Latest news with #VanLeeuwen
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
29 Random Summery Products You Need In Your Life
A pack of reusable poop-shaped water balloons to take your next Battle at the Beach to a whole 'nother level. Because these have magnets that ensure a quick and easy seal, you can use them over and over! And it makes refilling them a breeze. I'm pooping — I mean, I'm rooting for you! A cute sand remover bag because you love the beach, in theory, but in practice? You hate getting sand all over your body. This talc-free and reef-friendly bag easily removes sand and leaves you feeling clean. A slim stainless steel can cooler for keeping your White Claw cold while you yap away at your BBQ guests. Seven "long story shorts" later and your drink is still cold. That's because this triple-insulated cooler can keep cans cool for up to 12 hours! A pack of 10 DEET-free mosquito-repellent bracelets that use essential oils to keep bloodsuckers away. Some reviewers suggest wearing one on your wrist and one on your ankle if you're in mosquito-dense areas. A pack of bug-bite patches designed with bug-magnet-y kids in mind. These patches contain hydrocolloid, aloe, and witch hazel to help with itchiness (but let's be real, they really just help make sure your little ones don't scratch themselves raw 😬). A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop because it's finally appropriate weather for a cold treat, but your regular-degular spoons just can't get you the scoops you deserve. This helpful gadget heats up to 158 degrees, making digging into a fresh carton of Van Leeuwen an easy task. All you have to do is grip the handle to activate heating — no pesky buttons! A 6-foot inflatable beer pong table — when Marco Polo and chicken fighting have lost their luster, bring this bad boy out and test your hand-eye floating. This comes with three pong balls to get you started (but you might as well get a few more)! This can also be used as a floating lounge. But maybe only for the winner. A frizz-taming pre-braid priming foam that'll nourish your hair with all the coconut oil and shea butter in its formula. It also strengthens hair and provides grip for an easier time braiding. And if you sleep in those braids, you'll likely wake up with waves as beautiful as those that crash on the shore. A gentle K-beauty SPF 50 sunscreen stick since it offers a matte finish and sebum control; its formula contains plant-based Sebum Control P Complex (a blend of pine leaf, evening primrose, and pueraria), which helps to suppress the excess activity of sebaceous glands and absorb oil. And not only does it moisturize skin, but it can also double as a pore-blurring primer! A set of boho-chic hair tie bracelets because they're so cute, they can absolutely pass as jewelry! These are designed to not damage your hair OR hurt your wrists, which can't be said of the basic hair ties you've been using that low-key cut off blood circulation. A pair of leakproof "wet bags" — OK, I'm gonna hold your hand while I say this: All those summers you spent carting around waterlogged swimsuits on beach days, getting everything in your beach bag have to happen like that. These have heat-sealed seams and can also be used to store diapers, soiled bibs, and more. A lightly tinted SPF 30 lip oil that'll help keep your smackers protected from UVA/UVB light while also giving them a little shimmering goodness. Made with argan, castor, and sunflower seed oils, antioxidants, and vitamin E, your smoochers will not only be moisturized but also protected against free radicals. A pack of four "Beverage Buddee" can covers so you can enjoy a refreshing La Croix on your front porch without worrying about dirt, dust, and bugs finding their way inside. Reviewers even use these when they're at the beach to prevent sand from drifting into their canned bevs. A scrunchie/towel hybrid if you like air-drying your wet hair but hate to have a bunch of water dripping all over you. A patio umbrella light to provide some much-needed lighting when the sun sets but your fam is in the middle of an intense Uno game. It has three brightness modes depending on what ~vibe~ you're trying to create. A pair of à la mode boxer-style shorts that are, like, a big-number percent cheaper than the $98 Reformation versions (sorry, I'm bad at math). You'll likely wanna live in these cuz they're so cute and comfy. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Get them in several colors? Absolutely! An inflatable sunbathing lounger, because the beach isn't the only place on the planet where you can get a tan. And since it has two drink holders, you can stay hydrated with your Owala and have a little fun with a tumbler full of margarita. So grab your sunscreen, adjust the removable pillow, and get that oh-so-sacred vitamin D. Plus, it can also be used as a floatie if you've got a pool! A cooling Naturium gel body wash if after a long day out in the sun, your body is begging for a system reset. Formulated with mandelic acid, fermented sugar cane, and menthyl lactate, this refreshing soap works to fight and prevent odors while providing a gentle, cooling feeling post-shower. A surprisingly chic, stadium-approved clear purse perfect for all those summer concerts and music festivals on your calendar that are hosted by pretty strict venues with pretty strict bag guidelines. This cutie features leather binding and a gold-colored chain strap. Because you can still look hawt while carrying around hand sanitizer and butt wipes (you simply can't trust those porta-potties). An insulated cup with a built-in stadium horn called "The LoudCup" so you can cheer on your favorite teams without losing your voice for once. As soon as you're done taking a sip, just turn the tumbler around and blow into the noisemaker! A moisturizing Sally Hansen instant cuticle remover to help your hands recover from the wintry cold and its dry air. You might miss your chance to say goodbye to your excess cuticles since this works in 15 seconds! This fast-drying formula contains soothing and conditioning aloe and chamomile. You'll wanna become a hand model after using this, and who could blame you? A pretty and practical bike cup holder if your favored mode of transportation in the summer is your bicycle. Oh, and not only can this hold your water bottle, but it also has a cellphone holder, so your iPhone doesn't go flying from your pocket while you are zooming down city streets. And a handwoven plastic wicker bike basket because — hello — it's absolutely darling! But, in all seriousness, it'll also come in real handy on your many summer errands; it can handle a few grocery bags, a small pup, your water bottle, and more! A lightweight cotton dog collar whose summery print might just add an extra bit of pep to your pup's step! An inflatable beach pillow that won't get blown away by the wind! This soft and durable pillow wicks away water and sheds sand, so you can lie comfortably by the shore. A trendy trucker hat with a mesh back to help keep you cool on all your outdoor adventures. It's also got a sweatband because it knows you hate to get sweat in your eyes when you're trying to concentrate on breathing while hiking. A set of stackable starfish-shaped sand cup holders so you don't have to fight to keep your bottle of water upright in the sand. It's also great for holding your phone, sunscreen, or keys — anything you don't want getting lost or covered in sand. An inflatable floating flamingo pool light that'll make swimming at night an even more fun affair! This solar-powered light can shine bright for up to eight hours. A lightweight 3-in-1 backpack, insulated cooler, and chair if your summer calendar is full of hiking, camping, or fishing! With lots of pockets for storage, this backpack will help you organize your outdoor equipment. And! It folds open to a chair that can hold up to 400 pounds.
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Van Leeuwen will be scooping $1 ice cream in Back Bay this week
A longtime favorite of New York City, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream—which began as a mere food truck in 2008 before growing into a nationwide parlor chain—made a sweet first impression on Bostonians when it opened its first Beantown location in April 2024, at 55 Boylston Street in Chestnut Hill. Little more than a year later and there are already three more scoop shops in the greater commonwealth, in the Seaport (70 Pier 4 Blvd), in Harvard Square (1 Brattle Sq) and in Wellesley (180 Linden St). And there's deliciously more where that came from. Two more Boston-based locations will soon join their brethren to expand the chain's chilly presence in Massachusetts: Van Leeuwen will open its latest location on Wednesday, June 18 in Back Bay at 400 Newbury Street, to be followed very shortly thereafter by yet another outpost in Fenway, at 86 Van Ness Street, on Friday, June 20. And what better way to celebrate than with some free frozen treats? To commemorate the Back Bay opening this Wednesday, ice cream lovers can enjoy $1 scoops from noon to 2 p.m. And if you get there on the earlier side, you may be one of the lucky 100 first customers to receive a free Van Leeuwen-branded tote bag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (@vanleeuwenicecream) 'We're so happy to continue growing in the Boston area and bring Van Leeuwen to the Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods just in time for summer,' said Ben Van Leeuwen, CEO and co-founder of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, per Patch. Following its grand opening, the Back Bay location will be open from Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. Its sister shop on Van Ness Street will be open a little later, in case you get those midnight ice-cream munchies: the Fenway outpost will be open from Sunday to Thursday
Time Out
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Free sports watch parties are taking over Hudson Yards this summer
Big summer energy just hit Hudson Yards—literally. The 30-foot Big Screen is back, towering over the Public Square & Gardens for a season-long run of free sports watch parties. Whether you're into F1, footy or the U.S. Open, this is your chance to watch the world's biggest events in a setting that's all vibe, no cover. Part of the Backyard at Hudson Yards programming, the Big Screen is showing a packed lineup through October. Upcoming highlights include Wimbledon (June 30–July 13), the MLB and WNBA All-Star Games (July 15 and 19), the U.S. Open (Aug. 24–Sept. 7), and the NFL Season Kickoff on Sept. 4. You'll also catch high-adrenaline events like the Tour de France, Rugby World Cups and multiple F1 Grand Prix races, including the Austin showdown on Oct. 19. And if your preferred sport is 'watching sports while snacking,' you're in luck. The surrounding plaza hosts food trucks serving gelato (Sogno Toscano), caramelized boba tea (Xing Fu Tang) and Van Leeuwen ice cream. Wells Fargo customers can also get priority seating and access to special food truck perks by showing their debit card. (Pro tip: After the game or during halftime, stroll over to the new Sailor's Choice, a dockside seafood shack built around a classic gentleman's lobster boat.) No need to squish into a dive bar or sweat it out at a rooftop when you can kick back on a lawn chair under the Vessel with the Hudson breeze in your hair. Arrive early—seating is first come, first served—and don't forget the sunscreen. This is outdoor viewing with all the drama of live sports and none of the elbowing for elbow room.
Boston Globe
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Jean Van Leeuwen, 87, dies; wrote ‘Oliver Pig' series of children's books
Advertisement Ms. Van Leeuwen had written a few books before her children were born — David Gavril, in 1972, and Elizabeth Gavril, a year later. But observing their everyday behavior inspired her to tap out a series of short stories on her portable typewriter about a little boy and girl. She turned them into animal children and then, specifically, into pigs. 'Tales of Oliver Pig' was followed by 'More Tales of Oliver Pig' in 1981 and 'Amanda Pig and Her Big Brother' a year later. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Novelist Mary Gordon, writing about 'More Tales of Amanda Pig' in The New York Times Book Review in 1985, said that 'one of the great values' of the Oliver and Amanda books 'is their ability to dramatize the ridiculous and trivial and sickeningly frequent fights that siblings engage in every day of their lives, and yet suggest the siblings' essential fondness for each other, their dependency, their mutual goodwill.' Advertisement David Gavril said in an interview that his mother was 'very observant' and had most likely been taking notes 'very discreetly' about his and his sister's lives. In a separate interview, Elizabeth Gavril said: 'I don't recall being surprised that the characters were pigs. It's a universal thing in children's publishing that animals can have human characteristics.' Schweninger, whose watercolors illustrated 18 of the 20 Oliver and Amanda books, said that over time 'the stories became a little broader than the early ones when her children were at home.' 'They were growing up, their activity levels increased and they were going to school,' she added. Ms. Van Leeuwen won the American Library Association's Theodor Seuss Geisel Award in 2006 for 'Amanda Pig and the Really Hot Day.' The award is given for contributions to beginner reader books. She also received a Washington Irving Children's Book Choice Award from the Westchester Library System in 1996 for 'Emma Bean' (illustrated by Juan Wijngaard), about a homemade stuffed rabbit and the girl who adores her. Reviewing two children's books in The Times Book Review in 1987, Ms. Van Leeuwen described how to reach young readers: 'The challenge of writing an easy-to-read book, with its strict limits of length and vocabulary, is to tell a story that is simple but not ordinary.' Jean Van Leeuwen was born Dec. 26, 1937, in Glen Ridge, N.J., and grew up in nearby Rutherford. Her father, Cornelius, was a minister, and her mother, Dorothy (Charlton) Van Leeuwen, was a teacher. Jean voraciously read the newspapers and magazines that her parents brought home. Advertisement After earning a bachelor's degree in 1959 from the Syracuse University School of Journalism (now the Newhouse School of Public Communications), she wrote for TV Guide and became a children's book editor in 1963. She worked for Random House, Viking Press and Dial Books for Young Readers for 10 years until her daughter was born. Phyllis Fogelman, a former president of Dial Books for Young Readers — who was Ms. Van Leeuwen's boss before becoming her editor, a relationship that continued for decades — told the Times in 1995 that Ms. Van Leeuwen's 'pitch is always perfect' and that 'Jean has a deft touch with characterizations.' The Times reported that the 28 books Ms. Van Leeuwen had written by that year had sold 2 million copies. Her books also include 'The Great Cheese Conspiracy' (1969), in which she introduced beginner readers to Marvin the Magnificent, a tough braggart of a mouse who hangs out with his rodent pals, Fats and Raymond. It was adapted into an animated film in 1986, in the Czech language, by director Vaclav Bedrich. In 'The Great Christmas Kidnapping Caper' (1975), the gang, which lives in a dollhouse in a Macy's toy department, sets out to rescue the man playing Santa Claus. And in 'The Great Rescue Operation' (1982), Fats disappears when his napping place, a doll carriage, is sold while he is asleep in it. Ms. Van Leeuwen also wrote 'Benjy and the Power of Zingies' (1982), about a third grader who believes that overindulging in a cereal promoted by star athletes will make him strong. Her young adult novel 'Seems Like This Road Goes On Forever' (1979) is about a minister's teenage daughter who recalls her self-destructive behavior from her hospital bed. And, in 'Across the Wide Dark Sea: The Mayflower Journey' (1995), she wrote a historical fiction picture book narrated by a boy who describes the Pilgrims' passage from England to Plymouth Harbor in 1620. Advertisement In addition to her daughter and her son — who illustrated his mother's book 'Chicken Soup' (2009) — Ms. Van Leeuwen is survived by her husband, Bruce Gavril; two grandchildren; her sister, Barbara Kossuth; and her brother, John Van Leeuwen. For many years, Ms. Van Leeuwen volunteered at the elementary school in Chappaqua that her children had attended, helping first graders with their writing. 'They didn't know her as an author; they knew her as Mrs. Gavril,' her daughter said. 'At the end of the year, they were told that Jean Van Leeuwen, whose books they'd been reading, would be speaking to the class. 'Then came the surprise reveal — that it was Mrs. Gavril.' This article originally appeared in
Buzz Feed
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
These Viral "Soup Drops" Are Stirring Up Tons Of Heated Opinions Online, So We Tried Them (And Have Thoughts)
Food stunts are so back. From the infamous Velveeta martini to Van Leeuwen's mac 'n' cheese ice cream, the past few years have been filled with some experimental (at best) food creations, and thanks to the beloved soup brand Progresso, 2025 is already off to a pretty kooky start. To be clear, I'm all for experimentation! But there's a line. The line, according to some people on the internet, was likely crossed when Progresso announced their limited release of 'soup drops' earlier this year. If you're thinking (as I initially did) that these are soup drops, as in launches of new soup flavors, you would be wrong. So, so wrong. No, these are literally soup-flavored cough drops. Chicken noodle soup-flavored cough drops, to be exact. The highly controversial soup drops quickly became a hot commodity online, with some social media users noticing that their limited stock, replenished every Thursday throughout the month of January, was often selling out in a matter of minutes. Now, the Soup Drop website reminds soup drop-seekers that they can still get a 'hot bowl of the real thing' wherever Progresso's canned soups are sold. Ultimately, that might be a blessing in disguise. Initial reactions to the Soup Drop stunt were maybe not the best overall, though plenty of people were beyond stoked to try their hand at getting a can of these bad boys. When the die-hard soup lovers are questioning things, you know you've really rocked the boat. Even Jimmy Fallon featured the chicken noodle soup-flavored drops during a segment on The Tonight Show, and the audience response what you'd imagine. Just imagine some pained groans and laughter from the audience. After seeing countless reactions to the 'crime against food' hard candies all month long, I was deeply curious, extremely excited, but ultimately terrified to the core when my personal can of soup drops arrived in the mail. So naturally, I begged my equally-skeptical coworkers to try them with me so I wouldn't have to go it alone. Ross Yoder Note: BuzzFeed was sent a complimentary sample of this product, but we were under no obligation to provide a review. Here's what we thought. First, let's get into what the heck's even in these things. 👇 Progresso's Soup Drops come in a cute little soup can-like canister. Each container packs in 20 individually wrapped drops. The main ingredients of these drops are isomalt, a sugar substitute often used for decorative purposes, and salt. They also contain ingredients like cornstarch, MSG, and some actual chicken in cooked-and-powdered form. Next, the aesthetics. They didn't look bad! Think of a cough drop-shaped Werther's caramel, flecked with little brown spots, and that's exactly what we were working with here. Not bad at all! But let's get into the taste, shall we? Ultimately, four of us were brave enough to suck on a Progresso Soup Drop, and let's just say no one lasted long. I wouldn't say they're unpalatable by any means, but they're…well, rough, to say the least. 👋 Hey you! If you're getting hungry for some really good soup recipes (in their classic format), take a quick minute to download the free Tasty app — where you can browse 7,500+ recipes and save your favorites. Lauren bravely volunteered to try them first. Right off the bat, she remarked on the palpable "chicken broth" scent as she removed the soup drop from its cellophane wrapper. But after she popped it into her mouth, the vibes turned pretty bad pretty fast. The wincing, coughing, and laughing seemed to suggest that it certainly wasn't enjoyable, but she didn't immediately spit it out, either. To Lauren, it tasted like gravy — "with a little sweetness to it," she added. "This is not a thing I could ever eat again, or continue to eat this. This is foul," she said as she spit the soup drop out. All in all, she lasted 43 seconds before spitting the soup drop back into its wrapper. Next up, Spencer. Immediately upon smelling the unwrapped drop, he noted that it smelled like a bouillon cube, which definitely makes sense, seeing as how bouillon cubes and these soup drops actually contain similar ingredients. After tasting it, his immediate reaction But then he changed his tune, citing a very specific moment in which maybe this soup drop could be of value to your average soup-loving person. ...ultimately, he was lying. He took it all back, and was genuinely curious if these drops were a "real thing" or "April Fools' gimmick." Ross Yoder Spencer spit out the soup drop at the 55-second mark — a solid 12 seconds longer than Lauren. For Meg, things started out OK! But everything went downhill from there. Meg remarked that the intense savoriness was simply just unpleasant, and likened the flavor profile to powdered miso soup. From first taste to "time to spit it out," Meg only lasted 30 seconds. Finally, it was time for yours truly to get a taste of the product I so kindly forced upon my coworkers. Terrified, I popped the drop into my mouth and immediately tasted lots of sage — like classic boxed stuffing. But pretty immediately the flavor turned into something entirely unpleasant. Ross Yoder For me, I really tasted the MSG, which is delicious in so many contexts, but altogether offputting in the form of a solid cough drop. The whole thing was too dead center between salty and sweet, so it ultimately just tasted I love chicken! But not chicken candy. Worse than the flavor of the soup drops, however, was the aftertaste. Meg and I both agreed that the sharp, slightly bitter aftertaste lingered around in our mouths for hours after our initial taste. No amount of water (or office fro-yo) could quell it. Not to toot my own horn, but I lasted a solid 63 seconds before spitting it out. So folks, there you have it. Though Progresso's soup drops are technically sold out now, should they ever decide to bring them back, the chaos of trying them might be worth attempting to snag some for yourself. After all, they're only $2.49 (plus tax). In this economy, I'll take it.
