Archives for 2018

Dads Eat Free at Grasslands Meat Market all Month Long in June

Give Dad the best gift of all this Father’s Day with Grasslands Meat Market’s irresistible selection of deliciously prepared meats. Grasslands will offer Dads a complimentary family platter—brimming with a delicious selection of meats and sides—with the purchase of one family platter. The special ‘Dad’s Eat Free’ offer will be available every date in June. On Father’s Day, treat dad to a free brunch or dinner, with the purchase of one brunch or dinner meal. The brunch menu highlights include Grasslands signature meats, such as smoked prime rib, famous BBQ ribs, pulled pork chimichurri and peel & eat shrimp, as well as brunch staples like bacon, sausage, shirred eggs and French toast.

WHEN:
June 2018

Dad’s Eat Free
Su-Th, 4-10 p.m., F-Sa 4 p.m.-Midnight
Father’s will receive a complimentary family platter on any day in June with purchase of one family-style platter.

 

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Father’s Day Brunch
10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
Father’s will receive a complimentary brunch on Father’s Day with the purchase of one brunch.

ADDRESS:

Grasslands Meat Market | BBQ & Churrasco

400 West Disney Way, Suite 199, Anaheim, CA

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

 

RESERVATIONS AND CONTACT:

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

Credit: Grasslands Meat Market.

A Magical Competition is Brewing to Mark the Official Start of Summer at South Coast Botanic Garden

Are you #TeamFairy or #TeamTroll? It’s time to choose a side because these magical creatures are going head-to-head in an epic battle of wits, courage and imagination — and they need your help!
Beginning Friday, June 15 and continuing through Friday, August 31, Garden visitors are invited to use their wits, courage and imagination in this inspired treasure hunt throughout the 87-acre nature space.
Enchanted map in hand, questers will explore rustic nature trails and manicured formal gardens in a search for hidden doors that will lead to a priceless prize — a Merry Fairy Trollstone! Along the way, visitors will experience 2,500 different species of plants from around the globe and an array of active wildlife.
Fairies vs. Trolls will provide the perfect backdrop to a magical summer of fun! Elfie selfies will surely be snapped amid the blooms and a troll’s pose will be perfect in the Banyan Forest. The activity will stoke imaginations and inspire creative play. Guests may need to tip-toe quietly past a sleepy giant or challenge a fellow fairy to a dance off!
In addition to fun and adventure, parents will appreciate the opportunities for summertime learning – even if the kids are having too much fun to notice. The Fairy Flower Footpath will provide information about flowers, and the Trollish Tree Trail will give educational content about trees. Kids will also test their map reading and navigational skills.
Cosplaying enthusiasts of all ages are invited to dress for the occasion, since wings, troll hats, capes, wands and crowns will only enhance the experience. Though, be warned, costumes both real and imaginary should include sensible footwear to ensure everyone can safely traverse the trails. Those having a fairy-fashion-emergency can stop by the Garden Gift Shop for some charmed style advice.
“South Coast Botanic Garden is truly a magical nature space, and Fairies vs. Trolls helps to build on that. What better way to explore it than to use your imagination as a guide?” said Adrienne Nakashima, CEO. “We have been experimenting with ways to encourage people to really take in the wonders of our woodland habitat. In their search for the imaginary inhabitants, participants will see bunnies hopping through the trails, owls perched in the trees, and a wide array of botanicals ranging from desert plants to showy blossoms.”
For an opportunity to experience Fairies vs. Trolls after-hours, consider attending two Family Movie Night events, which will offer time to complete your hunt, a spot for picnicking, concessions for purchase, and live entertainment before the sun sets. June 29 will feature Dreamwork’s “Trolls” and a lively family dance party and July 13 will showcase Disney’s “Coco” with a mariachi performance. Family Movie Night tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members and can be purchased via this link general admission or at www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org. The event is free for members. To become a member, click new member registration.

Credit: South Coast Botanic Garden
South Coast Botanic Garden is a stunning public garden planted atop a former open-pit mine and subsequent garbage landfill.

Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures: The Complete Series – Lots of Excitement, Adventures and Learning

Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures: The Complete Series is a series for young kids with a lot of excitement, and fun adventures to go on! Kids will love this series if they have a big imagination and of course, have a love of dinosaurs.

On this DVD, there are 50 dino-filled adventures with the dinosaur expert, Trek Henderson. Trek imagines different types of dinosaurs in the real world throughout all of his experiences! While Trek’s brother, Dan is away helping his dad with something, Trek takes over and entertains himself with his dinosaur world. The goal is to finish up some of the experiments that Dan has started. Trek even meets some new dinosaurs and marine reptiles that he hasn’t seen before! Join Trek on his wonderful adventures throughout the world of dinosaurs!

One reason I really like this show is how they incorporate educational lessons into it. It’s not everyday that you see a kids TV show that includes all kinds of educational facts within the story line. This is exactly what this series does. For example, in the episode “Trek Rex,” Trek is having trouble figuring out what dinosaur he wants to dress up as for a party. Throughout the episode, he has various encounters with several dinosaurs to help him make his final decision. Trek and the dinosaurs’ encounters happen in the real world, in front of real people, so he is imagining it. I believe that creates a connection between Trek and kids in the real world, since many have big imaginations.

The overall message in this series is that it’s okay to have an imagination and even share it with others! Trek has no problem sharing his findings out loud for everyone to see and has no shame about doing that. This is what kids should feel. And, sharing their findings throughout their childhood is a cool thing to do.

I rate this show 4 out of 5 stars for its playful storyline, exciting cast, imagination and much more. I would love to see the storyline develop more, but it’s perfect for younger kids. I recommend it for ages 5 through 10. This is available on DVD now, so check it out.

Dino Dan Trek’s Adventure: The Complete Series
By Abraham Finer, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 13

https://youtu.be/VTOwqpyHTUE

This series is great for keeping younglings entertained over the summer. With over 500 minutes in its 50 episodes, this will keep them busy and will keep them interested. I found Trek talking to an imaginary dinosaur somewhat strange but hey, it doesn’t seem to bother his mom.

The storyline is about when Trek’s brother who goes away to dig up fossils and Trek misses him. Then, one day a package arrives in the mail with a message from Dan asking Trek to help him do some dinosaur experiments. In later episodes, he gets better and better at conducting these experiments. One of his tasks is to find out if albertosaurus hunt in packs. For this, he gets a ham sandwich and gets the albertosaurus to chase him.

Trek is played by Trek Buccino who lives in Toronto, Ontario and attended Claude Watson School for the Arts. He has also been in Pacific Rim and PJ Masks. Trek’s mom is played by Allana Harkin who has been nominated for the Primetime Emmy award for Full Frontal which she produced.

What I like about the show is that it is enjoyable to watch while you learn some facts along the way. I recommend it for ages 3 to 8 and give it 3 out of 5 stars. It is available now on Digital and DVD/Blu-ray so, check it out.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Tips to Take Care of Yourself When Pregnant With a Tot

So you are pregnant now. Stay Cool! All you need to do during your pregnancy is to stay cool and happy to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an easy period for any woman, especially for those who already have a tiny tot around. As a matter of fact, pregnancies with a second child and beyond are quite more challenging than the first pregnancy, because first pregnancy gives the pregnant woman the full freedom to take personal care and rest. On the other hand, being pregnant with the second child or beyond calls to care for the tot, before the self! This post intends to give few tips for women pregnant with a tot.

Prioritising

Taking care of the child and taking care of pregnant self, both would be placed in the first position as both needs equal importance. You have to plan your day with equal concentration and importance for both you and your child inside and out. If you have a tot who sleeps in the day, feel yourself blessed, as it is also your strict napping time, no matter what work you have. Whenever the child sleeps or gives you a free time (being attended by someone else), take rest, leaving all the household chores apart. The baby inside you needs rest, so just for it! Read websites such as pregmed.org for more detailed information on pregnancy care.

Nourishment

Healthy nourishment is the basis of any healthy pregnancy, first, second or whatever. Plan balanced diet for your tot and yourself with food groups that are rich in calcium, vitamins, minerals and mainly folic acid for the pregnant women. Training your tot to eat individually, at least finger foods right at this stage is a very important step for your post-pregnancy.

Be Prepared!

Be prepared mentally and physically to be exhausted all day long, while not losing your temper or relaxation. Sounds weird? Yes, it might, but it is a very important tip for taking care of the child and also being pregnant with the other. The first tot will demand your attention all day long, especially if you don’t have a full-time help around. Either get someone to take care of the tot along with you or getting yourself prepared to be relaxed and handle tot tantrums with patience. Spend some time on TV or park where your tot can be engaged independently, leaving few free moments for you to relax.

Bonding Between The Two

Unless your official work demands, just stay yourself away from other distractions, so the child around you and inside you will feel the goodness of your motherhood, undisturbed. Train your tot to start expecting for the little one so that you can care for the child inside, and your tiny little tot will also learn to care for his or her sibling, without having the sense of attention deprivation.

Conclusion

Bid bye to gadgets and spend lovely time with your tot and introduce the child inside to your tot and make a bond of friendship between the two even before they get to meet each other.

Star Wars Day Returns to the OC Zoo June 16th

Join the County of Orange and OC Parks for Star Wars Day at the OC Zoo on Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and may the force be with you! Gather family and friends for a day of animals and activities at the OC Zoo.

Star Wars Day at the OC Zoo invites Stars Wars fans of all ages to celebrate a galaxy far, far away with a fun-filled day of activities including visits from Star Wars characters, kids’ crafts, games, and photo opportunities. Zoo animals will receive special treats and there will be animal meet and greets throughout the day.

“Generations of Star Wars fans can visit another galaxy at the OC Zoo during Star Wars Day,” Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Third District, said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy their favorite characters while spending time with the animals of the OC Zoo.”

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to come dressed in Star Wars costumes and attire, and the first 100 children (ages 12 & under) wearing a Star Wars costume will receive a special gift and free train ticket to ride the Irvine Park Railroad.

Activities are free with the purchase of a paid zoo ticket of $2 per person (ages 2 and under are free). Please note that zoo coupons/passes are not valid for this event. Reservations for Star Wars Day are not required and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Star Wars Day at the OC Zoo

Date: Saturday, June 16

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: OC Zoo

Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Public Contact: OCParks.com/oczoo or 714-973-6847

Credit: OC Parks/OC ZOO.

First-Ever Summer Music Series Debuts at Del Amo Fashion Center

Del Amo Fashion Center invites the community to enjoy four concerts of mixed genres for the inaugural Summer Music Series at Torrance’s leading shopping and lifestyle destination.

The Summer Music Series showcases the new Village Park lawn area, just outside AMC Theaters, with a variety of musical genres on the second Saturday of the month in June, July, August and September from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Summer Music Series collection of performances is fine tuned to feature a diverse music styles by local artists from Greater Los Angeles. Guests will enjoy sounds from incredible artists such as Natalie Clark, selected as a Mercedes Benz KTLA “Artist to Watch,” also seen on the most recent season of the Voice. Other artists bring alternative, singer-songwriter and pop music to the Summer Music Series.

“Music is a meaningful way to form connections, and we love that the Summer Music Series encourages our community to linger and enjoy unique experiences with us,” said Del Amo Fashion Center Director of Marketing and Business Development Chris Yates. “Grab your friends and family, bring a blanket and pick-up some food from our selection of top-notch eateries for an afternoon of sunshine and music.”

The complete list of artists and performances includes:

  • Saturday, June 9 – Professional Folk
  • Saturday, July 14 – Natalie Clark
  • Saturday, August 11 – Michael Physick & Band
  • Saturday, September 8 – Lisa Ritchie

Del Amo Fashion Center embodies the upscale and outdoor lifestyle of the Torrance community with amenities and events such as the Summer Music Series, making it a leading lifestyle destination. Enjoy leisure time in the new and beautiful Village Park at Del Amo Fashion Center with a pristine lawn and gorgeous garden landscaping.

Credit:

About Del Amo Fashion Center

Embrace the coastal chic lifestyle at Del Amo Fashion Center, the South Bay’s premier retail destination. Accented by an abundance of natural lighting, exquisite architecture, living green walls, gorgeous palm trees and a new Fashion Wing, Del Amo Fashion Center is a favorite in Southern California. Visit more than 200 stores including South Bay exclusives such as Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade New York, HUGO BOSS, Hanna Andersson and Z Gallerie. The center’s department stores include Nordstrom, Macy’s, Macy’s Men & Home, JCPenney and Sears. Experience the charm of the Outdoor Village with an array of retail and dining options. Other featured retailers include Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Arhaus, Brio Coastal Bar, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Lululemon Athletica, Sephora, UNIQLO, Zara, and more. For more information, visit www.simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center.

 

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

Miguel’s Restaurants Kicks Off 45th Anniversary Celebrations at Citrus Splash Zone on June 7th

Commissioned by and licensed to Miguel’s.

 Miguel’s and Miguel’s Jr. Restaurants invite the community to celebrate the brand’s 45th anniversary on Thursday, June 7 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m at Corona’s Citrus Splash Zone. The Splash Zone was made possible thanks to a generous donation by Miguel’s Restaurant owners Mike and Mary Vasquez in 2008. During the June 7 celebration, the Vasquez family will unveil recent renovations to the destination and present a rededication to the City of Corona.

“In celebrating this anniversary, we’ve embraced opportunities to revitalize our brand,” said Miguel’s CEO, Javier Vasquez, “It’s been a year for growth and improvement with, launching a new food truck, renovating our flagship restaurant, and now, re-dedicating the upgraded Splash Zone to the city we call home.”

The first 300 guests to arrive at Citrus Splash Zone on Thursday, June 7 will receive a complimentary famous Miguel’s Jr. BRC (beans, rice and cheese) burrito from the new Miguel’s Jr. food truck. The celebration event will include complimentary giveaways, raffle drawings,  and a special presentation from the City of Corona’s Chamber of Commerce.

The iconic Mexican Restaurant group includes three full-service restaurants in Corona, and 18 Miguel’s Jr. locations throughout the Inland Empire and Orange County. The company plans to announce  two more Miguel’s Jr. locations that are slated to open by the end of 2018.

Miguel’s California Mexican Cocina & Cantina and Miguel’s Jr. continues the family tradition of homestyle Mexican dishes made using only the freshest and best tasting ingredients including fresh Haas avocados, all natural and hormone free poultry, pasture raised, corn fed beef, 100% stone ground tortillas and tortilla chips, as well as their famous fresh-made daily hot sauce.

EVENT DETAILS
When:

Thursday, June 7, 2018

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

*First 300 guests will receive complimentary BRC burrito, or while supplies last.

 Where:
Corona Splash Zone – Citrus Park

1250 Santana Way,

Corona, CA 92881

Credit:

ABOUT MIGUEL’S RESTAURANTS

Founded in Corona, California in 1975 by Mike and Mary Vasquez, Miguel’s offers superb-quality family recipes using premium ingredients, inspired by the cuisine of Central Mexico. Miguel’s Restaurants are committed to spreading their unparalleled standard for customer service and reputation for delivering the freshest, best tasting California Mexican food daily.  For more information, including menu items and locations, visit miguelsrestaurant.com

Facebook: facebook.com/MiguelsRestaurant

Instagram: @Miguels_Restaurant

Twitter: @MiguelsRest

 

ABOUT MIGUEL’S JR.

Founded in Corona, California in 1975 by Mike and Mary Vasquez, Miguel’s Jr continues to offer superb-quality family recipes in a fast-food environment using premium ingredients, inspired by the cuisine of Central Mexico. With 18 locations in the Inland Empire and Orange County, Miguel’s Jr is expanding to key markets in Southern California, spreading their unparalleled standard for customer service and reputation for delivering the freshest, best tasting California Mexican food daily.  For more information, including menu items and locations, visit www.miguelsjr.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/MiguelsJr

Instagram: @Miguels_Jr

Twitter: @WeAreMiguelsJr

Perfect for Father’s Day! New Album from Like Father Like Son – “Sun is a Star”

In Time for Father’s Day!
SUN IS A STAR

the Debut Album Release from
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
Real-Life Father & Son 
Lou Gallo (Lou Gallo & The Very Hungry Band)
& Frank Gallo (Rolie Polie Guacamole)
plus Grammy winner Dean Jones
w/special guests Grammy nominee Brady Rymer & Katie Ha Ha Ha
Celebrating this Father’s Day with a father-and-son musical bonanza, Frank Gallo, of Brooklyn’s award-winning titans of kindie music, Rolie Polie Guacamole, and his dad, veteran children’s musician Lou Gallo of Lou Gallo & The Very Hungry Band, have teamed with GRAMMY-winning producer/performer Dean Jones of Dog on Fleas to create a bona fide kindie super-group: Like Father Like Son. Mix in splendid contributions from GRAMMY nominee Brady Rymer and Katie Ha Ha Ha, and you have Sun is a Star, a stellar album for families that’s set for release on June 8, 2018.

Frank Gallo explains, “My dad and I are a father-and-son team who have each had a lot of experience in kindie music. In fact, Sun is a Staris the 7th family album for both of us. Adding Dean Jones to the mix actually bridges the generations. In our band, Like Father Like Son, we have Baby Boomer Lou Gallo, Generation X-er Dean Jones, and Millennial Frank Gallo!”

After years of talking about the possibility of working together on an album, in 2017 Frank persuaded his dad, Lou Gallo, that the time was right, proposing that each of them contribute five or six songs. Together they decided to take Dean Jones up on his invitation to record at Dean’s storied No Parking Studio in Rosendale, NY. Having worked with Dean quite a bit through the years, Frank knew this was an offer he could not refuse, for Dean’s production artistry came with the added bonus of his superb performing skills (bass, drums, marimba, guitar, trombone, vocals). Indeed, all indications were that the stars were in the right confluence for a solid record.

As one would expect, Sun is a Star includes several tracks that feature songs with a father-and-son theme.  Some are of a general nature (“Like My Dad,” “Like Father Like Son”) while others explore the Gallo family musical scrapbook, like “She’s a Dog,” which was father Lou’s very first collaboration with two-year-old Frank. Lou wrote “Tennis Racket Song” when he was right out of high school.  As one of the earliest of Lou’s songs that Frank remembers hearing, he encouraged his dad to include it in the Sun is a Star lineup.

Sun is a Star kicks off with the irrepressible, rhythmic energy of the album’s title track and moves right into “Halloween Night,” featuring a spooky use of the theremin throughout the song. The calypso-style “Day-O,” always popular at Rolie Polie Guacamole sing-alongs, is perfect for kids-and-family line dancing. The whimsical dance number “Shake Shake Shake” contrasts hilariously with the ultra-frenetic “Shake Your Shaker.”

Other highlights include the action song, “Sharks and Dinosaurs,” with its ear-catching percussion sounds, and a splendid cover of “Handle with Care,” written by George Harrison for the legendary Traveling Wilburys, in which Frank Gallo faithfully recreates Harrison’s signature solo guitar style.

Sun is a Star will be available at CDBaby, iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify, and Amazon. Pre-orders may be placed now.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy to facilitate this post. Images and Information were also provided.