As a horror movie fanatic, I’m really big on Halloween. But I didn’t always love scary movies: watching the opening credits of Scream at age thirteen gave me nightmares for years. If you want your kids to get into the Halloween spirit, but don’t want to be kept up trying to fight monsters under the bed or ghostly nightmares, you have to walk the line between “spooky” and “fun”. Not sure where to start? Never fear, I’ve done the research for you. My favorite family-friendly spooky movies are…

1.  Halloweentown

Marnie Piper doesn’t understand why her mom hates Halloween so much; the kids aren’t allowed to dress up, and they definitely aren’t allowed to hang out with their grandma, who only visits on this day each year. But she soon realizes there’s a lot of secrets her mom has been keeping, including the fact that she’s a witch! Low on violence but packed with magic, this is a great family movie. And it has sequels! If your kids love Halloweentown, check out the sequels: Halloweentown 2, Halloweentown High, and Return to Halloweentown.

2.  The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, feels like something is missing from his life. He goes exploring one night and stumbles upon a door that leads him to a new world: Christmas Town. Wanting to join in on the fun of Christmas, Jack tries to bring some of the Christmas spirit to Halloween Town, with disastrous results. Full of great songs, fun characters, and a lovely story, it’s impossible to be afraid of the spooky Halloween Town residents because none of them have a mean bone in their body – except maybe Oogie Boogie. Might want to explain to your kids that monsters like him don’t exist…

3.  Hotel Transylvania

Long ago, Dracula created a place where monsters could be monsters, far away from the prying eyes and dangerous whims of humans. He lives there with his daughter Mavis, and never has to worry about the outside world…until one day a human stumbles into the resort, and Mavis begins to fall in love. Although it’s not technically a Halloween movie, it does contain all the characters you’d expect to see – vampires, mummies, werewolves – but without the scare factor. It’s really just a story about a father trying to come to terms with the fact that his daughter is growing up, and maybe the outside world isn’t as scary as he once thought. There’s also a sequel for you to enjoy!

4.  Casper

There’s a very haunted house, and a paranormal expert and his daughter have no idea what they are getting themselves into when they decide to move in. Casper and his three uncles have  lived undisturbed for a long-time, and although Casper likes the new residents, his uncles have other ideas. The uncles are loud and boisterous, Casper is cute and friendly, and your kids will get a kick out of the haunting antics. There’s also a sequel with Hilary Duff.

5.  ParaNorman

Norman can see ghosts. As if this wasn’t bad enough, his family think he’s lying for attention, the kids at school bully him, and the whole town thinks he’s weird. But when rambling zombies rise up from their graves, it turns out Norman is the only one that can save the town from a centuries-old curse. If you’ve ever felt like an outcast, you’ll relate to Norman, and love his new friend who accepts him as he is – he even encourages Norman’s oddball behavior. This movie has great moral lessons and there are more sad scenes than scary ones (bullying mostly), but don’t worry, your kids can cope.

6.  Frankenweenie

We’ve all had that one pet that is part of the family. So it is with Victor’s dog Sparky, whom he conducts an experiment on to bring him back to life, with odd and unnatural results. Soon other kids are copying Victor, and the town is dealing with a zombie epidemic it never saw coming. Funny and moving, this animated movie deals with love and loss of family pets in a way that goes beyond a spooky movie and can be watched at any time of the year!

7.  The Little Vampire

A lonely boy befriends Rudolph, the son of new family that just moved town. Little does he know that his new best friend is a vampire, and that Rudolph’s whole family is in trouble. And so begins the adventures of Tony, who gets what he’s always wanted: a friend.

8.  Hocus Pocus

A teenage boy, his crush, and his little sister must stop three witches from stealing the souls of all the children in town and becoming immortal. Sound far-fetched? It won’t when you watch it. Talking cats, fumbling zombies, broomsticks, and a great soundtrack make this one of the best movies on the list. The witches might be a little scary for younger viewers, but good does triumph over evil in the end, so it all works out.

Need more mild movies? Try Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie, Coraline, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, or Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit.

Did your favorite movie make the list? If not, share with us!

Ho you dread Sundays, knowing that you’ll have to throw together lunch for any number of children for the next five days? Do you feel worn out, trying to find creative ways to get your kids to eat something, anything healthy? Have you run out of sandwich fillings? Then this is for you. Here are ten ways to fill your kids’ lunchbox, with delicious variations on the typical themes.

1.  Hot dogs

I’m sure when you see the words “hot dog” you imagine a baseball field, a stale bun, and a stacked dog with everything on it. That’s not quite what I’m suggesting here. Today there are so many varieties of healthy “hot dog” that you can buy for your kids, including turkey dogs, and my favorite, veggie dogs. Pair with a whole wheat bun and a little ketchup for dipping, and throw in some cut veggies like cucumber, celery, carrots, or even cherry tomatoes. A filling and protein filled lunch!

2.  “Make your own” sandwich

Sandwiches don’t have to be boring. You can have the kids make their own (a homemade lunchable), even substituting bread for crackers, and including slices of ham and cheese that they can stack. You could even make mini turkey club sandwiches on skewers, just by making a triple-decker turkey and cheese sandwich and cut it into squares. And if your kid loves peanut butter and jelly, you can switch it up by changing the presentation: using whole wheat bread, cut off the crusts of one piece of bread and roll it up into a tube. Voila, peanut butter and jelly roll-up. Sometimes, presentation is everything. Again, pair with pieces of fruit, vegetables and hummus, or apple chips.

3.  Wraps

You may have to think outside the lunch box for fillings your kids like, or you can get a little creative with your idea of a “wrap”. Go the traditional route of turkey and cheese (and some sneaky spinach) on a whole wheat or spinach tortilla (which has the added benefit of being green in color, which is just plain fun). Or skip the tortilla all together and use the lunch meat as a wrap, filling the inside with salad greens, and skewering with a toothpick.

4.  Quesadillas

Another favorite that is perfectly good cold, quesadillas are genius because you can pack them with secret veggies and as long as there’s cheese, kids won’t care. Fill with refried beans or chicken for protein, and pair with avocado and cherry tomatoes for a colorful, yummy lunch.

Related Post: Teaching Children How To Cook: 6 Lifetime Benefits for Parents and Kids

5.  Kebobs

No longer just for BBQs or fancy appetizers, you can bring the skewers and the toothpicks into your kid’s lunchbox to add a little variety to the usual fare. Simply alternate slices of lunch meat and chunks of cheese on the kebob stick or toothpick, and top each end with a cherry tomato or cucumber. Mix it up and include a skewer of fruit too, and your kid will have a rainbow lunchbox full of healthy, fun food.

6.  Pasta

I don’t know a kid who doesn’t love pasta. And if you’ve ever chowed down on a good pasta salad, you know it doesn’t have to be warm to be enjoyed. It’s also a really good way to get your kids to eat vegetables, as a really good sauce can hid a lot of veggies, and mask the taste of others. Roast veggies and a healthy, homemade sauce are a filling alternative to whatever the school cafeteria has to offer!

7.  Muffins

When I hear muffins, I think the fruit or chocolate variety, but the savory types are really good substitutes for sandwiches in a kid’s lunchbox. And the sky is really the limit with what you can create, from ham and cheese, to zucchini, to spinach mac and cheese.

8.  Pizza

I’m not suggesting you send your kid to school with leftover delivery pizza, although I am a fan of cold pizza for breakfast. No, instead I’m suggesting having the kids make their own “pizza” using little pieces of bruschetta toast as the base, tomato sauce, and slices or shredded cheese. For a slightly less messy option, make english muffin pizzas the night before for the kids to eat cold. Top with whatever vegetables you can get away with!

9.  Mini quiches

Quiches may not strike you as a “kid friendly” food, but that’s because you’ve never tried these recipes. Bitesized quiches are simple, filling, and healthy school lunch treats. Try ham and cheese, pepperoni pizza, and spinach. Any pastry that you can hide veggies in are worth trying, right?

10.  Salad

Salad doesn’t have to be rabbit food. It also doesn’t have to be on a bed of lettuce, either. If you can get your kids to eat a rainbow of different foods, or you have kids that are willing to try them, then these salads could be a great way to get your kids to eat their five-a-day. Pair this cowboy caviar with pita bread, or veggies. Or throw some pasta in to the mix, like this Mexican sweetcorn pasta salad, or my personal favorite, southwest tortellini pasta salad. Throw in as much healthy stuff as possible, like beans, tomatoes, corn, peppers, avocados, onions, and combine with pasta for a filling lunch.

Related Post: 10 TED Talks That Will Make You A Better Parent

What are your go-to lunches for your kids? What do you do to get your kids to eat veggies?

I am an avid reader. Actually, that’s a bit of an understatement; I read a lot. And one of my favorite books to read is Thud! by author Terry Pratchett. In this book, the main character Commander Sam Vimes has a rule that he must never break: every day, he must be home on time to read to his child at bed time. There are many hilarious scenes where every level of the police force helps him hurry home, dash through the house, and explode into his child’s bedroom before the clock stops striking the hour. Terry Pratchett, and through him, Commander Sam Vimes, knows how vital it is to read to your kids each and every day. Here are five reasons why it’s so important.

1.  Reading aloud to your kids will make them better students.

They will learn to associate sounds with words on the page, words on the page with their accompanying pictures, and this word association will eventually lead to better reading comprehension. It will also expand your kids’ vocabulary, far more than if they are just parroting back the conversations they hear around them.

2.  Reading aloud to your kid will make them better listeners.

They have to practice active listening in order to follow along with the story, and the longer they can sit still and listen to a book, the better their attention span will be. Curating a better attention span early on in life? Your kids’ teachers will thank you later.

3.  Reading aloud to your kid will open up their world.

Encouraging curiosity, stimulating creativity, and developing imagination? All this can be achieved with a good book. We all want the next generation to believe they can do anything and be anything. It all starts with the imagination to dream it’s possible. Some of the greatest scientific achievements of our time were discovered or developed because a scientist dared to think outside the box, and you can’t do that with a limited imagination.

You can also introduce them to concepts, cultures, and even countries they may not learn about in school. Kids can ask questions to learn more about the world they live in, and you can encourage this curiosity while helping them understand the world around them, and their place in it. Sure, The Very Hungry Caterpillar might not seem like it educates kids much, but think of all the new foods they are learning to pronounce and associate images with!

Related Post: Teaching Children How To Cook: 6 Lifetime Benefits for Parents and Kids

4.  Reading aloud to your kids solidifies your bond.

It may sound hokey, but we are all guilty at one time or another of bad prioritization, and don’t always carve out enough time in our day to spend with our loved ones. Starting a habit of reading to your kid daily quite simply shows them you care, that they are an important part of your day, and that spending time with them is something you cherish and enjoy. So remember to keep that smile plastered on your face as you read their favorite pop-up book for the 100th time.

5.  Reading aloud to you kids encourages a love of reading.

I don’t need to quote statistics at you here, because I’m living proof of this. Not only can I remember my favorite book from childhood – Fantastic Mr. Fox – I know that my mother reading it to me got me started on the rest of Roald Dahl’s books. And I just didn’t stop. We went from shorter books with large words on the page, to stories like The Hobbit. I don’t need to wonder where I got my love of fantasy from; my mother reader gave me all the building blocks I needed to start living in my own head.

If you can find stories your kids love, keep up with the theme, whether it’s the same author or a similar story. If your kids express a love of something, anything, you can nurture this with a book. Sure, it might be hard to find a children’s book on architecture, but there’s got to be one out there somewhere. If not, maybe you can write one together.

Related Post: 6 Ways Moms Can Fit Self Care Time Into Their Busy Lives

Which books do your children enjoy? Do you read to your kids every day?

Weddings are a time to come together as friends, family, and odd strangers to celebrate the union of a beloved couple. They can also be times of stress, panic, and anxiety, and not just for the bride and groom. I love a wedding as much as the next person (so please don’t take me off your guest list), but I dread certain aspects of weddings, and I know others do too (because I quizzed them). So here is a list, in no particular order, of the worst (and a few of the best things) about attending weddings.

Long ceremonies

I know this is the opportunity for the bride and groom to confess their love and commitment to each other. My main objection to long ceremonies is when the guests are forced to sit for long periods of time in heavily air conditioned rooms or direct sunlight – it’s really hard to concentrate when you’re not dressed for the arctic conditions, or you’re slowly sweating through your gorgeous dress. We know you love each other, skip to the rings already!

Reception issues

No one dreads a reception more than the starving and alcohol deprived. Especially receptions that don’t serve snacks or have an open bar. Not only do the guests have to stand around for hours while the wedding party takes hundreds of pictures, we have to do it while making awkward small talk, nursing our drinks and wondering when dinner is served.

Guests of honor

Different couples make their entrances in different ways. Some show up to the reception and mingle with the crowd, others don’t appear until everyone is seated, and thus guests have to make their way over to the couple in what’s best known as a “receiving line”. Depending on the size of the wedding, this can take forever, forming an awkward line with their relatives for a quick “congratulations” before filing back to your table, hoping everyone else was as brief and polite as you were (but knowing there will be at least one relative who wants to talk to both of the couple for five minutes at a time).

Wining and dining

Unless you’re family, or really close to the bride and groom, you’re going to end up seated with a bunch of random strangers. You can embrace this and try and make friends for the evening, or you can just cross your fingers and hope the meal arrives soon. That’s after you’ve sat through at least two long speeches filled with inside jokes most of the room doesn’t get. Or embarrassing tell-alls most of the room will want to forget. This is another time you’re hoping for that open bar, and a date that doesn’t mind keeping a full glass at your side all evening.

Relationship questions

These can range from “So you’re single then?”, to awkward hints about you and your plus one, to “So when are you two getting married then?” Queue groan. What is is about weddings that made everyone into matchmakers? Let’s just focus on the couple that counts, and not on the poor guy I pressured into being my plus one, okay? That if I even get a plus one, as some weddings these days only allow the married and engaged to attend with their partner. Or find a plus one, because if you’re not in a relationship, it’s always a struggle to pick someone who will behave themselves at a wedding.

Singing and dancing

Arguably the best part of the event is when you’re all invite to hit the dance floor and get down. Unless you have to wait for the “dollar dance” to end. This, I’m told, is where guests line up and pay cash to dance with the bride or groom. Along with the receiving line, this can take forever if there are lots of guests at the wedding, even if it is a nice way for the bride and groom to make a little extra cash on their special day.

Then the dancing begins. Either you’re flying solo because you’re single, or because your date doesn’t dance, but you’re hoping and praying for good music. Sometimes you’re blessed with an incredible wedding band, and sometimes you’re stuck with a hopeless DJ. But it’s still a great time to finally kick off those painful shoes and throw some moves with the new couple, their friends, and family. Just have your exit strategy clearly planned for slow dances, the curse of every single wedding guest. My advice? Don’t sit and sway, go hide up at the bar! This will also give you an opportunity to cool off, adjust your hair and makeup, and your outfit.

…But It’s All Worth It

But enough with the melodrama. When you’ve figured out your outfit (a painful endeavor if you’ve got multiple weddings in a season) and muddled through the gift giving process (what do you give a couple that already lives together?) and you’ve shrugged off the long service, the food-free reception, and the agony of your shoes, you can focus on the best parts about weddings. Like the exquisite cake. The (hopefully) free booze. The endless dance classics. The happy tears, watching some one(s) you love get hitched. Short, beautiful ceremonies. Reunions with long-time friends. An amazing wedding band. And most importantly, seeing your friends get married.

When the leaves start to change and the temperatures start to drop, your light and floaty summer dresses may no longer seem like appealing choices for upcoming weddings. Pale pastel colors and thin materials giving you the blues? Dive into this pile of fall formal wear and get inspired by the warm hues, long lines, and full-sleeves of the new season.

1.  Focus on warm hues like plum, maroon, and burgundy, or jewel tones like emerald green.

You can also play with darker colors like grey, navy blue, and even black! Patterns are obviously good for all seasons, but dark backgrounds and brighter details are definitely appropriate for fall.

2.  Go for warmer fabrics, as you never know what kind of weather will strike on the big day.

A tweed dress is a perfect example, because it isn’t statement making by itself, but is neutral enough that it can be paired with bright shoes or a clutch and still be warm and wedding-worthy.

3.  Wearing a two-piece instead of a dress means you can find that perfect balance between warm and stylish, and give your dresses a rest.

Try a midi skirt for a change, like this gorgeous black floral one that seamlessly ties the outfit together (and even matches the shoes!) You could also pair your maxi skirt with a same-color top and belt for an instant faux-gown. I absolutely love the idea of pairing two different pieces together, like this outfit, because you can truly turn demure individual pieces into works of art!

Related Post: 7 Classy Ways To Style A Bralette

4.  The long lines of full sleeves and floor-length dresses may have seemed a bit much for a summer wedding, but they set the perfect tone for fall.

Get your long-sleeved maxi dresses out of the closet and style them up, like this gorgeous sunny yellow version, which is neutral enough that any clutch, shoes, and jacket will pair nicely with it

5.  Go beyond the simple pashmina and up your fall style game with a jacket, a blazer, a cape, or a coat.

Layered on top of a darker outfit, the pop of color instantly brightens your look, and makes a shorter dress feel more formal (and warm!) A solid green blazer plays perfectly with all the many accents in this dress, and the dark green bag finished off the outfit!

6.  Get your outfit together in one quick step by wearing a jump suit.

You don’t have to worry about dress length, whether your bra shows or how to keep your strapless up – just suit up and get going. Pair with a clutch and cute heels and you’re ready to rock all day and night. I love this look because it can easily be dressed up or down, worn to a day function or a night time affair, simply by changing the hair, makeup, and accessories. It’s so versatile, you don’t have to spend money on an outfit you’ll never wear again.

Still not sure what to wear to your next wedding?

After you check the dress code, check the venue and time of ceremony/reception. These will give you hint as to what length your dress should be, whether you can show a little skin or need to cover up, and what the most appropriate color combinations might be. Still unsure? Ask the bride for recommendations! She is the most familiar with all things wedding, after all, and can help make sure you don’t clash (or match) with her color scheme.

Related Post: 8 Fall Lipstick Trends We Can’t Wait To Wear

What’s your go-to wedding outfit? Share your fall wedding ideas with us!

Considering a juice cleanse? Read this first before you start.

What is a juice cleanse and how does it work?

A juice cleanse is a detox where a person consumes only fruit and vegetable juices. It can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and can be done using homemade drinks or store bought creations. The cleanse is meant to reset your system, improve skin appearance, mood, and overall health. Some people swear by these detoxes, others think they’re a health hoax, like detox teas, or a diet fad. Here’s what we know a juice cleanse can do.

1.  Reduce your appetite

Juicing will not shrink your stomach (smaller stomach usually means you’re full faster) but it will stop you from eating comfort/junk food, which may help you start eating healthier in the long run. You’ll also feel fuller faster after doing a cleanse, which means you can reduce your portion sizes and not feel deprived.

2.  Eliminate potential allergens

The benefit of only consuming fruit and vegetable juices is that you’re eliminating a bunch of food groups that could be causing you to feel unwell if you have an undiagnosed food allergy. Stuff like soy, corn, eggs, nuts, wheat, and dairy could all be wreaking havoc on your body, causing you to feel bloated, puffy, and achy, and give you headaches or digestive issues. Feeling significantly better during a juice cleanse is a good sign you’re suffering from an allergy, and slowly reintroducing these food groups after the cleanse can help you find out which one.

3.  Jump-start weight-loss

A lot of people on a juice cleanse lose weight, although most nutritionists say this is water weight, so although you may feel less bloated, you probably won’t keep that weight off. “This type of diet isn’t effective for long-term weight management, due to it being too restrictive and low in calories,” says Jim White, RD. Best to use a cleanse as the start of a change in lifestyle habits, like improved diet and more exercise, and not as a standalone weight-loss solution.

4.  Get energized

Energy levels fluctuate greatly on a juice cleanse. Proponents of the cleanse say you’ll have more energy, which is probably due to the sugars in the fruit juices, but could also be due to not consuming as much food. “Digestion is a very active process and takes lots of resources from the body such as blood flow and energy to break down food,” says Robynne Chutkan, M.D. “Even though you’re taking in fewer calories, your body isn’t doing this work, so that energy is available to be used elsewhere.”

As your blood sugar fluctuates, you’re likely to feel grouchy or sluggish. “Each juice floods your system with simple sugars, which requires your body to produce more insulin more quickly,” says Jo Ann Carson, Ph.D., R.D., L.D. “If your body sends out more insulin than is needed, your blood sugar could drop too low, and you may be faint or light-headed.” So pacing when and how often you drink for your cleanse is key to feeling good while detoxing.

5.  Reset your insides

It’s true that you are giving your digestive organs a break, as you’ve cut solids, most carbs, fat, and protein out of your diet. And you’re getting a heavy dose of nutrients that you may otherwise not receive in your normal diet, especially if you eat a lot of carbs.

You’re also helping your body on a cellular level, says Woodson Merrell, M.D. “Switching to an organic, plant-based diet allows cells to work optimally to re-establish efficient internal messaging and manufacturing processes.  This allows the mitochondria to create energy without having to fight off a plethora of free radicals and inflammation, and reduces some of the impediments to proper DNA functioning.” Basically? You’re helping your cells repair themselves and function properly, just by chugging juice. Be prepared for more trips to the bathroom though, as your body processes liquids far quicker than solids.

Most nutritionists and doctors agree that as long as you don’t cleanse for too long, you won’t cause any long-lasting damage to your body. And if you feel good after a cleanse, then by all means, keep on cleansing (with healthy breaks in between, of course). It can be a great way to kick-off a new, healthy you, with better diet and exercise habits. Just remember to be gentle with your body, drink plenty of fluids, and not take out your hunger cravings on your loved ones.

{Editor’s Note: The opinions in the article are the author’s own opinions. This article is for educational purposes only. Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning a juice cleanse.}

I have a habit of going for the quickest meal option available in my fridge, which usually isn’t the healthiest. I also tend to grocery shop without meals in mind, so when I open my fridge I have a load of ingredients, but no idea what to do with them. Inevitably, things go to waste, especially with fresh produce. My budget just does not have the wiggle room, but nor do I have the time to make a three-course-meal. My solution? These easy, budget-friendly meals.

French bread pizza

Credit: The Pioneer Woman

There seems to be no end to the varieties of mini pizzas you can make. If you’ve got a jar of marinara sauce and some mozzarella cheese, some bread and any number of ingredients, cook ‘em up and pile ‘em high. Quick, easy, and filling. Who doesn’t love pizza?

Chicken and Lemon Foil Packet

Credit: Damn Delicious

Foil packets are a great way to cook a bunch of ingredients together, seal in the flavor, and avoid a super messy clean up. They are so versatile, so keep experimenting!

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Credit: Mending The Piggy Bank

From the title, you might think this is a really involved, lengthy recipe. But once you get the meat cooked, everything actually follows into the same pot, and you can make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for later. Perfect!

One Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies

Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

I love meals that I can just throw together and be done with, and this is definitely one of those. Pre-heat the over, chop the ingredients, sling on a pan, and voila. Perfect for fall, or cold nights, where you just want a bowl of warmth.

Homemade Vegetable Soup

Credit: Thriving Home Blog

The author even writes in the recipe “It’s hard to mess this one up.” And you can see why; it’s literally a bowl of delicious vegetables combine with pasta. But even with the heaping pile of veggies, it only takes 20 minutes of prep time. Make a huge batch, and freeze some for later!

Artisanal Grilled Cheese

Credit: Skinny Ms.

Don’t settle for an average grilled cheese when you can go one step further towards taste heaven with artisanal grilled cheeses (basically anything that looks and tastes amazing and isn’t just cheese between two slices of bread). You can stick with the basics – basil, tomatoes, cheese – or you can really push the letter with any of these 22 grilled cheese recipes (the pictures alone will have you drooling). Either way, these grilled cheeses are quick, easy, and won’t break the bank.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Credit: Sally’s Baking Addiction

Until I read the recipe, I didn’t realize how quick seafood was to cook. In particular, this shrimp recipe will only take you about twenty minutes of prep time, and five of that is the shrimp on the stove. Pair with some rice and a plateful of veggies and you’ve got a flavorful, filling meal.

Chicken Avocado Burritos

Credit: Omg Chocolate Desserts

How do these surpass your average burritos? Not only do they combine fried chicken, avocado, mozzarella cheese and cilantro, but the recipe calls for you to coat the tortilla in sour cream and then fry it in a pan for a few minutes. If that doesn’t sound like a delicious combination, you’re doing burritos all wrong.

Triple Veggie Pasta

Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Have you ever tried zucchini or squash spaghetti? The recipe combines both, along with a small handful of other veggies, to make this a healthy, hearty meal. And little to no guilt, because, it’s not real spaghetti!

Miso Glazed Salmon With Snap Peas

Credit: Daily Burn / Photography: Perry Santanachote

Salmon is a great protein because it’s light, easy to cook, and inexpensive to buy. The glaze is made with savory miso and sweet maple syrup, which caramelizes nicely and pairs well with the crunchy snap peas.

Egg Salad Spinach Wraps

Credit: Kleinworth & Co

To be honest, I’m in love with anything I can pick up and eat on the go. And these egg salad spinach wraps are so versatile, one could argue they could serve as breakfast, lunch, or dinner quite easily.

One Pan Mexican Quinoa

Credit: Damn Delicious

I also love to cut down on the amount of mess I make in the kitchen, so one pan or one pot meals are my favorite. Even the quinoa is cooked in the pan, so you can just throw everything in and indulge in this colorful, flavorful, healthy meal.

Mexican Three Bean and Three Pepper Salad

Credit: The Wanderlust Kitchen

This salad is so easy to make, with little to no prep time involved. It’s colorful, packed with protein, and taste delicious all by itself as a filling salad or can be combined with burgers or pretty much any main as a side dish. The recipe calls for dried beans, but I’ve used canned beans and the taste is the same. So just throw everything in a bowl and marvel and your colorful creation!

Grilled Zucchini & Corn Tostadas with Spicy Hummus

Credit: Noming Thru Life

This is a healthier alternative to a stacked pizza, or even most pizza substitutes. These crunchy tostadas are so satisfying, plus the mix of grilled zucchini, spicy hummus and smoky corn is the perfect combination of flavors.

Need more inspiration? The Busy Budgeter Blog has a list of over three-weeks worth of cheap dinner ready in 15 minutes.

Fully stocked fridge but stuck on what to make? Check out these 101 cheap and easy dinner ideas that will jog your memory and kick-start your evening meal prep.

Which recipes are you most excited about?

{This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

“You’re not going out like that!” has been a constant refrain in the household I grew up in.

Too tight, too low, too big, too small, too bright, too dark, too much; the criticism on my outfits have run the gambit, and so have my sister’s. I don’t think we dress any “better” because of this.

In fact, I think we have always been more likely to rebel if our outfit was called into question, and wear whatever we had on in spite of the protests. So is the answer to stay quiet? Or do we eventually learn from the constant commentary? And if we do learn, what is it we’re learning? What society deems appropriate, in my opinion.

But then, I think parents should allow their kids to wear whatever they want. Here’s why.

It gives them a sense of responsibility.

Whenever you decide the time is right to step back from the wardrobe and let your kid dress for the day without your input will be a big day for them. By allowing them to make the decision, however small, of what to wear, you’re giving them a taste of responsibility and implying that you think they are grown up enough to make the decision by themselves. And every time they troop down the stairs in their own handpicked outfit and you applaud it (figuratively, not necessarily literally), you’re giving them a confidence boost.

It fosters creativity.

How creative can they get with an outfit? You’d be surprised. Whether they pull on a crown, a tutu, fairy wings, their spacesuit, or their animal ears, sometimes kids want to accessorize to the extreme. Or they just want to wear patterns. All of the patterns. Letting your kid decide what looks good and what doesn’t lets them use their imagination, and encouraging imagination and curiosity in your kid is essential.

It builds on their sense of self.

From birth, kids look to their parents as an example of how to experience the world around them. When you as a parent step back and let your kid figure out what they like to wear, what feels good and what doesn’t, you’re giving them autonomy over their own little bodies. You’re also showing them that it matters how they feel, what clothes make them comfortable or uncomfortable, and that wearing what feels best to them is more important than what looks good. You’re basically telling them it’s okay to be them.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: kids are tiny adults and act as sponges for the world around them.

They emulate what they see and hear, so home and school (and hobbies) are a minefield you both have to navigate. You know that there are going to be negative influences on your kid; it’s unavoidable. But did you ever think wardrobe enforcement would become an issue? Obviously your kids should not leave the house naked: they will be cold, and it doesn’t set the right tone for the day. But policing what your kids wear, in my opinion, is just another way to tell them that they’re wrong and that they shouldn’t make decisions for themselves.

With everything kids go through on a daily basis, wouldn’t you rather be an advocate for your kid, and have their back, whether or not you think they dress correctly? I know I would. But then, I’ve always had issues dressing myself appropriately, so what do I know?

Do you let your kids dress however they want? Share with us in the comments below!

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Forget contouring, lip liner, and blending, acing the cat eye eyeliner look is by far the hardest makeup trend. Those that can do it make it look effortless, while the rest of us are armed with makeup remover wipes and a boatload of frustration. Fret not, I have the solution. Or a few ways to make the ‘cat eye’ work for you and your skill level, anyway. Here’s how to do cat eye eyeliner:

The basic steps:

1.  Choose your weapon/eyeliner. Start at the very corner of your eye, and angle your eyeliner upwards, in a diagonal fashion.

2.  Closing your eye, draw a straight line from the corner of your eye to where the outside crease of your eye ends. This is the beginning of your cat eye, and you can make this line as small or as dramatic (or thick or thin) as you like.

3.  Then, keeping your eyes closed, draw a small line or ‘wing’. The wider the wing, the more dramatic the cat eye.

4.  Starting on the inside corner of your eye, trace a line that starts close to your lash line and gradually arches up, following the line of your lashes until it meets the ‘wing’. You should now have the basic outline of your cat eye.

5.  Begin to fill in the outline with gentle strokes, until your cat eye is all filled in. Open your eyes and admire your handy work. Repeat on the opposite eye.

6.  If necessary, dip a makeup brush in water or toner and use it to tidy up the lines.

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Pro cat eye makeup tips and tricks:

1.  If you’re using an eyeliner pencil, make sure it’s sharp. A dull tip will make thicker lines, which will be harder to work with and you’ll have more to tidy up.

2.  Whatever you’re using, make sure it’s got a soft tip. There’s nothing worse than a hard pencil being dragged across your eyelid and messing up your lines.

3.  Liquid eyeliner is usually the best for cat eyes, but it can also be the trickiest to handle. If you’re struggling opt for a pen instead. The tips come in different thicknesses, and they are usually easier to apply.

4.  Not sure where to draw the line? Hold a makeup brush and lay it diagonally across your face, one end on the side of your nose and the other pointing towards the outside corner of your eye. This is the natural angle for your diagonal line (first step of the tutorial).

5.  The most interesting hack I’ve seen uses tape to get the perfect line. Gently place the tape so the straight line runs from the outside corner of your eye up towards your brow line. Swipe your eyeliner across the line, and the tape will stop the line from being to thick or not being straight (also perfect if you want to get identical lines on each eye).

6.  If you’re struggling with a pencil or pen, you can also use eyeshadow and an angled brush. The best bit about using an angled brush is that you can use it as a stamp for the cat eye flick, then use the brush to gently fill in the rest of the eye to match. It’s also more subtle, depending on the color eyeshadow you use.

7.  As mentioned in the tutorial, you can keep a makeup brush or cotton swabs handy to tidy up any lines, just by running them across of underneath with gentle strokes. Far easier than using makeup wipes, which will remove any and all makeup you’ve already applied.

5 different looks for you to try:

Join-the-dots

A makeup tutorial that uses dots along the lash line to create an easy template to follow, as well as as a more angled flick. (via Eimear McElheron)

Smokey cat eye

Combining the flick and swoosh of the eye liner with a heavy dose of smokey eyeshadow, this is an easy how-to for the perfect smokey eye/cat eye combination. (via Jaclyn Hill)

Inspired by…

This makeup artist shows you how to obtain Nicki Minaj’s cat eye look, which also shows you to to use a brush to create your wing.

Extreme cat eye

Inspired by Sophia Loren, this artist combines a thick cat eye on the upper lid with liner on the lower lashes too. Smokey grey eyeshadow completes this dramatic look!

Edgy cat eye

This tutorial uses cobalt blue pigment with a brush to create a show stopping look that not only lines the upper lid but also wings up to the crease for a different cat eye look.

Hopefully this tutorial, with its tips and tricks, has given you the confidence boost you need to try and tackle the cat eye yourself.

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Do you have any hacks for making the perfect cat eye? Share with us!