Featured SoCal Events and Services
Letterpress Surplus Sale & Wayzgoose Celebration
Saturday, August 22 | 9am–4pm A Wayzgoose—a tradition dating back to the 1500s—is an annual gathering of printers to mark the end of summer and the start of the printing season.Letterpress Surplus Sale: Vintage printing equipment, tools, and supplies for everyone from seasoned printers to curious beginners. Printing Demos, Hands-On Activities & Workshops: Ongoing mini-tours … [Read More...]
American Born Chinese Foundation, Supporting Children’s Bilingual Literacy and in Partnership with the City of West Hollywood Presents 4th Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival
The 4th Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival (LAKBF) returns to West Hollywood Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This free-to-the-public event celebrates early childhood education, bilingualism and multiculturalism for young children and their families. Fostering a love for reading, this year’s Los Angeles Kids Book … [Read More...]
Santa Monica Place Invites the Community to Enjoy Line Dancing, Family Movie Nights and Rooftop Entertainment This August
Makers Hive Market. Courtesy of Santa Monica Place. Santa Monica Place invites locals and visitors to make the most of the final weeks of summer with a variety of entertainment, dining and family-friendly experiences throughout August. From complimentary line-dancing lessons in Center Plaza to after-hours family movie nights and rooftop dining experiences, guests can enjoy something new … [Read More...]
Summer Fun Awaits at Bella Terra with Can’t-Miss Events
Summer is in full swing at Bella Terra, with a vibrant lineup of community-focused experiences designed to make the most of the season. From The Great Summer Dash and weekly Dog Haus Trivia Nights to Bella Beats, Bella Terra invites guests of all ages to gather, celebrate, and create unforgettable summer memories. Check out some of the August happenings below! The Great Summer Dash … [Read More...]
SoCal City Kids News
PLAZA MÉXICO’S MERCADO PRESENTS ‘JUEVES DE LOTERÍA’ ( LOTERÍA THURSDAYS) 4:00 pm -6:00 pm *Free*
We are thrilled to invite you to our weekly “Jueves de Loteria” at Plaza Mexico’s ‘Mercado’. Join us every Thursday evening from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for a fun-filled night of Lotería, the traditional Mexican game that has captured hearts for generations. This event is FREE to play and offers you the chance to win fantastic prizes! Lotería is a colorful and exciting game, similar to … [Read More...]
Art Installation “Gentle Giants” by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry at Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station
Rendering of Gentle Giants in Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry Gentle Giants by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry is on display at the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station from Monday, July 13 - Friday, October 2, 2026. Gentle Giants presents a gathering of tall, hand-formed characters who share the space with a calm, watchful presence. Each giant stands as part of a loose “family,” … [Read More...]
ReCoding the Codex: Cultural Heritage through Language
Bryan Ida, Kimiko Kitagaki, 36 x 28 inches, Ink on panel, 2022. Image courtesy of the artist. ReflectSpace presents ReCoding the Codex: Cultural Heritage through Language, an exhibition that considers the complicated relationship between language, social justice, and cultural heritage. The codex is the historical name for a book, this becomes the starting point for the artists to re-create or … [Read More...]
SOUNDS OF LA COUNTY: 27 PARKS. 108. CONCERTS. ONE COUNTY.
A new standalone summer concert series for LA County Parks, produced by NextFest LA. The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) is launching its first official standalone FREE summer concert series in LA County Parks' history. Sounds of LA County - 27 Parks. 108 Concerts. One County highlights local artists from LA County's abundant indie … [Read More...]
4 Most Instagrammable Places in Paros
Paros is one of those Greek islands that looks good in almost every direction you turn. It has that classic Cycladic style people expect, but it still feels relaxed and not overly staged. Whitewashed houses, small harbours, clear water, and soft evening light all come together in a way that makes it hard not to take photos constantly. Some places on the island stand out more than others, … [Read More...]
Featured Products
More Summer Fun for the Kids!
Smart Games IQ Flow SmartGames IQ Flow by Smart Toys & Games MSRP: $14.99 | Ages 7+ | Available at Specialty Toy Stores & Amazon Smart Games IQ Flow is an addictive travel puzzle game that challenges players to solve 120 progressive challenges ranging from easy to expert. IQ Flow provides hours of engaging brain-building fun, developing essential STEM skills like … [Read More...]
Summer Food Faves!
Perfect for quick Summer meals! Looking for something quick and easy to make for dinner this Summer? Safe Catch has a great option that is also healthier! Better than many chicken nuggets! They’re made with wild-caught Alaska pollock, have 18g of protein per serving, and use avocado oil instead of the typical seed oils. No added sugar. They also taste great so the kids will love them! What … [Read More...]
More Summer Favorites!
Lots of fun! Cone Toss is a portable lawn game made for easy, social play with no experience required. It’s perfect for casual hangs, mixed-skill groups, and anyone who thinks lawn games should feel fun first and competitive second. Built for the weekend, t’s a lawn game everyone can play–and actually wants to. Fast setup, simple rules, and repeatable play makes it a great addition to backyard … [Read More...]
Summer Must-Haves!
This really is a must buy! Scars and sun protection go together like flip flops and pedicures! NewGel+UV is the first breakthrough scar treatment to combine the power of 100% Medical Grade Silicone gel and non-chemical sunscreen protecting your scars from UV exposure while minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation. This advanced formula creates a protective barrier, reducing scarring … [Read More...]
Toy Suggestion for the little ones this Father’s Day: Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker
This is the coolest! Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker | MSRP: $58.99 | Ages 3+ | Available at Walmart| The Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker lets little pitmasters fire up the fun with a lifelike BBQ smoking experience! Designed to look just like the real thing, this interactive toy features realistic steam that mimics the smoking process, bringing backyard barbecues to life. Perfect for … [Read More...]
Father’s Day Gift Suggestions!
Here are some great ideas! ohhh sooo good! Big Tree Farms BBQ Sauces — bringing globally inspired flavor to Father’s Day grilling, Big Tree Farms’ BBQ sauces are crafted with organic Nira, the naturally low-glycemic coconut blossom nectar harvested from coconut trees in Bali. The sauces combine smoky-sweet richness with elevated Southeast Asian street food-inspired flavor profiles that feel … [Read More...]
More Featured Products...
Media Reviews
Merlin and the Dragons * A Heartwarming Coming-Of-Age Story About An Outcast Who Realizes His Differences Are What Make Him Who He Is
From the original Arthurian lore, author Jane Yolen scripted an exciting adventure about Merlin as a young boy. Beautifully illustrated by renowned conceptual artist Alan Lee, the story serves as a prequel, following the young boy Emrys (who will become Merlin) as he discovers his magical destiny and witnesses the famous battle of the white and red dragons. Disturbed by dreams of dragons fighting, … [Read More...]
Books of the Week: August 5, 2026
America Celebrates America Celebrates takes readers on an exciting journey through the people, places, and events that shaped the United States over the last 250 years. With one fascinating highlight for every year since 1776, this beautifully illustrated book brings history to life through a mix of iconic figures, surprising milestones, and powerful cultural moments, including … [Read More...]
Books of the Month: August 2026
REALLY RUBIE, written and illustrated by Maddie FrostAladdin; Onsale 6/2/26; $14.99; Paper Over Board; Ages 8 – 12 ; ISBN: 979834710399 Fans of Dork Diaries will love the first installment in this hilarious diary-style middle grade series from award-winning author/illustrator Maddie Frost, featuring color-lined pages with black and white illustrations. In REALLY RUBIE ( … [Read More...]
More Media Reviews...
- Beauty And The Beast * The Film’s Animation Is Breathtaking; The Drawings Are Gorgeous And The Newly Remastered Film Looks Stunning
- Moana * Captures Everything That Made The Original So Special While Adding Breathtaking Visuals, And Emotional Performances
- Minions & Monsters * This film is a laugh-a-minute; making it feel like the movie is over in a flash
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
Fuchsia, July 31 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWWWWW Fuchsia’s name isn’t the easiest to remember how to spell for a few of us, but she’s very easy to love for a lot of people. Volunteer Debbie describes her as loving, calm and stunning — she said that Fuchsia loves her tummy rubbies, knows commands, and is easy to walk. She doesn’t pull much on the leash, Debbie said, and when she took her on a Fido Field Trip, she was nonreactive not … [Read More...]
Mabel, July 24 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWWW! We don’t know what’s so funny, but Mabel seems tickled pink about something. Maybe it’s that squirrel who nearly ran backward up a tree when he saw her on a walk. Mabel just looked at him and shrugged. Mabel’s interested in other animals, but she’s more interested in just walking—she’s great on a leash. She likes humans, too, but she needs time to get to know them. She’s developed … [Read More...]
Chickenne, Meko and Luna, July 17 Pets of the Week
Lulu and Meko Meet a ready-made family, perfect for an empty-nester! Lulu, a 10-year-old gray-and-white girl; Meko, an 8-year-old orange-and-white attention-grabbing fella; and Chickenne (we have no idea where the name came from), a sweet Siamese/tabby coated 12-year old man were surrendered by their owner because they reportedly had too many cats in the house. The cats are all seniors and did … [Read More...]
Mr Worldwide (no period after “Mr.”!), JULY 3 Pet of the Week
A special plea for this week’s Pet of the Week: Mr Worldwide, a 2-year-old brown-and-white pittie, is much loved by Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) staff and volunteers. He’s done all the things a good dog does—he walks well on leash, inspecting every inch of pavement and grass; accepts treats politely; presents his belly for rubs; and covers human faces with wet kisses. Mr Worldwide … [Read More...]
