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 15 août 2017
The Tragic Callback You Missed on This Week's Game of Thrones
While the other major Game of Thrones characters have been preparing themselves for the danger that lies ahead of them, Sam has been at the Citadel all season, studying to become maester of the Night's Watch. But he appears to have a change of heart in the fifth episode, when he packs up and leaves the Citadel, citing that he's "tired of reading about the accomplishments of better men." His parting words probably rang familiar for some people, as that line was actually a callback to something his father, Randyll Tarly - one of two casualties in the latest episode - once told him.
Back in season six, in a scene that it still hurts to watch, Sam's father rips into him not only because he returns from Castle Black with Gilly, a wildling girl, but also because of his decision to journey to the Citadel to study to become a maester. Randyll holds nothing back as he expresses his disappointment in Sam, calling him a coward and practically disowning him because of how much Sam's choices differ from those of his father and brother.
Though spending time at the Citadel sounds like a less-than-heroic storyline, it should be noted that, despite what his father makes of it in season six, Sam's time in Oldtown is way more important to the overall storyline. His main reason for studying to become a grand maester is so that he can read up on more information about the White Walkers as they slowly make their way past the Wall - and there's definitely not a better place for him to do that than a giant library.
Though the maesters at the Citadel weren't exactly very helpful during his quest for knowledge, hopefully Sam's decision to leave doesn't deter him from what he came to do there in the first place. It'd be sad to see him actually discourage himself and believe his father's harsh words.
Diane Kruger and Norman Reedus Enjoy Some R&R on the Beach in Costa Rica
Diane Kruger and Norman Reedus recently took a break from their busy schedules to escape to Costa Rica for a romantic getaway. On Aug. 10, the couple were spotted enjoying a little R&R while soaking up the sun on the beach. Diane showed off her toned physique in a black one-piece, while Norman wore a wetsuit for his surf session. Diane has been busy shooting her upcoming film, JT Leroy, in Canada, and Norman has been filming The Walking Dead in Georgia, so it only makes that the pair would want to get away for a few days.
Diane and Norman first sparked dating rumors in 2015 after meeting on the set of their movie Sky. While Diane was still technically dating Joshua Jackson, they eventually announced their split in July 2016. A few months later, Diana supported Norman at his art exhibition in Paris, but it wasn't until March that the pair seemingly confirmed their romance with a steamy makeout session in NYC. This is Diane's first relationship since splitting from Joshua, while Norman has a 17-year-old son named Mingus with ex Helena Christensen and was previously linked to Courtney Love and model Cecilia Singley.
The Tragic Callback You Missed on This Week's Game of Thrones
While the other major Game of Thrones characters have been preparing themselves for the danger that lies ahead of them, Sam has been at the Citadel all season, studying to become maester of the Night's Watch. But he appears to have a change of heart in the fifth episode, when he packs up and leaves the Citadel, citing that he's "tired of reading about the accomplishments of better men." His parting words probably rang familiar for some people, as that line was actually a callback to something his father, Randyll Tarly - one of two casualties in the latest episode - once told him.
Back in season six, in a scene that it still hurts to watch, Sam's father rips into him not only because he returns from Castle Black with Gilly, a wildling girl, but also because of his decision to journey to the Citadel to study to become a maester. Randyll holds nothing back as he expresses his disappointment in Sam, calling him a coward and practically disowning him because of how much Sam's choices differ from those of his father and brother.
Though spending time at the Citadel sounds like a less-than-heroic storyline, it should be noted that, despite what his father makes of it in season six, Sam's time in Oldtown is way more important to the overall storyline. His main reason for studying to become a grand maester is so that he can read up on more information about the White Walkers as they slowly make their way past the Wall - and there's definitely not a better place for him to do that than a giant library.
Though the maesters at the Citadel weren't exactly very helpful during his quest for knowledge, hopefully Sam's decision to leave doesn't deter him from what he came to do there in the first place. It'd be sad to see him actually discourage himself and believe his father's harsh words.
How to Decorate a Rental Apartment From Scratch on a Budget
When you move into a new apartment with nothing – not even a mattress – turning the empty space into a home can be a challenge. Enter: Homepolish. A savvy new DC resident turned to the online interior design company for help after she signed the lease on her one-bedroom rental. She was paired with Homepolish interior designer Shannon Smith who created a welcoming urban oasis completely from scratch - and all on a $5,000 budget. We talked to Shannon to find out how she did it, and she shared her secrets on everything from how to strategize your design to how to allocate your budget. Keep reading to learn exactly how to create your dream apartment, no matter how small the space or how tight the budget.
10 Affordable Ways to Get the Bedroom of Your Dreams
If most of your decorating budget is going into the living room, you're probably panicking about your barren bedroom. Luckily, we've got your back. These affordable hacks only look expensive, so no one has to know you pulled it together on a shoestring budget. Check out our 10 favorite tricks for styling a dreamy boudoir.
People Are Losing Their Damn Minds Over This Girl's Striped T-Shirt
When Twitter user mmmadelinee posted a mirror selfie on the social media platform, she probably didn't expect that it would spur a full-blown uproar. In the photo, she wears a beanie, glasses, and a crop top that's making the internet totally freak out. The shirt looks gray from far away . . . until you take a closer look. When you click on the photo, the top appears to have a strange "trippy" pattern, but zooming in reveals that it's simply striped. Commence freaking out and subsequent Twitter stardom.
So This Is What Selena Gomez Looks Like Without Makeup
"I'll have what she's having," is exactly what we'd like to say to Selena Gomez's esthetician. The musician bravely showed off her bare, makeup-free skin in her new "Bad Liar" video on Spotify - and she looks stunning!
It does appear like her cheekbones and lips are a bit glossy, but it's sheer and could even be from a product like Aquaphor or Vaseline. Other than that, it looks like she brushed up her brows and straightened her hair. The rest is just that magical celebrity glow.
The stripped-down Selena goes well with the meaning of the song, which feels raw and emotionally open. At the end, she sings: "Let's make reality, actuality, a reality." Well, we're hoping a makeup-free red carpet appearance becomes a reality soon!
The 35 Most Gorgeous Birth Photos Ever Taken
Having a child is one of the most monumental moments in a person's life. Not only are you physically bringing a human being into the world, but you're also experiencing a lifetime's worth of emotions and feelings. And while the act of delivering a baby isn't necessarily glamorous (yes, there tends to be blood and gunk), this precious day offers opportunities to capture the most stunning pictures you will ever take. Check out these 35 magical photos that are so pretty, they'll make you want to go through the process all over again!
These Are the 15 Movies From the '90s That You Need to Watch With Your Kids
Growing up in the '90s was the best of both worlds: I had epic '80s movies to play over and over again, and I got to live through 10 years of amazing film releases, many of which have stuck with me my whole life (and are still on constant rotation).
I spent half of 1997 begging my mom to buy me the Heart of the Ocean necklace, the better part of the late '90s trying to re-create "The Blob" with my camp friends (to no avail and with only minor injuries), and most of the decade singing "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)," "My Girl," and "We Are the Champions" at the top of my lungs. It was an exciting time to be alive, and though your children may never know what it was like to wait for a VHS tape to rewind (torture), these films need to be on a must-watch list so they can get a proper education of '90s culture.
Read through for the 15 movies from the '90s that you need to watch with your kids.
And be sure to check out these must-see flicks too:
How Many Sneakers Do You Need to Own to be Considered a Sneakerhead?
Have you ever looked over at your shoe rack and thought, "How many sneakers should I even own?" Well, over here at POPSUGAR, we've often wondered just how many pairs of sneakers categorizes one as as a sneakerhead. Is it three? Five? Fifteen?
As fashion-lovers, we have some editors who are willing to wait in long lines just to get their hands on the hottest sneaker of the moment, and then we have some who only own a pair for when they work out. For this reason, we decided it's time to get to the bottom of this very important question.
It's About to Get Hot in Here! These Are the 30+ Sexiest Latin Music Videos
The great thing about steamy Latin songs is that their music videos never disappoint. They are epic tellings of love and passion and have their fair share of moments in between the sheets and shirtless men on beaches. From Prince Royce's "Te Robaré" to classics like Shakira's "Loba," you cannot go wrong with getting lost in this list of the sexiest music videos of all time.
Here's Why Gendry Looks So Familiar on Game of Thrones
A familiar face came back into play on Sunday's Game of Thrones in the form of Gendry, who hasn't been seen on the show since the finale of season three. But we always suspected he'd return eventually, because he sort of has a claim to the Iron Throne. Also because he's kind of awesome.
In the first season of Game of Thrones, Ned Stark realizes that his late friend Jon Arryn was tracking down King Robert Baratheon's bastards because he realized the true parentage of Robert's three "legitimate" children (read: Jaime Lannister was actually their father) and that the Lannisters were killing off any Baratheon bastards who might usurp Joffrey's claim to the throne.
When smithy Tobho Mott, whom Gendry works for, sees the writing on the wall that Gendry's days are surely numbered after Ned's beheading, he sends the boy away. Gendry decides to join the Night's Watch and is part of Yoren's party of recruits that includes Arya Stark. Gendry befriends Arya, helping defend her and Hot Pie against the bullies in the group.
The Gold Cloaks pursue Gendry and attack their group, but Arya manages to protect him, claiming another dead boy was actually Gendry and that since he was dead, the Gold Cloaks's business is finished. Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie escape death and are put to work at Harrenhal at the command of Tywin Lannister.
When Arya, Hot Pie, and Gendry eventually escape Harrenhal, they are captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners. Hot Pie takes up work at the Inn at the Crossroads, while Gendry works as a smithy for the Brotherhood. He considers them the only family he's ever known . . . until they turn him over to Melisandre for some gold; hence, his reticence to trust them in this latest episode. Seriously, would you trust a bunch of guys who sold you out to be sacrificed to the Lord of Light?
And that's exactly what Melisandre is planning at the time. She believes Stannis Baratheon needs a blood sacrifice of someone with king's blood in order to win the War of the Five Kings, so she takes Gendry back to Dragonstone and seduces him in order to prove his blood magic to Stannis, because leeches (containing Gendry's blood) that represent Joffrey, Balon Greyjoy, and Robb Stark are thrown into the fire and Robb Stark dies at the Red Wedding shortly thereafter.
Ser Davos, however, thinks Melisandre's magic is nonsense and doesn't believe in sacrificing an innocent boy, so he smuggles Gendry out of Dragonstone and sends him off into the sea, rowing for King's Landing - which is why Davos's greeting to Gendry of "Thought you might still be rowing!" is a delightful wink and nod to the fans, since the last time anyone saw Gendry on the show was when he was rowing out into the sea.
So Gendry is back, and while we don't think he's going to end up as a ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, it's wonderful to see him and Jon Snow bond over being the bastard sons of two noblemen who were best friends. (Yes, we all know Jon Snow isn't really a bastard, but they don't know that yet.)
Now Robert's son and Ned's son - plus Jorah Mormont, Tormund Giantsbane, and several other free men - are headed north of the Wall to bring back a White Walker in order to prove to Cersei (and Daenerys, honestly) that there is a credible (and terrifying) threat marching on them from the North. It's a fun payoff for all of us, especially because back in season three Gendry and Arya had a bit of a spark and by now might be a perfect match . . . when all these mortal enemies are properly removed, of course.
Here's Why Gendry Looks So Familiar on Game of Thrones
A familiar face came back into play on Sunday's Game of Thrones in the form of Gendry, who hasn't been seen on the show since the finale of season three. But we always suspected he'd return eventually, because he sort of has a claim to the Iron Throne. Also because he's kind of awesome.
In the first season of Game of Thrones, Ned Stark realizes that his late friend Jon Arryn was tracking down King Robert Baratheon's bastards because he realized the true parentage of Robert's three "legitimate" children (read: Jaime Lannister was actually their father) and that the Lannisters were killing off any Baratheon bastards who might usurp Joffrey's claim to the throne.
When smithy Tobho Mott, whom Gendry works for, sees the writing on the wall that Gendry's days are surely numbered after Ned's beheading, he sends the boy away. Gendry decides to join the Night's Watch and is part of Yoren's party of recruits that includes Arya Stark. Gendry befriends Arya, helping defend her and Hot Pie against the bullies in the group.
The Gold Cloaks pursue Gendry and attack their group, but Arya manages to protect him, claiming another dead boy was actually Gendry and that since he was dead, the Gold Cloaks's business is finished. Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie escape death and are put to work at Harrenhal at the command of Tywin Lannister.
When Arya, Hot Pie, and Gendry eventually escape Harrenhal, they are captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners. Hot Pie takes up work at the Inn at the Crossroads, while Gendry works as a smithy for the Brotherhood. He considers them the only family he's ever known . . . until they turn him over to Melisandre for some gold; hence, his reticence to trust them in this latest episode. Seriously, would you trust a bunch of guys who sold you out to be sacrificed to the Lord of Light?
And that's exactly what Melisandre is planning at the time. She believes Stannis Baratheon needs a blood sacrifice of someone with king's blood in order to win the War of the Five Kings, so she takes Gendry back to Dragonstone and seduces him in order to prove his blood magic to Stannis, because leeches (containing Gendry's blood) that represent Joffrey, Balon Greyjoy, and Robb Stark are thrown into the fire and Robb Stark dies at the Red Wedding shortly thereafter.
Ser Davos, however, thinks Melisandre's magic is nonsense and doesn't believe in sacrificing an innocent boy, so he smuggles Gendry out of Dragonstone and sends him off into the sea, rowing for King's Landing - which is why Davos's greeting to Gendry of "Thought you might still be rowing!" is a delightful wink and nod to the fans, since the last time anyone saw Gendry on the show was when he was rowing out into the sea.
So Gendry is back, and while we don't think he's going to end up as a ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, it's wonderful to see him and Jon Snow bond over being the bastard sons of two noblemen who were best friends. (Yes, we all know Jon Snow isn't really a bastard, but they don't know that yet.)
Now Robert's son and Ned's son - plus Jorah Mormont, Tormund Giantsbane, and several other free men - are headed north of the Wall to bring back a White Walker in order to prove to Cersei (and Daenerys, honestly) that there is a credible (and terrifying) threat marching on them from the North. It's a fun payoff for all of us, especially because back in season three Gendry and Arya had a bit of a spark and by now might be a perfect match . . . when all these mortal enemies are properly removed, of course.
The 20 Best Ina Garten Chicken Recipes of All Time
Ina Garten, culinary queen, is the source if inspiration you need if you're tired of making the same chicken recipes all the time. The Barefoot Contessa's chicken recipes are guaranteed to be crowd pleasing and easy to follow - she's a stickler about measurements, after all. Ahead, discover 20 of the best Ina Garten chicken recipes that have ever existed, and be prepared to answer the question "What's for dinner?"
Emily Ratajkowski Just Wore the Pair of Shoes You'd Never Expect to See With Track Pants
Emily Ratajkowski marched right into the Jimmy Kimmel Live studio in a very bold look. Once she arrived, she might have changed into a printed silk dress, but before that, it was all casual separates - capped off with a pair of white patent booties. An unexpected shoe choice, we know, but Emily made it work, baring her midriff in a slashed crop top that she met with Adidas joggers.
Perhaps all the gold jewelry helped to complement and play up Emily's fancy feet, which definitely stood out against sweats. Nevertheless, we're now thinking of trying the combination out for ourselves. Just tuck a pair of sporty tapered pants into your '80s style boots, and you're ready to go. It's a pretty good Summer-to-Fall transitional outfit for when you're running errands, no?
This Mom Was Awarded $16 Million After Her Baby Was Pushed Back Into Her Vagina During Birth
Although Caroline Malatesta was giving birth to her fourth child, she was completely unprepared for what happened during this delivery.
This time around, Caroline and her husband, J.T., decided to deliver at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, AL, because of its focus on promoting a natural birth experience and its promise to empower moms throughout their delivery. However, Caroline's experience was anything but supportive, and she endured a birth that was so traumatic that she suffers from PTSD as well as a lasting injury. She was just awarded $16 million in court for the unthinkable ordeal.
When Caroline went into labor in 2014, she was optimistic that a natural birth might be better than her past three "medicated, on-your-back" deliveries. When she arrived at the hospital, a nurse informed her that her doctor wasn't on call and started making changes to her birth plan.
"From that point on, it became a back-and-forth of, 'But my doctor said I could' and 'But you don't get to.' The nurse treated me like a disobedient child!," Caroline wrote for Cosmopolitan.
"A lot of times hospitals think it's just 'silly women' who want their 'silly birth experience.' But it's more than that. These women that are making these choices are making real, medical decisions."
Although it felt most natural and comfortable for Caroline to be on her hands and knees after her water broke, the nurses allegedly pulled her wrists out from under her, flipped her on her back, and aggressively pinned her down against her struggles. Then, another nurse reached and held her baby's crowning head in her vagina to prevent her from delivering the child.
Six minutes later, a doctor ran in and the nurse let go of the baby's head, but that delay left Caroline with a permanent and debilitating nerve condition called pudendal neuralgia.
"The nurse lets go of the baby's head and I felt immediate relief, because that deep pressure of her holding the head in against the force of my contractions was finally released," Caroline wrote.
Caroline spent six months completely nonfunctional, unable to have sex, and experiencing constant sharp pain that's "much worse than labor."
She was left desperate to know why this happened in the first place. Two years after filing a malpractice lawsuit in order to get the hospital to take her seriously, the court awarded Caroline $16 million and stated that this was the "direct result of misrepresentation" by the hospital.
"This verdict is a wake-up call for hospitals that don't take women seriously. It's a wake-up call that they need to review the way they've been doing things and make changes," Caroline wrote. "A lot of times hospitals think it's just 'silly women' who want their 'silly birth experience.' But it's more than that. These women that are making these choices are making real, medical decisions."
The Ultimate Indie Rock Wedding Playlist
If you're the type of person whose music tastes are a little more eclectic, chances are you're looking for some indie rock songs to play at your wedding. Luckily, we've got you covered so you don't have to search through Spotify to compile the perfect guide. Ahead, you'll find love tunes from your favorite bands and lesser-known names you might not be familiar with. Some are romantic enough for the first dance, and others are a bit more upbeat for other parts of the event. Listen to each song and, if you need more inspiration, check out even more wedding music ideas.
The Ultimate Indie Rock Wedding Playlist
If you're the type of person whose music tastes are a little more eclectic, chances are you're looking for some indie rock songs to play at your wedding. Luckily, we've got you covered so you don't have to search through Spotify to compile the perfect guide. Ahead, you'll find love tunes from your favorite bands and lesser-known names you might not be familiar with. Some are romantic enough for the first dance, and others are a bit more upbeat for other parts of the event. Listen to each song and, if you need more inspiration, check out even more wedding music ideas.
No Visa, No Problem! This Website Easily Tells You Where You Can Travel to Without One
Image Source: StockSnap / ian dooley
Getting or renewing your passport is already a pain in the ass, but having to obtain a travel visa on top of that can be another hassle. If you want to see the world without having to deal with the stress of more paperwork, there's an awesome website called VisaDB that tells you exactly which countries don't require a visa.
Though it's still in its alpha-testing stages, travelers are already able to play around to see their options. All you have to do is select your country of citizenship from the drop-down menu, your "goal" (ex: travel visa-free), and which continent you want to explore. The site, which is set to fully launch soon, will also begin offering the option to filter your goal to places you can live abroad, study abroad, work abroad, and apply for citizenship. In the meantime, travelers are able to see every visa-free country along with cost and weather comparisons to your home country.
It's pretty awesome, especially because before VisaDB, we were limited to manually searching individual countries on the US Department of State website to check whether or not a country required a travel visa. VisaDB simplifies the search, making it totally easy to choose your next destination!
44 Quote Tattoos That Will Change Your Life
Words change your perspective and inspire you to do amazing things. Nothing is more moving than a perfect quote that encapsulates a sentiment that means something special to you. We've rounded up some of the most beautiful and motivational quote tattoos that will change your life for the better.
Organize Your Life: 10 Tips For Making School Mornings Run Smoothly
Welcome to our guide to Back-to-School Success: 31 days of tips, apps, recipes, and more to help you make this your family's best school year yet. Today, day two includes everything you need to make your school day mornings run more smoothly.
From the moment the alarm goes off each morning (if you're lucky enough to wake up to an alarm rather than an early riser), the rush is on! Getting everyone washed, dressed, fed, and packed can seem like a sprint as you race against the clock to make it to school on time. Add to that some school permission forms that must be signed, a note for the teacher, and that sinking suspicion that there's nothing in the fridge for dinner that night, and the morning can be lost in a black hole.
Never fear, organized moms are here! We've scoured the web to find mamas who've got it under control, and they're sharing their tips (and products) to make your mornings run more smoothly. Keep reading for the best of what they've got to offer!
This Antiabortion Congressman Doesn't Seem to Understand How Sex Works
It's a rough time for women's rights in America, and it's only getting more outrageous: a Republican state lawmaker in Texas introduced a bill in January that would make it legal to charge a woman with murder if she has an abortion. But Tony Tinderholt's defense of the bill, which was published on Monday, is both disturbing and misguided.
Speaking to The Texas Observer, Tinderholt said he hopes that the so-called Abolition of Abortion in Texas Act would force women to be "more personally responsible" with sex. He continued by demonstrating his belief that women perceive abortion as a last-minute contraceptive.
"Right now it's real easy. Right now, they don't make it important to be personally responsible because they know that they have a backup of 'Oh, I can just go get an abortion,'" Tinderholt told the paper. "Now, we both know that consenting adults don't always think smartly sometimes. But consenting adults need to also consider the repercussions of the sexual relationship that they're gonna have, which is a child."
Mr. Tinderholt evidently doesn't understand how sex works, either, because it takes two people to conceive a child. A woman cannot be solely responsible for a fetus because of the nature of biology.
It's also worth noting that it is not "real easy" to obtain an abortion in Texas, as Tinderholt said. In fact, it's extremely difficult for many women to have an abortion in Texas, a state where only 19 clinics remain due to stringent restrictions on the procedure.
You Can Ripen an Avocado Faster With These 2 Kitchen Essentials
There's nothing worse than browsing your supermarket's avocado stash only to find out that not. a. single. one is ripe. Before you raise your hands in an angry fury, stop! We have a pro tip, straight from the folks at the Hass Avocado Board: place your not-quite-ready-yet avo inside a brown paper bag with an apple or a banana for two to three days. It's that easy.
Why It Works
"The plant hormone ethylene, which occurs naturally in fruits like apples and bananas, triggers the ripening process. When combined in a brown paper bag, which helps to trap the ethylene gases produced by these fruits, these gases can cause the fruits to ripen faster together."
And with that, go forth and snag all those unripe avocados, because they'll be guacamole-ready faster than you thought. If only there was this simple of a solution for all the other struggles avocado-lovers face.
Should You Mention Your Sorority on Your Résumé?
If you were rocking the Greek life in college, you may be wondering if including it on your résumé will help or harm your chances of landing your first post-college job. The portrayal of "sorority girls" or "frat boys" in the media often perpetuates negative stereotypes (see, for example, Dazed and Confused or, worse, the upcoming Goat), though in reality, sorority life can actually instill some of the fundamental building blocks of being a great employee: teamwork, commitment, enthusiasm, and loyalty, to name a few.
Another big draw for joining a sorority is for the networking and strong alumni connections, and if your interviewer happens to have been in the same house at another school, it can only strengthen your position and provide fodder for conversation. Listing your sorority is an indication that you were active during college, and it's especially helpful if you held a leadership role in your house, as this will highlight your leadership skills and experience.
Bottom line: the interviewer shouldn't judge you for your involvement in a sorority, and they'll likely focus more closely on your academic achievements anyway. So don't be afraid to mention your sorority on your résumé, but make sure it's not the only thing that makes you interesting.
This Surprising Thing Will Clean Stainless Steel - and You Probably Have It in Your Kitchen
On any given day, you'll find me dousing whatever food I can find with my favorite pantry staple, olive oil. But thanks to Today Home, I'll now be making my stainless steel shine using the oil as well.
The magical solution to all your scuffed-up and smudgy stainless steel problems lies with olive oil, which can help cover up scratches and remove smudges and water marks. "Apply a few drops of olive oil on a soft cloth and wipe your fridge, oven or dishwasher - any place with stainless steel," says Today. Make sure as wipe, you go against the grain to get the best results. Genius!
10 Natural Wonders in Iceland That Will Take Your Breath Away
The Nordic island of Iceland has become an incredibly popular place to travel in recent years. If you haven't gotten a chance to visit the country's spectacular nature, now is the time. Check out the country's awe-inspiring locations.
These 42 Disney Quotes Are So Perfect They'll Make You Cry
We never realized when we were kids just how deep Disney movies are. We were more concerned with the silly songs, hilarious sidekicks, and princesses finding their happily ever afters. But there are some seriously moving moments in so many Disney movies and lines that are incredibly inspirational. We've rounded up Disney quotes that will move you, motivate you, and make you want even more!
The 1 Car Seat Rule Even the Most Safety-Conscious Parent Doesn't Know
Most newer car and car seat models use the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), but even the most safety-conscious of parents may be misusing the simple car seat installation method. The LATCH system attaches the car seat to the vehicle through anchor points installed in the car and connectors on the car seat, which makes for easy installation and can eliminate potential errors resulting from installing a car seat with a seat belt. However, many parents don't know that the 65-pound weight limit for using the LATCH system includes the weight of your child as well as the weight of the car seat itself (most average between 20-25 pounds).
We spoke with Sarah Tilton, Britax's Child Passenger Safety Technician and Chair of the National Child Passenger Safety Board, who confirmed LATCH weight limit guidelines for us. "Very often we see a misuse with LATCH systems as families don't know that they have a total weight capacity," she told POPSUGAR. "Your car seat plus your child cannot weight more than 65 pounds. There's a label on the side of every car seat manufactured since 2014 that tells you what that child's weight capacity is for lower anchors."
Kate Koch-Sundquist, mom and Parent.co editor, is a self-proclaimed "car-seat safety fanatic," but even she was unaware of this common and dangerous mistake.
If there's one thing I'm crazy about, it's my kids' safety. That's why I was surprised – no, shocked – to discover that a car seat safety rule exists that I didn't know about. As a result, I was unknowingly putting my son in an unsafe position. . . . At 45 pounds, my 5-year-old is still in a five-point harness car seat, which he will probably be in until he gets his driver's license. (Is there a rule about driving from a car seat?) Up until today, his car seat was secured using the LATCH system. I had never even noticed the sticker on the side which specifies that the LATCH system is for use up to 40 pounds only. I guess I'm not perfect after all.
If you, too, find you're making this error - or want to avoid doing so in the future - be sure to check the sticker on your child's car seat to find the maximum weight limit for installing that car seat with LATCH. Once your child has reached capacity, consult your vehicle owner's manual and car seat user guide to ensure you're correctly installing your child's seat using a seat belt and tether.
The Truth Behind Rumors Joanna Gaines Is Leaving HGTV
Joanna Gaines can't seem to shake rumors she's leaving HGTV, the network that made her a household name. In fact, the Fixer Upper star has been plagued with rumors she's departing home design all together to enter the beauty business. Common sense tells us that this doesn't make any sense. After all, Joanna's business endeavors don't stop at Fixer Upper. They include Waco, Texas, home and garden mecca Magnolia Market, several collections of home decor, paint, and a wallpaper line. The list goes on.
In short, Joanna's love for interior design runs deep. We would be shocked if she walked away from it for an industry we've scarcely heard her mention. But if logic isn't enough to assuage your fears that Joanna is leaving Fixer Upper, we have more concrete proof the show is going on ahead.
Rare GIF of a Dying Star Will Make You Rethink Your Existence
The Hubble Telescope recently celebrated its 27th birthday, and in those years it has given us an incredible look at the vast world we live in. Case in point: a rare peek at a dying star.
From 2002 to 2006, Hubble captured close-up images of an enormous star named V838 Moncerotis, which sits 20,000 light-years away from Earth. Back then, the star emitted a powerful flash of light that illuminated the dust and gas that surrounded it.
"Hubble's exceptionally sharp focus of V838 Mon offered a ring-side seat at the slow death of the star and excited astrophysicists with the chance to study the physics of the light, matter and microscopic dust of the interstellar medium," writes The Conversation, which offers more details about the life of the star and the cause of that light flash.
Below you can see a time-lapse video of the photos taken by the Hubble. Looks fake, doesn't it?
A Judge Called a Rapist a "Good Man" While Sentencing Him For 11 Counts
One would imagine that a repeat history of sexually abusing and assaulting family members would disqualify a person from being considered "extraordinary" and "good." But Fourth District Judge Thomas Low used those exact words to describe the convicted rapist standing before him on Wednesday in Provo, UT.
According to The Salt Lake City Tribune, Low "became emotional as he handed down a prison sentence" to former Mormon Bishop Keith Robert Vallejo, who was convicted of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape.
The judge stated: "The court has no doubt that Mr. Vallejo is an extraordinary, good man. But great men sometimes do bad things," reports The SLC Tribune. Vallejo's repeat abuse of two women (including his sister-in-law) is certainly extraordinary . . . in the disturbing, negative sense of the word.
Low's description of the convicted felon as "good" is a slap in the faces of his victims. That's why one of those victims, Julia Kirby, plans to file a judicial complaint against Judge Low.
"If he really, really cared about me or about the fact that this person was a criminal, he wouldn't have that kind of sympathy. It was shocking to me for that reason," Kirby said following Low's shocking courtroom comments.
Judge Low has faced criticism for his handling of the Vallejo case since before the inappropriate sentencing hearing commentary, particularly after allowing the former bishop to return home on bail to be with his wife and children, even after he was found guilty. Low's behavior regarding this specific case has resulted in a reported 40 emails, six voice mails, and multiple Facebook messages to the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission.
L'Oréal's New Mascara Might Actually Be Better Than Sex
My relationship with my eyelashes has always been casual yet complicated. Each lash is long and thick, which makes it easy for them to stick together like magnets. And don't even get me started on the days where I get a stray lash in my eye. But beside these natural annoyances, I had never given my eyelashes too much thought. I didn't start experimenting with makeup until after high school, and mascara was something that I felt would be the easiest to start with - oh, how I was wrong. My first attempt was a clumpy disaster that then became an even bigger mess as I tried to wash it off (waterproof mascara is no joke sometimes!).
After that experience, I was convinced that mascara wasn't for me - that was until our POPSUGAR Beauty editor assigned me the task of testing and reviewing L'Oréal's buzzy new Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ($10). With a metallic millennial pink tube, it's easy to see why many claim it be a Too Faced Better Than Sex dupe. Personally, I didn't need this product to perform miracles; I would be sold if it was easy to apply and gave me great results. But by comparing it to a product with a such a cult following, my expectations for L'Oréal's new offering just kept growing.
Read on for a product breakdown and to see this mascara in action!
These Hidden Tattoos Ideas Will Satisfy Your Craving For New Ink
Even if your body is a tattooed wonderland already, there's something fresh and rebellious about getting new ink in a hidden place. On the flip side, if you're still easing into the idea of your first tattoo, getting something undercover could be just the way to make it all seem less stressful. Either way, hidden tattoos are a great way to ink your body just for you (though don't be surprised if you suddenly feel the need to post it all over Instagram). The best part is you can choose to play peekaboo or let it be your little secret depending on your outfit each day. Ready to get your tat? Browse these ideas.
19 Signs You're Most Definitely From the Good-Old Midwest
Hello, fellow Midwestern folk! If, like me, you come from somewhere in middle America, you will know that there are a few things about your life growing up that anyone outside the Midwest just won't understand. As a child of the great state of Ohio, I have fond memories of high school football, walking around town late at night and not worrying about my safety, and sitting in an unconditioned church on Sunday morning reading Harry Potter inside my Bible cover.
You probably say pop instead of soda and have a lingo in your household that is totally exclusive to our region, and that's what makes us special. And whether or not you still live in the Midwest doesn't matter, because you'll always carry the Midwest with you wherever you go, including these 19 things about us that we all can relate to.
Cheetos Opens a Restaurant, Because We Already Crumble Them on Everything
In today's news, Cheetos fans 'round the globe are screaming with excitement, because Cheetos is opening a pop-up restaurant called The Spotted Cheetah in New York City. Chester teamed up with Chef Anne Burrell, the amazing Food Network star who has developed a crunch-tastic menu for the three-day event running Aug. 15-17. While remaining reservations are scarce, we can at least feast our eyes upon the entire menu (see below), which includes Cheetos grilled cheese, fried pickles, and sweet dessert crepes. The images we've seen so far of the Cheetos-topped dishes prove it is easy to be cheesy.
Dangerously Cheesy Starters
Cheetos Crusted Fried Pickles + Creamy Ranch
Cheetos Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup
Cheetos Meatballs
Purrfectly Fried Green Tomatoes
The Big Cheese
Flamin' Hot and White Cheddar Mac 'n' Cheetos
Cheetos Mix-Ups Crusted Chicken Milanese
Spicy Cheetos Nachos
Flamin' Hot Limón Chicken Tacos
Sweet Spot
Cheetos Sweetos Crusted Cheesecake
Cheetos Sweetos Sweet and Salty Cookies
White Cheddar Cheetos and Cheetos Sweetos Apple Crepes
38 Sexy Reasons We Miss Charlie Hunnam on Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy has been over for a good while, and we can't even tell you how much we still miss Jax Teller. Charlie Hunnam portrayed the SAMCRO member for seven seasons, and the character - spoiler alert! - is killed off in the series finale. Hunnam is ridiculously sexy in real life, and creator Kurt Sutter has gotten us all excited with a full-blown prequel on the way. Remember Jax with all these moments - especially the NSFW GIFs at the end. You're welcome.
38 Sexy Reasons We Miss Charlie Hunnam on Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy has been over for a good while, and we can't even tell you how much we still miss Jax Teller. Charlie Hunnam portrayed the SAMCRO member for seven seasons, and the character - spoiler alert! - is killed off in the series finale. Hunnam is ridiculously sexy in real life, and creator Kurt Sutter has gotten us all excited with a full-blown prequel on the way. Remember Jax with all these moments - especially the NSFW GIFs at the end. You're welcome.
Just Give Up Now - This Winifred Sanderson Costume Already Won Halloween
Why I love cosplay in one picture.
Posted by Manuel D'Andrea on Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Manuel D'Andrea is a professional costume designer who impeccably re-creates famous pop culture looks for his own Midnight Costumes. A longtime Hocus Pocus fan, the talented designer and cosplay enthusiast manage to finally complete a perfect replica of Winifred Sanderson's distinctive attire, hair, and makeup.
In addition to sharing a before-and-after transformation on Facebook, Manuel also shared a longer Instagram post about the making of the costume. In his caption, Manuel explained, "It all started in 2014 when, after seeing the movie Hocus Pocus for the first time, I fell in love with it." On Winifred specifically, he added, "The costume contains everything I love: it's historic, fantasy, spooky and sparkly."
Despite his enthusiasm, making the costume was a challenging process. "Certainly it was a huge challenge because Winnie not only has double of my age but is also a woman," Manuel said. "Today, after three years of fabrics, materials and techniques researches, I have completed one of the most demanding costumes I have ever made and I'm super excited to share the result with you!"
Manuel has since listed pictures of the costume on the Midnight Costumes Facebook page. Those interested in purchasing the re-creation can send the page a direct message to receive additional details and pricing information. To see the costume in motion, check out a video of Manuel absolutely nailing "I Put a Spell on You" at the 2017 CosplayGen Awards. Unsurprisingly, he won the award for best costume.
Winifred Sanderson Cosplay- I Put A Spell On YouMy Winifred Sanderson Cosplay on stage for the CosplayGen Awards 2017 where I won the "Best Costume" Prize.
Music:
"I Put A Spell On You" from the movie "Hocus Pocus"Video footage:
Rescue the PrincessEvent:
CosplayGEN Awards at JapAniManga NightPosted by Manuel D'Andrea on Sunday, June 18, 2017
Leave It to Angelina Jolie to Wear Summer's Most Practical Sandals
Whether it's a sleek gray bag or a pair of black boots, Angelina Jolie knows how to rock her neutrals. The actress stepped out with her son Knox wearing a simple gray sweater over a black dress. There was nothing too out of the ordinary about her look - but then we spotted her amazing sandals.
For the outing, Angelina wore a pair of beige, strappy sandals by K. Jacques. The leather shoes were not only stylish but practical for the Summer too. While they don't exactly turn heads, they've got a flat, comfortable fit and will match with any outfit you've got. Have a look at her full ensemble ahead, and shop the shoes if you're feeling inspired.
Michaels Is Officially Selling Halloween Supplies, So Get Crafting
Way before the spooky holiday, Michaels has officially begun stocking its stores with Halloween craft supplies. In late July, a Michaels shopper noticed a sudden influx of Halloween products in the seasonal aisle. The shopper then uploaded a picture of the aisle on Reddit, and other Halloween enthusiasts promptly freaked out.
In addition to gradually stocking its stores with the new products, Michaels has also updated its website with a variety of project ideas. Each project includes instructions, supplies, and the level of expertise recommended. Ahead, browse the many creative ways you can deck your house out for All Hallows' Eve.
Kat Von D's New Glimmer Veil Will "Make Your Lips Look Like a Giant Christmas Present"
In her own words (and our own observation - the woman is dropping all kinds of products these days), Kat Von D is "so f*cking busy." But, we're so glad she took the time to show off the nine Glimmer Veil ($22) swatches. Our eyes were so glued to these gorgeous hues that we barely noticed her chipped manicure ("Don't hate me for it!" she pleaded).
In the video, Kat Von D said that she was inspired to make a truly long-lasting metallic product that "makes your lips look like a giant Christmas present." The lazy girls (or perennial late) among us will love to hear that Glimmer Veil can be worn on its own. But, if you have some extra time, Kat Von D recommends layering it over matte lipstick "for an opaque glitter glimmer." She demonstrated both options in the video.
Read on to see for yourself, but be warned: you may have to take out a second mortgage, because you'll want to buy every gorgeous shade on Aug. 22. (And when you see how she perfectly layers Glimmer Veil over her Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks, you'll probably want to pick up a few of those, too!).
Here's a List of Businesses to Boycott - or Support - If You Oppose Trump
Donald Trump's controversial views have led several businesses to take a clear stance for or against him. If you're looking for a list of these businesses to help inform your consumer decisions, we're here to help.
Who's Against Trump?
From the moment he announced his presidential campaign, Donald Trump created enough controversy that some businesses cut ties with him. Macy's stopped selling Trump's line of menswear after he declared most Mexican immigrants were rapists and murderers, and stood by their decision even after the election. NBC also cut ties with him, canceling their broadcast of the Miss USA pageant, which Trump owned, and replacing him as the host of Celebrity Apprentice.
Designers like Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, and Sophie Theallet have also made clear their disapproval of the president by refusing to dress the future first lady, Melania Trump. Additionally, an large list of artists rejected invitations to perform at the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. The list includes Elton John, Garth Brooks, Gene Simmons, Andrea Bocelli, Charlotte Church, and Jennifer Holliday.
Who Supports Trump, and How?
Of course, some businesses have expressed their support of Trump. One recently publicized case was that of L.L.Bean, which Trump praised in a tweet before he took office, thanking Linda Bean, heiress to the company, for her support. He also urged his supporters to buy the brand's products. (As president, he is now prohibited from endorsing specific brands by the Office of Government Ethics.) The tweet was issued in response to a $30,000 donation Bean made in support of Trump, which was recently revealed to have exceeded the annual limit for individuals.
Thank you to Linda Bean of L.L.Bean for your great support and courage. People will support you even more now. Buy L.L.Bean. @LBPerfectMaine
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2017
An online group, Grab Your Wallet, has compiled a list of businesses that consumers who oppose Trump could consider boycotting. These businesses fall into two categories. The first includes companies who have not necessarily openly expressed support for Trump, but who continue to carry either his brand's products or those manufactured for his daughter Ivanka Trump's brand. This category includes large companies like Amazon, even though its CEO, Jeff Bezos, who also owns the Washington Post, has been harshly criticized, and even threatened, by Trump. Macy's, despite having stopped selling Trump's clothing line, is also on the list, because the retailer continues to sell Ivanka's products. Other big names currently on the list include Bed Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale's, Sears, Walmart, Saks Off Fifth, Winners, Kmart, and Lord & Taylor.
The second category includes companies who have supported Trump more directly, whether through public endorsements, donations, or advertising. For example, Steve Forbes, the chairman of Forbes Media, has publicly endorsed Trump, as have Hobby Lobby CEO David Green, Yuengling Beer owner Dick Yuengling Jr., and NASCAR CEO Brian France. Others have actively raised funds for or donated to the Trump campaign, such as New Balance chairman Jim Davis, who reportedly donated nearly $400,000, and of course, Linda Bean.
The website also points out companies who are advertisers on NBC's The New Celebrity Apprentice, of which Donald Trump remains executive producer. This category includes Tyra Banks's beauty line Tyra Beauty, the juice company Welch's, and Trident gum.
Finally, the website mentions a list of businesses for which a boycott case could be made, but which Grab Your Wallet has decided to exempt for various reasons. For example, PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel has actively supported Trump, but because Thiel is no longer involved with the company, PayPal is not on the boycott list. The Washington Post is also spared, despite being owned by Jeff Bezos (see above), because of the importance of maintaining free press and capable journalism under President Trump.
The Major Signs (by Age!) That Your Kid Is Becoming a Brat
Not only can Elaine Rose Glickman spot a bratty kid, but she also knows how to stop the bad behavior every step of the way. In her new book, Your Kid's a Brat and It's All Your Fault, the mother-turned-author breaks down the warning signs, by age, that parents should be aware of if they want to prevent their little ones from turning into full-blown brats. Whether you're concerned that you might be dealing with a budding brat or are pretty positive that you officially have a spoiled tween, check out Glickman's checklist and add her book to your reading list ASAP for insightful help with what to do - before it's too late.
10 Genius Hacks For Camping With Kids
It's sounds so idyllic, right? Traipsing through the wilderness with your little explorers, seeing their precious faces light up with wonder at the size of the redwood trees and delight over the magic of a perfectly roasted marshmallow. It's true - there are few better ways to encourage kids to appreciate the value of turning off the TV and the video games than offering them the chance to immerse themselves in nature on a camping trip. Camping with small children comes with its own set of challenges, though. It's not all starry-eyed wonder and "thanks so much for planning this trip, Mom!" It can be tiring, dirty, and uncomfortable sometimes. It doesn't have to be, though!
The following 10 hacks will help keep you sane and your kids happy on your next family camping trip, even if it's just pitching a tent in the backyard (hey, you gotta start somewhere!).
- Glow sticks! Buy a cheap pack of 100 and give every kid at the campsite a couple each night. Not only will you be their hero, but you'll be able to tell where your kid is in the dark. If you trust them not to break the glow sticks open, let them take them to bed as a personal "lightsaber lantern." It will be mostly dim by your bedtime, so everyone wins.
- RV rugs. I don't camp in an RV, but I do camp with an RV rug. It's basically a giant outdoor rug made out of woven plastic that folds up for easy transport. No one item will transform camping with kids as much as this bad boy. It will keep your crawler safer and cleaner, it will give your toddler a boundary to play within when necessary, it will lessen the amount of dirt tracked into your tent, and it will give you a small sense of home.
- Hard-boiled eggs. I know, it's a weird hack. The last morning of a camping trip is brutal, though, with everyone dirty and tired and ready to leave. My permanent last breakfast of every camping trip has become hard-boiled eggs and muffins. I hard boil the eggs and freeze the muffins at home, put it all in a single one gallon Ziploc bag in the cooler and have zero cooking and zero dishes while we pack up camp that last morning.
- Shoes over footy pajamas. I hate to break it to you, but your kids are going to wake up early - make that reality a little less painful for everyone by dressing them in cozy footy pajamas and packing shoes one size up (or Teva-type sandals) so you can ease into the morning without doing the full costume change.
- Premaking dinners at home is not cheating. Nearly any slow-cooker recipe can be easily reheated in a pot on your camp stove. Pulled pork, chili, risotto variations - you get it. Do the messy work in the comfort of your own kitchen (hello, dishwasher), Ziploc it, and reheat.
- Become a camp dermatologist. I have a first-aid kit that permanently lives with our camp stuff - and it's 75 percent skin stuff because camping is a contact sport. Besides the usual bug spray and SPF, I pack hydrocortisone cream, Lanacane or aloe, Bactine spray with individually wrapped gauze pads, Band-Aids and Polysporin, oral Benadryl, and unscented body lotion. Take that, sunburns and bug bites!
- Raid your own Goodwill pile. I have a friend who packs for camping trips directly from her "purge" bin, the clothes that are on their way to be donated to the thrift store. Sure, they may be a little bit too small or have a stain or hole somewhere, but this is exactly why she packs these clothes instead of the new stuff for camp trips. The best part? She typically throws most of the items away at the end of the camping trip, making her postcamp laundry task that much more manageable.
- Earplugs! For yourself, of course. If you're not used to sharing tight quarters with your whole family (and/or a gaggle of bullfrogs and crickets), campsite sleeping can feel . . . loud. Earplugs will help take the edge off, but being in tight quarters means you'll still hear the stuff that actually needs to be heard.
- Solar shower. Even if your campground has showers (and I really hope it does), having warm water easily on hand right in your own campsite can come in handy for a number of reasons. Fill up a solar shower bag from the nearest spigot in the morning and set the bag somewhere sunny like the roof of your car. Later in the day when feet need rinsing and babies need bathing and faces need washing, you're set.
- Put a clothespin on it. Whether things get wet on purpose (bathing suits, towels) or by accident (you thought your kids would leave you out of their water-gun fight?), you've packed a finite number of items, and some of them are bound to get wet. A camp clothesline can easily be strung between trees so you have plenty of room to let things dry, thus avoiding the dreaded camp mildew smell.
Have your own hacks for making camping with kids fun for the whole family? Leave a comment and let us know!
The Best Photos of the Spanish Royal Family This Year So Far
The Spanish royal family just never rests. After a busy 2016 for Queen Letizia, King Felipe VI, and their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, filled with travel and official events left and right, 2017 isn't giving any signs of being a slow year for the monarchs. Add to that Queen Sofía and King Juan Carlos I's busy schedules and there's always a Spanish royal somewhere posing for a snap. Look ahead to check out the best photos all those appearances have given us this year so far.
The Full Cast of Pitch Perfect 3
Pitch Perfect 3 is coming later this year, and we got a first look at footage earlier this week, reminding us about our favorite Bellas. We may only have a few details so far, but we do know much of the cast. Anna Kendrick is reprising her role as Beca, and she's not the only one who is set to return. Keep scrolling to see everyone who is signed on for the film (including the latest addition, DJ Khaled!), and check back as we update with more.
11 Things Your Uber and Lyft Drivers Wished You Knew - Before Getting in Their Cars
Just because you know how to open the app on your phone and request an Uber or Lyft doesn't mean that you're a pro - or even a well-liked passenger. Once you get out of the car, drivers talk, and there are many things that riders have in common: they make the same car-service "mistakes."
We chatted with 13 different Uber and Lyft drivers who, with the promise of anonymity, got real about the most annoying things passengers don't know and what they want riders to learn before requesting their next pickup. From simple assumptions to serious faux pas, find out what these strangers hope you know when you get in their personal cars - unless you want to be one of those riders.
1. Their cars aren't magical.
Four-passenger vehicles will only fit four people. Period.
2. Don't be a rude, and you'll get picked up faster.
If your rating falls below 4.5, many drivers will be hesitant to pick you up, and it will take longer for the app to match you.
3. Don't just look for their cars - be aware of where you're standing.
Especially in crowded cities or busy streets, don't wait in a ridiculous spot that makes it impossible (or dangerous!) for them to stop in get you. "I had a guy refuse to cross the street for me. We yelled back and fourth, and I let him know in no uncertain terms that I wouldn't be picking him up in a clearly marked BUS ONLY lane. He became more and more belligerent until I told him to hang on a second, got my phone out of the car, and had him watch me cancel and get the fee," a driver said.
4. You have until 30 days after a ride to give a tip so "forgetting" isn't an excuse.
"To tip your driver using the app, you must download the updates. I've learned that most passengers haven't updated so I remind them and share that that they have 30 days to tip. Guess what - I'm getting several tips days after complete rides."
5. All laws still apply - including car seats and open containers.
Their cars aren't a place to extend your pregame or get the party started, and little ones need their car seats at all times (and no, your lap doesn't count). "No parent is ignorant of car seat laws, I hate it when they argue about it."
6. They are driving you in their family car.
So please, just respect it!
7. Age really does matter.
"No one under 18 is allowed to use the service unless someone 18 or over is riding with them, so please don't allow your 12-year-old to have an Uber account."
8. The driver had to pay for everything, so don't be a jerk.
"Some passengers actually believe that Uber provides things for drivers like our phones or GPS, or that they pay for the gas or repairs," a driver said. "We own our cars and all expenses that come with it. All gas, maintenance, and repairs are all on the driver - Uber and Lyft pay absolutely nothing toward that."
9. Bad things happen when you get too comfortable.
"Sometimes they pass out, and you can't wake them up. We legally aren't allowed to touch them, so we have to call the police when people don't wake up."
10. You, and the person before you, has the power to change a driver's day.
"Be forewarned that there are a lot of very angry and cynical veteran drivers out there that have been burned by these companies and by passengers who behaved badly."
11. Only request an Uber Pool or Lyft Line when you're actually OK with sharing your ride.
Passengers not knowing what they're getting into before requesting shared rides is a big problem for drivers. "Many passengers don't understand how it works, and they get angry when you have to pick up another passenger or if the passenger picked up after them is dropped off first," a driver said. "Sometimes passenger don't respect other passengers and are loud or disrespectful. People end up getting mad at the drivers, and their ratings go down because of it."
The Lean Household: 5 Ways to Manage Your Finances Like a Successful Startup
Starting a business is not an easy task. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, sleepless nights, caffeine, patience, guts, perseverance, and did I mention sleepless nights? Despite that, the reward of your business becoming successful is well worth all the blood, sweat, and tears that you had to put in - especially if your business serves a social mission. Aside from all of the sweat equity that has to go into a new startup, one of the key ingredients to success is staying lean.
"What is a lean startup?" you may ask. It is a scientific methodology of running a business that builds a product or service that meets the needs of customers in such a way that the business doesn't require a large amount of money to be successful. If we use this same methodology to run our household finances, then our odds of success increase exponentially. The following are five ways to manage your finances like a successful startup.
1. Rely on the Numbers
Running a lean startup goes beyond the opinion of what you think works or theories of what could work and instead relies on evidence. You test your product or service in small capacities, and you observe how it is received by the outside world. This allows you to know in real time what works and what doesn't. Once you have proven your concept, you can now begin to scale your business. As it relates to your household finances, it is important to rely on the numbers instead of opinions and theories. Instead of guessing about where your money is going, where it is being spent, etc., use a budget worksheet to know exactly where your money is being allocated. Once you observe and identify your spending, you can begin to scale your finances to focus on items that matter most.
2. Fail as Fast as Possible
Failure isn't failure when you fail, instead it becomes failure when you give up. Using the lean startup methodology, the sooner you can figure out (at a small scale) what doesn't work in your business, the better off you'll be. This allows you to weed out all of the possible losing scenarios until you are left with the winner. This can translate into your personal finances because as a household you may be dealing with multiple money personalities or old money messages that no longer serve you. As you fail as fast as possible, you will realize what parts of your money management techniques you have to tweak or get rid of. The faster you can make that happen, the sooner you can begin to enjoy your financial freedom.
3. Make It a Team Effort
The lean startup approach is never just about the executives in the C-suite. Instead, it involves everyone including the janitor and the mailperson. When all of your employees are invested in the success of the company, then everyone will do their part to achieve the goals that are set forth. There is never an attitude of "this is not my job" because everyone understands the cliché that says, "It takes teamwork to make the dream work." When you transfer this attitude into your household finances, it allows you to manage your money successfully because you are involving everyone who can potentially play a role. Whether it's your significant other, family, or friends, involving them in your financial goals will help steer them away from distracting you in a different direction.
4. Hire Slow, Train Fast
In the book From Good to Great, Jim Collins talks about getting the right people into the right seats on the bus, which means you must make sure that you have the right employees in the right positions in order for your business to get to the next level. This is also true when running a lean startup. Instead of hiring outside help, a lean startup will access its current talent pool and figure out who it can cross-train for any necessary vacant positions. This can be applied to your finances by making sure that before you hire help and dish out any money, you see if what needs to be done can be done in-house or learned by someone. More tangible examples are dry cleaning vs. laundry and eating out vs. cooking. Both former examples produce added costs, while the latter can be accomplished at a fraction of the cost. Adopting this mentality can truly decrease discretionary spending, which can leave more cash for savings or retirement.
5. Communicate Often
Lastly, communication can be extremely helpful as you run your household finances like a successful startup. In any successful business, there are often quarterly, monthly, weekly, and even daily meetings to ensure that everyone stays on the same page. It isn't possible for a startup to run efficiently and lean if some people are going right and others are going left. Everyone should be marching to the same beat. This also rings true when it comes to your personal finances. Are you married and practicing financial monogamy? Do you have children? What about a boyfriend or girlfriend? Or a roommate? No matter what your situation is, communicating on a consistent basis with anyone who is involved with the finances is imperative. Having a weekly or monthly budget meeting is ideal, but in the same breath, everyone should be on the same page around financial goals and aspirations. Once you move as one, you can begin to financially win as one. As I said earlier - teamwork makes the dream work!
Luvleen Sidhu is the president, cofounder, and chief strategy officer at BankMobile, the largest and fastest growing digital bank in the country helping the underbanked, millennials, and middle-income Americans have an affordable, effortless, and financially empowering banking experience.
17 Greyhound Bus Driver Employee Secrets to Read Before Riding
Do Greyhound drivers really see a "black dog" run across the road when they're tired? What are the prettiest routes in North America to take by bus? And what strange things do they see on the job? A former Greyhound bus employee did an IamA on Reddit, and they did not hold back on spilling all the secrets about what it was like to work as a driver. Read on to find out some behind-the-scenes juice about the job.
1. Tell me about this "black dog." Is it some urban tale?
"There's a movie with Patrick Swayze, Meat Loaf, Randy Travis, and Gabriel Casseus where Patrick Swayze is a truck driver. He talks about the black dog you see after you've been on the road for too long and start getting too tired. It'll come out of nowhere in the middle of the night and dart out at you, and you'll think it's real and try to avoid it. I thought it was just some made up movie plot till the first time I saw it when I was really tired on an overnight. Not necessarily a dog, but any hallucination of something darting out in front of the bus. Happened quite a few times, very scary."
2. What's that one story you always tell?
"Pick your poison. There's my last night of training driving blind through a blizzard (16 inches of snow, zero visibility) all night long on an interstate that was shut down at 25 mph for 10 hours. Had an inch of ice frozen onto some parts of the windshield . . .
There was another time at Greyhound where I was doing NYC to Springfield, MA the day the tornadoes hit there. Passenger asked me as we left New Britain, CT, what do we do if one hits. I said, park the bus under a bridge and hope for the best. Then as I got ready to leave Hartford, after clearing with central dispatcher in Dallas that it was OK to proceed, the passengers all freaked out that it had just hit downtown Springfield. I called Springfield directly, and they said stay put. Finally 30 minutes later, I got the all clear. Downtown was a mess, but we thought it was over. I offload and go into the drivers room and hear over the TV 'we now have a confirmed touchdown on the Massachusetts Turnpike.' I walked up to the dispatch booth and said, load me up I'm getting the fuck outta here now!"
3. Why do you think Greyhound kind of has a bad reputation?
"The clientele. Even in training they tell us we'll be driving the nations bail jumpers, fleeing felons, ex cons, pimps, and prostitutes. In my experience though, most of my passengers were pleasant and just wanted to get from A to B. A lot of the stations are a hub of homelessness, beggars, and especially in NYC, the mentally ill. The ones Greyhound owns though largely employ some sort of security that keeps it restricted to ticketed passengers and those waiting for them (Philly for example) . . . between riding and driving, I've never had an issue that was truly concerning.
The bad rep also comes from the way they operate. Just because you have a ticket with a specific time and specific date, it doesn't mean you're guaranteed a seat on that bus. They just keep selling tickets regardless of how many seats are available . . . If there aren't enough seats, you gotta wait for the next one, which can be several hours.
You also hear of drivers getting lost a lot. That's because they give us these paper directions that are often wrong or haven't been updated since god knows when . . . Even when they are right, we're trying to drive the bus, read the directions, and watch for the street sign signs . . . It's honestly a miracle getting lost doesn't happen more often."
4. Are you not allowed to bring a smartphone?
"The problem is that the mapping software on them will often send you ways that buses aren't allowed to go (look up any video of an 18-wheeler on the Northern State Parkway on Long Island and see what happens) and also that Greyhound has their own in-house company-prescribed routing they want you to take. If you get into an accident off-route, it's instant termination. They also follow you on GPS and sometimes by car and will call you if you're off-route (even though we aren't supposed to talk on the phone while driving)."
5. What's the nastiest thing that's happened in your bus?
"Toward the end of my training, probably the fifth week or so, I was doing a schedule from NYC to Harrisburg, PA. Before we even got to Easton, PA, some guy threw up the entire big gulp of Kool-Aid he was drinking when he boarded all over the second row."
6. What made you want to become a Greyhound driver, convenience or you wanted to travel?
"I had always been fascinated with the road and big trucks. All throughout college, I knew I was gonna at least try out some sort of job where I could just have the road and my music, a sort of place of peace for me. After I graduated, a financial situation came up that was ultimately what pushed me into filling out the application. I got the job and fell in love with the daily adventure and how soothing the combination of the highway and my music really was for me."
7. Why are buses kept so unreasonably cold? Low heat in Winter and very high air-conditioning in the Summer.
"For me, it was to stay awake on the overnight runs. Also, the windshield reflects the sun like crazy, so I always gotta crank the AC to compensate during the day."
8. Ever fall asleep while driving?
"It's something that most of us would never admit, but yes, unfortunately, and I'm sorry for all the lives I put in danger when it happened. I'd say legit eyes closed asleep happened twice, maybe three times. But that eyes-wide-open sleep, where you're there but not there, is what happens most. It took me seven overnight runs to Montreal to be able to really handle the long night driving. Now I'm good, and I know when I can push on, when I know it's time to call it quits."
9. When broken down in an area with no cell reception, do you usually have some sort of radio coverage or a book with local frequencies or are you stuck using CB?
"No CBs on Greyhound buses, no radios either. No cell service means walk to the nearest highway emergency phone. I was getting ready to walk it once on I-87 in the Adirondacks but the northbound bus showed up and pulled over and we shouted across the highway at each other troubleshooting ideas."
10. What are some of the prettiest routes you've taken?
"Daytime NYC to Montreal during Spring thaw, no debate. It's the run that made me fall in love with driving."
11. When you get to your destination, do you get to just hang out in that city for a while or do you get right back on the bus and go on your next drive?
"It all depends; no two days are ever the same unless you have enough seniority to bid a regular run. Sometimes it's load up right away to either go back or to somewhere else; some days you have to wait around for a few hours to find out what you're doing next; some days you know what you're doing next and have some free time to kill and can walk around cuz you don't need to be at the yard or terminal for them to tell you what you're doing next; some days they put you to bed and you can kinda enjoy an hour or two out waking around; and sometimes they leave you up there for days and kinda forget you exist.
It also depends on the city. Philly, Harrisburg, Montreal, you're right there in the heart of town, so it's easy to go walking around . . . If they put us to bed in Atlantic City, it was a mile to the nearest bar (and believe me, we'd walk it!) . . . Montreal was the place I consistently got the most free time to really enjoy the area."
12. What do you mean by put you to bed?
"Going to bed means going to either the hotel or the dorm to get a minimum of nine hours off duty before they call you back in. Sometimes they call you exactly nine hours from when you pulled in, sometimes you'll be sitting there for days.
That's when it really sucks because you'll go to sleep, wake up and stay up all day, then finally when you're nice and tired and ready to go back to sleep, they're like, hey come in and do this eight-hour overnight run. You can look at the board for that city online and try to guess when they're going to call you, but oftentimes something comes up that messes up what time you think they're gonna call you. Oftentimes I'd keep myself cooped up in the hotel room trying to match my sleep to what I was reading on the board so I'd be ready to work a 15-hour day, but you can only force yourself to sleep so much. That's when the job starts getting depressing and messing with your head."
13. So they only require you to be off duty for nine hours between shifts? They don't require that you get some sleep in that time? Doesn't sound very safe.
"Yup. When in the hotel or dorm, it's nine hours + one hour to report . . . they can only mandate you be off duty, they can't mandate that you sleep during that time off. They urge you to sleep, but we've all got things that need to get done, sometimes during our time off. And then, yeah, the varying schedule means your body's internal clock is all f*cked up . . . There's a reason most of Greyhounds' severe accidents are fatigue-related. You can of course always call out sick or fatigued, and they'll book you off for another 12 hours or so, but you can only do it so much before it starts causing problems with management."
14. Any fun/good tips you would give to travelers that might not be thought of right away?
"Just keep your eyes on your stuff at all time. The Austin terminal is one of the sketchier ones I've been to. If you see the guy with one hand about twice the size of the other who will offer to do a one-handed handstand for some vodka, walk away, fast. Also, it's way different from flying. A bit more lax, but with a more sketch vibe."
15. How was the pay?
"When I started it was 16 and change an hour for driving with passengers, and by the time I left seven months later, I was at $18.64/hr. But they pay you less for other things, like deadheading (driving an empty bus to another city), cushioning (riding a bus to another city where they need drivers), and sitting on protection (sitting around at a terminal, waiting to be told what to do). There's also layover and meals, which kicked in after I think 16 hours laying over at a foreign city and then again I think at 24 hours. The problem was oftentimes they liked to "forget" to put those things in your check, and so in your limited time off, you gotta spend time filing pay claims. In total, I'd say they owe me about $3,000 in unpaid stuff that added up in seven months. The hourly pay was also part of why I left."
16. As a city bus driver, I warn people that this job sucks your social life to a minimum. Did you have to deal with family issues while at GH?
"I went to Greyhound the month after graduating college, so I was single with no kids, but they tell you in the interview that the job destroys families. I don't know how people do it unless they just flat out hate their family."
17. What's the strangest thing you've ever seen on your travels?
"Aside from the multiple times I thought I saw something dart out in front of the bus . . . I watched what looked like an 18-wheeler approaching in my mirror very fast. It was a blizzard, dead of the night, up in the Adirondacks. I kept watching him because I thought he was gonna rear end me. The headlights got closer and closer and all of a sudden they were gone. There had been no exit ramp or anything. I don't know if he went into the ditch or what. I never found out."
The 1-Step Hack That Makes an Ikea Cabinet Unrecognizable
Interior designer Victoria Solomon of Victoria Elizabeth Design had a mission: to add a media cabinet to her small NYC apartment that would add extra storage while hiding the ugly wires under her TV. In her dreams, she envisioned a 140-inch built-in-looking piece of furniture that could hold its own on the long 180-inch wall - but in reality, nothing like this existed. So what did the clever designer do? She turned to Ikea and hacked her way to the expensive-looking custom console of her dreams!
Victoria realized that three Ikea Besta shelf units, when lined up, totaled about 140 inches. So, she purchased three Besta ($100) shelf units with high-gloss white doors and gave them an undeniably glamorous (and ridiculously simple) makeover by adding agate pulls ($49 per pair).
Want to re-create the look at home? Read on for Victoria's expert tips!
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