Christasia WilsonChristasia Wilson

Christasia Wilson is a New York native with a heart belonging to London. She is a freelance writer, carb lover and has a knack for always being on a flight to a new destination. From writing news stories to figuring out this thing we call life, Christasia is always up to something new.

This Baby’s ‘Harry Potter’ Photo Shoot Is Beyond Cute

It’s never too early to become a “Harry Potter” fan.

Kayla Glover knows that statement is true after creating a Harry Potter-themed photo shoot for her newborn baby (maybe she was inspired by this adorable sibling Harry Potter shoot).

Glover, an Illinois-based photographer, found the perfect way to pass down her love for Harry Potter to her daughter, Lorelai Grace. Even as an infant, Lorelai is one step closer to a Hogwarts acceptance letter with these photos.


Glover has been a fan of the series since she was 10 years old. Glover explains on her website that she can remember waiting anxiously for the books to come out.

“I used to wait in line at Wal-Mart or Barnes & Noble to get my copy at midnight on release day,” she wrote.

Everything a future wizard may need was included in this Harry Potter-themed shoot: “Harry Potter” books, of course, as well as a cauldron, wand and even a Gryffindor scarf.

“It is fair to say I always planned to introduce my children to the series at a young age,” Glover told The Huffington Post.


What really tops the outfit off are a pair of round glasses Glover received at a party for the midnight release of the fifth book.

This is only the beginning for Lorelai and Harry Potter. She has a way to go before being introduced to the books and movies.

“I absolutely plan to read them to her one day and have her enjoy reading them herself as well,” Glover said.


The photos went viral online, and Harry Potter fans have been loving Glover’s photos.

“At a time where there’s so much negativity clouding our social media and in the news, it gives me hope to see other’s appreciate my beautiful little girl dressed as a character that represents strength, perseverance, and humility,” Glover said.

We’d say little Lorelai is well on her way to living a life full of magic—the good kind, of course.

Skittles Melting Into Rainbow Soup Is The Coolest Thing We’ve Watched In A Long While

Could your mood use a boost today? Luckily there is a video involving Skittles and hot water that will amaze you in less than a minute.

Take 38 seconds today and watch this video of a circle of Skittles turning into a rainbow with the help of hot water. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the experience.

[iframe id=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fb-OS4tb7SI”]

The man behind the video, Dexter See, is on a whole other level of DIY skills. He carefully placed the Skittles in a circle on a plate, then poured hot water on top to make this truly beautiful, flowing rainbow.

You know you want to watch the video again! The best comment under the short video is by viewer Yodikgothiv who said: “When the colors finally touched I felt happiness.” We are with you, Yodikgothiv, we’re with you.

At the end, you will smile and be able to continue on throughout the day. Now it’s time to do two things.

1. Share this video with anyone who needs a quick pick-me-up today.

2. Try the DIY task with your own pack of Skittles. Simply place skittles close together in a circle on a plate. Heat water to just before boiling and slowly pour it onto the plate. Then, voila! Wait for the magic to happen.

Hopefully your Skittle rainbow comes out just as great. Another YouTuber, Taras Kul, tried the trick and produced a similar effect. His rainbow looked more swirly and less precise than the original video because, as he said, he poured the water a little too quickly. It still looks pretty cool!

Who says playing with candy and documenting it can’t be fun? No one, I tell you. No one!

[h/t Hello Giggles]

Photo by Paehder

Map Shows Which Airports Have Free Wi-Fi All Day Every Day

Not having wireless connection is high on the list of things people don’t like. In such a fast high-speed world most of the time we expect for Wi-Fi to be available.

Home is where your phone automatically connects to the Wi-Fi without any trouble. When you’re out and about there is no guarantee Wi-Fi will be available. The worst part is paying for connection, especially if you’re sitting in the airport patiently waiting for a flight.

After spending money on food and possibly a gift for someone you forgot about, no one truly want to pay for Wi-Fi.

Thanks to Anil Polat, you won’t have those issues anymore.

Travel blogger and computer security engineer, Anil Polat has created an interactive map with Wi-Fi passwords for airports around the world.

heres-a-map-of-wifi-locations-and-passwords-at-airports-around-the-world
Anil Polat

It is regularly updated whenever Polat travels and the world should be thankful for such a map. On his blog foXoMad you’ll find the interactive map which Polat hopes helps people travel smarter.

Though Polat hopes to visit every country in the world, he asks for the help of other travelers.

“This list becomes more useful the more of you who send me passwords you find at airports. If you get any lounge passwords or for other access points, please leave a comment on this post or email me directly,” said Polat.

You can see the interactive map by going on Polat’s blog or by downloading his WiFox map. Don’t worry it’s available for IOS and Andriod devices.

Before you book that flight, check the map to see if the airport you’ll be visiting is on the list.

Here is a huge thank you to Polat for helping travelers stay connected around the world.

Photo by Tupolev und seine Kamera

The Salary You Need To Buy A Home In 27 Cities

For many of us, owning a home is the ultimate dream. But, can you afford to buy a property in your city? A report released by loan and mortgage site HSH.com looks at the income families would need in 27 cities to become homeowners. Ranging from about $32,000 (Pittsburgh) to almost $162,000 (San Francisco), the salary needed to buy a home varies greatly from one city to the next.

The HSH report looked at the money needed to buy a property at the local median home price, including principal, interest, taxes and insurance. The calculations assume buyers put down 20 percent of the home price and that the monthly mortgage payment does not exceed 28 percent of their income.

In expensive markets like San Francisco, home ownership is unattainable for all but the wealthiest residents. As Huffington Post reports, the median household income is $78,000 in San Francisco, and only 13 percent of residents make en0ugh to buy a median-priced home, which is $885,600.

Photo by jeffgunn
Photo by jeffgunn
Photo by jeffgunn

With home prices so high in places like San Francisco, more people are opting to rent. But, according to Huffington Post, rents are rising as well, and many people are spending more than they can afford on rent.

However, there are some cities where home ownership is relatively affordable. You don’t need to earn more than $50,000 to buy a home in  Cincinnati, Phoenix, Cleveland and Tampa. See the rest of the report here.

[h/t: Huffington Post]

Filmmaker Accidentally Captures Beautiful Wedding Photo With His Drone

You may want to hire Brandon Li to photograph your next big event after seeing an accidental photo taken from his drone.

The travel filmmaker was attempting to catch the sunset in Hong King with his drone. When the battery started to die, he brought the camera down a little lower to capture the sunset from a different angle. In doing so he captured something else: newlyweds in a beautiful moment.

“A friend and I were testing out a DJI Phantom 3 in the Wan Chai/Causeway bay area of Hong Kong, mostly trying to catch the sunset,” Li told PetaPixel. “But the battery was almost dead so we pointed the camera down to catch another angle and let the drone return to home.”

On the roof of one of the building below was a newlywed couple, lying on grass with their arms outstretched. When Li pointed the camera down he never expected to capture such a beautiful and unexpected image. This is a shot we’re all sure to see on Instagram under #WeddingGoals or even on Pinterest boards for couples to re-create on their special day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK4mBNWBb2b/?taken-by=brandon_l_li

It wasn’t until Li was reviewing the images that he noticed what he had captured completely by accident.

“I have no idea who they are, but I assume they were practicing a pose for a wedding photograph or something,” Li said. “Or maybe they were just making lawn angels.”

After finding this special shot, Li posted it to Facebook and Instagram in hopes of finding the couple. We would love to know the story behind this image, too. If you look in the top right-hand corner of the image, you can see someone else is on the roof as well. He or she seems to be lying on a couch or chair, potentially sunbathing or looking at a phone.

What a lovely accident!

Ethan Allen Is Launching A Disney-Themed Furniture Collection

Disney fans, you’ll soon to able to bring Disney magic to your home in a pretty classy way with Ethan Allen’s new Disney-themed furniture and home decor collection.

All of the items in this amazing new collection are Mickey and Minnie Mouse-inspired. You can get everything from coasters to bedding to chairs with the infamous duo on them. The official launch of the collection is on November 18 (Mickey’s birthday). If you refuse to wait for this special dose of Disney magic, there are a number of items currently on presale.

(In order to purchase presale items, you must be a member of “D23” the Disney Fan Club, which luckily you can join for free.)

The presale items in the Disney-themed collection range from $39 – $1,599. Filling your home with the magic of Disney doesn’t come cheap, apparently.

This adorable “Bravo Chair,” which is covered in white fabric and with silhouettes of Mickey Mouse in black, will set you back nearly $1500.

bravo-chair
Ethan Allen

Bravo Chair, $1479

This ‘”Character Chest” is $1,599. Crafted from white oak and maple, the chest depicts—adorably—Mickey and Pluto talking an old-time selfie.

character-chest
Ethan Allen

Character Chest, $1599

Luckily, if the presale is any indication, there will be some more affordable items within the collection. Make entertaining at home a whimsical Disney experience with these Mickey-inspired coasters, for example.

disney-coasters
Ethan Allen

Coasters, $39

Instead of counting sheep, try reading stories on this Mickey and Minnie comic strip bedding.

comicstrip_bedding_front
Ethan Allen

Comic Strip Duvet Cover and Sham, $49 – $129

There’s a number of products dedicated just to Minnie, including artwork, long board, rugs (like the one below) and a cabinet.

minnie-rug
Ethan Allen

Minnie Rug, $249

Luckily, there will be even more items available when the full collection launches in November. Get ready to bring the magic of Disney home with you in a major way starting on Mickey’s birthday.

[h/t Hello Giggles]

Woman Accused Of Spoiling Baby Has The Best Response On Facebook

Raise your hand if you’ve ever received unsolicited advice or been the one to give it to someone else.

While out shopping with her baby, Kelly Dirkes was confronted by a stranger who decided to comment on Dirkes’ parenting skills.

The woman at the store lectured Kelly on how her daughter would never be independent if she kept “spoiling” her. While some parents may have told this stranger to mind her own business, Dirkes took another route.

She wrote an open letter to the woman on Facebook titled, “Dear Woman in Target,” and here are a few excerpts:

I’ve heard it before, you know. That I “spoil that baby”. You were convinced that she’d never learn to be “independent”. I smiled at you, kissed her head, and continued my shopping.

If you only knew what I know…

If you only knew what her face looked like the moment her orphanage caregiver handed her to me to cradle for the very first time—fleeting moments of serenity commingled with sheer terror. No one had ever held her that way before, and she had no idea what she was supposed to do.

Dirkes goes on to describes how her baby wouldn’t cry after waking up because she was used to no one responding. Before coming to Dirkes’ family she would also rock herself and bang her head on her crib rails for “sensory input and comfort.”

The letter continues to let the woman at Target know that Grace is indeed independent.

If you only knew that that baby in the carrier is heartbreakingly “independent” –and how we will spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years trying to override the part of her brain that screams “trauma” and “not safe.”

It is the end of the letter that really speaks to the spoiling comment.

“Spoiling that baby” is the most important job I will ever have, and it is a privilege. I will carry her for a little while longer–or as long as she’ll let me–because she is learning that she is safe. That she belongs. That she is loved.

As Dirkes said, “If you only knew.” The next time we are tempted to judge another’s style of parenting or approach to a situation, maybe we can think of Dirkes’ letter and refrain. We never know what someone else is going through and what our words will mean to them.

[h/t Little Things]

These 10 Companies Are Behind Almost Everything We Eat And Drink

While walking down the grocery aisle, you see hundreds of different brands.

While there seems to be an endless supply of brands to choose from, there are just 10 companies that control a large portion of every food and beverage brand in the world. These companies are: Danone, General Mills, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Kellogg’s, Mars, Mondelez and Associated British Foods.

That means our favorite soda brand is most likely owned by the same people packaging our can’t-live-without teas and bottled water. Check out the chart below from Oxfam (a conglomerate of nonprofits that work together to fight poverty around the world) that shows the corporations behind many of our favorite brands:

behind-the-brands-illusion-of-choice-graphic-2048x1351
Oxfam

Note: This infographic was created in 2013, so some of the information may no longer be accurate, though much of it still is.

Oxfam is pushing for these companies to make positive changes, and for customers to understand who is controlling the food they buy in stores so that they, too, can monitor how these companies are treating their employees or sourcing their food. The infographic created by the charity shows how so many of the brands we see in stores are connected with a different brand in another aisle. Oxfam’s website, Behind The Brands, gives brands ratings based on factors like environmental practices and workers’ rights.

Check out Oxfam’s scorecard, and keep reading in order to really understand how boxed rice is connected to gum take a look at which brands belong to the 10 companies.

Mars

Known for its chocolate brands, especially M&M’s but also the company behind Uncle Ben’s Rice, Orbtiz gum and Starburst.

chocolate
Mars

PepsiCo

The holder of the well-known sports drink Gatorade, PepsiCo doesn’t stop at beverages. It also houses the brands to some of your favorite chips including Lays, Cheetos and Sun Chips.

gatorade photo

Kellogg’s

Not only does Kelloggs make cereal and Eggo’s, but it owns Pringles, Nutri-Grain and Town House, too.

Kelloggs photo
Photo by Zanastardust

Nestlé

Forget just chocolate, the company has all things Wonka, Gerber and even sparkling water brand Perrier.

Kit Kat photo
Photo by renaissancechambara

Mondelez

The list of brands for Modelez is extensive including Cadbury, Ritz, Wheat Thins, Oreos and Trident Gum.

cadbury photo
Photo by JeepersMedia

The Internet Is Outfit-Shaming A Teacher Rather Than Praising Her For Work

There are so many good things that have come from the internet. Worldwide connectivity, information at our fingertips and an endless supply of cat memes, to name a few.

But the internet’s opened us up to some less than great things, too. Take online criticism, for example.

An elementary school teacher in Atlanta, Patrice Brown (she goes by Paris Monroe on Instagram) faced the ugliness of the internet recently after being outfit-shamed. Her photos launched an online debate on what is appropriate to wear to work. This isn’t the first or last time (a news anchor was recently criticized for wearing skinny jeans) a woman will be shamed online for her attire. It makes you question why the internet can’t let people be happy and do their jobs.

What people aren’t acknowledging is the fact that Brown is a good educator. The photo that went viral was of her in a classroom expressing her happiness for being awarded Educator of the Month.

Most of the photos online were of Brown in knee-length dresses, high-necked shirts, heels, jeans and T-shirts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BANsZYHjYFB/?taken-by=triceyl__&hl=en

Brown’s outfit-shaming led to conversation about body types. Was Brown getting criticized not for her attire but rather her body?

https://twitter.com/MommaMiiiaaa/status/775352218471976960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Her defenders on Twitter pointed out that curvy women are overly sexualized not matter what they wear.

https://twitter.com/FrankHoecean/status/775352560169340928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Those against her attire even went far enough to post “appropriate” clothing for an elementary teacher, not noticing those were similar to the outfits she was already wearing but looks different on everyone’s body. A cardigan on Taylor Swift will look different than it does on Brown, in other words.

One Twitter user posted a tweet to show the other side to Brown that wasn’t going viral—her work as a teacher.

Brown told Daily Dot, “I wish people would focus on the positive and what matters, which is educating the children of the future generation and providing and caring for them.”

Women are constantly criticized for what they do/don’t look like. It’s time we let people live their lives. Instead of praising a teacher for her hard work, the internet tore her down based on her appearance.

And now comes the news that the Atlantic Public Schools district got involved in the matter after receiving a number of complaints and has “given guidance regarding the APS Employee Dress Code, the use of social media, and Georgia Code of Ethics for educators, and [Brown] has been cooperative in addressing her presence on social media.”

The good news? Brown’s account is still live and active on Instagram, which goes to show us that she’s not letting naysayers shut her down. She recently posted a quote of “This too shall pass,” no doubt in reference to all the attention she’s received:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKRt1KSgHSl/?taken-by=triceyl__

If there’s one thing we know about the good, bad and ugly sides of the internet, it’s that this quote is all too true.

These Baby Carrier Halloween Costumes For Baby-Wearing Parents Will Melt Your Heart

Halloween is a bit complicated when a baby is involved. Pushing strollers and constantly moving blankets to show off costumes equals one long night. What if there was a way to make it all easier?

Welcome to the baby-wearing costume! As savvy parents likely already know, wearing a baby carrier as the costume base and decorating around it is an easy and fun way to incorporate your wee one into the Halloween festivities. No more strollers or complicated costumes for babies to fuss in all night. Make trick-or-treating a fun experience by dressing up with a baby carrier.

Here’s some baby-wearing costume inspiration from other parents who got into the carrier decoration spirit.

1. Rosie the Riveter (And Her Baby)

https://www.instagram.com/p/uzWpbjt2T2/

2. Every Baby Needs Secret Service

https://www.instagram.com/p/9hmYvLvjXZ/

3. Monkey Loves The Banana

https://www.instagram.com/p/u5t34yt0Ap/

4. Time To Color In Blue

https://www.instagram.com/p/u2LuH7vVm9/

 4. Pumpkin For The Night

https://www.instagram.com/p/9kQzuJLSLq/

5. Make Your Baby A Sushi Roll

https://www.instagram.com/p/88XW4ON2dq/

6. You’re Never Too Young For Starbucks

https://www.instagram.com/p/9h5tJfNGmr/

7. “The Hangover” Gang

https://www.instagram.com/p/9hWWqdkboH/

8. Baby Bee And The Beekeeper

https://www.instagram.com/p/us081CN2UJ/

9. The Sun And A Cloud

https://www.instagram.com/p/u1yq_ZmG0O/

10. Up Up And Away

https://www.instagram.com/p/9gJFGjBkEG/

[h/t PopSugar]

Funniest Thing You’ll See Today: SNL Actors Breaking Character [VIDEO]

Even the best comedians laugh while at work. The best of the best at Saturday Night Live are included. Being that the show is live, breaking character is bound to happen.

This four-minute video is a compilation of SNLers who are trying, but failing, with all their might to keep it together. The video includes everyone from McKinnon to Kristin Wiig, Bill Hader, Michael Jordan, Justin Timberlake and more.

Have a look and just try not to laugh right along with them.

There is no way you watched the whole video without laughing at the actors trying to keep it together. If you could barely contain yourself watching the video, imagine how hard it is for them!

[h/t Hello Giggles]

 

Found! Cookie Monster’s Famous Cookie Dough Recipe

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.

As we all know, Cookie Monster loves cookies. The “Sesame Street” character has quite the reputation for gobbling every cookie in sight. But have you ever wondered what type of cookie Cookie Monster most enjoys baking?

If this recipe is any indication, our big blue monster friend’s favorite cookie to bake may start with a plain old sugar cookie base. This recipe for Cookie Monster’s Famous Cookie Dough appeared in Big Bird’s Busy Book (which you can find used on Amazon) in the 1970s. The book featured a number of different recipes.

Thanks to The Kitchn, Cookie’s classic sugar cookie recipe has resurfaced for us to enjoy.

 

cookie-monster-cookie-dough

 

Cookie Monster should add one more phrase to his infamous refrain:

“Me want cookie!

Me eat cookie!

Me bake cookie!”

Here are the instructions:

Cookie Monster’s Famous Cookie Dough Recipe

What you’ll need:

3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs slightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking flour

1 teaspoon salt

Equipment:

Fork

Medium-sized mixing bowl

Measuring cup and spoon

Directions

  1. Put 3/4 cup of butter or margarine (that’s a stick and a half) into your mixing bowl.
  2. Measure 1 cup of sugar.
  3. Pour sugar over butter.
  4. With fork, squash butter and sugar together until they are blended.
  5. Crack shells of two eggs and pour eggs over mixture in bowl.
  6. Measure 1 teaspoon vanilla and pour over mixture.
  7. With fork, blend everything in the bowl together.
  8. Measure 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and pour over mixture in bowl.
  9. Measure 1 teaspoon baking powder and sprinkle over flour.
  10. Measure 1 teaspoon of salt and sprinkle over flour and baking powder.
  11. Mix everything together either with the fork or with your hands.
  12. Put dough in icebox to chill (at least one hour)

Per The Kitchen: “There are no instructions for baking from this print, but a quick search for others’ experiences with the recipe and recommendations say to roll out cookies 1/4 inch thick, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 400 degrees.”

cookie-monster-favorite-cookies
Cookie Monster/Facebook

As you’re waiting for these delicious cookie to bake remember one thing Cookie Monster taught us: “Me want cookie, but me wait.”

Looking to kick these sugar cookies up a notch? Check out the recipe for these awesome Cookie Monster cookies from In Katrina’s Kitchen that include almond buttercream frosting as fur, white chocolate disks with M&Ms for eyes and a halved chocolate chip cookie for a mouth. Mmmm.

cookie-monster-cookies
In Katrina's Kitchen

Seems like these would definitely be Cookie Monster-approved.

10 Book-Themed Home Accessories Every Book-Lover Should Own

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.

When you walk into someone’s home, the décor generally represents his or her personality and passions. The travel enthusiast has a framed map and the items they’ve collected on their journeys.

The same goes for those of use who never get tired of reading. A bibliophile likely has books strewn about the house: on shelves, under the bed, you name it.

There’s no shortage of book-themed products out there, some cheesier than others. If you’re looking to up your book-themed home decor or are looking for a gift for the book worm in your life, check out this list of 10 tasteful book-themed products for every bibliophile out there.

1. Bookshelf Wallpaper

Is there any cooler wallpaper option for a book-lover’s bedroom?

bookshelves-wallpaper
Chasing Paper

Chasing Paper, $40.00

2. Reader Eye Chart

This is perfect for the young book-lovers in your life. This creative eye chart reads: “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”

Today A Reader Tomorrow A Leader, eye chart print
Amazon

Amazon, $7.99

3. Cookie Cutter

Sit down with a good book and some cookies. Why not take it up a notch with these Emily Dickinson cookie cutters.

The Literary Gift Company
The Literary Gift Company

The Literary Gift Company, $10.36

4. Folding Night Light Book Lamp

You may recognize this clever product from “Shark Tank.” This wooden-covered night light opens to 360 degrees. Can you imagine a cooler way to read late at night?

folding-book-lamp
Excelvan

Amazon, $32.99

5. Book-Scented Candle

Any avid reader will tell you there is nothing like the smell of a book. Even when you’ve turned the last page continue the aroma with Frostbeard’s book-scented candles.

Book-Scented Candles
Frostbeard | Etsy

Etsy, $12.00-$18.00

6. Book-Shaped Plates

These plates are a tasteful nod to the deliciousness of an open book.

book-shaped-plates
Gone Reading

Gone Reading, $9.99 and up.

7. Dramatic Bookends

Forget normal and try Fred & Friends ‘THE END’ Dramatic Bookends. The figure trying to “hold” the books might remind you of all the times you carried way too many.

The END Dramatic Bookends
Amazon

Amazon, $17.99

8. Book Spoon

Literature and tea equals happiness so of course a spoon that reminds you of such an equation is necessary.

Book Spoon
ThePaperSpoon4U | Etsy

Etsy, $20.00

9. Classic Coaster Set

Never let anyone forget the classics with the Classic Book Coaster set. The cover art might make you want to read the books again.

Classic Book Coaster
The Literary Gift Company

The Literary Gift Company, $16.93

10. Library Embosser

Make your home a mini library with this personalized embosser. Whenever someone opens a book they will know which library they’ve stepped into.

Library Embosser
Horchow

Horchow, $26.00

Bonus Item: Library Scarf

Bring nostalgia to your closet. This due date scarf is sure to be a conversation-starter. You can wear it out or personalize it as a gift by writing the person’s favorite book and author on it.

Library Scarf
Cyberoptix | Etsy

Etsy, $44.00