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Enjoy a day of patriotism and health with this red, white and blue smoothie

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Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C, and lycopene. It also is very hydrating and refreshing. Mint is a wonderful foil to the watermelon, making it seem doubly refreshing.

I used homemade, plain (unflavored) kefir to mimic the tangy qualities of the feta for this drink, while supplying some great digestive-supporting probiotics. Store-bought plain kefir would work just as well.

Blueberries are not traditionally part of the watermelon feta salad, but I like the addition of antioxidant-rich frozen blueberries to most of my smoothies, for the flavor, the fiber content, the nutritional benefits and for achieving the frozen texture without using ice, which can water down the taste... literally. Plus, it's blue. So, using this ingredient gives us a red, white and blue smoothie... at least before you blend it all together.

I find that the watermelon is sweet enough, but you may choose to add some honey, if you prefer a sweeter drink.

Red, white and blue smoothie

Serves: one tall glass. You can double or triple amounts as desired.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup plain kefir
  • 1 cup watermelon, chopped, without rind
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh mint leaves, shredded or torn
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Tip: You can add one or two of the following optional ingredient additions, to boost the heft of the smoothie:

  • 1 teaspoon ground flax
  • 1 teaspoon chia seed
  • 1 tablespoon rolled oats
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients in blender cup.
  2. Process/pulse till smooth.
  3. Pour and drink immediately.

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

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When you think of arthritis, you probably think about older people who develop aches and pains in their joints, but that isn't the only kind of arthritis there is. In addition to osteoarthritis (the wear-and-tear type that older people develop), there are autoimmune diseases that cause similar symptoms — but they can begin in infancy.

Around 300,000 children in the U.S. have juvenile arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the child's immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy tissue. There are nine different kinds of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (the most common type of juvenile arthritis), each with their own particular symptoms, treatments and prognosis.

MoreBabywearing mom gets bullied online by store manager

What are the symptoms?

Children with juvenile arthritis often have similar symptoms, but there really is no single symptom that tells anyone with absolute certainty that a child has juvenile arthritis. However, if your child displays or complains of the following symptoms, you should have them checked out, preferably by a pediatric rheumatologist. There, your child will be thoroughly examined, and blood work or imaging studies may be performed to help find the cause.

Pain. Joint pain from juvenile arthritis may be more prominent in the morning and may lessen as your child goes about his day. Any joint can be affected (such as knees, ankles, hips, fingers, wrists and shoulders), but don't forget about joints like the jaw, the neck or the back.

Swelling. Swelling in juvenile arthritis is pretty easy to recognize — also, the skin around the joint may look red or feel warm.

Stiffness. Kids with juvenile arthritis may be stiff when you're not expecting it, usually after waking up for the day or after sitting still for long periods of time. It may affect her ability to hold a spoon in the morning or the way she walks. This joint stiffness may also lessen as the day wears on.

Fevers. There is a certain type of juvenile arthritis that causes a child to spike fevers on a regular basis, but there doesn't seem to be any accompanying illness, such as a sore throat or respiratory infection.

Rashes. Kids and rashes go hand in hand, but there are a few rashes that are more specific to rheumatic diseases. If you notice a rash that hovers around the knuckles, the cheeks and nose or the trunk, it may be a sign that your child needs to see a doctor. This type of rash may not ooze or itch and may come and go.

Eye problems. Pinkeye is normal, but persistent redness, unusual pain or blurred sight are not and warrant a checkup.

MoreWoman gets lost, gives birth and starts a forest fire to get rescued

What can be done?

There is no cure for autoimmune arthritis, and this includes juvenile arthritis. However, there are treatments available now that can slow or stop it, putting a child into remission, where she may remain for the rest of her life. Early detection is very important, and while the treatments can be stressful and scary, aggressively treating juvenile arthritis generally provides a better outcome than "wait and see."

There are a variety of treatments available to control juvenile arthritis, such as physical and occupational therapy, plus medications that work by:

  • Decreasing inflammation (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, or corticosteroids, which are administered via injection directly into the joint or via mouth)
  • Suppressing the immune system (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine, which work on modifying the disease process by suppressing the immune system and are administered via injection or orally)
  • Targeting the molecules or proteins in the immune system (biological agents, such as Enbrel or Remicade, which are given via injection or infusion)

Without treatment, children can experience serious complications, like loss of mobility, permanent joint damage, interference with growth, inflammation of other body parts or organs (such as the membrane surrounding the heart or lungs) or decreased vision or blindness. Fortunately treatment has advanced so much even within the last few decades, and the prognosis for many kids undergoing treatment is good. If your child is affected, know that there is help and support for you through the Arthritis Foundation (and don't forget to request a JA Power Pack).

This terrible disease is near and dear to my heart, as one of my children was diagnosed last fall and has endured weekly injections at home for months. Fortunately she's responding well, and we hope that remission isn't too far off in the distance.

Here's to the rest of the 300,000 kids nationwide who are suffering and their families. And please help spread awareness that kids can get arthritis too.

Food on a stick is always more fun — grilled ham and cheese skewers

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When we cook, our greatest challenge is how the kids will accept the food. I am sure that we all, as parents, have gone through trying moments when, after spending a lot of time and effort making something we hope they will like, they look at it and tell us, without even trying it, that they don't like it. It has happened to me a few times with my two kids, but one thing I've learned is that they are actually easy to impress if I make simple food they are familiar with, but served in a different way. Kids want us to be innovative and fun.

So I gave normal ham and cheese sandwiches a little bit of a fun twist by grilling and skewering them and then giving the kids the fun job of dipping the sandwiches into a cheese sauce. These snacks are done in 15 minutes, with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Yes, they are regular ham and cheese sandwiches, but in a fun way to enjoy.

Grilled mini ham sandwich sticks & cheese sauce

Grilled mini ham and cheese sandwich sticks with cheesy dipping sauce recipe

This is a quick and easy recipe you can prepare in no time and that the kids will love. Just make regular ham and cheese sandwiches, grill them, skewer them, and add a rich cheese dipping sauce.

Serves 2

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices sandwich bread
  • 2 slices ham
  • 2 slices cheese
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese

Directions:

  1. Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on a slice of bread, and place another slice of bread on top to make a sandwich.
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, and then add the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk. Keep whisking until almost thick. Sprinkle in the pepper. Whisk in the cheese, and then turn off the heat. If you are ready to serve but the cheese sauce is too thick, just warm it up again, and add more milk.
  3. On a hot griddle over medium heat, cook both sides of the sandwiches until there are grill marks.
  4. With a sharp knife, cut off the crusts, and then cut the sandwich into 4 equal pieces. Insert 2 mini sandwiches onto a skewer. Do the same with the rest.
  5. Serve immediately with the cheese sauce.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More ham and cheese recipes

Fried ham and cheese rolls
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How to introduce an elementary student to time management

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1. Explain the concept

If you're hoping to teach your child a skill, it is good to explain it to her first. Sit down and discuss what time management is, and why it is important. Students need time management skills to take care of educational responsibilities, and working adults need time management skills to complete job duties. Try explaining time management through some of her favorite characters or people, showcasing all of the responsibilities they have that are juggled through proper time management. Perhaps your child's favorite storybook character has to balance school while solving mysteries; point this out as a great example of the skill.

2. Make a schedule together

Talk to her about types of schedules and decide on what she thinks would be best. Should she have a large wall calendar? How about a daily list of activities? What about a notebook-style planner? Make picking and setting up the schedule fun, perhaps utilizing some colored pencils or stickers where you can. Then mark in everything she has to do: eat breakfast, go to school, attend karate class, have dinner, go to bed, etc. Have her look for blank spots to fit in necessary tasks that don't have a specified time, such as homework.

3. Highlight the incentives

Depending on your child's age, the need to manage time might seem entirely pointless. A youngster with little homework and no other responsibilities may not see why adults with duties to juggle need time management skills. Make sure she sees the incentives behind managing her time. For example, if she finishes her homework before bedtime, she may have the opportunity to color or play on the swings, but if she dawdles while working she may run out of time and miss out on her favorite play activities. Bedtime, wake-up time and school hours are non-negotiable, so everything else needs to fit in the empty time slots. Time management is not only an important skill to teach so she can later excel in school and the workplace, it's a key concept to finding time for personal pleasures!

4. Set a good example

Showcase your own great time management skills by avoiding procrastination, and dealing with the repercussions when you run out of time. If you bring work home from the office, do it early in the evening. If the kitchen table is cluttered, tidy it up instead of pushing papers to the side. When you talk to your child about time management, go ahead and point out that you got your work finished before dinner so you have time to catch your favorite show. On the contrary, if you find yourself stuck beneath a pile of procrastinated work, let her know that you wish you'd done it at the proper time. Use your child's need to learn as motivation for good habits!

For more tips and strategies to help your student succeed in school, visit varsitytutors.com.

Blueberry-lemon dessert shots are the best way to end a meal

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I guess you could call these three main ingredients soul mates, because they taste so darn good together. These shots are all about the layered look. My favorite part about the layers is that I can dip my spoon into the dessert and get a little bit of everything at once on it. Whenever I serve dessert in shot glasses with pretty layered ingredients in them, I like to watch my dinner guests' eyes pop out when I bring them out of the fridge. They're a big hit because the portions are just right after a meal.

Blueberry and lemon ricotta cheese dessert

I like to make these ahead of time, but not too far in advance — just about an hour or two so that the graham cracker crumbs don't get soggy.

Blueberry ricotta and lemon curd shots

Give these gems a try, and be sure to make extra for the cook.

Blueberry and ricotta lemon cheese dessert

Blueberry, lemon curd and ricotta dessert shots recipe

A light and creamy dessert made with tangy lemon curd, ricotta cheese and fresh blueberries and served in shot glasses is quick and easy to make.

Yields 10 

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Inactive time: 10 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 (8 ounce) jar lemon curd
  • 1 (11 ounce) package fresh blueberries
  • 2 dashes salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

  1. To a medium-size bowl, add the ricotta cheese, vanilla and sugar. Stir together, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat a medium-size skillet on low heat, and add the butter. When the butter melts, add the graham cracker crumbs.
  3. Stir the crumbs continuously. Continue stirring until the crumbs start to brown (about 5 minutes).
  4. Remove from the heat, and transfer to a plate to cool. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. To a shot glass, add a layer of graham cracker crumbs, then a layer of ricotta and then a layer of lemon curd.
  6. Top with a layer of blueberries. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  7. Garnish with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and lemon curd.
  8. Serve right away, or let chill in the refrigerator (for not more than 2 hours) until just before serving.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

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I want to be a fun mom, but I'm just not

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Allow me to be frank if I can for just a moment.

I love my kids and I do love a lot about summer — the carefree days, the always-appropriate excuse to go get ice cream, the flexible bedtimes and (hopeful) sleeping-in that my children will do. But at the same time, I always completely and totally dread summer. Because, the truth is, I am just not a fun mom.

I want to be the fun mom, I really do. I dream about being the spontaneous type of mother, the one whose friends will feel comfortable to call up in a minute and hit the beach with kids in tow or the mom whose house seems to be the one where kids congregate because it's just that fun, but I just don't think that's me.

Maybe it's the sheer amount of small children I have at the moment (four, aged 10 months to 7 years), but I seem to be living in "survival" mode most days and there are some mornings when I definitely wake up and think, Crap. What the heck are we doing to do all day?

I dread the afternoon slump the most, when it's blazing hot outside, energy of all seems to be lagging, the kids hit that wall of tired and cranky and yet because I have a napping toddler and baby, we are still tethered at home. Those are the moments when I wrack my brain to summon the willpower to be the "fun" mom, the one who can declare, "Kids, it's time for an obstacle course," or "Who wants to run in the sprinkler?"

Except I usually can't summon that energy. And yet, the older I get and the more kids I seem to add, I also seem to be reaching a strange place in my mothering. Instead of forcing myself to be the "fun" mom, I'm coming to terms with the kind of mother I am — and the kind of mother I am not.

I may not be the type of mother who can happily create a water balloon fight with her kids to keep them entertained, but I am the type of mother who never misses the summer reading program and has kids who genuinely enjoy visiting the library every week.

I may not be the type of mother who takes her kids camping (the horror), but I am the type who will happily pitch a backyard tent. Or tell my husband to, to be more accurate.

I may not be the type of mother who gladly makes homemade popsicles bursting with fresh fruit, but I am the type of mother who creates memories every summer making homemade strawberry jam that will last us through the winter.

So, no. I'm not necessarily a "fun" mom all summer.

But I'm still a pretty darn good mother.

More on motherhood

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Slow Cooker Sunday: Spicy cilantro chicken that's seriously simple

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This super-flavorful citrus-cilantro slow cooker pulled chicken is perfect when eaten plain, piled high on nachos, stuffed into a taco or wrap or to top a hearty salad.

spicy citrus slow cooker chicken in tacos

Spicy citrus-cilantro slow cooker shredded chicken recipe

Throw all your ingredients into the slow cooker, and have flavor-packed shredded chicken by dinnertime. This recipe is really that simple.

Serves 6

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 6 hours | Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 (16 ounce) jar medium-heat salsa
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/3 cup minced cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions:

  1. To a slow cooker, add the salsa, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the chicken to the slow cooker, and cover it with the salsa mixture.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  4. Shred with a fork, and serve plain, in tacos or on nachos, as desired.

chicken recipes

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Jobs for people who love to travel

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Photography

Believe it or not, photographing families and weddings doesn't have to only be in your home range. Your job can be as mobile as your equipment and laptop, as long as you wish it to be. Offer to photograph a friend's destination wedding or look into freelancing for publications and other venues.

Freelancer

Freelancing is definitely not easy work, but it does come with its benefits, one of the largest being a very flexible schedule that allows for lots of time for travel.

More: 10 Things that suck about freelancing

Online tutor

Similar to freelancing, online tutoring allows you to work anywhere that can connect you and your laptop to Wi-Fi. Search for tutoring in your specialty on Craigslist and other similar sites.

Travel industry

Traveling and the travel industry go hand in hand. Working for a cruise line, airline or tour company will allot you inexpensive to free travel opportunities. For example, many airlines, including Southwest and JetBlue, allow their employees and immediate family members to fly free on standby.

Consulting

Consulting is a hot job field right now and has nearly 200,000 available positions across the country. Available full-time or part-time, most consulting positions require a lot of travel and can be done while telecommuting, which is the perfect combination for women who love to explore new territory.

Travel writer/blogger

That's right, you can get paid to travel. While racking up your frequent flyer miles, you can also be cashing in a paycheck. Start blogging about your personal experiences, hotel reviews and sightseeing, and it may just lead to new opportunities.

Reporter

There are various degrees of media that allow a reporter to travel. Local reporters are able to travel around their local terrain to bring relevant news stories and also have short contracts that give the possibility to move across the country as they wish. National reporters are also given the same opportunity, but generally in a larger terrain and potentially rougher atmospheres (think live natural disaster reports and more).

Recruiting

College and athletic recruiters have a high amount of travel spent scouting for new students and players. Not a glamorous position, it doesn't pay well, but does offer a lot of other benefits that include high travel time and potential to find "the next big thing."

Teach English

Instead of backpacking across Europe post-college, get a gig teaching English abroad. Teach Away Inc. recruits potential employees who get set up with a position in Dubai, China and more.

Translator

For those of you ladies who grew up bilingual, there is a large potential out there to become a translator in your second language's country. Many overseas companies seek out bilingual employees to gain a wider market range, giving you the chance to work and travel to a new destination.

Event coordinator

Surprisingly, not all event coordinator positions stay local. Many larger event operations have contracts with companies that require travel work. However, these positions often call for long, grueling hours that don't allow for a lot of exploring.

More: Telecommuting myths: Is it all it's cracked up to be?

Sales or retail

While some sales positions require immediate travel to sell various products, some (including those in retail) may require long-term travel. If you know that you're one who doesn't want to stay put in one place for long, look into moving up in a sales or retail company.

Auditor

Insurance auditors require a lot of domestic travel to adjust claims. Not promising for wide-range or appealing destinations, this position does keep you from the daily 9 to 5.

Nurse

If you've already got your nursing license or are considering a new career, a traveling nurse may be just for you. A position that includes a high salary, housing incentives and frequent travel can most definitely be a win-win.

Roadie

If you don't mind getting sweaty and sleeping on the road, a roadie is a super-suave way to see the world (or at least a good portion of the United States). In this position, you'll need to be open to odd hours, heavy lifting and unsteady schedules; however, most roadie gigs include tickets to the show, which may be worth all of the negative aspects of the job.

Motivational speaker

If you're outgoing and have a platform to speak on, being a motivational speaker may be the path for you. Requiring a lot of travel, you can inspire others and get your sightseeing on.

More: 6 Non-scammy ways to work from home

Mission work

For ladies who don't have many bills and love to help others, mission work may be your calling. Although not glamorous, mission workers are able to travel abroad and give back to the world at the same time.

International aid worker

Similar to mission work, international aid workers are often sent to areas and countries facing natural disasters. Non-profit humanitarian and government organizations, including the American Red Cross, UN agencies and USAID, don't promise the most attractive destinations — they do promise a life-changing experience.

Scuba or ski Instructor

Although seasonal, scuba and ski instructors travel to various locations to work during peak visiting times. If it's something you love, your dream job is most likely to include lodging and unlimited lift tickets.

House sitter

If you don't pay mind paying for your own travel, you could save a dime on lodging by offering up your services to house sit or swap. Some even pay for your time, which is a huge bonus for pocket change.

Public appearances

Look similar to a celebrity or have a super-close relationship with the Kardashians? You could get paid for public appearances. Seems far-fetched but a look-alike gig brings in a whopping $11 million per month!

Sell ice cream

It may seem a bit ambiguous, but if you want to travel the world and support yourself, there is nothing to stop you. Similar to the story of the woman who quit her six-figure salary to sell ice cream in paradise, the world is your oyster.

More on career

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Bobby Brown struggles through Independence Day performance

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More: New report about Bobbi Kristina Brown's hospice bed pics will disgust you

With his daughter, Bobbi Kristina, still in hospice care and reportedly unresponsive after she was found unconscious in a bath in her home in late January, New Edition frontman Brown and his band were the opening act at a concert in Atlanta, Georgia.

Brown and his band opened for a group called Mint Condition at the Affordable Old School Concert Series at Wolf Creek Amphitheater, according to Us Weekly. The R&B legend wore all pink and sweated profusely during his set, the site reports.

And although fans didn't seem to notice — "Fans loved his performance," one onlooker told Us Weekly — Brown seems to have struggled to get through the show. The witness continued, "Bobby did his New Edition classics and busted out into some of his signature dance moves, but had to stop several times during the 30-minute set."

More: Latest Bobbi Kristina Brown update has everyone worried

At one point, during a break, Brown reportedly apologized to the crowd, saying, "Sorry, I'm in a different zone tonight."

He continued, "Y'all got me sweating and dancing. I'm so happy to be here."

So, despite repeated interruptions, Brown seems to be finding solace in performing.

Still, those close to the singer say he's struggling as his daughter clings to life. He didn't mention her during his performance, but Brown rushed to her side a day after she was placed into hospice care on June 24. Johnny Gill, one of Brown's New Edition bandmates, told Entertainment Tonight that Brown's mental state has taken another dive following the latest development in his daughter's care.

"State of mind? In a nutshell, not good. Not good," Gill said of Brown. "We just had a conversation yesterday. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy."

More: Bobbi Kristina Brown's family now has to deal with an ill-timed lawsuit

Love horoscopes: July 6 – July 12

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aries

taures

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

aquarius

pisces

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ARIES (March 20-April 19)

There's a lot of water energy flooding through your horoscope right now thanks to the Mars/Neptune trine on July 8. This is why you feel so heavy — both physically and emotionally. This is not the time to beat yourself up about your weight (water retention can't be helped) or to try to rationalize your feelings. Just let them be and go with the flow. You may feel like a swamp of mewling needs and whining worries, but loved ones couldn't be happier. They like spending time with that soft side of you that you keep locked up inside.

Next: Taurus horoscope

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Most people would balk at the complications that a potential paramour brings to the table. And quite frankly you'll be wondering why you don't balk too on July 6 when you learn about how much time he'll be spending away from home in the upcoming months, the debt he's accrued or the increase in ongoing alimony payments. Yet the Mars/Neptune trine on July 8 shows that you won't even flinch at the idea. In truth you've been through so much since 2012 that there's very little that could take you by surprise. And besides: You're in love.

Next: Gemini horoscope

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GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

It's the nature of people in relationships to assign roles. One spouse might be the breadwinner while the other looks after family and home or one partner is the more outgoing type while the other provides the behind-the-scenes support. But roles — like anything else — are subject to change. Indeed you may have noticed that your roles are already changing. This could be the result of necessity or because you're growing as a person. In any case this would be a good time to discuss it. This transition can be constructive and enlivening as long as you make it together.

Next: Cancer horoscope

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CANCER (June 21-July 21)

You'll find emotional solace thanks to the Mars/Neptune trine on July 8. This is part of the grand water trine that runs from June 22 to Aug. 8 This celestial configuration acts like a streaming fountain of goodwill that spills over but always replenishes itself. The cardinal virtues of compassion, empathy and mercy will be on full display — almost as if somebody upstairs put something in the drinking water so that everyone in your life woke up one day and decided that it would be better to be nice to each other rather than fight over this and that.

Next: Leo horoscope

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LEO (July 22-Aug. 22)

The sun in Cancer, zodiac sign of the family, shows that you're re-experiencing childhood issues surrounding love, attention and recognition. This could lead you to act out in order to get your partner to pay attention to you or to even make a scene at the family barbecue to show who's boss. Whatever the impulse, it would be wise to curb it. We all carry around a 2-1/2-year-old version of ourselves that we need to keep a tight grip on from time to time. This week would be one of those times.

Next: Virgo horoscope

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Neptune in Pisces continues to work its magic in that part of your solar horoscope that pertains to relationships. It's introducing a depth of feeling and a range of emotion that you've never experienced before. It might seem strange to say, but it almost doesn't matter what happens in your romantic relationship because you know that this wellspring of love that you feel deep down inside will never go away. There are certain times of life when we grow into our talent, our looks or when we come into our own. Right now you are growing into your heart.

Next: Libra horoscope

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Expect lots of drama on July 6 and July 12. You thought that things were back on track, but volatile aspects involving Pluto and Uranus show that life won't be returning to normal – or at least normal as you know it. It's advisable in times like these to step back and let the pieces fall where they may. You don't want to be trampled underfoot by the runaway planetary forces. Thankfully the energy subsides after the 13th and loved ones will come to their senses. This is also when you'll have a clearer idea of how to proceed.

Next: Scorpio horoscope

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

What if the love of your life is the very person you've been resisting and trying to put off? It happens all the time in romantic comedies, so why not to you? The wonderful thing about this week's Mars/Neptune trine is that you'll both come to this realization at the same time so nobody is in danger of being rejected. It also means no more playing hard to get. Speak from the heart on July 8 and he will surely do the same. Then afterwards you can go back to the bickering and fighting that you enjoy so much.

Next: Sagittarius horoscope

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 -Dec. 20)

Passionate and romantic, you Sagittarians like to jump in the saddle and gallop off into the sunset with the first hot guy you see. But what's exciting in the moment often leads to rude awakenings the morning after which is why you should consider dating different guys at the same time. The idea may seem labor intensive, but concurrent dating encourages you to study the pluses and minuses of each potential paramour. It also allows you to hedge your bets. It's something to think about as you get used to being a man magnet in the weeks to come.

Next: Capricorn horoscope

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)

This is a potentially gushy week for you. The Mars/Neptune trine will be blessing just about every one of your relationships — even your workaday ones — and you will feel surrounded by more love than you have felt recently in your life. In fact it may even get to be a bit too much on Thursday and Friday. Nevertheless you should lower those walls of yours and join in the group hug. This is the sort of thing you've longed for and even if it feels awkward and embarrassing, there's no denying that it's a wonderful experience.

Next: Aquarius horoscope

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 17)

You have a lot on your platter right now. You're carrying the weight of enormous personal responsibility while dealing with the emotional welfare of loved ones and friends. What's amazing is this hasn't overwhelmed you. If anything it appears as if you're actually thriving. What gives? There are certain zodiac signs that do well under pressure. It's kind of like those deep sea fish that live at the bottom of the sea. Nevertheless you should still carve some time out to replenish energy reserves. Five minutes of focused meditation a day will keep you up and running.

Next: Pisces horoscope

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PISCES (Feb. 18-March 19)

Wow. You really like the guy you've fallen for. And with Mars and Neptune connecting the dots in your solar horoscope between you and your heart's desire, it's a pretty sure bet that he's really into you too. So can you trust it? Yes, you can. But you're going to have to be more demonstrative in your feelings and less evasive. As a Pisces, you know how you can hold back emotionally for the sake of creating intrigue and to keep his interest. Trust that you are far too fascinating to be playing such mind games.

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Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton reach out to gay teen on Facebook

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More: Matt Lauer and Daytime Emmys: Is he really donating money for being thanked?

Both the openly gay talk show host and the 2016 presidential hopeful commented on a photo posted to the popular photojournalism blog Humans of New York. The photo, which shows a young boy holding his head in his hands, is captioned with the boy's own words: "I'm homosexual and I'm afraid about what my future will be and that people won't like me."

Humans of New York is no stranger to viral posts, but an outpouring of support quickly made this photo one of the most popular ever to hit the site.

And with all that support, the photo caught the attention of a couple of celebs.

Clinton was first to weigh in, commenting on the post on Facebook July 3, "Prediction from a grown-up: Your future is going to be amazing. You will surprise yourself with what you're capable of and the incredible things you go on to do. Find the people who love and believe in you — there will be lots of them."

More: John Legend starts fight with Beverly Hills Hotel over anti-LGBT policies

The comment racked up nearly 70,000 likes by the end of the day, and Humans of New York responded, simply, "Thanks for this Ms. Clinton."

And shortly after, Ellen DeGeneres took to the page to offer her own encouraging words.

"Not only will people like you, they'll love you," DeGeneres wrote in her own comment. "I just heard of you and I love you already."

The post, which has been liked nearly 300,000 times, comes a week after the U.S. Supreme Court made the historic decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states.

More: Jimmy Fallon and 11 other times Ellen scared the crap out of her guests

What are your thoughts on Humans of New York's viral photo? Do you have some encouraging words of your own to add? Head down to the comments and let us know.

Weekly horoscopes: July 6–12

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aries

taures

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

aquarius

pisces

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Weekly love horoscopes: July 6-12

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ARIES (March 20-April 19)

Mars in a watery sign like Cancer can make you feel like somebody's trying to douse your fire. This can lead you to push back at work or in other areas of your life where you feel held back. You might become more provocative, competitive or just plain loud. You don't want anyone to snuff you out. But water energy says that you need to go with the flow. Instead of fighting to stand out, try mixing and blending your efforts with those around you. You'll accomplish more as a team player than you will going it alone.

Next: Taurus horoscope

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

"Community" is a word that's going to resonate with you now. It's easy to swing like a pendulum between the poles of home and work, but there's something to be said for spending time with like-minded souls who live outside those circles. Whether it's joining together in a cause, journeying along the same spiritual path or giving back to a group of people who once gave to you, you will find great inspiration and profound sense of renewal here. It's nice to know there's more to life than checking off the items on your to-do list.

Next: Gemini horoscope

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GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Do you stay or do you go? That's the question you'll be asking this week when the Sun opposes Pluto on July 6 and then squares Uranus on July 12. It's clear that you and a client (or maybe it's a backer?) are in totally opposite camps. That's the Pluto part. You have the option of severing ties, but if you do, then it will cost a large chunk of change. And that's the Uranus part. Thankfully, it's not too late to find a fit. The other party isn't as implacable as you think. If you bend, he'll stretch.

Next: Cancer horoscope

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CANCER (June 21-July 21)

It's time to choose between the hell you know and the heaven you don't because you can't live another day in limbo. The difficult thing about being born under the Moon is that your moods tend to wax and wane. One day you're mad as hell and you're not going to take it anymore, and the next day you find that things really weren't as bad as all that and you're ready to give a situation another chance. It's time to break the vicious cycle and pursue something new. You'll never know what you're capable of unless you try.

Next: Leo horoscope

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LEO (July 22-Aug. 22)

As a fire sign, it isn't always easy to listen to the whispers of your innermost being. Yet that's what the Mars/Neptune trine in water on Wednesday is all about. Fire is the element of the spirit. It's the life force that vitalizes, enlightens and excites. Fire signs are driven by their passions and enthusiasms. Water is the element of the soul. It's the life source that nurtures, deepens and reflects. This week will bring a series of remarkable encounters and experiences that promise to feed the soul as long as you're open to something new and completely different.

Next: Virgo horoscope

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Are you trying to fix what happened in the past? It's a worthwhile question when you have ruling planet Mercury traveling through Cancer, the zodiac sign of hearth and family, from July 8 to 23. Intellectually, you know you can't go home again but that won't stop you from trying. It could explain why you're suddenly invested in your marriage being an unmitigated success or giving your children the childhood you never had. Treat all of these past disappointments like water under the bridge and embrace the present moment. You might discover that you're doing better than you think.

Next: Libra horoscope

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Libras are often accused of being wishy-washy and incapable of making a decision on their own. Nothing could be further from the truth, but you don't mind people believing that if it serves your purposes. You learned a long time ago that if you act helpless, then someone will come to the rescue or even do the lion's share of the work if you play your cards right. This week you'll startle rivals and astound competitors with how sharply decisive and organized you can be. It will take them by surprise — which was probably your intent all along.

Next: Scorpio horoscope

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Don't be surprised if it takes you twice as long to get things done this week. If you're not suffering from bouts of procrastination, then you're probably dozing off at the computer or curling up on the couch to take an impromptu nap. What's come over you? Ruling planet Mars is traveling through the realm of the Moon, the planet of sleep, so it's bound to make you groggy. But it can also be restorative. Sleep gives us access to our dreams where we can work out imaginative solutions to problems that elude our more rational minds.

Next: Sagittarius horoscope

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 -Dec. 20)

Saturn retrograding through that part of your solar chart that pertains to self-undoing isn't easy. To be clear: Saturn doesn't cause the undoing. What Saturn does is make you aware of how you sabotage yourself by showing you the error of your ways time and time again. This repetition isn't meant to demean you; it's meant to drive home the point that you're the only one who can turn your life around. This won't come through guilt, humiliation or self-recrimination. It comes through self-awareness and the vow to learn from history rather than to slavishly repeat it.

Next: Capricorn horoscope

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)

The Sun squares Uranus, the planet of revolution and change, on July 12. Many of your most treasured expectations — along with cherished hopes and dreams — will be turned up on end. But instead of finding things broken, you may see how things could actually work if you altered your approach. And it's in this regard that Uranus is truly revolutionary. The planet of electricity, Uranus signals the "aha" moment when the light bulb goes off over your head. This can only happen when you stop clinging to the same old, same old and decide to try something new.

Next: Aquarius horoscope

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 17)

You were born under the zodiac sign of the great communicator. You don't duck out of confrontations or hide under desks. If something's amiss, you'll do whatever it takes to make things right. You don't wave around the rulebook. You prefer to meet with upset parties so that they can air their grievances. Oftentimes, what's needed is someone to talk to. Be ready to play the mediator between two warring factions this week. People will say that their differences are irreconcilable, but you'll be able to identify the common ground that will bring them back to the negotiating table.

Next: Pisces horoscope

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PISCES (Feb. 18-March 19)

You're a font of creativity this week as your mind will be full of ideas and images. You may come across to people as preoccupied because your dream life is spilling over into your waking world. But this doesn't mean that you're sleepwalking through your day. You're actually downloading information from your unconscious. Anything that you write, compose, film or paint will carry a very special magic as long as you work to produce a tangible product. If the arts aren't your thing, then this energy will transform any project or enterprise you're working on into an absolute success.

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Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck just took the most awkward vacation ever

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In a move straight out of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's conscious uncoupling playbook, Affleck and Garner dropped the divorce hammer on the press when they were already in the Bahamas, together, with their three kids.

The family spent the week at Baker's Bay, a private resort community where they own a home, with Garner arriving on the couple's 10th wedding anniversary and Affleck the day before.

"The family felt it was important to be together, and they were together. The family is united and, no matter what, will protect the kids," a source told People, who shared photos of the couple having what appears to be a serious chat on their dock.

More: 9 Events that may have led to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's divorce

And if those photos look like whatever convo that was happening was super awkward, that's because it was. An onlooker told the mag that Affleck seemed "distracted."

"They would look at each other and speak and then both look away in silence," the witness said. "A lot of the time, they seemed to just stare off into space."

Well, that sounds like a super-fun way to spend the holiday! Except not at all.

The pair left the island separately, with Affleck putting himself out of his misery on July 3 and Garner sticking around until July 5.

Anyone seeking to ask Affleck about his rumored gambling addiction, alleged affairs or his reported sexist attitude towards gender roles in marriage can do so at Comic-Con in San Diego on Saturday, when he is scheduled to appear on a panel for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Kaitlyn Bristowe basically gave away the final two Bachelorette suitors

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Heading into tonight's episode, we know heads are going to have to roll sooner rather than later — Chris Harrison shook things up last week when he announced Kaitlyn would have to cut her suitor pool in half so she could enjoy fantasy suites early.

More: Sneak peek inside The Bachelorette's biggest rivalry ever (VIDEO)

So out of Shawn, Nick V., Joe, Jared and Ben H., who'll wind up on the chopping block next? Here are a couple of context clues we think hold solid hints.

Kaitlyn endorses Ben H. as the next Bachelor

The Bachelorette

When asked by People, with whom she collaborates to blog about her experience, Kaitlyn said of the potential next Bachelor, "I think Ben H. I think he's just a well-rounded and solid guy who knows what he wants... he's a gentleman, he's funny. He's a really, really, really solid guy and he's extremely handsome."

Wait, did we miss the part where Ben H. got voted off? Oh, no. No we didn't — because it hasn't happened yet. But we highly doubt Kaitlyn would be offering him up as the next Bachelor if he makes it to the final rose ceremony. Le sigh.

A crying Jared appears to get hauled off in the limo

The Bachelorette

In the promo for this week's episode, Jared is seen crying in what appears to be a car. And, c'mon, we all know what that means — a lonely and emotional limo ride is in his near future. Although Jared has landed many of the most romantic dates this season (hello, Cranberries!), he and Kaitlyn's connection may fizzle this week when he finds out she slept with Nick.

More: Bachelor in Paradise will feature a huge surprise this season

Rumor has it Jared will appear on Bachelor in Paradise later this summer, where he strikes up a romance with none other than Kardashley — er, Ashley Iaconetti.

Kentucky Joe claims he is "done" with her

The Bachelorette

In a tense scene in the teaser for tonight, Kentucky Joe is seen storming away from Kaitlyn. As he takes off down a wooded path, Kaitlyn mumbles something to him. He emotionally responds with something to the effect of, "I'm not saying shit to you right now. I'm done with you," and later, "Don't talk to me right now. You know what you did was shitty."

Yikes. Could sweet Kentucky Joe, who has been nothing but moonshine and sweet nothings up to this point, be pushed over the edge this week? It sure looks that way to us. It's too bad, really. He was gosh-darn adorable. But, honestly, when has anyone from a two-on-one date ever snagged the final rose?

Shawn stops the rose ceremony

The Bachelorette

We know. We all want to meet Calvin Gosling Shawn's family. Alas, it may not be in the cards for our star-crossed lovers. In a clip of tonight's episode, Shawn is seen interrupting the rose ceremony. It appears that Kaitlyn is down to her final rose, and neither Shawn nor Nick V. seem to have a rose. Is being singled out with Nick V. the same week as finding out Kaitlyn slept with him simply too much for Shawn?

More: The Bachelorette: The saga of Shawn B. vs. Nick V. continues

Add to that clip the pictures of Shawn flirting it up in Nashville recently, and it would seem as though he and Kaitlyn do not get married and have little rapping Calvin-Harris/Ryan-Gosling-hybrid babies. Even if Shawn makes it through tonight, we predict Kaitlyn ultimately won't be able to get past his constant need for reassurance in their relationship.

Nick V. Uh...

The Bachelorette

As you can probably deduce, we've got nothing on Nick V. (unfortunately). So far, we've yet to see any major hint that he was headed anywhere but the final rose ceremony. So, perhaps the lack of a hint is a hint in and of itself.

More: The Bachelorette's Nick Viall shows off his seriously hot bod (PHOTOS)

Our prediction? Jared and Kentucky Joe go this week. Ben H. will head home the following week, making him an easy pick for — you guessed it — the next Bachelor, even if we did have our hearts set on Ben Z. And, finally, Shawn and Nick will duke it out in the end for the final rose.

Do you think the hype is right? Will Shawn win the final rose and Kaitlyn's heart? Or will Nick V. wind up with Kaitlyn for his future wife?

SYTYCD's Travis Wall previews brutal cuts to come in Vegas

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In the next episode, the dancers will be cut down to the top 20, and it's a process that Wall said wasn't easy on any of them. "Next week you're going to see some more brutal cuts. With my team, with tWitch's team, we're getting to a place where everyone is incredible, everyone is amazing and now we try to cast a stone in a way. We start comparing people to each other. We start saying, 'Is this person better than this person?' [because] these two people are very alike."

More: SYTYCD is back with major changes and one near-fatal flaw

As a mentor, Wall could only advise the other judges on which dancers he thought should stay, but ultimately it was out of his hands. "It's tough when you're in the moment," he said of the eliminations in the second Vegas episode. Wall added that he wished he could have had more time to deliberate each dancer, but it wasn't possible. "You're diving in head-first on a decision and you're hoping you made the right one. So I have to pick and choose my battles."

"We wanted to find an eclectic top 20, so especially on my [team], I didn't want to have the same dancer twice. So it gets very brutal and we lose a lot of good people," he said about the upcoming episode.

Twelve seasons in, you might think the judging would get easier or the judges would grow soft, but Wall said this season is going to be tougher on the dancers than ever.

"It gets tougher every year and the standard gets raised every year because of the previous season. The talent that we get on the show and the levels that the dancers achieve during the top 20 — when they're dancing in these couples and the routines that the choreographers are giving them — we are upping the standards every season. So it just gets harder. We keep saying, 'We've seen this. We've seen this. We want to see something we've never seen before. We want to see talent we've never seen before.'"

On this season of SYTYCD, the show changed things up by splitting up the dancers into groups based on their experience rather than men versus women. The move has put a new spin on a series that is now in Season 12.

"There wasn't somebody on the outside that was helping you in the show before," Wall said about the change. "It was every man for himself. [Now] there's a coach, there's someone who's been through everything who can tell you what to do, what not to do. Now I think it's more about your team, too. You're going to root for people on your team, you're going to root for the best ones to stick around because, at the end of the day, if you're from Team Stage, you're going to want someone from Team Stage to win the show."

More: So You Think You Can Dance judges spill on Season 12's major twist (VIDEO)

The switch-up has brought about some good-natured rivalry between the groups of dancers, which has also added a new element to the show. The street dancers understandably want to prove themselves against the trained dancers, while the stage dancers want to prove why they have gone to classes their entire lives. "It takes a lot to get where we are, so we're going to fight for each other," Wall said of Team Stage. "It's going to be a lot of competition this summer."

Splitting up the teams by experience also made the judges' job even harder this season. "Usually, when it comes down to the top 20, there are about 14 to 15 stage dancers and about five stage dancers. So it was very hard in Vegas, when you're usually casting a show with all these stage dancers, and you could only pick 10."

Speaking about what advantages the stage dancers might have over the street dancers, Wall said typically those trained in stage would have an easier time learning choreography and adapting to different styles of dance. "Normally we've trained in lots of styles and not just one style. That's where we'll have the advantage."

But he doesn't dismiss the street dancers, especially the ladies on tWitch's team. "They are incredible, and you can tell they are trained in contemporary and jazz, and they're trained in hip-hop," he gushed about the women on Team Street. "His girls are really good; they can do more than just hip-hop. So I think it's going to be a pretty fair competition when it comes to picking up choreography. I think it's going to have to come to the dancer itself."

As for the boys on Team Street, Wall thinks they have a lot of work to do to measure up to the girls. "I'm scared for any choreographer that gets them," he said.

"The Street girls are going to be the competition to beat," Wall predicted.

One clear advantage Wall can see that Team Street has over Team Stage is personality. As a mentor, it's one of the things he will be working on with his dancers. "[SYTYCD] is about showing a bit of yourself on TV, and I think that's going to be a little bit hard for some of my dancers. I know some of my top 10 are incredible dancers, but as far as personality goes, I have a couple of duds."

"I need to make sure that they are really trying to open up and find themselves," Wall said of some of the timid people in his group. "There are a couple of 18-year-olds that I don't know if they know who they are. I know when I was 18, I was feeling that way, too — when I was on the show trying to find myself. I really hope they open up and show their personality because I know the street team, they're really loud and they have these very bright personalities. I really want my team to show that."

More: Mary Murphy leaving So You Think You Can Dance

"At the end of the day, I definitely think that we're going to out-dance that team. But I just want to be as likable as Team Street," he said.

With all the changes this season, Wall encourages new viewers to give it a shot. "With this new take on the show, if you're going to start fresh on the show, this would be the season to do it."


How to turn your road trip into the ultimate scavenger hunt

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More: 10 Best sunset spots in Australia

If you want to avoid having your children glued to their electronics for the whole trip, you'll have to get a little creative. A road trip scavenger hunt is the perfect way to keep the whole family engaged and make the time in the car just as fun as the destination you are heading off to.

The next time you head on a road trip, take along this nifty scavenger hunt challenge and spot some of the things that make taking road trips so great. Don't forget the camera either, because you're going to be snapping and sharing your photos and experiences as you go. The upside is that you can modernise it to get your children on board by incorporating selfies, hashtags, smartphones and documentation on Instagram.

Here's how to do your own road trip scavenger hunt:

  • Before you leave, make a list of items to include in the hunt or print our list below. Get the whole family involved so they are interested from the start.
  • If you're hitting the road with a bunch of people in separate cars, then keep track of everyone's scavenger hunt details online by creating a hashtag like #TheRoadTripScavengerHunt.
  • Don't forget to keep tabs of your points and take photos so you can prove who's won.
  • Give yourself 10 points for each item; the most difficult to nab get double points.
  • Think of a fun prize related to your destination. Or even create daily prizes as you go if it's a long trip — something like the winner gets to pick where you eat dinner.

More: Selfie stick and other tech gadgets you should pack for your next vacation

Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

Road trip scavenger hunt items:

  • Stop at a servo for a pit stop; snap a pic by the sign.
  • Spot a native animal. A particularly rare animal gets double points.
  • Take a photo of at least one person asleep in the car.
  • Pull over to play on a playground or in a park; snap a pic on the slide.
  • Get a snap with a local landmark.
  • Take a snap with the most amazing view you come across.
  • Get a picture with a "Welcome to…" sign.
  • Snap a group shot of the whole gang in the car.
  • Share a video of a car sing-along.
  • Share a foot on the dash selfie.
  • Snap a shot of an amazing sunset.
  • Take a picture of letters you see along the road. Each person has to find the letters to spell their name.
  • Big things: In Australia, we love big things. From the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour to the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, big things can be found all across Australia.
  • Herd of cattle: Have you managed to get blocked out of a stretch of the road thanks to a herd of cattle? Well done! Give yourself double points.
  • Pie with sauce: Any number of places claim to sell the best pies in the country. If you think you've found the real deal, take a photo and give yourself 10 points.

What else would you add to the scavenger hunt list? Let us know in the comments section below. And be sure to send us your road trip scavenger hunt snaps on Twitter.

This post was brought to you by Ford.

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Plan the ultimate road trip by incorporating your family's hobbies
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5 Themed road trip ideas the whole family will love

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To make it a successful road trip that everyone will rave about for years to come, pick a theme that relates to what your family is interested in. Themes can range from something fun like giant icons (hint: Get the camera out and see who can make the funniest pose) to quirky science museums, animal-filled zoos, celebrity restaurants, convict-era historical sites or our iconic beaches that will allow everyone to stretch out their legs after the drive. The key is picking three or four main locations that will give you plenty of time to properly explore the sights before moving on to your next destination.

On this type of trip, you can also be as organised or as whimsical as suits you! There are plenty of apps and resources available that allow road trippers to book hotels on the go, such as Hotels Quickly and LastMinute.com.au. This will allow you to spend an extra day in a spot that takes your fancy without being restricted by hotel bookings at your next destination.

If you're keen to plan your family's next road adventure and you're in need of inspiration, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Theme 1: The "big" Australia

Big Barramundi

Image: thinboyfatter/Flickr

Places to visit:

Theme 2: Animals

Kangaroo and a joey

Image: Tatters/Flickr

Places to visit:

Theme 3: Beaches

Great Ocean Road rainbow

Image: Duncan Rawlinson/Flickr

Places to visit:

  • The Great Ocean Road: This 243-kilometre stretch of road is home to the Twelve Apostles, countless lighthouses, coastal towns and breathtaking scenery from start to finish
  • Byron Bay, Surfer's Paradise, Coolangatta and Noosa First Point
  • Manly, Bondi and Bells Beach

Theme 4: Theme parks

dreamworld

Image: Dreamworld

Places to visit:

Theme 5: Science centres and museums

Questacon Canberra

Image: DawMat/Flickr

Places to visit:

This post was brought to you by Ford.

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12 Awesome family travel blogs to follow
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Copycat Arby's beef and cheddar sandwich is way better than the drive-thru

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I can still remember walking into the fast-food joint and being way too excited over a simple thing like curly fries. They just seemed so awesome compared to the normal fries every other place sold. What I didn't expect to love as much as I did was the roast beef sandwich oozing with cheddar sauce.

It's been years since I've had that sandwich, but an Arby's ad online made me think about it again, and as the craving overwhelmed me, I realized it's probably the simplest thing ever to re-create at home. Some deli sliced roasted beef, cheddar, milk and ketchup are pretty much all you need, and you'll be indulging in no time.

Arby's Roast Beef Cheddar Sandwich

Copycat Arby's beef and cheddar sandwich recipe

The classic Arby's sandwich can easily be made at home with just a few simple ingredients for that fast-food taste when you don't want to leave your house.

Serves 1

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 1 minute | Total time: 11 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced roast beef
  • 2 ounces yellow cheddar cheese
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 split bun (or onion roll if you want to really mimic the original)

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, melt the cheese and milk, stirring until melted. If you can't get it smooth by stirring, then place it in a food processor, and process for 10 seconds until smooth. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, water, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and spread it on the inside of the bun.
  3. Warm the roast beef by placing it in a skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Pile the roast beef onto the bottom of the bun.
  4. Spoon the cheese sauce on top of the roast beef, and place the other half of the bun on top.
  5. Serve with fries and more sauce for dipping.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

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Wendy's copycat chili
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Frozen's popularity puts Elsa at top of baby names list

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After 97 years, the name Elsa has re-entered the list of most popular names for girls born in the U.S. Chalk it up to the "Frozen effect."

In fact, Elsa has broken the top 500 most popular baby names list for the first time since 1917 and is now the 268th most popular name for girls born in the U.S., according to the latest from the Social Security Administration. In fact, in 2013, there were 528 babies named Elsa compared to 1,131 in 2014.

And the "Frozen effect" is extending beyond just Elsa. In 2014, The New York Times reports, 22 babies were named Olaf, 32 babies were named Kristoff, and even evil Prince Hans was honored, with 132 babies being named after his character in 2014, up from 98 in 2013.

People are even naming their babies after the reindeer, Sven. More than 50 babies were named Sven in 2014.

The reindeer? If you’re naming your baby after a reindeer in a Disney movie, it might just be time to "Let It Go" already. Then again, maybe the names aren't a direct nod to the movie. Sometimes these names just seep in from popular culture.

Either way, let's just hope people don't take up baby names from Disney's latest smash hit, Inside Out, and start naming kids Disgust.

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Woman thrown in jail for refusing to do her husband's laundry

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According to Fox News Latina, 26-year-old truck driver Edgar Ivan Perez Alvarado from Tamaulipas, Mexico called the cops on his 21-year-old wife, Dulce Requena Garcia, because she wasn't pulling her weight around the house. The couple has apparently been fighting a lot lately, but things came to a head last week when Garcia confronted her husband over a suspected mistress, and thus refused to clean his clothes so he could go out with his friends. Alvarado was so peeved at the idea that his wife would defy him in such a way that he enlisted the authorities who actually came to his rescue over this non-violent situation.

More10 Things I wish I knew before getting married

Sadly, just like the many other countries where the law sides with the man on most domestic disputes, the police upheld Alvarado's complaint. They hit Garcia with a 400-peso fine (roughly $25), but since she didn't have that kind of money, and her husband refused to pay on her behalf, she went to jail for 12 hours. There are so many things wrong with this incident, I don't even know where to start. Since I don't want to go on too much of a rant, I'll quickly take you through the five stages of grief through which the story sent me.

1) Denial: There is no way this could be real — it must be Mexico's version of April Fool's Day.

2) Anger: How can we live in a world where a woman can be arrested over not doing laundry, and her husband can go about his business committing adultery?! This is so many levels of absurd!

3) Bargaining: We should get an international injunction for wrongful imprisonment! The American government could totally get police forces in there, and lock Alvarado up for spousal abuse, right?

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4) Depression: Just when the world starts looking like a slightly more equal place, something like this happens. Why do I even bother voting?

5) Acceptance: Well I suppose every culture is different, and misogyny is a particularly difficult thing for a society to outgrow. Plus maybe she also tried to strangle him with his pants?

When the couple went to court over the matter, Alvarado says he refused to pay the fine so his wife would go to jail just long enough to "calm down." In response to Alvarado's accusations that she was shirking her responsibilities at home (which are totally ridiculous grounds on which to be arrested in the first place, but whatever), Garcia said she wasn't feeling well. She also called out Alvarado for being an adulterer, but considering this country protects men from their dangerous, laundry-delinquent wives, I have to assume her plea didn't hold much water in court.

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