Archives for 2024

Fall Time Must-Buys!

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.comAmazon, and retailers nationwide. 

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

Available Now: Captain Planet: The Complete Franchise on DVD

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.

Veep: The Complete Series

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.

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

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.

Books of the Week: November 3rd, 2024

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.

Pros & Cons of custom engagement rings

Engagement rings hold deep significance, symbolizing commitment, love, and a promise for the future. While many opt for ready-made designs, others seek something more personal and unique, choosing to craft custom engagement rings. Designing a custom engagement ring offers the chance to create a one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly reflects the relationship’s individuality. However, like any significant decision, going the custom route has both benefits and drawbacks. This article will explore the pros and cons of custom engagement rings  to help you decide whether this approach suits you.

Pros of Custom Engagement Rings

1. Personalization and Uniqueness

One of the biggest advantages of custom engagement rings is the ability to create something completely unique. When you design a custom ring, you have the freedom to incorporate elements that have personal meaning to you and your partner. Whether it’s a specific gemstone, a unique band shape, or an engraving that holds sentimental value, custom rings offer unmatched personalization.

For example, if your partner loves vintage jewelry, you can design a custom ring that blends vintage elements with modern touches. This ensures that the engagement ring will be one-of-a-kind and tailored specifically to your relationship, something that cannot be replicated with a mass-produced design.

2. Creative Control Over the Design

Another significant benefit of opting for a custom engagement ring is the creative control you have over the entire design process. From choosing the metal type and setting style to selecting the gemstones and band details, every aspect is within your control. This means you can craft a ring that reflects your partner’s style, whether they prefer something minimalist, glamorous, or traditional.

Creative control also allows you to experiment with ideas and collaborate with a jeweler to bring your vision to life. If your partner has hinted at specific design features they love, or if you have ideas on how to make the ring special, a custom process ensures these preferences are included.

3. Incorporating Meaningful Elements

Customization allows for the integration of meaningful elements into the ring’s design. You can add birthstones, engrave important dates, or incorporate design aspects from family heirlooms. These personalized touches make the ring a meaningful representation of your love and history together.

For instance, many couples choose to include stones from family jewelry, creating a ring that not only symbolizes their future but also honors their past. Others may engrave important coordinates, initials, or symbols that reflect their relationship’s journey. These personal flourishes elevate the emotional value of a custom engagement ring.

4. High-Quality Craftsmanship

A custom engagement ring is often handcrafted by a skilled jeweler, which generally leads to higher quality than mass-produced rings. When a jeweler creates a custom piece, they devote their attention to every detail, ensuring the craftsmanship is impeccable. They are invested in making your unique vision come to life, which often means using high-quality materials and taking extra care with the final product.

In many cases, jewelers who specialize in custom engagement rings use superior techniques and higher-grade metals, gemstones, and settings, ensuring your ring stands the test of time.

5. Flexibility with Budget

Contrary to popular belief, custom engagement rings don’t necessarily have to break the bank. While custom designs can get expensive depending on the materials and complexity, they also provide flexibility. You can work with your jeweler to adjust the design to fit your budget. For instance, if your desired ring features a costly center stone, you can explore alternatives like lab-grown diamonds or different gemstones that fit within your financial range.

This flexibility means you can prioritize certain aspects of the ring—like the stone or metal type—while being more conservative with other details. Additionally, custom rings don’t include the markup typically found in pre-designed rings, which can be inflated by brand names or retail locations.

6. Emotional Satisfaction

There’s a sense of deep emotional satisfaction in creating something entirely unique for the love of your life. A custom engagement ring becomes a testament to your effort and thoughtfulness, showcasing your commitment to the relationship. When you hand over a custom-designed ring, it carries the story of its creation and reflects the personal touch you invested in the process.

Cons of Custom Engagement Rings

While custom engagement rings come with many advantages, they also have their downsides. Below are some of the challenges and potential drawbacks of opting for a custom design.

1. Time-Consuming Process

One of the biggest cons of designing a custom engagement ring is the time involved. Unlike ready-made rings that can be purchased immediately, custom rings take time to conceptualize, design, and produce. The process can take several weeks, or even months, depending on the complexity of the design and the jeweler’s schedule.

For couples who are under a tight timeline—perhaps planning a surprise proposal or a wedding in the near future—the lengthy process of designing a custom ring can be a significant drawback.

2. Higher Potential Costs

While custom engagement rings can offer flexibility with your budget, they can also be more expensive than off-the-shelf designs. Depending on the materials you choose, the jeweler’s fees, and the intricacy of the design, costs can add up quickly.

A highly detailed, one-of-a-kind ring with rare gemstones or complex engraving may cost significantly more than a mass-produced design. Additionally, any changes made during the process—such as upgrading the materials or modifying the design—can lead to extra expenses.

3. Risk of Miscommunication

Designing a custom ring requires clear communication between you and your jeweler, which can sometimes be challenging. If you have a specific vision in mind, but the jeweler doesn’t fully understand your preferences or lacks experience with the type of design you want, the final product may not meet your expectations.

Miscommunication regarding details like gemstone size, band thickness, or setting style can lead to disappointment when the ring is finished. To avoid this, it’s important to choose a jeweler with a strong reputation and communicate clearly throughout the process. Regular consultations and feedback can help minimize misunderstandings.

4. Limited Return or Exchange Options

Because custom engagement rings are specifically designed and made-to-order, returning or exchanging them can be difficult, if not impossible. If the ring doesn’t turn out exactly how you envisioned, or if you or your partner change your mind about the design, your options may be limited.

Many jewelers have strict policies on custom pieces, and the costs associated with reworking or redesigning the ring can be high. This lack of flexibility in returning or exchanging a custom ring is something to consider before committing to the process.

5. Uncertainty About the Final Design

Even with computer-aided design (CAD) models and sketches, it can be hard to visualize the final product. Sometimes, the ring may not look or feel exactly like you imagined once it’s complete. Certain design elements, like stone settings or band thickness, may appear differently in person than they did during the design phase.

While many jewelers offer CAD renderings to provide an accurate preview of the design, the translation from digital to physical can still surprise some clients. The inability to try on the ring before it’s made is another potential drawback, as it can lead to second-guessing or concerns about comfort and fit.

6. Finding the Right Jeweler

Not all jewelers are skilled in creating custom engagement rings, and finding the right professional for your project can take time. You’ll want to research jewelers who specialize in custom work, have positive reviews, and have a portfolio of previous custom designs that align with your vision.

Working with a jeweler who understands your design preferences, listens to your ideas, and provides expert guidance is essential to creating a ring that meets your expectations. However, the search for the right jeweler can take time and may involve trial and error.

Is a Custom Engagement Ring Right for You?

Choosing between a custom engagement ring and a pre-designed one ultimately comes down to your priorities, budget, and timeline. If personalization, creative control, and emotional significance are at the top of your list, a custom ring could be the perfect choice. However, if time, convenience, and minimizing costs are more important, an off-the-shelf design may be a better option.

By weighing the pros and cons outlined above, you can make an informed decision that best fits your relationship, ensuring that the engagement ring you choose is a symbol of love and commitment tailored to you and your partner’s unique journey.

Potluck, Nov. 1st Pet of the Week

Awwww! Such a cutie!

Watch out for Potluck! He’ll chase you down, catch you, and absolutely cover you with kisses! Potluck is a handsome boy, about a year old. He strutted into a barbershop in Long Beach one day, and no one in the nearby residential neighborhood claimed him as theirs. So, he went trick-or-treating on Halloween, looking cuter than heck, in the hope that he’d get a loving, forever home in his treat basket. Potluck is friendly with humans and likes other dogs as well. He seems to have a slight hearing impairment, which shelter staff thinks could be the result of a bungled ear cropping. Nonetheless, like any good spirit, Potluck can sense the approach of a friend. Could it be you? Speed the process to adopt or foster Potluck or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A727370.

Check out this cute video!

Rubio’s Offers $8.99 Burritos for Halloween

Burritos from Rubio’s? Count me in!

On October 31, find Spooktacular savings at Rubio’s. Every burrito on the menu is just $8.99 for Rubio’s Rewards members, all day long. Simply place your order online, through the app, or scan your in-app QR code at the register. Enjoy any burrito for the discounted price, including the Puerto Nuevo Burrito featuring Langostino Lobster, Ancho Citrus Shrimp Burrito, Burrito Especial with all natural chicken or the California Burrito with USDA choice steak, to name a few.

Rubio’s has 84 locations across Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. Guests are encouraged to order through the new Rubio’s app or Rubios.com. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’sFacebookInstagram and TikTok.

Boo!

Self Disclosure: In collaboration with Rubio’s Coastal Grill.