Archives for June 18, 2026

Father’s Day Gift Suggestions!

Here are some great ideas!

ohhh sooo good!

Big Tree Farms BBQ Sauces — bringing globally inspired flavor to Father’s Day grilling, Big Tree Farms’ BBQ sauces are crafted with organic Nira, the naturally low-glycemic coconut blossom nectar harvested from coconut trees in Bali. The sauces combine smoky-sweet richness with elevated Southeast Asian street food-inspired flavor profiles that feel far beyond traditional grocery store BBQ sauce. Think caramelized depth, subtle tropical notes, and layered umami flavors designed for dads who take grilling seriously and love discovering bold new tastes. I love the Organic Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce! It is also soy free!

These are sure to be a hit!

15Olives Olive Oil Experience Club — a quarterly subscription designed for foodie dads, grill masters, and home chefs who love experimenting with bold, elevated flavors. Each season, members receive a curated box featuring two premium extra virgin olive oils paired with one artisan balsamic vinegar, creating a rotating tasting experience that evolves throughout the year. From robust, peppery olive oils to infused balsamics like mango sriracha, blood orange, bourbon, honey ginger, and elderberry, each delivery is crafted to inspire everyday cooking and summer grilling alike. Perfect for marinades, dipping, finishing dishes, or building flavor-forward BBQ moments, the club brings a restaurant-quality pantry experience into the home. It’s a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that extends well beyond the holiday, offering discovery, creativity, and gourmet flavor in every shipment.

Do you know a Dad who loves chocolate?

Alter Eco Build-A-Box Chocolate Collection — a customizable, giftable chocolate experience that lets dads (or their gift-givers) curate a personalized box of premium organic chocolate bars. Featuring globally sourced cacao and a commitment to regenerative agriculture and fair-trade practices, Alter Eco’s collection blends indulgence with purpose. The Build-A-Bundle format allows for mixing and matching flavors like Deep Dark Sea Salt, Burnt Caramel, Quinoa Crunch, and other elevated, small-batch inspired bars. It’s designed for dads who appreciate rich, complex chocolate and a more thoughtful approach to snacking, making it a standout Father’s Day upgrade from standard candy gifting.

I just love these! They stay fresher if you keep in the freezer!

Eban’s Bakehouse Variety Cookie Packs — a bakery-style assortment of indulgent cookies made without gluten but with full, rich flavor and texture. The variety pack offers a mix of classic and creative flavors baked in small batches for a homemade feel with a premium finish. Perfect for foodie dads who appreciate comfort desserts with better-for-you ingredients, these cookies deliver soft centers, crisp edges, and nostalgic flavor profiles that feel both elevated and familiar. It’s a thoughtful addition to Father’s Day gifting for dads who love sweet treats without compromise.

My favorite new water!

 Splendor Water — for the dad who wants his hydration to feel as elevated as the rest of his lifestyle, Splendor Volcanic Artesian Water transforms everyday water into a premium wellness experience. Sourced near Ecuador’s Cotopaxi Volcano, the water naturally contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, along with trace elements including gold and silver for exceptionally smooth, crisp taste. Available in still and sparkling varieties, Splendor is designed for dads looking to move beyond ordinary bottled water toward something more refined, refreshing, and wellness-minded. With award-winning taste recognition and eco-conscious packaging, it fits seamlessly into the growing trend of functional luxury beverages and elevated hydration rituals.

Dad will just love these new sheets on sale on Amazon.com

Dad will love new sheets this Father’s Day! Mellanni’s Iconic Collection 4-Piece Sheet Set, an Amazon favorite with over 370K reviews, will be up to 40% off. It’s known for its soft, breathable feel, wrinkle-resistant finish, and easy-care design, and is consistently a bestseller during Prime Day. They are soft and wrinkle-resistant! A real must-buy this upcoming holiday!

I also love that there is a variety of colors! Also, Easy Care – Just toss in the washer & dryer!

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

Minerva, June 19 Pet of the Week

The blissful look in Minerva’s milk-chocolate eyes expresses her pleasure at being taken for a visit to volunteer Jessica’s house. There, she played unfettered for a while and took time to smell the flowers. Wouldn’t that be great if Minerva could have a situation like that forever? Even a foster situation would be great. Minerva’s only 3, and everyone at Long Beach Animal Care Services loves her and her calm vibe. Volunteer Bev said that she waits calmly to be leashed, exits her kennel without trying to get at her neighbors, and walks gently by her walker’s side. She takes treats with great finesse and enjoys being petted all over. She doesn’t react to other dogs, and as for the occasional lizard that runs across her path—meh. Minerva would rather walk and sniff absolutely everything she comes across. When it’s time to go back into her kennel, Minerva seems fine with that, too. Wouldn’t you love someone in your life who’s that agreeable? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Minerva 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#A757615.

PLAZA MEXICO CELEBRATES FATHER’S DAY Music, Food, Panini & Loteria Tables! Sunday, June 21, 2026 (Free)

 

Credit: Plaza Mexico

Plaza Mexico celebrates Father’s Day with music, food, raffles, red carpet, and Panini & Loteria tables. Join us as we honor the men who give so much of themselves for their children.

Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Loteria & Panini tables), raffles, music throughout 4:00 pm.

Performances by Banda La Elegida, Grupo Blanco and Grupo Prendi2.

Register for a special gift for fathers while supplies last: https://www.plazamexico.com/events-1/fathers-day-celebration-honoring-dads-at-plaza-mexico.

Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support.

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 emerging 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 with Mexican culture to create a 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 featuring replicas of Mexico’s most renowned monuments, including El Ángel de la Independencia, Kiosko de San Miguel de Allende, and the 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/