If you’re already tired of pumpkin spice everything, Pillsbury has an alternative. The cookie dough-makers recently re-introduced its Salted Caramel Apple flavor and its pure autumn awesomeness.
Pillsbury’s Salted Caramel Apple Cookies feature sugar cookie dough flavored with terrifically tart apple bits and (of course) salted caramel.
The dough, which originally debuted back in 2017, is a limited-time goody and is available now through November. That means you need to pick up your pack right now. Each package makes 12 “Big Cookies” and is available via Instacart and at select retailers.
There’s nothing like a side of warm cornbread. Pillsbury has just released the first-of-its-kind, ready to bake cornbread that is ready to serve in less than 20 minutes. It’s the perfect compliment to your backyard barbecue or chili night.
These easy to bake cornbread swirls are the perfect shortcut to home baked cornbread and it is a less messy alternative to typical cornbread mixes. You can even use it in a tasty recipe your whole family will devour, such as corn dogs or BBQ beef and cornbread casserole.
Ready in just 20 minutes, Pillsbury Cornbread Swirls come with 6 individual swirls in each package. Each tube retails for $2.69 and is available in grocery stores nationwide.
As the COVID-19 virus rages on, families are facing a crisis on all fronts. For those with children, the question of school reopening is front and center. Not only is it of importance to the cognitive and social development of their kids, in all likelihood, it will also determine whether or not they will be able to return to work.
Most school systems have either decided to have all learning remote or have taken a “wait and see” approach, leaving parents even more panicked about their plans come September.
As a result, many are taking educational opportunities into their own hands. Some parents are forming “pods” or small groups of children (between 5 and 8) to meet in a family’s home with an individual teacher hired to either “homeschool” or supplement the online learning that schools are providing. This accomplishes two goals; first, it provides much needed support for parents who have been struggling to keep up with their children’s distance learning, and secondly, it provides social interaction for children who have been isolated from their peers for several months.
On the face of it, if one can afford it and has the time to organize and supervise it, it may seem like a good alternative. That said, there are many things to consider before starting this journey.
Finding families that you trust and whose educational and social goals align with yours will be your first hurdle. Families who have high-risk members such as grandparents or immune-compromised individuals in their household are not good candidates. It is also essential to take into consideration the occupation of the parents in your pod; healthcare workers or other essential workers who come into frequent contact with the public may not be appropriate members either.
Equally important is a firm commitment that all members of the pod, including teachers and their families, follow best practices: masking, handwashing, and social distancing.
And before planning an academic schedule, parents must make provisional plans for the possible infection of children, staff, and all family and household members. Strict rules must be in place for if and when members of the pod become sick with coronavirus or other illnesses.
Finding and fairly compensating teachers will be the next challenge, especially if there is a broad range in the children’s grade level and abilities in your pod. Many online sites have sprung up to meet the demand of this new phenomenon, and a google search can help find staff in your area.
Parents who are forming pods have been criticized for poaching the best teachers from already taxed school systems, adding to the existing inequities in their communities. In some cases, parents invite families who could not afford to participate in a pod to attend for free. Other attempts to compensate for their privilege, have pod parents donating funds to their school communities to support those families without computers or internet service. These well-meaning gestures can be tricky territory to navigate, and along with all aspects of this pursuit must be carefully thought through to implement successfully.
If your goal is to provide “homeschooling,” you must contact your public school to withdraw your child and find out the curriculum that is being used in your jurisdiction and to get information about websites they recommend for guidelines.
If the goal is to supplement an online academic program provided by your child’s school, then you and the other families need to discuss and agree upon what content and activities you want to implement to augment their distance learning. In establishing daily and weekly schedules, limiting the number of teachers interacting with your pod is a major concern.
This endeavor is not impossible, but it will require tremendous focus and motivation by entire families who choose to participate.
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
If your kid is bummed that they can’t go to their favorite play space, then bring the play space home to them. follies is a new building toy that empowers children to create their own play space anywhere they want. D.C. based architect and mom Chloe Varelidi launched this new life-size building toy to get families through the pandemic and long after.
With follies, children ages 4 and up can create their own play space anywhere they want. Each follies kit includes big-sized building shapes that children can connect within minutes to build unique structures.
“I love building my own world with follies” said Diego, a preschooler and one of the children Varelidi and her team worked with to co-design follies.
“Children are rarely given permission to create their own play space. Often they are told by grown ups where they should play and what that space should look like.” Varelidi said. “That’s why we wanted to design something that empowered children to build their own kind of playground from scratch.”
Perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, children can use follies to build spaceships, playhouses, puppet theaters and anything else they can dream up. The building pieces are made from non-toxic, recyclable plastic which is washable. The brightly colored structures look good even when scattered in the living room. .
“Play is essential in keeping our children healthy and happy. It is in fact a right enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.” Varelidi said. “However playgrounds can cost several thousands of dollars to install.” Designed as an affordable alternative, follies hopes to bring back play for children everywhere. Plus, follies offers an innovative alternative to playgrounds for families and communities who can’t access them during the coronavirus pandemic.
Committed to social impact, follies has also released an open-source version of the toy geared towards communities in the global south. With pilots of follies run in refugee camps in Greece, and a commitment to donate kits to the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project in Washington, D.C., as part of the kickstarter campaign, follies is a commercial toy that dares to make a difference.
A job with a flexible schedule is the most desirable flexible work arrangement second only to remote work. To highlight the types of companies that hire for flexible schedule jobs, FlexJobs has compiled the top 30 companies hiring for flexible schedule jobs this summer. This list is based on an analysis of over 52,000 companies and looks specifically at their flexible schedule job posting histories in FlexJobs’ database between Jun. 1, 2020 and Jul. 20, 2020.
Especially as many schools consider distance learning this fall due to the coronavirus pandemic, flexible schedule jobs could dramatically help working parents and other caregivers balance their professional and personal responsibilities during this unprecedented time
“Flexible schedule jobs are a great work flexibility option that puts employees more in control of their day so they can create their ideal arrangement, which may even change day by day,” said Sara Sutton, founder and CEO of FlexJobs. “Especially as many schools consider e-learning this fall due to the pandemic, flexible schedule jobs could dramatically help working parents and other caregivers balance their professional and personal responsibilities during this unprecedented time,” Sutton concluded.
Courtesy of FlexJobs
A “flexible schedule job” refers to jobs that allow workers to vary their hours and mostly be in control of the hours they work. Companies hiring for flexible schedule jobs offer a range of opportunities across many industries and career levels. Additionally, many flexible schedule jobs also allow for remote work. There are primarily six different types of flexible schedules:
Completely Flexible Schedule
A completely flexible schedule is just that, a fully flexible schedule. These types of schedules give the worker control over start times and end times. For some, this means putting hours in early in the morning, then a few in the afternoon, some more late at night, and finishing out the rest of the scheduled hours on the weekend.
Alternative Schedule
An alternative schedule is one in which work hours are scheduled outside of the typical 9-5. Second shifts and night shifts would qualify, as would weekend shifts. These types of schedules free up the normal daytime business hours.
Compressed Workweek
The compressed workweek takes your typical 40-hour, Monday through Friday and compresses it into fewer days. Rather than working five days a week, a compressed schedule will lengthen the hours on three or four of those days, allowing for an additional day or two off per week. The most popular compressed schedules are three 12-hour workdays with four days off and four 10-hour workdays with three days off.
Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE)
Similar to the completely flexible schedule option, the ROWE option is focused more on results and productivity rather than the actual time put in. This means that as long as you get your work finished, and the end product is something to be proud of, you can work whatever hours it takes to complete it, even if it is less than the full-time status.
Split Shift
A split shift schedule means that you are splitting your hours throughout the day. For example, you may put four hours in during the morning, two more mid-afternoon, and end your evening putting in your last two hours. Another variant is putting in four hours in the morning and then four hours at night. The split shift schedule simply means that your schedule for the day is split to allow for other life happenings in between.
Flex Time
Many companies offer a flex-time option, and it usually pertains to starting and stopping times. Flex time offers workers the option to start their schedule earlier or later, but the hours are worked concurrently, and the schedule remains constant, usually until an official change request is submitted or a review is conducted.
It’s 2020 and that means plastic straws are a big no-no. The good for the environment ban has encouraged parents to become more creative and that means eco-friendly straws are a must. Whether your kiddo prefers using this beverage accessory at home or in a restaurant, keep reading to see some great plastic straw alternatives that are easy on the pocketbook and the environment.
The silicone straws from Boon Supply make going green a cinch. The $16 pack of four is BPA free, FDA approved, comes with two size options and with a cute carrying case so you never have to leave home without them.
WonderSip Straws
Wondersip
Dishwasher-safe, leak proof, FDA-approved and BPA free, WonderSip straws are the next generation of plastic straw alternatives. The highly versatile and recyclable straws resist chemicals solvents, don't require a brush to clean and come in a one-piece design.
As the name implies, Hay! Straws are made from natural wheat stems and are 100 percent biodegradable. Unlike paper straws, they never get soggy, are minimally processed and non-GMO.
While a paper version won't last all day, these colorful biodegradable paper straws are more friendly for the earth than their plastic counterparts. Made with BPA-free paper and food-safe ink, they are a fun alternative.
Leftover sugarcane fibers form the basis for anti-plastic Sugarcane Straws. The certified compostable product is 100 percent derived from plants, is reusable and doesn't give off any flavor.
Before you get nervous, these glass straws are actually shatterproof! The durable and safe plastic alternative can be tossed into to the dishwasher, is free from toxins and a great eco-friendly option.
These stainless steel straws come with a pouch making them easy to tote around when you’re away from home. They also feature a silicone tip which makes them softer and more kid-friendly for those little ones that tend to chew on their straws.
You’re already toting enough kid gear around, never mind adding a pack of reusable straws. These clever stainless steel straws fold down and fit into a tiny travel holder so that you don’t have to add much more to that already bulging bag.
These 100 percent non-stick silicone straws are dishwasher-safe and come with a free cleaning brush. They also work well with hot drinks if your kids like to sip their hot cocoa through a straw.
If you are planning on attending the Brickworld LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con on Sat., Jun. 27 there is a new community discussion that was just added to the agenda from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. CT. “Building Our Voices” will facilitate participants building a representation of their voices while talking about their experiences with the group.The discussion will be moderated by LEGO influencer Ryan Linsner, who owns the Bricks and Minifigs LEGO store in Crest Hill, Illinois.
Brickworld is also holding a fundraiser for The Education Trust, a national nonprofit that works to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and those from low-income families. Donate here to help raise $1,000 by Jul. 19.
“Brickworld is pleased to continue to bring LEGO bricks to the world,” says producer Mark Larson. “Our virtual events allow global fans to learn new construction techniques, be inspired by massive buildings, participate in global games and remain #SaferAtHome!” Brickworld is also posting ongoing how-to demonstration videos so LEGO builders can improve their skills at home. Current postings include Building Round Part One and Building a Truss Bridge. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Brickworld YouTube channel to see the latest in alternative builds and other skills.
Tickets to the conference are $9, with $1 from each ticket donated to Brickworld’s longtime charity partner Make-A-Wish. Only 2,000 tickets will be offered worldwide, so early registration is encouraged at https://brickworld.com/brickworld-virtual-jun-27/.
Now that virtual conferences have become the norm, you don’t need to miss out on the experience. Chicago-based Brickworld LEGO Expo, which regularly hosts LEGO conventions throughout the Midwest, announces the Brickworld LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con on Sat., Jun. 27 from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. CT. The Fireworks Virtual Con will present an online array of LEGO activities for all ages, featuring exhibits, presentations, builds, games and vendors in a suite of Zoom rooms, including interactions with popular LEGO Masters TV contestants and fan favorite displays like the Great Ball Contraption, and, of course, LEGO fireworks.
Scheduled events for the Brickworld LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con include:
LEGO Masters TV contestants in a kids challenge, also judged by expo attendees
LEGO Masters TV contestants building #WishesAreWaiting hope messages
LEGO fireworks by talented builders to celebrate Independence Day
Demonstration on how to build little LEGO critters
Advanced builder demos of spaceships and a DC landmark
LEGO interactive Escape Room and interactive robot Connect Four game
Elvendale live interactive building
Brethren of the Brick Seas Pirates World
Huge LEGO train layout with expert builder Monty’s Trains
Live character sketching with fan input by Bricks in the Middle’s Kevin Hinkle
Q&A with LEGO community manager Jan Beyer and LEGO product developers
“Brickworld is pleased to continue to bring LEGO bricks to the world,” says producer Mark Larson. “Our virtual events allow global fans to learn new construction techniques, be inspired by massive buildings, participate in global games and remain #SaferAtHome!” Brickworld is also posting ongoing how-to demonstration videos so LEGO builders can improve their skills at home. Current postings include Building Round Part One and Building a Truss Bridge. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Brickworld YouTube channel to see the latest in alternative builds and other skills.
Brickworld regularly hosts LEGO conventions throughout the midwest. Back in April they debuted their first virtual expedition due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, Brickworld has announced four more virtual expos in 2020 for fans throughout the US and the world.
Brickworld Virtual Con Spring on Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT
Brickworld Virtual Con Fireworks on Saturday, Jun. 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT
Brickworld Virtual Con Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT
Brickworld Virtual Con Holiday on Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT
Tickets are $9 per show, and $1 from each ticket will be donated to Brickworld’s longtime charity partner Make-A-Wish, along with Riley Children’s Hospital, Creations for Charity, and FIRST LEGO League. A four-show season pass is $27. Currently, only 2,000 tickets will be offered per show, so early registration is encouraged at Brickworld.
Using Zoom rooms, the Brickworld Virtual LEGO Expo on Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. CT, will allow participants to show their own creations to others as well as experts, including many “LEGO Masters” TV contestants, such as Boone and Mark, Jessica and Sam, Richard and Flynn, Germaine and Mel, Travis and Corey, Jessie and Kara, Aaron, Manny, and – spoiler! – winner Tyler and Amy.
Viewers can also participate in discussions with LEGO Community Manager Jan Beyer, Bricks in the Middle’s Kevin Hinkle, watch other tutorials and presentations, visit vendors to browse and purchase a variety of products, and join different display rooms, including the Great Ball Contraption, a Star Wars room, Guilds of Historica (one room with four different castle realms), a Smurf village and other fantasy settings.
“Following the amazing, sold-out success of our first virtual exposition in April, Brickworld is pleased to announce four more online LEGO expos for our loyal Midwest fans as well as our larger LEGO family around the US and, yes, the entire Brick-world,” says producer Mark Larson. “Our first foray online brought us eager participants from Canada, Germany, Sweden, Israel, Australia, Spain, Bulgaria, and from the mothership, Denmark. We are excited to welcome more kids, families and adult fans and their creations to our internet convention to receive feedback and encouragement, including over Halloween weekend, which will substitute for our annual weeklong Chicago convention.”
Brickworld is also posting ongoing how-to demonstration videos so LEGO builders can improve their skills at home. Current postings include Building Round Part One and Building a Truss Bridge. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Brickworld YouTube channel to see the latest in alternative builds and other skills.
Chicago-based Brickworld regularly hosts LEGO Expos throughout the Midwest. Now due to social distancing, there are a variety of online options available. LEGO fans can participate in Brickworld LEGO Virtual Con, how-to video demonstrations and a Make-A-Wish fundraiser.
The Brickworld LEGO Virtual Con will be held on Sat., Apr. 18, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Using Zoom rooms, participants can share their own creations with LEGO fans and experts including the finalists from the LEGO Masters television series. Viewers can ask questions, purchase products and join different display rooms.
One of the Zoom rooms features Super Robo Rally, a super-sized programming game using one-foot tall LEGO robots on a 19×30-foot board made entirely of LEGO baseplates and bricks. Players will use a simple web interface to input their commands then watch live as the robots move around the field according to their instructions. To participate in this game, players must register in advance to receive a password and instructions on how to play before the game begins.
Brickworld is also presenting helpful how-to demonstration videos so LEGO builders can improve their skills at home. The first installment is “Building Round Part One” and future videos will feature Truss Bridge Building and other architectural tutorials. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Brickworld YouTube channel to see the latest in alternative builds, giveaways and other virtual events.
Tickets to the Brickworld LEGO Virtual Con are only $5 per device, and spaces are limited.
The Brickworld team hopes to raise at least $1000 for their longtime charity partner Make-A-Wish America. With a donation of any size before April 30, the organization can continue to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
