The other night was “wine night” for a few moms in my neighborhood. We do this every couple of months when we get together for our “PTO meeting” where we stay out too late, pour one too many, and hit the alarm clock more than we should the next morning. The most recent one was last week. I desperately needed a glass of wine and some girl talk, but having a five-week old baby meant that I also desperately need sleep.

Wine or sleep? Wine or sleep? (The struggle is real!)

Then the voice of a good friend came through with some words of wisdom, a piece of mom advice that I always refer back to when I’m stuck in a situation where I really want to do something, but question whether I can fit it all in.

Let me tell you this is one of the best pieces of parenting advice that I ever received. It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s a no-brainer. But for some reason, it’s something that I always had a hard time implementing until recently. Ready for it?!

Say no to things that you may really want to do if it will make your life easier.

Sounds easy, right? Who doesn’t want to make their life easier? I mean we’re told in the workforce to say no all the time. It’ll help advance your career path. It’ll lighten your load. Heck, we say no to our kids all the time! Recently I have even seen books on why it is healthy to say no. But for my type A personality I always feel like I can figure out a way to make it all happen all the while stressing myself in the process—its just my personality. For better or worse I am a people pleaser which makes exercising this “rule” pretty hard at times. It’s hard to turn down things that you or someone in your family really want to do (like go drink some wine down the street).

Truth be told, putting it into action has literally saved me time and sanity. Let me give you some examples…

That birthday party for your kid’s classmate that starts at 7:30 pm when your kid goes to bed at 8 pm. Say no. When you’re invited to somebody’s house for a weekend get-together and you already have two other things to do right before then, say no. When school asks for you to help with volunteering for the next event but you’re not sure you can pick up your other kids and make it there in time, say no. When you get invited to Adele’s concert but you’re not feeling well and coming off a work trip, say no. When you want to catch some zzz’s even though you want some gal time, go for the sleep!

I found that there is always another time for these events, invitations, volunteering, etc. There will always be more birthday parties, get togethers, school fundraisers, and even concerts to attend. Your sanity, health, and time are more important! So do as we teach our kids when it comes to drugs—JUST SAY NO! You’ll thank me for it.

Erin is a working mom of two exploring ways to embrace change and find new hobbies in her search for life outside of Corporate America. She lives in Bucks County Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and Boston Terrier. She also loves ice cream and chocolate. A lot.

February’s birthstone represents empowerment and inner strength

Babies with a February birthday are pretty unique, as some only have a birthday every four years! Plus, those with February birthdays might be more creative (if they’re Pisces), be taller than their peers, and be revolutionary (if they’re Aquarius). If you want to know more fun facts about kids with February’s birthdays and even a few silly facts about February’s birth sign, we’ve got it all right here. 

February birthdays are more uncommon, and Leap Year birthdays are rare

Not only is it a short month, which leads to fewer February birthdays, but a Leap Day baby only gets to celebrate the actual day every four years. According to Unity Point Health, 1 in 1,491 people is born on February 29th, so although you might celebrate on a different day most years, it’s fun to throw an extra-special birthday party every four years. February 2024 is a Leap Year, so get ready to celebrate in a big way if you’ve got a Leap Day baby!

Your February baby might be taller than others

A Harvard University study of over 21,000 kids shows that winter babies are consistently born longer, heavier, and with a larger head circumference. The study was conducted over seven years and tested kids at birth, eight months, age 4, and age 7; researchers believe that seasonal issues for both pregnant moms and babies, like diet, exposure to sunlight and temperature, and viruses, may play a role in a baby’s characteristics.

But babies born in February have a higher chance of being born early

According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, there’s a significant spike (nearly 10%) in early births for women who conceived in May, which means their delivery dates fall in February of the following year. What’s the reason? These moms are in late-term pregnancy during peak flu season, which is known to cause pre-term births.

A February birth sign can be Aquarius or Pisces

Will your baby be innovative, a team player, and a rebel at heart like others born under the sign of Aquarius? Or will your kid show signs of empathy, compassion, and being creative like other Pisces? More importantly, how compatible are you with your child? Check out our parent/child compatibility chart to find out.

February’s birthstone is the amethyst

People with February birthdays claim amethyst as their birthstone. The stunning purple variety of quartz has mesmerized people for thousands of years and can often be found in royal jewel collections in Europe and Asia. The gem represents empowerment and inner strength.

Your kid shares their special month with these celebrities born in February

Many celebrities and historical figures share your kiddo’s celebratory month: Abe Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Steve Jobs, Jennifer Aniston, Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Golding, Danai Gurira, Laura Linney, Charles Darwin, George Washington, Nina Simone, and more. 

 

If your youngest is the funniest sibling, you’re not alone

Is your youngest child always the one that makes you laugh or sends her siblings into a fit of giggles? Research may have just proved you right—a new survey of siblings and family members revealed that the funniest siblings are typically the youngest ones.

According to a survey conducted by British pollster YouGov, youngest siblings are most likely to believe that they are the funniest members of their families. Forty-six percent of younger siblings answered that they think they are the funniest versus just 36 percent of oldest siblings.

The study, which included 1,783 adult siblings who were asked to assess their personality traits based on their birth order, revealed some interesting insight into how birth order can impact a person as they become an adult.

“Splitting out the first and last born siblings in British families with more than one child (86% of the population), a clear divide in personality traits emerges,” a YouGov writer said about the findings. “The most significant difference is in feeling the burden of responsibility – most (54%) first borns say they are more responsible than their siblings, compared to 31% of last borns.”

YouGov continued, “To some extent age itself, rather than family dynamics, may be responsible for the differing characteristics. Older children, having had more time to get on in life, are more likely to say they are more successful than their siblings. But undoubtedly there are family forces at work – parental attention soon shifts onto new arrivals, and firstborns may have to learn the ropes themselves. As evidence, elder siblings are more likely to feel more organized and able to prioritize their own lives. Likewise, younger siblings are more likely to feel more favored by their parents.”

A few other things the survey uncovered include:

  • 54 percent of oldest siblings feel more organized than their younger brothers and sisters.
  • 47 percent of youngest siblings see themselves as “easy-going,” compared to 42 percent of older siblings.

Need a new mug to sip from while you binge watch old episodes of your fave gal pals? A new set from Jerrod Maruyama has you covered!

This four-piece barware collection captures The Golden Girls with all their personality. Enjoy either hot or cold beverage with the likes of Sophia Petrillo, Rose Nylund, Blanche Devereaux and Dorothy Zbornak like never before!

Each mug can hold 19-19 ounces, is microwave safe and can be placed top-shelf in your dishwasher. The four-piece set retails for $90 and can be purchased at toynk.com.

Don’t need all four? This set makes the perfect gift for your girlfriends for tuning in for a night of streaming and cheesecake.

If you’re looking for more ways to harness your inner Golden Girl and dress up your space, you should also check out this Sophia-inspired Chia Pet and snag the Little Golden Book all about Betty White. Now that all the actresses have been reunited in the afterlife, we have to keep their girl power strong somehow!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of ToyNK.com

 

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If your kid is one of the 30 million who subscribes to Ryan’s World on YouTube, they’ll be stoked for this news! Skechers has collaborated with the kid star to release a limited edition shoe collection, out now. It’s the first time a major shoe brand has offered a young YouTube personality a global footwear deal.

Of course, Ryan released one of his signature videos to break the news. You can watch it now and go behind the scenes as the collection comes to life!

With three styles to choose from, your family will be back to school in style. Ryan’s Challenge is a light-up slip-on style with bungee laces, Gamer Ryan is a slip-on with a Magna-Fit toggle closure and the classic Red Titan sneaker is canvas with Ryan’s superhero character design. The shoes range from $57 to $62 and come in sizes from a kid’s 10.5 to 5.

The shoe collection is limited edition and available now online at Skechers. No doubt your kids can’t wait to unbox these!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Skechers

 

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For the first time in 20 years, the Daisies, Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts are getting new official apparel! The wardrobe will pay homage to ’90s style and feature eco-conscious touches—plus the Girl Scout uniforms will be upgraded with recycled materials.

If you’re shopping for your younger Scout, you’ll find a collection of fashionable oversized T-shirts, slim fit pants and fun accessories like scrunchies and headbands. All pair perfectly with the iconic sash or vest and allow girls to show off their style and personality. You can buy items starting in late August through the Girl Scout Shop.

The collection will range in price from $10-$39 and is designed with comfort and durability in mind. It’s color-coordinated by grade level and will offer both casual and formal options. Best of all, it offers inclusive sizing options ranging from XXS to PXXL..

Meanwhile, the updated Girl Scout uniforms will feature the same colors and designs, but be made of a fabric that includes 40% recycled material. The Girl Scouts will also begin an upcycling program to turn old uniforms into new materials, like aprons, pillows and totes. Starting in August you can purchase these items through the Girl Scout Shop and select council stores!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Sheila Herman/Flickr

 

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We love surprises—why reserve them just for holidays and birthdays? L.O.L. Surprise! toys are a trend that’s here to stay, and we couldn’t be happier: They are cute (but fierce!), diverse, inclusive and so fun to unbox—there’s just nothing like em’! With hundreds of unique characters, no matter what your kids’ interests, style or personality are, there is a L.O.L. Surprise! doll to represent them.

Everyone is welcome to play and explore their creativity and celebrate their individuality with L.O.L. Surprise! Not only are these fun toys excellent role models for young kids (boys are included, too!) their message of inclusion and how we are stronger together is an important lesson for any kid.

Did we mention the anticipation and excitement that comes with opening a L.O.L. Surprise!?! We’ll get to that: Introducing a new theme that makes every day a celebration—present surprise theme. Read on to learn more about this uber-cool and super-fun series that makes the perfect neatly packaged gift with brand-new surprises and unboxing experiences guaranteed to turn any day into a par-tay!

Don’t miss the party—shop now and give the gift of surprise! 

New Present Surprise

This new theme is the ideal gift for any occasion! The Present Surprise holds eight surprises to unbox and includes a doll with tons of fun accessories to discover. There are 12 fierce and fashionable characters to collect, each with their own birthday month to celebrate. Each all-new adorable character is inspired by an activity specific to their birthday month, from her fashion to her accessories. Feed your doll with the bottle or bathe your doll to reveal a cool water surprise—including color change! Each surprise doll also includes birthday month-themed accessories and a secret message—who’s ready to party?!

 

Deluxe Present Surprise

This new slumber party-themed Deluxe Present Surprise includes a water fizz unboxing experience. It comes with a limited edition Slumber Queen doll and her Lil Sister, Lil Slumber Queen—too cute! There are six mystery accessories to unbox​ including an inflatable mattress that doubles as a water bed. Drop the included fizz in water for a surprise that is just bubbling over to reveal a party cake—inside, find the limited-edition doll and their Lil!

Each Deluxe Present Surprise comes wrapped in a fabulous gift package with a bow and tag to write a special message. Unbox six mystery accessories hidden in the confetti and sand surprises. Because they've thought of everything to make this party the best ever, the cake doubles as a storage and display case. You'll also get party accessories, including party banners, party invitations, confetti and kinetic sand to create your own party decorations.

Don't miss the party—shop now and give the gift of surprise!

 

O.M.G. Present Surprise

This is the first O.M.G. fashion doll in the L.O.L. Present Surprise theme! Miss Glam, a stylish gal with loads of personality, is having the most outrageous surprise birthday party of all time! Cue the confetti: Get ready for a festive confetti unboxing experience, with 20+ surprises to uncover. Everything Miss Glam does is larger-than-life, and her unboxing is no different, of course! Mix and match her fashions to create five totally new looks and use the adorbs package as a reusable playset—time to get glam and par-tay all day!

 

Confetti POP

Each capsule has 15 cool new surprises with a fun pop of confetti in every package, making it a party every time! Unbox 15 surprises, a mystery disguise and a L.O.L. Surprise! doll with a water surprise. Unwrap layers of your mystery disguise to reveal who's inside—the disguise can be reused as fashions and accessories. Feed or bathe your doll to reveal a water surprise. Will your doll cry, spit or tinkle? The suspense is killing us! The confetti pop capsule can be put back together and popped again and again. You can collect all 12 of these unique L.O.L. Surprise Confetti POP dolls!

Don't miss the party—shop now and give the gift of surprise!

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

It’s officially time for a trip to the Mall of America: Mars Wrigley just opened it’s newest store! The 24,000 sq. ft. will open on May 1 and packs more excitement than a fresh bag of M&M’S.

M&M’S Mall of America store will feature free immersive experiences, digital downloads, personalization station, M&M’S, “Wall of Chocolate” and exclusive in-store merchandise. So where, in the vast land that is the Mall of America, can you find the store?

Head to Level 1, East near the Rotunda of Mall of America if you want to visit in person. Not close to Minnesota? You can visit virtually! Visit MMS.com to “walk” through the store and purchase M&M’S products using a 3-D virtual experience.

The second store to open in 2021, this M&M’s location offers unique experiences. Shoppers can check out M&M’S Sweet Moves and show their their personality through color, sound and movement and head to Peanut Peak to view the beauty of Minnesota.

This particular location also pays a special honor to Minnesota culture with decor that is unique to the region. The Mars Candy Factory was opened in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1920 and has a special place in the legacy of the company.

Head to mms.com to check out the new digs!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Mars Wrigley

 

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You’re used to the big red bullseye retailer’s partnerships with clothing designers and interior designers. Now the beloved brand is teaming up with a plant enthusiast/interior stylist, Hilton Carter!

Get ready to green your home with Hilton Carter for Target, starting May 14. The limited-edition line includes 65 products, featuring both live and faux plants along with accessories.

Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target, said in a press release, “As people have spent more time at home over the past year, our guests are increasingly looking for ways to add more comfort and personality to their surroundings. Searches for plants on Target.com have increased by more than 300% over the last year – a clear indicator that guests want to bring some of the outdoors inside to brighten up their space.”

Interior stylist and line creator Hilton Carter added, “This collection of greenery and accessories was designed with the intention to inspire all—from the novice plant parent to the green thumb expert—and help everyone introduce a little more greenery into their space.”

Find Hilton Carter for Target (prices range from $5 to $130) in Target stores and at Target.com.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Target

 

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While this last year for many parents has meant taking kids “to work” pretty much every day thanks to school and work from home, you might find yourself laughing at the idea of celebrating this day. But hear us out!

This year, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is going virtual for 2021 and is adapting to current times by creating a virtual career day for parents and kids to experience together. They’re hosting an online event geared toward elementary and middle-school-aged kids. Each program will include keynote speeches, interactive polls, video programming that focuses on diversity and inclusion, and an up-close look into more than 15 workplaces from industries such as the Arts, STEM, Health Sciences, Marketing, and Business.

photo: iStock

Whether you currently work from home, are back in the office in a hybrid model, or are a full-time in-person employee, this special day is a way to celebrate your career with your child. Starting in 1993 daughters and sons have enjoyed learning more about what their parents do for a living. To carry on the excitement of this career-centric day, the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation is transforming the previously all in-person events to cyber fun.

Tune in to the virtual event on Thursday, Apr. 22, 2021 at DaughtersAndSonsToWork.org. All participants should register before the event begins. Visit the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation website here to register.

Catch the broadcast at one of two times—either 9:00 a.m. ET or 12:00 p.m. ET. Entrepreneur and author Ellen Langas will host the 9:00 a.m. event, along with her daughters Stephanie and Veronica Campbell. Activist and icon Gloria Steinem will also make a special appearance, answering questions gathered from children before the event day. Courtney Carson, beauty and lifestyle TV personality, will host the 12:00 program. Gitanjali Rao, TIME Magazine’s first Kid of the Year will also make a special appearance.

Visit the Take Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation’s website to get an Activity Passport and an Activity Guide for parents and teachers.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

 

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