Even if a poorly drawn stick figure is all you have, it's like we tell our kids: It really is the thought that counts.

1. Chewbacca

Image: Lunch Bag Art

This flawless Star Wars art was crafted by Derek Benson, a.k.a. the "Lunch Bag Art" dad of Tumblr. According to his description: "I draw on my kids' lunch bags. I'm the dad. I make these during my lunch break." Congrats — your kids are officially the coolest kids at the lunch table.

2. Crab-apple

Image: Imgur

When Bryan Dunn, freelance designer and illustrator, shared his adorable drawings that he used to decorate his son's lunch bag for the past two years, the rest (as they say) was history. The Bag Dad now has a major online fan base, with his son heading up the fan club.

3. Hedgehog

Image: Flickr

There's no way a kid won't smile when he sees the loving detail put into a pencil-drawn hedgehog decorating a sack lunch. And with any luck, maybe he'll eat his carrots.

4. Lord of the Rings

Spencer Platt is just a devoted dad and artist who spruces up his daughter's lunch bag with custom fan art every day of the week.

5. Monkeys

Image: Flickr

Barbara Backyard of Flickr shares her inspiration: "A lunch bag I painted thanks to my dad who used to draw cartoons on our lunch bags as kids."

6. Nutcracker

Image: Whiz Bang Bags

Seth Hippen is another father and illustrator who has taken his talents to the lunchroom. Hippen's Whiz Bang Bags Tumblr documents his one-of-a-kind creations that could easily double as wall art.

7. Portraits

Image: Doodle Bag Designs

Michael Smith, the dad behind Doodle Bag Productions, explains this lunchtime work of art: "This week finds Sara and her friends dealing with the books as the workload of sixth grade begins to bear down on them. The books are disgorging their information in a massive wave of knowledge. The math books are actually throwing the text and numbers at the students."

8. Snowman

Not technically a brown bag, David LaFerriere’s detailed and delightful sandwich bag art for his two children is close enough. LaFerriere says, "I’ve been doing it for my kids since they were little. They love it, and nothing makes me happier than hearing their reaction at the end of the day."

9. Starfire

The world's sweetest stepdad took the time to draw his second grader's favorite DC Comics character to brighten her day when she opened her lunch.

10. Unicorndog

Image: Imgur

Christy Kilgore is a talented graphic designer and mom with a commitment to keeping her kids' lunches interesting. This mom confesses that her expressive lunch bag art is win-win: "I draw on lunch bags. I say it's for my kids, but I just like doing it."

More on parenting

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This time I chose blue, white and gold ink. The results left my nails looking like shiny lapis stones.

Alcohol ink manicure

Thanks to Reddit, I know I am not the only one who has done a few questionable things in the name of parenting. There's no judgment coming from me. In fact, I hope to add a few of these ideas to my playbook. Parents have to stick together, and the best way to do that is to laugh and commiserate over the shared experience that is parenting.

Here are some of the best parenting confessions from Reddit:

Secret snacks

"Sometimes I lock myself in the bathroom to eat a snack because I don't want to share it with my kids."

Take a personal day

"I lied about a Saturday 12-6 overtime shift, so my daughter went to her grandmothers. I went out to breakfast, went to a mall and looked around, then saw a movie. I picked up my daughter at grandmothers, after eating at Five Guy's first."

The playground is closed

"I consistently tell my toddler that the "playground needs new batteries" because I don't want to go."

When Mom is away...

"I let my son watch Sesame Street whenever he wants so that I can get stuff done when my wife isn't home. When she's home there's a very strict rationing of TV time."

Brain candy

"Last Halloween we told the kids that some of the candy was made from nasty things like brains and snot and that they should put those brands into the "Bad Candy Jar" in the kitchen. Then we ate that candy later."

No nap for you

"Most of the time I do everything in my power to make sure my son doesn't have a nap so that he goes to bed earlier..."

Goodbye pacifier

"We've had trouble getting my daughter off the pacifier (the nook, we call it). Well this weekend she went to grandma's and when she got back, asked for her nook. We told her the nook fairy came and took it, and left a small bowl of M&M's instead. Seemed to work, so far at least."

Mooch-proof food

"I have taken to eating almost uniformly hot/ boring/ spicy/ weird food because it's the only thing the kids won't mooch."

Chocolate allergies

"My daughter believes shes allergic to too much chocolate and the ice cream vans siren means hes sold out of ice cream I feel no shame in having told her this."

You can't find me

"I play hide and seek with my toddler, and really enjoy the five minutes of peace and quiet I get if I have a good hiding spot. Eventually he finds Mom, who then helps..."

TV time

"I set up the TV so that he can easily flick on a favorite movie or tv show when he wakes up so that I can get a little bit extra sleep on the weekends. He's been doing this since just before he was 2."

Beware of the sharp bone

"I tell my 3 year old that there is a really sharp bone in is nose that will cut his finger off if he tries to pick his boogers."

Free day

"I take my kids to daycare on my days off."

Can you relate to these parents? What's your best parental confession?

More for parents

How play therapy helped my daughter and saved my sanity
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Do you think your child is being bullied?

We parents usually have a natural instinct for this kind of thing, but it's important to hear our child's side of things before we take action. Sit down in a comfortable and quiet place and have a heart to heart. You might find that your child is open to talking about the problem, but many children feel embarrassed and try to hide bullying from their parents. Either way, your role is to support them emotionally, make sure they realize that nobody deserves to be bullied and offer them advice about what to do if bullying occurs.

Why is the bullying happening?

Now that you've spoken to your child and you're sure that there's something nasty going on, you'll want to stomp over and sort it out. Take a moment to think about the reasons behind the bullying. Children bully for all sorts of different reasons: to alleviate their own feelings of anger or upset, in an attempt to feel powerful or even because they don't realize that the jokes they're making aren't acceptable. Remember that it's quite likely that the bully has problems too and being hostile toward them won't help the situation.

What to do if you see bullying outside of school

If you happen to see the bullying firsthand, it's definitely time to step in. The first thing to do is to separate your child and the bully. Be firm but fair when you speak to the bully, and let them know that their behavior is unacceptable. Don't let either your child or the bully try to write the incident off as a joke, as this only downplays bad behavior. If the bully's parents are around, make sure you explain the situation to them and have them take part in the conversation too.

What to do if bullying is going on at school

There must always be consequences of bullying to avoid repeat incidents. If the bullying is happening inside school, make sure to inform the class teacher and members of staff who may need to know. You may need to fill out an incident report. Also contact the parent of the bully and discuss the problems at hand. Many schools have anti-bullying strategies, such as "buddies" who keep an eye out for younger children or discussion groups where children can share their problems. These measures are most effective when the whole school is on board.

How the playground can impact bullying

The playground environment can certainly play a role in bullying incidents. Crowded playgrounds where space is tight can mean children don't have a good place to release energy or to pause and think about their situation.Studies have shown that simple playground improvements can reduce bullying. Talk to your child's school or local council about the possibility of introducing line markings to separate play areas, ensuring there are quiet, green spaces and improving the playground with flowers or gardens.

Basically, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., you can bring any container you want and fill it up with Slurpee for just $1.49. The only caveat? The container must fit in a 10-inch circle.

So what should you fill? To get some inspiration, check out the crazy containers people around the world have used on #BYOCupDay in their countries.

1. The biggest Slurpee ever

And you thought size didn't matter.

2. A 5-gallon water container

The folks at the office will be either ecstatic or repulsed when you turn the watercooler into a Slurpee machine.

3. A soccer ball

Nothing rehydrates you after a big game like a soccer ball full of frozen sugar water.

4. A pitcher half your size

Sometimes it's not the vessel itself — it's how big it is in proportion to the person drinking out of it. Let's just say I'm glad I don't have to parent these kids once they've chugged all of that down.

5. A teapot

Because everything is classier if you serve it at teatime.

6. A big pink thermos

Whatever floats your boat, old dude.

7. A utility bucket

I just pray he washed that out first.

8. A rice cooker

At least he didn't actually put it in the horse mask. That is a mask... right?

9. A blender

This actually makes sense. As it melts, you can reblend your Slurpee so everything stays nice and frosty.

10. That random container you use to store office supplies

We've all got one — a random plastic container that is holding a ton of junk. #BYOCupDay is your chance to fill it with something useful.

11. A mini water jug

Not as cool as 5-gallon-water-jug guy, but definitely a lot more practical.

12. A cookie jar

Honestly, it looks like this kid made 3-D art with his artful dispensing of multiple Slurpee flavors into a floral cookie jar. Kudos to him!

13. A majestic water vessel

If you're going to chug 200 ounces of frozen sugar in one go, you may as well do it from a piece of fine pottery.

14. A LEGO 7-Eleven

How very meta.

15. An Android box

Please, God, tell me they took the phone out first.

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The Cupertino company has released its latest operating system update, iOS 8.3, to the public. Along with your typical bug fixes comes an updated emoji keyboard with 300 new characters — everything from families with same-sex couples to racially diverse faces are now among your emoji choices.

*slow-clap emoji*

The update also includes additional languages for Siri, including Russian, Danish, Dutch (these really are two distinct languages — I Googled it), Thai, Swedish and Portuguese, and flags from 32 new countries.

Here's how to get your own racially diverse emojis for your next text:

1. Update your Apple device software to iOS 8.3. You can do this by hooking up your device to iTunes or by manually getting the software update under "Settings" and "Software Update."

2. Now hit the globe button on the keyboard, and find the emoji keyboard. If your emoji keyboard isn't enabled, go to "Settings," "General," "Keyboards," and then "Add New Keyboard."

3. To start adding your cool, new, racially diverse emojis to your texts, find the face you want to use, and then "long-press" the face. From there, five additional skin colors to choose from should pop up.

4. Once you've selected a particular skin tone for your emoji, that color rather than yellow will become your default.

But even 300 new emojis weren't enough to satisfy every Apple user.

Redheads are feeling a little left out

But LEGO people are now included

Others are worried the racially diverse emojis are going to be co-opted by racists

Sure, much of the criticism of Apple's new racially diverse emojis is just a bit of fun, but it's pretty crazy that something as innocent as adding more diversity into emoji communication could possibly stir up controversy.

What do you think of Apple's new emojis? Will you add them to your texts? Are you disappointed by an emoji that was left out of the update?

More on Apple and racially diverse emojis

Finally! An emoji app that realizes one face doesn't fit all
How to download and use emoji icons
Why you should wait before updating your iPhone to iOS 8.0.2

Since becoming a mom, I've acquired a lot of junk in the trunk, so those mini skirts and all of that spandex just won't do anymore. I'm not mourning the loss too much, though. I had my day wearing incredibly tight, outrageously short clothes, and I'm totally content with my newfound mom wardrobe now. And if fail on the fashion part, at least I know I'll be comfortable.

How did your style change after you became a mom?

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Rimes posted a photo of herself perched on a boat in a teeny weeny bikini, which she does quite often. Upon first glance the shot is notable only for the fact that other than a little Instagram filter action, it isn't Photoshopped — stretch marks are clearly visible on the singer's hips. And that's a big deal.

More: LeAnn Rimes' ex is still bitter, as proved by this ego-driven interview

More: LeAnn Rimes' claws comes out as she slams the tabloids

Rimes addressed those stretch marks, and her idea of how a woman can get a bikini body, in a couple of really great comments she made on her own photo. When someone asked if her bikini bottom was a thong, her reply turned into a fantastic statement on positive body image.

So ladies, this summer get yourself that bikini — the teenier the better — and show off those bikini bodies, stretch marks and all!

1. Faux metal wall frame

Image: Suzy/Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom

intricate wall decor, perfect for framing a collage or gallery wall. Paint your creation to get a faux metal filigree look that will definitely fool your friends and family.

2. TP craft caddy

Image: Jessie/Lilyshop

If you're going to organize those supplies, they may as well look glamorous. Turn extra tubes into glimmering craft caddies, perfect for keeping pens and pencils handy, while adding some elegant upcycled decor.

3. Bubble picture frames

Image: Sofia/Sofia Encinas

You've never seen a more unique way to display your photographs! Turn a family picture into an eye-catching accent with a custom frame made from empty toilet paper rolls. Not only is this DIY display fast and free, its vertical base adds dimension and depth to your pictures.

4. Decorative napkin rings

Image: Renee/Rustic Crafts Chic Decor

Getting ready for a formal dinner or event? Cut up some leftover paper towel tubes to make perfectly sized napkin rings, which you can then decorate to match your party's theme. A little burlap and a colorful bead are the perfect embellishment for these easy crowd pleasers.

5. Floral iPhone speaker

Image: Chaney/May Richer Fuller Be

Instead of a clunky set of speakers, try this makeshift energy-efficient alternative that doesn't need any batteries or plugs. Simply decorate your roll with paint, contact paper or whatever style you like best, add push pins to give it some stability and cut a slot for your phone to fit snugly in.

6. Painted wall art

Image: Bonnie/Revolutionaries

Turn a couple of canvases, some fallen sticks and a few cut TP tubes into classy wall decor. Use paint to color to your TP "leaves" and add a little seasonal charm. You can use this trick to cover any open wall you've got by adding more canvases and branches.

7. Paper owl accents

Image: Bright Nest

By simply pinching the corners and adding some sweet owly faces, you can turn your paper waste into upcycled owl ornaments and accents. These bright little guys are perfect for propping up in bookshelves, turning into colorful mobiles or even creating a spring-themed tablescape.

For more upcycling ideas to get Earth Day-ready, check out our upcycing and repurposing page on Hometalk!

More: Alyssa Milano posts super-cute breastfeeding photo

The Mistresses actress was traveling with 10 ounces of breast milk, and when she was at Heathrow airport in London, her milk was confiscated because she didn't have her baby daughter, Elizabella, with her at the time. This really upset Milano, who took to Twitter to slam the airport's security measures.

She also found it confusing that the airport tested her toiletries to make sure that they were safe, but threw away her breast milk, which left her asking the airport why it was OK that she was allowed her shampoo but not her breast milk.

More: Alyssa Milano shares intimate, important breastfeeding snapshot (PHOTO)

What made even less sense to Milano was that after she got through security, she had to pump her breast milk again, and then she ended up taking it on board with her.

Heathrow airport responded to the actress, explaining that the reason they had confiscated her breast milk was due to liquid restrictions.

However, many fans agree with Milano and feel that it was a ridiculous decision on the airport's behalf.

More: Alyssa Milano has news that all Mistresses fans are going to hate

Airports have very strict rules for our safety, which they clearly highlight, but did they make the right decision this time around? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Here's your big reveal.

Meet David and Julia, a pair of upstairs neighbors out to elevate their game when it comes to making the right amount of noise to drive their befuddled downstairs neighbor completely mental.

"People think of neighborly noise as a nuisance, but we think of it as an art form," Julia says.

Bowling balls, wood being chopped, a cash register full of change shaking — these are the sounds that David and Julia use to create a symphony of irritation for their downstairs neighbor.

"Their ceiling is our stage," David says while touching up his intricate diagrams of how he'll use buckets of water tied to a stick to bash the ceiling of his neighbor below.

"I want them to stop, and I want to know what the hell they're doing!" the neighbor yells.

It's just as bad as she could possibly imagine.

"Some people might say what we do is passive-aggressive. To those people, we say, 'thank you,'" David and Julia sign off.

For anyone who has ever lay awake at night, wondering what in the hell those people are doing up there, David and Julia are here to confirm it's probably just as bad as you think.

It's only totally hilarious because it's the picture we've all had of our neighbors popping balloons and rolling kegs of beer.

More on how to deal with neighbors

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Neighbor's anonymous note to new mom goes too far

I twirled baton in elementary school. I would like to give a more kick-ass example, but I'm afraid this represents the height of my athletic achievement in life. At the end of my second year, our team competed in some sort of local tournament, performing a routine we built on from week to week. We didn't win anything at all, but at the end of the night we each got a shiny trophy. And I was proud! Not because I thought I had actually won something — teams and individuals that placed received far more substantial trophies — but because I worked and practiced and learned and had a tangible souvenir to show for it.

Can someone tell me why this is a bad thing? Because I don't get it.

Some might say the skills and experience were souvenir enough. I submit to them that my baton twirling talents are far less shiny and not at all fit for public display 30 years later. The trophy is still pretty neat, though.

Participation trophies and their ilk — ribbons, medals, certificates — serve as recognition. That's all they are. I promise you, most children are fully aware that they didn't actually win something. It's fairly easy to realize you aren't a special snowflake when everyone around you gets the same thing.

I've seen parents and not-yet-parents ranting all over the internet about how they won't allow participation trophies in their homes. They will make sure their kids know they didn't earn them. They sound like super fun people.

The thing is, sometimes in life you do get rewarded for showing up. Sometimes showing up is the whole point of the thing. Sometimes showing up every single time and seeing something through to the end can be its own accomplishment. Life gives children lots of opportunities to keep score, to win and lose and envy and boast. Must that be the case for everything they ever do? Is that really what life as an adult looks like?

Because last time I checked, you 20- and 30-somethings whining about "back in my day" — P.S. I'm older than you, participation trophies were a thing in your day, swearsies — they give these out to everyone who completes a local 5k or half marathon.

Image: Myrtle Beach TheDigitel/Flickr

I hear they give them to people who walk. To people who aren't even close to placing. To the person who comes in last, even. Yet no one is throwing a fit in their end-of-race Instagram selfie comments, alleging that they didn't earn that medal. Is there something I'm missing that makes this different from every kid getting a ribbon at the end of swim season? Why does it translate to ruin for today's youth but justifiable pride for adults?

Don't get me wrong — a real first-place trophy holds far more meaning than any token award of completion. But children know this. They can tell one from the other. They don't need adults going Condescending Wonka on them, reminding them they aren't actually winners. Recent studies show self-esteem, particularly that of our daughters, plummets as children hit puberty. Let them have the damn participation trophies, society will knock the ego out of them before you know it.

More on kids and sports

Teaching your kids not to be sore losers
Should I care that my child is bad at sports?
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Even though we live in a world that has seen many iterations of the Vagina Monologues, women still find it irksome to speak candidly about their periods. Sure, it came at a time when most of us were not yet comfortable in our bodies, but we lived through it, and should be able to reflect on it in hindsight. After all, it's a very important step in becoming a woman, so even if it wasn't the classiest of experiences, we shouldn't be afraid to share it.

This was precisely the goal of underwear brand Ask Kate's new video, entitled "First Time." They asked 20 women to talk about what it was like getting their period for the first time, in order to show people it should be given as much attention as the first time you have sex. Here's what transpired.

I was so blown away by the candor in this video, I thought I'd keep the ball rolling.

1. "I felt like a freak."

Reddit user CatalystEXE is one of many women who felt like getting your period made you different in a bad way. We have to keep sharing our period stories, if only to prevent reactions like this.

"I was extremely worried. I felt like such a freak when I woke up to blood in my underwear. I kept it a secret for weeks because I thought I was sick and I didn't want to go to the doctors. I thought it was gross and unnatural because my mother taught me at a very young age that boys don't get periods."

2. "I hid it for years."

UptightSodomite seemed totally fine handling this life-changing experience on her own, but sadly it was because she felt like it was something she had to hide.

"I was in sixth grade band class, feeling myself grow increasingly wetter. It made me feel uneasy, so I asked if I could go to the bathroom. There, I discovered a bloody mess in my panties. I did my best to wipe most of it away with tissues, then had to use the tissues as a makeshift pad, because there weren't any pads or tampons anywhere, not even when I asked the adults.

Luckily, it was the last class of the day, so I just went home afterwards and took care of it by myself. I hid it from my family for years."

3. Adventures in babysitting

This is what I call getting stuck in a sticky situation.

VampireChild: "I was out babysitting and remember wondering why my panties were getting soaked, went to the bathroom and found out. Didn't have any supplies with me so I was stuck like that for a few more hours. When I got home I texted my mother, grabbed stuff from her bathroom and tossed my underwear."

4. Tennis anyone?

Carly, a lawyer from Chicago, was wearing perhaps the worst thing possible to welcome Aunt Flo.

"When I get home, I check my underwear and have to admit that this gelatinous visitor isn't going away. I shyly tell my mom that I think I got my period. All she has in the house are Kotex supers. At this point, I've never even been kissed, so the idea of anything entering my inner sanctum, nevertheless a cotton wad wider than a Mr. Sketch, is daunting. But I don't have a choice. I insert it, discovering that there is space inside me that I never knew existed."

5. "Derek Jeter is my period mate."

Cecilia, a New York actress, is sure hers ties her intrinsically to Mr. Jeter.

"I got my first period on Derek Jeter's 23rd birthday. I still think it's some sort of cosmic sign that we're meant to have children together, and I have gauged the passage of time by his age ever since... "

6. Sleepover surprise

Here's my personal period story. I was super excited about a sleepover that was happening that night at my friend Celia's, and couldn't wait for the day to be over. Then I started getting bad cramps in my lower stomach that wouldn't go away. I thought I had food poisoning, but my dad had a suspicion it was my period, and gave me Advil, which helped almost immediately. However, he neglected to tell me what he thought it might be, and sent me to the sleepover without pad protection.

Sure enough, I woke up in the middle of the night to a sleeping bag full of blood (or at least it seemed like that at the time). But rather than making fun of me, my friends hugged me, cleaned me up and told me they were actually jealous, because I was the first to "become a woman"! It was perhaps the best response I could've hoped for.

Image: Giphy

More on periods

Getting PTO during your period: Sexist or completely genius?
What to expect when your kid gets her first period
What your period can tell you about your body

1. Soft tacos with ground beef

I started with this delicious recipe for soft tacos with ground beef, but you can recreate your taco night leftovers by adding different spices and toppings.

2. Taco lettuce wraps

Image: Skinnytaste.com

Although ground turkey is used here, I think these taco lettuce wraps are just as tasty with ground beef. Remind you of P.F. Chang's famous lettuce wraps, don't they?

3. Sloppy joe tacos

Image: Gimmesomeoven.com

Another way to recreate your taco leftovers is by turning up the heat and making some sloppy joe tacos. What's better than a true marriage of flavors?

4. Taco pie

Image: All day I dream about food

One of our favorite SheKnows Experts, Carolyn Ketchum, created this taco pie for her blog. Bonus: it's low carb! And ridiculously easy, to boot.

5. Creamy Mexican dip

Image: The Weary Chef

Maybe you're throwing a party this weekend. Or maybe you're just dying for an excuse to eat a whole bag of tortilla chips. Just say hello to this creamy Mexican dip! No judgments.

6. Taco grilled cheese

Image: Art and the Kitchen

Don't be fooled by this burger-looking sandwich. It's actually a taco grilled cheese! I know, I know. This must be what heaven tastes like.

7. Loaded tots

Image: The good stuff

Our love affair with tater tots will never die. And what's better than having your tots along with your leftovers? Loaded tater tots are just what we've all been waiting for.

8. Taco casserole

Image: Oh my veggies

Although this recipe is technically vegetarian, I say skip a can of beans and load this cheesy taco casserole with some of that leftover ground beef instead. Yum!

9. Stuffed zucchini

Image: Katrina runs for food

If you're really looking to impress some guests this weekend, or simply love stuffed zucchini (and who doesn't?), these taco-stuffed zucchini are simply irresistible.

10. Tamale pie

Image: Pinch of yum

Carnitas, schmarnitas! I'm loving this taco tamale pie much better with the addition of my ground beef leftovers. I can't resist an excuse to make an easy dinner.

11. Cheesy chili mac

Image: Sweet pea's kitchen

Macaroni and cheese. Need I say more? OK, fine. This cheesy chili mac and cheese uses all of the ingredients to make a chili, but it'll go great with your taco leftovers, too.

12. Cheesy lasagna cupcakes

You've got two options here: take your taco meat and turn it into these adorable cheesy lasagna cupcakes or go wild and use the recipe for quinoa enchilada cupcakes, but sub the meat for quinoa. Voila!

13. Taco pizza

Image: A mindful mom

I am unabashedly a huge pizza lover. As a New Yorker, I basically have to be. So when I saw this recipe for a taco pizza, I basically turned into one of those cartoon characters with hearts in my eyes. True story.

14. Stuffed bell pepper

Image: Our lady of second helpings

Want a really easy lunch with those taco leftovers? Then look no further than this simple taco-stuffed bell pepper. What more could we really ask for?

15. Taco crescents

Image: Plain chicken

Another appetizer winner is these taco crescents. I simply love the idea of using simple croissant dough to recreate leftovers in a truly unique way. Plus, they make a fantastic snack!

16.Taco lasagna

Image: The girl who ate everything

Sometimes in life, the answer to anything is lasagna. Whenever I'm thinking of cooking on Sundays, I always think of making this hearty dish. And why not spice things up with a taco lasagna this time?

17. Taco chili salad

Image: Loaves and dishes

Although this recipe technically calls for leftover chili, I think it's just as lovely with leftover taco meat. After all, it wouldn't be a taco salad without some taco flavor, right?

18. Tex-Mex Egg McMuffin

Image: College recipe cafe

Who says leftovers can't turn into a fantastic breakfast? That's the idea behind this Tex-Mex Egg McMuffin. It's simple and delicious, the only things breakfast should ever be.

19. Taco leftovers chili

Image: ButterYum

Last, but definitely not least, is the magic that comes from transforming your taco leftovers into truly delicious and easy chili. All you need is some extra seasoning, and you're set!

More leftover recipes

Italian sausage leftovers: 10 Recipes that go beyond just pasta
Tomato paste leftovers: Recipes to use up the rest of that can
13 Delicious ways to use your leftover cabbage

Sometimes I wish everything would slow down because I'm just watching Atticus grow up so fast right before my eyes! But besides that, life starts to get tiring. And when I start to feel tired, I start to look tired. So today I'm teaming up with Garnier to share with you five ways that I fight the fatigue and exhaustion of a busy life. Without these things I'd probably go crazy.

1. Make time to relax

Sometimes I literally have to make time in my calendar to relax. This last trip to California was exhausting. We were just on the move the entire time. So one of the days we looked up the sunrise time and just made time! We woke up early, walked to the beach and sat and watched the sunrise, and it was so beautiful and so relaxing! Moments like this are priceless, and the more of them there are, the happier I am.

2. Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream

A good wrinkle cream is a game changer! There's no better way to feel instantly exhausted than finding new wrinkles; it makes you feel old. Running yourself too hard, stress, exhaustion, all of these in general just add to the aging process, so I try to fight that with a good anti-aging cream. Doing this makes you not only look younger but feel younger, and when you feel younger, you're more relaxed.

3. Exercise

Even if it's just a short workout in the house or a run through the park, anything is better than nothing. It might sound counterintuitive to fight exhaustion by getting more tired, but it gives me a chance to clear my mind and forget about the stresses of the day. Especially when I get to exercise outside, it's great to have a moment and take in some fresh air.

4. Put the cell phone down

Every once in a while I will be playing with Atticus and I'll catch myself checking Instagram and I think, what am I doing? Most of us are on our phones all day long. Sometimes I'll get headaches just from staring at screens all day. So a while back, David and I committed ourselves (even though it's been hard to remember sometimes) to having periods of time, whether they are date nights or just certain designated times around the house, that are cell phone free. There's nothing more exhausting than a bright light that's always in front of your face, especially before bedtime. Studies have shown that spending time on your phone or computer before bed leads to sleep problems. I've got enough of those as it is, so sometimes it's just better to go phone free.

5. Date night

This is something that I'm just now realizing is so important. Last week we had a babysitter watch Atticus for the first time! It's taken me nine months to feel comfortable and ready to leave him with a sitter. We only went out for a few hours, but it was great to finally have some "us" time. We've had so many "date" nights in the city where we would just bring A with us, but it's not the same. Setting some time aside in your busy life with your husband, boyfriend, significant other or good friend is a great way to combat the fatigue and exhaustion that comes from a busy life.

I know there are so many other things to help remind us to slow down, but these are just a few that help me. I hope they help you too.

Disclosure: This post is part of a collaboration between Garnier and SheKnows.

With balancing my career and life with twins I always have to make sure I have the proper nutrients to stay energized throughout the day. Mid-afternoon is when I feel sluggish and fatigued. This is the time when I'm tempted to have a big cup of coffee or sugary treat. Instead I turn to a green smoothie to rejuvenate me and keep me running circles at the park and concocting new recipes in the kitchen. With a variety of energy-boosting ingredients to add, I really don't miss the caffeine or the sugar rush.

Try a green smoothie with one or more of the ingredients listed here to give you a boost and provide long-lasting energy throughout any hectic day. I like the base of my green smoothies to be a leafy green like spinach. It is a mild flavor and blends well with any combination of fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Here's my list of ingredients:

You can add to fight fatigue and exhaustion. Add a few or add them all!

1. Coconut water: There are many liquids to add to your smoothies besides just water. Coconut water is great because it's still low in calories but contains natural electrolytes like sodium and potassium. The average person sweats about 1.5 gallons per day, so it's important to replenish electrolytes to avoid fatigue. Most popular sports drinks contain electrolytes as well, but are high in processed sugars.
2. Coconut meat: If you are going to use coconut water as your base, do not forget the coconut meat! The coconut water and the coconut meat are the perfect partnership in fighting fatigue. Coconut meat is a great source of potassium. It supports body growth and maintains normal heart, digestive and muscular system function. Even though potassium does not directly give you energy, when deficient you will experience weakness that will discourage you from physical activity.
3. Parsley: Not only does parsley help flush out toxins from your body and support kidney function, but it is also high in iron. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the U.S. because it's one of the hardest minerals to absorb into the body. Iron helps produce hemoglobin, which helps deliver oxygen throughout the body. It is vital to include iron in your diet as much as possible to avoid extreme fatigue and shortness of breath along with numerous other ailments.
4. Strawberries: I chose strawberries to pair with Parsley because it contains more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C not only acts as an aid in iron absorption, but because it's a water-soluble nutrient it also helps convert the food we eat into energy. Our bodies use vitamin C to make L-carnitine, which helps you burn fat for energy.
5. Chia seeds: One of the world's super foods, chia seeds are high in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and manganese. They help prevent hypertension and are important for energy metabolism. They are also known as "Aztec running food." They used chia seeds to boost their energy and increase their stamina.
6. Papaya: This fruit adds a creamy texture to smoothies and is also high in fiber, therefore keeping you fuller longer, and it helps maintain blood sugar levels. By adding more fiber to your smoothies you can avoid the blood sugar spikes and crashes.
7. Cucumber: Most people do not know that cucumbers are considered clean energy. Cucumbers contain a carbohydrate that is not encumbered by fat, cholesterol or sodium. It's the solar power of vegetables.
8. Spirulina: This blue-green microalgae is one of the richest and most-complete food sources in the world with over 100 types of nutrients, and it consists of 60 percent protein. It's the equivalent of nature's energy drink. These 100-plus nutrients not only aid in physical energy levels, but mental boost as well.

Jump-start green smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of green spinach
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1 banana
• 4-5 strawberries
• 3 dates
• 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup ice

Swap out what you don't like or add more with the list I provided for you.

Disclosure: This post is part of a collaboration between Garnier and SheKnows.

More: Charlize Theron has been waiting to be old her whole life

While the Mad Max: Fury Road actress does not often speak about her childhood, she is preparing for a new role in the upcoming film adaptation of Gillian Flynn's thriller novel, Dark Places. And she opened up about the similarities between the film and her own tragic past.

When Theron was 15 years old, her mother Gerda Maritz shot and killed her father, Charles, after he came home drunk and pulled a gun on herself and her mother. Maritz was not prosecuted, and police ruled the case was self-defense.

More: How Charlize Theron just crushed the financial gender gap for Hollywood

Speaking to French TV station TF1, via Us Weekly, Theron told them, "There's definitely an acknowledgement on my part that I had an experience of a very traumatic experience, an event, in my life. And somehow it's formed me."

The Oscar-winning star then went on to explain the trauma that her character goes through is similar to that which she faced when she was a little girl.

"In the film, my character goes through this event when she's 8 years old, and it really is examining what a trauma like that would do to a child, especially when she's expected to speak about it," Theron explained of her character Libby Day, who testifies in court about the murders of her family members. "And that's definitely something that I can relate to, that's definitely something that I've experienced in my life."

More: Sean Penn wants to be a daddy for the third time, with Charlize Theron

"As far as events go, they're very similar," she said of her character and her own life. "There's a murder mystery, and my situation was a very unfortunate incident with self-defense."

More: Jill Duggar delivers her overdue son at hospital, gives him biblical name

According to Jill, little Israel David Dillard is the longest baby delivered by the hospital this year, measuring in at 23 inches long. And she told People magazine that even last year, there was only one baby as long as her little man.

In fact, little Israel, who weighs in at 9 pounds, 10 ounces, is so big that the couple apparently had to buy all new clothes for him because everything they had bought prior to his arrival was too tiny, including the onesies, sleepers and diapers.

More: Jill Duggar looks amazing as she introduces the world to baby Israel (VIDEO)

The lovebirds even think they might have a future NFL player in their midst, with Jill joking that her husband is already trying to find positions that he could play. "Probably a tight end."

However, according to OK! magazine, one thing that the couple had planned on before the birth of their baby boy was his name. On one of the recent episodes of 19 Kids and Counting, the happy couple revealed that they would call their baby boy Israel, which means "God will prevail."

The country also has special meaning for the couple, who have both taken trips there, and it is the place where Derick apparently bought Jill's engagement ring.

More: Derick Dillard's latest tweet might be proof that Jill Duggar is in labor

He's a beautiful little boy. Congratulations to Jill and Derick, although we're pretty sure this tiny tot is going to be the first one of their many, many kids.

Back in 2002, I adopted the most adorable little Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix and named him Mosby. I was warned up front that he'd been abused and that he did have some aggression toward other dogs (especially larger ones) and kids. I took him anyway because there was just something about him. As corny as it sounds, we clicked. But I'm the first to admit that I wasn't prepared for all that comes along with a traumatized dog, and he might have gotten better faster if I'd only known what I know now.

What trauma looks like

If an animal you've had for a while suddenly acts differently, you'll probably notice, but what if you've just gotten the animal?

Dr. Denise Petryk, director of veterinary services at Trupanion, notes that while it varies between animals, those that have been raised with a tough background will act differently than a typical house pet. For example, dogs and cats that have been traumatized might be reclusive and suspicious, and they may spend more time cowering in response to things like human voices or standing up. And they may be very defensive, aggressive and even dangerous.

You may even see things like chewing, plucking, tearing hair out, a refusal to eat, excess noise. It's important that you know the typical behavior of your pet's species so that you can identify things that are out of the ordinary for your pet.

Bringing home a traumatized animal

If you know up front your new pet has a traumatic background, you should make the transition as comfortable as possible. Simple things like feeding it at the same time every day, giving it space for the most part and ensuring children don't overwhelm it at first can make a big difference. Your new pet should be introduced to other pets slowly, not all at once, and if noises seem to upset it, keep the volume to a minimum until it adjusts. But Petryk also notes that for some animals, a loud, playful family may be all that's needed to make them come out of their shell. Follow your pet's lead, though. Building trust is the key.

Animals are resilient, so many will adjust with nothing more than a loving and supportive environment. But if the trauma is severe, it's not going to get better without the professional intervention of a certified animal behaviorist.

When your pet doesn't get better

Even a perfectly happy, healthy pet may be a little skittish or lack the same confidence you saw in the shelter when it's suddenly in a new environment. That's normal.

If it displays any signs of aggression or doesn't show any marked improvement in the first week, you need to get help (even if the animal doesn't display any aggression). A traumatized animal can be dangerous, and it's difficult to predict what the triggers for danger will be or which pets will turn the corner from suspicious and reclusive to a fear-biter.

Step No. 1? Take your pet to the vet. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but no pet behaviorist worth his or her salt is going to say anything else. Some "odd" animal behaviors can easily be the result of illness. Tanja Diamond of Seattle Animal Healing says, "…always make sure there isn't a physical problem by getting a vet check before you call a behaviorist. It's the first thing I would want you to rule out."

Once the vet has ruled out any physiological causes, call an animal behaviorist with experience in your pet's species (yes, there are bird and horse behaviorists, too!). Note that a behaviorist and trainer are not the same thing. Someone can, of course, be both, but in general, a trainer specializes in teaching you and your pet the skills necessary for the animal to fit into your human pack and facilitates communication between you and your animal via commands. If you hire a trainer, make sure he or she has specific and successful experience with traumatized animals.

A trainer who uses the wrong method can actually make matters much, much worse. Trainer Laura Roach, who specializes in training dogs with fear and anxiety issues, says that if you do choose a trainer, you need to look for one who uses reward-based training. "You absolutely want a trainer that only uses positive methods," she says. She goes on to note that positive training helps build trust, which is vital in training because there will inevitably be a few negative interactions (we're only human), and if your pet has seen enough reasons to trust you in the past, those negative interactions won't cause it to withdraw from training — or revert to old habits for fear of being traumatized again.

It took a few years, but after a lot of research, I figured out how to build that trust with Mosby. He's still not a fan of big dogs, and kids do make him nervous, but I'm not worried about fear-biting anymore.

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1. Getting married will automatically change your sex life

Many people think: "When I get married my sex life will suddenly improve," or, conversely: "Upon marriage, genital atrophy occurs and that will be the end of my great sex life." The reality is that it's not about marriage; it depends on the individuals and how well they are able to communicate with each other's values. The penis and vagina are not the real organs of sex, the brain is. Your libido is actually based on whether you feel your values are being fulfilled. Demartini cites two married friends in their 60s who have just published a book on sexuality in the second 50 years of life. "They have a very active sex life and it's because they're great at communication," he says.

2. All sexuality is based purely on intercourse

"I know a woman who has no legs but has a healthy sexuality," says Demartini, explaining that as well as intercourse, there's what he terms "outercourse," everything else with a sexual aspect, which might range from stroking someone's hand or thigh through to oral sex. He tells the story of a German man in the United States who claimed to be able to seduce any woman over the phone and bring her to orgasm. "He did so with a caller on a radio show," says Demartini. "It was hilarious listening in, but this man was just so good at communicating in the most common values of women he made good on his promise."

3. Masturbation interferes with a relationship

"Data supports the idea that people who have healthy self-expression also have a better knowledge of what works for them, which they can share with their partner," says Demartini. "But if they've got emotional or religious issues with it, or they've somehow injected the value of shame into masturbation, it can then hinder the relationship."

4. Having children shuts down your sex life

In some cases this can be true, but it's purely because the person is drawing intimacy in the form of hugs and contact from someone else (the kids), rather than his or her partner. It's not actually about the children but once again about ensuring you're helping to fulfill your partner's values. "For example, if a woman's focus has shifted to her children, her husband can be savvy by doing things that help to assist her to spend time with the children, such as providing financial assistance in getting an au pair," says Demartini. "By fulfilling her 'search image' of an ideal husband, whatever that may be, he will ensure she wants to continue having sex with him."

5. Sex is about economics and gifts

This tends to be a myth among many men: If they buy women clothes, jewelry and expensive gifts they'll get sex. But it depends completely on a woman's values. While for some women gifts are valued highly, for others it's not the case. For example, if a woman is dedicated to academics or has prioritized running her own business, the man needs to find ways to assist her in fulfilling those values, which will automatically boost her libido. That might mean helping her to earn her degree or finding ways to assist her in making a success of her business. Whatever challenges our values shuts down our libidos, and whatever supports our values will speed libido up.

6. Whatever is not typical is deviant

There's a full spectrum of homosexual character traits and heterosexuality in people," says Demartini. "Sometimes people don't admit it, but they have 'both sides' inside of them. Even when it comes to self-expression of sexuality, that's a little bit of homosexual character traits. People need to honor that in themselves and be open about what their preferences and needs are, otherwise, if they repress them, it can interfere with the relationship." Demartini says the process of busting myths around human sexuality, dealing with emotional baggage and finding sexual healing where necessary all begins with understanding your values, differentiating them from fantasy and then understanding those same things about your partner.

"If you understand their values and keep them empowered, you'll boost your sex life, but if you drop those values, you'll see your sex life decrease," he says. If people in a relationship can "each understand their own and the other's top three, and work to fulfill those values, they'll boost their sex lives immediately. For those with more traumatic issues about sexuality, for example, having been raped or experiencing incest, the process also needs to include looking back, sorting through the sexual dynamic at play to understand it and neutralizing those charges so that the person is able to move on.

"You need to become master of your destiny, not a victim of your history," he says. "When it comes to sexuality, it's also important we understand it's a lifelong aspect of who we are, even though it may change with time," Demartini says. "The important thing is to use it wisely and moderately, and to understand that it's part of life."

Image: Jose Luis Pelaez