Totally The Bomb

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.

  • You Can Get a Fortune-Telling Wax Kit That Will Tell You Your Future for the New Year

    You Can Get a Fortune-Telling Wax Kit That Will Tell You Your Future for the New Year

    Regardless of our feelings with how this year has panned out, we all can’t help but wonder what the future might have in store.

    And as the new year approaches, many of us will have our bad habits crossed out, new goals written, and making resolutions that are listed in numerical order.

    And although many individuals prefer to write down a list of goals, dreams, and resolutions for the new year, fortune-telling is also a big hit when it comes to the unknown of the upcoming new year.

    A popular tradition for many, fortune-telling, and more specifically wax pouring, has been used repeatedly on New Year’s Eve to hint at what could be waiting for us in the new year.

    Courtesy of @CopseandSpinney

    Thanks to Etsy shop owner @CopseandSpinney, you can get a wax pouring, fortune-telling kit to continue on your tradition of showing you what may come in the future.

    @CopseandSpinney

    What’s called Molybdomancy, this practice is the art of revealing what may be in your future by examing the molten properties in lead.

    More specifically in this kit, you will be identifying the shapes that form from the wax you will melt, this practice includes melting wax over a spoon that’s held over a candle flame and then dipped in cold water.

    Afterwards you should see a hardened figure which will allow you to examine the shape to fortune-tell your future.

    Here are a few examples of what the future holds if you see these shapes:

    • Bird: Good luck
    • Genie’s Lamp: Adventure
    • Mushroom: Love
    • Scissors: Important decisions are coming
    @CopseandSpinney

    The kit includes one tea light candle
, eight beeswax charms
, a spoon, and an instruction book and guide and you can currently find the wax pouring, fortune-telling kit on Etsy for the new year!

  • The Most Popular Christmas Cookies By State. Did Your Favorite Make The Cut?

    The Most Popular Christmas Cookies By State. Did Your Favorite Make The Cut?

    Christmas. It’s synonymous with cookies, right?

    We all have our favorites. I have two, in fact: Moravian Gingerbreads and Russian Tea Cookies.

    cheflinseyfarr / crumbsandflakesla

    I only have them around the holidays, and I look forward to them every single year! It’s one of the highlights of the holidays.

    I’m not the only one who has my favorite Christmas Cookies.

    In fact, there are Christmas Cookies — some regional — that are favorites across the country.

    malayacustomcreations

    I’m not lying, I want to try every single one of them!!

    Want to know which cookie is the most popular in your state?

    Read on, my friend!

    According to Google, the list below is the most popular cookies ranked by state.

    • Alabama: Polish Christmas Cookies
    • Alaska: Christmas Sugar Cookies
    • Arizona: Mexican Christmas Cookies
    • Arkansas: Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
    drizzlecookieco
    • California: Mini Christmas Cookies
    • Colorado: Snowball Cookies
    • Connecticut: Italian Christmas Cookies
    barbells_and_bread
    • Delaware: Italian Christmas Cookies
    • District of Columbia: Gingerbread Cookies
    • Florida: Christmas Butter Cookies
    • Georgia: Gingerbread Cookies
    elifsskitchen
    • Hawaii: Ube Christmas Cookies
    • Idaho: Christmas Sugar Cookies
    • Illinois: Christmas Bar Cookies
    • Indiana: Mexican Wedding Cookies
    • Iowa: Spritz Cookies
    savingroomfordessert
    • Kansas: Hot Chocolate Cookies
    • Kentucky: Royal Icing Christmas Cookies
    • Louisiana: Gingerbread Cookies
    sweetnellip
    • Maine: Italian Christmas Cookies
    • Maryland: German Christmas Cookies
    • Massachusetts: Linzer Cookies
    • Michigan: Polish Christmas Cookies
    mum_creates
    • Minnesota: Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Mississippi: Gingerbread Cookies
    • Missouri: Red Velvet Cookies
    • Montana: Gingerbread Cookies
    with.cido
    • Nebraska: Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Nevada: Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
    • New Hampshire: Candy Cane Cookies
    • New Jersey: Italian Christmas Cookies
    marcelinna.in.cucina
    • New Mexico: Christmas Sugar Cookies
    • New York: Italian Christmas Cookies
    • North Carolina: Moravian Cookies
    • North Dakota: Peanut Butter Blossoms
    beyond.the.butter
    • Ohio: Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Oklahoma: Mexican Christmas Cookies
    • Oregon: Gingerbread Cookies
    dough_and_batter
    • Pennsylvania: Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Rhode Island: Italian Christmas Cookies
    • South Carolina: Gingerbread Cookies
    • South Dakota: Christmas Sugar Cookies
    crumbleicious
    • Tennessee: Christmas Bar Cookies
    • Texas: Springerle Cookies
    • Utah: Candy Cane Cookies
    • Vermont: Gingerbread Cookies
    • Virginia: Christmas Bar Cookies
    slowroasted
    • Washington: Christmas Bar Cookies
    • West Virginia: Mexican Wedding Cookies
    • Wisconsin: Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Wyoming: Christmas Sugar Cookies
    beckybakes2021

    Looks like I’ll be Googling “How To Make Christmas Cookies” today!

    Google

    What do you think? Do you agree with the list? Did your favorite Christmas Cookie make the cut?

    Courtesy of Google
  • You Can Make 3-Ingredient Hot Cocoa Dip And It Is So Good

    You Can Make 3-Ingredient Hot Cocoa Dip And It Is So Good

    ‘Tis the season for all things hot and chocolatey, am I right?!?

    From Hot Chocolate Bombs, to Adult Hot Chocolate, to Hot Chocolate From The Crockpot, to Special Hot Chocolate From Starbucks — it’s definitely the perfect time to indulge in that hot chocolatey drink.

    BUT, now you can turn that indulgent hot cocoa into a dip, and y’all. When I say it’s good — OMG. You have to try it!

    daniellegansky

    Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk dippers — all the things you are going to dunk into this hot cocoa dip.

    sarah.berryy

    You have so many choices here.

    Gingerbread cookies, Graham Crackers, Stroopwafels, Pirouline Rolled Wafer Cookies, Pretzels, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Candy Canes, Vanilla Wafers, Sugar Cookies — even Fresh Fruit.

    The ideas are simply endless. Just use your heart, and you can’t go wrong!

    Now, when I say that this dip is easy to make, I’m serious.

    ayvarisley

    Everyone will think you’ve spent quality time in the kitchen creating this recipe, but it seriously only takes like 2 minutes to make!

    recipes

    Ingredients Needed For Hot Cocoa Dip

    You really only need THREE ingredients for this dip.

    A packet of your favorite Hot Cocoa mix, Cool Whip, and Marshmallow Fluff — aka Marshmallow Creme.

    Amazon / Walmart / Amazon

    How To Make Hot Cocoa Dip

    Get a big bowl. Like, a glass serving bowl will work nicely.

    sarah.berryy

    Dump in your thawed Cool Whip, Marshmallow Fluff, and your packet of Hot Cocoa Mix.

    easybakekitchn

    Now, you can use a hand mixer on the lowest setting — OR — you can fold it all together with a large spoon.

    nicole_thenomad

    Mix it until it’s fluffy and combined well.

    lifewithkenk

    That’s it!!

    You can get all fancy, and garnish this dip with things like marshmallows, chocolate powder, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or whatever you think would look and taste yummy.

    athomewithshannon

    Set the bowl out with a tray of tasty dippers, and you’re all set!

    sarah.berryy
    Amanda

    Hot Cocoa Dip

    4.95 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • Your Favorite Hot Cocoa Powder Mix
    • Cool Whip
    • Marshmallow Fluff or Creme

    Method
     

    1. Dump all three ingredients in a big bowl
    2. Mix with a spoon or a hand mixer on lowest setting
    3. Fluff it up
    4. Garnish
    5. Enjoy

  • Walmart Will Begin Charging You for Using Plastic Bags in Nearly 100 Stores. Here’s What We Know.

    Walmart Will Begin Charging You for Using Plastic Bags in Nearly 100 Stores. Here’s What We Know.

    Well, this isn’t how we wanted to start off 2023, but here we are.

    Walmart is changing up their bagging policy in 100 Stores — but I’m sure that’s only the beginning.

    angelomar1299

    It sucks, but we have already been conditioned to be our own Walmart checkout clerks with the self checkout system.

    tfromtifton

    But now, thing are getting even weirder when it comes to checking out at Walmart.

    doongimom

    Starting January 1st, more than 100 Walmart stores will see a new bagging policy in place.

    nnduncan

    I’m not going to lie. I don’t like it.

    According to the U.S. Sun, Walmart customers in 100 stores are going to have to start paying 10¢ per bag — be it paper or plastic — during checkout.

    dylanjjohnsonmusic

    This new system is supposedly part of Walmart’s new efforts to become more eco-friendly.

    Eliminating single-use bags is part of our commitment to achieve zero waste across our operations and ultimately shift gradually toward a circular economy built on advancing reuse, refill, and recycling habits.

    Lauren Willis, the Walmart Western US Director of Communications

    The giant grocery retailer wants you to bring reusable shopping bags with you to do you grocery shopping.

    I mean, that’s good in theory, but it totally blows if you happen to forget your shopping bags — which I do all the time.

    Walmart will no longer give you free disposable shopping bags if you happen to forget your reusable shopping bags.

    They have already gone to this bag free policy in Vermont, Maine, and New Jersey.

    But, in 2023, Colorado will be the newest state to impliment this new Walmart bagging policy.

    Shoppers in 100 Colorado stores will now have to pay for disposable shopping bags.

    Hmmmm. Does this mean they are going to lower prices to account for the money they save on bags?

    Not likely, I’m sure.

  • Apple Might Owe You Some Money. Here’s How To Check.

    Apple Might Owe You Some Money. Here’s How To Check.

    I live and die by my Apple Products. From my Apple Watch, to my iPhone, to my iPad, to my MacBook Air, to my Apple AirPods — I couldn’t live life without each and every Apple device.

    feyandherwatch

    I’m betting you’re about the same way, right?!?

    But, if you use Apple products, you might just be getting more than coal in your stocking for Christmas!!

    bytereview

    It turns out, Apple might owe YOU a bit of money for a change.

    Now, that’s ONLY if you qualify under the settlement of a class action lawsuit against Apple.

    mobiledevlife

    You are probably wondering how, exactly, you might find out if you are entitled to money from this lawsuit.

    If you purchased a MacBook laptop within the last seven years or so, and you wound up with a defective keyboard, this might just pertain to you.

    activesetup

    The keyboards in question were that of the much-hated “butterfly” design.

    kbcovers

    This “butterfly” refers to the mechanism underneath the keys — a “V” shape as opposed to the “X” shape that is more common.

    This “butterfly keyboard” was designed to offer more precision as your fingers hit the keys — but just the opposite happened.

    it_advisor_

    The crook of the “V” in the keyboard mechanism was prone to be like a magnet for dust and dirt.

    Some of the keys stuck, some of the keys flat out wouldn’t work, and it left many people wanting to throw their computers against a wall.

    rehackmag

    How Do You Find Out If Apple Owes You Money?

    To make a claim against your Apple product, and cash in on this class action lawsuit, you must submit a claim.

    macfinder

    You must do so by March 6, 2023. So, don’t drag your feet on this!

    Want to find out if you purchased one of the models in question?

    Head on over to the settlement website. They have the models in question listed in detail.

    ifrantech

    To be eligible, you had to purchase the keyboard, then have it repaired for having sticky keys.

    geek_communications

    If everything checks out, and you think Apple owes you money, you can file a claim HERE.

    rizn.bg
  • Rihanna Shared The First Look At Her Son And He Looks Just Like Her

    Rihanna Shared The First Look At Her Son And He Looks Just Like Her

    GAH!! Baby alert!!

    It wasn’t too long ago that we were first learning that Rihanna was pregnant.

    richmindmediaa

    Well, she had that baby with A$AP Rocky a minute ago, and now she is sharing the first look at her son.

    richmindmediaa

    And, where is she doing that? Why, on TikTok, of course.

    I mean, where else would you share the cuteness overload, right?

    Sure, she could have chosen Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, but the point is, it’s all social media.

    And, of course, social media is where it’s at when it comes to finding out all the hot celebrity gossip.

    Or, in this case, seeing Rihanna’s ADORABLE baby boy!

    rihanna

    And, y’all, he looks just like her, doesn’t he?!?

    rihanna

    Not only is it the very first look we are getting of — they haven’t released his name yet. It is the very first post that Rihanna has ever done on TikTok!

    rihanna

    Talk about making a splash on social media!

    rihanna

    You can see Rihanna’s entire TikTok video of her adorable baby boy HERE.

    rihanna
  • This Mom’s ‘Home For The Holidays’ Food Plan Is Holiday Organization Goals

    This Mom’s ‘Home For The Holidays’ Food Plan Is Holiday Organization Goals

    In theory, I want to be the most organized person. But, in reality, I am so disorganized that it hurts.

    This mom’s “Home For The Holidays” food plan is absolute organization goals, and I want to be her when I grow up.

    One might argue that her plan for the holidays just happens to be a little on the restrictive side.

    But, I say ‘Nay Nay!’

    It lays everything out ahead of time, and doesn’t leave time for arguing about what’s for dinner during the season of being together.

    This mom even emails the plan out, so there is no question about what’s going to go down during the days leading up to the Christmas holiday.

    Thanks to a Tweet by her son, Khalid El Khatib, we get a little glimpse into the family holiday plan, and I love it!

    Khalid El Khatib

    She lays out everything from the arrival of the family, to fun activities, to the eating plan for the day.

    Khalid El Khatib

    There isn’t a 100% commitment to any one thing, but she leaves room for options.

    Khalid El Khatib

    If I’m honest, I wish I were going along with this family for the holidays! They are gonna have a blast.

    Khalid El Khatib

    They even have a dress up evening planned, and I’m slightly jealous.

    Khalid El Khatib

    Seriously. Can I be one of the “ladies?”

    Khalid El Khatib

    Her mad organizational skills make me want to plan an entire holiday schedule for my family!!

    Khalid El Khatib
  • Netflix’s New Murder Mystery Christmas Special Will Have You Wondering What Is Going On

    Netflix’s New Murder Mystery Christmas Special Will Have You Wondering What Is Going On

    Netflix just dropped a new murder mystery Christmas comedy, and I’m really not sure what the hell I just watched.

    The premise of this weird Holiday Special is that someone killed Santa with a huge candy cane, and the cast have to figure out who did it.

    Netflix

    There is a catch. Like an actual catch.

    The stars of the film — Jason Bateman and Maya Rudolph — weren’t given the script to the show.

    Netflix

    Like, for real. All the actors know what’s going on, but Bateman and Rudolph have no clue.

    Netflix

    They have to improvise, go off of context clues, and play off the actions of the other actors to try and solve the mystery.

    Netflix

    If it sounds crazy and insane — it is.

    Netflix

    I’m not going to lie, it’s a bit chaotic and maybe a little hard to watch.

    Netflix

    But, you won’t be able to look away.

    Knowing that Jason and Maya have no clue what’s going on keeps you wanting to see what happens next.

    Netflix

    But, wait. Another special guest stars — you have to watch to find out who — shows up, and he doesn’t really know what’s going on either.

    Is it a mess? Yes. Is it weird? Yes. Is it funny? Um … kind of?

    Netflix

    *Laughs* This is so stupid and ridiculous.

    My Husband While Watching This Special
    Netflix

    I will say, it’s a fun reprieve to the predictable Holiday Hallmark-type Movie.

    Netflix

    Should you watch it? Sure. Give it a try.

    Netflix

    Fair warning: Don’t watch this one with the littles in the room. There’s plenty of language that you won’t want them learning this holiday season.

    Netflix

    You can watch the trailer for Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery below.

  • Netflix’s Newest Holiday Original Will Have You Believing In Santa

    Netflix’s Newest Holiday Original Will Have You Believing In Santa

    Netflix quietly dropped a new Netflix Holiday Original, and it’s so good.

    If you are a Christmas Grinchy-Grinch, or you know someone who isn’t a fan of the Christmas holiday, you will totally be able to relate to this Holiday flick.

    Netflix

    It’s about Lisa, a woman who hates Christmas. Like, she famously hates Christmas.

    Netflix

    Lisa prefers the summer holidays — like 4th of July — that aren’t steeped in all the gift-giving, feel-good traditions that Christmas just exudes.

    Netflix

    Things get complicated when she falls for her boyfriend, Tom.

    Netflix

    Unbeknownst to her at the time they meet, Tom is a die-hard lover of the Christmas holiday.

    I mean, he goes FULL Christmas during the holidays, including a calendar filled to the brim with Christmas activities.

    Netflix

    In fact, Tom loves Christmas SO MUCH, he actually believes in Santa.

    Netflix

    Like, he doesn’t just say it tongue-in-cheek, he ACTUALLY believes in the man in the red suit — elves and all.

    Lisa — as to be expected — gets totally weirded out by Tom’s quirky beliefs, and she decides she needs a break. From him, from the Christmas season, from it all.

    Netflix

    Will the Christmas magic do its work, and bring the two back together.

    Netflix

    Christmas: One man’s obsession; one woman’s nightmare.

    Netflix
    Netflix

    You’ll have to watch it to find out!!

    Netflix

    You can catch the trailer for I Believe In Santa below.

    Netflix
  • These Are The Restaurants That Will Be Open On Christmas Eve And Christmas Day

    These Are The Restaurants That Will Be Open On Christmas Eve And Christmas Day

    Christmas Eve is full of hustle and bustle, and Christmas Day gets pretty boring after all the gifts are open.

    Don’t judge. You KNOW you get bored and stir crazy about 4pm!

    It’s way more conducive to feeling the Christmas spirit — aka NOT doing dishes — to go out to dinner on both days.

    BUT, it’s Christmastime. What the heck is open?

    Don’t worry. We got you.

    These Restaurants Are Open On Christmas Eve And Christmas Day

    applebees

    Applebee’s

    Most locations will be open on both Christmas Eve and limited hours on Christmas. Check with your local Applebee’s location for exact hours.

    benihana

    Benihana

    Why not partake in some festive sushi and steak? This popular Japanese steakhouse will be open on both Christmas Eve AND Christmas day. Hours will vary by location, so check with your local restaurant for store hours.

    bonefishgrill

    Bonefish Grill

    I just recently discovered Bonefish Grill, and YUM!! You’ll be happy to know that Bonefish Grill is open on Christmas Eve. They are letting their employees take Christmas day off, however. Check with your local restaurant for hours.

    bostonmarket

    Boston Market

    Lucky us, Boston Market restaurants will be open normal business hours on Christmas Eve. They will also be open limited hours on Christmas Day. Check with your local restaurant for those exact hours.

    carrabbas

    Carrabba’s Italian Grill

    One of my FAVORITE Italian food locations, Carrabba’s Italian Grill will be open on Christmas Eve. I just may take advantage! They are closed on Christmas day. Check with your local restaurant for hours.

    chilis

    Chili’s

    If Chili’s is in your plans for Christmas Eve, make sure you get there pretty early. All locations will be closing at 6pm, and they will be closed on Christmas Day.

    crackerbarrel

    Cracker Barrel

    Cracker Barrel is my family’s usual Christmas Eve breakfast tradition. All locations will be open in the morning of Christmas Eve, but will be closing at 2 p.m. They are taking Christmas off, and will be closed Christmas Day.

    dunkindonuts.usa

    Dunkin’ Donuts

    Dunkin’ stores will totally vary by location. Many Dunkin’ stores will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You want to check with your local store for exact hours before showing up.

    flemingssteakhouse

    Fleming’s

    Fleming’s will be open on Christmas Eve, but hours will vary by location. All of their locations will be closed on Christmas Day. Check with your local Fleming’s for exact Christmas Eve hours.

    goldencorral

    Golden Corral

    Most locations will be open on Christmas Eve, and many will stay open on Christmas. Check with your local Golden Corral restaurant to confirm hours before you show up.

    ihop

    IHOP

    Who doesn’t love pancakes for Christmas?!? IHOP will, in fact, be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But, just like all of these restaurants, check with your local store for exact hours.

    maggianoslittleitaly

    Maggiano’s

    Maggiano’s restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve for your shopping and eating festivities. Hours will vary, so check with your local location. Maggiano’s will be closed on Christmas day.

    McDonald’s

    Looking for somewhere FAST to drive thru and get done? MOST McDonald’s in the U.S. will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Check with your local locations to confirm and check hours.

    olivegarden

    Olive Garden

    All Olive Garden locations will be open until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but will be closed on Christmas Day. 

    outback

    Outback Steakhouse

    I’m not going to lie; I’ve been craving Outback recently!! Luckily, they are open on Christmas Eve, but restaurant hours may vary. All Outback Steakhouse locations will be closed on Christmas Day.

    redlobster

    Red Lobster

    Many locations will be open on both Christmas Eve, and open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Day. Check with your favorite location to verify exact hour.

    ruthschris

    Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

    You might just want to make a Christmas splurge! Ruth’s Chris will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check with your local restaurant for exact hours.

    Starbucks

    I feel a little bad for the baristas, but I love to hit up Starbucks early on Christmas Eve morning. It will totally depend on the store if they are open or not. Starbucks fans can find specific store hours by using the Starbucks app or by visiting their website store locator: Starbucks.com/store-locator. OR, you can always just ask a barista.

    wafflehouseofficial

    Waffle House

    You’re in luck, because Waffle House stays open 24/7 365 days per year!!