This Grandpa Creates Inclusive Crocheted Dolls with Vitiligo

by Erica LoopSeptember 23, 2019

João Stanganelli, Jr.’s dolls are getting major props on social media—and for a very good reason. The grandpa from Brazil crochets inclusive dolls, including toys with vitiligo, cochlear implants and so much more.

So how did this grandfather get into the crocheted doll business? Stanganelli’s first crocheted project was a vitiligo doll for his granddaughter. The grandpa has had the skin condition, which results in the loss of pigment since he was in his 30’s. Wanting to give his granddaughter something to remember him by, Stanganelli crafted a doll with vitiligo patches.

The 64-year-old is semi-retired from the gastronomy industry and told Bored Panda, “I’m not yet retired, I still keep up my old work with food, but much less intensely. At the moment I spend 90% of my time with the dolls. I have many orders.”

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A post shared by João Stanganelli Junior (@vovocrocheteiro)

He told Bored Panda, “My view of vitiligo seems to me to be very different from the general, I think it is necessary first that you have vitiligo, after this acceptance you choose what you want to do.” Stanganelli continued, “I still quote Benjamin Disraeli: ‘Life is too short to be small.’”

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A post shared by João Stanganelli Junior (@vovocrocheteiro)

Along with vitiligo dolls, Stanganelli has also branched into other inclusive options. Not only are these dolls awesomely adorable, but they can help children understand, value and normalize the conditions Stanganelli crochets.

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A post shared by João Stanganelli Junior (@vovocrocheteiro)

To see more of Stanganelli’s work, visit his Instagram or Facebook pages.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: João Stanganelli, Jr’s via Instagram

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This New Disney Subscription Box Is Made Just for Grown-Up Fans

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 13, 2019

If you love Disney history and getting surprises, then there’s a new subscription box made just for you––the Disney Backstage collection.

The new subscription box is all about paying tribute to the storied heritage of The Walt Disney Company, with special products that throwback to the early days of Disney and bring forgotten artwork back to life. The contents of each new release will be kept under wraps giving you a mystery to reveal with every delivery.

photo: Disney

The current Welcome Canister for new subscribers is a throwback to the very earliest days, even pre-dating Mickey when the studio was named Disney Brothers Studios. It comes packed with a limited edition t-shirt and pin, as well as a behind-the-scenes story card and the retro-designed canister itself. Every six months the welcoming package will be retired and a new one will be released.

You can sign up for a subscription which will send you a canister once a month for a year, six or three months. Subscriptions start at $34.99 per month. You can learn more and sign up for the Disney Backstage collection here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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This 6-Year-Old Changed the Face of an Iconic Toy Forever

by Erica LoopSeptember 12, 2019

An iconic toy is about to get a much needed update. Thanks to one little girl, the famous Green Army Men figurines will get an addition—women soldiers.

When six-year-old Vivian Lord wrote a letter to Jeff Imel, the president of BMC Toys, asking, “Why do you not make girl army men?”, the toymaker gave the request some serious thought. That is, serious enough to actually make the “girl army men” figurines.

Imel told NPR, “It was a heartfelt letter.” He added, “And it reminded me of being a kid and always wanting that toy that you couldn’t get in the gumball machine. So I really looked into it.”

This wasn’t the first time Imel had considered updating the 1930’s toy. Before Lord’s letter, the toy manufacturer has received a request to update the male figurines with female versions from a retired Navy fleet master chief who wanted the toy for her granddaughters.

Of Lord’s added inspiration, Imel said, “That letter came at a time where I was thinking about getting into new production.” According to Imel the new toy creation process costs about as much as, “a modest new car.” Even though the female figurines took plenty of planning (and funding), Imel made Lord’s request into a reality. The female soldiers, which come in four different military poses, will hit the market by Christmas 2020.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Amazon

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The Main Street Electrical Parade Is Coming Back to Disneyland for a Limited Time Only

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 1, 2019

Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade is headed back to the park to delight young fans and give older ones a big dose of nostalgia. The iconic parade is back for a limited time only, so you’ll want to book your next Disney vacation soon.

The Main Street Electrical Parade was an instant classic from its debut at Disneyland in 1972. The floats covered in thousands of glittering lights and its signature sounds dazzled audiences for decades until it was retired in 1996.

The parade has been modernized and revived several times with the last version parading through the park in 2017. Now Disney Parks is bringing back the fan favorite one more time.

The classic parade with its “electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds” will be winding its way across Disneyland one more time this summer, nightly from Aug. 2 to Sep. 30.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Scott Brinegar/Disneyland

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David Beckham & His 7-Year-Old Shared a Sweet World Cup Daddy-Daughter Moment

by Erica LoopJune 28, 2019

David Beckham is more than just eye candy. The retired soccer player is still a stellar athlete—and a standout dad!

Before the recent 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, Beckham took his seven-year-old daughter Harper to meet England’s Lionesses, making him pretty much the best dad ever (at least in his kiddo’s eyes). Prior to the match, which took place at Stade Océane in Le Havre, France last Thursday, Beckham and Harper got a chance to wish England’s women’s team good luck. And, based on his Instagram account of the meeting, it looks like Beckham’s seven-year-old was just as excited about the game as her dad.

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A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham)

Beckham wrote, on Instagram, “I just want to say how very proud we all are of every single player, they are doing amazingly well and the whole country is behind them!!!” He also added, “As you can see Harper was so excited to meet the team & is so excited for the game.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: David Beckham via Instagram

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Kobe Bryant Is Going to Be a Dad 4 Times Over

by Karly WoodJanuary 4, 2019

In a week full of exciting baby news, add another baby watch to your list, because Kobe Bryant’s wife Vanessa is pregnant! The retired basketball star announced on New Year’s Day that the Bryant family is growing by another baby girl.

Yes, a new “mambacita” will join big sisters, Natalia, Gianna and Bianka sometime in 2019; Bryant’s exact due date is still pending.

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A post shared by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant)

Since retiring from his NBA career for the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant has penned a book, continued his charitable work and spent some much needed time with family––as we’ve seen by his Instagram photos. Many congrats to adding another lil’ lady to the Bryant clan!

––Karly Wood

Featured photo: Kobe Bryant via Instagram

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Target, Disney World & 50 More Veterans Day Discounts for Military Families

by Karly WoodNovember 10, 2018

Military personnel deserve honor and praise the entire year long, but Nov. 11 is a special day set aside to give our servicemen and women extra kudos. When it comes to Veterans Day discounts, there are tons of ways for both veterans and active duty personnel to get discounts and freebies, and we’ve got a huge list right here!

Keep reading to find special military deals on food, retail, entertainment and travel just for our servicemen and women.

Photo: Michigan National Guard via Flickr

Retail Deals for Military Families

Target: Veterans, active duty and their dependents can get a 10 percent discount at Target Nov. 4 through 12 when they use a free coupon, both in store and online.

Great Clips: Visit a Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and veterans and current military members will get a free cut that day or a free haircut card to use later. Customers can also purchase a haircut on Nov. 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.

Lowe’s: Veterans and active military get 10 percent off purchases Veterans Day and every day at Lowe’s.

Mattress Firm: Veterans, their families and first responders get 20 percent off at Mattress Firm Nov. 9 through Nov. 12.

Sears Garage Services: Anyone with a valid military ID can get 10 percent off any product or service Nov. 9 through 12.

SmileDirectClub: SmileDirectClub will give active military and veterans $200 off an invisible aligner purchase during Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 9 to Nov. 12). Visit one of the brand’s 150 locations with military ID.

Tractor Supply Company: Veterans, active duty military and their dependents get 15 percent off at Tractor Supply Company stores on Nov. 11. Present valid military ID to get the deal.

Photo: Maryland National Guard via Flickr

Free Meals, Appetizers, Desserts & Drinks for Military Families

Acapulco: Free 3-Item Combo for military personnel, past and present on Nov. 11. Choose among Tacos, Enchiladas, Taquitos, Tamales and Chile Relleno.

Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty military can get a free meal on Nov. 11.

Bar Louie: Vets and active military get a free meal from open to close on Nov. 11 at Bar Louie locations around the country. The uffer includes a free burger or flatbread (up to $15 value) and a Military ID is required.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Current and retired military get a free entree (up to a $12.95 value), plus a free Dr. Pepper beverage on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Also, all active and retired military can reserve a free Pizookie dessert, which will be purchased by guests who have opted to contribute $1 extra on their checks to the “Buy a Hero a Pizookie” program.

Bob Evans: Bob Evans is offering six free breakfast items, available all day, and select lunch and dinner options.

Bonefish Grill: Active and retired service members with valid military ID get a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp on Nov. 11.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Participating Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants will offer free small boneless or traditional wings and fries for all veterans and active duty service members with a valid military ID. Dine-in only.

California Pizza Kitchen: Get a free pizza, full-size salad or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only

Chevy’s Fresh Mex: Veterans and active duty service members get a free three-item combo on Nov. 11 with a current ID.

Chipotle: Active duty, veterans, reserves, National Guard, military spouses and retired military can BOGO free on dine-in purchases at Chipotle on Nov. 11. Valid on burritos, bowls, salads and taco orders.

CiCi’s Pizza: Visit the free buffet on Veterans Day, including pizza, salads, dessert and more.

Cotton Patch Cafe: Veterans and active duty military can receive a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken on Nov. 11.

Cracker Barrel: Veterans and active duty military receive a free piece of Coca-Cola Cake, or a crafted coffee on Nov. 11 at all Cracker Barrel stores.

Dunkin’: On Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military can receive a free donut at participating Dunkin’ locations.

El Torito Grill: Veterans and current service members get a complimentary meal and choose between a two-item combo, Fajita Salad, Mesquite Grilled Chicken Tostada or Carnitas Yucatán with a valid ID.

Famous Dave’s: Veterans can get a free 2 Meat Salute for veterans Nov. 11 and 12. Choose two different meats from: Georgia Chopped Pork, Country Roasted Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Sweetwater Catfish Fingers, Southside Rib Tips, Texas Beef Brisket or Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders, with a choice of one side and a Corn Bread Muffin. Available at participating locations only. All vets must bring a photo ID and proof of military service.

Freebirds World Burrito: Veterans, active military, retired service members and reservist members get a BOGO deal on full-size entrees on Nov. 11 with a valid military ID.

Friendly’s: Veterans and activity military can get a free breakfast, lunch or dinner at Friendly’s with a valid military ID or honorable discharge card. Choose between the Big-Two-Do Breakfast and the All-American Burger with fries for lunch or dinner.

Golden Corral: Enjoy Military Appreciation night on Nov. 12 (Veterans Day observed) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves are eligible to receive a free meal. Dine-in only.

Green Mill: Veterans and activity duty military can get a free dine-in lunch or dinner on Nov. 11. Offer includes any single item from the menu. Pizza is restricted to a small one-topping Deep Dish.

HomeTown Buffet: Military Monday falls on Veterans Day observed (Nov. 12). Bring a proof of service and get special discounts for military and up to three family members. Discounted prices are $1.99 for a kids meal, $6.29 for lunch and $9.29 for dinner.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar: Any party that includes a veteran, active duty or reservist military member gets 50 percent off on Nov. 11.

Hoss’s Steak & Sea: On Monday, Nov. 12 (Veterans Day observed), veterans can eat at the soup, salad and dessert bar for free with a free beverage. The offer is valid 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and must show proof of service.

Huddle House: Veterans and active duty military can receive a free Sweet Cake plate Nov. 9 through 12 with a valid military ID required.

Hy-Vee: Check out your local Hy-Vee locations for a free breakfast buffet for veterans and active duty military on Nov. 11.

IHOP: Get free red, white and blue pancakes with blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream.

Krispy Creme: Military and veterans get one free donut and small coffee on Veterans Day.

Little Caesars Pizza: Get a free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo on Veterans Day.

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ & Hof’s Hut Restaurant: Free dessert on Nov. 11 and 12 for veterans and active military. Veterans and active duty military get 20 percent off the entire month of November.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Vets and Gold Star Honorees (parents and spouses) can get a free lunch or dinner on Nov. 11. Pick from include Salmon Rigatoni, Tender Beef Medallions, Beer Battered Fish & Chips and more.

On the Border: Veterans with a valid military ID or proof of service get a free Create-Your-Own-Combo 2 Meal. Served with Mexican rice and beans, plus endless chips and salsa.

Red Robin: Get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries, valid on dine-in only.

Red Lobster: Get a free appetizer or dessert on November 11th or 12th.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Breweries: Veterans can get a free entree Nov. 10–12. Diners can also enjoy a limited-edition Veterans Day IPA Nov. 10-17 where twenty-five cents from each pint will go to a local Veterans charity.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Macaroni Grill offers military and veterans a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti entrée.

Ruby Tuesday: Free appetizer for all veterans, active duty and reserve service members on Nov. 11.

Shane’s Rib Shack: Get a free sandwich combo Nov. 8 to 10 if you are Military personnel or a veteran. Military ID or proof of service is required.

TGI Fridays: Get a free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Guests will also receive a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays. Offer for dine-in only.

Wienerschnitzel: Veterans, active military members and reservists get a free Chili Dog, small fry and 20-ounce drink at Wienerschnitzel on Nov. 11. Must show a current valid military ID to receive the offer.

Wild Wing Cafe: On Nov. 11, veterans eat free. Choose from any Awesome Salad, Wild Wrap, Beefy Burger or Chicken Sandwich. Dine-in only, at participating locations.

Photo: Georgia National Guard via Flickr

Entertainment & Travel Discounts for Military Families

CheapOair: Use a promo code to get travel discounts through Nov. 12 for Veterans Day.

Disney World: Receive special military rates when you book travel by Dec. 19 for stays Jan. 1 through Mar. 24 and Apr. 6 through Dec. 19.

Red Roof Inn: From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, all active duty military and veterans get 20 percent off the best available rate for stays that occur Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. You must use the coupon code on this page.

Super 8: All military members and their families get 20 percent off Super 8 through Dec. 11.

World of Coca Cola: Complimentary admission to military and half-price admission to their guests. Nov. 1 to Nov. 11, members of the Armed Forces may buy up to four half-price general admission tickets for friends and family. Present valid military ID at the ticket window.

—Karly Wood

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Who Is the Original “Joe” of Trader Joe’s? He’s the Real Deal

by Karly WoodAugust 23, 2018

If you’ve ever shopped a Trader Joe’s grocery store, chances are you’ve asked the question, “Who is Trader Joe?” Unlike other chain supermarkets, there actually is a real Trader Joe behind these funky, fun stores—and he’s still alive today!

The man behind the mystery is Joe Coulombe, a Stanford business graduate who once worked for Rexell, a chain of American drug stores. Back in 1958, while operating six locations of Pronto Markets for his employer, he was asked to close them all down. Instead of doing so, Coulombe bought them all and turned them into what we now know today as Trader Joe’s. The rest is history!

Photo: Entrepreneur via YouTube

It took almost 10 years of running his own markets before Coulombe rebranded to what we now know as Trader Joe’s in 1967, and opened the first store in Pasadena.

Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can visit the location because it’s still there––parking lot and all!

Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Coulumbe was also the man behind the famous Hawaiian shirts and he explains in a TJ’s podcast that he was inspired by reading the novel, White Shadows in the South Seas. Coupled with a ride on Disneyland’s The Jungle Cruise, the original Trader Joe felt the look was perfect for his grocery stores.

Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Serving as chief executive until 1988, Coulombe retired from Trader Joe’s and is alive and well at 88 years old today. Despite not being involved in the day-to-day operations anymore, we couldn’t be more grateful for Joe’s innovation, creativity and commitment to his customers that brought us our fave grocery store!

––Karly Wood

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The “Skip-Gen” Travel Trend Is Reinventing the Meaning of Family Vacation

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 7, 2018

Planning your summer vacation could mean enjoying a staycation while your kids are away thanks to a new family travel trend. Skip-gen travel, as the trend has been nicknamed, is when grandparents whisk the kids off as their travel companions and leave mom and dad behind.

With hectic work schedules, it can be hard to find enough time off to enjoy an extended family vacation, which could explain the growing popularity of skip-gen travel. Grandparents who are either working less or are fully retired are freer to take vacations than their millennial kids.

'Skip-gen travel' is the new trend where grandparents are taking their grandkids on holiday with them rather than their kids. How would that work for your family? #familytravel #travel #travelingwithkids https://t.co/Pqy9k4iMoz pic.twitter.com/5HeBU88f86

— My Icon Story (@myiconstory) June 28, 2018

While traveling together as a family is an incredibly beneficial experience, these multigenerational vacations have their own set of perks. Parents might be left behind, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun of their own. Getting a little alone time can help reinforce your relationship with your spouse, and it’s completely guilt-free because the kids will be having a blast too. It also means that the youngest and oldest family members get some special bonding time and memory making your kids will cherish forever.

The only thing that can be tricky about skip-gen travel is finding a destination that is the right fit for both energetic kids and less-active grandparents. Theme parks, guided tours and cruises have become popular choices as they provide planned activities and meals, putting less pressure on grandparents.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Pexels

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Say Goodbye To One Of Your Kid’s Favorite Crayola Crayons

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 31, 2017

photo: m01229 via Flickr

In honor of National Crayon Day on March 31st, Crayola has announced that it will retire one color from its mainstay 24-count box. The question is, which one?

This will be the first change for the iconic box of crayons, which has inspired so many billions of drawings, in over 100 years. Colors have been retired before, but this will be the first time one has gotten the boot from the two dozen sold in its best-selling box.

While Crayola offers 120 different colors, those currently featured in the 24-count box include: red, yellow, blue, brown, orange, green, violet, black, carnation pink, yellow orange, blue green, red violet, red orange, yellow green, blue violet, white, violet red, dandelion, cerulean, apricot, scarlet, green yellow, indigo and gray. When you consider the fact that some of these are basically just repeats (what exactly is the difference between yellow green and green yellow?!) it might not be so sad to say goodbye.

One must go to make room for a brand new color yet to be unveiled — and you can help make the decision. Crayola has invited fans to post on Instagram which color they simply can’t live without, along with the hashtag #ShareYourFave.

Which color do you think should be the one to go? Tell us in the comments!

ML Interest Tag: retire

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