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Hi Barbie! Nine cocktails inspired by the doll’s most iconic outfits

2023-07-21 20:53

The qualities to teach your kids that are more important than exam results

With results day around the corner, your child might be feeling stressed about what comes next if academia isn’t their thing, or they don’t think they performed well in their GCSEs or A Levels. As a parent, you may find it difficult to know what to say beyond clichés if their exam results aren’t ‘glowing’, especially when you know your teenager has strengths outside of the exam hall. So, how can you respond supportively? And what qualities can you reassure them are more important than exam results? Be there for them firstYour child is likely to be upset – read the room and consider their emotions before diving in with advice or questions, or expressing your own feelings about the situation. “While it is only natural to feel your own sense of disappointment, as best as possible, we need to put aside our emotional response and be a calm, safe place for our kids,” says psychologist and author of Self-Care For Tough Times, Suzy Reading. “It can help to identify a time later to express your own feelings – you’re not stuffing them down or denying them, you’ll make space to bear witness to them later,” Reading adds. “Take a couple of long exhalations and listen without rushing in to fix. Support and allow your child to express all the feelings and thoughts that will come cascading. Action planning can come later – they just need to feel heard, understood, validated and cared for.” Exams aren’t everything It is helpful to remind them that this isn’t the be-all and end-all. There’s lots more to a person than their grades and exam results. “While exams can be really important, it’s also good to remember that they are not the only measure of success,” says Gemma Campbell, counsellor and clinical content specialist at Kooth Digital Health. “There are plenty of amazing qualities you have that standard exams don’t measure – resilience, determination, humour, curiosity, courage, compassion and kindness,” Campbell adds. Well-rounded skillsets And going forward into the professional world, there are really valuable skills and traits that are not exam-based. “While academic achievements have a significant place, they should not overshadow the development of essential skills and qualities that make great business leaders and entrepreneurs,” says Sarah Austin, director of the British Business Excellence Awards. Creativity For example, creativity is paramount to innovation. “In a rapidly evolving business landscape, creativity has become a prized asset,” says Austin. “Motivating our children to think outside the box – questioning established norms – and exploring alternative solutions is what nurtures their creative potential. “Grades may measure the ability to absorb and regurgitate information, but creativity is what propels individuals to envision new possibilities and drive innovation,” she adds. “The ability to approach problems from different angles, to adapt to change and to create something entirely new will position our children as the trailblazers of tomorrow in the business world.” Passion If there is something your teen loves, encourage it. This can help harness lots of other useful skills in the process – such as curiosity, determination and focus. “One of the most valuable skills a person can possess is passion. Encouraging our children to explore their interests and pursue their passions will ignite a flame within them – when they do something they genuinely love, they are more likely to invest their time and effort wholeheartedly,” Austin says. “By instilling the belief that passion is a driving force, we can empower our children to shape their future careers based on what truly inspires them. In the business world, this passion translates into unwavering dedication and a genuine love for what a person does – setting the stage for remarkable achievements.” Resilience Disappointing exam results may be a setback, but how they respond to them may show their greatest skill: resilience. “In the face of challenges and setbacks, the ability to bounce back and persevere is essential – cultivating hardiness and resilience in our children will hand them the tools to overcome obstacles and navigate the unpredictable nature of the business world,” Austin says. “While grades may provide a temporary measure of success, it is the tenacity and determination to push forwards that truly separates outstanding leaders from the rest.”

2023-07-21 14:56

Mother criticises ‘double standard’ after husband is praised for taking toddlers to grocery store

A mother of two has exposed the “double standards” in parenting after her husband was praised for taking their toddlers to the grocery store. Earlier this week, Emily Belson, from Maryland, went viral on TikTok when she jokingly called out her husband for doing the “bare minimum” when it comes to raising their two sons. “My husband just got home from the grocery store,” she began the clip, which has since been viewed more than 100,000 times. She explained that her husband took both their sons, who are one and two years old, to the grocery store where he was stopped by strangers and applauded for his parenting skills. “Three people stopped him to tell him what a great dad he was for taking them to the store,” Belson said. The TikToker went on to share just how many times she’s brought her children along to the grocery store, but said she has yet to be stopped by a stranger. “Do you know how many times I’ve taken both of my kids to the grocery store, to literally everywhere? A million,” she revealed. “How many people have stopped me to say I’m a great mom? Zero.” “Gold star apparently,” Belson captioned her candid video, along with the hashtag: “#bareminimum” The comments section was immediately swarmed with fellow moms who complained about the “double standards” in parenting. “Right? My husband is a great dad but I am sick of people telling me that when I do so much more,” one person wrote. “I remember taking four and no one ever remarked about my wonderful parenting,” another said. @emily.belson Gold star apparently 🌟 #toddlermom #parenthumor #bareminimum #sahmlife #momtok #sahm ♬ original sound - Emily Belson A third mother commented: “Omg same with my husband. He actually gets annoyed by it and tells them that he’s only doing what any other dad should be doing and that his wife, me, does everything.” However, some people expressed their frustration at Belson’s video, as they proclaimed that “it’s not a competition” which parent does more for their children. “Parenting is not a competition. We should acknowledge and support good behaviours of both parents,” one person wrote. “As a single dad, I do like hearing those things.” In response, Belson said: “He is 100 per cent a fantastic husband and dad, I’m just laughing at the double standard!!!” Meanwhile, other TikTok users took the opportunity to share how they will be appreciating fellow moms the next time they’re out in public. “Gonna start telling moms they’re great for going to the store with their kids,” one person wrote, while another said: “Let’s normalise telling at least one mom they are doing a good job while we are out and about.” Emily Belson isn’t the only parent to recently go viral on TikTok. This week, a husband went viral after being exposed for his loud reaction to his wife revealing she’s pregnant with their fourth child. In a TikTok video shared by The Cofer Family, mom Anissa revealed her husband James’ less-than-thrilled reaction to finding out she was pregnant yet again. “When you’re done having babies but get a positive test and your husband’s reaction isn’t what you expected...excuse the language,” her caption read. As James pulled out a note his wife had placed in an envelope, his mood immediately shifted once he realised what was coming next. “Stop playing with me. Anissa, it’s not... Anissa, no!” he screamed. @anissacofer Needless to say, she’s the blessing we never knew we needed. 🫶🏼#babynumber4 #pregnancyannouncement #blessed ♬ original sound - The Cofer Family 🤍 James begged, “Baby, please tell me you’re joking,” hoping Anissa was pranking him, but the mother of his children quietly told him she “wasn’t playing with him”. “F**k,” James said. “No! Babe, I’m not joking. Don’t do this to me. Babe! F**k!” “Needless to say, she’s the blessing we never knew we needed,” Anissa captioned in the video, which now attracted over seven million views on TikTok. The Independent has contacted Emily Belson for comment. Read More Husband goes viral for reaction to learning his wife is pregnant again Groom called out over ‘red flag’ wedding prank he pulled on his bride Couple doing IVF lets their dog decide baby’s sex Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat

2023-07-21 01:57

Mother shares video of husband helping her use bathroom after giving birth: ‘The reality of birth’

A new mother has shared the intimate moment her husband helped her use the bathroom after giving birth to their baby boy. Tiffany Remington’s TikTok video, which has now attracted more than seven million views, showed “the reality of birth” as the new mom struggled with a postpartum bowel movements. “It’s time to poop after birth,” she said, adding that the act is just as “mortifying” as delivery is for her. In the video, the Portland-based mother of two proceeded toward the bathroom with her husband Caleb behind her. After Remington took the “stool softener” Colace to ease the process, Caleb joined his wife in the bathroom to aid with wiping. “Ow, that’s hot,” the new mother proclaimed while her partner stuck his head between her and the toilet with a tissue in hand. “Oh nice poo poo,” her husband told her in response, prompting Remington to roll her eyes as Caleb continued in his baby voice: “Did you go pee pee or poo poo?“ “Okay, I think you’re clean,” Caleb proclaimed before eyeing something he missed. The TikToker’s partner then moved on to prepare a maternity pad for her to wear in her postpartum underwear that will catch any bleeding. Over 4,800 followers left comments on Remington’s post, admitting they either loved seeing the candid footage or hated it. “Honestly this is amazing ... a lot of women go into postpartum not knowing what to expect after giving birth and this is so real,” one person wrote, while another added: “Couple goals.” “I would love support but this is WAY too much support,” someone else admitted. “I could never,” one viewer agreed. The social media personality didn’t expect everyone to be in awe of her honest moment, but her point in posting was to show the hardships of postpartum, though she did note she was lucky because her and Caleb’s intimacy “goes beyond physical.” She also said she wanted other women who may be giving birth for the first time to see the reality. “Before any toxic messages roll through, yes I am fully capable of doing this on my own.. but my husband asked if he can help because he knows I hate the feeling of being dirty and choose not to wipe due to my tears, inflammation, and comfortability,” her caption read. @ustheremingtons Before any toxic messages roll through, yes i am fully capable of doing this on my own.. but my husband asked if he can help bc he knows i hate the feeling of being dirty and choose not to wipe due to my tears, inflammation, and comfortability. Why share this? Bc this is the reality of birth, not just the newborn snuggles. The first visit to the loo can be terrifying. You dont have the adrenaline of pushing out a baby so it can be painful. It can also feel like you’re doing this alone and experiencing these V real feelings by yourself. I promise you, youre not! This time around i took colace to soften the stool up and it worked and helped so much! We share these intimate moments bc often times, esp as first time birthers, you dont know what to expect or what is normal. THIS IS NORMAL. we also want to normalize asking for help. My husband and I pride on being there for one another and push each other to ask and accept help. We are V independent people who are strongwilled, so moments like these bond us in the most special way. Love him. Love us. #laboranddelivery #firsttimemom #birthstory #37weekspregnant #38weekspregnant #39weekspregnant #40weekspregnant #birthtips #husbandandwife #momsover30 #parentsoftiktok #thisismotherhood #pregnancyjourney #ivfwarrior #ivfbaby #secondbaby ♬ original sound - Tiffany + Caleb “Why share this? Because this is the reality of birth, not just the newborn snuggles,” she continued. “The first visit to the loo can be terrifying. You dont have the adrenaline of pushing out a baby so it can be painful. It can also feel like you’re doing this alone and experiencing these very real feelings by yourself. I promise you, you’re not!” According to a report by Dr Erica Newland in the Cleveland Clinic, the first bowel movement following delivery can be uncomfortable. “There can be some pain when pooping, particularly if your stools are hard,” she explained. “After giving birth, it can take a while for your body to get back to its pre-pregnancy state. Physically and emotionally, you’re trying to recover from a major event that’s caused many changes.” Speaking with Today, Remington admitted she hoped to “crack the ‘supermom’ stereotype with her video” and encourage women to ask for help if they need it, and for their partners to be there when they do. “[Moms] should be able to hand over some responsibility when it comes to birth and childcare,” she noted. Luckily, Caleb had no problem assuming bathroom responsibility for his son Calvin’s birth, and in 2021 when his daughter was born. He thanked his “strong stomach” for allowing him to be there when Remington needs help wiping, or her vaginal lacerations require monitoring. “I have a great deal of empathy for what Tiffany when through, and a strong stomach,” he said. The Independent has contacted Remington for comment. Read More Robert De Niro’s girlfriend Tiffany Chen talks about ‘postpartum complications’ after birth of their daughter Can you prevent stretch marks during pregnancy? I put Secret Saviours to the test Woman sparks debate with claim she’s discovered the best month to get pregnant Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat

2023-07-21 01:50

Travis Barker discusses potential baby names for son with Kourtney Kardashian: ‘Even he knows it’s bad’

Travis Barker has revealed the unique names he’s considering for the son he and Kourtney Kardashian have on the way. During the latest release of Complex’s “GOAT Talk” video, the 47-year-old drummer and his 17-year-old daughter Alabama sat down to answer rapid fire questions about favourite gifts, rap albums, restaurants, and more. The last card Barker picked up asked the two of them what they thought “the greatest baby name of all time” was. “I like Rocky Thirteen,” the Blink-182 bandmate admitted. “That’s the name that’s been going through my head.” Alabama barely gave her father a chance to explain himself before telling him: “That’s so bad.” The social media star couldn‘t help but laugh at Barker’s confession, adding “he knows it’s bad.” But Barker wasn’t joking as he then revealed his sentimental reasons for loving the unique moniker. “Rocky George played guitar for Suicidal Tendencies. And 13 is just the greatest number of all time,” the instrumentalist proclaimed. Additionally, Barker – who named Alabama after his favourite movie True Romance – pointed out that “Rocky Thirteen” could also serve as a tribute to “the greatest boxing movie of all time,” 1976’s Rocky. Although Barker seemed set on the rock-inspired name, he knew not everyone was going to love the idea. In an attempt to sway him from his choice, Alabama continued to express her doubt over the potential name for her soon-to-be baby sibling. “You sure you’re going to name your kid Rocky Thirteen?” the internet personality asked. “Possibly,” Barker replied. The father of three could end up scraping the idea for another name he’s mentioned to his wife. Following the pair’s public pregnancy announcement in June, the eldest Kardashian sister, mother to Mason, 13, Penelope, 11, and Reign, 8, shared photographs from her maternity shoot on Instagram. Under the batch of images, Barker commented: “I already know his name.” While he didn’t offer the moniker he had in mind, he previously wrote under an older photo on the Kardashian’s account from November 2021: “Our son’s name would be Elvis.” Barker proposed to Kardashian in October of 2021 on the beach at their favourite Santa Barbara spot. From a late night at a little white chapel in Las Vegas, an intimate ceremony at a courthouse to sign their marriage licenses, to a traditional Dolce and Gabbana-themed wedding in Portofino, Italy, the pair tied the knot several times. On 17 June, Kourtney revealed she was pregnant after multiple rounds of IVF when she waved a huge sign that read, “Travis, I’m pregnant,” at the artist’s Blink-182 show in Los Angeles. Her reveal was a nod to a scene in the band’s “All The Small Things” music video, where a woman does the same thing. Barker wiped his eyes before hopping down from the stage to embrace a beaming Kardashian. Read More Travis Barker praises Kourtney Kardashian for ‘healing’ him as he takes 30th flight following deadly crash Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker reveal the gender of their baby Kourtney Kardashian shows off baby bump as fans speculate about due date

2023-07-21 00:49

Michelin star chef Marcus Wareing gives controversial answer to the best pizza in London

Marcus Wareing has claimed that the best pizza he has tried in London is Pizza Express, where he has dined for 20 years. Speaking to content creator Jesse Burgess in a video on Topjaw’s TikTok, the two Michelin-starred chef, who is best known for being a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals said that the classic American Hot pizza, which the restaurant chain has served since the Sixties, is his dish of choice. Asked by Burgess: “What is the best pizza?” Marcus replied: “This one is easy, but you’re not going to like the answer. Pizza Express, I know, I know.” “I still eat the same pizza I was eating for the past 20 years, American Hot, I love it, Romana, a little bit of extra chilli, I love it, it’s got to be a Romana base.” An American Hot is a classic pepperoni pizza with chilli peppers, while a Romana base uses Pizza Express’s famous dough but stretched out to be even bigger, creating a thin, crispy 14-inch base, giving room for extra toppings. “And do you know what every time I go it’s cooked exactly the same,” he added. Content creator Burgess explained that his favourite from the restaurant chain was a Sloppy Guiseppe pizza, a recipe that uses spicy ground beef, green pepper, red onion, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Pizza fanatics have been debating Wareing’s choice, given that London is flooded with pizza chains that serve up trendier offerings, like Pizza Pilgrims, Homeslice, Yard Sale Pizza or Franca Manca. @topjaw Didn’t expect that! More Marcus Wareing tomorrow… ♬ original sound - TOPJAW “He should hand back his stars!” commented one person who seemed to disapprove of Wareing’s preference. “Always consistent I have to say,” wrote one person in agreement with the chef. “I always go for the Giuseppe as well.” “Agreed, nothing better!” added one Pizza Express fan. Meanwhile, one commenter disagreed with the choice of chain restaurant, writing: “Pizza Pilgrims is elite.” In a previous interview with the Guardian, Wareing said that Pizza Express was his favourite chain to take his children to. “They love Pizza Express, which I think is consistently good,” said the chef. “And The Butcher and Grill in Battersea. They get a proper meal and colouring books.” Pizza Express was founded in 1965 by restauranter Peter Boizot, who brought a pizza oven back to London from a trip to Italy. Opening its first restaurant on Wardour Street in Soho, the chain now has 370 sites in the UK and Ireland and 80 sites across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the restaurant announced it was closing 73 of its UK branches. In 2021, it announced it was closing another 23 restaurants. Read More ‘Just awful’: Man accused of ‘selfish’ behaviour after proposing to girlfriend at their graduation Prince Harry and Meghan weren’t allowed to fly Air Force One with Biden after Queen’s funeral, report says Cruise line apologises after passengers witness dozens of pilot whales being slaughtered Chef sparks debate about seasoning chicken with just salt in viral recipe Splash out for this heritage tomato, fennel and dukkah salad Make this Middle Eastern lamb shoulder for your next Sunday roast

2023-07-20 23:57

Eric LeGrand, Rutgers Athletics announce multi-year partnership with alum's bourbon brand

Eric LeGrand spoke to FanSided on behalf of Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the first spirits brand to have a partnership with Rutgers Athletics. Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available at the hospitality areas of SHI Stadium and Jersey Mike's Arena....

2023-07-20 23:49

Claire Richards says she went on 900-calorie-a-day diet before joining Steps

Claire Richards, one of the five-member girl group Steps, has opened up about experiencing an eating disorder in the Nineties, before she joined the band. The singer, 45, said she went on a restrictive diet that only allowed her to eat 900 calories a day, with her meals comprising of just “fish fingers, peas and baked beans”. Appearing on Vicky Pattison’s The Secret To podcast on Thursday’s (20 July) episode, Richards claimed she was told she had to lose weight even though she was a UK size 10 to 12 at the start of her career in the music industry. She added that Kate Moss’s “heroin-chic” thin look was what people aspired to at the time when it came to body image, which in turn encouraged her dieting. “It happened when I was in TSD,” Richards said, referring to her first band, The Scan-Dolls. “They did it to all of us because we were all quite curvy girls. I was probably a [size] 10 or a 12 and wasn’t big at all. “But in the music world, and at that time, that whole Kate Moss, heroin-chic, was a thing and they wanted everyone to be really, really skinny. “So, we were all put on a diet. That diet was interesting because we were encouraged to eat fish fingers, peas and baked beans and have like a 900-calorie diet.” After she auditioned for Steps, Richards claimed she was still under pressure to lose weight. “The audition for Steps was [in] 1997 and by that time I had cut my hair really short, stupidly, and I was wearing this stripey catsuit which I wore in the video for ‘Last Thing on My Mind’,” she explained. “And I always used to tie a hoodie around my waist because I was really conscious of my bum because I thought I had a massive bum… They sat me down, did my audition and they said, ‘Oh, we really like you. We want you to be in the band, but you’re going to have to lose weight’. “It set me on a pathway of not really eating for four-and-a-half years.” Richards said that the years spent worrying about her body image damaged her confidence so much that she has never managed to fully regain it. “I think I’m much better than I was,” she reassured listeners, but added: “But I don’t think I ever will get rid of it completely because it’s played such a massive part of my life for such a long time. “I think I probably was anorexic. You know, I manged to kind of stop what I was doing to myself, but that went from not eating at all, to overeating.” The “It’s The Way You Make Me Feel” singer said she went from being “dangerously thin” to weighing 16.5 stone (104kg) at her heaviest. Richards has previously spoken out about her struggle with disordered eating and expressed how anxious she was about image filters that are popular on the internet today. Last May, she appeared as a guest on Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Spinning Plates podcast and said: “I’ve gone from being dangerously thin to obese and I honestly do believe it’s all part of the same… if it’s an eating disorder, it’s one extreme to the other. “There is a massive lack of understanding, generally, and I think especially on the overweight side of it. I think people just look at anybody who’s overweight [and think] that they’re lazy and have got no discipline. “I’m not lazy and I definitely have discipline but I found myself in that position,” she continued. “I struggle everyday and I’ve managed to maintain a good size now for a long time but it’s a battle everyday and people just don’t understand that psychological side of it generally.” For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this piece, eating disorder charity Beat’s helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677. NCFED offers information, resources and counselling for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit eating-disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040. Read More Bye bye swimwear round, hello body positivity: How beauty pageants became less ugly Prince Harry and Meghan weren’t allowed to fly Air Force One with Biden after Queen’s funeral, report says ‘Just awful’: Man accused of ‘selfish’ behaviour after proposing to girlfriend at their graduation Should I keep my windows closed or open during a heatwave? Why am I so lethargic in the heat? 6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival

2023-07-20 23:22

Jenna Lyons says her hair and teeth are ‘fake’ because of genetic disorder

Reality star Jenna Lyons has revealed that her hair and teeth are not real, as a result of her rare genetic disorder. The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONYC) star, 55, opened up about living with Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome, which is also known as incontinentia pigmenti (IP). In some people, the condition can cause dental abnormalities, missing nails, and bald patches on the scalp (alopecia). In an appearance on The View on Wednesday (19 July), Lyons said the disorder was the reason she entered the fashion world, because she “wanted to look better”. “All my teeth are fake. I paid a lot of money for them. My hair is also fake. I can take it off. It’s like a hat, it’s not a wig,” she detailed. “My eyelashes are fake. I have no eyebrows, and I also have scars all over my skin. “I was really conscious. It’s one of the reasons I went into fashion. I wanted to look better. I was constantly trying to find ways to fit in,” the fashion designer, who was previously the executive creative director and president of J Crew, said. Her condition led her to create her own range of false eyelashes, called Love Seen, because existing ones were too large and did not look natural on her. “When I was doing a lot of red carpets, I kept trying to find eyelashes that looked good and they were just huge one me,” she recalled. “I couldn’t wear them. “I remember talking to my makeup artist Troi Ollivierre and I was going on Oprah show actually and Oprah walked into the green room. He looked at me and he looked at her and he’s like, ‘Get back in that chair. We’re going to put some lashes on you and get some extensions’. “Because she’s got a presence and I look like a wet rat,” she joked, adding that she “couldn’t find what I wanted, so I created a line of lashes that aren’t as over-the-top”. IP is believed to affect just 1.2 in 100,000 individuals globally, with most patients being female. It is characterised by abnormalities in skin, eyes, teeth and the central nervous system. According to the National Organisation for Rare Diseases, the most common symptom of IP are changes in the skin. Patients may develop blisters and boils that may turn into lesions that look like warts, as well as thick scabs and areas of darkened skin due to increased pigmentation. During the interview, Lyons also spoke out about being publicly outed as a lesbian while in the midst of her divorce from former husband Vincent Mazeau in 2011, before she was ready to let the world know. Lyons, the first openly gay New York Housewife, said she was “so overwhelmed with everything that was happening in my life” that, when asked to confirm if she was a lesbian at the time, she “just said yes”. She said that the experience was “so hard” because she had not yet come out to her family and friends. “I hadn’t really been in the public eye that much, it was all still new for me, and I didn’t expect anyone to care about what I was doing in my personal life and all of a sudden everyone cared,” she said. “It was so shocking to me. I was also not sure what the hell I was doing. It was all so new. I mean, I wasn’t [officially out] in any way, but I remember… the Post was calling out PR team, and they said, ‘Listen, can you get on the phone, we’re going to run this story, would you like to confirm or deny?’ “I jut said, ‘Confirm’ and it was like an out-of-body experience.” At the time, Lyons was in a relationship with Courtney Crangi. They have since separated, and Lyons is currently dating photographer Cass Bird. She has one child, son Beckett, whom she shares with Mazeau. Read More Bye bye swimwear round, hello body positivity: How beauty pageants became less ugly Prince Harry and Meghan weren’t allowed to fly Air Force One with Biden after Queen’s funeral, report says ‘Just awful’: Man accused of ‘selfish’ behaviour after proposing to girlfriend at their graduation Gemma Atkinson announces birth of second baby in heartwarming Instagram post Mom sparks backlash for piercing newborn’s ears in hospital Maria Menounos welcomes first baby via surrogate after pancreatic cancer diagnosis

2023-07-20 20:49

Mom sparks backlash for piercing newborn’s ears in hospital: ‘How is that even legal?’

A mother on TikTok has sparked an online debate after she pierced her newborn daughter’s ears one day after giving birth. The woman, who goes by the username @laraticaofficial on the app, originally shared the recently resurfaced clip of her daughter Lara last year. In the 15-second video, baby Lara is seen wearing a set of floral stud earrings in the hospital, just one day after her birth. The child’s mother then showed current footage of her daughter, who was then-four months old, wearing a pair of silver hooped earrings. “The time past [sic] too fast. Missing you being this small,” she captioned the TikTok. The viral video prompted many people to express concern over how early the mother had pierced her daughter’s ears. “Bro was still in the damn hospital bed but had earrings on,” commented one user. “How did she get her ears pierced that young,” a second person wrote. One TikToker said: “How is that ear piercing even legal?” @laraticaofficial 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚘 𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚝 🥺𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 #foryou ♬ In The Stars - Benson Boone However, several users defended the mother against her critics, citing that it is common in certain cultures and traditions to pierce an infant’s ears. “In our culture/family, we also have ears pierced as soon as they are born,” one person shared. “My mum pieced my ears the day after I was born also! It’s great,” another user wrote. “Y’all need to chill. The damn earrings won’t kill the baby. Sheesh!” said someone else. While one TikToker wrote that it’s the mother’s decision to “decide what happens” to their child, another person said they’re “glad” they weren’t “forced to get my ears pierced as a baby” because it “should be the choice of the child”. In an interview with Newsweek, the mother — who lives in Colombia — said that piercing her daughter’s ears after birth is less painful or “non-traumatic” than it would be for a toddler. When asked why she pierced Lara’s ears while she was still in the hospital, the unnamed mother replied: “Because I wanted to, and that it is possible in our country.” She added: “I think a few days after birth is much more non-traumatic for a child to pierce their ears than when they are one or two. Lara had no reaction when the doctors gave her the holes.” For years, piercing a baby’s ears has often been debated by parents and non-parents alike. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ear piercing may be done at any age as long as it is performed carefully. Although, they do recommend to postpone the piercing until a child is mature enough to care for the pierced site themselves. In many cultures, ear piercing is considered a right of passage - a tradition passed down from generation to generation. And some decide to pierce their child’s ears simply because it looks nice. Read More ‘Call me a child abuser again’: Hilary Duff anticipates backlash to piercing daughter’s ears Mother accused of ‘child abuse’ after baby ear piercing video goes viral Khloe Kardashian faces criticism for piercing two-month-old daughter's ears Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat

2023-07-20 00:45

Maria Menounos welcomes first baby via surrogate after pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Maria Menounos and husband Keven Undergaro have welcomed their first baby via surrogate after a decade of fertility issues and Menounos’ battle with pancreatic cancer. On Wednesday (19 July), the 45-year-old journalist revealed to Us Weekly the name of their baby girl: Athena Alexandra. Their bundle of joy was born on 23 June in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, via surrogate. “It was the most special moment of my life,” Menounos recalled to the outlet. “The doctor literally grabbed her and hiked her onto me. I sat with her on my chest, and Keven and I kept looking at each other like, ‘Oh, my God.’ It was just pure joy.” “It was like Christmas morning times a million,” she said. Menounos announced she and her husband Undergaro, 55, were expecting their first child together in February. But just one month prior, she learned she had a 3.9cm mass on her pancreas, later confirmed to be a stage 2 neuroendocrine tumour. “Athena is our miracle baby,” Menounos said. “I’m so grateful for her.” Speaking to Us Weekly, the former E! News correspondent opened up about her 10-year-long fertility journey, and revealed the surprising celebrity who helped her find a surrogate. Menounos previously did three rounds of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments before she opted to have a baby via surrogate. It wasn’t until her first surrogate fell through that her lawyer, Andrew Vorzimer – who Kim Kardashian had connected her to – put her in touch with a surrogate search service. “I give her so much credit,” Menounos said about Kim Kardashian. “She helped us get started and guided me through the fears and the process. She was the first to know we were pregnant! We were at a gala, and I couldn’t resist telling her. She’s such a chill, calm person. Anytime I had questions or needed advice, her responses were instant. I had really leaned on her a lot.” After her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, the TV presenter underwent surgery to remove the tumour on her pancreas, along with parts of her spleen, a fibroid, and 17 lymph nodes. Now, Menounos revealed that she feels “amazing” after surgery, which left her with a C-section scar, despite not delivering a baby on her own. “I’ve had a lot of low moments, so I’ve had a lot of practice in overcoming them,” she said, when asked how she managed to stay positive battling cancer while preparing for her baby girl. “You have to come out of the victim mentality.” “Everyone asks, ‘Why me?’ And my thing is, ‘Why not me?’ That helps me get out of things faster,” she continued. “I just beat this tumour because I found it early, and other people don’t, so I’m lucky. I try to focus on how I want to feel rather than the other stuff. It takes a minute; it’s not easy.” Not only has Maria Menounos battled – and survived – pancreatic cancer, but she previously underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour in 2017. That same year, she and her husband tied the knot after nearly 20 years of dating. Read More Maria Menounos says her tumour ‘doubled in size’ after doctors overlooked first symptoms of cancer Maria Menounos reveals pancreatic cancer symptoms that doctors dismissed Maria Menounos reveals she underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer while expecting baby girl Maria Menounos says her tumour ‘doubled’ after first cancer symptoms were overlooked Mother sparks debate over parent who wouldn’t give daughter cake Gemma Atkinson announces birth of second baby in heartwarming Instagram post

2023-07-19 23:58

Splash out for this heritage tomato, fennel and dukkah salad

Make this in summer when the tomatoes are at their best,” suggests Imad Alarnab. “The better the tomato, the better this will taste, so splash out and get the good ones.” Heritage tomato, fennel and dukkah salad Serves: 2 as a main or 4 as a side Ingredients: 1 fennel bulb 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp za’atar 300g assorted heritage tomatoes, cut into chunks 2 tbsp good-quality extra virgin olive oil Grated zest and juice of ½ lemon 2 tbsp dukkah 150g soft goat’s cheese Small handful of fresh tarragon leaves Salt Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. 2. Cut the fennel bulb into 6-8 wedges, depending on how large your fennel is. Toss in the olive oil, za’atar and salt to taste, place on an oven tray and roast for 25-30 minutes until soft, slightly crisp and golden. Set aside to cool slightly. 3. Toss the tomatoes in a little salt and the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest and juice, and dukkah. Roughly crumble the cheese and place on a large serving plate, followed by the roasted fennel and then the tomatoes. Finish with the tarragon leaves. Imad’s Syrian Kitchen by Imad Alarnab (HQ, £26). Read More The National Portrait Gallery’s new restaurant is fabulous upgrade The dish that defines me: Alex Outhwaite’s Vietnamese bun cha 3 TikTok-approved recipes for picnic season Imad Alarnab: In Calais’ Jungle refugee camp, food restored our faith It’s easier to make baklava at home than you might think Make this Middle Eastern lamb shoulder for your next Sunday roast

2023-07-19 21:19

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