We took a lot of care when choosing our kids’ names, but according to research done by University of California psychology professor Albert Mehrabian, some names lead to success more than others. In Professor Mehrabian’s book, The Baby Name Report Card: Beneficial and Harmful Baby Names, baby names were judged as good or bad depending on other people’s perception of a chosen name. Each name was ranked on how successful, ethical, caring, and fun they seemed. Scroll below to see the results.
Most Successful Girl Names
1. Madeline (From Magdalene, meaning “of Magdala”)
2. Kate (Short form of Katherine, meaning “pure”)
3. Catherine (meaning “pure”)
4. Susan (Hebrew origin, meaning “lily”)
5. Lauraine (English origin, symbolic of honor and victory”)
6. Victoria (From the Latin vincere, meaning “to conquer”)
7. Katherine (meaning “pure”)
8. Elizabeth (Form of Elisabeth, meaning “God is my oath”)
9. Morgan (From the Old Welsh Morcant, meaning “sea” and “circle”)
10. Jacqueline (A feminine form of Jacques, meaning “heel” or “supplanter”)
Most Successful Boy Names
1. Madison (From a surname, meaning “son of Maud”)
2. Thomas (Greek origin, meaning “twin’)
3. Parker (Originally a surname, meaning “keeper of the park”)
4. Kenneth (From Scottish Gaelic names meaning “handsome”)
5. David (From the Hebrew Dawid meaning “beloved” or “favourite”)
6. Robert (Germanic, meaning “famous” or “bright)
7. James ( meaning “heel” or “supplanter”)
8. Christopher (meaning “christ” and pherein, meaning “to bear”)
9. Ross (Originally a surname, meaning “headland”)
10. Steven (Derived from the Greek word stephanos, meaning “crown” or “garland”)
Note: This story was originally published in April 2017.
Once baby is on the outside, capture all your little future CEO’s most exciting moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Don’t be afraid of holiday hairstyles that include braids. These tutorials make it easy
Between the hustle and bustle of wrangling your little elves, baking cookies for the exchange, and figuring out what appetizers to bring to the neighborhood gathering, you might not have a lot of time to get gussied up. But the good news is, producing all that holiday magic doesn’t mean you have to forgo the fun of getting glammed up for the holiday season. There are plenty of quick and simple ways to dress up your tresses. Here are a few of our favorite easy holiday hairstyles that glam you up for the season.
The French twist is a classic for a reason: it’s a timeless and elegant holiday hairstyle! This simple tutorial from Alex Gaboury takes what was once thought of as a difficult ‘do to a simple style that any mama can pull off. Cheers!
Easier and quicker than a regular braid, this Rope Braid Crown updo from Missy Sue is going to give your coif a ton of attention! Delicate rope braids are made around the head to form a crown that really kicks up your holiday 'do effortlessly.
While this style looks like something out of a magazine, it's actually just a lot of twisting and a few bobby pins! Abby Smith from Twist Me Pretty uses several elastics to secure and twist locks across the head and then finishes off this look that's fit for a queen, effortlessly.
You had us at messy! This trendy look is actually just a ton of twisting and bobby pinning and can be pulled off in just five minutes. Lainey Marie Beauty gives a simple tutorial on her YouTube channel on this style that's perfect for holiday get-togethers, date nights, and any other fancy event.
There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to whip up an updo on your own, and that's why we love this Easy Triple Braided style from The Effortless Chic. Three simple braids and then wrapped around each other to create this million-dollar look and works just as well at a holiday soiree as it does on the playground.
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a festive bow? Professional stylist, Tony Odisho, shares a cute and easy way to dress up your hair for the holidays by turning it into a bow. You can get all the easy steps to creating this look and the tools used here.
Sure, you wear french braid's often but not like this! Rather than learn an entirely new style for the holidays, use this simple tutorial from SweetHearts Hair that involves a little extra oomph to take your braids from drab to fab this Christmas.
A half-up holiday hairstyle is a great way to let your tresses down while still keeping them out of your face because who are we kidding––you're still a mom that’s going to be chasing a toddler at that holiday party. Add some waves, a simple twist, and a pretty hairpin to take that basic mom hairdo to party mode. Get easy-to-follow instructions for this look from blogger Tessa Rayanne here.
Elegant Updo
Tony Odisho
For that grown-ups-only party when you finally score a sitter, you might want to a more elegant look, but with kids demanding your attention while you get ready, you need something that doesn’t take hours to achieve. Stylist Tony Odisho’s Elegant Updo gives your hair that gorgeous look with very little effort. Check out the tutorial here.
Swap out that basic mom bun for something a little more dramatic by sweeping your hair up on top of your head. Avoid those stray, static hairs when you pull your hair up by maintaining your hair’s natural oils to keep it nourished. Stylist Michelle Cleveland suggests, "Using a detangling brush such as “WETBRUSH” comb through your hair, evenly disbursing that scalp oil from roots to ends. The natural oils will help protect the hair from breakage. Next, reach for a dry shampoo and be sure to spray only at the root area, massaging it in with the pads of your fingertips to ensure complete absorption of oils only at the scalp.”
“Every year when I sit down to design the new Día De Muertos dolls there’s a flood of emotions; I’m honored and excited to represent this holiday that is so close to my own heart. I understand how important this holiday is and am grateful for the opportunity to continue celebrating these traditions with Barbie respectfully. I love celebrating the Día de Muertos traditions with my loved ones each year and honoring my family and friends that are no longer with us. It’s such a powerful and meaningful way to remember them through stories and happy memories,” says Barbie Signature designer Javier Meabe.
Mattel
This year, three dolls make up the collection. Barbie wears a royal purple dress with calavera sugar skulls and flower details. She dons a cempasúchil flower and rose headband with streaming ribbons, with a bone belt to finish the look.
“Ken has a little more complex design than Barbie but I’m always up for the challenge! I wanted to make sure he felt different, and special from the first Día De Meurtos Ken,” Meabe explains.
Mattel
Ken sports a bright blue shirt under a vest with skulls, flowers, roses, and bones to make up his charro look. To finish his ensemeble, he wears a calavera sugar skull bolero tie and sombrero with a golden band.
This year, a special Barbie also joins the collection and is designed by Benito Santos. “I’m excited that we get to expand the world of Día De Muertos in the Barbie portfolio. We also get to see it come to life though the vision of Benito Santos, who also loves and celebrates the holiday,” says Meabe.
Mattel
A member exclusive, this doll wears a red-and-white embroidered gown with a layered mermaid hem, a cropped embroidered jacket, and a holiday-inspired headpiece. You can shop the new 2022 collection at mattel.com, where dolls range in price from $80-$100.
Right now, the Benito Santos x Dia de los Muertos doll is currently sold out, but it could come back in stock.
Few things make parents happier than finding free entertainment, especially when it involves water play on a hot summer day. Gather your pennies — so, um, we guess it’s not totally free — because we rounded up water fountains worthy of your wishes. Some you can actually play in! From the world-famous and massive to the tiny and refreshing, these fountains in Chicago will put a smile on your face and a click in your camera.
You'll find it hard to find a spot to throw your wishful pennies, but Crown Fountain at Millennium Park should top your bucket list of must-see Chicago fountains. Completed by Spanish Artist Jaume Plensa in 2004, this fountain is unique because of its use of modern mixed media (light, LED display and water). Pack a swim diaper and change of clothes because the fountain's two 50-foot glass-brick towers joined by a 232-foot long granite pool invite visitors to ditch their shoes and take a respite from the summer sun. The faces appearing on the towers were taken from a cross-section of 1,000 Chicago residents and are modern interpretations of traditional gargoyles in fountains from which water, a symbol of life, flows from an open mouth. The fountain is open daily mid-spring to mid-fall.
You might know it as the “Storks at Play” fountain. Officially, the fountain is named for its donor after he bequeathed money making its 1881 installation possible. Tiny visitors will enjoy the whimsical bronze birds spewing water from their beaks and will be in awe of the half-boy, half-fish creatures holding large fish that appear to come alive, splashing in the water. Tall bronze reeds and cattails protrude from the center of this stunning fountain that serves as the centerpiece for the formal garden just south of the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
East of N. Stockton Dr. & South of Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
A list isn't complete without mentioning this Grant Park gem, arguably the most well-known fountain around. Open to the public in 1927, architect Edward H. Bennett designed it to be a focal point for Grant Park without obstructing views of Lake Michigan, in which it was designed to symbolize. The enormity of the lake is embodied by the 15,000 gallons of water re-circulated every minute and the water displays that shoot as high as 150 feet from the ground—something that’s guaranteed to impress the kids! The four states that border Lake Michigan are represented in the four sets of Art Deco-style sea horses in the massive lower basin. The fountain runs from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily from May to mid-Oct. and a 20-minute water show begins every hour on the hour.
Make this a must-see on your next trip to The Art Institute. You'll have to pay general admission to enter the museum to see it — however, children under 14 enter free and Illinois residents get free admission every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. A calming sight, it was designed by famed Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and was dedicated in 1931. It's the centerpiece of the 11,000-square-foot McKinklock Memorial Park, located off the museum cafe and flanked by beautiful Dutch Elm trees. The park is open for dining in the summer and offers plenty of space to stretch little legs.
Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: artic.edu
Simply known as "Time", artist Lorado Taft's creation is thought of as the most monumental piece of art in Chicago's Public Art Program and was the first to be completed using concrete. It was created in 1920 as a monument to the first 100 years of peace between the U.S. and Great Britain. Across a reflecting pool, Father Time looks over 100 figures representing birth, the struggle for existence, love, family life, religion, poetry and war. If you want to leave the deep, philosophical discussion aside, just take in its beauty, toss some pennies and snap a few pics. The sheer mass and intricacy of the 110-foot-long sculpture will make this visit to Washington Park a treat.
This bubbling beauty is photo opp gold. It was dedicated in 1982 by Chicago’s first female mayor, Jayne Byrne. Moved from its original location on Upper Wacker Dr., you'll now find it just south of the Chicago History Museum. Turn a trip there into a game of I Spy. Can you spot the frolicking children, musical instruments and arching cranes? Adults will simply appreciate its artfulness. It stands four tiers tall and has a scallop-shaped granite basin as the base. Shapely stairs lead to the fountain where you’ll find a plaque dedicating the fountain to all Chicago children who take from our past to better our future.
North of W. North Ave. & East of N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
We’ve shown you where to toss your wish-carrying pennies and dip your toes, but how about where to wet your whistle? Lincoln Park Zoo has a trio of sculptural drinking fountains that put the old-school drinking fountains to shame. Just west of the Kovler Lion House, you’ll find “Lion Fountain” which depicts a lion pride — an adult male, adult female and three small cubs mounted on a bronze podium where they appear to be sharing a drink with their human friends. North of the Regenstein African Journey near Conservatory Gate is the home to “Elephant Fountain". A bronze mama and baby elephant wait patiently for visitors to supply them with a cool drink. Lastly “For the Young at Heart” at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo features a rabbit, dear, raccoon and nut-carrying squirrel frolicking near its three spouts.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: lpzoo.org
Three acres at the Chicago Botanic Garden are dedicated to more than 150 varieties of roses, almost 5,000 roses altogether! The shades of these blooms get lighter as visitors near the focal point of the rose garden, the Rose Petal Fountain, a cast-concrete bubbler in the shape of a Tudor rose. Streams of water in varying shapes and heights shoot from its center. Neighboring the fountain, kids can rest their legs and find shade amongst the fragrant climbing roses on the Cedar Arbor.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall for Hallmark teethers. The Teether Rings come with decorative fabric, plush attachments and a wooden ring that can break into small pieces and pose a choking hazard.
Approximately 15,500 teethers were sold in the United States from Jun. 2015 through Jun. 2021 for $10 to $25. The products were purchased from Hallmark Gold Crown stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, boutique gift shops and at hallmark.com.
photo: CPSC
This recall applies to 11 different styles of round teethers, each sold with a gray woven brand label with the Hallmark brand crown and a hangtag. They were described as either “Plush and Wood Teether and Rattle” or “Wood and Detachable Cloth Teether for Little Droolers.”
Recalled teethers will have date codes of JUL15, 1117, 0618, 0719, or 1020. Parents can check specific SKU codes on the CPSC website here.
If you have a teether subject to the recall, immediately take away from children and contact Hallmark for a $25 gift card. Hallmark can be reached at 800-425-5627 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or online at hallmark.com/recall
Are you dreaming of snowy scenes, improbable romance, quaint small towns and cheesy but enjoyable dialogue? Then we’ve got the scoop for you! Hallmark has announced its annual Christmas in July event, featuring new movies and binge-worthy classics.
Starting the weekend of July 10, tune in to catch Crashing Through the Snow, starring Amy Acker and Warren Christie. Maggie (Acker) joins her ex-husband and his girlfriend Kate for a getaway to Aspen, Colorado. Before you wonder about the logistics of vacationing with an ex, don’t worry, love is still in the air. Maggie meets Kate’s brother (Christie) and we have to imagine sparks flying on the ski slopes.
Also on July 10, you can binge some of your favorite Hallmark Christmas selections from 2020, including Love, Lights, Hanukkah and A Tree Grows in Colorado. The following weekend, tune in for “Soap Sunday” because obviously Hallmark movies are exponentially better with soap opera stars. Keep an eye out for Cameron Mathison in The Christmas Club and Jesse Metcalfe in Christmas Next Door.
Finally, on July 24 and 25 you can start your countdown to the holiday in earnest with some of the greatest hits from Hallmark. Crown for Christmas,The Nine Lives of Christmas, and Christmas Under Wraps! Similar, but just different enough to keep you glued to the screen. Grab the wine, popcorn and enjoy some self care!
It’s 2 am, and your baby is bright-eyed and seemingly starving. Your astute mama instincts tell you it’s going to be a while before either of you gets back to sleep. Don’t stress! Instead, give your mind a rest and stream the latest binge-worthy show while you nurse or bottle-feed your baby back to a peaceful slumber. Whether you want pure escapism, laugh-out-loud comedy, or a suspense to keep you from dozing off, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 series that will keep you fully entertained during those sleepless nights.
Truly one of the most touching shows of 2020, Ted Lasso is based on a character from an old NBC Premier League ad campaign. The comedy from Apple TV+ offers so much more than just laugh-out-loud moments, of which it has plenty! Jason Sudeikis is utter perfection as an American college football coach who is recruited to coach (or "manage" in British English) world football, aka soccer, in England. It's a fish-out-of-water story that often has Ted learning the rules of British football while balancing his own life and that of his team. The only downfall is that there's only one season so far; pacing is necessary.
Dead to Me is an American dark comedy or tragicomedy (take your pick) starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini as women who bond during grief therapy. The series premiered on May 3, 2019, and is filled with twists and turns. Each episode leaves you eager for more. It's binge-worthy content at its finest.
Ew, David! It has cultivated a cult following, racked up a record-breaking number of Emmy wins in its sixth and final season, and delivered a message of hope and equality during a time when audiences needed it most. Schitt's Creek tops our list for binge-worthy television. The quirky Canadian comedy created by father and son Eugene and Dan Levy will have you laughing out loud while nursing your little one back to sleep. If you haven't started it, get ready for a fun ride. You've got six seasons of getting to know and love the Rose Family.
Easily one of the most intriguing new shows of 2021, Lupin burst onto the scene in mid-January and took the world by storm. The series will transport you from your nursing lounger to the beauty and charisma of Paris. It's an engrossing espionage thriller that lives up to its source material and then some. We're not surprised that it scored 98% on Rotten Tomatoes! The first half of Lupin's first season is out now, while the second half is coming this summer.
You might even look forward to those late-night feedings once you hit play on Big Little Lies. Based on the same-titled 2014 bestseller by Liane Moriarty, the darkly comedic tale of murder and misbehavior is set against the backdrop of the idyllic beachfront town of Monterey, California. Told through the eyes of three mothers (Madeline, Celeste and Jane, played exquisitely by Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley), the series explores the world of seemingly perfect lives that quickly unravel from deceit. After you fly through the first season, know that you only have one more to go!
Family drama at its finest! Succession is a satirical drama that tracks the lives of the Roy family and the international media conglomerate controlled by aging patriarch Logan Roy. The show is brought to vivid life by a super talented ensemble and will have you laughing one minute and squirming in your seat with discomfort the next. The show gets better and better as it progresses, so give it a chance and stick around.
If you've been watching The Crown since it debuted in 2016, you're already a super fan, but if you haven't watched previous seasons, we encourage you to skip right to season four. The drama showcases Queen Elizabeth II's reign and events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. And season four introduces audiences to Princess Diana; it's certainly the best season yet.
Mothering can be exhausting, so you may need something sweet and wholesome to get you through. There's no better choice than Sweet Magnolias. Romance, friendship and family life are at the heart of this darling show about three women who have been best friends since childhood. It's got all the feels of a Hallmark movie and is a welcome escape from some of the dark or ultra serious shows out there. Real life is serious enough, so escaping to a small town and watching good friends go through the twists and turns of adulting is just what the doctor ordered.
Based on a bestselling book by Kristin Hannah, this series follows best friends Tully and Kate, played as adults by Sarah Chalke and Katherine Heigl, as they support each other through good times and bad with an unbreakable bond that carries them from their teens to their 40s. The series will get you hooked and is as consumable as a hot batch of french fries. It's ten episodes and they go by in a breeze. Luckily, season two is in the works.
Calling all Gilmore Girls fans! Ginny and Georgia is the dramedy for you. While the mother-daughter duo at the center of this Netflix show find themselves butting heads more than Rory and Lorelai, the hourlong drama welcomes the comparison. It also surpasses expectations by being unique and refreshing. It embraces layered topics like wealth and privilege, and the show's pace and excellent performances make it a breezy binge.
With many restaurants closed and people still taking careful precautions during the coronavirus pandemic, Valentine’s Day dinner is going to look different. But by now, we’re used to it and this creative option from Cozymeal makes staying in fun.
Purveyor of online cooking classes, Cozymeal is offering some limited-time Valentine’s Day classes that will up your Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or virtual date night game. The platform has the largest collection of virtual experiences that include cooking, mixology, wine tastings and more, that are all hosted by world-class culinary professionals, starting at $29.
photo: Courtesy of Cozymeal
Looking for something more on the fun side? You’ll want to check out Cozymeal’s pop-culture inspired classes. You can recreate favorite dishes from films and shows that include The Crown, Sex & The City, The Mandalorian (and those galactic macarons pictured above!), Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and more.
Each online offering shares the ingredients and kitchen equipment you’ll need so you’ll be prepared for the big day. Not only that, you can add ingredients directly from Cozymeal to your virtual shopping list and submit to your favorite grocery delivery service. Dinner is served!
To check out all the experiences available, head to cozymeal.com.
Portland and it’s surrounding areas are breathtaking in fall. And fortunately for Portland families, the mild summer has led to and extended fall season! With winter approaching, locals should head to one of these awesome locations for a last minute fall getaway (or a Thanksgiving escape). Read on to find out where your you should go for your family’s fall getaway.
Wine Country TreeHouse & Herbal Farm
photo: AirBnB
Just 40 minutes from Portland, this treehouse escape was built by the master tree builder Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's TreeHouse Master. Get ready to enjoy stunning hillside views and access to over 300 area wineries. Eat in with the onsite kitchen available for making home-cooked meals, or head to the nearby town of Dear Haven (just 30 miles away) for a meal and to peruse local shops. Note: This spot is best for children over the age of 7.
And while this is an ideal destination for adults, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained.
For the Kids Located on a small farm with no televisions onsite to take away from the charm, there's lots of room for youngsters to explore. This site offers a truly unplugged experience for families looking to bond in nature. .
This eastern Oregon hot spring is a wonderland for both parents and kids. The large heated pond is spacious enough for little ones to splash and enjoy themselves and there's a private bathhouse where parents can soak in cedar-enclosed tubs. But the hot spring is only part of the the fun. Lodging options include cabins, ten and RV camping or a stay in a teepee! All of the options are cozy and rustic, but the teepee offers an experience your kids will be talking about for years to come!
For a little adventure head to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Just 29 miles away, this location is home to over 58 species of mammals including mule deer, pronghorn antelope Rocky Mountain elk, coyotes and bobcats. The visitor center has recently reopened and fall is perfect for wildlife viewing, fishing and you'll likely get some great photos.
Crystal Crane Hot Spring 59315 Hwy 78 Burns, Oregon Online: cranehotsprings.com
Though it’s only an hour south of Portland, Salem has a whole new world of fun for kids. Stay a few days to take advantage of nearby day trips like a hike in Silver Falls State Park, or a bicycle tour of covered bridges.
In Salem, spend some time wandering around the Oregon Garden in it’s fall colors—kids will love the Children’s Garden, complete with a hobbit door. Older kids will learn a lot about state history with a guided or self-guided tour of the capitol building, and the whole family will love the the beautiful Riverfront Park on the Willamette River. And for even more fun, stop by the Enchanted Forest, a non-Disney theme park that’s a little goofy and utterly enchanting, aimed at those ages 3 and up.
Silver Falls State Park 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE Sublimity, Or Online: oregonstateparks.org/
If a beautiful mountain escape is like what your are looking for, Mt. Rainier is the perfect destination. With a National park that boasts over 130 trails for your and your family to enjoy, there is more to explore than your family can possibly fit in in a weekend. Having a hard time choosing what to do? Go on a fall hike or make your way to majestic waterfalls for and afternoon of awe. To add some adventure to your trip, get up close and persona with the wild life at NW Trek. They offer Keeper tours that bring you eye to eye with the local animal residents. Up the excitement with Horseback adventures with EZ Outfitters or Echo River Ranch.
Take a trip to see the high desert plateaus of Bend, Oregon. Nestled just east of the Cascade Mountains, Crown Villa RV Resort provides a place to relax and rejuvenate in the great outdoors. While staying COVID-Safe. All guests have access to a wide variety of amenities. Whether it’s a soak in the hot tub, a game of billiards in the clubhouse, or a group gathering around the fire in the courtyard, the experience is nothing short of exceptional. Surrounding the resort is an outstanding collection of attractions. A day in Bend can bring you to tastings at Deschutes Brewery and walks along the river before wrapping up with a locally sourced dinner. Or take some time to explore the outdoors. Endless opportunities exist for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and, in the winter, skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of the Cascades.
Barbie is so extra! Mattel just released a new line of Barbie dolls that rock their own unique style that is playful and over the top. Barbie Extra dolls offer an exciting fashion and styling play experience with posable, articulated bodies.
When it comes to fashion Barbie Extra has a “more is more” attitude. The dolls embody everything fun: glitter, gummy bears, emojis, bright colors and iridescent shimmer. In fact they bring extra vibes wherever they go.
Perfect for holiday gift giving you can find these dolls at Walmart. They are also available for pre-sale on Amazon and Target. Each doll retails for $24.99.
