Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 30 octobre 2018
FYI, Urban Outfitters Has a Secret Section Filled With Cool Halloween Stuff!
We're so excited for Halloween, we're already planning our costumes and putting up decorations. If you're as obsessed as us, you're going to freak out over the Halloween section at Urban Outfitters. It's filled with an assortment of unique offering you'll want to snatch up fast. Shop through our favorites.
5 Weighted Travel Blankets That Will Calm Even the Most Anxious Flyer
If you haven't heard, weighted blankets are the newest and coziest way to fall asleep and stay asleep. The blankets are scientifically designed to ease anxiety by regulating levels of the stress hormone cortisol while releasing oxytocin and serotonin, which can make you feel happier and more relaxed. Once you try one, you can't help but wonder how you slept (or coped with your anxiety) without it.
For anxious travelers, doesn't that sound like the perfect thing to pack in your carry-on bag? If so, cuddle up to one of these five weighted travel blankets - they're small enough to tote around but still heavy on benefits.
All the Tech Gifts You Can Buy For Less Than $100 This Year
To make sure you give the tech guru in your life the best gift of the year, we've curated a list of great gadget accessories that will surely make them smile. The best part: they're all under $100, so you can maybe get more than one (and even for yourself). Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
Additional reporting by Nicole Nguyen.
The Ultimate Churro Guide For a Sugar Rush at Disneyland
Churros are a classic Disney snack that have been pleasing guests for years. While Walt Disney World in Florida only serves classic cinnamon churros, Disneyland Resort in California has an impressive amount of flavors and themed churros that everyone must try at least once. Some of the churros are only available as seasonal items, but that just means you might need to make your way back to Disneyland Resort sooner rather than later. Read through to see our list of the best churros at Disneyland, and even make your own churro crawl across the resort!
20 Fun Under-$20 Gifts For Girlfriends
When you're hunting for the perfect gift for a girlfriend, it's all about the little luxuries. You want to find that special gift that makes your friend smile, something small that she wouldn't splurge on, or something she's never seen before. We've given you a helping hand on your shopping by scouring the web for small, affordable gifts that your girlfriends are sure to cherish. So check out these funny, fancy, and unique gifts - all $20 and under - now!
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
This Magical Harry Potter-Themed Coffee Shop Is Begging Us to "Slytherin" For a Butterbeer
Accio Harry Potter fans! You've seen Harry Potter-themed hotels, boutiques, and bars across the world, now get ready to bear witness to a new and super magical Potter-themed venture to add to your bucket list: a coffee shop in Kraków, Poland, fittingly named the Leaky Cauldron (Dziorawy Kociol).
Named after the fictional inn and pub in London from the Harry Potter series that serves as a gateway between the muggle world and Diagon Alley, this coffee shop in Poland is a must-see for Harry Potter fans of all backgrounds. Set in a cavelike atmosphere with decorations from the books and films adorning the walls and ceiling, this fun coffee shop is a place for Gryffindors and Slytherins alike to kick back, relax, and enjoy a butterbeer or two with fellow Potterheads.
In addition to butterbeer and coffee, the Leaky Cauldron offers a number of over-the-top drinks and desserts inspired by the hit fantasy series. From Hogwarts acceptance letters hanging from the ceiling to a sign that reads "Ministry of Magic This Way" on the toilet seat lid in the bathroom, half the fun of this Harry Potter hideaway is spotting all the hidden odes to the beloved series. There is even a dementor hiding in the shadows waiting to suck out the souls of take a picture with guests. Get a peek inside this magical stop ahead!
16 Thoughtful Gifts For Your Long-Distance Guy
LDRs mean you have to make every holiday and visit really count, so make sure you're gifting something from the heart this year. Whether it's something personalized or an item that will help you make the best out of your situation, your man is sure to appreciate one of these 16 gifts ahead.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi
The Hottest Dark Fantasy Reads For Fall
From monsters and dragons to magic and dark superheroes, this Fall is full of mystical new reads. If you find yourself needing an escape from the real world before the holiday madness, spend the day (or week) getting lost in these adventurous and fantastical stories.
30 Pop Culture Halloween Costumes For Couples You Can Make at Home
Whether you want to dress up with your significant other or just your best pal, there's a lot of inspiration you can draw from popular culture. You can totally DIY a costume from anything from your favorite TV characters to your favorite celebrities. Maybe you and your significant other are huge Riverdale fans - we've got you covered. Or maybe you love Taylor Swift. Guess what? We have something for you too. Just about everything can be fashioned from items you already have around the house, which gives you no excuse to not dress up for Halloween this year! Keep reading for 30 ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
18 Sex-Filled Films to Stream on Netflix
For when you want some good, clean onscreen lovin' that's not porn, I've found an array of sexy films available on Netflix. There are foreign flicks, romantic comedies, period pieces, and everything in between (the sheets) - perfect for solo watching or date night. So hop into bed with one of these steamy movies tonight!
- Additional reporting by Corinne Sullivan and Hannah Abrams
Every Single Guest Dressed as a Disney Character at This Picture-Perfect Wedding
I don't care if your heart is as frozen as Elsa's castle - it's about to melt into a puddle of emotions when you see the lengths this couple went to to throw their ultimate Disney dream wedding. Garrett and Jason, aka Woody and Buzz, went all out with their Disney-themed big day, and no detail was ignored. The best part? Every single guest (including their dog) dressed in costume as a different Disney character. Honestly, we can't get over it. And coming in at a close second in our books is the themed tablescapes, each based on a different Disney movie (complete with VHS tape).
Garrett and Jason met at a friend's New Year's Eve party, and what they didn't know until their wedding day was that Garrett's parents and grandparents also met on New Year's Eve! It was meant to be. Here's what else Jason told us about their big Disney day. See all the photos (including their sweet wedding video!) ahead!
POPSUGAR: What was your favorite decorative or event detail of the day?
Jason: Probably the table decorations we made by hand. We obsessed over every detail for the past year. We used those classic Disney VHS clamshells to signify the table name and theme. We chose the VHS clamshells since we both had them and watched them so much they got wore out when we were kids. For the newer movies that were never released on VHS (such as Moana and Up), I designed the VHS covers for them. Each table had elements from the movie; it looked like the movie came to life on the table. There was at least one light-up or glow-in-the-dark element at each table to make it extra magical.
Another one of our favorite parts is our choreographed first dance. It was arranged and instructed by our great friend Alesha Bales, who weaved together a jazz version of "You've Got a Friend in Me" with a Spanish version of the song. She mixed elements from foxtrot, salsa, tango, and paso doble into the dance.
POPSUGAR: What was the most emotional moment of the day?
Jason: The ceremony, because Garrett cried, and he never does that! During our ceremony we had a mixing of the mai tai to signify the good, the bad, and all that comes with a marriage. We went with a mai tai since we love tiki drinks and we travel the country visiting tiki bars. The mai tai was also our signature drink for the wedding.
POPSUGAR: What inspired the overall look and theme of the wedding?
Jason: We had both been fans of Disney and Disney parks growing up. Garrett would frequently visit his friends who worked in the park, while I was inspired by the artists and Imagineers who influenced me to pursue a career in graphic design. But it wasn't until our first trip together to Disneyland that the love for Disney became more of an obsession.
POPSUGAR: Why did you decide to do Disney costumes?
Jason: We love Halloween, and we throw an elaborate themed party every year. We also enjoy Disneybounding and cosplay at Comic-Con. Family and friends must have thought we were crazy to have a costume wedding in the middle of August. But we were happily surprised that most all of our guests were really into it and dressed for the occasion, even our dog!
Garrett wanted to dress as Buzz and Woody because "You've Got a Friend in Me" is one of his favorite Disney songs, and he has known for a long time he wanted that to be the song he danced to as his first dance. So, of course, I had to be Sheriff Woody. Both characters are reminiscent of each of our personalities.
40 Travel Gifts That Will Get Them Excited to Book Their Next Flight
Traveling in style and comfort is always a must, so if you have a loved one who's always on the go, gifting to them is easy this year. Simply treat them to a useful present that will make all their travels so much better. We shopped and uncovered 40 cool products any adventure taker will be thrilled to open. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
The Ultimate Gift Guide For Grown-Up Disney-Lovers
If you love Disney as much as us, chances are you have a few loved ones who are a little obsessed as well. Whether your friends and family are all about princesses or Pixar, we found gifts that grown-up Disney fans will go crazy for. You would be surprised by just how many products have a touch of the most magical brand on earth.
This Haunting Wedding Shoot Takes "Goth-Chic" to a Whole New, Sexy Level
Choosing a wedding theme can be tough, especially when white dresses, three-tiered cakes, and natural makeup can start to feel way overdone. Photographer Victoria Taylor definitely seems to think so, because she decided to put together a vampy wedding shoot that embodied the best of goth-chic fashion and art. These eerie and enigmatic photos were shot on the grounds of Lake Cuyamaca in Julian, CA, which perfectly matches the dark theme of the shoot. The bride wore a gorgeous black gown with a sweetheart neckline and carried an intricately detailed bouquet with an assortment of red, amber, and black flowers to create a smoky vibrancy. The groom wore a sleek black suit, and the pair looked stunning in Halloween skull makeup. In fact, if you look really closely, you can see that the bride's painted teeth had a metallic finish that matched her smoky eye. It is no surprise that this styled wedding shoot was nightmarishly magical.
Keep reading to see the haunting pictures of this dark fantasy Halloween wedding!
19 of the Most Perfect Tech Gifts For Him, All Under $50
Even the man who enjoys the simplest things in life can be a hard person to shop for, and when you've got a whole list of gifts to buy, it's hard to make the final decision on what to get. Thankfully, we've got you covered! Behold, 19 perfect tech gifts, all made just for him and your budgeting needs. Get that credit card ready as you look through our ideas!
50 Last-Minute Couples Costumes That Require Little to No Effort
Lazy couples, listen up! You don't need to shell out a lot of dough for a store-bought costume or pull a Martha Stewart by DIYing a costume you saw on Pinterest to put together a cute and creative couples costume this Halloween. With Halloween on the horizon, we've pulled together 50 examples of the easiest couples costumes you can create with what you already have in your closet. When it comes to spooky holiday attire, think K.I.S.S. (not that kind of kiss, but you'll probably be doing that, too): keep it simple, silly. From pop culture pairs to new spins on classics, check out these last-minute costume ideas now!
These $25 Compression Socks Totally Transformed My Swollen Legs
At the end of almost every day, my feet, ankles, and lower calves feel swollen and tired. For me, it's a genetic issue because everyone in my family has poor circulation. I've been instructed by doctors to make sure I kick back and rest my feet as often as I can, but when I'm running around or working, that's much easier said than done.
I usually experience the most swelling while flying, to the point where I don't dare to take my shoes off mid-flight because I know I won't be able to squeeze my puffy feet back into them. At the urging of my friends, I finally took the plunge and scrambled to purchase this Laite Hebe 7 Pack of Compression Socks ($25). They boast more than 4,300 reviews from passionate customers who saw significant changes in their leg swelling, which compelled me to click and buy.
After my flight, I took the socks off to find that my legs were my normal, nonswollen size. That was a first. Now I'm completely addicted to wearing them at the gym or even just under my jeans and booties to work. You don't have to have a circulation issue to wear these socks either. They're great for exercising in general, to help blood circulation and oxygen flow, and preventing cramping. And if you have a job where you're on your feet all day, these can help give you some relief.
They come in an array of styles and colors, ideal for every day or the gym. Keep scrolling to see all the choices.
5 Weighted Travel Blankets That Will Calm Even the Most Anxious Flyer
If you haven't heard, weighted blankets are the newest and coziest way to fall asleep and stay asleep. The blankets are scientifically designed to ease anxiety by regulating levels of the stress hormone cortisol while releasing oxytocin and serotonin, which can make you feel happier and more relaxed. Once you try one, you can't help but wonder how you slept (or coped with your anxiety) without it.
For anxious travelers, doesn't that sound like the perfect thing to pack in your carry-on bag? If so, cuddle up to one of these five weighted travel blankets - they're small enough to tote around but still heavy on benefits.
All the Tech Gifts You Can Buy For Less Than $100 This Year
To make sure you give the tech guru in your life the best gift of the year, we've curated a list of great gadget accessories that will surely make them smile. The best part: they're all under $100, so you can maybe get more than one (and even for yourself). Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
Additional reporting by Nicole Nguyen.
The Ultimate Churro Guide For a Sugar Rush at Disneyland
Churros are a classic Disney snack that have been pleasing guests for years. While Walt Disney World in Florida only serves classic cinnamon churros, Disneyland Resort in California has an impressive amount of flavors and themed churros that everyone must try at least once. Some of the churros are only available as seasonal items, but that just means you might need to make your way back to Disneyland Resort sooner rather than later. Read through to see our list of the best churros at Disneyland, and even make your own churro crawl across the resort!
20 Fun Under-$20 Gifts For Girlfriends
When you're hunting for the perfect gift for a girlfriend, it's all about the little luxuries. You want to find that special gift that makes your friend smile, something small that she wouldn't splurge on, or something she's never seen before. We've given you a helping hand on your shopping by scouring the web for small, affordable gifts that your girlfriends are sure to cherish. So check out these funny, fancy, and unique gifts - all $20 and under - now!
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
This Magical Harry Potter-Themed Coffee Shop Is Begging Us to "Slytherin" For a Butterbeer
Accio Harry Potter fans! You've seen Harry Potter-themed hotels, boutiques, and bars across the world, now get ready to bear witness to a new and super magical Potter-themed venture to add to your bucket list: a coffee shop in Kraków, Poland, fittingly named the Leaky Cauldron (Dziorawy Kociol).
Named after the fictional inn and pub in London from the Harry Potter series that serves as a gateway between the muggle world and Diagon Alley, this coffee shop in Poland is a must-see for Harry Potter fans of all backgrounds. Set in a cavelike atmosphere with decorations from the books and films adorning the walls and ceiling, this fun coffee shop is a place for Gryffindors and Slytherins alike to kick back, relax, and enjoy a butterbeer or two with fellow Potterheads.
In addition to butterbeer and coffee, the Leaky Cauldron offers a number of over-the-top drinks and desserts inspired by the hit fantasy series. From Hogwarts acceptance letters hanging from the ceiling to a sign that reads "Ministry of Magic This Way" on the toilet seat lid in the bathroom, half the fun of this Harry Potter hideaway is spotting all the hidden odes to the beloved series. There is even a dementor hiding in the shadows waiting to suck out the souls of take a picture with guests. Get a peek inside this magical stop ahead!
16 Thoughtful Gifts For Your Long-Distance Guy
LDRs mean you have to make every holiday and visit really count, so make sure you're gifting something from the heart this year. Whether it's something personalized or an item that will help you make the best out of your situation, your man is sure to appreciate one of these 16 gifts ahead.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi
The Hottest Dark Fantasy Reads For Fall
From monsters and dragons to magic and dark superheroes, this Fall is full of mystical new reads. If you find yourself needing an escape from the real world before the holiday madness, spend the day (or week) getting lost in these adventurous and fantastical stories.
30 Pop Culture Halloween Costumes For Couples You Can Make at Home
Whether you want to dress up with your significant other or just your best pal, there's a lot of inspiration you can draw from popular culture. You can totally DIY a costume from anything from your favorite TV characters to your favorite celebrities. Maybe you and your significant other are huge Riverdale fans - we've got you covered. Or maybe you love Taylor Swift. Guess what? We have something for you too. Just about everything can be fashioned from items you already have around the house, which gives you no excuse to not dress up for Halloween this year! Keep reading for 30 ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
18 Sex-Filled Films to Stream on Netflix
For when you want some good, clean onscreen lovin' that's not porn, I've found an array of sexy films available on Netflix. There are foreign flicks, romantic comedies, period pieces, and everything in between (the sheets) - perfect for solo watching or date night. So hop into bed with one of these steamy movies tonight!
- Additional reporting by Corinne Sullivan and Hannah Abrams
Every Single Guest Dressed as a Disney Character at This Picture-Perfect Wedding
I don't care if your heart is as frozen as Elsa's castle - it's about to melt into a puddle of emotions when you see the lengths this couple went to to throw their ultimate Disney dream wedding. Garrett and Jason, aka Woody and Buzz, went all out with their Disney-themed big day, and no detail was ignored. The best part? Every single guest (including their dog) dressed in costume as a different Disney character. Honestly, we can't get over it. And coming in at a close second in our books is the themed tablescapes, each based on a different Disney movie (complete with VHS tape).
Garrett and Jason met at a friend's New Year's Eve party, and what they didn't know until their wedding day was that Garrett's parents and grandparents also met on New Year's Eve! It was meant to be. Here's what else Jason told us about their big Disney day. See all the photos (including their sweet wedding video!) ahead!
POPSUGAR: What was your favorite decorative or event detail of the day?
Jason: Probably the table decorations we made by hand. We obsessed over every detail for the past year. We used those classic Disney VHS clamshells to signify the table name and theme. We chose the VHS clamshells since we both had them and watched them so much they got wore out when we were kids. For the newer movies that were never released on VHS (such as Moana and Up), I designed the VHS covers for them. Each table had elements from the movie; it looked like the movie came to life on the table. There was at least one light-up or glow-in-the-dark element at each table to make it extra magical.
Another one of our favorite parts is our choreographed first dance. It was arranged and instructed by our great friend Alesha Bales, who weaved together a jazz version of "You've Got a Friend in Me" with a Spanish version of the song. She mixed elements from foxtrot, salsa, tango, and paso doble into the dance.
POPSUGAR: What was the most emotional moment of the day?
Jason: The ceremony, because Garrett cried, and he never does that! During our ceremony we had a mixing of the mai tai to signify the good, the bad, and all that comes with a marriage. We went with a mai tai since we love tiki drinks and we travel the country visiting tiki bars. The mai tai was also our signature drink for the wedding.
POPSUGAR: What inspired the overall look and theme of the wedding?
Jason: We had both been fans of Disney and Disney parks growing up. Garrett would frequently visit his friends who worked in the park, while I was inspired by the artists and Imagineers who influenced me to pursue a career in graphic design. But it wasn't until our first trip together to Disneyland that the love for Disney became more of an obsession.
POPSUGAR: Why did you decide to do Disney costumes?
Jason: We love Halloween, and we throw an elaborate themed party every year. We also enjoy Disneybounding and cosplay at Comic-Con. Family and friends must have thought we were crazy to have a costume wedding in the middle of August. But we were happily surprised that most all of our guests were really into it and dressed for the occasion, even our dog!
Garrett wanted to dress as Buzz and Woody because "You've Got a Friend in Me" is one of his favorite Disney songs, and he has known for a long time he wanted that to be the song he danced to as his first dance. So, of course, I had to be Sheriff Woody. Both characters are reminiscent of each of our personalities.
40 Travel Gifts That Will Get Them Excited to Book Their Next Flight
Traveling in style and comfort is always a must, so if you have a loved one who's always on the go, gifting to them is easy this year. Simply treat them to a useful present that will make all their travels so much better. We shopped and uncovered 40 cool products any adventure taker will be thrilled to open. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
The Ultimate Gift Guide For Grown-Up Disney-Lovers
If you love Disney as much as us, chances are you have a few loved ones who are a little obsessed as well. Whether your friends and family are all about princesses or Pixar, we found gifts that grown-up Disney fans will go crazy for. You would be surprised by just how many products have a touch of the most magical brand on earth.
Trader Joe's Is Selling Maple Butter Now, and I'm Gonna Put That Sh*t on Everything
When it comes to Fall favorites, I love a good pumpkin-flavored product just as much as anyone (well, some products not so much). But my pumpkin obsession doesn't come at the expense of maple, a Fall flavor of equal importance. Maybe that's why I was so elated to find out that Trader Joe's is currently selling maple butter, a spread that's essentially just maple syrup that's churned until it reaches a butter-like consistency. Each 9.5-ounce jar retails for just $5.99 and is made with 100 percent maple syrup. It sounds absolutely amazing, and I'm already prepared to eat it with, uh, everything.
Not only would this be a unique and flavorful addition to the condiments section of your refrigerator, but it's also versatile enough for you to slather onto any food you see fit - in addition to pancakes, of course. Someone even used it to upgrade roasted brussels sprouts. Yum. Customers appear to be stocking up on it already, so if you find yourself wanting to get a taste of the seasonal spread, you'll want to act fast.
Work Hard, Play Hard at Your Office Halloween Party - Easy Costumes That'll Win Over Your Coworkers
It's hard enough to find something to wear to work on a normal day, let alone something to wear to work for the Halloween party.
Here are some work-appropriate costumes that show you can work hard and play hard.
- Additional reporting by Corinne Sullivan, Emily Cappiello, Hedy Phillips, Taylor Murphy, Tara Block, and Lauren Niedospial
11 Pet Owners Who Put Their Dogs Inside of Pumpkins - Heroes, Every Last 1 of Them
If you've spent a better part of the day going through impressive costume photos from the weekend, we have even more for you to look at. While the internet can't get enough of adorable baby costumes and creative ideas, it's the pets - namely the dogs - who are holding our attention. Behold, 11 adorable photos of dogs who've found themselves at the mercy of their hoomans. Yup, they're inside of pumpkins!
Target's New Hot Cocoa M&M's Are Filled With Holiday Cheer - and a Marshmallow Center!
While visions of gingerbread cookies and candy canes dance through your head, add one more sweet treat to your holiday shopping list: Hot Cocoa M&M's. The festive flavor will be hitting Target shelves in November, and it looks like a bite-size snack worth buying in bulk.
Piping-hot cups of cocoa are great on a chilly Winter day, but these M&M's may really come in handy when you need a sugary pick-me-up. Take the milk-chocolate candy you know and love, then add a white-chocolate-marshmallow-flavored center and candy coating. Voilà! You'll be ready to deck the halls by the handful.
The Ultimate Churro Guide For a Sugar Rush at Disneyland
Churros are a classic Disney snack that have been pleasing guests for years. While Walt Disney World in Florida only serves classic cinnamon churros, Disneyland Resort in California has an impressive amount of flavors and themed churros that everyone must try at least once. Some of the churros are only available as seasonal items, but that just means you might need to make your way back to Disneyland Resort sooner rather than later. Read through to see our list of the best churros at Disneyland, and even make your own churro crawl across the resort!
This Magical Harry Potter-Themed Coffee Shop Is Begging Us to "Slytherin" For a Butterbeer
Accio Harry Potter fans! You've seen Harry Potter-themed hotels, boutiques, and bars across the world, now get ready to bear witness to a new and super magical Potter-themed venture to add to your bucket list: a coffee shop in Kraków, Poland, fittingly named the Leaky Cauldron (Dziorawy Kociol).
Named after the fictional inn and pub in London from the Harry Potter series that serves as a gateway between the muggle world and Diagon Alley, this coffee shop in Poland is a must-see for Harry Potter fans of all backgrounds. Set in a cavelike atmosphere with decorations from the books and films adorning the walls and ceiling, this fun coffee shop is a place for Gryffindors and Slytherins alike to kick back, relax, and enjoy a butterbeer or two with fellow Potterheads.
In addition to butterbeer and coffee, the Leaky Cauldron offers a number of over-the-top drinks and desserts inspired by the hit fantasy series. From Hogwarts acceptance letters hanging from the ceiling to a sign that reads "Ministry of Magic This Way" on the toilet seat lid in the bathroom, half the fun of this Harry Potter hideaway is spotting all the hidden odes to the beloved series. There is even a dementor hiding in the shadows waiting to suck out the souls of take a picture with guests. Get a peek inside this magical stop ahead!
Madeline Stuart on Modeling With Down Syndrome: "There's Never Been a Second I Thought I Couldn't Do It"
At just 21 years old (and only a few years into her modeling career), Madeline Stuart has accomplished more than most people hope for in a lifetime. In addition to being the first model with Down syndrome to participate in New York Fashion Week, the Australian native has also walked in more than 60 runway shows and has become a huge advocate for people with disabilities in the modeling world. "In the beginning, [a lot of] designers expected I would be happy to walk for free or for the 'experience,' which was very disheartening," she told POPSUGAR when we recently chatted with her about Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is this October. "I worked very hard to break down barriers to get where I am."
And Madeline isn't stopping anytime soon. In addition to two upcoming social media campaigns with large brands, she's also gearing up to travel the globe as Carnival Cruise's Fashion at Sea ambassador. "I will have a very busy year!" she told POPSUGAR. "I have some very exciting things happening at the moment."
And as for the people in the industry who still doubt her, she's determined to prove them wrong. "There has never been a second when I thought I couldn't do it," she said. "I love modeling, and that alone makes me work hard to overcome any obstacles that I'm faced with." To see what else she had to say about her impressive career and advice for other people with disabilities following their dreams, keep reading.
POPSUGAR: When did you first realize that modeling was what you wanted to do?
Madeline Stuart: It's funny because when I was growing up, I was never very interested in fashion or clothes and never pictured myself modeling! It all started when my mum took me to a fashion show in my hometown of Brisbane, Australia, and I fell in love with it. I was watching the models on the catwalk, and they were having so much fun. They looked confident and beautiful; I knew right away I wanted to have a career on the catwalk.
PS: Growing up, did people tell you that you wouldn't be able to model? If so, how did you respond to that?
MS: When I was growing up, I actually always wanted to be a waitress at a cafe. I didn't know that I wanted to model until I was 18, so thankfully, I didn't receive any criticism or judgment in regards to modeling because I wasn't involved with the industry back then.
PS: What were the first few steps you took to make your dreams come true?
MS: After the initial fashion show I watched with my mum, she booked me in for my first photo shoot. I had recently lost a lot of weight in the pursuit of become a fitter and healthier version of myself, so I was in great shape. I had so much fun, and the photos turned out amazing! My mum thought they were stunning and she wanted to share them with the world, so that's exactly what she did! She posted them to a public Facebook page and they went viral overnight. They were seen by millions of people, and from that point, my career took off. I started receiving offers from around the globe to come and model and attend amazing events. It's been a very exciting few years and I can't wait for what's to come!
PS: What's one obstacle that you've overcome in your career that you're really proud of?
MS: In the beginning, it was sometimes difficult for designers to see me as a professional and they expected that I would be happy to walk for free or for the "experience," which was very disheartening. I worked very hard to break down barriers to get where I am and felt I deserved to be treated the same as other models. My mum and I worked hard to educate people and make some serious changes in the industry for myself and other models with a disability. I can proudly say that I am now treated like the other professional models, and I do not get asked to walk for the "experience" anymore. It's real changes like this that make my job even more rewarding.
PS: Something you still struggle with?
MS: I am still not signed with a modeling agency; this is something we have been working hard to achieve from the beginning. It's been three and a half years that my mum has managed my career and done my bookings, because we can't find a suitable agency. We would really love for this to change!
PS: Was there ever a moment you thought you couldn't do it? If so, how did you push through that?
MS: There has never been a second when I thought I couldn't do it. I love modeling and that alone makes me work hard to overcome any obstacles that I'm faced with. From a very young age, my mum has always shown me that I'm able to do anything I want. She tells me every day that I'm capable of anything if I work hard.
PS: What advice do you have for someone else with a disability who wants to have a career and follow their dreams?
MS: The best advice I have is to believe in yourself and work hard at the things you want to achieve. I know a lot of people who give up when things get hard, but if you can push through, things are always better on the other side, and you'll be so proud of what you've achieved.
PS: What advice would you give your younger self just starting out in her career?
MS: To enjoy the ride! I have loved every moment of my journey, but I know it can be easy to forget sometimes. I would say to anyone starting out in the industry to work hard but also make sure to have fun at the same time, because what is life without fun?
PS: What do you want employers to know about people with Down syndrome applying for jobs?
MS: I would like them to know that we are very capable of doing everything you ask. You might need to explain or show us in a different way than you're used to, but I promise we can work hard! I, for example, find it easier when designers show me what I need to do rather than tell me. I always get it right, I just learn in a different way.
PS: What is your favorite part about your job?
MS: The modeling! I love walking the catwalks - it makes me feel at home and it's a feeling I'll never be able to truly describe. I also love all the traveling I've been able to do with my job. I've seen some incredible parts of the world and I'm thankful for that every day.
PS: What's your dream modeling gig?
MS: I think every model's dream is to walk for Victoria's Secret, and mine is no different! It would be a life-changing experience.
PS: What is the best career advice you've ever gotten?
MS: I think the best career advice I've ever gotten is to remember my worth. There was a time I felt being included was enough as I had longed to feel that way, but now I know that I'm a benefit to any commercial company, I bring exposure and create a more inclusive environment. And just like any other professional person, I am commercially viable.
PS: Who is your favorite supermodel?
MS: Karlie Kloss. She is amazing and beautiful, and she advocates for some very prevalent and important issues, which I love. She also empowers young women, which is so important!
PS: Who are your biggest role models? Why?
MS: My mum is my biggest role model in so many different ways. She's my best friend, and none of this would be possible without her. She's not only the strongest woman I know, but she's also the most loving person in the world. She has taught me everything I know and shown me how to be the best person I can be. She taught me that kindness is beauty and that if I'm kind, I'm the most beautiful girl in the world. She reminds me every day that I am strong, loved, and beautiful. I love her more than anything.
PS: What projects are you working on now?
MS: I have some very exciting things happening at the moment! I've just finished two social media campaigns with Aldo and Diesel. I'm the ambassador for Carnival Cruise lines P&O cruises for Fashion at Sea, where I'll be doing fashion shows and meet-and-greets on two of their ships. And I'm also starting a huge campaign with PopSockets. Next year we have some huge projects that are just being finalized, so it looks like I'll have a very busy year of traveling the globe again. Stay tuned on my social media to keep up to date with any announcements.
Pizza Socks in a Pizza Box Exist, and I'm Both Hysterical and Hungry
Most people aren't terribly excited to receive socks as a gift, but that's all about to change. Upon first glance, this Pizza Socks Box ($26) is just a box of pizza. And don't misunderstand us, seeing a box of pizza under the tree is kind of the ultimate present, but inside the box is a pizza made of socks. Yes, you read that right. There are five pairs of comfortable socks in this pizza box, complete with pepperoni, veggies, pineapple (controversial, we know), and crust.
Why is this the best gift ever? I mean, have you seen it?! It's a box of pizza socks. And all toppings are represented, so everyone can feel included no matter their preferences. If you know someone who loves pizza, or loves being cozy, this is the gift for them. Plus, it's on Amazon, which means it can be yours in just two days. The only thing faster is a real-life pizza delivery.
Read on to shop this and more for your pizza-loving friends.
There’s a Video of a Dog Flopping Around in a Teddy Bear Halloween Costume, and Now Nothing Else Matters
When it comes to Halloween, there are a lot of traditions that make the holiday so much fun. Putting together unique group costumes, carving pumpkins, and even indulging in bite-sized chocolates typically top our lists, but nothing really overshadows the joy we get out of dressing up our pets. Those innocent little furballs love their owners dearly, which is what makes succumbing them to Halloween that much more fun. Instagram user Harp + Lola knows this to be true. In a popular Instagram post, Rebecca put her adorable bull dog Poppy in a teddy bear costume and whipped out her phone to document. Like a baby learning to walk, Poppy the puppy looks at Rebecca forlornly before taking her first few clumsy steps. Turn the volume up so you can hear the little feet flopping about. It's magic.
60 Easy Halloween Costumes Any Teacher Can Make
Halloween sort of changes once you become a teacher. Celebrating the candy-centered holiday usually means keeping over-excited kids in line, managing multiple Halloween classroom events, and - of course - showing off your best-dressed Halloween costume attire (to the students and teacher co-workers). Even though there are plenty of teachers who have mastered the art of DIY, thinking of a creative, clever, and original Halloween costume can still be tough. Luckily, more than a few teachers have paved the way when it comes to making your own Halloween costume - and you don't need to be totally crafty to re-create them.
These 2 Products Totally Turned My Cleaning Routine on Its Head; There, I Said It
As a pet mama to a handful of cats - read: five temperamental little fuzzballs - and a gigantic black lab, I've quickly grown accustomed to cleaning my 800-square-foot apartment every single day. Did my dislike for cleaning dissuade me from taking in two more homeless kitties two months ago? Nope!
Although pets are nowhere near as messy as human children, my checklist is still pretty long when I get home from work every night. I have to walk and feed the dog, clean out the litter boxes, feed the cats, and usually dust and/or clean up whatever mess my little critters made throughout the day. (My cats' footprints are always everywhere!)
I finally caved and tried out two products from iRobot, the Roomba 690 ($297) and the Braava Jet Mopping Robot ($179), and I'm obsessed. I was skeptical at first, but after using them, I'm not sure how I lived without them. As much as I expected cleaning to take over my life thanks to my furry friends, these nifty little robots made my routine a million times easier. Here's why.
30 Genuinely Easy Halloween Costumes For Men
Spooky season is here, and if the idea of spending hours (and hundreds of dollars) laboring over your costume brings you out in hives, we've got you. If the dress code dictates you must dress up, these costumes make it easy. Some can be created using things you already have in your closet, others require only the most basic and cheap purchases and a little DIY. Whichever way, these men's costumes will take you minutes, not hours, to put together, and nobody will be able to accuse you of not making an effort. Want to take it one further? Grab a partner, and try a cheap DIY couples costume instead.
30 Pop Culture Halloween Looks All the Cool Kids Will Be Wearing This Year
Don't you hate when you show up for a Halloween party and no one knows what you are? Just me? For the most part, I think out-of-the-box ideas are awesome and so much fun, but sometimes I just want everyone to know what my costume is so I don't have to keep explaining it all night. Sure, there might be six other people dressed up as the same thing, but it makes for a fun group picture at the end of the night.
If you want to dress up like something completely relevant that everyone knows from the latest TV and movies, we have some ideas for how you can throw those costumes together at home. You can still be mainstream with your pop culture costume, but this way it has a DIY twist! Keep reading for 30 ideas for your next party.
21 Cool Home Gifts Your Friends Will Be Thrilled to Receive
Whether you're headed to a housewarming party, your friend is redecorating a space, or it's someone's birthday, a home-related gift is a thoughtful choice because people enjoy adding new touches to their home - there are so many unique odds and ends that are both useful and pretty to look at. If you need to pick something up, we found the coolest gifts you can snag for your pal - we're talking gilded candles, cozy throw blankets, colorful cocktail glasses, and more.
15+ Spooky Treats You Have to Try at Disney World's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
It's that time of the year again when you realize exactly why Disney parks are the best during Halloween. One of the main reasons? The food, of course. Walt Disney World has a ton of Halloween treats for 2018, many of which are available during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party beginning on Aug. 17 (others are available all day, every day). Throughout the Magic Kingdom, you'll find ghoulish meringues, pumpkin cheesecakes, Jack Skellington cake pops, Haunted Mansion-inspired cream puffs, and much more. You've got until Oct. 31 to try each one of the following menu items, so do your trip to Disney World justice by marking each one off your list. Put on your Haunted Mansion Mickey ears and get the details ahead!
You'll Never Frost Cupcakes Another Way Again After Learning This Trick
Beautiful frosted cupcakes are Magnolia Bakery's bread and butter (it's this sweet treat that was popularized by Sex and the City, after all). So when the bakery extended an invitation to a cupcake decorating class focused on flower cupcakes, I had to check it out. Keep reading to see exactly how these pastry pros do it.
Here's what you'll need: cupcakes, buttercream frosting, a pastry bag, a coupler and Ateco's #104 petal tip, luster dust (optional), and some patience.
The Best Way to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
One of the highlights of Halloween is carving a pumpkin, both because it's a perfectly festive Fall activity, and because there's a delicious snack hidden inside these gourds. Instead of tossing out the seeds as you carve, reserve and then roast them; it's an incredibly easy process. All you need are the seeds, an oven, a half-sheet pan, some olive oil, and salt.
70 Gifts For Women That Won't Break the Bank
Women can be hard to shop for sometimes, so we've curated a list of great gift items that won't empty out your bank account. From candles to jewelry, we have a gift suggestion for every woman in your life. Best of all, they are all $50 and under.
When you're done shopping for her, here's a list of affordable presents for men.
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
40 Travel Gifts That Will Get Them Excited to Book Their Next Flight
Traveling in style and comfort is always a must, so if you have a loved one who's always on the go, gifting to them is easy this year. Simply treat them to a useful present that will make all their travels so much better. We shopped and uncovered 40 cool products any adventure taker will be thrilled to open. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
It'll Be Hard For Him Not to Smile at These 25 Funny Stocking Stuffers
Shopping for stocking stuffers is a great opportunity to give something small and funny - when you're gifting to guys, go for a humorous option. They're much more likely to use something that made them smile, and isn't that the whole point of gift giving, to make the recipient happy? Think funny graphic t-shirts, cheeky mugs, and themed games. And the fact that all these presents can fit in a stocking means maybe you should add a few to your cart.
FYI, Urban Outfitters Has a Secret Section Filled With Cool Halloween Stuff!
We're so excited for Halloween, we're already planning our costumes and putting up decorations. If you're as obsessed as us, you're going to freak out over the Halloween section at Urban Outfitters. It's filled with an assortment of unique offering you'll want to snatch up fast. Shop through our favorites.