ML Interest Tag: special-touch

Embrace Your Love of the Grinch in the Latest Shoes from Skechers

by Sarah Shebek

The Grinch may be a mean one, but his sense of style is actually quite nice. If you have a soft spot in your heart for the grumpy green guy, you’ll love the latest additions to this collection from Skechers! The Dr. Seuss Grinch Collection has styles for the whole family and features illustrations of the signature characters—but it’s only around for a limited time.

Whether you’re looking for a casual slip-on sneaker or something even cozier, this line has you covered. The BOBS products even donates to save shelter animals’ lives! Your kids can also get in on the fun with a new winter boot and light-up sneaker.

BOBS from Skechers Beach Bingo – Who-Christmas-Sing

Skechers

Snag this sneaker for ultimate comfort and Grinchy style. It features a scrunch back for easy slipping on and off, plus memory foam and the whole Whoville crew. Buy it for $58. 

Skechers Street Roadies – Ugly Sweaters

Skechers

If you're looking for something a little edgier, you'll love this white leather lace up boot. Featuring a Grinch-worthy catchphrase, it's the perfect accessory for the holiday parties you don't really want to attend. You'll be able to buy it soon for $90. 

 

 

Skechers Vortex – Flash – Grinchly

Skechers

Don't leave the little ones behind! This slip-on runs up to 13.5 and features a Grinch design with a stretch-laced front. The light-up midsole adds an extra special touch. Buy it here for $55. 

 

Skechers Hypno-Flash 3.0 – Too Late to be Good

Finally, upgrade those winter boots with a Grinch-tastic new style. The cold weather footwear has a soft fleece collar and vibrant lights in the midsole. You'll be able to buy it soon for $62-68. 

If your favorite style isn’t available now, check back throughout the month as Skechers adds more products to the collection. Help us, we’re FEELING!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Skechers

 

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Add a Dreidel to Your Waffles, Just in Time for Hanukkah

by Sarah Shebek

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

If you’re celebrating Hanukkah, now you can add a dreidel to your waffle! There’s a new Dreidel Mini Waffle Maker from Dash that will add an extra-special touch to your holiday celebrations.

It’s available now, just in time for the first night of Hanukkah on November 28. You can use it to make four inch waffles (that look a bit more like pancakes) that are each stamped with a dreidel. The waffle maker heats up quickly and could be used for latkes, too!

You can find the new appliance from Dash now at major retailers for $10 each. It also comes with a recipe guide, which might give you inspo for more sweet and savory waffle treats. At only five inches wide, no kitchen is too small for a Dreidel Waffle Maker!

—Sarah Shebek

featured image courtesy of Dash

 

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Can You Believe? LEGO’s New Fab 5 Loft Set Is Here & It’s Totally Fierce

by Sarah Shebek

Fabulous! LEGO just dropped another epic set and it features five guys you know and love. The LEGO Queer Eye – The Fab 5 Loft set showcases the original loft from the first two seasons, with plenty of fantastic details.

Tan, Bobby, Antoni, Jonathan and Karamo have been transformed into some of the most stylish minifigs we’ve ever seen. Tan’s hair shimmers in silver, Karamo is rocking his signature baseball cap, Jonathan’s long mane is perfectly coiffed, Antoni features his classic bandana and Bobby is wearing one of his familiar printed button ups. Don’t forget Bruley the dog!

This set features 974 pieces and it’s packed with plenty of pieces you’ll recognize from the show. Look for the “STYLE, TASTE, CLASS” sign and the “Yaaas Queen” print in the kitchen. You’ll also find the guys’ tools of the trade: the kitchen island, the clothes rack, the couch and scrapbook, a salon area and a laptop plus ideas board. And of course, the TV to watch the transformations!

Finally, there’s an extra special touch with the inclusion of Kathi Dooley, one of the show’s most memorable characters. She’s Jonathan’s former high school teacher and she receives an emotional makeover on the show. The set includes before and after minifigures, plus a transformational chamber, to capture the spirit of the reveals.

You’ll be able to add this fabulous set to your collection on October 1. It retails for $100 on LEGO.com. As Jonathan says, “You’re strong, you’re a Kelly Clarkson song, you got this!”

—Sarah Shebek

All photos courtesy of LEGO

 

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Williams Sonoma Launches Exclusive New Disney Collection

by Karly Wood

Mickey and his pals are here for your meal time. In a brand new collection, Williams Sonoma has just launched a lineup of mouse-inspired cook wear and accessories guaranteed to make your time spent in the kitchen more fun.

From spatulas and oven mitts, to aprons and cookie jars, the 18-piece Mickey Mouse collection is packed with the whimsy we all need. Keep scrolling to see our fave products!

Aprons

These adorable aprons are just as much fun as they are functional. They are made with a durable twill, have two large pockets for all your accessories and have an adjustable neck. Shop both Mickey and Minnie aprons for adults ($39.95) and kids ($24.95).

Mickey Mouse Impression Cookie Cutter Set

Williams Sonoma 21-piece stainless-steel cutters ($29.95) will take your cookie baking to the next level. The set comes with six Disney characters that include Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto in detailed impressions. You'll also get 12 icing bags, four decorating tips, plastic coupler and storage box.

Cookie Jar

Keep your cookies extra sweet in this cookie jar ($69.95). The stoneware jar comes with a super tight fitting lid and hand painted details for an extra special touch.

Flex Spatulas

These flexible nylon spatulas ($16.95) are all about the magic. They are safe up to 400°, dishwasher safe and won't scratch your pans.

Silicone Pancake Molds

Up your breakfast game with this set of four pancake molds ($16.95) that includes Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, a glove and bow. The silicone tabs make it safe to lift from your hot pan and each one is made with an innovative nonstick silicone design for perfect hotcakes every time. 

Ice Molds

Who wants boring ice when you can have mouse-shaped instead? These Mickey ice molds ($21.95) are made with flexible BPA-free silicone and come in a set of two.

Water Bottle

You can choose from either Mickey or Minnie ($29.95) when it comes to these 17 oz. water bottles. They are made from double-walled stainless steel and will keep your drinks cold for up to eight hours.

Medium Spatulas

Whether you love Mickey or Minnie, there's a spatula ($16.95) for everyone! The silicone tool is BPA free, can withstand heats up to 600° and comes with a beachwood handle.

Le Creuset Mickey Mouse 90th Birthday Celebration Enameled Cast Iron Round Oven

Home chef's will love Le Creuset's special edition Mickey Dutch Oven ($265). The 4 1/2 quart enameled cast iron pot is dishwasher safe and can easily transfer from stove to oven.

Oven Mitts

Protect your paws with these adorable oven mitts ($39.95)! They are made with 100 percent cotton, are terry lines and even come with loops for handing.

––Karly Wood

 

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5 Things I Would Tell a Mom Who Wants to Homeschool Her Kids

By Amber Stevens

Prior to having children, I decided I would homeschool my children until they reach first or second grade. Now that I have children, my plans have changed just a bit. While I have decided to homeschool my four-year-old this year, I have every intention of sending her to school for kindergarten next year. And while my “teacher-mommy” (as she calls me) career won’t be going as long as I originally intended, that doesn’t mean I haven’t learned some important lessons along the way. So, if you are contemplating homeschooling or are on the journey with me, here are some tips you may find helpful:

1. You can do it! I feel the need to start with this because there is a certain anxiety that comes along with the decision to homeschool your children. Am I smart enough? Am I a good teacher? Will my child succeed? What will I teach? The list goes on and on. I am here to tell you that you can absolutely do it. You are not only capable but you are going to crush it. 

2. You can give it your own special touch. The great thing about homeschooling is that you can put your own flair on it. You don’t have to do it like this mom or that dad. Aside from making sure you teach your children the required educational standards for their age level, you have the freedom to educate them how you want. So have fun with it!

3. Making your home conducive for learning helps. For me, this has probably been the most exciting part of homeschooling because I’ve been able to decorate. I homeschool in our dining room and I make sure that it is nice and colorful with learning posters and statements of inspiration. Additionally, I’ve also noticed that my little learner is excited to learn as she sees all the learning material around her. 

4. Practice makes perfect. And this statement is so accurate. Although you are giving your child one-on-one attention, it doesn’t mean they will master the concepts after just one lesson; if they do, you may have a genius on your hand. It takes time to learn and that’s okay because you want them to understand the material not just regurgitate it back to you. So take a deep breath and relax. 

5. You can have fun. Although homeschooling is just as serious as traditional schooling, it is not bootcamp. Whether you realize it or not, you are creating memories with your children and you want them to remember this time as wonderful, not dreadful. 

All in all, I am thoroughly enjoying my year as a homeschooling mom. I’m grateful I get to be home with my little ones and I plan to make the most of this time. I’m sure I’ll learn more and as I do, I look forward to sharing it with you.

Hi Everyone. I’m Amber. I’m a wife and mom of 2 beautiful princesses. I was born a creative and I’m learning to find creativity in every area of my life. I’m a lover of all things beautiful but I’m also drawn to the broken because there’s always room for restoration. 

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9 Smart Strategies for Decorating a Nursery

by Aimee Della Bitta

Designing your baby’s nursery can feel both exhilarating and daunting at the same time. While it’s easy to get caught up in picking just the right colors and Pinterest-worthy aesthetics, it’s equally important to create a space that’s functional and can grow with your baby. We’ve come up with nine smart strategies to help you design a room for you and your little one that is fun, functional and even budget-friendly.

Arrange Furniture for Function

Houzz

When designing a nursery, think about what your baby and you will be doing most in the room. Hopefully sleep tops your list! Remember that light and temperature affect sleep, so one of the basics of baby nursery layout is keeping the crib away from windows and heat and air conditioning sources.

Also, you'll be spending plenty of time in the nursery during the first few months, so be sure your glider or rocking chair is in the most convenient spot. For economy of motion, you’ll want your chair near the crib so you don’t have to go far with a crying baby wanting to be fed. Once you’re seated, though, you’re going to want some things within reach. Place your chair near a chest of drawers or place a storage basket or container near or under the chair that's stocked with spit-up cloths, pacifiers, rattles, etc.

Put Up Wall Decals or Removal Wallpaper

Chasing Paper

Wallpaper is totally in right now but you're not sure you want to commit—we get it! An easy and adorable fix is removable wallpaper or wall decals. See Chasing Paper's removable wallpaper in the image above, and check out Tinyme for wall decals. Not only do they add a fun touch to the nursery, they’re perfect for commitmentphobes who love to change up their spaces often.

Keep Shelves Low

JohnKline via Pixabay

Recognizing that your tiny baby will soon be able to crawl and access toys on their own is key in designing a nursery you won't need to re-arrange in six months. As your little one grows, you'll want to encourage them to explore. Unfortunately, tall shelves can look like a mountain that would be fun to climb. A safer alternative is incorporating low shelving and other low-to-the-floor storage containers so, as your baby becomes a toddler, they can easily reach their toys AND learn to put them away!

Put Everything You Need in Reach of the Changing Table

100 Layer Cake-Let

One thing new parents learn quick is that once your baby is on the changing table, squirming and naked, you're stuck! It's vital that everything you need to get the job done is in arm's reach of that table so you don't risk baby falling off.

Choose Transition Furniture

Wayfair

Choosing a crib that transitions to a toddler bed is a surefire way to make sure you'll get more bang for your buck. There are a lot of convertible crib options out there, so you have lots of styles to choose from. Once you find "the one," deck it out with adorable crib sheets that pop. Now there you have it—functional and fun!

Hang Art That Grows With Baby

Serena and Lily

Wall hangings and artwork can really bring your nursery together and give it the special touch that makes it unique. Artwork is one thing that can be swapped out easily, but choosing art that grows with your baby helps keep your budget in check. We love pieces like this pear artwork from Darling Clementine.

Opt For Durable Fabrics

Delta Children

While images of gorgeous all-white nurseries may catch your eye on Instagram, keeping that white glider clean may be more work and time than it's worth. Remember that babies are messy, and the last thing you want is to be stressing over whether the fabric on your new chair is ruined. There are plenty of fabrics that are built to withhold stains. The Clair Slim Nursery Glider Swivel Rocker Chair from Delta Children, above, comes in a durable navy microfiber fabric that is easy to clean.

Conserve Space with Dual-Use items

Wayfair

For such tiny creatures, babies come with an enormous amount of stuff! So no matter what size your baby's room is, conserving space is always a top priority. That's why dual-use items like a dresser/changing table or built-in storage is so helpful. South Shore's Cotton Candy Changing Table, above, features a removable changing table topper, so when your child is done with diapers, they can still use the dresser below.

Get Lighting Right

Amazon

Lighting in a nursery is often overlooked, but it is key to creating a functional room for you and your child. Avoid harsh lighting and control natural light so your baby can sleep better. Also, be sure to put night-light bulbs in your nursery lamp (we love this owl lamp from Lambs & Ivy) so you can check on a sleeping baby or change a diaper without waking them up.

—Aimee Della Bitta

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Party Hearty: Five Crafty Shops You Need to Know for a DIY Bash

by Allison Sutcliffe

There’s a time in every party planning parent’s life when inspiration strikes and the quest to design the coolest kiddo bash in town begins. If you’re left wondering what Martha would do in this situation, we’ll let you in on a secret, she’d hit up these amazingly crafty shops. They’ve got everything you need, from invites to goody bags, so you can throw one unforgettable event.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Packaging Specialties
PS Stores are a DIYer’s dream because they stock just about everything you can think of to assemble a party that won’t soon be rivaled. They make tying in colored themes easy with straws, cellophane packaging, organdy and muslin bags, as well as that cute baker’s twine everyone uses these days. They even have baking boxes and tins for everyday treats like cupcakes or colored M&Ms, right on through to custom boxes (think macarons and more!) for stand out assemblage. As for printables, the party planner in you will delight in the many flags, tags and labels that will add that special touch to your invites, goody bags or games. And if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, take it down a notch and grab one of their adorable ready-to-go boxes of invites. Finding matching elements for circus, pirate or ladybug themes is a cinch in this store. It’s easy to look like a pro when you’ve got the right stuff!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Packaging Specialties hosts classes a few times a month where those who are craft curious learn techniques that transform projects from amateur to amazing. The cost is usually around $25.

515 S. Michigan St.
Seattle, Wa 98108
206-768-0540

15120 N.E. 24th St.
Building 18, Suite F
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-885-0264
Online: ps-stores.com

Paper Delights
This stylish Wallingford store is the party and card store you’ve been looking for your whole life, in that “had me at hello” kind of way. If you’re not already drooling when you walk through the door, you will be after leafing through the invite booklets and wandering the rows of irresistible cards that you must have. We love this shop because it’s one place you can create custom invites in small quantities without breaking the bank. Plan on about $1.75 per card, with a 20 card minimum (although you can fudge that and order less, you just have to pay $10 to do so) and voila, you’ve got an adorbs card for your cutie’s next bash, just 48 hours after it’s been approved. While you’re there you can also grab matching straws, baker’s twine, cupcake sleeves and paper globes to round out your party décor. Simple elegance is always in style!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

2205 N. 45th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-547-1002
Online: paperdelights.com

Paper Source
We love the knowledgeable staff at Paper Source, who can take all those awesome ideas you’ve pinned and show you how to make them by yourself. It’s the go-to store for the craftily inclined (but maybe not so crafty) who have more confidence in their inspired ideas than they do in their skill. It’s also a great one-stop-shop because everything you need to create the look you’re going for can be found in the store, right down to crafty favors, centerpieces or activities for the party. And if you want to be less do-it-yourself, and more do-it-for-me, please (and who can blame you if you do?), their pre-packaged invites and accessories are the way to go. Psst! We totally love their printable invites that couple with online templates, so you can customize the message and look, plus print everything at home. It’s the breathe-easy, DIY option for busy parents!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Throughout the year, Paper Source holds classes so you can up your craft ante from season to season. Check out their online schedule to see what’s next on deck. Classes are usually between $20-$35.

1908 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-284-2615

2606 N.E. 46th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-523-3683

610 Bellevue Way N.E., Suite 100
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-646-0100
Online: papersource.com

Impress
Stamps as far as the eye can see, in every imaginable shape or size, is what party planners will find at either of Impress’s two locations. It’s a true stamper’s paradise, just waiting for your next party project. But beyond stamps, they’ve got amazing ideas that line the shelves, and staff who can help you bring a certain look to life, if you’ve got grand plans. Plus, they’ve got all the embellishments (think brads, buttons, sequins and ribbons), tools and stamp pads right there in the store, which is always appreciated by busy parents. And if you can’t find the exact stamp you’re looking for, you can make one that’s the perfect fit for your little one’s next bash (be sure to plan turnaround time into this one). DIY-ing here is one way to make an impression!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Mark your calendar for an upcoming class at Impress to level-up on your party prowess.

2621 N.E. Village Ln.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-526-5818

120 Andover Park E.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-901-9101
Online: impresscardsandcrafts.com

The Red Balloon Company
If balloons are what you need to complete your party look, you gotta check out the Red Balloon Company on Capitol Hill. They do balloons the way Marshawn runs the ball, like a boss. They’ve got everything you need, from simple uninflated balloons on through to helium-filled balloon arches that really make a doorway pop (wink, wink). And did we mention they (can) deliver? Yes, please!

417 15th Ave. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
206-467-0318
Online: redballoon.com

Looking for original favors for goody bags? Or the perfect present to bring to the party? Be sure to check out our guide to unique stores for birthday gifts for some awesome ideas.

What’s your favorite place to pick up DIY party supplies? Share it with others in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe

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