Pet lovers rejoice. Now you can count down the days to Christas with your furry friend. Sam’s Club is bringing back its popular pet advent calendar for dogs after sniffing out best in show flavors guaranteed to put a wag in your dog’s tail this season
The advent calendar for dogs comes with 35 grain-free meat treats, including chicken burgers, duck fillets, chicken bites, and turkey stars to name a few. This year on the last day your pup even gets a 8” bully stick.
Your pooch will go nuts for these delicious and healthy all-natural treats that only have 1-2 ingredients! They are now available in select clubs and online for just $9.98, so run to the club or order online before they are gone.
Sam’s Club also just dropped Member’s Mark Oven-Baked Holiday Flavor Dog Treats that look just like your favorite holiday sugar cookies. For just $9.98 for two 2.5 pound bags, your dog can enjoy these Snickerdoodle and Pumpkin Pie-inspired snacks all season long.
All aboard! BRIO is infusing Disney magic into their railway universe with the launch of a new line of Disney trains. These sets feature cute retro-designs that bring Mickey and his friends into the world of BRIO railway.
Your little conductor will head out new railway adventures with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy. The BRIO Disney Mickey Mouse Battery Train will inspire hours of imaginative play. Then kids can record sounds, voices or announcements with the BRIO Disney Mickey Mouse Record & Play Station. Children can also invite Donald and Daisy to join the fun with the BRIO Disney Donald & Duck Train. These sets are also completely compatible with all other BRIO railway products.
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then kids love it! Here are our favorite duck ponds around Los Angeles that your kids will go quackers for, as all of them let your little ducklings get up close and personal with their feathered friends.
photo credit: Andrea Conway Kagey
Lake Balboa at Anthony C. Beilenson Park
This popular South Valley park is open sunrise to sunset and is a popular attraction for both families and nature lovers. The centerpiece of the park is Lake Balboa, a 27-acre lake that, in addition to the beautiful scenery, acts as a preserve to the hundreds of ducks and wildlife that call it home. In addition to walking the 1.3 mile path surrounding the lake, you can also enjoy a leisurely afternoon of fishing or boating from any of the designated areas or launch ramps. With BBQ pits, picnic benches, playgrounds and bike rentals it’s easy to spend the whole day here. Just keep in mind that because Lake Balboa is a wildlife preserve, they ask that you do not feed these ducks in order to protect their migration habits. So leave the bread at home or use it to feed your own ducklings instead.
Heavenly Pond at Franklin Canyon
Tucked away in the hills off Mulholland and Coldwater, Franklin Canyon Park is 605 acres of wilderness heaven. Located between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley, Franklin Canyon is not only a piece of Hollywood history, but also home to the many ducks that reside at Heavenly Pond year-round. When looking for on-site parking, take your time driving through and stop fully at STOP signs, as patrons have been known to get tickets from the eye-in-the-sky cameras. Past the main parking lot there’s another lot closer to Franklin Canyon Lake. To the west of the lake, a stroller friendly walk will bring you to the small pond alive with ducks, turtles and koi fish eager to entertain your small flock of curious kiddos. Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the few benches beside the pond or walk a little further east to the picnic grounds by the Sooky Goldman Nature Center. If you choose to bring the four-legged family members along for the fun, the park asks that they remain on leashes so as not to disturb the wildlife. Here are more of our tips for exploring Franklin Canyon.
2600 Franklin Canyon Dr.
Beverly Hills
Online: nps.gov
photo credit: Meghan Rose
Echo Park Lake
Eastsiders take refuge in glorious Echo Park where they bask in the sun, shade and gorgeous views of down town LA. This park tends to be busier later in the day so if crowds aren’t your thing plan to make it a morning affair. Although the fun is ample, the parking is not, so be prepared to circle the lake to find the perfect spot.
Douglas Park
This popular urban park in Santa Monica has a relaxing, fun vibe and is great for both toddlers and older kids. While the big kids “take to the streets” in the designated bike and scooter area, the toddlers toddle free within the fenced -n playground geared toward kids ages 5 & under. Across the beautiful green grass you’ll find 3 reflecting pools and a mini flowing river that double as a duck and turtle pond with a quaint little bridge ideal for taking pictures or playing “Pooh sticks.” A popular spot for weekend parties, this park has lots of family fun opportunities including a lawn bowling green, two lighted tennis courts and splash pad (open during the summer months). An onsite restroom and clubhouse available for reservations make this an ideal spot for birthday parties, too.
2439 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
Online: smgov.net
photo credit: Diana A. via yelp
Polliwog Park
Encompassing 18 acres in Manhattan Beach, Polliwog Park is the largest park in the South Bay. The beautiful focal point of Polliwog is the large pond that is bordered on one side by a natural wildlife refuge and is a popular stopping ground for flocks of migratory birds. Dogs are welcomed, but for the sake of the feathered inhabitants, are required to enjoy the park from the designated dog run. In the summer be prepared to rock out with the ducks and geese of Polliwog Park as the park hosts evening concerts in the amphitheater overlooking the pond. While you may appreciate the exercise course for strength training, your little ones will love the 3 different play areas and running through the refreshing misters. Pack a cooler and take advantage of one of the 6 BBQs offered in the picnic area. After lunch take your flock on a tour of the grounds. In addition to the beautiful Rose Garden and the City’s Historical Museum, the southwest corner of the park is where you’ll find the Manhattan Beach Botanical Gardens, which is open to the public on a regular basis. Restrooms are readily available and ample shade is sure to make everyone happy. There are no parking lots on park grounds so your best bet is to find curbside parking along Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Currently Closed: Cal State University Northridge (CSUN) Pond
Although this pond may technically be on a college campus, the peaceful site is open to the public. Nestled within a protected historical site of Orange Groves, ducks, turtles and Koi fish happily coexist in this sweet little pond. Turtle and Duck food is available for a quarter from a feeder but bringing your own bread or Cheerios is OK, too. Though sunny over the pond, there is ample shade beneath the fragrant orange trees or inside the lovely gazebo adjacent to the pond. If the smell of oranges is just too tempting, go ahead and help yourself, the campus permits orange picking. When school is in session, parking on the campus is tough but there is ample street parking off of Nordhoff or the neighboring residential streets.
Currently Closed: Los Encinos State Historic Park
Open Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., this state park is a hidden valley gem. Luscious green grass, fragrant citrus trees, ample seating and BBQ pits make this park very inviting for long, lazy afternoons. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood at the corner of Balboa and Ventura Blvd in Encino, it’s more than just a duck pond. A historical site with rich California history, Los Encinos State Historic Park is also home to beautiful Rancho El Encino. This California rancho includes a blacksmith shop as well as the original nine-room de la Ossa Adobe, which are available for free guided tours by appointment. There’s also the two-story limestone Garnier building, which is open for self-guided tours during regular park hours. When you’re done learning about the past, come enjoy the present. Bring your quarters and grab a handful of duck food from the feeders surrounding the fenced in pond and let the little ones have fun feeding the many families of ducks that call this beautiful pond home.
Reseda Park
Located at the corner of Reseda and Victory Blvd, this park is a nice retreat in a busy part of town. A popular weekend spot, there is something to keep everyone in your family entertained sunrise to sunset. The little ones will have tons of fun in the fenced-in playground while the bigger kids enjoy the outdoor basketball, tennis or volleyball courts. When the summer heat gets too hot to handle, take a dip in the public pool or enjoy the picnic and grilling areas year round. A quick walk behind the 2 baseball diamonds will bring you right to the quaint duck pond overlooking the LA River. There aren’t any feeders at this pond so packing your own duck-friendly food is a must if lunching with the flock is on your agenda.
Bette Midler can light up a stage and the silver screen, and soon she’ll be able to add children’s book author to her list of accolades. Her new book, The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable, is set to hit shelves in February 2021. Keep reading for the scoop on this celebrity-penned book.
photo: James White Trunk via Random House
Midler’s new book will be published by Random House Books for Young Readers and will feature photographs from Michiko Kakutani (you might recall she’s the former chief book critic for The New York Times) and illustrations from Joana Avillez. According to the publisher, Midler’s new book is inspired by “the real-life, rainbow-colored mandarin duck that appeared in New York City’s Central Park in 2018, Midler’s modern fable imbues the duck with the magical effect of rousing onlookers to make personal connections with one another over shared experience, which has never been more valued than in this new world of self-isolation and social distancing.”
photo: Random House
Expect a book that will teach the joy about being around others and accepting the unique ducks around us, both human and feathered.
“I am so delighted with the way this project turned out,” says Midler. “I have known Michi Kakutani for years, but I never knew her as a photographer, and when I saw her pictures, I knew there was a story there. It came to me practically overnight: the duck that had enchanted an entire city. The real duck’s visit to New York was a cause for celebration; everyone who saw him fell instantly in love. I wanted to memorialize his visit, and let readers know that the natural world is full of creatures just like him, if we only take the time to raise our eyes and actually see them.”
I’m planning your retirement party next week, even though you’ve mostly just been a pain in the butt for that last year. You regularly made me late to meetings or required me to duck out early. You interrupted my work flow at your convenience, and you made me stress out like crazy if I didn’t get to you on time. Thanks to you, I ate lunch at my desk almost every day because you took up what little free time I had. You are loud and annoying, and frankly, you’re a little embarrassing.
You gross some people out. You require so much attention, and in some cases, that time and effort provides so little return. Sometimes you make me feel like you’re just extra baggage to carry around. So many people questioned why I associated with you for so long, knowing how much I disliked you. Some people thought I shouldn’t have formed a relationship with you at all in the first place. Most people are shocked that despite our rocky relationship three years ago, I still opted to work with you again this last year.
I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to give up on you. There were so many moments I felt that putting effort into our relationship just wasn’t worth the mental and emotional costs. Often, I even worried that associating with you was affecting my career growth. But I guess when I think about it, you’ve done some good, too. Despite the tax on me mentally, there’s no arguing that you’ve helped me lose some weight.
You’ve saved me thousands of dollars, too. You’ve also shown me that I have grit and commitment like I never thought possible. It’s almost hard to believe you’re retiring. I’m fairly confident that after your retirement, I will never see you again. I can’t really say I’ll miss you, but I can say thank you. Thank you for nourishing my babies even when I was working 40, 50, or even 60 hours a week.
Thank you for showing my family that my stubbornness could be put to good use. Thank you for being the reliable, rhythmic workhorse that allowed me to breastfeed as a full-time professional. So here’s to you, breast pump! Cheers to your retirement. I can say with certainty that I will absolutely have a drink (or three) in your honor!
Keren is a business owner x2 (flat-fee lawyer and digital marketing operations) in active pursuit of the elusive work-life balance. With a couple of demanding jobs, a husband who travels for work and two little kids, she maintains her sanity by reading and engaging in inappropriate banter with friends, family and strangers.
Bedtime is about to get more magical! For the third consecutive year, Shop Disney is bringing the Disney Bedtime Hotline back––and it couldn’t come at a better time.
For a limited time, parents and kids can call 1-877-MICKEY to hear magical messages from their fave Disney pals, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy.
The Disney Bedtime Hotline will run for a limited time starting Fri., Apr. 17 through Thur. Apr. 30, 2020 at midnight PT. Kids will be able to hear one message per call, but there’s nothing stopping you from calling back!
Orlando parents, we are here for you! We’ve got a massive virtual events calendar full of activities for kids of all ages and even some activities you can do at home brought to you by local Orlando businesses. Scroll through to plan your week!
For the third consecutive year, Shop Disney is bringing the Disney Bedtime Hotline back––and it couldn’t come at a better time. For a limited time, parents and kids can call 1-877-MICKEY to hear magical messages from their fave Disney pals, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy.
Are you ready for another segment of The Zoo Comes to You? While the Zoo is closed they're bringing the Zoo to you, streaming LIVE on Facebook every weekday at 2 p.m.
Join The Florida Aquarium for a SEA-SPAN Facebook Live each weekday at 10 a.m. ET, where you can take a virtual tour of one of the galleries, enjoy story time with the kids, see special friends waddle throughout the Aquarium and much more from the comfort of your own home.
Live Puppet Chats have begun! These virtual 10-minute sessions allow your child/children to interact in real time with a puppet character. Sing, dance, read a story, or just simply chat. Each session is child-guided and completely unique!
While you can't visit Orlando's Crayola Experience right now, you can sign up to get access to tons of downloadable coloring pages, creativity tips and more. There are new activities added daily.
For more virtual fun every day of the week, head to our virtual events calendar. You'll find dance classes, scavenger hunts, animal encounters, drawing classes and MORE!
For the time being, zoos and aquariums are closed. Many have virtually opened their doors to let your kids experience virtual field trips. Now, you can bring the animals home with you.
Using your phone, search for any animal on Google. Next to the Wikipedia description, you will see a 3D picture of the animal. You will be given the option to “View in 3D.” Click that and the animal will appear on your screen against a white background. Below the 3D animal you will see a “View in your space” option. Click on that to give Google access to your phone camera. Now, the 3D animal will be inserted in your space.
As someone whose dad was a hard-working CEO, I grew up thinking it was normal for at least one parent to miss games, recitals, and the like. It didn’t seem odd that my father couldn’t be around for every function or event—that was just the way the world worked.
I only recall complaining once (when I was 4 years old, mind you) about him being absent on weekends. To his credit, that youthful chastising spurred him to rearrange his hectic travel schedule to free up most Saturdays and Sundays.
Today, the tables have turned. I’m the CEO, raising daughters without a partner or nearby family. I see the world in a different light because I’m on the other side. Like my father, I struggle with the guilt that comes from knowing that I can’t be everywhere at once. Am I ignoring my kids because I have to attend a late-night meeting? Have I neglected my executive duties to attend an afternoon soccer practice?
There aren’t any clear-cut answers, and that’s probably why working women (especially those in leadership positions) are so hard on themselves. But children thrive when they see their parents being human, honing their talents, and realizing their dreams—all while making mistakes.
Instead of carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you have the confidence to know where to focus your attention at a given moment.
The Ups and Downs of Balancing It All
Co-workers, clients, bosses, and friends might call you “superwoman” because you’re raising kids and taking on the corporate world. In reality, you’re like a duck in a pond: You might seem calm and collected on the surface, but you’re paddling frantically beneath the water. It’s all about reaching and maintaining that elusive thing called “balance.”
Take it from me when I say balance is a journey rather than a destination. It’s OK to give those webbed feet a rest while you float for a change. Better yet, let others see beneath the surface by showing that you’re less perfect than they assume.
Sound scary? One of the biggest realizations I’ve made is that it’s safe for me to be honest about my daily work-life juggling act—particularly with my kids. I want my kids to know that when I’m not out having fun while I’m away from them. Sure, I enjoy the occasional work trip, but they’re hardly vacations.
In the same vein, I’ve started to bring some of my most effective work habits home to make more time for my kids—and show them valuable skills. Delegation is the most important tool in my arsenal. I don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to experienced team members, so why shouldn’t I do the same thing at home? Whether my daughters or someone else takes on added responsibilities, the important thing is making room for more together time.
My “tribe” of women friends, many of whom I met through female-focused groups such as the Women Presidents’ Organization, helped me realize the importance of delegation. We all face similar challenges, and these groups enable us to share tips and troubles. A group like that can talk you down when you feel like you’re a terrible parent because you missed a track meet. It’s much healthier to cry on a sympathetic shoulder than it is to run yourself into the ground, after all.
Taking Time for Family
If you spend hours fretting about the way your career hinders parenting, it’s time to rid yourself of the “I should be able to do it all” mindset. Instead of concentrating on the perceived negatives, capitalize on the positive aspects of your working lifestyle.
My guess is that you may have more work-related or financial flexibility and freedom than you realize. Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities to spend time with your family. Perhaps you can work from home on occasional snow days, or you could maybe take time off to go on an “unplugged” trip with your family. More importantly, you probably don’t have to answer those emails or Slack messages immediately. I know it’s hard to permit yourself to unplug, but I’ve found that most communique can wait while you enjoy a family dinner or go to a swim meet.
At the end of the day, my kids don’t think I’m a horrible mother. They love me even though we sometimes have to rely on FaceTime to say goodnight. Plus, they seem to get a kick out of being able to spot my company’s products on the shelves or in their friends’ houses. Rather than a hindrance, I’ve come to see my work as a source of pride for my family.
Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help. Delegating tasks can take extra work off your shoulders. Even better, it can give you more time to spend with the people you care about. Your children know much you love them—it’s time to show them that you don’t have to be superwoman to be a super mom who’s dedicated to balancing work and family.
Alison Gutterman is the president and CEO of Jelmar, the family-owned cleaning products manufacturer of CLR and Tarn-X products. She began her career at Jelmar in 1993 without a title or a desk, and she was named president in 2007. She balances work with parenthood as a single mother of two children.
The South Korean beauty brand has fans across the globe—and now it’s partnering with Disney to create a completely cute collection of lip balms, powder and more.
Along with Mickey & Minnie and Donald Duck & Daisy-themed lip balm sets (both $20), the new line also includes Mickey Mouse Pore Blur Powder ($17) and Minnie, Mickey, Daisy Duck and Donald Duck nail color (all $4).
