It’s terrifyingly cute! The next limited edition Disney x JuJuBe line is inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will be available Thurs., Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. PT. The spooky print is featured on JuJuBe’s diaper bags, backpacks, totes, pacifier pods and much more.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Lineup:
BFF mini BFF Bundle
Be Cool
Be Dapper
Be Light Plus
Be Packed
Be Quick
Be Right Back
Be Set
Changing Pad
Messenger Strap
Midi Plus Backpack
Paci Pod
Super Be Plus
Zealous Backpack
Find all your favorite characters like Jack Skellington, Sally, and Oogie Boogie shining in spectral silver on an inky black background as dark as Halloween night. Each character floats in frightful frames surrounded by other ghostly residents of Halloween from Scary Teddy to Lock, Shock and Barrel. You won’t find any tricks inside, just the treat of iconic Giant Snake mysteriously slithering on purple lining.
Jack and Sally meet again as their outlined heads form matte black zipper pulls that ghoulishly adorn the double-zippered bags and individually on the other select bags. The Nightmare Before Christmas print is sure to be every Disney fan’s dream come true.
Your Oakland friends are constantly trying to convert you, and your midwestern parents think you’re a little bit crazy, but you wouldn’t trade your urban family life for the world—or at least for the suburbs. From only-in-SF tan lines to starter coffees for kids, we bring you 30 sure-fire signs that you’re a San Francisco parent.
1. Your child’s preschool application was filled out before her birth certificate.
2. You have tried (and succeeded) to put a car seat in the back of a Getaround Fiat.
photo: Dawn Gordon
3. Your kids drink $3 steamed milks from Four Barrel (or wherever your family coffee loyalty lies).
4. Your 6-month-old has already learned how to turn on the Apple Watch because someone “left” a prototype at JAMaROO.
5. “The gym” is walking up an 8.5-incline street and two flights of stairs while carrying a bag from Bi-Rite and a toddler.
6. You’ve started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Pre-K application fees.
7. You unpack your family’s winter clothes in June. Or never pack them up at all.
14. You’ve managed to fit an entire nursery inside a closet—along with your Freda Salvador collection.
15. You pick your mom friends based on the number of hills that separate you.
photo: Erin Feher
16. Instead of a flu shot, your toddler has simply licked one too many Muni seats before you could stop them.
17. Your kid’s dream pet is a pigeon.
18. Your baby has her own hashtag on Instagram.
photo: Kelle Hampton
19. Every birthday party you attend is also a fully produced photoshoot for the host mom’s blog, and guests are asked to dress in accordance with the party’s theme color palette.
20. Your social media feed is all $7 toast and playdates at the Beach Chalet.
21. You know never to take strollers on Bart because of the elevators . . . those horrifying, horrifying elevators.
22. One of the most monumental benefits to having a child in SF is not having to wait for a table at Delfina . . . because you are eating at 4:15.
23. You have brand loyalty to Nordstrom expressly because of their “Mothering Lounge.”
26. Your son hasn’t yet had his first haircut. He is 9.
27. You’ve sent your kid to a playdate in an Über.
28. You buy organic sunscreen sticks at a baby boutique right next door to the bar where you used to have multiple weeknight martinis. Someone you hooked up with in a past life still works there.
Fall is right around the corner, that means we can start planning for Halloween fun. Crate & Barrel recently announced their fun and spooky offerings. There is even an exclusive collection with PATCH NYC which just launched.
Created in partnership with design-duo Don Carney and John Ross of Boston-based PATCH NYC, this collection combines vintage Halloween ephemera, iconic motifs and textile patterns that bring an artistic edge to this year’s spookiest, festive decorations.
Line your front porch with these friendly iron pumpkin lanterns which resemble smiling jack o’ lanterns. Fill with a wax or flameless pillar candle. These lanterns retail for $39.95 – $99.95 depending on size.
Welcome trick-or-treaters to your home with this pair of Halloween banners. The Happy Haunting banner is a Crate and Barrel exclusive. It retails for $49.95.
It’s summer time and we’re looking for all the reasons to leave our house and be outdoors. With great weather comes exceptional views. From picture perfect patios to rooftop restaurants, we found the best places to enjoy summer dining while social distancing.
photo: Market Salamander
Virginia
Market Salamander
This unique restaurant and market reminds us why Middleburg is so adorable! Market Salamander prides itself on fresh homegrown ingredients and exclusive recipes. The outdoor patio provides a charming experience for breakfast, lunch or dinner. After you’re done dining, the family should go and explore the Middleburg village.
200 W Washington St
Middleburg, VA 20118
(540) 687-8011 Online: marketsalamander.com
Jackson 20
This beautiful restaurant in Old Town Alexandria is actually located in The Alexandrian hotel. It has a beautiful courtyard that is currently featuring a special summer BBQ, albeit a bit sophisticated, but still with many summer classics. Its a must visit for the summer time to take in the twinkling of the stars with an old town feel.
480 King St,
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-6080 Online: jackson20.com
Barrel & Bushel
This Tyson’s rooftop spot, is perfect for taking in beautiful views of Tysons Corner ever changing skyline and giving the kiddos room to play and explore, as there’s plenty of space to roam and even a playground near by!
Tysons Corner Center Mall Rooftop
Tysons Corner, VA
703-848-6340 Online: barrelandbushel.com
Red’s Table
Overlooking Lake Thoreau in Reston, Red Table is casual outdoor dining at its best. The patio resembles sitting on the deck at home, but you don’t have to worry about doing the dishes when you’re done!
11150 South Lakes Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(571) 375-7755 Online: redstableva.com
An upscale Italian restaurant with a charming outdoor patio. Throw in an array of pastas to keep the kids bellies full and how can you go wrong? While adults must adhere to a dress code, accompanying children can come as they are.
Located along the Annapolis waterfront, Pusser’s is quintessential summer dining! Your family can’t help, but stay a while to watch the boats sail by and enjoy the lazy days of summer while taking in Caribbean delights!
80 Compromise Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-626-0004 Online: pussersannapolis.com
Located in Georgetown along the Washington Harbour, this sister restaurant to Founding Farmers is surely to keep the little ones minds occupied with a view of the Potomac and the bustle of boats and people out on a stroll to enjoy the summer sun.
Summer has arrived and that means lots of time spent outdoors. Whether you rock summer nights on the patio or deck, or prefer to adventure in the great outdoors, you need the perfect dining dinnerware to go with it. From melamine plates and bamboo bowls, we’ve rounded up the most festive options for outfitting your outdoor dining space this summer.
Kate Spade New York Kitchen Rainbow Citrus Collection
This adorable tidbit set is perfect for kids or appetizers. Each set comes with two designs, is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. The six-inch plates are break, chip and scratch resistant––so basically uber kid-friendly!
Perfect for dinner-sized serving, these eight-inch plates come with beautiful watercolor designs. The individually sold plates are made from durable melamine and are the essence of summer dinnerware.
If you need an entire set of outdoor dinnerware, look no further than this adorable flamingo collection. You can shop bowls, plates, coasters, platters, and placemats! Plates and bowls come in sets of four and everything is made from chip resistant and microwave safe melamine.
Shop the collection at Macys, pieces start at $11.90
Strawberries are the very essence of summer and that's why we love this fruit-filled platter. Great for apps, the melamine and BPA-free dish is the perfect way to infuse sweetness into your table setting.
This versatile geometric collection is just as useful for that bold cocktail party as it is for your summer BBQ. The line includes plates, platters, bowls and coordinated napkins, all in vibrant colors.
This four-piece set is just what your campout/tailgate/picnic needs! Each bowl comes with a matching lid, is made from sturdy melamine and boasts a super cute outdoorsy pattern.
Classy and festive, these plates are made from bamboo with a melamine resin. The 10-inch size makes it great for a full meal, and it's even dishwasher safe!
Surprise is on your side when you order these Bodil plates––you'll be shipped a random design in the collection that's made from bamboo! You can also shop the rest of the line's bowls and cups for the complete look.
This rustic design takes even more worry out of outdoor dining. The vintage pattern recreates an enameled look, comes in more than six color choices and in sets that make outfitting your patio table a breeze.
Packing for your picnic just got easier! This bamboo set comes with four cups, four plates (that can double as bowls!), a salad bowl, and an anti-slip tray-top. A silicone band helps it to close and stay closed for easy travel.
Whip up some sangria (or other kid-friendly cocktails) in this adorable summer-inspired beverage set. It comes with an 80 oz. pitcher, four 18 oz. cups and is made from shatter resistant melamine.
Don't spent time worrying about your glasses breaking in the great outdoors––get this tumbler set instead! The colorful collection comes with eight brightly-hued cups that embody the feel of summer.
I’m taking some time to write you a note because by the time you’re big (yes, I know you’re big, you tell me every day), you’re probably not going to remember any of this—at least I hope you don’t. I hope you read about it in your world history class. And that the memories you’re making now, as a 3-year-old, are only fleeting.
Today, was hard.
You had a fit as we scootered past the park because you wanted to play, and I had to physically yank you away. You devolved into a puddle of tears on the sidewalk howling so hard I thought the neighbors were going to call CPS.
“The park, I want my park.”
“Remember, honey, we talked about germs and how we have to play inside and away from other people for a little while; we really can’t go into the park; get on your scooter and race to the house now.”
Showing your whiplash resilience and the coordination of an Olympic athlete, you jumped on the scooter and raced down the block home, beating Baba and me by several minutes. You are remarkable. Today, you fought a dragon. You donned your John Snow cosplay costume and challenged Baba the Dragon to a death match in the backyard, breaking the dragon’s wand deftly with your mighty blows. You laughed.
You ran fast fast fast; falling, stumbling—picking yourself up. Stopping to “work” in the dirt; digging into a flowerpot; moving soil from one barrel to the next. “I’m working,” you said. “Yes you are,” I said as I watched with wonder.
Today, was hard.
You wanted desperately to play with your friend next door. And as her mother and your fathers struggled to set up a playdate across the fence, you adapted as we had a picnic lunch separated by 15 feet and two wooden fences. There was a lot of screaming and a lot of fun!
Today, you worked on your three-point-grip, the letter “V,” and painted a sky. You do not sit still. Your teachers are miracle workers. As I sit in the living room and hear you take a bath upstairs, I can do nothing but smile.
Today has been a hard, good day.
“Are you kidding me?” You ask Baba. Why? I have no idea. But that fact that a 3-year-old has the chutzpah to utter such a sentence gives me hope for our world. Step by step we go on.
You fought a dragon, you had a playdate, you learned limits, you grew—a virus notwithstanding.
Father, children's book critic, writer, judge, director, actor and amature photographer—together with his husband of 25 years—raising an energetic four-year old! "Parent is not just a noun, it's a verb. If you're ever in doubt as to what to do, substitute the word caregiver. It will steer you in the right direction."
Creating art is a great way to bring people together while spreading joy. BIC just launched the BIC 4-Color Garden. They are also encouraging people to use their pens to hand draw simple flowers and share online with #BIC4ColorGarden to help grow the BIC 4-Color Garden, which will live on the Instagram handle @BIC4ColorGarden.
Whether you are looking for a way to recognize our healthcare workers, brighten someone’s Mother’s Day, celebrate a loved one’s graduation or simply say “Thank You” for your support, a hand drawn flower is the perfect way to creatively stay connected and spread cheer during a time when we need it most.
Not only is doodling a natural stress reliever for those feeling cooped up, but for each flower drawing shared with #BIC4ColorGarden, BIC will donate $1 toward Kids In Need Foundation, up to $50,000 through July 1, 2020. This year, BIC also celebrates the 50th anniversary of its iconic BIC 4-Color pen, with an updated look and fresh new color – swapping out Green for Purple in response to consumer demand, and changing the barrel color to a deeper, more modern blue.
“As we navigate these unprecedented times, hand-written notes and drawings have become a great way to express ourselves and connect with those we’re separated from,” said Mary Fox, North American General Manager for BIC. “BIC is excited to build this virtual garden to help spread some cheer – from saying ‘thank you’ to brightening someone’s day. As Mother’s Day, graduations and other important spring milestones approach, sharing a hand-drawn flower from home is a simple way to celebrate family and friends.”
People across the country are utilizing video conference services such as Zoom to stay connected with family, friends and coworkers. Whether you are looking to hide your messy room or you simply want to add a bit of fun to happy hour with your friends, there are plenty of Zoom backgrounds to meet your video conferencing needs. Check out some of the best backgrounds we have rounded up so far.
The DoorDash Lunchroom has backgrounds for some of your fave restaurants, like The Cheesecake Factory, Cracker Barrel, Baskin Robbins and Panera Bread.
Unsplash offers many beautiful Zoom backgrounds from gorgeous office spaces to luxurious beach shots.
From the Golden Girls living room to Rory’s apartment in Star’s Hollow, Modsy has put together a collection of re-imagined pop culture interiors.
Delish created fun Easter and Passover themed backgrounds to brighten up your virtual holiday celebrations.
HBO has countless backgrounds based on Game of Thrones, Westworld, Euphoria, Insecure, Succession and more.
Pixar has released backgrounds for your favorite movies including Toy Story, Up, Finding Nemo and Inside Out. You can also find backgrounds for based on Cars and The Incredibles.
Insert yourself into one of your favorite ABC shows like American Idol or Modern Family.
Zoom provides instructions on how to use virtual backgrounds. The company says there are no size restrictions for virtual backgrounds but it recommends cropping the image to match the aspect ratio of your camera before uploading it.
It’s the biggest Starbucks in the world, located smack dab in the middle of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, in the 35,000-square-foot former Crate and Barrel building. If you love coffee, you’ll want to pay your respects here, at Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago, a mecca of all things coffee, from coffee beans to coffee-infused cocktails. Even if your kids don’t yet appreciate a good cuppa Joe, they’ll love watching as coffee beans are sorted, roasted and then brewed via fancy, fiery contraptions. Settle in and enjoy an afternoon coffee date with your littles as they indulge in the wide range of over-the-top pastries.
Follow the coffee beans
As soon as you enter, expect to be overcome by the heady scent of coffee. Kids can watch as coffee beans are roasted, cooled and distributed throughout the roastery via a 56-foot tall, bronze-colored metal cask that extends from the top to the bottom floor. Ask your kids if they can hear the rainfall-like sound of the coffee beans as they journey through the cask.
The first floor is where you’ll find the quickest and most convenient coffee and pastry to-go bar. Take your pick from an assortment of Princi Bakery pastries, all artisanally-made with top-notch ingredients.
While the pastry menu will change with the seasons, kids who want to give coffee flavors a try will want to sample the classic Tiramisu, layered coffee-soaked, house-baked ladyfinger cookies sandwiched with mascarpone cream. Princi is also known for its cornetti, an Italian take on the croissant, filled with a variety of jams and creams. At the full bean scooping bar, you can take home Starbucks coffee beans.
Travel up to the second floor along the cool curved escalator—the first in the midwest!—to the Princi bakery. Everything is baked here, then delivered by a fascinating conveyor belt to the first and third floors. The second floor’s menu extends beyond pastries to Princi’s Italian-inspired breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pizzas and salads.
Seating is available throughout the roastery; highchairs are plentiful.
Coffee nerds unite!
The third floor is a coffee nerds dream, but even kids will enjoy watching moka brewed via seven different brewing methods, including the flame-powered siphon method brewing system. Parents will want to give a coffee flight a try here; kids will like the hot cocoa with extra whipped cream. (Warning: if your kids enjoy the fancy, fruity teas available at other Starbucks locations, they won’t find them here at the coffee-focused Roastery).
On the fourth floor, the bar, Arriviamo, serves not just coffee but also wine, beer, and signature cocktails. A fifth floor, rooftop terrace will open in the spring.
photo: Mural by Eulojio Ortega
It’s all in the details
Starbucks commissioned Chicago artist Eulojio Ortega to create a progressive mural that depicts the process that gets the beans into our venti-sized cups—including its planting, selection and processing. Take the stairs from the 1st to the 4th floor to watch the story unfold as Starbucks, with the help of Ortega, pays tribute to the dedicated farmers that keep us all caffeinated.
Look for the specially designed “Chicago” wall using Starbucks Reserve coffee cards. Each Starbucks Reserve coffee has its own unique card which is an original piece of art created by in-house designers and writers. You’ll find cards that represent Starbucks’ global Roasteries, including Milan, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seattle and New York.
Referred to as the “clackerboard” because of the sound it makes when in motion, the large board on the first floor alerts vistors to what’s brewing that day and any special events.
Plan a visit during off-hours
Lines here have been known to stretch out for more than three blocks and the massive space reached its 1,000-person capacity just 20 minutes after opening in November 2019. The rush starts late-morning, and the space can stay busy until close. Weekdays, early mornings, is the quietest time. The Starbucks Roastery Reserve Chicago is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week.
What’s your least favorite Halloween candy? Even though there’s so much chocolate and sugar-coated awesomeness to choose from, CandyStore.com combined 12 lists from the web and survey data from 40,000 of its customers to come up with the worst Halloween treat picks of the year.
So how does this mix of lists and survey data get to the bottom of the barrel when it comes to the worst Halloween candies? CandyStore.com weighted each best/worst list, giving each candy a different point value based on rank. The site then totaled the points and created their own 10 worst Halloween candies list!
What candy took top honors as the worst? Oh-so-surprisingly, candy corn came in at number one. Last year’s number one, circus peanuts, fell to number two and peanut butter kisses (not cups!) was number three.
The rest of the list included (in order starting at number four), wax Coke bottles, Necco Wafers, Tootsie Rolls, Smarties, licorice, Good & Plenty and Bit-O-Honey.
If you’re curious what candies Americans actually like, CandyStore.com’s best 10 list includes (in order starting at one), Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Twix, Kit Kat, M&Ms, Nerds, Butterfingers, Sour Patch Kids, Skittles and Hershey Bars.
