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While I’m still savoring my weekend break, the news has been non-stop. From IT outages to unexpected election twists—and yes, even discovering that Hello Kitty is actually a British schoolgirl, not a cat (more on that below)—things have been a whirlwind. With all this chaos, I figured we could all use a dose of good news today—so be sure to scroll to the end for that.  What’s a bright spot in your life right now?

• Hot hair, don’t care: Cool and chic summer hairstyles to beat the heat.

• Bedtime Blues? Nighty-night anxiety busters for little dreamers.

• Teen tension to connection: Simple ways to reconnect with your teen.

BEAUTY

Hot hair, don’t care.

We're in the dog days of summer, where all we want to do is throw our hair up in a ponytail. But are there ways to stay cool and still look stylish? Absolutely! Here are some fun, easy, and trendy hairstyles to keep you looking fabulous even on the hottest days. 

Twisted Braid: No need to sacrifice length in the summer; simply twist two sections of your hair together and secure with a cute clip. Easy, breezy, and stylish.

Summer Bandana: Add a pop of color and protect your scalp from the sun. This versatile accessory is a summer must-have.

Flower Claw Clip: Channel tropical vibes with a floral hair clip. It's the perfect accessory to keep your hair up and out of the way while still looking chic.

Grown-Up Pigtails: Hailey Bieber brought them back! Keep it adult by using neutral-colored ties and adding a beachy wave.

Low Twisted Buns: Understated but chic, these buns pair perfectly with your summer wardrobe.

Tight Top Knot: Known as the "clean girl hairstyle," this sleek bun is perfect for hot days and even doubles as a date night look if you have face-framing bangs.

Half Up Hairstyle: Get the best of both worlds with this style. Add summer hair accessories to take your look from day to night effortlessly.

Baby Braids: Tiny braids near your forehead act like natural hair accessories, adding an instant cool factor.

Ribbon Braids: Brighten up your braided half-up style by incorporating a colorful ribbon.

💡Bonus Tips for Healthy Summer Hair

1. Protect from UV Rays: Wear a wide-brimmed hat or scarf outdoors, and use hair products with UV protection.

2. Swimming Shield: Wet your hair before swimming and apply a leave-in conditioner or protective oil. Rinse and use a clarifying shampoo post-swim.

3. Hydrate and Condition: Use hydrating shampoos and conditioners with ingredients like glycerin or coconut oil. Treat your hair with a weekly deep conditioning treatment.

4. Fight Frizz: Apply a leave-in conditioner, limit heat styling, and use anti-frizz serums or oils. Avoid over-washing to maintain your hair's natural oils.

Embrace these styles and tips to keep your hair looking and feeling its best all summer long. Stay cool, stylish, and fabulous!

PARENTING

Bedtime blues?

As parents, we all know the bedtime struggle can be real. When the sun goes down, anxiety can rise for many little ones, turning what should be a peaceful routine into a nightly challenge. 📊According to a new C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll, 1 in 4 parents report their child faces bedtime anxiety. Let's dive into some practical strategies to help ease those bedtime blues.

Creating a Calming Bedtime Routine: One mom found success by introducing a series of soothing activities: herbal tea post-bath, storytime, and nightly affirmations like “I am loved” and “I am important.”🔑 The key takeaway here? Consistency. A structured bedtime routine signals to kids that it’s time to wind down and can significantly ease anxiety. Nearly 90% of parents in the poll have a set routine, but about 27% still find bedtime a struggle.

Tech and Light Management: Experts recommend keeping screens off at night to prevent overstimulation. A 2022 study highlighted that children are more sensitive to light at night, which can disrupt melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep. Dimming the lights an hour before bedtime can help signal it’s time to sleep.😴

The Art of the Check-In: Rather than staying in the room until your child dozes off, try the "check-in" method. Leave the room but pop back in every few minutes to reassure them. This technique provides comfort without creating a dependency on your presence.

Natural Sleep Aids and Their Pitfalls: While 1 in 5 parents resort to melatonin, it’s not always the best first step. For children under three, sleep issues are usually behavioral. If considering melatonin, consult with your pediatrician to ensure it’s appropriate and safe.

Creating the Ideal Sleep Environment: A quiet, dark room can significantly improve sleep quality. If your child fears the dark, gradually acclimate them to it, perhaps starting with a night light and progressively dimming it over time.

Handling Nighttime Wakes: Kids waking up in the middle of the night? Avoid scary shows before bed and stick to a positive bedtime routine to reduce nightmares. If they wake up scared, a quick, calm check-in can often help them resettle.

🌝Helping your child manage bedtime anxiety isn't just about getting them to sleep—it’s about creating a peaceful end to the day for everyone. So, set that routine, dim those lights, and remember: a little consistency goes a long way. Sweet dreams!

Power Your Plate With Purple Carrot’s Plant-Based Meals

Want to finally reach your daily recommended amount of plants in your diet? Want to enjoy them without scouring the internet for recipes or scavenging the grocery store shelves for dozens of ingredients?

Purple Carrot has the answer.

With fully plant-based, chef-prepared meals and meal kits that provide the exact amount of ingredients you need, plus an ever-growing “plantry” filled with healthy staples, Purple Carrot makes it easier than ever for you and your family to eat more plants - without spending hours in the kitchen each week.

What can you expect when you order from Purple Carrot? Fully customizable plans - pick from any combination of meal kits, prepared meals, and grocery items - plus the option to skip a week or cancel whenever you want. No matter which options you choose, you’ll always get nutritious meals that never sacrifice flavor.

What’s on the menu? This month, they’re offering five new light, fresh, and vibrant meals packed with seasonal produce. From Sesame Orange Tofu with Roasted Green Beans & Sticky Rice to Gnocchi Al Pesto with Charred Asparagus & Lemon Zucchini, there’s a mouth-watering option for every taste.

Get Your Seasonal Meals Before They’re Gone. Pick Your Purple Carrot Plan Today.

AND ALSO

Teen tension to connection.

Ah, the tween and teen years – when your once chatty middle schooler transforms into a master of monosyllables. We all know this phase is about them carving out their independence, but let's be honest, it can strain your bond. Don’t fret! Little gestures can make a big difference.

💐 Clip a flower from your yard and place it in their room. 

🍪 Have a snack ready post-practice. 

🛁 Run a bubble bath after a long day. 

🛏️ Make their bed while they shower.

These small acts, highlighted in Tinybeans, show you care without saying a word. And if you need more inspo, Forward Together suggests:

👂 Listen actively and make eye contact. 

👏 Praise their passions. 

🎵 Ask about their favorite song or movie. 

💬 Say “I love you” often.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

💸 Comfort costs coast to coast. Mapping income needs across the U.S.

🌊 Splash-tastic fun. 30 easy water games to keep kids cool.

🕯️ Target’s $8 colored glass candlesticks. Brighten up your space with a splash of color.

🍰 Sweet crock pot treats. Easy desserts that impress.

🍎 Lunches under $7. Trader Joe’s budget-friendly school eats that won't break the bank.

After an employee was reprimanded for buying pizza for a homeless man, a savvy customer hatched a genius plan: she started a donation box to support similar acts of kindness. Now, the community is rallying to help those in need, proving that small gestures can spark big changes.

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