Pop the popcorn—it’s Oscar season! The nominations are in, and it’s a Wicked good year for musicals, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande snagging acting nods. Leading the pack is Emilia Pérez with a record-breaking 13 nominations, followed closely by The Brutalist and Wicked. Oh, and if you’ve missed the full list of nominees, don’t worry—it’s right below ⬇️. Time to place your bets and rehearse your acceptance speeches!

• Weight Loss Woes: When the Scale Just Won't Get the Memo

• Empathy, One Phrase at a Time: 7 Simple Phrases That Teach Kids Empathy

• Declutter in a Flash: 5 Tasks You Can Tackle in 10 Minutes or Less!

HEALTH

Scale stuck?

If your New Year’s resolution was to shed a few pounds, but your scale seems stuck on a plot twist, you’re not alone. Weight loss is tricky, and there are more factors at play than just hitting the gym and skipping dessert. Here are a few common culprits—and quick fixes—to help get your progress back on track:

• You’re building muscle. If your clothes fit better but the scale won’t budge, congrats—you might be swapping fat for muscle. Consider a body composition analysis to measure muscle vs. fat percentages.

• Food quality over quantity. Cutting calories but still reaching for processed snacks? Focus on nutrient-dense whole foods instead, like fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.

• Protein problems. Not all protein is created equal. Lean into plant-based options (like legumes or tofu) and avoid overloading on fatty meats.

• You’re stressed out. High cortisol levels can stall weight loss. Find ways to de-stress—whether that’s yoga, journaling, or blasting your favorite playlist.

• Too sedentary. Desk life isn’t helping. Sneak in movement throughout your day: short walks, stretching, or even a quick dance break.

And don’t overlook the sneaky ones: inconsistent sleep, starting the day with sugary carbs, or even certain medications. If the scale still won’t budge, consult your doctor to rule out medical factors like thyroid issues.

Moral of the story? Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about building sustainable habits—not chasing crash diets. So, grab some water (hydration = key!) and take it one healthy choice at a time. You’ve got this!

PARENTING

Talk the talk.

It’s no surprise that kids can be pretty self-centered—after all, they’re still figuring out the world. But here's the secret: the way we talk to them can shape how they view others and help them develop empathy.

Why teach empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person's feelings. It helps kids build relationships, adapt to different environments, and work through conflicts. As pediatric psychologist Ann-Louise Lockhart puts it, empathetic kids are more likely to show kindness, develop resilience, and thrive in all areas of life.

So, how can you raise an empathetic child? Start by tweaking your conversations with these simple phrases:

1. “How do you feel?” – Start with feelings. It’s the foundation of empathy.

2. “How do you think they felt when that happened?” – Shift the focus to others’ emotions. This teaches perspective-taking.

3. “What can you do to help them feel better?” – Show them that empathy isn’t just about feelings; it’s about action.

4. “What do you think they needed?” – Helps kids understand what others may need in tough situations.

5. “I can see you’re upset. Let’s talk about it.” – Validates their emotions and opens the door for emotional expression.

6. “Can you think of a time when you felt like that?” – Encourages connection between personal experiences and others’ feelings.

7. “It’s OK to feel [angry/sad].” – Normalizes all emotions and helps kids process difficult feelings.

Other tips to nurture empathy:

• Validate emotions – Let kids feel their feelings without rushing in to “fix” things.

• Talk openly – Discuss challenging topics (age-appropriately) to build awareness of others' struggles.

• Be the model – Demonstrate empathy in your own actions and words.

• Take action – Volunteer or help others to show the importance of empathy in real life.

Small shifts in how we talk can lead to big changes in how our kids care for the world.

AND ALSO

Quick clean-up.

Ready for a fresh start? Here are a few simple decluttering tasks to kick off your week (stay tuned for more on Friday!).

1. Collect and Sort Papers – You might not tackle every pile, but just start sorting into categories like "family," "work," and "finances." The key is making progress without the overwhelm. (We’ll deal with the piles later!)

2. Consolidate Everything – From cleaning supplies to condiments, go around your house and combine duplicates. Find a bag for batteries, a holder for pens, and free up valuable space with this satisfying task.

3. Clear Out Old Silverware and Utensils – Got that plastic spatula that’s seen better days? Time to part with the clutter. Set a 10-minute timer and watch your kitchen drawers breathe again.

4. Rummage Your Underwear Drawer – Yes, I said it! Get rid of those mismatched socks and worn-out undies. If it’s been a while, it’s time.

5. Outgrown Kids’ Books – Pass along books your kids have outgrown or that are falling apart. It’s an easy win!

Follow the One Room Rule to tidy up your whole home: Pick a room, clear the floor, and start in a corner—small steps, big results!

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

🍼 50 baby congrats messages that’ll make any new parent smile.

💖 Adorable Valentine’s gifts for kids (straight from Target!).

🧀 Get paid $1,000 to taste-test Costco snacks—game day, here you come!

👀 Alleviate screen strain with the perfect desk setup and screen breaks.

🏆 2025 Oscar noms are here—who’s vying for the gold?

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

jadeskluzacek

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