If you were excited for the collectable set of The Office figurines then hold onto your hats, your elf hats! There are two more themed Little People sets available modeled after the movies Elf and Lord of the Rings. Grab these for your kids or for your own collection.
The Elf set includes Buddy the elf, Jovie and a Christmas Tree. Buddy is even holding his own bottle of maple syrup.
The Lord of the Rings set comes with six figures including Frodo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, Aragorn, Lady Arwen, Gimli and Legolas. The Frodo figurine is holding the One Ring.
Congratulations are in order. Food Network star Katie Lee has given birth to a girl. Lee and husband Ryan Biegel both announced the good news on Instagram.
How do you hold your baby? According to new research from Ruhr-University Bochum, it’s likely you cradle your kiddo on the left.
The study, which was published in the journal Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews, reviewed past research—looking at which side parents prefer to hold their infant with and what that might mean. Armed with 40 studies starting in 1960, the researchers found a connection between handedness, emotions and baby cradling.
So which side do parents prefer? As it turns out, most of us are lefties when it comes to cradling preference. Between 66 and 72 percent of parent use their left hand to hold their infant, and it’s not just left-handed parents who favor their left side. Right-handed adults tend to use their opposite hand when cradling more often. The stats in this study show a 74 percent rate of left-sided cradling for right-handed parents. But the rate drops to 61 percent for left-handed parents.
While the study didn’t find a conclusive connection between handedness and baby holding, the researchers did propose a possible link to emotions. The right side of the brain, which is linked to the left side of the body, is primarily responsible for processing emotions. The researchers believe this right side of the brain to the left side of the body connection may have something to do with how parents, especially mothers, hold their babies.
The Broadway League announced that Broadway performances in New York City will be suspended through the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19. They released updated information regarding performance cancellations and ticketing. Broadway theaters are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through Jan. 3, 2021.
While continuing to work with city and state officials along with leaders in science, technology and medicine The Broadway league is trying to formulate the best plan to restart the industry. Some of the logistics being reviewed include screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding in theaters, backstage protocol and much more.
Returning productions are currently projected to resume performances over a series of rolling dates in early 2021. Tickets for performances for next winter and spring are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks. For regular updates on ticket sales, individual show announcements, performance dates, and more, please check Broadway.org for information as it becomes available.
“The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” said Chairman of the Board of The Broadway League Thomas Schumacher. “The alchemy of 1000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses. Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience. The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more needed than ever.”
“Our membership is working closely with the theatrical unions and in concert with key experts and some of the greatest minds inside and outside of the industry to explore protocols for all aspects of reopening. We are focused on identifying and implementing necessary measures that will enable us to resume performances safely for Broadway audiences and employees,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “We are determined to bring back the people who rely on this industry for their livelihood, and to welcome back all those who love this vital part of New York City, as soon as it is safe to do so. As so many of us in the Broadway community have been saying during this time – We’ll be back, and we have so many more stories to tell.”
Those holding tickets for performances through Jan. 3, 2021 will receive an e-mail from their point of purchase with detailed information regarding refund and exchange options. Any customers holding tickets through Jan. 3, 2021 that have not received an e-mail by Jul. 13 are advised to contact their point of purchase for assistance after this date.
If you are planning on attending the Brickworld LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con on Sat., Jun. 27 there is a new community discussion that was just added to the agenda from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. CT. “Building Our Voices” will facilitate participants building a representation of their voices while talking about their experiences with the group.The discussion will be moderated by LEGO influencer Ryan Linsner, who owns the Bricks and Minifigs LEGO store in Crest Hill, Illinois.
Brickworld is also holding a fundraiser for The Education Trust, a national nonprofit that works to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and those from low-income families. Donate here to help raise $1,000 by Jul. 19.
“Brickworld is pleased to continue to bring LEGO bricks to the world,” says producer Mark Larson. “Our virtual events allow global fans to learn new construction techniques, be inspired by massive buildings, participate in global games and remain #SaferAtHome!” Brickworld is also posting ongoing how-to demonstration videos so LEGO builders can improve their skills at home. Current postings include Building Round Part One and Building a Truss Bridge. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Brickworld YouTube channel to see the latest in alternative builds and other skills.
Tickets to the conference are $9, with $1 from each ticket donated to Brickworld’s longtime charity partner Make-A-Wish. Only 2,000 tickets will be offered worldwide, so early registration is encouraged at https://brickworld.com/brickworld-virtual-jun-27/.
As a couples’ therapist and practice owner, I’ve noticed a dramatic upswing in calls from couples requesting therapy. The stresses due to the pandemic and the economy are causing so much angst and uncertainty. Add in children and you compound the difficulties of social isolation and insecurity during COVID-19 and in 2020.
At my private practice in Toledo, Ohio the phone has been ringing off the hook from couples everywhere are on the edge and struggling due to the side effects of COVID-19. Couples are being weighed down by the amount of time they are now spending together with their significant other in close quarters, uncertainty about the future, parenting challenges, financial worries, and fear of getting sick.
As a parent, being alone at home with, very likely, only the company of children and a significant other right now may feel overwhelming, exhausting, depressing, or lonely. Reaching out to our significant other for comfort and support is a logical choice, but with the emotional strain of the global pandemic, our partners are likely struggling too. This recent increase in stress can lead to more frequent disagreements, disappointments, conflict, and arguments. To assist partners to deepen their connection with their spouse or significant other, and even thrive, during this time, I am recommending five no-fail ideas to help create a strong relationship foundation.
1. Move Your Bodies Together: Time spent together working in the yard, or simply taking a walk together will help you connect. Not only are you carving out intentional time for each other, but you are also raising endorphins together while building emotional intimacy through conversation. It doesn’t have to be intense discussion—simply exchanging thoughts and stories is enough. So, get those sneakers on and get moving, and holding hands never hurt anyone either.
2. Step Away from the Remote and Shut off the Electronics: The glowing screens of televisions, phones, tablets, and video games can be real relationship killers. The number of couples I see in therapy who mention their partner’s obsession with social media, online gambling, adult videos, or gaming apps is higher than ever. Take responsibility if you are one of the guilty ones. These activities are fun and highly addictive. They are created that way so advertisers can make money from the people who are addicted. Try being counter-cultural and carve out screen-free time in your home. Pick times of the day, or days of the week where you commit to being electronics-free. Make plans to go to a farmer’s market, cook dinner from a new recipe, visit a local park, work together on a home improvement project: anything but stare mindlessly at a screen while ignoring each other.
3) Spend Time Talking and Learn More about Each Other:As a couples’ counselor who, myself, has been with the same man for 27 years, I am continually amazed that I learn new things about his life before me. There are so many stories to share: from our childhoods, our years in high school, our families of origin, our hometowns, and more. Ask questions beyond “What should we have for dinner tonight?” to try and draw more from your conversation time together. “What’s your happiest holiday story?” , “What’s your most vivid memory from third grade?” , “Which was your favorite grandparent?”, “What got you in the most trouble as a kid?” Continuing to get to know your partner, even after decades together, will continue to strengthen the bond you share.
4. Allow Space for Emotions and Process Feelings Together: Whether you or your partner is the one feeling frustrated, sad, hopeless, angry, or irritated with all the changes thrown our way because of the pandemic, go with it. It’s important to feel and process our emotions, otherwise, we get caught in an unhealthy pattern of stuffing our feelings down and numbing them with food, alcohol, shopping, and other maladaptive coping skills. There is great significance in discussing with your partner how you feel, and what you think is at the root of those emotions. Allow space for your partner to do the same with you. Take an attitude of curiosity: don’t seek to fix the problem or rescue your partner from their emotion. Simply ask questions and give them space to share their thoughts. This builds trust, connection, and ultimately greater closeness.
5. Be There for Each Other by Offering Practical Support: So many people in therapy report feeling lonely right now. Even in a partnership, while quarantined in the same house, we can feel isolated and alone. Take the time to check in with your spouse or significant other by specifically asking “How can I support you today? How can I be a good friend for you right now? Is there something you could use my help with?” Showing you care by offering yourself as a helper to your partner can create greater trust and commitment for couples. Letting your person know that you have their best interest at heart is a sure-fire way to increase positive, loving feelings between the two of you. A great friendship is at the core of every epic love story. Strengthening the friendship we have with our partner by helping them with a chore, holding them when they are sad, listening when they want to talk, or watching a funny movie when they need to laugh are small ways we can deepen our friendship with the people we love.
A romance that survives the stress brought on by a global pandemic is good, but a romance that thrives despite the stressors of this time is even better. Choosing to make time to connect with our partner is an intentional decision. With the stressors of modern life, putting time and effort into our most important relationship is something that we need to constantly prioritize. Make a commitment to follow these simple tips so that you can not only make this time of social isolation bearable but maybe even a time that the two of you look back on warmly as you remember the ways in which you intentionally grew closer together.
Erin Wiley, MA, LPC, LPCC, is a clinical psychotherapist and the Executive Director of The Willow Center, a counseling practice in Toledo, Ohio. The clinical focus of her therapy work is marriage, family, parenting, and relationships. She has extensive training in marriage counseling from the Gottman Institute.
If you’ve been reading your social media regularly during the Covid-19 lockdown, you’ve inevitably started theorizing about how your “couples” friends are coping: they’re going to be having a baby in nine or so months; they’re going to be separating; they are lying about how well they’re doing; they’re holding on for dear life, managing about as well as you are.
I don’t think many of us would be surprised at a post-Corona baby boom. I can see it now: every variation of the name king and queen you can imagine. After all, there are only so many things to do when you’re stuck in the house with no place to go. And, there are only so many things you can do over Zoom. Don’t even think of combining them. What is certainly surprising to no one, are the very real stressors on couples who’ve promised for better or worse, but not for lunch. And, are now stuck in close quarters without a single, solitary break from each other. Everywhere I go he’s there. Everywhere I go my child is there. But I digress. I kid. I kid. Save me.
After almost 25 years together, that’s 18 married in some eyes, with an additional seven married legally (thanks Supreme Court!), you might say that the husband and I have mastered staying out of each other’s way, at least long enough to avoid major eruptions. Sure, things have been incredibly difficult during this lockdown, especially with working from home and homeschooling a four-year-old. But, those 25 years have given us a few tricks beyond “don’t go to bed angry” that make our relationship work—even with a high-energy four-year-old in a lockdown situation. These work for us but your mileage may vary.
1. Live Your Best Instagram Life. You know all those moments that you share on social media? The ones that you stage and post? Whether they be of your kid in a ridiculously cute outfit, of your meal or of the toenail you just clipped? Stop photographing the moment and live it. Yes. Live it. Stop documenting and live. Today, we did an entire obstacle course in the backyard for the four-year-old to burn off some energy. We spent hours putting it together, running the course, laughing, playing. It was ephemeral, now living only in our memories—our shared family memories. I can still hear the laughter. I can still feel the soreness. It belongs to us.
2. Forgive, Like You Would Like to Be Forgiven. How many times have you done something incredibly stupid? I’ll wait while you count. How many times have you said something thoughtless? Again, I’ll wait. How many times would you have liked to push reset? Ah! You see where I’m going? We all want do-overs. We all do dumb things. Now, I want you to stop and think about all the pressure that we are currently under; these pressures are not ordinary pressures—these are not ordinary times. When you get into an argument—and we all get into arguments—ask yourself: if I had done this dumb thing, would I want to be forgiven? Is this thing so massive, that it’s worth holding on to? I’ll wait. I am not, by the way, advocating free Get Out of Jail cards. What I am advocating is grace. It’s all about degrees. Don’t set a standard for your partner that you’re not willing to set for yourself. Don’t set too high a standard for yourself either.
3. Do Spend Some Time Apart. Go into a separate room and read a book. Take a walk. Talk to a friend on the phone (and I mean talk, not text). Engage in a separate and distinct activity from those that are in lockdown with you. Whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, time away from those around you is essential to help you find yourself. Under regular situations, you would be alone and/or with different people for some part of the day. Try to mimic that as much as possible.
4. Vary Your Days and Routine. Do not engage in the same activities every single day. Take turns cooking, homeschooling, cleaning. Make sure you know what day it is. Set up schedules so that each of you do different things on different days. If your days start to run together and all feel the same, you are doing something wrong. Once routine starts to creep in, boredom is next followed by anxiety, stress, and well everything that comes along with it.
5. Get Out of the House. Go for walks. Run essential errands. Get some outdoor exercise. Spend time in the yard, go on a short hike. Even if all you do is take a walk around the block while you mumble to yourself, you’ve left the confines of the space you’ve been in. You’ve had a change of scene; with that change of scene, usually comes a change of perspective.
It’s funny (peculiar, not “ha, ha”), but among our friends, we are among the longest-married couples. Funny, because as a gay couple society does not normally look to us as an example of a successful marriage or partnership. Yet, 25 years later, we’re still chugging along. Yes, chugging. Marriage, partnership, coupledom (note, not martyrdom) is hard work—made harder by the addition of children; made harder still by the current lockdown. Yes, I keep using the word lockdown. To a lot of people, the term shelter in place simply does not fit the bill. When they are prevented from doing what they want to do, they can hear those bars swinging shut. At least this time, we’ve had some choice regarding who are fellow inmates are. And, we do get to decide, what’s for lunch.
Father, children's book critic, writer, judge, director, actor and amature photographer—together with his husband of 25 years—raising an energetic four-year old! "Parent is not just a noun, it's a verb. If you're ever in doubt as to what to do, substitute the word caregiver. It will steer you in the right direction."
Chloë Sevigny shared an adorable photo of her newborn son and revealed his name in an Instagram post. The picture features Sevigny cuddled up next to her boyfriend Sinisa Mačković while holding her son. Sevigny wrote, “Welcome to the world Vanja Sevigny Mačković.”
Congratulations to the Ross family. Evan and Ashlee Simpson Ross both announced her third pregnancy on Instagram today. The couple shared a picture of themselves holding up a positive pregnancy test.
Simpson Ross captioned the shot, “During this unprecedented time, we know pregnant women may be under greater stress which is why we are supporting @marchofdimes Mom and Baby #COVID19 Intervention and Support Fund,” the mom-to-be added, referencing the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “Check out their Instagram page to see how they are helping moms and babies get the care they need now and in the future.”
The new baby will join big sister Jagger Snow and big brother Bronx Mowgli, whom Simpson shares with ex-husband Pete Wentz.
This year, kids, especially seniors, are missing out on a lot of events they were looking forward to. School plays, sporting events, proms and graduations have been postponed or cancelled. John Krasinski is hosting a virtual prom tonight, Apr. 17 at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT to spread some happiness around.
Krasinski tweeted, “And I just can’t take it anymore how much all you guys are missing prom. So let’s do something about it! Let’s have an #SGNprom !! Yup, I’ll DJ with some friends live on YouTube.”
Krasinski has been hosting his weekly web show Some Good News to help us all find the positive things happening in the world during this time. Now he is holding his first social distancing event. Seniors are invited, but anyone can attend. Krasinski has already provided the live invitation link on his Some Good News YouTube Channel. Grab your formal wear and tune in. Just click the link at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central) tonight.
