This Advent calendar is a top seller at Trader Joe’s for the holiday season

Run, don’t walk to your closest Trader Joe’s. The grocer’s annual 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is back for 2023!

Our editors spied the famed Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty on Nov. 8, and it’s packed with plenty of must-have products. This coveted calendar tends to sell out before Thanksgiving, so if you’re in the market for one, act fast.

As soon as you bring this cutie into your car, the dreamy aroma of citrus will take over and you’ll be glad you nabbed it.

What will you find inside Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty Advent calendar?

  • Lavender bath salts
  • Brazil nut hair mask
  • Gingerbread cookie moisturizing lip balm
  • Brown sugar carob lip scrub
  • Sweet nectarine scented ultra moisturizing hand cream
  • Neroli bamboo scented shave cream
  • Cake batter scented body butter
  • Orange popsicle scented exfoliating sugar scrub cube
  • Rice polish face cleansing powder
  • Vitamin C firming body butter
  • Yuzu bath fizzer
  • Daily facial sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 40

You can find the calendar in the beauty aisle of your local Trader Joe’s for $19.99—but not for long. This one is very popular!

While we were there, we also spied this year’s 12 Days of Scented Candles Advent Calendar for $29.99. We love this option along with the chocolate Advent calendars priced at just $1.99 and the Advent calendars for pets.

Keep an eye out for other holiday favorites that have been trickling in. All the elves on your list will want a bottle of Peppermint, Gingerbread, or Egg Nog Liqueur—perfect for all those holiday cocktails you’ll be mixing up. Felted wool trivets have been hitting the shelves, along with dog toys, holiday snacks, and the scented candle trio.

Cross your fingers that year’s felted wool garlands will come in the mini size again as we loved pairing them with our Elf on the Shelf along with those mini totes they sold last month. Get ready, Instagram!

Hilarious Halloween parenting memes and all that candy are only two things we love about October

Your kids have chosen their Halloween costumes (and then changed their minds 1,000 times), the candy has been bought and then restocked and then restocked again, and you’ve lined up all the best Halloween movies on Netflix. Now that you’re ready for the big night, it’s time to grab a mini-Snickers, relax, and laugh at these hilarious Halloween memes about parenting we’re sure you can relate to.

No judgment from us.

Must. Practice. Restraint.

One must always cover one’s tracks

Who’s in charge here??

When it comes to holiday decorations, reason goes out the window

I haven’t had my coffee. Don’t mess with me

 

It’s all about what’s available right now

Related: 41 Hilarious Parenting Memes to Get You Through the Day

This is an emergency!

Funny Halloween meme

And they wonder why we don't want to buy a costume in July

Funny Halloween meme
courtesy Sarcastic Mommy

Hey, no taxation without representation!

funny halloween meme
Someecards

And that's why we unfriended them

Someecards

It's just...not...fair!

funny halloween memes

We always tell our kids, "Practice makes perfect" 

funny halloween memes

No, you cannot substitute Bit-O-Honey

funny halloween memes

Wait, does anyone really have a perfect jack-o'-lantern pic?

Funny Halloween meme
Freshly Picked

If this is you, I don't think we can hang out anymore...

Finally, we're on trend!

Someecards

Related: Hilarious Potty Training Memes to Keep You Going when the Going Gets Rough

Guess you didn't get the last text, Fred...

Any red or white will work. Or beer. Just sayin'

Someecards

At least we're being honest with ourselves

Kids! They say the darnedest things!

Someecards

The good news is, Christmas candy!

How we all got here, pretty much

Someecards

And this is how you win parenting, folks

Because reward charts work so well

Someecards

Don't even get us started on Christmas

Just modeling good behavior for our kids

Well, that's just despicable!

It's called "Sugar-Induced Memory Loss," it's a thing!

 

 

 

Impress your kids and all the guests at your Halloween party with these spooky, delicious, and creative treats

If you’ve already sorted out your crew’s costumes and carved up your pumpkin, and you’ve still got time, how about crafting up a few easy Halloween treats? We’ve got all the goodies (and even Halloween-themed dinners) for kids you could ever want, from healthy(ish) picks to snacks inspired by creepy crawlers.

Cute Halloween Cat Treats

A black cat cookie with candy corn eyes
A Taste of Madness

Whole Wheat Black Cat Cookies. How cute are these kitty cookies from A Taste of Madness? You don’t need special cookie cutters to make them, and the kiddos can help top them off with adorable candy corn eyes. Using wheat flour helps make them a little more wholesome than your average dessert, too. 

Black Cat Oreo Treats.
These treats from Moments with Mandi are sure to impress your little ones—they’re (almost) too cute to eat. We love the wide eyes drawn on the chocolate candies and the chocolate chip “ears.” 

Classic Betty Crocker Black Cat.
Your kittens will go crazy for this delish cake from Betty Crocker. No fancy pans are required for this one—just round cake pans and a bit of clever cutting to make the cat shape. Topped off with licorice whiskers, it’ll be just as tasty as it looks.

Black Cat Cutout Cookies. For an easy but delicious treat, make these cutout cats from Cinnamon Girl. The recipe is pretty straightforward, and you can let your little sous chefs dot on watchful eyes once the cookies have cooled. 

Related: Easy Halloween Decorations You Can Make for About $5

Mummy-Themed Easy Halloween Treats

Madeleine cookies are decorated to look like mummies and Minions for Halloween treats
Sugar Bowl Bakery

Mummy Madeleines. These Madeleine Mummies and Minions look like you slaved away in the kitchen, but they're fuss free. Just put some white frosting in a piping bag with a cross-hatch tip, then make lines or zigzags before popping on some candy eyes and sprinkles. We tend to love these soft and fluffy traditional or pumpkin spice Madeleines from Sugar Bowl Bakery.

Mummified Oreos. How Does She serves up a spooktacular assortment of haunted treats, including to-die-for Mummy Oreo Suckers. And think about it: If you can make Oreos into something cute, what other cookies can you transform?

Halloweeño Jalapeño Popper Mummies
. If you’re a fan of spice, this hot idea from The Hopeless Housewife is sure to startle your taste buds. Terrifyingly simple to bake, these Jalapeño Popper Mummies make a great savory appetizer for your Halloween bash.

Mummy Pretzels. This salty, sweet, and spooky treat is scarily simple to make. The most difficult step according to Simply Being Mommy is waiting for the chocolate to cool and harden before eating!

Witch-Inspired Halloween Treats

Decorated chocolate kisses sit on top of Oreos to create the Halloween treat Witch Hat Cookies
Princess Pinky Girl

Witch Hat Cookies. This super easy recipe from Princess Pinky Girl results in adorable witch hat treats in no time flat. Gather up Oreos and chocolate kisses plus a few other ingredients for this party-ready dessert.  

Witch Guacamole Dip. Bright green guacamole glows from underneath a tortilla chip hat in Spicy Southern Kitchen’s Witch Guacamole.  Mash up some avocados or grab your fave store-bought guac as the base for this healthy Halloween treat. 

Butterscotch Brooms.
Every witch needs her broom, so you’ve got to whip up some cute broomsticks inspired by From Calculus to Cupcakes. They’re super quick to throw together, and they hit the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

Deathly Chocolate Graveyard Cakes. We think this spooktastic dessert from Half Baked Harvest is genius. With gravestones made out of brownies and witch legs made out of rolled wafer cookies, decorating them is half the fun. 

Easy Halloween Treats That Aren’t Too Sugary

Low-sugar pumpkin mousse sits in a bowl
Super Healthy Kids

Mousse Made Easy. Looking for a kid-approved party dessert that won’t scare away adults? Like a light, fluffy piece of pumpkin pie without the crust, this pumpkin mousse from Super Healthy Kids uses only six simple ingredients. Prep it in advance and make the most of your time with guests. 

Awesome Apple Cupcakes. Love the taste of old-fashioned Halloween treats? Take a trip down memory lane with luscious fall flavors of apple and cinnamon. These beautiful cupcakes from Sarah Bakes Gluten Free will remind you of the sweet caramel apples of your youth without too much of the sticky stuff.

Not-So-Basic Bark. Turn after-school grumps into giggly ghouls with this super-cute candy bark from Fork and Beans. Vegan and gluten-free with no icky preservatives, you’ll love getting your (somewhat healthy) chocolate fix. It’ll take a few steps to get to the finished product, but we promise this bark will make you want to take a big bite. 

 

(Sort of) Nutritious Halloween Treats

Mini monster sandwiches topped with olive eyes
My Own Road

Monster Sandwiches. What's a monster mash without monster sandwiches? This idea from My Own Road is an easy way to ensure that there's hearty food on your Halloween menu—you know, before the giant sugar rush. Plus, it's a cinch to customize these mini monster sandwiches with your fam's fave deli meat and fillings.

Halloween-Themed Sushi Balls. These adorable Halloween-themed sushi balls from Chopstick Chronicles are fairly easy to make, and you can change up the ingredients according to your little monster's palate. Put a bunch together as a main dish or spread them around as creepy little sides.

Frozen BOO-nana Ghosts. These ghost-shaped boo-nana popsicles are a fun treat the kids will love making as much as eating. Erin Clarke at Well Plated takes the healthy route and dips the banana shapes into vanilla yogurt rather than white chocolate—and you can turn these treats into mummies with a bit of peanut butter, caramel or nut butter, and coconut sugar.

Hooting Owls. Not as spooky as ghosts and gravestones but how can you resist these delicious Halloween owls? Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on crackers and add sliced and whole almonds for this nocturnal nibble from Charity Mathews at Foodlets.

Related: 30 Perfectly Spooky Halloween Books to Read This Year

Creepy, Crawly Treats

Bakerella

Spider Cake Pops. One bite of these creepy crawly cake pops and you might understand why the old lady swallowed the spider. Wriggle over to Bakerella to learn to make these eerily delicious arachnids. Hint: The placement is all about timing.

Dirt and Worms Pudding Cups. We dig this easy-to-make dessert from Like Mother Like Daughter. Great for serving the kids at your Halloween party, they’re also fun for spring and Earth Day, too.

Creepy Corn Dog Centipedes. Hungry Happenings transformed ordinary mini corn dogs into a Halloween centipede, complete with ketchup eyes. If your kids like creepy crawlers and enjoy playing with their food, this might be the snack for you.

Jello Worms. Mel’s Kitchen Cafe used straws and a package of gelatin to make this squirmy Halloween treat. While they might gross out older ghosts, these squiggly creatures are sure to be a hit with your little goblins, and they’re super easy to make.

Kooky Halloween Monster Treats

These Halloween treats are chocolate monster cookies with candy googly eyes, chewy chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate ganache.
Self Proclaimed Foodie

Chocolate Monster Cookies. We’d welcome these monster cookies from Self Proclaimed Foodie to any Halloween party. The secret lies in the edible googly eyes—but don’t forget the perfect chocolate chip cookies and chocolate ganache.

S’more Monsters. What’s better than s’mores? S’mores that look like monsters! You won’t need a campfire to create this delicious Halloween-themed treat from Jodi Levine over at Say Yes, but you will need cookies, marshmallows, and little helping hands.

Dangerous Donuts. Donuts get a monstrous makeover with this snack from A Spicy Perspective that the little ones will go crazy for. Either make ahead for your guests or lay out the supplies and let the kids take creative control. You’ll need some plastic vampire fangs, sprinkles, and you guessed it… candy eyes.

Chocolate Monster Pops. You’ll have plenty of little monsters gathering around a batch of these chocolate Frankensteins from Handmade Charlotte. The supplies include basic baking stuff: chocolate bars, coconut, and icing. We are especially zinging with delight over the Hershey Kiss neck bolts. 

Related: 36 Halloween Movies That Aren’t Too Scary for Kids

Ghost-Inspired Treats

Sugar Bowl Bakery

Brownie Bites with Fondant Ghosts. Need a last-minute Halloween treat? We love these adorable desserts from Sugar Bowl Bakery that use store-bought brownie bites and small pieces of fondant to create the perfect, non-scary ghost friend.

3-Ingredient Easy Ghost Cookies. The only thing scary about these cookies from Butter with a Side of Bread is how easy they are to make. All you need are Milano cookies, white chocolate, and small chocolate chips to whip up these friendly, Casper-style sweets.

Ghosts in the Graveyard Dessert Shooters. Don't worry, these alcohol-free treats from Sugarspun Run are for everyone! Think OREO dirt cup with a marshmallow ghost that is fun and easy to make.

Frightfully Easy Halloween Cupcake Treats

Easy to make RIP cupcakes with chocolate wafers, pumpkin shaped candy corn, vanilla wafers and chocolate frosting.
Christal Yuen

Ghoulish Graveyard. What you'll need: crumbled chocolate wafers, pumpkin-shaped candy corn, vanilla wafers, and chocolate frosting. What to do: After covering the chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting, crush chocolate wafers and sprinkle them over the frosting as "dirt." Set a pumpkin-shaped candy corn on top and write "RIP" on the vanilla wafer before planting it in the "graveyard."

Wicked Witch. What you'll need: green icing, one straw cut in half, and gum drops. What to do: Frost your cupcake in plenty of bright green frosting. Snip your straw in half, and slice a red gum drop down the center, so you have two identical halves (and a pair of ruby slippers). Stick one to each end of the straws and lay the "legs" on your serving platter. Now lay your cupcake house upside down on top of the legs. We can almost hear Dorothy trotting away in glee. 

Not-So-Scary Mummy. What you'll need: Mini M&Ms and white frosting. What to do: Using a piping bag (either store-bought or DIY), place lines across your cupcake to form your mummy's bandages and then two affix candy eyes.

Caught in a Spiderweb. What you'll need: White frosting and black gel icing. What to do: After frosting the cupcake in white, use your gel icing to make three concentric circles on top. Take a toothpick and, starting in the center, drag the toothpick through the icing to the edge (imagine slicing a pizza) to create the spooky spiderweb effect.

Pull out the paint, googly eyes, glitter, and push pins for your pumpkin decorating sessions this year

Spice up your usual pumpkin decorating ideas this Halloween by skipping the pumpkin carving design and the mess that comes with it. From glow-in-the-dark paint to glitter pumpkins, we’ve found a ton of festive ideas that are fun and full of Halloween spirit. Grab your art supplies for a spooky (but creative) good time, and when you’re done, be sure to get your Halloween games ready for the block party!

Tie-Dye Pumpkin Decorating Idea

Halloween pumpkins don’t have to be creepy. They can also be bright and cheery with these pastel tie-dye creations from @kailochic. Ok, so they aren’t tie-dyed, but you can get a similar-looking effect by using an alcohol ink marker, plastic wrap, and rubbing alcohol.

Wire Pumpkin Decorating Idea

Want to personalize your pumpkin without a lot of fuss? These pumpkins decorated with wire from @StephanieElledesigns are a unique design option, and you can even order custom calligraphy wire from Etsy.

Glitter Pumpkins

Five glittery pumpkins are decorated without carving
Tonia Dee via Handmade Charlotte

There are so many ways you can go with this pumpkin decorating idea, but we love the deep orange glitter spotted over at Handmade Charlotte. Take this sparkly idea home and make it your own.

Pop Art Pumpkin

Two spotted pumpkins as a pop art pumpkin decorating idea
Allison Murray via Dream a Little Bigger

How cool is this Roy Lichtenstein-inspired no-carve pumpkin idea from Dream a Little Bigger? Not only do we love how easy it is to pull this off, but we also love how many different directions you can go.

Glowing Sugar Skull

A glowing pink, blue and white skull pumpkin as a no-carve pumpkin decorating idea
Color Made Happy

Psst! For a pumpkin that steals the spotlight, all you need is glow-in-the-dark puffy paint for shiny creations like these from Color Made Happy. It's a simple way to add a whole lot of magic to your Halloween decorations.

Related: The Most Popular Halloween Costumes for Kids

Happy Ghost

Three white pumpkins are dresses as little ghosts for a happy ghost no-carve pumpkin decorating idea
The Crafted Life

Who says ghosts have to be scary? These boo-tiful little no-carve pumpkins from The Crafted Life are cheerful and a cinch to make. Plus, they're guaranteed to make you smile!

Office Supply Pumpkin Decorating Idea

A Subtle Revelry

Got office supplies? Then you've got all the fixings for this creative, no-carve pumpkin decorating idea! This gold-studded beauty from A Subtle Revelry is decked out with gold brads—too easy!

Thumbprint Pumpkins

Homemade Charlotte

How neat is this fingerprint art pumpkin decorating idea from Homemade Charlotte? With the help of your kiddos' thumbprints, you can decorate a pumpkin with little cacti, pineapples, and more.

Forest Friends

Simple as That

Transform your pumpkins into friendly woodland animals like these adorable creations from Simple as That. With a little paint and some strategically placed felt and card stock, these will be Halloween-ready in no time. 

Emoji Pumpkin

Cutefetti

Take inspiration from Cutefetti to turn your favorite emoji into an outrageously fun pumpkin. Whether you’re into heart eyes or a shocked face, you and your little ones can make this pumpkin decorating idea happen with a little creativity. 

Colorful Pumpkin

A vibrantly-colored pumpkin sits on a white pedestal
Fresh American Style

For this vibrant pumpkin, Annie Selke of Fresh American Style was inspired by the Día de Los Muertos celebration. You can use acrylic paint and tissue paper to make your own.

Copper Tops

Two white pumpkins, one decorated with copper herringbone
Lovely Indeed

These charming copper herringbone pumpkins from Lovely Indeed are sophisticated enough for a shop window but easy enough for a family project. Win-win! 

Unicorn Pumpkin

A pink pumpkin is decorated like a unicorn
Lines Across

If you've got a unicorn fan in your house, this is the pumpkin pal for you. It's not as difficult as you might think, mostly because the step-by-step instructions from Lines Across make it simple to follow. 

Donut Pumpkins

Three pumpkins are decorated like donuts
Studio DIY

We don't know what we love more: how easy these little gourds are to re-create or how incredibly adorable they look sitting on a desk, doorstep, or table. These donut pumpkins from Studio DIY make great autumn baby shower or birthday party decor, too. 

Watercolor Pumpkin Decorating Idea

Paper & Stitch

What do you get when you mix watercolors with pumpkins? Surprisingly beautiful results! If you don't mind a little clean-up, this pumpkin decorating idea from Paper & Stitch is a great way for kids to express their messy artist selves with stunning results. 

Disco Ball Pumpkin

Sugar and Cloth

The amazing mavens at Sugar and Cloth created these sequined pumpkins with just the right amount of glitz. The best part? The kids can help (as long as you don't mind a few sequins on the carpet). 

Related: 33 Amazing Pumpkin Carving Designs to Try This Year

Dazzling Decoupage

Two white pumpkins are decorate in colorful découpage
Gold Standard Workshop

These pretty little decoupage pumpkins from Gold Standard Workshop are such showstoppers, that you'll want to keep them out all year round. They could make great centerpieces or a beautiful surprise for your kiddo's classroom! 

Flower Pumpkins

Three white pumpkins are decorated with colorful flower petals
Alice and Lois

These sweet flower-decoupaged pumpkins from Alice and Lois are festive and floral—and you can even add fall leaves for an extra autumn-y flourish. No one else will have such pretty, unique (and shhh, simple to make!) fall decorations. 

Cacti Pumpkins

Four green pumpkins are decorated to look like cacti
Aww, Sam

We’re pretty sure it’s impossible to feel prickly once you take a peek at these cactus pumpkins from Aww, Sam. They're perfect for those who are over the usual orange pumpkins, and they're a creative addition to your stoop, too.

Confetti Pumpkin

Who couldn’t use more confetti in their life? We can’t get enough of these confetti pumpkins from Cloudy Day Gray. They’re fun, festive, and easy to pull off—not to mention, a great way to spice up plain ol’ white pumpkins.

Pikachu

A pumpkin is decorated to look like Pikachu
In the Playroom

Whether your kids are big-time Pokemon Go fans or you’re feeling some '90s nostalgia, you’re going to want to check out this Pikachu pumpkin from In the Playroom. The best part is that this friendly pumpkin doesn’t require any special artistic talents.

Ice Cream Scoop Pumpkin

Mini pumpkins are decorated to look like ice cream cones
Sugar and Charm

I scream, you scream, we all scream for… ice cream cone pumpkins, courtesy of Sugar and Charm. We love how this super sweet idea can be customized to represent your little one’s fave ice cream flavor! 

Animal Pumpkins

Three pumpkins are decorated to look like animals
Studio DIY

These party animal pumpkins from Studio DIY are equal parts cute and creative. From a flamingo pumpkin to an elephant pal, they’ll turn your porch into a true zoo.

Mummy Pumpkin

This mummy pumpkin from Changing My Destiny is probably the friendliest little monster you’ll ever see (Because, c’mon—who can resist those peek-a-boo googly eyes?).

Googly Eyes Pumpkin

Find It, Make It, Love It

This fun googly eye pumpkin from Find It, Make It, Love It gets bonus points for being a real eyeful. Snag the googly eyes at your local Dollar Store, then grab your glue gun and get going! 

Related: 14 Halloween Decor Ideas You Can Easily Pull Off

Colorful Painted Pumpkin

A pumpkin is colorfully decorated through dripping paint on it
A Girl Named PJ

Need to get your pumpkin decorated ASAP? Then you need to check out this awesome paint drip pumpkin from A Girl Named PJ. Not only will it be a messy hit with your creative kid, but it's also a great last-minute idea!

 

If you can’t find one, make one of your own, right in your kitchen, porch, or stoop

No rainbow in the sky today? No problem. Just pick one (or all) of these easy kid-friendly science experiments with your rainbow-making know-how. From reflection (mirror) to refraction (water glass) to learning about density, we’ve found six science experiments to make or learn from the rainbow. If you want more ideas, check out our sidewalk science ideas or dry ice science experiments.

1. The Mirror Method

Julia Zolotova via Unsplash

Lesson: Demonstrate the principles of reflection and refraction with this easy experiment. Light bending, aka refraction, takes place as light waves pass through the water. When you shine your flashlight (or position your glass so the sun comes in) you are bending the light waves, each one of the waves at slightly different angles resulting in the different colors of the rainbow. This is the same basic principle that occurs when water and sunlight create a rainbow in the sky. Reflection is the light bouncing off of the mirrored surface.

You will need:

A small mirror (like a compact mirror)

A glass of water (big enough to hold the mirror)

A flashlight (or sunlight) 

A piece of white paper or a white wall

1. Put the mirror in the glass of water.

2. Turn off the lights and draw the curtains. Make sure the room is totally dark.

3. Shine the flashlight on the mirror and check out the cool mini-rainbows that appear above the mirror. Put your hand behind the glass for extra fun. 

 

2. The Garden Hose Technique

Trini3680 via Pixabay

Lesson: Refraction, as above. This time, instead of using a mirror to reflect the light, you are going to basically mimic the natural formation of a rainbow by causing the water to hit the light in a fine mist.

You will need:

A spray bottle or a hose

Sunlight

1. Put the hose on mist or grab your mister and spray it into an area of your yard/house/garden that has natural sunlight hitting it.

2. Let the kids ooh and ahh over your rainbow-making skills, then let each of them take a turn.

3. Water Density Rainbow

Sugar water density science experiment is a good way to make a rainbow.
Little Bins for Little Hands

Lesson: By adding more or less sugar to each water solution you are creating different density levels. When you add coloring to the glasses you will be able to see which solution is the heaviest. Add the colors in rainbow order to impress the kids. Visit Little Bins for Little Hands for the experiment that shows you how to make a rainbow. 

You will need:

Food coloring

Tablespoon

Five glasses or plastic cups (clear)

Water

4. The Glass o’ Water Approach

Giorgio Trovato via Unsplash

Lesson: The most simple form of light bending, this lesson in the light waves is similar to #1 above.

You will need:

A glass of water

A piece of paper

Sunlight

1. Put the glass of water in the sunlight.

2. Put the paper next to it.

3. Let the sunlight stream through the water and create a rainbow on the paper.

 

5. Advanced Glass o’ Water Approach:


You will need:

A glass of water

A spray bottle

A piece of paper

Sunlight

1. Put the glass of water on a table or windowsill where there is sunlight.

2. Put the piece of paper on the floor where the sunlight hits, in the line of the glass.

3. Spray the window with warm water where the sun is coming through, and so it lines up with the paper. 

4. Move the glass and paper around until you see a neat little rainbow on the paper.

6. The Bubble Method

boys blowing bubbles, which is one way to make a rainbow
photography (c) by Carl Tremblay, used with permission from Storey Publishing.

It doesn't get any easier than making a rainbow by blowing bubbles. You can use regular dish soap and a bit of water and shake ingredients inside a bottle, or just blow bubbles and observe. Want to up the fun factor? Make your own bubble mixture out of ordinary kitchen ingredients.

 

This might be the easiest dessert you make, ever

Fun dessert alert! Did you know you can whip up your batch of ice cream right at home without any extra appliances? All you need are the right ingredients and plastic bags. Read on for the “scoop” on how to make homemade ice cream in a bag.

Ingredients for Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag:

1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup milk (will make about one scoop of ice cream, can sub soy, coconut, or rice milk or use cream)
1/4 tsp. vanilla
6 tbsp. rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes

How to Make Ice Cream at Home:

1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt.

2. Seal the bag.

3. Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.

4. Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.

5. Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.

6. Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully.

Insider Tips:

A 1/2 cup of milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don’t increase the proportions more than that—a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy. This ice cream won’t have quite the same consistency as a pint of store-bought, but you can control the ingredients so that’s a big win.

If there is a milk allergy, try this with fruit juice. Use straight pineapple juice—it’s a terrific fruit sorbet. OR rice/soy milk as the milk substitute.

This recipe for how to make homemade ice cream in a bag is courtesy of Yuumii, an online community founded by a San Francisco family who wanted to come up with creative ways to spend more quality time with their kids.

Related: 15 Sweet Ice Cream Sundae Bar Ideas

 

This easy blueberry muffin recipe is a favorite with our kids

For breakfast fare that never goes out of style look no further than this easy blueberry muffin recipe. Any home cook can whip up a batch of these classic blueberry muffins in about 10 minutes without any unusual ingredients or pro kitchen tools. The secret twist to this delectable eat? The streusel topping that adds a layer of cinnamon sugar goodness to this irresistible grab-and-go muffin.

Makes about 14 muffins

Ingredients:
2 Cups Flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups wild blueberries (Frozen are ok)
1/2 cup butter softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup milk

For the streusel top:
2 Tbs Flour
2 Tbs Sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbs butter chilled

Method:
1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl beat butter and sugar until light. Beat in eggs and vanilla. You can either use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternating with milk until combined.

4. Coat the blueberries lightly with flour then fold the blueberries into the mixture.

5. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin tins.

6. To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until crumbly by using your fingers or a knife and fork. Sprinkle over muffins.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

 

 

From Easter Rice Krispie treats to chocolate bark, these Easter treats for kids are a must-try

If spring’s favorite holiday has snuck up on you this year (us too!), we’ve got you covered with a gaggle of easy-to-make Easter treats for kids. From breakfast to dessert, there’s a recipe for everybunny. Don’t forget to check out these simple Easter ideas for your backyard hunt! 

Easter Rice Krispie Treat

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbBztLsoSrq/?hidecaption=true

Check out this easy Easter Rice Krispie Treat recipe from Boulder Locavore. Your kids will love how fun these are!

Easter Egg Cookie Cups

This Easter Egg Chocolate Chip Cookie Cup recipe from A Taste of Madness is a fun spin on a classic Easter treat for kids that everyone will enjoy.

Related: 17 Easy Breakfast & Brunch Ideas That Are Perfect for Easter Sunday

Carrot-Shaped Veggie Pizza Bars

Easter treat ideas, carrot shaped veggie bars
Crayons & Cravings

If you're looking for healthy Easter treats for kids, try these genius carrot-shaped bars from Crayons & Cravings. They’re loaded with carrots and broccoli (plus some cheese to entice the little ones!), and make the perfect afternoon snack.

Peanut Butter Eggs

Easter treats for kids, chocolate eggs, peanut butter
Food Fanatic

Making your own peanut butter eggs might sound complicated, but they're surprisingly simple to make with the help of this easy-to-follow recipe from Food Fanatic. You can use egg molds, or just form them into balls with your hands.

Easter Chick Cupcakes

Easter treat ideas, easter chick cupcakes, Easter treats for kids
Pastry Affair

How adorable are these cupcakes from Pastry Affair? You can use store-bought cupcakes as the base, then go to town decorating them with frosting, marshmallows, and coconut. 

Banana Sprinkle Pops

Hello Wonderful

A unique spin on Easter treats for kids, this frozen banana pop idea screams spring. You’ll need yogurt, pastel-colored sprinkles, and a fruit squeeze. Find out how to get the coating just right by visiting Hello Wonderful.

Bunny Bags

Minted

What’s easier than pressing the print button? We think these adorable bunny bags from Minted are the perfect solution to a busy parent’s holiday woes. 

Easter Bunny Chow

Easter Bunny Chow
Life Love and Sugar

Your favorite snack mix just got an Easter makeover. Filled with Reese’s peanut-y goodness in every bite, this puppy chow from Life Love and Sugar is simple to make and will be a family favorite.

Related: The Best Easter Bunny Ideas You Can Easily Pull Off

Candy Kabobs

Easter treat ideas, candy skewers, Easter treats for kids
The Baker Mama

We think these candy kabobs are super sweet. You can use a selection of your kids’ favorite gummy treats and Peeps— the whole process should take 20 minutes or less. And, if you’ve got wee ones, be sure to cut off the pointed end of the kabob before adding the Peep. Grab the rest of the how-to over at The Baker Mama.

Pinterest-Worthy Pudding Cups

Easter treat ideas, pudding cups, easter bunny treats
Passion for Savings

This sweet pudding cup is so easy; it’ll make you look like a Pinterest pro. Grab pudding cups (the bunny face shows up better on vanilla), googly eyes, pom poms, and a couple of other basic art supplies before letting your kids make their very own Easter Bunny. Get the tutorial over at Passion for Savings.

Vanilla Easter Biscuits with White Chocolate

Easter treat ideas, Easter Cookies, White Chocolate
Western Star via My Foodbook

Crisp, buttery, and so easy to make! We love this simple idea courtesy of Western Star via My Foodbook. They're easy to make and will make you look super creative. Plus, there's no limit to the decorating possibilities. Try crushed Easter eggs, edible glitter, freeze-dried berries, or anything else your kids love. 

Easter Chocolate Bark

Easter treat ideas, chocolate bark, easter treats for kids
Scrummy Lane

This Easter Chocolate Bark from Scrummy Lane is one of the best Easter treats for kids. This is such an easy recipe that you can customize it with whatever toppings you'd like.

—with additional reporting by Aimee Della Bitta and Taylor Clifton

Stuffed or simple, here are the best doughnuts in LA worth your time, money and their caloric intake

No matter how you spell it (donut or doughnut?) LA is a doughnut town thanks to glaze-blazers like Ted Ngoy aka: The Donut King who helped proliferate doughnut shops across SoCal. And in true LA-style, the following doughnut shops have put their own twist on the not-just-for-breakfast treat. Here’s our list for the best doughnuts in Los Angeles that are worth making an extra special trip to another part of town—traffic (and calories) be damned.

The Best Doughnuts in LA (in No Particular Order)

1. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Consistently recognized as having the best doughnuts in LA, Sidecar has a cult-like following thanks to their creative, small batch flavors that showcases seasonal ingredients. Their Maple Bacon is probably their most well-known but we think the Saigon Cinnamon Crumb and the Dulce de Leche Churro is the cat’s meow. PS: Have you checked out their Culver City location yet?

Good to Know: The Malasada is a stuffed doughnut fill with a custom flavor, rolled in cardamom sugar and is only available on Mon. so plan your trip accordingly.

Various Locations
Online: sidecardoughnuts.com

RELATED: 30 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Santa Monica

2. Fantastic Donuts & Croissants

The only reason to even hesitate ever taking a bite of these delightful doughnuts is that they are just so ridiculously adorable—doughnuts decorated to look like things that aren’t doughnuts get us every time. While they are known for their rotund pigs and cows, they’ve pulled together “sushi” boxes, “Among Us” characters, a box of “fruit” and more. For a specialty box, email your order at least 24-48 hours in advance.

1101 S Vermont Ave.
Koreatown
Online: fantasticdonutla.wix.com

3. Colorado Donuts

Sesame Street fans will go ga-ga for the awesome specialty donuts decorated to look like Elmo and Cookie Monster. Cute and cuddly is not the only form Colorado’s Donuts come in though. They also offer creative concoctions that seem like they came straight from a five-year old’s mind, like cronuts crammed with Oreos and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, because why choose one flavor when you can have both?

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the breakfast cereal-topped donuts, like Fruity Pebbles or their special drops (check their Instagram) for specialities like the Birthday Cookie Surprise doughnut.

1578 W Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock
Online: instagram.com/coloradodonuts

4. Blue Star

This Portland transplant is now a best-in-LA doughnut staple. These artisanal, crafted doughnuts are simple compared to the dessert explosions of their competitors but that’s what makes them so appealing for young palates. Brioche-style, they are light as air so you won’t be left with that rock-in-the-pit-of-your-belly feeling after eating them.

Our favorites include: Sugar and Spice, Chocolate Buttermilk, Lemon Poppyseed and of course, Chocolate Almond Ganache (pictured).

Various Locations
Online: bluestardonuts.com

5. B Sweet Dessert Bar

Think you can’t improve on the doughnut? What about stuffing one with delicious ice cream? Donut ice cream sandwiches are the sweet bomb and B Sweet Dessert Bar is one of the originators of this tasty trend. The Hot Pressed Halo, as it’s called, features ice cream of your choice, heat-sealed inside of a glazed doughnut. We petty convinced the ‘B’ in B Sweet stands for Brilliant.

Various Locations
Online: mybsweet.com

6. Donut Friend

While their customizable doughnuts are still on pause due to COVID, you can still choose a buffet-worth of doughnuts from their signature compilations, like Strawberrylab and Angry Samoa. Head over to York Park playground after so you can burn off all of that sugar-laden energy or if you’re around ROW DTLA on a Sun., swing by SmorgasburgLA for a visit with your best Donut Friend.

Good to Know: Not only are all of their doughnuts vegan, you can order a giant doughnut that is 7-8″ in diameter.

Various Locations
Online: donutfriend.com

7. Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts

Located in The Original Farmer’s Market, these made-fresh daily doughnuts have legions of fans willing to line and wait (yep, they’re that good!). Nothing beats the classic glazed but the Maple Bacon Bar gets two thumbs up as well. Kids will love the dinosaur and Hello Kitty shapes.

Good to Know: It’s cash only.

6333 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles
Online: bobsdonutsla.com

8. Birdies LA

Their signature doughnut flavors include Horchata Twist with Dulce de Leche, Candied Bacon Maple and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but they also rotate and feature all kinds of specialty glazes and toppings to wow your donut connoisseurs. YUM. Oh, and did we mention they also serve fried chicken?

Various Locations
Online: birdiesla.com

9. Blinkie’s Donut Emporium

Blinkie’s has been a Woodland Hills doughnut staple (and Kardashian go-to) for good reason. Though they offer a wide variety of doughnut flavors the simple, glazed black and whites are hands-down the best. Despite being large in size and taste, these babies are light as air.

4884 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills
Online: blinkiesdonuts.com

10. RING Baked Tofu Donuts

These GMO and gluten-free doughnuts are baked (not fried) and may not look as razzle-dazzle as some of the others on our list, but their simple, cake-like flavor won our kid tester’s shinning approval. They offer straight-forward flavors, like double chocolate, banana bread and red velvet.

‪6800 Owensmouth Ave.
Woodland Hills
Online: ringdonuts.com

11. Randy’s Donuts

Despite all the new pop-ups, LA is still filled with dozens of old-school doughnut shops that are well-worth a visit, and the most iconic by far is Randy’s. A glimpse of the giant doughnut sitting on top of the roof alone will excite your pint-sized doughnut lovers. If you hit the original location, there’s no real space to hang out here, so grab a dozen of the classics and head over to the grassy knoll near LAX to watch airplanes land. Best morning ever.

Various Locations
Online: randysdonuts.com

12. Voodoo Doughnut

The first LA location of this time-honored Portland doughnut tradition is a must-stop when you’re headed to the Universal CityWalk. The first thing your doughnut-loving tots are sure to notice is the bright pink color everywhere. That, and the gigantic voodoo doughnut that greets you out front. The only thing more exciting is the doughnut case inside. With flavors like Grape Ape, Mango Tango, the Voodoo Bubble, Bacon Maple Bar, The Homer, Triple Chocolate and Butterfinger, you will definitely fulfill everyone’s sugar fix.

100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City
Online: voodoodoughnut.com

Let’s face it, keeping teens entertained throughout an entire family vacation is easier said than done–and should be an Olympic sport if you ask us! While they’d much prefer spending time with friends or glued to TikTok, getting together as a group without the usual daily distractions makes for wonderful memories.

Enter Destin-Fort Walton Beach. A stunning destination located along the Florida panhandle that’s known for its sugar-white sand beaches and crystal Gulf waters. Not only does it feel like you’re on an island, but it offers plenty of adventure too.

To help you plan an unforgettable trip that your 13 going on 30 will actually enjoy, we’ve compiled a surefire list of activities that’ll remove “I’m bored” from their vocabulary.

Scuba Diving

Sure, swimming in the ocean is fun but it doesn’t compare to witnessing the beauty of what lies beneath. With an introductory course to scuba diving in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, your kids over age 10 can learn the basics of exploring the wonders of the ocean and leave with a new skill.

They’ll be able to try on diving equipment and can take their first shallow dive in calm waters near the Destin Jetties. For parents looking to make this a regular excursion, the course counts as an open water dive towards getting scuba certified, so they can continue on with their newfound passion.

Ready, set, scuba dive into this adventure!

eFoil Lessons

Step aside paddleboards, kayaks and canoes, eFoils are here! The electric-powered hydrofoil surfboards can go up to 25 mph, allowing the daredevils in your family to roam the ocean water. eFoils are also steered with a wireless hand controller that turns off when a rider loses their balance, so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt.

Lessons are available for teens age 13 and up, which can be booked from March through October. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera for some Instagram-worthy photos.

Schedule an epic eFoil lesson now!

Kayaking at Spectre Island

Tucked away in Santa Rosa Sound, Spectre Island is a pristine, white sandy beach that serves as home to many different species of birds and sea creatures. Your older children can explore the undeveloped island and surrounding turquoise waters in a single or double kayak where they may catch a glimpse of dolphins, bald eagles and osprey to name a few.

Whether they’re a beginner or a pro kayaker, they’ll love the breathtaking views and challenge of navigating on their own.

Yippie kayak–check out these rental options!

Charter Fishing

Charter Fishing offers not only the chance to reel in the catch of a lifetime, but also quite the scenery with amazing views and the potential for dolphin sightings. Book a half or full-day private charter where your first-timers will have the chance to fish the Gulf–and take home their catch.

Receive one-on-one instruction with the boat captain and first mate, who’ll ensure everyone in the family reels in a prize. At the end of your trip, bring your catch to a local restaurant to have it grilled, blackened or fried for dinner.

Schedule your fishing excursion today!

Surf Lessons

Remember the sheer excitement your once-little experienced riding a wave with just their tiny body? Now you can see that sparkle in their eyes again with a surf lesson that’s certain to give them an adrenaline rush.

Head to Destin-Fort Walton Beach for manageable waves that your beginner surfer can tackle–and that won’t end in a wipe-out! With a personal instructor, your teen will learn a variety of skills, from standing up on a surfboard and maintaining balance to making surf wax their best friend. All supplies are included, just make sure to pack towels, sunscreen and snacks.

Catch some amazing waves with this surf lesson!

 

For guidance and suggestions when planning your trip to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, head to destinfwb.com/little-adventures.