Marie Kondo has been keeping a secret: she’s pregnant! The organizing guru shared the special news on Wednesday that she’s expecting baby number three on her Instagram account.
Kondo is already mom to two daughters, Satsuki and Miko that she shares with husband Takumi Kawahara who married in 2012. The entrepreneur has been busy the last few years, helping to spread her KonMari method of organizing and decluttering through her book and Netflix series.
Kondo isn’t known for sharing a ton of personal information about her family on her social media accounts, and as of now has not shared if a brother or sister will be joining big sisters, nor when she’s due. One thing’s for certain: her news is definitely sparking joy!
It’s resolution time, parents! And although saving the planet is a tall order as far as resolutions are concerned, working toward a sustainable environment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. So if you’re looking for simple and easy solutions to support sustainability in 2021, you’ve come to the right place. From kits that help reduce food waste to how to recycle everyday plastic waste, we’ve got what you need to make your New Year a bit green-er.
photo: iStock
Skip the Landfill
We’re all doing our best to reduce, reuse and recycle. But if you find yourself puzzling over what to do with broken toys, plastic food wrap and clothes that have holes, you’re not alone. Check out these services and resources that help keep items out of the landfill.
Ridwell
Subscribe to Ridwell When it comes to recycling, there’s only so much you can put in your big blue bin. That’s where Seattle-based Ridwell comes in. What started as a father-son quest to collect dead batteries for recycling has grown into an odds-and-ends recycle and reuse subscription service boasting over 15,000 customers in the Seattle area.
Ridwell collects everyday items like light bulbs, clothes, shoes and plastic film (think: cereal box liners, Ziploc baggies and that stack of Amazon bubble envelopes you’ve got sitting in garage) on a bi-monthly basis and delivers them to area recycling and reuse partners so you don’t have to. They also gather those really strange items you’re not quite sure what to do with, like eye glasses, pet items, Halloween candy and even Christmas lights—they designate one special item as their featured category each month. To date, Ridwell has collected more than one million pounds of trash that would have otherwise gone into landfills.
Work the Web What’s the old saying? One person’s junk is another’s treasure. Sometimes keeping things from the landfill is as easy as offering them up to others to use. Joining groups like Buy Nothing and Freecycle makes the reuse part of the three r’s a cinch. If you don’t have any takers, you can always see if local reuse art stores like Seattle ReCreative and Tinkertopia in Tacoma are collecting what you’re looking to offload. (Hint: they both love leftover art supplies, parents!)
Find a Fix-It Fair Whether you’ve got a vacuum on the fritz, a chair that needs repair or you can’t darn a sock worth a darn, “fixers” at a Seattle or Tacoma area Fix-It-Fair can help. Simply bring small appliances, broken toys, tools, computers—you get the idea—and have a skilled “fixer” take a look. They’ll give it a once over, repair it if they can and offer helpful tips you can take home too. Although the pandemic has put these Fix-It-Fairs on hold, King County has plans to bring them back in some from or another in the near future. So don’t get rid of that broken blender just yet. Help is on the way!
Eat Locally
Rylea Foehl
Find Local Farms & Farmers When it comes to our area’s sustainability, supporting local farms and farmers is a simple action that has a serious ripple effect on Mother Earth. Not only does it reduce the resources needed to grow, ship and prepare food, it puts good stuff back into the land (think nutrient dense soils and healthy waters) and the economy. Find everything you need for 2021 at the newly launched eatlocalfirst.org that features more than 1,700 sustainable and organic farms, farmers markets and food businesses around Washington state. The best part of this new resource is that it puts the tools families need to eat locally at their fingertips. This is one resolution you can keep!
Join a CSA, shop the farmer's markets and visit farm stores If you’re interested in joining a CSA, start planning now. Consider you family’s needs—do you want produce only? What about meat? Are you looking for farm pick up or home delivery? Then browse eatlocalfirst.org to find the perfect match for your fam.
A leisurely stroll at the local Farmer’s Market isn’t always an option for busy parents, especially during a pandemic. But one of COVID’s silver linings (if there is such a thing) is that our local farmer’s markets have pivoted to online shopping with curbside pick up that makes seasonal eating as easy as driving through your local fast food joint. Don’t forget home delivery options from local spots like Local Yokels, Pacific Coast Harvest and Milk Run.
Download the Food Matters Action Kit Composting is the first line of defense in reducing food waste (great job, Seattle!). Cutting down on what you compost is second. When you think about it, wasting food wastes all the resources that went into producing it (growing, transporting and selling) and uses even more to process the waste. So if your family wants to shrink their food waste in 2021, the Food Matter Action Kit has everything you need. Plus it engages kids in the process. They get to do math, play detective and help save the planet. Sounds good to us!
Seattle mom, Terumi Pong, has been using the kit with her kids. She describes one of the lessons as “eye-opening” explaining her family didn’t realize “how much food waste we created and how some of the things we often waste can actually be eaten.” She goes on to say, “After reading through the toolkit and working through some of the lessons, my family is more aware of the choices we make with food and it didn't take a lot of time or effort. I'm thankful that in this time period where so many things feel out of our control, we can do a little bit to help ourselves and our community at home by reducing food waste.” You might be surprised by what you find, too.
Celebrate all of the “mini wins” in your life with mini doughnuts. Krispy Kreme is introducing a new limited-edition Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection, inspired by four fan-favorite desserts, that is a delightfully small, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Available beginning Jan. 11 at participating shops across the U.S., the Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection includes: Lemon Bar, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake mini doughnuts.
Fans can try all four of the delicious mini desserts in a new four-count box, joining the 16-count box offering for even more ways to celebrate together.
To further help fans celebrate their “mini wins” kicking off the year, from remembering to unmute yourself before talking on video meetings to wearing “real” pants, Wednesdays throughout the month are now mini “Win-days” at Krispy Kreme.
On Jan. 13, 20 and 27, Krispy Kreme will offer sweet deals on doughnuts for anyone who participates in the mini win; just follow @krispykreme on social media to be among the first to know the “Win-day” offer.
“Coming off 2020, celebrating any and all wins – including small ones – is a way we can keep each other’s spirits up,” said Krispy Kreme Chief Marketing Officer Dave Skena. “Our Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection is a great way to celebrate the little wins to bring out the big smiles that keep us going.”
Show how you’re celebrating the mini wins and enjoying Krispy Kreme’s Dessert Minis by using #KrispyKreme and tagging @krispykreme on social. Learn more about Krispy Kreme’s new Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection by visiting www.krispykreme.com/promos/dessertminis.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a New York City tradition that’s been happening for 94 years. Is it cancelled for 2020? No, but, thanks to Covid-19, it’s different this year. (You know, like everything else.) Here’s what you can expect from The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020: when it is, how you can see it, who’s performing, and what floats and balloons will be flying high. (Still looking for the best Thanksgiving food in NYC? We found it right here!) Happy Thanksgiving!
When It Is & How to Watch
iStock
For the first time in its history, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be a televised event exclusively, with no public spectators.
It will air nationwide on NBC-TV, Thursday, November 26, from 9 a.m. to Noon, in all time zones.
On hand to host will be familiar NBC personalities Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker.
Changes To the Parade in 2020
Mimi O'Connor
Necessary changes have been made to keep everyone safe.
The parade will not cover the traditional 2.5-mile parade route; instead the action will be focused solely in and around the Herald Square area of Midtown Manhattan, where Macy's flagship is located.
You won't see the armies of balloon handlers and staff, as the overall number of participants has been reduced by approximately 75 percent. No kids under 18 this year, either, and of course masks and social distancing will be in play.
Will the Balloons Fly This Year?
Mimi O'Connor
Yes! But those signature character balloons will be flown without the traditional 80-100 handlers as in previous years. Instead, the parade will employ five rigged specialty vehicles to help them achieve lift-off.
New Balloons
Macy's
It's a big day for YouTubers and ambitious infants. Two new balloons are joining the parade lineup this year. "Red Titan", the character inspired by YouTube personality Ryan of Ryan’s World is the first balloon based on a YouTuber creation to be part of the parade.
Also debuting is Boss Baby, based on the opinionated animated character from film and tv.
And, getting the chance to take fly again (after some damage last year) is artist Yayoi Kusama's balloon "Love Flies Up To The Sky," pictured here.
And Four New Floats!
Macy's/Olay
New floats joining the lineup include a green and gold turkey from Jennie-O, a Christmas in Town Square from Lifetime, a Black woman astronaut from Olay and a madcap scene featuring cat and mouse Tom & Jerry.
Celebrity Appearances, Musical Performances & Santa
The stars will still come out to shine and perform this year. Keep your eyes peeled for celebs like Dolly Parton, Leslie Odom Jr., Patti Labelle, the New York City Ballet, Bebe Rexha and Noah Cyrus. (Plus many more!)
And yes, the finale of Santa's arrival will mark the official start of the holiday season!
The razzle dazzle of Broadway shows will still take place, with performances from the casts of Hamilton, Jagged Little Pill, Mean Girls and Ain't Too Proud. Plus, the Rockettes will rock it as always.
Sadly, no: Macy’s traditional giant balloon inflation public event, traditionally held the night before the parade, will not take place.
But! Macy's has created "Parade 101", a guide to the parade with S.T.E.A.M.-inspired videos and activities, including "The Fundamentals of Inflation!" Check it out here!
Rupert Grint is finally on Instagram! The Harry Potter franchise star shared his first post on the photo platform on Tuesday with a special someone––his daughter, Wednesday.
In a nod to his arrival on Insta, Grint’s caption referenced how he’s “10 years late” to joining. But there’s no need to feel bad for the red-headed actor––he already has 2.5 million followers.
Grint and girlfriend George Groome welcomed their first child together in May, but we haven’t seen or heard much from the couple regarding their bundle of joy. This is the first photo we’ve seen!
The Hogwarts alum joins several other co-stars, including Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis and Bonnie Wright. Still missing from the entourage is Daniel Radcliffe. Maybe we can hope the star will join 11 years late?
America’s Best Toy Shop is coming to your screen. DJ Khaled and Meghan Trainor are hosting Walmart’s first-ever nationally broadcast 2020 Top Rated by Kids Toy Awards Show, airing Sun., Oct. 25 on FOX immediately following the NFL game. The show will also stream live a 4:30 p.m. ET on Walmart social channels including YouTube with co-hosts Collins Key, TikTok with co-hosts WeWearCute as well as Instagram and Facebook with co-host Laurie Hernandez.
Matthew McConaughey, basketball star Chris Paul and pro skaters Tony Hawk and Ocean Brown will all be presenters for Sunday’s program joining the hosts for an hour of hilarious skits and family-friendly fun. Also, Trainor will be performing a new song off her upcoming holiday album, A Very Trainor Christmas, for the first time ever.
Walmart wants to offer customers special, exciting experiences that bring them together while spending more time at home, and the 2020 Top Rated by Kids Toy Awards Show will bring the hottest holiday toys to customers’ living rooms in an exciting, family-friendly way Walmart has never done before.
Viewers are in for a fun-filled night that celebrates the top toys of the holiday season and supports The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, which provides new clothing and toys to more than one million children in need each year. Visit WalmartAngelTree.org for more information.
The Hive is a collection of moms (and dads) who are part of the Tinybeans / Red Tricycle community and are crushing it in the parenting world on their own terms. Each week we share some of the most interesting stories from our Hive influencers this week. This week @ariel.loves recreated an iconic photo of her grandparents from 1945 with her husband on her first IG reel, @emilynwilkinson welcomed her son Noah and @koolkelsey got real about losing 27 lbs postpartum.
Aside from being featured in Red Tricycle and in Tinybeans, other benefits of joining the program include promotion of and link out to your social channels and blog, invitations to exclusive events, free tickets to VIP parties, and paid opportunities to work with our brand partners on national campaigns. Sound like fun? Think you might want to join the Hive? Parents who have a blog with 25K unique monthly views or social media following over 5K are encouraged to submit their application here.
School is looking different for everyone this year and Sesame Street wants to help with the transition. In partnership with CNN, the two are presenting a special town hall called “The ABCs of Back to School, A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Families.”
The town hall will air on CNN at 10 a.m. ET on Sat., Sept. 12., in addition to CNN.com‘s homepage, CNN International, CNN in Español and on all CNN apps. The 60-minute special will address how to stay safe in classrooms, virtual learning and plenty of unique scenarios for families during this time.
The fun filled evening will be moderated by CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and anchor Erica Hill. Joining them will be plenty of Sesame Street Muppets including Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Rudy, Super Grover and more.
Additionally, you can expect to see school-aged kiddos in all types of learning scenarios, plus Sesame Workshop’s Vice President and Education Publisher for Sesame Learning Akimi Gibson.
Parents are encouraged to submit questions for the Town Hall over at CNN.com.
DC just unveiled their plans for a global Batman Day celebration on Sept. 19, 2020. Fans of all ages are invited to participate in a wide-range of activities to honor the iconic DC Super hero. For the first time, fans will have the opportunity to drive along with a “Batman and The Riddler” theme on Waze.
While driving you can tune in to the Waze and DC Superhero or Super-Villain playlists on Spotify via the Waze Audio Player feature.
Additonally fans will be able to access free digital comics, free activity kits for kids, a Batman Virtual 5K/10K Run/Walk and even a digital mystery to solve in which fans can put on their cape and cowl and transform into their strongest self.
Fans can also team up with Batman to protect Gotham City in a series of digital activities, such as joining the celebration on social media and helping Batman to piece together a series of clues left behind by The Riddler. If you can decode these mischievous hints, you’ll unlock exclusive, limited-time reveals! The adventure begins when the virtual Bat-Signal lights up at 12 p.m. PT, Sept. 18, on the @DCComics Twitter.
The new Waze Batman theme allows for more than 100 million monthly active Waze users to ride along with Batman and The Riddler from Aug. 31 to Oct. 31. Waze drivers can opt to hear directions in the style of Batman, voiced by Batman: The Animated Series actor Kevin Conroy, as well as select a custom Batmobile icon and Batman mood. Drivers who want a slightly more villainous experience can select The Riddler voice directions (voiced by actor Wally Wingert), mood and custom vehicle. Waze users worldwide can experience the Batman theme in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Fans can join in on social media using the hashtag #BatmanDay and visit http://www.BatmanDay.com for the latest news and updates.
Are are looking for that last sip of summer before everything is pumpkin spice flavored/ Starbucks is now offering two new vibrant green drinks, the Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers Beverage and the Star Drink. Both are joining the permanent menu at locations across the U. S. after a successful launch in Canada earlier this year.
New Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers Beverage
The Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers Beverage is a tropical combination of starfruit flavored juice and real kiwi pieces, hand-shaken with ice. With less than 100 calories in a Grande (16 fl. oz. beverage), the Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers joins the Starbucks Refreshers platform, alongside customer-favorites Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refreshers, Very Berry Hibiscus Starbucks Refreshers and Mango Dragonfruit Starbucks Refreshers.
New Star Drink
The Star Drink adds coconutmilk to our new Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers Beverage for a creamy and refreshing sip that’s under 200 calories in a Grande (16 fl. oz. beverage). Now on the permanent menu alongside other creamy customer favorites like the Pink Drink, Violet Drink and Dragon Drink.
Customers can use the Starbucks App to find a store nearby, order ahead and have contactless payment. And for those who want their favorite Starbucks drinks and food without leaving home there is always Starbucks Delivers.
Another way to enjoy the final moments of the summer season is with a new, colorful cold cup or tumbler. Now through August 24, customers can enjoy 30% off their purchase of summer-inspired drinkware and merchandise. To learn more about the new Starbucks food and beverage menu items available in U.S. stores, visit www.starbucks.com/menu/featured.
