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8 things you can do to show that you love someone

November 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Relationships are beautiful yet complicated and delicate at times. Things may go kaput any moment, especially if you do not give the right amount of time, love, attention, and care to your partner.

Merely loving someone is not enough. You need to show that you love it with your actions and your words. The other person should feel special, otherwise, it’s of no use.

If you’re in a relationship but struggling to show love then you have landed on the right page. Here are 7 things you can do to show that you love someone.

 #1 Cook for Them

This is the best way to show your lover that you love them especially if you’re a guy and don’t cook on a regular basis.

However, it’s not only about the meal but it’s about the environment. Set up candles across the table, close the lights, and surprise her with your gesture.

Also, don’t just enjoy the food but enjoy each other’s company as well. You can play soft, romantic music in the background and dance to its tunes as well.

It doesn’t matter whether you know how to cook or not. What matters is your gesture and work you put in for the night. It will make your lover feel special and loved.

 #2 Cuddle With Them

Intimacy involves more than just sex so think beyond it and make sure to cuddle as often as you can. Even science supports cuddling. According to reports, it can make you happier and also strengthen your relationship as cuddling boosts estrogen.

 #3 Pay Attention to Them

Listen to your partner and be there for them when they need to talk about their problems or vent out. What we mean by being there for someone is letting the other person know you’re there for them whenever needed.

This is very important because partners need to be by each other’s sides through thick and thin.

#4 Plan a Surprise Date

Plan a surprise date for your partner. There are few things as good as surprises. However, you need to plan it intelligent. Make sure to book a date on a day when your partner is free and available so that things don’t go messy.

Also, pick a restaurant or a place keeping their taste in mind. After all, you’re doing it for your partner.

 #5 Give them a Massage                               

Let’s face it, all of us get tired after a long day and need to relax. Consider giving your lover a message. Massages help improve circulation, relax the body, and induce a happy mood. This will make your partner feel loved and cared for.

Plus, massages can be quite sexy as well given that you know how to use your hands. You can turn it into an intimate night and get lost in the moment.

 #6 Prioritize Your Partner

When you’re in a relationship, especially a serious one, you have to prioritize your lover’s needs over everyone else.

Never make your partner neglected as this is the #1 cause of breakups followed by cheating. In fact, a lot of men and women say that they cheat only because their partners are not able to provide them the love and attention that they crave for.

While this justification is not justified it’s a common reason for people to cheat on their partners. If you want your relationship to flourish then remember to always put your partner first.

#7 Do Not Forget the Importance of Gifts

As cliche as it may sound, gifts have a lot of value. They show that you care for the other person and think of them even when they’re not around.

You do not have to buy a gift on special occasions only, such as birthdays and anniversaries. You may get one without a reason as well.

Something like a piece of jewelry with your partner’s name can be quite a good gift or you can go traditional and get a bouquet to surprise your partner for no reason.

 #8 Do the Stuff They Like

Sometimes, it is important to put your preference to the side and do what your partner wants you to do. It will make them feel special and push them to also respect your likes and dislikes.

Follow these simple tips and your bond will strengthen in no time.

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

5 Project To Do With Your Kids This Winter

November 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Winter can be a great time to enjoy different projects with your children. In the summer time, your family focus is probably on getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors. However, once the winter comes around, you’re probably more willing to stay inside and keep warm. However, just because the weather is turning cold doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy yourself with your kids. You just need to change your focus from outdoors to indoors.

With that in mind, here are five fun projects that you can try with your little ones during the winter months. You’re sure to love them and we know your children will too.

1.Cooking Up A Storm

Winter is the perfect time to hit the kitchen with your kids and start a cooking project. It’s never too early to begin teaching your little ones how to cook, and experts believe that children who get hands-on in the kitchen become more willing to try a wider range of foods and will naturally choose healthier options. With these benefits in mind, it’s time to think about cooking with your kids this winter. There are lots of brilliant cooking projects that you can try which will teach them all about healthy eating while also teaching them useful skills that will set them up for life. Hearty vegetable soups are just one thing that is fun to prepare with the children. Weighing, measuring, chopping and peeling are all jobs that you can give your children to do. The best thing is that they’re much more likely to eat healthy food that they’ve prepared themselves!

2. A Winter Collage

Even the youngest children can get involved with an art project, and what could be more fun than making a collage that reflects the season? Winter can be a magical time, so why not create a seasonal collage with different materials that perfectly represent this time of year. Silver glitter to represent ice, paper doilies to represent snowflakes, cotton wool for snow, sticks to represent the bare trees… you can use natural materials alongside man-made ones to create exciting textures. Children will also learn greater creative skills as well as practical ones such as gluing and cutting.

3. Acrylic Pouring Paintings

Even if you don’t think you’re very artistic, anyone can try acrylic pouring. It’s a surprisingly simple art form, and the great thing is that the result is so abstract that you’ll never have to worry about the final product looking nothing like the way you intended! Although it might sound like an expensive project, in fact it’s perfect possible to do acrylic painting on a budget. Just view this link to find out more about how you can use cheaper alternative equipment to get the same effects at a fraction of the cost.

4. Make A Bird Feeder

Remember the birds at this time of year and help to keep them fed by making a bird feeder of your own. This is a simple yet rewarding project that your children can help you with. They’ll also love watching the birds come to your garden to eat the results of their hard work too. There are lots of different bird feeders you can make, but one of the easiest versions involves a piece of toasted bread, cut into the shape of your child’s choice using a cutter, spread with peanut butter and then sprinkled with a topping of bird seed. Really easy, but surprisingly effective!

5. Make Colored Ice Balls

Although this is a messy activity, it’s one that the kids are going to love. You need to wait until the snow comes though! All you need is a few balloons, some food coloring and some water. Drip a tiny amount of your chosen food coloring into each balloon and fill up with water. Tie the end  then freeze the balloon until the water has turned to ice. Once the balloon is frozen, carefully cut the balloon away from the ice. You will have colorful balls of bright ice left to play with. Now take them outdoors into the snow and you can play! Remember to wear old clothes though – food coloring stains!

These five fun projects will brighten up your winter, and your kids are sure to love them!

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Kick off the Chanukah festivities at LA’s favorite gathering place

November 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 Chanukah, the eight-day Jewish festival also commonly known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ begins at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 2, and there is no better place to begin the celebrations than in the heart of the Fairfax District at The Original Farmers Market! The Annual Chanukah Celebration returns to the Farmers Market Plaza with fun activities for all ages.

 

  • The Jewish Federation’s PJ Library, a Jewish engagement and literacy program dedicated to providing free Jewish children’s books to families across the world, will be facilitating Chanukah story time readings and arts and crafts
  • PJ Library will also be inviting attendees to share their favorite Chanukah traditions by contributing to a giant interactive mural where they can create an image of themselves enjoying and celebrating the holiday
  • Kids are invited to participate in the building of a giant LEGO menorah, an annual tradition started by Rabbi Fischer of Miracle Mile Chabad in 2009.
  • Live musical performances by Jewish song leader and acoustic guitarist, Charlie Kramer, who, along with his band Chayut will bring the Jewish world of song to life in honor of the holiday
  • Honor the first night of Chanukah with a special lighting ceremony of the first candle in the LEGO Menorah as led by Rabbi Fischer

 

WHEN:                 Sunday, December 2

                                2:30-4:30 pm: Chanukah Crafts, Stories and Fun on the Market Plaza

                                4:30 pm: The Music of Charlie Kramer & Chayut

                                5:15 pm: Menorah Lighting Ceremony with Rabbi Fischer of Miracle Mile Chabad

 

WHERE:                The Original Farmers Market  @ 6333 W Third St.

                                Los Angeles, CA 90036

                                323-933-9211

                             https://www.farmersmarketla.com/

 

Credit:  The Original Farmers Market:

The Original Farmers Market has been Los Angeles’ favorite gathering place since 1934. With more than 100 grocers, retailers and restaurants—as well as year-round activities for the whole family—the Farmers Market is a beloved place for locals and one of the top tourist destinations in Los Angeles.  For more information, visit www.farmersmarketla.com.   Follow the Farmers Market on Facebook at facebook.com/farmersmarketla, Instagram at Instagram.com/farmersmarketla, and Twitter at @FarmersMarketLA.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Slide Into Season at San Diego’s Newly Reimagined Waterfront Holiday Adventure Park HOLIDAY BY THE BAY

November 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 Hilton San Diego Bayfront is pleased to unveil a newly reimagined Holiday by the Bay on select nights starting Wednesday, November 21, 2018, through January 5, 2019. The all-new Holiday by the Bay will transform Bayfront Park into the ultimate holiday destination and ice adventure park featuring San Diego’s only two-story, 100-foot ice tubing slide, ice bumpers cars, nightly snow flurries, an interactive light show featuring a 30-foot tall Christmas tree, festive fare, craft holiday cocktails, cozy fire-side lounges, gingerbread decorating, stocking trimming, and much more. A portion of every ticket to the annual holiday tradition will benefit United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) San Diego, supporting America’s military service members.

Executive Producers of The Queen Mary’s “Chill” and “Dark Harbor,” Los Angeles-based EPIC Entertainment Group, has developed an enchanting wonderland experience at Hilton San Diego Bayfront’s Holiday by the Bay, offering an exhilarating winter adventure park packed with inventive yuletide twists among traditional festivities. Visitors will experience breathtaking activities including Reindeer Run, an exhilarating two-story, 100-foot ice tubing slide, Iceberg Bumper Boats, and an hourly interactive dynamic light show called Shine, sure to bring a smile to even the biggest humbug.

Adults can rediscover the cheer of childhood holiday memories while creating new ones with their families participating in time-honored traditions such as trimming stockings in Santa’s Workshop and decorating gingerbread in Claus Kitchen. Imbibe in craft holiday cocktails in cozy Yule Lodge, sip cocoa and toast s’mores at a private Fireside Lounge and gather loved ones on Polar Patio for festive fare from Elven Eatery and sweet treats from Kringle Bakery. There’s something fun for everyone at Holiday by the Bay.

Holiday by the Bay is located at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Bayfront Park, 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. Discounted tickets are available online at Hiltonholidaybythebay.com starting at $20.00 for adults (age 12+) and $15.00 for children (ages 4 – 11). Children under the age of 3 are free. Active duty military saves $5.00 with valid military I.D. Parking is a flat fee of $20.00 with a Holiday by the Bay validation. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Credit:
About Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Hilton San Diego Bayfront, a 30-story, 1,190 room hotel is located on the edge of the bay in downtown San Diego and situated on 12.79 acres of Bayfront land. The hotel boasts 165,000 square feet of meeting and event space, four restaurants, a 7,300 square foot health club and spa, 3,000 square feet of retail space, a 2,400 square foot business center along with San Diego’s first heated saltwater hotel swimming pool and nearly $2-million of commissioned public art. Hilton San Diego Bayfront is adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center and PETCO Park, located at One Park Boulevard, San Diego, 92101. For additional information, please visit: www.hiltonsandiegobayfront.com.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
For nearly a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been proudly welcoming the world’s travelers. With more than 570 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts provides the foundation for memorable travel experiences and values every guest who walks through its doors. As the flagship brand of Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard for hospitality, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests’ evolving needs.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts is a part of the award-winning Hilton Honors program. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key (select locations), available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Begin your journey at www.hilton.com and learn more about the brand by visiting news.hilton.com or following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Epic Entertainment Group
Founders Steve Sheldon and Charity Hill launched EPIC Entertainment Group in 2016. The company has been instrumental in leading the way for live event production, themed entertainment, location-based attractions, and brand activations. Epic Entertainment Group is a collective of innovative producers, experiential marketers, and creative designers whose sole mission is to produce unrivaled immersive experiences while having a kick-ass time doing it. This team of fine-tuned experience architects execute every facet of development, production, operation and integration with flawless precision for events of every scope and scale. To learn more visit epicentertainmentgroup.com

About USO San Diego
Since 1941, USO San Diego has been serving active-duty, reserve, guard and military families. USO San Diego strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. USO San Diego is a premier USO Chartered Center providing morale and support services, as well as a home away from home for all members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. For more information, please visit: www.usosandiego.org

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Shadow, Nov. 28th Pet of the Week!

November 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Shadow is a loving senior German shepherd mix. He was brought to the shelter on two occasions—the second time, his owner didn’t return to bring him home. He’s 14 years old, knows all his commands, and deserves better than this in his late years. Could you bring him home for a holiday dinner and an extended stay, like forever? Shadow deserves his place in the sun. Meet him on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A614577.

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village. 

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Holiday Season Musts! Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha and Secret Squirrel Cold Brew are a must-buy!

November 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

It’s that busy time of the year..where it seems like you are always on the go! So, you need to grab something and head out to go shopping, go see the lights and so many other fun things! I have a couple of new favorite go-to products for on the go!

My first favorite is the Secret Squirrel Cold Brew Coffee! It is never heated and is cold made with organic, Non-GMO coffee and premium ingredients.  I really liked the taste and that it comes in some pretty delicious flavors! I love chocolate so my very favorite is the Dark Chocolate Mocha but it is also available in Vietnamese Coffee, Caffe Latte and Chicory Coffee. These sure didn’t last very long in my house!

You can find out more at https://www.squirrelbrew.com/ but they are also available at most Target stores! I saw it at my local store in Redondo Beach.

Another great one to try is the Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha!

This one is something different! I have to admit that I only tried one because my husband quickly had the other samples! I love that this drink is organic, healthy and vegan! Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha is the first and only prebiotic kombucha. It’s available in 3 flavors:

Apple Mint: Crisp, green apple taste with an herbal mint finish (My husband liked this one!)

Ginger Peach: Zesty ginger with a punch of fruity peach

Tropical Mango: Tangy and exotic mango with the goodness of green tea. (This was my favorite! Well, it was the one I tried and really liked!)

Find out more here! 

This one is super easy to find on Amazon.com too!

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided. 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Instant Family: Deals With A Heavy Subject And Dives Right In! No Sugar Coating Here

November 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

When Pete and Ellie decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child, but when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15-year-old girl, they find themselves speeding from zero to three kids overnight. Now, Pete and Ellie must try to learn the ropes of instant parenthood in the hope of becoming a family. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B. comments, “This movie deals with a very heavy subject – the foster care system. Foster kids go through a lot of terrible stuff, which greatly affects them psychologically. One thing I really like about this movie is that it doesn’t sugar coat the hard reality. It dives straight into the lives of foster kids, without simplifying what they’ve gone through.” See her full review below.

Instant Family
By Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Now, I must admit that I’m a bit biased. My mom has worked with foster kids for 20 years and I’ve helped out a charity that helps foster kids. So foster children are really important to me and this movie really reflects the truth about this system in an emotional and funny way.

The story follows Pete and Ellie, a couple who feel as though there is something missing in their life. They decide to adopt three siblings from the foster care system. However, they find that raising children is a lot harder than they thought.

This movie deals with a very heavy subject – the foster care system. Foster kids go through a lot of terrible stuff, which greatly affects them psychologically. One thing I really like about this movie is that it doesn’t sugar coat the hard reality. It dives straight into the lives of foster kids, without simplifying what they’ve gone through. I really like this as it breaks the impressions that a lot of people have about raising a foster kid – that it’s not as hard as raising your own kid. That is not the case and the movie perfectly shows this. It may seem like the kids are unlikable because of this, however, they grow on you. It took quite a while for Pete and Ellie to grow on me however. They’re very impatient and annoying for a lot of the movie. And, although they get better over time, it kind of takes a while.

This movie is a comedy. So how is the comedic aspect? Pretty good. However, in the beginning, there are lots of jokes about foster kids that feel very forced. While they technically have a purpose. They just weren’t funny to me. For example, there is a joke where Pete says one kid looks like she has fetal alcohol syndrome or was chained to a radiator her whole life. While there is a funny pay off, the implications kind of made me uncomfortable and it was part of the reason why I didn’t like Pete and Ellie.

I admit that when the film starts to get really emotional, it really hits hard. The acting is really great in the serious scenes, especially from Lizzy (Isabela Moner). Of course, I need to give a shout out to Octavia Spencer who plays Karen, one of the caseworkers. I really like Octavia Spencer and she makes every scene she’s in absolutely outstanding!

I would give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend it for ages 13 to 18. I would also recommend this movie for people who are considering becoming foster parents. If you want to mentor foster youth go to your local group home and help out. This movie is out on November 16, 2018. Look for it.

 

Photos © Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved.

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Octonauts: Season Two – Whether You Love The Ocean Or Not, This Is Filled With Information In A Fun Way!

November 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Dive into adventure with your favorite underwater explorers, the Octonauts! Join brave Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate, Kwazii, medic Peso Penguin and the rest of the crew, as they explore the world s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there and protect their habitats – above and below the waves!<p>Based on the richly imaginative books by Meomi, this series combines immersive visuals and ‘submersive’ humor to transport young children into a world that is both real and fantastic, full of mysteries to unravel and surprises around every corner.<p>In this season set, encounter all types of creatures from the Great White Shark to Lionfish and more! The adventures don’t end there! Embark on an Amazon adventure with the Octonauts as they travel down the Amazon River in search of a lost city and Kwazii’s long lost grandfather, Calico Jack! So come aboard the Octopod for 24 exciting missions! Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10 comments, “The show is based on American-Canadian children’s books by Meomi Design Inc., which make it ideal for young kids! The series is very entertaining and educational. It contains lots of information and if you love the ocean, I definitely recommend this series.” Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer adds, “. One of my favorite things is how, at the end of each show, they give facts about sea animals such as the Great White Shark and Sea Snakes.” See their full reviews below.

Octonauts: Season Two

By Zoe Canella, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Octonauts: Season Two is a very cute children’s television series animated in Ireland and voiced by British actors. The show is based on American-Canadian children’s books by Meomi Design Inc., which make it ideal for young kids! The series is very entertaining and educational. It contains lots of information and if you love the ocean, I definitely recommend this series.

You don’t need to watch Season One to understand Season Two. From the very first episode, you are immersed in a colorful underworld, discovering the adventures of the very likable characters. The intrepid Octonauts travel in nautical spaceships and the Octopod and will remind parents of Star Trek and the expeditions of French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. I like that they work as a team and how they respect each other. Each character brings something different; they have different specialties and each one is unique.

My favorite characters are Peso, the penguin and Barnabas the polar bear captain which I found very classy. But, all six adventurers are fun to watch – Kawazii (the cat), Inkling (the Dumbo octopus), Shellington (the sea otter), Tweak (the rabbit), Dash (the dog) and Tunip (half animal, half vegetable). They are not only adorable, but it is easy to relate to them. They all have different accents and, by the sound of their voices, they are different ages too.<p>Everything is very interesting in this show. Each episode follows a different mission where you learn fascinating information about the ocean and marine life in a very fun manner. Each episode is based on one particular sea creature or animal and the Octonauts not only explore the ocean but also protect their habitat. The technology in the series is imaginary, but the creatures are based on real ones.

The show’s color palette is beautiful with lots of light blues and greens. It’s quite refreshing and calms you down, which I think is ideal for little ones. I really like the animation, especially the graphic transitions at the end of each episode as it gives a recap (Creature Reports) to the episode and additional information about each animal.  Each episode is also focused on a particular conflict or problem, but you can enjoy them individually since there’s no sequence between them.

Season Two comes with two discs, with 12 episodes each and 12 Creature Reports, which are music videos about the animals featured in that episode. This gives a nice recap on that segment. The message series is “explore, rescue, protect.” There’s a whole ocean out there to discover, but we have to care and preserve our nature for future generations and ourselves. <p>I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, but parents watching with their little ones will enjoy as well. It’s available on DVD now, so look for it. Reviewed by Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Octonauts, Season 2
By Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

It’s the Octonauts to the rescue! Well, they actually do more than just rescue, but I really enjoyed the rescue. They also explore and protect and I can add another one – they educate young children.  The characters are extremely likable and engaging. There are so many different adventures in this season’s collection. I especially enjoyed the one about the Great White Shark which the group needed to rescue and at the same time had to be very careful so they didn’t end up as the Great White Shark’s lunch! The underwater scenes are fun to watch. The dialogue is creative. I highly recommend this for ages 3 through 7. One of my favorite things is how, at the end of each show, they give facts about sea animals such as the Great White Shark and Sea Snakes. I give this 4 stars out of 5 stars for its entertainment and educational aspects.  Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.

Filed Under: Media Reviews
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