Mariah Carey gives weird weight loss tips that are fails on many levels: kids don't try this at home

Mariah Carey boasted that she keeps thin by superhuman willpower and a strict two-food-only diet. She isn't confident enough not to photoshop pics to erase fat. The reality TV diva was cagey about actual weight loss and cosmetic surgeons speculated that it was more plastic surgery than diet and exercise. The "Mariah's World" star claims to follow a rigorous diet that no one else can follow. Mariah Carey brags about weight loss eating two-food diet: guess what's on menu?

Octavia Spencer weighs in on Donald Trump, her weight loss shows obesity can be deceiving

Octavia Spencer weighed in on Donald Trump and Election 2016 and the actress looks remarkably thinner than she did as the chubby cook Minnie in "The Help." Spencer attributed part of that weight loss to the supplement Sensa for which she was a spokesperson. That relationship ended but Spencer continues to appear smaller. Is the minier Minnie really losing weight or are looks deceiving? Is it down to the odd way movies and TV camouflage and accentuate weight for roles? One way or the other, clothes, or at least film costuming does make the woman. Octavia Spencer weighs in on Donald Trump, her weight loss shows obesity can be deceiving

'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood blasts STFU as boob job, plastic surgery fail hits raw nerve

What "Teen Mom" Amber Portwood was aiming for with plastic surgery and what she ended up with proves the Rolling Stones right--you can't always get what you want. Portwood went for a Marilyn Monroe mommy makeover complete with boob job, tummy tuck, facelift, new eyebrows, Botox, platinum blonde hair, the works--but walked out looking like she was dressed for Halloween as some weird manga cosplay caricature. When critics told her so, Amber took to social media to send a general STFU message.    'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood blasts STFU as boob job, plastic surgery fail hits raw nerve

Jeremy Vuolo to ask Jinger Duggar to marry him: 'Counting On' Duggar girls plan wedding

 Its been official for a few months: Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo are engaged. But the next episode of TLC's "Counting On" hints that Vuolo will make it officially official and ask Jinger to marry him. He's been seen ring shopping and mom Michelle Duggar and sister Jessa Duggar Seewald went with the soon-to-be bride to New York City. Jinger also went on a wedding planning trip recently though Jessa said the proposal surprised Jinger. Rumors suggest it will be a destination wedding which doesn't really fit with the Duggar family's ultra-strict courtship and church wedding protocol. In fact a few things about the Jinger-Jeremy relationship don't fit the family plan.  Jeremy Vuolo to ask Jinger Duggar to marry him: 'Counting On' Duggar girls plan wedding

Michelle Obama surprising weight loss tips: FLOTUS says health not weight trump obesity

When first lady Michelle Obama spoke to Ellen DeGeneres recently, she appeared to have lost weight. In fact, she seems to have gotten steadily thinner since the first inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2008. Did she heed the advice of Dr. Keith Albow who in 2014 famously suggested she shed a few pounds? He claimed the first lady's "Let's Move" and healthy school lunches initiative would seem less hypocritical if she wasn't overweight. Mrs. Obama, who advocates cleaning up kids' diets, has shared some rather shocking weight loss ideas of her own.    Michelle Obama surprising weight loss tips: FLOTUS says health not weight trump obesity

Drunk driving mom found passed out and breastfeeding a baby

What is the matter with parents who recklessly endanger their kids?? Today's mommy fail--police found a mother breastfeeding a child on the side of the road--passed out cold drunk, behind the wheel of the car! Apparently, Melissa Rae Tomesh decided to follow the example of Lindsay Lohan on parenting. The hashtag read #drunkdrivingwhilenursing. It's hard not to be sarcastic about the many levels of stupid behavior people think to get up to. Do you have to spell it out for them? Drinking, driving, breastfeeding--which two of these don't fit?  Drunk driver mom found breastfeeding and passed out charged with DUI, child endangerment

Recycled trash crafts for kids: Barney Bag for collage art learning centers

Barney the bouncy purple dinosaur celebrates his 24th anniversary this year. In 1992, PBS adopted the character into the series Barney & Friends. As a homeschool family, we didn't watch much TV, but there was one take-away from the show that we used in preschool learning centers-- the Barney Bag. Make cool collage art and recycled trash crafts for kids with the helpful Barney Bag. Here's a Q-and-A to get started.  Recycled trash crafts for kids: Barney Bag for collage art learning centers | Examiner.com

Harambe gorilla killing: Cincinnati Zoo mom Michelle Gregg not guilty of neglect

The Cincinnati Zoo mom Michelle Gregg whose 3-year-old son fell in the Gorilla World exhibit is not guilty of child neglect reported CNN Wire on June 6. But a lot of people blame her for the gorilla killing. They want criminal charges pressed against Michelle Gregg in the death of Harambe, a rare silverback gorilla. 500,000 people have signed a "Justice for Harambe" petition against Michelle Gregg. There's a Facebook page devoted to getting Michelle Gregg prosecuted. But investigators cleared Michelle Gregg of child neglect. Her defenders offered to start a fund to help but the family declined. They asked that any donations be made to the Cincinnati Zoo in honor of Harambe.  Harambe gorilla killing: Cincinnati Zoo mom Michelle Gregg not guilty of neglect | Examiner.com

Science activities: Trash art, ecology lessons, environmental science projects

 Earth Day is celebrated in April but really every day should focus on caring for the earth. Here are summer science activities to teach outdoor ecology lessons and environmental science projects. Use science activities for end of school parties, summer enrichment, summer school or summer camp.



Start ecology lessons by gathering recycling from around the school. Each classroom typically has a box for recycled materials. Collect paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic bottles, milk jugs, pill bottles, boxes, juice boxes, milk cartons, egg cartons, ribbon, yarn, wrapping paper, bows, plastic containers and other home or school recycling. Science activities: Trash art, ecology lessons, environmental science projects | Examiner.com

Repurpose and reuse recycled twist ties, reduce waste, live green, save money | Examiner.com

 April is Earth Month and it's all about ways to reduce reuse and recycle. Here are 25 ways to repurpose and reuse recycled twist ties, reduce waste, live green and save green! Replace unsewn buttons with recycled twist ties. Feed one end of the twist tie through both button holes and then through the two original holes where the button attached to the garment. Twist, bend it back and snip off edges so it doesn't scratch. Reduce waste and save money big-time by salvaging garments with lost buttons!  Repurpose and reuse recycled twist ties, reduce waste, live green, save money | Examiner.com

Homemade shoebox dioramas: Social studies crafts, science projects, book reports

It's 8 pm and darling daughter is wailing. She forgot to make her book report diorama project and it's due TOMORROW! Have you been there, done that, parents? Were you tempted to tell her "tough luck. You were told to do your homework and didn't. So take the F." Perhaps you wanted--like this mom did-- to put her on the street wearing a sign "free-- please take." But I am an eleventh hour girl myself and understood. So we bailed out Last Minute Lucy out. The whole family helped--dad and three older teen siblings. We made an awesome woodland Native American Indian diorama with stuff around the house--and made happy family bonding memories. From that experience grew this guide to making homemade shoebox dioramas for social studies crafts, science projects or book reports. All you need is a recycle bin, craft scraps, household junk and a little ingenuity. Homemade shoebox dioramas: Social studies crafts, science projects, book reports | Examiner.com

Preschool learning centers: DIY cardboard playhouse play kitchen appliances

When I was a little girl, my father and mother made an entire cardboard playhouse for me from recycled cardboard boxes. Here's how to make appliances for a cardboard playhouse play kitchen, including refrigerator, sink, stove, oven and play kitchen utensil rack. As a Montessori preschool teacher, I made recycled cardboard play kitchen sets for my students You can make super easy Montessori preschool practical life learning centers in about 30 minutes. Use your recycled cardboard playhouse at home, in homeschool or in Montessori preschool practical life learning centers. All you need to make a recycled cardboard play kitchen are recycled cardboard boxes (from a television or similar sized products), black permanent marker, sharp scissors, X-Acto Knife, Widget or box cutter, packing tape or duct tape, brass paper fasteners and your recycling bin!   Preschool learning centers: DIY cardboard playhouse play kitchen appliances | Examiner.com

Free printable paper puppet patterns, finger puppets, paper bag puppets, toys | Examiner.com

  used to teach summer enrichment classes and one class that always went over big was puppetry. I suspect children still enjoy playing with puppets. Here are free printable finger puppets, paper puppet patterns, paper bag puppets, paper toys and 3D play sets (to use like finger puppets). Perfect for Vacation Bible School, summer school, daycare and rainy day fun!  Free printable paper puppet patterns, finger puppets, paper bag puppets, toys | Examiner.com

Michigan TSS cluster linked to super tampons: Toxic shock syndrome scare

Four toxic shock syndrome cases have shown up in Michigan in 2016. The West Michigan TSS cluster has been linked to super tampons, reported People Magazine on Feb. 8. Toxic shock syndrome bacteria just about killed one teen, Rylie Whitten, 15, of Montcalm County, Michigan. Whitten had the worst cases of toxic shock syndrome that her physician had ever seen. The three other Michigan TSS cluster cases occurred in West Michigan--two in Grand Rapids and one northwest of Grand Rapids, in Mason County.   Michigan TSS cluster linked to super tampons: Toxic shock syndrome scare | Examiner.com

Catholic Lent crafts: Homemade Lenten tablecloth, family altar, Bible devotional

One area of emphasis in the Catholic Church is that the family is the nuclear church. The Church encourages homes to erect and pray at a family altar, for worship, not just at church. And parents, whether you homeschool or not, know that you are the primary educators of your children. Their religious education begins at home. At no time is this more important that in the Catholic Christian Lenten season. Lent is a deeply symbolic and spiritual journey but sometimes, life in a busy family gets so hectic that poof, another Lent is gone. Here are Catholic Christian crafts to reconnect family and faith. Make this homemade Lenten tablecloth Bible devotional for your family altar.  Catholic Lent crafts: Homemade Lenten tablecloth, family altar, Bible devotional | Examiner.com

Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving service projects: Bible gospel parable math lessons

The Catholic Christian church will enter the penitential season of Lent on Feb. 10, 2016. Ordinary time ends with Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), followed by Ash Wednesday which ushers in the Lenten season. Lenten virtues include almsgiving (donating money, acts of charity), prayer and fasting or sacrifice. Catholic Christian parents, are you looking for Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving activities or service projects for Lent? Here's one with math lessons based on the Bible gospel parable of the talents  Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving service projects: Bible gospel parable math lessons | Examiner.com

Bedbugs bug couple in Manhattan: Astor on the Park hotel bedbug infestation

 A dream vacation turned into a nightmare for two Californians staying in New York City. Bedbugs bugged a couple at the Astor on the Park hotel, an upper west side Manhattan establishment, reported WABC on Jan. 3. Elgin Ozlen posted a Youtube video showing his girlfriend's body covered in bites and their bed mattress crawling with bedbugs. News of the Astor on the Park hotel bedbug infestation is swarming the Internet. Elgin Ozlen says the pair were given the New Year's Eve holiday stay in Manhattan as a birthday present, but the gift "presented" more than expected. Not only did the couple experience a bedbug infestation of Biblical proportions, they had to switch rooms three times because the first one had no heat and second one had non-functional power outlets. Bedbugs bug couple in Manhattan: Astor on the Park hotel bedbug infestation | Examiner.com