Archives for 2018

Crazy Rich Asians – Fantastic Visuals, Amazing Acting, Complex and Fun Storyline

The story follows Rachel Chu (Wu), an American-born Chinese economics professor, who travels to her boyfriend Nick’s (Golding) hometown of Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. Before long, his secret is out: Nick is from a family that is impossibly wealthy, he’s perhaps the most eligible bachelor in Asia, and every single woman in his ultra-rarefied social class is incredibly jealous of Rachel and wants to bring her down. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B. comments, “The visuals in this film are fantastic. This film takes place mostly in Singapore and it looks gorgeous. From the street vendors, to the crazy mansions, to the wedding, which is fairytale phenomenal, this movie is just amazing to look at.” See her full review below.

Crazy Rich Asians

By Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

I usually dislike romantic comedies. Romance is probably my least favorite genre. I find it almost impossible to make rom coms interesting or unique. However, every once in a while, a movie like this appears. This movie is actually very enjoyable and made me laugh out loud.

The story follows Rachel Chu as she accompanies her rich boyfriend, Nick Young, to Singapore for a wedding. She meets his family and tries to get along with them. The plot is very straightforward, but it is compelling mainly through the dialogue and acting. Also the visuals.

The visuals in this film are fantastic. This film takes place mostly in Singapore and it looks gorgeous. From the street vendors, to the crazy mansions, to the wedding, which is fairytale phenomenal, this movie is just amazing to look at. I am also not a fashionista, but the outfits are just incredible. Kudos to the costume designer, Mary E. Vogt. There’s also a really cool scene near the beginning where someone sending a text is visualized as a stream of color traveling to the person’s phone. It looks really cool.  Now, a big part of this movie is the fact that the entire cast is Asian and yet, this is a mainstream Hollywood movie. Representation is very important to me and the last movie with a full Asian cast (that I remember) was in the nineties. This is what made me originally excited for this movie. Of course, this film isn’t only good because of the representation and it works a lot on other levels.

First, the acting. The actors in this film are amazing. There are two actors who truly caught my eye: Gemma Chan as Astrid Leong is mesmerizing on screen and Peik Lin Goh is played by Awkwafina, who is my new favorite comedy actor. I love her voice. These actors are the standouts for me, but everyone else is also great. There are some really good mother-daughter emotional scenes. I almost teared up, which is something impressive. The dialogue in this film is also really great. It feels so natural. I feel like I’ll be quoting this movie a lot.

Nick’s Mom is the villain, but she is complex and believes she has her family’s best interest in mine. This is more than your basic Cinderella story. I love learning about other cultures through media and now, going to Singapore is on my bucket list! You might leave the theatre a little envious, but we can all dream.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. It comes out on August 15, 2018 so look for it.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Photos © 2017 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and RatPac-Dune Entertainment LLC

 

 

 

$5 BBQ, Brews & Booze at Grasslands Meat Market

Summer is in full swing at Grasslands Meat Market with $5 BBQ, Brews & Booze, available from open until close daily. Savor some of Grasslands flavorful and meaty $5 small plates, such as tender Rib Tips smoked for 6 hours and served with housemade BBQ sauce; or Brisket Sliders with thinly sliced brisket on a soft roll, served with housemade mustard BBQ sauce.

Pair the savory eats with a selection of $5 house wines, martinis, brews and $7 IPA’s; or try it with the featured cocktail of the month, the Rubearinha ($11). Designed to match the flavor profiles found in Grasslands meat selection, the Rubearinha is similar to a Caiperinha and made with Cachaca, muddled lime, and hints of honey, rosemary and garlic for a unique twist. Purchase the Rubearinha or any craft cocktail from Grasslands extensive bar menu and receive a complimentary $5 small plate through the end of July.

In celebration of the restaurant’s one-year anniversary in June, Grasslands will roll out exciting specials all season long. The BBQ Box, introduced last month, will continue through Labor Day (or while supplies last). Featuring over 10 pounds of food, the box includes the signature house meat, Picanha, along with two racks of St. Louis ribs, one rack of beef ribs, one whole chicken, mashed potatoes, black beans and a fresh green salad with choice of dressing. The BBQ Box can be purchased for $99.

WHEN:

$5 BBQ, Brews & Booze

 Available open to close, daily

 HOURS:

Su-Th –  4-10 p.m.

F-Sa – 4 p.m.-Midnight

ADDRESS:

Grasslands Meat Market | BBQ & Churrasco

400 West Disney Way, Suite 199, Anaheim, CA

Free parking available at GardenWalk for first hour, validation provided for second hour.

 RESERVATIONS AND CONTACT:

For more information, please call 657-208-1133 or visit https://www.grasslandsusa.com/ 

Credit:  Grasslands Meat Market:

Grasslands Meat Market is a unique meatery and eatery, serving top quality meats that are adventurous in origin and culinary landscape, distinctive in preparation, and intriguing with unique and delicious flavor profiles. Whether its roasting, smoking or barbecuing, Grasslands’ team of meat masters bring together the art and science of preparing the most tender and flavorful meats through the use of techniques that originate from different countries across the world. Grasslands offers something enticing for everyone with a sizeable dining menu, kids menu, full bar and large, rustic open space for celebrations, parties, special occasions and more.

 

Chelsea, August 16th Pet of the Week!

Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning … Chelsea mornings are glorious. There you are with your favorite breakfast beverage, a plate of something healthy, a morning show on TV, and this adorable little silver tabby sprawled out at your feet, or possibly on the table, sniffing at whatever you have on the plate. Chelsea’s only about a year old and has many, many mornings to share. Meet her on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A606697.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Credit: the Companion Animal Village.

Enjoy the Last Taste of Summer with Yogurtland’s Three New Flavors!

This August, Yogurtland, the ever-popular, industry leader, is expanding its flavor offerings to include three new handcrafted flavors plus two new toppings.

Beginning August 6th, and available for a limited time while supplies last, the Yogurtland flavor lineup will include Dairy Free Coconut Cream Pie, Nectarine Peach Orange Tart and Strawberry Rose frozen yogurt.

Yogurtland’s Coconut Cream Pie is the second time Yogurtland is offering a flavor with a dairy free base made from coconut milk. Combining traditional graham cracker and mouthwatering pie flavor notes in a coconut milk base, this flavor gives fans an opportunity to create a delicious dairy free treat.

The Nectarine Peach Orange Tart flavor offers a burst of fresh tropical flavors. The nectarine and peach provide taste buds with a sensational juicy flavor experience while the orange gives a nice zest, providing a well balanced sweet and fruity tart flavor.

Yogurtland combines juicy California strawberries and floral rose water in a sweet base to create the creamy Strawberry Rose flavor. This light and refreshing frozen yogurt will have fans craving a second serving.

Along with three new flavors, Yogurtland will introduce two new toppings for a limited time. Bringing a different variety of flavors to the topping bar, the scrumptious Cotton Candy Fizzies will have fans enjoying traditional cotton candy flavors with a twist. Additionally, Yogurtland’s craveable Sour Rainbows will bring a spark of color to each cup and a blend of sweet and sour flavors.

I had the opportunity today to try the new flavors with my family and my favorites are Coconut Cream Pie and the Nectarine Peach Orange Tart flavors! My son liked the new candy choices! 

     

Yogurtland’s flavorologists continually create craveable flavors that keep fans loving their frozen dessert experience. Yogurtland owns its own dairy, and by controlling the manufacturing process, the company delivers the highest quality flavors, setting new standards for the industry and delighting guests each day.

Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors, ice cream, and non-dairy and no sugar added choices while using milk that contains no antibiotics or added hormones. Fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost.

Presently Yogurtland has more than 320 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Guam, Myanmar, Oman, Singapore, Thailand and Venezuela. Flavors are always subject to creative change and popular demand. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com or http://www.facebook.com/yogurtland.

Self Disclosure: I received a gift card to try out the new flavors. No other compensation was received and I am a big fan of Yogurtland!

 

Free Family Fun and Education this Weekend at Solar Discovery Day by Baker Electric Home Energy

As the heat in Southern California rises, along with residential energy bills, doesn’t it make sense to own, manage and control your electricity?

Baker Electric Home Energy invites family, friends and neighbors to Solar Discovery Day. Don’t buy a solar system until learning everything about products, design, installation and warranties. This is about solar education, catered food and fun for the kids.

When: August 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Baker Electric Home Energy, 2140 Enterprise Street, Escondido, CA

Cost: Free to the public, the event will feature a lineup of solar energy experts:

– LG Solar Panels

– Tesla Powerwall Home Batteries

– Quick Mount PV

– SolarEdge

– CURB Energy

And Dividend Solar and San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union will be on hand to explain financing options and answer questions about return-on-investment.

Attendees will enjoy great food by Full Belly BBQ and Up in Smoke.

Face painting, glitter tattoos and balloon art by Daniela & Co for the kids.

Bring along canned goods for the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank or purchase a piece of art from TERI Inc., supporting adults and children with developmental disabilities, to be entered to win great prizes.

Guests are urged to register in advance at https://www.bakerhomeenergy.com/sdd.

Watch what happened at last year’s Solar Discovery Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyB4IOC_IQw&feature=youtu.be

Credit: Baker Electric Home Energy.

My Favorite Must-Have Skin & Hair Products this Summer! Sun Bum!

Summer is still here and that often means hair care is different and also Sunscreen is a must! It’s always a must for me living in sunny So Cal but here are my new favorite to-go-to products from Sun Bum!

The Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion is my favorite! The moisturizing sunscreen formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and it works great on outings such as the beach and the waterpark! It is water resistant up to 80 minutes and I love the smell! It also leaves my skin soft and it isn’t greasy! I also like the SPF 15 Original Spray Sunscreen! It’s not a very high SPF so I don’t use it daily but this one works well and smells great!

I also love their Shampoo and Conditioner but my favorite is their Beach Formula 3 in 1 Leave in Conditioner because it works and it protects your hair from UV rays. It isn’t sticky and I love taking this one with me on travel. Sonny’s Original Surf Paste is a must and has great hold. It is also great for fine hair. It also smells good and doesn’t flake in your hair.

Find out more about all these products and more here.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images and any opinions are my own. I only feature products I highly recommend. 

Inclusion & Diversity Begins with Children: Proud of My Family Event @ Museum

Adding a positive voice to the national narrative around inclusion, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose kicks off its fourth annual Proud of My Family weekend August 18 & 19. Children and adults will enjoy activities designed to celebrate all types of families, especially LGBTQ+ parents, relatives, and friends.

Recognizing that lasting change begins with children, the event supports the museum’s Inclusion and Cultural Competence strategic commitment to build awareness and understanding among people of diverse ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic situations, religions, abilities, and family configurations.

“Our goal is to always make every family feel welcome and celebrated at the museum,” said Marilee Jennings, executive director of Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. “This event helps foster understanding while recognizing that families come in all types of configurations and that what binds us are the shared hopes and dreams for our children and their futures.”

The jam-packed weekend includes festive rainbow art activities, moving and grooving in the Rainbow Dance Zone, getting creative with the temporary art installation around the colors of the Pride flag, and learning from partner organizations who will be onsite sharing resources about the LGBTQ+ community. Award-winning children’s recording artist Tim Cain performs Saturday and the Rainbow Women’s Chorus on Sunday.  They’ll be a Drag Queen Storytime at 3 p.m. with a “Meet and Greet” and a Pride Parade at 4 p.m. each day, both sponsored and led by SV Pride.

Proud of My Family Activities

August 18 & 19, 12:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Special Performances

 

Saturday:

  • Musician Tim Cain will perform acoustic music at noon.
  • Storytime with Todd Parr’s “The Family Book” at 11:15 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
  • Drag Queen Storytime at 3 p.m.

 

Sunday:

  • Rainbow Women’s Chorus will perform at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m
  • Special guest caricature artist Hortencia Martin will draw family caricatures
  • Storytime with Todd Parr’s “The Family Book” at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
  • Drag Queen Storytime at 3 p.m.

Ongoing Weekend Activities:

  • Create family portraits.
  • Join in a Rainbow Dance Party. Stretch, jump, spin and move with colorful streamers, pom-poms, capes and accessories.
  • Make rainbow friendship bracelets. Learn to tie knots and enhance fine motor skills by creating colorful yarn bracelets for friends and family.
  • Rainbow Reflections. Learn the meaning behind each color of the Pride Flag and contribute to the installation by drawing an interpretation of each color.
  • Partners from the LGBTQ+ community will be on-site offering information, resources, and coloring pages.
  • Family photo op. Strike a pose and make lasting memories with the colorful backdrop.
  • Paint your face with rainbows.
  • Explore rainbows and light in the Art Studio.
  • Fashion a cornhusk doll with colorful fabrics.
  • Create a nature journal. Find all the colors of the rainbow in the museum’s backyard.

 

Cost of admission: adults: $15; children: $15; seniors: $14; infants and members are free. All activities are included in the price of museum admission.

Credit:

About Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

With over 150 interactive exhibits and programs, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is one of the largest museums of its kind in the nation. Since opening its doors in 1990, the museum has welcomed over 8.6 million visitors and has offered new exhibits each year that respond to children’s diverse educational needs. The striking 52,000 square foot purple building was designed by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo Legorreta and is a beacon of discovery. Encompassing the broad themes of community, connections and creativity, hands-on exhibits invite self-directed, open-ended explorations.  For more information about the Museum, visit www.cdm.org.

Dog Days – One Very Funny Story About 12 People and 4 Dogs

Elizabeth is a charming anchorwoman who seeks advice from her dog’s therapist. Tara is a spunky barista who dreams of a life beyond the coffee shop. Daisy is a dog walker who’s enamored with a client. Garrett pines for a woman while trying to keep his adopt-a-dog business afloat. The beloved canines in their lives soon start to influence their careers, friendships and romantic relationships in funny and unexpected ways. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Zoe C. comments, “I love this film because it follows a bunch of intertwined relationships that all revolve around dogs. It’s one story about 12 people and four dogs.” See her full review below.

Dog Days
By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

This live action film is very entertaining and exciting. I love dogs, so seeing all the dogs on the big screen was very exciting for me. It is really cool. I love this film because it follows a bunch of intertwined relationships that all revolve around dogs. It’s one story about 12 people and four dogs. I also really love the comedy. There are some sad moments, but the jokes are very funny.

This film has several storylines. One is about a girl named Elizabeth (Nina Dobrev), who hosts a show called “Wake Up LA.” She has a new co-host who she does n’t get along with and she is heartbroken because recently she found out her boyfriend was cheating on her. Later, we meet Tara (Vanessa Hudgens) who works as a barista, thinks she’s looking for love, but instead finds a sweet adorable dog, a Chihuahua, outside the coffee shop that she adopts. Then, there’s Ruth and her husband Greg who are soon to become parents and give their dog to Ruth’s brother. Next are Walter and Tyler (Finn Wolfhard). Walter lost his pug and Tyler is helping him find it. Last are Gracie and Kurt who adopt a daughter who does n’t talk much until she finds an adorable pug.

Dog Days’ director, Ken Marino is a writer and actor as well. He combines all the stories so well and they all flow nicely. The performances are quite believable and the jokes are very funny. There is romance, but also other important relationships, friendship and love between brothers and family members. The actors are all quite wonderful. Their casual costumes make them very realistic. Los Angeles is the perfect location for this story, because it fits the storyline and the light and colors are perfect. I especially love all the scenes that the Chihuahua Gertrude appears in.

You don’t need to love dogs to like this film! The message is that we all need love and we can learn from dogs a lot about unconditional love. It does not have strong language, but some scenes may be not the most appropriate for kids under the age of 7, so please be cautious of that.

I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18 as well as adults. It is touching, funny, and  very entertaining. It is a not spectacular, elaborated production, but the story flows nicely and the actors’ performances make this movie very enjoyable to watch. It opens in theaters August 8, 2018 so, put it on your radar screen.

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST!
Photo by Jacob Yakob / LD Entertainment – © New Tricks LLC