As education continues to thrive online, parents will soon have the option of turning to a new app. This week, Disney announced a new digital learning experience for children in first through third grades that will debut later this year.

BYJU’s Early Learning featuring Disney combines unique storytelling and everyone’s favorite Disney and Pixar pals. The open-ended experience will bring interactive videos, quizzes and Disney stories together in order to make math and English fun for kids.

“As an academic, I believe in the value of pairing storytelling with learning, especially for young children,” said Dr. Virginia Mann, Member of the BYJU’s US Content Advisory Board, Professor of Language Science at UC Irvine. “Combining BYJU’s content and innovative delivery with Disney’s world-class storytelling will encourage children to build a love of learning that is pivotal for the future.”

BYJU’s Early Learning featuring Disney will present activities in a non-linear format so they can be played again and again. Kids will also have the option to jump ahead and go back to access their favorite activities.

So which Disney characters will you find roaming the app? Expect to see the likes of fan faves from Disney and Pixar’s Cars and Toy Story, Walt Disney Animation’s Frozen, The Lion KingThe Little MermaidBeauty and the BeastAladdin and more!

Stay tuned for an official release date later this year.

––Karly Wood

 

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What’s a more delicious treat than a batch of mom’s homemade, fresh-baked cookies? Probably not much, but combining them with ice cream à la Baskin-Robbins’ ‘Mom’s Makin’ Cookies’ flavor has to be high on the list.

The ice cream retailer announced on August 4th (AKA National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day) that this fan-favorite flavor is returning to shops as August’s Flavor of the Month.

The ‘Mom’s Makin’ Cookies’ flavor originally launched for Mother’s Day in 2014 and is packed with cookie flavors. It combines brown sugar flavored ice cream with chocolate chip cookie pieces, chocolate flavored chips and a cookie dough-flavored ribbon.

The flavor will be available at Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide for a limited-time during August and September, and there’s no time like the present to treat yourself! The only question now is: cup or cone?

—Jen Watro

Photos Courtesy of Baskin-Robbins

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It’s out of this world! In celebration of NASA’s 2020 Mars Perseverance rover, a new display has landed at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The life-size LEGO astronaut model consists of almost 66,000 LEGO bricks. 

LEGOLAND Florida

In addition, LEGOLAND Florida guests will also be treated to a moon landing-inspired mosaic background created from more than 44,000 LEGO bricks. 

The models were built last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. These LEGO models have been on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex since their construction.

Starting today, space and LEGO fans can enjoy this awesome replica moon lander and giant astronaut in their permanent home in the Imagination Zone at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. 

Some interesting facts about the LEGO model and mosaic include:

  • One model designer spent 143 hours designing the astronaut model
  • Five model builders spent a combined 450 hours building the astronaut model
  • Approximately 65,600 LEGO bricks were used to construct the astronaut model
  • One model designer spent 58 hours designing the mosaic
  • Six model builders spent a combined 480 hours building the mosaic
  • Approximately 44,500 LEGO bricks and 23 different colors were used to complete the mosaic

Since reopening on Jun. 1, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has introduced a range of new health and safety measures, including reduced capacity, cashless payments, temperature checks upon arrival, and enhanced cleaning practices. Guests can read more about how LEGOLAND is making it safe to play at https://www.legoland.com/florida/ways-we-are-making-it-safe-to-visit/.       

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: LEGOLAND Florida

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Summer may be starting to wind down but there is always time for ice cream. Garb a chocolatey treat the next time you head over to DQ. The August Blizzard of the month is the new Oreo Fudge Brownie Blizzard Treat

Oreo Fudge Brownie Blizzard Treat

This treat has everything on your ice cream wish list combining crunchy OREO cookie pieces, chewy brownie pieces and smooth cocoa fudge all blended with creamy DQ soft serve. 

Check out DQ.com to find your local store and connect via social media using @DairyQueen and #HappyTastesGood. 

Many DQ restaurants offer drive thru, takeout and delivery, and in-restaurant and outdoor dining are beginning to open in some states in accordance with local government policies.

Since Red Tricycle was acquired by Tinybeans in February 2020, the combined brands have been hard at work building new products and resources to support and engage our joint community of parents.

photo: @expecting_grey

Today, we are happy to announce the launch of The Hive influencer platform. The Hive taps into Red Tricycle and Tinybeans users who are bloggers or social media influencers to help amplify their voice, grow their audience and offer monetization opportunities through both Tinybeans and Red Tricycle’s relationships with national brand partners including Kraft, Amazon and LEGO.

photo: @strollerinthecity

Hive influencers are a collection of moms (and dads) who represent are crushing it in the parenting world on their own terms. Think you might want to join the Hive?

Parents who have a blog with 25K unique monthly views or social media following over 5K are encouraged to submit their application through this page: tinybeans.go-vip.net/thehive

Benefits to participating in The Hive Influencer program include being featured in Red Tricycle and in Tinybeans, links and promotion of your social channels and blog, invitations to exclusive events, free tickets to VIP parties, and paid opportunities to work with our brand partners on national campaigns.

Sound like fun? Submit your application here.

 

Barbie’s streetwear-inspired collection is getting an update! The BMR1959 line, which is an homage to ’90s style combined with cutting-edge trends, is expanding with a second wave of new dolls.

Mattel announced the newest lineup on Instagram, where it showcased four trendy dolls sporting street-culture fashion. The doll making the biggest waves is purple-haired Barbie with bantu knots and the most perfectly-laid baby hairs we’ve ever seen!

All four of the new dolls are fully articulated and come in streetwear-inspired shoeboxes with stands that include a BMR1959 logo. You can already shop three of the dolls at Barbie.com for $29.99 each. You can pre-order the doll above, which will ship on Aug. 1.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Mattel

 

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Last October, the Wiggles shared a video for UNICEF Australia as part of Global Handwashing Day. Now due to coronavirus precautions, The Wiggles: The Handwashing Song is exploding on YouTube and social media. The video and the related GIF have a combined 14 million views in the past week alone. 

The Wiggles are also recording the hand washing song in a variety of languages (including Italian, Arabic, Mandarin) so it can reach even more people.

The Original Wiggles created a handwashing song back in 2010.

 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: The Wiggles via YouTube

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A new apparel line has just been launched by Gerber Childrenswear to be sold exclusively at Walmart. Gerber Modern Moments offers moms a stylish and sophisticated brand that does not compromise on quality. Designed for comfort, the clothing is made with 97% organic cotton and 3% spandex. 

Gerber Modern Moments

“As an iconic brand with a deep heritage of providing the best essentials for babies, Gerber is constantly evolving to appeal to today’s consumer while providing great value,” said Donna DeBoer, Chief Merchandising Officer at Gerber Childrenswear. “We have built our apparel brand on providing parents with quality products that look, fit and feel great. Our Gerber Modern Moments line has a new color palette and modern silhouettes, all made from organic cotton.”

Gerber Modern Moments

The line features new designs and colors, including a variety of separates that can be combined to create multiple looks at a great value.

Gerber Childrensware - Walmart

“Our purpose is to be parents’ trusted partner on their parenting journey. We felt there was a need for a fashion-forward modern line of baby essentials from a brand parents can trust to bring high quality at an affordable price,” said Maria Montaño, President and CEO.

Gerber Modern Moments

Gerber Modern Moments is available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com. Prices range from $2.84 – $12.84.

Gerber Modern Moments

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Gerber

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“No thanks, I don’t really like pie,” said no one, ever. The good news is, you don’t have to dedicated an entire afternoon to making one from scratch: this easy KLP recipe takes only a little longer to make than it does to eat. Scroll down for the recipe.

photo: arsheffield via flickr 

For the crust:

1 stick of butter (melted)

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

12 graham crackers (full length rectangles, not just the half-squares)

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp. Sea salt

Step 1. Melt the butter in a pan. Add the vanilla to the butter as it is melting and stir. Inhale this glorious scent.

Step 2. Crumble the graham crackers into a medium-fine (but not pulverized crumb). You can do it in a food processor or fill up a bag and let the kids whack it with a hammer or rubber mallet. We suggest double bagging it so the crumbs don’t spill out if the bag splits.  Once they are fairly even in size, add to a medium sized mixing bowl and stir in sugar and sea salt.

Step 3. Pour in heavenly vanilla butter to graham cracker mix. Stir until well combined.

Step 4. Press into a 9-inch pie pan. This is your crust, so get it as high up on the sides and as even as you (and your helpers) can.

Step 5. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees, just to lightly brown the crust. Set aside and allow to cool completely while you make the key lime filling.

For the filling:

 

Key limes!! Probably a pound.
Eggs, three (just the yolks)
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
¾-1 cup of lime juice (from key limes)
2 tablespoons of zest from key limes
(Don’t forget to stash a lime or two aside for garnish, or get a regular lime just for this purpose.)

Step 6. Whip together the eggs and lime zest either by hand or in a stand mixer for about 2 minutes at medium.

Step 7. Add in condensed milk and mix for 3 more minutes. Mixture should be somewhat thick now. 

Step 8. Add in lime juice and mix well, until combined, about 1 minute.

Step 9. Pour or spoon tart delicious mixture into previously cooled crust. 

Step 10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and serve cold with whipped cream and a lime wedge garnish. Some people like to put their pie in the freezer and serve frozen, which is awesome on a hot day. There is no wrong way to eat this pie!

—Amber Guetebier, adapted from a verbal recipe from Alix Benedict

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The pregnant mind can come up with some out-of-the-box concoctions, like cereal mixed with ice cream, for example. Nestlé has taken the hard work out of combining two of your favorite treats with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms ice cream mash-ups.

These new desserts feature two of the most popular breakfast cereals, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Light Ice Cream features Cinnamon Light Ice Cream with a cinnamon graham swirl and cereal pieces.

Lucky Charms Frozen Dairy Dessert features Vanilla Frozen Dairy Dessert with a cereal swirl and Lucky Charms marshmallows. Both new flavors come in 14 and 48 ounce containers.

According to Nestlé, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Light Ice Cream and Lucky Charms Frozen Dairy Dessert will be available at most major grocery stores and mass merchandisers in the coming months, as well as convenience and drug stores.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Nestlé

 

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