Welcome 2021, with the Chinese New Year celebrating the Year of the Ox! May this year be more auspicious! For celebrating in a joyful way each day at lunchtime, discover below our Chinese New Year bento lunchbox ideas!
1. Bye Lunchbox Note, Hi Fortune Card! As the celebrations last up to 16 days (Chinese New Year, with Spring Festival, officially begins on February 12th, 2021, and ends on February 22nd, then you have the Lantern Festival held on February 26th), insert one fortune card each day in the lunch bag!
2. Fortune Cookies With fun and positive messages inside, these fresh and tasty fortune cookies will make lunch yummy and fun for sure! Definitely what we need these days!
4. Lunar New Year Chocolate Coins These good luck red and good fortune gold foiled Belgian chocolate Coins are perfect to place in the lunchbox!
5. Year of the Ox Sticker Favors Not a fan of the chocolate coins? You can take the candies you like and place these Year of the Ox stickers on them. Or place two stickers at the top of a wooden toothpick and you get cool Chinese New Year food picks! That will do the trick to bring Chinese New Year vibes in the bento lunchbox!
6. Eco-Friendly Moo-rrific Water Bottle Hydration should be a good resolution everyone should take for 2021! This water bottle is just fantastic for celebrating the Year of the Ox, with water, juice, or… milk!
Teuko is the first platform that empowers families to simplify lunch packing. Using Teuko, they can find and share kid-approved lunchbox ideas, recipes, and tips, all in one place. Teuko is transforming the lunch packing experience by boosting inspiration and motivation week after week.
While we are eagerly awaiting for the Disney theme parks to reopen their doors, there are plenty of ways to recreate magic at home––especially in the kitchen! Over the last several weeks, the chefs behind many of the most popular menu items have been releasing famous recipes that you can whip up at home. From plant-based desserts to gooey and savory sandwiches, keep scrolling to get some major inspo for tonight’s dinner (and dessert!).
Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree from Magic Kingdom Park
This enchanted dessert is whipped up by using almond macarons, cranberry buttercream, and cranberry-orange white chocolate ganache. While it definitely takes some work, you can't beat this festively delightful dessert.
Ginger Molasses Cookies from Wilderness Lodge Bakery
These tasty treats are a holiday delight. Packed with spices like clove, cinnamon and ginger, the Wilderness Lodge Bakery sweets will warm you right up.
Mini Gingerbread Bundt Cakes with Orange-Vanilla Sauce
Feel like a taste of the holidays? Then you'll want to whip up a batch of Mini Gingerbread Bundt Cakes! The spice-filled tiny cakes are filled with orange-vanilla sauce and topped with homemade glaze. Is it Christmas yet? Get the full recipe here.
Fried Pickles from Carnation Café
With so many state and regional fairs not happening this year, Disney is helping you get your fried pickle fix. This recipe from Disneyland's Carnation Cafe pairs the crispy veg with a homemade Zesty House Sauce that's made with Sriracha and is finger-lickin' good. Find the full recipe here.
Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings from ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
A mixture of spicy, nutty and sweet, everyone in the family will find something to enjoy with this recipe. On the stickier side, it’s great served a la carte or with a delightful dipping sauce! You can find the recipe here.
Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Resort
Sourdough, bananas, cinnamon sugar––oh my! The famous deep-fried Tonga Toast recipe is here for your breakfast cravings. Disney's Polynesian Resort recently shared this brunch-worthy nosh that's perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
Pizza Planet Pizza
Skip the delivery and make your own pizza from Toy Story's famous Pizza Planet. The meatless recipe comes with everything you need to make veggie meatballs, complete with cute alien faces.
"Try the Grey Stuff, it's delicious!" The mysterious dish that even the dishes love has been revealed. Disney Eats shared the recipe for this sweet topping that is enjoyed with cookies––or by the spoonful.
Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse at Epcot's Canada Pavilion
Disney Parks Blog
As one of the most popular items at Epcot, Le Cellier Steakhouse's Cheddar Cheese Soup is perfect for dipping or enjoying on it's own. The recipe calls for Canadian golden lager and a pound of cheddar cheese, so you know it's amazing. You can find the entire recipe over on the Disney Parks Blog.
Churro Tots
Disneyland Resort
According to the Disney Parks Blog, churros are sold all over the Disney Parks on both coasts and guests consume over 5.5 million per year. Now, you can make them right in your own kitchen. You can find the full recipe here.
Mickey Mouse Beignets
Give your palate the flavor of New Orleans with a few famous Mickey Mouse Beignets. Hailing from New Orleans Square at Disneyland Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort–French Quarter at Walt Disney World, the mouse-shaped treats require a little patience while the dough rises, but are worth the wait when you get to sink your teeth into the powdered sugar desserts. Find the complete recipe on the Disney Parks Blog.
Jack-Jack's Num Num Chocolate Chip Cookies
The nine-ingredient recipe will whip up a batch just like the ones you’d find at Disneyland’s Pixar Pier, which will hopefully keep you happy until the parks reopen. To make Jack-Jacks’ famous treats, gather chocolate chips, flour, butter, baking soda, sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt and brown sugar. Then follow the instructions here to get the treat at home.
Cookie Fries
Disney's Cookie Fries are normally found at Disney Beach Club Resort’s Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. The recipe calls for dairy-free products like plant-based margarine, egg substitute and molasses and makes up to 32 sticks. Top them off with plant-based dipping sauces like chocolate, strawberry and marshmallow.
Dole Whip
Recently on the Disneyland app, the company released a look-a-like recipe to the famous Pineapple Dole Whip called the “Frozen Pineapple Treat.” According to the recipe, you’ll need one scoop of vanilla ice cream, 4 ounces of pineapple juice and two cups of frozen pineapple to make this treat on your own.
Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich
We can't head to Woody's Lunch Box, but that's ok because you can make this savory meal at home. According to the ingredients, you’ll need cheddar, provolone, cream cheese, artisan bread and a delicious homemade garlic spread. The easy-to-assemble sandwich is made like any other grilled cheese but this time with a little more magic––because, Disney.
If you've ever eaten at Carnation Cafe, you may have tried Walt's Chili, a crowd pleaser. Recreated using a recipe from Walt’s oldest daughter, Diane, and the Family Museum in San Francisco, the balance of meat and beans equals a hearty yet simple recipe that's often topped with sour cream tomatoes and cheese.
Monte Cristo
Missing the Blue Bayou like we are? The restaurant's famous Monte Christo is easy to make at home! Gather your basic ingredients like bread, cheese, turkey and ham and follow this recipe to fry up your own.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, churros are sold all over the Disney Parks on both coasts and guests consume over 5.5 million per year. Now, you can make them right in your own kitchen.
This holiday season Dunkin’ has the perfect gifts for the coffee fan in your life. Tell the world you run on Dunkin’ with this exclusive swag. Dunkin’s limited-edition holiday merch will drop exclusively on ShopDunkin.com beginning Tues., Nov. 17, at 12:00 p.m. ET, with stylish, sensational, and even surprising gifts for every Dunkin’ lover on your list.
Much of last year’s lineup sold out within hours, and this year’s holiday lineup is even more exciting, featuring Dunkin’s first-ever personalized apparel and accessories, with custom caps, shirts, laptop cases, and phone cases, created especially with anyone’s name.
Beginning today, Thurs., Nov. 12, at 12:00 p.m. ET, Dunkin’s most loyal fans – DD Perks rewards members – will get early and exclusive access to fresh, new “Perksclusive” joggers and a crewneck sweatshirt, inspired by last season’s best sellers that sold out almost immediately. Both new and current DD Perks members can find a special access code for ShopDunkin.com via email or on the home screen of the Dunkin’ App.
Instagram posts by Dunkin’-loving celebrity couple Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon. In addition to the “Perksclusive” items, the sweet selection for the 2020 holiday season includes:
Customizable: For presents personalized with your name or the name of anyone on your nice list who runs on Dunkin’, the brand’s customizable lineup features a baseball cap, long-sleeve shirt, phone case, and laptop case.
Apparel: Fans can fashion a wardrobe with a pop of Dunkin’, with a cool and cozy orange and pink collection, including hoodies, super-soft joggers, a cropped sweatshirt, and even a bathrobe.
Giftin’: From premium presents to stocking stuffers, ShopDunkin.com has it all, such as:
Dunkin’ Bedding: Dream about Dunkin’ with snuggly Dunkin’ bedding that includes branded duvet covers and sham covers.
Dunkin’ x Keurig K-Mini Brewer: The slimmest Keurig brewer yet is now decked out in Dunkin’. At less than five inches wide, the Dunkin’ x Keurig K-Mini Brewer combines sleek design with space-saving convenience in a portable, stylish package that delivers fresh brewed, delicious coffee from your favorite Dunkin’ K-Cup pods in minutes.
Dunkin’ Scrunchies: Sport a Dunkin’ updo with two styles of scrunchies hair ties.
Dunkin’ Mini Fridge: Easily Dunkin’s “coolest” gift, Dunkin’s Mini Fridge is perfect for the dorm room or any chill zone.
Dunkin’ Tandem Bike: Grab a buddy and make the next Dunkin’ run a Dunkin’ ride with a branded tandem bike.
Dunkin’ Apron: For the cook who loves Dunkin’, bring on the spills and splatters with this ultimate gift.
Dunkin’ Dog Leash: Upgrade your pet’s walk swagger with a Dunkin’ Dog Leash, the perfect present to give your pooch a happy paw-liday.
Fresh Holiday Deals: Festive faves returning this year as Dunkin’ deals include a Dunkin’ metal lunch box, scented wrapping paper inspired by Dunkin’s Signature Peppermint Mocha Latte, and Dunkin’ scarf and glove sets.
“Our guests went wild for our holiday merch last year, so this year we’re taking it to the next level, giving our loyal DD Perks members access to exclusive items, offering personalized options for the first time, and most importantly, bringing everyone who runs on Dunkin’ fresh new ways to proudly show their love for their favorite brand,” said Drayton Martin, Vice President, Brand Stewardship at Dunkin’. “From functional to just fun, our holiday merch offers everything needed to bring our fans smiles and good cheer, and helps them give joy to their Dunkin’ loving family and friends this holiday season.
There’s nothing quite like raising kids in Los Angeles. We can (in theory, at least) go to the beach in December, though we actually never would. Our kids have strong opinions about taking the freeway versus service streets, and they ask for sushi in their lunch box. And we worry about keeping up with the Kardashians, not the Joneses. Read on to see 25 signs that you are an LA parent.
9. You have literally never thought of taking a picture of your child by the Hollywood sign, or on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or really anywhere in Hollywood for that matter.
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort
10. You've seriously considered getting an annual pass to Disneyland.
11. Your kid thinks the four food groups are sushi, burrito, power bar and green juice.
School is back in session! Whether your kids are in the classroom virtually, in-person, or a little bit of both, these products will get them pumped and prepped to grow into the geniuses they are. Set you and your gang up for success with products to encourage healthy eating, sleeping well, organization, innovative learning and more. Read on for our favorite finds for the Pre-K to Elementary set!
Osmo's hands-on learning kits are award-winning for a reason: they encourage creativity and critical thinking with activities hosted by loveable characters—meaning a tablet game that both you and your kids can agree on!
The Osmo Coding Starter Kit transforms your kid's tablet into a hands-on coding adventure. Designed for ages 5–10, this kit builds coding skills in progression with three hands-on learning games, and BOOM: now they have the superpower of the 21st century.
With the Osmo Genius Starter Kit + Family Game Night, kids can learn with Osmo on their own, or focus on collaborative play with friends and family. This kit includes seven games focusing on core skills and creative expression, problem-solving and visual-thinking through interactive STEM learning. The best part: Osmo sees and reacts to every live movement!
Losing your voice screaming "wake up!" all morning long? You’ve got a sleepyhead on your hands and we've got your backup. Once the alarm sounds, this nutty clock jumps from their nightstand, rattles and rolls, beeping and buzzing until your kid gets up and turns him off. Now you can lose the snooze and start your mornings off right, with a few giggles along the way.
For some mystical reason, food just tastes better when it’s organized in five little compartments. Kids love choices and you can fill this bento-inspired lunch box with a variety of foods–there’s even a spot for a dip! Each section individually seals once you lock it, so your yogurt won’t end up on your chicky nuggies–genius. This box is portable, sturdy, leak-proof, easy to clean and just plain fun!
What is sweeter than finding a handwritten note in your lunch bag? These notes have taken this simple joy to the next level: write your handwritten message on the card, cover it with the scratch-off sticker and toss it in their bag. Whether it's pumping them up for a test, the soccer field, or just to let them know how loved they are, it's sure to put a smile on their face.
Whether your kids are learning in the classroom or living room, getting them up and moving is key to keeping them engaged. We love this set to work on their balance, coordination and concentration. Kids can create their own obstacle course with these sturdy shells. Activity cards, a spinner and additional game suggestions are included so there is tons of fun to be had, indoors or out.
Where have you been all our lives? Highlighters are not only useful, but just fun to use, and these have a see-through tip so you can light up your page with precision. They also have smear guard, so no more messy letters–one less thing to clean!
ABC’s, 123’s, science facts and multiplication tables–these cards are goof-proof with a built-in loss prevention system: a binder ring. You won’t run out anytime soon, either, since this pack comes with 1,100 cards. A simple yet brilliant idea, not to mention an essential study tool for any kid on the block!
Because there are so many more skin tones that just beige and brown, now your kids can color their world to include everyone. Big enough for smaller hands, these crayons are perfect for your little portrait artist.
Get them in the habit of making a plan and sticking to it. This handy planner includes a bookmark, tons of stickers to help nail down plans, resource pages for their studies including times tables, fractions, measurements, tips of the week, vocab words and more.
Do your kids have more screens than you do? Probably. But either way, you need this non-toxic and highly effective screen cleaner. Not only is it a hygiene necessity these days, but it also makes your screens shine like new and helps keep sticky fingerprints from collecting.
Busy boxes more than live up to their name. With a little prep work, you can captivate babies and toddlers and keep them playing independently while you relax, make dinner, do laundry or straighten up the living room. Here are 10 ideas for sensory boxes to keep your baby busy. From easy to crafty, there’s something for everyone.
Back away from Pinterest. Busy boxes don't have to be fancy or follow a theme. Just plop some interesting and baby-safe items in a box, and let baby explore, like with this random collection of goodies from Busy Toddler.
Anna from The Imagination Tree recommends finding items with different textures, materials, shapes and sounds to keep baby absorbed as long as possible, while promoting independent play.
Even the littlest babes can enjoy busy boxes. This one from The Stay-at-Home-Mom Survival Guide uses cloth napkins, but you can substitute burp cloths. Babies can pull, touch, gnaw on and see all the different colors of fabric.
Add a new challenge to your bits of fabric by tying on small rattles or toys for baby to discover. Jamie from Hands on as We Grow recommends this as well as placing the fabric inside an old wipes box (recycling win!). Hiding the fabric pieces in the box adds an element of surprise and makes for fascinating pull-it-out and stuff-it-in play.
Rebecca from Jarful of Plenty likes to use themes like wooden toys, kitchen or musical instruments. Rotate your boxes or toy bins regularly to give your baby new stimulation.
Dayna from Lemon Lime Adventures has a bunch of busy-box ideas on her site, like this one with beads. (Watch your little one carefully with this activity, especially if they're the type to put everything around their necks or in their mouths.) Babies can pull, feel and experience these long chains of beads. Teething necklaces work great for this activity. If you use costume jewelry, make sure the thread is secure so beads don't separate and cause a choking hazard.
Even before toddlers know their colors, they can start recognizing, sorting or just enjoying playing with colored objects. The OT Toolbox shows you how to make these color-sorting busy bags. They're fun for babies and will grow with your child as he/she gains more dexterity.
Most little kids love to dig into Mommy's purse. To avoid having your keys and credit cards go missing, give your child their very own purse (one of your old ones or a thrift-store find works fine). Fill it with baby-safe treasures like expired credit cards, a small mirror, anything you don't mind your child playing with that isn't a choking hazard.
Here's another activity requiring more adult supervision. Place a few magnets in an inexpensive metal pan or use a metal box like a lunch box (the lunch box makes it easy to bring this with you places). Magnets can be dangerous if ingested, so don't leave baby alone with anything containing magnets. You'll want to stick around anyway to watch your little one learn about how magnets work. This clever idea comes courtesy of Sisters, What!
We can't get over the cuteness of these felt busy boxes from Nadia at Teach Me Mommy. Kids can create an ice cream sundae using simple felt pieces that anyone can craft with confidence. Head to Teach Me Mommy. for the instructions.
Someone says, “Tell me a little bit about yourself.” I cringe. I get nervous. I pause to collect my thoughts but on the inside I’ve already asked myself 100 questions.
Who am I? What are my interests? (Wait, what are interests? Interests, you mean things that I like to do other than pee in private?) Do I have hobbies? What are those? Do other moms have time to do things they actually enjoy? Where do I sign up for that? Am I the only one sweating? Did I put on deodorant today? What do I do in my free time? Free time, wait, do I have that? Should I say I like yoga to sound like a cool mom?
And then I give my answer which is usually the same: “I’m Amanda. I’m 28. I’m a mom. I have two kids. I have a husband and we’ve been married for almost eight years. I am a teacher and I love my job.”
I could go on and list all the awesome perks of being a mom like speaking baby (as my 6-year-old would call it because I can understand her little sister’s gibberish) or how I have every word of Brown Bear, Brown Bear memorized. I could even brag about being able to sing the Princess Sofia theme song in my sleep.
Or, I could talk about the perks of being a wife like folding boxer briefs just the way my husband likes them or my astounding ability to rebound dirty laundry mid-air into the laundry basket. I could go as far as talking about how I Jenga the heck out of my hubby’s lunch box every day, but I wouldn’t want to brag.
I quickly snap back to reality and remember that those things aren’t relevant in other people’s lives. It’s in those moments l, as a mom and wife, feel that my identity is missing.
But here’s the question: why can’t being a mom and wife be an identity? Why do we feel like being an awesome mom and wife are boring? Where do these stigmas come from? Honestly, I’m not sure. But I’m here to tell you that they’re all wrong.
I think it’s easy to feel like you’ve “lost” your identity when you become a wife, even more so a parent. This can be scary, which is understandable. You went from being an individual to being part of something bigger. Instead of seeing this as a loss, what if you considered instead all of the things that you’ve gained?
The feelings of parenthood are unparalleled. There is no greater love, no greater joy, nothing more unconditional. Unless, of course, you find yourself in a happy, healthy marriage. You have what so many people want.
Remind yourself of the first time that tiny baby wrapped their hand around your finger. The first time your spouse said, “I love you.” Remember saying, “I do,” and that there are people who would give anything to have what you have. Remember the look on your spouse’s face when they changed their first poopy diaper and the way your babies smiled at you for the first time.
Tell yourself that these are the things that are worthwhile. The things that make you who you are, even if others won’t understand.
And when you’re presented with the dreaded ask, “Tell me about yourself”—OWN IT! Tell them about all the things that make you a proud wife and mom and forget about what other people think.
You’re not lost. You’re totally and wholeheartedly found.
National Grilled Cheese Day was Apr. 12 but Disney wants us to enjoy it every day of the year. In a recent post on the Disney Parks Blog, park chefs shared the delicious recipe for the Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box!
Rather than visiting Disney Hollywood Studios to grab this dish, now you can make it in the comfort of your own kitchen. So what goes into this ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness?
According to the ingredients, you’ll need cheddar, provolone, cream cheese, artisan bread and a delicious homemade garlic spread. The easy-to-assemble sandwich is made like any other grilled cheese but this time with a little more magic––because, Disney.
Head to the Disney Parks Blog to get the full recipe with instructions!
Your kids are watching slime videos, and since they are so relaxing, you should be too. Slime artists like “Mona Lisa Slimes” have gained large followings based on their amazingly accurate food-themed slime creations. Now you can buy similar slime creations to enjoy at home.
Slime obsessed fans will be happy to know that there are many options available to purchase. The newest slime creations from SlooMoo Institute are based on macarons. This new slime collection features six different “flavored” macarons, including Chocolate Banana, Cotton Candy, Mint Chocolate Chip, Taro Buttercream, Vanilla Almond, and Orange Creamsicle. Rest assured, each one smells like it’s name.
SlooMoo Institute is a slime experience located in New York City, but their products can be shipped around the country.
If you aren’t interested in macarons, there are still plenty of options to choose from, like fortune cookies and cannolis that can be customized with the slime of your choice.
Grab your Lisa Frank lunch box and thermos. General Mills is kicking it back to the ‘90s with the relaunch of your favorite sweet snack. Dunkaroos, your favorite lunch table staple, is coming back this summer.
Speculation of the snack’s return started after Dunkaroos’ official Instagram account posted a picture of vanilla frosting with rainbow sprinkles on January 24.
“We’re thrilled to relaunch Dunkaroos in the U.S. after years of it only being available in Canada,” Jeff Caswell, president of snacks at General Mills, said. “For those who grew up in the ‘90s, the original cookie-frosting combo represents the taste, color and fun of being a kid during that decade. We know there’s a lot of love for Dunkaroos, and fans everywhere have been asking for it. We’re excited to help ‘90s kids relive all the best parts of childhood.”
Dunkaroos were first introduced in 1992 and then discontinued in the US in 2012. Dunkaroos will be on shelves at participating 7-Eleven stores in late May and rolling out to other convenience stores and grocery retailers nationwide in July. Packs will retail for $1.99.
Get your dipping fingers ready. Fan favorite, Vanilla Cookies and Vanilla Frosting with Rainbow Sprinkles will be here before you know it.