October 22, 2024

Plus, spooky-easy dinners for a stress-free Halloween night! 🎃

October 22, 2024

In partnership with

Not to get political here, but Election Day is only 14 days away. Whether you're ready to cast your vote or just counting down the days until the campaign ads stop, it's coming fast. 😉Now, let’s get into today’s Birdie news.

  • Write On: How Journaling is Your Brain’s New BFF

  • Respect the Yes and No: Teaching Kids About Consent 

  • Witching Hour Meal Prep: Easy Dinners to Keep the Spooks at Bay!

MENTAL HEALTH

Off the page.

Let’s get one thing straight: journaling is not just for teenage diaries or angsty poetry. Turns out, writing can actually work wonders for your mental health. Whether you're typing furiously on your laptop or scribbling in a notebook, there are real psychological perks to getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Here’s the rundown.

Stress? Meet Your Match.

We’ve all been there—mind racing at 2 a.m., trying to remember if you paid that bill or if your boss hates your latest project. Enter journaling. Writing down all those nagging thoughts is like decluttering your brain. In fact, journaling before bed could lead to some serious Zzz’s. Basically, it’s a mental unload.

Get Your Emotions in Check

Feeling like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster? Writing is your seatbelt. By putting emotions into words, you can actually make sense of them. Angry? Confused? Sad? (Yes.) Writing helps you map it all out and maybe even find the exit ramp.

Self-Awareness: Unlocked

Here’s the thing: when you write regularly, you start noticing patterns in your thoughts and behaviors. It’s like becoming your own therapist—without the hefty bill. Spot those bad habits and kick ‘em to the curb, while reinforcing the good stuff. (Although we’d still recommend professional help as well! It’s just a compliment to this.) 

Problem-Solving Machine

Got a problem? Write it down. Need to hit that goal? Write that down, too. Something magical happens when you break things down on paper—it’s way easier to spot solutions or break big goals into bite-sized steps. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of crossing things off.

Oh, and It’s Good for Your Health Too

Surprise! Journaling doesn’t just make you feel better mentally—it can also literally improve your physical health. Studies show writing about emotions can lower blood pressure, improve your immune system, and reduce doctor visits (because who wants those?).

Ready to give it a shot? Keep it simple. Write every day, don’t overthink it, and let it flow. Try out these prompts to help you get started. BONUS: They are fall-themed!

PARENTING

Consent might seem like a big topic, but trust us, teaching it to kids can be as simple as asking if they want a hug—or a cup of tea (if you’ve seen this viral TikTok, you know what we’re talking about!). The key is starting early and making it a part of everyday life. Here’s how to start:

  1. Let Kids Be the Boss of Their Bodies

No forced hugs or kisses, even with Grandma. If your child isn’t feeling it, that’s cool—they can opt for a wave, a high-five, or just a “hello.” The message? They’re in charge of their own body.

  1. Model Consent Every Day

Before going in for that hug, ask! “Can I give you a hug?” goes a long way. It’s a simple step that teaches kids they can do the same—whether it’s borrowing a toy or giving a high-five.

  1. Talk Body Parts—Without the Nicknames

Skip the cutesy names for body parts. Use the real words—penis, vagina—so kids learn there’s nothing shameful about their bodies. Plus, it empowers them to communicate clearly.

  1. Teach Consent Beyond the “Big Talk”

Consent isn’t just about sex. It’s asking before sharing a snack, a photo, or a secret. Make asking for consent part of your everyday language.

  1. Be the Media Police

Movies and music aren’t always great at showing healthy boundaries (cough old rom-coms). Call it out. Talk with your kids about what’s wrong—and what should’ve happened.

Ready to start the convo? Think small—because teaching kids consent is about normalizing respect, boundaries, and communication.

Why we’re fall-ing in love with Wayfair

It's no secret that Wayfair is a fun place to shop, but in a world where every penny counts, we're not just looking to have fun. Our goal is to save big on quality home goods as we gear up for the holidays. In case you're wondering, "Is Wayfair legit?" or "Is Wayfair furniture good quality?", we can confidently answer yes to those questions, and if you read Wayfair reviews, you’ll find that thousands of customers agree with us.

But there are even more reasons to love Wayfair, and Brad's Deals rounded up their top reasons. Brad (yes, it's a real guy) was a broke college student who found cheaper ways to shop and shared them with his friends in the early 2000’s. Now their experts search the web to find the best deals, and share them with users. To join the club, all you need is an email address.

It’s officially candy corn season! Market leader Brach’s produces around 30 million pounds of this polarizing treat each fall—enough to circle the Earth five times! Over the years, they’ve introduced various flavors, including a Turkey Dinner mix with unique tastes like green beans and apple pie, alongside fun options like s’mores and pumpkin spice.

SNIPPETS

Butterball has launched its Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey, designed for hassle-free holiday cooking. Customers can skip the thawing process entirely, placing the frozen turkey directly into the oven without any mess or stress. The specially formulated brine ensures a moist bird, and the absence of neck and giblets simplifies preparation.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a new “click-to-cancel” rule to simplify the process of canceling subscriptions, including gym memberships. This regulation mandates that canceling a service should be as easy as signing up for it, addressing common consumer complaints about misleading practices and difficult cancellation processes. The rule will take effect 180 days after its publication in the Federal Register.

Starting July 2024, Sweden allows parents to transfer up to 45 days of their paid parental leave to non-legal guardians, such as grandparents or retirees. For single parents, this transfer can extend up to 90 days, providing essential support for families and empowering parents to better balance home and work life.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

🍂 Give thanks with style. 25 porch ideas to cozy up your Thanksgiving.

👢 Fall-ing for fashion. Step into the season with these must-have footwear picks.

🎃 Oreo ween treats. Spooktacular ideas for a ghoulishly delicious celebration.

🗳️ Why November? Unpacking the tradition of voting this time of year.

✈️ Fly high on a budget. Google Flights’ new ‘cheapest’ tab helps you snag the best deals.

Boo-tifully easy dinners.

Halloween is all about the fun, but let’s be real—chaos can easily take over. So, why not keep dinner easy and delicious before the trick-or-treating begins? Here are some crowd-pleasers that will keep the ghouls at bay.

  1. Meatball and Spaghetti Skewers

A fun twist on a classic, these skewers let you eat with your hands! Check out the recipe here.

  1. Instant Pot Chili

Warm, hearty, and ready in a flash—perfect for chilly fall evenings! Get the details here.

  1. Halloween Chicken Parmesan Sliders

These sliders are cute and delicious, making them a hit for the whole family. Find the recipe here.

  1. Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese

Who says grilled cheese is just for lunch? Elevate it with your waffle iron! Get your recipe here.

So, prep these easy meals and enjoy a stress-free Halloween night! 🎃

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