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Butterbeer Season is here!

May 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment

For Harry Potter fans, Butterbeer is more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of joy, comfort, warmth and togetherness. First introduced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the trio huddled in The Three Broomsticks, Butterbeer, with its butterscotch and shortbread notes, has become a global fan favorite. In honor of the wizarding beverage, Warner Bros. Discovery is proud to announce the return of Butterbeer Season – a special celebration dedicated to all things Butterbeer!

Butterbeer Season is an annual salute to the flavor, scent and look of all things Butterbeer. Between March 1st and May 31st, the Season offers fans new ways to enjoy the delicious delicacy with the launch of a host of tasty new treats, limited-edition products and activity taking place around the world.  

I had the opportunity to try out some tasty treats!

These Hershey’s Kisses were the best!

Cheers to the magic with HERSHEY’S Harry Potter Butterbeer KISSES! A limited-edition treat fit for any witch or wizard, complete with the cream soda and butterscotch flavors of Butterbeer. Perfect for candy dishes, fans can grab a bag to uncover limited-edition Harry Potter-themed foils. Available for a limited time at US retailers. They retail for $4.79.

These were tasty too!

The limited-time Harry Potter Butterbeer Fudges Stripes Cookies release is a celebratory take on the popular wizarding beverage, featuring a Butterbeer-flavored cookie topped with Butterbeer-flavored fudge that mimics the sweet and frothy combination of cream soda and butterscotch that witches and wizards everywhere know and love. The cookies come in four unique designs with shapes and imprints inspired by the Harry Potter films. You can shop Keebler’s Limited-Edition Harry Potter Butterbeer Fudge Stripes Cookies at US retailers nationwide. $4.80 SRP.

Goldfish!

For a limited time only starting this March, Goldfish Butterbeer Flavored Grahams will be hitting the shelves of US national retailers and available online — don’t miss your chance to try the wizarding world’s favorite drink, now in snack form!  Kids will love these but so will adults! $3.69 SRP.

Perfect for movie nights! SkinnyPop is my favorite popcorn!

An all-new limited-edition snack perfect for a magical movie night! This sharing-size bag of Butterbeer Flavored Kettle Popcorn is enchantingly popped with a taste of butterscotch flavor and a hint of brown butter and caramel flavors. It has the same quality ingredients you expect from SkinnyPop, and enchanting flavors inspired by the world of Harry Potter.  Plus, it’s free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, and tree nuts, so it can be enjoyed by almost everybody. Don’t miss it before it’s gone! $2.99 SRP and Costco has a big bag! (At least last time I was there!)

The perfect gift for a Harry Potter fan!

Raise a glass and get ready to toast your love for the most delicious season with Harry Potter Butterbeer Mini Mug Set. Complete with a collectible 3-1/2 inch Butterbeer glass mug inspired by the Butterbeer mug as seen in the films, a 48-page guide book on Butterbeer and a Harry Potter-themed coaster. Available to fans around the world online. $15.95 SRP at major retailers nationwide.

GRAB A TASTE OF BUTTERBEER WHEREVER YOU ARE

Harry Potter destinations around the world – including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Destinations & Experiences in Orlando, Hollywood and Beijing, all three Warner Bros. Studio Tours in London, Hollywood and Tokyo and various Harry Potter traveling experience locations are each offering fans new and exciting ways to enjoy the delicious taste of Butterbeer. Here’s a glimpse at some of the exciting things planned…

USA

  • Harry Potter New York is one of the most insta-worthy spots to enjoy a Butterbeer, thanks to its gorgeous Butterbeer bar. In addition to sipping the tasty drink against a backdrop of Butterbeer bottles and bubbles, fans can sample some brand-new treats from March 1st, including Butterbeer cookies, sundaes and a tasty new ice-cream topping.
  • The popular Butterbeer Truck will be visiting multiple cities across the USA, bringing delicious joy to those lucky ones who discover it! Fans who spot it have the chance to get their hands on a free Butterbeer, grab surprise giveaways, get involved with themed photo ops and more. Check out @HarryPotter for information on when and where the truck will be making its stops. 
  • Beginning March 1st until 31st May, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will offer guests a chance to enjoy Butterbeer in all-new ways – from sweet treats to themed merchandise, and more!
  • At Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Boston fans can celebrate the season with Butterbeer-inspired ticket packages that include admission, merchandise, and of course a Butterbeer! 

To stay up to date with all the Harry Potter and Butterbeer Season news and updates, check out http://www.HarryPotter.com/, and while you’re there, why not get Sorted into your Hogwarts house and sign up for the Harry Potter Fan Club.

About Butterbeer Season:

Butterbeer Season is a Warner Bros. Discovery global franchise initiative to annually celebrate the flavour, scent and look of the iconic beverage fans will recognize from the magical world of Harry Potter. Butterbeer was first introduced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and quickly became a fan favorite symbol of joy, comfort, warmth and togetherness. Fans who longed for the opportunity to enjoy the beverage have loved the varied Butterbeer offerings currently available at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Destinations & Experiences global theme parks, Warner Bros. Studio Tours in Hollywood, Tokyo and London, Harry Potter Shops in London and New York, and many of the Harry Potter touring experiences around the world. Now, every March through May, fans around the world will have the opportunity to celebrate Butterbeer in new and unexpected ways during Butterbeer Season. Look out for new treats, limited-edition products, events, and activations to experience the joy of Butterbeer.

For the latest Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news and features, visit www.harrypotter.com   

All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s25)

Self Disclosure: I received a free goodie-filled box from Warner Bros. Discovery to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Summer Fun Returns to Gateway School as It Opens Registration for 2025 Camp Program

May 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Popular summer program returns after pandemic hiatus, welcoming all Santa Cruz families

Gateway School in Santa Cruz announced today it’s opening its summer camp program to all Santa Cruz families this summer. Camp Gateway will run for five weeks from June 16 through July 18, with a robust array of enriching activities for all children entering 1st through 5th grades, regardless of school enrollment.

“We’re excited to open our doors to all Santa Cruz families and provide a summer experience that combines fun, creativity, and exploration,” said Gateway Head of School Hannah Wikse. “Our program welcomes children from throughout the community to enjoy engaging specialty classes in the joyful environment that makes Camp Gateway special.”

The camp will offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate family needs:

  • Morning session: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Afternoon session: 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Full day: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Camp Gateway will feature specialty classes taught by experienced instructors, including:

  • Nature illustration
  • Build, paint, create
  • Field and gym sports
  • Printmaking
  • Jiu Jitsu (held at Garth Taylor Jiu Jitsu)
  • Jewelry making
  • Pottery (tentative)

Afternoon sessions will include counselor-led activities including:

  • Field games
  • Crafting, scavenger hunts
  • Painting and drawing
  • Walking field trips
  • Paper rocket building, and more

“Camp Gateway returns as a revival of the school’s beloved summer program that ran successfully for many years at our former location,” Wikse said. “After a pause during our campus relocation and the pandemic, we’re thrilled to bring back this Gateway tradition, which has created memorable summer experiences for hundreds of Santa Cruz children over the years.”

Camp Gateway offers competitive pricing with multiple options for families:

  • Morning session: $350/week
  • Afternoon session: $300/week
  • Full day: $550/week

Registration is now open at https://campgateway.campbrainregistration.com. Families are encouraged to secure their spots early, as space is limited.

Credit: Gateway School.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

For Immediate Release: 7 Out of 10 Public School Students in Los Angeles County Are Eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships Worth Up to $1,500 for College or Career Training

May 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment

College acceptance and financial aid letters are arriving soon, and high school seniors and college students have a major opportunity to ease their higher education costs through the CalKIDS program. CalKIDS is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. This statewide initiative, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, provides eligible California public school students with CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500—helping them take the next step toward college or career training by easing financial barriers to higher education.

In Los Angeles County, more than $524 million in CalKIDS Scholarships has been made available to public school students over the last three years, providing critical financial support for their higher education. A CalKIDS Scholarship does not require students to submit essays, meet a minimum GPA, or provide recommendation letters. Claiming a scholarship is simple and takes just minutes at CalKIDS.org.

“CalKIDS is an incredible resource for Los Angeles County families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. “Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is the easiest step students can take on their path to higher education, and we want every eligible student to claim their scholarship account and take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Eligible students can use their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and computer equipment. Since 2022, approximately $1 billion in CalKIDS Scholarships have been made available to more than 2 million of California’s public high school students.

For Shaniya from UCLA, the funds from her CalKIDS Account made a big impact. “I used my money to pay for my first housing bill and that allowed me to save more money for the next two payments. It made a huge difference to me because by the end of the year I was able to pay for all of my necessities.”

To get the word out about this amazing program in Los Angeles County and ensure students and families are aware of and claim their CalKIDS Accounts, the ScholarShare Investment Board has worked diligently to establish strong partnerships with high schools, school districts, community-based organizations, and financial aid directors at community colleges and universities. Partners like Los Angeles County Office of Education play a vital role in spreading awareness and helping students access the funds available to them.

Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is quick and easy. Families simply need the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a ten-digit number which can be obtained by contacting their school directly. Once they have the SSID, parents or students can visit CalKIDS.org to check eligibility and claim a scholarship account in just minutes.

The funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, and career programs across the country. Once enrolled in a higher education program, students can log into their CalKIDS Account to request a distribution directly to their school to cover qualifying educational expenses. 

“Studies show that students with just $500 or less set aside for college are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate,” said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director. “CalKIDS Accounts are more than financial assistance—they’re an investment in students’ futures, and we want to give every one of these students a reason to believe in their path to higher education.”

With roughly 7 out of 10 of Los Angeles County public school students eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship and key college decisions and financial aid deadlines approaching, now is the time for students and families to check their eligibility and claim their scholarship account.  

For more information on eligibility, scholarship amounts, and how to claim a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, visit CalKIDS.org.

Credit: CalKIDS.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Books of May

May 4, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Saanvi’s Bad Day by Sheena Sharma

After having a terrible day at school, Saanvi returns home frustrated and mad. All she wants to do is sulk in her room until she has an eye-opening conversation with her dad. During their talk, she learns how grown-ups have bad days too. Grownups and kids are more similar than she originally thought! Join Saanvi as she learns the different ways to turn her bad days around. When Saanvi has another bad day at school the next week, will she be able to tackle her unhappiness in a positive way?

Willie’s Gift by Clairmarie H. Field

https://a.co/d/bDHeAhW

Willie is a silky-beige and rust-colored Yorkshire terrier puppy with one problem. He was born with exceptionally large ears. He knows that he does not look like other puppies in his dog training classroom, and he feels a little strange. How will he learn to accept himself? In Willie’s Gift, read how Willie discovers the perfect solution while learning something very important about himself in the process.

Animals are Great by Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Lisa Hart, and Mark Larson         

https://tikatikatime.com/read

Jump into the joyful world of “Animals Are Great,” a lyrical children’s book that invites young readers to sing along to an animated music video! This vibrant story showcases a delightful cast of animals, each celebrated for their unique qualities and contributions to the world. With catchy rhymes and stunning illustrations, children will be captivated as they follow the rhythm of the song, exploring the wonders of nature and the beauty of diversity. Perfect for family bonding and interactive fun, “Animals Are Great” encourages a love for music, creativity, and the animal kingdom, making it an unforgettable addition to any child’s bookshelf!

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Spring Must-Haves!

May 4, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Great for travel!

With Spring travel currently underway and almost summer, you may be looking for a snack to take with you on road trips! The Only Bean has you covered! It’s perfect for both kids and adults!

Packed with 14g of plant-based protein and 4g of fiber per serving, these crunchy roasted edamame snacks deliver serious brain food without the mess. They’re non-GMO, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and come in resealable packs—perfect for keeping kids (and adults) satisfied and sharp between stops.

I had the opportunity to try these, and they are also great in salads this Spring! I’ve been trying to eat healthier this year, and these are a really great addition to salads!

So adorable and a great incentive for children!

My Rewards Pal offers parents, grandparents and teachers a new reward system to encourage empathy, kindness and respect. Each My Reward Pal comes with a plush, storybook lesson and reward tokens. Each time a child performs a positive action or behavior relating to the lesson taught by the set, they can insert a token into the plush. These tokens can be reused over and over again to continue showing positive behavior. Once they collect all the tokens, they can exchange them for a reward. Each animal in the collection has a special focus that is described in the storybook that accompanies it. Bene the Bear focuses on building a kinder world, Sparkle the Dog focuses on pet care, Seawhee the Turtle shares ocean conservation best practices and Haylo the Horse focuses on positive ways to work through emotions. Developed by former educators, they hope their plush toys help spread love and kindness and help make the world a better place. More information: https://benebeargiving.com/ and available at Amazon.

This Turtle is just adorable and was a hit with my youngest reviewer! I love how it reinforces kindness, which is much needed in today’s world!

Eating healthier this year? I am and I love tuna and salmon!

Tonnino’s innovative approach to seafood has redefined the tuna experience. From their yellowfin tuna cans with real vegetables to exquisite Albacore tuna in jars, a delightful kids’ line, and the new party dips, Tonnino is setting the gold standard for quality and creativity in the U.S. market.

With 25 incredible varieties—including the newly launched Albacore Tuna—Tonnino takes your favorite recipes to the next level. Think velvety tuna melts, vibrant gourmet salads, and restaurant-worthy pasta dishes. This isn’t just tuna—it’s a culinary experience! Find out more at https://tonnino.com/

I tried the tuna in a tuna melt and it was delicious! I think I will try making tacos next!

Happy Spring!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. I received images for The Only Bean and Tonnino.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Sea Lions of the Galapagos * Vibrant, Colorful Reveal Of The Life Of A Sweet Little Galapagos Sea Lion Pup And All His Challenges And Triumphs

May 1, 2025 By Leave a Comment

In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies a magical cluster of islands, home to a unique collection of castaways found nowhere else on earth. Narrated by Brendan Fraser, Disneynature’s “Sea Lions of the Galapagos” dives underwater with Leo, a handsome sea lion pup who’s learning how to navigate life alongside his mother, Luna. Following swimming lessons, fishing expeditions and some growing up, Leo eventually leaves his mother’s colony to find his own home—male sea lions must fight to earn the best spots, and only the strongest will become beach-masters. Leo’s lifelong quest is fraught with challenges and filled with new encounters with an array of creatures, from marine iguanas and racer snakes to yellow fin tuna and huge Galapagos sharks. The archipelago is Leo’s playground—overland and underwater—but he must stay vigilant to find his place in the world. Directed by Hugh Wilson, co-directed by Keith Scholey, and produced by Scholey, Wilson and Roy Conli, the all-new adventure launches is available exclusively on Disney+.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. comments, “Sea Lions of the Galapagos is by far the cutest documentary I have ever seen.  Vibrant, colorful, and a few splashes of laughter, it shows the life of a sweet little Galapagos Sea lion pup and all the challenges and triumphs that come with being one.” See his full review below.

Sea Lions of the Galapagos
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Sea Lions of the Galapagos is by far the cutest documentary I have ever seen.  Vibrant, colorful, and a few splashes of laughter, it shows the life of a sweet little Galapagos Sea lion pup and all the challenges and triumphs that come with being one.

Leo is an adorable sea lion pup who has only ever known his home beach and the calm shallow waters that grace its shores.  Sunshine, fresh air, a mother that can find him whenever he decides to dive off and explore; what more could he want?  All seems well in his world until he realizes that he isn’t a baby pup anymore, and since he’s not the male beachmaster, he’s not welcome on the island.  What follows is Leo’s quest to find his place in the world, and an island to call home.

With direction by Hugh Wilson and Keith Scholey and narration by Brandon Fraser, this is not your standard animal documentary.  Instead of just revealing facts about the animal in focus, this feature educates from the perspective of a story, with the life of a young sea lion, named Leo, as a guide. However, this does not mean there is less insight into the Galapagos sea lion species.  As Leo makes his way, I learned all the ins and outs of being a sea lion, and living in the Galapagos. For example, in one instance Leo teams up with some friends to catch some fish, when some uninvited guests show up. While sad for Leo and his pals, it beautifully illustrates how all animals are connected and interact with each other.  Speaking of scenes, my favorite might just be the most hilarious.  After a day of traveling, Leo finally finds a nice soft beach to land on.  Thinking this might just be the place he can make his home, he falls asleep only to be awoken by the beach’s beachmaster, and he is NOT happy to see another male.  Leo has no choice but to escape up a steep hill where the beachmaster, as big as he is, cannot follow.  How does Leo leave the island?  By belly-whopping his way down the other side of the hill!  After this daring endeavor, Leo continues on his way.

This documentary’s message is to always explore; there is always something out there to find, even for a sea lion.  As Leo grows up, he gets wiser and braver due to all the challenges he’s faced, like blowing bubbles to scare out fish from their coral caves. Note that there are a few sightings of blood in this documentary.

I give Sea Lions of the Galapagos 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 plus adults.  Sea Lions of the Galapagos is available now on Disney+.

Filed Under: Media Reviews
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