The full trailer for Pixar’s Elemental is here, and it looks like we’re about to see if fire and water can be a perfect match
If there’s one thing we’ve come to know about Pixar, it’s that the studio never misses. Every movie they make is wonderful, and their upcoming film Elemental seems to be no exception. The full trailer just dropped, and we’re already counting down the days until this hits theaters.
Elemental tells the story of the residents of Element City, who are made up of four elements: fire, water, air, and earth. Ember is a fire element who’s been raised her whole life with one simple rule: elements don’t mix. But when she meets Wade, a water element from the city, she learns to question everything she’s been taught—and strikes off to find her own place in the world.
To make this sweet tale even cuter, there appears to be a bit of a love story between Ember and Wade. And since Pixar gave us the opening sequence to Up, the most beautiful, perfect, and devastating love story ever told in five minutes, we know they can do a rom-com—and do it well.
Elemental was announced last year, and Pixar has been dropping updates ever since. We already know that Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie will star, lending their voices to Ember and Wade, respectively. The cast will also include Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Mason Wertheimer, and Joe Pera. The magnificent Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek) will voice Wade’s mom, Brooke. Obviously, we can’t wait to see her step into another mom role.
Elemental is directed by Peter Sohn, who also directed Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur. He has said in interviews that the movie is based on his own experience growing up in New York.
“My parents emigrated from Korea in the early 1970s and built a bustling grocery store in the Bronx,” he toldDeadline. “We were among many families who ventured to a new land with hopes and dreams — all of us mixing into one big salad bowl of cultures, languages, and beautiful little neighborhoods. That’s what led me to Elemental.”
Elemental will hit theaters nationwide on June 16.
There is a prequel to Grease coming to Paramount+ and it’s all about the Pink Ladies
Who among us raised on the 1978 classic Grease didn’t fantasize about being a Pink Lady? The love story between Sandy and Danny was great and all, but the biggest takeaway from the epic movie for any teen girl was how cool it would be to start a girl gang with matching pink satin jackets. My friends and I fought over who would be Rizzo. I can’t remember if I won. Anyway, I digress. Some genius at Paramount+ realized the Pink Ladies never got the shine they deserved. The studio is releasing a prequel series all about the amazing crew—Rise of the Pink Ladies.
Rise of the Pink Ladies Plot
“The musical series takes place four years before the original “Grease”; in 1954 before rock ‘n’ roll ruled, before the T-Birds were the coolest in the school, four fed-up outcasts dare to have fun on their own terms, sparking a moral panic that will change Rydell High forever,” the press release from Paramount+ teases.
Rise of the Pink Ladies Trailer
“A girl’s reputation is all that she has.” We already see where this is going, Assistant Principal McGee. And it looks like there are some inclusive updates, like one of the Pink Ladies having a crush on a girl, that will bring this timeless story into this century. Here for it!
Rise of the Pink Ladies Cast
The new series stars Marisa Davila as Jane, Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia, Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia, Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy, Shanel Bailey as Hazel, Madison Thompson as Susan, Johnathan Nieves as Richie, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally and Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee.
Rise of the Pink Ladies Release Date
The Rise of the Pink Ladies will premiere on Paramount+ on April 6, 2023.
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Whether it’s the glory of a simple stick or a stargazing adventure overnight, children and nature can be one of the most harmonious and entertaining combos, ever. For the little ones who love the great outdoors, these nature books for kids offer inspiration and activities and are perfect to take along on your next trip.
Did you know you can tell how old a shell is, just by looking at it? This vibrant picture book details what shell patterns and textures say, what their colors and shape means and so much more. Helen Scales' book is the ideal companion for a summer day spent at the beach. Ages: 6+
An introduction to the beauty and magic of nature for young readers, Jennifer Lavallee's vibrant book is more than eye catching. Follow along with the children in the story, with Nature as their teacher, and see how the world is filled with artwork beyond compare. Ages: 3-8
From future oceanographers and biologists, to kids who are serious about the sea, Loveday Trinick's new book is a love story of the ocean. Gorgeous illustrations and vibrant colors make learning about everything from plankton to reptiles of the sea and can't miss experience. Ages: 8+
Your littles will be clamoring to head outside after reading Ben Lerwill and Marina Ruiz's story. A sweet lyrical tale that is also a page turner, the book ends with fun ideas families can do when they head outdoors. Ages: 3-6
"It takes more than ideas to build a garden" in this sweet nature book for kids. Millie is in a new place, an ocean away from her old house. To make it feel more like home, she has an idea: to start a garden on her school's rooftop. The entire school and community come together as they learn about germination, patience and togetherness. Ages: 3-7
With stunning illustrations by Nicolette Bertelle and beautiful story-telling by Maria Loretta Giraldo, this will quickly become a favorite story. Young readers will go on a seed's journey as it encounters the Sky, Water and Earth and learn about the care of the ecosystems along the way. Ages: 3-7
Winter, summer, spring and fall. Forest, oceans, deserts and mountains. Each time of year and outdoor space is filled with life and beauty, and this nature book for kids explores them all. Not only does it come with informative prose, but recipes and projects, too. Tim Hopgood's robust and beautifully crafted book is wonderful for kids of all ages. Ages: 7+
Behold Our Magical Garden: Poems Fresh from a School Garden
From the poetic mind of Allan Wolf comes a vast collection of poems fresh from the garden. Illustrated by Daniel Duncan, readers will go on a journey from germination to compost, learning along the way. Ages: 7-12
Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech
A beautiful collection for budding poets, readers will go on an adventure through fire, water, air and earth. Each poem is accompanied by beautiful illustrations from Richard Jones and explores the beauty of the world around us. Ages: 10-13
What an amazing world we live in, to experience the cycle of seasons! This ode to nature by Leda Schubert and illustrations by Clover Robin shares the anticipation of a new season while enjoying the beauty of the current. From activities and food to sensory experiences, there's plenty to love every moment of the year. Ages: 4-8
Forest bathing comes naturally to children and Kallie George’s new nature book for kids reminds us all how the sounds of nature can be restorative to our minds and bodies. The forest has a lot to say if you listen. From the creaks of the trees to the nibbles of the squirrels, the forest is forever revealing secrets to those willing to listen. Read this book and head out for a hike. Carmen Mok’s illustrations are both whimsical and realistic, making you wish you were napping on a forest floor right now. Ages: 3-7
This sweet book from author-illustrator Jennifer K. Mann invites us along on Erenstine’s first-ever camping trip. She’s got her bags packed with all the things she thinks she’ll need but nothing prepares her for what it’s really like to be in the great outdoors. The author encourages kids to try new things and celebrate the beauty of the wild. Ages 3-7.
Mushrooms are curious and fascinating life forms brought to the page by author and senior research leader at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England, Ester Gaya. Fungi can be food, poison, and medicine —and sometimes all three. Thanks to Katie Scott’s artwork, this gorgeous book presents like the botanical specimens of old children’s book form and includes the common and the uncommon, what fungi are, and how important they are to the world’s ecosystem. It’s oversized (11.06 x 14.88 inches!) and hardcover, making it a great gift for little nature lovers who want to learn. Kids who love this will also love other books in the Welcome to the Museum series including Botanicum and Antatomicum. Ages 5-12 (and up!).
Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals
Katie S. Duffield’s forthcoming collaboration with Illustrator Mike Orodán celebrates nature through the wildlife crossings that exist around the world. From a bridge over a Canadian interstate to monkeys on rope bridges to bears under an overpass, Crossings teaches kids what happens when the non-natural world and the creatures of nature collide, celebrating both the ingenuity of animals and encouraging conservation and awareness. Ages 3-8.
Cuento de Luz
A New Harvest: A Tale about Perseverance and Community
A devastating tornado leaves Rodrigo and his family homeless but through his community and a strong connection with nature, Rodrigo finds a way to build a new life. He begins a farm, where he can grow food to not only feed his family but others like him. The book is printed on the publisher Cuento de Luz’s signature stone paper, and all of author Cristina Expósito Escalona's income from royalties will be donated to the Homeless Garden Project. Illustrated Miguel Ángel Díez. Ages: 4-8
Plantology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Plants
Budding botanists and curious collectors alike will adore Plantology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Plants by science educator and author Michael Elsohn Ross. From plant skeletons to prop roots and all the mosses in between, this super cool book will have your kids looking at the natural world in a whole new way. Ages 7 and up.
Haiku, the shortest form of poetry, is rooted in embracing simplicity and nature. It asks the poet to take in all the senses around them and distill those down into just three lines, typically five-syllable/seven-syllable/five-syllable. Read this beautiful little book by author Sydell Rosenberg with your nature-loving kids and get inspired to write haiku celebrating the beauty of the world around you. Vibrantly illustrated by Sawsan Chalabi. Ages 5-11.
What happens when you combine a James Beard Award-nominated author and family-friendly food with the great outdoors? An epic new cookbook by Sarah Glover that wil not only inspire you to cook over an open flame, it will make you want to forage in the woods and celebrate nature together. From bread baked on hot coals to saltwater kale and potatoes, Kat Parker’s photographs will have you drooling over the places and the food all at once. All ages (family).
Amazing Islands: 100 Places That Will Boggle Your Mind
From how an island is formed to islands that have contributed to some of the most diverse animal and plant life on earth, Amazing Islands is a beautifully illustrated guide to all things island. Travel around the world with author Sabrina Weiss and illustrator Kerry Hyndman and get your island fix from your armchair. Ages: 7-11
Alice lives with her Aunt Patience, living a relatively quiet life since the death of Alice's mom. And then Aunt Patience sends Alice off to a boarding school in the wild Scottish Highlands, sending Alice on an adventure of a lifetime with her two new friends. Natasha Farrant's mischievous adventure story has a Harry Potter-ish element to the friendship and problem solving with the trio that includes meeting her biological father who lives on a remote Scottish island. Ages: 10-12
The cast of This is Us is nearing the end of their time together, and fans are, understandably, seriously emotionally invested in their goodbyes.
The NBC show had people hooked since its 2016 debut, and we’ve been loyally following the Pearson family’s generational ups and downs every week. For five seasons, as the lives of triplets Kate (Chrissy Metz), Kevin (Justine Hartley), and Randall (Sterling K. Brown) played out on screen, it was the fairytale love story of their parents, Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) that left people wanting more. Now, as they wrap up their final season and offer emotional farewells, fans are soaking up the last of their time together.
Moore shared an Instagram photo of the set with empty chairs, writing, “Last day of work. The greatest six years at the best job I’ve ever had. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude (and definitely lots of tears).”
Susan Kelechi Watson (Beth) shared a sweet selfie with Brown, writing, “We just wrapped our last scene together of the series…” For his part, Brown captioned his own post, writing, “Game. Set. Match! One door has closed. Looking forward to what God has in store next. Lotta tears. LOTTA laughs. & a whole lotta hugs! Enjoy the last few…I think we got something special,” with the hashtag “#ThatWasUs.” Say it isn’t so.
Ventimiglia took his Instagram followers down a different path, showing them all the behind the scenes people in their “basecamp” that made This is Us run flawlessly for years, including hair and makeup, sound techs, and others. When he was through his day, he turned his attention to the show’s fans, saying, “Thank you for being a part of the journey. Thank you for being around for it all. Hope you’ve all enjoyed it.”
For her part, Metz shared a throwback from “six whole years” ago showing the cast’s pictures in their production office. “Who could have imagined what was to come,” she captioned the photo. “All of the lives, hearts and minds that are endlessly changed because of a really magical man named Dan. The stars truly aligned to bring this entire cast and crew together and my goodness what an honor and a gift it has been.
All we have is a forever now.”
Our hearts can’t take much more. The final few shows will be running every Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST, and the series finale will air on May 24 on NBC. Don’t forget those tissues.
When it comes to upcycled crafts for kids, there’s no need to head to the craft store to stock up on supplies. You and your little tree hugger can get creative with upcycled crafts using items you already have! From toilet paper roll crafts to K-cup planters, we’ve found unbelievable projects that give your recyclables a second wind. Keep scrolling to see some of the most unique upcycled crafts that are perfect for an Earth Day 2022 activity.
Not only will you give your used tin cans a new life, but you'll bring joy to a windowsill, back step or fire escape! The kids can paint each can the way they want, then plant and watch your herbs, flowers or succulents grow. Get a tutorial (you'll need to make sure there's enough drainage) from Home Edit by clicking here.
Using old strips of fabric and clear plastic containers, these upcycled Under the Sea Charm Necklaces from Handmade Charlotte make for perfect Earth Day attire. Kiddos can braid old T-shirt scraps and cut out and paint plastic shapes in this easy afternoon craft.
This genius idea from Made Everyday is bound to be a hit with your budding musicians. They’ll have a blast filling and decorating old plastic Easter eggs, not to mention the hours of entertainment once they’re done.
The ceiling's the limit with this ultra-pretty mobile from Buzzmills. This easy-breezy creation uses watercolors to create hanging flowers out of egg carton cups. The result is something worthy of a fancy window display—or maybe even a relaxing nursery.
Having children always means plenty of crayons on hand, many of which have seen better days. Instead of tossing the broken nubs, you and the kiddos can spend the afternoon melting them down into colorful new works of art that not only serve a purpose but cut down on waste––and look pretty, too! Get the full details over at The Everyday Mom Life.
Music and movies have gone digital which is why that pile of CDs has probably been gathering dust in your closet. With a few supplies that include yarn and beads, your kiddos can turn those dinosaur compact discs into upcycled crafts. Get the full details on making your own dream catchers over at Pink Stripey Socks.
Turn empty water bottles into a dynamic water wall just in time for summer. Your little engineer can get hands-on, helping to mount the bottles at just the right angles to create drops and splashy turns for maximum water flow. Get the know-it-all deets from Rachelle at Tinkerlab.
In case you hadn’t heard, newspapers aren’t just for reading anymore. They also upcycle into structurally sound geodesic shapes perfect for indoor play on a rainy day. Find out how to make this dome from Annie over at Motherhood and More. Then unleash your little engineers for hours of imaginative play in their cozy new dome sweet dome!
Your kiddo grows like a weed. So it’s not surprising last year’s summer shirts don’t fit her anymore. Don’t hand all of them down…yet. Hold on to a few of the more colorful ones to make these adorable bracelets designed by Stephanie at Hello Glow.
Learn how to turn this breakfast staple into a bright-light, big-city playscape with paint and a little imagination, thanks to Dinner: A Love Story. Add a few Mini Figs or other plastic people and the door to a whole new world of play just opened up.
Finally! Something to do with all those squeeze pouch caps your sidekick leaves on the table, in the car and under…well, pretty much everywhere! Laura at Lalymom has a simply brilliant craft project to turn caps into wearable art for all.
After hanging up the aluminum can birdfeeder, why not make binoculars so your sidekick can take in all the action? Who knows where this simple craft we found at Lu Bird Baby will lead. From the wilds of your backyard habitat to the jungles of the neighborhood park, your little explorer will see it all through these creatively colored glasses.
Take those plentiful plastic bags piled up under the sink and put them to good use beyond picking up after Fido. Little hands can help cut and braid them into a colorful jump rope perfect for park play. Simply follow Katie’s easy tutorial at A Childhood List for a reuse project that tips the genius scale.
Whether you’re planning a new garden or adding to the old one, K-cups make for easy-peasy indoor seed sprouting. Add dirt, water, and of course, let your little green thumb bury those seeds deep before setting these dainty cups on a sunny windowsill. Between planting, growing and replanting, this cycle is sure to keep your little sprout entertained the whole season.
Set your petite Picasso to task with paints and egg cartons, cut into bird-like masks by your skillful hand. Kate at Picklebums has all the tips and tricks you need to make this egg-cellent project.
Jennifer Lopez accepted the Icon Award during the iHeartRadio Music Awards last night, and once-and-again-beau Ben Affleck, along with two of their respective kids, couldn’t have been prouder. Lopez’s daughter, Esme, 14, and Affleck’s son, Samuel, 10, were tapped by the couple to accompany them to the award show. It was the first time the pair have appeared publicly as a blended family, and the universe ate it up.
First, there was the sincerity of Lopez’s acceptance speech. “I appreciate this so much, so very, very much…I wish I could tell you that awards were the most important to me, but that’s not true. And don’t think that I don’t appreciate the shiny, sparkly things, because I do! I cannot lie, everybody knows that I do. But this isn’t why I do this. It’s not what matters most to me. I really do it for you guys.” Y’all. She loves us.
And we love her. And maybe secretly, we love that Bennifer, Part I is back (though no one hated Bennifer, Part 2). Because we’re Millenial, and we love nostalgia and vintage anything. Based on the multiple interruptions of her speech by the crowd’s cheers, it appears that those in audience felt the same way.
Jennifer Lopez/ YouTube
Though it might have been their first official industry outing together, the duo’s respective children are no strangers. They hit the Magic Kingdom together on a family vacation, and they spent Christmas together as well. Affleck’s daughters not in attendance at the awards show with ex-wife Jennifer Garner are Violet, 16, and Seraphina, 12. Lopez’s son—Emme’s twin brother, Max—was also not in attendance.
Thank you for all the love and overwhelmingly positive response to my new video ✨❤️ What’s your favorite part!?! #MarryMe
But back to us. Lopez really, really loves her fans, saying in her acceptance speech “That’s a gift that you give me and I just want to say thank you for that,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who comes to a show, streams a song, sees a movie, follows me. You guys are the ones who give me the opportunity every day to live a life I couldn’t even imagine would come true when I was a little girl growing up in the Bronx.”
Her gratitude, however, doesn’t stop with her fans. In a recent interview with People, she said of her rekindled romance with Affleck “I feel so lucky and happy and proud to be with him,” she said. “It’s a beautiful love story that we got a second chance.”
According to an interview with ET, the 17 year lapse in the original Bennifer has only made the lovebirds more supportive of one another. They report that they actively talk about “being committed to having a healthy, everlasting relationship…It just turned out to be something really magical.”
Valentines Day is so much more fun when you’re celebrating it with your kids. No stress, no fancy clothes and no staying up too late. In Atlanta, there are plenty of places to show your loves that you love them. Keep reading for our favorite places to celebrate Valentines Day as a family, below.
Family Valentines at Halcyon
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Celebrate a family Valentine's Day at Halcyon with brunch or lunch in Market Hall or at one of their restaurants, then head over to Village Green for live pop violin music by Michelle Winters, a meet and greet with Minnie & Mickey, a Furkids puppy kissing booth, Valentine crafts with Board & Brush, Buff City Soap, and more. This event is free and no registration is required.
Tour Love Stories of Oakland Cemetery
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Learn about the love stories buried in Oakland Cemetery on this historical walking tour of Atlanta's finest final resting place.
Feb. 12-14
248 Oakland Ave. SE
Grant Park
Online:oaklandcemetery.com
Enjoy Fondue at The Melting Pot
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Enjoy a three-course fondue meal to celebrate the Valentine’s holiday with your kids, and be sure to bring a valentine card for a nurse or healthcare professional and you can enjoy endless chocolate fondue. Reservation required.
Feb. 6, 1-4 p.m. Atlanta, Duluth, Kennesaw and Roswell locations
See a Family Performance of Atlanta Ballet's Snow White
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In this one-hour ballet version (perfect for kids who may not make it through a full-length production) of Snow White choreographed by Bruce Wells, audiences will enjoy following the young heroine and her prince as they outwit the schemes of the evil queen.
Feb. 4-6, multiple performance times
2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy.
Perimeter
Online:cobbenergycentre.com
Bee Mine at The Atlanta History Center
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At this special story time at the Atlanta History Center, you and your toddler will we will learn all about how bumblebees spread pollen and how we can spread love. Come to hear The Very Greedy Bee by Steve Smallman, make a fun valentine and learn the bumblebee dance. Registration encouraged.
Feb. 7 at 10 a.m.
130 West Paces Ferry Road NW
Buckhead
Online:atlantahistorycenter.com
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 are looking for something to do this weekend that will chase your social distancing blues away, then Hallmark has you covered. According to ET, the Hallmark Channel will be running a special Christmas movie marathon weekend to help fans pass the time during the coronavirus outbreak. So settle in with a mug of hot cocoa and get back in the holiday spirit with these feel-good movies.
Starting Friday, Mar. 20 at 12 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark will air 27 original “Countdown to Christmas” holiday films from recent years, starting with Candace Cameron Bure’s A Christmas Detour and ending Sunday, Mar.22 at 6 p.m. ET/PT with Christmas in Rome starring Lacey Chabert.
The debut of Hallmark’s In the Key of Love, starring Laura Osnes and Scott Michael Foster, will still air as planned Saturday, Mar. 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, as well as the preview specials for the network’s “Spring Fling” and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries lineups.
You can view the complete schedule on the Hallmark Channel website.
Friday, Mar. 20
12:00 p.m. ET/PT: A Christmas Detour
2:00 p.m. ET/PT: Holiday Date
4:00 p.m. ET/PT: A Christmas Love Story
6:00 p.m. ET/PT: Mingle All the Way
8:00 p.m. ET/PT: Christmas Under Wraps
10:00 p.m. ET/PT: Crown for Christmas
Saturday, Mar. 21
12:00 a.m. ET/PT: The Christmas Cottage
2:00 a.m. ET/PT: A Royal Christmas
3:30 a.m. ET/PT: Marry Me at Christmas
5:00 a.m. ET/PT: A Very Merry Mix-Up
7:00 a.m. ET/PT: Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays
We know you’ve got loads of great pictures accumulating in the cloud somewhere; now’s the time to get them off your computer and into the real world. Yes! A real family photo (or pillow, necklace or even sock) for the house—not just on your social media feed. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday photo gifts for grandparents or something special to give your spouse, here are the most unique personalized photo gifts to give this holiday season.
Got tons of pictures to display—plus one you really want to stand out? Here's one of our favorite Christmas photo gifts. This mosaic takes 70 of your photos and uses them as a background behind one central picture (of your loved ones' face, for instance). The effect makes it looks like the arrangement creates another picture altogether. We're not sure how the artist does it, exactly, but the effect is sure to impress. You'll be staring at each photo to figure out how it works.
Cost: $93.50 for a digital file of the art; $136 and up for a photo print; $204 and up for a framed print.
The Tinybeans platform offers parents a private space to to share photos, milestones and other moments with their children amongst family and friends in a private social network. The free modern family album app gives parents a happy space to enjoy their children's life stories with family. Effortlessly organize pics, videos & milestones, print cute keepsakes, and share with family in one safe space off social media. Parents can join for free, purchase premium subscriptions and photo books.
Take your photos and turn them into intricate paint-by-number projects. If you've got budding artists who are up for a challenge, this DIY project will make your photos all that much more special (because now they're paintings!). Just send in your photo, and MiiCreative artists will produce a paint-by-number canvas. The kit comes with one canvas, paints and paint brushes. Recommended for ages 8 & up.
As if putting your photo on a pillow isn't cool enough, now you can print your photo onto reversible mermaid sequins! The pillows show a solid sequin color (choose from eight colors) when brushed one way and reveal your photo when brushed the other. Kids love them—but don't be surprised if you order a few for yourself, too.
This personalized puzzle lets you and your kids jumble up your family—then put the faces back together again. It's a photo and a game at the same time. The only problem we see is that you may spend a lot of time looking at a mixed-up version of yourselves—but there's a great reason to keep cranking that cube.
If you thought socks were a boring gift, think again. These brightly colored socks will keep your tootsies toasty and have your face (or your kids' or pets' faces) all over them. It's one of those things that's just weird enough to be cool. Ankle-length, crew-length or knee-high socks are available.
Everyone knows it's nice to bring a bottle of wine to a party. Why not bring a bottle of wine WITH YOUR PICTURE ON IT? Or, better yet, forget the Christmas cards this year and just send out wine instead! These personalized holiday-themed wine bottle labels say "Making spirits bright," and can be personalized with a picture and any other text you'd like. Each 8.5x11'' sheet holds 8, 2x4'' labels.
Nobody likes nailing into walls. With these easy 8X8 photo squares, you can easily—and literally—stick photos on your walls without the need for any tools or hardware—and without ripping off any paint should you want to mix things up or take things down.
Cost: $11 per tile (free shipping on orders of three or more).
Your kids will get a kick out of these stickers which can be personalized with anyone's face. Slap 'em on notebooks, water bottles, lunch boxes—anywhere you want to say "This is my face!" They also work great to keep cups and toothbrushes easily identified so your kids keep their things theirs. The stickers are made of durable vinyl (not paper!) and are printed using waterproof ink that is dishwasher and microwave safe.
The perfect personalized photo gift for grandparents, this digital photo frame—which made "Oprah's Favorite Things" list in 2018—has unlimited storage and will let Nana and Pop see ever-changing pics of you and your kids without the need to navigate your social media pages. It's a win-win. Looking for a lower-cost option? Try the NIX Advance Digital Photo Frame, which was rated a "great bargain" by Tom's Guide.
Little Orphan Annie would have had an easier time finding her parents had she been given one of these photo lockets to remember them by. Two 45mm long and 35mm wide photos can fit inside this brass locket. The best part? The artist can transfer a photo directly onto the metal—meaning you won't' have to worry about doing it yourself or trying to figure out how to glue it onto the metal without ending up with a soggy paper mess. The transfer process even allows some of the metal to merge with the photo, leaving your locket with a vintage look. You also have the option of displaying only photographs, a message of your choice or a combination of both.
If you want a romantic gift for your significant other, these classy photo letter blocks will look great on your mantle and are a unique way to show off your love story.
If you love where you live, show it off in this state-shaped photo collage. Choose your state, the size you want and a style of frame (or no frame at all)—then Minted will put together a state map with three photos of your choice.
Nobody can deny the cuteness factor of a baby's face ... on a blanket! This cozy polyester fleece blanket comes in various color palettes and can be a personalized gift idea with the baby's name, birthday (including exact time), weight and length.
Still don't have the perfect, card-ready photo of your fam for the holidays? This on-demand photo session is like Uber for photographers. Just find a location where you'd like to shoot, name your time slot, then click to book a free 30-minute photo session. In 3-5 business days, you'll get a gallery of your shots, then pay $15 for each pic you want to buy.
For now, the company only works in the following cities: Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco Bay area and San Antonio.
Cost: The photo session is free; then $15 per photo.
We've seen a lot of photos printed on wood, but we really love how this Etsy artist does it. Photos are transferred just enough to display the picture but also let the natural patterns of the wood shine through—every printing is unique. Pictures can also include a mounted rope or hooks for hanging.
Turn your favorite family photo into one of our picks for personalized photo gifts that'll stick around for years to come. Choose a puzzle size ranging from 40 pieces to 1000 pieces, and wait 10 days—that's it!
Whether you’re looking for a gift for your mom, your husband, or your best friend—everybody loves a nice, framed photo. This app (and website) lets you test out how various frames look with your photos before you buy. Plus, frames are handmade in the USA and start at $15.
