While we all need inspiration and motivation to go back in the kitchen and prepare our kids’ first lunches of the year, why not pick inspiration among these foods that are supposed to bring them good luck in the New Year? Get ready to update your grocery list!
Lentils.
Italians eat lentils on New Year’s for wealth and prosperity because the flat legumes were believed to resemble Roman coins. Lunchbox ideas with lentils
Soba Noodles
In Japan, they signify a long life, but only if you eat them without breaking or chewing them. Lunchbox ideas with noodles
Black-Eyed Peas, Greens & Cornbread
“Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.” In America, back to the Civil War era, black-eyed peas were used to feed grazing cattle. Leafy greens resemble folded paper money symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Lunchbox ideas with corn and lunchbox ideas with peas.
Pork
Its rich, delicious fattiness symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Pigs are also “root forward” with their noses, which is supposed to symbolize progress. Lunchbox ideas with pork
Fish
Asian cultures feast on whole fish to celebrate Lunar New year, while on the other side of the globe, Europeans eat cod, herring, and carp. They do stand for coinage and plenty of it. Lunchbox ideas with cod
Grapes
In Spain and Mexico, eating 12 grapes at midnight as the clock strikes once for each hour will bring you luck for the 12 months ahead. Lunchbox ideas with grapes
We can’t wait to see what you will prepare out of this food inspiration!
Teuko is the first platform that empowers families to simplify lunch packing. Using Teuko, they can find and share kid-approved lunchbox ideas, recipes, and tips, all in one place. Teuko is transforming the lunch packing experience by boosting inspiration and motivation week after week.
Homemade Rice Krispies Treats evokes memories of childhood and hugs from loved ones. Since we can’t always be with friends and family, Snap, Crackle and Pop whipped up a hug you can eat. New Rice Krispies Treat Homestyle are an ooey gooey taste of home.
Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle features extra marshmallows folded into every bite. They’re even 50 percent bigger than the original treats. Available in original and chocolate flavors, these new treats are individually wrapped with a writable wrapper allowing you to leave a little extra love with a handwritten note.
“We all have memories of our families and friends in the kitchen preparing for celebrations and gatherings, and Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle look and taste like those memorable, homemade treats we make together,” said Sarah Reinecke, Director of Brand Marketing for Kellogg’s Portable Wholesome Snacks. “For anyone gathering virtually, we wanted to give our fans a treat to enjoy the recognizable homemade taste that hearkens the emotions time together creates.”
Now through Dec. 31, everyone has a chance to embrace a first taste of new Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle by reaching out to their most-missed huggers. Follow these simple steps to enter:
Share the Tweet and @mention the person you want to hug the most
Tag your post with #RKTHomestyleEntry.
Rice Krispies Treats will randomly select entries and send participants, and the person they’ve nominated, samples of new Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle in both chocolate and original flavors.
Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle will be available in grocery stores nationwide in January retailing for $3.19 for a six-bar box, or $4.98 for a 12-bar box. For more information on Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle, follow Rice Krispies Treats on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find more inspiration.
I am a wife and Mom of 2 boys, living in NYC trying to make it work. Not a minimalist but a realist. I run Stylish Spaces, a full service luxury home organizing company.
I love that I get to work with all types of people to really help them reclaim their homes. Families are my favorite to work with because I understand the struggle of everyday life as a Mom and think it’s important to help people’s home support their life so they can spend time doing the things they love with the people they love. I am also here to let everyone know there is no such thing as perfect but there is such thing as simple and easy when it comes to organizing.
1) Keep a designated donation bin in your house, so as you find things you are ready to let go of, you can easily toss it in the bin and donate that bin once a month. – Works great for parents, as children are always growing out of clothes and toys.
2) I hate to say it but tidy up your apartment every night before bed. You will be amazed at the difference just 10 – 15 minutes makes.
3) Please don’t roll your eyes but kids really do like organization. Empower your kids by getting them involved. Have them help you clean up. When you have designated spaces for toys and their belongings, they can help clean up and will know where to find the things they want.
4) File folding. Anyone who has worked with me knows…. I love file folding. It’s easy to see all your clothes, great use of space and easy to maintain ( even for kids! )
1
i Design Linus Turntable Kitchen Organizer
A modern update to a lazy susan.
$29
Perfect for your kitchen table, pantry, shelf, outdoor dining table, or countertop. Also great for your bathroom, office, cabinet, or vanity
These clean modern baskets help keep the mess at bay with kids running around. Encourage habits like picking up their toys into these easy to carry baskets.
The twisted design maximizes the bottom half of the S-hook's space, allowing your totes to hang perpendicular to the hook, rather than hidden along the side.
Great for remote learning for kids or baby essentials
$35
These carts work great for kids learning to baby products next to a changing table. Easy to put together and sturdy it's a organizational dream on wheels.
Drawer dividers are the ultimate organizational tool. Separate your drawers from socks to undies to different kids clothes. Maximize the space you have while keeping it organized.
Every Tuesday and Thursday our youngest boy, Jackson, has soccer practice. It’s in a wonderful park by the river, and when the weather is nice it’s a great place to take a stroll on the miles of paths. Or, if you aren’t up for a walk, you can certainly set up a folding chair in the shade of some old Sycamore trees and watch your second graders play soccer.
However, another option seems to be the most poplular choice, which is to sit in your idling car with the air conditioning on while texting for the entirety of the 90-minute practice!
I’m not kidding, this is what the other moms do. Last night it was a beautiful evening, about 70 degrees and sunny with slight breeze and I was the only parent out in the fresh air. At times one of the moms would leave the sterile, air-conditioned nirvana of their idling SUV to walk over to another car to chat, but most stayed put for the entire duration of soccer practice.
So, a beautiful spring evening is not the only thing wasted in this scenario, as idling for long periods of time wastes gas and dumps carbon dioxide into the air. This practice is obviously not environmentally friendly—and here’s the math to prove it.
An idling SUV uses about 7/10 of a gallon of gas per hour and releases about 9 pounds of CO2 into the air.
These moms idle for 90 minutes each, which means that during every practice each of these cars waste over a gallon of gas and releases about 14 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Last night,six of the 10 moms engaged in this wasteful practice, so for each practice that equals more than 6 gallons of gas plus 82 pounds of carbon dioxide released into the air during just one soccer practice.
(Sidenote: With that amount of gas, a Prius could drive from Philadelphia to Boston!)
Anyway, this peticular Spring soccer session has 10 weeks of practices, so you can imagine how this adds up.
I’m not trying to preach about the environment here, I’m just fascinated by this practice on several levels. Every week this armada of idling SUVs and minivans slowly forms like clockwork, and every week I’m the only person out in the fresh air.
Most nights I’ll take our dog for a walk on the scenic paths along the river, but for at least part of the practice I’ll just be just sitting there on my folding chair, listening to the din of idling cars. (I’ve been guilty of using a few minutes of the time to track my WW points, but I try to keep my phone holstered.) So, I need to know why they do it!
Here are a few possibilies:
These moms are afraid they might encouter a mosquito.
Kids’ peanut allergies get all of the attention while millions of parents (like these) silently suffer through severe grass allergies.
It’s not a random grouping at all. These moms are not texting, but coding! In fact, they may be our last line of defence against Russian hackers!
More than likely, they are just acting like pampered zombies.
They say that “grit” is the key ingredient to success, so what kind of example are these timorous parents setting for their kids? I want to yell at them, “Turn off the A/C, put down your phone and get outside!”
Anyway, I’m trying to figure out if this is just a local phenomenon or a common practice around the country. They say that about 3 million kids play soccer each year, so if this is happening everywhere, I may have discovered the hidden source of climate change!
I'm Missy, a mother of three and a middle school drama teacher at a private school. I'm obsessed with my Vizsla (dog), traveling, and the musical Hamilton. I also enjoy writing and sharing fun parenting stories, which is what brought me here.
Families are spending more time at home and looking for creative ways to keep busy and have fun. In honor of National S’mores Day Keebler has connected with chef and actor David Burtka to create recipe twists on the iconic summer treat. Keebler is inviting families to share their at-home interactive s’mores making experiences to celebrate the day on Aug. 10.
Using the beloved cookie brand’s classic Fudge Stripe Cookies, Keebler and Burtka have re-created and expanded summertime s’mores with two custom National S’mores Day magical Keebler creations.
The S’mores Cookie Bar: Burtka’s take on the summer fireside staple takes this family-friendly makeover to the kitchen with an easy and delicious cookie bar that screams s’mores traditional flavors but with a fun-to-eat twist. The bar form combines Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies – the iconic shortbread drizzled and dipped in real Keebler fudge – and adds toasted mini marshmallows and luscious dark chocolate crumbles. Best of all, the instructions are easy for the whole family to be part of the fun!
The S’mores Ice Cream Sandwich: Nothing says summer quite like ice cream and s’mores, and with this recipe you don’t have to choose! This creative take on the classic treat features toasted mini marshmallows folded into vanilla ice cream blended with Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies bits and sandwiched between two scrumptious Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies.
“This summer, families are finding creative ways to elevate the everyday by creating magical moments at home – and Keebler is here to help make those little moments of joy even more meaningful by upgrading one of summer’s most-loved treats: the s’more,” said Ryan Nolan, Brand Manager at Ferrara, makers of Keebler cookies. “Leveraging unique recipe spins from our partner and chef David Burtka, such as substituting our family-favorite Fudge Stripes Cookies for traditional graham crackers, not only takes the classic dessert to a new level, but also encourages families to come together to make the treat their own.”
For more recipe hacks and magical inspiration, consumers can head to www.Keebler.com and the Keebler social channels.
You are going to feel the need…the need for speed. Hasbro and Paramount pictures are teaming up to bring you the first ever Transformers-Top Gun collaboration starring the brand new character, Maverick. This new Transformers robot is the ideal wingman taking form as the iconic Northrop Grumman F-14 Tomcat jet from the original Top Gun film.
The new Top Gun mash-up Maverick robot was created in honor of the highly anticipated sequel to the iconic film. Top Gun: Maverick is expected to premiere Dec. 23, 2020.
The new Transformers Autobot Maverick stands at 7 inches tall in robot mode and can convert from a robot to a Northrop Grumman F-14 Tomcat in steps. Maverick includes a screen-inspired miniature motorcycle accessory and two alternate hands that can hold the included volleyball accessory. The figure also features folding jet wings, movie-inspired details, including a helmet design inspired by the new film. It also includes four missile accessories that can be mounted on the figure’s arms while in robot mode and under the wings in jet mode.
The Maverick figure is available now for pre-order at HasbroPulse.com, while supplies last.
Gamers rejoice! Nintendo just announced a new addition to the Switch’s 2020 lineup. Paper Mario: The Origami Kingwill launch on Jul. 17.
According to Nintendo, “Mario faces one of his most thrilling challenges yet in Paper Mario: The Origami King when the dangerous King Olly unleashes his plan to fold the entire world. Just when matters couldn’t get worse, he’s bound Princess Peach’s Castle in giant, colored streamers and transported it to a distant mountain. He’s even transformed Bowser’s minions into Folded Soldiers and enlisted them in his treacherous cause.”
The Origami King will join the Switch’s current lineup including Xenoblade Chronicles and Bravely Default II and their hit game Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which has sold more than 13 million copies.
“I totally failed today,” I said through tears to my husband. “I felt like I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. The house is a mess. We hardly did any homework. Why is there always a huge pile of crap on the stairs that noone brings up? I need a maid just for folding laundry. What kind of mystical people actually get to the steps of folding it and putting away? Where do they live? We need disposable clothes for the children and disposable underwear for you too, while we’re at it! Why do I clean when y’all still live here? What is the point? Tell me…WHAT IS THE POINT?!”
The struggle is real! There are some days where we can totally rock the multitasking super mom role and some days where even a chef, maid and magical fairies couldn’t help us keep our act together.
But you know what? That is okay! I promise you that there is not a single one of your yoga doing, Pinterest-worthy birthday party throwing, organic snack feeding, no dark circles under their eyes Mama’s that have it together all the time.
We all have days where we are so tired from being up all night with a sick kiddo or teething babies, that Netflix has to ask us, “Keep Watching?” Yes Netflix…thanks for checking and making me feel bad. We are still watching episode #25 of Boss Baby!
Every Mom has a day…or every day of the week that she lives in sweats and hides when someone rings her doorbell, lest someone she knows sees her looking like she hasn’t showered in three days. Maybe she hasn’t…don’t judge!
Each Mother around the world has days where they feel like they’ve blown it. We think that the one time we gave our kids goldfish instead of Annie’s naturally colored and flavored GMO-free bunny crackers is what’s gonna cause them to revolt against all healthy food and set the pattern for their dietary habits when they’re in their 30’s.
We are so hard on ourselves, Mama’s. We worry about what people will think of our mess, of our missteps, of our mistakes…but we all make them.
And you are a good Mom.
You adore your children, even if you haven’t gotten to bathe the third one in a few days and maybe febreezed his clothes as he went out the door.
You love that teething baby, even if you wish there was a dye free, all natural permanently numbing form of orajel for those long nights.
You clothe them every single day, to include multiple outfit changes…who do they think they are, celebrities? Who do you think is going to keep up with your five outfit changes a day, little Suzie?!
You keep them fed the best you can and you added a piece of fruit with that bag of goldfish, dang it! Dried fruit…okay it was raisins…chocolate covered ones but whatever.
The point is, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. Some days you have to just smile and survive. Some days you will gloriously thrive and others you will need every ounce of grace the good Lord gave you. Guess what your kids will remember?
They’ll remember that you loved them like there was no tomorrow, that you cuddled up next to them on that couch, after 2.5 hours of sleep and desperately tried to follow along with the ridiculous plot of Boss Baby. They’ll remember that when they cried in the middle of the night, because their tummy hurt or their toothies were coming in-you were right there or that you were the fun mommy who decided it was perfectly acceptable to wear their swim shorts all day…in public…because that was the last article of clothing in their drawer!
Give yourself a break Mom or hire a chef, maid and fairy so that you can take one for real!
The Redeemed Mama is a writer who had had articles published by The Today Show, Love What Matters, The Mighty, Faithit, For Every Mom, The Creative Child Magazine and more. She has 3 beautiful kids and resides in Southern Arizona and loves writing about parenting, life and growth!
All the world’s a stage and for the kiddos that whole world might be your living room right now. Revisit Elizabethan times with this collar made from coffee filters, an easy craft your baby bards can help out with, an easy and cute DIY costume. Read on for thine own directions. You will need:
Coffee filters (white ones are best)
Ribbon or string
Hole punch
Stapler
Scissors
Step 1. Fold your coffee filter in half, then in half again. You can stop here (folded in fourths) or keep going to one more fold (which works better for smaller necks).
Step 2. Staple your folded piece, about 3/4″ or so.
Step 3. Hole punch just under the staple.
Step 4. Cut the point off the folded filter, just under the hole you made.
Step 5. Measure your string or ribbon to fit the child’s neck, then add a few inches on each side for ease of tying. String ’em!
Tips & Tricks The pieces tend to stay the same direction when stapled/punched/cut the same size and length or at least close. With kids the results are sure to be a bit uneven, so try to keep a little space between the pieces when stringing. It seems counter-intuitive but actually helps them stay flat (so they fan out better).
You are probably going to need 30-50 filters, more the bigger the kid.
Did you measure-for-measure your collar? Share pictures with us on Instagram and tag them #redtricycle.
Hurry down to Diagon Alley. It’s time to introduce your kids to the magical world of Hogwarts. A new edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be flying onto shelves soon.
On Thursday, Scholastic revealed the new cover of the first installment in the Harry Potter book series set for release on October 20, 2020. The innovative new edition is designed and illustrated by the award-winning design studio MinaLima, best known for establishing the visual graphic style of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
With brilliant full-color illustrations on nearly every page, this new edition also includes eight interactive special paper craft features. Readers can open the beautifully designed, elaborately folded Hogwarts letter and Diagon Alley shopping list, reveal the magical entryway to Diagon Alley, open a die-cut, fold-out Hogwarts Castle, make a sumptuous feast appear in the Great Hall, and more.
“This new edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the perfect way to start a new generation of readers on their Hogwarts journey, and at the same time is sure to be a treasured keepsake for fans to add to their collection,” said Ellie Berger, President Scholastic Trade. “The Harry Potter series continues to inspire readers of all ages with its universal themes of friendship, imagination and the triumph of good over evil.”
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published by Scholastic in the U.S. in September 1998 with a first printing of 50,000 copies. More than 20 years later, the Harry Potter book series has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide.