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Bad shampoo. More than just a great name for a sub-par 80s cover band, it’s something that can happen right in your bathroom. Depending on the ingredients, shampoos have a shelf life of roughly 12-18 months after being opened. The fewer the unpronounceable words, the shorter the life. Yes, that’s a good thing! Some shampoos come stamped with an expiration date, but that’s more of a suggestion than a hard rule. The easiest way to tell if your shampoo has gone bad is with a few quick tests:
If your shampoo is past its expiration date, but still passes these three tests, there’s no need to dump it. Just keep an eye on it. (Or a nose and hand on it, as the case may be.)
To give your shampoo the longest shelf life possible, keep it away from direct sunlight or direct heat, and don’t open a new bottle until the old one is used up.
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Some of the highlights:
1) Make sure you're putting sunscreen ON your scalp, not just on your face and body.
2) Wash your hair before AND after swimming. Washing your hair before swimming helps prevent chlorine from penetrating the hair. Washing your hair after swimming helps rinse chlorine out of your hair. SoCozy’s Swim 3-in-1 is sulfate/paraben-free, and contains ingredients like Activated Charcoal, Jojoba Oil, Coffee Seed Extract that gently removes green tones and restores moisture for soft, silky hair. Use a small dime-size amount and gently massage through wet hair — no need to repeat!
3) Your hair grows FASTER in the summer, so trim your hair more frequently to take care of split ends.
4) As your hair gets lighter in the summer, your hair is more prone to damage from the sun.
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To keep your curly-haired kiddo’s head healthy, it’s extra important to maintain a balance between washing and waiting. Curly hair is often drier than straight hair, partly because natural oils that build up between washes have a hard time traveling down the root to the shaft of the hair. Luckily, an oily scalp is better disguised by curly hair, too! Washing less frequently, and with the right moisturizing products, could keep both the hair and scalp conditioned naturally for longer. For curly hair, allow three to four days in between washes. A good leave-in conditioner can help to maintain moisture in between washes. Mist over dry hair to calm frizz and boost shine.
Begin your hair care with a hydrating curly hair shampoo. SoCozy Curl Shampoo Ultra Hydrating Cleanser is a great, gentle option that cleans while maintaining moisture. Gently massage into hair and create a lather, then rinse.
Apply conditioner to freshly shampooed hair. Distribute evenly and gently finger-comb the conditioner into hair. Use a hydrating product made with natural ingredients that is specifically designed for curly hair, such as SoCozy’s Ultra Hydrating Curl Conditioner.
To de-tangle, use a wide-toothed comb and gently comb through the conditioned hair, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top of the head. Remember to never brush your curly kid’s hair — a wide-toothed comb is the way to go!
Gently rinse out the conditioner. For extra hydration, do a quick rinse and leave in a small amount of the conditioner to lock in lasting moisture.
Wring dripping water out of the hair and gently blot away excess water with a towel. If you’re looking for a quick tip to fight the dreaded frizz, ditch the towel for a cotton T-shirt. The shirt has a smoother texture without the rough grooves on towels, meaning it will absorb the water without disrupting your kid’s curl pattern. Plus, picking out an old “T-shirt towel” makes for a fun bath time activity!
Next step: Part the hair and apply a dime-size amount of styling cream or mousse. Then, gently scrunch the hair from tip to roots. Let air dry.
If you’re in a rush to dry, be cautious with the blow-dryer. The heat from styling tools, such as blow dryers, can cause heat damage and lead to frizziness or breakage. If blow-drying curls, be sure to use a diffusing attachment.
There are many tips and tricks to help protect your kiddo’s curls from flatness and frizziness. Friction, such as hair rubbing against a pillow at night, is a common culprit of frizz. Overnight, sleeping on top of hair can cause damage and breakage. If your toddler’s curls are less defined when they wake up, this could be why!
The best way to combat nighttime frizz is through protecting your kid’s hair with a protective style or hair wrap. One popular (and fun!) protective style is the pineapple method, which gets its name because it makes hair look like a pineapple! To achieve the pineapple style, turn your kid’s head upside down and gather your hair up high, as close the top of the head as you can. Loosely secure with a scrunch or cloth to keep it in place, and voila!
Another way to protect hair overnight is with a headband or hair wrap. Satin products are particularly great for curly hair, as they prevent frizz and breakage. Additionally, braiding hair in one or two braids is an excellent way to protect your kid’s hair at any time of day.
Another important form of curl protection is leave in conditioner! Leave in conditioner is a must have for curly hair — it locks in much-needed moisture and makes sure that hair remains smooth and hydrated. Natural products with non-toxic formulas are key. Look for ingredients like keratin, soy protein, and kiwi extract for softness and added moisture.
In-between washes, curls can sometimes deflate. If your little one wakes up to a head full of frizz or flattened curls, using a curl boosting spray is a great way to revive the curls. These sprays restore curls natural balance and keep hair healthy and hydrated between washes. Since curly hair can be dry and prone to breakage, formulas with a blend of olive oil and jojoba oil offer needed strength and shine.
Keep your kid’s curls in shape! Developing a consistent hair care routine, protecting curls overnight, and using natural products with lots of moisture are all great ways to help minimize frizz and maximize volume. Plus, you’ll find that your kiddo’s hair is a whole lot healthier in the process! From wet to dry, SoCozy products can help take your kid’s curls to the next level!
]]>Summer is wrapping up and the back-to-school ritual of gathering supplies has begun: fresh yellow pencils, crisp colorful notebooks, shiny new sneakers, and of course, the most important daily accessory—the backpack. Think about it, it’s the only item your child wears every single day from September to June! Why not choose a pack that expresses your child’s unique personality?
Sit up, take note, and get ready to be schooled in a little backpack inspiration:
The Juju Bag by Beatrix New York
Bright colors, padded straps, and a lucky ladybug make this a perfect pack for kids 5-10, with space enough for books, lunch, laptop, and even a hidden “Have a great day!” note from mom. Check it out!
The Bunny Backpack by Roxy
The famous surfer girl brand has brought its flashy style to school supplies. Not only does this loud-and-proud bag have a detachable lunch box, it also includes a branded water bottle and food storage container. Check it out!
The High Stakes Backpack by JanSport
Polka dots are always on trend, and this poppy pack has style and durability that will last all year long. This trusted brand has added two padded straps, a web haul hand, and a front storage pocket, making it a top choice for heading back to the classroom. Check it out!
The Emoji-nal Backpack by Nasty Gal
They say an emoji is worth a thousand text messages, and this bag certainly says it all. Great for girls or boys, this backpack is made from top-notch canvas and features adjustable straps and a front zip pocket. Check it out!
The Block Half Pack by MadPax
It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, and it’s guaranteed to get noticed in all the right ways. The blocky design hides an interior zip pocket and has comfort air-mesh back padding. It’s also slightly smaller than the average bag, making it easier to carry. Check it out!
The Allover Spider-Man™ Small Backpack by Pottery Barn
Your Spidey-sense is telling you your kid will love this bag. It’s made from water-resistant, durable polyester and is big enough to hold a lunch bag, two small notebooks, two books, and a water bottle. And the best part? You can monogram the back for a personal touch. Check it out!
The Print Classmate Small Backpack by Lands End
This backpack offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s built to carry everything your kid needs and has features like a no-tip design, an external lash strap, and reflective trim to help keep your child visible. Check it out!
]]>Every little boy is completely unique, so why aren’t their hairstyles? Hair is such a unique and easy form of self-expression, it’s time to help our boys move beyond buzz cuts and find a look that shows off their individuality. Here are some pointers for finding the right haircut for your little mister:
More than anything, it’s important to empower boys to come up with their own unique look and self-expression when it comes to their hairstyle. Because nothing is cooler than a boy being himself!
]]>Wow, did you see Angelina Jolie’s stunner of a wedding dress? It was both elegant and unbelievably sentimental, adorned with embroidered replications of her children’s artwork in the gown and veil. Brilliant, no?
And, you know, it got us to thinking: aside from a handmade Versace gown, what are other ways to reinvent our kids’ art? Instead of stockpiling it in plastic bins in the attic (we’ll call that Plan A), we’ve gathered some alternative, brilliant, Jolie-Pitt-inspired ways to preserve and transform their art into beautiful, useful keepsakes you’ll treasure forever.
Artists like those at Totally Out of Hand transform your child’s art into wearable pins that can adorn lapels, jackets, backpacks, hats and lanyards. We can’t think of a better good luck charm for anybody in the family.
Jen of A Thousand Words traced 120 of her son’s original (and might we say phenomenal) monster drawings onto a duvet cover that is not only one-of-a-kind, but completely out of this world!
Move your favorite paintings from the refrigerator door to the wall where they belong. All you have to do is take a photo of the art and have it uploaded online and transferred to printed, stretched canvas that arrives at your door ready to hang! Guess what? Your local Costco photo department offers this service.
Searching for the perfect gift for the child or adult that has everything? Imagine their face when they see their favorite drawing transformed into a plush toy. Kid-Inspired Creatures hand crafts “softies” with exacting detail to the child’s art.
Everybody can use a key chain, and every parent can definitely use a key chain created from their kids’ doodles. Etsy shop Formia Design creates titanium replicas of your favorite masterpieces. (Can you think of a cooler gift for Dad?)
And finally, how about incorporating your child’s art into your home décor? Imagine a bathroom or kitchen backsplash featuring one of these mosaic tiles created by Cherie Bosela. Beautiful!
Do you have a great way to preserve kids’ art? Tell us about it!
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It seems that everybody goes ga-ga over kids with curly hair. Sweet ringlets, corkscrews and gentle waves are one of Nature’s most adorable wonders. That is, until they become impossibly matted, frizzy bird’s nests. The good news is that even the wildest curls can be tamed with the right hair products and techniques. Take note of our most common Curly Qs, and soon you’ll be known in your circles as, “The Curl Whisperer”.
Photo Credit: Scotch & Soda
What’s the best brush for curly hair?
No brush! The most common mistake with curly hair is brushing, which produces the worst frizzy hair imaginable. For best results, use a wide-toothed comb in the bath or shower after applying conditioner. Comb out tangles starting at the tips and working your way up to the roots. Curly hair should be touched minimally when dry, so work it wet and let the curls do the rest.
Why does my child’s curly hair look so dry?
Hydration is the key to healthy curls. Here’s a secret trick that will make a huge difference: don’t rinse out all of the conditioner from the ends of your child’s curly hair. A quick rinse will leave a nice layer of moisturizer on the thirsty strands of hair and make it less frizzy and more manageable when dry.
How often should I wash my child’s curly hair?
Kids’ hair does not need to be washed daily, and that’s especially true for curly hair. A natural buildup of oils is important for a healthy hair and scalp, so allow at least 3-4 days between washes. If curly hair is looking dry and “thirsty,” spray it with leave-in conditioner on the days between washes.
How do I style curly hair?
After conditioning, combing and detangling in the bathtub, give your child’s curly hair a quick rinse and wring the excess water out with your hands. Blot hair with a towel to get any leftover drips. Part the hair and spread a nickel-sized amount of styling product in your hands. (Some recommended products for curly hair include Behave Styling Gel, Mousse, or Cream.) Next, gently scrunch the hair from tips to roots, bringing the curls to life. Thicker hair will require a bit more hair product, but work in nickel-sized doses. For best results, allow hair to air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. This will allow curls to set naturally.
What’s the best cut for curly hair?
Consult a stylist that specializes in haircuts for curly hair that will enhance your child’s curls. For a foolproof hairstyle for curly hair, opt for layers, since curls of the same length can get weighed down, producing sections of straight hair on top.
How do I keep curly hair from getting tangled?
Pull hair into a loose ponytail at night or during physical activities. This will keep tangles at bay, and curly hair will bounce back into shape the next day with just a little bit of scrunching with wet fingers (water or a little product).
What about straightening?
Remember that naturally curly hair is one of the unique things about your child, so embrace the idea of embracing curls instead of working to change or straighten them. (Plus, years of harsh heat and chemicals equals unhealthy hair and even unhealthier self-esteem.) Equip yourself with the right tools and techniques and pass them on to your child for a lifetime of beautiful individuality!
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At SoCozy, our philosophy is simple: being you is our idea of cool. That’s why we are so inspired by the three fierce and fabulous girls that make up the Pink Helmet Posse, a skating crew from California who love tutus, fingernail polish, and completely shredding it at the local skate parks. Featured recently in The New York Times, posse members Bella, Relz, and Sierra (all age 6) say they’re helping to get more girls interested in skating. You know, when they’re done with their first-grade homework.
Through their website (featuring an e-store that sells—you guessed it—pink skateboards and gear) and an Instagram account, these girls are showing that the board parks aren’t just for boys. According to the New York Times op-doc, “of the 192 competitors in the 2013 X Games in Los Angeles, 33 were women.” Little Sierra adds, “I want there to be the same amount of girls to be skating as the same amount of boys.”
Sierra, we have a feeling that you and your friends are just the ones to make that happen.
The Pink Helmet Posse works through tears and heckling in an effort to change the gender makeup of skateboarding. They’re tough, motivated, and aren’t afraid to chip the paint on their fingernails. Check out the award-winning short film, “Gnarly in Pink”, from The New York Times and get inspired.
]]>Before launching the new SoCozy look, we spent a lot of time looking for the right images to convey our brand message: “Being you is our idea of cool.”
Our search led us to four talented photographers whose work captures the essence of our message, featuring incredible kids with oodles of individual style and a wide range of hair types, ethnicities and personalities. We could go on and on, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words…
Meet: LEE CLOWER
Lee’s work captures high fashion with playfulness and personality, and has been featured in every major fashion media outlet. By the way, that playfulness is 100% genuine. Follow his Instagram feed and you’ll notice that there is usually a child climbing on his back during shoots!
Meet: JATAWNY M. CHATMON
JaTawny’s images practically sing with movement and voice. A true artist in every sense, JaTawny’s strength is in storytelling. In fact, check out her new book Getting Lost, featuring her stunning writing and photography.
Meet: KATRINA TANG
Photographer and director Katrina Tang spends her time split between London and New York. Her photography features a whimsical sophistication and diversity that’s been featured in countless children’s magazines and fashion campaigns.
Meet: AMANDA TIPTON
Amanda Tipton is a busy mom of five and an Army wife frequently on the move. Inspired to record memories of her own kids, Amanda’s talent soon led to a career behind the camera, capturing the beauty and magic of real moments.
It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with these talented photographers to create a shared vision of the SoCozy brand, inspiring kids to explore, find, and express their individuality. After all, SoCozy isn’t about one look, it’s about your look.
]]>Another amazing New York Fashion Week has wrapped up, and we couldn’t help but drool over the hot hair trends that walked the runway. The great thing about hairstyles from Fashion Week is that you don’t need bankroll or an A-list designer to get them! Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls’ Hair has all the how-to’s for this season’s trendiest tresses.
Here are a few of our favorites fresh from the runway and how you can reproduce them at home…
LOOK #1: MESSY BRAIDS
Totally Americana, but loosened up, this look from the Michael Kors show is inspired by a drive down the coast with the convertible top down.
GET THE LOOK
– Apply styling mousse to hair and dry thoroughly before braiding hair at the nape of the neck.
– Gently pull strands out of the braid around the face, and a few from the braid itself to create a windblown look.
LOOK #2: SLEEK WRAPPED PONIES
Shiny and chic, this look from the Oscar de la Renta show is everyday elegant.
GET THE LOOK
– They key to high shine without greasiness is applying hairspray or styling gel before and during the blow dry.
– Next, make a tight ponytail, leaving a one-inch strand underneath the tail and free from the holder.
– Wrap the strand around the base of the ponytail several times, completely covering the ponytail holder and use a hairpin to secure it.
– Alternatively, start the ponytail higher on the head and follow steps 2 and 3.
LOOK #3: THE SLEEK SOCCER CUT
Inspired from the Tom Snyder show, our favorite World Cup haircut (we’re calling it The Soccer Cut) is all dressed up and ready to wow.
GET THE LOOK
– Hair is cut super short or shorn on the sides and back, with clean lines and longer layers on top.
– Apply styling gel to still-wet hair and comb to the side. Allow hair to air dry, then spray with hairspray.
LOOK #4: BARELY SHAGGY PREPSTER
There’s just a little bit of bad boy in this preppy look from the All Saints show. This cut is perfect for thick hair with or without some natural wave.
GET THE LOOK
– The cut is short and clean around the sides and back, with long layers on top that brush the eyebrow.
– Apply a dab of styling mousse to dry hair, and finger-comb hair forward toward the face.
LOOK #5: HERRINGBONE BRAIDS (OR DECONSTRUCTED FISHTAIL BRAIDS)
Braids were definitely the stars of the runway this season, but this particular look from the Suno show continues to shine bright in our minds.
GET THE LOOK
– Apply styling gel to still-wet hair and comb through from root to tip.
– Create a classic fishtail braid.
– Gently pull the braid apart to lay flat and wide. Spray with hairspray to add shine and security.
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Photo Credit: Eline Visscher
Your child’s beginning years are filled with so many firsts, everything from first words and first steps to the first haircut. (And don’t they look so grown up after? Waaa!) Many of these firsts happen spontaneously, but your kid’s first haircut is one that you can (thankfully!) plan for and enjoy with the help of a few expert tips:
– First of all, toss out the word “cut” since it likely holds a negative connotation in your child’s world. From now on, refer to it as a “trim” or “style.”
– There’s no magical age for your child’s first hair trimming. You’ll know it’s time when hair is getting in your child’s eyes, is bothersome around their ears or neck, or when whispy flyaway hairs on the sides start looking like wings.
– Months or weeks before a trim is in order, take your child to the salon with you for your own or an older sibling’s hair trim. Let them observe the experience, learn what to expect, and anticipate their own turn someday.
– Allow your child to bring a favorite toy or book to hold in the seat to soothe them and occupy their hands.
– Whenever possible, book your appointment at a kids’ hair salon. These just for kids salons will be equipped with special chairs, toys, DVDs, and most importantly, stylists who enjoy working with kids to ensure the smoothest hair trimming experience.
– If there are no kids’ salon near you, be sure to ask the receptionist at the salon if any of the stylists work with children. Let’s face it—some people are good with kids, and some aren’t. A little bit of homework will go a long way.
– Schedule the appointment for a time of day that is best for your child. Naptime, snack time, and that fussy afternoon witching hour should be avoided at all costs.
– If your child has a difficult time sitting still, allow them to sit on your lap during the haircut.
– Bring a change of clothes with you just in case your child doesn’t want to wear the cape.
– Most importantly, keep yourself calm and relaxed. Kids look to parents constantly for emotional cues. If you are stressed and emotional, your child will pick up on it and follow suit. One more thing—don’t forget to take that all-important mom-and-me selfie afterward!
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Of all the textbooks for this new school year, the most important might be How to Quinoa: Life Lessons from My Imaginary Well-Dressed Daughter. This humorous book, fresh off the presses, will give you a hearty laugh with a wink and a smile. (And who can’t use that?) If you aren’t familiar with Quinoa yet, she’s the trendiest little girl on the Internet. Oh yeah, and she’s also imaginary.
Until you can read the book in entirety, Quinoa has generously offered 10 tips to get you off on the right foot:
1. Every morning, decide whether to be fierce or fabulous. Then choose both.
2. Always dress to impress yourself.
3. An apple is not only a healthy snack, but a classic accessory too.
4. Too much casual on Casual Friday isn’t good for anybody.
5. You’re never too young to start building your brand.
6. Never walk into a room when you can SHAZAM! into a room.
7. Be nice. It looks good on everybody.
8. Always look on the bright side; the lighting is better there.
9. Remember that Bad Hair Days happen to the best of us.
10. When posed with a tough question, ask yourself, ‘What would Quinoa do?”
Check out this hilarious book (a perfect gift for anybody with a sense of humor) and keep up with all of Quinoa’s antics on your preferred social media:
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Photo Credit: Urban Angels
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about growing hair out, and while we don’t know where they all originated (I’m looking at you, Grandma), we can break them down with some good, old-fashioned facts.
Is it true that getting haircuts will help it grow faster and thicker?
The short answer is no, there isn’t any scientific evidence to suggest that cutting hair makes it grow faster or thicker, but anecdotally, it really does seem like it helps! My theory is that by trimming or cleaning up the scraggly ends and providing a shape and style to the hair, you cause it to appear thicker and consequently notice the growth more when it starts to lose its shape. So while it doesn’t help your hair grow, it’s healthy to regularly trim you hair.
It seems like my child’s hair has growth spurts. Could that be true?
You’re not going crazy. Hair grows in cycles. Kids’ hair growth patterns can vary widely. As your child grows, her hair will continue to change. Scalp hair follicles produce hair at a rate of about 1⁄2 inch to 1 inch per month, but the follicles cycle on and off, causing hair to grow at various speeds. The average hair growth cycle lasts between two and seven years and consists of three phases: the anagen, the catagen, and the telogen. In the anagen phase, new cells form in the hair bulb. Eighty to ninety percent of all hair on your head is in this phase at any moment, with every hair at a slightly different stage of the process. The catagen phase is when the hair stops growing because cell division stops in the bulb. In the telogen phase, a new hair starts growing from the same follicle and pushes the old hair until it falls out. The rate at which your child’s hair cycles through the three phases is largely due to genetics. (I’m looking at you again, Grandma!)
Is it true that eating sweet potatoes, and Jell-O will help make my child’s hair grow faster?
While there are some foods with hair-friendly nutrients and minerals, like salmon, eggs, avocados, and yes, sweet potatoes, a healthy diet is most important for overall hair health, which will in turn help your hair grow. The gelatin in Jell-O is thought to strengthen hair, but there is absolutely no scientific proof to support it, so ditch the colorful Jell-O and opt for some colorful veggies instead. Does massaging the scalp help hair to grow? Again, there’s not a body of scientists to back up the claim, but massage will increase circulation around hair follicles, and may increase the release of more of the hair’s natural oils, both of which are good things for healthy hair. Plus, it sure feels nice and relaxing, so if you are growing your hair out and seeking some downtime, go for it.
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]]>Photo Credit: Una Casa En El Arbol
We’ve all seen them: school pictures gone very, very wrong. Kids are inherently adorable, so why all the unfortunate photos? Picture day is a special occasion that calls for a special hairstyle. So we’ve researched the best and the worst hair styling tips and put together this list of do’s and don’ts to give your little one her best shot at her best school photo ever.
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]]>Too often, fitness is something we reluctantly revisit from time to time, but fitness should be a way of life shared by the whole family.
At the risk of sounding like a cranky old grandpa, the reality is that kids no longer play the way they used to. Our digital world draws them indoors and into sedentary modes for hours at a time. TV, video games, and computers have replaced physical activities, like tag and hide-and-go-seek. They are losing the benefits of exercise, such as a faster metabolism, greater energy and focus, and weight maintenance.
The great news is that small changes in activity can make big differences in children because the body is still growing and can respond quickly to any physical activity! If you adopt fitness as a mindset, you’ll find many opportunities to create fun, easy physical activities for kids that the whole family can participate in. Think about places you frequent where you could replace a drive with a walk. Make anything a finish line, even a loop around the yard, and race together to get there. Jump over puddles and off of big rocks, or see how close you can get to dunking a basketball. (Don’t worry, laughing at yourself burns calories and counts as exercise too!) Buy a jump rope and teach your kids your old jumping games and rhymes. Sharing the activities together helps them build a fitness mindset of their own.
Remember: your child doesn’t need to be an athlete to be physically active. Ideally, children should have one hour of physical activity every day to gain the benefits of exercise, but it doesn’t have to happen all at once. Twenty minutes here and there quickly adds up, so get creative and use those small pockets of time throughout the day. (And don’t rely on gym class at school. It’s important to take responsibility at home.)
A combination of aerobic and strengthening activities will yield maximum benefits. Aerobic activities result in better breathing, a healthier heart and increased endorphins, which will give your child (and you) an overall happy feeling. Strengthening activities build muscles and bones, and decrease body fat. Kids shouldn’t be lifting free weights, but every kid is capable of lifting or pushing his or her own body weight.
There are plenty of indoor activities that can be incorporated into an active lifestyle. Lifting and carrying groceries, laundry, or pet food are examples of strengthening activities that kids can easily do. An afternoon raking leaves is a great aerobic activity (and jumping into a big pile is healthy too). And, believe it or not, there are even great video games and apps that incorporate physical activity if kids are stuck indoors. The key is to look for opportunities that fit your family.
Other great, safe indoor activities for children include:
Try setting a timer for 1-2 minutes at a time and seeing how many reps they can do of each exercise. If you’re watching TV together as a family, jump up during commercials and see how many squats or jumping jacks everybody can do. Let kids record their progress, which helps fuel motivation.
The most important thing is to get moving together. You’ll be happier and healthier for it now, and you’ll give your kids a healthy mindset for life.
Fitness Specialist
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What kids all around the world eat for breakfast.
Americans tend to lack imagination when it comes to breakfast. The vast majority of us, surveys say, start our days with cold cereal — and those of us with children are more likely to buy the kinds with the most sugar. Children all over the world eat cornflakes and drink chocolate milk, of course, but in many places they also eat things that would strike the average American palate as strange, or worse.
Breakfast for a child in Burkina Faso, for example, might well include millet-seed porridge; in Japan, rice and a putrid soybean goop known as natto; in Jamaica, a mush of plantains or peanuts or cornmeal; in New Zealand, toast covered with Vegemite, a salty paste made of brewer’s yeast; and in China, jook, a rice gruel topped with pickled tofu, strings of dried meat or egg. In Cuba, Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America, it is not uncommon to find very young children sipping coffee with milk in the mornings. In Pakistan, kids often take their milk with Rooh Afza, a bright red syrup made from fruits, flowers and herbs. Swedish filmjolk is one of dozens of iterations of soured milk found on breakfast tables across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. For a child in southern India, the day might start with a steamed cake made from fermented lentils and rice called idli. “The idea that children should have bland, sweet food is a very industrial presumption,” says Krishnendu Ray, a professor of food studies at New York University who grew up in India. “In many parts of the world, breakfast is tepid, sour, fermented and savory.”
Parents who want their kids to accept more adventurous breakfasts would be wise to choose such morning fare for themselves. Children begin to acquire a taste for pickled egg or fermented lentils early — in the womb, even. Compounds from the foods a pregnant woman eats travel through the amniotic fluid to her baby. After birth, babies prefer the foods they were exposed to in utero, a phenomenon scientists call “prenatal flavor learning.” Even so, just because children are primed to like something doesn’t mean the first experience of it on their tongues will be pleasant. For many Korean kids, breakfast includes kimchi, cabbage leaves or other vegetables fermented with red chile peppers and garlic. A child’s first taste of kimchi is something of a rite of passage, one captured in dozens of YouTube videos featuring chubby-faced toddlers grabbing at their tongues and occasionally weeping.
Children, and young omnivorous animals generally, tend to reject unfamiliar foods on the first few tries. Evolutionarily, it makes sense for an inexperienced creature to be cautious about new foods, which might, after all, be poisonous. It is only through repeated exposure and mimicry that toddlers adjust to new tastes — breakfast instead of, say, dinner. That we don’t put pickle relish on waffles or eat Honey Bunches of Oats for supper are rules of culture, not of nature. As children grow, their palates continue to be shaped by the food environment they were born into (as well as by the savvy marketers of sugar cereals who advertise directly to the 10-and-under set and their tired parents). This early enculturation means a child in the Philippines might happily consume garlic fried rice topped with dried and salted fish called tuyo at 6 in the morning, while many American kids would balk at such a meal (even at dinnertime). We learn to be disgusted, just as we learn to want a second helping.
Sugar is the notable exception to “food neophobia,” as researchers call that early innate fear. In utero, a 13-week-old fetus will gulp amniotic fluid more quickly when it contains sugar. Our native sweet tooth helps explain the global popularity of sugary cereals and chocolate spreads like Nutella: Getting children to eat sugar is easy. Teaching them to eat slimy fermented soybeans, by contrast, requires a more robust and conservative culinary culture, one that resists the candy-coated breakfast buffet.
To sample the extensive smorgasbord that still constitutes breakfast around the world, Hannah Whitaker recently visited with families in seven countries, photographing some of their youngest eaters as they sat down in front of the first meal of the day.
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October 14th is National Dessert Day, so now we all have another reason to eat dessert tonight. From cakes and puddings to ice cream and pies, these are all things we consider dessert. And sometimes it’s as simple as throwing whipped cream on fruit to create it. We decided to get involved (twist our arm) and put together a list of desserts that you can create with your kiddos.
So take out those cookie sheets, preheat the oven, and prepare one of these easy SoCozy approved sweets tonight.
Color Dipped Marshmallows
If the thought of turning on your oven scares you, don’t fret. Here’s a super simple way to create a quick dessert with your tiny tot. All it takes is a bag of marshmallows and some food coloring. Now I think we can all do that.
Candied Orange Dipped in Chocolate
Oranges aren’t just for half time at soccer games. With a combination of orange and chocolate, you’ll have a little treat everyone will love.
Chocolate Dipped Apples
In the essence of apple picking season, here’s a fall classic must. Insider tip, you can always swap the nuts for another topping, it is National Dessert Day, splurge for the M&Ms.
Mix-in-the-Pan Apple Crisp Bars
Here’s a dessert you might even let your kiddo take with them to school tomorrow. And, ‘mix-in-the-pan’ means less dirty dishes for you.
Chubby Tate Chocolate Chip Cookies from Kathleen King of Tate’s Bake Shop
It wouldn’t be right if there wasn’t a chocolate chip cookie recipe on the list. Insider tip, freeze some of the dough balls in a zip tight bag for those times when theres an unexpected play date.
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Photo Credit: Dover Publications
The next time you need to unwind after a long, stressful day, consider skipping over the glass of wine and reaching for the crayon box instead. That’s right, coloring is not just for kids anymore. A recent article in Huffington Post is touting the very real benefits of putting colored pencil (or crayon) to paper. Somewhere along the line, most of us believed we’d graduated from coloring books, but maybe we shouldn’t have.
According to psychologist Gloria Martinez Ayala, the repetitive, fine-motor movements of coloring activate different areas of the two cerebral hemispheres, and the benefits are immense:
It can also connect us to our emotions, expressing themselves through color and intensity. But even more importantly, it can connect us to our kids. Sharing the activity of coloring is good for relationships, too. In fact, kids love to share activities with parents that they feel are their domain. Think about it, as parents, we bring kids into our world, but how often do we enter theirs, from their perspective?
And if the thought of coloring princesses or superheroes doesn’t exactly thrill you, there are plenty of coloring books geared specifically for adults. Check out some options like Color Me Good and Art Therapie, both bestsellers. There are also plenty of free downloads on Pinterest that both kids and adults can enjoy.
De-stressing while connecting to kids—what could be better? You know, aside from all the great art you’ll have for the refrigerator.
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At SoCozy, we’re always inspired by great people and organizations that empower others with knowledge. That’s why, as part of Breast Health Awareness Month, we reached out to Mary Ann Wasil, the founder, president, and CEO of The Get in Touch Foundation to share with our readers what it means to “get in touch” for breast health.
Mary Ann with her daughters – left to right, Mary, Mary Ann and Betsy
Photo credit: Lisa DeTullio Russell
Before we get into the details of your amazing non-profit Get in Touch Foundation, tell us about you – where are you from?
I’m a New England girl – born and raised in Connecticut, and have always lived in a shoreline community, toes in the sand, saltwater in my blood, but I’m grateful to have always been a hop-skip-and-a-jump from New York City, my favorite city in the world!
Why did you decide to share your personal story and be an advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness?
Honestly, the first thing I said to my doctor when he told me I had breast cancer was, “Okay, what do I have to do? Just tell me what I have to do because I’m going to do this with faith and grace and style, and I’m going to show other women that they can do it, too.”
How did you come up with the idea for the Get in Touch Foundation?
I was drinking strong black coffee and eating warm sugary donuts at Krispy Kreme with my friend Susan Patrick when we talked about the fact that between us we had five daughters who had a family history of breast cancer. (Her mom is a breast cancer survivor.)
We wondered out loud what we could do to make sure our girls had all the information they needed to be as healthy and smart and cool as their moms. (Actually, we told them we could help with healthy and smart, but when it came to cool, they were on their own!)
We put our dreams on paper and made a “Wish List” that quickly evolved into a mission statement that has become a living document for The Get In Touch Foundation.
Why did you come up with the name “Get in Touch”? Is there a specific message you want to convey?
We came up with the idea for the name in that first conversation we had at Krispy Kreme when talked about what we wanted our daughters to be able to do when it came to their bodies. We wanted them to “get in touch” with their bodies, with information, and each other, in our crusade against breast cancer.
It’s a simple message, really, “Get In Touch.”
We all know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, what is the Get in Touch Foundation doing to spread awareness?
Well, let me start by saying that we actually refer to October as Breast HEALTH Awareness Month!
The Get In Touch Foundation is a breast HEALTH nonprofit organization and our program is a breast HEALTH initiative.
We want girls to know what their normal, HEALTHY breast tissue feels like.
We like to say that we want girls to know their bodies better than their mothers did, and better than their grandmothers would ever approve of!
If possible, we think girls should learn about breast HEALTH before they learn about breast cancer.
The third Friday of October is International “GIT Your Pink On!” Day, which means that we encourage schools that have signed up for our free program, as well as businesses interested in supporting our mission, to host a “pink dress-down-day” and ask students, staff, employees and customers to wear pink and donate one dollar to Get In Touch!
The Daisy Wheels that we send FREE to schools all over the globe cost us about $2.00 apiece to produce and deliver. We have given over 500,000 Daisy Wheels to girls all over the world, so, as you can see, our mission is not an inexpensive one.
Every single donation matters, no matter the size.
If you could give only one piece of advice to moms about breast health awareness, what would it be?
As a mother of three who was first diagnosed when my children were turning 10, 12 and 13 years of age, I would say that my most important advice to other moms would be to do EVERYTHING you can to “get in touch” with your body.
We all know the direction we get whenever we fly on an airplane – in case of an emergency, put your own oxygen mask on before you turn to help others.
You have to make sure you are strong enough before you can help anyone else – even your children, and even when you’re not on an airplane.
Women tend to put themselves last – after their kids, their spouse, their parents, their family, their friends, their workplace, their pets – you get the picture, LAST!
But when we put ourselves FIRST in terms of our health, that’s how we can make sure we’re doing everything we can to be there for the people in our lives that need us most.
So, make sure you do your BSE – it’s free, easy, non-invasive – and it gives you your own personal baseline for normal.
If you see or feel something that isn’t normal for you – CALL YOUR DOCTOR.
Please, please, PLEASE don’t wait to make that call.
And always – ALWAYS – listen to your instinct. Don’t let anyone tell you not to worry, that you’re too young to get breast cancer, that you have no family history of breast cancer, that they’re “sure you’re just fine.”
All of that happened to me when I found the lump on my breast at the age of 39, but my instinct to want to know more is what ultimately saved my life.
What tips or advice do you have for other women hoping to start a business or any other sort of organization?
Oh, this is a great question, one I get asked quite often, something I’m sure SoCozy Founder Cozy Friedman gets asked all the time, as well!
My advice is to surround yourself with the smartest people you know.
You must be able to identify your own weaknesses and bring people on board who are strong where you are weak. Don’t try to do everything yourself.
My board of directors is a perfect example of professional excellence – they are marketing, financial, legal, development, and human resource geniuses who offer The Get In Touch Foundation their expertise on a daily basis.
Not one of us knows everything, but together, as a team, there isn’t anything we can’t do!
We’re a team, and as that corny – but true – saying goes, “There is no “I” in TEAM!”
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You’ve probably heard the word parabens floating around lately. It’s one of those mystery words that has entered the zeitgeist, but with fuzzy details surrounding it. Are parabens dangerous? Is it a scary word? An urban legend? A salad topping?
Let’s break it down.
What are parabens? The word paraben describes any of a group of compounds used as preservatives in cosmetic products (as well as pharmaceuticals and some foods). It’s the special X factor added to extend the shelf life of products and prevent the growth of bacteria. And parabens are nothing new—they’ve been around since the 1950s.
So, why are we talking about them now?
For years, there has been speculation about parabens and their safety, since we know through science that some parabens (that can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream) mimic estrogen in the body, and estrogen disruption has been linked to breast cancer and other reproductive issues. In 2012, a study conducted on breast cancer tissue samples confirmed that 99% of the samples contained parabens. The FDA has not updated their regulations on the use of parabens since 2007. Still, there appears to be adequate cause for concern especially for pregnant women and young children since disrupted hormonal systems cause the most harm during critical periods of development (gestation and childhood).
What makes SoCozy so different?
When I was doing research before developing my own product line for kids’ hair care back in 2002, I made a decision about parabens: NO. NONE. ZIP. NADA. It was of utmost importance to me to create paraben free shampoos, conditioners, and other products, made specifically for kids without all the nasties. I knew it was possible to create paraben-free, clean, safe, salon-quality hair care for kids without parabens. So I did.
I created a line of paraben free products that work wonders, smell amazing and contain absolutely no parabens, as well as, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic color, or propylene glycol. They’re even free of gluten, wheat, and nuts, making them completely safe for kids with allergies and sensitivities. All of my products have a natural shelf life of 18 months in which they stay fresh and safe to use. And more importantly, they are products I can stand behind as a parent myself.
The post What Are Parabens and Why Should I Care? appeared first on SoCozy.
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With Halloween days away, most of us find ourselves doing the last minute scramble. Mostly because we have a hard time thinking about purchasing an expensive costume that your kid will likely only wear once. Don’t worry, you’re in luck, we stumbled upon Sweet Paul’s 10 Super Cute- DIY Halloween Masks & Headpieces. Check out our favorites and hopefully these will inspire you to pick up the scissors instead of the credit card.
You’ll Need:
Craft Paper
Crayons
Long Bamboo Sticks
Hot Glue Gun
Thick Ribbon
Fake Toy Bugs
Acorns
Here’s How:
1. Start by drawing zig-zag patterns with different colored crayons on the paper.
2. Cut out long feather-shaped leaves and fold them in half lengthwise.
3. Hot glue bamboo sticks on the back to make the paper stand up. You can also double-up the paper on each leaf.
4. Glue the bottom of each leaf to a thick ribbon. Remember to leave some ribbon on each side to tie with. Let dry completely.
5. Hot glue bugs and acorns all over the headpiece.
Old Man Groucho Marx Style Glasses
You’ll Need:
Pair of 3-D Glasses
Fimo Dough or Bakeable Modeling Clay
Hot Glue Gun
Bits of Felting Wool
Here’s How:
1. Make several noses out of modeling clay. Press each one to the bridge of your glasses to make sure they can easily be glued to the glasses. The noses should be hollow so your actual nose will fit inside when you put on the glasses.
2. Bake the clay noses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. When the noses are baked and cooled, hot glue them into place on your glasses.
4. Use bits of felting wool to make big bushy eyebrows and a big bushy moustache and glue them onto the glasses and nose.
You’ll Need:
Pair of 3-D Glasses
Piece of Cardboard
Old Tweed Suit Jacket or Some Tweed Material Scraps
Felt
Colored Paper
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun
Here’s How:
1. Cut out a nice mask-shaped piece of cardboard bigger than the size of the 3-D glasses.
2. Cut out eye holes in the cardboard.
3. Use the cardboard as a pattern to cut two pieces of tweed from the old jacket and one from the felt.
4. Scallop the bottoms of the tweed and the felt, layer them over the cardboard, and glue them into place
5. Cut eyeholes out of the fabric, using your cardboard as a guide.
6. Cut out a beak from yellow paper and glue it to cardboard.
7. Cut rings from paper to make the eyes look very owlish.
8. Glue the cardboard to the 3-D glasses.
]]>For one thing, tea tree oil is a natural repellent for bugs, specifically lice and bacteria. It also contains an important element called terpinen, which is an anti-inflammatory, as well as special anti-fungal and antiviral properties.
Although preventing lice is the main reason I developed my Boo! Product line, I’ve found that the Boo! Shampoo and Boo! Spray also help maintain a healthy scalp and prevent dandruff. My special formula, which features tea tree oil, also works as a dandruff shampoo for kids. Yes, kids get dandruff, especially in dry winter months! (Don’t worry; it’s not contagious, just irritating and sometimes embarrassing.)
Here’s how my Boo! SHAMPOO and SPRAY work:
There you have it. Daily use of Boo! Shampoo and Boo! Spray is the best and easiest way to get rid of pesky dandruff and keep lice at bay. And the less you have to fuss with your kids’ lice and dandruff, well, the more time you have to appreciate Hugh Jackman. Win/win.
The post Kids Can Be Flaky (But There’s Hope!) appeared first on SoCozy.
]]>Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get the kids involved. Not only is it great bonding time, but they feel proud of what they’ve accomplished. So get out the mini-aprons and gather the gang in the kitchen, and try one of these Cozy approved meals.
Sage Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
To make this kid friendly, make sure everything is chopped up and ready to be put into the bowl. Let the kids mix everything together and then have them spoon the stuffing into large muffin pans instead of one large pan.
Have your kids’ measure out all the ingredients. Once you’ve allowed everything to cook, have them handle the hand mixer, but beware, they may get some on the walls.
Tip: Set a timer for mixing, only 2 minutes, any longer and the texture becomes gluey.
Depending on the age of your kiddo, you can most likely give them full control of this “assignment.” Just show them the picture so they know how to assemble it.
The kids have the chance to mix the filling while you core the apples. Then you can even let them stuff the apples.
These are just some of the recipes you can have your little helpers get involved with. They can tear lettuce, wash the fruits and veggies, roll out pie crusts, place the rolls in the basket, and so much more. Enjoy!
The post Little Thanksgiving Helpers appeared first on SoCozy.
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Lauren Rudmon’s students were responsible for these awesome and thankful Turkey Hands.
This LITERAL Turkey Hand was done by Kelvin Martoral of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, West Side.
Jovy Gould created Turkey Hands with her sons’ favorite cereal, lentils and healthy fruit snacks.
This tubby little Turkey Hand was done by Melanie Kahn’s daughter.
AND OF COURSE, we couldn’t help but save the best for last…
]]>The post Dance Like a Girl appeared first on SoCozy.
]]>Here’s a big dose of pure happiness for you and proof that lightning sometimes strikes twice. You may have already heard of 11-year-old hip hop dance phenom Taylor Hatala. She’s been shaking up the Internet with her mind-blowing moves to songs like “Shake It Off” and “Ananconda,” but recently we discovered that Taylor is a big sis to ANOTHER little firecracker, 8-year-old Reese. And we just can’t get enough of these incredible sisters stomping it out in this nail salon while mom gets a pedicure. Check it out:
Awesome, no? These California girls have big BIG talent, and yet, refreshingly, they still look like little girls who probably have to do homework and chores when they get home. The pure joy in their movements is contagious, and it makes us want to throw on a pair of high tops, turn up the beat, and dance like a girl.
You can keep up with Taylor and Reese and discover even more mind-blowing documentation of their talent on Instagram:
Taylor Hatala @tayd_dance
Reese Hatala @reeses_pieces77
The post Dance Like a Girl appeared first on SoCozy.
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#willowonashelf
No matter your position on the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon of recent years (you know, the most polarizing topic since Obamacare), we have a feeling that everybody can come together and get behind photographer Gina Lee’s take on it. She’s been dressing her grinny toddler Willow as the mischievous elf and documenting the fun. Check out some of the adorableness…
Not even elves are immune from economic troubles.
Two naughties do not make a nice, but they sure make a cute pair.
Santa has a sleigh. Willow has a brontosaurus.
You can keep up with Willow’s adventures on Gina Lee’s Instagram or Facebook feed. (And while you’re waiting for new updates, be sure to check out their inspired Halloween series.) We can’t wait to see where Willow the Elf pops up next!
All Images: @GINALEE ON INSTAGRAM
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The holidays are here and the shopping ritual has begun, with that ever daunting question going around in your head, what does everybody want? Another scarf for your mother-in-law, more socks and underwear for your husband and that’s only the beginning. With a gift list that seems to grow and grow every year, we decided to take some of the work out of it, and handle the kids.
Grab a pen, that dreaded list and fill in the gaps with Cozy’s must-haves:
With bright colors of feet, hands, heads and patterns the kids can stack and create their own wooden monsters.
We’re already dreaming about summer, so why not further the anticipation? 37 water balloons in 20 seconds. Get ready for water balloon war.
Giant inflatable pins and skipping the trip to the alley, sounds like a win, win. Start clearing out your living room.
They brought the classic game of Mario Kart to life. Here’s a perfect way to get them away from the TV or computer, and they won’t even think about it.
Bright Lights BBOP (Buddy Bounce Outdoor Play)
Colorful, confetti-filled balls that kids can step into. Not only that, but when they run and bump into each other the motion-activated LEDs make the confetti light up. This might be every brother and sisters dream.
A bag that can keep any toddler busy. Opens up to a pad with washable crayons, and flip the page for a mini chalkboard with chalk. This isn’t only a gift for them, but for you, silence.
Building blocks that can be transformed into whatever doodle comes to mind.
]]>‘Tis the season to think about giving back, and you don’t have to look too far to find some great examples and inspiration, even right on the street.
Mark Bustos is an A-list celebrity hairstylist in New York, who spends his Sundays out on the street giving free haircuts to homeless men. Carrying his own supplies and setting up shop anywhere from park benches to overturned grocery carts, he gives up to ten haircuts per day to those in need. And the haircuts often mean so much more than a haircut—it offers an individual care and self-worth. Mark said part of the inspiration is knowing how great a haircut feels, how it can change your outlook, and wanting to share that with everyone. And of course, here at SoCozy, we can certainly understand.
Last week as we wrapped gifs for homeless women and children at WIN in NYC (and thank you again for your support during our Turkey Hand campaign), we asked the question of each other and now we’ll ask it of you:
What’s your favorite way to give back?
Share your ideas with us (and others) on Facebook, and may we all find ways this season and in the coming year to give back.
Keep up with Mark Bustos on Instagram: @markbustos
Learn more about breaking the cycle of homelessness with WIN.
]]>I’m not normally one for resolutions at New Years. I’m more of the mindset that I’m a constant work in progress. But in the spirit of the season I have made a commitment to cooking more at home. My family of four, has a super busy schedule which is a challenge in and of itself. This combined with living in a city where any type of food is just a phone call away, ordering in is a crowd pleasing, and easy option. I’m constantly saving recipes online and tearing them out of magazine but I don’t often get around to actually making them. This could be the year! If how you spent your New Year’s Eve sets your intention for the year I could be off to a good start because I hosted a dinner part for 20. How do you think I did?
Kale and Quinoa Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
I think every dinner party needs a green, and this one is super simple, with a little twist. AND there was plenty for everyone.
“Tandoori” Carrots with Vadouvan Spice and Yogurt
At first this recipe intimidated me, but once I learned that vadouvan was just an exotic spice blend, I decided to accept the challenge. And it turned out to be a hit!
Miso-Glazed Sea Bass with Asparagus
I put a little spin on this one. I decided to use Cod instead of Sea Bass, and left out the Asparagus. That’s the fun of cooking anyway, substituting what you think will work.
Here are some bonus pictures that always seem to be my go-to when deciding to have a dinner party. These ones were all in my head.
My masterpiece of a Charcuterie Plate
Teriyaki Pork Loin on the Big Green Egg (shh it’s pineapple)
xox,
Cozy
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