Who says kids get to have all The Child fun? Disney is about to change all that with a brand new collection that will soon be available at shopDisney.com, Disney stores and Walt Disney World.
Beginning Feb. 1 (and coming later to Downtown Disney), the first-ever adult streetwear collection inspired by the Child will be available for shopping. The funky lineup features hoodies, t-shirts, pants, hats, backpacks and more and brings the colors and iconography of The Mandalorian to life. We’ve roundup some of our faves below!
Ditch the chocolates and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a chilly treat. If Red Velvet is the way to your sweetie’s heart, then DQ has you covered. The ice cream chain is offering not one, but two delectable options this February.
DQ is bringing back its Red Velvet Cake Blizzard. This love in a cup features rich red velvet cake pieces, silky cream cheese icing and signature DQ vanilla soft serve. The February Blizzard of the month is an extra special treat this Valentine’s Day.
For those looking to surprise the whole family, the DQ Cupid Cake is the perfect Valentine’s Day treat for a family celebration of love. This heart-shaped Cupid Cake is made with a layer of Red Velvet Cake Blizzard Treat (with chocolatey red velvet cake pieces and cream cheese icing) and world-famous DQ vanilla soft serve.
Both the Red Velvet Cake Blizzard and the DQ Cupid Cake are available at participating DQ locations nationwide beginning Jan. 25.
Just when you thought there couldn’t be a better chocolatey combination. The Whozeewhatzit bar, the Whatchamacallit brand’s first new bar in a decade, takes wacky, crazy, crunchy and chewy to a new level. The brand new bar, which has an added peanut butter crème layer and delicious rice crisps, all covered in chocolate.
Last year, the Whatchamacallit brand asked fans to submit their most creative naming ideas for the new bar. The winner was to receive $500 and a year’s supply of chocolatey goodness. After 43,000+ entries, the Whatchamacallit brand declared the name Whozeewhatzit, submitted by Lisa M. from Framingham, Mass., the winner.
“The new Whozeewhatzit bar has all the wacky, crazy, chew-tastic perks that Whatchamacallit fans love, plus a few more,” said Jenna Hamm, Whatchamacallit Brand Manager. “There were lots of great submissions but none that captured the bar’s irresistible characteristics while still paying homage to the beloved Whatchamacallit brand quite like the name Whozeewhatzit.
If you can’t wait to get your hands on the new Whozeewhatzit bar you don’t have long to wait. You will be able to find them in a 1.5 oz. standard size ($1.11) and a 3 oz. king size ($1.66) at retailers nationwide beginning February 2021.
Cereal fans rejoice! Starting this month fans can enjoy their favorite cereals in a fun, new snackable form. Post PEBBLES Crisps and Post Honeycomb Big Bites cereal snacks deliver the same great taste as the iconic cereals but in large snackable forms and sizes that make them ideal to dip, dunk, pop and pack.
New PEBBLES Crisps, which are about the same size as a potato chip, come in both Fruity and Cocoa PEBBLES flavors and are gluten-free. The new Honeycomb Big Bites are about twice as big as the original Honeycomb cereal shape and can be found in the classic Honeycomb flavor, as well as in a new chocolate flavor.
“According to recent research from Mintel, nearly 40% of consumers say they eat cereal as a snack, and 13% report eating cereal on the go,” said Tara LaFerla, Brand Manager of Portfolio Innovation at Post Consumer Brands. “We developed our new PEBBLES™ Crisps and Honeycomb Big Bites to make it even easier for people to enjoy their favorite cereals anywhere and any time of day. Our new cereal snacks have big flavor and big crunch in a ‘no mess’ form that parents and kids will love.”
The new Post Cereal snacks can be found in the cereal aisle at grocery stores nationwide, beginning this month. Each of the four varieties are available in a 6-ounce multiserve, resealable pouch, ideal for sharing or eating on the go.
New Year’s looking a little different this year? As we all settle into a subdued evening of ringing in 2021, Disney wants to make the night as special as possible.
Continuing the #DisneyMagicMoments tradition that has gotten us through 2020, you can tune into a virtual viewing of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks beginning tonight, Dec. 31 at 11:48 p.m., EST.
photo: Joshua Suddock/Disneyland
This pre-recorded showing comes to use from from Walt Disney World Resort in 2017. Viewers will get spectacular views of the festive fireworks above Cinderella Castle, with music from the likes of Pinocchio,Peter Pan and famous themes from various Disney attractions.
You can check out the show starting tonight at 11:48 p.m., EST on the Disney Parks Blog.
Every December as we decorate the tree, I wonder just what Christmas will look like for us. I remember seasons of beauty. Trips to the zoo to see the Christmas Lights, bundling into the car with hot cocoa and marshmallows, driving around to see the lights. I envision my husband’s work party where the kids delighted in the Jolly Fellow joining them as they visited and told them their wish list. I picture sleepy-eyed daddy as he is just as surprised as the children as they open presents. Those memories are treasures. For us moms, some of our best moments are the ones where we see our children in awe of what “Santa” brought and the feeling of satisfaction knowing that you made their day special.
For us, this was my favorite time of year but then, it changed. As I looked through photos of the holidays of the past, I realized that the holidays, since autism was diagnosed in our family, brought with them a sense of stress I had never experienced before. I still remember the Christmas I realized this. As my older children pushed gifts into my youngest daughter’s hands, she stared off into space, left the room, and felt overwhelmed. It was apparent to me that things had to be different so that we could still make memories, good ones, no matter what.
Knowing that the holiday, coming our way, would look different, I still acknowledged that I had four other children that deserved the magic they dreamed of and so I had to choose to do what was right for us. Hopefully these ideas will also help you.
Set Boundaries
The holiday is a season. With our children, we prepare by trying to clear our minds and hearts. We work to do for others. During the beginning of the month, doing small things with great love tends to warm our hearts and often reminds our family of what the season is truly about. Remember, while the holiday season is magical you need to hone in on what is most important, your family. Your children. This means that you may have to set boundaries. Boundaries can be tough. You can feel overwhelmed saying “no” but sometimes saying “no” is the gift you give yourself. If your child struggles outside the home or transitioning from event to event, it’s okay to prioritize.
I also suggest educating friends and family. So often, one of my family members has said that I should just explain it to them or tell them, or do what I need to do for my child. They don’t do this to be dismissive or unkind but instead I believe our families and friends try so hard to include us so we don’t feel left out. They see the challenges and suffering that we face and they want to support us at all times and let’s face it, those invites feel so good. They mean so much but it’s okay to say “no”, remember to thank them for the invite because they too need to know it means something to you even if you can’t attend.
Plan Ahead
If you have other kids who want to attend an event or stay longer, take two cars. Make an exit plan. Set a small goal. For us, this idea came about with my husband’s work party. While fun for my other children, 110 kids, a jolly giant man, and balloons and crafts was overwhelming after an hour for our daughter so we began to take two cars. I would make a “cameo” and allow her to experience what she could and then duck out, early.
Be Honest with Yourself
While we all want to be together all the time, sometimes, it’s okay to realize it just won’t work. One of the greatest gifts I ever gave myself and my family was saying it’s okay if we can’t take her. She may join us another year and it may be better for the other kids if they don’t have to leave early, witness a meltdown, or feel they are just as important as she is, that our attention can be turned totally to them.
Let Go & Rid Yourself of Expectations
This may be the most important piece of the puzzle. For years, I wanted Christmas to continue as it was before. We would sit around and each person opens a gift, we ooh and ahh over it and celebrate together what the others in the family received. While my kids begged for Seraphina to open her gifts, she just wasn’t ready. Finally, last year I got it. Seraphina came in and out of the room we were in. We opened gifts and when she was ready we gave her a chance. Her beginning to understand the process wasn’t just exciting for me and her father but the children too. They delighted in her joy and when she left to play with her one gift, I was reminded of the beauty of autism. They see, feel, hear, and taste so much more than we ever can imagine. Witnessing her peace with one thing while others long for more is a great reminder that when we have what we need, we don’t need much more.
As we near the holiday season, try to take a deep breath. The holiday may look different but if you take the time to make some minor changes perhaps the holiday will be better than you could have imagined.
I'm a mom of many who is living her best life navigating a busy world full of ups and downs. Managing five kids and one with additional needs I enjoy learning through living and sharing what I know. I can't wait to share our Messy World with you.
Yabba Dabba Doo! Inspired by The Flintstones, PEBBLES cereal became the first brand created around a media character when it was launched in 1971. Now in honor of it’s 50th birthday, PEBBLES cereal will surprise fans by giving them presents throughout 2021.
“Fruity and Cocoa PEBBLES cereals have been bringing kids and kids-at-heart fun and happiness for 50 years. At a time when joy and inspiration are needed more than ever, we wanted to do something to thank and surprise PEBBLES fans next year in honor of the brand’s milestone birthday,” said Amy Brothers, PEBBLES Cereal Brand Manager at Post Consumer Brands. “This brand has always been about igniting creativity, so we hope our fans will join us and get inspired as we Yabba Dabba Doo! 2021!”
For the first surprise of the year PEBBLES is going to help make 50 kids’ birthdays even more epic in 2021 by giving their parents $2,021 each to help them celebrate their big day.
Launching today on the brand’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages and running through Feb. 1, 2021, parents are invited to share why their kid deserves a special birthday present for the chance to win one of 50 cash prizes. Whether it’s an outdoor play set, a trampoline, a new computer or video game system, paying for music lessons or saving for college, PEBBLES wants to make birthday celebrations special next year. Winners will also receive a birthday package from PEBBLES to celebrate their big day.
While there will be even more fun surprises as the year goes on, PEBBLES is also wants to help fans ring in the new year. PEBBLES cereal is hosting a New Year’s Eve countdown on Dec. 31 featuring Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble from Bedrock leading into the 9 p.m. ET hour during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021, which airs live beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The family-friendly countdown will also be available on demand on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages and on PEBBLES cereals’ Facebook page so families can view it at their convenience to celebrate an early countdown before bedtime.
Leading up to and on New Year’s Eve, PEBBLES’ fans can create their own celebration video using the Fruity PEBBLES confetti branded effect on TikTok to welcome in 2021 in colorful style. Fans can find the Fruity PEBBLES confetti by searching for “PEBBLES confetti” directly through the search bar on the discover page within the TikTok platform, beginning Dec. 28.
Follow PEBBLES cereal on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know about other exciting birthday surprises throughout the year and tag the brand using #HappyBirthdayPEBBLESCereal. To learn more about the PEBBLES cereal brand, visit pebblescereal.com.
‘Tis the season for many things, especially festive music! To say goodbye to 2020, Idina Menzel wants to celebrate with a one-time-only holiday concert through an Airbnb Online Experience.
Fans can book Idina’s Online Experience beginning Wed., Dec. 16 at 12:00PM ET, with the event taking place on Thur., Dec. 17th at 7:00PM ET for up to 100 guests, starting at $10 a person. All proceeds will benefit The Actors Fund, a national human services organization for performing arts and entertainment professionals that fosters stability and resiliency.
Menzel says, “Song is a huge part of my life and the holidays have always had a special place in my heart. This year, connecting with others is more important than ever and I am excited to hopefully bring a little bit of joy and holiday sparkle to your families by hosting this experience.”
Head to the website for Airbnb’s Online Experiences to get all the details.
Do your kids love to create in the kitchen? Now Raddish Kids is making it easier. The award-winning kids’ culinary subscription box is focused on giving back this holiday season with two new initiatives, The Raddish Scholarship Program and The Raddish “12 Days of Giving” Campaign.
“At Raddish, we believe in the power of food to instill confidence, bring families together, build communities, expand conversation, and strengthen relationships,” said Samantha Barnes, Founder of Raddish Kids. “We’re thrilled to partner with like-minded companies and organizations to make an impactful difference in the lives of others through the simple act of cooking and the comfort of food.”
The Raddish Scholarship Program was created for children who have expressed a desire and zest to learn to cook but lack the resources to do so. Challenge Butter has partnered with Raddish to provide the necessary groceries and tools for the scholarship winners.
Each honoree will receive:
– A year-long subscription to Raddish (beginning Jan. 2021 and ending Dec. 2021)
– Monthly virtual cooking classes with a Raddish Culinary Coach
– A grocery stipend of $500, provided by Challenge Butter
– A year’s supply of Challenge Butter
Applications for the Raddish Scholarship are available at www.raddishkids.com/scholarship and must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2020. Selected recipients will be notified in early January.
Also, beginning Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1, 2020) and through the first 12 days of December, Raddish will donate 10% of each purchase made on Raddishkids.com (up to $10,000) to World Central Kitchen. World Central Kitchen has activated hundreds of restaurants and kitchens across America to distribute more than 30 million meals (and growing) to communities that need support like students and frontline medical professionals. More details are available at http://www.raddishkids.com/givingtuesday.
These initiatives are the most recent among a list of efforts made by Raddish Kids to help those in need. In March, Raddish gave away 50,000 free cooking kits to support families suddenly homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This past summer, Raddish donated 100% of sales of a vintage e-kit (more than $10,000) to the #ChefsForAmerica program at World Central Kitchen.
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season so that means it’s time to treat yourself to a festive treat. Turn up the holiday tunes and head over to DQ to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the December Blizzard of the Month. The Peppermint Hot Cocoa Blizzard is now back at participating DQ stores nationwide.
This classic treat features a fresh twist. The Peppermint Hot Cocoa Blizzard blends candy cane pieces, choco chunks and rich cocoa fudge with signature DQ soft serve. If peppermint isn’t your thing, you can always pick up a Frozen Hot Chocolate.
Get your festive fix now at participating DQ locations nationwide! Fans can head to DQ.com to find their local store and can connect on social media using @DairyQueen and #HappyTastesGood.
