Archives for August 2026

More Back-to-School Food Must-Buys!

Amasar

Better Breakfasts with Breadfruit: Amasar’s Fiber-Forward Innovation Helps Families Fuel the School Day
Puerto Rico-based Amasar helps families simplify back-to-school mornings with naturally gluten-free, fiber-forward breakfast solutions.

As families prepare for another school year, one nutritional challenge continues to concern health professionals: most Americans consume far less than the recommended daily amount of dietary fiber, despite growing evidence that fiber supports digestive health, sustained energy, heart health, and overall wellness. Busy school mornings often leave parents choosing convenience over nutrition as they search for breakfasts their children will actually enjoy.¹

Puerto Rico-based Amasar believes the solution may be found in an ingredient that has nourished Caribbean families for generations. Through its award-winning line of breadfruit-based baking products, the company is introducing American families to a naturally gluten-free, fiber-rich alternative that transforms everyday breakfasts into wholesome meals without sacrificing taste, convenience, or versatility. Unlike many gluten-free products that rely on refined starches, breadfruit naturally contains dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based nutrition while delivering the familiar texture and flavor consumers expect from pancakes, waffles, muffins, and baked goods. As more families embrace clean-label foods and functional ingredients, breadfruit is emerging as one of the most promising innovations in the better-for-you breakfast category.²

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between convenience and nutrition,” said Marisol Villalobos, Co-Founder and CEO of Amasar. “Breadfruit naturally provides fiber, versatility, and exceptional taste while creating breakfasts families already love. We’re introducing an ingredient that’s been treasured for centuries and helping make it part of the modern American breakfast table.”

Consumer demand continues to support this shift. Research shows that today’s shoppers are increasingly seeking foods made with recognizable ingredients that deliver nutritional value without compromising flavor. The gluten-free category has also expanded well beyond consumers with dietary restrictions as millions embrace naturally gluten-free foods as part of an overall wellness lifestyle.³

Amasar’s current product line includes Breadfruit Flour, Breadfruit Pancake Mix, and Breadfruit Waffle Mix, all produced from sustainably grown breadfruit harvested in Puerto Rico. The products are naturally gluten-free, plant-based, NON-GMO, and made with clean-label ingredients that fit seamlessly into today’s health-conscious kitchens.

For busy parents, Amasar’s baking mixes simplify healthier mornings. Families can prepare fluffy pancakes, crisp waffles, breakfast muffins, smoothie bowls, breakfast sandwiches, mini pancake bites, and make-ahead freezer breakfasts in just minutes. Breadfruit’s naturally mild flavor pairs beautifully with blueberries, bananas, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, apples, and other favorite breakfast ingredients, making nutritious meals both familiar and exciting.
Families looking for more inspiration can explore Amasar’s growing online collection of wholesome breakfast recipes and baking ideas. From Blueberry Breadfruit Pancakes and Banana Cinnamon Waffles to Breakfast Muffins, Sheet Pancakes, and grab-and-go school morning favorites, Amasar’s Recipe Blog helps families incorporate breadfruit into everyday meals while making healthy breakfasts simple, delicious, and fun. Visit https://amasar.net/pages/blogs/recipes for recipes and meal inspiration.

Beyond the breakfast table, every Amasar purchase supports sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico. Breadfruit trees are naturally resilient, high-yielding, and environmentally efficient, requiring fewer agricultural inputs than many traditional crops while supporting local farmers and strengthening regional food systems.
As parents prepare children for another successful school year, breakfast doesn’t have to be a compromise between nutrition and convenience. Amasar is proving that a centuries-old Caribbean staple can help fuel healthier mornings with fiber-forward foods that taste as good as they nourish—one pancake, one waffle, and one family breakfast at a time.

Here’s a great snack idea for both adults and kids! This is a great high protein snack item for the upcoming busy Fall season!

  • Beef Biltong (Available in Original & Spiced: $11.99 / 2oz)
    • Award-winning South African-style biltong made from 100% grass-fed, regeneratively raised beef. 
    • Sourced from partner ranches committed to restoring soil health, protecting biodiversity, and supporting watershed systems. 
    • Free from hormones and antibiotics, with zero sugar and nothing artificial, and marinated in persimmon vinegar for a rich, savory flavor and tender texture.
  • Naturally Fermented Persimmon Vinegar ($18.99 / 12.7 fl.oz): 
    • Elevated alternative to apple cider vinegar, crafted from California-grown persimmons and naturally rich in antioxidants. 
    • Balances delicate sweetness with tangy acidity, adding bright, complex flavor to salads, marinades, tonics, cocktails, and more.

Figure Ate Foods is also offering 15% off sitewide with code STOCKUP15 until September 7th. So check them out!

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

Book of the Day! What If Your Dog Became Human? Meet GOLDEN BOY!

When the beloved family golden retriever becomes human, a girl’s relationships with her family and herself transform in ways she never thought possible in this heartwarming and funny young adult novel.
Science-obsessed, teen-genius Emma Branch is used to being the odd one out—in her family, among her classmates, and in her small town that only ever seems to care about football. She doesn’t mind being all alone; in fact, she prefers it. Besides, who needs friends when she has a best friend already—her golden retriever, Hudson.
But when Hudson gets into an accident, Emma can’t bear to lose her only friend. Luckily, she’s been working on an experimental substance for her school science project that could help him out. All it was supposed to do was heal Hudson, not…turn him human?!
Emma, her family, and the whole town is about to learn just how a golden retriever can change hearts and minds for the better—that is, after causing a big, old mess first.

This is truly a book to read and is definitely a book for dog lovers of all ages!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.J. Symon was born and raised in the South where he was instilled with a love of football, dogs, and any food that’s been breaded and deep-fried. He got the idea for GOLDEN BOY when what he assumed was a game of fetch with his golden retriever turned into a game of keep-away. If that dog were human, he thought, he’d be an amazing running back. Symon lives with his family in Barnesville, Georgia, where the proceeds from this book will help keep several golden retrievers in the lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed.

A Note From the Author:

“Golden Boy is a love letter to all the dogs we’ve loved during our lifetime that we wish could have lived forever. It was my way of transforming the grief of losing my own golden retriever into joy and sharing that joy with the world. And transforming myself in the process with an entirely new career as a novelist at sixty-years-old. I guess you really can teach an old dog new tricks.” – A.J. Symon

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Books of the Week: August 30th, 2026

This is a must buy!


In this modern supernatural middle grade retelling of the beloved classic Little Women, the March sisters have a monstrous secret Meg will do anything to protect—especially with another beast lurking in the woods threatening to expose them.

Meg March and her three sisters are monsters. No, really. Meg has teeth that are a little too sharp. Jo gets furry under the full moon. Beth goes night flying on wings that are impossible to hide under her sweaters. And Amy? Well, don’t let her near a body of water or she’ll start sprouting her mermaid’s tail.

Meg is sure their foster mom, Marmee, wouldn’t like any of this if she knew. And Jo’s best friend Laurie, the nice boy next door, would run screaming. To make matters worse, Meg’s small town outside of Salem is on edge. A vicious beast has been spotted in the forest, and Farmer Bhaer believes it’s responsible for his missing chickens. Meg is sure to be blamed if anyone realizes she’s a monster in disguise. And the closer it gets to Halloween, the surer the town is that something evil is hiding in the forest.

Meg doesn’t always remember what she gets up to at night, and sometimes, she wakes alone in a mossy part of the forest and has to find her way back. With John Brooke determined to find out just what Meg is hiding and locals working to uncover the monsters in their midst, Meg must find the culprit herself—or risk losing the little home she’s found with her sisters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Máire Roche is a former elementary and pre-k teacher who now writes stories full of magic, mystery, and wonder. When she isn’t teaching or imagining fictional worlds, Máire enjoys running, teaching martial arts, and baking too many cookies. She lives in the Midwest with her spouse and their very disagreeable cat, Lulu.

This is a beautiful book!

Babies: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen 
On sale 8/11/26, ISBN: 9781523532094 
Calling all animal lovers! Babies: A Photicular Book spotlights an adorable selection of baby animals, from a litter of puppies to a sea lion pup lounging in the sun to a playful little chimpanzee. Through immersive 3D images and fun facts about each animal, learn how these lovable creatures grow and survive in the wild.  This is such a beautiful book!

Another beautiful book!

America: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen 
On sale 6/2/26, ISBN: 9781523536207 
America: A Photicular Book celebrates the unique beauty of the USA with immersive 3D images that move as you turn the page. From the bright lights of Time Square to a roaring river in Yosemite National Park to the majestic aurora over Alaskan skies, this book is a stirring ode to the beauty of America on its 250th anniversary (and beyond).  

The Little Frog Sticker Book by Maybell Eequay  
On sale 8/11/26, ISBN: 9781523536078 
Maybell Eequay’s beloved Little Frog is now spreading joy in sticker form! Get ready to bedeck your items with “hoppiness” as you move the mushroom-wearing, fabulous-shoed dancing and prancing amphibian from 72 pages of landscapes of fabulous stiletto boots, lily pads, and friendly gerbils to any item for a reminder of the encouragement and compassion that Little Frog has come to represent.   

love this one!

The Eclectic World of Julia Rothman Wrapping Paper Book by Julia Rothman 
On sale 8/4/26, ISBN: 9781523535293 
This curated collection of wrapping paper sheets and matching gift tags features a wide variety of Rothman’s charming designs, from ballerinas to bakeware to the beach. I can’t wait to use this one!

So much fun!

Paint by Sticker: Portraits by Workman Publishing 
On sale 8/25/26, ISBN: 9781523533442 
Re-create 12 historic paintings one sticker at a time. Featuring select pieces from the renowned collection at London’s National Portrait Gallery, re-create historically significant British figures of Shakespeare, Ira Alridge, the Brontë sisters, Mary Seacole, and more. Plus the card-stock pages are perforated, so every finished picture can easily be removed for framing. This is great for both older kids and even adults!

SOOOO cute!

The Little Frog Wrapping Paper Book by Maybell Eequay 
On sale 8/11/26, ISBN: 9781523536085 
The Little Frog is here to help you gift in style! Nature-inspired patterns and accessorized amphibians hop around gleefully on 12 perforated wrapping paper sheets that detach and unfold.  Perfect for wrapping up The Little Frog sticker book!

So many fun stickers!

I Love the South Sticker Book by Workman Publishing, illustrated by Joanna Dee 
On sale 9/1/26, ISBN: 9781523533299 
600 stickers celebrate everything Southern, from magnolias in bloom to natural wonders like the Blue Ridge Mountains to cornbread in a cast iron pan or the twang of country bluegrass. Declare your love for the great American South with stickers featuring phrases like “bless your heart” and “dadgummit” and odes to okra, lightnin’ bugs, fishin’, and sweet tea.  

More fun stickers!

The Eclectic World of Julia Rothman Sticker Book by Julia Rothman 
On sale 8/4/26, ISBN: 9781523535286 
Take a romp through renowned illustrator Julia Rothman’s eclectic world with over 1,000 stickers! From patterned socks & undies to ornate teacups to handsome dogs to half-finished toothpaste tubes, there’s a sticker for the animal lover, the foodie, the bookworm, and anyone looking to decorate their world in Julia Rothman’s signature charming style. 

On sale 9/1/26, ISBN: 9781523533411 

Cowgirl Wisdom by Workman Publishing 
On sale 9/1/26, ISBN: 9781523533411 
This collection of quotes by strong women is full of motivating pep talks and reminders to stay grounded. A fitting companion for every girl’s journey, from graduations to bachelorette parties to 90th birthdays, it’s truly meant for anyone who needs to channel their inner cowgirl. 

About the book:

Whiz Kids: Human Body

Play-Along STEM Concepts for Little Learners

By Ellen Philpott, illustrated by Danielle Mudd

On sale 8/25/26 | $12.99

Workman Kids | ISBN 9781523536382

Ages 3 and up

Get hands on with STEM! Filled with surprises that keep young learners engaged, this interactive novelty board book explores the fascinating world inside the human body.

What’s going on inside our bodies? How do we move, eat, think, and breathe? Curious toddlers will love looking inside the human body to discover the answers with this engaging novelty board book. Seven novelty spreads, plus a novelty element on the cover, help satisfy children’s curiosity about how their bodies work. Lift the flap to explore the digestive system, spin the wheel to move the skeleton, pull the lever to reveal the nervous system, and more!

With bright, colorful illustrations and sturdy moving pieces, this book is a perfect gift and a valuable addition to a child’s library.

About the creators:

Ellen Philpott is a UK-based children’s writer and editor, with over 20 years of experience in educational and early-years publishing. Danielle Mudd, also UK-based, is a children’s book illustrator passionate about the important role of books in early years development.

Definitely for the older kids!

American Idol meets The Hunger Games in this campy, dystopian satire about a teen betting her life that her singing talent can make her a star from the celebrated author of This Book Is Gay, Juno Dawson. This sapphic, rivals-to-lovers romance also grapples with real-life issues the world is facing now, like climate disasters, rising international tension, and anti-LGBTQ policy.

Recommended for older kids only!

I love this for kids of all ages!

A Kid’s Guide to Backyard Stargazing
By Eliza Berkowitz • Illustrated by Nicole LaRue

Packed with captivating facts about planets, stars, constellations, and other celestial objects—all visible from North America— this brightly illustrated guide is perfect for young nature lovers.

Learn all about the amazing night sky in a handy, easy-to-carry guidebook for explorers ages 6 to 8 that shows you how to identify 28 celestial objects that are commonly visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The book has chapters on the Sun and the Moon (including solar eclipses and lunar eclipses), the planets (including Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), the stars (including the movement of stars, the types of stars, Polaris, Sirius, Arcturus, Vega, Capella, and Rigel), the constellations (including Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, Orion, Canis Major, Centaurus, The Northern Cross, and Ursa Minor), and other celestial objects such as the Milky Way, comets, galaxies, meteoroids, and meteorites.

$14.99 U.S. • Paperback
5 x 7 in, 96 Pages
Full-Color Illustrations
Ages 6 to 8

Young kids will love counting with this book!

Mermaid Sleepover

Your little one will count down from 10 to 0, as each little mermaid goes to sleep (and disappears from the page!) at the mermaid sleepover.

Colorful illustrations of mermaids having fun at their sleepover engage toddlers and preschoolers as they learn to count down from ten at bedtime. Mermaids have a dance party, paint seashells, do each other’s hair, and take their seahorses for a walk in this magical, underwater, fairy-tale world. With the clever die-cuts in the book, the mermaids disappear from the page one by one as they swim off to go to bed.

$9.99 U.S. • Board Book
9 x 8 in, 10 Pages
Full-Color Illustrations
Ages 0 to 3
On Sale: 6/16/2026
9781423669968
Rights: Worldwide

Young Dino lovers will love this one!

Some Dinos
Illustrated by Lydia Nichols

An ode to the different sizes and unique body-type characteristics of dinosaurs, this colorful, chunky board book is a work of art meant to be displayed face-out.

Perfect for dinosaur lovers of all ages, Lydia Nichols’ charming layered artwork with the rhyming story is a celebration of our favorite prehistoric friends. The dinos in this bright, engaging board book come in many different sizes and shapes, and feature special parts that make them recognizable as their unique dinosaur selves. Some are tiny, some are big, some have horns, spikes, flippers, or wings, but to those who love them, every dino is the best of all.

$17.99 U.S. • Board Book
8 1/2 x 8 1/2 in, 12 Pages
Full-Color Illustrations
Ages 0 to 3
On Sale: 8/4/2026

9781423669920
Rights: Worldwide

4th of July may be over but this book will surely be a hit all year!

It’s Time for Red, White, and Blue
Illustrated by Kathrin Fehrl

An ode to the 4th of July, parades, and celebrating with friends, this colorful, chunky board book is a work of art meant to be displayed face-out on nursery bookshelves.

Every page turn reveals a new layer to Kathrin Fehrl’s adorable illustrations of kids getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July by having a cookout, attending a parade, and celebrating with family and friends at the big fireworks display, complete with a fun seek-and-find for each scene. Perfect for holiday lovers of all ages, this sweet story is a celebration of one of the best times of the year.

$17.99 U.S. • Board Book
8 x 10 in, 12 Pages
Full-Color Illustrations
Ages 0 to 3
On Sale: 5/5/2026

9781423669722
Rights: Worldwide

Love these books!

 Little People, BIG DREAMS — the internationally bestselling children’s biography series that introduces young readers (and their grown-ups!) to the lives of incredible women and men who changed the world.

              

From trailblazers in science and activism to champions in arts and sports, these beautifully illustrated stories make powerful role models accessible to children while also offering adults a fresh way to talk about resilience, identity, and leadership:

  • Trailblazers in Science & Creativity: Sets and individual titles featuring figures like Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Audrey Hepburn and more showcase women whose curiosity and courage reshaped their fields.
  • Voices of Courage & Justice: Biographies of Maya Angelou and Rosa Parks bring to life the journeys of women who stood firm for civil rights and self-expression.
  • Modern Icons & Changemakers: Recent and upcoming titles — including Simone Biles, Oprah Winfrey, and Rihanna — reflect a diverse spectrum of achievements in sports, media, activism, business, and beyond.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books and they are highly recommended! Cover images were also provided.

Aquarium Helps Nearly 500 Trafficked Animals After Recent Seizure By Wildlife Officials

Pictured: Confiscated animals behind the scenes
Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific provided immediate help by taking in nearly 500 animals, including endangered and near threatened species, after a large seizure by wildlife officials. Animals included marine fish, invertebrates, and sharks. The animals arrived at the Aquarium on June 19, 2026, and staff worked through the night to stabilize them, acclimate them in specialized behind-the-scenes aquarium systems, and to provide them with the highest standard of care without delay.

“Wildlife trafficking disrupts national and global ecosystems and puts animals on the path to extinction,” said Jeff Flocken, president and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific. “We are proud to answer the call to help trafficked wildlife and are committed to providing immediate care and a sanctuary for all of those that we can help.”

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Confiscations Network (the Network), which includes the Aquarium of the Pacific, was notified by wildlife officials of a box truck filled with over two thousand animals, including fish, aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians that were confiscated. The Aquarium of the Pacific immediately responded, taking sensitive fish and aquatic invertebrates involved in the seizure.

“We monitor all animals arriving to the Aquarium very closely in quarantine areas where we can provide them immediate care and prevent any potential spread of diseases, especially in an urgent situation like this,” said Alyssa Tillman, assistant curator of fish and invertebrates. Some of the species that were rescued and brought to the Aquarium of the Pacific for care include brownbanded bamboo sharks (a near threatened species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List), ocellaris clownfish (one of the most popular pet trade fishes), and Banggai cardinalfish (an endangered species on the Red List).

Confiscated animals are typically unable to return to nature because law enforcement cannot determine where the animals were collected from, they may be unfit for survival in nature after living in human care, or there are other factors that prevent their release. Trafficked wildlife is often captured and transported in inhumane conditions, with many animals dying during their journey from the wild into the hands of a buyer. Wildlife trafficking has become one of the largest illegal trades, growing rapidly online and becoming pervasive, including buyers and sellers in the United States.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the founding organizations in the Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Network (SCWCN), a partnership that launched in 2023 between U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and animal care partners in the region. The Aquarium is also on the vetting committee as part of the process of adding new organizations to the SCWCN, which provides a coordinated system to help ensure the care and welfare of confiscated wildlife. This network operates under the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, which is a national program from AZA. Since it joined the network, the Aquarium of the Pacific has helped more than 3,300 trafficked animals, including axolotls, corals, reptiles, and fish. In 2026, the Aquarium received grant funding for renovations and upgrades to existing holding and construction of new holding systems to expand its capacity to take in confiscated animals. This funding was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to AZA to execute the American Rescue Plan Act funding. You can support the Aquarium’s ongoing and critical work in helping confiscated wildlife by giving to the Rescue and Recovery Fund.

There are actions the public can take to avoid wildlife trafficking of exotic pets. Research the protected status of the species and make your purchase through a reputable vendor. If the vendor cannot provide proof of where the animal came from, refrain from purchasing it. If you suspect that someone is trafficking wildlife, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tip line online or by calling 1-844-FWS-TIPS.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Prince, Aug. 28 Pet of the Week

AWWWWW!

Long Beach Animal Care Services is partnering with Helen Sanders CatPAWS for the Sweet 16 Special. The adoption promo offers an adoption fee of only $16 for  any cat 3 months and over until Labor Day, Sept. 7. We hope you’ll consider Prince, who’s Sweet 16 himself and very special! His adoption fee is actually $5, to encourage a senior adoption—with his glossy black coat and his energetic meow, you’d never think he was a senior! Prince came to the shelter with his two “siblings” after his human died. As much as the volunteers love him, a kennel is no place for a cat to spend his golden years after he’s been in a house all his life. Can you give this charming Prince a happily-ever-after? To adopt Prince , email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process, or call (562) 570-7387. Better yet, meet him in person at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, at entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Visiting hours are Wednesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ask for (ID#A764712). Remember, adoption fees for cats 3 months old and over.

The Dink * A Hilarious, Action-Packed Movie That Uses Humor To Deal With Heavy Issues Like Self-Identity, Accepting Changes, And Difficult Relationships

Washed up former tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson) has been reduced to coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty blindly supports Chuck’s vendetta against the new craze taking over the club: pickleball. But when Dusty reaggravates an old injury, taking away his ability to play tennis, he resorts to the unthinkable in the name of rehab. He not only tries pickleball, but, thanks in part to his enchanting new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), he finds himself actually enjoying it. Torn between two worlds, Dusty is forced to finally face the ghosts of his past athletic failures, including his childhood nemesis, Andy Roddick (Andy Roddick). Ultimately, Dusty is drawn into a desperate battle for the future of the club, his father’s affection and his very identity.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Julie O. comments, “The Dink Is A Hilarious, Action-Packed Movie That Uses Humor To Deal With Heavy Issues Like Self-Identity, Accepting Changes, And Difficult Relationships with parents. I laughed throughout the entire film and found myself constantly rooting for Dusty.” See her full review below

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

The Dink is a hilarious, action-packed movie that uses humor to deal with heavy issues like self-identity, accepting changes, and difficult relationships with parents. I laughed throughout the entire film and found myself constantly rooting for Dusty.

Dusty, aka “The Hammer” (Jake Johnson) grew up as a tennis prodigy. Encouraged by his coach, who is also his father (Ed Harris), Dusty suffers an accident preventing him from playing tennis. After his accident, Dusty becomes a pretty bitter person. Now, as a 40-year-old who still works for his dad, Dusty finds himself having to make a difficult choice and accept new challenges if he wants to make his dad proud. PJ (Aaron Chen) is Dusty’s best friend and number one fan who provides comic relief in every scene. On his journey, Dusty also forges a new friendship with Candace (Mary Steenburgen) who challenges Dusty to try new things.

I really enjoy how the story centers on one character, Dusty, and how he is managing his relationships with family, friends, and himself while using the rivalry between tennis and pickleball as a subplot. The conflict between the two sports is hilarious. I love that the film shows how everyone is good at something, regardless of age and perceived ability. I also like the pacing of the film and how it primarily focuses on the main character over a short period of his life. Most of the scenes are set at the tennis club or the pickleball courts.  My favorite part is all of the celebrity cameos and how Dusty gets his new nickname.

The film’s message is that it is never too late to create the version of yourself that you want to be. The film also focuses on the importance of being open-minded and willing to try new things. Parents should be advised that the film contains profanity and some sexual references.

I give The Dink 4 out 5 stars and recommend the film for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Dink releases on Apple TV July 24, 2026.

Lights, Camera, Long Beach! The Inaugural Long Beach Film Festival Unveils Full Festival Lineup for Aug 28-30

Long Beach is getting ready for its close-up! The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) is pleased to unveil the full lineup for its inaugural festival weekend, bringing together independent filmmakers, emerging voices and movie lovers for two days of screenings, conversations, and special events. The festivities kick-off with an Opening Night Party aboard the Queen Mary on Friday, August 28, followed by two full days of cinema at the Art Theatre of Long Beach, August 29–30.

The Festival spans four feature films and four curated short-film programs, with stories ranging from dark comedy and horror to science fiction, drama and deeply human stories of second chances. Throughout the weekend, screenings will be complemented by filmmaker Q&As, panel conversations and programming in the LBFF FilmLounge, giving audiences the opportunity to meet filmmakers, hear the stories behind their work and continue the conversation beyond the screen.

The weekend begins Friday, August 28, with the LBFF Opening Night Party aboard the Queen Mary. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests will walk the red carpet inside one of Long Beach’s most iconic landmarks for an evening celebrating the filmmakers, artists and community behind the city’s newest film festival. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson will join the celebration to share a few words and lead a special toast marking the official kickoff of the inaugural festival.

On Saturday, August 29, the festival moves to the Art Theatre of Long Beach for its first full day of screenings. The day begins at noon with “Out of This World!”, a collection of five short films exploring different worlds, dimensions and some of life’s biggest questions. At 3 p.m., writer, director and actor Emily Robinson, known for Eighth Grade, brings “Ugly Cry” to the screen. The darkly comedic feature follows an actor whose “ugly cry” costs them their dream role and sends them spiraling down a dangerous path toward perfection.

Saturday evening continues at 6 p.m. with “Again Again,” written, directed by and starring Mia Moore and executive produced by Lilly Wachowski. The film follows Agatha, who has spent 10 years reliving the same day in a torturous time loop, only to unexpectedly wake up to something even more frightening: a brand-new day.

Closing Saturday night at 9 p.m. is “Nightmares on 4th Street,” a 90-minute collection of eight horror shorts promising campy fun, scares and plenty of reasons to keep the theater lights on a little longer.

The festival returns Sunday, August 30, beginning at 11 a.m. with “The Pursuit of Happiness,” a collection of six short films examining change, risk and the forces shaping modern life around the world. At 1:30 p.m., LBFF brings the story home with “Rescued,” written, directed by and starring Long Beach filmmaker DJ Hale. The feature follows a homeless man who finds the motivation to turn his life around after a stray dog befriends him and refuses to leave his side.

At 4:30 p.m., “21st Century Problems” turns its attention to the complications of modern adulthood, with seven short films exploring love, friendship and life in times of crisis through stories ranging from comedic to dramatic.

The inaugural screening program concludes Sunday at 7 p.m. with director Danny Madden’s “Downbeat.” The feature follows a troubled drummer who moves in with his sister in Boston and rediscovers his passion through street performing, only to find his newfound stability threatened by his own reckless choices.

Beyond the screenings, LBFF is creating opportunities for audiences to engage directly with the people behind the films. Filmmaker Q&As and panel conversations will take place throughout the weekend, while the LBFF FilmLounge will serve as a gathering place for filmmakers, industry professionals and festivalgoers.

The festival is also making room for its youngest future filmmakers. On Sunday, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., LBFF StoryLab will invite children ages 8–12 into the FilmLounge for a hands-on introduction to filmmaking. Young storytellers will explore camera basics, visual storytelling and how filmmakers turn an idea into something audiences can experience on the big screen, with an emphasis on creativity, confidence and finding their own storytelling voice.

Festivalgoers can experience LBFF in several ways. Individual screening tickets begin at $10, while the $75 All Festival Pass provides unlimited access to screenings Saturday and Sunday. The $150 VIP Pass offers the festival’s most complete experience, including all film screenings, Friday’s Opening Night Party, the Saturday Soiree, Festival Afterparty, panel talks and other FilmLounge events. All festival passes include complimentary popcorn at the Art Theatre.

2026 LONG BEACH FILM FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

Friday, August 28
6–9 p.m. — Opening Night Party | Queen Mary

Saturday, August 29
12:00 p.m. — Out of This World! | Short Film Block

2:00 p.m. — Industry Panel Talk | In the FilmLounge
3:00 p.m. — Ugly Cry | Feature Film

6:00 p.m. — Again Again | Feature Film
9:00 p.m. — Nightmares on 4th Street | Short Film Block

Sunday, August 30
9:00 a.m —  StoryLab

11:00 a.m. — The Pursuit of Happiness | Short Film Block
1:30 p.m. — Rescued | Feature Film
4:15 pm. — “Rescued in Real Life” panel talk | In the FilmLounge

4:30 p.m. — 21st Century Problems | Short Film Block

7:00 p.m. — Downbeat | Feature Film

9:00 p.m. — LBFF Afterparty | In the FilmLounge

Weekend festival passes are available now. To purchase tickets and learn more visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org. Follow @longbeachfilmfest on social media. 

Credit: The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF)

It’s Time for Back to School!

A Must-Have this school year!

The back-to-school season is all about getting organized, and adding a simple hand-cleaning solution to your family’s routine can make a big difference.

Handzies delivers a true soap-and-water clean in a convenient wipe. Made with natural castile soap, water, and essential oils, Handzies helps keep hands fresh and clean throughout busy school days from the lunchroom and playground to after-school sports and activities.

Handzies wipes are made without alcohol, BZK, triclosan, artificial fragrances, and dyes. Plus, they’re compostable, biodegradable, vegan, and non-GMO because effective clean should also be gentle on people and the planet.

Whether you’re stocking backpacks, packing lunches, or preparing classroom supplies, Handzies makes it easy to bring a soap-and-water clean wherever the school year takes you.

Created with conscious consumers in mind, each wipe is 100% plant-based and cruelty-free, vegan, NON-GMO, and gluten-free. Manufactured in the USA in an FDA-licensed, EPA-registered, NSF-certified facility that’s also FSC and Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Available in 30-count soft-packs, 24 individually wrapped towelettes, or an extra-large family bundle. 

I love to keep these in my car and in my yoga bag!

Learn more at handzies.com. You can also find Handzies on Amazon.

Be Ready for the School Day with KEEP>GOING 

As kids head back to the classroom, playground scrapes, bumps, and little mishaps are bound to happen. That’s why the KEEP>GOING First Aid Dino GoKit is a roarsome back-to-school must-have, bringing peace of mind to parents, teachers, and caregivers wherever the school year takes them.

Packed with 130 first aid essentials in a fun dinosaur-themed case, the Dino GoKit is designed to make first aid less intimidating for little ones while keeping supplies organized and ready when needed. Compact enough for backpacks, classrooms, sports bags, and family outings, it’s the perfect companion for everyday adventures.

From the first day of school to after-school activities, the Dino GoKit helps families stay prepared for life’s minor emergencies. It’s a practical, kid-friendly addition to any back-to-school checklist!

Browse the collection on the website at keepgoingfirstaid.com. Also available on Amazon.

This is soooo good!

Alter Eco Granola + Oat Clusters — Whether for breakfast, lunchboxes or an afternoon snack kids can feel good about, Alter Eco has you covered. Each bite of the brand’s classic granola and new Oat Clusters are made with wholesome ingredients, and the Oat Clusters are made with granola and the rich eco-friendly chocolate Alter Eco is known for. I love the taste of the new Oat Clusters! A new favorite to go to snack!

Yummy snack for both kids and adults!

According to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report, only about 6% of Americans consume the recommended amount of fiber, even as protein claims continue to dominate grocery shelves and social media.

Festive Chickpeas naturally help bridge both gaps, delivering 10 grams of plant-based protein and 8 grams of fiber per bag…all from real chickpeas, with no added protein powders, concentrates or isolates.

Beyond the nutrition, Festive Chickpeas are one of those rare pantry staples that work just about anywhere. They’re the perfect grab-and-go snack for beach days, summer road trips, hikes, sporting events and afternoon cravings. As families begin thinking about back-to-school, they’re also an easy lunchbox addition that both kids and adults can enjoy.

And they’re not just for snacking. Their satisfying crunch makes them a flavorful topper for salads, soups and grain bowls, while their bold flavors and texture make them a welcome addition to charcuterie boards and entertaining spreads. Whether enjoyed straight from the bag or incorporated into a favorite recipe, Festive Chickpeas offer a delicious way to add naturally occurring protein and fiber to everyday meals and snacks.

As consumers continue looking for simple, whole-food ingredients that deliver more nutritional value, Festive Chickpeas are proof that you don’t have to choose between convenience, flavor and nutrition…you can have all three.

I love these! I still can’t decide which one is my favorite flavor! I do like the Honey BBQ! I think I’m addicted to them now!

Festive Chickpeas are available on Amazon, Walmart.com, SnackFestive.com and specialty retailers and health bars.

Aren’t these the cutest?

 Kenzley Ballet Flats – Polished enough for school, comfortable enough for all-day wear

A go-to flat that doesn’t need a break-in period—not only are they adorable, but they’re also incredibly comfortable right out of the box. With a structured yet flexible sole and a supportive insole, these are designed to handle everything from classroom time to after-school activities without foot fatigue. The breathable lining and padded collar help prevent rubbing, something reviewers frequently call out “It’s great for active toddlers.” The T-strap includes a hook and loop closure under the classic silver buckle which makes them very easy to get on and off. These are super cute and comfy as well!

Something fun!

Sticki Mates (MSRP $6.99 | Ages 5+ | Available at Target ): The perfect collectible companion to clip onto your backpack, lunch box and more! Simply pull and tear the Kawaii-inspired stickers from the Sticki Rolls dispenser. Then either personalize your school gear or trade your Sticki with a friend! 6 different Sticki Mates characters to collect.  These are so much fun for kids!

Stay tuned! Next week, I will be posting some great back-to-school suggestions for the older kids!

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