It doesn't matter whether you’re anticipating summer or completely dreading it because you're going to blink and it will all be gone. You'll be facing fall and back to school head on: making lists, wondering how you’re going to get it all done and also wondering where the hell the time went.

No matter how you feel about the onset of summer vacation, most moms agree back to school time is madness. Here are five things you can do right now to get a jump on your to-do list.

1. Schedule doctor’s appointments

If your child will need booster shots or a sports/school physical, book it now. Don’t wait only to get trampled in the, "OMG I've waited until the last minute and so has everyone else. I need an appointment now. What do you mean there aren't any available until mid-November?" madness. Get on your doctor's calendar now... then go to the pool and have fun.

2. Stock up

You might not get your child's school supply list until a few hours before class starts. OK, I'm exaggerating. A little. Seriously, the mass invasion of your local Target to elbow the other parents in the Crayola aisle may not be something you can avoid, but if you have an idea of what the basics are going to be, get them now. Most students need pencils, folders, paper and a new backpack or lunch box. Grab those items now and minimize your exposure to the frenzied last-minute, back to school shoppers in a couple of months.

3. Ditch the clothes shopping

Maybe it's tradition for you to Instagram a cute picture of your kids wearing spiffy new outfits on their first day of school. Don’t let me stop you. But instead of binge shopping for school clothes in August when you have an attack of, "My kid has been wearing the same two pairs of shorts for six weeks and nothing else fits," why not buy a couple of nice school outfits now? How much can a kid grow in less than two months? Maybe don’t answer that one and buy a little big to accommodate summer growth spurts.

You can always fill in the gaps or stock up once the back to school shopping frenzy has died down. We always plan our year so that we buy the bulk of kids' clothes right after Thanksgiving to take advantage of the Black Friday prices.

4. Get ahead on school lunches

If your kids pack their lunches, take some time this summer to get organized. Stock up on sandwich bags and nonperishable lunch fixings. Beat the rush to buy a cute new reusable lunch bag and plan out a few menus so that what to pack won’t be something you really have to think about. My kids are not sandwich fans so I’m constantly challenged with what to pack. Look for things on sale now that will keep in your pantry and lunches will be a cinch for you the first week of school.

And last but not least...

5. Plan your fun now

If you don't have a summer bucket list, why not whip one together? Don’t let the start of the new school year find you saying, "I wish we would have…"

A few minutes now to get organized and ready will get your summer off to a great start and save you some stress when it’s time to send your little darlings back to school.

Here’s to a great summer!

More on parenting

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The 28-year-old Londoner booked an Uber driver to take her to meet friends on June 28, but cancelled it after she started to feel anxious. The university lecturer suffers from panic attacks, and told MailOnline that she "didn't feel like getting into a car because when I get anxious, I feel claustrophobic."

It wasn't until 10 days later that Anna discovered a voicemail message from the Uber driver, in which he threatened to slit her throat if she cancelled him again.

The recording is a minute long and consists of a male voice, calling Anna "such an idiot" and saying, "Do that again and I'll cut your neck."

As soon as she listened to the message, Anna said her "blood ran cold."

She shared her experience on Twitter, posting: "Oh my god... I just listened to a voicemail from an @Uber driver from when I had to cancel. He shouts 'Cancel again and I'll cut your neck!'"

She also tweeted: "Think is unbelievable. I've saved the voicemail. I feel so unsafe... Please fire this man right away, @Uber. I've submitted a compliant [sic]."

Anna revealed that Uber has now responded to her complaint, suspended the driver in question and is "co-operating with the police on the issue."

More: Uber is openly harassing women, so why are we still using it?

Unbelievably, Anna has received some less-than-supportive comments on Twitter, with some people going so far as to suggest that she brought the threats on herself because she had cancelled the car.

"The victim-blaming — to insinuate that I deserve to get [threats of violence] because I cancelled — has been one of the strangest parts of this whole thing," she said.

As one of the most lucrative private companies in Silicon Valley (it's valued at a cool $18 billion) Uber is certainly powerful. With that power has come allegations of bullying tactics at the highest level, price gouging and smear campaigns against female journalists who dare to challenge it.

Now, as Uber becomes an option for a growing number of Brits — the app-based service recently expanded to several U.K. cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds — should its users be prepared for threats of violence?

Is this yet another warning to us that Uber is not a safe place for women?

More on Uber

Guy works as Uber driver to pay for an engagement ring (VIDEO)
Kristen Bell goes on awkward, slightly terrifying Uber ride (PHOTOS)
Uber joins U.N. Women to create 1 million jobs for women worldwide (VIDEO)

It's the end of the world as we know it in AMC's Fear the Walking Dead trailer. Where Rick Grimes woke up to a barren, walker-infested wasteland on The Walking Dead, the prequel show is all about the slow, chaotic build to the end. The trailer begins like a normal family drama: a kid reluctantly agreeing to visit his dad, a mom teaching a class of uninterested students and a teenage girl whining about her bathroom privacy. Then Nick (Frank Dillane), the eldest son of Kim Dickens' Madison, wakes up in a drug den surrounded by dead people and a walker with a knife through her chest munching on a junkie.

More: Check out the Fear the Walking Dead teaser and marvel at how much more sense it makes

From there, the trailer becomes startling and exciting in a completely different way than The Walking Dead tends to be. There is something delicious about the way the trailer winks at the audience because the viewers are in on the big cosmic joke: This is how civilization falls. Still, there are certain things Fear the Walking Dead can offer us that The Walking Dead cannot, if it feels so inclined.

More: 12 Things you need to know about Fear the Walking Dead

The big question is: Will it fill in the blanks of how and why the virus spread, or will it be more interested in focusing on the personal drama of the blended family at its center? If it can offer up more answers than its sister show, then Fear the Walking Dead will instantly endear itself to fans.

It is still unclear how long Fear the Walking Dead can last without becoming repetitive, but it should have at least one season's worth of apocalyptic meltdown to play with before it starts encroaching on The Walking Dead's territory. After that, the show has to worry about finding a way to coexist with its predecessor, a show that has redefined the apocalypse genre.

More: The Walking Dead is going back to the past in Season 6

In addition to the intense trailer, AMC also revealed the show's premiere date. Fear the Walking Dead is lurching to TV on Aug. 23. Do you like what you see so far?

More: Oprah Magazine fat-shames curvy women for wearing crop tops

You know what they say, hell hath no fury like a woman body-shamed, and beauty and tech blogger Sarah Conley was not going to let O off easy for their careless comments.

"Not only is the answer they give to their reader body-shaming," Conley tells The Huffington Post, "but it's totally inaccurate! Crop tops come in all silhouettes and can work for everyone. It's just a matter of finding the perfect one for your body."

When the crop top initially became fashion's number-one it-item, I shied away from the half-a-shirt craze. College girlfriends of mine threw one on effortlessly before our weekly frat party ritual or occasional night out, and I couldn't stop thinking about just how skinny they all were and the serious muffin top that would protrude if I were to wear one.

Recently I've given the trend a fair try and Conley is absolutely right. Crop tops are for every body, not skinny-specific. It really is all about finding your fit.

More: Crop tops for every body shape

The social media queen reached out to her 22K Twitter followers, asking them to post photos of themselves in their crop tops, using the hashtag #RocktheCrop. Clever.

The #RocktheCrop movement has since flourished. Even plus-size model Ryan Maegen Hoven, also knows as Tess Holliday, who recently became the largest plus-size model to sign with a mainstream modeling agency, has joined the cause. Holliday got her two cents in by tweeting directly to Oprah herself, "anyone can wear a crop top. #effyourbeautystandards."

It's amazing that these women fight back against the well-known and generally respected publication. Because every body is a crop top body.

More: Crop tops for every body shape

And she was photographed showing off her slimmed-down figure in a Baywatch-inspired swimsuit during a recent vacation.

The former reality TV star reportedly shed 60 pounds after earlier this year, making the conscious decision to get serious about her health. She said when she started filming her now-canceled show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, she weighed more than 400 pounds.

More: Here Comes Honey Boo Boo canceled! Here's Mama June's response

While she might still be trying to lose some excess weight, and it is great to see her weight down, the negativity that is being thrown her way is offensive, insensitive, and completely uncalled for.

The photos have been receiving an overwhelming number of negative comments — the unoriginal "Can someone get rid of the beached whale" or likening her feet to hooves — with the occasional "you go girl" sprinkled in. Lame.

Some folks are trying to make it seem like they care, but really, they're just being as mean as everyone else, saying things like, "Good for June in losing some weight BUT maybe she could qualify as a candidate on TLC My 600-pound life…" or, "As much as I congratulate the weight loss, this is still wrong on every level."

More: Mama June leaves her McIntyre home

The worst by far is, "Kim Kardashian went blonde again." Because why bash one person when you can say something really terrible about two?

You want to know what's wrong on every level? To hate on someone who has made positive changes in her life and to discourage someone from continuing on that path by saying they will never look like a supermodel.

Kudos to Mama June for taking steps to a healthier life — and I hope she doesn't read the comments.

More: Mama June is speaking out against her own daughter's pregnancy

Chipotle's is good, to be sure, but it doesn't hold a candle to Bush's. She uses lemon (and lot's of it... just like we always do in Texas), which gives it a brighter flavor. Her use of shallots instead of red onion lends it a milder flavor that let's the small amount of jalapeño and black pepper sing without being too spicy (though you can add more if that's the way you like it). And that all-important cilantro is more present while still not being offensive to those who find it has a soapy flavor (myself included). It just tastes fresh and bright, the perfect complement to heavy Mexican or Tex-Mex food.

Moreover, her recipe is flexible. Because she uses more avocados, you never have to worry that adding more of an ingredient or adding new ingredients, as I did, will make it more pico de gallo than guac. The only change I made is to add tomatoes, because that's the way I like it, but as you'll see, you can add just about anything you want.

Just make sure you choose the ripest avocados. The best way to check is to remove the stem end. If it's green, it's underripe. If it's black or dark brown, it's overripe. If it's a lovely yellow color, you're good to go.

In Texas, we use lemon in our guacamole. In Mexico and other parts of the U.S., lime is more common. Either is fine, but lemon has a brighter quality that really shows the difference between avocado and guacamole. Just make sure you roll it on the counter (use a little pressure, just not enough to smash it completely) before you cut it to make sure you get all that citrusy juice.

If you're out of shallots or can't find them, you can substitute red onion, but you should start with only 2 tablespoons (instead of the 3 you need for shallots) in case it's a strong one. The fresh jalapeños can be subbed with any pepper of your choosing, depending on the level of spice you can handle — even the pickled kind if you're in a pinch. I like chopping them quite small so it makes a more cohesive (less pico-like) dip.

If you want to use add-ins, make sure you don't use more than 1/2 cup total (so if you have two, use 1/4 cup max of each), or it will get too chunky. I'm a fan of tomatoes in mine, so that's what I used, but it's fine to use your favorite.

When cutting the tomatoes, you'll have better success with the flavor of your guac if you core them. Just cut off both ends and run a paring or other sharp knife between the flesh and the part with the seeds before cutting in half, then chopping.

The one thing you generally shouldn't do to this guacamole is add too many overly flavorful herbs and spices. Too many just kill that fresh avocado flavor and gives you fewer dipping options.

You can dip anything from chips and pita to veggies into your guacamole, or use it to amp up your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex food, meat and poultry dishes or seafood.

The only guacamole recipe you'll ever need

Inspired by Laura Bush

If you make too much guacamole, store it in a glass container, and pour about 1/2 inch of water over it. The water will shut out the oxygen and prevent browning. When you're ready to serve, just carefully pour off the water. It won't affect the flavor of the guac, and it will stay just as fresh as the day you made it for several more days than usual.

Serves 4-5

Total time: About 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe avocados
• 2 small lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
• 2-3 shallots, finely chopped
• 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped (more if desired)
• 1/4 bunch cilantro, stemmed and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/4-1/2 cup add-ins, finely chopped if necessary (optional — I used Roma tomatoes)

Directions:

1. Halve and pit the avocados. Scoop the flesh into a bowl (I find dicing it before scooping makes it easier to smash). Add 1/2 the lemon juice, and smash until you've reached a mostly smooth consistency. A few small chunks are OK.
2. Add the shallots, jalapeño, cilantro, pepper, 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt and your add-in(s), and mix thoroughly.
3. Taste. Add more lemon juice and salt, as desired.

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

More on guacamole

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The too-cute-for-words couple, who tied the knot back in 2009, celebrated the special date with (among other things, we're sure) heartfelt social media messages to each other.

Said Anna, "I would like to bore all my sweet followers with a happy anniversary message to my love. Here goes: happy anniversary baby!"

Pratt responded swiftly and sweetly with a love note of his own. "I love you darling!! I'm the luckiest man in the world."

And, here's the thing. In a world where our faith in celebrity relationships is fragile at best, thanks to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's recent split, Faris and Pratt are a breath of fresh air.

They are, arguably, the best married couple in Hollywood right now. Why?

They keep each other (and the rest of the world) laughing

For starters, they're, well, real. Not only do they not take themselves too seriously as individuals, but they don't take themselves too seriously as a couple either. They know how to have fun — to laugh and to make light of the myriad funny and not-so-funny moments a marriage is inevitably full of.

They're kind of a couple of goofballs like the rest of us, which is part of what makes them so relatable. We need more of that! We mere mortals like to look at celebrity couples and, instead of seeing an unattainable facade of perfection, see two seemingly normal people who fell in love and are in fact living happily ever after.

We need more couples like Faris and Pratt who aren't afraid to show the world how silly they are or how weird their love is.

Like, for example, when Faris revealed to James Corden the moment she knew Pratt was the one. "I had a dead bug collection... humanely harvested. When Chris and I first started dating, he invited me over to his apartment and he had, also, a dead bug collection," she said, adding, "I started to cry."

They champion each other

Since they got hitched in Bali six years ago, the couple has continued to appreciate and embrace each other's quirks. And, what's more, they support each other. Not in a way that feels disingenuous, like many celebrity love matches. But in a way that is nearly palpable.

It's obvious they are each other's biggest cheerleaders. They're best friends. Which, of course, makes us all want to be best friends with them (can we, please? Chris, Anna — give us a call).

They just can't stop gushing

Instead of dodging the question when asked about their marriage, Faris and Pratt steal every possible opportunity to sing each other's praises. Yes, they love each other! And, no, they aren't afraid to say so! In fact, they've even turned their overt affection into a bit of an inside joke.

And, if all of the above wasn't enough to convince you fairy tales do come true in the land of syndicated Cinderellas, check out Pratt's response to a Reddit user who asked what drew him to Faris.

"Anna and I are meant to be together," he said. "Our relationship has made me believe in divine intervention and destiny, just as much as my crazy career and the way I fell into this life. She and I grew up 20 minutes away from each other but never met until we met in LA. We both got our start in horror spoofs. We both did an animated movie for Phil Lord and Chris Miller. We both made our careers playing guileless nitwits for laughs. We both have parents that have suffered with MS. The similarities go on and on. Anna is a great wife. Very patient and understanding. Very supportive. So kind and genuine always. And she gave me a wonderful son and family of in-laws that I truly love."

See? Kismet. Come on, you can say it with us — awwwww!

More on Chris and Anna

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1. Jennifer Lawrence and The Hunger Games cast's takeover

Image: Susanne Döpke/Future Image/WENN.com

The Hunger Games crew pretty much owned the first day of Comic-Con with its awesome panel, moderated by Conan O'Brien. In addition to unveiling two new teasers from the upcoming Mockingjay — Part 2, the film's three leads — Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson — hammed it up for the crowd. Lawrence was, of course, in top goofball form. When asked about the similarities between her and her character, Katniss Everdeen, she quickly quipped, "Nothing about us is similar. She’s brave and I’m an actress."

2. Bill Murray's surprise appearance

The notoriously elusive actor made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con to talk about his starring role in the upcoming new film Rock the Kasbah. Murray showed up with a bandana wrapped around his head, in character as rock promoter Richie Lanz. As if that wasn't enough, he also professed his love for Miley Cyrus, stating, "I’m gonna say this officially: Miley Cyrus is good. I was not particularly convinced, but Miley Cyrus is really f***ing good. She can really sing."

More: Jennifer Lawrence has conquered the wage gap with new film

3. Speaking of Lawrence and Murray, the two finally met

What do you get when two famous goofballs cross paths? The world's greatest photo op. When Lawrence finally met Murray for the first time, she didn't even try to keep her cool. She completely fangirled out and later revealed to Vulture that Murray mentioned working together. All we can say is: Yes, please make that happen!

4. Halle Berry reveals she wants a solo Storm film

At the panel for her CBS drama, Extant, the actress confirmed that she would love to do a stand-alone film centered on her X-Men character, Storm. She also urged fans at Comic-Con to speak up if they want to see her take on the heroic role again. "Fans have to tell Fox that that’s what they want to have happen!” she said.

5. The Walking Dead's scare-inducing booth

The hit AMC series has a history of giving fans a big scare at its annual Comic-Con booth, and the tradition continued this year. At this year's booth, the network recreated the infamous scene from Episode 14 of Season 5, in in which Noah (Tyler James Williams) meets his demise. Fans were able to enter the haunted house-like recreation — if they dared!

6. The Walking Dead trailer

The Walking Dead booth wasn't the only scary part of the show's Comic-Con appearance. The AMC series also revealed an explosive trailer for the upcoming sixth season, leaving fans more excited than ever for its October premiere.

More: New Walking Dead character drops major clue about Season 6

7. The Big Bang Theory reveals a major Season 9 spoiler

The sitcom writers returned to Comic-Con on Friday with a spoiler-filled panel also featuring surprise appearances from stars Kunal Nayyar (who also moderated) and Mayim Bialik. As fans will remember, the seventh season ended with its biggest cliffhangers yet — Amy broke up with Sheldon, just as the latter was seemingly ready to propose. Next season, the show writers revealed that — spoiler alert! — we'll find out when Sheldon bought the ring and if he was actually planning to propose.

8. Game of Thrones reveals audition tapes

A sizzle reel of the cast’s original auditions was screened during the panel for the hit HBO series — and it's definitely worth a watch! Check it out above.

Daisy Rock Girl Guitars and Rock and Roll High Guitars teamed up to put together a list of tips for helping your kids look and play like rock stars. They shared them exclusively with SheKnows and we're letting you in on some great ways to inspire your kids to get creative and have fun with their budding talents. Next time you're rained in, consider helping your kids gain that confidence by helping them put on a show. Create a performance space for them and then help them channel their inner rock stars with these fun tips.

Get "the look"

- Always be comfortable in what you are wearing

Mamas, you know you're most confident when you're comfortable. Encourage your babies to wear what they love most and feel the best in. If they're still convinced they need to look a specific way, here are a few tips to help them find their style.

- Know what the band's style and vibe is, try to dress for the type of band it is

What kind of music is your kiddo into? Practice your rockin' scowls in the mirror or add a dash of pop star bling, depending on the genre she loves most.

- Dress in colors that make you stand apart so you can give them something to remember you by

Matching can work for you, if you do it right. But neon is on trend and what kid doesn't love it? Give each of 'em a different shade and help them go all out.

- Stand straight ahead and keep the audience engaged — shoulders back and stand with confidence

These are "official" tips on being rock stars. That means you can bug your kids about their posture for a "cool" reason this time.

More specifics

- No logos on shirts

You'll rarely see a rock star with a logo on their shirt. It's just not cool.

- No shorts or open-toed shoes

According to Daisy Rock and Rock and Roll High, these aren't fashionable. Unless your kiddo is channeling Brian Wilson or Reel Big Fish. Then you can let it slide. Instead, consider wearing...

- Boots, boots, boots!

The experts say, "They photograph very well and the audience loves them." Whether you love George Straight or Billy Corgan, at one point or another you've noticed his boots, right?

- Wear as many layers as possible

"Jackets and open collared shirts over a T-shirt look great!" they say and they have a point. How many times have you seen a rock star at a summer festival with infinite layers and melting under the hot sun? Always.

- Wear as many accessories as possible

Bracelets and necklaces "add depth and texture"... and remind us of our huge crushes on Taylor Hanson. (If you're not ready to turn your baby boy into a heartthrob, though, we completely understand.) It's all about sparkle and shine, right?

- The hair

If your kiddo is rocking a cropped coif, consider helping them try out gel or mousse for the first time. If you're really up for a challenge, see if you can work their hair into a mohawk. This doesn't need to be their everyday look — just something fun. If they have longer hair, show them how to flick it. You know the move!

Playing and performing tips

They've had their fashion fun and perfected their "look." But, "the industry" isn't entirely built on surface stuff. It also requires a fair bit of confidence and knowledge. Before they step onto your stage, make sure you encourage them to...

- Make sure the audience knows you’re having a great time

Teach 'em a cool line to shout out between songs. Think, "Hello, Wisconsin!" or "You look beautiful tonight, L.A.!"

- Interact with the other musicians on stage and smile

This is all about the "fake it 'til you make it" concept. Teaching our kids to smile on-stage will help them learn not to ride on their fear but to grin and bear it until it actually becomes fun.

- Don’t overthink or overplay

Just like there are "ball hogs" in sports, no one truly appreciates a show-off on stage. Teach your kids that sometimes the most important thing is just perfecting what you already know, instead of trying to embellish beyond your means.

For the parents

You're doing awesome! Sure, sometimes they whimper about going to practice. Yes, you've been caught with earplugs in during their trombone jam session. But you're giving your kids the gift of music and you're awesome. Tonight, sit back and let them show you what they learned. If you really want to get into it, though, you can. Make a sign. Or pick up your old guitar and learn to play one of their favorite songs. They'll love playing with you even more than they love playing for you.

They've got the look, but do they have the coolest instrument? If you’re in Nashville this week, you can enter the Summer NAMM Show on Sat., July 11 to see Daisy Rock's Pink Sparkle guitar and other great instruments for every age and ability. If you're a musical family, you're going to want to stop in and get lost amid all the awesome equipment and instruments. And the Daisy Rock booth, full of stuff just for kiddos, will appease them after you spend too long at the Ovation booth. Promise.

More about kids and music

Learn and play with homemade instruments
How to get your child interested in playing a musical instrument
Bring music into your baby's life

More: All those nasty Westeros rape scenes have a surprising advocate

Jon Snow's death shook Game of Thrones fans to their core. For weeks after the finale, speculation of just how dead Ned Stark's bastard son really was seemed to rule the internet. Every word out of actor Kit Harington's mouth was turned every which way. Even a recent visit to a tennis match proved to bring about a new round of speculation when Harington showed up donning Jon Snow's "signature" coif.

It seems as though no one was more concerned about Jon Snow's death than President Obama, though. During the Comic-Con panel with some of the Game of Thrones cast and their director, David Nutter, the story of the night came when Nutter shared his experience of visiting the White House.

"Three weeks ago, I was the in the company of the President of the United States," Nutter shared. "He turned to me, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, 'You didn't kill Jon Snow, did you?'"

More: Maisie Williams also confirmed this terrible death

Nutter admitted he was terrified to answer the president. He clearly cared for Snow and Nutter was about to let him down. Majorly.

"I said, 'Jon Snow is deader than dead,'" the director recalls. "I thought I was going to be sent to Guantanamo or something, but fortunately I'm here — but he’s dead."

"Deader than dead," huh? Sounds like we could see him return as some sort of white walker then, no? OK, fine. We'll stop. Either way, the president was quite disappointed. He reportedly lamented to Nutter that his favorite characters are always killed off and that the Red Wedding was his favorite episode thus far.

So, there you have it, Thrones fans: Jon Snow is dead(ish) and our president watches awesome television.

More: Did Kit Harington just share a major spoiler? You know nothing, Jon Snow!

If you're going to be heavily involved with this service to get your fix of OITNB anyway, why not make the whole experience even better? Check out these five tools every committed Netflix lover needs to have her life.

Warning: These might make you fall even deeper in love with the awesomeness that is online streaming.

1. Netflix Roulette

Ever get sick of picking your next series or movie? Wish someone would just do it for you? Throw caution to the wind and let Netflix Roulette do it for you! This app lets you pick your favorite directors, actors, and/or keywords to filter a random search for awesome Netflix content. You can choose to get suggestions for new movies or a new series based on how you filter your search.

2. Which TV Series Should I Watch Next?

Woah, maybe you're not into filling out all the filter options necessary for Netflix Roulette. You're still looking for some simple guidance to find a new TV series to watch though. "Which TV Series Should I Watch Next?" is an excellent happy medium. It offers suggestions based on your three favorites series to help you find your next Netflix gem.

3. Can I Stream It?

You're super excited to stream a new movie or show, but countless Netflix searches are drawing a blank for it. That's when it's time to see if you can stream this piece of visual content gold anywhere on the web. The "Can I Stream It?" tool allows you to search all major streaming sites to find your movie or show. This way you can plan for a solid backup in the rare occasion that Netflix fails you.

4. Nu for Netflix

Contrary to popular belief, Netflix’s “new releases” queue isn’t refreshed each time a new show or movie enters the database. Nu for Netflix provides a full feed of new releases every day to help you find new movies and shows in your favorite genre the day they’re released. You can also search different regions to see what’s new across the globe if you’re into taking your Netflix abroad.

5. NetFlix App (Of Course!)

Yes, this is an obvious addition to the list. However, if you haven't downloaded it yet because you're not planning to watch from your phone or tablet, you may be overlooking an important detail. The app allows you to connect to your PlayStation console to control Netflix from your phone. Much easier, right? You can download the app for Droid, iOS and Windows.

Ready? Set? Start streaming!

Hopefully you'll find that these tools are everything you need to progress on your journey to becoming a full-fledged Netflixoholic. If not, let me and other readers know which tools and apps you would have added to the list in the comments below. Happy streaming!

The coolest trailer to come out of Comic-Con so far is for an MTV series based on a book series I've never heard of. The series is called The Shannara Chronicles and it is based on a popular fantasy trilogy written by prolific author Terry Brooks. This is high fantasy… post-apocalyptic high fantasy, in fact, and even though Brooks told Entertainment Weekly he doesn't want it compared to Game of Thrones (his books were designed for anyone aged 10 and up to read and enjoy), in terms of visuals and scope, that's the closest comparison I can make.

More: Game of Thrones' stars just won't let us have hope for Jon Snow

However, it also looks entirely new in many ways. Its young protagonists are running across gorgeous landscapes, facing nightmarish monsters and dodging real danger along the way. It is visually stunning, so much so that one of its stars admits there was one set that made her cry the first time she saw it. But what is The Shannara Chronicles about?

After some research, I think I have a decent idea. Like with all fantasy worlds, the characters inhabit a vast landscape that's full of strange names that will eventually sound normal to us, but I think I've got the gist. Consider this your primer so you can get as psyched as I am about this strange and beautiful new series coming in 2016.

1. There are three books, but the series is adapted from the second one, The Elfstones of Shannara

Although it is billed as a trilogy, each of the three books in The Shannara Chronicles tells a different story with different characters. The second book is the most popular and the most cinematically pleasing. It's a straight-up adventure tale and it's primary protagonist is a teen named Wil Ohmsford. The story is set in The Four Lands where a group of young people led by Wil will set off on a journey to replace their dying Ellcrys tree with a new one. If they fail, there will be no protection for the Elven Nation against the invading demons.

Got all that? No? Don't worry, I'm sure it will make more sense on the screen.

2. It's more The Lord of the Rings than Game of Thrones

Just like The Lord of the Rings, The Shannara Chronicles is filmed in New Zealand. It also features many of the same set designers. Those breathtaking trees and Tolkien-esque visuals are not an accident is what I'm saying.

The show is not going to be filled with the massive amounts of death and torture found on Game of Thrones. However, the stakes are still high. The Shannara Chronicles has a chance to tell a fantasy story without the self-imposed limits of realism that George R. R. Martin and HBO demand their series adhere to.

More: Check out the thrilling new Doctor Who Season 9 trailer

3. There are lots of cool female characters

This series is not going to be overflowing with heroic dudes while all the women stay home and knit hobbit hats. One of the reasons the second book was chosen is because, as Brooks told EW, "It’s good strong female characters, strong male characters. It’s got a love story."

The trailer backs those statements up, thanks to its mix of action and character/world building. This sucker is expansive. It's not just any one thing; it's a little bit of everything, and it is the perfect fit for the MTV demo, which traditionally attracts a lot of young, female viewers.

4. Every fantasy creature you can imagine will pop up

Elves, demons, trolls, changelings, healers — they are all there, plus a myriad of other creatures. This is not a series grounded in realism — and that's OK. Embrace the immersive nature of a completely foreign land. Remember, the books were beloved by many children in the '80s and the series will capture that same feeling of unending imagination.

5. Jon Favreau is the executive producer

The guy who gave us the first Iron Man movie is an executive producer on the series. Do you need to know anything else?

6. It could be an anthology series

According to EW, everyone kept tight-lipped about the series' future past Season 1 during the Comic-Con panel, but given the nature of the books, The Shannara Chronicles could be an anthology series. Each book is set in a different era of The Four Lands, so the series could follow the same format or it could continue on from The Elfstones of Shannara into uncharted territory.

More: Nathan Fillion's love letter to The Walking Dead will hit you straight in the feelings

7. All of the plot elements are right there in the trailer

Three teens on an adventure, the demons, the Ellcrys tree (and the visual representation of it dying) — it's all there. Now that you have a bit of background on the story, rewatch the trailer. It makes a lot more sense in context, and if you're anything like me, it will make you even more excited to see the show.

Nothing is more satisfying in the warmer months than a big bowl of frozen yogurt. These days, it seems like frozen yogurt is being sold everywhere, from the grocery store to individual yogurt shops. While tempting and, of course, delicious, why not save money and make a healthier version of your favorite frozen dessert right in your kitchen? And guess what! It takes only five minutes to do. Using frozen fruit, sweetener and Greek yogurt, you can easily whip up a batch of healthy froyo in literally minutes.

In this recipe, I used frozen organic strawberries and frozen mango that I had on hand. You can use just about any fruit you desire in this foolproof recipe. While store-bought frozen fruit is quick to grab, I often buy fresh fruits when they are on sale, prepare them myself and freeze them to save even more money and to keep things as organic as possible.

5-Minute strawberry-mango froyo recipe

Inspired by Just a Taste

This healthy frozen dessert uses frozen strawberries and mango and is blended with Greek yogurt for a cool and delicious treat.

Serves 6

Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups frozen organic strawberries
• 1-1/2 cups frozen mango chunks
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons agave nectar
• 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. To the bowl of a food processor, add the frozen strawberries, mango, lemon juice and agave nectar.
2. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Greek yogurt, and blend for another minute, until the frozen yogurt is very smooth and creamy and there are no lumps or chunks of fruit.
4. Serve immediately in bowls, cones or as desired.
5. Transfer the remaining froyo to an airtight container with a lid, and store in the freezer until ready to enjoy.

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

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You guys, the Husky was totally smiling in this video, right?! If you're looking for the definition of uninhibited happiness, it is certainly on display here. The Husky is just as in love with the babies as they are with him and that is the most touching part.

While this video is obviously going to see my weekend off to a joyful start, it also has me asking the big questions — you know, like, why on earth don't I own a Husky?

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Anybody got any answers to my question yet?

While you all go about doing your duty and enlightening me with your thoughts, let's discuss some things that aren't up for debate. Firstly, this kitten is super-cute and his terrified response to what he sees in the mirror makes him even cuter.

Secondly, while all this truth-telling is happening, this might be a good time to admit that there have been occasions where I have caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and have also run away. Such moments have typically been restricted to times of sickness and times of that other less-legitimate type of sickness (you know, the one that comes on when you've had too many wines the night before?).

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Garreth, who lives in Frankfurt, Germany, was devastated after his mum committed suicide, but took the time to write an extremely courageous, insightful, moving Facebook post, urging the world to help save lives by taking mental health issues more seriously.

In the post, he says we all know people who suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, but we just don't know it yet.

This is absolutely true. According to mental health charity Mind, one in four people in the U.K. will experience a mental health problem each year, so if it's not you, it's your parent, your child, your brother, sister, friend or colleague.

More: 20 Quotes about depression from those who've been there

"My mum took her life this week. My family and I am not ashamed of this," begins Garreth's post. He goes on to pay tribute to his "gentle, kind and incredibly loving" mum, as well as her local mental health trust and supportive family and friends, who tried to help her "escape her depression".

Garreth believes that his mother didn't get the help she needed soon enough, which is why, after several suicide attempts over the years, she took her own life last week. His advice? Talk. Talk to the people in your life who seem to be struggling with anxiety or depression. Encourage them to seek professional help. And if it is you who is battling a mental health issue: "Be honest and unashamed. Be strong enough to discuss your weaknesses before they take over."

It's not easy to talk about mental health. But doing so saves lives. As Garreth says, "if it is making you uncomfortable, man up and keep reading." Or talking. Or sharing. Or trying to understand.

You can read Garreth's full Facebook post here.

If you have been having suicidal thoughts, please get support by calling Samaritans for free on 08457 90 90 90. Visit Mind for more information on mental health issues.

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Talking about Serena, who won the Wimbledon Ladies' Final against Garbine Muguruza yesterday, the guy tweeted that "the main reason for her success is that she is built like a man".

Of course! Talent, dedication and hard work don't come into it at all. The reason Serena has won Wimbledon six times and is the holder of all four major Grand Slam titles is that she has an awesome set of guns.

Is it just me, or is everyone else totally bored with the notion that to be successful — be it in sport, business, media or the arts — women have to display traditionally "masculine" qualities (or bodies)?

Serena is all woman. Her rock-hard muscles are woman. Her awesome curves are woman. Her determination and positive attitude are woman.

And as J.K. rightly points out, how many men would look like Serena in a figure-hugging red dress?

More: J.K. Rowling sends amazing message to fan who wants to give up on life

And just in case there was any doubt about how much J.K. Rowling thinks of Serena Williams, she continued to sing her praises on the social media site: 

We salute you yet again, J.K., for using your social media clout to call out people who don't have a clue what they're talking about.

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Are you searching for ideas to make more plant-based meals? Well, if you said yes, then keep the meat in the freezer, because this recipe is completely plant-based. Not only is this slow cooker soup super easy to make, but it’s completely meatless and tastes great.

Cooked lentils are a wonderful substitute for meat in certain recipes, like meat loafs and, in this case, Mexican-inspired taco soup. This soup is hearty, filling and good for you. Lentils are considered a superfood and are rich in protein, fiber and nutrients.

This lentil soup is thick and rich, and the toppings add a nice, fresh flavor to the finished dish. It's also perfect for freezing if you want to make a large batch or have leftovers you can’t finish.

Slow cooker lentil taco soup recipe

This hearty Mexican-inspired vegetarian soup is cooked in the slow cooker and is full of diced tomatoes, lentils and fresh toppings. Tip: This soup is great for freezing. Divide into individual servings in freezer bags, and freeze until ready to enjoy.

Serves 8

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 4 hours | Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the toppings

• Low-fat sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Thinly sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Crumbled Cotija cheese

Directions:

1. Heat a large pan over high heat.
2. Add in the olive oil, onions and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of the slow cooker.
3. To the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, lentils, taco seasoning and the lime juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
5. Place the lid on the cooker, and set the timer to cook on low for 4 hours.
6. Once the soup is done, serve in bowls, and top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, cilantro and Cotija cheese.
7. Best served warm.

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1. Landscaping with copper

This striking landscape design uses perforated copper panels in combination with stone and concrete to create a relaxing, contemporary and respectful space.

2. Industrial hanging light

Image: Timberson/Etsy

This industrial hanging light with cloth wire promises to bring some polished copper spunk to any kitchen, dining room or bar. It even comes with an Edison globe right out of the box.

3. Copper fireplace

A fireplace is the heart of any room that it occupies. This is especially true for fireplaces made using copper, as their reflective glow can really fill a den or family room with an inimitable, cozy warmth.

4. Bathing in luxury

A gorgeous copper bathtub takes center stage in this lovely bathroom that borrows from the finest European traditions.

5. A "living" countertop for your kitchen

This unsealed, hand-forged copper countertop is considered to have a "living" finish since the copper interacts with its environment — air, water and acids can all cause reactions — but that's the whole point for these owners. For enthusiasts, copper's unpredictable natural transition to different matte reds, browns and greens as it ages is part of the charm.

6. Vintage copper lighting

Image: Deerstedt/Etsy

Stunning and unique, this vintage midcentury copper lamp will add a warm elegance to any home.

7. Soaking in paradise

It's hard not to feel at least a pang of jealousy when you imagine yourself relaxing in this copper soaking tub nestled in smooth island stone as a gentle Hawaiian breeze gently blows into your open-aired master bath from a tropical garden. *Sigh*

8. Outdoor hearth

Almost completely covered in burnished copper, this beautiful outdoor fireplace is the central focus of a spacious and contemporary patio partially enclosed by the famous brick of Boston.

9. Handmade oval sink

Image: SantaClaraCopper/Etsy

A hand-hammered copper sink with natural patina can be just the artisanal piece you need to really take that makeover over the top. Copper (and copper alloys) make a great choice for the kitchen or bathroom as they are naturally antimicrobial.

10. Vintage copper pitchers

Image: AtomicHawks/Etsy

These eye-catching vintage pitchers wear their tarnish and patina with pride. Repurpose them as vases and fill them with fresh-cut flowers, and your home will have a scene right off an artist's canvas.

11. One-of-a-kind bathroom mirror

This unforgettable copper-framed mirror and wall will have you wondering if you're staring through to another room. This spectacular salvage actually started life as a copper window casing for a building in Albany, New York, and now wows visitors to this Tribeca loft's powder room.

12. Copper hand rails

These custom-sourced copper piping hand rails give this rustic game room a modern feeling and will have your steampunk friends talking for years.

13. Vertical garden

Rows of succulent plants thrive in this suspended vertical garden made from patinated copper troughs. The opaque backing allows gentle light to filter through for a greenhouse effect.

14. Cook's kitchen in Hampshire, England

This La Cornue copper oven was specially commissioned for a professional cook in Hampshire, England, to match their extensive copper pot collection. The kitchen also features custom copper detailing in the artichoke hood, Italian black basalt stone shelving with rebated LED lighting and an absolutely massive kitchen island made from English oak with turned legs. So… wow. And I was excited when I bought a toaster oven for my kitchen.

15. Copper pots and framed lobsters

If like most people, you don't have a money bin filled with gold coins to dive into when you need to decorate your kitchen, eclectic might be the way to go. The polished copper pots and pot rack bring a welcome contrast to the dull but ornate bronze mirror while the stove shelf filled with kitchen tools and a colorful framed lobster breathe life into an otherwise modest corner of the kitchen.

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I decided early on in my parenting years to adopt the blind eye approach. Unless the behaviour simply couldn't be ignored, but even then a quiet word in the ear or a diversion attempt was as far as I'd take it. Kids shouldn't get off with misbehaving, but if you start reprimanding those that don't belong to you, you're in for a whole world of trouble.

As 23-year-old Ryan Birtwell found out when he administered some washing-out-the-mouth-with-soap treatment to young Alfi Forsyth. Now, this may seem a rather extreme measure — not to mention old-fashioned — but you might feel less sympathy for 6-year-old Alfi when you hear that he swore at Birtwell after he stopped him kicking an old man's walking stick in a park.

When Alfi's parents found out he'd had a block of soap put into his unsavoury young mouth, they went to the police, and Birtwell ended up in Sunderland crown court. He was found guilty of battery, slapped with a 12-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

More: When other people's kids misbehave in public, do you speak up?

(In case you're wondering, Birtwell didn't walk around with a bar of soap in his pocket; after Alfi called him a "gay boy" and told him to "f*** off", he went to the nearest shop, bought a pack of three and returned to the park to pin down the boy and dole out his punishment.) 

It's worth mentioning that Birtwell isn't a parent himself. I wonder if his reaction would have been any different if he was. If I saw an unaccompanied child terrorising an elderly man in the park, I'd do something too. (Although the soap tactic is a little extreme.) And if it was my son kicking walking sticks and telling people to "f*** off", I certainly wouldn't have an issue with another adult having a few stern words in his ear.

In general, though, I don't get involved with other people's naughty kids. I have two of my own who demand the lion's share of my attention and energy. It's slightly different when you're in sole charge of other children, but you still have to tread carefully. I don't know many parents who would appreciate hearing that their little darling had spent the duration of a play date on the naughty step, however she behaved.

If all parents focused on raising their children to be kind, polite and respectful, there would be little need for other people to step in.

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