Category: Heavy Handed Advice

Heavy Handed Advice is exactly what it sounds like — opinions you didn’t ask for but probably need. This is the corner of the internet where I tell you what I’d tell my best friend, which is sometimes “you’re right” and sometimes “you’re being ridiculous.”
What kind of advice is on TTB?
Life stuff. Money stuff. Relationship stuff. Parenting stuff. The kind of advice that doesn’t come with a 17-step plan or a $99 download. Just honest takes from someone who’s made every mistake worth making and lived to write about it.
Who writes the advice posts?
I do. — blogger since the AOL days, currently raising one kid and several houseplants. If I write it, I mean it.
Got a question that isn’t covered here?
If it’s the kind of question you’d ask at midnight when nobody else is awake — love, work, the weird dreams — that’s exactly what I built Elementually for. No scripts, no judgment, just answers.

  • Here’s How You Can Make Strawberry Roses For The Most Romantic Dessert

    Here’s How You Can Make Strawberry Roses For The Most Romantic Dessert

    Say no to the chocolate assortments and ditch the red roses!

    Similar to those chocolate covered strawberry turkeys you made for Thanksgiving dessert, strawberry roses are here for Valentine’s day dinner and they are the cutest addition for a romantic night in.

    Courtesy of @thekitchenprepblog

    Roses are red and so are strawberries which means there’s no reason why we can’t get creative on the day of love, for our love.

    Thanks to TikToker @thekitchenprepblog whose videos went viral showing the simple yet creative food idea, we now know what to make for our side dish for two.

    What Are Strawberry Roses?

    Strawberry roses are strawberries cut in the shape of a rose!

    They can be used to garnish your main meal on the evening of Cupid’s day or act as pretty side dish made to be devoured and dipped in melted dark chocolate.

    Courtesy of @thekitchenprepblog

    How to Make Strawberry Roses

    Start by washing a handful of strawberries; consider 12 for a dozen ‘red roses’ like a fresh bouquet from the market.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is strawberries.jpg

    Grab several skewers and poke them through the center of your strawberry from the top.

    Courtesy of @thekitchenprepblog

    Take your kitchen knife and gently slice slits (without cutting all the way through), around the entire strawberry from the bottom to top.

    Courtesy of @thekitchenprepblog

    The slits will act as pedals like a layered rose picked fresh from the ground!

    Courtesy of @thekitchenprepblog

    The perfect sweet treat to coat with whipped cream during dinner or save for dessert after eating a chicken roast.

    Courtesy of @thekitchenprepblog
  • Krispy Kreme Releases Doughnuts That Taste Like Biscoff Cookies and I’m On My Way

    Krispy Kreme Releases Doughnuts That Taste Like Biscoff Cookies and I’m On My Way

    If you’re not used to dunking your doughnuts in a hot cup of coffee, you will soon.

    Courtesy of @KrispyKreme

    Considering doughnuts and coffee are already a famous pair, Krispy Kreme is taking their original doughnut recipe a step further that will make you want to dip the warm dough in your latte.

    Courtesy of @candyhunting

    Inspired by the Biscoff cookie, famously known for being dunked in a hot cup of caffeine, Krispy Kreme’s latest doughnut creation will remind of the crunchy cookie!

    Courtesy of Krispy Kreme

    The donut chain introduces three new Biscoff inspired flavors including the Biscoff Iced Doughnut, the Biscoff Cookie Butter Kreme Filled Doughnut, and the Biscoff Cookie Butter Kreme Filled Doughnut!

    Courtesy of Krispy Kreme

    You can expect the Biscoff Iced Doughnut to taste exactly how it sounds; a shell doughnut crammed with a Biscoff Cookie Butter KREME filling, dipped in Biscoff Cookie Butter icing and finally, drizzled with dark chocolate flavored icing and Biscoff Crumble.

    Courtesy of Krispy Kreme

    The Biscoff Cookie Butter Kreme Filled Doughnut is stuffed with a Biscoff Cookie Butter KREME filling, dipped in Biscoff Cookie Butter icing and swirled with a dark chocolate flavored icing and Biscoff Crumble.

    Courtesy of Krispy Kreme

    Lastly, the Biscoff Cookie Butter Kreme Filled Doughnut is an Original Glazed doughnut that’s dipped in a Biscoff Cookie Butter icing and finalized with cream cheese frosting and Biscoff Crumble.

    Courtesy of @jhunter78

    You can snag a dozen of Krispy Kreme’s newly inspired Biscoff cookie flavored doughnuts now until January 29!

  • Bryan Kohberger’s DNA Was Matched To The Idaho Murder Scene And There’s Even An Eye Witness

    Bryan Kohberger’s DNA Was Matched To The Idaho Murder Scene And There’s Even An Eye Witness

    If you don’t know the name Bryan Kohberger, let me just catch you up to speed.

    He is the psycho accused of murdering four University of Idaho students back in November.

    Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20 were all found stabbed to death in their off-campus apartment, and Bryan Kohberger — although innocent until proven guilty — did it.

    Bryan DNA was matched to a knife sheath that was found at the scene of the horrific murders.

    According to TMZ, authorities went through the trash at his family’s house.

    They were able to get ahold of his dad’s DNA, which — through a bunch of scientific tests that I don’t quite understand — had enough similarity to match the DNA taken from the knife sheath that was found where the murders happened.

    Authorities Were Able To Match DNA Found At The Murder Scene To Bryan Kohberger

    Because they were able to match the DNA from Bryan to the sheath, they were able to pin the murders on him.

    Not only was his knife sheath found at the scene, but they have surveillance footage of his car at the scene of the murders.

    There were several videos showing his white Elantra making several passes by the house on November 13th — the night of the murders.

    Video clearly shows him finally stopping at 4:04 AM outside the residence.

    It’s hard to fathom what happens next.

    At 4:20am, his car is seen quickly fleeing the scene — just enough time to commit the murders and get out of dodge.

    As if the knife sheath and the video footage of his car weren’t enough, there is also an actual witness from inside the house that saw Bryan — or what we assume is Bryan — at the scene of the murders.

    This witness claims that she “saw a man 5’10” or taller, not very muscular but athletically built with bushy eyebrows, wearing black clothing with a mask.”

    Surprise, surprise. Police were able to get a driver’s license picture of Bryan.

    Guess what it told them? Bryan’s height is listed as 6′ and he weighs 185 pounds. The driver’s license pic also clearly shows he has bushy eyebrows.

    Boom. Match.

    A Witness In The House Heard A Woman Say, “There’s Someone Here.”

    Want to get completely creeped out? The witness in the house had looked out of her bedroom, because she had heard a woman’s voice say, “there’s someone here.”

    She then heard the voice of a male say, “It’s ok, I’m going to help you.”

    Gives you chills, huh!!

    When you take the witness description, the driver’s license pictures, Bryan’s DNA on the knife sheath, and the video footage of his car at the scene of the murders, it seems like a pretty slam-dunk case.

    According to CNN, Bryan has been “charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.”

    Here’s a little more FYI knowledge on this sick f***.

    Not only is he a criminal justice major, he actually applied for an internship with the Pullman Police Department in Washington.

    Yikes.

  • The Nicholas Cage ‘Renfield’ Trailer Has Dropped And It Looks So Good

    The Nicholas Cage ‘Renfield’ Trailer Has Dropped And It Looks So Good

    This isn’t the first time that Nicholas Cage has played a fang-toothed vampire on the big screen.

    WAY back in 1988, he played a wanna-be vampire-type guy in the comedy Vampire’s Kiss.

    p.s. If you haven’t seen it, find where it’s streaming, and watch it. Hilarious!

    Now, Nick Cage is taking on the role of Dracula in 2023’s Renfield, and it looks like it’s going to be so good.

    Universal

    The trailer just dropped Renfield, and we are getting our first look at Nicholas Cage as The Dark One, himself.

    Universal

    Nick plays Dracula, the narcissistic boss of the bug-eating character who is Renfield.

    Universal

    While the movie centers on Renfield, who wants to quit being the henchman for Dracula, we do get the opportunity to see Nick play Drac, and I love it!

    Universal

    Now, Renfield and Dracula are notoriously codependent on each other. So, gaining his independence might prove a bit — shall we say — difficult for Renfield.

    Universal

    Is Dracula willing to let him go?

    Universal

    Renfield will drop into theaters on April 14.

    But, for now, you can watch the trailer for Renfield below.

  • Jeremy Renner Shares A Video From His Hospital Bed And He Appears To Be Doing Better

    Jeremy Renner Shares A Video From His Hospital Bed And He Appears To Be Doing Better

    Jeremy Renner appears to be doing just the littlest bit better, and we are so happy for him!

    He posted a Twitter video from his hospital bed, and he appears to be in good spirits — which makes our hearts happy.

    ICYMI, Jeremy was helping a family member out of the snow outside of his house near Reno, Nevada.

    He was digging them out of the snow with the help of his PistenBully snowcat.

    When he jumped out to talk to his family member, the PistenBully kept going.

    In a freak accident, the huge multi-ton piece of machinery ran over his leg, causing him to lose a crap-ton of blood.

    Jeremy was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent 2 surgeries to help repair the trauma caused by the snowplow.

    He previously posted a photo to his Instagram page, thanking all his fans for the good thoughts and kind words.

    Now, he has uploaded a video to Twitter, showing us all that he is doing just a little bit better.

    A “not no great” ICU DAY, turned to amazing spa day with my sis and mama. Thank you sooooo much

    Jeremy Renner

    The video shows Jeremy’s sister massaging a shampoo cap into his scalp, giving him the first semblance of a shower since his accident.

    If you’ve ever been stuck in the hospital for any length of time, you know how good clean hair can feel!

    We are so happy for you, Jeremy, and super glad you are on the mend!! Our thoughts continue to be with you.

  • North West Dressed Up As Kanye in A New Video And People Have Thoughts

    North West Dressed Up As Kanye in A New Video And People Have Thoughts

    North West loves to post on her joint TikTok account with Kim K, and we love to watch.

    But, North’s latest TikTok video has people shaking their heads and wondering why the heck Kim is okay with it.

    Now, Kim and North don’t do comments on their posts, but people have taken to Reddit to comment.

    It’s not so much North’s choice of content in the post — but it’s Kim’s reaction and the odd choice of music.

    North has played around with her special effects makeup in TikTok posts before.

    Like, this one where she easily turns herself into The Grinch.

    I’m even going to go on record as saying she is pretty good at it!

    But, this time, she used her makeup to turn herself into her father — Kanye “Ye” West.

    While, I have to admit, it’s pretty spot on.

    It’s kind of an odd subject for a TikTok, and Kim’s reaction is just plain weird.

    First of all, the music choice is strange.

    As you might remember, Kim famously showed up naked in the video for “Bound 2” by Kanye — yet, this is the music that was chosen for the video.

    UMG

    Then, at the end of the TikTok video, Kim puts her arm around North, and sort of pouts.

    It’s just a little too sexualized for my taste. Weird.

    What do you think? Harmless fun, or a bit on the bizarre side?

  • Ronzoni Pastina Has Officially Been Discontinued and I’m Heartbroken 

    Ronzoni Pastina Has Officially Been Discontinued and I’m Heartbroken 

    The next time you make Marinara sauce you won’t have to worry about using salt, because your tears will have already added enough. 

    Courtesy of @eatreadsit

    Ronzoni has officially announced the discontinuation of one of their pasta varieties. 

    Courtesy of @ronzonipasta

    And needless to say the days of burying this pasta under Mariana sauce or tossed in homemade chicken noodle soup are heartbreakingly over. 

    Courtesy of @ubu_ibme_k

    Ronzoni Pastina number 155 has been officially discontinued according to the pasta company. 

    Courtesy of @markie_devo

    The tiny, star-like shaped pastina has officially seen its last day being poured over boiling water. 

    Courtesy of @jandjfinds

    The pasta company posted a statement via social media that announced the discontinuation of their Pastina. 

    Courtesy of @kathiekdonahue

    And according to the company, their long-term suppler will not be making the Ronzoni Pasta anymore as of this month. 

    Courtesy of @ronzonipasta

    So if your go-to pasta just so happens to be Ronzoni Pastina, it’s time to find a new favorite to cook for dinner. 

    Courtesy of @mamimarinita
  • Brendan Fraser Says He Would Absolutely Be Down For A ‘Mummy’ Sequel And We All Want To See It

    Brendan Fraser Says He Would Absolutely Be Down For A ‘Mummy’ Sequel And We All Want To See It

    We are in the middle of a #Brenaissance for Brendan Fraser, and I really couldn’t be more happy!!

    If you haven’t yet seen The Whale — oh my gosh. You should really get on that.

    There’s a good reason he got a 6-minute standing ovation for the film.

    Side Note: Grab your Kleenex. You’re gonna need it.

    Now, the news we’ve all been hoping for —

    Brendan Fraser says he would totally be down for a Mummy sequel, and YES!! Do it!!!

    I’m not opposed to it, I don’t know an actor who doesn’t want a job.

    Brendan Fraser

    It has been a hot minute since we’ve seen Brendan in the movie franchise that made him a household name, and it’s about time we head back into the world of Rick O’Connell and the undead.

    I don’t think I’ve been this famous and unsalaried at the same time in my professional life so sign me up!

    Brendan Fraser

    In 2017, someone thought it would be a good idea to replace Brendan with Tom Cruise in a franchise reboot.

    Nope. It wasn’t a good idea. Not even for a minute.

    Let’s be honest. Nobody can replace Brendan Fraser!

    Are we going to get a Mummy sequel? Only time will tell.

    But, if we are voting, it’s two hands in the air for me!!

  • Reese’s Just Released an Entire Line of Ice Cream and I’m Stocking Up

    Reese’s Just Released an Entire Line of Ice Cream and I’m Stocking Up

    Reese’s just went frozen.

    That’s right, America’s #1 candy has just released their own ice cream line and it’s safe to say the frozen section will be jam packed!

    Courtesy of Unilever

    And we suggest disguising the pints and boxes of your Reese’s ice cream to avoid having to share.

    Courtesy of Unilever

    So rather than searching for a Reese’s cup in the candy aisle, you’ll instead want to put on a coat and hustle towards the cold section.

    Featuring seven different types of ice cream you can think of between handheld bites, ice cream cones, sandwiches, and ice cream you can scoop, Reese’s ice cream might just become the new snack you crave at midnight.

    Courtesy of Unilever

    The new desserts include:

    • Reese’s Peanut Butter Sandwich
    • Reese’s Peanut Butter Light Ice Cream
    • Reese’s Chocolate Frozen Dairy Dessert
    • Reese’s Mini Pieces Light Ice Cream
    • Reese’s Peanut Butter Frozen Dairy Dessert Bar
    • Reese’s Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cones
    • Reese’s Peanut Butter Frozen Dessert Cup.
    Courtesy of @candyhunting

    And thanks to Unilever and Reese’s for partnering together to make frozen treats that are worth hiding in the freezer to keep for yourself, the frozen treats are currently available to snag at your next grocery run!

    Courtesy of Unilever

    Reese’s new line of ice cream releases this month at major retailers nationwide, just make sure to wipe the drool from your mouth after reading this.

    Courtesy of @candyhunting
  • People Are Just Now Finding Out What the Metal Rivets on Jeans Are Used for and Now It All Makes Sense

    People Are Just Now Finding Out What the Metal Rivets on Jeans Are Used for and Now It All Makes Sense

    If you’re a jean fanatic, you might be interested to know that the tiny metal rivets on your jeans are not just for decoration.

    Just like the tiny pocket that had the internet shook on what they’re supposed to be used for, the metal studs on your jeans also have a specific job, or at least they used too.

    Typically located on the outside corners of your front pockets, the circular metal pieces are commonly found on Levi jeans since the late 1800s and is also one of the reasons why the quality of your jeans are long-lasting.

    By hammering small disks on metal studs that pierced through the jean’s fabric, it was American tailor Jacob Davis who created the invention and the look.

    Levi Strauss & Co. even patented the infamous design of the metal rivets you see on most jeans that quickly became essential to the pants.

    So what are the metal rivets used for on jeans; the answer is simple.

    Thanks to one Reddit user who was curious enough to ask the question and another commented:

    “Rivets were used to strengthen denim pants when they were used primarily for work. Over the years, the need for them diminished, but the appeal did not.”

    It was common for workers in the 1807s who owned jeans to have problems with their pocket corners wearing and eventually tearing.

    And that’s exactly when Jacob Davis came up with the idea to secure the pockets with tiny metal rivets that created a solution to the problem.

    However nowadays, jeans don’t necessarily have use for the metal rivets anymore and are now, simply kept as a sentiment to the early design in our go-to jeans.