It’s that time of the month again: Netflix has announced all the shows and movies that are leaving the streaming platform. While there’s plenty to be excited about since the company is adding over 140 titles in October, we never like to say goodbye to our comfort shows.
Among titles leaving that include Sofia the First and The Notebook lies the biggest heartbreak of all, Schitt’s Creek––to which we say eww, David. All six seasons will no longer be available as of Oct. 2. The silver lining? You can catch up with the Rose family on Hulu!
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath (Seasons 1-3)
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
Miss Congeniality
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous
Monster-in-Law
Naruto (Seasons 1-9)
The Notebook
Rock of Ages
So what can you look forward to come October when it comes to new binge options? According to What’s on Netflix, there is plenty.
We are most excited for Wendell & Wild, The Good Nurse, The School for Good and Evil, The Watcher, Luckiest Girl Alive, and tons of throwback movies. October will be the ideal time to introduce your kids to all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles flicks and reminisce with movies like Rush Hour, Wedding Crashers and both of the Sex and the City films.
You’re going to want to stock up on a ton of popcorn for the next couple of months!
After seven amazing seasons, Workin’ Moms is coming to a close. Just this past week, creator and actor Catherine Reitman wrapped up the series and from under a sheen of Gatorade, where she addressed her team and shared the video on Instagram.
“I’m shaking, guys. To say that I’m overwhelmed is such an understatement. Nine years ago I had a little boy who was in today’s episode, Jackson (you were all so patient and generous with him). And I didn’t feel like myself anymore. Phil and I were really struggling to find any content out there that represented that. That showed how f-cked up having kids can be.”
She went on thank the people at CBS who took a chance on her and her show. “It doesn’t even makes sense. But then of course it does, because we are here together celebrating the fact that that these stories are so much bigger than me. They’re so much bigger than Philip and Jackson or any hilarious or stupid experience I ever had as a mother. I really believe that this show was meant to happen. I feel really, really lucky that I got to do it. And I feel even more lucky that I got to do it with you.”
After wrapping the season, Reitman talking to brother and shared just what makes a show like this so special and important. “We all get to witness the magic of something before millions and millions of people connect with it and laugh, or are horrified, or however they’re going to react to it. And the show, way beyond me and its extraordinary writers and extraordinary crew the show has worked. And millions of people are watching.”
At the end of the day, Reitman’s desire to make something about life as a working mom wormed its way into our hearts, and if we admit it, we’re kinda sad that’s about to end. In the meantime, we’ll drown our sorrows as we binge watch seasons one through six on Netflix, eagerly awaiting the seventh and final season.
Elisabeth Moss and her miserable, penetrating gaze are back! Hulu has just dropped another new trailer for season five and it’s every bit as intense as you’d imagine.
The action-packed two minute trailer gives even more away about the upcoming season, and that June is not done yet when it comes to exacting her revenge. Suddenly, we are marking our calendars for Sept. 14 so we make sure the kids to bed are in bed to grab some much-needed “me time.”
In July, a brief one-minute long preview of the upcoming season was dropped and it showed Serena and June none too friendly. Amidst funeral shots, images of June and her baby and a few explosions, the trailer is getting us excited for all that’s to come
It was just this summer that Hulu released two photos tied to the next installment. Still the only still images around, they are a bleak preview of upcoming happenings in the new season. June Osborne (Elizabeth Moss) is seen looking pretty perturbed (we’re used to that) as she glares into the camera, and Serena Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski) is sporting what appears to be funeral garb. To be honest, she looks pretty pleased with herself so this season bodes well for the drama.
Admittedly, there are still lots of questions about the upcoming season. Thankfully, Hulu has shared a synopsis that reads: “June faces consequences for killing Commander Waterford while struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. The widowed Serena attempts to raise her profile in Toronto as Gilead’s influence creeps into Canada. Commander Lawrence works with Aunt Lydia as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power. June, Luke and Moira fight Gilead from a distance as they continue their mission to save and reunite with Hannah.”
If you aren’t already a Handmaid’s fan, this summer is the perfect time to get acquainted and binge-watch seasons one through four. In a nutshell, the show is set in a dystopian society following a second American Civil War. Here, the government of Gilead subjects fertile women to a life of child-bearing slavery, in addition to other laws where they can’t read, own property or have careers. Basically, it’s a nightmare come true.
The Handmaid’s Tale season 5 will start with two episodes set to debut starting Sept. 14. They will release weekly on Wednesdays. Blessed be the fruit!
Because you know you need some clean jokes for the kiddos!
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through our big list of jokes for kids you might have noticed that many of them are sent into our editor directly from hilarious kids themselves. So we’ve rounded them up into one hysterically funny and adorable collection. Read on for the best silly, sweet, totally clean jokes for kids (by kids!).
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1. What do you call Chewbacca with cookies in its fur?
A chocolate-chip Wookie.
—Jake
2. What is a computer's favorite snack? Computer chips!! —reader Rebecca K.
Need a new mug to sip from while you binge watch old episodes of your fave gal pals? A new set from Jerrod Maruyama has you covered!
This four-piece barware collection captures The Golden Girls with all their personality. Enjoy either hot or cold beverage with the likes of Sophia Petrillo, Rose Nylund, Blanche Devereaux and Dorothy Zbornak like never before!
Each mug can hold 19-19 ounces, is microwave safe and can be placed top-shelf in your dishwasher. The four-piece set retails for $90 and can be purchased at toynk.com.
Don’t need all four? This set makes the perfect gift for your girlfriends for tuning in for a night of streaming and cheesecake.
If you’re looking for more ways to harness your inner Golden Girl and dress up your space, you should also check out this Sophia-inspired Chia Pet and snag the Little Golden Book all about Betty White. Now that all the actresses have been reunited in the afterlife, we have to keep their girl power strong somehow!
Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang are headed back to Space! Apple TV+ has just released all the details of season two of Snoopy in Space and they’re out of this world.
All 12 episodes will drop on Fri. Nov. 12 and will follow the beloved beagle and his friends as they travel across the universe in search of new life. Keep scrolling to catch the adorable trailer!
The interstellar journey detailed in season two focuses on important topics like technology and science behind space travel, resilience and imagination.
Mark your calendar to binge watch season two of Snoopy in Space only on Apple TV+.
A babymoon is the perfect way to relax and reconnect with your partner before having to tackle sleepless nights, diaper changes and bottles. While there is no one right way to babymoon, there are some things every mom-to-be should consider when planning a pre-baby getaway. Read on for tips on how to choose when and where to go and what to pack. Can’t travel? We have you covered with great ideas for babymoon staycations.
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1. Choose the Right Time Timing is key when it comes to planning a fun and relaxing babymoon. Most obstetricians think the best time to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This is the ideal time to plan a babymoon because the fatigue and nausea of the first trimester will have passed but the discomfort many moms-to-be experience in the third trimester will not have set in yet. Added bonus: Planning a trip for the second trimester will also give you something to look forward to when you're struggling through the worst of those early pregnancy symptoms.
2. Find the Perfect Destination With months of sleepless nights ahead, you'll want a destination that offers plenty of opportunities to relax. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has plenty of advice about how to stay safe on cruise ships, airplanes and during international travel, so nearly everything is on the table for expectant moms. If you have any concerns about your health and your baby's, select a destination that is not more than a few hours from your doctor or a large hospital capable of handling pregnancy complications. Consider your pregnancy symptoms as well. Even if you loved cruising before becoming pregnant, if you tend to get nauseated on the water, you may want to avoid any activity that could cause sea sickness.
3. Set Your Budget Babies are expensive! Before getting carried away with your vacation, think about how much you can realistically spend. If the answer you come up with is "not a lot," don't worry. You can have an amazing babymoon on a budget. Consider a babymoon staycation! Look for mid-week hotel specials in your town or find a spa that gives prenatal massages and book a couple's day there. Or, look to nearby towns that are an easy drive from where you live to keep costs down. If you already have a lot of baby necessities from an older sibling or can snag hand-me-downs, consider asking family and friends for donations toward a babymoon rather than creating a baby registry. Instead of receiving baby gear you don't need, you can request gift certificates for dinner at a restaurant on the beach, a night at a hotel or a prenatal massage in the on-site spa.
4. Get Your Doctor's Okay Before any babymoon plans are booked, check with your OB or midwife to make sure your trip is medically approved. Then schedule a pre-trip checkup to make sure you and the baby are in good health before jetting off. Since this appointment will be close to your departure date, most of your vacation plans will be set. That means it's a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about your destination, such as whether certain local foods are safe to eat or how to avoid Zika virus. Get the okay for any location-specific activities, like rock climbing or long hikes. This appointment is also a good time to ask travel-related questions, such as how often you should get up to walk during a flight or where to place your seatbelt for a long car ride. Pro tip: Some airlines and cruise ships have restrictions on when pregnant women can travel, so you can ask your doctor for a letter confirming your week of pregnancy at this appointment.
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5. Pack Wisely Stick to the essentials when packing so you won't have a mountain of laundry to do when you get home. You also want to be comfortable and cute! A babymoon is the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe and get some basics to take you through the rest of your pregnancy and postpartum. A cute pair of Allbirds slip-ons will help ensure you are able to walk around in comfort on your babymoon. As a bonus, you will have a great pair of shoes you can put on hands-free once your bebe arrives. You can also justify picking up some new clothes to fit your growing belly, like a lounge dress or stretchy leggings from KyteBaby.
6. Plan Some Quality Couples Time A babymoon is a great chance to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Remember what brought you together and enjoy each other's company as a couple before life changes. Take some time to talk about what you are looking forward to and what you are worrying about. If you need some ideas, The Adventure Challenge: Couples Edition is a fun scratch-off book full of ideas to make sure you don't always have the same old date night while on your babymoon.
7. Babymoon at Home Whether you have to stay close to home because you are on bed rest or because every extra penny is going to the baby, you can still have a great at-home babymoon. Treat your babymoon at home the same as you would if you were going out of town. Set an out-of-office auto-response for email and turn your ringer off. Plan to spend a long weekend (or more) doing nothing but pampering yourself, hanging with your main squeeze, eating all your favorite foods and binge-watching whatever you like. A long bath with candles and a weekend of lounging around can do wonders to help you reset and get ready for the next phase of pregnancy—and your baby!
Summer is full of late nights, cool treats, and hopefully some bonding time camping, glamping or just chilling in the yard with the kiddie pool. But even the most relaxed parent will admit there’s more than one reason we are looking forward to these lazy, hazy days of summer coming to an end. Here are a few of ours.
Now that the kids are actually asleep BEFORE 10 p.m. (8 if you’re lucky) you get a little me time. And by me time, we mean binge-watching all those abandoned shows in your Netflix queue.
2. School lunches, baby.
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For the first time in almost three months, someone else will be responsible for feeding your constantly hungry pack. If you’re the lunch maker in the house, take heart. After a summer of being eaten out of house and home, making a lunch per kid will seem like a treat. At least at first.
3. We can stop worrying about “summer slide” and “brain drain.”
Not everything. But some things. Like not have to use your lunch break to shuttle kids from camp to sitter. Or getting in and out of the grocery store in less than 20 minutes (and not having to say “no” 25 times per child). Or actually reading a book in silence without having to lock yourself in the bathroom.
6. We get to hang out with other parent-friends at school drop off.
Because if you don’t actually get to talk to a grown-up person who isn’t explaining Minecraft or LOL Surprise dolls for hours on end, you just might forget how to speak in complete sentences.
7. And, conversely, you get to chill in the pick-up line.
You’ll have plenty of time to catch up on your social media feeds while waiting for the final bell to ring. Or maybe listen to your favorite NPR show or podcast. It’s okay to admit this is why we all get there 10 minutes early and sit in our cars. After all, we said hi and arranged playdates at drop-off.
8. Speaking of which, playdate season is back!
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Despite your best intentions, most of those end-of-the-year promises for epic playdates all summer long probably went unrealized. But now that you see your parent BFFs (and the kids see theirs) more often, it’s just easier to coordinate.
9. We get to return to our “regular” routines.
Nothing's better than getting back from vacation and restarting regular routines—and dressing appropriately for the appropriate task. And we’re not saying yoga pants aren’t appropriate for most of those. But if you want to wear pants with pockets, you go girl!
Like a golden beacon, the school bus arrives. If your kid takes the bus, heading back to the classroom means you won’t spend precious minutes going the opposite direction of your work each morning. Save that for the after-school activities.
Missing the bath or shower was adorable when summer started. But you’re ready to see what your kid actually looks like under all the grime. And glitter. And paint.
13. You don't have to volunteer (yet).
Of course, you'll help out in the coming months (ahem), but because the year just started, you get to cut yourself some slack. No judgments.
14. We get to spend our daylight hours (or minutes) doing stuff that doesn't involve occupying a kid.
As a parent, the idea of getting more sleep sounds about as possible as your toddler never throwing another tantrum. Sleep is like the Holy Grail of motherhood, and while finding it won’t reward you with eternal life, it will undoubtedly give you a renewed spirit.
You might think sleep is a luxury you can’t afford, but truth be told, it’s an investment in being the best mom you can be. No wonder there’s a whole week devoted to getting more shut-eye! Yep, that’s right—we’re now in National Sleep Awareness Week, which runs from Mar. 14 through Mar. 20 this year.
Of course, we get it, you want to sleep, but your kids wake you up at all hours (insert reason 1,098,097 here). Or, your kids finally sleep through the night, but you can’t shut your brain off long enough to settle into a restful slumber. Well, don’t worry. In honor of National Sleep Awareness Week, here are a few tips for snagging the sleep you need to be a more mindful mom.
1. Know When to Say Goodnight
Does this sound familiar? The kids are finally asleep, and you decide now it’s the perfect time to finish up that last-minute project, wash the dishes, or simply binge-watch Netflix. The only problem is, you’re also exhausted. The next thing you know, it’s at least 11 p.m., and you’re finally crawling into bed, only to have your kids bouncing on top of you by 6 a.m. or even earlier.
Start training yourself to go to bed earlier so you can face the next day with a more refreshed outlook. It won’t be an easy habit to start, but you can do it with patience and consistency. Each evening, after the kids are in bed, allow yourself to take a few minutes to finish up a small task (accomplishing small goals is a great confidence boost), but only do something that will take you about 20 minutes or less. Then, it’s time to unwind and get ready for bed. If you usually get in bed around 11 p.m., then the first night, shoot for 10:45, the next 10:30, and so on, until you can get in bed by about 9 or 9:30.
2. Snag Some Mini-Snoozes during the Day
Yes, napping is like a dirty secret that no mom wants anyone to know about, but it’s a perfect way to recharge during the day. If your baby is sleeping, then you sleep. If your kids are at school, close your eyes for about 5-to-10 minutes a couple of times throughout the day. It might not sound like much, but you would be amazed at how much these frequent mini-naps can do for your overall sense of well-being and patience.
3. Have a Bedtime Routine (for You)
You probably have a set bedtime routine for your kids; maybe it’s getting a bath, brushing teeth, reading a book, then saying goodnight. You need a routine too. As you’re working on bumping your bedtime to an earlier time, start building your routine. Do something that helps you relax, like a cup of chamomile tea, a crossword puzzle, read a book.
Keep a journal next to your bed and take a few minutes before hitting your pillow to write down anything that’s on your mind, whether it’s things you have to do the next day or something troubling you. This gets all of these thoughts out of your brain so you can focus on sleep. Then, right before you go to bed, check out a MamaZen Mindpower Session to help you drift off to dreamland.
4. Dealing with Interruptions to Your Sleep
Of course, these tips are great for prioritizing your sleep, but children love to throw monkey wrenches into plans! So what happens when you’re finally sleeping deep, and your kids start crying or tugging on your covers at 3 a.m.? Well, it’s going to happen, so take a breath, put the kiddos back in bed (try not to put them in yours), then focus on your breathing as you fall back asleep. It also helps to keep everything as dark as possible as you put your children back to sleep, and do so as quickly and calmly as you can. Making a big deal about it will only prolong the situation.
A well-rested mom is a happier and healthier mom. For more ways to draft off to a better sleep, check out the MamaZen app and audio sessions that will help you start making sleep a priority in your life.
Jake Y. Rubin, M.A, is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist, a former university professor of psychology, and a recognized expert in hypnosis and hypnotherapy with degrees in Psychology from UCLA and the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. He is the founder of the MamaZen app.
There are very few things you can’t do year-round in Atlanta, but some things shine especially bright in the cooler winter months. From finding the perfect cup of hot chocolate from a local cafe to hiking one of our nearby trails for breathtaking views, you’ll want to check off this bucket list before the temperature and humidity start to rise. Keep reading for our favorite ways to say farewell to winter.
Take a Winter Road Trip from Atlanta
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Even after the temperatures have cooled, nothing beats Covid cabin fever than a road trip. Atlanta is within five hours of the beach, the mountains, and long list of historic sites worth paying a visit. So pack your family’s bags and gas up your tanks, because we’ve zeroed in on five fantastic winter road trips for families that start in Atlanta.
Take a Hike
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Atlanta is known as the city in the trees for good reason, so it’s no surprise that there are miles and miles of pristine nature preserves and more rugged hikes nearby. Hiking with kids near Atlanta is easy when we’ve got waterfalls, nature preserves, and state parks at our doorstep, and it's especially good during our mild winter months. Here are a dozen of our favorite hikes for all ages.
Explore Atlanta's Museums
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From science and epidemiology to art and design, with everything in between, Atlanta's museum scene is legit. And, with Covid precautions in place, you'll be able to plan your trip with fewer crowds for a more relaxed experience. Here are our favorite museums for kids and families around Atlanta.
Turn Your Kitchen into a Lab
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Looking for kids’ science experiments? Thanks to common household ingredients, some ingenuity and our guide, these classic science experiments and projects for kids make any day exciting. And we’ve rated each experiment from one to five sponges so you know the messiness factor ahead of time.
Cozy Up with Children's Books by Local Authors
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February is the perfect time to cozy up to a little local lit with your kiddos. From the familiar Pete the Cat to the lesser known Listening Me, these books are awesome, no matter where you’re reading them. We just think it’s really cool that the authors have spent their fair share of time traveling Peachtree. Give these children's book with Atlanta authors a look.
Go Out for a Cup of Local Hot Chocolate
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When Old Man Winter starts getting on your nerves, bundle up your babes and battle the brr’s with a cup of hot chocolate at one of our favorite hot chocolate and coffee houses. These are five of our favorite places to score hot chocolate in Atlanta.
Visit the MLK National Historical Park
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What do you know about the Civil Rights Movement? Learn something new about the people from the past—famous and not so famous— who played a part in the movement. The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Birth Home is open for ranger-led tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when volunteers are available. All sites are free to the public.
Note: In accordance with guidance from the CDC and recommendations from public health authorities, all buildings within the park are temporarily closed. Visitors are welcomed to park and take a self-guided tour of our campus until further notice. Click here for more details.
Take Advantage of Free Admission to The High
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On the Second Sunday of each month, you can enjoy free admission to The High Museum of Art. During Covid, all programming will be cancelled and guests are asked to adhere to strict social distancing endeavors—making it a nice place to spend an afternoon outside your house (and the elements). Here's what you need to know.
Hit Some Nearby Slopes or a Cozy Cabin
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Pack up for a road trip and hit one of these nearby southern ski slopes for a long weekend of fun. If the snow's already gone, try check out one of these cozy cabins for a fun escape from the city.
Binge Watch a Netflix Series
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Cozy up on the couch for a Netflix binge sesh with the whole family. Here's what's new and noteworthy on Netflix this month.
