Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

15 Easy Trader Joe's Recipes for Families

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 03/12/2020 - 11:30am

For families, creating a pandemic pantry might mean ensuring you have enough to cook three meals a day for multiple people. We're big fans of Trader Joe's recipes for easy weeknight cooking, so when the coronavirus crisis hit, I turned to Trader Joe's to start stocking up.

Kids may love going to Trader Joe’s for the free stickers, hidden stuffed animals, and lollipops. But, for me, I have always loved the number of convenience foods this specialty food store provides, aka, entire gourmet meals I can microwave or throw into a single pan from frozen—and have ready sometimes in as little as 7 minutes. The (once) packed shelves can seem overwhelming for anyone to navigate, so we’ve created this list of 15 best meals from Trader Joe's recipes, combining veggies, proteins, whole grains, and flavor.

Find hundreds of indoor activities, games, and more COVID-19 information, see our Coronavirus Pandemic Guide for Parents.

Science Experiments for Kids: How to Make Invisible Ink

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 02/27/2020 - 11:02am

This low-tech invisible ink science experiment lets kids send secret messages to friends and family. All they'll need is a little lemon juice or milk. We decided to try both versions of this invisible ink experiment to see if the results were any different.

Commonly found household items make up the ingredient list, including juice, milk, honey, and vinegar. At room temperature, these compound liquids are colorless, making them perfect for invisible ink fun. Put them in contact with heat and the oxidization process turns them various shades of brown, aka, the ink appears! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make invisible ink with your kids.

Find more science experiments for kids in our STEM Activities Guide.

Special Offers on Winter Family Vacations at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 01/16/2020 - 11:30am

No one does winter fun quite like the charming countryside of Northern Vermont. And if you’re looking for the perfect destination for a Vermont family winter getaway, Smugglers’ Notch brings quintessential activities like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and plenty of free hot chocolate to kids and adults of all ages. Plus, special offers and a range of inclusive packages make that dream family vacation all the more accessible.

How to Make Rock Candy with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 12/30/2019 - 10:03am

Teach kids how to make rock candy for an edible rainy day activity. Making rock candy is also part science experiment, allowing kids hands-on learning with a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools.

Our easy rock candy recipe lets kids observe the crystallization process firsthand while making some pretty delicious treats. Sugar, water, and few more items found at home are all you need to turn your kitchen into a rock candy laboratory.

Read on for how to make rock candy with kids.

CAMP SoNo Opens for Indoor Play and Shopping for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 12/03/2019 - 12:00pm

Just in time for some holiday fun: CAMP, a favorite of our NYC readers, opened its first Connecticut location in the new shopping and entertainment center, The SoNo Collection. At first glance, CAMP may seem like your regular toy shop, but there's a secret world of art and adventure behind the cheery storefront. With free interactive play areas, arts and crafts programs, and even a canteen to satisfy kids' cravings, CAMP is a place where kids can have a blast while you sneak in some shopping.

For more ideas to keep kids busy when the weather is chilly, check out our guide to indoor play areas around Fairfield.

30 Best Kids Christmas Movies for Families This Holiday Season

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 12/02/2019 - 11:06am

Our list of the kid-friendly Christmas movies is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with your family.

Whether you're looking for a classic Christmas movie you remember from your childhood or a funny new holiday tradition that will have your family in stitches, you can stream these favorite flicks for free from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or the brand-new Disney+ streaming service. Unlike the naughty list, this Christmas movie list is filled with positive messages, twinkling tales, and just the right amount of seasonal cheer. So, pop some popcorn and enjoy a family movie night with one of these Christmas classics perfect for kids.

Easy Halloween Treats for Kids and Classroom Parties

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 10/14/2019 - 11:12am

Candy bars aren't the only Halloween treats to hand out this October 31. School kids across the country are getting ready to celebrate with Halloween parades and classroom parties, meaning you might be on the hook for homemade Halloween treats.

But there's no need to fear the sign-up email headed your way. I've planned more than a few Halloween parties and have put together a list of easy Halloween treats to help parents skip the last-minute scramble. These tried-and-true spooky snacks transform pretzel sticks into ghouls, mandarins into pumpkins, and make enough Monster Mash Brownies that will turn the entire class into sugar monsters.

50 Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 11:18am

Some of the best kids' movies were made decades ago. If you're looking for the perfect flick to please everyone tonight, we suggest putting the new releases aside for now and introducing kids to these classic family movies.

Get the popcorn popped, the kids snuggled up on the couch, and now you're ready to peruse this list of our top 50 kids' movies sure to win over the pickiest of film critics. From The Wizard of Oz to Sandlot and everything in between, it’s time to turn down the lights and enjoy some quality time with the entire family.

Ally Noel

Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

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