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.
jeudi 7 avril 2016
You'll Be Shocked by the Amazing Results of This Tinted Brow Gel
Whether you're sparsely arched, you're lazy, or you spend way too much of your mornings perfecting your eyebrows, an incredible product surfaced on Imgur that might just be the answer to all your woes.
A Korean brow gel called Etude House Brow Tint ($10) claims to last up to three days, so Imgur user zeldaf decided to put it to the test. She provided a bare brow before photo prior to using the gel (shade three in Grey/Brown), which she said applied like a thick tar. Although the formula appears wet, it dries within seconds as a "rubbery texture." The product's packaging advises users to keep it on for at least two hours to overnight, so she waited until the following morning to remove the gel.
Without any pain or hair removal, the rubber brows peeled off with ease, revealing a surprisingly natural-looking shade and shape! After you get past the eerie fact that you're peeling your brows off, you can't deny the shocking results. Although they washed off with a oil cleanser that same night (and not on the third day as promised), it only took the user a minute in total to achieve arch perfection, as opposed to the 10 to 12 minutes she usually spends filling them in.
Look through the gallery ahead to see just how the product works - it might convince you to try it out yourself!
The Understandable Reason Scarlett Johansson Refuses to Discuss Wage Equality
Scarlett Johansson is gracing the cover of Cosmopolitan's May issue for the first time in nine years! In the new, no-holds-barred interview, the actress discusses everything from Planned Parenthood to that one totally unavailable guy she fell for when she was younger. Nowadays, Scarlett is of course married to Romain Dauriac, whom she had a sweet Disneyland date with back in January. Keep reading for the mom of one's newest doses of wisdom, then look back at her staggering Hollywood eveolution.
Take a Virtual Ride on the New Roller Coaster at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hollywood is officially open for business this week, but you don't have to wait until you book your Summer vacation to ride the park's roller coaster. Click "play" to take a virtual ride on the park's roller coaster, the Flight of the Hippogriff, now! Then, get all the details on the big Forbidden Journey ride too!
You Won't Know Whether to Laugh or Cry Over These 26 Embarrassing Pregnancy Stories
Image Source: Shutterstock
Losing some control of your body comes with the territory when you're pregnant. Between the sneezes that make you pee to your mattress or toilet seat literally cracking under the pressure, sometimes there's nothing you can do about these pregnancy "joys." If you've ever had a regrettable experience thanks to your baby bump, take comfort in knowing that you're not alone. These 26 moms got real about their most cringe-worthy pregnancy moments as proof that you deserve a good laugh for going through all of this - even if you accidentally farted on your husband.
- "I pulled over to the side of the road to throw up one night on my way home from work when I was 12 weeks pregnant. A cop pulled up behind me and I had to convince him that I was pregnant, not intoxicated!" - Taylor Timms
- "I was at the grocery store with my daughter in tow and it was evidently senior citizen day! A nice elderly woman behind us asked my spunky girl if mommy was having a boy or girl. Her response, 'We don't know but if it's a boy, we are going to name him Dumptruck Penis and if it's a girl, she'll be Jessie Vagina.'" - Jennifer DiFilippo Martin
- "While running to the [store's] bathroom puking and swallowing, I opened the door and puked all over this poor teenager coming out. I couldn't even apologize since I was barfing so hard. The poor kid just cried." - Missa Andrew
Image Source: Comedy Central
- "First child: I broke our toilet seat when I sat down. Second child: When I picked [my son up] in my arms, he stuck his hands down my shirt and told his teacher that my boobs are much bigger now and more comfy to sleep on." - Lindsay LoConte
- "I was the only pregnant girl in the whole school. During a biology class, the teacher said something along the lines of 'not being stupid, like this one over her'" and pointed at me. The whole class laughed and I ran out crying." - Nikki Rousos
- "When I was pregnant with my first child, I was constipated so badly. I had just gotten out of the shower and was bending down to dry my legs and He kicked HARD. And let's say I wasn't constipated anymore. The worst part was my ex husband opened up the door to talk to me the second before everything happened." - Sherri Lynn Cummins-Schaefer
Image Source: Universal Pictures - "Pregnancy brings out my being lactose intolerant. I had my morning coffee with cream and went about my day when my hubby thought it would be fun to have sex. We started and I sh*t all over him." - Hope Zidan-Caron
- "When I was prego with my second child, I had a bowel movement while sleeping. I dreamed that I was on the toilet doing my business and..." - Linda Clubine Bloodworth
- "I had a lot of gas and farted mid 'adult time' with my significant other... He farted back to make me feel better." - Joslynn R'Little
- "When I went to do my three hour sugar test, I knew it was a bad idea. Shortly after drinking that nasty warm orange sugar drink they give you, I started feeling nauseous. Before I could grab a trashcan, it started to come back up. It was like an explosion of vomit all over my face in a waiting room of people." - Deana Morris
Image Source: DreamWorks - "The morning of my ultrasound, I'm sitting in the waiting room, and I start to feel like I was going to throw up. I make it to the bathroom in time, but since I had to have a full bladder (for the ultrasound), I peed all over myself and the floor of the bathroom stall. They called my turn as I was in there, so I went ahead and had the ultrasound done. I was wet, cold, and miserably embarrassed." - Heather Herrin Kreitzman
- " I had this terrible itch where the sun don't shine and was running for a taxi at the same time. When I was more settled, my hubby told me, 'That was nasty my dear ... everybody were starring at you.'" - Budi Mummy Shrestha
- "With my second child, I was sitting in the bathtub trying to shave my legs. Well my belly was so big that with one stroke, I shaved my belly button instead!" - Kristina Lynn Stewart
Image Source: Disney Channel - "I bent down to get a book off of the shelf and my trousers ripped apart - in the public library where it's nice and quite and the rip was quite literally a ripper!" - Tammy Burden
- "I got a spray tan towards the end and was at the point where I had a hard time holding my bladder. I peed during my spray tan on the floor! Streaks all down my legs!" - Amy Simmons
- "I used to work as a wine waitress at a hotel. Walking between the tight tables with one hand behind my back and the other holding the tray with a bottle of wine, my bump hit the back of a bald guy's head, and the bottle fell into his lap. I wasn't allowed in the restaurant after that." - Kirsty Lauren Breeze
Image Source: Giphy - "I went to the grocery store and didn't realize the whole time I was there, the back of my skirt was tucked in the waist band with my rear end hanging out. No one told me and I didn't notice until I got home." - Meredith Thomas Hutchinson
- "When I was pregnant with my son, I was changing my daughter's nappy and vomited on her legs at a park." - Nikita Clarke Hitchens
- "I had a customer point out in front of other customers that my belly button was sticking out. It doesn't sound that bad but it was seriously awkward." - JamieLee J. Trawicki
- "Heavily pregnant and in my friend's car, I started to feel faint, pains, and then wetness. Convinced that I was in labor, I rang the husband and up to the hospital we went. Nope. I had just peed myself in her ca- Yvonne Halpin
Image Source: E! - "I was still in high school and leaned against the desk in one of my classes. When I stood up, one whole side of my shirt was soaked from leaking and some guy in class pointed it out in front of everyone!" - Stier HalleyCharity
- "I wore two very different shoes to work for quite a while before I went to the restroom and noticed, to my horror." - Jenna Patterson Smith
- "I got stuck in a bathtub about two weeks before I gave birth to my oldest. I was stuck in there for over three hours." - Jennifer Singleton
- "I peed and farted while my husband was helping me put on my pajama bottoms." - Illiana Rosario-Urban
- "I farted in front of my boss." - Holly Gregory
- "My oldest threw up - a ton - in his car seat just before we got home. While trying to get him out and help clean up, I couldn't handle it and started throwing up in the parking lot. I was throwing up so hard that I also peed my pants. Then I started laughing hysterically/crying because there was nothing else I could do." - Lyndsy Chavarria
This Elementary School Has a New Dismissal Policy That Bans Parents From Walking Home With Their Kids
Your child's school isn't the first place you think you would be charged with trespassing. But Bear Branch Elementary School in Magnolia, TX, has a new pick-up policy that can put parents in criminal trouble if they try to walk their child off of school premises.
Principal Holly Ray is enforcing a new dismissal policy where no matter how near or far from the school a student resides, they must take the bus or be picked up by car at dismissal. Parents who fail to follow these rules can be cited if caught on school property.
Although it sounds hard to fathom, a few parents have already been issued warnings for violating the dismissal rule. Some describe it as a bullying tactic by Ray and an example of the school district overstepping their boundaries. But according to FOX 26, the school district's intent is to create a more streamlined dismissal process with the policy. Check out more thoughts from parents of Bear Branch students in the above video.
You Can Finally Buy the Hermès Apple Watch Bands - Here's How
When Apple first released the iconic Hermès Apple Watch model last Fall, people fell in love with the elegant collection. Since its release, the company has continued to make it more available and lucrative to buy. On April 19, it'll become even easier to spruce up any Apple Watch you own, as you'll finally be able to buy the Hermès bands alone.
Additionally, new single and double tour bands will be released in Bleu Paon (green), Bleu Saphir (blue), Blanc (white), and Feu (orange), reports Elle. The prices are as follows: single tour band ($340), double tour band ($490), and brown leather cuff band ($690), according to TechCrunch.
You can purchase the new bands through Apple's website and stores. As a reminder, don't forget you can buy a Hermès Apple Watch on both Hermès's and Apple's websites for anywhere from $1,100 to $1,500, depending on which leather band you choose: the single, double, or cuff.
Back in January, Apple also released a collection of bands that are both colorful and neutral and include a (Product)Red model and gold and rose-gold finishes for the aluminum version that cost the same as the rest of the Sport lineup. In March, the company also announced a new Apple Watch sport band and colors. Apple is probably hoping the increased options will appeal to consumers who use traditional watches to make fashion statements on their wrists. Ahead, check out photos of the Hermès Watch as well as new bands and finishes for the standard Apple Watch.
Cameron Diaz on Aging: "It's Really About Living"
Cameron Diaz stopped by Good Morning America on April 5 to talk about her latest empowering project, The Longevity Book. The 43-year-old actress, who recently posted the ultimate no-makeup selfie to celebrate the book's release, opened up to hosts Lara Spencer and Amy Robach about the pro-aging inspiration behind it all.
"Aging is really about living, so I feel really grateful that I get to turn another year older," Cameron told them, which is why she and her writing partner, Sandra Bark, decided to research the often-feared topic further.
Turns out, we should all embrace getting older, because Cameron revealed: "You actually put six more years onto your life once you accept [it]." Watch the full interview above, and then get inspired by even more celebrities without makeup.
Gilmore Girls: Here's the Full Cast of the Reboot!
Ever since the Gilmore Girls reboot was confirmed, we have been rabidly following the cast developments. Mae Whitman was recently added to the lineup, Milo Ventimiglia will reprise his role as Jess, and Jared Padalecki (Dean!) is also returning, making us seriously excited to see if Rory ended up with either of them. Several members are definitely coming back for another run at Stars Hollow, but unfortunately it sounds like Melissa McCarthy won't be one of them. We already have a few details about what to expect from the revival, but there's still a lot we don't know. For now, take a look at who will reprise their roles and check out the cast's reaction to the reboot.
Charlize Theron Has Joined Fast 8! Here's the Cast
Though we know the release date for Fast 8, we still aren't sure exactly who will be appearing in the sequel. Franchise star Vin Diesel has been in from the get-go, and Charlize Theron has just been confirmed to join the cast. Kurt Russell, Jordana Brewster and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges are expected to return, but they're not yet confirmed. See who is definitely in here!
Gilmore Girls: Everything We Already Know About the Reboot
Netflix is officially rebooting Gilmore Girls, and we already need to know everything there is to know about this exciting project. What's the plot? Who's returning? When can we expect it? So many questions! As more information gets revealed over time, here's what we do know about the hotly anticipated revival.
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- Here Is the Gilmore Girls Revival Cast So Far
- 30 Gilmore Girls Quotes That Summarize Your Life So Well
- It's Official! A Gilmore Girls Reboot Is in the Works at Netflix
- Gilmore Girls Fans, Prepare to Freak Out - This Might Be the First Look at the Set!
- Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham Had the Gilmore Girls Reunion of Our Dreams
Here's the Full Cast of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Fans just can't get enough of that galaxy far, far away. After wild success from Star Wars: The Force Awakens the franchise's next film, Rogue One, is already one of the most anticipated movie of 2016. The new film, directed by Gareth Edwards, takes place before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and will serve as the franchise's first standalone movie. Although there was much speculation before, the cast has finally been confirmed. Take a look at the main cast here, then check out the first trailer!
Exactly When Rogue One Takes Place Within the Star Wars Universe
There are no dumb questions when it comes to Star Wars, so if you're kind of confused about when Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is supposed to take place, don't be ashamed. Once upon a time, things were simple. To recap: Episodes IV, V, and VI came out in the '70s and '80s, then Episode I, II, and III were released in the 2000s. Episode VII (The Force Awakens) came out last year, and before Episode VIII debuts in December 2017, we're getting the spinoff Rogue One. It's very confusing. Within the greater Star Wars universe, Rogue One takes place somewhere between the events of Episode III and Episode VI, so after Revenge of the Sith, the final film of the 2000s reboots, and before A New Hope, the original film from 1977. Got it? Good. Here's when the rest of the Star Wars movies are being released!
Kourtney Kardashian For Manuka Doctor and More Celebrity Beauty Campaigns
As serious beauty junkies, we get psyched about every new product to hit the market. But we get even more excited when we find out our favorite celebrities are spearheading the campaigns for our top brands' swag. It's the perfect storm of pop culture obsession and shopping fanaticism! Next year brings some incredibly gorgeous faces (and complexions and heads of hair) to the beauty arena - keep reading for proof.
The Unthinkable Has Happened: "Healthy" Items Discovered at KFC
Are you at KFC because you have no other choice? Fortunately, you found this page, where we can navigate you through the menu and help you find the least fatty, least sodium-laden items on offer.
General ordering tips: get your chicken grilled, not fried, and try a house salad on the side - it's just lettuce and tomatoes, coming in at 15 calories, with zero grams of fat.
The 12 Best American Breweries Worth Visiting
This Summer, head to a brewery for a full-on tour and a fresh pint made right before your eyes. These are 12 of the best breweries worth visiting in America.
Drew Barrymore Has Something Important to Tell You About Life, Love, and Rosé
Drew Barrymore has been a model for sisterhood, for empowering women, for picking oneself back up again no matter how bad the situation, for trying again and sometimes again. She's an actress, producer, writer, owner of a makeup line, winemaker, mom, and proof overachieving never reaches any limit. I had planned to interview Drew to celebrate the release of her new Barrymore Wines Rosé at the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival when I received a startling headline alert in our editorial chatroom the day before my scheduled interview: "Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman Are Divorcing." My stomach dropped. What could I possibly say to her after such a devastating announcement? As someone who works for a company that's extremely supportive of women and whose founder's mantra is, "Work hard; be nice," I decided it could really be that simple.
I walked into the Carmel Tasting Room and met Drew's gaze. The first words out of her mouth were, "POPSUGAR? You look like POPSUGAR." She grinned, and the tension I felt melted away. I first noticed Drew's style had an endearing "f*ck it" quality to it. She donned striped socks underneath chunky sandal heels. She explained, "The thing is, the sock and the shoe have to be in love, and they're not always in love. Sometimes it's square peg, round hole." Her hair had a messy waviness like it had been windswept at a beach all day. Her eyebrows were grown out. "I don't feel like tweezing right now. I need to go back to my '80s roots. The time right now is natural. Natural base color. Natural brows. Natural face. Not being on the treadmill of fear of aging. It is what it is," Drew announced confidently. "And I'm wanting to bring the anklet back." She was gritty and real.
We sat at a window seat filled with bright blue pillows, the sun beaming down on us. She had a glass of Rosé in her hand and signaled for someone to bring me one too. We clinked glasses, and it was almost like two friends spending a lazy Saturday together. That's the second thing I noticed; Drew is sweet and sincere. She was quick to hold my glass as I fumbled with my phone to start the recorder. I asked for her tasting notes.
"It's creamy. Peach and apricot. Grapefruit-forward. Without any sweetness. Enough citrus to keep it crisp. No stinging lemony aspect that can come into an acidic wine." And sure enough, with each sip, those qualities bloomed on my palate. It was a lovely, easy-to-drink (almost too easy!) Rosé.
Upon saying that, Drew quickly cleared up, "I like easy-drinking wines. What I don't like is when easy-drinking wines are written off as [having] lack of complexity or made without TLC." This is no wine-label-slapping venture for Drew. She informed me she's involved in every step of the wine-making process with Kris Kato, Carmel Road's winemaker. In three years, the team has produced three wines, including a Pinot Grigio (the first from her label) and a Carmel Road Drew's Blend Pinot Noir.
Drew gushed, "[Drew's Blend] scored 91 [on Wine Spectator], which is such a relief, because, you know, I'm not an oenophile. I'm a new winemaker, producer, and an enthusiast. I'm really excited to make a red for the Barrymore label." The third thing I noticed about Drew is her rich vocabulary, ie throwing around words like "oenophile." She busted out lexicon I haven't heard since my SAT days, but it's not in a snobby way. Rather, in doing so she expresses her love of language and has an impressive knack for using the exact, appropriate word at the right time.
But back to the wine! Good wine is only half the equation. It becomes great with food. Drew's favorite pairing is chilled Pinot Noir or Rosé with sushi, "because it's so light and clean." Though a multitalented person, a homecook for herself she is not. "I only cook for the kids. They get three-course meals, and I order PostMates. Usually Chinese food delivery at night or Mexican. Asian or Mexican food via anywhere who will throw it at me. Literally, guy on bike tossing up to window," she answered truthfully.
It reminded me of a chapter in her latest memoir, Wildflower, when she talks about surviving off of takeout while living in her first apartment by herself at the age of 14. I loved the book and suddenly felt compelled to tell Drew my favorite line from it. "Would you like to know it?" I asked sheepishly. Drew inched in closer. Her eyes brightened. "It's in the chapter about your daughter, you say, 'She needs me for my strength, not my worry.' That line brought me to tears." Drew listened intently and shared an Instagram comment she had read (one of few) that really struck her: "I strangely came across a comment of a woman who said, 'I am a mother. I'm sitting in a Paris cafe, because I came to be with my daughter after the attacks. She goes to school here. I'm in a cafe reading Wildflower. I just came across the sentence 'Right now, you need my strength, not my worry.' In that moment, you've made me feel OK about coming here. Because I had questioned, 'Am I in her face? Am I annoying her?' Not only do I now realize I do need to be here, but what I need to show her is my lightness and my strength. Thank you.'"
Drew is a storyteller, and there's a reoccurring theme present: women finding their power. In few, choice words, she has the ability to draw you in, to take your breath away, to offer hope amidst darkness. Even though she shares her personal journey, the simultaneous resiliance and vulnerability are universal and so relatable. She continued, "In a world where everyone's telling each other everything, I thought, 'Thank you, universe, for bringing me to that one comment that one time.' It's pretty humbling to be of relevancy to her in that moment. And it was the sentence you just said, and that is why I told you that story. Now, I have two for that sentence!"
And then, she mentions her daughter, "That's how my daughter is. She doesn't want the worry. She needs to know it's going to be OK. It's the only way she will allow herself to be vulnerable. . . . She's mad when something hurts her. She doesn't go to a weak place. Every little girl can only be made to feel safe if they know the parent is solid." Her eyes begin to water, causing mine to swell. We sit in silence for a moment, before I ask, "You've taken on so many big, scary things, and yet, you've come away more powerful and stronger than ever. What is the secret to that? What does it take?"
Her eyes sort of glazed over before she slowly and carefully responded, "I had a really hard time a couple of months ago and kind of knew life was heading in a new direction. I called someone that I really trust, respect, and believe in, because he has always been the conductor of grace. I said, 'What's your advice?' And he said, 'You put one foot in front of the other.' I hung up the phone and I thought, 'That is why I call this person.' It's not only succinct, but it's almost physically productive and life-choice productive. It's just great advice. It's a kind of way in which to live, and I want to be like him. I want to be like that. I want to put one foot in front of the other."
Having read her book, I wonder to myself whether she's talking about Steven Spielberg, a close friend and mentor to Drew, and if she's referring to her recent separation. And then, I brush both of those thoughts aside. Because as the story stands, what matters is it's universal. It's bigger than the recent events going on in Drew's life. Through her own life experiences (without hashing out the details), she neatly offers up a lesson we could all benefit from. We all go through tough times, and we all need to reach out to someone to offer us something as encouraging and graceful as taking one step at a time.
We hug. The last thing I notice about Drew is she's inclusive. She gathers her assistants, makeup artist, the winemaker, the other various people hanging out in the tasting room. She then invites me into the circle to send a video song for her daughters, Olive and Frankie. It's to the tune of "Frère Jacques." A bunch of adults sing enthusiastically out of tune. We whoop and holler, smile, and wave at the camera. Drew's singing the loudest. My last question for her is how she'd like to be remembered. It catches her off guard, "Oh sh*t! That's such a posthumous question." Then she settles into it and says, "The only thing I care about, my life's mission and the only thing that matters as of now is that my daughters know what our lives were like, how we lived, and how much I love them. For them to know that they were not just loved, but, like, ridiculously, utterly, life-alteringly loved. That's the only reason I'm here now!"
50 Baby Shower Themes to Fit Every Season (and a Few That Are Always in Style!)
Whether you're hosting a friend's baby shower or planning your own, the time of year the little one is expected to arrive plays a big part in deciding the theme and small party details. Sure, you could go with something more general that would work all year, but if you're having a Spring baby, you might be inclined to go with a theme centered on watercolors or florals, or perhaps in the summertime a beach party would reign supreme.
If you're looking for some seasonal inspiration, read through for 50 of the best baby shower theme ideas based on the time of year (and some that work no matter what the weather!).
11 Genius Beach Hacks That Will Transform Your Next Family Vacation
For any parent who is exhausted just by the thought of taking a trip to the beach with the kids, don't let fear keep your family from missing out on the fun. Be prepared this Summer thanks to some clever hacks that may seem simple but can actually transform your sandy getaway. From baby powder's amazing alternative use to a clever place to stash your valuables, check out these 11 genius beach hacks that have the potential to completely change your warm-weather family vacations!
These Forgotten '90s Life Hacks Will Make You Laugh and Shake Your Head in Horror
Back in the '90s, blowing into a Nintendo cartridge to fix any unexpected errors wasn't just an exercise in trial and error - it was empirical knowledge. Decades later, some of these forgotten life hacks seem utterly ridiculous and pretty much cringeworthy.
A recent Imgur post is refreshing our memory on all those '90s practices and illustrating just how hilarious they really were. Mouse not working? Take out the ball and clean it, of course! Sick of rewinding your VHS tapes? Invest in a VHS rewinder! (That sure was a worthy investment, right?)
Relive the decade in technology here and try not to sink into your chair with embarrassment.
Found: The Highlighter That Will Make You Glow Like Jennifer Lopez
If there's one celebrity who's inspired us to take our highlighting game to new heights, it's Jennifer Lopez. Her cheekbones are always glimmering to perfection - almost as if there's someone carrying around a spotlight and shining it on her at all times. (We'd pay to have that job!) Thankfully, her go-to makeup artist, Mary Phillips, divulged her top illuminator choice for her client.
According to Lipstick.com, Phillips dabs L'Oréal True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator ($13) on J Lo, only using powder on areas of her skin that tend to get a little shiny. That's right: the ultimate red carpet glow is available at your local drugstore . . . we're wowed, too. But the reason the singer always looks extradewy is because of a clever beauty trick Phillips uses as her last step.
"I put a cream moisturizer on a blush brush and 'wand' it over skin after I've applied powder," she divulged. "It helps the makeup sink into skin so it looks like skin - instead of sitting on top of the face and looking like makeup." Pure genius - we're definitely testing out this trick on date night. Read on to shop Jennifer's products!
Get a First Look at Whole Foods' New 365 Store
365 by Whole Foods Market just announced it will open its first location in Silver Lake (Los Angeles), CA, on May 25. Two other locations will open up later in 2016: Bellevue, WA, and Portland, OR. In a press release, the company offered a deeper look into what you can expect from the 365 store. In terms of the groceries, it does appear that Whole Foods is going for a Trader Joe's-esque feel by choosing "hand-picked product selections from Whole Foods Market's 365 Everyday Value brand products," but there will be "select local and branded products" as well.
In addition to a grocery store, 365 will also include various retail spaces inside of the market. Participants of this "Friends of 365" program include Allegro Coffee Company. It plans to build a craft brew bar that will serve hot coffee, cold beers, and food. Tea drinkers can pop over to teaBOT, a kiosk machine that brews tea in 30 seconds. And here's what I'm most excited about: a vegan restaurant by chef Chloe Coscarelli called Chloe, which will offer burgers, salads, pastas, sweets, and other similar fare to her NYC outpost By Chloe. The president of 365 by Whole Foods, Jeff Turnas, says we can expect every store to be "totally customized to that location." If you are looking to avoid the whole shopping "experience" altogether, Instacart and 365 have partnered up so you can have your groceries delivered.
Ayesha Curry Will Have Her Own Show on Food Network
Ayesha Curry is an amazing cook, so it's no surprise that she has landed her own show on Food Network. The show will be called At Home With Ayesha, and there's no release date yet, but stay tuned. This latest accomplishment is just another exciting food venture for Ayesha - her cookbook, The Seasoned Life: Food, Family, and the Joy of Eating Well, will be released this September, and it's filled with 100 of her favorite recipes. Here's to hoping the show features many appearances by Ayesha's husband, Steph Curry, and the couple's impossibly cute daughters.
14 Celebrities Who Would Make Killer Drinking Buddies
Hollywood can be a pretty serious place filled with breakups and nude scandals, but there are still plenty of celebrities who aren't afraid to be the life of the party. From Will Ferrell's cocktail-fueled speech at Justin Bieber's 2015 roast to Kristen Wiig's onstage drinking game, Hollywood has its fair share of thirsty stars. Keep reading to check out our ideal happy hour crew, and, remember, it's 5 o'clock somewhere!
Think Moms Are More Sleep Deprived Than Dads? This Book Says Otherwise
There's no denying that parenting a newborn is a demanding task that often results in the loss of sleep. But according to a series of studies published in a new book called The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource For Your Child's First For Years, dads might actually be more sleep deprived than stay-at-home moms.
A majority of the studies were conducted by monitoring sleeping patterns using wrist trackers. One 2013 study tracked the sleeping habits of 21 pairs of first-time parents of newborns. It was found that dads were getting fewer hours of sleep, but with fewer interruptions than moms, who got more hours of sleep but with more disturbances, such as getting up to feed the baby. According to the study, both parents reported equal amounts of tiredness; however, frequent feeding awakenings for moms resulted in worse neurobehavioral testing.
The book also outlined a 2004 study of 72 couples and found that while moms and dad were getting approximately the same amount of sleep, stay-at-home moms were slightly more rested, as they were able to catch up on snoozing during the day. Meanwhile, dads were more fatigued from "working longer hours."
Every individual has a unique household and lifestyle that can have different effects on their sleeping habits, but scientists of the study stress that parents should not underestimate the dangers of sleep deprivation. Although it does get better as your tot gets older, sleep deprivation can also significantly impact the daily health and functioning of Mom and Dad alike. Let us know if you agree with the claims that dads are bearing the brunt of sleep deprivation!
The Amazing Way This Mom Beat the Odds and Delivered Her Twins 5 Weeks Apart
Posted by Ian Miller on Sunday, March 27, 2016
When Kristen Miller learned that she was pregnant with twins just a few months after marrying her high school sweetheart, Ian, she had no idea that this was going to be just the first of many surprises.
The Tennessee couple said that Kristen started off with an easy pregnancy, free of any complications, until she started feeling contractions during a church service when she was only 22 weeks along. By the time she made it home, her water had broken and the hysterical mom-to-be rushed to the hospital. Luckily, doctors were able to use a combination of drugs to prevent her from going into labor for another two weeks.
Kristen gave birth to their son, Micah, on Valentine's Day, four months before his due date. "Our goal, before he was born, was, 'we've got to make it to 24 [weeks]!' Sure enough, he made it to 24 and one day," Ian told WBIR.
However, Micah and his fraternal twin sister had separate amniotic sacs and placentas, which made them candidates for delayed interval delivery, when twins are born at different times. Because there are so many risks with premature births, doctors felt that it was best for baby Madelyn to stay in the womb for as long as possible, despite her brother's delivery.
"Just because we're having one [baby] doesn't mean we have to have the second or the third. But it's hard to find the person who's a really good candidate," said Dr. Kristina Shumard, a maternal fetal medicine obstetrician at University of Tennessee Medical. Not only are these delayed births extremely rare, but they typically only last from an hour to a week. Kristen was put on strict bed rest, without even being allowed to hold Micah, and as each day passed, they observed in awe as Madelyn grew bigger inside the womb.
The little girl made it an extra 38 days, which is one of the longest times on record at the hospital. She has since joined her brother in the neonatal intensive care unit, where they are expected to stay for at least another two months. "We feel so blessed to be here," added Kristen. "The only thing that's gotten me through this . . . is to say, 'God is in control.'"
Posted by Ian Miller on Sunday, March 27, 2016
Bun in the Oven? How to Avoid Excessive Weight Gain
Congratulations, mom-to-be! Of course you're excited about the little bun growing in your oven, but you still don't want to look like you ate an entire bread factory. Whether you're in your first trimester or your third, here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent excessive weight gain during your pregnancy.
What's Expected?
Every pregnant woman will gain weight. For those with a healthy prepregnancy body weight, 25 to 35 pounds is the norm. For those who are underweight, expect to gain closer to 40 pounds, and anyone who is overweight will gain an average of 20 pounds. Expect variables, though. Many average-weight women can gain anywhere from 45 to 60 pounds during pregnancy but have no issues giving birth or shedding the weight later.
Eating For Two
While you are growing a human being, that little baby is a fraction of the size of an adult, so no need to feed it like one. While pregnant, you need an extra 150 calories a day in the first few months and an extra 300 calories a day for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Foods that are high in fiber such as fruits and veggies, whole grains, and legumes have the power to fill you up and make you feel full longer. Eat fiber-rich foods like these every few hours to prevent hunger pangs that cause you to crave high-calorie snacks.
How to Satisfy Cravings
Every time you eat is an opportunity to nourish the body and help grow a healthy baby. If you always choose foods high in sugar and fat, think about how that can affect the little bundle inside of you. That said, you are a pregnant woman with needs, so find nutritious alternatives to the foods you want. Whip up this 150-calorie mango ice cream instead of reaching for a store-bought pint, or make this tomato, basil, and mozzarella quinoa polenta when you feel like heading to the nearest pizzeria. But like anything in life, give yourself some room to indulge.
Just Keep Moving
If you were exercising before your pregnancy, it's usually safe to continue, but make sure to check in with your doctor first. Most importantly, listen to your body. Fatigue, a decreased sense of balance, nausea, and muscle pain might make it difficult to run like you used to; just do what you can. Also be sure to include strength training since muscle mass burns calories - here's a 10-minute yoga strength-training routine you can do at home. If you weren't exercising before but want to begin, again, speak with your doctor before getting started. She'll probably recommend focusing on gentle types of movement such as walking, leisurely swimming, strength training with light weights, and yoga, as well as classes and videos geared specifically toward pregnant women.
Here are some quick videos you can follow along to:
- Tracy Anderson Prenatal Workout For a Toned Tush
- 5 Prenatal Pilates Moves
- 10-Minute Prenatal Arms Workout
- 10-Minute Strengthening Yoga Series
- 10-Minute Prenatal Workout From Heidi Klum's Trainer
- Prenatal Lower-Body Workout
- Hip and Hamstring Openers
- Yoga Sequence For Your Sore Back
- Or buy this three-DVD series called Healthy, Fit, Happy Mom ($15).
Hit the Hay
Between waking up every hour to change positions or pee or staying awake thinking of baby names and what color to paint the nursery, a solid night's sleep is a tall order when you're about to be a mom. But not getting enough Zs contributes to weight gain by slowing down your metabolism, causing you to eat more, and making you feel too tired to work out. Make up for interrupted sleep by jumping into bed earlier or napping during the day.
Keep Track
If the pounds are creeping up and you don't know why, keep track of your calorie intake by writing down everything in a food and fitness journal. It'll make you realize how those extra handfuls of M&M's really add up, remind you to measure out serving sizes of everything you eat, and keep you honest about how many scoops of mac and cheese you're really eating.
Yes, Indulge!
You know choosing fruit or Greek yogurt is the more responsible option when it comes to satisfying your pregnancy hunger, but that doesn't mean you should never give in to your insatiable cravings. Denying yourself that slice of cheesy pizza or hot fudge sundae will just make you crave it more, which can lead to binging later. Eat healthy most of the time, and allow yourself a small indulgence a few times a week (or even every day) to keep cravings at bay.
Forget That Pregnancy Glow - This Photographer Captures Real-Life Maternity Photos
Pregnancy can be the most beautiful time of a woman's life, and family photographer Danielle Guenther knows how to capture it stunningly. But she also knows that it isn't always rosy and full of that "natural glow" everyone talks about. It's exhausting. It's uncomfortable. It's even embarrassing sometimes. So the Hoboken, NJ-based Guenther is setting out to show it in all of its glory (and exaggerated form) in her new series, "What the BUMP!?" - a collection of hysterical, artfully staged photos that show the truth about pregnancy.
Guenther is no stranger to the world of real-life scenario photography. Her Best Case Scenario series that depicts the true chaos that is parenting has been a hit with parents who are tired of seeing beautifully staged family photos that so frequently appear in our Instagram feeds. Her new series, includes expectant mamas in familiar settings like business meetings, shopping with older, wilder kids, and an overdue mom doing just about anything to go into labor (funny enough, eight hours after shooting that scene, the woman did go into labor!).
Guenther has plenty more ideas floating in her head and has already booked a few more sessions in the coming weeks - she just needs more pregnant ladies to serve as her models!
Read on to see the entire What the BUMP!? collection, and follow Guenther on Instagram to see all of her work.
What Would You Do If You Found Out Your Baby Was Named After an Ex-Girlfriend?
What would you do if you found out that the name you just gave to your newborn baby also belonged to your partner's longtime love?
It's hard to imagine such a thing ever happening - surely you and your partner had shared enough details about past relationships to know any names that are instant red flags, and nearly every parent-to-be has used veto power to nix a name idea they weren't comfortable with.
But for one woman, the realization that her 4-week-old daughter may have been named after her fiancé's unrequited crush was a complete shock.
In a recently resurfaced Reddit post, the 30-year-old mom shared her story and the upsetting history of her baby Claire's name:
Not once in the two years we've been together has he ever mentioned having feelings for her or them having any history together. He always told me she was just a friend of his and nothing else, but now I know that's not true. I'm just now finding out that he has apparently had a crush on her for years, and they even slept together once or twice in the past. I found all of this out from his sister-in-law earlier this week. She came up to visit . . . and she at one point told me that their whole family was surprised we chose that name for our daughter. I asked her what she meant, and she mentioned something about it being a name with a lot of history for my fiancé. I still had no idea what she meant, so I asked her to explain. She then revealed that the name was the same one that my fiancé's crush has. Apparently Kaitlyn is just what everyone calls my fiancé's crush, including my fiancé, but Claire is her given name. To make things worse, the name we chose for our daughter was initially suggested by my fiancé . . . I can't help but think that it is a tribute to Kaitlyn. I wonder if he would even be with me if he could be with her.
The mom wrote that when she asked him why he even suggested the name Claire, he denied doing it on purpose.
"So here we are," she added. "I'm stuck with a name for my daughter that now reminds me that my fiancé lied to me and may not even love me as much as his crush."
Commenters, however, don't feel as if she has to be stuck. Many shared personal stories of their own name changes because of similar revelations. As one advised: "Her name is not set in stone, at four weeks old, she doesn't know her name. Explain to him that you no longer feel comfortable with the name choice and figure out a way to go about changing it."
Beth Stern's Top 3 Rules For Raising Kittens
Beth Stern knows her stuff when it comes to taking care of cats. She's partnered with North Shore Animal League for years to help promote animal adoption, even going as far as fostering cats in her own home she shares with her husband, Howard Stern. Over the past two years alone, the couple has rescued, fostered, nurtered, and found homes for over 200 cats and kittens. Beth said she's active in the adoption process, once her kittens are healthy enough and old enough to be adopted out. She prescreens all the families and hand-delivers the kittens herself. She said she even keeps in touch after that to make sure everything goes smoothly for everyone. So because she is such an expert, we wanted to know from her what her top three rules for raising kittens would be, and this is what she told us.
How to Hug Your Teenager in 2 Easy Steps
Every parent thinks it won't happen to them, until it does. Your once lovable, snuggable, hug-craving child can't stand to be embraced by Mom and Dad anymore. The practice isn't limited to teenagers these days - we've spotted tweens and even kids still in their single digits wiggling their way out of their parents' cuddles. But there's a solution for that.
Stewart JW Reynolds, the Stratford, Ontario, dad behind the Brittlestar Facebook page, has some ingenious hacks for coercing your "fridge-raiding money sponges" back into your arms - and let's just say there are some dollar bills involved in the process.
So soak 'em up while you can, because sooner rather than later, you're going to do anything in your power to get even a hint of a hug.
9 Surprising Things That Can Swell During Pregnancy
While we've all heard of swollen feet during pregnancy, Kim Kardashian took to Instagram today to show off her swollen "pregnancy lips," which poses the question: What else can swell up when you're pregnant?
First example? Kim Kardashian's swollen, but still-rocking-stilletto feet became internet fodder during her first pregnancy, when she posted a photo of the indentations her stilettos left. Keep reading to find out 9 - some less talked-about - body parts that can make for a sometimes uncomfortable (sorry mama) pregnancy and postpartum experience.
11 Brutal Reasons Your Husband's Ex-Wife HATES You
We're happy to present this article by Jenna Korf from one of our favorite sites, YourTango.
When you marry a man who already has children, dealing with his ex-wife can be a real challenge. One woman asked me: "Why does my husband's ex-wife hate me? I've never done anything to her."
This woman, like thousands of other stepmoms, feels utterly perplexed by the level of pettiness and outright hostility her husband's ex-wife hurls her way. What's behind all of that animosity? Here are the most common reasons your husband's ex-wife might not think too fondly of you:
1. She doesn't hate you, she hates what you represent.
The failure of her marriage, the breakup of her family, the woman her ex-husband became a better man for, the fear that she might have ruined her child's life by not being able to make her marriage work.
2. She's afraid her kids will love you more than they love her.
An irrational fear, as the chances of that happening are basically nil, but a common fear nonetheless.
3. She perceives you as overstepping boundaries.
This could include you showing up at a parent-teacher conference, forcing the kids to call you "mom" (yes, that does actually happen), disciplining the kids, calling the children "mine," posting pictures of the kids on your Facebook page, trying to co-parent with her by responding to messages sent to your husband, etc.
4. She resents you participating in events she considers "mom" territory.
These might include: taking your stepdaughter to buy her first bra or get her first haircut; participating in any sort of cosmetic experience (hair color/new hair style/mani-pedi day); talking to her about the birds and the bees; painting her nails or coloring/cutting her hair the way you like it or similar to yours (even if your stepchild is a teen and she requests this, it could still push Mom's buttons).
The same goes for any other life milestone you know Mom will likely want to be there for.
5. She has unresolved grief about her divorce.
For a long time, she could just ignore the painful feelings that accompany divorce. She didn't really have to face it. She may even have remarried herself, but she never actually grieved the loss of her marriage and family. Enter you, the stepmom, and suddenly it's all real and it's right in her face.
6. You act as a mirror for her.
When she looks at your strengths, all she sees are her weaknesses. If she never thought she was a good business woman and you own your own business, that insecurity is magnified. Same could be said for your intelligence, physical appearance, age, housekeeping skills, creativity, fashion sense, how much her kids enjoy being around you and your happy marriage.
7. She perceives you as doing all the parenting while dad is "let off the hook."
Stepmoms often help their husbands out with tending to the children, household duties, and life in general. That's what a marriage is all about: partnership. You shuttle the kids back and forth to school or help with homework, you schedule appointments, etc. Often this has to do with gender roles, but all Mom sees is that at her house she's doing all the work while at yours, you're taking care of the kids and Dad "does nothing but go to work."
8. Now that you've come along, Dad is asking for more parenting time.
With your support, your husband may now see that he should exercise his visitation more or that he's now able to provide more stability for his kids. In turn, he requests more parenting time and/or parental input. You'd think this is a good thing, but this change in dynamic can feel threatening and/or scary for Mom. Not everyone likes change. It's easy for her to pinpoint your presence as being responsible for this.
9. She doesn't know you.
When Mom sends her kids off to stay with their dad, and this woman she doesn't even know (a.k.a. you) has full access to them, it can feel like she's being a bad parent. She doesn't automatically trust you just because Dad does. But, at the same time, she doesn't necessarily want to meet you. It's a no-win situation for all involved.
10. She sees her ex-husband being a different (better) man with you.
It's painful to see the man you think treated you so poorly, treating another women like a princess. She might think he's being a fraud, or she might think "Why wasn't I worthy of being treated like that?" She's possibly still grieving the loss of her marriage even though he's moved on. It's nearly impossible for her to have good feelings towards you when she's still processing - or in denial about - the loss of her life partner and family.
11. You actually did something worthy of her negative feelings.
Are you consciously or subconsciously trying to make her look like a bad mom? Do you try to prove to your husband that you're a better wife than she was? Are you trying to make your stepkids love you more than they love her? Do you try to show her up in any way? Do you want the school faculty, PTA or your neighborhood moms to think you're a better caretaker than she is? Take a look at your behavior and your motivations. Have the courage to honestly reflect on how you might contribute to the high-conflict dynamic that exists between you.
Jenna Korf is a Certified Stepfamily Coach. You can find her at StepmomHelp.com.
More juicy reads from YourTango:
12 Completely Normal Photos of Women Breastfeeding in Public Places
A woman breastfeeding in the pasta aisle at the grocery store. A mother nursing her baby on a homebound train. A husband giving his baby a bottle while his wife pumps in an empty restaurant.
These scenes shouldn't be the least bit noteworthy - or at least they should be no more noteworthy than simply going to the store, taking the train home, or eating at a restaurant. But for some reason, a stigma still exists surrounding the act of breastfeeding in public. And until that stigma is gone, Leilani Rogers, a Texas-based birth photographer, plans to document these otherwise uneventful moments.
And she's been doing so since 2013, when she launched the Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project with a mission to use images to educate people on the benefits of a breastfed baby, to emphasize the importance of community support, and to normalize the act itself. Interestingly, though, Rogers wasn't always so comfortable with the idea.
"I was prompted to start this project by my reluctance to breastfeed in public," she told us. "I was self-conscious and afraid of stares and judgment. I knew a few women who did it comfortably, and I was so envious of them - of their confidence and skill, because half the battle is doing it gracefully."
Now, she has recruited more than 50 fellow photographers to take pictures of mothers nursing their children in public places.
Of all the ground they've covered with the initiative's photo shoots, photos in the park are the most typical. The most surprising to their audience, she said, has been those taken in the supermarket ("it's really not all that uncommon") and the pool ("breast milk is gross, but kids' pee isn't?"). But no matter how typical the spot is or not, Rogers made it clear that the location should never matter.
"Breastfeeding is legally allowed where a mom is legally allowed to be, in most states and many countries," she told us. "The problem is that . . . many people aren't educated on breastfeeding laws, including business owners. What we are really trying to illustrate here is that a mother has the right to breastfeed wherever she chooses, not wherever the majority of mothers choose."
And that goes for the library, the bus stop, the waiting room of a hair salon, and, yes, even the shallow end of the community pool.
This Lego-Themed Staff Appreciation Party Will Inspire Every Party You Ever Throw
Maegan Birr of Simply Styled Home, who is a Staff Appreciation Week party planner extraordinaire, just planned her fourth - and favorite so far - Teacher Appreciation Week at her daughter's school, featuring everyone's favorite toy: Lego. From printables for food stations, invitations, and posters to adorable Lego-themed treats, Maegan thought of it all. Looks like the staff at her daughter's middle school is going to have the best week ever!
Read through for more of the creative and clever party details.
mercredi 6 avril 2016
10 Tips For Surviving a Summer Pregnancy
When you find out you're pregnant in the middle of Winter, it's almost impossible to imagine going through a Summer pregnancy. Mamas-to-be can get hot, hot, hot, due to extra blood flow causing higher-than-normal body temperatures, in addition to the extra pounds they are packing. Add 90-degree temperatures and a heat wave to that, and the thought is almost unbearable. But there are simple ways expectant moms can cool off - aside from turning on the air conditioner. Read on for our best tips for surviving a hot-weather pregnancy.
Lighten Up With 12 Kid-Friendly Crockpot Recipes For Spring
If you're a crockpot-loving mom bemoaning the end of slow-cooker season, don't put away your favorite appliance just yet! While they're most commonly associated with hearty stews and casseroles, crockpots can be just as useful in warmer weather. These 12 recipes take a lighter approach to slow cooking, all with a kid-friendly approach. Bon appétit!
Source: Budget Gourmet Mom
How This Seemingly Practical Crib Setup Almost Killed 1 Mom's Child
I have a lot of friends that have twins or kids close in age that may have a similar set up, so I wanted to share...
Posted by Alison Johnson on Monday, April 4, 2016
For Alison Johnson, mom to 18-month-old twins Caleb and Libby, placing her children's cribs side by side along the same wall was a no-brainer, as many moms of multiples want their babies to sleep close at night - but what almost happened to her son has made her rethink her nursery setup.
Shortly after putting Caleb down for a nap one afternoon, Johnson heard him crying. She waited a few minutes, and when she went in to check on him, she found a horrifying situation - Caleb had climbed out of his crib, his body had slid into the space between his and Libby's crib, and he was struggling to hold himself up by his arms. Had his little arms slipped through the crack as well, he would have been hanging by his head.
Johnson is sharing a photo of the cribs with her story to warn other moms who may have similar nursery setups. "What's even more scary is that like many moms, I generally use nap time as an opportunity to shower. Had I done that today and checked on him after five minutes, he would have literally hung himself. When baby proofing, I never in a million years would have seen this as a potential danger," she wrote.
Read her post above in full.
16 Struggles of Being a Divorced Mom
Being a divorced mom has its pluses and minuses. There are times when the idea of being married again makes you want to jump a bridge. You are grateful for your single-mom life postdivorce. Then there are other days when you just want a partner right then and there and you wish you could hire a helping squad and have a friend pick your best match out of thin air! Parenting after divorce certainly has its rough terrain and learning curve. It's almost as if you're learning to reparent again and acquire a new way of viewing just about every single thing in your life. So it takes a little humor and a lot of chutzpah (that's balls and guts for those of you who don't speak Yiddish) to get through and make your life even more amazing as a divorced mom!
1. Where Is Everything?
When you're a divorced mom, nothing stays at your house. It somehow always ends up at the other house. You will swear you bought your kid X amount of clothes and new sneakers, but somehow they're either at your ex's house or somewhere in purgatory. Never mind homework assignments. You might as well bolt everything down if you want it to stay in your home. Besides your ex. Yeah, he can go back to his house. Wink.
2. When Your Last Name Doesn't Match
Why yes, those are my kids or kid. I just didn't want a reminder of the person who didn't work out, so I chose my own name again. Thanks.
3. Inviting Your Date Over
When your kids are with the other parent and you invite the date over, but you've forgotten to warn your date that there are My Little Ponies and Legos all over the couch the two of you had planned on sitting on to watch a movie together. It's incredibly sexy, too, when your kid's musical or singing dolls go off in the middle of a makeout session.
Thank you, Care Bear, for that rousing rendition of "The Wheels on the Bus."
4. Seeing Your Ex Online
Making an online dating profile and seeing your ex come up as your match? Super awesome! It's funny how you two divorced, yet eHarmony or OkCupid thinks you two are a "super amazing 96 percent" match!
More like 100 percent NO.
5. Missing Time
When you're a divorced mom and you miss taking your kid to a hobby or birthday party because it's not your day. When you're a divorced mom and all the other moms at soccer or dance or baseball are married and get to see each other weekly, and you try hard to stay in the loop, because, well, you're not always there to know everything and build friendships. You miss time and then some.
6. Being Set Up With the ONE SOLITARY Single Dad
There's one solitary single dad in your whole community, so everyone does whatever he or she can to pair you two together because of your situations, even though you two have nothing in common and would rather eat rocks than see a movie together.
7. Notifying Everyone
Notifying the school and every other organization that your child comes into contact with who can or cannot pick up or drop off your kid. Who gets what or doesn't get what information. Which coparent missed hearing about that science project. Which parent you need to notify and say, "Hey, my kid will be at your kid's party, but her dad is taking her."
8. Becoming a Scheduling Genius
Scheduling everything so it's perfectly matched up with the custody schedule, the work schedule, and your kid's schedule is such a blast! Wink.
9. Grateful but Tired
Being grateful you are working hard to support yourself and starting anew, but also missing the support of a partner. The gratitude in letting go of a bad relationship. The strength it takes to stay single and stay out of another bad relationship and realize that you deserve the best.
Wishing there were more hours in a day. Sometimes wishing it had worked out (the marriage). Extreme joy in knowing you walked away and started something fresh for you and your children. The pride in realizing you can do it on your own. Everyone is tired. It doesn't mean you give up.
10. What's With Your Hair, Mom?
That funny feeling you get if your kids notice and think, "Wow, Mom might be going out on a date." You won't give them information and you'll say, "I'm seeing a friend for coffee," but it sort of feels like you're a teenager sneaking out of your parents' house and hoping not to get caught.
11. Protecting
Wanting romance and love but also realizing you've got to be a ferocious mama bear and protect your kids from anyone who might not love and cherish them the way you should. Wanting to run into a relationship all doe-eyed but realizing that you're wiser and have more at risk. Knowing love can happen but wanting it to happen right.
12. Being Psychic, Sort Of
Knowing when your friends' or neighbors' marriages are ready to explode and end. Hating the ability to predict such events. The compassion you have to help other moms and dads as they, too, start the venture down the road of divorce. The wisdom to know that you don't have the answers. The heartache to watch them make some of the same mistakes you or your ex made or worse mistakes that you couldn't fathom anyone making while navigating divorce.
13. The Ability to Speak About Anything
After you tell your kids you're getting a divorce, telling them almost anything is infinitely easier because you've already given them some of the roughest news you'll ever have to break to them about their family changing. The ability to get through, think, speak, and feel about so many different topics with your children. The recognition that this is a blessing.
14. Money Matters
Learning the art of the dollar, nickel, and penny. Learning what is worth X amount of dollars vs. what is not worth X amount of dollars. Learning to manage the finances like a boss lady. Asking for a raise. Applying and interviewing for a better job. Realizing that it's not just about the money you make but your life balance as a parent now that it's the Mommy show, 24/7, 365 days a year. That it's about being present for your kids as much as it is about paying for everything. The cruel realization that most of the times, one of those things is less than it should be - either being present for your kids or having less money than you need. Feeling terrified of how you will make it. Being pleased realizing you can. Knowing you can get by on less. Satisfied when your income and quality of life grow all due to your own damn hard work.
15. The Dreaded Emergency Contact
Figuring out who is your emergency contact. Wondering who will take you for that big medical procedure you have scheduled. Panicking when you don't have family help like other single moms. Being grateful for your family if you do have their help. Trying to decide who is going to be on the list for emergency pickups for your kids. Wondering how you should redo - or how you should make - a will. Thinking about life insurance. Realizing you really are an adult, aren't you?
16. Satisfied
Listening to married couples fight. Wishing they would make up or make better choices. Happy as heck that you are single. Even more grateful that every night, you get to pick your Netflix and chill without suffering through dude movies you hated to begin with.
6 Foolproof Tips For Conquering Pet Hair This Spring
Spring is here! Time to break out the sundresses and pack away the sweaters - for you AND your dog. And by sweaters, we mean pet hair. Lots of it. Most dogs are double-coated and shed their undercoat a couple of times a year. In the Fall, it grows in thicker for warmth. In the Spring, it's time to shed it for something breezier. And where does all that Winter fur go? On your floor, of course. And your couch. And your clothes. And . . . pretty much everywhere.
Whether or not you suffer from allergies, you need some foolproof ways to get rid of the hair without getting rid of your dog. So just in time for Spring, we've rounded up our favorite, tried-and-true methods for total pet hair domination.
1. Invest in a Great Vacuum
First things first: get the right tool for the job. If you have a dog, you'll want to get a vacuum designed to tackle plenty of pet fur. The right vacuum is powerful enough to annihilate the hair, while also agile enough to get into nooks and crannies: under the couch cushions, behind the bed, and beyond. You'll want to vacuum at least once a week, and more during peak shedding season. Put on some loud music and go for it. We hear it's a good workout. Bonus.
When it comes to vacuums for pet fur, there are many good options at a range of price points. Check out a roundup for five of our favorite choices.
2. Brush, Brush, Brush
Regular brushing is key. Depending on your dog's coat, different brushes work best. Breeds with thicker, fuller coats, like Golden Retrievers and Huskies, require a slicker brush. Shorter coats can start with a bristle brush. Either way, regular brushing will help keep shedding at bay. Plus, it's a nice bonding moment for you and your pooch.
Pro tip: take advantage of the warmer weather and brush your pet outside. This helps reduce pet dander for allergy sufferers and makes cleanup a whole lot easier.
3. Amp Up Your Grooming Routine
Sure, brushing is a great place to start. But sometimes you need to get serious. You probably don't want to shave your dog (not all over, anyway), so what else can you do? We've discovered a bunch of awesome fur-removal products that take your average brushing session to the next level. The best tools work by getting at that undercoat, which is the main source of all the shedding.
For instance, the compact, powerful, and easy-to-use FURminator is a perennial top performer. This secret weapon gets a gold star in pet fur destruction, without destroying your dog.
4. It's Bathtime
Many Americans suffer from allergies to pet dander, which can get worse during Spring shedding season. If you're plagued by sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, regularly bathing your dog will help. In fact, frequent bathing can reduce pet dander by up to 84 percent! There are even dander-reducing shampoos that will reduce irritation, hydrate your dog's skin, and result in a soft, shiny coat. After-bath snuggles . . . mmm.
5. Beyond the Vacuum
Sometimes, a broom works better than a vacuum, especially on tile and wood. The FURemover broom, from the same family as the FURminator, might be magic. Designed especially to pick up pet fur, it's amazing at sweeping big fluffy piles into manageable mounds that you can put straight into the trash. For smaller jobs, try pet hair removal mitts, which are pretty darn affordable.
And for the ultimate in simplicity? You can't beat standard-issue rubber gloves. Dampen, swipe over the fur, and voila. The Internet is crazy about this cleaning hack.
6. Cleaning On the Go
Vacuuming, bathing, grooming: these will help prevent excess shedding. But sometimes you need to get rid of fur fast. Say, you're about to walk into a big meeting and you realize that you've got your dog's white fur all over your black pants. Never fear. That's where the classic lint roller comes into play. Most are sized for convenient transport, so you can keep one in your desk, your glove compartment, and your bag. (You can't have too many, really.) There are a range of choices, including some designed especially for pet hair removal. Just don't roll it on your dog . . .
It's hard to tell who's more excited about Spring: you or your dog. It's time to enjoy longer walks, romps at the dog park, and naps in that sunny spot on the living room floor. You know, that one. There's no better season for enjoying the perks of the pet parent life. Fur and all!
Show Some Major State Pride With These 50 Adorable Onesies
Every little one should be proud of where they come from, and what better way to prove it than by rocking an adorable state onesie? Whether they're locally grown or a recent addition thanks to a move, give your baby a strong sense of local pride starting from a young age with these fabulous onesies. From cool graphic prints to clever plays on words, there's a sweet option for each state just waiting for an equally cute owner to do it justice! Check out these 50 (and nifty!) options to get in on the state-pride fun with your smallest local fan.
Watch the Video That Contains the Secret to Looking Like the Perfect Mom
Have you ever been chatting with a group of moms, only to feel like a complete failure at this whole parenting thing because of the seemingly amazing practices and achievements of the other moms? Yeah, us too. To combat these feelings of inadequacy, the moms of The BreakWomb are sharing their secrets to being the most perfect, make-all-the-other-moms-jealous mom at the farmers market playground (spoiler alert: you just have to get really good at lying about stuff).
Watch the video to see their fake-it-till-you-make-it tips.
There's a New "Modesty Device" For Breastfeeding Moms You Have to See to Believe
A lot of moms detest those specially made nursing covers used to discreetly hide the act of breastfeeding while in public. You might think it's because those covers are stuffy, make their babies hot and uncomfortable, and are completely unneccessary, but you'd be wrong. It's because they don't cloak moms from the innocent eyes of the general public enough.
Enter: Boobies in a Box.
When fumbling with a hungry baby and an exposed nipple is just too much, this "new modesty device" is the perfect solution.
Try not to LOL at this infomercial-style video touting the benefits of the "eco-friendly cardboard" with the "pitch-black of a coffin." Practical, compact . . . what's not to love? We don't know about you, but we'll be springing for the luxury camouflage edition.
This Dad Makes Luxury Playhouses Straight Out of Every Kid's Wildest Dreams
Tyson Leavitt is a Canadian dad and mastermind behind Charmed Playhouses, but be warned: with just one look at these elaborate creations, you'll immediately wish you were a kid again!
In only a year's time, Leavitt's business has expanded from a local company of three employees to a respected brand with not only clients across the United States (including NBA star Steph Curry) but also an upcoming TLC show. When Leavitt transitioned from a professional landscaper to a full-time playhouse craftsman, he wasn't sure if the company would take off but knew that there were so many yards without a fun space for kids to enjoy.
Taking inspiration from his children (who also happen to be his most trusted playhouse testers), Leavitt creates custom sketches for each client based on the specific kid's interests. The final, extravagant products are based solely on these drawings - not blueprints - so the end results are always one of a kind for the family. The final cost of each playhouse depends on what the clients dream up but can range in price from $7,000-$100,000.
Whether your little one is entranced by the Rapunzel design complete with a long blond braid rope or you prefer a more modern aesthetic, there are impressive options to get every little (and big!) kid excited for some make-believe fun!
If You Bought an Ikea Cape For Your Kid, You Need to Read This Immediately
If you bought your child a simple black bat cape from Ikea, the Swedish retailer is now imploring parents: "Please immediately take the cape away from children."
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission, Ikea announced a voluntary recall of the Lattjo cape because it could inadvertently strangle those who wear it.
"The fabric hook and loop fastener at the next of the bat cape may not detach readily during use, posing a risk of strangulation to consumers," the brand said in a statement on its corporate website.
The Lattjo cape was sold in stores and online between November 2015 and February 2016 for $13.
Thankfully, no incidents have been filed in the U.S. and no reports of permanent injury have been identified globally.
If you own the bat cape, Ikea asks that you confiscate it, stop all use, and return it to any of its stores – with or without a receipt – for a full refund.
6 Things You Can Do to Make Sure Your Daughter Never Says "I'm Bad at Math"
Growing up, and even into adulthood, I've always admitted to being "bad at math" and "not a science person." That is, until I spoke with Danica McKellar - the actress who came to fame as Winnie Cooper in The Wonder Years and, after getting a degree in mathematics and writing a series of groundbreaking books aimed to teach kids that being smart is cool, now stars in the hit Netflix original tween series Project Mc2.
She asked me what grades I got in high school. "Straight As," I admitted. "Even in calculus."
That's when Winnie Cooper scolded me. "If you got an A in calculus, you're definitely not bad at math!" But what frustrated her most was finding out I was the mom to a little girl. She begged me never to use the phrase "bad at math" again.
And there's a good reason why. "Up until a certain age, all kids - girls and boys - approach math and the sciences the same, but then at a pivotal time, usually around ages 7 to 12, girls start to wonder who they are and what they're going to be," McKellar told us. "They're more and more aware of stereotypes. The feeling of belonging is so important for young girls. They want boys to like them and they want to be popular, so they say, 'I don't want to be nerdy,' and they dumb themselves down."
What happens next is disheartening. McKellar said: "As their self-confidence starts crumbling, they start believing their own act. 'Maybe I am really bad at math.' Girls will self-identify as bad at math and science when they really aren't."
Thanks to her upbringing at an all-girls school and one "transformative" teacher, McKellar managed to avoid much of the social pressure that surrounds impressionable tweens, but she's adamant that it hasn't gotten much better since she came of age - or even when her most famous character did in the late '60s.
So, what can parents - especially those of young girls - do to make sure we don't continue this "bad at math" cycle? McKellar offered up six incredibly straightforward tips.
1. Acknowledge that there are differences between boys and girls.
McKellar's own son once asked, "Boys are taller and stronger than girls, so are they better?" Her response was honest: "I said: 'Good question. It's true that boys are often faster at running and can get bigger muscles, but girls also do things boys can't. They can grow a baby inside their tummy. Some things boys and girls do equally well, and even though some skills are different, one is not better than the other.'"
2. Try not to tell her she's adorable.
"Try your hardest not to go on and on about how cute your daughter is" or how gorgeous her eyes are, McKellar advised us. Focus on other character traits, like problem-solving abilities and strength.
3. Talk about math out loud, everywhere you go.
"Counting and comparing numbers out loud is beneficial to kids, no matter their age," she said. "When you go to the grocery store and you want to buy three pounds of ground chicken, say the numbers aloud. 'Here's how much it costs per pound, so this is how much it will cost in total.' Show that math never has a chance to seem like a foreign subject, and they'll grow up understanding that math has an application."
4. Apply math to her daily life.
Show the unexpected ways math comes into play. One of McKellar's favorite examples for social-media-savvy tween girls is with a simple equation: "If you share this kitten video with five of your friends, and they share it with five of their friends, and so on, how long will it take to get to a million views?"
5. Hide your own math insecurities.
When moms say that they're terrible at math, it will discourage their kids and set the bar lower. "If you were discouraged in math, please do not tell your daughter," she said. "Make it the one thing you aren't truthful about." And what if you honestly don't feel capable of helping with math homework? Improvise. "Say, 'This is different from how we did it. Let's get some help.'"
6. Show her how math can actually be entertaining.
"If you look around, you can see there's more and more reality TV heralding women who are not aspirational," McKellar said. That's where her show, which was just renewed for two new seasons on Netflix today, comes in. Project Mc2 follows four smart and science-skilled girls as they join a spy organization, NOV8 (pronounced "innovate"), led by McKellar's character, The Quail. "The show is exactly in line with my main goal in life - to help girls who want to be smart," she told us of the series, which includes a line of dolls with experiment sets that will help keep girls interested in science even after the season is over. "It proves you can be smart and fun and fashionable. And being smart makes everything else better."
The Reason This 9-Year-Old Released a Video to Defend Herself After Breaking Local Crime News
Nine-year-old Hilde Kate Lysiak may only be in the third grade, but she's already following in the footsteps of her reporter dad, Matthew Lysiak, by running her own newspaper, Orange Street News. The young girl started her paper at the age of 7, breaking the news of the birth of her sister, and just two years later, she broke the news of a local murder - before any of her competitors.
Hilde published her story, "EXCLUSIVE: MURDER ON NINTH STREET!," early on the morning of April 2, after getting a tip that there was some police activity a few blocks from her house. She went down to the scene and, like any good reporter would do, collected quotes and information from witnesses and police officers before publishing her straightforward report.
Then, on Saturday night, the OSN Facebook page received a ton of criticism, including comments such as: "I'm disgusted that this cute little girl thinks she's a real journalist. What happened to tea parties?" and "9-year-old girls should be playing with dolls, not trying to be reporters." Hilde, who exhibits a ton of professionalism despite her young age, decided it best to respond to the critics directly, which can be seen in the video above.
One City in the US Just Mandated the Most Groundbreaking Parental-Leave Policy to Date
If you're looking to start a family, you might want to first make a move to San Francisco. Lawmakers unanimously approved a measure making it the first city in the entire nation to require fully paid leave for new parents.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed the law with low-wage workers - who so often struggle with the effects of taking a pay cut to bond with their child - top of mind.
"Our country's parental leave policies are woefully behind the rest of the world, and today San Francisco has taken the lead in pushing for better family leave policies for our workers," Scott Wiener, the bill's author, said in a statement after the vote. "We shouldn't be forcing new mothers and fathers to choose between spending precious bonding time with their children and putting food on the table."
What does this groundbreaking law mean for those living in San Fransisco - and for you? Here's what you need to know.
What does the new law provide?
Because the state of California already allows workers to receive 55 percent of their pay - through a state insurance program funded by the workforce - for up to six weeks, this new measure will require private employers in San Francisco to cover the remaining 45 percent of a parent's full pay for those same six weeks.
Who benefits from it?
The new mandate covers both mothers and fathers, including same-sex couples. It is offered to those who deliver a child themselves or adopt. Additionally, both full-time and part-time employees who work in the city limits can benefit from the law.
When does it take effect?
The new regulations will be phased in gradually. Businesses who employ at least 50 workers will offer it starting January 2017, and those with 35 to 49 workers must comply the following July. Finally, those with 20 to 34 employees have until January 2018 to provide the benefit.
At this stage, companies with fewer than 20 employees are still exempt, particularly because many smaller businesses have argued that the financial requirement is an expensive burden they simply can't afford.
How does it compare to other maternity policies?
California has one of the more expansive laws in the country, and at this moment, only two other states - New Jersey and Rhode Island - require paid parental leave. None currently offer maternity leave at full pay. But just this week, New York passed a generous law requiring up to 12 weeks of partially paid time off for new parents funded through a weekly payroll tax.
Globally, however, the US still has a long way to go: it's the only advanced nation on the planet that doesn't guarantee paid maternity leave.
These Are the Things You Can (and Should!) Throw Out of Your Kids' Rooms Right Now
When you have kids, it's only natural that you also have a lot of stuff. So much stuff, in fact, that it's hard to even know what's worth keeping and what can be trashed, donated, or handed down. But, as difficult as it might be to say goodbye to your child's tattered blanket or their 237th sketch of a tulip, it's better you get it out of the way now than have to deal with it all over again in 20-odd years. Ready to get on with it? Use these tips to help clear out the four trickiest things in your kids' rooms today.
This Is What It Looks Like When a Pregnant Bachelor Star Throws a Baby Shower For Her BFF
While awaiting her own very special arrival, first time mom-to-be Catherine Lowe showered her childhood best friend (who also happened to be pregnant) with lots of love.
The former Bachelor star teamed up with Jenny of Jenny Cookies to throw a stunning We Love Lucy-themed celebration in honor of Crista's little girl. For the color palette, Jenny typically likes to work with the same tones that the mom-to-be is using in the baby's room so the details can double as nursery decor. With that in mind, the stylish pair worked with soft shades of pink, white, and gray with pops of gold to add a modern feel.
To set the tone for the lovely festivities, Harper Gray designed heart balloon invites that were packaged and sent to guests in confetti-filled boxes. The party details appeared once the balloons were inflated and the heart motif was carried through from the custom pillows to the surprise hearts baked inside the cupcakes. To brighten up the industrial-chic space, colorful arrangements of ranunculus, anemones, jasmine, and fresh greenery were placed throughout the room. The fresh blooms were also hung from a wall and sculpted into a heart to serve as a breathtaking backdrop for the dessert table.
After an afternoon of making baby blocks and feasting with friends, guests gathered for presents. As a helpful way to keep Crista organized, personalized thank you cards made by Tiny Prints were passed around the circle. Everyone was asked to self-address an envelope and encouraged to write down a little reminder of what they brought. Get inspired by all of the elegant details below!
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