Cubby Archive: Sep 2021

I saw another kid telling my child that she didn’t want to play with her anymore, and it was really hard to hear. My daughter was devastated. How would you approach this topic with a child?Jo AnnaDear Jo Anna,This is a tough one and I’m just going to fall back on what I learned as a teacher and not try to be a smart parent on this one. I’m rarely a smart parent, but I was a pretty good teacher.

Maxwell Ryan

Sep 8, 2021

Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups Are a Crispy, Gooey Treat for Kids (or Adults)

Grilled cheese is a perfect food. The beauty of this comfort food is that it only requires a few humble ingredients, it comes together in minutes, and eating it feels like a warm hug. My latest scroll on TikTok showed me a clever spin on this childhood staple: grilled cheese roll-ups. The ingredient list for these roll-ups is exactly the same as any grilled cheese, but the method is slightly different.

Sara Tane

Sep 8, 2021

6 Fast Ways to Get Your Porch Ready for Fall

Fall is nearly here, and we have got some brilliant, stylish ideas to upgrade your front porch!

Kathryn O'Shea Evans

Sep 7, 2021

Before & After: This HGTV “Home Town Takeover” Helped a Family of 6 Open a Cramped Living Space

It’s one thing to renovate a home — which is a lot of work in itself — but revitalizing an entire town? That’s what you call next-level. Ben and Erin Napier, who host HGTV’s “Home Town,” took the task on in their new show “Home Town Takeover,” where they’ve chosen the lucky town of Wetumpka, Alabama, to be the star of the series.

Nicoletta Richardson

Sep 7, 2021

Every Single Back-to-School Food Tip You Could Ever Need

Last year, back-to-school felt more like back-to-schoolish. My younger son was fully remote (so, fully in his pajamas), while the older one started with a hybrid schedule so complicated I needed a whiteboard to attempt to keep track. In survival mode, we missed out on the rituals: the in-person backpack shopping, the running to Staples for one more yellow folder or glue stick.

Lisa Lombardi

Sep 6, 2021

The 10 Best Groceries You Can Buy at Aldi Right Now, According to 360,000 Shoppers

The votes are in, the scorecards have been checked, and the champions await their medals — but we’re not talking about the Olympics here. This is a whole different kind of competition: the Aldi Fan Favorites survey. For the third year, the grocery store asked its shoppers to vote on their most-loved products in a variety of categories — you might remember that back in May we told you about how you could participate and also win yourself a $1000 gift card.

Naomi Tomky

Sep 6, 2021

10 Coloring Books and Pages That Keep Kids Busy for Hours

From coloring rolls you can store in your bag all the way to Star Wars characters with a twist.

Danielle Halibey

Sep 6, 2021

I Made the Jumbo Crispy Fries from TikTok and They Were Not What I Expected

Whenever I’m scrolling through TikTok, I can count on coming across a handful of new recipe trends. I don’t usually run to my kitchen to make many of them (instead, I simply share them with my foodie BFF), but when I came across these crispy jumbo fries I was intrigued — not only because they are made with mashed potatoes (one of my favorite side dishes), but also because I am a sucker for french fries, tater tots, and everything in between.

Will Coleman

Sep 5, 2021

The 14 Best Costco Items to Buy for Quick Family Meals

Buying in bulk can save you on groceries and make dinnertime easier, too.

Ayn-Monique Klahre

Sep 5, 2021

This Playroom Is So Chic, Audrey Hepburn Could Have Designed It Herself

This chic playroom radiates glamor and sweetness.

Thao Thai

Sep 4, 2021

A New Report Shows Which ’90s Toys Are Now Worth a Fortune

If you’ve got a box full of ‘90s toys in the attic of your childhood home, you might want to spend some time rummaging through the collectibles. A nostalgic new report from TheToyZone reveals the iconic ‘90s toys worth a fortune today — and the highest childhood treasure is valued at $50,000, so there is that. According to the toy review site, the most expensive toy sold has been a Rainbow the Chameleon Beanie Baby from 1997, raking in a whopping $50K.

Jessica Wang

Sep 4, 2021

I Tried Ina Garten’s Famous Mac and Cheese and It Has One Genius, Surprise Ingredient

I will never need another mac and cheese recipe again.

Thao Thai

Sep 4, 2021

This Fancy French Dessert Is Actually a Cinch to Bake with Kids

Try these magically light, fluffy treats, sprinkled with pearl sugar.

Ann Mah

Sep 3, 2021

Before and After: A UK Victorian Went from Completely Bland to Colorfully Whimsical

Bright colors, cute art, fun wallpapers, and whimsical accessories... Lucy Hamilton's home is incredibly happy, colorful, and pretty!

Adrienne Breaux

Sep 3, 2021

I Tried Rachael Ray’s Crispy Smashed Lemon Potatoes (I Could Eat Them Every Day)

It's Rachael Ray's most popular recipe on TikTok.

Sara Tane

Sep 2, 2021

All the Best Labor Day Sales for Families

Must-have furniture, baby gear, toys, and so much more — at steep discounts.

Thao Thai

Sep 1, 2021

I Tried 5 Sleep Strategies for Toddlers and the Winning One Really Surprised Me!

Expert recommended and parent tested.

Lizzie Goodman

Sep 1, 2021

We Tested 4 Famous Egg Salad Recipes and the Winner Is a Total Game-Changer

I couldn't stop going back for more.

Amelia Rampe

Sep 1, 2021

Ask Maxwell: What Is Your Daughter’s Favorite School Snack?

My son doesn’t like the snacks I pack for him to take to school and it’s demoralizing to me. What’s your daughter’s favorite? Any good ideas? ShelleyDear Shelley, I will tell you that Ursula is actually — God bless her! — very good at choosing the healthy snack route, though she’s no stranger to ice cream and candy after school and no one’s looking. When I asked her directly what she LOVES, this is what she said.

Maxwell Ryan

Sep 1, 2021