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. Jamie Slack — 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.

Valentine’s Day Decor Is Officially at Target and I Am in Love

Considering Christmas is officially finished, retail stores like Target and Walmart have officially moved on to the next holiday.

Courtesy of Target

So forget red and green because Target chains have officially stocked up on this year’s Valentine’s day decor for a red and pink takeover in several aisles!

Courtesy of @usernamelotus

Rather red hearts than Rudolph’s red nose, Target has officially stocked up on all things that have to do with the day of love.

Courtesy of @usernamelotus

Not to mention many of Target’s aisles look like they came from a section of Cupid’s own home!

Courtesy of @usernamelotus

However this year’s decor, is filled with avocado plushies holding hands, heart-shaped plates, pink dinosaurs, Valentine’s day decorated blankets, white pillows with tiny red hearts, and vis versa!

Courtesy of @usernamelotus

You can also expect red and white dish towels, mugs that have “xoxoxo” written on them, and even peanut butter and jelly slices of bread that are also holding hands.

Courtesy of @usernamelotus

And let’s not forget about the countless boxes of chocolates!

Courtesy of @usernamelotus

You can currently find all things hearts at Target right now! You can shop the Target Valentine’s Collection 2023 online here.

Courtesy of @usernamelotus
You Can Get Snow Plow Croc Charms, Because Why Not?

Snowplow Croc Charms exist, and you have to check these out!

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If you are not a fan of Crocs, you have probably never tried on a pair of Crocs.

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Once you have experienced the Croc, you will never want to go back to boring “normal” shoes.

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They are like the perfect shoe. Easy to clean, super comfy, and have a convenient slip-on design.

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The only problem with Crocs is that they can be a little rough in the snowy weather.

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BUT, not now!!

You can get Snowplow Crocs Charms to put on the front of your Crocs, and they are as functional as they are hilarious.

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How perfect that you can put on a pair of thick, comfy socks, and then throw on your Crocs for that snowy walk outside.

These Snowplow Croc Charms run twenty bucks, and you get TWO snowplows — one for each shoe.

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They are 3D printed with a sturdy PLA plastic that makes them durable and totally fun.

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Gah!! I am totally getting these for the Crocs I got for Christmas. I’m sure to get a laugh or two!

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These Snowplow Croc Charms are printed right here in the U.S.A., and perhaps my FAVORITE part — they ship for FREE!

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They are also made by Warehouse_33, which is a small business that sells on Amazon.

By purchasing a pair of these Snowplow Crocs Charms, you are supporting the small-business cause.

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You can pick up a pair of these Snowplow Crocs Charms on the Amazon website.

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If you like fun Crocs and Croc Accessories, you have to check out these Camping Crocs. They have survival tools attached!!

Crocs/ Project Greenhouse
Turns Out, You Have Been Shredding Vegetables Wrong Your Entire Life. Here’s How To Do It The Easy Way.

If you’re anything like me, you have been slicing onions wrong your entire life.

The knife method just simply doesn’t work for me!

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And, it’s not just onions that we have been struggling to shred.

Apparently you can shred cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes — most vegetables that are usually on the hard side to cut up.

How in the world, you might ask?

Well, according to a series of videos posted on TikTok, it is actually pretty easy.

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First, protect your fingers — those are usually the first to go, AMIRITE?!?

Stick a fork in the vegetable you want to peel. Like literally, spear that thing with the fork prongs, and get your fingers out of the way.

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Then, you’re going to grab your favorite heavy-duty vegetable peeler.

One of those metal gadgets that your mom used to use isn’t going to do the job.

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You’re going to need something like this mini mandolin-like vegetable peeler that you can find on Amazon.

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Take that vegetable that you speared onto the end of a fork, and just run it back and forth quickly along the vegetable.

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This isn’t a job where you can gingerly run that peeler blade across the veg.

Grab that thing, and put some muscle into it.

It’s not difficult once you get into the rhythm of the shred.

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Seriously, this is a game changer for all those times you need finely sliced vegetables!

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I just wish we would have known about this little trick BEFORE the holiday season, right?!?
This Drunk Driver Took A Wrong Turn and Ended Up Driving Down A Frozen Canal

These people ice skating on a frozen canal in Indianapolis never expected to come across what they saw on Christmas night.

While they were having fun skating on the ice, a car came driving down the frozen water!

Fox News Via Storyful

As you might imagine, the driver had been celebrating the Christmas season with a bit of liquid courage.

And, because we are just that lucky, they caught the whole thing on their phone.

Fox News Via Storyful

In this oddly eerie scene, Biankia Gleason can be seen maneuvering her car down the frozen waterway like it’s a city street.

Fox News Via Storyful

According to Fox News, Biankia told firefighters that her GPS was to blame for the weird scene.

Apple Maps

Apparently, she drove down an embankment, through the park, and onto the frozen canal.

I mean, I’ve taken wrong turns with my GPS, but this was next level wrong!

As you might imagine, her car broke through the ice before she was able to make it to an actual street.

She was able to make it out of the car before it submerged, thanks to some good samaritans who happened to be close by.

Fox News Via Storyful

Biankia was then checked out by EMS, and once she was deemed okay, she was arrested.

Fox News Via Storyful

She was able to post bond, and now has one heck of a story to tell.
According to Reports, Kanye West Has Been Missing For Weeks

Is Kanye West missing?

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Well, it would appear so.

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According to his former business manager, he can’t locate the larger-than-life Donda rapper.

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That’s odd, since Kanye is always stirring up some kind of drama in the news and on the social media circuit.

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Thomas St. John, who is Ye’s former senior financial adviser, is trying to serve him papers.

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The only problem is, he can’t find him.

St. John is suing Kanye over lack of payment — a $4.5M contract lawsuit, to be exact.

This gigantic sum of money comes from Kanye allegedly refusing to pay fees owed to St. John.

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When confronted by the 18-month commitment that had just been made, Mr. West stated words to the effect of ‘The 18-month term was bulls**t’ and ‘You’re insane for even thinking I would stick to it.
News Max

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He has been unable to find an exact address for Kanye, and can’t serve him the court papers until Kanye shows up.

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Not only that, St. John hasn’t been able to reach legal representation for Kanye.

When he tries to contact Kanye’s legal peeps, he is basically sent in a loop of confusion.

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We subsequently learned of information in the news that the law firm identified as new counsel was not affiliated with the defendants. Accordingly, we have not been able to serve defendants through their counsel.
Court Documents cited by The U.S. Sun

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We have not been able to serve defendants through their counsel. As a general matter, we have had difficulty confirming the best current address of Kanye West.
Court Documents cited by The U.S. Sun

The Daily Loud sent out a Tweet on December 28th, claiming Kanye is missing, and it has everyone wondering what the heck happened to him.

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Kanye West has reportedly been missing and unable to find for weeks according to his ex-business manager.
Daily Loud

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So, is Kanye really missing?

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Who really knows. I’m sure he’ll turn up in the news sooner or later!

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Taco Bell Is Testing Three New Coffee Flavors to Fuel Your Morning Caffeine Run

Taco Bell wants you to know that they don’t only specialize in frozen beverages.

Courtesy of @tacobell

While we know Taco Bell is no amateur when it comes to making what they called “freezes” such as the frozen Baja Blast, caffeinated beverages made from coffee beans are also another speciality.

Courtesy of Taco Bell

In addition to the Cinnabon flavored coffee, the taco chain is submitting three new flavors to their iced coffee line.

Courtesy of Taco Bell

Featuring the Dulce de Leche, Mexican Chocolate Mocha, and Sweet Vanilla, thanks to Taco Bell, we now have our go-to coffee flavors for our morning commute.

Courtesy of @markie_devo

You can expect each coffee to run a little over two bucks and if there’s anything we know about these three new flavors, assuming each coffee tastes how they sound, these caffeinated drinks will be sweet!

Courtesy of @tantehman

So if you have time to stop by the drive-thru, it looks like the Bell may only be testing the new coffee flavors for now, thanks to @markie_devo who spotted the flavors in Coalinga, California!

Courtesy of @tacobell

However here’s hoping Taco Bell runs with the new roasts nationwide so we can all have a taste of the new flavored coffee beans.

Courtesy of @tmc_reviews

And if the new flavors do become nationwide, we all know we’ll be making extra time in our morning schedule to run to Taco Bell to get our iced coffees on the go, (and a breakfast burrito on the side).

Courtesy of @chipsandchat.angelica
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Officially Beat Out Johnny Depp As The Most Recognizable Celebrity And I’m Shook

Who doesn’t know Johnny Depp?

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I mean, come on! Mr. Jack Sparrow, himself.

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He has been the most recognizable celebrity for YEARS, and you’d think — or at least I would — that everyone would know who he is.

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But, turns out, that’s not the case anymore.

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As generations change, celebrities fade in and out of popularity.

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And, it just so happens, Johnny Depp is on the outs as far as recognizability with the young Gen-Zers.

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Who is tops of their list when it comes to recognizability?

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

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It has been dang near half a decade since The Rock graced the stage at WWE, but he has now become one heck of a recognizable movie star.

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From starring in films such as The Fast And The Furious, Jumanji, Black Adam, Jungle Cruise, Red Notice — and of course, the voice of Maui in Moana — these youngsters are well acquainted with the larger than life celebrity that is Dwayne Johnson.

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He even hosted Shark Week this year!

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While Johnny Depp has been in a TON of movies, the last one you would probably recognize him for is 2018’s Fantastic Beasts.

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And, it’s been 5 years since we’ve seen him in his über popular role as Jack Sparrow.

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It’s been a lifetime ago since the height of his Jack Sparrow popularity for these new generations.

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So, while Johnny Depp will always and forever be at the top of my celebrity crush list, he has dropped out of popularity amongst the young masses.

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According to Inside The Magic, a new celebrity king has taken the throne, and it’s Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

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Here’s How You Can Make A Homemade Disinfectant Spray Using Your Live Christmas Tree

It’s once again around that time of the year where we slowly take down our Christmas decor and the first thing to go for many, is the big tree sitting in the middle of the living room.

While most will lug the once decorated tree outside and leave it on the curb as trash, here’s how you can get the most of out of tree even after the holidays thanks to TikToker @creative_explained.

After taking down the ornaments, the shiny star at the top of the tree, and the string lights, cut off a few branches and cut them down into smaller pieces.

Courtesy of @creative_explained

Stuff those smaller pieces in an airtight jar, find some vinegar and pour in a cup and a half; shut the jar tight!

Courtesy of @creative_explained

Leave the jar by a sunny window for a week straight and wait.

Courtesy of @creative_explained

While you wait, you’ll notice that the vinegar will extract the oils and antibacterial properties from your evergreen tree needles which will soon turn the vinegar a deep golden tint!

Courtesy of @creative_explained

Make sure to strain the liquid into a spray bottle and being careful enough to not allow any debris to fall in; add in a shot of rubbing alcohol and fill the rest of the bottle with water until it’s full.

Courtesy of @creative_explained

So what are you left with?

Courtesy of @creative_explained

A homemade disinfectant that cleans the stove, countertops, the bathroom, floors and yes, even your mirrors; not to mention it leaves a pleasant smell that will remind you of what was Christmas of ’22.

Courtesy of @creative_explained

Who knew the Christmas tree could act as decor and cleanup the messes leftover from the busy holiday season!

Courtesy of @creative_explained
The Pioneer Woman Quietly Dropped A New Slow Cooker Design And It Is Adorable

I don’t know if you are a fan of The Pioneer Woman collection at Walmart, but GAH!! It’s so adorable.

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The florals and gingham designs are simply perfect for any country themed kitchen.

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And, Happy New Year’s to us, she just dropped a new slow cooker design that is absolutely divine.

The Meandering Geo design has a total retro vibe — it’s something my grandma might have used back in the day. You know — if she would have dared to use a slow cooker.

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The Pioneer Woman also dropped a Vintage Floral line that most anybody, who’s not insane, will love.

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Absolutely dreamy and darling PW appliances! I love the new slow cooker design, but all of these make me so happy.
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You can find these Vintage Floral design appliances in everything from blending —

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To baking —

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To air frying —

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And even to a precious toaster that I NEED in my kitchen!

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Each of these products have The Pioneer Woman signature floral pattern, and can be perfectly mixed and matched with your other favorite items from The Pioneer Woman Collection.

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You totally won’t believe how inexpensive these appliances are. They are completely adorbs without breaking the bank.

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Most of The Pioneer Woman collection ranges from $20 to $35, with the Pressure Cooker coming in at $89. Totally comparable to other products, but WAY cuter!!

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You can check out The Pioneer Woman collection at Walmart.

But, I’m just warning you. You are going to want EVERYTHING!

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Betty Crocker Just Released an Entire Reese’s Baking Line So Now You Can Eat Candy for Breakfast

Typically we eat dessert after dinner, but who’s to say we can’t start with something sweet?

Thanks to Betty Crocker, we have another reason to eat candy for breakfast and not just on Christmas.

Courtesy of @candyhunting

Dubbed their Reese’s baking mixes, you can sizzle a fluffy stack from their peanut butter pancake kit that can even be turned into waffles, if you prefer.

Courtesy of @cereallife

Just don’t be fooled and accidentally pour over milk rather than syrup because these breakfast mixes, taste exactly like the Reese’s Puffs cereal.

Courtesy of @cereallife

However, if you’d rather save the sweets until after dinner, Betty Crocker has also released a several sweet treats that will satisfy any nagging sweet tooth.

Courtesy of @junkfoodmom

Featuring Reese’s Pieces Cookie Mix, Reese’s Coffee Cake Mix, and finally Reese’s Brownie Mix, don’t blame us if you have trouble picking which pack to bake in the oven first.

Courtesy of @markie_devo

You can also count on each box to be made with real Reese’s peanut butter chips for that added peanut butter flavor!

Courtesy of @cereallife

And the best part, other than Reese’s flavored breakfast mixes and homemade sweet treats, the entire Reese’s line is currently out in grocery stores now!

Courtesy of Hershey’s

Just stop in on the bakery aisle, and look for the bright orange boxes!

Courtesy of @reesespuffs