Sunday night’s Grammy Awards saw plenty of stars, but the internet is mostly talking about the first glimpse of the new live-action Aladdin trailer that debuted during a commercial break. We’ve all been waiting on pins and needles to catch sight of Will Smith as the Genie, and well, let’s just say hasn’t necessarily didn’t lived up to fans’ expectations.

What were everyone’s reactions? Keep reading to see our roundup of the top tweets on the upcoming film.

 

1. That is one cheeky monkey.

2. 🤣

3. The Fresh Prince of Agrabah

4. But why are you crying? Too good, or too bad?

5.NOPE!

https://twitter.com/UberKryptonian/status/1094782753256755200

6. One of these things just isn’t the same.

7. The stuff of nightmares.

8. We totally see the resemblance!

https://twitter.com/CaillouPettis/status/1094777489610629125

9. Totes.

10. Couldn’t have said it better.

11. True story.

12. THAT’S where we’ve seen him before!

https://twitter.com/vimo_67/status/1095050922764324864

13. You ain’t never had a friend like me.

14. Some people ARE excited!

15. Sorry (not sorry).

https://twitter.com/kylebuchanan/status/1094790594579197952

16. Touché!

 

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Walt Disney Studios via YouTube

 

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It’s no secret that families with young kids tend to furnish their home with child-friendly pieces that are sturdy and fit their budget. That’s why we can’t get enough of the brand new 2019 Ikea Catalog that comes packed with tons of decor—and where there’s a little something for everyone.

We’ve scoured IKEA’s 200-plus page tome of treasures and found some fantastic kids and family decor ideas that are stylish while also pulling double duty. Here are just a few of our favorites.

KVISTBRO Storage Table

Ikea

Families with young kiddos can never have enough storage and we love items that pull double duty even better. This KVISTRBO storage table is the perfect place to drop blankets, stuffed animals, shoes or hobby projects like yarn. It comes in your choice of white or turquoise, is metal and can be wiped down easily and has a sturdy top that serves as a table, too. It's lightweight and easy to move––the perfect combo for kids!

You can purchase this storage must-have for just $40 at IKEA.

VEBERÖD Room Divider

Ikea

Perfect for creating a separated room, add some decor flair, hang up sports equipment or artwork for your little Picasso, there are few thins Ikea's VEBERÖD room divider can't do. Made from high quality metal, the mesh divider is attached to a bench with hanging storage underneath.

Whether you make this a focal point of your family room, or use in the garage to manage the mess this $150 piece is worth it's weight in gold. You can see it in action at an IKEA store or order online.

BRIMNES Bed Frame with Storage

Ikea

Make bedtime routines a breeze when your littles sleep in this dreamboat of a bed. Four spacious drawers can be slid under this simple and modern frame to store PJ's, blankets, books and animal friends. The frame comes in black, white with a headboard and even a daybed style.

Shop this storage-friendly bed at Ikea starting at $269.

VIDEBÄK Rug

Ikea

Don't sacrifice style just because you have kids! The flatwoven VIDEBÄK Rug is the perfect complement to messy kids and well loved family rooms. Made by craftsmen who earn fair wages and work in clean conditions, this textile is made from 100% wool and perfectly camoflauges any spills.

If you buy before Aug. 12 you can purchase this rug on sale for just $119 at IKEA.

PINNIG Coat Rack with Shoe Storage Bench

Ikea

Not all of us have the luxury of a mudroom and that's why the PINNIG coat rack is here to save the day. This piece provides ample room for hanging coats, sweaters and backpacks, boasts a sit down bench and two shelves to hold shoes. Did we also mention it's super sleep and comes in just the right size to squeeze into small spaces?

You couldn't build your own drop zone for less than the $89 price tag on this beauty!

STUVA + FRITIDS Bench with Toy Storage

Ikea

Ikea's newest toy storage bin blends modern style with major function. Coming in your choice of white and red, light pink, light blue combinations or solid white, this double duty bench and toy storage chest is perfect for kiddos. Built in handles make for easy opening, and the included adjustable feet make the installation a breeze.

Find the perfect color for your toy room at IKEA for just $79.

NEDJA Cushion

Ikea

The newly released multicolor NEDJA cushion blows our mind at just $5. The bright colors are perfect for emphasizing family whimsy, stylish enough for mom and busy enough to cover up spills. The pillow joins tons of other budget friendly options that start at just 3.99.

Check out all the amazing cushion and cushion covers at IKEA.

DJUNGELSKOG Duvet Cover & Pillowcase

Ikea

Time to update your kiddos rooms? Head to Ikea and take a peak at their new duvets and pillowcases to chic up your kid's space. Choose from several new selections like this sweet lion print, or geometric classics and simple motifs. With nothing over $30, you can afford to update everyone's linens!

Check out Ikea's entire selection of children's bedding at IKEA.

GRADVIS Vase

Ikea

What would a trip to Ikea be without the purchase of at least five a few vases? This perfectly pink stoneware vase looks like a million bucks, but with just a $10 price tag. Perfect for updating your little girls room into tween-status or changing up the decor of your family room, the entire GRADVIS line of vases and plant pots is an easy choice.

Choose from pink, gray and peach in a variety of sizes and starting at $5 a piece at IKEA.

INGOLF Junior Chair

Ikea

Littles can sit with the rest of the family when they're using the INGOLF Junior Chair from Ikea. Coming in natural, white and black wood colors, this chair is the perfect height for the kiddos to eat at the table, sans booster seat.

Choose from cross back or spindle back styles for just $49 a piece at IKEA.

––Karly Wood

All photos: IKEA USA

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If you have even one LEGO set at home, chances are you have the very painful first-hand experience of the agony of stepping on one. Oh those pointy little bricks, that somehow manage to camouflage themselves on your rug despite being candy-colored. Fear not, for a new DIY LEGO vacuum is here to save your feet.

This LEGO vacuum isn’t just good for the sole—it’s also a helpful way to clean up when play time is over for your mini master builders. Using the suction of a regular vacuum, the hose picks up LEGO bricks from the ground and deposits them into a storage container for instant clean up.

If you’re hoping to score one of these incredible devices in a store, you’re out of luck. Despite the fact that many parents would pay an arm and a leg (or at least a sore foot) for one of these, LEGO isn’t selling these. This ingenious DIY contraption was created by YouTuber The King of Random.

If you happen to be somewhat handy, you can follow the instructions on the YouTube video and make a LEGO vacuum of your very own. But LEGO, if you’re watching—you could have a pretty lucrative new product on your hands that parents would be more than happy to fork over fistfuls of cash to buy!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: The King of Random via YouTube

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If you remember wearing stone wash jeans, a rainbow t-shirt and a scrunchie in your hair (unironically), these toys will fer sure flash you back to your Easy Baking – Fisher Price record spinning – JEM imitating – Weebil Wobbling – Strawberry Shortcake sniffing childhood. Or as we like to call it, the golden age of toys.

What was your favorite toy as a kid? Share it with us in the comments. If you need a trip down memory lane, check out some of our favorites…

Troll Dolls: So ugly they were cute. They topped our pencils, covered our lunchboxes and inspired the teasing of many a bang. Some things we miss. Not so much anything about these guys.

trolls

Spotted on screencrave

Lite-Brite: Making things with light… lightbulb not included.  Were you a “follow the dots” or a “create your own picture” kind of kid?

litebrite

Spotted on zakkalife

Pogo Balls: Oh yeah. Tuck those jeans into your double pair of crew socks, lace up the white Reebocks and bounce the afternoon away.

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Spotted on imremembering

Waterfall Ring Toss : Like Pong, this simple game had the ability to mesmerize and keep us playing for hours. Behold, the power of water currents!

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Spotted on Pinterest

My Little Pony: How many horseshoe points did you have?

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Spotted on Bluejay

Star Wars:Before it was Episode 4, it was the one and only. Raise your hand if you were Princess Leia for Halloween (once in elementary school in the white robes, then again in college in the slave girl bikini).

kenner-38014

Spotted on Sandcrawler

She-Ra & He-Man: Mom had Wonder Woman. We had She-Ra. Princess of Power is maybe the best title, ever. Power Crystal Castle beats invisible plane anyday.

667714crystal_castle

Spotted on he-man.org

Looper Looms: The Rainbow Looms our kids have for making bracelets? Puh-leeze. In our day, we made real things, useful things, like potholders.

looperlooms_800

Spotted on mrsbrownart

Latch Hook Rug Kits: Rainbow, unicorn, panda or smurf? What did you make? They were painstaking, but oh, the pride in finishing a rug.

latch-hook-rugs-squaresvilleusa

Spotted on etsy

Cabbage Patch Kids: No American Girls full of historical accuracies for us. We had babies that grew in the garden. And no knock offs, please. Only authentic dolls with the Xaviar Roberts signature on the bum, that came with birth certificates and adoption papers. (Bonus points if you also collected Garbage Pail Kids cards.)

w5pk

Spotted on goodgirlsinc

Easy Bake Oven: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you lightbulbs, make cake.

Z0022545

Spotted on Thestrong

Hot Wheels Big Wheel: If someone didn’t terrorize your neighborhood with a Big Wheel (usually the punks had the CHIPS or Mr. T versions), you are not a child of the 80’s.

MarxBigWheel400

Spotted on originalbigwheel

Play-Doh McDonald Happy Meal Playshop: It’s a toss up as to which was healthier – the Happy Meal you could make out of Play-Doh, or the one you’d order at the drive through.

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Spotted on youtube

Rock’em Sock’em Robots: Parental permission to whale on your little brother, albeit via your own plastic robot. No wonder we loved them.

rock_em_sock_em_robots_650x

Spotted on Retroland

Fisher Price Chatter Telephone: Probably your first toy. Sadly, your kids don’t even know what it is. “Why can’t I play games on it, Mommy?”

o_2DeyRlFrMivDa12

Spotted on ioffer

Atari 2600 Game System: Frogger, Donkey Kong, Pac Man – wouldn’t you still take those over Candy Crush, Subway Surfer and Angry Birds?

Atari 2600_sized

Spotted on moi3D

Shrinky Dinks: We were chemists! Polymers in action. Color, cut, heat, curl and shrink. Best part is that you could get sets relating to your favorite tv shows or characters. Because who didn’t want a plastic Alf?

shrinky_dink

Spotted on retroland

Weeble Wobbles: They might wobble, but they never fell down. The coolest of the cool had the treehouse, which for the under 5 set was even better than a Barbie Dream House.

il_fullxfull.400620045_53pr

Spotted on etsy

Fisher Price Record Player: Who needs an ipod when you can rock out to Twinkle, Twinkle?

Fisher+Price+Vintage+Record+Player

Spotted on memoriesoftoymorrow

Strawberry Shortcake: Scented dolls = sheer genius! What was your favorite doll? Who had the best scent? We confess a lingering fondness for the Peculiar Purple Pieman.

draft_lens2082787module46941022photo_124798719091fr3

Spotted on squidoo

Sit ‘N Spin: Jury is still out (30 years later) on if it was more fun to spin yourself dizzy, or put action figures and matchbox cars and use the centrifugal force to launch them across the room.

322500075_262f7b3e30_o

Spotted on flickr

Speak and Spell: Oh, Texas Instruments, would we have passed 4th grade without you? You talked to us like an early Siri. And how can we not remember fondly the toy that helped E.T. phone home?

SpeaknSpell78

Spotted on datamath

Teddy Ruxpin: Talking about talking toys… who can forget Teddy Ruxpin? “Can you and I be friends?”

teddy_ruxpin_650x300_a01_121

Spotted on retroland

Fashion Plates: Before there was Tim Gunn, there was pink plastic. We had big dreams of designing our own collections. Most involved clothing that matched hot pink with green.

fashion_plates_650x300_a01_

Spotted on retroland

Mastermind: True confession time – we were never very good at cracking the code as kids. But today, it’s a pretty addictive app.

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Spotted on yesterdaystoys

Rubik’s Cube: It is entirely possible that this puzzle was invented to drive little kids crazy. Remember the videos of the people who could solve it blindfolded?

800px-Rubik's_cube,_CN_II

Spotted on wikimedia

Simon Says: Holds up better for its age than Madonna – and probably had less work done to it. The game you can buy your kids today looks remarkably like the one you played as a kid. Think fast!

il_570xN.309132380

Spotted on etsy

Fisher Price Little People: You could have the castle, the school, the house or the hospital, the farm or the carousel. It didn’t matter, as long as you had the dog, with his bat ears. He rocked.

fp33-bcassity

Spotted on thisoldtoy

Do you have any to add to our list? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

LA is a haven for arts and entertainment, so it should come as no surprise that there are dozens of amazing local bands just for kids—and for their music savvy parents. You shouldn’t have to choose between listening to the  Frozen soundtrack for 2 years straight and precociously playlisting pre-teen pop to tiny tots. So don’t! Check out our favorite stars of the local scene; we guarantee you’ll want to jam to these LA kids bands just as much as your mini DJs.

 

Jazzy Ash

Bringing the Big Easy to the big blue Pacific, Jazzy Ash will have your kids swinging and jiving like they've eaten one too many sugar-dusted beignets. This LA kindie queen lends her brassy voice to fun ditties about cleaning up and keeping your hands to yourself. You'll be reminiscing about that brief summer you spent swing dancing at the Derby, while you cut a rug with your kids on the living room floor.

Online: jazzyash.com

photo: Jazzy Ash/ Brock Christoval

Note: In addition to their awesome albums, these bands can all be found playing at various venues around town so that you can introduce your tush-shaking tots to the joys of watching their favorite bands play live.  Check websites (or our calendar of events!) to see when these bands have local gigs.

What are some L.A. kids bands that get you grooving right along with your kids? Share your favorites in the comments!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

Dance is having a huge moment–from Misty Copeland’s historic American Ballet announcement to the fan frenzy of the latest season of “So You Think You Can Dance?”–and D.C. is enjoying every second of it. To celebrate National Dance Day (July 25), the DMV is offering a host of dance themed events to promote fun and fitness. Here’s where you and your crew can practice your two-steps, pirouettes, and nae-naes.

Photo: US Consulate General Cape Town

Break Out Your Best Move at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center Millenium Stage and The Dizzy Feet Foundation team up for this two hour celebration fit for the entire family. In addition to being able to take a bunch of different dance classes, visitors can peep performances by AXIS Dance Company and local tap artist Baakari Wilder.

When: July 25, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm
Cost: Free
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St., NW
Online: kennedy-center.org

Boogie Like a Babe
Come dressed to impress (but comfy enough to shake the wiggles out) for this family dance party. In addition to cutting a rug, kids can chase bubbles, twirl in hula hoops, and shake some maracas. At the bar you’ll find juice boxes and healthy foods to refuel little dancing bodies.

When: July 25, 10:30 am-11 am
Cost: $12
Jammin’ Java
227 Maple Ave. (Vienna, Va)
Online: babylovesdisco.com

Show and Dance
If you like hanging out around Northeast D.C., then you’ll love this. Capital Fringe is hosting their 10th Anniversary Festival in partnership with Dance Place of Brookland. There will be five different venues with events daily. Tinier tots won’t want to miss War and Peas (teeheehee!) which is wordless story told through movement.

When: July 25
Cost: $17
Logan Fringe Art Space (upstairs)
1358 Florida Ave., NE
Online: capitalfringe.org

Drum Line
A favorite of Columbia Heights residents is Harambee with Baba Ras D. at Bloombars. Harambe is a great way for the preschool-set to shake the sillies out and sing songs that are fun while building confidence.

When: Saturdays at 9:30 am and 10:30 am
Cost: $7-$10
3222 11th St., NW
Online: bloombars.com

Know of any other places to get jiggy with it? Tell us about them in the comments below!! 

–Miller Jackson

In the world of toy trains, there are those who “like” Thomas and then there are those, who, well…they really wan’t to be Thomas. If you’ve got a Little Blue Engine haunting your halls, floors and possibly even your dreams, you are probably the parent of a Thomas-obsessed child. Not sure if you’ve crossed over to that side of the tracks yet?  Read on for a Really Useful list of warning signs.

Photo by Melissa Bouse

1. The family pet has been renamed Percy (or James, or Clarabel or Henry).

2. You know by name each train you’ve stubbed your toe on.

3. Check your purse: you never leave home without out at least two trains (and two coal cars).

4. The coffee table has been replaced by a train table.

5. The living room rug is now called Sodor (and you can’t really walk through it. And you thought the train table would help.Ha!)

6. You catch yourself humming, “They’re two, they’re four, they’re six, they’re eight…” while pairing socks.

7. You have contemplated, and possibly given in to, the idea of buying a second set of tracks for Grandma’s house so you don’t have to haul them back and forth.

8. Riding the subway is actually fun.

9. Honestly, you can kinda relate to Cranky.

10. Time outs have been given for such antics as “shunting” another kid at the playground.

How do you know your kid is obsessed with Thomas? Share the “signs” in the comments below! 

 

—Amber Guetebier, Jacqui Boland, Meghan Rose, Gabby Cullen, Kristina Moy, Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Wendy Guetebier

Whether you’ve got a Millenium Falcon zipping through the halls, a USS Enterprise about to take flight or a Buzz Lightyear headed for Star Command one thing remains true: space-obsessed kids love to hang with the stars. Get ready to power up your space traveler’s phasers to STUN-NING—from a few in-your-wildest-dreams to simple DIY’s, we’ve got 11 spaces that will send your mini-astronaut into orbit.

Deep Space Bedroom

Travel faster than light every night in the Deepspace Defender Spaceship Bed – raise the outer door when it’s time for spacewalks, lower it when it’s time for suspended animation for that long trip to Betelgeuse. SPLURGE ALERT – at $13,900, you’ll need lots of galactic currency for this bed, designed and handcrafted by Doug Robinson for Fable Bedworks.

Psst. The super space age pod chair is from IKEA. The rug is from LA Rug on Amazon, and the robot is from Tin Toy Arcade (a great source for retro robots and more).

photo: Fable Bedworks

How would you create a room that’s outta this world? Tell us about it in a comment below.

— Helen Walker Green

 

Music and dancing makes kids feel alive. Combine this with stories and instruments and you have a recipe for success. But where can you find all this and more? The coolest, newest and hippest music studio on the block, Three Little Birds. With a new location opening in Tacoma and one set to open in Seattle this winter, this new music studio is a must-see and hear.

Meet the Birds
Tara Howard, Shannon Eileen, and Kate Perkins have been best friends since high school and the experience, knowledge, and love of music between the three of them is out of this world! The trio wanted to take what they know and create a special place for music lovers to unite… hence the idea for Three Little Birds was born. Since the trio believe that music is an important part of a child’s development and no age is too young to gain a love of the arts, you will find that their personalities and energy are electric and inviting. And once you step through the door, you will instantly feel like you have known them a long time. Feel free to pull up a chair and stay awhile!


The Story Behind the Name
Three Little Birds was named after one of the trio’s favorite songs by Bob Marley. Be prepared to learn the lyrics and sing along. Once you hear the catchy tune and listen as Shannon plays along with her ukulele, you’ll feel happy, relaxed and realize, “every little thing is gonna be alright.” Not familiar with the song? No worries. You will get introduced quickly as the Birds end each class with it. So, sit back and don’t worry ’bout a thing.

Take a Musical Journey
Who knew you could visit such exotic places without leaving our awesome state. At Three Little Birds, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to take a journey through all seven continents. Feel the heat of the tropics and the moisture of the rainforests, see palm trees, and even pick coconuts. Each class begins with a welcome song where every kiddo is mentioned by name and each will even have their own spot on the magic rug. Personalized and fun, a win-win in our book!

Classes Offered
Three classes are offered for newborns to 5-year-olds. Songbird Babytime is designed for parents and wee ones (birth to age 2) as an introduction to music and rhythm. Songbird Boogietime, for 2-5-year-olds, takes kids on a musical journey all over the world. This interactive, hands-on class is a great way to introduce your little adventurer to different species, locations, and music. Also for 2-5-year-olds, Songbird Storytime introduces tots to music through reading. Each class centers around a book that focuses on the theme of the week. No matter what class you choose, giggles and smiles are guaranteed. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing and singing along, the Birds’ humor is contagious!

Rates and Schedule
Classes meet three times per week, Mon., Wed., and Fri., for 45 minutes. Songbird Babytime starts at 9 a.m. followed by Songbird Boogietime at 10 a.m., and Songbird Storytime at 11 a.m. Classes are $12 each or you can purchase a 5-class package for $54; a 10-class package for $102; or a monthly unlimited pass for $120. Sibling discounts are offered at half-price when you enroll siblings in the same class and purchase a package.

Good to Know
Mark your calendars! The first class starts on September 22, 2014 and registration has begun. Three Little Birds has taken the guesswork out of registration by making it super easy to do online. You’re only one click away from taking your little songbirds on a magical journey. Psst… the Birds are planning on expanding and will be opening locations in Seattle this winter and Gig Harbor next spring, so stay tuned!

Three Little Birds
728 Pacific Ave., Suite 220
Tacoma, Wa 98402
360-602-1168
Online: 3littlebirdsmusic.com
Email: info@3littlebirdsmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/3LittleBirdsMusicClasses

Do you have a music lover in the family? Will you be checking out Three Little Birds? Tell us about your experience in a comment below.

-Allison Rasmussen, words and photos

What better way to procrastinate putting that pesky crib together than to surf the web for decorating ideas? From hand-painted ceilings to DIY decor, there are lots of things you can do with a baby’s room. We rounded up the coolest nurseries from coast to coast. Flip through our photo gallery and imagine re-creating them for your own wee one.

Play With Patterns

As the power couple behind breathtakingly beautiful bridal blog Green Wedding Shoes, it was a given that Jen and Jason Campbell would have an awesome nursery for their daughter Sienna. The Los Angeles-based pair worked with their contacts at Serena & Lily and the Land of Nod to outfit the space, and personalized it with baby animal photos by Sharon Montrose. We love the contrast of the juxtaposing patterns on wall decals by MUR and rug by Serena & Lily.

Photo courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

How are you decorating your nursery? Chat about your baby’s crib below!

— Phebe Wahl

Click HERE for more baby room decorating ideas all things baby related.