Home lifestyle brand, Allswell has been sending grown-ups into dreamland with their thoughtfully-designed line of affordable mattresses, bedding and decor. And now, your mini-me’s can join in on the fun thanks to Allswell’s first-ever baby collection, which just launched with a line of stylish gender-neutral products that range from crib sheets to bibs. Read on to find out more about this inaugural collection that promises the same comfort and affordability that Allswell is known for.
What’s in the new collection
This is the brand’s first foray into the baby and toddler space and the collection doesn’t disappoint. Expect gender-neutral designs that imbue a subtle impression of color, pattern and texture to any room or nursery. The entire collection—from baby blankets to reversible playmats—features pieces that are GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified and designed with 100% organic cotton.
Baby is in good hands wrapped in or laying on this oh-so-soft fabric that is made to last (no thin fabrics that will deteriorate after one wash here). We can’t get enough of this collection and eagerly await what baby and kids styles Allswell will release next.
Scroll down to peruse our favorites from this new line and to learn more about each product.
Organic Cotton Oversized Quilted Playmat
You’ll love that this playmat folds up easily (easily bring it on a picnic or to grandma’s house) and is made of uber soft organic cotton. It’s larger than the typical playmat, allowing baby to roll and play with ample space to spare. Machine washable and available in two colors. Buy now for $75.
Organic Cotton Oversized Baby Blanket
Whether you’re wrapping baby up for a brisk walk or need an extra place to put her down, turn to this soft baby blanket, a must for any new parent. You’ll adore that it’s lightweight, breathable and machine washable. Buy now for $32.
Organic Cotton Hooded Towel
Make sure he’s bundled and warm after bathtime with this organic cotton hooded towel. Both sides are soft and can grow with him from baby to toddler years. Buy now for $22.
Organic Cotton Bandana Bib Set
Take the mess out of meal time (or at least try) with the bib set, which comes in sets of two and are available in two different styles. Enjoy the easy-on, easy-off velcro. Buy now for $18 for a set of two.
Organic Cotton Crib Sheets
Make sure baby is set up for a successful night of sleep with these cotton crib sheets, which also come in a set of two. Available in four styles, these sheets safely fit snuggly in place and are lightweight and breathable. Buy now for $28.
There’s nothing like looking out the window before school to see a few inches of snow covering the ground. The snow day has always been a time honored tradition, but with the adoption of virtual classrooms and e-learning, these magical days are under threat with the real possibility of extinction. Campbell’s is looking to save the snow day.
With parents at their wits end when it comes to virtual learning, kids and parents need a day dedicated to leaving their computer screens and getting outside to play in the snow. Through an online pledge on SavetheSnowDay.com, Campbell’s called on families who believe hills were made to be sled down, cold days call for hot soup and in shutting screens off, and putting snow pants on, to pledge their support to save a cherished winter tradition. The pledge has received over 15K+ signatures to date!
Starting Jan. 12, those who sign the pledge on SavetheSnowDay.com will be entered to win one of 1,000 free limited-edition snow day activity kits. Winners will be drawn at random throughout the month of January.
Each kit includes:
A snowman making kit featuring a large carrot, coal and oversized buttons
I’ve almost drowned three times. I’m a terrible swimmer. I am an adult woman with four children who swim better than I do—and yet I still pinch my nose under water and doggy paddle. My resilient children swim like fish in any temperature. Even though I may someday be taking swimming lessons with my 3-year old, this post is actually about some incredible elderly “wave-jumpers,” as I have named them. It’s bizarre and wonderful at the same time.
On our last holiday, my family took a trip to Spain, and my kids were practically hurling themselves at the beaches. As I got cozy in the sand to keep an eye on the crew, I noticed about a half-dozen elders on a mission in their bathing suits. Together, they marched up to the shore, repositioned their swim caps, and readjusted their goggles. Look past my kids in the pictures above. There they are.
My eyes were fixed, and I was ready to see some enviable swimming action, since mine involves pinching my nose and some unflattering flailing. Yet after entering the ocean, they just stood there, motionless.
Truthfully, I was so confused. They just stared ahead at the oversized waves. When the wave pushed them, they weren’t afraid—even if they had to take a step back to rebalance or boldly stepped a few feet forward, deeper. Sometimes, they would surprisingly dive into the bigger waves. Yet after all of that commotion, they always returned to their original spot in the chilly water and dug their feet back into the sand. What were they thinking? What was the purpose?
After a few weeks of trying to make sense of it all, it became clear—it changed everything. You see, these women were conquering the waves. They fearlessly stared at an overwhelming obstacle yet were at complete peace. Even though each wave pushed and pulled them, they always counterbalanced and became even stronger. For those women, the ocean served the same purpose, but their unique position in the sand and approach to the wave was personal.
So what does this all have to do with me? For me, these wise women encapsulated life. No matter our background, age, size, or color, we all stand the same—we stand together in the similar journey of living, growing, loving, and evolving, but our experience is always unique. Each moment is a wave. Even when life may knock us down or sneak up in an undercurrent—we live, we learn, and we reposition our feet for the next wave.
After living abroad in a few different countries and traveling globally, my absolute perspective has changed. We are all so beautiful, so different, and have so much to offer in our individual journeys.
You see—we are all like these wave-jumpers. Every experience is merely a moment to absorb, a wave approaching that will pass, with impressionable hindsight to teach us. My life is an open book. I love to help others when and how I can. Most who know me have labeled me, “Supermom.” I’m not, I just try my best and keep on couterbalancing and learning. I don’t judge. I don’t criticize. I don’t live with regret or guilt. It’s refreshing and it’s my personal masterpiece.
My life is a mix of all things and all emotions, mostly humor. So I invite you to be the fly on the wall of my open Confessional, filled with some candid mess-ups, laughs, and life lessons… stay tuned.
Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.
It’s that time of year––time for the annual Kardashian Christmas card! Usually known for its flashy style, this year’s holiday photoshoot proves to be much different than year’s past.
As the Kardashian clan grows, it looks like the fam will be taking pics of their own mini tribes this year. Kim released her newest and laid back holiday photo, captioning it as “The West Family Christmas Card 2019.” Keep scrolling to see this year’s Kardashian Christmas card—and some of our faves from over the years.
The West photo shows the entire gang sitting in cozy clothes on the family stairs in coordinating sweatsuits. Not only is the photo a comfy departure from glitz and glam, it’s also the first time the entire West family has been photographed since the arrival of baby Psalm in May.
The simple white motif puts all the focus on the kiddos—and while the fam is missing quite a few members, we still love how sweet and simple everyone looks. We give them a legit A for effort because we know how hard it can be the wrangle the fam this time of year.
This year’s card was all about the moms and kids (not unlike this year), and we now understand while Kylie Jenner sat out because of that whole surprise pregnancy! This card was the family’s first after skipping 2016.
North West and her cousins Penelope, Mason and Reign graced the simple card in 2015. Saint West was actually born on Dec. 5, but he’s not included in the card most likely because the photo was taken before his birth. This card came after skipping 2014.
The Kardashian’s 2013 card was a lot to handle. The oversized photo, shot by artist David LaChapelle featured all the leading ladies, but was sans the guys, including Kanye West, Lamar Odom, Scott Disick and Rob Kardashian.
The totally fun and nearly kid-free card from 2012 captured happier times, before the Kris and Caitlyn split and Lamar’s addiction struggles surfaced. We can’t help but love the natural-looking poses that celebrate the season.
The Kardashian’s 2011 card was special because it was available in 3D! The flashy fam was all there, but notably missing was Kim’s husband at the time, Kris Humpries. The pair had just filed for divorce at the time.
If staying at a hotel run by cartoon characters sounds like a dream come true for your kids, then pack your bags for a visit to the new Cartoon Network Hotel!
When you check into the new Cartoon Network hotel or when you grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by some of your favorite faces. Characters from Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10 and more will all be employees at the hotel, which promises to give guests an immersive animation experience.
photo: Courtesy of Palace Entertainment
“This is going to be a game changer. With sleek contemporary designs that parents will appreciate and Easter egg type surprises for kids throughout the resort, the entire family will love this place. Cartoon Network’s stories and themes appeal to everyone in a fun whimsical way,” said Rolf Paegert, chief operating officer of Palace Entertainment, which has partnered with Cartoon Network to bring the hotel to life.
The 165 room resort will sit on a nine-acre property featuring an interactive lobby, indoor arcade, a resort-style pool and water play zone, lawn games and an outdoor amphitheater with an oversized movie screen where you can get a first look of never-seen-before cartoons among other family-friendly amenities. There are also a wine bar and coffee lounge for the grown-up cartoon fans.
Each guest room will also be Cartoon Network-themed with interchangeable decor that can be customized around kids preferences.
The Cartoon Network Hotel will be located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania—right next door to the Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park—and is set to open later this summer.
A new year means it’s time to start drooling over the 2019 HGTV Dream Home! The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway is the cable network’s biggest annual giveaway of a fully furnished home—and this year’s massive mountain palace is located in Whitefish, Montana.
The 3,650-square foot lodge-style retreat home is located on the edge of Glacier National Park with stunning views and is valued at more than $2.3 million. This year’s Grand Prize not only includes the home and all it’s furnishings, but a 2019 Honda Pilot Elite and $250,000 cash prize, courtesy of Rocket Mortgage and Quicken Loans!
Keep scrolling to see some of the amazing photos of this to-die-for home.
Mountain Modern Paradise
It's nothing but the best for this year's Dream Home, which has been constructed with reclaimed historical resources, timber frame architecture characteristic to the area and uses custom craftsmanship. It was designed by Timber Forge Design and built by Malmquist Construction but all we really care about is that this house is gorgeous inside and out.
An Outdoor Oasis
You won't be short on outdoor living when it comes to this home, which includes plenty of amenities. Expect to enjoy an upper deck and lower patio with dining and lounging space, a grill, fire place, Scandinavian hot tub—and a private chair lift directly to the ski mountain. Hold on while we grab our skis!
This Gorgeous Garage
Only a parent can truly appreciate a good garage, and you're going to need a sweet space to park that new Honda Pilot anyways! The Whitefish home comes complete with a three-car garage that not only includes pretty storage, but a television. Finally, a retreat for moms.
A Giant Great Room
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but we aren't so sure after checking out this great room. The oversized windows allow for ample viewing of the gorgeous scenery and the decor is all Montana.
Sit back and enjoy the linear gas fireplace that's covered in sheet metal on the L-shaped sofa, while putting your feet up on a concrete and wood coffee table. Several retro pieces and plenty of layered rugs give this rustic-inspired home an updated look. If you need us, you know where to find us!
One Dazzling Dining Room
You won't be sacrificing the view when you sit down in this amazing dining area, with sliding doors that open directly on to the deck. The room's location amid the open concept places this area directly adjacent to the kitchen, which makes it perfect for casual or fine dining.
The sculptural table is made with a metal top, so not only does it look amazingly cool, it'll hold up under your kiddos.
OMG LOOK AT THIS KITCHEN
If the five-star appliances aren't enough to wow you in this kitchen, that oversized island with a brushed metal top just might. The design of this space creates ideal traffic flow and tons of workspace, while the contrasting upper and lower cabinets make it look just stinkin' cool.
Lovely Lodge Living
Why yes, we will enjoy some extra space in our lodge style bonus room, thank you very much! This navy-painted room is decked out in vintage skis with mid-century modern decor pieces. Rustic wood textures will get you in the Montana spirit, you know––right before you hop on your private ski lift to the slopes.
This Pretty Little Powder Room
Energy-efficient windows, a slow closing toilet lid, Carerra marble countertops and a soothing dark paint color make this powder room a sanctuary. Located right off the main family living space, it also makes for a quick getaway for moms who "just need two minutes alone!"
A Mesmerizing Master Bedroom
Metals and rustic wood combines in this amazing master bedroom with lofted ceilings and French doors that lead to a decked seating area. The soft autumnal color palette makes this a relaxing retreat fit for any exhausted parent!
And a Magical Master Bath
A walk-in shower with dual shower heads and full body sprayers means you may prefer spending most your time in the bathroom! Enjoy soft green paint, a double vanity, a separate water closet to confine the toilet for privacy. The space offers a unique open concept bath and shower set up, where the tub is actually in the shower, so there's also that.
...And a Mom-Worthy Master Closet
Talk about dream closets! The Dream Home doesn't let us down with the master closet, that boasts tons of built in shelving, rods and cabinetry to contain your super cool mom wardrobe.
The Perfect Pet Nook
Why yes, there IS a place for all your pets at the Dream Home! The area under the stairs has been transformed into a pet sanctuary to store supplies and a space to corral Rover. It's complete with a Dutch-style swinging half door, fun graphic art and comes completely stocked with a supply of gourmet wet and dry dog food––because of course.
A Beautiful Bunk Room
Kids and adults alike would enjoy a stay in this bunk room, which boasts a twin mattress over a full bottom bunk bed. The loft-area sleeping space is rustic with plenty of Montana vibes. The handrail leading to the room is made from an old ski lift cable, so it's just plain fun getting upstairs!
And a Bunk Bathroom, Too
This guest bathroom is perfect for lodgers of the bunk room and the buffalo check guest room. The bright paint and white details keep it clean and fresh, while the walk in shower comes with a rain shower head for ultimate relaxation.
A Good-Looking Guest Room
There are plenty of guest rooms to go around in the Whitefish home, and this particular Western decorated space (with hipster flair) is found on the second floor. The custom bed frame and handmade pillows prove it's all about the details...and did we mention it comes with an advanced, smart sleep bed that auto-adjusts for firmness? Genius.
Ridiculously "Read" Guest Bedroom
You'll want to sneak away for a few hours of reading if you're staying in the barn wood red guest bedroom. Plenty of books are organized by color to make the collection its own work of art and the hanging pedestal lamp over the bed is a reader's paradise.
Terrific Teal Guest Bathroom
The ensuite bathroom to the red guest bedroom packs big design details, from the oversized black and white checked tile shower, to the red accents to coordinate with the adjacent bedroom. The modern space is flush with energy efficient windows, Carrera marble––all things glam.
There's Even a Lovable Laundry Room
This space is the gorgeous hallway that leads to a spacious mudroom and high-tech laundry room that comes with a stacked slate electric washer and dryer. A beautiful utility sink, water sensor to prevent flooding and bright and airy windows means that laundry is almost fun when you do it in the dream home.
If you’re ready to call this dream home your own, don’t forget to enter the HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes! The entry period has already open and runs through Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. Viewers can enter twice per day via HGTV.com and be sure to check out all the rules at the HGTV website.
If you think your dreams of staying in a Chip and Joanna Gaines-designed home went down the drain when their famous show ended, you’re in luck after all! There’s a Fixer Upper farmhouse on Airbnb and yes, it’s still available. The show’s executive producer, Michael Matsumoto who received a home reno by the couple in season 4, has listed his gorgeous farmhouse on the online marketplace for rent––but only for a brief time.
Matsumoto’s home is in Crawford, Texas, a 30-minute drive from Waco, a.k.a., the heart of the Gaines booming Magnolia business. When the couple returns to television, Matsumoto will be at their side which means his family wants to be a little closer to Waco for filming. During that time, you can snag a stay at their renovated home for $350 per night, and live out all your Jojo dreams in rooms designed by Jojo herself!
When you stay at the Matsumoto home, you’ll be treated to traditional farmhouse decor, an open concept kitchen, spa-like bathrooms and that special Gaines’ touch. Not only that, the kids will have plenty of fun in the oversized backyard and basketball court out back.
So, who’s planning a trip to Waco…and wants to bring us along?
There really is a secret about why we love Trader Joe’s so much and it’s actually quite simple. Yes, we adore the unique selection of international foods, one of a kind TJ products—and don’t even get us started on the amazing prices.
But the actual secret is that Trader’s has us figured out from start to finish, and that includes providing us an optimal shopping experience––even in the frozen food aisles. Those open-top, doorless freezers? Yeah, they make you want to buy all the things.
Trader Joe’s freezer setup differs in almost every way to traditional grocery stores. While “regular” supermarkets tend to isolate their frozen foods from the rest of the store and hide them in oversized freezers with tight closing doors, TJ’s uses coffin cases that are open, keep the aisle chilly (but not freezing), and mixes frozen food with tempting suggestions like chocolate-covered raspberry sticks and JoJo’s.
As it turns out, peering through the tall glass doors of conventional freezers creates a barrier-like feeling that causes consumers to want to just get in and get out. On the contrary, Trader Joe’s frozen food aisle is warm (literally) and welcoming. The pairing of frozen and non-frozen goods gives shoppers that “treasure hunt” feeling, where we actually want to linger and find new products.
And it appears that Trader Joe’s is on to something. In a comment to NPR, a company spokesperson stated that frozen food sales are performing well. Judging by our recent shopping carts, we can see why.
Her first fan jersey was a onesie, and she’s been playing catch with her oversized mitt since she started walking. Now you’re ready to take your little slugger out to the ball game, take her out with the crowds. Besides the peanuts and Cracker Jacks, stadiums have tons to offer their littlest fans. From Ferris wheels and mini golf, to coaching clinics and hands-on skills zones, we’ve loaded the bases with major league stadiums that’ve hit a grand slam when it comes to family perks. Flip through to see if your home team made the list!
Camden Yards – Baltimore, Md
Taking a time out with the tot lot at an Orioles game is a cinch with the Kids’ Corner, just off the C Gate. Here, wiggle worms can bounce around in the moon bounce, try to score big at skee-ball, and pose with oversized Oriole bird bobble-heads so parents can snap post-worthy pics of their tiny fan. This is also the spot where families can stop and snack a bit, amid a sea of black and orange. Psst…one of the reasons we dig Camden Yards is because it's totally cool for families to bring their own food into the park. This moola-saving feature means you can invest in team paraphernalia for your sidekick to remember the winning day!
All Star Play: Parents get to share in the Oriole love with sweet game day giveaways like infinity scarves and newsboys caps on Mother’s and Father’s Day.
photo: Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles
What’s your favorite baseball stadium for the family? Have you been to any of these? Tell us about it in a comment!
Swelteringly hot days like Seattle’s seen this summer call for new and creative ways to cool off. Sure, wading pools and spray parks do the trick for the everyday. But when it comes to adventurous alternatives wouldn’t you rather slide through the city on an oversized slip ‘n’ slide? Grab your floaties, inner tubes and sunscreen and read on for the scoop on Slide the City.
Editor’s note: As of August 5, 2015, Slide the City Seattle has been postponed until next summer. Despite months of hard work and coordination between event organizers and city officials, the State and King County Health Departments reported that they could not accommodate the event this year due to increased permit requests. We’ll keep you posted on next year’s event.
photo: Slide the City
Party On!
The premise of Slide the City is a simple one that seems to have come straight out of your childhood imagination. Shut down a major city thoroughfare for one day and replace it with a 1,000-foot long slip-n-slide. Then, invite about 6,000 of your closest friends over for one giant party. See? Simple and dreamy. Add on some food and vendor and entertainment booths to this awesome day and it might just eclipse Bumbershoot as your sidekick’s coolest event of the summer.
photo: Slide the City
Ride On!
There are three different ways to slide through the city with your crew: single, triple and unlimited rides. The single ride ticket ($16-$30) includes one twisty-turvey slide down the track during a two-hour, pre-assigned window, along with some simple swag (a bag and a mouth guard). A triple slide ticket ($31-$45) gets you three down-and-backs during the two-hour window and a bit more swag (add a tube to this package). And for those who want to do nothing else all day other than ride this slippery slope, the unlimited ticket ($48-$65) is the way to go. There’s lots more swag with this pass. Plus, you can ride all day long, including two hour-long windows before and after the event, which means less crowded slide times for you. Since each rider rides solo, your minis will need their own tickets. And as of this writing, registration for the Seattle event hasn’t opened yet. Since it’s one that sells out quickly, notifications are a must for families who are ready to rock the slip ‘n’ slide this summer.
photo: Slide the City
What to Bring
Think “day at the beach” when gearing up for this adventure. Swimming suits, sunscreen and a towel to dry off are on the can’t-forget list. Floppy hats, goggles, squirt guns and other water-themed adds-ons are up to you and your mini crew. Don’t forget that each rider has to have his or her own inflatable to cruise the strip. So, plan to bring some from home or purchase them when you get there.