Featured SoCal Events and Services
ArtCenter to Host National Portfolio Day in Pasadena on Nov. 15
Free Event Brings Together 36 Leading Art and Design Colleges and Universities for Portfolio Reviews and Undergraduate Admissions Guidance. Sunday, November 15, 2026 | Noon–4 p.m. ArtCenter College of Design will host Los Angeles National Portfolio Day on Sunday, November 15, 2026, welcoming aspiring artists and designers from across Southern California to its iconic Hillside Campus for a … [Read More...]
Sunday, 11/15 | Opening Community Celebration for The Alta, New Arts Space in Montebello
AltaMed Health Services will welcome the community to The Alta with ¡HOLA ALTA! a free celebration on Sunday, November 15 marking the public opening of the new cultural art space in Montebello. Rooted in AltaMed’s belief that health and well-being extend beyond the walls of a medical exam room, The Alta celebrates the power of art and culture to inspire, connect and strengthen … [Read More...]
Downtown Santa Monica’s Frost on 5th Ice Rink Celebrates Grand Opening on Thursday, November 5
The beloved holiday tradition returns for its 19th year with 7,200 square feet of real ice, free skating, live music, and festive surprises Downtown Santa Monica will kick off the holiday season on Thursday, November 5, with the grand opening of Frost on 5th Ice Rink. Located just blocks from the ocean, the 7,200-square-foot rink features real ice and offers a uniquely Southern California way … [Read More...]
Aquarium of the Pacific debuts first HoloTheater® on the U.S. West Coast
Pictured: New HoloTheater® at the Aquarium of the Pacific Photo Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific. The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Ocean Theater has transformed into a brand-new immersive experience that opens on September 4, making it the first HoloTheater® on the U.S. West Coast. Developed by BASE Xperiential, a live entertainment and media company based in Houston, Texas, the HoloTheater® … [Read More...]
SoCal City Kids News
Free Children’s Storytime & Book Signing in Calabasas on Nov. 7
Debut children's author Michelle Grace will host a free storytime and book signing at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, November 7, at 11 AM. The event will also feature giveaways, complimentary essential oil samples, and more. Her debut book, I'm Right Here, is written for children ages 4–8 and follows a mother's love across the universe as she searches for her shining star. Saturday, … [Read More...]
P.F. Chang’s Launches New Children’s Book Supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation
yummy! P.F. Chang's has released a new digital children's book, Meet Bao: The Spirit of Strength, written by Jenny Liao and illustrated by Adriane Tsai. The heartwarming story follows Bao, the Horse of Strength, as he teaches young readers about courage, kindness and compassion. Created in partnership with Starlight Children's Foundation, the book aims to bring comfort and joy to children … [Read More...]
2026 Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes Returns Sunday, November 1
Credit: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina and Cal Tri Events present the 2026 Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes on Sunday, November 1, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Now in its 48th year, the event is recognized as the world’s longest-running triathlon held at the same venue. Once again designated as the Cal Tri Events National Championship, the … [Read More...]
Spooky Season at Santa Monica Place – Line Dancing, Cooking Classes & More!
Credit: Santa Monica Place Here’s a quick look at what’s happening: Western Wednesday: Halloween Edition Wednesday, October 28 from 6–8 p.m. HaLouLouWeen Night Saturday, October 31 at 6 p.m. until late Kid’s Halloween Baking Classes at The Gourmandise School Sunday, October 25 from 2–4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 31 from 10 A.M–12:00 p.m. Halloween Harvest Date Night at … [Read More...]
Santa Monica Place Brings Western Wednesday Back for October
Free weekly line dancing returns to Center Plaza, with a Halloween-themed edition on October 28! Santa Monica Place invites locals and visitors to kick up their heels with Western Wednesday, a free weekly line dancing experience in Center Plaza throughout October. Professional instructors lead lessons for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, with complimentary giveaways available while … [Read More...]
Featured Products
Nest & Notebooks: Printables for Learning and Time Together
A story to read with your child, a writing activity for a quiet afternoon, or a journal you can fill in together—Nest & Notebooks offers printable resources for learning and family life. Available on Teachers Pay Teachers, the collection includes short stories with questions for reading practice, beginnings of stories for children to finish, and journals where they can write or draw about … [Read More...]
Halloween Treats that aren’t Candy!
A healthier option! Looking for something other than candy to give the kids this Halloween? They are sure to get more candy than they need! Here's a healthier option that kids and adults are going to love! My favorite is the all mango! Crispy Green, maker of Crispy Fruit freeze-dried fruit snacks made with just one ingredient, has a few easy ideas for adding something different to the … [Read More...]
Spooky and Fun Halloween Gift Suggestions for the Kids!
Available on OrientalTrading.com Oriental Trading 54" x 54" Halloween Let's Get Spooky Fleece Tied Blanket Craft Kit | MSRP: $27.99 | Available on OrientalTrading.com Decorate your haunt with a blanket featuring a haunted house! This convenient craft kit includes two pieces of fleece with pre-cut fringe that kids can tie together to create a blanket that has the image of a haunted house, … [Read More...]
More Back-to-School Must-Buys!
Here are some of my favorite food products for Back-to-School time! Clover Sonoma Greek Yogurt is a must-try! As families gear up for back-to-school season, many parents are looking for nutritious snacks and breakfasts that keep kids energized and focused throughout the day. I'm reaching out on behalf of Clover Sonoma. We’d welcome the opportunity to support you on a lifestyle or … [Read More...]
Back-to-School for College Students!
Here are some great gift suggestions for your college students! This Air Fryer is the coolest! Fritaire Air Fryer upgrades dorm cooking beyond ramen and microwave meals. Its 1500W halogen heating system and vortex convection technology create crispy, evenly cooked food, while the self-cleaning glass bowl makes cleanup quick and easy in compact living spaces. I love how stylish this is and … [Read More...]
More Back-to-School Food Must-Buys!
Amasar Better Breakfasts with Breadfruit: Amasar's Fiber-Forward Innovation Helps Families Fuel the School DayPuerto Rico-based Amasar helps families simplify back-to-school mornings with naturally gluten-free, fiber-forward breakfast solutions. As families prepare for another school year, one nutritional challenge continues to concern health professionals: most Americans consume far less … [Read More...]
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Media Reviews
Books of the Week: November 6, 2026
Fun for kids of all ages who love football! Do you have a young football fan in your life? They may think they know the game... but do they really know all the greatest of the NFL? Help them become an expert with the newest addition to the widely successful middle-grade WHO GOT GAME? series, WHO GOT GAME? FOOTBALL by New York Times bestselling author and … [Read More...]
Klara and the Sun * Based On Kazuo Ishiguro’s Novel, Reimagines Science Fiction By Asking Whether Kindness Matters More Than Being Gifted
Based on the bestselling novel from Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro and written and directed by Academy-Award® winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit), Klara and the Sun introduces audiences to Klara (Jenna Ortega), an Artificial Friend who wants nothing more than to find the perfect home. When Klara meets Josie (Mia Tharia), each immediately senses a kindred spirit in the other. Josie has a fraught … [Read More...]
Not My Dog * A Touching Coming-Of-Age Story Thanks To The Help Of Man’s Best Friend
When a stray dog begins trailing 12-year-old Bridget through her small town, she tries everything to shake him. The more they wonder, they more she learns about loyalty, courage, and the kind of friendship she never knew she needed. "Not My Dog" is a heartfelt family film about letting go of fear and opening your heart, one paw-step at a time. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Spencer C. comments, … [Read More...]
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Beauty and Fashion Corner
Summer Fragrance Must-Have!
My favorites are Chakra 4 and Chakra 7 Looking for the perfect Summer perfume collection? Auratherapy has you covered! Their motto is Spray. Breathe In. Transform. Everyone loves a chakra boost! Return to your center with their expertly crafted essential oil perfumes, designed to heal with intention. Each spray initiates a mood shift-from easing stress to inspiring focus-bringing your chakras … [Read More...]
Looking for Summer Skin Care? The Olea Essence Skincare Collection is a Must-Try!
Olea Essence, a skincare brand rooted in the power of unfiltered extra virgin olive oil and botanical ingredients, introduces its comprehensive line of natural skincare products designed to nourish, restore, and rejuvenate skin from head to toe. Featuring regenerative olives grown on Olea Essence Farms and a 100% olive oil–based skincare line where the regenerative olives are grown on the Olea … [Read More...]
It’s still Butterbeer Season! ORLY Butterbeer Nail Polish and Nail Care Products are a Must-Buy!
Harry Potter/Orly Butterbeer was first introduced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the trio huddled in The Three Broomsticks. With its butterscotch and shortbread notes, Butterbeer has become a global fan favorite. Butterbeer Season is the annual salute to the flavor, scent and look of Butterbeer and takes place between March 1 and May 31. I love the nail products available … [Read More...]
Eco-Friendly Teen Skincare Line is a Must-Try!
SKWAD SKWAD, founded by Elise Kandrac, was inspired by her concern for her teenagers' self-esteem and the gender-specific nature of skincare products for young teens. The Hawaiian values are reflected in the brand's mission. SKWAD is committed to environmental responsibility, choosing packaging and ingredients with the planet in mind. Their marine-safe formulations are custom-made, and they … [Read More...]
Pet Corner
Bentley, Nov. 6 Pet of the Week
Bentley is a dream to drive! Her volunteer friends said that she’s super-mellow, knows “sit” and “stay” commands, and is easy to walk. During the Halloween parade at the shelter, Bentley watched all the doggies go by, and there was no reactivity whatsoever on her part. All her gears work great! Bentley came to our shelter with a leg problem but behaved beautifully and patiently when the vet took … [Read More...]
Dunson, Oct. 30 Pet of the week
Looking for his forever home! Here’s Dunson, a funny-face fellow who at only a year old has done almost everything a shelter dog can do! He’s had so much fun doing it, too, and so have all his volunteer pals at Long Beach Animal Care Services. Dunson spent two months boarding as a foster with one volunteer. He attended an event with another and did great both in the car and with the people … [Read More...]
Sunshine, Oct. 23 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWW! You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine … Meet our only Sunshine, all ready for you to snap on her leash and go trick-or-treating! And her buddy volunteer Kristi says she’s a treat to walk! Sunshine checks in often with her walker, and even though she’s curious about everything around her, she never pulls on the leash. Bikes, passing humans—no reaction at all. But she loves to interact … [Read More...]
Jonas, Oct. 16 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWW! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just ask the Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) vet team, their cat volunteers and anyone who meets Jonas. Jonas is a 9-year-old senior fellow who came to LBACS in June. He was, frankly, a mess—he had mange, conjunctivitis, a few missing teeth and entropion, an ocular condition in which the eyelid margin rolls inward, causing eyelashes and fur … [Read More...]
