tours and regional theatre productions to their credit.  The coaches each have degrees in Theatre with extensive training in acting, improv and directing.  Some of their client’s recent bookings include “The Wizards of Waverly Place,” and the series finale of  “ER.” Clients have been called back to producer/director sessions for TV shows and movies including: FRED (the motion picture), “Eastwick,” “Oldyweds,” “Roommates,” “The United States of Tara,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Mackenzie Blue,” “The Good Wife,” “Make It or Break It,” “Parenthood,” and more.

Some of the services RGS provides:

• RGS can pick up your child from school or home and drive him/her to an audition.
• Busy schedule preventing you from getting your child to appointments?  RGS can coach your child at their place or yours or via SKYPE.
• RGS will coach your child on his/her audition material so that he/she has a strong “take” and approach to the scene and to the character.
• RGS will prepare your child so he/she knows what to do upon entering the room and meeting the producers and casting directors. As working actors, as well as coaches, they understand the process and know how important it is to feel comfortable throughout the audition.
• RGS’ goal is to assist your child with the choices he/she makes about the audition material so that he/she feels confident about his/her talent, comfortable in the audition and hopefully books the job!
• When your child has booked the job, RGS can serve as temporary guardians for the day, as on-set chaperones, when you can’t get off work to be with him/her as the law requires.  The coaches stay as long as your child is needed on set and then drive your child home at the end of the work day.

So how much will this god send of a service set you back?  One hour of coaching runs $65/hour with $50 for each additional hour.  All other service time including driving is $25.00 per hour, with a $5 discount after 3 hours. Please inquire for weekly or monthly discounted rates for on-going coaching.  Extra fees may apply for overnight shoots and driving distances exceeding 20 miles.

From Left: Lisa, Joanna and Katie

As RGS is not a partnership, each coach is hired on an individual basis. Find individual contact information and complimentary parent endorsements & testimonials on www.ReadyGoSet.net

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When? Yesterday, on a quintessential sunny, So Cal Sunday morning.
Where? The Pier in Santa Monica.
What? A day at the beach with Zenia of Zenia Photography.
Why? Our child actor Jordan needs updated head shots people. She turns 11 this week and her last head shots were taken at  the tail end of year 9. We’ve gone from a 9 year old child to an 11 year old tween in these few short years.  Her pictures need to reflect that change.

While Zenia was shooting Jordan in a variety of locations around the Santa Monica Pier, I was snapping them both thanks to my iphone camera and my favorite, new iphone accessory the iGo Green Charge Anywhere (courtesy of  the hip chicks at Los Angeles Mom Blog ). For each of Jordan’s outfit changes, Zenia found backdrops with colors and textures that could have fallen out of a 120 count box of Crayolas.  I’ll be doing a full post on Zenia Photography in a few weeks with a handful of Jordan’s new pics. For those of you who need your kid’s head shots done pronto, call and book your appointment with Zenia directly at (310) 751-0615.

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When it comes to my daughter, I’m admittedly a skin care fanatic. Likely because I wasn’t one myself growing up on the beaches of Southern California and suffered from more than my fair share of sun burns thanks to an unwise teen-inspired concoction of baby oil and iodine. Don’t ask.

Fortunately, this new generation is much better informed about potential skin damage than mine was.  Smart Girls Who Surf, a natural skin care company hailing from my home turf, Laguna Beach, has created Grab-N-Go kits designed specifically for girls who spend a lot of time outdoors.  Each kit contains all the necessities to protect a Smart Girl’s skin and hair from the sun: 2 oz. SPF 30+ sunblock, 2 oz.  After Sun Soothing Lotion, 2 oz. Care for Hair Sun Protector (SPF 7), one natural glycerin Soap for Surfers, one SPF 15 all natural lip balm (Vanilla or Cherry) and a comb.

If your family is jumping on a plane to your favorite island beach or ski resort this winter break, it’s the perfect size to pack in your daughter’s carry-on bag (all items are FAA-approved sizes) and for those of you staying at home, it’s also the ideal size to throw in backpacks or hand bags for daily outings. We take our Grab-n-Go with us on every beach outing and it was a must-have on our recent trip to Palm Dessert.

So aside from the cute name and snazzy packaging, why buy Smart Girls sunscreen? Easy.  Smart Girls sunblocks are completely natural, loaded with antioxidants, chemical free, water resistant and won’t sting the eyes. All of their sunblock, lotions, conditioners, and soaps are PARABEN FREE and CHEMICAL FREE, while the majority of other sun care products on the market contain harmful chemicals that pollute the water and are dangerous to our health.  All SGWS products are manufactured in an FDA approved facility in the USA and are tested on surfers and parents, not animals.

When you’re shopping on the Smart Girls website, you’ll be pleased to know that this is one holiday gift you’ll give this season that actually gives back! Smart Girls is proud to support several non-profit organizations whose overall company missions and values reflect their own: Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC), Surfrider Foundation, Girls, Inc. and School Power (the Laguna Beach Education Foundation), as well as donating product to numerous shelters.

One lucky Hollywood Mom Blog reader will receive  their own Grab-N-Go kit just in time for the holidays!  Simply enter the contest by sharing with us below in the comment section who you would give your kit to (child, grandchild, friend etc.)  and why (beach vacation, cruise, skiing, often outdoors, etc).  The lucky winner will be announced December 15, 2009. Good Luck to all who enter!

Visit Smart Girls on their website, on twitter at twitter.com/SGWSsun and on facebook!

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myEARTH360.com is an extensive internet haven dedicated to all things green: whether it’s household cleaning products,  school supplies, water purification systems, cards or gifts, this alternative one-stop-stop seems to stock it all.

One of my favorite items carried by myEARTH360.com is the Kids Konserve Lunch Kit which retails for $41.99.  With my daughter Jordan not always “loving” the planned school lunch and her after school activities/auditions becoming increasingly frequent, the lunch kit has been a real life saver when we’re on the go.

Each Lunch Kit is comprised of a lightweight, washable canvas bag that neatly fits a  cloth napkin, 304 food-grade stainless steel beverage bottle, food kozy and two food-grade stainless steel food containers.   The well designed grouping curtails my tendency to overuse plastic baggies and plastic water bottles and Jordan loves that her water stays cool all day and her lunch/snack items don’t get crushed or become stale.

myEARTH 360′s founder Lynn Hasselberger’s mission is to raise environmental awareness and help families transition to an earth-friendlier lifestyle.  The e commerce site and blog grew out of  Lynn’s personal concern of the toxins found in everyday items and the struggle to keep her family safe from them.

In 2006, when son Ethan began first grade, Lynn was shocked by the over-consumption she witnessed in the classroom: cases of bottled water in parents’ trunks; refrigerators packed with plastic-bottled Gatorade and the school requirement that each student bring a bottle of water to school, every day.  Aware that about every 3 days in the USA we toss out enough water bottles to encircle the earth’s equator, Lynn immediately realized she was living at the epicenter of the problem.

While her some Ethan was initially reluctant to carry the reusable water bottle Lynn sent him to school with each day, she preached about environmental impact and cost.  Eventually a young advocate was born in Ethan and he began urging family members to turn off lights and to walk instead of drive to the neighborhood store.  In this brief time, not only has Lynn revolutionized her own lifestyle, taught her child valuable life lessons and created a business but she’s managed to::

• Develop the “I Count for My Earth Campaign,” a school program that gets the green message out to kids in an interactive, fun way (check out the I Count for My Earth video clip to see for yourself!).
• Create and sell signature “I Count for My Earth” water bottles at Ethan’s suburban Chicago school.
• Encourage consumers to ‘vote with their dollars by shopping at my 360 earth with its diverse array of no-sacrifices-necessary, low-impact products from essentials (home, school and office supplies, pet care, etc.) to extras (tableware and fashion), everything you buy counts for the earth!
• Launch of myEARTH360.com hosted green parties wherein attendees share ideas on how to buy more while discovering amazing green products from the eco-practical to the eco-chic.
• Inform readers (via Regular e-newsletters and blog updates) about important eco-related issues like indoor air pollution, the battle of bottled water and steps to take.

Now, thanks to myEARTH 360 a lucky HMB reader will win a Kids Konserve Lunch Kit in this adorable butterfly pattern. Simply add your comment below telling us what your family’s Eco-conscious habit is! Winner will be announced and notified October 26, 2009.

If you would like to join the Earth 360 family sign up for the free myEARTH360 e-newsletter or follow them on twitter at twitter.com/@myEARTH360 .

You can follow Kids Konserve at twitter.com/@kidskonserve .

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Congrats to Denise M., of Sun Prarie, Wisconsin – the winner of Hollywood Mom Blog’s @SHRNK review & giveaway!

Between what my 3 year old son thinks is “sooo cool,” and my 6 1/2 year old daughter “HAS to wear,” and what I feel is age-appropriate, I’m ecstatic to say we’ve all found common ground in shrnk brand clothing.

shrnk’s summer line (pronounced “shrunk”)  includes adorable, trendy clothes that rock with kids of all ages (even celebrity baby Honor Marie is wearing shrnk!), hence the acronym of the name – Stylin’ Hip Rags for Newborns & Kids – exactly what moms need to meet in the middle with the 6-going-on-16 year-olds.

My daughter test-drove the Paisley Maxi Dress ($50) and it was a huge success with a child who up to now has refused to wear any dress – period.  This is one strappy, sun dress my little skate punk actually wants to wear! The cotton lining and tie-neckline silhouette highlight the line’s attention to detail and my daughter found it ultra comfy on these steamy, summer days.  Shrnk’s Paisley Maxi Dress comes in a beautiful coral paisley print with string tie t-back that’s edgy enough to keep the little girls feeling like a rock-star on vacation.  More casual tee dresses available at shrnk.com that can transition easily from summer to school with the addition of some cool and funky lace leggings ($26).  The girls line is a great compromise of fun and funky fashion that our kids demand but still fresh and age-appropriate.

My 3 ½ year old son adores the Wisdom & Experience tee in Aqua ($30) and doesn’t want to take it off.  The t-shirt he calls “super awesome” features a retro yin and yang design flanked by colorful wings, reminiscent of a Hendrix album cover.  The cotton is just thin enough, ultra soft and again shrnk’s attention to detail is evident.  The color is a cool, soft aqua (also available in brown), the screen-printing is well-done and the quality construction is going to stand up to as much as a toddler can put it through, wash after wash.   My favorite feature on this particular tee is the rolled edge sleeve. I love the aged look, but in the past have had many problems with rolled sleeves unraveling. The Wisdom & Experience tee provides the vintage rolled edge look, but smartly includes an over-lock stitch edge  to prevent unraveling and fray.  Some other shrnk favorites include the “AB/CD” t-shirts for boys – a playful and colorful take on vintage AC/DC concert tees for “Those About to Rock”!

Check out Shrnk’s user-friendly website for easy online shopping (retail and wholesale), that includes fun features like their gallery photos of little shrnk fans clad in their super cool threads – celebrities in the making! Available in many retail shops across the USA and online at Shrnk.com and a favorite store of Hollywood Moms, RockinSprouts.com.

The cool ladies behind the shrnk label are offering the readers of Hollywood Mom Blog the opportunity to win a FREE tee or dress to one lucky winner! The wining name will be drawn August 7, 2009. To enter to win, simply post what your back-to-school choice is from the shrnk.com website in the feedback selection below.

HMB Reviewer Susan St. Jean is a mother of three, living in Southern California. She recently joined the HMB staff and the world of momagers after carting her 3 month old son to Beverly Hills for a Pampers audition. You can track her tweets at Twitter.com/saintsusie

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Congrats to Mom, Michelle C. & her daughter in North Carolina – the lucky winners of the @Paperlili Bling Bling Leggings!

As the momagers and popagers of  aspiring actors and actresses, it’s our responsibility to help prepare our kids at audition time and assist junior in booking those jobs.  This momager task includes dressing them appropriately for the casting call but with a smidgen of pizazz – a tall order given the confines of  audition clothing rules: no logo wear, various color restrictions, etc.

Enter Paperlili brand with their line of personalized stud-embellished clothing, a wonderful option for helping kids to subtly leave a lasting impression with the casting directors.  Recall that line from the song “Fame”?  “Baby, remember my name!” I particularly love Paperlili’s assortment of studded leggings and headbands for this purpose.  Thrown on under a tunic or twirly skirt, the leggings provide coverage with just a hint of sass and the “nick-name” headbands are great for reiterating who your future star is!

Designer Cristy  Leonard makes each studded piece to order allowing you the ability to create virtually any personalization and making their use for auditions endless.  For example – Going on a pom pom girl audition? Throw on your headband emblazoned with “Cheer” “Spirit” or “Rah!” The casting director wants your daughter to look like the next Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift? How about some leggings personalized with “Pop Star” or “Rock Star” on the lower calf?  See where I’m going with this?  Paperlili’s innate versatility let’s your young star be whomever she needs to be.

My daughter adores her Paperlili leggings (audition or not) and your actress is sure to love them too.  Available in sizes 2 through 12   (I ordered one size up) and run $40 a pair. Order a pair now with discount code FRIEND and receive 20% off your purchase.

Thanks to Paperlili you have the opportunity to Win a pair of Leggings for your daughter! Simply describe in the comment section below the saying or phrase you would choose to place on a pair of leggings. The winner will be drawn at random and announced on August 1, 2009. Follow them on Twitter too! Twitter.com/paperlili

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