Few things say summer more than a lemonade stand. And what better way to launch your kid’s entrepreneurial career? Lemonade stands are a ton of fun but also offer life lessons like goal-setting, confidence-building, and basic business skills—lessons that can set them on a path to succeed in life regardless of the path they choose.

Here are our 7 top lemonade stand tips to help your kids run the ultimate lemonade stand and get the most from the experience.

1. SET YOUR PRICE…OR MAYBE DON’T!

Our first lemonade stand tip is if your kids want to set a price for their lemonade, make sure they account for all the costs to ensure they’ll make money on each cup. It’s not just the lemons and sugar that cost money, don’t forget to factor in the cost of the cups, signs, and stand decorations.

But a totally different strategy is to not set a price at all. By asking people to pay what they want, they may raise even more money than if they set a price for each cup. If your kids are raising money for a good cause, or a local charity, this strategy can supercharge their revenue!

2. THE BEST LOCATION MAY NOT BE THE CLOSEST ONE

A lemonade stand starts strong if it’s located in a safe, accessible area with high foot traffic. If you live in a busy area, your front lawn, stoop, or driveway might be ideal. But if you live in a quieter location, think about partnering with a friend who lives in a busier area or setting up somewhere else in town. But be sure to check with your local government to make sure that they won’t need a permit.

3. THE MORE EYE-CATCHING THE BETTER

Streamers, balloons, big signs, and cute pets are all great ways for the stand to catch people’s attention. The more eye-catching the better. Check out some of the bright and colorful lemonade stands on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Or better yet, encourage your kids to let their imagination fly and practice their creativity with their own ideas about how to get people’s attention.

4. PRACTICE THE PITCH

What will your kids say to potential customers? Most kids get nervous talking to adults or strangers. Have them figure out what they’ll say to potential customers, write it down, then practice the pitch. The more they practice, the more it will feel like reciting a line in a school play instead of talking to a stranger. Eventually, they’ll be so good at their pitch that they’ll stop being nervous and may even exude more confidence beyond their lemonade stand.

5. GET THE WORD OUT

Aside from making a big, eye-catching display, get a few customers by asking friends and family to stop by and support the stand. And don’t forget to spread the word on social media. You and your kids can also create flyers and pass them out around your neighborhood.

6. OFFER PAYMENT OPTIONS

Cash is king. But joggers, walkers, and cyclists usually don’t have cash on them. Let your kids borrow your phone to use your PayPal and Venmo accounts to collect money from their more active customers. Even if they’ve never collected any e-payments, a child with a sign that says “We accept Paypal and Venmo” will catch people’s attention and gain them some serious entrepreneurial cred.

7. MANAGE THE PROCEEDS

Have your kids do the math to figure out how much they sold (the revenue), how much they spent (the expenses), and what is left at the end (the profit). Make sure to let them know that while it’s great to raise money for a cause they believe in, there is nothing wrong with working hard to make money for themselves, too.

And if you need a recipe, here’s our favorite from The Startup Squad’s first book: juice from 6 lemons, 6 cups of water, and 1 cup of sugar. Yum!

I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.

Lions and tigers and… cars? If seeing the zoo on foot doesn’t cut it for your animal-loving brood, there are plenty of immersive animal experiences that’ll give you the feeling of an authentic wildlife safari park from the comfort of your (or someone else’s) car. Whether you want to gaze at giraffes from a double-decker safari truck or see the wild from the comfort of your own front seat, here are the best safari park experiences in the U.S.

Safari West - Santa Rosa, CA

Safari West

While a three-hour tour through the Sonoma wine country usually conjures up visions of gorgeous grapes ripening on the vine, Safari West will have you rethinking those expectations. Here, you'll board a double-decker safari truck and log some serious face time with zebras, giraffes, water buffalo and any number of the other 800 animals that call this preserve home.  Expect learning to happen, too. Safari West guides love actively engaging guests, promoting conservation and education efforts on their tours, as they expertly weave the open-air jeep in for a closer look. When tummies rumble, belly up to the Savannah Cafe that overlooks the park; the authentic food, beautiful scenery and grown-up grape juice from the region hit the spot after a long safari.

Wildest Extra: Want to make a weekend out of it? Spend the night in one of Safari West's 30 authentic African safari tents, with polished hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms (with hot showers and real toilets), hand-hewn furniture, and ultra-plush linens atop comfortable beds.   

Online: safariwest.com

San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Escondido, CA

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The San Diego Wild Animal Park (a branch of the San Diego Zoo) has everything a zoo has to offer, with a plethora of ways to see it all. Rather than keeping animals in small cages, this place opts to let the animals roam free—and puts the people in various vehicles to go out and see them. Families can commune with exotic wildlife from golf carts, African trams, zip lines, behind-the-scenes truck tours, or, even in a hot air balloon for a spectacular bird’s eye view of it all. Add in a ropes course for adventurers as young as seven, and you could spend days taking it all in. But at the heart of this animal wonderland is a mission to save the critters of the world, with its researchers and activists leading conservation efforts in 45 countries, with 380 partners in its conservation work, five conservation field stations and 200 conservation scientists working in the field or the lab, according to this article

Wildest Extra: Want to really wow your wildlife-loving kiddos? Opt for an overnight in an authentic safari tent. At the Wild Animal Park's "Roar and Snore" overnights, you'll get a nighttime tour of the zoo (with up-close animal encounters), then fall asleep to the sounds of lions' roars in the distance.

Online: sdzsafaripark.org

Virginia Safari Park - Natural Bridge, VA

Gas up the family wagon and grab a bucket of tasty grains for the “locals” at the gate before taking off along the three-mile paved drive through this natural animal habitat. Expect a few delighted shrieks from the littles as ostriches, llamas and zebras poke their heads through the windows to say hello and help themselves to tasty treats. When you’re done with the drive, be sure to check out the Village Walk-Thru where the kidlets can spend some QT with potbellied pigs, chickens and goats and more. Let the good times roll!

Wildest Extra: For an added fee, you can feed giraffes from a special platform, get up close and personal with the penguins or feed and pet the rhinos—all while learning how zookeepers take care of the animals and how the Safari Park is helping the animals in the wild. 

Online: virginiasafaripark.com

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure - Varysburg, NY

What’s not to love about a family-owned and operated animal park where it’s all about the beauty of the land and the animals that make their home there? Drive your car or hop on the bus to get a rolling tour of this bucolic oasis. Little rangers can be on the lookout for llamas, bison and ostriches, all of whom may cautiously approach the tiny outstretched hands looking to feed and interact with them. It’s a ring-side seat your sidekick won’t soon forget. Add in dinner at the Trailside Grill and you’ve got the whole day planned. The park opens in May and runs through October before closing for the winter.

Wildest Extra: Winter sleigh rides through the lower park make for a magical, snowy, family-friendly outing. Sleigh bells ring!

Online: hiddenvalleyadventure.com

Northwest Trek - Eatonville, WA

Katie Cotterill/ Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

With a focus on preserving and encouraging the repopulation of native Northwest wildlife, this sanctuary, just 60 miles south of Seattle, is a surprisingly perfect place to be on a rainy day. In the true spirit of the Pacific Northwest, the bison, elk and bighorn sheep (and moose, if you can spot one) are a little less camera shy when it’s overcast and drizzling. The park's all-new "Wild Drive" premier tour lets you drive your own car through the Trek's Free-Roaming, where you'll cruise by herds of Roosevelt elk, bison, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, swan and deer.

After that, stretch your legs on the Animal Walking Paths as you check out grizzlies, cougars and more. Kids will love the "Kids Trek," a nature-inspired playground with ropes, slides, sand, cabins and a massive “tree trunk" to climb. Up for a hike? Access to more than five miles of paved and primitive walking trails is included in admission. 

Wildest Extra:  Don't miss Eagle Passage, an immersive experience that allows visitors to see majestic bald eagles close up while giving the rescued birds—all of whom have some degree of long-term wing injury—a safe passage between habitat sections. 

Online: nwtrek.org 

Bearizona Wildlife Park - Williams, AZ

Stewart Deats/ Bearizona

Drive your car on a three-mile gravel trail to see some of our country's most popular wild natives, including bison, black bears and wolves. When you're ready to stretch your legs, the winding walk-through, Fort Bearizona, will give you the perfect view of the park's resident jaguars, grizzly bears, and more. Craving cuddles? Creepy-crawly lovers can see bugs, spiders and nocturnal animals at the Mine Shaft Experience.

Wildest Extra:  Want a peek at the resident bears... right now? Check out the park's Grizzly Cams!

Online: bearizona.com

African Safari Wildlife Park - Port Clinton, OH

Michelle Loiselle Fulton via Facebook (used with permission)

Alpaca, bongos and camels are waiting to say hello to kids and their parents as they drive through the African Safari Wildlife Park. Cup in hand is the way they roll here. And when the drive comes to an end, be sure to check out the Walk-Thru Safari, where kidlets can come face to face with white alligators, ocelots and playful gibbons as they stroll along. In warmer months, the park brings out its giraffes for up-close encounters that let you feed these long-necked beauties a snack. 

Note: The park is closed from Dec. through Apr. Check the online calendar for details. 

Wildest Extra: Want to come face-to-tongue with a giraffe? Sign up for the 30-minute Giraffe Encounter, which lets you feed and mingle with the giraffes, Matata, Rudy, Poptart, and Harrison. 

 Online: africansafariwildlifepark.com

Wildlife Safari - Winston, OR

Wildlife Safari

Be sure to slap your “Will Break for Bison” bumper sticker to the back of your ride before driving the gang through this open-air Safari park in Oregon. Families can get up close and personal with mammals, reptiles and birds as they check out the sights and feed a few of the residents in this 600-acre park. When your little animals get restless, take a break at Safari Village, a walkable area with trains, playgrounds and a petting zoo to keep kids busy and happy. As for conservation, Wildlife Safari’s staff works hard to protect animals both internationally and domestically. They’ve helped bring over 235 cheetah cubs into the world as part of their super successful cheetah breeding program. Hooray!

Wildest Extra: Want some wine with your wild? Be sure to get tickets for the park's "Sippin' Safari," which will honor the park's 50th anniversary on July 22 with live music, wine and beer tastings, and local food trucks. 

Online: wildlifesafari.net

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari - Ashland, NE

The winner of USA Today's Best Safari Park two years in a row, this Nebraska wildlife park (which is owned and operated by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium) lets you enjoy a four-mile, drive-through experience showcasing North American wildlife. You'll see a menagerie of animals, including American elk, bison, waterfowl, raptors and white-tailed deer. At Wolf Canyon, guests can get out of their cars to gaze at grey wolves and American black bears. After the drive, take a hike to one of the park's overlooks to view the animals from above.

Note: Due to a current Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Nebraska, the American white pelicans in the Pelican Wetlands, the sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans in Crane Meadows and the chickens at the Hands-on Corral will not be on display until further notice. The Eagle Aviary will be closed, but the eagles are still viewable to the public. The whooping cranes will be off display.

Wildest Extra: For an extra $65 per person, you can book a Backstage Experience to see the animals and their keepers up close. Experiences include a Cheetah Conservation Experience, which gives visitors a backstage look at the state-of-the-art Cheetah Conservation Breeding Facility to see and learn how keepers care for the park's 20 cheetahs; and the Tiger Conservation Experience, in which visitors will get the chance to tour and meet the tigers at the Tiger Conservation Breeding Center.  

Online: wildlifesafaripark.com

The Wilds - Cumberland, OH

Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

A sprawling sister property of the award-winning Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Wilds lets visitors get an unfettered glimpse of the animals who call this 10,000-acre park home. Here, it's the humans who go in the "cages" and the animals who get to roam free. To see the wildlife, visitors must board the park's open-air safari vehicles to see the resident rare and endangered animals roaming in their large, natural settings.  

What else? Want something extra special? Select from a variety of specialty tours to soak in The Wilds’ stunning scenery. Whether you want to float the day away during a relaxing Fishing Safari on one of nearly 100 lakes; whoosh above it all on a Zipline Tour; saddle up on a Horseback Safari through the quiet prairies; snap some Insta-worthy shots during one of the park's gorgeous Sunset Tours, or get a behind-the-scenes look at the animals with a Wildside Tour—there’s an adventure for everyone! 

Note: The Wilds is open May through Oct. 

Online: thewilds.columbuszoo.org

Lion Country Safari - Loxahatchee, FL

Courtesy of Lion Country Safari

The original drive-through safari park in the U.S. (and believed to be "the first cageless zoo in the country"), this safari spot has been serving up African game park experiences for the whole fam since 1967. It’s four miles of drive-through meetings with oryx, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests and a whole slew of animals we’ll bet you’ve never heard of (with more than 900 total, we’re pretty confident taking that bet), each living it up in an area that replicates their natural habitat. And the lions for which the park is named? Well, they’ve got their special spot where they can’t get up to too much mischief. Ice this cake with an adjacent KOA campground where you can fall asleep listening to the nighttime sounds of the animals outside your tent, just like a real safari!

Wildest Extra: The get-up-and-move activities that are available after your car safari are awesome perks. Mini golf, a safari cruise, plenty of rides and even a splash park are all part of the day’s adventures at Safari World, the 55-acre amusement park portion of this preserve.

Online: lioncountrysafari.com

Fossil Rim - Glen Rose, TX

Born out of a desire to help dwindling animal populations, Fossil Rim found its roots and eventual footing in propagation programs for threatened and endangered species. Thirty years later, families still flock to this Texas park, where they can take their own vehicles around the 9.5-mile Scenic Drive, or get insider deets and educationally potent tidbits when they ride along on a Guided Tour. We love that The Overlook is smack dab in the middle of this drive, as it's the perfect stopping point for antsy toddlers. Get out and interact with friendly tortoises and curious goats at the Children’s Animal Center, or grab grub at the snack bar.

Wildest Extra: A two-hour nighttime tour through the park to see what wild antics the animals are up to once the sun sets is as thrilling as it sounds! Want to stay even later? Adventurous explorers can also spend the night at the Fossil Rim Lodge, which was the original home for original Fossil Rim owner Tom Mantzel; or at one of the safari cabins overlooking one of Fossil Rim's most popular wildlife watering holes. 

Online: fossilrim.org

Out of Africa - Camp Verde, AZ

Out of Africa is a safari park in Arizona
Courtesy Out of Africa

Nominated as one of the top 10 Best Safari Parks in the U.S. by USA Today, this 100-acre park is home to hundreds of exotic mammals, birds and reptiles from all over the world—with an assortment of fun ways to see them. Climb aboard the open-air safari truck—or upgrade to a"Supermog" (an all-terrain, safari vehicle modified from a medium-size Isuzu truck)—and set out on a bumpy ride into the Serengeti preserve to see zebras, sable antelope, gemsbok, and more. You may even get a chance to feed a giraffe along the way! When the ride is over, there's plenty more to see, including the "Tiger Splash" show, which lets you spy on Bengal and Siberian tigers as they splash around in their pool and interact with their keepers; and the "Predator Feed," where keepers throw 800 pounds of raw food to eagerly-waiting carnivores.

Wildest Extra: Adrenaline junkies will want to sign up for a zip-line tour over the rolling hills. The "Racing Raptor" features three parallel lines—so you and your kids can zip the more than 1,000 feet together above the animals; the Predator zipline tour gives brave riders a course of five zip line runs above it all (Children must be 8 years old to ride.).

Wild Animal Safari - Pine Mountain, GA

Whether you drive your vehicle, rent a zebra bus (you know you want to) or take advantage of the guided bus tour, your pack will have a grand time spotting many (and even touching a few!) of the 65 different species that roam this 250-acre Serengeti adventure park. Think zebras, elk, bison, camels and more. When the park first opened, it was specially designed to capture the imagination of the littles and engender a lifelong love of animals. Not much has changed since then. Kiddos of all ages love the personal attention they get from the curious animals here! Don't miss the park's newest resident: Malaika, a giraffe calf born in January. 

Note: The Wild Animal Safari also has locations in Strafford, MO and Aggieland, TX.

Wildest Extra: The chance to hand-feed animals at the park's Walkabout Adventure Zoo is a hoot for the tot lot. "The animals are sociable, and you may be slobbered on if you are too close," warns the website (in other words, animal-loving kids will be in heaven). Fuzzy, friendly and hungry, these animals are sure to elicit some giggles from the little ones who feed them.

Online: animalsafari.com

—Allison Sutcliffe & Melissa Heckscher

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What’s better than one plant pillow? Multiple plant pillows! Green Philosophy Co. has a new batch to liven up your home sans green thumb.

Snag a beautiful blush peach Big Pop pillow for $69 and enjoy the soft, microplush material. The new pillow is also available in sage green, plus smaller versions as well.

Want to cozy up with a blanket, too? The new Sherpa Gloriosum Leaf Throw Blanket ($149) covers you in green glory. The design is inspired by the Philodendron Gloriosum’s leaves, which boast a heart shape and contrasting veins.

Snag a beautiful Alocasia Micholitziana in forest green or obisidian with a pop of white from its eye-catching vein pattern. It’s available now for $49.

You may be familiar Green Philosophy Co. realistic succulent trio that comes in sage green, olive green and peach. The pillows measure 15 inches wide and 8 inches tall. You can buy them individually ($39) or as a bundle ($109). 

Another new growth, the Philodendron Gloriosum, is inspired by a lovely heart shaped plant that looks great in any room. You can buy it in Serene Green (pictured) or Moody Green for $39.

Or order a Monstera deliciosa pillows as well! The only bad news: pre-orders aren’t shipping until September. Pull the trigger on one now and you’ll have it just in time for fall!

And before you wonder if these are just novelty pillows, the reviews and our own-plant obsessed editor can attest: these babies are plush, snuggly and high-quality. So far, they’re even toddler-proof.

—Jennifer Swartvagher, Amber Guetebier, Karly Wood and Sarah Shebek

All photos courtesy of Green Philosophy Co. 

 

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The Supermoon is coming on June 24, but there’s no way it will be as eye-catching as this new Krispy Kreme creation! To celebrate the last giant moon of 2021, you can preorder your Strawberry Supermoon donuts or grab them in the store for one day only this Thursday.

Almost too pretty too eat, the new donut is filed with strawberry kreme, dipped in strawberries and kreme icing and topped with graham cracker “moon dust.” You can snag a special dozen with six original and six Supermoon donuts if you preorder by June 23 at noon.

You can save your sugary creation and stargaze on Thursday night to see the “strawberry supermoon” rise in the sky. It’s a low full moon that typically has a golden color and will be visible just after sunset. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the moon name has been used by Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, among others, to mark the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries that are ready to be gathered.

We’re not sure what celestial treat Krispy Kreme has up its sleeve next, but we can’t wait to see! Enjoy that summer night in style this Thursday.

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Krispy Kreme

 

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Say it with us: Butterbeer Bar. If your travel plans include New York this summer, you’re in luck, because the first official Butterbeer Bar is scheduled to open soon at the flagship Harry Potter Store.

Just as it sounds, this bar features only one product in all its glory, butterbeer. You can drink it on draft, in bottles, or even enjoy it in ice cream form. Your frothy, butterscotch beverage comes poured in a souvenir tankard or in a bottle with an exclusive collectible label. The bottle is only available in-store and the label is designed by MinaLima, the duo behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series.

There’s much more to love about your trip to the Butterbeer Bar. Once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a giant cascade of glowing Butterbeer bottles. As you walk to the bar, the bottles will appear to ‘float’ as Butterbeer transports magically through copper pipes. And the bar is part of Harry Potter New York, the world’s only official Harry Potter flagship store.

The store and bar open on June 3 and are sure to be must-stops for the wizards and Muggles in your life. You’ll find exclusive products, interactive elements and an eye-catching design from top to bottom—three floors, to be exact. At over 21,000 square feet, the store will hold the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast products anywhere. Start plotting your trip now, because what’s life without a little magic!

—Sarah Shebek

All photos: Courtesy of Harry Potter Flagship Store New York

 

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Beloved brand Peeps is teaming up with Build-A-Bear for a sweet spring-time collab. The Peeps and Build-A-Bear pairing includes a new collection of cuddly blush Bunnies and themed accessories for your kiddo’s favorite furry friend.

Peeps Build-A-Bear Bunnies feature four different color options: pink, blue (currently out of stock), yellow, and rainbow ($24).  Along with the Bunnies, you can also nab lots of accessories like a Peeps reversible bandana, Peeps branded PJ set, t-shirt, or Chick wrist accessory for your child’s best bear friend.

photo courtesy of PR Newswire/Peeps and Build-A-Bear

Jennifer Kretchmar, Chief Digital & Merchandising Officer at Build-A-Bear, said in a press release, “Just in time for Spring, we’re thrilled to be bringing the sweetness of Peeps to the Build-A-Bear Workshop.” Kretchmar continued, “Peeps fans are sure to love this instantly recognizable collection, from the signature bunny ears to the eye-catching Spring colors! What could be better than cuddling this furry friend not only at Easter, but all year long!”

Your child can build their own bunny in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores nationwide or online. If your child can’t wait for their Bunny, but wants to build their Easter friend online, try the retailer’s new Buy Online, Pickup In-Store or curbside options. You can also choose doorstep delivery via Shipt.

—Erica Loop

 

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Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution is finally giving us a sneak peak as to when we can expect some of the hottest new films. Like some of the successful films in the past, many will be available in theaters and through Disney+ with Premier Access simultaneously.

Get ready to welcome summer with titles that include Cruella, Black Widow, Luca and more! Keep scrolling to get all the details.

photo: Disney

When it comes to finally catching the live action Cruella starring Emma Stone, you can head to the theaters or tune in to Disney+ using Premier Access on Fri. Mar. 28. Is Marvel more your thing? You can do the same thing with the long-awaited Black Widow on Fri., Jul. 9.

Disney and Pixar’s Luca will stream directly in homes exclusively on Disney+ starting Fri., Jun. 18, and it’s bound to get you excited for summer. Theatrical release dates for more films include:

  • Free Guy on Aug. 13, 2021
  • Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on Sept. 3, 2021
  • The King’s Man on Dec. 22, 2021
  • Deep Water on Jan. 14, 2022
  • Death on the Nile on Feb. 11, 2022

––Karly Wood

 

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Photo: Jaime Ramos Via johnnysspiri

I use the word “obsessed” a lot, especially when it comes to my five-year-old autistic son, Johnny. He really gets into certain toys, songs, and shows. It annoys my husband that I use the word so much. “He’s not obsessed, he just likes it” and to his credit, the interest comes and goes often even though he does fixate for a short time. 

The one thing—not even my husband can den—is that Johnny is obsessed with my stomach. The kid loves it. It can drive me insane, but something about it fascinates and comforts him. Sometimes it is in a silly, squishing my flab, way; other times it is him resting his usually restless head on it, or hiding his face in it when he is anxious or nervous in public.

I’m sure it stems from the hours of skin to skin as a baby, the comfort of laying on mommy as a toddler, and all the encouragement to touch and love on it when it held his little sister. 

The older he gets the more we work on the appropriateness of it. He’s still little, but attempting to lift up my shirt at home or grab my tummy in public isn’t going to work. He has to learn to respect my space and body. The moment I lie down when he’s around he goes straight for it. You will hear “no belly” often, in our home.

The thing is, sometimes I look at my belly in the mirror after the shower and think I feel ashamed of it. My 30’s belly is much different than the almost flat stomach from my 20’s. My workouts come and go, as do my healthy eating habits. I try but I’m also a tired and exhausted mom who has been through many ups and downs. 

So, I won’t lie, he’s not catching rock hard abs there, It’s surely a comfortable and soft pillow. 

The neat thing is he doesn’t see it as fat, or unhealthy, or shame, he simply sees it as mom, comfort, and safety.

No judgment, just love. 

My son loves a part of me that I find hard to, and that changes the way I see it. Don’t worry I’m not using it as an excuse to stay unhealthy or out of shape, but it is a reminder of my son’s beautiful, unconditional acceptance and love.

So when I stand in the mirror looking at that belly, I can say it’s the way it is because I carried two beautiful children in it and because I’m a special needs mom who has had some really hard days. It’s not perfect because there is not time for perfection in my life right now, maybe there never will be. But I am doing my best and that’s okay. 

I’m loved and accepted no matter what, by my son.

Johnny is different. The amazing thing about him is that he does not judge. He doesn’t look for the flaws in others or make fun of others, instead, he seeks. Seeks what makes him happy, and what he loves. 

There is something undeniably beautiful in that and I’m grateful for that unconditional love and for someone who truly loves my flaws.

This post originally appeared on Johnnysspirit.com.

Jaime Ramos, is a mom from Colorado. She's married to Isaac and has two kids, Amelie and Jesse. Jesse, her Johnny, is on the Autism Spectrum. She went to school to be a filmmaker, but now spends her days mainly as a stay at home mom.

 

Much of the world has slowed down over the last year, but the Imagineers at EPCOT have used this time to make some big changes. One of the first to be revealed is the eye catching fountain that stands in front of Spaceship Earth.

The acrylic structure stands where the original fountain did in 1982, welcoming guests to the magic of EPCOT. The reimagined fountain took inspiration from the geometry of the original, while adding a light at the center of the liquid-cooled fixture to go with the changing colors.

The fountain is made of three 16-foot acrylic pylons with the park’s logo and immediately draws your eye upward toward the sky and Spaceship Earth. Imagineers hail the fountain as the centerpiece of EPCOT’s entrance plaza.

Stay tuned for even more changes coming to the park as EPCOT continues to make more magical transformations in the months ahead.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney

 

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Every year, we tune in to Freeform during the month of October for the 31 Nights of Halloween and again in December for the 25 Days of Christmas. What about November? This year, Freeform is starting the celebration a little earlier with the Kickoff to Christmas movie event.

The Kickoff to Christmas schedule begins Nov. 1 and goes through until Nov. 30. You will be entertained all month long with titles including Home Alone, Miracle on 34th StreetDr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Santa Clause.

Sunday, Nov. 1

  • 6:55 p.m. — Disney’s Frozen
  • 9:25 p.m. — Disney and Pixar’s Coco
  • 11:55 p.m. — Christmas with the Kranks

Monday, Nov. 2

  • 7:25 p.m. — The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Tuesday, Nov. 3

  • 8 p.m. — The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2

Wednesday, Nov. 4

  • 6:30 p.m. — Disney’s Frozen

Thursday, Nov. 5

  • 9 p.m. — Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out

Friday, Nov. 6

  • 4:30 p.m. — The Santa Clause
  • 6:30 p.m. — The Santa Clause 2
  • 9 p.m. — The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Saturday, Nov. 7

  • 5:15 p.m. — Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (Freeform Premiere)
  • 7:20 p.m. — Minions (Freeform Premiere)
  • 9:25 p.m. — Despicable Me 3

Sunday, Nov. 8

  • 3:10 p.m. — The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • 9 p.m. — Disney’s Zootopia

Monday, Nov. 9

  • 7 p.m. — Disney’s Tarzan

Tuesday, Nov. 10

  • 8:20 p.m. — Wonder

Wednesday, Nov. 11

  • 5:30 p.m. — The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Thursday, Nov. 12

  • 8:30 p.m. — Christopher Robin (2018) (Freeform Premiere)

Friday, Nov. 13

  • 9 p.m. — The Secret Life of Pets (Freeform Premiere)

Saturday, Nov. 14

  • 6:45 p.m. — Home Alone
  • 9:15 p.m. — Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Sunday, Nov. 15

  • 8:05 p.m. — The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1

Monday, Nov. 16

  • 8:30 p.m. — Pitch Perfect

Tuesday, Nov. 17

  • 8 p.m. — Love Actually

Wednesday, Nov. 18

  • 9 p.m. — Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)

Thursday, Nov. 19

  • 8:30 p.m. — Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Friday, Nov. 20

  • 8:55 p.m. — Despicable Me 3

Saturday, Nov. 21

  • 8:45 p.m. — Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas(2000)

Sunday, Nov. 22

  • 6:45 p.m. — Home Alone
  • 9:15 p.m. — Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Monday, Nov. 23

  • 8:55 p.m. — The Secret Life of Pets

Tuesday, Nov. 24

  • 9 p.m. — Shrek

Wednesday, Nov. 25

  • 5 p.m. — Penguins of Madagascar (Freeform Premiere)

Thursday, Nov. 26

  • 6 p.m. — Home Alone
  • 8:30 p.m. — Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Friday, Nov. 27

  • 6 p.m. — Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille

Saturday, Nov. 28

  • 9:50 p.m. — Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Sunday, Nov. 29

  • 6 p.m. — Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles
  • 8:40 p.m. — Disney and Pixar’s Incredibles 2 (Freeform Premiere)

Monday, Nov. 30

  • 5:10 p.m. — The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • 6:50 p.m. — Disney and Pixar’s Up

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: freestocks on Unsplash

 

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