Nat Geo Has a Virtual Earth Day Eve Celebration You Can’t Miss

by Erica LoopApril 8, 2021

National Geographic recently announced an Earth Day celebration you won’t want to miss. The virtual planet-friendly party will be hosted by travel expert Jessica Nabongo, feature ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall—and so much more.

The Earth Day bash kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Apr. 21 and will include an array of appearances from around the world. The line-up includes notable names, such as Angélique Kidjo, AURORA, José González, Maggie Rogers, Rostam, Valerie June, Willie Nelson, Yo-Yo Ma and Ziggy Marley.

Along with this lofty list of performers, My Morning Jacket will premiere their new music video during the virtual viewing party.

As if that’s not enough, Nat Geo’s Earth Day Eve remote party will also include a special preview of the new four-part Disney+ series Secrets of the Whales. National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry will introduce the series. Narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver, Secrets of the Whales is available to view on Disney+ at 12:00 p.m. PT on Apr. 22.

National Geographic Chairman Gary Knell, said of the virtual event, in a press release, “For over 133 years, National Geographic has strived to inspire people to care more deeply for the planet. This Earth Day, we hope to provide that inspiration with a one-of-a-kind celebration that invites audiences everywhere to unite around the power of music.”

Knell added, “Our Earth Day Eve event—virtual and accessible to everyone—will showcase environmentally passionate artists from around the world together with some of National Geographic’s most extraordinary Explorers. From AURORA’s forest performance in Bergen, Norway, to Jane Goodall’s greeting from her home in England, the celebration will give us even more of a reason to fall in love with the place we all call home—and empower us to act to protect it.”

If you’re into the after-party scene, Nat Geo will host a second virtual event on its new TikTok account at 10:00 p.m. ET on Apr. 21. To watch the Earth Day Eve event, tune in on the National Geographic YouTube channel or visit the Nat Geo website here.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo courtesy of National Geographic

The Best Environmental Movies for an Earth Day Movie Night

23 Kid-Friendly Crafts to Celebrate Earth Day

Celebrate Diwali with “Mira, Royal Detective”

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 9, 2020

Disney Junior is celebrating Diwali with a new episode of Mira, Royal Detective. In “The Great Diwali Mystery” Mira must track down the missing oil used to light traditional lamps throughout the town in order to save the Diwali celebration. The episode airs throughout this week on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Disney Junior also has a special Diwali greeting from some of the stars of the popular preschool show. Kal Penn (voice of Mikku), Utkarsh Ambudkar (voice of Chikku), Aasif Mandvi (voice of Mira’s dad, Sahil), Karen David (voice of Shilpa, Ashima and Rubi), Parvesh Cheena (voice of Manish), Sonal Shah (voice of Poonam) and Leela Ladnier (voice of Mira) talk about the upcoming Diwali holiday and what it means to them.

Disney Junior has also released a fun dance tutorial from series’ choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan as he demonstrates some of Mira’s favorite dance moves from the series, including a few from the Diwali episode.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney Junior

Disney Junior’s “Puppy Dog Pals” Pay Homage to Mister Rogers in a Brand-New Episode

Disney+ Releases Music Video for Christina Aguliera’s “Loyal Brave True” from Mulan

Disney+ Original Docu-Series “Becoming” Chronicles the Lives of Celebrities

Disney+ Releases New Trailer for “The One and Only Ivan”

This 5-Year-Old’s Viral Dance for His Best Friend Is Beyond Adorable

by Shahrzad WarkentinDecember 12, 2019

It can be pretty exciting when you see a friend at school, especially when you’re five. One little boy loves seeing his friend so much he does a hilarious dance every time he sees him.

Twitter user Carlos Rosales shared a video of his five-year-old brother doing the dance that has now gone viral with nearly two million views. “My little brother always does this when he sees his friend,” the post is captioned.

My little brother always does this when he sees his friend 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/py8PqgtA0E

— Carlos (@Carlos___k) December 9, 2019

Rosales explained to Time that his performance is based on a dance from the popular video game, Fortnite. Players can set their avatars to do the dance, which involves moving your arms and legs at the same time. Fittingly, the name of the dance is “Best Mates.” Clearly, they are indeed besties as his friend sends him back the same adorable moves in greeting.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Victoria Borodinova via Pixabay

This Mom’s Viral “Squeaky Oven Dance” Is a Must-See

This Mom’s Hilarious Viral Video about Sibling Fights Is on Point

Toys”R”Us Is Opening 2 New Stores in the Next 2 Weeks

by Erica LoopNovember 30, 2019

Your kiddo’s fave retailer is making a return—just in time for the holidays! Toys”R”Us is back and its first new store opens at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey on Nov. 30.

Along with the Paramus store, Toys”R”Us will also open at the Galleria in Houston, Texas on Dec. 7!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Toys”R”Us (@toysrus)

Richard Barry, CEO at Tru Kids, the parent company of the Toys“R”Us brand, said in a press release, “With the return of Toys“R”Us stores in the U.S., we are bringing a highly engaging, experience-driven retail destination that celebrates play and deepens the connection between the world’s best toy, play and entertainment brands and customers.”

So what can you expect from the new Toys”R”Us stores? According to the company the updated version of the iconic toy retailer, “Brings an immersive modern shopping experience where products are off the shelves and in the hands and imaginations of customers.”

Shoppers can expect a gracious greeting from a giant-sized plush Geoffrey the Giraffe, climb up steps that have the epic lyrics, “I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Toys”R”Us kid” on them, visit Geoffrey’s Tree house or get a peak at a virtual 3D version of Geoffrey in the giraffe’s Magical Mirror. The stores will also include an open event space called the Play-A-Round Theater. Kids, and their grown-ups, can check out demos, enjoy author visits, engage in character meet and greets and so much more.

Not only can your kiddo immerse themselves in exciting in-store experiences, but they can also shop brands such as Hasbro, LEGO, Melissa & Doug and more. The stores will feature anchor shops from NERF, LEGO, Nintendo, Spinmaster, VTech and other favorites.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Toys”R”Us via Instagram

Five Below Is Now Selling Items for Over 5 Dollars

Pottery Barn’s “Grinch” Collection Will Have You Singing Like Cindy Lou Who

This 10-Foot-Tall Video Projector Frosty the Snowman Is Must-Have Holiday Decor

by Erica LoopNovember 21, 2019

What’s better than a massive Frosty the Snowman inflatable? As if a 10-foot-tall Christmas decoration that sits in the middle of your front yard isn’t enough holiday cheer, Hammacher Schlemmer has an inflatable Frosty that comes with a projection belly!

After you inflate the 10-plus foot Frosty, use the projector to play clips from the 1969 animated holiday special (from an included SD card) for some front yard magic.

Along with the classic cartoon clips, the SD card also comes with messages to project onto the snowman’s candy cane sign. If you’d prefer to project your own family photos or a special holiday greeting, play your own picks through the projector’s USB port or SD card slot.

Score the video projecting Frosty the Snowman from Hammacher Schlemmer’s website for $349.95. If the 10 feet of inflatable awesomeness isn’t enough to fill your holiday decor dreams, check out the 18-foot Frosty the Snowman Lightshow, 15-foot Inflatable Rudloph, 16-foot Inflatable Snoopy or two-story-tall Grinch!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Hammacher Schlemmer via YouTube

Unicorn Christmas Trees Are the Most Magical New Trend of the Season

ALDI’s 2019 Advent Calendar Line-Up Is Christmas Countdown Bliss

“The Bus Brother” Is Embarrassing His Younger Sib in the Funniest Way Possible

by Erica LoopSeptember 4, 2019

Big brothers are so embarrassing—especially if you’re 12-year-old Max Tingle. The middle schooler’s older brother Noah, who is now known as “The Bus Brother” recently major attention for his costumed after-school greetings.

Imagine your big bro greeting you day after day as you step off the school bus. While this sounds perfectly pleasant, now imagine that he’s dressed in an imaginatively outrageous costume.

The high school senior started his after-school antics in mid-August, dressed as Santa Claus. Max, like any middle schooler, was understandably embarrassed. The 12-year-old’s embarrassment didn’t stop his older brother from making a repeat performance, every afternoon!

Noah recently started “The Bus Brother” Facebook page and YouTube channel to share the costumed joy of his post-school day surprises. Not only is the 17-year-old getting plenty of attention, but he’s even received costume donations from his neighbors and other members of the community. We can’t wait to see what he does (or who he is) next!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: The Bus Brother via YouTube

This Mom’s Incredibly Clever License Plate Was Just Saved From Being Recalled

This Teen Created a Pantry Full of Clothes and School Supplies to Help His Classmates

This New Candy Department Store is Like a Willy Wonka Dream Come True

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 20, 2019

The world’s first candy department store is opening in New Jersey and get ready for a major sugar rush.

IT’SUGAR, the first department store dedicated entirely to candy, will have it’s home in the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, which is set to open this October. IT’SUGAR already has more than 100 locations across the country, but with three levels and 22,000 square feet this will be the largest location by far, leaving you feeling as if you’ve walked into Willy Wonka’s factory.

@ITSUGAR to open 3-story #candy store in New Jersey https://t.co/Ag1JOitcvD pic.twitter.com/zwUKORLsuJ

— Candy Industry (@CandyIndustry) August 14, 2019

According to ChainStoreAge, IT’SUGAR will feature every candy you love plus so many more you’ve never even heard of. With that much space, over 10,000 choices of every variety from chocolates and truffles to gummies and lollipops will line the store shelves. Greeting guests at the front door will be a massive 60-foot-tall Statue of Liberty made entirely of candy.

“This concept has been a dream of mine for over 25 years and our IT’SUGAR team is thrilled to partner with American Dream to finally make it a reality,” said Jeff Rubin, founder and CEO, IT’SUGAR. “There is nowhere else like American Dream and we look forward to immersing the property’s millions of guests into the world of IT’SUGAR.”

No word yet on when the candy department store will officially open, but it will be located next to the DreamWorks Water Park entrance and near Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and the property’s NHL-size ice rink.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: IT’SUGAR via Instagram

The New Candy That May Replace Your Morning Cup of Coffee

This Might Be the Prettiest Cotton Candy in the World & You Can Only Get It Here

A Now-Viral Photo of a Toddler & Soccer Star Carson Pickett Is Pure Joy

by Erica LoopJuly 29, 2019

When 21-month-old Joseph Tidd met professional soccer player Carson Pickett it was more than just a fun, fan-friendly gametime greeting.

The toddler, who was born without a left forearm or hand, got some serious inspiration from the athlete—and the pics show just how magical the moment was! Pickett, who was also born without a left forearm and hand, is a pro player for the Orlando Pride. During a recent game, Joseph got the chance to fist bump his new role model.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joseph (Jojo) Tidd (@tiddbit_outta_hand)

Joseph’s dad, Miles Tidd, told Today, “Carson knelt down next to Joseph and showed him her arm. It was this instant bond we can’t begin to understand.” He also added, “Carson believes she can do anything, and that is the mindset we want Joseph to have as well.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carson Pickett (@carson.pickett)

This isn’t the first time the soccer star and the toddler have met. Pickett posted a pic of the two on Instagram last spring, captioning it, “Soccer means the world to me, but the platform that soccer provides me for things like this takes the cake. Joseph, you’re my new hero for life.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Joseph Tidd via Instagram

This 12-Year-Old’s Letter to the Editor Shows True Girl Power

This 12-Year-Old Is Making a Difference for Shelter Dogs Across the Country

SlimeFest: Summer’s Thrilling Event You Just Can’t Miss

by Beth SheaApril 16, 2019

It’s the most exciting party of the summer and guess what lucky Chicagoans? It’s happening right here in our city! Mark your calendars for June 8 & 9, 2019 to have a total blast at Nickelodeon SlimeFest with your kids. Part music festival, part slime party, SlimeFest is a day of great tunes and slime adventures for the whole family. Ready to create one-of-a-kind, lifelong memories in a giant, gooey green playground? Read on for how to score the hottest ticket in town.

Musical Performances by Top Artists

Your family will be wowed by fist-pumping performances from musicians bringing the beats to SlimeFest. The talented line-up includes Nickelodeon superstar and YouTube sensation JoJo Siwa, chart-topping, platinum-selling artist Bebe Rexha, Grammy Award-winning global superstar Pitbull and T-Pain, who has over 60 hit songs and two Grammy Awards.

Slimy Activities

Slime-crazed kids will get their fill of the gooey green stuff at SlimeFest. Nickelodeon's signature slime flows freely––from the enormous Slime Maze they can explore, to dancing up a storm at the Slime Disco, whizzing down the giant inflatable slide or leaping through the air on the oversize bag jump. They'll love getting slimed at Slime Central––where more than 30 people can get slimed at the same time. Expect lots of goo and good times.

Kids Can Meet Their Favorite Nickelodeon Stars

Your kids will have stars in their eyes meeting and greeting the characters from their favorite Nickelodeon shows in person. TV talent bringing their shine to SlimeFest includes: Annie LeBlanc from Annie vs. Hayley, Scarlett Spencer and Dallas Dupree Young from Cousins for Life, and Owen Joyner and Daniella Perkins from Knight Squad.

All of these celebrities will appear on both days of SlimeFest.

How to Score Tickets

SlimeFest oozes into Chicago June 8 & 9, 2019 at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, an outdoor amphitheater where you'll also be treated to beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Tickets are now on sale and going fast. Snag your fam's tickets for this sensationally slimy shindig before they sell out.

Cost: $75/person for general admission; kids 2 and younger are free.

Get your tickets here.

Learn more about SlimeFest here.

Good to know: SlimeFest is best suited for kiddos over the age of 3.

SlimeFest
June 8 & 9, 2019
Huntington Bank Pavilion, Northerly Island
1300 S. Linn White Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605

—Beth Shea

This Ariel Disney Princess Subscription Box Is Magical Mermaid Dreams Come True

by Erica LoopMarch 1, 2019

It looks like Disney Princess subscription boxes just got even better. The must-have deliverable service includes a brand new box—and it features none other than The Little Mermaid princess herself, Ariel! The newest in the collection of princess subscription boxes is available at the shopDisney website for a limited time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Disney Store (@disneystore)

The Deluxe Disney Princess Enchanted Collection starts at $74.99 per box and includes an authentic Disney Store costume, a Read-Along Storybook and CD, princess stickers, surprises and other activities. Along with these top picks, your child will also get two to three princess toys/accesories. Your kiddo also gets an exclusive video greeting from a Disney Princess. Oh, and you get $10 off your next $50 purchase at shopDisney or the Disney Store.

If you’re looking for something smaller, the Disney Princess Enchanted Collection is $49.99 per box. These boxes come with an authentic Disney Store costume, a Read-Along Storybook and CD, princess stickers, surprises and activities.

After selecting which type of box your child wants, you pick their size and choose whether you want to order box-to-box, for six months or for one year. The boxes feature a different Disney princess each time and ship every other month. Order now for an Ariel box April delivery.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Disneyland via Instagram

Target & Barbie Just Dropped This Amazing Collection That’s All about Girl Power

Magic Carpet Minnie Ears Have Landed at Disneyland—No Genie Wishes Needed

ML Interest Tag: greet

Nat Geo Has a Virtual Earth Day Eve Celebration You Can’t Miss

Related reads

Celebrate Diwali with “Mira, Royal Detective”

Related reads

Toys”R”Us Is Opening 2 New Stores in the Next 2 Weeks

Related reads

This 10-Foot-Tall Video Projector Frosty the Snowman Is Must-Have Holiday Decor

Related reads

This New Candy Department Store is Like a Willy Wonka Dream Come True

Related reads

SlimeFest: Summer’s Thrilling Event You Just Can’t Miss

Musical Performances by Top Artists

Slimy Activities

Kids Can Meet Their Favorite Nickelodeon Stars

How to Score Tickets

Related reads

This Ariel Disney Princess Subscription Box Is Magical Mermaid Dreams Come True

Related reads