When it comes to the season of the rabbit, we’ve always got a few good puns up our sleeves. These Easter jokes are ready to make your little bunnies laugh, whether you want a joke-a-day or just a day of jokes, these jokes for kids are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Don’t forget to check out our favorite spring jokes for kids, and riddles for kids!
Easter Bunny Jokes
What kind of bunny can't hop?
A chocolate bunny.
What do you call a bunny with lice?
Bugs Bunny!
Where does the Easter Bunny like to eat out?
IHOP.
How does the Easter Bunny travel all over the world?
It’s hard to choose between the Instant Pot chicken wings and the bacon-wrapped potato wedges
Whether you’re having a small gathering, heading to a big bash, or just want something special for a movie night with the kids, we have a few easy appetizer recipes that’ll come in handy. From finger foods to veggie appetizers, keep reading to check out our favorite appetizer recipes that are all made using three ingredients or less.
This is the definition of an easy appetizer recipe! If you want to get really fancy, consider throwing in a slice of cheese.
Monkey Bread
This cheesy monkey bread from Brit + Co is literally as easy as 1, 2, 3... ingredients. Kids will love the soft bread and parents will love how easy it is to make.
Caprese Skewers
iStock
Quite possibly one of the easiest appetizers to whip up, simply grab fresh mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and pesto; skewer, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, and go!
These pretty palmiers from The Suburban Soapbox will definitely impress your guests. Buttery puff pastry and tart tomatoes meld perfectly with rich cheddar cheese—delish!
Break out your slow cooker for this crowd-pleasing dip from Julie’s Eats and Treats. With just two ingredients, it’s definitely the simplest thing you’ll make all day.
This appetizer from Averie Cooks is kid-approved and super easy to make. You’ll get the crunchy, melty effect of mozzarella sticks but without the mess and hassle of deep frying.
Everybody loves chicken wings, and Mom Advice has a foolproof method for making them in the Instant Pot. A quick pass under the broiler gives them a crispy finish.
This light and fresh dip from Melanie Makesis an ideal appetizer to serve before a heavy holiday meal. Pair it with plenty of fresh veggies, cheese, and crackers, and you’ll be ready to entertain a crowd.
How fancy do these breadsticks from Kiwi & Carrot look?! Using a pre-made puff pastry makes them super easy to pull off, even if you’re not a master baker.
This genius recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats is totally hands-off, thanks to the magical Crock Pot. It’s made with kielbasa, brown sugar, and one unexpected ingredient.
It might sound strange, but stay with us: these bacon-wrapped cherries from We Are Not Martha are delicious. The savory bacon makes a perfect contrast for tart, juicy cherries.
Start your meal off with these yummy dinner rolls from Life, Love and Good Food. No rising required—just mix up the three ingredients, and bake the rolls in a muffin tin.
This inventive take on a crispy cracker from The Suburban Soapbox is bound to be a hit with cheese lovers. Even better, they come together in less than 10 minutes, leaving you more time to obsess over the rest of the menu.
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, whip up a batch of this super easy dip from Simply Stacie. Paired with fresh veggies and tortilla chips, don’t be surprised if this one disappears fast.
Make your party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.
Serving something warm to take the chill off is also the perfect way to welcome guests. This easy appetizer recipe from A Wicked Wisk combines a couple of our favorite things—flaky biscuits and flavorful blue cheese—to make a melty, bubbly appetizer perfect for a crowd. Drooling yet?
If you’re worried about dinner timing or want something festive (and deceptively simple) on your snack tray, make a batch of these honey-roasted pecans from Trial and Eater for guests to graze on throughout the day. The recipe couldn't be easier, but it’s way more delicious than the store-bought kind.
Potato wedges just got even tastier, thanks to this recipe from A Calculated Whisk. How? Why, wrap them in bacon, of course! Now you’ve got an appetizer fit for a hungry crowd of grown-ups and kiddos alike.
For an appetizer that’s a bit more filling, try these yummy roll-ups from Pumpkin ‘n Spice. It’s easy to customize them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and seasonings. As a bonus, you can keep this recipe in rotation for school lunches.
This savory snack is perfect for the holiday season or anytime, really
If you’re looking for an appetizer or a snack-worthy finger food, try this recipe for ham and cheese puff pastry. Courtesy of The Clever Carrot, whipping this dish up is like making a sandwich, but filled with melted cheese and ham. The pre-made puff pastry dough makes the process quick and simple.
Makes 12-16 squares
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry:
1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted*
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ pound black forest ham, thinly sliced
½ pound Gruyère cheese, grated
1 egg
flour for dusting
*Defrost overnight in the fridge before you begin.
**Puff pastry sheets are available in the frozen section of most grocery stores. If you cannot find them, you can use a whole block of dough instead. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough and cut it into two sheets measuring approximately 10 x 12 inches (use a ruler if necessary). Transfer to a piece of parchment paper and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 450 F.
2. To make the egg wash, lightly beat an egg with 1 tbsp. of water. Set aside.
3. Place a piece of parchment paper onto your work surface and dust lightly with flour. Lay one sheet of puff pastry on top of the paper. Using the back of a teaspoon, brush the dough with mustard leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Use a ruler if necessary.
4. Staying within the border, add the sliced ham in overlapping layers. Add the cheese. Brush the border with some of the egg wash to create a seal.
5. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filled pastry lining up the edges.
Using a sharp knife, trim the dough so that the edges line up and the square is even. It’s just like cutting the crust off of a sandwich. Make sure to cut the dough in a swift downward motion (think paper slicer). If you drag your knife, it will not rise properly. Press down lightly.
6. Brush the top with more egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet by lifting up the parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes and cut into squares (about 12-16 depending how large you want them). Serve hot.
Recipe and photo courtesy of The Clever Carrot. For more great family recipe ideas, head on over to the blog by clicking here.
From Easter Rice Krispie treats to chocolate bark, these Easter treats for kids are a must-try
If spring’s favorite holiday has snuck up on you this year (us too!), we’ve got you covered with a gaggle of easy-to-make Easter treats for kids. From breakfast to dessert, there’s a recipe for everybunny. Don’t forget to check out these simple Easter ideas for your backyard hunt!
If you're looking for healthy Easter treats for kids, try these genius carrot-shaped bars from Crayons & Cravings. They’re loaded with carrots and broccoli (plus some cheese to entice the little ones!), and make the perfect afternoon snack.
Making your own peanut butter eggs might sound complicated, but they're surprisingly simple to make with the help of this easy-to-follow recipe from Food Fanatic. You can use egg molds, or just form them into balls with your hands.
How adorable are these cupcakes from Pastry Affair? You can use store-bought cupcakes as the base, then go to town decorating them with frosting, marshmallows, and coconut.
A unique spin on Easter treats for kids, this frozen banana pop idea screams spring. You’ll need yogurt, pastel-colored sprinkles, and a fruit squeeze. Find out how to get the coating just right by visiting Hello Wonderful.
Your favorite snack mix just got an Easter makeover. Filled with Reese’s peanut-y goodness in every bite, this puppy chow from Life Love and Sugar is simple to make and will be a family favorite.
We think these candy kabobs are super sweet. You can use a selection of your kids’ favorite gummy treats and Peeps— the whole process should take 20 minutes or less. And, if you’ve got wee ones, be sure to cut off the pointed end of the kabob before adding the Peep. Grab the rest of the how-to over at The Baker Mama.
This sweet pudding cup is so easy; it’ll make you look like a Pinterest pro. Grab pudding cups (the bunny face shows up better on vanilla), googly eyes, pom poms, and a couple of other basic art supplies before letting your kids make their very own Easter Bunny. Get the tutorial over at Passion for Savings.
Crisp, buttery, and so easy to make! We love this simple idea courtesy of Western Star via My Foodbook. They're easy to make and will make you look super creative. Plus, there's no limit to the decorating possibilities. Try crushed Easter eggs, edible glitter, freeze-dried berries, or anything else your kids love.
This Easter Chocolate Bark from Scrummy Lane is one of the best Easter treats for kids. This is such an easy recipe that you can customize it with whatever toppings you'd like.
—with additional reporting by Aimee Della Bitta and Taylor Clifton
Few things bring on more tears—for babes and parents alike—than a teething baby! Fear not, we’ve rounded up more than 20 top baby teething toys. From classic designs to teethers with innovative features, find the perfect teething toy to soothe those aching gums.
Start 'em young with eating their veggies! This set contains teethers shaped like broccoli, kale, a radish, mushroom and carrot. They're made from natural rubber, are easy to grip and have a variety of shapes and texture to soothe sore gums. With every Oli & Carol toy purchased, a portion of the proceeds goes to help fund the education of underprivileged kids in India.
We love these beech wood teethers from MORI's Playtime collection. The hole in the middle gives little hands something to hold on to, and the sustainable wood has soft edges so it's comfortable to grab and gnaw.
If your little one likes chilled teethers in their mouth but not in their hands, you'll love this clever new teether. Freeze the silicone inserts and then pop them into the room-temperature silicone handle. The handle is also silicone, so it's ripe for chewing too. Two inserts means you'll always have one chilling, and the inserts have unique shapes to target different teeth, from incisors and canines to molars. The two inserts have four different textures to massage both front and back teeth for customized comfort.
Chill the stainless steel part of this teether quickly under cold water or in the fridge for a gum-soothing treat. The easy-to-hold handle is made from silicone and has three brightly colored disks for baby to explore and play with. The disks make a clacking sound, so there's lots to entertain and distract a child from teething pain.
The cute fruit teethers from Perry Mackin are easy for little hands to grip and stand upright to keep the chewing surface clean. There are textures on the fruit and bottom of the teether, for added comfort on sore gums. Suitable for babies starting at 5 months, these silicone teethers are dishwasher-safe and free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. They come with a carrying case and in three fruit shapes: watermelon, grape and strawberry.
An awesome baby-shower gift, the ChewBox from The Evolved Parent Co. features six supercute teethers in a variety of textures and colors, with shapes that little hands can hold. These soft, BPA-free teethers are made from food-grade silicone and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Also comes in fruit shapes.
When teething pain strikes, you’ll turn lemons into lemonade with this adorable teether. The lemon face has a variety of textures for your child to touch and gnaw on, and the back is filled with gum-soothing nubs. Pop this food-grade-silicone teether in the fridge for added pain relief.
Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Imported from France, Sophie the Giraffe (above) is the iconic teether that has been adored by generations of parents and babies around the world. She’s made from natural rubber and food paint with lots of gripping and chewing surfaces, plus a fun squeaker.
Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush This two-in-one teether and toothbrush is shaped like a yummy banana and is dishwasher safe. This award winner has “peel” handles and thick bristles for soothing gums or brushing teeth.
Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether No teething list would be complete without a classic ring-shaped one! With a variety of textured surfaces and cooling gel tips, baby will never lack for a soothing chewing sensation.
Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether Inspired by babies themselves, the four silicone prongs of the Comotomo teether (above) mimic those oh-so-chewable fingers! It’s safe in a microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilizers for many cleaning options.
Chewbeads Baby Mulberry Teether The ring of silicone beads is gentle on baby’s gums and perfect for little hands to grip. It can clip on a diaper bag for when you’re on the go and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Manhattan Atom Teether Toy This award-winning teether is sure to stimulate baby’s senses while offering relief from teething pain. Bright colors, the 12 bendy arms, and the clacking rings offer a multi-sensory experience.
Green Sprouts Cooling Teether The classic look of this water-filled teether (above) is a throwback to your own childhood, but it’s safer than ever with silicone free from BPA and PVC and distilled water inside. Keep in the refrigerator, so it’s cool and ready to soothe.
Infantino Good Bites Textured Carrot Teether Get your tots chomping their “vegetables” with this dishwasher-safe carrot teether. The leaves act as handholds and the carrot tip is textured and soft for the ultimate chewing satisfaction.
Mochi Teething Plate Made in Japan from sustainable rice-plastic, the teething plate contains no paints or adhesives for a safe chewing experience. The thin shape and thumb hole fit nicely in little hands.
Bright Starts Snuggle Teether Whether your little one gets the elephant or the giraffe, they’ll love snuggling this teether toy. The feet are textured for soothing sore gums, and the body is soft with a crinkle belly for extra comfort.
Loulou LOLLIPOP Bubble Silicone and Wood Teether Your little one will look stylish holding this easy-grip teether while gnawing away. Made in Canada, the food-grade silicone offers one biting sensation, while the beech wood provides another. The wooden rings also make a satisfying rattle.
Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew With a variety of reversible designs and adjustable sizing, the Neckerchew is one versatile teething bib. The attached teether is made of food-grade silicone and the whole bib can be machine-washed.
RaZ-Berry Teether Is it a pacifier or fruit? Neither, it’s a hands-free teether! Made of medical-grade silicone with a nature-inspired texture, this berry-shaped teether soothes tender gums.
Malarkey Kids Munch Mitt The Munch Mitt offers a great teething solution for babies who are too little to hold teethers on their own. It comes with a storage/washing bag that allows the mitt to be cleaned in the washing machine.
HABA Kringelring Clutching Toy The beechwood beads of the Kingelring (above) are responsibly sourced from forests in Germany, and the rainbow coloring is water-based and solvent-free, making this clutching toy safe and sturdy for little teethers.
Chomp ‘N Chews Teether The unique finger-puppet design of the Chomp ‘N Chews teether can be worn directly on a finger. Choose from three colorful animal designs of a lion, elephant or butterfly.
Toofeze Teething Ring The stainless-steel disk surrounded by silicone offers cool comfort that can be enhanced by placing it in the refrigerator or cold water. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and made from non-toxic, food-grade ingredients.
GNAW Teething Tether Using design elements from Chinese finger traps and a one-handed clip attachment, this teether is clean comfort. It clips to any fabric and stays off the ground and within reach.
Munchkins Orajel Massaging Teether Toy A bite-activated massaging action gives your toddler relief from sore gums, while the rattling beads offer playtime fun. This is a great option for teething toddlers.
Mealtime with toddlers can sometimes feel like a game of chess, especially when vegetables are on the table. At times you may find yourself dodging carrots catapulted by knights, while other times an all-out stalemate leaves both players exhausted and unsure of the next move. And while walking away from the game might seem like the easiest way out, we assure you there are plenty of creative ways to feed your toddler greens that don’t involve a complicated strategy.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers should be consuming 3-5 servings of vegetables per day (roughly ¼ cup portions). But since the growth-rate slows and a need for independence starts around age 1, the AAP suggests approaching mealtime with flexibility and variety to give your child choices while they learn about different foods and avoid putting pressure on your child that could result in a negative relationship with food.
While flexibility is key, there are a few basic rules that parents should aim to enforce and model.
Stay Seated During Meals
When it comes to young children, safety during mealtime is imperative to prevent choking hazards, so the staying seated during meals rule should be followed whenever possible. It’s also a great way to help children focus on their meal, learn table manners and participate in quality family time.
Adhere to a Regular Meal and Snack Routine
Children thrive on routines that give them a sense of security while helping them learn what is expected from them each day. So just like a bedtime routine helps a child understand when it’s time to wind down for the day and prepare for a restful night’s sleep, meal and snack routines establish healthy eating habits that help children recognize hunger cues and the nutritional needs of their bodies.
photo: iStock
Eat from All Food Groups
Meals should be balanced and offer foods from all five food groups. And more importantly, toddlers should be encouraged to eat from all food groups at every meal. It might seem like you’re being flexible to let your child skip an entire food group at a meal, and sure, that may be okay here and there, but too often may risk your child not getting enough of an important set of nutrients.
Even equipped with these rules, it can be tough to put them into play when your child is refusing to eat their greens.
Having recently parented two toddlers, I know first-hand how confusing and frustrating the ups and downs of their dietary preferences can be. Some days toddlers may devour an entire head of broccoli, while on others, they look at it with total disgust. That leaves parents with two choices: Fight against it or join the game and get creative—and perhaps a little sneaky, too. I chose the latter and am sharing a few tried and tested recipes to help you incorporate greens into your toddler’s diet.
These Fruit and Veggie Bug Snacks may not be hiding the veggies from your toddler, but your toddler will have a hard time resisting veggies that look this cute, especially when they get to help prepare them.
When you’re in a rush, getting as many food groups as possible into one bite can be a lifesaver, so it doesn’t get much easier than these Mini Broccoli Cheddar Bites that your toddler will love.
Sorry, potatoes don’t count as a “green,” but cauliflower most definitely does, and switching out the spuds in these Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese will trick any toddler into eating cruciferous veggies.
We don’t know one toddler who would turn down a popsicle, so feel good about offering these bright Fruit and Veggie Popsicles to your little one this summer
Kids will love dipping these familiar-shaped Carrot and Zucchini Fries into a side of ranch or hummus.
Pasta is almost always a hit with toddlers, so the next time you’re serving up spaghetti and meatballs, top it with this delicious Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce (use this sauce for pizza, too!).
I hope that these tips and recipes will get you on your way to successful eating habits with your toddler!
I’ve barely finished my dinner when my oldest child, apparently done with the untouched chicken in front of him, nonchalantly brings his plate to the sink (the universal sign of “I’m done” in our home), then WALKS STRAIGHT TO THE KITCHEN CABINETS to look for snacks.
Right. After. Dinner.
It’s not much better with my youngest, who, after putting on her PJs and brushing her teeth, almost always tells me, in a desperate and small voice that’s hard to ignore:
“I’m hungry.”
Because of course she is; she hardly ate her dinner.
So herein lies the question: To feed, or not to feed? Should you let your toddlers or older children skip their dinners, then fill up on snacks before bed?
Doctors say no.
“It is absolutely OK to go to bed without dinner,” said Elham Raker, a Los Angeles pediatrician and founder of AskDr.Mom.com, a site designed to give parents quick and personalized medical advice. “I think this is much harder for parents than kids. The kids will be OK.”
Of course, when we’re talking about toddlers, there’s some wiggle room. If a child is going through a growth spurt — or is asking for a snack long enough before lights-out that you know it’s not just a ruse to stay up — Elham says go ahead and feed. Similarly, if kids have eaten their dinner and are simply still hungry, it’s OK to offer healthy snacks before bed.
But the important thing is to make sure dinner isn’t denied. At least not every day.
photo: iStock
So how do you convert your serial snacker into a mealtime master? Here are some tips for changing the pattern:
When They’re Hungry After Skipping Dinner… Offer Their Dinner Again
This one might seem a little on the “tough love” side—especially for very young kids—but it’s the message that counts. That being, if kids skip dinner then beg for snacks, they need to first eat their dinner. After all, dinner Is what matters, and as long as you’ve offered something nutritious to your child you know she will eat, she should eat it. So cover that plate with plastic wrap and be ready to whip it out of the fridge when your child comes begging for food.
Don’t Force Children to “Clean Their Plates”
Sometimes, refusing dinner can be a part of the mealtime power struggle. If parents push too hard, children may push back just because they can. Consequently, it’s important to help kids feel relaxed and in control of their mealtimes.
When your kids are done eating, Raker recommends asking them if they feel full. If the answer is yes, then say, ‘Great, stop eating.”
Enforce a “No Snacks” Rule 1-2 Hours Before Dinner
If your child has been snacking nonstop all afternoon, there’s a good chance she won’t be hungry when she plops down at the dinner table. So make a rule: The kitchen is closed starting one to two hours before dinner. For toddlers, a shorter time is recommended since their tummies are tiny and they’re growing so quickly; but for older kids, two hours is fine. Let them be hungry for dinner!
If you must give out pre-dinner snacks (pediatricians say toddlers should eat something small every two hours or so), make them suitable substitutes: carrot sticks, apple slices, garbanzo beans, frozen blueberries, peanut butter on celery sticks, etc. That way, if your child does refuse dinner, at least you know you’ve gotten good foods into her beforehand.
photo: iStock
If Your Kids Seem Starving Just Before Dinner—Have Dinner Earlier
In my experience, kids always raid the cabinets just before dinnertime. This gives us two options: Guard the cabinets like a prison warden—or move dinnertime to match the kids’ hunger patterns. When I manage to get dinner made earlier, my kids eat better. Simple.
Of course, this can be hard when one (or both) parents don’t get home from work until late, but Raker says it’s better to make an early dinner for the kids; then let them join their parents for a snack later in the evening. That way, they’ve filled their bellies with nutritious foods, and you still get to sit with them while you eat (this also makes your dinnertime a little less stressful).
When It Comes to Bedtime Snacks, Not All Foods Are Created Equal
While snacking before bed isn’t ideal, sometimes it’s OK—especially if kids have had an early dinner and are still awake a few hours after that. But be sensible about what you offer. Nighttime snacks should come from the fridge, not the pantry, Raker says. So choose snacks like cheese, yogurt or fruit—not chips, pretzels or cookies.
And, always make sure your children brush their teeth after eating, even if they’ve already done it pre-snack attack.
Resist Bedtime Pleas
If your kids are all tucked in and suddenly declaring that they’re starving—resist! Those are the times that kids can wait until morning (They’ll be OK).
“Honestly, a lot of times I think it’s more of an ‘I don’t want to go to bed thing,'” Raker says. “Of course, as a mom, you’re worried, ‘What if they don’t eat?’ But I think you have to be lovingly strict, or you’re going be too taken advantage of.”
Set Up a Food Schedule
According to Jill Castle, a pediatric dietitian and author of The Smart Mom’s Guide to Healthy Snacking: How to Raise a Smart Snacker from Tot to Teen (available here) parents should set up a schedule for meals and snacks, starting when kids are toddlers. A good rule of thumb, she says, is to give three meals and two to three snacks per day.
This is for a couple of reasons, Castle says. For one, toddlers still have “high nutrient needs, but little tummies” — so every bite counts for growth and development! Secondly, eating every two to three hours helps little ones recognize the signs of hunger and fullness, which can promote self-regulation of eating.
“And yes, too many snacks throughout the day may interfere with an appetite for dinner,” Castle said.
Capri Sun? Been there, sipped that. Now introduce your kid to Chicago’s fresh-squeezed juice and smoothie scene. (Psst. . . it’s a great way to sneak in veggies!) We hopped around to town to find juice and smoothie bars and cafes that focus on the all-natural stuff and have family-friendly atmospheres to boot. Grab a tall, healthy glass at one of these sunny spots, or take it to go and mosey through a park.
Why it deserves a squeeze: The locally owned spot will be your new favorite place to pop in for a sandwich and cold-pressed juice, and treat the kids to a special smoothie. They also get points for convenience with their online ordering option.
Real Good Juice Co. now has several locations in the city and you can find them in Whole Foods, as well. They offer 10-ounce cold-pressed juices which boast three pounds of organic locally-sourced produce per bottle and come with witty names like Juicille Ball and Punky Juice-Ster. For a snack try a smoothie bowl, a toast or sandwich or the NoYoFroYo.
Locations in Lincoln Park, Old Town, Lakeview, River North & Southport; Online: realgoodstuffco.com
Why it deserves a squeeze: A must-visit for weekend brunch, this Greektown staple has fresh squeezes on the daily, good for sipping on the spot or on the go.
You may know this neighborhood fave for its Greek-inflected breakfast and brunch menu. We’re talking scramblers, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, French toast, pancakes and waffles, plus vegan and gluten-free options (hello, polenta pancakes). But you’d be remiss in missing the juice bar, a pivotal portion of Meli’s menu. Beyond your standard OJ and apple juice (which are both available for traditionalists), Meli ventures into hearty meal-in-a-glass territory with juice blends such as celery-apple-carrot, mango-orange-kiwi-honey and wheatgrass-pineapple-apple-pear-lemon.
301 S. Halsted St., Greektown; Online: melicafe.com
Why it deserves a squeeze: This LA-based franchise has been blending juices and smoothies for twenty years so they know how to create a tasty and healthy treat.
Juice and smoothie lovers have flocked here for years for favorites like the G-Snap with ginger, carrot and orange and the ABC with apple, beet and carrot juices. They also have a good selection of smoothies, smoothie bowls and toasts.
Why it deserves a squeeze: You can get your juice with a side of vegan pizza.
Founded thanks to a Kickstarter campaign and named after owner Alexandra Curatolo’s pet French Bulldog, Belli’s brings healthy, local food to Pilsen. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a colorful menu with concoctions featuring fresh local and organic leafy greens for a daily dose of essential vitamins. For the more adventurous, there is even Kombucha on tap.
Why it deserves a squeeze: famed Chicago Chef, Paul Kahan, developed the menu.
Start your morning with a Mornin’ Buzz smoothie for you (espresso, cacao, peanut butter, macca powder, banana and dates) and cold-pressed juice or smoothie for your little sidekick. If you’re looking for something more substantial to go with your juice or smoothie, Left Coast has a complete menu divided into First Wave (breakfast), Greens, Grains, Wraps, and, of course, Kiddos.
2878 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park & 151 N. Franklin, Loop; Online: leftcoastfood.com
At twenty-eight, I was older than most other students in beauty school when classes started. A few girls had just graduated high school, others had already worked in salons. And then there were a few like me, people looking for a different way to make a living. I’d tried being an actor in New York City for eight years, to no avail. I’d found myself stuck in the dream machine, feeding money to the shady industry that dangled vague promises of success in front of hopeful actors like a carrot.
The first day, we received our kits, including two mannequin heads, a set of plastic rollers, cheap scissors, a comb, a brush, a jar of Queen Helene green gel and another pot of cholesterol. There was a smock with the school acronym LIBS, and a cutting cape—everything a beginner at beauty school might need. The teacher, Ms. Evalyn, said in her Staten Island accent: “If you finish this course, you’ll never be without five dollars in your pocket.” To this day, I’ve found this to be true. I finished the course. I earned my license. And I don’t think I’ve ever been without enough scratch to buy myself, or someone else, a cup of coffee.
I didn’t feel it at the time—I suffered through getting lost in a haircut on the school’s salon floor and lumbered through a poodle perm—but taking the chance on beauty school not only changed the trajectory of my life, it also allowed me the space to be as uncomfortable and bad as I needed to be as I embarked on learning a skill I had no talent for and no earthly idea of how to even start. But it also presented the tools I needed to learn how to learn.
Every new step was a series of mini-journeys reliant on my willingness to listen, not only to my human teachers, but also the materials I was working with, who were the real teachers. And with each new challenge, I found myself a perpetual beginner again, caught in an endless loop of pushing forward and circling back.
The benefits of the beginner’s mind are well documented. The absence of expectation is a boon to the human experience, and an open mind is key. But aside from all that, being a perpetual beginner has other benefits as well. A life of learning keeps things fresh. The connections between disparate ideas and skills become apparent. And when a hopeful beginning ends in abject failure, as it did when I earned my motorcycle license, despite driving a scooter into a ditch, one not only learns about the benefits of failure but that a whole new beginning lays in wait.
Some beginnings are simple. Learning to bake bread. Hiking the mountains in Maine. Reading a book in a genre you’ve never read before. Some are more complex. Adopting a pet. Learning to drive. Getting married. Starting a new profession. And other new beginnings are thrust upon us—the times in life when a person doesn’t choose the beginner’s path, the path chooses them. The new experience of having a child, for instance. Or ushering a loved one into death—the sort of new beginning that occurs when something else ends. What if the practice of beginning and of learning is also the practice of humility? What if living life as a perpetual beginner teaches us to weather the hardest beginnings with a little grace, a little kindness, and maybe, even within the pain of loss, a tiny, perhaps nearly invisible, glimmer of hope?
It might not seem logical but stepping into that first day of classes released a chain of events, beginnings, endings, and middles that forked like rivers or cracks in glass. It led me to work backstage on Broadway, a whole new world I explored for over fifteen years. Working in theater is one of the very few places where working on a different job every year is an asset instead of a liability. Every new show was a new beginning and required new ways of thinking, new strategies, new experiments, and new subtle and surprising teachers. I suspect this practice and profession of beginnings and endings led me to graduate school, which led me to write a book, which led me here, writing this article, another new beginning, for I’ve never written about being a perpetual beginner before.
Ms. Evelyn knew the score as she led us through unpacking our kits, counting our rollers, and setting up our mannequin heads that first day. In my memory, she had a slightly mischievous quirk at the corner of her mouth as she watched us struggle to comb our mannequins’ knotted hair. None of us were good. All of us were beginners. This moment, she knew, would be the beginning of things we never saw coming.
This New Year, dare to become a perpetual beginner. It doesn’t matter if you’re good at it. Learn a new skill, start a new hobby, pick back up the instrument you played in high school. You’ll become a better listener with a more open mind who isn’t afraid of failure. And with those evolutions, you live and see a brighter life.
Amy Neswald is a recipient of the New American Fiction prize with her debut novel-in-stories I Know You Love Me, Too. Prior to moving to rural Maine, she was a wigmaster for Broadway shows. She teaches at the UMaine, Farmington and continues working on her next novel and short film.
Being a kid on Christmas is a special feeling. It’s that time of year where many rules get suspended, holiday traditions take place and we’re surrounded by family, gifts and treats. It’s also a season of love, kindness and generosity where we spend extra time and effort thinking about our close ones and how we can send joy their way.
As parents, how can we make this season of giving more meaningful for our children? Here are some ideas on how you can make Christmas different, yet fun and memorable for your kids.
1. Go Caroling around the ‘Hood
If Christmas had a soundtrack, you’d bet classic carols would fill the playlist. It’s the holiday season, spread some cheer by reminding your neighbors that they’re not alone! Share with your children about what Christmas was like before. Revive an old tradition by knocking on your neighbors’ doors and belting out classic Christmas carols together as a family. Unless you’re a modern-day version of the Von Trapp family, the louder and the more “odd-tune”, the better! P.S. Simon Cowell won’t be judging your family so belt out the classics!
2. Start New Family Traditions
Traditions build a foundation for family values and let your family bond together. A huge way to make holidays an extra special and meaningful season is to establish family traditions while your Oddstars are still young. You can pass down traditions from your or your partner’s families—or make up your own. They don’t have to be elaborate. You could adopt simple ideas such as:
Having an indoor camp-out in the living room by the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve
Leaving out a carrot and mince pie with a tot of brandy for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve
Baking classic vanilla cookies in the shapes of gingerbread men, candy canes and Christmas trees
Serving dishes and treats using your mum’s, grandmother’s or aunt’s favorite holiday recipes
3. Dress Up for Christmas Dinner
Make Christmas dinner more festive and colorful by running a dress-up theme. Whether it’s wearing the corny look in your best “ugly Christmas sweater,” mandatory Christmas socks or showing up in the color of your favorite Oddbod character, a little effort and coordination could make your family dinner more engaging. Don’t forget to up the stakes by preparing a prize for the best dressed!
Speaking of dress-up: let your kids get involved in decorating the Christmas tree. Have them suggest odd and quirky decorations to hang on your tree. If you’re feeling crafty, guide them in making hanging ornaments using recycled materials or edible Christmas tree decorations that can be gobbled up afterwards
4. Assign a “Lord of Misrule”
Centuries ago, communities in Britain and other parts of Europe would appoint a “Lord of Misrule” to a person (usually a peasant) who would rule over the noblemen and become in charge of organizing Christmas revelries. Similarly, you could assign one child to be the “Lord of Misrule” to be “in charge” of deciding how your family will celebrate Christmas this year. For instance, the “Lord” gets to decide what games the family should play on Christmas, desserts to be served after Christmas dinner or which Christmas movie that everyone must watch.
You could appoint the “Lord” through contests or drawing a name. This drums up anticipation among your kids, even though we know it’s tempting to pick your most sensible child. (We’d absolutely do the same.) Go on a merry family adventure and see what happens!
5. Sit By a Real Fireplace (Or a Fake TV Version)
Revive the traditional image of sitting by a fireplace together this Christmas. Bonus if you have cups of hot chocolate and marshmallows, and extra bonus points plus a trophy if nobody spills any on your carpets!
While the festive period is fun, it also means getting busy with gift shopping and running other Christmas errands. Sitting by a fireplace—or a TV version if you don’t have any—can be an opportunity to wind down with your kids and indulge in a break. And if the mood is right, you could also go around in a circle and ask each family member what they’re thankful for this holiday season.
6. Give Your Children Opportunities to Be Santa Claus to Others
Make the season of giving more meaningful by showing your kids what it means to care for others. Activities you can do to teach your kids about community spirit include:
Making Christmas cards for workers around your neighborhood or the children’s hospital
Baking cookies to share with neighbors, friends and family
Asking your elderly neighbor if they need help clearing snow from their yard or steps, and getting kids to help too!
7. Simplify Christmas for Your Family
Our last tip almost sounds ironic given the preceding list, but hear us out! We want to remind you that Christmas doesn’t have to be elaborate and picture-perfect. In an age of Pinterest crafts and perfect Instagram shots, it’s more than okay if your decor is mismatched or “rustic”, your house has pockets of mess and neglect (we’re looking at you, pile of unfolded clothes) or if you didn’t stay up late to prepare Christmas craft activities for your kids to do.
As parents of precious kids, know that you are the world to your children and that you’re more than enough.
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Oddbods is more than an animation. We empower parents to transmit the Oddbods values to their children, supporting healthy development and growth. We're a non-dialogue, cartoon comedy series featuring seven unique and relatable characters who bring individual personalities to life; it builds friendships and encourages young children to celebrate individuality.
