Even though it might still feel like summer in Miami, October marks the time when we all want a little bit of the fall vibes in our house. These pumpkin patches around Miami are great opportunities to take the kids for some kettle corn and candy apples, and bring home your next jack-o’-lantern to carve. Here are some of our local favorites!
Pinto's Farm Families love this spot that has tractor rides, pedal boats and a children's farm along with loads of pumpkins for picking. Purchase your ticket online that includes a pumpkin, pedal boat ride, tractor ride, pony ride for kids, magic show and more.
The Berry Farm Harvest Festival at the Berry Farm is something Miami families look forward to all year. You can expect to find a corn maze, jumping pillow, sunflower fields and of course, pumpkins for picking.
The Little Farm You'll love your visit to this farm that has animals, pumpkins and loads of local food vendors so you can make a day of it. $12 admission includes a visit to the pumpkin patch, harvest market, animal farm, hay maze and outdoor games. There will also be pony rides for an additional $2.
When our editor’s son lost his first tooth she stayed up all night waiting for the elusive tooth fairy (okay, she stalked the TF. Our staff is just that dedicated). The following is the interview she managed to get despite the ever-so-slightly irritated fairy’s busy schedule.
RT: Tooth Fairy, sorry to spring this on you but you are a difficult fairy to reach. I mean, do you even have a phone or an email?
TF: It’s really alright, it’s just that you caught me off guard and you know I’ve got several more [children] to visit before daybreak, but I’m happy to answer a few questions. No, I don’t carry a cellphone. I operate on the Pixie Network. Oh, hey, shoutout to this Michigan mom who made me a mask. It fits perfectly!
RT: Okay, we have to ask. What is the Pixie Network?
TF: Every time someone says “Tooth Fairy” I get a little alert—not a text or anything drab like that. I have a crew of pixies with amazing hearing, and they scan the globe for phrases like “loose tooth” or “tooth fairy” and make note. They actually have created this giant global map for me in my office where they chart potential lost teeth, so that I can plan ahead. I never used to have that luxury and let me tell you: it is waaay nicer to end up in Barbados with a swimsuit than in a parka because you had to dash down from the North Pole at the last minute. And pixies are so uniquely qualified for the task because not only are they really good at being nearly invisible, they travel like a whisper on the wind. And they are very loyal.
RT: That’s amazing. We had no idea. Do you only attend to the lost teeth of human children?
TF: I mean, if your dog loses its tooth and doesn’t manage to swallow it I guess I can answer a very polite and hopeful plea but that’s not my job, really. I don’t oversee animals. I do, however, reward children of other species: gnomes, fairies, dwarves, elves, pixies (obv.) and the like. Trolls, however, are another matter. They don’t get their teeth at all until they are adults and there’s not enough gold in the world to get me near an adult troll’s pillow. I may be magical, but I have my limits.
RT: We’ll take your word on the trolls. So tell us, is your name actually Tooth Fairy or is that your job title?
TF: Well, at this point my job title is my name. I mean, I answer to it, regardless. My full name at birth (although records are spotty at best, having been recorded hundreds of years ago using the ink of elderberries, which is NOT age proof) was: Esmeralda Asteria Bonvecchio Fee Fee Dientaris. Few people know it or can pronounce it correctly, so generally, I just answer to Tooth Fairy or “Tee-Eff” for short.
RT: Is there anything our readers’ kids should know about their teeth and the exchange of teeth?
TF: Well, every household and child is different, but I’ve found over the years there is no one common denomination for a single tooth. I do love the current trend of making a neat little pillow or pouch to put the tooth in: makes it easier for me to find it. And I never mind when a little snack or note is left. Kids should know that teeth that are in better condition of course get a premium: free of cavities, well-brushed, low plaque, a nice sheen. These are all qualities that I look for and will leave a leeetle bit more under the pillow. I work closely with the Switch Witch, who works just after Halloween, to exchange candy for prizes. This helps improve the quality of baby teeth around the globe. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really must get back to the grind.
RT: Thanks again, Tee-Eff. We really appreciate your taking the time to talk with us. Next time, we’ll find you through the Pixie Network.
TF: Yes, errrr…do that. I’ll be sure and get back to you right…ahem…away. Ta ta!
Shortly after saying this TF gave a little wave and poof! disappeared in a cloud of what looked like glittery smoke or baby powder, though it smelled as minty as toothpaste.
OREOs—and all their variations—are indisputably delicious. Now there’s one more way to enjoy the classic sandwich treat. You might want to add New Jersey to your upcoming trips list, because the first-ever OREO Café has opened!
Located at American Dream, the retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, the café is a dream come true for your sugar tooth. It features a treats bar, where visitors can pick from delicious items like a waffle sundae with baked-in OREO pieces or a cookies & cream OREO cheesecake. Or you can customize a treat by choosing a dessert base, then picking from a wide range of OREO-inspired toppings, adding up to more than 200 possible combinations!
Of course, there are plenty of OREO items to buy, including packages of cookies and limited-edition merch. That includes tote bags, branded apparel, home decor and more! We’re fans of the fuzzy slippers and the giant cookie pillows.
If you can’t make it to New Jersey but really need an OREO pillow in your life, you can buy online through oreo.com. But we’re definitely putting this new café on our bucket list!
Of all your adulting duties, being frugal is one that definitely deserves a gold star. Earn yours today when you opt for one of these free family activities instead of reaching for your wallet. Who knew saving money could be so easy and fun? Keep reading to see our picks for the best free activities.
1. Head out for a hike. Whether you take the kids on a hike around the neighborhood, or you head to a local nature preserve or park, hiking is a no-brainer, no-cost plan. We love these hiking bucket list spots as a point of inspiration.
2. Remember your memberships. It doesn’t cost a dime to use the memberships you’ve already purchased. That makes a no-spend night the perfect time to hit the zoo, aquarium or museum. Don’t have any memberships? Look into free museum nights in your area, or ask your local library if they have any museum passes available to check out.
3. Practice your pillow fort prowess. Who doesn’t love a good pillow fort? Build one alongside the kiddos or have a family-building competition. Flip through these fantastic designs to ignite your creativity. Bonus points if the kids crash in their fort overnight.
4. Make the most of movie night. You don’t have to spend dough at the local cineplex to enjoy a family movie night. Sift through your DVD collection and pull out one everyone loves. Then go all out with ticket stubs, comfy seating that rivals your local theater and buttery popcorn. Read up on creating a theater-worthy movie experience at home to bring your vision to life.
5. Raid your gift card stash. You’ve been saving them for something special … so why not use them tonight? Whether you’ve been holding on to movie passes, restaurant gift cards or big bucks to spend at the toy store, cashing in gift cards equals a free and easy evening plan everyone can enjoy!
6. Listen to podcasts. If you haven’t tuned in to the family-friendly podcast scene yet, a no-spend night is a perfect time to give one a listen. Queue up a show on your preferred device, then get ready to binge on imaginative, informative stories the whole family can enjoy.
7. Visit the library. When it comes to free, nobody does it better than libraries. From classes to programs and the books lining the shelves, there are plenty of ways to entertain the family. Check out the country’s best libraries to see what creative freebies they’ve got for your family.
8. Break out the board games. Raid your game closet, and find a family favorite to play. Need some suggestions? Read up on exciting new games to add to your collection. Tired of your go-to games? Simply head to your local game shop, where you can check out games to play for free.
9. Gaze at the night sky. Plan your free night around the stars, and you won’t be disappointed. All it takes is some creativity, binoculars or a telescope (if you’ve got one), and a free app to help you navigate the night sky in your area. Explore constellations using these stargazin activities and tips on a clear night.
10. Make music. Who knew that between your cupboards and the recycling bin, your kids have everything they need to start their own band? It’s true. All it takes is cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, rubber bands and some imagination, so make one of these DIY instruments that really work. Make ‘em, then play ‘em, for an evening concert you won’t soon forget.
11. Cozy up with a good book. Snuggled under a warm blanket with hot cocoa. Sprawled under a propped up sheet with a flashlight. Tucked into a pillow-laden corner in her room. However, your crew likes to read, sit down and do it together. Turn reading into a full night’s activity when you trick out a reading nook for your little readers and then dig into their favorite page-turner.
12. Play twilight games. Grab the flashlights and glow sticks, then head outside (or down to the basement) to get your play on once the sun starts to set. Get ideas and learn the rules for 10 different games to play in the dark or create your own.
14. Host a kid art exhibition. Who needs a local art gallery opening when your home is bursting with kid art in need of an audience. It won’t cost you a dime to have the kids cull their own artwork and put it on display for parents to peruse. Set the scene with mood music and a glass of grape juice bubbly to sip while you stroll.
15. Bake cookies. Nothing says downtime like a freshly-baked batch of cookies. Get messy in the kitchen making dozen after dozen of your faves with the kids. Share them with friends and neighbors, or keep them all to yourselves. Either way—yum.
16. Make them laugh. It’s a comedy night in your living room. No two-drink minimum required! Have your kids plan and perform a short stand-up routine full of one-liners and riddles for you and your better half. Giggle, set, go.
17. Write letters. Pull out the pen and paper and have the kids sit down to write letters, old school style. Keep it simple by writing to family members or friends. Or try one of these cool pen pal programs.
It’s hard to beat Sesame Street when it comes to classic kid’s entertainment. From Big Bird to Bert and Ernie, these characters are a reliable hit with the smallest members of the household.
Now there’s another way to learn and play, thanks to a partnership with toy companies Little Kids Inc and CreateOn! They’ve launched a number of new products just in time for summer fun.
Sesame Street Splash & Play Water Mat
Little Kids Inc.
The Sesame Street Splash & Play water mat looks perfect for beating the heat. It's designed for ages 18 months and up, with inflatable Elmo characters and a gentle water mist. For tactile play opportunities, the mat includes a push & play water pillow and floating foam characters. You can buy it for $24.99 on Amazon.`
The Monster at the End of This Story Magna-Tiles
CreateOn
Add a Sesame twist to standard Magna-tiles with three new sets! The Monster at the End of This Story set features lovable Grover and a structure set. The interactive toy shows kids Grover has nothing to be afraid of, with help from his friend Elmo. It's available now on Amazon for $39.95, for ages three and up.
Oscar's Garbage Truck Magna-Tiles
CreateOn
Learn eco-friendly tips with The Sesame Street Garbage truck, featuring Oscar and Elmo. Take the truck for a ride and find out ways to help planet earth. Kids can build Oscar's garbage can to put in trash, or set up a conservation scene. It's $49.95 on Amazon for ages three and up.
Hooper's Store Magna-Tiles
CreateOn
Finally, kids can take part in another favorite activity, shopping, with the Hooper's Store set. Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby are ready to shop and there's plenty of food to find in the store. Plus there's a lesson on the food pyramid as they build a shopping cart. This one's also $39.95 on Amazon for ages three and up.
Heading out on an auto adventure? Before you’re totally locked and loaded and heading down the highway, make sure you’re stocked up on road trip essentials. The best part? You can get them all on Amazon.
6-Port Universal Car Charger
Most vehicles only come with one or two charging ports, and that's why you won't want to head out on vaycay without a 6-Port Universal Car Charger ($21.99). Made to fit in your cupholder, this lightening charger comes with a safety chip to prevent overheating and will charge all your phones, tablets and game consoles!
High Road Car Organizer with Cooler and Snack Tray
Road trippers and busy moms will more than survive the summer with the High Road Car Organizer with Cooler and Snack Tray ($49.99). It's made with pockets on both sides, a drink holder that converts to a storage bin, a lined and insulated interior and a seatbelt strap. The booster-high height means its perfect for your little travelers and helps with independence, too.
42 Piece Premium Road Kit
For only $25, you can have peace of mind with a 42 Piece Emergency Car Kit that comes with a flashlight, jumper cables and everything you need to stay safe on the road. Coming in a high-quality bag, the kit weighs less than three pounds and won't take up much room amidst your luggage.
Fire HD 10 Kids Edition
Break up a long car ride or give mom and dad a nice quiet time when the kids have fun on the Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet ($139.99). Coming with one year of Amazon Kids+, a free case and a two-year worry-free guarantee, this educational tablet is essential on your next road trip.
Plus-Plus Travel Case
If you have kids who are obsessed with Plus-Plus like we are, you are going to want to order this Plus-Plus Travel Case before your next road trip. The case includes a small base plate and Plus-Plus pieces for your child to build with. Easy to use on a lap in the car, the case zips up for easy storage when you are done. Best for ages 5 and up.
Sea-Band Wristband
Can we all agree that motion sickness is the worst? Whether you have a normally queasy traveler or plan on taking some windy roads on your upcoming trip, it's a good idea to keep a few Sea-Band wristbands ($12) on hand. They work by applying pressure to acupressure points on each wrist which has been proven to relieve nausea and vomiting. They are reusable, washable and a natural way to combat car sickness!
Igloo Playmate Cooler
Amazon
Whether you snag second-hand versions of these at garage sales, or pick up one of these limited edition Mickey versions, it's fun to give each kid their own Igloo cooler for your road trip. Pack it with an ice pack, snacks and drinks and your little one has control over when they can enjoy their snacks.
Microfiber Towels
Road trips are messy business. Between cleaning up spills, mopping up after a sudden rainfall or taming other fluids (hello, car sickness), it's always a smart idea to have towels on hand. Microfiber towels like these from Amazon Basics ($12) come in a large 24-pack and absorb up to eight times their own weight.
BCOZZY Kids Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
Machine washable and coming with a built-in snap for easy transport, the BCOZZY Kids Chin Supporting Travel Pillow ($30) will give your kiddos rest on the go! Choose from seven colors and let the kids enjoy the support they need to get all the cat naps they want.
Rand McNally 2021 Large Scale Road Atlas
We're the first to admit that technology is great, but traveling in the wilderness doesn't always mean a great cell signal. Don't leave the house without keeping a Rand McNally 2021 Large Scale Road Atlas ($18) in the glove box or at your fingertips. It'll get you where you need to go, without arguing about whether you should stop for directions.
MyTidyCar Car Trash Can
Water bottles, fast food trash, snack wrappers––oh my! Controlling the mess is a must on the road, and the MyTidyCar Car Trash Can ($14) is here to save the day. The waterproof lining can hold up to three gallons and can be used as an organizer when the trip's over and the trash is at bay.
––Karly Wood
All photos: Courtesy of Amazon/Feature Photo: Dominika Roseclay via Pexels
Ronda Rousey and hubby Travis Browne are expecting! The former WWE wrestler and champion mixed martial artist announced the couple’s baby news in a sweet, ultrasound-packed YouTube video.
Rousey and Browne married in 2017—and in just a few short months the family of two will expand to three. The couple didn’t share their pregnancy news immediately. As it turns out, Rousey is already four months pregnant.
The YouTube clip kicks off with the couple seated on their couch. Rousey holds a pillow over belly, quickly lifting it away as she exclaims, “Pow! Four months pregnant!” The soon-to-be new mom goes on to add, “I’ve been pregnant since January.”
Along with the announcement, the couple shared several ultrasound videos of their growing baby….boy or girl? Even though the ultrasound images show the sex of the baby, the couple splashed the words, “Gender reveal to come” across the screen.
While they may not have given away their baby’s gender, Rousey and Browne did share their little girl or boy’s due date—Sep. 22.
Pillowfort is turning five! In honor of the beloved Target brand’s big bday, the big red bullseye retailer is introducing new products to the existing kids collection.
Way back in 2016 Target launched Pillowfort—much to the joy of parents everywhere. Fast-forward five years and the kids’ brand is just as popular, if not more.
photo courtesy of Target
The affordable awesomeness of Pillowfort includes a major mix of kid-friendly pieces that will grow with your children. From home decor and bedding to storage and more, Pillowfort includes everything the littles need. As a bonus, the line starts at $6!
The day my daughter died was the darkest day of my life. There is nothing that can prepare you for waddling into an ultrasound, eight months pregnant, and having a doctor look into your terrified eyes as he says, “I’m sorry, but there’s no heartbeat.”
As the ground fell out from underneath me, a fog filled my brain that wouldn’t leave for months. Big, heavy tears clouded my vision as I survived the next 36 hours—long hours as I waited for my husband to fly home, as I labored through the birth I had dreamed of my whole life (this was nothing like I had dreamed of), as I held my beautiful, perfect, 6 lb 9 oz daughter Layla. Every time I blinked, dreams rolled down my face, soaking my shirt like the milk that would come in days later, my body unaware that there was no baby to feed.
As I was wheeled out of the hospital in the darkness of night, clutching a pillow, I felt certain I would never, ever feel the sunshine on my face again. How could I? The last package I received in the mail was art for my daughter’s nursery, You Are My Sunshine, My OnlySunshine. My bones felt as cold as my belly did empty. My husband tucked me into bed where I’d stay for a week that followed, unable to speak a word to anyone.
But we lived in Southern California—even in November, you can only hide from the sun for so long. After a week, we took our first walk. I pulled my hooded sweatshirt over my head, blocking the world from my peripheral vision, as I focused on the two-block walk to the beach. We walked straight to the shoreline and set three paper cranes that we had folded at her baby shower out to sea. Wishes from loved ones, never to be read. The sun burned like lightning on the back of my sweatshirt as I retreated for safety.
It was in the months that followed that I learned of the term rainbow baby—a name given to a baby born shortly after the loss of a previous baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or death in infancy. This term is used because a rainbow typically follows a storm, giving us hope for what’s to come.
My baby was not a storm. But the days and weeks and months that followed losing her were. And like a storm, my grief swirled and changed every day, starting as a constant downpour and eventually slowing to a drizzle. Until, one day, a small stream of light.
Pregnancy after loss is terrifying. It is living face to face with your worst fear and knowing that there is nothing you can do to change the outcome. You survive every day by focusing on that small stream of light, even as the clouds try and overwhelm you, threatening rain just around the corner.
Photo: Laura Malcolm
And then one day, one year and six days after the rain started, the clouds parted and let the sun beamed in. I held my newborn son and felt the warmth my body had missed. I squinted into the sun as I was wheeled out of the same hospital doors, in the brightness of day, and the world had never looked so colorful. So full of hope.
My rainbow baby.
I now have two little boys who fill my life with more color (and noise) than I could have ever imagined. We talk about their sister and celebrate her life and yes, throw rainbow-themed birthday parties because they brought the sun to shine right along with the rain—and without both of those, there wouldn’t be rainbows.
This post was written by Laura Malcolm and originally appeared on Give InKind.
Give InKind is an intelligent social support platform that helps friends and family coordinate tangible, financial, and emotional support for those who need it. Our custom Care Calendar + Wishlist + Fundraising in one free tool is making support simple. From new babies to cancer support, Give InKind.
As a parent, the idea of getting more sleep sounds about as possible as your toddler never throwing another tantrum. Sleep is like the Holy Grail of motherhood, and while finding it won’t reward you with eternal life, it will undoubtedly give you a renewed spirit.
You might think sleep is a luxury you can’t afford, but truth be told, it’s an investment in being the best mom you can be. No wonder there’s a whole week devoted to getting more shut-eye! Yep, that’s right—we’re now in National Sleep Awareness Week, which runs from Mar. 14 through Mar. 20 this year.
Of course, we get it, you want to sleep, but your kids wake you up at all hours (insert reason 1,098,097 here). Or, your kids finally sleep through the night, but you can’t shut your brain off long enough to settle into a restful slumber. Well, don’t worry. In honor of National Sleep Awareness Week, here are a few tips for snagging the sleep you need to be a more mindful mom.
1. Know When to Say Goodnight
Does this sound familiar? The kids are finally asleep, and you decide now it’s the perfect time to finish up that last-minute project, wash the dishes, or simply binge-watch Netflix. The only problem is, you’re also exhausted. The next thing you know, it’s at least 11 p.m., and you’re finally crawling into bed, only to have your kids bouncing on top of you by 6 a.m. or even earlier.
Start training yourself to go to bed earlier so you can face the next day with a more refreshed outlook. It won’t be an easy habit to start, but you can do it with patience and consistency. Each evening, after the kids are in bed, allow yourself to take a few minutes to finish up a small task (accomplishing small goals is a great confidence boost), but only do something that will take you about 20 minutes or less. Then, it’s time to unwind and get ready for bed. If you usually get in bed around 11 p.m., then the first night, shoot for 10:45, the next 10:30, and so on, until you can get in bed by about 9 or 9:30.
2. Snag Some Mini-Snoozes during the Day
Yes, napping is like a dirty secret that no mom wants anyone to know about, but it’s a perfect way to recharge during the day. If your baby is sleeping, then you sleep. If your kids are at school, close your eyes for about 5-to-10 minutes a couple of times throughout the day. It might not sound like much, but you would be amazed at how much these frequent mini-naps can do for your overall sense of well-being and patience.
3. Have a Bedtime Routine (for You)
You probably have a set bedtime routine for your kids; maybe it’s getting a bath, brushing teeth, reading a book, then saying goodnight. You need a routine too. As you’re working on bumping your bedtime to an earlier time, start building your routine. Do something that helps you relax, like a cup of chamomile tea, a crossword puzzle, read a book.
Keep a journal next to your bed and take a few minutes before hitting your pillow to write down anything that’s on your mind, whether it’s things you have to do the next day or something troubling you. This gets all of these thoughts out of your brain so you can focus on sleep. Then, right before you go to bed, check out a MamaZen Mindpower Session to help you drift off to dreamland.
4. Dealing with Interruptions to Your Sleep
Of course, these tips are great for prioritizing your sleep, but children love to throw monkey wrenches into plans! So what happens when you’re finally sleeping deep, and your kids start crying or tugging on your covers at 3 a.m.? Well, it’s going to happen, so take a breath, put the kiddos back in bed (try not to put them in yours), then focus on your breathing as you fall back asleep. It also helps to keep everything as dark as possible as you put your children back to sleep, and do so as quickly and calmly as you can. Making a big deal about it will only prolong the situation.
A well-rested mom is a happier and healthier mom. For more ways to draft off to a better sleep, check out the MamaZen app and audio sessions that will help you start making sleep a priority in your life.
Jake Y. Rubin, M.A, is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist, a former university professor of psychology, and a recognized expert in hypnosis and hypnotherapy with degrees in Psychology from UCLA and the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. He is the founder of the MamaZen app.
