In a surprise pairing, Whole Foods Market and Progressive Insurance have teamed up to bring us a new offering this year: the Thanksgiving Turkey Protection Plan. This is the first-ever “insurance” for the main staple of the traditional American Thanksgiving meal.
The duo is here to cover a multitude of issues, from first time fails to undoing all those horrible memories from the past by offering a $35 Whole Foods Market gift card in the event this year’s bird doesn’t quite turn out. And to be honest––doesn’t everyone need a little insurance after everything we’ve endured in 2020?
photo: iStock
To be eligible for the Thanksgiving Turkey Protection Plan, you’ll need to purchase aWhole Foods Market brand turkey between Nov. 11-22. If you end up botching your bird by burning it, over or under cooking it, just visit TurkeyProtectionPlan.com for full details on submitting a claim for a $35 Whole Foods Market gift card. The program is limited to the first 1,000 claims, and starts Nov. 26.
“As we anticipate more smaller Thanksgiving gatherings and first-time cooks tackling turkey preparation this year, the Thanksgiving Turkey Protection Plan allows customers the freedom of culinary exploration, knowing all is not lost should their cooking go astray,” said Theo Weening, Vice President of Meat and Poultry at Whole Foods Market.
Día de los Muertos is almost here! While we may not be able to celebrate with traditional parades and festivals this year, Airbnb wants to honor this unique time from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 in a new way––virtually.
Online Experiences has curated fresh cultural experiences that include a tour through the unique traditions of the Day of the Dead, sugar skull making, recipes for sweet treats and tamales and more.
The experiences range in price from $13 to $30 and many are hosted in English and Spanish. Viewers can join via phone, tablet or computer, with 90 minute to two hour experiences to choose from.
Airbnb’s Online Experiences for Day of the Dead include:
Even as a fairly optimistic person, there haven’t been too many COVID-related instances that have left me with feelings of positivity. I did, as I would assume many have since the disease outbreak, get the opportunity to really take a good, hard look at myself, however. COVID-19 has added stress to our lives, has challenged us to put society before self, and has been one of the few instances that I can recall (especially as a hermit writer who prefers to work alone) where life’s daily tasks involved a certain sense of teamwork with every single person we encounter in a given day. Here are a few things I learned about myself while adapting to the “new normal.”
1. I Can Be a Team Player. Though I am a very happy and gainfully employed writer now, I took aim at this life after realizing that the office life was simply not something I could master, nor ever be truly happy with. I could step back, take a deep breath, and truly say to myself, “You work with really good people” on multiple occasions, and still hate the “work with” part of that sentence.
Cue COVID.
When the outcome of working together became the health and safety of humankind, rather than a paycheck, I was pleasantly surprised with my own willingness to “play ball.” Even a successful trip to the corner store these days involves my mask and washed hands, as well as everyone’s in said store, and at least in my neck of the woods, I often left those scenarios thinking, “Great work, team!”
2. I Really Appreciate Healthcare Workers. I’ve always had an unrealistic fear of hospitals and places of the like, simply because a silly voice in my head was telling me they are just full of diseases and I was going to get sick if I went. I can readily admit that those thoughts were irrational for my first few decades on the planet, but the last few months they have actually be justifiable, with no action of my own, of course. With that, I truly view the healthcare workers risking their lives to save others as absolute heroes and when hand shaking is deemed a safe practice, I hope to shake every doctor, nurse, and hospital staff member I ever interact with.
In addition to their jobs, I can’t even fathom the level of stress management skills nurses have to have to stay sane, and I simply can’t say enough about how much I have come to appreciate them.
3. Cooking Is Fun. Unfortunately I can’t title this section “I realized I was good at cooking,” but I sure do enjoy it, and some somewhat-edible concoctions have made their way from my kitchen to my table in the last few months. With the evolution of grocery delivery looking like it will hang around after COVID-19 has been put to rest, I like to think I will continue on this journey of self-taught culinary “arts” and maybe even get the confidence to share some with a neighbor or something. As for now, I’ll view the quarantine order as a silver lining that is allowing my newly found cooking habit to get polished up.
4. Human Interaction Is Important to Me (This One Surprised Me). As cliché as it may be, the saying “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” is probably ringing true for a lot of people with something related to COVID-19 and the things it took away from us that we otherwise took for granted. For me, that is human interaction. Though it was something I often avoided for extended periods, it was not something that I was ever forced to avoid, and I have been quite thankful to be able to utilize my Zoom setup and see some familiar faces every couple of weeks.
5. Society Still Makes Me Sad. Despite everything I have just written, my core reasons for being a hermit have definitely been reinforced during these stand down periods. Though so many people have come together for the greater good of society, so many have not. I’m a realist, and I believe the new polarizes any instances they know would upset us (for me, the “COVID is a hoax” folk), but nonetheless, the failures and seeming short attention spans of a lot of the nation are, indeed, the reasons for a continued rise in cases and I just wish we could all make this an “us against COVID” situation instead of a left and right issue like so many issues in our country have come to be.
Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach.
Dangerously cheesy! Cheetos lovers have another way to enjoy their favorite cheesy snack. Get ready to fill your shopping cart with the combination of Cheetos and mac and cheese.
Cheetos Mac ‘n Cheese comes in three varieties: Bold & Cheesy, Flamin’ Hot and Cheesy Jalapeño.
“We’ve seen incredible culinary creativity from our Cheetos fans through the years, taking our product and using as an actual ingredient in recipes — whether at restaurants, or now more than ever, at home,” said Rachel Ferdinando, SVP, CMO Frito-Lay North America. “Cheetos Mac ‘n Cheese borrows that culinary inspiration to provide a mischievous mashup of an ordinary fan favorite. We’re putting our orange-dusted fingerprints on an at-home staple at a time when home mealtime occasions are on the rise.”
Beginning Aug. 8, fans can pick up Cheetos Mac ‘n Cheese in both single box and cup format at Walmart stores nationally or online for a suggested retail price of 98 cents. Keep an eye out for the product to be available at retailers nationwide in 2021.
“This one-of-a-kind innovation leverages the strength of our brands to hack into a household staple and take it to the next level with unique flavor experiences only Cheetos can provide,” said Kristin Kroepfl, VP, CMO Quaker Foods North America. “We look forward to bringing our passionate consumers the same Cheetos taste in a brand new way.”
There’s no denying birthdays are best spent with friends and family, but in these “Stand Together, Stay Apart” times, gatherings look a bit different. Ramp up the birthday magic, while staying safe at home, with birthday delivery services and special touches like DIY cake kits, lawn signs and curbside pick-up of a memorable gift. Here’s to another trip around the sun!
Hitting your favorite indie toy store may not be in the cards, but you can still shop virtually at plenty of your favorite spots. Chat with sales people over the phone to find just the right gift, or browse Seattle’s best toy stores with the click of a button. Then, pick up your package curbside just in time for the special day. Here’s where you can find a gift to make their day extra memorable:
Clover Toys has free no-contact delivery in Seattle on all orders over $30.
Curious Kidstuff has no-contact curbside pick up Mon., Weds., & Fri., from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Retroactive Kids is offering curbside pick up Tues.-Sun., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Snapdoodle Toys has curbside pick up Mon.-Sat., from noon-4 p.m. and a flat $5 shipping fee in Seattle.
Turn your kitchen into your favorite pizza joint and let everyone play a part—host, maitre d', server and chef—when you make a delish DIY pizza from FrogLegs Culinary. Once the scene is set, make sure everyone helps with prep, cooking together is a bonding experience, and kids love to feel grown up and a part of the recipe. Make it extra festive by ordering chef hats and aprons for the group, and perhaps a rubber chicken for laughs. The meal can be as elaborate or easy as your birthday child wishes.
Celebrate with Friends Online
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Surprise! It's the little things that make a big impression. Set up a surprise birthday Zoom call for your birthday star. No matter what the age, they will delight in seeing their friends' faces after this long time apart. Add some intrigue and make it a surprise costume zoom party. Choose a favorite theme and make sure all the Zoom participants know about the theme in advance. Gift your birthday kid a costume for the online party so he or she can really shine. Psst... if Zoom isn't your jam, you can also try Skype, Google Hangouts and Group FaceTime.
Take it Outside
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If the weather permits, take your party outdoors. Don't forget the folding chairs, blow up pools, pinatas and barbecues. Then kick up your Stay Home/Stay Healthy lawn party with a surprise yard sign for the birthday kid. Families on the north end and Eastside can pick out just the right sign to magically appear through Yard Announcements. Or surprise the birthday king or queen with some loyal subjects sure to draw attention from the neighbors. Westside Flockers will decorate your front yard with an enormous flock of pink plastic flamingos. You can also make your own lawn decorations. Signs like "Honk it's My Birthday" or "It's Always Cake Day at this House" are attention grabbers. The grass might not be greener in your yard, but it will sure be the most fun!
Make it Extra Sweet
Make the centerpiece of any party (dessert, of course) part of the celebration with a DIY kit. We’re crushing on Trophy’s cupcake decorating kit that comes with a full dozen plus frosting, pastry bags, sprinkles and toppers. For traditionalists, try Baked’s Kiddo Cake Decorating Kit you can pick up curbside. The birthday kiddo gets to choose a cake flavor and buttercream colors to match the sprinkles, fondant and a candle. Kids can also satisfy that sweet tooth with a sugar cookie decorating kit from FrogLegs Culinary. Pick up a pack of three cookies, frosting and candies at their U Village, Kirkland or Issaquah locations. Sweet!
Rock painting is the latest stuck-at-home art craze and it makes a fabu addition to any at-home celebration. Gather flat or smooth rocks and use Acrylic paint to make festive birthday designs or write uplifting messages you'd like to share. After designing, painting and sealing the rocks, consider leaving them around your neighborhood so that friends can enjoy your art work while on their walks. Get even more crafty and leave messages for people or "rock clues" to see if anyone notices your secret code. Kids love to create stories with hidden hints and clues.
Don't Forget the Balloons
Gaelle Marcel via unsplash
You can never have too many balloons or streamers when it comes to birthdays. Surprise your little one with a themed, decorated room. Have them blindfolded and then reveal all the hard work you did while they were "sleeping." Get the supplies you need to bring your vision to life from Champion Party Supply. They offer curbside pick up or can do Seattle delivery (with a $10 charge).
Host a Car Parade
Alisa Carroll
Birthday car parades are all the rage and a slam dunk for stay-put celebrations. Here's how it works: ask friends and family to drive by your place at a specific time. Remind them to honk and cheer for the birthday celebrant when they do. Organization is key, but ideally each car gets a few minutes to spend showering love and cheer onto the kiddo of honor. Cars get to show their personality too—some play a favorite song, others hang signs and some are decorated roof to wheels. It's kind of like being Taylor Swift for a day—smile for the camera, over here please! Click, click.
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Lately there seems to be a lot of daytime pajama-wearing so why not embrace the fashion trend. Kids love breakfast for dinner so mix up some inventive recipes and don those matching PJ's. Get the birthday kid an apron and have a flapjack flipping fete. When bellies are full, flop down for a movie or open presents. Just be sure they wash their hands before getting sticky syrup on the wrapping paper.
Amid coronavirus fears and school closings, parents are looking for ways to keep their kids busy. Many families are suddenly finding themselves trying to balance work with helping their kids keep up with school assignments. Kids culinary subscription kit Raddish Kids is lending a helping hand to families seeking fun, educational and entertaining activities for their children while schools are closed and extracurricular activities are restricted.
Raddish Kids (after giving away 10,000 free kits last Friday) is giving away 25,000 more free kits on Thursday, Mar. 19th at 9am PST.
Beginning today, families can visit Raddish to order their free kit and also access free content including an at-home cooking camp program, recipes your kids can make with pantry staples and additional learning extensions across science, geography, language arts, and more.
“As a working mom, I know firsthand the impact that school closures have on families,” said Raddish Kids Founder Samantha Barnes. “We hope these free kits are a helpful resource for parents and inspire family togetherness during this period of social distancing.”
The complimentary Raddish kit is called Swedish Eats and celebrates traditions and flavors from Sweden. Travel may be restricted right now, but kids can still explore the culture and traditions of other countries right from their own homes. The kit is geared towards children in elementary and middle grades and featured three laminated illustrated recipe guides for Swedish Meatballs, Scandinavian Smorgasbord and Nordic Cinnamon Buns. Additionally, each kit includes a kid-sized cooking tool, apron patch and fun learning activity.
“The kitchen is the perfect place to cultivate academic skills like math, science, geography, culture, reading, among other subjects outside of the traditional classroom,” said Barnes who is a former educator as well as a mother who has home schooled her kids. “Our kits weave in these subjects alongside key culinary skills that nourish the mind, expand the palate and empower kids in the kitchen and beyond.”
Truth: Big time memories that stick around for a lifetime are made when littles spend time in the kitchen. Kids love getting in there and learning the tricks of the trade — it’s like one big science experiment for them. Why not arm them with skills that’ll take their helper skills to the next level during this quality family time? Read on for our picks for classes that help kids build confidence and learn to just roll with it in the kitchen.
photo: The Kids’ Table
The Kids’ Table
Parents can sign kids up for weekly classes, each exploring new tastes and techniques that involve the season’s favorite ingredients. From the Babies Can Cook series starting at 18 months to the Teens Can Cook programming that takes them to age 14, kids will start with gaining an appreciation for good food by first smelling, touching and tasting as babies and walk out as pre-adults who have the confidence to work independently in the kitchen.
The whole gang can get in on the meal-time action with Family Dinners. Your crew will have hands-fun learning a new recipe and sitting down to enjoy a delicious and meal created together.
Good to know: Everyone deserves a night out every once in a while, especially the munchkins! Kids Nite Out gives parents a little free time in the no-kid zone while the instructors at The Kids’ Table help your little ones make dinner and enjoy a post-food-coma activity like food-themed crafts, games or a movie. Kids have a day off school? Sign them up for a Day-Off Camp and they’ll stay busy cooking, eating and playing from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
2337 W. North Ave., Wicker Park & 2864 N. Lincoln Ave., Lakeview. Online: kids-table.com
photo: Oui Chef
Oui Chef Chicago
Oui Chef’s owner, Laura Ragano, got her start teaching Pastry Chef wannabes at The French Pastry School in Chicago. She figured out a way to marry her professional life with her parenting life by creating a business that focuses on arming kids, ages 18 months to 18 years, with real culinary skills. Classes are broken into 2 groupings, one for 18 mos.-4 years and the other for ages 5 & up. The classes for the littlest chefs focus on teaching adults helpful methods to get kids interested in cooking time and teaching students about food and food preparation. Older kids participate in a 75-minute weekly class with a core topic that rotates every 10-15 weeks. For example, in the Tools of the Trade series, a specific tool will be demonstrated and a delicious recipe will be prepared. The goal is to teach proper use of kitchen equipment that will result in a better final product and a safer cooking environment . . . skills they can take into adulthood.
For those who can’t make recurring classes work in their schedule, there are one-off opportunities for ages 2-5 on Wednesdays (10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.). These one-hour classes explore various culinary preparations and skills that span from the sweet to the savory.
Good to know: Kids ages 5 and under participating in a class must be accompanied by an adult. Although they can’t guarantee that the ingredients used are prepared in nut-free facilities, Oui Chef is a nut-free environment and their core curriculum is also meat-free to ensure they are as inclusive as possible.
photo: Sur la Table, credit Josh Grenier via Flickr
Sur la Table
While Sur la Table definitely focuses on classes for the grownups, they give kids a fair shake at opportunities to wash-up and dig into the culinary scene.
Good to know: Whenever a big holiday rolls around, be sure to check their online calendar for classes. They’re almost always hosting something special for the kids that coordinates with the day, like cupcake making or gingerbread building.
Locations in Naperville, Old Orchard Mall, Northbrook Court & 900 N. Michigan. Online:surlatable.com
Chopping Block Class details: This is another one that caters to the adults, but sneaks in a class or two for the littles every now and again. Surrounding holidays they offer themed activities, as well as summer camps to combat boredom. Be sure to check their calendar for opportunities.
Good to know: Looking for a unique birthday party idea? Search no more! The Chopping Block will host your 2- to 2.5-hour gig for kids ages 6 to 16. During that block of time, your group will make a meal together while learning about ingredients, kitchen safety and organization.
The Merchandise Mart Plaza, Ste. 107, River North & 4747 N. Lincoln, Lincoln Square. Online: thechoppingblock.com
Did you get an Instant Pot for Christmas? Chances are it’s gathering dust on your counter because you haven’t had a chance to figure out how to use it yet.
Luckily Tyson has teamed up with Instant Pot to create new Tyson Instant Pot Kits designed to take all the work out of using your new cooker and make weeknight cooking a breeze.
photo: Tyson via PR Newswire
The new meal kits are currently available in three varieties, all featuring chicken as the main protein. Each pack contains Tyson’s all natural, antibiotic-free chicken, as well as rice and sauces. The current selection includes Hatch Green Chile Chicken Casserole, Cajun Style Chicken and Rice and Teriyaki Chicken and Rice.
“We know lack of time is one of the biggest reasons people go to a restaurant or order out, which was the inspiration behind creating our fully-prepped meal kits,” said Steve Silzer, marketing director for the Tyson Brand. “By combining our expertise in chicken, with Instant Pot’s credibility in cookware, we’re able to bring a fresh meal to the table that’s culinary-inspired, stress-free and fast.”
The kits are available now in select stores, but will roll out to grocery chains nationwide this spring. You can find them in the refrigerated section.
She may have authored two cookbooks, but Chrissy Teigen’s latest culinary creation isn’t exactly Pinterestingly perfect—and we totally get it.
The supermodel/super mama recently posted pics of the fruit skewer turkey she made for daughter Luna’s school potluck Thanksgiving celebration. With a cantaloupe body, pear head and fake lashes, the fruit-adorned bird was sweetly stylish.
As Teigen worked on the bird she updated her Twitter followers with pics, videos and posts such as, “Please stop being jealous of my turkey” and, “She’s hideous and I love her.”
Teigen’s turkey isn’t exactly the only one of its kind. Plenty of other mamas posted pics of their own kid-friendly creations in reply to Teigen’s marshmallow and blueberry-eyed bird!
If you’re already missing summer nights in the flurry of pumpkin spice and Halloween decor, you can enjoy your favorite summer treat without the campfire thanks to the new Stuffed Puffs S’mores Kit.
No access to a grill or campfire? No problem. Now you can make hot, gooey s’mores with nothing more than a microwave. The Stuffed Puffs S’mores Kit comes packed with Stuffed Puffs famous chocolate-stuffed marshmallows and graham crackers. Just a few seconds in the microwave and you’ll have the same delicious treat your family loves that you can now enjoy year round.
“The idea was born around a campfire,” said Michael Tierney, who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY in 2010,“and now with Stuffed Puffs you can bring that experience indoors with just seven seconds in the microwave – something you can’t do with traditional marshmallows and chocolate.”
The new Stuffed Puffs S’mores Kit is available online and in Walmart stores nationwide for $14.
