Fortunately there are actually a ton of awesome options out there for parents who are looking for awesome superhero-inspired gifts.
Books! Books are always a favorite, and there are so many fabulous superhero books for all ages. For the little-kid set, there'sTen Rules of Being a Superhero, a cute book that includes some important life lessons woven into an exciting story. If we didn't already own a copy of Michael Chabon's The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man, it would definitely be on my holiday gift list. It's well written, awesomely illustrated and includes a super surprise at the end! In addition to reading books, those that make you do stuff are big hits here, so I have a feeling that a certain third-grader is going to be super stoked to find a Superhero Comic Kit beneath the menorah this year. And while it's not specifically a reading book, I love this pack of Paper Superhero Sticker Scenes. The characters look like children, and it includes both boys and girls as well as different ethnicities, allowing every child to see themselves as a superhero.
Toys! Sure, you can go with the usual action figures that will probably be on sale at Target for the next month, or you can introduce your kids to something new and outside the box. Why not try some real-life superheroes and buy either the Amelia Earhart or Rosie the Riveter action figure? For younger kids who want in on the action, why not check out the superhero style of Wonder Crew that "bring adventure through friendship"? The company, which focuses on creating dolls specifically geared toward boys (but are perfect for both boys and girls), has an adorable Superhero Adventure Crewmate just ready to take your toddler on some super adventures.
Etsy! Etsy has a treasure trove of superhero-related gifts for those who want to venture outside the branded box. It can be difficult to find anything in mainstream stores that isn't connected to Marvel or Disney, so Etsy provides a bit of respite. Parents who want to infuse a little superhero spirit without buying into all the marketing will love some of the options, like cute T-shirts and cape and mask sets. And OK, Etsy does offer some awesome choices for Marvel fans as well.
A meat-heavy diet may set you up for completely preventable health problems. Studies have shown that eating less meat reduces your risk of heart disease, diabetes and premature death. Conventionally-raised meat may contain hormones and antibiotics that scientists suspect may wreak havoc on your health. Then, there’s the pink slime, feces and ecoli in ground meat (yuck!). A further black mark against meat consumption: The World Health Organization has just labeled processed meat a carcinogen.
The upshot? Cutting back on meat can seriously improve your outlook for a range of diseases.
Save money with meatless meals
Want to shave hundreds of dollars per year on your food bill? Skip the meat. The Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition study found vegetarians spend roughly $750 less on food each year than meat eaters.
A quick trip to the bulk grains and beans aisle will show you what a bargain a hearty bean soup or chili can be compared to meat-based meals. Skip the pricey cuts of beef and chicken some nights and develop a crowd-pleasing repertoire of soups and stews like split pea, curried red lentil and minestrone. Add a fresh bread and dinner is served — for a fraction of the cost of steak or pork chops. Soups freeze well, so you can cook once and eat two or three times, another big saving on busy nights.
Meat and climate change
Your food choices dramatically affect how much your day-to-day life contributes to climate change. As you probably know, we are collectively spewing dangerous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and the climate we’re creating is making our children’s future look pretty scary. Everyone needs to pitch in to emit less carbon, and putting less meat on our plates can make a really positive impact on the outlook for the earth.
Lentils, for instance are full of protein, fiber and minerals but have just a small fraction of the climate impact that beef does.
How to shift to a diet with less meat
If you’re used to a meat-focused diet, you don’t have to quit cold turkey — pun intended. Start by making small choices to eat less meat, such as taking smaller servings or choosing meatless options when you can.
For example, when eating out:
Choose vegetable toppings on pizza
Try hummus instead of turkey in your wrap
Pick a vegetarian chili or soup in place of a meat one
At home, add in a few vegetarian meals to replace your meat-focused ones. Some easy meals to try:
Quesadillas or tacos with beans, peppers and tomatoes
Pasta with vegetables
Vegetable soups and stews
As eating plant-based meals becomes familiar to your family, add in more meat-free nights. Soon, everyone will become accustomed to meat as an occasional treat rather than a daily necessity. Your health, your bank account and the planet will thank you.
Want to know more about eating healthy on a budget?
Check out my free guide, Affordable Healthy Food for proven strategies to save on the healthiest eats. You’ll find recipes for a few the above suggestions as well as actionable tips for finding the healthiest food for the least money.
Susannah Shmurak shares practical, money-saving tips about gardening, food and low-impact living on her blog, HealthyGreenSavvy.com. Follow her on Twitter, Google +, or Facebook.
developed my passion for baking at an early age by hanging around the kitchen and watching my mom do her magic with a few cups of flour, butter and sugar. She loved to bake, but with a full-time job keeping her busy, her love got pushed to special occasions and holidays. However when she got into a baking mood, there was no stopping her. I remember daylong cookie baking sessions and making jelly roll cakes with extreme precision. Our desserts were never fancy — there were never multi-layer cakes floating around. We stuck with humble but delicious treats, like cookies, pies, coffee cakes and the best cheesecake you'll ever taste. There was always one constant though: Everything was made from scratch and with love, and it's something that's stuck with me every time I get ready to turn on the oven and break out the chocolate.
Image: Susan Palmer/SheKnows
I may have more time to bake these days than my mom, but one thing is for sure: Like her, I'll take the simple desserts over the fancy ones. I think I'm not the only one out there that agrees with me on that point! Layer cakes look (and taste) great, but they are a little intimating to make. Besides making sure all the layers are even, you've got crumb coats to worry about and decorating. Who has time for that? All I want is a delicious cake that can be made in an hour, imperfections and all!
This is where the single-layer, or snack cake, comes in handy. Baked in a square pan, you don't have to worry about what it looks like when it comes out of the oven because once it's cool enough, it gets a generous amount of buttercream frosting, a crunchy topping and it's ready to be served. Since I can't resist the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, I baked up a rich chocolate cake with natural cocoa powder and studded it with some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra chocolate punch. The frosting is a simple peanut butter buttercream — but the real star is the topping of semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and toffee bits. You get a flavor explosion with a little crunch in every bite!
Image: Susan Palmer/SheKnows
I like to think of this cake as the cake for people who hate making cakes. It's so easy to make and it's really perfect for any time of the year. Bring it to a potluck, a dinner, a holiday, birthday or just because! No one can refuse the combination of chocolate, peanut butter and crunch.
Image: Susan Palmer/SheKnows
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the buttercream:
1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup confectioner's sugar
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
For the topping:
1/2 cup Peanut Butter chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup toffee chips
Directions:
Heat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9-by-9-by-2-inch square baking pan with butter. Dust with cocoa powder to prevent the cake from sticking.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Whisk to combine and get out any lumps from the cocoa powder.
In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until light and airy. Add the eggs one at a time until combined and then the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides.
Mix in half the flour on medium speed, then half the milk. Repeat with remaining ingredients and finish with the chocolate chips. The batter will be very thick.
Scoop into your prepared baking pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick insert in the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely in the pan before proceeding with the frosting.
Once the cake is cool, run a butter knife around the edges to loosen the cake. If serving in the pan, flip the cake out and then back in so it will cut with ease. If serving on a platter, flip the cake out and transfer to cake tray or stand.
To make the buttercream frosting, add the peanut butter, butter, confectioner's sugar and heavy cream to a clean mixing bowl. Fit your stand mixer with the paddle attachment and start mixing on medium speed. Increase the speed to high and beat until the buttercream is light and airy, about 1 to 2 minutes. If you over-beat the buttercream, just add a touch more heavy cream in.
Frost the top of the cake and cover the top with the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and toffee bits.
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
For those who love a little heat, the slow cooker Buffalo dip is effortless and perfect. The caramelized onion dip is elegant and gives the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Lastly, the ricotta dip is simple but so good for those who love a hot, baked dip.
Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows
Caramelized sweet onion dip recipe
Sweet onions are lightly caramelized and folded into sour cream for a sweet and tangy bite. Serve with chips or veggies.
To a large pan over medium heat, add the butter, onions and sugar. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions start to brown and caramelize.
In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and remaining ingredients. Mix well, and fold the caramelized onions into the mixture.
Cover, and chill for 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. Mix again, and serve with chips or fresh vegetables.
Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows
Creamy, skinny, slow cooker Buffalo chicken dip
This spicy, creamy, slow cooker dip is loaded with shredded chicken, fat-free cream cheese and hot sauce. Serve with celery sticks or chips.
Crackers, chips or sliced Italian bread, for dipping
Directions:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, and spray a medium baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, salt and pepper, and mix well. Transfer to the baking dish, and bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Remove the dip from the oven, and garnish with fresh diced tomatoes and basil.
Listen, I'm not going to sit here and pretend that moms of many deserve any special awards. I'm well aware of the temptation to slip into "martyr mom" territory as if simply bringing many offspring into the world deserves accolade and acclaim.
Actually, now that I think about it...
No, but really. I tend to shy away from the "I'm so offended that you told me I have my hands full" type of articles because it comes with the territory and, for the most part, I don't think people are trying to insult me.
But — you knew there was a but — I will say that sometimes, it does get super, super old to go through the some ol' song and dance routine each and every time we dare to take our broods out in public.
There's just something about a mom with a bunch of little kids that seems to shock people, even though I really don't understand why. I don't believe that having a "big" family (and that's a really subjective term) is single-handedly responsible for destroying the environment or that my choices can be such an affront to anyone else. That being said, I admit that it's hard to feel so judged just for going grocery shopping, you know what I mean?
Actually, I don't watch a lot of TV. *wink, wink* Is that a bad thing?
5. How do you do it all?
Sorry, but that question is totally damaging to all moms, not just moms of "many," because none of us can do it all, nor should we be expected to.
6. Is this your last one? (said while gesturing to Baby)
In general, this question doesn't bother me that much, because I understand the curiosity behind it. Heck, I've felt it myself for other moms. The decision-making process for the "perfect" family size is fascinating to me. However, when you think about it, this question is pretty darn rude. It's just way too personal and, again, you don't really know any struggles that have gone on behind-the-scenes.
7. Wow, your kids are so well-behaved!
Again, this comment doesn't really bother me per se, but when you break it down, it's kind of funny because what you're really saying is: Wow, I expect any crazy person who has that many kids to be a pretty bad mother with out-of-control kids, I am pleasantly surprised that your offspring are not insane.
8. Haven't you heard of birth control?
Well, sure. But just like we all hope for different types of families, my form of birth control is not really up for discussion. And just to point out — how weird would it be if we asked these types of questions to people who didn't have kids? Can you imagine grilling someone on their sex life and birth control preferences over the produce section? I really don't think it should be any less appalling simply because a woman may or may not have given birth to a child.
The HERSHEY’S KISSES Candy Cane Mint Candies melt into the middle and create the perfect chocolate center, plus the candy cane swirl adds a festive holiday touch. Whip out these delightfully decadent chocolate cakes and everyone will be wowed by your baking ability, it's up to you if you want to reveal just how easy they are to make!
In a saucepan, heat the butter and cream over medium heat.
Place the HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet in a heat proof bowl. As soon as the cream and butter mixture comes to a simmer pour it over the chocolate chips and allow to cool for a two or three minutes. Whisk together until the chocolate chips are completely dissolved into the cream. Set aside.
In a large bowl mix together the cornstarch, sugar and salt. Whisk in the eggs and the egg yolks followed by the vanilla.
Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the other ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Pour the batter into a lined cupcake pan. Bake for 35 minutes.
While the cupcakes are baking unwrap the HERSHEY’S KISSES Candy Cane Mint Candies.
As soon as the cakes come out of the oven gently press a kiss into the top of each cake. They'll melt into the cakes and leave a perfect Candy Cane chocolate center!
Image: Yasmina Jacobs/SheKnows
Image: Yasmina Jacobs/SheKnows
This post is part of collaboration between Hershey’s and SheKnows
This is a much faster turnaround than at McDonald's, which has pledged to go cage-free in the next 10 years, and Starbucks and Panera Bread, which are working to use only cage-free eggs by 2020.
This is probably because even though there are Taco Bells seemingly everywhere, McDonald's has more than 16,000 restaurants that use a total of 2 billion eggs a year, meaning that for them to use only cage-free eggs, farmers themselves are having to make the switch to raising cage-free hens. There currently is more demand for cage-free product from McDonald's than there is supply.
But Taco Bell says it can make the switch in just a year, improving the lives of 500,000 hens while doing so. It also confirmed that by early 2016, it'll be eliminating artificial colors and flavors, trans fat, high fructose corn syrup and unsustainable palm oil from its "core menu" items.
It's really great to see so many major chain restaurants making this sort of change and heartwarming to know it's something customers are demanding. It's one thing to buy cage-free eggs for your breakfast once in a while or to go to that hip diner down the street that uses only eggs laid by its neighbor's chickens. But when huge companies like Taco Bell make the switch to cage-free eggs, they're literally changing the way the egg industry operates.
Then again, this is the innovative company that created the Doritos Locos taco — clearly it knows what the American people want, and this time we're trading Nacho cheese powder for humanely sourced eggs.
Instead of live-streaming a concert of their new material as they were set to do over the weekend, Coldplay played a few old songs, as well as John Lennon's "Imagine," and dedicated it to the people of Paris.
2. Madonna
madonna
madonna
Madonna almost canceled her concert in Stockholm over the weekend, but she decided against it. "It's been really hard, actually to get through the show because in many ways, I feel, I feel torn," Madonna said. "Like, why am I up here dancing and having fun when people are crying over the loss of their loved ones. However, that is exactly what these people want to do. They want to shut us up. They want to silence us. And we won't let them." She then performed "Like a Prayer."
Jared Leto changed his profile picture on all of his accounts to a shot of the French flag.
10. Miley Cyrus
miley
miley
Miley Cyrus shared a quote of President Obama's about Paris on her Instagram account.
11. Katie Holmes
katie holmes
katie holmes
Katie Holmes shared a photo of the One World Trade Center, which was lit up with the colors of the French flag over the weekend.
12. U2
u2
u2
U2 canceled their upcoming concert in light of the attacks and simply joined mourners in Paris near the Bataclan theater. The band led a crowd of people laying flowers down and lighting candles.
13. Lady Gaga
lady gaga
lady gaga
Lady Gaga also changed her profile picture on her social media accounts by adding a blue, white and red filter. She's added a few photos, paying tribute to Paris, including this one of blue, white and red flowers.
14. One Direction
one direction
one direction
On Saturday, One Direction held a moment's silence for the victims of Paris.
15. John Oliver
john oliver
john oliver
HBO's Last Week Tonight host John Oliver let everyone know his feelings on the attacks in a seriously candid monologue. "After the many necessary and appropriate moments of silence, I'd like to offer you a moment of premium cable profanity," Oliver said. Warning: NSFW.
16. Yasiin Bey (Mos Def)
mos def
mos def
After the attacks, Bey released a new song, "NO Colonial Fiction." Bey gave an interview with journalist Ferrari Sheppard, in which he discussed the attacks. "None of this stuff is separated," Bey said. "Everything from Tamir Rice to [the] Paris shootings to what's happening to the students in the University of Missouri… to what I've been experiencing in the negative in South Africa. It's all connected. It's all the same thing."
I want to capture every single moment and keep it in a box to savor at a later date — just as much as I loved making the memory in the first place. I don’t want to miss anything. But one day, I’m going to want to pull these photos out and share them with my child. When I do, I want them to be just as beautiful as the moment they happened.
So, here are a few tips to capture those magic moments and get breathtaking photos of your little ones.
Take loads of photos
If you want a great photo, take lots of photos. You never know what you might catch. Just let your child play and catch the moments as they happen. You can even use your timer and jump in the photos yourself.
Discover the best light
Always try to go with natural light. I recommend using a room with a lot of windows or going outside to take photos. Never shoot towards the window, always have your child facing the window in natural light. The best lighting is the first few hours of daylight and the last couple hours of before the sun goes down.
Get down on their level
Children are short, so you can get some amazing perspective just by getting down on their level — even better, lay on your stomach. By getting down on their level, your child can look directly into the lens. It gives them confidence and an unforgettable shot.
Notice the scale
Children grow quickly, so try photographing them next to another object or person to give perspective. A great way to do that is by measuring baby hands and baby feet next to daddy's or a sibling’s hands and feet.
Try a bird’s-eye view
Another way to catch amazing photos of your little ones is to get up above them when they are playing, napping, eating or whatever. A bird’s-eye view can capture your child without them even knowing you are there.
Candid photos
Take photos regularly and when your children are not paying attention. The best shots are the unposed ones. The more candid the photo, the more authentic the moment captured will be.
The eyes have it
Hold your baby’s gaze towards the lens. There is nothing more soulful and piercing than a big pair of baby blue eyes looking beyond the lens and through your soul.
No matter if you are a professional or an amateur photographer, the more photos you take the better the chance of catching that perfect breathtaking photo of your little one. What’s your best tip for capturing a great photo?
During an interview for Sunday's episode of Oprah's Master Class on OWN, Johnson explained that his greatest achievement in life is the special bond he shares with his daughter Simone.
"I always wanted to be a great dad," Johnson explained. "I always wanted to give Simone things that I felt I never got. When I held her when she was born, I held her in these two hands and I said to her, 'I will always, always take care of you, for the rest of your life. You are safe.' Literally held her in these two hands. Throughout the years, throughout the ups and downs, I've realized that the most important thing that I could do with my daughter is lead our life with love," the Furious 7 actor explained. "Not success, not fame, not anything else but, 'I'm always here for you. I love you.'
"I realized being a father is the greatest job I have ever had and the greatest job I will ever have," Johnson added.
He went on to say that he and Simone are very candid about their relationship with an anecdote that really got the tears flowing.
"There was a time where I said, 'Do me a favor: I want you to tell me what is the thing that you love most about our relationship.' And she's like, 'Oh, come on.' And I'm like, 'No, no. What's the one thing that you love most about our relationship?' And she said, 'Well, that I trust you.' And for a 13-year-old girl to say that to her dad, considering where I was at 13, the instability I had... She said, 'Well, that I trust you and that we have a very special bond.' And that moved me. And so, you know, at 13, she's saying that and... you know, I couldn't ask for anything else."
Don't miss Johnson's interview below. But make sure you grab some tissues first. And then call your dad.
Yesterday, officials from 27 states said they won't let any Syrian refugees in because of security concerns. Senator Rand Paul even introduced legislation to block visas for refugees from any country with a "terror risk." Only about 1,500 refugees have entered the U.S. so far, but Obama announced in September that we'll open our doors to 10,000 more next year. Ultimately, authority over admitting refugees lies with the federal government, but individual states can make the process more difficult. It's sad when we're so blinded by our own ignorance that we can't see these people are running away from terror, not causing it. — CNN
French President Hollande is hoping to create a single coalition to fight ISIS that involves both the U.S. and Russia. The announcement came yesterday after Hollande extended his country's state of emergency for three months and proclaimed, "France is at war." The U.S. and Russia have been in conflict over the crisis in Syria: Russia supports Syrian president Assad, while we've been arming rebels to fight against both Assad and ISIS. Over the weekend, Obama and Putin met to discuss putting Assad on the back burner and focusing on the common goal of eliminating ISIS. Russia, who's still reeling from the aftermath of a plane crash caused by the terrorist group, should be ready to rumble. — The New York Times
3. Not again
Hundreds of protestors shut down a Michigan highway last night after yet another questionable police shooting. This time it was 24-year-old Jamar Clark who was allegedly shot during a scuffle with police over the weekend. They say he was a suspect in a domestic assault and interfered with paramedics at the scene. Witnesses allege Clark was handcuffed when he was shot. The officers have been placed on paid leave pending an investigation, and protestors are working to get the dash cam footage of the shooting released. Clark is said to be on life support with a single gunshot wound above his eye. — USA Today
Approximately 1,500 Mormons have submitted their resignations to the Church of Latter-day Saints after the church released a new policy that labels same-sex couples "apostates," or traitors. The policy also bans children of gay couples from being baptized or becoming church members until they're 18 years old and renounce their parents' "sinful" lifestyle. The 1,500 resigning members are doing so in protest, with more expected to follow in a public resignation planned for this weekend. — Refinery29
5. Say what?
Oxford Dictionaries have selected a Word of the Year every year since 2004, but they took everyone by surprise yesterday when they announced this year's word is the "face with tears of joy" emoji. You know the one: It looks like the smiley is laughing so hard it's crying. Casper Grathwohl, the president of Oxford Dictionaries, says the emoji is "flexible, immediate, and infuses tone beautifully," which is all true but does that really mean it counts as a word? Considering some of the other candidates for the prize were "lumbersexual" and "on fleek," I guess it could have been way worse. And, hey — at least it's not the poop emoji. — Newsweek
Storms that roared across the country last night spawned more than 38 tornadoes across Texas, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. One even destroyed an oil and gas facility in Pampa, Texas, raising concerns about a chemical leak. The good news: No injuries have been reported from the storms. Today, high winds and rain are expected to continue in parts of the South and Midwest, while other areas are expecting snow and blizzard conditions. Weather, we love you, but you need to get your act together. — USA Today
Do you want to have the house decorated before focusing on other tasks? Do you need to book flights by a certain time to lock in prices? Are you hoping for early-bird shopper deals? There are many moving parts during the holidays, so it’s important to know where you want to start. Set specific dates for each goal ahead of time, so you can stay organized and on track. Another tip is to have your children make their holiday lists early, so you can get a jump-start on shopping.
Set behavior expectations early
Since behavior is largely affected by reinforcement (i.e., reward or consequence), holiday lists are a great way to help children stay on track behaviorally. Maybe there is something pricey or particularly important on their list that can be used as an incentive for good behavior. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, remind your child about what you want him to do (e.g., please use gentle hands with your brother) and always use positive language. This sets clear goals and assists with correcting problem behavior.
It’s OK to say no
The holidays are certainly a time of excess, but remember it’s 100 percent OK to decline a holiday party invitation or social gathering request. Overscheduling leads to exhaustion, poor eating habits and lack of sleep — so it’s no wonder New Year’s resolutions are the way they are! You know what pace works for you, and it’s important to maintain a schedule you are comfortable with so that you can enjoy the holidays without being too exhausted. Also, remember it’s OK to say no to a toy on your child’s holiday list. Limits are important, especially if the toy is too expensive or unsafe.
Practice positive holiday behavior ahead of time
The holidays are a great opportunity to practice social skills and manners with your child. This can include reviewing how to play nicely at holiday parties or going over tips on interacting with family members at large gatherings. If your child has a particular difficulty, hone in on that specifically. For a child with sensory processing issues, that could mean purchasing noise-cancelling headphones so that he can enjoy the parade with the rest of the family. For a child with language difficulties, it might mean practicing what to say when someone gives him a present or how to politely decline a party treat.
Remember, fun and joy are the goals of the season. If things don’t go perfectly, that’s OK. So what if your wrapping’s a bit wrinkled and your cookies are overbaked? At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!
That time was filled with so many fears, so many tears and ultimately so much relief when he finally was able to go home, healthy. That time was also filled with well-meaning family and friends who only wanted to help, but whose words also could cause pain.
In talking over the years with other families who have spent time in the NICU, there are some things most parents in this situation would rather not hear. Here are 10 of them.
1. He is soooo tiny.
Yes, we know. I winced as my husband's wedding band slipped around and up my son's arm like a bracelet. We're cheering every ounce he gains, so your shock at his size stings.
There are so many complications that can come with premature birth, so there is a lot to worry about. No, worrying won't help, but there are serious issues looming and it's nearly impossible not to be overwhelmed with concern about what your child's life is going to look like in the future. Sometimes it doesn't all work out.
4. She just couldn't wait to be born.
This wasn't her choice.
5. It's like you have built-in babysitters with all these nurses.
Even if we don't respond, the calls, cards, emails and other gestures of support mean so much. Don't worry so much about saying the wrong thing that you don't say anything at all.
A "hard" pop of a Champagne (or sparkling wine) bottle is your typical loud, potentially blinding affair that includes a cork shooting across the room and a very loud and festive "pop!" sound, which is almost always followed by a chorus of "yaaays!" from the crowd. It's all part of the fun. But the hard pop is killing the taste of your wine.
Surprising but true!
During a recent visit I made to the Domaine Carneros winery in Sonoma, California, which produces Taittinger sparkling wines, the expert on hand demonstrated the "soft pop" technique. Then he opened a bottle in the typical "hard pop" style and let us taste the difference. It was noticeable. The soft pop wine tasted softer, more buttery and had far more bubbles than the hard-popped bottle.
Now, if you've got a cheap bottle of sparkling wine you've bought to spray on your teammates after a World Series win or something, then by all means, shake that sucker up, and let that cork rip. But if you're serving a beautiful bottle over the holidays, the soft pop is for you.
Here's how:
Start with a bottle chilled to about 45 degrees F.
Remove the foil but not the wire cage over the cork. Just loosen it, and use it to grip the cork.
Keep your thumb securely over the cork to keep it from shooting off.
Start twisting the bottle from the bottom slowly, and let some bubbles slowly release from the cork.
Once most of the pressure is off the cork, use your thumb and forefinger to twist off the cork at the end.
True, you may miss that festive "pop!" sound, but the taste and no waste make up for it.
Here's a great example of a "soft pop" Champagne bottle opening. This chef puts the bottom of the bottle toward his body, which seems like it might mess up your outfit or look weird if you're hosting a party. You can also just keep the bottom of the bottle secure in your hand. Check it out. Cheers!
For 11-year-old Bobbie-Mae Chalk, from Southampton, the best Christmas present in the world would be a cure for her mother's illness. Debby, 31, has had Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, since 2006 and has experienced difficulty keeping it under control over the past two years.
"Dear Santa, Please if you can make my mums life better and make her not feel ill all the time, I would really appreciate it. Just PLEASE!! Make her life more and more better, it herts to watch her suffer, so please make it better. If I had one wish in the whole world it would be to help (sic)."
Debby told the Metro how shocked she was to read the letter: "I welled up and couldn't believe it, makes me so proud to be her mum."
The post has received a huge amount of positive feedback, with over 7,000 likes and many comments from parents who also suffer from the disease, acknowledging how hard it can be for their families to see them in pain.
Crohn's causes inflammation of the digestive system or gut and is a chronic condition, although there may be periods of good health (remission), as well as times when symptoms are more active (relapses or flare-ups).
For more information on Crohn's and other types of inflammatory bowel disease visit Crohn's and Colitis UK.
The video of Stuart Mathie, 56, proposing to Michelle McGrillen, 43, on the 9:07 p.m. train from Glasgow to Hamilton has clocked up over 750,000 views so far.
A local choir belted out the Frankie Valli ballad "You're Just Too Good To Be True" as Stuart went down on one knee and popped the question to Michelle.
Online marketing executive Stuart said, "I wanted to propose to Michelle but I wanted it to be special. I wondered about the Trevi Fountain in Rome… or at the top of Ben Nevis. I had seen lots of stuff about flash mobs and I thought that might be a good idea. I contacted the SoundRoutes Singers in Hamilton and asked if they had any singers spare for a rather unusual performance.
"I thought I might get three or four but when they heard what the 'performance' was, they all wanted to do it," the dad-of-one continued. "I sent them pictures of what Michelle and I look like and they replied with their photos, so I would know who they were on the train. They shuffled about on the platform in twos and threes at Argyle Street as we went for the train. After we left Rutherglen, one person began singing randomly, then another, then they all burst into song."
Michelle's son Joshua, 16, posted the video online and it wasn't long before the congratulations came flooding in.
Michelle said she "couldn't believe it" when Stuart proposed but added that it's not entirely out of character for him: "When he went on holiday for a week, I received a card every day, with poems on it and it always ended with 'PS. I Love You.' He had arranged with a secretary to post me a card every day while he was away."
Watch the awesome proposal (and listen to some incredible harmonies) below:
Like the other two, it follows a cast of talented actors portraying doctors, nurses and other medical professionals at Chicago Med who set out to protect, heal and serve the city just like P.D. and Fire do every week, except this time it's through medicine.
The series features many famous faces, including Colin Donnell as trauma surgeon Dr. Connor Rhodes, Nick Gehlfuss as chief ER resident Dr. Will Halstead, Oliver Platt as chief of psychiatry Dr. Daniel Charles, S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin (the head of Chicago Med), Torrey DeVitto as ER pediatrician Dr. Natalie Manning, Brian Tee as military surgeon Dr. Ethan Choi, Rachel DiPillo as a fourth-year medical student Dr. Sarah Reese, Yaya DaCosta as ER nurse April Sexton and Marlyne Barrett as nurse Maggie Lockwood.
During a visit at an NBC press event for all three Chicago series, the cast of Chicago Med dished all kinds of Season 1 teasers that will hopefully entice fans of Fire and P.D. and new viewers to tune in. With that said, let's get to it.
If you're worried this is going to be another Grey's Anatomy, it isn't, especially in the sense that it has the same DNA and family feel as Fire and P.D. "I wanted to make sure that it was an inviting show, so people who don’t like hospitals or hospital dramas could feel [like] it’s a place you want to be without being too unrealistic," executive producer Matt Olmstead explained. "We just didn’t want it to be too grim or too slick. We wanted it to be inviting, but within that have that sense of family that we’ve done so successfully with the other two shows."
Echoing Olmstead above, Med's Tee also iterated how much the show has that sense of family, all while ensuring that Fire and P.D. fans won't lose the overall feel that comes with each show, the characters and the story lines. As Tee said, "[It] cohesively falls within the same universe."
3. It's realistic and stays true to the medical profession
How realistic can a medical drama be? When it comes to Chicago Med, pretty darn realistic. Not only are there actual medical professionals lending a helping hand and educating each cast member about what and what not to do, but each actor studied and researched at Chicago's Cook County hospital. Barrett teased, "[The show] stay[s] true to the urgency and the calmness that comes with the medical care." She added, "Nobody needs another show where it’s all about the doctors and us smooching. You wanna know what does it really mean to be cared for in a medical institution."
Trust me, I would know, because I actually watched Donnell and Gehlfuss perform surgery. OK, not really, but myself and a group of reporters watched how a surgery goes down on Med. It's impressive how realistic everything is. "Before we started, we had this, we called it our 'medical boot camp,'" Donnell explained. "We spent about five days just getting a bunch of medical terminology and scenarios thrown at us that we would eventually use throughout the show. We have these amazing medical advisers with us." He also expressed how important it is to the show and the cast to ensure they're doing justice by other medical professionals. He said, "We’re trying to make it as realistic as possible and be as representative of what’s going on in that community as we possibly can."
You know how a cast of a medical drama usually lists off a bunch of medical jargon? Ever wonder if they actually know what they're talking about? Well, it seems like Med truly does, because not only did they receive medical training, but they've studied and continue to learn the medical lingo. For Gehlfuss, it is extremely important for him to know everything that's coming out of his mouth. "I make sure of it, because there’s no other way I can effectively portray and be a part of what it is that I’m doing, if I don’t," he said. What happens when he doesn't understand his lines? He goes straight to a medical consultant and even does his own research via medical textbooks or the Internet.
If you ask Barrett, she's really hoping Med has some rain scenes featuring Tee's abs (kind of similar to P.D.'s Halstead above), because apparently he has an eight-pack. Here's how they hope the scene goes down: The sprinklers will come on, and Tee will exclaim, "These scrubs are so tight!", then Barrett will cut them off with scissors and, finally, there will be an injured patient, but rather using medical tools, Tee would rip off his shirt and use that. That sure sounds like a great scene to me. Also, if it does ever happen, Barrett encourages viewers to tweet about it and/or clap.
Anyone else make the connection that OTH alums Torrey DeVitto and Sophia Bush are now part of the same franchise? DeVitto teased that she and Bush filmed a scene together. Nanny Carrie and Brooke Davis reunited! Seeing as DeVitto's character is pregnant, she said there probably won't be any Nanny Carrie moments, which is obviously for the best. "No, thankfully," she said while laughing. "Though, you never know, come the end of the show maybe someone pushes her the wrong way."
8. There are many smart, strong and passionate characters
As you might've picked up on, Med is filled with independent, intelligent and goal-oriented characters. Actually, that's what attracted DiPillo to the show and her character. "I love the idea of playing someone who is in school and ambitious enough to educate herself to be something like a doctor in whatever field she’s going to choose, because I don’t see that in a lot of, I see ambition in material I’ve come across as auditioning actress, but I think Sarah’s very quirky, but very intelligent and very independent," she expressed. "I really value those characteristics, and for me, that’s a joy to play and to develop for her."
If you're a huge fan of Colin Donnell, then you know sometimes his TV characters don't really last long, thanks to them being killed off. However, Med seems a bit more promising. "I mean, I’ve made it so far," he said. "So far, so good. We’re on Episode 5, so you never know what’s going to happen." For right now, he says to "keep your fingers crossed and knock on wood."
Chicago Med premieres on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9/8c on NBC.
In retrospect, I realize my situation was common among many women: discovering a lump and then hearing only vague answers from a physician, and being left feeling uncertain and scared.
By gaining a basic understanding of lumps and masses, though, you will be better prepared at your next appointment to ask the right questions and to get specific details about your health.
The lump difference
Many types of lumps can form throughout the body — and despite pervasive fears, not all link to cancer. The most common lumps that women develop include:
Cysts
Cysts are sacs filled with fluid, air or other materials, often making them somewhat soft to the touch. They can form anywhere in the body — including bones, organs and soft tissue — and can be caused by infections, excessive production from sebaceous glands, chronic inflammatory conditions, hormones, obstructions to the flow of fluids or foreign bodies. Some cysts are discovered during physical examinations, while others require ultrasound imaging for diagnosis.
Cysts are most commonly benign (i.e., noncancerous) but can be indicators of more serious problems elsewhere and can pose health risks if ruptured. Therefore, many physicians remove cysts and have pathologists examine them.
However, malignant (i.e., cancerous) tumors can pose serious health risks by invading surrounding tissues or spawning additional tumors. That’s why most physicians recommend biopsies to determine the tumor’s nature or grade.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are common benign growths women develop during childbearing years. Fibroids vary in shape, size and location, but they’re commonly firm, rubbery masses distinct from their surroundings. An estimated 75 percent of women develop fibroids, though many go unnoticed.
A small percentage of women can experience chronic symptoms from fibroids — such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain — and may need them surgically removed or treated through hormone therapy.
Polyps
Polyps are abnormal growths on any tissue with a blood supply. Most polyps are benign, but they can grow to be malignant. Women who develop polyps within their uterine linings or cervixes may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping and abdominal pain. Doctors usually elect to remove polyps for further testing.
What to Ask Your Doctor About Your Lump
Educating yourself about lumps is only the first step; the next is making a doctor’s appointment for a proper examination and diagnosis.
Instead of going to your consultation afraid, prepare a list of questions to help you better understand your situation, such as:
What type of growth do you believe this to be?
What is the likelihood that my lump is benign? Malignant? Precancerous?
Can you explain the tests that will be performed?
What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
What are the possible side effects of my treatment options?
Could this condition affect my ability to have children?
How likely is this to be a recurring health problem?
Does this lump increase my risk for cancer?
Finding a lump can be unsettling, but empowering yourself with information can help you eliminate fear and turn your next consultation into a productive discussion about how to get your health back on track.
Sadly this isn't Kardashian's first struggle with health problems during pregnancy. During her first pregnancy with now 2-year-old North, she suffered from preeclampsia, a high-risk pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure that occurs in 5 to 8 percent of all births in the U.S. As Kardashian noted on her official website, preeclampsia caused her to deliver North prematurely at 34 weeks and was also accompanied by placenta accreta, where her doctor had to painfully scrape out her placenta by hand. Now Kardashian fears the same health complications in her second pregnancy, as her risk of preeclampsia and placenta accreta have increased. In a worst-case scenario, it's possible she might need an emergency hysterectomy directly after birth.
Kardashian may not be everyone's favorite reality star, but she's turning her potentially fatal pregnancy struggles into a public service announcement that every expectant mom needs to read. As Kardashian explains on her website, preeclampsia can be serious and often sudden, normally affecting pregnant women after 20 weeks. Preeclampsia is detected with a high blood pressure reading (at least 140/90) and excessive protein in the urine.
Since preeclampsia comes on suddenly and without warning, understanding the symptoms is a must. As Dr. Arun Jeyabalan, a maternal and fetal medicine specialist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Magee-Womens Hospital, tells LiveScience, preeclampsia can become systemic, which means the condition can affect the entire body, potentially causing headaches, seizures, fluid on the lungs, liver failure, kidney damage and neurological disturbances. Preeclampsia can also affect a mother's blood flow to compromise a baby's nourishment and oxygen.
Symptoms of preeclampsia commonly flare up anytime but most typically present in the third trimester and up to six weeks after birth. They include visual changes, a severe headache, swelling in the ankles and feet, difficulty breathing, sudden nausea or vomiting, pain in the upper right abdomen (or liver area) and seizures, in severe cases. If one or more of these symptoms leads to a preeclampsia diagnosis, a mother's blood pressure and urine will be monitored closely, along with the health of her baby. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, delivery may be induced if mom and baby's health decline.
Placenta accreta is another, separate high-risk pregnancy condition that occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. As we saw in Kardashian's case, placenta accreta can occur alongside preeclampsia, normally detected by irregular bleeding in the third trimester. Dr. Robert Silver, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah and placenta accreta researcher, explains in Stanford Medicine's special report on the topic that the placenta is a "kind of remarkable" organ that can grow like cancer and invade the uterus. This growth is a good thing, since it is how the placenta implants when an egg is fertilized. But if the placenta overgrows into muscle, chunks can be left behind after delivery that increase the risk of postpartum infection and hemorrhage. In more extreme cases, like Kardashian's, a doctor may perform a hysterectomy to control this dangerous bleeding after birth.
While it helps to understand the warning signs of both pregnancy complications, most expectant moms still want to know why. Unfortunately doctors haven't pinpointed a known cause of preeclampsia or placenta accreta yet. Preeclampsia risk can increase with a history of high blood pressure or preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, being over the age of 40, when carrying multiples and related to obesity, kidney disease, lupus, prediabetes or chronic hypertension before pregnancy. Placenta accreta risk can increase with a second pregnancy, being over the age of 35 and from smoking cigarettes.
The March of Dimes recommends trying to have a baby vaginally instead of via C-section to reduce the risk of placental conditions in future pregnancies. And for most women with preeclampsia, a delivery that puts an end to pregnancy is considered the only "cure."
Kardashian said she's scared about her delivery, and she has every right to be. Both the complications she's facing are serious and life-threatening — and the last thing a mother needs when bringing a new child into the family. No matter how you feel about the Kardashians, we can all agree that Kim deserves some extra support (and a little less Internet hate) during these last few weeks of a tough pregnancy.
The affected product is 28-ounce retail bags containing multiple pieces of "Tyson Any-tizers Fully Cooked Hot Wings, CHICKEN WING SECTIONS COATED WITH A FLAVORFUL HOT, TANGY SAUCE" with use by/sell by dates of Oct. 24, 2016, packaging dates 2975PBF0508-23/2985PBF0500-01 and case codes 2975PBF0508-23/2985PBF0500-01. Look for establishment number P-13456 inside the USDA mark of inspection and on the back of the package near the cooking instructions.
The chicken wings were shipped to stores nationwide.
Any adverse affects linked to consuming the chicken product have not been confirmed. However, consumers are warned to not consume the wings. Instead, throw away the product, or return it to the store where you purchased it. If you have any questions, you can contact Tyson Foods' Consumer Relations (toll free) at 866-328-3156.
