If you want to add a little beauty to your brick stash, you’ll love the LEGO Botanical collection. Not only does this gorgeous lineup make for great therapeutic afternoon of building, but it’s also the perfect way to say “I Love You” this Valentine’s Day.
With florals that won’t die, the LEGO Creator Flower Bouquet ($50) and LEGO Bonsai Tree ($40) are the gift that keeps on giving. Each set has over 700 pieces each and is geared more towards adults than kids.
The Creator Flower Bouquet comes with 756 pieces to construct a variety of flowers, including snapdragons, roses, poppies, asters, daisies, and different grasses. The set comes with elements that feature new shapes and colors to make that perfect petal shape, and each bud can be arranged in a vase to your liking.
Harness your inner zen with the 878 piece Bonsai Tree set. It comes with with a rectangular pot and a slatted wood-effect LEGO stand. If you look close enough, you may even spy the little frogs that make up each blossom piece.
Both sets are sold out on LEGO.com, however, you can use the site to check your local store inventory to snag your own set. You can also find both the bouquet and Bonsai tree on Amazon.
The entryway of any home is a tricky spot—it’s a magnet for piles of shoes, backpacks and unopened mail but is also the first impression of your home your guests get when they come over. Luckily, you can turn your cluttered entryway into an organized landing spot with these clever storage solutions. Keep reading for the easiest entryway decor ideas for small spaces and beyond that will not only fit your style but also your budget.
If the floor space in your small entry space is too small to accommodate a furniture-like storage solution, look to the wall to solve your organizing needs. The beauty of this DIY pegboard is that it can be customized to fit your space—make it as big or small as you need it. If picking up the drill is too much of a commitment, you can also buy off-the-rack versions on Etsy.
Looking for an entryway organizer on a budget? This affordable bamboo entryway table/shoe rack is the solution you need. This narrow beauty offers everything, including separate spaces for umbrellas and boots, three shelves for all those shoes and a spot for your bag and backpacks.
An extra-narrow entryway can still get its upgrade with an extra-slim console table. Pair this table with a hook or two, and you've got a place to put your mail and keys when you walk in the door. We love that this sustainable pine wood table can be ordered in different lengths, heights and stains—ensuring it fits in with your particular space and decorating style.
Another great small space solution? Use lucite furniture. This clear console table doesn't take up a lot of space visually but offers storage solutions for catch-alls on top and a basket below. Add a welcoming piece of art like this Why Hello art print to warm up the space.
This classic cottage hall tree is supplied by none other than the DIY mecca known as Home Depot. Pull-out drawers, hooks for hats and coats, upper shelves for books and decor make this all-in-one piece an organizer's dream.
Dreaming of being a minimalist? This hall tree takes you there with its clean lines and neutral-colored bench seat. With just enough spots to keep the things you need handy, getting cluttered and overwhelmed is just not an option with this entryway piece.
Thanks to this corner hall tree, typically overlooked (and wasted!) space is now a landing spot for books, shoes, coats and more, thanks to ample hooks and shelves galore.
For those watching their budgets, head to eBay, where there are a variety of new, in-the-box hall tree options. This one comes with a shoe rack, a set of double hooks and a bench in a neutral black iron frame and sandalwood combo and costs just a little over one Benjamin Franklin.
If there’s one thing we know about parenting, it’s that whether you’re up to your ears in potty training or if you’re trying to navigate the newly-developed attitudes of a tween, there’s hardly a dull moment. We also know that some days can leave you feeling like a super-parent while others can make you seriously doubt your decision to raise another human being. That’s why it’s important to know that you’re not alone. We gathered our favorite quotes for parents to help you keep your soul tank full. Keep reading to see them all, and don’t forget, it takes a village!
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“I came to parenting the way most of us do—knowing nothing and trying to learn everything.” — Mayim Bialik
“Encourage and support your kids because children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.” — Lady Bird Johnson
“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” —Oprah Winfrey
“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” ―Benjamin Spock
“It is time for parents to teach young people that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” —Maya Angelou
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“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future,” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk.” —Carl Jung
"A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's."—Princess Diana
"You don't take a class; you're thrown into motherhood and learn from experience.”—Jennie Finch
“It is easier to build strong children than to “repair broken men.” —Frederick Douglass
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There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.” —Sue Atkins
“My parents are my backbone. Still are. They’re the only group that will support you if you score zero or you score 40.” —Kobe Bryant
“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” —Anne Frank
“Being a father is the single greatest feeling on Earth. Not including those wonderful years I spent without a child, of course.” —Ryan Reynolds
“There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.” —Mahatma Gandhi
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“The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.” ―Dorothy Parker
“Before I got married I had six theories about raising children; now, I have six children and no theories.” ―John Wilmot
Perfection doesn't exist, and I've found what makes children happy doesn't always prepare them to be courageous, engaged adults.”―Brené Brown
“Mother is a verb. It's something you do. Not just who you are.” ―Cheryl Lacey Donovan
"Childhood is fleeting, so let kids be kids and cherish the time you have together." —Abraham Lincoln
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"There are two gifts we should give our children. One is roots. The other is wings." —Unknown
"Motherhood has taught me the meaning of living in the moment and being at peace. Children don’t think about yesterday and they don’t think about tomorrow. They just exist in the moment." —Jesalyn Gilsig
"You will never look back on life and think, 'I spent too much time with my kids.'" —Unknown
"If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them, and half as much money." —Abigail Van Buren
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right. You’ll be criticized either way." —Eleanor Roosevelt
Keep Portland Weird! It’s the slogan locals have come to know and love dearly. But why is Portland considered to be so weird? We’ve put together Portland trivia that will drop jaws, elicit gasps and make your young Portlanders giggle. Read on to find out exactly which Portland facts have earned our city the reputation we’ve all come to embrace.
Located near the Willamette River in downtown, Mills End Park is the smallest park in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Tell your kiddos not to expect a swing set or slide, this grassy area has a diameter of 0.6 meters and a total area of 0.29 square meters. The park was originally intended to be the location for a light pole, which fell through so Oregon Journal columnist Dick Fagan planted flowers in the hole. It was recognized as an official city park in 1976.
Portland also has the largest urban forest in the country
Unlike Mills End Park, Portland's Forest Park, just northwest of downtown, offers families tons of room to run and play. Stretching for more than 5,200 acres and offering visitors breathtaking views of the Willamette River, Forest Park is the largest urban forest reserve in the US within the limits of a city. This beloved park is perfect for hiking, with more than 70 miles of trails.
There is a dormant volcano in the city
Portland is one of only two cities that has a dormant volcano within the city limits. Mt. Tabor is located in SE Portland and one of Portlander's favorite spots for picnics, hikes and watching the sun rise and set. It even is home to a park where kids can play and an outdoor amphitheater.
Portland holds an annual World Naked Bike Ride
Our beloved city is all about body positivity and biking, so it's no wonder that it holds it's annual naked bike ride as a part of a worldwide protest against oil dependency every year. There's no clutching of pearls as decorated bikes, and dressed up moms and dads make their way through the city streets on two wheels in an effort to save the environment. This event is almost 16 years old!
The sidewalks of Portland are peppered with metal rings. As a part of the "Portland Horse Project," people leave tiny toy horses attached to themso they can be used as a catalyst for people to realize the beauty in the details of our city. Your kids will love finding them around town. Buy some toy horses that your little one can attach to a ring for someone else to find!
Portland is home to the largest independently owned bookstore in the world
Chanced are you've visited Powell’s City of Books in the Pearl District. But did you know that it has been named the the largest independently owned bookstore in the world? Families and children of all ages love walking through this giant shop, and even spending time flipping though their favorite books, while they decide which ones to buy.
The Rose City's name was decided by a coin toss
Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove, two of Portland's founders, couldn’t agree on how to name the land they had acquired, so they decided to flip a coin. The winner got to name the place after their hometown. Pettygrove, a native of Portland, Maine, won the toss. Had Lovejoy won, the city would be called Boston, like his Massachusetts hometown.
Portland is ranked one of the best places in America for vegans and vegetarians to live
Portland has always been know for being health oriented (it's often been rated the most bikeable). It's also famous for its fantastic eateries and top-notch chefs. So it should come as no surprise that in 2020, Forbes rated it the best city in America for vegans and vegetarians. You can find a list of some of the best vegan restaurants here.
The International Rose Test Garden has over 500 types of roses
This four-acre garden is home to some of the most beautiful roses in the world. Its four acres holds over 500 types of roses? Who even knew there were that many types?
The Simpsons was born here (kinda)
Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, was born and raised in Portland and attended Ainsworth Elementary School and Lincoln High School. Groening began animating The Simpsons in 1989 and named several of the characters after famous Portland streets and landmarks, including Flanders, Lovejoy, Powell, Quimby and Kearney. Now is the perfect time to start watching with your kids!
Home to the Wiley Unipiper
Chances are, you've likely heard of the Unipiper. He rides around on a unicycle dressed as Darth Vader (and most recently, other characters from Game of Thrones and Pokémon), playing flaming bagpipes! Brian Kidd, also known as The Unipiper, is a unicyclist, street performer, musician and local celebrity who calls our city home!
Portland has the largest roost of Vaux's Swifts in the World
If you head up to Chapman Elementary School in September expect to see a sight that will take your breath away. As the Vaux's Swifts migrate, the fly into the school's chimney to nest for the night
Whether you’re buried in a few feet of snow or just watching Frosty the Snowman on repeat, bring the wintry weather into your kitchen by whipping up some snowman-inspired treats. We’ve even got a recipe for the hot chocolate bomb that’s all the rage this year. Scroll down to get inspired—your little snow bunnies will love munching on these adorable snacks.
Melting Snowman Hot Chocolate Bombs
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Unless you've been living under a pile of snow, you likely know that hot chocolate bombs are all the rage this year. Julie Blanner has a hot chocolate bomb recipe that's super easy to execute and guaranteed to delight the kids.
We love these little sushi snowmen from Busy in Brooklyn. With a seaweed scarf, a wasabi beret and (of course) a carrot nose, they’ll be a fantastic addition to your table.
For an indulgent treat, try these cute cookie dough bites from Sarah’s Bake Studio. Dipped in white chocolate and decorated to look like a smiling snowman, they’re quick to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Take a boring old bowl of soup to the next level with this amazing idea from Spice Up Your Life with a Taste of Japan. Made with a simple chowder base (which could be swapped out for your favorite soup recipe), the cheesy snowman topping becomes the star of the show.
How adorable are these snowman marshmallows from The Suburban Soapbox? These little guys will be the perfect topper for your cup of cocoa, and the kids can help decorate them with smiling faces.
Keep it simple (but still snowy) by making these delish cookies from Dear Crissy. Also known as Mexican wedding cakes or Russian tea cakes, they’re smothered in powdered sugar to make a super indulgent treat.
We can’t resist a good cake pop, and this snowman variety from 52 Kitchen Adventures is no exception. Made with a vanilla cake base, coated in creamy white chocolate and topped off with edible ink decorations, these cuties are bound to be a kid-favorite.
Your little ones will love finding this snowy surprise from Lisa Storms in their lunchbox. A simple sandwich becomes a snowman face, a few marshmallows and pretzels transform into snowmen and some extra “noses” on the side round the meal out.
I once read a quote by Albert Einstein that said something about defining insanity as doing the same actions over and over but expecting different results. It often comes to mind at the end of the year when I begin deciding on New Year resolutions.
Though, the resolution is always the same. My body isn’t good enough and this is the year I’m going to fix it. Sure, I mix it up a little. One year I’ll resolve to lose 10 lbs. Another year I may resolve to have a “bikini body” by May. The next, I’ll resolve to cut back on carbs. I have yet to achieve any of the resolutions I resolve to keep. I go in to the new year with the best of intentions but it ultimately ends in disappointment, a side of guilt and a year long scolding that continuously replays in my head until I do it all again next December.
Maybe it’s age. Maybe it’s motherhood. Maybe Albert is right again; it’s just my insanity talking. Whatever the case may be, this year is different. This New Year I resolve to be enough, accepting and loving myself just as I am going in to it. I can always eat a little healthier or exercise a little more. If I do, I will accept and love myself as I am. And if I don’t I will accept and love myself as I am. At the end of the day, carrying 10 less pounds doesn’t give the memories I create with my loved ones any more meaning—but being fully present in them does.
My daughter deserves to look back to see me dashing through the sprinklers with her—not searching the sidelines to find her mother hidden beneath a cover-up. Families deserve to photograph happy occasions with everyone present and engaged in the spirit of the moment. Friends deserve to share a toast to their success or to share a piece of cake in celebration of another year wiser. No one needs to hear another self-deprecating joke about counting calories, subtly deflating the happy energy in the room as I speak it.
This is the year I’m not scolding myself for having not lost the extra weight I’ve carried since giving birth. This year, I’m praising my body for creating a miracle. This year I’m celebrating birthdays with a mouthful of birthday cake to stifle any declaration of counting calories I may feel tempted to share. I’m packing my camera for family events, respecting the fragility of life and giving thanks that I have the opportunity to capture these moments with loved ones. This year may be our last.
This year I’m giving the toast to us. With love for who we are, just as we are in this moment and in the years ahead. May we see the beauty in ourselves that we see in those around us.
Do you have a story you’d like to share with our readers? We’d love to hear it! Sign up for our Voices Contributor Network where you can submit your funny, heartfelt and/or unbelievable parenting stories and see them on Tinybeans.com!
Robin Reynolds is a writer, blogger and contributing author for Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her daughter is the inspiration for her blog Dear Jalen where she chronicles her daughter’s childhood in written letters. Robin is on a mission to encourage other parents to do the same. Visit Dear Jalen to learn more. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Just because you’re an adult, doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of LEGO bricks. The brand has recently partnered with Room Copenhagen to bring the brand’s iconic look to a fresh set of home accessories. The best part? They ditched their iconic primary colors for wood — and it really, really works.
The LEGO Home collection currently has five items, each coming in two oak shades. Shop from a 2×2 wooden desk drawer, 2×4 wooden desk drawer, 1×4 wooden picture frame, 1×6 wooden book rack and 1×1 wooden wall hanger sets.
Here are the picture frames and drawers:
And look at the wooden wall hangers:
The beauty of these accessories extends far beyond just the design: each product is assembled by hand using solid oak. Made from organic materials, each one is unique in it’d overall coloring. From the site: “The 2×2 Wooden desk drawer is made from FSC certified oak wood. The stackable drawer adds a playful touch and is ideal for storage of office supplies and trinkets. Select between soap treated or dark stained oak. Both treatments enhance the natural structure of the wood, keeping each product unique.”
While the home collection is a first, it does cost a pretty penny. Currently you can find it at nordicnest.com ranging $113 to $250.
Do you already have the Black Friday shopping itch? Well thanks to Amazon’s Early Black Friday event, you don’t have to wait for the post-Thanksgiving extravaganza to get a head start on your list.
The online mega-retailer has already released so many deals, we can barely list them all. Shoppers can save big on everything from beauty, toys, electronics, Amazon devices, fashion and home plus get tons of inspo thanks to the Holiday Prep Shop. Plus, you can save even more on some major Epic Deals that change daily! Keep scrolling to see the biggest categories with the hottest sales.
Audible: Non-members will receive 46% off the first four months of Audible Premium Plus. Membership includes one credit a month
Amazon Music: Beginning mid-October, new customers can get three months free for a limited time.
Amazon Fresh: Between November 10-16, when customers buy two Amazon Kitchen holiday sides—from green beans to stuffing—for Amazon Fresh delivery, including same-day, or at an Amazon Fresh store, they will receive 20% off of these holiday favorites.
Wondery+: Beginning in mid-October, new customers can sign up for three months free of the premium ad-free podcast subscription.
Amazon First Reads: In October, Prime members will be able to download two titles from Amazon First Reads.
The world is a diverse place, and your PJ’s should reflect that! To honor the beauty and diversity around us, Old Navy is bringing back its famous skin tone Santa PJ prints!
Launched last year, the whimsical Santa print is back with three skin tone choices including Beige, Cocoa and Walnut. Choose from pajama pants, shorts, matching sets and onesies in sizes ranging from baby to adult.
photo: Old Navy
Old Navy wants to help Santas all over the world embrace the culture of today, so the brand is launching Santa BOOTcamp! The 30-minute, virtual training course covers everything it takes to become Santa and addresses topics like kids hard-hitting questions, signature phrases in sign language and Spanish and plenty more.
Interested Santas in Training can visit oldnavysantabootcamp.com starting Nov. 9 and register for free!
Remember the Chatter Telephone? The rolling old school Fisher-Price phone that let you make pretend calls? What if we told you there’s a working version for adults—and it’s available to pre-order soon!
Thanks to Bluetooth and a little ingenuity, you can buy a modernized version of the Chatter Telephone that lets you make real calls. Connect your cell and it’s fully activated, routing outgoing calls through the rotary dials and incoming calls via actually picking up the handset. And yes, it still has the same looks as the OG toy!
There’s no extra phone line required and you’ll likely be glad for an excuse to set down your boring iPhone or Android. With the Chatter Telephone’s short blue aqua cord, you’re tethered in place and forced to give any caller your full attention. Just like the good old days!
