The Stir By CafeMom: Blogger Julie Ryan Evans

The Memorial Day Burger Recipe You've Been Looking for Is Here!

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:58:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Get your grills ready, Monday is Memorial Day. I probably feel this way every year, but it seems particularly unbelievable this year that it's here already. At least we have the promise of delicious food to ease the harsh reality of the year flying by, and there's nothing more promising when it comes to Memorial Day food than burgers.

All burgers aren't equal, however. Sure, you can just toss them on the grill with a little salt and pepper and they'll be good, but there are so many other ways to make them even better. Here are 10 burger recipes that kick things up and will make your Memorial Day burgers the most memorable.

1. Bacon Cheeseburger

The name says it all: Yum. The recipe calls for blue cheese, but you can use cheddar or any flavor that you like.

2. All-American Burger

Perfect in its simplicity, this is a burger for anyone and everyone. It calls for what else but ... American cheese.

3. Double Chili Cheeseburger With Grilled Onions

Not for the weak, this is one serious burger that packs in a ton of flavor.

4. Triple Smoke Burgers

Beyond the smoky taste the grill lends, these burgers get a kick from some peppers, smoked paprika, and bacon to boot.

5. Cheddar Jalapeno Chicken Burgers With Guacamole

Burgers don't have to be beef. These chicken burgers and spicy and full of flavor.

6. Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Biting into one of these, with the tangy cheese and pimento center, is pure burger bliss.

7. Spaghetti Burgers

You've heard of spaghetti tacos, so why not spaghetti burgers? (Hint: The noodles make up the "fries".)

8. Cajun Burger

From master chef Bobby Flay, this burger sings with flavor. Topped with spicy pepper jack cheese, ham, and hot sauce, it's one smokin' burger.

9. Bacon-Wrapped Burger With Fried Pickles and Slaw

So. Much. Goodness.

10. Portobello Mushroom Burger

Great for vegetarians and carnivores alike. The mushroom is so tender and flavorful, you'll forget it's a vegetable.

What are your favorite burger recipes?

Image via TheCulinaryGeek/Flickr

ALL Co-sleeping Increases Risk of SIDS No Matter How Careful You Think You're Being

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:26:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

When it comes to co-sleeping and the dangers associated with it, many parents believe the benefits outweigh the risks of SIDS, especially because they're doing it the right way. They don't smoke, or drink alcohol, and or take drugs, so their babies shouldn't be at a higher risk ... or so they thought.

A new study, however, found that the risk of SIDS increases five-fold when parents share a bed with an infant, even if the parents don't smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs -- even if the baby was breastfed. According to MedPage Today, the study found that 9 out of 10 SIDS births that involve co-sleeping would not have occurred if the parents weren't sharing a bed with their children. That's pretty sobering information.

In all, 22 percent of babies who died from SIDS were found to have been sleeping with a parent or caregiver when they died. Of course, smoking, drugs, and alcohol definitely increase the odds of SIDS -- smoking ups the risk of SIDS for 2-week-olds 65-fold when parents co-sleep, and a mother drinking more than two alcoholic drinks a day ups the risk 89-fold. But still, any bed sharing with infants has some increased risk. One of the study's researchers from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Robert Carpenter PhD, told MedPage:

The message is clear, but it is one the bed-sharing advocates don't want to hear. For the first 3 months of life, babies should not sleep with their parents. Period. After that, if the parents don't smoke, it might be OK.

I know there are plenty of benefits to co-sleeping, and I know there are precautions you can take to make it safer. But this study makes those seem somewhat irrelevant. If you can really prevent your child's death by NOT co-sleeping, are you willing to take the risk?

Some parents may answer yes, and that's their decision to make. But everyone should have all of the information before they make it, including this study, which hopefully will make some people rethink their decision.

Does this study change your mind about co-sleeping?

Image via eyeliam/Flickr

Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bites Are Irresistibly Delicious

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:42:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

If you like chocolate-covered cherries, have I got a brownie recipe for you. Even if you're not a huge fan of the candy, check out these dark chocolate cherry brownie bites, because they are simply divine.

The recipe is from Virtually Homemade, and the bite-sized brownies are as cute as they are delicious. I'm loving a pretty box of them for end-of-the-year teacher gifts and picnics. The base is a dark, rich brownie, then dried cherries add just a little tartness that kicks them up a delicious notch. Bottom line: Yum.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bites

Soft butter or cooking spray for greasing pan
Flour for dusting pan
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar, sifted
1 cup brown sugar, sifted
8 ounces melted butter
1 1/4 cups cocoa, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Powdered sugar for garnish

Baking Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Butter 2 - 12 cup mini muffin tins.

In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the eggs at medium speed until fluffy and light yellow. Add both sugars. Add remaining ingredients, and mix to combine.

Pour the batter into muffin tins (1 tablespoon per cup) and bake for 30 minutes. Check for doneness with the tried-and-true toothpick method: a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan should come out clean.

When it's done, remove to a rack to cool. Brownie bites should pop out of pans easily.

Dust with powdered sugar.

Image via Virtually Homemade

'Real Housewives of Orange County' Recap: Slade's Lame Birthday Gift to Gretchen Is Bad News for Their Marriage

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:51:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Just when I was finally getting behind the idea of Slade Smiley marrying Gretchen Rossi, he had to go and give her the most outrageous birthday gift on tonight's episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County. I mean, really?

There they were high off a weekend away together in San Diego. They left the hotel, and the valet pulled around with every girl's dream -- a fancy new car with a huge pink bow tied around it. Not just any car either -- a Rolls-Royce.

Gretchen was stunned and in disbelief. "Are we all of a sudden rich, and I missed it?" she wondered. Nope -- that wasn't it.

He just upped her lease a bit -- the one she was and still will be paying for. He didn't even offer to cover the difference. She wasn't amused either. "Hold up, when you make that big of a decision, I need to be involved," she said.

While he does have a job (finally), it's not like his debt just disappeared, nor do I imagine that hosting a radio show has him rolling in major amounts of dough. So why the big showy gift ... with Gretchen's money? It's such a reminder of his slimy ways of old, and makes me fear for their future together. Though maybe they deserve each other.

Gretchen was like a hawk watching Tamra Barney and Vicki Gunvalson at the celebration after Heather Dubrow's appearance on Hot in Cleveland. She practically salivates with joy when the two are fighting, but when they start getting along -- as they did tonight -- she frets and looks for ways to stir things up.

After Tamra called Vicki a bitch last week, I thought that really might be the end for them, but they just don't seem to be able to quit one another. Tonight after a few tense moments, they seemed to have made up a little and were clinking glasses by the end of the night. Maybe once Lauri Peterson (who seems to have a grudge against Vicki) is back in the picture more, she'll provide the ammunition Tamra needs to cut Vicki out once and for all, but I doubt it.

Best moment of the night -- Vicki putting on the glasses with a snout and asking Slade what he thought. He didn't look amused.

What did you think of Slade's gift to Gretchen?

Image via Bravo

Oklahoma Tornado Destroys 2 Schools and Hysterical Parents Wait for News

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:08:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

The images of the powerful tornado that ripped through Oklahoma this afternoon and its aftermath are horrifying, but none are more heartbreaking than those of the two schools that were in its path. Rescuers are currently searching through the rubble now, and the number of deaths there and elsewhere throughout the state continues to rise.

According to reports, both Plaza Towers Elementary School and Briarwood Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma, were hit ... and hit hard, with the buildings' roofs being ripped right off. While several children have been pulled from the rubble alive, it's unknown how many teachers and students were in the building at the time ... and where many of them are now.

CNN reports that at this time, at least 51 people -- including 20 from Plaza Towers Elementary School -- were killed. We can only hope that number doesn't grow.

Reports say heroic teachers covered the children's bodies with their own to protect them, but in some cases, it wasn't enough against the storm's power. Understandably hysterical parents are said to be converging around the rubble. Search and rescue efforts will continue throughout the night, as these parents wait.

As a parent, the first thing I think of when storm clouds start moving in is how long it would take me to get to my kids at school. What if disaster strikes while they're there, away from me. I imagine how terrified they would be, and how I couldn't comfort them, and I'm sure every parent with a child at those schools has imagined such a scenario before too. Today it became their reality.

To them our hearts go out. For them we pray.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Have your children ever been at school when a natural disaster has struck?

Image via YouTube

Woman Pregnant for 7th Time Never Saw That Baby Coming

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:58:06 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

When a woman delivers her first child somewhere unexpected, we get how that could happen. When it happens with a second child we wonder why she didn't realize the symptoms of labor sooner. But when it's someone's seventh child, we assume that she's been there and done that so many times that she could probably predict her delivery time to the nearest minute.

Not so in the case of mom Teresa Moyer, whose baby girl just couldn't wait to come out. According to Fox 59, Moyer -- who already had six children at home -- was on her way to the hospital in Indiana, and thought she had plenty of time. The baby girl had ideas of her own, however, and gave her parents and an unlikely member of the hospital's staff quite a surprise.

Venissa Altman was working her shift as a parking valet at the hospital. When the Moyer's pulled up, she opened the passenger side door, like she would for any other car. But this wasn't just any car, because inside, Moyer was in full labor. When Altman opened the door up, she saw the baby was coming out! So she jumped in and helped deliver her. Altman told the station:

Baby's shoulders, head, it is all coming out and I am kind of catching it like a football. I think this memory will last a lifetime, so it does not have to happen (again) anytime soon.

So close, and yet so far from the comfort of a hospital bed. Fortunately, all is fine, and Mom and baby Hannah are doing well. Altman seems honored but still in shock that her daily duties were so drastically different that day. I hope they gave her a good tip.

More shocking than anything, however, is the fact that this happened to a mom who'd already given birth six times. So why didn't she know? Teresa says that none of her other children came early at all. The only one who wasn't induced came only after 12 hours of labor, so she figured she had plenty of time once she felt a few contractions. Obviously she was wrong, but at least everything turned out alright. And it just may be an early sign that little Hannah is going to be a handful.

Can you imagine delivering your baby in the hospital parking lot?

Image via Fox 59

Man Sets Fire to Neighbor’s House Because He Wanted Him to Cut His Grass

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:20:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

True story -- it happened last week in Cartersville, Georgia. According to FOX 5, Phillip Roger Bennett allegedly torched neighbor Marty Corbitt's house after a feud over his lawn's grass length. Corbitt says he was going to cut it that day, but didn't have time before Bennett went berserk.

"And then he grabs the gas can, starts pouring it into the kitchen. As he's pouring, he takes his lighter and lights it. Flames were everywhere," Corbitt told the station.

Fortunately Corbitt and his 3-year-old daughter who was with him at the time were able to escape, but Corbitt lost everything in the fire. Bennett has since been captured and has been charged with arson and aggravated assault. It's apparently not his first offense, and the station says he has an "extensive criminal history." But wow, talk about how NOT to settle an argument with a neighbor. Corbitt said Bennett was a "pretty good neighbor" before that.

Unfortunately, this case isn't the only one we've seen either. Here are five other cases of bad neighbors that make us want to live far away from anyone.

1. In this truly horrifying case, a man is accused of murdering a family of five because he was angry about where they left their stroller.

2. Last summer we saw the case in which a man supposedly pulled a gun on his neighbor because he farted.

3. There was also the unforgettable story in which a woman put up Christmas lights in the shape of a middle finger to get back at her "nosy" neighbors.

4. Don't forget the crazy cat man who stabbed his neighbor because the guy's cat was bothering his kittens.

5. Finally (unfortunately just for purposes of this list), there was the guy who organized a surprise orgy at his neighbor's house via a Craigslist ad to pay him back for annoying behavior.

Love thy neighbor?

What's the most annoying thing your neighbors have ever done?

Kids' Backseat Dancing Will Make You Want to Turn Up the Music (VIDEO)

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:23:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

There are few things cuter than watching young children dance, but watching young children car dance is one of them. Sometimes, you're cruising around, listening to tunes, and all of a sudden you catch a sweet glance in the rear-view mirror of them bogeying down right there in the back seat.

Not all of us are able to capture those hilarious moments when they happen, but the parents in the following video did. It's a compilation of some of the cutest, funkiest little car-seat dancing dudes and dudettes you've ever seen. Check them out for an instant smile and boost to your day.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

How seriously cute are they? I love how the music just lights them up. It's hard to pick a favorite, because they're all talented in their own way, but I'm not sure I could ever get enough of that first little dude who is so excited by "Gangnam Style" and his sister's hysterical laugh. The rapper around 0:15 is also just all sorts of awesome. They all are really.

Driving with toddlers in the car isn't always easy, but it's amazing moments like this that make the rest worth it. Now what I really want to see is a video of parents getting down in their seats -- you know you do it too!

Which of these is your favorite? Do your kids car dance?

Image via YouTube

School Bans Kids From Making Mother's Day and Father's Day Cards

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:12:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Is it just me, or does it feel like disdain for Mother's Day and Father's Day has been growing in recent years? For what are supposed to be a couple of sweet days of celebration for some people in our life, there's been a storm of backlash, including this latest move from a school that has eliminated both days altogether and replaced them with Family Day.

According to CTV, Astral Drive Elementary School in Nova Scotia has chosen to do away with any projects for (no cute hand-print cards!) or mention of either traditional holiday and instead now celebrates the International Day of Families, so non-traditional families are included. School officials said they did it to avoid children feeling isolated, which is lovely in theory ... but complete overkill in general.

I grew up in a traditional two-parent family, so I don't profess to know how uncomfortable or painful it might be for children who have lost a mother or father, or who have two mothers or two fathers (or any other combination that makes up their unique family) to watch other kids make sentimental gifts for their parents. I do, however, know that life is full of such occasions that make people feel different, feel left out, and feel pain. And that's okay -- that's part of life.

We simply can't keep trying to make schools and the world in general places in which no one will get their feelings hurt. We will never create a perfect utopia that is all-inclusive. It's not possible, nor is it even desirable. We all are different. Different is not bad.

The fact is that children grow and learn from situations like this, and by whitewashing the world to attempt to protect them, we're doing them a disservice. Should teachers be sensitive and work with students on alternative ideas during such specific holidays? Absolutely. But to completely do away with it is not just a progressive sign of the times, it's overkill. It's killing off something that has been a sweet tradition for many families, and it shouldn't be eliminated just to spare the feelings of a few.

Adding a celebration of family is great (the more homemade cards and gifts, the better!), but sacrificing Mother's Day and Father's Day to do so is just too much.

Do you think schools should do away with Mother's Day and Father's Day celebrations?

Image via edenpictures/Flickr

Homemade Fried Oreos Recipe Is Sinfully Delicious

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

When it comes to dessert, I say go hard or go home. If you're going to indulge, then really indulge, or don't bother. These homemade fried Oreos are the perfect hard-hitting indulgence.

Often found at state fairs, there's no need to wait for one to get your fix. The sinfully delicious treats are actually much easier to make than they look. This recipe from Kirbie Craving is simple to follow and comes out great every time. You don't even need a deep-fryer, just a pan that will hold about an inch of oil is fine. They're great to make for parties, but beware -- they disappear as fast as you can make them.

Fried Oreos

10 Oreos
1 cup Bisquick pancake mix
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
Powdered sugar for dusting

In a small bowl, mix Bisquick, milk, and egg. Stir until combined with a few lumps remaining. Batter should be thick.

Add oil in a pan deep enough for frying. Add oil until you have about 1 inch of oil, and heat to a medium high.

Once the oil is hot, dip an Oreo into the pancake batter, turning on both sides until the Oreo is fully coated (try to hold Oreo on the very tips of your fingers so that as much of the Oreo is covered and your fingers don't get in the way). Place the Oreo into the hot oil and cook for about 30 seconds -1 min on each side until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with remaining Oreos. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.

Image via rachelkramerbussel.com/Flickr

'Bachelor' Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici's Wedding Will Be Affected by Her 'Cheating'

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:39:14 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Scandalous revenge? That's what everyone's wondering when it comes to reports today that Catherine Giudici was caught cheating on Sean Lowe with DWTS dancing pro Julz Tocker.

After Sean supposedly hooked up with Peta Murgatroyd (or at least always looks like he wants to), Catherine reportedly got fed up. According Celeb Dirty Laundry, she decided to get back at him by getting with Julz.

Apparently at a party she was seen "snuggled up" with him. "She was rubbing Julz's arm, whispering in his ear and giggling," a source told Star magazine.

That's not exactly being caught in the sack, but her behavior was apparently enough to raise some suspicions. We don't want to believe either of them could be cheating, but we've been shocked too many times before to think it couldn't happen.

There does seem to be a better explanation for her behavior with Julz though -- they've just become good friends. And it's good news for the wedding. A source told Hollywood Life:

Julz is a pro on the show and is a good friend of everyone. Julz has been teaching Catherine to dance a little bit so she and Sean can share in the experience. Julz hangs out with everyone all the time, at dinners and events etc. They are nothing more than friends and that report is honestly hysterical.

Teaching her to dance -- how perfect!

Both reports are based on "sources," so who knows where the truth lies. I'm choosing to think positive, however, and can't wait to see them waltz at their wedding.

Do you think Catherine would really cheat on Sean?

Image via ABC

Bowler Shoots Himself and Makes Us Wonder How Many Other People Pack Heat in Their Pockets (VIDEO)

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:35:23 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

It's never funny when someone shoots himself with a gun, but if ever there was a case in which we might have to stifle a chuckle at least, it's this one from Florida. There at Jupiter Lanes a bowler managed to shoot himself in the leg while bowling.

According to WPBF, it was a complete accident. One minute he was picking up his ball and swinging it back to make a strike, and the next his gun went off. Other bowlers were understandably terrified when they heard the shot.

Fortunately, no one else was hurt besides the man carrying the gun. Even his injuries are thankfully said not to be serious or life-threatening, so it could have been much worse. It was bad enough though ... on many levels.

Apparently, the unidentified man was keeping the gun right there in his pocket because ... I have no idea why. And why anyone would think trying to bowl with a gun in his pocket was a good idea simply baffles me. Did I mention this took place in Florida? (Relax Floridians, I'm one of you, so I feel like I have the right to marvel at all of the craziness that goes down in our state.)

In all seriousness though it really does make you wonder how many other people out there are carrying guns in random places, and in such unsafe manners.

I'm not completely anti-gun by any means, but it's stories like this (and plenty of others) that really do highlight the need we have in this country for some pretty strong reform of the regulations surrounding firearms. I say we start with one new rule that should meet NO opposition -- no guns allowed while bowling.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Do you know anyone who would carry a gun in their pocket?

Image via YouTube

7 Free Things People Give My Kids That I HATE (PHOTOS)

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:30:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Does it seem like everywhere you go these days, people want to give your kids something? From the bank to the grocery store, it seems someone is handing my kids something every time I turn around.

Oh, I know it's all well-intended, and much better than them being rude to my kids or even banning them altogether, it's just that ... I HATE all of this crap. It winds up left in my minivan, washed through my washer, or piled up somewhere in their bedrooms long after those first fleeting seconds of joy it brought.

I don't mean to be ungrateful. And yes, I could just decline their kindness, but that's easier said than done when the offer is made right in front of a toddler. Here are seven of the frequent freebies we get and why they irritate me so.

What free things do people give your kids?

Image via Boudewijin Berends/Flickr

'DWTS' Results Recap: The Right 4 Couples Are Headed to the Finals

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:43:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

The semifinals results show tonight was also the 300th episode of Dancing With the Stars, so the stakes were high. Only four of the five couples made it through and into the finals next week.

Results aside, it was more entertaining than most results shows. The AT&T Spotlight Performance showcased 10-year-old dancer Sophia Lucia who was as adorable as she was talented. Somebody better get that girl a contract ASAP. We also saw The Wanted perform their hit, "Fill a Heart," and Avril Lavigne belt out her new single, "Here’s to Never Growing Up." Of course, there was the elimination too (SPOILERS AHEAD).

The first couple to get their golden ticket was ... Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff, which was no surprise after that amazing tango they did last night. My money is on them taking the whole show.

While Kellie Pickler was less than thrilled with her performance during their second dance last night, she and Derek Hough also escaped jeopardy. Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas were also home free, deservedly so after that killer afro jazz routine last night.

So the two couples left in jeopardy were Zendaya Coleman and Val Chmerkovskiy and Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson. While Zendaya is clearly a better dancer technically than he is, that lack of passion between her and Val has been apparent this season, and last night their performance was just ho-hum. So it wouldn't have been altogether shocking if they were eliminated ... but they weren't.

Ingo seemed to know it was coming and was nothing but gracious upon hearing the news. And really, it was his time. Week after week as of late we've thought he might go, and it's pretty amazing he made it as far as he did. He said:

This has been an amazing experience because I thought I was going to be done in, like, two weeks. Kym has choreographed the most amazing routines and she catered them toward my two left feet—and it got us this far.

So we have our final four, and it's a pretty strong bunch we'll see dance for the win on Monday. As we know from past seasons, it's anything but a done deal at this point. Anything can still happen.

Do you think the right four couples are in the finals? Who do you think will win?

Image via ABC

Laugh Out Loud Skit Shows What Facebook's Constant Changes Would Look Like in Real Life (VIDEO)

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:46:30 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Are you sick of Facebook updating itself? Silly question, of course you are. We all are, because the site forces upon us an endless stream of updates that are supposed to improve the site but just end up pissing us off. That's why this following video "A Facebook Update in Real Life" is so hilarious -- because we can all relate.

In it, the sketch comedy group Extremely Decent shows how the unending updates would play out in real life. We see a Facebook rep come right into a guy's house and start updating and moving things around -- his couch is replaced with a chair, and his TV downsized to accommodate a bookshelf. Then he moves to privacy settings. "Will you stop resetting my privacy settings?!" the poor user begs before Facebook shows him the new privacy door and window, thorough which, of course, all of his "friends" can crawl.

"I haven't talked to you in six years, and I don't know who you are!" he tells two guys in his bedroom.

Then there are people poking him, and some inviting him to an endless string of events. Ads line his walls. It's kind of ... just what it's like online.

It's already gotten more than 2.4 million views on YouTube, and it's easy to see why. As funny as it is, it's also a little unsettling though. Watch for yourself and see what you think.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

What Facebook updates irritate you the most?

Image via YouTube

Doctors Could Start Testing Women to See if They Smoke

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:33:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Should pregnant women smoke? Absolutely not. Research has shown time and again the harmful effects it can have on a developing baby. But should all pregnant women be given breath tests to make sure that they're not lighting up when no one is looking? The answer again -- absolutely not.

In Britain, however, that's just what they may be doing. According to the Telegraph, the country's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended that all women be tested during prenatal appointments. Women who are found to have high carbon monoxide levels would be referred to programs to help them quit.

According to the Telegraph, the guidance states:

Some pregnant women find it difficult to say that they smoke because the pressure not to smoke during pregnancy is so intense. This, in turn, makes it difficult to ensure they are offered appropriate support. A carbon monoxide test is an immediate and non-invasive biochemical method for helping to assess whether or not someone smokes.

In theory it sounds harmless, and perhaps even helpful, but the truth is that it's a pretty slippery slope toward the overzealous policing of pregnant women. What's next, tests to see if women have been eating too much fast food? One to make sure they're resting and taking prenatal vitamins?

The fact is that almost everything a pregnant woman does has some impact on her unborn baby. Most of us do the best we can to ensure their health, but none of us is perfect, and to start having doctors act as interrogators isn't going to be healthy for anyone. It could lead to women avoiding doctor appointments and not confiding in their caregivers when they should.

We may not like the choices some women make while carrying their children, but unless it's something illegal or intentionally and directly harmful, that choice should still be theirs.

Do you think pregnant women should be tested for smoking?

Image via JavierPsilocybin/Flickr

Easy Ice Cream Cake Recipe That Will Make Everyone Scream for More

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:22:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

As temperatures heat up, cooler desserts are what we all crave. That means ice cream, and lots of it. This easy ice cream cake is a great way to serve it up.

From Virtually Homemade, it's gorgeous and flavorful when topped with a delicious raspberry sauce. But there's a secret -- you start with regular old ice cream sandwiches you buy at the grocery store, so it couldn't be any easier. I know people often say that, but in this case, it's true. Layered with the raspberry sauce (or a sauce of your choosing) and a homemade creamy filling, they all come together to make one delicious and impressive dessert in a snap.

Easy Ice Cream Cake

1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar 6 rectangular ice cream sandwiches Raspberry sauce (you can also use pre-made chocolate syrup, caramel, or any other toppings you like)

Line an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan with a piece of wax or parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over on both sides.

In a large bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

In the bottom of the pan, arrange 3 of the sandwiches in a single layer, cutting them to fit as necessary.

Spread half of the whipped cream and drizzle with coulis to taste. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches and whipped cream.

Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours. Holding both sides of the paper overhang, lift the cake out of the pan and transfer to a platter. Discard the paper and slice. Garnish with fresh berries and more coulis.

Image via Virtually Homemade

Angelina Jolie Gets Double Mastectomy to Make Sure She's Around for Her Kids (VIDEO)

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:43:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Last night in an editorial that has left the world stunned, Angelina Jolie announced that in February she underwent a double mastectomy. She said that after her mother's death at 56 from ovarian cancer, she got tested for the BRCA1 gene, and when it was positive, she decided to do whatever was necessary to prevent her six children from losing their mother too.

In the powerful and brave piece, the 37-year-old actress wrote, "I can tell my children that they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer."

The process wasn't easy, but through it all, she has put her children first. A source told People that Brad and Angelina did everything they could to keep their kids' lives as uninterrupted as possible. "Things have appeared normal. The kids have kept their schedules as usual. They have been in school during the day and have attended after-school activities like they always do."

More From Our Partners: Angelina Jolie Gushes About Brad Pitt

It was just two weeks after the surgery that the couple took Vivienne and Knox to the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles on Valentine's Day. For Easter we saw the whole family hunting eggs. Of course that doesn't mean there wasn't pain, fear, and stress on their family along the way, but what a relief it must be to be able to tell her children that she has taken charge and done everything she can to fight this disease. The surgery takes her risk of breast cancer down from 87 percent to 5 percent, and that's pretty amazing.

She wrote that when they had asked her previously if what happened to her mother could happen to her, she told them not to worry, but now she can say it with conviction. While everyone might not choose the same path given this news, she deserves nothing but admiration for making the one she felt best for her family.

It's amazing how our outlook on our own health often changes once we have children. Suddenly, every decision we make about our own bodies has much bigger ramifications. I've wanted to be healthier because I want to be around for my kids. I make (and keep!) medical appointments that I used to skip, and I get things checked out that I previously would have put off before I became a mother. Because there's nothing more heartbreaking or motivating to be as healthy as we can be than the thought of not being there to watch our children grow and live their lives. Kudos to Angelina for her bravery and for serving as an inspiration to all of us to take charge of our health when we're able.

As she wrote: "Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of."

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What would you do if you found out you carried this gene?

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10 Crazy Good Crock-Pot Pasta Recipes for Fast and Fabulous Dinners

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:48:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Is it me, or is this time of year the busiest ever? I know the winter holidays usually take that honor, but I think this time of year may be even more hectic with the end of the school year, planning for summer, and all of the spring activities. For me that means my Crock-Pot is working overtime.

I love throwing in the ingredients for a dish and forgetting about it until dinner time. Some of my favorite staples revolve around pasta. It took me awhile to get used to the idea that pasta could be cooked (and cooked well) in a Crock-Pot, but once I did, it opened a whole new world of delicious and easy dinners. Following are 10 easy pasta dishes you can make in your slow cooker that your whole family will love.

1. Mac and Cheese

Gooey, yummy goodness, this is a sure-fire hit every time.

2. Lasagna

Tomato sauce layered with cheese, noodles, and spices is about as good as it gets.

3. Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

This is a great twist on the original.

4. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Using pre-made meatballs and jarred sauce, this recipe truly couldn't be any easier.

5. Spinach Manicotti

This is so delicious no one will stop to consider that they're eating their spinach.

6. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy and delicious, this is one kids love.

7. Pizza Pasta

Forget delivery, this dish combines the best of both pizza and pasta.

8. Pasta E Fagioli Soup

If you like the version served by the Olive Garden, you'll like this.

9. Baked Ziti

Perfect any night.

10. Pasta Primavera

This dish screams spring with a host of delicious and nutritious vegetables.

What are your favorite slow cooker pasta recipes?

Image via WordRidden/Flickr

'Real Housewives of Orange County' Recap: Tamra Barney Explodes Again

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:01:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

It was off to whine wine country this week for the ladies of The Real Housewives of Orange County. Well, all of them except for Alexis Bellino, because no one was crazy enough to try and make that happen after the big gym-warming party fiasco.

From the get-go Tamra Barney was whiny about Vicki Gunvalson's involvement in their business, Wines by Wives, which was the purpose of the trip. Of course, Gretchen Rossi was there egging Tamra on any chance she got. Vicki did seem a bit uninterested in the whole thing based on what we saw, but she also was there all alone while everyone else was coupled up and was clearly having a hard time dealing with that. Can you blame her?

When Vicki announced she had to leave, Tarma was pissed. Instead of telling her they needed to talk or schedule a business meeting where they could sit down and calmly discuss things, Tamra -- once again -- flipped out.

She called Vicki a bitch and started screaming at her in front of everyone. Classy it was not, but that's what Tamra does -- she freaks out on people. One by one she has gone through the housewives, pissing them off and alienating them. There aren't many left that haven't felt her wrath.

In the aftermath we saw her confessing to Eddie that she doesn't like how she behaved. "I go from I’m okay to I explode. I feel like there's no in between with me." She said she grew up in a family that didn't discuss their emotions, so the only way she knows is to scream and yell, and then she feels like shit afterwards.

"My lack of communication ultimately makes me look like a bitch," she said. Talk about some spot-on self-evaluation. As insightful as it was, however, I had this nagging feeling that nothing she was saying was all that heartfelt. Maybe it was the Botox, but it seemed she was doing it more for show than anything else. While fans (myself included) used to really like her and her spunky ways, we've grown tired of her mean girl behavior, and I don't think she likes it. So I suspect this is her attempt to win back some sympathy.

Hopefully, I'm wrong, and she really does feel bad and want to change ... but I'll believe it when I see it.

That doesn't mean I think Vicki was 100 percent right here either, nor did I think Alexis was. But Tamra is right that her way of approaching these situations is wrong ... I just don't know if she really believes it or has any intention of changing.

As for Heather and Terry Dubrow -- what the hell was that? One of the most transparent attempts ever to try and become relevant on the show? Their fighting was beyond awkward, and the way Terry brought up that they'd talked divorce during their last fight was just unbelievable -- literally. Nice try though.

Do you think Tamra really feels bad about how she acts? Do you think Terry and Heather's fight was all for show?

Image via Bravo

School Says Making 'Fluffy' Kids Tuck in Their Shirts Could Damage Them

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:38:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Today's dose of what-the-hell from our nation's schools comes to us from Dallas. There the school district has been debating its student dress code. Among their rulings last week were mandates that leggings should not be worn as pants; skirts should be no higher than a girl's fingertips; and boys shouldn't be allowed to wear earrings.

I suppose we could argue the merit of each of those, but it's one policy that the school district overturned that is the most outrageous -- the one that requires students to tuck in their shirts. Staff told the school board they don't think students should be required to do so because it could damage fat kids. I'm not kidding.

Okay, so board members didn't actually use the "F" word, rather they called the students things like "healthy", or those with "a body type that was different", and even "fluffy." Semantics aside, however, many felt that tucking in shirts could be harmful to kids who were packing on too many pounds as that would be an unflattering look for them. The Dallas Observer quoted board president Lew Blackburn as saying:

Now, I am always one to say tuck in your shirts, but it was brought to my attention that if you are, uh healthy, tucking in your shirt shows your healthiness and that's not what they wanted to do.

For a middle-school student, it could be a self-esteem issue if they are made to tuck in their shirt, because if they wear it loose, their healthiness might not show as much.

Their healthiness? Since when is there anything healthy about being chubby? Their refusal to even call fat "fat" or "overweight" is exactly what's wrong with changing a policy like this. We can't pretend kids aren't fat, and we can't act like addressing the issue when they are is wrong. While I don't believe in fat shaming by any means, I also don't think it's healthy to make it easier to be obese. Should we ban all the mirrors in case they don't like seeing their fluffiness?

I don't have any strong feelings that kids in a public school should be made to tuck in their shirts, especially as many styles today don't really work that way. I do, however, have extremely strong feelings about their justification for doing away with such a policy. It's ridiculous.

If kids are overweight we need to find ways to help them get healthy. We don't need to pussyfoot around the issue or try to help them hide beneath an untucked shirt.

Do you think this is outrageous?

Image via FBellon/Flickr

'Hot Dads Doing Chores' Are Every Mom's Fantasy (VIDEOS)

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:21:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

When it comes to housework, let's face it, there's just nothing sexy about it ... or least not usually. Many of us fantasize about a day in which some magical housework fairy appears to end the day-to-day drudgery, but those fantasies have never looked as good as the reality of half-dressed, hard-bodied men doing the work instead. Oh yes, it's true, and you can see for yourself.

Make sure you have a fan close by, because these videos of Hot Dads Doing Chores by CafeMom Studios are HOT. Let's start with this delicious dad who wants to do your laundry. Brace yourselves.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Seriously, what could be hotter than that? Well, maybe this one of a hot dad unloading the dishwasher.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Sigh. What wouldn't you give to get your dishes done like that? I wouldn't even complain if there were spots.

More from The Stir: The One Thing Hot Dads Really Want You to Do

What are your housework fantasies?

Image via YouTube

4-Year-Old Elected Mayor of Minnesota Town -- Ice Cream for Everyone! (VIDEO)

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:45:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Robert Tufts is pretty much your average 4-year-old. Only in addition to coloring, dancing, and playing, he's also in charge of running Dorset, Minnesota, since being named its mayor. For real.

The town -- population 22 -- actually "elects" its mayor via a drawing at the "Taste of Dorset" festival each August. For a dollar anyone can enter the race, and last year Tufts was the winner. Since taking office, Mayor Bobbie has been wowing the community with his composure and charm.

There's no first lady ... yet. But Mayor Bobbie does have a girlfriend named Sophia. He likes her, and he likes to fish a lot. Watch this great interview in which he talks about both.

Adorable, right? While it doesn't seem that he has any real legislative powers, wouldn't it be interesting if he did? Can you imagine what would happen if a toddler was really running the town? Since I have a 4-year-old, I have a feeling it would look something like this:

Bedtimes would officially be banished.
Tricycles lanes would be added to city streets
Parking meters would dispense candy.
Christmas would come every day.
Zoning disputes would be settled with a rousing game of Red Rover.
A city ordinance would ban adults from saying "no".
Ribbon cutting ceremonies would turn into limbo contests.
The street lights would be twinkly.
City council meetings would take place in a bounce house.
Free ice cream for everyone would be in the budget.
Lawbreakers would be sent to time-out.
The city's water would be replaced with chocolate milk.

Sounds pretty good, no?

What kind of rules would your 4-year-old make if he or she was running a town?

Image via WCCO

Woman in Labor Refuses to Leave Hockey Game Until She Sees the End

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:22:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

Donna Lebano was at a Chicago Blackhawks playoff hockey game last week, and it was a good one. So when she went into labor during the second period, it would have been tough for the ardent hockey fan to leave ... so she didn't.

She was there with her three sisters for a girls' night out. According to WGNTV, she was only eight months along and thought she still had weeks to go, but her son had other ideas. And Donna had other ideas than most women in labor probably would have -- she wasn't about to let his impending arrival get in the way of her seeing the end of the game.

She told the station:

No way was I leaving. We are a Hawks family. I had to see the end of the game.

Talk about a hardcore fan. So she stayed, and after the Hawks secured the win, her sisters rushed her to the hospital. Shortly thereafter, she delivered her son, who weighed in at 6 pounds, 5 ounces. Both mom and baby were fine, but what a way to push the limit.

She's not a first-time mother, so that likely had something to do with her choice, but I think it also shows that she is not someone who is going to let her children dictate all of her choices in life -- and that's okay. I'm sure some will call her irresponsible and selfish, and yes, things could have gone wrong, but they didn't.

Today's parents (myself included) are so wrapped up and involved in our children's lives from the moment of conception, often giving up our lives as we knew them. It's so different from the way I was raised when parents were so much further removed and nonchalant about everything from our birth plan (did they even exist?) to our schoolwork to what we did when we walked out the front door. We devote ourselves out of love for our children, because we want to do what's best for them, but I'm not sure that always putting them first is what's best for them or us, and Donna seems to be drawing a line pretty early that she has other priorities. I don't think that makes her a bad mom.

Personally, I would have delayed drawing that line at least until after I delivered the child, because boy was she pushing it. But it all ended well, and what a birth story they have to tell.

She told ABC:

We're doing fantastic and we think of Owen as Hossa's hat trick. Two goals in a playoff game and a baby delivered moments after getting to the hospital is an epic hat trick.

Do you think it was irresponsible to stay for the end of the game rather than heading to the hospital?

Image via WGNTV

Castro Brothers Say They Knew Nothing About Ohio Kidnappings but Are Being Persecuted Nonetheless

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:00:52 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

In addition to the three women and child held captive and tortured in an Ohio House of Horrors, there may two others that were harmed by the actions of accused kidnapper and rapist Ariel Castro -- his own brothers. Pedro and Onil Castro were originally detained along with him for their suspected involvement. Now, however, it seems they may have known nothing at all.

The men -- who are currently in hiding along with other family members -- were released by police, and authorities say there's no evidence they had anything to do with the abduction or torture of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight. Despite that, however, their lives have been forever altered, and they've been the targets of much hate.

In an interview with CNN, which will air Monday, the men spoke about how they've had rocks thrown through the windows of their homes and have received death threats. They say they're not able to go home and believe that people will always suspect they had some involvement. Pedro said:

I couldn't never think of doing anything like that. If I knew that my brother was doing this ... I would not be, not -- in a minute, I would call the cops because that ain't right. But yeah, it's going to haunt me down because people going to think, yeah, Pedro got something to do with this and Pedro don't have nothing to do with this. If I knew, I would have reported it, brother or no brother.

It's heartbreaking on so many levels. First to realize that someone you share blood with could be such a sick, twisted individual, and you had no clue. But then to have people think you could have anything to do with it is just unimaginable. I feel for them, and hope that with time and perhaps more assurances from police that they had no involvement or knowledge that they can resume their lives as normally as is possible in the wake of this horrific crime.

Can you imagine learning that one of your relatives did something this horrific?

Image via CNN