This colorful holiday is all about excess. But while we love all the buttery, sugary, deep-fried goodness that this epic celebration is known for, we aren’t huge fans of all the cheap, wasteful junk that passes as decorations this time of year. So we committed to making a Mardi Gras mask from things we already had around the house. From old costume jewelry, we haven’t worn in years to craft paints on the verge of drying up to a handful of colorful feathers, we pulled together a magical mask without making more waste. Party on!
What You'll Need
1. Creativity: All these materials are optional, and we recommend just looking through what's in your recycling bin, craft area and jewelry box for any items that will work. We used the following.
2. A sheet of yellow foam paper for the mask base. We were out of yellow paint, so this was the solution! Before we stumbled on this at the bottom of the craft box, we had sliced a rectangle of cardboard off the box that held the garbage bags.
3. Paint, markers or glitter glue. Traditional Mardi Gras colors are yellow, green and purple, but we promise, any colorful outfit will be welcome on Mardi Gras.
5. Feathers and glue.
6. 3-4 rubber bands connected into a daisy chain.
7. An old beaded necklace that we deconstructed.
Other suggestions: Colorful cereal, macaroni or other pasta, beans, glitter, googley eyes, sequins or gems.
What to Do
1. Cut a mask shape out of your base. Leave a little extra space up top to hold plenty of feathers or other decorations.
2. Draw a simple diamond pattern. If you have paint, outline a simple diamond pattern (a traditional Mardi Gras motif) and have your child paint it in.
3. Decorate! Now that you have a simple, Mardi Gras-themed based, just go nuts! We used two layers of feathers for the top, then decorated with beads.
4. Use a hole punch or scissors to make two holes for the rubber band.
Little Tikes red and yellow Cozy Coupe is one of the most iconic toys of all time. Now your kiddos don’t have to stay tied to the concrete, they can take the fun to the pool (which is great because trying to grab a screaming toddler out of the classic red and yellow car can be a JOB).
Leslie’s Pool offers the funnest float of the summer: an inflatable Cozy Coupe! The makers of Pool Candy created this easy-to-inflate float that comes with a canopy, a moving steering wheel and a horn that really beeps.
The toddler-sized float also comes with leg holes so your littles feel secure while cruising around the pool. And more importantly, mama can snag a little relaxation while floating next to her babe in the pool.
If you need to keep the bigger kids happy too, there are tons of classic pool games that require no props so everyone is happy. Or better yet, snag a few inflatables for them, too!
You can find the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe at lesliespool.com for just $30.
February 13th is National Cheddar Day. Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is celebrating this very special day with a limited-edition Cheddar Capsule collection—and it includes the 40-pound Tillamook Sharp Yellow Cheddar Mother Loaf.
Tillamook cheddar cheese products all start as 40-pound blocks. The cheese-makers than age the cheddar anywhere from 60 days to a full 10 years. After the cheddar reaches pure cheesy magnificence, it’s turned into a block, slices, shreds, or other Tillamook snacking products. Now you can buy the big block before it gets paired down into tinier bricks and other cheddar creations!
Along with the 40-pound Mother Loaf ($150), the Cheddar Capsule collection includes cheese-inspired thick cut crewneck ($25), party pants ($35), slices bag ($15), snacky koozy ($5), lucky cheddar playing cards ($10), fine cut hat ($35) and varsity t-shirts ($26-$28).
Nab your fave cheddar products from the capsule collection on the Tillamook website, starting Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. PST.
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Milestone blankets make a great backdrop for chronicling your newborn’s growth over the first year. Now there’s a fun way to incorporate your favorite show into your baby’s monthly pictures. BATZkids sells two limited-edition customizable blankets inspired by the hit TV show, Friends.
The soft fleece blanket features the iconic yellow frame from Rachel and Monica’s door along with the quote, “Can I be any cuter?” Make sure you say that with Chandler’s inflection.
The blankets are available in two colors, white and purple. They're available in 3 different sizes - small 40" by 30," medium 60" x 50," and large 80" x 60" and vary in price from $44 to $80.
Fact: there’s never been a puddle our kids didn’t like. In order to keep little feet dry (and your sanity intact), why not add a shiny new pair of rain boots to your family’s collection of outdoor gear? From the ever-popular Target rain boots for kids to the cult-favorite Crocs kids’ rain boots, we’ve curated a list that’ll be sure to have something that fits your needs. Scroll down to see them all.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
With a vintage-yet-thoroughly-modern vibe, we love this gender-neutral Paper & String rainboot from London Littles. The whimsical kite pattern against a striking, cheerful yellow will brighten any day and keep their toes warm and dry, too.
There's a reason these rain boots are a favorite with parents. Basic but sturdy, the range of colors means you can find a pair that'll go with just about anything your kid wears.
You love Western Chief boots even before you buy them—these classic rain boots for toddlers and kids include the signature styles like firefighter and frog, as well as a selection of character boots including Batman and Minnie Mouse.
We love the comfort level of this boot—it's like wearing a sneaker. Kids can run, jump, climb and splash all they want and they might not even notice when it stops raining. They come in other colors, too!
We love the easy pull-on handles that help independent toddlers jam those boots on and go! Plus, with extra features to keep feet dry, rainy days can be outdoor play days, too.
Your favorite comfort shoe comes in a rain boot for toddlers and little kids too! This unisex style is offered in seven bright colors and is made with the same material your own feet love.
Bold, bright colors meet minimalist design in these waterproof boots that have a rubber-like red finish. Tested to keep kids’ feet dry for over four hours submerged in water, these boots are also ergonomically designed for maximum foot health for your puddle stompers. Toddler & big kid sizes are available; you’ll want to check out the sizing chart before you order.
Sperry’s classic-look duck boot in mini sizes, these boots have the ultimate wet/dry traction and a zipper closure for a close fit and easy on/off. They’re perfect for super active kids who never let a little rain or light snow stop them.
No one will deny that growing up in Atlanta has its perks—and quirks. From a heat wave that won’t stop to being the birthplace of some of the world’s biggest brands, there are some things that Atlanta kids especially can giggle at. Keep reading for our favorite jokes that Atlien kids will really love.
When it comes to gifts, we’ve all heard the expression “it’s the thought that counts.” But sometimes the thought you want to send is ‘I love you so much I broke my wallet for you.’ The good news is that Amazon has you covered. Read on for a list of Amazon’s most ridiculously expensive luxury items.
Gold-Infused Toothpaste
Amazon.com
Up first is an expensive item for people who want to give a ridiculous gift on a budget. This luxury toothpaste will set you back $70 because it has actual gold flecks in the paste. If you don’t feel right sending gold down the drain, you can always put the tube in a frame and call it art.
Swarovski Crystal Ducks
Amazon.com
Give your loved one a set of crystal ducks to convince them that like birds of a feather, you should flock together. These waterfowl can be yours for $1,498. But these ducks won’t fly to you for free: you still need to pay $14.99 for shipping.
This 1924 Mark Saint Gaudens Twenty Dollar is a rare find. Designed by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Double Eagle is one of two designs he was able to complete before his death and is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever minted by the U.S. Mint. Get your own for only $2,799.
Luxury Gold Toilet
Amazon.com
They say a man’s house is his castle, and what better gift to give the king in your life than a gold (colored) porcelain throne? Though, at $5,088, this neoclassical toilet better clean itself.
Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Amazon.com
Sometimes you want to buy that special someone an incredible piece of jewelry, but you can’t face another trip to the mall. Not to worry, Amazon is there to help you out. This whopping 7-carat bracelet can be yours and delivered right to your door for only $10,999.
Amazon.com
This one-of-a-kind signed letter from Voltaire and was written just weeks before his death in 1778 from Paris. The letter is written in beautiful script and in French and would make a thoughtful gift! Who doesn't need a famous signed letter hanging in their home?
Achieve epistolary excellence for the sale price of $20,000.
Sure you can buy cheap posters anywhere, but when you could bring home a mint condition 1966 Grateful Dead concert poster, why would you get anything else? This poster holds great significance, being the first time the Grateful Dead are associated with a skull symbol and is one of the hardest to find for Dead Head collectors.
It comes at a groovy price of $27,500— plus $4.50 for shipping if you can swing it.
Franck Muller Men’s Watch
Amazon.com
True collectors know a watch is more than just about telling time—it's about making a statement! If you're looking to spoil a certain someone this year, then look no further than this gorgeous Frank Muller Vanguard Seven Days Skeleton Color Dream watch. The automatic self-wind mechanism and water-resistant features make this a timeless—yup, we went there—accessory.
Everyone knows that love is priceless, but sometimes you want to stun your fiance-to-be. With a diamond weighing in at over five carats, you better propose on a cloudy day or this eye candy may blind your future spouse.
You can’t buy love, but if you have $65,900, you can buy this diamond ring.
Mordecai Brown Signed Baseball
Amazon.com
Own a piece of baseball’s “dead-ball era,” signed by Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown.
Run, don't walk—because this Mickey Mantle autographed baseball card is only $363,640. This set is 100% certified-authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication so you won't strike out.
Looking for the perfect nostalgic stocking stuffer? Two words: Adult Play-Doh. Even better, the new six-packs are scented with your favorite memories from the ’90s!
Drumroll please for the six unique dohs. Yellow is “VHS Rental n’ Chill” and it’s buttered popcorn scent. Pink is “Dial Up Delight” and strawberry scented. Orange is “Mall Food Court” and supposedly smells like mystery meat? Blue is “Eau de Boy Band” and is aptly pine cologne scented. Gold is “Pump Up the Jamz” and has a sneaker scent. Finally, sparkly black is “Flannel Fresh” with a floral scent.
As if you could resist this throwback! Whether you’re buying it as a gift or for yourself, you can snag the “Grown Up Scents ’90s Edition” Play-Doh multipack on Amazon now. At only $12, it’s an easy way to relive the best decade ever!
Have you found yourself digging through your grocer’s shelf of bread, looking for the freshest and softest loaf? Now you don’t have to look quite so long thanks to this simple hack.
It turns out, those colorful plastic tag on your bread actually means something! According to Reader’s Digest, each color represents the day the bread was baked, giving you the leg up on snagging that luscious loaf.
photo: Canva
Many commercial bakers adhere to a strict schedule that involves baking five days a week (they take Wednesdays and Sundays off), so each tag coordinates with which day it was baked. Worried you won’t remember which day is which? Each color is alphabetical by the day of the week!
Monday:blue
Tuesday: green
Thursday: red
Friday: white
Saturday:yellow
Not only does the array of colors help consumers snag the freshest bread, but it’s also a simple way to help employees circulate the bread so fresh loaves are moved in first. Happy bread shopping!
Need help at bedtime? The Minions are here to save the day.
Starting this Sun. Oct 17, the silly yellow characters are releasing their own Sleep Story, “Minions in Space.” Available exclusively on Calm and in collaboration with Illumination, kids can drift off to dreamland listening to Agnes and the Minions tell their story bedtime story, “The Adventures of Captain Banana.”
Sleep Stories are part of Calm Kids, a mental wellness resource for parents. They are released weekly on Sundays as a way to help families create a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding the dreaded “Sunday Scaries.”
More content awaits next Sun., Oct. 24 when a brand new Sleep Story drops called “Yawny McDawny.” Join actress Sophia Bush as she tells the story of a friendly cloud who just can’t stop yawning!