ML Interest Tag: socio-economic

Even More True Crime Docuseries That Moms Can’t Get Enough Of

by Kate Loweth

Is there anything more relaxing after a long day of parenting than settling into the couch, grabbing a cup of tea, and breaking a 30-year-old cold case? When thinking of ways to unwind, grisly murder doesn’t naturally come to mind, yet women consume true crime entertainment—whether by documentary, docuseries, or podcast—at greater rates than men, and moms are among the biggest fans. There are theories as to why.

Some experts believe women are drawn to true crime because the victims are often female. Some think consuming true crime media helps women understand the criminal mindset and acts as a primer on how not to become a victim. Whatever the reason, we’re obsessed. And with so much out there, there’s no shortage of true crime docuseries to dive into. If you’ve already watched everything about the Night Stalker or are yet to join the true-crime-obsessed, here’s a list of series you need to check off immediately.

American Nightmare

American Nightmare true crime documentaries for moms netflix
Netflix

This three-part series explains how a home invasion and kidnapping led to Gone Girl-style accusations lodged against the kidnapped woman when she reappeared two days later. From the filmmakers behind The Tinder Swindler, this docuseries delves into the issue of investigators rushing to judgment and how that ultimately impacted the case and traumatized the victims. We especially loved the badass female detective who eventually broke the case wide open.

Where to stream: Netflix

The Case Against Adnan Syed 

This four-part documentary series explores the 1999 murder of 18-year-old Hae Min Lee and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed. The hugely popular “Serial” podcast brought the story to worldwide attention, and a few years after the podcast aired, Syed’s murder conviction was vacated, and he was released from prison after serving 20 years. HBO is producing a follow-up episode to the incredible unfolding of the story that will feature exclusive footage of Syed leading up to and following his release from prison. The investigation the filmmakers did in the original series was used as evidence in the hearing to release Syed—which makes this series even more compelling.

Where to stream: Max

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks

In the first season of this fascinating series, we met Kristine and Michael Barnett, a couple who adopted a Ukrainian orphan named Natalia Grace who has a rare dwarfism condition called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. The Barnetts claimed that Natalia not only threatened to harm them on numerous occasions but that she was actually an adult attempting to masquerade as a child. They went through the process of having her “re-aged” so that they would no longer be responsible for caring for her.

Season 2 “Natalia Speaks” addresses this story from Natalia’s point of view, specifically how Kristine Barnett formed this narrative because she no longer wanted to care for Natalia. You’ll want to dive into this series full of twists and turns that you won’t see coming (especially the shocking revelation in the series’ final episode). We’re seriously crossing our fingers for a Season 3.

Where to stream: Hulu

Escaping Twin Flames

Who doesn’t want to find their one true love, a soulmate or “twin flame”? Jeff and Shaleia Ayan established the online community of the Twin Flames Universe with just that goal in mind. This three-part docuseries provides interviews with former members who allege heavy coercion and manipulation led them into sometimes dangerous relationships with complete strangers who they were told were their twin flame. Want to learn more about this high-pressure group? Prime Video also released a series on the topic in 2023: Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe.

Where to stream: Netflix 

Evil Genius 

Evil Genius is a true crime docuseries on Netflix
Netflix

“In 2003 in Erie, Pennsylvania, a robbery gone wrong and a terrifying public murder capture the nation’s attention, and a bizarre collection of Midwestern hoarders, outcasts, and lawbreakers play cat-and-mouse with the FBI,” reads the series description on Netflix’s Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist. But all of that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the twists and turns of this four-part docuseries. Add a small-town beauty queen turned criminal mastermind and the criminal case that came to be known as the “pizza bomber heist”—and you are in for a true crime rabbit hole you’re not ready for.

Where to stream: Netflix 

Inventing Anna 

Inventing Anna investigates the case of Anna Delvey, the Instagram-famous German heiress who quickly befriended key players in New York’s uber-rich social scene—and stole their money, too. The series was inspired by New York Magazine’s expose on the socialite—and poses the question, “Who the heck is Anna Delvey, and why was she able to trick so many people out of so much money?”

Where to stream: Netflix

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

This series follows the life of self-proclaimed spiritual leader Amy Carlson, referred to as “Mother God” by those who worshiped her. She leads the Love Has Won group through spiritual enlightenment via live-streaming sessions with the help of a series of male partners she dubs “Father God.” Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God features interviews with Love Has Won devotees, many of whom appear to still be involved in the cult, and culminates with Carlson’s disturbing death and the police investigation that followed.

Where to stream: Max

Lula Rich 

LuLaRoe founders DeAnne Brady and Mark Stidham convinced thousands of women to buy into their pyramid scheme. They got rich while bankrupting those women they claimed to liberate with their products—predominantly poorly made leggings with questionable patterns. LulaRich is a four-part true crime docuseries that chronicles the unraveling of LuLaRoe; once known for their buttery soft leggings—now known for their terrible manipulation, questionable selling tactics, and ultimate demise.

Where to stream: Prime Video 

Making a Murderer 

Netflix

Making a Murderer tells the story of Steven Avery, a man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who served 18 years in prison after a wrongful conviction for sexual assault and attempted murder of Penny Beerntsen. He was later charged with and convicted of the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. It also tells the story of Avery’s nephew Brendan Dassey, who was accused and convicted as an accessory in the murder of Halbach. The series follows Avery’s arrest and conviction and his subsequent exoneration and release, then delves into the civil lawsuit he filed against Manitowoc County. There is so much going on here, you have to see it to believe it.

Where to stream: Netflix

Murdaugh Murders – A Southern Scandal 

Alex Murdaugh’s face has been all over the news lately, convicted last week of the murder of his wife and son and sentenced to life in prison. The Murdaughs were at one time considered one of South Carolina’s most prominent families until the death of teenager Mallory Beach in a drunken boating accident started to scrape at the veneer of the family’s facade and reveal the darkness underneath. Paul Murdaugh—the alleged driver of the boat—and his mother Maggie were found brutally murdered in 2021, and “a century of corruption, power, and cover-ups in the Low Country” was brought to light. The three-part series focuses on first-hand accounts from people on the boat and people who have never spoken about the crash or double homicide until now.

Where to stream: Netflix

Our Father 

Netflix

Jacoba Ballard was an only child, conceived via donor sperm. Her dream of having siblings led her to take one of those at-home DNA tests to see if there were any out there. The test led her to discover seven half-brothers and sisters, which raised red flags for all involved. The siblings started investigating their family tree, which landed them on a shocking discovery: the family’s fertility doctor was using his sperm to inseminate his patients—without their knowledge or consent.

Where to stream: Netflix

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets

This one is especially for all of you who have been long-time watchers of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, a series that followed the lives of ultra-religious Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and their 19 kids. Shiny Happy People delves into some of the scandals that have followed the family, their involvement with the Institute in Basic Life Principles, and what went on behind the scenes of the popular television show. Interviews with daughter Jill (Duggar) Dillard, her husband Derick Dillard, and niece Amy (Duggar) King provided an eye-opening glimpse of the financial manipulation, abuse, and religious indoctrination that went on in the family.

Where to stream: Prime Video

Take Care of Maya

Maya Kowalski and her family are the center of this story that’s every parent’s nightmare. Ten-year-old Maya comes down with some unusual symptoms and her parents, Jack and Beata Kowalski, take her to the ER to find out what is going on. Beata is a nurse and had previously taken Maya to many different medical providers to try and figure out what was going on. One physician diagnosed Maya with complex regional pain syndrome and suggested ketamine as a treatment for her pain. So when Maya is admitted to the hospital from the ER, Beata suggests to the hospital staff that ketamine be given.

Instead of listening to Beata, the hospital finds this request to be suspicious and requests Child Protective Services evaluate Maya for possible child abuse by her mother. Take Care of Maya follows what happened after Maya was taken away from her family.

Where to stream: Netflix

Waco: American Apocalypse

Netflix

In 1993, cult leader David Koresh faced off against the federal government in a 51-day siege that shook the American public. The conflict began with the biggest gunfight on American soil since the Civil War and ended in a fiery inferno—caught on live TV. It was the biggest news story in the world at the time, and viewers were hooked. In line with the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, Netflix is releasing the true crime docuseries on March 22, with unearthed footage and interviews with several people close to the case.

Where to stream: Netflix

The Way Down 

Christian diet guru Gwen Shamblin Lara founded the Remnant Fellowship Church in 1999. She died with her husband and son-in-law in 2021 when her private Cessna crashed into Percy Priest Lake near Smyrna, Tennessee, shortly after takeoff. Four church leaders were with the family and were also killed in the crash. The fellowship taught its members to “turn away from the love of food and toward the love of God”—so it’s essentially a church based on dieting, which is the weirdest thing ever. The series details the truth behind Lara’s very carefully curated image and delves into the controversial practices of the church.

Where to stream: Max 

Web of Death

This series follows the investigations of online sleuths who used digital footprints, DNA databases, and crowdsourcing to solve murder cases. Each episode follows a different case, like the investigation of the disappearance of Abraham Shakespeare who won a $30 million state lottery and was reported missing three years later. We love this one so much because really, we’d all like to be investigating true crime in our spare time from the comfort of our own homes.

Where to stream: Hulu

Additional reporting by Maria Guido

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12 Tips for Raising an Independent Thinker

by Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

#12 is really important

As parents, our greatest wish for our children is for them to be happy, healthy, and confident. Experts agree that curiosity and independent thinking are key ingredients to ensuring the development of these positive character traits; however, there is still often cultural and societal pressure for kids to conform to predetermined ideas and behaviors. 

Raising kids who stand up for what they believe in and who march to the beat of their drums can be a delicate balancing act, but it’s essential to fostering a strong sense of self. According to says Carole Kramer Arsenault, a licensed family therapist, and founder and CEO of Boston Baby Nurse, “Independent thinking children develop higher levels of confidence and have increased self-esteem. Children who are independent thinkers use their own experiences to interpret the world instead of believing everything they are taught by parents, teachers, society, etc.”

We asked child behavior and early education experts for their advice on how to foster confidence and independent thinking in any child. Here are their 12 best tips for raising an independent thinker.

1. Model and share the behaviors, values, and ideals you want your independent kid to possess.

Modeling and sharing with your child what you believe and what you value—early and often—will ensure that she grows up with a solid ideological foundation as she develops her sense of self. “Parents who communicate what they value with their children raise children who value communicating with their parents,” says Mica Geer, an American early education specialist based in Stuttgart, Germany. Geer adds that it’s a two-way street and parents also need to hear what their children value, too. “It may seem like the ramblings of a child, but when a kid is sharing her thoughts, parents need to really listen.”

2. Let children know that failure is an essential part of learning and growing.

Young children are like sponges: they’ll absorb virtually everything around them. Encouraging kids to learn through their failures instead of giving up when things get tough will empower them in the long run. According to the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit organization that supports families and children coping with mental illness and learning disabilities, “trial and error is how kids learn, and falling short on a goal helps kids find out that it’s not fatal.” By learning to embrace a misstep, a child may be spurred to put in the extra effort the next time, learning a valuable lesson. 

3. Expose your child to different cultures, foods, and multicultural/multiethnic experiences.

“Encouraging your child to play and interact with other kids from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds and diverse socio-economic circumstances can open a child’s mind to different worldviews and opinions,” says Kramer Arsenault. Early exposure to the wider world—to different cultures, people, and even food—teaches a child that the world is vast and open to lots of possibilities.

Related: 10 Things That’ll Help You Raise Resilient Kids

4. Instead of simply pushing independence, encourage self-reliance.

little girl learning how to be an independent thinker
Kipp Jareke-Cheng via Instagram

Dr. Jim Taylor, a San Francisco-based psychologist, says becoming an independent thinker is achieved through the pursuit of self-reliance. “As human beings, we are social creatures incapable of being truly independent. Instead of raising independent children, I want you to raise self-reliant children.” Dr. Taylor defines self-reliance as “confident in your own abilities and able to do things for yourself.” For children, that means encouraging the development of essential life tools that include cognitive, emotional, behavioral, interpersonal, and practical skills.

5. Tell your kids that practice makes perfect—or at least makes pretty great.

While experts agree that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to instilling confidence and independence in children, most recognize that values can and do change with time, age, and experience. The Center for Parenting Education provides useful resources for helping parents raise caring, responsible, resilient children, including practical exercises that parents and children can work on together to share and explore their basic life values.

6. Allow your kids to act their age.

One of the greatest and longest-lasting gifts a parent can give to a child is confidence. However, a parent can undermine a child’s confidence by creating expectations that are unrealistic or not age-appropriate. Carl Pickhardt, a psychologist, and author of 15 parenting books says, “When a child feels that only performing as well as parents is good enough, that unrealistic standard may discourage effort. Striving to meet advanced age expectations can reduce confidence.” Instead, he says parents should celebrate accomplishments big and small as well as encourage children to practice skills to build competence.

Related: I’m Raising My Kids to Be Financially Responsible & Independent. You Can, Too

7. Define and set clear boundaries for your child.

boy learning how to be an independent thinker
iStock

It may seem counter-intuitive, but defining and establishing clear boundaries and expectations will help a child feel a greater sense of independence and confidence. According to Geer, “reasonable boundaries that are based in logic and frequently reinforced actually do more to encourage kids than constantly changing expectations.” She adds that parents sometimes equate expectations with limitations, but kids always are looking for things that make them feel safe and in a safe environment to build their own ideas. 

8. Give your child the space to grow, learn and explore.

Younger children especially are trying to assert their independence in ways that may come across as defiant or disorderly to some parents. But experts caution not to overreact or jump in to correct too quickly. “Research shows that parents who are over-involved in an activity that a child is doing, who take over, those kids don’t develop a sense of pride, adventure, and willingness to try new things,” says Dr. Linda Acredolo, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California at Davis. Instead, Dr. Acredolo says children need the space to try—and fail on their own to learn and move forward.

9. Give responsibilities to your child at an early age.

Whether it’s simple household duties like taking out the trash or doing the dishes, assigning chores to children can give them a sense of accomplishment as well as set them up for understanding that seeing through the completion of tasks is essential throughout life and part of being a successful person. “By making them do chores… they realize, ‘I have to do the work of life in order to be part of life,’ ” says Julie Lythcott-Haims, a former Stanford University dean and the author of How to Raise an Adult.

Related: 10 Ways to Help Boost Your Kid’s Confidence

10. Encourage your child to ask questions and share their opinions.

little girl asking a question
iStock

 

Rather than enforcing your own perspective or dismissing your child’s questions, encouraging your child to question things and share their opinions and genuinely listen will help them gain confidence in their ideas. “This shows the child that his viewpoints matter. Parents should engage in actively listening to what their child has to say. When a child feels listened to he feels valued,” says Kramer Arsenault. And feeling valued will enhance your child’s self-esteem and confidence. 

11. Teach children that they have agency over their minds and bodies.

Children rely on so much from their parents and caregivers when they are young, but as they transition from childhood into adolescence, one of the most important lessons they need to learn is that they have agency over their minds and bodies. Parents can help facilitate the transition of their children’s dependence to greater independence by ensuring that their kids know the choices they make have consequences. The Center for Parenting Education has a helpful resource for helping parents and children navigate effective discipline and consequences. 

12. Trust your kids.

According to Dr. Jim Taylor, there are two kinds of children: independent and contingent. Contingent children are dependent on others for how they feel about themselves, while independent children are intrinsically motivated to achieve. Trusting that your child has learned the right lessons will allow him or her to flourish in their independence. “If your children are independent, you have provided them with the belief that they are competent and capable of taking care of themselves. You gave your children the freedom to experience life fully and learn its many important lessons,” says Dr. Taylor.

 

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Study Suggests Kids Who Read for Fun Tend to Be Better-Adjusted Teens

by Christina Marfice

A new study shows that kids who read for fun when they’re young have better cognitive performance and mental health when they hit their teenage years

While most kids these days reach for devices with screens when they have free time to kill, there’s a lot of evidence that parents might want to encourage them to pick up a book instead. In addition to the imagination-boosting power of stories, a new study found evidence that kids who read for pleasure when they’re younger tend to score higher on cognitive tests and experience better mental health when they reach adolescence.

Researchers in the U.K. and China studied 10,000 U.S. kids and found that those who had started reading for pleasure by age nine had brain scans that showed larger, healthier, and better-developed brains. Those kids also performed better on tests for memory, speech, verbal learning, and general academics, and they slept longer and spent less time looking at screens.

The researchers also found that the sweet spot for seeing cognitive effects was getting kids to read for 12 hours a week—so about two hours a day. They noted that kids who read more than that were actually at risk of negative cognitive effects since spending so much time reading could mean they were missing out on other activities that help kids build cognitive and social skills.

“Reading isn’t just a pleasurable experience—it’s widely accepted that it inspires thinking and creativity, increases empathy, and reduces stress,” study author professor Barbara Sahakian said in a release. “But on top of this, we found significant evidence that it’s linked to important developmental factors in children, improving their cognition, mental health, and brain structure, which are cornerstones for future learning and well-being.”

There is one other important caveat to this data, though: kids from affluent families are more likely to read for pleasure, and perform better on cognitive and academic tests. They’re also less likely to experience stressors (like food and housing insecurity) that can influence their mental health. So while reading is likely great for kids, we can’t ignore the socio-economic factors that are also always at play.

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9 Inspiring Ways to Spend Your MLK Day

by Debra Flanagan

The best ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. with your kids in Chicago

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 16. With the kids off from school, you may be looking for ways to recognize this important holiday and honor & explore Dr. King’s inspiring legacy. Fortunately, Chicago has so many great museum exhibits, concerts, and service opportunities to choose from.

Did you know Martin Luther King, Jr. spent a lot of time in Chicago? He visited many times in the first decade of his public career.  In 1965, he teamed up with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to fight against segregation in Chicago Public Schools. He then became a leader in the Chicago Freedom Movement. The mission of the Chicago Freedom Movement was to end slums in the city, and it inspired two marches into all-white neighborhoods as part of an open-housing campaign. Martin Luther King, Jr. even lived for a time in a West side ghetto.

To learn more, visit the DuSable Museum of African American History or The Chicago History Museum. Appreciate the contributions of the African American community at the Chicago Sinfonietta or The Museum of Science and Industry. Follow Dr. King’s example by participating in a day of service. Whichever you choose, we got you covered with some excellent options for spending the holiday.

 

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Chicago History Museum

Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Chicago History Museum's day-long family event. Join the museum as they reflect on his life and work, particularly in Chicago with the Chicago Freedom Movement, through special family-friendly activities and performances. This event is FREE with Museum admission, which is complimentary for Illinois residents on this day.

Date: Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
Online: chicagohistory.org

2. Chicago History Museum's Remembering Dr. King

Remembering Dr. King is a collection of 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King's work during the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibit places a special emphasis on his time in Chicago shedding light on the existence of discrimination and segregation. the abysmal state of housing and the realities of poverty in the north.

Date:Ongoing

Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
Online: chicagohistory.org

3. Chicago Sinfonietta's Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert

Leading the nation in programming works by women and diverse, under-represented composers, Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation’s most diverse orchestra, presents its annual MLK Tribute Concert, "Thunder", celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through family, equity and the encouragement to execute positive change.

Date: Jan. 15, 3 p.m.

Wentz Concert Hall
171 E. Chicago Ave.
Naperville

Date: Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Symphony Center
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Loop
Online: chicagosinfonietta.org 

4. Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive

Cradles to Crayons invites Chicagoland families to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by donating new or gently-used children's items at one of their 37 drop-off locations. The nonprofit organization provides essentials such as clothing, coats, books and toys to ensure all children, regardless of their socio-economic status, have what they need to feel safe, warm and valued. Click this link for a list of accepted items.

Date:Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Various drop-off locations
Online: cradlestocrayons.org

5. DuSable Museum of African American History

Every day is a good day to visit the DuSable Museum of African American History. Home to hundreds of artifacts from the Civil Rights Movement, you will not only learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, but also about the entire African American experience and accomplishments.

Date:Ongoing

DuSable Museum
740 E. 56th Pl.
Washington Park
Online: dusablemuseum.org

6. Institute for Nonviolence Chicago: Building the Beloved Community

Responding to Dr. King's question-"What are you doing for others?," the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago invites all ages to donate and help assemble toiletry packs, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, socks, and gloves, for neighbors in need.

Date:Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago
819 N Leamington Ave.
Austin
Online: nonviolencechicago.org

7. Museum of Science and Industry's Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition

Established in 1970, the Museum of Science and Industry’s Juried Art Exhibition is the nation’s longest-running exhibition of African-American Art, presenting more than 100 works of art from emerging and established African American artists. The exhibition is just one part of the Museum’s Black Creativity program which showcases achievements in scientific, artistic and technical fields by African-Americans.

Date:Jan. 16-Apr. 23

Museum of Science & Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Hyde Park
Online: msichicago.org

8. University of Chicago's MLK Commemoration Celebration

The University of Chicago will host its 33rd annual MLK Commemoration Celebration. The event is free and open to the public. It is held at the University's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, where Dr. King himself spoke in the same space in 1956 and 1959.

Date:Jan. 23, 6pm

University of Chicago Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
5850 South Woodlawn Avenue
Hyde Park
Online: mlk.uchicago.edu

9. Fifth Annual King Day of Service: Bronzeville

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the University of Chicago's University Community Service Center has partnered with community organizations across Bronzeville to bring together residents, nonprofits organizations, and institutions to work on beautification projects at Chicago Public Schools and other community sites.

Date:Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Bronzeville
Online: mlk.uchicago.edu

 

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AAPI-Owned Businesses in Chicago for Families to Support

by Maria Chambers

The beauty of Chicago is not just a credit to our stunning architecture and striking lake and river views but to the diversity of the businesses and their owners. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, making it a great excuse to support AAPI-owned businesses in Chicago to say thank you for their contributions. From a toy store to mouth-watering Asian fusion cuisine, read on and for ideas on how to support your neighbors, friends and fellow Chicagoans during the month of May and beyond.

For Great Sushi & Hibachi

Shinto

hibachi restaurants in chicago asian owned business in chicago
Shinto

Zero doubts, one of the most memorable dining experiences for kids is their first hibachi dinner. The food is always piping hot and delicious, the prep performance is engaging and watching your meal come together before your eyes gives you a sense of coziness and connection. The goal of Ron Huang, owner of Shinto, is to create meals that are not only delicious but are visibly representative of the care and focus on quality that goes into making them. If hibachi isn't your thing, you can also order entrees off the menu or choose from a wide range of sushi options. 

Shinto is a great option for making kids feel special on a birthday, so keep them in mind when you're in party planning mode. 

For Baked Goods

TOUS les JOURS

Even Richard Kim's TOUS les JOURS description will have you hooked: a Korean-inspired French bakery. Drool. TOURS les JOURS specializes in French-Asian-inspired baked goods with a focus on quality ingredients. Their menu includes 300+ bakery goods, including bread, pastries, cakes, desserts and beverages. They bake every day to ensure the freshest products. 

Jennivee’s Bakery

When Jenne Vailoces heard of bakeries refusing wedding cakes to gay and lesbian couples, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work launching Jennivee's Bakery in the Northhalsted neighborhood. As a transgender immigrant from the Philippines, it was important to her to create a business that truly supported and represented the LGBTQ+ community. In her bakery you'll find traditional American offerings and Filipino cakes and pastries. 

For Kids Who Like to Shred

Little Ripper Skateboarding

Looking for a way to keep kids active during the pandemic shutdowns, Logan Square dad Enrico Hufana started Little Rippers Skateboarding. Hufana and other experienced instructors give kids ages 3-14 an introduction to boarding so they have the confidence to safely navigate all skate parks. 

For Your Toy Shopping Needs

Building Blocks Toy Store

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

For Toe-Tapping Fun

Little Miss Ann

Tinybeans-reader favorite, Ann Torralba, is an award-winning touring Kids Musician, former Chicago Public School teacher, veteran instructor at the Old Town School of Folk Music, mom and a first-generation Filipina-American. Under the professional name Little Miss Ann, her music has been featured on Sirius XM Kids Place Live, WXRT Local Anasthetic and NAEYC. She has played everywhere from SXSW, Nashville’ Pilgrimage Festival, and even the Lollapalooza kids stage. Her performance schedule and links to her music can be found on her website.

For Balloon Displays & Party Planning

Bean and Boosh

Add some color and an Insta-worthy display to any celebration with a balloon installation from Bean and Boosh. Their creations range from 50 to 1000+ balloons and can be designed to match any budget, $125+.  

For a Sugar Rush

Aji Ichiban

Forgo the ordinary and take your kids on a tour of Asia via candy. At Aji Ichiban, you can take your pick from thousands of candies and sweet and salty snacks from Asia. The shrimp and squid flavored treats are especially interesting, while the wide range of sweet gummies are sure to be gobbled up in a flash. Customers are encouraged to sample before buying, making shopping for Halloween treats here especially sweet.

2117-A S. China Pl., Chinatown

For Stylin’

AKIRA

You may have shopped in person at AKIRA, but did you know they began as a trendy boutique in Wicker Park? Started in 2002 by Eric Hsueh, Erikka Wang, Sarah Hughes and Gordon Liao, AKIRA offers a full line of women's clothing, footwear and accessories from brands you know and even some of their own private label items. 

They're known for statement-making, trendy pieces, but they have a commitment to always remember their roots and represent Chicago in the fashion world.

For Fusion Cuisine

Seoul Taco

The tastes of Korea and Mexico beautifully meld together at David Choi's Seoul Taco. The menu is small, but big on taste and we highly recommended you try the kimchi fried rice. Seoul Taco has locations in Naperville, Hyde Park, River North and one coming soon in Wicker Park.

Kimski

When Ed and Mike Marszewski were kids, their mother Maria would cook combining their ethnic backgrounds of Polish and Korean. Eventually, the family went on to periodically offer their signature cuisine on the back patio of the family bar and at special events. The brothers own Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar in Bridgeport and they tapped their friend Chef Won Kim to develop Kimski, a counter-service Korean Polish Street Food joint connected to Maria’s. Order food at Kimski’s Wed.-Sun. and enjoy while grabbing a drink at Maria’s.

Mom's

Mom's, brought to you by Kelly Ijichi and Randi Howry, serves Japanese-American comfort food. They experiment with classic dishes while honoring the tradition of Japanese cuisine. They move around a bit in the city experimenting with different concepts, so it's best to check their website to see where you can find them. Mom's is also available for catering. 

 

RELATED ARTICLES:

22 Books That Feature Asian American Heroes & Leads
21 Asian American Heroes Our Kids Need to Know About
This Book Is an Antidote to Anti-Asian Racism & It’s Available Now
Black-Owned Businesses to Support for Black History Month (& Beyond)
Chicago-Inspired Baby Names That Put the Wind in Our Sails

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10 Ways Parents Can Fight for Social Justice Every Day

by Mimi Nartey

Though challenging at times, parenting is truly our greatest activism. With the right framework and solid support, we can raise kids who are aware of social struggles, optimistic about the future of our society, and equipped to manifest a better vision of our world. As described in Race, Class, and Parenting: 7 Strategies for Raising Sensitive, Confident, and Loving Kids, incorporating a stronger social justice perspective into parenting is essential to raising confident, empathetic children who are prepared to lead our diverse, global society. Luckily, we’ve got 10 straightforward strategies for raising kids that will help parents do exactly that.

Dim Hou on Unsplash

Strategy 1: Commit to Doing Things Differently

While most people are quick to state their values, raising children who feel good about who they are, love all different kinds of people, and respect different worldviews is not mainstream. Our society has long been based on the premise of inequity, and we have to actively engage in social justice parenting to protect our children from defaulting to biased opinions. Make a personal commitment to doing things differently. Develop a vision of the world that you believe in, and determine your unique purpose to bring that about as an individual, and then collectively as a family. Communicate with your children about what you believe the world should be like and why. Set goals and demonstrate your beliefs through regular and consistent acts of kindness, service, or advocacy as a family.

Strategy 2: Be Vulnerable

In dedicating yourself to a lifestyle of growth and love, you have to make yourself vulnerable. All of us have preconceived notions. We are socialized to draw quick conclusions about other people. Parenting from a social justice perspective means we have to be willing to acknowledge areas where we have biases and limitations. We need to be vulnerable enough to admit that our exposure is often very limited, and we are not truly in a position to make judgments about the lives and experiences of others. What we can and should do is suppress our inclination to judge, approach new people and experiences with open-mindedness, and focus on our common humanity. Be transparent about your journey to becoming more informed and compassionate so that your children can learn from your example of humility and vulnerability.

Strategy 3: Find Support

In pursuing any kind of goal, we need support, and this is especially the case with parenting goals. We need support from people that know and love us. We need to be able to comfortably share our vision for our family and our society with people we trust. We need to be able to ask questions and get feedback in safe spaces. We need people who are going to keep us accountable and lovingly call us out when we make mistakes. Develop your tribe, and lean on them to help you figure things out.

Strategy 4: Make New Friends

To raise truly open-minded kids, we also need mentorship and support from people who are different from us. According to a 2014 study published in the Washington Post, Americans struggle to develop friendships with people of different ethnicities. The average white American has only one black friend out of every 100 friends she has. Of 100 friends, 91 are white and only nine are of other races. The average black American does not have a single Asian friend for every 100 friends. Of 100 friends, 83 are also black, eight are white, and two are Latino. We just aren’t doing as well as we think with diversity. We need to place a higher value on diversity, and we need to develop friendships with people of different races, religious beliefs, ages, socio-economic levels, and abilities. Consciously diversify your social network. As you initiate this process, realize that friendship is about reciprocity. Be prepared to share and teach as much as you hope to receive and learn.

Internet Reputation

Strategy 5: Eliminate What Does Not Help You Evolve

We all need to be conscious of the content that we consume because there is so much negative media that can be distracting and discouraging to us as parents. Besides media content, there are several types of people in our lives who can stifle our social justice parenting. The most harmful person to your process may be the person who cannot acknowledge systematic imbalances in our society or who chooses to excuse injustice. These are often people who do not go out of their way to harm anyone, but their worldview and satisfaction with the status quo are unjust. You may have to limit or eliminate these influences to protect your vision for your community. It is your right and responsibility to protect your children’s sense of self and their instinct to love.

Strategy 6: Teach Your Children to Be Curious, Not Judgmental

It is quite an accomplishment to raise children who are curious rather than judgmental. We can do this by giving our kids more diverse and immersive experiences. Take your kids to eat new foods! Travel to foreign countries (and actually leave the resort)! Take them to concerts to experience different kinds of music and dance! Encourage them to learn new languages! You can also model positive curiosity for them by the way you comment about different people:

"That's a pretty scarf she is wearing...I wonder if it has a special meaning."

"I wonder what language they are speaking...it sounds cool."

"I have never seen that food before...I wonder how it tastes."

"Her hair looks really pretty. I wonder how long it took her to style it that way."

Teach your kids that encountering someone different is a blessing because it is an opportunity to learn. Impart the value of humility, and develop their thirst for new experiences.

Strategy 7: Be More Specific and Intentional with Your Language

To help our children avoid stereotyping, we need to be more specific when we talk about social groups and avoid generalizations. We also need to correct our kids when they default to generalizing—even when their generalizations don’t seem “negative.” Not every young black man was raised without a father. Not every Muslim is a terrorist. Not every Asian is a first-generation violin prodigy. Not every Spanish-speaking person is from Mexico. Not every white person experiences economic privilege. Not every Jewish person is leveraging power in business. Having a physical or learning disability is not an indication of intelligence. If we want to teach our children to judge and treat people by the content of their character, then we have to eliminate the myth of racial and social homogeneity. By being specific with our words, modeling critical thinking, and creating the expectations that our kids do the same, we'll be teaching our kids to be more sophisticated in the way they think about race, class, ability, and culture.

Harli Marten on Unsplash

Strategy 8: Be Thoughtful When Talking About Specific Instances of Injustice

Well-intentioned parents can unintentionally perpetuate bigotry in the minds of their children by over-sharing stories of social injustice or by failing to provide sufficient context for these stories. While young children can and should begin to learn about fairness and justice, you need to be considerate of the age and development of your child when you discuss acts of injustice. If your child cannot process this abuse or violence, there is a risk of traumatizing young children with stories of police brutality, concentration camps, and slavery. Use common sense and discretion when sharing this information. Moreover, make sure you have plenty of context before you introduce narratives of social injustice. For example, your children should have access to many different kinds of books, toys, and movies about the plethora of African American experiences before you begin to talk about slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. It is dehumanizing to only share stories of hardship and disempowerment for a social group, and you will likely impose a social hierarchy in your child’s mind that is the opposite of what you intend.

Strategy 9: Acknowledge Privilege and Frame Disadvantages Responsibly

We usually consider life through the lens of our own disadvantages. If we are healthy, we may still distort our experiences through the prism of being a minority. If we are wealthy, we may still distort our experiences through the prism of our sexual orientation. These are choices that we do not always make consciously, but we need to be more aware that our privilege is relative, not absolute. Every individual has privileges and disadvantages to negotiate. We need to learn—and then teach our children—to acknowledge our privileges and frame our social disadvantages responsibly. Teach your children to understand who they are in society, but train them to be deliberate in processing their disadvantages. This will help them to have a grateful heart and compassion for others.  Teach your children to see the options, capacity, and responsibility in different forms of privilege, and empower them to leverage their privilege on behalf of others.

Strategy 10: Give Yourself Grace

The final strategy is to give yourself grace. We are human. We make mistakes. We get distracted. We get discouraged. As you make mistakes, show resilience and the ability to renew your commitment because that is the most powerful demonstration of all. Your children will learn to be patient with themselves, to stay committed to growth, and to be dedicated to a lifestyle of love. 

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6 Actionable Ways to Celebrate Black History Month, Every Day

by Mimi Nartey

Black History Month is upon us, and while it’s a time to learn about the experiences and contributions of people of African descent in the US, it’s just as important to be mindful about how we teach our children this history. It’s our job as parents to nurture and defend our children’s natural instinct to love, and that includes being deliberate in how we introduce and sustain conversations about social justice toward any group. But how do we make sure we’re doing just that? Conveying Black history in ways that are both fun and age-appropriate can help kids appreciate how diversity makes our society both more rich and resilient. Here are six ways to celebrate Black History Month with purpose.

1. Make sure the information that you share about social injustice is developmentally appropriate

iStock

For children under nine years old in particular, we want to limit exposure to content that is excessively violent or that can create a social hierarchy in their minds. As described in Race, Class, and Parenting: 5 Strategies for Discussing Social Injustice with Your Children, age is not a reason or excuse to avoid conversations on injustice; age and psycho-emotional development are crucial considerations when deciding what to discuss and how to share.

Use common sense to discern what kind of language or details you should use to discuss historic injustice—especially violent acts of injustice and hate crimes. We can and should communicate that people were and are sometimes treated in unfair and inhumane ways without traumatizing our young children with graphic details. 

2. Realize that it is more important to condemn the oppression than to describe it

Charlotte Hawkins Brown, National Museum of American History, Washington DC
Laura Green

With children that are old enough, we need to make sure that there is a correlation between how much detail we share about racist oppression and how much we explore the psychology of the oppressor. If you do not feel that your child is old enough or sophisticated enough to reckon with the depraved motivations of slaveholders, then they may not be ready to be exposed to the explicit details of the practices on plantations.

Many Black history stories are curiously missing an antagonist. We risk inadvertently laying blame on the victim when we do not identify and condemn the abuser. Avoid content that describes institutionalized racism in the passive voice. For example, Harriet Tubman was not a slave. The Brodess family enslaved Harriet Tubman. Reframing these conversations in this way creates accountability for these crimes against humanity, which is the most critical step towards justice.

3. Make sure to give broader context for systemic bias against Black people

Annette Benedetti

There are many historical examples of systemic bias and oppression throughout the world. Make sure your children are aware that suffering and enslavement are not unique to Black people. If we fail to contextualize the enslavement and segregation of black people, we unintentionally dehumanize this population.

Many children are taught about the oppression of Black people long before they are taught about the oppression experienced by any other community. The goal is not to incite pity for Black people; it is to illuminate the universal problems associated with systemic injustice. Ultimately, we want our children to understand Black history in order to recognize and combat injustice against any individual or group.

4. Do not ignore the diversity and complexity of the Black experience

iStock

Truthfully, there is no singular “Black experience.” It is inherently problematic to make skin color the singular unifying factor in the historical experiences of groups of people. The African diaspora spans the globe. People with dark skin exist everywhere, and the historical context of their arrival at their respective locations is completely different for different groups of people and individuals.

Do not collapse Black history education into the U.S. slavery to civil rights narrative, as is often practiced. 

The Black experience is diverse, complex, evolving, and ongoing. Black history started long before the slave trade. It encompasses people of all religions, socio-economic levels, and political persuasions. If you fail to teach your children to grapple with this complexity, they may default to stereotyping. During Black History Month, be sure to include conversations about a variety of black people living in America, including LGBTQ individuals, differently-abled Black Americans, recent immigrants, and women. 

5. Make Black history relatable by focusing on shared interests and experiences

Sheppard Air Force Base

Focus on teaching about the contributions and experiences of Black Americans that naturally align with your child’s interests. For example, if your child is very interested in space or astrophysics, you could look for biographies on Mae Jemison or Neil deGrasse Tyson.

If you have a little foodie, try sampling or cooking foods from the African diaspora like soul food or Caribbean food. If you have an actor, musician, poet or inventor, expose them to Sydney Poitier, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, or Garrett Morgan.

Black history month is a unique opportunity to cultivate authentic respect for and identification with Black American culture. Take advantage of the surge of content that is available this month to help your children see that there is more that unites us than divides us.

6. Make sure to continue Black history and social justice education year-round

Cody Pulliam via Unsplash

Dedicating the shortest calendar month of the year to acknowledging the experiences and contributions of Black people is inherently problematic. In an equitable circumstance, academic curriculums would reflect the experiences and influences of all people seamlessly. If our textbooks were accurate and inclusive, we would learn about the contributions of African American engineers during our engineering unit—not just during Black History Month.

In this way, Black History Month is a cultural institution that may contradict or subvert its own intended goal. It absolves our schools, teachers, and society from the responsibility to integrate people of color during the rest of the year, but we can remedy this within our own homes.

Make sure to integrate conversations and history lessons about Black people all year so that your children will know that diversity appreciation and the mission of social justice are a lifestyle, not a novelty.

– Mimi Nartey

featured image: Adobe Stock

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A Remarkable Education Comes from the Heart

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

As parents, we highly value education. While on the hunt for a school with exceptional academics it can be easy to forget one crucial component: emotional learning, otherwise known as “EQ”. For 145 years, Sacred Heart Schools has been instilling a love of learning in students, while shaping them to achieve their best and be their best selves. With the support of exceptional teachers and staff, their approach to education combines a challenging curriculum within a nurturing environment.

Want to get to know Sacred Heart? Tour the campus, attend a virtual information session, meet virtually with the leaders of their grade-level groupings, and apply for admission!

All Faiths Are Welcome

Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, PK-8 school that welcomes students of all faiths, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. In fact, 40% of the students are not Catholic; all major faiths are represented in a wide range of learners. As an independent school, Sacred Heart benefits from their relationship with the Chicago Archdiocese, but is self-governing and free to craft their own unique vision and innovative curriculum. As one parent says, “The school does an excellent job, regardless of your religious affiliation, of teaching children how to create and navigate their own moral compass.”

Sacred Heart Education Is Accessible to All Students

The tuition assistance program helps make Sacred Heart education accessible to children from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial means. Varying awards are made based upon demonstrated need, up to 95% of tuition. Nearly 30% of Sacred Heart students receive some level of tuition assistance.

Want to get to know Sacred Heart? Tour the campus, attend a virtual information session, meet virtually with the leaders of their grade-level groupings, and apply for admission!

 

Students of All Ages Thrive

In this welcoming, diverse school community, students feel valued, cared for, respected, and celebrated. Sacred Heart Schools serves children in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade in three academic groups: Primary School (grades PK-2), Lower School (grades 3-5) and Middle School (grades 6-8). Preschool and senior kindergarten are coed, and grade level classrooms are organized by gender—giving children an opportunity to develop their own voice and build confidence within themselves. However, many elements of campus life are coeducational. 

Students Are Enriched Beyond the Classroom

With 40 different after-school clubs and classes and 50 competitive sports teams, there’s no shortage of extracurricular activities to pique your child’s interests and continue their learning when the school day is done. (FYI: It’s one of the largest elementary school athletic programs in Illinois!) From dance to music lessons, Science Olympiad to basketball, students can choose from a range of offerings to solidify friendships and be involved. Families can also choose to enroll their children in Before and After School Care. (Before School Care is free for students in PK-8 and After School Care is free for SK-8 students.)

Students Are Committed to Social Justice and Making the World a Better Place

Sacred Heart is guided by five principles— faith, intellect, service, community, and personal growth. Social justice is woven into the curriculum at Sacred Heart Schools—providing students the chance to give back and see the meaningful impact of their actions. Instilling strong values shapes students into active and informed members of the local community and responsible global citizens. 

Want to get to know Sacred Heart? Tour the campus, attend a virtual information session, meet virtually with the leaders of their grade-level groupings, and apply for admission!

 

Graduates Attend Chicago’s Best High Schools

Approximately 95% of Sacred Heart’s students are accepted to their first-choice high school. Students are thoughtfully guided through a high school counseling program where emphasis is placed on helping students find a secondary school that’s the best fit for their learning styles and interests. 8th graders leave well prepared for high school—quickly becoming leaders in academics, extracurriculars, and their new school community.  

Want to get to know Sacred Heart? Tour the campus, attend a virtual information session, meet online the leaders of each grade-level groupings, and apply for admission!

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New Research Finds *This* Is the Best Place in the World to Raise a Child

by Erica Loop

Nestlé recently released the results of the brand’s new Parenting Index—and the United States ranks fifth globally in the best places to raise children. The top countries to raise a child based on The Parenting Index are Sweden, Chile, Germany, and Mexico.

The beloved brand’s Index looked at parenting views from more than 8,000 moms and dads of children zero to 12-months in 16 different countries. After analyzing the responses, researchers were able to identify eight universal factors universally impacting parenting practices.

photo: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Pressure ranked as the top factor impacting U.S. parents. Not only did American moms and dads feel pressure for their kids to “have it all,” but they also reported high levels of pressure from others. Other issues U.S. parents reported were social shaming (46 percent of parents), loneliness (30 percent), the baby blues (45 percent) and the desire for greater sharing of parenting responsibilities (51 percent).

Dr. Ming Cui, Professor of Family and Child Sciences at Florida State University and M.S. in Statistics and Ph.D. in Sociology, Fulbright U.S. Scholar, reviewed The Parenting Index methodology and findings. Of the result, Dr. Cui said, in a press release, “Today’s parents are increasingly parenting in a state of anxiety, which can be reflected from findings in this report, such as the external/internal pressure, lack of confidence and financial demands they say they are experiencing.”

Cui added, “Influenced by popular media along with technology advances, many parents from different cultures and socio-economic classes feel pressured to do it all.”

Even though the findings may highlight some of the not-so-great parts of parenting, the results weren’t entirely negative. American parents did report feeling positive in general. They also felt they have access to the health and well-being resources they need.

To learn more about the study’s findings, view The Parenting Index here.

—Erica Loop

 

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14 Black-Owned Austin Businesses to Support Now

by Gabby Cullen

With the wave of protests that have swept the country, we as a nation are looking at a new Civil Rights era. If you can’t make it to a gathering, there are plenty of other ways to show your support. One of the most important ways is by supporting locally-owned businesses in your community, so we rounded up a few of our favorite black-owned Austin businesses for you to check out. From doula services to bookstores and even party supplies, keep reading to see them all.

Got a business you’d like to see included? Email us at blm@tinybeans.go-vip.net

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7n9Xi1lmK7/

Cater to Mom

This subscription box is designed with postpartum moms in mind. Every month you’ll receive products to help you through the Fourth Trimester. Each box contains 6 - 8 items with a value of $100+, and prices start at $43.99. Not a new mom? Check out the box just for dad! 

Online: catertomom.com

Treasure City Thrift

Treasure City Thrift is a zero-waste, collectively-run thrift store that collaborates with Grassroot social justice programs in Austin. The shop is filled with goodies, a perfect place to take your older kids for a day of browsing for treasures. 

Online: treasurecitythrift.org

Black Pearl Bookstore

This independent bookstore strives to serve a multi-cultural, multi-generational and multi-socio-economic community. 

Online: blackpearlbookstore.com

 

Wigglez n Gigglez

An online boutique with unique onesies for babies and adorable clothes for toddlers and little kids. 

Online: wigglezngigglez.com

Hill Country Outdoors

The next time you want to plan a trip to Austin, or if you’re local and want to become a member of their active outdoor community, be sure to check out Hill Country Outdoors. They can arrange for everything from a day on the lake to hiking and even overnight camping trips. Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19, but this is a good one to bookmark for the future. 

Online: hillcountryoutdoors.com

Kiddie Express Train

Tara T via Yelp

As soon as it’s okay to start hosting birthday parties or organizing festivals again, can we suggest giving Kiddie Express Train a call? Veteran-owned, you can pick from a few different types of trackless trains (tractor train, dino train, regular train) to keep your locomotive-obsessed kids entertained. 

Online: kiddieexpresstrain.com

 

Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant & Grill

Serving delicious Ethiopian food, Habesha Restaurant & Grill is open for dining and takeout. Owned and managed by Yidnekachew Fantu and wife, head chef Selam Abebe, you’ll find traditional menu items like inerja and kitfo, but also unique items like sambusa appetizers and an avocado-tomato mix that’s given a cultural twist. 

Online: habeshaaustin.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAiLjfADlI8/

Whitney’s Cakery and Co

If you need a specialty cake, cupcake or cookies, check out this North Austin company that opened in March 2019. Baker-owner Whitney Jones-Vega can whip up just about any cupcake flavor you can imagine and you can choose from cake flavors that range from key lime pie to bananas foster and everything in between.

Online: whitneyscakeryandco.com/home

Hoover's Cooking

Alfred R. via Yelp

Serving up what owner-chef Hoover Alexander’s calls honest-to-goodness Texas cooking. The menu has comfort food like chicken fried steak and biscuits and gravy, alongside classic BBQ like pork ribs and sausage. Hoover’s has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to Austinites for over 20 years. 

Online: hooverscooking.com

Kiwisparty 

Brook R. via Yelp

Another great resource to bookmark for when in-person birthday parties resume, Kiwisparty can do face painting, make balloon characters or bring a braid or bling bar to make it a memorable day. 

Online: kiwisparty.com

Interwoven Doula Care

courtesy Interwoven Doula Care

Dominique A Wyse is a birth and postpartum doula who hopes to help families transition into the space of having a new baby. She’ll provide, in a no-judgment zone, the resources and information each family needs to make decisions on their birth plans. 

Online: facebook.com/interwoven.doula.care

Anythings Austin

Bet you didn’t know there were so many ways to dress up a baked potato! Anythings Austin can prove it’s possible. Chose to make your own with all your favorite toppings, or pick a specialty potato like the salmon and asparagus or a portobello vegan. 

Online: anythingsaustin.com

Sam’s BBQ

The world-famous Austin BBQ joint was started by Sam Campbell in 1957. Purchased by the Mays family in 1976, this classic East Austin spot has quite possibly some of the country’s best BBQ. 

Online: facebook.com/ATXBBQ

iTrain Sports Performance

courtesy iTrain Sports Performance

It’s no secret that Texans love their football, so if you’re considering extra training for the player in your life, consider iTrain. They offer camps and training sessions for kids and adults, ranging from beginners to college hopefuls. 

Online: itrainct.com

—Gabby Cullen

 

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