KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a teenager, a math teacher I respected told me that there are two kinds of people: Those who make pizza, and those who grab as many slices as they can. "At the end of the day," he said, "you want to be someone who has made more pizza than she eats." He said this to me at the perfect time, when I was just forming my ideas about who I was and was going to become. I
decided I wanted always to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation, so I started thinking about how to use the time I have here on Earth to make as much pizza as I possibly could. Over the years, I found that the key to success in this long-term goal is to tune my mental radar to the very near future, to stay in control of my time rather than giving it away to an algorithm that serves endless empty calories: How best do I use the next five minutes, the
next half hour, the next day? It all adds up. Even young kids can add value to the world, especially if they watch their parents doing it. New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they're overly specific. But resolving to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation is straightforward. For some easy recipes for quick wins, check out my quick-read article 12 Starter Ideas for Pizza on Earth. Then look up from your phone, scan your world, and you'll find all the ingredients you need. Here's to a delicious 2026!
—Debra Ross,
publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Charlotte’s largest and most organized children’s consignment sale has been outfitting families across the Southeast for 15 years, drawing shoppers from as far as Maryland and Tennessee for a can’t‑miss shopping frenzy. Filling 80,000 square feet at Independence Hall in the Park Expo & Conference Center, the sale features more than 100,000 items—clothing, toys, baby gear, books, furniture, and more—enough clothing to stretch over half a mile on a single rack. Consignors earn 60–78% of sales, far more than typical shops. With free parking, free admission, VIP presale options, and payment flexibility, TTB KidZ is the ultimate one‑stop seasonal shop.
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In this uplifting hands-on activity, participants will create their own 3D “Map of Joy” art piece that highlights the wins, connections, and cherished moments that shaped their past year. Using paint markers, photos, fabrics, magazines, and other textured materials, participants will design a vibrant collage celebrating the experiences that brought joy, pride, and growth into their lives. This creative experience not only honors the beauty of the past year but also helps prepare for what is ahead in 2026. By recognizing moments of joy and gratitude, participants can build a positive foundation, mindset, and intention for the new year. Everyone will leave with a personalized piece of artwork that celebrates where they’ve been and inspires where they’re going.
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Whether this is your 100th rewatch or your first time sealing the Honmoon, join us for a screening of KPop Demon Hunters at TBE to brush up on the lore ahead of Purim Spiel auditions. Open to all ages. Comfy clothes, blankets, and pillows are welcome (chairs will also be available). Register by Friday, January 2.
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Step into a glowing, snow-dusted wonderland with the debut of Snow Days, a one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience in Charlotte, NC, opening Saturday, November 22 and running through the winter holidays. Snow Days is a family-friendly winter experience designed to inspire awe, nostalgia and wonder—perfect for anyone looking for indoor winter activities in Charlotte or things to do in Charlotte when it’s cold.
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- SCNP: Friday Fire and S'mores (drop-in) - Stevens-Cool Springs Nature Preserve, Mint Hill, NC, Friday, 01/02/2026, 10:30am to 12:00pm
- Winter Wonderland Hike - McDowell Nature Center, Charlotte, NC, Friday, 01/02/2026, 3pm-4:30pm
- Unplugged at the Loft - ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin
Center - ImaginOn, Charlotte, NC, Friday, 01/02/2026, See website for details
- Sustainability Saturday - McDowell Nature Center, Charlotte, NC, Saturday, 01/03/2026, 1:30pm-4:30pm
- Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet - McDowell Nature Center, Charlotte, NC, Sunday, 01/04/2026, 4pm-4:30pm
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Charlotte area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Charlotte Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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