
Credit: Adventure Academy Summer Camp.

Credit: Adventure Academy Summer Camp.

r anthem celebrating individuality, whose style will take moms and dads to the Backstreet while also delivering an important message to kids.
“Everything that happens teaches you how to develop into the person you were meant to be,” says Howie D. “We all know ‘just be yourself’ is a lot easier said than done. This song will get kids pumped up and feeling positive about figuring out who they are.”
The accompanying video for “The Me I’m Meant To Be” shows two talented young women exercising the maxim “if at first you don’t succeed …” And as they “try, try again,” they also triumph, sending home the message that achieving your dreams may be hard work, but it’ll be worth it in the end.
Listen and watch the official video for “The Me I’m Mean to Be” HERE.
Produced by Grammy nominee Tor Hyams, Which One Am I? is a collection of songs that offer musical reflections of Howie’s own childhood, as a young Howie Dovercomes his insecurities to discover his true self.
The songs on Which One Am I? inspired a family musical theater production, Howie D: Back in the Day, which will have its world premiere in early 2020 at the famed Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska, with Howie himself performing in the opening run. Read more about the show HERE.
All videos for the Which One Am I? project were shot in collaboration with Full Sail University, whose innovative programs in the arts have long been supported by Howie D.
Howie D’s new single, “The Me I’m Meant To Be,” is now available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, and other digital retailers. The album, Which One Am I?, will be released on July 12 and is available for pre-orders now.
Howie D is currently on a world tour with the Backstreet Boys, promoting their #1 album DNA.
Credit: Waldmania PR.
Looking for some ideas for Dad this Father’s Day?

T.O.P. Chops Jerky is a handcrafted jerky made from American beef with no additives or preservatives, and it’s grown from an at-home hobby to a thriving, national snack brand disrupting the jerky industry—in just six short years.
I had a chance to taste samples and I am quite impressed! Check out their website at https://topchops.com
Ekster knows parenting is hard, and they would like to make it a little easier for dads on this Father’s Day. With the Ekster 3.0 wallet and tracker card, gone are the days of hunting through clothes, toys, and baby bags to find a wallet (or anything you put the tracker card in, really). But wait, it gets better: the tracker’s solar-powered, so Dad doesn’t have to worry about charging yet another device.
The First Voice-activated Smart Wallet
Ekster’s products are now compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This means you can now locate your wallet or phone using your smart speaker or even just use voice command on your phone using either of the two apps. Your assistant can make your wallet ring, or it can tell you where it was last seen on a map. All you need to do is install the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa app and follow the simple steps to enable Chipolo for them.

Find out more at https://ekster.com/
Happy Father’s Day!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images and information were also provided. I only feature items that I highly recommend.

THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart (Henry Holt and Co. BYR, January 8, 2019, Ages 9-12) Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have been living on the road for five years after the death of her mother and two sisters. When she learns that the park in her old neighborhood is being demolished—the very same park where her family buried a treasured memory box—she hatches a crazy plan to travel cross-country in four days to reach home in time.
This story is a satisfying combination of a tear-jerking father-daughter race against time with suspense and humor. There is also a lot of heart while Coyote makes connections with people all over America.
The book is able to open discussions about discrimination based on wealth and presentation that will be good for middle-grade readers. There is a deft touch to the language and experience of the main character that lends itself well to the issues explored.
“Coyote’s bold, engaging voice pops off the page … Gemeinhart infuses the story with moments of lyrical writing and folksy wisdom served up with a dollop of girl power.”
Centered on the honest portrayal of father-daughter pair Rodeo and Coyote, this critically praised story is the perfect gift for kids to enjoy with their fathers this coming Father’s Day!
I really liked this story and highly recommend for middle school readers!

THE MONSTER CATCHERS by George Brewington (Henry Holt BYR, March 5, 2018, Ages 8-12)
This story is about a father-son monster hunter duo that needs to save the day..in this case, the Bay Area from an evil villain. This is a fun-to-read middle-grade fantasy story.
There is independence, excitement, and real danger for Bailey Buckleby as he sets out to save his father and beloved troll “brother” from an evil villain and save the lives of millions from rogue sea giants!
With a similar setup (a realistic world where monsters wreak havoc) and wonderful humor, this is sure to appeal to fans of Ghostbusters.
This is George Brewington’s debut in children’s fiction. His playful combination of realism and fantasy and his wonderful humor make him an exciting talent to watch!
This father-son dynamic duo makes this a perfect book for Father’s Day!
Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books, information, and photos.

Dana Wharf invites all fathers and families to a special Father’s Day Cruise Aboard Dana Pride on Sunday, June 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Listen to live classic rock music of Mike Obryan, while eating a delicious, hearty bbq dinner, and complete with a full cash bar. Enjoy this special two hour cruise beneath the beautiful California sunset with scenic views of Laguna Beach and celebrate the king in your life on his special day.
For the active dad, hop in the Harbor’s waters with any one of their fun water activities. Speed around the harbor in a jet ski or cruise through the water on a kayak from Pure Watersports. Join a standup paddleboard yoga class or sail around the shallows on a sailboat from Westwind Sailing. With a variety of fun water sports to join in on, Father’s Day weekend is sure to be filled with lots of activity.
Aim for a relaxing day at any one of the beautiful waterfront restaurants the Harbor has to offer. Take a morning stroll with a warm drink from Coffee Importers and enjoy the scenic views. Sit down to a fresh meal overlooking the glistening Pacific Ocean at The Harbor Grill or Waterman’s Harbor. From cruises to water activities to delicious food, Dana Point Harbor is the perfect mini travel destination to celebrate the man in your life.
Credit: Dana Point Harbor.

It’s so tempting to say “Take a chance on Chance.” But if you ever met him face to face—or more like face to tongue—you’d know that Chance is a 100% guaranteed love match! He’s a 4-year-old pit bull who loves to play chase and fetch and then just be a snuggle bunny. Meet Chance, not merely by chance, at the P. D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A625705.
(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)
Credit: Courtesy of the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village.
Are you looking for somewhere new to travel? Take a trip to France and review our Paris sightseeing experiences to view beautiful parts of Paris.

Whether you’ve already planned a trip to Paris, France, or if you’re looking for a new place to visit, be sure to check out what amazing Paris sightseeing experiences Paris has to offer.
Even if you’re not sure where you want to plan your next trip to, you should review what Paris has to offer. Knowing what there is to do and see there might help you make up your mind.
And, if you’ve already decided that Paris is the destination for you, then you should know where to go and what to experience before arriving.
Knowing beforehand helps you plan your trip accordingly and ensures that you won’t miss a thing! Nothing is worse than traveling a far distance to a new place and coming back home realizing that you missed an opportunity to visit an awesome location.
Before you pack your bags and head out, check out these 7 Paris experiences that you won’t want to miss!
1. Ile de la Cite
If you’d like to visit Notre Dame and Saint-Chapelle simultaneously, then you’ll need to make a stop at Ile de la Cite. Not only is it home to these two amazing sightseeing experiences, but Ile de la Cite is also considered the heart of Paris. And in such a highly romantic place, how can you pass up the opportunity to visit the heart of such a romantic city?
At the front of Notre Dame, there is a plaque on the ground that marks it as Point Zero. This is the historic center of Paris (the heart of Paris). While in the area, you’ll also want to head over to Pont de L’Archeveche. Pont de L’Archeveche is a bridge that connects the Left Bank to Ile de la Cite.
Here you’ll have some astonishing views of Notre Dame while strolling along the bank of Seine. With so many sights to see in this one area, it’s worth the visit.
2. Pont Neuf
Speaking of bridges, you’ll also want to visit the oldest bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf. This bridge joins the Right Bank to Ile de la Cite. From this bridge, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in the distance and enjoy close-up views of the Seine River.
With it being the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf deserves a spot of its own on this list. Make sure to spend time observing the bridge itself, taking in all of the details and the architectural design.
3. The Wall of Love
Directly next to the Abbesses metro shop is The Wall of Love. It’s also known as Le Mur des Je T’aime. This gigantic blue wall features the saying, “I love you,” written in 250 languages!
There is no charge to visit the wall and even if you’re not planning to visit the area, you’ll want to arrange a date and time to make a stop. The Wall of Love is unique and something that you probably won’t see anywhere else. Plus, it’ll look amazing on your Facebook or Instagram feed!
4. Ile Saint-Louis
If you continue through the Notre Dame gardens, there is a bridge called the Pont Saint-Louis Pedestrian bridge. This bridge will lead you to the Ile Saint-Louis. Here you’ll find narrow aesthetically pleasing streets and plenty of shopping.
It’s an island that provides peace for many of its visitors. For those looking to slow it down just a bit while on their Paris vacation, the Ile Saint-Louis is the spot for you. Before leaving this oasis, be sure to take a calming walk while taking in all the beauty of mansions and courtyards.
5. Marché Aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
If flea market shopping is something that sends excitement down your spine, then you’ll need to head over to Marché Aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. It’s the world’s most famous and largest flea market. It’s also 150 years old, so the market itself is a treasure.
But within its many alleys are treasures that come in all different price ranges. Because of this and the several different styles and fashions here, there’s something for everyone in this historic and unique market.
6. Rue des Martyrs
Rue des Martyrs is a market street that heads down from Montmartre. This bustling street is one that shouldn’t be passed by as it’s an authentic piece of Paris. This street market has been a part of the neighborhood for over 200 years.
Here you’ll find some of the finest chocolatier shops, chic boutiques, gourmet cafes, fresh fruit and fish, and so much more.
7. The Catacombs
Beneath Paris’ streets are the catacombs. The Catacombs were tunnels that lied under Paris’ streets since the 13th century. After the 17th century, when the city’s cemeteries became too full, the remains of those who passed away were gently placed in the catacombs.
You can even schedule a catacombs tour, where you’ll come face to face with the bodies of Paris’ past. Because this is one of the more popular destinations, it’s best to skip the long wait by scheduling a tour. It also helps to have amazing tour guides who can answer questions and give out interesting facts.
Don’t Miss These Paris Sightseeing Experiences
When planning your trip to Paris, France, you won’t want to miss out on these 7 brilliant Paris sightseeing experiences. Although we could have names the obvious Effile Tower or the Louvre Museum, we wanted to focus on some of the sights that not everyone is familiar with. And if you haven’t already decided to book that trip to Paris, hopefully, we’ve helped you make up your mind.
For more information on things to do and places to see, be sure to check back frequently!

The Queen Mary is proud to present the 2019 Movie Night Summer Series, welcoming the community to sit back, set up a picnic with friends and family, and soak up the silver screen under the summer night sky. Each movie night will offer guests an immersive cinematic experience with assorted food trucks themed to the film, full bars for those age 21 and over, and the legendary ship and Long Beach Harbor as backdrops. Taking place on select Thursday nights each month May through August and located on a grassy lawn adjacent to the Queen Mary, film titles include Mamma Mia! (2008), double feature of Indiana Jones – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Temple of Doom (1984), Grease (1978), and double feature Beetlejuice (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990). The movie nights are open to all ages and free to attend. Date Night Packages are available for $75 per couple and include a reserved couch for two, one bottle of signature Queen Mary Champagne, assorted snacks, and more!
WHEN:
Select Thursday Nights May – August
WHERE:
The Queen Mary Seawalk (lawn adjacent to the ship)
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA., 90802
TICKETS:
General Admission: Free
Date Night Package Upgrade: $75 per couple
PARKING:
$10 per vehicle on-site.
Credit: The Queen Mary.
I'm a Mom of a College student and can't believe I started this site when my son was only in elementary school! Time goes so fast! I am no longer working in the field of domestic violence and actually went back to school. I am currently a Prechool Art Teacher and it is so much fun! [Read More …]
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