West Elm Kids Is Here for Your Mid-Century Modern Nursery Dreams

by Karly WoodApril 5, 2021

If you’re a fan of mid-century modern design, you probably oogle over West Elm on a regular basis. Now the home retail brand has everything you need to outfit your kiddos space in the same classic style: West Elm Kids.

The lineup has been totally redesigned to include new collections and even a digital experience that includes free virtual consultations and room planning advice. Not only that, the re-launch highlights West Elm’s “Good Design” approach that embraces GreenGuard and Fair Trade Certified, 100 percent organic and affordable product solutions.

West Elm Kids has more than 2,000 products for baby, kids and teens grow alongside your kiddo. The collection features 75 pieces of multi-purpose furniture like 4-in-1 cribs, convertible changing tables and storage beds. In addition to furniture, West Elm Kids has also expanded its prints and patterns when it comes to sheets and blankets.

If you need help putting together the ideal space for your littles, you can easily access West Elm’s Design Crew. Using video, phone and Design Chat, the team will help you curate the best offerings for your home.

You can shop the new West Elm Kids starting today at westelm.com or visit your local store.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of West Elm Kids

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Sesame Street Is Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day in a Special Way

by Karly WoodApril 2, 2021

Happy World Autism Awareness Day! In honor of this special day, Sesame Workshop is expanding its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative by adding brand new videos and activities.

Julia, a 4-year-old Sesame Street Muppet with autism, is taking center stage in the new videos that will also include a new episode on HBO Max and PBS KIDS. Available for free in English and Spanish on SesameStreet.org/autism, the resources help children and families to cope with changes in routines and other uncertain scenarios.

photo: Sesame Street

The new Julia-centric episode, Match It!, will premier on Apr.8, on HBO Max and PBS KIDS. In addition, parents can find tons of other resources that include:

Original videos starring Julia, her family, and Sesame Street friends, including A Pizza Problem, Indoor Picnic, and Starfish Art Show
New storybook, A Little Bit Different, A Little Bit the Same
A new interactive game, Making it Work
New articles on strategies for parents and caregivers

Sesame Workshop is working to expand the initiative in other ways this month as well. SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Sesame Place Philadelphia and Beaches Resorts will feature physically distanced meet and greets with a Julia walkaround character! Additionally, Glo Pals is introducing light up versions of Julia and Elmo that instantly light up in bright colors when they’re dropped in liquid.

You can visit SesameStreet.org/autism for even more info and resources.

––Karly Wood

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Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT Finally Has an Opening Date

by Karly WoodMarch 10, 2021

EPCOT’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is almost here! The Walt Disney Company has announced that the brand new attraction will open on Oct. 1, 2021.

This new ride is a part of the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” which celebrates Walt Disney World Resort’s 50^th anniversary. The debut serves as the kickoff for the event, which will run for 18 months and brings new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks.

photo: Matt Stroshane

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will bring park-goers into the award-winning film, Ratatouille. Get ready to shrink down to Chef Remy’s size and navigate through Gusteau’s restaurant!

You’ll find the new attraction in the expanded area of EPCOT’s France Pavilion, along with new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris. The new eatery offers table and quick-service options, serving up treats like sweet crepes, savory buckwheat galettes and authentic French hard cider.

Stay up to date on “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” by visiting WDWNews.com and DisneyParksBlog.com.

––Karly Wood

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Unicorns, Flying Pomeranians & the Return of “My Little Pony!”

by Erica LoopFebruary 26, 2021

My Little Pony is getting a makeover. Hasbro’s entertainment studio Entertainment One recently announced the upcoming release of theatrical-quality CG animation film and a new series debuting on Netflix later this year!

The iconic world of Equestria is expanding. In the new My Little Pony franchise film, the beloved brand will introduce a new generation of adorable awesomeness and cute cartoons (or rather, CG animated) creatures.

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My Little Pony’s latest creation features a divided world, where the Ponies are separated into species. Your kiddo will get to know Sunny Starscout, an idealistic young pony who just doesn’t fit in with the rest of the Earth Pony townies. When Izzy the Unicorns wanders into town, Sunny befriends the magical being and takes off on an out-of-this-world adventure. The pair travel to far away lands, face their fears, turn old enemies into friends, and so much more.

As if Sunny and Izzy’s My Little Pony adventures aren’t enough, the film also includes the “world’s cutest” flying Pomeranian and a cast of characters your kiddo is sure to love.

The CG animated Netflix film isn’t the end of the newest My Little Pony saga. Sunny Starscout and her friends will return to the streaming service for an all-new series this fall.

—Erica Loop

Feature Photo: Discovery Press

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Tweens & Teens Can Explore YouTube Safer Than Ever with New Updates

by Karly WoodFebruary 25, 2021

Keeping kids safe online is a goal of any parent and YouTube has just announced a brand new way to keep safety at the forefront. When your budding young adults have outgrown YouTube Kids, you’ll soon be able to give age-appropriate access to YouTube through the new supervised experience option.

Geared especially for parents who are ready to let their tweens and teens explore YouTube, you’ll soon be able to create a supervised Google account, which will come with content setting and limited features. YouTube is launching a beta version in the coming months so families can test and provide feedback as the experience improves.

The early options will include three content settings for parents to choose from. They include:

Explore: Perfect for the transition from YouTube Kids to YouTube, this setting has content suitable for viewers ages nine and older and includes vlogs, tutorials, gaming videos, music clips, news, educational content and more.
Explore More: This setting is for kids 13+ and will include an expanded set of videos and live streams.
Most of YouTube: Includes almost all videos on YouTube and sensitive topics that may only be appropriate for older teens but does not include age-restricted content.

Parents will also be able to manage watch and search history from within their child’s account settings, in addition to controls using Google’s Family Link. The supervised experience will feel like a regular visit to YouTube, but without personalized ads or ads in certain categories. Upon launch, all in-app purchases will also be disabled.

“Kids are online now more than ever, and their safety online is a top priority. National PTA appreciates YouTube advancing age-appropriate experiences, as well as implementing settings that enable families to choose an experience that feels appropriate for their child. We’re pleased that YouTube has responded to families’ needs and wants and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to bring awareness to families about these new options and how to choose an experience that’s best for them, ” says Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA.

Head to YouTube to learn more about the all-new supervised experience optioon.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of YouTube

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Forget about the Gingerbread House, Now There’s a Peeps Cookie Coop Kit

by Erica LoopFebruary 23, 2021

The Peeps brand may have already expanded well past the little yellow chickies but this year, fans of the sugar-coated marshmallow birds are in for a special treat. A gingerbread house-ish Cookie Coop Kit is here to fill all your candy-covered Easter treat dreams.

Your fave Easter candy now has a home. The geniuses behind the sugary goodies recently released a buildable link and lock mini chicken coop to hold the treats. The Peeps Cookie Coop Kit includes everything you need to make this soon-to-be holiday tradition.

photo: BJ’s

This kit is the ideal option for anyone who doesn’t have the time or IG-worthy kitchen skills to create their own cookie coop. Along with Peeps chicks, the kit also comes with pre-mixed icing, assorted candy, pre-baked sugar cookie panels, and cut-out chick figures. Just link and lock the sugar cookies, decorate the coop, and load it up with plenty of Peeps.

Nab a value pack (two coops in one) in stores or online from BJ’s here. BJ’s currently sells the kit for $10.99. Don’t worry if you “accidentally” eat the Peeps that come with the kit before you can add them to the coop. You can always buy more to complete the look and create a cute Easter table centerpiece!

—Erica Loop

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Barbie & Fam Are Back with 2 Brand New Specials in 2021

by Karly WoodFebruary 19, 2021

The Roberts clan is back in action! Mattel, Inc. has announced two new animated Barbie Specials releasing this year.

First up, Barbie & Chelsea The Lost Birthday will debut this spring and will be the first dedicated television movie featuring Barbie’s younger sister Chelsea in a starring role. The special follows the Roberts family as they set out on an adventure cruise for Chelsea’s birthday, only to cross the International Date Line and lose her birthday.

photo: Courtesy of Mattel

Chelsea’s 60-minute special will air on Netflix in the U.S. and other platforms around the world.

The second special has yet to be named, but will follow the popular “Barbie Princess Adventure” released last year. The musical will follow Barbie and her friends on a trip to New York City.

“Barbie’s brand message, about inspiring the limitless potential in every child, and her stories resonate deeply with both kids and parents all over the world,” said Adam Bonnett, Executive Producer, Mattel Television. “This year, we are expanding the Barbie content universe in a number of ways starting with a fantastical story centered around Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea, an incredibly popular character in the Barbie family. We have barely scratched the surface of the stories the brand can tell, and this is the first of many scripted and unscripted Barbie projects we have in production and development.”

In addition to the new specials, Mattel will also be launching complementary dolls, playsets and accessories based on Chelsea this spring. The products will be a part of the Barbie brand expansion to her family and friends.

––Karly Wood

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Look Ma, No Hands: Nike Is about to Drop Hands-Free Shoes

by Karly WoodFebruary 8, 2021

As a brand, Nike has always been a forerunner of innovation. In 2015, the company launched the first products in its FlyEase line that was largely inspired by teenager Matthew Walzer who was seeking an easy way to put on shoes.

Now the collection is expanding not only with a new style, but one that is completely hands off. So how does the new Nike GO FlyEase work? Check out the amazing video below.

Nike uses a bi-stable hinge that allows the shoe to be secure in fully open and fully closed states. The shoe also used a signature Nike GO FlyEase tensioner which uses the motion of kicking off a shoe to redefine function.

The innovative new footwear is perfect for athletes, people on the go and especially moms who have their hands full. The initial launch comes in three colorways: white, Celestine Blue and Volt, black, Dynamic Turquoise and Hyper Crimson, and black, Anthracite and Racer Blue.

For now, the Nike GO FlyEase shoes will only be available by invite for select Nike Members, but the brand will roll out to the general public within the year. Stay tuned for pricing and availability.

––Karly Wood

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Maisy the Mouse Turns 30 & She’s Ready for a Celebration

by Karly WoodJanuary 15, 2021

Can you believe that Maisy the Mouse was published three decades ago? Lucy Cousin’s iconic children’s book character is ready to turn the big 3-0 and Candlewick Press has plans to celebrate.

Cousin’s books have long entertained children, parents and educators with simple stories and visual humor. With over 45 million books in print, including a variety of formats, Maisy continues to encourage a love of reading.

Candlewick Press’s celebration of Maisy includes activities that include a robust activity kit, updated First Experience brochure for educators, downloadable sheets and expanded resources for educators. Parents can also find tons of free Maisy and friends activities on maisyfunclub.com.

The 2021 publishing program includes a robust list of titles which exemplify the breadth and variety of Maisy, designed to keep preschoolers engaged and excited. Titles include:

You can introduce your young readers to Maisy with the newly published Happy Birthday, Maisy to celebrate on her actual big day––Feb. 10. Don’t forget to pick up Maisy’s Chinese New Year and Maisy’s Moon Mission, as the adorable mouse learns abut Chinese New year objects and learns about space in her interactive board format.

––Karly Wood

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Goldfish Releases New Flavor Blasted Cheddar & Sour Cream Variety

by Jennifer SwartvagherJanuary 6, 2021

New year, new Goldfish! Goldfish is kicking off 2021 by expanding its Flavor Blasted line, with new Flavor Blasted Cheddar & Sour Cream crackers. These bite-sized crackers deliver big, bold flavor with an irresistible mix of Cheddar and Sour Cream.

Flavor Blasted Cheddar & Sour Cream Goldfish crackers is snack the whole family will love. Keep a bag (or two) on hand to satisfy cravings anytime, anywhere. Just like all Goldfish crackers, Flavor Blasted Cheddar & Sour Cream Goldfish crackers are baked with real cheese and made with no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Starting this January, Flavor Blasted Cheddar & Sour Cream Goldfish crackers will be available in select retailers, including Target and more, nationwide retailing for $2.49.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Pepperidge Farm

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