Don’t feel like cooking but want a home-cooked meal? Black Bear Diner has you covered!

Don’t feel like cooking tonight? I had the opportunity to receive a Family Meal from the Black Bear Diner in Torrance and my family was quite impressed! Black Bear Diner has locations throughout California and is currently offering curbside and delivery service of the new Family Meals to make family life easier.

They have quite a variety of meal choices for either breakfast. lunch or dinner. I chose to try the Chicken Fried Steak Family Meal and it was delicious! It’s perfect for a family of 3 or 4 people and included 4 Bear Paw Chicken Fried Steaks with country gravy, 4 housemade cornbread muffins, and a choice of 2 sides. I chose the Mashed Potatoes and the Seasonal Veggies!

This was absolutely delicious!

Black Bear Diner’s specially priced Family Meals are hearty, home-style food for the whole family – including breakfast (helping remote working parents during busy mornings.) Family Meals include Bacon, Eggs & Pancakes and Roasted Turkey Dinner and serve 3-4. You can find the options on their website here: https://blackbeardiner.com/.

I’m looking forward to trying one of their breakfast Family Meals soon! But, I really recommend their Chicken Fried Steak Family Meal which is $34.99. And, their chocolate cake is absolutely divine!

Don’t forget to order a slice of the Chocolate Cake! It’s big enough for 2!

You can find Black Bear Diner locations here.

Self Disclosure: I received a comped meal to facilitate this post but no other compensation was received and I highly recommend! Images by SoCal City Kids.

The Park Comes To Life in Los Angeles & Orange County All-New Unparalleled and Thrilling Live Arena Experience Jurassic World Live Tour Roars into SoCal This Summer from July 9–19

Brace yourself for a new species of live entertainment 65 million years in the making!

Jurassic World Live Tour, an exhilarating and unpredictable live, family entertainment experience that will bring the wonder and thrills of Jurassic World to generations of fans, will be debuting in SoCal this summer playing Honda Center in Anaheim from July 9–12 followed by STAPLES Center in Downtown LA from July 17–19.

  Sign up today to become a Jurassic World Live Tour Preferred Guest at JurassicWorldLiveTour.com to get exclusive access to advance pre-sale code to purchase tickets early starting today Tuesday, January 28 to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on February 4.

With unrivaled arena production quality, Jurassic World comes to life with dinosaurs from the iconic franchise, including fan-favorite Velociraptor Blue and a Tyrannosaurus Rex more than 40 feet in length, taking center stage off the big screen onto the arena floor.  The production features more than 20 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, each custom built with the latest technology, scientific precision and Hollywood studio quality.  With scale, speed and ferocity, the animatronic and performer-operated dinosaurs deliver colossal, edge-of-your-seat excitement that brings the Jurassic World park right to your hometown.

Jurassic World’s unmistakable musical score combined with projection and practical scenery transforms the arena into the dense jungles of Isla Nublar, where real Gyrospheres roll through the valley…but then your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus Rex escapes and causes chaos in the park!  The adventure continues as you join forces with a team of scientists to unravel a corrupt plan and save an all-new dinosaur named Jeanie from a terrible fate. 

With pulse-pounding stunts and an original, authentic storyline that takes place between the Jurassic World and Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom movies, this all-new live adventure is guaranteed to to take fans on a larger-than-life immersive journey and make family memories that will last another 65 million years.

“Working with a world-class production team and Universal filmmakers, we have extended the Jurassic World canon with a new story that can only be told through this live, arena spectacular as we bring full-scale dinosaurs to generations of fans around the globe,” said Juliette Feld Grossman, Chief Operating Officer of Feld Entertainment. “We have maximized the power of everything we do at Feld Entertainment, pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation to ensure audiences have an authentic, awe-inspiring experience. Fans will leave with a sense of wonder, as if they’ve boarded the boat to Isla Nublar and literally stepped into Jurassic World.”

USA Today praised the show saying “my heart still races when the velociraptor’s nose is pointed my way. It’s a testament to how well the ‘Jurassic’ movies have instilled an illogical fear of extinct creatures, how true the Jurassic World Live team stayed to the animals from the movie, and how high-tech animatronic puppets have gotten in order to tell stories about prehistoric creatures.”  The New York Times describes the Feld Entertainment production as “the most technically complex the company has ever produced.”

A N A H E I M

WHEN:                July 9 – 12, 2020

Thursday, July 9     7:00 PM

Friday, July 10 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 11        11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, July 12            11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

WHERE:          Honda Center – 2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806

TICKETS:      Ticket affordably priced for the whole family starting at just $20*

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

L O S   A N G E L E S

WHEN:                 July 17 – 19, 2020

Friday, July 17       7:30 PM

Saturday, July 18        11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, July 19                 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

WHERE:               STAPLES Center – 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKETS:              Ticket affordably priced for the whole family starting at just $20*

Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply.

Credit: Feld Entertainment.

Get Ready for Kickoff as The Aquarium Hosts its Sixth Annual Otter Bowl

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Aquarium of the Pacific

Watch the Aquarium’s sea otters compete for frozen treats and the title of Otter MVP

The Aquarium of the Pacific is proud to present its sixth annual Otter Bowl on February 2, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Watch as the Aquarium’s sea otters vie for the championship at Otter Bowl VI. The fast-paced action will include collecting footballs made out of frozen clams and retrieving enrichment toys. There will be lots of eating and playing going on during this big game as the sea otters compete.

The game starts during the 4:00 p.m. sea otter show in the Northern Pacific Gallery, and an Aquarium educator will be calling the play-by-play. At 3:30 p.m., the otters will be off exhibit in their “locker room” as the Aquarium’s animal experts prepare the “field” for Otter Bowl VI.

Visitors can receive discounted admission on February 2 after 3:00 p.m. Admission will be $19.95 per person from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WHEN:           Otter Bowl VI, February 2, 2020, 4:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

                       Special discounted admission offer valid from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA, 90802

COST:             Free to Aquarium members and included with general admission for the public.

                       General admission: $34.95 adult (12+), $31.95 senior (62+), and $24.95 child (3-11).

                       Admission is just $19.95 per person after 3:00 p.m. on Otter Bowl.

                       The Aquarium is open until 6:00 p.m.

INFO:             (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/otterbowl/

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Gazpacho, Jan. 16th Pet of the Week!

Gazpacho is as cool as the cucumbers in the Spanish-style soup of the same name! He’s an American guinea pig who’s full of pep and a little bit sneaky—he loves to play hide-and-seek! He’s the perfect pet for anyone who wants a little cuddly companion who’d rather spend his entire day looking adorable in someone’s home than at the shelter. Meet Gazpacho on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A637591.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village.

Experience True Holiday Magic at Queen Mary Christmas Nov. 29 – Jan. 1st

(Image Courtesy of the Queen Mary | Credit: Mathew Martinez)

The Queen Mary invites one and all to experience the spirit of the holiday season at Queen Mary Christmas, sailing into Long Beach November 29, 2019 through January 1, 2020, on select dates. Queen Mary Christmas will offer 25 days of holiday cheer with on-and-off ship activations, pairing an outdoor wonderland of fun with hints of maritime magic with strolling entertainment, libations, treats, gingerbread and stocking decorating, Santa meet and greets, ice skating on the True North Ice Rink, and much more. 

Take in the vintage yuletide atmosphere by strolling down the sparkling tree-lined Promenade Deck, to find Ol’ Saint Nick. When Santa is away from his North Pole workshop, his Captain’s Quarters in the Shipyard are his home away from home. Join Santa here for a meet and greet, help him chart the course to the North Pole, and pose for a souvenir photo with the jolly fellow. Head to the Main Hall to hear the tales of Christmas like never before during Storytime with Mrs. C and sip on hot chocolate topped off with fixings at the hot chocolate bar.

The Christmas Village, located inside the Exhibition Hall, boasts a festive workshop where all elves in attendance can decorate stockings, trim gingerbread houses, enjoy live entertainment and create jolly arts and crafts. From the Christmas Village, wander through a winter pathway of ‘Instagrammable’ backdrops and photo moments to the 4D Theatre for an intimate screening of The Polar Express, that will take viewers on a 4D sensory adventure complete with snow flurries and the smell of hot cocoa.

As the sound of strolling carolers fills the air, head to the outdoor wonderland of the North Pole Village to take a ride on the trackless train and experience festive entertainment fit for the entire family. Children can enjoy rides on the light up Grand Carousel and World’s Largest Giant Rocking Horse while parents relax with craft beers and specialty cocktails, complete with performances by Tappin’ Toy Soldiers, the Beefeater Brigade, Dancing Bellhops and more on the outdoor Main Stage.

Create a lasting tradition and carve out holiday memories on the all-new 6,000 square foot True North Ice Rink featuring a glittering 26-ft star topped Christmas tree in front of the Queen Mary’s famous smokestacks. Cozy up off the ice at rink-side concessions offering an array of seasonal treats, refreshments and entertainment that will have holiday revelers never wanting to leave. 

Queen Mary Christmas takes place November 29, 2019 through January 1, 2020. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $22 for children and includes Queen Mary Christmas event entry and ship access, meet and greets with Santa Claus, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, special screening of The Polar Express in the 4D Theater, and rides on the Grand Carousel, QM Express Train, and giant rocking horse. VIP tickets start at $65 for adults and $59 for children and includes skate rentals and ice skating session at the True North Ice Rink plus participation in all Queen Mary Christmas activities: gingerbread house making in the Gingerbread Village, stocking decorating with Santa’s helpers, screening of The Polar Express in the 4D Theater, meet and greets with Santa, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, and rides on the Grand Carousel, QM Express Train, and giant rocking horse. Cabanas are available for purchase. For a full entertainment schedule of tours, activations, experiences, hours of operation and to purchase tickets, visit queenmary.com.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Dana Point Harbor Presents “Tiki Holiday” at the 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights

Dana Point Harbor is pleased to welcome a “Tiki Holiday” to the harbor as the 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights returns on December 6, 7, 13 and 14. Families are invited to enjoy festive tiki-themed activities and live entertainment, restaurant offerings, visits with Santa, and the famous parade of local boats adorned with dazzling holiday lights. Each event date will kick off with entertainment along the harbor beginning at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Boat Parade of Lights at 7:30 p.m.

“The boat parade truly captures the essence of Dana Point,” said Bryon Ward of Dana Point Harbor Partners and President of Burnham Ward Properties. “Dana Point Harbor Partners is excited to continue this highly anticipated holiday tradition celebrating community, culture and the legacy of the harbor.”

Each evening of the event, Dana Point Harbor will present a lineup of tiki-themed entertainment including hula dancers, face painters, seasonal carolers, a Volkswagen photo booth bus, and a photo opportunity with Mr. Claus himself.

Dana Point Harbor Partners are working together on all aspects of the boat parade and landside activities to bring the community another successful holiday celebration at the harbor. This festive fun-filled event would not be possible without the dedication of the boating participants. To sign up to be a part of the Dana Point Harbor boat parade tradition fill out an application online or visit The Marina at Dana Point Office. This year’s tiki-tastic line up of award categories includes best overall, theme, most original, lights/music, Mayor’s cup, Supervisor’s cup and more. New this year, a $1,000 donation will be awarded to the charity or youth sailing program of the yacht club with the most entries in the 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights between Dana West Yacht Club and Dana Point Yacht Club. All award winners will receive cash prizes, with a total distribution of over $10,000 courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.

To view the parade on the water, book your space aboard a Dana Wharf or Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari vessel. The Marina at Dana Point will also have guest slips available for visiting boaters. For information on their guest slips contact The Marina at Dana Point Office.

The harbor will light up with mesmerizing lights again this year from Friday November 22, to Thursday, January 2. The crowd favorite “Merry Kiss Me” arch will be back with an Instagram competition through @DanaPoint_Harbor. Additional festivities throughout the holidays include Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s Boat Rides with Santa on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 10 a.m. – 2. p.m. Take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this adventure at sea and a $5 donation will benefit the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club.

The Pet Project Foundation will host the 8th Annual Santa Paws event on Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pet photos with Santa will be offered for a small donation. All proceeds support the Pet Project Foundation.

A free trolley will run on each night of the Boat Parade from 4:30 – 10:30 p.m. with drop off and pick up locations along Dana Point Harbor Drive. Sail through “Tiki Holiday” paradise during the 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point Harbor. For more information visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

Credit: Dana Point Harbor.

Marvel, Dec. 5th Pet of the Week!

Marvel is all dressed up for the weather! This little guy is 4 years old and seems to be a terrier mix; he’s neutered and is all ready to go home. He’s fun-loving and cuddly, but he’s going to hog all the toys in the Christmas stocking because he does not like to share! If you’re looking for an “only child,” meet our Marvel at the P. D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A634303.

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

Credit: Courtesy of the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village.

It’s time for Week #1 of our Holiday Gift Suggestions!

Love tacos? Love Rubio’s? This gift suggestion is for you and anyone on your shopping list that loves Rubio’s! For the first time this holiday season, Rubio’s Coastal Grill is offering a limited-editionTaco Tidings Gift Box. The unique gift is ideal for taco lovers, and just 1,000 gift boxes will be available at the Taco Tidings order page (http://rubiosholidaystore.myshopify.com/). For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill, visit Rubios.com. Guests can also join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram

Need to find a perfect gift for a teenager or adult who loves to listen to music?  Audio-Technica makes it easy to pick the perfect gift for everyone, with wireless headphones, turntables, gaming headsets and more. I love their ATH-ANC500BT QuietPoint® noise-cancelling over-ear headphones that provide exceptional wireless audio quality in comfortable over-ear designs. The ATH-M50xBT wireless over-ear headphones (US$199.00) bring Bluetooth technology to one of the world’s most acclaimed pro audio headphones, the ATH-M50x. The ATH-M50xBT’s 45 mm large-aperture driver, rare-earth magnets and other refinements provide studio-quality sonic accuracy, and the headphones are compatible with aptX and AAC codecs for the best-possible wireless audio reproduction. Controls mounted on the left earcup provide easy handling of phone calls and music listening. An internal battery provides up to 40 hours on a full charge, and the headphones can also be used in wired mode. The ATH-M50xBT is compatible with the Audio-Technica Connect smartphone app.

These fun gadgets will also be a hit with Dad!

Looking for a gift for your teenager? The perfect holiday gifts for tween girls who love watching DIY makeup and craft channels on YouTube, these kits encourage girls to get creative and play with color as they mix and blend their own personalized makeup. This one is really cool! RoseArt/Mattel launched a new line of DIY makeup kits called BeYouTology. BeYouTology Luxe Cosmetic Bar Kit (MSRP $29.99) and the BeYouTology Lip Gloss Kit (MSRP $9.99) are available this holiday shopping season at participating retailers nationwide.

Here’s another great one for Tweens and Teens from RoseArt/Mattel. From YouTube star, Lauren Riihimaki, LaurDIY Craft Kits are inspired by craft tutorials, life hacks, and décor ideas. New this holiday season, give the LaurDIY Crystal Chandelier Kit. Crafters can have fun with paper and crystals to form an incredible, iridescent, chandelier.  SRP $19.99, for ages 8+ , Amazon.

‘Tis the season to bring the family together with the DreamWorks Ultimate Holiday Collection! Get into the holiday spirit with Shrek, Po, Hiccup, Toothless, Poppy and many more as they celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Featuring 9 festive stories with your favorite characters, this collection is perfect for everyone looking to add a little magic to their holidays. This one is perfect to watch to start off the holiday season!

DreamWorks Ultimate Holiday Collection Blu-ray SRP: $39.98DVD SRP: $29.98
Featuring 9 DreamWorks holiday favorites together for the first time!

  • Trolls Holiday
  • Shrek the Halls
  • Donkey’s Caroling Christmas-tacular
  • Merry Madagascar
  • Penguins of Madagascar in a Christmas Caper
  • Dragons Holiday: Gift of the Night Fury
  • Home for the Holidays
  • Rise of the Guardians

I hope that you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Stay tuned for the next Gift Guide early next week! Happy Holidays!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items and images were also provided.