This Amazon Package Takes the Cake—the Birthday Cake

by Erica LoopJuly 31, 2019

It doesn’t take a Prime Day special to get most of us on Amazon and shopping—especially Emily McGuire. And, based on the birthday cake he chose for her, McGuire’s husband knows it!

The avid Amazon shopper clearly adores the online marketplace. The mom to three and photographer admitted to Cafe Mom, that she orders twice to three times a week. With all the boxes arriving on her doorstep, her sweet S.O. ordered a custom Amazon box-shaped cake for McGuire’s bday.

Not only did the cake’s shape take on the brown cardboard box form, but it also included a USPS label (adorably labeled to McGuire at 123 Birthday Lane) and the signature Amazon Prime packing tape.

McGuire recently posted pics of the cake on her business’ Facebook page, writing, “When you order a lot from Amazon..you get an Amazon box cake.” Judging by the photos, we can certainly say this Amazon box takes the cake!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Emily McGuire Photography via Facebook

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“Gossip Girl” Gets a Reboot On HBO Max

by Erica LoopJuly 18, 2019

It looks like Gossip Girl is next in the line of nostalgic faves to get a small screen reboot. According to recent reports, WarnerMedia announced a spinoff series for its streaming service HBO Max.

The teen drama, which ended in 2012 after six seasons on the CW, may or may not come back with some of the original cast. As of now, there’s no word from the original show’s stars, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick, Taylor Momsen and Chace Crawford on their involvement.

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So what do we know about the spinoff series? Reportedly, HBO Max has already ordered 10 one-hour episodes with original executive producers Joshua Safran, Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage and Leslie Morgenstein tied to the project.

When it comes what fans can expect from the new-old show, WarnerMedia announced in a press release, “Eight years after the original website went dark, a new generation of New York private school teens are introduced to the social surveillance of Gossip Girl.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Elle Spain via Instagram

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This Toddler Accidentally Bought a $400 Couch While Playing on Her Mom’s Phone

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 4, 2019

There are a lot of compelling studies and arguments against screen time for toddlers, but here’s one that hits you in a whole new way: your wallet. One mom says letting her two-year-old play with her phone resulted in a bill for a $430 couch.

It seems harmless to pass off your phone to your kids for few minutes while you wait in the grocery check out line or try to make dinner, but one mom got a hard lesson when those few minutes of play time resulted in a new couch being delivered to her door. Isabella McNeil explained to San Diego TV station NBC 7 that she had been browsing for couches on Amazon when her two-year-old asked to play with her phone. She handed the phone over and that’s apparently when her toddler decided to make her first big purchase.

photo: OfferUp

McNeil says that a few days later she received an alert saying “Your couch has shipped.” Of course she had no recollection of ordering a couch. “I thought, ‘Did I buy a couch in my sleep?'” That’s when she remembered the fateful moment she handed her phone over to her daughter.

Lesson learned the hard way, unfortunately. It was too late to cancel the order which was already shipped, so McNeil had no choice but to accept the couch. With a $100 return shipping fee and a restocking fee, she decided to put the couch up for sale on OfferUp rather than return it.

On July 3, McNeil reported that Amazon offered to fully refund her for the couch accidentally ordered by her toddler.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Feature image: Amazon

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This Starbucks Smash Cake Photoshoot Is an Adorable Ode to Caffeine

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 3, 2019

What better way to celebrate a major milestone, like a baby’s first birthday than with a Starbucks-themed smashed cake. After all, coffee is the number one key to surviving the first year of motherhood.

Newborn photographer Lynn Puzzo decided Starbucks would be the perfect theme for a smash cake photo session with a one-year-old. Puzzo shared the adorable pictures on Instagram and they couldn’t be more perfect.

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A post shared by Lynn Kile | Atlanta Maternity + Baby Photographer (@lynnpuzzophoto)

“The idea for this session came from my obsession with Starbucks!” Puzzo told POPSUGAR. “I found the outfit and ordered a cake, and then found the model and put the set together to bring my vision to life. I was super excited about it and didn’t tell a soul — including the model! — I wanted it to be a total surprise! I searched the internet and wasn’t able to find any other Starbucks-themed cake smash sessions!”

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A post shared by Lynn Kile | Atlanta Maternity + Baby Photographer (@lynnpuzzophoto)

For more cute, caffeinated photos check out Puzzo’s inspiring Instagram feed here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Lynn Puzzo via Instagram

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The Epic April Fool’s Day Prank You Need to Plan for Next Year, Starting Today

by Erica LoopApril 5, 2019

Maureen Pritchard spent half a year planning something pretty special for her hubby. It wasn’t a special weekend getaway or some over-the-top gift. instead, it was an Amazon box April Fool’s Day prank. And this prank is priceless.

The Wisconsin woman saved all of her Amazon boxes—as well as her sister’s and parents’ packages—for six months. When Apr. 1 rolled around this year, she stacked the bevy of boxes in front of her home—hopefully leading her husband to believe she over-ordered to an infinite degree. Or that their fam was massively lucky in the gifted sense.

As her husband arrived home from work, Pritchard sat by the window taking a video of his reaction to the box fortress surrounding their home. Part one of the now-viral clip, which she posted on Facebook, shows the car drive up and her husband get out. This is when Pritchard thought for sure that the jig was up.

Even though he saw her taping, Pritchard’s husband still wasn’t sure exactly what was going on. After coming inside, he asked what all the boxes were. Her second video shows his reaction to the prank—and it’s exactly what you’d expect.

We know April Fool’s Day has come in gone—but you can totally save this prank for next year!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Amazon

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Yum Yum! D.C.’s Best Family-Friendly Dim Sum

by Meghan Yudes MeyersMarch 7, 2019

Dim Sum is perfectly packaged for finger-friendly eaters. These Chinese appetizers are not meant to fill tummies, but rather (loosely translated) “touch the heart. They are served steamed, fried or baked; even picky eaters will enjoy this food adventure (check out this picky eater’s guide to dim sum). Not only is dim sum fun to eat, but cart-style service means hungry little eaters can get their food faster (and pick it themselves!).

Photo: Audrey Low via flickr

Da Hong Pao
Dim sum portions are known to be finger-friendly foods. At Da Hong Pao, you’ll find portions slightly more miniaturized — perfect for little eaters! This restaurant is often referred to as one of the best DC dim sum spots and crowds can reflect that. You may wait 15 to 30 minute for a table during brunch, but if you have tiny adventurers with you, you can grab a beeper and explore the outdoors. While you can order by checking items off a menu, kids will like the parade of steam carts that whiz through the restaurant.

1409 14th St., NW (Logan Circle)
202-846-7229

Tiger Fork
Tucked away in an alley, kids will love the secret-like location of this Chinese restaurant in Shaw. Once inside, the space is filled with festive lanterns and tassels. Communal-style seating makes this a great place for large families or multiple party “play dates.” Dim sum dishes here are less traditional and more inventive, fusion-like offerings. A kid favorite: the bubble waffles piled with sweets and sprinkles.

922 N St NW (Shaw)
202-733-1152
Online: tigerforkdc.com

The Source by Wolfgang Puck
Attached to the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue, The Source is a great place to grab a bite when you are visiting near by attractions like the National Gallery or the Art Sculpture Garden. Puck’s Asian-fusion restaurant serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday; you’ll find non-traditional, house made dumplings artfully served here. The cuisine can lean adventurous, but the miso glazed donuts (a brunch staple) are sure to please even picky eaters.

575 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (National Mall)
202-637-6100
Online: wolfgangpuck.com

Hong Kong Pearl Seafood
Due to space, many D.C. locations can not accommodate the cart service that is often associated with dim sum. This Falls Church establishment is expansive and filled with carts, which means the most impatient diners in your party (kids, we’re looking at you) won’t have to wait long to eat! Little ones will love the sesame balls and pineapple buns at this location.

6286 Arlington Blvd. (Falls Church, VA)
703-237-1388

Ching Ching Cha
It was Hong Kong teahouses that first introduced dim sum; tiny snack-sized portions one could enjoy with their tea. This Georgetown institution is famous for their teas, but while you won’t find cart service here, there are dim sum treats on the menu. Ching Ching Cha offers a unique environment that transcends its D.C. address. Kids will love the part here about dining on floor pillows.

1063 Wisconsin Ave., NW (Georgetown)
202-333-8288
Online: chingchingcha.com

Mark’s Duck House
Tucked away in a shopping center off of Arlington Highway, Mark’s Duck House is a local favorite for dim sum and savory roast duck, a Cantonese staple. Dim sum is served from the pushcarts at lunch daily (10 am-3 pm) and at all other times can be ordered off the menu. Mark’s Duck House is not as large as some of the other dim sum spots, and it does fill up fast, so go early with the under-10 set.

6184 Arlington Blvd. (Falls Church, VA)
703-532-2125
Online: marksduckhouse.com

Tony Cheng’s
Small and authentic, Tony Cheng’s is the best spot in D.C. for a traditional dim sum brunch (served off push carts on weekends only, from 11 am-3 pm, but dim sum may be ordered off the menu daily). For some post-brunch entertainment, check out one of the kid-friendly museums nearby like the National Portrait Gallery, the International Spy Museum, or the Smithsonian Institution Asian Pacific American Center. .

619 H St., NW (Chinatown)
202-371-8669
Online: tonychengrestaurant.com

—Meghan Meyers and Shelby Settles-Harper

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Halo Top Is Opening Its First Ice Cream Shop

by Shahrzad WarkentinNovember 14, 2017

photo: Halo Top Facebook page

Hitting the ice cream shop with the kids can sometimes be a battle of the wills. Do you just take a nibble of your kids’ scoop, or go all in and get a cone of your own? The struggle is real. The great dilemma might soon be over though thanks to big news from everyone’s favorite low-calorie ice cream.

Halo Top is opening its very first scoop shop and it sounds pretty amazing. The location is opening in Los Angeles on November 15 and will feature seven different flavors of the company’s best-selling pints of low-calorie ice cream. In case you haven’t yet tried this magical dessert, it has grown in popularity over the last year because the entire pints have fewer calories than most average bowls of ice cream, without lacking any flavor.

photo: Halo Top Facebook page

Besides offering its signature flavors, the new Halo Top location will also be dishing up a new soft serve version of its popular brand. According to Food & Wine, the soft serve will be around 90 calories per 4 oz. serving and will come in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, pistachio, birthday cake and peanut butter flavors.

Both versions of Halo Top’s ice cream can be ordered either in a cup, or any of their four different styles of cones, including waffle cone, Halo “puffle” cone, cake cone and traditional sugar cone. If you’re really feeling festive, you can also order your ice cream in a colorful waffle taco shell or sandwiched between two high-protein or vegan cookies.

Psst…according to their Facebook page, Halo Top hopes to open more locations across the country soon, if all goes well.

Are you a fan of Halo Top? Share your favorite flavors in the comments below.

North County Date Night Ideas for Parents

by Allison StabileAugust 5, 2015

We all love our kids, but sometimes a night away with from being a parent is just what the doctor ordered. When you’re ready to call a sitter and get out on the town with your special someone, check out these great ideas for date nights in North County. Click through the slideshow for ideas from bonfires to beer tours.

Bonfire Barbeque at Moonlight Beach

Pack up a cuddling blanket and your favorite stuff to barbecue and head to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. Keep it simple by simply making s'mores and bring a bottle of wine. Be sure to get there early to stake out one of the eight fire pits for your sunset grilling session. You can also bring your own grill to South Carlsbad State Beach or use one of the fire rings at Oceanside Beach and make your own party of two.

Photo Credit: Melodee E. via Yelp

Where are your favorite spots for date night? Are we missing anything in North County?

— Allison Stabile

What Your Kid’s Favorite Pizza Topping Says About Them

by Kelly AiglonFebruary 9, 2015

Ordering pizza is about as no-fuss as you can get. So why is choosing a topping such an ordeal? Because it’s important to kids, that’s why. Like, really important. Make a misstep (oops — pepperoni instead of sausage?) and you’re in trouble. What is your tot’s favorite topping … and what does that say about him or her? Our unscientific study will tell you.

The Topping: Sausage
What Your Kid is Saying: “I have a big appetite and need to load up if you expect me to do tough stuff, like clean my room and write a thank-you note to Grandma. Face it: Meat is yummy. Plus, I have my whole life to become a vegetarian … let’s not rush things, Mom. ”

photo: Jacqui Boland

The Flavor: Plain Cheese
What Your Kid is Saying: “Ew, what’s that green thing? Wait, what’s that brown thing? Stop, now, is that an onion? There better be nothing else on my slice except for gooey-gooey cheese, because all those other things that make this a more balanced meal are totally distracting.”

photo: Clarkston SCAMP via fickr

The Flavor: Veggie
What Your Kid is Saying: “Ha-HA! And you thought you’d see a unicorn before I ordered a tomato, pepper and mushroom pizza. Just call me Captain Healthy. Oh, and thank you for letting me tag along to the farmers market all of those times. Looks like the subliminal messaging paid off.”

photo: Wagner Silveira via fickr

The Flavor: Hawaiian
What Your Kid is Saying: “Cheeseburger in paradise? Nope, I’d rather sink my teeth into a ham and pineapple pizza in the comfort of my house. It’s like dinner and dessert all in one … which is awesome because that’s one less course to eat and I can leave the table earlier and go play Minecraft.”

photo: Ian Dexter Marquez via flickr

The Flavor: Anchovy
What Your Kid is Saying: “Tricked ya. Did you really think I’d eat anchovies? I only asked for that to see your reaction. I’ll stick with fish sticks.”

photo: Steven Depolo via flickr

What is your kid’s favorite pizza topping? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

Chill-Busting Tights to Toast Their Buns

by rtamaliedruryNovember 7, 2014

While raising a house full of boys who loved pulling their socks off, Utah mom Christine Krogue finally had a lightbulb moment with her fourth son: What if the socks were attached to pants? Her invention, Baby Undersocks, are a must-have for the coming winter months.

Baby Undersocks are soft, thermal base-layer pants made from breathable bamboo — they look a lot like the long-johns we still shimmy into as adults — with thick, cozy socks sewn onto the bottoms. The pants are a neutral cream color and can be ordered with pink, blue or matching cream sock bottoms. They have a comfortable elastic waistband and non-slip rubber grips on the feet for babies on the move.

Does the extra layer mean a little more work when you’re changing a diaper or getting baby dressed for the day? Well, yes. But with Blizzasters and Snowpocalypes on the horizon, warm tootsies are worth it. And for spending a relaxing day playing at home, we’d pull these on over a cute long-sleeved onesie and call it an outfit.

$20 per pair, available in sizes 0-3 months to 3T online at babyundersocks.com.

What do you think of this new winter style? Let us know in the Comments!

— Amalie Drury

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