All About Mom! Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Gift of Time

by Maria ChambersApril 29, 2021

No need to traipse from store to store looking for the perfect gift this Mother’s Day when the best gift you can offer is time well spent. We’re helping you out with ideas that appeal no matter what brings a smile to mom. From moms who dig the great outdoors to those who prefer a big-time thrill, take advantage of these Mother’s Day activities in Chicago. Read on and get planning, May 8 will be here before ya know it!

For Moms Who Love the Outdoors

Human + Nature at Morton Arboretum

exhibits and activities in chicago, chicago exhibits, arboretums in chicago, sculptures in chicago, Daniel Popper, Human + Nature — Morton Arboretum

Five massive outdoor sculptures created exclusively for Morton Arboretum by artist Daniel Popper rise above the natural landscapes in the Human + Nature exhibition. The 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures are installed across the 1,700-acre site and lead guests to areas they may not otherwise explore. Using thought-provoking human forms paired with elements of nature, each piece will bring attention to the deep connections between humans and nature.

Ongoing; Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle: Online: mortonarb.org

Bike or Walk The 606

What was once a former elevated train line is now Chicago's 606 trail. Connecting six neighborhood parks at ground level with numerous art installations along the route, the 606 gives moms a sweet (rooftop) view of the city. Stop into one of the many restaurants for a lunch or dinner break!

For other biking options, read our story: Find Your Path to Family Fun on These Chicago Bike Trails

Online: the606.org

Take a Hike

two girls in nature at Morton Arboretum in Chicago — Morton Arboretum via Maria Chambers

Spring is fantastic. . . but add fresh air, unforgettable blooming scenery and a chance to spy on animals in their natural habitat and you're guaranteed a memorable family day. Lace up your hiking boots, strap an infant to your back and hit one of Chicago's many low-key hiking trails.

Walk In Beauty at Chicago Botanic Garden

family at chicago botanic garden — Chicago Botanic Garden

Smell flowers, walk the greenhouses, breathe fresh air and run around outside at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org

For Moms That Like Good Old-Fashioned Fun

Be Old-School Cool & Go Roller Skating

Impress the family with your 8-wheeled dance moves at one of these retro-fun spots that have stood the test of time.

For Wine-Loving Moms

Wine Tasting at Morton Arboretum

Perfectly timed for Mother's Day Weekend, mom can savor seasonal wines among beautiful spring blooms at Morton Arboretum's wine tasting event. A ticket includes 25 1-ounce wine samples from a selection of more than 80 wines. The grounds will remain open until sunset for anyone who wants to take a scenic stroll after their tasting. You must be 21+ to purchase a ticket, but kids are welcome to come along.

May 7, noon-4 p.m.; Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle; Online: mortonarb.org

For Moms Who Love Art

Frida: Immersive Dream

exhibits and activities in chicago, Frida Kahlo exhibit, chicago immersive exhibits, chicago exhibits, art exhibits in chicago — Michael Brosilow

Frida: Immersive Dream focuses on the art and life of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954). This beloved 20th-century Mexican artist is best known for compelling self-portraits and radiant pieces inspired by life in her native country. Her best-known works will be brought to life and set to music.

Ongoing; Lighthouse ArtSpace, 108 W. Germania Pl., Lincoln Park; Online: immersive-frida.com

Museum of Science & Industry's The Art of Brick

exhibits and activities in chicago, lego exhibits, museum of science and industry, exhibits in chicago, museums in chicago, chicago museums, chicago exhibits, the art of brick, Nathan Sawaya — Museum of Science & Industry

MSI's The Art of Brick features intriguing works of art made exclusively from LEGO bricks. The collection of creative and inspiring pieces was created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya.

Immersive Art Experience at WNDR Museum

exhibits and activities in chicago, chicago museums, museums for kids in chicago, immersive museum in chicago, wndr museum, fun museums in chicago — WNDR Museum

WNDR Museum, the ever-evolving, immersive art and technology experience features one-of-a-kind installations from artists, collectives and studios globally and locally.

WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St., West Loop; Online: wndrmuseum.com

For Moms Who Like a DIY

Have a tea party: The Kids' Table

kids cooking classes in chicago the kids' table

Let The Kids' Table help your family create and enjoy a Mother's Day Tea Party. As a family, you'll make tea sandwiches, fruit kabobs with honey yogurt dip, mini strawberry cupcakes & lemonade. Yum!

May 8, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; The Kids' Table, 2337 W. North Ave., Wicker Park; Online: kids-table.com

For Thrill-Seeking Moms

Pretend It's Summer at an Indoor Waterpark

family at great wolf lodge chicago waterpark — Great Wolf Lodge

Lazy rivers. Wave pools. Slides that go so fast you’ll forget to breathe. No matter your water park speed, or the age of your kids, you’ll find an indoor water park near you that will make you forget you're still in Chicago's chill.

Six Flags

If mom likes to feel the wind in her hair and has a need for speed, take her to the midwest's largest theme park! Six Flags has over 45 thrilling rides, shows and attractions ranging from pulse-pounding to low-key activities geared toward tots.

Six Flags, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee; Online: sixflags.com

For Moms Who Like to Feast

Get mom's hands deliciously dirty: Lowcountry

seafood boils in chicago lowcountry — LowCountry

Playing on phones at the table is a no-can-do with hands busy digging into a bag of juicy shrimp, crab, sausage, corn and potatoes. Lowcountry welcomes families to savor low-key authentic Southern-inspired seafood boils, complete with menu options to please the whole group—even vegans can enjoy!

Lowcountry locations in Lakeview, South Loop & Chinatown; Online: lowcountrychicago.com

Good luck planning your Mother’s Day in Chicago. If you’re looking to book a hotel, we have some ideas for you in our story Chicago Hotels with Amazing Kid Amenities for Staycationing.

American Girl & Magnolia Bakery Join Forces for a Cupcake-Packed Cyber Party

by Erica LoopApril 13, 2021

American Girl and Magnolia Bakery are teaming up for a very special virtual event! The two beloved brands are both celebrating big birthdays: it’s American Girl’s 35th anniversary and Magnolia Bakery’s 25th.

In honor of both events, fans can take part in a cyber cupcake baking bday bash. Tune in to the American Girl Birthday Bash, Hosted by Magnolia Bakery Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. ET for plenty of cupcake-filled fun.

Magnolia’s Chief Baking Officer, Bobbie Lloyd, will help your fam to mix up their own bountiful batch of cute celebratory cupcakes.

The virtual event is $115 and includes the online cupcake decorating event and a limited-edition American Girl x Magnolia Bakery Cupcake Kit. The kit comes with six full-size and 12 mini vanilla cupcakes, colorful sprinkles, edible star decorations, food dye gel and powdered sugar (a.k.a. the main ingredients in buttercream), icing bags and decorating tips. Your kiddo will also get one American Girl Cupcake toy in the kit.

Along with Chief Baking Officer Bobbie Lloyd, the event will also feature special appearances by influencers Rachel Pitzel, Ava and Leah Clements and Zooey Miyoshi. Tickets to this virtual events go on sale Apr. 13 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Buy your ticket from Magnolia Bakery’s website here.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

American Girl Recognizes Frontline Heroes & Their Families

American Girl Launches New Platform to Inspire Changemakers in a Big Way

Carvel’s New Ice Cream Cake Is Packed with Cookie Dough Deliciousness

by Erica LoopApril 7, 2021

Carvel cravers get ready to find a frosty cold treat in your grocer’s freezer! The beloved brand recently announced the addition of the new Carvel Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake—and it’s everything you’d imagine.

With plenty of cookie dough chunks, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, Carvel chocolate crunchies, whipped icing and a chocolate-drenched drizzle, this cold cake is perfect for parties, special occasions and the random Saturday night, Monday evenings, or Sunday afternoon at home.

photo courtesy of I Love Ice Cream Cakes/Carvel

The new chilled creation is a Carvel Ice Cream collab with Rich Products’ I Love Ice Cream Cakes. Kimberly O’Brien, Shopper Marketing Manager for Rich Products’ In-Store Bakery & Deli Division, said in a press release, “Whether it was at a birthday party or in line at an ice cream shop, we’ve all made memories enjoying two of life’s best desserts, ice cream and cake.”

You can score one of these classic cookie dough-packed Carvel cakes nationwide at major grocery retailers, such as Shop Rite, Food Lion, Stop & Shop, Publix, Wegmans, Kroger, Giant Foods and The Giant Company. Check out the I Love Ice Cream Cakes’ product locator to find one of these sweet treats near you.

—Erica Loop

This Sugary Dream Is Your New Summer Go-To Treat from Sam’s Club

A Hot Dog In a Pickle? Disneyland Has this Salty Snack with a Side of Peanut Butter

I Started a Business for My Son with Autism during the Pandemic

By Catherine Blatnik

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 5, 2021

banana bread

Photo: The Creative Exchange on Unsplash

This month marks the one-year “anniversary” of Dominic being home full-time from school. When the pandemic started, I guess I was very optimistic and thought it would only last a few weeks. Little did I know, that almost a year later, the pandemic would still be raging on.

It has been of a bit of a “learning curve” having Dominic here and my husband working from home (the hubby likes to call it a “preview” of what it will be like when he retires)!! We have worked out a good system, so one of us is always home with Dominic. He can’t be left alone because of his Complex Partial Epilepsy. He has had six seizures since the pandemic started, the most recent one was the beginning of January.

Since we have had lots of extra time in our schedule, in June of 2020, we went from once-a-week private speech therapy to twice-a-week. It has been a pretty seamless transition from in-person to “virtual” learning with her. His private speech therapist has moved away from worksheets and started to concentrate heavily on “work/life skills.” It was her suggestion to start to have Dominic bake for her and then she would pay him for his finished baked product. We really wanted him to make that connection.

I started to wonder if we could bake for other people and make it into a “business.” I started to comb the internet for information and found that Michigan has something called a “Cottage Food Law.” I did some research and then sat on the information for a while. It was several pages of rules and regulations (very overwhelming and intimidating at first). I began to think long-term and after finding a free on-line workshop on running a “Cottage Food” business and registering for it (the workshop wasn’t until December), I decided to move forward. I already had tons of recipes at my disposal on my food blog, so I knew that I wouldn’t need to be continually testing out new recipes! I then began to think that we probably should come up with a name and a logo. This is where an artist friend of mine, that I had used for classes for the disability ministry came into the picture. I asked him if he could start private art lessons with Dominic (even though Dominic had shown zero interest at previous art events with the disability ministry).

Dominic started his weekly private art lessons in August of 2020 and except for a few times, he has been going steadily every week! It has been amazing to watch his self-confidence grow!! A few months into the lessons, I asked if Dominic could start designing a logo for the business. My artist friend agreed and we let Dominic make all the decisions about what it would look like, the colors, etc. I even ordered a shirt with the logo on it for Dominic!

Anyways, we got our first order at the end of November and little by little, we started to get more orders. In the second week of December, a few days after the on-line workshop about running a “Cottage Food Business,” my Dad (who lived back in Maryland) went into the hospital with what we all thought was a minor infection. It turned out he was in end-stage congestive heart failure and my beloved dad passed away on December 17. I was devastated by his passing and it took me until a week or so into January before I felt like I could re-start the business.

A few weeks ago, we filed the name “Baked Goods By Dominic” with the local county clerk’s office and opened a bank account! Our family has had an outpouring of support and Dominic just delivered his 22nd a few days ago. Ironically, my maternal great-grandfather owned and operated a bakery in Butler, Missouri.

I love that this baking business has started for several reasons. One is that I had stopped baking, because my life pre-pandemic had gotten very, very busy. This pandemic has forced me to slow down and resume my passion for baking! The second is that Dominic is learning both “life” and “work” skills. One of his favorite things to do when we go on a delivery is to hold my phone and help me “navigate” with Google maps. The third is that my ultimate goal for this business is for Dominic to have his own bakery (like my great-grandfather had), but employ only those with special needs. It’s a great (and realistic) goal to have, don’t you think?!?!?!

This post originally appeared on bountifulplate.

Catherine Blatnik

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a stepmom to one and a mom to two. I have been a stay-at-home mom for over 24 years. Grew up in Maryland and have lived in Michigan since 2001 when my husband got a job here. My 16-year old son has multiple disabilities.

Kellogg’s Cinnabon Cereal Is Now a Jumbo-Sized Handheld Snack

by Erica LoopMarch 4, 2021

It’s National Snack Day—and Kellogg’s has a super-sized way to celebrate! The beloved brand recently announced the release of SMORZ Jumbo Snax. Now Kellogg’s is adding to the Jumb Snax line with a brand-new Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Cereal version.

You don’t have to take a trip to the mall’s food court to get the cinnamon-y goodness of Cinnabon. Kellogg’s Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Jumbo Snax bites have the classic taste of the ooey, gooey buns, in a convenient travel-friendly pouch.

photo courtesy of Kellogg’s

Why did Kellogg’s decide to bring back Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Cereal and SMORZ Cereal as jumbo-fied snacks? Erin Storm, senior marketing director of Kellogg All Family Cereal, said in a press release, “Kellogg’s Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Cereal and SMORZ Cereal have incredibly devoted fan bases, and we’ve received numerous social media requests to bring back the cereals.”

Storm continued, “The new Kellogg’s Jumbo Snax additions give fans what they desire—another way to satisfy their cereal cravings, anytime, anywhere, with two new melt-in-your-mouth flavors.”

Along with the new Cinnabon and SMORZ flavors, look for other Jumbo Snax varieties in the cereal aisle, including Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, Frosted Flakes Tiger Paws, and Apple Jacks. Find Kellogg’s Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Jumbo Snax in retailers nationwide starting this April for the suggested retail price of $5.49 for a 12-pouch multipack.

—Erica Loop

Kellogg’s SMORZ Is Back & It’s Now a Jumbo Snack!

Kellogg’s New Little Debbie Cereal Is Out of This World

A Dietitian’s Shopping Hacks for Food Allergy Families

By Lauren Manaker, MS, RD

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 23, 2021

Photo: iStock

If you have a child with a food allergy, you likely already know the drill—check the food labels for potential allergens, question ingredients, and always have an epi-pen handy. But while there are some tried-and-true ways to navigate food allergies, shopping can continue to be challenging, no matter how seasoned you are.

As a registered dietitian, I have discovered some handy shopping hacks that have helped many food allergy families along the way. Here are three tips that may help make food shopping a little less stressful.

1. Be Aware of Surprising Sources of Allergens
If you are avoiding milk proteins, you already know that cheese and yogurt is off-limits. But, less-known ingredients like rennet, whey, and casein may trigger an allergic response just as much as the more familiar milk proteins.

If you are avoiding soy protein, look out for ingredients like the following to avoid a potential reaction:

Edamame
Tofu
Tempeh
Teriyaki sauce
Natto
Miso
Okara
Tamari

And if you are making a point to eliminate egg protein, also avoid the following:

Albumin
Globulin
Lecithin
Lysozyme
Ovalbumin·
Ovovitellin

Familiarize yourself with ingredients that contain potential allergens so you can breeze through ingredient lists with ease. Or better yet, keep a list with you when you grocery shop so you can cross-reference in real-time.

2. Skip the Bakery Case
While the freshly baked cookies and cakes may smell and taste sooooo good, the risk of cross-contamination is too great to risk. Even if a baked good is not make with a potential allergen, it is very likely that the food item has come into contact with something that touched an offending ingredient.

Yes, the open bakery concept is awesome for many reasons, but when various foods are prepared on the same mediums, certain ingredients can be left behind and accidentally mixed into other products. So, that decadent-looking peanut butter cheesecake that is baked in the same kitchen as the dairy and nut-free bread could potentially touch something that touched the cheesecake, thus contaminating the bread and potentially being a culprit for an allergic reaction.

If you need baked goods that are free from potential allergens, it is best to lean on local bakeries that certify that they can meet your needs in a safe way.

When shopping with kids, avoid the bakery to minimize the inevitable pleading for a treat, and stick with pre-packaged goodies instead. Or better yet, bake your sweet treats yourself at home and have complete control of ingredients.

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Thank goodness for technology, because we now have resources to help navigate food choices right at our fingertips. Instead of spending hours at the grocery store combing through ingredient lists and food labels, we can now lean on programs that help us make good choices in the comfort of our own homes. This is especially useful now that so many of us are shopping for groceries online.

Take Sifter for example. I just discovered this new website and it is an incredible tool for food allergy families. A free online shopping site, Sifter quickly and easily identifies products that fits your unique needs and lifestyle. You simply set the diet profile with the criteria that are important to your family and Sifter shows only the products that fit your profile. In other words, if you have a child with a soy allergy and lactose intolerance, both of those needs can be considered at the same time.

I also love it because it makes meal planning easier! You can simply copy and paste any recipe into RecipeSifter to make sure it aligns with your needs and flag any ingredients that don’t work for you.

Navigating allergies in the grocery store can be challenging and stressful—no doubt. But being armed with some innovative tools and plans, buying safe food can be a piece of cake—even if that cake is nut, dairy, and egg-free!

Lauren Manaker, MS, RD

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian, lactation counselor and author. Lauren's work has been featured in numerous publications and demostrates her committment to sharing evidence-based nutrition guidance that simplifies healthy eating. When she is not writing, Lauren can be found boating with her husband, daughter and rescue pup on the waters of Charleston, SC.

Be a Smart Cookie! 13 Places to Get the Best Cookies in Town

by Bonnie TaylorFebruary 21, 2021

Local bakeries and cookie shops all over San Diego are serving up fresh-baked, gourmet and custom cookies, much to our delight. Bring these sweet treats home and everyone in your family will get caught with their hand in the cookie jar! Whether you like a good, old-fashioned chocolate chip cookie, something with a twist like molasses apricot, or vegan and gluten-free cookies, save this list for your next cookie craving. It’s dangerous to even mention that some of these shops offer cookie delivery! Read on for the Cookie Monster approved details.

Batch & Box

Baking from her heart into yours is the newest cookie shop to sweep you off your feet. These decadent cookies will fill your taste buds with delight and make you reach for another bite! Choose from their signature flavors like choc chip, peanut butter and sugar cookie; or mix it up with some mud pie, raspberry and cinnamon flavors. Look for seasonal flavors during select holidays.

Delivery: Store pick-up or shipping nationally with a 2-day shipping service anywhere in the U.S.

Sweet Tip: They have a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie that will make anyone swoon.

Batch & Box
858-925-7477
12843 El Camino Real, Del Mar Town Center
Online: batchandbox.com

Café Gratitude's Valentine's Day Cookie Kits

Kids will have fun decorating Café Gratitude's Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookies this year. And even better-for-you they’re plant-based and gluten-free with natural and organic colorings. The icing colors are made using pink dragon fruit, purple sweet potato, red beets and white sugar. They’re available for pick-up at the restaurant's Little Italy location or for delivery for $25 each (plus shipping).

Sweet Tip: Add an artisanal chocolate box made by Chef Dreux Ellis to your order.

Café Gratitude
1980 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy
619-736-5077
Online: cafegratitude.com

Maya’s Cookies

Maya’s Cookies have quickly become a national treasure. Maya now has the number one Black-owned and women-owned vegan cookie company in the country. Since June 2020, when Black Lives Matter supporters began showing her some love, her business took off and she now has her own storefront in Grantville/Mission Valley East. People drive from far and wide to buy her award-winning cookies that she’s been selling at local farmer’s markets since 2015. Go treat yourself to her gourmet vegan (and gluten-free) cookies.

Delivery: Yes, nationwide.

Sweet Tip: Try her Presidential collection from The Biden, The Obama and the Madam Vice President; or the new Zodiac sign cookies based on the stars in the sky.

Maya’s Cookies
858-265-9957
4760 Mission Gorge Pl., Ste G, Grantville
Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Online: mayascookies.com

Gluten Free Baking Co.

Yes, they really do make sweets here that everyone can enjoy. Your non-GF friends won’t even know the gluten is missing. Everything here is 100% Gluten Free & Celiac Safe, with many additional options being vegan, dairy free and soy free. When the owner’s son was diagnosed with several food allergies, this former leadership consultant switched gears by learning to make delicious foods that he would eat. Having just opened her doors last year in February 2020, she even made it onto the Netflix show Sugar Rush Christmas.

Delivery: No, store pick up only.

Sweet Tip: Daily flavors are snickerdoodle, caramel toffee date, chocolate chip, peanut butter and M&M.

The Gluten Free Baking Co.
858-270-9863
4594 30th St., North Park
Online: thegfbakingco.com

Blackmarket Bakery

This bakery boasts scratch-made drop cookies made daily using only natural ingredients and the finest culinary technique. After winning the Food Network’s Sweets Showdown, bakery founder Chef Rachel later went back to win again on Chopped. Some of her daily flavors include Two Tone (Dark & Milk Chocolate Chip), Blackstrap Betty (Molasses Apricot), Cinnamon Snick (Cinnamon Sugar), Giddy Up (flourless PB, Walnuts, Oats, Chocolate), vegan Sprinkle Cookie and flourless Walnut Mudslide. With these tantalizing flavors rarely seen in cookies, you should definitely get thee to Blackmarket Bakery as soon as possible.

Delivery: No, store pick up only.

Sweet Tip: Try making one of their recipes using their online video tutorials.

Blackmarket Bakery
619-641-0081
4686 30th St., North Park
Online: blackmarketbakery.com

Solana Sumptuous Cookies

Inspired by Spanish and Peruvian baking traditions, Solana Sumptuous Cookies are hand-crafted gourmet artisan creations. Using only non-GMO, organic and honorably sourced ingredients is the secret to their soft cookies. It may be hard to decide because they make cookies in 18 different ways with combinations of choc chips, pink Himalayan salt, scratch-made Habanero sugar, Spanish custard, churros, oatmeal, peanut butter, toffee and marshmallows just to name a few. If you walk into the shop, you’ll be able to see the bakers mixing and making magic.

Delivery: Yes, nationwide.

Sweet Tip: They have gluten-free options. Pick up your cookie dough to freeze and make later when the mood strikes.

Solana Sumptuous Cookies
858-925-6300
150 South Solana Hills Dr., Solana Beach
Online: sumptuouscookies.com

Cravory Cookies

Cravory Cookies has stolen many hearts around town not only for their fresh-baked creations and changing seasonal flavors, but for their eye-catching colors. These are practically the perfect cookie with a soft gooey center and a crisp surface, making for the most memorable bite you’ll ever have. You can often find these gourmet cookies all over town at many local restaurants and coffee shops that have partnered up to sell them.

Delivery: Yes, nationwide.

Sweet Tip: Monthly cookie subscriptions are available!

Cravory Cookies
619-795-9077
3960 W Point Loma Blvd., Point Loma
Online: thecravory.com

Crumbl

There’s always something new at Crumbl with their 4 specialty flavors changing weekly, but they’ve always got the classic choc chip and sugar cookie daily. As of this writing, their specialty flavors are Snickerdoodle Cupcake, Pumpkin Choc Chip, Frozen Hot Chocolate (hello chocolate mousse with mini marshmallows and powdered sugar!) and a Biscoff Lava; which if you’ve never had a Biscoff cookie, make this the one you try first!

Delivery: Yes

Sweet Tip: Turn their cookies into ice cream and take home a half pint of Cookies & Cream, Biscoff, Chocolate Cake, Churro and other cookie flavors.

Crumbl
619-633-3770
2990 Midway Dr., Point Loma
Online: crumblcookies.com/PointLoma

V.G. Donuts & Bakery

Clearly they’re Very Good at everything they bake here since it’s a 3rd generation run bakery. Recipes and their old-fashioned baking style have been passed down for so long; which is why they’re here to stay. Of course they have the classic cookie flavors (choc chip, peanut butter, oatmeal and others), but they’re famous for their daily smiley face and surfing cookies.

Delivery: No, store pick up only.

Sweet Tip: Their cookies get very creatively decorated based on the season, sports, politics or whatever’s going on in the world, so plan to stop in frequently to find out.

VG Donut & Bakery
760-753-2400
106 Aberdeen Dr., Cardiff
Online: vgbakery.com

San Luis Rey Bakery

Experience what Oceanside’s freshest bakery of 52 years looks and tastes like. It smells like grandma’s kitchen when she’s making fresh bread, and you’ll be mesmerized by the wonderful colors and creations inside. Daily cookie offerings include their famous smiley face shortbread and cute seasonal ones too.

Delivery: Yes, locally.

Sweet Tip: The bakery is next to the Mission San Luis Rey, so pick up some cookies and take a walk through history next door.

San Luis Rey Bakery
760-433-7242
490 N El Camino Real, Oceanside
Online: sanluisreybakery.com/

San Diego’s Finest Donuts

Linda makes more than just donuts… she’ll bake anything your heart desires and will make it fun too! Case in point: these seasonal kids cookie decorating kits she has available for Valentine’s Day. If you need a cookie fix in between seasons, she’s always got some cookies ready for you.

Delivery: No, store pick up only.

Sweet Tip: She’s very creative and will customize any of her baked goods into whatever your imagination dreams up.

San Diego’s Finest Donuts
619-284-9520
3458 University Ave., North Park
Online: @sandiegosfinestdonuts

NatSweets

Cookie magic is what you’ll find at NatSweets with her incredible design talent. She’ll create any kind of custom cookie that you can imagine. Plan ahead for your custom orders or stop by the shop to pick up seasonal or daily creations.

Delivery: Yes, nationwide.

Sweet Tip: She usually has a seasonal cookie decorating box for kids.

NatSweets
619-972-0576
8840 N Magnolia Ave., Santee
Online: natsweets.com

Sugar & Scribe Bakery

We’re lucky to have this Food Network Champion in our backyard at the trendy Sugar & Scribe bakery in La Jolla. Here, baked goods are made from scratch using only the best sourced ingredients. There are several daily options to choose from, and you can also call in a custom order for special occasions too.

Delivery: Yes, nationwide.

Sweet Tip: Check back regularly to see if they have these seasonal paint your own cookies kits.

858-274-1733
7660 Fay Ave., La Jolla
Online: sugarandscribe.com

––Bonnie Taylor

23 Meal Delivery Services for Busy San Diego Families

Here’s the Scoop on the Best Ice Cream Shops in San Diego

The Hot Tea Bomb Trend That You Need in Your Life

by Karly WoodFebruary 9, 2021

Move over hot chocolate bombs, there’s a new drinkable delicacy in town: the tea bomb. For tea enthusiasts, this new trend is a fun way to enjoy your daily cup in a whole new, gorgeous way.

So what exactly is a team bomb? First you should know it also goes by the name of “tea globe” and its made in similar fashion as the hot cocoa bomb––just with tea! Check out the video below on how a white chocolate matcha bomb is made.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by in the kitchen 🔪 (@inthekitchenpgh)

Traditional tea more you thing? You can even use a tea bag to whip up your own. It’s easier than you think!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Station Bakery (@thestationbakery)

If you don’t want to make your own, you don’t have to worry about missing out on this tea trend. You can find tons of pre-made tea globe options on Etsy! Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite options.

––Karly Wood

Kellogg’s New Little Debbie Cereal Is Out of This World

The Best New Store-Bought Snacks You Haven’t Tried Yet

These Cookie Decorating Kits Deliver All the Fun, without the Mess

by Erin LemFebruary 2, 2021

Decorating cookies is always fun, but the process of getting to that point—finding a not-so-complicated recipe, shopping for ingredients and actually baking the cookies—not so much. To decorate with ease (and without the mess), turn to Bakery Bling.

Their boxes come with everything you need to make your family’s decorating dreams come true. From pre-baked cookies to icing to their special glittery sugars, Bakery Bling is a legit mom hack for those of us wanting the fun of decorating cookies with our kids, but without the hassle. Scroll down for some of their most popular designer cookie kits, all perfect activities for virtual birthday parties, Valentine’s Day or a lazy afternoon. Bonus: they ship to you so you barely have to lift a finger.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bakery Bling™ (@bakerybling)

Heart Designer Cookie Kit

All Bakery Bling kits are free of plastics, craft glitters and other chemicals. Their sprinkle mixes are certified kosher, gluten-free and made only with ingredients approved by the FDA. Available for $12.99.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bakery Bling™ (@bakerybling)

Designer Cake Decor

If you have a birthday party coming up and need to make it special, Bakery Bling also sells designer cake decor. From unicorns to dinosaurs and every theme in-between, check out their kits that’ll make you look like the next British Bake-off master.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bakery Bling™ (@bakerybling)

Puppy Love Designer Cookie Kit

For every product sold, Bakery Bling will donate to Empowering She™ to help transform the lives of women and children across the globe. Available for $12.99

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bakery Bling™ (@bakerybling)

Unicorn Designer Cookie Kit

Each kit even comes with directions on how to best ice and decorate your creations. And, while the cookies definitely aren’t the same as freshly baked right out of the oven, we love the convenience of these kits and the fact that you get all the fun, without the mess. Available for $9.99

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bakery Bling™ (@bakerybling)

Firetruck Designer Cookie Kit

This kit comes with 8 pre-baked cookies, royal cookie icing, glittery sugar, firetruck accessories and instructions to assemble. Available for $12.99

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bakery Bling™ (@bakerybling)

Princess Tiara Designer Cookie Kit

For those with nut allergies, all Bakery Bling kits are nut-free and packaged in a nut-free facility. Available for $12.99.

To check out all of Bakery Bling’s cookie kits, click here.

—Erin Lem

Feeling Left Out? Common Baking Substitutions Real People Swear By

10 Gluten-Free Recipes to Bake with the Kids

41 Life-Changing Baking Hacks to Save Your Holidays

Little Tokyo: Fun Activities, Culture & Cuisine for Los Angeles Kids

by Erin LemJanuary 9, 2021

Itching for an easy and fun day trip? Look no further than Little Tokyo, a downtown

neighborhood home to an eclectic mix of ethnicities, shops and restaurants. Kids will love exploring the colorful local small shops and parents will love that this rich cultural enclave is conveniently located right in our own backyard (goodbye, long car rides!). Whether you spend a whole day here or a just a few hours there’s plenty to see, do, and taste for little ones of all ages.

How to Get There
Little Tokyo is roughly five square city blocks that sit near the eastern edge of downtown Los Angeles and is easy to get to by car or Metro. Located three blocks south of the Hollywood 101 freeway, westbound drivers should take the Alameda St. exit; eastbound drivers should take the Los Angeles St. exit. The Metro station is located near the corner of Alameda and First St.

Parking
There are over 17 parking lots in the area and some offer free parking with a validation including the multi-level lot of the Japanese Village Plaza located at 335 East 2nd St. There is also a lot directly across from the Japanese American Museum adjacent to Senior Fish restaurant that charges by the day.

What to Do & See
Little Tokyo is home to two museums. The Japanese-American Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and heritage of Americans of Japanese ancestry. The museum offers a Free-Family Sat. with extra fun for kiddos like origami or mask making crafts tables every month. It is also home to two permanent exhibits that documents the forced relocation of citizens during World War II including an original barracks from the Heart Mountain relocation camp that housed many incarcerated Japanese Americans. The kiddos will love browsing the gift shop and having tea and finger sandwiches on the beautiful patio of the Chado Tea room.

Right next-door is the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. This 40,000 square foot facility formerly housed police cars for nearby Parker Center. This spacious facility is child and stroller friendly and offers free admission every Thursday 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Adults $10, kids under 12 are free.

Where to Grab a Bite to Eat
There are numerous great kid-friendly places to eat in Little Tokyo. Suerhiro Café, on First St. is an American style diner that serves Japanese food. The menu is huge and they specialize in Japanese comfort foods such as udon, katsu, tempura, and teriyaki. It’s the warm family-style atmosphere that makes this place so great. There’s hand-drawn artwork sketched on hundreds of napkins that adorn the walls and may even inspire your kids to draw while you sip on a glass of tasty matcha iced green tea.

Across the street in the outdoor Japanese Village Plaza, not only does the Frying Fish offer great sushi and rolls at a decent price, but an added attraction is the cool conveyor belt that moves around the perimeter of the sushi bar carrying small plates of neatly arranged sushi, rolls, and edename. Not too mention the good-natured sushi chefs that occasionally break out in song and dance. It’ s a fun atmosphere for the kids and the food is reasonably priced.

Next door to the Frying Fish is Mikawaya, a Japanese pastry shop and ice cream parlor that also happens to be the originator of Mochi Ice Cream, a small ball of ice cream about the size of a golf ball wrapped in sweet sticky rice dough. They also serve gelato, but don’t miss out on the mochi. They offer several different flavors that you won’t find in grocery stores.

If you want to take the kids for a short walk, take a stroll to the Little Tokyo Galleria, which sits on the corner of Alameda and Third St. The mall is home to a full size grocery store that carries only Japanese and Korean products and has a small food court and bakery near the entrance where you can order soba, udon, ready-made sushi, and fresh spongy cakes and sweet treats.

Save room for Bliss Bakery, well-known for their scrumptious macaroons.

— Rebecca Koppenhaver

16 Books That Feature Asian American Heroes & Leads

16 Asian American Heroes Our Kids Need to Know About

This Book Is an Antidote to Anti-Asian Racism & It’s Available Now

ML Interest Tag: bakery

All About Mom! Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Gift of Time

For Moms Who Love the Outdoors

Human + Nature at Morton Arboretum

Bike or Walk The 606

Take a Hike

Walk In Beauty at Chicago Botanic Garden

For Moms That Like Good Old-Fashioned Fun

Be Old-School Cool & Go Roller Skating

For Wine-Loving Moms

Wine Tasting at Morton Arboretum

For Moms Who Love Art

Frida: Immersive Dream

Museum of Science & Industry's The Art of Brick

Immersive Art Experience at WNDR Museum

For Moms Who Like a DIY

Have a tea party: The Kids' Table

For Thrill-Seeking Moms

Pretend It's Summer at an Indoor Waterpark

Six Flags

For Moms Who Like to Feast

Get mom's hands deliciously dirty: Lowcountry

Related reads

American Girl & Magnolia Bakery Join Forces for a Cupcake-Packed Cyber Party

Related reads

I Started a Business for My Son with Autism during the Pandemic

By Catherine Blatnik

Catherine Blatnik

Related reads

A Dietitian’s Shopping Hacks for Food Allergy Families

By Lauren Manaker, MS, RD

Lauren Manaker, MS, RD

Related reads

Little Tokyo: Fun Activities, Culture & Cuisine for Los Angeles Kids

Related reads

For Moms Who Love the Outdoors

Human + Nature at Morton Arboretum

Bike or Walk The 606

Take a Hike

Walk In Beauty at Chicago Botanic Garden

For Moms That Like Good Old-Fashioned Fun

Be Old-School Cool & Go Roller Skating

For Wine-Loving Moms

Wine Tasting at Morton Arboretum

For Moms Who Love Art

Frida: Immersive Dream

Museum of Science & Industry's The Art of Brick

Immersive Art Experience at WNDR Museum

For Moms Who Like a DIY

Have a tea party: The Kids' Table

For Thrill-Seeking Moms

Pretend It's Summer at an Indoor Waterpark

Six Flags

For Moms Who Like to Feast

Get mom's hands deliciously dirty: Lowcountry

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads

Catherine Blatnik

Related reads

Related reads

Lauren Manaker, MS, RD

Related reads

Batch & Box

Café Gratitude's Valentine's Day Cookie Kits

Maya’s Cookies

Gluten Free Baking Co.

Blackmarket Bakery

Solana Sumptuous Cookies

Cravory Cookies

Crumbl

V.G. Donuts & Bakery

San Luis Rey Bakery

San Diego’s Finest Donuts

NatSweets

Sugar & Scribe Bakery

Related reads

KristelKCreations: 2 Pack

TeaTreatsAndGifts: Mystery Flavors

SugarBombsByCara : 16 Pack

Related reads

Heart Designer Cookie Kit

Designer Cake Decor

Puppy Love Designer Cookie Kit

Unicorn Designer Cookie Kit

Firetruck Designer Cookie Kit

Princess Tiara Designer Cookie Kit

Related reads

Related reads