Need some roses for your love? Costco has you covered
News flash: Costco Valentine’s Day rose sale is back! Here’s the scoop on the sweet deals you can score on Costco roses, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
It’s true that rising prices are being felt everywhere in 2024, and Costco’s deal on roses is no exception. This year, the cost to pre-order the Valentine’s Day bunches (with guaranteed delivery) is $64.99—but it’s still an amazing offer if we do say so ourselves. You can’s get 50 long-stem roses for $64.99 anywhere else that we know of. And there’s a wide assortment: all-red bouquets, all-white bouquets, hot pink and light pink bouquets, lavender bouquets, and bouquets with shades of pink, red, and white.
Costco
Members and non-members alike can snag this preorder-only deal by placing their order from now until no later than Feb. 12 by 11 a.m. PST. But be forewarned, this is one hot deal and supplies are likely to run out before then.
Shoppers can choose delivery dates of Jan. 31- Feb. 2, Feb. 6-9, and Feb. 13. Deliveries may occur one day before or one day after the selected date (so if you want Valentine’s Day delivery choose Feb. 13). All deliveries include free shipping and handling (taxes still apply). Non-members can also get in on the deal, but they will have to pay a 5% surcharge.
Costco
These beautiful bouquets all have 50-centimeter stems, are Rainforest Alliance Certified, and come from Costco’s South American farms. Costco prides itself on running socially responsible farms, so you know these beauties are coming from a wonderful place.
The order of 50 roses comes in two bundles of 25 stems and without a vase. It’s probably wise to start shopping for a vase (or two) that can handle 50 of these gorgeous flowers!
Insider’s Tip: If you want to send someone roses “just because,” it’s only $49.99 for 50 roses, but remember, this deal isn’t available around Valentine’s Day.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Rob Kenney is looking out for kids who don’t have a father figure in their life. His popular YouTube channel, “Dad, How Do I?” has recently gone viral. There he teaches skills you would normally ask your dad about.
According to an article in Shattered, Kenney wants to leave a legacy, particularly for those who come from a broken family or have an absent parent. Kenney’s own father left when he was still a child. After raising two children of his own, he started making videos to help fill his empty nest.
So far, the videos cover topics like checking the oil, checking your tire pressure, how to fix a running toilet, how to tie a tie and how to iron a dress shirt.
After the outpouring of support made its way to Kenney’s various inboxes, he shared a video to his account thanking everyone for their kind words.
When it comes to the best Christmas lights Portland has to offer, these displays are totally lit
The City of Roses should be renamed the City of Lights during the holidays, as far as we’re concerned. Starting right after you finish up Thanksgiving dinner, running throughout the month of December, Portland is ablaze with fun and unique light displays that will brighten up anyone’s day. So after you’ve picked out the perfect tree for the season, fill your thermos with hot chocolate (maybe a hot toddy for the parents), bundle up the kids, and check out these holiday light displays that will brighten your season.
Portland International Raceway Christmas Lights - Winter Wonderland
If you're looking for drive-thru Christmas lights in Portland, head down to the Portland International Raceway for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi,” the 30th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland is unlike any light show you’ve ever seen. Spectators become part of the show as they drive through the track, taking in more than 250 set pieces and animated displays along the course. Plus, all proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division's year-round hunger relief efforts.
Good to Know: Tickets range from $48 - $155 depending on vehicle size
'Tis the season to check out one of Portland’s most popular light experiences: ZooLights at, you guessed it, the Oregon Zoo. This larger-than-life display has more than a million and a half lights, plus all your favorite animals, too! You can take it all in two ways: on a classic walk through the grounds or from the comfort of your car during their drive-through experience.
Good to Know: All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online. They range from $21-$29, and drive-thru tickets are $65. Remember, Zoo members receive discounted admission.
Dates: Nov. 23, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 (Closed on Christmas Day)
The Christmas ships are coming! A fleet of ships have sailed down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers every year for 67 years. Grab a perch with a view (restaurants along the route book up quick), pack your thermos and blankets, and watch the floating lights go by. This is a great parade, and the best part is, you can catch it almost every night in December for free. Be sure to check online for when they’ll be closest to you, as the route changes. It's the perfect winter evening activity for tiny boat enthusiasts (and their parents).
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights features more than two million lights and is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches, and civic groups as you explore the beautiful property. Concerts are scheduled each evening and families can also enjoy outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and storytimes.
Good to Know: Kids 2 and under are free at this display.
8840 N.E. Skidmore St. Portland Online:thegrotto.org
Christmas on the Campground
Drive by or stroll through the Apostolic Faith Church’s campground to enjoy thousands of lights with the kids this year. The lights are on from dusk to dawn at this free display, and music plays at two different times throughout the night. In addition to the life-size nativity scene, the coolest part of the display is hands down the ginormous Christmas tree at the heart of the display. It's the tallest in Southeast Portland, and it's one reason to bring the kids to see this festive display.
Add Lightopia in Hillsboro to your light tour this year. Families can take in all the beautiful sights as you drive along a half-mile winter landscape. This free display is open for visitors on Sundays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends until 10 p.m. One thing to note, you'll need a reservation to drive through, so snag one while you can.
Dates: Dec. 3-31, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)
Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium) 4450 N.E. Century Blvd. Hillsboro, OR Online:hillsboro-oregon.gov
Clackamas County Winter Fair
Head over to the Clackamas County Event Center for the 3rd Annual Winter Fair and Holiday Market. Not only can you enjoy more than 200,000 lights and scenes, but the kids can meet Santa while you check off people on your Christmas list. Admission to the experience is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. Bring your 3 and unders for free.
One street you absolutely cannot skip is Peacock Lane—known as Portland’s Christmas Street. Located in S.E. Portland, each house on this little street has been taking Christmas cheer to the next level since 1932. From nativity scenes and rotating trees to re-enactments of your favorite holiday characters and movies, Peacock Lane continues to delight visitors from near and far. You can find this super sweet displays along S.E. Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont Streets.
Insider Tip: Families can walk the display without car congestion on pedestrian-only nights. This year they're scheduled for December 15-17.
Nearly anywhere you drive in Portland, you are likely to see stunning and creative light displays by local families. Holding true to our city's reputation for creativity, you are guaranteed a bright and magical holiday when you live in the City of Roses. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and candy canes, to add to the seasonal magic when you head out to one of Portland's many neighborhood light displays. Pile everyone into the car and head to these neighborhoods to see some of the best home grown displays in town. Some of our favorite areas include the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, Alberta, and the Sellwood/Moreland area.
Zappos’ annual VIP sale is running from 8/23-8/30, and there are a ton of deals to snag before it’s over. There are also cool perks you’ll get for being a VIP, like earning up to 11 points for every dollar spent, rapid refunds on returns and free UPS pickup. Plus, you’re a Prime member, you’ll earn an additional one point on every dollar! So from shoes to clothes and even accessories, keep scrolling to take a peek at some of our favorite things to buy now.
Running through sprinklers is fun, but FUNBOY’s new splash pads take backyard water toys to the next level. Just plug in your garden hose and watch the water spray up to five feet high!
The pad fills with water, so there’s no pump required, and you won’t have to get dizzy blowing it up with air. Designed for kids 3 and up, there’s room for a few to run through it or sit down and cool off in the water. Your dog will definitely get in on the action too.
You may know FUNBOY from the brand’s splashy pool floats for adults that you’ll find all over Instagram (inflatable cabana, anyone?). The family-owned company based in Venice Beach, California, recently launched its line of FUNBABY inflatables, sprinklers and kiddie pools, so kids can get in on all the fun. These cool splash pads are the latest addition to the line.
The splash pad comes in two funky prints: tropical and Moroccan Dream. Both versions are currently on sale on the FUNBOY website for $39, so snap one up quick!
Moms are superheroes. They cook, clean, remember appointments, schedule playdates and delegate chores. They are only human, though, and sometimes they may forget things. Trying to juggle all your kids’ responsibilities, your obligations, your home life and potentially your career can push all other thoughts out of your mind. However, just because you’re doing so many things for others doesn’t mean you deserve less than that for yourself.
Less than 50% of moms would rate themselves as doing a spectacular job at motherhood, whether they have jobs or stay at home. While you’re looking after everyone else, you can still take small steps toward improving your own life, bit by bit.
1. Schedule Your Appointments
With all of your kids running around, it might be difficult for you to remember that you have appointments, too. Your health is important and shouldn’t be neglected. Just as you take care of your kids, you must take care of yourself, too.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re managing too many appointments at once. If you schedule everything for one day of the week, you might find it easier to keep up with them. You might have to take your child to the doctor one day, and the following week, it’s your turn.
Those weeks you might have off could be dedicated to catching up on social appointments. When’s the last time you got together with a friend? Just as your kids should have time with other children, you also need to socialize.
2. Budget for the Best Future
As difficult as it is to think about, you need to ensure your kids have the best future, no matter what happens. Before they’re born, you might want to set up a fund that can be used for college or another route after they graduate from high school. If you already have children, planning your will clearly and concisely will go a long way to making sure they’re protected.
3. Eat Healthy
Another part of taking care of yourself, your partner and your children is to prepare quality food that adds nutrients to your diet. It might be easier to go to a fast-food restaurant, but cooking allows you to teach your kids new recipes and give them more autonomy by allowing them to help with the little things.
If grocery trips are overwhelming, plan your meals ahead of time. With kids tagging along and asking to add multiple snacks to the cart, it’s hard to keep your mind on what staples you should add to your pantry. Being prepared prevents you from running into that issue because you’ll have a list. That way, you can quickly go through the aisles and keep track of what you pick up while also allowing a little room in your budget for your child’s favorite treat.
4. Set Goals for Yourself
Whether you have a full-time job or are a stay-at-home mom, you should have personal and professional goals for yourself. You must know yourself well and select specific objectives that don’t leave room for interpretation. By choosing these goals and writing them down, you’re committing yourself to be the best you can be—as a partner, a working professional and a mom.
Keeping your objectives in your mind will allow you to move forward with intention and grace. Every step you take will lead you closer to achieving the realistic and attainable goals you set for yourself.
5. Make Time for Self-Care
Who’s going to look after you and everyone else when you get sick or need some me-time? If you allow yourself to be run down, your daily home life will be disrupted. That isn’t to say you don’t deserve time to yourself—quite the opposite. Taking a break means you won’t hit a brick wall mentally or emotionally. It means your household will continue operating at a steady pace without you.
Basic self-care is essential. As a hardworking mom, you should allow yourself luxuries beyond that. Ask your partner to watch the kids while you get a massage or go out shopping with friends. After everything you do, you’ve earned a break.
6. Cherish the Memories
Your kids are only little once. Since time travel isn’t possible, every moment you spend with your family should be treasured, no matter what it is.
Even if you experience some setbacks in your day, one negative moment means nothing in the long run. Focus on the positives in your day-to-day life, and find things to be grateful for from the second you wake up to the time you go to bed. Changing your mindset to be more positive while allowing yourself to feel the negative emotions will make you a happier person overall.
You’re human, so you’re bound to make mistakes. Nobody expects you to be the perfect mother, and it’s OK to lose track of things now and then. As long as you center and take care of yourself, you’ll be well-equipped to look after the people you love, too.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
Girls can do anything: that’s the message of a new children’s book, Pinkie Promises, from Senator Elizabeth Warren who ran for president in 2020. It’s her first-ever picture book in her own words and it’s on sale this fall for kids who dream big everywhere.
Polly wants to make a difference, but she keeps hearing “that’s not what girls do.” She’s frustrated, but one day she goes to a rally to see a woman running for president. They meet in person and after a pinkie promise, Polly is inspired to embark on her own campaign for Class President. Win or lose, she’s been empowered to take matters into her own hands.
The book features art by award-winning illustrator Charlene Chua and is available to buy Oct. 12 in hardcover for $18.99. It’s targeted for girls in the four to eight-year-old range, but its message applies to all women. Warren would often introduce herself on the campaign trail to young supporters by saying, “My name is Elizabeth, and I’m running for President because that’s what girls do.”
Along with authoring books, Elizabeth Warren has served as the United State Senator of Massachusetts since 2013, the first woman senator for the state. She’s also a former law professor and she finished third in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries.
—Sarah Shebek
Image courtesy of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
What would happen if Leslie Knope ran for class president? You came to know, love, and laugh with Amy Poehler’s comedic character as the perky Pawnee bureaucrat on Parks and Rec. Now Knope is back and running for class pres!
Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President!is a family-friendly look at a younger Knope and a few of her hilariously memorable Parks and Rec pals. Written by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Melanie Demmer and published by Little, Brown Young Readers, this picture book is a can’t-miss for fans of the show and their kiddos.
Photo: Little, Brown Young Readers
Based on characters from the seven-season-long show, this comic look into a little Knope’s world follows Leslie as she campaigns for Pawnee Elementary class president. Not only will you get a kick out of the comic characters and their younger selves, but your child will also enjoy the tall tales of Knope, Ben, Ann and more!
Find Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President! at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Ebooks.com, and Kobo for $9.99 starting Jun. 29, 2021.
Before my daughter was born, my husband and I wrote her a song called “Wise Teacher.” We knew she would teach us a lot by coming into our lives. It’s hard to remember her wisdom sometimes when she is picking her nose and handing it to me or when she is throwing an epic tantrum because I ran out of bananas and offered an apple instead.
But, there is no doubt that becoming the mother to this little being has totally transformed me. Here are some of the unexpected things I learned from her.
1. I have to prioritize caring for myself in order to care for her.
This girl is a high energy, high maintenance little force of nature. As sweet as she can be, caring for her every day gets exhausting. If I don’t deeply care for my physical, mental and emotional parts, I will burn out. I have to meditate. I have to get in nature. I have to journal and go to therapy. I have to eat well. I have to prioritize sleep. I have to take baths, feel my feelings and get out to have some fun on my own.
I have to do all that and more in order to be well-resourced and rested enough to be the best mom possible for her.
2. Meltdowns are not just for toddlers.
Even with all my self-care routines, sometimes it just gets to be too much for me. Running a business and raising a child is an epic juggling challenge. Sometimes I drop a ball or two and that can lead to an emotional meltdown for me. But, just like with toddlers, it’s not actually a big deal.
My emotional tantrums are a natural part of life, a release valve when the pressure gets too high. And, just like I love her through her big emotions, I too am lovable and worthy of support in my meltdowns. They don’t mean I am bad, wrong or crazy. They are a show of my vulnerable humanness and it’s ok.
3. It’s okay to need people.
Obviously my tiny daughter needs us. We dress her, feed her, comfort her, play with her, make sure she doesn’t die, etc. And obviously I needed my parents that much too. But somewhere along the way I decided it wasn’t ok or a good idea to need people. I tried to be so independent, to not care if I didn’t have someone there for me, to not rely on anyone.
Eventually that all backfired and I realized I am actually stronger with the support and connection of others. But, that realization is still landing fully in my body and life. Seeing my daughter receive our care and love and experiencing her needing us so fully helps me deeply remember and accept that I need people to help and care for me, too. And that’s okay. It’s actually great and really natural.
4. When I follow my passions, everyone wins.
When I first started this motherhood thing, I felt like I had to give up things I really loved doing and creating in order to be a good mom. But what I learned from raising my daughter, is that when I leave her in the care of someone else so I can do something I love, like write or give a healing session or create music, it is great for all.
My daughter gets a chance to be loved by and bond with another family or community member, the caregiver gets blessed with a really fun and nurturing time with my awesome kid and I get filled up inside with the glow of creative vitality that only comes from pursing my true passions and doing my creative work in the world.
Then, my relationship with my husband is better because my vitality is flowing, my daughter benefits because I am able to be more present and attentive to her when I am done and I get the absolute joy of feeling like I really can have it all without guilt, which also benefits my health and stress levels.
5. Running around naked is the best feeling ever.
Ok, bare with me on this one. Before or after bath time, if we let her, my daughter will streak up and down the halls of our house naked, laughing and shrieking with joy. She absolutely, unabashedly loves it. Yes, I like being naked too, but where I’m going with this is more metaphorical.
By baring my soul, by sharing my raw truth, by being nakedly vulnerable with my emotions and insides, life becomes a lot more thrilling and fun. Being transparent and authentic is the best feeling ever. Instead of hiding parts of myself or pretending to be something I’m not, I’ve gotten incredibly honest in my motherhood journey. I tell the truth, I share the hard parts and the real details of my journey. I let it all hang out.
And, just like my little naked daughter, people love me even more for it. I inspire others to get more naked in their truth and life is way more interesting, connective and fulfilling.
So, those are a few of the unexpected things I’ve learned from raising my daughter. I know this girl and this journey of motherhood will continue to teach and inspire me in ways I don’t even know yet. She’s only a toddler, after all.
We have a lot of growing and learning to do together in this life. But, through all the ages and stages, I commit to learning from her as much or more than I teach, to stay humble as a student of life and to receive all the wisdom I can from my little wise teacher.
Flow is an Author and Memoir Writing Coach for Womxn. Feeling the call to write your true life story into a book that inspires? Sign up to join a Free Memoir Writing Breakthrough Workshop through her website, and get the clarity and momentum you need to make it happen.
This is how I look during most days of quarantine. Are you digging the crazy bun and no makeup?
Well, as crazy as this messy bun looks, and I’m not sure why it always flops to the side, it is a blessing.
A symbol of renewal and change.
I used to be, like so many of us, the one running all over the place, all of the time and it was never-ending and downright exhausting.
To be honest though, most days I was simply running in circles.
Running from being bored. Running from not feeling grounded. Running from going through the motions.
But now, I’m lucky if I get out of my pajamas before noon on most days and it’s not because I’m sleeping.
Just the opposite, I’m present.
I’m present and not rushing out of the side door forgetting where my keys are.
I’m present and able to listen fully to each story the girls have to share, rather than rushing out to pick up the last-minute item I need for dinner.
I’m present, fully present, often waiting for them.
I’m talking with the girls over a cup of tea, not rushing, as they pop down to the kitchen to see me between classes online.
I’m making egg sandwiches and making sure it has a dash of love—not rushing.
I’m driving in the car, blasting our favorite songs and belting out the lyrics (most of them wrong)—not rushing.
And you know what? I’m okay with it.
I’m okay not rushing around and I’m okay sometimes being bored. Because I have gained so much more by not rushing.
It doesn’t mean I’m lazy.
It doesn’t mean I’m unmotivated.
It doesn’t mean I don’t want to try.
It just means I have accepted this slowed-down life and pace for what it is. A way to slow down and finally implement all we so desperately craved one year ago. For me, there is a silver lining to the pandemic. I was finally able to find some calm, some peace.
I was finally able to allow relaxation to seep into every pore of my body.
So the new me, with the weird side bun, no makeup, and a smile on my face, can be found planted in the kitchen or on the couch waiting for the girls to hang out and chat.
Maybe it’s a heart-to-heart, maybe just a quick laugh over something they saw online, or maybe we simply sit, with nowhere to go and embrace the moment.
Ali Flynn Is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Mom and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents and Her View From Home.
