ML Interest Tag: diverse-community

The Best Apps to Help You Stay Organized at Home

by Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

Whether you are navigating the trials and tribulations of a certain pandemic or simply trying to stay on top of a busy school and work week, staying organized can make the difference between enjoying the weather or spiraling into chaos. From paying the bills, cleaning the house and feeding the kids, there is a lot that parents have to track. Here are our top picks for the best apps to help keep you calm, cool and collected. Most of them are free or very affordable! Keep reading to see them all.

Microsoft To Do

Microsoft

As task manager apps go, we’ve always been a fan of Wunderlist. However, it has gotten even better (and it's totally free!) with its integration with Microsoft To Do. From shopping lists to task lists, they’ve got you covered, and these lists can be shared with multiple people (or be private), sorted in folders, and they're organized by topic. Assignments, due dates and comments can be added to specific tasks or to entire lists, and real-time, instant syncing between smartphone, tablet and computer means you can access to-dos from anywhere. Plus, you can capture tasks from different Microsoft apps and sync them together in one place.

Free for iOS and Android.

Cookpad

Cookpad

It’s time to let go of those stained index cards in that ratty-old recipe box. Savvy home cooks can now store and share family recipes with Cookpad, a nifty app that provides a social and safe environment for foodies around the world to search for and save recipes, publish recipes and food pics, and share recipes or chat with friends and families about their cooking adventures. What started as a global initiative to help make home cooking easier and more fun, Cookpad has grown into a worldwide repository of some of the best home-cooked recipes currently available in seven languages.

Free for iOS and Android, with in-app purchases.

Cozi Family Organizer

Cozi Family Organizer

Cozi Family Organizer already has a well-earned reputation as an indispensable organization app for busy families. With its newest release, Cozi ups the ante with improved performance and bug fixes that make it all work even better. Easy-to-use and well-designed, the app serves triple duty as a shared family calendar, digital recipe box and shopping/to-do list keeper. The free version of the app is ad-supported, but the premium subscription service ($29.99 annually) offers additional features such as contacts, birthday tracker, mobile app themes, more reminders, mobile month view, change notifications and more.

Free for iOS and Android, with in-app purchases

Headspace

Headspace

You’ve kept your family schedules in check and organized the zillions of lists you have to juggle on the daily, so why not take a moment to get your head straight? Headspace is a practical app that claims to make meditation simple. Through hundreds of guided meditations, the app aims to help improve focus, increase mindfulness, relieve anxiety, and reduce stress. The free version of Headspace provides access to The Wake Up (real-life stories and advice from experts) and Move Mode (exercises for your mind and body at the same time). Headspace Plus ($12.99 monthly or $69.99 annually) includes Sleep by Headspace (orginal sleepcasts and relaxing sounds to snooze by) as well as the entire content library.

Free for iOS and Android, with in-app purchases.

Bills Organizer & Reminder

Bills Organizer & Reminder

Track and manage all of your family’s bills in one place to help eliminate late payment fees, penalties and the dreaded low credit score. The dashboard-styled view allows you to quickly see approaching bills, and it sends payment reminders for upcoming bills before their due date. Create recurring bills with different billing periods (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly etc.) and one time bills as well. The app will send payment reminders regardless of whether the app is open or closed. Secure access to the app with a passcode, touch ID or face ID of your device. Advanced bill editing capability lets you update the selected bill and all future bills as well. If you accidentally mark a bill as paid, you can easily mark it as unpaid; there are lots of other features, too. The main program allows you to manage up to five accounts for free. Add on additional unlimited accounts for $2.99.

Free for iOS.

IFTTT

IFTTT

Instead of spending all of your time creating lists and reminders to get things done, imagine an app that automates some of those basic tasks for you. That’s the beauty of IFTTT (an acronym for “if this, then that). This handy app lets you automate Internet-based tasks that range from sharing adorable vacation pics of your kids across your social channels to adjusting your connected thermostat and turning off your connected lights at home while you’re out of town. With more than 600 apps that work with IFTTT, including Twitter, Telegram, Google Drive, Twitch, Weather Underground, Gmail, Instagram, Spotify and integration with devices such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Nest and Philips Hue, IFTTT aims to simplify your life through smart automation.

Free for iOS and Android.

Localeur

Localeur

Whether you’re organizing a week-long family vacation or a quickie weekend getaway (for the coming months) half the battle is figuring out a fun itinerary at your destination of choice. Localeur helps answer the question, “What should we do?” More than a travel guidebook, this useful app features recommendations from people in the know—aka, the locals—in many major and not-so-major U.S. cities. Through engaging videos and detailed content, a diverse community of local tastemakers provide locals-only tips on the best places to eat, drink, shop, and get outdoors (about 10,000 places are included). A must-have app for getting the inside scoop on where and how the locals eat, live, and play.

Free for iOS and Android.

Pocket

Pocket

Who has time to read when the backyard or pool beckons? Stay on top of your reading with Pocket, a surprisingly useful app that lets users discover, save, and organize web articles and videos for later viewing. The premise of the app is simple enough: you see something online but you don’t have time to read or view it right away. Saving links to Pocket allows you to quickly and easily collect web content, which also can be viewed offline. The Pocket Premium subscription service ($4.99 monthly or $44.99 annually) lets you save articles to a permanent library as well as offers full-text searching.

Free for iOS and Android, with in-app purchases.

Mealime

Mealime

Some days it takes all your energy to match all of the socks from the laundry. Who has time to plan meals? Mealime creates customizable meal plans and recipes personalized by your family’s unique tastes and lifestyle. Just pick a meal, and cook it in 30 minutes or less with step-by-step instructions. Healthy variations of favorites dishes include flexitarian, pescetarian, low carb, paleo, keto, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and more. Within the app, you can also create grocery lists that can help save money by only buying what you need for the week. The basic version is free, and Mealime Meal Planner Pro is available for $5.99 a month or $49.99 a year.

Free for iOS and Android, with in-app purchases.

Tinybeans

Tinybeans

The old baby book got a huge makeover with Tinybeans. You can track and share your child’s milestones from “baby bump” to “first steps” with photos and uploaded videos with unlimited storage for free! Perfect for parents, new moms, grandparents and moms-to-be, you can invite as many people as you like. Loved ones automatically get emails when developmental milestones, family videos and baby milestones are posted. You can even create your own baby books to print too. Fun features include a calendar view, photo album, photo editing, charts, milestone tracker, diary, quotes and more.

Free for iOS and Android.

FlyLadyPlus!

FlyLadyPlus!
FlyLadyPlus!

Despite its name, men are allowed to use the FlyLadyPlus app, which helps to break down daily home chores into “zones” and gives you cleaning lists for each day along with some wit and daily musings to keep you motivated to keep your family’s chaos in check. Simply check the tasks off in the app as you go, and by the end of each month, you will have worked your way through cleaning, organizing, and decluttering your whole home! The free app includes morning, afternoon and evening routines and detailed cleaning lists. FlyLady's Agenda automatically includes your events from your calendars as well as most of your emails too.

Free for iOS.

Seven

Seven

While just finding a few minutes to go to the bathroom alone can be a chore, the idea of finding time to exercise can seem overwhelming. But can you carve out just seven minutes a day? Seven’s workouts are based on scientific studies to provide the maximum benefit in the shortest time possible. With personalized workout plans, Seven also makes sure you get the most out of your training whether you want to get fit, lose weight or get strong. Work out anywhere, anytime with no equipment needed and learn from instructors like the Drill Sergeant, Cheerleader and many more. Join the 7 Club for more workouts and guidance for $9.99/month or $59.99/year.

Free for iOS and Android, with in-app purchases.

Awesome Note 2

Awesome Note 2
Awesome Note 2

While there are plenty of all-in-one personal organization apps out there, few can match the simplicity, flexibility and visual appeal of Awesome Note 2. Building off the success of its nearly-as-awesome predecessor, the latest edition of this useful app features integrated note and schedule management that lets you add photos, voice recordings and even drawings to calendar events. Syncing via iCloud provides seamless access across multiple iOS devices and sharing notes via AirDrop is a nice, ingenious function that you never knew you needed. Whether you’re planning your next summer getaway or keeping tabs on the kids’ summer camp schedules, Awesome Notes 2 makes it easy.

$2.99 for iOS.

Fantastical

Fantastical

This award-winning calendar app features natural language parsing that lets users type or dictate reminders, appointments or tasks that automatically get turned into alerts, to-dos or calendar events. Reminders are created by starting sentences with “reminder,” “to-do,” “task” or “remind me to”—then the app does the rest. It's also got a clean and easy-to-use DayTicker, calendar and a 3-day weather forecast. Fantastical Premium works on all platforms (Mac, iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad) and subscriptions are $4.99/month or $39.99/year.

$4.99 for iOS.

—Jeffrey Totey, Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

Featured image: Pixabay

 

RELATED STORIES:

The Best Family Photo-Sharing Apps

19 Essential Apps for Parents

The Very Best Services & Apps for Parental Control

 

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Top 3 Cringe-Worthy “Talks” with Your Kids

By Ruthi Davis

The bathroom was a bloodbath. It seriously looked like someone was murdered in there, nasty. My poor daughter walked into—not once, but twice—the horrid crime scene of an undisposed pad/sanitary napkin/towel on the floor of a public bathroom. The other time it was a used tampon, floating in the murky toilet waters. Just absolutely gut-wrenching to see my innocent munchkin’s face turned pale and frightened, as she muttered to me, “Mom, I think someone got really hurt.” So just like that, it all began.

Truthfully, this kind of blog would have likely been irrelevant in my pre-teen and teenage years because it doesn’t seem like it was discussed that openly at home. I never had a talk about menstruation, puberty, or sex with my mom—it was just embarrassing. I learned through a quick lesson at school about our changing bodies and then through my friends. Being a late bloomer myself, I was actually cheering when the “Flow Fairy” finally visited me. Finally, I felt like all of the other girls! Don’t even talk about bras. I think I was one of the last to sport a training bra and probably started wearing one way before I needed to. Forget the talk about sex. My mom may have nervously asked me about that once in college.

Let’s face it—we live in a much different world. Social media and reality television have dominated and shaped much of our youth’s culture now. If we don’t talk about it, someone else will.

I don’t think parents truly ready themselves for all of the cringe-worthy talks that we need to have. We ask each other if it comes up in conversation, brush off the idea, and kind of wing-it in the moment, mostly. I have always been staunch on my belief to be honest, but also age-appropriate with all of my answers to my kids about life. From the beginning, all talks should offer a semblance of honesty and easy-to-understand language. It’s all a big puzzle that you unveil, bit by bit, until the entire picture becomes clear in its own time.

Some, I admittedly figure out in the moment, while others I actually think about and speak to other moms for ideas. Thankfully, I live in a culturally diverse community, where global perspectives are so interesting and eye-opening for me.

So here goes—no matter how YOU choose to shape your answers, perhaps this Q & A scenario will help you prepare for when the time comes.

** Please note that this is just an early, basic introduction to some truly important topics, and all of the variables in parenthood should become unveiled with time. This may vary in discussion for parents in different life scenarios.

Baby Talk

After having four children about 2.5 years apart, my kids have seen my belly grow to ridiculous proportions, witness my slowing down, baby pop out, stay at the hospital, and constant breastfeeding for the first year. This cycle is as interesting as it is confusing for siblings.

Q-Where do babies come from?

A-Mom and dad have to make a decision together to have a child. When they agree, daddy gives mommy a special seed, and then mommy starts to grow a baby inside.

Q-How does the baby eat inside? Can it breathe?

A- Yes, on the inside of mommy’s tummy, there’s a long “straw” called an umbilical cord that connects from mommy’s belly button to the baby’s. This straw carries all of the oxygen to help baby breathe. Also, when mommy eats, all of the most important healthy parts of the food travel right into the baby’s tummy through this straw. Inside of mommy’s tummy is kind of like a balloon, called an amniotic sac. It’s filled with warm water and baby floats in it while growing. As baby grows, so does mommy’s tummy. 

Q-How does a baby come out of your tummy?

A-Well, all females have 3 holes—a pee hole, a poo hole, and a baby hole right in the middle. You may not even know you have it because it’s so little. Well, when baby is all finished growing, mommy feels a strong knock on the inside of her tummy. Then mommy goes to the doctor to help baby come out. The doctor will help baby come out either through that middle hole, like a baby slide from mommy’s tummy and out, or through mommy’s baby door. The doctor has a special key to get baby out.

Q-What is baby doing to you (breastfeeding)?

A-Baby is drinking mommy’s milk. After mommy has a baby, her breasts become natural baby bottles. Baby is drinking special milk to get big and strong.

Periods, Aunt Flow and Menstruation

Whether a child is as young as 9-years old when she begins menstruating, or has a friend who does, this time can be as confusing as frightening for a child who is completely unaware of this process. In my case, it only took a sloppy stranger to leave the evidence behind in a public bathroom for my daughter to find, prompting this highly important talk.

Q-What is that stick that you’re holding (tampon)? What happened to that person in the bathroom? Is she hurt? What happened?

A-You know how a chicken lays an egg and a chick comes out? Well, moms have an egg too, but it stays on the inside. Remember how I explained to you how a baby is made when daddy gives mommy a special seed? And that the body has it’s own special way of healing and cleaning itself? Well, just like the egg of a chicken, not every egg has a chick inside. Some are empty. Every 30 days or so, a female’s body checks to see if her egg has that special seed. If it does, a baby starts to grow. If it doesn’t, the body cleans itself and prepares for a new one; and that’s what it looks like for a few days. It’s red and it doesn’t hurt. It’s just the body’s way of cleaning. During that time, we use a cotton pad (towel, sanitary napkin) or tampon (cotton stick) to keep ourselves clean.

The Big Talk: How Babies are Really Made

Television, magazines, social media, and even pop music are constantly promoting images and singing about “sex” and “sexy.” While children are young and naive, they repeat song lyrics and watch completely unaware. Yet there comes a time when curiosity and reasoning kick in, prompting many questions on this topic. Be prepared however YOU choose to enlighten your children.

Q-What’s the difference between sexy and sex? I hear those words a lot.

A-One is an adjective and the other a verb (ha!).

Q-What is sex? Tell me how babies are really made? How does dad give mom the seed?

A-Ok, so you know how I told you that every part of your body serves a special purpose? Like your eyelashes are there to keep dust out of your eyes. Nose hair keeps dirt and dust out of your nose. Breasts become baby bottles for babies. A belly button is how mommy gives baby nutrition through the umbilical cord. Well, if everything serves a special purpose, have you ever wondered why females and males have different private parts? Why do females have a vagina that go in and males have a penis that sticks out?

Well, women and men were made to fit like a puzzle. When a woman and a man decide to have a baby, they give each other a special cuddle, and the seed that holds all of the information about our family moves from the man to the woman. The seed then finds it’s way to mommy’s egg that holds all of her information. When both are combined, a baby that is the combination of both people starts to form.

So there you have it. I got through all of the most cringe-worthy conversations, seamlessly and painlessly, if you don’t count my original nervous cackling for a good 30 seconds before collecting myself again and answering that last question. Over time, you may need to fill in any gaps or add technical terms, but this is a preliminary example of how I managed to work through each of these important topics.

This may not be the way you choose to tell your children, and that’s wonderfully ok. But please make sure you do. No matter if you have a girl or boy, please do your best to keep the non-judgmental communication lines free and open with your children.

Let them feel comfortable in asking you everything from social situations, personal developments, curse words, drugs, sex, and anything else that life throws their way.

The best preparation is awareness and knowledge.

Find your own way and have a plan. Good luck!

With Love,

Ruthi

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

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Nickelodeon’s “Corn & Peg” Is Brand New and Preschooler Approved!

by Jennifer Massoni Pardini
Partner Content

Are you ready to saddle up for a new show? Corn & Peg (produced by Nelvana Studios) is Nickelodeon’s latest addition to its preschool line-up, galloping onto the scene with everything you’d want your kids watching: considerate characters who love to do good in their “hood,” curriculum components that will set little ones up for success later on in kindergarten, and tons of fun examples of how helping the community helps us all—and makes us feel pretty heroic while doing it. Read on for all your preschooler can learn from Corn & Peg, one dynamic doing-good duo!

Who are Corn and Peg?
Only the cutest duo to grace the small screen since Peppa Pig and her little brother George stole your preschooler’s heart. Corn, a la uniCORN and Peg, a la PEGasus (why didn’t we ever think of that!), are sure to do the same as they do good in their community of Galloping Grove. With loads of energy and athleticism, Corn is the lovable jokester and Peg is a playful and big-hearted optimist. Adventure ensues whenever these steeds set out to do good deeds.

Why are they good role models for preschoolers?
You’ll love that the premise of the show is doing good for friends and other members of a diverse community, like Chef Rigatoni, Mayor Montagu, and Coach Clydesdale. It’s a great way for kids, from an early age, to see positive interactions among their peer group as well as their community at large. As Corn and Peg do good deeds, your preschoolers will have great examples of how helping out helps the great big world around them. And all “good doers” have an inspiring new superhero on the Galloping Grove block—Captain Thunderhoof!

What else will preschoolers learn from this show?
Ever notice the “kind” in “kindergarten?” When it comes to kindergarten readiness, a big theme during the preschool years, Corn & Peg makes sure kindness is a key part of what should be brought to any table. Whether kids are picking up on their colors or directions, you’ll love that loads of creativity, early math and literacy skills, health and wellness and emotional intelligence also go along with the adventures. That theme song sure is catchy, too. “Do Gooders Unite!”

Get excited about Corn & Peg by watching this fun video:

 

Tune in weekdays to Nickelodeon to catch fun-filled original content your kids will love. Catch clips of Corn & Peg here anytime!

—Jennifer Massoni Pardini

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Explore White Center: A Diverse Community with a Quirky Nickname

by Helen Walker Green

Located just south of West Seattle is where you will find the diverse community of White Center aka Rat City (the nickname given to the neighborhood during WWII). While the neighborhood’s rodent-style nickname is still a matter of dispute (some say it came with the war and others say it came with “roller rats” who frequented the Southgate Roller Rink), the community has retained most of its original buildings and it’s where you will find delicious eats, eclectic offerings and places to keep your tykes entertained.

photo: Rose George

Parks & Playgrounds

Steve Cox Memorial Park
With a super playground including a tot play structure, slide, hurricane spinner and swings to fit all ages, the Steve Cox Memorial Park has something for everyone. Pack a picnic lunch and take advantage of the large grassy space, perfect for picnicking or playing catch and be sure to hit the basketball hoops, tennis courts and the reflexology walking path for an afternoon of outdoor fun.

1321 S.W. 102nd St.
Seattle, Wa 98146
Online: kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/inventory/stevecoxmemorial.aspx or map it

photo: Helen Walker Green

Lakewood Park
For disc golf, tennis or a walk around the lake and a picnic, take your crew to Lakewood Park. With wide open spaces and Hicklin Lake at the center, this park feels like a getaway from the city. If you want to take a go at playing disc golf, visit Chainbangers Disc Golf Shop in the park. This is where the professionals will show you how to play as well as rent you the discs—$5 for a set of 3 (putter, mid range and driver). Psst! The Golf Shop also has a small snack shack for a before or after game pick-me-up.

S.W. 108th St. and 10th Ave S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98146
Online: visitwhitecenter.com/biz/lakewood-park or map it

Chainbangers Disc Golf Shop
11050 10th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98146
Online: chainbangers.com or map it

photo: Helen Walker Green

White Center Heights Park
White Center’s “secret” park is tucked away and not even on the map. There’s a short loop trail that crosses a floating bridge over wetlands (watch out for tree frogs and dragonflies). Can you spot the turtles sitting on the logs? There’s also lots of room to kick a ball around, play frisbee or even practice Tai Chi. And if you run out of ideas, there’s a sign in the park to give you suggestions on how to enjoy the space. Psst! If you go to the park at dusk you may just see bats flying above you, as this park is home to several bat houses.

Good to Know: The park has street parking only, but there are ample spots available. It’s also home to a pig pit for roasting pigs à la Pacific Islander style.

S.W. 102nd St. and 7th Ave S.W. (south of White Center Heights Elementary)
Seattle Wa 98146
Online: visitwhitecenter.com/biz/white-center-heights-park or map it

photo: Helen Walker Green

Indoor Play

Roxbury Lanes
Roxbury Lanes is cheap and cheerful bowling at its best. It may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the modern bowling alleys around town, but it’s clean, the staff are friendly, the prices are good and there’s a great choice of food on the menu. (Hint: the Salt n’ Pepper Wings are their specialty). Lighter weight bowling balls are kept in the back, so be sure to ask the staff for one for your mini bowler.

Good to Know: Sunday is Family Day with $2 games from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Also, check out Kids Bowl Free for free bowling during the summer months.

2823 S.W. Roxbury St.
Seattle, Wa 98126
206-935-7400
Online: roxburylanes.com or map it

photo: Helen Walker Green

Southgate Roller Rink
Strap on your skates and head to this roller rink that has been entertaining families since 1937. It’s the original home of roller derby league Rat City Rollergirls and its old-fashioned roller rink—perfect for all ages—is what keeps families coming back again (and again). Psst! Family Skate, which takes place every Friday night and on weekends, includes family-friendly music and games. View the rink’s current schedule online.

Good to Know: Not so steady on those wheels? Want to improve your spin? Southgate Roller Rink offers beginner and intermediate roller skating lessons for $10 (and the price includes Family Skate afterwards).

9646 17th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98106
Online: southgaterollerrink.com or map it

photo: Southgate Roller Rink Facebook page

Evergreen Community Aquatic Center
If you’re looking for a wet ‘n wild good time, the Evergreen Community Aquatic Center is the place to splash, play and swim in White Center. There’s plenty of pool noodles in supply and you are welcome to bring your own pool toys as well. Swimming lessons are also available for tots and older kids (with a 4:1 student/teacher ratio) and the fun instructors come highly recommended.

Good to Know: This is a 1970’s era pool, so you won’t find family changing rooms here, but you will find locker rooms with showers, lockers and restrooms for men and women.

606 S.W. 116th St.
Seattle, Wa 98146
206-588-2297
Online: evergreenpool.org or map it

photo: Helen Walker Green

Places to Eat

Best Roasted Corn on the Cob
If you’re cruising through White Center, you gotta stop at this little food stand that serves delicious Elotes Asados any way you want ’em! Be daring and try the Mexican (corn with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder and lemon) or go for a plain roasted and buttered cob. You can get your corn on a stick or chopped up in a bowl—the bowl is less messy but the stick is more fun! Little Red Tricycle testers say, “it’s the best corn they’ve ever tasted.” And at just $2.50 each, you can always have seconds. Psst! The stand also serves shave ice to cool you down after the spicy corn.

Good to Know: Pick out a mango at their shop and they’ll carve it and put it on a stick for you, with some spicy seasonings if you like. Just be sure to bring the green because this is a cash only stand.

9811 15th Ave S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98106
206-307-7724
map it
Hours: noon-10 p.m

photo: Helen Walker Green

 

Zippy’s Giant Burgers
If you’re looking for an authentic burger, Zippy’s Giant Burgers are made with 100% chuck ground on site every day and are cooked to order by burger technicians. And just like their name, these burgers are GIANT as well as juicy and delicious. All Zippy’s burgers come with the restaurant’s tasty Secret Sauce including their awesome vegetarian Black Bean Burger. For the Littles, there are some great pint-sized options on the menu including Zippy the Yum Yum Burger Boy’s Wacky Meal (a Lil’ Zip burger with cheese, half order of fries or tots and a Capri Sun). Zippy’s also serves a selection of vintage sodas or you can go for one of their hand-dipped shakes, malts or root beer floats. Psst! To keep the kiddos busy while you wait for your order, look for the pinball and Ms. Pac-Man machines located to the left of the order counter.

Good to Know: Kids 11 and under can get a free Wacky Meal on Wacky Wednesdays (every Wednesday from 3 p.m.-6 p.m) with the purchase of one regular combo meal. Adults can also get the grownup equivalent of a Wacky Meal—a burger, a side and a beer!

9614 14th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98106
206-763-1347
Online: zippysgiantburgers.com or map it
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-9 p.m

photo: Zippy’s Giant Burgers

Proletariat Pizza
This pizza establishment, located in the heart of White Center, serves the pizza that made White Center famous. The family run restaurant makes delicious thin crust pizza, made with hand-mixed dough, and sells their pies as whole pizzas, half-pizzas or slices. We recommend the White Center White with ricotta cheese, fresh chopped garlic, oregano, mozzarella cheese on an olive oil base or The Real Hawaiian with SPAM or prosciutto, pineapple, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. Psst! The restaurant has a great kids’ area with games to keep the Littles busy and delish vegetarian and vegan menu options.

Good to Know: Proletariat Pizza has their own app for iPhone and Android.

9622A 16th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa  98106
206-432-9765
Online: proletariatpizza.com or map it
Hours: Mon.-Sun., noon-close

photo: Helen Walker Green

The Salvadorean Bakery and Restaurant
Sisters Aminta and Ana wanted to share their Central American meals and customs with everyone, so they opened this popular bakery and restaurant in White Center. The Pupusas are a big hit—handmade tortillas stuffed with your choice of filling and served with homemade curtido (aka pickled cabbage) and salsa. Psst! The desserts here are to die for—cookies, sweetbreads and did we mention the Tres Leches cake?

1719 S.W. Roxbury St.
Seattle, Wa 98106
206 762-4064
Online: thesalvadoreanbakery.com or map it
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Places for Sips & Snacks

3.14 Bakery
3.14159265… it’s the “pi” bakery and just like the numbers in pi, you won’t be able to remember all the special treats they make. From sticky buns and cinnamon rolls, to handmade pies and special occasion cakes, all of the treats made in the 3.14 Bakery are made from scratch and smell wonderful. In addition to sweets, 3.14 also makes savory pastries including sausage rolls. Psst! This is a great place for families. While you sit and sip your espresso or slump in the comfy sofa, the Littles can play with the many toys on hand.

9602 16th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98106
206-420-4784
Online: On Facebook or map it
Hours Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

photo: Helen Walker Green

15th Ave Bakery & Cafe
Delicious bubble tea is just around the corner at the 15th Ave Bakery & Cafe. Whether you like your bubble tea milk style or smoothie style, you’ll find something sweet on the menu to suit you and your tot’s taste buds. 15th Ave Bakery & Cafe also serves tasty Vietnamese sandwiches and pastries and makes creative cakes for special occasions (you may just see some fancy wedding cakes on display when you visit). Psst! Be sure to try the grownup customer fave–Vietnamese Coffee and Special Sandwich Combo.

9988 15th Ave. S.W., Suite A
Seattle, Wa 98117
206-414-6446
Online: facebook.com/pages/15th-Ave-Bakery-and-Cafe/144377095634577 or map it
Hours Mon.-Sun., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Caffè Delia
If you love coffee, head to Caffè Delia to find the coffee that made White Center famous. Caffè Delia started out as a pop-up coffee shop inside Proletariat Pizza, but has grown and is now located next door in its own space. Serving up smooth hand-crafted coffee from Velton’s Coffee, a small local roaster, is what put Caffè Delia on the map. Psst! Most of Caffè Delia’s pastries are handmade by Delia herself. Be sure to try the scones, a local favorite with adults and kiddos alike.

9622B 16th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98106
206-294-1617
Online: caffedelia.com or map it
Hours Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m

photo: Helen Walker Green

Full Tilt
Full Tilt’s delicious handmade ice cream is a surefire hit with the kids. There are all kinds of flavors to choose, from vegan Orange Marshmallow to Girl Scout-inspired Thin Mint. There’s also vintage sodas and ice cream floats to drink and Northwest beers for the grownups. As if that weren’t enough, you can enjoy your ice cream cones while playing pinball or skee-ball. Psst! Full Tilt is decorated with eclectic artwork and old records which will give you a chance to educate your youngsters on the good ol’ days of vinyl.

Good to Know: Full Tilt is a great place for a birthday party. Along with games to play, the birthday kiddo will get to concoct his or her own special flavor of ice cream.

9629 16th Ave. S.W‎.
Seattle, Wa 98106
206-767-4811
Online: fulltilticecream.com or map it
Hours: Mon.-Sat., noon-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-9 p.m.

photo: Helen Walker Green

What’s your favorite White Center spot? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Helen Walker Green

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12 Signs You’re an Andersonville Parent

by writerredri

Indie over national chains and a fondness for diversity are signature to this easy-going North Side hot spot. If you call this neighborhood home, you already know you’ve found a sweet spot to put down roots with its stroller-friendly sidewalks, tree-lined streets and fabulous bakeries. Read on for 12 telltale signs you’re living, loving and raising kids in Andersonville.

1. You’ve had your kid’s birthday party in the back room of George’s Ice Cream.

photo: Anthony Doudt via flickr

2. When it comes to getting Mediterranean, Mexican, Swedish, Korean, Japanese, and American food all within a three block radius you’re a total pro.

3. You know that TMLMTBGB means Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind and where you can catch that show.

4. Your kids have pretended to be Swedish Immigrants at the Swedish American Museum.

photo: JR P via flickr

5. You know what gløgg is!

6. When you see zombies having their own bar crawl down Clark Street you don’t bat an eyelash.

7. You have lots of opportunities to buy local.

photo: Charles Carper via flickr

8. Your farmers market is next to a Starbucks.

9. You know what a puppet bike is!

photo: garbagetime76 via flickr

10. On more than one occasion you’ve shopped for hours in the Galleria and lost track of time.

11. You know that it is Midsommarfest, not Mid-summer fest.

photo: Andersonville Midsommarfest by Scott Wyngarden via flickr

12. Your kids rave about the story time at Women and Children First bookstore.

What else makes Andersonville special? Share your thoughts below!

— Story written by the fun folks at NPN

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

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10 Signs You’re a Lakeview Parent

by Kelly Aiglon

Oh, Lakeview. The place where it’s equally cool to stay a kid forever and become a parent. Between the Wrigley Field shenanigans and the awesome parks and the lakefront magic and the bustling streets you will never be bored here. And neither will your kids. Here are 10 signs that you’re living it up as a mom or dad in Lakeview.

1. The French Market at Nettelhorst on Saturdays is THE place to be.

photo: Nettelhorst French Market

2. You can NOT leave Trader Joe’s on Diversey if you have not located Joe-Joe the Penguin because that’s how you get a lollipop at checkout!

photo: Trader Joe’s via Mom O. on Yelp

3. Your kids know the way to five parks and 20 restaurants by the time they’re three.

photo: Margaret Donahue Park

4. From the time they can walk, your kids know how to safely approach dogs and their owners.

photo: Donnie Ray Jones via flickr

5. “Frapuccino” is in your 18-month-old’s limited vocabulary.

photo: Amanda Tipton via flickr

6. In your house, the Pride Parade is known as “The Rainbow Parade” and your little one is happy to wave a flag.

photo: Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce

7. Once they can read, your kids love to shout out the names of runners in the Chicago Marathon.

photo: Alyson Hurt via flickr

8. You know that if you get to Mia Francesca’s before 6 p.m. on a weekend night, it’s super kid-friendly.

photo: Mia Francesca’s

9. You know the names of everyone who works at Stella’s Diner and The Bagel and could drop your kids off for babysitting there in a pinch.

 

photo: Stella’s Diner

10. Trick or treating happens at businesses on Broadway the Sunday before Halloween so kids can get even MORE candy!

photo: Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce

What do YOU think is a sign that you’re a Lakeview parent? Let us know in the Comments!

— Story by the fun folks at NPN (Neighborhood Parents Network)

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

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10 Signs You’re a Lincoln Square Parent

by Kelly Aiglon

Life in “The Square” definitely has its benefits. The homey indie businesses! The summer concerts in the plaza! The adorable German vibe! If you live there — or are considering it — you already know how awesome Lincoln Square is for families. Read on for 10 signs you’re a parent in this blooming ‘hood. Do you relate to them?

1. You proudly walk to your Wiggleworms classes.

photo: Old Town School of Folk Music / Kevin Viol

2. Summer Thursdays look like this: play time at Welles Park, dinner at Costello’s, gelato at Paciugo and family music at the fountain. Yes, every Thursday.

photo: Lincoln Square / Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

3. Davis Theatre is close to your heart. Your kiddos see all the new movies there — and don’t miss the mega cineplex one bit.

photo: Davis Theatre

4. Typical order-in night is Korean food.

photo: San Soo Gab San

5. You’ve brought your kiddo to a “session” at The Grafton Pub. And hosted at least one birthday party there.

photo: The Grafton Pub

6. Convenience is key. Especially considering that your kids can get their hair cut AND cut loose in the same building. (Give it up for Pickle’s Playroom!)

photo: Pickle’s Playroom / Tunes With Tim

7. You live in a three-story walkup. And even though climbing all those stairs is exercise enough, you’re a proud member of Lincoln Square Athletic Club.

photo: Lincoln Square Athletic Club

8. Your kids know the word charcuterie (and love it!) thanks to Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen. Rooftop season, here you come.

photo: Gene’s Sausage Shop via Richie D. on Yelp

9. A good time filler is walking the kids over to Mariano’s and going nuts over all the free samples.

photo: Mariano’s

10. Date night means not having to leave the ‘hood. After all, that’s what Huettenbar and Bistro Campagne are for!

photo: Bistro Campagne

What do YOU think is a sign of being a parent in Lincoln Square? Share it in the Comments below!

—Story by the fun folks at NPN (Neighborhood Parents Network)

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

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10 Signs You’re a South Loop Parent

by Kelly Aiglon

A little North Side/South Side rivalry is to be expected in Chicago. And, we must say, the South is rising these days. With more families and kid-friendly hotspots than ever before, it’s a place parents want to be … and not just for Bears game tailgating. Here are the telltale signs that you’re living, loving and raising kids in the South Loop.

1. Grant Park is your backyard. Your very big, very green, very world-famous backyard.

photo: Ken Lund via flickr

2. You take casual and frequent trips to Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, where your kids can expertly navigate the kids’ areas. And, you have family memberships for all three.

 photo: Shedd Aquarium

3. You keep sand toys in your stroller just in case you want to splash around at 12th Street Beach after visiting the Planetarium.

photo: Steve Jurvetson via flickr

4. All those play dates you set up? You met the parents in a Music Together class at Sherwood School of Music.

photo: Sherwood School of Music

5. You plan your weekends around Soldier Field football game days and concerts. And your kids think it’s totally normal to have a weekly procession of drunk Bears fans or teenage concertgoers on the sidewalks near home.

photo: Jim Larrison via flickr

6. Car? What car? You don’t need one because you can get anywhere with the three train lines and five bus routes that run through the neighborhood.

photo: wisley via flickr

7. Sod Room and the indoor play space at Chicago Women’s Park are your winter playgrounds.

photo: Sod Room / TK Photography

8. You are constantly excited by the many shops and restaurants moving into the neighborhood, and Roosevelt Collection is quickly becoming your hangout for shopping and play time.

photo: Roosevelt Collection

9. Family-friendly Weather Mark Tavern is your “Cheers” every Friday night for the fish fry and balloons.

photo: Weather Mark Tavern via Southside S on Yelp

10. You have so many parks to choose from, you could go “park hopping.” And you know all of those parks by two names: Train Park = Coliseum Park, Circle Park = Daniel Webster Park, Sandbox Park = Cottontail Park, Mary Richardson Park = School Park.

photo: Coliseum Park via RL M. on Yelp

What do YOU think is a sign of being a parent in the South Loop? Let us know in the Comments!

— Story by the fun folks at NPN (Neighborhood Parents Network)

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

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10 Signs You’re a Bucktown/Wicker Park Parent

by writerredtri

You love being where the action is, and enjoy a little gritty with your city. It pays off: As a Bucktown/Wicker Park parent, you’re always within steps of a cool new restaurant, shop or cafe — and you can take your kiddo along for the ride. Here are 10 signs you’re raising a family there.

1. Your Sunday morning dilemma: Stan’s Donuts or Glazed & Infused? Or both?

photo: Stan’s Donuts via @stevisavage

2. You know summer has officially begun when you can’t get a seat at the picnic tables outside Big Star’s pick-up window, but you can get Italian ice at Miko’s.

photo: Big Star via Ericka A. on Yelp

3. Your hipsters-in-training take art classes at One Strange Bird and Colorwheel, drink hot chocolate made by a barista, and never turn down a vegan treat.

photo: One Strange Bird

4. You remember your summers based on the pool you frequented, starting early at Holstein and graduating to Pulaski.

photo: Holstein Park Pool 

6. You walk your kids to school through the one of the city’s busiest intersections at Damen/North/Milwaukee, side-stepping the street’s remnants of last night’s revelers and avoiding questions about that mystery food someone left in the crosswalk.

photo: North/Damen/Milwaukee

7. You daydream about future stroller walks and bike rides along The 606 (will it ever be done?!).  

photo: The 606

7. You’ve had several conversations about the wait lists at Drummond, Burr, Pritzker, Pulaski and LaSalle II.

photo: Brad Flickenger via flickr

8. Your kids point at strangers with pink hair, body art and unusual piercings and say, “I want that when I grow up.”

photo: Joseph Novak via flickr

9. Your neighbor’s pub crawl is your ice-cream crawl … Letizia’s, Jannick’s Cafe, Starfruit, Forever Yogurt, Red Mango, I-cream … the list goes on.

photo: Forever Yogurt via @maui_k 

10. Your kids like to chase pigeons at the Polish Triangle and get wet with spitting bears at Wicker Park.

photo: Wicker Park via discosour on flickr

What do you think is a sign of being a Bucktown/Wicker Park parent? Let us know in the Comments!

— Story by the fun folks at NPN (Neighborhood Parent Network)

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

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10 Signs You’re a Lincoln Park Mom

by Kelly Aiglon

Kids live large in Lincoln Park. The pretty streets! The museums! The playgrounds! Hey, you also have maddening parking to contend with — and a nap schedule that hinges on the rumble of the El outside your window. But that’s all part of this crazy parenting game. Here are 10 signs that you’re raising a family in Lincoln Park.

1. You’ve taken a Wiggleworms class with Miss Julie, Mr. Dave or Little Miss Ann … or all three.

photo: Mr. Dave at Wiggleworms / Old Town School of Folk Music

2. Who cares if it’s small — you’re proud to have a backyard (or, at the very least, you’ve made a garden of your fire escape).

photo: Tele Chhe via flickr

3. Lunch comes from the hot bar at Whole Foods at least once a week, and sometimes dinner, and sometimes on the same day.

photo: Tony via flickr

4. You can get in and out of Green City Market in under 20 minutes but definitely not spend less than $20.

photo: Kurman Communications

5. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is your play space.

photo: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

6. You recognize the chaos of RJ Grunts but continue to bring the kids because it’s awesome and, wow, unlimited salad bar.

photo: R.J. Grunts

7. You hit the Buy Buy Baby at least once a week when your little one was six months and under.

photo: Patrick S. via Yelp

8. Musical story time at Lincoln Park Zoo with Mr. Singer is your weekly go-to … and built-in nap insurance.

photo: Mr. Singer

9. You’ve been to a free NPN play date at The Land of Nod or mingle at Bubbles Academy.

photo: NPN / Land of Nod

10. Playgrounds are your main social hubs. The bars have just too many babies.

photo: Dan4th Nicholas via flickr

What do YOU think is a sign of being a Lincoln Park mom? Let us know in the Comments!

— Story written by the fun folks at NPN, with Kelly Aiglon

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

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