Newsflash! Trader Joe’s Just Dropped Its 2023 Beauty Advent Calendar

by Kate LowethNovember 8, 2023

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
Neroli bamboo scented shave cream
Cake batter scented body butter
Orange popsicle scented exfoliating sugar scrub cube
Rice polish face cleansing powder
Vitamin C firming body butter
Yuzu bath fizzer
Daily facial sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 40

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.

Cross your fingers that year’s felted wool garlands will come in the mini size again as we loved pairing them with our Elf on the Shelf along with those mini totes they sold last month. Get ready, Instagram!

Try This Yummy Wellness Tea Recipe for Cold & Flu Season Relief

By Sara Mercer

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 20, 2022

With a preschooler and toddler at home, it seems like someone in my house is always sick. My girls are exposed to a million germs a day between school and all of their activities. No amount of hand washing can spare us completely.

As a busy mom, I have no time for sick days that render me useless to my girls! When the sniffles strike (again and again and again) I have a secret weapon. This cold-busting wellness tea is super intense but if you drink the whole pot you will wake up the next morning feeling like a new person!

This tea is loaded with vitamin C from all the citrus, anti-inflammatories from the ginger, and turmeric while the dash of cayenne gives this tea a real kick.

Cold-Busting Wellness Tea

Ingredients:

1 orange
1 lemon
1 grapefruit
1 lime
1 cup water
1 T cinnamon
1 T turmeric
1 tsp cayenne
Several pieces of fresh ginger (the more the better!)
Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

Juice the orange, lemon, grapefruit and lime.
Add the citrus juices, water, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne and fresh ginger to a pot and heat on medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
Sweeten to taste with raw honey and drink.
It is best to drink the entire pot if possible to maximize results and hopefully keep your home cold-free this cold and flu season.

Featured image: Kira auf der Heide via Unsplash

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Sara Mercer

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a born and bred New Yorker trying to balance life as a mom of two, writer, wellness coach and fitness enthusiast. If I'm not chasing my girls at the playground, you’ll find me shopping the farmer’s market, checking out the latest boutique fiitness craze or blogging for mercer+green.

Celebrate Fall at These Pumpkin Patches Near Orlando

by Kate LowethOctober 13, 2021

Trust us, fall is here (even though the temps may say otherwise). Get in the mood for Halloween with a visit to one of Orlando’s best pumpkin patches. These pumpkin patches offer a full day of family activities like pedal bikes, corn bins, hay rides and corn mazes. Scroll through you plan your pumpkin picking adventure!

Southern Hill Farms
With the (sometimes) crisp fall air and the thrill of the holidays waiting to be celebrated, there’s nothing quite like the magic of a Fall Festival at the farm. Seasonal favorites are around every corner—think hot, fresh apple cider donuts, craft beer, s’mores for roasting over fire pits and a wide variety of pumpkins in all colors, shapes and sizes. Children are filled with delight at the sight of festival rides, bounce houses and a petting zoo.

16651 Schofield Rd.
Clermont, FL
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Harvest Holler Farm and Corn Maze
Come and experience a real working family farm with animals, activities and a giant hay mountain. From there you can overlook the Old Farm Miniature Golf Course and get an aerial view of Big Frank-n-Slide, one of the farm's most popular attractions. Don't miss the corn maze!

950 Tavares Rd.
Polk City, FL
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Showcase of Citrus Pumpkin Ponderosa
This spot that is usually all about the citrus is hosting a Pumpkin Ponderosa for the fall season. Their pumpkin patch offers a wide variety of pumpkins in many sizes. The Country Store offers orange juice slushies, Creamsicles, jams, jellies, honey, hot sauces, soaps and much more. Book a monster truck tour for the ultimate fun!

5010 US Highway 27
Clermont, FL
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Scott's Maze Adventures
Come get lost in this massive corn maze that has a unique design each year, with twisting pathways, questions and answers, and picture rubbings. Check out the market vendors, take a farm tour and pick the perfect pumpkin.

26216 County Road 448A
Mount Dora, FL
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Santa's Fall Fun: A Lot of Pumpkins
At this spot, pumpkins from Ohio and New York are fresh picked, and then displayed in a shaded lot to help preserve their freshness. Pumpkins are priced by size, and most range between $3 and $13. You can even carve your pumpkins here and leave the mess behind. The Magical Maze has thirteen scary monster pictures hidden throughout—find them all and win a prize! The horse and pony rides, hay rides, bounce pillow, giant slide, barrel cart rides, mazes and play area are open continuously during fall hours.

35317 Huff Rd.
Eustis, FL
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Lake Catherine Farms: Fall Maze & Pumpkin Patch
While blueberries usually the name of the game here, pumpkins and corn mazes take over come fall. They have a Scavenger Hunt Maze for families and super-scary haunted mazes for older kids and adults. They also offer free hayrides, tractor train rides and photo opportunities with vintage tractors and automobiles. For young farmers, the “hayground” and corn box are back, as well as assorted yard games for our more competitive guests.

5849 Lake Catherine Rd.
Groveland, FL
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

—Taylor Clifton & Kate Loweth

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It’s All Island Vibes with Krispy Kreme’s New Collection

by Karly WoodMay 18, 2021

Summer vacation is still a few weeks away but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the flavors of the season. Krispy Kreme has just launched their new collection and it’s available now.

Starting today, May 17, the Island Time Collection is available at participating locations in three tropical flavors. Not only do the flavors bring you to a summer state of mind, but the beachy toppings will have you craving a day at the shore, too.

photo: Courtesy of Krispy Kreme

The three flavors include:

Pina Colada Doughnut: An Original Glazed® doughnut filled with Pina Colada-flavored Kreme, dipped in a Pina Colada-flavored icing, sprinkled with toasted coconut shreds and topped with a candied cherry.
Island Time Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut filled with classic Kreme, dipped in light blue icing and graham crumbs to resemble an Island, and topped with a palm tree.
Key Lime Pie Doughnut: A doughnut filled with Key Lime Kreme, dipped in lime green icing, topped with graham crumbs and a Kreme dollop.

Not only will guests be able to enjoy the Island Times Key Lime Pie Doughnut option, but they’ll also be able to sink their teeth into the Key Lime Glazed Doughnut on Key Lime Fridays. May 21 and 28th, Krispy Kreme will offer both lime sweets for diehard citrus lovers.

The collection is only available for a limited time, so head to a Krispy Kreme near you.

––Karly Wood

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Splash into Summer with Minnidip’s New Lineup of Inflatable Pools

by Karly WoodMay 3, 2021

Warm weather is almost here and that means lots of fun in the sun. When it comes to Minnidip’s new lineup of inflatable pools, you don’t need an Olympic-sized pool to get your splash on!

Sold at Target and minnidip.com, the company’s Spring collection has something for everyone. Moms will not only love the adorable new baby pools and splash pads, they’ll dig the adult-sized pools, too!

photo: Minnidip

When it comes to Adult “Kiddie” pools, parents can choose from new styles including Sun-Kissed Terracotta, Ombré All Day, Totally Whoa(ven) and the Freshly Minted Minnidip Adult Inflatable Pool ($42.99+). Returning from last year, sink into the Blushing Palms or That’s Banana(leave)s.

Don’t forge the kiddos! The Minni Minni Collection which includes baby pools and splash pads has new and returning products that include the Slice Slice Baby and Splash of Citrus baby pools and Tropical Palm Leaf Splash Pad Sprinkler and Slices of Fun Splash Pad Sprinkler ($31.99)

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Courtesy of Amy Carson

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Etsy Reveals Top Holiday Gifting & Decor Trends

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 30, 2020

With the holidays approaching many people are looking for unique gifts to send to family and friends near and far. Etsy just released its 2020 Holiday Trend Guide, filled with top gifting and decor trends for a very different holiday season. From thoughtful long-distance gifts to cozy outdoor decor, this year’s trends are all about finding ways to celebrate those we love.

This year’s top holiday trends on Etsy include:

Gifting

First-time hosting essentials: Many people will be hosting holidays for the first time this year, making entertaining essentials a priority. There has already been a 49% increase in searches for housewarming gifts. Searches for hostess gifts such as candlestick holders, tea towels and personalized cutting boards are also up.

Long-distance gifting: With many unable to see family and friends in person this year, Etsy sellers are helping shoppers let their loved ones know they are thinking of them from a distance with personalized care packages. Searches for care packages are up 235%. There has also been a noticeable increase in searches of greeting cards and holiday cards.

Decorative games and puzzles: The classic games we all know and love have gained momentum throughout the year.

Greener gifting: Shoppers are looking to minimize waste from the gift to the wrapping. There has been a 53% bump in searches for eco-friendly gifts and a 70% bump in searches for eco-friendly gift wrap. Shibori is taking hold as a surprising and eco-friendly take on the tie-dye trend, with a 50% increase in searches for tie-dye and shibori items.

Decor

Sculptural candles: Sellers are putting a creative spin on holiday decor staples and reinventing traditional taper, pillar, and votive candles. Searches for abstract, modern and geometric candles has jumped 86%.

Cozy outdoors: Many festive gatherings are moving outdoors this year, and shoppers are already making plans to transform their outdoor areas into inviting and warm spaces for guests. There has been a 186% spike in searches for outdoor blankets, a 197% spike in searches for fire pits, and a 52% spike in searches for outdoor holiday decor.

Homespun holidays: This year, shoppers are opting for nostalgic holiday decor that is reminiscent of a time filled with simpler pleasures and activities. On Etsy, there has been a 16% increase in searches for crochet, knit, or embroidered ornaments and an 18% increase in searches for holiday quilts. One remerging trend from years past is incorporating citrus into holiday decorating. There has been a 126% spike in searches for citrus decor.

Pet Advent Calendars: Advent calendars are a holiday mainstay, but this year the holiday countdown is about to get a lot more fun for our four-legged friends. There has been a 43% jump in searches for advent calendars and an 89% jump in searches for pet treats.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Etsy

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LA’s Best Parks for Every Activity, from Flying Kites to Exploring Caves

by Shannan RoussAugust 26, 2020

While our favorite playgrounds may still be closed, but there’s plenty of other free ways for kids to have fun at LA’s parks and gardens. Whether you’re looking to take a bike ride or explore a cave, there’s a park that fits the bill. Read on for our list of the best parks for every activity.

Flying a Kite

If you're up for a little drive, head south to San Pedro's 123-acre park Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center, which offers views of Catalina Island in one direction, and the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountain ranges in the other. Located a short distance from the ocean, the park offers sea breezes and a large grassy bluff, ideal for kite flying.

1805 W. 9th St.
San Pedro
Online: sanpedro.com

Going for a Spin

For a super simple ride, perfect for beginning bikers, check out the 3/4 mile loop at Lacy Park in San Marino. The refurbished wide, paved path that makes a loop around the center of the park is an ideal place to practice brand new bicycle skills. Check out our full list of awesome, car-free bike paths for kids.

1485 Virginia Rd.
San Marino
Online: cityofsanmarino.org

Climbing Trees

Discover the ancient oak trees that abound at Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park in Glendale. The low, thick branches make it easy for little ones to practice their climbing skills safely.

3901 Dunsmore Ave.
Glendale
818-249-5940
Online: parks.lacounty.gov

Taking a Nature Walk

The Arlington Garden in Pasadena offers a drought-tolerant oasis for kids to explore. Here, you'll find a citrus grove, kid-friendly rock maze, a succulent fountain, wishing tree and more. Birds, bees and butterflies all call this garden home and can be seen throughout the year.

275 Arlington Dr.
Pasadena
626-578-5434
Online: arlingtongardenpasadena.com

Having a Picnic

There's no better time than now to dine outdoors with the family. For a change of scenery (beyond your backyard), head to one of LA's top secluded picnic spots and enjoy a meal alfresco.

Exploring Caves

Enter Griffith Park at Canyon Drive and you're a short hike away from the famous Bronson Caves, a must-see for tiny explorers. Go early to beat the crowds (and the heat). For even more cave exploring, check out these beachside grottos.

3200 Canyon Dr.
Los Angeles
Online: laparks.org

Making a Splash

LA county brings some relief from the heat, opening splash pads and lake beaches around town. (Note: Splash pads at state parks and park operated by the city of Los Angeles and other cities, like Santa Monica and Glendale, remain closed.) See the full list here.

–Shannan Rouss

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This Delayed Color-Fading Soap Takes the Guesswork Out of Hand Washing

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 5, 2020

Do you ever worry that your kids aren’t spending enough time washing their hands or doing a thorough enough job? Especially now, it is important that everyone gets their hands clean.

Color Clean Soap was created by Michael Raymond, during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders after he noticed his children struggling to thoroughly wash their hands.

This patent-pending, one-of-a-kind formula, Color Clean Hand Soap is designed to ensure children and adults fully wash their hands by visibly highlighting unwashed areas. The visual soap is non-staining and scrubs off easily. A delayed, color-fading technology alerts users when they have washed their hands for an adequate amount of time.

Using premium quality, organic ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, essential oils and shea butter, Color Clean Hand Soap is free from sulfates or other harmful chemicals. The color technology is non-toxic and uses FDA food grade colorants to ensure maximum safety.

With three varieties to choose from, Blue Citrus, Green Grapefruit and Ruby Red, children and adults can pick their favorite variety to keep their hands clean.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Michael Raymond

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Best Foods to Eat (and Avoid) while Breastfeeding

By Jennifer Ritchie, IBCLC

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 22, 2020

Photo: Canva

As a new mother, times are scary and many mothers feel uneasy. My goal is to help new mother’s transition into parenthood easily and by offering educated information for everyone about not only breastfeeding but taking care of women postpartum. Breastfeeding carries its own mixed bag of challenges that can frustrate even the calmest of parents.

Myth Busters: There are so many myths about foods to avoid while breastfeeding, and these myths have been passed down for generations. For example, eating spicy food or broccoli will not make your baby gassy and fussy, but a glass of milk or some chocolate covered almonds really can. Food needs to contain a protein to enters the mother’s bloodstream in order to enter the breastmilk, so most foods simply change the flavor of the milk but don’t cause gas issues.

Here are the best foods to eat during breastfeeding:

Excellent foods to eat include oatmeal, barley, brown rice, beans, sesame, dark green leafy vegetables, apricots, dates, figs, and cooked green papaya. These foods boost prolactin levels, the hormone produced by the brain that controls milk production.

Have a gassy, fussy, or excessive crying (colic) statistically baby? The most common cause of a food protein intolerance is dairy products. Because whey is a natural component of milk, avoid yogurt, ice cream, sour cream, and other dairy products. An easy swap? Switch to coconut or rice milk. Always read food labels and look for hidden sources of the cow’s milk protein including whey, casein, and ingredients that start with the prefix “lact-.” These ingredients can be found in cookies, waffles, and salad dressings. After cow’s milk, other foods to consider avoiding are nuts, chocolate, egg whites, corn, pork, citrus fruits, berries, and tomatoes. I recommend to stop eating and drinking dairy for 72 hours, then start eliminating more foods one at a time if symptoms persist.

Jennifer Ritchie, IBCLC

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jennifer Ritchie is an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Ritchie spent more than a decade helping countless parents navigate breastfeeding challenges, including latching difficulties, painful nursing, low milk production, inadequate weight gain, and induced lactation.

Bird Feeders Kids Can Make at Home (They Really Work!)

by Oz SpiesJune 7, 2020

Looking for a fun hands-on activity that keeps giving? Consider making a bird feeder or two. Not only are they easy for kids to make, but it’s a low-cost project that will keep them busy. Even better, adding a bird feeder to your backyard is a great way for kids to connect with nature and develop a new hobby to fill long summer days. Break out the binoculars, future bird watchers, and consider whether a classic pine cone feeder or a recycled version made with paper and plastic is the right fit for you. We’ve got bird feeder plans for them all.

Toilet Paper Tube Bird Feeder

These DIY toilet paper tube bird feeders will add a bright, happy touch to any backyard. Rescue a few toilet paper tubes from the recycling bin, add crepe paper for a festive touch, and you'll be ready to make your own in no time. Fly over to Creative Jewish Mom for step-by-step instructions.

Sunflower Bird Feeder

Snugglebug University dreamed up this sunflower-inspired bird feeder for a kids' art group—and we think it's a perfect DIY project for long summer days. The centerpiece for this clever design is a paper plate holder. Just add birdseed, nut butter and a few other materials, and you'll be ready to make your own eye-catching bird feeder in no time. Find out how at Snugglebug University.

Pine Cone Feeder

The crafty chickadee over at MADE Everyday took the lead making this delicious craft. All you’ll need is a few pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed, string and about five minutes. Check out the how-to here, and use the leftover peanut butter to make your hungry birds a tasty treat.

Bird Feeder Kit in a Box

If you want to make a bird feeder with your kids but don't have the energy to put together another craft project, you can order a ready-made kit with all the supplies you'll need to make two bird feeders. Dirt and Dazzle offers ready-to-ship DIY bird feeder boxes ($15) with wooden ornaments, birdseed, craft sticks and peanut butter. Bonus: these boxes make a great gift for nature-loving kids and future Audubon Society members.

Milk Carton Bird House/Feeder

The art teacher behind Art Bar Blog came up with this easy upcycle idea for transforming an empty milk carton into a vibrant birdhouse. Utilizing the carton’s house-like shape, she added a small hole and then had her students decorate using their favorite paint colors. You’ll find a list of materials and instructions here.

Wood Birdhouse Kit

Keep budding woodworkers busy with this DIY wood birdhouse kit. Available from Etsy shop DJA Woodworks ($20), these sturdy wooden kits come ready to assemble. Your kid can paint the rainbow birdhouse of her dreams, then put it outside for her feathered friends. Add a few sunflower seeds, and hungry birds will move right in.

Recycled Tin Can

This recycled craft by Handmade by Kelly adds a pop of color to any backyard. The bird won’t be able to resist stopping for a snack at this vibrant feeder. Choose your favorite hues of duct tape and head over to Momtastic to learn how to make your own.

Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder

Be sure to save the sticks from your favorite frozen treats this summer, because this popsicle stick bird feeder is super simple to make, and lots of fun to decorate. Head over to Create-Celebrate-Explore for instructions.

Soda Bottle Bird Feeder

The vibrant colors of this recycled bird feeder really pop against the tree’s green leaves. Made using an empty soda bottle, and assorted hues of tissue paper, you’ll find a full list of materials and the step-by-step instructions over at Artzy Creations.

LEGO Bird Feeder

Your budding builder will love tackling this fun outdoor craft. When it comes to making your own version of this LEGO feeder, the experts over at Project FeederWatch advise adding drain holes, cleaning regularly and storing in a sheltered location. Visit their site for help identifying and feeding the birds in your neck of the woods.

Cookie Cutter Shape Bird Feeder

These peck-worthy ornaments were created by the crafty duo behind Eighteen25. Choose your favorite cookie cutter shapes, and head over to the blog for a list of ingredients and the tutorial.

Buttoned-Up Bird House

These decorative birdhouses from Sew Country Chick are cute as a button. A little paint and an assortment of buttons are all you’ll need to add a little flair to any ordinary wooden birdhouse. Fly over to Mod Podge Rocks for the how-to.

Citrus Feeder

Planning to make a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice or refreshing lemonade? Then be sure to save the rinds for this colorful craft from Handmade by Kelly. These sweet bird feeders are easy to make using the rinds of your favorite citrus. Find the instructions over at Mother Nature Network.

Egg Carton Feeder

This eco-friendly bird feeder is perfect for serving the flock of feathered friends visiting your backyard this season. Head over to The Creative Cubby to learn to make this easy, recycled craft.

—Oz Spies with Lauren Hill

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ML Interest Tag: citrus

Newsflash! Trader Joe’s Just Dropped Its 2023 Beauty Advent Calendar

This Advent calendar is a top seller at Trader Joe’s for the holiday season

What will you find inside Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty Advent calendar?

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