San Diego

Happy 50th anniversary Fleet Science Center!

| kristencastillo

The Fleet Science Center is celebrating 50 years with a blast!  They’ve been celebrating science since the museum opened in 1973 in Balboa Park. Since then, 26 million people have visited the Fleet, which has interactive exhibits and an IMAX theatre. Their mission is, “to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science.”  

Today they kicked off the anniversary with a science experiment featuring liquid nitrogen (at -321 degrees F) and warm water topped with colorful playground balls. They put the liquid nitrogen in a 2-liter bottle and sealed it tightly. The pressure built and boom!

As part of the celebration, the museum is offering special pricing and events throughout the year. Here are some photos of the museum over the years.

exploring a Home Design Store

| kristencastillo

I write often about home decor and design so it was inspiring to go to a Home Depot Design center,  here in San Diego.  There are only three The Home Depot Design Centers — one stop shops for kitchen and bath design — in the country.  

They recently invited me to attend their “festive fete” and it was a dream for anyone who loves decor and design. There were so many colors and options for household appliances from stoves and pizza ovens to washing machines and refrigerators, to cabinetry, and draw pulls, bathroom hardware, and more. 

One of my faves? The working wall display of shower heads demonstrating water pressure for various models. So visual and fun!

How many times have been shopping for household items and wonder how well they actually work!? This lets shoppers test the household items before buying.

The celebration included getting a custom wreath, made right in front of me.

Celebrating the Regional Emmy Awards 2021

| kristencastillo

Still soaking up the National Academy of Arts and Sciences Pacific Southwest (NATAS-PSW) Emmy Awards. I love being president of this chapter. 

While I was honored to be nominated for “Outstanding Achievement for Special Events Coverage” of last year’s virtual show, I did not receive an Emmy Award this year. However, I had so much fun on the pre-show Zoom and participating in the virtual awards. 

Then on Saturday we distributed the statues at Viejas Casino and Resort. A photographer snapped red carpet pictures and a videographer recorded acceptance speeches. We also enjoyed a little swag – check out the delicious popcorn gifted by Popped Gourmet Popcorn. 

Animated Spy Movie “Spies In Disguise” Thrills the Whole Family

| kristencastillo

Spies in Disguise is the kid’s version of a James Bond movie. It has lots of heart and humor too, for kids and adults.

My family and I attended a preview screening of  the animated comedy from 20th Century Fox. Will Smith plays super spy Lance Sterling, a smooth agent who prides himself on working alone.  He relies on gadgets made by CIA-like scientists. Enter millennial scientist Walter Beckett, played by Tom Holland. He’s been using his stem skills to create and innovate since he was a little kid.

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Flash forward the present day and Walter is working in a government lab, tasked with making gadgets for secret agents. Lance needs those gadgets to get his missions completed quickly and efficiently. Even though his job is to build gadgets to take down bad guys, Walter encourages non-violence whenever possible. Many of his inventions are so mesmerizing that they cause bad guys and the audience to say, “aww.” Glitter is a theme.

At one point Lance needs helps and relies on Walter, who promises to make Lance invisible. Walter’s invention makes it happen but hijinks ensues when he turns Lance into a pigeon. The high-action secret mission continues for both Lance and Walter, who make an unlikely spy duo.

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This animated movie is very entertaining. The characters are great and animation is well done. Plus, the soundtrack from Mark Ronson is a hit. I predict this film is poised for a sequel or two.

Spies in Disguise opens Christmas Day.

Movie Night Under the Stars

| kristencastillo

I love watching a movie under the stars! 🎥

I really enjoyed the media preview of Rooftop Cinema Club, a rooftop “theatre” atop of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. It’s such a pretty setup and the views are amazing.

I got to watch a classic movie, “Grease,”  a very fun sing-along! The set-up includes snuggling under the stars in comfortable deck chairs (blankets are so cozy!) and watching the movie while listening with wireless headphones.

Rooftop cinema season kicks off this week and continues throughout the summer.

The movies are always iconic films that people know and love. Upcoming shows include Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Greatest Showman, among others.

On Trend: 2018 Fall Fashion

| kristencastillo

Ready for animal prints, power tailoring and sequins? Sounds like you’re ready for fall fashion 2018!

Autumn is here and I’m excited to show you the hot looks for this cool time of year. Neiman Marcus invited me to their fall fashion preview so here’s what you can expect when you’re shopping this season.

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This season, women are going to be wearing a lot of what Alex Yáñez, stylist for Neiman Marcus at San Diego’s Fashion Valley, calls “peacock colors.” That means saturated blues and greens for a bold, eye-catching pallet.

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The power pantsuit is back too. Tailored suiting, including double-breasted jackets and strong shoulders, is very in vogue.

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Leather is making a big statement this season as well. Whether you choose matte or patent leather, you can rock this look head-to-toe.

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Get ready to roar! Autumn is all about animal prints including zebra, tiger, and leopard, as well as other amazing prints. Feel free to mix, match and layer this wild and sexy style.

Who says sequins or just for parties and night time? Yáñez and his team at Neiman Marcus say you can wear sequins day or night – shine any time you want.

When it comes to accessories, expect to see western wear like cowboy boots a lot this year, as well as lace up boots. It’s a 90’s throwback but a definite must this season.

Top flap handbags both slouchy and structured are going to be the it bag.

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And when it comes to jewelry, look out for crystals and jet black jewelry – very dramatic! Finish your ensemble with a glow. Luminous skin is going to be all the rage this fall.

For men, autumn is all about tech tailoring. Thank innovative suits that blend both performance and function.

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Guys will be rocking turtlenecks, velvet and velour too. Men will bundle up during cold weather with a performance parka – both cozy and cool.

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For accessories, men will be wearing chunky runner shoes with an exaggerated sole. That’s definitely fun and functional footwear.

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Men’s styling is going to include a lot of utilitarian details including cargo pockets camouflage this time of year. Expect accent colors in shades of wine, burgundy and blue.

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What fall fashion pieces and trends are your “must-have” looks this season?

Go See “Teen Titans Go to the Movies”

| kristencastillo

Fun and at times irreverent, “Teen Titans Go to the Movies,” is a cute film that’s appealing to kids and adults.

I attended the preview with my sons and they loved this film.

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The premise is easy to understand: Robin is tired of just being seen as Batman’s sidekick. He wants to star in movies and save the day like all the Justice League superheroes he sees. Robin, paired up with his Teen Titan crew, struggles to be taken seriously in his life and on screen.

Robin wants the movie director, voiced by Kristen Bell to give him a shot as a movie star. She’s reluctant to do so unless the Boy Wonder can have a great adversary. He finds that rival in Slade, played by Will Arnett, who is also “Teen Titans Go to the Movies” producer.

Slade tries to manipulate Robin and the Teen Titans with mind games. But they see beyond his gimmicks. The theme resonates with kids and parents: you don’t have to be a superhero, you just have to be yourself.

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“Teen Titans Go to the Movies” was full of potty humor, fart jokes and booty shaking. The jokes are targeted to kids but much of the humor gets laughs from adults too.

The soundtrack is filled with many great 80’s hits, including Huey Lewis’ “Back in Time.” There’s also an “Upbeat Inspirational Song About Life” by Michael Bolton, which is cheesy, silly and perfect all at the same time.

“Teen Titans Go to the Movie,” rated PG, opens Friday, July 27.

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Conan Live at Comic-Con

| kristencastillo

I had so much fun attending a taping of the Conan show at The Spreckels Theatre during Comic Con.

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Conan tapes four shows in San Diego every July during Comic Con.

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My husband I attended Conan’s final Comic Con-themed episode for this year.

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The episode we watched featured the cast of  the upcoming “Aquaman” movie. The taping last almost an hour an a half.

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What a fun experience!

I’ve watched Conan on TV for years – I love his self-deprecating humor and he didn’t disappoint in-person! Can’t wait for next year’s Conan visit to Comic Con and San Diego.