Archives for February 3, 2026

Valentine’s Day 2026 Gift Suggestions

Love these ideas!

MetalPlex Wall Art

This Valentine’s Day, MetalPlex offers a meaningful way to celebrate love with personalized metal wall art handcrafted in Austin, Texas from eco‑friendly recycled aluminum, with prices starting at $53. From infinity symbols with custom hearts to metal heart designs, couple name signs, and romantic phrases like “I Love You,” “You & Me,” and “You & Me Forever,” each piece is customized with names or meaningful text to honor a unique love story or cherished bond. Lightweight, rust‑free, and fade‑resistant for indoor or outdoor display, MetalPlex designs are available at www.Metal-Plex.com, with select pieces also on Amazon.

Get Cozy with Mozy this Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of warmth that goes wherever adventure leads. Mozy is the wearable thermal wrap designed for outdoor lovers who don’t let cold weather slow them down. Acting like a jacket for your legs, Mozy delivers over 500% more warmth than a standard blanket thanks to its patented heat‑trapping technology (no batteries, no plugs, just pure, portable comfort!). Whether you are planning a romantic mountain getaway, a sunset beach stroll, or a cozy campfire date, Mozy keeps you and your loved one warm without sacrificing mobility. Available in Black, Blue, and Gray for $129 at getthemozy.com and Amazon, it’s a thoughtful, practical Valentine’s Day gift for anyone who loves the outdoors. 

A Valentine They’ll Actually Use: KEEP>GOING First Aid Kits

This Valentine’s Day, KEEP>GOING First Aid Kits make a thoughtful, practical way to show a little love to the ones who keep your heart steady. Created by a mom of four, these TSA‑approved, stylish kits are packed with 130+ essentials, from burn relief to bandages, and come in four sizes and fun patterns like Tie‑Dye and Woodland. For partners who love to adventure, the Adult GoKits in Fierce Red add a bold, gift‑ready touch, while the new Pet Kit ensures your furry Valentine is covered too! Explore the full collection at www.KeepGoingFirstAid.com and Amazon.

Falcon Pure Black Iced Coffee from Dave’s Coffee

This Valentine’s Day, meet the bold brew New Englanders love: Falcon Pure Black Iced Coffee from Dave’s Coffee, proudly crafted in Rhode Island and inspired by the region’s grit. Made with 100% Arabica beans, this medium roast delivers deep cocoa richness with a bright citrus lift with no sugar, dairy, or additives, just pure, chilled devotion in every sip. Whether you’re gifting your coffee‑obsessed sweetheart, fueling a winter weekend escape, or stocking the office fridge for a little team love, Falcon’s authentic New England roots, all‑season drinkability, and ready‑anywhere convenience make it the perfect match for anyone who runs on flavor and heart. Explore the collection at www.DavesCoffee.com.

This is sooo cute!

A beautiful knit cardigan from Feltman Brothers is just what your little one needs as a Valentine’s Day gift this year! Both warm and classy, this Feltman’s knit sweater is the perfect addition to any outfit during the cold months. Can be worn alone as a top or as an extra layer over an outfit. Retails for $59.95 at https://feltmanbrothers.com/popcorn-cardigan/Dress your little one up in an heirloom quality outfit for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, family parties, holidays, and more. Choose Feltman Brothers…because it’s the little things that make a big difference.

Perfect for Romantic Movie nights!

Sugar Plum Cinematic Love: Nostalgic Celebration of Treats is a must buy!

This gift box is the perfect Valentine’s Day surprise, combining sweet indulgence and classic film-inspired nostalgia for a memorable, heartwarming celebration of love. It features dark chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered sandwich cookies, rosé jelly beans, sour gummy lips, red gummy hearts, and other delicious treats. $55 at sugar-plum.com

My favorite is the Chocolate-covered sandwich cookies!

Love this!

Manta SILK Mask is perfect for men and women!

Get the most rejuvenating sleep ever with this premium sleep mask that combines skin-protecting silk with the deep-sleep-boosting power of true 100% blackout. The Manta SILK Mask is the only anti-aging mask optimized for deep sleep. Made with lustrous and durable 22 momme silk that prevents wrinkles and refreshes skin cells, Manta SILK Sleep provides the anti-aging benefits of deep sleep and the anti-aging benefits of silk at the same time. 
Most “silk” masks use cheap, fragile, low-quality (or even fake) silk that falls apart after a short time. SILK is made with durable, lustrous 22 momme mulberry satin silk that’s buttery to the touch, lusciously soft and OEKO-TEX Certified (Standard 100). And unlike most low-quality alternatives, it’s 100% machine washable. SILK’s fabric contains 18 essential amino acids that refresh your skin cells while you sleep, and its nonabsorbent, hypoallergenic fibers keep your natural oils and expensive face creams where they belong: on your skin. The luxe Manta SILK Mask retails for $60 on Amazon.

PLAYMOBIL x Monster High Valentine’s Date set 

This adorable playset is the perfect Valentine’s gift for the Monster High fan coupled with PLAYMOBIL’s iconic attention to detail. Join monster sweethearts Draculaura and Clawd for an evening date in the park, complete with heart-shaped vines, floating balloons, and a sparkling gift box. Available on PLAYMOBIL.com for $19.99!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday featured post. Images were also provided.

The Inlands Launches as Southern California’s Newest Regional Destination Brand

New tourism identity celebrates the authenticity and diversity of inland Southern California

Image courtesy of The Inlands

 Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) announces the launch of The Inlands, a new regional identity uniting and promoting one of California’s most distinct destinations. Developed in partnership with Visit California, The Inlands is rooted in authenticity and built for travelers seeking discovery. The Inlands brings together four subregions: High Desert, Inland Mountains, West End and Southern Vineyards, each offering its own sense of place while sharing a collective energy that is unmistakably Southern California.

The initiative builds on the region’s rebranding from the Inland Empire Rural Region to The Inlands, a name that better reflects its unique character and celebrates the area’s diverse rural, agricultural and recreational experiences. From boutique wineries and mountain towns to creative hubs and wide-open desert, The Inlands captures the real Southern California locals experience every day.

“This launch is the result of years of collaboration between destinations that share one goal: to put our region on the map,” said Michael Krouse, President & CEO of Greater Ontario California (GOCAL). “The Inlands unites us under one powerful story–one that celebrates our collective identity and the authentic spirit of inland Southern California.”

“This rebrand reflects how far our region has come,” said Kelsie Woodward, Director of Marketing & Communications, GOCAL. “The Inlands marks a new chapter that embraces collaboration, celebrates our growth and invites people to see this region with fresh eyes.”

The launch marks the start of a multi-year effort to strengthen community pride and build awareness of the Inlands as a meaningful part of California’s travel story. For more information and to stay up to date on upcoming events and attractions, visit theinlands.com and follow @theinlands on Instagram.

About The Inlands

The Inlands brings together the destinations of inland Southern California, known for its natural landscapes, vineyards, dining and entertainment. Encompassing the High Desert, Inland Mountains, West End and Southern Vineyards, the region connects communities that offer countless ways to explore, unwind and enjoy. From outdoor adventures and local attractions to family-friendly events and live performances, The Inlands captures the spirit of an area filled with activity and discovery, offering a fresh way to experience California just beyond the coast. A regional initiative developed by GOCAL, The Inlands highlights the stories, landmarks and cultures that define inland Southern California.

Credit: The Inlands

February 2026 U.S. tour of Kings Del Wepa

Los Angeles-based production hub misterpsychedelia has partnered with Live Nation to announce the February 2026 U.S. tour of Kings Del Wepa, bringing the group’s explosive ‘cumbia wepa’ live performance to five cities across California and Texas.

This February run marks a significant step forward in the group’s U.S. touring expansion, featuring headline dates in key West Coast and Texas markets.

·         February 10, 2026 — Ace of Spades — Sacramento, CA

·         February 12, 2026 — The Regent Theater — Los Angeles, CA

·         February 17, 2026 — House of Blues — Houston, TX

·         February 18, 2026 — The Echo Lounge & Music Hall — Dallas, TX

·         February 19, 2026 — The Aztec Theatre — San Antonio, TX

Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico music ensemble Kings Del Wepa are known for their commanding stage presence, deep rhythmic roots, and genre-bending sound, delivering performances that blur the line between concert, ceremony, and dance-floor energy.

Kings Del Wepa have created an incredible collection of songs that may already be on your ‘cumbia wepa’ playlist, such as:  “Cumbia Lorana”, “Medio Metro, “La Bomba Arabe,” “Mi Abuela Baila Wepa,” “La Sampuesana Regreso,” “Atrevete,” “Meneando Cinturita”,  “Cumbia de la Cinta”, “Hey Morros”, “Wepiriski” and  “Cumbia Cartagena”.

Fans of both traditional and contemporary Latin music have come to love Kings Del Wepa‘s catchy melodies, contagious rhythms, and uplifting lyrics. They are a true portrayal of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in the essence of their hometown.

Each date will feature a 75–90 minute headline set, delivering Kings Del Wepa’s full live experience — immersive, percussive, and built for movement.

This tour marks a strategic partnership between Misterpsychedelia and Live Nation, combining global touring infrastructure with curator-driven programming rooted in underground and international music cultures.

Tickets: http://linktr.ee/misterpsychedelia

Follow Kings Del Wepa

https://www.instagram.com/kingsdelwepa/

https://www.tiktok.com/@kingsdelwepa

https://www.youtube.com/@KINGSDELWEPA

Books of the Month: February 2026

What’s your myth?

Penelope Weaver has spent her whole life preparing to attend Anaximander’s Academy, where students learn how to bring to life the stories of Greek mythology as well as discover the Greek god whose principles they most embody. Penelope knows she’s an Athena—all smart, practical, and rule-following girls who take part in stories that matter are Athenas.

But when Penelope and her twin brother Paris arrive at Anaximander’s, it appears fate has other plans. Penelope isn’t placed with Athena but with students who are anything but practical and who prefer parties to rules. And that’s just the beginning. She’s given the world’s worst muse, her assigned tasks feel impossible, and the magic of Anaximander’s is overwhelming. Not to mention, there are two very different boys making her new life even more confusing.

But as things go from bad to dangerously worse, one thing becomes clear: in a world where everything is fated to happen a certain way, some stories need to be rewritten. As the world around her shifts and cracks, Penelope is asked to forget everything she thought she knew to help create a better story…even if that changes every plan and breaks every rule.

The perfect read for middle school readers!

SPECIAL EDITION: For the first printing only, this hardcover will feature exclusive painted edges!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracy Wolff is the #1 New York Times, #1 internationally, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of the Crave series as well as many other novels. A lover of mythology, vampires, and getting lost in a great book, she’s spent her whole life asking “what if” and “what happens next”—questions being a writer has helped her answer again and again. At six, she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow, a unicorn, and a shapeshifting prince—and at seven, she forayed into the wonderful world of middle grade literature with her first Judy Blume novel. A one-time English professor, she now devotes all her time to writing fun, action-packed, romantic stories with fantastical worlds and characters who leap off the page. She has written all her seventy-plus novels from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her partner, her sons, and their three adorable dogs.

The Chase is a new picture book from author/illustrator Jenny Bloomfield. When a mischievous gang of dogs set off after a bright red ball, nothing will stop the chase! The race leads them down the beach, through the city, into the museum, and more. An utter joy from beginning to end, this book combines the charm (with an adorably illustrated canine crew) of Hairy Maclary with the infectious rhythm and energy of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. This is such a fun and playful book to read!

VALENTINE’S ARE THE WORST Written and Illustrated by Alex Willan 

S&S Books for Young Readers | on sale January 30, 2025 | 9781665962612| Ages 4-8  

About the book: An unsuspecting Gilbert the Goblin finds himself in the crosshairs of cupids and their heart-tipped arrows in the hilarious latest installment in The Worst! picture book series, where even the strangest of creatures can become the best of friends.
Who needs valentines? Not Gilbert the goblin! There’s no time for cards and hugs and all that mushy malarky with far more important matters at hand—like, uh…eating tacos. When Gilbert bumps into a squad of cupids bent on showering him with love arrows, he runs for his life!
This is clearly proof that valentines are the worst! Can Gilbert avoid the trappings of the holiday or will love find a way?

This is such a fun holiday book to read!

About the author: If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.

 ARCTIC ADVENTURE: A TUNDRA TALE by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Alexandra Cook (Feiwel & Friends, Ages 3-6).

Exploring the wonder and mystery surrounding Svalbard—a Norwegian archipelago known for its remoteness, rugged terrain, glaciers, and wildlife—this story shines a timely light on our “global refrigerator.” It also contains extensive backmatter that starts conversations about what kids can do to protect this space, including: reducing the use of fossil fuels, recycling and reusing plastics, conserving water, planting gardens, and more. This is an engaging book that will delight young children this Winter season.

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