The Haunted Mansion, one of Disney parks’ most underrated rides, is finally getting the movie treatment it deserves
Anyone who loves Disney parks will tell you that despite often having less crowds (and more manageable lines) than the more popular rides, the Haunted Mansion is an absolute classic. It’s spooky, it’s entertaining, it has a great story—and like so many of the most nostalgic, beloved Disney parks rides before it, it’s finally getting the big screen treatment it deserves.
Disney is remaking its 2003 Haunted Mansion film (the one starring Eddie Murphy, which you probably don’t remember because it was, um, not great), and it looks like things will be much better this time around. The trailer is spooky and dark, but with a few moments of unexpected comedy—very much like the classic ride itself—so it’s clear that the new version already nails the tone.
The trailer introduces us to Gabby, a single mom who unknowingly moves into a stately New Orleans mansion with her 9-year-old son—only to discover that the property is extremely, extremely haunted. While that’s not quite the plot from the ride, there are plenty of Easter eggs—like the Hatbox Ghost (played by Jared Leto), a classic character introduced to the ride in 1969, removed, and then brought back in 2015.
The cast of this movie is absolutely stacked, including LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jared Leto, Winona Ryder, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Dan Levy, and Tiffany Haddish. Among the roles they’ll be playing: a questionable paranormal expert, a psychic, a priest, and, of course, plenty of ghosts.
Director Justin Simien even drew on his own experience working at Disney parks to make a movie that feels true to the classic attraction.
“There was something about that ride that I felt was there in the script,” he said at last year’s D23 Expo. “I wanted to be sure all the Easter Eggs are there because I’m a nerd.”
The Haunted Mansion movie will premiere in theaters on July 28.
Sometimes you’re having a perfectly nice time watching TV when it hits you: The mom on the show you are watching is actually… a better mom than you? Sure, she’s fictional. Sure, she only has to parent in a limited 30-minute to hour-long time frame once a week, whereas you have to parent all the time, even at 2 a.m. when you’d much rather be sleeping but one of your children needs a glass of water. But that doesn’t stop the dark thoughts from creeping in while you wipe old Goldfish crumbs from your couch onto the carpet: I wish I was more like her. Here are some of the absolute best TV moms who put the rest of us to shame.
Daniel Tiger’s Mom from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
She’s calm, she’s collected, she looks great in a floral, and owns waterfront property. Daniel Tiger’s mom is the mom we wish we could be but know we will never will: She rarely loses her temper with her often petulant toddler, can make up a song on the spot to deal with any challenge, and seems to get all her household chores done despite taking care of a toddler and a baby with only occasional help from Grandpierre and Prince Tuesday as a nighttime babysitter. I’ve never seen one episode where instead of cooking a family meal she orders take-out and cries on the couch while everyone watches TV on their iPads. An icon.
She’s a complete mess, but somehow still a good mom. She only orders take-out and permits her daughter unlimited, sometimes seemingly mandatory screen time, and yet that girl wants to study hard enough to get into Harvard. The dream. She accidentally showed up to her daughter’s first day of school in cowboy boots and a crop top because she forgot to do laundry, which is wildly relatable, except for the part where she actually kind of pulled it off.
Rainbow Johnson from black-ish
Rainbow “Bow” Johnson tries hard to be a good mom, even if sometimes her kids don’t appreciate it. She doesn’t have the cool confidence of some other TV moms, but what she lacks she makes up for in enthusiasm. As a doctor and a mother, she’s a role model to her kids and because she grew up in a commune, she can rock a kaftan, which is really what all moms should be wearing. So much breathing room.
You can’t be a better mom than Tami Taylor. Sorry, it’s just not possible. She’s wise, beautiful, has hair that looks like she bought it off a Disney princess, and on top of all that, she’s a patient and kind mom and wife. Plus, she always has a glass of white wine handy. She’s not just a mom to her daughter, but to all the kids in town. And a lot of them need a mom. It’s not easy being the coach’s wife, but she makes it look like it is.
Lois only sets the bar high because if anyone else had to deal with her kids, they’d have abandoned their family for a beach in Mexico by now. Has there ever been a more relatable mom than Lois? Living on a fixed income with four boys and a very boy-like husband, Lois seems constantly 2020 levels of frazzled, despite existing in the early 2000s. Moms on TV often have to play the straight character, the calm glue that holds the family together. Lois is the glue holding the family together (if only by one glue molecule), but she’s certainly not calm. Her (completely valid) meltdowns at her constantly wild gaggle of children are one of the funniest parts of the show. Gentle parenting is not her style, but can you blame her? Her children slingshotted melons off the roof.
You do not want to mess with Clair Huxtable. She’s a lawyer, the wife of a doctor, and the mother of five children. She’s serious and imposing but still low-key the funniest person in the room. Her famous “feminist rant,” where she tells off her daughter’s boyfriend for implying women should serve men, is still as relevant today as it was in the ’80s. Clair is bold. Clair is put-together. You will never be Clair Huxtable. Clair Huxtable would never let her child wear pajamas to daycare three days in a row because they refused to get dressed or find themselves eating applesauce pouches for dinner. Sorry to call you out, but it’s true.
As a military veteran, a nurse, and a single mom of two teenagers, Penelope already has more on her plate than most people—even before her mom takes over half of their living room in their already small apartment. She struggles with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, but still works hard every day to care for her kids and manage her family. All while dating! Seems impossible, but OK.
Rarely do we get to see a show where the mom is the fun parent and the dad is the straight man, but Sister gave us just that in Lisa. But she’s not just the fun-loving, permissive parent—the kind of mom you want to tell all your secrets to—she’s also a strong role model who loves her kids despite living in the weirdest situation you can imagine. She adopted a baby by herself, which is already twice as much parenting as many moms do, but then when she found out her daughter had a long-lost twin (ah the ’90s, so many long-lost twins!), she gave up her entire life to move in with a new family and make sure the girls could be together. The only problem with Lisa is that she didn’t sue that adoption agency for emotional damages.
Despite constantly having to be the “responsible parent” to her husband’s “fun parent,” Chilli holds her own in games of pretend. While most TV moms stand on the sidelines when their children play, Chilli jumps right in and creates her narrative as a pirate or a shy bus rider in love with the driver. And unlike most TV moms—who are seemingly perfect—she gets visibly frustrated with her children often (see the Sticky Gecko episode), which is refreshing. A perfect blend of responsibility and fun, the kind of mom you can see yourself in. And admit it, yes, he’s a cartoon but you’d probably marry Bandit, too.
From the restaurant to beauty industries, entrepreneurs to charitable organizations, Atlanta women rule. And while this list only skims the surface of the imprint women-owned businesses make in Atlanta, it’s a good start. Keep reading for some of our favorite places and companies around town that are either founded, owned, or directed by women.
Mahogany Mommies is a movement that is dedicated to building legacy, inspiring others, and celebrating black women and culture. Founder Joi is a single mother of three and a high school teacher who has created an apparel line that celebrates black culture and promotes a growth mindset. According to Joi, "It was always my dream to become an entrepreneur and to utilize my experience as a business owner to assist my students in pursuing their dreams of becoming a Boss. The skills and experience gained through this venture, has already proved valuable in regards to my instruction in my Entrepreneurship classes."
What we love: In addition to adult-sized T's that take issues of empowerment and ending racism and sexism head-on, you'll find a kid's line, too.
Sarah Wharton Rhino, Owner & Director, is a native Atlantan and past competitive gymnast, collegiate cheerleader, and director. She has a Masters degree from Georgia State University in College & Professional Sports Administration with her undergraduate degree in Recreation & Sports Management from Indiana University. The Peach Pit is a competitive and recreational gymnastics and dance facility with a huge offering of programming to fit every need.
The Peach Pit Prado (Formerly The Peach Pit Brookhaven) 5600 Roswell Rd., Suite K140
Online shopping is great, but some things are just better to purchase in-person. Woo Skincare, now with two locations in Atlanta, is a woman-owned skincare and beauty boutique that carries all the major cosmetic and skincare brands you'd expect to find at a department store, only with an easier to get to location and skilled (and knowledgeable) makeup artists on staff.
Daughter of the esteemed Charlie and Nan Niyomkul of Nan Thai Fine Dining fame, Dee Dee is a powerhouse by her own right (she just Beat Bobby Flay!). Creating Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft in Brookwood Hills and now Chai-Yo in Buckhead, her upscale Thai concepts have innovated right through the pandemic. Offering family style meals to go, outdoor dining with live music, and considerable contributions towards ending food insecurity, Dee Dee is at the helm of a growing and thriving component of the Atlanta restaurant scene.
Peiru Kim graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in business in 1996, then worked for a real estate development company for more than 15 years before purchasing her first Sugarcoat location in 2010. Since then, it's grown to six locations with two more set to open in the upcoming months. And it goes far beyond the typical nail salon, offering a beautiful environment and seats that make the guest feel like they're sitting on their own thrones.
Owner Kim Wilson wanted to create a true market where you could as easily pick up groceries and dinner as you could create memorable, tasteful, and locally-sourced baskets for that new neighbor, or new baby, or friend in need of a pick-me-up. You'll find the freshest produce, CBD products, prepared foods, customized gift baskets, unique gifts, bath essentials, and an extensive wine collection at the shop in the heart of Buckhead.
Sarah Pierre, owner of Glenwood's 3 Parks Wine Shop, may have gotten her taste for wine during her stint at Star Provisions group (Bacchanalia, Floataway Café, and Abattoir), but she's created a casually elegant neighborhood wine shop known for its selection of small-production wines, family-owned vineyards, and family-owned properties.
451 Bill Kennedy Way, Suite C Glenwood Online:3parkswine.com
Visit Molly Sipp's Buckhead bungalo for all your cosmetic procedural needs. She started her career in nursing, graduating from Wofford College with a BS in Biology, then obtaining a BSN at MUSC in Charleston, SC. After receiving an MSN at Emory University, Molly worked as an RN at Emory University Hospital, later practicing as a Family Nurse Practitioner outside of Boston before moving back to Atlanta. A mother of 4, Molly created Facial Aesthetics of Buckhead—or FAB—from her home, later moving to an adorable house converted to business, where you can find her now.
Bea Dixson created The Honey Pot Co. so women could have hygiene products without chemicals, toxins, artificial fragrance, or anything synthetic. They're biodegradable, cruelty-free, clinically tested and gynecologist-approved.
Good to Know: Buy Honey Pot products are also sold nationwide.
Lisa Amundsen is co-owner of Le Macaron French Pastries franchise in Atlanta (the parent company is also woman-owned), where you can enjoy a modern take on the classic French pâtisserie. Signature macarons, as well as gourmet chocolates, gelato, European style beverages, and homemade candy are available at one of multiple locations, and the perfect treat at the end of a long week. In Avalon, Le Macaron can be found in a petite 90 square-foot kiosk, serving eclairs, tarts, mini-tarts, napoleons, gourmet chocolates, meringues, cakes, and specialty beverages including Lorina, a sparkling French lemonade, in addition to its wide selection of macarons.
Lydia Mays, founder and director of See Beautiful, a philanthropic company providing inspiring, ethically-sourced products to create more beautiful in the world, wanted to empower women to change how they see the world, and then change the world. With every purchase from See Beautiful's curated shop, you help fund carefully vetted, sustainable projects of non-profit organizations.
The Village Market, founded by Lakeysha Hallmon, connects Black-owned businesses to engaged consumers, impactful resources, and investors. Their thriving ecosystem reaches small businesses in 21 states and 4 countries, with an official partnership with The Bahamas. Don't miss The Village Market ATL, a quarterly marketplace experience premiering carefully selected diverse Black artisans, makers and service providers from across the country. The experience features live performances, art installations, a community favored, Village Cafe’ (plant-based café), gifted entrepreneurs and more.
All you need is love…and treats. We’ve got some pretty awesome local Bay Area shops that have put together great gifts—from beautiful charcuterie boards to cookie decorating kits, they have it all! So spread the love while supporting local businesses with treats that will bring a smile. We all need that.
Where to Find the Best Candy in San Francisco
Giddy
If the name is any indication, we're willing to bet your kids will leave this store feeling.. well, giddy. You'll find high-quality candy from global and local producers but for Valentine's Day, we like to stock up on the Sour Pucker Up Lips and Cinnamon Heart Jelly Beans.
It all started when founder Christa Hill wanted to share her favorite cookies with friends at Dolores Park. Ten years and thousands of cookies later, she’s still at it, bringing smiles to her customers throughout San Francisco. Each cupid box comes packaged with colorful tissue, a festive bow, a handwritten message, and hand delivered to you.
This small-batch, boutique bakery in San Francisco is loved by residents in and out of the city. For Valentine’s Day, Batter Bakery is offering their signature cookie decorating kit in small or large, and includes shortbread cookies, royal icing, sprinkles, supplies and instructions. Also check out their heart-shaped cookies in unique flavors like lavender sea salt, chocolate hazelnut and red hot candy! Online ordering and nationwide delivery is available.
A passion project for chocolatier Carol Gancia, Kokak Truffles has become a Bay Area favorite. The beautifully designed chocolate bouquet truffle box comes in flavors like strawberry, hazelnut, and coffee, makes a great gift. For something even more decadent, the Chocolate Love Tower includes an assortment from the Castro Pride, pie, tea, liqueur-filled and dark chocolate collections. Boxes can be ordered for local SF delivery, curbside pick-up or shipped.
This candy boutique doesn't offer just plain 'ole candy—it specializes in nostalgic candy that is difficult to find elsewhere. Think German gummy bears, Green Tea Kit Kat bars and imported Italian candy bars. We dare you to leave this store empty-handed!
Self-taught baker Eileen Wang in Alameda is all about beautiful desserts. For Valentine’s Day, grab a four-piece cupcake treat box that comes in flavors like red wine chocolate raspberry or vegan thin mint chocolate or go big with a dozen. We love the Tea Box for $70 that includes themed cupcakes, hot chocolate bombs, cookies, brownies, mochi and tea for a romantic afternoon tea or fun surprise to share with the kids. Pick-up in Alameda.
Step into Bonbon's and you'll be transported to a delightful European candy store where they have it all—gelato, marzipan, truffles, fudge, Belgian chocolates and our very favorite chocolate-covered cherries.
Started by a single mom with a love for making food look beautiful, Karla’s charcuterie and cheese boards are full of little details and totally giftable. For Valentine’s Day, her gorgeous and delectable boards start at $60 and are in high demand so be sure to get your order in early! Check out her Instagram for inspiration and contact information.
Since 2012, this Berkeley boutique chocolatier has been creating unique, small-batch, high-quality artisanal chocolates inspired by a passion for the Latin American culture. For Valentine’s Day, Casa de Chocolates has their Amor (Love) Collection featuring beautiful gifts ranging from chocolate-covered strawberries to hand-painted chocolate roses. We love their assorted chocolate box with flavors like Petalo de Rosas, Guayabana, and Tequila, or the chocolate-covered strawberries and truffles. Shipping and pick-up available at their shop in Berkeley.
The San Mateo bakery has been around since 2004 serving delicious signature, seasonal and custom-themed cupcakes baked to order from scratch. For Valentine’s Day, Sibby’s is offering their mini cupcakes with themed flavors like heart confetti, double chocolate raspberry, red velvet and white chocolate passionfruit. Delivery is available from San Francisco to Sunnyvale and pick-up is by appointment only.
Nestled within a Los Altos neighborhood, this charming community treat shop is where local kids come to spend their allowance on frozen yogurt, bulk candy, root beer floats and milkshakes. Parents will love that there are also sandwich and soup options along with coffee and the best part (as if it couldn't get any better) is that a portion of proceeds goes back to local schools.
17-year-old Shrobana Shangupta is making waves in the way of raising money for nonprofits like Sunday Friends and St. Jude’s in the San Jose area with her love of food. Self-taught and ambitious, her macarons have already cultivated a following with unique flavors like jelly donut and Nutella cheesecake. Share the love with a Valentine’s Day box with rose and vanilla cheesecake and dark chocolate ganache. Pick-up is available in San Jose.
Started eight years ago, Made Out Of Dough is all about bringing the flavor. With savory scones and sweet pastries, they have been working the farmer’s markets around the Bay Area and wowing customers with yummy treats. For the special day, check out the Chocolate Covered Strawberry cake with fresh strawberries or the Vanilla Love cake with swirled pink vanilla.
A crowd favorite, SusieCakes makes beautifully delicious cakes, cupcakes, cookies and pies made from scratch. For Valentine’s Day, the bakery is whipping up an I Heart You Box of four cupcakes in special flavors as well as a dozen mini rose cupcakes. For a fun activity, grab a cupcake or sugar cookie decorating kit. Pick-up and delivery are available at select bakeries, so be sure to check out the website for the closest one!
Family-owned since 2008, Sift Dessert knows the sweet stuff. With three locations in the Bay Area including Santa Rosa and Napa, Sift Dessert Bar makes beautiful cupcakes, macaroons, cakes and cuffles (cake and frosting blended together and dipped in chocolate). They have some fun boxes for Valentine’s Day including the gluten-free Conversation Crispy Bars and Macaroons box with rice crispy treats and the Hey Sugar Gift Box with whoopie cookies, gummy bears, sprinkles chocolate bar and a customized note. Shipping and store pick-up is available.
Want to send some flowers but also cupcakes? Check out Baked Blooms in San Anselmo. This home-based bakery started by stay-at-home mom Sarah Thongnopneua makes cupcake bouquets arranged and decorated to look like a beautiful bouquet of flowers. You can order a seven-piece small bouquet of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes in red, white and pink floral design. Cupcakes are homemade and baked from scratch in small batches using real ingredients. Pick-up is available in San Anselmo with local delivery only in Marin at this time.
Artisanal doughnuts handcrafted with locally sourced, organic ingredients is the name of the game at Johnny Doughnuts. For Valentine’s Day, their Strawberry Bismark flavor is a must-try along with assorted doughnut holes in a variety of flavors and fillings, dressed up like a box of chocolates. Get your sweet tooth fix at one of their San Francisco, Marin or pop-up food truck locations!
The company has just released its Countdown to Christmas Lineup and the festivities start as early as Oct. 21! Not only that, get ready to settle in for a new batch of Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Lineup, too!
Here’s the complete list of all the upcoming movie and their descriptions (thank you, Hallmark Channel!) so you can start planning all those festive movie nights.
Countdown to Christmas Lineup
(All premieres are at 8PM EST unless otherwise noted.)
The Christmas CEO, 2021 (Hallmark)
Friday, October 21: Noel Next Door
Starring: Natalie Hall (Charmed), Corey Sevier (Immortals)
A hard-working, single mom gets into a war of words with a neighbor who she feels is ruining Christmas, only to find that this misunderstood grouch just may steal her heart.
Saturday, October 22: We Wish You a Married Christmas
Starring: Marisol Nichols (Riverdale), Kristoffer Polaha (Jurassic World Dominion)
Becca and Robby are a married couple having a hard time connecting with each other as the holidays approach. Just before Christmas, they head to a cozy Vermont inn at the advice of their marriage coach so they can recharge. Their weekend away gets unexpectedly extended when a mishap puts their car out of commission and just may put them on the road to a very happily married Christmas.
Sunday, October 23: A Kismet Christmas
Starring: Sarah Ramos (Parenthood), Carlo Marks (Chesapeake Shores), Marilu Henner (Taxi)
Sarah is a children's book author who returns to her hometown, where she reconnects with her family and Travis, her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a long-held family legend might actually be true.
Friday, October 28: A Cozy Christmas Inn
Starring: Jodie Sweetin (Fuller House), David O'Donnell (In Search of Fellini)
Real estate exec Erika, travels to Alaska during Christmastime to acquire a bed and breakfast, only to discover that it's owned by her ex. While there, she finds herself falling in love with the town and quite possibly him.
Saturday, October 29: Jolly Good Christmas
Starring: Reshma Shetty (Blindspot), Will Kemp (Christmas Waltz)
David is an American architect who recently moved to London for a prime opportunity in a prestigious firm. With just three days before Christmas, he crosses paths with Anji, a professional shopper, who raises an eyebrow over his choice of a gift card for his girlfriend. David ultimately decides to hire Anji and, thanks to a series of unexpected events, finds himself on a wild adventure across Jolly Old London as Anji helps him search for the perfect present.
Sunday, October 30: Ghosts of Christmas Always
Starring: Kim Matula (LA to Vegas), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars), Beth Leavel (This Is Where I Leave You), Lori Tan Chinn (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens), Reginald VelJohnson (Die Hard, Family Matters)
Katherine is a Ghost of Christmas Present and she must help one soul, Peter, rediscover his Christmas spirit. But this year has something unusual in store.
Friday, November 4, 2022: A Magical Christmas Village
Starring: Alison Sweeney (Days of Our Lives), Luke Macfarlane (Bros), Marlo Thomas (That Girl)
When Summer's mother Vivian moves in with her and her young daughter Chloe, her orderly existence is upended. Upon arrival, Vivian sets up an heirloom miniature Christmas village resembling their town, and tells Chloe it grants Christmas wishes. As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates. With a little help from the magic of the Christmas village, the family will be brought closer together and just maybe, Summer will learn to open her heart to love again.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: Lights, Camera, Christmas!
Starring: Kimberley Sustad (Travelers), John Brotherton (Fuller House)
When a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town needs a costume designer, Kerry, a local shop owner, steps into the role. While working on the movie, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film's famous leading man.
Sunday, November 6, 2022: All Saints Christmas
Starring: Ledisi (Selma), Roger Cross (Murdoch Mysteries)
Lisette is a popular R&B singer who's getting ready to travel home to New Orleans for Christmas. When the media mistake a photo of her with her music producer ex as an engagement announcement, her family insists that he join her on the trip.
Friday, November 11, 2022: In Merry Measure
Starring:Patti Murin (Frozen, Chicago Med), Brendan Penny (Chesapeake Shores), Jennifer Robertson (Schitt's Creek)
When pop star Darcy returns home to spend Christmas with her sister and niece, she unexpectedly finds herself coaching the high school choir with her one time rival, Adam.
Starring: Rachel Skarsten (Batwoman), Dan Jeannotte (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Greta Scacchi (The Terror)
Claire is an MI5 agent who goes undercover as the royal nanny. She must overcome the challenges of her assignment, like resisting the charms of Prince Colin, while keeping the family safe at Christmas.
Sunday, November 13, 2022: Christmas at the Golden Dragon
Starring:Kara Wang (Good Trouble), Osric Chau (The Flash), Sara Canning (Nancy Drew), Antonio Cupo (Blood & Treasure), Barbara Niven (Chesapeake Shores)
When Romy and Rick's parents surprise them with the news that they will be closing the Chinese restaurant they have owned and operated for decades, the siblings each find themselves reevaluating their futures. Also impacted by the news are the landmark restaurant's loyal patrons and staff, who have all come to depend on the restaurant over the holidays.
Friday, November 18, 2022: Inventing the Christmas Prince
Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley (The Santa Stakeout), Ronnie Rowe Jr. (The Porter)
Shelby is about to quit her job as a rocket engineer when her daughter becomes convinced that her Scrooge-like boss, Evan, is the Christmas Prince from a story Shelby invented years ago.
Saturday, November 19, 2022: Three Wise Men and a Baby
Starring: Paul Campbell (Turner & Hooch), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Andrew Walker (Merry & Bright), Margaret Colin (Chicago Med)
Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together to care for a baby over the holidays. As they slowly get the hang of things, they find themselves on unexpected journeys of self-discovery and begin to rebuild their relationships as brothers, as well as the damaged romantic and professional relationships in their respective lives…all while rediscovering their love of Christmas.
Sunday, November 20, 2022: When I Think of Christmas
Starring: Shenae Grimes-Beech (The Detail), Niall Matter (The Predator), Beth Broderick (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
Sara Thompson returns to her hometown to help her mother move and is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend Josh Hartman is back home. The two had once planned a life in music together but Sara left to study law. The former flames slowly reconnect and try to heal wounds, both old and new. When Sara makes a surprising discovery, she and Josh forge a bold plan for the upcoming Christmas concert that will lead them all back to their musical roots and make this a holiday to remember.
Thursday, November 24, 2022: My Southern Family Christmas – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Jaicy Elliot (Grey's Anatomy), Bruce Campbell (Ash vs Evil Dead), Ryan Rottman (Guidance), Moira Kelly (The Cutting Edge,), Brian McNamara (Magnum P.I.)
Under the guise of a journalist, Campbell has a chance to get to know her biological father for the first time – without him ever knowing who she really is. As she spends time with him and his family, as well as with the town's record keeper, she realizes that families are messy, wonderful things. In the end, Campbell must decide if she's going to keep her identity a secret or reveal the truth to her father – a decision that will change their family Christmas forever.
Friday, November 25, 2022: #Xmas – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Clare Bowen (Nashville), Brant Daugherty (Pretty Little Liars)
When Jen gets the chance to enter a brand's design contest, she poses as a family influencer, enlisting the help of her best friend, Max, and her baby nephew. When her video is selected as a finalist, Jen is torn on whether to go on with her perfect "family" or reveal the truth.
Friday, November 25, 2022: A Royal Corgi Christmas– premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Hunter King (Life in Pieces), Jordan Renzo (The Spanish Princess)
Reluctant Crown Prince Edmond returns home just before Christmas in anticipation of being named successor to the throne. To ingratiate himself to his mother the Queen, he gifts her with "Mistletoe", a rambunctious Corgi in need of some serious training. After several doggy disasters, Edmond turns to Cecily, a canine behavior expert from America for help –but to his great surprise, Cecily demands that he take an active part in the daily dog training sessions. Sparks fly between them as the pair work together to get Mistletoe ready to present at the annual Christmas Ball. Just as the precious pup captures their hearts, they discover that love can grow in the most unexpected places, leading them to question what they really want.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: A Tale of Two Christmases – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Kat Barrell (Wynonna Earp), Chandler Massey (Days of our Lives), Evan Roderick (Arrow)
Thanks to some Christmas magic, Emma gets to experience two different Christmases – one where she stays in the city and celebrates with a new crush and his friends, and one where she returns home for all the traditions with her family…and Drew, a longtime friend who may have feelings for her. Emma's double holiday ultimately helps her discover what will truly make her happy in life as well as in love.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Haul Out the Holly – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Lacey Chabert (The Wedding Veil), Wes Brown (Sweet Pecan Summer), Ellen Travolta (Charles in Charge), Peter Jacobson (House), Melissa Peterman (Reba), Stephen Tobolowsky (One Day at a Time, Spaceballs)
Emily arrives home, hoping to visit her parents, only to discover that they are leaving on a trip of their own. As she stays at their house for the holidays, their HOA is determined to get Emily to participate in the neighborhood's many Christmas festivities.
Hallmark
Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Rachel Boston (SEAL Team), Victor Webster (Workin' Moms)
Annie Cooper has big shoes to fill when she takes over as CEO of her late grandmother's smalltown cookie company and is doing her best to help their struggling business get back on track. That task gets more daunting when her grandmother's secret recipe is stolen during the Christmas party. As Annie tries to crack the case and uncover the culprit she works with Sam, the owner of a local bakery, to recreate the recipe in the hope of saving the company and her job. As Annie and Sam bake batch after batch in pursuit of the perfect one, they begin to learn that their lives go together like milk and cookies.
Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Holiday Spectacular – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Ginna Claire Mason (Wicked), Derek Klena (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Eve Plumb (The Brady Bunch), Ann-Margret (Bye Bye Birdie, The Kominsky Method) Featuring the Radio City Rockettes
In 1958, Maggie is an heiress from Philadelphia who puts her high-society wedding plans on hold in order to sneak up to New York City and make her secret dream come true: dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
Friday, December 2, 2022: A Big Fat Family Christmas
Starring: Shannon Chan-Kent (Woke), Shannon Kook (The 100), Tia Carrere (Wayne's World), Jack Wagner (When Calls the Heart)
Liv is a photojournalist eager to make it on her own. To get a dream assignment – shooting the Chang family's annual holiday party for a cover story – she doesn't reveal that they are in fact, her family. When she finds herself growing close to Henry, the coworker covering the story with her, she wants to confide in him but doesn't want to jeopardize her big break.
Saturday, December 3, 2022: A Fabled Holiday
Starring: Brooke D'Orsay (Royal Pains), Ryan Paevey (General Hospital)
Talia and her childhood best friend Anderson unexpectedly reunite in a curiously familiar looking town full of Christmas spirit that restores its visitors when they need it most.
Sunday, December 4, 2022: Undercover Holiday
Starring: Noemi Gonzalez (Selena: The Series), Stephen Huszar (Tribal)
When returning home for the holidays, newly minted pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that Matt is her new beau, when in reality, he's her overzealous security guard.
Friday, December 9, 2022: The Most Colorful Time of the Year
Starring: Katrina Bowden (30 Rock), Christopher Russell (Day of the Dead)
Ryan is an elementary school teacher, who learns that he is colorblind. Michelle, an optometrist and mother of one of his students, helps bring color into his life in time for the holidays.
Saturday, December 10, 2022: Christmas Class Reunion
Starring: Aimee Teegarden (Friday Night Lights), Tanner Novlan (The Bold and the Beautiful)
High school classmates, who once dubbed themselves the "cursed class," reconnect at Christmas for their 15-year reunion. Over the course of their time reconnecting, the classmates challenge each other to remember who they were, who they are, and who they want to be.
Sunday, December 11, 2022: The Holiday Sitter
Starring: Jonathan Bennett (The Christmas House, Mean Girls), George Krissa (Road Trip Romance), Chelsea Hobbs (Poisoned in Paradise: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery)
Sam is a workaholic bachelor who babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays when his sister and her husband have to go out of town. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason and finds himself in an unexpected romance.
Friday, December 16, 2022: Holiday Heritage
Starring: Lyndie Greenwood (Sleepy Hollow), Brooks Darnell (The Young and the Restless), Holly Robinson Peete (Our Christmas Journey,)
Ella returns to her hometown to mend fences with her fractured family. With the help of Griffin, her ex-boyfriend, she encourages her family to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa and to heal their past wounds before it's too late.
Saturday, December 17, 2022: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
A former actress trying to break into directing tests her skills with a town's annual Christmas Eve courtroom production in which the true authorship of the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nick" is debated.
Sunday, December 18, 2022: Hanukkah on Rye
Starring: Jeremy Jordan (Supergirl), Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin), Lisa Loeb
A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together?
Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Lineup
(Premiere times are 10:00pm ET/PT)
A Christmas Treasure, 2021 (Hallmark)
Saturday, October 22: We Need a Little Christmas
Starring: Erica Durance (Supergirl), Patrick Sabongui (The Flash), Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf)
Julie is adjusting to being a single mother to a grieving child while facing her first Christmas without her husband when she develops an unexpected friendship with her older neighbor Irene.
Saturday, October 29: Christmas Bedtime Stories
Starring: Erin Cahill (Every Time a Bell Rings), Steve Lund (Schitt's Creek), Charlie Weber ("How to Get Away with Murder)
When Danielle's husband goes missing in action during his deployment, she is left to raise her daughter on her own. Three years later, as she acclimates to life without him, she begins to tell her daughter bedtime stories of her father.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: A Maple Valley Christmas
Starring: Peyton List (Star Trek: Picard, Mad Men), Andrew Walker (Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery)
Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister. When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she actually wants.
Saturday, November 12, 2022: Our Italian Christmas Memories
Starring: Sarah Power (Good Witch), Beau Bridges (The Fabulous Baker Boys)
The Colucci siblings, in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia, set out to recreate their late grandmother's legendary pasta sauce.
Saturday, November 19, 2022: Long Lost Christmas
Starring: Taylor Cole (Making Spirits Bright), Benjamin Ayres (Burden of Truth)
Hayley is an interior designer who plans to surprise her recently widowed mother Patricia with the perfect holiday present: the extended family she knows her mom yearns for.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas
Starring: Holland Roden (Mayans M.C.), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Tenille Townes (The Lemonade Stand) From Executive Producer Blake Shelton
Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize. In his message, a man she doesn't know makes one final plea to the love of his life for a second chance. This is the fifth installment of the popular movie franchise, based on Blake Shelton's song "Time for Me to Come Home."
Saturday, December 3, 2022: The Holiday Stocking
Starring: Nadine Ellis (Our Kind of People), B.J. Britt ( Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Karon Riley (The Black Hamptons), Tamala Jones ( Castle), Mykelti Williamson (Fences, Law & Order: Organized Crime)
In this Hallmark Mahogany presentation, RJ is a new angel, who is given the chance to address his one regret, that he didn't help his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to earth as a stranger, he gets each of them to revive The Holiday Stocking, their parent's old tradition to encourage charity at Christmas.
Saturday, December 10, 2022: The Gift of Peace
Starring: Nikki Deloach (Five More Minutes), Brennan Elliott (UnREAL)
Artist Traci is a once-devout Christian who has stopped believing in God after her husband tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, she tries going to a support group for inspiration and comfort.
Saturday, December 17, 2022: Five More Minutes: Moments Like These
Starring: Ashley Williams (Sister Swap: Christmas in the City), Lucas Bryant (Haven)
The second holiday story inspired by Scotty McCreery's song "Five More Minutes," a young widow's Christmas wish for her son is answered in unexpected ways when she returns to their old home for the holidays.
From Unexpected to Away We Go, parents-to-be can find everything from good laughs to relatable moments in these pregnancy movies
Whether it’s your first or your fourth baby, when there’s a bun in the oven, those nine months of pregnancy feel like the longest of your life. And while we can’t book you a hotel room or an all-inclusive vacay for that well-deserved break, we CAN supply you with plenty of entertainment options perfect for an evening of kicking back on the couch. If you’re done binge-watching all the very best shows out there right now, might we suggest some fun pregnancy movies? These films feature expectant characters dealing with surprise pregnancies, fertility problems, relationship issues, family drama, and more—and the good news is, there’s always a happy ending (ahem, hormones!).
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
This 2012 pregnancy movie features an incredible cast including Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Chris Rock, Elizabeth Banks, and many more. The movie introduces us to five different couples, all either hoping for or expecting a child, and handling it in very different and often hilarious ways. There’s the one-night stand baby, the IVF miracle, and a pregnancy where the meticulously crafted birth plan goes very much awry.
Why We Love It: Besides the amazing cast, one of the best things about What to Expect is that it shows the many different paths to parenting. The couples deal with everything from fertility struggles to miscarriage to adoption, just like real moms and dads everywhere.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are a comedy dream team, and nowhere is that more evident than in the ridiculously funny Baby Mama. Fey plays a successful career woman who, when she decides she’s ready for a baby, enlists the help of a surrogate. She ends up with even more than she bargained for when the surrogate shows up on her doorstep, homeless and broke. Oh, and the surrogate may or may not be a con woman. Greg Kinnear and Dax Shepard also co-star.
Why We Love It: Two of the funniest women ever teaming up for a sweet and funny rom-com? What’s not to love?
Knocked Up
TV reporter Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) is moving up the ladder in her demanding career until a one-night stand with slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) throws a wrench into her plans. The two decide to give their relationship a shot after Alison finds out she’s pregnant, but their wildly different lifestyle create tons of problems (and lots of laughs). Can Ben grow up in time to help raise a kid?
Why We Love It: Writer/director Judd Apatow’s brand of edgy stoner comedy mixes surprisingly well with a sweet pregnancy story, making this pregnancy movie laugh-til-it-hurts funny.
This cute comedy stars Saturday Night Live’s Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski, AKA Jim from The Office, as an expecting couple on a quest to find the perfect place to raise their baby. The two travel all over the country testing out new locations and introducing us to a slew of flaky family members along the way. Schitt’s Creek’s Catherine O’Hara has a funny turn as a disinterested grandma, and Maggie Gyllenhaal also gets laughs as an uber-pretentious cousin.
Why We Love It: Rudolph and Krasinki are an adorable pairing as mom-and-dad-to-be Verona and Burt, and their mission to figure out where to live reminds us all that home is where the heart is.
The Back-Up Plan
First comes baby, then comes love in The Back Up Plan. Jennifer Lopez stars as a pet shop owner who decides to become a mother with the help of artificial insemination and a single mother’s support group for guidance. But things get a bit complicated when she meets her dream guy (played by Hawaii Five-0’s Alex O’Loughlin) who’s not at all ready for fatherhood.
Why We Love It: J. Lo is the undisputed queen of the rom-com, and this flick is just one more piece of proof. It shows us that timing isn’t always everything, but love truly does conquer all.
Waitress
Get your tissues ready for this 2007 hit. Pregnancy hormones or not, this one’s a tearjerker. Keri Russell stars as a waitress at a Deep South diner who’s got a knack for whipping up some amazing pies. When she finds out she’s pregnant, she begins hatching a plan to escape her abusive, loveless marriage. But things get even more complicated when she begins an affair with her long-time OB-GYN, who just happens to be married.
Why We Love It: Sure, there’s a lot of drama, but in the end, Waitress is as sweet as pie.
When a high school teacher finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, so too does one of her best and brightest students. The two moms-to-be strike up an emotional connection, bonding over everything from pregnancy yoga to food cravings—all while helping each other figure out their uncertain futures. How I Met Your Mother’s Cobie Smulders stars and that baby bump you see? It’s real! The actress was reportedly pregnant in real life while filming.
Why We Love It:Unexpected reminds us that pregnancy can be challenging in so many different ways, no matter your age, marital status, or financial situation. Smulders’s co-star Gail Bean also gives us a powerful performance as the pregnant high-school senior grappling with how to fit a baby into the life she’d imagined for herself.
A French film crew traveled the globe to document four different babies and their families in the first year after birth. There’s Ponijao, born in Namibia; Mari, living in Tokyo; Hattie, from San Francisco; and Bayarjargal, living in Mongolia. There’s no narration and very little dialogue, giving viewers an unadulterated look at different cultures and customs when it comes to bringing up babies (though these four are all happy teenagers now, according to the filmmaker).
Why We Love It: Besides the cute factor, which is absolutely through the roof, this thought-provoking documentary makes you look at babies in a whole new light.
Based on the memoir of the same name by author Beverly Donofrio, this movie introduces us to Bev at 11 years old in 1961, when boys are already starting to catch her attention—much to the dismay of her police officer father. The story follows her throughout the years as a pregnant teen, a young bride, and eventually a wife dissatisfied with the course her life has taken. There are some heavy moments, but a lot of light-hearted ones, too, and through it all, Bev’s best friend Fay (played by the late Brittany Murphy) is by her side.
Why We Love It: The always lovable Drew Barrymore lights up the screen while exploring the sacrifices mothers make—and how becoming a parent yourself can make you rethink your relationship with your own.
Doting dad George Banks (played to comedic perfection by Steve Martin) finds out he's going to be a grandpa in this sequel film—and he hilariously insists he's much too young for the title. As he grapples with his little girl becoming a mother, Banks then gets a massive surprise of his own. Not only is Annie expecting, but his wife Nina is, too.
Why We Love It: Father of the Bride Part II is one of the few movies where get to see an older mom celebrating a pregnancy. Martin Short also returns as scene stealer Franck, who's going to plan the baby showers instead of a wedding.
Juno
Elliot Page and Michael Cera star in this sweet coming-of-age tale about Minnesota high schoolers dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. When Juno decides not to go through with an abortion, she turns to adoption instead. She finds a seemingly perfect couple to raise the baby—but things get complicated the more time Juno spends with the not-so-happily married pair played by Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner.
Why We Love It:Juno tackles emotional topics with quirky charm and lots of emotion. It also features a killer soundtrack with songs from The Velvet Underground, The Kinks, Buddy Holly, and more.
Alicia Silverstone may be our fave 90’s teen actress but she’s also a mom. The Clueless alum is mom to 11-year old son, Bear, who she shares with her ex-husband, Christopher Jarecki.
You may have seen headlines over the years about Silverstone’s vegan practices and her parenting style, but at her core the actress says she’s just “a loving mama.” On a recent episode of The Ellen Fisher Podcast, the 45-year old sat down with the host to chat about raising healthy kids and how she responds to critics of her “alternative” parenting.
“I’m a natural mama, and I’m a loving mama. I believe in love, I believe in nature and our society is scared of nature and love,” she says. When it comes to some of the parenting concepts she embraces, she admits she’s gotten flack. But in reality, “The things I’m doing, I’m not inventing. I didn’t invent any of it. I’d love to take credit for all of it…it’s just me following nature,” she says.
“Bear and I still sleep together and I’ll be in trouble for saying that and I don’t really care,” says Silverstone. While co-sleeping definitely isn’t for everyone, we totally get the single mom of one wanting to soak up all the love for their only child as much as possible. In fact, she says her focus on Bear was the reason she put off having any other kids for so long.
She goes on to talk about her use of the elimination communication method, raising her son vegan and convincing her then-husband that her practices were more than just hippie shenanigans.
“Being a mom is the most precious, most unbelievable experience in this world…it’s so divine.”
You might call it the “D” word—divorce. Many children are blessed to be overwhelmingly loved by two caring adults who are able to cohesively co-parent. Then there are some children, like my own, who are not only left in turmoil but are also left with an absentee parent.
The father of my first two children could be summed up as a slow-motion train wreck. There is too much to go into great detail about, but his biggest flaw is choosing to be the equivalent of a distant cousin as opposed to a father: going weeks and even months without contact, missing birthday phone calls and falling about two years behind on child support payments.
Seeing the heartache on my children’s faces prompted me to become the Queen Mother of Overcompensation. I now had to step into their father’s shoes. I had to make up for all that he was screwing up.
At first, it was harmless: trying to make sure I fulfilled every wish on the birthday and Christmas list. I mean, how couldn’t I? How could I make his lack of financial or emotional help be the fault of a child?
Next came the emotional compensation, choosing to ignore problematic behaviors simply because of the pain the kids were feeling due to the loss of a family unit. I can remember the day my then-third grader leveled a classroom following an angry encounter with his teacher. I remember being terribly embarrassed and expressing that to every faculty member in view, but moments later, taking him for ice cream to talk it out.
I was afraid of being the “bad parent.” That if my children saw me put my foot down, they would hate me. I feared they would want and long for the one who wouldn’t even take the time to pick up the phone to return a call. I had to be all they needed wrapped in one. Believe it or not, I needed their love during this difficult time as much as they needed mine. I was afraid to parent my own children.
As I continued this path of destruction, I slowly began to realize that my pattern of enabling them was like putting scotch tape on a leaky pipe; sooner or later, that tape slides off, and the real problem bursts through. The gifts and the ice cream didn’t stop the anger and only calmed the raging storms. The phone calls from school didn’t stop. The ADD/ADHD diagnosis came next, which led to bigger, more underlying issues being discovered. My children were in pain, and no toy could fix that. More needed to be done!
I had to recognize my own toxic behavior in being my children’s enabler. The naysayers were right—they needed love, yes—but they also need guidance and a strong mother who stood firm in her decisions and who wouldn’t waffle at their whimpering. They needed a mother who was confident enough to know that she could never fully fill the void of their absent father.
I also had to acknowledge that I, too, was in pain. Divorce is never easy for children, but for the parties who vowed to spend the rest of their lives together, it was devastating. I cried myself to sleep some nights, afraid to face the world as something I never wanted to be. I was now a single mother and, most of all, alone. Loneliness eats away at you, and I longed to fill the void.
As these thoughts came rushing over me, I realized what I was doing to myself. Trying to overcompensate for someone who couldn’t care less was like ordering a Big Mac with a Diet Coke—it made no sense. I was an emotional wreck and I was passing that disease to my own children. I had to make a choice. I had to decide if I wanted to continue to fill the emotional loss with worthless items or if I wanted to help my children heal.
I wanted them to heal, so I had to hold myself and them accountable for our poor choices.
Part of that process meant allowing my children to talk it out with someone other than myself. The school counselors were amazing in this transition; my boys opened up and let them into their safe zone. They were given strategies to deal with anger and to calm themselves. They began talking more about missing their father and how it made them feel that he rarely fulfilled his role. While these were steps in the right direction, the healing process takes time. We continue to take it step by step and remember that we are in it together.
I know that we are not all lucky enough to have the perfect co-parenting scenario, though that’s what we all want for our children. In the event that we don’t get that happy ending, understanding that we are in charge of guarding our children’s emotional healing—and proceeding carefully and responsibly—is key.
I am just regular mom of three wonderful boys and a married to the love of my life! I hope to reach people through writing and expressing my true experiences. My goal is to help a parent realize that no matter the struggle, they are not alone in the journey!
These parenting blogs for pregnancy, babies and beyond offer plenty of insight and support to new parents
Who’s there for you when you’re freaking out, nursing or looking for laughs? Blogs. Read on for parenting blogs, baby blogs, pregnancy blogs and sometimes a mix of all three, written by experts and moms who get it.
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Womanhood Unwrapped Through interviews with inspiring women and true tales from her own life, Womanhood Unwrapped founder Lis Thomas offers words of wisdom and inspiration about family, business, empowerment, leadership and more.
Mommy Labor Nurse Who better to share advice on pregnancy, delivery and postpartum life with a baby than a labor and delivery nurse who's also a mom? Liesel from Mommy Labor Nurse gives tips from both perspective for a well-rounded, educated take on what to expect every step of the way. Each article has a table of contents so you can quickly scan to find where your questions are addressed.
Swaddles n' Bottles Swaddles n' Bottles is a one-stop shop of practical advice and helpful information on pregnancy, labor & delivery, your postpartum body, breastfeeding and the baby gear you really need. Writers include moms, a labor & delivery nurse and a certified lactation counselor, and advice is organized by stage (pregnancy by trimester, postpartum, baby tips) and topic (breastfeeding support, pumping tips, baby gear), so it's easy to find exactly what you're looking for.
Lay Baby Lay You can count on Lay Baby Lay for nursery design ideas and all-around motherhood inspiration. Joni Lay, the designer and mom behind the blog, has been sharing her creative talents and motherhood stories since 2011.
Fit Bottomed Mamas The Fit Bottomed Mamas section of the Fit Bottomed Girls website covers pregnancy, parenting, family as well as trying to conceive and infertility. The tone is light, funny and always supportive and inclusive.
Baby Chick With a mission to celebrate motherhood and empower mothers everywhere, Baby Chick is full of everything you'll need to know for conception and pregnancy to life with baby. Baby Chick was founded by a doula and mom & baby educator.
The Fashion Bump Founded by a pediatric registered nurse, The Fashion Bump covers the latest in style, beauty products, health and lifestyle news for pregnant women, with a body-positive vibe about loving your amazing bump.
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Working Mom Magic On Working Mom Magic, you'll find advice on juggling life as a working mom. Topics include parenting, fitness, crafts, recipes, 529s, handling daycare issues and hacks for spending more time with your kids. Posts are focused and full of advice, since working mamas are too busy for fluff.
Mommy on Purpose Carly, the founder of Mommy on Purpose, is dedicated to helping moms live their best life by sharing practical tips and resources on pregnancy, labor & birth, breastfeeding and life with littles, from fun activities to how to keep things clean and organized and ways to save money. We love how she divides baby and toddler articles into two groups: Tiny & Squishy and Sticky & Wobbly.
Pregnant Chicken Amy, the chick in charge of the roost over at Pregnant Chicken, aims to keep pregnancy and parenthood real (and fun) for expectant and new parents alike. Popular features include the "Is it Safe" section, covering what you can and can't do while pregnant, and what you need to know for each trimester.
Confessions of Parenting In addition to advice about all things baby, the Confessions of Parenting blog also covers topics related to blended families, such as coparenting and helping kids navigate through divorce.
Fennell Seeds Blog The Fennell Seeds blog focuses on parenting and organizational skills (genius!), with some great travel tips thrown in as well.
Midwife & Life The midwife and educator behind Midwife & Life shares tons of articles about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, from how to stay healthy during pregnancy and creating a birth plan to gentle weaning advice. You'll also find amazing birth stories.
Fussy Baby Site The Fussy Baby Site blog guides parents through life with a colicky baby or one who is especially spirited or high needs. From sleep tips and ways to keep kids entertained to parenting guidance and self-care advice, the blog strives to help exhausted parents find guidance and support.
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Imperfectly Perfect Mama The moms behind the Imperfectly Perfect Mama blog really get it. They've been there and are sharing real talk on how to navigate mom life, baby stuff, postpartum drama, health issues and money.
Coffee and Coos In addition to lots of posts on pregnancy, breastfeeding and motherhood, Coffee and Coos covers the all-important topic of money, including how to save more of it and tips for working from home. You'll also find inspiring and heartwarming birth stories.
Plus Size Birth Check out the birth stories, resources and valuable advice for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive on the Plus Size Birth blog. It's a great resource for plus-size pregnancy essentials and issues you may encounter.
Thrifty Nifty Mommy Janessa from Thrifty Nifty Mommy is the dream mommy best friend. She knows her stuff, from what baby products are best to how to deal with engorgement and more, like fun, family-friendly crafts and recipes.
Scary Mommy Finally, a blog dedicated to imperfect parents (aka all of us). Bookmark Scary Mommy for a refreshing read following the roughest of days in pregnancy and parenthood.
The Leaky B@@b Precisely what its name indicates, The Leaky B@@b is a community-centric blog for breastfeeding moms that full of advice, resources and real stories you’ll probably laugh at because you can relate all too well.
Hellobee Hellobee covers a broad range of topics, from conception and adoption to chronic illness and kids with special needs, as well as lighter fare like product reviews. The site also has a forum section where you can connect with others, as well as classifieds, a buy/sell section and links to favorite products of the Hellobee bloggers and community members.
A Cup of Jo Joanna Goddard was one of the first mom bloggers, having started A Cup of Jo in 2007. The site has evolved and covers style, food, travel, relationships as well as motherhood. Today, the motherhood section is thriving with thought-provoking posts on having an only child, dating as a single mom and surprising things moms learn along their journeys.
Match is getting ready to stir things up for the single parents out there. On Monday, the company rolled out a new service designed to make dating as a single parent easier. No—it doesn’t send you a mail-order housekeeper, nanny, chef and logistics coordinator to manage your situation while you meet up with Mr. or Ms. Tall-Dark-and-Stormy. But it does allow single parents to compare their schedules to make sure they’re not matching with someone who doesn’t have the same free time, while also cutting to the chase on values and personality compatibility.
“Every year, we survey and interview singles, and every year, we find the same recurring theme: single parents are having a hard time dating,” Dinh Thi Bui, vice president of new verticals at Match Group, which owns Tinder, Match, Hinge, OKCupid and other dating services, told CNN Business. He added the app was inspired in part by his sister, a single mom of two who wouldn’t sign up for an online dating service (We call that a strong sibling move… her brother is a VP at Match Group, after all) because of horror stories she’d heard from other single parents. Leaning into these stories a bit, Match Group said it conducted its own study, finding that most single parents were “ghosted” after a first date on mainstream apps. Not. Cool.
“I saw these challenges she faced getting back into the dating world, and I wanted to build a supportive community that catered to single parents like her and make it easier for them to connect without fear of judgment,” he said. May we all raise children who shape industries for the betterment of their siblings.
Happy National #SingleParentDay! Today, we announced the launch of our newest dating app, Stir, designed specifically with single parents in mind.
With Stir, “Members don’t have to second guess if it will be an issue to disclose they have kids, or that they might have to cancel a date because they couldn’t find a babysitter.” Match Group found that single parents in the past “felt stigmatized in the dating world, like it is a turn-off to disclose they have children. We also saw that single parents naturally gravitate towards other single parents because they didn’t have to explain their constraints as they were in the same stage of life.”
Match launched the Stir app on National Single Parent Day, naturally. Download it via the Apple App Store and Google Play for free—and you can message others after you match. Premium memberships are $89.99 for three months and include promoting your profile in the local area and the ability to give and receive “super likes”—which allows you to let someone know you’re really digging them.
Match Group reports that it’s committed to creating dating apps for many different types of customers. A new background check tool on Tinder and plans to launch virtual dating experiences in the “Metaverse” are other recent ways Match Group has innovated online dating.
“Having kids shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when dating,” said Bui. “We’re dedicated to giving single parents a dating experience where they are celebrated and feel like they can be themselves. With that, our hope is that they can truly focus on having a personal life beyond navigating parenthood.”