No need to book family vacations to far-away destinations this summer, because this is the time of year we live for as Chicagoans. The temps are perfection, the activities are aplenty and the landscape is gorgeous. If you’d like an escape from your own four walls, turn to Airbnb. From high-rises in Chicago to mini road trips to farmhouses with chickens, you can snag an Airbnb rental that features a pool and fun family-focused amenities.
137-Year-Old Farmhouse | Lake Forest
Airbnb
This updated 5-bedroom farm home in Lake Forest is a great option for extended families looking to spend quality time together. It's a stone's throw from a public golf course, downtown Lake Forest is just a mile down the road and a romp in the sand at the beach is just two miles away.
This 5-bedroom stunner built in 2019 will have you feeling like you rolled back time with trough sinks, a claw foot tub, distressed floors and cedar beams, but has modern touches and amenities throughout. Galien River Marsh is across the street and there are several bikes on property to take a cruise. This is great because the downtown area is just 3 blocks away and you're 6 blocks from the beach. The cottages have a pool within the community for renters to take a plunge and there's a fully-stocked firepit in the backyard.
Cozy in with the family in this 2-bedroom cottage located on a quiet cul-de-sac next to a charming pond. Stargaze pond-side with fire blazing or head to the clubhouse for ping pong, foosball and a heated pool.
Step right outside your back door and fish the day away, chill on the sand beach at the fishing pond or hop on a paddleboard. If you prefer pool to pond, there's also an in-ground pool and hot tub. End the night as a family relaxing in the game room.
Plan a staycation in River North at this 2 bedroom condo with breathtaking views and amenities. The pool features a hot tub, cabanas, chaise lounges and access to grill stations and fire pits. Bond with the family on the bocce court or show the kids your skills in the arcade that includes pinball machines and skeeball.
Warning: You'll never want to leave this modern, luxurious escape. Swan dive into the backyard pool, chill on the rooftop balcony equipped with heat lamps and take advantage of the chef's kitchen to whip up a home-cooked meal. Retire to the theater room for a memorable family movie night!
This one is a bit of a splurge, but with 7 bedrooms, there's enough space to bring along multiple families! This modern farmhouse sits on an acre of land and the pool ranges in depth from 3' to 12' and includes a slide and diving board. Also. . . there are chickens, which will absolutely delight the kids who like a bit of the farm life.
This 4-bedroom ranch in Glen Oak Acres puts you within minutes of Wagner Farm, bike trails, walking paths and downtown Northfield, Glenview and The Glen. The outdoor living space includes an in-ground heated pool, grill, pergola and firepit.
Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month is celebrated every May and here in the Bay Area, we are blessed to have a culturally diverse demographic with plenty of AAPI influence. This month, take time to talk to kids about Asian American heroes, read books with Asian American leads or venture out and try an Asian restaurant. Beyond that, there are an abundance of local Asian American-owned businesses many of which support sustainable practices so check them out and show the AAPI community some love!
Anyday Along with Momofuku Restaurant group founder David Chang, Bay Area resident Steph Chen created Anyday, a one-of-a-kind cookware that allows entire meals to be cooked in the microwave. In addition to saving families time, Steph aims to help busy families achieve delicious, healthy dinners that are budget and most importantly, kid-friendly.
Burmatown | Sausalito Mother-daughter (Jennifer and Jenny!) team started this Burmese and Asian fusion restaurant with mom bringing traditional Burmese recipes from home-cooked dishes straight to the restaurant. Try the Mohinga Burmese fish chowder or the hoisin glazed ribs and thank us later!
Beeline Treats South Bay mom Vicki handcrafts unique, personalized cookies that are not only stunning to look at but also mouth wateringly delicious. Up the ante at your next occasion with these cookies that are guaranteed to impress but make sure to order in advance as she books out quickly!
Christine Lai
iChina | Santa Clara East meets West in this new opulent, Great Gatsby-like restaurant (be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind downstairs bathroom) where soothing emerald tones welcome diners. Enjoy a time honored luxurious tea ceremony, relax in the family-friendly Juiba for a craft cocktail, take in a decadent prix fixe meal (menus change seasonally) or, for the ultimate experience, be immersed in Silicon Valley's only virtual reality dining room where all the senses are indulged.
Kasa Indian Eatery Lawyer-turned-mom-turned-chef Anamika Khanna brings vibrant Indian flavors to the Bay Area with freshly ground spices and 24 hour marinated meat at this Asian-American owned eatery. With the belief that great food can be cheap and quick, Kasa specializes in delicious kati rolls, a sort of mini burrito that is a traditional Indian street food.
Kasama Ca Phe
Kasama Ca Phe | San Francisco Owners Erik and Kevin bring Southeast Asian-grown coffee to the Bay area and mix it with Asian culture in a perfect blend—ube affogato anyone?! YES PLEASE.
Kimmy’s Bliss | Sunnyvale Led by Kimmy, the team at this hair salon are always on point with the latest styles for the entire family and deliver them with empathy, humor and patience. Reasonable prices are only the beginning at this family-owned and operated salon where all are welcome and you become a family member as well.
Little Giant Ice Cream | Oakland Made from scratch with ingredients from local Clover farms, this ice cream joint has a bit of a cult following and with pup cups and vegan flavors, it’s not hard to see why not because there’s truly something for everyone!
Ladybug Flowers | Sausalito Seray and his family pride themselves in not only fresh and unique floral arrangements but also in being reasonably priced and most importantly, reliable. All your floral needs will be met by this excellent family owned, AAPI business!
Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream | San Francisco Despite a misleading name, this AAPI owned business has been a solid, local establishment in the Sunset district since 1982. Unique flavors like durian, lychee, mangosteen and soursop lead the way in crowd favorites—try one or all!
Pineapple King Bakery | San Francisco Happiness is grabbing a fresh pineapple bun (we love the plain and taro) and pairing it with a milk tea and walking to the Golden Gate park two blocks away. Commence happy dance.
Six Cloves Winery | Sonoma Winemaker Sonoe Hirabayashi chose the name Six Cloves to honor her ancestors who were involved in the medicinal, soy sauce and miso trades in Japan. Using grapes from nearby Sonoma vineyards, Sonoe is a trailblazer in the world of winemaking when it comes to the female and AAPI owned wine industry.
post.script. | San Francisco Owner Chandler Tang grew up in this neighborhood and opened this gift shop in what she hopes is a ray of sunlight in the community. post.script. is filled with an assortment of whimsical gifts and home goods all designed to bring joy and delight through their clean and modern designs.
Sue's Gallery Cafe
Sue’s Gallery Cafe | Saratoga We absolutely love stopping by this cafe before heading out on a hike at nearby Villa Montalvo or Sanborn County park because caffeinated hikes are the way to go. Grab a matcha latte or try a charcoal latte and be sure to check out the owner’s pottery studio next door!
For many moms, Mother’s Day typically includes breakfast in bed (or if you’re lucky, brunch at your fave restaurant), a little bit of pampering and a kid-made card that melts your heart. If you’re looking to go beyond an at-home celebration this year, check out these Seattle-area Mother’s Day activities that will help make the day extra special. From ball games and free museum days to train rides and cooking classes here’s how mom, grandma, auntie or any other special person in your life can make memories and celebrate the day.
There’s a reason why flowers are the go-to gift for moms on Mother’s Day. Spring's most spectacular flowers are in full bloom, and garden starts are finally rousing from their winter slumber. So if finding a great plant, bouquet or garden accessory is on your list of things to do with mom, you can’t go wrong with these options. For bright, bold blooms head to the Seattle Chinese Garden’s annual Peony Festival, where you’ll find gorgeous flowers available for purchase (or your viewing pleasure) and live performances too. If mom wants to spice up her garden with herbs, veggies and fruit starts, the Tilth Alliance’s Annual Edible Plant Sale, scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend, is the place to find what you need. It the go-to spot to find plants that grow really well in our temperate rainforest climate.
Krukeberg Garden in Shoreline is another great spot to hit. Over Mother's Day weekend parents will find plants to purchase, and kids can make a newspaper pot nasturtium planter (Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. only), so they can come home with a little something for mom too. If you’re on the Eastside, it doesn’t get easier or more festive than Oxbox Farm’s SpringFest. Explore the farm’s trails and nature playground before sitting down for an OxEd family activity and a farm-fresh meal from the Outdoor Kitchen. Trust us, Mom will thank you.
Spend the day at the market
Pike Place Market/PDA
A day at Seattle’s one and only Pike Place Market is sure to be a hit with any mom, especially when it involves live music, kids’ activities, a scavenger hunt and (undeniably our favorite part) temporary mom tattoos. Did we mention the 14th Annual Flower Festival and Free Comic Book Day are scheduled for that weekend too? You can’t miss with this pick. MOHAI’s Spring Fling on Saturday is another one to put on your radar. And if you’re willing to travel a bit, the Native Art Market at ALMA in Tacoma is worth it. They’ve got a covered outdoor patio where you can grab a gourmet bite to eat after you've shopped.
Take mom to a museum
Natali Wiseman
With so many amazing museums in Seattle, there are lots of Mother's Day outing options. But we’ve got our eye on the Museum of Flight where moms get in for free as a way to say thanks for all they do. Be sure to check out the museum's Weekend Family Workshop when you’re there. Kids can make a sweet keepsake for mom with a STEM focus. Families can also swing by the Seattle Art Museum to catch the latest exhibit—Our Blue Planet: Global Visions of Water—before it moves on at the end of the month. Hint: Lauren Halsey’s installation is also worth checking out when you visit. Treat mom to an afternoon of art and great eats, and don’t forget kids 14 and under are always free at SAM.
Bring mom to a game
Ben VanHouten/Seattle Mariners
She sits on the sidelines at every kids' sporting event known to humans, so it’s a total treat when families can sit together and enjoy game day from the stands. Three of Seattle’s most exciting sports teams are playing at home in Seattle on Mother’s Day weekend. Bring Mom to watch the Mariner’s take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday at T-Mobile Park. When you do, she’ll get a Mariner’s clear purse (for the first 10,000 moms in attendance) and kids (14 and under) can get a Mariner’s Bat Backpack as part of Little League Day at the game, too. Mom might also enjoy watching the Seattle Reign match against Louisville at Lumen Field on Sunday. Or if an early celebration is what you're after take Mom to watch the Seattle Storm play against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday night at Climate Pledge Arena. Go teams!
Soak up the scenery
Northwest Railway Museum
While a Mother’s Day hike at a local park is a great way to find a view on sunny day, families looking for a more relaxed approach to scenery seeking should check out the Mother’s Day train rides hosted by the Northwest Railway Museum. A great way to “blow off some steam,” families can board in either Snoqualmie or North Bend for the 90-minute round trip that passes by some of Snoqualmie Valley’s most picturesque scenery, including scenic Snoqualmie Falls. We’ll hope for clear skies and rainbows on your run.
Whip up something good to eat
courtesy PCC Markets
We heart programs that help kids plan something special for moms on Mother’s Day. Enter PCC Markets and two Kitchen Chemistry classes running the Friday and Saturday before Mother’s Day. Brunch is the theme of this in-person kids workshop (do you see where we're going with this?). When they are finished, kids will not only be able to make mom a special breakfast in bed, they’ll be able to do it like pros. If you've already got brunch covered, mom and the kids can sign up for a delish dumplings class in Bellevue on Sunday. You know what they say about the family that cooks together! They've got skills.
Eastside farms are making an outdoor Mother’s Day easy this year. It all starts with Kelsey Creek's Mother's Day on the Farm event that includes animal treats, goat walks and a special Mother’s Day surprise. Families can also add a little flower magic to their day when they sign up for the Mommy and Me in the Garden program at Farrel-McWhirter in Redmond. Blooms, animals and a sweet kid's craft are in store. Remember to register early for these popular events.
Laugh with mom
iStock
There’s no denying it takes a real sense of humor to be a parent. Prepare for some serious LOLs when you take mom to an improv comedy show at Post Alley. More than just “yo mama” jokes, the players at this all-ages show balance understanding the real struggles that come with parenting with poking fun at them too. The show is just an hour long (not too far past bedtime), so it’s an easy one to turn into a family outing, a low-key date night or a night out with your mom squad. Plus, moms get a discount on admission—no joke. Grab tickets while you can.
Sporty moms will flock to the Mother’s Day Half & 5K that gives racers the chance to run around one of the area’s most beautiful parks. The 5K is a great “first run” for newbies or folks running as a family. And the half might just bring mom a new PR on her special day. Moms can also run for a cause by registering for the Move4Mona 5K Challenge. Organized by a local mom, proceeds from this race are used to support educational efforts around the globe for all kids and empower women and girls, too. Sign up to race in Bellevue, Edmonds or your own ‘hood over Mother’s Day weekend.
Plan a mountain daycation
courtesy Suncadia
While spending Mother’s Day weekend at Suncadia Resort is a special treat, families can also plan a quick daycation to celebrate Mom. The day before the big day is when you should schedule your mountain adventure. That’s when families can shop the Mother’s Day Market at Nelson Farm or sign up for the tea party and craft class. There’s also an opportunity for Mom and a kiddo to learn a new skill like trout fishing, archery and hiking. All of these activities are open to guests and day visitors, but you will need to register. If you do make a staycation weekend of it, make your Mother’s Day brunch reservations at Portals and a spa treatment for Mom soon. Trust us, it's what mom really wants.
Support the NYC-area Black community by spending at local Black-owned businesses—this month and every month. Need some suggestions? Check out our favorites serving NYC kids and families, with food, drink, fashion, decor, dessert and so much more. (Then head here to see Black-owned businesses for families nationwide!)
Fun & Gear for Kids
Lavender Blues
Lavender Blues
Alex Branson, AKA Lady B. AKA Miss Alex is the musical force behind Lavender Blues. She conducts fun grownup & me classes featuring original music throughout Brooklyn, from Brooklyn Heights to Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Kensington, Crown Heights and beyond. She’s doing virtual classes during COVID-19, which you can check out here. Her studio in Bedford Stuyvesant, which opened in February 2020, is also home to a thrift store with daily giveaways, book swaps and upcycled clothing featuring hand-embroidered Lavender Blues logos.
Founded by one of our NYC Power Moms, Kim Magloire, SciTech Kids does classes, camps, after-school, birthday parties and more. (And yes, they're offering virtual camp this summer.) The Upper East Side business gets kids ages three to 15 involved in science of all kinds with hands-on, interactive experiments and activities. A sampling of subjects explored include coding, engineering, architecture and physics.
215 E. 81st St. Upper East Side 212-804-7055 Online: scitechkids.com
Include a visit from a special guest for your child's next birthday party. Take your pick from a roster of characters inspired by big Disney names, or opt for "Unicorn Princess", "Warrior Princess" (very badass looking), Barbie, a life-size LOL, JoJo Siwa and others. A Princess like me is doing personalized video messages during COVID-19—10 minutes for just $25!
Founded in 2003 by Kisha Edwards-Gandsy and Keyanna Murrill, the World Explorers Group provides numerous ways to educate and entertain your kids. Services and programs include preschool, summer camp (offered in-person and virtually this year), drop-off childcare, after school programming and birthday parties. Find them at their HQ in Fort Greene, two Downtown Brooklyn annexes and a location in Crown Heights.
36 Felix St. 855-687-6923 Fort Greene Online: explorerkids.us
Cozy n Cute Kids Boutique
Cozy n Cute Kids Boutique
The kids clothes at the Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique are cute, comfortable and always on trend. You'll find cool sayings, sweet ruffles and fun prints you and your child will love. This online kids clothing store was founded by Priscilla Wesson, a Black mom with two daughters from Long Island, NY. She launched her online shop in June 2020 and focuses on practical everyday styles for young kids, with affordable prices, great deals and top-notch customer service.
Known as "The Dogfather of Harlem" Brian Taylor owns and operates Harlem Doggie Day Spa, a one-stop shop for all your grooming, doggie daycare, walking and boarding needs. When the pandemic forced Taylor to temporarily shutter his shop, he took his skills on the road with a mobile spa that came to his customers. He then embarked (ha) on a cross-country "Pandemic Pup Relief Tour,” to offer pet grooming services to people affected by Covid-19, powered by an army of volunteers from the Black Groomers Association.
BCakeNY counts A-list celebs among its clientele (see: CardiB, Rihanna and Vera Wang), but they'll make one for you, too! Founder and Creative Director Miriam Milord and CEO Dara Roach are the duo behind this Prospect Heights, Brooklyn bakery that creates confections big and small. Check out the shop's special Black History Month treats (cupcakes, cake jars, cakes and mini cakes) spotlighting Black History luminaries. Gift boxes come with a complimentary booklet written by historian Janus Adams, profiling the lives and legacies of the 12 extraordinary figures featured. P.S. They ship natonwide!
702 Washington Ave. Prospect Heights 347-787-7199 Online: bcakeny.com
Another ice cream spot, this one uptown, Sugar Hill Creamery is another one of our favorite places for a cone or dish. Owned by local parents Nick Larsen and Petrushka Bazin Larsen, the store serves up small-batch ice cream made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients in both classic flavors the kids love (vanilla is "Andy Griffith"—get it?), and more adventurous ones for adults, like Pon de Replay, the Rhianna-inspired vegan ice cream made with coconut, tamarind and passionfruit. Sugar Hill also hosts a mom's meetup group, which you can sign up for here.
We’ve long been a fan of Lower East Side native Mikey Cole’s pop culture-inspired artisanal, organic ice cream and his fun storefront decked out with images of pop icons. Flavors at the downtown store include “Pink Floyd”, “The Brady Bunch”, “Ice Ice Mikey” and “Foxy Brown.” (The Foxy Brown Milkshake was cited as a way to make someone fall in love with NYC on a recent episode of Gossip Girl.) Cole started his business selling ice cream out of a pushcart, and now also offers vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free varieties. The shop is delivering to Manhattan and big fans can scoop up Mikey Likes It merch like hats, collaboration hoodies and more.
Started as a home-business more than two decades ago, Make My Cake has gained legions of fans with its confections. The heart of the business is the family recipes of Josephine “Ma” Smith, said to combine the baking traditions of Mississippi and Alabama with Harlem soul. Must-haves here include the red velvet cake, German chocolate cake, sweet potato cheesecake and strawberry cupcakes. Need a cake delivered? Call 212-932-0833.
2380 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. 212-234-2344 Harlem Online: makemycake.com
Don’t let the name fool you: this bakery (which also sells cakes, muffins and other sweet treats) consistently tops lists of where to get the best pie in the city. Founded by classically-trained Broadway actor Arnold Wilkerson in 1985, this shop has a pie no matter the season, from apple and pumpkin in the fall and winter, to key lime, peach and cherry in the spring and summer. (And lots, lots more.) You can share these delectable treats with anyone, thanks to next-day shipping. (And yes, you can also get little pies here, as pictured above.)
Brothers Muhammed and Rahim Diallo have been sharing West African food and drink with New Yorkers since 2015 with slogan, "Born in Africa, Made in New York." Their company takes its name from a ginger-based drink, popular in the duo's native Guinea, made with vanilla, anise and pineapple. They opened Ginjan Cafe in Harlem right before the pandemic hit, but they weathered the setback, and are even in the process of establishing a second location in Bedford Stuyvesant. (Look for that shop to open some time in March.) Stop in for the eponymous drink, cold-pressed juices, crepes, coffee, tea, and bites from local chefs in the big and welcoming space uptown. Learn even more about their story in this feature on Humans of New York.
Harlem Hops is Manhattan's first, 100 % African-American-owned NYC local craft beer bar. Founded by three HBCU grads, this welcoming spot serves a rotating, highly-curated menu of local, often rare, small-batch beers from the region and beyond, in addition to wine, spirits and "bites"—like its impressive giant pretzel. Like to enjoy your brew at home? Beer can be taken to go in a size as large as a 32 ounce "crowler."
2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. Harlem 646-998-3444 Online: harlemhops.com
It's a family affair at Harlem's Seasoned Vegan. Mother and son Brenda and Aaron Beener promise to serve up your favorite food, "veganized." Gourmet vegan soul food dishes include mac and cheese, fried "crawfish" po boy, "chicken" nuggets, stuffed avocados and even rich desserts like red velvet cupcakes. But the duo draws from many culinary traditions as well, creating vegan Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and American dishes with a home-cooked, soulful twist.
The Central Brooklyn Food Coop is a Black-led 100% working member-owned and –operated food store with membership open to all. The organization's mission is to utilize its collective strength to ensure access to affordable and fresh food while centering the Black, low-to-moderate-income communities of Central Brooklyn. The co-op works to make it easy and affordable to buy good food, while strengthening ties between neighbors in the communities of Bedford-Stuyvesant, North Crown Heights and the surrounding low- and moderate-income neighborhoods of color.
This cozy Bed-stuy shop and cafe owned by tea experts Alfonso Wright and Jamila McGill offers tea on the go (in a cup or a bag for your at-home stash) or in store, where you’re encouraged to slow down and enjoy the sensory experience that is tea. They got it all here: green, herbal, black, oolong, matcha, etc. While the kids may not be up for an Earl Grey, they will probably enjoy a vegan waffle with fruit or chocolate toppings, or a Biggie Smalls cookie. Need a gift for a tea lover? Brooklyn Tea is stocked with gear and gadgets every tea geek will love.
Cafe Con Libros is an intersectional Feminist community bookstore and coffee shop, serving up coffee, tea, books and community. (And pastries from Bien Cuit, FYI.) In addition to a cozy storefront in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, the shop curates monthly book subscriptions in categories including Womxn of Color, Feminist, Romance, Young Adults for ages 12-18yrs, Budding Feminist Children's Books for ages 5-9yrs, Baby Feminist Board Books for ages 0-5yrs. Looking for a baby shower gift? Try the Baby Feminist Social Justice Primer!
Owner Noëlle Santos famously opened this Mott Haven bookstore/coffee shop/wine bar after the Bronx’s last remaining bookstore, a Barnes & Noble, closed. The Lit Bar now holds that honor (as well as a lot more indie appeal and character). Find shelves of books for kids of all kinds, a curated collection of reads for adults, as well as gift items and programming. Need some timely recs? Try the “Dear White People” reading list or the 2020 Survival Kit list. And yes, you can also enjoy your libation of choice here.
131 Alexander Ave. Mott Haven 347-955-3610 Online: www.thelitbar.com
Sister's Uptown Bookstore is presently the oldest black and family-owned bookstore and community cultural center in Washington Heights/Harlem. The store is dedicated to nourishing the minds, hearts and souls of the community with present and past works of gifted African-American, Latinx, and other great authors and intellectuals.
1942 Amsterdam Ave. Washington Heights 212-862-3680 Online: experienceonekin.co
Shopping & Self-Care
Flatbush Central
Urbane
This Caribbean marketplace (formerly known as Flatbush Caton Market), has been part of the fabric of Brooklyn's Flatbush for more than 20 years. Renamed and revitalized, the community hub is home to numerous Black vendors selling a variety of goods, including Haitian decor, spices, tea leaves; flagwear and accessories from all Caribbean nations and others worldwide; luxurious, natural handcrafted soaps and body care products, and handmade children’s clothing, accessories, toys and books.
In addition to shopping, Flatbush Central also includes a Caribbean-themed food hall, a shared commercial kitchen, bar, and lounge, and new programming to increase community bonds and celebrate the cultures of Flatbush and Central Brooklyn. (Look for a big re-opening celebration in spring 2022.)
Bed-Stuy's Make Manifest BK is a community space, creative hub and shop featuring local and independent brands with a focus on sustainability. Workshops for kids and adults include sewing, crocheting and knitting and crafting, and you can also drop by for evening events like "Sip & Sews", slow jam karaoke and spiritual wellness gatherings.
Felicia Eve owns this charming Park Slope yarn store and event space, which is stocked with drool-worthy raw materials for knitting, crocheting and weaving. The studio has hosted after school classes and open knitting nights, and offers private lessons as well. Need an al fresco spot for your small gathering? There’s a lovely garden area in back you can rent out for your event.
Founded by Staten Island resident Raquel Roxanne Nowak, Matresence takes its name from the word meaning "the process of becoming a women." The skincare line is designed for the many stages of motherhood, from trying to conceive and pregnancy to nursing and being a busy parent. The company offers products for regular self-care, assorted issues (stretch marks, hormonal acne, etc.) as well as pre-bundled gift sets to keep moms of all kinds restored and glowing!
Brunch is undeniably one of the best meals of the day when the whole family is home…or you have a quiet afternoon to slip away with your adult family member or friends. Portland has family-friendly and elevated options where you can enjoy this favored meal. So take your morning slow and then gather up your crew and head to one of these mid-morning meal restaurants for next-level eats. We’ve got your list of the best kid-friendly brunch spots in town. Read on to find out more.
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Jam on Hawthorn
This popular spot serves up a large selection of classic dishes, including corned beef hash, oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes and Grand Marnier French Toast. But the owners haven't forgotten those with special diets, there's plenty on the menu for vegetarians, vegans and those who need to eat gluten-free. Additionally, there is a kid’s menu and play area for the lil’ ones. Show up early, this eatery tends to regularly have a wait time, especially on the weekends. You'll need to have a mask and proof of vaccine for indoor seating.
Daily, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, OR Online: jamonhawthorne.com
J & M Cafe
This sunny spot has cozy indoor and outdoor seating that will make you feel at home. They serve up everything from classic specials like waffles and pancakes that will make adults and the kiddos smile, to savory plates that include scrambles, breakfast burritos and even breakfast salads. Don't forget to order a latte for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids. Best of all, this downtown spot puts a lot of effort into serving up what smells, feels and tastes like a home cooked meal. Feel good food, without all the cleanup.
Daily, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 537 SE Ash St Portland, OR Online: jandmcafepdx.com
Family meets farm-to-table at this popular eatery where all the dishes are made from scratch using fresh ingredients from local farms. Not-to-miss items include the house-made buttermilk biscuits and the eggs benedict. Kids and canines each have their own menus, so feel free to bring the whole family. The heated patio is open year-round.
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat-Sun. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 1438 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR Online: tinshedgardencafe.com
Screen Door
Prepare for a wait at this much-loved breakfast and brunch spot. Deemed one of Portland’s essential brunch destinations, Screen Door is famous for its down-home, Southern-style fare. They are now offering family style brunch meals that include menu items like chicken and waffles and chicken and biscuits and feed two to four people. Or order off the menu and you'll be hooked too once you try the fried chicken and waffles, brioche French toast, and fried oysters and praline bacon. For more conventional palates, there’s plain pancakes and waffles. To beat those long lines, aim to get there before opening or visit on a weekday.
Daily 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Eastside 2337 East Burnside St.
You and the kids will find a warm welcome and relaxed vibe at this long-time Portland crowd pleaser, made famous for its classic comfort food (think biscuits, scrambles, hashes and frittatas) and special Mother of the Month dishes. For the youngest patrons, there’s a small play area and compact kids menu, such as pancakes or scrambled eggs and toast.
Thurs-Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Thurs-Sat 5 -10 p.m. 212 SW Stark St. Portland, OR Online: mothersbistro.com
Off the Griddle
Portland families looking for vegan brunch options only need to head to the SE where they will find Off the Griddle. This cozy brunch spot only makes vegan menu items. You can ask for egg and dairy substitutes. Try their breakfast burrito, rise and grind breakfast sandwich, or the biscuits and gravy. If you are feeling your sweet tooth, not to worry they serve up waffles galore. Think waffles and berries and waffles with bananas, syrup and powdered sugar! If you are a little late for brunch, then you'll want to try their lunch. Vegan mac and cheese? Yes please!
Daily 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 6526 SE Foster Portland, OR Online: offthegriddle.com
Now more than ever, it’s important for us all learn a little bit more about Black history. For Black History Month, kids can learn about important contributions by Black people in history, gain new skills from Black educators and creators, and tour some important historical landmarks from home. These classes from our favorite museums as well as educators at Outschool, Airbnb and KidPass are a great way for the whole family to learn something new this month.
Why Do We Celebrate Black History Month?
In this lesson, students will learn about the origins of Black History Month, the importance of why its celebrated and where it's celebrated. Best for ages 6-11.
Cost: $10 Dates: Meets once, various dates in February Online: outschool.com
This class is based on the book Before She Was Harriet. The style of the class is re-enactment performances and it is suitable for all ages.
Cost: $11 Dates: Meets once, various dates available Online: outschool.com
Frederick Douglass: Agitator Exhibit
public domain/wikimedia commons
Originally on view at the American Writers Museum in 2019, Frederick Douglass: Agitator is now available virtually. Visitors can see the original content from the exhibit that explores the later life of writer and orator Frederick Douglass, learn about his use of portraiture, download curriculum and more.
This class details the history of Black History Month in America, including some little-known facts, and why the month was created. Best for ages 10-15
Cost: $15 Dates: Meets once, various dates available Online: outschool.com
The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: NEW ORLEANS Mardi Gras Edition
Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class).
This special edition features Zydeco music - a blend of Afro Caribbean Rhythms, Creole Culture and French language, original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about New Orleans Culture, and adaptations of African American folk songs like This Train is Bound for Glory.
The New York Historical Society invites kids to learn about black women, like Ida B. Wells, and meet other leaders and activists portrayed by historical interpreters.
Every Wednesday in February, Nareissa Smith, a former law professor and a journalist who writes about racial and gender justice issues, will be hosting educational classes on African American History—in partnership with Varsity Tutors, a live-learning platform.
The first class Black History Basics: Life in Africa & the Beginnings of Slavery (2/3) will explore how Africans created vibrant, fascinating cultures, long before ever coming to America. In this interactive lesson, students will learn about these African civilizations and their extraordinary contributions to global trade, technology, and culture. Then students will examine the beginnings of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the arrival of Africans in the Americas.
The Field Museum will be hosting a variety of online programs throughout February that highlight and amplify Black voices and stories. The live and pre-recorded events include a mix of Black History-themed behind-the-scenes tours, virtual exhibition viewings, and panel discussions with museum scholars for museum fans, educators, and students to enjoy. Find all the events here.
Tour Boston's Black Heritage Trail
iStock
Fourteen historic sites are included in this virtual tour, among them are former residences, schools, businesses, churches of this thriving black community as well as several stations on the Underground Railroad, along which escaped slaves fled from the South to freedom in the North and in Canada.
The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY Edition
KidPass
Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .
This special edition features country music from Black Musicians like Charlie Pride and Darius Rucker mixed with original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about farm animals and country culture. Ages 2-7.
Black History Month Camp: Contributions to Society
In this 4 Week Black History Month Camp, your learner will explore the impact and contributions that Black Americans have made in society from technology, to music, to entertainment and sports. Ages 7-10.
Cost: $60 Dates: meets 4 times, various dates available Online: outschool.com
Explore Kenyan Cuisines, Culture & Music
Airbnb
The best meals are home-cooked and thanks to the magic of the Internet, you can learn how to make Kenyan cuisines from scratch with ingredients and materials from your own kitchen! In this interactive experience, learn how to prepare authentic Kenyan cuisines all using the techniques from the chef's family own recipes. A fun family experience!
Cost: $31 Date: various dates available Online: airbnb.com
The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: PARIS JAZZ and ZOUK Edition
KidPass
Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .
This special edition features jazz, swing & zouk music from black musicians (who lived in Paris to escape oppression), original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about Paris Culture, and clever adaptations of French folk songs like Free Jacques. Ages 2-7.
Anyika Onuora will take you through an exciting, virtual HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout that includes a warmup, rest breaks, and a cool down. After the workout, she’ll be sharing her journey in sport and what it took for her to achieve her dreams, including how she won my Olympic medal even after contracting Malaria ten months prior. Wrap up the session with a Q&A and you’ll also see the shiny medals she won.
Cost: $26 Dates: various dates available Online: airbnb.com
The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: MOTOR CITY MOTOWN Edition
KidPass
Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .
This special edition features music from Motown Superstars like Diana Ross & the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5 mixed with original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about transportation and construction. Ages 2-7.
Whether you are limiting trips to the grocery store, trying to turn over a new (salad) leaf for your family in 2022 or are just pressed for time, you’re not alone. Planning, cooking and even buying healthy meals is time consuming, especially when unexpected curveballs get thrown at you (school closures much?). Fortunately, Seattle is chock full of meal delivery services, preparing fresh and healthy kid-friendly dinners and delivering them straight to your home. Read on to make feeing your fam simple.
This weekly meal delivery service will help your family eat healthy with their Wellness or Plant-Based Menu. They locally source, prepare and deliver your fully-cooked meals. All you have to do is heat them up, set the table (you've got two minutes) then enjoy them with the kids. Choose to have three, four or five meals for the week. The menu rotates weekly, and you'll find lots of creative choices with each new listing.
Adding chef-created, semi-prepared meals to your dinner rotation is easy with The Speedy Dish. Chef Michaela Skloven, a Ballard mom and Queen Anne mom, Erin, understand the ups and downs parents are facing right now. If you live in Queen Anne, Ballard or Magnolia, you can take advantage of this easy to prep meal kit that gets delivered straight to your home. Each Speedy Meal Kit serves two so you can easily build your family's meal plan, and takes about 20 minutes to get it on the table. The Speedy Dish also delivers ready-to-enjoy meals (think tamales and pot hand pies) alongside prepared proteins, sides, wraps and salads.
Joy Rubey, mom and founder, started ACME Farms + Kitchen in 2011 with a simple mission–to make access to local food easier. As a busy working mom of toddlers, she found herself searching for a simple way to get clean, local food at home, without having to haul little ones around.
Signing up for an ACME box is as easy as clicking a button and choosing a curated box that's right for your family. It's hard to go wrong with the Family Classics Box or Kid's Box, that'll get your hungry crew through breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also options for those who are gluten- and dairy-free, vegan or veg. Each box is fully customizable and you can set delivery to meet your needs: once only, weekly, monthly and more. Inside each box you'll find everything you need to make your meals, including pre-made sauces and portioned seasonings, as well as pantry items like chicken broth and coconut milk. Orders are submitted by Wednesday at midnight and delivered the next Wednesday or Thursday, depending on where you live. Each meal serves 4-6.
It doesn’t get much easier to eat healthy than this. Breakfast, lunch, dinner meals and even in-between-meal snacks are catered to match your diet plan whether you are looking for nutrient dense meals, gluten-free meals, keto, Paleo or vegan. Non-GMO meals are never frozen. Meals arrive at your home fresh and in an insulated box. Just unpack them and place them in the fridge. They heat up in the microwave in just three minutes. Their meals are open to all ages and many families enjoy their plans. When ordering, please be cautious about any allergies your child may have.
A car crash in 2011 started the odyssey that brought Dean and Tamara Hobson from losing everything back to solvency and health. What started as a local food delivery service for about 30 neighborhood families has grown into a citywide meal delivery and catering business focused on nourishing people. Weekly breakfast, lunch and dinner options rotate and deliveries are made twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Be sure to order by 3 p.m. on Thursday for Monday delivery, and by the same time on Tuesday for a Friday delivery. Food is delivered fully cooked, and ready to eat once you reheat it, and it gets dropped in the personal cooler you set out on your front porch (don’t forget the ice packs!). You won’t find a lot of carbs or grains in these meals, just a whole lot of meats and veggies, calibrated for optimal nutrition. Specialized meal programs are also available if you’re looking for help with Keto, Whole 30, cleanses and more.
If there’s one thing busy parents understand, it’s other busy parents who are trying to balance kids, school, work and childcare. When Seattle parents, Rachael and Phil encountered this eternal problem, they came up with a solution. They took Phil’s skills as a chef and Rachael’s as an organizer to create Pick Me Up, the chef-prepared meal service that lets Seattle and Eastside parents get dinner delivered to their homes or to a daycare partner. The system is streamlined through an app. All you have to do is set up an account, select your meals and portion size, heat and enjoy. Meals rotate weekly and each day has a couple of options to choose from; we love the kids meal variations offered for each too. From there, families can either choose to pick their meal up at a participating daycare or have it delivered to their doorstep, packed and chilled between noon and 5 p.m. the next day (order cut off is 10 p.m. the day before). While the kiddos set the table, you heat up the meal. Voila, dinner is served!
Good to know: When you set up the app, use the code 1111 for home delivery.
What started as a meal delivery service catering to people with specific fitness goals in 2016 has transformed into a healthy meal service delivering to nearly 80 different zip codes around Seattle. FreshMeal dinners are created for anyone who wants to get on a healthier diet and start eating fresh, never frozen meals. The meals are cooked by professional chefs out of their local commercial kitchen in the International District using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. To get started simply order your meals anytime before Thursday at 10 p.m. Then the FreshMeal team gets to work sourcing ingredients and cooking your meal just before delivering it on Sundays. It’s ready to be placed in your fridge to keep you fed for the week.
It was a bout of chicken pox a long time ago that led Maven Meals owner, Heidi Finley, to find her passion—food. Ever since she’s been studying nutrition, sustainable business and restaurant management to create flavorful, healthy meals for people who are too busy to cook them themselves. There’s no need to subscribe or meet a minimum order requirement here. With Maven Meals you simply place your food order Sunday by midnight, and Maven Meals delivers it on ice in an insulated cooler sometime between Monday and Wednesday of that week (delivery day depends on your zip code). They deliver as far north as Edmonds and as far south as Lakewood, as well as to the Eastside. A new menu is posted every Monday and it always comes with suggested pairings for entrees, and the ability to filter for food specificity (think: vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, etc.) so you know exactly what’s available to you. The best part? Everything is ready to eat with a quick reheat or as-is, with the exception of some fish dishes that take a minimal amount of cooking.
Chef Virginia Blashill runs a "virtual restaurant," delivering restaurant-quality meals to busy families, without the hassle of a brick and mortar building. It's a great option for those of us who crave home-cooked meals, but lack the time to make them. Head to the website to choose meals from the menu that rotates weekly. Orders are placed by Sunday for delivery Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your delivery zone. Meals are delivered fresh not frozen, so this is a great heat-and-eat option, no cooking on your part. Each is made from scratch in small batches, using local suppliers whenever possible. You can choose from entrees, soups, salads and desserts that are customizable to your crew. Choose regular portion sizes for hungry adults (they're quite generous) and smaller ones for kids. Keep in mind each entrée typically comes with two sides so you can customize meals in this way too. There are also low-carb, gluten- and dairy-free options available, but all foods are prepared in the same kitchen.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor. With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
If dinner for your crew in two minutes or less sounds like a plan, check out Yumble's nutritious, ready-to-eat meals just for kids. They keep picky eaters in mind when they plan their menu, and meals come shipped in sustainably packaged boxes where you'll also find cute kid perks like stickers and activity sheets we know your kids will love. Yumble's lunches, dinners and snacks balance nutrition with flavor, so you can count on lots of fresh veggies and fruits in every meal. Simply choose your meal plan (four, six, eight or 12 per week), then wait for dinner to arrive at your door.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories. Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.
Cost: Starting at $7/portion + $9 shipping Online: marleyspoon.com
Gobble
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Steak & Cheddar Melts, Salmon with Creamy Chimichurri, and Creamy Baked Penne Pasta.
How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too). There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
Cost: Starting at $10-12/serving, free shipping on auto-delivery options Online: veestro.com
courtesy Splendid Spoon
Splendid Spoon
Bowls, soups and smoothies. Oh my! Splendid Spoon grew out of mom-preneur and French Culinary Institute-trained chef, Nicole Centeno’s desire to find quick and nutritious meals and snacks when she was pregnant with her first son. The service now delivers over 50 different meal options including soups (both hearty and light), smoothies, grain bowls, noddles and shots to busy families everywhere. Splendid Spoon's plant-based foods are totally fresh, gluten-free and were developed hand-in-hand by registered dieticians and chefs, so you know they taste great. To get in on the action, you need to hit the website, choose a plan and then customize it. Lunch is at the heart of each, and it builds from there. Add in breakfast five times a week at the second tier and a reset (think light soups for dinner) when you choose the full monty. You can skip delivery whenever you need to, and food is delivered straight to your door via FedEx, chilled, using dry ice. Bowls and soups keep for a week in the fridge or freeze them for up to a month.
Whether you're looking to eat more greens, add color to your plate or just plain love veggies, Purple Carrot is for you. Families can have dinner delivered two ways with Purple Carrot. If you go with the meal kit, you'll get a box delivered to your doorstep, filled with fresh ingredients and everything you need to make an amazing meal, from the good stuff to the recipe. If cooking isn't high on your list, try Purple Carrot's prepared meals. Like the meal kits, they come straight to your door. But unlike the meal kits, these are heat and serve, ready to eat in just five minutes. From there it's as simple as choosing your serving size (two or four) and how many meals you want each week (two or three). Then you sit back, relax and wait for your meals to deliver, freshly prepared, boxed and on ice, ready for you to enjoy.
Cost: Meal kits start at $10/serving; prepared meals start at $13/serving Online:purplecarrot.com
courtesy of Yumi
Yumi
Developed by two moms on a mission to create optimally-balanced baby food blends, Yumi's meals are all about babies. Yumi’s baby blends come in over 60 flavors, and span baby's major food-related milestones. Expert Chefs use seasonal ingredients to whip up your baby’s food using diverse flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, spirulina and flax, so your baby is exposed to a variety of flavors and textures. Then the blends are shipped to your doorstep in fully-recyclable packaging, using ice packs to keep it fresh. It’s easy to make substitutions or cancel an order any time, and you’ll receive text messages letting you know where your food is from the moment it ships out to the moment it delivers.
1. Once you find your favorite service, make sure you note your preferences, dislikes and allergies. Many services can accommodate these if they know ahead of time.
2. If you don’t have a cooler, buy one! The last thing you want is your delicious delivery spoiling in the sun.
3. Think about having your meals delivered to your workplace. This can give you instant lunch options, or can keep you from stressing out about your delivery waiting for you on your doorstep.
5. Did a friend just have a baby or is a parent recovering from surgery? Meal delivery is an awesome gift for anyone who might have more important things on their plate, or just as a time saver for a busy loved one.
Work out more. Work less. It’s that time of year to come up with resolutions. Some may be cliché (eat healthier), some may be ambitious (no more social media) and some may be very ambitious (run a marathon). They can all help motivate you into feeling excited for the start of the year. But as children hear what you’re planning to do, they may also hear a subtext: Who I was last year wasn’t good enough. And in the insanity of last year, where nothing went as planned for many of us, resolutions give us one more way to pressure ourselves into doing more even if we are already doing too much.
At StereoType, our mission is to break through and unlearn stereotypes that are created by societal norms and to inspire authentic expression of one’s true self. We were inspired to create a list of “unresolutions” for the beginning of January. After all, you don’t need to be anything else besides who you already are—a lesson that resonates for all of us, no matter how old we are.
By creating goals from an empowered place of doing more things that make you happy, it’s a win-win—you get more of what you already have.
Here, some exercises to reframe resolutions:
1. Create an Inspiration Collage
We’ve all heard of vision boards—the cut out images from magazines and paste to a poster board to represent what you want to do. Another option is to make an inspo board from what you’ve already done. Month by month, go through photos stuck on your phone, print them out and pick a favorite memory to highlight and talk about. Have your kids help too so they can also savor the memories and help think of ways to create new ones. At the end, together make a collage of the images from each month. What are the common themes? From home cooked meals to time with family and pets, these are things you’ve already manifested into the world. Creating a monthly visual will help inspire the whole family to dream and enjoy more new adventures together. Place the collage somewhere you can all see it and remember the journey of each month.
2. Talk Through Highs & Lows
Many families do highs and lows (also known as roses and thorns) at the dinner table every night, asking each member of the family about the high and low points of their day. If you don’t regularly do this, talking through highs and lows of the year can be a good way to end the year. Letting kids hear their parents’ lows helps them see that adults can also make mistakes, reconsider things, and commit to doing things differently. It also helps kids understand that parents don’t always have it all figured out, we are all learning and growing together and that’s a good thing. Talking about highs gives you a chance to revel in everyone’s accomplishments and set intentions for what’s next. It can also be a reset for kids: It’s a New Year, full of new opportunities and challenges, but you’re going to get through them as a family, just as you do each year.
3. Praise Yourself for Not Doing Things
So often, we praise ourselves when we accomplish things and cross off our to-do list. But what if we praise ourselves for the rest days we take for taking much needed downtime, the giggly moments of couch family time, or curling up with a book. Encourage your kids to catch their own moments of getting caught up in a drawing, playing pretend, or otherwise doing “nothing” as well as the “official” accomplishments they made over the course of the year. Modeling selfcare will help your children see that it’s not just about going and doing but also about slowing down and being aware of what our body needs.
4. Break up Goals
Part of the reason resolutions can seem eye-roll inducing is because they can so rarely be kept. Instead of sweeping, vague resolutions, work with your kids to come up with actually doable resolutions, broken into one week or one month chunks. This could include talking to a new friend at school (or Slacking a new colleague at work), finishing reading a book together, or getting to a new level in a video game. No matter how small, teaching kids how to break down “resolutions” into concrete, doable goals can be a smart strategy to learn for the future.
5. Celebrate Who You Are—Right Now
It’s so important for your kids to see you celebrate yourself and love who you are in this moment. We are all a work in progress and we can often feel like we are not “doing” or “being” enough. Creating a time capsule, a photo shoot, or a list of favorite things can capture who you are in the moment—and can be a keepsake to pull out for the future. More than that, it’s a chance to fully embrace the person you have been in 2021—no resolutions needed.
Elizabeth Brunner is a San Francisco-based designer and the founder of StereoType, a gender-free, style-forward kids clothing brand that’s designed to celebrate individuality and freedom of self-expression by blending traditional ideas of boys’ and girls’ wear. StereoType combines style, design and comfort to inspire creativity, individuality and freedom of expression.
It’s dinner time and if you had to choose between ordering a pizza or cooking a healthy meal, a pizza probably sounds a whole lot easier. And while you know you need to prioritize the health of your family you are probably overwhelmed and need easy ideas—our life is complicated and enough and you have zero aspirations to become Martha Stewart.
If this is you, eating healthy can be way easier if you apply these simple meal hacks that make even the most inexperienced cooks look like a pro. Whether you don’t particularly have a flair or interest in cooking, don’t have the time, or just don’t have the money to get extravagant with your meals there are tips here that will positively impact your household.
1. Pre-cooked Meat (Pre-cooked Grocery Store Rotisserie Chicken vs. Home-Cooked Oven Roasters)
Save time by opting for pre-cooked rotisserie chickens which can run as low as $4.99 at major grocery store chains. This saves time and provides a substantial part of a healthy lunch or dinner that is already cooked freeing your time and energy to focus on simple sides.
2. Slow Cooking (Crock-Pot Meals vs. Skillet Meals)
While skillet style meals are a great way to whip up a healthy meal for one or two people, it can be far more efficient to prepare family-friendly meals in a slow cooker as it creates tender juicy meats without added oils and sugars. Recipes like cilantro lime chicken, chili, carnitas, curry, chicken tikka masala, soups, and so much more become one single step that you can set and forget!
3. Smoothies (Meal Replacer Shakes vs. Home-Cooked Sit-Down Breakfasts)
When everyone is hungry and you are short on time, don’t underestimate protein smoothies for breakfast. Start with a base of a good quality protein supplement and blend it with almond or coconut milk, fresh low sugar fruit, leafy greens (optional), and a nut butter like almond or peanut butter. This approach will not only be delicious but will save time, money, and leave you with fewer dishes to wash!
4. Choose Fruit Wisely (Ready to Eat Fruit vs. Prep Intensive Fruit)
Fresh fruit is a great way to get fiber and nutrients for your family, however, you can save yourself a lot of time by choosing fruit more strategically. Things like whole apples and pears only need to be rinsed and can be consumed as-is. This also goes for bananas where the fruit can be eaten without prep work. Set a bowl of fresh ready-to-eat fruit in your kitchen for easily accessible snacks as opposed to tasking yourself with preparing more intensive fruit like cantaloupe, watermelon, or pineapple.
5. Don’t Bother Peeling Produce
Sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, apples, and beets all roast up amazing with the skin on. The same goes for cucumbers, kiwi, eggplant, grapes, peaches, nectarines, ginger, acorn squash, and delicate squash. Leaving the skin includes more antioxidants and nutrients. Just make sure you rinse your produce first!
6. Egg Whites
Purchase cartons of liquid egg whites as opposed to whole eggs. For recipes that call for egg whites, you will experience fewer “steps” by pouring liquid egg whites as opposed to cracking several eggs, separating the yolks from the whites. This is great for egg white omelets
7. Break Your Breakfast Routine
Don’t be afraid to have leftover “dinner food” for an easy microwavable breakfast. Breakfast doesn’t have to be “conventional.” I’ve grown up having rice and eggs or some other form of protein my entire life. There is no rule that says breakfast needs to be pancakes and cereal, it can be whatever you want it to be.
8. Order Chinese Take-Out
What? Takeout? Yes, when I’m in a bind, I will order a few servings of steamed chicken and mixed vegetables with white or brown rice. You can also get steamed shrimp and a variety of different veggies (all you have to do is ask and you can get broccoli). You can get this meal at ANY Chinese restaurant in America, just ask for the sauce on the side (I don’t use the sauce). I add a small amount of soy sauce or coconut aminos to flavor the food along with either sriracha or hot oil sauce. However, this has gotten me through rough spots where I had a lot of work and zero time to cook, but needed healthy food to keep me energized.
9. No-Chop Veggies
When selecting your veggies, some will be easier to meal prep than others required virtually no chopping or prepping before cooking.
▪ Spinach/Kale/Arugula: Can be easily steamed or sauteed with the carb of your choice (i.e. rice or sweet potatoes), can be added to wraps, salads, omelets, tacos, fajitas, and sandwiches.
▪ String beans/Asparagus: Can be easily steamed, oven-roasted, or lightly sauteed.
▪ Peas/Snow Peas: An easy add-in to a stir-fry or skillet when simple veggies are needed to complete a meal.
10. Have a “Back-Up” Healthy Meal
Every household needs a go-to backup meal. For me, it’s veggie fried rice. I typically scramble in egg whites for my protein source and whatever veggies I have on hand. It tastes amazing and I literally always have the ingredients needed to pull it off at any point. It can get fancier depending on what type of meat you have on hand and it great for turning leftover rice, meat, eggs, and veggies into an amazing family-friendly dish.
When you met your partner, was it love at first sight? (Or “site,” seeing as so many of us meet on social dating sites these days!) Were you swept off your feet and whisked away to many a romantic rendezvous?
No matter how you met or how hot and steamy the beginning of your relationship was, you likely went on dates. Often they started out simple, allowing you to get to know one another, maybe long soul-syncing talks at a cafe or slow and intimate home-cooked dinners with wine. Then they may have become more active: out to a concert or sporting event, rock climbing followed by some beers at a local pub, strolls up and down the beach boardwalk.
The options were endless! The time—abundant! The mood—carefree!
And then you had children.
Now, your daily interaction is often a transaction. You two run the business of keeping your home functioning and this doesn’t leave much time for galavanting around town, kid-free, blowing through your hard-earned moolah.
So, if time and pockets are so short, why bother? For one, do you enjoy engaging with your life partner in this I’ll-do-this-if-you-do-this sort of manner? I’m waging a bet that the answer is a big fat “no.”
Here are three very good reasons why you should keep dating your spouse.
If you plan to be with this person for life, as you most likely intended when you promised this at your wedding, then you might need to work on your marriage just a smidge to keep the spark alive and well. You’ll be reminded of you why you love your partner in the first place.
It will be fun! And it will be a welcome break from the monotony of the every day wake-parent-work-parent-sleep lifecycle.
Your kids will benefit! As you and your spouse strengthen your partnership, you will be a wonderful role model to your children of how a healthy couple should be. Additionally, these lovey dates may refill your frequently empty parenting tank, allowing you to be a better, more patient parent.
Okay, so I’ve sold you on why you should date your partner, but how to find the time or the money to plan a date?
What my husband and I have done with intention this year, is plan one official date per month where we line up babysitting for the kids and we leave the house. That’s the biggest hurdle. We are lucky that my parents (mainly my mom) are often available to help out and that saves us some money. If they aren’t free, then we hire a sitter. Yes, this adds to a date night expense, but it is worth it, promise.
If you don’t have the extra to spend on a sitter, see if one of your mom friends would be willing to come sit at your house while your children sleep (and her partner stays home with their own kids). You could pay her in unlimited Netflix usage during her stay. Heck, she may even appreciate the “evening off” with her own kids.
And now the big question: what to do? Um, anything?! You’re kid-free, remember?
Here are some great and budget-friendly date ideas:
Go for a walk in a green space near your house during sunset
Grab happy hour drinks downtown while you people watch
Go to a cafe where you listen to a podcast together and then discuss
Drive away from the city to stargaze together
Eat out somewhere nice but affordable. Savor eating at your own pace (hooray for not having to tend to kids or shovel your food down!)
Use sites like TravelZoo and Groupon to get discounts of what would be a more expensive date, like a couples massage or concert tickets
Take a bottle of champagne on a hike (like we did many many moons ago)
Any of those resonate with you? This is getting me excited for my husband and my next date! But, what if you and your partner have different ideas of fun? You could each make a list of five to 10 date ideas. Put all the options together and then pick one at random!
Whatever you do, the goal is to connect and have fun. And if dating one another fortifies your relationship foundation—that has shifted as it made room for your new roles as parents—well then that’s worth planning for, isn’t it?
I am a mom to two young kids, a licensed psychotherapist, and a children's book author. My passion is to help and empower moms and children to understand themselves better, navigate challenge confidently, and live the life they want. Visit me at ChristinaFurnival.com
