This 9-Year-Old Remixed Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” to Sell Girl Scout Cookies

by Erica LoopJanuary 20, 2020

Amory Vargo is one creative kiddo. The nine-year-old from Westerville, Ohio recently remixed Lizzo’s hit “Truth Hurts,” turning the song into an awesomely amazing Girl Scout cookie sales clip!

The now-viral YouTube video already has over 63,000 views—and counting. Reportedly the nine-year-old spent two weeks writing lyrics and practicing for the video.

Amory’s mother, Samantha, told Today, “She played around with a few popular songs before landing on this one, but when she thought of it the lyrics just started flowing.” Samantha continued, “It was pretty easy for her to piece it together once the ball started rolling.”

Westerville’s NBC 4 News talked to Amory about her song choice, “I think Lizzo is really inspirational and I like her messages,” said the nine-year-old. Amory’s mother added, “We talked before about being that strong woman and caring about yourself.”

If you’re wondering whether the viral video is helping the little girl boost sales, recent reports put Amory one-third of the way to her 2,020 cookie goal. To buy a box (or a few!) of your fave GS cookies from Amory, visit her website here.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Zak Vargo via YouTube

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Here’s How Hilary Duff’s Wedding Dress Celebrated Her Kids

by Erica LoopDecember 29, 2019

Actress Hilary Duff recently wed Matthew Koma in an intimate ceremony at the couple’s Los Angeles home. Even though the nuptials were private, Duff shared the details on her dress with Vogue.

In a video posted by Vogue, Duff opens up and talks about Koma’s proposal and her wedding plans. The actress reveals her wedding-day hairstyle and gives fans a glimpse of her gorgeous gown.

The simple, structured flowing white gown, which was designed by Jenny Packham, is sleek and as Duff describes it, a “statement” dress that is, “gorgeous and toned down.”

Along with the design itself, Duff dished on her plans to make the dress extra-meaningful. “There’s a sweet little embroidery with our initials. There’s an M and an H and then the date of our wedding.” The newlywed continues, “And over here there’s initials for our kids.”

After revealing the sweet tribute to her kiddos Luca and Banks, Duff went on to say, “They’re part of our ceremony and obviously the biggest part of our life.” Huff then mused, “Maybe someday Banks will want to wear my dress.”

Duff also showed off Banks’ dress—which was also designed by Packham. The 14-month-old’s dress was white, like her mama’s, but also had a sweet pink ribbon across the front and a massively adorable bow at the back!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Vogue via YouTube

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These Mermaid Yoga Skeletons are a Magical Must-Have for Your Halloween Decor

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 10, 2019

Sad you missed out on Trader Joe’s yoga skeleton plants? Amazon has your back. Now you can take your zen Halloween decor under the sea with these frightfully calming mermaid yoga skeletons.

This trio of betwitching dead mermaids are the perfect addition to your mantel and will cozy right up to those lotus posing skeletons you nabbed from Michael’s.

Each peacefully posing skeletal mermaid measures about eight inches tall and features a different yoga pose including Namaste, Siddhasana and Vrksasana. They all have intricately detailed plum-colored tails, turquoise clam shell tops and long flowing hair.

You can score all three sirens in a set for $39.95 on Amazon or you can purchase them individually starting at $11.95.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Amazon

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20 Tips to Improve Communication with Your Kids

By Divya Agrawal

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

September 3, 2019

Photo: effective communication via pexels

Connecting with your child is the essence of a happy parent-child relationship—and effective communication paves the way. Due to our technology-led world, there is a feeling of a disconnect that is not always visible. It is well said that we need to ‘Disconnect to Connect’. When we connect in any relationship, from the core of the heart, positive energy flows between us and a deep bond is created.

Connecting with your child is not about teaching them or making them the one you wished for, but loving and accepting the one in front of you. Make your child feel worthy as they are and not when they will become better or perform better or get medals.

I know it is not easy to accept as it sounds. It takes courage and strength to connect. A feeling of disconnect seeps in when parents are pre-occupied with work, demands more than giving and do not spend time with children. Moreover, with the high level of parental stress, the child becomes more disconnected. Good and effective communication is a major aspect to help build a good and deep connection with your child. Words and emotions play an important role in any relationship.

Effective communication is a two-way process where we talk to others and listen to others. It includes both verbal and non-verbal interaction. The trend is to focus on the verbal interaction between parent and child but non-verbal interaction is equally important where we communicate through the things we do to express feelings and emotions.

Here are my 20 best tips on how to build effective communication with your child.

When you talk to your child:

Check the tone of your voice, speak calmly. Avoid agitation and watch what you say and how you say.
Avoid difficult words and long-winded sentences for children below 6 years old.
Keep it short and simple. Use ordinary language.
Avoid lecturing or preaching every time otherwise, it might put your child off and discourage him from talking to you.
Do not force him to talk if he is pre-occupied with some task. Wait until he is ready to share.

When you listen to your child:

Show your interest by facing your child and maintain eye contact.
Be physically close to your child.
Avoid distractions and put aside the work you are doing.
Respond verbally with ‘Yes’, ‘I see’, or ‘okay’.
Encourage non-verbally also with a smile, eye contact, nods, and gestures.
Ask appropriate questions to keep the conversation flowing such as ‘what’, ‘how’, ‘when’, and ‘why’.
Observe the behavior of your child and enter your child’s world.
Listen to the words with eyes and keep watching how he express his feelings through his drawings or through play.
Listen to his feelings and let him know that you understand him and he can trust you. When you respond to your child:
Encourage discussion by asking questions and allow him to respond.
If your child asks you any question, be honest and tell him if you do not know the answer.
You can help your child to find him the answer.
Show him the way how both of you can look for the answer.
Engage your child to find the answers on his own which will help him to think and solve his problems.
Do not answer every question to make him over-dependent on you.

This post originally appeared on Wonder Parenting.

Divya Agrawal

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Hi Team,

I'm a mommy of a 9-year-old girl! I am an ACS by profession and writer by passion. This passion for reading and writing drove me to express my thoughts and experience on parenting in the form of a blog. Do check my personal blog - Wonder Parenting!!!

This National Park Has the Most Epic Natural Water Slide

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 4, 2019

Each year for a few short months Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve’s Medano Creek makes a splash with an amazing natural phenomenon that turns the sandy dunes into a giant waterslide.

When the snow in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains begins to melt, the water flows down to Medano Lake and around the basin of the dunes where it transforms in to a flowing stream. For the STEM lovers, there is a science behind the occurrence, which is referred to as surge flow.

As a video created by the National Parks service explains, when the water trickles down it creates underwater ridges in the sand that build and break creating waves in the water. A perfect example of why Medano Creek is often referred to as “Colorado’s natural beach.”

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A post shared by Kristi Watson (@kristiwatson)

The surge flow has just begun slightly late due to a slower melting rate this season. It should hit peak flow in the few weeks and continue through June. If you’re hoping to catch a ride and go sand-surfing on this natural water slide, however, be prepared for crowds and opt for a weekday if possible as June is typically the busiest month to visit the park.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Great Sand Dunes National Park via Flickr

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Katy Perry Wowed On “American Idol” Dressed as This Disney Villain

by Erica LoopApril 24, 2019

Pop star Katy Perry isn’t exactly someone you’d call conventional. When the singer donned a costume for American Idol’s Disney-themed episode, she went for something totally unexpected—and absolutely amazing!

Forget about Ariel and her flowing red locks. Instead of a Disney princess, Perry chose a villain. More specifically, she chose Ursula. And her costume was…well, fit for a serious sea witch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry)

Perry told Entertainment Tonight, “I was thinking about [being] the Little Mermaid but then I realized, Ursula is a character who isn’t done very much, [while] the Little Mermaid always gets her moment in the sun!” The singer went on to add an American Idol tie-in, saying, “And Ursula, actually, really wants Ariel’s voice. And that’s what I want, is these contestants’ voices!”

So what did Perry’s co-judges think of the imaginative awesomeness of the superstar’s Ursula outfit? Luke Bryan told ET, “I was in my trailer, looking like me, and somebody goes, ‘Katy is gonna be Ursula.’ And I go, ‘Is she purple all over?’ And they said, ‘She’s purple all over.’ I went, ‘God, I love that woman. I love her.'” Yep, we pretty much feel the same way!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Katy Perry via Instagram

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You Are Enough, Mamas

By Kris Marion

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 17, 2019

To all of you work-outside-the-home and work-inside-the-home and trying-to-do-both mamas out there: I see you and see how hard you are working at *everything* and I admire you. I’m in your corner. I’ve always talked with my own mom about how grateful I am for a flexible job that allows me to both pursue my professional degree as well as pursue parenting in its entirety.

Fully emersing in both feels like an impossibility, right? It’s always ebbing and flowing; taking care of self as well as taking care of family and our roles within both. Here’s what rubs salt into the wound: when society convinces us that parenthood isn’t a “valid enough” career. I recently found a suicide note, written by my mom at age 70, lamenting the fact she didn’t have “a real career”, that she never felt educated enough or competent enough. She completed a Master’s Degree in Home Economics and then raised my sister and me. She was a kind and gentle mother. She was also a talented paper-arts artist in her later years. Her career was us, first and foremost! Raising small humans, being there to pack lunches and kiss owies and get us to piano practice each week. She taught lessons and shared wisdom and devoted herself to us in our childhoods. She then pursued her artistic talents by creating cards, art projects, and more, including teaching art classes at a local fine arts store. Her classes sold-out. Her friends were in awe of her creations. Her legacy of art and kindness is vivid and alive in her community despite her recent death. Her daughters are resilient enough to handle this time of grief and loss, in part thanks to her devotion to our childhood and raising us with a variety of skills. She had a career — she actually had two! — but acknowledged it not. It weighed her down, the feelings of inadequacy.

So my plea to you, hard-working mamas: own your power. claim your worth. do any and all of the work you are drawn to do in this life, whether it inside or outside the home. be kind to yourself. be kind to your children and friends who already love you exactly as you are. Live a good life. Know in your bones that you are valid enough, every day.

Kris Marion

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kris is a busy mama to three kids (fraternal twins and a spunky preschooler) and a full-time speech-language pathologist at a local early intervention agency. She stays passionate about pursuing both her professional goals and her parenting commitment, which leaves her grateful for both opportunities. Kris uses humor, coffee, and writing to augment her life.

This New Crayola Subscription Box Is a Crafty Kid’s Dream Come True

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 10, 2019

What’s the best thing you can find in your mailbox if you love crafting? How about a Crayola subscription box? That’s right, little artist’s your favorite crayon maker is launching a monthly craft kit and it’s as awesome as it sounds.

Created in partnership with Bulu, Inc., the Crayola CIY Box—CIY stands for “Create It Yourself”—is a brand new subscription box perfect for young crafters looking for some artistic inspiration. The kits make it easy to complete projects without having to shop around for all the supplies needed.

Each kit comes packed with supplies and directions for two craft projects plus a bonus crafting challenge to stretch creative skills, as well as surprises, unique gifts and coupons. Subscribers also gain access to an online library full of crafting resources, including video tutorials and downloadable templates.

“Crafters of all ages are going to love making two projects and participating in the bonus craft challenges designed to get their creativity flowing. We want to see everyone spending less time on their screens and letting their imaginations flourish instead. Every month, subscribers get to enjoy crafting and quality time together, all in one Subscription Box!” said Paul Jarrett, Co-founder & CEO of Bulu, Inc.

The Crayola CIY Box is designed for tweens and teens, targeted for crafters ages 10 and up. The kits are available to order now and will begin shipping May 15, 2019. The subscription starts at $37.99 for a single box plus $2.99 for shipping. Subscribers can choose from a single delivery, three-month, six month or 12-month plan with savings of up to $84 for choosing a full year of deliveries.

Subscribers are encouraged to share their unique creations via social media with the hashtag #CrayolaCIYBox. Now the question becomes…what will your little maker make and create with this awesome new box?

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Crayola

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Mom Buns That Are Actually Stylish

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 11, 2019

Like yoga pants and Ugg boots, mom buns can sometimes get a bad rap, but when you’re chasing young kids, the last thing you want is a hairdo that gets in your way. Just remember—even if you go with something practical, that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. We’ve rounded up some easy hairstyles that make the mom bun look totally stylish.

Messy Bun

Tamara Bellis via Unsplash

You can't go wrong with a basic messy bun to give you the clean, practical look of an updo without being too formal. Pull your hair into a loose ponytail, either high or low will work. Twist the hair, and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, continuing to wrap below the bun. Secure your hair with an elastic tie and bobby pins. You can pull out a few strands from the bun or around your face to make it a little messier.

Half Bun

David Solce via Unsplash

For a variation on the messy bun, try a half-up style. Gather just half your hair at the top and then follow the same steps to making a messy bun, leaving the rest of your locks flowing free.

Top Knot Bun

Lexie Barnhorn via Unsplash

A top knot bun is an easy, protective style for natural hair. With hair stretched, smooth it up into a ponytail and then form into a bun, securing in place with a second hair tie or pins.

Low Side Bun

Sonya Benham via Flickr

This is an easy hairstyle that’s meant to look a little messy, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time perfecting those wayward strands if you have hair that’s hard to tame. Create a side part, and gather all your hair to the side in a low ponytail. Wrap your hair tie around and twist it while twisting your hair at the same time, and loop the band around one more time to create a bun. Use bobby pins to tuck in loose ends and give the bun more shape.

Octopus Bun

Yanapi Senaud via Unsplash

A variation on the messy bun is the octopus—the latest trend in bun hairstyles that also happens to be one of the easiest. Simply sweep your hair up into a high ponytail, then wrap the length of your hair around the base of your ponytail. When there’s just a small amount of hair left, tuck the ends under the band, leaving them sticking out.

Tousled Chignon

Tanesha Awasthi

Tame your curly tresses with a sleek, but simple chignon. As Girl With Curves' Tanesha Awasthi describes, simply gather your hair to the side like you're making a side ponytail then pull it halfway through an elastic hair tie and twist the tie back over to form a messy bun. Check out the full tutorial here.

Two Minute Braided Bun

Abby Smith/Twist Me Pretty via YouTube

Practically effortless, this braided bun from hair guru Abby Smith at Twist Me Pretty is going to be your new fave style. A low ponytail and a simple braid is the basis for this chic look. Abby isn't kidding when she says it only takes two minutes to pull off this 'do! Head to her YouTube channel to see the quick tutorial.

Panda Buns

Brooke Cagle via Unsplash

Double up on buns with this playful updo. Split your hair into two parts and put each side up into a high, messy bun.

Half-Up Panda

Jakob Owens via Unsplash

If your hair is too short for high buns, you can still get a similar look with a half-up version. Gather half your hair at the top, split into two sides and form buns.

High Bun for Curly Hair

Alex Holyoake via Unsplash

Tame your curls without losing them entirely with this easy updo that keeps a few strands loose to frame your face.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Remy Loz via Unsplash

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Water Park Thrills Meet Nostalgic Fun in Texas Hill Country

by Gabby CullenJuly 12, 2018

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country lies the original Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort. With decades of rich history and tons of fun to be had, this iconic family-owned water park resort (the first one in the country!) is a must for your vacation bucket list. We stopped in for a visit and got the scoop on everything from little-known secrets to what’s new and cool. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

The History

The Henry family arrived in New Braunfels in 1966, to run a small resort along the banks of the Comal River. In order to attract more guests to the resort, Mr. Henry began constructing waterslides (fed by the Comal River) in the ’70s. Many of them are still in operation today, and they wander in and out of the many century-old oak, cedar and cypress trees that are set along the banks of the river. After almost 50 years, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is still a world-renowned, award-winning waterpark that’s known for its super kid-friendly environment and rides.

photo: Gabby Cullen

Discover the Resort at Schlitterbahn

When you visit the original resort side of Schlitterbahn, you can see the 350-year-old oak tree that towers over what was once the Henry family home (and is now lodging for up to 12 people). You can stay in one of the original bungalows that are getting a modern makeover or enjoy a quiet swing over the catfish pond near the beach volleyball courts and pool. There are movie nights with popcorn and s’mores, too!

Since the Original Schlitterbahn uses spring-fed water from the Comal River, there’s nothing quite like a float on the Raging River Tube Chute, a 45-minute inner tube ride that flows past and under the landmark Castle, along the edge of a cliff overlooking the Comal River and drops you into the river for a final float. There are also seven kids’ play areas, the Hillside Tube Chute, Congo River Expedition and heated pools with swim-up bars to keep you busy.

Insider Tip: When floating the last bit of the tube chute, be on the lookout for Jenny’s Island, where the family donkey used to hang her hat!

photo: Gabby Cullen

Explore Surfenburg & Blastenhoff

Less than a mile away from the original resort side of Schlitterbahn lies Surfenburg and Blastenhoff, the newer sections of the waterpark, which include rides and lazy rivers with modern touches (There’s a free trolley to transport you and your crew between park sections!).

photo: Gabby Cullen

Surfenburg
This is where you’ll find the Boogie Bahn, the world’s first surfing ride, created at Schlitterbahn over 25 years ago. Still popular today, you can get a head start on the crowds by opting to buy a private, hour-long lesson for just an additional $10 over your ticket price. You’ll get in an hour before the park opens, too!

You’ll also find Dragon’s Revenge—the first uphill water coaster in the world—in Surfenburg. With special effects, bursts of fast-flowing water and a dragon to battle at the end, this can’t-miss adventure is a unique experience you won’t soon forget.

Another popular feature in Surfenburg is the Kristal River. One of three endless rivers at Schlitterbahn, it circles the area, and kids are always on the hunt for one of the friendly alligator floats that dominate the area. If you like a little more thrill, enter the river via Backpalsh, which is a fast-flowing channel that’ll really get your tube moving.

photo: Gabby Cullen

Blastenhoff
Blastenhoff is home to the legendary Master Blaster, the three-story plunging, twisting tunnel of a water ride, the Torrent River, the world’s first ever Torrent River, which is an incredible combination of wave pool and lazy river, the Black Knight, a water ride done totally in the dark, and the new Sky Coaster, which combines elements of skydiving and hang gliding, that allows riders to soar over Blastenhoff.

Insider Tip: Consider splurging on a blast pass. For an extra fee you’ll be allowed to reserve your ride time, and then enjoy the other amenities until it’s time to ride. There’s even a super blast pass, which will cut your wait time in half.

Food

Texans take their food seriously, and Schlitterbahn is no different. While you can bring in your own coolers and food, their in-house offerings range from delicious BBQ to incredible funnel cake desserts, burgers and more. There are over 25 different spots to grab a bite in the park, hundreds of picnic tables, and nine different areas with cabana available for day rental (some come with grills, others with wait staff).

Lodging

There are 68 different types of rooms available for rental at Schlitterbahn! You can choose from the original bungalows on the resort side, stay amongst the trees in the luxury Treehaus Suites, enjoy easy-access in a River Bend cabin or go modern in one of the SchlitterStein Lofts located off the property.

Prices & Other Details

One-day tickets start at $54.99 (purchased online), $64.99 at the gate, and there various deals and discounts, depending on if you go with a group, stay at the resort or get a season pass. There are also several combo packages, that will take you to other parts of Texas Hill Country.

Insider Tip: Parking is always free at Schlitterbahn.

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels – Main Waterpark Enterance
400 N. Liberty Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels – Resort Enterance
305 West Austin Street
New Braunfels, TX 7813

Lodging and Reservations: (855) 246-0273

Online: schlitterbahn.com/newbraunfels

— Gabby Cullen

RELATED STORIES:

The Best Waterparks in America

16 Family Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

The Best New Water Resorts Opening This Summer

Images courtesy Schlitterbahn unless otherwise noted.

Note: This trip was paid for by Schlitterbahn Resort & Waterpark but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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