Archives for May 5, 2026

Book of the Month: If Animals Said I Love You Mama

Perfect picture book for Mother’s Day!

If Animals Said I Love You, Mama by Ann Whitford Paul; illustrated by David Walker features playful rhymes and adorable art, and the story highlights the joys of the mother-child relationship through an imaginative lens. Just imagine the many, many read-alouds you can do while fostering your little bookworms. 

Young children will love the characters and the story! It’s a fun and engaging story to read and love that there are so many different animals in the story! This one is a must-read this upcoming Mother’s Day!

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy to facilitate this post and cover image was provided.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 * The Plot, The Stakes, The Drama, The Statement Outfits! Prada Is Back!

Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Adele N. comments, “I was thrilled with the execution of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 hit movie The Devil Wears Prada. The contemporary themes and dedication to its fashion roots allows the film to not only stand on its own, but thrive in its spotlight.” Valerie M. adds, “The Devil Wears Prada 2 not only lives up to the original, it surpasses it. The plot, the stakes, the drama, and the statement outfits have all gone up by 110% in the latest film.” Katherine S. adds, “This sequel may not have been necessary, but is it worth the watch? Absolutely. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is shockingly funny – honestly, even funnier that the first.” Julie O. adds, “I love that the same messages from the first film remain true in this one. First of all, hard work, perseverance, and patience are valued traits.” Elsy S. wraps it up with, “The film’s message is about how modernity is overtaking the media, but one should never forget from where it all began. Be forewarned that the film shows some profanity, alcoholic drinking, the concept of death, and other adult references.” See their full reviews below.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

By Adele N, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I was thrilled with the execution of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 hit movie The Devil Wears Prada. The contemporary themes and dedication to its fashion roots allows the film to not only stand on its own, but thrive in its spotlight.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 reintroduces us to the loveable Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who is now 20 years older and has grown into herself as a well-respected journalist. But after a mass firing at her company and an even larger scandal at the infamous Runway (the world’s most elite fashion magazine), Andy must reunite with her former boss Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) in order to save both her own job and Runway’s future.

Sequels always make me slightly apprehensive. All too often they either try too hard to recreate the magic of the first film, or completely ignore its predecessor and fall flat for eager audiences. The Devil Wears Prada 2, however, did neither of these. Instead, it creates a refreshing storyline by adding themes that resonate with today’s audience. The age of media, doom scrolling, and clicking-over-reading are central to its plot, which keeps it realistic to today’s world. Additionally, its commitment to not just recreating, but rather reimagining its high-fashion visuals are phenomenal. There are many montages that show how today’s fashion has developed from that of 2006. The styling, color palates, and silhouettes are all unique from its predecessor but accurate to real fashion trends of today, which kept me engaged and enthralled.

This film illustrates the importance of the delicate balance between preserving the past and integrating the future. It reminds us that, while tradition is important, so is opening our arms to what is to come, lest we be swept away by the past. Note that this film does have some profanity.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in cinemas May 1, 2026.

The Devil Wears Prada 2By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

The Devil Wears Prada 2 not only lives up to the original, it surpasses it. The plot, the stakes, the drama, and the statement outfits have all gone up by 110% in the latest film.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 follows Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) as she loses her job at a newspaper due to budget cuts. After an impassioned speech at an award ceremony and a tip from someone special, Andy is offered the position of Senior Feature Editor by the owner of Runway. He brings her in to save the magazine from losing its credibility after a scandal from their coverage of a fast fashion company, and she’s reunited with the creative power behind Runway Magazine: Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci)

If I had to take only one thing away from The Devil Wears Prada 2,it would be the message. The film really excels in addressing relevant issues of the modern-day fashion industry and journalism in general – specifically, how artistic industries lose their meaning and purpose when they have to appeal to owners to stay profitable, and to mass consumers of short-form content to stay relevant. The film has so much to say about that and weaves it into the story, creating a movie where actions speak louder than words. The film achieves this with artistic cinematography. The movie doesn’t just show you what’s going on, it uses its visuals to tell the story – every plant, painting, light fixture and, especially outfits, set the mood and hint about what is going to happen. It’s subtle, and it ties the film together nicely. However, what really makes the film special is the character Andy. In her new position, she is really in her element. While I love this film, I feel the romantic subplot is underdeveloped and rushed, and there are a few situations that simply aren’t believable. Other than that, I had an absolute blast!

The film’s message is that you shouldn’t lose yourself just to please others. Note that there is some mild profanity, death references and questionable business practices.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases in theatres on May 1, 2026.

The Devil Wears Prada 2
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is the sequel we didn’t know we needed. I thoroughly enjoyed this film with its witty dialogue, lighthearted energy, and return of iconic characters. It’s a great way to catch up on what our favorite fashionistas are up to today.

Twenty years after she left Runway, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is now the successful and award-wining journalist she always hoped to be. But after her company’s budget is cut and her whole team is let go, she finds herself back where she started: working for Runway with the devil herself, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), but now as the features editor. With scandals and unexpected changes to Runway, can she save the future of the magazine?

This sequel may not have been necessary, but is it worth the watch? Absolutely. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is shockingly funny – honestly, even funnier that the first. I was laughing out loud the entire time, whether it was from the references to the first film or the perfectly timed one-liners. Speaking of references, I recommend re-watching the first film before seeing this one so you can pick up on subtle Easter eggs you might miss if you blink (keep an eye out for any blue belts or cerulean sweaters in the background). There are also a ton of unexpected cameos from famous actors, athletes, influencers and singers to anticipate. Along with these cameos, the whole gang is back together, and it’s so enjoyable to see their group dynamics and witness their interactions. We’ve got Andy (Anne Hathaway), Emily (Emily Blunt), Nigel (Stanley Tucci) and Miranda (Meryl Streep) working together and against each other, again. It’s so wholesome seeing how some of the characters have changed: Andy now has her confidence, Emily has a new leadership role at a different company; Nigel has more command, albeit behind the scenes, and Miranda has calmed down just a bit. It’s also interesting how Runway has evolved over the last two decades, from being a print magazine to becoming entirely digital. I congratulate the screenwriters for adapting these characters and the business to modern times, really connecting the audience immediately to the cast despite how long it’s been since the first film’s release.

The film reminds us to have ambition and resilience; to fight to achieve your dreams; and care for the people around you even if it’s unreciprocated.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults of course. It comes out in theaters on May 1, 2026. Check it out!

The Devil Wears Prada 2

By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13


The Devil Wears Prada 2
 surprised me with how much I enjoyed watching the movie. It is a fashion feast for the eyes! I love how the storyline is fresh and new compared to the original and I liked seeing how each character has developed over the years.

Anne Hathaway returns as Andy Sachs, the young woman who left the fashion world for a career in journalism. After twenty years, she is reunited with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) who are still leading the fashion world at Runway and Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt) who is now at Dior. The fashion world is striving to remain relevant in a world rapidly changing with online content and AI. 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 has a powerful storyline about how different business industries like fashion and journalism try to stay relevant and have to adjust to the changing needs of the world. Fashion is still the main aspect of the movie and the costumes are absolutely gorgeous. It is a lot more body positive than the first film and it is really funny when Miranda tries to make unacceptable comments and her assistant tries to stop her. I love when it features montages of everyone’s outfits while they are in Italy. The storyline has a lot of suspense and conflict. Each of the actors brings life to the characters, making it really easy for viewers to become invested emotionally when things are difficult and wanting to celebrate with them when things go well.  My favorite part is when Nigel gives his speech. I love this part because he has worked so hard for his recognition as a major contributor to Runway. The actors also bring a lot of humor to their characters, which makes the film really enjoyable to watch and each character is easy to relate to.

I love that the same messages from the first film remain true in this one. First of all, hard work, perseverance, and patience are valued traits. Also, the themes of being true to yourself and the value of friendship are still important. I like that the sequel also emphasizes how important it is to remain flexible and open to new opportunities in our fast-paced world. Parents should be advised there are some alcohol references and profanity. 


The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases in theaters on May 1, 2026.

The Devil Wears Prada 2                                                                                                                    
By Elsy S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I absolutely love the movie The Devil Wears Prada 2 because of its amazing plot twists, relatable characters and, of course, the amazing fashion that is exhibited in the movie.

The story takes place in several places, including New York City and Milan, and follows Miranda (Meryl Streep), Andy (Anne Hathaway), Emily (Emily Blunt), Nigel (Stanley Tucci) and several others as they attempt to save Runway through a series of ups and downs, including the death of their long term CEO. Andy is rehired at Runway after being fired at her old job, though doesn’t realize that she was hired without Miranda’s knowledge until she gets the job as a feature writer. In the end, she earns Miranda’s trust and respect and keeps her job at Runway, though not before a huge betrayal by Emily and more dramatic plot twists.

This movie is an incredible and much needed sequel to the first, and really wraps up the story, showing viewers what ends up happening to Andy and Miranda. It really demonstrates how, even as our world evolves into the modern age, we would do well to remember our roots and beliefs. My favorite character is Nigel, because of his humorous lines and kindness to everyone, even when they don’t reciprocate his generosity. The actors are all incredible and really demonstrate the emotional depth of each individual character. My favorite scene is when Nigel reveals that he was behind Andy getting rehired at Runway, and it wasn’t a grand coincidence. My least favorite part is when we discover the extent of Emily’s betrayal, even though she ends up becoming friends with Andy in the end. The fashion in this film is incredible and entirely up to date, showing us breathtaking images through clothing, while not taking away from the plot. In comparison to the original film, this one definitely focuses on the complexities of the real world and the environment, making them both amazing in their own right.

The film’s message is about how modernity is overtaking the media, but one should never forget from where it all began. Be forewarned that the film shows some profanity, alcoholic drinking, the concept of death, and other adult references.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on May 1, 2026.

Randy’s Donuts Serves Up Mother’s Day Treats, Deals & Mango Mayhem This May

This May, Randy’s Donuts is adding a little extra sweetness with a lineup of limited-time offerings and value-driven deals:

Mom will love these donuts!
  • Mother’s Day Donut (May 7 – 10)
    • A sweet way to surprise Mom with something thoughtful and made just for her, the Pink Iced Bavarian Cream Donut features “Mom” piped across the top in white icing, turning a simple treat into a personalized moment of appreciation.
  • “A Sweet Thanks” Community Appreciation Days (May 4 – 17)
    • Bringing a little extra sweetness to those who give so much, teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders are invited to enjoy a BOGO offer on any classic donut (in-store only).
      • Must show valid work/organization ID; limit 3 per order
  • Mango Mayhem (May 1 – July 31)
    • As temperatures rise, Randy’s is adding a tropical twist to the season with the Mango Tajín Donut, a mango-coated glazed donut finished with Tajín, and a refreshing Mango Lemonade, bringing a sweet and tangy twist to the classic lineup to capture the feeling of sunny days.

Credit: Randy’s Donuts.

Victoria Gardens Welcomes May with Western Wednesdays and Mother’s Day Experiences 

Seasonal events, dining experiences and weekly activations bring the community together throughout the month

Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Photo courtesy of Victoria Gardens

Victoria Gardens, the luxury open-air shopping center, invites guests to celebrate the season with a thoughtfully curated lineup of events and experiences throughout May, including a new weekly Western-inspired line dancing series and Mother’s Day programming designed to bring the community together.

Beginning Wednesday, May 6, Victoria Gardens introduces Western Wednesdays, a new weekly series running through May and June that brings a lively, country-inspired atmosphere to the center. Hosted by Pepper, a renowned line dancing instructor in Southern California, the series will take place every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Victoria Gardens Food Hall and will feature line dancing lessons, interactive instruction and a high-energy, social setting. Designed for all experience levels, Western Wednesdays offers guests a fun and approachable way to gather, connect and enjoy an evening of music and movement. Attendance is free and open to the public; RSVPs are encouraged via Eventbrite.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Victoria Gardens will host a Mother’s Day Flower Bar Workshop on Friday, May 8 in Chaffey Town Square, offering guests a hands-on floral design experience where they can create a custom bouquet using hand-selected blooms. The workshop will take place in two sessions from 2-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., and will include guided instruction, a photo-ready setting and an opportunity to celebrate meaningful moments with loved ones. Space is limited and advance RSVP is required via Eventbrite.

Mother’s Day celebrations continue across Victoria Gardens’ dining, shopping and entertainment destinations, with special offerings throughout the weekend:

Dining

  • Punch Bowl Social is celebrating moms with a brunch experience that’s more than just a meal – delicious food, live jazz music and specials are the perfect way to spend a weekend together.
  • Seasons 52 Fresh Grill will feature specialty brunch offerings on May 9 and 10.
  • Paul Martin’s American Grill will offer a prix-fixe brunch on Sunday, May 10, with menu highlights including Tres Leches French Toast, Smoked Salmon Benedict and seasonal brunch favorites. 

Shopping

  • Guests can visit the CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutique for a personalized shopping experience featuring fragrance, beauty and curated gifting options, complete with elevated wrapping, perfect for celebrating Mom.
  • Looking for a last minute gift? Kiehl’s is offering 25% off your entire purchase (exclusions apply).
  • M.A.C. lip products are 30% off May 6–10 (exclusions apply).

Experiences

  • Whether Mom wants to jump in and play or take the day off while the family has fun, Immersive Gamebox has fun for the whole family on Mother’s Day. Get one free game with the purchase of one general admission ticket for a 60-minute game

Through a mix of seasonal programming, experiential events and community-focused offerings, Victoria Gardens continues to evolve as a dynamic destination for shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences in the Inland Empire.

For more information and a full list of events, visit shopvictoriagardens.com/events and follow on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. 

About Victoria Gardens

Victoria Gardens is an open-air, luxury shopping center tucked in the heart of Rancho Cucamonga. It is home to a prestigious collection of retailers including Apple, ZARA, Nike and Williams Sonoma. Guests can enjoy an inspired selection of eateries like Silver Lake Ramen, Seven Grams, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ or Brio Italian Grille, and explore entertainment at AMC Theatres, the Victoria Gardens Cultural Art Center or The Escape Game.

PLAZA MEXICO’S “DIA DE LOS MADRES” (MOTHERS DAY) CELEBRATION Sunday, May 10, 2026 *FREE*  

Vesper Public Relations. Los Angeles. May  4, 2026. Plaza Mexico celebrates Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Join us as we honor the women who have filled our lives with joy, love, and laughter.

Mother’s Day is a special time to share love, laughter, and memorable moments. Bring the wonderful moms in your life for a day they deserve, with tasty food, cool drinks, and a friendly atmosphere for everyone.

A rose will be given to mothers who register on this link while supplies last: https://www.plazamexico.com/events-1/mothers-day-celebration-honoring-moms-at-plaza-mexico

Enjoy musical performances by popular impersonators Rey Cruz ‘Juan Gabrielito’, Beto El Chistologo ‘Paquita La Del Barrio’, Mariachi Real Azteca, and DJ Proyecto Nuevo.

Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support, as well as partners: WSS.

Throughout 2026, Plaza Mexico will be your go-to spot for programming a variety of events—from lively festivals and artisan markets to kids’ activities, live music, and community celebrations.

ABOUT PLAZA MEXICO
Located at 3100 E. Imperial Hwy in the emergent city of Lynwood California, only 14 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Plaza Mexico is a unique 420,000 square foot retail, food, and office space blended together with Mexican culture to create an Hispanic wonderland of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plaza Mexico is bounded by Imperial Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, State Street, and the 105 Freeway, so no matter where you live you are never too far from this little piece of Mexico in Southern California.

Plaza México stands as a cultural landmark in Lynwood, California, celebrating the beauty, history, and spirit of Mexico. Inspired by traditional Mexican architecture and iconic landmarks, the plaza was designed to transport visitors into the heart of Mexico through its vibrant atmosphere, handcrafted details, and authentic sense of community.

More than a shopping destination, Plaza México is a place where culture, commerce, and connection thrive. The plaza hosts a wide variety of events year-round — from traditional celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Fiestas Patrias to live music, artisan markets, and family festivals that bring people together from across Southern California.

Visitors can stroll through beautifully designed spaces that feature replicas of Mexico’s most renowned monuments, including El Ángel de la Independencia, Kiosko de San Miguel de Allende, and Aztec Calendar. Each landmark offers a glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and provides a unique opportunity for guests to embark on a self-guided cultural tour right here in Lynwood.

Whether you’re visiting for shopping, dining, entertainment, or simply to connect with the vibrant Mexican culture, Plaza México invites you to experience a piece of Mexico — without leaving California.

Plaza Mexico is located at:
Plaza Mexico 3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262 Entrance + Parking: free, family-friendly, pet friendly all are welcome. Bring your lawn chairs.
https://www.plazamexico.com/

Santa Monica Place Announces May Events Featuring Western Wednesdays, Mats & Matcha Event and Mother’s Day Shopping Experiences

Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Place.

Santa Monica Place invites the community to enjoy a full calendar of free events this May, alongside curated shopping and dining experiences designed to make celebrating Mother’s Day effortless. Positioned as a one-stop destination, visitors can spend the day shopping for thoughtful gifts, enjoying brunch or dining by the coast in the heart of downtown Santa Monica.

For Mother’s Day, Santa Monica Place offers a thoughtfully curated mix of gifting options across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Shoppers can find cozy yet elevated pieces like Intimissimi loungewear and cashmere staples, everyday luxury accessories including handbags and sunglasses from brands like Elie Tahari, and stylish activewear sets from Nike for the on-the-go mom. Timeless jewelry from Pandora and Brilliant Earth offers meaningful, lasting gifts, from charm bracelets to fine jewelry pieces designed to be treasured for years to come.

From weekly line dancing and family-friendly programming to live music, Santa Monica Place offers something for visitors of all ages throughout the month.

Western Wednesdays

Dust off your boots, gather your crew and head to Western Wednesday, a free weekly celebration of country vibes by the coast. From first-timers to experienced dancers, all are invited to join in with step-by-step lessons led by professional instructors. Guests can also take advantage of happy hour specials at Santa Monica Place restaurants and pick up a complimentary bandana while supplies last.

Dates:

May 6, May 13, May 20 and May 27

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Center Plaza

Santa Monica Place Kids Club

Families can sing and dance at Santa Monica Place Kids Club, featuring family-friendly performances along with crafts, giveaways and interactive activities designed for young visitors. All supplies are complimentary courtesy of Santa Monica Place.

Date: May 8

Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location: Center Plaza

Sounds of Santa Monica

Enjoy the sounds of Santa Monica with live acoustic music and DJ performances that enhance the vibrant atmosphere of Center Plaza throughout the weekend.

Dates: May 8-10

Time: 12-6 p.m. daily

Location: Center Plaza

LouLou Mother’s Day Brunch

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a lively and elevated brunch experience at LouLou Santa Monica, featuring DJs and live performances beginning at 11:30 a.m. Guests can enjoy a special buffet alongside a seafood tower, priced at $95 per adult and $60 per child, making it a festive way to gather and celebrate by the coast.

Date: May 10

Time: Beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Location: LouLou Santa Monica, Level 3

Mats & Matcha with Club Studio

Enjoy a morning of movement and matcha. In partnership with Club Studio and Gather Two, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary Mat Pilates class paired with handcrafted matcha to kick off the weekend. Recently opened as a temporary community showroom ahead of its August debut, Club Studio will offer attendees an exclusive preview of its upcoming full studio experience before the official launch later this summer.

Dates: May 16

Time: 10-11 a.m. 

Location: Club Studiocommunity showroom

WHERE

Santa Monica Place is located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, at Broadway and Third Street Promenade. The event will take place on level one in Center Plaza.

Credit: Santa Monica Place.