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Irvine Ranch Conservancy Celebrates National Public Lands Day September 28th

September 24, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Register for stewardship programs and learn how to give back to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks 

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is celebrating the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and its stewardship programs during the month of September, in honor of National Public Lands Day on September 28. Held on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is an opportunity for the community to connect with nature through service.

National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. Nature lovers throughout Orange County can give back to the local environment and learn how volunteering can have a direct impact on natural surroundings during year-round stewardship activities offered by Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners and volunteers through LetsGoOutside.org.

“Irvine Ranch Conservancy is grateful for the dedicated volunteers and partners who share a love for the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and give their time to enhance these natural resources,” said Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “IRC volunteers made a significant impact by donating 41,500 hours in 2018, helping our team achieve our goals. National Public Lands Day is the perfect opportunity for the community to learn more about how they can help keep these natural resources thriving all year long.”

In celebration of National Public Lands Day, Irvine Ranch Conservancy will host a social media countdown starting September 23 through September 27. IRC will highlight a restoration project or volunteer fact each day leading up to National Public Lands Day. To follow along and learn more about restoration projects and activities happening on the open space, “Like” Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Visitors are invited to give back to the Landmarks during National Public Lands Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join OC Parks staff at Upper Newport Bay and participate in a variety of service activities including clearing trails, habitat restoration, pulling weeds and picking up trash along the Bay.

Stewardship, fitness, and interpretive programs are available on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks throughout the year in the City of Irvine, the City of Newport Beach and throughout OC Parks, and welcome a wide variety of ages, interests, and skill levels. Rewarding volunteer opportunities are available to nature lovers, youth organizations, and corporations with advanced registration.

A complete list of all stewardship programs offered on the Landmarks can be found here, or click the links below for upcoming activities. 

  • Nurture the Bommer Canyon Nature Garden on Thursday, September 19 from 9 – 11 a.m. invites volunteers to keep the Native Nature Garden healthy by removing weeds and trimming back vegetation growth. This activity is perfect for local residents with a green thumb or those who enjoy spending time in the garden.
  • Inner-Coastal & Watershed Clean-Up Day at Peters Canyon on Saturday, September 21 from 9 – 11 a.m. will keep Peters Canyon clean as volunteers help pick-up trash along the trails. Participants will help keep the 340 acres of coastal sage scrub, riparian, freshwater marsh and grassland habitats healthy for visitors to enjoy.

Most docent-led stewardship programs on the Landmarks are free and open to the public with required pre-registration. No experience is necessary, and all tools and training are provided. Volunteers should bring water, sunscreen, and a light snack. For more information on the Landmarks and stewardship programs, visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities. 

Credit: Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

Filed Under: Featured Events

5 tips to having a great girl’s weekend with friends

September 24, 2019 By Leave a Comment

We all love to have a good time with our friends. It feels good to catch up on the latest happenings, share ideas, and just have fun. Unfortunately, due to work and other commitments, meeting up with friends regularly may not be easy. The best way to do it is to organize weekend meetups, when most people are free. To help you make such meetups fun and memorable, here are 5 tips to having a great girl’s weekend with friends. 

1. Plan your destination ahead of time 

For you to have an amazing time out with the girls, you need to plan. One of the things you should plan about is the destination. Have an online chat with your friends and choose a destination. Once you agree on one, choose a means of transport. If you decide to fly to your destination, make arrangements early for everyone to get their tickets. Alternatively, if you decide to travel to your destination by road, you can get in touch with a charter bus company for a vehicle that is customized to your needs.

2. Choose a dress code

To make the weekend getaway even more fun, have a dress code for the event. This will create an element of unity. It will also set you and your girls apart from the crowd wherever you go. Besides, an outstanding dress code can be part of the chit-chat even as you engage on many other issues. It’s all about keeping the atmosphere as happy and fun-filled as possible. 

3. Pre-order everyone’s favorite drink

If you plan to spend the weekend out of your usual places, then it would be best to pre-order everyone’s drink. It would be unfair to have some friends miss out on the fun because their favorite drinks are not on the menu. To ensure that drinks don’t down the event, you can have everyone pre-order their drinks for the weekend getaway. Alternatively, you can pool resources, and have one person do all the orders ahead of the meetup. It all boils down to which method is most efficient.

4. Work out the accommodation 

If you intend to spend the entire weekend together, you need to work out the accommodation. If it will be an outdoor getaway, organize for tents or sleeping bags early. On the other hand, if you intend to spend the night in hotels, you can book early. You don’t want a situation where you get stranded trying to find a room when hotels are fully booked. 

5. Everyone should be up to speed all through

Planning a getaway or any other event is not easy. Everyone needs to be in the loop up to the very last minute. You don’t want a situation where D-Day arrives, and some people have no idea of what to do, or where to start. This can easily throw even the best-planned meetups off-balance. All through the planning, everyone should be aware of where they will be picked up, the time it will happen, and such issues.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

How can interview coaching help your career?

September 24, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Interview coaching is a relatively new profession that has come into prominence in the last several years. As the job market constantly increases and we see an influx of internet jobs, the market becomes more open but it also makes it harder to land high profile jobs. As if that wasn’t enough, a lot can be said about young talents who are looking for their first opportunity.

                All of these factors make it much harder to land good jobs which is why interview coaching is so important nowadays. Here are some ways an interview coach can improve your odds of landing an awesome gig. Read on!

  1. You can freshen up on your skills

While the jobs have become more flexible and there is more employee movement, there are still a lot of people who don’t like changing their job on a regular basis. This poses a problem when they eventually decide to make a change in their life. As they are rusty with their interview skills, they can do a fairly realistic simulation with an interview professional. In the long run, this will be a good investment as you are able to land a job much quicker and you might even be able to get better terms when you finally sign a contract.

2. It is ideal for people fresh out of college or high school

Most young people don’t understand what it means to be a part of workforce or what is expected from you. Some of them don’t even understand the concept of work period. Needless to say, they will have a lot of issues landing a job. These things can easily be circumvented with some practice. Like everything else, interview skills are something that can be learned and improved and what better way to do it then with an interview coach from Path Consulting

3. You are constantly getting rejected

Let’s say you’ve been trying to land a job for a while but it seems, no matter what you try to do, it is really hard to get accepted. There are lots of reasons for this; sometimes, it comes down to pure luck. But you shouldn’t neglect the fact there might be some issues in the way you’re presenting yourself to recruiters. Sometimes, small stuff, small moves you make can be a big issue. They might signal a red flag and you will be instantly discarded. In order to understand what’s wrong with your presentation, it is much better to have someone asses you. This is an ideal solution that will help you “break the curse”

4. There are questions you can’t answer

Interviews are often structured and same questions may pop up regularly. The problem are not the questions themselves; the problem is when you don’t have an appropriate response. While you cannot cover all the angles during interviews, you will have to make sure and have an answer for some basic repeating questions. Interview professional can point you in the right direction and give you some tips about it.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Back-to-School Must-Haves!

September 18, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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

I know! School started late August for most of us here in sunny So Cal but September will always mean back-to-school to me! I was still in Summer mode until very recently so here are some of my favorite things for back-to-school this year!

This first one will make going back to school more fun! New from Big G Creative, the Trapper Keeper® Game is a fun and nostalgic game that brings back all the memories of stashing homework, class notes and quizzes in an authentic Trapper Keeper® folder.

One of the most revolutionary school supply products of its time, the Trapper Keeper® has come back to life in this new card game that celebrates the best of the ‘80s and ‘90s school days and the need to keep your papers trapped in one place.

The game challenges players to school the competition by collecting cards with the most points and stashing them in their Trapper Keeper® folders. Cards include homework, quizzes, parent signatures, report cards, detention slips, notes from classmates, and field trip slips. After the last bell card is played by the assigned Teacher’s Pet, the players tally up doodles and points to determine the winner. Players will enjoy reading the humorous student notes and clever content on the cards.

This one is fun for kids of all ages! The Trapper Keeper® Game includes 81 school paper cards, 11 bell cards, five mini Trapper Keeper® folders, a teacher’s pet marker, score pad and pencil. For ages eight and up, the game takes approximately twenty-five minutes to play. Available exclusively at Target stores nationwide, the Trapper Keeper® Game sells for SRP $16.99.

These next ones are great for lunches!

Lunchbox Essentials for Back-to-School Season

  • Welch’s Fruit Snacks: Available in a variety of delicious summer flavors, think Mixed Fruit, Berries n’ Cherries, Fruit Punch, SuperFruit Mix and more, these snacks contain Fruit as the First Ingredient and are made with REAL fruit, no preservatives and fat-free. Available at major retailers including Target, Walmart, Boxed.com, Amazon and more. (MSRP: $2.99 / 10ct Box with 0.9oz. Pouches)
  • Welch’s Fruit n’ Yogurt: Made with real fruit and surrounded by creamy yogurt for a melt in your mouth taste, Welch’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt are uniquely delicious and kids will love them! Available at major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon. (MSRP: $2.99/ 8ct Box with 0.8oz. Pouches)
Lance Minis

12-count Multipack SRP $5.99

Available at retailers including Walmart, Amazon.com, Harris Teeter, ShopRite, Wegmans, all Kroger-Owned Stores and more

The brand new line of Lance Minis Sandwich Crackers is fueling families with the classic peanut butter sandwich crackers this school season and beyond.

Available in the classic ToastChee Peanut Butter and Whole Grain Peanut Butter, Lance Minis are made with real peanut butter, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no artificial flavors or preservatives. According to a recent survey from Lance Minis, the average parent surveyed spends 86 hours a year prepping snacks for the family with 62% saying their top tip for snack packing is stocking up on grab-and-go snacks to help save time.

These are quite tasty!

These next snacks will be a hit and are great for after school!

Kip’s Allergy-Friendly Snacks

Make room for a delicious, allergen-free snack in your lunchbox! Baked with integrity & packed with goodness, Kip’s Granola Bark is a versatile and tasty snack that can be enjoyed anywhere!

  • The Granola Bark comes in two mouthwatering flavors, Cinnamon Crunch and Cocoa Crunch, and can be topped with your child’s favorite seed butter or dipped into chocolate or yogurt!
  • Kip’s is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and offers a great source of fiber from flaxseeds and gluten-free oats.
  • Most importantly, Kip’s Allergy-Friendly Snacks are free of the top 8 allergens, including Peanuts, Nuts, Wheat, Dairy, Soy & Egg. Certified Gluten-Free, Vegan and Kosher.
  • Kip’s Allergy-Friendly Snacks can be purchased online at www.lovekips.com and on Amazon.com. $7.99

Back-to-school often means more laundry especially if you have any kids that play sports! I love this laundry detergent!

No Sweat’s liquid sports wash is an industry leading laundry detergent made for those hard to clean athletic and sports clothes. No Sweat’s proprietary bio-based enzyme blend was developed to dissolve odor-causing bacteria and mold while maintaining the quality of your athletic gear. It contains no harsh chemicals, no artificial perfumes, and leaves no residue. Check out this link to the website for information https://nosweatlife.com

I love these next ones because they are perfect for Pre-Teens, Teens and College students!

SlitIt
Wrap Rage is a real thing. The struggle to open clamshell and other hard plastic packaging. Back to School means online shopping for supplies, dorm necessities and all the new technology products for the student headed back to class! 
 

Slitit by Raeco is a simple, safe and hassle-free opener that will tackle any tough packaging in seconds! Great for dorm dwellers who order online and/or receive care packages and student home dwellers whose parents will need this. Slitit has a ground cutting edge that maximizes performance and cuts through the most challenging plastic in seconds-the more you use it the sharper it gets. This school season stop struggling and glide through tough packages. I love how easy this is to use! Available on https://slitit.comor or The Grommet. Price: $9.95

EKC Natural Deodorant-The Stink is Real.

How to make friends and influence teachers-HYGIENE! It’s your growing child’s best friend as he/she heads back to school. Naturally take the “stink” out of the student, as their bodies begin to change. EKC Natural Deodorant is the answer. This non-profit company is devoted to educating and donating safe deodorant (1 tube sold=1 tube donated).  Over 60% of the ingredients found in deodorants and antiperspirants are so toxic that they are banned throughout the world, but NOT in the US?  That is why Dr. Jessica Benningfield decided to make her own line of safe deodorants for her daughters in her kitchen. EKC Natural Deodorant is organic, all natural and made in the USA . It contains no harmful chemicals like aluminum, glycols, parabens, sulfates or zinc salts-some of these have been found in breast tumors!  You can’t stop them from growing, but you can guide them to use healthy products as they mature. There are two scents available (lavender and original-coconut).  Available on Amazon.com or https://www.ekcdeodorant.com Price: $13/1 tube lasts 3-4 months.

This is a real favorite of mine! NoteTower-Note to self

Get the revolutionary NoteTower Monitor Mount and keep your student de-cluttered, organized and highly productive! In a world of information overload, it’s impossible to keep all in one place. Like the” high-tech” Cloud storage the “low tech” NoteTower physically holds paper stragglers (sticky notes, photographs, flyers, invitations, etc) in one place while giving easy access and visibility to all.  With its innovative ergonomic extending arms, it can support most paper notes/documents in both portrait and landscape.. The NoteTower’s clamp makes it easy to mount to laptops, tablets and thin monitors (includes a bracket for thicker monitors).  Keep your student organized this year with the NoteTower Monitor Mount on www.NoteTower.com. Also available on Amazon. Price: $17.99

This next one is great for your iPhone or your iPad!

Made in the U.S.A., the deceptively simple GoDonut is a universal stand for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets that holds everyone’s favorite gadget at the perfect angle for comfortable viewing.

This one is a must-buy and I love the one I tried out! It even works if the device is in a case! GoDonut is available nationwide at Walmart for just $9.88.  It’s also available for purchase online at either BuyGoDonut.com or Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Smartphone-GoDonut-Compatible-Samsung/dp/B07VTM4PMD

SMARTY Backpack will be a hit with the older kids!

SMARTY CO’s Clear Backpack, which has earned the reputation as the most durable clear backpack available. This backpack was designed from months of research and development and learning from customer reviews. SMARTY Transparent Backpack is the perfect combination of comfort, durability, convenience and style.

Feature Highlights:

-Reinforced bottom with double layered clear plastic & 1680D nylon
-Additional Criss Cross stitching for durability of straps
-One side pocket made with heavy duty 1680D fabric on bottom and stretchable mesh on top to withstand heavy liquids and allow easy access to bottle. -Other side pocket with zipper for security
-Laptop or notebook sleeve in main compartment
-Mesh organizer pocket for pen, pencils, calculator, or phone
-Quality, smooth zippers

Have a child that gets tangles in their hair and it takes too long to get them ready in the mornings? This next one will make mornings go smoothly!

ROCK THE LOCKS Conditioning Detangler

Make morning routines easier with eco-friendly ROCK THE LOCKS conditioning detangler! 
Tames the toughest tangles while conditioning & adding body and moisture. 
Infused with essential oils & super fruit complex for shine.
Contains no parabens, phthlates, or alcohol.
Available in two scents kids love, including Pineapple Banana and Green Apple.
$9.99

As a Homeschool Mom, this next one was a real hit with me! I recommend for homeschoolers and for all students!

Academic Planner by Order Out of Chaos

I have to admit there are a lot of planners out there but this was is really unique! I like how it also helps you to learn how to manage time! More info:

  • This award-winning academic planner gives students an easy way to SEE time so they can learn to MANAGE it.
  • Originally invented for a mom’s ADHD son but is amazing for all students.
  • Patented layout allows students to see when assignments are due and tests scheduled alongside after-school commitments and free blocks of time.
  • No filler. No fluff. No word of the day. It’s a planner that does what it says it does. Plan time.
  • All planners come with a workbook giving students the tools they need to be successful in school. Letter Size – $18.99

Stay tuned! Next week there will be more back-to-school must-haves and also Back-to-school book suggestions! Have a happy school year!

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Aquarium of the Pacific Hosts 18th Annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival September 28th and 29th, 2019 Giveaway Opportunity!

September 17, 2019 By 5 Comments
Photo Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium’s festival celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month and features dance and music performances, bilingual environmental programs, arts and crafts, and a special annual award ceremony.

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which honors Latino and Hispanic cultures, the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its eighteenth annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event will feature bilingual environmental educational programs, including films and underwater presentations with divers, and traditional dance, crafts, music, and interactive children’s programs.

Latin American folk dancers, Aztec dancers, mariachi musicians, and other entertainers will perform in front of the Aquarium’s tallest exhibit, the Honda Blue Cavern—home to giant sea bass, rays, and other inhabitants of local kelp forests. Guests can witness colorful dances representing various Latino and Hispanic cultures. The Aquarium will feature interactive Central and South American music programs for all ages, and hands-on activities for attendees include children’s crafts. Younger guests and their families are invited to visit The Bernadett Family Early Childhood Education Open House to engage with activities specifically designed for preschool students. The festival will also include an award ceremony.

Baja Splash highlights Mexico’s Gulf of California, which is one of the most important wildlife havens in the world. Visitors can learn more about this important ecosystem, the threats it faces, and how people can help by exploring the Aquarium’s Gulf of California exhibition created with World Wildlife Fund Mexico. Guests can also learn about the critically endangered vaquita, a porpoise found only in Baja’s upper Gulf of California, through film screenings and an interactive station.

For a $10 off Adult Admission ticket go to http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/offer/fest2

Find out more about the event here.

We have teamed up for a Family 4 -Pack ticket giveaway! In the comments below, tell us why you would like to go or your favorite thing about the Aquarium. One winner will be randomly selected and will receive tickets for either day. Deadline to enter is September 25th, 2019.

More about The Aquarium of the Pacific:

The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the new Pacific Visions wing, Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the Tentacles and Ink and FROGS: Dazzling & Disappearing exhibits. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. Field trips for schoolchildren are offered at a heavily discounted rate, from $7 to $8.50 per student. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits. Convenient parking is available for $8 with Aquarium validation.

Filed Under: Archived Content

Princess, Sept. 19th Pet of the Week!

September 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Well, yes—they’re all princes and princesses, but there’s only one Princess. She’s an affectionate indoor royale who’s only 3 years old. Our lady was surrendered to the shelter along with her male companion because the owner was moving. The young fellow was adopted recently, but Princess is still waiting for her heroes to take her to their castle. Meet her on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A573363.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Looking for a Handbag? Love the Sales is the website to check out!

September 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Kate Spade purse

I just love all the different brands of purses, handbags and even wallets you can find at https://www.lovethesales.com

Personally I love all the Kate Spade handbags! But, they have a wide variety from Michael Kors to Armani. This site hosts the biggest number of discounted bags on the web, in one place. The average saving a shopper will find when they buy a bag is over $130. Brands range from Radley, Michael Kors to Gucci & Prada. The highest discounts you can get on the page is currently 82% off. You can also view full price bags and if you sign up, you can wishlist them and we will notify you as soon as they drop in price. And a crazy 85% of all products online, drop in price at some point!

Now, how cool is that?! It sounds pretty cool to me! I’m sure you will find one that catches your eye….or maybe more than one!

I love this Armani one!

Check this amazing sale out at https://www.lovethesales.com/womens-handbag-sale

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Aquarium course will address new opportunities from increasing longevity, life after full time work, and how to design and build a more fulfilling life on your terms

September 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Image by: Aquarium of the Pacific

Experts on longevity, including researchers from Stanford University’s Center on Longevity, will share secrets to successful senior years as well as changing the narrative of a longer, more fulfilling, and perhaps somewhat less predictable life during a special series at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in partnership with Halbert Hargrove is announcing its fall 2019 Aquatic Academy course, Longevity: Changing the Narrative. People are living longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. Learn the secrets to successful working years, more fulfilling senior years, and how to afford living on less than full time work from four experts. Speakers will include researchers from Stanford University’s Center on Longevity and experts on investment and retirement.

This course is a reflection of the Aquarium’s vision statement: to create an Aquarium dedicated to building natural capital, nature and nature’s services, by building social capital, the connections between and among people. When people and communities are well connected, healthy, and productive, they have the capacity for positive change that benefits the environment.

WHEN:           October 2, 10, 17, and 24, 2019, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

COST:            $40 for the four-course series, $25 for Aquarium members and students, $10 fee for CEU credit in conjunction with CSULB CCPE. Fee includes parking in the Aquarium structure. Sign up by September 15 and receive a complimentary book for each session you attend.

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

INFO/RSVP:   (562) 590-3100, ext. 0, or aquariumofpacific.org/aquaticacademy

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.


Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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