It’s MandoMonday! Yogibo is celebrating with the announcement of officially-licensed plush inspired by The Mandalorian. Available for pre-order beginning today at 4 p.m. ET, the Child (aka Baby Yoda) and Mando will release on Nov. 23 on Yogibo.com and in Yogibo retail stores around the country.
The new products join Yogibo’s growing Star Wars collection of gifts, accessories and furniture from a galaxy far, far away that feature BB-8, R2-D2 and more.
Made from Yogibo’s signature stretchy fabric and ultra-fine filling, the new plush are the cuddliest stuff in the galaxy. The Child Yogibo Mate ($35) and The Child Squeezibo Stress Ball Mate ($10) are the most adorable Force-sensitive friends you’ll ever find and the perfect companion to any bounty hunter or Star Wars fan. And with the incredibly cuddly Mando Yogibo Mate ($35) and the Mando Squeezibo Stress Ball Mate ($10) there’s no knowing what sorts of adventures you’ll find yourselves in.
This collection is fit for a queen. Toynk has officially announced two new additions to its Disney Princess Collection. Get ready to dine like royalty with the Disney Princess 16-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Collection #3 and the Disney Princess 13-Piece Ceramic Tea Set.
Disney Princess Dinnerware Collection #3 features the same ornate gold flourishes as collections one and two. The complete 16-piece set includes four 12-ounce mugs, four 2-cup capacity bowls, four 10.75-inch dinner plates, and four 7-inch dessert plates.
The new collection is inspired by four new Disney Princesses in a beautiful pastel color palette:
Moana (Moana) in coral
Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) in yellow
Pocahontas (Pocahontas) in pink
Merida (Brave) in mint green
Make all your childhood tea party dreams come true with the 13-Piece Disney Princess Ceramic Tea Set. Tea Set Pieces: 34oz Teapot, Sugar Bowl with lid, Creamer, four 7-oz Teacups, and four 6-in Saucers.
Elegantly decorated in a pastel color palette with gold filigree, each teacup and saucer features a unique Disney Princess theme, including chic designs inspired by Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, and Jasmine. The teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl feature exquisite designs based on Aurora from Sleeping Beauty.
Both sets are made of durable ceramic material, and perfect for everyday use. Previous installments in the Disney Princess Dinnerware Collection have sold out multiple times, making this set a must-have gift for the Disney Princess in your life. All products are officially licensed and Toynk.com exclusives.
It’s officially soup season and if you don’t already have a slow cooker, we have the perfect option. Uncanny Brands’ Mandalorian Crock Pot is here and it’s the ideal companion to the show’s second season.
The 7-quart crock pot is officially licensed by Disney and has an adorable pattern with The Child (aka Baby Yoda) and Mandalorian helmets. It retails for $49.99 and you can find it on Amazon.
In addition to a cute design, the appliance comes with a removable stoneware insert and a dial with heating options in low, high and warm. If you’re not into the Mandalorian, Uncanny Brands has other adorable patterns that include Star Wars, Pixar, Spider-Man and more.
Reduce your holiday stress and get a head start on shopping. Sam’s Club has your back. The toys topping the wish lists will be available at the warehouse store starting this month.
Play sets for pretend play, outdoor toys, and karaoke sets are just a few of the trendy items you’ll find at Sam’s Club this month.Sam’s Club will also release new toys, including many exclusive items, now through the end of the season.
With amazing items like an interactive, wooden grocery store with moving conveyor belt and a register that beeps as you scan, a licensed 12-volt kid-sized BMW motorcycle, an exclusive Mia’s Mansion Pet Loft Dollhouse complete with an elevator and an exclusive L.O.L. Surprise! OMG Styling Head and Doll bundle plus so much more you’re sure to find special items hitting the clubs and on SamsClub.com throughout the month and beyond.
These toys will only be available for a limited time and while supplies last, so if you see something you know your kids can’t live without, grab it while you can.
Distance learning brings with it many challenges, but now Adobe is looking to make the transition a little easier. Adobe is offering Creative Cloud application access at no additional charge to all students and teachers from Aug. 24, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2021 for current U.S. K-12 volume license customers. New U.S. K-12 Creative Cloud customers can also take advantage of these cost-savings by purchasing a volume license for their school or district, giving access (including at-home) to all students and teachers at no additional charge.
We are accustomed to a classroom model for education. Our new reality of distance and hybrid learning is changing the way institutions operate, how educators teach and how student success is measured and achieved.
For decades, Adobe has partnered with educators and education leaders and they remain committed to helping foster positive student outcomes amidst this changing landscape. This latest offer builds on a series of education initiatives put in place throughout this year.
For higher education and 2020 college graduates, Adobe is granting free access to Adobe Portfolio for one year to help them demonstrate their creative skills, which are essential differentiators in today’s fast evolving job landscape.
For parents and educators (K-12 and higher education), Adobe’s Distance Learning Hub provides practical teaching and learning resources. This includes unique curricula such as Khan + Create, a creative lesson plan on the Adobe Education Exchange developed in partnership with the Khan Academy.
The newly launched Adobe Creative Educator program also connects educators around the world and helps them learn how to foster critical skills like creativity in remote learning environments.
Additional resources for educators and parents can be found on AdobeForEducation.com, including industry-leading research on creative problem solving and the creative skills gap in today’s workforce.
How have you been dealing with the added stresses the pandemic, distance learning, and working remotely? Fintech company, Self Financial, asked over 1,000 Americans how their finances and mental wellbeing were connected in a series of questions to uncover the true cost of mental health. It turns out that people are spending an average of $287 a month on their mental health from direct and indirect sources.
1,066 Americans from across all states, with a range of financial backgrounds, were polled using Amazon’s survey platform from Jun. 29 to Jul. 4 on a range of questions about their financial and mental wellbeing.
The most popular indirect methods people are spending their money on for the benefit of their mental health are TV and streaming services (51.5%), socializing (48%), music streaming (44%), and food and drink (43%). In terms of direct methods, 72% of our respondents utilize counseling, 24% use mental health apps and 19% use sports and exercise as a means of looking after their mental wellbeing.
When asked about their experience during the global pandemic specifically, almost 1 in 5 (18%) said that TV streaming like Netflix and Disney+ was one of the three most important things for their mental health to combat the effects of COVID-19. This was found to be more important than counseling, mental health apps and podcasts, alcohol, journals, and music.
Despite streaming’s positive effects on viewers, 81.3% of people said that their mental health will ‘definitely’ improve after the pandemic is over.
Kristie Norwood, PhD, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist said, “Television shows can serve as a mechanism for people to mentally avoid dealing with everyday life challenges, remain connected to popular culture, experience positive emotions, and validate aspects of their lives. Through portrayed character experiences, viewers are able to feel a sense of internal connection, validation and normalization when their personal life situations are displayed; this pleasant connection and gratification often triggers dopamine in the brain which causes the behavioral response of continuous streaming, also known as “binge-watching.”
Bitty Boomers have been around for awhile, but now the ultra portable Bluetooth speakers are getting a galactic new lineup. Just in time for some major holiday shopping, you can now shop the Star Wars Bitty Boomer Collection!
So what are Bitty Boomers? They are super adorable, wireless and licensed speakers that boast clear and powerful sound. The newest lineup includes The Child, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper, and you can also pre-order The Mandalorian and a Mandalorian and The Child duo pack.
Bitty Boomers are an affordable $20 each and come in at two inches tall. They have a four hour battery life, can connect to any bluetooth device and come with a backclip clip and strap.
You can already shop the Star Wars collection at bittyboomers.com. While you’re there, check out the other collections that include Spongebob Squarepants, Disney, MLB, Marvel and more.
There’s nothing like a new indoor spot just for kids. Lucky for families in the Dallas area, a brand-new interactive toy store has arrived, fresh from New York City, and it should be on your must-do list this winter. Welcome to CAMP, where kids can touch, taste, and play to their heart’s content. This unique experience has something for everyone, even parents (hello, cafe drinks!), so get ready to head to CAMP for an unforgettable day of fun.
What It Is
CAMP is an interactive toy store that fuses rotating hands-on experiences (think mermaid walls, slides and musical bridges) with a toy store that has everything from unique toys you can’t find anywhere else to books, candy, collectibles and even some mainstream licensed products. The coolest part is that every few months, behind the secret door, the exhibits change, so there’s a good chance the whole space will look totally different with each visit.
Why We Love It
Besides the interactive experiences, there are toys everywhere, and kids are encouraged to play, run and basically try out stuff while they’re in the exhibit hall. There’s also a craft area, and there are different projects every day (there’s an extra fee to participate) that run the gamut from holiday-themed fun to classic things like DIY unicorn nightlights. There’s also a cafe with coffee, ice cream from New York legendary creamery Ample Hills, plus, kids get a token upon arrival, which is good for one snack from the Kroger-sponsored snack center.
Where It Is
Located in The Hill shopping center on Walnut Hill Lane, the impressive space is accessible from the North Central Expressway.
9830 North Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75231 (214) 612-0451
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, there are still closures and last minute cancellations due to Covid-19. Some of the destinations below are now open to the public. We highly recommend that you call ahead or check a park or destination’s website before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town.Stay safe!
A scenic drive to pick up grub is nice, but an afternoon catching your own dinner is even better. Fishing for food is still allowed in the state of VD and MD, so grab your poles and the kids and enjoy an afternoon outdoors. We soused out the best family-friendly places to reel in a meal. Read on for where to cast off for the best fishing in DC.
Sandy Point State Park
If you want to dig your toes in the sand, head to this beach tucked under the Bay Bridge. The beach is currently closed to recreational visitors, but if you fish, you’re in luck! You can launch a boat from this beach for a day of fishing or crabbing (you must pay for a fishing license in MD if you are over the age of 16). If you don’t have a fishing license, you can rent a commercial charter that handles all of your needs, from licensing to rods and gear.
Pine Lake
The path around Pine Lake offers an easy hike for little legs. It’s a great place to introduce kids 4 & up to fishing. The pond is stocked with trout and bass; you can also find sunfish, a tiny fish perfect for pint-sized anglers. There are also plenty of turtles and frogs to keep little ones amused while you reel in dinner. Your little one can cast off for free, but those 16 & up must obtain an MD fishing license. If you fish the first two Saturdays in June or July, you don’t need a license.
Clopper Lake
This reservoir deserves a “Best Kept Secrets” award. Often overlooked by fishermen, fish here are known to be good biters (they haven’t learned to steer clear of lures). You’ll find bass along with catfish and northern pike. Beginners have a pretty good chance they’ll leave with a fish, but even the empty handed will enjoy the view. Clopper Lake is a part of Seneca Creek State Park; MD fishing licensing rules and regulations apply.
Seneca Creek State Park
11950 Clopper Road
Gaithersburg, MD
Online: maryland.gov/seneca
Lake Centennial
There is a lot to love about this fishing spot, located in Centennial Park in Elliott City. For starters, you don’t have to fish on the shoreline (although you can); boats are available to rent so you and your little ones can find the perfect spot on the water. You can also bring your own boat (the boat launch is free to use, but you must have a boating permit which can be bought on-site for $5). You’ll find everything from panfish and catfish to rainbow trout and tiger muskies in this body of water. Most of the fish are small here, which makes them safer to handle for the youngest of anglers. This community park also features four playgrounds on site. Some fish are catch-and-release, some are not; for Maryland’s fishing regulations and licensing requirements here.
Centennial Park
1000 Maryland Route 108
Ellicott City, MD
Online: dnr.maryland.gov
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Fishing the waters in and around Dyke Marsh offers an opportunity to get up close to the area’s wildlife. You may see eagles and beavers when you set your line in these waters. Head to Belle Haven Marina (off the GW Parkway) to rent a boat. Jon boats seat 2-people; perfect for a parent-child excursion. You must have a VA fishing license (unless you are under the age of 16). Those looking to stretch their sea legs after fishing will enjoy the boardwalks that cover the marshland.
Belle Haven Marina
GW Parkway
Alexandria, VA
Online: saildc.com
Olde Izaak Walton Park
This pond on the edge of Leesburg, VA boasts a fishing pier but the real fun is stomping over brambles and shrubs to find the perfect spot along the water’s edge. Catching fish here is hit-or-miss, but it makes the list for it’s ample room to socially distance and it’s shallow waters (perfect for little anglers).
Our collective calendar looks a bit different nowadays. The daily to weekly monotony began to sink in for us, so I decided to spice up the schedule. Homeschool still applies somewhere in the morning, but as that dwindles away into summer, this may help with the unusual transition this year.
Here’s what I came up with, and it’s been a welcomed adjustment for all in the family!
MINDFUL MONDAY: Start the week with an open mind.
1. Ask questions over breakfast. Ask anything and everyone gets a turn. You never know what your child might ask. One day, our little one asked, “When all the humans are gone, will the dinosaurs come back?” This led to lots of dinosaur extinction discussions and worthwhile videos. His mind was working as opposed to the usual waffle chit-chat.
2. When on a walk in the neighborhood, name everything that the sun is touching. Find the letter “A” on license plates and street signs. Seek out the most interesting mailboxes (my personal favorite, like the neighbor who transformed their mailbox into a “free library” as well.)
TUNES on TUESDAY: Singing a different tune now, kids.
3. Play some music in the background (parent’s choice) all day long: Think Otis for breakfast, Patsy for lunch, and Mozart for dinner.
4. Listen to the sounds outside, in the backyard or on walks. On a breezy Tuesday, try laying under the trees and listen to the leaves rustle with your little. “Watch them dance” as my son surprised me by saying.
5. Order a windchime (or make if you’re craftier than me) for any outdoor nook (respecting neighbors of course). Our new addition was a ten buck wooden find and it’s lovely!
WACKY WEDNESDAY: It’s a wacky world, so go with it.
6. Want to wear a costume all day, go ahead! Or want breakfast for dinner, no problem!
7. Want to take a shower instead of bath? Sure! Works for me!
8. Want to listen to a kid’s story via a podcast during snack? Sure!
9. Want to write “mom” on my forehead, depends on my mood…
THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY: Feels good to think and do for others, more than ever.
10. Mail some artwork with a note to grandma, a school friend, or a stranger (like a nearby nursing home that could use some cheer).
11. Write in chalk on the sidewalk to spread a positive phrase for the neighbors.
12. Help with meal prep, do an extra chore, and tidy the toys.
FAVORITE FRIDAY: Play favorites, the right way.
13. Eat a favorite cereal, sandwich and/or pasta.
14. Wear your favorite t-shirt or hat.
15. Read your favorite book or story.
SUSTAINABLE SATURDAY: Children are our future.
16. Water plants or veggies and/or plant something new.
17. Take all recyclables to the recycling bin.
18. Support a local farmers market.
19. Do a nature activity like rock art or an outdoor scavenger hunt.
20. Look through stuff and find the shoes that are getting tight, shirt too snug, or a toy past its prime, and give three things away (parents too).
21. Feeling lazy? Watch a video or show about the planet and going green! “Here We Are” on Apple+ was a huge hit in our house on Earth day and every Saturday since!
SIMPLE SUNDAY: Let it go (your schedule, not a movie reference)
22. Self-play and rest as needed.
23. A night off from cooking can benefit all around. If you’re able, order from a local restaurant to show support during this time. They probably could use it.
Any variation of the above can work for your family. We need tricks up our sleeves for month three and find some joy in everyday.
Jenni Dawn lives just outside of Los Angeles with her husband, newly rescued dog, and four year old son. She has a background in everything Entertainment, so it makes perfect sense to cover how to entertain family at home. Jenni's also a Cancer survivor with a passion for spreading hope and prevention advocacy.
