Pre-kids, you sported tired eyes like a badge of honor—they usually meant you’d been out late having fun night before. Now that you’re a parent, things have changed, and those dark circles and not-so-glowing skin could mean any number of things (sick kid, new baby, extra work, take your pick). Luckily, there are plenty of products that aim to help you look refreshed and bright-eyed, even if you didn’t get enough zzzs the night before. See our favorites below.

Liquid Green Oil, I-N

Rough day? I-N's Liquid Green facial oil is here to replenish. The lightweight product reduces redness, plumps and firms and gives you a radiant glow. The certified organic Intelli-Seed™ antioxidant oil helps to restore collagen and elastin production and is made of argan, blue tansy, açai and active essential oils. We love using this product both in the morning and night.

Buy it here, $85

Karuna

Female-owned skincare and beauty line Karuna has arrived! Available at Whole Foods Market, the three-collection lineup offers beauty products that act in synergy with the body, utilizing the four principles of Ayurveda practices, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Adaptogens and Clinical Science. We love the brand because of its 11 creamy and revitalizing products that are free from parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and SLS/SLES and come in at an affordable price of $5-23 each. Shop what appears to be made-for-mom options like "Wake Up Eye Cream," "Illuminate Face Oil" and a "Drench Sheet Mask."

Buy it here and at your local Whole Foods Market, $5+ 

Malie Coffee Fruit Mask

In order to make your skin look bright and shiny like you’ve had a great night of sleep, go straight to the source and try a product made with coffee fruit. With more antioxidant power than any other fruit, it’ll do all sorts of good things like battle dull skin, (the anti-bacterial factors in Quinic Acid & Trigonelline are key), smooth out wrinkles and help to fade hyper pigmentation. It’s got a strong scent, but it’s because it’s made with 70% organic ingredients, instead of chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petrochemicals, mineral oil, and silicone, among others.

Buy it here, $55.

The Spa Dr. Glow Boost

Speaking of youthful, glowing skin, we found a hidden gem of a product for glowing skin. Part of a four-step skin regimen from The Spa Dr., it ’s the last thing you’ll apply before moisturizer, morning or night. It’s got a diverse blend of organic ingredients full of antioxidants such as pomegranate and raspberry seed oils, which help to smooth wrinkles overall, which means it’s perfect for dark circles and under-the-eye bags. Called “liquid gold” by devotees, we love that it doesn’t leave an oily residue after use and that it totally hydrates the skin. .

Buy it here, $79.99.

Revitalite Professional Eyelid and Dark Circle Corrector

Revitalite Eyelid and Dark Circle Corrector from Dermelect has a metal applicator that’s cool to the touch, which immediately helps to soothe puffy, tired eyes. It’s also full of light diffusing pigments, which help to conceal, lighten and brighten dark circles, and finally, the emollient textures help to infuse skin with moisture, which leaves the eye area feeling well rested.

Buy it here, $59.

Benefit's Boiing Industrial Strength Concealer

If you need serious under-eye coverage, Benefit's cult-classic concealer will do the trick. Simply swipe a small amount under eyes and softly blend outward. Boiing is offered in six colors, will stay on all day, and since you only need a tiny bit, will last you for months. 

Buy it here, $22. 

Osmosis Colour Navy Eye Pencil

Did you know using cool tones helps to reduce the look of redness? Yup, on those days when it’s obvious you didn’t get enough sleep, swap out your go-to black eyeliner with this navy color from Osmosis and it’ll brighten the whites of your eyes.

Buy it here, $25.

Grace & Stella Anti-Wrinkle and Energizing Eye Masks.

These eye masks will perk you right up like you’ve had a full eight hours. Formulated with collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acids, they help to revitalize that delicate area around the eyes. It’s been suggested to put them on in the morning, before starting the day. They are also cruelty-free, vegan and made with zero parabens.

Buy it here: $21.96 for 12 pairs.

DRMTLGY Age Reversal Eye Cream

This cream battles under-eye issues in two ways: it’s full of peptides, collagen to boost skin growth (read: refreshed-looking skin), and it’s got light-diffusing minerals that provide a solution to dark circles and puffiness on the spot. It has virtually no scent (it’s fragrance free), is light the touch, and it’s a great price.

Buy it here, $52.

Honey Belle Eye Crème

This natural product is made with evening primrose oil, white willow and jojoba oil, all things that help relieve the puffiness and inflammation that can occur under eyes when you haven’t slept enough, drank enough water, or gotten enough exercise (all things that make your skin look as tired as you feel!). It has a creamy texture, and you can even use it under concealer, to help with hydration and creasing.

Buy it here, $18.

basq NYC Bright Eyes Cucumber Tea Eye Gel

Ahh, cucumber circles, it’s one of the first things you think about when thinking about classic eye treatments. Here’s the good news—we found an eye gel that’s cool to the touch, and full of antioxidants, which means it’s perfect for both as night time deep treatment and morning eye opener. Plus, All basq NYC products are safe for pregnant and nursing mamas, yay!

Buy it here, $24.

Hard Candy Instant Eye Fix

Sometimes, you just need a product that’ll work instantly. This under-eye treatment will brighten tired skin and de-puff skin. It’s also slightly tint, which helps to cover any dark areas.

Buy it here, $6.

FarmHouse Fresh Wine Down Serum

Have a glass of antioxidants to “wine” down at night. This serum is perfect for overnight treatments—after even just a couple of hours, the compounds from various veggies and fruits (including Texas grapes!) help to shrink pores, and the clinically-test added peptides help to make under-eye circles appear lightened.

Buy it here, $56.

2nd KIND Ground Coffee + Cocoa Face Mask

You drink coffee to wake up, why not add it to your beauty regimine, too? This exfoliating mask wakes skin up by fighting free radicals, increasing circulation and cleansing skin for a fresh feeling.

Buy it here, $19.

Be Well Company Probiotic Facial Toner

You know probiotics help your body on the inside, but did you know they can make you look better on the outside, too? Made with rose water unique organic cold pressed live probiotic kombucha cultures, it helps to minimize dark spots, and has anti-inflammatory ingredients too. You can use it all day long, so it’s a perfect refresher while you’re on the go. Best part? You can choose your natural scent. It comes in rose, lavender and jasmine.

Buy it here, $48.99.

— Gabby Cullen

featured image: Mattheus Ferrero via Unsplash 

All images courtesy retailers.

 

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You don’t need an extreme home makeover, or even the help of a design pro to give your home an easy upgrade. From fresh flowers to perfectly placed candles to an expert stack of books, we bring you six ideas that you can execute today, probably with things you already have in your home.

Fresh Flowers on the Table

Constantin Panagopoulos

This is a classic, for a good reason. A vase full of flowers is sure to brighten up any space, and the dining room table is always a winner. But not all arrangements are created equal. For a dining table where people will want to look at one another, low and wide arrangements work best. A safe rule is to cut down bouquets from their original length. It will keep your blooms fresher, plus low arrangements are more modern than the "long-stemmed roses" of days past.

Rearrange the Furniture & Decor

iStock

If your space is feeling a little stale, consider rearranging your furniture, swapping area rugs or moving some of the home decor you already own. You'll be amazing at what a difference it makes. 

Candles in the Bath

Maddi Bazzocco via Unsplash

Dirty tub? Grime disappears in the dark! Whether it's bath time or you are expecting dinner guests any moment, flip off the lights and fill the bathroom with enough candles that no one will ever need to reach for the switch. The combo of candles, glossy tile and mirrors will turn this humble room into a glittering little getaway in no time. Bonus: scented candles will fill the small space with sweet smells.

 

Stack Your Coolest Books on the Coffee Table 

Hayrullah Gozcu via Unsplash

Even the most well-designed house can suffer from a cluttered coffee table. But a quick and easy clean up can make your living room party ready in minutes. First, get rid of all of the "real life" stuff like remotes, tattered magazines and drinking glasses. Once you have a clean slate, handpick three to five of your prettiest hardcover books (take a peek under the dust jackets to see if anything special is hidden underneath), and make a stack. Add a pretty bowl filled with olives, a selection of your best coasters, and you are guest-ready.

Show Off Your Produce in the Kitchen 

Jen Siska

The most eye-popping colors and design comes from nature, and we are betting your fridge or pantry is filled to the brim with pretty stuff. Same as the coffee table makeover, clean the counters of all clutter, then set out a few pretty bowls. Lemons, eggplants, apples, pears, avocados—all make for the perfect decoration when displayed thoughtfully. But remember, these styling props are for eating, so never deny a hungry visitor to spare your lovely setup!

Toss a Tapestry in the Bedroom 

Spacejoy via Unsplash

Duvets are pricey, and picking one to commit to can lead most to a mellow neutral. But to easily spice things up in the bedroom, collect a few tapestries or oversized patterned blankets. Hang them over sofa arms, on the backs of chairs or spread them out over the bed for a quick and dramatic change. If you're feeling crafty, hang on from the ceiling above the bed or on the wall for a temporary headboard.

Use a Patterned Wicker Basket Instead of a Plastic Laundry Basket

Sarah Dorweiler via Unsplsah

Swapping out a typical plastic laundry basket for an eye-catching patterned wicker basket is an easy way to give your laundry room (and wherever else you fold the clothes) a quick upgrade. 

—Erin Feher with Gabby Cullen

 

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Do you heart Starbucks? Even though you may have just put down your Christmas cup, it’s already time to pick up something from Starbucks’ new Valentine’s Day collection.

The coffee giant released its Valentine’s Day 2022 lineup, and it is so, so cute. You can now get holiday-themed cups in Starbucks stores. And the collection is so adorable, you’ll be toting it all year ’round.

Starbucks
Starbucks

So what do this year’s Valentine’s cups look like? A whole lot of cute and a whole lot of Paris love. It’s the city of love, right?

Starbucks
Starbucks

Along with this cold beverage tumbler, some Starbucks stores also have a heart-covered pink mug, a clear cup with confetti hearts in the handle and other select designs. Check out your local Starbucks for tumblers and mugs available in your area.

—Erica Loop

 

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What’s cozier than drinking your fave coffee and enjoying a donut? Doing all of that while wearing a onesie!

Dunkin’ has heard the cry of its people and made many of its fan fave merch products available long-term on the ShopDunkin.com website. That’s right, the coveted Dunkin’ Onesie made of 100 percent poly flannel is back, and its not for your baby.

While several products are currently sold out, there is still plenty of gear to grab to outfit yourself in major donut duds. You can snag several pairs of pajama pants, sweatshirts and sweat pants, bride and groom gear (we are SERIOUS), pet bandanas and more.

Event better, you get free shipping on ALL orders, which ship in just six to eight days. We aren’t sure how (if ever) Dunkin’ restocks sold out items, so if you see a must-have donut product, grab it before it’s gone.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Dunkin’

 

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Getting your kids excited about math is as easy as 1-2-3: just introduce them to these awesome learning games. You’ll jump-start their number knowledge while also giving them a chance to work on their fine motor skills and play with bubble wrap, sidewalk chalk and stickers. Read on to get the skinny on all our favorite counting games.

Feed the Sharks

Days with Grey

Grab some stickers and markers and get your kiddos counting with this fab idea from Days with Grey. They’ll get to feed each shark using colorful dot stickers.

Race to Lose a Tooth

Toddler Approved

This fun game from Toddler Approved is sure to make your little ones smile. They’ll roll the dice and practice counting as they pull marshmallow “teeth” from a mouth. 

 

Pom Pom Challenge

NurtureStore

This idea from NurtureStore is a two-for-one: kids can practice counting while also building their fine motor skills. Challenge them to use just a straw to move the right number of pom poms to the correct container. 

Pop Goes The Number

Hands On As We Grow

They're going to do it anyway, so why not make popping bubble wrap an educational opportunity? Hands-on mama-of-three Jamie Reimer has the details at Hands On As We Grow.

Counting Rocks!

Fun-a-Day

Young counters can play a variety of counting games with these handmade number rocks: match number pairs; line them up from 1-9, and see what happens when you put one number in front of another. Fun-loving mom Mary Catherine shares the step-by-step scoop on her site, Fun-a-Day.

Splashing Digits

Melissa Heckscher

Would your kiddo like a few water balloons to smash? Yes, please! When the weather warms up, let your cute calculator get a little wet with this easy number identification game that requires only water balloons and chalk. Check out the details on Coffee Cups and Crayons.

Apples Up on Top!

Buggy and Buddy

This activity pays homage to a rhythmic little story (by Dr. Seuss) about a bunch of silly animals stacking apples on their heads. Using felt and Velcro, kids can stack up apples and compare their load to a friend or siblings. Check out Buggy and Buddy for the details.

Shoot the Sum

Melissa Heckscher

We love this easy activity because there are just three steps: stack up numbered cups, ask your kids to knock them down, and (if they can) add up the total. Kids will delight in shooting and knocking stuff down, but really they’re (Shhhhh!) learning simple addition as well as simple number identification. Parents who don’t allow toy guns can substitute with ping-pong balls or air rockets (see above). Get the details over at No Time For Flashcards.

Roll for Results

Buggy and Buddy

Let your kids roll the dice and plink their beads into a bowl. This simple counting game lets kids practice counting while they race to get all their beads (or jellybeans, or goldfish, or whatever small object you choose) into their bowl before you do. Get the instructions from Chelsey at Buggy and Buddy.

Linear Learning

Melissa Heckscher

Learning numbers doesn't have to be a desktop affair. Instead, use this equation for getting antsy kiddos outside and moving: sidewalk chalk, a paved place to scribble and a simple running game. Draw a line, mark out numbers, then tell your running mathematician to sprint to the numbers as you call them out. More advanced counters can add and subtract their way up and down the line. You can thank Coffee Cups and Crayons for the idea!

Number Maze

Melissa Heckscher

Here's another easy outdoor activity that requires only sidewalk chalk. Kids will learn how to count to 10 (and figure out their lefts and rights) by winding through a simple number maze. Find out more at Hands On As We Grow.

 

—Melissa Heckscher with Susie Foresman

 

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Feature photo: iStock

The beauty of art in public spaces, especially for parents, is that there are no rules on how and when you can enjoy it. Unlike visiting an art museum, where kids need to use indoor voices and can’t run or touch anything, outdoor art displays are more kid-friendly and less stressful for parents. You’ll find works of art all over San Diego as part of the public art campaigns, but this collection is curated especially for families because you can see several pieces in just one place. Extra bonus, most of these spots have a coffee shop or treat spot nearby. So walk (or run!) to these free, outdoor, eclectic spaces and relax when your kids scream in delight.

May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Tucked away behind the Panama 66 restaurant at Balboa Park is where you’ll find this secret art garden with several twentieth-century sculptures. It’s free for anyone to walk in and walk around so don’t be shy. It has an amazing view of the California Tower and is pretty cool to hear the bells ring every hour from here. Heck, grab a table on the patio at Panama 66 and walk around the sculpture garden with your drinks while waiting for your food (good kids menu too). Otherwise, no food or outside drinks are allowed in the garden.

May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden
1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-232-7932
Online: sdmart.org

Liberty Station Arts District

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Go on an art scavenger hunt at Liberty Station and you’ll unlock discounts after you’ve logged them all. Scan the QR code to start at any of the 12 rotating art installations, answer a question and the next clue will pop up for you to track down. The clues will take you past the Public Market; which you should plan on stopping in for a treat.

Liberty Station Arts District
Start at the “Greetings” Mural
2848 Dewey Rd., Point Loma
619-756-7992
Online: libertystation.com

Spanish Village

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Walking through this colorful village is sure to put anyone in a good mood. Visit over 40 studio galleries, peek in the windows if they’re not open. On any given day, you may be lucky enough to find some of the artists hard at work. Even if studios are closed, there are sculptures and art installed around for you and your little artists to see. Weekends and holidays are the best times to come by and support the artists by taking home a piece of their hand-made work.

Good to know: Grab some coffee and muffins from Daniel’s Coffee Cart, located in Spanish Village, near the bathrooms.

Spanish Village
1770 Village Pl., Balboa Park
619-233-9050
Online: spanishvillageartcenter.com

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

You’ll be mystified by artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s playful pattern of mazes, mosaic walls, sculptures, totems and fantastical characters with the Queen in the center of it all. This magical circle is a little tricky to find; it’s surrounded by tall trees in the back of Kit Carson Park and you’ll walk along a dirt trail through some orange groves until you find it.

Hours: Tues. & Thurs. from 9 am-12 pm and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9 am-2 pm (it’s closed on or after rainy days).

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido
760-839-4691
Online: escondido.org

Dave’s Rock Garden

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

This is one where your art can actually become part of this exhibit. Paint a rock and find a spot to leave it at Dave’s Rock Garden for all to enjoy! There are over 7,000 painted rocks here by people from all over the world. What started as an empty lot filled with weeds is transformed into a beautiful community space. It just took one local neighbor with a vision to clean it up to get the ball started. 

Make it a day trip: Moonlight Beach is 2 blocks west with a playground and wide-open beaches. Coffee, ice cream, and pizza spots are two blocks east.

Dave’s Rock Garden
200 B St., Encinitas

UCSD Stuart Art Collection Art Walk

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Learn about art as you walk around the UCSD Campus on the free self-guided Stuart Art Collection Tour. You’ll discover more than 20 sculptures spread all across the campus. Many of these artists have won prestigious honors and awards for their artistry. Don’t forget to look up, down and even use your ears in the wind garden. The most notable piece is the "Fallen Star" house on top of a building that looks like it's falling off, number 18 on the map and this "Bear" is number 16.

Good to know: You may not get to all of them with kids in tow, so try starting at the Geisel Library to see the Dr. Seuss sculpture and venture to as many as you want from there.

UCSD Stuart Art Collection Art Walk
9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla
858-534-2117
Online:  stuartcollection.ucsd.edu

—Bonnie Taylor

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Parents and coffee are synonymous. Why not add little scrumdiddlyumptious creamer to enhance your morning cup of joe?

In partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, International Delight just launched a new treat to up your coffee game: Wonka Whipple Scrumptious Fudgy Caramel Creamer. Available in a regular and zero sugar recipe, the flavor-packed creamer is sure to put a smile on your face.

photo: International Delight

As if that was’t exciting enough, International Delight has hidden 10 Golden Tickets on bottles of the new limited-edition creamers that bring a big prize. If you’re on of the 10 lucky winners, you’ll get:

  • A year’s supply of International Delight coffee creamer
  • Limited-edition, Willy Wonka-themed Alex + Ani bracelets with Willy Wonka charms
  • Coffee tumbler
  • Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory on 4K Ultra HD

The new Wonka Whipple Scrumptious Fudgy Caramel Creamers are available now for a limited time at major retailers nationwide in 32 oz. size for $3.79.

––Karly Wood

 

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Winter has arrived, which means it’s hot chocolate season. But don’t waste your time sipping an inferior cup: head to a place that serves some of NYC’s best hot chocolate. (There are many!) From classic with oversized marshmallows, to thick and rich or flavored, NYC has a hot chocolate for every kind of kid (and adult). Get cozy this winter at one of our many favorite hot cocoa spots in NYC!

La Maison du Chocolat

Karen R. via Yelp

La Maison du Chocolat isn’t cheap, but if you’re up for a slight splurge this French chocolatier is one of the best. The hot chocolate is everything you hope a cup would be: silky, rich and perfectly sweet. The luxurious taste may not be one to get every day, but for a special occasion with your little ones this is sure to satisfy your wildest hot chocolate dreams.

30 Rockefeller Plaza
Midtown West
212-265-9404
Online: lamaisonduchocolat.us

Serendipity3

serendipity
Serendipity3

Yes, it's a bit of an oxymoron, but people have been making a pilgrimage to the Upper East Side for Serendipity3's Frrrozen Hot Chocolate for a few decades now. Recently reopened, everything about Serendipity3 is a little extra: the decor (stained-glass lamps, disco balls, puppet of Andy Warhol—a fan—suspended from the ceiling), the menu, giant both literally and figuratively, and the food. Make a reservation before heading over. 

225 E. 60th St. 
Upper East Side
212-838-3531
Online: serendipity3.com

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

Amanda H. via Yelp

Stellar hot chocolate is just one of the reasons to visit this Soho chocolate shop. It's also famous for its handmade chocolate mice and penguins; see how they make them here. Come back in the summer for a rich and refreshing chocolate frappé.

156 Prince St. 
Soho
212-796-0143
Online: burdickchocolate.com

Max Brenner

Gabriel N. via Yelp

One of our picks for the best theme restaurants in NYC, Max Brenner is dedicated to all things chocolate, including hot chocolate. (They have a full food menu as well.) Pick from dark, milk, or white hot chocolate, or one of the many flavored options, such as Mexican spicy hot chocolate, Oreo, peanut butter, or the "Italian Thick", melted blocks of chocolate with fresh vanilla cream. You can get all of these to go, but sipping there means you get to experience the signature Max Brenner "hug mug", shown here. Reservations are recommended. 

841 Broadway
Union Square
646-467-8803
Online: maxbrenner.us

720 Seventh Ave.
Times Square 

Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain

Amber W. via Yelp

A longtime favorite spot for locals, tourists and film scouts (this place looks like an old school soda fountain and ice cream parlor) Brooklyn Farmacy serves a classic cup of cocoa several ways. Options include oat milk hot chocolate, hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or house-made toasted marshmallow fluff, or the delectable salty caramel hot chocolate. Love it? You can buy a tin of it to bring home and make it yourself. Brooklyn Farmacy is closed Tuesdays. 

513 Henry St. 
Carroll Gardens 
718-522-6260
Online: brooklynfarmacyandsodafountain.com

MarieBelle

Mariebelle Facebook page

It's not cheap and it’s not basic, but for a fancy outing with a child with discriminating tastes, SoHo shop MarieBelle is worth a trip. Antique furnishings and sparkling chandeliers complement fine chocolates of all kinds and a hot chocolate the store describes as "thick and decadent." Choose from a menu with variations such as Aztec (an "Oprah's Favorite Thing"), spicy, Tahitian Vanilla, white chocolate and even hot chocolate with natural banana pulp. A refined menu of cafe bites such as quiche, soup and crepes offers light eating options.

MarieBelle
484 Broome St.
SoHo
212-925-6999
Online: mariebelle.com

Jacques Torres

Jacques Torres Facebook

Before he became a television star alongside Nicole Byer on Nailed It! Jacques Torres was (and still is) “Mr. Chocolate." Unhappy with the quality of chocolate that was available to him while working as a pastry chef, Jacques Torres constructed his own factory so he could make chocolate exactly the way he wanted from scratch. Try a cup of Classic, made from real chocolate, not powder. Or if you're more daring, go for the Wicked, with its extra kick of allspice, cinnamon and ground chili peppers. Both varieties are so thick they might be mistaken for milkshakes. Tip: They’ll let you try a little sample before you choose your cup. And FYI, JT also sells a Hot Chocolate Gift Set.

Jacques Torres Chocolate
66 Water St.
DUMBO
718-875-1269
Online: mrchocolate.com

285 Amsterdam
Upper West Side 
212-787-3256
Online: mrchocolate.com

Grand Central Terminal
Lexington Passageway
107 East 42nd St.
Midtown
929-427-0988
Online: mrchocolate.com

Bibble & Sip

Bibble & Sip Facebook

The house-made hot chocolate at Bibble & Sip tastes like something just lifted from your grandmother’s stove. Even the marshmallow floating on top is homemade. This family-run business specializes in gourmet coffee, espresso and pastries, made in the French Confectionery tradition and inspired by Asian flavors. Good to know: the word “bibble” means “to eat indulgently”—so order up some sweet treats with your cocoa and coffee.  

Bibble & Sip
253 West 51st St.
Midtown West
646-649-5116
Online: bibbleandsip.com

The Chocolate Room

Pat L. via Yelp

The Chocolate Room is known for all of its outstanding chocolate products, but the Dark Hot Cocoa is our favorite. Made with 61% Belgian chocolate, it is one of the cafe's most popular drinks. Obviously, this is a good choice for chocolate-lovers; pair a cup with the brownie sundae or the chocolate pudding. 

The Chocolate Room
269 Court St.
Cobble Hill
718-246-2600
Online: thechocolateroombrooklyn.com

feature photo: Mehkt via Unsplash

—Danielle Krupa & Ilyssa Smith

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How to Pet Proof Your Home

Pet-proofing isn’t all that different from babyproofing. Everything in arms—err, paws reach can be dangerous. Your new dog or cat is small, curious and prone to sniff out excitement (and potentially trouble!) as they explore their new world. Read on for simple ways to prep your home and create a safe environment for your pet.

Take Inventory of Your Home

Go from room to room and look around for small objects that could easily be swallowed and find new places to store them. Make sure items like cleaning and laundry supplies, medicine, vitamins, cosmetics, tiny kids’ toys and game pieces, tools and office supplies are safely put away in high shelves, cabinets, bins and closets. Some people opt to install childproof latches for extra peace of mind. Strings, wires and cords are especially tempting and especially hazardous, so tuck them out of reach. Indoor plants need to be moved off the floor, too. And any cute home décor knick-knacks you love? Move them out for now. Don’t forget to do a yard scan, as some plants, flowers and lawn chemicals are toxic. In case of an emergency at your home, there are window stickers that alert firefighters that you have a pet.

 

Start With Some Crates & Safety Gates

Before allowing the free rein of the house, block off rooms with baby gates to keep your pet safely contained to a smaller area. This also makes it easier for you to keep a watchful eye when you’re multitasking. Playpens are great for creating a pets-only hangout zone away from anything that’s off-limits. But keep in mind, some puppies and kittens are so tiny they may be able to squeeze through the bars of a playpen. Ensure the sizing is right for your little pal. If you have a fireplace, put up a protective screen in front. When you have to leave the house, pets should go in their cozy crates with some favorite toys.

Know What’s Cooking In the Kitchen

Certain foods can be poisonous to animals, such as chocolate, grapes, onions and coffee. Keep all food properly stored. Be on the lookout for rogue twisty ties, plastic bags and any sharp objects or kitchen tools. Garbage bins (everywhere in the house!) should be inside a cabinet or covered with a latch that a pet can’t maneuver. Aside from hazardous foods, wrappers and packaging can also be serious threats.

Be Aware Of Potential Hiding Spots

From tiny nooks to holes behind cabinets, look for small spaces in your home that a pet could get into and seal them appropriately. Keep appliance doors firmly closed and always take a peek inside the washer and dryer to make sure it’s not a new nap spot! Cats are especially curious and may even curl up in a drawer.

Protect Your Furniture

Pets don’t know that your couch was a splurge or that the pretty dish on the coffee table is a memento from a trip. Protect your prized possessions by moving them out of areas they could be damaged. Waterproof blankets are a lifesaver for keeping couches, rugs and other nice furniture safe from accidents and nibbles. They’re easy to travel with as well.

Being a pet parent takes a lot of work (especially at the beginning!), but all the cuddles, snuggles and kisses certainly make it worth the effort.