Got too much Halloween candy hanging around? Try these Halloween science experiments to use up that candy you don’t want to eat

Looking to unload some of your kids’ massive candy stash? Make like Bill Nye and use it up in Halloween science experiments. From melting marshmallows to growing Gummy Bears, make good use of your leftover Halloween sweets with these 10 yummy science experiments for kids. Bonus points for making a hypothesis and taking notes on each science project!

Candy Reactions

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Try putting certain candies like candy corn into test tubes and see the different reactions! Try it with vinegar, soda, or whatever you can come up with.

Skittles Rainbow 

Melissa Heckscher

You'll be doing more than just tasting the rainbow. Put some Skittles into water and marvel as the colored coating dissolves into an Instagram-worthy design. Head to Little Bins for Little Hands to get the science behind the sugar.

Exploding Peep Geysers

Halloween science Experiments
Melissa Heckscher

Poor Peeps; they're just so much fun to torture. This easy science experiment teaches your kids a little bit about how microwaves work—at the expense of a few marshmallow candies. Just put those Peeps into a bottle, stick ‘em in the microwave, and watch as they erupt. It's quick and sticky fun, but kids will love watching those sugary faces expand and explode. Get all the details at Housing a Forest.

Related: Simple Science Experiments with 5 Supplies or Less

Make a Mentos Geyser

Steve Spangler's Geyser Tubes on Amazon

Kids will happily hand over an entire pack of Mentos to watch a soda geyser explode skyward. Just drop a few Mentos into a bottle of soda and stand back! Charlene at My Frugal Adventures explains how it's done.

Gummy Bear Science

Halloween science experiments
Melissa Heckscher

Plunk a few Gummy Bears into different solutions and let them sit for a few days to see what happens. Kids will love checking in on their bears every day for a status update. Get more ideas on how to do it here.

Related: 6 Ways to Make Ice Cream without an Ice Cream Maker

Take the “m” Off the m&ms

Halloween science experiments
Holly Hopson

M&Ms may not melt in your hands, but it turns out they may not last so long when plopped into a cup of water. Kids will love watching the "m" peel off their m&ms; parents will love the patience this experiment requires of their little scientists. Little Bins for Little Hands has the scoop.

Dancing Gummy Worms

Bitz 'n Giggles

Observe as a simple chemical reaction makes a bunch of yummy Gummy Worms come alive. Younger kids will think you've actually put life into candy; older kiddos will be simply mesmerized. Sara at Bitz 'n Giggles takes you step by step through the process (Note: Make sure your baking soda is fresh; we tried this with long-opened baking soda and our worms hardly moved).

Jellybean Taste Test

Halloween science experiments
Christie at Childhood 101

Your child might say he likes blue jelly beans the best, but is it a taste thing? This experiment explores the relationship between sight and taste as kids are asked to identify the kind of bean they’re tasting without seeing it. Christie at Childhood 101 has more.

Related: Sink, Swim, & Float! 6 Sensational Science Experiments

Sink or Float - Hypothesis Tester

Halloween science experiments
Melissa Heckscher

This experiment lets kids make a hypothesis and test it. Which candies will sink, which will float— and why? Get more ideas here.

Balancing with M&Ms

Inspiration Laboratories

Give kids a simple physics lesson with this experiment that lets them balance various objects against a handful of m&ms. Another opportunity for kids to hypothesize— and a great excuse for them to eat enough m&ms to make the scale even. Get inspired from Mama Trisha at Inspiration Laboratories.

Related: This Simple Static Electricity Experiment will Impress Your Kids

Halloween science experiments
Melissa Heckscher

Candy + Balloons + Soda = ?? 
See what happens when you fill a balloon with Pop Rocks and dump it all into a bottle of soda. Then, try it again with Nerds candy. Your kids will be amazed at which one blows the bigger balloon. Get the simple steps over at Learn Play Imagine.

Are you looking for a cool, fun adventure that involves some snow? Look no further than the best snow tubing spots near the Bay Area

It’s no secret that some of the best snow-filled days are spent sledding down a giant hill with family and friends. And the best part about snow tubing is that little-to-no-skill is required (just a healthy dose of bravery and willingness) so everyone in the family can participate. These must-go sledding spots near the Bay Area are not only fun, but make a great overnight stay to boot. So dust off those winter coats, stir up some hot cocoa, put on your leg warmers, and get ready to play in the snow (and then some) at the best snow tubing and sledding hills near the Bay Area.

The Best Snow Tubing near San Francisco

1. Palisades Tahoe 

While our editors love skiing and snowboarding at Palisades Tahoe, for kids who aren't quite convinced they want to get up on skies, you can go snow tubing at the SnoVentures Activity Zone located at the Palisades base area adjacent to the parking lot. Online reservations are recommended.

Good to Know: Ikon Pass holders receive free snow tubing every Thurs. And don't miss Disco Tubing where SnoVentures Activity Zone comes to life with colorful LED lights, lasers, and live DJs from 5-8 p.m.

Cost: $42/weekday, $54/weekend 
Date:
Opens Nov. 24

1960 Squaw Valley Rd.
Olympic Valley
Online: palisadestahoe.com

2. Adventure Mountain

Nestled on over 40 acres at the top of Echo Summit, Adventure Mountain is South Lake Tahoe's best spot for sledding, tubing, and snow fun. It is family owned and operated, offering up to 15 machine-groomed runs and plenty of space for snow play. Be sure to stop by the lodge for some hot cocoa by the fire. You may buy, rent or bring your own equipment. Helmets are encouraged.

Cost: $40 midweek, $45 weekend 
Date: Weekdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Weekends and holidays 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Nebelhorn, Hwy 50, Echo Summit
South Lake Tahoe
Online: adventuremountaintahoe.com

3. Granlibakken

Operating since 1920, Granlibakken's popular 300-foot sledding hill is a worthwhile day spent outdoors. Bring the kids for their first sledding experience or sign them up for skiing and snowboarding lessons. Additional fun: The s'more kits are a hit with the littles and can be enjoyed around the fire pits.

Cost: $25/weekday, $35/weekend, $45/night sledding; free for children under 3
Date: Opens Nov. 24

725 Granlibakken Rd.
Tahoe City 
Online: granlibakken.com

4. Tahoe City Winter Sports Park

Outdoor fun awaits at this family-friendly sledding hill located adjacent to Lake Tahoe. Disc rental is included with your reservation, but no outside sleds are allowed. Reservations are required and limited walk-ups will be permitted.

Good to Know: In addition to the sledding hill, there's an outdoor ice skating rink and you can rent snowshoes here. 

Cost: $5/resident, $15/non-resident
Date: Ice rink opens Nov. 25; Sledding hill will open shortly after

251 N. Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City
Online: tcpud.org

5. Hansen's Resort

Hansen's Resort is home to a super-fun sledding and tubing hill with a 400-foot long hill, it's great for all ages.

Good to Know: Snow tubing sessions are an hour long along with complimentary parking to snowtubers.

Cost: $40/hour (5 & up); 4 and under free with paying adult

1360 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe
Online: hansensresort.com

6. More Fun Sledding Hills in Lake Tahoe

Check out these other sledding hills if you are in the Lake Tahoe area: 

  • Mt. Rose Sledding Hill
  • Donner Summit Sno-Park
  • North Tahoe Regional Park
  • Spooner Summit Public Sledding

Online: tahoereport.com

7. Spicer Sno Parks, Bear Valley

Within four miles of Bear Valley, there are three parking locations where you can find slopes to get your snow tubing fix. Lake Alpine Sno-Park is the pick of the bunch with some long, fast runs. Aside from some non-flush toilets there aren’t many amenities so pack a lunch and some warming drinks. Purchase your Sno Park passes online.

Cost: Passes are $5/day or $25/season pass. 
Date: Hours and dates vary and are dependent on weather

South Side of Highway 4 at Spicer Rd.
Bear Valley
Online: gocalaveras.com

8. Tamarack Sno-Park

Tamarack Sno-Park is located between Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake, about a 3.5-hour drive from the Bay Area.

Good to Know: You need to purchase a parking permit ahead of time.

Cost: $15/day, $40/season
Date:
Nov. 1-May. 30

41387 Tollhouse Rd.
Shaver Lake
Online: ohv.parks.ca.gov

9. Soda Springs Mountain Resort

The Soda Spring Mountain Resort is home to Tube Town, a huge snow tubing area with up to 20 lanes and a 400-foot surface lift to get you back to the top! The resort also caters specifically to kids with an area called Planet Kids—a playground that contains snow tubing carousels, snow tubing lanes, ski and snowboard learning areas, along with snow volcanoes to climb.

Cost: Varies by time and day
Date: Opens Nov. 25

10244 Soda Springs Rd.
Soda Springs
Online: skisodasprings.com

10. Leland Snowplay

A snow hill set in the Sierra Mountains provides a deluxe environment for tubing. Four small lanes are reserved for the littler kids to enjoy and gentle lifts guide you to the top of the hills. Tired of tubing? There are also separate play areas for snowman making, playing in snow castles, and a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Added Bonus: You can warm up and grab a bite to eat at the lodge featuring indoor and outdoor dining areas and a snack bar.

Cost: $29-$49
Date: TBA

34033 Leland Meadow Rd.
Strawberry
Online: snowplay.com

11. Northstar California

Visitors to the Northstar California Tubing Hill in North Lake Tahoe can enjoy an exciting ride down a 200-yard hill. Take the tow lift to the top of the hill and do it all again, either one at a time or in daisy chains with your family.

Cost: Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis only and are available for purchase at the Tickets & Season Pass Office in the Village at Northstar. 
Date: Opens Nov. 25

5001 Northstar Dr.
Truckee
Online: northstarcalifornia.com

Related: See Why Kid's Love Learning to Ski at Northstar California

12. Tenaya Lodge

Tenaya’s sledding and snow tubing hill is set near the world-famous Yosemite National Park in a gorgeous forest setting. There are two sledding hills, a big one for all and a kiddie one for little—both are complimentary to guests of the resort. You can rent sledding discs for half day or a full day. Want more fun? Teyana also offers a guided snowshoe hike, ice skating, and archery sessions.

Cost: Tickets are available on first come, first served basis
Date: Hours and dates vary and are dependent on weather

1122 Highway 41
Fish Camp
Online: tenayalodge.com

 

 

Take a chill pill, ’90s kids! We’ve gathered your favorite foods of yesteryear into one nostalgic roundup of ’90s candy and snacks. Some are discontinued, and some are downright dated (hello, Bubble Beeper!), but they’re all guaranteed to inspire a few choice cravings.

Snapple Elements

Snapple Elements sounded a bit like a roll call for Captain Planet, but who didn't want to sip on flavors like Earth, Fire, Sun and Rain?

Butterfinger BBs

Sure, these were just a smaller version of Butterfingers, but there was an irresistible Simpsons tie-in. And if Butterfinger BBs were good enough for the Bartman, they were good enough for us '90s kids. 

https://twitter.com/punishedhavoc/status/1423331652139376647

Cherry Coke

The '90s elixir known as Cherry Coke was the cherry-flavored soda of choice. It had the taste of a classic fountain drink and the rad packaging that was quintessential 1990s.

Fruit by the Foot

Wikimedia Commons

Sure, Fruit by the Foot is still around today—but the '90s version was extra psychedelic and almost 50% sugar, which may account for about a decade of sugar highs.

Dunk-a-roos

Wikimedia Commons

Dunk-a-roos were basically the currency of the '90s playground. Bite-sized cookies that you could dunk into super sweet frosting? It was a kid's dream-come-true.

Fruit Gushers

Wikimedia Commons

We're not sure where the "fruit" factors into these jelly candies that explode neon goo, but we know that Fruit Gushers were responsible for many a blue tongue in the 1990s. 

Bubble Beeper

AtomicJesus via Etsy

Modeled after the classic '90s pager, Bubble Beeper was just the gum to make you feel like a working professional. 

Gogurt

The answer to all your yogurt mobility problems of the 1990s! Since this snack can still be found in lunchboxes today, it's clear Gogurt was the yogurt of the future.

Fruit String Things

They may not have been fruit-like, but they were certainly string things and us '90s kids ate them up—literally.

 

Ring Pops

Ring Pops were the most popular bling of the '90s and the very best reason to eat your jewelry. Why would you want a boring ol' lollipop when you could have a Ring Pop?

Totino's Pizza Rolls

From stuffed crust to pizza rolls, the 1990s were kind of a big deal for pizza. And nothing topped Totino's, or the feeling of victory when you found them in the freezer after school.

Trix Yogurt

What '90s kid could resist the rainbow-in-a-cup that was Trix Yogurt? Per Trix rules, it was "just for kids," so if the exclusivity didn't get ya, the flashy commercials sure would. 

Cheetos Paws

It's a tried-and-true fact that the way to a kid's stomach is with brightly colored, weirdly-shaped snacks. That's why it should be no surprise that Cheetos Paws were such a hit.

PB Max

Ah, PB Max, we hardly knew ye! This peanut butter-and-chocolate candy bar (with a cookie thrown in!) wasn't around for long, but it'll always have a place in '90s kids hearts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTisNP4rabY/

Kid Cuisines

If you think about it, Kid Cuisines were just preparing us for the frozen dinners we sneaked into our grocery carts as adults. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2UpE29hWZh/

Kudos

Real talk: Kudos were supposedly a healthier alternative to candy bars. All we remember is that they were chock-full of chocolate and topped with candy.  

 

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Chicago has a rich roller skating history rooted in the James Brown “JB” style, known for elaborate footwork. It’s also the birthplace of roller derby. While rinks are few and far between, you can still get your glide on at select retro-fun spots that have stood the test of time. Introduce your kids to this slick part of Chicago’s history and impress them with your 8-wheeled dance moves at these local hangouts.

Glenwood Roller Rink 

Roll into Glenwood and you can easily transport yourself to the 80s, skating with hair scrunchied in a crimped high pony, jeans perfectly pegged and the smell of Electric Youth wafting behind you. Spritz the family with Aqua Net and take a few turns around the rink.

You’ll dig the polished hardwood floor and colored lights gleaming overhead. It sets the scene for open family skate on Wed. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Sat., 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.-11 p.m. and Sun. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. If you have first-timers in your group, lessons are offered for all ages, Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon.

656 Holbrook Rd., Glenwood; Online: glenwoodrollerrinkinc.net

MLK Skating and Bowling Center

MLK Skating is a city icon and a popular destination for birthday parties and school field trips. It's just one part of the Chicago Park District’s Dr. Martin Luther King Park and Entertainment Area opened by Mayor Daley in 2003. The rink is open for all ages Tues.-Sun., with Glow skating every Saturday. Once you’ve gotten your fill of skating, you can swap your wheels for bowling shoes or hit the arcade for gaming.

1219 W. 76th St., South Side; Online: unitedskates.com

Aurora Skate Center

Music, games and pizza, pizza, pizza make for good old-fashioned fun at this west suburban hotspot. Glide your way around the rink to sounds of the top 40 every Sat. and Sun., 1 p.m.-4 p.m. This family-friendly skate intersperses freestyle skating with the hokey pokey, backward skating, races and buddy skating, where two or three people are encouraged to hold hands and do their best to not pull each other to the floor. Beginners can take lessons every Sat., noon-1 p.m.

34W113 Montgomery Rd., Aurora; Online: skateaurora.com

Lombard Roller Rink

Family-owned Lombard Roller Rink offers a clean, friendly environment to introduce kids to skating. Families are invited to take a spin, Fri.-Sun, and classes are offered for kids every Sat., noon-12:45 p.m. They also offer an artistic skating club that competes in several disciplines and at all levels. 

201 W. 22nd St., Lombard; Online: lombardrollerrink.com

The Rink

The Rink was first opened in 1974 by then-husband and wife duo Carmen Clark and Nate Simpson. The idea was born from a desire to bring entertainment options a little closer to home, as they were always driving to the suburbs for a family night out. Although it has recently changed ownership, the new owners, Ramona and Curtis, are committed to keeping this Chatham neighborhood staple as it's always been. A place that's boiling over with positive energy and a focus on community building. Note: due to planned renovations along with vandalism in November, The Rink is closed with a re-grand opening planned for March. 

1122 E. 87th St., Chatham; Online: therinkchicago.com

Fleetwood Roller Stating Rink

Located just outside Chicago in Summit, Fleetwood is celebrating nearly 65 years of showing families a good time. Slide-in for open skate on Wed. and Fri.-Sun. Wobbly skaters can beef up their skills with lessons, Sat., noon-1 p.m. Kids who take lessons can skate for half-price, Sat., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 

7231 W. Archer, Summit; Online: fleetwoodrollerrink.com

Coachlite Skate

Coachlite has open skate Fri.-Sun. and discounted sessions on Wed. You can also book Dart Dasher Nerf where kids engage in nerf gun wars while a light show and music play in the background. These 2-hour private sessions that include pizza and game referees are a great high-energy birthday party idea. 

1291 W. Berwyn Ave., Roselle; Online: coachliteskate.com

Tinley Park Roller Rink

Tinley Park Roller Rink believes the fastest path to happiness is found on skates. Who are we to disagree? Visit them for family skates on Sat., Sun. and Wed. They also typically open on school holidays, so follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on schedule changes. 

17658 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park; Online: tinleyrink.com

Maggie Daley Park

Infuse a bit of fresh air into your skate session at Maggie Daley's Skating Ribbon. The outdoor ribbon is open Apr. 30-Sep. 26 for rollerblading and mico-scootering. Rentals are available for both. Open skate times vary depending on the month, so check the website before making a plan to visit. 

337 E. Randolph, Loop; Online: maggiedaleypark.com

Family Fun Zone

This place is great for families with young kids because it's designed for ages 14 & under. Skate sessions are held Tues., Wed. and Fri.-Sun. Plan a family date night on Wed. when the price of admission also gets you all-you-can-eat pizza. For a budget-friendly option, go on Tues. when admission is just $2. 

2333 Theodore St., Crest Hill; Online: familyfunzone.com

Lynwood Sport Center

Lynwood Sport Center has a cinematic history as the rink was featured in the movie Roll Bounce released in 2005. The best time for families to check out this sweet rink is Sat., Sun. and Tues. On Tues., order a large pizza, a pitcher of soda and your skate rentals for up to 4 people for $38. 

2030 Glenwood-Dyer Rd., Lynwood; Online: skatelynwood.com

Chicago Athletic Association

Turn skating into a date-night (or day) opportunity with Chicago Athletic Association hotel's pop-up skate events. On select weekends, they host skate programming on the historic Stagg Court. Afterward, visit the Fine Arts Display Case on the 2nd floor to catch a glimpse of the hotel's vintage skates. Keep an eye on their website and Instagram for future announcements. 

12 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: chicagoathleticevents.com

— Maria Chambers

Featured photo: Alexander Belyaev via Pixabay

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There’s a lot of great things about living in Chicago (the people, the sports teams, the hot dogs, the best pizza in the world) but let’s face it, the winters leave a bit to be desired. Cue Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle for some much-needed winter fun for the whole family just 45 minutes west of Chicago. From ski and snowboard lessons for beginners of all ages to a challenging terrain park for the most adventurous of boarders, Four Lakes is the close-by cure for your winter blues.

The Basics

Maria Chambers

Four Lakes has been turning ordinary flatlanders into bona fide skiers and boarders through its Ski and Snowboard School programs for sixty years. A member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America, Four Lakes’ teaching methods are up-to-the-minute, reflecting the latest technical understanding and methodologies. Their experienced instructors make learning how to ski and board fun and safe, so you can rest assured that you and your mini snow carvers are in good hands.

Why It's Great for Budding Boarders and Skiers

Four Lakes is a great starter hill for kids with a budding interest in snow play. The facility itself is very small and is perfect when you're just looking for a couple hours of exhilarating fun, but aren't necessarily wanting to make a weekend of it. The hill little ones learn on is small, but not so small they get bored quickly. It'll take a couple of tries to master, but the tow rope makes getting to the top easy-peasy. Best of all, there's ample parking right at the entrance of the hill, so no lugging equipment (or tired skiers) too far.

Insider tip: If you're planning on hitting the hill regularly, we'd recommend investing in a pair of gloves with grippers on the palms. It helps little hands grip the tow rope and protects the gloves from tearing.

Ski School. . . Not Just a Great ‘90s Movie

ski, snowboarding, snow, winter fun, kids skiing
Kovshenya from Pixabay

Have a budding Bode Miller or mini-Lindsey Vonn on your hands? Four Lakes offers lessons for all ages and skill levels, both for skis and snowboarding. For the 2021-22 season, these lessons will be private or semi-private to reduce contact students have with each other on the hill. One-on-one private lessons are $60/hour. Semi-private lessons will be limited to 2-5 students per class and run $35/hour. Both private and semi-private lessons are typically available 7 days a week. 

Small, but Mighty

Four Lakes isn’t just for beginners. It's a great place to brush up on your skills before that vacation to Vermont or Vail. The entire area is open to skiers and snowboarders of any level, and they also offer race training for skiers and a terrain park with a variety of boxes, rails and pipes. Whatever your level of experience, Four Lakes can accommodate. Just ask any one of the 20,000 skiers and boarders who visited last season.

Day and Season Passes

You can purchase a season pass for $325 and rip it up on the pow pow (translation: ski or snowboard) from mid-December until the season’s over—usually late February or early March. Can’t commit to the whole season? Buy a daily pass when you get the itch—those range from $24-$30, depending on the day.

Birthday Parties

During non-COVID times, Four Lakes is a great place to throw a winter birthday party. The kids will enjoy getting outside in the fresh air for physical activity and you'll enjoy not having 15 kids in your home. Choose a package that includes slope tickets, lessons and rentals or any combination of the three. Pizza and unlimited soda are an additional fee, and they’ll block out a section of the cafeteria for your celebration.

‘Tis the season, so bundle up, grab your brain buckets (translation: helmets) and head to Four Lakes for outdoor fun this winter.  Be sure to check their website to make sure the hills are open.

Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports, 5750 Lakeside Dr., Lisle
Online: fourlakessnowsports.com

—Maria Chambers & MaryKate Hickey

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The year’s almost over—what was your favorite part? Have your kids ask themselves that question and others with this easy DIY time capsule. Of course, while building a time capsule makes a fun New Year’s Eve craft project, it can be done any time of year. Give your kids the gift of nostalgia! Read on for the simple instructions.

time-capsule-supplies

What you’ll need:

Two 16 oz plastic soda bottles
Box cutter or craft knife (XActo knife)
Scissors
Labels
Clear packing tape
Paper, pens, paint, ticket stubs, knickknacks, etc. to help fill your time capsule with memories

cutting-time-capsule

Step One: Cut your “capsule”
Remove the labels from two clear plastic soda bottles. Then, using a box cutter or X-ACTO knife, (parents!) cut the bottles where the flat side meets the sloped top as shown.

bottle-notches-time-capsule

Step Two: Cut notches in one of the bottles
Use scissors to cut four notches in the rim of ONE of the bottles. This will make it easier to squeeze one bottle into into the other to make the capsule shape.

activities-for-time-capsule

Step Three: Now, freeze time!
Now that the capsule is prepped, it’s time to find ways to fill it. Talk to your kids about their favorite moments from the year — then see if you can find small items or photos to represent those moments. Some recommendations: Have your little memory-makers put their handprints on paper; it’s a fun way for them to see how they (and their hands) grow from year to year. Also: A simple questionnaire is a must for recording your kids’ current faves. Not sure what questions to ask? Try this easy printable from Uncommon Designs Online.

You could also have your kids write a letter to their future selves, give advice to their future selves, or make a hypothesis as to what their future selves will be doing in exactly one year (or whenever you’ve decided to open your time capsule). Have fun with it!
.

stuff-for-time-capsule

Step Four: Gather all your materials
Make sure you’ll have enough space to fit all your year-end goodies into your capsule. Our capsule included: Handprints of all three kids; a 2016 questionnaire; four pages of thumbnail-sized photos of our year; some Pokemon cards and figures; and two self portraits.

rolled-up-time-capsule

Step Five: Pack it up!
Roll up your papers and photos and slide it into one end of the capsule. Insert any small items in the middle. Then, close the capsule by sliding the two bottles together (the notched side should squeeze right into the other side). Seal your capsule with clear packing tape.

time-capsule

Step Six: Label and decorate
Label your time capsule with the year and the appropriate instructions as to when the capsule can be opened.

time-capsule-on-shelf
Step Seven: Hide (or bury) it somewhere until next year
Want to bury your time capsule? Go for it! As long as your capsule is completely sealed, it should last underground for a year or two without a problem. Not up for digging, or don’t have the proper yard for burying? Place your time capsule high on a shelf or drawer, out of reach of prying hands. Open it next year… in five years… whenever you’re ready for some instant nostalgia.

Happy New Year!

— All copy and photos by Melissa Heckscher

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*This post was inspired by a similar Time Capsule project at Our Peaceful Planet

Stains: they are the hallmark of true parenting (and a sure result of a girls-night-in). While you might be able to let a few slide, some of them just could cost you the deposit on your apartment or incite a desire to replace your shag with something more, well, wipeable. We polled our editorial staff—who know a thing or two about stain removal—and got together their best tips. Scroll down for 18 simple ways to keep it clean.

security via Pixabay

1. Use boiling water for red wine: You might have heard the tried and true soda water/cold water rinse for red wine, but here’s a method our editors swear by—pour boiling water over the red wine stain and blot it up with a cloth (Note: do not blot it before without water).

2. Use lemon for sweat rings: Use lemon juice and water on sweat stains. Make a little potion and soak the area. Baking soda and water paste can help remove underarm stains on white clothing.

3. Use salt for red wine and grease stain: Pour salt on the stain to soak up any extra wine, then soak in cold water for 30 min. For blood, one hour in cold saltwater. Salt also helps absorb grease stains!

4. Use Shock It Clean. No, we don’t mean singing perfectly on-pitch to "Side to Side" and shocking the crowd. One of our editors turned us on to this product, and we are telling you that it removes every carpet stain ever. Including that weird pee stain you only just now noticed and can’t tell if it’s human or pet.  

5. Use white wine on red wine: Yes, you have to waste a little white wine, but that’s nothing compared to wasting a good Sangiovese (Yes, we realize this is the third wine stain hack. What?).

Tyler Nix via Unsplash

6. Use white vinegar to get out coffee stains: Try white vinegar on coffee stains (on clothing). Soak for at least 8 hrs.

7. Chalk works on oil: Liquid dish soap is the most effective treatment for oil stains, but a stick of chalk can help absorb it quickly. Use a paper towel to blot up as much oil as possible, then rub the chalk stick on it. Wash as soon as possible. 

8. One word: Oxiclean (That's one word, right?). Grass stains have met their match.

9. Use nail polish remover on paint: If you’ve got paint on the jeans you just couldn’t bring yourself to take off before touching up the walls, try shaving it off with a razor. Super stubborn paint stains from the people who painted before you can be combatted with nail polish remover and elbow grease.

10. Aluminum foil works wonder on rust: You can remove rust by lightly scrubbing with aluminum foil. Add a little white vinegar to really scrape off stubborn stuff.

Callum Hill via Unsplash

11. Lemons make your sink shine: Clean up the gunk and shine up the chrome of your faucets using lemons. You can use a half-lemon or a wedge to squeeze into narrow spots and it works great to get your stainless steel sink to gleam too.

12. Toothpaste will make your diamonds sparkle: Use toothpaste to polish your silver rings and get rid of those tarnished stains.

13. Take care with rubbing alcohol to get nail polish out of the carpet: If you spill nail polish on the carpet or floor, use a microfiber cloth to absorb as much as you can, then continue blotting with rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth (Nail polish remover can damage hardwoods and other flooring surfaces, but you can try soaking the microfiber cloth in a bit of remover before washing).

14. Baking soda and white vinegar works on pet messes: To clean up poop, dog or otherwise, from the carpet you'll need white vinegar and baking soda. And a lot of paper towels. And probably gloves. Just let the paste fizz and blot, fizz and blot. It's like a mini-volcano of gross.

lightstargod via Pixabay

15. Cornstarch on a decorated dog: Kids got markers and/or paints and painted your dog? (No, oh, just wait...) If your pooch is light-colored, cornstarch can help lighten the fur back up.

16. Shout also works on pet messes: You can try your average carpet cleaner or "pet stain remover" but we found nothing takes care of the remains of the day like a laundry stain remover, i.e. extra-strength Shout.

17. Soda on garage grease stains. Pour a can of Coke on a greasy stain in your garage. (Diet Coke won't cut it, but you can always try.)

18. If all else fails: Give up (wear dark colors, or beige if you’re preventing spit-up stains; make sure your carpets are artfully swirly; put smocks on your kids every day).

 

—Edit Team

 

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Two of your fave childhood treats are teaming up this summer! Bomb Pop and Crush Soda recently announced a collab, creating the can’t-miss frozen sweet for the season.

The new Bomb Pop Crush ice pops are available in fave flavors your fam has come to know and love from the iconic soda brand: grape, strawberry, and orange. Like the red, white and blue pops your kiddos crave when the weather gets warm, these icy cool goodies also feature all three flavors in one tangy treat.

photo courtesy of Bomb Pop/Crush

Jeremy Hrynewycz, Senior Brand Manager at Bomb Pop, said in a press release, “We are thrilled to add Bomb Pop Crush to our portfolio of ice pops.” Hrynewycz continued, “This new frozen treat is sure to satisfy tweens, teens, parents and anyone looking for an epic mashup that takes you on a three-part fruity flavor journey.”

Whitney Gates, Brand Manager at Crush, added, “Working with Bomb Pop to bring our flavors to life in one of their beloved ice pops was a blast, and we can’t wait for our fans to have another fruity and refreshing way to enjoy their favorite soda on the go.”

Find Bomb Pop Crush pops in Walmart, Kroger, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, Food Lion and SuperValu stores and at other grocery retailers nationwide for $3.49 (12-pop box).

—Erica Loop

 

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