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 6 avril 2017
The Story You Probably Haven't Heard of a Whistle-Blower's Historic Settlement
Pharmacist Victoria Starr was simply following her moral convictions when she approached a lawyer about her employer's marketing strategies. "I figured I was just going to make a phone call, talk to some lawyer, maybe have him look into it," she says.
She had no idea that 10 years later she would receive one of the largest settlements from a pharmaceutical company in American history - or that her story would eventually be made into an upcoming documentary.
Starr's phone call would set off a chain of events that culminated in 2013, when the Justice Department ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $485 million to the plaintiffs of a class action lawsuit and $1.72 billion in federal fees. Prosecuted by then-Attorney General Eric Holder, the lawsuit was the the third-largest pharmaceutical case ever settled.
In 2004, Starr was working for the J&J subsidiary Janssen and asked a lawyer if the way the pharmaceutical giant was marketing Risperdal, an antipsychotic drug, was legal. Until the lawsuit was filed that same year, Starr says J&J was systemically instructing its sales representatives - including Starr - to market off-label uses for Risperdal and paint it as catch-all drug that could help elderly patients with anxiety and treat ADD and OCD in children.
Marketing it this way was not only against the law - at the time, those off-label uses had not been FDA-approved - but also ethically wrong and dangerous. Soon, Risperdal would cause harmful side effects among the most vulnerable members of the population: children and the elderly.
"I didn't meet a single pharmacist that was a sales rep when I worked for Johnson & Johnson."
The Side Effects and the Cover-Up
Risperdal is most often prescribed to treat schizophrenia: the antipsychotic drug balances dopamine and serotonin levels to assuage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. It's also used to treat manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder.
J&J's Risperdal was not approved by the FDA for use with children until 2006, although the drug was initially approved in 1993. Even when J&J was approved to sell Risperdal to children, it was only for bipolar I disorder and specifically not for treating ADHD, depression, or conduct disorders.
In some children, particularly adolescent boys, Risperdal increased hormone production that caused some boys to develop breasts in trials (a condition called gynecomastia). As of 2013, J&J has settled 1,000 claims and 80 lawsuits alleging Risperdal caused such side effects.
As recently as 2016, a man with autism who took Risperdal from 2002 to 2006 - beginning when he was 7 years old - won a lawsuit against J&J after the drug caused him to grow size-46DD breasts. Austin Pledger, now 22, won $2.5 million in damages. Pledger's lawyer described J&J's actions as a "grave mistreatment of children." According to the Wall Street Journal, at least a thousand similar lawsuits were being litigated at the time Pledger's case was settled.
Suing J&J for promoting Risperdal use for children, especially adolescent boys, was so rampant that in 2015, lawyers spent $5 million dollars advertising to Risperdal clients.
Evidence from Pledger's case explicitly demonstrates that J&J knowingly targeted children because attention deficit disorder treatment was a lucrative market. The company believed Risperdal could reap the benefits. David Kessler, who was the FDA commissioner under George H.W. Bush, testified for the prosecution and detailed the extent of J&J's pursuit of profits. He said the company illegally influenced the perception of Risperdal as a positive treatment for children with conduct disorders in several ways.
In his deposition, Kessler wrote that the company "planned to use medical education and sales representatives" in 2001 to influence doctors to prescribe Risperdal for nonapproved uses to children. Despite comprehensive tests that detailed Risperdal's harmful side effects, J&J also continued to push the drug on doctors by paying them "kickbacks" to write more prescriptions of the drug.
When scientific reviews revealed that adolescent boys who used Risperdal developed breasts, J&J covered it up, according to internal documents. Kessler, in his testimony, said, "In my opinion, Jannsen developed a corporate strategy to illegally promote Risperdal" based solely on the fact that the drug was already on the market.
Pledger's lawyer, Tom Kline, wrote to POPSUGAR via email about the case. "Austin's case was the historic first jury trial, the first of five in which jurors determined in each trial that J&J failed to warn physicians of the true risks of gynecomastia caused by the powerful antipsychotic drug, marketed off label to children," Kline wrote.
"Austin's breast growth, to my recollection - like with many victims of Risperdal-induced gynecomastia - was not immediately discovered due to his weight gain," Kline added. He says it wasn't until doctors did blood testing - "specifically checking for elevated levels of the hormone prolactin" - that they discovered Pledger's gynecomastia.
According to Kline, Pledger presently "lives his life daily under the care, supervision, love, and affection of his mother, Benita."
Risperdal caused harmful physical changes in the elderly, too, and increased the risk of stroke substantially. Johnson & Johnson knew this but downplayed it through its sales team. According to the Justice Department's release on the ruling, the strategy included an "ElderCare sales force" whose role was to target nursing home doctors and a business plan that stated its goal as "[to] grow Risperdal's market leadership in geriatrics and long term care."
The report also details how J&J paid doctors to speak about the benefits of Risperdal for the elderly. Sales representatives acted as a conduit for this scheme, informing doctors who wanted to speak that they needed to "increase their Risperdal prescriptions" first.
Despite warnings from the FDA, J&J also outlined that "Key Base Business Goals" from 1999 to 2005 were to "grow and protect the drug's market share with child/adolescent patients," according to the Justice Department's findings.
And if patients complained, J&J had a plan: a training manual called "Handling the Most Common Objections Voiced by Prescribers." Worse still, a 2001 presentation demonstrates that even when it became aware of ethical concerns involving pushing Risperdal on older patients, it decided it was actually unethical to end the push since so many patients who already took Risperdal would be disrupted.
J&J's nefarious marketing scheme paid off, quite literally. In 2004, the year the lawsuit was filed, Risperdal earned $3.1 billion for the company - five percent of its total revenue that year.
"I didn't know there was a legal issue with it," Starr told POPSUGAR. "I was talking to other colleagues about it, and that's when it really resonated with me: not only [did] I need to leave, but that somebody needed to know what was going on."
Starr's Involvement in the Case
When Starr started working at J&J as a pharmacist in 2001, she was immediately uncomfortable with the Risperdal sales strategy; when she spoke up, her concerns were either ignored or rebuffed by her superiors. It grew increasingly clear to her that J&J was cognizant of its marketing malpractice since it manipulated studies to present a favorable argument for the drug. She saw firsthand how Risperdal's exorbitant earnings superseded patients' health.
Starr, now in her 40s and living in Portland, OR, spoke to POPSUGAR about her involvement in the case and what she plans to do with the settlement.
Her story will be part of a documentary about the lawsuit based on Steven Brill's 2015 exposé for The Huffington Post titled America's Most Admired Lawbreaker. The directors of Netflix's widely acclaimed docuseries Making a Murder, Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, will adapt Brill's serialized story. A release date has yet to be specified, but the project was announced in June of 2016. One of the production companies involved in the film, Sonar Entertainment, confirmed the documentary to POPSUGAR but did not offer any details beyond the project's existence.
"It was very aggressive moves that they were doing to a very vulnerable population of people."
From a young age, Starr wanted to be a pharmacist to follow in her father's footsteps. After graduating from the University of Oregon's pre-pharmaceutical school in her home state and Washington State's pharmacy school, Starr went to work at the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly in Portland, OR
Accepting a promotion at J&J in Portland, Starr moved from Eli Lilly, where she predominately sold mental health medications like Prozac. In her new position, Starr was focused on selling mental health medications, Risperdal in particular.
Starr's education as a pharmacist was unique at J&J: while Eli Lilly employed pharmacists to sell drugs, J&J's reps did not have medical backgrounds. "They were marketing majors, business majors," she said. "I didn't meet a single pharmacist who was a sales rep when I worked for J&J."
J&J's move to hire people without pharmaceutical backgrounds in favor of people with sales backgrounds had consequences. With Risperdal, the strategy was quite simple: instead of encouraging sales representatives to sell the drug as a treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (as it was approved for), "the whole sales message shifted" to promoting its use among children and the elderly, said Starr.
The sales message was far from accurate. "That really disturbed me," Starr said. "[They were] very aggressive moves that they were doing to a very vulnerable population of people."
Starr was not the only person to approach superiors about the transparently calculated policy. She said other people complained, but her bosses simply said it was how the company wanted to sell. "They weren't concerned about anything," she told us. Since Starr's qualms were repeatedly ignored, she resolved to approach a lawyer about the policy. "I had absolutely no idea it would be as big as it was."
After sending a firm all of the relevant sales strategy information she had, Starr again assumed her role in the investigation ended. She couldn't have been more wrong.
"There were days where I was being questioned for 10 hours at a time."
After a back and forth with lawyers where Starr shared emails and promotional materials she used in her day-to-day work, a Philadelphia-based law firm called the Sheller Law Firm agreed to take on the case. In February of 2004, Starr resigned from J&J; three months later, the case was filed, making her the first whistle-blower of many in this case to come forward.
The ensuing investigation, lawsuit, and settlement proceedings lasted nearly a decade. Starr's testimony was paramount to the FDA's inquiry. "There were days where I was being questioned for 10 hours at a time," Starr recounted.
Starr also recalled how a majority of the investigation was either unknown or not disclosed to her. "Every day held surprises for me. Weeks or months would go by and I would hear nothing about the case. Then, in a single instant, I'd be needed to fly to Pennsylvania for long meetings with my lawyers," Starr said. "For 10 years, I rode the spectrum of a simple life, followed by the jolt of undercover duties. The hardest thing was keeping these activities from the people I loved."
Starr was one of six whistle-blowers to file lawsuits against J&J. At least one other whistle-blower, Judy Doetterl, experienced the same level of thorough investigation as Starr, even having to wear a wire to a national company sales meeting. "I was concerned that I would be found out accidentally and someone would see me go into a room to meet the agent," Doetterl told Bloomberg. "I had to change battery packs every four hours. I knew in the end I was doing the right thing. They needed to know what was going on." Ultimately, Doetterl was awarded more than $20 million in damages.
The former-employees-turned-whistle-blowers were awarded damages because they were the first to file in this particular case. Since the initial filing that blew the lid off of the entire scheme, patients have filed additional suits against J&J, and many have received payouts like Pledger's. A teenager in Tennessee was awarded $70 million in damages after he won his lawsuit in July of 2016.
Despite settling with six whistle-blowers, J&J maintains it did nothing wrong. In a statement following the closing of Doetterl's case, J&J said the settlement "is not an admission of any liability or wrongdoing, and the company expressly denies the government's civil allegations."
Janssen, the J&J subsidiary at the helm of Risperdal's distribution, accepted a plea deal in the class action lawsuit. While the pharmaceutical giant failed to accept full culpability, J&J admitted that it "promoted Risperdal to health care providers for treatment of psychotic symptoms and associated behavioral disturbances exhibited by elderly, non-schizophrenic dementia patients," which it was not authorized to do.
The Outcome
When the Justice Department finally closed the case in January 2013, Starr was still working in pharmaceuticals but had pursued positions where she could interact with patients. First, she worked in a nursing home advising doctors about medications, and then she opened pharmacies for five years before accepting a role as a county mental health pharmacist.
Since the beginning of her career, Starr has been fascinated by mental health issues and consistently advocated for those patients. She still keeps in touch with many of her former patients, and she has been involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for years. Starr has hosted lectures and worked directly with caregivers through NAMI to champion the destigmatization of mental health.
"I feel very strongly about people getting the care that they need and in this country," she said. "People are not getting that care."
While federal law typically favors the first plaintiff to file, Starr's $112 million settlement was split between other whistle-blowers who filed around the same time she did. For Starr, her decision to sue was motivated by the safety of her patients.
"I imagine there's always going to be someone who's not going to understand the rationale," Starr confessed, "or think that it had to do with money. It never did."
"It's so important to keep that fire burning in you that pushes you towards the right."
In fact, Starr was terrified of the lawsuit's potential consequences. "I was really scared. But at the same time, I think I was some what naive," Starr explained. "I had to live my life day by day and not think about it. I think I did a good job about not doing that. But there were some times where I was really nervous." Ultimately, though, her moral instincts about J&J prevailed and provided an invaluable lesson for the rest of her life.
"It's so important to keep that fire burning in you that pushes you towards the right," Starr said. "Even if it makes you a little bit queasy."
Starr's lawsuit was one of many brought against several pharmaceutical companies in the early 2000s; the Justice Department has ruled against Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, and AbbVie in similar cases. The FDA's rules on advertising are now considerably more stringent (although the United States and New Zealand remain the only developed countries that permit direct consumer medical ads).
Pharmaceutical sales representatives are also a nearly extinct breed. The Wall Street Journal reports that the industry cut roughly 40,000 of those positions between 2006 and 2013.
Although pervasive stigmas around mental health remain, society has certainly made strides in the last decade. Celebrities are speaking up about their struggles, politicians are advocating for more accessible care, and admitting to mental health issues is less often seen as a sign of weakness.
Starr has not indicated whether she will launch her own mental health foundation or advocacy group with her portion of the settlement money, but she told us NAMI will continue to receive donations from her.
In the future, Starr hopes ending the mental health stigma will prevent mass shootings that are endemic in the United States and stop people from hurting children. "I'm trying to make miracles happen, one person at a time," she said.
"I don't know if I could even come close to taking care of the problem that this country faces," Starr added. "So I just start here and I start with what I can do to make my mark."
Starr's experience also proved to be an exercise in trusting one's intuition, a message she hopes people will remember from her story. "I think that we all have that instinct in us that knows what is right and what is wrong," Starr concluded. "We need to go with our gut and our instinct to do the right thing, and sometimes it means taking a risk. Sometimes that means getting our of your comfort zone. As long as it is for the good of people or some good, you're always going to be in a good position."
14 Everyday Struggles of Bilingual People
I speak 2.5 languages. I'm fluent in Spanish (my birth language) and English, and I know enough Italian to help a lost tourist in the subway. Though being able to communicate in more than one tongue has its serious benefits - there are more jobs available to me, I have an easier time when traveling abroad, some studies even say we're smarter (tooting my own horn here) - there are struggles. Boy, are there struggles.
More than once, I have spoken Spanish to someone who has no idea what I'm saying, and words have come out of my mouth in a total jumble of Spanglish that not even I understand. Minor issues, sure, but if you're bilingual, you know it doesn't end there. Keep reading for a list of the everyday situations you probably also face - bilinguals, unite!
These 26 Recipes Are Delicious and Perfect For Lenten Fridays
Have you been picturing yourself enjoying a tasty and fresh fish dish while sitting out on your patio for the past few chilly months - maybe with a cold beer sitting nearby? We have, too. And though the weather outside is not quite right yet, seafood-lovers can't wait until Summer to enjoy everything from tilapia to shrimp.
For those people, there's this list of 26 Latin-inspired dishes that feature seafood center stage. Yes, you'll find ceviches, but we also went beyond and included seafood paella, salmon with avocado sauce, Brazilian moqueca, and much more. Scroll ahead to find the delicious recipes.
How 1 Stranger Saved This Little Boy From an Injury That Only 1 Percent Survive
4-year-old boy who was internally decapitated, expected to make a full recovery. Mother says chance of survival < 1% http://pic.twitter.com/ZBftcIlcN5
- Sierra Oshrin (@SierraKBOI) June 3, 2016
After a horrific accident, one little boy's head was internally decapitated and essentially just hanging on by a thread to his spinal cord. Luckily for this 4-year-old child, he's not only expected to make a full recovery but also one without surgery thanks to a stranger the family credits with helping to save his life.
An internal decapitation is a rare condition that occurs when the skull becomes separated from the spine. Less than one percent of people survive this massive injury and those who do usually require a major operation as well as a halo brace. However, little Killian keeps on beating the odds.
After celebrating Killian's fourth birthday, the little boy and his mother, Brandy Gonzalez, were driving home when their car hit some ice and began to skid out of control. Their vehicle slammed into another car, but luckily a police officer and his wife, Leah Woodward, happened to be driving toward the accident at the time of the crash.
As the first ones on scene, they immediately checked for survivors and heard the child screaming from the car. With the doors locked, the cop had to smash the back window open so his wife could get inside. He then guided her on how to help the severely injured child.
Leah sat up his limp body and securely held his head in order to protect his cervical spine from any further damage, common protocol before EMT professionals can protect his neck with a brace. She didn't move for over an hour, and her actions most likely saved his life - the slightest move could have been enough to completely sever the boy's spine.
"I'm trying to stay calm but inside I'm panicking. I'm thinking I don't know what I'm doing, and it was the worst feeling I've ever had to not know how to help," Leah said to KBOI2.
Killian's mother broke almost every bone in her body during the accident and is currently recovering at a hospital across the street from where her son is being treated for a ruptured spleen and broken arm and ribs, as well as the clinical decapitation.
"It's just so hard because I'm in the same town and I haven't been able to see him," said Brandy. "It's just hard knowing he's in so much pain and I can't be there."
Read All About It! Our 50 All-Time Favorite Children's Books
If there's one thing that we can't get enough of around here, it's books for our kids. Reading is something that resonates with us as editors, as parents, and as the kids we once were ourselves. When it came time to cultivate a list of the all-time best children's books, we polled our co-workers to ensure a list that's comprehensive, including everything from old classics to newfound favorites.
Did your family's most beloved books make our list?
Get a Glimpse at Will and Kate's Royal Life With These 37 Personal Photos
While the British royal family remains pretty private outside of their official appearances, they do offer more intimate glimpses at their personal lives with the release of official portraits from time to time. The photos are typically shared to commemorate a special occasion, like a wedding or a birthday, and they are more often than not totally frame-worthy. Prince William and Kate Middleton took their first official photos following their 2010 engagement, and in the years since they've shared multiple sets of images marking important milestones in their lives, especially around the holidays. We've even gotten a glimpse at what their thank-you cards look like! Scroll through to get a glimpse at Will and Kate's royal life as told by their palace-approved photographs.
This Indonesian Bride Will Give You Cinderella Vibes - Until You See Her Second Dress
Indonesian bride Intan Azzahra and her groom, Zendhy Zaen, had a wedding fit for a prince and princess. The couple aren't technically royals, but that didn't stop them from throwing an extravagant wedding where the bride had not one but two Cinderella-esque wedding gowns.
For her first dress, Intan wore a custom creation by Indonesian designer Ivan Gunawan, featuring delicate beading on the sleeves and bodice and a train made of soft cascading tulle and more beads. Like a royal, Intan even wore a bejeweled pearl crown to complete her look. But she didn't stop there.
Later on, she changed into a fiery-red gown that - if possible - was pouffier than her first. The design flared out at the shoulders, and layers of feathers trailed all the way down her dress. She, of course, accessorized with a second gold crown, and her guests were in red and gold, too. Read on to see all of the bride's looks from every angle.
All of Shay Mitchell's Sexiest Swimsuits Have One Thing in Common
It's no secret that Shay Mitchell is fond of traveling. The Pretty Little Liars star is constantly uploading photos of her envy-inducing vacations and dishing on her adventures in her YouTube series, Shaycation, which has over one million subscribers.
So when it comes to gearing up for a fun Summer getaway, she makes sure to pack her go-to - and very sexy! - swimsuit style, which may not come as a total surprise after scrolling through her feed. "I'm a huge fan of one-pieces . . . I love them," she told us. "I love bright colors, and there are so many amazing options to choose from as far as swim is concerned."
Keep scrolling to look back at some of her best swimwear moments, then shop the looks.
- Additional reporting by Samantha Sutton
So Is Zendaya Playing Mary Jane in Spider-Man: Homecoming or What?
In Sam Raimi's early 2000s Spider-Man franchise, Kirsten Dunst appears as the bubbly, popular, redheaded Mary Jane Watson, one of Peter Parker's most iconic love interests. With a new version of the teenage web-slinger's story on the way in the form of Sony and Marvel's Spider-Man: Homecoming, fans have been trying to determine if Zendaya, whose casting as "Michelle" was announced to much fanfare, is the next person to step into MJ's shoes. Shortly after The Wrap confirmed that Zendaya's role was indeed Mary Jane last Summer, we went on a visit to Spider-Man: Homecoming's Atlanta set, where we assumed we'd get a straight answer about the true nature of her role. The short version? We're still not totally sure who she's playing. The long version? Well, keep reading.
While speaking with Eric Carroll, coproducer and director of development for Marvel, he insisted that "Zendaya is playing a character named Michelle. And I promise you, when the movie comes out, that her name is Michelle." As you can see in the film's first trailer, Michelle could not look more different than Dunst's take on the character. She's in head-to-toe black, wearing little to no makeup, has a messy ponytail, is reading Of Human Bondage in their gym class, and seems to be a lone wolf. Oh, and she also isn't afraid to dish out insults to Peter and Ned (Jacob Batalon) while they ogle Peter's crush, Liz Allan (Laura Harrier). It would certainly be a new direction for the character (if she's truly MJ, of course), but a welcome one.
"I always thought of her as being a version of Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club, what Linda Cardellini is like in Freaks and Geeks," director Jon Watts told us about Michelle. "It's just a cool character, and it's cool for her to be that character I thought. She has a really cool wardrobe, really funny, lots of literary nods." Tom Holland, who plays Peter Parker, also had some interesting things to say about his costar. "Michelle is a very interesting character. She's very quiet. She's always reading these crazy books, like 'How to Murder Someone Without Anyone Knowing,'" he joked. "We'll be doing a scene with all the other cast members, and she'll suddenly just pitch in and all of us stop, like, 'That was a strange thing to say.' And then we continue on with our dialogue. . . . Z has really brought a lot of herself to the character."
If we take the cast and production team at their word and the K.C. Undercover star's character really is named Michelle, it still doesn't necessarily put her out of the running of being MJ. One of the biggest things that Carroll emphasized during our conversation was that Spider-Man: Homecoming is attempting to do something completely fresh and new, specifically that the goal "was not to see what's already been seen." With two Spider-Man franchises already in the can, the new film will require a bit of reinvention to be original. Maybe MJ's new name (Michelle J. Watson? Michelle-Jane Watson, only the "Jane" is silent?) and new personality are a part of that. Further adding to our suspicion that Michelle is MJ is the extremely cagey way everyone on set spoke about her character. A simple "Zendaya isn't playing Mary Jane" would have nipped the whole question in the bud. Instead, there was a lot of dancing around the subject.
After being asked about the racism Zendaya has experienced after internet trolls and fan boys decided Mary Jane could only ever be played by a white woman, Holland said that she's taking it all in stride. The comment would not typically be surprising (Zendaya is Twitter's reigning queen of clapbacks, after all), except for the way he describes her character. "She has such a large following on Instagram, and the majority of those people are all for her and all love her," he said. "I feel like our generation of people are all moving on past this whole 'you can't cast someone who's not the set right race for a character.' I think we're breaking through and changing that, and Z is perfect for it. Z is so powerful and strong-willed, it's not going to shake her at all."
As Bustle notes in its own dissection of the quote, why would Holland even bother discussing the Mary Jane haters going after her if she's not actually playing the character? Sony producer Amy Pascal was similarly evasive when questions came up about Michelle, noting that "Peter has lots of girls around him in this movie" and that "the story is about him and Liz." Watts would only acknowledge the existence of multiple Michelles in the comics but didn't want to further address any of the "weird rumors flying around."
Before Spidey swings into theaters on July 6, all we'll know for sure is that Zendaya's Michelle is going to play a huge part in Peter's life. She might not be Mary Jane, but that doesn't rule out an eventual nickname of "MJ," right? If we don't get a definitive answer to the mystery in Homecoming, here's hoping a juicy postcredits scene makes things a little clearer, at the very least.
14 Everyday Struggles of Bilingual People
I speak 2.5 languages. I'm fluent in Spanish (my birth language) and English, and I know enough Italian to help a lost tourist in the subway. Though being able to communicate in more than one tongue has its serious benefits - there are more jobs available to me, I have an easier time when traveling abroad, some studies even say we're smarter (tooting my own horn here) - there are struggles. Boy, are there struggles.
More than once, I have spoken Spanish to someone who has no idea what I'm saying, and words have come out of my mouth in a total jumble of Spanglish that not even I understand. Minor issues, sure, but if you're bilingual, you know it doesn't end there. Keep reading for a list of the everyday situations you probably also face - bilinguals, unite!
These 26 Recipes Are Delicious and Perfect For Lenten Fridays
Have you been picturing yourself enjoying a tasty and fresh fish dish while sitting out on your patio for the past few chilly months - maybe with a cold beer sitting nearby? We have, too. And though the weather outside is not quite right yet, seafood-lovers can't wait until Summer to enjoy everything from tilapia to shrimp.
For those people, there's this list of 26 Latin-inspired dishes that feature seafood center stage. Yes, you'll find ceviches, but we also went beyond and included seafood paella, salmon with avocado sauce, Brazilian moqueca, and much more. Scroll ahead to find the delicious recipes.
Get a Glimpse at Will and Kate's Royal Life With These 37 Personal Photos
While the British royal family remains pretty private outside of their official appearances, they do offer more intimate glimpses at their personal lives with the release of official portraits from time to time. The photos are typically shared to commemorate a special occasion, like a wedding or a birthday, and they are more often than not totally frame-worthy. Prince William and Kate Middleton took their first official photos following their 2010 engagement, and in the years since they've shared multiple sets of images marking important milestones in their lives, especially around the holidays. We've even gotten a glimpse at what their thank-you cards look like! Scroll through to get a glimpse at Will and Kate's royal life as told by their palace-approved photographs.
The 16 Stages of Dating After Divorce
The best part about being divorced after a short marriage is being single again at 35. Seriously. When my marriage ended after just two years, the idea of navigating the dating world all over again seemed daunting, unappealing, and pointless. Plus, the last time I'd been seriously single, it was 2006; texting was barely a given, much less Tinder.
But, I figured, if Robin Wright can snag a hot younger boyfriend after 15 years of marriage and a very public divorce, I could at least give dating a shot. To my pleasant surprise, my 30-something jadedness confidence combined with the dawn of casual online dating culture made for one damn fun year and a half. Turned out, dating as a divorced 35-year-old was a great way to pass the time until I felt ready for a relationship again. Behold the 16 stages of my journey, illustrated with GIFs featuring sassy women.
Source: Corbis Images
130 Ways to Save Money and Still Have the Wedding of Your Dreams
Although many of us dreamed of our wedding when we were young, I'm betting that, as kids, we weren't able to process how much the big day costs. It's only after we've become adults and deal with grown-up stuff like school loans and 401(k) contributions that the true cost of a wedding really hits home. Going into debt because of a wedding isn't exactly the most romantic way to start a marriage, so read on for suggestions to help you save money on your wedding.
This Indonesian Bride Will Give You Cinderella Vibes - Until You See Her Second Dress
Indonesian bride Intan Azzahra and her groom, Zendhy Zaen, had a wedding fit for a prince and princess. The couple aren't technically royals, but that didn't stop them from throwing an extravagant wedding where the bride had not one but two Cinderella-esque wedding gowns.
For her first dress, Intan wore a custom creation by Indonesian designer Ivan Gunawan, featuring delicate beading on the sleeves and bodice and a train made of soft cascading tulle and more beads. Like a royal, Intan even wore a bejeweled pearl crown to complete her look. But she didn't stop there.
Later on, she changed into a fiery-red gown that - if possible - was pouffier than her first. The design flared out at the shoulders, and layers of feathers trailed all the way down her dress. She, of course, accessorized with a second gold crown, and her guests were in red and gold, too. Read on to see all of the bride's looks from every angle.
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady's Apartment Might Be Even More Beautiful Than They Are
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady seem to be over their $13.4 million condo in New York's Flatiron district. A year after they purchased it in 2013, they started renting it for a cool $40,000 a month. Page Six reported that the supermodel and quarterback upgraded to a $20 million apartment on a desirable high floor in 70 Vestry, a new luxury building in Tribeca. The A-listers' new French-limestone-covered building is understatedly elegant and boasts breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Building amenities are fitting of a five-star hotel and include an ultraprivate entrance to keep the prying eyes of the paparazzi at bay, extensive athletic facilities so Tom can stay in NFL shape (think an 82-foot-long indoor lap pool, squash court, and yoga studio, just to name a few), a posh lounge, a cafe, and a children's playroom. Take a look at the family's Tribeca digs in the pictures ahead.
Christie Brinkley's Breathtaking $30M Hamptons Estate Is as Timeless as She Is
Iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue star Christie Brinkley is making waves in the world of real estate. She purchased her Bridgehampton, NY, estate in 1998 for $3 million dollars, and this past Summer the supermodel and entrepreneur is listed her extravagant property for a colossal $29.5 million.
The gated 20-acre property is as glamorous as its supermodel owner, and is comprised of more than just a four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence. Surrounding the country-style home is 11,037 square feet of land, which holds a four-car garage, observation tower, gym, and barn. In addition to her dreamy amenities, Christie's soon-to-be-former estate is also home to a four-bed, two-and-a-half-bath guesthouse. The property boasts plenty of lush garden and green meadow space to enjoy outdoor perks like an outdoor heated pool, tennis court, walking trails, and even hills for sledding in the Winter months.
While snapping up Christie's domain will cost the average person a pretty penny, there's no denying this property isn't straight out of a dream (and well worth the price tag). We can't wait to see the next luxurious pad she decides to scoop up, but until then, scroll through to marvel at all the images of her gorgeous estate.
1 Mom Is Sharing Her Twins' Cribs to Prevent Other Moms From Making the Same Mistake She Did
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.
This post was originally published on April 6, 2016.
13 Reasons You Need to Give Your Child a Sibling
While growing up an only child definitely had its perks - think undivided attention, the entire back seat during car trips, forced independence and maturity, and strong imagination development - I always felt like there was something missing, and I still do today.
Growing up, I listened as my close circle of girlfriends - all of whom have older brothers three years our senior - would complain about fighting with their brother over something like having to sit in the undesirable seat in the car (the one behind Dad with less leg room) or that they got pummeled to the floor over whose turn it was to play with the one Game Boy in the house (another perk: I had my own; it was see-through purple and amazing) - and it would make me jealous that they even had someone to fight with.
The times I really felt the jealousy, though, were when I'd be over at one of their houses, and I'd see the tender moments between siblings. How fun it was for them to always have someone to play with and bounce ideas off of. I spent Summer afternoons at the pool with my cousins, praying that someone would mistake us all for siblings so that I could feel part of something, and I would write stories in my head about the most amazing big brother or the cutest little sister and all of our adventures together.
Needless to say, the cons well outweighed the pros for me when it came to being an only child, and these 13 things are just a few of the reasons.
- There was no one to ever blame anything I did wrong on, like forgetting to unload the dishwasher or letting my markers leak through white paper into the wood table (sorry, Mom).
- I had no one who would truly understand to complain to about my parents. Yeah, all parents are alike, but I wanted to talk about my parents with someone else who shared them with me - our parents.
- An older sibling would have carved a path in life that I could have either emulated or learned from.
- A sibling's friends would mean new friends for me, and who doesn't like new friends?
- Even when I could finally get an adult to agree to play with me, their imagination was the worst. I needed a little mind like mine to dream up magic worlds and new games with.
- There would never have been a dull moment in the house. You can only pretend your stuffed animals are alive and talking to you for so long.
- A brother would have been a protector, someone to give me insight into the other half of the world, someone to beat up all of my ex-boyfriends.
- A sister would have been a partner in crime, someone to share clothes with (and fight about said clothes with), to talk about boys late at night with when we thought our parents weren't listening (they would have been).
- I think I would be a much more patient person if I had to deal with sharing and fighting with a sibling. Alas, I am kind of impatient.
- Some of the pressure to be successful and intelligent would have been shaved off the surface and shared with others, which would have made things go a little smoother for me on report-card day.
- I constantly make fun of the characters that are my parents, and let's just say my comments and sarcasm don't always go over so well. It would have been nice to call in for backup once in a while.
- When the unthinkable happens and I need to say goodbye to my parents, I will carry the burden and sadness on my own.
- Friends come and go, but a sibling is tied to you forever - they have to put up with your crap; it's part of the deal.
I think a part of me will always long for the versions of siblings I've created in my head, people who look and act a little like me. I have grown to accept that the closest I might ever get to being called someone's sister is if my future husband has a sibling, but it makes me truly sad to know that I'll never have the real thing. A sibling is like a built-in best friend, so if you have one, tell them what they mean to you, because maybe not everyone would agree with me, but I think you were given one of life's greatest gifts.
5 Shows to Watch If You Loved 13 Reasons Why
Finishing 13 Reasons Why might leave you devastated for two reasons. 1. The show itself is so beautifully sad. 2. It's over, and now what are you supposed to watch? I can only help with one of those things, by giving you a list of five shows that can attempt to fill that hole in your heart. While you're still thinking about those massive cliffhangers in the finale, take a look to see what you can watch next.
All of Shay Mitchell's Sexiest Swimsuits Have One Thing in Common
It's no secret that Shay Mitchell is fond of traveling. The Pretty Little Liars star is constantly uploading photos of her envy-inducing vacations and dishing on her adventures in her YouTube series, Shaycation, which has over one million subscribers.
So when it comes to gearing up for a fun Summer getaway, she makes sure to pack her go-to - and very sexy! - swimsuit style, which may not come as a total surprise after scrolling through her feed. "I'm a huge fan of one-pieces . . . I love them," she told us. "I love bright colors, and there are so many amazing options to choose from as far as swim is concerned."
Keep scrolling to look back at some of her best swimwear moments, then shop the looks.
- Additional reporting by Samantha Sutton
1 Mom Is Sharing Her Twins' Cribs to Prevent Other Moms From Making the Same Mistake She Did
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.
This post was originally published on April 6, 2016.
This Homemade Drain Cleaner Will Banish Clogs For Good
If your drain isn't flowing as easily as it should, then it's probably a bit clogged. Instead of paying big bucks for chemical-filled concoctions, try fixing the problem yourself with a homemade drain cleaner. It costs basically nothing to make and can be used weekly to help prevent buildup. Safe to use in the bathroom or kitchen, the drain buster will have your sink or tub flowing freely in no time. Have a really plugged pipe? We've even found the solution for seriously stopped drains.
What You'll Need:
- Paper towel
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup cream of tartar
- 2 cups boiling water
Directions:
- Yes, it's a bit gross, but start by removing the drain trap and giving it a good cleaning. Use a paper towel to wipe around the drain of your sink or tub, removing any bits of food or collections of hair.
- Mix together the baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar in a small container. The salt and baking soda work together to help scour pipes and break up buildup, while the cream of tartar naturally cleans metals. Shake the mixture and sprinkle half down the clogged drain.
- Pour in the boiling water and let the drain buster work its magic for about an hour. Then rinse with cool water. You should notice a difference in your drainage.
- If the drain still is still clogged, get serious by pouring one cup baking soda down the drain followed with one cup vinegar. The two create a fizzing reaction, which will attack nasty obstructions. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to work overnight, and then pour two cups boiling water down the drain.
- Still not draining? Don old duds, fill the sink or tub halfway with warm water, and grab your plunger. Yes, it's also gross, but giving your sink or tub a plunging should clear that clogged drain.
- Maintain your free-flowing pipes by using the homemade drain cleaner once a week.
Keep the rest of your place nice and clean with these natural cleaning solutions.
13 Reasons You Need to Give Your Child a Sibling
While growing up an only child definitely had its perks - think undivided attention, the entire back seat during car trips, forced independence and maturity, and strong imagination development - I always felt like there was something missing, and I still do today.
Growing up, I listened as my close circle of girlfriends - all of whom have older brothers three years our senior - would complain about fighting with their brother over something like having to sit in the undesirable seat in the car (the one behind Dad with less leg room) or that they got pummeled to the floor over whose turn it was to play with the one Game Boy in the house (another perk: I had my own; it was see-through purple and amazing) - and it would make me jealous that they even had someone to fight with.
The times I really felt the jealousy, though, were when I'd be over at one of their houses, and I'd see the tender moments between siblings. How fun it was for them to always have someone to play with and bounce ideas off of. I spent Summer afternoons at the pool with my cousins, praying that someone would mistake us all for siblings so that I could feel part of something, and I would write stories in my head about the most amazing big brother or the cutest little sister and all of our adventures together.
Needless to say, the cons well outweighed the pros for me when it came to being an only child, and these 13 things are just a few of the reasons.
- There was no one to ever blame anything I did wrong on, like forgetting to unload the dishwasher or letting my markers leak through white paper into the wood table (sorry, Mom).
- I had no one who would truly understand to complain to about my parents. Yeah, all parents are alike, but I wanted to talk about my parents with someone else who shared them with me - our parents.
- An older sibling would have carved a path in life that I could have either emulated or learned from.
- A sibling's friends would mean new friends for me, and who doesn't like new friends?
- Even when I could finally get an adult to agree to play with me, their imagination was the worst. I needed a little mind like mine to dream up magic worlds and new games with.
- There would never have been a dull moment in the house. You can only pretend your stuffed animals are alive and talking to you for so long.
- A brother would have been a protector, someone to give me insight into the other half of the world, someone to beat up all of my ex-boyfriends.
- A sister would have been a partner in crime, someone to share clothes with (and fight about said clothes with), to talk about boys late at night with when we thought our parents weren't listening (they would have been).
- I think I would be a much more patient person if I had to deal with sharing and fighting with a sibling. Alas, I am kind of impatient.
- Some of the pressure to be successful and intelligent would have been shaved off the surface and shared with others, which would have made things go a little smoother for me on report-card day.
- I constantly make fun of the characters that are my parents, and let's just say my comments and sarcasm don't always go over so well. It would have been nice to call in for backup once in a while.
- When the unthinkable happens and I need to say goodbye to my parents, I will carry the burden and sadness on my own.
- Friends come and go, but a sibling is tied to you forever - they have to put up with your crap; it's part of the deal.
I think a part of me will always long for the versions of siblings I've created in my head, people who look and act a little like me. I have grown to accept that the closest I might ever get to being called someone's sister is if my future husband has a sibling, but it makes me truly sad to know that I'll never have the real thing. A sibling is like a built-in best friend, so if you have one, tell them what they mean to you, because maybe not everyone would agree with me, but I think you were given one of life's greatest gifts.
After People Trolled His Makeup Fail, James Charles Clapped Back in the Most Hilarious Way
Known for his impressively flawless highlight and killer brow game, James Charles is definitely one of our go-to vloggers when we're in need of some refreshing makeup inspiration. But the CoverBoy star recently proved that even the experts have off days, and he's taking it in stride like the true champ he is.
At an event in early March, James stopped to snap a few photos with fans and shared one of them on his Twitter. It looks like the camera's flash made his face look a tad pasty compared to the rest of his body - a common issue we're all secretly prone to.
my face is WAY too light bc of flashback lol there's no denying that but it was actually a filtered photo, here's the original casper pic 😕 http://pic.twitter.com/V5uIL23HYt
- FLASHBACK MARY (@jamescharles) March 5, 2017
Naturally, trolls from the dregs of the internet employed the power of Photoshop to exaggerate James's ghostly face makeup, and the memes started rolling in.
@jamescharles thanks to you, I'm no longer afraid of death and believe in becoming a ghost in the afterlife 💕 http://pic.twitter.com/dvhl5VraUG
- azim (@luxebutera) March 5, 2017
A whole month later, people are still somehow not over the whole thing, as memes are still being made. Although James admitted that he was initially pretty upset about them, he's now starting to acknowledge them on social media and finding humor in the whole situation.
best one yet http://pic.twitter.com/hBmjlswFN3
- FLASHBACK MARY (@jamescharles) April 3, 2017
And he even used it as fuel to make a hilarious new video tutorial mocking the haters. We couldn't think of a better way to handle a makeup fail! Ahead, see some of the most chuckle-inducing memes to date, followed by James's epic video response to the shade-throwers.
Here's Why You Should Download iOS 10.3 Right Now
Unfortunately, you won't get any new emoji in the latest iOS 10 update. But if you do download iOS 10.3 (which everyone should), you'll get an even nicer treat: more space on your iPhone!
That's right; say goodbye to deleting photos at the last moment or wondering why you bought a 16GB iPhone. Instead, you might see a lot of storage open up on your phone. What magic is making this possible? iOS 10.3 includes a new file system format, called Apple File System (APFS), which is replacing the 31-year-old Hierarchical File System (HFS). APFS might bring a slew of new features to the iPhone in the future. For now, however, it's just freeing up more space on your phone.
Plenty of people, as you can imagine, are excited about the change.
Wow, iOS 10.3 gave me 3 gigs of storage #ios103
- A. (@atanastsekov) March 28, 2017
On iOS 10.2 I had 215GB and now on iOS 10.3 with APFS I have 220GB of free storage! That's amazing!!!!!!
- Jonny (@jonnymmxvi) March 28, 2017
Sweet ✌️ More storage! IOS 10.3 changes to a new file system (APFS) for 64bit apps in the future. http://pic.twitter.com/Ct70CUEJmM
- Terence Huijgen (@TerenceHuijgen) March 27, 2017
Before you start downloading iOS 10.3, don't forget to back up your phone and all your important files.
These Photos of Jason Momoa Prove Just How Large and Sexy He Really Is
When Jason Momoa stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this year, he drank a few beers and threw some axes at a wall, as you do. But before he made his way inside, the Aquaman actor took some time to mingle with a few fans. Jason, dressed in black pants and a yellow t-shirt, showed off his signature long hair and arm tattoo as he took selfies and signed autographs. But while we're always mesmerized every time he steps out in public, this outing hilariously reminded us that he is a very huge man. In addition to towering over a group of security men, Jason also had to bend down to talk to a lot of his fans. After looking at these pictures we guarantee one of two things will happen: you will either leave work early today for a "personal" afternoon, or you will daydream about his large arms wrapping tightly around you. Now excuse us while we go email our boss . . .
The Truth Behind Costco’s $5 Rotisserie Chicken
Image Source: Flickr user terren in Virginia
We can always count on Dr. Oz to expose the truth about our favorite foods. He recently investigated the hidden ingredients in rotisserie chicken, and now we finally know why it's so addictive. He teamed up with award-winning writer Mark Schatzker to figure out why Americans can't get enough of the stuff, especially Costco's $5 rotisserie chicken.
The first shocking piece of information is that rotisserie chicken is often processed, in other words, "pre-seasoned in factories," and then shipped to supermarkets, where "an employee can put it on the skewer and cook it." You may already know part of what makes store-bought rotisserie chickens so tasty is that they're on the salty side, but the skin is also flavored with MSG and sugar, among other natural flavors. Similar to potato chips, this combination helps explain why we can never have too much rotisserie chicken. Despite the seemingly scariness of it all, Dr. Oz says it may be "one of the healthiest processed foods out there." And in similar Dr. Oz. fashion, he suggests taking off the skin to keep it healthier. But if that sounds like insanity, add other sides to your plate to avoid overeating.
Image Source: The Dr. Oz. Show
Watch the full video: Dr. Oz on rotisserie chicken
These Photos of Jason Momoa Prove Just How Large and Sexy He Really Is
When Jason Momoa stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this year, he drank a few beers and threw some axes at a wall, as you do. But before he made his way inside, the Aquaman actor took some time to mingle with a few fans. Jason, dressed in black pants and a yellow t-shirt, showed off his signature long hair and arm tattoo as he took selfies and signed autographs. But while we're always mesmerized every time he steps out in public, this outing hilariously reminded us that he is a very huge man. In addition to towering over a group of security men, Jason also had to bend down to talk to a lot of his fans. After looking at these pictures we guarantee one of two things will happen: you will either leave work early today for a "personal" afternoon, or you will daydream about his large arms wrapping tightly around you. Now excuse us while we go email our boss . . .
The Truth Behind Costco’s $5 Rotisserie Chicken
Image Source: Flickr user terren in Virginia
We can always count on Dr. Oz to expose the truth about our favorite foods. He recently investigated the hidden ingredients in rotisserie chicken, and now we finally know why it's so addictive. He teamed up with award-winning writer Mark Schatzker to figure out why Americans can't get enough of the stuff, especially Costco's $5 rotisserie chicken.
The first shocking piece of information is that rotisserie chicken is often processed, in other words, "pre-seasoned in factories," and then shipped to supermarkets, where "an employee can put it on the skewer and cook it." You may already know part of what makes store-bought rotisserie chickens so tasty is that they're on the salty side, but the skin is also flavored with MSG and sugar, among other natural flavors. Similar to potato chips, this combination helps explain why we can never have too much rotisserie chicken. Despite the seemingly scariness of it all, Dr. Oz says it may be "one of the healthiest processed foods out there." And in similar Dr. Oz. fashion, he suggests taking off the skin to keep it healthier. But if that sounds like insanity, add other sides to your plate to avoid overeating.
Image Source: The Dr. Oz. Show
Watch the full video: Dr. Oz on rotisserie chicken
Even Though This Woman Doesn't Have a Baby, She's Committed to Breastfeeding Her Boyfriend
Despite more than 20 years passing since she gave birth, Jennifer Mulford is determined to start breastfeeding again.
After reading about adult breastfeeding relationships online, she became intrigued about the idea of nursing adults, so much so that the former bartender took time off from her job in order to focus on nursing her boyfriend, Brad Leeson.
"When I read about the bond breastfeeding could create between two people I was envious," she told The Sun in a story printed by the New York Post. "I have always enjoyed my breasts being touched during sex more than anything else so I knew I would enjoy it."
In order to trick her body into thinking that she is nursing a child, Jen needs to dry feed Brad every two hours to help encourage milk production.
When she first discovered ABR, the Atlanta mom, who has a 20-year-old daughter, was single. She started looking online in hopes of finding a man who would be interested in this unconventional concept. After trying dating sites, posting messages on ABR forums, and placing an ad on Craigslist, she began to have doubts that she'd be able to find a willing partner.
Before losing all hope, Jennifer brought the idea up to Brad, an old boyfriend, and he was immediately excited and curious about the idea. "At that moment I knew that I had a partner for life," she told The Sun. "We both wanted the same thing out of the relationship - a magical bond that only breastfeeding can achieve."
In order to start the process, the pair told The Sun they have been consistently dry feeding and pumping every two hours in an attempt to induce lactation. "I want to devote everything to making this work," she said. "Nights have been a struggle because Brad sleeps so peacefully but we manage to cope - until he falls asleep latched onto me, which is beautiful."
In addition to her strict schedule, Jennifer drinks Mother's Milk tea three times a day; takes an herbal pill, Lactiful; and eats oatmeal as well as flax seeds in order to increase her milk supply. Brad is hopeful that her milk will help with his workouts at the gym.
Despite sharing her story, Jennifer isn't ready yet to feed Brad in public. "If it was up to Brad we would, but it's very private to me," she explained to The Sun. "I'll never say never but I love the time we spend nursing alone. It's our time away from the rest of the world and I look forward to every feed."
9 Things You Never Knew About Your Child's Day at School, Straight From a Teacher
While parents understand that a lot happens in between dropping their child off at school and seeing them at the end of the day, many don't recognize exactly what it's like. Along with the books, tests, and classroom assignments, your child's world is revolving around actively turning into a little person within his or her classroom community. In order for parents to better relate to their children and understand their daily experiences, one anonymous teacher shared nine things about a typical school day that most parents don't realize - but should.
They turn into your mini me - for better or for worse.
Why your child acts or speaks a certain way usually all makes sense to teachers come parent-teacher conferences. But your mannerisms and expressions aren't the only things your little one brings to the classroom; they also share your team spirit, work ethic, and drive - or lack thereof. Your problems also have a way of creeping into your child's day and teachers as well as their friends definitely pick up on it. The impact of a fight you had that your little one overheard or a chaotic morning can be observed in your child even after you've forgotten about it.
Recess means something different for every child.
Most kids love recess, but it can be for two very different reasons. While this time is an opportunity to go outside and run around with friends, some embrace it as a chance to spend time with their teacher in a more personal setting. Sometimes recess is when your child is thriving on the court or making new friends, but it can also be when they are developing confidence and feeling secure in the classroom setting thanks to some extra time inside instead of out.
Just because they do it at home doesn't mean they can do it at school.
Oftentimes parents are frustrated with tests that are marked incorrect because they know their child can do it - they even saw them answering those questions correctly at home! However, this can be a warped sense of reality and parents need to understand what they see at home isn't what happens at school because of their involvement. Parents who hover too much during homework time or "help" with assignments are actually hurting their child's growth because when they have to do the same work at school (and independently), they don't know how. These kids don't know how to correctly answer questions in school even though they got them right at home because they don't know how to complete all of the steps with out some extra help from you. Your involvement outside of school can hurt them in the classroom and leave them struggling even more.
Every child has a role within the classroom community.
Your kids are essentially dealing the same politics that parents experience in the adult world. As kids interact within their classroom community, roles are unconsciously given and both kids and teachers work within these labels. Children know who the kind kid is if they're having a bad day, the troublemaker, and the good student, and they naturally embrace their own roles while finding where they fit. Where their spot is on the carpet is also a good indicator of their role - teachers often place the kids they can depend on to pay attention in the back or a shy child next to another who has a reputation for always being friendly. This gives students an equal opportunity to learn within those roles.
Hurt feelings aren't always a bad thing.
School isn't just about reading and writing; it's also about learning social skills that are equally important. During their time in the classroom, children are learning how to become people. Kids can be mean - oftentimes because they don't realize - but when your child's feelings get hurt during the day, it's an invaluable opportunity for them to learn how to react in an appropriate way and recover from the upset.
They blossom when you drop them.
Just because your child seems shy or clingy around you doesn't mean that's how they still are moments after you leave. Some children really do transform into completely different people when they aren't guided by you and it's important for parents to never assume that their child takes on the same role at school as they do at home.
There's way more joy than you realize.
Despite the dread of homework and agony of tests, school can be a bright area for your child. Kids still laugh and play throughout the day and within that, they are learning how to communicate, be good citizens, and work within a community. They might come home upset about the amount of work or a mean kid, but that doesn't mean that there weren't smiles and laughter during the day.
You're probably thinking about them way more than they're thinking about you.
Separation can be hard for some students, but despite the drop-off meltdowns, kids quickly forget the upset after their tears have dried. While many parents spend all morning thinking about how upset their child was and worrying about how he or she is doing, most kids quickly recover and don't realize how much they missed you until you are united again. Even if your child was hysterical when you said goodbye, chances are you weren't the focus of the rest of their day.
Their teacher has their best interests at heart - even if he or she is teaching them Common Core.
Most teachers are just as dedicated to your child's development as you are. Even if it seems like what your child is doing is a waste of time, you have to trust that your child is going to gain something from it, even if it wasn't what or how you learned. If your child comes home with what seems like a ridiculous assignment, often it's because his or her teacher doesn't have a choice in the matter and is embracing it to make the most of the learning opportunity for your kid.
The 20 Most Stunning Birth Photos You've Ever Seen
They say mothers are made to forget the pain of childbirth so that they're willing to do it over again. If that's the case, then why do these birth photos cause all of those emotions - from intense pain to immense joy - to come flooding back to the surface in the most beautiful way possible?
Likely because Austin, TX-based birth photographer Leilani Rogers knows how to capture not just the moment but the profound meaning behind it.
"To capture those fleeting, remarkable moments, you have to always work in anticipation," she told POPSUGAR. "Camera ready, thinking ahead to mama's next move."
From all-natural home births to hospital deliveries, Rogers has captured amazing birth stories, whether it's a surrogate delivering twins for an expectant couple to a baby born inside its amniotic sac. Here, a collection of her finest work that is sure to leave you wishing you could go back to the day when your own birth story was in the making.
Even Though This Woman Doesn't Have a Baby, She's Committed to Breastfeeding Her Boyfriend
Despite more than 20 years passing since she gave birth, Jennifer Mulford is determined to start breastfeeding again.
After reading about adult breastfeeding relationships online, she became intrigued about the idea of nursing adults, so much so that the former bartender took time off from her job in order to focus on nursing her boyfriend, Brad Leeson.
"When I read about the bond breastfeeding could create between two people I was envious," she told The Sun in a story printed by the New York Post. "I have always enjoyed my breasts being touched during sex more than anything else so I knew I would enjoy it."
In order to trick her body into thinking that she is nursing a child, Jen needs to dry feed Brad every two hours to help encourage milk production.
When she first discovered ABR, the Atlanta mom, who has a 20-year-old daughter, was single. She started looking online in hopes of finding a man who would be interested in this unconventional concept. After trying dating sites, posting messages on ABR forums, and placing an ad on Craigslist, she began to have doubts that she'd be able to find a willing partner.
Before losing all hope, Jennifer brought the idea up to Brad, an old boyfriend, and he was immediately excited and curious about the idea. "At that moment I knew that I had a partner for life," she told The Sun. "We both wanted the same thing out of the relationship - a magical bond that only breastfeeding can achieve."
In order to start the process, the pair told The Sun they have been consistently dry feeding and pumping every two hours in an attempt to induce lactation. "I want to devote everything to making this work," she said. "Nights have been a struggle because Brad sleeps so peacefully but we manage to cope - until he falls asleep latched onto me, which is beautiful."
In addition to her strict schedule, Jennifer drinks Mother's Milk tea three times a day; takes an herbal pill, Lactiful; and eats oatmeal as well as flax seeds in order to increase her milk supply. Brad is hopeful that her milk will help with his workouts at the gym.
Despite sharing her story, Jennifer isn't ready yet to feed Brad in public. "If it was up to Brad we would, but it's very private to me," she explained to The Sun. "I'll never say never but I love the time we spend nursing alone. It's our time away from the rest of the world and I look forward to every feed."
The 20 Most Stunning Birth Photos You've Ever Seen
They say mothers are made to forget the pain of childbirth so that they're willing to do it over again. If that's the case, then why do these birth photos cause all of those emotions - from intense pain to immense joy - to come flooding back to the surface in the most beautiful way possible?
Likely because Austin, TX-based birth photographer Leilani Rogers knows how to capture not just the moment but the profound meaning behind it.
"To capture those fleeting, remarkable moments, you have to always work in anticipation," she told POPSUGAR. "Camera ready, thinking ahead to mama's next move."
From all-natural home births to hospital deliveries, Rogers has captured amazing birth stories, whether it's a surrogate delivering twins for an expectant couple to a baby born inside its amniotic sac. Here, a collection of her finest work that is sure to leave you wishing you could go back to the day when your own birth story was in the making.
28 Fashion Facts About Victoria Beckham That Just Might Blow Your Mind
My first and fondest memory of Victoria Beckham is from Spice World. The then-pop star, who went by the name of Posh, stood in front of the mirror on the Spice Girls tour bus, admiring herself in "the little Gucci dress," as Emma, Mel B, Mel C, and Geri looked on in amusement. Posh was trying to figure out what to wear, which always culminated in her go-to uniform. Not much has changed.
While Victoria has recently defined her style as rather relaxed with a pair of sneakers, there's no denying her taste for sophistication. She prefers structured silhouettes that still flatter the body from all angles and she designs her collections to reflect that aesthetic season after season.
While she's made the tricky transition from celebrity to well-respected, award-winning fashion leader (she's set to receive an OBE from the queen for her fashion and charity work) her love for the industry has remained steadfast along the way. Read on to track Victoria's fashion timeline and learn plenty of facts you've never read before.
Gordon Ramsay Just Ended the Pineapple Pizza Debate in 1 Tweet
Hawaiian pizza fans, brace yourself for this one: Gordon Ramsay is NOT a fan of pineapples on pizza. That's right. The celebrity chef took to Twitter to respond to one fan's statement about pineapple toppings on pizza being a genius idea.
"[S]ir regarding pineapple on pizza, pizza originated from creativity and initiative, please don't confine pizza to strict rules," the concerned fan tweeted at the Hell's Kitchen TV host. "Pineapple does not go on top of pizza....." Ramsay replied, ending in just one tweet the age-old debate about whether you should be putting pineapples on your glorious pizza.
Pineapple does not go on top of pizza..... https://t.co/lhD6aliOV8
- Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) April 4, 2017
Chef Ramsay's response was admittedly much tamer than previous times he has replied to fans on his Twitter account. Read all of Ramsay's lovely roasting sessions that will make you LOL till your stomach hurts.
These Aren't Faceless Men, Just Crazy-Good Game of Thrones Cosplayers
We've seen Arya Stark change her appearance several times while training with the Faceless Men on Game of Thrones, but even she might be jealous of the spot-on cosplayers at WonderCon. Passionate GOT fans brought their A game to the convention, daring to don furs and chain mail, even in the warm Southern California weather.
Read on for the most jaw-dropping cosplays inspired by the series that we saw at WonderCon. Let's put it this way: if the Iron Throne was intended for the best cosplayer, we're positive that one of these fans would win the game of thrones!
Camila Cabello: "That Word, Immigrant, Has Such a Negative Connotation"
Many of us know Camila Cabello as the stunning former Fifth Harmony member who's currently making moves as a solo artist, but in a new interview, Camila is opening up about her Cuban roots and her journey to America at just 6 years old. Camila and her mother, Sinuhe Estrabao, sat down with Glamour (for its May 2017 issue), where they reflected on their emotional journey to America.
Although Camila was just a young girl when she and her mom packed their backpacks and traveled through Mexico to reach the border, she remembers the month-long journey vividly. She also remembers that feeling of relief, after waiting at the US border for six hours and finally getting the go-ahead to cross. It's moments like that that Camila will never forget, and many immigrants can relate to that feeling.
"We flew from Cuba to Mexico, and went by bus to the American border; it took a month," Sinuhe shared. "We left everyone behind, my friends, my family. My fear was that my husband wouldn't [ever] be able to come . . . I came here with no money and left everything that was familiar. But I just made a list of goals, and every time I scratched one off, I felt that everything was worth it."
As the months passed, Sinuhe did everything she could to give her daughter the opportunities she wouldn't have been able to have in Cuba. "In Cuba, there were days in class where we would just watch cartoons," Camila explained. "We weren't learning. But when I came to the US, it was like: homework. A lot of things were suddenly so different - being at a new school without my friends, I didn't speak the language, and I missed my dad. I had a little Disney calendar I would mark with x's until the day he was supposed to come. When he finally did, a year and a half later, I was so happy!"
Later, Camila's passion for singing became obvious. Although she described herself as a "very introverted" child, she would always turn to music, eventually creating a YouTube channel, where she recorded covers of songs. After taking some advice from the boys of One Direction on how to audition for The X Factor, Camila was hooked. The audition was the first time she sang in front of an audience.
"I have never met someone who can confront her fears in the way she does," Sinuhe said. "I can tell she's terrified, but she doesn't stop. She always asks me, 'Do you think everybody knows [I'm scared]?' And I'm like, 'No, nobody can tell.'"
Sinuhe discussed how amazed she is by her daughter's courage, and Camila is equally amazed by her mother's. They traveled on this journey to the United States together and have been right by each other's sides every moment since. "I think the most important thing I've learned from my mom has been: You're human if you have fear, but you can't ever let it determine how hard you go at a situation. If anything, it should make you go harder - go for it all the way."
Sinuhe left everything behind for a new opportunity, and Camila did the same. She courageously left Fifth Harmony to continue fulfilling her dreams, and that's the exact message she wants to give to her fans in the future.
Camila said:
"Right now I'm in the process of writing about our whole journey. I want to make a love song for immigrants. That word, immigrant, has such a negative connotation - I can just imagine all the little girls who have dreams of coming here and feel unwanted. It inspires me in my music to do my best to give [them] the light that I have. I want to be what people think of when they think of America - a person who, no matter what her first language was or what her religion is, can see her dreams come to life if she works hard enough."
28 Fashion Facts About Victoria Beckham That Just Might Blow Your Mind
My first and fondest memory of Victoria Beckham is from Spice World. The then-pop star, who went by the name of Posh, stood in front of the mirror on the Spice Girls tour bus, admiring herself in "the little Gucci dress," as Emma, Mel B, Mel C, and Geri looked on in amusement. Posh was trying to figure out what to wear, which always culminated in her go-to uniform. Not much has changed.
While Victoria has recently defined her style as rather relaxed with a pair of sneakers, there's no denying her taste for sophistication. She prefers structured silhouettes that still flatter the body from all angles and she designs her collections to reflect that aesthetic season after season.
While she's made the tricky transition from celebrity to well-respected, award-winning fashion leader (she's set to receive an OBE from the queen for her fashion and charity work) her love for the industry has remained steadfast along the way. Read on to track Victoria's fashion timeline and learn plenty of facts you've never read before.
The 27 Most Precious Prince William and Prince George Moments
What better way to get your royals fix than by rounding up the sweetest moments between Prince William and his firstborn, Prince George? The royal daddy-son duo has shared plenty of adorable moments throughout the little prince's life and more recently showed off their sweet bond during the family's eight-day tour of Canada and on Christmas Day in 2016. Take a look at their cutest snaps here!
13 Jobs to Satisfy Your Wanderlust
If you have endless wanderlust, you can get the best of both worlds by getting a job that requires you to travel. Traveling for a living is a way to make money while doing what you love, so it's a win-win! Here are some career options that may be the perfect fit for you.
5 Theories That Could Explain Who Rey's Parents Are in Star Wars
We came away from watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens with more questions than we can count, but the one that hasn't ceased to stop itching our brains since we left the movie theater is the matter of Rey's parents. While the character, played by Daisy Ridley, is unquestionably the hero of Episode VII, much of her past and familial lineage is shrouded in mystery. J.J. Abrams shed some light on the topic during an appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016 that seems to have ruled out the biggest theories about Rey's parents, saying, "Rey's parents are not in Episode VII, so I can't possibly say in this moment who they are. But I will say it is something that Rey thinks about, too." Is Abrams just trying to throw fans off the scent of Rey's real parents? Now that the title of Episode VIII has been revealed, we're revisiting our major theories. major spoilers below!
The 27 Most Precious Prince William and Prince George Moments
What better way to get your royals fix than by rounding up the sweetest moments between Prince William and his firstborn, Prince George? The royal daddy-son duo has shared plenty of adorable moments throughout the little prince's life and more recently showed off their sweet bond during the family's eight-day tour of Canada and on Christmas Day in 2016. Take a look at their cutest snaps here!
27 Hollywood Ladies and Their Hot Younger Guys
When it comes to celebrity relationships, is age really just a number? According to a recent study, the less of an age difference there is between partners, the more likely a relationship will last. While troves of Hollywood men have been notorious for testing the limits, A-list ladies have also given junior companions a shot. Read on to discover the most memorable relationships between famous women and men who are at least five years younger, and then find out which celebrity couples have stayed together the longest.
9 Things Robbers Look at When Canvassing Your Home
You've put heart, soul, and a lot of bucks into turning your house into a home. The last thing you want is for someone to break in and rob you. A home intruder is scary to even think about, but spending a few minutes of time recognizing and fixing ways your home is vulnerable can pay off big down the road.
Here are nine ways you may be inadvertently making your home more attractive to thieves:
Rundown Front Door
Your front door is the first place burglars will look, and a dilapidated front door signals that your home is an easy target. A clean, painted front door gives the impression that the entire home is well-cared for and harder to breach.
Single Lock
Burglars look to see what kind of locks they'll have to navigate to enter, and when they see only the standard cylinder lock, they're more likely to have a go than if there's also a padlock visible. In short: doubling up on locks makes your door physically more difficult to break into and your home less appealing to burglars.
Enticing Trash
The discarded boxes and bags from all your big-ticket purchases are like advertisements to burglars of the valuables inside your home. Prevent thieves from getting as excited over your new flat screen TV box as you are with your new TV by keeping this type of garbage inside until trash pickup day.
Dark Exteriors
Burglars don't like to risk being seen, so when you create a barrier of light around your home using motion sensor activated and basic exterior lights, you're creating a barrier around your home through which they're not likely to penetrate. Pay special attention to vulnerable areas like front and back doors and walkways.
Welcoming Landscaping
When planted beneath windows, bushes and shrubs are not only pretty, but they're also an obstacle to climbing into windows. Burglars are especially deterred by the kind of greenery that has thorns or makes loud snapping noises. For trees reaching up to second-story windows, be sure to clean up lower branches so they can't function as a ladder.
Overflowing Mailbox
Piles of mail are a sign that you're out of town and primed for a robbery. If you're going away for a while, use the USPS's Request Hold Mail service to stop delivery while you're gone. For shorter periods, a neighbor will likely be glad to pick up your deliveries.
Visible Interiors
You don't want burglars to get a peek at all the goodies you have inside your home, so shut the curtains, pull the shades, put a giant houseplant in front of a street-facing window - do whatever you have to do to keep unwanted eyes out. Be especially mindful at night when the dark sky and lit interior combine to create a fishbowl effect in your home.
Empty House
Encountering the resident is way more than most burglars are bargaining for. If they think you're in the house, they're staying out of it, so make it look like someone's home by turning on a light or two and even leaving on a TV or radio to make some noise. For prolonged periods away, you can use electronic timers to turn them on and off automatically.
Nonexistent Alarm System
They take a bit of financial investment, but a quality alarm system is a huge burglar deterrent, and a necessary one if you live in a high-crime neighborhood. Do your research and pick a reputable alarm company - thieves know the bad and bogus alarm system signs - and consider high-tech options, such as alarms with a camera that allow you to monitor your home from anywhere.
5 Theories That Could Explain Who Rey's Parents Are in Star Wars
We came away from watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens with more questions than we can count, but the one that hasn't ceased to stop itching our brains since we left the movie theater is the matter of Rey's parents. While the character, played by Daisy Ridley, is unquestionably the hero of Episode VII, much of her past and familial lineage is shrouded in mystery. J.J. Abrams shed some light on the topic during an appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016 that seems to have ruled out the biggest theories about Rey's parents, saying, "Rey's parents are not in Episode VII, so I can't possibly say in this moment who they are. But I will say it is something that Rey thinks about, too." Is Abrams just trying to throw fans off the scent of Rey's real parents? Now that the title of Episode VIII has been revealed, we're revisiting our major theories. major spoilers below!
27 Hollywood Ladies and Their Hot Younger Guys
When it comes to celebrity relationships, is age really just a number? According to a recent study, the less of an age difference there is between partners, the more likely a relationship will last. While troves of Hollywood men have been notorious for testing the limits, A-list ladies have also given junior companions a shot. Read on to discover the most memorable relationships between famous women and men who are at least five years younger, and then find out which celebrity couples have stayed together the longest.
33 Designer-Worthy DIYs For a Polished Home
There are few things that are as satisfying as pulling off a successful DIY project, especially when a guest asks where you purchased it. We've rounded up 50+ of our favorite tutorials that show you how to organize, entertain, and decorate with style, without spending a fortune. So, roll up your sleeves and get cracking! You can do it.
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