If you've never shut yourself in a room to get away from your kids, well — we don't believe you.
Regardless of how many kids they need to escape from, all parents can relate to the recent video posted by Utah mom Ashley Gardner. In only 34 seconds, Gardner totally nails what parenting is like. Oh, and she has quadruplets, so all you parents of single babies can go right ahead and multiply your need for a break by four.
Eating a piece of licorice in the video shared to the family's Facebook page Tuesday, Gardner explains that she "desperately needed a treat to make it through the night" with her kids. And one look under the closed pantry door reveals exactly why.
"They don’t ever go away," Gardner continues as she eats the candy, the sounds of her four daughters in the background. "They want everything you have."
Hundreds of parents have left comments identifying with the Gardners, who have been known on social media since their 2014 YouTube video showing their reaction to the news they were expecting quadruplets (after eight years of infertility struggles) went viral.
With as many as 75 to 80 percent of women experiencing some form of morning sickness with nausea and vomiting, it's a symptom of pregnancy that obstetricians treat all the time.
Additionally, 1 percent of pregnant women experience the severe form of nausea, vomiting and associated weight loss called hyperemesis gravidarum — the extreme morning sickness Kate Middleton had during her pregnancies.
For several decades, many doctors prescribe Diclegis for their patients — the only FDA-approved prescription medication for morning sickness, according to its website. The drug is so popular that it was endorsed and promoted by Kim Kardashian in 2015.
G. Thomas Ruiz, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist with MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California, said that rather than prescribing Diclegis as a first-line drug, they prefer that the obstetrical patients in the practice try nonmedical alternatives to prescription drugs first, depending upon the severity of the symptoms.
Here are some suggestions Ruiz gives his patients for dealing with morning sickness:
1. Dry toast & crackers
For those with mild symptoms, he suggests dry toast and crackers to absorb the acid in the stomach, as well as over-the-counter syrups heavy in sugar that can have a calming effect.
2. Start grazing
Have small, frequent meals throughout the day and stay away from foods that are spicy or high in fat content.
3. Drink those fluids
To keep hydrated, instead of straight water, try flat carbonated soda (Coca-Cola and 7-Up or Sprite are popular), Gatorade, Powerade and flavored Pedialyte at room temperature. These drinks combine important fluids and electrolytes and are best taken when feeling less nauseated — ideally as soon as you wake up since the nausea seems to get worse when you’re up and moving.
4. Reach for the ginger
Many find that some form of ginger — whether in the form of tea, candy or ginger ale — helps settle the stomach.
5. Air circulation is key
Reducing exposure to heavy odors, perfume, smoking and stuffy rooms, and opening windows and turning on fans can also help minimize nausea.
6. Over-the-counter nausea treatments
For those with increasing forms of nausea, vomiting and weight loss, your obstetrician may suggest something over-the-counter like an antihistamine, wristbands for nausea and motion sickness or a measured amount of B6.
7. An IV for nutrition and medication
If those do not work, and nausea is severe through the second trimester and the health of the mother and baby appear to be at risk, women may receive nutrients intravenously (through an IV) called parenteral nutrition, as well as anti-nausea medications like Zofran or Reglan, but that is very rare.
With hyperemesis, there can also be a social component. Some patients presenting with psychological issues or vulnerabilities require strong family and/or psychological support.
“Research has also shown that if you have a viable pregnancy and hyperemesis is present — provided we can make you comfortable — nonmedical treatments can be highly effective with no resulting issues or complications for the mother or baby,” Ruiz said.
Instead, hyperemesis is often a response to increased hormones in your body during the first trimester of pregnancy.
“Generally speaking, if we can help the patient get through the first three to four months of pregnancy, the nausea and related symptoms will typically subside with increasing fluid intake and improved nutrition,” he explained.
Every year, it seems like the latest Golden Globes ceremony is even more of a roller-coaster ride than the previous year thanks to all of the touching and insane speeches, dangerously good opening monologues and minor stunts that the various hosts and presenters create each year. Ahead of the Golden Globes on Jan. 8, why don't we take a trip down memory lane and revisit the best, most touching, craziest and most cringe-worthy moments in Globes history. I can promise you there will be cheers and jeers and not a single ounce of disappointment.
The best of the Golden Globes
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler praise Amal Clooney and zing George Clooney
Fey Poehler Clooney Globes
Fey Poehler Clooney Globes
There's not much explanation needed because two things are very, very true: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler absolutely nailed Hollywood sexism on the head with their joke while also giving all the thumbs up to Amal Clooney. Girl power.
Jodie Foster comes out of the closet (a little)
Jodie Foster Golden Globes
Jodie Foster Golden Globes
Foster's 2013 Golden Globes speech is truly a wonder to behold. During her acceptance speech, Foster proceeded to strongly hint at her sexual orientation, which had long been (and unnecessarily so) a point of speculation. “I hope that you’re not disappointed that there won’t be a big coming-out speech tonight,” she said, “because I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago, back in the Stone Age.” Foster made jokes about her private life and her romantic status and adorably embarrassed her sons, who were her dates for the evening.
Ving Rhames gives Jack Lemmon his Golden Globe
Ving Rhames/Jack Lemmon
Ving Rhames/Jack Lemmon
A truly heart-melting Globes moment: In 1998, Rhames won Best Actor in a TV Miniseries for Don King: Only in America. When he took the stage, he surprised everyone when he called up fellow nominee Jack Lemmon. It was then that Rhames, visibly moved to tears, announced that he "[felt] that being an artist is about giving, and I’d like to give this to you." Lemmon, for his part, was (mostly) speechless.
Robin Williams assists Christine Lahti
Christine Lahti Golden Globes
Christine Lahti Golden Globes
It's maybe the most infamous bathroom break of all time, but also a truly wonderful moment. When Lahti won for her role in Chicago Hope, she actually didn't know she had won at first. Lahti had slipped out moments before the award was announced to go to the bathroom. By the time her name was called, she was nowhere to be found, and Robin Williams took the stage to vamp until she came back into the room.
Emma Thompson gave nary a care
Emma Thompson Golden Globes
Emma Thompson Golden Globes
How could you resist applauding Thompson when she took the stage to present the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay in 2014. She came on stage barefoot with a martini holding her Louboutins and tipsily swaying with the confidence of a true star. Bless.
Cher was at a loss for words during her Globes win
Cher Silkwood
Cher Silkwood
Cher was absolutely agog when she won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Silkwood. The musician-turned-thriving actress could only stutter out, "Just look at my dress until I think of something," earning a hearty laugh from the audience.
The most jaw-dropping moments at the Golden Globes
Ricky Gervais' insulting opening monologue
Ricky Gervais Golden Globes
Ricky Gervais Golden Globes
Gervais has always been a polarizing comedian, but this infamous Brit downright shocked us Americans when he took to the stage for a second time to host the Golden Globes. After his 2010 stint, many thought that would be the end of Gervais on the Globes stage. Think again. In 2011, his biggest opening monologue target was Scientology and the obvious barbs toward famous Scientologists Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
Elizabeth Taylor's boozy award introduction
Liz Taylor at the Globes
Liz Taylor at the Globes
One of the many things Taylor is now infamously remembered for is her penchant for booze. The Hollywood icon may have been enjoying the Golden Globes festivities a little too much, because when she got up to present, she had to have some presenting assistance from Dick Clark.
Bette Midler finally made that Golden Globes joke
Better Midler Golden Globes
Better Midler Golden Globes
You can't have an award show called the Golden Globes without making a joke about another kind of golden globe. Like, the anatomical ones. I know, you're probably sighing and wondering, "Who the heck would do that?" Bette Midler at the 1980 Golden Globes, that's who.
Jacqueline Bisset went on longer than expected
Bisset Golden Globes
Bisset Golden Globes
It is a speech that will go down in infamy. Bisset's speech defied convention by not only running disastrously over time (who has time to care about the musical cue to exit?), but featuring a fair amount of rambling and the occasional expletive. Can we give Bisset another award for this speech too?
Listen, Nicholson is a take-no-prisoners, leave-it-all-on-the-stage kind of guy. He's not going to mince words. He's going to tell you like it is. But maybe, just maybe, admitting to a packed room of his peers that he was on Valium and wondering whether About Schmidt was nominated in the right category wasn't the best move. Also, that comment about Nicole Kidman's nose? Awkward.
Sacha Baron Cohen spun an epic tale during his speech
Sacha Baron Cohen Golden Globes
Sacha Baron Cohen Golden Globes
"This movie was a life-changing experience..." And with that begins one of the weirdest and most anecdotal acceptance speeches ever given at the Golden Globes. Nothing beats the yarn-weaving capabilities of Baron Cohen, but his tale of how Borat got him the Globe is truly hilarious and shocking. Just wait until he starts talking about his co-star's genitals. That's when things really heat up.
A mom's desire to have children close in age should have come with the warning, "be careful what you wish for." Because Becky Johns from Wales ended up giving birth to four babies in an eleven month period — and they weren't quadruplets.
Yes, let that sink in for a moment. Four babies. Eleven months.
John gave birth to daughter Mya in February 2015 and became pregnant again just one week later. (Sex one week after giving birth? How is that even possible?) While the second pregnancy was planned — John and her partner Jason Evans decided they wanted Mya to have a sibling of a similar age to play with — the couple were not prepared for what they discovered at their first sonogram: triplets.
Luckily, each baby came from a separate egg, which meant there was no risks associated with any one of them sharing a placenta — the healthiest way to carry triplets.
We're guessing the couple had a small meltdown, but they now insist they couldn't be more delighted with how their family has turned out. In January 2016, John gave birth by cesarean section to Ryan, Raya and Phoebe. She also has a 9-year-old daughter Kayla, who is (fortunately) "thrilled with her three new brothers and sisters."
"It’s lovely to think that Mya and the triplets will grow up so close in age,” said John. Someone give this woman a medal.
And not only does his face say "kill me now," he kind of looks like he hasn't showered in a while. Like, what circumstances led up to this date that Ben Affleck, one of the most eligible bachelors in America, ended up there, dirty and clearly against his will?
Probably the funniest thing about this is that while Affleck looks like he hates every single thing about his life, his date looks so stoked. She's completely oblivious to his pain.
Ben Affleck looks miserable on a date with some blonde3
Ben Affleck looks miserable on a date with some blonde3
Another day, another cryptic message out of The Walking Dead camp — the latest of which is a photo series of, uh, nuts. And cantaloupes. And a collection of dirty rubber duckies. Also known as "Go home, AMC... you're drunk."
Although, as bizarre as these new teaser pics are, they seem kind of par for the course, don't they? The Walking Dead is like that mysterious bad boy you dated in high school. You were never quite sure if his nonsensical ramblings were a load of shit or if he was truly profound, but it got you hot either way.
At least with The Walking Dead, everything is usually revealed in due time. So what in the fresh hell could these new photos be hinting at? Doesn't AMC know we're busy trying to solve other first-world problems like getting our winged eyeliner even (impossible as it may be)?
To be honest, when I look at the photos, I got nothing — they're like a macabre assortment of photographic tarot cards. Or a rebus. You remember those, right? Like, an eyeball plus the letter H plus an ear plus a sheep would be "I hear you." Oh, hey, yeah... I suck at those.
Thank God for the good people of the interwebz, though, 'cause they're full of ideas (#blessed). According to idle speculation online — which, let's be real, is right up there with hard journalism these days — the random amalgamation of produce-related pictures hints at a new group arriving on the scene, which is affectionately being dubbed "The Garbage Pail Kids."
Sidebar: Where my '80s babies at? Someone needs to make a spoof video of Adam Bomb and Joltin' Joe squaring off with the Saviors, stat.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming: The other photos seem to indicate a lot of death, dying, fighting, killing and other such doom and gloom. While this isn't exactly different for the Debbie Downer that is the zombocalypse — every party has a pooper, as they say — it certainly seems to suggest war is imminent. And, let's be real, we're all ready to see Rick get savage AF again.
I guess we'll have to wait until The Walking Dead returns on Feb. 12 to see whether or not this lunatic soup of teaser photos actually amounts to something or if AMC hired the salty social media manager from Wendy's to gaslight the world.
In the meantime, have fun wracking your brain over these beauties:
As I write this, the editorial office is filled with the sound of crunching. That's because Siete Family Foods sent us samples of their new grain-free tortilla chips and we can't stop eating them.
So here's the scoop. The Garza family of Austin, Texas, started making grain-free tortillas for people like their family member Veronica, who suffers from multiple autoimmune conditions. The tortillas were such a hit, they came out with a line of chips too.
Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips are non-GMO and gluten-free, and they contain absolutely not a trace of corn, wheat, rice, beans, soy or dairy. They are paleo and vegan-friendly, and they come in three flavors: sea salt, nacho and lime. They're made with cassava and coconut flours.
You know what? My system is pretty grain-tolerant, so I don't even have any skin in the anti-inflammation game. But we love these chips because of their light texture. They are so light! So light and crispy. One editor compared it to Pringles.
The seasoning is pretty on point too. We rank the flavors as follows:
Anyway, like I said, we can't stop eating them and would really appreciate it if someone could just take these bags away from us and — oh, it's too late. All the chips are gone now.
Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips are available at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide (SRP $4.99).
There’s no doubt that the new year is notorious for making us make new fitness plans. After all, energy is high and enthusiasm is abundant, so people are motivated to take steps to improve their health.
But what happens when you begin an exercise program and see little — if any — improvement in your health and fitness. Then what?
Historically, exercise scientists have called these people “nonresponders.” In other words, their bodies don’t respond to the exercise or activity they are doing, and consequently, many of them abandon their goals of getting healthy.
Well, there’s no need to give up on those resolutions quite yet. New research published in December in the journal PLOS One, focused on whether a nonresponder to one form of exercise could benefit by switching to another form of exercise.
Researchers from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and the University of Ottawa gathered 21 healthy men and women for the study and divided the participants up into two groups to measure their VO2 max (the maximum rate of oxygen consumption as measured during incremental exercise, most typically on a motorized treadmill).
The two groups of exercisers then completed two very different training programs. One group was assigned endurance training on a stationary bike four times a week for 30 minutes, and the other group participated in a high-intensity interval training program of eight- to 20-second intervals of very hard pedaling on a bike with 10 seconds of rest after each bout.
After three weeks, researchers checked their VO2 and found that as a group, they all made some gains in fitness, but the individual responses were varied.
About a third of the people failed to show much if any improvement from the endurance training and similarly, about a third had not improved their fitness much with interval training.
These results suggest that the individual response to exercise training is highly variable following different training protocols and that the incidence of nonresponse to exercise training may be reduced by changing the training stimulus for nonresponders.
Simply put, if your body is not responding to the exercise you are engaging in, try something different. If you’ve been a nonresponder to endurance running, try adding a few workouts a week of high-intensity interval training. If you’ve been strength training with heavy weights, lighten up the load and increase the reps.
The researchers hope the message that nonresponders get from this study is simple: Exercise is beneficial for everyone once you find the program that works best for your body.
You guys. Have you seen Serena Williams' engagement ring? I know what you're thinking — no, I have a life, thank you. But listen. It's not just another mega-watt 500 zillion-carat blinger. Look. Just look.
The best engagement ring ever made, my friends. Serena Williams plays to win on and off the court, and she just won the ring reveal because who needs diamonds when you've got tacos?
Serena, tell us how you really feel about tacos.
serena loves tacos
serena loves tacos
How intense is this love? Williams sometimes has stacks of corn tortillas shipped to her when she's traveling on long tours. She once gave away a signed racket to a fan just because that fan had given her a T-shirt printed with a taco. "She knows I like tacos. She's really cool," Williams said of her fan.
Preach. And here she is doing her taco dance, which is exactly how we move when we eat them too.
taco dance
taco dance
That reminds me. I need to get some tacos for lunch so I can practice my moves.
Don't call them junk food! Williams knows tacos are good for you. "They’re really healthy,” Williams says. “I use lean ground turkey or fish. I don’t use oils. I add my flavor profiles through spices that you can get from a garden. I like what I put together because there are a lot of fresh herbs. If you eat it in a lettuce wrap, that’s even better.”
Lettuce wrap tacos? Some purists would claim Williams' love of tacos is flawed. But I say, if Williams' love of tacos extends to lettuce wraps. it is because of that passion's strength and enormity. Love is love, and taco is taco.
Update, Jan. 6, 11 a.m. PT: Rumors are flying about Megyn Kelly's move to NBC — most recently that network execs have some big plans for her to edge Savannah Guthrie out of the Today show.
Page Six reports that multiple sources have confirmed that the talk at the network says Kelly is headed for Today.
"There is a rumor on set that Megyn would eventually get the lead anchor role on Today, pushing Savannah out," an insider told the site.
But another source told the site that "the 9 a.m. hour of Today is likely not her goal. She is angling for something else."
And a high-level exec at NBC brought up the 5-year contract that Guthrie just signed.
"We just signed Savannah to a massive deal that is longer than Megyn’s," the source said. "A lead anchor role at Today isn’t part of the conversation for Megyn. The goal was simply to get someone of Megyn’s talent and caliber through the door at NBC. We have not made a decision on her daytime slot. It is being discussed."
A Today show rep also denied the rumor, saying that Guthrie has a long future with the show.
"No, Megyn is not being ‘groomed;' the senior leadership of NBC News expects to be long retired and sleeping in while Savannah is still rising early and anchoring Today," the rep said.
Reports say Kelly turned down a $20 million-a-year offer from Fox in order to take a gig at NBC, where she'll have a Sunday night show, a daily news program and a place in the network's political coverage.
Kelly will stay at Fox through this week, continuing to host her show, The Kelly File. Her last day at Fox will be Friday, although she won't start at NBC until July because of her ongoing contract.
Fox CEO and Chairman Rupert Murdoch released a statement after news broke of Kelly's move, writing, "We hope she enjoys tremendous success in her career and wish her and her family all the best."
Kelly also released a statement of her own on Facebook, thanking her soon-to-be former employer for the opportunities it gave her.
"While I will greatly miss my colleagues at Fox, I am delighted to be joining the NBC News family and taking on a new challenge," she wrote. "I remain deeply grateful to Fox News, to Rupert, Lachlan and James Murdoch, and especially to all of the FNC viewers, who have taught me so much about what really matters."
Kelly was at Fox for 12 years. It hasn't been released how much she'll be paid at NBC after she turned down the $20 million offer from Fox, where The Kelly File is the second highest-rated cable news show in total viewers. ABC and CNN were reportedly also chasing Kelly, but the Daily Mail reports that they couldn't compete with the offer from Fox, putting them out of the running.
If you're planning a wedding, chances are you're entering uncharted territory. Not only are you about to make a major life change, but there's a ton to do, a lot of money involved and you want everything to be absolutely perfect. It's a total recipe for a huge meltdown — especially if you're a Type A personality.
So what do you do to save your (and your fiancé's) sanity? Girl, you break out that pen and paper and do what you do best: You make yourself some lists. Checklists help you get organized and make sure everything is in perfect order, so you can sleep soundly at night without a bottle of wine and some Xanax.
We've gathered more than two dozen of the best workbooks, checklists and wedding guides out there. Download them, print them, or just pin 'em to your Pinterest board.
1. Martha Stewart wedding workbook
Of course, we’ve started our list off with a bang. Who is Martha Stewart if not the Goddess of Gorgeous Weddings? Martha’s downloadable wedding workbook is free and free-king amazing when it comes to attention to detail.
2. Oliverink wedding planning checklist
If thinking of the next year of your engaged life causes a mini panic attack, head on over to Etsy to purchase and download this best-selling printable PDF for just a few dollars. The 17-page, hand-designed wedding checklist might just become your new Wedding Bible. (Etsy, $3)
3. MarryThis! wedding planning timeline
This free timeline printable will keep everything — and everyone — chugging along smoothly, especially as you get closer to your wedding date.
Inquiring brides need to know when to try on gowns, when to buy, when to alter and so much more.
5. Real Simple wedding budget workbook
For the ladies who find themselves already going over on their wedding budget, as always, there’s a checklist for that. Real Simple’s user-friendly wedding budgeting worksheet helps to track your ongoing spending, while factoring in vendor estimates.
Originally published January 2013. Updated January 2017.
{pageBreak}
6. The 6-month engagement wedding checklist
While many traditional wedding planning guides break down an engagement into a 12 or 18-month period, this quickie printable condenses it to 6.
7. Wedding cost checklist
A super-simple, one-page wedding cost checklist to help you review your total budget at-a-glance.
8. Wedding planner and guide
Trust that this incredibly detailed worksheet will help you to cover all your bases when you’re up worrying about your wedding deets at three in the morning.
9. The basic wedding planning checklist
Though minimal, this detailed wedding planning checklist includes categories for apparel, flowers, stationery, rings, reception, ceremony, rehearsal dinner, photography and more.
This “ultimate” and editable wedding planning checklist is geared toward DIY brides who may have a few more special projects to do, besides the usual stuff like ordering flowers and tasting wedding cake.
The one-stop-shop of wedding planning will only cost you $20. This complete 41-page printable and editable wedding planning kit was designed by a fellow bride who successfully planned her own wedding at a budget kept under $5,000, thanks to her ninja-organizing skills. (Paper and Oats, $20)
14. Wedding photography checklist
Trust Shutterfly to know which beautiful moments (and when) should be captured on your big day.
15. Wedding music checklist
Choosing the most bomb wedding playlist is hard, yet this handy printable makes it so easy.
A DIY wedding timeline wheel — used as a free printable organizer — might be the cutest thing to happen to your big day.
22. Name change checklist
After the rice has been thrown and the first kiss has been exchanged, the grown-up side of wedding planning begins. Meaning, once you get home and started unpacking all the gifts, you’re going to have to figure out how to change your name and update all your personal documents. This legal name change checklist, with a free printable PDF, makes it easy.
23. The ultimate honeymoon checklist
Just kidding — there’s still plenty of fun to be had after you get hitched, starting with a delightful honeymoon on some tropical beach somewhere. This helpful checklist will lighten the load of wedding and honeymoon planning combined by telling you exactly what to pack.
SeaWorld Orlando had sad news for orca fans today. Tilikum, who is probably the most famous killer whale of all time, has died at the estimated age of 36.
In a statement, SeaWorld said he had serious health issues, including "a persistent and complicated bacterial lung infection," and had been declining for months.
While Tilikum was considered to be old for a captive killer whale, animal welfare groups argue that the species is capable of surviving a lot longer in their natural habitat. Data suggests that female orcas could live well into their 80s or 90s in the wild; males until their 60s or 70s. The world's oldest known killer whale, known as Granny, was reported missing and presumed dead this week and estimated to be over 100 years old.
The lifespan of captive killer whales was the basis of an argument put forward in the 2013 documentary Blackfish, and the subsequent public outcry was instrumental in SeaWorld's decision to stop breeding orcas in captivity.
After Tilikum became implicated in two deaths in the 1990s — a trainer who drown and a man who was found dead in his tank — and then killed trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010 by holding her underwater until she died of drowning and blunt force trauma, many suggested that he should not return to performing, and that he should be put down.
But Blackfish claimed Tilikum wasn't to blame, alleging that SeaWorld's practices were harmful for orcas (as well as dangerous for trainers) and that the stress of captivity was responsible for Tilikum's aggressive behavior. Following increased activism against SeaWorld and a drop in attendance at the park, President and CEO Joel Manby announced that the company was ending its orca breeding program.
Tilikum never made it back into the wild (SeaWorld claimed captive orcas couldn't survive in the open water), but his legacy is clear. His experience means the current generation of killer whales will be the last at SeaWorld's parks.
"Tilikum had, and will continue to have, a special place in the hearts of the SeaWorld family, as well as the millions of people all over the world that he inspired," said Manby. "My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family."
Duchess of Cambridge, the former Kate Middleton, and Prince William have finally released their family Christmas card — hey, better late than never, right?
And as a serious holiday procrastinator myself (I mailed my Christmas cards the day before Christmas Eve), I feel for the royals here. Christmas is a lot of work for everyone, and especially literal royalty with a million other responsibilities to keep track of, and some kids for good measure. I'm sure William and Kate were doing something way more important than planning or sending out Christmas cards.
And OK, so they cheated a little bit on the card itself too, and used a photo that's on Getty from their weeklong Canadian tour last fall. That's fine. They're busy, OK? Get off their backs.
In the royals' defense, the photo they chose, while not particularly festive, is completely adorable. It shows the couple, William holding their son Prince George and Kate holding Princess Charlotte, who has an armful of balloons, at a children's party they attended in September. The kids are watching with fascinated faces as a man makes balloon animals for them, and the family is clearly having an awesome time. It's not a traditional family Christmas portrait, but who's judging?
Royal family reveals holiday card with pic from Sept.
Royal family reveals holiday card with pic from Sept.
Maybe the royals are setting a new trend we can all benefit from. Instead of taking holiday photos, just pick whatever relatively recent Facebook profile pic you like best. And if the cards don't get sent out until a few weeks after the holidays? No worries. The royals did it, so it must be OK.
My life is noisy. I work on the internet– sometimes I think I live here actually – and in social media at that, so there is information coming at me constantly. I'm a freelancer, and I have the usual assortment of life and time demands that any adult has, all playing out amid the traffic and general rush of living in a large metropolitan area.
After a health scare a few years ago, I got pretty serious about seeking some sanity amid the chaos. I will do just about anything these days to calm down.
When I was looking to start a meditation practice and a friend told me I should try flotation therapy, I wasn't excited about it. Climbing into a tank full of salt water, closing the door to all light and sound, closing my eyes, and lying down for an hour in water with 800 pounds of Epsom salt in it sounded like an exercise in claustrophobia and oh, I don't know, maybe passing out and drowning.
But I was going through a stressful period and I believed that meditation would help. My attempts to do it at home listening to white noise or gurus chanting weren't working out, so I floated.
Now? An hour of floaty sensory deprivation is one of my favorite things, and I wish I had a tank in my house. I would shut the door and float every day just like I would float every day in the ocean if I could. I am a person prone to anxiety and the occasional panic attack who does not feel claustrophobic in the tank at all.
I have chronic back and neck pain from sitting hunched over a laptop all the time. The salt water supports my muscles and allows them to completely relax, relieved of gravity. This can cause me some pain in the tank depending on how tight they are, but in the days after I am completely unclenched and pain-free.
As far as meditation goes, the tank is a perfect place for me to check out and then back in on different levels. One of my best memories and frequent meditation visualizations is of floating on my back in the ocean in South Carolina.
I've done this many times, and when I try to settle my mind on land, whether it's my yoga mat for final meditation or in bed when I'm having trouble falling asleep, I always go back to the summer golden hour of 6 p.m., when it's not too hot, and the water is calm, with enough wave movement to wash over me without overpowering me. The closest I've come to this feeling – definitely one of the best I've ever had and would repeat every day if I could – outside of the ocean is in a flotation tank.
I chalk the calm I feel when I get out of the tank to the love my brain waves get from an hour of isolation from text message dings, high importance e-mails, Netflixing and not really chilling: All of the noise that I'm currently conditioned to respond to at varying levels of urgency these days.
AllI know is that when I float I feel calmer overall, I sleep better, and I hurt less. I don't do it as much as I'd like, but like yoga and continued attempts at traditional meditation, it's better for my brain and my life when I do.
There is an online float place database, too, if you'd like to find a place to try it out. I obviously recommend it, even if you have to leave the door open the first time.
For the most part, our world seems to be divided into two camps: Cat people and dog people — and there are a whole lot of dog people that straight up can't stand cats.
But these feline breeds are sure to change any dog-lover's mind. If you're a natural canine person living in a place that doesn't allow dogs — or maybe just want to broaden your pet horizons — check out these guys.
The Abyssinian has a true fondness for water and for humans. Loving to play fetch, the cat will retrieve and carry a toy in his mouth similar to a canine. In addition, he loves being around humans and helping them out with household chores. Unfortunately, he can become easily depressed if not given enough attention or time from his owner.
Another breed that loves going for a swim, the Turkish Angora also enjoys playing with toys and games with humans. A playful kitty, he can often be found getting mischievous in the dirt. Like some dog breeds, the Turkish Angora makes an awesome family pet as he loves children as much as he adores adults.
Like the Turkish Angora, the beautiful Burmese enjoys being around children. A wonderful cat for the dog-lover, this breed is known to for his canine behaviors which include similar feeding rituals, playful nature and dependence on his owner.
The Ragdoll got it's name for the lax posture he makes when picked up by people. Responding well to affection, this breed is similar to dogs for the fact that they enjoy being a lap-cat and are often found greeting his master at the door.
The Manx is a rare cat breed not only because it can be found tailess, but also because it truly likes people. Known for responding to his name, as well as listening when being told "no," this kitty loves affection and her human family.
Most people recognize the American Curl for it's unique curl in the ears. The breed is another family friendly cat, having a true fondness for children and an overall kind demeanor.
Not only is the Maine Coone's size similar to that of most toy dog breed's, but so is their larger than life personality. Another playful and affectionate cat, the Maine Coone takes pleasure in hanging out with his human companions, while shying away from strangers.
He may not be the prettiest kitty in the room, but the Sphynx will be your number one fan for life. An extremely loyal breed, the hairless cat is known for following his family around while wagging his tail affectionately. Extremely outgoing, the soft Shynx loves with his entire heart and makes for a wonderful family pet.
The Bombay is an attention-seeking, high-spirited cuddle bug. Resembling most dog breeds, this black cat yearns for affection and playtime. Having the perfect mix of excitement and chill, this cat makes a superb house pet.
Similar to the Bombay, the American Bobtail has a delightful personality that combines playfulness and relaxation. Keen on toys, games and devotion, this smart kitty is versatile and affectionate with all humankind.
The Birman is pretty much the perfect cat for devoted dog lovers. Not only does this breed bask in activity and playfulness, but he calms down when you need to relax or get things done. Furthermore, the Birman is easy to care for and dotes on the entire family, including children.
The Chartreux has pooch-like mannerisms because of his lively personality and charming attitude. An intelligent breed, the Chartreux is likely to learn and respond to his name, as well as play fetch with his owner.
If you're looking for a kitty that you can train, you've come to the right place. The Ocicat loves to learn just as much as you love to teach him. Like other breeds on the list, the Ocicat enjoys being apart of a family and receiving a lot of quality attention.
Of all the millions of things to be obsessed with on the World Wide Web, pet blogs are by far our favorite. They teach us how to keep our own pets healthy and happy, raise awareness for animals in need and even have a fun giveaway every now and again. Most important, let's not forget they're usually filled with photos of squishy little faces that instantly have us talking in our high-pitched baby voices.
Jen of Puppy Leaks is no joke when it comes to providing nifty tips for dog owners. From science and research to training tips and back to well-written opinion articles, there's something for everyone on this blog. And Jen even has a super-helpful drop-down topics menu, so you don't have to waste time skimming the blog for what you're looking for.
Get started with some of Puppy Leaks' most popular posts:
Blogger Tamar is single, over 30 and has multiple cats — but she DGAF because she's freaking fabulous. Tamar began the blog as a way to chronicle her life in NYC with her kitties, and it's become her mission to dismantle the crazy cat lady stereotype. Obviously, I Have Cat is filled with humor, but the blog is also chock-full of sensible insight (like why it's not such a good idea to give cats as presents) and functional tips (like where to find stylish cat furniture).
She even has a book now titled Shop Cats of New York, which features gorgeous photos of New York's iconic felines and the stories behind them.
3. Goats of Anarchy
GOA instagram
GOA instagram
Leanne of Goats of Anarchy doesn't have a traditional blog per se, but that's because she's way too busy rescuing baby goats with special needs. Her Instagram account is definitely a microblog, however, and we dare you not to fall in love with her menagerie of goats.
GOA instagram 2
GOA instagram 2
Every day GOA educates us on the ups and downs of animal rescue and opens our eyes to just how cruel the world can be to our furry little friends. But believe us when we say there's plenty of fun to be had with GOA too. The goats frequently wear onesies, sweaters and a duck costume — and these babies are so well taken care of that they happily (and hilariously) bounce all over their little goat kingdom.
You can learn more about GOA's mission and where to donate here.
4. Rancho Relaxo
Rancho Relaxo Instagram 1
Rancho Relaxo Instagram 1
Like Goats of Anarchy, Rancho Relaxo isn't a traditional blog, but their Instagram serves as a microblog about animal rescue (Caitlin of Rancho Relaxo is even friends with Leanne of GOA in real life!).
Rancho Relaxo rescues pretty much all types of farm animals, including goats, lambs, chickens, pigs and kittens — they even have a mini-horse and mini-donkey in their care. But we'll issue a big warning here: You'll experience a roller coaster of emotions while following Rancho Relaxo's journey. Caitlin is blessed with the gift of beaming her spirit directly through the computer screen, and you'll feel all of her highs and lows along with her as she feverishly works to make the world a better place, one animal at a time. She also was probably a creative director in a former life, because her carefully curated brand sucks you in and won't let you go.
OK, this one is a big win for the hilarious name alone — but the added bonus is that the blog is full of useful information about dogs and specializes in tips about adventuring with your best friend on hiking and road trips. Blogger Jessica aims to lift the veil on dangerous stereotypes about dogs, and she also provides tons of photos of her adorable dachshunds enjoying their lives in the great outdoors (hence the clever blog name).
YDWWYW insta 2
YDWWYW insta 2
Get started with You Did What With Your Wiener with some of their most popular posts:
We normally think of cats mostly as house-dwellers, and the majority of us who have tried to put a harness on our kitty have failed miserably. But the felines of Adventure Cats have mastered leash training and are living life to the fullest — from mountain climbing in the glistening snow to canoeing through the waters of glassy lakes. The pictures truly have to be seen to be believed.
But it's been recently brought to my attention that some people on the internet have opinions about Elba that are incorrect, like Elle writer R. Eric Thomas, who lost all — and I do mean all — of his shit this morning when a trailer dropped for Elba's upcoming reality series, Fighter.
"You need to see this. Right now," Thomas wrote. "And I'll admit, it might be a little weird for you to watch it at the office for... reasons. But then again I don't know what your company's position on sweat-soaked pecs is. Please call Human Resources and inquire."
I mean, honestly, unless you're into dramatic voice overs and way more sweat than should ever come out of one human body, you don't really need to watch it. But here it is, if you must:
Can we just talk about one thing? Elba is dripping wet in every single scene of that trailer, something that apparently makes Thomas giddy and makes me gag. Who even sweats that much? If he stands still, does he end up standing in a puddle of his own fluids? I cannot.
The one thing I will admit is that the show's premise is pretty impressive. Elba filmed four movies and a TV series last year, and now he's low-key like, "I'm gonna become a pro fighter and film the whole process," and just doing it. Just like that. I can hardly make it to spin class three times a week, so...
Still. Does that make the show appealing enough to look past the buckets of sweat dripping streaming off Elba's body at all times and tune in? Not for me. Don't @ me, Thomas.
When parents start introducing foods to their infants, one of the things they usually worry about is allergies. Over the past 20 years, the number of children diagnosed with peanut allergies has soared, from 0.4 percent in 1997 to 1.4 percent in 2010. These allergies can be life-threatening, and parents have been told to delay the introduction of foods like peanuts and eggs in order to keep vulnerable children safe. Turns out, we may have had this backward.
A new set of guidelines from the National Institute of Health recommends introducing foods containing peanuts to infants between the ages of 4 and 6 months as a way to prevent peanut allergies. It sounds counterintuitive, but recent research cited by the NIH showed that "regular peanut consumption begun in infancy and continued until 5 years of age led to an 81 percent reduction in development of peanut allergy in infants deemed at high-risk because they already had severe eczema, egg allergy, or both."
That's mind-blowing. An 81 percent reduction in peanut allergies. And that's among kids who were considered high risk for developing them.
In an article by Stat news, Dr. David Stukus, one of the co-authors of the guidelines, was quoted as saying, "There is this magic window of opportunity where you can introduce peanut-containing foods... [When] we introduce [these] foods early, the immune system can get used to it."
It's easy to see why parents whose children are at a high risk of developing peanut allergies would be nervous about feeding them to their 4-month-olds. And there are some caveats — the NIH says that high-risk infants between the ages of 4 and 6 months should be seen by an allergy specialist before they are given foods containing peanuts. For babies with a moderate risk, they should wait to be given these foods until they are 6 months of age, but do not need to be seen by a specialist first.
Though these new guidelines fly in the face of what we've been taught over the past few years, the science behind it is compelling and should give parents hope that their children need not be subject to the dangers of peanut allergies.
Michelle Obama gave her last speech as first lady today, and — as you might imagine — she knocked it out of the park. “Being your first lady has been the greatest honor of my life, and I hope I've made you proud,” she said, blinking back tears as her remarks were met with thunderous applause.
Michelle Obama's last speech as first lady
Michelle Obama's last speech as first lady
Obama had gathered high school counselors from all over the country at the White House today to honor the 2017 School Counselor of the Year, among many other stellar counselors, in a ceremony that she started in 2015 for those with exceptional leadership skills.
In her speech, Obama spoke beautifully about hope. “When you encounter obstacles — because I guarantee you, you will, and many of you already have — when you are struggling and you start thinking about giving up, I want you to remember something that my husband and I have talked about since we first started this journey nearly a decade ago, something that has carried us through every moment in this White House and every moment of our lives, and that is the power of hope — the belief that something better is always possible if you're willing to work for it and fight for it,” she said.
“It is our fundamental belief in the power of hope that has allowed us to rise above the voices of doubt and division, of anger and fear that we have faced in our own lives and in the life of this country,” Obama continued. “Our hope that if we work hard enough and believe in ourselves, then we can be whatever we dream, regardless of the limitations that others may place on us. The hope that when people see us for who we truly are, maybe, just maybe they too will be inspired to rise to their best possible selves.”
And though we may be facing an uncertain and scary four years, Obama spoke directly to our nation’s young people, reminding them of their importance and telling them that they should not be afraid. “I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong, so don’t be afraid,” the FLOTUS said. “You hear me? Young people, don’t be afraid. Be focused, be determined, be hopeful, be empowered.” Once again, Obama mentioned hope, saying, “Lead by example with hope, never fear, and know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.”
The full 21-minute video is really worth watching, though you may find yourself struggling to stay composed alongside Obama (and the bevy of women on stage behind her). Or, for the full transcript of her final remarks, head over to Time.
Everything would be perfect right now if it weren't for the fact that my house is in such a state of disarray I can feel my blood pressure rising in exponential digits.
I look around the living room three feet deep with toys, papers, and who knows what then my eyes travel to the kitchen which has a sink full of dishes and counters covered in yet more papers, dishes and clutter. I think about our main bathroom which needs to be swept, mopped, and basically cleaned from ceiling to floor. My daughters' room can barely be walked in and I'm fairly certain all the clothing we've ever owned is sitting in laundry baskets that are making an encroaching war-like circle around my bed.
Why is it like this?
Because I'm the only one that cleans despite living in a house with three other people.
My husband works 50-plus hours a week, Monday to Friday. Every Saturday my father comes over and they work all day together in the yard. His only true day off is Sunday, and he spends it sleeping or doing nothing. We bought our first house this summer and it needs some renovations and a major overhaul in the half-acre yard, as it was vacant for two years. There is truly a lot of work, even if I do think at times he drags certain jobs out longer than they need to be so he can stay outside.
My two daughters are autistic and present their own challenges that I must work around daily.
So the house work falls all on me. I was handling it, but then I began working and my PTA duties increased drastically; we had the school carnival to plan. My routine, ordered life became completely upended in the last two weeks.
I've repeatedly had to not finish a job I was assigned for the PTA or my actual job or give up sleep in order to find time to make a dent in the housework nightmare, only to have my family destroy the hard work within a matter of hours and make me feel like I let down my boss, coworkers and fellow PTA moms for no good reason.
So today, as I surveyed the fiasco that is our house and let my mother's disappointed words flow through my brain (she made an unannounced visit to our house earlier today while I was at work, and my husband let her in and she saw the mess first-hand), I decided to go on a mini-strike. I was not going to put aside the work that makes me feel good about myself just to pick up after three other people who are going to destroy my work and ultimately waste my time.
Here's the problem, though: When I get done writing, I'll do exactly that.
I allowed myself that moment of "I HATE MY FAMILY FOR THIS!" anger because it's justified. Just because I don't receive a paycheck for the time I put in to do the dishes, laundry, clean floors, rooms, etc., doesn't mean my time and effort are meaningless. Yes, we all know laundry, dishes and cleaning are part of a never-ending cycle, but that doesn't mean the act of doing it should be taken for granted. Because when you don't get it done, then your home looks like a prelim to a Hoarders episode.
Everyone is allowed to feel angry; it's a normal condition of being a human and living with other people. To pretend you don't get angry or that it's wrong is what causes people to fall into depression and other negative mental health traps. You can NOT bottle up all those negative feelings forever. Sooner or later, they will explode and it will not be pretty.
The best advice I ever heard about hate and family came from Season 8 of the TV show Everybody Loves Raymond. Laugh all you want or shake your head at my idiocy, but there is a good point to be made.
In the scene Robert and Amy are newly married and they are driving Ray and Debra crazy by giving out marriage advice. Sick of the bickering Ray's mother Marie jumps in to tell it how it is:
Marie Barone: You want some real marriage advice? I'm going to give you the secret now: There's going to be yelling. There's going to be anger. Don't fight it -- accept it. You love him. You hate him. He disgusts you-- look how he eats. You keep your head down, and you plow through.
Amy: But Marie, you said "hate." How can hate have any place in a marriage?
Marie Barone: You make room. There's going to be hate. Hate is real. Marriage is real.
That's the truth. Just as we love our families, we are going to have times when we hate them. We hate the messes they make, the wasted time of having to clean up the same mess a million times, the arguments, the unclean house, etc. But we also love the hugs, the times we do get appreciated, the smiles, and just knowing someone loves us and that we aren't alone.
Acknowledge the hate then let it go and move on. Take a deep breath, grab a glass of wine, turn on music that adds a bit of salsa into your step, then break out the cleaning supplies and plow through the mess.
Image: AMC
