This Advent calendar is a top seller at Trader Joe’s for the holiday season
Run, don’t walk to your closest Trader Joe’s. The grocer’s annual 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is back for 2023!
Our editors spied the famed Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty on Nov. 8, and it’s packed with plenty of must-have products. This coveted calendar tends to sell out before Thanksgiving, so if you’re in the market for one, act fast.
As soon as you bring this cutie into your car, the dreamy aroma of citrus will take over and you’ll be glad you nabbed it.
What will you find inside Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty Advent calendar?
Lavender bath salts
Brazil nut hair mask
Gingerbread cookie moisturizing lip balm
Brown sugar carob lip scrub
Sweet nectarine scented ultra moisturizing hand cream
You can find the calendar in the beauty aisle of your local Trader Joe’s for $19.99—but not for long. This one is very popular!
While we were there, we also spied this year’s 12 Days of Scented Candles Advent Calendar for $29.99. We love this option along with the chocolate Advent calendars priced at just $1.99 and the Advent calendars for pets.
Keep an eye out for other holiday favorites that have been trickling in. All the elves on your list will want a bottle of Peppermint, Gingerbread, or Egg Nog Liqueur—perfect for all those holiday cocktails you’ll be mixing up. Felted wool trivets have been hitting the shelves, along with dog toys, holiday snacks, and the scented candle trio.
Nothing quite says winter like sipping on a cup of creamy hot chocolate, Portland parents
While Portland may not boast the snowy winters of the midwest, we can still get our winter sports on with the kids, whether we’re tubing on Mt. Hood, ice skating at Lloyd Center, or just finding a peaceful forested trail in the city to stretch our legs. And you know what pairs well with a day of winter adventuring? A rich and creamy cup of hot cocoa, of course. So if you’re wondering where to score the best cup in town, we’ve got options (including vegan hot cocoa). So get out there and make the most of winter’s cooler days. We’ve got your warm up right here.
Who doesn't love chocolates and hot chocolate? Ranger Chocolate Co. has it all from your classic hot cocoa to a Salted Maple Latte. Oh, and don't forget to check out their baked goods like biscotti and shortbread cookies as well as their chocolate-dipped candied ginger and chocolate-covered vanilla bean marshmallows. Everyone will find something they love here.
118 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland Online:rangerchocolate.co
The hot drinks at 1927 S'mores will hit the spot. Try a decadent gourmet hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, toffee, or sprinkles with a pumpkin pie s'more on the side. Their s'mores marshmallows are huge, delicious, and the kid won't be able to get enough. They do have a vegan option available.
Found yourself and the babes in the Boise district in NE Portland and feeling a little something sweet? Head to Jinju Patisserie for their extremely satisfying, triple-chocolate cocoa, and be sure to grab one of their croissants or cookies for little hands while you're at it. Jinju believes in well-crafted, soul-warming indulgences, and after taking a look at their array of sweet options, you will probably want two of everything. Be sure to text their phone number in advance if you'd like them to set some items aside for pick-up.
Is it cold out? Don't stay stranded and undecided on the sidewalk. Head over to Harlow PDX for their host of warm beverage options. This locally owned café and juice bar has beautifully crafted lattes and steamers, such as red velvet cocoa or turmeric golden latte. Whether you choose to head to their SE Hawthorne location or to their newer shop on NW 23rd Ave, you will stave off the cold with Harlow's delicious drinks.
Harlow on Hawthorne 3632 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Portland
If you've never visited the EcoTrust building in NW Portland, La Perlita is a great excuse to go for the first time and enjoy a delicious chocolate drink while you're at it. Described by their owners as "a love letter to the people who love coffee," La Perlita is about as authentic as roasters come. They know how to brew up a batch of something with that holiday sweetness we all are craving, so be sure to check out their truly Mexican hot chocolate, garnished with cacao nibs, or a traditional hot chocolate for the kiddos to keep it simple.
If you're a Portland native, then this suggestion will come as no surprise! And if you've never been, you should absolutely take the time to check out this Portland staple. Home to a nearly endless menu of teas and handcrafted tea-based lattes and chai, Tea Chai Té is sure to satisfy the desire for a warm drink on a cold day. Not to mention their slew of locations—no matter where you are in town, you're not far from this cozy neighborhood spot. Bring your family and friends down to this tea house for good conversation and even better drinks.
Chai. If you just had an extremely pleasurable reaction to reading that word then wait until you step inside Pip's Original Donuts and buy one of their chai lattes—it'll blow your mind! Not to mention their donuts are to die for. A must-try spot for almost any Portland tourist, take a day being a tourist in your own city by visiting Pip's for one of their small-batch chais, spiced apple ciders, or hot chocolates. You'll be sure to add it to your family's weekend go-to, winter or not! And buy a donut when you go, it's worth it.
In need of a major jolt of Christmas cheer? Then grab a table at one of these decked-out restaurants throughout Los Angeles this holiday season
While you may need to drive to find snow near LA, you don’t have to go far to experience spectacular holiday light displays—and we’re talking about the glittering, over-the-top decor at some of our favorite local restaurants. These LA restaurants go all out in Dec., complete with tinsel garlands, twinkling lights, a whole array of ornaments, and Christmas-y bric-a-brac that kids will love as much as their plain pasta. From elegant to over-the-top, whether you want a quick bite or a big Christmas dinner, here’s where you can enjoy the most festive decorations while you dine. PS: And if you’re looking for a great spot to eat where the kids can be, well, kids, check out our dining recommends for great restaurants where the kids can run around.
Enjoy the holiday decor at Rao's Hollywood where you'll find garlands and wreathes wrapped in glistening lights and bows hung all around the restaurant. Add to that, delicious Italian food, just like Nonna used to make, that will have you complimenting the chef.
Colorful lights are a year-round staple at this old-school Mexican spot in the Valley. Come Christmastime, though, Casa Vega adds tinsel, ornaments, and a tree or two (or three) for plenty of holiday cheer. In addition to serving up all the atmosphere, the restaurant also offers tasty margaritas for the over-21 crowd and a just-as-tasty kids menu for little ones.
Black and white photos of celebrities line the walls of this iconic Burbank steakhouse, which you may recognize from any number of TV shows and films—it was recently featured in La La Land. An inflatable Santa is there to greet kids at the entrance, and once you're inside, you can't miss the oversized Christmas tree, giant nutcracker, and red stockings.
There's nothing ho-ho-hum about The Tam O'Shanter's Christmas festivities with merry carolers on hand every night through Dec. 30. The Scottish pub's patio is also open in case your family wants to take advantage of the oh-so Christmas-y and cozy outdoor fireplace.
Another local Mexican dining institution (it's been around since 1931), El Coyote also does Christmas lights throughout the year but really gets decked out come Dec. Think a Christmas tree, garlands, glowing reindeer, mini Santas, to name a few. Be sure to check out the elaborate window display too—it's the perfect thing to entertain kids while you wait for your food.
This Long Beach restaurant may have just won Christmas. Now through Dec. 30, you can stop by to experience all the joy at The Ordinaire's merry and bright holiday pop-up, complete with gift-wrapped tables, a crackling fireplace with stockings on the mantel, and a flurry of lights and tinsel. While you're there, don't miss out on the restaurant's seasonal libations, like the Snowball Old Fashioned or Bad Santa with rum and chai.
Just in case you can sneak in a night off from the kiddos during the hectic holiday season, consider a trip to Christmas pop-up Blitzen's at the cocktail bar Here and Now. This temporary spot features festive decor galore, along with occasional appearances by Santa, carolers, and drag queens (because... why not?). Enjoy the holiday decor, now-Jan. 1.
Since 1992, the Mission Inn has decked out its interior and exterior spaces with thousands of twinkling lights during its annual Festival of Lights. It has become a must-visit destination for over 500,000 visitors each year. This year is the 30th installation of the festival which runs from Nov. 25-Jan. 6. Rumor has it, booking a table on the outside patio will afford you a grand view of these lights—with a great dinner to boot.
Dad isn’t always an easy guy to shop for. Maybe he’s a grill guy like they say on television or a mechanic who spends his weekends at Home Depot or maybe he’s a writer who needs nothing more than a paper and a pencil to be satisfied. Regardless of the kind of guy your husband or father is, we’ve got some gift ideas that are sure to make him smile. Start Father’s Day off with one of these awesome present ideas!
Upgrade Dad’s style with the Tanner Goods look. Tanner Goods, a Portland-based company that strives to combine sleek, rugged style with the vibes of the Pacific Northwest, offers a range of awesome wallets, belts, bags, and other accessories! They effortlessly make everyday items a staple of an outfit. Style Dad up this Father’s Day with goods from none other than Tanner Goods!
If the man in your life spends his afternoons, evenings, and weekends bent over a cookbook or your kitchen’s stove, then he needs this little bit of extra zing! Jacobsen Salt is far and away the best salt in the game. Founded in 2011, Jacobsen began harvesting its salts in Netarts Bay, which is just an hour and a half drive from Portland! (Pro tip: If you want to add an adventure to the gift-giving experience, head to Netarts and visit Jacobsen’s gift shop where you can see how they make their delicious salt!). They’ve expanded their offerings from standard sea salts to infused salts, herbal and spice blends, rubs, and more! Head online now to pick out the perfect salt for your guy.
Get Dad the gift that keeps giving, in replenishments and in energy! What better way to keep dad fueled for life than with this local Portland roaster? Stumptown is a staple of this city’s coffee community and will satisfy any coffee lover’s palate without a doubt. Choose your roast, quantity, and subscription duration, then sit back and wait for the beans to roll in. You can choose the frequency of deliveries, depending on how much the man drinks coffee, in addition to choosing the blend and quantity. Subscriptions are billed automatically and can be canceled or placed on hold at any time!
Set Dad up for a grill-centered weekend when you purchase Olympia Provisions’ signature Sausage Fest! They’ll set him up to feast for days, as each box includes twelve ounces of Bratwurst, Frankfurter, Smoked Kielbasa (this one is great), Italian Sausage, and Kasekrainer. Want something that’s more than just a one-hit-wonder? Sign him up for the Olympia Postal Provisions Club and receive monthly deliveries of alternating signature sausage selections! This subscription-based service makes it easier than ever to eat like a king. Whichever you pick, Dad will be incredibly satisfied by any of Olympia’s delectable offerings.
Olympia Provisions SE: 107 SE Washington St., Portland, OR Olympia Provisions Public House: 3384 SE Division St., Portland, OR Online at: olympiaprovisions.com
Portland Axe Throwing
“Be A Man!” this Father’s Day by having a beer and throwing an axe at a target. Portland’s axe-throwing pastime has swept the city in the last few years and drawn the attention of lumberjacks and non-lumberjacks alike! You can book hour, hour and a half, and two hour sessions for him and the family or friends. Portland Axe Throwing is located at Stormbreaker Brewing at St. Johns, and don’t worry! They have trained axe throwing professionals there to train and guide you through the entire awesome experience.
StormBreaker Brewing St. Johns: 8409 N Lombard St., Portland, OR Phone: (503) 212-0803 Online at:portlandaxethrowing.net
If you don’t already know, Poler is the coolest camping gear you can find. Born and bred in Portland, Poler offers outdoor wear that seamlessly blends the Portland hipster aesthetics with the necessities of camping. Get Dad a poncho for cold nights around the campfire, or even better, a tent with awesome designs when he sleeps out in the rough. They offer awesome accessories and apparel that are sure to make Dad feel like he is twenty and cool, all over again. Visit in person or shop online now to hook Dad up this Father’s Day!
Poler Flagship Store: 3557 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR Phone: (503) 894-9153 Online at: poler.com
Will Leather Goods
Spice up Dad’s wallet and/or bag game with Will Leather Goods. This Eugene, Oregon based company has spread its wings worldwide, but proudly claims the Pacific Northwest as its inspiration. At Will Leather, they aim to create a globe’s-worth of travel in one single product: the aged look is their mantra and boy do they do it well! Swap Dad’s cards out of whatever bifold he has now and slip them into a beautifully, sustainably crafted leather wallet from Will’s!
Let’s be honest – is it really Father’s Day without a bit of whiskey? Expand Dad’s liquor cabinet with Westward Whiskey’s range of kits. They offer a slew of options from Old Fashioned cocktail kits to Hot Toddy kits, and collection options if you want to set Dad up for a while. Visit their tasting room or head online to find something that is sure to knock his socks off!
PDX Tasting Room: 65 SE Washington St., Portland, OR Phone: (503) 235-3174 Online at: westwardwhiskey.com
Straight Razor or Shaving Upgrade from Portland Razor Co.
If the dad in your life likes a clean shave, invest in a high-quality straight razor and strop for him. Portland Razor Co. offers hand-crafted straight razors that can be sharpened on a leather strop, for the most precise shave around. Best part? These razors are handmade in Portland and built to last a lifetime. Here are some awesome reasons to consider straight shaving. If a straight blade isn’t your thing, consider the ultimate self-care upgrade, with a pre-shave conditioner and aftershave tonic. Made-to-order items ship in 2-4 weeks, so while you may not get your razor in time for the official day, it’ll be well worth the wait! .
Help him keep his keys, phone, and wallet in one handy location with this beautiful handmade leather accessory tray with copper rivet details. Orox Leather is a Portland gem, an artisan business that started in a garage, working the street-fair circuit, before growing into an established, respected brick-and-mortar retail business. They’ve been producing high-quality leather goods (bags, journals, briefcases, and aprons, to name just a few) in their downtown workshop since 2012, and descend from four generations of leather makers, beginning in Oaxaca, Mexico. (“Orox” is a combination Oaxaca and Oregon.) Orders can be placed online, shipping is free and complimentary monogramming is available as well.
It isn’t Thanksgiving without some turkey! While we all enjoy a lovely, juicy bird at the dinner table, Baskin Robbins wants to mix things up.
The Turkey Cake has returned for all your imposter tricks. Made with the ice cream of your choice then topped with two sugar cone legs and a caramel praline topping glaze, this cake will give your actual turkey a run for its money.
If you’re looking for a more manageable dessert with no carving required, you’ll want to grab a cone of Baskin Robbins’ newest flavor, Snickerdoodle Chai. This seasonal flavor is made of a combination of snickerdoodle dough chunks, vanilla chai flavored ice cream and a cinnamon swirl.
Both treats will be offered at Baskin-Robbins locations throughout the month of November, while supplies last. Want a sweet deal? Baskin-Robbins is offering $5 off any cake purchase of $35 or more through November 25 and a free kids scoop starting on Thanksgiving Day through November 30with a purchase of $15 or more.
A grownup take on the classic bomb pop? Sign us up! The ever-popular Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is releasing a new collection called “Ice Cream Truck Flavors,” but much like chasing the truck, you can only get them for a limited time.
Starting July 8, you can find a new flavor each week online and in scoop shops. First up is the Rocket Pop, buttermilk ice cream with a tart and creamy blueberry pineapple swirl. Mango Cheesecake Swirl drops on July 14, followed by Orange Freeze on July 22, High Five Candy Bar on July 29 and Golden Nectar on August 5. The last one is rumored to taste like a chilled summer chai!
If you don’t live near a scoop shop, you can buy the full collection and have it shipped to your house, thanks to the wonders of modern delivery services. It’s a lot less sweaty than running after the ice cream man, too.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams burst onto the scene in 2002 in Columbus, Ohio. Today it’s a Certified B corporation with 58 scoop shops and distribution in top grocery stores across the country. With flavors ranging from Fluffernutter Pie to Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam, there’s a unique combo for everyone!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Jen’s Splendid Ice Creams
We’re getting closer than ever to enjoying all the theme parks and Disney wants to entice you to head to Animal Kingdom. In celebration of the upcoming release of Walt Disney Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon, the park is debuting three new treats.
Not only is do you soon get to sink your teeth into some sweet desserts but you also get to feast your eyes on a new “foodie” clip released by Disney. Keep scrolling to see it all!
The inspired desserts include:
Baby Tuk Tuk Mousse: five-spice mousse on top of chocolate cake, milk chocolate cream, chocolate velvet ”shell,” and chocolate crispy pearls––available starting Feb. 22 at Creature Comforts Coffee Shop and Isle of Java
Baby Tuk Tuk Ice Cream Sundae: Chai-spiced caramel cake, chai caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, green tea cake crumbs, salted caramel crispy pearls, and edible image of Baby Tuk Tuk––available starting Feb. 22 at Dino-Bite Snacks.
Mighty Mist Soft-Serve: Twist of strawberry and vanilla soft serve with blue-tinted white chocolate- dipped waffle cone rolled in sparkling sugar––available starting Feb. 22 at Anandapur Ice Cream Truck
Disney also wants to introduce you to Boun, the “owner, manager, chef, and captain” of his boat, the Shrimporium.
There’s nothing like the holiday season to keep spirits bright. Dunkin’ is happy to spread the seasonal joy with an early reveal of its annual holiday menu and cup designs. Featuring festive latte flavors, a new breakfast sandwich, brightly colored cups and virtual holiday-themed gift cards, Dunkin’ is here to bring a smile to your face.
According to Jill Nelson, Vice President, Marketing Strategy at Dunkin’, “We’re raising a cup to everyone looking for a taste of the familiar this year. From the heartwarming flavors of our holiday lattes, to the craveable comfort of our new toasted Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich, Dunkin’ is giving our guests something delicious during a time many could use some extra cheer.”
Raise a cup and say, “Cheers!” Dunkin’s bright new holiday cups feature the term, Cheersin’, a playful combination of cheers and Dunkin’.
Signature Peppermint Mocha Latte
This combo of peppermint and rich chocolate in the Signature Peppermint Mocha Latte features a peppermint mocha flavor topped with whipped cream, mocha drizzle and hot chocolate powder.
Signature Gingerbread Latte
The familiar and comforting taste of gingerbread flavor is topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar for a little extra sweetness.
Chai Oatmilk Latte
A treat for tea lovers, this sweetened chai tea blend featuring a merry mix of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg combined with the rich and creamy taste of oatmilk, Dunkin’s newest non-dairy option.
Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich
The new Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich combines a generous helping of extra Cherrywood smoked bacon, two fried eggs and aged Wisconsin white cheddar cheese on tasty new sourdough toast.
As an added treat, DD Perks members will receive 2X points on each purchase of a Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich, from Nov. 4 to Dec. 1.
Dunkin’ guests can also offer a virtual cheers by sending a Dunkin’ e-gift card through the Dunkin’ App. E-gift cards are available in a variety of special holiday designs for a festive and easy way to send the gift of Dunkin’ to friends, family, and colleagues.
In addition, to help make the holidays even better with some bite-sized sweetness, 10-count boxes of Dunkin’s delicious MUNCHKINS donut hole treats will be available for the special price of $2, beginning Nov. 4 through Dec. 29 at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide.
ALDI’s fall candle selection is giving us all the pumpkin spice vibes. If you are a fan of scented candles then you are going to want to scope out the selection available this month. Each week there will be a new offering you are going to want to add to your mantle or bedside table.
Huntington Home 3 Wick Candle
This selection will be available the week of Sept. 2. There are four varieties of pumpkin-themed candles — Coconut Pumpkin Macarons, Pumpkin Chai, #PumpkinEverything, and Sweet Pumpkin Cake. If you liked these, watch out later in the month for a second set of 3 wick candles in fall scents. Each candle retails for $3.99.
Huntington Home Ceramic Candle
These candles will also be available the week of Sept. 2. There are four scents available — Cedar Oakwood, Cranberry Clove, Harvest Skies, and Pumpkin Praline. Each candle retails for $6.99.
Huntington Home Mercury Glass Ceramic Candles
Thiese Mercury Glass Pumpkin Candles come in three scents — Pumpkin Frosting, Pumpkin Toffee, and Sippin’ Cider. Each candle retails for $4.99.
Huntington Home 3 Wick Candles
The second release of the 3-wick candles is available the week of Sept. 16 and includes four scents — Apple Cider Donuts, Pine Cones & Plaid, Fall Breeze, Crisp Leaves and Hayrides & Bonfires. Each candle retails for $3.99.
Huntington Home Ceramic Pumpkin Candles
These pumpkin candles are available Sept. 30. They come in lidded ceramic jars in white or black with gold stems. Each candle retails for $6.99.
Research has shown that everyone is looking forward to the fall and holidays more than ever this year, and now your tastebuds can get in on the action, too. Dunkin’ announced this week that the company is releasing their famed fall menu earlier than ever before: Aug. 19!
For a limited time, Dunkin’ is bringing back fan favorite items in addition to several new snacking options. You can start looking forward to a variety of pumpkin coffees, Apple Cider-flavored treats and pumpkin baked goods.
photo: Courtesy of Dunkin’
Brand new menu items for this year include:
Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte
Chai Latte
Stuffed Bagel Minis
Stuffed Bagel Minis in plain and everything topping
Steak & Cheese Rollups
Maple Sugar Seasoned Snackin’ Bacon
Looking for your fave treat from last year? Returning items are:
Pumpkin Flavored Coffees
Apple Cider Donut and MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats
Pumpkin Donut, MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats, and Muffin