The countdown to Christmas is on! It’s a few more months until we’ll hang up the mistletoe but Hallmark has already released its 2021 Christmas ornament keepsake collection. Including (drumroll please!) Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus and Blanche from Golden Girls.
We love the new Blanche Devereaux ornament and it’s the perfect addition to any holiday tree. She’s decked out in her red wedding dress and the ornament plays audio clips of some of her classic lines on the popular TV show. It’s pre-packaged for easy gift giving and storage, so Blanche can steal the stage for years to come.
Another classic leading lady has been memorialized in ornament form, thanks to Hallmark. Winifred Sanderson rocks her signature green dress and holds a witch’s spell book and broomstick. She also comes in a commemorative box and can add a festive touch to your Halloween decor, too.
Both ornaments are $19.99 and are available to buy either online or at your local Hallmark store. The two are part of Hallmark’s larger keepsake collection that also features Baby Yoda, Harry Potter, Donkey Kong and much more. Shop the whole collection online today as you dream of merry months ahead!
“Hey Shaq, what’s the weather today?” If you’ve ever wanted to mix up your Amazon Alexa experience, the company just dropped two new celebrity voices! Shaquille O’Neal and Melissa McCarthy are available now to tell you jokes, report on the forecast, or even do a little rap.
Following up on the hugely popular addition of Samuel L. Jackson’s voice, Amazon is offering the option to purchase two more instantly recognizable personalities at $4.99 each. Once you’ve bought one (or both) just say “Hey Shaq” or “Hey Melissa” to activate the option. If you need a little sneak preview, enjoy the following clips:
“We’re thrilled to add two new celebrity personalities to Alexa and had a great time working with Shaquille O’Neal and Melissa McCarthy on this project. We can’t wait to see what customers think,” said Toni Reid, vice president of Alexa Experience & Echo Devices.
Whether or not you’re making a trek to a Disney park this summer, you can still make it a Disney summer. That’s thanks to the reveal of the Disney+ programming over the next few months, including hit movies, original series and documentaries. It’s quite the list watch for, so read on for more!
The Summer of Disney+ kicked off over the weekend with the release of Raya and the Last Dragon, free to all subscribers on the platform. On Wednesday, you can start watching a new series, Marvel Studios’ Loki and keep up with the God of Mischief. And on Friday, the second season of Zenimation premieres, giving you a mindful soundscape experience with clips from eight decades of Disney films.
You’ll want to tune in to Luca starting June 18, a new original animated movie about a boy having an unforgettable summer in Italy. Monsters at Work premiers July 2 and brings back your favorites from the Academy Award-winning movie, Monsters Inc. On July 30 another big drop, Jungle Cruise, stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in an adventure down the Amazon. And all summer beloved classics will pop up on the platform, like The Sandlot, Ice Age: The Meltdown and Ms. Doubtfire.
Which one will your family be most excited to see? Grab the popcorn (or have an outdoor movie night), pull up Disney+ and get ready for hours of entertainment this summer!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of August de Richelieu from Pexels
Recent research revealed a way to help children as young as 12-months deal with and possibly overcome behavior problems. The study, from the University of Cambridge, looked at the effectiveness of a six-session program on 300 families with young children.
The children in this study were divided into two groups—one group received routine healthcare support and the other participated in a combination of healthcare support and a targeted behavioral program. All of the young participants had already displayed early signs of behavioral problems.
Researchers filmed the participants via an experimental program called the Video-Feedback Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD). Each 90-minute video taped session included everyday family situations, such as a meal or play-time. The child behavior pros then analyzed the clips and discussed successes and challenges with the parents. This gave the parents the chance to identify cues or signals from their children.
Five months after the start of the program, the researchers found the children who participated in the VIPP-SD sessions had lower behavioral problem scores than the children who only got routine healthcare.
Paul Ramchandani, Professor of Play in Education, Development and Learning at the University of Cambridge, said, “To provide this program in any health service would require investment, but it can realistically be delivered as part of routine care. Doing so would benefit a group of children who are at risk of going on to have problems with their education, behavior, future wellbeing and mental health.”
Ramchandani added, “There is a chance here to invest early and alleviate those difficulties now, potentially preventing problems in the longer term that are far worse.”
For more information, the full results of the research are published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Sesame Workshop and SC Johnson recently collaborated to create a new line of videos promoting healthy practices at home—in an eco-friendly way!
As part of Sesame Workshop’s Caring for Each Other initiative, the videos star Elmo and his father Louie. The pair models healthy routines your kiddo may need to follow for sick days, bedtime and bath-time.
photo courtesy of PR Newsfoto/SC Johnson
Not only will the videos help children learn about basic hygiene practices, the educational Elmo-packed clips will also focus on and promote sustainable practices. Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, said in a press release, “It’s important that we all work together to help children respond to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Johnson continued, “Our goal is to combine our expertise in science and innovation with Sesame Workshop’s decades of experience in educating and connecting with children so we can equip them with the skills needed to lead healthier and more environmentally conscious lives.”
Steve Youngwood, CEO of Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, said of the collab with SC Johnson, “Sesame Workshop is proud to work with SC Johnson to help families stay healthy, connected, and full of curiosity—with a little help from the Sesame Street Muppets.” Youngwood added, “Together, we can give children the skills they need to thrive and navigate whatever comes next in 2021 and beyond.”
For more information on the new videos or the Caring for Each Other initiative, visit Sesame Workshop’s website here.
Keeping kids safe online is a goal of any parent and YouTube has just announced a brand new way to keep safety at the forefront. When your budding young adults have outgrown YouTube Kids, you’ll soon be able to give age-appropriate access to YouTube through the new supervised experience option.
Geared especially for parents who are ready to let their tweens and teens explore YouTube, you’ll soon be able to create a supervised Google account, which will come with content setting and limited features. YouTube is launching a beta version in the coming months so families can test and provide feedback as the experience improves.
The early options will include three content settings for parents to choose from. They include:
Explore: Perfect for the transition from YouTube Kids to YouTube, this setting has content suitable for viewers ages nine and older and includes vlogs, tutorials, gaming videos, music clips, news, educational content and more.
Explore More: This setting is for kids 13+ and will include an expanded set of videos and live streams.
Most of YouTube: Includes almost all videos on YouTube and sensitive topics that may only be appropriate for older teens but does not include age-restricted content.
Parents will also be able to manage watch and search history from within their child’s account settings, in addition to controls usingGoogle’s Family Link. The supervised experience will feel like a regular visit to YouTube, but without personalized ads or ads in certain categories. Upon launch, all in-app purchases will also be disabled.
“Kids are online now more than ever, and their safety online is a top priority. National PTA appreciates YouTube advancing age-appropriate experiences, as well as implementing settings that enable families to choose an experience that feels appropriate for their child. We’re pleased that YouTube has responded to families’ needs and wants and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to bring awareness to families about these new options and how to choose an experience that’s best for them, ” says Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA.
Head to YouTube to learn more about the all-new supervised experience optioon.
In honor of Safer Internet Day, TikTok wants to help your kids use the social media platform—minus the need to stress about it. With the Family Pairing tool, you can help your teens to navigate the uber popular video service safely and even manage their use.
The Family Pairing feature provides three major benefits for parents. To start with, it allows you to limit your child’s TikTok screen time. This means you won’t need to worry about your TikTok-loving teen spending their entire at-home cyber screen day watching videos of the trendiest dance clips.
photo: Courtesy of TikTok
Along with screen time management, the Family Pairing tool also allows you to set comment filters. The feature puts the power in your hands, giving you the ability to filter who can and can’t comment on your teen’s videos.
If you want to take TikTok management a step further, the Family Pairing feature also lets you restrict direct messages. Like the comment filter, you can choose who can and can’t DM your child. Keep in mind, direct messaging is only available through TikTok for users 16 and older and only approved followers are allowed to message one another.
Other ways TikTok wants to keep your kiddo’s experience family-friendly include allowing you to limit content that isn’t appropriate for your child’s age and letting you choose if your teen can have a public or private account.
This year, decorating for the holidays is even easier. Walmart is helping customers bring their favorite traditions home without ever having to head out to the store. This holiday season, Walmart will hang your lights, or deliver a live Christmas tree right to your doorstep.
The service doesn’t end at trees. If you desire holiday greenery, poinsettias or an amaryllis, Walmart has it covered.
To have the perfect Christmas tree delivered, just go on the website, chose your tree and set a delivery time. Customers can also select whether they’d like a fresh-cut tree or a potted option in sizes ranging from 3 feet tall to 9 feet tall. All you need to do is decorate!
Do you feel like Clark Griswold when it comes to hanging the Christmas lights? Walmart, in partnership with Handy, will hang your lights for you. Don’t worry if you don’t have lights. Lights of every variety are available on Walmart.com and can be purchased alongside an installation.
To get lights installed, simply add Christmas Lights Installation Service to your cart. After checkout, Handy will reach out via email to schedule an installation appointment. You just need to supply the lights, clips or anchors, and extension cords. Once that’s done, a professional will complete the installation.
For $129 in single-story homes and $199 in two-story homes, Walmart ensures all of the joy with none of the hassle. As a bonus, having the lights taken down is only $99 for a single-story home and $159 for two-story homes.
Congrats are in order for Frankie Muniz and Paige Price. On Saturday the couple revealed they are expecting their first child. The sweet video announcement can be seen on their joint YouTube channel.
In a video titled “Frankie & Paige are having a baby!” the soon-to-be-parents are seen dancing in a field and sharing clips from their trip through Jackson, Wyoming. In a sweet voiceover, Frankie shared their happy news.
“In the past four-and-a-half years, Paige and I have experienced so many incredible things together,” Frankie began. “We’ve traveled the world, got to live out all these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. While we still believe it’s the little moments in between the big ones that make you feel happiest, nothing quite compares to the first time hearing your little one’s heartbeat.”
Price also posted an announcement on her Instagram page. Looks like Baby Muniz will be arriving in March 2021.
From your 20-week ultrasound to chasing a tottling toddler, your body has gone through incredible changes in such a short time. Celebrate those changes—and everything you’ve accomplished as a new mama—with clothes that make you look and feel your best. Anook Athletics, the covet-worthy athletic wear brand for pre- and postpartum moms features a line of high-quality, versatile styles that will take you from first trimester and beyond. They just released their new line of styles and we got the scoop below.
How Anook Athletics Is Different We’ll just come out and say it: This brand lives up to the hype. While many maternity collections promise quality goods that you’ll be able to wear beyond pregnancy, Anook Athletics actually delivers. We specifically tested the Poppy Leggings and Nila bra and here’s what we loved:
• Most maternity activewear leggings we’ve worn just don’t have that glove-like fit we’re used to with our fave non-pregnancy leggings. We’re either pulling up the belly band or adjusting it every few minutes so it gives us the coverage we need. Anook Athletics has it all figured out. Once you put on the leggings, they fit perfectly over every bump and curve—the material feels giving enough for a growing bump and supportive enough to last once baby arrives. The fabric is forgiving, but so well made it won’t stretch out.
• The Nila Bra is comfortable and stylish enough to wear even when not nursing. But if you are, the clips—which you can easily maneuver one-handed—allow for easy access.
• We love supporting mom-founded brands whose mission we can get behind. Founded by Allie Lindenmuth, an Austin-based prenatal yoga teacher and mom, Anook Athletics is all about empowering women through life’s biggest changes and challenges. Their styles are not trendy or cutesy but designed to be realistic to what pregnant and new moms experience, both emotionally and physically.
And, while it’s fair to consider the prices spendy, you’re investing in styles you’ll wear way beyond the pregnancy and infant months.
Styles You’ll Find in the New Collection Released September 2020:
Ellie 23" Crop Leggings ($98)
Busy moms know you can never have too many pockets. Their new Ellie Crop Legging just gets you. It features a pocket to store your valuables and flat seams and a sleek silhouette to make you feel extra confident pre- or post-baby. This style is available in Stone Heather and Char Heather. Buy it here.
Birdie Skort ($78)
If you're on the move turn to this cute but comfortable Skort that boasts breathable fabric, an antimicrobial lining, power mesh side panels and of course, those much-needed pockets. Choose from Pacific, Char, Moss, Redwood and Stone. Buy it here.
Devyn Muscle Tee ($68)
Chances are you're looking for just that perfect tee you can wear from morning to night. Good news: we've found it. The new Devyn Muscle Tee is the staple you've been looking for. It'll wick away moisture using Dri-Release® fabric and is soft enough for nursing and durable enough for a workout. Buy it here.
Georgia Jacket ($179)
Cooler months require clothes that you can layer, stay warm in and feel comfortable toting around baby and chasing after a toddler (yep, we're speaking from experience). This jacket will do all of that and more. It's made with a four-way stretch and quilted front panels that hugs your body in just the right places. Product launching in late October.
Additional Styles to Shop:
When Anook Athletics launched last year we were lucky enough to check out their inaugural collection. We broke it down for you below:
• Poppy Tall and Short Leggings($98) – Available in tall (28.5”) and short (26”), these leggings come in Heathered Char or Heathered Stone. Both colors and lengths feature a waistline power mesh that won’t have you pulling or adjusting the belly band every five minutes. It’s supportive and giving enough for a growing bump and offers compression after baby is born. The extra-wide gusset with antimicrobial liner offers ventilation, and the moisture management knit material wicks away sweat. Buy here.
• Hayes Tall and Short Joggers ($98) – For a more lounge-like fit, turn to these joggers that also come in tall (27”) and short lengths (24.5”). Both include extra ventilation and are soft and stretchy enough to accommodate a growing bump and postpartum body types. Choose from Heathered Char or Heathered Stone. Buy here.
• Austin Shorts($58) – The prenatal activewear scene was sorely missing shorts…until now. These shorts boast a four-way stretch, antimicrobial lining and are forgiving enough that the waistband will expand and contract to whatever size and shape you currently hold. Available in four colors. Buy here.
• Nila Bra ($58) – Ever wish your fave sports bra doubled as a nursing bra? Your wish came true with this nursing-friendly sports bra that offers padded coverage and hidden nursing clips. The bra is comfortable enough to wear all day (we tested this out ourselves) and is stylish enough to wear even when you’re not nursing. Available in all four colorways. Buy here.
• Tank ($62) – Comfortable enough to wear around the house or to yoga class, this tank is sweat-wicking and includes hidden nursing clips and a padded bra. Choose from four colors. Buy here.
