January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025

Did you know today is National Organize Your Home Day? (Did you even know that such a day existed?) 😅 Here’s your chance to finally tackle the junk drawer that my husband insists doesn’t exist (spoiler: it does, and it’s full of random keys and receipts I’ll never look at again). Time to clear the clutter and pretend we’ve got our lives together — one organized drawer at a time! 🧹✨

  • Home Sweet Hangout: How to Be the Cool House Every Kid Loves

  • Winter Got You Down? 8 Ways to Fight the Seasonal Slump

  • Riddle Me This: Fun Ways to Boost Your Kid’s Brainpower

Food as a Reward and Emotional Overeating: Using food as a reward or to regulate emotions may lead to emotional overeating in children, according to a recent study. The study found that coercive food practices, like offering food in emotionally charged situations, contributed to worse emotional regulation in kids and increased tendencies toward emotional overeating.

FDA Changes Its Stance on Eggs: The FDA has revised its stance on eggs, now recognizing them as a healthy food option, especially for children. Eggs are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, and introducing them early can also help prevent food allergies.

AI Redefines Death and Memory: AI is revolutionizing how we remember and interact with loved ones after death. A technology called StoryFile allowed people at a funeral to engage in a simulated conversation with a deceased loved one, offering a new, interactive way to preserve memories and maintain connections.

PARENTING

Welcome to the fun house.

So, you want your house to be the spot where your kids and their friends feel comfortable hanging out? Good news: it’s easier than you think, and the perks are major.

Being the go-to house isn’t just about epic snack stashes and cozy couches (though those help). It’s about creating a space where kids feel safe, respected, and welcome. Lisa Brookman, a psychotherapist and mom of 23 years, calls it a “hub” for fun and connection. Here’s why it matters:

  • Safer choices: Kids are less likely to explore risky options elsewhere.

  • Connection counts: You’ll get to know their friends and keep tabs on what’s happening in their world.

  • Future-proof relationships: Early effort leads to lasting bonds, even into adulthood.

Start with the basics:

  • Snacks, snacks, snacks: Keep the cupboard stocked.

  • Entertainment options: Think board games, movies, video games, or even Nerf wars.

  • Comfortable spaces: A cozy living room can work wonders.

Pro tip: Balance a laid-back vibe with clear house rules. Being “the cool house” doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. Kids respect structure, even if they won’t admit it.

Brookman notes that creating this space early builds a foundation for strong future relationships. Imagine family dinners, heart-to-hearts, and even your grown-up kids bringing their significant others over to hang out.

So, what are you waiting for? Stock the snacks, invite the crew, and make your house the place to be.

MENTAL HEALTH

SADness, be gone.

When the days get shorter, the air gets chillier, and the sun dips below the horizon by 4 p.m., it’s no surprise that seasonal depression — aka Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — can sneak in. With symptoms like fatigue, a lack of motivation, and mood dips, it can be tough to feel like yourself. But fear not! Here are eight ways to combat the seasonal slump and stay energized.

  1. Get Outside – Even just 20 minutes a day can work wonders. A quick walk or a coffee run can help reset your mind and body, even if it’s chilly.

  2. Exercise for Fun – Choose workouts you enjoy. The goal isn’t punishing yourself—it’s releasing dopamine and serotonin, the mood-boosting hormones.

  3. Delete Social Media (When Needed) – If scrolling brings you down, take a break. Set screen time limits and stick to them so you can engage more with your real life.

  4. See Friends in Person – Studies show that spending time with friends can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Host a casual get-together or just hang out.

  5. Cook Nourishing Meals – Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Try big-batch recipes that warm you up and leave you with leftovers for the week.

  6. Journal – Even just five minutes a day can help process emotions, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness. Write, doodle, or list your thoughts.

  7. Go to Therapy – Regular therapy can help you manage stress and depression. It’s all about self-regulation, communication, and problem-solving.

  8. Consider Light Therapy – Bright light in the morning can boost your mood and help with SAD. A 30-minute session with a light box can make a real difference.

Winter depression is real, but with the right tools and mindset, you can fight back and thrive until the sun shines a little brighter!

AND ALSO

Riddle me this.

Riddles aren’t just for fun — they’re an excellent way to encourage critical thinking skills in kids. When tackling tricky questions, kids work on problem-solving, memory, and concentration. Listening closely to riddles also helps improve phonemic awareness (recognizing sounds in words) and vocabulary development, which is especially valuable for early learners.

Plus, riddles foster social-emotional growth. As kids persist through the challenge of solving a riddle, they develop patience and perseverance — skills that’ll serve them well beyond puzzle-solving. And when they finally have that “aha!” moment, it can be incredibly empowering.

Riddles also encourage teamwork. Whether it’s siblings or classmates, working together to crack the code can build collaboration skills and boost communication.

Want to try? Here are some fun ones to get started:

  • What gets wetter as it dries? (A towel)

  • What can travel around the world while staying in the same spot?(A stamp)

The "kid hair color" trend is making waves for 2025, offering a more natural, low-maintenance approach to hair. Think sun-kissed, youthful hues that mimic the hair color you had as a child — no bleach needed. It’s a nostalgic, self-love-driven style that enhances your natural beauty while blending in those gray hairs without the high-maintenance upkeep.

INFLUENCER HIGHLIGHT

Cat & Nat are here to bring laughter, honesty, and a huge dose of reality to motherhood. With seven kids between them, they’ve been there — and know exactly how isolating, chaotic, and hilarious motherhood can be. Whether they’re sharing their viral #MOMTRUTHS videos, hosting wildly popular Facebook Lives, or chatting on their award-nominated podcast, Cat & Nat remind moms everywhere that they’re not alone. Their mission? Dismantle the glossy, unrealistic portrayal of parenthood and build a community of women who truly get it. Join the fun across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok — the mom squad you didn’t know you needed.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Weeknight dinner made easy (and delicious). This creamy tomato basil chicken is packed with flavor, using just a few pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Toss it in the slow cooker and let the magic happen — whether you pair it with spaghetti or serve it solo with a side salad, this dish is a no-brainer for busy evenings. It’s comforting, satisfying, and practically foolproof.

💰 Retiring rich? Here’s how much you’ll need to live comfortably in each U.S. state!

🍓 Know what’s fresh — seasonal fruits and veggies to keep you on your toes year-round!

🍴 2025’s kitchen trends are cooking up some major style and function!

💪 The Surgeon General says these 3 habits are a must for living your best life!

🔥 Protect your valuables from fire with these clever storage tips!

Kickstart Your Day with Huel

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✨ Annalee and Karin ✨

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