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The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I'm a teacher and there's 7 end-of-year gifts I absolutely HATE – please don't get us flowers for a start
THE school year is coming to a close and parents across the country are scratching their heads over what gift to give their child's teacher. Gifts may seem sweet, but trust me - we don't want a wilting bouquet or another mug saying 'Best Teacher Ever'. 5 I reveal the gifts I can't stand as a primary school teacher Credit: Henna Sharma 5 I love tea - but I've got enough mugs to open a café! Instead, a homemade treat made with love is always appreciated Credit: Henna Sharma I'm a part-time reception class teacher at a primary school in There's no better gift than watching the little ones grow, learn and gain confidence throughout the year. Sometimes parents want to show their appreciation with gifts, which is lovely, but it's the personal touches that mean the most. While I'm grateful for a thoughtful gesture, there are seven end-of-year gifts I secretly can't stand… and yes, more on teacher gifts 1. Flowers - the last-minute easy option They may look and smell lovely, but they're high-maintenance and can be messier than a glitter craft session - especially lilies as they stain! Plus, most bouquets start wilting faster than my patience on a school trip to the farm. 2. Notebooks & Calendars - simply practical My pencil cases are practically bursting with planners and to-do lists! There are only so many notebooks with 'Boss Babe' or 'Stay Positive' I can pretend to love. Most read in Fabulous 3. Stationery - useful but predictable Trust me, I've got more Sharpies than sense. A novelty pencil sharpener or rainbow highlighters seemed handy – until I realised every parent had the same idea. 4. Teddies - cute but no Until I have kids, teddies are just going to collect dust. I'll thank you kindly - but then wonder where to put yet another '#1 Teacher' bear. 5. Chocolate - sweet but safe Our staffroom is already a sugar bomb waiting to explode with endless sweet snacks and post-it notes from teachers saying: "Please take it or it will go in the bin!" Don't add to our collection. Free summer holiday activites You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer... Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids. Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy. Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland. Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds. Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge. Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising. Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble. 6. Mugs - too generic I love tea - but I've got enough mugs to open a café. Ones with quotes are cute, but after the tenth one, they start to lose their charm. 7. Books - to unwind? More like rewind Sweet idea – but unless it's a personal fave or a signed copy, I might not read it. And if it's another What I actually love... I'm not a total gift-grinch. There are some goodies that make me genuinely smile. 1. Handwritten Cards & Letters - guaranteed tear-jerker A heartfelt note from your child (or even you) means the world. It's the kind of thing I tuck away and re-read when I'm questioning my life choices mid-Ofsted inspection. 2. Kids' Drawings - gold star for effort I love a good stickman with wild hair and "Miss Sharma is the best!" scrawled in the child's handwriting. It makes my heart melt. No money can buy a one-of-a-kind piece of art. 3. Homemade Treats - made with love If you (or your little one) can Whether it's 4. Bath Gift Sets & Candles - classic crowd-pleaser Yes, please to anything that smells like Bonus points for personalisation, or if it comes in pretty packaging! 5. I love a leafy pal that lasts longer than a week - as long as it doesn't require a PhD in gardening. Think low maintenance: aloe vera, succulents or a cheeky peace lily. 6. Cute Home Décor - bright and personal A small trinket dish, a funky coaster or even a motivational sign saying "You've Got This" is great for that extra boost of confidence! Little things go a long way. 7. Vouchers - easy yet effective Whether it's Amazon, Costa, or M&S – I'll actually use these. Because nothing says 'I appreciate you' like letting me pick out my own reward and treat myself. So remember - keep it simple, make it thoughtful, and it's not about the money; it's about the message. And if all else fails, say it with wine. 5 It's the personal touches that mean the most Credit: Henna Sharma 5 Cute decor pieces brighten up my space and remind me of the special bond I share with my students Credit: Henna Sharma 5 A child's drawing with their handwriting makes my heart melt Credit: Henna Sharma
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
iPad kids, no more! Prime Day board game deals start at just $9
Struggling to peel your kids away from their screens? You're not the only one. Just take a look around. Tablets and TVs are everywhere. Add the blazing summer heat and it almost feels impossible to find healthier ways to keep the kids entertained indoors. That's exactly why Amazon Prime Day is the perfect chance to discover fresh, fun, screen-free distractions for the whole family. From July 8 to 11, Prime members can shop a wide range of everyday essentials — from adorable toys for toddlers to captivating STEM learning kits, plus those beloved timeless classics (Ie. Candy Land for just $9 and Scrabble for $11.) These nostalgic favorites aren't just entertaining; they also teach valuable skills like patience and problem-solving — saving parents some guilt along the way. Advertisement With board game deals this good, you can finally beat the screens. But, don't wait your turn! Family fun and unforgettable moments are just a few clicks away. Amazon Build, trade, and race to control the island in CATAN (6th Edition) — the board game where every move counts. One minute you're farming wheat, the next you're blocking your best friend's road. It's fast, fun, and full of surprises every time you play. Amazon Go with a classic. Candy Land is a colorful race through a world of lollipops, gumdrops, and chocolate mountains. Kids pick cards, move their pieces, and see who gets to King Kandy first. It's simple, sweet, and perfect for little players just starting out. Amazon Revenge never felt so sweet! A game of sliding, bumping, and pure competition. Move your pawns around the board and send your friends back to start with one lucky card. It's easy to learn, quick to play, and always full of surprises. Amazon Ticket to Ride: First Journey is a kid-friendly train adventure across the map, perfect for young conductors. Collect cards, build routes, and connect cities in a fun race to finish tickets. It's simple, colorful, and a great way to learn strategy while having fun. Amazon Let the kids stomp around the board as their favorite dinosaurs! They'll have loads of fun buying fossil sites and collecting bones. It's fast, easy, and packed with prehistoric fun for younger players. Perfect for little ones who love dinosaurs and big adventures. AMazon Classic Scrabble is a timeless word game where players use letter tiles to create words on a 15×15 board. Points are earned based on letter values and bonus squares. It combines strategy, vocabulary, and a bit of luck, making it popular with all ages. Best of all? It's available for 47% off today on Amazon. Amazon A game that not only teaches the importance of making life decisions but also introduces consequences in a way that's fun for the whole family. Players are taken on a wild ride from college to retirement, with surprises at every turn. See where the road takes you! Amazon Want to buy a new chess set that's perfect for traveling or games on the go? Cheque mate! This magnetic set is sturdy, stylish, and great for kids or beginners starting their chess journey. Fold it up, pack it away, and play anywhere you like. Amazon Fun for both, victory for one! Drop your discs, block your opponent, and plan your winning strategy. The kids will be playing this one for hours on end. Hurry now to shop Connect 4 for almost 30% off. Amazon Crack the case, claim the glory! In this mystery game, be the ultimate detective and solve clues in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to determine which Hogwarts student has disappeared and how. It's the perfect way to keep fans of the series entertained after they fly through the books and movies. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. Your Prime Day FAQs, answered How long does Prime Day last? In a new twist for 2025, shoppers have 4 days to take advantage of Prime Day discounts. This sale starts on July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PT and runs through July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT. When does Prime Day end? Prime Day 2025 ends on July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so east-coasters have until about 3 a.m. on July 12 their time to shop the deals. Do you have to have Amazon Prime to shop Prime Day? Prime Day is a member-exclusive sale event. Interested shoppers can grab a 30-day free trial to try Prime, and its many benefits, with no strings attached. What are the best Prime Day deals? From reporting on Amazon sales throughout the years, we can tell you for certain that it's the ideal period to stock up on household essentials, score great deals on vacuums, tech and appliances, refill your skincare empties, and comb through the massive catalog of Amazon best-sellers. Is Prime Day worth it? We certainly think so! Prime Day is a great chance to score Black Friday-worthy discounts on thousands of deals, including everything from big ticket items to Post reader-favorite trash bags. Our team diligently sorts through all the offers to find you the very best items to grab on sale. When is the next Prime Day? Already wondering when the next Amazon Prime Day is? Prime Day takes place in July each year, so it's safe to assume it will take place in mid-July 2026 — similar to previous years. Can't wait to shop more Amazon deals? Look out for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, which typically runs in October for shoppers looking to beat the holiday rush of Black Friday. Don't miss Post Wanted's around-the-clock coverage. Click here to find all of the best deals.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Beierle, Judith L. 1942-2025 Kingsland, Texas
KINGSLAND, Texas – Judith, 'Judy' Lee Beierle (nee Gray), 82, of Kingsland, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, in her home surrounded by loved ones. Judy was born on Nov. 29, 1942, in the city of St. Joseph, to Carl and Eleanor Gray. She attended Benton High School, in St. Joseph, and St. Joseph Junior College before graduating from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1964, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in English and education. She worked as a teacher, a substitute teacher, and in retail. Judy loved playing bridge, Uno, and Scrabble throughout her life. In her younger years, she excelled in needle work, embroidery, and sewing. She sang in her church choir throughout her life and sang in the Bluebonnet Chorale of the Highland Lakes for many years after moving to the Hill Country. Judy was known for her charismatic personality, sense of style, and her indomitable optimism. She loved reading, particular classic mysteries and historical fiction. She loved collecting antique furniture, figurines, and housewares. She loved animals, particularly cats and greyhounds. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles Beierle; her daughters, Robin Henning and Emily Beierle-McKaskle; and her grandchildren, Austin Henning, Abby Henning, Adeline McKaskle, and Henry McKaskle. She is preceded in death by her father, Carl Gray; her step-father, Marcus Caton; and her mother, Hope Eleanor Gray. Services will be held at her church of many years, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 201 RM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654, on July 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either: Donate Life America at Or Austin Greyhound Adoption at Online condolences may be made at: As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
Tom's Guide
02-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I use Gemini Live every day — here's the 7 craziest things I've found it can do for you
Of the recent advancements in artificial intelligence, Google Gemini Live might rank as one of the most innovative. Using nothing but your phone, you can engage with the world in countless ways. Similar to how Google Lens allows us to see a translation in real-time, Gemini Live opens up a world of possibility — to learn about bike maintenance, ask about the clouds in the sky and if it might rain, and even cheat at board games. Here are the craziest and most impressive things you can do with Gemini Live, along with some tips on getting the most out of the bot during these interactions. We'll call this one cheating, although it's one of the coolest things you can do with Gemini Live. When you point your camera at your own tiles in Scrabble, for example, the bot will suggest words you can use. In one test shown in the screenshot, Gemini suggested using the word 'deck' for 24 points. The caveat here is that Gemini Live struggles a bit when it comes to valid words — in my tests, the words were a little unusual and in some cases not in the official Scrabble dictionary. I wanted the bot to suggest words that had higher scores, too. You might try some coaching, asking for more common words or to use the double-word score. In the modern connected home, we have gadgets for just about everything, but even adjusting the temperature can be a challenge. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. With Gemini Live, you can point your camera at a thermostat and ask how to adjust the settings. Sometimes, Gemini might need you to focus on the name of the device, but in most cases, it knows the product just by the shape and color. I even tried asking Gemini about something called a Dehumidistat. Gemini explained that you can set the humidity level to the desired level — the Dehumidistat controls the air ventilation system in my home. The bot told me I can use a weather app to check the current humidity level, and then set the humidity to a lower level — such as 50% — to keep things less humid. Gemini can also give you more complex instructions in real-time. Let's say the chain on a bike is a bit rusty (see screenshot). Gemini can give you some tips on applying some lubricant to the chain, but you can go much further than that. If your chain is broken, Gemini can provide detailed tips about how to connect the 'rivets' (the small connectors on the chain) which usually requires something called a Master Link Pliers. Interestingly, you can also ask Gemini which tool to use to repair the rivets and then even where to buy a product like that. This one is really useful at the library or a bookstore. You can pull out your phone, fire up Gemini Live, and point your camera at any book cover. Then, ask the bot to summarize the book. I tested this with even a few brand new books including one called Every Living Thing (about the history of naming plants and animals). Gemini gave a general summary about the book, but then I asked for more details and if the book was worth purchasing. You can even converse about the book, asking about the author, where to buy it, and about similar books. This one was quite fascinating to me. I asked Gemini about the chemical compound of the liquid in my cup. Gemini first noted that my cup had a baby photo and contained coffee; both were correct. But then I asked about the chemical compound of coffee. I expected to hear mostly about caffeine, but the bot proceeded to explain how 'melanoidins' form during roasting to give coffee a dark tone and how 'trigonelline' is an alkaloid that creates the distinct aroma. I did the same with milk and a cup of root beer — the answers were more scientific than I expected. This one is a great party trick because Gemini can read just about anything. I asked the bot to read a handwritten note from one of my grandkids and listened as Gemini read the whole thing. But it started to get even more interesting. Taking a journal which had complex notes about a gadget I'm testing — including the size, weight, and other specs — Gemini read everything perfectly and even guessed which gadget it was (correctly). Then, I tried writing some of this article by hand in the journal and asked Gemini to read portions aloud to see if the writing was clear. It turns out Gemini Live is a great editor and proofreader. I had fun with this one. Gemini Live can tell you which clouds are in the sky based on their shape. Pointing the camera out of my office window, Gemini correctly explained that the clouds were cumulus and that the weather looked 'fair' without a chance of rain. It turns out that Gemini is not a bad meteorologist. Weather forecasters know that cumulus cloud rarely contain rain and are a prime indication that it's likely going to remain at least partly sunny.
Cosmopolitan
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
My best sex ever was with my boyfriend on a paddle board
My boyfriend Max* and I were home from uni for the summer. And like all 20-somethings who were used to the privilege of uninhibited banging from the comforts of our own place, being back with our parents was, um, a big change. Translation: we were itching to squeeze in as much sex as we could under our new time and space constraints. It had only been a few days since Max and I had last done it, but we were already desperately in need of some serious alone time. Don't get me wrong — as a teenager, a sneaky shag in your basement while you can hear relatives stomping above is kinda hot. But at 24, it's terrifying. The thrill of getting caught disappears. In fact, you mostly feel stupid, rug-burned, and wildly paranoid that you've interrupted nanna's Scrabble game upstairs with a muffled moan. As desperate as we were for a fuck, we were even more desperate to get out of the house. As luck would have it, the sun was scorching and the water was calling our names — perfect weather for a paddle on the river, just the two of us. Feeling bold, I figured I could kill two birds with one stone. I put on my new blue swimsuit that hugged my waist in just the right way and showed off the perfect amount of bum. I opted for no make-up, letting my freckles and tanned skin steal the show. It was midday by the time Max and I pumped up our boards and hit the water. The river was a popular spot in the summer, and we paddled through throngs of people as we made our way upstream. After winding around a few bends on our boards, we soon realised the noise and crowds had all disappeared. The river was just barely bubbling with voices of people completely out of sight. How intriguing…. Max and I chatted softly as we continued our journey up the river, soaking in the sight of painted turtles, the Monet-esque lily pads, and, most importantly, each other in very little clothing. I couldn't help but notice him intently checking out my bum, nor could I help staring at his toned arms as he dipped his paddle in and out of the water. I was getting impatient. After a bit more paddling and some cheeky flirting, we paused along another bend to take a break and crack open the beers we had brought with us. Neither of us had eaten lunch, and the drinks on an empty stomach hit fast. Suddenly the river was starting to look like a blue silk sheet I could see myself spreading open on. Feeling naughty, I wriggled out of the top of my suit to let the sun dance along my bare breasts. The alcohol was telling me to roll down my top further and I happily obliged, letting the sun stroke my stomach too. I inched my board closer to Max's until they were side-by-side, knocking playfully against each other in the current. I rolled to my side to see my boyfriend looking at me with heated suspicion as he raked his eyes over my body. 'I missed you,' I purred, twisting one of his perfect brown curls around my finger. He leaned in for a long, sultry kiss and slid his tongue against mine, exploring my mouth slowly. When I pushed my tongue back, he bit it — a playful and surprising gesture that had my suit getting wet without so much as grazing the water. Placing one hand on his board for balance, I slid my other hand up Max's tanned thigh and made my way up to his cock. I drew light circles along his shaft through his trunks with my thumb. He tilted his head back and let out a low and quiet moan. I looked around the river again to make sure we were still alone before leaning forward and giving my body to him. Max bent down, trailing his lips from my reddened collarbone down to my hard nipples. He eagerly nipped at each one, slowly palming his erection. Max's gaze flicked down between my legs and something primal filled his eyes. Quickly, he started tying his paddle board strap to my ankle so it wouldn't float away and stalked slowly onto mine. A rush of excitement flooded me. Being tied to something of his, limiting my movement, all while trying to stay perfectly still felt like a kinky new form of BDSM that I was eager to try. Navigating two people on one board is not for the faint of heart, but we had sheer determination... and were very tipsy. We started in missionary to test out the waters (literally). Max hovered over me, rocking slightly on one hand that was supporting him while the other frantically tried to free his cock. When he finally got his trunks out of the way, his erection came springing out. I quickly pulled at my own suit, moving it to the side so he could fuck me. We both gasped as it slipped in, as if it were a surprise that it was the same perfect, delicious fit. Max began pumping into me while I writhed and moaned underneath him, the board gently swaying as the midday sunshine streamed down on us, electrifying my whole body. Once we became more confident, we wanted explore more of each other. We decided to do what I'm sure many would argue is simply impossible — doggy on a paddle board (or what I have naturally dubbed, 'the doggy paddle'). We pulled up a bit closer to the shore so the tip of the paddle board rested on a rock while I carefully rotated to be on all fours, his board trailing behind me, still tugging on my ankle. It wasn't easy at first, trying to balance with a six-foot-something man on his knees behind me. But once we found our rhythm, it was pure bliss. The sex was ecstasy. Feeling floaty and wildly overconfident from the beer, I was riding a high I had never experienced. I tensed my lower half to remain perfectly poised as Max pounded into me from behind, hitting just the right spot. Suddenly, I started to feel a sweet sensation slowly building from deep inside my pussy. I needed more, and I needed it fast. I started to bounce back on his cock fervently until I was ready to release and a powerful wave of pleasure washed over me as I squirted all over Max and all over the board. I knew this was going to make him finish fast. He had been holding back from coming and this explosion was the signal he needed to know it was his turn to do the same. Quickly, I rolled back over like a good girl and watched my gloriously tanned boyfriend finish all over my sun-kissed tits. Fuck, I thought. I love summer. *Names have been changed
