In this recipe, I used fresh zucchini sautéed with onions, garlic and herbs, and then blended it with vegetable broth and a splash of cream for an easy and delicious vegetarian and gluten-free meal.

To keep cleanup minimal, blend the soup right in the pot using an immersion blender. If you don’t have an immersion blender, just carefully add the warm vegetables and broth to a blender, and you will get the same result.

This velvety cream soup is great for a winter’s night, a light, cozy lunch or as a side dish for a salad or some grilled chicken. This soup also freezes well, so make yourself a double batch.

Homemade cream of zucchini soup recipe

Serves 6

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the soup

• 4 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 Idaho or russet potato, diced
• 4-1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian dried seasonings
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

For garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Toasted pine nuts

Directions:

1. To a large soup pot, add the zucchini, onion, garlic, potatoes, vegetable broth and seasonings, and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the soup has reached a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are very tender.
3. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup in the pot until pureed. (If you don’t have an immersion blender, very carefully transfer the soup to a blender, and blend on high until smooth.)
4. To the puree, stir in the sour cream and heavy whipping cream. Stir gently until the soup is thick and creamy.
5. Spoon into bowls, and top with garnish. Best served warm.

More zucchini recipes

Zucchini tortillas
Tomato-zucchini gratin
15 Zucchini noodle recipes

These were the words whispered in my ear 18 years ago when a friend saw me struggling with my two young toddlers. It was her gentle reminder for me to take a deep breath and remember these little monsters might be a handful, but their struggles have a small scope of influence. My young children still looked to me as the center of their universe and the source of all truth. My dear friend had a perspective that I had yet to gain: what comes after.

Since that experience, my number of children has grown to a half dozen and I’ve learned firsthand what my friend was referencing. Having teenagers changes a mom. When my children were younger, I prided myself on keeping my voice and temper calm with my children, but apparently my children crossing that magic age of 13 years old transforms me into Crazy Psycho Mom. She possesses no ability to react in a rational manner when her children make the most idiotic of choices.

Let me prove my point with some firsthand battle reports that brought out the worst version of this mom.

After an especially exhausting day of work and parenting six kids, I asked my teenage daughter for some help by unloading the dishwasher. Apparently asking the oldest of my children to lend a hand was just beyond fair because she roared into an ear-bending rant about how she “works harder than any other person in the whole house!” Not just a snarky comment mind you, but a long lecture to prove to me how unfair her life was compared to everyone else.

When my son began driving, I allowed him to use my precious Honda Odyssey. It was the first car I had ever bought new off the lot, and let's just say I was a bit overprotective of this four-wheeled child of mine. In a matter of weeks, he was involved in three minor accidents. Thankfully, no one was hurt in any of these incidents, but the outside of my once-pristine van now looked like it took part in some type of street fight with bigger and tougher minivans.

Finally, there is my worst mother-of-teenagers moment. It was the time my child missed her 11:30 p.m. curfew. Instead of coming home as soon as she could, my daughter decided since she was already in trouble, so she might as well just stay out as late she would like... 3:00 a.m. Then to add the cherry on top, she turned her cell phone off so she wouldn't be bothered by her frantic parents calling over and over again looking for her.

I was a complete amateur and so unprepared for these types of “big kid, big problems.” I was naive enough to believe that my teenage kids would be different than all the other hellions I had seen and heard about. My kids were so extremely well-behaved as young children and to the deepest part of my core, I believed that though they might get a bit moody at times, they would still be genuinely happy teens and fun to be around.

When that fantasy didn’t become a reality, I really struggled! I yelled — a lot. I was easily baited into arguments I could never win because my kids just wanted to argue for the sake of arguing. Especially frustrating was how little they turned to me for advice and help, instead choosing fellow peers as their source of great wisdom. Nothing like a crazy 16-year-old getting life advice from another crazy 16-year-old!

I still have three young children at home, who have yet to enter those teenage years — and I honestly, I view it as God's gift to me. This is my chance to get it right this time around.

Here are the three promises to my teenagers that will make me a better mom to them than I was to their older siblings.

1. I will be just as calm, quiet and patient with you as teenagers as I was when you were younger. It will just be so much harder! Crazy Psycho Mom will stay far away as I wisely pick my battles. Many of the things that quickly frustrate me just don't matter in the long run, so I will carefully pick those things that matter the most and let the others go.
2. Much to your disgust and dismay, I will continue to be physically affectionate with you, even when you moan and groan about it. When you were little, you would often need some snuggle time to help heal your wounds. That doesn't change now that you are a teenager, but I also recognize that you will rarely vocalize that need, so I will initiate it quietly on my own.
3. No matter how busy and distracted I may seem, I will always be ready to listen and drop whatever else is going on when you are ready to talk. The lack of open communication from you is one of the hardest changes for me as your mom. I find myself trying to interpret every sigh, comment, facial expression or Tweet into what used to be an open discussion about your day and feelings. I will constantly be on the hunt for the few times you initiate a conversation because I know it will often lead to you opening up and sharing, at least for a bit!

More: Are we being conned by apparently unfit celebrities?

Making it into the top five is the TrimSecrets diet plan, reveals The Independent, which received investment from Ultimo founder Michelle Mone after she credited it with helping her lose six stone in 2010.

TrimSecrets is a herbal supplement devised by late alternative health expert Jan De Vries, who was based in Ayrshire, Scotland.

The plan, which claims on its website to be gluten-free, caffeine-free, lactose-free and "all natural", costs £14.95 for a two-week supply of capsules. Users are advised to take one capsule before each meal, which supposedly suppresses appetite and increases metabolism. The main ingredient is sinetrol, which is a mixture of compounds extracted from several different citrus fruits.

The plan also recommends a daily intake of 1,500 calories, plus 1.5 litres of water and regular exercise.

More: I severely 'restrict calories' but I don't have an eating disorder

"By consuming 1,500 calories a day, most individuals should lose weight regardless of whether they are taking this pill and that's no secret," said the BDA. "The pill has echoes of the grapefruit diet and includes guarana, which is high in caffeine, yet states it's caffeine-free. Beware of pills and potions and make sure you know exactly what you are buying and taking."

"Michelle owes her weight loss to TrimSecrets," Tory peer Baroness Mone's publicist said after she lost the weight.

In first place on the BDA's "worst of the year" list was the "No Sugar" diet, supposedly followed by Tom Hanks and Alec Baldwin. Although the BDA say that cutting down on some sugars, especially products with "added sugar", can be positive, some versions of this diet promote excluding all sugars, including fruit and vegetables, which can be unbalanced.

The BDA also slammed the "only kale and chewing gum" diet allegedly followed by actor Jake Gyllenhaal to lose weight for the film Nightcrawler as being "extreme, socially isolating, unbalanced, hard to sustain and potentially harmful."

Does celebrity endorsement influence your diet plan? Let us know in the comments below.

More: Eloise Parry's death from diet pills should be a warning to everybody

More: Chrissy Teigen shames haters for uneducated accusations about Tyra Banks

You're probably not feeling nearly as stuffed as Chrissy Teigen, who shared a photo on Instagram of the hilarious aftermath of her family's Thanksgiving feast.

Teigen, who pretty regularly owns the social media game, shared the collage of pre- and post-Thanksgiving selfies of herself, hubby John Legend, their friends Jen Atkin and Mike Rosenthal, and even the family bulldog. The "after" photos were all edited to include giant double chins. It's not Thanksgiving without a little gluttony, right?

"We did it," Teigen captioned the hilarious shot. Yes, they sure did.

More: Chrissy Teigen fires back at haters criticizing her pregnancy cravings (PHOTO)

Teigen, who is expecting her first child with Legend, also let fans have some glimpses behind the scenes at her household on Turkey Day, sharing a time-lapse video of herself and Legend preparing the feast. Teigen is wearing a form-fitting black sleeveless dress that also gives her followers another new peek at her ever-growing baby bump.

And Legend got in on the social media fun as well, sharing a drool-inducing snap of the family's deep fried turkey. Are you guys going to eat all your leftovers? If not, we want some.

More: Chrissy Teigen debuts her growing bump with adorable pic (PHOTO

How did your family celebrate Thanksgiving? Head down to the comments and share your favorite traditions.

Ha!

Ha-ha-ha!

Poor, stupid, naive, pre-baby me. Here's the thing about babies: Some sleep well, and others don't. My daughter: not a great sleeper. So when I finally get her to stop protesting, worming her fingers into my mouth, sticking things in my nose (or both) and to close her eyes, there is no way on this green Earth that I'm going to jeopardise that.

In fact, the way post-baby me chooses to deal with bedtime is with a vow of silence and some pretty sleek ninja moves. Sure, if I forget to close my blinds, my neighbours might think I'm shooting a messed-up music video, but hey, as long as my baby is snoozing, that's A-okay with me.

In this I know I'm not alone. All over the world, sleep-deprived parents are slivering, rolling and crawling their way to success. Not quite there yet? Here are some moves you should add to your bedtime routine arsenal:

1. The worm

Gently sliver out of bed and across the floor until you're outside the door and well out of sight. Try to muffle the sound of your getaway with plenty of belly-floor contact.

2. The replacement

Mould a pillow into a vaguely human shape, hold your breath, and gently nudge it under your baby's hand while removing yourself from her grasp. Don't exhale until it's been accepted and you've left the room... or maybe 30 minutes after that.

3. The hum-out

Start humming your favourite lullaby, and moonwalk out of the room, taking the melody with you. Continue to hum even when you're in another room. Don't stop humming until morning breaks, or suffer the consequences.

4. The tippy-toe

Once you hear little baby snores, make like a ballerina, and swan out of the room on pointe. Sink into a deep pile anytime the baby stirs. Wear a tutu for funzies.

5. The stop, drop and roll

Roll for your life, and don't stop until you've cleared the living room.

6. The bolt

Go for broke, and just run out, leaving nothing but a pleasant gust of air where you stood seconds before. Then cross your fingers, and hope the baby didn't notice.

7. The dash and hop

Squeaky floor spots may as well be land mines to a sleeping tot. Dash, dive and hop around them like your life is dependent on it (because in a way, it is).

8. The crawl

Drop to all fours and, in the most graceful way possible, crawl out of the room.

9. The splat

If the baby stirs even a little bit, drop to the floor flat on your face, and don't even think about moving.

10. The text talk

While your baby is asleep, any and all communication is to be conducted via text — even if you're in the living room and your partner is a millimetre away from your face. "Honey, could you please move down a bit? You're too close to my face." Send.

11. The daydream

In your head, you are on a tropical island, with a cocktail in hand and waves lapping at your feet. In reality, you're still in bed with your baby, because she rules the house, and you know it.

More: The Charlie Sheen HIV news has reportedly affected the Kardashians, too

The couple keeps insisting that they're still together, despite persistent rumors over the last few weeks that they had quietly called off their relationship. And now, there's even more evidence pointing to a split: E! News reports that Tyga just moved out of Jenner's house.

Jenner and Tyga have already admitted that they did take a short break from seeing one another. But when their "break" prompted breakup rumors, the two were seen spotted hanging out together after the American Music Awards last weekend, and Jenner told Ellen DeGeneres during an appearance on her show that she and Tyga are still going strong. Plus, Tyga appeared in photos of the Kardashian/Jenner family Thanksgiving celebration, and we're assuming he wouldn't join his ex-girlfriend's family for the holiday.

Still, sources say Tyga just moved out of Jenner's $2.7 million Calabasas mansion and into his own place. One source told E! News the two are still together, despite the move.

More: Kris Jenner vs. Kylie Jenner: Who will get married first? (POLL)

"They are back on track for now," the source revealed, adding, "Kylie has been hanging out at his new place."

Last summer, Tyga lived in his own $6.7 million home in Calabasas, near where Jenner — and most of her famous family — lives. The site wasn't able to confirm where Tyga might be living now.

"Tyga was going to stay there until his house was ready," the source said. "They lived together for about a month. He was thinking about moving out anyway because he likes his own space. But then she started that 'needing her space' stuff and he decided to leave earlier."

Earlier this month, sources told media that Jenner "wants time to just be by herself and do her," but that "Tyga is not giving up, as that's his one and only lady."

More: Kylie Jenner gives Tyga the worst birthday present ever (PHOTOS)

Do you think Tyga and Kylie Jenner are hiding a breakup?

It is a high, being able to score that one toy or large ticket item ahead of everyone else who has been waiting. If I stopped at that one item, saved my money and went home, it might be worth it. If you are like me, Black Friday is an event: a marathon that can not be left until every store has seen the swipe of my credit card and the car is full.

Inevitably, I overspend massively and get home with a bunch of things that will never have a place in this house. I am tired, grumpy and crashing from the high with earthquake force. It actually takes a few days to return to my usual cheerful self. A few years ago, I started to wonder, "Are the savings in my wallet worth the stress of Black Friday?"

The truth is, Black Friday has the rare super deal that deserves the clamoring of guests at the opening of the door. However, those are hard to score. That flat-screen TV that you wanted to surprise your husband with will be gone almost as soon as the doors are open.

Once that happens, the temptation — along with the disappointment — will encourage you to open that wallet for the other TV that is only slightly marked off. It has a huge sign saying you are saving a ton. You have to get it! Purchasing it brings back some of the high that you lost when you did not get the big deal.

The stress of the highs and lows of deals that are not really deals and the constant, "I can spend just a little more! Look how much I am saving, after all" can really take a toll. The high being the savings you might be getting and the low being the money you are really spending. Add to that the exhaustion from getting up so early, the crash that will happen midday from the lack of sleep and the lack of energy to deal with your family for days after and those savings may not be worth it at all.

I remember getting home from Black Friday one year, my head spinning with what I could sacrifice to pay the credit card bill I had just run up, to find absolute chaos. My three kids were crying, my ex-husband was complaining and the house was a mess. Apparently, the kids had woken shortly after I left, hearing my car no doubt, and all of them had been up since.

As the planned conversation of, "Look what I got her and for so much less than a regular day," dissipated in my head, I was now faced with trying to regain order for three exhausted kids and an angry husband — while exhausted myself.

It simply was not worth it. Weeks later when I had to pay the credit card bill, it really was not worth it. To this day I can not tell you one single deal I have gotten in my years of Black Friday shopping, but I can tell you how I broke out in a sweat when my card was declined.

I can tell you the stress of adding five hours of awake time to my day. I can tell you the buzz of the fun Thanksgiving holiday wore off instantly with the need to purchase at such great deals. The thankfulness was replaced with needy consumerism as I fell victim to retailers' manipulations of our psyche.

I don't buy into the massive savings sales pitch anymore for Black Friday. Even on years when I don't have my children and my time is mine, like this year, I would rather sleep in, wake up to my own warm coffee, make a calculated list that coincides with my budget and shop throughout the season.

The truth is, most of the deals you get on Black Friday pop up again later in the season as retailers work to keep their sales numbers up. In fact, I just got Black Friday savings at a pre-sale with a retailer as a member of their rewards club. So, I got the savings early without much of a crowd.

Now listen, I understand the excitement of planning to shop all day with friends. I get that. I do. It can be great fun. If you do, make sure you have a list and do not vary from it. Make sure your budget is solid and you don't come up with excuses to overspend. Make the day about your friends and the fun of it all as opposed to the need to save a buck on something your don't really need anyway.

You can always take the stress out of shopping on Black Friday by shopping on another day for what you really want.

Holiday demands can make it difficult to create meaningful moments, but even in the midst of the hustle we can add something worthwhile through writing thoughtful notes for those we love. At the end of the season, people won’t remember the sleek Christmas trimmings or how many parties they attended, but they will remember the words that moved them to feel something.

Here are eleven tools for creating soul-moving notes for each person on your list.

First, you need a good pen. Even the best handwriting looks less than special when scribbled with cheap ballpoints, while the worst scribbles look sleek with the help of quality ink. I love Pilot pens: 

1. Pilot fountain pen

 (Office Supply. $12)

2. Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen, fine nib

(JetPens, $14)

3. Pilot Precise V5 rolling ball, extra-fine point

(Amazon, $14 per set of 12 ) 

4. Amalfi folded notes

Good paper is all about texture. I love when paper feels good to the touch. Not only does it add gravity to words, but people want to keep an exquisite note as much as they want to remember a heartfelt complement. Write on paper that people can’t bear to throw away, and your words will remain in one of their drawers forever. I recommend fine blank note-cards, uncluttered by pre-typed messages. These are exquisite: (European Paper, $16)

Next: More writing tools

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5. G. Lalo Verge de France correspondence Set

When it comes to the writing, I recommend sitting down undisturbed to think about the person to whom you’re writing. Look through old photographs, search through emails, texts, maybe talk to a mutual friend and really try to remember a moment or a characteristic to focus on — something funny, brilliant or memorable. Quotes, advice, memories and wishes can all be a part of what you write to them. Make it short and to the point or winded and long. Length doesn’t matter. Here are a few books to help you find inspiration for your note writing: (European Paper, $12)

6. Love Letters of Great Men Vol. 1

I love this book. I don’t write love letters to everyone on my list, but the letters written by Beethoven, Bonaparte, Churchill and other greats have taught me to be genuine. They are all different: some are heart wrenching, others are ridiculous, but the writing style and honesty is highly inspiring. (Amazon, $10) 

7. Oxford Dictionary of Quotations

A good quote is never amiss, sometimes I just open my, Oxford Dictionary of Quotations to any random page and my mind spurs to action. A quote is a great starting point for writing because it makes you think. (Amazon, $23)

Once you sign your note with your signature, seal it with your scent. Paper absorbs perfume and cologne admirably. High quality paper is often made of cotton and other natural fibers so when it’s sprayed with good perfume, it can continue to smell for months, maybe even years. If you have a signature scent, use that. If not, use a scent that you would like yourself to be associated with. Choose something that smells too good to be disliked by anyone. My personal favorites are:

8. Le Labo’s Santal 33

This perfume is seriously addicting. They'll keep rereading your note as an excuse to inhale Santal 33. It’s a unisex scent with musky, smoky, spicy and leathery notes mixed with hints of cardamom, iris, violet and ambrox. (Saks Fifth Avenue, $160) 

Next: More writing tools

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9. I Am Naked

I use this often, as well. The incredible sweet-musky blend of bergamot, wild berry, geranium and oak moss is sophisticated and appealing to both men and woman. (I Am, $38)

10. Sealing wax

Once you slide your note in the envelope, add the final touch. Don’t lick it shut; use an old fashioned wax seal to close it. People love the wax seal — it’s charming and elegant. Some of my friends have kept my envelopes for years because they love the wax seal.

Sealing wax comes in many different colors; gold and red are my favorite. (Letters and Seals, $3)

11. Wax seal stamp

Many different seal stamps are available.You can even custom order them with your initials, family crest or image of choice. (Letters and Seals, $9)

The card can be given over a cup of coffee, attached to a gift, sent by post or left under the Christmas tree. At the end of the season, when all the gift wrapping is cleared and the jingle bells stop ringing, your words will be lingered over with more delight than the instruction manuals of even the most amusing, new Christmas gadgets.

I hope you find a moment to give the gift of words to everyone on your list! Thanks for reading.

Visit me at: www.therussian.org

Yet, what you see in the mirror isn’t all that a relative passed down to you. Genetics factor heavily into your health; for women, family history can mean an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

A genetic predisposition shouldn’t dissuade you from being proactive. Knowing your family history with different forms of cancer — along with screenings, tests and other preventive measures — can help you take control of your health.

Breast cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most prevalent incarnation, affecting 12 percent of women. That number jumps to between 45 and 65 percent for women carrying harmful mutations to their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which help suppress tumors.

Angelina Jolie is a shining example of how to attack a cancer diagnosis. Since 2013, she has been upfront about her family cancer history, her BRCA1 gene mutation and the decisions she’s made as a result. Jolie models the importance of cancer education, early detection and becoming an agent for your own health.

Women nearing 50 should get regularly scheduled mammograms and log a complete family medical history with their doctors. A December 2013 study by the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended that women with relatives affected by breast, ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal cancer be screened or tested.

Ovarian cancer

The NCI speculates that only 1.3 percent of women in the general population will develop ovarian cancer. However, genetics strongly impact those cases, with 39 percent of women possessing the BRCA1 mutation being diagnosed with ovarian cancer by the age of 70.

Patients whose mothers, sisters or daughters have or had ovarian cancer are approximately three times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. That statistic escalates with each additional relative affected on either side of the family.

Family histories of colon and breast cancer have also been linked to ovarian cancer. These cancers are fostered by an inherited mutation that causes a family cancer syndrome and ups the risk of ovarian cancer.

There’s a blood test available that detects the risks for both genetic breast and ovarian cancers. Reviewing your family tree with a genetic counselor can be another source of valuable information.

Colon and endometrial cancers

Colon and endometrial cancers can be hereditary via genetic mutations like MLH1 and are each linked to an inherited tendency called Lynch syndrome. The syndrome involves a group of genetic mutations and mismatched repair genes present in the DNA that heighten the risk of colon, endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Lynch syndrome is believed to affect up to 5 percent of people with colorectal cancer. Carriers diagnosed with colon cancer also have a heightened risk of developing endometrial cancer, which will affect more than 54,000 women this year. Lynch syndrome can be detected through genetic testing.

Simply having the genetic mutation doesn’t mean you will develop the disease. Knowing your risk and using the appropriate diagnostics and risk-reducing strategies is key.

Unlike your eyes and your nose, you can’t tell whom you may inherit a heightened cancer risk from. That’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to dive deep into your family history and take the necessary next steps. Doing so may just save your life.

More: Crazy (yet totally cool) baby names

Are you ready for this? According to Coco's Instagram caption:

'Surprise!!! Look who came early!! Welcome the new arrival of Chanel Nicole.. A beautiful healthy 5.7 pound and 18 inch baby girl .Ice and I are so proud! I cried while she was coming out I was so excited to meet her!'

Yup, a woman named Coco snagged fashion icon Coco Chanel's last name for her baby girl.

More: 50 Baby names parents are forbidden to use

And why not? Last names as first names are a bona fide baby naming trend. Just look at Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard naming their baby girl Lincoln or Lucy Liu's pick of Rockwell. We know last names have a staying power, so it's no wonder they're sneaking into the first slot for babies.

And, of course there's a special twist when you consider how this little girl's name connects to her mama's via the famous woman to whom they're both now connected.

Chanel is French (surprise, surprise), and technically means "channel," while Nicole is Greek and means "people's victory." So it's not just trendy, but it's a strong name too.

Congrats to Ice-T, Coco and the whole Law and Order: SVU family!

More: Law & Order: SVU star Kelli Giddish gives baby a lighthearted name

More: 4 Tips to help kids who hate school

My daughter had a tough time at her junior school, particularly from the age of 7, when distinct groups began to form that you were either part of or you weren't. Being excluded is tough and it's just as tough, as a parent, to see your child so upset because of it.

Initially we didn't take it too seriously. Kids can be mean, can't they? It's no excuse but it's something we kind of accept and our kids have to get used to that. We told her to walk away, go find other friends, ignore them — and all the rest. We thought that would be enough.

However in her case, it wasn't. Because of her need to be accepted, she wasn't strong enough to walk away. That meant she would be invited into the group and spat out again in equal measures. She kept going back for more, no matter how many times it happened, no matter how many times she was made the butt of the joke or pushed away.

As a parent this is hard to keep track of. When your child is happy for a few days, then miserable for the next few, you don't know what to think. On the happy days all is OK. On the unhappy days you console, give the usual advice and just hope it doesn't last. In our situation, what we failed to realise was how unhealthy these up and down mood swings were for her; how stressful it was for her never knowing what to expect at school from day to day.

More: Almost half of U.K. school children are bullied every day

Spotting the signs

Looking back we should have put a stop to the whole thing a lot sooner. The signs were all there:

• Not sleeping or eating properly
• Very emotional, with lots of unnecessary crying (which we put down to hormones)
• Aggressive towards her brother and sister
• Overly anxious about homework

How could we have handled it differently?

There's absolutely no excuse for children to behave negatively towards each other. They may display that behaviour naturally but it doesn't mean it should be accepted and/or ignored. We should have raised it with the teachers earlier and followed up regularly to make sure they were dealing with the problem.

I never wanted to be "that" parent, the one who is constantly at school following up on the welfare of their child. I always thought it would be better to let my children stand on their own two feet. There are some cases, though, where you have to be like that — and this was one of them. Schools won't often admit they have a bullying issue but that doesn't mean they won't do all they can to help your child. It's down to you to make sure that they use their power to do their part.

It was only after our daughter left that school and became a much happier, healthier, calmer child that we realised just how bad she had been. Look out for warning signs of anxiety and work with the school to help your child deal with those anxieties.

Moving on

Perhaps my daughter will always struggle with self-esteem. We all have tendencies and traits that start from a young age. There will probably be more times in her life when she has to deal with friendship problems and difficulties at school and these are likely to raise her anxiety levels once more. Maturity will help her deal with these problems. At junior school age there were many times when she didn't even know how to process the feelings she was experiencing. As an adult you don't often appreciate that and this was an important lesson learned for us as parents. One that we hope never to repeat.

More: My teenage son said he wanted to commit suicide

To also bump up the health factor in these oats, I added in a little flaxseed and chia seed. They are a great addition to almost any breakfast and bring a nice punch of nutrients. These oats are also great if you happen to have a few leftover baked sweet potatoes in the fridge. But don't worry if you don't — canned pumpkin can be used in their place for an equally delicious substitute.

Sweet potato pie oatmeal recipe

Serves 2

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons flaxseeds
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• Coconut milk, to taste
• Cinnamon sugar, for topping
• Chopped pecans, for topping

Directions:

1. Prepare the rolled oats according to the package directions. Once they are cooked, stir in the mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, maple syrup, flaxseeds, chia seeds and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Using the coconut milk, thin out the oatmeal till desired consistency.
3. Serve hot topped with cinnamon sugar and chopped pecans.

More sweet potato recipes

Salt and vinegar sweet potato chips
Turkey- and cranberry sauce-stuffed sweet potatoes
Marshmallow-stuffed hasselback sweet potatoes

1. The new ugly Christmas sweater

Ugly Christmas sweaters have become hugely popular over Christmases past. So popular, in fact, that there are parties dedicated to the fashion statement and morning TV shows that have ugly Christmas sweater contests. Personally, I spend enough money during the holidays and would rather get something that I'd wear more than once, so this year, I've decided on a cute ugly Christmas sweater. I recently spotted this fun item: an off-the-shoulder Merry Christmas Bitches! sweater — festive and funny. Just ugly and cute enough to wear for more than that once-a-year party. (Dentz Denim, $26) 

2. Throwback Christmas pillow cover

This Woody Car pillow cover is everything. Just looking at it reminds me of what I love about the holidays: the memories we create with our families, the stories we tell for years to come and the traditions we create that last a lifetime. I could already imagine myself taking a cozy nap on this pillow. (Pottery Barn, $60)

3. Rustic Christmas sign

Part of the Christmas lover's love for Christmas is that it brings us back to the past. It transports us to times when we are surrounded with family and love and good, warm food. This beautifully vintage sign adds to Christmas' ability to bring us back. (Etsy, $40)

4. Bad Dog holiday mugs

These Bad Dog holiday mugs from Uncommon Goods are adorable and the perfect gift if your Christmas lover is also a dog — or coffee — lover. It's a set of four so make them stocking stuffers or have friends over for some spiked eggnog. (Uncommon Goods, $35)

Next: More Christmas lover gifts

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5. Holiday night lighting

Light up your home for the season with this beautiful Evergreen Christmas glass night-light. Handmade, using bottles of recycled glass, it looks more like a glowing wintry, evening than a night-light. (Reborn Glass, $38)

6. Tea light nativity

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This adorable Andean Village Candle Nativity is sure to brighten your Christmas spirit — if not for its beauty than for its story. This tea light is made from artisans of Manos Amigas. By purchasing this gift — or any from Ten Thousand Villages — you help artisans in developing countries earn income to support their families. If that isn't part of the gift of Christmas spirit, I don't know what is. (Ten Thousand Villages, $22)

7. Merry Christmas ornament

How about a rustic ornament to go with your rustic sign? A very merry Christmas wood ornament comes in a set of two. World Market has tons of beautiful, unique ornaments to buy from — so many, in fact, that I've started a Wish List with them. (World Market, $14)

8. Christmas future

Ornaments tell stories. What makes this Christmas Tree to Be ornament even more special is that it lives on well after Christmas. The inside of the ornament tin has directions and a seed packet to plant a Scotch pine tree. (Uncommon Goods, $10)

Next: More Christmas lover gifts

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9. Christmas classic movie pack

Pop the popcorn. Make some hot chocolate. Pour some Kahlúa into that and let it roll. A Christmas movie box set is a great gift for any Christmas lover. Amazon has several, like this set includes Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, Jingle All the Way and A Christmas Carol (Amazon, $13). What are you waiting for?

10. Getting cozy with the big guy

Often we forget to vamp up our bedroom Christmas spirit so I love these Mr. and Mrs. Claus pillowcases for the Mr. and Mrs. of the household. Who doesn't want to sleep with Santa? Wait... that came out wrong. (World Market, $12)

11. For Christmas spirits... literally

Pour some Christmas spirits into these Fa La La stemless wine glasses full of, well, Christmas spirit. (Wayfair, $32 for four)

12. Christmas wine charms

I'm a fan of Christmas, wine and accessories, so... hello? Wine charms with a twist! Instead of hooking around your glass, these holiday wine charms attach with a suction cup and — wait for it — bounce around when you move (Fun Slurp, $13 for six)

13. Corkcicle wine pourer

It's cold outside, and you'd like your white wine to stay that way, too. This Corkcicle wine pourer icicle topper can help. Not only will it keep your bottle of wine closed and cool, but flip up the top and pour away. ($23, World Market)

For this project you will need some old wooden pallets, a few shades of paint and a couple of basic tools. I was able to find this pallet for free, and I found samples of "oops" paint at the hardware store for 50 cents each, bringing my total cost for this project in at less than $2.

Remove the boards from the pallet, then cut them down to 6 different lengths.

Clean off the boards from any dirt and debris, then paint the boards. I diluted my paint with water to make it easier to brush onto the rough pallet boards.

Screw the painted boards into another long board from the pallet to assemble the Christmas tree. I left the long board unpainted to add to the rustic feel of the tree.

Use silver or gold paint to paint a star on the top board of the pallet Christmas tree.

Once the paint has dried, your pallet tree is ready for your front yard.

Supplies:

• Wooden pallet
• Green paint
• Silver or gold paint
• Paint brush
• Saw
• Screws
• Drill

Directions:

1. Remove the boards from the pallet.
2. Cut the boards down to 6 different lengths.
3. Remove any dirt or debris from the boards.
4. Dilute the paint with a little water so that it is easier to brush onto the rough pallet boards, then paint the boards.
5. Screw the boards into another long board from the pallet.
6. Paint a star on the top board of the Christmas tree using silver or gold paint.
7. Once the paint dries, the tree is ready for your front yard.

More Christmas craft ideas

10 Pinterest-inspired craft ideas
Pretty potted pine cone trees
Dollar store Christmas crafts

At this point, fans aren't exactly sure how to take Enid — which speaks to Nacon's ability to truly tap into her character's fractured psyche. She is a teenage girl who lost her family to walkers. She roamed alone for months before happening upon Alexandria, a microcosm in which she feels largely alien.

More: The Walking Dead has major Season 6 news for comic nerds

So she wanders. She flees. She bails. And because she is so flighty, Enid has earned a reputation for being suspicious. Fans have theorized her connection to nearly every nefarious group in the TWD world, including the unsavory characters who just hijacked Daryl's bow and motorcycle — a group who may or may not be the sinister "Negan's Saviors" from the comic series.

Nacon hesitates slightly before responding to the latter accusation.

After a moment, though, she does respond to the question of whether Enid knows the perpetrators, saying, "Umm, I don't think she did. She's not exactly one of the most friendly girls, so I don't see her befriending those people. She'd rather be by herself than be around people."

In fact, Nacon says the explanation for Enid's roaming is as much about Enid's "walls" as it is about the walls of Alexandria.

"It's kind of both, you know? She was getting closer to the people in Alexandria and that's not working out for her, because one of her main defense mechanisms is to not let anyone," explains Nacon. "She knows that if she does and then loses that person, it would affect her more than anything. Also, I think she kind of knew that Alexandria wasn't going to last, so when the Wolves came in, it came down to, 'Yeah, these walls aren't actually safe, and I need to get out of here.'"

But even more so, Enid's aversion has much to do with something Glenn pointed out in last week's episode: In this world, you have to live and keeping fighting the good fight for those who no longer can.

"I don't think she wants to live a life conformed inside of a little wall or anything like that, because the only reason she's really living right now is because her parents don't get to. And it's almost like she's living a life for them — but she doesn't want to live just a horrible life, where she's trapped all the time," says Nacon.

More: The Walking Dead leaked trailer revealed 7 storylines for Season 6 (VIDEO)

Perhaps this is why Nacon's portrayal of Enid comes across as somehow the most honest at times. Here is a young girl, facing a post-apocalyptic existence and learning to adapt. She has a sort-of boyfriend in Ron and a sort-of crush in Carl. It gives you a sense that everything changes but, in some strange ways, everything stays the same too.

Otherwise what would the point of it all be? Still, for all the strength and resolve she's shown so far, Enid has started to be less impervious to the reality of the world in which she now.

It was evident in the final scenes of last week's episode (as Walkers swarmed Alexandria), but it has also been evident in her recent interactions with Ron and Carl. "She definitely just doesn't want to get close to anyone," reiterates Nacon. "She knows that if she does that, it's more likely whatever happened to her parents will happen all over again. And she knows that she wouldn't be able to handle that. That's the state she's at right now, so chasing boys isn't one of her priorities."

Of course, we have yet to learn much about Enid's priorities other than to "just survive somehow." That may soon change, teases Nacon, who suggests there's more to come about Enid this season.

So does that mean she'll make it through the mid-season finale? Rumor has it there will be more than one major character casualty. Obviously, Nacon couldn't confirm or deny that claim, but she did have this to say about what the mid-season finale has in store for Enid.

More: 10 Walking Dead characters that could die during the mid-season finale

"She's a really clever girl, but the situation she was put in at the end of last episode — seeing the walls surrounded by Walkers — you can tell it kind of affected her, because that's never happened before," Nacon says.

What does that mean for this turtle-eating badass, exactly? "I think we may see a different side of her, because she's never gone through this. So it may have a different effect on her than what everything else seems to have."

Hmm, intriguing indeed. Enid is typically very flinty, seemingly unaffected emotionally by anything. Perhaps she's headed for a breakdown. Or maybe being near Glenn, who never gives up, will inspire the normally stoic teen to stand her ground and fight to the death.

While that remains to be seen, one thing does seem certain — Enid's future will not include chowing down on bugs the same way she devoured that ill-fated terrapin.

"I don't do bugs. I'm anti-bug. Even if it's really, really tiny. Like, miniscule. I hate squishing them with a tissue paper. Blech! It makes me feel weird," says the girl who routinely stakes zombies through the skull. "If they had me eat a real bug? Oh my god... I would need, like, a bug-eater stunt double."

Check out a sneak peek of Katelyn in TWD's mid-season finale:

Before I began to transition almost a year ago (I was four short months away from a whole year), I thought that transitioning would be a piece of cake. It seemed to me that the process would be easy, and I truly did not understand what all the ruckus was about. Boy, did I soon find out that I was in for a truly eye-opening experience!

It takes time. We want to think that we can accomplish everything overnight. That is not realistic, and here are some of the things that I learned while transitioning that taught me how to take better care of my relaxed hair. I learned that, regardless of the state in which you choose to wear your hair, you have to do these things:

1. Be consistent with your wash-day routine! It was frustrating having what felt like a whole day — and was not very short of it — to just wash my hair. I came to find out all those steps were extremely necessary. Now that I have gone back to relaxed hair, I still have to do a deep conditioner. I make sure to do a leave-in and seal with oil, etc. I do not have the kind of shedding and breakage that I once had before transitioning.

2. Oil is your friend, use it! I was intimidated by oil and felt that it weighed down my relaxed tresses. I came to find out I was just using it wrong. I thought the only place that oil had in my hair routine was as a hot-oil treatment. The truth is that oil should be a part of the washing and sealing process. I actually apply oil to my scalp as an alternative to heavy greases and it works better. I think that hair grease or oil is a personal preference. I chose what works best for me.

3. Wear a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase. Now there are those that have done this regardless, and I too did this before I ever transitioned. However, I never really realized how important it was. This helps with reducing breakage as well as helping your hair to retain moisture, which we all know your hair is robbed of while using cotton bedding.

4. Trimming is a necessary evil. I never liked trims, and it always felt to me as though I was doing nothing but losing length. So there were times when I needed a trim but I thought leaving fragile ends would protect the healthier hair. This was not true at all: I was doing more harm than good. By leaving split and damaged ends, I was making the rest of my hair vulnerable. While transitioning, I ensured that regular trims were done, and my hair grew faster than it did leaving damaged ends on.

5. Own it! Regardless of relaxed or curly, you have to love what you are working with. One thing that I have learned over the past year is the importance of loving my hair and taking care of it.

One thing is for sure, regardless of where your hair journey may take you, remember to embrace the process. Take care of your hair, and it will be gorgeous and healthy for years.

Heavy exposure to violent media can lead to desensitization, too. And parents' choices about their own media intake can affect kids. A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania found that parents who watched a lot of movies were more likely to say it was OK for younger kids to watch movies that had R-rated violence and sexual content.

You won't be able to avoid all exposure to violent media. The entertainment industry is always going to try to capture audiences with extreme imagery that tops whatever came before. In your own home, you have a lot of control over what your kids watch, see and play. Research shows that kids whose parents actively manage their media consume less and make quality choices on their own.

It's really easy to find media that's free of violence and that your kids will enjoy. There may be a time when your kid is ready to handle more violent media, and you can introduce it age-appropriately and discuss it as a family. In the meantime, choose movies that aren't too scary, find alternatives to violent video games and seek out media that helps kids develop empathy.

Antioxidant-rich foods

Most people are unaware that free radicals are messing with their cells as we speak — well, as we read. Due to their instability, these molecules are making your cells unstable as well, thus affecting their performance and your health overall. In more severe cases, free radicals can alter your lipids and proteins, ultimately even harming your DNA and leading to cancer and other serious health issues. That is why you should do everything you can to fight them off, and the best way to do that is by food full of antioxidants.

A number of studies show introducing antioxidants to your daily diet will do wonders against free radicals. With just a handful of berries — from blueberries and cranberries to strawberries or raspberries, whichever you prefer — or vegetables like spinach and kale, you can boost your system and get protected against free radicals. Other antioxidant-rich foods include green tea, walnuts, sweet cherries and tasty spices like ginger, basil and oregano.

Protein-rich foods

To live long, you must be strong and properly built. Of course, that doesn't mean professional bodybuilders live to be 100 by default, but being active surely helps. What you need for an active life is a sufficient amount of protein on a daily basis. Among other benefits, protein will build your tissues and muscles, provide proper posture and, most importantly, transport essential nutrients to all parts of your body.

If you want to live longer, you need to focus on the best protein-rich foods you can get. Unfortunately, a big portion of the population cannot afford to eat properly every single day because protein-based items, like high-quality tuna, salmon and sardines, are often expensive. However, inexpensive protein foods, like eggs, whey and lean chicken, are everywhere around you and, if consumed daily, will expand your lifespan and help you stay healthy and strong.

Case study: nuts

If you have ever wondered why you see so many people eating pistachios and almonds in the park, the answer is quite simple: These magical little things have a great impact on your health, boost your metabolism, pump extra blood into your heart and regulate your weight. They are full of unsaturated fats, omega-3 acids, fiber, vitamin E and other healthy ingredients that enable you to reach old age.

Moreover, a recent study shows that people who eat nuts every day of the week have a 20 percent higher chance of living longer than those who do not include nuts in their diet. Additionally, another study proves “nut intake is related to lower overall and cause-specific mortality” with all age groups. You should definitely start eating nuts as soon as possible!

Other choices

Besides these foods, your daily diet should also include other foods to help you become a full-fledged centenarian, such as fiber-rich rice and wheat, as well as items like avocados, beans, green tea and asparagus. Or you can just listen to the advice of your elders or copy a diet of people who live the longest.

Having a child who has special needs means that they have special gift requests. That toy of the moment? A toy that most likely will be inappropriate for my child. That toy geared to her physical age? That toy will be donated to a local shelter as I cannot stand to watch it collect dust — a reminder that my child is unable to play with it. That toy marketed towards Bridget’s developmental age? Even that is a quandary, as in one skill Bridget might be a 2-year-old and in another she is a 4-year-old.

For those of you shopping for a family member, loved one or friend that has special needs, I have developed the perfect gift list for you: 

1. Money towards co-payments
2. Dinner delivered
3. Babysitting offered
4. If you see a social media post that says the person had fun (for example, bowling), get them a gift card for a bowling alley
5. Gift card to the pharmacy
6. Do they have a special diet? Bake a treat just for them to enjoy
7. Get together with others to co-opt a therapy tool for their home. Some pieces are expensive (like a gym mat) but when divided by three or four families it would be what you spent on a gift anyway!
8. iTunes — seriously a life saver
9. Make a donation to their foundation/trust

If all else fails, ask the caregiver. Every year, I provide a list of things Bridget needs, but things we cannot afford. For example, her LoJack/Safety Net system — I will ask family members to contribute to that cost. In the past, I have asked them to pool resources for special therapy equipment for the home (like a special chair for her to have dinner at the table with us). The response has been overwhelming and it is a true gift to Bridget, something she can use and helps her live her life.

Having a child with special needs is incredibly rewarding, but also incredibly expensive. Having friends and family pool resources to provide equipment that allows Bridget to grow is the gift that keeps on giving — even if I still have to convince her grandmother not to buy that doll that will sit on a shelf.

What does that teach your child? That if they bug you enough and avoid listening to you, they will win. Not a great place to put yourself in. You will lose these battles, and they know it. Sure, it is just one battle, but this will lead to many more.

How do you get around this difficult situation? Stay firm. Don’t concede. You can parent more effectively if you are the boss. My goal is for my children to know, with 100% certainty, that if they do X, the outcome is Y, 100% of the time. This is true when they are around me, my husband, our parents, teachers, or any other caregiver. We want them to predict the outcome of their actions 100% of the time. At least we strive for that.

Picture your child’s behavior like a slot machine. They pull the handle expecting an outcome. Usually there is no "win." But occasionally they get what they want and they do win. If they win more often, they keep pulling the lever and pushing your buttons. If they win less often, they pull less often, not expecting a payout.

How can you increase your child’s ability to listen and not push? Here are some simple tricks of the trade.

1. Mean what you say and say what you mean

There is no point having empty threats with no follow-through. Similarly, if you are unhappy with how your child is behaving, say it. Parenting is not a time to be passive aggressive. Be open, honest and transparent with your children. If you don’t mean what you say, what you say starts to lose meaning.

2. Put guilt, self-doubt and exhaustion aside

You are tired, I know. You are guilty you don’t get as much time with your kids as you want. You doubt your ability to parent sometimes. We have all been there. But these emotions should not direct your parenting; it will only make it harder. Be the kind of parent you want to be.

3. Focus on one thing at a time

Don’t try to intervene in too many issues at once. Pick one thing, like homework completion, getting ready for bed, or mealtime and make that a priority first. Once you get more consistent in setting and enforcing limits in this one setting, move on to the next.

4. Be flexible

Now I don’t mean bend to your child’s every whim. I mean try a new technique. Perhaps time-outs are a very powerful strategy for your child. Perhaps instead they benefit from focusing on rewards or on taking away important things. Every kid has a magic motivator. One of my kids loves treats. For him, when he is annoying, we simply remove his dessert. Another child hate time-outs. For him, time-outs put him back in-line. Figure out your child’s motivator and you will reap rewards.

6. Me time

Parenting is exhausting, that is for sure. Please take care of yourself; take a bath, go to the gym, go out with friends. Take a short break when you are feeling overwhelmed and ask for help. You will be a stronger, more compassionate, patient parent if you are relaxed and centered.

Parenting is challenging, no doubt. Kids will push you at every chance. They are smart, even at a young age, and will try to find any way they can to manipulate. Pushing boundaries is how they grow. Stay firm, consistent, and your child (and you) will thrive.