22 Homemade Popsicles That’ll Cool Off Your Summer

by Abigail MatsumotoMay 31, 2023

It’s going to be hard to resist some of these

Nothing says summer like homemade popsicles. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of recipes for summer popsicles for kids—from fruit popsicles to creamsicles to homemade fudge pops that are full of flavor. These popsicle recipes are super easy, super refreshing, and a great project for young chefs. There are so many delicious frozen treats to beat the summer heat!

Chocolate Cherry Popsicles

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How delicious do these chocolate cherry pops look?! Made with Greek yogurt and fresh cherries, get this popsicle recipe from Parsley and Icing.

Rainbow Popsicles

rainbow popsicle recipe — The First Year Blog

Your kiddos will go gaga for the out-of-this-world colors of these rainbow popsicles from The First Year Blog. There are a whopping seven layers and each sports a ton of fruit and flavor. The result looks like a truly tasty tie-dyed treat!

Shirley Temple Popsicles

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Oh, the thrill of being a kid and sipping a Shirley Temple! This idea from Candy Jar Chronicle takes that same classic taste and turns it into a frozen treat.

Raspberry Cheesecake Popsicles

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Take the taste of tart summer berries, combine it with creamy cheesecake and you’ve got a homemade popsicle perfect for a warm evening.

Ripe Peach Popsicles

peach popsicle recipe — The View from Great Island

Need a great way to use up ripe (or slightly over-ripe) peaches? Bookmark these fruit popsicles, STAT! They're made from pureed fresh peaches and are basically summertime on a stick. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.

Pumpkin Pie Popsicle

Get a taste of autumn any ol' time with popsicles that pack in the pumpkin flavor. They also include Greek yogurt and granola, which means you could even have a popsicle for breakfast. Get the recipe from Salt & Lavender.

Lava Flow Popsicles

You're gonna love these layers! Just picture this: creamy pineapple swirled with a fresh strawberry puree and no dyes or refined sugar. Best of all, they're the perfect combo of easy, pretty, and delicious. For the recipe, flow on over to One Lovely Life.

Healthy Raspberry Sorbet Popsicles

These beauties from One Lovely Life really pop with bright raspberry flavor! The kiddos will love covering them in chocolate magic shell and their fave toppings, but don't worry—they look fancy but are simple to whip up.

Coconut Water Pineapple Popsicles

Are you ready to get refreshed? Boulder Locavore’s Coconut Water Pineapple Popsicles are the ultimate way to hydrate this summer. Along with the coconut water, these pops also have pineapple juice, lime juice, and a handful of raspberries. They’re vegan, tasty, and (literally) cool.

Healthy Greek Yogurt Fudge Pops

Nostalgia alert! If there’s a special place in your heart for melty, chocolatey fudgesicles, you need to try this recipe from Baker by Nature. These pops have that same taste you know and love, with a healthy twist.

Chocolate Covered Almond Popsicles

Confession: we’re nuts about these homemade popsicles from Simple Vegan Blog. They include ingredients like banana, almond milk, and maple syrup; and as for the chocolate coating? Let’s just say once you make your own magic shell, you’ll never go back.

Funfetti Creamsicles

These cheerful funfetti creamsicles from Garlic My Soul are the perfect treat for a hot summer's day. Made with coconut cream, orange juice, honey, and of course, funfetti sprinkles, the creamy tanginess will be a hit.

Root Beer Float Popsicles

root beer float popsicle recipe — Boulder Locavore

A root beer float in popsicle form? We’re in! This popsicle recipe from Boulder Locavore is basically your fave soda-and-ice-cream treat, poured into your fave molds. Genius? We think so.

Coconut Pineapple Yogurt Pops

When you can’t grab the fam and head to Hawaii, the next best thing is one oofo these tropical popsicles from Recipe Runner. They’re the perfect combo of creamy and icy—perfect for higher temps and hungry tummies.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Mousse Pops

chocolate peanut butter popsicle recipe — The Kitchen McCabe

These chocolate peanut butter pops are the perfect deviation from fruit pops. Plus, they're the perfect treat for chocolate lovers to keep around! Try topping it off with some whipped cream or your favorite topping. You'll find this recipe at The Kitchen McCabe.

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Strawberry lemonade popsicle recipe — Pass the Sushi

Any kid worth his salt knows that lemonade is pretty much a summer requirement. Add on the taste of fresh strawberries and tangy yogurt and you’ve got a refreshing match made in heaven. You can thank Pass the Sushi for this homemade popsicle inspiration.

Cookies and Coconut Cream Popsicles

What’s black and white and sweet all over? These Oreo-inspired popsicles from The View from Great Island! These fantabulous treats have honest-to-goodness whole cookies inside them, so every bite has the potential to be your favorite bite.

Triple Berry Paletas

Here’s the scoop on paletas: they’re Latin American ice pops that are usually made from fresh fruit. That means they’re extra refreshing and extra easy to make yourself. These Triple Berry Paletas from Lola Cocina fit the bill, and they can be customized to your kid’s palate with different berry combinations.

Sunrise Popsicles

Good news - these homemade popsicles are as yummy as they are pretty! Emily from One Lovely Life combines orange juice and strawberries to create these vibrant pops.

Dairy-free Patriotic Popsicles

Just like the rocket pops from the ice cream truck, but way healthier, these patriotic popsicles will be a sure-fire hit at your summer BBQs. Get the recipe from Beth at Pass the Plants.

Mango Chili Popsicles

Kick up your popsicle game with these mango chili popsicles from Isabel Eats. Yummy, sweet mango meets its match in a touch of chili for a delicious take on these summer treats.

Cherry Lime Popsicles

This classic flavor combo comes together in a refreshing homemade popsicle that's perfect for cooling down in the summer heat. Erin from Food Fanatic breaks down how easy this recipe really is!

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

Exposure to ‘Blue Spaces’ as a Child Linked to Better Mental Health

by Karly WoodOctober 17, 2022

No need to get wet: being just near a blue space is great for your health

If you needed an excuse to hit the coast year then you’ll be happy to learn that going to the beach changes your brain, according to science. Actually, being near any body of water (think: lake, river or the sea) brings many health benefits for your mind and body in what scientists call “blue space.”

In fact, a new study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology reveals that exposure to blue space as a child has a major impact on a person’s mental health and will encourage them to maintain a healthy relationship with nature into adulthood.

“Building familiarity with and confidence in and around blue spaces in childhood may stimulate a joy of, and greater propensity to spend recreational time in, nature in adulthood, with positive consequences for adult subjective well-being,” says the study.

The study involved 18 countries and examined the relationship between adult well being and a person’s exposure to blue space as a child. Respondents shared their experiences with blue space during childhood, including how frequently they visited it and how comfortable their parents were allowing them to be in and near water. In a nutshell: the more blue space exposure as a child equalled a better adult well being.

“Adults also had familiarity with and confidence around coasts, rivers, and lakes, as well as higher levels of joy around bodies of water and a greater propensity to spend recreational time in nature during adulthood, says WebMD. “In turn, this lifted their mood and wellbeing.”

The impact that bodies of water have on our well-being are numerous: reduced depression, increased levels of creativity, and the ability to naturally de-stress are just a few. Now you know why spending time soaking up the waves and summer sun makes you feel so amazing!

Here’s how it works. Scientists say that being near water and listening to the waves can bring you to a more meditative state and lead to reduced depression. The undulating waves are relaxing, acting as a de-stimulator and can help bring more mental clarity as well.

While your mind is in a relaxed state, you are more likely to be more creative as your brain rests. The blue state helps take you away from the everyday stressors of life and you are free to let your imagination roam. The Global Healing Center recommends literally surrounding yourself with the color blue to bring about a sense of calm and inspire creativity.

Scientists also say that a swim in the ocean can de-stress you, stat. Not only can the water feel refreshing, but the naturally occurring negative ions are also said to help counteract the positive ions we come into contact with on a day to day basis, leaving us in a more peaceful and relaxed state.

Just stepping foot onto the sandy shores of the beach does a body good. Researchers say that the simple act of touching sun-warmed sand brings almost immediate comfort––unless you’re not a sand person.

Finally, standing in front of a huge body of water can give you a fresh perspective on life. That sense of awe you feel being next to something so huge in life can really minimize the things you stress on from day to day.

The next time you’re feeling dragged down by life, why not hit up your closest beach? Indulge in the blue space––your mind and body will thank you.

8 Easy Tips for Transitioning to a Tween Room

by Jennifer Massoni PardiniAugust 2, 2022

Just as we watched our babies transform into opinionated toddlers and then imaginative school-goers, our rising tweens reveal ever more of their personalities and passions that aren’t so little anymore. A big part of instilling confidence along the way is showing our respect for their self-expression—their rooms being an important extension of that. Read on for fun and inspiring tween room decor ideas to help make their space truly their own.

Start with a Clean Slate

tween room for a girl — NeONBRAND via Unsplash

Wall space is one of the first terrains you may remember taking control of yourself, whether you collaged photos of friends or hung posters of your favorite bands (or 90210 stars). If your tweens have lived and played in their rooms since nursery-hood, it may well be time for a fresh coat of paint anyway (in a color or fun accent of their choosing). Then let them change up what most inspires them. If you have framed prints they want to update, sites like Etsy, Wayfair and Minted have a range of options and price points. A large bulletin board is easy to refresh, and storyboarding is also a great study tool for visual learners.

Carve Out a Creative Corner

modern tween room — Gabriel Beaudry via Unsplash

The experts at Highlights Learning say it’s a great idea to have a “school stuff” zone, so everything is in one place, making staying on top of schoolwork all the easier. If your tween doesn’t already have a study station, go for a desk that will last through this next stage of her education when she'll be working independently. If you’re short on space, set something up under a lofted bed, go DIY with a hideaway desk, or even retrofit a closet. (We have many more workstation ideas rounded up, too.) And don’t forget wall space when it comes to keeping workflow in check and in style, like a chalkboard calendar, functional pegboard or mounted storage.

Delegate Organization

Remember those early years of rounding up their toys, puzzles and miscellaneous “projects” every night before bed? Now that it’s their job to keep a tidy room, help your tween stay organized by stowing away anything on the loose in stylish storage bins, like these hand-crafted, 100% cotton, and naturally dyed baskets from Lorena Canals. We love that these are also machine washable and available in ash-rose, aubergine, black, and vintage blue.

Clean Out the Bookshelf

It’s that time again to weed shelves and make room for all the new titles they’ll be bringing home in middle school. While they may be reading a fair share on tablets or computers, it’s essential to have real deal books within reach to keep encouraging reading for fun. For age-specific reading inspiration, check out our list of some of the best graphic novels for tweens and teens.

Update the Sleep Zone

Just as you once transitioned that crib to a toddler or twin bed, it may again be time to re-think sleep. If you have space to work with, consider upgrading to a full or queen that will him off to college (and serve as future guest accommodations, too). Or, perhaps you’re keeping twin beds on hand for the sleep-over circuit now in full swing. No matter the sleeping arrangement, the bedding theme itself could most likely use a refresh.

Let Their Personal Passion Shine

By this age, many tweens are well on their way to honing a sport, hobby or passion. Their personal space can certainly reflect that, be it a guitar propped in a corner for an aspiring shredder, an oversized world map for a traveler in training, or a printing service for a budding photographer’s latest shots. These metal wall signs from Pottery Barn are perfect for sports fans.

Re-Organize the Closet

Just as their rooms do, closets should also grow and adapt as our kids do. Marty Basher, an interior design expert at Modular Closets, has some choice tips for tween parents when it comes to organizing closets. “Formal events, dances, concerts, and performances bring the need for more hanging space in the closet,” Basher says. “With their input you can create a space to hang jewelry and formal dresses or suits and uniforms and full-size sports equipment.” Basher also advises adding hooks, a full-length mirror, and shoe storage solutions. “Use under the bed storage for off-season shoes and boots and only have what they’ll need for the season in the closet. Make use of boxes and baskets for high storage of items they don’t use regularly but can reach now when they need them.”

Add a Dash of Green

Houseplants do so much to bring fresh air and energy to our interior spaces. So why not give your tween room a little something living to tend to that will give a little fresh O2 in return for a brain boost? You can even rent a plant for a few months to see how your tween does with the new responsibility.

RELATED STORIES: 10 Genius Ways to Hack an Amazing Kid’s Room

15 Delicious Avocado Recipes Even Kids Will Love

by Karly WoodApril 11, 2022

If you’re looking to ramp up your family’s healthy eating, look no further than the avocado. The fruit is a superfood packed with healthy fats, nutrients and vitamins but most importantly, it’s delicious! Not sure how to incorporate this tasty food into your diet? Keep reading to find easy avocado recipes that will have you chowing down in no time.

Avocado Toast

Avocado aficionados sing the praises of avocado toast. The easy recipe is great for breakfast, lunch or a healthy snack and is versatile with toppings. Add veggies, lemon pepper or any other seasoning to add just the right amount of flair!

Check out a super easy recipe at Damn Delicious.

Avocado Spring Rolls

spring rolls are avocado recipes — Gimme Some Oven

We love spring rolls for the fresh veggies and the versatility. While this version from Gimme Some Oven is vegan, you can always add shrimp to your version for kids who love seafood. If you think the mango is too sweet, simply leave it out. And don't forget the peanut sauce!

Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich

add this grilled cheese sandwich to your list of avocado recipes — Family Spice

If there's anyone who doesn't love a grilled cheese sandwich, we haven't found them (and might not want to!). This version from Family Spice gets an upgrade with slices of avocado and tomato—yum!

Grilled Avocado Caprese Salad

Refreshing, light and perfect for summer, this grilled avocado caprese is a new take on the classic app. A quick trip on the grill or grill pan, then add your tasty filling before devouring!

Check out Souffle Bombay for this recipe.

Creamy Avocado Hummus

What do you get when you combine guacamole and hummus? Creamy avocado hummus! This flavorful side dish is a fresh take on the traditional dip everyone will love.

Head to Sweet Peas & Saffron for the full recipe.

Stuffed Avocados

Meatless Mondays never tasted so good. This simple avocado recipe is fully customizable, making it perfect for the whole fam––even the picky ones.

Want the recipe? Head to The Simple Veganista.

Avocado Deviled Eggs

You won't miss the mayo from your beloved deviled eggs when it comes to this recipe! Avocado brings just the right amount of creaminess and flavor. Plus they look great for Easter!

Check out The Little Pine for all the details.

Avocado Egg Salad

Egg salad in five minutes? We're in! This recipe cuts down on all that mayo by adding avocado, turning it into a light and creamy affair you won't be able to resist.

Isabel Eats has the full recipe.

Grilled Avocados

Say hello to grill season with this easy avocado recipe. Your avocados need just five minutes on a heated grill before enjoying––what could be easier?

Head over to A Couple Cooks for all the details.

Avocado Pasta

Don't sacrifice that creaminess just because you want to eat healthier! This avocado dish takes the place of heavy cream to take your weeknight pasta to the next level.

Find the entire recipe at Carlsbad Cravings.

Avocado Tuna Salad

Who wants regular tuna when you can have avocado tuna salad? Add to a lettuce wrap or sandwich and never go back to the OG version after you taste this recipe.

Check out Chelsea's Messy Apron for the full recipe.

Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Chopped Salad

You had us at bacon! Well, and avocado. This refreshing salad packs tons of protein so not only will it taste delicious, but it will keep you full, too.

Grab this tasty recipe at Gimme Some Oven.

Air Fryer Avocado Wedges

Skip the unhealthy fried foods when you can swap in these avocado wedges. Made in the air fryer, they'll remind your kiddos of french fries––just much healthier.

Visit Bitz & Giggles to find the full recipe.

BLT Chicken Salad Avocado Cups

Great for an afternoon lunch, these adorable avocado cups are packed with delicious chicken salad. And cooking hack: use rotisserie chicken to make this an easy peasy meal.

Head to One Lovely Life for the recipe.

Curry Flavored Baked Avocado

It only takes 20 minutes to whip up this flavorful side dish. Especially great for members of the fam who like spice, these baked avocado slices have just the right amount of crunch.

Head to Rasa Malaysia for the full recipe.

Magic Fountains in Chicago Worth Your Pennies

by Maria ChambersMarch 1, 2022

Few things make parents happier than finding free entertainment, especially when it involves water play on a hot summer day. Gather your pennies — so, um, we guess it’s not totally free — because we rounded up water fountains worthy of your wishes. Some you can actually play in! From the world-famous and massive to the tiny and refreshing, these fountains in Chicago will put a smile on your face and a click in your camera.

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Crown Fountain

You'll find it hard to find a spot to throw your wishful pennies, but Crown Fountain at Millennium Park should top your bucket list of must-see Chicago fountains. Completed by Spanish Artist Jaume Plensa in 2004, this fountain is unique because of its use of modern mixed media (light, LED display and water). Pack a swim diaper and change of clothes because the fountain's two 50-foot glass-brick towers joined by a 232-foot long granite pool invite visitors to ditch their shoes and take a respite from the summer sun. The faces appearing on the towers were taken from a cross-section of 1,000 Chicago residents and are modern interpretations of traditional gargoyles in fountains from which water, a symbol of life, flows from an open mouth. The fountain is open daily mid-spring to mid-fall.

201 E. Randolph St., Millennium Park; Online: cityofchicago.org

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Eli Bates Fountain

You might know it as the “Storks at Play” fountain. Officially, the fountain is named for its donor after he bequeathed money making its 1881 installation possible. Tiny visitors will enjoy the whimsical bronze birds spewing water from their beaks and will be in awe of the half-boy, half-fish creatures holding large fish that appear to come alive, splashing in the water. Tall bronze reeds and cattails protrude from the center of this stunning fountain that serves as the centerpiece for the formal garden just south of the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

East of N. Stockton Dr. & South of Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Buckingham Fountain

A list isn't complete without mentioning this Grant Park gem, arguably the most well-known fountain around. Open to the public in 1927, architect Edward H. Bennett designed it to be a focal point for Grant Park without obstructing views of Lake Michigan, in which it was designed to symbolize. The enormity of the lake is embodied by the 15,000 gallons of water re-circulated every minute and the water displays that shoot as high as 150 feet from the ground—something that’s guaranteed to impress the kids! The four states that border Lake Michigan are represented in the four sets of Art Deco-style sea horses in the massive lower basin. The fountain runs from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily from May to mid-Oct. and a 20-minute water show begins every hour on the hour.

Columbus Drive & Congress Parkway, Grant Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Triton Fountain

Make this a must-see on your next trip to The Art Institute. You'll have to pay general admission to enter the museum to see it — however, children under 14 enter free and Illinois residents get free admission every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. A calming sight, it was designed by famed Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and was dedicated in 1931. It's the centerpiece of the 11,000-square-foot McKinklock Memorial Park, located off the museum cafe and flanked by beautiful Dutch Elm trees. The park is open for dining in the summer and offers plenty of space to stretch little legs.

Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: artic.edu

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Fountain of Time

Simply known as "Time", artist Lorado Taft's creation is thought of as the most monumental piece of art in Chicago's Public Art Program and was the first to be completed using concrete. It was created in 1920 as a monument to the first 100 years of peace between the U.S. and Great Britain. Across a reflecting pool, Father Time looks over 100 figures representing birth, the struggle for existence, love, family life, religion, poetry and war. If you want to leave the deep, philosophical discussion aside, just take in its beauty, toss some pennies and snap a few pics. The sheer mass and intricacy of the 110-foot-long sculpture will make this visit to Washington Park a treat.

Cottage Grove Ave. & 59th St., Hyde Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Children's Fountain

This bubbling beauty is photo opp gold. It was dedicated in 1982 by Chicago’s first female mayor, Jayne Byrne. Moved from its original location on Upper Wacker Dr., you'll now find it just south of the Chicago History Museum. Turn a trip there into a game of I Spy. Can you spot the frolicking children, musical instruments and arching cranes? Adults will simply appreciate its artfulness. It stands four tiers tall and has a scallop-shaped granite basin as the base. Shapely stairs lead to the fountain where you’ll find a plaque dedicating the fountain to all Chicago children who take from our past to better our future.

North of W. North Ave. & East of N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Trio of Sculptural Drinking Fountains

We’ve shown you where to toss your wish-carrying pennies and dip your toes, but how about where to wet your whistle? Lincoln Park Zoo has a trio of sculptural drinking fountains that put the old-school drinking fountains to shame. Just west of the Kovler Lion House, you’ll find “Lion Fountain” which depicts a lion pride — an adult male, adult female and three small cubs mounted on a bronze podium where they appear to be sharing a drink with their human friends. North of the Regenstein African Journey near Conservatory Gate is the home to “Elephant Fountain". A bronze mama and baby elephant wait patiently for visitors to supply them with a cool drink. Lastly “For the Young at Heart” at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo features a rabbit, dear, raccoon and nut-carrying squirrel frolicking near its three spouts.

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: lpzoo.org

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Rose Petal Fountain

Three acres at the Chicago Botanic Garden are dedicated to more than 150 varieties of roses, almost 5,000 roses altogether! The shades of these blooms get lighter as visitors near the focal point of the rose garden, the Rose Petal Fountain, a cast-concrete bubbler in the shape of a Tudor rose. Streams of water in varying shapes and heights shoot from its center. Neighboring the fountain, kids can rest their legs and find shade amongst the fragrant climbing roses on the Cedar Arbor.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org

— Maria Chambers

7 Reasons the Second Year Is Better Than the First

By Sara Mauskopf

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 10, 2022

Just the other day I was scrolling through baby pictures of my daughter on my phone and I swear to god, my ovaries started to ache. I missed the days of feeding her at my breast, cuddling her for hours in my arms, and smelling that sweet, sweet baby smell. Just kidding. Having a toddler is so much better than having a baby. Here are seven reasons why the second year beats the first, hands down.

1. I am extremely well rested

Not only does my daughter sleep at least 11 uninterrupted hours every night, she also takes a consistent 2-3 hour nap in the middle of the day. I get the best of both worlds—the ability to get work done during her daytime nap and enough time with her awake during the day to actually do fun activities together.

2. She eats normal food

I don’t have to deal with breastfeeding, preparing bottles, cooking special baby purees, or even chopping up food into teeny weeny bite sized pieces. My daughter has a full set of teeth and can now eat basically anything I eat. This means I can even take her out to restaurants and just order her something off the menu. It makes leaving the house easy because if I forget to bring enough food along, I can always just buy her something wherever I am.

3. I can ignore her

You can’t really leave a baby alone for even a second. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I turned my eyes away from my daughter when she was an infant and she promptly rolled off the bed onto the hardwood floor (she’s fine). You can’t really leave a toddler alone either, but there is this magical thing called “screen time” that they seem to be addicted to. If I need a few moments to myself I can hand my daughter the iPad and she is instantly hypnotized. This comes in super handy for emergency situations like needing to use the toilet.

4. She’s my best helper

Babies are really needy. Toddlers are needy too, but they are also super eager to please. My daughter will now actually try to help me with tasks like unloading the groceries into the fridge. Granted, she’s not very good at most things, but she’s really adorable when she tries to help which makes up for her incompetence. Also, I can tell her to bring something to her dad when I actually just want her to get away from me and she will comply.

5. She thinks I’m really funny

In another life, I’m a super funny standup comedian. I always wanted to tell jokes for a living but something about my delivery has always fallen flat. But now I can live out my Jerry Seinfeld fantasies with my daughter, who thinks I’m the funniest person alive when I do something as basic as sticking out my tongue.

6. She identifies issues with my appearance

My daughter is currently obsessed with “boo boos” so she will be the first one to identify any mole, acne, or other imperfection on my body by pointing and screaming “boo boo!!”. This can be embarrassing at times, like in public spaces, but it’s also saved me from leaving the house with food on my face or (gasp) no makeup.

7. We can explore together

As a baby, my daughter didn’t care too much where I took her as she spent most of her days napping. Now that my daughter is older, she loves to explore fun museums, play at new playgrounds, and even go out to fancy restaurants. Seeing the world through her eyes is so refreshing and rewarding.

So, moms of infants, cheer up. Yes it’s hard to watch your precious baby grow up so quickly, and yes you will occasionally mourn the first year, but trust me, you will never want to go back. Now my only question is: does the same thing hold true for year three?

Do you have a story to share with our readers? We want to hear it! Sign up for our Spoke Contributor Network and start submitting your writing today.

Sara Mauskopf

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Short mom to tall kids. CEO and co-founder of Winnie, a leading marketplace for daycare and preschool helping millions of parents across the United States. Still getting the gist of this whole parenting thing.

The New Spring Line from Hearth & Hand Has Us Planning Our Next Target Run

by Karly WoodJanuary 17, 2022

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

It’s time for the Hearth and Hand spring refresh at Target! Joanna Gaines fans will be delighted to know the designer just released a fresh lineup of up Easter and spring-friendly home goods, and even an adorable collection of wood toys for the kids.

There are over 300 new products, most of which are already available to shop online and your local Target store. Keep scrolling to see our faves for this year.

Wood Trio Serve Caddy

$20 BUY NOW

Instantly amp up your serving table with this simple and classy caddy. The attached bowls boast a natural wood finish and coordinate with your basic servingware.

Hearth and Hand Target Spring Collection Arched Metal Frame Mirror

Arched Metal Frame Mirror with Shelf Brass Finish

$60 BUY NOW

Great for modern, contemporary or farmhouse decor, this arched frame also features a shelf for added function.

Hearth and Hand Target Spring Collection Distressed Strip Stoneware Pitcher

Distressed Stripe Stoneware Pitcher

$20 BUY NOW

Perfect for a spring brunch, this distressed pitcher holds a whopping 78 oz. and works for hot or cold beverages.

Hearth and Hand Target Spring Collection Footed Wood Serve Station

Round Footed Wood Serve Stand

$25 BUY NOW

Coming in several sizes is perfect for desserts, appetizers or even for use as a display piece.

Hearth and Hand Target Spring Collection Wash Your Hands Sign

'Wash Your Hands' Stoneware Wall Sign

$10 BUY NOW

Thanks to the pandemic, every household needs one of these adorable signs which is equal parts funny and functional.

Speckled Stoneware Exposed Rim Egg Tray

$17 BUY NOW

Amp up your Easter gathering with this adorable speckled egg tray.

Hearth and Hand Target Spring Collection Toppling Tower

Toppling Tower Wood Blocks Game

$15 BUY NOW

Cute enough to put on display, but functional enough to actually play with, this timeless wood toy comes with 48 pieces and is great for kids four and older.

—Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Target

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Hallo! Trader Joe’s German Gingerbread House Is Your New Holiday Tradition

by Karly WoodNovember 28, 2021

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With the tree going up, decorations adorning your home and holiday music playing all day, it’s time to break out the traditions.

But in lieu of your traditional gingerbread house, why not update your style with Trader Joe’s “hexen haus?” The authentic German-style kit is a nice refresh on this holiday classic.

photo: Karly Wood

For $7.99, you get everything you need to whip up a gingerbread creation. Each kit comes with gingerbread house pieces and people, plus icing and candy decorations. Plus, the entire thing is free of preservatives!

Grab your Trader Joe’s Gingerbread House Kit on your next grocery run before they sell out for the season.

––Karly Wood

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Recall Alert: Johnson & Johnson Recalling 5 Lines of Aerosol Sunscreens

by Sarah ShebekJuly 19, 2021

It’s smart to be sun safe, but if you’ve been using certain sunscreens, it’s time to make a switch. Johnson & Johnson has announced it’s voluntarily recalling 14 sunscreen products from five different product lines due to the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen. All of the affected products are aerosol (spray) sunscreens.

Benzene is not an ingredient in any of the sunscreens, but it may have contaminated the products during the manufacturing process and internal testing identified low levels of the carcinogen. The following sunscreen lines are under recall:

NEUTROGENA^® Beach Defense^® aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA^® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA^® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA^® Ultra Sheer^® aerosol sunscreen
AVEENO^® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen

If you have one or more of these products in your house, stop using them and discard. You can contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center with any questions. If you have more specific medical questions, contact your healthcare provider.

The Environmental Working Group recommends avoiding spray sunscreens due to inadequate coverage and potential inhalation risks. You can find a full report from the group on safer sunscreen choices online.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Pichara Bann on Unsplash

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60+ Easy Summer Recipes You Need to Try

by Abigail MatsumotoJune 28, 2021

Ready to kick your summer menu up a notch? Start with this sunny collection of our very best easy summer recipes! From pasta salad to grilling recipes and even summer dessert recipes, keep scrolling for the best dinners and side dishes to make this season.

Summer Dinner Recipes

Summer Charcuterie Boards

hot dog charcuterie board — Missin' the Kitchen

Charcuterie boards are all the rage, and from hot dog boards to fruit boards and even a s'mores board, we found 11 that are perfect for summer. See them all here.

Summer Meals That Don’t Require a Stove

no-cook meals — The View from Great Island

When a heatwave hits, skip the stove! Instead, turn to this collection of no-cook summer recipes. From refreshing salads to colorful summer rolls to simple crockpot meals, we have the stove-free dinners you'll love. Get the recipes here.

Our Favorite Grilling Recipes

Get fired up because we have just the recipes to take your grilling to the next level. Think top-notch skewers and kabobs, Mexican corn, strawberry tart, grilled peaches, and more! Get the great grill recipes here.

20 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

Whether you're headed to a summer picnic or just need a new summer recipe to add to the rotation, you can't go wrong with simple pasta salads! Check out the crowd-pleasing pastabilities here.

12 Seasonal Summer Recipes Your Kids Will Adore

Take advantage of seasonal summer produce! First step: try these recipes that spotlight summer fruits and veggies. With these ideas, you can use up your tomato crop, sip on fruity agua frescas and enjoy the best of what summer has to offer. Click here for the roundup.

16 SuperFood Ideas to Beat Summer’s UV Rays

Applying SPF this summer? Go one step farther with a summery superfood menu! These summer recipes full of antioxidants, vitamins and other goodies that can help block UVA rays, protect skin, and even ease sunburns. Click here to shine on.

11 Awesome Kebab Recipes

Summertime is kebab time! Get grilling with some of our faves like veggie skewers, teriyaki kebabs, and fancy salmon varieties. For your next favorite meal-on-a-stick click here.

Sweet Treats & Drinks and All the Ways to Use Summer Fruit

15 Summer Strawberries Recipes

no bake desserts — Joseph Gonzalez via Unsplash

Celebrate summer with strawberries! We've given everyone's favorite summer fruit the spotlight, with recipes that'll amp up your smoothies, salads, scones, and more. Take your pick with these recipes.

12 Blackberry Recipes to Try This Summer

It's blackberry season! To celebrate, we've got blackberry recipes for the whole family, for the whole summer. Discover the berry bliss of blackberry fruit roll ups, ice cream and even pizza. Get all the blackberry recipes here.

20 Drool-Worthy Summer Popsicle Recipes

Every summer bucket list should include lots and lots of popsicles. We rounded up 20 homemade popsicle recipes that feature fresh flavors, fresh fruit, and even funfetti. Now the question is which delicious popsicle you'll whip up first. Click here for the icy scoop.

15 Refreshing Mocktails to Sip All Summer Long

Make way for mocktails! Every summer staycation needs a sip of something good. That's why we've searched all around for slushies, fancy lemonades, Italian sodas and other delicious drinks. Grab a paper umbrella and get the recipes here.

10 Flavored Ice Cubes Perfect for a Hot Day

Now here's a cool idea: get extra refreshed this summer with flavored ice cubes! Try chocolate cubes in your iced coffee, pineapple cubes in your water or go crazy with layered juice cubes. Ready to raise a glass? Click here for all the icy ideas.

12 Simple No-Bake Desserts Perfect for Summer

When you need a sweet summer treat but can't face actual baking, turn to no-bake desserts! These recipes are easy, flavorful, and don't take a lot of energy—not from you, and definitely not from your oven. Click here for the no-bake list.

10 Modern Twists on the Traditional Lemonade

There's nothing more classic than a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. But what about giving your refreshment a refreshing twist? From peach and pineapple to a kick of green juice, click here to add something new to your 'ade.

8 Amazing Watermelon Recipes

Which watermelon recipe will your family want most? That'll be the question once you've browsed our roundup recipes that incorporate watermelon for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Click here for all the watermelon goodness.

14 Tasty (& Unconventional) S’mores Recipes

Did somebody say s'mores? If these marshmallow goodies are on your summer to-do list, check out our picks for unconventional s'mores that make your campfire memories even better. Click here for more s'mores.

Festival Fare: Classic Recipes You Can Make at Home

If your fave thing about summer is the fun of festivals and fairs, we have good news. We found homemade versions of your favorite festival food, from churros and caramel apples to no-dye snow cones. For the full fair experience, click here.

—Abigail Matsumoto

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It’s going to be hard to resist some of these

Chocolate Cherry Popsicles

Rainbow Popsicles

Shirley Temple Popsicles

Raspberry Cheesecake Popsicles

Ripe Peach Popsicles

Pumpkin Pie Popsicle

Lava Flow Popsicles

Healthy Raspberry Sorbet Popsicles

Coconut Water Pineapple Popsicles

Healthy Greek Yogurt Fudge Pops

Chocolate Covered Almond Popsicles

Funfetti Creamsicles

Root Beer Float Popsicles

Coconut Pineapple Yogurt Pops

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Mousse Pops

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Cookies and Coconut Cream Popsicles

Triple Berry Paletas

Sunrise Popsicles

Dairy-free Patriotic Popsicles

Mango Chili Popsicles

Cherry Lime Popsicles

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