Author: Lindsay Cushman

10 Rom-Coms That Will Keep You Believing in True Love

A two-hour journey that will restore your faith in love again? Sounds too good to be true, right? Despite their sappiness, and sometimes completely unrealistic scenarios, rom-coms really have a way of giving us the slightest glimmer of hope that true love does exist. So grab your popcorn and your favorite cozy blanket and settle in for a full-on love fest with these 10 rom-coms.

1. Clueless (1995)

Falling in love with your former step-brother may sound gross, but ​Clueless​ is somehow able to make it totally acceptable. Spoiled socialite Cher (Alicia Silverstone) starts off only caring about clothes and being the most popular girl at her Beverly Hills high school. After a few failed dates and a successful attempt at setting up two of her teachers, she suddenly finds love in the most unexpected place. But will it last? If you think we’re going to tell you- as if! You’ll have to watch to find out.

2. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

Imagine getting engaged to your dream man, only to discover you’re still married to your annoying ex-husband because he never signed the divorce papers. That’s exactly the predicament Melanie (Reese Witherspoon) finds herself in just months before her wedding. She’s forced to return to her roots in this heartwarming story about a second chance at love and having to choose between the past and the present in order to have the best future.

3. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Realizing you’re in love with your best friend right before his wedding seems like quite the dilemma- but it makes for some awesome laughs in this rom-com starring the exquisite Julia Roberts as Julianne. As she tries to sabotage the pending nuptials, she discovers that the soon-to-be bride is actually pretty amazing and struggles with whether or not to tell her best friend how she feels. What will she decide to do on the big day? The anticipation is killing us!

4. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

You’ll find plenty of teenage angst in this humorous story about the most unexpected high school romance. Tomboy Kat has absolutely no time for hearts and flowers- especially not with her arch nemesis at school, Patrick (played by the late Heath Ledger). As Patrick starts chipping away at Kat’s hardened heart, will she discover what true love actually is, or will she stay bitter forever and miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime romance?

5. 27 Dresses (2007)

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. That’s a saying that’s held true for Jane (Katherine Heigl)- until now. As she begins to process the news that her little sister is getting married to her boss (whom she’s had a crush on for years), Jane realizes that she’s tired of always being the bridesmaid. She wants her chance at everlasting love. Enter Kevin- a reporter covering her sister’s wedding who knows exactly what buttons to push to drive Jane crazy. As Kevin interviews her for the story, he starts falling for his subject. But will Jane fall too? You’ll have to watch til the end to find out.

6. Sixteen Candles (1984)

Jake Ryan! Need we say more? Awkward teen Samantha (Molly Ringwald) thinks turning 16 will be the best day of her life. Turns out it’s anything but. Her family forgets her birthday and her crush stands her up at the school dance. There are plenty of cringe-worthy moments in this story that lead up to perhaps one of the sweetest moments in all of rom-com history. Will Samantha finally win Jake’s heart? The romantic in us desperately hopes so!

7. 50 First Dates (2004)

Imagine finding a man who makes you fall in love with him all over again, each and every day. That’s exactly what happens in this super sweet rom-com starring Drew Barrymore as Lucy and Adam Sandler as Henry. Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss, which means she can’t remember that she’s in a relationship. That doesn’t stop Henry from wanting to be with her, though. In fact, it only makes him more determined to win over the girl of his dreams.

8. The Proposal (2009)

Sandra Bullock is the queen of rom-coms, and this movie is no exception. She plays Margaret, an overbearing book editor who forces her handsome assistant Andrew (played by the lovable Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so she won’t get deported back to her native Canada. Most of Andrew’s family in Alaska are supportive of his upcoming nuptials (including his adorable grandmother, played by the phenomenal Betty White), but as the wedding day nears, Margaret starts having second thoughts. Will they end up getting married, or will Margaret head back to Canada and leave Andrew free to find the love of his life?

9. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

Jennifer Garner has never been more endearing than in this heartwarming story about falling in love with your childhood best friend. Garner plays Jenna, a 13-year old who makes a wish on her birthday to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving”. When she opens her eyes, her wish has come true, but being 30 isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. She runs across her childhood best friend Matt (played by Mark Ruffalo) and suddenly all she wants is to go back in time so she can redo the last 17 years. Is it possible to undo her wish? Watch to find out!

10. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

You can’t have a rom-com list without including a Matthew McConaughey film. He stars opposite the always-funny Kate Hudson, who plays Andie- a writer trying to nab the job of a lifetime. In order to land that dream job, she has to write a feel-good piece about how to lose a guy in 10 days, but there’s just one problem. She ends up falling in love with the subject of her story. Will she choose love over her career, or is there a way she can have both? We promise the ending will give you ALL THE FEELS.
Does true love exist? These rom-coms sure make us believe it does, even if only for a few fleeting moments.

About The Author

Lindsay is a writer and single mom whose mission is to remind other women going through a divorce or breakup that they are strong, beautiful, and worthy of all the good things life has to offer. You can find more of her writing on her blog or follow her on Instagram.

All Your Thanksgiving Food Questions — Answered!

Dry turkey? Lumpy gravy? Burnt pie crust? Whether you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the first time due to COVID-19, or are just looking for a refresher course on all things turkey, we’re here to answer all of your pressing Thanksgiving food questions.

Turkey

The star of the meal deserves the most attention, which is why we’re putting it at the top of the list of questions to be answered.

How big of a turkey do I need?

A general rule of thumb is 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds of turkey per person to ensure you have enough to send home leftovers. You can omit any vegetarians and account for smaller eaters, like children if you have any attending. For 8 guests, you’ll want to buy a turkey between 12-14 pounds.

When should I start thawing my turkey?

There’s nothing worse than going to clean your turkey and finding it’s still frozen. It takes 5 pounds of turkey a day to thaw, so if you have a 20 pound turkey, you’ll want to take it out on Sunday to ensure it’s completely thawed. If the turkey is still a little frozen come Thanksgiving day, thaw the wrapped turkey in a pot of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed.

What’s the best way to cook a turkey?

There are so many options- slow cooker, smoker, air fryer- but the tried and true method is to bake it in the oven. After removing all of the innards and cleaning the turkey, place it in a large roasting pan. Slather the skin with butter, salt, and pepper, and place some herbs and vegetables (like thyme, rosemary, sage, onions, celery, and carrots) inside the cavity of the turkey. Roast it at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes per pound. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh meat registers at 175 degrees. Allow the turkey to rest a full 30 minutes before slicing to redistribute the juices.

How do I store my leftover turkey?

The only thing better than turkey on Thanksgiving day are the leftovers that follow. Turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey pot pie…the possibilities are endless. To make sure your turkey is safe for consuming after Thanksgiving day, package the cooled turkey in an airtight container immediately after dinner is served. Place the container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or the freezer for up to 3 months.

Side Dishes and Gravy

The star of the show may be the turkey, but the side dishes and gravy can shine just as brightly if done properly.

Should I cook my stuffing inside or outside of the turkey?

You can cook your stuffing inside of the turkey, but it takes the turkey longer to cook which may result in a drier turkey. The stuffing needs to be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees for safety. To get a juicy turkey and perfect stuffing, cook them separately. You can bake your stuffing covered in a baking dish at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for another 10 minutes to crisp up the top.

What do I do about lumpy gravy?

The perfect gravy is smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon. If your gravy is lumpy, try whisking in a little hot broth. If that doesn’t solve the problem, send your gravy through a strainer to remove the lumps. You can also whisk in more broth if your gravy is too thick, or add a cornstarch/flour slurry for thin gravy.

How do I make sure my Jell-O comes out perfectly?

Cranberry Jell-O is a staple on many Thanksgiving tables, but the frustration that comes along with it is enough to almost make you give up some years. There are a few important tricks to make sure your Jell-O comes out perfectly:
● Spray your mold with cooking spray prior to pouring the Jell-O into it.
● Make sure all of the sugar is completely dissolved before refrigerating.
● Refrigerate for a full 24 hours to make sure it’s completely set.
● Place the mold in a pan of warm water for a few minutes prior to unmolding the Jello-O.
● If you see the Jell-O sticking, try placing the mold back into warm water for a few more
minutes or gently loosen a corner of the Jell-O with a knife.

What’s the best way to cook a yam?

If you want yams that literally melt in your mouth and need little to no seasoning, cook them in a Nesco or slow cooker! Wash and dry the yams, then place them in the Nesco or slow cooker. Cook them in the Nesco at 350 degrees for 1-2 hours, or until fork tender. The slow cooker takes a bit longer- 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

Drinks and Desserts

Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a tasty drink to wash it down with, or a sweet treat to finish off the meal.

What’s the best wine to serve with turkey?

Turkey has a relatively mild flavor, but the side dishes that accompany it are quite rich. That means you need a wine that can stand up to the wide range of flavors your mouth will experience. White or red wines both work for Thanksgiving dinner, but stick with something that’s relatively low in tannins and high in acidity, like a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

Should I serve coffee with dessert?

Turkey contains amino acids that some people argue make you sleepy, but the real reason Thanksgiving dinner probably makes you sleepy is because you eat so much all at once. Wake you and your guests up by serving up a pot of coffee at dessert time. Coffee also helps a bit with digestion, so it’s the perfect post-dinner drink.

How do I keep my pie crust from burning?

Burnt pie crust is almost as bad as soggy pie crust. Prevent this catastrophe from happening by covering your pie crust with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield for a majority of the baking time. Remove the shield for the last 20 minutes of baking to give the crust a nice, golden brown color.

Can I bake and freeze my cookies ahead of time?

You can save time ahead of Thanksgiving by baking your cookies 3-4 weeks in advance and freezing them. After baking your cookies, cool them completely and freeze them in a single layer on a piece of parchment paper. Once frozen, place the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 4 weeks in the freezer. Remove your cookies from the freezer and leave them at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to thaw them.
We hope these tips will help make your Thanksgiving day meal prep a bit easier. Enjoy the day with your loved ones, whether in-person or virtually, and have a happy and safe holiday!

About The Author

Lindsay is a writer and single mom whose mission is to remind other women going through a divorce or breakup that they are strong, beautiful, and worthy of all the good things life has to offer. You can find more of her writing on her blog or follow her on Instagram.

Top 5 Accessories And Trends for Fall 2020

Accessories make an outfit, and as we enter the fall season, it’s time to start thinking about the best accessories to wear with our denim and sweaters. These are some of the top accessory trends you’ll see as the leaves start to fall.

1. Chunky Combat Boots

Combat boots are always a great footwear choice for fall, but this year the chunkier the heel, the better. Not only do these chunky combat boots look amazing with your favorite pair of jeans, they’re also super comfortable and give you a steadier base when you’re taking those fall nature walks.

Outfit Inspiration

● Black leather combat boots
● Dark wash, distressed ankle jeans
● Buffalo plaid flannel shirt

2. Chain Link Necklace

You may think chain link necklaces went out of style in the ‘90s, but much like other trends from that decade, this style is back for 2020. Thick chain link necklaces are even better, and gold is more on-trend than other metals like silver. If you really want to take this trend even further, pair it with a matching chain link bracelet.

Outfit Inspiration

● Thick, gold chain link necklace
● Black, sleeveless turtleneck
● Beige, high-waisted, wide leg pants

3. Soft Leather Clutch

Soft like a pillow and large enough to hold all of the essentials you could possibly need, a soft leather or pleather clutch is the “it” bag of the season. Choose a bold fire-engine red or fun snakeskin print to make this cushy clutch really pop. You can pair it with any outfit, so it can take you from Saturday brunch with your girls to your Saturday date night with your sweetie.

Outfit Inspiration

● Purple shirt dress
● Light gray trench coat
● Snakeskin leather clutch

4. Wide Headband

If you think headbands are only for those aged 10 and under, you’re wrong. Padded and wide headbands burst back onto the scene early this summer, and this hot trend is continuing well into the fall. Embellished or plain, it’s a fun way to accessorize your hair this fall without having to do too much.

 Outfit Inspiration

● White padded headband
● White, tie-front button down shirt
● Camel brown leather skirt

5. Tassel Earrings

With the right pair of earrings, you don’t need any other accessories. Tassel earrings are the statement earrings you need when you’re looking for something that pops, but is still understated. Drop tassel earrings are really popular this season. Look for them to appear in vibrant colors like green and yellow to offset the muted colors of fall.

Outfit Inspiration

● Hot pink tassel drop earrings
● Ivory, long-sleeved balloon top
● Light wash, straight leg jeans
Have fun with these accessories this fall. There are so many ways to switch them up, and so many other accessories to wear them with. Even if you’re hunkered down at home this fall, these accessory trends are enjoyable to play around with.

About The Author

Lindsay is a writer and single mom whose mission is to remind other women going through a divorce or breakup that they are strong, beautiful, and worthy of all the good things life has to offer. You can find more of her writing on her blog or follow her on Instagram.

Hottest Halloween Costumes for 2020

The year 2020 will go down in history as one we will remember forever, and a year like this calls for one amazing Halloween costume. Whether you’re celebrating at home in quarantine, or donning your mask to venture outside, these are the hottest costumes that are sure to make your Halloween a memorable one.

Icon Costumes

We lost some of the greatest people this year, from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Black Panther himself, Chadwick Boseman. Honor their legacies by dressing up like them for Halloween. Some other icon costume ideas include:
● Kobe Bryantt, NBA player
● Eddie Van Halen, Guitarist
● Little Richard, Musician
● Regis Philbin, Television personality
● Gale Sayers, NFL player

Pandemic Costumes

This year will be defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the pandemic itself shouldn’t be taken lightly, the circumstances surrounding quarantine have made for some pretty humorous Halloween costumes. People are dressing up in hazmat suits, or as our frontline heroes like doctor’s, nurses, and police officers. Some other pandemic costume ideas include:
● A bottle of hand sanitizer
● A roll of toilet paper
● A container of Clorox wipes
● A bottle of Corona beer
● A half-dressed Zoom call participant

Television Costumes

Quarantine saw a lot of us watching more television, so it’s no surprise that some of our favorite television characters have made the list as some of the hottest Halloween costumes. Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin from Netflix’s “Tiger King” are guaranteed to be the top television costumes this year. Some other ideas include:
● The Belcher family from “Bob’s Burgers”
● Karate Kid from “Cobra Kai”
● Dwight from “The Office”
● A cheerleader from “Cheer”
● Daenerys Targaryen from “Game of Thrones”

Couples Costumes

Halloween is the perfect time to get spooky with your sweetie, and what better way to celebrate together than with coordinating costumes? You can go for something traditional like Bonnie &
Clyde, or something really inventive like Sheldon and Amy from “The Big Bang Theory”. Some other great couple costume ideas include:
● Salt & Pepper shakers
● Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy from “Spongebob Squarepants”
● Chip & Joanna Gaines from “Fixer Upper”
● Thing 1 & Thing 2 from “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat”
● Princess Peach and Mario from “Super Mario Bros”

Family Costumes

Get the whole family in on the Halloween festivities by wearing matching costumes. The “Baby Shark” family is probably the most popular family costume idea for this year, but there are some
other really fun ones like:
● “The Incredibles” movie characters
● “The Wizard of Oz” movie characters
● A family of skeletons
● “The Greatest Showman” movie characters
● The “Flinstone” family
Whatever you decide to dress up as this year, be sure to have a fun and safe Halloween. Remember to practice social distancing so you can keep you and your loved ones healthy as we kick off the start of the holiday season. Happy Halloween!

About The Author

Lindsay is a writer and single mom whose mission is to remind other women going through a divorce or breakup that they are strong, beautiful, and worthy of all the good things life has to offer. You can find more of her writing on her blog or follow her on Instagram.

5 Spooky Date Night Ideas You and Your Partner Will Love

Nothing brings a couple closer than getting spooked together. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Halloween with that special someone in your life, we’ve got a few fun date night ideas for you (costumes optional, but highly recommended).

1. Scary Movie Night

Michael Myers and romance might not seem like they go hand in hand, but when that spooky music starts playing you’re going to want to make sure you’re cuddled up really close to your sweetie for safety. Go all out for movie night with all of your favorite movie theater snacks. Make sure the lights are turned down low and you’ve got some cozy blankets to keep the two of you warm while you’re snuggled up on the couch. Some of our favorite scary date-night Halloween movies are:
● Scream (1996)
● A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
● The Exorcist (1973)
● The Ring (2002)
● Paranormal Activity (2007)
● Poltergeist (1982)
● Halloween (2018)
● Us (2019)
● The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
● Saw (2004)

2. Nighttime Corn Maze

A corn maze is great for little ones during the day, but they can turn extra spooky once the sun goes down. It’s the perfect opportunity for you and your partner to practice teamwork in order to find your way out of the maze. Plus, there’s nothing more romantic than a little moonlit stroll through a corn maze. Hold hands and steal a few kisses among the corn stalks.

3. Cemetery Tour

If you have a large cemetery in your town, give them a call to see if they offer guided tours. Many cemeteries have special nighttime events as Halloween draws near. Even if they don’t offer a guided tour, you can still have a moonlit adventure with your sweetie. If the cemetery closes at dusk, you can still have some spooky fun during the day by having a Halloween-themed picnic at the cemetery. The fall leaves offer the perfect backdrop for a little romance.

4. Costumed Mini Golf

Mini golf is a fun date night idea anytime of the year, but when you throw some costumes into the mix, it takes this date night activity to a whole other level. Plan out the ultimate couples costume and then hit the green for a little friendly competition. Winner gets to choose the scary movie from our first date-night idea.

 5. Halloween-Themed Dinner

Cooking for your partner is a great way to show them how much you care, but adding in a fun Halloween theme will really knock their socks off. Set the scene by dimming the lights and lighting some candles on a table draped with a black tablecloth. You can find some inexpensive Halloween-themed tableware at any discount store. Then, serve up some of these fun Halloween inspired treats:
● Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
● Bloodshot Eye Deviled Eggs
● Spiderweb Pizza
● Spaghetti with Eyeball Meatballs
● Pumpkin Soup
● Jack-o’-Lantern Quesadillas
● Mummy Hot Dogs
● Ghost S’mores Dip
● Caramel Apples
● Halloween Jell-O Shots
Make the most out of this spooky holiday with these fun date night ideas. Don’t forget to “Creep it real” with your partner by reminding them how “BOO-tiful” and “Gourd-geous” they are. Now go on and have a “Fang-tastic” Halloween.

About The Author

Lindsay is a writer and single mom whose mission is to remind other women going through a divorce or breakup that they are strong, beautiful, and worthy of all the good things life has to offer. You can find more of her writing on her blog or follow her on Instagram.

This Is What It Really Means When He Says He’s Not Ready

We’ve all been there. You start dating a guy and things seem to be going well, then all of a sudden, he starts pulling away. The standard excuse is that “he’s just not ready”, but what does he actually mean by that?
Is it just an excuse because he doesn’t want to flat out say he’s not into you anymore, or did he suddenly realize that he’s not ready for a commitment? Deciding whether or not you should give him some time to come around depends on the real reasons behind this frequently-used excuse.

He says he’s not ready because he’s too busy with work, but he really means he’s afraid that a serious relationship will interfere with his ability to advance his career.

If you’re dating a guy who is in the prime of his career, but also at the age where he’s starting to think about having a family, you may encounter this scenario. Not every guy can manage building a career and a serious relationship at the same time, and since men have a natural desire to be a provider, the career usually wins out.
If you’re willing to hold out until he establishes himself in his career, you may be able to try dating again down the road. Just remember that, until he feels secure in his career, he’s not going to be ready to settle down.

He says he’s not ready because he needs to put his kids first, but he really means that he’s nervous about bringing another woman into his children’s lives.

Dating someone with kids is a whole different ball game. Unless you are introduced to his kids fairly quickly, the only time you’ll be able to spend together is when he doesn’t have them. This requires a lot of patience from both partners, and a guy may feel pushed into introducing you to his kids before he’s really ready.
If he introduces you too soon and the relationship doesn’t work out, it’s not only the two of you that are affected, but the children as well. This really isn’t an issue you can force, because the kids should always come first. You can try to take a step back and remain friends while you get to know each other better, and once he’s completely comfortable with you, it might feel more natural for him to introduce you to the kids if you decide to start dating again.

He says he’s not ready because he just got out of a serious relationship, but he really means that he still has unresolved feelings for his ex.

This is a major red flag, and one that you should steer far away from unless you’re comfortable with being a rebound. If a guy is constantly bringing up his previous relationship, and then makes that relationship the excuse for ending things with you, it’s time to hold your head high and walk as fast as you can in the other direction.
Until he resolves his feelings about his ex, he’ll never be able to open up his heart to you. You deserve a man who is willing and able to love you with every fiber of his being, and that’s impossible if half of those fibers are still tied up in his ex. If you really like him, give him some space to work through his feelings and tell him to contact you when he’s absolutely sure he’s moved on from his ex.

 Wait for the guy who’s ready for you the first time around, without any reservations.

You aren’t a revolving door and you deserve so much better than a guy who isn’t sure about you from the very beginning. Why would you want to be half-loved or left begging for someone’s attention when there are so many other men out there who would cherish you from the start?
Be up-front and honest about your expectations for the relationship from the very beginning to avoid having to hear one of these excuses. Tell the guy you’re dating that you’re expecting a commitment within a certain timeframe and what you’ll need from him in order to feel fulfilled in the relationship. If he’s not willing to give you those things, wish him the best and move on. There is someone out there who will give you everything you want and more, if you are willing to be patient and wait for him.
Author Bio
Lindsay is a writer and single mom whose mission is to remind other women going through a divorce or breakup that they are strong, beautiful, and worthy of all the good things life has to offer. You can find more of her writing on her blog or follow her on Instagram.
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