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.
vendredi 18 août 2017
How to Get Sexy, Cellulite-Free Legs This Summer - According to Top Derms
Image Source: Popsugar Photography / Sheila Gim
On the first warm-weather day of Spring, I went to work in a sundress for the first time since last year. As I sat at my desk, I looked down at my previously pants-covered legs and was horrified. They looked like they were covered in dust, were paler than any other part of my body, and somehow had become uneven and splotchy. Winter had done quite a number on my normally smooth, carefully buffed and bronzed legs.
If you recently had a similar experience, don't freak out. I turned to dermatologists Dr. Dendy Engleman and Dr. Heidi Waldorf, director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. to find out how to treat some common skin issues, like cellulite and varicose veins. You and I won't have to wear jeans in 85 degree weather to hide the damage cold weather did to our stems.
Keratosis Pilaris
You know those raised bumps you see on the back of your arms, legs, and sometimes even your butt? That isn't acne but actually keratosis pilaris (KP), sometimes referred to as chicken skin. The bumps are caused by a buildup of keratin in hair follicles, causing rough plugs.
According to Dr. Engleman, treating these harmless but unsightly bumps isn't difficult. "The most important concept of controlling KP is moisturizing the skin," Engleman explains. She also expressed that products containing chemical exfoliants can also help the problem. "My favorite products involve ingredients that can break up that excess keratin buildup such as alpha hydroxy acids, like lactic acid and glycolic acid, and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid."
If the problem persists, Dr. Engleman suggests trying retinoids, which are vitamin-A-derived and promote cell turnover. "Retinoids can gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells if hydroxy acids don't give a noticeable improvement."
Dry, Scaly Skin
If you've noticed an uneven, scaly texture on your legs, it means the skin cells aren't falling off like they're supposed to. This can happen during cold weather or after using products with drying or irritating ingredients. Dr. Waldorf suggests exclusively using gentle products to prevent this. "The best way to prevent and treat scaly skin is to use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin, like Dove Body Wash ($6), followed by a moisturizer like Eucerin Smoothing Repair Lotion ($9)."
Discoloration
Sometimes a dark mark can be left behind on our skin from a cut or bug bite, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. After your skin is red, itchy, or swollen, the skin can heal and look brown afterward. Unfortunately, dark marks on our legs fade slower than on our face and can last months.
Although you can use laser treatments to get rid of them, Dr. Waldorf suggests waiting until the Fall or Winter for these treatments. Instead, there's an easier route for even skin tone: "In the meantime, moisturize, [and] use alpha hydroxy acid and acid moisturizers to improve the pigment. [You can also] cover the spots with leg makeup or self tanner."
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are dilated blood vessels caused by increased pressure on the veins. The causes of the pressure can range from standing for too long to pregnancy or even obesity. Dr. Engleman explains that there are two procedures available to get rid of these veins depending on the severity. "Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment and it involves injecting a solution into the vein that forces it to collapse, which stops blood flow. The vein will turn into a scar and fade after a few weeks."
If you have smaller spider veins, Dr. Engleman suggests laser treatment because these veins are harder to inject.
Image Source: Popsugar Photography / Benjamin Stone
Cellulite
Cellulite happens when pockets of fat beneath the skin become squashed against tissue and create a dimpled appearance. Almost everyone has some amount of it, and according to Dr. Waldorf, it isn't connected to being overweight. If you'd like to reduce the appearance of cellulite, however, there are a few procedures and methods to remedy the appearance.
Injections
Dr. Waldorf suggest a filler such as Sculptra or Radiesse in conjunction with a procedure like ulthera. "[The filler]s stimulate improvement and filling of the dimples [while] ulthera tightens tissue.
Dry Brushing and Exfoliation
If injections sound too extreme, Dr. Engleman suggests trying to exfoliate the area. "Exfoliation helps to smooth the appearance [of cellulite] by increasing blood flow to the area and reducing inflammation." One method the doctor suggests is dry brushing.
Ingrown Hairs
More frequent hair removal during the Summer months leads to a lot of painful, red ingrown hairs. Dr. Engelman has some suggestions for those more prone to razor bumps and irritation. "You may want to exfoliate the area to ensure that the hair can come cleanly out. Also, try shaving the way your hair grows. Shaving against hair growth gives you a closer shave but the blunt-tipped end of hairs can grow back into the skin rather than up and out."
If those tips don't help, it may be time to try depilatory creams, laser hair removal, or electrolysis.
If you already have razor burn or ingrown hairs, Dr. Waldorf has a solution. "If you have redness or irritation, rub in an over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream," the doctor explains.
Bruises
Some of us bruise like a peach. The black-and-blue marks that are a result of our clumsy behavior are a result of pooled blood under the skin due to trauma that causes blood vessels to burst. Dr. Engelman suggests a few oils that can improve the appearance. "If you're prone to bruising, topical arnica or helichrysum oil can help with the swelling and bruising by aiding the reabsorption of the blood."
What Happened After a Stranger Snapped This Family's Photo Will Give You Chills
After an incredible encounter with complete strangers, Joyce Rhinehart decided to share her story - and it still sends chills straight through her.
After her grandson's tennis lesson, Joyce took her grandson to Rita's Italian Ice for a treat. As they were about to leave, she noticed a sweet family all enjoying ice cream together and she stopped. "Something urged me to ask them if I could take their picture, which they did not hesitate to agree," she shared on Facebook. "I took this picture and then handed my phone to the young daughter and told her to go ahead and text the picture to their cell phone."
On their way home, Joyce explained to her grandson that this isn't the first time she's offered to capture a sweet family moment for complete strangers so that they can have a special memory. Days later, she looked at her phone and noticed a text message from an unsaved number:
Dear madam, you took our picture in front of Rita's on June 8th. My wife has passed away yesterday and this is the last picture we have together as a family. Please accept my deepest gratitude for your kindness, it means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Joyce continued texting the father and learned that his wife had been sick for the past year. "Never underestimate a simple act of random kindness," she wrote. "My heart is heavy for this sweet family that I don't even know and the tremendous gift that was left to them because I listened to my gut that day. I'm in awe!"
10 Morning Muffin Recipes Kids Will Love
If your mornings are anything like ours, they probably involve lots of chaos and a mad breakfast dash. But make one of the following morning muffins in advance, and you can be assured your kids won't go to school hungry. From a muffin that tastes just like monkey bread to healthier versions loaded with berries and even some savory ingredients, these muffins make for a great grab-and-go breakfast, so easy your kids can even eat them in the car!
The Way Prince Charles and Camilla Met Was Pretty Common - With a Twist
Image Source: Getty / Karwai Tang
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles's highly publicized, scandal-filled relationship began how most do: at a party. In 1971, Charles and Camilla, then Camilla Shand, were introduced at a mutual friend's event by none other than Charles's college girlfriend, Lucia Santa Cruz. Lucia, the daughter of the former Chilean ambassador to London, was said to have carried on a brief but passionate romance with Charles while he was studying at Cambridge University years earlier and insisted that she had "just the girl" for the prince before hooking him up with Camilla.
While chatting at the party, they soon discovered a shared love of polo and being outdoors, and Camilla reportedly made a joke about her great-grandmother Alice Keppel having had an affair with King Edward VIII, telling Charles, "My great-grandmother was the mistress of your great-great-grandfather. I feel we have something in common." The two began dating almost immediately, meeting at polo matches at Windsor Great Park, where Charles often played - but the two split right before the prince left for the Royal Navy. When he got back eight months later, Camilla was engaged to Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles.
Image Source: Getty / Hulton Deutsch
Camilla and Andrew tied the knot in 1973, and though the two stayed close, Charles began a relationship with 18-year-old Diana Spencer in 1980 (after dating her sister first, of course). He popped the question after only 12 dates, and even though the two were married in 1981, Diana had suspicions that Charles and Camilla had rekindled their romance behind her back - and the fact that Camilla was in attendance at their wedding didn't exactly quell those fears. And to celebrate the nuptials, Charles decided to buy gifts for a dozen of his close friends, including Camilla; he bought her "a gold bracelet personalized with a blue enamel disk engraved with the initials 'GF.' The monogram stood for 'Girl Friday,'" Charles's nickname for her.
By 1986, Charles and Camilla's affair had hit a fever pitch, and in 1989, Diana famously confronted her husband's mistress at a 40th birthday party for Camilla's sister, of all places. Despite her brazen attempts at getting Camilla to back off, Diana and Charles's marriage continued to falter - and by 1992, they had officially separated. In a televised BBC interview three years later Diana made the infamous statement, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." Shortly after, Queen Elizabeth II ordered Charles and Diana's divorce, and what was done was done. Diana tragically passed away in August 1997, and Charles and Camilla quietly continued their romance. The queen believed they should go public, so they formalized their relationship by attending Camilla's sister's 50th birthday party together in 1999. Elizabeth gave Charles and Camilla permission to marry in 2005, and during a speech at their wedding reception said, "My son is home and dry with the woman he loves."
Which Stark Will Be the Next to Die?
Game of Thrones has always been hard on the Stark family. Between Ned's beheading in season one and poor Rickon's death by arrows in season six, the Starks surely wish they had never left Winterfell in the first place. After losing Ned, Robb, Catelyn, Talisa, Rickon, and technically Benjen (he's probably not coming back from his current semi-undead state), the family is down to just four members: Jon, Sansa, Arya, and Bran. At the moment, the remaining four have reclaimed Winterfell and the North, but they're also facing down a long Winter and a dash of infighting thanks to the combative Stark sisters. The big question is, will the Stark kids survive the coming war? It would be nice to assume they'll all make it to the end, but Game of Thrones is nothing less than ruthless when it comes to killing the characters we love.
With that reality in mind, it's best to be prepared for the worst, so we have ranked the remaining Starks from least to most likely to die before the series ends. Read on to discover which character is unlikely to live to see Spring.
This Bride Wore So Many Dresses at Her Indian-American Wedding, It's Hard to Keep Track
When your buddies NAS and Jay Sean perform at your wedding, you know you can expect a good playlist. But stylish party outfits? Well, that was up to the bride, Hayley Murthy, to master. Hayley and Dee held a gorgeous ceremony at Bacara Resort & Spa, gathering all their friends for the occasion. But that was after the pair headed to India for their engagement party, where Hayley slipped into a beautiful blue embroidered gown. Later, she celebrated her bachelorette in a white monogrammed swimsuit, and finally, it was time for her to pull out the rest of her bridal looks.
Hayley walked down the aisle in a voluminous Monique Lhuillier gown that would make any girl weak at the knees, but she brought along plenty of minidresses too, along with one asymmetrical long-sleeved sheath perfect for a formal rehearsal dinner. Right before the final reception, Hayley joined the groom's family for Hindu traditions where bundles of flowers were thrown over her sparkling Sabyasachi Couture creation. Read on to feast your eyes over every ensemble she wore during the memorable weekend.
7 Questions That Will Knock the Socks Off Your Interviewer
"Do you have any questions for me?" is the inevitable question you'll hear at the end of any interview. You should always ask the interviewer questions at that point to show that you are truly interested in the job. Asking the right questions can impress the interviewer - it can make you look thoughtful and enthusiastic. And don't forget that interviewing is also a two-way street: it's your chance to find out if the company is the right fit for you.
1. Can You Tell Me About Your Experience at the Company?
This is a great question, as people love talking about themselves, which will make your hiring manager think more positively of your conversation. In fact, brain scans actually show that talking about yourself activate the parts of the brain related to the pleasure you get from things like food and sex. In short, giving your interviewer a chance to talk about themselves will make them happy. At the same time, her answer will clue you into what it's like to work at the company and how your career progression may look at the firm. Other variations of this question include, "What do you like most about working here?" or "What has kept you at the company for so long?
RELATED: 10 Ways You're Sabotaging Your Job Hunt
2. Why Is This Position Available?
Perhaps this position has been newly created or the person who had the job left for another company or another position within the same firm. This will help you figure out your expectations for the job. If the employee who held this position moved onto another position in the same firm, this shows that mobility and growth is possible within the company. If the person left, it could be that the position didn't offer the growth she was looking for or she got a better offer elsewhere.
If the position has just been created, you may be hitting the ground running once you start. This means you may have less guidance with this role, as it could be a position the company is unfamiliar with.
3. What Are Some Challenges the Team Is Facing, and How Do You Hope the New Hire Will Help in Those Obstacles?
This question shows that you're serious about doing what it takes to succeed if you get hired, and the interviewer's answer will help you get a better idea of what to expect at this role. This will also help give you a sense of current situation of the team and the company to see if your skills and experience match what they are looking for.
RELATED: 5 Rules For Following Up After an Interview
4. Other Than Learning the Ropes, What Should Be My Top Focus For the First Few Months?
With this question, you're not just asking the interviewer what they are looking for in a candidate - that's obvious from the job listing. You are getting to the specifics and finding out what they are hoping the new hire will accomplish at the start of the job. This shows your enthusiasm for doing a good job, and the answer will help you figure out if the company is a right fit for you.
If you get an offer and decide to take it, the interviewer's response will also help you come up with a game plan for the first few months that will impress your new employer.
5. How Would You Describe the Company Culture?
This is a good question because it not only shows your interest in fitting in, but you can also figure out if you'll be happy in the working environment.
RELATED: 10 Essential Steps to Take Before the Interview
6. From What I've Read, You Are Working on a New Venture X or Putting More Focus on Y. [Insert Specific Question About X or Y.]
This shows that you're paying attention and are interested in getting started. You will also learn more about the company and figure out if the direction that it's taking is in line with what you are looking for. And if you can't find information about the company, you should ask questions about projects it's are working on and goals it hopes to achieve this year.
7. [Insert Your Own Unique Question.]
Don't just repeat the questions you find on this list or others you find online. Come up with your own question based off the answers from your interviewer. This shows that you are paying attention and quick on picking up details - both great traits for an employee. Coming up with questions that are tailored to your conversation with the interviewer requires a lot of active listening, which you should be doing throughout the interview.
RELATED: Here's How to Craft an Email to Catch a Google Recruiter's Eye
And finally, don't forget to ask your interviewer what the next steps are, or you may be left hanging. Of course, if your interviewer doesn't give you a clear answer, you may be able to get more details after you send your thank-you email.
Need more help on your job search? Find out how to answer these 15 common interview questions.
Which Stark Will Be the Next to Die?
Game of Thrones has always been hard on the Stark family. Between Ned's beheading in season one and poor Rickon's death by arrows in season six, the Starks surely wish they had never left Winterfell in the first place. After losing Ned, Robb, Catelyn, Talisa, Rickon, and technically Benjen (he's probably not coming back from his current semi-undead state), the family is down to just four members: Jon, Sansa, Arya, and Bran. At the moment, the remaining four have reclaimed Winterfell and the North, but they're also facing down a long Winter and a dash of infighting thanks to the combative Stark sisters. The big question is, will the Stark kids survive the coming war? It would be nice to assume they'll all make it to the end, but Game of Thrones is nothing less than ruthless when it comes to killing the characters we love.
With that reality in mind, it's best to be prepared for the worst, so we have ranked the remaining Starks from least to most likely to die before the series ends. Read on to discover which character is unlikely to live to see Spring.
Arya and Bran's Innocent Hug on Game of Thrones Might Have Devastating Implications
Over the course of a just a handful of season seven episodes, Bran Stark has officially become Westeros's biggest weirdo. OK, OK - being omniscient (or something close to it) probably takes a toll on the psyche, but what's the deal, man? Well, if the theory Redditor riffy61 recently posited ends up coming true, then Bran has way more than the Night's King and Westeros's impending doom on his mind; he's dealing with the potential death of one of his sisters.
Let's back up: in the season's fourth episode, "The Spoils of War," Arya makes her grand return to Winterfell and has a happy reunion with both of her siblings, Bran and Sansa. When she hugs Bran out by the Weirwood tree, their embrace is still a little cold thanks to Bran's new, stilted demeanor, but it's markedly more human than the hug he and Sansa share in the previous episode. When Sansa hugs him, Bran sits completely still, staring into space; when Arya hugs him, he puts a protective hand on her back while staring over her shoulder directly at Sansa. It's after this staredown that Bran gifts Arya with the Valyrian steel dagger that Littlefinger hands over earlier that day.
While many people believe Bran's choice to give Arya the dagger means that she's going to have to fight a White Walker at some point soon - since Bran can probably see the future and Valyrian steel is one of the few things that can kill the sentient popsicles, it stands to reason he'd want to appropriately arm his sibling for what's to come - riffy61's Reddit theory suggests the threat to Arya is actually much closer than we all think ("The call is coming from inside the castle," if you will):
"When Bran reunites with Sansa at Winterfell (S7 EP3) he very clearly does not embrace her back when she is hugging him (we see a view that shows his hands remain by his side). In fact, while Sansa hugs him he stares blankly beyond her (which yes, I recognize is kind of his thing to do now). However, when he reunites (S7 EP4) with Arya he does hug her back (a view is shown with his arm around her), and while his face is still blank-ish, there definitely appears to be a hint of concern as he stares over Arya's shoulder at Sansa (who looks down). Bran knows that something is not right with Sansa and that she will likely do something that hurts her family. He made a point of arming Arya with that dagger, which he can see she will have to use for some reason not yet known to us. Will she have to kill Sansa?? Only Bran knows for now."
Sansa has only just reunited with her long-lost siblings - will she really double-cross one of them to the point where Arya thinks she has to kill her? As crazy as the thought might seem, the season's fifth episode definitely has a few key scenes that would support this theory.
First of all, there's the moment in Ned and Catelyn's former bedroom at Winterfell where Arya confronts what she believes to be Sansa's shady politics (some Northern lords talk sh*t about Jon Snow behind his back to Sansa earlier in the episode, and she doesn't defend him). Sansa coolly brushes her little sister's complaints to the side, telling her that they need to "work together" rather than "cutting off heads" (which . . . fair). Second of all, there are the seeds of discontent Littlefinger plants in Arya's head by leading her to a letter Sansa wrote to Robb under duress in a previous season. Will that turn the tides on how Arya feels about her big sister and lead to drastic action?
Sadly, it looks like Bran isn't going to just come out and say which scenario he's seen (damn you, Three-Eyed Raven), so, as always, we'll just have to wait and see. Unless, of course, you're on board with that whole Game of Thrones leak . . .
(h/t Esquire)
Waiting For My Son's Ball to Drop
This article written by Paul Underwood was originally featured on one of our favorite sites: Fatherly.
It's a ritual as old as childbirth itself: The accounting for all your child's body parts. Let's see… two eyes, good. … Ten fingers, check… Ten toes, great …
Often overlooked on male spawn are balls. There should be two of them. But this might grab your attention: 3 percent of full-term boys (and 30 percent of premature boys) are born with an undescended testicle. (An even tinier percentage is born with two undescended testicles.) One such boy is my son, who's three months old and counting, and still missing a ball. What follows is what I've learned about his condition, and what you should know if you find yourself in the same situation.
First, a quick refresh: Your testicles are formed in your abdomen while you're still in the womb. Not long before you're born, they make like a surprise-release Jay-Z album, and just … drop. Nature is magical that way.
But for boys with a "missing" testicle, the testicle gets stuck somewhere between formation and descent. The technical term is cryptorchidism, pronounced with an emphasis on the orch, so that it sounds both gothic ("crypt") and floral ("orchid," which it turns out comes from the Greek for testicle). There's no known reason why, but rest assured, it's not believed to be something you or your partner did or didn't do.
Most often, the testicle is in the groin area somewhere, and the doctor can actually feel it through the skin, which is kind of crazy. (I can assure you that it's not like the BB stuck between Ben Stiller's knuckles in The Royal Tenenbaums, as amusing as that might sound.) For those boys - 70 percent, it turns out - the testicle often drops on its own after a few days, weeks, or months.
But for boys like my son, it takes longer. When I took him in for his first series of checkups, I casually asked what would happen if the ball doesn't drop. Thinking the answer would be something like "Oh, it will eventually" or "Eh, don't worry about it," I instead heard the word no parent wants to hear: surgery.
Was that really necessary? I wondered. I mean, as much as I cherish having two full-grown balls of my own, I also understand that, medically speaking, you really only need one. (Think of it as God's riff on the old heir and a spare mentality.) Also, no dad wants to put his infant kid through surgery, let alone one in such a delicate, sensitive area.
Yes, I was told. Why? Simply put, an undescended testicle would put my son at a greater risk of both testicular cancer and infertility. It's also uncomfortable, having a ball in the wrong place. Even if he undergoes surgery, my son will have a very slightly elevated risk of testicular cancer. So if you find yourself in the same situation, you'll want to make sure he understands how to do a self-exam down the line.
The moment of truth comes at six months. If his testicle has not yet entered stage right (or left, in my son's case), we'll begin the process of scheduling the surgery (called orchiopexy). Now, we could put it off a few months or even years. But Dr. Richard Yu, pediatric urology specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, recommends doing it as soon as possible. "Little guys recover better," he says. "They require very little pain medication. And chances are they won't remember the procedure." But, do I really want my son's earliest memory to be ball surgery?
Orchiopexy takes about an hour and doesn't require a hospital stay. The procedure involves making an incision in the groin (for finding and moving the testicle) and a counter-incision in the scrotum (for making sure the testicle stays in place once it's there). It's a low-risk surgery, aside from the concerns that come with any surgery (blood loss, infection) and, of course, the risk of having anything come in close contact with the ever-sensitive male testicle. My son likely won't have noticeable scars, as the incisions will be made in skin folds in the groin and on the scrotum. As for recovery, you can always count on a boy's exuberance. "Most kids, if you do it between 6 and 18 months of age, are a little fussy," Yu says. "But by the next day, they want to get up and play."
Now, for a small percentage of boys with an undescended testicle, the testicle is not in the groin, and is likely in the abdomen. If that applies to your son, your doctor will likely recommend laparoscopy, where the surgeon makes a keyhole incision in the belly button and inserts a camera to see what's up. During that procedure, there are three possible outcomes:
- The doctor finds the testicle is in the abdomen, and your doctor will recommend a variation of the above surgery called Fowler-Stephens Orchiopexy. If the testicle is lower down, this is a one-step surgery. If it's higher up, your son will have two surgeries. One to "prepare things," as Yu put it. Another six months later to bring the testicle down.
- The doctor finds out the testicle didn't form. "Now you know," Yu says. "That's good news! It's sad that it didn't form, but it's one and done, you don't have to worry about it." Yu adds that most boys, when they get older, don't feel obliged to get a prosthetic testicle, but that remains an option if desired.
- Roughly five percent of the time - a minuscule number of boys, given we're already talking about a small percentage of the small percentage born with an undescended testicle - the doctor finds testicle tissue, but it looks abnormal. Your doctor will likely recommend removing that tissue. "That procedure varies in time based on what you see," Yu says. Your son will grow up with one ball, but it won't have a meaningful impact on his fertility, sexual function or cancer risk.
So while we seem to have dodged that scenario, I'm still feeling anxious as we close in on that six-month deadline. After all, I'm 36 years old, and I've never had surgery of any kind. But my son might not even make it a year without going under the knife.
So like an eager New Year's Eve reveler, I'm desperate for the ball to drop. I check out my son's junk at every diaper change - I think I see it, I think. Hmm, no, maybe not. The kid's nuts are so tiny it's hard to tell - like trying to guess how many cherry tomatoes are inside a plastic grocery bag. In the end, it's a classic "trust, but verify" situation. Even if I become confident both balls are there, only our pediatrician's say-so will put us at ease.
Some people have asked me if I feel shame about the situation - "balls" is a metonym for courage, for virility, so it would be easy to feel like I've somehow failed as a father. But the honest answer is no. Just concern. I mean, I'm not shouting about it from the rooftops, present article excluded. But it feels like one of those things that'll be funny … someday. Especially if he avoids surgery. But operation or no, he'll always have a fun fact about himself at dinner parties.
More than anything, I'm comforted by Yu's reassuring words about boys like my son: "They tend to be just fine." I sure hope so.
This Man Stood on the Same Corner For 3 Years - Then a Neighbor Stepped In
Meet Ginger Sprouse and Victor Hubbard. Ginger passed Victor on the same corner for three years - and the story of how they finally connected is touching people across the world. Victor Hubbard had been battling mental illness and was sadly waiting for years for his mom to come back for him on that exact corner - until Sprouse opened her car window and her heart for Hubbard.
In December, Sprouse created a Facebook page called This Is Victor, where she would share Hubbard's story and updates on his new life. "I listen to people talking around town and keep hearing 'someone needs to do something about that guy,'" she wrote in a post. "So, I will be the organizer and I hope that we as a community can be 'someone' together."
Sprouse has led the efforts, taking care of Hubbard's doctor's appointments, giving him a place to wash his clothes, and welcoming him into her home. It's her incredible compassion and Hubbard's determination and spirit that have caught the attention of thousands of people.
A few days after starting the Facebook account, Sprouse started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Hubbard, "a sweet, gentle man that happens to be mentally ill." In two short months, the $15,000 goal was met and over $19,000 has been raised for him. "If you want to meet someone who is eternally optimistic, positive and humble go visit him," Ginger wrote. "He will out-bless you every time."
Hubbard's life has changed in more ways than they both could've imagined. He now has a job as a cook at Art of the Meal, a kitchen for cooking classes and private parties owned by Sprouse, and he's reunited with family members. Hubbard connected with an uncle also from Texas, and most importantly, he was able to get together with his mom last week.
Hubbard has recognized all the outstanding ways in which his life has been changed. "She came around and she kind of saved me," he told KHOU, a Houston news station. "She helped me. It's like grace."
This Muslim Bride Wore Zero Makeup at Her Wedding - and Why She Did It Is Eye-Opening
Image Source: Courtesy of Tasnim Jara
For many women, a wedding is the time to go full-on, head-to-toe glam. It's the reason they do countless trials with multiple makeup artists before picking a final beauty look. It's why they spend thousands on (often multiple!) dresses and diamonds. New bride Tasnim Jara, however, decided to do the opposite. She wore zero makeup, didn't buy a new gown, and wore no jewelry to prove a powerful point about the way women get pressured by societal beauty standards.
Jara, president of Aroggo, a healthtech startup in Bangladesh, wrote about her experience in a public post on Facebook. "I was troubled by the singular image of a bride that our society has - with tons of makeup, a weighty dress and mounds of jewelry weighing her down," she wrote, further explaining that people have come to measure a woman's financial success, family status, and more based on how she physically looks at her wedding. On top of that, within the Muslim community, traditional weddings often have brides wearing piles of gold bracelets, necklaces, and head ornaments on top of elaborate, heavy makeup.
"I have hardly attended any wedding where I didn't overhear people gossiping: 'Is the bride pretty enough?' 'How much gold does she have on?'" Jara continued, "Growing up listening to these questions, a bride feels pressured to look for the best makeup artist in town, pays a hefty amount in time, money, and energy, and ends up looking nothing like herself."
A bride feels pressured to look for the best makeup artist in town, pays a hefty amount in time, money, and energy, and ends up looking nothing like herself.
Jara revealed that she faced resistance from her family for her decision to go all-natural on her big day - she claims some didn't even want to take a photo with her because she didn't look like their image of a bride. Using her personal story, she pleaded with people to think critically about emphasizing too much importance on makeup and adornments.
"I feel that we need to change this mindset. A girl should not need a whitening lotion, a gold necklace, or an expensive sari to be accepted as a bride or to make her feel confident," she wrote, sharing that on top of wearing no makeup or accessories, she wore a hand-me-down sari from her grandmother. "People may call it simple, but it was very special to me, for what I believe in and what it means to me."
Image Source: Courtesy of Tasnim Jara
She made sure to emphasize that she isn't judgmental of or against women who want to wear makeup or expensive clothes ("I am all in for that," she said). She did explain, however, "It is a problem when she loses her agency in deciding what she would like to wear on her wedding day. When society forces her to doll up and look like a different person, it gives a message that the authentic look of a girl isn't good enough for her own wedding."
At the end of her note, she thanked her new husband: "Special shoutout to this person beside me, Khaled, who has not only supported me unconditionally but also beamed at me with so much pride for taking a stance against the stereotypes."
Props to Jara for staying true to herself. It's so real: brides-to-be face absurd expectations to look perfect on their wedding day. Let her story be a reminder that, at the end of the day, it's your face and your body and you should do whatever makes you feel like the best version of yourself no matter what people say.
Every Disney Fan Should Complete This Incredible Bucket List
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Tara Block
Upon entering a Disney park, every visitor has their own personal to-do list: ride this attraction, meet that character, eat thattreat. On top of everybody's list, however, is having fun! We put together a list of must-do Disney experiences (print it out here!) that go beyond the ordinary agenda of theme park rides and cartoon films. And once you've completed them all, you can undoubtedly call yourself a Disney fan. Read on to see how many Disney undertakings you've got left to experience before you die.
The Disney Bucket List
- Meet Mickey and Minnie: Getting a hug and an autograph from the mice who started it all is an absolute must.
- Watch the Broadway-style Frozen musical: This incredible "Frozen: Live at the Hyperion" production happens multiple times per day at the California Adventure Park in Anaheim, CA, so there's no excuse to miss it!
- Pilot the Mark Twain Riverboat: If you ask the captain of this attraction to steer, you'll get the opportunity to man the ship and take home a special certificate.
Source: Flickr user bartworldv6
- Stay at one of the Disney hotels: From Walt Disney World's beautiful Grand Floridian Hotel to the Disneyland Hotel in Paris, staying at one of these themed resort accommodations is something you've absolutely got to try.
- See the real skull in Pirates of the Caribbean: The original Disneyland's buccaneer-themed attraction features a real skull . . . now go find it!
- Get an autograph from every princess: You're bound to come across at least one princess during your time at a Disney park, so make it your goal to meet every lovely lady during your lifetime of visits.
Source: Flickr user irulan_amy
- Eat a Dole Whip in the Enchanted Tiki Room: While many Disneyland-goers pass by the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, you should pay it some special attention. As one of the oldest attractions in the park, the Tiki Room offers a glimpse at Disney years gone by . . . which is why you need to experience it.
- Sit on Walt Disney's bench: To truly connect with the Disney experience, you have to take a walk in Walt Disney's shoes. Take a seat on the very bench where he first envisioned Disneyland, and you'll be one step closer to true Disney fandom.
- Dine with the characters: Another must-have experience for any fan is to share a meal with the beloved characters from their favorite films. There are many character dining options for Disney guests, from restaurants in the parks to Disney Cruise dinners, so be sure to make those special reservations during your lifetime.
- Wear a pair of Disney ears during a park visit: Bonus points if they've got your name stitched into the back!
- Experience a Disney holiday: Disney never does anything halfway, so you can rest assured that any holiday spent on Disney property will be a magical experience. Make sure to spend a holiday at one of the resorts for an incredible Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year!
- Finish an entire turkey leg: The legendary turkey legs sold at Disney parks are massive, usually weighing in at over one pound, so it's no wonder that completing one is on this list!
- Take a funny photo on Splash Mountain: From celebrities to normal park guests, many people have staged hilarious photos for the Splash Mountain cameras. Join their ranks by coordinating your own!
Source: Flickr user justzanna
- Go "around the world" at Epcot: You won't regret taking a day to explore Epcot's World Showcase, where you can learn more about the represented cultures in a fun, immersive way.
- Try Disneybounding: Not sure what Disneybounding is? It can be loosely described as character-influenced dressing. Check out these Disneybounding secrets from an unofficial Disney princess, who shares her favorite aspects of the hobby.
- Attend the Flag Retreat ceremony: This daily ceremony takes place during the afternoon in Main Street USA's Town Square and is an absolute pleasure to watch.
- View the World of Color, Fantasmic!, fireworks, and Disney parade shows all in one day: It's totally possible! Experiencing all of the shows at the California resort in one go is a worthwhile endeavor for any Disney fan.
- Grab a slice at Pizza Planet: Walt Disney World Orlando features a movie replica of the famous pizzeria in Toy Story, so any Disney Pixar enthusiast has to chow down at Pizza Planet at least once!
Source: Flickr user lorenjavier
- Get serenaded by the Dapper Dans: If you've never taken the time to listen to Disney's famous a capella troupe, you're majorly missing out on the park experience.
- Spin in the fastest teacup: On Disneyland's Mad Tea Party ride, the plain purple teacup in the center of the attraction reportedly spins faster than all the others. Evaluate the validity of this legend for yourself by giving it a spin!
- Ride the Main Street Trolley: While the Main Street Trolley is a musical show, guests can also hitch a ride on the historic transit system. Try it out for yourself, and you'll have completed the Disney bucket list!
9 Amazing Things to Do on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia
When scoping out destinations for an international trip, the Caribbean Sea is one of the first spots on the map to consider. The tiny islands that line the body of water boast some of the richest cultures and most beautiful beaches in the world. Luckily for me, I have the privilege of calling one of them home.
St. Lucia, also known as the Helen of the West Indies, may not always be the first island to come to mind when thinking of widely popular Caribbean destinations. But having my entire family hail from the island (and from firsthand experience), I can vouch that it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. The petite land is full of distinct culture, beaches, and attractions that you can only find within its span, making it the perfect destination for your next spontaneous getaway.
I've picked out some must-do activities to add to your itinerary when you touch down. From iconic hiking trails to local culture gems, you'll want to book a trip ASAP.
Peter and Mariska's Family Halloween Costumes Are as Sweet as a Candy Apple
Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay's family knows how to do Halloween right. The ridiculously sweet couple always make us smile with their appearances, so it's only fitting that their costumes with their three children, Amaya, August, and Andrew, do the same. We've only gotten a few glimpses of their family gatherings over the years, but they've all been picture-perfect. Whether Mariska is dressing up as a Pink Lady with her little girl or the entire clan is channeling the characters from Inside Out while walking around New York City, their costumes will no doubt fill you with joy.
These Are the Most Dramatic and Memorable Telenovela Wedding Scenes
You might have to wait months and months before the main love interests in a novela finally get together and decide to tie the knot, but your patience is always well rewarded with a stunning, impressive, huge wedding with its share of drama and tears.
The scenes end up being the perfect mix of puffy dresses and intense makeup, villains plotting revenge, heroines feeling redeemed, and solemn looks from everyone in attendance. We dare to say telenovela weddings are usually the most emotional peak of the story, eliciting either shock, happiness, or laughter from the viewer - seriously, some are just plain ridiculous. Keep scrolling to see just a few examples of the craziness that ensues once a wedding is planned in a novela, then check out the most memorable theme songs.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
7 Lip Colors Jennifer Lopez Loves - and You Should Too
There's not a single lip color you can associate with Jennifer Lopez, and that's because the singer, actress, and producer doesn't get stuck in her ways, constantly experimenting with her makeup and keeping things fresh.
One week, she'll be all about vibrant pops of red, and then the next, she'll choose a chocolate brown and rock it just as well. What we're saying is, J Lo knows what she's doing, so we should all turn to her when it comes to choosing lip shades to experiment with this season. Straight ahead you'll find seven she's been wearing and re-wearing for years, with a few shopping suggestions to copy her look. Swipe away!
This Owl Bento Box Will Have Kids Joining the Empty Lunch Box Club
Move over PB&J and crackers because this little owl sandwich is a whole lot cuter - and wiser. With the help of Target, we're transforming the boring school sandwich lunch into a fun and healthy midday meal they can't resist. This fresh sandwich and fruit combination is as smart as it adorable, and ready to hit the lunchroom in Target's Bento Lunch Kit. Watch the video above to see how to get the whole school talking.
We've partnered with Target to show you how to prep for a stress-free back to school season.
This Artist Turns Disney Princesses Into Parents - and the Results Are Perfection
Illustrators have had fun turning beloved Disney princesses into all sorts of things, from '50s-style pinup girls to Star Wars heroines. The only artistic mashup we haven't seen yet happens to be one that would most likely follow all the "happily ever after" storylines - what these fairy-tale characters would look like as parents.
Thankfully, artist Isaiah Stephens lets us in on what it'd really be like for Ariel to have a food-throwing toddler, for Belle to breastfeed, and for Jasmine to rock a baby bump with nine amazingly accurate depictions - all shared on his Facebook page and Instagram account. From Pocahontas to Queen Elsa, it's fun to see what realistically comes after their storybook ending. Take a look.
Miley Cyrus's Possible Wedding Dress Is as Boho as They Come
For the past few months, one highly important question has been on our mind: when the heck are Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth finally going to tie the knot? There has been tons of speculation surrounding their upcoming wedding, especially in regards to what Miley's wedding dress may look like. But Billy Ray Cyrus might have just dropped a major hint that's sending Cyrus fans into a full-on frenzy.
Billy Ray shared the ahead photo of his daughter beaming in a gorgeous white boho style dress and captioned the mysterious post, "I'm so happy…you are happy @mileycyrus." Naturally, rumors swirled soon after, as many wondered if Miley and Liam secretly got married. Though Us Weekly reports that these were simply false rumors, we can't help but get excited at the thought of seeing Miley in a white look like this again in the near future. Here's to the future Mrs. Hemsworth!
See If Your Kid Is Going to Sleep at the Right Time Based on This Viral Bedtime Chart
Image Source: Shutterstock
Nearly every parent of a school-age child wonders if they are getting their kids to bed at the right time. Too early, and the little ones goof around and never fall asleep. But too late, and no matter how quickly they drift off, they're still exhausted the next day.
The administrators at Wilson Elementary School in Kenosha, WI, decided to help frustrated parents by providing a bedtime chart based on age and usual wake-up time.
Image Source: Facebook user Wilson Elementary
Turns out, the recommendations were shocking to even the most regimented parents. The chart, which was posted to the school's Facebook page, has been shared more than 360,000 times, and the reason is clear: most every mom has been way off this whole time. (One parent's reaction? "This may be good in theory, but in practice . . . this is garbage.")
Take a look and see if your kid is going to bed at the "right" time.
6 Steps to Spring-Cleaning Your Closet, Straight From a Celebrity Stylist
Stylist Irma Martinez, who has worked with celebrities like Thalia, Sofia Vergara, Daisy Fuentes, and Eva Longoria, shares her most useful fashion secrets with POPSUGAR Latina.
The start of a new season is an exciting time, especially for those fashion-obsessed chicas who love revamping their style with the latest trends. Yet, we know the change of season brings the daunting task of organizing our closet and making space for new pieces.
As a fashion stylist and style expert, many of my followers often ask: How do I organize my closet? Don't trends come back? What is worth keeping? I call my closet "mi pequeña boutique" or "my small boutique" because for me the art of dressing should be enjoyable, not stressful. So, here are some easy tips to get your closet clean, organized, and fun!
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.
20 #MomStruggles That Only Parents Can Truly Understand
Despite the pretty picture that many Instagram feeds paint of an edited version of parenthood, being a mom or dad is messy. It's dirty, it's sticky, it can be smelly, and it's also uniquely beautiful - in an organized chaos kind of way. So if you ever feel like you're all alone, remember that the struggle is very real, and don't let the filters fool you. Check out these Instagram-worthy parenting problems that all moms go through (and hopefully find the humor in!).
These Father-Daughter Illustrations Are Sweet Enough to Make a Grown Man Cry
It's hard to put into words why the relationship between a father and a daughter is so special. Perhaps that's why Ukrainian artist Snezhana Soosh decided to use watercolor paints.
In her recent series of Instagram illustrations, Soosh depicts the sweet-yet-silly bond between a dad and his little girl, whether it's braiding her hair or giving up a sizable portion of a king-size bed to make sure she sleeps soundly. Although the magic captured in the drawings focuses on one very loving dad (and his adorable daddy's girl), there are some any parent can relate to, like the need to look away from that massive pile of work to enjoy imaginary tea time . . . or play a rousing game of hide-and-seek.
We hope Soosh continues to paint these beautiful depictions of fatherly love - they serve as wonderful reminders that there are no limits to the ways a daddy can love his daughter.
10 Celebrity Couples Who Broke Up Before Getting Married
Hey, sometimes you need a break! While it may not be the most common tactic, many famous long-term relationships have proven to be made stronger after a split - even royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton took a break from their relationship before getting married in the biggest, most lavish ceremony of our time. They'll likely tell you that there's nothing wrong with taking a timeout from your relationship to figure things out, get your priorities straight, and be reminded of just how much you love someone. Keep reading to see the high-profile pairs who broke up before ultimately tying the knot.
12 Photos That Show Just How Much Memphis (and the World) Mourned When Elvis Presley Died
August marks the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, and the world is still mourning one of music's biggest losses to this day. Elvis passed away at age 42 when he suffered a heart attack on Aug. 16, 1977, and his funeral was held in his adopted hometown of Memphis just two days later. President Jimmy Carter issued a statement that said Elvis "permanently changed the face of American popular culture," and thousands of mourners flocked to the streets to pay their respects as his casket was driven through town. While an estimated 80,000 people turned up to watch the processional route to Forest Hill Cemetery, more than 30,000 fans attended a public viewing of Elvis's casket at his Graceland home, which was ordered by his father, Vernon. Elvis was buried next to his beloved mother, Gladys, but they were both later reburied at Graceland. Keep reading to see how the world mourned his heartbreaking death 40 years ago.
The 13 Moms You Meet on the PTA
The PTA can be a wonderful place. As an organization, it's tasked with raising money to support your children's school, so what could be bad about that? It's a place where parents can make friends - yet another embraceable trait. But it can also be the source of power struggles, hurt feelings, and genuine discord.
Whether you're a newbie or a past president, we're sure you'll recognize some of these personalities from your regular monthly meetings. Just be sure to save us a seat near the action at the next one!
Mom's Universal Message After Daughter Is Almost Killed by a Kitchen Knife
Moms are used to doing a million things with their kids in tow. From folding laundry while their baby plays on the bed to cooking dinner while toddlers sit underfoot, we manage and make do.
But one of those typical multitasking moments turned terrifying for Australian mom of two Bec Crombie, who blogged about how she "almost killed [her] daughter" that day:
It was like any other regular afternoon of ours, which includes me in the kitchen prepping dinner with Nylah playing with cups and pots at my feet. I had peeled and chopped the potatoes, placing them in the pot and the knife back on the board, when I took one step to the left to remove the husk from the corn. As quickly as I had briefly stepped away, Nylah had stood up and grabbed the board from the bench. Which resulted in a 20-cm knife falling and narrowly missing stabbing her in the face.
Thankfully, everyone was OK and Nylah "wasn't even left with a scratch." Still, it left Bec in tears, thinking about what could have happened. Up until that day, Bec wrote, her daughter had never tried to grab the bench. "It shocked me that she could even reach."
Instead of keeping the near accident a secret, however, she felt compelled to share her story and implore parents to remain especially vigilant in not just the bathtub, pools, and parking lots - where we know things can happen in the blink of an eye - but also in the kitchen.
"I've copped so much sh*t in the past for being a helicopter parent, or one that is overly cautious," she wrote. "Truth is, it can happen to you. They are labeled 'accidents' for a reason. They are purely accidental, freak occurrences. Children are determined, inquisitive, and lightning-speed escape artists. Children are so quick, and we can really never be too careful."
Alessandra Ambrosio Wore the 1 Monokini You Need to Show Off Your Curves
If you're after the monokini trend, look no further than Alessandra Ambrosio's display of chicness while vacationing with her girlfriends in Saint-Tropez. Back in the Summer, the Brazilian Victoria's Secret Angel posted an Instagram video featuring a peek at the Henna Blues Monokini One-Piece ($180) from her Ále by Alessandra swimwear collection.
Although we're understandably in awe of the fact that she's partying by a hot tub on a boat (seriously), we need a moment to take in how perfect the swimsuit she's wearing actually is. Adorned with a fun paisley pattern and edgy cutouts, the purple-hued suit is one that will never go out of style and always flatter your figure. Press play above to see it in action. Then, check out even more similar styles.
This Side Hustle Actually Pays You to Shop
A few years ago, when I wasn't making enough money to live comfortably in California off my single job, I decided to look into a side hustle that I had only ever heard of briefly and didn't understand: mystery shopping. Once I decided I wanted to give it a try, I started by going to MSPA's website to start signing up. The start-up process is tedious, because you have to fill out the same application form for every individual mystery shopping company you want to shop for. At the peak of my shopping, I think I was working for about 20 companies.
But once you've filled out the applications and can get going, it's easy. You'll be eligible for more assignments, commonly referred to as "shops," with more experience, and you'll get faster at it the more you do it. Also, when you shop the same brand over and over, you remember the things you're supposed to look for. One question I've gotten from nearly everyone who asks me about mystery shopping is how much it costs. If you're signing up with legit companies, it should cost you nothing. You shouldn't be paying a fee to join and you shouldn't be paying to do a shop. You will front your costs for the shops, but that is clearly stated in your shopping instructions. Keep reading for more information on mystery shopping, and try it out for yourself.
What is mystery shopping?
Mystery shopping, sometimes referred to as secret shopping, is going into an establishment to evaluate the service or product. It can vary from retail to food service to even experiences like sporting events or concerts. Ahead of time, you're given a form that you'll have to fill out upon completing the shop so you can be prepared for what to look for. Some shops require you to remain undercover for the whole time, but some will require you to reveal yourself as a shopper and inform the recipient how they've done.
Where do you mystery shop?
Mystery shopping covers a lot of areas. As a shopper, I've shopped fast food and sit-down restaurants, retail stores, hotels, sporting events, concerts, car dealerships, bars, etc. Because it is all a mystery, I can't reveal specifically what restaurants or stores I've shopped, but you might be amazed at how many large corporations use mystery shoppers to ensure customers are getting top-notch service.
How much do you get paid?
All shops pay in some form or another. Most shops will get you a free meal or retail item, plus a small fee on top of it. For example, when I would mystery shop food places, the cost of my meal would be covered (up to a certain amount), plus I would get paid about $10 or so on top of that. More difficult or larger shops pay more (like sporting events, which require a lot of different interactions, pay $50 or more) than others. Some will not pay on top of getting a free item during the shop. However, note that all your costs are paid upfront and then reimbursed as long as the form is done correctly and accepted by the client. If you mess up a form, you're out the money, so it's important to make sure you're doing everything exactly how you're asked.
What do you need in order to be a mystery shopper?
You honestly only need the basics: a computer to fill out your completed survey and something to take notes with. I got by on using my phone for everything. I would take notes in my notes app or jot down things to remember to look for. I would also sometimes take pictures in stores to remind myself of something I need to remember to add to my completed form. Other things that will really help you are maybe having a camera for certain shops and definitely a mode of transportation. When I was in California, I had access to a lot more shops because I could drive to them. I would pick up shops if I knew I was going to be in a different region visiting someone. Now that I'm in New York without a car, I'm way more limited, which is why I've stopped shopping altogether. While you'd think there would still be a large offering of shops in such a metro area, there really aren't that many in Manhattan.
How much of a time commitment is it?
In the end, you aren't making all that much money by mystery shopping, when you figure in time spent and distance traveled. However, you get some meals out of it and maybe some retail items you were going to purchase anyway. I probably made a couple thousand dollars a year, which was definitely helpful, but not anything to write home about. Mystery shopping is fun though, so I recommend it to anyone who wants a little extra money.
6 Secrets From Best Buy Employees That'll Change How You Shop
How knowledgeable is Geek Squad staff? Why do Best Buy employees always try to push protection plans on customers? We've found answers to some of your most curious questions by searching through iAMAs from a Canadian sales rep in the store's computer department, a former employee, and an employee of three years who's worked in multiple departments. You'd never guess one of their biggest shopping tips ahead! Check out six secrets about Best Buy.
1. Be honest, should I get the warranty for laptops?
"We can do major deals on the warranties! Sometimes, we can do half-off two year or three year, you just have to ask!"
2. Do you guys get discounts on electronics? If so, how much?
"Laptops and game systems have almost zero mark up on them. Sometimes when you see a computer on sale, we are losing money. But cables are dirt cheap! I had to buy an HDMI cable a few weeks ago, and I got the fancy Rocket Fish one, the regular price was $69.99 CAD. I think I only paid $15 CAD for it . . ."
3. Would you trust Geek Squad with your personal technology?
"For the most part, no. A couple of them were my friends, so I knew my tech was in good hands. However, I found that I had a monumental amount of more tech knowledge than most of them and therefore cannot trust my stuff with them."
"Geek Squad repair agents and Geek Squad counter agents are different. The repair agents are genuinely the smartest people I know, but they also don't speak to customers, so they're not the ones you talk to at the counter or on the phone. The counter agents, in my store at least, are all fairly new, but also all very interested in computers and are eager to learn. They try not to lie to people, but sometimes they just don't know what they're talking about because they've never encountered it before. Nobody's there just to talk out of their asses, though, and all the counter agents want to be repair agents when the opportunity arises, so they're all fairly smart."
4. How did you feel about selling the Best Buy protection plan? The managers heavily pushed that when I worked there a decade ago.
"The protection plan was EXTREMELY useful in some cases. But for some other things, it was stupid and a waste of time. For the most part, I didn't agree with it, and wouldn't sell it if I thought I was wasting your money. By 'wouldn't sell it,' I mean I would offer it, but I wouldn't actually try to convince you to buy it. Oh, and if you asked me if it was worth it, I would look around, and then say 'LOL NOPE.'"
"We make a lot more money on protection plans, accessories, and other things than we do core products. We lose two percent on almost every computer we sell, so we need to push some other stuff to make anything off of it. Nobody likes doing it, but the average person does need some attachments in order to make their experience as satisfactory as possible."
5. What are some pro-tips as far as unknown discounts/extras for shopping there?
"The biggest tip is to simply ask for better prices on open items. Most supervisors and managers are SO desperate to sell their at-risk inventory that they will pretty much give you it at cost if you're getting other stuff. My brother bought a $1,600 TV a few years ago for $799 because he bought a $100 protection plan on it and it was really close to costing us money."
6. Do you guys work off commission?
"We do not work on commission at all. We do, however, bonus quite nicely dependent upon the store's performance."
27 Times Flats Looked More High-Fashion Than Heels
We're not writing off our high heels completely, but since Summer is the season to embrace ease and comfort, we're giving them a break - and we're not about to feel guilty about it. To the women who swear they can walk pain-free in heels all day (cough, challenge flag!), we invite you to take a breather, because these 27 outfits will make you want to.
With printed slides, metallic mules, oxfords, fresh sneakers, and classic ballet flats, your options are as varied as the occasions you'll need them for. And just how sweet would it feel to slip on a gladiator sandal at the next Summer wedding and hit the dance floor without quietly wishing you had crammed a change of shoes in your clutch? Up ahead you'll find some serious street style stars who are making flats look downright chic.
37 Iconic Costumes to Inspire Your Halloween Plans
Put away your fairy wings and witches' brooms, and get in the spirit of Halloween season with a costume that's a little bit more, well, stylish. Whether you would rather channel Elle Woods or Wednesday Addams, if you're looking to cast a spell on someone, these buzzed-about looks will really capture their attention.
From the red carpet to the silver screen, these famous (and infamous) outfits are classic, creative, and, at times, straight-up hilarious. Sure, you could go the more traditional route, but let's be honest, when it comes time to take your Halloween selfie, you deserve to stand apart from all the other basic witches.
- Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani
These 29 Parenting Hacks Are Serious Game Changers For 2017
Sometimes being a parent feels like an endless whirlwind of meltdowns mixed with tears. And even though many moms vowed to start 2017 off right and to have the most productive year yet, this resolution may feel completely unattainable as the weeks pass. But thankfully, these 29 parenting tricks are total game changers (think of the time you could save!) and will leave you wondering how you've made it this far without them.
This Mom's Hilarious Cartoons About Pregnancy Problems Will Be the Funniest Thing You See All Day
Nobody ever said that being a mom is glamorous. And although there's plenty of talk about that wonderful pregnancy glow, most moms can relate to the less seductive side effects that everyone experiences but few talk about. You get sick, you get hairy, and you get big.
Illustrator and mother of two Line Severinsen can't help but laugh at these "joys" of motherhood and started making hysterical cartoons of her real-life pregnancy problems. From pining over a glass of wine to judgmental strangers staring when you breastfeed in public, her relatable illustrations have developed with her motherhood experiences.
"I thought to myself that there is no way that no other people felt and looked like I did," she wrote. "So I wanted to create a counterpoint to help people like me to understand that they weren't alone and that it is OK to feel and act less than perfect sometimes."
While we don't know whether to laugh or cry at how spot-on some of these illustrations are, we're just glad to see that we aren't the only ones who've been there!
A Subtle Form of Slut Shaming You May Not Realize You're Perpetuating
On May 23, the Trump administration put another dollar in its "Swear (that we are trying to f*ck over women) Jar" when it rolled out a new rule. The proposed legislation would amend the Affordable Care Act to allow employers to opt out of providing contraception coverage for employees if they have a "conscience-based" objection. This means that if a company has a religious or moral (or really any) opposition to birth control, it can remove free preventive coverage from the medical insurance plans it offers its employees. Because honestly, who hasn't wanted their boss and their government in their panties?
Under the 2010 ACA, contraceptives are free for women because birth control is considered a necessary component of healthcare coverage. But the Obama administration made an exception to the ACA's coverage, allowing religious nonprofits and closely held for-profit companies with religious objections to deny coverage for some - or all - contraceptive purposes. Trump's new draft rule takes this a step (or rather, a giant leap) further and is much broader in its exemption allowances, which will inevitably affect millions of women around the country. In 2013 alone, the ACA contraception mandate helped 55 million women obtain birth control and saved them $1.4 billion in out-of-pocket healthcare spending. That's $1.4 billion with a capital "B" - money that could then be spent on feeding families, higher education, securing a roof over one's head . . . ya know, the little things.
Anyone can understand that if women are forced to spend, on average, $1,200/year on contraception, making birth control free will aid women in taking control of their physical and financial health. In terms of securing economic freedom and bringing families out of poverty, this is paramount. As women of the 21st century, we should all be on the same page there. But we too often tend to lose our spot in the Why Birth Control Is Necessary book we were all given as fourth-wave feminists.
Whenever the discussion of birth control arises, so does one of justification. We hear our friends and coworkers exclaim that, "This is BS! I'm on the pill, but it's for acne," or, "WTF, don't these Republicans know that a lot of women take the pill for endometriosis?! Like Lena Dunham . . . ," and, "Before birth control I had the worst cramps - I need this covered!" Which are all completely valid and reasonable arguments, but they kind of miss the point.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a whopping 86 percent of women who use birth control use it for pregnancy prevention, aka its intended purpose. And that's awesome. But for some reason, when the topic of the pill comes up, we feel we need to offer up some other explanation besides, "I would like to have sex without having a child before I'm ready or can afford one." But why? Are we trying to appease reproductive-rights foes by offering up medical ailments that can be treated with the pill? Or do we still feel that, in 2017, we cannot be open and honest about the fact that we are sexually active?
As someone who has been guilty of the "acne" disclaimer on more than one occasion, I'm going to proffer that the majority of us, whether subconsciously or not, are still not completely comfortable with announcing that we have sex. We still fear that if we reveal that we use birth control to have sex, and not babies, that we'll be considered sluts - even though we know, as millennial women, that this is an antiquated and erroneous mindset. And yet, we perpetuate the cycle of slut shaming when we continue to use "acne" as an explanation for our BC prescription. Even if the aforementioned, alternative reasons explain your prescription, we still do not need to offer them up as some sort of mechanism to remove the pill's scarlet letter.
Clear skin and cramp-less periods are awesome, but so is having sex without an unplanned pregnancy. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should be enough of an explanation for our birth control. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should not require statistics and numbers to justify. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should be enough of a reason to demand access to birth control.
Our feminist foremothers didn't fight for our sexual liberation so that we could say we have "acne." We must direct the conversation around birth control by demanding that protected sex is our right and that no other explanation is necessary.
230 of the Best Collaboration Products MAC Has Ever Created
I have a good reason for keeping a MAC Cosmetics store on speed dial. When you're as obsessed with the brand's products as I am, you know that its collaborations are highly coveted . . . and that they sell out fast.
Though MAC has been around since 1984, the launches consistently surprise and excite the company's millions of fans. Its creative partnerships - and brilliant packaging - with fashion designers, cartoon characters, and celebrities cause multiple shopping frenzies throughout the year. (Permanently etched in my brain: the memory of aggressively shoving other beauty junkies aside, pleading with a sales associate to give me the store's last tube of Candy Yum Yum lipstick in 2012.) Believe it or not, MAC releases more than 10 partnership lines annually. The beauty empire has put out over 100 collaborations since its inception, starting with its very first Viva Glam spokesperson, drag icon RuPaul.
The first partnership product I ever snagged from one of the brand's counters was the Mothbrown shadow from the Barbie Loves MAC collection. I still consider this item to be one of my prized possessions, using the violet-tinged taupe only on special occasions.
If you're also a MAC fanatic, join me as I reminisce over some of the most memorable collections of all time. From Hello Kitty to Giambattista Valli and every collection in between, there are hundreds of beautiful, brilliant products to ogle over. These items are all tragically limited edition (many of them being discontinued), but there could still be hope! MAC has been known to resurrect fan favorites, so maybe you'll be able to shop one of these wondrous formulas in the future.
Jump to:
[Barbie Loves MAC] [Heatherette] [Hello Kitty] [Alice + Olivia] [Venomous Villains] [Lillyland] [Wonder Woman] [Viva Glam Original] [The Simpsons] [Giambattista Valli] [Trolls] [Selena]
Move it! Too much standing is bad, study finds
Is standing the new sitting? a study suggests excessive standing also has adverse health effects.
This Story Behind a Teen Sitting in Class With Her Toddler Brother Is What You Need Today
When Candice Curry called her teenage daughter, Stiles, to pick up her 3-year-old brother at his day care, she was dealing with a family emergency and hoped her 17-year-old would bring her brother home as a favor. However, upon looking at Stiles's Snapchat, Candice was surprised to see a photo of James sitting on his sister's lap in the middle of a high school classroom.
"Instead of missing class she actually took her 3-year-old brother back to high school with her and let him sleep on her while she finished her last class of the day," Candice wrote in a post to Facebook featuring a screen grab of the Snapchat photo. "I'm not sure on the legalities here or what kind of rules were broken but I also just don't care. My sweet teenager helped her family out and returned to her other responsibility while snuggling her baby brother."
Candice says she can't believe how much love the photo has gotten in a few short days. "My daughter, Stiles, is a great teenager and I'm lucky to be her mama," she told POPSUGAR.
The mom noted in her caption that she's either the "worst mom in the world or totally nailing it," but we'd argue strongly for nothing but the latter. We also couldn't agree more with the sentiment she ended her heartfelt post with: "Life is short. These are the moments that make it so incredibly sweet."
7 Things Your Kids Need to See You Do Every Day to Feel Loved
Between busy schedules, daily routines, and blurs of life events, days spent with our families have a tendency to tumble into months and years faster than we realize, and without showing any signs of slowing. Although we as parents know that we unconditionally love our children more than life itself, it may take a bit of effort to show that emotion and ensure that your child feels safe, happy, and loved in the midst of the everyday chaos that many of us experience.
Read through for seven little things you can do every day to make sure your kids feel the love no matter what.
14 '80s Movies You NEED to Show Your Kids Today (and Not a Disney Movie in Sight)
Every generation has their flicks. My parents made me sit through Lawrence of Arabia and The Godfather, but few flicks are as generationally relevant as the classic '80s films so many of us grew up watching. I'm looking at you, John Hughes. You defined a generation. You taught us what it meant to be an angsty teen. You provided us with hours upon hours of VHS enjoyment!
With news that Pretty in Pink will be returning to theaters next month for the flick's 30th anniversary (yes, we are that old), I quickly started brainstorming my favorite movies from my childhood that my kids MUST see. It isn't pretty - '80s fashion leaves much to be desired - but the stories stand the test of time and give kids a glimpse at life before cell phones, texting, and the Internet, along with some great life lessons. Read on to see what you should add to your family's movie-night list now!
Queen Letizia Loves Zumba and 24 Other Little-Known Facts About the Royal
She's the first commoner to become queen of Spain, and over the 12 years she's been part of the royal family, she has been through ups (the birth of the heir to the throne of Spain) and downs (personal tragedy, including the loss of her grandmother). As a journalist she saw war and terrorism firsthand, and as a royal she has finally won the approval of her people, juggling motherhood, philanthropic work, and redefining a monarchy that was only reinstated 38 years ago. It's been quite a journey, and there is certainly more to Queen Letizia than meets the eye. Scroll ahead for 25 little-known facts about her.
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.
21 Modern Mysteries You Won't Be Able to Put Down
It all began with an early obsession with Nancy Drew, then I moved on to Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, and before I knew it I was devouring any book that promised thrills, intrigue, and murder. Is there a detective in it? I'll read it. Bonus points if the protagonist is a woman. And the cherry on top is if the author is British or Scandinavian (or Irish). That said, Gone Girl is one of my favorite books of all time, so if you feel the same, you'll probably love my other picks. Obviously, this isn't an exhaustive list - I've only included books I can vouch for (aka that I've read) - but here are 21 modern mysteries guaranteed to keep you up all night, in order of tame to terrifying.
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.
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.
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