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 12 avril 2016
17 Struggles Only a Mom With Severe Morning Sickness Will Understand
Sure, you think, it's just "morning" sickness; how bad can it be? Well, for anyone who's suffered through it and realized that it should actually be called "all-day sickness," you know that it can be really, really bad. Although there are some foods that help to ease symptoms, it's never fun to suffer through that rough first trimester . . . or, in some cases, rough three trimesters. Ever experienced the dreaded pregnancy symptom? Take a look at 17 things only moms with severe morning sickness will understand - and know that you're definitely not alone!
You'll LOL When You Hear What the Property Brothers Found Inside the Walls of a Reno
If you've ever been frustrated by the part in the beginning of every episode of HGTV's Property Brothers where Drew shows the family their dream home only to dash their dreams by telling them that the house they've just fallen in love with is comically out of their budget, then you're not alone. Jonathan hates that part, too! "He calls it the Drew jerk part," Drew admitted during the Scott brothers' recent appearance on NPR's beloved quiz show, Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!. "I'm just trying to bring people out of the clouds and show them that they've got to be realistic," Drew justified. Jonathan wasn't buying this explanation, claiming, "If Drew had a hairless cat that he could pet while doing that . . . he would!" We can't stop laughing at the image of Drew showing houses as Dr. Evil!
During the radio appearance, Jonathan and Drew also went on to reveal some of the bizarre things they've come across during home renos. "We've opened walls up to find the craziest, most disgusting things you can possibly imagine," shared Jonathan. "On the more pleasant side, I found an entire hidden antique Playboy collection. On the less attractive side, I've found petrified rats who had chewed through electrical and met their demise."
Drew seconds Jonathan's story, adding the unforgettable tale of a Texas home owner who got rid of a raccoon living inside his walls by ripping back a panel and firing off several rounds of his gun. He succeeded in killing the pest, but "after a couple days, the smell [of the dead animal] started to get to him, plus his electrical and plumbing stopped working because he had shot through it." Yikes! Even though the Property Brothers only answered one of the three quiz questions they were asked correctly, we think these hilarious show insights make their appearance a huge success.
80 Pictures of Britney Spears That Are Straight Out of a Time Capsule
Britney Jean Spears broke onto the scene in the late '90s and has taken the music world by storm ever since. After signing to Jive Records in 1997 and releasing her first single, ". . . Baby One More Time," Britney shot to stardom - and has acquired legions of dedicated fans along the way.
There's no doubt that Britney will go down in history with some of the biggest pop stars on the planet - not only has she been influenced by legends like Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston, but she's also inspired a handful of artists who have come after her, like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Katy Perry; even rapper Nicki Minaj credited Britney with motivating her career in 2012, saying, "She's probably gone through 10 times whatever I've gone through. But the fact that she came back out with just so much fire inspires me, and it inspires young women and people all over the world."
We're taking a look back at Britney's superstar evolution, from teen pop sensation to comeback queen and devoted mom. Keep reading to see all the photos now, then check out Britney's hottest Instagram snaps and the times her facial expressions said it all.
Brunch Faceoff: The 50 Best Pancake, French Toast, and Waffle Recipes
If you're like me, you think brunch is the best part of every weekend. You know you're having a good day when the toughest part is choosing pancakes, french toast, or waffles. With so many amazing recipes for each, it's nearly impossible to choose one, so why not keep a bunch on hand to try over the course of a long time? These 50 recipes range from sweet (Nutella-stuffed french toast) to savory (ham and cheese hash brown waffles), and they're perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons when all you want is a cup of coffee and comforting brunch. Scan for now, pin for later, and be the judge of the recipes that reign supreme.
3 Ways to Style Your Small Patio For $250 or Less
Having an outdoor area is a big bonus to your space no matter the size. A small patio or deck can transform into an additional living spot that turns into something you might not have in your home. Even when you're on a budget, you can transform that little terrace into the oasis you've been waiting for. No matter if you're looking for a chic spot for entertaining or a cozy corner for recharging, make it happen with these three solutions.
The Secret Life of Pets Character Posters Are Here, and They're Cuter Than the Trailer
It seems like it's taking forever for The Secret Life of Pets to hit theaters, but it might just be because we're SO excited to see this animal-focused flick. We've seen the movie trailer and a bunch of the toys, and now we officially have character posters for all the mains. Scroll through to see them all and make sure to mark July 8 on your calendar - it's when the movie finally hits the big screen!
66 Enchanting Disney Princess iPhone Cases You Need Right Now
If you love all things Disney, there's no better way to represent your obsession than with a phone case you carry pretty much everywhere. Here are 66 iPhone cases for anyone who is, and always will be, completely enchanted by their favorite Disney princesses.
Jump to:
Disney World's New Fireworks Show Incorporates Star Wars in an Epic Way
Walt Disney World has announced yet another reason for Star Wars fans to take a Disney vacation: a brand-new "nighttime spectacular" inspired by the beloved sci-fi franchise. "Today, we're happy to share that plans are currently in the works for a new Star Wars stage show and procession, as well as a nighttime spectacular so elaborate it's set to make Disney's Hollywood Studios history," Disney shared of the show.
The Orlando, FL, theme park already plays host to a variety of other Star Wars attractions, making it the perfect venue for this nightly, Force-filled performance. And now, thanks to early footage of the fireworks display, we have more of an idea of what to expect. If you aren't already excited for "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular," just wait until you read the Disney Parks blog's description of the show:
The show will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects, and video projections that will turn the nearby Chinese Theater and other buildings into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base, and other Star Wars destinations. The show will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating massive lightsabers in the sky. This new show will be the most elaborate fireworks display to take place in the history of Disney's Hollywood Studios.
So if you can't get enough Star Wars, you'd better book tickets to Florida for this Summer! This definitely isn't something you want to miss, especially considering Disney's prowess with breathtaking fireworks displays. And if you can't wait until then, just watch video footage of the show, titled Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular, below!
Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular"Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular" features John William's majestic Star Wars themes, including new music from The Force Awakens. But don't wait too long, later this year, a new nighttime show will fill the air above Disney's Hollywood Studios. "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular" will include fireworks, digital projections, and more for a one of a kind show that promises to knock your socks off. Coming Summer 2016.
Posted by The Disney Blog on Saturday, April 9, 2016
Worried About Zika? These 12 Plants Naturally Repel Mosquitos
If you're the type of person who can't stand outside for an hour without gaining a host of new bug bites, then this article is for you. Don't let another Summer pass by in itchy despair - instead, rid yourself of the mosquito problem once and for all! Using only your green thumb and a bit of time in the garden, you can create a pest-free oasis free of buzzing and biting. Here are 12 mosquito-repellent plants that you can incorporate into your outdoor living space.
lundi 11 avril 2016
Here's How to Share Old Photos From Your Camera Roll on Snapchat
Think you're a Snapchat pro? Think again. Sure, you might know how to blow up emoji characters or how to write more than one line of text in the app, but there are plenty of other tricks left - like sending photos from your Camera Roll to friends. Read on to learn two easy ways to do it and feel like even more of a Snapchat boss.
These Over-the-Top Private Mansions Are Located Right on Disney World's Grounds
If you weren't already aware, you can own a house in Florida's Disney World. We previously revealed you could buy a home in the park's Golden Oaks neighborhood, but guess what: you can now live in the lap of luxury in the new Four Seasons residences, which are also located in Golden Oaks.
The Four Seasons is offering two different-size villas, but both are equally elegant. At a whopping 11,192 square feet, the Portfolio Home is the larger of the two variations; it has six bedrooms, a pool, and two guest suites. The Capolavoro design is only slightly smaller at 8,160 square feet and has the same amenities as the Portfolio home - a pool, one guest suite, and six bedrooms. Disney fans will be delighted to know that the Capolavoro home even has a mouse-ears-shaped bathtub; seriously. Residences will obviously also have access to the hotel amenities year round. Start saving, because these mansions will set you back $5 million. We're going to need a few piggy banks.
This Heartbreaking Theory Explains Why Harry Potter's Hogwarts Class Is So Tiny
A question that comes up often in Harry Potter fan circles is about the size of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. JK Rowling describes the magical institution as one of Europe's largest, with hundreds of students attending every school year. But, as book readers are well aware, the series's namesake character seems to have very few classmates, a mere handful of boys and girls in Gryffindor, with similarly scant enrollment of Harry's grade level in Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Well, one Tumblr user has come up with a theory for why Harry Potter's grade level is so small.
This theory, though heartbreaking considering its implications, has been parroted across Reddit and other fan blogs. It makes sense, right? Given that Harry's parents were killed when he was only 15 months old, it would explain tiny class sizes immediately surrounding Harry's year - Voldemort was at his peak leading up to and immediately following Harry's birth. Understandably, couples likely avoided conceiving during such terrifying times, with only a few brave wizards in Britain deciding to procreate despite the horrors of Voldemort's reign.
This sort of wartime fear surrounding major life events is a common theme in the Harry Potter series. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Molly Weasley explains that she and Arthur married young because everybody did during Voldemort's rise to power - they didn't know how much time they had left. And her son Ron justifies kissing Hermione during the Battle of Hogwarts for a similar reason.
"Is this the moment?" Harry asked weakly, and when nothing happened except that Ron and Hermione gripped each other still more firmly and swayed on the spot, he raised his voice. "Oi! There's a war going on here!"
Ron and Hermione broke apart, their arms still around each other.
"I know, mate," said Ron, who looked as though he had recently been hit on the back of the head with a Bludger, "So it's now or never, isn't it?"
So next time you're wondering why you only ever hear about a handful of Hogwarts students in Harry's grade level, understand that they're the few whose parents were brave (or foolish) enough to bring babies into the world during the reign of a complete monster.
The Best Decor Shops For 20-Somethings
Take it from me, being in your 20s and decor shopping for a new home is downright hard. We millennials are always on the hunt for the coolest, most unique pieces of furniture, but we don't want to shell out a bunch of money for those pieces.
How do you get your home to look magazine-chic without appearing too stuffy or, well, too grown-up? The truth of the matter is that you just have to invest in some quality pieces, but there's lots of playful stuff out there you can get for affordable prices as well. We have discovered all of the great decor stores for 30-somethings, but there are plenty of great sites for 20-somethings, too. Whether you're looking for pieces that will last a lifetime or fun items that fulfill your trend-hunting addiction, we've got all of the stores covered.
Source: Judy Pak for The Everygirl
How My Family's Unrelenting Love For Our Dog Saved His Life
By the time I was 12 years old, my family had just about every type of pet you could own. We adopted hamsters, a rabbit, countless fish, a turtle, frogs, and even birds - needless to say, we're animal people. But no matter how much we enjoyed our small pets, my sister and I always longed for a puppy. So when I returned from sleep-away camp in sixth grade and was welcomed by a furry little Shih Tzu named Tyler, it was quite possibly the happiest day of my life. He was the perfect surprise, and my family became attached immediately.
A couple of years went by and Ty was the picture of perfect health, until we came home from a family vacation to find him acting unlike his usual happy self. He had no interest in playing or eating, he was losing tons of hair and weight, he incessantly gnawed at his skin, and he would arch his back at random times throughout the day.
Frantic with worry, we rushed him to the vet to run tests. After the results were inconclusive, we took him to have an X-ray, which is when doctors found a large mass on his thymus gland. Lodged between his heart and his lungs, my little boy had a malignant tumor. Every doctor we spoke to insisted he be put to sleep. We were told that even if we tried to treat his cancer, he would only live another two to three years.
I distinctly remember the day my parents broke the news. We sat on the kitchen floor holding our sick puppy and cried for hours, completely heartbroken and torn. How could we give up on this precious thing? How could we not fight for him?
And so we did.
An invasive surgery such as Ty's is draining for a human, and he was only a 10-pound dog. After doctors removed his tumor, they advised that we continue with chemotherapy, so for six months we took him to get his treatment. He lost all of his hair, and as many canine enthusiasts know, Shih Tzus are known for their luscious manes, so this was particularly upsetting.
Once his cycle was finished, all we could do was wait. He was successfully in remission, but we still couldn't shake what the doctors had told us: "Only two to three more years . . . " So with that in mind, we treated him like the prince he was. Each day we spent with our strong survivor was cherished. We loved him like no puppy has ever been loved before - at least in our minds.
Ty is turning 11 years old this year.
He has beat the formidable odds, and we can't help but consider him a medical miracle. The only explanation doctors have offered to us is that he is still alive because of the immense bond he has with my family. He is our pride, our joy, and our whole world. As he ages, memories of the emotional roller coaster we all endured grow foggier, but what he went through has never been forgotten.
The Ultimate Collection of Silly Cat GIFs
There's something about cats. They're so fluffy, cute, annoying, standoffish, selfish, and cuddly. It's hard to resist a cute kitty, which makes the following collection of adorable moments just the right thing to get you through your day.
This Ikea Play Kitchen Hack Is Everything
As if Ikea's play kitchen ($100) wasn't cute enough, blogger Jenny Collier took the child's toy to the next level with a few ingenious designer-grade hacks. Now, her daughter's play kitchen has all the style of Pottery Barn's much pricier Chelsea set ($499) at a fraction of the cost. Jenny's first hack was to cover the countertop in marble-patterned contact paper to give it a high-end look. Then, she spray painted all the hardware on-trend brass. For the backsplash, she used a foam core board and traced black lines with a sharpie to create faux subway tile. The resulting play kitchen is every child's - and parent's - dream. We just wish it came in adult size. Visit Jenny Collier's blog for the full tutorial and more images.
Fans Are Photoshopping This Picture of Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley - and It's AMAZING
Although the arrival of Star Wars: Episode VIII feels like it's galaxies away, Mark Hamill took to his Twitter account to #bless Star Wars fans with an epic behind-the-scenes moment.
He posted a photo of himself hitching a piggyback ride from Daisy Ridley while on set of the film, which is currently in production. The adorable photo was posted in honor of Daisy's 24th birthday this past Sunday, and the pose was a nod to the 1980s snap of Yoda on Luke's back in The Empire Strikes Back.
The internet got a hold of the image and started a full-on Photoshop battle on Reddit. The picture has since been turned into a variety of hilarious parody images and memes that fans (and Mark!) got a real kick out of. He shared some of his favorite images on Twitter, so scroll through to check them out.
These Pit Bulls Wearing Flower Crowns Will Melt Your Heart
We believe anyone can rock a flower crown, even dogs. Thanks to Sophie Gamand, who started the #PitBullFlowerPower project, this group of furry friends can teach us a thing or two about wearing a festival staple.
According to Sophie's website, the photographer and animal activist started the project as a way to show the softer side of this misunderstood breed. "I realized pit bulls were always portrayed in very urban, gritty photographs," she said on her site. "So I decided to take the other route and portray them like hippies, soft fairy-tale-inspired characters, feminine and dreamy."
The result of her project has not only led to a viral campaign and many supporters, but it's also produced some awfully cute pit bull photos. After seeing these images, we want to adopt them all! Leave it to the pups to show humans how to rock hair accessories.
If Zodiac Signs Were Emoji . . .
A scale symbolizes the Libra zodiac sign, a crab for Cancer, and so forth, but ever wondered what signs would look like as emoji? A tarot guide named Nupur Bhardwaj created a chart titled "Zodiac Signs as Emojis" that's totally appropriate for the way emoji have become representative of how we now communicate.
Each face was chosen based on the traits associated with each sign - for example, a blushing smiley fits the gentle, compassionate characteristics of Pisces and the agonized face suits the emotional nature of Cancers.
Do you think yours is accurate?
Whoa, Someone Made a Fully Operational Weasley Clock, and It's Glorious
What do you get when someone details the inspiring process behind making a real-life, fully operational family Weasley clock? An amazing DIY, like the one posted by Imgur user Tbornottb.
The Weasley clock is a J.K. Rowling creation that appeared throughout the Harry Potter series. Basically, the clock tracked every Weasley family member's whereabouts throughout the day with categories like home, work, or the usual: in mortal peril.
The (presumed) hardcore Potterhead created the same clock using the app If This Then That, or IFTTT, for the locational tracking information and then somehow wired that into the personalized clock using LED cables.
The result is a beautiful new way to stalk keep track of those near and dear to you.
Real-Girl Tips For Pulling Off DIY Wedding Flowers
Late at night, when it's just you, a bottle of wine, and your overloaded wedding budget, it can be tempting to think that doing your own wedding flowers is a genius plan. But the reality is that flower arranging is no easy task. Between bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, ceremony and reception decorations, table arrangements, and that giant box of boutonnieres, there is a lot to do.
So are DIY wedding flowers really something you should take on? We turned to San Francisco-based florist Amesia Doles of La Bodega Flora for advice. "If you can, you should hire a professional for the ceremony bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres," Amesia said, "unless you don't mind simple and possibly a little funky."
But what about the extra creative, determined, and brave among us who are set on doing our flowers ourselves? Read on for Amesia's expert tips.
26 Times You Wished You Were Taylor Swift's Cats
It's no secret that Taylor Swift is a proud cat lady. She often takes Dr. Meredith Grey and Detective Olivia Benson with her when she ventures out, and she documents their lives on her social media accounts. And those pictures and videos give us just a glimpse at how much Taylor loves her kitties and gives them a life of luxury. Rides on a private jet? Monogrammed kennels? Cuddles with Taylor's cute brother, Austin? Where do we sign up?
Miley Cyrus Just Bought a Malibu House Near Liam Hemsworth
She may only be 23-years-old, but Miley Cyrus has already amassed some impressive real estate – and we're not just talking about the giant rock that's recently taken up residency on her left ring finger. The singer has just purchased a $2.5 million four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath in Malibu. Conveniently located down the street is fiancé Liam Hemsworth. Miley's new two-story midcentury house has just 1,384 square feet of indoor space, but it sits on over two lush and secluded acres. The outdoor space is perfect for entertaining – or a backyard wedding! – with a large patio, jacuzzi, and gazebo. The driveway is even bridged atop a "seasonal stream." Inside, the chef's kitchen and bathrooms have been recently restored, but playful and kooky design touches (Spiderman wallpaper in the bathroom, bright-green carpeting in a living room) will likely be updated; then again, knowing Miley's wild taste, she might decide to leave them. Keep reading to see every inch of the house.
Changing Your Dog's Diet May Be Easier Than You Think
There's a good chance you already know that when you're changing your dog's food, you can't just do it outright. But, believe it or not, changing from one food to another is really very simple. Dr. Brent Mayabb, a veterinarian and vice president of corporate affairs at Royal Canin, gave us a simple breakdown to follow when transitioning food.
"It should only take about seven days, but play it by ear if your dog isn't handling the change well," he said. Here's a simple guide to follow.
Days 1-2: 75 percent old food, 25 percent new food
Days 3-4: 50 percent old food, 50 percent new food
Days 5-6: 25 percent old food, 75 percent new food
Day 7: 100 percent new food
Related: Do You Know When Your Puppy Should Be Getting His Shots?
Meet the 55 Most Stylish Pets on the Internet
First, there was Kuma, a dog who rocks a new glam hairstyle every day. Then, there were the Pit Bulls in flower crowns.
Since the dawn of time, people have been dressing up their pets. But only since the dawn of Instagram have they been able to share these photos with the rest of the world.
There's a pet out there rocking each and every type of beauty look, from wigs to braids and even flower crowns. It's like dressing up your kid, except pets are much less likely to throw a tantrum.
These 55 pets are undeniably some of the most stylish out there, and because of social media, we all get to appreciate the glory that is a small dog with braided pigtails. Thank you, Internet.
What Guests Really Notice in Your Home
If the idea of getting your home company-ready is keeping you from hosting a dinner party or even your out-of-town in-laws, we can help. Sure, you could spend all day cleaning and decorating in anticipation, but who has the time? Here are the only things you really need to do before your guests arrive. Don't worry - they are nothing but easy.
- Additional reporting by Miranda Jones
The Scent of Your Home
Decor isn't the first thing guests notice when they walk through your door - it's the smell. Whether you're concerned about the fish you cooked the night before or your dog skipping a bath - or worse, the scents you've become noseblind to - put your mind at ease by lighting a candle or simmering a small pot of citrus peels and cinnamon sticks a half hour before guests arrive. We can't get enough of these yummy-smelling candles - all under $50.
A Well-Stocked Bar
After greeting guests, the first thing that you will want to do is offer them a drink. You don't need to be full service, but make sure you have the home bar basics covered.
Fresh Flowers
Flowers are the only decoration a house really ever needs, no matter the occasion (although we feel pretty strongly about candles too!). To get the most bang out of your buck, buy potted flowers like these orchids. They may look delicate, but with proper care, they will last for a month or longer.
The Lack of Clutter
Even if you don't have time to do a deep cleaning, you can still organize your clutter. Get a tray or a set of lidded boxes for each room and corral all the odds and ends - remotes, keys, mail - in one place. Guests will feel relaxed in a space that appears organized, even if it is just for show!
A Tidy Bathroom
Before guests arrive, make sure your bathroom has clean hand towels and enough toilet paper. Extra points for wiping down surfaces and lighting a candle!
An Organized Entryway
Not only is it the first place and last place that your guests will see, your entryway is also where they will be dropping their coats and bags. Depending on how much room you have, add a coat rack, umbrella stand, and a place to sit while taking shoes on or off.
iOS 9.3 Has So Many Cool Features, You Won't Want to Put Off Downloading
Upgrading your iPhone can be kind of a nuisance - it's time consuming and sometimes takes up valuable storage space. But Apple's latest release is full of features that will compel you to download the new software immediately. Apple also introduced a smaller iPhone SE and a smaller iPad Pro that look quite enticing. Here's a rundown of iOS 9.3's coolest features.
- Night Shift - This is completely new to the iPhone and iPad. When activated, this feature uses your geolocation to determine when the sunset is and changes the colors on your phone display. Apple added this to improve your sleep at night, since brighter lights at night potentially hinder it.
- Password-protected notes - For those of you who use Notes as your diary, this update will excite you. Now you can add your thumbprint to protect them. Other improvements include checklists, more options for sorting your notes, and enhanced exporting.
- News updates - Apple added Editor's Picks, a curated section ("For You") that picks stories based on your reading history, swipe to share, and the ability to change the text size of stories.
- Photo updates - This software has improved download speeds for iCloud photos and the ability to extract a high-quality still from a live image.
- Health updates - Third-party apps will now be featured in your Health app. Meaning, other apps that attempt to improve your health will function within Apple's app. HealthKit is a new feature that allows doctors and patients to communicate more efficiently for treatment as well.
- Bug Fixes - Fixes issues with iCloud backups and inaccurate battery percentages and improves stability of your Mail app when storage is low.
Check out some screenshots of the new features ahead and see what else was announced at Apple's event.
Find Out What's Happened to Your Favorite HGTV Hosts of Yesteryear
If you're anything like me, you spend a lot of time watching HGTV - and have done so for years! The network, which launched in 1994, has seen a number of series and hosts over the last two decades. At the moment, the network has a huge roster of stars including the Property Brothers's Drew and Jonathan Scott and Flip or Flop's Tarek and Christina El Moussa.
Many years ago, however, the network was populated by a number of different faces. You may have wondered, at one time or another, what happened to your favorite HGTV hosts of yesterday. Well, wonder no longer, because we've found out!
Pinterest Announces the Hottest Home Trends
Pinterest has examined the pinning habits of more than 100 million users to create the annual Pinterest 100, a highly anticipated list of the trends that will dominate in 2016. If you have a bathroom reno on the horizon or if you just want some ideas for spicing up your decor, you definitely don't want to miss what Pinterest predicts will be hot in the home!
All Your Dreams Are About to Come True at This Hedgehog Cafe
Cat cafes are so yesterday, you guys. Japan has taken the adorable idea of a cafe with animals one step further and introduced a hedgehog cafe. The cafe, called Harry, a play on the Japanese word for hedgehog, houses several adoptable hedgehogs that are there to keep you company and make you smile. Scroll through to see a few photos of visitors enjoying the prickly little animals, and be sure to add this Tokyo spot to your travel bucket list!
Related: 15 Ridiculously Awesome Animal Cafes That You Can Visit
The Shocking Truth About Thread Count in Sheets
For years now, we've been conditioned to correlate a high thread count with high quality in bed sheets, but it turns out there are far more important quality metrics than thread count. In fact, sheets with a low thread count but high-quality fiber can actually be better than sheets with high thread count and low-quality fiber. To learn what we should really be paying attention to when shopping for sheets, we spoke to the experts at luxury bedding company CULTIVER.
Here are the five things they said to look at before purchasing:
Fiber
This is a great place to start your sheet search. Consider your personal preferences and climate, and shop for a fiber accordingly: for example, Egyptian cotton's acclaimed comfort is due to its long staple fiber. Longer fibers create silkier-feeling sheets. Breathable fibers, like cotton and Cultiver's signature linen bed sheets, are great in warm climates because they're breathable and moisture-wicking. For cool climates, a natural insulator like silk is a great option. Polyester blends are great for those on a budget because they're inexpensive and durable.
Weave
The weave, or the manner in which the threads are interlaced, determines the way the sheets feel and look. Weaves with an even amount of vertical and horizontal yarns, like those used in high-quality percale sheets, create crisp, durable sheets. By contrast, sateen weaves have more vertical than horizontal yarns, giving them a shiny look and silky feel, but making them more susceptible to wear. When a weave is low quality, the info is often omitted from the label altogether.
Location
You already know what type of fiber and weave you want - next, note where the sheets are made. Some countries, France and Italy in particular, are known for their sheet-making skills. Even if the fabric is coming from elsewhere, it's always a plus to have the sheets made by master craftspeople.
Dye
Inexpensive sheets apply color and patterns to the fabric after the sheets are already woven, which can make them stiff, especially initially. With time and washings, they'll usually soften up. Pricier, but much softer, sheets are made from yarn-dyed fabrics that have been woven with colored yarn.
Finish
Some sheets are treated to be wrinkle-free, nonshrinking, or extra shiny - but dangerous chemicals are often used to create these finishes. It's always a good idea to seek out pure and organic sheets. They're better for everyone's health and a must for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
You Might Also Enjoy:
9 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Healthier
Feng Shui Bedroom Tips to Improve Your Sex Life
10 Affordable Ways to Get the Bedroom of Your Dreams
How a Mom of 6 Created the Most Efficient Laundry Room Ever
Keeping up with laundry can be a challenge for anyone, which is why this mother of six decided to streamline the process. For $400, she whipped her tiny wash room into a marvelously efficient work space. Watch this video to see the clever DIYs and organizational hacks she came up with!
This Mysterious Hack Frees Up Storage on Your iPhone and No One Knows Why
No one is immune to the struggle of not having enough memory on their iPhone. It seems like we're always deleting videos, erasing text messages, and getting rid of apps to free up space on our devices - until now! Reddit user eavesdroppingyou discovered this trick while attempting to download a particularly large movie file. Basically, if you try to rent or download a movie that is bigger than your available storage, your iPhone will somehow create space. The genius who stumbled upon the hack said they went from 1 GB to 2 GB by repeating the process a few times. We tried for ourselves and it actually works! Read ahead to see screenshots that prove this works and how to do it.
dimanche 10 avril 2016
You'd Never Guess What Car Thieves Did After Finding This Epic Note
When your car gets stolen, there's little to do but call the cops and hope for the best. Leave it to one woman, however, to take the situation into her own hands. After noting that her Honda often gets stolen, reddit user mfiasco shared a snippy letter that she claims to leave in the glove box hoping to deter future car thieves. So when her car was recently broken into again, instead of having it towed and impounded, the thieves left it in front of someone's home, where it was then recovered.
The snarky letter she wrote has since gone viral on Reddit, and like most Internet sensations, she received plenty of support and hate for her post. In a since deleted comment, the woman responded to a claim that her letter was fake and uploaded a 2013 version of the note that had been in her car. Not everyone needed proof though. In the same deleted comment, the woman said that a fellow Reddit user found her on Facebook and started a GoFundMe account to help pay for her car repairs. So far, $665 out of $500 has been raised, surpassing the original goal.
Whether you believe her story or not, the letter is by far the most brilliant response ever to a carjacking.
Image Source: GoFundMe
9 Shoe Storage Ideas That Don't Require Closet Space
If your closet can no longer contain your shoe addiction (we all have our vices, right?), there's hope for you yet. We've rounded up inventive ways to parade your shoe hoarding without cramping your home style. So leave the oven shoe storage idea to Carrie Bradshaw. We have you covered.
Brittany Ambridge via Domino
The New iPad Pro Will Convince Anyone on the Fence to Use a Tablet
As our phone sizes have gotten bigger, so have our tablets. When Apple first announced the iPad Pro, I was amazed at its size and that it looked suspiciously familiar to the Surface Pro 3. So when the company released the latest details of the smaller but newer iPad Pro, I knew that maybe this would be the tablet that could finally convince me to buy one from Apple. Since trying out the new iPad Pro, lent to me by Apple, I'm slightly more pro Apple tablets.
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is a smart move for the company. It's a tablet that is capable of a lot, yet is extremely portable and easy to use. A first-time tablet user feels a little more comfortable with it, than say, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Keep reading to see our take on the product and whether or not you should get it.
10 Fabulous Things All Fashion Girls Have in Their Homes
The fashion girl's domain may be clothes, shoes, and accessories – but that doesn't mean her house is anything less than runway worthy. Here are the nine pieces of decor you're bound to find in every fashion girl's home.
If Disney Princesses Were Star Wars Characters, This Is How Awesome They'd Look
Another illustrator is setting the bar high for creating an impressive set of Disney princesses as Star Wars characters. While other wonderful mashups like this already exist, these are extremely vivid and ethereal. Created by illustrator Ralph Sevelius and posted on DeviantArt, your favorite Star Wars characters are replaced by various princesses like Sith Snow White and Jedi Ariel. Look ahead to see the marvelous illustrations and hope that someday, these become real animations.
16 Dazzling iPhone SE Cases Perfect For Anyone
Did you finally make the upgrade to the iPhone SE? Apple's brand-new phone is finally out and available to buy, so naturally you're going to need a pretty case to protect it. Plenty of companies have come out with fun designs that'll keep your phone safe and we've rounded them up here. Oh, and a pro tip: if you truly loved your iPhone 5S case and still have it lying around, the iPhone SE will fit into it, so don't be shy about looking at those iPhone cases as well.
These Geeky Candles Smell Like Hogwarts, The Shire, Winterfell, and More
Have you ever sat down to read Lord of the Rings and wished that you were actually in Rivendell or watched Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and wondered what Amortentia would smell like to you? Well, then these geeky candles are for you. They're inspired by your favorite series, and you just need to burn these candles in order to fill your room with the scent of fantasy, sci-fi, and even cartoon realms. Plus, all these picks are lovingly crafted by small-batch vendors from Etsy and other marketplaces, so you're purchasing from real fans! We've found the best options out there, so now all that's left is deciding whether you want your home to smell like Sherlock's study or Winterfell.
Jump to:
Everything You Need to Know About Decorating For Your Astrology Sign
Sunshine lifts our spirits, cloudy days bring us down, and the moon can move the ocean. It's news to no one that the sun and moon affect us, and yet astrology is disregarded by many as fluff. But is it really? Read on, and you might be surprised at just how much impact your zodiac sign has on how you design your home.
Source: A Beautiful Mess
Whoa! These Marvel Images Are Trippy AF
Any Marvel fan can tell you just how much they love the franchise in any form - especially when it comes to full-scale illustrations of their favorite characters. One artist turned his portraits of Marvel characters into GIFs that are so subtle, you can barely tell they're moving images.
The artist, Mike Mitchell, originally created these pieces of art for a show that ran last year at the Mondo Gallery in Texas. They are completely stunning and definitely capture his feelings for Marvel. "This has easily been the most ambitious project I've ever taken on, and it's due in part to my love for their universe; which is fictional by definition, but real in my mind and in the minds of others," he said to Mondo Tees. It definitely touches fans, considering Mitchell's artwork first made the rounds on Reddit in 2014 and was rising on Imgur a few months ago.
Look ahead and become entranced by these amazing Marvel GIFs - you won't be able to look away.
samedi 9 avril 2016
According to Mathematical Experts, This Is the Real Main Character on Game of Thrones
Image Source: HBO
If I know one thing about Game of Thrones fans, it's that we have no chill. We'll theorize ASOIAF storylines to death, add actors from the show to the top of our "hall pass" list, and even name our babies after fan-favorite characters . . . and when it comes to extravagant acts of fandom, mathematicians are no different. Case in point: Andrew J. Beveridge and Jie Shan (an associate math professor and undergrad student at Macalester College, respectively) showed their hardcore love of George R. R. Martin's series by using it as the topic of an academic paper, wherein they uncovered the true main character of Game of Thrones using network science.
The study, published in the April 2016 issue of the Mathematical Association of America's Math Horizons magazine, analyzes connections between characters and notes every time characters appear near one another in the books, focusing specifically on A Storm of Swords (the third book of the series). The mathematicians describe their analysis at length in the study, specifically noting how relationships are determined within the text:
We opted for this volume because the main narrative has matured, with the characters scattered geographically and enmeshed in their own social circles. We parsed the ebook, incrementing the edge weight between two characters when their names (or nicknames) appeared within 15 words of one another. Afterward, we performed some manual validation and cleaning.
In short, Beveridge and Shan used math to analyze and interconnect characters, determining their importance, centrality, and impact within the series. The result? A finished "social network" graph that reflects each character's status. The findings might surprise you - Tyrion Lannister emerges at the top, with Jon Snow and Sansa Stark not far behind. Daenerys Targaryen, whom many consider a huge player in the series, is hampered by her distance from the Seven Kingdoms. Does this mean that the lion, rather than the dragon or dire wolf, might emerge triumphant at the end of it all?
Image Source: Macalester College
Take a look at the mathematicians' findings above and in the full study, and go forth armed with actual scientific evidence next time your friends want to debate all things Game of Thrones. With this data to back you up, you'll definitely win any fan battle they throw your way.
This Is What the Perfect House Looks Like, According to Pinterest
If you're an active Pinterest user, chances are you probably have a board dedicated to your dream house. Whether or not you'll actually live in a Parisian flat with vaulted ceilings featuring crown molding or a sprawling country home on acres of pristine forest doesn't actually matter. It's all about indulging in the fantasy of crafting your ideal home life, and that home life might be more common than you thought.
Pinterest recently shared its most popular home pins with Tech Insider, and the results are fascinating. Classic interiors that blend clean color palettes with cozy accents prove to be the winning formula. Read on to see what the ultimate dream home really looks like, according to Pinterest.
For the Love of God, Please Stop Saying These Slang Words
2015 was a major year for the English language - Oxford Dictionaries crowned an emoji word of the year and slang played an integral part of social media, more than ever before. But some of these slang words have been so overplayed, they need to go away . . . stat. Ahead, check out 12 terms that everyone should stop saying in 2016 and replace with these instead - amirite?!
This Awkward Ad Will Convince You to Stop Checking Your Phone While Driving
We're all guilty of sometimes checking our phones while driving. It's hard not to, but it's one dangerous activity that we should all stop doing - and this ad will convince you.
Created by the New Zealand Transport Agency, the video shows drivers reaching for their phones. As the driver goes to grab their phone, the person in the passenger seat reaches for their hand instead - all while the song "Hello" by Lionel Richie plays. It's a creepy but funny reminder that whoever is sitting next to you matters more while driving and to keep your eyes on the road. Watch it now, and hopefully next time you'll remember not to do this ever again.
The Easiest Way to Keep Wood Floors Clean
Not sure of the best way to clean your wood floors without damaging them? Dana Miller from House*Tweaking shows us how to get the job done quickly!
I hope you don't mind if I stick with the organizing / cleaning theme for one more post. Another housekeeping-related question that pops up in my inbox frequently (even more so than the globe light question) is "How do you clean your floors?" I try to clean them thoroughly every week, but sometimes it's more like every other week. Here's what I do . . .
1 - First I vacuum up loose dirt, dust, and debris. I use a Shark Navigator that I bought 2+ years ago when our horrible 10-year-old vacuum finally died. At the time, I was *this close* to splurging on a Dyson. Then I found the Shark. It was affordable and had stellar reviews so I gave it a try. I LOVE this vacuum. It does what it's supposed to do and is versatile and super easy to maneuver. I use it with the brush turned off on the wood floors. I also use it on all the rugs in our home. For shorter pile rugs, I turn the brush on. For the shag and jute rugs, I turn the brush off. The attachments are great for upholstery and reaching dust bunnies up high, in corners, and under furniture. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly vacuum that works well on hard and soft surfaces, I can't say enough good things about this one.
2 - After all the crumbs and dust bunnies are cleared, I use a Bona spray mop to condition the wood and give it that clean floor sheen. A hand trigger makes mopping quick and painless. For our medium toned floors, I prefer the shaggier dusting pad. It does a better job of attracting dust and cat hair than the lower pile cleaning pad. I just throw the dusting pad in the wash (no fabric softener!) and let it air dry. The cartridge is refillable. I keep a large jug of Bona cleaner on hand for refills. It's odorless, non-toxic, and doesn't leave any residue. Our floors have a satin-like finish (as opposed to a high gloss finish) and this cleaner is perfect for them. *BONUS* – I also use the Bona cleaner in a spray bottle to dust the lower wood cabinets in the kitchen. So many uses!
3 - I use a smaller Eureka handheld vacuum for quick cleanups in between the more thorough cleanings. I've only owned this vacuum a month (it was a Christmas gift and had been on my wish list forever), but I'm really happy with it so far. It's great for the inevitable crumb messes after every meal and for Cheetah's fur balls. Before, I was dragging out the upright a few times a day. It did the job well, but the handheld is much more convenient. We don't have stairs, but I've heard it's great for that application, too.
So there's everything you've (n)ever wanted to know about my floor cleaning routine. We take our shoes off at the door which helps keep dirt to a minimum. And I've noticed a HUGE difference since the new driveway was installed. One more thing to keep in mind . . . my floors always look cleaner in photographs. If you were visiting right now, you would notice stray popcorn pieces under the stools at the kitchen island. That area is my nemesis.
Any floor cleaning products you swear by?
Who Do You See in This Picture? The Answer Is Important to Your Vision
You might not want to know the answer to the test, but you should take it anyway. Play the video, and an image will appear - you'll see either Marilyn Monroe or Albert Einstein. We won't tell you what each answer means till the end, so as not to influence what you see.
The video comes to us from AsapSCIENCE, which creates popular YouTube science videos. What's going on? The video uses a hybrid image that combines pictures of the two icons and mutes or enhances certain details from each face. The test measures how well you're able to focus and pick up on details like contrast and spatial frequency.
So, for the answer: If you're at a normal viewing distance and get Albert Einstein, you have pretty decent vision. But if you see Marilyn Monroe, you should talk to your doctor about glasses or contacts.
This might be better than the whole dress debate, since it actually means something to your life. How do you compare to everyone else? Vote in the poll to find out!
Dianna Agron Is Selling Her Gleeful LA Home to Be Closer to Her Fiance
Actress Dianna Agron just listed her gorgeous Hollywood Hills, CA, home for $1.595 million. The former Glee star, who is engaged to Mumford & Sons singer Winston Marshall, purchased the French-Normandy-style abode in 2012 for $1.05 million. Dianna's good taste is evident in the styling of the four-bedroom, three-bath, 2,494-square-foot home, which is at once spacious and warm and cozy. It features hardwood floors, exposed-beam ceilings, European turrets, and a detached guest house. Surrounded by cypress trees, the elegant pool is perfect for entertaining. Listing agent Patricia Ruben of Sotheby's International Realty told The Wall Street Journal that Dianna fell in love with the distinct European style of architecture the home exhibits while filming the movie The Family overseas and that she tastefully updated the home after moving in. As for why she would ever want to leave such a breathtaking property, Patricia said it's because she's spending all her time in London and New York - no dobut to be nearer to Winston. Keep looking through to see every detail of the stunning home and its eclectic decor.
7-Day KonMari-Inspired Challenge For Beginners
We can't get enough of organizational strategies, and the one tactic that pops up over and over again is that of Japanese decluttering expert Marie Kondo. It's commonly called the KonMari method, and in a nutshell, it involves significantly paring down your belongings until you're left with only the items that spark joy or see regular use.
Inspired by Kondo's method, we've created a seven-day challenge that will help bring order to your home for good. Some of her methods may seem dramatic, so it's important to do what you can. Plus, she advocates getting rid of many household items, so make sure to consider donating anything in good or reusable condition. Finally, Kondo suggests that aspiring organizers tackle their home in one whirlwind day, but we believe that true, lasting change takes a bit longer - perhaps, one full week.
Here's Another Harry Potter Detail We Can't Believe We Never Noticed Before
Image Source: Everett Collection
J.K. Rowling always surprises us with the amount of detail she poured into Harry Potter, and it feels like every day we learn something new about the series. Reddit user SunshineallDay's fan theory provides more evidence of how much Rowling hid in her books.
It might be hard to catch when you're first reading, but look a little closer and you'll see it. The fun Easter egg shows how Hermione's character learned Wizard Baruffio wasn't the most intelligent in The Sorcerer's Stone from Professor Flitwick. Later in The Order of the Phoenix, Harry and Ron are tempted to drink Baruffio's Brain Elixir before their O.W.L.s, but Hermione clearly recalls their lesson and pours the drink down the toilet. An image from the books highlighting these two passages is below.
Image Source: Reddit user sunshineallday
As if we needed another reminder of how sharp Hermione is! Really, what impressed us most about this is Rowling's memory - and that we can keep rereading the books and find more fun coincidences like this.
Related:
Articles
