Mealtime Magic - Back-to-School Meals with Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen

As the busy fall season gets underway, celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen is serving up fresh inspiration to help families conquer mealtime with ease. From back-to-school snacks and lunchbox favorites to wholesome weeknight dinners, Chef Jamie will share simple strategies and seasonal recipe ideas that make feeding the family both delicious and stress-free. Chef Jamie will highlight creative ways to embrace the flavors of fall with easy entertaining tips and everyday meal solutions.

 

BIO: Chef Jamie Gwen is a former MasterChef judge, a Culinary Institute of America and a Le Cordon Bleu Graduate, a Celebrity Chef & Lifestyle Expert, a Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, a Certified Sommelier, and a 7-time Cookbook Author. She brings the best to radio with her weekly syndicated radio show, heard every weekend on 75 radio stations across the country and in Southern California on Talk Radio 790 KABC. Jamie can be seen every week on L.A.’s #1 morning show on KTLA, on the Home Shopping Network and on national news shows sharing her passion for food.

 

 

Sponsor: DailyLounge.com

Travel Tidbits - Malta

Citrus has curated a culinary itinerary of Malta that sounds like a dream and here's a taste of what's inside: Chauffeur meet & greet at the aircraft — they never even see the terminal queue Sunset sailing charter from Ta' Xbiex with a three-course dinner on deck Private cooking class with Pippa Mattei — celebrated cookbook author, 35 years of Maltese culinary mastery, in her own home, with wine she made herself Half-day eco food tour through rural Malta — private olive groves, real farmers, a lunch that no restaurant could replicate Wine tasting at a family estate beneath the walls of Mdina — underground cellars, vineyard views, Maltese nibbles Night tour of Mdina by vintage car — the Silent City after dark, with a storytelling guide and streets that feel medieval because they are Dinner at De Mondion + Noni— 2 extraordinary Michelin-starred eateries Pastizzi-making workshop with Ġulinu — a lifetime master of Malta's most beloved street food, in his own traditional home Three Cities tour by Dghajsa — ancient harbor craft, Knights of St. John history, superyacht marina coffee stop

Book Nook - Cheers!

In Cheers!, children journey across continents, discovering how different cultures share a smile and celebrate together. With every new language comes a new tradition — and a reminder that joy connects us all. Perfect for curious little travelers, this beautifully illustrated story invites families to explore the world one “Cheers!” at a time,

Evan Rawls is an expert in bedtime stories, snack negotiations, and spontaneous dance parties with his two kids. A proud husband and dad, Evan wrote Cheers! after realizing his daughter knew how to say “cheers” in Bulgarian (his wife’s native language) before she could even tie her shoes. This sparked a global adventure (mostly from his living room) to learn how cultures around the world celebrate life’s little moments. When he’s not playing human jungle gym for his kids, Evan enjoys chasing golf balls into the woods, cheering on his Virginia Tech Hokies, and tackling life’s adventures with his wife. Evan believes that no matter where you are or where you are from, the world could always use a little more Cheers!

Music Minute - Kent Blazy: The Tulsa Sessions

Acclaimed songwriter Kent Blazy released The Tulsa Sessions last week, a deeply personal collection of 11 recordings captured at the legendary Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recorded in a single inspired session with acclaimed engineer Gary Laney, the project features nine newly written songs alongside two reimagined favorites. Created within the same historic walls where music legends, including Leon Russell, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and J.J. Cale, made enduring recordings, The Tulsa Sessions showcases Blazy’s signature storytelling while paying tribute to the remarkable musical legacy of one of America’s most revered recording studios.

Photo: Ed Rhode

LISTEN to the album now.

Ahead of its release, The Tulsa Sessions drew early attention from country music media and industry outlets. Saving Country Music included the project in its “Most Anticipated New Albums for 2nd Half of 2026” Release Radar and again highlighted the album among an Aug. 28 release slate the publication declared a “Country Music Holiday.” The project also received advance coverage and recognition from outlets including MusicRow Magazine and Across the Tracks.

Recorded at the legendary Church Studio in Tulsa, The Tulsa Sessions features Blazy on guitars and vocals. The project was engineered by Gary Laney and mastered by renowned mastering engineer Jerry Tubb at Terra Nova Mastering Studio in Levelland, Texas. Blazy extends special thanks to Teresa Knox for the use of The Church Studio, an iconic recording landmark whose rich musical legacy has inspired generations of artists and songwriters.

Stay current with Kent Blazy on his website, www.kentblazy.com. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram and watch videos on the official artist's YouTube.Music can be found on all digital music platforms, including iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Pandora for streaming and download HERE.

About Kent Blazy
Kent Blazy is a celebrated American country music songwriter, recording artist and performer whose work has helped shape the modern country music landscape. A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2020, Blazy was honored during the organization’s Golden Anniversary celebration, with Garth Brooks presenting his induction and performing their breakthrough hit, “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”
Blazy’s catalog includes seven No. 1 hits, many recorded by Brooks, including “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “Ain’t Goin’ Down (’Til the Sun Comes Up)” and the George Jones duet “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?).” His songs have also been recorded by Chris Young, Diamond Rio, Patty Loveless and others, including Young’s No. 1 hit “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song).”
As a recording artist, Blazy has released multiple albums, including Songwriter, Authentic, Me & My Guitar, For the Byrds, From the Beatles to the Bluebird, My Life So Far and Where I Am Now. He continues to tour nationally and internationally, sharing the stories behind his songs in settings ranging from intimate songwriter rooms to stages around the world.

Healthy Habits - Tired of the gym grind? Find your next fitness obsession outdoors

(BPT) - If the same old gym routine has gotten old, or you've let your membership lapse, consider a fresh new way to stay active: Go outside.

Exercising outdoors can boost your physical and mental health, thanks to exposure to vitamin D via sunlight and reduced stress from spending time in nature. Another advantage is the wide variety of activities you can do to match your fitness level. You'll enjoy fresh air and sunshine, the beauty of nature, and getting to know your neighborhood and neighbors a little better.

Note: It's always a good idea to see your doctor before beginning any exercise program, especially if you haven't been active lately.

Late summer and autumn are perfect for being outdoors, so here are some ideas to get you started.

The beauty of walking

Nothing beats walking for simplicity and effectiveness when it comes to supporting your well-being. Beyond a good, supportive pair of shoes, you don't need special equipment, and you can just walk out your door and around your neighborhood.

If you haven't been exercising lately, start slowly and don't walk faster or longer than is comfortable. Gradually increasing your pace and distance can boost your heart rate and improve your stamina. Maintain good posture while walking, with your head up and shoulders back.

Keep walking interesting by changing up your route or inviting friends. Explore local parks or walking paths for even more variety.

Want more challenge? Beyond picking up speed and extending your route, tackle some hills or stairs, pump your arms as you walk or wear a weighted vest.

Stay safe: Bring a water bottle for longer walks, dress comfortably and use sunscreen to protect your skin. Avoid listening to loud music or noise-blocking headphones that can keep you from hearing potential hazards. Keep a fully charged phone with you, and tell someone where you're going for extended treks.

Take it up a notch: Hiking and running

When you're ready for more, consider hiking or running, depending on your fitness level and preferences.

Hiking is all about exploring the natural environment, traversing trails through forests and other terrain including state or national parks. Hiking requires proper gear and safety measures like sturdier footwear, bringing plenty of water and snacks, and being prepared for everything from encounters with insects and wildlife to inclement weather.

Stay safe: Research the park or terrain you're visiting ahead of time, so you know what to bring. Follow park rules and stay on trails, make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving, and tell someone where you're going — and/or hike with a buddy.

Considering running? It's a good idea to see your doctor to ensure you can handle this strenuous activity. Proper footwear is vital for protecting your feet and joints, as is staying on flat, even surfaces. Gentle stretching before and after running can help prevent injury.

Stay safe: Start slowly, stay hydrated and pay attention to your body's signals. Walk as needed, and use rest days so your body can recover.

Be a team player

Miss playing sports you enjoyed as a kid? Always wanted to play one? Being on a team is a fantastic way to get outside, stay active and socialize. Good places to find a softball, baseball or soccer team include parks and rec centers and community education programs. They often have classes and leagues for beginners and/or older adults.

You could try a popular outdoor game to play with a friend or two, like the current pickleball craze — or tennis, basketball, golf or ultimate Frisbee.

Stay safe: Wear protective gear and sunscreen to protect your skin and scalp. Comfortable shoes, protective eyewear and weather-appropriate clothing is also recommended. Warm up and stretch before games to help avoid injury. Stay hydrated and cool down slowly to recover from exertion.

"Life is like a bicycle …"

"… To stay balanced, you must keep moving," or so the saying goes. Cycling is an effective, low-impact way to stay fit and enjoy being outside. If you don't own a bicycle, many cities offer low-cost bike rentals. Some bike shops have rentals or sell refurbished bicycles.

Explore biking trails in your area, and consider joining a local club or bike with a friend. Sites like Traillink.com can help you find trails for biking, hiking and running.

Stay safe: Get your bike checked out and tuned up if it hasn't been ridden for a while. Protect yourself by wearing a bike helmet, and refamiliarize yourself with rules of the road before heading out. You can find bicycle safety tips at NHTSA.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety.

These are just a few ways to exercise in the great outdoors. Feeling adventurous? Explore other options like swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and more. There's a whole world of fun activities out there waiting for you.

Area Attractions - F1® Arcade Las Vegas announces its new Family Racing Experience

 

Families seeking cool recreation options as outdoor temperatures continue to soar now have a new reason to head indoors. F1^® Arcade Las Vegas announces its new Family Racing Experience, available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon, offering Formula 1^® sim racing for as low as $11.80 per person.

Designed for families of three to five, the Family Racing Experience gives every participant their own full-motion racing simulator for 30 minutes of friendly competition. Drivers must be 7 years or older to race independently, allowing parents and kids to compete simultaneously across the world's most iconic tracks rather than waiting for turns. Live timing and leaderboards fuel family bragging rights, while different difficulty levels make the experience approachable for first-time drivers and competitive for seasoned racers.  

The Family Racing Experience also delivers exceptional value, becoming even more affordable as families add racers. Packages start at $39 for three guests, $49 for four guests and $59 for five guests, bringing the cost down to as little as $11.80 per person.

Families can also keep the outing going over lunch. F1^® Arcade Las Vegas features an extensive selection of burgers, flatbreads, tacos, shareable plates and a dedicated menu for kids 12 and under, including brunch dishes like buttermilk pancakes with seasonal fruit well as fried chicken tenders, pepperoni pizza, mac and cheese and more. Kids can even enjoy a full meal including a main dish, drink and warm chocolate fudge brownie for just $10.

Beyond weekend family outings, F1^® Arcade Las Vegas is also an ideal destination for youth celebrations, birthday parties, sports team gatherings and post-tournament events. Whether celebrating after a soccer match, baseball tournament, dance competition or another milestone, the venue offers an energetic indoor setting where kids, teammates and families can enjoy flavorful dishes, friendly competition and unforgettable memories together.

F1® Arcade Las Vegas is located at 3500 South Las Vegas Boulevard inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The destination welcomes all ages before 9 p.m. Children under the age of 14 need to be supervised by an adult at all times, with a ratio of one adult for every four children. For more information on F1® Arcade Las Vegas or to reserve a Family Racing Experience, click here. 

Follow @f1arcadeusa and @f1arcade_lv on Instagram and @f1arcadelv on TikTok for all F1® Arcade news and updates

ABOUT F1^® ARCADE  
F1^® Arcade Las Vegas is the flagship U.S. location of the world’s first official Formula 1^® experiential hospitality brand, located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Spanning more than 21,000 square feet over two floors with a Strip-facing terrace, the venue blends cutting-edge, full-motion racing simulators and social gaming with elevated food, signature cocktails and immersive hospitality. Designed for fans and newcomers alike, F1^® Arcade delivers an electrifying atmosphere where guests can race on iconic circuits, enjoy globally inspired cuisine and host private events in high-style settings.
 

ABOUT RACEWAY US INC.
F1® Arcade is a leading experiential hospitality brand trading through the Raceway Global group of companies. The group has an exclusive license from Formula 1 to bring F1® Arcade to market. F1® Arcade has a total workforce population of over 1,000 operating out of the United Kingdom and United States. 

ABOUT THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS PALACE
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is the original themed shopping destination on the Las Vegas Strip. Known for its iconic sky ceilings, lush fountains, and unique Roman architecture, the center is home to more than 160 stores, including 50 luxury boutiques—the most under one roof in Las Vegas. The Forum Shops welcomes visitors from around the world daily and offers unparalleled shopping and dining experiences. For media inquiries related to the center, please contact simonpr@kirvindoak.com.

The F1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.

Music Minute - Engelbert Humperdinck: Faithfully

Internationally renowned vocalist and performer Engelbert Humperdinck, one of the most enduring and beloved voices in popular music history, just released his highly anticipated new album Faithfully today via Cleopatra Records.

 

Humperdinck brings fresh interpretation and emotional depth to a dynamic collection of blockbuster songs originally made famous by Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Aerosmith and more. The album features a newly composed original track “Always My Love,” adding a very personal touch to the project.

With a career defined by timeless hits such as “Release Me,” “After the Lovin,” “Spanish Eyes” and “The Last Waltz,” Humperdinck has sold over 140 million records worldwide and earned a place among music’s ost distinguished performers. His ability to transcend generations continues to resonate, making this new release both a celebration of his legacy and a bold step forward. His single “Beth,” released on August 12^th, which is a stirring interpretation of the classic rock song by KISS marking Humperdinck’s bold new chapter in his career at 90.

 

In support of the album, Humperdinck is embarking on a global tour, bringing his signature voice and renewed repertoire to audiences across North America, Europe and beyond.

Music video for “Beth”

 

The “Faithfully” video features a moving storyline of “faithful” love through the years and an appearance by “Faithfully” writer Jonathan Cain.

 

Pre-Order CD

 

Pre-Order VINYL LP

 

Digital Pre-Save Link

 

The new album is available on all major streaming platforms, as well as physical formats, including CD and limited-edition vinyl through Cleopatra Records.

Consumer Critique - Alo New August Flavors

ALO® Drink will soon welcome two boldly original flavors to its line of 100% not-from-concentrate coconut beverages overflowing with natural goodness: 100% Coconut Water with Chocolate, the first-to-market product of its kind, and irresistibly refreshing 100% Coconut Water With Pineapple (both 320 mL).

The two new flavors feature pure young coconut water that’s naturally hydrating, refreshingly light and delivers the clean taste of the tropics in every sip - just as nature intended.

ALO Drink’s new Coconut Water with Chocolate and Coconut Water with Pineapple flavors are both 100% natural and – like all ALO beverages – are completely free of concentrate, pulp and added sugar. In addition, both new products are Non-GMO, gluten-free, electrolyte-rich, 100% vegan, low in calories and preservative-free while overflowing with richly nutritious and refreshingly satisfying flavor.

Every one of ALO’s 100% not-from-concentrate handcrafted juices is extracted directly from ripe, succulent fruits, and never made from concentrate. With no added sugar, color, flavors, or preservatives and available in convenient 10.8 oz aluminum slim cans, ALO’s line of 100% juices is an uncompromised celebration of nature’s goodness.

I had a chance to try out the two new beverages. The pineapple flavor is deliciously summery and refreshing. The chocolate water was surprisingly good - I thought it would taste really watered-down, but it's quite pleasant to drink and a very unique taste.

An Unwavering Commitment To People & The Planet

In addition to the life-affirming flavor and all-natural wholesome goodness of every ALO product, the company has earned the enthusiastic support of retailers, distributors and consumers by virtue of its longstanding commitment to good citizenship and thoughtful environmentalism.

Toward that end, ALO maintains close personal relationships with all of its farmers, follows strict sustainability practices, and never adds artificial ingredients to any of its products.

ALO Drink, a division of SPI West Port, was established in 2009 and offers a diverse array of delectably natural beverages now sold nationwide at such retailers as Whole Foods Market, Safeway/Albertson’s, Kroger, and CVS; and in regional chains such as Ingles, Hy-Vee, Jewel Osco, Lucky, Save Mart, Raley’s, Wegman’s, and King Soopers.

About SPI West Port
Based in South San Francisco and this year marking its 30th anniversary milestone, SPI West Port is a leading food and beverage manufacturer and distributor known for its flagship brand ALO Drink, the top-selling ready-to-drink aloe vera beverage in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, SPI West Port is the maker of Jenji Boba Tea, available across retail, grocery, convenience, drug, and food service channels, and the rapidly-growing Woodridge Snacks line of globally-inspired vegan snacks. For more information, please visit www.alodrink.com and www.drinkjenji.com and www.woodridgesnacks.com.

Enriching Education: Janome Block of the Month

We just went to our state's fair, where my daughter was inspired by the entries in the creative activities to start working on some new projects. One thing that particularly impressed her was the variety of quilts that were shown. So it was very appropriate that I returned home to this press release! The Block of the Month might be a good way for her to get started.

Janome has teamed up with Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts, a designer with a devoted following in the quilting world, on a limited-edition collection: two customized machines (CM6 LBQ and 5300 LBQ) featuring her signature fabric-inspired designs, available for pre-order now through Janome dealers, arriving in stores by end of September.

 

Alongside the machines, Janome is launching a three-month Block of the Month kit built around a Snowflake and Winter Lace quilt design, stocked with fabric, a pattern, Sitar's own book, and matching accessories. Sitar guides participants through it herself via a three-part video series starting October 1. The kit hits dealers September 1 in limited quantities.

Music Minute - Colby Lee Swift: Wish it was You

Country artist Colby Lee Swift releases his new single, “Wish It Was You,” today on Hollow Point Records. Written by Mason Horne and produced by Brent Rader, the deeply reflective track is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Rooted in the traditional country sound that has shaped Swift as an artist, “Wish It Was You” looks back on a past relationship through the perspective of someone who has grown and changed, but still wonders what might have been. The song pairs heartfelt storytelling with the timeless country influences Swift grew up listening to on his family’s ranch in Midfield, Texas.

“When I first heard ‘Wish It Was You,’ I knew I wanted to record it because the emotion in the song really grabbed me,” said Colby Lee Swift. “It has that classic country feeling of looking back on someone and wishing things had turned out differently. I think there’s something really relatable about that feeling and I wanted to bring my own voice and style to the song. It just felt like one of those songs that was meant for me to sing.”

Influenced by Texas country legends including George Strait and John Conlee, Swift continues to build a sound grounded in traditional country music while bringing his own perspective and authenticity to each release. His distinctive voice, heartfelt delivery and commitment to honest storytelling are helping establish the Texas native as an emerging artist to watch.

“I Wish It Was You” arrives as Swift continues to build momentum both onstage and within the country music industry. Swift recently signed a worldwide publishing deal with BMG and is represented by WME for booking.

Swift’s music has also earned placement on major streaming playlists, including Spotify’s All New Country and Fresh Finds, Apple Music’s New in Country and Don’t Mess With Texas, Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country and YouTube’s Country’s New Crop.

His growing performance resume includes appearances at Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville expo stage and the Stars of Texas Festival alongside Pat Green.

Born and raised on a ranch in Midfield, TX, Swift began playing guitar at age five, singing at 15 and performing live at 17. Those Texas roots remain at the heart of his music as he continues to hone his craft as a recording artist, songwriter and live entertainer.

With the release of “Wish It Was You,” Swift adds another chapter to a budding career built around the enduring qualities of country music that includes compelling stories, authentic emotion and songs that connect.

“Wish It Was You” is available now on all major streaming platforms. Watch the Official Music Video on YouTube.

For music, tour dates and more information, visit ColbyLeeSwift.com.