Iris on parenting · June 23rd

Your friend’s shift toward Islam brought visible changes—like a hijab and simpler style—and deeper shifts in how she interacts and thinks.

Those abrupt changes can feel unsettling for close friends, especially when the new environment introduces language that clashes with your own values.

When a group chat you cherish started using profanity, the narrator recalled a hadith warning that even a single vulgar word can earn a severe punishment, prompting a personal decision.

Rather than policing the others, she chose to step out of the chat, aligning her actions with the teachings she’s embracing while preserving the friendship from a distance.

“Do you ever think we could find some woods to walk in?” my outdoorsy 12-year-old asks me, every now and again. As a kid growing up in New York City, Anton appreciates all the skate parks and bagel shops, but he also really craves nature, like in his bones.… Read more The post A Weekend in Maine appeared first on Cup of Jo.

I’ve been looking through a list of low‑cost, low‑effort fixes for the everyday clutter that builds up in kitchens, closets, and even bathroom cabinets. A magnetic shelf that sticks behind your stove gives you three divided sections for spices without drilling, and a clear, adjustable drawer organizer turns a tangled cable mess into a tidy, visible system. For hats, a hanging rack holds up to ten caps, while a three‑tier medicine‑cabinet organizer separates meds, bandages, and vitamins with a secure lid.

A few other quick wins are worth noting: an ultra‑slim outlet concealer hides cords and adds extra plugs, and a compact end table with two hidden drawers stores remotes, chargers, and other small items. Zip‑pouch sets in seven sizes let you sort anything from craft supplies to toiletries, and rolling bins that glide under the bed keep off‑season clothes or toys accessible without guessing what’s inside. A tension‑shelf installs without tools, creating an extra level inside cabinets or closets for awkward gaps.

If you have narrow gaps—between appliances, beside the fridge, or next to the toilet—a four‑tier rolling organizer can turn those spaces into usable shelves, and an over‑the‑door unit adds pockets for everyday essentials. Finally, adhesive bins on cabinet doors, corner tiered trays, and a hanging organizer for bras or shirts all help you see what you own and keep things where they belong, without major renovations or pricey gadgets.

If you’re looking for a quick guide to the ‘90s movies that still feel fresh for a family night, start with the ones that proved they could hold a whole weekend’s replay value. The animal‑centric titles are the easiest entry point: Babe (1995) gave us a pig who learns to herd sheep, and its sequel Babe: A Pig in the City (1998) extends the charm. Homeward Bound (1993) follows a bulldog, a golden retriever and a cat on a cross‑country trek back to their owners, while Beethoven (1992) introduced the lovable St. Bernard who survives a series of comic threats from a villainous vet.

If you want a mix of nostalgia and a little adventure, the coming‑of‑age crowd‑pleaser The Sandlot (1993) captures a summer of baseball, a menacing neighbor dog, and that perfect line, “You’re killing me, Smalls.” For a splash of sci‑fi silliness, Robin Williams’ Flubber (1997) shows a scatterbrained inventor whose bouncy creation causes chaos and a missed wedding. And for a kid‑hero who dreams of espionage, Harriet the Spy (1996) delivers a clever plot where a secret journal sparks a school‑wide showdown.

Don’t overlook the animated‑live‑action mashups that still feel fresh. Space Jam (1996) pits the Looney Tunes against an NBA all‑star team led by Michael Jordan, while Stuart Little (1999) introduces a mouse who becomes a beloved “brother” to a suburban family. Matilda (1996) gives a telekinetic girl a supportive teacher and a tyrannical headmistress to outwit, and The Mighty Ducks (1992) shows a disgraced lawyer turning a misfit hockey team into champions.

A few more titles round out the list: Hook (1991) revisits Peter Pan’s grown‑up hero, Mighty Joe Young (1998) pairs a giant gorilla with a caring caretaker, and Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves (1997) shrinks a whole family to insect size for a house‑scale adventure. Each of these films offers enough humor and heart that you can watch them with kids of any age and still feel the magic of a ‘90s family night.

I’m loving this quick fried rice that comes together with leftover rice, frozen corn, a splash of lime juice, miso paste, and a handful of torn basil. The miso adds a salty‑funky depth, while the corn gives a sweet crunch that kids tend to gravitate toward.

You can keep it simple—just stir‑fry the rice and corn, swirl in the miso‑lime mixture, and finish with basil. No egg is required, but a scrambled egg or a little omelet tucked into the pan adds a protein boost if you like.

If fresh corn is in season, swap it in for an even brighter flavor; the frozen kernels work just as well. Serve it with a quick cabbage slaw or a green salad for the adults, and a dash of sriracha on the side if you want heat.

Phoebe mentions she’s heading to Spain next week and is looking for kid‑friendly spots in Madrid or Andalusia. She’ll probably post more food notes from the trip, so keep an ear out.