Looking for wholesome healthy food options? Urban Plates is the place to go!

I recently had the opportunity to review a place I had never been to before and I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing the food was! (The customer service was also wonderful and I have to give kudos to the General Manager, Dean!) Have you been to Urban Plates, yet? I had heard of it but had never been so I was very happy to check out the location in Torrance. They have a great variety of choices to choose from. It was actually tough to make a choice. But, I tried the Grilled Sustainable Salmon plate with Cauliflower & Vegetable Rice and the Roasted Brussels Sprouts. They are both delicious!

Salmon Plate

My friend who went with me even tried the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with turkey bacon and she does not like Brussels Sprouts but she liked them! If you aren’t into seafood, no worries because they have so many other choices. One of the steak plates was a hit with my friend.

The mission of Urban Plates is to have a profoundly positive impact on the way the world eats by making craveable, wholesome, and clean food accessible to all. I think that is a pretty good mission! But, back to the food…we also tried the Moroccan Chicken Braise which is only $10 and it was soooo good, especially with Mashed Potatoes. Urban Plates has $10 everyday meals which really is a great bargain.

This was delicious!

Another great thing is that they do have Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan choices. And, you have to save room for dessert because they have the best desserts! My favorite is the Hummingbird Cake! So, if you are looking for a great place to meet up with a friend or even buy take-out for the family, I suggest Urban Plates. I had a great time there and even went back later in the week. Don’t forget that right now Urban Plates is giving away free Plate Pass subscriptions in honor of their 10 year anniversary. (See the details in my other post!) It’s a great deal and is free for the first month. Hurry though! The offer ends on October 31st, 2021.

Self Disclosure: I had the opportunity to review Urban Plates to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids.

Rubio’s Giving Free Chips & Guac on National Guacamole Day, Sept. 16th

On Thursday, September 16, Rubio’s is celebrating National Guacamole Day by giving out free, freshly made chips and guacamole with any order. Rubio’s guacamole is made onsite daily, using rich Hass avocados, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and natural sea salt. Tortilla chips are also prepared fresh daily with a light sprinkling of all-natural sea salt. Guests can use the coupon https://www.rubios.com/coupons/national-guacamole-day in restaurants across California, Arizona, and Nevada. When ordering online at Rubios.com or through the app, use coupon code GUAC.

Self Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Some form of compensation was received to post. Images were also provided.

Marshmallow, Sept. 9th Pet of the Week!

Autumn’s in the air, bringing thoughts of comfy places to sit and dream with a hot cup of cocoa—pumpkin spice or otherwise— topped with a great, big Marshmallow! Our Marshmallow will love belly rubs by an open fire or a warm vent; and he’ll be ready for a great toy chase in the crisp air, bringing out his fun, goofy self! Marshmallow is 2 years old and weighs 65 pounds. He presented skin allergies when he first came to us, and they may need to be addressed again. But anyone who sees how awesome he is won’t let that spoil their Marshmallow moments! Our shelter’s adoptions are conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Porter. Ask for ID #A655235.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Boo at the L.A. Zoo returns!

31 Days of Hauntingly Good Times at the Los Angeles Zoo This October 
The Los Angeles Zoo goes wild this October with the return of Boo at the L.A. Zoo, featuring Halloween decor, a spooky stroll with photo ops, an extinct-animal graveyard, and other weird and wacky animal facts and educational opportunities. Weekends include special animal feedings, merry-not-scary entertainment, take-home crafts, and, during the last two weekends in October, trick-or-treat candy stations scattered throughout the Zoo grounds. To learn more about this spooktacular event, please visit www.lazoo.org/boo.

WHEN:  Oct. 1-31, 2021WHERE:  Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, Ca. 90027 

COST:  Activities are included with the purchase of admission

Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo.

Don’t miss The Art of the Brick at The California Science Center

Looking for something fun to do? You should check out the special exhibit at the California Science Center: The Art of the Brick. I was completely amazed at the lego bricks that were transformed into sculptures. This critically acclaimed collection includes Sawaya’s original sculptures as well as re-imagined versions of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, such as Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.  I can’t even tell you which one was my favorite because I loved them all!

Davinci’s Mona Lisa was amazing!

You can buy tickets here. Advance tickets are required.

Another one of my favorites!

Don’t forget that Face Masks are required inside the Science Center.

How amazing is this?!

I also enjoy visiting the California Science Center but this special exhibit is definitely one that you should not miss!

Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids. Self Disclosure: I was invited as a guest to facilitate this featured event post.

Ella, June 10th Pet of the Week!

Ella looks like the kid who sat next to you in third grade who said things like “Teacher! Teacher! Let me empty the pencil sharpener! I’ll do it! I’ll do it!” And yes, Ella is an eager girl who loves to walk on leash and be your buddy. She’s 8 years old and weighs 50 pounds, which shelter staff said is mostly in her legs. She’s potty trained and crate trained as well and would work best as the only pet in an adults-only home. Ella was surrendered by her owner and wants so badly to be teacher’s pet again. Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Ella. Ask for ID#A657478.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Diana Iris, May 27th Pet of the Week!

Diana Iris—such a lovely name for a springtime flower! This spunky little girl was found tied up outside a restaurant. It must have been miserable for her to not only smell the food but also be abandoned by her people. Diana Iris wants to go home with a fun family who’ll be there for all seasons, dine on restaurant patios with her, and of course, bring home doggie bags! Adoptions are conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Diana Iris. Ask for ID#A657003.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Jump Into Summer at Newport Dunes This Memorial Day Weekend

Featuring the Summer Opening of the Inflatable Water Park, Radiant Rides SUP Tours & More

Newport Dunes Inflatable Water Park. Photo Courtesy of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is pleased to announce the summer opening of Southern California’s largest inflatable water park and more family-friendly outdoor experiences beginning Memorial Day weekend, May 28–31, 2021. 

“For more than 60 years, Newport Dunes has been a destination that brings generations together to create lasting memories,” says Phil Ravenna, Interim General Manager of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer our beautiful, beachfront location for friends and families to reunite and enjoy responsible, open-air activities.”

Available for adults and children of all ages to experience and enjoy, Newport Dunes’ Inflatable Water Park is home to more than 15 large inflatables including a 17-foot slide, two trampolines, two climbable icebergs, monkey bars, bouncers, and teeter-totters. The park will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. during the holiday weekend.

The resort’s popular Radiant Ride tours will also resume on weekends by reservation request beginning Friday, May 28. For groups of six or fewer, Radiant Rides offer guests the unique opportunity to tour the calm waters of the Back Bay after sunset on an illuminated stand up paddleboards which sets the water beneath aglow with colorful neon light.

Radiant Ride illuminated SUP tour. Photo courtesy of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

Additional Moe B’s Watersports activities include pedal boats, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and a brand-new fleet of 21-foot electric Duffy boats coming early May. In time for the holiday weekend, Newport Dunes will be launching a contact-free reservation and payment portal for all watersports rentals to be booked online. Watersports summer rental hours are from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily beginning May 27. To learn more visit NewportDunes.com/play/watersports.

For those looking for the ultimate VIP experience, Newport Dunes offers private cabanas along the shores for daily rentals. Relax under a breezy, shaded area between dips in the calm waters of Upper Newport Bay. Guests can also enjoy poolside cabanas in the newly remodeled pool complex with four heated pools and spas. 

Guests who stay at the resort are also invited to enjoy Movies on the Beach, held Friday and Saturday nights beginning Friday, May 28.

Moe B’s Munchies, Newport Dunes’ walk-up lunch and snack shop is back Memorial Day weekend and presents a menu of American favorites including hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches and salads along with snacks, beer, wine and signature cocktails. Take food to go for a serene picnic on the beach or enjoy back at camp. 

Experience the luxury of waterfront RV and tent camping sites and cozy beach cottages for the ultimate summer glamping getaway. For those who do not own an RV, Newport Dunes coordinates with local RV rental companies that will deliver a sanitized RV to your site, all hooked up and ready to enjoy. 

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort continues to follow all local, state and CDC guidelines. For more information and to book a reservation, please visit NewportDunes.com. To inquire about Newport Dunes venues for private events including weddings, company picnics, team-building events and more, please call (949) 729-3800 or visit NewportDunes.com/meet.

Credit: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.