You might not think there’s a holiday in between Labor Day and Halloween, but National Coffee Day is a thing—and its falls this year on Wed., Sep. 29. If you’re wondering where to get free coffee on this very special day, we’ve got a few places you can hit up to keep the caffeine flowing.
Here’s your official National Coffee Day celebration guide.
Starbucks
Bring in a clean, reusable cup and walk away with a free cup of Pike Place Roast up to 20oz.
Krispy Kreme
Reward Members can snag a free brewed coffee and doughnut of their choice and non-rewards members can receive a free brewed coffee. No purchase necessary!
It’s a big day for Peet’s! Customers can get a free coffee with the purchase of a 1/2 or 1 pound bag of coffee. You also a chance to win a $2,000 Peet’s Black Card in the Peet’s Coffee National Coffee Day Giveaway, plus 25% off freshly hand-roasted coffee beans, K-Cup Pods and espresso capsules at shops and on peets.com Sept. 25-Sept. 29.
Circle K
Text “FREE” to “31310” to receive a digital coupon for a free cup of coffee to use on Sept. 29.
You’ll get a free regular size brewed coffee with any bakery purchase over $2 at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Where else can you get free coffee on National Coffee Day? That depends. Your local coffee shops or cafes may offer free coffee or discounts to celebrate the occasion; you can always check local Facebook pages or Instagram accounts for your favorite local roasters.
Whether you’re using tech at home, at school or at work, it seems like new tools are coming out every day. So, how do you know which ones are best for your family? Microsoft has trusted tech tools that make it easier for families to get organized, stay connected, explore safely, save money and so much more! Bonus: Get started for free.
Keep reading to learn more about the smart tech tools:
Microsoft Edge
Your internet browser is how your family explores the online world, and while they all let you discover content, some of them work harder for you than others. Microsoft Edge makes it so easy for parents to score savings by scanning the web for coupons and price comparisons—doing the leg work for you! Edge also helps you pick the best products online by pulling in expert ratings and reviews. Learn more about Microsoft Edge shopping features.
Microsoft Edge Kids Mode
Just like us, kids are also spending more time online. Microsoft Edge makes it easy to switch into Kids Mode: an online experience, built into the browser. Kids Mode is tailoredjust for their age range, which keeps them away from inappropriate content, while still enjoying the web. Learn more about Microsoft Edge Kids Mode.
Microsoft Family Safety
Spending time online is fun, but without boundaries, many kids would scroll for hours. Microsoft Family Safety helps kids build healthy digital habits by setting screen time limits that apply to devices, apps, and games. It also gives parents an activity summary so you know how they’re using their online time! Learn more about Microsoft Family Safety.
Microsoft Teams
When you can’t be in the same room as loved ones, Microsoft Teams makes it easy to connect—even with your not-so-tech-savvy friend. Simply send a link for a video call or start a chat and they’re in—even if they’re not on Teams. Learn more about Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft 365
Between work, school and activities, you've got a lot to keep track of! The free Microsoft 365 apps have all the tools you need to stay organized. Find that email with Outlook search, manage your family budget with a template from Excel and sign that permission form from anywhere with Office Mobile. To help you stay on top of it all, you can even prioritize those tasks with Microsoft To Do. Learn more about Microsoft 365.
OneDrive Personal Vault
You need your files to be secure, but you also need to be able to access them when and where you need them. Enter OneDrive Personal Vault: an extra layer of security for important documents and files. Now you can keep digital copies of your passport, driver’s license and insurance documents along with your family photos and videos, all secured in OneDrive Personal Vault so you have them if you need them.Personal Vault keeps your most sensitive files protected using identity verification.Learn more about OneDrive Personal Vault.
Ahh, the kiddie birthday party circuit. Year after year it runs the gamut from bouncy houses to a crowded table at some entertainment center with lots of noise and people. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider having unique party entertainment come to you. Whether it’s a petting zoo or the most bubbles you’ve ever seen, this will be the year your guests remember. We’ve found our favorite mobile birthday parties in Dallas-Fort Worth, so keep reading to see them all.
Gabby Cullen
The Bubble Truck
You’ll get one hour of the most amazing bubble fun to be had. Colored bubbles, games, and, for an extra price, unicorn bubble squirt guns!
Dallas native and owner Lilly Neubauer will bring everything you need for fun and creative crafts like name bracelets, rock painting, sunglasses or even embroidery for tweens.
An ice cream truck that’s just for your party? Yes, please! It doesn’t matter if you pick a cart of the classic truck, you’ll be able to treat your guests to classic ice cream bars and treats.
If your kiddo wants a spa party, Pamper Me Cute is the way to go! You can choose to have a spa party or a glitz and glam party, and they even do sleepovers!
When you’re craving a family movie night or just need some downtime from mom duty, nothing could be simpler than turning on Netflix. The streaming service is perfect for quality time on the couch, but you can make the experience even better with a few secret tricks. We’ve rounded up some of the best Netflix hacks and codes to make streaming simpler.
1. Manage your profiles. Although each paid Netflix account allows subscribers to create up to five distinct profiles, many families will create profiles based on individuals. Unless you and your spouse watch radically different programs on Netflix or your kids have completely divergent tastes, a better approach to profile management would be to create profiles based on groups or interests. For example, “Grown Ups,” “Tweens,” and “Young Kids” or “Kids Movie Night,” “Documentaries,” and “TV Favorites.” Since Netflix’s personalization algorithm is based on what people actually watch (or like and rate), clustering profiles by groups or interests will yield better personalization and more specific recommendations in the long run.
2. Know your subscription plan. Netflix caused a stir when it announced pricing increases earlier this year. Knowing your subscription plan makes you aware of how many devices can use Netflix at the same time with a shared account. Netflix’s basic plan allows for just a single stream per subscription at $8.99/monthly. The middle (and most popular) plan offers two HD streams for $13.99/monthly and the premium plan allows four simultaneous 4K streams for $17.99/monthly.
3. Tune in during off-peak hours for better video quality. Studies have shown that streaming video quality diminishes during peak hours, so to get the most out of your Netflix viewing, try tuning in during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night. With less internet traffic, your video stream will be stronger and suffer from less buffering and interruptions.
4. Dump the freeloaders. If you’ve ever shared your Netflix login credentials with friends or you’ve logged onto Netflix on a non-personal device, there’s a good chance there are unauthorized users messing up your recommendations—or worse. In addition to changing your password, you can eliminate unwanted logins and start with a clean slate by going to My Account > Sign out of all devices.
5. Clean up your viewing history. Do your kids have a show they absolutely love that you can’t stand? Every time you fire up Netflix it will remind your pint-sized viewers to keep watching that same series, that is unless you happen to “accidentally” clear the “Continue Watching” queue. Simply go to your Account menu and select the profile you’d like to adjust. Select “Viewing Activity” and you’ll be given a list of all the recently watched shows (this is also a handy way to check in on what your kids are actually watching). To remove a show from the list, click the small circle on the right-hand side.
6. Download programs for offline viewing. When Netflix offered subscribers the ability to download select movies and TV shows on their mobile devices a few years ago, it was a game changer for the streaming service. Without needing to worry about a strong and stable wifi signal (for example, on a long flight with kids), downloaded programs make watching Netflix on the go a dream. All you need is the Netflix mobile app, and make sure your device has enough storage space for large media files.
7. Find better ways to search. Once you’ve binged through your favorites, Netflix can seem like a vast wasteland of scrolling through programs and content that you don’t care about. One Reddit user was so tired of Netflix’s seemingly endless scroll that he created a search engine called Flixable that’s entirely devoted to making it easier to browse what’s available on Netflix and to see what’s new and what's leaving. There’s also a Canadian version.
9. Play Netflix Roulette. Are you feeling lucky? Instead of endless scrolling to find the perfect movie or TV show to watch on Netflix, streaming service directory ReelGood offers Netflix Roulette. Simply select a genre (or keep it open), then take a spin. The randomizer will make a recommendation for your next Netflix and chill.
10. Discover what’s coming up. While it’s not officially sanctioned by Netflix, What’s Next on Netflix is a super-handy program guide that showcases the latest and greatest streaming on Netflix. An overview snapshot shows the number of new releases and total number of currently available titles. There are links to directories for guides in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
11. Remember a few computer shortcuts. For viewers who use Netflix on their laptops, there are a few keyboard shortcuts that’ll make laptop-viewing easier:
Press F for full screen; ESC to get out of full screen
Page Down pauses and Page Up plays
Space bar pauses and plays
Shift + Right Arrow to fast forward; shift + left arrow to rewind
12. Just ask Netflix. If all else fails, Netflix’s own websiteprovides plenty of up-to-date information about all of the new and upcoming programming on the service.
13. Be the first to know. One of the easiest ways to get a jump on the latest Netflix features is by signing up to become a tester. In your Netflix account menu you’ll see a link for Test Participation, click the link and you’ll arrive at a page asking if you’d like to participate in the testing of new Netflix features. Set the toggle switch to “On” and you’ll get access to features not yet available to all users.
Kristen Bell is staying busy! The actress, singer and mom of two is sharing her newest project, Do, Re & Mi with young fans everywhere through a brand new trailer!
Amazon Prime Video has just dropped the new trailer for the Amazon Original animated series starting Kristen Bell, Jackie Tohn, and Luke Youngblood. Perfect for preschool-aged children, the show will debut i more than 240 countries worldwide. Keep scrolling to catch the first glimpe at the adorable new characters.
The series will follow three birdie friends, Do, Re and Mi as they head out on musical adventures. Each episode will feature new sounds, melodies and show how music can solve every problem!
Do, Re & Mi will debut on Sept. 17 on Amazon Prime and will be followed by toys, a book, teacher and family guide as well as a mobile game.
Most parents agree that a silver lining of the pandemic was it brought over-the-top birthday parties in check. In keeping with our new-found love of the toned-down birthday bash, we’re serving up our favorite mobile birthday party outfitters that will bring the party to you. Keep reading for our favorite ideas—from backyard pizza kitchens to inflatable bull riding in the neighborhood park—below.
Whether you want a Video Game Party or your own LaserTag Arena, GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true. GameTruck@HOME offers contactless video game rentals, delivering the equipment—sanitized, safe, and secure—to your front door. GameTruck LaserTag will turn your yard, playground, or park into a custom laser tag arena for up to 12 players.
For your budding scientists, Big Thinkers brings the lab to your location and leads your party-goers in experiments, from making rainbow glasses and slime to launching rockets and creating bubbling potions. The 45-minute show—best for ages 4 and older—is sure to please, especially when guests learn how to make their own cotton candy, or leave with their own home-made batch of slime.
Having a blockbuster of a party is easy when you roll out the red carpet and screen your kid’s favorite film from a giant inflatable movie screen. While there are many local outdoor movie rentals in Atlanta, we like that A-1 offers a FM stereo transmitter for drive-in movie theater action, plus cool LED outdoor furniture you can rent. All screen rentals come with a free popcorn machine, too, so winner winner.
Park it almost anywhere, and two Fun Bus instructors will lead up to 15 children (party size may be affected by Covid conditions) at a time, ages 18mo-7yrs, for one hour (or more - depending on your package) of Fitness FUN. Tumble, bounce, slide, and swing along the bus' obstacle course in this climate-controlled environment.
For a good old-fashioned pizza party without heading to the parlor, Atlanta Pizza Truck will bring the brick oven (and all the toppings) to you! Guests can select among pizzas on an inventive menu or create their own, and the brownie dessert pizza will be talked about for years to come.
The Omaha Zoo just got bigger! The Nebraska institution announced that Betty Francis just became a first time mom to a new baby giraffe.
Baby boy was born on Jul. 31 and already stands six feet tall. While he doesn’t have a name yet, the newest addition the giraffe barn is already up and very mobile with mom.
Mom, Betty Francis definitely paid her dues after a long 15-month gestation period (can you IMAGINE?) and is keeping baby boy to herself for now. The zoo reports that he will receive his name at Zoofari 2021 and will be introduced to his fellow reticulated giraffe family in the next few weeks.
Wildlife enthusiasts can catch a peek of baby and mom at the Syd and Betty Cate Giraffe Herd Rooms at the Omaha Zoo.
L.O.L. Surprise! is coming to a stage near you. If you’re ready for some in-person entertainment, the beloved brand is taking its fierce, fab characters on a nationwide concert tour—with dozens of dates announced! New tour dates have been added in big destinations like Washington D.C. and Boston and due to a scheduling shift, some of the previous dates have been rescheduled or removed.
Lady Diva, Royal Bee, Neonlicious, Swag and other faves are hitting the road for the L.O.L. Surprise! Live-Calling All B’B.’s concert experience. With awesomely amazing visuals, the L.O.L. Dance crew and plenty of music, this interactive show is a can’t-miss for your young fan.
photo courtesy of MGA Entertainment
Here’s the full tour schedule, which kicks off in Spring 2022:
March 5 Thousand Oaks, CA Bank of America Performing Arts Center
March 6 Anaheim, CA City National Grove of Anaheim
March 9 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Federal Theatre
March 11 San Jose, CA San Jose Civic
March 12 Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre
March 13 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
March 16 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
March 17 Ralston, NE Ralston Arena
March 18 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre
March 19 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater
March 20 Saint Louis, MO Fox Theatre – St. Louis
March 22 Knoxville, TN The Tennessee Theatre
March 23 Charleston, WV Clay Center for Arts & Sciences
March 24 Chattanooga, TN Tivoli Theatre
March 25 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre
March 26 Lima, OH Veterans Memorial Civic Center
March 27 Richmond, VA Carpenter Theatre
March 29 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
March 30 Warren, OH Packard Music Hall
March 31 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
April 1 Greensburg, PA The Palace Theatre
April 2 Rockford, IL Coronado Performing Arts Center
April 3 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
April 5 Rochester, NY Kodak Center for the Arts
April 6 Wilkes Barre, PA F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
April 7 Staten Island, NY St. George Theatre
April 8 Brookville, NY The Tilles Center at LIU Post
April 9 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
April 10 Boston, MA Emerson Colonial Theatre
April 12 Syracuse, NY Oncenter – John H. Mulroy Civic Center – Crouse-Hinds Theatre
April 13 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
April 14 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
April 15 Wallingford, CT Oakdale Theatre
April 16 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Center for the Arts
April 19 Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center
April 20 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center
April 22 Louiville, KY The Louisville Palace Theater
April 23 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater At North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
April 24 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
April 27 Birmingham, AL BJCC Concert Hall
April 28 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
April 30 Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward Center for the Performing Arts
May 2 Melbourne, FL King Center for the Performing Arts
May 3 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
May 4 Orlando, FL Walt Disney Theatre
May 5 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
May 6 Atlanta, GA The Fox Theatre
May 7 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
May 8 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre
May 10 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Centre
May 11 Midland, TX Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
May 12 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
May 13 Grand Prairie, TX Texas Trust CU Theatre
Tickets and VIP packages are on sale now for shows that were rescheduled and tickets for the newly added shows go on sale to the general public starting Friday, October 8. Since Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour, Citi cardmembers have access to purchase presale tickets for the new shows beginning October 5 at 10 a.m. local time. Visit Citi or the LOL Surprise Live site for all the details!
What makes this Transformers robot special? The programmable Optimus Prime isn’t the same type of robot-ish toy you’ve seen before. This robot is 11 years in the making! After more than a decade of research and development, Robosen Robotics created a version of Optimus Prime that’s straight out of a movie—minus the gigantic size.
The Collector’s Edition Optimus Prime automatically converts from a vehicle to a robot, has bipedal walking ability, a race function in vehicle form and is programmable. You can control the robot either by voice prompts or through a mobile app.
Sean Tang, Director of Robosen USA, said in a press release, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Hasbro and look forward to ushering in a new standard of robotics with the most advanced Transformers robots for consumers ever created.” Tang continued, “The team is working hard to deliver an amazing user experience for fans of this esteemed franchise and produce Transformers that will be a premium addition to their collection with its superior functionality.”
Pre-order the Transformers Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Programmable Advanced Robot-Collector’s Edition online at Hasbro Pulse for $699.
Now your kiddo can have a tablet case that’s all their own! OtterBox Kids is here—and it’s the perfect pairing of playfulness and protection.
The fam fave brand recently released a new line for kids. The collection includes an EasyGrab Tablet Case ($59.99) and other products that will keep your kiddo’s tech-time devices safe in a completely stylish way.
The EasyGrab case features grip ridges for easy handling, raised edges to protect the device’s screen and camera, lasting antimicrobial protection and an EasyGrab Multi-Use Case Stand. The stand allows your child to view their tablet at different angles and doubles as a carry handle or as a hook. Simply hook the handle to the back of a car seat for your child to watch their tablet as you drive!
The cable bundle includes thick, durable, stretchy cables that outlasted 3,000 bend tests, have an anti-fray exterior coating, includes one audio connector and one power cable and are reinforced with easy-to-grip ends. The audio cable also is deigned at a right angle to prevent breakage.
The new EasyGrab Tablet Case is available for iPad 7th/8th generations ($59.95) and the iPad Mini 5th generation ($49.95) in purple (Space Explorer), blue (Galaxy Runner), and yellow (Martian).
Find the New OtterBox Kids products starting Mar. 29 Target and soon on Otterbox.com.
