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DTSM, Inc. Announces Return of Ice at Santa Monica Skating Rink

November 10, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Ice at Santa Monica. Photo provided courtesy of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. 

 Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) is excited to announce the return of Ice at Santa Monica, the city’s beloved holiday tradition. From  November 8, 2024, to January 20, 2025, the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue will be transformed into a winter wonderland, offering a magical ice-skating experience in the heart of downtown. Operated in partnership with Los Angeles-based Willy Bietak Productions, Ice at Santa Monica provides community members and visitors with festive fun throughout the holiday season.

The festivities kick off with the Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, November 8, from 5 to 11 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free ice skating during the 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. sessions (available on a first-come, first-served basis), groove to live DJ sets and enjoy captivating on-ice performances featuring Olympic hopeful skaters Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman, who have recently achieved notable successes in their competitive careers. Throughout the season, visitors can also indulge in rink-side fire pits, rent private party tents and participate in themed events like DJ nights, KUSC Classical Sundays, a Taylor Swift-themed night and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve countdown.

Admission to Ice at Santa Monica is $22 for a 60-minute session, including skate rental. The rink will be open daily:

  • Sundays through Thursdays: from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
  • Fridays and Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 
  • Extended Hours (December 15 through December 30): Open daily until 11:00 p.m. every day.

In addition to the ice rink, DTSM, Inc. will host the Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Santa Claus and City officials will light the official Santa Monica holiday tree on the world-famous Third Street Promenade. The event will feature live entertainment, holiday arts and crafts, free photos with Santa and even snowfall to create a magical experience for all ages.

Every Thursday in December leading up to Christmas–December 5, 12, and 19–from 5 to 7 p.m., the Third Street Promenade will come alive with Holiday Thursdays. These family-friendly events will feature live holiday entertainment, holiday arts and crafts activities, opportunities to write and hand-deliver letters to Santa and free holiday treats. Guests can also enjoy magical snowfall right on the Promenade and shop for unique gifts at the holiday markets. Pets are welcome to join in the festivities, making it a fun evening for the entire family. 

For more information on Ice at Santa Monica, please visit iceatsantamonica.com or call 310-807-4822. For details on all holiday happenings in Downtown Santa Monica, visit downtownsm.com/calendar. 

Credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.)

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Sage, Nov. 8 Pet of the Week

November 7, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Awwwwwwwwww

Meet our Sage, a lovely, little 2-year-old domestic shorthair brown tabby. He loves company to entertain him with snuggles, pets and, of course, treats! Sage came to the shelter with a skin rash — here he is in his soft cone that keeps him from scratching and rubbing off the medicine. He also has an eye condition known as entropion, in which his eyelids turn inward and prevent him from opening his eyes and also cause irritation. Sage will have surgery next week so he can open those beautiful eyes to see us and the world around him clearly. To adopt or foster Sage, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process, or call (562) 570-7387. Better yet, meet him in person at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, at entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Visiting hours are Wednesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ask for ID#726656.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever * All About Family, The True Meaning Of Christmas, And Helping Others In Need

November 6, 2024 By Leave a Comment

The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully…and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark and Darin McDaniel.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan M. comments, “In Emmanuel it’s Christmas time and it’s time for their annual pageant. But, the Herdmans family, a group of bullying kids led by their older sister Imogene, ruin everything they touch, decide that they will be part of the pageant. Will it be the best pageant ever?” Carter P. adds, “I like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  It is about family, the true meaning of Christmas, helping others in need and is heartfelt and funny at times.” See their full review and interview with director Dallas Jenkins below.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

In Emmanuel it’s Christmas time and it’s time for their annual pageant. But, the Herdmans family, a group of bullying kids led by their older sister Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), ruin everything they touch, decide that they will be part of the pageant. Will it be the best pageant ever?

The storyline is about a town preparing for their much awaited 75th Christmas pageant. Unfortunately, the organizer, Mrs. Armstrong (Meriam Bernstein) breaks both her legs, so Grace (Judy Greer) volunteers to replace her to organize the pageant. Hoping to get free snacks, the Herdmans force their way into the pageant, creating chaos all around them and putting Grace under a lot of pressure to replace them.  Grace is facing a difficult time to get the pageant going and the final results leave everyone speechless.

I love every character in this movie, especially the Herdmans – Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, Mason D. Nelligan as Ralph, Matthew Lamb as Claude, Evan Wood as Leroy, Essek Moore as Ollie, Kynlee Heiman as Gladys.  The main characters are almost all kids and their performances as bullies are outstanding, and we also see their vulnerability eventually.  There are so many funny moments like when Gladiys jumps and scares the three boys. This movie is based on a best-selling book by Barbara Robinson. Dallas Jenkins’s direction shines in the selection of locations, sets, decor and acting.  The film does switch eras between current and the 1920s.

There are a couple of important messages in this movie –  a reminder that we should not judge a book by its cover and that everyone deserves a chance to prove what they can do when they feel supported. Be aware that this is a Christian oriented movie presenting the nativity in a very refreshing way.  Will it become another recurring Christmas movie?  Let’s hope so!

I give The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It is available in theaters beginning Nov 8, 2024. Check it out.   


The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
By Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  It is about family, the true meaning of Christmas, helping others in need and is heartfelt and funny at times.

The storyline is about the Herdmans who are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, bully, and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. The film is based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson.  It follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for food and walk away with the lead roles in the town’s Christmas pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time, and she and her daughter, Beth (Molly Belle Wright), along with her husband Bob (Pete Holmes), are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play’s mischievous stars might just end up teaching the community the true meaning of Christmas. 

This movie is full of heart and, although the antics of the Herdmans are outrageous, the behaviors of the church children and adults are humorously familiar. It is an entertaining and heartwarming movie for the whole family at Christmas time. It highlights the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most beautiful nativity scene. The costumes and the nativity scene are exceptional.  The setting makes it look just like a barn the night Jesus was born.  My favorite part is the ending when the children are acting out the play and the nativity scene.  The community comes together and realizes what is really important on Christmas.  Judy Greer, as Grace, gives a very believable performance as the mother and director of the church performance.  She is patient and loving with her community and all of the children. The children in the film are Charlie (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez), Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), Claude (Matthew Lamb) Gladys (Kynlee Heiman), Ralph (Mason Nelligan). Speaking of the children, they all give fantastic performances, especially Molly Belle Write as Beth.  She is funny and teaches the importance of Christmas and being kind to others.  There is so much chemistry between these characters that I could feel it as I watched the film.  They all connect to being there for each other, their church and community.

The film’s message centers on how people should not be judged, how redemption is important, and how tradition can be altered by perspective. It is important for children to learn the lesson of not judging a book by its cover, and this story does just that. 

I give The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.  You can see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters beginning November 8, 2024. Trailer:

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Fall Time Must-Buys!

November 6, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Happy and Bright! I love the bright colors!

Jams World Clothes: At school when everyone starts looking the same, be the one who stands out thanks to Jams World. This is a clothing line like no other since the creators believe in comfort, color, freedom, difference, and love. From girls’ dresses and graphic tees to comfy tropical themed button up shirts, there’s sure to be something for every kid on this year’s back-to-school list. Jams World kids live through a rainbow of colors!  I really like the bright colors! For more information please visit: https://www.jamsworld.com/pages/kids 

These are delicious!

Are you looking for healthy back-to-school snacks that your kids will love and won’t want to trade? Check out Whoa Dough Cookie Dough snack bars. They are plant-based, allergen-friendly, and made without gluten, dairy, soy, or eggs. Additionally, they are non-GMO, vegan, and kosher certified (OU). Whoa Dough offers a nutritious alternative to high-sugar snacks with 4–5 grams of protein and less than 10 grams of sugar. These bars are individually wrapped for convenience and freshness. They capture the yummy taste of raw cookie dough using 100% plant-based, wholesome ingredients. Parents can confidently pack Whoa Dough in lunch boxes or toss them into backpacks, knowing they make a delicious, healthy, and convenient choice. The bars are available in chocolate chip, sugar, sugar sprinkles, peanut butter, peanut butter chocolate chips, brownie batter, oatmeal, and a variety pack. Available at www.whoadough.com, Amazon, and retailers nationwide. 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate his post, Images and information were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Available Now: Captain Planet: The Complete Franchise on DVD

November 6, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Earth! Fire! Wind! Water! Heart! The beloved educational superhero series created by Ted Turner and Barbara Pyle that began with the Captain Planet and the Planeteers animated series in 1990 leading into The New Adventures of Captain Planet animated series has now come together for the first time ever on DVD with all 113 episodes from the iconic franchise. The series features an all-star voiceover cast including Martin Sheen, Meg Ryan, Whoopi Goldberg and LeVar Burton. The power is yours to own Captain Planet: The Complete Franchise on DVD on October 15 from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.

Synopsis:

The Planeteers, five teenagers from different parts of the earth, each receive a ring of elemental power–earth, wind, water, fire or heart–to combat eco-villains everywhere in the world. And when they combine the powers of their rings, a new superhero, Captain Planet, is created, with powers far greater than the sum of the five.

Captain Planet has received a Film Advisory Board Award Of Excellence. The multimedia franchise also spawned into a video game, several toys, comic books, and more!

In addition to the series, Captain Planet continues to inspire and empower young people to be environmental stewards through the Captain Planet Foundation. Established by Ted Turner and Barbara Pyle, the foundation has funded over 3,700 projects worldwide, supporting hands-on environmental education and activism.

Captain Planet: The Complete Franchise series information:

PRODUCT                       

DVD                                 

Audio: English

Subtitles: English

Running Time: 43 hours, 31 minutes

Rated: PG

Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Veep: The Complete Series

November 4, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Just in time for one of the biggest political elections of all time, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will be newly releasing Veep: The Complete Series on Blu-ray. Get ready to binge on all 65 episodes from HBO’s Emmy® award-winning original series, along with all the previously released special features. The political comedy series follows United States Vice President Salina Meyer (played by Julia Louis Dreyfus) and her incompetent team as they attempt to secure a legacy, but often instead become bogged down in day-to-day political games. Pre-order your copy today.

Veep stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Matt Walsh, Sufe Bradshaw, Kevin Dunn, Gary Cole, Sam Richardson, Sarah Sutherland, and Clea DuVall.

The series was created by Armando Iannucci; executive produced by Iannucci, Christopher Godsick and Frank Rich. Co-executive producers are Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche, with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Stephanie Laing as producers. David Mandel also executive produced and served as showrunner.

Veep has received critical acclaim and won several major awards, including 17 Emmy Awards, and 59 Nominations. The series lead, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, received six Outstanding Lead Actress wins, with critics and fans hailing her performance. Veep also won Outstanding Comedy Series three times, and costar Tony Hale took home two awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor.

SYNOPSIS:

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the Vice President of the United States in this hilarious HBO comedy series. Each episode follows her whirlwind day-to-day existence as she puts out political fires, juggles public and private demands and defends the interests of the chief executive–with whom she shares a uniquely dysfunctional relationship.

Pricing and series information:

Veep: The Complete Series

Includes all 65 episodes from all seven seasons

PRODUCT                       

Blu-ray                             

Audio: English SDH

Subtitles: English

Running Time: 30 hours, 59 minutes which includes hours of bonus content

Rated: TV-MA

Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions through physical Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD retail sales and digital transactions on major streaming, video-on-demand cable, satellite, digital, and mobile channels.  WBDHE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Preemie vs Newborn Diapers: A useful guide to help you find the right fit.

November 3, 2024 By Leave a Comment

A baby is a blessing that brings you an exciting feeling and an overwhelming experience you never had before, especially when you try to choose their wearable items. For instance, parents find it somewhat hard to find the best option available in diapers for their premature babies. Initially, if you understand the main difference between preemie vs newborn diapers then it will be easy for you to choose what your baby needs the best. Here we have presented clear distinctions between the two diapers to help you guide in choosing the best fit.

Does a Diaper Size Matter for Newborns and Preemies?

So the answer is simply, yes. Diapers, for preemies or newborns, come in different sizes therefore it is best to find the right fit for your baby’s developmental stages. For a preemie, it is compulsory you look for the right fit, to ensure their good health and comfort. Diapers for preemies are designed specifically for babies who are born before the duration of 37 weeks. Their weight capacity is more or less around 5 pounds, which is why the diaper material is also light and smooth on the touch. In terms of comfort and softness, these diapers are more carefully crafted than newborn diapers, providing the right fit without irritating your baby. So, let us talk about preemie diapers and newborn diapers in detail.

Preemie Diapers

As premature babies are more delicate and need extra care for their better health, the best preemie diapers are the right fit for your baby. Preemie diaper sizes are useful in many ways:

  • Smaller sizes are available for babies weighing around 5 pounds.
  • The right size of the preemie diaper fits snugly while also maintaining space for air circulation.
  • The material used in preemie diapers makes them smooth and soft on the touch, hence useful for sensitive skin.

There are different factors to consider when buying a preemie diaper. Here we have some of the best diapers for preemies that will help you find the right choice while exploring more options.

Moony Preemie Diapers

The Moony preemie newborn diapers are highly regarded for the company’s good quality diaper production that offers comfort and protection. These diapers are designed to meet the requirements and needs of a premature baby such as:

  • Fits perfectly to the back’s curves and protects against leaks. The wavy cut gather fits softly around the baby’s tiny legs.
  • As the product is for preemies, therefore the material used is hypoallergenic while the texture is smooth and gentle for your baby’s skin.
  • Easy to know when to replace the diaper, because the wetness indicator line changes blue-green after urination.

Merries Preemie Diapers

Merries products are a popular choice among parents for their quality. Merries newborn preemie diapers are no less. With exceptional quality and soft texture, this brand has become a popular choice for preemie products as well.

  • The diapers are designed by providing breathable layers that keep the moisture at bay, hence reducing the risk of skin rashes.
  • A reliable option of wetness indicator helps new parents identify the diaper change routine.
  • The comfortable material offers a snug fit and reduces leak mishaps.

Newborn Diapers

Similar to the requirements of a preemie diaper, a newborn baby’s diaper also has some beneficial purposes in terms of size and absorbance.

  • These baby diapers are designed for your young ones weighing over 5 pounds.
  • The stretchy and elastic material fits comfortably around the waistline and legs, making your child feel comfortable.
  • A special feature in the form of a wetness indicator is also present in newborn baby diapers that helps you realize the need for a diaper change.

Based on the key differences between preemie and newborn diapers, parents find it helpful to choose which one is the right option for their baby. Let us take a look at some examples of newborn diapers.

Moony Diapers

The Moony diapers are popular for their innovative designs and gentle texture making it the most sought out brand.

  • This brand of diaper contains organic cotton in the upper layer and plant-derived oils, making it a good option for skin-sensitive babies.
  • There is an additional stool zone that helps prevent the mess from leaking.
  • The material is super absorbent and does not stick to your baby’s skin, keeping them dry and comfortable.

Merries Diapers

Merries diapers are another top-choice brand that parents buy for newborn babies. They are best known for their gentle touch and light texture, which makes them useful for delicate skin.

  • The indicator line in the diaper helps you identify when to change the baby’s diaper by changing the color of the line to bluish-green.
  • The three layers of the diaper allow easy flow of air to keep moisture away.
  • The material is gentle to the touch and contains argan oil which works as an anti-inflammatory product.

Where Can You Buy Preemie Diapers?

If you are looking for good quality preemie diapers and are wondering where to buy preemie diapers then try exploring the 21st Century Essential store. They offer both preemie and newborn diapers from the Moony and Merries brands.

Conclusion

In the end, it is your call to pick which brand or which diaper you need for your baby. Mostly diapers with navel cut-out space are preferred for healing umbilical cords, hence consider the qualities before deciding on preemie vs newborn diapers. Newborn baby diapers have features such as adjustable tabs or wetness indicators to help make your baby feel comfortable. But besides these, try finding better options based on your baby’s weight, and age, and consider skin sensitivity. It will not only help your young ones feel comfortable but also give you time for yourself.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Books of the Week: November 3rd, 2024

November 3, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Love this book!

DESI, MAMI, AND THE NEVER-ENDING WORRIES / DESI, MAMI (SPANISH LANGUAGE EDITION) by Eva Mendes; illustrated by Abbey Bryant (Feiwel & Friends, Ages 3-6): From actress Eva Mendes comes her debut picture book Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries, the story of a little girl facing the endless scary worries that come just before bedtime.

There is an English version and a Spanish version. I love that this book is available in both languages. It is available from Amazon.com, Target, Barnes & Noble and more!

Perfect for ages 8-12

THE CHAINBREAKERS by Julian Randall (Henry Holt & Co BYR, Ages 8-12): In this action-packed fantasy, thirteen-year-old Violet Moon must rescue her father and save her enchanted underwater world—perfect for fans of The Marvellers and Tristan Strong series. I love the adventure in this story! I am sure it will be a hit with ages 8-12.

Also can be found at Amazon.com, Target, B & N, and more.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the books to feature. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews
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