Here’s How You Can Spend the Night in The “Addams Family” House

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 14, 2019

Are you looking for a special place to vacation that’s mysterious, spooky and all-together kooky? Then you’ll want to book a night at a real-life recreation of The Addams Family house.

Located in Brooklyn’s historic Cobble Hill neighborhood, this 19th century townhouse has been decked out with spooks galore and each room is inspired by the members of The Addams Family. The only thing missing is Lurch to welcome you at the front door.

Timed to the release of the new film The Addams Family and the spookiest day of the year, Halloween, guests can book a stay at this themed mansion through Booking.com for one of four exclusive overnight stays between Oct. 29 and Nov. 1.

The house, which features plenty of homey touches, like a guillotine in Wednesday’s room and carnivorous plants in the living room, can sleep up to four guests with a king-size bed, a queen-size bed and one twin bed.

A one night stay is going for $101.10 per night and bookings will be accepted starting Oct. 28.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Booking.com

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What Are the Most Popular Gender-Neutral Baby Names Across the U.S.?

by Erica LoopOctober 2, 2019

Gender-neutral baby names are on the rise. So which picks are the most popular? According to the website Net Credit, the answer depends on where you live.

If you’re on the hunt for a baby name that works for any gender, we’ve got options. Net Credit analyzed Social Security Administration from 1910 on in an effort to identify and map the top gender-neutral names in the United States.

photo: Courtesy of Net Credit

Over the past century, the gender-neutral name winners (across the country) were Casey, Riley and Jessie. Other top baby name choices include Billie, Gale, Pat, Marion, Leslie, Johnnie, Jackie, Kerry, Kim, Lynn, Tracy, Kris, Terry, Lee and Jamie.

Th top name by state for 2018, according to Net Credit, is:

Alabama: Charlie

Alaska Charlie

Arizona: Parker

Arkansas: Phoenix

California: Charlie

Colorado: Emerson

Connecticut: Hayden

District of Columbia: Parker

Delaware: Sawyer

Florida: Hayden

Georgia: Parker

Hawaii: Royal

Idaho: Charlie

Illinois: Rowan

Indiana: Emerson

Iowa: Finley

Kansas: Sawyer

Kentucky: River

Louisiana: Peyton

Maine: Riley

Maryland: Sawyer

Massachusetts: Finely

Michigan: Emerson

Minnesota: Rowan

Mississippi: Parker

Missouri: Phoenix

Montana: Sawyer

Nebraska: Rowan

Nevada: Rowan

New Hampshire: Finley

New Jersey: Charlie

New Mexico: Azariah

New York: Ariel

North Carolina: Finley

North Dakota: Rowan

Ohio: Remington

Oklahoma: Remington

Oregon: Rowan

Pennsylvania: Hayden

Rhode Island: Quinn

South Carolina: Charlie

South Dakota: Riley

Tennessee: Charlie

Texas: Parker

Utah: Charlie

Vermont: Rowan

Virginia: Hayden

Washington Finley

West Virginia: River

Wisconsin: Finley

Wyoming: Peyton

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Public Domain Pictures via Pixabay

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The New Disney Skyliner Is the Best Way to Travel in the Magic Kingdom

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 2, 2019

There’s a magical new way to get around in Disney World as the Disney Skyliner is officially open at the resort.

The new gondola system takes visitors on an epic ride from four Disney Resort hotels, including Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort when it opens later this year, to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Disney Skyliner might be a mode of transportation, but the journey is most definitely half the fun as you’re treated to a bird’s eye view of the Magic Kingdom.

According to Disney Parks, the “Disney Skyliner will soar along waterways and wooded areas alike on its way to theme parks and Disney resort hotels, while wide-eyed guests will be treated to views never before seen.”

The Skyliner features approximately 300 cabins which are wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes with beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, attractions and more giving the impression that guests are riding with Disney pals.

Guests can hop aboard the Disney Skyliner Cabins at several uniquely designed stations across the resort including the Epcot International Gateway station, which is inspired by the European pavilions in the park and the Disney’s Hollywood Studios station, which reflects the Art Decostyle of the park’s main entrance. The Skyliner Station at Hourglass Lake, which is shared by Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, gives guests a sky high ride above the lake.

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Fans that want to bring the magic of the Skyliner home can purchase all kinds of Disney Skyliner-themed gear including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, pins, MagicBands, Christmas ornaments, toys and more available now at Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the four resorts the Skyliner serves.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Disney Parks/ David Roark/ Kent Phillips

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Scooby-Doo Turns 50 with a New Movie & Plenty of Merch

by Erica LoopSeptember 10, 2019

Scooby-Doo is celebrating a big bday on Friday, Sep. 13! The iconic animated pup and his pals have spent the past 50 years solving mysteries—and now there’s a new a new film and plenty of merch to make this half-century milestone.

Scooby-Doo! Return to Zombie Island is an all-new animated adventure produced by Warner Bros. Animation and is available on Amazon, FandangoNOW, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and select Video On Demand services. You can also buy the DVD right now exclusively in Walmart stores and at other retailers starting Oct. 1. Along with with new animated flick, you can also check out some some of the super Scooby products available for the character’s 50th anniversary.

Scooby-Doo Munchies Run Puzzle

Solve mysteries—and this puzzle! Available on Amazon for $19.

Scooby-Doo Clue

Solve mysteries with this Scooby-Doo twist in the classic board game ($38 on Amazon).

Scooby-Doo Flip Top Water Bottle

This BPA-free pick is perfect for your Scooby fan. Find it on Amazon for $11.

Imaginext Toys

Your kiddo can act out their fave film or TV episode with the cute characters. Find this pick at Target or Walmart for $19.95.

Monopoly Scooby-Doo

Your fam's fave game gets a new twist with the Scooby-Doo version ($38.87 on Amazon).

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Consumer Products

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The PUMA x Sesame Street Collection Is a Must-Have Back-to-School Pick

by Erica LoopJuly 31, 2019

Your fave sneaks are celebrating their big 5-0. PUMA is turning 50 and in honor of half a century worth of footwear fabulousness, the brand is teaming up with one of the most iconic children’s franchises—Sesame Street!

PUMA recently announced the launch of the PUMA x Sesame Street collection, so get ready for mini versions of fun styles, with beloved Muppet characters, of course.

The line debuts Aug. 1 in PUMA stores, online at PUMA.com and in select retailers. Look for sweet styles such as the PUMA Suede Statement and the RS 9.8 in prices ranging from $55 to $75.

The kids’ shoe line features your child’s Sesame Street BFFs, including Cookie Monster and Elmo!

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of PUMA

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Charlie Brown is Headed Back to Theaters for the 50th Anniversary of These Classic Films

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 31, 2019

There are certain characters that stand the test of time and remain relevant and lovable for generations. Charlie Brown is one of those characters and now the whole family can enjoy watching the entire Peanuts gang on the big screen one more time for the 50th anniversary of A Boy Named Charlie Brown.

Although it’s been half a century since the first two Peanuts films debuted, they remain as timeless as ever. To celebrate this special occasion the two movies, A Boy Named Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Come Home are hitting theaters for a limited time.

“These two Peanuts films are timeless and wonderful. It’s gratifying to honor their legacy by putting them back on the big screen for audiences of all ages to enjoy,” said Ken Ross, Executive Vice-President and General Manager at CBS Home Entertainment.

In a special film series release by CineLife Entertainment, Charlie, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the entire Peanuts gang will be making a come back with A Boy Named Charlie Brown in theaters Aug. 18, 21 and 24 and Snoopy, Come Home in theaters Sep. 29, Oct. 3 and 5. You can reserve your tickets for this special event here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: IMDB

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Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Turns 50! Here’s What the Author Had to Say

by Erica LoopJune 13, 2019

Your kiddo’s fave bedtime read is about to turn half a century old! Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary—and here’s what the iconic author had to say about it.

In celebration of the big 5-0, Carle talked children’s lit in a video from earlier this year. So what (or rather who) does Carle credit for this book’s success? The author explained, “I think the children are the ones who’ve kept it in the market for 50 years.”

Carle also added, “I think it is a book of hope.” The children’s author went on to say, “Children need hope. You, little insignificant caterpillar, can grow up into a beautiful butterfly and fly into the world with your talent. Will I ever be able to do that? Yes, you will. I think that is the appeal of that book.”

The author and artist isn’t the only one who’s celebrating his book’s major milestone. Plenty of kids’ lit lovers took to social media, cheering for the caterpillar. One mama showed off a caterpillar-themed quilt she made for her kiddo.

And plenty of libraries and children’s/early literacy organizations took to Twitter, wishing the book a very happy birthday!

Happy 50th birthday to "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"! Thanks to author, Eric Carle, for publishing such an inspirational book of hope that pushes toddlers into the 🌎 of reading #veryhungrycaterpillar #childrensbooks #lwb #librarieswithoutborders #toddlers pic.twitter.com/9Xnfud5Pk2

— Libraries Without Borders US (@LWB_USA) June 12, 2019

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Penguin Kids via YouTube

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All 650 Dressbarn Locations Are Going Out of Business

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 23, 2019

After more than half a century in business, national retailer Dressbarn has just announced that it will be going out of business.

The chain, which started as a single store in Connecticut, currently operates about 650 locations nationwide. For the time being all locations will remain open for business and will be honoring returns as well as accepting Dressbarn-branded credit cards and gift cards. The company promises to share more information about sales and closing dates as the winding down of business continues over the coming weeks.

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“For more than 50 years, Dressbarn has served women’s fashion needs, and we thank all of our dedicated associates for their commitment to Dressbarn and our valued customers. This decision was difficult, but necessary, as the Dressbarn chain has not been operating at an acceptable level of profitability in today’s retail environment,” said Steven Taylor, Chief Financial Officer of Dressbarn in a statement.

He continued, “During the wind down process, we will continue to provide our customers with the same great experience both in-store and online, offering them even better deals and value. We will work to assist our associates through the transition and maintain existing relationships with our vendors, suppliers, and other key stakeholders through this process.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Dressbarn via Facebook

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Get Excited! Mattel’s New Indoor Play Space Will Be Full of Hot Wheels & Barbies

by Erica LoopMay 2, 2019

Mattel is bringing your kiddo’s fave toys to life. The branded indoor interactive entertainment centers will feature hands-on experiences with Barbie, Hot Wheels and Mega Construx themes!

While the new entertainment centers aren’t set to roll out until 2020 (sorry, the first one is scheduled to open in Toronto), the experiences will include plenty of hands-on play as well as digital fun. And, of course, your child’s most-loved toys.

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A post shared by Hot Wheels (@hotwheelsofficial)

So what can you expect from Mattel’s family entertainment centers? The Toronto center will include 25,000 square feet of play space dedicated to kids ages four through 10. Barbie fans will get the chance to explore a mini-world filled with, “near limitless possibilities.” The Barbie experiences will align with the brand’s mission to support 21st century learning skills, including creativity, communication and collaboration.

Hot Wheels play possibilities will include the chance to customize a car, design a race track and test driving skills in a massive racing simulator. Little builders will also get an opportunity to play the day away. The Mega Construx experience will feature ultimate (and awesome) building scenarios.

Janet Hsu, Chief Franchise Management Officer, Mattel, said in a press statement, “The family entertainment centers will extend the emotional connection of our brands with kids and allow Mattel to continue to bring wonder and imagination to families.”

Hsu also added, “The family entertainment centers offer a powerful combination of physical and digital play that give kids the chance to interact with Barbie, Hot Wheels and Mega Construx through live events and experiences, gaming and content.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Mattel

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This Is the Baby Shark Cover to Beat All Others (Starring John Legend)

by Erica LoopMarch 14, 2019

When Josh Groben belted out a rousing rendition of the ever-popular ear worm on The Late Late Show With James Corden, we thought we’d heard it all. But the recent “Baby Shark” cover by John Legend now takes top honor as our absolute fave.

During an appearance on Power 106’s The Cruz Show, Legend treated listeners to his very own version of, in his own words, “The biggest hit of the 21st century.” Even though he didn’t sing, the celeb musician did play the melody on keyboard, accompanied by a five-piece, all-female mariachi band! Watch the fun start at around the 10-minute mark below:

Legend isn’t the only one in his family whose totally into the Pinkfong song. In a recent Instagram post by Chrissy Teigen, she listed “Baby Shark” (and the classic “B-I-N-G-O”) as their son Miles’ favorite song. Even though just about every parent on the planet is probably “Baby Shark”-ed out, Legend’s mariachi-accompanied version is totally worth checking out!

Annnnnd now it’s stuck in our heads…again!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Pampers via YouTube

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