Mother of Invention: Mom Creates Online Baby Book for Busy Parents - MyOwnLittleStory.com


 Mother of Three Makes “Baby Book Guilt” a Thing of The Past 
By Creating An Easy-To-Use Online Baby Book With 
Email Reminders Specific to Each Baby

Move over mass-produced photo books, a mom is taking charge and changing how parents record and share their baby’s story. 

In 2006, Kristin Coons, a mom of three boys and a former financial industry executive, traded her stable career and income to become an entrepreneur.   After giving birth to her third child, she was looking for an online baby book to record the special moments in her boys lives.  When she couldn't find a book that fit her needs, she decided to create one.   In 2011, she founded MyOwnLittleStory.com: a unique online baby book with e-mail reminders specific to the baby’s current age and milestone, which can be printed at the one-year or two-year mark. Busy moms across the nation are loving the idea –joining the site at a rate of 50-100 new users a week.

Starting a company while raising three boys was not an easy task.  But, using the courage and tenacity that she so often writes about on her blog: The Inspired Mom,  Kristin decided to take a leap of faith and follow her dreams.  Without any previous experience in web-based business or knowledge of the book industry, Kristin started from scratch researching everything she needed to know about creating and publishing books online.  Even though it took almost five years to bring her vision to life, she launched www.MyOwnLittleStory.com in 2011. Her first challenge was letting parents know that her site existed, however once she earned a few enthusiastic endorsements, MyOwnLittleStory.com began growing quickly with the user base increasing from 2,000 users in year one to almost 10,000 users in year two. The site currently gets over 5,000 visits a month- which includes returning users and new users.  

Kristin specifically remembers reading a statistic that most people can only remember about 12 stories from their childhood: "I was shocked!  My family bonds over retelling stories."  To think that her kids would only remember a few stories from their childhood and that she might also forget the details of their special moments motivated and inspired her to take action.   

With MyOwnLittleStory.com, it doesn't matter if parents are at home, using a smart phone or at the office, by just answering a few questions a month, parents can jot down thoughts by responding to an e-mail reminder about their baby’s highlights and have their baby book done by their child’s first birthday. MyOwnLittleStory.com is easy to use and has more flexibility than a traditional baby book: each question is optional, any unanswered questions will be omitted from published pages and users can skip pages/milestones as well.  

“As my boys grow into men, I want them to know the stories and the special moments that my husband and I have treasured so much:  how I loved the times that they curled up in my lap, how we all enjoyed our silly dance parties or how we built sand castles at the beach,” says Kristin Coons. “My boys will know always know their stories, because I created MyOwnLittleStory.com for them.”
To learn more about MyOwnLittleStory.com, read about it here.

Volcom Presents The 14th Annual NHHS Newport Surf Classic

VOLCOM AND NEWPORT HARBOR HIGH SURF TEAM TO HOST
14TH ANNUAL NHHS NEWPORT SURF CLASSIC

Surf Contest Benefitting Newport Harbor High School Surf Team To Be Held on
April 6 and 7th at 54th Street, Newport Beach

In conjunction with Volcom, Newport Harbor High School Surf Team will host the 14th Annual NHHS Newport Surf Classic, a surf team fundraiser, at 54th Street, Newport Beach.  With heats starting early in the morning, the all-day event will be held on Saturday, April 6th, with additional heats and finals on Sunday, April 7th.

A longstanding community event to nurture young surfers, as well as provide a competitive stage for advanced surfers, the NHHS Newport Surf Classic offers an opportunity for local Orange County kids to compete and get experience.  Over 150 participants are expected.

“Our goal for the Newport Surf Classic is to get kids of all ages excited about getting in the water and surfing,” says Matt Burns, Newport Harbor High School Surf Coach.

To participate:
·         $30 Pre-Registration; pre-register at Surfside by Thursday April 4th, 2013 (Surfside: 233 E. 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627; www.Surfsidesports.com; 949.645.4624)
·         $35 Day of Beach Entries
·         Each additional division $20
Participants will get a T-shirt designed by Volcom, a raffle ticket and lunch.

Divisions:
·         Elementary
·         Junior High
·         High School
·         Graduated
·         Masters
·         Boardboarding
·         Girls
·         Longboard

As the event gets closer, check the NNHS Surf Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/NHHS-Surf-Team/166460486717338, for heat times, photos, results and more information. Division winners will be given a trophy.

On Saturday, there will be a silent auction with items including surfboards, skateboards, sunglasses, and more; as well as opportunity drawings, including surf wear and gift certificates to local eateries, in addition to other items.  Registration proceeds from the surf contest benefit the NHHS Surf Team. Sponsors of the event are: Volcom, Surfside, Arnette, Vestal, OAM (On A Mission), and Clearview Investment Partners.

The 2012-2013 NHHS Team has about 37 members, including boys short board and longboard, girls short board and longboard and body boarders. www.NHHSSurf.com 



ANIMAL BLUEPRINT COMPANY EXPANDS MID-CENTURY INSPIRED COLLECTIBLE ART



FOR THE MODERN PET LOVER
Animal Blueprint Company’s Collection Now Includes More Than 200 Dog Breeds 
+ Cats and Horses, New Drawings Series and New Larger Size





San Juan Capistrano, CA– Famous for a modern take on mid-century inspired architectural animal renderings, Animal Blueprint Company announces the expansion of the collection to include more than 200 breeds of dogs, as well as cats and horses. 

The art retails for $110 (matte only; standard 13”x19”; with matte 18” X 24”); $185 (framed; standard 13” x 19”; framed 19” x 25”) and new large size: $265 (framed; large 17” x 25”; framed, 22” x 30”). All prints are available on www.animalblueprintcompany.com.   Prints are also available on Uncommon Goods and select retailers nationwide.

The company is also proud to announce the new “Drawings” Series created in the Animal Blueprint Company style of original architectural renderings, they are printed on acid free archival paper with an aged finish. The Drawing Series is inspired by the look of vintage drawings that have been discovered after being stored away for decades.

Each Animal Blueprint Company portrait features a detailed drawing of the breed created in the original 1950’s style, complete with design notes calling out what makes that particular breed special. The artworks feature a distressed finish to give the look and feel of working blueprints used by architects, engineers and construction supervisors in mid-20th century. The classic renderings are at home in any décor and are ideal for giving as a special gift or keeping as a personal showpiece at home as a single or a set.

“It has been very exciting to watch Animal Blueprint Company continue to grow, The large selection of breeds is a direct result of customer request.” says artist and founder Robert Redding.  “Animal Blueprint Company portraits strike the perfect balance between structured architectural drawing and the warmth of man’s best friend.”



About Animal Blueprint Company
Animal Blueprint Company, located in San Juan Capistrano, California, was created in 2010 by Robert Redding, an architect and a graphic designer with a passion for animals, art and architecture. The animal renderings feature a variety of animals including, dogs, cats and horses drawn in the original format of blueprints and sketches used by design and construction professionals in the 1950’s.  For more on the Animal Blueprint Company, visit www.animalblueprintcompany.com.   Made in the USA.
# # #
Note: Animal Blueprint Company is a registered trademark. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Animal Blueprint Company disclaims any and all rights in these trademarks.

PULSE PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES NEW SCOOTERS


The New Collection Includes: Electric Scooters, Traditional Scooters, 
Scooters That Drift + New Decks 

Pulse Performance Products, a recreational company with headquarters in Southern California, is proud to introduce a new line of scooters, as well as a new corporate look and logo. Dedicated to bringing the highest quality performance products, the company continues to introduce innovative scooters for those wanting to test the limits, create new tricks and ride in style.  www.pulsescooters.com

SPIKE:
·         Sold at  Academy; $59.99
·         The Pulse Freestyle Spike scooter features freestyle grade reinforced aluminum one piece deck, one piece gusseted CroMo handlebar and oversized steer tube, a super strong four bolt steer tube clamp. The scooter has reinforced 2.0mm hi-tensile steel fork with freestyle grade head set. The PU cast 85a 100mm x 24mm wheels come with abec-5 bearings. The Kraton grips have replaceable end plugs as well. For ages 6+.

LIGHTNING (Electric!):
·         Sold at Walmart; $99.99
·         Bravo Sports Pulse Scooter, Flow Green has a 24-volt rechargeable battery system, and comes with a UL-rated charger included. The Bravo Pulse Electric Scooter, Lightning has a chain drive system that provides instant and smooth power. The composite, oversized deck of this Pulse Charger Electric Scooter allows for multiple foot stances and increased control. The Bravo Pulse Electric Scooter, Lightning has a single charge run time of up to 45 minutes, and a maximum speed up to 10 mph. The Bravo Sports Pulse Scooter, Flow Green has 140mm cast polyurethane wheels, twist grip throttle control and holds kids up to 120 lbs. Assembly required.

VIPER:
·         Sold at Kmart; $39.99
·         The Pulse Viper, for ages 5+ and 140 lbs max weight, features BMX style grips, heat treated aluminum deck and 100mm hi-impact hub urethane wheels. 

SLITHER:
·         Sold at Academy; $59.99
·         A whole new level fun. Drift around corners, slide side to side, propel yourself without kicking, tear in and out of turns. It is the update to the ordinary scooter. Even though some younger kids can rider this scooter, this is perfect for kids 8 years and up who want to try out some new tricks thanks to the rear swivel truck. The Slither also features oversized front wheels, an anti-slip deck, high performance grips, and quick release for easy folding.


ABOUT BRAVO SPORTS
Bravo Sports, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California is a global leader in the recreational and sporting goods markets. With offices, factories and warehouses in the United States, Italy, Thailand and China, the Company’s operations truly span the globe. Since 1965, Bravo has provided the highest quality and most innovative products to sports and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. With a stable of market-leading brands including Pulse Performance Products™, Darkstar ™, Tony Hawk™, Birdhouse™, Blind™, Kryptonics™, XGames™, Blacktop 360™, Quik Shade™, Moto Shade™, Airzone™,  Hyper™ and Variflex™ to go along with industry leading licenses with outstanding partners like Nickelodeon, Mattel, Lucasfilm, Disney/Pixar, and Cartoon Network, Bravo consistently seeks to exceed the expectations of its consumers and customers alike. At Bravo, the goal is simple – to create simply the best products for the best value in the world. www.bravosportscorp.com






NEW Create An Online Baby Book On MyOwnLittleStory.com + Share The Latest Baby News With Facebook Friends at The Same Time



SHARING YOUR BABY’S STORY WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY JUST GOT EASIER

MyOwnLittleStory.com Users Can Now Share Pages From Their Baby Book on
Facebook To Update Family and Friends On Their Baby’s Latest Milestone

Making parenthood a bit more social, MyOwnLittleStory.com, the only online baby book with e-mail reminders specific to the baby's current age and milestone, just unveiled a new way to share baby news with friends and family.   Parents can now distribute the latest pages from their baby book on Facebook, making it easier than ever for parents to create a hassle-free baby book and keep their loved ones updated all at once.   

It doesn’t matter if parents are at home, using a smart phone or at the office, by just answering a few questions a month, moms and dads can jot down thoughts as easy as responding to an e-mail and have their baby book done by their child’s first birthday, while updating their friends and family throughout the year at the same time.

To share baby book pages on Facebook, MyOwnLittleStory.com users:
1.      Click on “Table of Contents” for your story
2.      Choose a published milestone
3.      Click the Facebook share button on the top right corner and then you are done! 

“Busy parents now only have to type the latest cute moment or achievement in their baby’s life once. From there, they can create their baby book and share the moment with friends and family at the same time,” says Kristin Coons, creator and founder of MyOwnLittleStory.com. “It is a serious time-saver and a way to feel proud of yourself as a parent for being so organized.”

ABOUT MY OWN LITTLE STORY.COM  - THE ONLY ONLINE BABY BOOK WITH FREE E-MAIL REMINDERS SPECIFIC TO BABY’S MILESTONES 

Custom Options Perfect For Traditional and Non-Traditional Families With Unique Stories 
Create Free Online, Print Anytime

Baby’s first smile… First blow of a kiss… Favorite toys, songs and foods… every new parents fears forgetting these endearing details. MyOwnLittleStory.com, the only online baby book with email reminders specific to the baby's stages and current milestones, was created to help parents remember and record the details of their child's life while the memories are still fresh.  The company’s exclusive Milestone Memory System is a free service that tracks the child’s age and reminds the parent, via email, to record the special stories of their baby’s life.

MyOwnLittleStory.com was created by Kristin Coons, mother of three young boys.  After her third son was born in 2006, she came up with the idea for MyOwnLittleStory.com from her own desire to write down the details of her kids’ lives while they were still little and it was still fresh in her mind.  Kristin spent a couple of years fine-tuning her vision and three years working with a programmer to create the site. MyOwnLittleStory.com launched in 2011.  The site currently has about 10,000 users and is growing daily. Kristin is also the author of a blog: TheInspiredMom.com, which features the stories of other moms who are following their dreams as well as inspiration from what she has learned on her journey of following her own dreams.


HOW IT WORKS: The four-step process makes online baby booking as simple as responding to an email.
·         Register – With registration, MyOwnLittleStory.com is free to users for up to two years.   After two years, users are asked to print their storybook, purchase a CD or pay a
nominal storage fee: $15 for 6-months and $24 for a year.  Those who are "viewing" stories or "shopping" will continue to have free accounts to view stories or shop.

·         Remind – Baby’s birth date is recorded during registration allowing MyOwnLittleStory.com to send an email twice a month with a brief narrative of their baby’s current milestone to prompt them to write down details.

·         Record – Each reminder e-mail has a link to directly to the baby's current milestone.  Click the link and start recording the stories to treasure for a lifetime.  Also, easily upload 1-4 photos to accompany the story on that page. Or, click the snooze button and get another reminder in a week.

·         Reminisce – MyOwnLittleStory.com offers a professionally printed book that is bound in a linen embossed hardcover made exclusively for its members (8.5” high x11” wide; front cover has a 4" x 3" window to display an image), which they suggest be printed on each birthday to mark the year.  Starting at $38.99 (28 pages), pricing is based on the number of pages in your story: $48.99 (40 Pages); $58.99 (52 pages), $68.99 (64 pages), $78.99 (72 pages).  Stories are also available on CD for $30.

WHAT MAKES MY OWN LITTLE STORY.COM UNIQUE:     
·         Whether the family and birth story is traditional or not, MyOwnLittleStory.com offers the ability to customize pages or skip a question, allowing parents to include only the information that is representative of their child and family situation in the book.   

·         The Milestone Memory Service emails make it easy for busy parents to record the details of their baby's life from home, office or iPhone and also allows parents to share their child’s latest milestone with family and friends.  Click the link, answer a few questions a couple of times a month and over the course of a year, the child’s story is captured and the book is done.

·         If parents are too busy or if baby hasn't quite reached a particular milestone, parents can click the snooze button to be reminded again in a week.  The site even offers suggestions to help parents who might encounter some "writer's block" when jotting down a story (see samples below). Topics include, but are not limited to:
o   Pregnancy: All about your mom and dad, first trimester, second trimester, baby shower, third trimester, preparation
o   Year One:  Baby’s arrival, first smile, first laugh, favorite foods, favorite games, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, first words
o   Year Two: Talking, toddling, eating, dancing, singing, imitating, dress up, art work

  • ·     MyOwnLittleStory.com also offers gift certificates that come packaged in a keepsake envelope with free items including stationery and labeled vellum envelopes for storing all of those special mementos, such as a lock of hair, the hospital bracelet and more.


·          To put the finishing touch on every page, MyOwnLittleStory.com features watercolor illustrations from Los Angeles-based artist, Devon Galusha, who created the original images exclusively for MyOwnLittleStory.com.   The covers are available in Pink, Blue and Green with the idea that simplicity is the best approach to creating a keepsake that will last a lifetime.


Shock Doctor NEW Youth Baseball Protective Equipment - BATTER UP!

We hear statistics all the time about the staggering numbers of injuries sustained during youth sports. Earlier this month, The Youth Sports Safety Alliance presented a National Action Plan of ten items to Congress aimed at preventing injury and death on the youth athletic field. (http://www.youthsportssafetyalliance.org/docs/National-Action-Plan.pdf) Among them was a recommendation that parents should educate themselves in the potential benefits and risks of optional protective equipment. With baseball season kicking off, we wanted to make sure your readers were informed about Shock Doctor’s  latest baseball protective accessories for kids ages six and up.

In addition to the wrist guards, compression shorts and sleeves, elbow guards, padded sliding shorts, and flex cups, take note of the Velocity Shockskin Baseball Youth Sleeveless Shirt below with the chest pad, as it was on the biggest sellers last season.  



SHOCK DOCTOR DEBUTS COMPLETE LINE OF BASEBALL PROTECTIVE ACCESSORIES FOR AGES 6 AND UP


Just in time for baseball season, Shock Doctor, the number one mouthguard company and world-leader in innovative, performance-driven sports protection, has unveiled a complete line of Baseball Protective Equipment for children ages six and up.  From Little League to MLB, today’s athletes are training and playing harder than ever before, and Shock Doctor knows that parents, in turn, are working harder to keep their kids safe (and give mom peace of mind), providing them with the best equipment on the market and featuring the latest technologies for maximum performance on the field.

According to NATA, approximately 116,000 children ages 5 to 14 are treated annually in hospital emergency rooms for baseball-related injuries (Children’s Hospital), High school athletes suffer 2 million injuries, 200,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations every year. Shock Doctor’s athlete-centric approach to product development has resulted in products that are authentic to the game, and address the specific needs of the baseball athlete; offering protection at the plate, on base and in the field.

Below is the complete line of Shock Doctor’s 2013 Youth Baseball Products:




NEW ULTRA BATTER’S HAND/WRIST GUARD (xs) ($34.99)
ANATOMICAL LOW PROFILE DESIGN for a natural, comfortable fit and provides hand/wrist impact coverage without bulky excess

MOTION 360 full-flex design combines critical flex points and specific materials for unrestricted natural grip/swing

NATURAL HAND GRIP on bat is ensured with an open-palm design, utilizing a comfortable finger-loop elastic and adjustable wrist strap

SHOCKSKINTM HYBRID PROTECTION integrates ShockSkin performance at primary elasticity/flexpoints with Shockskin Contour thermal molded foam at critical impact zones
Constructed with anti-microbial moisture- wicking fabrics.

ULTRA SHOCKSKIN™ WRIST GUARD (xs) ($29.99)
SHOCKSKIN™ integrated fabric and vented foam pads, secured by high frequency seams, move and contour with the wrist and forearm for ultimate comfort and lightweight protection

AIRFLOW four-way stretch mesh zone and vented foam maximize breathability to accelerate heat dispersion and air/moisture transfer

·MOTION 360 ergonomic design utilizes combinations of four-way stretch fabrics for unrestricted wrist range of motion and targeted compression fit

LOW PROFILE ADAPTIVE PROTECTION designed to flex and form naturally to wrist and forearm, with high impact dual density foam at center area

Constructed with anti-microbial moisture wicking fabrics, chafe-free flatlock seams.


NEW CORE™ COMPRESSION SLEEVE (xs) ($14.99)
PERFORMANCE FIT sleeve pattern contours with the arm for ultimate comfort through full range of motion

COMPRESSION SUPPORT provides comfortable, form fitting compression, enhancing muscle performance and endurance

NO-SLIP SILICON grip bicep hem comfortably maintains sleeve position on upper arm

Constructed with anti-microbial moisture wicking fabrics, chafe-free flatlock seams.

Available in black, white, navy, red and royal blue


NEW ULTRA BATTER’S ERGO SLEEVE ELBOW GUARD (xs) ($39.99)
ANATOMICAL LOW PROFILE DESIGN integrates ergonomically molded elbow-arm coverage within a comfortable compression sleeve

MOTION 360 full-flex design provides an unrestricted natural swing to maximize batter performance

QUICK-FIT SLEEVE with targeted no-slip compression offers quick and comfortable fit without need of straps

SHOCKSKIN™ CONTOUR THERMAL MOLDED PROTECTION integrates optimal foam densities layered with an internal hard elbow cap and continuous elbow/arm coverage


NEW ULTRA COMPRESSION WRIST GUARD (s) ($19.99)
ANATOMICAL LOW PROFILE DESIGN integrates the performance of a lightweight neoprene wrist compression sleeve with impact protection

N-TEX air flow vented neoprene provides moisture wicking compression with accelerated air/moisture transfer

COMPRESSION PERFORMANCE ergonomic design supports wrist and provides therapeutic warmth with unrestricted range of motion

LOW PROFILE MOLDED PROTECTION insert fits naturally to wrist/forearm, with pre-curved shape and integrated flex-contour design for batting or fielding use

Constructed with anti-microbial moisture wicking neoprene, chafe-free flatlock seams.


VELOCITY SHOCKSKIN™ BASEBALL YOUTH SLEEVELESS SHIRT (Boys S-Boys XXL) ($49.99)
SHOCKSKIN™ integrated fabric and vented foam pads, secured by high frequency seams, move and contour with the body for ultimate comfort and protection

PURE-VENT technology incorporates direct air flow venting within ShockSkin foam pads and flex channels to enhance cooling

AIRFLOW four-way stretch mesh zones and vented foam maximize breathability in multiple areas to accelerate heat dispersion and air/moisture transfer

MOTION 360 ergonomic design utilizes combinations of four-way stretch fabrics for unrestricted shoulder range of motion and targeted rib/abdomen compression fit

SINGLE PAD PROTECTION provides ShockSkin coverage positioned on chest with critically located high impact dual density foam

Constructed with anti-microbial moisture-wicking fabrics, droptail hem, chafe-free flatlock seams.


NEW ULTRA PADDED SLIDING SHORT – (Boys S-Boys L) ($49.99)
BIO SHAPE DESIGN exclusive pattern developed to match the curve and shape of an athlete’s natural stance, providing superior comfort and performance

ULTRA CUP RETENTION SYSTEM integrated internal Core Flex Pocket with flexible retention system secures lower two-thirds of the bio shaped cup in a more natural position for a closer fit

SLIDE ZONE HIP/THIGH PAD made with four-way stretch fabric and low profile laminated foam provides protection where needed without compromising fit, full range of motion or player performance

Constructed with premium brushed nylon waistband, supportive four-way stretch, anti-microbial moisture-wicking fabrics, chafe-free flatlock seams (cup sold separately).


ULTRA CARBON FLEX CUP – Youth/Teen sizes ($14.99)
The Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon Flex Cup, a multi-layer protection device designed to shield and transfer shock away from areas where protection is most crucial. The lightweight gel perimeter pad and flex-curve design conforms perfectly to the body to create a comfortable fit allowing for unrestricted movement.

IMPACT SHIELD™ - With shock bushings for increased protection.

PATENTED MULTI-STAGE PROTECTION - Transfers shock away from vital areas.

FLEX CURVE DESIGN - Mirrors the body shape, allowing unrestricted movement and improved comfort.

ORBITAL GEL PAD - Conforms to the body to help prevent chafing.


BIO-FLEX CUP – Peewee/Youth/Teen sizes ($8.99)
The Shock Doctor 201 BioFlex Cup, a vented bio-shape cup designed to shield areas where protection is most crucial. The body of this core protective cup will form flawlessly to your athletic frame to provide unrestricted movement, airflow and comfort. The BioFlex Cup is an ideal fit for all ages.

ABOUT SHOCK DOCTOR INC.
The number one mouthguard company in the world for over a decade, Shock Doctor is the undisputed market leader in premiere mouthguard technology and is known as the creator of fearless, performance-driven sports protection equipment and apparel available in 8000 retail locations in over 50 countries worldwide. Shock Doctor’s athlete-centric approach and commitment to developing game-changing technology, which has earned them seven patents to date, has continuously revolutionized the industry and raised the standard for technical and functional performance. Trusted by youth, amateur, and pro athletes in a growing number of sports including hockey, baseball, football, lacrosse and more, Shock Doctor products combine cutting-edge design and premium materials with the latest technology to achieve the ultimate in protection and performance. www.shockdoctor.com

Professional athletes who wear Shock Doctor Mouthguards are:  Carlos Santana, MLB Catcher for Cleveland Indians; Ryan Mathews, NFL Running Back for San Diego Chargers; Akeem Ayers, NFL Lineman for Tennessee Titans; Jack Johnson, NHL Defenseman for Columbus Blue Jackets;  Nick Leddy, NHL Defenseman for Chicago Blackhawks; Jake Gardiner, NHL Defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs; AFL Midfielder for Collingwood, Luke Ball.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.shockdoctor.com.
http://www.facebook.com/shockdoctor
http://www.twitter.com/shockdoctor
http://www.youtube.com/shockdoctor


Shock Doctor Announces Inaugural Shock Doctor/Cutters Fearless Performance Tour




SHOCK DOCTOR ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL

SHOCK DOCTOR/CUTTERS FEARLESS PERFORMANCE TOUR

Shock Doctor/Cutters Tour To Bring Interactive Brand Experience for Athletes of All Ages Coast-to-Coast


Minnetonka, MN -- Shock Doctor, the #1 mouthguard company in the world and market leader in innovative performance sports protection equipment, is announcing their inaugural FEARLESS PERFORMANCE TOUR, bringing the Shock Doctor mantra of “Hardcore Protection, Fearless Performance” to life with an interactive brand experience designed to educate and inspire young athletes across the country.
  
“We are excited to be able to be on the ground engaging with the youth athletes that wear our Shock Doctor and Cutters products every day they play,” says Jay Turkbas, Shock Doctor’s Sr. Vice President Marketing and Product Development.  “The Fearless Performance Tour is an opportunity to put our latest innovations directly into the hands of athletes, giving them an opportunity to experience our product’s quality and performance and gain immediate feedback from them.”

Team Shock Doctor Athletes including Akeem Ayers (Tennessee Titans), Ryan Mathews (San Diego Chargers), Jack Johnson (Columbus Blue Jackets), Nick Leddy (Chicago Blackhawks), Jake Gardiner (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Carlos Santana (Cleveland Indians) will participate in the tour making appearances at select event locations as well as via social media channels and promotional events.


The Shock Doctor Fearless Performance Tour is designed to reach youth athletes across a wide range of sports with a primary focus on Baseball, Football, Hockey, and Lacrosse. The tour will begin in Arizona, then head to California, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, then Texas and finish up in Shock Doctor’s home state of Minnesota and will include over 160 event days in key markets across the nation between March and October 2013 highlighted by events such as:

BASEBALL

California Little League/Pony League

NCAA College World Series

Omaha Slump Buster Tournament

Perfect Game

Minnesota State Legion Baseball


FOOTBALL

Aaron Williams Lone Star Showcase

Texas High School Football

Minnesota High School


HOCKEY

Defending the Blue Line

Showcase Minnesota Tournament

US Hockey Prospects Game

Minnesota High School Hockey Games




At each event location, the Fearless Performance Tour will present the Shock Doctor Shock Zone.  Built to inspire, youth athletes will leave the experience reaching for big dreams and knowing what it takes to “Play With Confidence In The Shock Zone.”

Interactive activities in the Shock Zone will include (may vary by location/event):
 
·      Electronic Registration to “Join Team SD”

·      Shock Doctor Product Give-Aways

·      Baseball Pitching Challenge

·      Football QB Toss

·      Android Ap testing athlete reaction time

·      Hitting zone contest in batting cage (select sites)

·      Team Shock Doctor/Cutters athlete personal appearances (select tour dates)

A primary focus of the Tour will be the extensive Shock Doctor and Cutters product lines - allowing players and their parents to touch, feel, interact with and purchase the Shock Doctor and Cutter’s line of performance sports and protective gear.  With 19 patents to date, Shock Doctor’s athlete-centric approach to product development has led to advanced technologies like Tri-Bite™, Monocoque Shock-Frame, X-Fit™ Compression and ShockSkin™, which have been seamlessly integrated across their product lines to make Shock Doctor the market leader in mouthguards and protective gear and apparel.

At many of the events, athletes will also have an opportunity to experience the newest products and technology from Cutters Gloves – the industry leading athletic glove company which was acquired by Shock Doctor in 2012 with patented CTACK technology, delivering the stickiest glove on the market. “No other glove performs like Cutters”

TOUR SCHEDULE
The Tour Schedule includes:
March - Arizona
3/2-3/3 – USSSA Spring Training Champions Tourney – Big League Dreams, Gilbert, AZ

3/9-3/10 – Spring Training Champions Tourney – Big League Dreams, Gilbert, AZ

3/13-3/15 – MLB Good Year Ball Park– Goodyear, AZ

March-May – California/Kansas
3/25 – 3/28 – Lions HS tournament (Various Locations) TBD

4/6-4/7 – San Diego Open Junior League Baseball

4/12 – Lake Elsinore Storm Minor League Game

4/13 – Huntington Valley Little League Game

4/14 - USSSA Heritage Tournament

4/19 – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Minor League Game

4/20 - Oceanview Little League

4/21 - USSSA Spring Shootout

4/26 - University of San Diego v. San Francisco

4/27 - Fountain Valley Pony Baseball

4/28 - USSSA League of Dreams Riverside

5/5 - Bat Wars, Covina, CA

5/25-5/28 - Super NIT Tournament, Kansas City, KS

June – Iowa/Omaha, Nebraska/Texas
6/7-6/9 - Super NIT Tournament, Des Moines, IA

6/14-6/27 - Omaha Slumpbuster, Omaha, CA

 6/17-6/25 - College World Series (CWS)
 
6/30 – Aaron Williams Lone Star Showcase

July – Texas/Minnesota

7/10 - Texas High School Football

August – Minnesota
8/1-8/5 – Minnesota State Legion – Braemar

8/21 – Defend the Blue Line Warrior Camp

8/21-8/25 - Summer Finale (Tim Hawkinson) Super Rink

Updates and additions to the schedule will be posted online throughout the run of the tour at www.shockdoctor.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA
In addition to the published calendar, the Fearless Performance tour will make several stops at local schools, fields, after school programs and retailers in the various markets throughout the tour.  Fans and followers can request a visit (site visits will be scheduled pending approval by property/school management) by posting to any of the various Shock Doctor and Cutters social media outlets at facebook.com/shockdoctor, facebook.com/cutters and twitter.com/shockdoctor, twitter.com/cutters and using the official tour hashtag - #HPFPTour.

Additionally, Shock Doctor will be tracking the Fearless Performance Tour Experience online at www.shockdoctor.com with tour updates, exclusive video, photos, fan experiences and more.

 
About Shock Doctor, Inc.
www.shockdoctor.com
The number one mouthguard company in the world, Shock Doctor is the undisputed market leader in premier mouthguard technology and is known as the creator of fearless, performance-driven sports protection equipment and apparel available in 9,000 retail locations in over 50 countries worldwide.

Shock Doctor’s sports protection products range from mouthguards, core protective equipment and apparel to Performance Sports Therapy, designed to protect athletes across a wide range of sports including football, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, MMA, fitness and more. Their athlete-centric approach and commitment to developing game-changing technology, which has earned them nineteen patents to date, has continuously revolutionized the industry and raised the standard for technical and functional performance. Trusted by youth, amateur, and pro athletes alike, Shock Doctor products combine cutting-edge design and premium materials with the latest technology to achieve the ultimate in protection and performance.

About Cutters Gloves
www.cuttersgloves.com
Cutters develops, manufactures, distributes and markets an industry leading line of football gloves and accessories as well as other sports gloves for the baseball, fitness, golf and soccer markets.  True glove experts, Cutters Gloves, made with their exclusive C-TACK(tm) Performance Grip Material, are crafted from the highest quality materials for the best performance and durability. Other gloves may look similar, but the silicon application that most other companies use on their gloves results in an inferior grip, and a grip that will peel off, wear out more quickly, and that does not self-restore.  An industry leader in the US and Canada, Cutters Gloves are also sold in 15 countries worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lauren Townsend & Allison Olmstead
TO Media Co.
Lauren@tomediaco.com / Allison@tomediaco.com
949-722-8488
www.tomediaco.com
www.tomediaco.blogspot.com
twitter.com/tomediaco

INTRODUCING 2013 COLLECTION for RING CHING CHING

 Lounge Wear, Accessories, Home Decor + More In Bold Graphic Prints


 

  
Ring Ching Ching, a Southern California merchandise company made in the U.S.A., offers Pillow Cases, Laundry Bags, Cosmetic Bags, Pajama Pants and Boxer Shorts, Magnetic Boards, Picture Frames, Coin Purse and Key Chain and more in dozens of exclusive bright, graphic prints. Now offering over 500 products, including home décor, loungewear, accessories and more, Ring Ching Ching is sold online at www.ringchingching.com or through boutiques stores nationwide.

Ring Ching Ching, created in 2009 by designer Jennifer J. Martin, was originally for modern sorority girls who needed college-bound must haves but now the line has found fans nationwide with kids, moms, teens and more thanks to the fun prints and bold colors.  There are 17 exclusive prints to choose from, including: Yellow Owl, Blue Anchor, Green Squirrel, Pink Rose, Green Ivy, Blue Dolphin, Pink Moon, Blue Arrow, Red Lyre, Yellow Kite, Pink Quatrefoil, Red Rose, Green Nautilus, Blue Fleur, Purple Heart, Turquoise Crown, and Blue Lion.

http://www.facebook.com/ring.ching.9 ; instagram – follow @ringchingching; http://twitter.com/#!/ringchingching;  http://pinterest.com/ringchingching/








The Ring Ching Ching 2013 Collection includes: 
·         Cosmetic Bag ($20) – All toiletries and essential lotions and potions can be easily toted in this roomy cosmetic bag, which features a small handle and a large zipper. 9”x7”x4”; Made of natural canvas

·         Pillow Cases ($18) – Made of 100% cotton, Ring Ching Ching pillow cases are the cutest way for your camper to feel safe and snuggle up to their favorite color, animal or symbol (colors: pink, red, yellow, green, blue and purple; animals: owl, squirrel, dolphin and lion; symbols: anchor, rose, heart, rose, moon, arrow, lyre, crown, fleur, ivy, nautilus, and quatrefoil ).

·         Coin purse and key chain ($10) - Perfect for laundry money or late night snacks at the vending machine; Made of natural canvas

·         Laundry Bags ($22) – Measuring 21" x 34" and made of 100% cotton, this large Laundry Bag is a camp must-have.

·         Pajama Pants ($35) – Generous in sizing, these PJ pants are meant to be a relaxed comfortable fit for lounging or sleeping! The 100% cotton, elastic-waist Pajama Pants are available in two sizes: small/medium fits sizes 2-8, and large/extra-large fits sizes 10-14.

·         Boxer Shorts ($22) The 100% cotton poplin boxer short feature an elastic waist and are available in Small, Medium and Large.

·         Large Magnetic Board ($40) Covered with fabric with a white ribbon at the top to hang your board, the exterior measurements are 12.75" x 18" and comes with 6 incredibly strong magnets. Great for dorm room, bedroom, office or kitchen. 

·         Small Magnetic Board ($24) - Covered with fabric with a white ribbon at the top to hang your board, the exterior measurements are 8" x 12" and comes with 4 incredibly strong magnets.

·         Picture Frame ($20) – The Picture Frame is covered in Ring Ching CHing’s signature prints. Holds a 4x6 photo in portrait or landscape. Exterior measurements are 8x6 inches. 

New Quik Shade Pets To Attend Global Pet Expo 2013

If you are going to the Global Pet Expo Show (February 20-22) in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center, be sure to look for Quik Shade Pets’ booth (#3375).  Quik Shade will be featuring their newly launched line of instant canopy beds for pets – Pet Shade and Pet Kennel (see below for more information about the line). If you would like to set up an interview time, let me know.

Best, Allison  Allison@tomediaco.com


JUST ADD FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS
QUIK SHADE LAUNCHES NEW INSTANT CANOPY PET BEDS

Pet Shade And Pet Kennel Provide Pets With Well Ventilated Instant Shade


Pet owners know that their four legged friends need shade too. Quik Shade, leaders in instant canopies and chairs, is proud to announce a new line of instant canopies for pets including the Pet Shade, an elevated bed with a built in canopy, and the Pet Kennel, an elevated bed with a built in canopy and a zip enclosure.  The first instant pet canopy of its kind, the Pet Shade and Pet Kennel is designed for small to medium size dogs and cats and will be available on www.amazon.com in late February.

Great for backyard everyday use or when taking your pet camping or to the beach, the Pet Shade’s and Pet Kennel’s elevated mesh bed keeps pets cool and dry, while the protective canopy provides a much needed shaded area. The Pet Kennel’s side mesh panels are well ventilated and come with a zip enclosure ensuring the pet’s safety. Engineered for indoor and outdoor use, the Pet Shade and Pet Kennel sets up in seconds using the Quik Shade patented pending instant-fold requires no assembly – ever.

The sturdy frame locks firmly in place ensuring that pet can’t collapse the frame. Lightweight and easy to transport with the matching carry bag included, the Pet Shade and Pet Kennel fabric is durable and stain resistant. http://www.quikshadepets.com

Pet Shade:
·         Small (24”x24”); $29.99
·         Medium (24’x36”); $39.99
·         Available in Blue(with Tan trim) or Tan (with Green trim)

Pet Kennel:
·         Small (24”x24”); $39.99
·         Medium (24’x36”) $49.99
·         Available in Blue(with Tan trim) or Tan (with Green trim)

Ring Ching Ching Offers Cute Gift Ideas for St. Patrick's Day


Ring ChingChing offers great gift ideas for St. Patricks Day including home decor and lounge wear in green and white prints such as: Green Squirrel, Green Ivy, and Green Nautilus. 

Shoppers can find the green and white prints available in the following Ring Ching Ching products: 
  
·         Cosmetic Bag ($20) – All toiletries and essential lotions and potions can be easily toted in this roomy cosmetic bag, which features a small handle and a large zipper. 9”x7”x4”; Made of natural canvas

·         Pillow Cases ($18) – Made of 100% cotton, Ring Ching Ching pillow cases are the cutest way for your camper to feel safe and snuggle up to their favorite color, animal or symbol (colors: pink, red, yellow, green, blue and purple; animals: owl, squirrel, dolphin and lion; symbols: anchor, rose, heart, rose, moon, arrow, lyre, crown, fleur, ivy, nautilus, and quatrefoil ).

·         Coin purse and key chain ($10) - Perfect for laundry money or late night snacks at the vending machine; Made of natural canvas

·         Laundry Bags ($22) – Measuring 21" x 34" and made of 100% cotton, this large Laundry Bag is a camp must-have.

·         Pajama Pants ($35) – Generous in sizing, these PJ pants are meant to be a relaxed comfortable fit for lounging or sleeping! The 100% cotton, elastic-waist Pajama Pants are available in two sizes: small/medium fits sizes 2-8, and large/extra-large fits sizes 10-14.

·         Boxer Shorts ($22) The 100% cotton poplin boxer short feature an elastic waist and are available in Small, Medium and Large.

·         Large Magnetic Board ($40) Covered with fabric with a white ribbon at the top to hang your board, the exterior measurements are 12.75" x 18" and comes with 6 incredibly strong magnets. Great for dorm room, bedroom, office or kitchen. 

·         Small Magnetic Board ($24) - Covered with fabric with a white ribbon at the top to hang your board, the exterior measurements are 8" x 12" and comes with 4 incredibly strong magnets.

·         Picture Frame ($20) – The Picture Frame is covered in Ring Ching CHing’s signature prints. Holds a 4x6 photo in portrait or landscape. Exterior measurements are 8x6 inches. 


THE DEVILED EGG MADE ME DO IT



VONNY DISHES DEVILED EGG CARRIERS FOR EASTER & SUMMER ENTERTAINING
Clever Design Makes Transport-To-Table Easy

Los Angeles, CA – Adding to the company’s booming line of Casserole and Pie Carriers that foodies and celebrities love, vonny, the original designer of fashion-for-your food carriers, tote and accessories that mixes Southern hospitality with LA style, is introducing a stylish Deviled Egg Carrier. Combining style and function when it comes to carrying favorite dishes to Easter family parties, summer get-togethers, beach BBQs, and more, the Deviled Egg Carrier will retail for $64 (includes removable Melamine tray) and is available on www.vonny.com

With a laminated, printed canvas exterior in colorful, graphic prints, and a zipper in a contrasting color, the Deviled Egg Carrier is topped with a webbing handle for comfortable carrying.  The insulated interior with a non-slip surface features an exclusive, removable oval 15" x 11.5" Deviled Egg Tray, designed to hold 22 deviled eggs. The Melamine tray, which is included with the carrier, comes in crisp white, making traveling to table not only stress-free but showcases the deviled eggs as the main show. The tray is also dishwasher safe.

The new Deviled Egg Carriers come in two colorful prints: Sweet Tea (a NEW print; a sweet, vintage take on red cherries with a light blue background and red accents) and Mardi Gras (bright, multi-colored confetti dots). For those who want a complete coordinating set of carriers, the Mardi Gras and Sweet Tea prints are also available in the Pie and Casserole Carrier.

“A once traditional potluck fixture, deviled eggs are making a hip resurgence with gourmet versions popping up on TV food shows and in magazines nationwide, adding new twists and a modern take on the classic dish by embellishing with bacon, garlic, cheese and more,” says Vonny Faucheux.  Husband and business partner, Jerry Faucheux adds “The vonny Deviled Egg Carrier will make transporting and serving this delicious dish easier than ever.” 


The vonny Deviled Egg Carrier, Pie Carrier, Casserole Carrier and the complete line of vonny products is available online at www.vonny.com
About vonny: With a thriving internet business, vonny products can be found in over 300 stores in the US, and the company recently expanded internationally to Australia and Canada.  Husband and wife team, Vonny and Jerry Faucheux, Louisiana natives now living in LA with their young daughter, bring a marriage of Southern hospitality and LA style, as well as Lagnaippe – Cajun French for “a little something extra” - to the life of every product. From this sensibility, the vonny line was born; original, functional, affordable, essential products that reflect a love for that little something extra that makes life worth living.
 
vonny products have been featured on the Today Show and Live With Regis and Kelly, and in national magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Cooking With Paula Deen, Parenting, Family Circle and more. Available online at www.vonny.com.  See vonny on: Facebook, Pintrest
Click here to see Vonny Faucheux talk about the Casserole Carrier,  Pie Carrier and Party Tote on You Tube.

MYOWNLITTLESTORY.COM OFFERS ONLY ONLINE BABY BOOK WITH FREE E-MAIL REMINDERS SPECIFIC TO BABY’S MILESTONES





Custom Options Are Perfect For Traditional and Non-Traditional Families With Unique Stories 

Create Free Online, Print Anytime

Baby’s first smile… First blow of a kiss… Favorite toys, songs and foods… every new parents fears forgetting these endearing details. MyOwnLittleStory.com (MyOwnLittleStory), the only online baby book with email reminders specific to the baby's stages and current milestones, was created to help parents remember and record the details of their child's life while the memories are still fresh.  The company’s exclusive Milestone Memory System is a free service that tracks the child’s age and reminds the parent, via email, to record the special stories of their baby’s life.


In a world where taking photos of your baby is easy and instant, Kristin Coons, founder of MyOwnLittleStory, was inspired to create and launch the site in 2011 to get rid of “baby book guilt” for those parents who feel embarrassed about not having the time to create a baby book, but also to encourage new parents to write the story that compliments the photos.

“Parents are busy in the day to day life of raising kids and they are certain they will remember the stories later,” says Kristin Coons. “Unfortunately, I learned the hard way, with my oldest child, that those little details can be hard to remember even just a couple of years later.  I wanted to help parents journal their personal stories in an easy to use format where they could write as little or as much as they wanted.”

HOW IT WORKS: The four-step process makes online baby booking as simple as responding to an email.

·         Register – With registration, MyOwnLittleStory is free to users for up to two years.   After two years, users are asked to print their storybook, purchase a CD or pay a nominal storage fee: $15 for 6-months and $24 for a year.  Those who are "viewing" stories or "shopping" will continue to have free accounts to view stories or shop.

·         Remind – Baby’s birth date is recorded during registration allowing MyOwnLittleStory to send an email twice a month with a brief narrative of their baby’s current milestone to prompt them to write down details.

·         Record – Each reminder e-mail has a link to directly to the baby's current milestone.  Click the link and start recording the stories to treasure for a lifetime.  Also, easily upload 1-4 photos to accompany the story on that page. Or, click the snooze button and get another reminder in a week.

·         Reminisce – MyOwnLittleStory offers a professionally printed book that is bound in a linen embossed hardcover made exclusively for its members (8.5” high x11” wide; front cover has a 4" x 3" window to display an image), which they suggest be printed on each birthday to mark the year.  Starting at $38.99 (28 pages), pricing is based on the number of pages in your story: $48.99 (40 Pages); $58.99 (52 pages), $68.99 (64 pages), $78.99 (72 pages).  Stories are also available on CD for $30.

WHAT MAKES MYOWNLITTLESTORY.COM UNIQUE:     
·         Whether the family and birth story is traditional or not, MyOwnLittleStory offers the ability to customize pages or skip a question, allowing parents to include only the information that is representative of their child and family situation in the book.   

·         The Milestone Memory Service emails make it easy for busy parents to record the details of their baby's life from home, office or iPhone and also allows parents to share their child’s latest milestone with family and friends.  Click the link, answer a few questions a couple of times a month and over the course of a year, the child’s story is captured and the book is done.  

·         If parents are too busy or if baby hasn't quite reached a particular milestone, parents can click the snooze button to be reminded again in a week.  The site even offers suggestions to help parents who might encounter some "writer's block" when jotting down a story (see samples below). Topics include, but are not limited to:
o   Pregnancy: All about your mom and dad, first trimester, second trimester, baby shower, third trimester, preparation
o   Year One:  Baby’s arrival, first smile, first laugh, favorite foods, favorite games, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, first words
o   Year Two: Talking, toddling, eating, dancing, singing, imitating, dress up, art work
·         MyOwnLittleStory also offers gift certificates that come packaged in a keepsake envelope with free items including stationery and labeled vellum envelopes for storing all of those special mementos, such as a lock of hair, the hospital bracelet and more .

·         To put the finishing touch on every page, MyOwnLittleStory.com features watercolor illustrations from Los Angeles-based artist, Devon Galusha, who created the original images exclusively for MyOwnLittleStory.   The covers are available in Pink, Blue and Green with the idea that simplicity is the best approach to creating a keepsake that will last a lifetime.


ABOUT MYOWNLITTLESTORY.COM: MyOwnLittleStory.com (MyOwnLittleStory), the only online baby book with automated email reminders specific to a baby's stages and current milestones, offers parents the ability to customize and detail their personal story about their baby’s firsts, funniest, cutest and best moments. The exclusive MyOwnLittleStory Milestone Memory System is a free service that tracks the child’s age and reminds the parent, via email, to record the special stories of the child’s life.

MyOwnLIttleStory.com was created by Kristin Coons, mother of three young boys.  After her third son was born in 2006, she came up with the idea for MyOwnLittleStory from her own desire to write down the details of her kids’ lives while they were still little and it was still fresh in her mind.  Kristin spent a couple of years fine-tuning her vision and three years working with a programmer to create the site. MyOwnLittleStory launched in 2011.  The site currently has about 10,000 users and is growing daily. Kristin is also the author of a blog: TheInspiredMom.com which features the stories of other moms who are following their dreams as well as inspiration from what she has learned on her journey of following her own dreams.        
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MyOwnLittleStorycom/209521205778164?fref=ts