Archives for January 2022

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania * Thrilling Animation, Electrifying Music, Monstrous Comedy, One Crazy Adventure

Drac and the pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. Reunite with your favorite monsters for an all-new adventure that presents Drac with his most terrifying task yet. When Van Helsing’s mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterfication Ray,” goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny becomes a monster! In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy. With help from Mavis and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Your favorite monsters are back in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania for the fourth and final installment of the Hotel Transylvania franchise! This film is entertaining from the opening sequence right until the last minute. Full of thrilling CGI animation, electrifying music, monstrous comedy and one all-new crazy adventure, the audience is sure to have a frightastic time watching it!” See her full review below.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (Hotel Transylvania 4)
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Your favorite monsters are back in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania for the fourth and final installment of the Hotel Transylvania franchise!This film is entertaining from the opening sequence right until the last minute. Full of thrilling CGI animation, electrifying music, monstrous comedy and one all-new crazy adventure, the audience is sure to have a frightastic time watching it!

Drac (Brian Hull) and his friends are back and Drac is ready to announce his retirement from Hotel Transylvania. He plans to give the hotel to his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez) and Johnny, his son-in-law (Andy Samberg), but after having a change of heart, he decides not to, thinking that Johnny will ruin the hotel. To get out of it, he tells Johnny a lie, which causes Johnny to use Van Helsing’s (Jim Gaffigan) mysterious invention, the “Monsterfication Ray” to transform into a monster to get Drac’s approval and fix everything. However, the machine malfunctions and ends up stripping Drac of his powers and turning him and his monster friends into humans. Johnny and Drac must partner up on an adventure to find the magical stone that will change them back before their transformations become permanent.  

The main characters are Drac, Johnny and Mavis, but the rest of the Hotel Transylvania family we’ve come to love, such as Drac’s wife, Erika Van Helsing (Katherine Hahn), Frank (Brad Abrell), Murray (Keegan-Michael Kay), Griffin The Invisible Man (David Spade) and Wayne (Steve Buscemi) also make appearances. This film lives up to its subtitle where almost every character goes through some type of internal or external transformation. It is fascinating watching the monsters get turned into humans and how they have to adapt. I laughed so hard when Blobby, who is a green blob monster, turns into his human form, which ends up being a plate of green gelatin that the characters have to carry around. Drac and Johnny’s entire adventure through the jungles of South America is hilarious, especially when they are on a tour bus and Johnny’s weight as a monster slows it down, so he sticks his feet through the bottom and starts running with it.

The message of this film is to accept others for who they are and also be true to yourself. Drac only sees the crazy things Johnny does and Johnny tries to teach him to see beyond the worst things so he can see the best parts in people and life. Whether Johnny is a human or monster he always loves being himself but gets in trouble when he lets Drac convince him that he isn’t enough.  

I rate Hotel Transylvania: Transformania 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can check into Prime Video to watch Hotel Transylvania: Transformania starting January 14, 2022.

Bebita, Jan. 13th Pet of the Week

They call Bebita a pocket pittie because she’s smaller than the average pit bull. In reality, Bebita won’t fit in your pocket, but she will do just fine in your heart! Sadly, this awesome 4-year-old has been waiting in the shelter for someone to find her since April, smiling that ear-to-ear grin. Bebita does pretty well on leash, but she can pull when she’s excited, especially when new people come to see her. She loves to be loved on! If you’ve got good dog experience and have been searching for your soulmate, come meet this good dog! Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Bebita. Ask for ID#A656328.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Spotlight: Books to check out!

SANTA JAWS by Bridget Heos; illustrated by Galia Bernstein: Every year, Santa Jaws delivers presents to his fellow sharks, spreading cheer wherever he goes. Elfin sharks make toys, horn sharks trim the Christmas kelp, and cookiecutter sharks make sure Santa doesn’t go hungry. Get ready for a ride on Santa’s sled (pulled, of course, by hammerheads) in this joyful holiday tale!

FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS, FOREVER by Dane Liu; illustrated by Lynn Scurfield: A picture book based on the author’s own immigration story, the infinite impact of friendship, and passing on love and kindness around the world. This is a heartwarming read based on the author’s own immigration story that follows the bond between friends: On a snowy Lunar New Year’s Eve in Northeastern China, it’s Dandan’s last night with her best friend. The two have a favorite wintertime tradition, crafting paper-cut snowflakes, freezing them outside, and hanging them as ornaments. As they say goodbye, Yueyue presses red paper and a spool of thread into Dandan’s hands so that she can carry on their tradition. In her new home, Dandan has no one to enjoy the gift with—until a friend comes along.

50 State Gems and Minerals: A Guidebook for Aspiring Geologists  

  • Presents the mineral and gem treasures that are designated by each state, with suggestions for those not officially named yet
  • Young geologists will be inspired to dig deeper with this unique guide to the official US state gems and minerals, complete with photographs and maps
  • Includes a list of museums and parks where gems and minerals can be found, and a glossary of terms for easy reference.

You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got ThisDrawings, Affirmations, and Comfort to Help with Anxiety and Depression

It’s not easy to discuss mental health, even though it affects everyone. We want to believe we can handle anything that comes at us, but the reality is we all have good days and bad days. Because of this, it is important to check in with our mental health. Through guided illustrations, author Kate Allan opens the door to discussion about mental health in an approachable and unassuming manner.

Whether you deal with social anxiety, depression, or are simply going through a rough patch, Allan is here with her friendly animals to help. Negative thoughts can keep us from reaching our full potential, not to mention hold us back from attaining happiness. This book is a source of validation and encouragement for those moments when we need a reminder of our worth. The focus of this book is personal growth, both the reader’s and the author’s. Discover our amazing author on Mango!

Yoga to Support Immunity: Mind, Body, Breathing Guide to Whole Health 

An engaging, easy-to-follow guide, Yoga to Support Immunity is a clear, step-by-step yoga at home workout to help boost immune function and bring vitality to the mind and spirit. Author and yogi, Melanie Salvatore-August, returns to give in-depth instructions for specific yoga poses and teaches you how they can assist as immune system boosters.

With the threat of pandemics and the increasing rise of autoimmune disorders, Yoga to Support Immunity offers holistic, self-care driven support for optimal health. A practical guide that easily can be integrated into everyday life, you’ll learn how the mind, body, and spirit integrate to build a healthy immune system.Whether a newcomer to the practice of yoga or a long-time yogi, Salvatore-August encourages you to maintain a healthy lifestyle with practical exercises, daily guidance, and uplifting insights. Discover our amazing author on Mango!

Natural Remedies for Your Home & Health: DIY Essential Oils Recipes for Cleaning, Beauty, and Wellness

Natural Remedies for Your Home & Health is a guidebook for using essential oils to keep your household naturally healthy and clean. It includes simple homemade recipes for everyday purposes: skincare, haircare, cleaning, and medicine, with a few extra natural remedies along the way!

Revamp your entire home with natural, safer products. Natural Remedies for Your Home & Health contains a wealth of information about natural essential oils, what they are, how they work, and how to use them safely. In this book, find several simple recipes for clean beauty products, and even everyday cleaning products. All of these practical recipes can be used on a regular basis. Plus, discover natural health tips and learn how to make some swaps in the laundry room that will save you time and money. Discover our amazing author on Mango!

Acclaimed College Admissions Expert of Paranoid Parents Guide Gives Parents This Go-To Resource That Prepares Kids for a Brighter Future. The first comprehensive individualized career and academic planning guide available to parents and teens.

Find it on Amazon or Bookshop
Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose
fees support independent bookshops
Price: $22.95
ISBN: 978-1642503159

About the Author:

Christie Barnes is best known for her acclaimed Paranoid Parents Guides, countering what parents perceive as worries and dangers with facts and statistics to focus their parenting efforts. Appearing in the New York Times, on ABC, and across the nation and even crashing the NPR website, she was honored to help worried parents.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this post. I highly recommend all of them. Cover images were also provided.

How to Own a Dog Regardless of Allergies




If you want to experience the joys of owning a dog despite your allergies, here is how you can manage this:

Choose the Right Breed

If you don’t already own a dog, it’s important to choose your breed carefully. While all dogs produce some level of dander, some breeds have reduced levels of shedding. At the top of the list of big dogs that don’t shed, you will find poodles, Giant Schnauzers, Irish Water Poodles, Airedale Terriers, and more. Do your research and find out which breed will affect you the least.

Speak to an Allergist

If you have had allergies your whole life, you may assume that you can manage this issue. However, if you are planning on living with a dog, you should treat your condition more seriously. You will require an allergist to come up with a tailored plan for you. This may need to include over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medication. Consulting with a professional can help you gain a level of relief that you may not have previously thought possible.

Have Dog-Free Zones

Your pup shouldn’t be allowed in certain parts of your home no matter what. In particular, make sure to keep them away from your bedroom and bed. Doing so will ensure that you get a good night’s sleep with minimal stuffiness.

In general, ensure that you train your pup to stay off the furniture. If not, your dog’s fur can get stuck in the fabric and it can be quite difficult to get rid of. When you enter your living room or sit on the couch, you may feel overwhelmed by your symptoms.

Get Rid of Carpeting

Of all the allergy advice that you can follow, getting rid of carpets in your home is one of the best suggestions to abide by. This is because carpets can trap a considerable amount of fur and dust, increasing the level of pollution in your home. To add to this, it is not easy to thoroughly clean the fabric of the fur and dander either. If your home has wall-to-wall carpeting, it is best to switch to bare floors. These will be easier to keep clean as well.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

While you can’t personally brush your dog, you can get someone else to do it several times a week or even daily. The less loose fur there is, the better. Remember to always brush your dog outdoors and then to wipe them down with a damp cloth. If you have to brush your pup yourself, wear a mask.

You can bathe your dog, but be careful of over-bathing them. A bath once or twice a month is a good idea. You can use a deshedding shampoo to cut down on the shedding even further.

These are all the tips you can rely on to ensure that you spend enough time with your pup while keeping your allergies at bay. Make sure to utilize them all for the best results.

Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-pet-dog-getting-embraced-by-its-owner-7788646/

Universal Studios Hollywood is the Picture Perfect Place to Make New Memories with the Popular Annual Pass

Now through April 7, Guests Can Save Up to $50 on an Annual Pass Online and Experience Thrilling Attractions Throughout the Year,

Including Illumination’s “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” and “Jurassic World—The Ride,” Featuring the Stunningly Realistic Indominus rex.

It’s time for resolutions, and what better personal challenge is there than to experience Universal Studios Hollywood as many times as possible this new year with an Annual Pass, saving up to $50 online now through April 7, 2022.

            Universal Studios Hollywood is the place to create picture perfect memories as guests bravely face the stunningly realistic Indominus rex in “Jurassic World—The Ride” or become one of the stray pups adopted on Illumination’s award-winnning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” ride.

            For anyone looking to enjoy endless entertainment throughout the year, Universal Studios Hollywood offers memorable experiences, from the magical land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” to the animated worlds of Illumination’s “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “The Simpsons Ride” in Springfield, U.S.A.  Guests also can enjoy the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour along with delectable food delights and unique and popular merchandise.

            Pass Members benefit from a variety of exclusive incentives devised especially for these valued ticket holders. Discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family to the theme park along with the popular seasonal event “Halloween Horror Nights” and other special events are included in the Pass Member program. Additionally, Pass Members can enjoy sweepstakes opportunities and discounts at participating CityWalk locations.

More information about Annual Pass options are available here. Blackout dates apply to select passes, and reservations may be required for return visits. Additional restrictions apply. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

Dana Point Harbor Partners to Host Blood Drive on Jan. 27th

Dana Point Harbor Partners, in collaboration with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive with the Red Cross Bloodmobile on Thursday, January 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. iHeartYoga will be offering a free yoga class, to be used within 30 days, for each donor on the day of the drive. Donors who have made an appointment, and walk-ins, will be able to sign up to receive their free yoga class via email the following day. Donors will also receive a coupon for either a cup of coffee or scoop of ice cream from Coffee Importers and a tote bag from Killer Dana Surf Shop. 

There is an urgent need for donations due to the dangerously low blood supply. Scheduling an appointment is highly encouraged and can be done through RedCrossBlood.org using the sponsor code “DPHP.” 

WHEN: 

Thursday, January 27, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Dana Point Harbor Partners will host another blood drive with the American Red Cross on July 28. 

WHERE: 

Dana Point Harbor, 34521 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629. The Bloodmobile will be located in the parking lot at the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information visit DanaPointHarbor.com or RedCrossBlood.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Credit: Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Books of the week

An inspirational book for young artists!

This is an amazing picture book biography for young kids! Art is Everywhere is the story of Andy Warhol by Jeff Mack. The book encourages young readers to open their minds up to the possibilities to find art in the world around us. I truly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it! It is a fun way for children to learn about Andy Warhol and his pop art.

You can find out more at https://us.macmillan.com/mackids/

You can also buy it on Amazon.com.

DINO YOGA by Lorena Pajalunga is a colorful, calming book that can help children relax, focus, be calm, and learn how to manage their emotions with confidence. 

A new children’s book helps children perform yoga in step-by-step moves, but there’s a catch. The teachers are dinosaurs! This is a delightful book that will teach young children yoga poses in a very fun way! I recommend this for all young children! You can find out more at

https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com

You can also purchase this book on Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this post. Cover images were also provided.

Arlo, Jan. 6th Pet of the Week

Huskies need space and lots of activity, and Arlo is a typical young husky. He’s 1 year old and very sweet, and he has lots of that energy. He also needs out—he’s been at the shelter since September and is not doing well. He’s very thin. Arlo needs a human with experience with and knowledge about this breed as well as an active lifestyle. Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Arlo. Ask for A663634.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)