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January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025

TikTok blackout, anyone? If you’ve been too busy chasing toddlers or refereeing sibling squabbles to notice, here’s the tea: TikTok went dark this weekend, but like every child’s favorite bedtime excuse, it’s baaaack. The app’s return involved executive orders, Senate debates, and a side of legal threats. Basically, a soap opera for the social media age. Now, let’s scroll on to something a little less chaotic, shall we?

Cheers to Change: Rethinking Your Relationship with Alcohol
Baby’s First Firewall: How to Protect Your Little One’s Digital Footprint
All-Inclusive Dreams: Your Ticket to Stress-Free Travel

HEALTH

Boozy truths.

If you’ve ever toasted to “good health” with a glass of wine, you might want to think again. Earlier this month, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a call to action: slap a cancer warning label on alcohol products. Why? Research confirms that even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of at least seven cancers—including breast, colon, and liver cancers. That’s on top of alcohol’s links to cognitive decline, heart issues, and mental health struggles. Cheers?

This news isn’t just about cutting cocktails completely. Enter Damp January. Think of it as Dry January’s chill cousin—less all-or-nothing, more about being mindful. Reducing alcohol (without nixing it entirely) has been shown to boost overall health. Plus, it helps you reconsider why, when, and how you drink.

Small changes, big impact:

Pick your pours: Decide when to drink and stick to it.
Try a swap: Mocktails are trending for a reason (and yes, they’re delicious).
Pay attention: Note how cutting back affects your mood, sleep, and energy.

Whether you're sipping less or going alcohol-free, one thing’s clear: informed choices about booze could be your healthiest toast yet.

PARENTING

Digital nesting.

We’ve all heard about “sharenting” (parental oversharing) and its potential pitfalls. From embarrassing baby photos resurfacing years later to unintentional security risks, a child’s digital footprint starts before they even take their first step. Enter: digital nesting—a proactive approach to safeguarding your child’s online presence.

Here’s the lowdown: once a picture or detail is posted online, it’s nearly impossible to fully erase. Internet safety expert Katie Greer explains, “We’re all aware of the digital footprints we create, but babies have no say in what gets shared about them.” Whether it’s cute bathtime snaps or posts with geotags, these choices could have long-term consequences.

💡 Expert-approved tips to start digital nesting today:

Set boundaries early: Discuss digital rules with your partner, friends, and family. No surprises = less stress.
Audit your social media: Update your privacy settings, clear out questionable followers, and review what’s already out there.
Think before you post: Skip identifiers like full names, locations, or anything your child might cringe at later.

Awkward but essential: What happens when Grandma or your BFF shares a pic without your consent? Have a gentle but firm conversation, or consider a group announcement about your family’s photo-sharing policy. Bonus: offer alternatives like private photo albums for close friends and relatives.

👶 Protecting your child’s online identity doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start small, stay intentional, and give your little one the gift of a clean digital slate.

Make-Ahead Chicken Enchiladas

Dinner, but make it effortless. These five-ingredient chicken enchiladas are here to save your weeknights with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Whip up a batch in advance, and you’ve got a ready-to-bake crowd-pleaser the whole family will devour.

AND ALSO

Sunscreen, sand, and zero stress.

Let’s face it—January has us all dreaming of warm sand, blue waters, and not cooking dinner. Enter the all-inclusive resort: a vacation where the only thing you’ll need to plan is which cocktail to sip first.

But how do you pick the perfect spot? Start by knowing your family’s vibe: beach bums, thrill-seekers, or culture explorers? Resorts cater to it all. Families with young kids might love water parks and kids’ clubs (bonus: babysitting services!), while teens might dig a 90s-inspired hangout like Nickelodeon’s Snick Lounge.

Budgeting is another win—meals, drinks, activities, and airport transfers are often bundled into one upfront cost, helping you avoid mid-trip surprises. Pro tip: Watch for deals during off-peak seasons.

Still dreaming? We’ve got even more tips for finding your family’s perfect match here. So pack light—paradise awaits.

Gen Z has spoken: sweatpant jeans are the new must-have fashion item. Gap’s “Sweatpant Baggy Jeans” have sold out faster than you can say “comfort meets style,” as social media influencers and celebs like Beyoncé and Blake Lively rock this hybrid of cozy loungewear and office-appropriate chic. With more of us opting for comfy workwear, these pants have quickly become a wardrobe staple—if you can catch them in stock.

SNIPPETS

Teen alcohol and drug use hits record lows: A new study shows significant declines in teen alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine vaping use, with alcohol consumption among 12th graders dropping from 75% in 1997 to 42% today. Experts link the trend to pandemic isolation and delayed first-time substance use, which could reduce long-term addiction risks.

Starbucks says no free lounging: Starting Jan. 27, Starbucks will require customers to make a purchase to stay or use its restrooms. On the plus side, they’re offering free coffee refills if you enjoy your drink "for here" in a mug, glass, or personal cup.

Your car’s a data spy: Most new cars collect and share detailed info about your driving habits—and sometimes sell it. From speed to facial recognition, automakers send this data to third parties, often without drivers realizing it.