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3 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
26 Parent-Approved School Year Essentials
A school supply essentials box in case that back-to-school list is just too daunting. This case has pretty much everything you'll need for the school year and almost anything that'll be on the supply list so you can enjoy summer rather than fight Hunger Games-style with another adult over the last glue stick. Each bundle includes a plastic pencil box, a 10-pack of markers, a 24-pack of crayons, a 12-pack of colored pencils, three glue sticks, a pack of #2 pencils, five pencil top erasers, a rubber eraser, a pencil sharpener, a pair of blunt tip scissors, two pencil grips, a 12-inch ruler, a wide-rule spiral notebook, a wide ruled composition book, and two 2-pocket folder with metal review: "As a busy working mother, this was a lifesaver! The kit had everything my third grader needed to start his new school year, and I didn't have to fight the crowds at the stores!!! 5 stars!!!" —Carolyn JacksonGet it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in two other sizes). A gentle alarm clock that'll hopefully bring you much cheerier wake-ups than jarring beeping sounds. I recently started using this sunrise clock and THE CHANGE to my mornings. Even if your little one is too young for an alarm clock, just having one for yourself can make waking up so much more pleasant. Promising review: "This clock is a lifesaver! I bought one each for my three kids so they can get up on time for school, and it works perfectly! They love the ease of use and customization — and they are actually excited about getting up on time!" —KavinaGet it from Amazon for $32.88+ (available in three colors). A cereal dispenser so they can get themselves breakfast without a gigantic pile of spilled cereal on the floor. The added excitement of making every breakfast feel like a hotel vacation breakfast is simply a bonus. Promising review: "These keep my cereal fresh, my 6-year-old can use them on her own! It's truly a lifesaver!" —Allison MarieGet it from Amazon for $31.22. A breakfast sandwich maker to get you a hot and delicious breakfast rather than scavenging off of leftover cereal and cold toaster pastries. This machine makes amazing breakfast sandwiches in minutes — plus you can embarrass your brood by singing H-O-T-T-O-G-O every time you pass them a sando. Promising review: "This thing is a lifesaver. I'm a mother of four young kids, so I have resorted to eating cereal, Pop-Tarts, anything FAST in the mornings because I have lots of little people to take care of, too. For as little as one minute of prep time and five minutes to cook, I have a delicious and much healthier breakfast. I bought the single, but I am considering ordering a double as well." — it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in five colors). A hard-boiled egg maker so efficient, it takes almost all of the time out of making hard-boiled eggs for your family. Quickly make up to six eggs at a time in about 10 minutes. Perfect for any family rushing through the breakfast chaos — or anyone who has found their batch of hard-boiled eggs sitting in a lukewarm pot of water six hours later. 🫠 Promising review: "Lifesaver! Quick eggs and do not need to be prepped that much. Helps a lot when you are getting kids ready to go to school." —DeepakGet it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors). A programmable coffee maker that'll help you set your coffee up the night before and wake up to your favorite aroma. If you're like me and have had too many mornings where you realize you forgot to brew your coffee until it was too late, it's time to treat yourself to a better system. Promising review: "What was I waiting for? I drink a lot of coffee. Now I've always had a glass pot coffee maker and briefly went down the Keurig road (hated it.) After breaking my third glass pot in the past few years, I started looking into getting a stainless steel pot. I saw a few with a water reservoir, but I decided against it. Good fresh water makes for good coffee. This one seemed to get good reviews, so I ordered it. Boy, am I glad that I did! The pot is huge (a lot of stainless steel pots were only 10 cups, this one makes 12.) The design is sleek and matches my kitchen so well. The auto feature is nice when I remember to actually prep it at night. There is a bold feature (yaasss!) The display will tell you how many minutes, up to two hours, have passed since it brewed. The best part, however, is the pot. It keeps the coffee warm for hours and hours. I have four kids and run a home daycare, so I don't always get around to getting my second and third cups until hours after brewing. And I hate microwaved coffee! This coffee maker has been a lifesaver. I can have my early morning cup. Get through my morning schedule and go back for another cup, and it'll be just as hot! No reheating! My only complaint is that I wish the filter were cone-shaped instead of a basket. Just a personal preference of mine. (I think the chance of grounds getting into the brew increases with a basket filter, that's all.) But other than that, this has been the best coffee maker I have ever bought." —JasmineGet it from Amazon for $65.99+ (available in three versions). A set of refrigerator storage bins to make getting lunches ready a much more streamlined process. Rather than digging through the fridge trying to find whatever snacks you have, keep them separated and at the ready. Promising review: "The bins were a lifesaver. Now I can reach things easily by pulling out bins. The entire family found that this works better than reaching in the back of the refrigerator for things that have fallen. Now it is simply pulling out a bin. Also, it avoids standing in front of the refrigerator looking for things. The bins have 'like' items in each. I also paired this with the rotating refrigerator carousel. My refrigerator is now very organized and maximizes space. The bins seem very durable and are made of sturdy material." —Gorbla2Get a set of four from Amazon for $16.76+ (available in two sizes). A pack of silicone dividers so foods in the lunch box stay separated and less soggy — because no one likes soggy crackers thanks to strawberry spillage. Promising review: "We love these! Every Sunday, we make homemade Lunchables. We put crackers in the rectangular cup, sliced cheese in the square, and salami or pepperoni on the round. They fit into an airtight container to go into the fridge until the kids pack their lunches each morning. It's been a life and time saver!!!" —Erin B. LeggGet a 36-pack of assorted shapes from Amazon for $9.99 (available in various shapes and sizes). A lunchbox with an option to send warm food for the kid who likes to mix up their lunch routine. The hot cup has a lid to keep food separate AND is removable — meaning you don't need two lunchboxes when your kiddo decides to take a cold lunch. So many more lunch opportunities are in your future. Promising review: "My daughter loves to bring a warm lunch to school every day. We have previously tried other bento lunchboxes, but none of them keep the food warm or fresh for very long. The OmieBox has been a lifesaver! This lunchbox has plenty of space and keeps the food warm and fresh all day. It is strong and has lasted despite all the times it has been bumped and banged up at school. It is easy to clean and does not leave food residue. I will be buying another one for my son this school year. Highly recommended!" —Jesus CastroGet it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in seven colors). An insulated Thermos for sending them with something hot along with their cold lunch items. Although some parents love sending pasta, many rave about the ability to send some dino nuggets that are still hot by lunch! Promising review: "My child doesn't like many cold lunch options for school. This has been a lifesaver! I've packed macaroni and cheese, chili and rice, soups, chicken and broccoli, and much more, all with success. The container keeps the food warm, doesn't leak, and seems to be enough food." —OH ReviewGet it from Amazon for $15.39+ (available in 30 designs). A freezable lunch bag with built-in ice packs to keep food fresh and at a safe eating temperature. Just toss it in the freezer the night before to keep food cool all day — because staying home with a kid with food poisoning should not be on your agenda. This is the brand I use for both of my kids, and I absolutely love these bags. They're so easy to store, and there's ice on both sides — ensuring safe food no matter when their lunchtime is. It's nice to be able to send a string cheese without remembering the room-temperature, rubbery-by-mid-day cheese stick of my youth. 🤢Promising review: "These are amazing. I was having to put ice packs in my kids' lunch and was looking for an alternative when I came across these. It has been over 100 for the last two weeks, not counting the heat index, and they have been a lifesaver. They go in the kids' backpacks in the am and come off the bus still cold. This never happened with an ice pack. It actually stays cold and helps my kids to have cold food during the day, I wish I had found these years ago!!!" —BryanGet it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in eight designs). A visual timer to help keep things calm if your kiddo struggles with transitions. With a visual timer, "five more minutes until you need to brush your teeth" actually has some meaning as they watch the rainbow count down. I use this with my oldest on school nights so she knows when to stop reading and go to sleep. Promising review: "The Yunbaoit Upgraded Black Visual Timer with Protective Case has been an absolute lifesaver for managing ADHD in our household. The visual countdown is intuitive and easy to understand, making it perfect for staying on task and managing transitions. The durable protective case adds peace of mind, ensuring it can withstand daily use. Whether it's for homework, chores, or screen time, this timer has helped create structure and minimize distractions. It's simple to use, highly effective, and has quickly become an essential tool in our routine. I can't recommend it enough for anyone looking to improve time management!" —adudethatknowsGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in nine colors). A set of personalized labels so you can avoid the hassle of rummaging through the overflowing lost and found. I'm pretty sure my kids forget their lunchbox, water bottle, or sweater every day last school year — labels make things so much easier to find later. Promising review: "I've had these name labels for a while, and they're absolutely amazing. I can stick them on clothes, wash them, and they're still good. They've been an absolute lifesaver when it comes to school — teachers know when it's my child's, and it prevents it from being lost. I've stuck it on sippies, clothes, shoes, the outside of backpacks, it is RESILIENT and honestly, super underpriced for how high quality and the quantity you get. I'd only ever buy from this seller." — 130-pack from Amazon for $9.95 (available in 27 designs). An electric toothbrush that uses an app to keep your kid engaged and brushing for a full two minutes. Electric toothbrushes already keep teeth cleaner, but the addition of the app helps kids work through brushing without getting distracted or hurrying through the process. Honestly just being able to leave them to brushing without having to hover as the tarter police is worth it. Promising review: "We were having some struggles getting our 3.5-year-old to brush his teeth. This toothbrush and the app have been a lifesaver! He now looks forward to brushing his teeth and gets excited to see what 'present' he's going to get. Also, the app is actually way better than I expected." —Amanda P. Get it from Amazon for $29.96+ (available in two colors, two charging styles, and as a bundle). And a toothpaste dispenser and toothbrush holder to save you from trying to get out for the morning and hearing "CAN SOMEONE PASTE MY TOOTHBRUSH??" or the ever-dreaded "uh-oh" during teeth brushing. Promising review: "LOVE, LOVE this!! We previously had a different one similar to this, but did not have a toothpaste dispenser. I decided to try this one out because it matched and was more modern-looking. I am so happy with this! It fit on our wall exactly where the other one went, and we didn't even have to use the sticker. I love the four cops and how hidden and easy they are to access. The toothpaste comes out perfectly every time and does not make a mess!!! My kids love to make messes, so this is a lifesaver. I have already recommended this to all of my friends and family." —Lindsay SnackGet it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four colors). A day-of-the-week clothing organizer so that choosing clothes for school doesn't become a daily battle in your household. Just check the weather report and choose outfits over the weekend — suddenly a (mostly) stress-free morning! Promising review: "This has been an absolute lifesaver! My kids put all of their clothes for the week in their 'pockets' on Sunday and there's no digging in the mornings anymore!" —CrystalWGet it from Amazon for $25.99. A fan-favorite Skylight calendar for keeping all of your family appointments in plain sight. Not only does it automatically sync to your calendars, you can set up chore charts for your family members and keep lists all in one place — making the school year so much less hectic for you. Promising review: "If you have a busy household, this family calendar is a lifesaver. Now everyone can enter their appointments, work schedules, classes, etc, into their own Google calendar, and it syncs to the family calendar. Everyone is aware of what is happening, and it avoids double booking. App is easy to use, as is the actual device." —NH CustomerGet it from Amazon for $269.99. A shoe organizer to hopefully avoid the every morning battle to find a missing shoe. Not only can you keep everything in one place, you'll also free up your entryway from a sea of mismatched shoes. Promising review: "With three small kids and a husband with lots of shoes, this shoe cabinet has been a lifesaver. I built it on my own in just a few hours. I love it." —KatieGet it from Amazon for $125.99+ (available with two, three, four, or six drawers and 10 colors). A car seat unbuckling tool so they can unbuckle themselves at in the morning, ensuring that you're not burying your face at drop-off as you hold up the line to unbuckle your kid. The car seat buckle desperately needs to be one less thing you fight with. Promising review: "We purchased two of these, one for each car, and it has been great for dropping off our Kindergarten student at school. We are not allowed to get out of the car, so I was worried how to get him unbuckled from his car seat/harness, but this has been a lifesaver. It took him only two practices to get it, but he really picked it up quick and now he really enjoys unbuckling himself once we get in car line. We love this product!" —Alicia RosenbauerGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven colors). A rolling backpack because backpacks are just SO HEAVY. These are great for littles and bigs alike, especially if you walk to school. Nothing like saving them a few extra years before back pain sets in. Promising review: "My kids have quite a walk after they get off the bus. so this has been a lifesaver!" —C. it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in different colors). A wobble cushion if you have a kid who JUST. NEEDS. TO. WIGGLE. Desk seats were not made with wiggly kids in mind, so wobble cushions offer some much needed movement without leaving the seat and disrupting class. My ADHD kiddo pretty much lives on this cushion during the school year — LIFESAVER. Promising review: "My son has ADHD, and this was a lifesaver. Lucky for u,s the school approved it for use in the classroom. It's nice because it's lightweight and he can grab it and take it with him wherever he goes. The little nub-like fingers on it work wonders for him. It gives him something to keep his body busy and his little hands. Awesome find!" —LaKeishaGet it from Amazon for $23.74+ (available in six colors and in multipacks). A zipper binder to keep everything in place and zipped up so papers don't go flying. It even has a carrying strap in case their backpack is too small. Say good-bye to papers shoved down at the bottom of the backpack — they've finally thought of everything. Promising review: "This binder was a lifesaver for my middle schooler. The first binder we tried was NOT one of these. It was impossible to carry around, and papers were frequently lost. Then I found this. This binder changed everything and even eased my students' anxiety because it's so much easier to stay organized. The ring itself is sturdy and easy to open and close. There's room in here for work from different classes, and storage for pencils and pens, etc. There is a bonus section of accordion storage, which is excellent for take-home papers or other loose items. Then, it zips closed! This zipper is tough, and it seems to move with ease no matter what. And the icing on the cake is the handle on the spine. This makes it easy to grab the binder and stuff it in a backpack or walk between classes without having to cradle the binder in your arms. We never used the optional shoulder strap, but options are nice. This binder gets an A+." —Rachel WGet it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in 20 designs and in multipacks). A pair of noise-cancelling headphones for your sensory-sensitive kid. These headphones are powerful enough to dull ambient classroom noise, but still allow them to hear the teacher. Even kids without sensory sensitivities love wearing these! Every teacher my kids have had has a basket for communal use. As the parent of a kid with sensory challenges, these are an absolute school-year must-have. Promising review: "Purchased this back in 2021 when my child was 5 years of age. He's now 9 and they still fit perfectly on him. This has been a lifesaver for him and the bus driver, recently, since there are other kiddos on the bus that scream throughout the bus ride and it frustrates my child. So it's one less kiddo to be frustrated about." —NRDGet it from Amazon for $15.27+ (available in 19 colors and patterns). A set of clothing labels to help you find your kid's Bluey sweater in a veritable OCEAN of Bluey sweaters. These labels are machine washable and cost-effective — two of my favorite words. Promising review: "These are great. I use a regular Sharpie to write my kid's name on the label and put it on every article of clothing he can take off at school. I have washed them several times, and they still look brand new. These labels are a lifesaver for kids who cannot remember to bring home their jacket, hat, and gloves." —Kaitlyn SwoapeGet a pack of 54 Amazon for $5.99 (available in five sizes and various pack sizes). A pencil sharpener for at-home use because there's nothing quite as humbling as realizing you have absolutely zero tools to help them do their homework, you know, at home. Promising review: "I am 5-star satisfied with this pencil sharpener that is for different-sized pencils. We use this at home as I have a daughter in Kindergarten, so this has been a lifesaver. Sharpens a pencil easily and quickly within ten seconds. Love it." —Brittany AnnGet it from Amazon for $27.99. A saline spray because your kids are going to be bringing home literally all of the germs. All of them. EVERY LAST FORSAKEN GERM. Saline spray can help clear nasal passages, making colds pass a little quicker. Anything for some relief from the onslaught of fall viruses. Promising review: "Kids always fought me in spraying their noses (we live in the desert) and this spray is so healing, they actually ASK me for it in the morning!!! A lifesaver!" —D DGet it from Amazon for $6.99+ (also available in multipacks).
Newsweek
16-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
GOP Congressman: U.S. Tax Sovereignty Under Threat
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. tax code is subject to continual review by Congress. It's a system that honors merit; tax incentives in the United States aim to reward pro-growth outcomes. Success in the marketplace comes from innovation, productivity, and job creation. That's the American way. The American approach to tax competition isn't a chaotic free-for-all; it's a deliberate engine that drives investment based on real economic potential. Businesses thrive or fail based on market fundamentals—supply, demand, innovation, efficiency—not on the whims of a government handout. Our tax system stands tall in a world where economic freedom is losing ground. It's a beacon of hope, but the global tax deal negotiated at the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) threatens to snuff it out. The OECD's global tax deal includes a new 15 percent minimum corporate tax for countries that have never had one. It's intended to end tax-dodging by multinationals, but its flawed design trades one problem for another. Instead of fostering open, fair, and transparent markets, it will usher in a Hunger Games-style contest for direct state subsidies in the form of direct cash handouts or refundable tax credits. Countries will dangle these incentives to lure businesses to their shores. This shady system favors political connections and authoritarian governments over ingenuity and innovation. WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 24: U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) speaks to the media after leaving a House Republican conference meeting in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 24, 2023 in... WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 24: U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) speaks to the media after leaving a House Republican conference meeting in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. MoreAs currently formulated, the deal will place U.S. multinationals at a disadvantage in two critical ways: (1) they face two layers of minimum taxes—the existing U.S. system and the emerging OECD system—and (2) their traditional income-based tax incentives face stricter scrutiny than the corporate welfare regimes in China and the EU. Under current OECD rules, traditional tax incentives can easily trigger the OECD minimum tax, allowing other countries to siphon away the U.S. tax base. On the other hand, the direct cash handouts or refundable tax credits favored by the OECD are far more likely to be protected from the OECD minimum tax regime. Far from progress, this is cronyism dressed as fairness, and it's being forced on nations worldwide under the OECD's banner. Here's the truth: pushing subsidies out of the income tax system and into the hands of bureaucrats is an inefficient way to energize economic activity. It distorts markets, picks winners and losers, and forces taxpayers to foot the bill for political pet projects that have dismal economic prospects. If other nations want to tie their economies in knots with this nonsense, that's their decision. The U.S. won't play the role of global nanny, dictating domestic policy to sovereign states. Countries around the world are free to determine a domestic policy that meets their political and economic demands. Right? Wrong. This stops being a "mind your own business" issue the moment the OECD's grand plan starts picking American taxpayers' pockets to fund France's social programs or Germany's pet projects. The global tax deal isn't just a friendly suggestion. It's a loaded gun aimed at countries that don't join in. It's taxation without representation on steroids, a direct threat to our economic sovereignty. America's tax sovereignty belongs in Washington, D.C., not Paris. I'm glad that President Donald Trump and Secretary Scott Bessent believe this, too. My colleagues and I are continually working to improve a U.S. tax system built on a principle worth defending: competition should be about economic productivity and value, not favoritism. The OECD's subsidy circus flips that principle on its head, dragging the world toward a future where markets bend to political will and growth and prosperity will stagnate. We've seen that movie before, and (spoiler alert) it doesn't end well. Washington needs to hold the line, reject this global tax trap, and remind the world why economic freedom still matters. Our businesses, our workers, and our taxpayers deserve nothing less. Representative Kevin Hern serves as Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee and sits on the Tax Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Camping but make it luxe and comfortable: Glamping is the new travel trend that redefines nature exploration
Wilderness exploration, and nature in general, is not for the faint-hearted. It's easy to romanticise the idea of fishing, walking down forest trails, and sleeping under starlit skies, but the reality can humble you real quick with so many unanticipated situatuons, from unpredictable weather, makeshift shelters, improvising meals out of questionable things in the wild, to bugs that just don't quit bugging; it will be only a few days (or maybe hours) before your patience runs out. But what if it doesn't have to be a battle of endurance? Glamping is one such trend that aims to smooth out the outdoor experience, without any of the gritty Hunger Games-style survival drama. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Pardeep Kumar Siwach, Deputy General Manager, Accommodation, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, shared about the surge of a new trend called glamping, a new, unique way of exploring the outdoors. He said, 'For a long time, the word 'camping' conjured images of sleeping bags on rocky ground, communal washrooms, and cooking over an open fire. It was an escape for the adventurous, that was raw, rugged, and rewarding in its way, but as travel evolves, so do the expectations of travellers. Enter glamping, a travel trend that infuses outdoor adventure with indoor indulgence. Glamping is not a trend that will fade with time; it speaks to a deeper shift in how we perceive rest, connection, and meaning in travel. In combining thoughtful design with raw beauty, it offers something rare in today's fast-moving world- the chance to experience luxury without walls. This style of travel is particularly well-suited to India's lesser-explored yet spectacular northeastern region, where the natural landscape is dramatic." ALSO READ: Always overpacking your travel itinerary? Here's how to plan according to your family size Pardeep Kumar shared a detailed guide with HT Lifestyle, explaining more about glamping and how it is different: What sets glamping apart is the experience of: ALSO READ: Trip finally out of group chat? 6 smart hacks and 4 mistakes every Gen Z planning gateway with friends should know
Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
MrBeast's viral reaction to fans begging for Sydney Sweeney's bathwater soap: ‘Stop asking…'
Sydney Sweeney is stirring up buzz online with the launch of a limited-edition soap in partnership with Dr Squatch. The offering is grabbing eyeballs for one unusual ingredient: Sweeney's bathwater. Yes, you read that right. The soap – named Sydney's Bathwater Bliss – is said to be made using the actual bathwater from Sweeney herself. The quirky collaboration was announced in a joint Instagram post with the men's natural soap brand, and the Internet has been collectively raising its eyebrows (and placing orders). 'When your fans start asking for your bathwater, you can either ignore it, or turn it into a bar of Dr. Squatch soap,' Sweeney shared in a press release, clearly embracing the absurdity of the idea. It also said that she's proud that the product 'actually smells incredible and delivers like every other Dr. Squatch product I love.' A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney) The soap is no gimmick in formulation – it's a medium-grit exfoliating bar packed with sand and pine bark extract, with scent notes of pine, Douglas fir, and earthy moss. But it's the 'celebrity bathwater' angle that really got people talking. Among those reacting was none other than YouTube megastar MrBeast. After a fan begged him, 'Mrbeast, can you please buy me the Sydney Sweeney bath water soap. Pretty Please,' the creator posted a screenshot of the fan's text on X with the caption: 'Stop asking, I'm not buying you guys her bath water.' That post quickly exploded, racking up over three million views and sparking a flurry of hilarious replies. Stop asking, I'm not buying you guys her bath water. — MrBeast (@MrBeast) May 29, 2025 One user said, 'When MrBeast bath water,' while another imagined a dystopian competition: 'Fine, just buy up all the stock and then make us do some Hunger Games-style contest for it.' Another user wrote, 'MrBeast we are only asking for basic humanitarian assistance here.' The soap's packaging features a blue artwork of Sweeney herself and is tagged as 'limited edition'. In her Instagram caption, she wrote, 'You kept asking about my bathwater after the @drsquatch ad… so we kept it.'
