Your morning Starbucks run could soon start looking a little different. In a company statement this week, the coffee powerhouse shared its goals for preserving the planet and what that means for your paper cups.
To start, Starbucks plans to reduce its waste by 50% by the year 2030, and that means a departure from single-use plastics. To do that, it’s starting a pilot program for reusable cups in half a dozen markets. The goal? For customers in the U.S. and Canada to have their own personal reusable cup at every store, drive-thru and mobile order.
Joshua Trujillo, Starbucks
Starbucks president and CEO, Kevin Johnson shares, “We have a bold long-term sustainability vision and ambitious goals for 2030.”
Currently, CNBC reports that disposable lids and cups make up 40% of the company’s packaging waste, so ditching them would be a giant step to better sustainability. By 2025, Starbucks hopes to be able to give customers access to personal or Starbucks-provided reusable cups every time they visit.
Right now, the company is testing a few “Borrow-A-Cup” programs and other reusable models in the United States, U.K., Japan and more. Per usual, cafés are continuing to encourage people to bring their own cups and Starbucks is even considering additional ideas like a cup washing station at the counter.
Despite the potential for busy parents everywhere to forget their cups at home (a la our reusable grocery bags), there is still a general sentiment held by most people to help save the planet in any small way they can. Kim Davis, a Starbucks store manager testing the “Borrow-A-Cup” program at her store shares, “Customers were just so excited to try something new and my partners had a lot of pride in testing it and giving that feedback to make the program even better. I do think that everyone really does want to contribute to a better world, and if we can help them do that one cup at a time, that is our mission right there.”
If you’ve been putting off buying that cute, expensive metal tumbler––here’s your chance to grab it, and save the planet one cup of coffee at a time.
Lights, reindeer, music, and treats are just some of the fun things you’ll find while exploring Candy Cane Lane in Seattle
Many Seattle-area neighborhoods go all out for the holidays, but there’s none more adorably decorated than the row of 1920s-era Tudors lining Candy Cane Lane. With lights, music and moving objects, this sweet neighborhood has been a Seattle holiday institution for more than six decades. Whether you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane or want to start your own family tradition, grab your little elves and hit this decked out ‘hood.
Kylie Kirkland
Set Your GPS
A Seattle institution since 1949, Candy Cane Lane is otherwise known as N.E. Park Rd., just off the main drag of Ravenna Blvd. at the cross street of 21st Ave. N.E., just north of University Village. It's actually a curved row of 23 adorably decorated houses so sweet they look like you could have plucked them right off a gingerbread house display.
Sleighs, reindeer, blow-up candy canes, mechanical decorations ‘round the traffic circle and traffic back-ups. Decorations usually share a theme (past events have centered on holiday classics such as the Nutcracker), and now there’s a multi-cultural approach with the charming "peace" ornamentation. In years past a real, live Santa has been known to make surprise appearances, passing out candy canes, of course.
Where to Eat
The mecca of University Village offers plenty of options, and it’s just five minutes away from Candy Cane Lane, so make an evening of it and head to the kid-friendly Veggie Grill or Delfino’s Chicago Style Pizza for a quick bite, followed by treats at Trophy Cupcakes & Party, Molly Moon's Ice Cream or The Confectionary. Maybe take care of a ‘lil holiday shopping while you’re at it? Also nearby: Kidd Valley Burgers (can you say, milkshakes?), and if all else fails, there’s a drive-thru McDonald’s on 25th.
Where to Park
Technically, you don’t need to park at all. Candy Cane Lane in Seattle is a drive-by thing, with cars idling and inching along slowly as passengers snap pictures through fogged-up windows. But if you want to fully experience the music, lights, and mechanical decorations (like the rain and the wind), park on a side street, bundle up and get out of the car. Ravenna Park, just a half block away, has about a dozen parking spots, or you can snag parking on a nearby side street.
Insider tip: Buy the kiddies a cup of hot cocoa across the street at Seven Market & Cafe to make your evening stroll even more enjoyable.
Melinda Wong
When to Go
The Christmas Ship and Parade of Boats is always a fun addition to this outing. Check the 2022 schedule and find out when the ship parade will stop by Matthews Beach, Magnuson Park, or Madison Park, all within a few miles of Candy Cane Lane Seattle. Or go after a movie; or when the relatives come into town; or any rainy evening when the kids are acting up and need to be reminded of who’s on the lookout for those who have been naughty and who has been oh-so-nice.
Insider tip: The word on the lane is not to go before December 10. The neighbor elves are busy setting up everything for you in the meantime.
Dates: The houses are usually ready to go in mid-December. Wander through between dusk and around 10 p.m. until the New Year.
Cost: Free, however, a canned food drive donation station usually sits at the end of the route and viewers can also leave donations at the nearby Seven Market & Cafe.
The day is finally here! Halloween is behind us and the holiday season has officially arrived—made official by the fact that Starbucks just announced the return of its iconic holiday drink lineup. Who wants to hit the drive-thru ASAP?!
This year is extra festive, since Starbucks is celebrating 25 years of its iconic holiday cups. To celebrate, the coffee chain is bringing back some of its most beloved designs, which are sure to look familiar to coffee fans all over the world.
And starting today, you can officially grab your favorite festive drinks at any U.S. Starbucks location. This year’s offerings include familiar favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Chestnut Praline Latte. There’s also a cold brew option for those of us who think iced coffee should be a year-round staple. And always inclusive, Starbucks brought back their first non-dairy holiday latte that debuted last holiday season.
Tis the season to be properly caffeinated. Here’s what’s on offer at Starbucks, starting today.
Peppermint Mocha
One of the most-loved drinks on Starbucks' holiday menu, the Peppermint Mocha is turning 20 years old this year!
Caramel Brulée Latte
Caramel Brulée sauce and topping combine with steamed milk and whipped cream to make this decadent drink.
Chestnut Praline Latte
A beloved holiday favorite, this drink features flavors of caramelized chestnuts and crumbled pralines.
Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
Topped with holiday sugar sprinkles and white pearls, this toasty, chocolatey drink might be the prettiest one on the Starbucks holiday menu.
Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
For those who don't drink dairy, Starbucks brought back the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, the first-ever non-dairy holiday drink that debuted last year.
Irish Cream Cold Brew
For anyone who thinks cold brew is a year-round drink, Starbucks has a holiday menu entry just for you: the festive Irish Cream Cold Brew.
Alongside all the holiday drinks, Starbucks also brought back festive snacks and treats.
Chocolate Pistachio Swirl
New this year is the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, which features a creamy filling swirled into buttery brioche dough.
You can also still snack on all your classic holiday favorites, like Snowman Cookies, Reindeer Cake Pops, Sugar Plum Cheese Danishes, and Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Trick-or-Treating isn’t just for Halloween night! The month of October is full of opportunities to score some candy outside your neighborhood. Try on those costumes and fill your candy buckets while exploring a historic mansion, walking the grounds of George Washington’s home or driving through Sesame Street. You just never know what treats are in store for you in the DC area!
Halloween in Downtown Frederick, MD Treats, an outdoor movie and VW Beetles dressed up for Halloween will fill your Sat.! Stroll the historic streets of Frederick, MD with your costumed little ones and collect treats from local businesses from 10 a.m.-noon. Don’t miss the Vintage Volkswagen Car Show in Everedy Square & Shab Row from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. where you can see cars in costumes and grab some more treats from their trunks. Return in the evening for a showing of Hocus Pocus! at the outdoor Amphitheater from around 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (exact start time will depend on sunset).
HersheyPark in The Dark Pack up the family and leave the tricks behind with a treat filled trip to the “sweetest place on earth” this month! Head north to HersheyPark that opens three weekends in Oct. for a delicious and fun Halloween celebration. Kids 12 & under can visit the Hershey Trick or Treat Trail with 13 sweet stops throughout the park and select rides go lights-out. If you tire of chocolate, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin shakes and pumpkin pie funnel cake sundaes can be purchased throughout the park. You’re likely to spot some Hershey favorites in costume, so don’t forget yours!
Trick-or-Treating at Historic Mount Vernon Step back in time and celebrate Halloween 18th Century style at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Get out the vintage costumes and let the kids collect candy around the estate in provided treat bags. The whole family can enjoy period inspired entertainment and activities. Plan to visit candy making demonstrations and tastings, Punch and Judy Halloween-themed shows and the Blacksmith shop. Be prepared for all the photo ops as history meets Halloween!
Editor's Note: This event has now sold out.
Where:3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA Cost: $9-$25/person Open: Oct. 30 Onlinetinybeans.go-vip.net
Air & Scare If you prefer to feed your brain instead of your sweet tooth this Halloween grab your free tickets to the Air & Scare. The event will be held outdoors this year (rain or shine) and feature Discovery Stations with a Halloween twist, Drone Racing, Paper Airplane Activities, Origami making and more. Don’t miss the “Truth or Trick” Stations or some sun spotting with an Astronomy volunteer. Note there is no food or drink for sale.
Where:14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA Cost: Free, but timed tickets required for entry + $15/vehicle for parking Open: Oct. 30 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Halloween Night Hunt & Sweets The O Street Mansion has dressed up for Halloween and is the perfect destination for your treasure hunter to trick-or-treat! Search through 100 rooms (you are guaranteed to see at least 60 of them) for Halloween and Autumn themed items unique to the mansion. There are 70 secret doors hidden throughout the rooms for the most observant and patient searches to discover. Ticket proceeds support the artist-in-residence and other programs at the Mansion.
Where: 2020 O St. NW, Washington DC Cost: $50/person Open: Oct. 29-31 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Not-Too-Spooky-Halloween Drive-Thru Can you tell me how to get to a safe theme park experience this fall? If a crowded park isn’t in your comfort zone yet, check out this creative way to enjoy the experience from your car. Tune your car radio to their Halloween themed station and wind your way through Sesame Place enjoying dazzling lights, 10 not-too-spooky zones and even see Elmo and furry friends dressed in their costumes. You can trick-or-treat along the way, purchase yummy treats and glow products and take advantage of special photo opportunities all from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle.
Monster Mash Where else can you see live pumpkin carvers other than at the Village of Leesburg’s annual Monster Mash? Test run your costume while trick-or-treating around the Village and check out the pumpkin and cookie decorating. Join in the parade and participate in the costume contest for both people and their 4-legged friends. Local restaurant, Rogi, located inside the Chefscape Food Hall, is preparing Harry Potter themed treats for purchase during the event.
Where: 1602 Village Market Blvd, Leesburg, VA Cost: Free Open: Oct. 23 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Breaking news!! Santa Clara county has been invaded by over 70 dinosaurs and they are hungry! We advise all curious and inquisitive young paleontologists who desire a safe view of these beasts to proceed cautiously down to Santa Clara County Fairgrounds but to stay within their vehicles at all times. Read on for an exclusive first look at these ferocious creatures then make sure to reserve a time slot (don’t forget the promo code!) for your chance to come face-to-face with these behemoths.
Jurassic Quest is a drive-thru event complete with a digital audio tour. Prior to arrival, guests are texted a link which, when opened on a cellular device, streams one of three different narrated stories through YouTube or SoundCloud. The kid-friendly ones recommended by the staff are The Adventures of Nick & Marty and Safari Sarah’s Big Day. Signs and placards along the route give instructions of when to start, pause and resume the audio tour.
The dinosaurs range from small Velociraptors to an 80 foot long Spinosaurus along with a nursery of baby dinosaurs sure to delight the family. The ever popular Tyrannosaurus Rex and his herbivore friends Stegosaurus and Triceratops are also among the notable dinos. Prepare for the Jaws theme song to play in your head at the sight of the impressive Megadolon and be glad it’s a prehistoric creature!
Meticulous detailing of each dinosaur was made in consultation with leading paleontologists to ensure that every detail is replicated—be it feathers, fur or scales. The dinosaurs move in convincing fashion with heads and tails swinging, eyes blinking and roar intermittently so make sure to have your windows open for the full effect.
We absolutely love that each dinosaur is accompanied by a sign that states not only its name but the correct pronunciation (say “Pachycephalosaurus” three times in a row) — this is particularly helpful in the education of parents whose dinosaur species knowledge might be lacking. We also love that this experience is safe, contact-free and a fun way to entertain the kids and we think you will, too!
Good to know:
• There is an enticing souvenir booth you must drive through to exit so it may help to prepare the kids beforehand (read: prevent meltdowns) or consider purchasing a Quest pack to save money
• A free, safari-style photo with families in their vehicles and a dino as a backdrop is included at the end of the tour
• The tour lasts about one hour, porta potties are on site
Getting there: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Lot A
441 Tully Rd (entrance off 7th Ave)
Chances are if you’re a parent, you’ve got a dino lover on your hands. If your kiddos spout off dinosaur names (where’d they learn to pronounce them all anyway?) and know the difference between the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, they’ll want in on these nearby dinosaur experiences that bring their favorite prehistoric creatures to life. From a new drive-thru experience to fossilized footprints that are worth the drive, here’s where to find dinosaurs.
Jurassic Quest Drive Thru
Jurassic Quest
Have you heard? The parking lot at Gillette Stadium is undergoing renovations. Instead of hosting Patriots' fans, it will host over 70 larger-than-life, animatronic dinosaurs (and one 50-foot long Megalodon!) who can't wait to meet your kids. Families can "ooh," "ahh" and gasp over these creatures from the comfort of their car. Plus, you can listen to he audio tour to learn a little something as you explore the immersive experience. Let's just say this is one dino-mite way to spend an afternoon.
Good to know: Parents can purchase add-on packs for their crew to enhance the experience.
Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Pl. Foxborough, MA Event details
T. Rex Adventure
Zoo New England
Bring your kids to "explore the roar" at Stone Zoo this summer. As they walk the zoo grounds, they'll be greeted by some of the most colossal creatures ever to walk the earth. Among the trees and bushes, they'll find a 42-foot long T. Rex, a 20-foot long Plateosaurus (to name a few) and dinosaur skeleton recreations poised for little learners. Just remember, these amazing creatures are animatronic so keep that in mind when touring with the younger set. The perfect summer destination for budding paleontologists!
Dates: Now through Sept. 6, 2021 Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: Included with zoo admission
Stone Zoo 149 Pond St. Stoneham, MA 617-541-5466 Event details
Explore-a-Saurus
Lex Piccione
Kids who thrive on dino facts will love this exhibit that's always on display at the Boston Children's Museum. It's as hands-on as it gets, inviting kids and parents to ponder and answer compelling questions about how dinosaurs moved, how big they were and what they may have looked like. Kids will get to sift through fossil evidence and even manipulate a full-size dinosaur model to help suss out their answers. Our favorite part? It's got to be the life-size, animatronic Dilophosaurus who oversees the whole thing.
Hours: Weds.-Sun., 9 a.m.-noon & 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cost: $18/person; Free for babies 12 mos. & under and members
Families familiar with the Museum of Science know there's a whole floor to explore dinosaurs here, starting with Dinosaurs: Modeling the Mesozoic and ending at Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff. Whether your curious cutie is gazing up a a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex model or standing at the foot of a 65-million-year-old Triceratops fossil named "Cliff," they'll have more than enough questions answered about their favorite prehistoric creatures once they've thoroughly explored these two permanent exhibits.
Make tracks to this preserve off Route 5 where you'll find fossilized footprints left by some of the earliest known dinosaurs. The area is known for its fntastic and well-preserved footprints that bring prehistoric creatures to life (psst.. there are over 800 that have been found over the years). This handy map will help you find the ones you're looking for.
Good to know: This park is open daily from April 1 to November 30.
Stay on track when you head out of state (it's not too far) to visit the Dinosaur Dome, find tracks and come face-to-face with oversized creatures at Dinosaur State Park. Under the dome, expect a stunning display of fossilized tracks made over 200 million years ago alongside murals, a discovery room and a dig pit. Then it's on to the trails outside that feature floral and fauna that also existed during the Age of the Dinosaurs. How cool is that? Families may also have the opportunity to cast tracks and mine for fossils too.
Hours: Grounds open daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Exhibit Center open Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: $6/adult; $2/kid, ages 6-12; Free for kids 5 & under
If your regular Taco Bell run isn’t satisfying your craving, Ravensburger’s new game just might!
The Taco Bell Party Pack Card Game is a must for taco fiends. It comes in a party-pack style box with carrying handle that perfectly pairs with your late night Bell run and is super easy to learn. So what’s the goal?
photo: Courtesy of Ravensburger
In the fun new game, players make Taco Bell runs to pickup crunchy tacos, bean burritos, Freezes and other menu items to feed Supreme Superfans, Happier Hour Heroes, Drive Thru Divas and more. If you satisfy everyone’s cravings, you can score crave chips that earn you extra points.
Grab the Taco Bell Party Pack Card Game at Target now for $16.99 and at other retailers nationwide, including Amazon, on Aug. 1. Is anyone else suddenly craving tacos?
Florida has thrilling theme parks, beautiful beaches, amazing art museums and an abundance of other adventures. But do you know it also has the best places for spotting shells or the local restaurants that kids will love?
A vacation to Florida offers up so many options for families that it can be a challenge to narrow them down—which is why we’ve teamed up with three local moms to get their insider knowledge. Here’s what three Florida-based mom bloggers say are their must-dos on a Florida vacation:
Ready to plan your next family vacation? Get started at VISITFLORIDA.com.
Tampa-based mom Jennifer likes to head the family to Boca Grande or Islamorada when they’re looking for an in-state adventure. Boca Grande is their go-to place for relaxing and searching for sand dollars, followed by a cone at Dolphin Cove. For brunch, she suggests a stop at the beachy-themed Gasparilla Inn. Jennifer also suggests Islamorada for an action-packed trip, including diving for spiny lobster (with Morado Bay as a backup in case your catch doesn’t go as planned) and heading to the coral reef near Alligator Point to snorkel with the tropical fish in their natural habitat.
Sherri and her two kids love the beaches near their South Florida home, but when they’re looking for another place to cool off, they head to Coconut Cove Waterpark in Boca Raton, which has two four-story waterslides. An afternoon in nearby Downtown Delray is also a day well spent, thanks to more than 100 local boutiques and galleries. When your family can’t decide where to eat, the new Delray Beach Market is a lifesaver, with tons of dining options under one roof. Sherri also suggests wandering around Mizner Park in East Boca and a stop at Rex Baron for dinner. It’s an AR experience and restaurant, so you can check multiple vacation boxes at one stop.
Kimberly’s two little ones love animals, which is why she suggests a trip to Butterfly World (home to over 20,000 butterflies!) in Coconut Creek or Lion Country Safari (with a drive-thru safari and animal feeding!) in Loxahatchee. When it’s time to cool off, Kimberly suggests Haulover Park in Miami for a dip in the ocean. If oceanside is more your style, 50ocean and Latitudes are both beachfront restaurants with stunning views.
Ready to plan your next family vacation? Get started at VISITFLORIDA.com.
If you’ve ever visited a store with your little ones in tow, it quickly becomes clear that they think money grows on trees. Or rather, it flows from that magical drive-thru cash dispenser at the bank. It can be a tricky subject to tackle with kids, but those trips to the toy aisle become a bit more meaningful when you try a hands-on approach to teaching finances—even at a young age. From starting a DIY business to chore charts, here are a few ways to master the money game with your kids.
Start teaching your child positive saving habits today with anOnPoint Savers Account from OnPoint Community Credit Union. When you open an account and deposit a minimum of $25, OnPoint will deposit an additional $55!*
1. Play cashier. Use “money” to play cashier with your kids at home. Play money you’ve bought or created works well for this activity! Next, set prices for items around the house—food, clothing, you name it—and allow them to pay with the pretend money, showing them how much they need and how much change they should receive after paying. Pretend transactions at home will help build the foundation for spending money in the real world.
2. Set an achievable goal. First, choose an item with your kids that they’d like to purchase with their own money—something they could reasonably achieve within one to three months. Then, remind them to save up every time they receive money via allowance or gifts. Once your little ones have saved enough money toward their goal, take them to the store to make the purchase with their savings, or possibly continue saving and setting a new bigger goal.
3. Explain how banking works and open a savings account.Your kids may think the bank, credit union or ATM is a place you visit when you need more money or that your debit card just has money. Take them with you to your local branch, and explain that it is a place that keeps your money safe after you’ve earned it, not somewhere that gives it away. Depending on how old they are, this could be as simple as teaching them about money in and money out, or as complicated as explaining compound interest, and the basics of income and budgeting.
4. Grow savings. Show them how to keep track of the money they save by writing deposits and withdrawals in a register or at the top of a piece of paper. Then explain how they can earn more money from their savings by keeping their money in their account. For example, in addition to receiving $55 when opening an OnPoint Savers Account, the account balance will earn 5.00% APY up to $500—a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account! Along with the OnPoint Savers Account, the credit union also provides tips and tools to help savers of all ages learn positive money habits.
5. Help them start a shop. What better way to teach your kids about money than by running their own “business?” Work with your child to determine what they’ll create, where they’ll sell, what their costs will be and how much they’ll charge. Selling homemade dog biscuits near a local dog park or having a DIY plant business is an excellent opportunity for kids to have fun and learn the value of money!
—Kaitlyn Kirby
*OnPoint Savers Account rate of 5.00% APY is accurate as of December 1, 2020 and subject to change. Stated APY is for balances up to $500; balances of $500.01 and higher earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend.
The full account balance APY is calculated by combining the 5.00% APY earnings on the first $500 with the standard APY on the remaining balance above $500.
Are you looking to bring a touch of spring to your breakfast table? Krispy Kreme can help you get into the spirit!
The donut brand just revealed the cutest lineup: Spring Minis. The adorable tiny treats are available for a limited time beginning Mar. 25 and include three versions returning from last year.
photo: Business Wire
Get ready to sink your teeth into the new Mini Blue Bird donut, a mini Original Glazed with bright blue icing and decorated like a bluebird. Also newly designed this year is the Mini Flower donut, am mini Original Glazed Doughnut dipped in yellow icing and yellow sanding sugar and decorated with a white icing flower.
Finally, you can’t pass up the Mini Bunny Bum donut, a mini Original Glazed dipped in green icing, topped with green sprinkles, a dollop of Kreme and two bunny feet sugar pieces.
You can get these donuts in 20-count boxes as part of your pick-up, drive-thru or delivery orders. To be sure your closest Krispy Kreme is making these adorable treats, check out their store locator online.
