Need Halloween Inspo? Spirit Halloween Just Dropped 2021 Costume Trends

by Sarah ShebekSeptember 30, 2021

Struggling with costume inspiration this year? Spirit Halloween to the rescue! The retailer just dropped 2021 costume trends that are wickedly good for both trick or treating and adult work parties.

Get the whole crew in on the fun with the Creepy Families theme, featuring broods from popular franchises. Spirit forecasts that Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Corpse Bride and the Addams Family will be on trend this season.

Speaking of throwback entertainment, the ’90s are coming in hot! Specifically the shows of your childhood, like Teletubbies, Space Jam, Care Bears and Killer Klowns from Outer Space. It might be tricky to suit up in a full-blown Teletubby costume, but you might also win the night at your office party. Worth it?

But if there’s one thing the whole family can agree on, it’s that snacks are life. Why not put the “treat” in trick or treating? Spirit suggests searching out the Cheetos Flamin’ Hot costume, or you could dress up as an avocado, pickle, banana, PB&J or milk and cookies!

You can find all these looks online (or in store) at Spirit Halloween, the largest Halloween specialty retailer in the country. There are more than 1,425 locations nationwide and more opening every spooky season. The countdown is on to October 31!

—Sarah Shebek

Feature image courtesy of Spirit Halloween

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Picture It: “The Golden Girls” Are the Latest & Greatest Little People Collector Set

by Sarah ShebekSeptember 28, 2021

“My mother used to say: the older you get, the better you get. Unless you’re a banana.” Although The Golden Girls have been off the air for almost 30 years now, the four best friends just keep getting more popular. Now there’s a Fisher Price set that lets your kids (or you) celebrate the award-winning women in toy form!

The Little People Collector The Golden Girls Special Edition Figure Set is available to buy now at retailers nationwide and the details are spot on in this fun set. Blanche rocks her trademark sparkles, Rose wears her familiar colorful sweater, Dorothy keeps her stern expression and Sophia carries her signature wicker purse.

Even the packaging has a special twist, with a quote from each lady included and the show’s floral couch (and Fernando the teddy bear) in the background. You can buy the set for $19.99 and it’s a must-have for your Golden Girls collection!

Need more GG in your life? How about a set of Tiki mugs or a Sophia planter? Happy shopping!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Fisher Price

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These Pop-Tarts Are Packing Some Sweet Summer Vibes

by Karly WoodAugust 13, 2021

Are you ready to up your breakfast game? Pop-Tarts is keeping the summer going with flavors that are the essence of warm weather.

The toaster pastry brand is embracing three of America’s favorite desserts with their new flavors, Lemon Crème Pie, Banana Crème Pie and Peach Cobbler. The sweet treats are joining the Pop-Tarts dessert line that will now include both cake and pie options!

You can find the Pop-Tarts now, though admittedly the Banana Creme Pie is hard to come by! Snag the Pop-Tarts Lemon Crème Pie and Peach Cobbler in an 8-count box for $2.89 and Pop-Tarts Banana Crème Pie in a 16-count box for $3.68.

––Karly Wood

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We Can’t Wait to Try Magic’s Spoons 2 New Cereals

by Karly WoodJune 29, 2021

If you haven’t heard of Magic Spoon, you’re probably still embracing your childhood cereal with gusto. Well, it’s time to start adulting!

Known for its cult following, Magic Spoon is getting ready to kick off summer with some sweet new flavors. Say hello to Strawberry and Banana!

photo: Magic Spoon

So why do people obsess over this particular cereal? It’s practically guilt-free because its keto-friendly, offers high protein and is low carb. On top of all that, the unique flavor range is out of this world and we can’t get enough of the fun colorful boxes.

The brand new flavors drop today and you can snag a few boxes at magicspoon.com. Bundle up the savings and get four boxes for $39!

––Karly Wood

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Target’s Colorful Succulents Have All the Summer Vibes

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 10, 2021

Summer is here and that means it’s fully acceptable to embrace all things bright and colorful. First stop? Target’s adorable summer-inspired succulents!

At under four inches tall, these fun planters are the easiest way to incorporate some whimsy into your home, especially when they’re only $5.

The artificial succulents comes in five styles including a pineapple, a strawberry, a flamingo, a banana and a skateboarding sloth. These styles have been around since last year so supplies may be limited.

We can only hope 2021 brings a brand new batch of sweet succulents!

—Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Target

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Splash into Summer with Minnidip’s New Lineup of Inflatable Pools

by Karly WoodMay 3, 2021

Warm weather is almost here and that means lots of fun in the sun. When it comes to Minnidip’s new lineup of inflatable pools, you don’t need an Olympic-sized pool to get your splash on!

Sold at Target and minnidip.com, the company’s Spring collection has something for everyone. Moms will not only love the adorable new baby pools and splash pads, they’ll dig the adult-sized pools, too!

photo: Minnidip

When it comes to Adult “Kiddie” pools, parents can choose from new styles including Sun-Kissed Terracotta, Ombré All Day, Totally Whoa(ven) and the Freshly Minted Minnidip Adult Inflatable Pool ($42.99+). Returning from last year, sink into the Blushing Palms or That’s Banana(leave)s.

Don’t forge the kiddos! The Minni Minni Collection which includes baby pools and splash pads has new and returning products that include the Slice Slice Baby and Splash of Citrus baby pools and Tropical Palm Leaf Splash Pad Sprinkler and Slices of Fun Splash Pad Sprinkler ($31.99)

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Courtesy of Amy Carson

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These New Snarky Conversation Hearts are Wisecrackin’ Us Up

by Karly WoodFebruary 4, 2021

By now, most everyone is familiar with conversation hearts. After all, they’re the go-to treat for Valentine’s Day.

This year, Brach’s is changing up the game with its new Wisecracks “End The Conversation” Hearts. Instead of loving sentiments like “BE MINE” and “XOXO,” this little bag of goodies is packed with snide comments like “DREAM ON,” “YEAH RIGHT” and “FRND ZONE.”

photo: Courtesy of Brach’s

The new treats may be salty, but their flavors aren’t. You can snack on flavors that include Wintergreen, Lemon-lime, Orange, Banana, Cherry and Grape.

Find your own bag on Instacart or at Amazon, Walmart and CVS.

––Karly Wood

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Make This for Dessert: Frozen Chocolate Bananas

by scott wardellJanuary 1, 2021

Need a cool dessert that doubles as an activity? Turn to these frozen chocolate bananas. Opt to make them exactly like the recipe below or sub in sprinkles or other toppings in place of the pecan halves. Either way, this deceptively simple dessert will be a hit.

Ingredients
2 large bananas, peeled
4 popsicle sticks
1 c milk chocolate chips
3/4 c pecan halves, finely chopped

Method
1. Cut each banana in half, and insert popsicle sticks into bottoms of each half. Freeze bananas for 1 hour until solid.

2. Place chocolate in a small microwave-proof bowl and heat on medium heat for 15 seconds at a time until well melted and smooth. (You can also use a double boiler to melt the chocolate down if you have one.)

3. Dip the frozen bananas in chocolate so they are completely coated, then generously roll in chopped nuts. Serve immediately or re-freeze for a few hours later.

Note: You can fashion a working double boiler by using a small pot of water and a Pyrex bowl.

recipe and photo courtesy of Veronica at the vegetarian ginger.

These Are the Hottest Parenting Trends for 2021, According to Pinterest

by Karly WoodDecember 11, 2020

We’re all ready to bid 2020 adieu and Pinterest is here to help everyone get up to speed on all the good that’s coming in 2021. The company just released its trends report for parenting, and there’s a lot to look forward to.

From a new take on homeschooling to slimy pets, here are the hottest trend for 2021.

Heart Schooling is the New Homeschooling

If there's one thing 2020 taught us, it's that we're all teachers––and darn good ones! The new year will continue our new professions, but with a focus on moral lessons, mindfulness and real world lessons. Parents in the U.S. searched a ton this past year for topics that include moral and government lessons and mindfulness activities.

Planet Is the New Playground

Pinning parents are continuing teaching their kiddos about the planet in unique ways for 2021. Education will focus on projects and art that use products they already have. In 2020, huge increases could be seen in topics that include cardboard toys, banana peel fertilizer, pencil shaving art for kids, outdoor education and art education projects.

Frogs Are the New Fido

High maintenance pets are a thing of the past for 2021. Next year families are growing by adding non-hairy pets that include lizards, snails and frogs, as evidenced by the growth in searches for things like pet frog, tortoise food, pet snails and pet lizards.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: iStock

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How to Make a Spooktacular Halloween Treat Board

by Kenzie KramerOctober 14, 2020

Creepy or cute? Sweet or sour candies? Trick or treat? When it comes to preparing for Halloween, there’s a lot of decisions to make about costumes, activities, and, of course, the treats—which is why we love the new trend of Halloween treat boards!

Halloween treat boards are an easy way to include everyone’s favorite nibbles in one place. Think a sweet version of a charcuterie board filled with festive fall treats!

We teamed up with Liren Baker from Kitchen Confidante and Enjoy Life Foods to share how your family can make a Halloween treat board filled with each family member’s favorite snacks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Liren • Kitchen Confidante® (@kitchconfidante) on Oct 9, 2020 at 1:49pm PDT

Learn more about Enjoy Life Food’s Halloween Chocolate Minis, which come in four allergen-friendly varieties!

Now that you know how to make a Halloween treat board, it’s time for the hard part: deciding what goes on it! Enjoy Life Foods has great allergen-friendly recipes that are both tasty and adorable.

Spooky Surprise Halloween Cupcakes

The cute Spooky Surprise Halloween Cupcakes use an allergy-friendly batter to hide a Halloween Chocolate Mini inside for a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy!

Monster Mash Krispie Treats

Sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, orange and black—these Monster Mash Krispie Treats check every box for a delicious Halloween treat!

Spooky Triple Chocolate Spiders

Chocolate, banana and cute critters—count us in! Snag the recipe for these Spooky Triple Chocolate Spiders.

Learn more about Enjoy Life Food’s Halloween Chocolate Minis, which come in four allergen-friendly varieties!

ML Interest Tag: banana

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