Dad Starts New Holiday to Cheer Up Daughter

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 29, 2020

An Oakland, CA dad needed to come up with a way to bring a smile to his daughter’s face. When all else failed, he decided to create a special holiday unique to this time. That is how St. Pancakes’s Day came about.

Ariel Dovas said, “A few weeks into COVID Quarantine, my seven year old let out a sigh and told me ‘Daddy, I just want something to look forward to.’”

That statement hit Dovas hard so he brainstormed with his daughter, Zetta, to come up with a new holiday to fill the gap.

Working with Matt Garmur, Dovas created the St. Pancake’s Day origin story. They enlisted the help of illustrator, Adam Koford to create St. Pancake’s image.

According to Dovas, “St. Pancake’s Day is a new holiday that can’t disappoint, because it only exists in this time.” Unlike other holidays, it doesn’t occur annually, rather you celebrate it on the last Saturday of every month.

There are Instagram and Twitter pages set up where people can share photos of their pancakes using the hashtag #NewHolidays.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Ariel Dovas

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Laura Benanti Helps Theater Kids After Musicals Were Canceled Due to Coronavirus

by Jennifer SwartvagherMarch 17, 2020

With schools across the country closing temporarily, many kids are left wondering about the status of their extracurricular activities. Drama productions, team sports and musical performances have been cancelled, disappointing many kids that have been working hard for months now. Tony Award winning Broadway star, Laura Benanti has put out a call for all student thespians to send her a video of them singing a song from their cancelled shows.

On Instagram, Benanti wrote,”Dark times for all. Trying to find some bright spots. If you were meant to perform in your High School musical and it was cancelled please post yourself singing, tag me and use the hashtag #SunshineSongs so whoever wants to can be your audience!! Sending all my love and black market toilet paper.”

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Dark times for all. Trying to find some bright spots. If you were meant to perform in your High School musical and it was cancelled please post yourself singing, tag me and use the hashtag #SunshineSongs so whoever wants to can be your audience!! Sending all my love and black market toilet paper. 💛

A post shared by Laura Benanti (@laurabenanti) on Mar 13, 2020 at 10:44am PDT

Other celebrities, including Lin Manuel Miranda, chimed in asking to see the videos as well.

Jennifer Garner also put out a call as well, saying, “To the Elsas and Matildas; to the Willy Lomans and Romeos. Not to mention the flautists, the pianists, the gymnasts, the shot-putter. We want to SEE—show us what you’ve got!! 🌟 #heyjenlookatme (I just now found out one of my favorite Broadway stars @laurabenanti had the same idea. Hi Laura! ♥️🤗 You can tag her, too, at #SunshineSongs)”

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To the Elsas and Matildas; to the Willy Lomans and Romeos. Not to mention the flautists, the pianists, the gymnasts, the shot-putter. We want to SEE—show us what you’ve got!! 🌟 #heyjenlookatme (I just now found out one of my favorite Broadway stars @laurabenanti had the same idea. Hi Laura! ♥️🤗 You can tag her, too, at #SunshineSongs)

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Mar 13, 2020 at 9:37pm PDT

While you are stuck at home, brighten your day by scrolling through and watching these talented kids.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Monica Silvestre from Pexels

“Jungle Cruise” Trailer Has Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt on Disney’s Iconic Park Ride

by Jennifer SwartvagherMarch 10, 2020

Following along in the footsteps of other movies based on iconic Disney rides, the new trailer for Jungle Cruise does not disappoint. During an Instagram Live introducing the trailer, Dwayne Johnson interacted with a boat full of skippers from the Jungle Cruise attraction at the Disneyland Resort. The new movie is set to hit theaters this summer.

According to Walt Disney Studios on YouTube, “Inspired by the famous Disneyland theme park ride, Disney’s Jungle Cruise is an adventure-filled, Amazon-jungle expedition starring Dwayne Johnson as the charismatic riverboat captain and Emily Blunt as a determined explorer on a research mission. Also starring in the film are Edgar Ramirez, Jack Whitehall, with Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti.”

Disney’s Jungle Cruise opens in theaters on Jul. 24, 2020.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Walt Disney Studios via YouTube

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Kylie Jenner Threw a Party & It’s Definitely Stormi’s World!

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 4, 2020

If you thought Stormi Webster’s 1st birthday was extravagant, welcome to the sequel. Kylie Jenner teased the party in December 2019 when she tweeted that it was going to be “insane.” On Saturday, Jenner gave her fans a sneak peek of the festivities when she shared photos and videos on her Instagram story.

Jenner was also joined at the celebration by Stormi’s dad, Travis Scott.

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Family💕

A post shared by Kylie Jenner News (@kyliesnapchat) on Feb 2, 2020 at 9:20pm PST

“StormiWorld 2” did not disappoint. The entrance to the party was comprised of a giant head made to look like Stormi inspired by Scott’s 2018 “Astroworld” album cover. The party was so large, guests needed guidebooks, mapping out the various attractions and where to find them.

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#stormiworld ⚡️🤍

A post shared by Kylie ✨ (@kyliejenner) on Feb 2, 2020 at 4:03pm PST

A “Frozen” room featured Elsa, and ice sculpture of Olaf, a craft station, a bounce house, and furniture made from ice. The “Trolls” room had rainbow decor and characters from the movie. Finally, the largest room was dedicated to Stormi herself. It had a giant slide, a ball pit shaped like an “S”, and dancers on stilts.

Jenner captioned one of her posts, “Such a blessing to be able to create these magical experiences for my baby. StormiWorld!!!! ⚡️🌎 thank you God.”

Guests included Hailey Bieber, Rosalía, Chrissy Teigen, and John Legend. Attendees could stay entertained with a claw machine game, a photo booth, and a tie-dye station or by riding “Crazy Dumbos” inspired by the Disney elephant.

Guests sang Happy Birthday to the two-year-old around a Stormi World cake surrounded by sweets. As the theme of the party stated, “2 is better than 1!”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured Photo: Kylie Jenner via Instagram

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Southwest Comes to the Rescue in the Most Epic Way for This Little Boy

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 28, 2020

Losing a beloved stuffed animal is every kid’s (and parent’s) worst dream. When one little boy lost his favorite teddy bear on a flight, Southwest Airlines responded in the most awesome way.

Grayson Mulligan was with his family on a Southwest flight to New Orleans when he lost his teddy bear. In a Facebook post which has since gone viral, his mom Chrissy Mulligan, explained how the airline went above and beyond to remedy the situation.

After the flight, Mulligan reached out to the airline to see if the bear had been found, but unfortunately there was no sign of it. Not wanting to disappoint Grayson, the crew members decided to take matters into their own hands and replace his bear.

Not only did they gift Grayson with a brand new bear, but they gave him an incredible back story to go along with it.

Before Grayson’s bear, named Jack, arrived at his new home he took up temporary employment with Southwest.

The crew outfitted him with his own safety vest, headphones and traffic batons before putting him to work helping pilots park planes at the gate, inspecting inside the cockpit and helping get the plane ready for passengers.

After his work was done, complete with plenty of photo-ops, Jack made his way to his new home aboard a flight of his own, ordering a glass of “cran-beary” juice for the ride.

Grayson was understandably delighted with his new bear!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Chrissy Mulligan

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Carvel’s New “Frozen 2” Ice Cream Cake Is Frosty Goodness

by Erica LoopNovember 15, 2019

Celebrate the release of Disney’s Frozen 2 with a “frozen” treat! Carvel teamed up with Rich Products/I Love Ice Cream Cakes to bring Elsa and Anna fans a brand-new special-edition cake—and it has a sweet snowflake theme.

The Frozen-themed ice cream dream is made with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, whipped icing and signature Carvel chocolate crunchies. Each cake serves six to eight people and definitely won’t disappoint.

Kimberly O’Brien, Shopper Marketing Manager for Rich Products’ In-Store Bakery and Deli Division, said in a press release, “As fans go on this next journey with Disney’s Frozen 2 we wanted to create a really special treat that captures the spirit of the film—enchantment and sweetness in the form of a snowflake cake.” O’Brien continued, “We’re incredibly excited to work with Disney and Carvel to bring this new cake to grocery stores around the country for millions of Frozen movie fans and ice cream lovers.”

Pick up your Frozen 2 ice cream cake at grocery retailers nationwide (for $14.99), such as Walmart, Kroger, ShopRite, Publix and HyVee.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Rich Products/Carvel

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These Celebrity Parents and Kids Totally Won Halloween

by Shahrzad WarkentinNovember 1, 2019

There’s nothing like the fun of getting your kids dressed up for Halloween. And celebs are just like us––showing off their littles in adorable costumes, and sometimes a whole matching family outfit.

We’ve rounded up some the best star-studded Halloween looks from your favorite celeb families.

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A post shared by John Legend (@johnlegend)

Luna Stephens

John Legend and Chrissie Teigen’s daughter is ready to save the world.

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A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)

Gabrielle Union-Wade & Kaavia

This mom and daughter duo is totally bringing it this Halloween.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4JHtIfHqQF/

Stormi Webster

Stormi is mom Kylie Jenner’s mini me in a Halloween costume that copies Kylie’s Met Gala gown.

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A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

Ayesha and Steph Curry’s Crew

This fam is taking their Halloween style out of this galaxy.

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A post shared by Melissa Joan Hart (@melissajoanhart)

Melissa Joan Hart and Family

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is throwing it back this Halloween with a look at some of her family’s best costumes.

Saved By The Bell the reboot!#SBTB #Slater #Zack #Kelly #ArtieTheChameleon #LopezFamBam #HappyHalloween pic.twitter.com/mMMGp2x5ia

— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) October 31, 2019

Mario Lopez’s Kids

Lopez’s kids are ready for a Saved By the Bell reboot!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4SseUKAO1H/

Busy Phillips Daughter, Birdie

This costume, down to the expression is totally channeling Regina George.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Qa-AmHMh7/

Eva Longoria

Despite a full slate this mama took some time to make a homemade costume for her adorable little vampire Santiago.

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A post shared by Khloé Kardashian (@khloekardashian)

True Thompson & Khloé Kardashian

True is transformed into a beautiful swan for All Hallow’s Eve.

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A post shared by Andy Cohen (@bravoandy)

Andy Cohen & Benjamin

Snoopy and Woodstock might have missed the Great Pumpkin but they look adorable!

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A post shared by Neil Patrick Harris (@nph)

Neil Patrick Harris & Crew

This family is the reigning champs of Halloween when it comes to family costumes and this year’s famous artists theme does not disappoint.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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New Mom Allyson Felix Breaks Usain Bolt Record

by Erica LoopOctober 1, 2019

While most of us are still stuck in a haze of diaper changes and midnight feedings, Allyson Felix is breaking records. The Olympic sprinter recently beat out Usain Bolt to hold the record for the most gold medals at the track and field World Championships—and she had a baby a mere 10 months ago.

Not only has Felix won a total of nine Olympic medals (and counting!), but she also battled preeclampsia and had to deliver daughter Camryn at 32-weeks via C-section.

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A post shared by Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix)

So how does Felix balance a rigorous running schedule with mommy-ing. The track phenom told ESPN last December, “Having a child felt like I’d be risking my career and disappointing everyone who expected me to always put running first.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Cy1EcnYAm/

The then-new mother added, “I know what I’m living for and what matters to me. I’m not just running to win the most medals anymore. I’m not pushing myself because that’s what everyone expects of me.” At the time, Felix wasn’t sure if she’d go back to competitive running or, if she did, how well she would do. As it turns out, in less than a year she’d sprint her way to a new world record!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Allyson Felix via Instagram

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This Husband Filled in for His Wife in Her Maternity Photos & the Results Are Amazing

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 1, 2019

It can be stressful and disappointing when your pregnancy doesn’t go exactly as you plan. When Kelsey Brewer was placed on bed rest her husband decided to fill in for her maternity shoot and the photos are epic.

The photographer, Kiana Smither of K.M. Smither Photography, who also happens to be Kelsey’s sister, agreed to help Jared––and the results are incredible.

The photos helped the couple commemorate the special occasion, but more importantly, they helped cheer up Kelsey. “My husband has been a total rock through this whole process and even managed to get with my sister to take these AMAZING PHOTOS! That I will literally cherish for the rest of my life!!” she shared in a Facebook post. “Thank you so much Kiana Whitney Smither for capturing these images of my amazing husband! I can’t wait to watch you work your magic once our sweet boy is here!

The photos, which Kiana shared to Facebook have gone viral, racking up thousands of likes and shares. “We did not expect these photos to go viral at all,” Kiana told HuffPost. “Everyone loves them! The laughter that Jared has brought to all of these people is incredible.”

As HuffPost reports, the couple’s son, Kash Cooper, arrived Saturday at 11:05 a.m. weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces. There are sure to be some amazing family photos in their future.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of K.M. Smither Photography

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Jurassic World Opens At Universal Studios; Rise of the Resistance Delayed

by Karly WoodJuly 23, 2019

Theme park enthusiasts are in for a wild ride when it comes to much-anticipated new attractions at Southern California parks this summer. Two of the southland’s largest hot spots, Universal Studios and Disneyland both promised the grand opening of blockbuster-related experiences, and not everyone is on target.

Keeping up with its deadline, Universal Studio’s held the official opening for the brand new Jurassic World: The Ride to the public the second week of July. Replacing the 22-year-old predecessor, Jurassic Park ride, the newest thrill takes riders on a watery journey past fun, friendly and ferocious dinosaurs.

The ride is already open to the public, just in time to keep park goers cool from the sweltering SoCal sun.

On a more disappointing note, Galaxy’s Edge newest attraction, Rise of the Resistance will not see an audience this year. According to MiceChat, the complicated ride is experiencing technical issues, so the grand opening has been pushed back to Jan. 17, 2020. Disney Parks has claimed that construction crews can only open one ride at a time, and have been flown to Florida to open the attraction there first.

photo: Disney Parks

Even though Walt Disney World’s own version of Galaxy’s Edge was a few months behind the Disneyland version, its Rise of the Resistance ride will actually open Dec. 5, 2019. The delay aided the resort in working out some of the technical issues and will open ahead of California’s attraction, according to reports.

Despite the Disneyland’s newest attraction not opening until after the new year, guests can look forward to fewer lines and wait times. Since the busy holiday season will be over, you’ll be able to experience the galaxy far, far away with minimal crowds.

––Karly Wood

Feature image: YouTube

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