New Year! Is Gluten-Free one of your Goals?

Every January, millions of Americans commit to feeling better, eating cleaner, and eliminating foods that don’t serve them, including gluten. Whether someone has a diagnosed sensitivity or simply feels better without it, one of the biggest challenges is sticking to those goals when favorite comfort foods feel off limits.

That’s where Éban’s Bakehouse comes in.

Crafted by award-winning chefs and military veterans, Éban’s Bakehouse creates gluten-free breads, cookies and baking flours that don’t taste gluten-free. Using clean, whole, non-GMO grains and a chef-perfected blend of oat, tapioca, brown rice and sorghum, their products deliver real bakery texture and flavor without chalky starches, artificial preservatives, or compromise.

From a truly cup-for-cup all-purpose flour to best-in-class cookies like Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal and Vegan Chocolate Chip, plus soft sandwich breads, buns and dinner rolls, Éban’s makes it easy to stay on track with New Year wellness goals, without giving up the foods people love most.

I absolutely love the cookies! I can’t even pick a favorite!

Eric “Michael” Braddock

As CEO and co-founder of Éban’s Bakehouse, executive and pastry chef Michael Braddock leads with a passionate hand in the kitchen. With 30-plus years in the restaurant industry and a U.S. veteran, Chef Michael has owned and operated three of his own restaurants, has been featured in food and cooking magazines and appeared on numerous cooking shows on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and HGTV. Chef Braddock was one of Five Celebrated Chefs in America and selected by the National Pork Producers. He has also won many state and national awards in culinary competitions.

As he and his wife and co-founder Chef Adrienne Novak continue to grow their bakery, they are excited to develop new products for customers and to be able to provide a safe and rewarding work place for their hardworking, dedicated staff – always pushing the limits on how high quality, gluten-free food tastes.

Adrienne Novak Braddock

Chef Adrienne Novak Braddock brings two decades of professional experience at country clubs, restaurants, inns, hotels and gourmet markets to her work co-founding and running Éban’s Bakehouse. Before founding the beloved gluten-free bakery in 2011 with husband Michael Braddock, Chef Adrienne took lead in the kitchen at Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club, in Ohio, with a formative role as a corporate baker and pastry chef at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. From baking tirelessly and delivering fresh gluten-free breads to local farmers’ markets to growing Éban’s Bakehouse into a 12,000 square-foot baking facility with breads selling out across the nation, Chef Adrienne has championed this better-for-you bread movement.

To learn more, visit Éban’s Bakehouse online or follow @ebans_bakehouse.

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

Books of the Week: January 6, 2026

The Big Fat Middle School STEM 3-Book Boxed Set
by Workman Publishing
On Sale: Jan 20, 2026
Page Count: 1664 pages
Publisher: Workman Kids
ISBN-13: 9781523535576

The only study guides a middle schooler needs to ace their STEM classes—Math, Science, and Computer Science and Coding—now in one Big Fat Boxed Set! Perfect for homework help, study sessions, or when your textbook just doesn’t make any sense, this bundle of Big Fat Notebooks is the one-stop-shop for middle school STEM study guides. Together, these three bestselling books cover all the important STEM concepts middle schoolers need to know—from the Pythagorean Theorem to exponents, atoms to outer space, and binary code to Boolean expressions. Big Fat Notebooks are packed with all the information you need for an entire year of middle school Math, Science, or Computer Science and Coding classes. Plus, they’re written in language that’s actually easy-to-understand, and full of colorful diagrams and hilarious doodles that help important information stick. Soon, you’ll be the smartest kid in class!

This is a must for all Middle Schoolers! My favorite thing about the set is that kids will be able to easily comprehend the information in each of the books.

Self Disclosure: I received a free set of books to feature. Image was also provided.

Eternity * Cleverest Rom-Com Ever, With Its One-Of-A-Kind Plot, Strong Acting And Vivid Sets

In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I thoroughly enjoy Eternity. It’s the cleverest rom-com I’ve ever seen, with its one-of-a-kind plot, strong acting and vivid development of the setting… Along with the imaginative plot, the world building of the afterlife is hilariously creative. There are a lot of different choices for how to spend one’s eternity, like Paris Land, Capitalist World, Casino World, Beach World, Men Free World, and countless more.” See her full review below.

Eternity 

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

I thoroughly enjoyed Eternity. It’s the cleverest rom-com I’ve ever seen, with its one-of-a-kind plot, strong acting and vivid development of the setting.

Recently deceased Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) finds herself in an impossible situation: she must choose one of her husbands to spend eternity with in the afterlife and only gets one chance to get it right. It’s between Luke (Callum Turner), her first husband who died young after fighting in a war and Larry (Miles Teller), her second husband who she had children and grew old with.

There have been movies about the afterlife before, of course, but I’ve never seen a rom-com with this as its main focus, and I love how both of those aspects interact throughout the film. Along with the imaginative plot, the world building of the afterlife is hilariously creative. There are a lot of different choices for how to spend one’s eternity, like Paris Land, Capitalist World, Casino World, Beach World, Men Free World, and countless more. There is something for everyone, and it would be hard to choose where to go even if you didn’t have to pick between your two husbands. The acting is phenomenal. Being reverted to the physical state during the happiest time of their life, even though they all look young, their souls remain the same age as when they died, and the actors speak and act exactly how an elderly person behaves. Seeing Joan interact differently with each of her past husbands is extremely entertaining. Her shyness with Luke feels like young love whereas her tender annoyance with Larry feels exactly how you behave when you know someone for a long time. I also adore the side plot exploring the relationship of Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Ryan (John Early) – Larry and Joan’s ACs, respectively (you’ll figure out what AC means when you watch the movie).

There are many themes of uncertainty, regret, possibility, and hope in this film. I found it intriguing that the afterlife represents living life to the fullest and the importance of memory, but also displays messages of adaptability and acceptance in difficult situations. Be advised that there are some mature themes present, including profanity, drinking, and suggestive scenes.

I give Eternity 5out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on November 26, 2025.

“Why Don’t They Call?” The Question So Many Seniors Carry

Seniors everywhere keep an ear tuned to the hush of a living room, listening for a ringtone that never seems to break the air. The question, whispered in apartments, family homes, and retirement communities alike, takes on the weight of longing: “Why don’t they call?” Each quiet hour stretches, and the absence of familiar voices can press heavier than any ache of age. 

Yet beneath that silence lie ordinary reasons, solvable barriers, and hopeful paths back to conversation—paths that honor seniors’ need for connection and safeguard the dignity carried through decades of life experience.

The Long Quiet Between Rings

Time behaves differently for seniors than for their younger relatives. A single afternoon can feel wide as a prairie when calendars no longer revolve around deadlines or carpools. In contrast, adult children race from early commutes to late laptop glow, letting days tumble forward without a pause to dial. This mismatch creates aching gaps that seniors interpret as indifference, even when love remains unchanged. 

Studies tracking cortisol levels suggest that prolonged social silence heightens stress, disturbs sleep, and chips away at a senior’s immune resilience. Acknowledging that modern busyness—rather than diminished affection—causes most of the missed calls softens the sting and sets the stage for honest discussion.

Life’s Competing Choruses

Family roles evolve subtly over decades, and seniors often move from orchestrators to observers without clear markers. While sons and daughters once waited for household cues from parents, the grown generation eventually becomes the keeper of schedules. Seniors may hesitate to initiate calls for fear of seeming intrusive, while relatives mistakenly believe that peace and quiet serve an elder’s best interests. 

Cultural scripts further complicate matters; in some households, daily contact signals respect, while in others, stoic independence ranks as virtue. Naming these unspoken expectations gives seniors permission to state a preference—sometimes a brief check-in each morning, sometimes a leisurely weekend recap—turning vague hopes into practical habits.

Phones, Apps, and Hurdles

Contrary to stereotypes, countless seniors navigate smartphones, tablets, and video chats with enthusiasm; the true obstacle lies in constant software changes designed for younger reflexes. Icons shrink, passwords multiply, and notification menus hide behind ever-new layers. When a single tap feels risky, seniors retreat, waiting for the more confident caller to lead. 

Family members can remove such friction through simple tweaks: enlarged text, uncluttered home screens, voice-command shortcuts, and printed cue cards taped near chargers. Once technology becomes a partner rather than a puzzle, conversations flow—grandchildren share digital drawings, friends trade garden photos, and seniors replace awkward silence with laughter captured through tiny speakers.

Small Rituals, Big Results

Lasting connection seldom arrives by accident; it thrives on rituals that respect every participant’s rhythm. Seniors find relief in regularity—perhaps a Tuesday-night story swap or a Sunday-morning weather report. Brief messages sent by seniors, such as a shared memory or a snapshot of blooming hibiscus, provide gentle reminders without appearing demanding. 

Adult children, siblings, and friends can rotate call duty, code reminders into calendars, and treat those alerts as non-negotiable appointments. Community volunteer programs, intergenerational pen-pals, or neighborhood “call circles” widen the net, ensuring that even when relatives miss a slot, kind voices still reach seniors who rely on human contact for emotional balance.

Conclusion

The persistent question “Why don’t they call?” blends heartache with hope, proving that the desire for connection endures long after careers wind down and children leave home. When seniors, families, and supportive networks confront time mismatches, shifting roles, technological tangles, and the need for routine, phone lines buzz again. 

Each carefully scheduled ring does more than pass minutes; it reinforces worth, brightens perspective, and lets seniors know that their stories remain essential threads in the family fabric. In the gentle chime of a handset or the glow of a video screen, seniors hear the assurance that they are still cherished, still remembered, and never truly alone.

Bandit, Dec. 26 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWW!

“Hey, Santy! It’s me, Bandit! I was hoping that you’d ask me to help pull the sleigh this year—huskies are very good at this, you know. But I realized that you knew full well that the minute you stopped at the right home for me, I’d beat you down the chimney or however you get in, curl up under the tree, and refuse to leave.” Bandit’s correct. He’s been kenneled for over a year now, and despite the walks and Fido Field Trip breaks, he’s still there. He’s a good boy—he plays well with other dogs with similar energy and strolls slowly on leash, never pulling the walker along. He’s 5 years old and needs a home with humans familiar with the breed who’ll give him the late holiday gift of a forever and ever home. Speed the process to adopt or foster Bandit 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#A724562.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Suggestions-Also Great for the New Year!

Great gift for History lovers!

New York’s Secret Subway: The Underground Genius of Alfred Beach and the Origins of Mass Transit (Island Press, Sept. 30, 2025) by public radio host and acclaimed historian Matthew Algeo uncovers the riveting true story of Alfred Beach, the mild-mannered 19th-century inventor who secretly built America’s first operational subway beneath Broadway. It was an astonishing engineering feat decades ahead of its time—imagine a pneumatic railway shooting passengers through Manhattan in the 1860s! But Beach’s dream was ultimately derailed by Boss Tweed and the political corruption of Tammany Hall, leaving New Yorkers to wait another 30 years for the subway system we know today.

This book has everything: History & politics – A battle of visionary innovation vs. corruption in the Gilded Age, engineering marvels – a real-life Victorian “hyperloop,” and New York grit – The hidden city beneath the city. Perfect for fathers and grandfathers who love sharing great stories, men’s interest audiences, history enthusiasts, fans of New York lore, and readers who enjoy books like The Pioneers or The Splendid and the Vile.

Such a beautiful dress! by Feltman Brothers heirloom baby/kids clothing

Dress your little one up in an heirloom quality outfit for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, family parties, holidays, and more. Choose Feltman Brothers…because it’s the little things that make a big difference. https://feltmanbrothers.com/

Most sets are available in sizes from 3M to 4T. See all of the styles at https://feltmanbrothers.com/new-arrivals/

The Fall 2025 collection blends timeless elegance with cozy, modern details, all perfect for the upcoming season. 

The  girls-dainty-smocked-floral-dress I received (see image) is so beautiful and will make a wonderful holiday gift this season! I love the quality and the style! The size fits true to size too.

KeaBabies Pom Knitted Beanies

Top off your toddler’s winter look with KeaBabies Pom Baby Beanies. Made from soft, stretchy yarn, these machine-washable beanies offer warmth and charm in equal measure. Designed for ages 6–36 months, they come in a variety of trendy shades, including Rust, Fawn, Steel, and Blast. Find them at KeaBabies.com and Amazon. These beanies are so adorable!

Staying warm! Mozy Youth Wearable Thermal Wrap

Say goodbye to bulky blankets and hello to Mozy Youth, the ultimate cold-weather companion for active kids. Engineered with patented heat-trapping technology, Mozy delivers 500% more warmth than a standard blanket and wraps around the legs like a jacket. Lightweight, adjustable, and packable, it’s perfect for hikes, boat rides, campfires, and breezy beach nights. No batteries, no fuss, just pure, portable warmth. Available in Black, Blue, and Gray for $129 at GettheMozy.com and Amazon. Also available in adult sizes!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items to facilitate this holiday gift guide. Images were also provided.

Merchants of Joy * An Inspiring Film About A Christmas Tree Lot Owner’s Journey Through The Christmas Season

The Merchants of Joy is a 2025 documentary following five New York City families who dominate the lucrative, competitive Christmas tree business, showing their year-round hustles, family dynamics, and gritty realities behind the festive holiday tradition, as they battle for prime locations and face challenges from each other and a mysterious rival, blending heartwarming holiday spirit with the tough business of making a living from the season.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Harper B. comments, “Merchants of Joy is an inspiring film about a Christmas tree lot owner’s journey through the Christmas season. I love this film because it depicts a real life situation. It shows how hard the seemingly easy things can be. I also like that it shows how your past doesn’t make you who you are today.” See her full review below.

Merchants of Joy

By Harper B.. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Merchants of Joy is an inspiring film about a Christmas tree lot owner’s journey through the Christmas season. I love this film because it depicts a real life situation. It shows how hard the seemingly easy things can be. I also like that it shows how your past doesn’t make you who you are today.

The storyline follows five families who all run Christmas tree stands in New York City. They all have unique backstories and unique ways of running their stands. This film lets the viewer know there is more to running a stand than just getting some trees and standing out in the cold until people buy your trees.

This is a wonderful film, although it did take me a while to get into the story. There is such a diverse cast. Each tree lot owner is very different from the others. Some of these owners have criminal records; while others have been in the business for as long as 50 years. My favorite part is the end when I realized that selling a Christmas tree is more than just selling a tree – it is selling joyful moments in time. My favorite company is NYC Tree Lady, run by Heather Neville. Heather is a very straightforward person. The reason I enjoyed watching her so much is because she tells you not to dwell on the past. She has a criminal record and still looks to the future and to whom she is today. Heather always looks to the future and encourages the viewer to do the same. She will flat out tell you what to do but then ask what she can do for you. Greg’s Trees, another company, owned by a guy named Greg, who may look alright but he is not. Little Greg is a high school drop out and is finding time to spend with his father because he doesn’t know when his last Christmas will be. He is also beginning to take over the business for his father.

The film’s message is to not dwell on the past and that things may look better than they are. This film shows love in its deepest form. Please note there is mention of drug use and some profanity.

I give Merchants of Joy 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released on VOD on December 1, 2025.

Sandy, Dec. 19 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWWW

“I’ll have a blooooo-oo Christmas without you …” Sandy, a cane corso—or more accurately, a canine chorus-o, has added lots of tunes to her repertoire in the five years of her life. They’re not all Christmas carols, either. She can Crow like Cheryl on “Make It Go Away,” which reflects the pain she felt after being hit by a car and suffered subsequent mobility issues. Thanks to Long Beach Animal Care Services’ medical staff and her own resilience, Sandy showed signs of recovery within a day! She puts as much feeling as Roy Orbison did into “Crying” after the shelter staff contacted her owners through her microchip and the owners said that they didn’t want Sandy anymore. Sandy’s tired of sad songs, and wants to learn a new one. Want to teach her “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and make it come true for her? Speed the process to adopt or foster Sandy or any of our other pets by emailing petadopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Best yet, meet all the pets 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#A752880.