The 5:1 Rule

I’d never heard of the 5:1 rule until it popped up on my feed. Basically, for every one tough moment with your kid, aim for five positive ones to balance it out.

We’re not treating it as gospel, but hey, we’re all for a fresh perspective.

Here’s a quick look at how it works—and why it just might be worth a try.

Here’s how to keep the 5:1 vibe going:

• Be Mindful of Demands: Keep track of how often you’re asking things from your kids. Sprinkle in more praise than requests.

• Acknowledge and Move On: When things go south, address it once—then let it go. Don’t let the negative linger.

• Highlight Effort, Not Just Success: When they’re giving their best effort, let them know you see it. Progress counts.

• Bring the Love: High fives, hugs, even a quick “I’m proud of you” can go a long way in keeping the positive balance strong.

Remember, this isn’t about sugarcoating things or avoiding discipline. It’s about building a foundation of positivity so the tougher moments don’t weigh too heavy.

Jimmy Stewart

Before he was gracing the silver screen, Jimmy Stewart was in the cockpit, fighting for something much bigger than fame. Known for his legendary roles in films like It’s a Wonderful Life, Stewart was also a decorated WWII pilot, the first major American movie star to enlist in the war after Pearl Harbor.

Despite his celebrity status, Stewart didn't use his connections to score an easy assignment. Instead, he flew 20 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe, rising to the rank of Brigadier General in the Air Force. Stewart rarely talked about his time in the war, but his dedication to his country and his crew showed the world what true resilience looks like.

As a father, Stewart instilled the same values of duty, humility, and quiet strength in his children. One of his own famous quotes captures his grounded perspective on life: “Never treat your audience as customers, always as partners.” Stewart lived by this in every role he played—on screen, in the skies, and at home. Learn more here.

Whiskey Barrel Arcade

Here’s a trip down memory lane with a twist of whiskey (minus the hangover).

The 8-Bit Whiskey Barrel Arcade is your new nostalgic fix—think pizza joint arcade games, but way cooler. Handmade in Michigan from genuine whiskey barrels, it’s a piece that blends old-school gaming vibes with some top-notch craftsmanship.

You get 60 classic games, from Galaga to Ms. Pac-Man, to bring those retro feels right into your man cave. Grab one of these and let the good times roll, joystick style.

Get it here.

Adding Micro-Workouts to Your Routine

Let’s talk micro-workouts—aka the ‘movement snacks’ that keep you from stiffening up behind a desk or in front of the TV. Imagine these as bite-sized bits of exercise you can do anytime, anywhere: a few squats while the coffee brews, some lunges on your way to the bathroom, or maybe a quick set of push-ups before your next Zoom call.

Studies even show that three quick 20-second sprints up the stairs, three days a week, can bump up your cardio fitness by 5%. It may not sound huge, but those little moves add up. Plus, breaking up the day with bursts of movement can make a real dent in your heart health and even help reduce risks of serious conditions like heart disease and cancer.

The trick? Find ways to layer these “snacks” into your existing routine—stack them on top of habits you already have. So, the next time you’re tempted to scroll through your phone, consider busting out some air squats or a wall sit. Not a fan of burpees? Don’t worry, just pick something you will do consistently.

Read more here.

Christmas Light Hacks for the Win:

It’s that time of year when tangled cords, cold ladders, and epic displays of neighborhood rivalry come out to play. We’ve got a few tricks to make the Christmas lights ordeal a whole lot easier (and, dare we say, enjoyable).

Here’s how to level up your holiday glow-up, without the hassle.

1. Zip Ties to the Rescue
No more loose strands! Zip ties are clutch for keeping lights secured to trees, railings, or wherever you need. Plus, they’re easy to snip when it’s time to take down.

2. PVC Pipe Guide
For that perfect, straight-lined look along your driveway or sidewalk, try threading lights through a PVC pipe before staking it. It keeps them evenly spaced and tangle-free.

3. Binder Clips for Windows
Ditch the tape. Binder clips hold lights in place around windows, and come off without leaving sticky residue everywhere.

4. Tangle-Free Storage
Next year’s sanity saver: Wrap lights around a piece of cardboard or a leftover gift wrap tube when you take them down. Future you will thank you.

See what the pros are doing here.