You are here: Home / Archives for 2020

Archives for 2020

Countdown to the Holidays with PLAYMOBIL’s Advent Calendar!

November 25, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Looking for a fun advent calendar for the children? They will love this one! I recommend for ages 4+.

PLAYMOBIL Advent Calendar – Christmas Toy Store (70188): Find all the best gifts and toys for the holiday season in The Advent Calendar – Christmas Toy Store. It contains twenty-four surprise items for each day leading up to Christmas. Once all the pieces are revealed, you can make your shopping list, play in the shop, and take a photo with Santa. Set includes Christmas Toy Store backdrop, four figures, Christmas tree, snowman, gift boxes, tricycle, skateboard, and tons of other toys and accessories.

Retailer: Playmobil.us          Retail Price: $24.99

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

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

A must-buy this holiday season!

November 25, 2020 By Leave a Comment

“The Flintstones: The Complete Series” Available on Blu-ray from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Yabba-dabba-doo! America’s favorite modern stone-age family, The Flintstones, is available on Blu-ray. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment released all six seasons of the classic, animated Hanna-Barbera television series in one set on October 13, 2020. Enjoy prehistoric fun in high-definition with 166 episodes featuring the lovable caveman Fred Flintstone and his wife Wilma, and their neighbors Barney and Betty Rubble as they embark on entertaining adventures in their home town of Bedrock. Titled The Flintstones: The Complete Series, this collection also features two bonus movies, including The Man Called Flintstone and The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown! The Flintstones: The Complete Series will retail for $84.99 SRP ($99.99 Canada). The Flintstones: The Complete Series, is available to own on Digital HD for $74.99 SRP (US and Canada). The Flintstones: The Complete Series is boulder-sized fun for the whole family. Fans of all ages will crack up at the misadventures of the Flintstones and Rubbles, who consistently find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Living in the suburbs in the town of Bedrock, Fred Flintstone is a devoted husband who is employed at the Slate Rock and Gravel Company. He is married to Wilma, a smart, strong-willed red-headed beauty. Their next-door neighbors and friends are Barney and Betty Rubble. The four of them are always involved in variety of hilarious shenanigans of every-day living. Although they live in pre-historic times, they have modern conveniences but they are made from stone age materials and mainly powered by animals.  Since the stone age, The Flintstones has delivered entertainment that never shales to delight each new generation. And now, all 166 episodes are available for the first time in high definition. So grab a Bronto burger and Cactus Coola, and settle in to watch the first primetime animated television series and celebrate 60 years of history in the making. The Flintstones first premiered on ABC in 1960 and became a hit. It was the first animated series to air in primetime on US television and was the first adult-targeted cartoon on TV. At one point, The Flintstones was the longest-running series of its genre and was the first animated series to be nominated for the Primetime EmmyÒ Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. After the show’s initial run ended in 1966, The Flintstones continued to appear on television in subsequent series and specials including The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show, The Flintstone Comedy Hour, The New Fred and Barney Show, The Flintstone Kids and many others. Episodes of the original series aired in syndication continuously for decades after the show’s initial run. 

I was thrilled to check this one out since I grew up watching the Flintstones! It would make a great gift this holiday season!

Self Disclosure: Information and images were provided by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. I also received a free sample to facilitate this post.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Holiday Gift Guide Suggestions #1!

November 25, 2020 By Leave a Comment

I can’t believe it’s that time of the year! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and it’s time for the Holiday Gift Guide #1. Here are some of my favorite gift suggestions this season!

Little girls ages 6 and up will go gaga over these! GoGo Gachas brings the fashion and fun to toys with its fashionable accessories dispensed in every kawaii capsule! (Available Now at Target, MSRP: $9.99, Ages: 6+) These fashionably charmed vending machines really work! Each is loaded with 4 surprise charms that are totally on-trend. Just press the button to dispense one of the disco balls- then open it up to find out which fashion charm you gacha! Each charm is perfect for accessorizing on the included charm bracelet. Now you’re ready for a glam squad dance party! Collect all 3 machines! 

This next one…well…not sure if it should be wrapped up for Dad or for the kids! If you grew up in the 70’s (like I did!) you may remember Evel Knievel! I know my younger brother had one of these! This definitely is a retro throwback to my childhood days!

The father of extreme sports, the daredevil show man himself—the man, the myth, the legend, Evel Knievel has launched onto the toy scene again with the re-release of the iconic 1970’s Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle.

Imbued with all the charm and high-powered performance of the original, this reissue is ready to introduce the fun of revving, jumping, and crash landing to a whole new generation.  One of my favorite things is that its Low tech design does NOT require batteries, apps, or wifi access!

  • Comes with the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle, signature Red Energizer, and Evel Knievel Action Figure
  • Retails for $39.95

It is definitely fun for all ages and he Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle can be purchased at www.evelknieveltoys.com as well as on Amazon and Walmart.

Looking for a unique gift suggestion this holiday season? MagicWeightedBlanket– The ultimate way to make kids feel cozy and safe is through a Magic Weighted Blanket that makes kids feel like they are getting a hug every time they use it. MagicWeightedBlanket.com is the world’s first and original weighted blanket. The company started way back in 1998 when weighted blankets were a novel concept. Since then, there have been plenty of companies who caught onto the popularity and benefits offered from weighted blankets, but none that compare to the original. Not only do weighted blankets reduce stress and anxiety, but many kids report  that they are able to sleep better with them. Starting at $110; https://magicweightedblanket.com/.   I love how comfy and cozy these are!

Chalk of the Town is a line of chalkboard products ranging from T-Shirt and Long Sleeve Kits to Tote Bags to Patches, allowing both kids and adults to create and design their own wearable fashion using Chalkboard markers. PLUS they’re both erasable and reusable so you can design again, again, and again! I love the creativity! Available on Amazon

Holiday Poppers – Hog Wild brings you your Holiday Poppers as part of its POPular Poppers line! This one will be a hit! Available on Amazon for $9.99.

Marshmallow Blaster – Bow & Mallow Blaster – The big brother of the Mini Bow & Mallow, the Bow & Mallow Blaster continues to bring food and fun together — thanks to its edible ammo! With launching distances of up to 30 feet, your marshmallows will soar through the air! Available on Amazon for $25.99.

The #UpsideDownChallenge Game – This game literally flips your world upside down! Players wear goggles that flip their vision — and then attempt to compete seemingly easy challenges like writing your name and connecting dots. Sounds easy, but it’s a challenge! Available on Target for $19.99.

Pizza Party Throwdown – In this frantic, fun action game players race to see who can fling the most pizza toppings on the spinning pizza pie game board before time runs out! Available on Target for $19.99.

DinoMazing Egg Decorator – DinoMazing Egg Decorator allows kids to color and create their own dinosaur eggs using a mechanism that spins the egg while you decorate! Plus, inside each Dino egg is slime and your own collectible dinosaur! Available on Amazon for $27.99.

Comic World Viona Surprise Set –  PLAYMOBIL is expanding the magical world of EverDreamerz with the new Comic World line!! We’re offering a BRAND NEW Surprise Set where you can search for twelve magical characters from Comic World!  Each mystery box has five surprises inside.  You might even meet Colorista, a new limited edition character! A perfect stocking stuffer. 🙂 Available on playmobil.us

Treemendous Ornament Decorating Kit – From the creators of the original EggMazing Egg Decorator…the perfect DIY craft to embrace the holiday season. Place one of the ornaments included with the kit into the tree-shaped decorator and let the fun begin! The machine holds and spins the ornament while the markers are used to create stripes, line and other designs! Available on Amazon for $19.99.

This next one is great for outdoor fun, especially during this pandemic! Pickup Sports have fun, sports boxes that include everything you and your kids need to learn a new sport. Starter boxes include age-appropriate equipment, access to weekly live virtual coaching with parent-child games, and expert-created curriculum based on years of research. When kids learn from their parents/caregivers they are more likely to have fun, want to keep playing, and more likely to stick with it and stay physically active. Available sports include basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis, baseball & softball, and volleyball. Starter boxes are currently priced at $45. The best part—for every box purchased, the company donates one to kids with limited access. More information: https://pickupsports.co/; also available on Amazon.   I love the Basketball one!


Storymakery is a one-stop-shop where kids can create a character, write a story, design illustrations, and print their book – a total hands-on, exciting, educational experience! In addition to customized in-store experiences at their Laguna Hills storefront, Storymakery also offers a captivating assortment of unique virtual workshops and private 1:1 virtual sessions that delight (and educate!) kids 5+ years old. 
For younger kiddos, Storymakery also offers personalized books that you can create online and ship to your loved ones – some of the titles include ‘My Mermaid Muse,’ ‘My Fairy Friend’ and ‘It’s A Pirate’s Life for Me!’
Gift cards can be purchased through their website.

Happy Holidays! Stay tuned! Next week Holiday Gift Guide #2 will post!

Self Disclosure: I received samples of the items above to facilitate this Holiday Gift Guide. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Products of the Week

Holiday Book Gift Guide

November 25, 2020 By Leave a Comment

C Is for Camping by Greg Paprocki
An engaging collection of 26 illustrations featuring campground favorites from campfires and hammocks to s’mores and stargazing.

Swan Lake: My First Ballet Book by Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Corey Egbert
Babies will meet the gallant prince, the evil sorcerer, and the beautiful girls under a terrible spell as they’re whisked away through the tale.

Little Naturalists Ansel Adams and His Camera by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Seth Lucas
Watch Ansel Adams be brought to life for young readers, encouraging them to Be Adventurous and Be Creative.

Little Poet Lewis Carroll: Silly Time by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Carme Lemniscates
Your toddler can do what they do best with this charming new book featuring Lewis Carroll’s delightful poetry: be silly!

Little Naturalists Johnny Appleseed by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Seth Lucas
Watch Johnny Appleseed be brought to life for young readers, encouraging them to Be Adventurous and Be Kind to every person, animal, and plant they meet.

Y Is for Yoga by Greg Paprocki
This alphabet primer is sure to delight, with 26 illustrations featuring yoga poses, terms, and techniques.

Find them all here.

A legend in the gift industry, Jim Shore released his first-ever coloring book with Fox Chapel Publishing this past August 2020—Simpler Times Coloring Book: A Coloring Celebration of Country Traditions.

Simpler Times is filled with Jim’s designs in coloring book form. The illustrations are inspired by folk art and include birds, roosters, village scenes, covered bridges, farms, angels, and more. Each one-sided page is perforated, so when it’s finished, it can easily be removed to hang up or give as a gift. It’s the perfect coloring book to spend a tranquil afternoon and to daydream about the countryside. This one is a must for adults and children.

 TWISTED TONGUES: Jokes, Comics, Facts, and Tongue Twisters—All 100% Gross (September 29, 2020; Ages 7-12/Grades 2-7; $8.95), a zany collection of everything nasty, guaranteed to delight kids and disgust parents everywhere written by MAD magazine alum Kit Lively and Los Angeles-based jokebook author David Lewman, with illustrations and comics by cartoonist David DeGrand.

Perfect for sleepover shenanigans, playground high jinks, and family game nights, TWISTED TONGUES is a hilarious celebration of all the funniest things in life, sure to bring joy to the youngest readers who find happiness in the most nauseating aspects of humanity. Children will love this one!

5 MORE SLEEPS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS, Jimmy Fallon’s next picture book and first-ever original story is a must-buy! 
Filled with tons of heart and Jimmy’s signature humor, this adorable picture book follows a boy and his dog as they count down the days (or sleeps!) until Christmas. Following Jimmy’s #1 NYT bestselling series (DADA, MAMA, and BABY), we’re so excited to publish an original story that perfectly captures the excitement and anticipation to the big day and is sure to be an instant classic.

Have a Harry Potter fan? This one is a must-buy!

During quarantine, cooking as a family may have become a shared experience for both parents and kids. With The Unofficial Hogwarts for the Holidays Cookbook ($19.95, 978-1646040728, Ulysses Press, October 2020) in hand, your young ones will be eager to hop into an apron and work their magic with a whisk. 

Some of the most iconic Harry Potter moments happened around meal-times and holidays at the castle, and The Unofficial Hogwarts for the Holidays Cookbook shares step-by-step instructions for the dishes from those scenes that you can recreate in your own kitchen. I love all the recipes in this book! Check this one out!

Butterscotch “Beer”

Credit: The Unofficial Hogwarts for the Holidays Cookbook.

A wizarding world favorite, this “beer” recipe gives you both a hot and a cold option so that you can enjoy a cup full of butterscotch goodness all year round. It’s the perfect beverage to sip while having a chat with your best friends, or while celebrating a big tournament win.

Yield

5 to 6 servings

Prep time

5 to 10 minutes

Cook time

5 to 7 minutes

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips, plus extra for garnish

2 tablespoons light-brown sugar

3 tablespoons maple syrup

3 to 4 cups buttermilk (depending on hot or cold version) whipped cream

2 cups ice, for cold version

chilled glasses, for cold version

Hot Version

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and butterscotch together until completely melted and smooth.

2. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup, and stir until melted and blended in thoroughly.

3. Next, pour in 4 cups of buttermilk. Keep mixing and stirring until the buttermilk comes to temperature.

4. Serve in a heat-resistant mug.

5. Top with whipped cream and garnish with additional butterscotch chips.

Cold Version

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and butterscotch together until completely melted and smooth.

2. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup, and stir until melted and blended in thoroughly.

3. Place the heated mixture in a blender.

4. Add 3 cups of buttermilk and the ice. Blend until smooth.

5. Pour into chilled glasses.

6. Top with whipped cream and garnish with additional butterscotch chips.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above books to facilitate this post. Images were also provided and the recipe was used with permission.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

“PEACE, JOY & BURRITOS” GIFT BOX AVAILABLE FROM RUBIO’S COASTAL GRILL

November 25, 2020 By 1 Comment
Cozy Collection Includes Burrito Blanket & $30 in Rubio’s Gift Cards

 Rubio’s Coastal Grill is offering a limited-edition “Peace, Joy & Burritos” Gift Box, designed to enjoy the holidays at home. Available in limited supply, 1,000 gift boxes will be available at the “Peace, Joy & Burritos” Gift Box order page: https://blog.rubios.com/rubios-holiday-store/.

The Peace, Joy & Burritos gift boxes will be available to the public on Black Friday, November 27. Each gift box is $39.95 (valued at $120), and features a unique collection of hand-selected items to stay cozy and comfortable at home this holiday season, including: 

·       $30 in Rubio’s free entrée gift cards, redeemable at any Rubio’s location

·       A 60″ fuzzy, round, double-sided burrito blanket

·       Plush heather gray socks with custom-embroidered Rubio’s logo

·       Vanilla and cinnamon scented churro candle, complete with matches

·       200-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring a one-of-a-kind, Rubio’s-inspired, retro beach design

·       Exclusive recipe cards for the Irresistible Caramelized Banana Split with Churros and delicious Churro Cupcakes, both created by Rubio’s culinary team

“It’s been a year like never before,” said Rubio’s Co-Founder Ralph Rubio. “We created this box to help create those cozy, festive vibes that we look forward to with family year after year. Each item has been carefully curated to bring a little burrito joy to you, and your loved ones, this holiday season.”

For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill, visit Rubios, Facebook and Instagram. 

Credit: Rubio’s Coastal Grill. Images and information provided.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Interested in hemp oil for dogs? Read this first!

November 24, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Hemp oil for dogs is a new, modern solution for various pet problems.

It is a treatment that can bring relief and improve wellbeing. While hemp oil shouldn’t be used for every condition, and its effects are often overhyped, there are a few ailments that it can definitely help with. Based on our limited knowledge, it can work for muscle spasms, stress-related conditions, and pain.

Although this product is relatively new, it has already become insanely popular among pet owners. In fact, there are some indications that the new versions (like hemp oil for cats) will soon hit the CBD market. This is really encouraging as it would help both pet owners and their pets deal with various chronic ailments.

How does hemp oil for dogs work?

Due to the fact that this substance is relatively new, most customers know very little about its inner workings. The hemp plant is very complex, with lots of different ingredients, and it makes sense that it would also have a complex impact on human and animal bodies.

The hemp plant has more than 100 active ingredients. A large part of that is cannabinoids, such as CBD. All these cannabinoids interact with the animal endocannabinoid system. The plant stimulates the system, thus regulating various internal processes. According to scientists, this can help regulate processes such as sleep, appetite, mood, stress, pain, and so on. 

While hemp oil has amazing potential, you should still be very cautious when using it. Given that our knowledge is very limited, we don’t know what the ideal dosage is. Things become even more complicated when it comes to animals as they cannot tell us how they’re feeling. So, the best way to handle this issue by giving your dog smaller quantities of CBD oil and increasing them as you go.

Your pet should feel relief after a few days. If it doesn’t, you should boost the dosage. If there is no improvement after a while, we suggest that you either contact the manufacturer or a veterinarian who has experience with hemp oil.

Is hemp oil safe?

There are a lot of misconceptions regarding hemp and cannabis oil. Although it’s 2020, and we’ve been using these products for a while, some people still think that you can get high by using hemp oil.

This cannot be farther from the truth. While cannabis has its issues, hemp oil is completely safe. It simply doesn’t have enough THC to get you high (THC is a psychoactive substance found in hemp and cannabis). Based on what we’ve seen so far, the product is unlikely to cause side effects, and if it does, they’re usually mild in nature.

The only potential issue with hemp oil is in its long-term effects. Given that the product is relatively new, we know very little about potential long-term effects. And while this might be important for humans, it isn’t that important for animals.

The main reason is that most pets will not live long enough to feel these long terms effects (if they appear, that is). So, this is one less headache out of the way.

Where to buy hemp oil for dogs?

There are a lot of good companies where you can buy this substance. One of the best websites for hemp oil for dogs is Krushorganics.com – you should check their Pet Infusion 2 Stack and 3 Stack. They’re a world-first combination of hemp oil extracts, vitamins and minerals to ensure your pets are feeling their best and happy all the time!

We recommend that you choose an organization that specializes in CBD and hemp products. That way, if anything goes wrong, you can call them and ask for assistance. Furthermore, most of these companies produce their own hemp. So, you will have access to fresh, organic items.

Make sure to buy from a reputable company that has a nice variety of hemp oils for pets!

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Bobo, Thanksgiving Pet of the Week!

November 24, 2020 By Leave a Comment

You’re seeing Bobo in a rare mood. In the photo, the 3-year-old Akita mix is sedately seated next to one of his volunteer friends at Long Beach Animal Care Services. However, his usual deportment involves rolling on his back, wiggling around, hand-butting for pets, insistence on belly rubs and all-around silliness. Words fail to fully describe Bobo’s behavior, so we’re offering a link to a video: https://tinyurl.com/y3r7gq8y. 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 Bobo. Ask for ID#A624128.(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Pet Plate is a must-try for your pup!

November 23, 2020 By Leave a Comment

PetPlate.com offers Tail-Waggin’ Turkey as just one of the mouth-watering meals that come in the fresh-cooked meal subscription online delivered directly to your door. Also, treat your pup to their new Chicken Apple Sausage Bites! They will love these treats! Pet Plate has made it a mission to find a way to provide better quality food to pet owners with the founder working with a leading veterinary nutritionist to formulate complete and balanced meals for pets at all stages of life. They have combined superior products with home delivery of fresh-cooked meals in Lamb, Chicken, Beef, and Turkey and Pet Plate recently launched its first treat product, NEW Organic Chicken Apple Sausage Bites (yum!). These delicious, doggie-approved treats are high in protein, soft to chew, and available as part of a Pet Plate meal plan subscription. Like all Pet Plate offerings, they are made with only the finest human-grade ingredients. Our Pup Bink had the opportunity to try out the fresh cooked meals and treats and he loves them! Enjoy learning more about Pet Plate’s Fresh-Cooked Meals at: www.petplate.com/meals/ and Pet Plate’s NEW Organic Treats: www.petplate.com/treats/.    

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

Filed Under: Pet Corner
« Previous Page
Next Page »