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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Summer Slump? Not with Lovevery's Reading Skill Set. Here's My Honest Review
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. As a mom of two, the most helpful thing I learned about reading is that it is a slow burn, and every kid goes at their own pace. In my experience, the schools do the hard work via daily practice, but of course, our children are a sum of their parts. For example, in the case of my now 7-year-old son, he was exposed to syllables and consonants at a younger age via speech therapy, which helped; I also found him to have the biggest breakthroughs in terms of sounding things out when it was a book he cared about and felt invested in. (The Elephant & Piggie series was a gateway for us.) Still, confidence is critical when it comes to reading skills and, last year, he struggled to feel at ease when paired with a reading partner who he deemed 'better' than he was. (He especially felt sheepish when sounding out a tough word while reading aloud.) Enter Lovevery's Reading Skill Set, a play-based collection of games and books—with input from literacy and early childhood education experts—which is designed to make reading fun and tactile. More importantly, it offers a variety of ways to engage, so that it meets your kid where they are in their ability. (More on that below.) I'm thrilled to report that I've had quite a bit of time with the skill set—I've been testing it since it debuted at the end of last year with the help of my then-6-year-old and have had quite a bit of time to read the books, play the games and experience the ins and outs of the three-part set. To give a bit more background about my son's experience with reading: Like I said, the subject matter counts. There needs to be an immediate hook that invites kids to engage. What's helpful with Lovevery is the familiarity: The Reading Skill Set has the same look and feel as the brand's signature (and beloved) play kits, but most importantly for parents, it comes with the same clear and constructive Montessori-based instructions for how to maximize the use of it. That's what most stood out to me in the many months since I started using the kits—how much the Reading Skill Set takes the pressure off when it comes to helping kids build their strength and ability with a skill that is so closely monitored and discussed. More than anything, it's designed to be fun and effective, the ultimate education goal. Rachel Bowie The Reading Skill Set is broken out into three different sets: Part 1 focuses on Sounds to Reading; Part 2 on Word to Books; and Part 3 is centered on Advanced Rules to Chapter Books. Before you invest, it's crucial that you note your child's ability and truly take stock of where they're at and the kit they're most ready for. (For example, as my son enters second grade, he's definitely more in the part three zone than part one, which is Lovevery's assessment, but also my own.) That said, there is wiggle room here. In my experience with the sets, my son has relished each one—part one and part two included—even as he gains proficiency. Here's why: As he builds upon his skills, each set gives him the chance to practice what he's learned. So, yes, he's comfortable with syllables and vowels, but he continually reaches for the syllable race game and the follow the sound maze in part one. The Crossword puzzle builder in part two is another favorite, but also still a challenge. And part three includes a treasure trove of books—all designed to build on what he's learned—that he loves to read and re-read again as his skills grow. The point is this: Yes, you want to tailor the set you select to your child's ability, but it's worth recognizing that the sets are appealing even when the knowledge they're imparting has been grasped. Alexia Dellner As I mentioned, there are three different sets to choose from, each costing $160 in price. Part one is aimed at helping your child develop pre-k and kindergarten skills and comes with nine skill-based games and seven books. The focus with this set is on isolating sounds, learning letter sounds and first spelling and reading. Part two targets kindergarten and first grade skills and comes with seven skill-based games and activities, plus 13 books, all aimed at teaching basic blending, comprehensive blending and storytelling. (The way this aligned and augmented what my child was learning in the classroom was impressive.) Part three—designed for first and second graders—includes four skill-based games, plus a whopping 27 books. The skills that are put into practice here are learning vowel rules, learning about prefixes and suffixes and reading chapter books. Also included with each set: Lovevery's signature play guides, plus access to the brand's online portal, which has even more offerings for parents eager to help guide their kids with increased support. Lovevery There was a moment when I tested Lovevery's Play Kits many years ago where I discovered the Turtle Hatch game and it unlocked something inside me as a parent—a chance to witness my child's rapidly developing skills, but also a true moment of joy as we played one of our first games with real rules together. It's something I'll always remember. The reading kits provide the same type of experience between parent and child. I'll admit that when they first arrived, I grimaced a bit—only because I couldn't help but remember my own experience with reading kits as a kid. (A neighbor of ours was launching a business and we were volunteer testers, but it was primarily flashcard-based.) But then my son reached for the Syllable Race Game in the first set. The rules make it so you have to break words into syllables in order to know the number of spaces you get to go as you race your dog around the track. (There's a wood-on-wood tapping sound, too, which helps to reinforce the beat—and the skill.) We were having fun playing and counting out syllables to words like 'elephant' when he drew what's called a 'See & Say' card, which required him to look around the room and count the syllables of an object of his own choosing. 'Ankylosaurus,' he said referencing his favorite dinosaur stuffie. 'That's five, mom!' he said, thrilled he found a way to sail speedily around the board—then win. It was hilarious, but also fun. The mastery of syllables, a skillset he was subliminally picking up? That was the icing on the cake. The same applies to sets two and three, which were more age-appropriate for his current reading level. The R-Vowel Frog Hop (from set 3) was another kid-pleaser. The goal is to build a path of lily pads to beat your opponent to the other side while learning how vowel sounds change when followed by the letter 'r.' I was stunned to see how quickly my son became proficient, besting me in terms of quickness as he nailed more complex vowels. (These are just two of games we had positive experiences with—pretty much everything that comes included is a stand-out and something you'll keep in regular rotation as kids build on their skills.) It's true: The Lovevery Reading Skill Set isn't cheap, but for parents looking to extend their child's literacy skills at home, the quality and comprehensiveness of these kits is unmatched. Back to my experience with my own son—it's a cliché, but the best way in is to make learning fun. These kits are designed to do just that, but with a load of science and Montessori-backed wisdom behind them. TBH, they remind me of the play kits, which provide developmentally backed toys that take the pressure off playtime while helping parents feel more confident in their approach. Replace that same idea with literacy as the main goal and that's what you get with the reading skill set. $160 at Lovevery 50 Kindergarten Books to Help Foster a Love of Reading
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 3 Ended with a Shocking Twist
*Warning: Spoilers ahead* Phew, where do I begin with season three of Ginny & Georgia? I mean, surprising twists are to be expected, especially after the season two cliffhanger where Georgia (Brianne Howey) is arrested for murder on the night of her wedding to Paul. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm mad at Georgia because I don't think she should have killed Cynthia's husband. Yes, he was terminally ill and a mere couple of weeks away from dying, but that wasn't Georgia's place to end his life prematurely, even if she thought she was doing Cynthia a favor. That said, we wouldn't have all of this drama had Georgia not done what she did, which has now resulted in her being charged and put on trial for first-degree murder. There are so many jaw-dropping moments this season, from Marcus telling Ginny he doesn't love her to Ginny getting pregnant with Wolfe's baby after their first time sleeping together. Still, nothing prepared me for that one wild plot twist: Ginny and her brother Austin conspiring to frame Austin's dad for the murder their mother committed. I definitely did not see that coming. Netflix And while this season was thrilling, I do have some questions. Austin's dad, Gil, is pretty evil, so what happens next? What if Austin gets called to the stand during his trial and cracks under cross-examination? Maybe I'm getting too far ahead, but, seriously, what now? Georgia is free, but Ginny's relationship with her brother is fractured, perhaps irreparably, because that was Austin's dad, and while Gil is a horrible person, the one honorable thing he seemed capable of was being a good father. On the other hand, Ginny still gets to have her dad in her life, so I predict this is something that will eventually cause Austin pain as well. Speaking of Ginny, I'm not fond of the way she treated Max at the end of the season finale, and I think that treatment is a preview of how she is becoming like her mother. The difference between Ginny and Georgia, however, is that Ginny has always lacked the natural charisma her mother possesses. As problematic as she might be, there is something about Georgia that makes you end up liking her despite her many problems and personality issues. That charm is also what's allowed her to be perceived as innocent and naive to some people, which is exactly why many didn't believe she was capable of the murders she committed. Ginny doesn't have that same magnetic personality and has even come off as downright unlikable at times, which is why she needs to watch herself closely. Overall, I found season three to be intense with great acting and writing, and I can't wait to see where the show heads next season. Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. This Hit Keke Palmer and SZA Movie Has a Whopping 94 Percent on Rotten Tomatoes—and Now It's Getting a Sequel PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gerard Butler's New Action Thriller Soars to #3 on Netflix—Here's Why Everyone's Watching
Gerard Butler has another smash hit on Netflix. Just three months after Den of Thieves 2: Pantera claimed the number one spot on the streaming service for the week of March 20, the 55-year-old actor has come back to extend his reign with his 2023 action movie Plane, which has suddenly climbed to the number three spot on the platform. The film sees Butler starring as a pilot named Brodie Torrance, who is tasked with saving passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island. Directed by Jean-François Richet, and considered by many to be among the top action films of that year, Plane packs all of the punches as it's filled with twists and turns along the way. The biggest? Hostile rebels kidnapping most of the passengers after the brutal landing, leaving Brodie with only one person to turn to—Louis Gaspare, an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. At the time of its release, Plane grossed $74.5 million at the box office on a $25 million budget, earning positive reviews from critics and a 78 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also received stellar reviews from Rotten Tomatoes audience members, one of whom writes, 'Action, suspense and thrills galore. Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Daniella Pineda and Tony Goldwyn give it dimension with brilliant character interpretations. The cinematography is good. The plot does have a couple of twists, though, and if suspense is your thing, this will keep you pinned to the screen and will not disappoint." Another reviewer adds, 'This was a great film. It was no less believable than action movies with Jason Statham or Liam Neeson. I was riveted the whole time. And for what it's worth, the fight scene was more realistic than most—not choreographed chops and kicks but grappling and struggling. If you want suspense, see this film.' I must admit that I've had Plane on my list of movies to watch for a while, so I'll definitely be giving it a watch this weekend. You can stream Plane on Netflix now. 'Ginny & Georgia' Season 3 Ended with a Shocking Twist PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Duchess Sophie Almost Stumbles While Curtsying to King Charles
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. It was all fun and games for Duchess Sophie this week at the Royal Windsor Flower Show until it came time to greet her brother-in-law, King Charles, and her curtsy—standard royal protocol, of course—went from the event captured the moment it happened: The Duchess of Edinburgh bowed her head and kneeled so low as she said hello to the king that she nearly lost her shoe. It happened to be an ultra-chic slip-on wedge from Penelope Chilvers—similar here—in a neutral tone. As cute as they were, something tells us Sophie may be rethinking her footwear after nearly losing her balance in a high-pressure moment like this. (She had to reach up and grip the king's arms to steady herself, a royal oops.)That said, this type of situation ended up providing a chance for Sophie's relationship with Charles to shine. In fact, His Majesty—based on the pics—even appears to laugh it off as he helps the duchess recover. Like we said, royal protocol dictates the curtsy, but that doesn't mean that the formality of it all always goes smoothly. It also reminds us of something Samantha Cohen, one of Queen Elizabeth II's former royal aides, once said about royal life: The late queen's comings and goings were always organized so perfectly, which meant she got a real kick out of moments when things went wrong. (We're curious if Charles feels the same way.) That said, a stumble or two is often the price we pay for style. After all, Sophie looked lovely in her blue floral ME+EM dress paired with a blazer from Frame. Her wedges—wobbly footing aside—served as the perfect complement. Duchess Sophie Just Wore Jewelry from One of Kate Middleton's Favorite Brands (And Her Rings Are Less Than $150)
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
The 13 (TSA-Friendly) Beauty Products Our Editors Never Travel Without
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Whether it's a road trip or a summer cruise, my fellow editors here at PureWow always have something exciting on the books when it comes to travel. So naturally, they've perfected the art of packing the perfect collection of beauty products—including makeup go-tos like the Merit Minimalist stick and skin necessities like protective sunscreen—that won't only ensure they're selfie-ready, but also won't get them flagged by TSA. Below, find 13 editor-recommended beauty products for travel that definitely deserve a spot in your carry-on. Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds. Revolve "It's in the name, people—an eye mask designed for jet lag. They're like cups of coffee for your under-eyes," Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz says of these cooling eye patches from Summer Fridays. Having tried them myself, too, I can confirm that they take care of post-flight puffiness in a flash. And since this pack comes with six pairs included, you'll be set for all of your summer travels. $24 at Revolve $24 at Sephora Merit Another find from Meraz (who also tested a bunch of other travel-friendly products from the brand), this Merit complexion stick is a must-add to your makeup bag. "[This is] my holy grail and literally the easiest thing to blend out, especially if you're in a rush to sightsee! I love that it acts as a concealer but can be built up to double as a foundation," she explains. It comes in 30 different shades, too, so you're sure to find one that perfectly blends with your skin tone. $38 at Merit Ulta You might have seen me rave over my love of Lush products before, so it comes as no surprise that I always pick up a bottle of the brand's famous Sleepy body wash before a trip. The lavender blend scent is super calming and I love indulging in it after a long day out exploring. Plus the 3.3-ounce size just makes the TSA requirement, so I can easily pack it in my carry-on. $13 at Lush $13 at Ulta The Outset "The Outset travel set is my fave travel beauty buy ever," says PureWow Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida. "It comes complete with a cleanser, serum and moisturizer, and they're all formulated to calm skin—something I definitely need since my skin tends to freak out while traveling. The products deliver an instant dose of hydration (a must after sitting in that dry plane air for hours), and a little goes a long way. Plus, you cannot beat the price." Well, into my cart it goes. $38 at The Outset $38 at Shopbop Dermstore Whether you're headed to a sunny beach or to check another national park off your list, SPF is a necessity. "I pack a stupid amount of SPF every time I travel," shares PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth. She goes on to explain, "My favorite will always be EltaMD. It goes on smooth, doesn't leave a white cast and works super well with my makeup." Not to mention, this mineral sunscreen offers SPF40 coverage, plus nourishing ingredients like ginger root extract and squalane to smooth and moisturize your skin. It's skincare and sun-care in one. $46 at Dermstore $46 at Amazon Noteworthy I've tried a bunch of perfumes over the years, but I keep coming back to Notworthy's n,290. This mini eau de parfum is the perfect size to throw in my purse, both when I'm on the go at home or traveling, since it doesn't take up any more space than your average lipstick. It has a twist-up top so it never accidentally sprays in my bag, and you can easily refill it—or try out one of the other incredible scents (I'm eyeing the spa-worthy n,470 for my next buy). $40 at Noteworthy Tatcha PureWow Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals Rachel Bowie never leaves this nourishing lip mask from Tatcha behind. "I am BEYOND obsessed with this lip mask—it is so hydrating and non-tacky and really does deliver a gorgeous gloss-like effect that plumps my pout. Perfect to stash in your carry-on after a flight or even just for daily use after summer days in the sun," she raves. And she's not the only one who loves it. Plenty of shoppers (I'm talking thousands here) say it's super moisturizing, and since my own lips are constantly dry, I'll definitely be picking up a jar of this ASAP—and you might want to, too. $29 at Tatcha $29 at Ulta Ulta This compact little blush stick will definitely be coming with me on my next summer trip. It takes up practically no space in my toiletry bag and I love the way it goes on as a powder that I can just blend with my fingers (so there's no need to pack a bulky blush brush, too). It comes in a bunch of shades ranging from bright pink to a subtle nude and everything in between. $28 at Ulta $28 at Polite Society Dermstore "I need something [while I'm away] to keep my hair in shape and this lasts FOREVER," says PureWow SEO Editor Marissa Wu. "[A] little goes such a long way [and] the hold is great, even for longer hair. I just work it through and then blow dry/style per usual. And since it's a solid, [I don't have to worry] about TSA confiscating [it]." Plenty of R+Co reviewers also say it adds a good amount of shine to their hair, which is always a bonus if you ask me. $39 at Dermstore $39 at R&Co Revolve "When jet lag kicks in (and brings out those dark circles and eye bags) I have my Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift depuffing eye cream at the ready," shares Maida. "The formula is so lightweight, so it soaks right into my skin, and the cooling metal applicator tip works wonders to de-puff and energize [my under-eyes.]" This cream offers much more than instant relief, though, with ingredients like resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen that help to tackle wrinkles and firm the skin with regular use. $65 at Revolve $65 at Sephora Ulta If there's only one skincare set I'm packing, it's this one from Osea that has a bunch of the brand's fan-favorite products in one bundle (and for less than $50 at that). It includes the Undaria algae body oil that always makes me feel like I just stepped out of the spa, an Ocean face cleanser, Atmosphere Protection face cream and hyaluronic Sea serum—I mean, what else could you need?! $44 at Ulta Aēsop Listen, I know this is a bit of a splurge for a travel-sized shampoo (it's TSA-friendly at 3.3-ounces, BTW)—especially if you pick up the complementing conditioner, too—but whenever I want to treat myself while I'm away, I always pick up a set and have yet to regret it. The formula leaves my hair feeling so soft, while the citrus/woodsy scent (which is a blend of bergamot rind, frankincense and cedar atlas, per the brand) smells incredible. Honestly, if I could use this every day I would, but since the full-size bottle is pretty pricey, this feels like the perfect compromise. $21 at Aēsop $21 at Revolve Revolve As for PureWow VP of Editorial Candace Davison's go-to? "I impulse-bought [this] Sun Belt Sampler last year, and it became my travel MVP," she shares. "It has everything you need for a sunny vacay (all in TSA-friendly sizes—sunscreen, face mist and aloe-based After Sun gel included). Plus, they're all housed in a clear belt bag that can double as a toiletries bag for packing and a stadium-friendly bag for catching a concert or game." Talk about thoughtful packaging. $30 at Revolve $30 at Anthropologie Editors' Picks: Shop Our 15 Favorite Finds for May PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.
