Latino Americans on PBS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month #LatinosPBS #LatinosFord

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My children speak some Spanish.. but we’re working on learning/becoming fluent.

Disclosure: This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Ford. However, all opinions are my very own.

Family or “Familia” is one of the most important things in my life. I grew up in a very traditional Mexican-American family full of wonderful traditions, food, friends, and fun. Life in my home was full of spice and life. We spent much of our time with family and celebrating one thing or another. One thing about Lations, we sure know how to celebrate!!  My culture plays an extremely important part of my life. My husband is Anglo and our children are bi-cultural. It means that I have to try a little bit harder to make sure my children understand their beautiful heritage.  We try to visit our familia often, we take part in traditions, and although we are making limited progress, I try to teach Spanish to my kiddos.

Hispanic Heritage month takes place during September/October.  September 15th marks the Independence of Mexico and the Traditional “El Grito”. It is the first of many independence day celebrations that take place throughout Latin America. It’s the perfect start to celebrate the contributions Hispanic/Latinos have made, and to honor our heritage and traditions.

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I want to make sure my children and my husband can learn as much as they can about our people, and PBS has a wonderful series that highlights of Latinos in America. PBS through generous funding  from Ford Motor Company,  will air a series that will explore the many contributions Latinos have made to our country. Latino Americans will air today September 24th and October 1st from 8pm to 10pm. You can also watch the series every Friday at 8pm on Vme TV through October 25th.

Latino-AmericansI love PBS and the amazing programing they provide. I know that Latino Americans will be a great series and educational for everyone, even if you are not of Latino heritage. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Ford Motor company on many occasions and am thankful for their generous grant that has made the series possible. They are an incredible corporation and understand the importance of Latinos in America. For more information about Ford’s partnership with Hispanic Heritage month check them out on Facebook or Twitter.

For more information about Ford’s partnership with PBS for Hispanic Heritage Month, visit Facebook.com/FordEnEspanol or Twitter.com/FordEspanol – See more at: http://rockinmama.net/latino-americans-on-pbs-celebrates-and-educates-families-in-honor-of-hispanic-heritage-month/#sthash.wQAs0FNQ.dpuf

Orange County Children’s Book Festival

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The International Children’s Festival is a fair that showcases international cultures. Diplomatic embassies host booths about their country and culture intended to introduce children and their families to world geography, fashion like this line with new baby girl cutest clothes, and traditions through displays and activities.

Mark your calendars for this fun and educational event. The Orange County Children’s Book Festival returns to Orange Coast College. This year the festival takes place on Sunday, September 29th. There is something for everyone that loves book. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival and promises to be the best ever. There will be over 150 authors, 25 illustrators, entertainers, and of course storytellers!

Why is reading so important for a child?
Reading to young children is proven to improve cognitive skills and help along the process of cognitive development. When you begin reading aloud to your child, it essentially provides them with background knowledge on their young world, which helps them make sense of what they see, hear, and read. When you read, you exercise your comprehension abilities and your analytical abilities. It fires up your imagination and stimulates the memory centers of your mind. It helps recall information as well as stabilize your emotions. The importance of a reading habit is that it strengthens mental muscles.

There will be multiple stages with author and illustrator presentations, professional entertainers, craft corners, train rides, and of course story time! The best part is that the festival is that parking and admission to the event are free of charge. To learn more about the Festival head here.

What: Orange County Children’s Book Festival

Where: Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa

Time: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Wizard of Oz in IMAX 3D

It’s a movie you’ve probably seen dozens of times, but you have never seen it like this! September 20th, for one week only, The Wizard of Oz is coming to IMAX screens in 3D.  We got a chance to experience this unbelievable movie experience earlier this week at the newly remodeled TCL Chinese Theater. It is now the largest IMAX theater anywhere and this is the perfect film to exhibit for the theater’s renovated debut.  Did you know that the original film premiered at this same theater in 1939?

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The movie has never looked better. This is not just a 3D conversion, but a full restoration of the movie. Any fears of seeing a grainy blown up film should be put aside because the movie looks sharp. The 3D conversion process took over 16 months to complete and had over 1000 people that worked on it.  Below is a short film on the process used to get the film ready for the 3D IMAX treatment.

Here’s another fact you might not know: A double was used for Judy Garland in three scenes. Her name is Bobbie Koshay. In the first, at the opening of the movie, Bobbie balances on a fence and then falls into the pig pen. In the second, Bobbie is seen from the back, opening the door to Munchkin Land before Dorothy emerges in Technicolor. And it’s Bobbie again, from the back, when the flying monkey’s pick her up from the haunted forest.

This is a unique event you do not want to miss.  Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, bring your neighbor! Visit the IMAX website to find a theater near you.