If you ask a kid who has the hardest job on the planet, they might say something like, “Fireman, Wonder Woman, and the president.” Touché. Being the president isn’t for the faint of heart; only those with superhero qualities need apply. The fun facts below prove that presiding over the Oval Office takes a special (and sometimes quirky) kind of person. Read on to check them out!
1. Barack Obama: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream? Who doesn't love a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day? Our 44th president, that's who. He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream.
2. Bill Clinton: You've Got Mail While sending and receiving email is now a run-of-the-mill thing in most households, Bill Clinton was the first person ever to send an email from the White House.
3. Gerald Ford: Paging Frank Underwood? Seemingly out of a Hollywood (or NetFlix) script, Gerald Ford was the first person to be both vice president and president without ever being elected by the public. How? He was appointed vice president when Spiro Agnew resigned from his post, and then he succeeded to the presidency when Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal.
4. Martin Van Buren: Born in the USA While it is currently a law that you have to be born in the U.S. (or a US Territory) to become the President, Martin Van Buren was the first President who was actually a US Citizen. All previous presidents were born British subjects.
5. James Garfield: America's Got Talent Most people only speak or write one or two languages at a time. James Garfield could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other hand simultaneously. #coolpartytrick
6. George Washington: Party of 1? George Washington was the only president that wasn't affiliated with a political party? Washington was neither a Republican nor a Democrat.
7. Thomas Jefferson: Lights, Camera... Today, the president is on television or making a speech almost daily, but did you know that Thomas Jefferson had such stage fright that he only gave two speeches during his entire presidency?
8. John Tyler: Big Poppa John Tyler was the father of 15 (!!!) kids, more than any other president.
9. Teddy Roosevelt: That's Going to Sting a Little in the Morning An excellent hunter and athlete, Roosevelt was notorious for having a tough guy image. Once, while giving a speech, he was shot in the chest during an assassination attempt. He continued AND FINISHED the speech with the bullet still lodged in his chest.
10. James Madison: Hey, Down Here! For some reason, presidents are characteristically tall figures. James Madison was definitely an exception. He only stood 5 feet 4 inches and never weighed more than 100 pounds.
11. Abraham Lincoln: Try, Try, and Try Again Lincoln lost five separate elections before he became President of the U.S. (Never, ever, ever give up!)
12. Herbert Hoover: Hide and Seek Champion Herbert Hoover gave all the White House servers strict instructions to hide from him whenever he passed by. Those who failed to do so were fired. Yikes.
13. Chester Arthur: Night Owl We all know that being the president means you probably have a lot on your mind. Arthur always went for late-night walks and rarely was in the bed before 2 a.m.
14. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Pancakes, Dave? One of the most important positions in the White House now is being the official White House chef. However, Eisenhower was a skilled chef himself and was known for cooking delicious vegetable soup, steaks and cornmeal pancakes.
15. Harry S. Truman: Is it Sean? Stillman? Harry S. Truman's name is very distinguished. Mainly because of the 'S.' that is included with his name. Did you know Truman doesn't actually have a middle name? It's just the letter 'S'.
You’ve made your list. You’ve checked it twice. Now get shopping! This year, support local businesses and pick a gift from a store near you. Flip through our guide for ideas to get your brains churning.
For Your Favorite Water Bug: Swim Lessons with Goldfish
Outdoor pools are drained, but that doesn't mean the water play has to stop. Help keep kids in the swim of things through winter with the gift of swim lessons from Goldfish Swim School Chicagoland. They'll be unwrapping more than the usual present, they'll be unwrapping life lessons mixed with smiles and confidence that comes from progress and mastery. More importantly, they'll be building on water safety skills—a gift that can save lives.
Swimming is always in season at Goldfish, so get ahead of the Winter Blues and gift the Golden Experience! Holiday gift packages include free lessons, a special Goldfish towel, dry bag and in-school credit.
Cost: Packages vary by location Locations throughout Chicagoland. Visit goldfishswimschool.com for pricing and purchasing.
For Members-Only Access: Give the Gift of Membership to Chicago Favorites
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
If you're a super-fan of a particular museum, play space or attraction, maybe it's high time you became a card-carrying member. Along with scoring sweet perks like access to special events, discounts and free parking, you're helping an awesome family destination thrive. Often in the case of some of the biggies, after just two visits, the museum membership has paid for itself — and you can avoid those long admission lines. Read our story for the scoop on memberships you should consider gifting to your gang (or grandkids!) this holiday season.
For the Builders: LEGO Chicago & LEGOLAND Discovery
LEGO
No matter the age, LEGO appears at the tippy top of most Christmas lists. We have one that builders and Chicago lovers alike will love to add to their collections. This 444-piece Chicago skyline set features Willis Tower, the building formerly known as John Hancock Center, Big Red, Wrigley Building, DuSable Bridge and Cloud Gate (aka The Bean), finished off with a Chicago nameplate.
For the kid that can't get enough LEGO, consider an annual pass for the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg, which has attractions for families that includes a Miniland, rides, a 4D cinema, a master builder workshop, an opportunity to build and race your own LEGO car and much more!
Cost: $204 for LEGO Chicago Skyline set on Amazon, $44.95+/person for annual pass LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago; Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Rd.; Schaumburg; Online: legolanddiscoverycenter.com
For Showing West Town Pride: Holiday Bundles
Give the gift of West Town with a West Town Holiday Bundle, or split the items between loved ones on your 'nice' list. Three themed packages are available, each set features items from 5+ neighborhood favorites.
The Snow Day — The perfect collection to keep anyone comfy and cozy during a Chicago winter.
The Holiday Party — Show or share your West Town neighborhood spirit.
The New Year — Everything you need and want to kick off your "new year, new me" or "new year, same me" routine.
Annie from Vicinity Candles Etsy shop sells candles inspired by local Chicago neighborhoods, with scents like Lakeview, West Loop, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Gold Coast, Pilsen, Wicker Park and Hyde Park. Each includes an insert that provides a glimpse into the neighborhood history which led to the inspiration for the scent.
Whether you're parenting with a same-sex partner or want to show LGBTQ+ pride support, this colorful twist on a traditional black and white Chicago skyline print is a subtle way to start your tiny human down a path of inclusivity and kindness.
For Those Who'd Like an On-the-Go Snuggle Buddy: Pockimals
Pockimals is making getting dressed ridiculously adorable with their Pockimals. These tiny stuffed animals come equipped with buttons that secure them directly to their custom-designed clothing pockets making them impossible to lose. All items are organic and produced with soft cotton to ensure comfort and no-scratchiness happiness. This Chicago-based company is made up of a team of friends who wanted to create the best children's toy to enhance creativity and focus on the magic of childhood.
For a Fun Night Out: Sauced at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Combine a fun night out with holiday shopping and support local artisans at Sauced: The Night Market Before Christmas at the Chicago Athletic Association hotel Dec. 9 & 10. The event will include more than 30 vendors, food options and a DJ. While you're there, stop into Happy's, the hotel's over-the-top Christmas pop-up bar.
Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: saucedmarket.com
For Celebrating Chicago's Favorite Street Food: Hot Dogs
It is never too early to teach kids the proper (Chicago) way to eat a hot dog, sans ketchup, of course. Have them slip into this adorable hot dog-themed shirt and then hit up your favorite hot dog stand in Chicago.
Raise your hand if you love a good puzzle! If you have your hand up, you'll love this 1,000-piece neon Neighborhood Map of Chicago puzzle. Puzzle-lovers get to learn more about the layout of our city while assembling the map.
Chicago design studio Transit Tees' storefronts offer hundreds of Chicago-inspired gifts designed by local artists for under $40, as well as dozens of $10 and $20 stocking stuffers. Gift box sets include multiple Chicago-themed games, home goods or apparel items with free gift-wrapping and free shipping.
Cost: $40 & below Locations in Wicker Park & Andersonville; Online: transittees.com
For the Book Worms: A Book by a Chicago Author
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Chicago has a rich literary history and is home to so many award-winning authors covering every genre under the sun. Introduce your little bookworm to Chicago’s brightest and best authors with our list of kid-approved, classic and contemporary children’s books. From picture books to chapter books to graphic novels for advanced readers, these are the Chicago-authored tomes to add to your kid's bookshelf ASAP.
Shop local and show support for local businesses that navigated their way through the pandemic. Your kids have likely already penned their Christmas lists (and have checked it way more than twice) and we can guarantee all their biggest wishes can be granted on the shelves of a local Chicago toy store. Show love to your favorite neighborhood go-to toy store or venture out to discover a new-to-you gem!
For Music Lovers: Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots' New Album
Ben Tatar
Fans of the Chicago kiddie music scene love Ben Tatar and the Tater Tots. Lucky for us, he's back with his second family album of delectable songs about food just in time for the holidays, Seconds, releasing Nov. 12. Kids will giggle when they hear this savory gastronomic extravaganza, jam-packed with tasty treats for the ears and the dance floor.
For Fans of Christkindlmarket: Shop In-Person or Virtually
Gallagher Way
Christkindlmarket — Chicago's take on a traditional German Christmas market — is back with locations in the Loop and Wrigleyville. Browse the goods in the market's signature wooden cabins topped with festive red-and-white-striped canopies, or visit Christkindlmarket's virtual shop. If you shop the Wrigleyville location, be sure to check out Gallagher Way's Winterland programming.
For Tweens: A Bit of Pampering at Oasis Face Bar
Oasis Face Bar
It's never too early to teach kids, boys or girls, the importance of a good skincare routine. Newly opened Oasis Face Bar in Lincoln Park is the perfect intro for tweens because it takes the facial out of the spa, making it more budget-friendly and less time-consuming than a traditional spa experience. Bonus: It's locally and woman-owned. Stop by and grab a gift certificate, and maybe some masks and fun face products, to slip in your favorite tween's stocking.
From now until Christmas, for every $100 gift card you purchase, you'll receive a "Facial in A Box". Each box provides everything needed for one or two at-home facials. Wrap it along with the gift card, or take a self-care pampering day for yourself.
Cost: Treatments for as low as $49 Oasis Face Bar, 2136 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park; Online: oasisfacebar.com
For the New Moms: Metta Baby Bucktown
Metta Baby
Give new or expectant parents the gift of a one-of-a-kind experience with their new baby! Metta Baby is Chicago's premier infant wellness studio with offerings including water stimulation, infant massage, baby yoga, parent/baby classes, music classes and more! You can check out their full class schedule here. The Metta Baby team is dedicated to promoting early developmental activities starting at two weeks that support motor, sensory, and cognitive skills while nurturing secure attachment between infants and their parents. The mission is to provide a solid socialization and support system for infants and their caregivers in the earliest stages.
Cost:Gift cards in various increments are available for purchase online or at the Bucktown location.
Metta Baby; 1921 N. Damen, Bucktown; Online: mettababy.com
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Food-loving kids are full of zest and curiosity, just like the gifts they’re probably craving this holiday season. To keep that healthy love of cooking and baking on the rise, we’ve rounded up the best gift ideas for your little bakers and chefs. From modern kitchen playsets to virtual cookbooks, we’ve got the scoop on all things foodie this year.
No play kitchen is complete without a full set of cookware and an accompanying coffee maker. This 21-piece collection comes with everything your little gourmand needs to whip up play meals. Made with a real stainless steel look, you also won't mind this set sitting out in your real kitchen.
You've got the cookware, now you just need some food! Promote healthy eating with this adorable slice and toss salad set from Melissa & Doug that comes with more than 50 pieces of wooden and felt play food. Coming with special tabs to make real crunching sounds when sliced, your kids will be salad savants before you know it.
Even Joanna Gaines wouldn't mind whipping up a batch of cookies in this play kitchen. Small sous chefs can use the chalkboard to plan out the day's specials, then whip up delightful dishes using the play oven, stovetop, sink and more.
Want to raise a foodie from the start? This Montessori kit helps littles as young as 18 months old to start helping in the kitchen. Designed by educators, the set comes with food-safe, developmentally appropriate kitchen tools, illustrated recipe cards, food preparation activities and printed parent guide and online parent articles and videos to make spending time in the kitchen as fun as can be.
This sweet pretend blender makes the perfect addition to your foodie's collection. Each set comes with pretend flour and sugar packets, bowl and turnable blender.
Even budding bakers need a break from the kitchen! This handmade macaron sidewalk chalk is so detailed, they look like good enough to eat. When you order, you'll get a pack with pink, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple for maximum creativity.
Does your mini chef watch Kids Baking Championship? Then they'll recognize these aprons! Made with the same quality as the signature adult version, the double pocket, adjustable apron is machine washable and perfect for twinning.
For kids ready to take their cooking skills to the next level, this hand pie maker is key. Even the littlest hands can help whip up empanadas, turnovers, pierogi's and more!
Oh boy! Whip up magical baked treats with this duo of silicone spatulas. The Mickey and Minnie-themed tools are lightweight and come with a hole for hanging.
Not only will kids create some amazing baked goods with this book, but they'll learn the science behind HOW. Young scientists will learn what makes bread rise, why vegetables are green and so much more.
Let your budding baker perfect their snack skills with this ready-to-make kit. Each one comes with a reusable piping bag and deep-fry thermometer, pre-made batter mix, toppings and chocolate.
Food artists need a place to store all their creations! With personalization options that include cover, material and option to add a name, this unique recipe binder will serve your cute chef for years to come.
Perfect for a galactic movie night, this fun cake pan comes with everything your need to make Yoda, Darth Vader, C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca, a Stormtrooper and BB-8.
It's time to take cooking to the next level. This virtual reality set comes with everything you need to whip up recipes galore: 21 pieces, 30 recipes a 90-page book and more.
––Karly Wood
Editor’s Note: Prices and availability reflect the time of publication. Images courtesy of retailers.
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Do your favorite local candy store a solid and stock up on delectable delights from their aisles this Halloween. And if you’ve already bought your give-away stash, we suggest sneaking over to treat yourself from one of these Atlanta sugar shacks. Keep reading for our favorite Atlanta candy stores, below.
Collier Candy Co.
iStock
Inside Ponce City Market, this sweet shop with a vintage feel—right down to the squeaky floorboards—has an impressive collection of old-fashioned confections (remember Boston Baked Beans?) alongside some more interesting options.
Even Sweeter: Feeling adventurous? Try the Seattle Chocolate Company's milk chocolate truffle bar.
Ponce City Market 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE Online:colliercandy.com
Chef Brulee’s chocolate store offers 38 of the most beautiful, delicious artisan chocolates you will ever taste. You have to try them all, but if you can only pick one, don't miss out on the leopard-dusted creamsicle chocolate.
Even Sweeter: They make custom cakes, so if you're in the market, make a trip to the store to see what they can do.
1140 Alpharetta Street #500 Roswell 404-953-0369 Online:chefbrulee.com
This whimsical candy store makes homemade gummy bears—everything from pineapple to grapefruit and even champagne for the grown-ups. Decadent truffles, old-fashioned soda and other candies can be purchased to satisfy your sweet tooth. Kids will love peering into the glass display to pick out their favorite pieces. Lolli & Pops carries sweet treats from around the world and some made locally.
Even sweeter: Pick up a gift tin for your friends with a sweet tooth. It makes the perfect hostess gift.
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE Perimeter Mall 770-551-7120 Online:lolliandpops.com
Sugar Factory Atlanta
iStock
Sugar Factory’s 800-square-foot Midtown Atlanta retail confectionary features a signature floor-to-ceiling candy wall with more than 500 types of sweet treats, including a selection of novelty and bulk candy like the brand’s world-famous Couture Pops. Completing the confectionary, the café will offer coffees, hot chocolate, frozen hot chocolate, homemade specialty rainbow doughnuts and pastries, in addition to homemade gelato and ice cream.
Even sweeter: Check out the gummy bear chandelier before you go.
1080 Peachtree Street NE Midtown 470-428-4395 Online:sugarfactory.com
It’s almost time for the most wonderful time of the year, if you’re a Hallmark movie lover. Unlikely new romances between small-town woodsmen and high-powered executives are almost here, courtesy of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas and Miracles of Christmas programming!
Starting October 22, you can watch all-new movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. But if that’s not enough entertainment, you can also watch a new movie every Saturday at 10 p.m. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. And you’ll be treated to the starpower of Candace Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert, Alison Sweeney and more throughout a slate of 41 original premieres.
It would be impossible to list every movie appearing, but here are a few must-watch options:
October 22 You, Me & The Christmas Trees starring Danica McKellar, Benjamin Ayres and Jason Hervey. Olivia is Connecticut’s resident expert on evergreens who, just days before the holiday, agrees to help Jack, a fourth-generation Christmas tree farmer in Avon. A mysterious illness has befallen their firs, causing them to die out and threatening his family’s 100-year business. As Olivia tries to get to the root of the problem and extends her stay in town, she and Jack spend more time together and feelings begin to develop.
October 23 Boyfriends of Christmas Past starring Catherine Haena Kim, Raymond Ablack and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee. Leading up to Christmas, marketing executive, Lauren, is visited by the ghosts of four ex boyfriends. She must learn to open her heart or risk losing her best friend, Nate.
October 29 Christmas in Harmony starring Ashleigh Murray, Luke James, Loretta Devine, Michelle Williams and Basil Wallace. Harmony is tricked into auditioning for the Holiday Chorus —directed by an ex-boyfriend. By Christmas Eve, they could be harmonizing in the key of love.
November 7 A Christmas Treasure starring Jordin Sparks and Michael Xavier. After opening a 100-year-old time capsule and meeting a charming chef, Lou questions whether or not she should move to New York after Christmas and further her writing career.
If keeping track of all of these instant holiday classics sounds overwhelming, you can download Hallmark’s Movie Checklist App to track when each movie premieres. Grab your Hallmark wine, dim the lights and get ready for hours of improbable, festive love connections!
When it comes to cooking with kids, what sounds like a good idea can quickly turn into a disaster. Enter Felicity Curin and Cat Cora, two world-reknown chefs behind the Little Kitchen Academy (a Montessori-inspired kitchen where kids as young as 3-5 get to be chef) who are changing those potential disasters into dining successes. There they learn to wash, chop and cook their way to a seasonal meal they’ve made themselves.
What does it mean when it says, “Montessori-inspired Cooking Academy”?
“I was so inspired when I went back to get my AMI degree and realized that cooking is an incredible vehicle for teaching life skills, using a Montessori-inspired pedagogy,” says Felicity Curin, who conceived Little Kitchen Academy. “Montessori is a way to provide an environment in which children can become who they are meant to be. They are given tools and experiences that allow development at their speed, with their interests being encouraged, while nurturing specific needs during their sensitive periods. Focusing on the sensitive periods of the different age groups is fundamental to what we do at Little Kitchen Academy (LKA) and giving our students the ability to work at their own speed and to focus on what interests them the most is incredibly important. One student may absolutely love pitting cherries and spend twice as long as another student, who wants to finish up that task quickly so he or she can spend more time washing dishes. Having 10 separate workstations allows our students to work at their own speed and develop their interests.”
Cat Cora, the first-ever female Iron Chef on Food Network’s hit show: Iron Chef America, adds, “What I love about the Montessori-inspired approach is that each child can work independently and really figure out what he or she loves most about cooking. It’s a great way for children to find what inspires them in the kitchen, which resonates so much with me. Felicity and the whole team create such an empowering, warm environment for the students to develop into who they were meant to be, and I am so inspired by the experience every time I see a class.”
What is the biggest hurdle for kids when it comes to nutrition, making healthier choices and learning to cook?
Curin says, “There is so much accessible information out there these days and it can be overwhelming to know what to practice! I suspect the biggest hurdle is understanding which food philosophy is the correct one. We believe that the correct food philosophy is the one that makes you feel the best! If we really take a step back and a deep breath, we would see that ANYTIME we make something from scratch rather than processed or pre-packaged, we are already making a better choice. And at LKA our mission is clear: let’s build our students’ confidence and capabilities in the kitchen so when they are ready to make a choice, they will take a risk and try. Let’s help them decide what is good for their bodies, and how they like to prepare it. Let’s help them discover why they like certain foods…and sometimes, why they don’t!”
Cora adds, “The best way I have found to get a child to try more varied foods is getting them involved in cooking. Let them help you decide what’s for dinner and other meals. Let them feel invested in the meal and help cook. Kids as young as three years can begin in the kitchen like I did. At Little Kitchen Academy we have students from three years old to teens. They learn measuring, math, science, and other life skills while cooking. This also increases their confidence and independence. So have them try everything once and get them invested in the meal, cooking, gardening and grocery/farmers markets to learn more about ingredients. They will feel empowered and ready to cook!”
When parents are tired and it’s late and everyone is hungry, what’s an easy, go-to meal that everyone can participate in making?
“I recommend one pot or pan type of meals such as turkey chili, sheet pan chicken fajitas, spaghetti or a big chopped salad with everything thrown in. Breakfast for dinner is quick and easy as well and who doesn’t love that?” says Cora.
How do you recommend approaching new fruits and vegetables that young children may be suspicious of? What if a child refuses to taste his/her creation?
Curin: “When you engage a student in the process of cooking and give the child the choice about what to try, you create an environment for the child to take a risk. We make it very clear to our students that they don’t have to like what they try, but we do encourage them to understand why they don’t like it. Perhaps a child who has always said she doesn’t like tomatoes will discover that she, in fact, DOES like tomatoes when they’ve been picked, washed, chopped, and slightly seasoned. Or maybe caramelized in the oven with garlic and salt and pepper.”
How do the classes empower kids to cook at home?
Curin says, “LKA classes empower cooking at home and so much more! Our feedback ranges from a young student stepping up to help her parent cook dinner one night when things were really hectic; that was an emotional story to hear because it so clearly emphasized how much our children want to contribute. We also have heard from parents that their children now want to help set the table and sweep the floor! Another powerful result is how parents have noticed their children are more willing to jump in and take a risk when presented with a new ingredient.”
How do you navigate nervous parents who tend to eek and squeak when their child is using a knife or something sharp?
“Parents can be understandably nervous knowing their child is entering a very independent environment—we get it!” says Curin. “Our instructors are compassionate and gentle observers and only want to keep our students safe and inspired. We have extensive safety measures in place and our expectations follow very detailed knowledge in developmental stages and tendencies. We are prepared for exceptional learners (children with special needs), special diets and restrictions and, most importantly, apprehensive students and/or parents.”
What was the most surprising outcome of the Little Kitchen Academy that you’ve seen?
Cora says, “I’m always so surprised by how incredible the students are and how much they can absorb in a three-hour class. It’s inspiring to see them learn skills that I know many 30-year-olds still don’t know how to do! Watching three-year-olds learning how to hold a knife safely and chop vegetables for the recipe they are making is so wonderful because I know that those are skills that are going to last each child a lifetime. Even better, I know that this experience is helping our students develop in so many ways beyond just learning how to cook. It’s beautiful to watch, and I’m so grateful to be a part of something this special.”
Little Kitchen Academy is currently in Los Angeles (parents can register here) but keep an eye on the website as we imagine they will expand across the US soon.
A lifestyle writer whose work can be seen in Red Tricycle, Money.com, Livestrong.com and Redbook. When she’s not checking out new events, museums, and restaurants to keep her and her kids entertained, she can be found wandering around flea markets and thrift stores looking for cool vintage finds.
If your family is obsessed with shows like Nailed It and The Great British Baking Show, there’s a new bake-off coming your way, courtesy of the Disney Channel and Tastemade.
Disney’s Magic Bake-Off is the first competitive series just for kids 6-14 from Disney Channel, where contestants will work in teams of two to create amazing cakes inspired by Disney magic. Read on to learn more about this magically delicious new show!
The hosts for the show will look familiar for Disney fans too. Dara Reneé stars as Kourtney on High School Musical: The Musical: The Seriesand Issac Ryan Brown from Raven’s Home. The two will team up with Pastry Chef Graciela Gomez to guide kid bakers through challenges, games, and some unexpected twists.
You’ll be able to watch the show over 13 episodes, and each will declare a winning team. The victors will be proclaimed Disney Baking Champion, and the winning recipe will become a featured Tastemade video, available on Disney Channel and Tastemade social media platforms.
Disney is partnering with Tastemade, a modern media company that creates award-winning video content and original programming in the categories of food, travel, and home & design.
Disney’s Magic Bake-Off premieres Fri., Aug. 13 at 10:05pm ET/PT on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW. Following the debut, you can catch the show every Friday evening at 8:00pm on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW.
Nutella is scientifically proven to make anything taste better. Well, maybe not scientifically, but the chocolatey hazelnut spread is a longtime crowd pleaser. Now you can buy a Nutella cookbook and take your love of the product to the next level!
French celebrity chef and Ferrero Ambassador Grégory Cohen has crafted 60 recipes using Nutella and packed them into a beautiful new book. Whether you want to make a classic muffin or challenge yourself with a Tarte Tatin, the recipes suit all levels of difficulties. We’re excited to try our hand at the mini donuts!
The hardcover book is available for preorder on Amazon now and would look equally at home on your coffee table as in your kitchen. At 184 pages, it also makes a great gift for the Nutella lover in your life. It’s priced at $26 and will officially release on November 30, just in time for your holiday baking.
If you have a little foodie in your life, or you’re just on the hunt for cute and affordable PJs, you’ll love this new line from Gerber Childrenswear! The Lil’ Chef Collection launched today and features adorable prints in onesies and pajamas, including avocados and donuts.
To celebrate your baby’s love of breakfast, grab a Sleep N’ Play in the bacon, eggs and toast print, or a three pack of onesies that includes a special carton of milk design! Or for the kiddo with the sweet tooth, snap up the donut print—we especially love the “Donut Disturb” toddler PJs.
When snacktime is the best time, reach for two more fun patterns, the avocados or bananas. They come in gender neutral colors and variety packs, with a onesie that features a smiling tortilla chip.
The best part is the price. Individual Sleep N’ Play pajamas are just $10.99 and the most expensive item, the four piece PJ set, is only $22.99. All are certified with STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and with sizes ranging up to 5T, you can buy a few different pieces to keep up with a growth spurt.
We don’t blame you if you can’t stop snapping pics of your kids in this new collection. Just donut forget to make breakfast!
Is it possible to ever get your fill of donuts? We don’t think so, which is why we’re so excited for Confetti Cakes’ brand-new cake kit that launched in honor of National Donut Day. An adorable way to bond with your kids in the kitchen, we might love this new donut cake kit even more than the original conversation heart, if that’s even possible! Find out more about the kit and where to order below.
Founder Elisa Strauss, the pastry chef behind Confetti Cakes, has been making cakes for over 20 years and is the author of two cookbooks, but the cake kits are a new venture in 2021. Elisa says, “Creating a baking kit has been a dream of mine for over a decade! I love teaching, and I want people to feel that they can create amazing cakes at home. Also, being a mom of 3 young kids, I see how wonderful it is to have a fun project, especially around sweets. The most important thing in childhood is to make memories. I hope I am helping people to do that whether they are 6 yrs or 106!”
The kit includes almost everything you need to make three mini cakes that you can decorate to look exactly like glazed donuts: vanilla or chocolate cake mix, buttercream frosting mix, stencils, cake molds, tons of fondant (there are more colors in this kit!) and more. You just need to provide the eggs, milk, oil and butter! There is even a tutorial video available on Confetti Cake's YouTube page.