Summer camp season is fast approaching! There’s a lot to consider – what type of camp is best for your budget, your child’s interests and the family’s schedule?
Before you make a camp decision, check out the video I made with San Diego Family Magazine in which I share tips on how you can make sure you’re choosing the best camp for your child.
Next, check out the magazine’s summer camp guide.
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.
In Disney-fashion, the new version of “Dumbo” is shot well, has great sound and graphics. Directed by Tim Burton, the film is dark and moody.
There are many nods to the 1941 original Dumbo, which was animated. For example, in one of the early scenes, we see a stork fly over the train car signifying that Mrs. Jumbo has given birth to Dumbo, just like in the classic. Also, in the beginning and again at the end, we see some white mice, a tribute to Timothy Q. Mouse, the small white mouse that helps Dumbo soar in the animated original.
The premise of the film is similar to the original: a baby elephant with oversized ears is the joke of traveling circus. When the kids discover Dumbo can fly, they make him an instant success at the circus.
Soon, others want to cash in on Dumbo’s success. Enter over-the-top entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere, played by Michael Keaton, who makes Dumbo the star of his theme park, Dreamland. Aerial artist Colette Marchant portrayed by Eva Green plays Dumbo’s co-star as they fly around Dreamland. But the park isn’t as dreamy as it seems.
The themes of this movie are relatable. First, there’s the strong bond between parent and child as exhibited between Dumbo and his mother. It’s emotional when Mrs. Jumbo and Dumbo are separated.
The circus owner, Danny DeVito who’s well cast as Max Medici, decides to sell Mrs. Jumbo once he sees her baby has big ears. Devito has the perfect persona, attitude and energy for the role.
This theme plays out with the human characters, as well. Children Milly, played by Nico Parker and Joe, played by Finley Hobbins reunite with their father, Holt Farrier, portrayed by Colin Farrell, who has just returned home from war and is missing an arm. The character’s wife has died while he was deployed.
The next message is about the importance of respecting and taking care of animals. For example, a circus worker who does not respect Mrs. Jumbo, suffers a dramatic fate. Karma perhaps for not respecting the pachyderm.
I liked the film but I did have a problem with how they handled time periods. There are many anachronistic things that trouble me. For example, in the beginning of the film, we’re told the timeframe is 1919 but then Dreamland seems far too advanced for that time period. And the ringleader is voiced by the “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” guy who announced, “Let’s Get Ready for Dumbo.”
Overall, the film was enjoyable and a pretty nice adaptation from the animated classic Disney fans have loved for years. The movie opens today – March 29, 2019.
Everything is awesome again…or is it?
Last week my family and I got a sneak peek of “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part,” and it didn’t disappoint. The movie opens this weekend and kids and adults will enjoy catching up with the animated crew.
Emmet, Lucy, Batman (voiced by Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks and Will Arnett, respectively) and the Lego friends are back but this time they have a new foe: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, who seem to be on a mission to ruin everything we know and love about Bricksburg.
Five years ago, we met the team that worked together to make everything awesome but now that awesomeness is in jeopardy. There are new characters (including a character voiced by Tiffany Haddish, who’s constantly morphing into new looks) and yes, new songs that definitely will get stuck in your head.
There’s a big theme: all of the characters want one thing – not to get relegated to the bin or storage, where the fun and awesomeness would cease. The whole family will enjoy watching as new and old LEGO friends work together to prevent that sad fate.
“The LEGO Movie 2” brings out many emotions: it’s silly and sentimental; fun and imaginative; and it makes kids and adults feel wistful about growing up.
These characters definitely have more stories to tell. I have a feeling there will be a third LEGO movie.
It’s fitting that “Mary Poppins Returns” is opening right before Christmas. This cheery musical, based in 1930’s London, is a delightful gift for Disney fans of all ages.
The plot is simple: The Banks family is struggling to keep their home after their mother died. Michael Banks, whose childhood nanny was Mary Poppins, is widowed and struggling to pay his mortgage. The bank is ready to foreclose on the home. That’s when Mary Poppins flies in to assist the family whose home is on 17 Cherry Tree Lane.
Emily Blunt, as the leading lady and Lin-Manuel Miranda as a Jack, a lamplighter, are fabulous in their starring roles.
Even 92-year-old Dick Van Dyke, an original cast member from “Mary Poppins,” has a cameo in the new film. The audience cheered when he was first seen on screen. A joy then and now, Van Dyke still has impeccable dancing and singing skills.
My kids and I attended a media preview and loved the film. Fun and upbeat, it’s poised to become a new Disney classic. There are moments of melancholy, like when the three Banks children are sad and miss their mother. But with Poppins’ magic, life lessons prevail – good triumphs over evil and family is everything.
The movie is based on “Mary Poppins” stories by author PL Travers. Like the 1964 original film, this one is packed with catchy, memorable songs and dances. It has a lot of heart and I’m sure the soundtrack will do well. One of my favorite scenes was for a song called, “A Cover Is Not the Book,” where Blunt and Miranda merrily sing and dance about books.
Throughout the musical, the costumes are colorful and the design is detailed. A few fun facts:
My kids and I thoroughly enjoyed “Mary Poppins Returns.” I’m sure we’ll see it again soon.
Getting ready for Christmas? There’s nothing like a holiday movie to get you in the mood to celebrate the season.
The other night, my sons and I got a sneak peek of “The Grinch,” which opens today.
This animated movie by Illumination, which is based on Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is the latest iteration of the Grinch, chronicling a cranky green guy who hates Christmas.
This Grinch isn’t portrayed as mean, evil or even very spiteful. Instead he’s a loner, who seems more sad, than anything else. (In a fun moment, he wallows in self-pity, playing “All By Myself” on the organ, next to his beloved dog, Max.)
His Who-ville neighbors are far too happy about the holiday and Grinch just wants the jolly season to end. Grinch, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, decides to pose as Santa so he can steal Christmas. His plan backfires when the town’s little darling, Cindy-Lou Who has a special request for Santa. The theory is that Grinch’s heart is two sizes too small. After his encounter with Cindy-Lou Who, Grinch’s heart grows.
Grinch is a loner, who seems more sad, than anything else.
Narrated by Pharrell Williams, “The Grinch” has an impressive cast. We enjoyed Kenan Thompson as Mr. Bricklebaum, the over-the-top Who-ville neighbor who loves to decorate; and Rashida Jones, who plays Donna Who, Cindy-Loo’s overworked single mother.
This “Grinch” was a fun start to the season. www.grinchmovie.com
Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rated: PG
Holiday travel season is almost here. That means packing suitcases, carry-ons and managing accessories while on-the-go. More than ever, it’s important to be organized.
I recently traveled for work and before I went to the airport, I prearranged the essentials including my tickets, ID, money and gadgets. Instead of stashing everything in my purse or computer bag, I kept it all neatly packed away in a rollup bag.
Great Useful Stuff sent me their TechAway Travel Roll, a tote that has a place for all the basics you need to have handy when traveling, including charging cords, earbuds, passport, sunglasses and other gear.
The TechAway Travel Rolls come in three colors: black, hunter green and the cabernet red. I received the cabernet red, a sophisticated deep burgundy shade. The bag retails for $25, an affordable price for keeping all the essentials in one handy, secure place.
It’s sturdy and held all my gear and gadgets. I’m already planning my next trip and know this travel roll will be making the trek with me.
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.
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.
The power pantsuit is back too. Tailored suiting, including double-breasted jackets and strong shoulders, is very in vogue.
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.
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.
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.
Guys will be rocking turtlenecks, velvet and velour too. Men will bundle up during cold weather with a performance parka – both cozy and cool.
For accessories, men will be wearing chunky runner shoes with an exaggerated sole. That’s definitely fun and functional footwear.
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.
What fall fashion pieces and trends are your “must-have” looks this season?
September is Hispanic Heritage month. I was honored to write a number of articles for Mediaplanet’s “Hispanic Heritage” report, published recently in The Los Angeles Times and PeriódicoHOY.
The cover story was about #EGOT award winner Rita Moreno, who discusses her passion for her Puerto Rican roots and her 70-year career, including her role as Anita in “West Side Story.” Check out the article here.
Here are some of the other articles I wrote for this Hispanic Heritage report:
How Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Are Helping Boost Hispanic Homeownership
Actress Katherine Castro On Her Hispanic Heritage: “It’s Who I Am”
Meet Lizzie Velasquez: Latina YouTuber Who’s Focused On Positivity
Why Participation In Clinical Trials is a Must for Hispanics
Hispanic Actress & Immigration Advocate Francia Raisa’s Call for Unity
Kristen Castillo 