They're kind and generous. They're brave and strong. They love deeply, laugh loudly, and stand up for those less fortunate. Whether a mother, sister, or friend comes to mind, we all have women in our lives worth celebrating, and what better day to celebrate these wonderful women than International Women's Day?

March 8, 2025, is International Women's Day and if you're looking for ways to celebrate, we've got you covered. Check out these 20 creative and meaningful ways to celebrate the women in your life on International Women's Day and all year round.

First Things First. What Is International Women's Day?

Every year, people across the globe gather in their communities to celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of women. This holiday, known as International Women's Day, is considered a part of the women's rights movement and can be traced back to 1909 when the first National Woman's Day took place.

It's a day to raise awareness about the many issues that women still face today and also a day to celebrate the many achievements of women. On March 8 every year, people across the globe celebrate women and raise money for charities that help women in need.

The theme for International Women's Day this year is Accelerate Action. What's the purpose behind this theme? To encourage people to fight for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. After all, that's what International Women's Day is all about.

How to Celebrate the Women in Your Life

You can't ever go wrong with simple gestures like buying a woman chocolates or flowers, but there are also many other creative ways to show them you care. If you're looking for the most unique ways to celebrate the women in your life this International Women's Day, try one of these options.

Write Heart-Felt Thank You Notes

What better way to celebrate International Women's Day than to personally thank the women who have inspired you? Many of the strongest women in our lives don't realize how much they've impacted us. For this holiday, take the time to write a handful of thank-you notes to the women who have inspired you the most.

Share All Your Favorite Moments

When you've known someone for a long time, whether they're a friend or a family member, you share a lot of memories. It can be a beautiful bonding experience to think back on some of those beautiful memories and reminisce together. To celebrate some of the women in your life, send a message about one of your favorite memories with them.

Make a Donation to a Favorite Charity

A big part of International Women's Day is raising awareness about gender equality and other issues that women still deal with today. It's the perfect day for a charitable act, so one way to celebrate a woman in your life is to make a donation to a charity in her name.

Throw a Brunch or Dinner Party

Time spent together is just better when there's food involved. Celebrate the wonderful women in your life by inviting them to a brunch or dinner party at your place. It's an opportunity to spend quality time with inspiring women and connect with other women in your community.

Send Their Favorite Flowers

There are few things that can brighten a woman's day more than receiving a bouquet of her favorite flowers. It may seem simple, but sending flowers to the women you love and appreciate can really make them feel loved. This is also a perfect way to celebrate women you can't be with in-person on this holiday.

Frame Your Favorite Picture

With most of us storing our favorite pictures on our phones, it's easy to forget how meaningful a framed photo can be. Find your favorite picture with a friend, sister, or other woman in your life, and frame it so she can always be reminded of how much you appreciate her.

Write a Poem

You don't have to be Shakespeare to write a meaningful poem for someone you love – and it doesn't have to start with “Roses are red” either. A poem can be a meaningful and creative way to express your appreciation for a woman in your life. Start by writing down how you feel and you might even surprise yourself with your creativity.

Host a Women's Movie Night

Watching films about inspiring women is a great way to celebrate International Women's Day – but it's an even better experience if you share it with the women in your life. Find an International Women's Day Film List and host a movie night, featuring female stories or films with female directors to celebrate the work of women in the film industry.

Celebrate Their Accomplishments

One of the main purposes of International Women's Day is the celebrate the accomplishments of women. You can do this on a smaller scale with the women in your life by celebrating some of their personal accomplishments. Send them a message or buy them a card telling them how proud you are of them.

Plan a Spa Day

A spa day is the ultimate way to relax, and International Women's Day is the perfect holiday to treat a woman in your life to this experience. For those long-distance friends, you can send a spa gift card so they can treat themselves. For those who live near you, book a spa day together so you can celebrate while enjoying quality time.

Ship Care Packages

Whether you have a woman in your life who's a busy mom or a hard-working college student, care packages are a great way to show your love. Especially if you don't live close enough to visit in person, send her a box full of her favorite treats and activities.

Run an Errand for Them

Running an errand for someone may not seem like the most luxurious gift – but it can be a simple way to show your appreciation. Let the woman you're celebrating put her feet up and relax while you run to the grocery store, pick up her dry-cleaning, or fill her car up with gas.

Create a Photo Album

You likely have an infinite number of memories you share with the women in your life. Find some of the best photos of you together and print them out to add to a photo album or scrapbook. Then, she can look back on all those memories without having to flip through her phone.

Send Their Favorite Treat

Nowadays, almost anything can be delivered, so there's nothing keeping you from sending treats to the women you love all over the country. From ice cream to brownies, there are businesses out there that will deliver treats directly to the doorstep of the women in your life.

Give Them the Day Off

If you happen to live with the hard-working woman you wish to honor, surprise her by taking some of her daily chores off her plate. If she typically tackles the cooking, make her a meal or take her out to dinner. If she typically gives the little ones their evening baths, tell her to take a load off while you get the kids cleaned up. We promise she'll appreciate the break.

Create a Memory Jar

A memory jar can be a meaningful gift to give to a woman in your life. This gift allows you to celebrate her while also providing a wonderful keepsake she'll cherish for years to come. Fill a jar with notes about some of your favorite memories together or even some of the things you love about her.

Go Shopping Together

Shopping together can be a great bonding experience between you and someone you love spending time with. Invite a friend or even a group of friends out for a girl's shopping trip this International Women's Day.

Create a Custom Puzzle

While framing a photo is a great way to cherish a memory together, a custom puzzle allows you to cherish a memory while doing a fun activity together as well. There are many companies out there that offer custom photo puzzles – so find a favorite picture of you and a woman in your life and set aside some time to complete the puzzle with her.

Watch the Kids

Moms are some of the hardest-working women that we know. If you have a mom in your life who could use a break, offer to watch the kids for her on this holiday. Even if she gets an hour or two to herself, you've given her a priceless gift that she probably doesn't receive very often.

Take the Time to Listen

While there are many fun and light-hearted ways to celebrate International Women's Day, we have to remember it's a day to bring awareness to many of the things women struggle with. Sometimes the best gift you can give is just your presence when someone needs to vent or share something they're dealing with. On this International Women's Day, take the time to be that person for the women in your life.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock.com.

The post 20 Ways to Celebrate the Women in Your Life This International Women’s Day appeared first on Moms Who Think.

No matter how many children you have, those first few moments immediately after giving birth are life-changing. You see your baby's face for the first time as oxytocin (aka the love hormone) rises, creating an unforgettable moment of bliss. I’ll never forget the first words I said after any of my babies were born, but I never expected the first words after having my son to be, “I can’t believe I just gave birth in the car.”

I didn’t expect to catch him myself while my husband desperately tried to pull over on the side of the road. I didn’t expect to wrap him in my husband’s leather jacket and pull him close to me, while we drove the rest of the way to the birth center. I certainly didn’t expect his birth certificate, once it finally arrived, to say, “en route.”

But that’s motherhood, isn’t it? Full of unexpected challenges and surprises that ultimately shape us into the women we are – the women who are strong and brave enough to raise the children entrusted to us. We don’t have control over many things in life, and these unexpected things, whether they’re challenges or blessings, often teach us the most valuable lessons.

The Disappointment of Shattered Expectations

Even though I’d given birth before, that first contraction hit like an unwelcome visitor banging down my door. “Yikes,” I thought. Was that more intense than the contractions from last time or did I forget what labor was like?

I later realized it was the former, since contractions usually intensify after your water breaks. With my first, I labored for nearly 15 hours before my midwife artificially broke my water.

But the contractions were the least of my worries at that point. 

When my water broke at 5 a.m., I knew there was no delaying it any longer — our baby was coming. And as soon as that realization hit me, I looked at my husband, tears running down my face, and said, “I don’t think I can do this without you.”

I could feel the panic rising as I realized my husband, currently sick and quarantined, couldn’t come with me.

It didn’t seem fair. Couldn’t our baby have just stayed in there a week longer?

How can my husband not be there for the birth of his son?

At the time, my husband and I were both teachers, and even though it was 2022, COVID was still spreading rapidly throughout schools. My only goal during that pregnancy was to keep us both healthy long enough for me to have my baby, but a week before he was born, my husband was stuck at home with the virus.

Throughout my second pregnancy, I visualized the perfect birth. I pictured myself in the birthtub, my husband rubbing my shoulders and gently stroking my hair. I pictured my husband catching our baby, while I maintained my peaceful, tranquil state like I did when our first was born. None of my visuals included me leaning over the center console in our car, cursing the four-way stops on the way to the birth center.

My Calm in the Chaos

As my husband spoke to the midwife early that morning, there was no urgency in her voice. She said she “wasn’t sure” if my water had really broken and told me to eat some breakfast and lie back down.

Considering fluid was gushing out of me – even as I was lying down – I was able to convince her otherwise. My husband moved swiftly around the house, preparing everything I needed before putting the final bags in the car.

I rested my head on the back of the toilet, or the dilation station as it’s known in the birth world. My biggest goal during this labor was to avoid tearing the way I did with my first, and I was determined to remember that I would know when it was time.

So when I started to feel the urge to push sitting there in the bathroom, I thought, “Uh oh.”

Getting my midwife on the phone, she only asked, “Can you see the head?”

And then, with a growing sense of urgency, “You need to get in the car. But you have to hurry.”

Contractions were so strong at that point that I could barely stand. I told my husband repeatedly that I was not, in fact, getting in the car. That I couldn’t get in the car.

Instead of arguing with me, he calmly found some towels, ready to catch our baby right there in our living room if he had to. He was the ultimate manifestation of calm amid chaos – but by some miracle, I eventually made my way to my spot in the front seat, hoping the short drive to the birth center didn’t feel too long.

Short On Time

Our destination was only 10 minutes away, so there was no way we wouldn’t make it, right? But it was the longest car ride of my life, as I screamed and tried to fight the urge to push – in vain, of course, because my body didn’t care that I was in the car. Our son was coming.

In what seemed like mere seconds while simultaneously feeling like an eternity, my husband pulled over into a parking lot, just in time for our son to make his appearance and me to catch him.

“I can’t believe I just gave birth in the car.”

The pain from only moments earlier immediately turned to relief and an overwhelming feeling of joy. I cried, my husband smiled, and our 4-year-old daughter probably sat in shock in the backseat as my husband got the midwife on the phone once again.

He didn’t have to tell her what happened. She could clearly hear our son’s first, beautiful cry in the background.

So with our new baby boy in my arms, my husband drove the remaining five minutes to the birth center, got us settled, and left to take some serious peroxide to the seat of our car.

Unexpected Challenges Can Be a Blessing

If you had asked me what my ideal birth experience looked like, it certainly didn’t include giving birth in the front of a Toyota 4Runner. Any woman who has given birth without an epidural can imagine just how uncomfortable sitting in the front seat would be, but at the end of the day, this unexpected challenge was a blessing in disguise.

That morning, my husband and I thought I would have to give birth without him there, but this unexpected challenge led to him being present for the birth of our son. As someone who struggles to let go of things she can’t control, I was reminded that my worries and anxieties don’t change the outcome.

Many people will tell you that birth can be unpredictable. But as moms, we know that every other area of our lives can be unpredictable as well. Sometimes, we have no choice but to trust that things will work out in the end.

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE-CHANGING PARENTING EXPERIENCE TO SHARE? LET US KNOW. EMAIL US AT AHAUGEN@FLYWHEELPUBLISHING.COM, SUBJECT LINE: MY PARENTING STORY.

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The post I Gave Birth to My Second Child in the Car – Here’s What I learned appeared first on Moms Who Think.

There’s no doubt Popeyes is one of the most popular fast food fried chicken restaurants, known for its delicious seasoned chicken and tasty biscuits. It’s not surprising when someone says that Popeyes is their favorite place to get fried chicken on the go, but many other fried chicken spots are worth trying as well. Move over Popeyes–if you’re looking to try something different, check out these fried chicken spots that top my list.

Church’s Chicken

Church’s Chicken is one of the most popular fried chicken spots in the South. There are almost 800 locations in the southern part of the country. The roots of Church’s chicken are in San Antonio, TX where the first location opened in 1952.

What to try

When you’re eating at Church’s, you won’t be disappointed with any of their meals, whether you choose the spicy chicken or the original. As far as sides go, don’t miss out on the Jalapeño Cheese Bombers®, fried okra, or the honey-butter biscuits.

Bojangles

Based on the name, it’s easy to tell that Bojangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits is known for its tasty fried chicken and flaky, buttery biscuits. The first Bojangles was opened in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1977.

What to try

Bojangles has plenty of options to choose from, including their Bo Favorites, Boneless Chicken Favorites, and their delicious chicken sandwiches. One of the most popular options is the biscuit sandwich, such as the Cajun Chicken Filet Biscuit. You can also keep it simple with a Chicken Supreme Combo, which includes chicken tender, a biscuit, and a drink.

Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens is a fast food chain that specializes in fried chicken and Southern sides. They prioritize the quality of their chicken and every chicken item on their menu is made with 100% natural premium tenders.

What to try

Slim Chickens has a lot of fun options that aren’t available at other places, such as their Chicken & Waffles. This menu item includes three fried chicken tenders served over a waffle with syrup and butter. You also can’t leave without trying one of their desserts in a jar, such as their Chocolate Brownie Pudding Jar Dessert.

Chick-fil-A

Some will claim there are many places better than Chick-fil-A, but it will always top my list of the best fried chicken restaurants. From their original Chick-fil-A sandwich to their delicious and salty waffle fries, it’s a classic choice no matter what you’re in the mood for.

What to try

You can’t go wrong with the original Chick-fil-A sandwich, but their chicken strips and chicken nuggets are also a great choice. If you order a side of waffle fries, don’t forget to ask for some of their signature Chick-fil-A sauce for dipping.

KFC

Even though there are plenty of fried chicken restaurants out there, KFC was the first to become famous for serving fried chicken. Instead of serving burgers or sandwiches, KFC made fast food fried chicken popular by offering family-style meals.

What to try

If you’re going to try a meal from KFC, you have to go all out. Their family meals come with a bucket of fried chicken and some of their delicious sides. You can choose from options like mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and sweet corn. Whatever you choose, don’t forget a side of biscuits as well.

Raising Cane’s

The original Raising Cane’s opened in Baton Rogue, Louisiana in 1996. Since then, it’s become one of the top fried chicken restaurants in the country with more than 800 locations. This casual chain is known for its chicken fingers and tasty fries.

What to try

You can get all the things you love when you order a combo at Raising Cane’s. The Box Combo comes with four chicken fingers, Texas toast, coleslaw, and crinkle-cut fries. There’s also plenty of Cane’s sauce for dipping your chicken fingers and fries.

Chicken Guy

Chicken Guy is a restaurant founded by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl. There are over 20 locations of this fried chicken restaurant, known for its chicken tenders that are brined in fresh lemon juice, pickle brine, and buttermilk.

What to try

Chicken Guy offers a variety of menu items from their original chicken tenders to crispy or grilled chicken sandwiches. One of the best choices on the menu is the three tenders combo. This entree comes with Guy’s original, hot, or grilled tenders and your choice of two signature sauces.

Guthrie’s

Guthrie’s first opened in Alabama but now there are over 60 locations in 12 different states. This chain is one of the best places out there to get some delicious fried chicken fingers, sweet tea, and fries.

What to try

If you’ve never been to a Guthrie’s before, you have to try one of their boxes to get the full experience. The “Gut Box,” includes a large portion of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast. It also comes with their signature sauce for dipping.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©sittitap/Shutterstock.com.

The post I Get Why You Love Popeyes But These 8 Fried Chicken Spots Top My List appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When someone mentions Olive Garden, you can probably start to smell those delicious breadsticks. There’s no doubt this restaurant is one of the most popular chains for soup, salad, and pasta fans. From their creamy and delicious Alfredo sauce to their never-ending soup or salad and breadsticks deal, what’s not to love?

Most people don’t consider Olive Garden healthy but even if you’re not counting calories, there are some menu items at Olive Garden you should avoid. If you’re not careful, you can end up consuming all your daily calories (and more!) from just one meal at this restaurant. If you want to enjoy a meal at Olive Garden but not overdo it, here are some menu items to avoid and ones to pick instead.

Avoid the Spinach Artichoke Dip

If there’s spinach in the name, it must be healthy, right? Well, not exactly. The Spinach Artichoke Dip at Olive Garden is certainly tasty, but the appetizer contains 1,160 calories. Even if you’re sharing it with a friend or two, that’s still a lot of calories, fat, and sodium you’re adding to your meal.

Avoid the Fried Mozzarella

The only thing better than mozzarella cheese is mozzarella cheese breaded and fried. As comforting as this dish is, it’s 800 calories without the marinara sauce. It also has 1,990 mg of sodium, plus another 320 mg of sodium if you choose to dip it in the sauce.

Avoid the Cheese Ravioli

Cheese ravioli is a classic choice when you’re in the mood for a portion of delicious, cheesy pasta. Whether you choose to top it with marinara sauce, meat sauce, or Alfredo, it might seem like one of the best options at Olive Garden. Unfortunately, the Cheese Ravioli leaves much to be desired in the cheese filling, which certainly doesn’t make it worth the 800 calories.

Avoid the Seafood Alfredo

The Alfredo sauce at Olive Garden is so delicious that you can even order it as a dipping sauce for your breadsticks. Despite how delicious the sauce is, this dish isn’t worth over $20 or 1,470 calories. If you want to order a seafood dish at Olive Garden, there are better alternatives.

Avoid the Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo

The Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo is another dish that comes with Olive Garden’s iconic sauce. Instead of fettuccini, this dish comes with cheese-filled tortelloni noodles. Before you order this dish though, keep in mind it contains nearly 2,000 calories and 3,720 mg of sodium.

Avoid the Tour of Italy

When you can’t decide what dish you want, the Tour of Italy may seem like the logical choice. This meal gives you a taste of the Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo. However, this meal is also a whopping 1,550 calories and if you enjoy an appetizer, drink, or dessert, your entire meal could be well over 2,000 calories.

Avoid the Meatballs Parmigiana

Even though it could be a full meal, the Meatballs Parmigiana is an appetizer on the Olive Garden menu. With five meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and cheese, there are over 1,000 calories in this appetizer alone. It also includes 83 grams of fat and 2,800 mg of sodium.

Avoid the Chocolate Lasagna

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a delectable dessert every once in a while, but if the dessert is going to be nearly 1,000 calories, it better be worth it. Unfortunately, the Chocolate Lasagna is not only 980 calories but it’s also a tad disappointing. If you’re going to enjoy a dessert after your meal, try the Tiramisu instead.

Try the Grilled Chicken Margherita

If you’re looking for a tasty meal at Olive Garden that doesn’t contain all your daily calories, try the Grilled Chicken Margherita. This dish includes grilled chicken breast topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil pesto. The Grilled Chicken Margherita has only 640 calories and 65 grams of protein.

Try the Shrimp Scampi

If you had your eye on the Seafood Alfredo, the Shrimp Scampi is a great alternative. With this dish, you still get a mix of delicious flavors but without the heaviness and extra calories. The Shrimp Scampi includes shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, and angel hair pasta tossed in a tasty garlic sauce.

Try the Spaghetti & Meatballs

You can’t go wrong with a classic like Spaghetti & Meatballs. Even though this is still a high-calorie meal, there’s more of a balance of calories and protein than some of the other pasta dishes. If you choose the spaghetti with marinara sauce, it will have about 940 calories and close to 50 grams of protein.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Evgeny Karandaev/Shutterstock.com.

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When you’re too tired to cook or need something to eat on the go, you don’t have to resort to eating a meal you’ll regret later. Fast food certainly isn’t synonymous with healthy food, but there are many options out there if you’re looking for something lower in calories or made with fresh ingredients. Next time you’re in the mood for something tasty, try a meal at one of these healthy fast food chains that are surprisingly delicious.

Chick-fil-A

Who can resist the delicious chicken from Chick-fil-A? Although the chicken nuggets and original Chick-fil-A sandwich aren’t exactly a healthy meal, Chick-fil-A does offer healthy options for their customers.

What to Order

One of the best parts about Chick-fil-A is they offer a grilled chicken alternative for all their entrees. Instead of the original chicken sandwich or nuggets, you can choose grilled nuggets or a grilled chicken sandwich. They also have a healthy alternative to the fries with the kale crunch side or fruit cup.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers a variety of healthy options whether you’re looking for a salad, sandwich, or soup. With the You Pick Two option, you can customize your meal and opt for something a little healthier.

What to Order

While some of the dressings at Panera Bread are high in calories, many of the salads are around 500 calories. Options like the Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad include mixed greens, grilled chicken, and their Green Goddess dressing. If the dressing on a salad is too many calories, you can always swap out the dressing or ask for it on the side.

Cava

Cava is a restaurant that offers a healthy, Mediterranean menu. They have options such as bowls and pitas that are filled with protein and different types of veggies. Cava was first founded in 2006 and there are now over 300 locations nationwide.

What to Order

Although some of the bowls at Cava are high in calories, they’re filled with lots of delicious and healthy ingredients. One of the lower-calorie options is the Greek Salad, which has 585 calories and includes grilled chicken, tzatziki, hummus, feta, and a wide array of veggies.

Chipotle

Chipotle is a Mexican restaurant known for its fresh ingredients. One of the best things about Chipotle is your ability to customize your order, which means you can make it as healthy as you want.

What to Order

If you’re looking for a healthy lunch or dinner from Chipotle, your best option is one of the salads or bowls. Not everything on the menu is healthy, but choosing options like brown rice and chicken can make your meal more nutritious. It’s also best to skip high-calorie toppings like sour cream and cheese.

Mod Pizza

While it may seem strange to think of a pizza place as healthy fast food, Mod Pizza isn’t like other pizza places. This restaurant offers personalized pizza and salads, all made with fresh ingredients.

What to Order

When you order a meal from Mod Pizza, you can choose either a pizza or a salad, both with unlimited toppings. What makes Mod Pizza a healthier option is they offer alternative crust options, such as a gluten-friendly or cauliflower crust. You can also choose greens as your base instead of sauce to make it a lower-calorie meal.

Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen is a fast food restaurant that offers simple healthy salads and grain bowls. Their menu items are made with fresh ingredients and without seed oils so you can feel good about what you’re eating.

What to Order

Some of the most popular choices at Sweetgreen are the Harvest Bowl, Kale Caesar, and Chicken Pesto Parm. There are also options like the Super Green Goddess, which is only 465 calories. This bowl includes shredded kale, spinach, cabbage, chickpeas, and other fresh ingredients.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company isn’t a new restaurant but as more Americans have started to look for healthy eating spots, Noodles & Company has grown to almost 500 locations. This restaurant offers a variety of noodles, soups, salads, and other meals with fresh ingredients.

What to Order

At Noodles & Company, you can enjoy your favorite pasta dishes in a reasonable-sized portion. They offer delicious bowls catered to specific lifestyles such as their keto-friendly Zucchini Pesto with Grilled Chicken or their carb-conscious Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.

Veggie Grill

Veggie Grill is a plant-based restaurant that offers organic fresh veggies, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and bowls. Their menu also includes delicious superfood smoothies and tasty desserts.

What to Order

If you’re looking for a healthy fast food option, Veggie Grill is a great place to stop. Even if you don’t eat exclusively plant-based food, you’ll appreciate their variety of tasty menu items. Options like the Kimchi Steak Bowl include vegan steak, organic greens, and nutritious brown rice.

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The post The Top 8 Healthiest Fast Food Chains That Are Surprisingly Delicious appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Whether you love it or hate it, Chipotle is here to stay. The first Chipotle location opened in 1993 and now there are over 2,000 locations nationwide. Many restaurant-goers choose Chipotle over other options like Taco Bell because Chipotle offers high-quality, flavorful food. Even though their menu is more expensive than other fast food restaurants, their produce is fresh and prepared in-store.

Chipotle is also considered a healthier option compared to other fast-food restaurants because of its use of fresh ingredients. Although the Chipotle menu includes options like burritos, burrito bowls, and tacos, there are some items we think could be added to the menu. Check out this list of items that should be added to the Chipotle menu.

Nachos

When you order your meal at Chipotle, you get to choose from a burrito, burrito bowl, salad, or tacos before adding all your favorite toppings. Nachos would be a tasty way to enjoy some of the fresh ingredients served at Chipotle.

Why it should be on the menu

If you’re a fan of nachos, you know how delicious they taste with toppings like black beans, salsa, sour cream, and cheese piled on top. With the high-quality, fresh ingredients at Chipotle, you could make a pretty tasty plate of nachos. Some Reddit users have stated that you can order chips under another dish at Chipotle to make your own nachos, but they’re not a part of the menu.

Breakfast burritos

Many fast food restaurants, such as Taco Bell and Wendy’s, started offering breakfast items in recent years. Breakfast burritos are a common breakfast dish at many other restaurants, but not all restaurants offer the ability to customize your order like Chipotle.

Why it should be on the menu

A lot of Chipotle fans have expressed that they would love to see a breakfast burrito added to the menu. In response, some current or former Chipotle workers have explained how early they would have to get to the store to prepare the ingredients. Adding eggs to the menu also poses a unique challenge when it comes to food safety. Still, a breakfast burrito with all of those delicious toppings does sound tasty.

Churros

Even though Chipotle is meant to be a healthier option, many fans have expressed that some kind of dessert would be a great addition to the menu. Those with a sweet tooth would love something to share or even enjoy on their own after their meal.

Why it should be on the menu

Something sweet is always a fun way to end a meal. With the type of food served at Chipotle, churros would be a great addition and would complement the other menu items well. Places like Capital Tacos offer mini churros, which are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it.

Carne asada

Carne asada is a type of grilled steak that originated in Latin America. This type of steak is often used in dishes such as quesadillas, nachos, burritos, and other related foods. Carne asada is usually made from flank steak, flap steak, or skirt steak and is made with spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

Why it should be on the menu

Carne asada has appeared for a limited time at Chipotle, but many believe it should have a permanent spot on the menu. Although steak is an option to add to your meals at Chipotle, the carne asada is cooked differently with a different set of spices. It also has a unique flavor from being tossed with cilantro and lime.

Chorizo

The Chorizo burrito used to be an option at Chipotle, but it’s no longer on the menu. This option is one of the dishes that many Chipotle lovers have requested to come back. Chorizo is a type of pork sausage that’s typically ground or chopped.

Why it should be on the menu

The Chipotle menu used to include a Chorizo burrito and even a plant-based Chorizo option was added at one point. Neither of them is on the menu now, although Chipotle does offer the Sofritas as a plant-based option. The unique and spicy flavor of Chorizo would be a great addition to the burritos, tacos, or other menu items at Chipotle.

Horchata

Although Horchata is a drink, not a dish, it would be a great addition to the Chipotle menu. Chipotle currently offers standard fountain drinks, some bottled drinks, tea, lemonade, and aqua fresca.

Why it should be on the menu

Many Mexican restaurants offer Horchata as a drink option and it’s something that would likely be popular with Chipotle customers. Traditional Mexican Horchata is a refreshing and delicious drink made with milk, rice, and cinnamon.

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Hot sauce is a great way to spice up any meal. Whether you’re using it as a dipping sauce or adding some to your scrambled eggs, Tabasco might be your go-to hot sauce. It’s easy to find at any store and it’s usually the brand you’ll see at restaurants. However, if you’re a fan of hot sauce and are looking for something else to try, there are many other hot sauce brands out there. Next time you’re looking for a tasty hot sauce, check out these Tabasco alternatives.

Frank’s RedHot Sauce

Frank’s RedHot has been around since 1896 as the Frank Tea and Spice Company. The original Frank’s RedHot sauce was released in 1920, made of cayenne peppers, garlic, vinegar, and signature spices.

What to try

Frank’s RedHot has become one of the most popular hot sauces out there. This company offers a variety of hot sauces and wing sauces, including the Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, and Dill Pickle Hot Sauce.

Louisiana Hot Sauce

As the name suggests, Louisiana Hot Sauce is a brand that was originally created in Louisiana. This tasty hot sauce is made Louisiana-style by combining ground chili peppers with vinegar and salt before leaving them to age for at least a year.

What to try

If you’re a fan of Louisiana-style hot sauce, you’ll love the Original Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce. They also offer other varieties worth trying, such as the Garlic Lovers, Southwest Jalapeño, and Sweet Heat with Honey.

Huy Fong Sriracha

Sriracha is a type of hot sauce that originated in Thailand. This sauce is made from chili peppers, vinegar, salt, sugar, and pickled garlic. In the United States, when you think of sriracha, you’re likely picturing the Huy Fong Sriracha sauce that has become so popular.

What to try

It’s common in the US to see Huy Fong Sriracha Sauce at different restaurants. The Huy Fong Sriracha is made from a paste of sun-ripened chilies. This brand also offers a Chili Garlic Sauce which is a thicker hot sauce with a hint of garlic flavor.

Crystal

Crystal is another type of hot sauce that originated in Louisiana. The first Crystal Hot Sauce was created in 1923 when the owner discovered a hot sauce recipe in the drawer of the production company he purchased.

What to try

The original Crystal Hot Sauce is a classic choice if you’re looking for a sweet and spicy sauce. Crystal also offers other sauces like Crystal Hot Sauce with Garlic, Crystal Extra Hot Sauce, and Crystal Extra Hot Buffalo Sauce.

Texas Pete

Texas Pete is one of the most popular hot sauces in the United States. This hot sauce was first created in 1929 by the owner of a barbecue stand in North Carolina. Although the original hot sauce is still a popular choice, the company has expanded to offer other sauces as well.

What to try

The original Texas Pete Hot Sauce is a must-try if you love a medium sauce. They also offer varieties such as the Garlic Hot Sauce, Hotter Hot Sauce, and a Mexican-style hot sauce. If you want to try the different sauces, you can purchase a Hot Sauce Variety Pack from Texas Pete.

Slap Ya Mama

Slap Ya Mama is a Louisiana-style hot sauce that has been described as being hotter than Tabasco. Their original hot sauce is made from aged peppers, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Slap Ya Mama sauces have the perfect balance of heat and flavor.

What to try

Slap Ya Mama offers a handful of different sauces so there’s something for everyone. You can choose from the Cajun Pepper Sauce, Jalapeño Pepper Sauce, Cajun Hot Sauce, or their signature Buffalo Wing Sauce.

Cholula

Cholulua is another brand of hot sauce you’ve likely seen in the grocery store or a local restaurant. This chili-based sauce is manufactured in Mexico and has been on the US hot sauce market since 1989.

What to try

Cholula offers a wide selection of hot sauces, salsas, seasonings, and other products. Some of their popular hot sauce varieties include the Cholula Original Hot Sauce, Green Pepper Hot Sauce, and the Chipotle Hot Sauce.

Red Clay Hot Sauce

Red Clay Hot Sauce was first created by Chef Geoff Rhyne when he was looking for a sauce to complement a new oyster dish. Customers loved the sauce so much that they even started stealing it from the tables.

What to try

If you want a tasty sauce with enough flavor to complement but not overpower your dish, try the Red Clay Original Hot Sauce. They also offer a Carolina Hot Sauce and Verde Hot Sauce and Marinade.

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When you’re in the mood for a delicious, gooey cinnamon roll, Cinnabon may be the first restaurant that comes to mind. I’ve enjoyed a Cinnabon cinnamon roll on many occasions and it might be your go-to food court stop as well. However, if you’re looking for something different, there are many other options that you don’t want to miss. Next time you’re stopping for a snack or bite to eat at the food court, check out these food court options that may be better than Cinnabon.

Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs is my go-to food court stop if I’m in the mood for ice cream. There are few things tastier than a scoop of Häagen-Dazs ice cream or even a creamy Häagen-Dazs milkshake. Even though Häagen-Dazs is more expensive than many other options, the quality makes it worth the splurge.

What to try

You can’t go wrong with any of the ice cream flavors at Häagen-Dazs, whether you get it in a cup, cone, or in the form of a milkshake. Some of the best-selling Häagen-Dazs ice cream flavors include Butter Pecan, Cookies & Cream, and Rocky Road. The Häagen-Dazs Coffee ice cream is also a classic choice.

Auntie Anne’s

Not many people can resist the smell of a freshly baked pretzel from Auntie Anne’s. If I’m looking for a snack to enjoy while walking through the mall, Auntie Anne’s is my go-to. They offer a variety of pretzel flavors in the form of regular-size pretzels and pretzel bites.

What to try

Some people prefer sweet pretzels and others prefer savory ones. No matter which camp you’re in, Auntie Anne’s has options for everyone. If you love sweet pretzels, try their Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel and dip it in their sweet glaze. If you prefer a salty pretzel, try their Original Pretzel with a side of cheese or honey mustard.

Dippin’ Dots

It’s pretty common to find Dippin’ Dots in food courts and other shopping plazas. If you haven’t tried it before, Dippin’ Dots is no ordinary ice cream shop. They offer flash-frozen treats that are unique and delicious, especially on a hot day.

What to try

Dippin’ Dots offers a variety of tasty flavors and I have yet to try one I didn’t like. Some of the most popular flavors at Dippin’ Dots include Banana Split, Birthday Cake, Cookies ‘N Cream, and Chocolate. They also offer a variety of seasonal flavors throughout the year.

Panera Bread

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat and a cup of coffee or a place to enjoy lunch at the mall, Panera Bread is a great option. Although most Panera Bread locations are stand-alone, there are many locations in malls and other shopping centers as well.

What to try

If you’re looking for something to snack on while you shop, you can’t go wrong with any of the bakery treats at Panera. Some of my favorites include the Kitchen Sink Cookie and the Chocolate Croissant. You can also enjoy a delicious lunch at Panera with one of their salads, soups, or sandwiches.

Mrs. Fields

Mrs. Fields is my go-to stop if I’m in the mood for a chocolate chip cookie. While they do have beautifully decorated cookie cakes, you can also stop by to pick up a single cookie or even a few cookies if you’re planning on sharing.

What to try

The chocolate chip cookie at Mrs. Fields is a classic, but they also have many other options to try. Some of the best cookies at Mrs. Fields include the White Chocolate Macadamia cookies, Cinnamon Sugar cookies, and the Triple Chocolate cookies.

Orange Julius

When you’re looking for a refreshing beverage to enjoy while you shop, Orange Julius is a great option. This smoothie shop can often be found in mall food courts and they have a wide range of flavors of their signature Julius beverage.

What to try

The menu at Orange Julius includes the Julius Originals as well as Premium Fruit Smoothies. Some of the best flavors to try include the Orange Julius Original, Strawberry Banana Julius Original, and the Mango Pineapple Premium Fruit Smoothie.

Johnny Rockets

If you love the retro aesthetic, you have to visit Johnny Rockets. This retro-inspired diner has delicious burgers and fries but they’re also known for their creamy shakes. You can enjoy lunch or dinner at Johnny Rockets or just stop in for a tasty shake to-go.

What to try

Nothing can fuel your shopping trip better than Johnny Rockets. They have a wide selection of burgers such as the Rocket Double and the Smoke House Burger. You also can’t enjoy a meal at Johnny Rockets without ordering one of their tasty shakes in flavors such as Hershey’s Chocolate Strawberry and Chocolate Chip Cookie.

The Cheesecake Factory

From their delicious bread to their delectable cheesecakes, you can’t go wrong by stopping by this restaurant. They have a pretty extensive menu with a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, and other entrees. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, you can also stop by for a slice of cheesecake and a cup of coffee.

What to try

If you’re looking for a creamy and flavorful cheesecake, The Cheesecake Factory is the place to go. Their dessert list is extensive but some of my favorite options are the Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake, Tiramisu Cheesecake, and the Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake.

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When you’re in the mood for a tasty frozen treat, ice cream is the way to go. Ben & Jerry’s is an iconic ice cream shop that’s beloved by many. They do have some tasty ice cream flavors, but there are many other ice cream shops that offer a different experience if you’re looking to mix it up.

There’s never a bad time to stop for an ice cream no matter what type of flavor you prefer. If you’re looking for a new ice cream shop to visit, check out these ice cream shops that are better than Ben & Jerry’s.

Baskin-Robbins

When you’re looking for a local ice cream shop to visit, Baskin-Robbins is a classic choice. There are over 7,000 Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide with some of the locations located within Dunkin’ Donuts cafes. Baskin-Robbins offers delicious ice cream, drinks, sundaes, and other frozen treats.

What to try

Baskin-Robbins has plenty of tasty flavors to choose from when you go in for a scoop. Some of the most popular flavors are Cinnamon Roll, Non-Dairy Cookies ‘n Crème, Chocolate Almond, and TWIX® Caramel Crunch.

Carvel

Carvel is often known for their ice cream cakes, but they also have ice cream shops all over. They offer both an assortment of soft serve and scooped ice cream flavors you can enjoy in a cup or cone. Carvel also has many take-home treats like their delicious ice cream sandwiches.

What to try

If you stop by a Carvel location, it’s worth trying one of their unique soft-serve flavors in a cone. With seasonal flavors like Peppermint Hot Chocolate and dairy-free flavors like their Oatly Soft Serve, you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.

Dippin’ Dots

Dippin’ Dots is the perfect choice for ice cream when you’re looking for something a little different. Unlike most ice cream shops, Dippin’ Dots offers a unique product with their flash-frozen treats.

What to try

When choosing your treat at Dippin’ Dots, there are plenty of flavors to choose from. Some of the classic Dippin’ Dots flavors include Banana Split, Cookies ‘N Cream, and Rainbow Ice. They also offer different seasonal flavors throughout the year such as Spookies ‘N Cream and Candy Cane.

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw is a relatively new ice cream shop but it has made a big impact already. The first Salt & Straw ice cream shop opened in 2011 and now there are nearly 50 scoop shops across the country. Unlike many other ice cream shops, Salt & Straw offers delicious ice cream for those with alternative diets, such as their dairy-free series.

What to try

Salt & Straw focuses on making delicious ice cream with simple and interesting ingredients. Some of their best-selling flavors include Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Freckled Mint Chocolate Chip.

Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs is one of the best ice cream shops out there with the creamiest ice cream. Even though Häagen-Dazs is typically more expensive than other shops, it’s worth the splurge. You can purchase Häagen-Dazs in nearly any grocery store, but there are also many brick-and-mortar shops nationwide.

What to try

It can be difficult to choose which ice cream flavor to order from Häagen-Dazs because they’re all so delicious. Some of the best Häagen-Dazs flavors include Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Caramel Cone. They also offer some of the best milkshakes out of any ice cream shop.

Cold Stone Creamery

Stopping for ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery is an experience in itself. One of the best parts of visiting this creamery is how they make your order in front of you, chopping and folding in all the mix-ins to create a signature ice cream treat.

What to try

While Cold Stone does have sundaes and shakes like many other ice cream shops, they’re famous for their Signature Creations. You don’t want to miss creations such as Falling in Chocolate or Apple Pie A La Cold Stone. If you have a specific flavor in mind, you can also create your own with your choice of ice cream and mix-ins.

Marble Slab Creamery

If you love the experience of visiting a Cold Stone Creamery, you’ll love Marble Slab Creamery as well. Marble Slab was actually the first chain to use a marble slab to mix ice cream creations even though Cold Stone is more well-known.

What to try

Marble Slab Creamery serves homemade ice cream made in small batches. You can order one of their ice cream cups or create your own treat. Some of their tasty creations include the Chocolate Caramel Butter Pecan and the Cookie Dough Surprise.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s is an ice cream brand unlike any other. They offer a wide variety of unique ice cream flavors that are made with Fair Trade ingredients and milk from small dairy farms. Although you can purchase Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream in many grocery stores and even have it shipped to you, there are also over 80 scoop shops in the US.

What to try

Jeni’s offers a variety of fun flavors such as Gooey Butter Cake, High Five Candy Bar, and Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks. If you’re a fan of unique and fruity flavors, you can’t try Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream without testing out their iconic Brambleberry Crisp flavor.

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If you’re in the mood for some delicious chicken and a side of waffle fries, there’s no better place to stop than Chick-fil-A. As one of the top fast-food restaurants in the country, Chick-fil-A has become synonymous with quality food and even better service.

While you may not consider Chick-fil-A to be a healthy meal to begin with, it’s easy to end up with an extremely unhealthy and high-calorie meal by ordering some of the items on the menu. If you’re trying to prevent yourself from consuming all your daily calories in one meal, here are 9 menu items to skip at Chick-fil-A.

Milkshake

When you order a meal at Chick-fil-A, you could order a lemonade or sweet tea as your drink — but the fact that you could also order one of their delicious milkshakes makes it hard to say no. Unfortunately, a Chick-fil-A milkshake is close to 600 calories and has nearly 100 grams of sugar.

A Healthier Alternative

If you’re craving something sweet after your meal, you don’t have to skip the dessert entirely to choose a healthier option. Instead of opting for a milkshake that’s 500+ calories, choose the Chick-fil-A Icecream Cone instead. This dessert will still satisfy your sweet tooth but it’s only 180 calories for the entire cone.

Spicy Deluxe Sandwich

The original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is one of the tastiest entrees at Chick-fil-A. While it’s not the healthiest meal, the original Chick-fil-A sandwich ends up being 420 calories. The Spicy Deluxe Sandwich is even more calorically dense with over 500 calories and 1800 mg of sodium.

A Healthier Alternative

Eating the original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich will save you some calories, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich is only 390 calories with 765 mg of sodium. It also comes on multi-grain bun and includes lettuce and tomato.

Cobb Salad

It may be surprising considering salads are generally considered healthy, but the Cobb Salad is one of the highest-calorie entrees at Chick-fil-A. If you order the Cobb Salad with Chick-fil-A chicken strips, the salad alone will be almost 900 calories.

A Healthier Alternative

You can make the Cobb Salad a healthier option by tweaking a few things. This salad typically comes with the Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing, which contains 310 calories. You can lower the calories by leaving the dressing off or choosing a different dressing like the Light Italian Dressing, which only has 25 calories. You can also swap the Chick-fil-A nuggets for the grilled chicken.

Spicy Southwest Salad

The Spicy Southwest Salad is another item on the Chick-fil-A menu that is best to avoid. This salad has over 1,500 mg of sodium if you order it without altering any of the ingredients. Although it has fewer calories than the Cobb Salad, it’s still high in calories and also has 10 grams of saturated fat.

A Healthier Alternative

If you enjoy the Southwest Salad, you can make it a healthier option by changing a few things with your order. You’ll end up with fewer calories and sodium if you skip the dressing on the salad. You can also add grilled chicken instead of the spicy grilled chicken that normally comes with it.

Hash Brown Scramble Burrito with Nuggets

The Hash Brown Scramble Burrito with Nuggets is one of the many breakfast options at Chick-fil-A. This menu item includes Chick-fil-A nuggets, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and a blend of shredded cheeses, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. This item alone has 700 calories and 51 grams of carbs.

A Healthier Alternative

If you like the Hash Brown Scramble Burrito with Nuggets but can’t justify the 700 calories, try the Hash Brown Scramble Bowl instead. Even with the nuggets, this entree only has 470 calories and still has the crispy hash browns, eggs, and cheese.

Mac & Cheese

There’s no doubt the Mac & Cheese side from Chick-fil-A is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. But since your entree is probably already filled with calories, it’s generally best to skip this side. A medium Mac & Cheese has 450 calories, 29 grams of fat, and 28 grams of carbs.

A Healthier Alternative

For a healthier side to go with your Chick-fil-A order, try the fruit cup instead. A medium fruit cup at Chick-fil-A only has 70 calories. This side includes a mix of apples, mandarin oranges, strawberries, and blueberries. If you’re looking for something a little more filling, you can also try the Berry Parfait, which has 270 calories and 13 grams of protein.

Large Waffle Fries

It’s hard to imagine enjoying a delicious meal at Chick-fil-A without ordering a side of their crispy waffle fries. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a side of waffle fries, you may be tempted to go for a large. The large side of waffle fries at Chick-fil-A has 600 calories and 65 carbs with only 7 grams of protein. Although no order of fries is going to be healthy, you’re better off going for a small order which is half the calories.

A Healthier Alternative

If you’re counting calories during your visit to Chick-fil-A, one of the healthier alternatives will be the Kale Crunch Side. This side is a blend of kale, green cabbage, and almonds with a savory Dijon mustard vinaigrette. The Kale Crunch Side only has 170 calories and 13 carbs.

Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Biscuit

The Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Biscuit is another popular breakfast item at Chick-fil-A that’s one of the most unhealthy things you can order. Although it may seem innocent enough, this menu item has 620 calories and is high in both fat and sodium.

A Healthier Alternative

If you’re craving Chick-fil-A in the morning, there are many healthier breakfast alternatives to choose from. One of the healthiest options will be the Egg White Grill, which is only 300 calories for the whole sandwich. This item includes grilled chicken, egg whites, and American cheese on a toasted English muffin.

Chick-fil-A Sauce

Every Chick-fil-A fan knows the Chick-fil-A sauce is iconic. This sauce became so popular that they started selling it in grocery stores. However, one packet of Chick-fil-A sauce has nearly 200 calories and 6 grams of sugar. If you dip your sandwich and your fries into the sauce, you may end up using more than one packet, adding anywhere from 200 to 600 calories to your meal.

A Healthier Alternative

Chick-fil-A sauce is one of the highest-calorie dipping sauces they have at Chick-fil-A. If you still want to dip your fries or nuggets in sauce, try the barbecue sauce which only has 45 calories in a packet, or the Zesty Buffalo Sauce which only has 25 calories. You can also save on the calories by limiting yourself to one packet of sauce with your meal.

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There’s nothing better than a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. You can’t beat the convenience of a Keurig, but many other single-serve coffee machines make a better cup of coffee.

Whether you’re looking for something compatible with K-cups or just a coffee maker that makes a great single cup, there are plenty of options out there. If you’re looking for an alternative to Keurig, try these alternative coffee makers.

Bruvi

The Bruvi coffee system is superior to other coffee makers in many ways. The advanced technology that comes with a Bruvi coffee maker leads to better coffee and more convenience for your daily brew.

Why it’s worth buying

Bruvi single-cup coffee makers not only make a delicious cup of coffee but they’re also one of the more eco-friendly options. The Bruvi coffee maker only works with the Bruvi B-pods, but these pods are specifically designed to be disposed of and break down quicker than other materials.

Ninja

Ninja Kitchen Appliances offers several options when it comes to single-serve coffee machines. Their Pods & Grounds Single-Serve Coffee Maker is the most similar option to the Keurig, but they also have the Ninja DualBrew Hot & Iced Coffee Maker and the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System.

Why it’s worth buying

The Ninja DualBrew Pro is a great option for coffee lovers. You can use coffee grounds or pods with this machine and it’s compatible with the Keurig pods as well. The DualBrew Pro comes with a milk frother, which makes it easy to create specialty coffee drinks at home. If you’re looking for something a little simpler, the Ninja Pods & Grounds Single-Serve Coffee Maker is also a good choice.

illy

illy offers several different machines for single-serve espresso or drip coffee, depending on your preferences. Their options include the illy Iperespresso Machine and the illy Easy Espresso Machine. Illy sells its own capsules and espresso pods to go along with its machines.

Why it’s worth buying

If you’re looking for a single-serve coffee or espresso maker with a compact design, the illy espresso machine may be the best choice for you. This single-serve system is smaller than the Keurig K-Mini machine, although it’s only compatible with the illy espresso pods.

Instant

Instant, the same brand that sells the Instant Pot, also makes coffee makers. In addition to their Cold Brewer and 12-cup Coffee Maker, they also have single-serve coffee machines such as the Instant Pot Solo Single Serve Coffee Maker and the Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus Coffee Maker.

Why it’s worth buying

There are many perks to choosing the Instant single-serve coffee machine. In many ways, it’s a halfway point between Keurig and Nespresso. This single-serve coffee machine takes both K-cup and Nespresso pods as well as the Instant pods.

De’Longhi

De’Longhi offers a versatile option with their TrueBrew single-serve coffee maker. With multiple options for brewing coffee, this single-serve machine allows you to make coffee with different sizes and methods, depending on your preferences.

Why it’s worth buying

Compared to many of the other single-serve coffee machines, the De’Longhi Truebrew is unique in that it doesn’t use coffee pods. Since you can add your own coffee beans to the machine, you can have more variety in what type and flavor of coffee you choose. It also has several different methods of making coffee, including an espresso function which allows you to enjoy coffee with the perfect crema on top.

OXO

OXO is a well-known brand that makes a wide array of kitchen tools and appliances. One of the options OXO offers is a line of coffee makers, including the 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Podless Single-Serve Function.

Why it’s worth buying

The OXO 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Podless Single-Serve Function gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to making coffee. Not only can you make anywhere from 2 to 12 cups of coffee, but it also has a single-serve option that allows you to brew a single cup directly into your coffee mug. Since it’s a podless system, you’re able to make one cup without having to waste any materials.

Cuisinart

The Cuisinart Grind and Brew is a great alternative to the Keurig if you’re looking for a quality cup of coffee. With the Grind and Brew, you use a reusable pod that holds your own coffee grounds that can easily be made with the included conical burr grinder.

Why it’s worth buying

The Cuisinart Grind and Brew is unique compared to the other coffee makers because it includes a grinder in the machine. Instead of using pods or capsules like many of the other single-serve coffee machines, this one allows you to add your own coffee beans and easily make a single cup of coffee.

Nespresso

Nespresso offers a wide range of options when it comes to single-serve coffee machines. The Nespresso Vertuo Next and the Nespresso Vertuo Plus are two of the highest-rated. Both have a sleek and compact design.

Why it’s worth buying

Nespresso machines are frequently rated as the best single-serve coffee makers. They’re easy to use but still provide you with a quality cup of coffee. Many of the most popular versions of the Nespresso have a compact design, which makes it easier to store in your kitchen. The Nespresso pods come in a wide variety of flavors so there’s something for everyone.

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The post I Used to Drink Keurig Coffee Every Day, But These 8 At-Home Coffee Brands Are Better appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Tupperware may be a staple in your kitchen since it’s one of the best ways to store leftover food and other items. Although the name Tupperware is often used to describe any plastic food container, Tupperware is actually a specific brand that makes kitchen storage products.

There’s no doubt that Tupperware dominated the kitchen storage industry for many years, but in 2024, the company filed for bankruptcy and was ultimately sold to a group of lenders. If you’re planning on updating your kitchen storage containers, check out these Tupperware alternatives.

Ello

Ello Products is a company that sells water bottles, tumblers, accessories, food storage containers, and other home goods products.

Why people love it

If you’re looking for a product that combines durability and style, Ello storage containers are a great choice. This is a pricier option than many other containers, but they’re not an eyesore in your kitchen or fridge. The Duraglass Meal Prep items from Ello come in a variety of shapes and colors.

Joseph Joseph

Joseph Joseph is a UK-based company that was founded in 2003. They offer a variety of kitchen products including utensils, chopping boards, and food prep items.

Why people love it

The Joseph Joseph Nest set is a great option for those with limited space. Since the five storage containers all fit together, you can easily store them when not in use. These storage containers are made of BPA-free plastic and can be used in the freezer, microwave, or dishwasher.

VonShef

VonShef is another UK-based company that offers kitchen essentials such as cookware, cocktail sets, and food prep items.

Why people love it

One of the concerns about some other glass container companies is that the containers are prone to shattering if they experience thermal shock. One of the best parts about VonShef glass storage containers is that they’re made of borosilicate glass, which prevents them from shattering even if they experience extreme temperature changes.

Snapware

Snapware is another popular brand that sells durable storage containers for a variety of occasions.

Why people love it

Snapware is one of the most affordable options on the list and they make organization easy. The Snapware containers keep food fresh because of the snap lids. They’re also stackable, which makes it easy to use them for meal prep. Snapware has options for every occasion whether you want to store food in the fridge or use them for freezer meals.

Anchor Hocking

Anchor Hocking is a glassware company that sells food storage containers, glass bakeware, drinkware, and other storage items.

Why people love it

Anchor Hocking offers kitchen storage items at a great price. Their glass containers can be used in the oven, allowing you to use them for storage and food prep. They offer storage containers in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their durable containers can also be used in the freezer, fridge, or microwave.

Glasslock

Glasslock specializes in glass kitchen storage containers and mixing bowls. Their focus is on safety and style, offering a quality product that’s also affordable.

Why people love it

Glasslock is one of the best choices for a budget-friendly glassware set. The Glasslock storage containers are oven-safe and come in rectangles, rounds, or squares. You can purchase a 20-piece set from Glasslock for less than $50.

OXO

OXO is a popular brand that sells a variety of kitchen tools to simplify cooking and baking in the kitchen.

Why people love it

OXO containers are a great option if you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen storage. However, they are more of an investment than some of the other storage containers on the list. OXO offers their POP Container sets which are great for storing items in the pantry and their Prep and Go containers are great for meal prepping.

Pyrex

Pyrex is known for making glass kitchen storage containers and has been around since the early 1900s.

Why people love it

Compared to plastic Tupperware containers, Pyrex glass containers are durable and will last longer. Pyrex sells a variety of containers and they’re a relatively inexpensive option even if you need to replace all your kitchen storage containers. Pyrex containers are freezer, dishwasher, and microwave-safe.

Rubbermaid

Rubbermaid is one of the top competitors for Tupperware and offers a wide range of kitchen storage containers.

Why people love it

Rubbermaid offers a wide range of storage containers including plastic take-along containers, glass containers, and their Freshworks containers that are specifically designed to keep produce fresh. The plastic food storage containers are sturdier than other brands and make it easy to take food on the go.

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If you haven’t shopped at Ikea before, you might not have realized that shopping there is an experience in itself. Not only is it fun looking through all the displays, but Ikea also offers furniture and other household items at an affordable price.

Although there are many items worth buying at Ikea, including the Swedish meatballs, there are also some items you’re better off buying elsewhere. Before your next shopping trip, check out this list of the worst things to buy at Ikea.

Knives

A high-quality knife is essential for every kitchen, but you won’t find the type of quality knives you need at Ikea.

Why you should avoid them

The knife sets at Ikea may be cheap but this is a situation where it’s worth spending more money. Dull knives are more likely to cause accidents and the cheap knife sets from Ikea will become dull very quickly.

Cutting boards

A sturdy cutting board is a must-have for your kitchen, but a flimsy one can be dangerous.

Why you should avoid them

Ikea has plenty of options for affordable home goods, including cookware and other kitchen items. The LEGITIM cutting boards sold at Ikea are definitely affordable, but they’re not sturdy at all. This is not only a nuisance but also could be a safety hazard if you’re using a sharp knife on them.

Bed linens

Along with your mattress, your bed linens also play an important role in helping you get a good night’s sleep.

Why you should avoid them

While you’re looking for a new bed frame, lamp, or other bedroom item, you might browse the bed linens at Ikea. The bed linens from Ikea may be cheaper than other places, but they’re not the most comfortable. An uncomfortable set of bed linens is bound to keep you up at night, so you’re better off finding your new sheets and pillowcases elsewhere.

Wooden bed frames

You might consider the wooden bed frames from Ikea if you’re looking for something affordable, but they’re not the most reliable option.

Why you should avoid them

When you purchase a new bed frame, you’ll want to find one that will last. Wooden bed frames are one of the cheapest options, but they’re not as durable as frames made out of other materials. The wooden bed frames from Ikea are notorious for breaking apart because it’s difficult for the wooden slats to carry the weight put on the bed.

Glassware

Glassware at Ikea may seem affordable, but it isn’t sturdy and could be dangerous if it shatters.

Why you should avoid them

Ikea is a great place to stock your kitchen with new plates, bowls, utensils, and other items. However, if you’re eyeing the glassware from Ikea, you might want to skip it. Any glassware can shatter because of the material, but there have been reports of Ikea glassware shattering spontaneously. It’s worth paying a little bit extra to buy more reliable glassware.

Cabinet handles

Adding new cabinet handles to your home can add a touch of elegance, but buying them at Ikea may not be the best deal.

Why you should avoid them

One of the reasons you might choose Ikea for your home goods shopping is because their items are affordable. This is true for most of their products, but when it comes to cabinet handles, you can probably get a better deal elsewhere.

Scented candles

Scented candles are a nice addition to your home, but the candles at Ikea aren’t made to last.

Why you should avoid them

As you browse through the aisles of potted plants and other home decor items, you might place a few scented candles from Ikea in your cart. Although purchasing scented candles won’t harm you in any way, they lose their scent pretty quickly. You’re better off purchasing scented candles from specialty stores if you’re looking for something that lasts.

Appliances

A quality appliance can last nearly a lifetime, but you won’t find the quality appliances you’re looking for at Ikea.

Why you should avoid them

Ikea does a lot of things right and they’re better than most stores when it comes to their home decor options. However, their appliances are not as highly rated. If you’re redoing your kitchen or another room in your house, you’re better off buying new appliances from a different store.

Mattresses

A good night’s sleep is important for your health, but you might not get one if you purchase an Ikea mattress.

Why you should avoid them

The key to a good night’s sleep is a comfortable mattress. No matter where you buy one, mattresses are an investment and it’s important to find one that supports your health instead of hindering it. Unfortunately, Ikea mattresses are consistently rated poorly and may not help you get the beauty sleep you need.

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When you have young children, one of the most important purchases you’ll make is a family vehicle. Not only do you need something that will allow you to fit all your car seats and strollers, but you also need something that’s reliable and will last for many years. If you’re the mom of 3 or 4 young kids and are looking for the best vehicle for your family, check out this list of the best family vehicles.

Honda Odyssey

It’s no surprise that the Honda Odyssey is on our list of the best family vehicles. This reliable minivan is a great option for large families, even ones with four or more children.

Why families love it

The Honda Odyssey is a spacious vehicle with room for eight passengers. There are many features that make it the perfect family vehicle, including the Magic Slide seats, CabinWatch camera, and built-in vacuum cleaner. This vehicle is comfortable for passengers and built with families in mind.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV that is great for families. Starting at $40,200, this reliable vehicle is one of the best third-row SUVs out there.

Why families love it

The Honda Pilot is a great vehicle that includes many family-friendly features. It has plenty of room even if you have two car seats in the second row. It’s great for everyday use and for family adventures. This family vehicle has features that make camping and off-roading comfortable for everyone.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Grand Highlander is a midsize SUV that’s another great option for families with young children. Compared to the Grand Highlander, this vehicle has more room on the inside. 

Why families love it

Whether you’re looking for something you can take on adventures or you just want a reliable vehicle for your family, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has everything you need. This hybrid vehicle is a great option for families that want lots of room without having to get a minivan. It has great fuel efficiency and holds six or seven passengers.

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is an SUV with seating for up to eight passengers. With lots of space and all-wheel drive, it’s a great option for families of all sizes.

Why families love it

Families with lots of children know that the amount of legroom in a family vehicle matters. The Kia Telluride has more legroom than many of the other family SUVs as well as many features that make it a reliable and convenient ride. This vehicle combines function and style to give you an SUV that’s ready for anything.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV that works great for large families and has seating for up to eight passengers.

Why families love it

With room for up to eight passengers, the Nissan Pathfinder is perfect for a family with four young children. Features such as heated seats, window shades, and ceiling vents provide your backseat passengers with a comfortable ride. Additionally, installing multiple car seats is easy with the Pathfinder due to the car-seat-friendly tilt.

Chevy Traverse

The Chevy Traverse is a mid-size SUV and is the second-largest SUV that Chevy offers. This SUV includes three rows and can hold up to eight passengers.

Why families love it

The Chevy Traverse is one of the highest-rated SUVs for families with a spacious interior and space for seven or eight passengers. Compared to many other mid-size SUVs, this vehicle has more cargo room and plenty of valuable interior features. The infotainment system included in the Traverse makes it a great choice for families with multiple young children.

Kia Carnival

If you prefer a minivan to an SUV, the Kia Carnival is another safe and reliable option for families with young children.

Why families love it

While the Honda Odyssey is one of the most popular options for minivans, there are many benefits to choosing the Kia Carnival. The Carnival has some safety features that the Odyssey doesn’t have, which can make you feel secure when toting your little ones around. This minivan has plenty of space for the whole family and holds seven or eight passengers.

Ford Expedition

If you’re looking for a full-size SUV, the Ford Expedition is a great option for families. This vehicle is reliable and has features every family with young children will appreciate.

Why families love it

Many large families choose full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition as an alternative to a van. This SUV makes it easy to install car seats in the back, even if you have three car seats in one row. With several kids under four years old, the seating arrangements in the Ford Expedition are one of the best out of any family SUV.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com.

The post I’m a Mom of 4 Under 4 – What’s the Most Reliable Family Car We Can Buy? appeared first on Moms Who Think.

There are thousands of grammar rules in the English language so it’s no wonder that most people don’t remember them all. Out of those thousands of rules, there are some simple rules that every American should know. 

You probably learned about these rules in school, but it may be time to brush up on your knowledge. If you consider yourself to be a grammar whiz, see if you know these simple grammar rules that the typical American gets wrong.

Is it who or whom?

The misuse of who and whom is one of the most common grammatical mistakes Americans make.

Answer

It’s correct to use the word who when you’re talking about the subject of the sentence and to use whom when you’re talking about the object of the sentence. For example, you would say, “Who is going to play?” and “To whom are you giving the ball?”

Is it me or I?

It can be difficult to know whether you should use me or I in a sentence because they’re both personal pronouns.

Answer

Even though me and I are both personal pronouns, they have different purposes. You should use I when you’re referring to the subject and me when you’re referring to the object. For example, you would say, “The teacher gave me the test,” and “The teacher and I are meeting after school.”

When should you use “your” instead of “you’re?”

Your and you’re have different meanings even though they’re two of the most misused words.

Answer

Your is the possessive form of “you” and should be used as a pronoun. You’re is a contraction meaning “you are.”

What’s the difference between to, too, and two?

To, too, and two may look similar and sound the same, but it’s important to remember the difference between them.

Answer

To is a preposition that shows the relationship between two parts of the sentence. It often shows location or direction. Too, on the other hand, is an adjective or adverb that means also. Two represents a number.

When should you use “its” instead of “it’s?”

Its and it’s shouldn’t be used interchangeably because one is a possessive pronoun and one is a contraction.

Answer

Typically, an apostrophe and “s” is used to show possession. However, you don’t use an apostrophe with a possessive pronoun. For the possessive form of it, you add an s without the apostrophe. “It’s” with an apostrophe is the contraction for “it is.”

When should you use “good” instead of “well?”

Even though good and well seem to have the same meanings, they’re different parts of speech.

Answer

Good and well can’t be used interchangeably because good is an adjective while well is an adverb. Which one you use depends on what part of speech the word is modifying. For example, you would say, “This pizza is good,” and, “You did well on the test.”

Is it affect or effect?

It’s very easy to mix up affect and effect because they look and sound similar, but there are differences between them.

Answer

Affect is a verb that means to impact or make a difference to. Effect is usually used as a noun to describe the impact or change that was caused by an action. Although effect can sometimes be used as a verb that means to directly cause something to happen, this is a less common usage of the word. Generally, if it’s an action, the proper word is affect.

Can you spot the misplaced modifier?

Modifiers are an important part of a sentence, but they can make the sentence unclear if they’re misplaced.

Answer

When the modifier in a sentence is separated from the word it’s modifying, it can completely change the meaning of a sentence. For example, instead of saying, “My daughter pet the dog in her ballet shoes,” you should say, “My daughter wore her ballet shoes while she petted the dog.”

When should you use “a” instead of “an?”

Many native English speakers determine which to use based on the way it sounds, but it’s easy to confuse a and an.

Answer

You should use a in front of a consonant sound and an in front of a vowel sound. It can be confusing to know which to use because it’s not about the letter in the front of the word–it’s about the way the letter is pronounced. For example, you would say “an hour” instead of “a hour” because the h is silent.

What’s the difference between less and fewer?

Less and fewer are similar in many ways, but there is a grammar rule about when you should use each word.

Answer

Generally, fewer is used for things that can be counted while less is used for things that you can’t count. However, less is usually used when you’re talking about time or money.

Can you spot the double negative?

While it may seem obvious that a double negative is an awkward way to state something, it’s important to remember that it also changes the meaning of the sentence.

Answer

A double negative is a statement that has two negative parts, which turns it into a positive statement. This type of statement often has a contraction such as don’t or can’t with the word no. For example, it would be unclear to say, “I won’t cook no dinner,” which implies that you will cook dinner.

Is it should of or should have?

The phrases should of, could of, and would of, are sometimes used in place of should have, could have, and would have.

Answer

There is no correct way to use should of, would of, or could of. The contractions would’ve, should’ve, and could’ve represent would have, should have, and could have.

What’s the difference between each and every?

It’s easy to confuse each and every even though they have different meanings.

Answer

Each is used to describe individual items that are within a group of two or more. Every, on the other hand, is used to describe groups of at least three or more. The word every also refers to every item or person in the group, while each refers to the individual item.

When should you use “who” instead of “that?”

Who and that are another set of words that are usually used interchangeably although they have different purposes.

Answer

You can determine whether you should use who or that by identifying whether you’re talking about a person or an object. Who is used when you’re talking about a person and that is used when you’re talking about an inanimate object.

What’s the difference between there, their, and they’re?

There, their, and they’re are often confused even though they have three different meanings.

Answer

There is an adverb that usually indicates location or position. Their is the possessive form of they and indicates that something belongs to someone or a group of people. They’re is a contraction meaning “they are.”

What’s the difference between an adjective and an adverb?

Many people confuse adjectives and adverbs, leading them to incorrectly use both types of words in a sentence.

Answer

While an adjective is a word that modifies a noun, an adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Although not all adverbs end in “ly,” the majority of them do.

When should you use an apostrophe?

Apostrophes are often misused, especially when it comes to showing possession in a sentence.

Answer

Apostrophes can be used to show possession, to omit letters as part of a contraction, or to make a letter or number plural. When an apostrophe is used to show possession, you add the symbol at the end of the word before the “s” in most cases. If it’s a singular noun that ends in “s,” you still add an apostrophe and “s” at the end. If it’s a plural noun that ends in “s,” you only add an apostrophe at the end.

What’s the difference between everyday and every day?

It’s easy to confuse “everyday” and “every day” since they look nearly the same. However, they have two different meanings.

Answer

The word “everyday” is an adjective that describes something ordinary. Every day, with a space between the words, is simply a way to say that something happens daily.

Is it a lot or alot?

When describing something with a large amount, many people confuse a lot and alot.

Answer

If you’re saying there is a large amount of something, the correct spelling is “a lot” with a space between the words. “Alot” without a space is simply a misspelling and is never correct.

What’s the difference between than and then?

Than and then are only different by one letter, but they have very different meanings.

Answer

Than is a word used to compare two things while then is used to refer to time. For example, you would say, “I ate more than I did yesterday,” and, “We’re going to eat then go to the mall.”

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The post The Typical American Constantly Gets These Simple Grammatical Rules Wrong appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Once you start having kids, it’s often time to switch to a larger vehicle. The Suburban is one of the most popular family SUVs, but it’s not the only one out there that’s perfect for families. In fact, there are many family SUVs that are better and cheaper than the Suburban.

The cost for a new Chevy Suburban starts at around $61,000, but there are many family SUVs that are a better value than this vehicle. If you’re searching for the right vehicle for your growing family, check out these SUVs that are best for families.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is similar in cost to the Chevy Suburban, but there are many differences between them. The Expedition is going to offer better gas mileage and a more comfortable ride. The newest Ford Expedition remains one of the best family SUVs for adventure-seeking families.

Cost and Features

The cost of the Ford Expedition starts at $61,700. If you plan on taking the family camping, you’ll love that the Ford Expedition can tow an impressive 9,300 pounds. Some of the Expedition models allow you to hold up to eight passengers, but there’s also a base model available if you only need five seats.

Chevy Tahoe

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Suburban but still want to purchase a Chevrolet, the Chevy Tahoe may be the right fit for you. The 2025 Chevy Tahoe has been rated one of the best SUVs for 2024 and 2025.

Cost and Features

The cost of the Chevy Tahoe starts at $58,500. The starting price for the Chevy Tahoe is slightly less than the Suburban although they have many similar features. The Suburban is larger than the Tahoe but both are spacious on the inside and the Tahoe has plenty of cargo room for the family.

Jeep Wagoneer

The Jeep Wagoneer is a spacious SUV built to endure all kinds of terrain. The strong engine on this vehicle allows for a larger towing capacity than many of the other SUVs on this list. The technology features are one of the perks of the Wagoneer and it also comes with 140 safety and security features.

Cost and Features

The cost of the Jeep Wagoneer starts at $59,945. Jeep started producing this model again in 2022 and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a family SUV. The Wagoneer has room for eight passengers and for those who plan on traveling in the family vehicle, it can tow 10,000 pounds.

Toyota Grand Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander is an attractive SUV built for adventures. The Grand Highlander can hold seven or eight passengers and the starting price of the Grand Highlander is significantly less than the Suburban.

Cost and Features

The cost of the Toyota Grand Highlander starts at $43,630. This vehicle is known for its spacious and comfortable interior. The Grand Highlander has a much more spacious interior than the Highlander with a roomier third row of seats. The second-row bench seat option allows you to hold up to eight passengers.

Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is a full-size family SUV that has room for eight passengers. With plenty of room inside for both passengers and cargo, this vehicle is an excellent choice for larger families or families that spend a lot of time outdoors.

Cost and Features

The cost of the Nissan Armada starts at $56,520. Considering the width of the Chevy Suburban, the Armada makes it a little bit easier to navigate smaller or crowded spaces. The Nissan Armada is a great pick for the family that plans on towing heavy loads since the Armada has more horsepower than the Suburban.

Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevy Traverse is another family SUV made by Chevrolet that’s a good alternative to the Suburban. Although they have many similar features, the starting cost of the Traverse is more than $20,000 less than that of the Suburban.

Cost and Features

The cost of a Chevrolet Traverse starts at $40,600. The Traverse holds only seven passengers compared to the eight passengers the Suburban can hold, but it still has a lot of room for cargo and is a great size even for larger families.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The starting cost of a Toyota Land Cruiser is about $5,000 less than the Suburban even though the Land Cruiser is a fully equipped SUV. If you’re planning on going off-roading with your vehicle, the Land Cruiser has a better off-road capability than the Suburban.

Cost and Features

The cost of a Toyota Land Cruiser starts at $56,450. When it comes to gas mileage, the Land Cruiser gets about 25 miles per gallon on the highway compared to the 20 miles per gallon of the Suburban. The Toyota Land Cruiser also has more horsepower than the Suburban and has some features, such as adaptive cruise control, that the Suburban doesn’t have.

Honda Pilot

Even though the Chevy Suburban is more spacious than the Honda Pilot, the Pilot is still a spacious SUV that works well for families. The Honda Pilot is significantly more affordable than the Suburban and gets better gas mileage as well.

Cost and Features

The cost of a Honda Pilot starts at $40,200. This full-size family SUV is a durable option for any family. It seats up to 8 people and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The all-wheel drive system along with the seven different driving modes makes it easy for your family to drive in any terrain.

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If you’re in the mood for a delicious steak, there are plenty of steakhouses out there to choose from. The quality of the steak you get at a restaurant can vary widely depending on the restaurant you choose.

Ruth’s Chris is one of the most popular steakhouses out there, but a meal for one person can range anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on what you order. If you’re looking for a different steakhouse experience, check out these alternatives to Ruth’s Chris.

LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse is a casual steakhouse with over 500 locations across the country. They’re known for their ribeye steaks and laid-back atmosphere for those looking to eat an excellent steak without the extra fuss.

What they offer

LongHorn Steakhouse isn’t an upscale restaurant like Ruth’s Chris, but if you’re looking for something more affordable that still offers a delicious steak, LongHorn is the place to go. Despite the comfortable atmosphere and affordable meals, LongHorn still offers quality entrees and appetizers.

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is another casual steakhouse that serves steak, ribs, and memorable sides. The experience dining at Texas Roadhouse will be much different than dining at Ruth’s Chris but they both serve delicious steaks.

What they offer

Texas Roadhouse is a great choice for dinner, especially if you’re bringing the whole family. Although Ruth’s Chris does have a kid’s menu, Texas Roadhouse is more child-friendly. They’re also known for their tasty rolls that always come with a side of cinnamon butter. If you’re looking for a more casual experience where you can still have an excellent steak, try Texas Roadhouse.

Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil is a high-end steakhouse with a unique menu featuring Brazilian cuisine. This family-owned restaurant chain offers a fixed price for its dinner menu, which is served through a continuous dining service. The price for dinner includes salads, sides, and all-you-can-eat grilled meat.

What they offer

Even though Texas de Brazil has a continuous dining service, they offer top-quality meats and sides. A meal at Texas de Brazil is an experience in itself and in many ways, dining there is a much better value than dining at Ruth’s Chris. The food is top-notch with tender, juicy steak and unique sides to go with it.

Morton’s

Morton’s is a chain of steakhouses that originated in Chicago. They aim to combine the best parts of classic and contemporary ambiance and offer some of the best steaks in the country.

What they offer

Morton’s is an upscale steakhouse like Ruth’s Chris but there are many perks to choosing this steakhouse instead. Many say their fries alone are to die for and Morton’s even has a raw bar. When you compare the prices at the two restaurants, they’re relatively similar, but there are more dessert and appetizer options available at Morton’s.

The Palm

The Palm is a New York City-based steakhouse that has been widely celebrated as one of the best steakhouses since the 1920s. Not only is it known for its delicious food but the experience includes their tradition of creating caricatures of their guests.

What they offer

Many steak fans prefer The Palm to Ruth’s Chris. If there’s a location of The Palm restaurant near you, it’s worth the dining experience, especially since there are only about 30 locations total. The menu at The Palm includes a variety of steaks, appetizers, and sides. They also have a tasty selection of classic Italian food and seafood.

Capital Grille

The Capital Grille is one of the most popular steakhouses in the country. This restaurant is owned by the same company as LongHorn Steakhouse but offers a more upscale experience and atmosphere.

What they offer

Both Ruth’s Chris and Capital Grille offer high-quality steak, but the Capital Grille has more to offer in many ways. The atmosphere at Capital Grille is more sophisticated than Ruth’s Chris if you’re looking for an elegant dining experience. This upscale steakhouse also has a more extensive wine list and their steaks are dry-aged, giving them the perfect exterior when cooked.

Fleming’s

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a popular steakhouse chain with 63 locations in the US. The founders of Fleming’s Steakhouse wanted to create a restaurant with world-class steak and service but with a more welcoming setting than most steakhouses. When you visit Fleming’s, you’ll notice they focus a lot on hospitality.

What they offer

Like Ruth’s Chris, Fleming’s is known for their excellent steak. While Ruth’s Chris offers a more upscale atmosphere, Fleming’s offers a relaxed atmosphere that still feels upscale. Fleming’s is known for their prime steaks but they also offer a wide selection of seafood, sides, and appetizers.

Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille

Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille is a high-end steakhouse that originated in Houston, Texas. There are now 21 Perry’s Steakhouse locations in different cities across the country.

What they offer

Before Perry’s Steakhouse opened, the founder of this restaurant opened Perry’s Butcher Shop. Considering the origins of this steakhouse, it’s no surprise that their focus is on offering quality meats. Perry’s Steakhouse aims to be “more than a restaurant” and offers guests a unique dining experience. Perry’s is also known for their signature seasoning that gives their steaks a unique flavor.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Lisovskaya/iStock via Getty Images.

The post 8 Steakhouses That Are Better and Cheaper than Ruth’s Chris appeared first on Moms Who Think.

As the end of the year approaches, you might be thinking about all the holiday shopping you still have to do. Whether you’re looking for holiday decorations or presents for your loved ones, Target may be one of your go-to holiday shopping spots.

Target has plenty of toys, decorations, clothes, and other holiday items for everyone on your list. However, if you’re looking for some alternatives with a diverse selection of holiday items, skip the trip to Target and try some of these stores with the best holiday shopping.

Walmart

Walmart is thelargest retailer in the world, so it’s no surprise that it’s a great place for all your holiday shopping. This store makes it easy to get all your holiday shopping done, whether you prefer to shop in-store or online. They also have other convenient options for shopping such as choosing their pick-up service or shopping through the Walmart app.

What to shop for

The best part about Walmart is you can get all your holiday shopping done there. Walmart is a great place to shop for your holiday decorations and ingredients for your holiday meals. They also have great deals on clothing and toys so you can purchase all the gifts you need for the family.

Hobby Lobby

If you visited a Hobby Lobby way before the holidays, you may have felt like it was Christmas in July. Hobby Lobby is notorious for putting out its Christmas decorations long before most other retailers. This means you can get some new decorations early and take advantage of sales as well.

What to shop for

Hobby Lobby is one of the best places to shop for all your Christmas and other holiday decorations, especially if you want to get your shopping done before December. If you’re looking for gifts for the family, Hobby Lobby also has quality home decor items, craft kits, and other gifts for your loved ones.

World Market

World Market is a specialty retail store that has about 245 locations across the country. It’s a fun place to shop whether you’re looking for unique furniture or a bottle of wine to bring to a holiday party. This retailer is most known for their decor, outdoor items, and specialty food and drinks.

What to shop for

If you’re holiday shopping at World Market, you’re bound to find some interesting gifts and food items. World Market is best for shopping for higher-end holiday decor, fun gifts for the family, or treats for a holiday dinner or party. They also have essentials for Christmas and New Year’s.

Michaels

Michaels is a retail chain known for their arts and crafts supplies. However, they also sell other items at Michaels that makes the store a great place for holiday shopping. This time of year, Michael’s is one of the top places to find holiday decor and even gifts for the family.

What to shop for

Michaels is a great place to shop for craft supplies and holiday decor. You’ll find some of the most beautiful decorations and ornaments at this retail store. They also have unique gifts for everyone on your list. If you have kids who love crafts, they have plenty of activity kits and gift sets for young artists.

Costco

Costco is one of the top wholesale stores and anyone who has a Costco membership knows they have incredible deals year-round. This is also true around the holidays when they start to put out their toys and decorations. Costco is one of the stores you don’t want to miss when you’re holiday shopping.

What to shop for

Costco has some of the best deals out there around the holidays. Although you might usually buy your groceries at Costco, they also have deals on many holiday items. It’s a great place to buy holiday decorations, toys for the kids, or books for the whole family.

HomeGoods

HomeGoods is the ultimate home decor store with many wonderful decor options available during the holidays. Browsing through HomeGoods on any day is a treat, but it’s even more fun this time of year. This retail store is home to some of the most beautiful wreaths, place settings, and other holiday essentials.

What to shop for

If you’re looking to upgrade your holiday decor this year, stop by HomeGoods for top-quality seasonal items. HomeGoods is one of the best places to shop for elegant and stylish home decor, especially around the holidays. Additionally, they have beautiful gift sets if you’re looking for an easy gift for someone on your list.

Marshalls

Marshalls is owned by the same company as HomeGoods but is a retail store more focused on clothing, shoes, and accessories. At this retailer, you’ll also find some home decor items and gift sets.

What to shop for

Marshalls sells many name-brand clothing, shoes, and accessories but at a fraction of the cost compared to what you would pay elsewhere. If you’re shopping for a new outfit for yourself or someone on your list, Marshalls is the place to go. They also have a great selection of items for kids and gift sets for the holidays.

TJ Maxx

Like Marshalls, TJ Maxx is another store under the same company as HomeGoods. TJ Maxx has a wide selection of clothing, shoes, beauty items, and holiday gifts. They have great sales and a significant amount of clearance items this time of year, making it a fun and affordable place to shop.

What to shop for

If anyone on your list could use some new clothing or accessories, stop by TJ Maxx for top-quality clothing that’s more affordable than what you’ll find at a department store. TJ Maxx also has a vast array of holiday decor items and even holiday accessories for your pet.

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When you think of luxury watch brands, Rolex is probably the brand that comes to mind. This watch brand was founded in 1905 and has become the most popular luxury watch brand worldwide. While there’s no doubt that Rolex watches are iconic, one of these watches can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $75,000 or more.

If you’re looking for something other than Rolex, some of the best luxury watches are more affordable while still being iconic. Check out these watch brands that are a better bang for your buck.

Tissot

Tissot is a popular watch brand that was founded in 1853. They offer affordable watches for both men and women. The mission statement of the Tissot brand is “gold value at silver price.”

What people love about it

Some don’t consider Tissot a luxury watch brand, but it is a great value for the money. For those who truly can’t afford the investment of some of the top luxury watches, buying a Tissot is a great way to find a watch with excellent craftsmanship that won’t break the bank. Although some Tissot watches cost over $1,000, you can also purchase some Tissot models for less than $300.

Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko is a watch brand created by the Seiko Group Corporation. This Japanese company first released the Grand Seiko watch in 1960 and it has grown to be one of the most popular watch companies in the world.

What people love about it

Although many people may not recognize a Grand Seiko watch as quickly as they would a Rolex, this brand creates beautiful watches with excellent craftsmanship. Many love this brand because it’s easier for others to appreciate the craftsmanship of the watch without realizing the cost. The average Grand Seiko watch is around $3,000, but it can cost as much as $39,000.

IWC

IWC Schaffhausen has been making luxury watches for more than 150 years. This brand makes watches that are meant to last forever and they’re made with advanced materials to ensure they live up to this standard.

What people love about it

When it comes to sales, IWC is one of the top luxury watch brands in the world. The average IWC watch is about $7,700 but you can find models for as low as $1,800. This brand is best known for its Pilot collection and their watches are celebrated for their simplicity. IWC watches are top quality with excellent finishing.

Cartier

Cartier is a luxury goods brand based out of France. This brand sells watches as well as other types of jewelry. The average retail price of a Cartier watch is around $6,000, but it’s considered one of the top luxury watch brands in the world.

What people love about it

Cartier has consistently ranked as one of the top luxury watch brands. Many luxury watch fans agree that Cartier is one of the most legendary and iconic brands. They offer a distinct style and design that makes them stand out from other watch brands. The Tank collection is one of the most well-known and was designed to resemble the tanks used in WWI.

Breitling

Breitling is another Swiss luxury watch brand. This company was founded in 1884 and is known for creating watches for aviators. The line known as the Breitling Emergency watch includes a radio transmitter specifically designed to be used by civil aviators.

What people love about it

Breitling isn’t the most affordable watch on the list, with the average Breitling watch costing about $7,500. However, depending on what type of Rolex you were eyeing, it’s more affordable than some of the most expensive Rolex models. One of the most popular models is the Chronomat, which was first released in 1942.

Longines

Longines is a Swiss watch brand founded in 1832. Since 1999, the slogan of Longines has been “Elegance is an attitude.” It’s also the official watch of many athletic competitions including the French Open and Commonwealth Games.

What people love about it

Longines is considered one of the top luxury watch brands in the world, but it’s also one of the most affordable on the list. The average retail price of a Longines watch is only a little over $1,000, which is much more affordable than most luxury watches. However, this brand is a great choice for someone buying their first luxury watch.

Omega

When it comes to watch sales, Omega is the third most popular luxury watch brand in the world. Omega has been making luxury watches since 1848. This watch brand is the official timekeeper for the Olympic games.

What people love about it

Omega is one of the brands that many people choose over Rolex because of the quality of the watches and the price. The amount of detail in the design and functionality of Omega watches is hard to beat. There are many luxury watch owners who argue Omega is a better brand than Rolex and that the technical details of their watches are superior.

Tudor

Tudor is a Swiss brand that has been making luxury watches since 1926. The goal of creating this brand was to offer an alternative to Rolex that was affordable but still matched the quality.

What people love about it

According to many people in the watch community, Tudor is the best brand to purchase when you want a Rolex but can’t justify spending $5,000 or more on one. This brand sells watches that are well-built and offer great value without all the extra frills. Compared to Rolex watches which start around $5,000, you can get a quality Tudor watch for less than $2,000.

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The post Forget Rolex, These 8 Watch Brands Are a Better Bang for Your Buck appeared first on Moms Who Think.

There are few foods more American than fried chicken. Whether you’re eating it at a picnic or it’s your go-to weekend meal, there are plenty of things to love about this dish. While you can make your own fried chicken at home, nothing beats the convenience of getting fried chicken at one of your favorite restaurants. Bojangles is one of the most popular fast-food fried chicken restaurants, but I’ve found that these 8 fried chicken spots are even better. If you’re looking for some of the best fried chicken, check out one of these fast-food restaurants.

Jollibee

Jollibee is a fast food chain based out of the Philippines that now has 78 locations in the US. While this restaurant does serve other items, such as pasta and burgers, it’s known for its Chickenjoy Fried Chicken.

What makes it stand out

Jollibee has over 1,000 store locations across the globe, but it’s starting to grow in the US as well. Despite the many other delicious items on the menu, they’re best known for what they call the Chickenjoy, which is their signature fried chicken. Their fried chicken is juicy, crunchy, and full of flavor. You can order it in buckets with sides such as fries, mashed potatoes, or Jolly Spaghetti.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Krispy Krunchy Chicken serves Cajun fried chicken that’s freshly made and hand-breaded. Although most of the locations are located within a gas station, they have some of the most highly rated chicken tenders out of any fast food restaurant.

What makes it stand out

A gas station may seem like a strange place to find some of the best fried chicken in town, but anyone who has tried Krispy Krunchy Chicken will tell you how good it is. The first Krispy Krunchy Chicken was opened inside a convenience store in Louisiana. There are over 3,000 locations today and 97% of them are in gas stations. No matter the location, the hand-breaded fried chicken from Krispy Krunchy Chicken is worth the stop.

Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s is a fried chicken restaurant that was started in Louisiana. The restaurant has grown significantly since the first location opened in 1996 and there are now over 800 different locations nationwide.

What makes it stand out

Raising Cane’s knows how to make delicious chicken fingers. The fried chicken tenders at this fast food restaurant are juicy while still having a satisfying crunch on the outside. Raising Cane’s gets their chicken to taste so good by marinating the tenders for 24 hours. The fried chicken at this fast food restaurant is always fresh as well.

Popeyes

Popeyes is one of the most popular fried chicken spots out there. This fried chicken restaurant is known for its famous fried chicken and biscuits. Popeyes was created in Louisiana and has now grown to be one of the biggest fried chicken chains in the country.

What makes it stand out

Popeyes has some of the best fried chicken out of any fast food restaurant. When you eat the delicious, buttery fried chicken from Popeyes, every bite has the perfect amount of crunch. The buttermilk coating on the fried chicken keeps the chicken juicy without sacrificing the crispy breading on the outside.

KFC

KFC was the first fast food restaurant known for serving fried chicken on the menu. Compared to many other restaurants that serve meals you can eat on the go, KFC serves family-style meals with fried chicken and delicious sides.

What makes it stand out

KFC was not only the first fast food restaurant known for its fried chicken but it has also become one of the most well-known, if not the most well-known, fried chicken restaurants. What makes KFC fried chicken stand out from the rest is the seasoning they use on their chicken. The restaurant is also known for its delicious sides like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw.

Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s is another fast food restaurant that specializes in different types of fried chicken. The first Zaxby’s location opened in Georgia in 1990 and the chain has since grown to over 900 locations across the country.

What makes it stand out

Zaxby’s is known for its chicken fingers, chicken wings, and signature sauces for dipping. When you order from Zaxby’s, you can choose to have your chicken fingers tossed in a variety of sauces. They have different options such as hot honey mustard, barbecue, and buffalo garlic blaze. Zaxby’s also offers chicken finger plates that include fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast.

Chick-fil-A

There’s no doubt Chick-fil-A is one of the top fast-food restaurants in the country. It’s known for its excellent service and delicious chicken sandwich. You can’t go wrong when you order chicken nuggets, chicken strips, or a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A.

What makes it stand out

Aside from the delicious seasonings that go into the batter, the secret to the success of Chick-fil-A’s chicken is the fact that they pressure cook it. This is what keeps their chicken juicy in every bite. No matter what type of chicken you choose to order at Chick-fil-A, it’s delicious when dipped in the signature Chick-fil-A sauce.

Guthrie’s Chicken

Guthrie’s Chicken carries the name of the “original chicken finger restaurant.” This fried chicken restaurant was first created in Alabama and has been serving delicious chicken fingers since 1965.

What makes it stand out

Even though Guthrie’s only serves chicken fingers, there’s no need for any other meals on the menu. When you go to Guthrie’s, you can order what’s known as a “Gut Box,” which is a meal that contains the delicious signature chicken tenders, crispy crinkle cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and Guthrie’s signature sauce.

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The post People Love Bojangles’ But These 8 Fried Chicken Spots Are Better appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Cheerios is one of the most popular cereals out there. Even if you don’t like regular Cheerios, there are Honey Nut Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, and even seasonal varieties like Pumpkin Spice Cheerios. I’ve always loved Cheerios and my kids love them too, but I’ve discovered a lot of other cereals I prefer in the morning. If you’re a fan of Cheerios but are looking for something different to try, check out these cereals I like better than Cheerios.

Honey Bunches of Oats

Honey Bunches of Oats is a cereal made by Post. They have a variety of flavors including Honey Roasted, Vanilla, Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds, and Cinnamon Bunches. Post also came out with a Honey Bunches of Oats Granola that comes in French Vanilla Almond or Honey Roasted.

What I Love About It

What makes Honey Bunches of Oats so delicious is the combination of crispy cereal flakes and the signature oat clusters. The Honey Roasted variety was the original Honey Bunches of Oats flavor and is still one of the most popular. The cereal is sweetened with honey but one serving of the cereal only has 9 grams of sugar without milk.

Chex

Chex is a cereal made by General Mills, although the original name of the cereal was Shredded Ralston. The original cereal was the variety we now know as Wheat Chex, but General Mills has released numerous other flavors including Honey Nut Chex, Rice Chex, Chocolate Chex, and Peanut Butter Chex.

What I Love About It

Chex has always been one of my favorite cereals. Even though I do have a sweet tooth, I have always loved some of the plain varieties like Corn Chex and Wheat Chex. No matter what type of Chex you choose, it goes well with milk and tastes good on its own as well. As an added bonus, you can make your own Chex Mix when you have this cereal in the house.

Great Grains

Great Grains is another cereal made by Post. This cereal comes in varieties such as Banana Nut Crunch, Raisins, Dates & Pecans, Red Berry Almond Crunch, and Cranberry Almond Crunch. Each of the flavors has a combination of flakes, nuts, and other filling ingredients.

What I Love About It

Great Grains Cereal is always one of my go-to breakfast cereals. Although I’ve never been disappointed with any of the varieties, the Banana Nut Crunch is my favorite and it’s a cereal I’ve loved since I was a kid. Great Grains Cereal is more filling than most other cereals and has plenty of whole grains.

Life

Life is a cereal made by Quaker Oats that comes in Original, Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cinnamon. These crunchy squares are made out of corn flour, whole wheat flour, and whole grain oat flour. The oats give them a slightly nutty flavor.

What I Love About It

This multigrain cereal has the right amount of crunch without being too hard. Out of all the varieties, I enjoy the cinnamon the most. The nutty flavor of the oat cereal pairs perfectly with the taste of cinnamon. Additionally, each serving of Life has 24 grams of whole grains.

Grape Nuts

Grape-Nuts Cereal is a breakfast cereal made by Post. This cereal is made of whole-grain wheat and barley, making it a healthy way to start your morning. Grape-Nuts now comes in two varieties: the original Grape-Nuts and Grape-Nuts Flakes.

What I Love About It

If you’re looking for a cereal with whole grains and a healthy dose of fiber, Grape-Nuts is the way to go. Just a half cup of Grape-Nuts has 7 grams of fiber. Compared to many other breakfast cereals, this one will help you feel the most full throughout the morning.

Special K

Special K is another breakfast cereal made by Kellogg’s. Although this cereal has been marketed as a breakfast option for those trying to lose weight, it’s not much different than other cereals when it comes to nutrition. Special K comes in a handful of flavors such as Special K Red Berries, Fruit & Yogurt, Chocolatey Delight, and Vanilla Almond.

What I Love About It

Eating Special K isn’t necessarily going to help you lose weight, but it is a good alternative to eating a pastry for breakfast. The Chocolatey Delight Cereal is great for those who have a sweet tooth but are trying to avoid eating too much sugar. One serving of the chocolate Special K has 12 grams of sugar.

Frosted Mini Wheats

Another popular cereal made by Kellogg’s is Frosted Mini Wheats. Frosted Mini Wheats is a shredded wheat cereal sweetened with a layer of frosting. There are several varieties of Frosted Mini Wheats, including Little Bites, Golden Honey, Strawberry, and Cinnamon Roll.

What I Love About It

Frosted Mini Wheats have the perfect amount of sweetness but aren’t too sweet. Nothing beats the original flavor. However, seasonal flavors like the Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosted Mini Wheats can be a fun way to mix it up. Frosted Mini Wheats certainly don’t have as much fiber as cereals like Grape-Nuts, but there are 3 grams of fiber in one serving.

Rice Krispies

Rice Krispies is the original crisped rice cereal made by Kellogg’s. This cereal is made by cooking rice along with malt flavoring, sugar, and a bit of salt. The signature snap, crackle, and pop sounds that happen when you pour milk into the cereal are due to the air inside the puffed rice.

What I Love About It

Even though Rice Krispies do have added sugar, they’re not as sweet as many other cereals. One serving of Rice Krispies only has 2 grams of sugar. Rice Krispies make a good breakfast, but if you’re looking for something sweet, you can also use them to make Rice Krispy Treats at home with just a few ingredients.

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The post I Used to Eat Cheerios Every Morning, But Now I Like These 8 Cereals Better appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Starbucks is the go-to coffee shop for many people in the US, and if you make frequent trips to Starbucks, you probably have a go-to order as well. One of the best parts about the Starbucks menu is that they have something for everyone. Whether you prefer your coffee brewed or blended, there’s something on the menu for you.

If you’re a fan of caramel and don’t mind your coffee being sweet, you’ll love the Caramel Frappuccino. However, I’ve found that these Starbucks drinks are superior to the Caramel Frappuccino. If you’re looking for a way to switch up your Starbucks order, check out these other options for you to order.

Caramel Macchiato

If you’re looking for something different to order at Starbucks, the Caramel Macchiato is one of the best alternatives to the Caramel Frappuccino. It’s still sweet but has more of a coffee flavor than the Frappuccino.

Best drink for caramel lovers

You probably love caramel if you’re a fan of the Caramel Frappuccino. The Caramel Macchiato is another great drink for caramel lovers. This drink is the perfect pairing of espresso and caramel flavor. You can also order it hot or iced, which makes it perfect for any day.

Cinnamon Dolce Latte

If you’re looking for something with a different flavor, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks is a good choice. It’s a sweet drink that includes the delicious cinnamon dolce syrup.

Perfect amount of cinnamon flavor

Cinnamon Dulce is sweet cinnamon and true to its name, the Cinnamon Dulce Latte is pretty sweet. If you’re a fan of sweet coffee drinks and cinnamon, you’ll love this latte hot or iced. This drink is also topped with Cinnamon Dolce sprinkles and whipped cream.

Blonde Vanilla Latte

The Blonde Vanilla Latte has the flavor of Starbucks espresso without being too bitter. The Blonde espresso roast pairs perfectly with the vanilla syrup.

Delicious but not too sweet

When I first started ordering lattes, the Starbucks Vanilla Latte was my go-to. In my opinion, the Blonde Vanilla Latte is even better than the original because the Blonde espresso has a much smoother flavor.

Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Out of all the Starbucks Shaken Espresso drinks, the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is one of the best. The brown sugar syrup gives the espresso the right amount of sweetness.

Best for your afternoon pick-me-up

I love the Starbucks Shaken Espresso drinks on a day when I need an extra boost of caffeine. Unlike many of the other drinks, the Shaken Espresso has three shots of espresso in a grande instead of two. It’s also not as sweet as other drinks because of the oat milk.

Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

If you still want a Frappuccino but are looking to mix it up, the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is a good alternative to the original Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks. It’s just as sweet but comes with a delicious topping.

A fancier version of the Caramel Frappuccino

The Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino feels like a fancier version of the Caramel Frappuccino. It has dark caramel syrup instead of the original caramel syrup. One of the best parts of this drink is the Caramel Crunch Topping that gets sprinkled on top.

Java Chip Frappuccino

The Java Chip Frappuccino is a great choice if you want something sweet that still tastes like coffee. This blended drink includes the Starbucks Frappuccino Chips and a mocha drizzle.

For the Frappuccino and coffee lover

Even though the Caramel Frappuccino and the Java Chip Frappuccino have the same amount of coffee, I’ve found that the Java Chip has a bolder coffee flavor. If you want a Frappuccino that still tastes like coffee, try the Java Chip Frappuccino.

White Chocolate Mocha

While the regular Mocha Latte from Starbucks has a more bitter flavor from the chocolate, the White Chocolate Mocha is much sweeter.

For those with a sweet tooth

There’s no doubt you have a sweet tooth if the Caramel Frappuccino is your go-to order. The White Chocolate Mocha is one of the sweetest-tasting lattes. If you’re looking for a drink that’s not frozen but will still satisfy your sugar cravings, the White Chocolate Mocha may be for you.

Matcha Crème Frappuccino

Starbucks has many options for those who prefer tea to coffee. The Matcha Crème Frappuccino is a great choice if you love green tea but want something cold.

If you don’t like the taste of coffee

Even if you don’t like the taste of coffee, there’s something on the Starbucks menu for you. Many people order Frappuccinos because they don’t like coffee on its own. An alternative to the Caramel Frappuccino is the Matcha Crème Frappuccino. Since it’s sweetened, it’s not as bitter as many other Matcha drinks.

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The post The Caramel Frappuccino Was My Go-To Order, But These 8 Starbucks Drinks Are Superior appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When you’re craving a cold one but don’t want to add too many calories to your day, you might choose a light beer like Bud Light. Light beers aren’t exactly known for how delicious they taste, and they certainly can’t compare to their higher-calorie counterparts. However, you don’t have to sacrifice the taste of the beer you choose even if you’re looking for something lower in calories. Next time you’re reaching for a light beer to cool off or relax, skip the Bud Light and try one of these light beers instead.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is one of the most popular light beers out there and for good reason. 12 ounces of Michelob Ultra has 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, making it the perfect light lager for those who don’t want anything too heavy.

What people love about it

The macros of Michelob Ultra are hard to beat if you’re counting carbs or calories. This light beer has a citrus flavor and aroma, so it’s refreshing to drink whether you’re enjoying it outside or while watching TV.

Corona Light

Corona is a Mexican beer that was first introduced in 1922 and has been one of the most popular imported beers for over 25 years. Corona Light has 99 calories and 4.8 carbs per 12 ounces.

What people love about it

Corona Light is easy to drink because of its light and clean flavor. It also pairs well with a variety of dishes. When you drink Corona Light, you’ll enjoy a light, sweet, and fruity taste. If you want to add a bit of extra flair, this light beer tastes great with a lime.

Miller High Life Light

Miller High Life Light has been around since 1994 and is a lighter version of the original Miller High Life. This beer has 107 calories and 6.2 carbs in a 12 ounce bottle.

What people love about it

Miller High Life has been around for over a hundred years, but when you’re looking for something light with fewer calories, Miller High Life Light is the way to go. It has the same flavor as Miller High Life and still comes in the signature champagne bottle.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a great beer to enjoy when you’re trying to cool off on a warm day. 12 ounces of this light beer contains 102 calories and 5 carbs.

What people love about it

Coors Light is another popular light beer that’s relatively low in calories. Many people love Coors Light for its citrus flavor and aroma. Like many of the beers on this list, it can’t compare to higher-calorie craft beers. However, if you’re looking for something light to serve at a party or enjoy on the weekend, Coors Light is a good option.

Night Shift Brewing Nite Lite

Night Shift Brewing Nite Lite created this light beer to provide an alternative to some of the blander light beers out there. In 12 ounces, Nite Lite has 120 calories and 5.4 carbs.

What people love about it

Even though Nite Lite is a craft beer, it’s still a light beer. This means there’s not as much flavor as a higher-calorie craft beer, but it is a solid choice as far as light beers go. The flavor of Night Shift Brewing Nite Lite is light, and fruity, and contains a hint of citrus. It’s also made without preservatives and artificial flavors.

Kona Light

Kona Light is a great choice for those who are strict with their calorie intake. 12 ounces of Kona Light has 99 calories and 4 grams of carbs.

What people love about it

If you’re looking for the perfect beer to drink at the beach or at least a beer that makes you feel like you’re on the beach, try Kona Light. This light beer has a refreshing tropical flavor that’s smooth and easy to drink. With less than 100 calories, it’s easy to relax with a Kona Light without feeling guilty.

Yuengling Light Lager

Yuengling Light Lager is another light beer with incredibly low calories and carbs. 12 ounces of the Yuengling Light Lager has only 99 calories and 3.2 carbs.

What people love about it

If you love Yuengling but can’t spare the calories, Yuengling Light Lager is a great alternative. This beer is intended to taste similar to their regular beer and not sacrifice any of the flavor. It boasts a subtle caramel malt flavor that’s easy to drink without adding too many calories to your day.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty is one of the lowest calorie and lowest carb beers on the list. It’s a craft beer with only 95 calories and 3.6 carbs in a 12 ounce serving.

What people love about it

For those who are fans of IPAs, Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty will be the light beer for you. The Slightly Mighty has the flavor of a craft beer without all the extra calories and carbs. Dogfish Head was able to achieve this by sweetening the beer with monk fruit, which enhances the flavor profile without adding too much sugar.

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If you can’t start your day without your morning cup of coffee, you’re in good company. According to the National Coffee Association, 67% of Americans drink coffee every day. For many of us coffee drinkers, Starbucks is our go-to coffee shop. It’s convenient and familiar with a wide array of options no matter what type of coffee you prefer.

However, when you start to visit some other coffee chains, you’ll probably realize there are a lot of coffee shops that are preferable to Starbucks. If you’re looking for something new to try, check out these lesser-known coffee chains that are better than Starbucks.

Peet’s Coffee

Even if you’ve never been to one of their coffee shops, you’ve likely seen Peet’s Coffee beans in your local grocery store. Peet’s Coffee has actually been around longer than Starbucks, which didn’t open its first store until 1971.

Craft coffee since 1966

Peet’s Coffee has been around since 1966 and even though they’re most known for their coffee beans, they also have coffee shops across the world. There are currently over 300 Peet’s Coffee locations in the United States. They also have locations in China and Dubai.

Dutch Bros

Dutch Bros Coffee has been around since 1992 and even though it started as a small pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon, the business has grown significantly since then. There are now over 950 Dutch Bros locations in the United States.

Known for their lattes

There’s a reason Dutch Bros Coffee is known for its lattes — the two founders of Dutch Bros left the dairy business to open a coffee business. If there’s one thing you can count on when visiting a Dutch Bros location, it’s an incredible latte.

Scooter’s Coffee

What started as a small drive-through coffee shop in Nebraska has now grown into 800 stores nationwide. This coffee shop has a wide range of beverages and is known for their delicious Caramelicious espresso drink.

Known for their quick service

Scooter’s Coffee was started in Nebraska but now has stores in 29 different states across the US. All of the Scooter’s locations are drive-through only and they’re known for their quick service and a customer’s ability to “scoot in and out.”

Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee has been around since 1992 but has now grown to hundreds of locations in the US. This coffee shop prioritizes using high-quality and ethically sourced coffee beans. Their beans are Rainforest Alliance-certified and are always made fresh, in small batches.

A growing coffee chain

Caribou Coffee locations can now be found all over the country. Not only do they have an extensive menu of coffee drinks and other beverages, they also have a wide array of pastries and other treats in their bakery section.

La Columbe

If you’re familiar with La Columbe, it might be because of their delicious, frothy ready-to-drink coffee beverages. However, La Columbe also has brick-and-mortar stores in numerous states with over 30 locations nationwide.

More than ready-to-drink coffee

La Columbe’s ready-to-drink coffee beverages are delicious, but they can’t compare to the fresh drinks at their cafes. La Columbe cafes have a true coffee shop aesthetic and a menu filled with espresso drinks made with top-quality coffee beans.

Stumptown Coffee

If you don’t have a Stumptown Coffee near you, you can probably still find their high-quality coffee beans in a local grocery store. At Stumptown Coffee, their beans are roasted daily and their cafes feature a full espresso bar. You can also order their coffee online and have it shipped to you.

Offers top-quality beans

One of the best things about Stumptown Coffee is the quality of their coffee beans. They have an incredibly thorough process for sourcing their coffee beans and according to their website, their roasting team has a collective 121 years of experience. They currently only have locations in Los Angeles, Portland, and NYC. However, you can find their coffee in retail stores all over the country.

Intelligentsia

If you’re browsing online forums about the best coffee shops, you’ll almost always see Intelligentsia mentioned there. This coffee shop has some of the best coffee out of any cafe in the country.

Freshly roasted coffee

On the back of every bag of Intelligentsia coffee beans, it says, “Great coffee is not the result of chance.” Intelligentsia is another coffee shop that prioritizes having the highest quality coffee beans. In their coffee bars, you’ll find a relatively simple menu with a selection of drip coffees, espresso drinks, and tea.

Kaldi’s Coffee

Kaldi’s Coffee is a speciality coffee based out of St. Louis. The first Kaldi’s location opened in 1994 and there are now 18 locations across Missouri and Atlanta. The coffee chain is still growing and will continue to expand in the future.

Rated #1 Coffee Chain in the US

Even though Kaldi’s Coffee has only been around for 30 years, it has quickly become a favorite among coffee-lovers in the US. Kaldi’s Coffee may be a lesser-known coffee shop compared to big chains like Starbucks, but this past year, USA Today rated Kaldi’s Coffee as the #1 coffee chain in the US. Their menu includes a wide range of espresso-based drinks and according to USA Today, it’s the perfect place to grab an Americano.

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Thanksgiving is one of the holidays that many people look forward to all year. It’s a time for eating delicious food and spending quality time with those you love. Of course, the turkey is usually the main event and according to the US Department of Agriculture, at least 46 million turkeys are cooked on Thanksgiving day. 

If you’re the one hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you likely know what it’s like to be left with tons of turkey after the holiday. To avoid eating turkey sandwiches every day for the next week, we’ve put together a list of the most unique and delicious ways to use leftover turkey. Check out some of our favorite turkey recipes below.

Breaded Turkey Rolls

If you’re looking for a tasty alternative to the basic turkey sandwich, try these breaded turkey rolls. You can pair them with the marinated cucumbers and tomatoes included in the recipe or you can enjoy them with one of your favorite sides leftover from Thanksgiving.

Perfect for a quick lunch

These breaded turkey rolls are perfect for a quick lunch on the busy days after Thanksgiving. You can make them with some ingredients you likely already have on hand and they’re ready in less than 15 minutes.

Crunchy Turkey Casserole

No post-Thanksgiving meal plan would be complete without a casserole recipe. Casseroles are one of the easiest and most delicious ways to use all that leftover turkey. If you want a unique casserole that’s full of flavor, try this crunchy turkey casserole recipe.

A delicious casserole to feed the whole family

While there is something comforting about your standard casserole recipe, this recipe is perfect if you’re looking for something a little different. The almonds and water chestnuts add a nice crunch and pair perfectly with the creamy soup and savory chow mein noodles.

Healthy Turkey Stir-Fry

Instead of ordering take-out in the days after Thanksgiving, use your leftover turkey to make this healthy turkey stir-fry. It’s a simple recipe that’s both quick and easy to make without a lot of ingredients.

A tasty and unique turkey dish

You probably won’t feel like cooking in the days following Thanksgiving, but this stir-fry recipe is worth the effort. You can make this recipe with some of the vegetables you have leftover from Thanksgiving and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

Turkey Cobb Roll Ups

If you’re a fan of Cobb salads, you’ll love this recipe for turkey Cobb roll-ups. With a slice of fresh tomato, avocado, and your favorite blue cheese dressing, you can create a delicious wrap for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon snack.

A healthy and tasty way to enjoy leftover turkey

Your leftover Thanksgiving turkey will taste delicious in this roll-up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a healthy lunch that includes vegetables, a creamy dressing, and your perfectly seasoned leftover turkey.

Healthy Turkey Soup

If you live somewhere with cooler weather, warm yourself up with this healthy turkey soup recipe. It’s full of nutrients and will keep you full without adding in too many extra calories.

Perfect for the chilly days after Thanksgiving

Soup is another perfect way to use up all your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Not only will it keep you warm on these chilly days after Thanksgiving, but it also smells great while it’s simmering in your kitchen. If you have extra vegetables on hand from the holiday, try this healthy soup for a quick lunch or dinner.

Turkey Pot Pie

Whether you’re creating a meal to take to a neighbor or you’re looking for something to feed your family for dinner, this turkey pot pie recipe is the way to go. You can enjoy it fresh or freeze it to enjoy later.

A delicious alternative to chicken pot pie

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort dish, especially in the winter months. This delicious alternative includes all the things you love about chicken pot pie but has cubed turkey as the protein instead. Cut up some vegetables and some of your leftover turkey to create this tasty and filling dish.

Creamed Turkey Over Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy turkey and mashed potatoes after Thanksgiving, this creamed turkey over mashed potatoes dish is one you have to try. With the addition of sautéed onion and other vegetables, you can turn some of your Thanksgiving leftovers into a brand-new dish.

A toast to two Thanksgiving dishes

There’s no doubt that turkey and mashed potatoes are two of the best things on every Thanksgiving plate. However, it can be difficult to know what to do with all those leftover mashed potatoes. This dish celebrates two of the best Thanksgiving dishes with some different flavors from the ones you ate on Thanksgiving day.

Turkey Tetrazzini with Fresh Mushrooms

Tetrazzini is a baked pasta dish you can make with poultry, seafood, or another type of meat. This recipe forturkey tetrazzini with fresh mushrooms is a unique and delicious way to use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

A fresh take on leftover turkey

This creamy pasta dish comes together in less than 30 minutes and it’s bound to be a hit with everyone in your household. One serving of this dish has about 331 calories and 28 grams of protein, making it a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Creamy Turkey Casserole with Broccoli and Cauliflower

When it comes to finding ways to use leftover turkey, you can’t have too many casserole recipes. This creamy turkey casserole with broccoli and cauliflower is salty and savory, with plenty of nutrients from the cauliflower, broccoli, and prunes.

The ultimate comfort food for the days after Thanksgiving

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food and this casserole recipe is a great way to enjoy some of the leftover turkey from the holiday. This casserole tastes great right out of the oven, but you can also freeze it to have an easy meal for another day.

Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich

Turkey sandwiches can get boring pretty quickly if you’re eating them for a week straight. However, if you’re going to make one turkey sandwich with your leftover turkey, let it be this open-faced turkey sandwich.

Better than your average turkey sandwich

Instead of cooking your turkey in the slow cooker as the recipe says, you can use your leftover turkey and mashed potatoes to make this open-faced turkey sandwich. All you have to do is shred some of your leftover turkey and place it on two slices of toast. Then, spoon some mashed potatoes and gravy on top for a tasty sandwich.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©circlePS/ via Getty Images.

The post These Are the Most Unique and Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you’re looking for deliciously salty fries, there’s no doubt that McDonald’s fries hit the spot. Whether you eat them alone or dip them in a McFlurry, McDonald’s fries are a favorite for many people. Even though I don’t eat McDonald’s often, I can’t argue that their fries are delicious. However, when you venture into the fast food and quick service world, you’ll realize that there are many alternatives that are even better than McDonald’s. If you’re looking for the best fast food fries, here are 8 restaurants with fries that are superior to McDonald’s.

Burger King

It’s no secret that Burger King is one of McDonald’s biggest competitors. You can tell by their cheeky marketing tactics, like Burger King coming up with the line, “Why eat with a clown when you can dine with the king?” Even though McDonald’s fries are a classic choice, many say that Burger King fries are superior to McDonald’s.

Crispier than McDonald’s fries

I’m not the biggest Burger King fan, but I have to say their fries beat McDonald’s on many levels. Burger King fries are not only thicker than McDonald’s fries, but they’re also crispier, which is an important quality for French fries. While there’s not necessarily anything unique about Burger King fries, they’re a solid choice if you’re looking for delicious and salty fast-food french fries.

Checker’s

If you choose Checker’s for lunch over another fast food restaurant, it’s probably because of their french fries. Their seasoned fries are so popular that you can even purchase them frozen in certain grocery stores. Whether you choose a burger or one of their spicy chicken sandwiches, you won’t be disappointed when you order a side of fries with your meal at Checker’s.

Just the right amount of spice

According to Checker’s, their fries are “secretly seasoned.” Although they’re not spicy, they have a more diverse flavor than fries from places like McDonald’s. It’s no wonder that Checker’s fries have been voted some of the best fast food fries in national rankings. The director of Research and Development at Checker’s says the secret is that the fries are coated in a seasoned fry batter to give them their unique flavor.

Popeye’s

If you’re a fan of spicy fries, Popeye’s may be the best choice for you. Popeye’s offers their signature Cajun french fries, which have the perfect amount of seasoning and are bursting with flavor. You can’t go wrong with some fried chicken, fries, and a biscuit.

Best spicy fries

Popeye’s not only has some of the best fried chicken of any fast food restaurant, but they also have tasty fries. If you’re tired of plain, salted fries, try the Cajun fries at Popeye’s for something a little different. The fries at Popeye’s are tossed in a Cajun seasoning that gives them the right amount of spice. They also give you a decent amount instead of skimping on the fries like some other restaurants do.

Five Guys

Five Guys fries are a favorite among fast food-goers, but they’re different from the other fries on this list. If you’re a fan of crispy fries, Five Guys fries are unlikely to be your favorite. The flavor is good but they lack the crispiness some other fast food fries have. To get the most enjoyment out of them, it’s best to eat them right away.

Enough fries for everyone

Five Guys may be more expensive than some of the other fast food or quick service restaurants on this list, but they do give you a good value for the fries. You’ll usually find the bottom of your bag is filled with fries along with the fry container. Five Guys fries are freshly cut and you can order either regular or Cajun style.

Wendy’s

When it comes to the best fast food french fries, Wendy’s has to be on the list. Some will even argue that Wendy’s has the best overall french fries out of any fast food joint. Even when it comes to their hamburgers, Wendy’s uses beef that is fresh, never frozen, so you know their fries are fresh too.

Better alternative to McDonald’s

Wendy’s provides one of the best fast food french fry experiences by selling perfectly salty and crispy fries. There’s nothing seemingly unique or special about them, but when you get them fresh, they are the perfect classic cut fry. Wendy’s changed their fry recipe back in 2021 and added the Hot & Crispy Guarantee. With this new recipe, their fries are always fresh and deliciously crispy.

Chick-fil-A

When it comes to waffle fries, no one can make them like Chick-fil-A. The shape of the fries is one of the main things that makes Chick-fil-A fries stand out from the rest. They also taste great with Chick-fil-A’s wide range of dipping sauces.

Iconic waffle fries

Chick-fil-A is one of the only fast-food restaurants I could never get enough of. Their iconic waffle fries are some of the best out of all the fast food restaurants. They’re salty, crispy, and taste delicious dipped in Chick-fil-A sauce (or Polynesian, if you prefer.) They pair perfectly with an order of Chick-fil-A nuggets and even one of their tasty milkshakes.

Culver’s

Unlike McDonald’s fries, Culver’s offers crinkle-cut fries that are always fresh. Although it’s difficult to choose between their fries and a side of their cheese curds, the fries are never disappointing.

Always fresh and crispy

If you’re a fan of crinkle-cut fries, Culver’s has some of the best french fries out of any fast food chain. The food at Culver’s is always fresh, so you know the fries are going to come out hot and crispy as well. If you really want the full experience, I recommend ordering a side of their Wisconsin cheese sauce to dip the fries in. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack, like Culver’s, sells crispy crinkle-cut fries. These fries are perfectly crisp on the outside while still being soft on the inside. They pair perfectly with a Shake Shack burger and milkshake.

Crispy crinkle-cut fries

Out of all the fast food fries on the list, Shake Shack’s fries deserve to be at the top. Their fries are always crispy but never burnt. They have just enough salt to be delicious without being too salty. The texture of these fries is really what makes them one of the best. Some people have strong opinions about fry shape, but if you’re a fan of the crinkle-cut variety, don’t miss out on Shake Shack’s fries.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com.

The post I Used to Think McDonald’s Fries Were the Best, But These 8 Are Superior appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Unless you live in a place where Southern hospitality is the norm, many etiquette rules aren’t as well known in modern society. Despite how many rules of etiquette have fallen out of practice, they’re still an important way to display good manners and engage with others in social settings. If you think you’re an expert on proper etiquette, test your knowledge with these basic etiquette rules Americans often miss.

What should you wait for before you start eating?

Before you dig into your food, make sure this has happened.

Answer: For everyone to be served

No matter how hungry you are, it’s important to wait until everyone else is seated and served before you take the first bite.

Which way should you pass food at the table?

Many Americans don’t realize there’s an etiquette rule about which direction you should pass the food.

Answer: To the right

When there are dishes to pass around the table, it’s proper etiquette to pass the food to the right.

How much should you tip?

It can be tricky to know how much to tip in every scenario, but there is a general rule about how much you should tip.

Answer: 20%

It’s generally considered proper to tip 20% unless there was a major issue with the service you received.

What should you put away when you’re spending time with others?

It’s not easy to do, but you should put this away when you’re spending time with other people.

Answer: Your phone

It’s always good practice to put your phone away in social situations to connect with the people around you.

What should you avoid doing during a movie?

Like being in a restaurant, there are certain etiquette rules to follow when you’re in the movie theater.

Answer: Texting

Many theaters will have a reminder to turn off your phone during the movie, but it’s important to remember how disturbing the light from your phone can be to other people.

When should you return an RSVP?

RSVPs aren’t as common nowadays, but if you receive one in the mail or digitally, this is when you should return your RSVP.

Answer: As soon as possible

No matter what kind of event you’re invited to, if it comes with an RSVP, return it right away whether you’re able to make it or not.

What should you always send with a baby gift?

If you’re bringing a gift to a baby shower, always make sure you send this with it.

Answer: A gift receipt

People love buying gifts for babies but don’t forget to send a gift receipt so the mom-to-be has the option to exchange or return something she doesn’t need.

What should you bring for the host when you’re invited to a party?

This practice isn’t as common nowadays, but it’s still good etiquette when someone invites you to a party.

Answer: A gift

When someone extends an invitation to you, it’s a nice gesture to bring a gift for the host. It can be something as simple as a dish to share or a bottle of wine.

What should you remember to send after receiving a gift?

This basic etiquette rule is often forgotten even though it’s an important way to show gratitude.

Answer: A thank you note

It may seem old-fashioned, but it’s still appropriate to send a thank you note when someone gives you a gift.

What should you do before moving to the next machine at the gym?

Gym etiquette is just as important as etiquette in other places.

Answer: Wipe down the machine

If you’re working out at the gym, it’s your responsibility to wipe down your equipment so it’s clean for the next person.

What should your dog always wear when out in public?

Even for well-trained dogs, it’s important for them to wear this.

Answer: A leash

Even if you think your dog is well-behaved without a leash, keep your dog on a leash when you’re in public places, especially if you’re in a place that requires it.

What should you be prepared to do when walking your dog?

This is one of your many responsibilities as a dog owner.

Answer: Clean up after them

Although it should be a no-brainer, it’s your responsibility as a dog owner to clean up after your dog. Always bring plastic bags when you’re walking your dog in public.

What should you always do before taking someone’s picture?

Those who don’t mind having their picture taken might not think about this basic etiquette rule.

Answer: Ask their permission

Not everyone likes to have their picture taken, so be sure to ask permission before taking someone’s picture.

What should you never do with someone’s picture without asking?

Many people nowadays do this without thinking, but it’s important to ask someone before doing this.

Answer: Post it online

If someone agrees to have their picture taken, they don’t necessarily want it posted online. It’s also important to ask the parent before you post a picture of someone’s child online.

What’s the best way to respect the time of others?

Even though it’s become more common nowadays to not practice this rule, this is still the best way to show others that you respect their time.

Answer: Show up on time

Running late is something that happens to everyone, but being punctual is the most basic way to show others that you respect your time. If you are going to be late, be sure to let the other person know.

What should you do if someone is walking into the building after you?

It’s easy to forget about this etiquette rule if you’re not paying attention to those around you.

Answer: Hold the door for them

If someone is walking into a building after you, it’s always polite to hold the door for them.

What type of language should you avoid using in social situations?

Despite how many people speak online and on TV or in movies, there are still some types of language you should avoid when you’re in a social situation.

Answer: Foul language

Foul language and swearing may be commonplace nowadays, but it’s still considered inappropriate in many social settings, especially in a crowd you’re not as familiar with.

It’s okay to talk, but you should do this more

One of the many rules of etiquette in social situations has to do with controlling how much you talk.

Answer: Listen

In social situations, be intentional about listening to others more than you speak and asking about other’s lives more than you talk about yours.

What two phrases should you always say to show respect to others?

This is one of the most basic rules when it comes to good manners, but these phrases are often forgotten in the modern world.

Answer: Please and thank you

Saying “please” and “thank you” is one of the most basic ways to show gratitude and be polite to others.

What should you do with your chair before you leave the table?

It’s something many people forget but you should take the time to do this before you leave the table.

Answer: Push it in

When you get up from the table to leave, whether you’re coming back or not, always push your chair in.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com.

The post Americans Often Miss These Basic Etiquette Rules — Will You? appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Make America Healthy Again, a movement started by RFK Jr. is an attempt to take on Big Pharma and Big Food. The movement aims to reduce the number of chronic diseases in the U.S. and make both kids and adults healthy. Part of this movement is removing certain food ingredients from the shelves.

Now that President-elect Donald Trump has named RFK Jr. as his pick for the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, some of the goals of this movement may become a reality. In an attempt to make Americans more healthy, here are 8 food ingredients RFK Jr. is working hard to get rid of.

Fluoride

Although fluoride isn’t an ingredient in our food, it is an ingredient in the drinking water for many people in the country. The government often adds fluoride to public water sources to combat poor dental health.

Removing fluoride from the water

RFK Jr. has committed to removing fluoride from all public water sources. While there is evidence that fluoride improves dental health, there have also been concerns from the National Toxicology Department about the amount of fluoride in water, especially for certain populations, such as young children and pregnant women.

Seed oil

Seed oil has been a hot topic lately as many people try to move away from it. Despite the varying opinions out there, RJK Jr. has made his position on seed oils clear.

Seed oil vs tallow

RFK Jr has spoken about his concerns with seed oils, from how they’re manufactured to their connection to chronic health conditions. Like many other critics of this type of oil, he believes there are healthier alternatives such as beef tallow, or more natural oils such as coconut oil.

Grains

RFK Jr. may not be interested in banning all grains, but he has stated, “Kids shouldn’t be eating grains.” He’s not alone in his position that grains should be consumed in moderation and that the type of grain does matter.

Changing the limits for grain consumption

One of the conversations in the health community around grains has been about moving from more refined grains to whole grains. There are mixed opinions on the benefits versus risks of eating grains, but most people in the health community agree it’s best to move away from refined grains.

Food dyes

RFK Jr has spoken frequently about the dangers of food dyes, especially when they’re present in children’s food and cereals such as Fruit Loops. There is research that suggests overconsumption of food dyes can have negative effects on the health and behavior of children.

U.S. cereals compared to Canadian

One of the comparisons RFK Jr. made was between the U.S. version of Fruit Loops and the Canadian version of Fruit Loops. In the Canadian version, the colors come from concentrated fruit juice instead of food dyes. Although the Canadian version of this cereal isn’t a health food, the ingredients may be slightly better than the American version.

Butylated hydroxytoluene

Butylated hydroxytoluene is one of the chemicals manufacturers use in the American version of Fruit Loops. This ingredient has numerous uses in both food and cosmetic products, but companies use it most often as an antioxidant.

One of many artificial ingredients

RFK Jr. has criticized Fruit Loops and other cereals marketed toward children for having a whole list of artificial ingredients. When it comes to Fruit Loops, one of the artificial ingredients is Butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, which companies use as a preservative or antioxidant in food and other products.

Sugar

In addition to grains, RFK Jr has also stated that kids shouldn’t be eating sugar. Sugar may have minimal effects when consumed in moderation, but the overconsumption of sugar can lead to many long-term health issues.

Focus on healthier meals for kids

Even though many people don’t agree with all his statements, there’s a lot of agreement about reducing the amount of sugar and highly processed foods that kids are eating. RFK Jr. has discussed improving the quality of school lunches and even changing the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) to prevent families from using the benefits on unhealthy foods.

High fructose corn syrup

RFK Jr. has discussed how high fructose corn syrup and seed oils have replaced healthier ingredients because they’re cheaper. High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener in many processed foods and the overconsumption of this sweetener can lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

The importance of health over money

Even though ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and seed oils may be cheaper, Kennedy argues that the prominence of these ingredients in food since the 1990s has impacted the health of consumers across the U.S. There are many alternatives to these ingredients that may have less of a negative impact on public health.

Pesticides in farming

The health of our food starts before it’s on the shelves, according to RFK Jr. He has frequently criticized certain farming practices and the use of herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides in farming.

Changing the agriculture industry

RFK Jr has stated how the pesticides and other chemicals used in farming are destroying the health of the soil and the food we eat. He has explicitly stated that he believes producing “natural, unprocessed foods” and banning “the worst agricultural chemicals” is the solution to fixing the problems with American agriculture.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Rebecca Noble/ via Getty Images.

The post 8 Food Ingredients RFK Jr Is Pushing Hard to Get Rid Of appeared first on Moms Who Think.

In the United States, every state has its own flag. Each flag has a unique design that represents the culture and history of that state. While some state flags are well-known by Americans across the country, most Americans couldn’t identify the state flag of many states other than their home state. If you’re interested in seeing how many you know, check out these state flags that the average American can’t properly identify.

Blue Flag with the Motto “Qui Transtulit Sustinet”

This state flag is blue with a white shield and inside the shield are three grapevines.

Answer: Connecticut

The motto on the state flag of Connecticut, “Qui Transtulit Sustinet,” is a Latin phrase that means “He who transplanted still remains.”

Colonial Blue Flag with a Coat of Arms

This state flag includes the coat of arms of the state and the background of the flag is colonial blue.

Answer: Delaware

At the bottom of the Delaware flag is the date that Delaware became a state. Delaware was the first colony to ratify the U.S. Constitution in December 1787.

A Unique Flag with Two Different Patterns

This state flag has the arms of two different families who are both important to the history of the state.

Answer: Maryland

The Maryland flag contains the arms of the Calvert and Crossland families. The two banners represent 1st Baron Baltimore and the family that founded Maryland.

A Flag That Represents the Best Parts of the State

The different parts of this flag represent some of the well-known characteristics of this state, including the many bodies of water.

Answer: Minnesota

The current state flag of Minnesota was adopted in 2024. The design represents the lakes, rivers, and North Star of Minnesota.

A White Flag with a Symbol of Hope

This state flag contains a gold anchor to represent hope as well as stars to represent the 13 original colonies.

Answer: Rhode Island

The stars on the Rhode Island state flag represent the 13 original colonies as well as the fact that Rhode Island was the last of the original colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

A Blue Flag with a Palmetto Tree and a Crescent Moon

This state flag includes symbols that represent an important part of the state’s history during the Revolutionary War.

Answer: South Carolina

The Palmetto tree on the South Carolina flag represents the defense of the palmetto-log fort against the British and the crescent moon represents the symbol worn by the troops.

The Wildlife in This State is Displayed on the Flag

This state flag includes the same colors as the National flag, each representing a different aspect of the state’s history and culture.

Answer: Wyoming

Each color on the Wyoming flag represents an aspect of the state. The majority of the flag is blue, representing justice, virility, and fidelity.

A Blue Flag with a Pelican Wounding Herself

This blue state flag consists of an image of a mother pelican and includes the motto, “Union justice confidence.”

Answer: Louisiana

The symbol of the pelican from the state flag of Louisiana dates back to the Middle Ages. The action of the pelican along with the drops of blood represents self-sacrifice.

A White Flag Containing a Blue Shield and a Symbol of Peace

The blue shield on this state flag contains an image of a Native American. The direction his arrow is pointing is meant to represent peace.

Answer: Massachusetts

The Massachusetts state flag also contains the state motto, “Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem,” which means, “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”

A Blue Flag with a Coat of Arms Representing the State Seal

The center of this flag contains a coat of arms based on the seal of this state.

Answer: Michigan

The current state flag of Michigan includes three different Latin mottos to represent characteristics of the state. This flag is the third state flag in Michigan’s history.

The Center of This Flag is a Magnolia Flower

This state flag, with a magnolia and stars in the center, was only adopted in 2021.

Answer: Mississippi

The magnolia flower on Mississippi’s new state flag represents hospitality. Mississippi was the last state to have a flag with a Confederate symbol before they adopted the new flag.

Light Tan Flag with the Coat of Arms from the State Seal

This state flag is the only one to have a background that is light tan, which represents the uniforms worn during the Revolutionary War.

Answer: New Jersey

The New Jersey state flag has a coat of arms in the middle, which is the same coat of arms on the state seal for New Jersey.

A State Flag with a Sacred Symbol of the Sun

The symbol in the middle of this state flag represents the people who were native to this state.

Answer: New Mexico

The brightly colored flag of New Mexico represents the indigenous people of this state. The symbol in the middle is the Zia symbol and came from the Zia people.

Dark Blue Flag with the State’s Coat of Arms

This state flag features a coat of arms that was created in 1777.

Answer: Pennsylvania

The current Pennsylvania state flag is the same one that was approved in 1907. The state motto of “Virtue, liberty, and independence” is on the bottom of the flag.

The State Flag Known as the Beehive Flag

The House and Senate approved the Beehive flag for this state in 2023.

Answer: Utah

In 2023, Utah adopted a new state flag. The colors and symbols of the flag, including the beehive, represent community, industry, and the history of the state.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock.com.

The post The Average American Can’t Properly Identify These State Flags appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When you first get your driver’s license, you have to take both a driving and a written test. Even though there are questions on the written test about road signs, there are still many signs drivers aren’t tested on.

In the United States, there are over 500 different road signs. While most Americans are familiar with common road signs like the stop sign, there are many lesser-known road signs that most Americans can’t properly identify. If you think you’re an expert on road signs, test your knowledge with these road signs the average American can’t identify.

Turn Around If You See This Sign

Even if you aren’t sure what this road sign means, it’s easy to tell by the color that it’s giving some type of warning.

Answer: No Entry Road Sign

The no entry road sign is to signal that you can’t enter through that way. If you see this sign, turn around and find a different route.

Things Are About to Get Tight If You See This Sign

Like many other warning signs, this road sign indicates something that’s coming up on the road you should be aware of.

Answer: Narrow Bridge Ahead

The narrow bridge ahead road sign is to warn drivers that a narrow bridge is coming up. This would be a time to slow down and ensure you’re paying attention to your surroundings.

Truck Drivers Should Be Careful When They See This Sign

Some road signs are for specific drivers who are in trucks or other vehicles. This sign is specifically to warn truck drivers about upcoming changes in the road.

Answer: Truck Rollover Warning

The truck rollover warning sign is usually found before a sharp curve in the road. This sign will often include an advisory speed as well to let truck drivers know how fast they should be going around the curve.

Drive Slow If You See This Sign After It Rains

Some signs may warn you about road conditions during or after certain weather events. This sign in particular is something to pay attention to when it’s raining or after a storm.

Answer: Slippery When Wet

Some roads are more slick than others. This sign warns drivers that the road is slippery when wet. Driving carelessly on a road like this could lead to an accident if you’re not careful.

Slow Down for the Safety of Others When You See This Sign

Safety should always be your number one priority as a driver. Part of keeping yourself and others safe on the road is paying attention to any construction signs that you see on the road.

Answer: Workers Ahead

This sign warns drivers that work is being done on the road. This might lead to uneven lanes or a road that’s narrower than usual. It’s also a way to let drivers know construction workers will be near the road so you can look out for them.

Look and Listen If You See This Sign

There are many road signs similar to this one. Although some of the signs are more obvious than others, many drivers don’t recognize the meaning of this sign on its own.

Answer: Railroad Crossing Ahead

If you don’t often pass railroad tracks, you might not be as familiar with the railroad crossing sign. Proceed with caution when you see this railroad sign and if there’s a traffic light, be sure to avoid stopping on the tracks.

Get Ready to Bear Left or Right When You See This Sign

This sign is particularly important for drivers who are navigating in an unfamiliar area. When you see this sign, be prepared to bear left or right up ahead.

Answer: Y Intersection Ahead

A Y intersection is an intersection where three different roads connect in a “y” shape. After the intersection, all the roads go in different directions. This sign lets you know that this type of intersection is coming up.

Pay Attention to Other Lanes When You See This Sign

When you’re driving on major roadways, there are changes in the road all the time. This sign indicates a change in the road and alerts you to pay attention to drivers in the lane next to you.

Answer: Added Lane From Right

The added lane sign indicates that a new lane will appear on the right side of the road. When you see a sign similar to this one with the curved arrow on the other side, that means a lane will be added on the left.

Trucks Should Pay Attention to This Railroad Sign

This road sign is one that you’ll see at railroad crossings. Although not every driver will be impacted by this sign, it’s especially important for truck drivers to pay attention to this warning sign.

Answer: Low Ground Clearance

When you see this sign at a railroad crossing, it’s important to pay attention if you’re driving a truck. The low ground clearance sign is to warn drivers with large trucks or trailers that they could get stuck on the tracks.

Prepare for a Change in the Road When You See This Sign

Road warning signs are there for a reason and are meant to keep drivers safe. When you see this sign, it’s a good idea to slow down and prepare for a change in the road.

Answer: Winding Road Ahead

Winding roads are more common in some regions than others. If you’re not from an area with a lot of curves in the road, you might not be familiar with this sign. When you see the winding road ahead sign, be prepared to slow down around the curve.

Prepare for a Change in Elevation When You See This Sign

This is another road sign that you won’t see in certain regions and you’ll see frequently in others. If you’re not familiar with this sign, prepare for a change in elevation when you see it.

Answer: Hill Ahead

Like any change in the road, an upcoming hill is important for any driver to be aware of. It’s more difficult for certain vehicles to go up and down hills so be aware of the drivers in front of and behind you.

Be Prepared to Stop When You See This Sign

You likely won’t see one of these in the city, but it’s one of the many signs warning drivers of a vehicle that may be crossing. If you see this sign, check both sides of the road and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

Answer: Tractor Crossing

If you’re driving down a country road, there’s a good chance you’ll see a tractor crossing sign. This road sign lets you know there may be people driving tractors or other farm equipment nearby.

You Might See This Sign If You’re Driving in the Snow

Like the tractor crossing sign, this lets drivers know about another type of vehicle that may need to cross the road. You’ll usually see this sign in states with colder climates.

Answer: Snowmobile Crossing

Snowmobiles are vehicles that can travel on snow or ice. If you’re driving through an area where it snows, you may see the snowmobile crossing sign. Be prepared to slow down or stop if there are any snowmobiles passing through.

Watch Out for Merging Cars When You See This Sign

When you see a road sign that indicates a change in the road, it’s meant to prepare you and keep all drivers safe. When you see this sign, it’s time to look out for other vehicles that may be merging.

Answer: Lane Reduction

The lane reduction sign indicates that there will be one less lane on the road. This means cars from the farthest lane need to merge. If you’re in that lane, it’s time to move over. Otherwise, look out for other vehicles that need to merge.

Remember Your Road Rules When You See This Sign

When you see this sign, it’s important to remember which vehicles have the right-of-way. If you can’t remember your road rules, it’s best to slow down and pay attention to the cars around you.

Answer: T Intersection Ahead

A T intersection, also known as a T-junction, is an intersection where two roads cross in the shape of a T. Cars on the cross road, or the top part of the T, have the right-of-way.

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