• New York

    Italian Brainrot Halloween Costumes

    If you have a gamer kid, you know all about the Brainrot characters that are literally everywhere. Their names are so fun to say and I imagine we will see quite a few this Halloween season!

    What I learned previously from all my DIY costumes is that it can’t be too complex or heavy! So my 6 year old was pretty satisfied with this rendition of BONECA AMBALABU!!

    Just a few simple items from Amazon.

    Another fun idea is Tralalero Tralala!

  • New York

    Hold the Magic: Tooth Fairy Reinvented

    Losing a first tooth is a milestone for young kids. Hold The Magic makes it even more special by providing an alternative to giving money. Why not give a little magic instead and establish a new family tradition?

    We have literally been holding out breath since summer waiting for the next wiggly tooth to pop up. Niko turned 6 and had already lost his 2 lower baby teeth and was in overdraft with the tooth fairy 😆. He got $5 from the tooth fairy and was excited to spend it at the Lego store. But guess what the Mario World set he wanted was $50. He told his dad the fairy can have his next 9 teeth if he can get an advance payment! Haha, his dad thought this was so funny and of course he came home w the Lego set.

    Fast forward and we just started school with a first graders and we have two wiggly teeth! The first one actually fell out today so wooohooo! I bet the next one will be out by picture day. We receive this amazing kit from Hold the Magic and I can’t wait for his reaction in the morning! More details on the brand below.

    Hold The Magic designs Tooth Fairy gift sets with everything needed for three lost teeth. This includes tiny gifts and affirming letters in convenient, ready-to-deliver gold bags—plus fairy dust!

    Children delight in these high-quality collectibles, which they’ll treasure for a lifetime, and fairy letters encouraging self-care, brushing teeth, and imparting positive life lessons.

    The founder is a creative director with a knack for keeping a sense of surprise, wonder, and magic alive for kids. She started the brand when her daughter had her first wiggly tooth, wanting to inspire imagination and prepare her for the continuation of her lost tooth journey. Her daughter discovered a delightful world that her parents created, and mom uncovered an untouched market just waiting to be developed into a wonderland!


    Each gift set, endorsed by pediatric dentists, includes tiny gifts, letters, and fairy dust in ready-to-deliver gold bags.

    • Wake Up to Magic ($34.99) – Be it the first or tenth tooth, this gift is the perfect way to start your new Tooth Fairy tradition. The complete Hold The Magic experience, from the moment the tooth is tucked into the sweet plushie tooth pillow, to cuddling up in your arms and hearing the story of Lucy Tooth, your little one will be ready for a new kind of magic. The morning will bring a golden bag with an heirloom magnifying glass to read the letter left by the Tooth Fairy and treasure for years to come.
    • Healthy Smiles ($29.95) – Get to know Chewy the crocodile who had to wait for his new smile and find a tiny teddy bear to cuddle until the next tooth wiggles out. The letters in this gift set encourage better dental habits, healthy eating, patience, and loving kindness.

    Great Outdoors ($29.95) – Since Fairyland can be found in nature, encourage your little one to get out there and discover. Music! The Moon! Flying on dragonflies! These are a few of the Tooth Fairy’s favorite things. Way up high or down below, the world is a magical place.

    • Petite Princess ($29.95) – In Fairyland, dew drops turn to diamonds and Tooth Fairies share their dreams. And just in case your little one needs a special place to store itty bitty gifts, the Tooth Fairy holds the key. These fairy letters encourage the importance of tooth care, the beauty of gratitude, and the power of spreading kindness.
    • Ahoy Matey ($29.95) – Hear the tale of Captain Flea, get REAL pirate treasure, and always follow your North Star. These fairy letters encourage a spirit of adventure (and safety!), respect for the oceans, and perseverance through practice.

    About Hold the Magic:

    Run by a group of adults who haven’t yet lost their belief in fairies, magic, and all things imaginative, Hold The Magic delivers a memorable experience with every lost tooth. The team believes creativity and wonder can go on and be passed on, kept alive, and nurtured. Give your little one the gift of imagination, inspiration, and a sense of wonder before they’re all grown up. Follow them on Instagram @holdthemagic.

  • New York,  pet

    HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP CREATES LUCKY DOG SPINOFF TO DEBUT AS A NEW WEEKEND MORNING SERIES ON CBS

    “Lucky Dog: Down Under” Premieres Saturday, October 4

    NEW YORK, NY, August 27, 2025 – Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) today announced its new series Lucky Dog: Down Under, premiering Saturday, October 4 on CBS.  The original series, based on the hit international format The Dog House Australia, will be hosted by renowned animal trainer, Brandon McMillan, the Emmy® Award-winning host of the original Lucky Dog series.

    Lucky Dog: Down Under will air weekend mornings on CBS as part of its CBS WKND educational/informational programming block (check local listings).   It will follow Lucky Dog: Reunions, creating a one-hour block of the Lucky Dog franchise, which debuted in 2013.

    Lucky Dog: Down Under captures the heartwarming stories of Australian shelter dogs as they transition from rescue and rehabilitation to cherished members of loving families.  Whether it’s a scrappy terrier, an energetic kelpie, or a partially deaf cattle dog, audiences will discover that second chances can transform lives on both ends of the leash.

    “The Lucky Dog franchise has informed and captivated audiences for more than a decade,” said Bryan Curb, HMPG executive vice president and general manager, education/information.   “Taking viewers ‘Down Under’ will add an international spin with uplifting stories told by America’s favorite animal trainer, Brandon.”

     

    Since its inception in 2013, the Lucky Dog series has helped to rescue, rehabilitate, train and re-home more than 200 dogs.  The show has received three Daytime Emmy® Awards, 55 Telly Awards, seven Parents’ Choice Awards and five Cynopsis Kids Imagination Awards.  For his work on the series, McMillan earned two Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/Travel/Children’s or Family Viewing Program.

    HMPG’s current program portfolio comprises more than 30 original series and hundreds of hours of original content annually on leading broadcast networks and station groups and on connected TV and streaming platforms.  It has a series library of more than 6,000 episodes and its content can be found in 100 countries.

    About Hearst Media Production Group

    Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG), a business unit of Hearst Television, is an independent producer and distributor of original programming for TV stations, broadcast and cable networks and streaming services. HMPG produces hundreds of hours of Emmy® Award-winning programming annually across linear, streaming, digital and social media platforms for domestic and international distribution in 100 countries.  Its popular weekly educational/informational (E/I) programming blocks air weekends nationwide including “Weekend Adventure,” on ABC stations; “CBS WKND,” on the CBS Network; “The More You Know,” on the NBC Network; “One Magnificent Morning,” on the CW Network; “Mi Telemundo” on the Telemundo Network and “Go Time” on independent stations. HMPG also produces and/or distributes a diverse slate of other programming and content including the company’s dedicated FAST channels Xplore, The Jack Hanna Channel, Rovr Pets, and Lucky Dog Channel, available on some of the most popular smart TVs and streaming platforms.   HMPG has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Charlotte.  HMPG is represented by United Talent Agency.

  • New York

    Lifesmart® Sleep Oasis Floating Pillow

    We just tried the Lifesmart® Sleep Oasis Floating Pillow from SCS Make Life Easy and here is what we thought! Just unboxing this big pillow was an experience in itself.  We had to create a strategy on how to fill this thing up. First my husband did the air side with the pump but then  I wanted to do the water first. The pillow was really heavy! Sleeping on it was really cool and trying both sides give you a waterbed experience.

    This is not your ordinary pillow. Blending water, air, and AI-inspired design, the Sleep Oasis delivers a fully customizable, spa-like sleep experience unlike anything else on the market.

    Why It’s a Game-Changer:

     

    • Cooling Pillow Technology – Adjust the water level for instant cooling and personalized firmness. The built-in air system lets users fine-tune the height for ultimate comfort.
    • AI Cradle Curve Design – A gentle gradient cradles the head, neck, and shoulders, helping to reduce tension and support spinal alignment.
    • AI-Enchanted Lullabies – Simply scan the built-in QR code to access calming white noise and lullabies for deeper, more restorative sleep.
    • Durable & Hypoallergenic – The machine-washable, sweat-resistant pillowcase is hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
    • Gift-Worthy – This smart pillow makes an unforgettable wellness gift.

     

  • New York

    Aspire Brewing Enjoys Elite Honors in Eight Categories in the 2024 Community’s Choice Awards

    Aspire Brewing has been awarded the top honor in an impressive eight categories in the 2024 Community’s Choice Awards, covering a range of awards for food, chef, venue and activities.

    First-place awards were bestowed for Best Burger, Best Wings, Best Brewery, Best Outdoor Dining/Patio, Best Chef (Kathy Egan), Best Axe/Pool/Darts, Best Event Venue and Best Bar. A second-place honor went to Ben English for Best Boss.

    “This is truly exciting news that reflects the exceptional experience we seek to provide to our valued customers every day,” said Aspire Brewing CEO Ben English. “We deeply appreciate the support and loyalty our guests offer, which has been evident since we opened in 2023. We humbly accept these awards and vow to continue to innovate and expand Aspire’s premium experience. All of us here graciously thank voters for this recognition.”


    The 2024 Community’s Choice Awards celebrates the best in businesses and organizations in 180 regions across the country. The program is sponsored by Gannett Co., Inc.’s USA Today Network of newspapers and news websites, which includes the Times Herald-Record and RecordOnline.com in Orange County, N.Y. Nominations were submitted by the public during the summer. Voting began in the fall. More than 500 businesses, from trendy hotspots to hidden gems, competed.

    Aspire Brewing, at 600 N. Galleria Drive in Middletown, N.Y., is owned by the Patel family. Aspire Brewing is a modern, cutting-edge 30,000-square-foot brewery offering a traditional tap room and beer hall with 40 self-pouring taps providing beers, ciders and wines. Its family-friendly restaurant and entertainment facility features live music on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, including about how to host events at Aspire Brewing, visit AspireBrewing.com.

  • food,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    Mixly Cocktail Co.: Elevate Your Holiday Gatherings with Perfect Mixers

    The holidays are fast approaching, bringing with them a season of joy, celebration, and festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting an elegant soirée, attending a cozy get-together, or simply indulging in creative drinks at home, Mixly Cocktail Co. offers the perfect mixers to make your holiday moments even more memorable.

    Based in Minneapolis, Mixly creates all-natural, non-alcoholic cocktail and mocktail mixers that make crafting delicious drinks effortless. With premium ingredients, no preservatives, and a perfectly balanced sweetness, their mixers blend bold fruit juices, zesty citrus, and golden honey to deliver refreshing and flavorful creations for any occasion.

    Why Choose Mixly for Your Holiday Celebrations?

    Mixly’s mixers are more than just ingredients; they’re tools for bringing people together. Designed for versatility, they make it easy to craft signature cocktails or alcohol-free mocktails that everyone can enjoy. Their commitment to quality and creativity ensures every sip is a delight, making Mixly a thoughtful gift or an essential addition to your holiday bar cart.

    Standout Gift Ideas from Mixly

    Whether you’re shopping for a cocktail enthusiast, a host, or anyone who loves a touch of creativity in their drinks, Mixly has options to suit every taste:

    1. Winter Bundle ($67)
      A trio of seasonal favorites perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. This bundle inspires festive creations, from warming mocktails to classic cocktails, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing gift.
    2. Spritz Mixer Duo ($27)
      Add a touch of sparkling sophistication to any occasion with this dynamic duo. Ideal for champagne toasts, light cocktails, or bubbly non-alcoholic refreshments, these mixers elevate simple ingredients into show-stopping drinks.
    3. Limited Edition Strawberry Rhubarb Mixer ($20)
      This bright and balanced blend is like spring in a bottle. Perfect for holiday mimosas, punches, or creative signature drinks, it’s a versatile favorite that transitions beautifully into the new year.

    Where to Find Mixly

    Mixly’s products are available online at MixlyCocktailCo.com, on Mixly’s Amazon Store, and in over 450 retail locations across the U.S. and Canada.

    Celebrate Creatively This Holiday Season

    With Mixly’s mixers, you can effortlessly create drinks that delight and impress your guests. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and natural ingredients ensures every pour is packed with flavor, making them the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations or a thoughtful gift for anyone on your list.

    This season, let Mixly Cocktail Co. bring a touch of creativity, flavor, and joy to your holiday gatherings and gift-giving. Cheers to celebrating with style!