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NAPPA Awards Q & A with Justin and Monique Honaman, creators of KIC-Start, 2019 NAPPA Award winner

Justin and Monique Honaman with their kids Kendall and Harrison

Justin and Monique Honaman are based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are parents of two kids, ages 18 and 20 and launched Contender Brands in 2016 “after talking about various ideas for about 7 years!” We are thrilled to get to know them better.

Tell us a little about how KIC-Start was born and where your inspiration came from?

We love “BIG” talk. We love when we have engaging dialogue with others, as opposed to that small-talk banter that doesn’t accomplish anything. That idea led us to the creation of our first get-to-know-you conversation-starter game called, “Cocktail Farty” where FART stands for “Friends Admitting Real Truths.” We received such a tremendous response to that first game that we launched three more conversation-starter sets (Whine Barrel, BrewaHa, and KegO’Cards). Each of these games while more adult-focused, are not obscene or crude in any way, however we realized we had an opportunity to share the joy of great conversation with younger people as well. We recognize that kids are spending more time on technology, and less time engaging in eye-to-eye dialogue, and that led us to create KIC-Start. KIC stands for Kids in Conversation, and the whole idea is to teach kids the art of conversational curiosity (ask a question, listen with empathy, thoughtfully prepare an answer, respond and share). Our inspiration comes from recognizing the truly wonderful relationships that are made when people take the time to really talk, listen and connect to one another.

 Tell us a little about your daily life as working parents.

Like so many other working parents, our daily lives are spent aligning the priorities of the day, juggling the various balls, and ensuring that the glass ones don’t drop. Our “day” jobs are very corporate. Justin works in digital technology and transformation, and Monique works in executive development. Contender Brands is our side-hustle where we are able to exercise our creative energies. We love coming up with new ideas and taking them from concept to creation.

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

Both of our children are in the process of launching out of our nest, and that is exciting as we see what the new change in routine brings to us all. We are both active in our communities and both serve on various boards and volunteer with various non-profits primarily those that serve to build children of courage, confidence and character. In our “free” time, we love to take our 3 rescue dogs on walks, love spending time at the lake, and enjoy hiking, kayaking, and all sorts of other outdoor adventures.

Favorite place to be with your family?

Family time with all 4 of us becomes more scarce as everyone gets involved in their own activities. Time together becomes more sacred! We’re not ashamed to admit that we use awesome adventure vacations (that we fully fund!) as opportunities for all four of us to connect, have fun, and spend quality time together!

Best life advice?

Monique’s life mantra is “What’s the worst that can happen?” People are frequently too slow to make change or take a risk for fear of what might happen. Asking, “what’s the worst that can happen?” helps you put things into perspective.

Justin’s life mantra is “All-in!” His approach is to give 100% energy and enthusiasm to every endeavor to which he commits.

Best advice for parents on trying to balance it all?

Don’t try to balance it all! Balance gives the perception of a teeter-totter where both ends need to be equally weighted in order to be in balance. Think of what happens when the bigger kid gets off the teeter-totter and the smaller kid would come crashing down. Frankly, on any given day, one priority or another in your life will require more attention than another. Instead of balancing it all, we prefer to think of it as being focused and present on whatever priority needs your attention at that point in time (instead of being at the school or sporting event worrying about the next day’s business meeting).

 

For more award-winning products, visit nappaawards.com

 

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So excited to share our latest NAPPA-Award winning music CDs perfect for the whole family to enjoy together!

Stripes with Platypus by Seanster and the Monsters

Seanster and the Monsters’ second full-length album pushes deeper into the absurd, silly humor that has become their trademark, while exploring some of the more heart-felt matters that are so important in childhood. Stripes with Platypus features some of the best artists, from groundbreaking pioneers like Al Simmons to Francophone star Madame Diva. This album is primed and ready for your family. $15.00 physical, $9.99 digital

Total Eclipse of the Rainbow

The Rainbow Rock Band, performing more than 120 live shows each year, is one of the brightest stars to come out of the DC metro area kids’ music scene.  The band’s second studio album, Total Eclipse of the Rainbow, is a wonderful collection of songs. The band, guided by singer/songwriter/educator Dr. Kate Moran,  has been praised for its positive, joyful, high-energy music, which engages young listeners and gets them moving to an irresistible beat while also enhancing their learning and social development. $9.99.

CARNAVAL — French Learning Songs

From calypso and reggae to New Orleans brass and Latin rhythms, embark on a musical celebration with this lively collection of French-learning children’s songs from Whistlefritz’s award-winning line of French and Spanish language programs. Carnaval includes lyrics and translations as an easy reference for parents who want to learn French along with the kids. Join the Carnaval and you’ll be singing along in French in no time. $14.99.

 

 

 

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Washington, D.C. is well known for its monuments and lawmakers, but there’s much more to the area than its statues and politicians. Ask Washingtonians, and we’ll rattle off a list of our favorite bits of history, neighborhood restaurants, museums, theaters and parks. The Trust for Public Land’s 2018 ParkScore ranks Washington, D.C. third and nearby Arlington, Va., fourth for cities with the best parks.

I was raised in D.C. and established my career here, and springtime is one of my favorite things about the city. When it arrives, it colors the city pink with cherry blossoms. I get in my car, open the moon roof and drive through Rock Creek Park, cranking up the volume on Will Smith’s “Summertime.” The beat and rhyme flow with the road, curving alongside thick greenery and slick creek stones, passing joggers and families gathering around picnic grills. The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium are places to cool down on the woody trails among low-hanging ferns and chestnut oaks, which are some of the oldest and tallest trees in the park.

For a five-day visit to D.C. and neighboring Maryland and Virginia, here are some of my favorite ways to have family fun.

Where to Stay

The Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant is a convenient downtown favorite with the feel of home, combining the architecture of two Victorian-styled homes and D.C.’s first Chinese community church and parsonage for a design that blends cultures. The bright orange chairs on the front porch and the brick courtyard make an inspiring and comfortable setting for my writing staycations. For the family traveler, Morrison-Clark Inn features connecting rooms, pack-n-play for babies, babysitting referrals and a doctor on call.

Getting Around

From the Morrison-Clark, historical sites, restaurants, shops and entertainment are easy to reach. The Washington Convention Center, Capital One Arena, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum and the White House are within walking distance. The museums, grassy walks and monuments of the National Mall are near, but for little ones the trek could be exhausting. The Circulator bus costs $1 to ride and is popular with locals and tourists. It loops through downtown and includes stops at Union Station and DuPont Circle.

D.C. driving and walking tour apps are available for download on your phone. Tour buses can be pricey for a large family of travelers. Scooters and ride-hailing services are affordable ways to get around, and many sites are accessible by Metro.

Day One

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum is a treat for little ones. PHOTO BY DANE PENLAND

The National Mall is home to treasures of art, culture and history. Hungry from wandering the monuments and museums? The Smithsonian museums also provide great lunchtime dining. My favorite is the Courtyard Café at the National Portrait Gallery. After viewing presidential portraits, I grab a salad and sparkling water and sit in the atrium. It’s a great spot for the little ones to take a break and splash in the Scrim Fountain, with the occasional pigeon claiming a spot to coo.

With a pass to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, enjoy the best meal on the mall: the collard greens, mashed potatoes, pan-fried Louisiana Catfish Po’boy and High Mesa Peach and Blackberry Cobbler dessert at Sweet Home Café.

Day Two

Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the most history-making streets in all of D.C. The inauguration parade route follows this avenue from the Capitol and passes D.C.’s city hall, Freedom Plaza and the National Theatre on the way to the White House.

D.C. is a top-25 media market, and you can see major events in history through the news lens at the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue. The building’s most striking feature are the words of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution etched into its marble exterior. Inside its galleries, learn about the importance of the free press and First Amendment. Front pages of newspapers from around the world display 9/11 coverage, and the Pulitzer Prize Photo Gallery showcases historical events captured by photographers and photojournalists. At the Berlin Wall Gallery, you and your family can experience this piece of history in a mind-blowing way by wearing virtual-reality headsets while standing in front of eight 12-foot-high concrete sections of the original wall, the largest display of unaltered portions of the wall outside of Germany.

In the afternoon, turn to Washington’s unique Civil War history at the African American Civil War Museum in the historic U Street Corridor. The museum teaches through exhibits and artifacts, plus a treasure hunt and interpretation that allow kids to explore while dressed in Union uniforms.

For dinner, the kids might enjoy a vegetarian black bean, Angus beef, ground turkey or marinated grilled chicken-breast burger – plus potato or sweet potato fries – at Bolt Burger across the street from the Morrison- Clark Inn. For more D.C. flavor, Baby Wale is just around the corner for easy eats, go-go beats and historic posters from bandleader Chuck Brown and band Rare Essence.

Day Three

President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home in the Petworth neighborhood is a great place to read stories to kids. PHOTO COURTESY PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN COTTAGE

The historic Anacostia neighborhood is where you’ll find Cedar Hill, the home of Frederick Douglass. The house and visitor center is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and is frequently visited by kids ages 5-12 collecting badges as part of the Junior Ranger Program.

During his lifetime, Douglass met with President Abraham Lincoln to discuss ending slavery. Both lived in hilltop homes with views of the U.S. Capitol that carry a heritage that seems to still be in conversation with this city of legislators.

From the porch of President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home in the Petworth neighborhood, the U.S. Capitol building dome is visible. Named one of the best off-the-mall museums, the cottage, learning center and grounds are a place of reflection and connection, a place for storytelling. Sitting on the porch steps, try reading a story to your kids.

President Lincoln lived at the cottage with his wife and children during the Civil War, and he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation here. Staff describe the site as a “place of ideas.” Education programs inspire young people with stories. “Lincoln’s Hat” models the president’s practice of storing notes with his ideas he jotted down in his stovepipe hat. “I See the President” invites fourth and fifth graders to re-imagine a story from someone President Lincoln would have met on his route between the cottage, Civil War-era Washington and the White House.

The cottage sits in a reviving business district of neighborhood cafés, shops and sports facilities along Upshur Street and Georgia Avenue. On Georgia Avenue is The Pitch Tavern, known for its chicken wings and sauces, and big screens for sports. Nearby Lulabelle’s Sweet Shop, a candy-colored ice cream and gift shop, boasts a table of purple, yellow, orange, green and pink peppermint sticks, black cherry flavored Sassy Straws at 25 cents each, toys, writing tablets and hand games plus hand-dipped scoops of ice cream and sorbet.

Day Four

The Baltimore Harbor is a 30-minute drive from D.C. The USS Constellation, an historic tall ship docked in the harbor, is open for children to climb aboard.

Nearby, Port Discovery Children’s Museum offers three floors of play-filled time for toddlers to 10-year-olds. Play, art and exploration equal learning within this colorfully designed kid space. There’s soccer, climbing and discovery. At the play market, kids select grocery items, learning healthy food choices. The Wonder of Water delivers wet and fun learning about evaporation, cloud formation and rain. In the Studio Workshop, kids sit at tables gluing fabrics, paper and shiny decorations. Little Picassos and Romare Beardens sit at art easels, crayon in hand, drawing a sitter or still life.

Day Five

Kids learn about flight at the National Air and Space Museum. PHOTO BY ERIC LONG

Just off the beltway, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport in Virginia is an adventure for little climbers. With all those flying machines, including spaceships and war planes and flight simulators, it is the coolest and most fun. I hear kids negotiating with their parents to stay all day. Someone even asked to spend the night. Its companion building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is also fun.

Nearby Splash Down Water Park in Manassas provides a day of water fun for the family. To continue enjoying area park lands, NOVA Parks manages Meadowland Botanical Gardens, a site of 100 acres of public gardens and three lakes. Scavenger hunts to discover nature and plant life can be arranged in advance for little ones.

Must Do’s

Imagination Stage is the largest theater-arts organization for youth in the area and includes a year-round season of shows, classes and camps. PHOTOS COURTESY IMAGINATION STAGE

If your stay includes a Saturday or Sunday, Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Md., is entertaining for kids and parents. The 2019 season calendar is online at imaginationstage.org.

Imagination Stage is the largest theater-arts organization for youth in the area and includes a year-round season of shows, classes and camps for ages 1 to 18. There’s no bad seat in the house. There are lap passes, booster seats and floor seating. Equitable access is available for children of all abilities, including a quiet room that looks onto the stage and inclusive programming.

Special weekend theater gets ages 1 to 5 wiggling, whistling, shaking and laughing. Saturday Song Circle is an interactive experience that uses popular children’s stories, songs and musical instruments to get little bodies moving. Sunday Fun Day brings familiar songs such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and stories like “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.”

With so many parks and vibrant walking neighborhoods, D.C. is a fitness city. To explore the city on foot at a faster pace, the District Running Collective (DRC) inspires runners of all backgrounds and experience to learn about D.C. and become part of the community by running it. DRC hosts a free Wednesday Night Run and meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Exhale Bar & Lounge on Florida Avenue N.E. and at various locations for Saturday runs. For information or to sign up, visit districturunningcollective.com.

In whatever way you and your family experience my hometown, take as much of it in as you can.

Darlene Taylor is a Washington, D.C. writer, cultural arts advocate and founder of INKPEN, a nonprofit that aims to connect writers and readers.

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A family vacation at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana includes a KIDZ BOP fan experience as part of the all-inclusive package.

KIDZ BOP POOL PARTY Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Expose kids to music early, and a river of melodies and beats is likely to course through their blood for a lifetime. A lullaby or Beethoven can calm them when they’re babies. Michael Jackson’s music still carries magic for each new generation. At 3, my son, Sol, was pulling his dad’s hats down over his eyes and spinning his body like the King of Pop, even though the world had already said a sad goodbye to the legend. Today, at 11, Sol doesn’t even need music to burst out in dance. Some melody (previously heard or made up) is forever imprinted in his brain.

I blame the jazz teacher I used to share a room with when I taught high school English literature and journalism in the Crenshaw District. I was pregnant the year the jazz teacher and his teenage musicians would take over my classroom afterschool. As I sat at my desk grading essays, I could feel my baby kicking in response to the drums, the saxophone, the trumpet. After Sol was born, he continued to get anointed with music because the trumpet player’s mom became his babysitter. Adding to that gumbo is a legacy of musicians: my mother has been a gospel guitarist since she was 11, and my uncles were small-town-famous gospel quartet singers. So it was in the cards: My husband and I had no choice but to serve as the audience members of Sol’s many living-room performances.

When the AIC Hotel Group invited me to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for the launch of its partnership with the beloved KIDZ BOP brand, I figured it would be a perfect venue for Sol to test out his performance acumen in a larger setting. Sol pulled on my/his Panama hat, packed his earbuds and neck pillow and started schooling us on the latest Kidz Bop songs–clean, kid-friendly versions of popular hits, some of which this Hip Hop mama already knows way too well (Sorry not sorry: the beats get me through my commutes).

The KIDZ BOP Punta Cana experience debuted last summer and allows young vacationers to live out their pop-star dreams through an interactive creative space made just for them. During opening week, The KIDZ BOP Kids made a special visit for the “Ultimate KIDZ BOP Fan Experience,” a week-long celebration that included the KIDZ BOP Kids in live concert, pink carpet photo opps, a pool party, beach Olympics and a karaoke contest vacationing kids.

“Fans always ask, ‘What’s it like to be a KIDZ BOP Kid?’ Now, they can feel like a star for their whole vacation,” said Sasha Junk, SVP of Marketing at KIDZ BOP.

My family and I were giddy as we boarded the plane. I could just picture Sol up there on the stage, singing and dancing to his heart’s content. When he does the thing with the hat, I thought, the audience will go wild!

Musical Arrival

At the Punta Cana airport, our tired limbs were re-invigorated by a group of three musicians playing a mind-blowingly fast number on the tambora drum, accordion and the güira, a metal scraper indigenous to the Dominican Republic and used as a percussion instrument in cumbia and merengue tipico. I stopped to dance for a few seconds. With this style of music running at 120 to 160 beats per minute, a quick sweat is a sure treat. The bright lime-green walls of the airport were likewise breaths of fresh air. In my mind’s eye, I could already feel the Caribbean Sea breeze, could taste the fresh coconut lining a cocktail, could see my family dancing into the wee hours of the night.

On the way to Hard Rock, Mickey, our driver, told us that he had already taken streams of people to the resort. “They’re in town for that KIDZ BOP thing,” he said. “It’s a big party all weekend.”

Yassss!

Setting the Stage

My ideal vacation usually consists of staying in the city center, meeting as many local residents as possible, eating in little off-the-radar spots and taking in historic sites. My husband and son, on the other hand, are creatures of comfort. The Hard Rock’s Punta Cana resort, with its sprawling and beautifully manicured acreage dotted with cabanas made out of cana trees, restaurants, whirl-spa-equipped rooms, ample balconies, state-of-the-art spas and gym and the five-minute walk to the ocean (Punta Cana lies at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, and the hotel is on the Atlantic), was paradise for them.

There are 13 eateries on the resort. We opted for Ipanema, an outdoor Brazillian-style restaurant that overlooks the ocean and includes seven meat options for the churrascarias (Sol’s mouth watered for anything bacon-wrapped); Isla, which serves fresh Caribbean cuisine (spicy sautéed shrimp in a plantain boat was our fave) and Toro, which serves an international breakfast and lunch buffet and is a steakhouse for dinner.

For parents looking to have a date, the resort offers a daycare filled with floor-to-ceiling play structures, games and a welcoming staff. I suggest taking advantage of it so you can dash off to the swanky gym (which has cycling, circuit training and yoga classes), the Rock Spa, an oasis of water and skilled body professionals offering everything from hot-stone massages to chocolate wraps to water lily cooling wraps – perfect for after a day on the beach, the casino and even nightclubs, where you can get your groove on before you kids take over the vacation with their KIDZ BOP activities.

The Takeover

During opening week, KIDZ BOP signs and events popped up all over the place. We splashed in pools as a KIDZ BOP DJ played tunes and some KIDZ BOP Kids signed autographs for excited fans still dripping from the pool. Kids ages 6 to 12 check into the Pop Star Lounge, where they get to work with tour managers to create a custom band name, perfect the hottest dance moves, select a wardrobe and hit the big stage. Designed for kids who love music, the Pop Star Lounge is complete with a listening studio loft. This realistic experience takes imaginary play to another level.

At the Family Beach Olympics, KIDZ BOP kids served as team captains while families competed with each other and jammed to more music. And at the live concert in the Fillmore Ballroom, KIDZ BOP performers belted out their versions of songs like “Sorry Not Sorry” and “Havana.”

Kids, and their parents, crowded around the stage to sing and dance along with the young pop stars.

What was that? Where was Sol?

Oh, he was there. He sat in his plush white loveseat most of the night, munching on blue cotton candy and other treats, taking in the scene coolly, refusing to join me as I jumped up to dance the night away.

Ah, 11-year-olds.

He did get to meet the KIDZ BOP Kids. He posed with them on the pink carpet after the concert, smiling just a little as camera lights flashed.

Back in the hotel room, the kid found his second wind. He rolled up his pants legs, donned some flip flops, a hat and dark sunglasses and forced us to watch him perform.

I decided not to complain too much. He had one more big chance to try his hand at this pop-star life: a Pop Star Karaoke Contest judged by the KIDZ BOP Kids.

Another Kind of Splash

The next morning, we decided to venture off the resort and see some…well…more water. But not the emerald-green beauty of the ocean or sea. That was old news by then. We drove out to see Cap Cana in Scape Park. After snapping pictures of monkeys, macaws, orchids and iguanas, we took a nature trail hike to see Hoyo Azul or “Blue Hole,” a natural limestone sinkhole at the bottom of a cliff. We chose the “cave” route, a narrow passageway wherein we stepped down gingerly between walls of the towering cliff (“It feels like we’re in “Radars of the Lost Ark,” Sol said).

While he hadn’t felt comfortable enough to dance in front of strangers, his intrigue was piqued when we stood at the top of the cliff and looked down. The Hoyo Azul was like nothing we had seen before: the clearest, bluest water that, one writer wrote, feels like cream when you swim in it.

That mesmerizing pool of water is ice-cold, and is, at its deepest, 75 feet. No matter. Sol followed his dad and jumped off the cliff. After the big splash and sharp intake of breath, he lifted his head in a big laugh.

“So brave!” I yelled.

That night, however, as kids hailing from New York, Canada, Brazil and beyond performed during the karaoke contest, Sol, again, hung back, watching, listening, critiquing. And in our room, he again donned a disguise and became a different person, making up dances and lyrics while laughing uncontrollably.

I sighed a sigh of acceptance. While it would have been delightful to see him up on stage living out one of his passions, I realized that the experience had served as inspiration for him. Isn’t that the purpose of vacations: to inspire long after you’ve returned home?

And if our little pop star wants only us as his audience, we’re cool with that, too.

For additional information, visit hardrockhotelpuntacana.com/kidz-bop-experience.htm.

Cassandra Lane is Managing Editor of L.A. Parent.

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Play is a critical part of child development. It is through play that kids learn about the world around them. It’s important for parents to not only encourage their kids’ growing imaginations, but also to take some time to get back in touch with their own sense of wonder.

This little dinosaur is ready to run Jurassic World with this imaginative toy.

What is imaginative play?

Imaginative play is essentially roleplaying, when kids are re-creating their own experiences or modeling their behavior off something that interests them. If your child only responds in animal sounds for a week, or insists you refer to their chicken nuggets as dinosaur bones – they’re practicing imaginative play. They can gain inspiration from a commercial, a career day at school or from pretty much anything they encounter in their day-to-day life. Children learn from these experiences, and in order to make sense of the world, they need to engage in imaginative play.

“Play is generally the way that children under age nine learn, so engaging children in play that inspires their imagination — through pretend play and perspective taking — develops both cognition and creativity in youngsters,” said Dr. Gisele Ragusa, an education specialist and professor at the University of Southern California. 

Nurturing imagination can help develop an array of cognitive and social skills, as seen here with the Disney Doorables.

Why is it important?

Although this sort of play seems fairly simple, it’s a critical stepping stone for expanding several developmental skills like language, critical thinking and appropriate social responses. When your child is playing make-believe with their friends, they are passing along, growing on and understanding ideas they might not have otherwise. It’s kind of like your kid’s first business meeting, except with Play-Doh over pencils. In a group imaginative play setting, they’re learning how to work with others and how to communicate what they think in a way that will be received well by their peers. It will also help boost their self esteem when they know they can be anything and everything, just by pretending.

There’s no right or wrong way to play – just let the creative juices flow!

If you listen closely while your kids are engaging in imaginative playtime, you may be shocked to hear words you never thought they’d know. Kids imitate those closest to them, so don’t be surprised if mommy’s or daddy’s favorite phrase turns into Candyglitteropolis’ town slogan. Imaginative play helps your child understand the power of language, and allows them to practice words that can help them describe, organize and reenact play. Developing these kind of language skills will also help them connect experience to written words, and will eventually make learning to read a breeze.

For a variety of playsets, check out our latest winners.

Since the bulk of imaginative play is based in your children’s growing brains, it will blossom their thinking and problem solving skills as well. What happens when two friends both want to be the captain of the spaceship? It forces them to come up with solutions that work for everyone, and these situations help expand their creativity in addition to their critical thinking.

Playing with others helps kids generate and expand on ideas they might not have come up with otherwise.

“Imaginative play enables children to develop independent mindsets and to think beyond the immediacy which is a precursor to abstract thinking; a key feature of higher order thinking,”  says Dr. Ragusa.

How do we encourage it?

To help nurture the imagination, you should provide plenty of props. Toys and playsets are definitely a great tool for fostering creativity.  And so are everyday household items.  It can be as simple as cardboard and old clothes. Have a box of raggedy blankets? Make a fort! Collect postcards? Time for a vacation to Pluto!

The best part of imaginative play is the quality time you can spend with your kids.

The most important thing you can do to encourage imaginative play is to join your little ones. There will always be a good excuse to do something else, but taking the time to pick up a wand and walk into their magical world is the ultimate inspiration. Not only are you helping them develop their creativity, you’re nurturing fantastically influential memories that will bring a smile to both your faces for years to come. We promise your kids won’t care if your lion’s roar sounds silly – they’re just happy you’re there.

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Hooray for the holidays – lights, music, love, joy and a chance to spoil family and friends with delicious homemade food from your cozy kitchen.  

What? Holiday cooking isn’t your absolute favorite thing to do? You avoid the kitchen most of the year, and get stressed out by the pressure to produce a festive meal?  

Relax, take a deep breath and a different approach this year with these sweet recipes:

Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts with Buttermilk Glaze 

Courtesy Sur la Table 

holiday dessert recipesThese make a fun dessert – or a festive breakfast. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can substitute a plastic bag with a hole cut in the corner. Leonard warns not to over-mix the batter, or the doughnuts will be tough. 

Don’t love buttermilk? You can use regular milk in the glaze instead. 

Yield: 12 medium or 24 mini doughnuts 

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon sea salt 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 

¼ teaspoon ground cloves 

¼ teaspoon ground ginger 

2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar 

1 cup vegetable oil, plus more for preparing pans 

3 cups pumpkin puree 

2 large eggs 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted 

3 tablespoons buttermilk 

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 2 (6-cavity) doughnut pans and fit a large pastry bag with a half-inch round tip. Set aside. 

In a large bowl, add flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and spices; stir together and set aside. 

In a medium bowl, add sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, eggs and vanilla; whisk to combine. 

Add the wet mixture to the dry and fold into a smooth batter using a silicone spatula. Transfer batter to prepared pastry bag and fill each doughnut cavity halfway with batter. 

Bake until the doughnuts spring back when lightly touched, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and invert doughnuts onto a wire rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet. 

Prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, add confectioners’ sugar and buttermilk; whisk until smooth. 

When the doughnuts are cool, spoon about 2 tablespoons of glaze over the top of each doughnut and allow glaze to set before serving, about 20 minutes. 

Pecan Cheesecake 

Courtesy Brooke Williamson 

holiday dessert recipes

PHOTO COURTESY BROOKE WILLIAMSON

The unusual wrapping and baking process is to keep the cheesecake from cracking as it cools. If it does, you can hide cracks by decorating with whipped crème fraiche, candied pecans and sprinkles. Williamson says you can also substitute other types of nuts – or even crunchy cookies – for the pecans.

Yield: One 9-by-2-inch cheesecake 

4 ounces graham cracker crumbs 

9½ ounces sugar, divided 

1½ ounces melted butter 

2 6-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 

3 eggs 

1½ teaspoons vanilla 

1½ teaspoons lemon juice 

1¼ ounce cornstarch 

½ teaspoon salt 

5 ounces crème fraiche or sour cream 

2 ounces finely chopped toasted pecans 

Preheat the oven to 300F. Combine graham cracker crumbs, ½ ounce sugar and butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 300°F for 5 minutes. Set aside. 

Whisk together the remaining 9 ounces sugar, cornstarch and salt and set aside. 

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed to soften and smooth out. Add the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed to combine, scraping bowl frequently. 

Beat in the vanilla and lemon on low speed.  With the mixer running on medium speed, beat in the eggs a few at a time, scraping the bowl frequently. 

On low speed, beat in the crème fraiche and pecans until combined. Pour the batter onto the prepared crust.  Wrap the entire pan tightly in aluminum foil, covering the top, bottom and sides. 

Place the cheesecake in a large roasting pan, place in the preheated oven, and fill with hot water to halfway up the side of the pan. Bake in the water bath at 300°F until the cheesecake jiggles firmly at the center, about 60 minutes. 

Turn off the oven, prop open the door and let the cheesecake cool inside for one hour.  Let cool completely at room temperature, then chill thoroughly before removing springform and cutting and serving. 

Spiced “Pumpkin” Fritters with Chocolate Sauce and Candied Pepitas 

Courtesy Suzanne Goin 

holiday dessert recipes

PHOTO COURTESY SUZANNE GOIN

The chocolate sauce can be made and the squash roasted three to four days ahead, and the pepitas and fritter batter a day ahead. If you make the batter ahead, refrigerate it before allowing it to rise, then remove from the fridge and proceed with the recipe from there. 

Makes about 20 fritters 

NOTE: While the fritter batter rises, prepare the chocolate sauce and fried pepitas. 

½  kabocha or butternut squash, about 1 pound 

¼ cup whole milk 

2 teaspoons dry yeast 

3 cups all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon kosher salt 

1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 

½ teaspoon ground ginger 

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom 

⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 

⅛ teaspoon ground cloves 

4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus a little for the bowl 

1 extra-large egg 

⅔ cup dark-brown sugar 

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

1 cup granulated sugar 

2 to 3 quarts vegetable oil, for frying 

1 recipe Chocolate Sauce (recipe follows) 

1 recipe Candied Pepitas (recipe follows) 

Preheat the oven to 400F. 

Cut the squash in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet, cut side up. (Don’t remove the seeds yet; they give extra flavor.) Cover with foil and roast for about 1 hour, until very tender. Let cool for 10 minutes, then scoop out the seeds and discard them. Purée the warm squash through a ricer or food mill and measure out ½ cup. In a large bowl, heat ¼ cup water and the milk to body temperature. Sprinkle yeast evenly across the surface and allow the yeast to bloom for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Whisk the flour, salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and the other spices together, then sprinkle across bloomed yeast. Make a well in the center and set aside. 

Combine the squash purée, butter, egg, brown sugar and vanilla, then pour into the well of the dry ingredients. Fold together with a rubber spatula until incorporated; be careful not to over-mix the batter, or the fritters will be tough. (Some specks of flour are OK.) Lightly brush a large bowl with melted butter. Scrape batter into the bowl and flip the batter upside down, so that all sides are covered with a little of the melted butter.  

Cover with plastic and allow the batter to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size. Let the batter rest for at least 1 hour more in the refrigerator, and then bring it to room temperature when you are ready to fry. (Chilling the batter in the fridge develops the flavor and creates more tender fritters.) Combine 1 cup granulated sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl and set aside. Heat the oil to 350F on a deep-frying thermometer, over medium heat, in a heavy, wide-bottomed pan. 

Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter, and use a second spoon to push rounded spoonfuls into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; the fritters shouldn’t touch each other. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until deep golden brown on all sides. 

Drain the fritters on paper towels and pat to remove any excess oil. While they’re still hot, toss fritters in the bowl with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Pile the fritters up on a platter or divide among six dessert plates. Drizzle with ¾ cup chocolate sauce, sprinkle with candied pepitas and serve remaining chocolate sauce on the side for dipping. 

Chocolate Sauce 

Makes about 1 cup 

3 ounces 68% dark chocolate 

3 tablespoons sugar 

¼ cup good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder 

Chop the chocolate into small chunks and place in a large bowl. 

In a saucepan, combine the sugar with 2/3 cup water and bring to a boil. Add the cocoa powder to the boiling water and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil again, whisking constantly, then immediately pour the water over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute to melt the chocolate. Whisk together until combined, working from the inside out, to emulsify the mixture. Cool to room temperature. 

Candied Pepitas 

¼ teaspoon cumin seeds 

2 teaspoons unsalted butter 

½ cup raw pumpkin seeds 

1 tablespoon sugar 

Generous pinch each of kosher salt, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg and ground cloves 

1 teaspoon honey 

Toast the cumin seeds in a small pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until the seeds release their aroma and are lightly browned. Pound them coarsely in a mortar. 

Melt the butter in the cumin pan over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and sugar, then sprinkle the salt and spices over them. Toss the pumpkin seeds to coat them well with the butter. Cook for a few minutes, until just after they begin to pop and color slightly. 

Turn off the heat and wait for 30 seconds. Add the honey, tossing well to coat the pumpkin seeds. Spread on a plate, and let them cool. 

Excerpted from “the a.o.c. cookbook” by Suzanne Goin. Copyright 2013 by Suzanne Goin. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. 

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As much as you enjoyed traveling before, it can seem like a daunting new world when preparing for an adventure with your kids. We’ve collected the top 20 tips for traveling with children, so your next vacation can be as breezy as the Bahamas.

 

  • Take your time. Nothing will stress you and your children out more than having to rush through security to make your plane on time. Don’t be afraid to wake up a little earlier or stay out a little later and avoid all the hubbub of the crowds.  Your sanity will thank you.
  • Pack together. Although it may take a bit more time, letting your kids have a hand in the process will make them even more excited for the trip. Also, it’ll help make sure you’re packing the necessities and avoid any meltdowns for forgetting their favorite blanket.
  • Choose toys and snacks wisely. Legos might be their favorite toy, but all those teeny tiny pieces will be a pain to pick up. As much as you love those healthy granola bars, the seemingly endless crumbs will be much less of a hit. Aim for toys and snacks that won’t require much clean up and will be easy to move on a moments notice.
  • Pack on extra outfit (or three). No matter how hard you try, kids will always find a way to stain, rip, or otherwise dirty their clothes. Rather than having to find a way to translate “laundromat” on your travels,  avoid the extra stress and pack a few extra emergency outfits.
  • Roll, don’t fold. By rolling your clothes when you pack, you’re saving space and avoiding wrinkles. When you’re rolling, you’re compressing the clothing, leaving more space in your suitcase for other essentials like shoes and books. It will also save you some time later on when you don’t need to iron your family’s outfits for that fancy dinner.
  • Let your kids help you plan. You may have a perfect itinerary for your dream vacation, but it will help put your kids at ease if they had some input too. Vacations and change can be overwhelming for children, so letting them pick out at least one activity will give them something to really look forward to.
  • Don’t forget the little things. Once you’ve packed everything you need for your trip, go back and try to think of any little things you might need on a daily basis. Tylenol? Check. Baby wipes? Not just for babies anymore. Ziploc bags? You know it.
  • Backpack of goodies. Give your children a little responsibility and pack them their own backpack filled with age-appropriate toys and snacks to keep them busy. It will help take a load off you, and give the kids a sense of pride for being responsible for their items.

    Photo credit: Gretchen Heidemann Whitt

     

  • Bring an extra map. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or car; the long journeys can be tough. Give your little ones something to do by bringing an extra copy of your route and some crayons and let them follow along. It will keep the “are we there yet?” to a minimum, and the crayons will give them a safe (and clean) creative outlet.
  • Two words: Magnetic. Puzzles. This one takes a little planning, but can be a lifesaver on long car or plane rides. Either buy a magnetic puzzle, or glue some cheap magnets on a favorite you have at home, and bring along a cookie tray or dry erase board on your trip. It will keep your kid’s hands busy, and you won’t have to worry about losing any pieces.
  • Board the plane separately. Have one parent board first, taking most of the luggage on with them. Once they are all settled and have the seats saved, have the other parent board with the kids. This will save you some stress and give you more time to let them get out all their energy before the flight.
  • Have lollipops handy. We all the know the gum or yawning trick for popping your ears on a flight, but did you know lollipops can have the same effect? Coerce your kids into behaving and save them from any pressure induced headaches with this sweet treat.
  • Stick to your routine as much as possible, but don’t be afraid to bend the rules. Your routine may be the only thing keeping you sane at times, but going on vacation can be a whole other ballgame. At home you may forbid electronics at dinner time, but having your tablet charged and ready for the five-course meal at a fancy restaurant might keep your youngest from throwing escargot at his sister. Be prepared, and be flexible.
  • Schedule some decompression time every night. With all the hustle and bustle of traveling, it’s a good idea to have a set amount of time reserved for kid’s relaxation. Whether it be reading a book, playing a board game or simply watching an episode of their favorite show, make sure you have at least 15 minutes to an 1 hour of downtime in your schedule.
  • Make sleep a priority. It can be very tempting to want to skip nap time for all the fun adventures you have planned, but you may regret it when the inevitable sleepy meltdowns come knocking. Know your child’s schedule, and come up with codewords between adults for when its time to take them back to the room for a little bit.

Photo credit: Gretchen Heidemann Whitt

  • Continental breakfasts are your new best friend. If scheduling allows, try to find a hotel that serves complimentary continental breakfasts. It will help take some stress out of your day, and you can always take some muffins for snack time later.
  • For every adult activity, plan a kid-friendly one too. Even though that third wine tasting sounds like a lot of fun, your kids may get restless and cranky if there’s not enough activities designed for their enjoyment. For every late night luau, plan a coloring contest or arcade day.
  • Take plenty of pictures, but enjoy the moment.  We’re all after the perfect Instagram photo, but nothing kills the fun like an impromptu photoshoot with a demanding director. Take enough pictures for scrapbook memories, but remember to sit back and soak it all in too.
  • Stay calm. Vacations can be stressful, but remember you are there to have fun! Take things with a grain of salt (and maybe a margarita), and remember you’re there to make lasting connections and memories with your family. Your calm attitude will help your kids have a better time too.
  • No matter what you do, not everyone will be happy all the time. Even if you do everything on this list and more, chances are someone will be unhappy at some point during your trip. Roll with the punches, try to get to the root of the problem, and most importantly – don’t take it personally.

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Hum, sing, and dance along with our favorite music for the whole-family. Check out these great NAPPA winners!

Dog on the Floor by Raffi

Beloved children’s entertainer Raffi ‘s 25th album for children embodies the qualities of fun, imagination and learning that have always animated his songs. Dog on the Floor’s themes include playtime (“Play Play Play”), affirmation (“The Way It Goes”) and the nurturing roles of family and community (“Love Grows Love,” “Market Day” and “It Takes A Village”).

Ages: infant – 8 years old

Winterland

GRAMMY® Award-winning The Okee Dokee Brothers embark on an experience of a lifetime as Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing celebrate the spirit of the winter season on their latest full-length studio album, Winterland. An exuberant yet introspective collection of 16 original songs exploring the wonders and beauty of winter. To help ensure that fans of The Okee Dokee Brothers can enjoy a lifetime of snowy winter exploration, they’re donating 10% of all Winterland CD sales.

Ages: for the entire family

“Kitty Cat Under My Wheelchair” by Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans Band

Kitty Cat Under My Wheelchair  introduces you to a new friend named Jamey who loves his cat and new puppy. Even though getting around in his wheelchair might have its challenges, Jamey shows us just how much fun a summer can be with his family and friends. He plays at the park, splashes in a pool, goes whale watching, makes a new friend and catches fireflies too. These recordings are imaginative, life-affirming and positive.

Ages: for the entire family

Five Little Oysters! with Sukey Molloy

Fifth in Sukey Molloy’s award winning musical collection, Five Little Oysters features favorite traditional family tunes and original songs. In keeping with Molloy’s up-close, cheery, participatory style, Five Little Oysters invites listeners into a personal, intimate world of familiar old time favorites. Molloy changes up the lyrics with lots of special effects, creative rhythmic nuances and colorful percussive textures and highlights educational fun with counting and farm animals.

Ages: 2-4 years old

“The Something of Love” by Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies

The Something of Love is a celebration of kindness and sharing, bringing kids and grownups together.  An uplifting, meaningful and dynamic album featuring Upbeat Reggae tunes with catchy melodies, nostalgic horns, funky bass and sweet guitar solos.

Ages: 5 – 8 years old

 

On a Roll by Tim Seston

In his new CD, On a Roll, Tim Seston inspires creativity and play while addressing some of the more challenging aspects of family life, tackling uncertainties and childhood fears in a warm and engaging way. Using a variety of musical styles, Seston is a skillful children’s artist who has taken his lyrics from his own life experiences.

Ages: 3 – 7 years old

Nothing Is Impossible

From the creators of the hit Story Pirates Podcast comes an album full of songs for kids that parents will love, too! Nothing Is Impossible features twelve infectious songs, written and performed by the Story Pirates, that are based entirely on stories written by KIDS!

Ages: pre-school  – 5th grade

For more great music, click HERE!

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With the days getting shorter and nights getting colder, we think it’s about time for a winter getaway. From California to Vermont, from beginner bunny trails to adrenaline-junkie black diamond rides, these ski-resorts have it all. Not only are the amenities worth bundling up for, their kid-friendly activities make them the perfect family-friendly holiday destination.

Photo credit: Vail Resorts

Heavenly Mountain Resort, California

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Overlooking the cool blue waters of Lake Tahoe, it’s no wonder they named this resort Heavenly. With over 34 miles of trails to ski in both Nevada and California, a kid-friendly zip line and ropes course, Heavenly is more like an outdoor adventure park than a ski resort. Did we mention they have a mountain coaster too? They offer ski and snowboard lessons for all levels of experience, child development teams and even a nursery and day care if your little ones are tuckered out after a day on the slopes. With several properties and types of rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find a match made in heaven.

Photo credit: Abby Hein and Vail Resorts

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

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Park City is a family-friendly fantasy with their new $50 million investment project debuting this year. Teach your kids in comfort at High Meadow Park, or enjoy a meal on the ridgeline at Cloud Dine with this sustainability-committed resort. Park City offers childcare, youth ski programs and sleigh rides through the town center for a truly immersive kid-friendly winter wonderland. For a parent’s night out, Utah boasts a vibrant nightlife with several bars, restaurants and wine tastings a short walk from the mountain. Pulled a muscle on the slopes? Stop by the RockResorts Spa for a hot stone massage. Park City is only a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City, so strap on your snow boots and get skiing.

Bridger Bowl, Montana

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Bridger Bowl is perfect for an adventure on a budget. With ski passes $63 a day for adults and $25 for kids 7-12 years old, there’s no excuse for missing out on a snow day. Bridger Bowl is home to over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, 75 trails and comfortable lodging with low rates even during the busiest seasons. They also offer youth ski and snowboard programs, guided ridge terrain tours and a playcare nap room at the ski lodge. Plan your trip for December or January for plenty of local, fun family-friendly events. No need to worry about long lines at Bridger Bowl, just take a moment to enjoy all of what nature has to offer.

Photo credit: Abby Hein and Vail Resorts

Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

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It wouldn’t be a ski list without Colorado, and Beaver Creek is a real winter gem. Explore 1,800 acres of terrain with three base camps at the only mountain in the US to regularly host the Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by for the daily Cookie Time ritual or one of their four award-winning restaurants on the mountain. Warm up next to the campfire, rest your feet on the heated sidewalks and see a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center – all with a view of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Beaver Creek also offers childcare services, but you may be able to buy some patience at the famous Candy Cabin.

 

Photo credit: Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia

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Leave no trail unexplored at the Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. With winter storms from the East and North dumping snow in this little town, you’re sure to get the powder you’re after. Teach your kids at the Ski and Ride School, get your snow legs on trails designed for all abilities or hit the 6-story Tubing Hill for a family-friendly adrenaline rush. When it’s time to hang up the skis, take a sleigh ride through the mountains or stop by the bouncy house/climbing wall/movie room for a cost effective break from the cold. With 11,000 acres to roam in the Appalachian Mountain Range, your family can get the perfect Christmas-card worthy photo in this vast national forest.

Photo credit: Rob Bossi / Okemo Mountain Resort

Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont

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Get ready for an activity-packed weekend at the Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont. This location redefines family-friendly with their popular Kids Night, an indoor pool and their year-round Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. Enjoy a bike trip through the snowy Jackson Gore, take a ride in the Snowtubing Park or watch your kids explore in their very own snowmobile tour. With plenty of events planned through the winter season, you’ll never run out of things to do. For an extra-spectacular Holiday getaway, plan for the end of December to meet Santa and see a torchlight parade and firework show on the slopes.

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The Historic Hotels of America have released their finalists for the 2018 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence just in time for holiday vacation. With 17 categories ranging from Best Social Media to Hotel Historian of the Year, we’ve got a few samples to inspire your next family trip.

Airlie

Warrenton, Virginia
Sustainability Champion finalist

Photo credit: Airlie website

Airlie, a 19th century estate burrowed into the Virginian countryside, focuses on reconnecting guests with the great outdoors. With over 300 acres of land, Airlie has its own farm specializing in local dishes and delicacies. Ride a complimentary bike through the fields, take a yoga class on the grass, and unwind at the end of the day with s’mores around the fire. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can sign up for archery, clay shooting, and complimentary fishing passes. With several variations of rooms and cottages, you are sure to find something that fits your family.

Hotel Captain Cook

Anchorage, Alaska
Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms) finalist

Photo credit: Hotel Captain Cook

Inspired by the Alaskan discoveries of Captain James Cook, his namesake hotel is located in the heart of downtown Anchorage. With most everything in the city walking distance, guests may be tempted skip out on the amenities, but Hotel Captain Cook holds its own. With an astounding four restaurants, private art collection, several athletic clubs, and over 500 rooms to choose from, you may never want to leave. Pro-tip: request a room in an upper floor of the third tower for an extra special view.

The Buccaneer

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Best Historic Resort finalist

 

Photo credit: Steve Simonsen Photography

The Caribbean’s longest running family-owned resort, The Buccaneer, is a dreamy snapshot of pure relaxation. With over 340 acres of perks to explore, this island getaway definitely feels like a home away from home. With four sandy white beaches only a short walk away, a water-sports center and weekly crab races, your little mermaids and mermen are sure to earn their gills. While parents spend some quality time at one of the three restaurants or eight tennis courts, kids ages 4-12 can make new friends at the complementary year-round Kids Camp.

Castle Hotel and Spa

Tarrytown, New York
Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel (Under 75 Guestrooms) finalist

Photo credit: Castle Hotel and Spa

If your history-buff kids have ever begged you for their own castle, this 20th century New York hotel is the place for you. The Castle Hotel and Spa sits on 10 wooded acres and includes a breathtaking view of the historic Hudson River. Originally built as a single-family home, the Castle Hotel boasts 31 uniquely refurbished suites and rooms. While the kids explore the grounds or play in the whirlpool, parents can enjoy the luxurious Sankara Spa or a meal at the renowned Equus fine dining restaurant.

 

 

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