10 Alexa Skills That Will Change Your Parenting Life

Alexa isn’t exactly where the term “mother’s little helper” originated (far from it), but that’s not to say it can’t lend a major hand to moms everywhere. (We’re fully on board with getting a little Amazon assistance now and then!) If you need some serious mommy-ing help, check out these not-to-miss skills.

1. Quick List: There’s no chance that you’ll remember the all dozen things on your shopping list next time you’re shopping. But Alexa can help you ask Quick List to add items that you’ll need as you remember them, making your shopping trip with baby a breeze.

2. Any.do: Carpool. Band practice. Ballet. Soccer. Mommy and Me. Playdate. Playdate. And another playdate. Oh the list goes on. Simply ask Alexa to add almost anything to your to-do list and it’ll be there waiting for you.

3. Life Hacks: You need hacks, but what busy mama really has time to Google those helpful how-tos daily? Now you don’t have to. Just ask Alexa to open Life Hacks and you can get the completely creative help that you crave.

4. Amazon Storytime: Alexa opens Storytime and storytime actually happens. There are plenty of professionally narrated picks for older kiddos, including choices from Audible short stories and the Amazon Rapids app.

5. Sesame Street: You’re looking for a way to entertain your tot — without having to scour the internet for ideas. Sit this one out and let the littles ask, “Alexa, open Sesame Street.” Here’s where the fun begins. Your Elmo enthusiast can talk to the furry red friendly monster, play games, and do so much more.

6. Wake Up Clock: Do you fantasize about your child staying in bed until the sun makes its way over the horizon? With this skill, your child asks Alexa if it’s time to wake up — and gets the answer that you set.

7. My Mickey Vacation Travel: A Disney vacation might be totally welcome, but the planning that goes into it is definitely not. If you’re not into the travel prep, My Disney Vacation can help you learn more about the parks, where to eat, what attractions to visit, where to shop, and what to do on your magical family getaway.

8. Guided Meditation: Meditation of the Day for Calm: Every mama needs a little Zen in her life. When you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or just can’t cope, Guided Meditation gives you three to eight minutes of calming bliss.

9. Instant Pot: If you’ve jumped on the bandwagon but you’re still not exactly sure what to cook in your new Instant Pot, ask Alexa to open “Instant Pot” for all kinds of yum-inspiring recipes.

10. Baby Sleep Sounds: You say it’s bedtime but your baby doesn’t agree? Ask Alexa to open “Baby Sleep Sounds” and get ready for some serious zzz’s. Even though Baby Sleep Sounds can’t actually put your kiddo to sleep, its calming music can help lull the little love off to dreamland.

What’s your favorite Alexa skill? Share your pick and tweet us @BritandCo!

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Picking the perfect name for your baby can feel like a mix of excitement (it's a big deal!) and pressure. You want something you love that feels unique and also has some meaning — but you haven’t even met the little person whose name it will be for the rest of their life?! Plus, you and your partner have to agree on a name, which can make the whole process feel daunting.

Before we even knew we were having a girl, my partner and I struggled to agree on boy names. But naming my daughter was surprisingly easy. That was settled on our first date — Matilda was a name he had always loved and I came to love it too.

If you’re still on the hunt for the one, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 75+ baby names set to trend in 2025. According to Baby Center, this year’s big inspirations come from pop culture, sports, and celestial themes. Music-inspired picks like Chappell and Kendrick are climbing the charts, while sports stars Caitlin and Travis are making waves as top contenders in the babe department too. Ready for some fresh baby name ideas? Let’s dive in!

The Top Trending Baby Names

Jonathan Borba

Andie

This cute name, from the Greek name Andreas, means "strong" or "manly" but I also think it makes a great feminine name (Andie MacDowell, anyone?).

Apple

Apple Martin's debut in Paris may have sparked baby name buzz inspired by the symbol of love, beauty, and wisdom.

Arlette

This combo of French words meaning "lion" and "of God" conveys something fierce, as well as divine protection.

Arthur

Arthur has multiple meanings, including "bear-like" (cute), "of honor," and "strong man."

Aurora

This mystical name means "dawn" in Latin. It also has Sleeping Beauty vibes.

Yuri Shirota

Beckam

"Beck" means "brook" while "ham" means "home." Either way, it's a strong name from soccer + Spice Girls fame.

Billie

Billie Holiday or Billie Eilish, you've got good role models covered. This British and German name means "protection," and it's short for William or Wilhelmina.

Boden

Bode comes from the Old Saxon word bodo meaning "messenger."

Bodhi

This very spiritual name means "final enlightenment," or your way to Nirvaṇa.

Colin Maynard

Caitlin

This popular name, thanks to WNBA player Caitlin Clark, is derived from the Gaelic term caith, meaning "pure."

Carmen

Wine lovers? This name means "garden" or "vineyard."

Casey

"Brave" and "vigilant" are words that make up the gender-neutral name Casey.

Chappell

Chappell was an Old English name meaning “one who works at the chapel," but it can also mean a safe space for friends and family.

Rene Terp

Circe

For those who loved the book Circe, the origins of this name make sense: a feminine name of Greek origin meaning "to secure with rings" and a symbol of feminine strength and individuality.

Cove

This sensory name can mean "bold" and "courageous." It's a great one for coastal lovers!

Crew

The name Crew signifies unity and collective strength.

Raul Angel

Edgar

Edgar comes from the Anglo-Saxon words meaning "rich or prosperous" and "spear."

Eclipse

Astrology lovers might lean into this name that signifies seeking change and ushering in evolution.

Elodie

This French name means "wealthy" or "riches."

Emir

Emir comes from an Arabic word for "commander" or "prince."

Emrys

This gender-neutral Welsh name means "immortal."

Pixabay

George/Georgia

These classic names comes from the Greek word georgos, or earth worker, and are inspired by the dragon-slaying knight Saint George.

Goldie

Goldie means "gold" and cues visions of the lovable actress Goldie Hawn.

Anna Shvets

Hallie

A variant of the name "Hayley," this actually ancient name is short for the word "Hallelujah."

Hazel

In Celtic lore, Hazel is associated with "wisdom" and "inspiration."

Holden

This Anglo-Saxon name means "deep valley," and may have originated from places with the same name around England.

Hollis

This gender-neutral name from medieval England translates to "near the holly" or "one who lives by the holly tree." Might be fun to plant a holly tree when they're born!

Hugo

This Germanic name means "mind," "intellect," "thought," and "heart." All good things.

Vika Glitter

Isaiah

This masculine Hebrew name means "salvation of the Lord."

Ivy

A simple three-letter name, this name implies fidelity (so v. loyal) and eternal life because of the plant's gorgeous green color.

Daniel Reche

Johanna

This name has origins in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin and means "God is gracious."

Jolie

This sweet French names comes from the word joli, which means “pretty” or “agreeable.”

Juniper

Juniper, or Juni for short, represents "hope" and "warmth."

Juno

Hailing from the Latins, Juno means "queen of the gods" and "youthful," and was the inspiration for naming the month of June. Due date, anyone?

Polina Tankilevitch

Kai

In Hawaiian, Kai means "sea."

Kendrick

From Old English words meaning "bold" or "brave", Kendrick can mean "bold ruler."

Kira

The feminine form of the name Kir, means "mistress" or "ruler" and the masculine form means "a beam of light."

Kit

Kit actually derives from the names Christopher and Katherine and means “bearing Christ,” or "pure."

Dobromir Dobrev

Lorelai

Gilmore Girls fans will love this Germanic name meaning "alluring" and "enchantress" or "sorceress."

Lottie

This English name means "free."

Louise/Louis

The name Louise means "famous warrior" and is the feminine version of the name Louis.

Luna

Meaning "moon" in Spanish, Luna is often associated with mystery, beauty, and femininity.

Tim Bish

Margot

Inspired by our favorite Barbie, this French name means "pearl."

Mateo

This Spanish name, a version of the English Matthew, means "gift of God."

Miller

Miller means someone who grinds grain and operates a mill, but it's also very cute.

Lawrence Crayton

Nash

I also love Dash, but this name of English origin means "by the ash tree."

Nova

Inspired by the astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright light, this name can mean "new" star.

Joshua Reddekopp

Opal

This gem is a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

Otis

Music lovers, this masculine name means "wealthy" and can be associated with prosperity.

Otto

Otto is a masculine name of German origin that means "wealth" or "prosperity."

Ozzy

Ozzy is a shortened version of names like Oswald or Osborne, and has a connection to a deity or divine entity.

Kelly Sikkema

Palmer

Palmer is a name meaning palm bearer or pilgrim, inspired by Christian pilgrims who traditionally carried the palms.

Paloma

The Spanish word for dove, Paloma is associated with peace, love, and spirituality.

zelle duda

Raphael

This classic name of Hebrew origin means "God has healed."

Rain

Rain can mean life, growth, and renewal, but it can also represent sadness, loss, and despair. Let's go with the positive association.;)

Remi

Meaning "rower" derived from Latin, this name can also mean "God comforts me."

Riley

"Courageous and "valiant" are words that come to mind for Riley.

Ripley

For The Talented Mr. Ripley (AKA Jude Law) fans, this gender-neutral name means "meadow" or "clearing" and it goes back as far as the 12th century!

Rocky

Cue the Rocky theme song, this name is often associated with strength, resilience, and a steadfast nature.

Walaa Khaleel

Sabrina

The Celtic word "saber" means "water," which may be the origin of this name.

Saoirse (pronounced "SEER-shə" or "SUR-shə")

Made popular in places other than Ireland by Saoirse Ronan, the Irish female name means "freedom" or "liberty".

Santiago

This name combines the Spanish words santo, meaning "saint", and Iago, a variation of the name James.

Scottie

This Scottish name literally means "from Scotland" or "Gaelic speaker".

Sol/Soleil

Sol is the Spanish word for "sun," as is Soleil in French.

Stone

Cool, calm, and collected (like a rock) is the essence of this British name.

Lawrence Crayton

Tate

Happy baby! This English name means "cheerful" and it's gender-neutral.

Teddy

This masculine name of French origin means "wealthy protector" or "God's gift." (I'm seeing a trend here.)

Travis

Our girl's favorite guy is getting baby-name popular with this Old French word meaning "to traverse" or "to cross".

Pixabay

Van

From the Old Dutch word van, this cool baby name means "from the marsh."

Veda

This girl's name of Sanskrit origin means "knowledge" or "wisdom".

Viviana

This Italian name means "alive" or "full of life." Vivi for short!

Juan Encalada

Warren

Warren can mean "to protect" or "guard."

Walton

This masculine name of English origin means "town of walls" or "city of streams or wood."

Wesley

This English name means "western meadow".

Wilder

Wild child? This name means "untamed" or "wild," and also eager or enthusiastic. I can totally picture Wilder climbing everything!

Jonathan Borba

Zaida

This Arabic name, generally for girls, means "fortunate," "prosperous," and "abundant."

Zara

This pretty name means "blooming flower" or "radiance."

Zephyr

This gender-neutral name comes from the Greek word zephyros, which means "gentle breeze".

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I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.

Scroll on for details on Whole Foods’ top deals to shop starting today!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

1. BOGO 50% off packaged soups (Tuesdays)

Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!

They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.

Lukas / PEXELS

2. $2 off classic and organic rotisserie chickens (Tuesdays)

You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

3. $8 large cheese pizzas (Friday)

Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

4. 12 for $12 wild caught oysters (Friday)

Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.

Pixabay / PEXELS

5. BOGO 50% off packaged sushi rolls (Friday)

This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.

Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS

6. $10 family-sized tiramisu (Friday)

Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.

Kseniia Lopyreva / PEXELS

7. $12 bottles of prosecco (Friday)

The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more deals!

Blake Lively is as multifaceted as they come. She's an actress who has starred in titles like Gossip Girl, A Simple Favor, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (plus It Ends With Us). She's the founder of Betty Buzz, which has a variety of non-alcoholic mixers that taste just as good on their own as they do with liquor. And, she's also a mom. Lively has been outspoken about protecting her children from the paparazzi, making rare public appearances with them for events like her husband Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremonyandcozy date nights.

When Lively and Reynolds seemingly announced the birth of their fourth child last year, we melted. Here's everything you need to know about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids.

Is Taylor Swift friends with Blake Lively's kids?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Yes, Taylor Swift loves Blake Lively's kids! The family has shown up to the Eras Tour multiple times, and most recently supported the popstar at her concert in New Orleans, Louisiana. Blake and Ryan were joined by oldest daughter James (who looked amazing in a Reputation-inspired 'fit), and I can't believe how much James and Blake look alike! She's truly her mini-me! At the Philadelphia show of the Eras Tour, which Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively attended, Taylor said hello from the stage.

One funny detail about Ryan Reynolds' kids that I love is when he mentioned the girls finally realized Taylor Swift was a popstar. "I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he tellsThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"

For Super Bowl Sunday in 2024, Blake Lively joined Taylor Swift to support beau (and KC Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce. "Last week I left my kids for the first time ever," she says on Instagram. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of TheTwilight Zone would look like."

How do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively prioritize their kids?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

At the end of September, Ryan Reynolds revealed how different parenting seems to be now than when he was a kid. "Parents today are so different. We're so soft," he said at HubSpot’s INBOUND tech conference (via People). "I don't yell. I grew up with like — it was nuts, it was an improvised militia.”

“Now it's like, I can go look at all my resources for parenting and remind myself how to be perfectly compassionate,” he continued. "Something I love about [conflict resolution], and I know this is not very fancy, but what I love about it is that you can meet somebody where they are, and you don't have to be right or wrong...You can disagree and still connect."

Blake Lively recently joined an episode of her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' costar Amber Tamblyn's Further Adoand revealed the one unbreakable rule she made with Ryan Reynolds.

“When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time,” she says. “So that we could always prioritize our personal life...That takes working really hard when we're not. Just like financial planning and sustaining that; it takes balance.”

I love that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are serious about their family life, and that they have identified what works for them and are sticking with it.

What is the name of Blake Lively's 4th baby?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' fourth baby is named Olin, which he revealed during the July 22 premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine!

Before Ryan chose to reveal the name, he appeared on the Today show and made a cheeky joke about it after the hosts urged him to spill the beans. He said, "We always wait for Taylor to tell us what the child's name will be. We'll say this: we're still waiting."

What are Blake Lively kids ages?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively's kids are all under 10. James is 9 (turning 10 on December 16), Inez is 7 (turning 8 on September 30), Betty is 4 (turning 5 on October 4), and Olin turned 1 in February.

What gender is Ryan and Blake's fourth child?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

On July 26, Ryan Reynolds confirmed that he and Blake Lively's fourth baby, born in February 2023, is a boy in an Instagram video supporting mental health charity Walking 4 Hope. Speaking with founder John Bell, who struggled with suicidal ideation after the 2020 loss of his son Jake, Reynolds says, “I want to share with you that I, too, have a son...Boy, John, if I love him one-tenth as much as you love Jake, I’ll feel like I’ve done a pretty d—mn good job.”

Considering how adorable James, Inez, and Betty are, I can only imagine how cute Blake Lively's son is!

How many children do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have four kids. They welcomed their third daughter in 2019, making this new addition to the family their fourth child.

Did Blake Lively have a 4th baby?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

Blake Lively posted a pic on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023 showing what appears to be a post-baby body with the caption "Been busy."

Lively confirmed her fourth pregnancy in September 2022 when she arrived at her Forbes event in NYC cradling a baby bump and by posting her own personal photos on Instagramhoping that "the 11 guys waiting outside [her] home for a 🦄 sighting will leave [her] alone."

How old was Blake Lively when she had her first child?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively was 27 when she gave birth to her first daughter, James, in December of 2014.

Why did Blake Lively name her daughter James?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

The couple decided to name their daughter James after Reynolds' late father. While the name connects both James and Reynolds to his father, it also gives Lively the chance to bond with her daughter over having historically male names. "I liked having a boy's name," Lively said on Good Morning Americain 2015. "I thought I'd pass it on."

Their third daughter Betty's name is a tribute to Lively's late father. We didn't know the name of the couple's third baby until Taylor Swift used all three names in her 2020 album folklore. Swift also used James' voice at the beginning of her 2017 track "Gorgeous"! Does that mean we'll hear one of Ryan Reynolds' children in Reputation (Taylor's Version)? I hope so!

What has Ryan Reynolds said about raising their kids?

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In a conversation with Hugh Jackman ahead of Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds opened up about how his family has helped his anxiety. "I think it makes it better because your focus is less on yourself and more on your kids," he says (via People). "I love that I've had anxiety because when I see my kids experiencing some of that, which is probably genetic, I know how to address it in a way that is compassionate, that actually allows them to feel seen. I know that I can't just fix it. And I can communicate all that stuff to them and with them. I'm always grateful for it."

Per People, Ryan Reynolds has also made it clear he and Blake are wholly invested in the kids' daily lives. The doting husband and father enjoys the moments of "walking them to school and walking them back" as it deepens their bond. More than anything, Ryan and Blake's main goal is to make sure they teach their kids how to be introspective with Ryan saying "the thing we sort of hang our hat on the most is self-awareness with our kids."

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

However, that doesn't mean Blake and Ryan don't absolutely love being parents. "We're very excited [and] we wouldn't do this four times if we didn't love it," he says in an interview with CNBC's Power Lunch. "Everybody's doing great. Everybody's actually doing fantastic. I think if we hadn't figured it out by now, I think we'd be in deep, deep trouble."

"It's a zoo over here," he jokes. "This is my office here, this is where I'll probably — to be honest, I'll probably spend the rest of my life in here."

We love how much energy Ryan and Blake are pouring into their kids. It's always beautiful when parents are able to be present with their kids and teach them how to be present with themselves. Ryan Reynolds has also mentioned how having daughters "has been such a ride." Since he comes from a family of all boys, having daughters is something that was beyond his wildest dreams! “I love being a girl dad,” Ryan tells Access in 2020. “I have three daughters, which I never in a million years would imagine.”

He mentioned his newest child in June of 2023, when he announced his new series Bedtime Stories. "The idea for a show made to help everyone fall asleep was born the same day as my fourth child," he says on Instagram.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The Deadpool actor also offered some parenting advice on Amanda Hirsch’s hit podcastNot Skinny But Not Fat. "Embrace the chaos,” he tells Hirsch. "[Blake] always says, ‘They're all under our roof right now. The whole family's under our roof right now. We have them all.’ And that is a fleeting thing. Not an infinite resource, you know?”

While Reynolds understands firsthand how overwhelming parenting can feel, he also doesn't wish away this time with four young kids: “Just say, ‘Think about what you would give in 40 years or 30 years to come back and enjoy this one moment.’"

Besides this, Ryan knows their kids' childhoods don't mirror his or Blake's. However, he's not trying to place a huge emphasis on that because he wants them to have "as normal a life as possible" (via Page Six).

"I try not to impose upon them the difference in their childhood to my childhood or my wife’s childhood," he said (via The Hollywood Reporter). "We both grew up very working class, and I remember when they were very young, I used to say or think, like, ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,’ or, ‘I never would’ve had this luxury of getting takeout,’ or whatever."

In his eyes, he doesn't feel like it's the kids' responsibility or "bag of rocks to carry" because they're full of "gratitude" and "have a strong sense of empathy." That's how he knows he and Blake are "doing an OK job" as parents.

How has motherhood affected Blake Lively?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images;Art by Claire Shadomy/B+C

Blake Lively opened up about how Ryan Reynolds and she monitor screen safety for their kids, which is definitely something top-of-mind in 2024. “This is not an ad. I get nothing out of this. I just love @tappityapp,” she said of the STEM-focused educational app. “It’s engaging, informative, fun and they care about safety."

She also jokes that she's learning new things right along with her kids! But, no matter how educational or fun an app is, Blake Lively also emphasizes the importance of engaging with her kids' devices: "I’m always triple checking any kids app constantly for safety because that’s my responsibility not an app’s, but I do LOVE this one.”

Despite its fun and funny moments, the actress has admitted being a mom is hard, but she did it with her signature dry sense of humor. “BettyBooze at your service," she wrote in an Instagram Story announcing the new brand. "These are recipes I’ve been making for loved ones for years. But I have 4 kids now. And I’m tired. So here they are. In a can."

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

However, Blake Lively absolutely loves motherhood, and says in a 2022 interview with Forbes that having children has made her feel more comfortable in her own skin. "Once I had children, that just became even more profound because my time was even more precious, but also I think having children for me made me feel so much more in my skin," she says. "I never felt more myself or at ease in my own body or more confident — not to say that there aren't a bevy of insecurities coming at me a million times a day, but I just feel incredibly settled."

Speaking with People in 2021, Lively also explains how important it is that her children see her accomplish things outside the home. "I want to be as present of a mother as humanly possible and I want them to feel my presence, but I also think the best way to be the best mother is to show them that you can have a life and have a passion and have an identity outside of just being a mother," Lively says.

While she acknowledges that motherhood is all-encompassing, and it looks different for everyone, she knows that having your own identity is very important. "Teaching them that they can maintain themselves and that everything is possible [is crucial]," she adds.

When did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have their daughters?

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Blake Lively's children were all born in the last 10 years. Blake Lively's daughters are James, Inez, Betty, and her fourth child is named Olin! Their fourth baby's name was announced during the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. Blake gave birth to James in 2014, while Inez was born in 2016. Lively gave birth to Betty in 2019 and Olin in February of 2023.

Do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids have nannies?

Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' children don't have a nanny. "I feel like I could sometimes have a bit of a short fuse, but there's just been this weirdly endless supply of patience," Ryan told GQ in 2015. "I have no problem waking up five times in the middle of the night and changing diapers, and as exhausted as you get, I have this stupid grin on my face all the time."

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This story has been updated.

As much as I love celebrity couples, I love celebrity sibling relationships even more. And Elle and Dakota Fanning are two sisters I've grown up watching since I first saw Dreamer in 2005. Considering Elle Fanning is only five months older than me, and I have a sister of my own, this is one relationship that feels particularly familiar. And while Elle has also watched Dakota Fanning act since we were kids, Dakota just revealed seeing Elle onscreen is just as special for her.

Here's why Dakota & Elle Fanning get emotional seeing each other onscreen.

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."

You can see Elle Fanning in A Complete Unknown, in theaters December 25, and you can also stream Dakota Fanning's new show The Perfect Couple on Netflix now.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.