You are here: Home / Archives for 2021

Archives for 2021

Looking for Stocking stuffers and gifts for your Pup? We know the perfect site to check out!

December 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment
This is Dexter! We love his site dexypaws!

Looking for Christmas gift suggestions for your Pup? dexypaws has some really great gifts such as a Pink Cupcake Chew Toy & Treat Dispenser, or durable gingerbread man and Christmas Tree chew toys! We received the Pink Cupcake Chew Toy & Treat Dispenser and it was a hit with our Pup!

They also have great treats like Banana Split Treats and Holiday Feast Treats! I like that they have affordable prices and such cute gift ideas!

You can find so many great gift ideas at dexypaws.

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

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Emma and Elizabeth, Dec. 16th Pets of the Week

December 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Meet Emma and Elizabeth, two 12-year-old dowagers working to maintain their dognity after their owner unceremoniously booted them out into the street and wouldn’t take them back in. These gentlewomen are mellow and loving to anyone coming their way, whether kids or adults. At the moment, they’re considering the position of pulling Santa’s sleigh, but they’d much prefer it if they could spend the remainder of their golden years at one of the homes they stop off at. A large yard would be a bone-us. Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Grayson. Ask for ID#A665727 for Emma and ID#A665731 for Elizabeth.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Beauty Stocking Stuffers!

December 13, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Looking for a few beauty products to put in a stocking? Here are a few of my favorites!

August + Monroe’s NEW Calm Cream

Price: $44.00 (refill $30)

Affiliated with Amazon

Sensitive skin has a new best friend and your dermatologist approves. Introducing Calm Cream, a new face cream that gets rid of any blemishes, redness or acne scars. It’s a lightweight gel texture that soothes, hydrates and heals your skin all at once. Calm Cream also has anti-inflammatory ingredients such as willow bark extract and ginger to help with signs of aging. The brand has developed quite the following since launching its hero product, 3-in-1 Blemish Camouflage, frequently selling out several times each month. Calm Cream works in sync with Blemish Camouflage and any serums. Check out the wonderful benefits for yourself, all in sustainable packaging that’s super easy to refill! 

As with other Eco Lips products, Candy Cane Organic Lip Balms are made with certified organic beeswax combined with hydrating Fair Trade Certified™ coconut oil to nourish, moisturize, and restore lips back to health. They also come in the brand’s revolutionary Plant Pod, a patented 100% plastic-free, plant-based packaging that looks and acts like a regular tube. 

Candy Cane Organic Lip Balms will be available on Eco Lips’ website starting <DATE> and will hit retail in the weeks following its online release. Each set of 3 tubes will sell for $9.99.

Eco Lips lip balms are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified, and made from 100% edible food grade ingredients. The brand was founded on the premise of combining plant-based ingredients and the ultimate soothing and moisturizing experience to give everyone a lip protecting and regenerating product that does not harm the environment. To know more about them, you may visit www.ecolips.com. 

Suntouched is a beauty must-try!

Suntouched is sunshine in a bottle. All hair types can enjoy lighter hair and sunkissed highlights with this stay-in heat-activated lightener infused with natural extracts such as pineapple and lemon. It’s beloved by thousands around the globe in 30+ countries! To use it, just spray, comb through and apply heat (with the sun or a blowdryer). That’s it! Every application leaves permanent hair-lightening results. Suntouched offers two options for light or dark hair! 

Suntouched Hair Lightener

  • Formulated to amplify the sun’s natural highlighting effects and gradually lighten and brighten hair
  • Infused with pineapple extracts, rich in vitamin C for hair growth 
  • Features lemon extract (not the same as lemon juice) that nourishes hair fibers, helps retain moisture, and is rich in antioxidants
  • Includes glycerin to keep hair hydrated and healthy
  • Hydrogen peroxide (in safe dosing rations) included for an extra boost of hair lightening power
  • Gentle and effective formula with results visible within two hours, no rinsing necessary
  • Gradual and controlled effect for permanent results
  • Repeat until reaching the desired level of lightness, no more than three times per week 
  • Works with all hair types, natural and color-treated
  • Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
  • Free of parabens, alcohol, bleach, ammonia
  • Price: $24.99

Suntouched is now available on Amazon!

Amazon Link for Light/Medium Hair

Amazon Link For Dark Hair

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

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Universal Studios Hollywood Decks the Halls to Rejoice the Return of Holiday Favorites, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas.”

December 13, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Beginning Friday, November 26 and Running Daily through Sunday, January 9, 2022

My friend Gaby and I had a blast meeting Grinch at Universal Studios!

Looking for a fun place to take the family this holiday season? Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit! I had the opportunity to go and check out the holiday festivities and I had so much fun! My highlight of the whole day was meeting the Grinch! I actually stood in line for about an hour but chatting and posing with him was well worth the wait! I loved “Grinchmas!” The whole atmosphere just puts you in the holiday spirit.

There are so many fun places to take holiday photos!

The jolly “Grinchmas” Who-lebration returns in festive fashion as holiday park-goers will be rockin’ around the topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree in Universal Plaza, adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. A dazzling tree lighting ceremony accompanied by a snowfall flurry will take place every evening, bringing good tidings and season’s greetings as guests celebrate with The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and the Who-ville Whos, who will be performing on select nights. A selection of themed Who-tacular sweet treats, including hot cocoa will be available for purchase.

I had a blast posing with Max and tasting the yummy treats!

Isn’t Max just adorable?
Don’t miss the Tree lighting! It is super cool!

Families will rejoice at the arrival of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” where the quaint wizarding village of Hogsmeade™ is transformed to reflect the holiday spirit featuring merry décor and jolly ambiance. Guests can take delight in special holiday a cappella performances from the Hogwarts Frog Choir, stroll through the village shops while sipping with a delicious Hot Butterbeer™ and enjoy savory festive fare at the Three Broomsticks™. 

Beginning at dusk each night, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” dazzles with stunning imagery and animation as the impressive light projection show illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, bringing the iconic Hogwarts™ castle to life and infusing the land with the sounds of an arrangement of music from the Harry Potter film series.

Guests can commemorate their Christmas visit to Hogsmeade™ Village with a variety of exclusive keepsake items available for purchase, including personalized ornaments, garland, scarves and stockings.

The light projection show was quite impressive! You don’t want to miss it!

This was the highlight of the evening!

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

Self Disclosure: I had a media invite to facilitate this holiday featured event. Image credit: SoCal City Kids.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Events

Mixtape * Excellent Feel-Good Flick – Amazing Songs, Great Characters, Terrific Comedic One-Liners

December 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment

In 1999, 12-year-old Beverly discovers a broken mixtape made by her late parents. She sets out to find the songs — and learn more about her mom and dad. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “This film is incredible. It radiates fun vibes that young audiences need today. The comedy is perfectly balanced to give the movie a lighthearted feel, but doesn’t distract from Beverly’s quest to find out more about her family. The flick really does resemble life in the 90s, with phrases, taunts and wardrobe that are appropriate to the era.” See her full review below.

Mixtape

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Mixtape is an excellent feel-good flick! Amazing songs, extraordinary characters, and comedic one-liners make this movie worthwhile. By the end of the film, I wanted to watch it all over again.

Mixtape follows twelve-year-old Beverly (Gemma Brooke Allen) in 1999. She lives with her grandmother Gail (Julie Bowen) after her parents died in a car crash. One day, Beverly finds a mixtape from her parents and goes on a journey to find out more about them and about herself. She is accompanied by her friends Nicky (Olga Petsa), Ellen (Audrey Hsieh) and Anti (Nick Thune).

This film is incredible. It radiates fun vibes that young audiences need today. The comedy is perfectly balanced to give the movie a lighthearted feel, but doesn’t distract from Beverly’s quest to find out more about her family. The flick really does resemble life in the 90s, with phrases, taunts and wardrobe that are appropriate to the era. The characters are so loveable. Anti is hilarious with his dry humor which compliments Beverly’s eccentric personality. Nicky, Ellen and Beverly make a perfect and unlikely trio. They are all funny, work great together as a team, and are strong together – just as strong as they are individually. The writers fit so many relationships and themes into this movie – friendship, family and finding yourself. It’s incredible how they focus on so many topics without jumbling them and making a huge mess. Audiences need a film like Mixtape because it’s a breath of fresh air. It’s easy to get exhausted from heavily dramatic movies and Mixtape is the perfect comfort movie.

There are several themes in this movie. Beverly learns to find confidence in herself plus she finds amazing friends. She also learns to live life to the fullest, seeing it through new lenses and getting out of her comfort zone.

I give Mixtape 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16. It begins streaming on Netflix December 3, 2021.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers * Brings A Touching Story Revolving Around Jesus’s Birth

December 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment

The Chosen has a new episode! To launch the Christmas season this December, The Chosen has created a special episode about the birth of Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. You’ll also see an extraordinary lineup of musicians perform both new and classic Christmas songs from the set of The Chosen.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Calming, musical and inspiring are just some of the words that describe this new episode of The Chosen series, Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers. This episode is just in time for the Christmas holiday and brings a touching story and music revolving around Jesus Christ’s birth. This special event is the first time The Chosen fans gather across the country and they will not be disappointed.” See her full review below.

Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers 
By Tiana Sirmans, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Calming, musical and inspiring are just some of the words that describe this new episode of The Chosen series, Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers. This episode is just in time for the Christmas holiday and brings a touching story and music revolving around Jesus Christ’s birth. This special event is the first time The Chosen fans gather across the country and they will not be disappointed.

Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers is a two-hour Christmas special episode of The Chosen’s multi-season series. It shows the birth of Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. It also includes Christmas-themed musical performances by Christian artists and storytelling from the Bible. 

The Chosen fans will feel right at home watching some of their favorite actors from the original series. The director of this episode, Dallas Jenkins, is known for faith-based media and put this episode together flawlessly. From the songs to the musicians that perform them and even the accurate storytelling, everything is amazing. The costumes, sets and cinematography make you feel like you are actually witnessing Jesus being born. The music is sensational and helps drive the film. My favorite song is Emmanuel (God with Us Forever) performed by Bryan and Katie Torwalt, because it is delivered beautifully and is soothing, inspiring and heartwarming. Fun fact … this entire film was recorded in secret and is the perfect Christmas gift for The Chosen’s fandom. I think it is pretty amazing that the filmmakers, cast and the staff behind the episode were able to pull off such a huge surprise.

Audiences will enjoy the spiritual Christmas music and Bible stories that are included in this episode and it makes a great addition to a Christian family holiday film collection.

I rate Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It will be released through Fathom Events in select cinemas December 1 through December 24. Tickets are available at Fathomevents.com.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Christmas Again * Imagine Your Craziest Christmas And Having To Live It Over And Over Again!

December 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Rowena “Ro” is a high-spirited teenager who is experiencing a lackluster Christmas. Ro isn’t handling her parents’ divorce well. She wants her life back the way it was—her parents back together, her dad’s new girlfriend and son out of the picture, and their family traditions to remain the same. After a disappointing celebration with her family, including her sister Gabriela “Gabby,” Abuela Sofia, and Abuelo Hector, she makes a wish to a neighborhood Santa for a “do-over” and unexpectedly finds herself reliving Christmas day over and over … and over again. Now, in order to break the strange magical loop, Ro must learn to appreciate her loving family as it is, as well as the true meaning of Christmas.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Christmas Again is full of so much comedy, action, and seasonal fun. Imagine your craziest and/or most memorable Christmas and having to live it over and over again! Well, that’s exactly what you will get from this new holiday film.” See her review and interview below.

Christmas Again
By Tiana Sirmans, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Christmas Again is full of so much comedy, action and seasonal fun. Imagine your craziest and/or most memorable Christmas and having to live it over and over again! Well that’s exactly what you will get from this new holiday film. It’s sure to go on your list of movies to watch every year with your family.

Christmas Again follows Rowena “Ro” (Scarlett Estevez) who wakes up on Christmas Day looking forward to another amazing Christmas with her family, but everything is different. While her family is fine with the new way of life and traditions, Rowena struggles with accepting her parents’ divorce, her father’s new girlfriend and new traditions. Ro wants everything to go back to how it was before so she makes a wish to the neighborhood Santa Claus to re-do Christmas in hopes that it will make things go back to normal, but things just get worse. She repeatedly re-lives Christmas Day over and over again. In order to break the loop, Ro has to learn to love her family, but also discover the true meaning of Christmas.

The main character, Rowena, is a teenager that just really loves Christmas and her family’s long standing traditions. One of my favorite parts is when Rowena and her family are playing a game and she knows all the answers because she has played it over and over again each day in the magical loop. It is funny watching her family’s reaction as they try to figure out how she knows everything. I enjoyed seeing all the traditions Rowena and her family had and watch as Rowena tries to figure out how to break the loop. Even though the movie shows the same day over and over again, you will be entertained as Ro learns more and more about the true meaning of Christmas each day.

The message in Christmas Again is that the true meaning of Christmas is about spending time with family and embracing new traditions together with the old ones. Ro must learn to appreciate her family as they are now and realize the true meaning of Christmas. Changes are going to happen in life and you have to be ready to accept them.

I rate Christmas Again 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 6 to 18, plus adults. Christmas Again premieres Friday, December 3, 2021 on Disney Channel.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

More Holiday Gift Suggestions!

December 11, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Looking for a gift for someone who loves running, hiking, or even just walking? This next one is also great for keeping those healthy, getting fit New Year resolutions! The fitness apparel brand, HYLETE, is already spreading cheer with the release of transitional apparel featuring multiple new products, new collections, colors, and much more. Keep the workouts going all season long with unique fabric blends, layered insulated apparel, and lightweight breathable fabric available for a limited time at www.hylete.com. I received some great products to try out and I love their shorts and pants.

I especially like that the pants have pockets! I’m not a runner but I do love walking!

Whether it’s a pair of extra-cozy fleece joggers, sweat-wicking compression leggings, or stylish crews and hoodies, the right pair of performance attire can make all the difference through the coldest months of the year. HYLETE’s winter apparel is available for purchase today and include:

Shoppers who need help finding the right gift can take a quiz to Find Their Perfect Short by selecting preferences like activities, attributes, and fit based on the recipient. Electronic gift cards are also available for purchase in multiple denominations. 

For more information on HYLETE, visit www.hylete.com.

Here are a few great suggestions for your College students! They will make a great addition to a holiday care package too!

For busy college kids, finding easy ways to strengthen your immune system and add an extra dose of energy is a must-have during these crazy, busy times. And what better way to do this than with a healthy cup of coffee!

Nora’s Naturals Coffee is on a mission to support health and wellbeing by sourcing high antioxidant single-origin coffee with tremendous physical and mental health benefits. Their coffee is grown in volcanic soil, rich in silica (essential for collagen production – hello better skin, hair, and nails), and packed with antioxidants for brain health and physical health. Perfect for any busy college kid! 

Looking to add a little something extra to your care package? Try gifting jewelry! Throwing in a chic, affordable, tarnish-resistant piece of jewelry is the perfect way to gift something they will continue to wear and cherish far past the school year. 

Female-founded jewelry brand Starlette Galleria offers rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that are made of high-quality metals and synthetic gemstones (Say bye-bye to skin irritation and green skin!).

Starlette Galleria caters to the woman on the go, offering necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that won’t break the bank and won’t leave you crying if you happen to lose or misplace your precious jewelry when out and about. Perfect for any budget-conscious college kid! There is sure to be a perfect gift and would also make a great surprise in a stocking!

I love the next one! It would be a great gift for Moms too! Tough as a Mother Tribe utilizes the power and meanings of gemstones to design jewelry that honors the most joyous and raw parts of being a woman. Throw on Tough as a Mother Tribe’s “COOL MAMA” (Chalcedony), “GOOD VIBES MAMA”(Labradorite), and the “BALANCED MAMA” (Quartz) necklaces to help ground, relax, and revitalize you for your next beach day. These necklaces are just too cool!

The next items are a must for the kids!

Air Hunterz Wrist Bow (Zing): The mini-arrow firing device is just what you need to make battling with friends easy and fun! With launching distances of up to 30 feet, your arrow will soar through the air! Available on Amazon for $14.99. I do recommend this one for ages 8+.

Great fun for the younger kids!

The Gift Box Ornament Decorator (Hey Buddy Hey Pal): The perfect DIY craft to embrace the holiday season, allowing both kids and adults to make perfect, hand-decorated ornaments for the tree! Place one of the three different ornaments included with the kit on top of the gift box-shaped decorator and let the fun begin! The machine holds and spins the ornaments, while the included markers are used to create bright colorful ornaments with stripes, lines, and other designs! Each kit comes with one decorator, three different ornaments, caps, hooks, and eight colorful non-toxic markers. Available on Amazon for $24.99.

This one is great fun for kids and adults!

Chalk of the Town Christmas T-Shirt Kit (Chalk of the Town): Ring in the holidays this year with Chalk of the Town’s new Christmas Tree T-Shirt Kit. This shirt features a “chalkboard” Christmas tree on the front to decorate with the included chalk markers — and thanks to the patent-pending design, when you proudly wear your Christmas masterpiece, it won’t smudge or bleed.  Christmas Tree T-Shirt Kits come with a 100% cotton, Kelly Green long-sleeve shirt; pink, green, & blue water-based chalk markers; & an erasing cloth. Available in youth sizes XS (2-4), S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), & XL (18-20) and adult sizes S, M, L & XL. Available on Amazon for $27.95.

I love this one!

Go Go Bird Butterfly will surely be a hit! This one is from Zing and looks and flies like a real butterfly! You can find it on Amazon.

I recommend this one for ages 8+ and I like how lightweight it is.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday gift guide. Images and information were also received.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week
« Previous Page
Next Page »