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Dana Point Harbor Lights Up the Holidays Beginning November 11th! Update: Boat Parade is canceled!

November 8, 2020 By Leave a Comment
Photo courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners


Dana Point Harbor Partners is spreading seasonal cheer with the annual holiday light display set to illuminate the Harbor beginning November 11. Each night throughout the holiday season, the Harbor’s magnificent light display will illuminate the evening sky for guests of all ages to enjoy. Themed light exhibits throughout the Harbor will include Candy Cane Lane, and the popular  “Merry Kiss Me” arch. New this year, Dana Point Harbor Partners have added light displays to the island to encourage visitors to explore all areas of the Harbor and avoid large crowds.

Dana Point Harbor’s 46th Annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place on December 4, 5, 11 and 12. Dana Point boaters will be decorating their vessels to the theme of “Fiesta Holiday.” The Boat Parade of Lights is subject to change based on public health restrictions and recommendations. Please visit DanaPointHarbor.com before visiting or follow us on Instagram for updates and changes to programming.

WHEN

Holiday light display will illuminate the Harbor November 11 – January 3

46th Annual Boat Parade of Lights to take place December 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE

Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629

MORE INFORMATION

Dana Point Harbor Partners remains committed to the health and wellness of Harbor guests, employees, and the community. For more information on Harbor safety and holidays at the Harbor visit DanaPointHarbor.com or connect on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

Credit: Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Filed Under: Featured Events

SquarePet’s New Line of Pet Foods for Dogs and Cats: Squarely Natural™is a hit!

November 8, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Looking for a dog food or cat food that is sure to be a hit with your pup or cat? SquarePet has you covered with their new line of food for dogs and cats: Squarely Natural. This food for both dogs and cats of any age or breed features the shortest ingredient list of any dry pet food on the market and offers complete nutrition for our furry friends. Developed by a veterinarian, it is free of all fillers and chemical preservatives and contains only four minimally processed, high-quality ingredients. I received a sample of the dog food for my dog Bink to try and he absolutely loves it!

Bink was sleeping until he heard it was time for breakfast!

This formulation comes in three premium varieties including Canine Turkey Meal & Brown Rice, Canine Lamb Meal & Brown Rice and Feline Chicken Meal & Brown Rice. Each variety starts with a single protein (turkey or lamb for dogs, and chicken for cats). As a second ingredient, it contains a single carbohydrate source (brown and white rice). Rounded out with a single fat – sunflower oil – the result is an all-natural formulation that is as delicious as it is pure. 

Available online and at independent pet retailers throughout North America. https://www.mysquarepet.com/

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. The top image was provided and bottom image photo credit: SoCal City Kids.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Aquarium of the Pacific Relaunches Shark and Sea Lion Encounters Starting Nov. 5th!

November 6, 2020 By Leave a Comment
Photo credit required: Aquarium of the Pacific

For those in search of outdoor activities with COVID-19 safety measures, the Aquarium of the Pacific is offering up-close experiences with its animals. In addition to the popular Penguin Animal Encounter, the Aquarium is relaunching new versions of two other Animal Encounter programs. One features its sharks and rays at Shark Lagoon and the other is with its marine mammals in the Seals and Sea Lions Habitat.

Starting on Thursday, November 5, 2020, the new Shark and Ray Encounter features an exclusive experience feeding the animals in the Shark Lagoon touch pools. Participants are accompanied by an Aquarium educator and animal husbandry staff member who lead the experience before the Aquarium opens to the public for the day. In a private twenty-five to thirty-minute session, participants help provide the bamboo sharks with their morning meal and then step into the touch pools to interact with the rays while learning about all of these animals with the Aquarium’s staff. Because they will be in 18 inch water, participants must be at least 4 feet and 6 inches tall.

Also starting Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the public can book a Seal and Sea Lion Encounter to enter the behind-the-scenes area of the Seals and Sea Lions Habitat. Participants will meet one of the Aquarium’s seals or sea lions up close in this encounter. This thirty-minute encounter offers the opportunity to learn from the Aquarium’s staff members about how they care for these animals. Participants also get the chance to offer the seal or sea lion their afternoon meal.

For both encounter experiences, participants must be age 7 or older. Those under age 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Encounters require a minimum of two people and a maximum of four, all from the same household, to participate. Encounters must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Interaction with animals is contingent on animal health, safety, and behavior. Participants must arrive 15 minutes in advance of the encounter start time. Participants must wear facial coverings and social distance from Aquarium staff members at all times and will have their temperatures taken prior to entering the Aquarium. For more information about the Aquarium’s safety protocols, please visit aquariumofpacific.org/visit/aquarium_safety. Aquarium outdoor admission is included with the Animal Encounter program. For more information about Animal Encounters, the public can visit aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.

WHEN: Shark and Ray Encounter available starting Thursday, November 5, 2020

Offered Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

Seal and Sea Lion Encounter available starting Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST: $150 per person, $135 per Aquarium member. Includes Aquarium admission (currently only outdoor exhibit areas are open).

INFO/RSVP: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org/education/programs/category/animal_encounters

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Once Upon a Snowman * If you love the Frozen movies then you’ll love Once Upon a Snowman

November 6, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the snowy mountains outside Arendelle. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Lindalee R., comments, “Like most Disney animated shorts, Once Upon a Snowman is fun, colorful and full of all your favorite Frozen characters. It’s full of comedy, discovery, nostalgia, lots of snow and of course….magic!” See her full review below.

Once Upon a Snowman
By Lindalee R., KIDS First! Film Critic, Age 12

Like most Disney animated shorts, Once Upon a Snowman is fun, colorful and full of all your favorite Frozen characters. It’s full of comedy, discovery, nostalgia, lots of snow and of course….magic!

In the new eight minute long Disney+ animated short Once Upon a Snowman, we get to see the previously unseen and untold origins of everyone’s magical and warm-hug loving snowman, Olaf. This film offers a behind-the-scenes adventure from the moment Olaf is brought to life by Elsa as she makes her way up the Arendale mountains to build her ice fortress singing “Let it Go,” and then follows Olaf as he begins to discover who and what he is.

In just a small amount of time, we get a really fun, behind-the-scenes look at some of our favorite scenes of the original movie, as seen from Olaf’s point of view and through his wanderings around the frozen forest of Arendale. It is really fun to see iconic scenes with some of the other characters, seen from Olaf’s point of view, and finally we learn how and why he loves summer so much!

The message of this film is to always ask questions and be friendly with everyone you meet, because you never know what answers they will give you and what sort of friendship could evolve, just from saying, “Hello.”

If you love the Frozen movies and the Frozen animated shorts, then you’ll love Once Upon a Snowman. I give Frozen 5 out of 5 snowflakes (y’know, because it’s about Olaf) and recommend it for ages 5 to18, plus adults, as well as Disney fans, will absolutely love it too. Once Upon a Snowman debuts on Disney+ on Oct 23, 2020. Don’t miss it.

Trent Correy (Director / Writer), Dan Abraham (Director / Writer), Peter Del Vecho (Creative Consultant) and Becky Bresee (Head of Animation).

Filed Under: Media Reviews

How to Build a Good Relationship with Your Kids

November 6, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Telling your kids how much you love them is not enough, you need to show them in action. As the saying goes: “Actions speak louder than words”. So, to be a great mom and raise healthy kids, you should put your words in action for them to feel it. What does it mean to put your love in action? This means that you need to give your kids full attention and your connection with them should be the top priority. Love in action encompasses:

• Paying attention to things happening between you and your kids

• Seeing things from their perspective

• Remembering that these kids that behave rudely sometimes are still the one we love unconditionally


Build a Firm Foundation from the Beginning


Building a solid parent-child foundation with your kids from their infancy will make life easier. Studies have shown that parents who take some days off work when their child is born usually have a closer connection to their kids at every stage of their life – both as teenagers and college students. Even if you don’t have a lot of time, spending the little time you have with them will go a long way to help you build a good relationship with them.


According to bonding theorists, if a parent bonds with their newborns, they tend to stay closer to them throughout life. Unsurprisingly, parents who spend quality time with their kids and nurture their family will continue to do so to bring their kids closer to them throughout their childhood and make time to play with them. If you have a blog or website you are trying to promote that doesn’t give you much time to cater to your kids, you can consider backlinking services to promote your blog site.


Start with Trust – The Building Blocks of Every Great Relationship


For a better relationship with your kids, developing trust in your kids and letting them trust you from infancy is a key factor. From childhood, your kids will learn whether they can learn to depend on you to pick them up whenever they need you. Aside from that, you can also earn our kids’ trust in some other way: by fulfilling your promise to take them to see a movie, picking them from school on time, and not breaking your promises to them.


You can extend your trust to your kids by believing in their potential. Even though your kids can act childish, sometimes, you should always believe that there is room for positive change to occur. Parents should note that trusting your child does not mean you should blindly believe what they tell you. It means not giving up on them no matter what they do. Also, it means never working away from them because they need you at those moments and you should be there for them.


Don’t Take Things Personally


Maybe your eight-year-old child says “Mom, I hate you”, or your teenager slams the door while leaving your bedroom, but don’t take it personally! This is about them, not you. Remember that they are not mature enough always to understand and express their emotions. What you should do at that moment is to take a deep breath and calm yourself down, so you won’t react harshly. This does not mean you should allow your kids to act disrespectfully, but it means you should talk to them with love.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Graham Cracker, Nov. 5th Pet of the Week!

November 5, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Why Graham Cracker? Easy. Graham crackers are healthy and good for you—which is what this 2-year old white pit-bull mix is. He charges around the play yard chasing his beloved stuffed toys, all the while giving you a healthy run for it! But graham crackers are also a base for sweet treats, like s’mores and chocolate pies. He’ll likewise have a sweet life in a good home, which his new human will enjoy with him. Have a graham cracker! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Graham Cracker. Ask for ID#649159.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Confin, Oct. 29th Pet of the Week!

October 30, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Confin a 4-year-old border collie mix, has quite literally rolled into his role as a hot dog for Halloween. Your Halloween costume, it must be noted, has to reflect your inner passion and self—and hot dogs are Confin’s! No matter how he dresses, Confin is kind, sweet and gentle and has an easygoing spirit. Be the relish to Confin’s hot dog—make an appointment to meet him and take him home! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Confin. Ask for ID# A647182

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Halloween Book Favorites!

October 26, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Looking for some great picture books? Here are a few of my favorites this holiday! BROOMS ARE FOR FLYING by Michael Rex: A perfect first Halloween book for preschoolers, with all of the fun of every child’s favorite holiday and not too much of the scariness. This is a really fun book for ages 2-5 years old.

TURN THE WHEEL: SPOOKY PANTS by Roger Priddy: With over 30 different combinations of spooky characters to create, parents and children will have lots of fun enjoying this book together–the perfect way to get young children in the mood for trick-or-treating. Young children will really love this fun book!

THE GHOSTS WENT FLOATING by Kim Norman; illustrated by Jay Fleck: Inspired by the children’s song “The Ants Went Marching” and involving early math concepts, writer Kim Norman and illustrator Jay Fleck’s The Ghosts Went Floating is a spooktacular adventure perfect for Halloween. This one will be a hit with children ages 3-8.

POESY THE MONSTER SLAYER by Cory Doctorow; illustrated by Matt Rockefeller: Each pull-tab changes a Halloween character and reveals something hidden behind the acetate window, making this the ideal Halloween purchase for young children. Children will love Poesy!

Here are a couple great choices for Middle school age kids!

THEY THREW US AWAY by Daniel Kraus, illus. by Rovina Cai: THEY THREW US AWAY is the first book in an ambitious upper middle-grade trilogy following a group of teddy bears who come to life in a garbage dump and embark on a journey to fulfill their destiny.   I really enjoyed reading about the teddy bears and their journey! I highly recommend for middle school-age kids!

THE FOREST OF STARS by Heather Kassner: This isn’t just any carnival . . . this is the Carnival Beneath the Stars, a motley mix of magical outcasts who put on a dazzling spectacle complete with a Misfortune Teller, a living tattoo, and a girl who weaves shadows into spiderwebs. It’s the perfect Halloween read.  

These books can be found here and also on Amazon.com.

Happy Halloween!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above books to feature this Halloween post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews
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