• Las Vegas,  Los Angeles,  Miami,  New York,  San Diego

    Elevate Every Sip with Mixly Beverage Co.’s Clean-Ingredient Drink Mixers

    There’s no denying that at-home drinks have become more creative than ever. Whether it’s a refreshing mocktail after work, a colorful dirty soda for a weekend gathering, or a homemade latte to start the morning, more people are looking for easy ways to enjoy café- and bar-inspired drinks without leaving the house.

    That’s why I was excited to discover Mixly Beverage Co., a brand focused on making everyday beverages more flavorful while keeping the ingredient list simple. Formerly known as Mixly Cocktail Co., the company has expanded beyond cocktail mixers to offer products that fit a variety of drink occasions throughout the day.

    What makes Mixly stand out is its focus on clean ingredients and bold flavors without artificial dyes. Instead of buying multiple specialty ingredients, you can easily create customized drinks with just a few pours, whether you’re making a refreshing mocktail, mixing a classic cocktail, or putting together one of the internet’s favorite beverage trends—a dirty soda.

    Dirty sodas have become incredibly popular thanks to social media, and it’s easy to see why. They’re fun, customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Mixly’s dirty soda syrups come in delicious flavors like Cherry Vanilla, Mango Pineapple, and Coconut Lime, making it simple to create colorful, refreshing drinks at home. Just combine your favorite soda with ice and a splash of syrup, then customize it even further with cream, fruit, or other fun toppings.

    Of course, Mixly hasn’t forgotten the products that helped build its reputation. The brand continues to offer its signature cocktail and mocktail mixers, making it easy to prepare restaurant-quality beverages without complicated recipes. Whether you’re hosting friends for happy hour or simply relaxing after a long day, having a quality mixer on hand makes entertaining much easier.

    One thing I appreciate most is how versatile these products are. They’re designed for every kind of beverage moment, from morning coffee creations to afternoon soda treats and evening cocktails. It’s a refreshing approach for anyone who enjoys experimenting with new flavors while keeping preparation quick and simple.

    If you’re looking to elevate your home beverage routine, Mixly Beverage Co. is definitely worth checking out. The company’s products are available through its website, with select items also becoming available on Amazon and Target.com, making it even easier to bring creative drink experiences home.

    Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family movie night, or simply treating yourself to something a little different, Mixly Beverage Co. offers an easy way to make everyday drinks feel a little more special.

  • Baby,  Gift Guide,  San Diego,  Toddlers,  Toys

    These Adorable Ty Beanie Bouncers Are the Plush Collectibles Everyone Will Love

    There’s something special about plush toys that never goes out of style. Whether you’re shopping for a child, adding to your own collection, or searching for a fun gift, a cute plush always brings a smile. That’s one reason Ty Beanie Bouncers have been catching so much attention lately. These playful collectibles combine Ty’s signature soft fabrics with a unique bouncy design, making them just as fun to play with as they are to display.

    One of the best things about Ty Beanie Bouncers is the variety of characters available. Fans of Disney can collect favorites like Minnie Mouse and Stitch, while younger kids will immediately recognize Bluey and Peppa Pig. Each plush captures the personality of the character with colorful details and the soft quality Ty is known for, making them easy to love from the moment you pick one up.

    Superhero fans aren’t left out either. Characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Wonder Woman add a fun comic book twist to the collection. They’re the perfect size for imaginative play, decorating a bedroom, or giving as a small surprise for someone who loves superheroes.

    If cute animals are more your style, there are plenty of original Ty characters to discover as well. Gemma Cat, Leggy Octopus, Gill Axolotl, and Cruiser Turtle each have their own colorful personality, making them fun additions to any growing collection. Their bright colors and adorable expressions make it hard to stop at just one.

    Because they’re compact, soft, and collectible, Ty Beanie Bouncers make wonderful gifts for birthdays, holidays, party favors, or stocking stuffers. They’re also a great little treat for yourself if you enjoy collecting plush toys or simply appreciate cute, well-made designs that add a bit of happiness to your day.

    If you’re looking to start a collection or find a fun gift, Ty Beanie Bouncers are available at Michaels, where you can browse a variety of licensed characters alongside Ty’s original animal friends. With so many different designs to choose from, it’s easy to find one—or several—that you’ll want to bring home.

  • Baby,  Eco,  Gift Guide,  San Diego,  Toddlers

    Thoughtfully Designed for Every Toddler Breakfast

    Every milestone deserves a clean start, especially when it comes to your child’s first meals. From early breakfasts to everyday family routines, the right tableware can make mealtime feel simpler, safer, and more enjoyable. That’s exactly what the Ello Clean Start Toddler Ceramic Divided Breakfast Plate was designed to do.

    Made from premium porcelain ceramic, this thoughtfully designed breakfast plate offers parents a cleaner alternative to traditional plastic tableware. It’s free from BPA, melamine, phthalates, and forever chemicals (PFAS), giving families greater confidence that every meal is served on safe, high-quality materials. Because porcelain is naturally non-porous, it won’t absorb odors, stain from colorful foods, or retain flavors, helping each plate stay fresh and beautiful over years of daily use.

    The divided design makes serving balanced meals effortless. With one large compartment and two smaller sections, it’s easy to keep pancakes separate from fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt, or other breakfast favorites. The organized layout encourages self-feeding while keeping different foods from mixing together, making mealtime more enjoyable for both toddlers and parents.

    Busy mornings become a little easier thanks to the plate’s practical design. It’s both microwave safe and dishwasher safe, so heating breakfast and cleaning up afterward takes minimal effort. Unlike many silicone alternatives, the smooth ceramic surface stays clean without absorbing food odors or lingering flavors.

    Each plate is wrapped in a soft food-grade silicone bumper that helps protect tables from scratches and cushions everyday bumps. The square shape is thoughtfully sized to fit most standard high chair trays, making it just as useful for babies learning to self-feed as it is for toddlers joining the family table.

    Every set includes two ceramic divided breakfast plates, making it easy to rotate between meals or keep an extra plate ready for busy days. Combining premium materials, timeless design, and everyday functionality, the Ello Clean Start Toddler Ceramic Divided Breakfast Plate is a simple upgrade that supports healthier mealtimes from the very beginning.

     

    When it comes to feeding little ones, every detail matters. Choosing clean materials, thoughtful design, and products built to last helps create mealtimes that feel calmer, more organized, and more enjoyable. With the Ello Clean Start Toddler Ceramic Divided Breakfast Plate, every breakfast begins with confidence—and every milestone truly deserves a clean start.

  • Fashion,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    The One Sleep Shirt That Makes Postpartum Life More Comfortable

     

    As a new mom, I’ve realized that comfortable sleepwear isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Between late-night feedings, early mornings, and those rare moments of downtime, the last thing I want is clothing that feels restrictive or uncomfortable. That’s why I’ve been loving the Woxer Sleep Long Sleeve Tee.

    The first thing I noticed was how incredibly soft the fabric feels. Made from 95% Lenzing™ Modal and 5% spandex, it’s noticeably smoother than regular cotton, with a silky touch that’s gentle against sensitive postpartum skin. The slightly heavier-weight modal also adds a cozy feel without becoming too warm, making it perfect for cooler evenings or relaxing around the house.

    I also appreciate the relaxed fit. It’s loose enough to move comfortably while still looking polished, so I don’t feel like I need to change if I step outside for a quick coffee run or errands. The classic crew neckline and clean design make it look more like a casual top than traditional pajamas.

    Another standout feature is how breathable the fabric is. The moisture-wicking modal helps regulate body temperature, which is especially helpful during postpartum when fluctuating hormones can make sleeping comfortably a challenge. Even after multiple washes, the fabric holds its shape beautifully and remains just as soft as when I first wore it.

    Beyond comfort, I love Woxer’s commitment to thoughtful design. The tag-free construction eliminates irritation, and every piece is made with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified fabric, giving me confidence that the materials touching my skin are responsibly made. The brand’s focus on creating functional, body-friendly essentials and supporting women through its broader mission makes it even more meaningful to wear.

    Whether you’re recovering after childbirth, working from home, or simply looking for elevated loungewear you’ll actually want to live in, the Woxer Sleep Long Sleeve Tee is one of those pieces you’ll keep reaching for. It’s soft, breathable, comfortable, and versatile enough to carry you from bedtime to your morning coffee without missing a beat.

  • Fashion,  Gift Guide,  San Diego

    LinKOO by CASEKOO: A Smarter Phone Case That Fits Your Everyday Life

    Choosing a phone case today is no longer just about protecting your smartphone from scratches and accidental drops. More people are looking for accessories that fit seamlessly into their daily routines, combining functionality with style. That’s exactly what CASEKOO has achieved with its innovative LinKOO collection, a phone case designed to make everyday life simpler while maintaining a sleek, premium appearance.

    What makes LinKOO stand out is its patented ClipSafe™ system, an innovative foldable hidden tab that lets users securely attach a wrist strap, lanyard, keys, charms, or other small everyday essentials. Unlike traditional phone cases with bulky attachment loops that are always visible, the ClipSafe™ tab folds neatly back into the case whenever it’s not needed, preserving the slim profile and elegant design of the phone. The result is a case that adapts to your lifestyle without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

    The inspiration behind LinKOO is just as appealing as its design. The idea came from CASEKOO founder Ralph during an evening walk with his wife. As they held hands, he realized his own pockets were overflowing with keys, receipts, and other essentials, leaving no convenient place for his phone. Rather than accepting this everyday inconvenience, he imagined a phone case that could carry more than just a device—a simple solution that would make daily life feel lighter and more effortless. That simple idea eventually evolved into the ClipSafe™ system and became the foundation of the LinKOO collection.

    Beyond its practical design, LinKOO is also built with premium materials and thoughtful engineering. It features powerful MagSafe compatibility using advanced Halbach magnetic technology for a secure connection with chargers and accessories, while an aluminum-alloy camera bezel helps protect the lenses from scratches and impacts. The included wrist strap provides additional security against accidental drops, and users can easily personalize the case with their own favorite lanyards or accessories, making it both practical and uniquely their own.

    LinKOO represents more than just another smartphone accessory. It reflects CASEKOO’s new brand philosophy of “Less Effort, More Living,” which focuses on reducing everyday friction rather than simply adding more features. Instead of creating products that only protect devices, CASEKOO aims to design accessories that make daily routines more comfortable, allowing users to spend less time worrying about their belongings and more time enjoying the moments that matter.

    Whether you’re commuting to work, traveling, shopping, exploring the outdoors, or simply going for a walk, LinKOO offers a practical solution for keeping your phone close while freeing your hands for everything else. Its combination of innovative design, premium craftsmanship, and everyday convenience makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their phone case with something that is both stylish and genuinely useful.

    In a market crowded with ordinary phone cases, LinKOO offers a fresh perspective by turning a simple accessory into something that enhances everyday life. It is thoughtfully designed, highly functional, and elegant enough to complement any style. For anyone who values convenience without sacrificing design, the CASEKOO LinKOO is a smart investment that proves even the smallest innovations can make a meaningful difference every day.

  • New York

    Furry Puppet Studio

    Have you heard of ‘Grumpy Cat’? ” asks Zack Buchman, Founder and Creative Director of Furry Puppet Studio, as he strolls through his Brooklyn studio, stopping to lift a frowning feline puppet, its bright blue eyes fixed in a state of perpetual annoyance, into the air.

    He is referring, of course, to the celebrity cat whose pointed expression of disgust has inspired everything from television interviews to countless memes. Grumpy Cat reappears here now in the only official version of her puppet form, judgmental scowl fully intact.

    Buchman, a former animator who left home and moved to New York City at a young age, has a pretty unorthodox background for a creative director who’s at the helm of his own business. “Actually, I never ended up going to college,” he says. “But I think that it ended up giving me this outsider perspective and an unusual outlook. Which is why our work is so different.”

    Indeed, it seems that Buchman’s unique perspective has a lot to do with the attention that Furry Puppet Studio is getting: he and his team have together conceptualized and fabricated custom puppets for a wide variety of productions, from TV shows to music videos featuring some unexpected guest stars, such as Jon Hamm and Michelle Obama.

    Buchman, as he tells it, draws artistic inspiration from the pixelated computer games he was exposed to in his childhood and “naturally, Jim Henson’s early work.” He believes wholeheartedly in the power of smart character design and is “a big fan of keeping things simple.”

    More info here: https://www.animationforadults.com/2024/05/art-chooses-you-conversation-with-zack.html

    https://craftindustryalliance.org/zack-buchman-makes-puppets-that-delight/