Archives for March 2016

Curious George and Buddy the Dinosaur Visit LA Zoo

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Buddy the Dinosaur

PHOTO CREDIT: TM and © The Jim Henson Company, All Rights Reserved.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens hosts PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend at the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday April 10, 2016, 10 am to 4 pm.  The event fills the Zoo’s Eucalyptus Grove with a variety of engaging fun for families with book readings, themed crafts, activities and a kids’ dance party.  Guest also enjoy a special opportunity to take photos with PBS KIDS characters Curious George and Buddy the Dinosaur from Dinosaur Train.  Curious George is available for photos between 10 am and 1 pm, and Buddy is available between 1 pm and 4 pm.  PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend is free with paid admission to the L.A. Zoo.

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Photo:  Curious George. PHOTO CREDIT: courtesy of PBS SoCal KIDS.

Other weekend activities at the L.A. Zoo include close-up “Animals & You” encounters at 10:45 am, 11 am, and 12:45 pm, and shows and presentations such as the ELEPHANTS OF ASIA training demonstration at 11 am; the popular WORLD OF BIRDS SHOW at 11:30 am; a HAWK TRAINING DEMONSTRATION at2 pm; a MARSUPIAL TALK at 11:30 am (Sunday only); and more.  The schedule, subject to weather and other changes, is available at the Zoo entrance and online at www.LAZoo.org.

The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing 1.75 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered.  Its lush grounds on 113 acres feature the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles); Elephants of Asia; Campo Gorilla Reserve; Rainforest of the Americas, an extraordinary collection of endangered and exotic mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians living in spaces that exemplify their natural habitat in the rainforest biosphere; Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest troops of chimpanzees in the United States; Red Ape Rain Forest, where visitors can walk among orangutans; the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo; one of the largest flocks of flamingos in any zoo in the world; a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants; and much more.  Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife.  The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 60,000 member households representing more than 240,000 adults and children.  As evidence of the Zoo’s popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles.

About PBS SoCal
PBS SoCal is the flagship PBS station for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California, dedicated to fostering a love of learning, culture and community using the power of public media. We deliver the full schedule of high-quality PBS programs, plus content that is for, about and by the people of Southern California. We make our content available for free through three broadcast channels – PBS SoCal/KOCE-HD, PBS SoCal Plus and PBS SoCal World – and online at pbssocal.org.  And we reach deep into the community through partnerships, events and grassroots outreach, providing early education resources and access to a broad array of arts and culture experiences. PBS SoCal has offices in Downtown LA, Century City and Costa Mesa. Learn more atpbssocal.org and follow PBS SoCal on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Programming subject to change.

All activities are free with paid Zoo admission, which is $20 for general admission (ages 13 to 61), $17 for seniors (ages 62+), and $15 for children (ages 2 to 12).  No ticket is required for children under 2.  Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.  5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA  90027.  Free parking is available.  For additional information, contact (323) 644-4200 or visit www.lazoo.org

Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo.

The Place to go this Spring Break! Knott’s Berry Farm is a Must-Visit!

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I simply can’t believe that Spring Break is almost here! Looking for a fun day outing for the whole family? Knott’s Berry Farm is a favorite of ours! My son actually thinks that it is the best amusement park and he loves the roller coasters and thrill rides. I am a big fan of anything boysenberry especially jam and the salt water taffy! I just discovered the boysenberry salt water taffy on this past visit!

I like that there are also more mellow rides since I am getting older and can not handle every roller coaster!  I am also a BIG fan of Snoopy! I sometimes think that I like to go to Knott’s Berry Farm just to see Snoopy  and his pals!

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Speaking of Boysenberry…Celebrate Knott’s historic boysenberry this spring during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, March 19 – April 3! To find out more, click here

Self Disclosure: I received Media comped tickets to visit Knott’s Berry Farm and facilitate this Spring time post.

More Springtime events:

March 18- Starbucks Opens- The first Starbucks location at Knott’s Berry Farm opens just outside the park in the CA Marketplace.

March 27- Easter Sunday Brunch-The expansive buffet includes dozens of your favorite brunch and dinner dishes.

See you at Knott’s Berry Farm this Spring!

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Treats for the Easter Basket!

It’s almost Easter since it is early this year! It’s time to start thinking about what to put in those Easter Baskets and plastic eggs! I know…yummy chocolates and jelly beans are a must! But, it would be nice to throw in some healthier snack options too. I like the following because they really are great for anytime of the year!

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Welch’s® Fruit Snacks are America’s favorite fruit snack brand. The Welch’s® Fruit Snacks Easter themed box and pouch have custom Easter-themed graphics with fun shapes which include a Chick, Egg, Flower and Bunny. The snacks are perfect for Easter Baskets and stuffing eggs. Moms and Dads love that every pack is made with REAL Fruit, is Fat Free, Gluten Free, and contains No Preservatives. Welch’s® Fruit Snacks feature fruit as the first ingredient, so they taste delicious!

I like that even older kids will like these and that they actually do have real fruit in them!

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Go Organically® Fruit Snacks are USDA-certified organic, made with real fruit purées and real fruit juices. These tasty smart and delicious treats include 100% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C and are an excellent source of Vitamins A and E. Go Organically® Fruit Snacks are GMO-free, gluten-free, preservative-free and made with natural flavors and colors from natural sources.  Not to mention, each individual pack is only 70 calories!

I have to admit that I even like these ones! They aren’t just for kids! I love that they only have 70 calories and are natural.

Look for them at a store near you this Easter!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post.

Coming soon! Natural Twig Colored Pencil Set!

Pencils

Do you have a child that loves to draw and color? The Natural Twig Colored Pencil Set would make a great addition to their art supply collection!  I love how these are different and that even older kids will think that these are cool! There are a variety of colors and I love that they are handcrafted! Includes: Set of Eight Assorted Pencils.
Colors: Red, Orange, Green, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Brown & Black bound w/ twine. Recommended for ages 3+.

They will be available soon. You can get more information here.

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post.

 

Upcoming Book to look for: Bartholomew Quill

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Bartholomew Quill is clever and curious, but he doesn’t know quote who or what he is. He has feathers not fur, so he can’t be a moose; he is black like a puffin but his beak is the wrong color. This determined bird won’t stop asking questions until he discovers what the reader knows – Bartholomew Quill is a crow!

This is a fun story for young children! I think that they will like Bartholomew Quill and his curiosity! I also love the illustrations!

You can purchase and find out more here.

Self Disclosure: I received a free book to facilitate this post. 

 

NOVICA Rainbow Moonstone and 24k Yellow Gold Plated Beaded Bracelet

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Looking for an unique gift for someone special? I love this NOVICA Rainbow Moonstone and 24k Yellow Gold Plated Beaded Bracelet. It’s really pretty and I love that it comes in a pretty jewelry pouch! You can keep this one for yourself but it would make a great gift. It truly seems like a personal keepsake that could be kept for years! I have never seen natural moonstone before and found this very pretty! Also included is an official NOVICA Story Card that certifies the quality & authenticity. This one is a real beauty must-buy!

 

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More info:

  • An original NOVICA fair trade product in association with National Geographic.
  • NOVICA works with Khun Boom (Thailand) to craft this item.

This can be found on Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received this product at a reduced price in exchange for an unbiased review. No other compensation was received.

River, St. Patrick’s Day Pet of the Week!

River, March 17 Pet of the Week

Our ACS volunteer is about to do a River dance for St. Patrick’s Day with a partner of the same name! River, a 3-year-old brindle American Staffie, is as gentle and loving as he appears. He loves attention and walks, and he’s hoping for that pot of gold. If you live at the end of his rainbow, meet River on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A564665.

 

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day When You’re Pregnant – with Bundle Organics!

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St. Patrick’s Day is one holiday where the drinks are always flowing – but what if you’re pregnant and want to have some fun?  No green beer for you!

Bundle Organics offer a simply delicious way for moms-to-be to get the nutrients she and baby need from one little bottle.  Bundle Organics prenatal juices are packed with organic fruits and veggies with an extra bump of essential vitamins for baby’s healthy development. Plus, the juices are pasteurized so moms-to-be can sip worry-free!
Check out the The green-colored Kale Apple Lemon Ginger juice!
Self Disclosure: Credit: Bundle Organics. No compensation or products were received.