Archives for September 2026

More Back-to-School Must-Buys!

Here are some of my favorite food products for Back-to-School time!

Clover Sonoma Greek Yogurt is a must-try!

As families gear up for back-to-school season, many parents are looking for nutritious snacks and breakfasts that keep kids energized and focused throughout the day.

I’m reaching out on behalf of Clover Sonoma. We’d welcome the opportunity to support you on a lifestyle or health-focused story highlighting high-protein, kid-friendly options using simple dairy staples like yogurt, eggs, and cheese, foods that are easy to prepare and widely available. You can try so many simple recipes using the Clover Sonoma Greek Yogurt!

I have tried their cheeses, and they are delicious! You could make a cheese snack box featuring their full line of California Cheese!

Soooo delicious!

 As families prepare for the busy school year ahead, parents are seeking portable, wholesome snacks that fit easily into lunchboxes, backpacks, and after-school activities.

Two standout options are making the grade this season: MEZETE’s shelf-stable Grab N Go Hummus packs and MIGHTYLICIOUS Gluten-Free Oatmeal Coconut Cookies.

MEZETE Grab N Go Hummus: Fresh Taste, No Preservatives; No Refrigeration

Perfect for school lunches, field trips, sports practices, and busy family schedules, MEZETE’s Grab N Go Hummus packs offer a convenient, satisfying snack without the need for refrigeration. Made with no preservatives, these shelf-stable snack packs pair creamy hummus with crunchy breadsticks for a delicious and wholesome option kids and parents will love.

Available varieties include:

  • Classic Hummus with Breadsticks
  • Roasted Red Pepper with Breadsticks
  • Zesty Za’atar with Breadsticks

My favorite is the Roasted Red Pepper with Breadsticks!

The Classic Hummus with Breadsticks delivers the timeless flavor of traditional hummus in a portable format that’s ready whenever hunger strikes. MEZETE’s dedication to quality and innovation has earned significant industry recognition, including a 2026 Vegan Besties Award for its To Go Classic Hummus, selection by VegNews as a Best New Vegan Product, and additional international honors for its innovative snack offerings.

Their Grab N Go Hummus packs are available at Giant Eagle, Albertsons, Meijer, ShopRite, and Whole Foods Markets nationwide, among others.

MEZETE is made with the finest authentic Middle Eastern ingredients, sourced from their headquarters in Amman, Jordan.

In addition, MEZETE makes a variety of other preservative-free foods, including sauces, dips, stews and soups  -many are gluten free and/or vegan. See them here:  https://mezete.com/products/

In addition to being available at select supermarkets nationwide, they are available through AMAZON and THRIVE.

This is great for making a simple dinner!

 SPI West Port, the creators of ALO Drink—the #1 aloe vera beverage brand in the U.S. and Canada—and Jenji Boba Tea, has relaunched its heralded Woodridge Snacks brand (www.woodridgesnacks.com), offering a truly original line of better-for-you taste sensations drawing flavor inspiration from culinary traditions around the world.

Lovingly crafted to meet the growing desire among consumers and retailers alike for boldly adventurous and culturally authentic international products that are every bit as wholesome as they are delicious, all affordably-priced Woodridge Snacks products are vegan, sustainably-sourced, non-GMO, low calorie, free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

The new relaunch is highlighted by the introduction of three delectably nutritious product lines that allow American consumers to explore the uniquely appealing flavors of lands far away without leaving the comfort of home. Joining the Woodridge Snacks family are:

  • Vacuum-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Sticky Rice Chips – Named a Finalist for Most Innovative New Product at this year’s Sweets & Snacks trade show and already shaping up as a fan-favorite, this flavor-rich treat is seasoned with Thai Chili Sauce, offering a delicate crunch and a perfect touch of heat.
  • Mediterranean Mix – A colorful blend of vacuum-fried eggplants, sweet peppers, zucchinis, and onions combined with Thai sticky rice chips and seasoned with Mediterranean-inspired spices.
  • Mango Fruit Roll – A tasty passport to the Mekong Delta region of Thailand, where mouth-watering ripe mangos are harvested and then rolled in a wood-fired oven and baked with sticky rice chapati flatbread. The result is a sweet, slightly crispy and chewy snack containing over 82% real mango fruit that blends tropical freshness with the comforting warmth of homemade goodness.

The three new items are the latest additions to a rapidly-growing line of premium-quality, internationally-themed Woodridge Snacks products that also includes:

  • Tempura Seaweed Chips – Real umami seaweed coated in light tempura batter and seasoned with either simple sea salt or a sweet and mildly spicy sriracha blend.
  • Sticky Rice Chips – Handmade chips featuring whole grain, Japanese-style Mochi sticky rice harvested from sustainable farms in Thailand.  
  • Mochi Rice Nuggets – Offered in Teriyaki or Tom Yum flavors and made with short grain, slightly sweet white rice baked to a crisp. Enjoy Teriyaki for splashes of soy sauce and sake and a hint of ginger, or Tom Yum for the taste of a traditional Thai soup favorite.

Woodridge Snacks products are sold on the www.woodridgesnacks.com site, on Amazon and through other online retailers, as well as in select Fresh Market stores and other leading retail stores (please visit https://woodridgesnacks.com/pages/store-locator for retail locations). The company’s veggie snacks are offered in both resealable grocery-size stand-up pouches and single-serve bags— ideal for on-the-go snacking or foodservice settings. Woodridge Snacks’ grocery bags are sold at a MSRP ranging from $3.79 to $4.29 and single serve packages sold between $0.99 and $1.99.

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

Practical Magic 2 * That Perfect Mix Of Magic, Romance, Family, Humor, And A Little Mystery

A multi-generational family of witches, cursed to be loveless for centuries, attempts to break the spell by confronting dark secrets and sacrificing for each other.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery.” See her full review below.

Practical Magic 2
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery. What I love most is that, even with all the supernatural elements, the heart of the story is really about family and the powerful bond between the Owens women. There is something so special about watching them come together, especially when one of their own needs them most.

Set 25 years after the first film, this one follows Sally’s daughter, Kylie (Joey King), as she experiences the same curse the Owens women have always faced when falling in love. Determined to break the spell, Kylie recruits her sister, Antonia (Maisie Williams), her mom, her aunt, and her great-aunts Frances (Stockard Channing) and Bridget “Jet” (Dianne Wiest) to help her discover the source of the curse. Together, the Owens women embark on a magical journey to uncover the truth and hopefully put an end to the curse once and for all.

The cast brings so much heart and personality to the film. Joey King is wonderful as Kylie, and I loved watching her character discover what it means to be part of the Owens family and carry on their magical legacy. Maisie Williams brings a great energy to Antonia, and seeing the sisters navigate their relationship while facing this challenge together was one of my favorite parts. Of course, seeing Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest return as Frances and Jet adds that wonderful connection to the original film. The sets and locations also help make the movie feel so magical. From the beautiful Owens’ home to the locations surrounding their story, everything feels like it belongs in this enchanted world. The production design creates that cozy, mysterious, witchy atmosphere that fans of the original will recognize and love. If you loved the magic, sisterhood, and unforgettable charm of the original Practical Magic, you will want to see the sequel!

Practical Magic 2 is a story about love, family, sisterhood, and breaking the patterns that have been passed down through generations. It reminds us that we don’t have to let fear or the past determine our future. Sometimes the people who love us most are the ones who help us find the courage to break free and become who we are meant to be.

Practical Magic 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters September 10, 2026.

Celebrate KIDS FIRST! 35th Anniversary (And Win a Trip to Portugal!)

For 35 years, KIDS FIRST! has helped parents and educators navigate youth media. From honest reviews to red-carpet interviews by our 65 youth reporters, we empower families to make informed media choices.

To celebrate our official 35th Anniversary on September 26, we’re giving back to the supporters who make our mission possible.

Donate by September 26 for 35th Anniversary Perks:

·         Donate Any Amount: Automatically enters you into our Grand Sweepstakes!

·         Donate $25 or More: Unlocks exclusive KIDS FIRST! supporter rewards plus your sweepstakes entries.

·         Anniversary Early Bird Incentive: Give by September 26 to join our special 35th Anniversary Celebration list! (Campaign runs through October 17).

Sweepstakes Prizes Include:

·         Grand Prize: A trip for two to Portugal!

·         Featured Prize: An afternoon visit with legendary ventriloquist Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop.

·         Plus: Additional runner-up prizes and rewards!

👉 Donate Before Sept 26 & Enter the Sweepstakes

No purchase or donation necessary to enter or win. A donation does not increase your chances of winning. Campaign ends October 17. See Official Rules for free entry details.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

9/26&27: Aquarium’s Baja Splash Cultural Festival, 25th anniversary

Pictured: Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli to celebrate twenty-five years of being part of the Aquarium’s first cultural festival: Baja Splash 
Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

In celebration of the beauty and diversity of cultures found from Mexico to Central and South America to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and beyond, the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-fifth annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event features cultural dance and music, programming in English and Spanish, booths from participating organizations, and an award ceremony honoring SACNAS in recognition of their outstanding and long-time commitment to cultivating a truly inclusive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) environment.

Folk dancers and musicians will share their traditions during the festival. Participants include those who have been part of Baja Splash for twenty-five years such as Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli and musician and teaching artist Martin Espino, who will lead interactive music programs for all ages. Visitors can also explore booths from participating organizations.

The name Baja Splash was inspired by Baja California, Mexico’s Gulf of California, which is one of the most important wildlife havens in the world. Visitors can learn more about this important ecosystem and how people can help protect it by exploring the Aquarium’s Gulf of California exhibition created with World Wildlife Fund México.

The festival is included with Aquarium admission. General admission is $49.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $46.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three. Reservations are required for everyone.For more information on the festival and to make reservations, you can visit the Aquarium’s website.

AQUARIUM: The non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to world-class conservation, outstanding animal welfare, and connecting people to nature through more than 12,000 animals and one hundred exhibits, including Jelly Dreamscapes. In addition to its public education programs for all ages, the Aquarium is involved in numerous conservation efforts, including breeding endangered animals for release, rehabilitating rescued species, community science programs, and more. The Aquarium is home to the only sea turtle rehabilitation program in Greater Los Angeles. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.

Cheers to 30 Years! Free Encinitas Oktoberfest Returns Sept. 27

Where else can you experience Bavaria with ocean breezes, family-friendly surf-town vibes, dogs in lederhosen, brats and craft beer? It’s all happening at the 30th Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 27 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. This beloved community tradition and premier Oktoberfest in San Diego County is back for its 30th year, bigger and better than ever, and it’s completely FREE to attend.

German music, dance troupes, and a ceremonial parade at noon set the festive tone, while more than 130 local artisans and food vendors transform Mountain Vista Drive into a lively marketplace where you can support local businesses and eat, drink and be merry while shopping for unique crafts, jewelry and handmade goods. A kids play zone with inflatable slides, an obstacle course, games and a rock-climbing wall ensures fun for the whole family.

Festivalgoers can cheer on furry friends in the crowd-favorite Dog Costume Contest, where pups parade in their best German-themed outfits for prizes. The action doesn’t stop there: two lively beer gardens will be pouring everything from authentic German brews to local craft favorites. The Craft Beer Tent will feature local breweries including Burgeon Beer Co., Carlsbad Brewing Co., Culture Brewing, Fox Point Brewing Company, Societe Brewing Company – and the Tap Truck, dispensing beer from a 1921 Buick. Booch Craft, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer and Skimmers Vodka Iced Tea will also be pouring while a DJ keeps the tent buzzing with high-energy music, interactive games and plenty of reasons to raise a glass and join the fun. For those who prefer wine, official event vendor Authentic Wine Selections will offer a variety of pours to complete the Oktoberfest experience.

Carlsbad Brewing Company returns as this year’s Family Tent Beer Sponsor, exclusively pouring its brews in a lively gathering spot where friends and families can relax, play games and enjoy the festival together. Nearby food tents will tempt every appetite with sizzling sausages, brats, warm pretzels and other traditional favorites from Tarantino’s Gourmet Sausage and Taste of Poland.

And of course, what’s Oktoberfest without competitions? Guests can join the Stein Holding Contest for adults and kids, and win prizes from local attractions.

“Encinitas Oktoberfest brings the best of Bavaria to the California coast and is the perfect way to kick off the fall season,” said Carol Knight, CEO of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visit Encinitas. “For three decades, Encinitas Oktoberfest has brought residents and visitors together to kick off fall with great food, lively entertainment and unmistakable coastal spirit. It’s festive, family-friendly and truly one of a kind—just like Encinitas.”

The festival spans one-third of a mile along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real, between Wandering Road and Rambling Road, and draws more than 15,000 guests each year. A free shuttle will run between the Flora Vista Elementary School parking lot and the corner of Mountain Vista and Wandering Road from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Bike parking will be available at both ends of the festival, with a complimentary bike valet hosted by The Encinitas Project at the Wandering Road entrance. Guests can also stay hydrated at the EDCO-sponsored water refill station and refresh their wardrobes at a clothing swap hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego and made possible with support from Cox.

The German roots of Encinitas go back to the northeastern colony of Olivenhain which was founded by German farmers in 1884. The Encinitas Oktoberfest coincides with Germany’s start of Oktoberfest in mid-September.

So grab your stein, lace up your dancing shoes, and don’t forget Fido’s lederhosen—Encinitas Oktoberfest is where fall fun begins! Prost! For more details, visit www.encinitasoktoberfest.com.

Rally, Sept.18 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWWWW!

Rally has earned his name. He’s a 4-year-old Longtime Legend, meaning that he’s been at Long Beach Animal Care Services for over a year. That’s mainly because has been spending his weeks and months dealing with knee surgery that Friends of Long Beach Animals covered. And Rally has rallied and continues to rally! He’s learning to walk gently on leash and enjoys rides in the car. On the day of his one-year “shelterversity,” volunteer Sarah decided that Rally should observe the day with a Fido Field trip to get a Pup Cup and a burger. He loved the ride—he watched the scenery and thanked Sarah with some burger-breath kisses. Would you rally around Rally and take him home forever? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Rally 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#A746783.

EVENT SATURDAY, SEPT. 12: Santa Monica Block Fest Returns September 12 with 20,000+ Expected as Monthly Series Extends Through December

SMBF Vol. VII takes over all three blocks of Third Street Promenade with live electronic music, headline performances, and a sprawling food night market.    

Santa Monica Block Fest (“SMBF”) returns Saturday, September 12, transforming all three historic blocks of Third Street Promenade into an open-air celebration of music, food, and local culture. Festivalgoers are expected to enjoy a multi-stage lineup of live electronic music, anchored by a food night market on Arizona Avenue.

Santa Monica showed up all summer, and the response was strong enough to keep the celebration going. Following three successful Block Fest events that drew an average of more than 20,000 attendees each night, SMBF will now continue as a monthly series through the end of the year, returning on the second Saturday of each month.

SMBF Vol. VII moves through house, bass house, and tech house, with Belters Only, EC Twins, and Nate Band headlining. The 1200 Stage will feature an open mic night during a takeover by Broke Artist Nation. Inside Barney’s Beanery, live band Dirty Monday’s will turn up the energy with a high-spirited bar performance featuring musicians above the crowd, big choruses, and a room full of people singing along.

Back by popular demand, the SMBF night market returns with fan favorites: Dave’s Hot Chicken, Luckyball BBQ, Bar Xuntos, and more lining Arizona Avenue with a rotating roster of new and returning vendors.

Reserve free tickets here: https://posh.vip/e/santa-monica-block-fest-vol-vii-free-music-festival  

WHO:               DJs include:

BETTERS ONLY              NATE BAND

EC TWINS                     ANDREW CALABRIA

JECKETT                       AUSTIN MILLS

WESTSIDE V                 ZAANEE

ARIEL BRAYY                 SANTO

LEECIE PAIGE

                        Local food vendors including:

                                        Dave’s Hot Chicken

Bar Xuntos

Luckyball BBQ

WHEN:            Saturday, September 12

  5:00 pm – 12:00 am

WHERE:         Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

                        All three blocks and Arizona Ave.

ADMISSION:      Free and open to the public. Click here to reserve a ticket.

About Santa Monica Block Fest: Santa Monica Block Fest is a free, all-ages music festival co-founded by YAPPY STUDIOS, QuickServe, and Downtown Santa Monica Inc., in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica. Since launching in October 2025, the community and cultural event has transformed all three blocks of Third Street Promenade into Santa Monica’s biggest free block party, bringing world class DJs, full production, and thousands of music lovers to downtown Santa Monica.

About Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.: DTSM, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with the City of Santa Monica to promote economic stability, planning, development, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica through management and coordination of programs, projects and services designed to benefit the community as a whole, which includes downtown businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors.

Aquarium releases critically endangered frogs into local mountains, marking its 1000th released

Recently released mountain yellow-legged frogs rest in a stream in the San Gabriel Mountains after being raised and released by the Aquarium of the Pacific into their native habitat August 19, 2026. Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Approximately 653 critically endangered southern mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa) were recently released into their native California mountain region habitat by staff from the Aquarium of the Pacific, Los Angeles Zoo, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Of the 653 frogs that were released, 394 were headstarted at the Aquarium of the Pacific, marking the Aquarium’s largest release of this species. The tadpoles were produced at the Los Angeles Zoo’s southern mountain-yellow legged frog breeding program and transferred to the Aquarium of the Pacific, where animal care staff reared them through metamorphosis to froglets and frogs. This release brings the total number of this species that the Aquarium has helped rear and release to 1,032.

“We have been looking forward to releasing this cohort of frogs back into the wild,” said Erin Lundy, the Aquarium’s conservation initiatives manager. “The more frogs there are in their native habitat, the more of a chance we have to increase their survival.”

Southern mountain yellow-legged frogs are native to the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto mountains. They are a medium-sized amphibian, measuring between 1.5 and 3.25 inches on average. Adult frogs are a mix of brown and yellow coloring, but can also be gray, red, or greenish brown. They usually have dark spots or splotches that can look like lichen or moss and help the frog camouflage. The belly and underside of its back legs and sometimes front legs are yellow or light orange, which lends itself to the frog’s common name, “yellow-legged.”

In response to the 2020 Bobcat Fire, which burned most of the remaining habitat for the endangered southern mountain yellow-legged frog, the Aquarium of the Pacific joined efforts with local zoos and government agencies to rescue southern mountain yellow-legged frogs and aid in their recovery. Partners include the United States Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) who help monitor and oversee releases, and the Los Angeles Zoo, which successfully breeds the frogs to produce offspring for release into the wild.

The rescue program is designed to bolster populations in the wild in an effort to save this species from extinction. The Aquarium serves as a nursery to care for and raise tadpoles into frogs and froglets until they are ready for release, which typically takes one to two years. To help southern mountain yellow-legged frogs recover, the public can support this conservation effort by staying on marked trails and paths, respecting signs announcing off-limits areas when visiting local mountains, and reducing your carbon footprint.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.