Reverse your bad luck with some seriously sweet ways to spend this superstitious day
On Friday the 13th there’s no reason to get superstitious about bad luck: try doing some seriously fun things in numbers of 13. We can’t promise you good luck, but we can guarantee a baker’s dozen of smiles. Read on for our ideas.
1. Stand on one foot for 13 seconds. Too easy? Transition to the other foot for 13 without falling. Still need a bigger challenge, raise your hands up and down 13 times.
2. Write a poem with only 13 words.
3. Get out the jump rope and hop 13 times in a row without messing up. If you’re out of practice, this can be trickier than it sounds.
4. Make a baker’s dozen! Make a dozen cookies + one for the baker to test.
5. Create a drawing that has all of these 13 different things: a bunny, a superhero, a magical creature, a forest, a tiny house, a castle, a flower bed, a skyscraper, a truck, a river, a kid, a boat, a bridge. (Or pick your own list of 13 things!)
6. Sound out 13 animal sounds (for example, a dog’s bark, a cat’s meow, a lion’s roar, etc.)
7. Get out a deck of cards and sort them into the four suites. Count each stack (hint: there are 13 in each).
8. Tell your kiddo 13 things you love about them (and ask them the same about you or another family member).
9. Name 13 things that start with the letter T.
10. Find a word that has 12 other rhyming words. (Hint: “fry” works!)
11. Do 13 jumping jacks.
12. Make a dish with 13 ingredients (pizza works well for this, and yes you can count the yeast and flour).
13. Give out 13 kisses for Friday the 13th. This should be an easy one.
From freshly fried doughnuts to doughnuts with creative topping combinations, these are the 5 best doughnut shops in DC
When it comes to doughnuts, there is no doubt that the best onesare made withfresh ingredients with just the right amount of sweetness. Add to that, the perfect doughnut should have an airy, light texture and a golden–brown exterior, with a slightly crisp outer layer and a pillowy–soft interior. So where can you find the best doughnut in the DC area? Look no further than our handy list—whether you want a chocolate glazed, jelly-filled, or one of the other 20 (at least!) varieties of donuts, these are by far the best doughnuts in DC that you and the kids will love (and revisit) week after week.
If you’re looking for the best doughnuts in the Washington, D.C. area, you’ll definitely want to check out Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. This trendy shop serves up delicious, made–to–order doughnuts that are sure to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your desire for something unique. While the menu features classic doughnut flavors like glazed, jelly–filled, and powdered sugar, take a adventurous chance on their creative specialty flavors such as Maple Bacon, Apple Fritter, and Toasted Coconut. Looking for something a bit more savory? Astro Doughnuts also serves a variety of fried chicken sandwiches and tenders.
If you’ve lived in DC more than a hot minute, you’re probably already familiar with District Doughnut and Coffee. But they’re still worth a mention for rotating their flavors seasonally. Check out the winter menu featuring such tasty treats as Gingerbread Cookie and Hot Cocoa doughnuts. And if you, or one of your littles, often feel like you’re missing out on the doughnut deliciousness because you can’t have gluten, they even have Gluten-free Fridays where they offer a different flavor donut in its gluten-free form
B Doughnuts has a cult-like following and for good reason: their Hawaiian-style Portuguese doughnuts, called malasadas, are out of this world delicious! Their doughnuts are more savory, such as the Ube-filled (purple yam) or the everything bagel doughnut, making this the perfect shop for those who like their sweet treats a little less sweet. In fact, they even state right on their website that they are “doughnuts for those who don’t really like doughnuts” and say that they may not taste or feel like most donuts. But don’t worry if you only like sweet treats—they still have plenty of the dessert-like flavors too, with a whole collection of more traditionally glazed donuts along with kid-favorite, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, s’mores and Fruity Pebbles-flavored doughnut.
6700 Crain Hwy., Suite 102
La Plata, MD Online:bdoughnut.com
4. Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee
Sugar Shack Donuts and Coffee is a popular donut shop and coffee house (family, vegan, carnivore and gluten free friendly) based in Virginia. Their specialty doughnuts are made from scratch every day, and they offer a variety of flavors and toppings so each doughnut is as unique as the person ordering it. Keep an eye out for fan-favorite seasonal and holiday specialities.
Sugar Mama’s Donut Bites Food Truckserves up freshly made, small–batch doughnuts with a variety of tasty toppings. The truck can be found at local events and festivals—follow them on Twitter or Facebook to track the truck— but can typically be found on the weekends in Vienna, Falls Church, Dale City & Westover. The menu consists of traditional favorites such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate glazed, and powdered sugar, as well as creative concoctions like donut ice cream sandwiches, donut sundaes, and more. Customers can also customize their donuts with a range of toppings, from fresh berries and nuts to chocolate chips and marshmallows. All of the donuts are made with the highest quality ingredients, and the truck is operated with a commitment to sustainability.
For many families, Memorial Day means a much-needed long weekend or an excuse to grill and pack a picnic. If you don’t already, this year take a minute to teach kids why they have that extra day off school. Read on for facts about Memorial Day and how to explain it to the kiddos.
Frank McKenna via Unsplash
Start with the Basic Facts about Memorial Day
In a nutshell, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service. Originally called Decoration Day because a procession would lead to a cemetery where the graves of fallen soldiers would be decorated with flowers—a common practice among people for generations before it “caught on” as an official holiday. It didn’t become an official US holiday until 1966. After World War I, the holiday was changed to honor all those who had died during military service (not just during the Civil War). In 1971 congress changed the date to be the last Monday in May to ensure a three-day weekend.
What is remembering?
Playing a simple memory game with the kids, or talking about any person, place or event you remember can help start the conversation about remembrance.
What is the military?
Ask the kiddos if they’ve heard of the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines and Coast Guard.This is the military. The military is part of our government and is made up of people who have agreed to join the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines or Coast Guard, to become part of this branch of the government. They are trained for many situations, including emergencies at home. Their goal is to protect people who live in their country (and elsewhere).
Do you know the difference between them and what special skills or equipment they use? (As in airplanes, naval ships, etc.)
Kids can draw or find items in the house that represent the different military branches.
Know Your Kids
If you’ve already talked with your kids about death, you can use comparisons with how you remember a deceased family member or if you have a family member serving in the military, you can help make the connection to the significance of the holiday. Unlike Veteran’s Day, which is a day to thank any veteran—living or dead—Memorial Day is a tribute to the many men and women who have served the country and died during service. This does not mean they died in a war, but rather that they served.
Visiting a cemetery is a common way to pay tribute, and many cities and towns across America still have Memorial Day parades that lead to the cemetery where flowers are laid on the military graves. If your town doesn’t, we’re betting you can still find a military grave (or a few dozen) in your local cemetery. Bring a few flowers or small flags, and go looking.
Learn More Facts about Memorial Day
The US suffered a great many lives lost in the Civil War. On May 1, 1865, African-Americans in Charleston held a remembrance parade and rally followed by picnicking, military drills for the public and speeches—one of the first examples of our modern traditions. Not long after, General John Logan, a commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, made an official declaration that fallen Civil War soldiers would be honored on Decoration Day, which would be held on May 30th, 1868. Throughout the country, flowers, mementos and other decorations were placed in cemeteries and on graves. At Arlington National Cemetery, the first Decoration Day included a speech by General James Garfield (who would later become the 20th president of the US) and the decorating of 20,000 graves by the more than 5,000 people who had gathered.
Why May 30th? It seems it was a “safe” day, as it didn’t have any connection to an existing battle’s anniversary. More than two dozen towns lay claim to the first Memorial Day. In 1966 then-President Lyndon Johnson said officially it was Waterloo, NY but the debate remains. New York was, however, the first state to recognize the day officially (in 1873). Eventually, it became the last Monday in May, rather than May 30th.
Wearing red poppies in honor of the men and women who have died in combat was started in the 1920s by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Today buying a red paper poppy for your lapel goes to help the efforts of the VFW, the American Legion and other military support groups. The poppy comes from the poem “In Flander’s Field” by WWI Col. John McCrae, who wrote it in response to his sorrow over seeing row after row of soldier’s graves.
When you think about it, parents have it easy these days…hear us out. Unlike our parents back in the day, today, we can pretty much get anything we need delivered straight to our homes. Just about everyone is delivering foods and products. But since parents and families have pretty specific needs, these local Seattle delivery services are helping parents out in a big way. You can sign up for weekly diaper services, monthly toy deliveries, healthy meals, party goods and even medical care. Check out these eleven Seattle delivery services offering unique products straight to your door.
Beet World
Beet World
Hailing from Kirkland, Beet World’s founder, Ashima Singhal says that she was inspired by her own children to create “chic childrenswear with elements of design and comfort that both parents and children value.” Often inspired by things in nature, Beet World offers timeless styles with modern twists. From baby bloomers to big boy seersucker collared shirts, all of Beet World’s clothes are made with nature fibers that are easily washable. Bundle some of the more popular looks and save some cash. All shipments are packed in recyclable packaging too. New clothes to your door. It's a total win.
If you prefer to go with cloth diapers, Baby Diaper Service, a local Seattle delivery service, is the way to go. Having been in business for over 75 years, these guys know what they are doing and won’t be going away any time soon. They deliver all over the Puget Sound area and are committed to providing excellent service with 100% natural cloth diapers at a (gasp) affordable price. The cleaning process is pH-balanced to baby’s skin and tested to hospital standards. It’s not rocket science either. They simple deliver clean, fresh-smelling diapers and pick up your soiled ones. They even offer training pants for toddlers.
We’ve all seen old TV shows where the local doctor would make house calls but many of us didn’t actually grow up with that service. However, as a new parent, you can. DispatchHealth takes every injury or illness seriously providing same-day healthcare right to your home. They can provided pediatric urgent care as well as common conditions and ailments of children. And yes, they care for adults too. For every visit, the healthcare company will send two medical professionals to your home including a physician assistant or nurse practitioner along with a DispatchHealth Medical Technician. In addition, an ER physician is also available at all times via the phone.
Alison Scott, a Seattle-based pediatrician, created Baby Doc Box for parents’ and baby’s first year. Delivered every other month, the box contains essential items for your new adventure together. For instance, the first box, geared for babies 0-2 months old contains an Omni Swaddle, a “Welcome Baby” book, pacifier, supplements, healing balms, thermometer and more. You can begin at any stage and purchase by the box or by subscription. In addition to physical items, each delivery is also packed with inspiration, tools and judgement-free coaching to help reduce the uncertainty about parenting. Hint: a subscription also makes a great gift for expecting parents.
Sensa Play is Seattle’s original children's weekly sensory kit rental company. And if you've got a soon-to-be-sibling at home, we can't recommend it enough. Each kit is designed to keep your little ones busy with four different educational play times, each focused around one theme. The books, games, toys, and activities that come with each one are super engaging, giving you and baby the space you need while sib plays nearby. Each shipment’s charge includes delivery, one-week rental and pickup.
Kinfood works from the outside in—finding small, organic farms located outside of Seattle and delivering a selection of vegetables and even heirloom varietals to neighborhoods inside of Seattle. Each Friday, a “Farm Box” (an insulated, reusable bag which is sanitized after each use) is delivered to your home, packed with seasonal vegetables and fruits along with a recipe or two. You can even add on items like fresh-made breads, pasta, coffee and pastured eggs. If you find that veggies are piling up or will be out of town, you can skip a week too. It's an easy way to save yourself a trip to the store or farmer's market.
If you live with 20 miles of Pike Place Market, you can now get the market experience without leaving your home. Working with Mercato, items from fish to produce can be delivered to your doorstep. You can now make home purchases from businesses like Chukar Cherries, Honest Biscuits, Le Panier, MarketSpice, Pasta Casalinga, Pike Place Chowder, Pike Place Fish, Maíz, Sosio’s Produce, The Confectional, Truffle Queen and Uli’s Famous Sausage.
Parenting is hard. You deserve a treat. While your little ones will be happy with day old graham crackers, we have a lead on where you can get the good stuff without ever having to leave your home. Believe it or not, Treat has a cookie club subscription service based in Burien where “deliciousness” is delivered the first Monday of each month. You can choose to receive a half-dozen or full dozen cookies each month. (Who are we kidding? We know you’ll order the full dozen.) The mix includes four seasonal flavors and two classic flavors. Pricing includes 2-day priority shipping.
Gather’d Market offers a different kind of grocery delivery service. Here you’ll order foods directly from recipes posted on their site. Just pick the recipe that looks good to you and order the items you don’t already have stocked up in your home. Then, add the needs for the week like milk and eggs to your list as well. Order by 8 p.m. and you’ll get the goods by the next day. You can shop at any time and pay a $6 delivery fee for all orders over $25 or become a member (for just $10) to get free shipping on all orders over $25. No commitment–you can cancel at any time. Gathr’d currently delivers in Kirkland but will be expanding to Bellevue, Redmond and Woodinville this year.
Your baby is turning one, but where will you find the time to plan a party? Easy. Just order a party-in-a box from Prime Party. Located in Monroe, this place offers great party supplies with themes that work equally well for boys and girls. Max and Ruby are a pair of sibling bunnies who love to party. The deluxe party pack includes dinner plates, dessert plates, cups, luncheon napkins, beverage napkins, a tablecloth, flag banner and even favor boxes for eight. Other items available include large cardboard cutouts, table decorations, games and more. Our favorite current themes? Llama Llama, Rainbow Unicorn and Bob Ross and Friends.
What parent wouldn’t appreciate a nice, relaxing massage? Now you can get one delivered! Dream Clinic’s Mobile Massage makes relaxation easy in Seattle. The same therapists who work in their clinics are now hitting the road to offer in-home massages helping to relieve back pain, neck pain, muscle soreness and stress relief. Request an appointment today, get notified of your appointment tomorrow. Make it a regular thing by signing up for a monthly plan.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Sweeten up your Valentine’s Day by ordering fresh roses on Amazon Prime for pronto delivery. Whether you’re looking to make a statement with a bodacious bouquet or a single stem, Amazon has once again found a way to make our lives simpler.
Snowstorm? Pandemic? Toddlers? Not this year. Thanks to Amazon Prime’s rose delivery, absolutely nothing should stand between you and the floral expression of love you crave (or that you crave to give, but that you’ve possibly forgotten to order weeks in advance).
Krispy Kreme is turning 84! To celebrate the donut maker, the company is offering a special day for one day only.
On Fri., Jul. 16, head to your local Krispy Kreme and you can snag a dozen BirthYAY donuts for just $1 when you purchase any dozen. The BirthYAY collection is an assortment of Original Glazed donuts with a special strawberry iced sprinkle donut.
photo: Krispy Kreme
This special deal is available in stores and online with promocode BIRTHYAY. Want to share all your donut deets? Don’t forget to use #KrispyKreme and tag@krispykreme on social media.
Believe it or not, we’re over halfway to Christmas! And if you’re mentally starting to prepare in advance, Igloo Books just launched three awesome advent calendars that your kids will love. The Disney calendar, the Disney Princess calendar and the Marvel Super Heroes calendar each feature 24 books and they’re available to pre-order now.
When you’re ready to unveil for the holiday season, you’ll open a large fold-out wallet that contains two dozen paperback storybooks featuring beloved characters. Each book is wrapped in a recyclable paper sleeve and stored in a number pocket. The Disney Advent Calendar features stories from both Disney and Pixar. Disney Princess and Marvel have a collection of stories from each franchise.
Previous versions of the calendar boast more than 1,700 five-star reviews on Amazon. The reading age is listed at three years and up so the whole family can get in on the fun. The calendars are retailing online for $25.49, so a little more than one dollar per story for a whole month of fun.
Last year the Disney Advent Calendar reached #1 on Amazon’s Christmas Books list in Fall 2020, so you’ll want to preorder soon! And if you need a few more ideas for advent calendar fun, may we suggest the Harry Potter version?
The newest Krispy Kreme donut collection is here! Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with some seriously patriotic dough.
The limited edition collection comes in a special star-spangled box and four red, white and blue specially designed donuts! Krispy Kreme is also offering a special sweet deal for the weekend only.
photo: Krispy Kreme
From Jun. 28 through Jul 4, snag the the BOGO Free Dozens deal. For every every any dozen you buy, you’ll get an Original Glazed dozen for free.
The limited edition donuts include a Freedom Ring Doughnut, an original glaze with icing stripes and sprinkles, a Patriotic Sprinkled Ring Doughnut, an original glaze with white icing and patriotic sprinkles, a Strawberry Shortcake Doughnut, a strawberry filled donut dipped in red icing, sprinkled with gold stars and topped with a KREME dollop and shortbread crumbles and finally, the Patriotic Eagle Doughnut, a Cookies & KREME filled donut dipped in blue icing, decorated with red and white stripes and topped with an eagle sugar piece.
Regular donuts too big your littles? You can also pick up a box of mini flag donuts 20 in red, white and blue colors also in a special box.
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.
They’re sour…then they’re sweet…and they’re only available for the next two weeks! Krispy Kreme just launched Lemonade Glazed Donuts in four fresh squeezed flavors and they’re (almost) too pretty too eat.
Riffing off the classic thirst-quenching drink, these donuts give you options for your next run. Lemonade Glaze is the original glaze donut with a citrusy twist. It also comes in a Lemon Kreme filled version! Pink Lemonade Cake is topped with lemon buttercream and pink sugar. And Strawberry Lemonade has a strawberry topping with a delicious lemon icing swirl.
If you want to try them all, Krispy Kreme is offering a Lemonade Lover’s Dozen with three of each flavor. Need a new drink? The company also just launched Strawberry, Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade Chillers that are guaranteed to refresh (and maybe give you a brain freeze).
