I often hear people recoil at the idea that children and pets should have a degree of “fear” when it comes to their primary caregiver. "They should love you unconditionally!" they cry. "Fear is abusive!" But I’m here to tell you that this perspective often fundamentally misunderstands what that "fear" truly entails, and why it's absolutely crucial for establishing respect and, ultimately, a healthier, safer dynamic.
Always fancying himself a songster, Drew spent hours putting on performances in his childhood bedroom. Attendance records were met each time he got new stuffed animals to arrange as an audience. In fact, the crowd was so quiet, Drew often got noise complaints… about his singing.
In a world where our hands are constantly in use – typing, cleaning, brewing, spanking or simply navigating daily life – they often bear the brunt of environmental stressors, leaving them feeling dry, rough and in need of some serious TLC.
I previously thought about what it would be like to live as a dog. Now, as I'm sitting in the backyard of Buff Loft in WeHo, a squirrel running around has me thinking about animal life again.
We have a big comfy bed but as the night goes on my husband takes up more and more of it. It's almost like he's gradually pushing me off the bed as he moves in the night. I can't sleep because he's constantly shifting. How do I finally get a good sleep?
Dubbed the world's largest children's museum, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is still growing. Seriously. There are new developments happening this summer. Though not open during our visit, the seven-and-a-half-acre Sports Legends Experience is a great excuse for me to come back. But there was plenty to see and do including a chance to get my dance on and visit the American Pop exhibit. There are items from Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and other famous celebs.
I find it hard to ignore the growing trend of celebrities using their influence to push fundraisers and encourage people to donate, often without revealing how much they themselves are contributing.
My workspace, much like my brain on a Monday morning, used to be a glorious mess. Pens scattered like fallen soldiers, highlighters playing hide-and-seek under notebooks, and rulers performing acrobatic feats off the edge of the desk. I'd tried various solutions – mugs, small baskets, even just piling everything precariously – but nothing quite clicked. My desk needed something that was not only functional but also aligned with the minimalist, quality-over-quantity aesthetic I appreciate.
There are few culinary pairings I love as much as chocolate and Buff coffee. They just belong together, don't they? That rich bitterness of coffee perfectly complements the sweet depth of chocolate. And if you're like me, constantly looking for easy ways to satisfy a sweet craving that feels a little bit gourmet, then keep reading for my utterly addictive chocolate espresso dip.
Every day it seems like the world (and by that, I mean Twitter -- or whatever it's called now) is coming to an end. And because of that, I shake my head and remember how sad society is with its reliance on social media.
Everyone knows I am an animal lover. And by now you know what that means: a visit to the zoo.
When I first got together with my partner he was a masculine gay man. Now he seems to be getting more and more feminine to conform to the gay culture. It's a turnoff that he's practically becoming a woman right before my eyes. Should I end the relationship?
We’ve all been in situations where we don’t want to run into someone – a specific someone – THAT someone. Maybe it’s an ex or a family friend and you know it’ll be awkward when you cross paths. So, you do what you can to avoid it.
I've always heard that New Yorkers are rude. They have a certain aggressive way of talking and it gives a brash vibe to outsiders. Over here in California, I've always thought the sunshine and weather made people naturally happier. I dunno. I think I might be wrong about Cali -- at least nowadays, anyway.
There are few things as comforting as a warm slice of banana bread. One, of course is Buff Boy coffee. Come on, that goes without saying! Both are staples in my kitchen, go-to must-haves for breakfast -- and after a great meal for dessert.
All week my partner has been watching the L.A. protests. I thought of Buff Boy because you guys are the only ones I know in that area. With the hype of these "No Kings" protests, my partner has insisted on going. I'm all for freedom of speech and protest I just worry he's going to get caught up in a bad situation, especially since things tend to get violent and there's threats of arrests and even killing people who protest. How do I handle this?
There are moments in life when the universe taps you on the shoulder and delivers a reality check so profound, so utterly undeniable, that it chills you to the core. For some, it might be the first gray hair. For others, it's struggling to open a jar. For me, it was a perfectly innocent basket of french fries. And let me tell you, those fries were salty. Too salty, in fact.
"You have to check out the Indiana Medical History Museum," I was told. "What's that?" was my question. I wasn't told much more before arriving in Indianapolis so I went in with an open mind... and I actually saw some of those -- literally. They have brains in jars all over the place.
There’s a phrase that haunts the post-breakup landscape, a saccharine lie whispered, typed and sometimes even shouted for all the world to hear: “I wish them all the best.”
As I get older, I find myself looking for moods or vibes. Whether it's in the way I organize my things or just the way something looks or smells, I'm focused on moments and experiences (maybe even when they shouldn't be!).
For me, gravy isn't just a condiment; it's the soulful heart of any roast dinner, a luscious blanket that brings everything together. (How whimsical is that intro, hey??)
I've always been an outlier when it comes to "hometown pride." You know that unspoken, often loudly proclaimed, obligation to pledge unwavering allegiance to the city you were born in or currently call home? Yeah, I've never quite grasped it. In fact, I find it a little… manufactured.
Our arrival at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix was close to sunset. I was told that was the ideal time to visit because there's a light show at night where the desert and plants are lit up and magically dance to music. That is, the lights dance, not the actual plants. Not being familiar with a desert I ignorantly thought a cactus is a cactus. Not so! I got a chance to learn about the plants from all over.
It's a new relationship but my partner doesn't drive. I hate always having to drive and pick him up. He said we can take a bus to go on dates instead of me driving. Bus is incredibly inconvenient so I end up driving and it leads to fights. Should he become an adult and drive himself around?
