Federal Workers May Soon Get 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave

by Erica LoopDecember 10, 2019

More than two million nonmilitary federal workers will soon be eligible for 12 weeks of parental leave.

Congress recently reached an agreement that would give federal employees (sorry, this soon-to-be law doesn’t extend to non-government employees) paid leave to care for a newborn or adopted child.

photo: Lisa Fotios via Pexels

Provided the deal is passed and signed into law, it will become the first major change in benefits for federal workers since 1993 and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Even though this new expansion of federal employee parental leave benefits is a step in the right direction, it isn’t a done deal yet. It must pass the House vote before it moves on to the President.

While there are plenty of applause for this potential paid parental leave act, some advocates still think the new measure should also include benefits for federal employees who need to care for non-infant/child family members. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. said, in a prepared statement to NBC News, “I believe with all my heart that we need a policy that supports that hard-working young woman who is having her new baby, that supports the father in crisis who is caring for his two-year-old daughter with cancer, and that supports the dedicated husband who is helping his wife recover from her stroke.”

—Erica Loop

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Adorable First-Day Outfits You Can Buy Online Right Now

by Gabby CullenAugust 11, 2019

If back-to-school shopping makes you want to run in the other direction (or hide your wallet somewhere safe), we’ve got good news. We’ve collected our favorite first day of school outfits from some of the best clothing lines for boys and girls alike. From Target and Primary to Old Navy, scroll through and click the items your kid likes best—our gallery of carefully curated back-to-school clothes for kids is shoppable, meaning it’s truly a one-stop shop for all your back-to-school shopping needs.

—Gabby Cullen & Kenzie Kramer

Featured image: iStock

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Run, Donut Walk, to This Krispy Kreme Grand Opening

by Erica LoopJune 12, 2019

The Big Apple is about to get sweeter! Krispy Kreme is opening its flagship store in Times Square in 2020, and we’ve got all the ooey gooey details.

The 4,500-square-foot space will include a glaze waterfall, stadium style seating in the world’s largest Krispy Kreme box and, of course, plenty of the brand’s sweet, sweet doughnuts.

photo: Courtesy of Business Wire

Michael Tattersfield, CEO and President of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation, said in a press statement, “Our direction is to be the most loved sweet treat brand in the world. In the most iconic city in the world, the Krispy Kreme Times Square Flagship will showcase our brand on the global stage and inspire customer wonder. We love making awesome doughnuts—and New Yorkers deserve hot and fresh doughnuts!”

Along with the glaze waterfall and mega doughnut box seating area the flagship store will have the globe’s largest Hot Light outside—signaling when the hot, fresh doughnuts are ready. Krispy Kreme Doughnut enthusiasts can get their glaze fix inside the store at the grab-and-go counter (which features pre-packed doughnuts) or try the walk-up window outside!

—Erica Loop

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The FDA Wants to Make Research on Pregnant & Breastfeeding Mamas More Effective

by Erica LoopMay 10, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently released two new draft guidances designed to provide drug manufacturers with increased information and recommendations for conducting clinical lactation and pregnancy studies. While these guiding docs are still in draft form, they’re a step in the right direction when it comes to keeping pregnant and breastfeeding women safe.

Studying the effectiveness of medications in lactating and pregnant women isn’t exactly easy. This makes finding or getting high-quality data almost impossible for researchers and manufacturers.

photo: Victor Pinto via Unsplash

There are obvious ethical issues at play when it comes to testing the effectiveness of medications on pregnant and breastfeeding women. Beyond harm to the women, there’s also the potential to harm the fetus or infant. The FDA’s new draft guidance for clinical lactation studies expands upon previous statements, provides recommendations for when companies should conduct studies and when lactating women can participate in trials.

The second draft helps to guide manufacturers and researchers in using data (such as real-world date) in studies focusing on pregnant women and FDA-regulated drugs/biological products.

So what does this all mean for you? Right now, not a lot. But in the future it could help drug manufacturers to study the effectiveness and dangers of medications, reducing the risk to pregnant and breastfeeding mamas.

—Erica Loop

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Amazon Is Closing Its Pop-Up Stores, So Where Can You Try Out Alexa IRL Now?

by Erica LoopMarch 8, 2019

Recent reports claim that all 87 of Amazon’s pop-up stores are about to shutter for good. Even though its online success turned the once-book-selling site into retail royalty, the pop-ups partnerships are going the way of the dinosaurs.

The kiosks, located inside of brick-and-mortar retailers such as Kohl’s and Whole Foods Markets, give would-be online customers the chance to get hands-on and test drive devices such as Echo smart speakers and Kindle e-readers IRL. While these in-store mini-stores may have made sense for the e-tailer, it looks like Amazon is ready to go in a different direction.

In to a statement emailed to Red Tricycle by an Amazon representative, “Across our Amazon network, we regularly evaluate our businesses to ensure we’re making thoughtful decisions around how we can best serve our customers.”

photo: Courtesy of Amazon

If you’re wondering if Amazon is totally abandoning their real-world presence with the pop-ups closing down, the company’s representative added, “After much review, we came to the decision to discontinue our pop-up kiosk program, and are instead expanding Amazon Books and Amazon 4-star, where we provide a more comprehensive customer experience and broader selection.”

Before FOMO sets in and you rush out to your nearest pop-up, you’ll still get the chance to try out (and of course, buy) your fave devices at Amazon Books and Amazon 4-star, “We look forward to opening additional locations of both stores this year. We are excited to introduce even more customers to these in store shopping experiences where they can discover highly rated books, toys, games, home and kitchen goods, electronics, Amazon devices and more.”

—Erica Loop

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Dunkin’ Donuts Is Getting Rid of Donuts—& We’re Not Kidding

by Erica LoopSeptember 25, 2018

It’s official: Dunkin’ Donuts has a new name and will now officially go by just Dunkin’ as it drops “Donuts” from its name and logo, the company announced Tuesday. After 68 years, the Donuts of Dunkin’ Donuts will be no more—at least in name only.

If you live in Massachusetts, chances are that you already knew about this drastic Dunkin’ departure. If not, keep reading to get the scoop on how the iconic donut retailer has changed in a big way.

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A post shared by Dunkin’ (@dunkin)

Earlier this year, foodies freaked out over the possibility of their beloved IHOP changing to IHOb. While the restaurant that’s known for plentiful pancakes simply pulled a marketing stunt in honor of their new burger menu, the Dunkin’ Donuts name change isn’t for advertising purposes. This is the real deal.

As part of a rebranding effort, the donut makers are changing up their store design, adding new beverage choices, providing customers with digital kiosks to order from and…changing their name to Dunkin’. That’s Dunkin’, minus the Donuts—you know, that thing its pretty much known for.

The first new Dunkin’ store opened earlier this year in Quincy, Massachusetts. By the end of 2018, 50 more stores (30 in the Boston area and another 20 across the country) will go Dunkin’. The rebranding concept isn’t exactly a new idea. Reports of the retailer’s change in direction surfaced last year.

Hmm. Just one name? Well it works for Oprah, Cher and Madonna. So why not Dunkin’ too?

—Erica Loop

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Hot Air Balloon Rides to Remember

by Annette BenedettiMay 23, 2018

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a hot air balloon waiting carry you and your family to new heights! There’s nothing quite like seeing Portland and its surrounding areas from above, but families rarely consider booking a hot air balloon ride. If you haven’t yet, you should! It’s an experience that your kids will tell their kids some day and the memories of their smiles and fantastic views will stay with you a lifetime. Read on for everything you need to know to book your first (or next ride).

photo: Vista Balloon Adventures via Yelp

Ballooning With Kids

Balloon rides are exhilarating and exciting for passengers young and old. Children are guaranteed to enjoy themselves especially if they are prepared for the experience in advance.

A standard hot air balloon adventure runs from one hour up to three or four, depending on what you choose. Some flights lift off during the early morning hours, so be prepared to get up before the sun rises. When you arrive at the airfield, staff are available to help you get in the basket at take-off and out after you have landed. One of the biggest barriers to a child’s enjoyment of the ride, is their ability to see. You want to make sure in advance that they are tall enough. Some businesses have steps that boost young or short riders for a better view.

Be prepared, burners can be loud. If your child is sensitive to noise, bring a set of noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs. While rides are exciting, they are not appropriate for kids who aren’t yet able to stand still for longer periods of time. This is important to consider before you take off. In general, children ages 5 and up do well on these adventures.

Most ballooning businesses include food with longer tours. Check in advance. You don’t want a hungry youngster stuck in the air. Also, make sure to use the bathroom before you go! There’s not potty stops on these treks.

The typical Ballooning season runs from April to October.

Types of Rides

There are three main types of Balloon rides available. Private rides are organized to allow for a personal experience. Shared rides are usually conducted in larger balloons and give you the chance to make new friends as additional individuals and families join you. Tethered rides allow you to ascend in the air and see an area from a bird’s eye view, but you do not travel. This kind of ride is perfect for shorter experiences or those who may be a little timid about the whole experience.

photo: Portland Rose Hot Air Balloons via facebook

Portland Rose Hot Air Balloons

This awesome business flies seven days a week and gives its passengers views of the the Oregon countryside, Mt. Hood and the Willamette Valley. Take off is stationed at the Aurora Airport. It’s advised to call before your flight to make sure the weather hasn’t affected your trip. The adventure begins promptly thirty minutes before dawn, so get your coffee down in advance.

You will be invited aboard to while the crew prepares for flight and invited to help with the inflation, so expect a true hands-on experience. The direction the flight takes you depends completely on the winds, so this is a true adventure! Once you have landed, the adults in your crew will be provided with champagne to toast the whole experiences.

Cost: $199/person, $185/person for parties of 4 or more, $145 for kids ages 5-12
Launch Site: Willamette Aviation Service
23115 Airport Rd. NE
Aurora
Phone: 503-638-1301
Online: portlandroseballoons.com

photo:Paul VanDerWerf via flickr

Vista Balloon Adventures

This family-owned business flies up to seven balloons on any given day. Located just outside of portland in Newberg, Oregon, you can expect to take in 10 volcanoes and the best of the Willamette Valley wine country. Their balloons come in varying sizes with the largest capable of holding up to 10 passengers and the smallest fitted for two—for perhaps a more romantic experience.

The Vista adventure begins at dawn. Passengers enjoy watching the balloons inflate and can join as well. Once inflated, you board the beautiful beasts and take flight. The trip takes approximately one hour and the direction depends on where the wind blows. Some of the sights you may see are the Willamette Valley and river, 10 mountain peaks, and of course the other balloons in the fleet.

Once you land, the crew comes to deflate the balloons. Kids love watching the whole process. A van then arrives to pick you up and take you to the launch site where you enjoy a gourmet brunch. The entire experience lasts about three hours.

Cost: $220/person
1050 Commerce Parkway
Newberg
Phone: 503-625-7385
Online: vistaballoon.com

Soaring Sports

This company offers shared, private and tethered rides. If you want to stick close to home, you can take of from their Portland location. If you want to tie your ride into an Oregon road trip, they have sites in Bend, Eugene and Medford as well. Their Portland experience experience gives you a fantastic view of the city, the Columbia and Willamette rivers and even the snowcapped Cascade Range. This service includes chase vehicles on the ground that are in constant contact with the balloons in the air to ensure a smooth experience.

Cost: private ride: $999, shared ride: $249, contact to find out about tethered options.

Ballooning Reservation Center
Portland, Or
971-254-1464
Online: Soaringsports.com

Have you ever taken a hot air balloon ride with children? Tell us about it!

—Annette Benedetti

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Everybody Into the Pool: 4 Games Sure to Make a Splash

by Amber GuetebierMarch 9, 2016

Once your kiddos have started swimming and are comfortable in the water, let the games begin. These 4 classic water games are simple, require little to no props and can be adapted for kids of varying abilities. Read on for some aquatic action they’ll love as much as you did.

photo: Phalinn Ooi via flickr

Marco Polo
This game requires at least 2 people but is more fun with a small group of about 5. One person is “Marco” and said person must keep their eyes closed while saying “Marco!” and listening for the rest of the players to respond with “Polo!” The first person to be tagged becomes the new Marco. For younger kids, this is best to play in the shallower end of the pool until all players are confident swimmers. Or make it a “floatable” game and let all the kids be in their own little boats. Parents and kids can become teams as both Marco and Polo or choose an adult to be Marco.

Sharks & Minnows
This game is challenging for 3 or 4 people, and quite a bit livelier for a small group. One person is chosen to be the shark. When they shout, “Minnows!” all the other swimmers must get into the pool and swim to the opposite end without being tagged by the shark.
The first person the shark tags becomes the shark in the next round.

Whirlpool
The bigger the group for this, the more fun but even a small crew can make a whirlpool happen at home. Keep this one to the shallow part of the pool where they can stand. Have everyone get start to walk in a circle in the same direction. Slowly, the water will start to pick up the current and create a mini whirlpool. Once a whirlpool is in effect, lift up your feet and float in the current. As soon as it slows, start to walk again. Repeat.

Diving for Treasure
This game requires kids to be able to dive underwater with their eyes open, so be sure all the players are strong swimmers who can hold their breath. You’ll probably want some goggles on hand for this one. Little ones who can’t do this safely can be the treasure scatter-er. Get a few shiny objects: a large coin, a white stone, a toy that you know will sink, etc. Toss the object into the pool, then let the seekers in to find the different treasures. Be sure and supervise closely any child holding their breath underwater, and always discourage diving, especially in the shallow end.

What classic games do you play with your little swimmers? Share with us in the comments below.

—Amber Guetebier

Today Is National Read a Road Map Day

by rtstephenFebruary 5, 2016

Daily

Today Is National Read a Road Map Day

Use your inner compass.

If your sense of direction comes from your phone, try something totally old school today and teach your kids how to read a road map.

Test her working knowledge of the United States (and yours too) with
this name-the-states printable.

Make your own compass so that you’ll always know
which way is True North.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Latitude and Longitude }

James Corden, Ashton Kutcher, & Danny Masterson Make Their Epic Dad Band Debut

by Red TricycleJanuary 31, 2016

Three words: The Puff Daddies. That’s right, people! James Corden, Ashton Kutcher, and Danny Masterson are the cool dads in town. On James Corden’s The Late, Late Show, they made their band debut with comedic lyrics and epic dance moves. Watch them sing about father-life, but be careful, this song will get stuck in your head.

Photo and video courtesy of The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

“I’m a dad…”

Better than One Direction? Tell us in the comments below!

— Noelle Buckband

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