It’s a Girl! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes New Mandrill

by Karly WoodApril 14, 2021

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a new resident: a baby mandrill! Say hello to Ivy, born on Apr. 10 to first time parents, Hazel and Linus.

Ivy’s name matches her other family members who have quite the colorful lineup: Olive, Scarlett, Snow and Hazel. Want to catch a glimpse of the adorable primate? See the video below?

In case you aren’t familiar with mandrills, they are a West African Baboon with a brightly colored red and blue face. They are actually the largest species of monkeys, even though Ivy entered the world at just one to two pounds.

According to Disney, mom and baby are doing great and can be seen at the Kilimanjaro Safaris within the park. Ivy’s birth marks a fourth generation of mandrills from the same family at the park, as Disney continues to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on Species Survival Plans.

––Karly Wood

Feature image: Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

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OtterBox Has a New Kids Line & All Your Devices Are Officially Safe

by Erica LoopMarch 29, 2021

Now your kiddo can have a tablet case that’s all their own! OtterBox Kids is here—and it’s the perfect pairing of playfulness and protection.

The fam fave brand recently released a new line for kids. The collection includes an EasyGrab Tablet Case ($59.99) and other products that will keep your kiddo’s tech-time devices safe in a completely stylish way.

The EasyGrab case features grip ridges for easy handling, raised edges to protect the device’s screen and camera, lasting antimicrobial protection and an EasyGrab Multi-Use Case Stand. The stand allows your child to view their tablet at different angles and doubles as a carry handle or as a hook. Simply hook the handle to the back of a car seat for your child to watch their tablet as you drive!

Along with the new case/stand, OtterBox Kids also includes a Blue Light Guard Glass Screen Protector ($39.95 for iPad 7th and 8th generations and $34.95 for iPad Mini 5th generation) and an EasyGrab Mobile Cable Bundle ($39.95).

The cable bundle includes thick, durable, stretchy cables that outlasted 3,000 bend tests, have an anti-fray exterior coating, includes one audio connector and one power cable and are reinforced with easy-to-grip ends. The audio cable also is deigned at a right angle to prevent breakage.

The new EasyGrab Tablet Case is available for iPad 7th/8th generations ($59.95) and the iPad Mini 5th generation ($49.95) in purple (Space Explorer), blue (Galaxy Runner), and yellow (Martian).

Find the New OtterBox Kids products starting Mar. 29 Target and soon on Otterbox.com.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of OtterBox

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Your Master Builder Can Re-Create This Iconic 80’s LEGO Ad

by Erica LoopMarch 8, 2021

LEGO is recreating the beloved brand’s iconic 1981 “What It Is Is Beautiful” ad—and the company needs your child’s help!

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the ad and International Women’s Day, LEGO wants to see just how creative, innovative and inspirational your child is. That’s why the brand is giving you the chance to snap a pic of your kiddo with their coolest LEGO creation.

Julia Goldin, Global Chief Product and Marketing Officer at the LEGO Group, said in a press release, “At the LEGO Group, we believe children are our role models. We look to them for inspiration every day and want to help them break down gender stereotypes and create opportunities for everyone.”

Goldin went on to add, “Celebrating people helps empower people, and through this campaign we, along with the help of parents and caregivers, want to celebrate the skills and creative potential of today’s young women – the next generation of amazing female leaders!”

How can you recreate LEGO’s special ad? Visit the LEGO website here for details and more info. Your child will need to pose just like the kiddos in the 1981 ad—holding their most imaginative LEGO build. Use the brand’s online tool to recreate the ad and browse the site to learn more about inspirational women builders.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of LEGO

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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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A post shared by My Little Pony (@mylittlepony)

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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We’re Doing the Care Bears Countdown for This New Monopoly Edition

by Erica LoopFebruary 9, 2021

Get ready for a blast from your past—MONOPOLY style! The Care Bears are back with a brand-new edition of the beloved game.

Nostalgia alert. The 80’s are here and they’ve brought Cheer Bear, Wish Bear, Funshine Bear, and the whole gang with them. MONOPOLY: Care Bears Edition is available now (for players ages eight and up). The game play is everything you expect from MONOMPOLY, but with a Care Bear flair.

Instead of the traditional Community Chest and Chance cards, this fun-filled family-friendly edition comes with Sharing and Caring cards. The game also features six collectible tokens, including Rainbow Roller, Cloud Boat, Wheelbarrow, Cloud Car, Hot Air Balloon, and Bicycle.

Buy, sell, and trade the Bears and their Cousins as you collect Star Buddies from your opponents. Spread love and joy through acts of kindness found in the Sharing and Caring cards. Up the 80’s themed fun and add on a Care Bears Dice Set for $7.99.

Not only can you relive your own childhood, but this cute, caring game brings the Bears to a whole new generation! Get your MONOPOLY: Care Bears Edition game from national retailers or online at The Op. This nostalgic stroll through Care-a-lot is for two to six players and sells for $39.99.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of The Op Games

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Michele Obama’s Bestseller Is “Becoming” a Kid’s Book

by Amber GuetebierFebruary 9, 2021

It’s been on the NY TImes bestseller list for more than 100 weeks since it’s release in hardcover and now Michelle Obama’s Becoming is about to hit the shelves in paperback. While we’ve all been anticipating the paperback version, Penguin Random House announced this week that there’s also an exciting new edition coming out adapted for young readers, available Mar. 2. Read on to get the scoop.

Adapted for children 10 and up, this new edition will feature an introduction by the author directly addressing the young reader. It will also have three, full-color photo inserts. Like the original, it tells her full story to a new generation, full of joy and triumph along the many challenges she’s faces. By telling her own story, Mrs. Obama asks young readers: Who are you, and what do you want to become?

To celebrate the announcement, Mrs. Obama released a video on her IG:

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A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama)

The trade paperback version of the original book will also be released Mar. 2 with a book club guide, featuring 20 discussion questions as well as a 5-question Q&A. And might we suggest also picking up a copy of the guided journal, Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice ,to accompany both new editions?

Both editions will be out Mar. 2, 2021. Order your copy here!

Learn more about the book and Michelle Obama at becomingmichellobama.com

—Amber Guetebier

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Introduce Your Kids to Michael Scott with “The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary”

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 5, 2021

Share your love of The Office with the entire family. The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary, an adorable book from Little Brown Publishers, will introduce your favorite characters to a whole new generation of fans. Set in a school, the book features illustrations of the Dunder Mifflin employees reimagined as little kids.

Little Michael Scott is the line leader at Dunder Mifflin Elementary. He strives to live up to the “World’s Best Line Leader” title printed on his water bottle. The only problem is, Michael doesn’t know how to lead the line. The bright and colorful illustrations are filled with easter eggs and nods to iconic moments from the television series.

The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary aims to teach your little ones that everyone needs to ask for help sometimes, even line leaders. This book is available now and you can grab a copy on Amazon for $11.51.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Amazon

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The Future Is Bright Thanks to Pandemic Babies, Survey Finds

by Karly WoodFebruary 5, 2021

A new study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Carter’s has found some surprising results amidst the pandemic. Despite the fear of navigating the current time, the majority of parents surveyed say that having a baby is the reason they’re optimistic––not scared.

The study revealed that nearly three quarters of parents believe this generation is not associated with stress, but rather optimism and hope. That’s why Carter’s is coining this new era of pandemic babies “Generation Optimism.”

photo: Courtesy of Carter’s

https://tinybeans.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/iStock-882871204-e1609279368201.jpg

New babies also brought joy to the entire family, especially those little smiles and baby laughs, which 79 percent of respondents said made their day better.

photo: iStock

The pandemic also required parents to adapt, with 45 percent of parents sharing pregnancy news via social media instead of in person. Over half of those surveyed also shared that the majority of stress during this time came from doctors appointments, and that heading to the hospital was the most stressful time of having a baby.

Here’s to a year of hope and optimism in 2021!

––Karly Wood

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We’re “CrazyNLuv” With Sweethearts New Love Song-Inspired Sayings

by Karly WoodFebruary 3, 2021

It’s official: Spangler Candy Company has confirmed that Sweethearts Candies are returning for Valentine’s Day 2021! Not only is the beloved candy making a comeback, but it’s also getting a new look with 21 new sayings.

Don’t worry, your fave classics like”BE MINE” and “HUG ME” will still be found in that cute red box. But now you’ll also get to feast on references to famous love songs from the last several decades, too.

photo: Spangler Candy

Get ready to tell your special someone how you really feel with fun new sentiments like “AT LAST”, “SUGAR SUGAR”, “I’M YOURS”, and “LUVME TENDR.” Spangler Candy Company has been shared between friends and loved ones since 1902 and these new sayings pay homage to every generation since.

“It’s been a beloved tradition in Sweethearts Candies history to bring new and exciting sayings to consumers each year. As the new owner of this classic brand, we’re committed – and excited – to continue this moving forward,” said Diana Eschhofen, Spangler Candy’s Director, Corporate Communications.

You can purchase Sweethearts in single or five-count boxes features the original colors and flavors at grocery and drug stores nationwide. For more info on the beloved candy, visit spanglercandy.com/our-brands/sweethearts.

––Karly Wood

Photo: Laura Ockel via Unsplash

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Want a Minnie Mouse Styling Session? Here’s How to Get One

by Karly WoodJanuary 25, 2021

National Polka Dot Day was Jan. 22 and in honor of the annual day that is nearly synonymous withe Minnie Mouse, Disney and Create & Cultivate are bringing fans something special.

For the second year in a row, Positively Minnie: The Polka Dot Summit 2.0 – The Digital Edition will bring audiences together to showcase just what it means to be “Positively Minnie.” The global, virtual summit will happen on Sat., Feb. 13 at 9 a.m. PST.

The summit is a collaboration between Disney and Create & Cultivate, a modern media company for working womxn, by working womxn. Stephanie Young, President of Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing states, “Minnie Mouse is a true global icon who has influenced both the fashion and lifestyle spaces since her debut in 1928. Her timelessness has allowed her to transcend generations and inspire joy and self-confidence in fans of all ages. She is the perfect inspiration for Create & Cultivate as they aim to inspire the next generation of creators, innovators, and trendsetters.”

So what can attendees expect? Fans will be able to participate in Minnie-inspired workshops, keynote conversation, styling sessions, shop Minnie Mouse merchandise and more. Oh, and admission is free!

To sign up, guests must register on the Create & Cultivate website at createcultivate.com/polka-dot-summit. Registration closes on February 12, are non-transferable, limited to one per attendee and guests must be 18 or older. For more information on The Polka Dot Summit 2.0, click here

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney

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