Archives for 2020

Camp Arrowhead

19-year-old Sophie Walker attends a summer camp to help her get over the loss of her mother. She attends as a worker and is initially made fun of by some rich girls at the camp. But when the rich girls realize they need another girl for the archery team, they invite Sophie to join. Meanwhile, Sophie has met a mysterious man in the forest named Percy who claims to be an archery coach. Sophie gets Percy the job as team coach and Percy proceeds to turn the girls into lethal archers. Along the way, Percy also helps Sophie come to terms with the loss of her mother – in an unexpected and magical way. Enjoy Carlee S.’s review of Camp Arrowhead. 19-year-old Sophie Walker attends a summer camp to help her get over the loss of her mother. She attends as a worker and is initially made fun of by some rich girls at the camp. But when the rich girls realize they need another girl for the archery team, they invite Sophie to join. Meanwhile, Sophie has met a mysterious man in the forest named Percy who claims to be an archery coach. Sophie gets Percy the job as team coach and Percy proceeds to turn the girls into lethal archers. Along the way, Percy also helps Sophie come to terms with the loss of her mother – in an unexpected and magical way. Available now on ITunes, Amazon digital, Google Play, Vudu and Fandango Now. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Carlee S. comments, “Camp Arrowhead is a heartwarming film with an inspiring message. It is a story about overcoming tragedy and never losing hope. When you have friends and you work together, sometimes miracles happen. It is a fast-paced film with lots of laughter and adventure.” Katie F., adds, “The production is very professionally made and the cast are incredible. Chloe Lukasiak (Dance Moms) plays her performance as the stuck-up, posh and snobby brat, Devon Dupree, especially well. Tori Keeth (Henry Danger) takes on the lead role as the heart broken Sophie Walker, with great emotion and feeling.” Calee N. adds, “Camp Arrowhead is a family-friendly film filled with laughs, drama and the hope that you have an open-mind.” Sammi B. wraps it up with, “The message in this film is that kindness and forgiveness (especially of yourself) will make everything better. It feels religious by using symbols such as a cross and angel and talking about heaven. The message is positive. I just don’t like that everyone’s problems are solved so easily at the end.”

Camp Arrowhead
By Carlee S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Camp Arrowhead is a heartwarming film with an inspiring message. It is a story about overcoming tragedy and never losing hope. When you have friends and you work together, sometimes miracles happen. It is a fast-paced film with lots of laughter and adventure. 

The storyline is about 19-year-old Sophie Walker (Tori Keeth) who recently lost her mother and volunteers at a summer camp to avoid staying with her cousins.  A kind and mysterious man named Percy (Donnie William) gives her and her friend archery lessons and they both become ace archers. The camp bully, Devin Dupree (Chloe Lukasiak), really wants to win the archery competition and she is determined to win the competition no matter what. Along the way, Sophie comes to terms with her loss, in an unexpected and magical way.

One of my favorite parts of the film is the talent show scene. The songs are beautifully written and performed.  Sophie sings a heartfelt song that touches everyone dearly. The emotions she expresses and the lyrics of the song really pull you in and grab your attention. Percy sings an upbeat song that leaves everyone feeling good and lifts the mood. Other characters also give talented performances.  Chloe Lukasiak portrays her role as the bully in a believable way.  Jennifer Aquino who plays Candace and Carter Southern who plays Tyler also bring their characters to life. The campground setting is perfect for the film. The natural setting, the camp buildings and the archery equipment really makes it all seem very real. I really enjoyed watching the characters develop and grow while they at camp. 

The messages in this film are about forgiveness and love always prevail. Forgiveness allows peace and love and leaves viewers with hope.

I give Camp Arrowhead 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this movie to ages 7 to 16, plus adults. This film is available now on digital channels including iTunes, Amazon digital, Google play, Vudu and FandangoNow.

Camp Arrowhead

By Katie F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I really enjoyed this fun and adventurous movie! Camp Arrowhead is set in an authentic American summer camp. The actors all give genuine and believable performances. The film delivers a positive emotional message and feel-good factor.

This story follows 19-year-old Sophie (Tori Keeth), whose mother has recently passed away and she hasn’t been the same since. She joins her best friend, April (Joy Regullano), to work at Camp Arrowhead as her father thinks it would be a good idea for her to work through her grief. She wanders into the wood and meets an unusual old man who might just offer the help she needs and, when the archery team require some new recruits, Sophie and April are up for the task. They join the archery team and learn about the importance of family, friendship and teamwork. 

The production is very professionally made and the cast are incredible. Chloe Lukasiak (Dance Moms) plays her performance as the stuck-up, posh and snobby brat, Devon Dupree, especially well. Tori Keeth (Henry Danger) takes on the lead role as the heart broken Sophie Walker, with great emotion and feeling. Donnie Williams plays the role of Percy, a character who is mysterious and helpful in a warm and friendly manner.  The supporting cast are great and each plays their role to a high standard, adding to the overall performance.  The set is very realistic and in keeping with the storyline.  I especially love the cabins. They look so warm and cozy. The music helps set the scenes whilst not distracting from the movie, and the character performances. My favorite part is towards the end of the film when Percy leaves a surprise gift, that leads Sophie to a very special place. I don’t want to spoil it for you all, so can’t say any more than that. 

The message of the film is of uplifting friendship, and that time helps to heal emotional pain. We watch the girls struggle through a social divide, initially clashing, then put their differences aside and forming a bond through teamwork. It also teaches us the importance of forgiveness, no matter what you’ve done. 

I give Camp Arrowhead5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. This film is available now on digital channels including iTunes, Amazon digital, google play, Vudu , and FandangoNow.

Camp Arrowhead

By Calee N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Camp Arrowhead is a family-friendly film filled with laughs, drama and the hope that you have an open-mind.

With Sophie’s dad going away for work all summer long, she decides to work at Camp Arrowhead with her close friend for the summer. Camp life has its challenges, especially since Sophie’s mom died just a few months ago. With the help of new friends and a mysterious older man named Percy, Sophie learns the art of competitive archery and the gift of being able to communicate with her mom. 

I enjoyed this movie because the plot is unpredictable and has a happy ending. Directors Timothy Armstrong and Fernando De La Cruz created a movie that generates a range of emotions. The magical theme was a surprise and includes some plot twists. Actor Donnie Williams’ performance as Percy makes the magical character believable, while at the same time creating a well-loved movie character. Tori Keeth, who plays Sophie, creates a character that you hope will be able to find happiness.  With the strong supporting cast you find yourself  rooting for multiple people. The cinematographer, Ferguson Sauve-Rogan supports the film’s message by creating authentic settings that carry the magical and realistic theme throughout the movie.

A common theme of the movie is to believe in yourself and have faith. Many of the characters in the movie confront and overcome difficult obstacles. Although the movie promotes many positive messages, some subtle racial inequity exists. Most likely this is not what the producers wanted, but it provides a good opportunity to bring awareness to discrimination in films and creates the chance to have an open and honest conversation about racism.

I rate Camp Arrowhead 4.5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 14. You can watch Camp Arrowheadnowon iTunes, Amazon digital, Google Play, Vudu and FandangoNow.

Camp Arrowhead
By Samantha B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Camp Arrowhead is a new feature film aimed at tween girls about friendship and loss that reminds me of a Disney Channel movie, but falls short. I wanted to like this film, but the pacing feels slow and the writing is awkward. The movie also solves all of its characters’ problems too easily.

The storyline is about a 19-year-old girl, Sophie Walker (Tori Keeth), whose mother died a few months ago. She is angry at herself because she argued with her mom before she died and Sophie never had a chance to make up. Her friend is going work at Camp Arrowhead and invites Sophie to join her. At camp she ends up making friends with the rich mean girl campers, finds romance with the camp director’s grandson who is in a wheelchair, and makes peace with her mom’s death with help from a special friend.

The sets and locations are realistic. The costumes quickly identify teen girls at a summer camp. There are some special effects at the end, but they are not very high tech. My favorite character is Sophie’s friend April (Joy Regullano), who is very upbeat and nice to everyone. The other lead character is Devin (Chloe Lukasiak), who is a stereotypical mean rich girl who is under lots of pressure to win at archery from her mean mom. She changes after she invites Sophie and April to join the archery team and they become friends. The movie has a strong moral message that is delivered through an older character, Percy, whom we later learn is not what he first appears to be. My favorite part of the film is the montage where Percy teaches the girls archery.

The message in this film is that kindness and forgiveness (especially of yourself) will make everything better. It feels religious by using symbols such as a cross and angel and talking about heaven. The message is positive. I just don’t like that everyone’s problems are solved so easily at the end. Most of the negative behavior such as revenge and cheating is handled when characters apologize or have consequences like getting disqualified.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 14.  This film is available now on digital channels including iTunes, Amazon digital, google play, Vudu, and FandangoNow.

This Fall Plan a Happy Life!

I’m excited to share that Stephanie Fleming, Co-Founder at Me & My Big Ideas, parent company of The Happy Plannerrecently released a new book Plan a Happy Life. You may remember that I featured her Planners awhile back. These are now the only planners I will use! I recently purchased one for going back to school. But, let’s talk about the book!

Today’s everyday life can be busy, but it doesn’t have to be mundane or chaotic! The creators of the Happy Planner know that the secret to living a happy life is all in the planning. A life bursting at the seams with meaning, fun, and work worth doing doesn’t just happen: you have to plan for it.

Plan a Happy Life includes strategies, systems, and methods for permanently getting organized, prioritizing what’s most important to you, and living intentionally. Here you’ll find great ideas for:

  • Celebrating the ordinary (dance party in the kitchen, anyone?)
  • Discovering new ways to serve others (that will fit into a busy schedule)
  • Finding your happy even on the tougher days
  • Making the most effective lists (hint: it involves stickers)
  • Filling your life with gratitude
  • Controlling your calendar so you can live each day fully–and colorfully! (a step-by-step guide)
  • And much more happy planning (seriously, you have to plan fun in your life!)

Seriously this is the best book for being organized and being positive!

Retail Price: $19.99

Shoppable now at The Happy Planner Website

The book is also available at Michaels Online and at Michaels brick and mortar stores nationwide and in Canada.

There is also a Plan A Happy Life Product Collection! I simply love this collection and it would also make a great gift for your friends! The holidays are approaching! Hint! Hint!

More about Stephanie Fleming:

Stephanie Fleming is a creative entrepreneur, speaker, optimist, and wellness seeker. Most notably, she is the cofounder of me & my BIG ideas, creators of the Happy Planner. The business that began twenty years ago as a tiny garage-based business is now an industry-leading lifestyle brand that offers a wide variety of products that inspire customers to Live Creatively® and Plan a Happy Life™. Stephanie lives happily in her dream-come-true California beach house with her husband (and business partner), Kevin. She has two grown children, two stepchildren, and four amazing grandsons. It is her mission to create a Happy Life Movement by empowering people everywhere to take control of their own happiness by embracing planning, positivity, and all things creative! For more ideas and inspiration for your happy life, connect with Stephanie at on Instagram @stephanie_fleming or check out her Plan A Happy Life podcast here.

Stephanie Fleming

Self Disclosure: I was very happy to receive samples of this amazing collection and the Plan a Happy Life book. Images were also provided.

Why Camping Is a Great Experience for Kids

Many parents try to arrange exciting annual vacations and trips that the whole family can look forward to. This means finding a destination where there are family-oriented activities and attractions, and plenty for both the adults and kids to enjoy. There are many types of family vacations you can choose from such as beach vacations, theme park locations like Orlando, and camping trips to name but a few.

When it comes to the latter, you can look forward to a huge range of benefits. Family camping trips can be hugely beneficial in many ways, and this is why so many families love the tradition of taking the whole family on a camping vacation to enjoy adventure and excitement. Camping is a great experience for kids, and it can provide them with many benefits including the ability to learn new skills. In this article, we will look at some of the benefits of family camping vacations.

Some of the Great Benefits You Can Expect

So, what are the benefits of family camping vacations, and why are they such a great choice for kids? Well, here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:

An Affordable Option

For parents, a family camping trip is an affordable option, making it the perfect choice for those who are on a budget. All you need to suitable camping gear, and you can even get great deals on this by using promotions such as Kohls discount codes. Compared to other types of holidays, you will be able to enjoy some family time away at a very affordable price, which means you can look forward to excitement and adventure without breaking the bank.

Fresh Air and Exercise

Many kids these days spend little time outdoors. When they are not at school, many tend to be in the house glued to their smart devices or watching TV. This means they fail to get enough fresh air and exercise, which can have a huge negative impact on their health. When you go on a camping trip, your kids will get plenty of exercise and fresh air as they will spend lots of time in the great outdoors enjoying a range of activities.

A Break from Technology

As many parents know, kids these days spend a huge amount of time using their smart devices and computers. Often, most of their spare time is taken up on these devices as they play games, stream content, and use social media among other things. This means that they fail to spend time enjoying real-life activities and thrills, which is something that all kids should enjoy. A camping trip where the kids spend more time outdoors means they get a break from technology.

Recreational Opportunities

Finally, kids can look forward to getting involved in a range of recreational activities while camping. This includes everything from walking nature trails and biking to fishing, swimming, and exploring the natural environment and wildlife.

These are just a few of the benefits of arranging a family camping trip with the kids. 

Pure Protein SquareEgg Dog Food will be a hit with your pup!

Looking for a New Dog Food for your pup?

Leveraging the world’s most perfect protein source, SquarePet™ developed the SquareEgg dog food line.  With a cage-free egg and whey base, it provides an easy-to-digest and complete protein source. 

An industry first, it contains all the essential amino acids required by dogs for optimum growth and health, and it ranks highest in protein bioavailability.  Ideal for sensitive stomachs and rotational feeding, SquareEgg dog food is designed for all stages of canine life from puppy to senior.

Our Pup Bink was able to ret a sample and he loves it! He’s relaxing (see photo below) after eating and it is a real hit with him!

Proudly made in the U.S.A., SquarePet™ product lines are available for purchase online and at independent pet retailers nationwide.

To learn more about SquarePet’s veterinarian-formulated pet food lines, visit the company online at www.MySquarePet.com.

 MSRP 4.4lbs  $30.99

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. Top image was also provided.

6 Family Goals to Pursue This School Year

This school year is starting out a little different. Your child might have been learning at home for most of their last academic year, and getting back into things might be harder than usual. They might still be undertaking some home learning, or their school might have initiated new guidelines and restrictions, and their school days might look a little different. Even the school runs might be different, and your days might have had to change accordingly.

But, even with the changes, and at such an uncertain time, once the kids are at school, life seems to pass faster than ever. It’ll be 2021 before we know it, and then, the end of the school year will be hurtling towards us. This is the perfect time to set some family goals for the year.

Why Set Family Goals?

Once the kids are at school, life seems to pass by faster than ever. Our days are busy, we seem to get so much less family time, and what we do have is often taken up by our own interests and hobbies. As our children get older and start to spend more time with their friends, spending quality time together gets even harder.

Setting goals doesn’t mean that you can no longer do your own things, nor does it mean that you’ll suddenly have more time. But it does mean that you are committing to doing things together, that you have the shared intention to take pleasure in your time together, and that you’ve got plenty of fun things lined up, which will make it easier to free up some time for family. Making promises and setting goals means that life is less likely to run away from you.

Prioritize Health and Fitness

Health and fitness are more important than ever. But, if you’ve been spending a lot of time at home over the last few months, it might not have been a priority.

Look at what you can do to start taking better care of your family’s health. Look at their bedrooms, do they need new mattresses to help them sleep? If so, check this post for the latest specials and the best deals. Are you all eating well? Have you booked flu shots? Could you be doing more exercise, either separately or as a family?

Commit to Device-Free Mealtimes

Eating meals together has so many advantages for your family. But, to get the most out of family mealtimes, you need to give each other your attention. Commit to device-free mealtimes and to eating at least one meal a day together, even if it’s a rushed breakfast before school and work.

Enjoy Family Movie Nights

Family movie nights are a great way to spend time together. You can always gather for a movie, no matter what is going on in the world, or what the weather is like. Whether it’s once a month or once a week, try to stick to it and take it in turns to pick the movie.

Find a New Family Hobby

Trying new hobbies together is a fun way to enjoy each other’s company. Support each other, learn together, laugh when it goes wrong, and take joy in a new shared interest.

Take Turns Picking Family Days Out

Family days out when the kids are little are very different from family days out with teens. Younger children do whatever you want them to. Older ones complain. So, start taking it in turns. Commit to one family day out a month, and take turns deciding where to go and what to do.

Do Something for Others

Make it your goal to spend some of your family time doing something for other people, maybe volunteering at a community project, or raising money for charity.

Having family goals doesn’t mean that you can’t be flexible. Things come up; we all know that. Some family movie nights or days out will have to be canceled. But, sticking to them when you can will help you to form a strong family unit, ready to take on the world.

Stevie Nicks, Sept. 17th Pet of the Week!

Wouldn’t you love to love her? Her name is Stevie Nicks,and indeed, she is like a cat in the dark. In fact, she’s like a cat no matter what position the sun sits in the sky. Like her famous namesake, this beautiful 5-year-old masked girl can be mysterious and shy at first meeting, but once she gets to know you, she’s happy and playful and would love to love you back. Can you promise her heaven? Make an appointment to meet her. Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through email, so contact AnimalRescue@longbeach.gov to meet Stevie Nicks. Ask for ID#A647124.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Aquarium to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with virtual festival 9/25 and 9/26

Photo credit required: Aquarium of the Pacific
Pictured from a previous Baja Splash festival: Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli

The Aquarium of the Pacific invites you to celebrate the beauty and diversity of cultures and wildlife from Central and South America and beyond in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month through its annual Baja Splash festival. For the first time in its nineteen-year history, the Aquarium’s Baja Splash Cultural Festival will be held as a virtual event and will be free to everyone. This year’s festival honoree is TreePeople CEO Cindy Montañez. The public is invited to watch the award ceremony online, in which the Aquarium will present its Heritage Award to Montañez for her commitment to environmental justice and climate resilience. The Baja Splash Festival will also include animal appearances, traditional music and dance, education programs, crafts, and other programming. The Baja Splash kickoff event will take place on Friday, September 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the Baja Splash Cultural Festival takes places on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Photo Credit: Robin Riggs.

Latin American folk dancers, Aztec dancers, a musician, and others will share traditional songs and dances from their countries on the Saturday of the virtual festival. This includes an interactive music program with Martin Espino called Sounds of Central and South America. You can also enjoy Animal Meet-and-Greets with a South American penguin, Bolivian bird, frogs, tortoise, and snake and see marine life through the Aquarium’s live webcams. You can tune into the festival award ceremony at 3:15 p.mto hear from Montañez. She is a lifelong Los Angeles resident who began her community activism as a candy striper for a local hospital at the age of 12. Later she was part of the historic hunger strike at the University of California, Los Angeles, her alma mater, an event that led to the creation of the Cesar Chavez Department of Chicano/a Studies. She was elected the youngest mayor of her hometown of San Fernando at age 25, and then became the youngest person to be elected to the California Legislature. Today, she serves as CEO of TreePeople, one of Los Angeles’ largest environmental movements. TreePeople is dedicated to inspiring people to care for their environment in order to create greener, more sustainable communities for everyone.

During the Baja Splash Kickoff on Friday, September 25, younger children can join an Aquarium educator at 9:00 a.m. to count in Spanish. This class called Contando en el Mar (Counting in the Ocean) is part of the Aquarium’s Online Academy and will highlight Baja animals in celebration of the festival. At 10:00 a.m. join an Aquarium educator for a bilingual class (English/Spanish) where you will learn how to make a crab hat you can wear at home during the festival. Starting at 11:00 a.m. and then available on demand, learn how to make a water drum and other traditional musical instruments from household items with Martin Espino to be ready to play along with him during Saturday’s festivities.

To enjoy the Baja Splash Kickoff and Festival, you can visit the Aquarium’s website at pacific.to/bajasplash

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 Shark Lagoon, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Lorikeet Forest, and the Molina Animal Care Center. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including lectures by leading scientists, through its Online Academy. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits. NOTE: ONLY OUTDOOR AREAS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN. Convenient parking is available for $8 with Aquarium validation.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

These will keep kids entertained while it is safer to be at home!

Looking for fun activities for the kids when they are done with their school work and say “Mom, I’m bored…..”? Here are a few of my favorites! The Glow-in-the-Dark Science Lab is really cool! Conduct fun and illuminating experiments with glowing substances and neon pigments! Cast your own glowing neon sidewalk chalk in fun shapes like stars, crystals, and frogs. Make flowers that glow in the dark. Mix up a glowing solution to make your own glow sticks. Observe your glowing creations under a UV flashlight (a blacklight). Learn about light, phosphorescence, and glowing materials. Includes two glowing pigments, UV flashlight, glow-in-the-dark star stickers, plaster for chalk, and tools and instructions. The box doubles as a blacklight showcase. Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95. Find it on Amazon.com and also at Walmart.

Have a child who loves Unicorns? This next one from Creatto is a must! With CREATTO, you can design and construct illuminated, three-dimensional creations that literally light up your life! The kit includes flexible yet durable interlocking plastic tiles and a string of LED lights that you can piece together to make animals, decorations, or your own custom creations. Each set includes an illustrated manual with easy, step-by-step instructions for multiple designs, but the building possibilities are nearly limitless using your imagination. Creatto is available in 3 fun sizes: mini, medi, and maxi. Kids can choose to build: Moonlight Elephant Safari: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Magical Moose & Forest Friends: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Starlight Kitty & Cutie Crew: Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95; Shimmer Shark & Ocean Pals: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95; Sparkle Unicorn & Friends: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95. I just love the Unicorn! It can also be found on Amazon.com.

Here are some more of my favorites!

CHALK OF THE TOWN T-SHIRT KIT is sure to be a hit! Dream it, draw it, wear it! These fun chalk t-shirt kits are erasable, re-usable and machine washable and allows kids to create and wear their own specially designed t-shirt. Available in youth sizes XS to XL and adult sizes S to 2XL in lime green! There is also a really cool purple Unicorn shirt! Check them out on Amazon.com.

DINOMAZING EGG DECORATOR — This dynamically different craft kit is actually a craft and activity in one! Pop in one of the plastic eggs included with the kit and let the decorating begin. Use the different colored markers, to add stripes, lines or other fun“prehistoric” designs to decorate your egg. Then, “crack” open the shell to discover a surprise mini collectible dinosaur dripping in cool colored slime! My little nephew found this one really cool! Find on Amazon.com.

FOODIE SURPRISE FOOD CARTS — Unpack each of the different Food Carts from its adorable ‘to-go’ container.  Along the way, kids will discover a variety surprise ingredients and supplies that will let them create their own edible candy! Find at Walmart.com

Have a Trolls Fan? They will absolutely love the AQUABEADS TROLLS WORLD TOUR (Epoch): Perfect time for crafting! Kids make creations from templates or their own imaginations placing beads onto a layout tray, spraying with water to fuse the beads together! Also available on Amazon.com.

I love that these are all very creative and children will have so much fun with all these products!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items and highly recommend them. Images were also provided.