ML Interest Tag: passionate

8 Fun Facts About Kids Born in April You Might Not Know

by Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

People born in April are either Aries or Taurus

For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, April is a happy month of beginnings: the start of springtime and the restarting of the zodiac cycle, which begins with Aries. For those with an April birthday, longer days and the renewal of seasons have imbued April babies with bubbly personalities and positive outlooks. Here are some other fun facts (like what’s April’s birthstone) and traits of people born in April, the fourth of the year.

They’re born in the middle of the pack

April babies are usually neither the youngest nor the oldest students in their class, neatly fitting in the middle of the school calendar. A study from the University of Exeter found that first-time moms were more likely to attempt to plan their delivery dates for the spring. 

Aries are natural-born leaders

If you know someone born under the sign of Aries, (March 21 – April 19) you’ll know that thanks to their ambitious and tenacious natures, people born in April tend to be leaders. They can be innately stubborn and bossy—a potent combination (when used right) that can lead to people born in April to achieving their goals.

April’s birthstone is one the rarest of all—the diamond

When worn, the diamond is thought to increase the wearer’s inner strength. One of the hardest materials on the planet, April’s birthstone is also the symbol of eternal love and is one of the most popular gems to give as a gift. In the middle ages, the diamond was thought to have healing powers.

Your BFF is probably born in April

Passionate and caring, those born in under the sign of Taurus (April 20 – May 20) are steadfast, making loyal and generous friends. But be forewarned: April babies can be chatterboxes who love attention and can sometimes want to hog the spotlight.

People born in April can be emotional

Aries babies are known to be passionate, fiery, and impatient, which means they tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves. The good news is, this makes them wonderful friends because they bring all that passion to every relationship in life.

April babies are fearless risk-takers

Aries is the most fearless sign of them all. This means there’s a good chance your baby born in April will be enthusiastic about everything they do and be unafraid of taking risks. That’s great news if you’re a parent who doesn’t like to stay still because April babies are feisty and possess seemingly boundless energy.

People born in April are hard workers and love routine

Those who are born under the sign of Taurus tend to be hard workers—they’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get the job done, already. They’re also a huge fan of consistency, so don’t be surprised if your April baby thrives on a routine (aka, don’t EVER skip the nap).

They share their birthday month with these celebrities born in April

Plenty of famous people have April birthdays, including Michael Fassbender, Pedro Pascal, Robert Downey Jr., Natasha Lyonne, Pharrell Williams, Elle Fanning, Samira Wiley, Chance the Rapper, Jennifer Garner, and Tim Curry. Notable (fictional) characters born in April include animated smart-aleck Bart Simpson (born April 1, 1979) and heavyweight boxer Rocky Balboa (born April 6, 1946).

Related: The Parent/Child Astrology Compatibility Chart

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Let’s Play! Small & Local Toy Stores to Support This Christmas

by Maria Chambers

It’s that time of year where kids are excitedly making their Christmas lists (and checking them way more than twice). We can guarantee their biggest wishes can be granted on the shelves of a local Chicago toy store. Shop your neighborhood go-to or venture farther out to discover a new-to-you gem—just don’t forget to stop for a steaming cup of hot cocoa while you’re at it! Or, maybe even a favorite hot dog stand for a super-speedy lunch on the go? Just trust us: you’re going to need sustenance when you start shopping these independently owned toy stores throughout Chicago this season.

Related: Timber Time! Christmas Tree Farms to Spruce Up Your Holiday

1. Toys et Cetera

Learning and play intertwine at this shop, which is located in the historic neighborhood of Hyde Park. The owners seek out good craftsmanship and clever toy inventors, and the store is big on safe, eco-friendly fun that's also educational and developmentally and culturally sensitive. They've been going strong since 1976, so they have their finger on the pulse of what kids like. 

1502 E. 55th St.
Hyde Park
Online: toysetcetera.com

 

2. Play

This hot spot is full of fun and educational finds, and it has a sweet nostalgic twist. Owner Ann Kienzle has worked in the toy biz for eons and stays on top of the latest innovations. She has a passion for the importance of play in a child's life and has created a well-designed space that inspires awe in all who step into one of Play's four shops, located in Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, and the West Loop, its newest storefront.

Various locations throughout Chicago
Online: playtoysandbooks.com

3. Berwyn’s Toys & Trains

Have a wannabe conductor on your hands? This specialty shop is worth the trip. Follow the glowing neon sign to a train lover's dream that has everything from collectibles to Thomas merchandise. Its specialty is O-Gauge electric engines, which were popular in the mid-1900s, from makers like Lionel and Mike's Train House. There's a separate toy room that has LEGO sets, Playmobils, and slot cars.

7025 Ogden Ave.
Berwyn
Online: berwynstoytrains.com

4. Building Blocks Toy Store

Saying this old-fashioned toy store is packed to the brim isn't an exaggeration. Its three locations fill every nook with play-rich, high-quality toys and books. Owner Katherine Nguyen is passionate about supporting small, local companies, so you'll find everything from developmental playthings for babies to science kits that grandparents can't keep their hands off of. Building Blocks is also known for its deep selection of Thomas, Brio, and Chuggington trains, but you'll also discover lesser-known finds. 

3306 N Lincoln Ave.
Lakeview

2071 N Clybourn Ave.
Lincoln Park

2130 W Division St.
Wicker Park
Online: buildinblockstoys.com

5. Geppetto’s Toy Box

Like Pinocchio, children will want no strings to hold them down at this Oak Park treasure. Cut your little ones loose to explore art kits, building blocks, puzzles, developmental diversions, and lots more. The owners of Geppetto's stand behind "slow toys"—back-to-basics playthings that children need time to explore and grow from. To that end, you won't see (or hear!) a lot of flashes, beeps, or electronic brouhaha on the shelves.

730 Lake St.
Oak Park
Online: geppettostoybox.com

Related: Gobble, Gobble! Dine-In or Take-Out on Thanksgiving Day . . . You Pick!

6. Timeless Toys

This Lincoln Square mainstay is what we think Santa's workshop looks like—toys, toys, and more toys everywhere. Also: a big air of whimsy. This sweet shop in the heart of the neighborhood's shopping district has been around since 1993 and is known for championing educational play. Go for games, puzzles, puppets, trikes, dolls, outdoor games, books, and just about anything else your little tinkerer's heart desires. 

4749 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Square
Online: timelesstoyschicago.com

7. Oakridge Hobbies & Toys

This mom-and-pop creation offers more than 250,000 products via their online store, but they have the best-of-the-best on display in their Lemont showroom. You'll find a sampling of hobby, craft, gift, toy and home & garden decor products offered on their website. They're also well stocked in Tonie figurines for those obsessed with the storytelling device.

15800 New Ave.
Lemont
Online: oakridgestores.com

 

 

 

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Why Kids Born in June Are More Social (& Other Fun Facts)

by Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

People born in June fall under both the Gemini or Cancer zodiac sign

If your kiddo was born in the sixth month of the year, you already know that people born in June are outgoing, charming, and creative. And even though they can be more than a handful sometimes, June babies tend to grow up to be healthy, cheerfully optimistic people. Discover more characteristics and fun facts about June babies, including exactly which precious gem is June’s birthstone.

people born in June
Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

1. June people are healthier and more optimistic.
According to a study published in Heliyon, summer-born babies are more likely to grow up to be healthy adults. Researchers theorize that greater exposure to sunlight and higher vitamin D exposure leads to better overall well-being.

2. Summer people are expressive and quick-witted, but can also have a dark side.
Characteristics shared by many Geminis are sociability, excellent communication skills, and an always-ready-for-fun attitude. But like all Geminis who can possess two different personalities in one, June-born people can turn from fun-loving to super-serious and thoughtful without notice.

3. Most people born in June are Geminis, the social butterfly sign in the zodiac.
These quick-witted passionate people are comfortable talking to anyone about anything.

4. Imagination rules for June-born Geminis.
Thanks to their co-ruling planets, Venus and Uranus,  June-born Geminis rarely are at a loss for ideas. Their imaginations rule them and can always be counted on to devise clever solutions to even the most complex problems.

Mieke Campbell on Unsplash

4. Summer-born babies are happy ...
Science has found that the season of one’s birth can have a lifelong impact on moods, and babies born in the summer months—from June through August—are shown to be the least susceptible to sadness brought on by seasonal affective disorders.

5. June's birthstone is a pearl, which represents innocence and purity.

6. June babies are giving and forgiving.
Most people born in June fall under the sign of Gemini, which means they frequently see both sides of an argument. As a result, June-born people are forgiving and generous. Their Gemini-ness, however, means that they also can be indecisive.

8. There are plenty of celebrities with June birthdays.
People born in the sixth month of the year share their birth month with celebrities like Natalie Portman, Morgan Freeman, Meryl Streep, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Cooper, Liam Neeson, Michael Cera, and more.

Related: Why Kids Born in May Often Have Wanderlust (& Other Interesting Facts)

 

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This Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Sneaks in Spinach for Picky Kids

by scott wardell

Mix up your pasta routine while still appealing to your kids’ picky taste buds with this creamy, warm, and comforting Fettuccine Alfredo recipe. Sneak in veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and any other goods you have on hand.

Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Ingredients

1 package of fettuccine noodles
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1 c fresh sliced mushrooms
1 c spinach leaves
2 tbsp butter
1 c heavy cream
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
2 chicken breasts, cooked (optional)

Method
1. In a large frying pan, saute the onion in butter.

2. Once the onion is tender, add the garlic and mushrooms.

3. Saute until they are all tender.

4. Reduce heat to low/medium heat and slowly stir in heavy cream.

5. Add the salt and parmesan and stir until the parmesan has dissolved.

6. Add pre-cooked spinach if desired (or, cook fresh spinach with 1 tbsp of butter until wilted).

7. If you would like to thicken your alfredo sauce add a few tbsps of flour.

8. Stir until you have achieved your desired thickness.

9. Serve over your noodle of choice and with a white chicken breast on the side (or cut up the chicken and serve it on top).

 

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Portland Moms Groups & Clubs

by Annette Benedetti

Whether you are a new mom, or a well-seasoned coraller of kids, a little extra support never hurt. Finding moms to turn to for advice and lean on as you make your way through all of the stages of motherhood is an important part of staying healthy, happy and top of your game for your kiddos. The following is a list of Portland moms groups offering local parents support. Read on to find out more.

Day Hike Moms
This is a Day Hike Group for moms and their children in the Portland area. This is a way to get out of the house, out of a rut, to explore nature with your kids and to become part of nature again. It is a great way to exercise, feel some serenity, and teach your children about what life is outside the city.

Jewish Moms 
Connecting Jewish Moms across Portland, to each other, to community events and to their Judaism. Members share  great activities, fun bargains, questions, events and outings that a Portland Jewish Mom would enjoy... especially in the rain!

Mamapedia
Mamapedia connects moms at every stage of their children's lives to compelling content from the source they trust most: other moms. Every day, moms turn to Mamapedia.com for advice on everything moms need: parenting, health, family, finance, pregnancy, nutrition, and travel; and on children of every age from infant to adult. Our vibrant local community network (formerly known as Mamasource) offers a place where moms can connect with each other in a supportive environment that serves as their very own local online moms group.

Portland Moms
This Facebook group is where fun, child loving, Portland area moms can share ideas and meet others. This is for the Portland mama looking to share kid-related tips, stories, deals, and adventures with other Portland parents.

Portland Mom Collective
Portland Mom Collective is a community — online and off — of women raising kids in the PDX area. The group is passionate about bringing moms together in a supportive community and encouraging you in your parenting journey.

Related: These Facebook Groups Keep Portland Parents Connected

 

istock

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
MOPS is a place to find friendship, community, resources and support for you as a woman and mother so you're not alone. Moms have found community through MOPS for almost 40 years - MOPS is the mothering authority. MOPS holds and shares the collected wisdom of mothers and experts.

New Moms of Portland
New Moms of North Portland is a small group for new moms in and around North Portland that meets for support, play dates and to get out of the house and have fun. This group is a safe place to vent, share, ask for help, and support each other without judgement. Keeping the group small makes it easier to foster trust and build real friendships.

Oregon Moms
Whether you're a new mom searching for the best Oregon has to offer kids, or an experienced Oregon Mom who'd like to share some wisdom on raising kids in Oregon - Oregon Moms FB Group is the perfect tribe for you. Learn about fun places, events for families, and your candid, insightful input and reviews can be added.

Single Parents 
This group is for single parents of young children who would like to get together for regular play dates in Portland.

Portland-Area Working Moms
The purpose of this FB group is to provide a place for moms to discuss issues unique to working parents. Moms give each other support, input and advice on topics that working mom face in daily life.

The Portland Step Mom Facebook
The Portland Step Mom Facebook is a club for step moms to share experiences, difficulties and triumphs with other step moms in the Portland area.

Related: Mark Your Calendar: 8 Parent-Baby Playdates in the City

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The Answer to a Brighter Future? Theatre!

By Nina Meehan

Over the past few months, theatre camps all over the country have had thousands of kids come through their doors to rehearse and perform a summer musical. They arrive day one with no knowledge of the script or characters, and, two or three weeks later, they are in costume under stage lights singing and dancing their hearts out. 

Years ago, when I used to direct these shows, I would look at the kids on their first day, their eager eyes looking up at me, and tell them, “You are about to embark on an adventure that most adults would NEVER EVER be able to do. In fact, if I were to tell a group of adults that, in 11 days, they would be presenting an entire musical fully memorized and fully choreographed, they would run out of the room screaming. But you guys, you can do it! You have the power to see that it is possible…possible with the power of teamwork.” 

And then they do it. They rehearse the show, memorize their lines, create their characters and, as a group, tell a story. 

I can’t help but think about the skills that we are looking for in our modern workforce. Let’s look at a couple of the big employers in my home of the SF Bay Area:

Google: ”If you’re looking for a place that values your curiosity, passion, and desire to learn, if you’re seeking colleagues who are big thinkers eager to take on fresh challenges as a team, then you’re a future Googler.”

Apple: “This is where some of the world’s most passionate people create the world’s most innovative products and experiences.”

Want to know what the “job description” looks like for the kids in theatre camp? 

“Wanted: An employee with a positive, can-do spirit of optimism. Strong teamwork skills required. Looking for passionate commitment to projects. Job requires creative thinking and attention to detail. Self-starters encouraged to apply. Public speaking and quick learning is a regular part of this position. Excellent communication skills a plus and the ability to think outside the box encouraged.”

Who doesn’t want that employee? 

 

 

This post originally appeared on Piedmont Post.

Nina Meehan is CEO and Founder Bay Area Children's Theatre and the host of the Creative Parenting Podcast. An internationally recognized expert in youth development through the arts, Nina nurtures innovation by fostering creative thinking. She is mom to Toby (13), Robby (10) and Meadow (5).  

   

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5 Tips for Taking Family Trips Safely amid the Pandemic

By Melanie Fish

American families have proven the urge to travel after being cooped up from home, with demand for accommodations higher than ever. And while vaccines may be more accessible in the U.S. than ever, the spread of new variants and lower vaccination rates in developing countries continue impact our ability to move freely through the world.

Which is why Expedia Group, the travel giant that includes brands like Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo and more, is working to make sure those who are traveling again are doing so safely and responsibly in a way that ultimately slows the spread of COVID.

5 Tips to Help Keep Your Family Safe while Traveling

1. Mask up while traveling. This one is obvious, as masks continue to remain one of the most simple and effective ways to limit the transmission of the virus, aside from the vaccine. Traveling requires being in close quarters, like planes, trains, in rideshares, etc. so it’s important to mask up to reduce the spread.

2. Travel for the greater good. Expedia Group recently announced an initiative to support UNICEF’s global COVID-19 response by donating of $10 million to vaccine efforts. To get involved, travelers can download any app from one of the Expedia Group brands, such as Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity and Vrbo, plan and purchase a trip through the platform and in turn, they can help get a vaccine to someone in the world who needs it.

3. Enjoy the great outdoors. Nature destinations have provided solitude for travelers over the last year, due to the ability to easily socially distance and, essentially, disconnect. This trend is here to stay, with beaches, mountains, lakes and national parks remaining the popular areas to visit, even as we head into the fall.

4. Don’t get left behind. More and more businesses, attractions and destinations are requiring people to show proof of vaccination. So, if you haven’t felt motivated to get your shot(s), know that you might not be able to have access to dining, entertainment or other activities during your next vacation without it.

5. Be a savvy traveler. Travelers are eager to get out there again, but with travel guidelines changing so frequently, it’s important to stay up to date with restrictions and policies around your travel bookings. Double check your accommodations’ cancellation policies, keep local advisories like curfews or closures in mind and be prepared to submit documentations like COVID test results or vaccine cards.

Of course, it’s up to each individual family to decide their comfort level for taking trips again, and all are encouraged to check and adhere to local and national health guidelines and travel restrictions. Travelers are known to be passionate about exploring the world and making connections, but now it’s time for each individual to do their part so the world can truly open again.

RELATED: Red Tricycle’s COVID Resource Guide 

Melanie Fish is Vrbo’s travel expert and speaks to journalists daily about the fastest growing segment in the travel industry – vacation home rentals. She has shared travel trends and tips at the New York Times Travel Show, in magazines including Glamour, and on regular #TravelTuesday TV segments.

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It’s Official: LeVar Burton to Host Upcoming “Jeopardy” Episode

by Karly Wood

Alex Trebek left some big shoes to fill, but all may not be lost when it comes to finding the next Jeopardy guest host. Ever the beacon of knowledge, LeVar Burton stepped up to the plate earlier this month as a potential host for the show––and now it’s happening!

In a tweet on Wednesday, the Reading Rainbow host shared the exciting news from Jeopardy that he would be hosting an upcoming episode of season 37. If you recall, Joshua Sanders started a change.org petition a few months back to make Burton the host. As of publication, the petition has over 248,000 signatures!

 

Now that Burton is heading to the driver’s seat, many fans hope it will be come a long-time gig. Regardless, his episode is sure to be a great one!

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

 

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

by Erica Loop

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

 

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