Archives for November 20, 2022

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Hidden Adventures * This Interactive Episode Keeps You More Entertained By Deciding What Happens Next

Based on the show Camp Cretaceous, Hidden Adventure is an interactive special series where the campers survive more danger put against them on Isla Nublar. After a big storm, food is scarce — and hungry dinos are everywhere. It’s up to you to help the Camp Fam survive in this thrilling interactive special.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Giana N. comments, “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Hidden Adventures is an interactive episode that gets you involved and keeps you more entertained by deciding what happens next. It’s fun to be able to choose what the characters do and what leads up to that because it’s not something you can do with a regular movie or show.” Kira O. adds, “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Hidden Adventure is super cool! I especially like how, at the start of the episode, you wake up in a Tarbosaurus nest where you have to escape and then choose what action to take to find the Hidden Adventure.” See their full reviews below.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Hidden Adventures

Giana N., KIDSFIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Hidden Adventures is an interactive episode that gets you involved and keeps you more entertained by deciding what happens next. It’s fun to be able to choose what the characters do and what leads up to that because it’s not something you can do with a regular movie or show.

This interactive episode is about Darius (Paul-Mikél Williams), Kenji (Ryan Potter), Brooklyn (Jenna Ortega), Yasmine (Kausar Mohammed), Ben (Sean Giambrone), Sammy (Raini Rodriguez) who are struggling in the aftermath of a huge storm that happened on the island. They have no food, no shelter and, to make matters worse, the dinosaurs have no food so the dinosaurs are out of control. The kids learn that someone has hidden food somewhere on the island and we have to make decisions for them to keep them safe and direct them to the food. 

This is a great episode to watch. Something that I like about this show is the teamwork and the communication between the group. Even in such a dire situation, they communicate and run their decisions with each other before making it. I also like how, even if things take a wrong turn, you can always undo your answer and try again. My favorite character is Darius because we are Darius’s thoughts and we make the decisions for him when he doesn’t know what to choose and when the others don’t know as well. Something that confuses me in the show is that, in the series before this, the group leaves the island – so how did they get back on the island? Regardless,  I was entertained the whole time and the concept is just a great idea.

The message of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Hidden Adventures is that if you argue you won’t get anything done; you need to compromise and work together. At times in the episode you see the group get into arguments about what to do next, and that’s where your choices come in. You help them decide and you help stop their conflict. This show is totally family-friendly.

I give Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Hidden Adventures 4.5 out 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 12. You can watch this on Netflix starting November 15, 2022. Be sure to check it out!

Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Hidden Adventure

By Kira O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Hidden Adventure is super cool! I especially like how, at the start of the episode, you wake up in a Tarbosaurus nest where you have to escape and then choose what action to take to find the Hidden Adventure.

Based on the show Camp Cretaceous, Hidden Adventure is an interactive special series where the campers survive more danger put against them on Isla Nublar. This interactive episode makes the viewer one of the six characters from series — you become Darius (Paul-Mikel Williams), the leader of the teens stuck on the island of Isla Nublar. As Darius, you must choose what actions to take to follow the clues across the island, survive the dinosaurs, and find a secret stash of food supplies.  You are hunted by a Tarbosaurus who wants to feed you to the eggs in her nest when they hatch.

The show is very well animated. When the dinosaurs roar they look very realistic and scary. The plot has a lot of mystery and suspense, like when the characters narrowly escape getting eaten by a Tarbosaurus or caught in a dinosaur stampede! The voice actors include Jenna Ortega as Brooklynn, Ryan Potter as Kenji, Raini Rodriguez as Sammy, Sean Giambrone as Ben, and Kausar Mohammed as Yazmine. The friendships between these teen characters bring enough tension and unpredictability to keep this familiar storyline moving and engaging. Brooklyn uses just the right amount of sarcasm, combined with Sammi’s naiveté, and Darius’ leadership to compliment Kenji’s arrogance and Ben’s skepticism. Just like the series, this episode finds the characters constantly facing adversity while on a quest to escape the dinosaurs on Isla Nublar. The detailed and close-up animation allows the viewer to experience the characters’ emotions and also the terrifying drool produced by a dinosaur roar while appreciating the natural beauty of the mountainous rainforest setting. One thing I like is that, if you make good decisions, you survive the Tarbosaurus and you can choose different options to try different outcomes. For instance, Darius has to choose to climb or jump to save the Hidden Adventure map.

The message of the show is to be brave, trust in your friends, and you can overcome things that seem impossible. I do not recommend this for anyone under age seven, because it can be scary for younger kids. I do not recommend this show for anyone under age seven, because it can be scary for younger kids.

I give Jurassic World: Hidden Adventure 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it on Netflix starting on November 15, 2022.

Trailer:

Ice at Santa Monica Returns to Downtown for Winterlit Festivities

Photo provided courtesy of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) brings the holidays to the downtown district with the return of Winterlit, which will feature the grand reopening of the Ice at Santa Monica skating rink. After a two year hiatus, the 8,000-square-foot rink will once again transform the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue into a winter wonderland and bring a little ice to the beachside community. The rink reopens November 10, 2022 with a grand opening celebration from 6 – 10 p.m. featuring free skating, a live DJ, delicious bites and freebies. The rink will remain open daily from November 11 through January 16, 2023 from noon to 10 p.m. with skate rental and all-day admission for $20. For additional information and to book a cabana rental at the ice rink, visit downtownsm.com/iceAtSantaMonica.

Tens of thousands of colorful lights, decor and garland will deck the Third Street Promenade, 2nd and 4th Streets, illuminating convenient shopping and cozy outdoor dining experiences. Santa comes to the Promenade on December 1 at 6 pm for the annual lighting of the official City of Santa Monica 24-foot-tall holiday tree. 

Nightly menorah lightings will celebrate the Festival of Lights during the Hanukkah season from Sunday, December 18 through Sunday, December 25. The lighting of the menorah will begin at sundown and take place on the 1400 block of Third Street Promenade (located between Santa Monica Blvd and Broadway).

Steps from the Promenade, Santa Monica Place will also join in on the holiday festivities with a variety of events, photo opportunities and performances to accompany holiday shoppers. From November 19 through December 24, guests can cozy up next to Santa for photos and experience the brand-new Santa House upgraded with sleek, festive décor. The shopping center will welcome the return of its twinkle lights and larger than life holiday decor along with the iconic 50-foot Center Plaza Christmas tree. In December, the popular dancing Beach Belles, Breakfast with Santa, Pet Nights, Menorah Lighting and live holiday DJ sets will also take place. Visit santamonicaplace.com for more information.

For more information on holiday happenings in Downtown Santa Monica, visit downtownsm.com/winterlit

Credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Santa Monica Place

Photo Courtesy of Santa Monica Place.

Santa Monica Place will transform into a winter wonderland and offer an array of festive activities for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season.

Santa’s coming to town on November 19 and taking residence in the brand-new Santa House in Center Plaza through December 24. Visitors will have the chance to take photos with Santa and shoppers can bring their four-legged friends to meet Santa during Pet Nights on December 14th and December 15th. Pre-booking reservations are now open.

Throughout December, visitors and shoppers will catch special holiday entertainment by the dancing sensation, Santa Monica Beach Belles, a cappella performances by the Oceanaires, as well as DJ holiday sets, all set around the 50-foot iconic Christmas tree and festive décor in Center Plaza.

Other special holiday events include Breakfast with Santa where families will enjoy crafts, snacks, and kid-friendly musical performances along with an appearance by Santa. The event will take place December 3 from 9-10 am in the Food Court. In lieu of ticket sales, Santa Monica Place is asking for donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. A minimum $5 donation per child will be required to attend.

Nightly menorah lightings will take place December 18 – 26 to celebrate the Festival of Lights during the Hanukkah season.

SANTA HOURS

November 19-24

Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm

Sunday: 12 – 6 pm

Special Hours

Thanksgiving Day, November 24: CLOSED

Christmas Eve, December 24: 10am-4pm

PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Bring your four-legged friend to a special pet night and “sit” for a photo with Santa.*

December 14 & December 15: 4-7 pm

*Cats and dogs only. Please be sure to have your pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.

DJ HOLIDAY SETS

Black Friday: 11am – 3pm; 3-7 pm

Black Friday Weekend: 3-7pm

Every Friday-Sunday in December: 3-7 pm

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

December 3: 9-10 am

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-santa-benefitting-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-tickets-460410138117 to reserve a spot and make a $5 minimum donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

BEACH BELLES PERFORMANCES

December 16 -18: 3-7:30 pm

December 21- 24: 3-7:30 pm

OCEANAIRES PERFORMANCES

December 18 & 21: 2-3 pm

MENORAH LIGHTING

December 18-26: around 5:45 pm, nightly

For more information on holiday happenings at Santa Monica Place visit santamonicaplace.com/holiday.

About Santa Monica Place

Located steps away from the Pacific Ocean and iconic Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Place is a unique, outdoor shopping destination, home to Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Nike, and a collection of specialty shops, digitally native brands and inspired dining concepts.

For more information, visit SantaMonicaPlace.com or interact with us via Facebook or Instagram. Access our Concierge services anytime via text: (310) 499-2928.

Credit: Santa Monica Place.

32nd Annual Lighting of the Bay Returns to Newport Dunes, Nov 25th-Jan 1st

Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes. Photo courtesy of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is pleased to present the 32nd annual Lighting of the Bay beginning at dusk on Friday, November 25, and continuing nightly through New Year’s Day. In honor of the upcoming holiday season, the serene, waveless bay will transform each evening into a vibrant winter wonderland featuring more than fifty lighted holiday decorations and Christmas trees.

“Our Lighting of the Bay attraction is a can’t-miss event for families looking to celebrate the holiday season in Southern California,” says Phil Ravenna, General Manager of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. “We’re thrilled to welcome resort guests and the community to experience this breathtaking holiday display and to join us in celebration throughout the season.” 

Get cozy while roasting marshmallows for s’mores around a beach bonfire. Newport Dunes’ public fire pits are available on a first-come basis and s’mores kits can be purchased from Newport Dunes’ onsite market. Sip on seasonal beverages and watch the glowing lights in the Newport Dunes lagoon. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, cocktails and food will be available from Moe B’s Munchies beachfront grill for family picnics. Stop by the Newport Dunes Tree Lot, open daily November 21 through December 21, to pick fresh pines while taking in the festive holiday scene. 

RV campers return year after year to soak up the enchanting floating lights on the bay just steps from their RV campsite. Bring an RV or stay in Newport Dunes’ charming, single-family Beach Cottages for a cozy, home-away-from-home experience. For those who do not own an RV, Newport Dunes works with RV rental companies that will deliver a luxury RV to your campsite, all set up and ready to enjoy. For holiday parties and private events, the Back Bay Bistro at Newport Dunes offers the perfect waterfront backdrop for a festive event, just steps from the Lighting of the Bay display. For more information on the Back Bay Bistro and to book a private event visit NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3800.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660. The Lighting of the Bay is free for the public to enjoy, and on-site parking is available at the following rates: 0 to 30 minutes: FREE, 30 minutes to 2 hours: $10, 2 to 5 hours: $15, 5 to 8 hours: $20, 8 to 24 hours: $25.

For more information on Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and to book a stay visit NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3863.

Credit: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

XO Baking Co. prides its mixes on not only being the best gluten-free option, but the best tasting gluten-free option

It’s time for holiday baking! Are you looking for a gluten-free option? XO Baking Co. has you covered! They have gourmet bread mixes, cookie mixes, and more! One of my favorites is the Banana Bread Mix! I can’t wait to try the Sugar Cookie Mix this holiday season when I start baking cookies.

Banana Bread

MEET THE MOM-OWNED COMPANY MAKING GLUTEN-FREE BAKED GOODS!

There’s a reason mom-of-two Lindsey Braham puts a hug and kiss in her brand name – it’s because her relationship with food has been a love affair, and not without its ups and downs. In 2009 the trained chef and baker was diagnosed with Celiac disease, a digestive disorder that causes severe discomfort and health problems in reaction to gluten. Braham was told she had to eliminate gluten from her diet completely. A baker who couldn’t use flour? How could she go on!

Armed with a degree from UC Berkeley and expertise in the food sciences and dietic research, Braham began experimenting with combinations of gluten-free ingredients until she created the most flawless “all-purpose flour.” Soon, XO Baking Co. was born.  XO baking is the ONLY gluten-free baking brand to feature a cassava and organic coconut flour blend that is also free of common ingredients like bean and rice flour– making it a swap that doesn’t compromise the texture or taste in baking. The allergen-free and Paleo-friendly all-purpose flour has become the crux of the company, which has since grown into a full line of delicious, simple baking mixes so everyone can enjoy professional-tasting treats, no matter their dietary restrictions.

“Food allergies and celiac disease are conditions that are not going away.  In fact, the number of those diagnosed continues to grow year after year.  XO Baking Co. is such an important part of so many individuals’ lives –accommodating a range of specific food allergies and making dessert time safer for everyone,” Braham said. “It’s not just an allergy friendly food – it’s the best tasting allergy friendly food.  People shouldn’t have to settle for mediocre!”

While being diagnosed with Celiac disease was at first difficult, Braham is thankful for where it’s brought her, both as a chef, a baker and human. Every great cook loves when their culinary creation truly pleases a customer or critic. And with XO Baking Co., Braham continues to exceed expectations of countless people who must navigate the limitations of a dietary affliction.

XO Baking Co. provides quick and easy mixes for restaurant-worthy cakes (from carrot to chocolate), moist banana breads, fluffy cinnamon rolls (the dough of which is also amazing for pizza), rich fudge brownies, buttery pound cakes, crisp and chewy chocolate chip cookies, blondies, a non-GMO cornbread and much more. XO Baking Co’s products are available online on the website, Amazon and at retail stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.

To learn more about XO Baking Co. and try their incredible boxed mixes and recipes, visit them online and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Information and images were also provided.

Meet the owner of Rock & Roll Jane!

Kathie Zaccaria

My journey to Rock & Roll Jane has been a long time coming. My love for music began when I was a little girl listening to my mom’s music  – everything from Tina Turner to Elvis Presley to Kenny Rogers.

Years of immersing myself in music, seeing live shows, following my favorite bands on tour, playing instruments, working music-related jobs, finding a love for photography and fashion, and numerous nights starring at the stars.

Right in front of me stood my calling.

Rock & Roll Jane is a fun destination for rock-n-roll women of all ages. I believe that you should wear what you want, regardless of age – and I’m here to help you do just that. Our collection of officially licensed band tees and merchandise, graphic tees, and jewelry will let you show off your unique style. 

Whether that be band tees and Dr. Martens, graphic tees and beanies, or unique statement jewelry. Be bold, be brave, and rock it like a rock star – on your own terms!

As female-owned and operated, I’m committed to supporting other female-owned businesses and brands. The jewelry I carry comes from talented and creative female designers across the United States. And the models who grace my website? True rock-n-roll mamas! (Except for my daughter, she’s not a mama yet!) 

As a woman in my 50’s, I believe we should all be our true authentic selves and celebrate our unique beauty… rock-n-roll style!

You can find Rock & Roll Jane online at https://rockandrolljane.com.

Or  @rockandrolljane on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.