One of the loveliest elements of the holiday season, the Christmas tree, can lose its luster pretty quickly once the new year arrives. Good news! The city’s Mulchfest program makes it easy for you to recycle your Christmas tree and do some good for the city’s parks and young trees. Here’s how to get rid of your Christmas tree and do a little green good this year. (Plus: the last day for sanitation tree pickup and recycling!)

Treecycle it: MulchFest2021

NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

MulchFest is back! NYC’s own “TREECYCLE” tradition is taking place from December 26, 2021 to January 9, 2022. Last year the city mulched more than 29,000 trees, and it's pumped to set a new record for 2022!

Bring your tree (free of all decorations, netting and wrapping) and it will be recycled into wood chips to nourish trees and plants on NYC streets and gardens. Drop it off at one of the many Mulchfest locations around the city (there are many in every borough), or bring it on "Chipping Weekend", January 8 and 9, to see your tree reduced to bits live.

Bonus: If your own backyard needs some sprucing up, you can get a free bag of mulch to take home with you after your tree is chipped. (Locations marked with an asterisk have mulch for the taking.)

Click here to find all Mulchfest info, including chipping and drop-off locations.

distelAPPArath via Pixabay

Spread the Love — and the Mulch!
Feel like spreading some of that green love around? You and the kids can volunteer to add that awesome mulch to city trees.  (The mulch helps protect young trees, shrubs and garden beds from the winter cold, helps plants retain moisture and provides a nice decorative touch.) Sound like the green, civic activity your family's been seeking? Events are happening in all boroughs on weekends in January. Click here to see locations, dates, and times and to register! (And remember, dress warmly, wear closed-toe shoes and a mask!)

Kick it To the Curb — and Still Recycle It!

Dates for Department of Sanitation Pick-Up
Bring your tree down for curbside pick-up by the Department of Sanitation from January 6-15. Trees will be recycled into compost for NYC’s public spaces (parks, gardens, etc.). Be sure to remove all decorations from the tree and do not place the tree in a plastic bag.

Note: trees left curbside with holiday decorations of any kind remaining on them will be collected as garbage. If your metal or plastic imitation tree has worked its last holiday season, dispose of it with your normal recycling and it's off your hands.

Have Someone Else Do the Heavy Lifting — and Still Recycle It!: Removal Services

If you’re unable to physically take your tree down to the curbside or to a MulchFest chipping location or drop-off site, don’t worry. Services like NYC Trees can come to your home, remove the tree, and take it directly to a recycling location for you. Starting at $80 for a four-to-five-foot tree, NYC Trees makes the tree removal process (and clean up!) about as easy as it gets. (If you want them to take off your lights, ornaments, etc. expect to pay more.)

908-318-4220
Online: nyctrees.com

—Ilyssa Smith

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Step Up: The Best Family-Friendly Winter Walks and Hikes

Atlanta lacks little when it comes to entertaining the family, but if it’s the frosty fun you’re craving you might feel left out in the cold. The good news is that snowy spots are only a short drive from the heart of Hotlanta. Read on to find out where to plan your family’s next brr-illiant afternoon of fun.

Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

iStock

Take the crew for snow tubing, but stay for the ice rink, carnival rides, snow play area, and wintry treats at Snow Island. Parrot Mountain is one of North America's longest snow rides, as a 575-foot-long, eight-story snow slide. Snowball Alley is perfect for the little ones, who really just want to build a snowman (thanks, Elsa). 

7000 Lake Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, Ga
770-800-3917
Online: lanierislands.com

Scaly Mountain

best places to play in the snow
iStock

For snow tubing and ice skating, head to Scaly Mountain just across the Georgia border in between Dillard and Highlands, North Carolina. It’s only a two hour drive, so you can easily do it as a day trip. However, if you want to make a weekend of it, there are plenty of family-friendly accommodations nearby. Scaly offers three snow lines for individual tubers (must be 4 years old and 42”tall) and a kiddie slope for kids under four. You can also try out some ice skating in their outdoor rink and trout fishing in stocked ponds (if they aren't frozen over). 

7420 Dillard Road
Scaly Mountain, Nc
800-401-2407
Online: scalymountain.com

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort

sledding
iStock

Located about 2 ½ hours from Atlanta, Sapphire Valley offers the closest ski lodge experience. Its ski courses consist of a 1600 foot main run with a vertical drop of 200 feet and a beginner slope with modest vertical drop of 50 feet and a moving carpet lift - and did somebody say "ski school?" Yep. They did, and Sapphire Valley has it.

127 Cherokee Trail
Sapphire Valley, Nc
828-743-7663
Online: sapphirevalley.com

Ober Gatlinburg

iStock

Snow Cubbies is the perfect place for small children to play in the snow and discover winter excitement, but it's open weekends and Holidays only—so be sure to check before you trek. You can also bump, spin, and zoom around the Ice Rink in Ice Bumper Cars (or ice skate, of course), and for the more adventurous, there's skiing, snowboarding, and a terrain park.

1001 Parkway Suite 2
Gatlinburg, TN
865-436-5423
Online: obergatlinburg.com

—Shelley Massey

 

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With the holiday season comes an onslaught of (unavoidable) events like school performances, family dinners, Christmas parties and more. The last thing you need is to try and squeeze shopping for fancy clothes into your hectic schedule. The good news? We went ahead and did it for you. From holiday dresses to the sweetest baby boy Christmas outfit, we’ve found the sweetest holiday clothes for your little ones, all of which are available to buy online, right now. Keep reading to see them all.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Herringbone Jumpsuit

$20 BUY NOW

For your kid who doesn’t do dresses, opt for a jumpsuit. This herringbone design pairs perfectly with the bright cardigan topper.

 


Dress & Sweater Set

$23 & up BUY NOW

If it’s chilly where you live, this combo is the epitome of adorable holiday clothes.


Baby Suit Set

$25 BUY NOW

For a kiddo who isn’t quite a toddler, this adorable set that includes a onesie with a bowtie and suspender pants is perfect. You can even choose six different styles!


Newborn Christmas Outfit

$24 BUY NOW

It’s baby’s first Christmas! This adorable newborn outfit will ensure that they are the best gift of the season.


Ruffle Shoulder Ballet Dress

$43 BUY NOW

This adorable ruffle shoulder dress from Tea Collection is not only twirl-worthy, but the floral print is perfect for wearing the rest of the winter.


Toddler Boys 3-Piece Outfit

$25 BUY NOW

Don’t let your older kids have all the holiday fun! Toddlers can also get fancy when they don this adorable outfit you can find at Target.


Tailored Mod Suit

$170 BUY NOW

For your especially dapper little person, this tailored mod suit from Appaman is a real treat. The best part is that it comes in almost 20 colors and prints, so there’s a look for every kid.


Holiday Tartan Collection

BUY NOW

Janie & Jack always has something special for this time of year, and 2021’s offerings don’t disappoint. Choose from holiday dresses, blazers, baby outfits and accessories that all perfectly coordinate with one another.


Color Block Knit Dress

$11 BUY NOW

For your tween who doesn’t want to get into the spirit with festive clothing, this chic color block knit dress is a perfect fit.


Smocked Velour Jumpsuit

$27 BUY NOW

The rich green of this jumpsuit is a nice change from all the red you usually see around the holidays.


Knit Sweater Dress

$25 BUY NOW

Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving dresses for girls or just want a sweet holiday dress, this handmade knit version comes in four seasonally-appropriate tones.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.

 

Keeping it all clean can feel like a full-time job, and the pay is not great, um, non-existent. But the payoff is enormous: The soft scent of fresh laundry, sparkling clean bathroom countertops, couches and rugs that don’t stink like your pet…ahh! Besides just looking good and smelling fresh, you want to know that the surfaces in your home are clean clean. Pause: When you hear the words “disinfecting and sanitizing,” do you envision hours of scrubbing and deep cleaning? Us too, but good news: Sanitizing your laundry and disinfecting bathroom countertops is, like, a million times easier than that, thanks to our clean-freak pals at OxiClean™! Read on to learn why their new OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer is the stuff of sweet-smelling dreams.

Your clean + sanitary oasis awaits—shop now and get things clean clean with OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

From Beds to Tubs, They Have it Covered!

Wanna disinfect your tile? Yep. Sanitize your rug? Got it. Gym bag? Sure. A favorite tee that’s seen better days? A-OK! Oh, and laundry, of course, too, and your carpet, couch, bathroom countertop… OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer 3-in-1 removes germs, odors and stains from multiple surfaces in your home. “Is this real life?!” Yes. Yes, it is.

Get rid of that cleaning product clutter with OxiClean™ 3-in-1 Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

It's Multi-Purpose

This 3-in-1 sanitizer packs a punch, killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* (*when used as directed) in addition to providing stain and odor removal benefits on both hard and soft surfaces. It’s not just a laundry product. It’s a life product.

Make your life a little easier (and better smelling)—try it today and get things clean clean with OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

Keep Your Things Clean Clean

Our favorite things tend to be the dirtiest (looking at you, Mr. Fluffy Bunny, who literally gets dragged everywhere) and this product easily keeps them clean. Pro tip: The baggage we carry in our lives, again, literally, can get gross without our even knowing. OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer 3-in-1 is excellent for keeping your backpacks, shopping bags and totes fresh and way less germy!

Shop now and get things clean clean with OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

 

 

—Jamie Aderski

Sentiment on Red Lobster may be mixed, but everyone can agree that the Cheddar Bay Biscuits are deliciously iconic. And this is very good news for biscuit lovers: for the first time ever, you can buy the product frozen and ready to bake!

No need to visit the restaurant to get your quick fix. You can buy boxes of Cheddar Bay Biscuits exclusively at Walmart and they’ll be ready for dinner in less than 30 minutes, with no mixing or prep work required. Once they come out of the oven, brush with melted butter and add seasoning from the enclosed pack to replicate the classic taste at home.

Look for the new product in the frozen food aisle at Walmart. Each box makes eight biscuits and make it easy to satisfy your Cheddar Bay cravings any time of day (or night). And if you’re avoiding gluten, you can also buy Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix at retailers nationwide!

—Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of Red Lobster

 

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Calling all Wizards and Muggles! If you’re looking for a magical getaway, we have the spot for you. Head to the Blue Ridge Mountains and claim this castle, decked out with all the details a true fan will appreciate.

The Wizards Hollow is one of five treehouses that make up the “Treehouses of Serenity” outside of Asheville, NC. The owners have made it their own version of Hogwarts and it’s almost 600 square feet of enchantment. Consult the sorting hat to claim your house flag, discover the invisible cloak, or simply collapse into one of two queen beds with perfect Potter décor.

You’ll also find a spiral staircase leading to a loft with an additional bed—look on the steps for some extra fun details. Even the bathroom gets in on the fun with some special surprises. Don’t forget to look for the owls around the house!

Outside, the castle boasts a sprawling deck and firepit, perfect for lounging while you sip on Butterbeer. You’ll be treated to mountain views and you’re only 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, assuming you ever want to leave.

This Airbnb is rightfully quite popular and it’s booked up until May 2021. The good news is that on November 1 at 8 am ET, you can hop on to reserve your spot for the first available month. At $364 per night, it’s well worth a special getaway!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Airbnb

 

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Have inquisitive kiddos? Check. 

Do they love Curious George books? Check. 

Is your crew always up for a party? Check. 

September is Curiosity Month with Curious George. And clearly, you have three good reasons to get in on the fun and celebrate! In honor of Curious George creator H.A. Rey’s birthday, a whole month is dedicated to encouraging children to be curious—just like the beloved (and quite mischievous!) little monkey. 

We have a hunch your little ones are already pretty skilled at exploring, creating and using their imaginations. (That old-box-turned-robot residing in the living room is seriously impressive). But as any parent knows, new activities—that you don’t have to Google!—come in handy and are sure to delight. Download this free Curiosity Month Party Kit to host a gathering in your backyard, school, or library. Included in the kit are invitations, place cards, fun drawing pages, cutout masks, and more to spur creativity. These activities are great for keeping little hands busy, while they learn and discover new things. 

Be sure to bring out some of your family’s favorite Curious George books for storytime. Curious George: Curious About Fall is a perfect pick for this time of year.

Good news, mom or dad: you can be the honorary “Man With the Yellow Hat” as you keep tabs on your own adorable, lovable “monkey.” 

Ready to #StayCurious? 

– Jessica Solloway

For parents, fridge organization is a little like sleeping in on weekends—you dream about it, you attempt it once in a while, but it’s pretty hard to keep it up on the regular. The good news is that with a little bit of cleaning, a few storage bins and a few tricks to keep everything in rotation, refrigerator organization can be a reality. From stackable storage bins to giving the kids space all their own, we’ve got 11 organization tips to help you get the job done. Keep reading to see them all.

Start with a clean space and adjust your shelves.

iStock

Take out all the food, and clean your refrigerator. It’ll give you the chance to throw away things you don’t want, and you'll be able to visualize the space. Also, make sure your shelves are set up at the right levels to maximize your fridge space.

 

Use clear storage bins.

If you can’t see it, you might forget about it. Knowing what's in your fridge helps keeps things in proper rotation. Plus, with clear food storage containers, it's more likely you'll want to keep everything straightened up. This set of six can be used in the refrigerator or freezer!

Put the same type of food in the storage bins.

Make sure all your fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, snacks and condiments are in the same place—it's a simple way to keep things organized.

Label everything.

Knowing where things go is an important part of fridge organization, and labels will help make this happen. Get a label maker or invest in a Cricut.

Buy plastic bottles for your sauces and condiments.

All your condiments will be the same size, which makes it easier to keep the side shelves of your refrigerator tidy. We like these bottles for their flip tops.

Put a Lazy Susan in the fridge.

You’ll be able to easily access food this way, instead of having to dig to the way back of the fridge. You can buy them just about anywhere, and we love this one that includes a non-slip mat.

Buy stackable storage bins and use drawer organizers for the veggie bin.

The Container Store

You’ll be able to take advantage of vertical space that doesn’t get used very often, as well as free up shelf space for smaller items. We like these stackable wine holders from The Container Store. You can also take your fridge organization one step further by creating separate spaces for different vegetables by installing these drawer organizers.

 

Create a snack section just for the kids. 

You can organize all day long, but when kids rummage through the fridge for food, you can bet everything will be in disarray in no time. Give kids a specific area for their own snacks, so they know where to go every time.

 

Create an “Eat Me First” bin.

Be sure to have this bin be right at the front of the fridge, so the items that need to be consumed will be visible to the whole family. You can download a sign to use by clicking here! 

 

 

—Gabby Cullen

 

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The bad news: fall isn’t here yet. The good news: Nestle Toll House is giving us one more reason to look forward to the upcoming season! Get ready for some fantastic new cookie dough flavors launching for a limited time in August, including everyone’s fave, Pumpkin Spice.

Yup, Pumpkin Spice! Nestle’s getting in on the craze with the release of a new dough that’s pumpkin-spice flavored and mixed with white chocolate morsels. We can’t think of anything better to pair with a latte or cider for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Plus you’ll be able to buy a new assortment that features white morsels, mini coffee biscuits and pumpkin-spice flavored chunks!

If you can’t handle any more Pumpkin Spice, you’ll be happy to hear Nestle has a few more tricks up its sleeves. PB&J Cookie Dough riffs off the sandwich classic, with peanut butter cookie dough and strawberry-flavored pieces. Cinnamon Roll Cookie Dough is sugar cookie dough laced with cinnamon and cream cheese pieces. And Trick or Treats Dough is a fudge dough topped with festive Halloween sprinkles!

The new doughs will be available at retailers nationwide starting in August and retail for around $2.99. At that price, you’d better believe we’ll be trying them all!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Nestle Toll House

 

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If your kids got hooked on Gabby’s Dollhouse they weren’t alone! The first season premiered on Netflix in January and quickly became a top 10 show on the platform. Good news for Gabby fans: the second season is coming out on August 10!

The show is a mix of live-action and animation, inviting kids into a magical dollhouse with Gabby and her feline friends. Episodes include DIY crafts, science experiments, original music and more! Season two’s trailer promises “more baking, more crafts and more cat-tastic music.”

Aimed at the preschool crowd, the show emphasizes the importance of finding creative solutions to overcome mistakes. As Gabby says, it’s ok to “fail fantastically,” which builds resilience. The show’s creators are the minds behind Blue’s Clues so you know the plots are rock solid! While your fam waits for season two to come out, you can follow Gabby’s adventures on YouTube.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Netflix

 

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