Break out those boogie boards, and this winter, check out these slippery beach sledding spots in LA
There may be snow on the mountains in the distance (and if you want to play in the cold, white fluffy stuff, check out our kid-friendly guide to snow play in LA), but if you want to give kids a fun, only-in-LA sledding experience this winter without having to travel far, head to the beach for some sand dune sledding. Sand berms are man-made sand hills built up by the city to protect the beaches from eroding from winter storms and rough surf. They are a popular spot for sledding in Los Angeles and a beloved activity for locals—and good to know? Boogie boards are great sand sledding devices. Sand berms provide a great way to enjoy the beach during the winter when the weather is typically too cold or windy to enjoy otherwise. These are our favorite spots to climb and slide our way down to the bottom and one of our most-favorite winter activities in LA—most of which can be done for free.
1. Zuma Beach Sand Sledding
Up the coast in Malibu, Zuma always makes for a beautiful beach day, whether you're crashing in the waves or sledding in the sand. It is a bit more of a trek, so you may want to pack up a picnic along with your sleds and make a day of it. The berms at Zuma are long and much less trafficked than Venice and Hermosa, which also means they aren't as smooth and slick. For a better ride, have the grownups in the group take a few trips down the slope first, to carve out a nice pathway for the little ones—yep, it's a perfect excuse to get a turn on the new sled.
Zuma isn't as busy in the winter, so you should have no trouble grabbing a parking spot in the lot directly behind the sand dunes.
The Hermosa Beach sand berms stretch out from both sides of the Hermosa Pier providing plenty of ocean-front real estate for your little sand bunnies. These hills are a little less steep making them the best spot for the youngest (or most cautious) sledders.
Good to Know: The closest places to park are the two public metered lots on Hermosa Ave. at 11th and 13th St.
Just south of the Venice Beach Pier is one of the most popular sand sledding spots on the coast. The Venice berm stretches from the pier all along the length of the south parking lot, so despite being a hotspot, there's always plenty of room for everyone. These slopes are usually the biggest of the berms on the coast, making them the go-to spot for young sledders (and grown-ups) looking for the best thrill ride. Late Dec. or early Jan. is usually the best time to visit, as the sand has gotten packed down, making for a smoother, faster ride.
Good to Know: Parking in the lot can cost more on the weekends. You can also look for a spot on Washington Blvd., but it can be a bit of a walk.
Catch some sand in the Santa Monica Mountains! While the sledding here is prime, there's more at this location that will easily occupy you and your crew for the day—miles of sandy beaches with rocky bluffs, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons, and broad grassy valleys dotted with sycamores and oaks along with 70+ miles of hiking trails.
9000 W. Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu Online:parks.ca.gov
5. Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Park
At the north end of this park, there’s a 100-foot high slope covered in deep sand that kids can climb up and jump, roll, or run down. If your brood grows tired of the sand, there’s also a children’s playground with other facilities including picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. The rest of the park includes trails and flora in Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Nature Preserve.
Good to Know: This spot does require reservations, so make sure you secure them before heading here.
Who’s getting excited for Halloween? In anticipation of the ultimate spooky season, Disney just expanded its Adaptive Roleplay kid’s costumes and wheelchair cover sets to include even more options this year.
Disney’s adaptive costumes came on the market last year and included options like Disney Princesses and Pixar characters. Now, kids can also choose from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther Adaptive Costume, a Star Wars: The Mandalorian Adaptive Costume and Star Wars: The Mandalorian Wheelchair Cover Set and more!
Kids and adults who use wheelchairs and have other accessibility needs will find the adaptive costumes a great fit. The costumes are made with stretch fabric that opens in the front, is open in the rear and has a long inseam.
Each costume has flap openings on the front center with self-stick fabric closure to accommodate tube access and the wheelchair cover sets fit most standard wheelchairs with 24-inch wheels. The sets include plastic piping pieces for added support and long self-stick fabric strips to secure the pieces.
The 2021 Halloween collection is live on shopDisney.com and already has tons of costumes for new releases like Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon as well as classic films. You can find decor, clothing and accessories to last you the whole season!
With the current state of the world and the kids going back to school, the odds are you’re finding yourself a bit flustered while trying to keep a routine or get things done. We’ve created three free printable templates you can use to help track things and stay sane: for daily schedule, chores, and self-care.
(Just click on the links to open a new tab for the printables).
Keeping on top of household maintenance with a household full of people is not without its challenges. Use this chart to get everyone to pitch in (this could be the start of something!)
Don't forget to take care of yourself during these trying times! This sheet will remind you to drink water, go for a short walk if you can, stretch, tell a joke or just give yourself a compliment. This is a great one to assign each kid as well, to teach them the value of their own well-being.
It might be the toughest stretch of time for moms: postpartum. Between the lack of sleep, recovery from birth and adjustment to a new normal, the period after birth can be grueling—and lonely. But a new survey from Lansinoh shows you’re not alone if you’re struggling: 88% of moms surveyed said they weren’t prepared for the postpartum period and more than 95% think moms need more support from society.
Almost every mom-to-be has a birth plan, but not many have a plan for recovery. The survey showed that only 11% of moms had that plan, even though 90% recommended that new moms prepare for the days and weeks after birth. And there were common struggles that the group faced. Nearly 3/4 said that they were unprepared for breastfeeding, 66% cited mental health concerns and 65% said they weren’t prepared for the lack of sleep.
One word representing postpartum experience
Postpartum support is essential and support in the workforce is extra important, with 72% of moms currently working, according to PEW Research. This survey revealed that above all else, moms want stronger government policies for working parents, especially since the US is the only industrialized country without a federal paid maternity leave policy.
As fellow parents, we know how tough the transition to motherhood can be, even with all the magic it brings. That’s why we have thousands of articles with tips, tricks and hacks to make life with baby a bit easier. And Lansinoh also offers 100% insurance covered breast pumps to moms nationwide—just fill out a quick online form and simplify one part of postpartum.
Maternity-wear brand A Pea in the Pod is about to launch an exclusive capsule collection in collaboration with NYC-based Something Navy. The new line, The Luxe Collection, features six key pieces that are just as stylish as they are comfortable!
The six-piece knit collection features everything you’ll need for the spring season—bike shorts, joggers, leggings, a midi dress, a jumpsuit and a tank. Each of the pieces is made from a comfy premium rayon/spandex knit. This allows you to keep wearing the stretchable fabrics as you move through your trimesters.
Marla Ryan, Brand Executive Vice President, A Pea in the Pod, said of the collab, in a press release, “We have long admired and followed the classic, feminine style aesthetic from Something Navy and we are thrilled to launch our first curated collection together. The Luxe Collection – a capsule of six maternity pieces in a soft, premium knit fabric featuring the perfect touch of spandex to stretch and grow in all the right places.”
You can already shop The Luxe Collection at A Pea in the Pod or Something Navy. It’s available in sized XS through XL and ranges from $38 to $68 per piece.
—Erica Loop
Photos courtesy of A Pea in the Pod x Something Navy
Dunkin’ wants to keep their most loyal fans runnin’ this month. DD Perks members can start the week off right with a free medium hot coffee with any purchase every Monday in February. Coffee fans who are not currently enrolled can take part in Free Coffee Mondays by signing up on the Dunkin’ App or at DDPerks.com.
Fans can enjoy their go-to Dunkin’ brew, such as Original Blend or Dunkin’ Decaf, discover a new favorite with recently introduced hot coffee options, including Dunkin’ Midnight and Explorer Batch or check out their Valentine’s Day Menu.
“As we head into the home stretch of winter, we know our fans could use a little extra boost to stay energized. With Free Coffee Mondays, we look forward to keeping our rewards members running with a free cup of hot coffee to help start each week in February off right,” said Joanna Bonder, Director, Loyalty Marketing and Strategy at Dunkin’.
To take part in Free Coffee Mondays, DD Perks members can simply order ahead via the Dunkin’ App or have their loyalty ID QR code scanned before they pay. DD Perks members earn five points for every dollar they spend on qualifying purchases at Dunkin’. Once a member accrues 200 points, they receive a free beverage reward of any size, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ restaurants.
Calling all mamas (and soon-to-be mamas)! Now Spanx’s all-hosiery Bra-llelujah! Bras come in nursing bras. Baby and sleep approved, this bra bundle of joy is debuting on Spanx.com Feb. 1st.
For all nine months and beyond, Spanx’s maternity and postpartum styles will support you pre and post pregnancy. From maternity leggings to supportive postpartum panties, Spanx has every trimester (and after) covered.
Bra-llelujah! Nursing Bra ($58)
Designed with clip down cups for easy, one-handed access (we know you’re busy!)
Wrap-over detail keeps opposite cup in place while nursing
Racerback straps ensure a stay put fit
Patented all-hosiery back and no wire keeps you comfortable for long days and nights
4-way stretch fabric = perfect for fluctuation in cup size
Brushed fabric for super-soft feel against sensitive skin
Removable pads for modesty
Pad pocket allows a nursing pad to stay in place
Colors Available: Naked 2.0, Café Au Lait, Very Black
From your 20-week ultrasound to chasing a tottling toddler, your body has gone through incredible changes in such a short time. Celebrate those changes—and everything you’ve accomplished as a new mama—with clothes that make you look and feel your best. Anook Athletics, the covet-worthy athletic wear brand for pre- and postpartum moms features a line of high-quality, versatile styles that will take you from first trimester and beyond. They just released their new line of styles and we got the scoop below.
How Anook Athletics Is Different We’ll just come out and say it: This brand lives up to the hype. While many maternity collections promise quality goods that you’ll be able to wear beyond pregnancy, Anook Athletics actually delivers. We specifically tested the Poppy Leggings and Nila bra and here’s what we loved:
• Most maternity activewear leggings we’ve worn just don’t have that glove-like fit we’re used to with our fave non-pregnancy leggings. We’re either pulling up the belly band or adjusting it every few minutes so it gives us the coverage we need. Anook Athletics has it all figured out. Once you put on the leggings, they fit perfectly over every bump and curve—the material feels giving enough for a growing bump and supportive enough to last once baby arrives. The fabric is forgiving, but so well made it won’t stretch out.
• The Nila Bra is comfortable and stylish enough to wear even when not nursing. But if you are, the clips—which you can easily maneuver one-handed—allow for easy access.
• We love supporting mom-founded brands whose mission we can get behind. Founded by Allie Lindenmuth, an Austin-based prenatal yoga teacher and mom, Anook Athletics is all about empowering women through life’s biggest changes and challenges. Their styles are not trendy or cutesy but designed to be realistic to what pregnant and new moms experience, both emotionally and physically.
And, while it’s fair to consider the prices spendy, you’re investing in styles you’ll wear way beyond the pregnancy and infant months.
Styles You’ll Find in the New Collection Released September 2020:
Ellie 23" Crop Leggings ($98)
Busy moms know you can never have too many pockets. Their new Ellie Crop Legging just gets you. It features a pocket to store your valuables and flat seams and a sleek silhouette to make you feel extra confident pre- or post-baby. This style is available in Stone Heather and Char Heather. Buy it here.
Birdie Skort ($78)
If you're on the move turn to this cute but comfortable Skort that boasts breathable fabric, an antimicrobial lining, power mesh side panels and of course, those much-needed pockets. Choose from Pacific, Char, Moss, Redwood and Stone. Buy it here.
Devyn Muscle Tee ($68)
Chances are you're looking for just that perfect tee you can wear from morning to night. Good news: we've found it. The new Devyn Muscle Tee is the staple you've been looking for. It'll wick away moisture using Dri-Release® fabric and is soft enough for nursing and durable enough for a workout. Buy it here.
Georgia Jacket ($179)
Cooler months require clothes that you can layer, stay warm in and feel comfortable toting around baby and chasing after a toddler (yep, we're speaking from experience). This jacket will do all of that and more. It's made with a four-way stretch and quilted front panels that hugs your body in just the right places. Product launching in late October.
Additional Styles to Shop:
When Anook Athletics launched last year we were lucky enough to check out their inaugural collection. We broke it down for you below:
• Poppy Tall and Short Leggings($98) – Available in tall (28.5”) and short (26”), these leggings come in Heathered Char or Heathered Stone. Both colors and lengths feature a waistline power mesh that won’t have you pulling or adjusting the belly band every five minutes. It’s supportive and giving enough for a growing bump and offers compression after baby is born. The extra-wide gusset with antimicrobial liner offers ventilation, and the moisture management knit material wicks away sweat. Buy here.
• Hayes Tall and Short Joggers ($98) – For a more lounge-like fit, turn to these joggers that also come in tall (27”) and short lengths (24.5”). Both include extra ventilation and are soft and stretchy enough to accommodate a growing bump and postpartum body types. Choose from Heathered Char or Heathered Stone. Buy here.
• Austin Shorts($58) – The prenatal activewear scene was sorely missing shorts…until now. These shorts boast a four-way stretch, antimicrobial lining and are forgiving enough that the waistband will expand and contract to whatever size and shape you currently hold. Available in four colors. Buy here.
• Nila Bra ($58) – Ever wish your fave sports bra doubled as a nursing bra? Your wish came true with this nursing-friendly sports bra that offers padded coverage and hidden nursing clips. The bra is comfortable enough to wear all day (we tested this out ourselves) and is stylish enough to wear even when you’re not nursing. Available in all four colorways. Buy here.
• Tank ($62) – Comfortable enough to wear around the house or to yoga class, this tank is sweat-wicking and includes hidden nursing clips and a padded bra. Choose from four colors. Buy here.
Drive along the sandy stretch known as Mustang Island, in the Coastal Bend region of Texas, and you’ll find yourself in the quirky community of Port Aransas. Dubbed “Port A” by the locals, this charming town has all the vibes of a traditional beach town with a Texas flair you won’t find anywhere else. Discover over 18 miles of wide, sandy beach, a variety of lodging, family-friendly dining, and an array of outdoor fun for kids and their grownups.
It’s the perfect family getaway, just hours from your door.
Elmo’s dad has a message for parents everywhere. Sesame Street knows how much hard work is going into working from home and helping with distance learning. They made a new PSA to remind parents to take a moment for themselves.
The PSA, which is part of Sesame Workshop’s new Caring for Each Other initiative, features Elmo’s dad, Louie. Elmo is in the background asking to build a pillow fort, but Louie needs to take a moment to himself. He says, “It is wonderful to be able to spend so much time with our children, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. So I just wanted to say, parents, you’re doing an amazing job. Remember though, it’s important to take some time for yourself. Take care of you. Listen to your favorite song, stretch, or just take a moment to breathe.”
Sesame Workshop’s new Caring for Each Other initiative includes resources for families to help them with distance learning and creating new routines for children to follow. Free eBooks and other downloadable materials are currently available as well.