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Festival of Books Returns with All-Star Lineup for 2018

April 17, 2018 By 1 Comment

The Los Angeles Times is proud to present the inaugural Newstory, a celebration of storytelling beyond the book, during the 23rd annual Festival of Books. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to discover new forms of storytelling, experience creative technologies and join conversations about what inspires the leading creators of our time.

 

“Los Angeles is the storytelling epicenter of the world –  TV & film, music, and now VR, podcasts and a lot more,” said Clint Schaff, Times vice president of strategy and development and producer of Newstory. “Newstory is a celebration of that, and an opportunity to discover and experience a variety of storytelling forms and emerging storytelling voices.”

 

Newstory includes conversations and live performances across five stages, immersive experiences with a 360 VR dome, interactive games and over 50 creative storytellers, including Beatie Wolfe, Mayim Bialik, Two Bit Circus, Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest), The Second City, Lucinda Williams, March For Our Lives students and Moby.

 

“We are excited to bring new forms of storytelling to the Festival of Books and we hope to inspire Los Angeles by sharing activation experiences and emerging storytellers that are typically only available to industry insiders or in expensive entertainment arenas,” said Kim Garner, co-producer of Newstory and founder of Garner Talent.

 

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is the nation’s largest literary and cultural festival.  This year, the festival will also shine a light on alternative forms of storytelling including podcasts, gaming, virtual reality, music, film, dance and television. For the first time, the festival will unveil unique experiences showcasing the storytelling industries that are right here in Los Angeles.

 
WHEN: Saturday, April 21st (10AM – 6PM) & Sunday, April 22nd (10AM – 5PM)

 
EVENTS: Distinctive Newstory experiences will include:

·         Beatie Wolfe’s “The Art of Music”: Interviews, Performances, Screenings and Experiences

·         Vortex Immersion 360 Media Dome

·         Dear World Personal Narrative Portrait Booth

·         Community Crenshaw District Hieroglyph Project

·         “The Journey is the Destination”: Dan Eldon Photography Exhibit

·         Two Bit Circus Interactive Carnival Games

·         Immerson’s VR Haptic “Touch Technology”
  For the complete Newstory schedule, see below, or go to latimes.com/newstory
WHERE: University of Southern California (USC)

The USC campus is located approximately 2 miles southwest from Downtown L.A. and 1 mile from the intersection of the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) and the Harbor Freeway (I-110). Numerous paid parking lots ($12-$25) on and around the USC campus will be available for FOB attendees and can be viewed on this map. Limited street parking is also available.
TICKETS: Admission to the festival is free. Pre-sale passes (which provide advanced reservations for up to 20 indoor conversations) and all-access passes (access to all indoor conversations, plus valet parking) are available for purchase now. Individual conversation tickets will be available Sunday, April 15. For more information, visit: events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks.

 
 
 

Credit: L.A. Times Book Festival.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Urban Ocean Festival April 28-29, 2018 at The Aquarium of the Pacific

April 16, 2018 By 5 Comments

EXPLORE AND CELEBRATE SOCAL’S COAST AT AQUARIUM’S URBAN OCEAN FESTIVAL, APRIL 28-APRIL 29, 2018.

 

The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its ninth annual Urban Ocean Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29, 2018. The Pacific waters off Southern California host an array of industrial and recreational activities and provide habitat for a diverse group of animals. Visitors to this festival can learn more about and appreciate our urban ocean. The festival will include art exhibitions, the Trashin’ Fashion Show and Contest for designs using recycled materials, mural painting, poetry readings, booths, live band performances, educational activities, sustainable seafood tastings, and more. The Urban Ocean Poetry boat cruise will also be available during the weekend at an additional cost and Urban Ocean Cruises will occur monthly throughout the summer.

 

WHEN:          Festival: Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, 2018, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

 

SCHEDULE:   

The festival schedule will be posted at:

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/urban_ocean_festival/

The schedule is subject to change.

COST:    The festival is free to Aquarium members and included with general admission for the public. General admission: $29.95 adult (12+), $26.95 senior (62+), $17.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members. Additional cost for cruises. Poetry Cruise and Urban Ocean Cruises are additional and can be purchased in combination with Aquarium admission or à la carte.

Mobile-device and printable coupon

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/offer/fest9/

With coupon, adults receive $10 OFF admission on April 28 or April 29. Regular $29.95, just $19.95 with coupon!

 

INFO:                         (562) 590-3100

Festival: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/urban_ocean_festival/

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific. Photos provided courtesy of The Aquarium of the Pacific. 

We have teamed up with The Aquarium of the Pacific for a Giveaway! One winner will win a Family 4 Pack of tickets for either the 28th or the 29th! To enter, leave a comment below telling us your favorite thing about the Aquarium of the Pacific! I love the Sea Lions, Seals and the jellyfish! Deadline to enter is April 25th, 2018 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected. 

 

Filed Under: Featured Events

The YES Bar is the perfect on-the-go Snack!

April 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Have you heard of the YES Bar? They are quite tasty!

The YES Bar, featured on the Today Show and on Yahoo, takes the best ingredients like macadamias from Hawaii, sea salt harvested in France, artisanal German dark chocolate, and tangy California sun-dried strawberries and apricots, to create four mouth watering (nearly vegan minus the honey) flavors:
  • Macadamia Chocolate
  • Black Sesame Sea Salt
  • Mocha Cayenne
  • Strawberry Coconut

The YES Bar is committed to a completely anti-inflammatory profile of nuts, seeds, and clean carbohydrates. There are no grains, fillers, preservatives, soy or refined sweeteners like agave or brown rice syrup. The YES Bar uses just the highest quality ingredients that anyone can say YES to! The bars are individually wrapped making them easy to store in a purse, backpack, lunch box or even a carry-on, and the round shape gives you a cookie feel without any guilt.

The YES Bar was created by Abigail Wald after giving birth to her son who had so many food sensitivities. She was tired of always having to say “no” to the foods he wanted to try and in frustration and out of love, created a bar she could say YES to.

I had the opportunity to receive a few samples and I love the taste and love that they are a great snack to take on the go. I also feel that it is a healthier option than many other snacks out there! 

The YES Bar has an 8-month shelf life and is made of high protein nuts, seeds, dried fruit and spices bound together with maple syrup, honey and tahini. The composition of the bar is distinctive. The bars are hand crafted in small batches and pressed into circles. Each bite in The Yes Bar is a little bit different and complex versus the same taste you might get with every other bar.

In addition to a commitment to a healthy body, The YES Bar is committed to the earth, the packaging is made from craft paper and the 6-pack display boxes are 100% compostable and recyclable and come from responsibly managed forests.

Find out more here!

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. I also received additional information and images. 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Rimmel London’s NEWEST EYELINERS are a Beauty Must this Spring!

April 16, 2018 By 1 Comment

Rimmel London Wonder’ Ombre Holographic Effect Eyeliner and Rimmel London Wonder Wing Eyeliner Stamp
The Unicorn effect—think holographic and 3-D—will light up your beauty routine. You don’t have to be a makeup artist to create this lustrous look. With RIMMEL LONDON WONDER’ OMBRE HOLOGRAPHIC EFFECT EYELINER you get 2-in-1 dimensional color so you can play at home. The creamy formula effortlessly swipes on and lasts all-day. If you’re looking for more drama then grab RIMMEL LONDON WONDER WING EYE LINER STAMP. Creating the perfect winged eye has never been so easy. The more you press the bolder the look.
I really like how easy it is to apply and how it really lasts all day! I love the Galactic Green color and it’s now one of my to-go-to beauty products! 
RIMMEL LONDON WONDER’ OMBRE HOLOGRAPHIC EFFECT EYELINER ($6.99)
Wake up and define your eyes with the dual sided RIMMEL LONDON WONDER’ OMBRE HOLOGRAPHIC EFFECT EYELINER. Use the darker color to line your lids and the light shade along the inner corners to reflect light. Or create your own ombre look, it’s all about what you want.
Formula & Benefits: Creamy pencil formula, Holographic look to brighten eyes, Available in four perfectly paired shades, Long-lasting color
Available Shades: Galactic Green, Golden Gaze, Purple Prism and Super Nova.
RIMMEL LONDON WONDER WING EYELINER STAMP ($6.99)
The tip of RIMMEL LONDON WONDER WING EYELINER STAMP will effortlessly line your eyes. Then use the side of the tip as a stamp to create the perfect winged eye. Keep pressing to intensify the lines. You decide.
Formula & Benefits: Felt Tip Stamp Applicator, Available in one deep,pigmented shade, Long-lasting color
Find them wherever Rimmel London Products are sold!
Self Disclosure: I received free samples to post. Images and information also provided. 
Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

The Shops at Montebello are More Than Pink!

April 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The Shops at Montebello today announced its Spring 2018 More Than Pink movement in support of Susan G. Komen and the fight against breast cancer. As part of its pledge to donate at least $1 million each year in 2017 and 2018, more than 170 participating Simon Malls®, The Mills® and Premium Outlets® nationwide will once again be participating in a range of fundraising activities during the months of April and May.

 

“We are thrilled to launch our Spring 2018 More Than Pink initiatives and have been overwhelmed by the ongoing positive support this movement has garnered with our shoppers, retailers and employees to support Susan G. Komen in its tireless efforts to reduce breast cancer deaths,” said Enna Allen, Simon’s Vice President of Brand Management. 

 

From April 14 to May 20, visitors to The Shops at Montebello will be able to participate in a variety of programs to help support Susan G. Komen. Additionally, guests to the center will notice The Shops at Montebello’s Guest Services dressed up in pink in support of the worthy cause.

 

“It has been wonderful to see the positive response that the More Than Pink movement has generated,” said Marida Petitjean, director of marketing and business development at The Shops at Montebello. “Our shoppers, retailers and employees have embraced the opportunities we’ve offered to support Susan G. Komen in its tireless efforts to reduce breast cancer deaths, and we look forward to continuing that momentum this year.”

 

More Than Pink Hero Wall (located near Guest Services): An opportunity for survivors and their families to visually celebrate and honor the hero who inspires and uplifts them through their fight with breast cancer. For a minimum $1 donation, shoppers will receive a pink sticker on which they can write the name of the ‘More Than Pink’ Hero and place it on the wall. All proceeds go to Susan G. Komen.  

 Credit: 

About The Shops at Montebello

The Shops at Montebello is a modern indoor super regional shopping center featuring four department stores and more than 160 shops, eateries, and restaurants—remaining the leader for shopping in the San Gabriel Valley. The Shops at Montebello is home to Macy’s, Macy’s Home, JCPenney, Forever 21, Coach, G by Guess, H&M, Cotton On, Fashion Nova and more, with dining options such as BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery, Hikari Sushi, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que and Olive Garden. The Shops at Montebello serves communities in San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles including Montebello, Monterey Park, and Rosemead. With its modernized look and feel, The Shops at Montebello strives to provide the best shopping experience with its retailer and dining selections for the entire family.

 

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

 

About Susan G. Komen®

Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside of the federal government while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $956 million in research and provided more than $2.1 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs, serving millions of people in 60 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. That promise has become Komen’s promise to all people facing breast cancer. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/socia

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

HAND SANITIZER SPRAY LEADS IN FLU PREVENTION!

April 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

According to the CDC, cleaning hands is the #1 defense against the threatening flu…but be warned…not all hand sanitizing products are created equal! 

 

It’s the height of the flu season and the persistent H1Ni virus is projected to linger until May! Health experts keep reminding us how important it is to keep hands clean, but how you clean your hands, and what you clean them with,  plays a vital role in the prevention and spread of the flu.

 

While washing with soap and water is always the suggested first choice, Hand Sanitizers are the best defense when you can’t get to soap and water, and they’re actually more effective at eliminating germs because they kill bacteria rather than just removing it.

 

While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are tremendously effective in preventing the spread of bacterial-based diseases, they only kill the germs you have touched and once the alcohol dries they begin to recontaminate. Alcohol-free hand sanitizers that have benzalkonium chloride as their active ingredient continue to protect against microbial activity for 4 hours. And most impressive, studies have shown benzalkonium chloride may be associated with antibiotic resistance in the MRSA virus while no resistance to alcohol has ever been noted.

 

Introducing Mangiacotti’s Hand Sanitizer Spray one of the most extensively tested and leading alcohol-free hand sanitizer formulas available today.  Mangiacotti’s proprietary formula meets all FDA recommended testing protocols and features the active ingredient: Benzalkonium Chloride proven to kill 99.99% of germs on contact and used in hospitals for over 40 years to prepare the skin and surfaces for surgery. Mangiacotti Hand Sanitizer Spray works in 15 seconds to kill germs and bacteria leaving a protective anti-microbial shield that lasts 4 hours, while delivering skin softening moisturization.

 

Specially blended therapeutic essential oils delicately scent the antiseptic formula imparting a pleasant light fragrance. Unlike alcohol-based products, Mangiacotti’s Hand Sanitizer does not sting on contact, chap or dry hands, or strip away natural oils that help skin retain moisture but delivers super moisturization as it cleans and sanitizes even the most sensitive skin. And since it’s active ingredient is used on surfaces in operating rooms, Mangiacott’s Hand Sanitizer Spray may also be used on surfaces such as tray tables on airplanes and public toilet seats.

 

Available in six unique all-natural fragrance profiles: Jasmine Plum, Clementine, Lemon Verbena, Ocean, Lavender and Pomegranate.   The 0.5 fluid Oz. spray bottle is compact and great for travel and “on-the-go” germ prevention and features 100+ applications. Suggested use: One application after the first handwashing of the day and then again after lunch to help lock in the skin’s natural moisture and provides a hydrophobic barrier.

I love how easy these are to use and I love the fragrances! My favorites are the Jasmine Plum and the Lavender! These are just perfect to take on travel and I love to take them in my purse to work! 

Suggested Retail Price $6.50. Available nationwide at specialty, gift and department stores or at: http://mangiacotti.com
Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images and information were also provided.
Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Weekend To San Diego With Kids

April 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

San Diego is an ideal weekend destination that has coastal beaches and is situated close to the mountains. There are plenty of family-friendly things to see and do that children of all ages will enjoy. This includes various theme parks, kid-centered museums and outdoor activities.

 

Best Times to Visit

Along with low humidity and good air quality, San Diego has lovely weather and relatively constant average temperatures throughout the year. The best times to visit are March through May and then from September through November. The best rates are available from December through February. The city is a popular spring break and summer vacation destination, which results in larger crowds especially on weekends.

 

Travel Tips

Make an itinerary. San Diego offers a wide range of activities. Determine which ones will interest your family during your weekend getaway. Booking reservations at a hotel within a short commute of these attractions will reduce travel and give you more time to enjoy the activities. Search online for family-friendly restaurants near these attractions.

 

Travel safety is important. Ensure that the children ride in approved car seats. Prepare for possible emergencies. Verify that you have packed all essential items like medications before leaving home. Make sure that the children are under close supervision at all times.

 

Keep children busy when traveling. Bring audio books, travel games, art supplies and other interesting activities to occupy their minds while riding or flying.

 

Best Attractions

San Diego offers activities for children of all ages. When planning your weekend trip, consider these popular choices.

 

San Diego Zoo is regarded as one of the best attractions of its kind in the world. Along with animal exhibits, the park has an aerial tram for a bird’s-eye-view, a children’s petting zoo and a discovery playground.

 

Based on the miniature building blocks, LEGOLAND California offers more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. It is an interactive experience for families with children 12 and younger.

 

SeaWorld is home to thrill rides, aquatic shows and live entertainment. The aquarium is home to a walk-through shark tank.

 

New Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits that encourage children of all ages to think and play creatively as they discover the world through contemporary art.

 

Botanic Garden has several themed green spaces geared toward children of different ages. Depending upon their age, children can enjoy making bubbles, excavating plastic dinosaur bones and riding a model train. Older children can climb inside a treehouse and play a giant game of tic-tac-toe.

 

Birch Aquarium is ideal for families with young children who will enjoy the up-close view of the tanks filled with sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures. The aquarium also has a touch tank where children can pet sea stars and sea cucumbers.

 

The Maritime Museum includes several unique ships, including sailing vessels, steam-powered boats and a submarine. Children can take envision themselves sailing the high seas as a pirate or explorer.

 

Balboa Park is the setting for a carousel, playgrounds and a model train ride. The park also hosts free outdoor concerts.

The beach is always a popular attraction with children. San Diego has more than 70 miles of sand. While Coronado Island offers gentle waves and marvelous views, Pacific Beach is a wonderful place to swim and play in the sand. Crystal Pier is great for exploring. Mission Beach is ideal for surfing, swimming and strolling along the 3.5-mile boardwalk.

 

Popular Events for Children and the Entire Family

St. Patrick’s Day features a parade with marching bands, floats, dancing groups and antique cars. Balboa Park is the setting for the Irish Festival that celebrates Celtic food, music and culture.

 

Memorial Day kicks off the summer with parades and craft fairs as well as music and food festivals.

 

Independence Day celebrations include the Big Bay Boom, the largest fireworks display in the country. The holiday also includes parades, craft fairs and festivals filled with food, music and other entertainment.

 

The kid-centric attractions held during October are more budget friendly. More than 100 attractions, restaurants and hotels offer free admission or discount deals as part of Kid Free San Diego throughout the month.

 

Halloween features costume parades, pumpkin patches and haunted houses. A variety of family-friendly events is held in the area.

 

Christmas offers holiday light displays and outdoor ice-skating rinks along with tree lighting ceremonies and parades.

 

Best Ways to See the City

San Diego encompasses approximately 372 square miles, which makes it difficult to experience everything the city has to offer without transportation. Although automobiles are the most popular way to get around the city, it often results in long commutes, parking issues and delays because of congestion. The best way to avoid these problems is to take a hop-on/hop-off San Diego tour with Old Town Trolley. A full-day trolley ticket enables you to stop at various historic sites and attractions. Spend whatever time you want at each location before climbing aboard the next passing trolley. You can avoid driving in the city and searching for parking spaces at popular attractions. Using the Old Town Trolley will give you more time to spend doing the things that you want and less time in a car.

For a unique perspective of the city, climb aboard a 90-minute San Diego SEAL Tour. This thrilling excursion starts on land with an exploration of points of interest along the San Diego waterfront. The tour then goes into the water where passengers can observe seals and sea lions. You will have the opportunity for an amazing up-close experience with these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

 

Traveling with your children is a great opportunity for the entire family to bond while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Including activities that each member of the family will enjoy ensures a more pleasurable travel experience for everyone.

Filed Under: Travel

The Habit Burger Grill Serves Up South-of-the-Border Flavor With New Guacamole Crunch Charburger

April 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

For a limited time, The Habit Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq: HABT) is introducing a new Guacamole Crunch Charburger jam-packed with unique layers of flavor and the perfect crunch to match.

The new Guacamole Crunch Charburger ($4.99) heightens the flavor of the already juicy, award-winning Charburger by topping it with a perfectly crisp tostada shell, fresh, house made guacamole pico de gallo, melted cheese, and a zesty, ancho chile lime sauce made in house. The new, south-of-the-border inspired Charburger is served on a toasted sesame seed bun with crisp, shredded lettuce, tomato and pickles. Like all Charburgers at The Habit, the Guacamole Crunch Charburger is always made-to-order and chargrilled over an open flame.

Better burgers are just the beginning at The Habit where the menu also includes hand-cut salads, grilled sandwiches including line-caught, sushi grade chargrilled tuna, fresh chicken, and hand-filleted marinated grilled tri-tip, and sides including onion rings, sweet potato and French fries, and tempura green beans. Guests can choose from a variety of peppers, lemons, limes, and sauces at a complimentary condiment bar to customize the flavor of their meal.

The Habit is known for its award-winning Charburger which features 100% fresh, never frozen ground beef grilled over an open flame and topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, fresh tomato, crisp lettuce, and mayo served on a toasted bun. Their restaurants have been serving the Best Tasting Burger in America exactly this way since the first Habit opened in 1969.

I had the opportunity to try this new burger and I have to admit I was petty impressed! I love the guacamole and the crunch! I will definitely be buying this one again on my next visit! I’m actually hoping it stays on the menu for a while! I wasn’t sure what to expect about a burger with a tostada shell. But, it is really delicious!  I also still really love the Tempura Green beans at the Habit!

Connect with The Habit on social media at facebook.com/habitburger, instagram.com/habitburgergrill, twitter.com/habitburger  and youtube.com/habittube.

 

About The Habit Restaurants, Inc. 

The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Habit was named the “best tasting burger in America” in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America’s leading consumer magazines. The first Habit opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. The Habit has since grown to over 220 restaurants in 11 states throughout California, Arizona, Utah, New Jersey, Florida, Idaho, Virginia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Washington and Maryland as well as three international locations. More information is available at www.habitburger.com.

Self Disclosure: I had the opportunity to try the New Guacamole Crunch Charburger to post. Information and image of the New burger were also provided. 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week
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