If you’re an ALDI fan, you probably know about the company’s Monthly Finds! There are some real gems this month, including a new batch of cheap houseplants, an adorable cactus LED lamp, a s’mores cookie kit and pulled pork chips!

Starting July 28, you can snag a cute little aloe vera plant for $3.99. A new batch of mini succulents will drop on August 11 for $1.99. And an adorable geometric terrarium is coming your way on August 25 for $13.99.

If you kill any plant you lay eyes on, there’s another fun decor option this month. The LED novelty lamp features a glowing saguaro cactus for $8.99. Perfect for dorm room decorating or a WFH glow up!

You’ll remember the S’more Cookie Kit we’ve covered and it’s finally available to buy on August 25! There are a lot of intriguing food finds for the upcoming month, but we’re especially interested in the Pulled Pork Kettle Chips that come out August 25. They’re krinkle cut and gluten free!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of ALDI

 

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Let’s be honest: going to the beach with the kids isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Between making sure we have all the gear we need, packing food and applying sunscreen, there isn’t much time to enjoy the scenery. But we’ve gathered up a bunch of game-changing beach hacks that will make your seaside trip a breeze. Keep reading to get the scoop.

Beach Mitt for Easy Sand Removal

Amazon

We know your little beach bums can’t get enough of making sandcastles, digging for seashells and burying their friends alive, but what happens when the day is over? How do you clean off all of these tiny specs of sand? This almost magical mitt will do the trick. Not only are they practical, but they work under sunblock, so you don't have to worry that your little ones will need to re-apply every time they clean off. 

Sunburn Soothers

iStock

Sunburns are one of the few things parents don’t enjoy about frolicking in the sand and surf, so when it does happen, soothing the fiery feeling is priority number one. If you’re looking for a more creative way to help kids with sunburns, try making a batch of super cool aloe vera ice cubes like the ones we spotted over at The Chic Site. The cooling effect of the ice, along with the classic healing properties of the aloe vera will bring immediate relief to the most painful of sunburns.

Homemade Cooling Spray

Pixabay

After an afternoon of playing in the sand, cool off with this refreshing spray from Wellness Mama. With soothing ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel and essential oils, it’s great for post-sun recovery. Get the details by clicking here.

DIY Towel Pockets

Making It with Danielle

Keep everything you need close at hand with this genius idea from Making It with Danielle. All you’ll need is an oversized towel and basic sewing skills, and you’ll have a pocketed beach blanket in no time. To get the full instructions, click here.

The Easiest Sandwhiches

Rosa Say via Flickr

A visit to the beach isn’t complete without a picnic! To go with your watermelon, whip up a batch of sandwiches inspired by Easy Peasy Pleasy. The recipe uses Hawaiian sweet rolls (and the packaging), making it easy to make enough for your whole crew. Click here to see how they’re made.

Make Sunscreen Fun

iStock

Getting the kids on board with applying sunscreen every couple of hours can be tough, so why not make it into a game? Apply it in dots all over their body, and let them play “connect the dots” as you rub it in. Hop over to Simply Stacie for more smart sunscreen hacks.

Apple Cider Vinegar Sunburn Relief

Rajya Laxmi via Flickr

If someone in your crew ends up with a sunburn, try this home remedy to help relieve the pain. Just combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. This is also a great addition to baby's after-beach bath, to help sooth insect bites and burns. 

Keep Your Valuables Safe

Smart Schoolhouse

Take a cue from Smart Schoolhouse and use a clean plastic jar to keep your valuables safe and dry. You won’t have to worry about digging through your bag for your keys or dropping your cell phone in the sand.

Use Household Items as Sand Toys

Marco Verch via Flickr

Forgot to buy sand toys? No worries. Check your kitchen (or the rental's kitchen) and art supply bin and gather things that'll be perfect for building. We love the items that Jill of Sandy Toes & Popsicles added to her homemade sandcastle kit: measuring cups, paintbrushes and more. See everything in her kit here

Chill the Sunscreen

Baby Bum

Once you’ve lathered your kid up, stash the sunscreen in the cooler, where it will be nice and cool for the next application. You'll lower your kids' body temperature and keep them sun-safe at the same time. Grown-ups will enjoy this welcome chill, too!

Keep Sand Out of Your Space

Deirdre Johnson via Team Johnson

Keeping home base free of grit while at the beach can be a challenge, so if you want to create a large, clean space for your kiddos, try Team Johnson’s idea. Bring an old sheet, and using a cooler, beach bags or even an umbrella, stretch out the corners, and you’ll have a pretty sweet pad.

Bag Your Phone

Christopher Stark via Unsplash

The challenge is to keep sand and water off of your phone but still be able to use it. The solution? A humble Ziploc or similar zipping sandwich bag. Seriously, this works (although you do have to take it out to get a cute photo or two).

Bring a Mesh Bag for Sand Toys

Amy Huntley via The Idea Room

Heading surfside means toting the gear your kids will need for sand castle construction, burying siblings, making beach art and other fun games, but when it’s time to pack up and ship out, the bottom of your bag looks like the beach came along for the ride. Not anymore, thanks to The Idea Room's sweet hack. Putting all of the toys in a mesh laundry basket gives dried sand an escape route, and there are major bonus points for being big enough to pack your kiddo’s entire supply of beach toys.

Use a Chip Can for Valueables

iStock

Use an empty Pringles to stash your keys and some cash for ice cream (Bonus! You get to eat all the Pringles first!). Other upcycling ideas include: stashing a $20 in a lip balm container: watch this video for an easy how-to, or roll your cash and keys into a diaper—very few people will willingly pick up a "dirty" diaper.

Dig Out a Nap Space

Hai Nguyen Tien

A long day at the beach means your little one will need a comfy place to nap. Before you have visions of dragging a pack ‘n’ play over the dunes, consider digging a hole. Yes, just dig a shallow, wide hole, lay down a towel and after a little rocking, place your baby down. Be sure to angle your umbrella just right to ensure your ki has a shady spot for her snooze-fest.

Sand Baggies

Kelley Boone via flickr

Days at the beach can get pretty windy. There’s a simple way to keep the family supply of towels from blowing in the breeze; grab a few plastic bags (quart size should work) and, while setting up camp, fill the bags with sand, then seal and set on the corners of the towels and blankets. Your little plot will stay secure, and the days of flinging sand on your crew and your neighbors will be over.

Frozen Water Bottles

Serenity Mitchell on Unsplash

Freeze a few plastic water bottles and put them in the cooler. They’ll last longer than ice and when they defrost you can drink them. Bonus: you can roll the icy cold bottle on your neck to cool down. Just remember to recycle them after you’re done: studies show freezing and refreezing disposable plastic water bottles can cause a chemical breakdown that could contaminate the water.  And don’t try this trick with metal bottles because they can burst when the water expands.

 

Beached Boat

Mike Nan via flickr

All kiddies want to wade in the surf, but taking a dip in the ocean isn’t always the safest choice. Here's one idea for letting your toddlers have fun in the water; bring a small blow up raft, fill it with water, their favorite toys and presto! Baby beachcombers get to splash around as much as they want, and you get to keep a close eye on them.

Beach-Approved Koozie

Megan Duesterhaus via The Homes I Have Made

If you are determined to keep your drinks from spilling into the sand this summer, try making a few of these nifty cup holders we spotted over at The Homes I Have Made. Ideal for keeping cups and bottles clean and positioned at the perfect height, you’ll need a few simple materials including a large soup can, fabric, glue, and a threaded rod. Sail over to The Homes I Have Made for the tutorial.

—Natasha Davis & Amber Guetebier

 

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Mr. Bubble is celebrating its 60th anniversary! In honor of six decades worthy of soapy fun, the brand is launching three new products for kids and their families.

The newest Mr. Bubble brand products include Calm & Sleep Bubble Bath, Fizzy Tub Colors, and Clean Skin 4in1. What can you expect from Mr. Bubble’s latest launch?

photo courtesy of PR Newswire/Mr. Bubble

The Mr. Bubble Calm & Sleep Bubble Bath ($4.99 for 36 ounces) has a calming lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile blend and a moisturizing combo of Vitamin E and Aloe. Mr. Bubble Fizzy Tub Colors are kid-friendly bath tablets ($6.99 for a 150-count Jumbo Jar or $1.29 for a nine-count packet) that are fragrance-free and contain Bitterguard to stop your kiddo from consuming the product.

If you struggle to keep the kids clean, Mr. Bubble Clean Skin 4in1 is a bubble bath, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in one 16 ounce bottle ($4.99)! The 4in1 contains Aloe and Shea Butter and is hypoallergenic.

Michelle Hanson, Vice President of Marketing at The Village Company, said in a press release, “Families have had a tough year. Children are always deserving of fun, but particularly now everyone can benefit from more of it. For the past 60 years, Mr. Bubble has represented an easy way for parents to get their kids squeaky clean, and with lots of laughter.”

Hanson added, “Whether its giant bubbles or colorful waterfalls, our goal has always been the same: let Mr. Bubble help you relax and unwind, all while having lots of fun in the tub.”

All three are available right now on mrbubble.com and will hit Walmart shelves (and Walmart.com) on Apr. 10 and Kroger shoppers starting Apr. 12.

—Erica Loop

 

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Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard’s family brand Hello Bello recently celebrated their first anniversary. Now they are looking to grow with your family as your little ones are getting older too. Their new kids line is perfect for your big and little ones. 

Hello Bello Kids Line

Hello Bello’s new kids line of premium, plant-based kid-friendly formulas are still safe for babies, but come in super fun designs and scents catered to big kids. 

The Kids Line features Shampoo & Body Wash, Conditioner and Lotion, available in two new scents, Watermelon and Coconut. Made with organic coconut, marshmallow and aloe extracts, these new products will soothe, moisturize and nourish, ensuring baby-soft skin and frizz-free tresses. Our favorite part is that they’re made without phthalates, parabens, artificial fragrance and common allergens. 

Kid’s Shampoo & Body Wash ($6.98) – Watermelon and Coconut  

Hello Bello Kids Line

Kid’s Conditioner ($6.98) – Watermelon and Coconut

Hello Bello Kids Line

Kid’s Body Lotion ($9.98) – Watermelon and Coconut

Hello Bello Kids Line

You can find all of Hello Bello’s new Kids Line at HelloBello.com and Walmart. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hello Bello

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If you want to add a little greenery to your living space this summer, ALDI has you covered. Every week you’ll be able to add to your growing collection of houseplants. Each variety will be available for a limited time only.

4″ Lucky Bamboo

Bamboo

These bamboo plants come in decorative pots. They will be available on Jul. 8. Each retails for $5.99.

4″ Succulent in Tins

Succulent

You don’t even need to transplant these succulents since they come in these cute tin planters. These plants will be available Jul. 15. Each retails for $4.99.

Mini Cactus

Cactus

These pint-sized cacti look great displayed together. Find them at your local ALDI on Jul. 28. Each retails for $2.49.

 

Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera

Grab your very own aloe vera plant starting Jul. 29. Each retails for 3.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of ALDI

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As we spend more time inside, families are coming together to entertain themselves through playing board games and listening to music. Pandora x Hasbro just released 12 fun playlists themed to classic games to take family game night to the next level. Each playlist is the perfect soundtrack to compliment the game you are playing.

MONOPOLY

Monopoly

  •      “For the Love of Money” by The O’Jays
  •      “It’s All About the Benjamins” by Puff Daddy
  •      “Monopoly” by Ariana Grande & Victoria Monet
  •      “The Glamorous Life” by Sheila E.
  •      “Money That’s What I Want” by Barrett Strong
  •      “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy feat Bruno Mars
  •      “If I Had a Million Dollars” by Barenaked Ladies
  •      “Material Girl” by Madonna
  •      “Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)” by Wyclef Jean
  •      “I Need a Dollar” by Aloe Blacc
  •      “Cut Dat Check” by Soulja Boy
  •      “Money Talks” by AC/DC
  •      “Money Honey” by Lady Gaga
  •      “Mo Money, Mo Problems” by Notorious BIG ft. Puff Daddy and Mase
  •      “Money” by Pink Floyd

 

 

 

OPERATION

Operation

  •      “Doctor My Eyes” by Jackson Browne
  •      “The Operation” by Charlotte Gainsbourg
  •      “Your Body Is a Wonderland” by John Mayer
  •      “Body Party” by Ciara
  •      “These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding
  •      “Legs” by ZZ Top
  •      “(Funny) Bone” by Chic
  •      “Cold Hands (Warm Heart)” by Brendan Benson
  •      “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John
  •      “Break My Heart” by Dua Lipa
  •      “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
  •      “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton
  •      “I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight” by Cutting Crew
  •      “Cold Little Heart” by Michael Kiwanuka
  •      “Good Lovin'” by The Rascals

 

 

BATTLESHIP

Battleship

  •      “The Tide Is High” by Blondie
  •      “Get On the Boat” by Prince
  •      “Sea of Love” by The Honeydrippers
  •      “Float On” by Modest Mouse
  •      “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin
  •      “Submarines” by Lumineers
  •      “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish
  •      “Seven Seas” by Echo and the Bunnymen
  •      “Ocean” by Martin Garrix, Khalid
  •      “Message in a Bottle” by The Police
  •      “Buy Me a Boat” by Chris Janson
  •      “Like a G6” by The Far East Movement
  •      “The Life Aquatic” by Moon Boots
  •      “Sink to the Bottom” by Fountains of Wayne
  •      “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Pandora X Hasbro

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One year ago, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard welcomed their baby brand, Hello Bello. The couple co-founded the company to eliminate the choice many parents have to make between deciding what’s best for their kids and their budget. Now, that Hello Bello is turning one, new and expecting parents in the US and Canada can get a free pack of diapers!

Hello Bello 1st Birthday

 

Starting February 21 at 9am EST, fans can visit Hello Bello, enter the required info and just pay $1 for shipping (including Alaska + Hawaii) and they will send you a full pack (35 qty.) of diapers, while supplies last. 

Hello Bello 1st Birthday

In celebration of their birthday, Hello Bello is releasing a new birthday cake scent line (Shampoo, Conditioner and Bubble Bath), available this March. Made with a new botanical blend of organic aloe, marshmallow root and coconut extracts, these new premium, plant-based formulas will make bath time a piece of cake.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hello Bello

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It’s a girl for TODAY’s Carson Daly and his wife Siri! The couple revealed the news on the show.

Back in September, Daly surprised audiences and his TODAY Show crew when he announced that he and Siri were expecting their fourth child. The couple already shares two daughters and a son, Etta, London and Jack.

Siri was a guest on the TODAY Show taking part in a cooking segment when they decided to reveal that they are adding a third girl to their growing family.

The TODAY co-hosts all had ideas for what the Dalys should name their new daughter. Al Roker suggested “Aloe,” Savannah Guthrie joked they should name her “Carsonita” and Hoda Kotb threw in “Bingo” giving a nod to Carson’s nickname for Siri. You can check out the full video of the segment on TODAY here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Siri Daly via Instagram

 

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1. The bright orange aloe vera flower in bloom.

2. The magnolia trees starting to bloom (especially on cloudy days against steel gray sky).

3. Puddles are a wonderful reflective surface and have been a rare sight over the last several years. 

4. The magnificant winter evening skies are moody and gorgeous.

5. Green grass and moss are everywhere and show signs of life and drought relief.

Melissa Omafray Townley
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Learning along side my children is one of my favorite things about being a parent, and I live for discovering the new and the unusual with them. I love those who can laugh about life's many absurd and awkward moments.