I adopted my schnauzer-poodle mix two years ago, named her Lucy, and went through the painstaking process of house-training a puppy...my shag rugs are still recovering. Just as I was celebrating the end of the puppy phase and Lucy was becoming a dog we absolutely adore, my boyfriend Dan brought home a 4-month-old pup. While skeptical at first — puppy PTSD is real — I was smitten as soon as I met the little guy. He was super sweet and gentle with the most earnest of puppy eyes.
We named him Diego after Dan’s hometown San Diego. He also has the personality of a chill surfer dog compared to my slightly neurotic Lucy (above left, wishing she had her giant dog bed all to herself). His genetic origins, however, were somewhat vague. The adoption shelter suspected he was a German shepherd mix with maybe a smidge Boxer. We were certain of the shepherd part as he was always trying to herd Lucy into a corner — an action often met with fierce objection, but they've since grown to tolerate (and even sort of like) each other. Side note: Diego broke his leg falling down the stairs soon after we brought him home. Highly recommend pet insurance right after adoption!
Over the weeks and months, as he started to grow into his actual size (50 lbs-ish), we guessed maybe he had some pitbull in his heritage. When strangers inevitably asked what he was, Dan would jokingly reply, “American Fence Jumper.”
Meanwhile, my daughter was in dog heaven and kept declaring that when she gets old enough to have her own dog she is getting a Siberian Husky (she’s in the wolf phase of kid animal obsessions).
We used the at-home dog DNA kit, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry, to crack Diego's DNA code. The test was pretty simple – easier than a Covid test – and required that we just swab his inner cheek for a saliva sample and mail it off.
We anxiously awaited the results and joked about having a breed reveal party (any excuse to gather, right?). We also wanted to know what we were in for in terms of health and behavior issues. Four weeks later, we received the email that would unlock the mystery.
The test revealed his behavioral traits like willingness to share (yes), separation anxiety (nope), possessiveness (not at all), noise sensitivities (calm), and more, helping us understand him a little better or just confirming what we already knew about him. We even met some of his genetic relatives!
Then of course was the biggest surprise: His breed. Any guesses?
Turns out, Diego is 49 percent Siberian Husky! My daughter was thrilled. His breed mix also included American Pitbull Terrier (26%), American Staffordshire Terrier (19%), and Australian Cattle Dog (6%). He's super social and loves everyone and every dog and is pretty much house-trained...except for the occasional shoe and rug casualty. We're working on it. 😉
Have you tested your dog DNA? Find more pet stories on our Pets page!
Header image via Theresa Gonzalez
Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.
Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!
Trader Joe's
Creamy Dreamy Hummus
Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.
Trader Joe's
Vegetable Root Chips
These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!
Trader Joe's
Organic Super Bread
Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!
Trader Joe's
Cut Sweet Potatoes
These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.
Trader Joe's
Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices
These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.
Trader Joe's
Solid White Albacore Tuna
Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!
Trader Joe's
Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit
This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Trader Joe's
10 Minute Farro
Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.
Trader Joe's
Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.
Trader Joe's
Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars
Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!
Trader Joe's
Carb Savvy Tortillas
If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.
Trader Joe's
Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins
These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.
Trader Joe's
Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde
This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!
Trader Joe's
Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar
This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.
Trader Joe's
Classic Greek Salad
With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!
Trader Joe's
Stir Fry Veggie Blend
Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.
Trader Joe's
High Protein Organic Tofu
One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.
Trader Joe's
Organic Tricolor Quinoa
Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!
Trader Joe's
Crunchy Curls
These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.
Trader Joe's
Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta
This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.
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You love your dog. You love them even when they’re stinky, sleepy little freeloaders that ask relentlessly for pets. And while it's super important to remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than humans, sometimes you just can’t resist those puppy eyes – and you have to slip them a tidbit of human food. We advise against sharing without doing your research, though. Here are some human foods that dogs can safely consume in moderation.
1. Lean Meats
Photo by Bethany Ferr / PEXELS
Cooked chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef or pork can be given to dogs, but they should be boneless, skinless, and free from seasonings, butters, oils, or spices.
2. Fruits
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS
Many fruits are safe for dogs, such as apples (without seeds or core), bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon (without seeds or rind). Remember to remove any seeds or pits of fruits, as they can be harmful to your pup.
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupes
- Cranberries
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
🚨 IMPORTANT: Grapes are highly toxic for dogs. It's imperative to avoid ingestion. 🚨
3. Vegetables
Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS
Dogs can enjoy a variety of vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. Make sure to cook or steam them before feeding to aid in digestion.
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green beans
- Peas
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
4. Rice and Pasta
Photo by Samson Katt / PEXELS
Plain, cooked rice or pasta can be given to dogs, but only occasionally. Plain white or brown rice is suitable for dogs, but you should avoid flavored rice mixes or dishes with added spices that can cause harm. It's important to note that rice and pasta is not really nutritionally *necessary* for dogs, as pups primarily require a balanced diet of protein, fats, and carbohydrates that they can get from their regular dog food.
5. Plain Yogurt
Photo by Mikkel Bendix / PEXELS
Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt without any added flavors, sugars, or artificial sweeteners can provide probiotics and be beneficial for dogs' digestive systems, supporting digestion, aiding in nutrient absorption, and contributing to a healthy immune system. Yogurt also comes in handy for your fur baby when they’re experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. Furthermore, yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth in dogs, while protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair.
6. Eggs
Photo by Olga Burmistrova / PEXELS
Cooked eggs are considered a good source of protein for dogs, helping build and repair tissues, supporting muscle growth, and contributing to a healthy immune system. Cooked eggs also have a good amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium, which all play important roles in supporting overall health and growth of your doggo. When giving your dog eggs, ensure they are fully cooked and avoid using any oils, seasonings, or additives.
If you have any concerns or questions about incorporating these human foods into your dog's diet, do consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's specific needs. Remember to always introduce new foods gradually and in small portions to monitor your dog's reaction.
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Header photo by Sam Lion / PEXELS
So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?
If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.
Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:
Questions About Your Daily Routine
Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.
If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:
- How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
- What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
- Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
- How do I usually feel when I get to work?
- Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?
Questions About Your Self-Care
Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.
- How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
- Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
- Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
- Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
- Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?
Brit + Co
Questions About Your Career
We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:
- What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
- What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
- How do I respond to constructive criticism?
- What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
- Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?
Brit + Co
Questions About Your Home
Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.
- How did the energy in my home feel?
- Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
- How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
- Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
- What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?
Questions About Your Relationships
Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.
- What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
- Do I have a reliable support system?
- What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
- Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
- Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?
Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!
The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.
Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!
Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):
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1. Party City
Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.
It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.
I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.
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2. Blockbuster
Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.
When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.
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3. Circuit City
Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.
Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.
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4. Virgin Music Store
If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.
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5. Radio Shack
This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.
Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.
6. Border's
As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.
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7. KB Toys
Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.
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8. Wet Seal
Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)
Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.
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9. Esprit
This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.
10. Goody's
Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.
And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.
Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!