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.

mercredi 4 octobre 2017

This Is What a Scheduled C-Section Is Really Like

With more than 30 percent of births in the United States happening via C-section, it's likely that you or someone you know will undergo the surgery in order to bring their baby into the world. Having had two myself (one emergency and one scheduled), I know how scary and intimidating the whole idea can be. It is (as everyone will remind you) major abdominal surgery, after all. And while I wouldn't recommend watching YouTube videos to familiarize yourself with the procedure, it is comforting to have a little knowledge about what you can expect (besides the joyful birth of your baby or babies!) before the big day.

1. There's more to pre-op than just changing into a gown.

I thought they asked me to come an hour ahead of my scheduled surgery because they didn't want me to be late, when in fact, it was because there are a lot of things that need to happen before you even step foot in the operating room. They ask you a million questions, draw blood, wipe your entire body down with an antiseptic to prevent infection, and have you drink an extremely unpleasant liquid to help neutralize your empty stomach. Your doctor and anesthesiologist will also stop by to say hi and answer any questions you might still have.

2. Your partner doesn't immediately get to come with you.

They typically wait to bring your partner into the operating room until after you've had your spinal. In fact, they might already be cutting you open when your surgical-gown-and-cap-wearing plus-one finally comes to sit by your side. If you're lucky, you'll have an amazing nurse who will hold your hands and help you visualize anything but a needle going into your back while there's a needle going into your back, since you'll be solo for that part.

3. You might want to advert your eyes.

The lights are bright, the temperature is cold, and there are SO MANY shiny metal instruments that immediately catch your attention when you enter the operating room. After one quick glimpse, I chose to close my eyes and keep them closed until after my spinal was administered and I was lying down on the table. It's enough to know you're about to be cut open without seeing the actual knife they'll be using to do it.

4. Things will most likely be very calm.

It may be an intimidating new experience for you, but it's just another day at the office for the medical professionals who are in the room. It's almost surprising how run-of-the-mill everything seems. The doctor, nurses, and anesthesiologist have (hopefully) all done this hundreds of times before. Just reminding myself of that fact helped ease my day-of nerves. As a bonus, things were so uneventful that the nurse happily took our camera and snapped away after our son was born, capturing plenty of moments that we would've missed otherwise.

5. It's helpful to have something to distract you during the actual surgery.

If your doctor will allow it, have a playlist ready and keep one earbud in, or chat with your partner. Listening to the doctors make small talk about their weekends or discuss their favorite type of surgical scissor (yes, that was the topic during my son's birth!) is only slightly better than hearing the sounds of the actual surgery. You know your skin has to be cauterized but you probably don't want to hear it happening.

6. The "pressure" that they talk about is intense.

As long as everything goes according to plan, you shouldn't feel any actual pain, but you will feel pressure . . . which can be slightly painful. It's hard to describe, but the best I can say is that it feels like an elephant is stomping around on top of your torso. This is the part where they are actually getting the baby down and out of your uterus using physical force (think pushing, pulling, and tugging) - luckily it doesn't last long and is followed immediately by the birth of your child!

7. Things move pretty quickly.

I walked into the OR shortly after my scheduled surgery time of 12:30 p.m. and my son was born at 1:04 p.m. They gave me a spinal (which took multiple tries due to my ticklish spine), inserted a catheter, waited for the spinal to take full effect, opened me up, and got my baby out all in less than 40 minutes. No matter what the clock says, the time before your baby makes his grand entrance feels both like an eternity and like it happened so fast you weren't even ready.

8. You'll probably get to see or hold your baby right away.

I got a peek at my son when the doctor held him to the side of the curtain right after he came out. (Apparently some hospitals will even allow you to watch the baby make his exit through a clear drape.) And I got to "hold" him on my chest after he was wrapped up just minutes later. You might not be able to move one or both of your arms to touch him, and the little bundle is often placed so close to your face that you can't actually get a good look, but it's just as sweet!

9. You may forget you're even having surgery.

There's nothing like the excitement of seeing your perfect newborn to distract you from the fact that there's all kinds of crazy stuff still happening to you on the other side of the curtain. After I first held my son, I talked to the nurse about his stats as he was being weighed and measured and asked my husband how much hair he had compared to our first (while also crying and smiling so wide my face hurt) instead of thinking about what the doctors were doing. Then before I knew it, I was being wheeled into the post-op recovery room.

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Join the Resistance With This DIY Handmaid's Tale Halloween Costume

With just one season, The Handmaid's Tale has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the nation at large. The politically charged show - based on Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name - makes a powerful statement about the vulnerability of women's rights following the presidential election. The show has received the credit it deserves, too. At the 2017 Emmy Awards, the show won several categories, including the award for outstanding drama series. In our current political climate, many will likely be using the holiday to make a powerful statement.


Image Source: Everett Collection

How to Create It Yourself

Interested in joining the resistance? Here's everything you'll need for your handmaid costume:

Fortunately, this DIY costume involves very little steps. Simple shop for a red cloak, oversize white bonnet, some sort of a mesh tote bag, and throw it all together for a chilling costume.

Check out the rest of our Top 10 Halloween Costumes For 2017!

56 DIY Halloween Costumes Perfect For 20-Somethings

Don't go out and buy a boring prepackaged costume for Halloween this year; instead, exercise your creativity and make a DIY costume that will totally blow your friends away. If you are in your 20s, you'll definitely want to check out this roundup of costumes relevant to millennials - we've got you covered on everything from pop culture to your favorite childhood characters.

10 Costumes For the Girl Who's Obsessed With Old Hollywood Glamour

This year, instead of struggling with what to dress up as for Halloween, try channeling something that you love. So if you're totally obsessed with Old Hollywood glamour (because who isn't?), show it off through your costume. To help you decide, we hunted for some fun, fabulous, and even sexy costumes that will make you the star of the party. We looked to Amazon because this megaretailer features a wide array of costumes and brands, so you can make sure to find the perfect choice. So whether you want to show off in a Marilyn Monroe costume or dress up as Betty Boop, we have you covered. Shop our top picks.

Southwest and Allegiant Airlines Offer Free Flights For Families of Las Vegas Victims

Image Source: Flickr user tomasdelcoro

In light of the recent tragic event in Las Vegas, several airlines are making major moves to help those affected. Allegiant Air, based in Las Vegas, is offering free flights to family members of those who were killed or injured in the shooting. In a Facebook post, the airline said that Las Vegas is Allegiant's hometown and the event left it "heartbroken." They stated that "if you or your family members were affected by what happened . . . we want to help."

Southwest Airlines told POPSUGAR via email on Wednesday that the airline was also providing free flights to family members of victims. It will also help transport bodies of those who were killed.

"Our Southwest hearts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas. We are working closely with authorities to provide support to families affected by this tragedy. Southwest Airlines is offering complimentary air transportation to families who lost loved ones, or have a loved one who is hospitalized. We are also helping transport the victims who tragically lost their lives.

"We are allowing customers traveling to and from Las Vegas from Oct. 2, 2017 through Oct. 6, 2017 to adjust their travel plans without additional costs. Customers may visit Southwest.com to rebook their itineraries or call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA for assistance."

In addition to Southwest, JetBlue, Allegiant, and United were also reportedly waiving travel change fees to accommodate Las Vegas customers. United issued a travel waiver, which says that "the change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new United flights departing Las Vegas between Oct. 2, 2017, and Oct. 13, 2017, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed."

Giada De Laurentiis Is Cooking Up Something Big: A Nationwide Pasta Chain

Giada De Laurentiis's culinary empire keeps on expanding. She's got cookbooks, a gig on Food Network Star, and her own Food Network show, Giada at Home. That's in addition to her eponymous fine dining restaurant in Las Vegas. Now, the celebrity chef is interested in developing a chain of fast-casual restaurants - although that's admittedly in its "very, very early stages."

"I've been wanting to do a fast-casual for forever," Giada said in a phone interview with POPSUGAR. "I've learned from having a restaurant in Vegas that people love pasta and they love pasta at all different price points, to be honest."

To put out feelers, Giada is hosting a pop-up dinner at Chefs Club Counter in New York City. On Oct. 15, ticket holders can enjoy a simple dinner with two pasta options - rigatoni with pork ragu or fusilli with jumbo shrimp - that will mimic her fast-casual restaurant concept. "I'm hoping that I get some really great feedback from people as to whether or not this is something that people would like," Giada said.

Based on the feedback she receives, Giada will plan a few more of these pop-up dinners around the country. If she does end up developing the idea into a full-fledged chain, she'll likely start in the Midwest. "New York will probably be my last spot. You guys have a lot of great food - not sure you need more!" she said.

It won't be easy; Giada is also slated to open a quick-service restaurant in Las Vegas in early 2018, as well as another full-service fine dining restaurant in Baltimore later that year. So when will she have time to open up a nationwide chain? She'll figure it out. "We'll see how it goes," she said. "There's hamburger spots opening up from different celebrity chefs all over the country!"

If you are intrigued by what Giada is cooking up - and happen to live in the area - you can purchase a ticket to the pop-up dinner. In addition to pasta, guests will be served salad, Sant Ambroeus gelato, Whispering Angel Rosé, and Illy coffee. Tickets are $60, and all proceeds will benefit a charity that's yet to be announced. People who subscribe to Giada's site, Giadzy, will be able to purchase tickets through the website on Oct. 4, and tickets will be available to the public the following day.

How to Flush Out Salt Bloat Fast

Sometimes, those fries are calling your name and you can't say no - but the bloated feeling you get from the sodium overload isn't fun. The next time you feel like you've overdone it on the weekend, get rid of the bloat with these tips that flush out salt from your body.

  1. Drink up: The best way to debloat is to flush out excess salt by refilling that water bottle all day. Add extra help - and taste - by throwing a few fresh ingredients into your water to help get rid of those toxins. Detoxifying additions to water like ginger or lemon slices are delicious and effective at helping you feel your best.
  2. Eat these foods: Look for foods rich in potassium, since this electrolyte will help your kidneys flush out excess salt. When in doubt, think fresh fruit and veggies, since many have high levels of potassium. Bananas, strawberries, leafy greens, melons, citrus fruits - all of these are great sources of potassium. Here are more foods that are high in potassium; make sure you eat some of these to help get rid of that bloat fast.
  3. Stay on the move: Even if you don't feel like sweating out that excess salt, making sure you aren't being sedentary will help move things along and make you feel lighter on your feet. Keep your energy up and that excess salt moving out by taking frequent breaks from your couch or desk for a walk or stretch. Just be sure to stay hydrated no matter how long your workout.

Bookmark This Page For When You Forget to Take Your Birth Control

Accidentally skipping a birth control pill, or two, can leave you beyond worried. We turned to a board certified physician to offer advice on when you've missed a dose, or two, or three, of birth control pills. Keep reading to hear what she has to say on the matter.

I have receives countless questions from women who have inadvertently skipped a birth control pill, so I will be giving a general overview on what to do when you realize you have missed a dose. While this column will have general information on oral contraceptives and how to manage missing doses, I stress that it is best to talk with your health care provider who prescribed the pills about what to do. Different brands of pills have varying hormonal formulations and thus different potential effects when pills are missed. In some cases, you may be able to simply resume taking pills at your regular time the day after missing a pill and move on with life. In other cases, skipping even one pill (or extending the placebo week) could result in a serious threat to effective pregnancy prevention; it really depends on the type of pill you take. An additional factor to be aware of is that some brands of pills are multiphasic, meaning that pills in a single pack of birth control have differing levels of hormones. Depending on which pill you missed (or which "phase" pill it was), your health care provider may have different recommendations about how to proceed. This column will provide information from Planned Parenthood on the most common type of birth control pills, the combination pill.

Depending on when you miss pills and how many pills you miss, you could become pregnant. Planned Parenthood reports that there is a highly increased risk of pregnancy if you go without taking the pill for seven or more days in a row. This could happen if you forget to start a new pack on time (i.e. right after the seven days of placebo you take during your period) or if you forget to take the last few pills in your pack. Planned Parenthood has a great chart on the general directions of what to do if you have missed pills.

  • If you miss the first one to two pills at the beginning of the pack, then you should take a pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time. If this happens you will need a seven-day backup method of birth control.
  • If you miss one to two pills from day three through day 21 of your pack, then take a pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time. If this happens, Planned Parenthood reports you do not need a backup method of birth control.
  • If you miss three or more pills in the first two weeks of the pack, take a pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time. Seven-day backup birth control will be necessary in this situation.
  • If you miss three or more pills in the third week of the pack, do not finish the pack and throw it away. Start a new pack and use seven-day backup birth control.

While you need specific information from your health care provider about what to do, you may not actually need to have an in-office visit. If you can provide enough information to your provider (or one of her or his staff) over the phone, s/he may be able to give you an answer that way. You could also look for the explanatory pamphlet that comes with each pack of pills (usually a small, folded piece of paper), which may have some guidance about the brand's formulation and what to do in the case of a missed pill. If pregnancy is a concern, you could consider taking emergency contraception (EC).

Hopefully this information is helpful; however, I urge anyone who misses birth control pills to contact their health care provider for specific instructions based on what type of birth control you are taking in order to be certain that you are doing the right things to help prevent pregnancy!

DrSugar posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

Yoga Phenom Jessamyn Stanley Recommends These Poses When You're on Your Period

Sometimes our periods leave us in a pile on our beds, wrapped around hot water bottles and cursing the universe for making us women. Those are the moments, though, when Jessamyn Stanley, renowned yoga teacher and body positive activist, recommends you get up and get yourself to a yoga class. It's easier said than done, but if she can do it, so can the rest of us.

"A lot of women feel as though they need to be ashamed of their periods," Jessaymn told POPSUGAR. "Like this is the time of month that they need to hide themselves away." She has heard countless women say that they feel like they can't go to yoga because they're on their period. As the newest spokesperson for U by Kotex, Jessamyn is trying to break down period stigma and encourage women everywhere to believe that they can accomplish just as much when they're menstruating as they can the rest of the month.

There are some mixed reviews on whether you should be practicing certain yoga poses when you're on your period, like Headstand or Plow. Basically anything where your lower body goes above your head is sometimes discouraged against. But that's not necessarily Jessamyn's philosophy.

"I do know that there are a lot of arguments for why one should not practice inversions when you're on your period," Jessamyn said. It's thought that reversing the blood flow in that way may be bad for your system. "I have never found that to be the case," she told POPSUGAR. "I practice inversions on my period. I may practice less intense inversions, though."

Jessamyn says "there may be shapes that you don't want to necessarily make because they don't feel good," and that's perfectly OK. But don't skip out on yoga altogether just because you're menstruating. Bringing movement and gentle stretches into your hips and pelvis will allow you to release energy from your lower body. "You're doing such a service to your body" when you're doing yoga on your period, Jessamyn said.

One of her favorite poses is a Reclining Twist, where you're lying on your back and you bring your legs to one side and let your head fall to the other side. This "helps your uterus with the process of shedding," Jessamyn explained, and it releases back pain. Additionally, "Happy Baby or Child's Pose, or any kind of hip opening pose," allows your pelvis to open up in an easy way. Jessamyn also recommends Bound Angle Pose, which loosens up your hips and releases your inner thighs.

These postures don't have to be done with the most intensity you possess, especially because you're probably feeling tired and low-energy on your period. That's why Jessamyn loves to practice Yin yoga, which is a slow practice with long holds and "subtle shifts." For Jessamyn, Yin yoga is the "practice that has the most profound effect on my life," and it allows her to "let out the stress of life."

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The Best 10-Minute High-Intensity Workout

High-intensity interval training, aka HIIT, is one of the best ways to maximize your workout time. Burn a ton of calories and boost your metabolism in little time with celeb trainer Astrid McGuire's full-body HIIT workout. It may be only 10 minutes long, but it will leave you dripping with sweat. There's no equipment needed for the workout, so press play and get at it! And if you're looking for a longer workout, double your fun time with Astrid's 20-Minute HIIT workout!

Demi Lovato's Fans Think These 2 New Songs Are About Nick Jonas, and We Can See Why

Demi Lovato has released her new album, Tell Me You Love Me, and on it are two songs in particular that have fans scratching their heads. Could track six, "Ruin the Friendship," and track seven, "Only Forever," be about her best friend and business partner, Nick Jonas? Some certainly think so, and we can see why.

Both of the songs talk about Demi's feeling for an unnamed person and hint that she wants to pursue a romantic relationship with them. For example, "Ruin the Friendship" starts off with the lyrics, "Put down your cigar and pick me up," which first got people speculating since it's widely known among Jonas's fans that he loves to smoke cigars. In a recent interview with Noisey, Lovato revealed what happened when she sent the person the songs to listen to:

"I was frustrated with a certain situation. And I was like, 'You know what, I'm just going to write about it.' And so I did, and sent [the songs] to that person, and that was interesting. Any time you send a song about the person, to the person - it's ballsy. It's like, 'Hey! Here's my feelings for you!' They knew [about my feelings], but neither of us had acknowledged [them] before. And then it turned out that person had written a song about me, and we exchanged songs. That person was like, 'That's an incredible song.' And I was like, 'Yeah, well.' It's like, 'Hel-lo!'"

Lovato went on to say that the person (who we now know is a fellow singer, since they sent her a song back) "had their reasons," which leads us to believe that the mystery person doesn't reciprocate her feelings. Jonas and Lovato have been friends since they first met on the set of Disney's Camp Rock when they were just 16 years old. Since then, they have launched their own music label, Safehouse Records, and even went on tour together. Before Lovato's new songs started stirring up rumors of a potential romance between the two, their relationship appeared perfectly platonic.

The lyrics to "Only Forever" read, "I've been thinking 'bout the future and I've been thinking 'bout the now / I know we're gonna be together / I just don't know how." What a coincidence that this track and "Ruin the Friendship" are right after each other on her album and that their tour was called Future Now. See where we're going with this? Like we said, we aren't the only ones who've picked up on it, because fans on Twitter also can't help but discuss the possibility of a more-than-friends situation going on between the two musicians.




Crack Open Your Piggybank! Urban Outfitters Is Selling the Coolest Vintage Selena Tees

It's safe to say Selena Quintanilla has one of the most devoted fanbases on planet earth. From tattoos and cookies to illustrations and even nail art, her fans have a knack for showing their Selena love in every imaginable way. One of our favorite methods for displaying our devotion to the "Como La Flor" singer is by sporting cool t-shirts that honor her, and Urban Outfitters is the latest retailer to hop on the ever-growing Selena bandwagon.

The trendy store is now selling vintage-looking tees with some of Selena's most iconic pictures on them, and it looks like they've been pretty popular, as one has unfortunately already sold out. There are still two graphic shirts in stock: a black one with five stunning photo on it and a white one that's technically a men's shirt (but hey, we're all for scoring cool finds in the men's department every now and then!).

People are not-so-surprisingly pretty freakin' psyched about these tees, as they've received raving reviews on UrbanOutfitters.com so far. One happy customer wrote, "Love the vintage look. Great quality and worth the price for the queen!" while another noted, "The picture on the shirt is amazing and the shirt fits well. Really great material as well." We're sold!

We're predicting the remaining two shirts will sell out faster than you can say "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," so shop them below to pick your favorite - or heck, treat yourself to both!

Target's Fall Decor Line Has Arrived! Here Are 7 Products You Need For Cozy Vibes

It's time to set the mood, people. The Fall mood, that is. Target has released its autumnal decorations, and they certainly don't disappoint. Coppery colors, leafy designs, and pumpkin motifs cover these items, and we're totally in love. If you're ready to transform your home into a seasonal wonderland, you need to check out our favorite picks. These products sell out fast, so you can't waste any time! We'll make sure to update the post with more items as they come in, so make sure to check back soon. You can never get festive enough. Now all we need is a pumpkin spice latte.

44 Practically Free Halloween Costumes to DIY

I know you're already thinking about your Halloween costume. If you don't want to go broke splurging on an outfit this spooky holiday, check out some of the best ideas we found that will cost little to nothing to throw together!

Tiffany Went From a Size 2XL to a Small in 1 Year - and She Didn't Go to the Gym

Demi Lovato's Fans Think These 2 New Songs Are About Nick Jonas, and We Can See Why

Demi Lovato has released her new album, Tell Me You Love Me, and on it are two songs in particular that have fans scratching their heads. Could track six, "Ruin the Friendship," and track seven, "Only Forever," be about her best friend and business partner, Nick Jonas? Some certainly think so, and we can see why.

Both of the songs talk about Demi's feeling for an unnamed person and hint that she wants to pursue a romantic relationship with them. For example, "Ruin the Friendship" starts off with the lyrics, "Put down your cigar and pick me up," which first got people speculating since it's widely known among Jonas's fans that he loves to smoke cigars. In a recent interview with Noisey, Lovato revealed what happened when she sent the person the songs to listen to:

"I was frustrated with a certain situation. And I was like, 'You know what, I'm just going to write about it.' And so I did, and sent [the songs] to that person, and that was interesting. Any time you send a song about the person, to the person - it's ballsy. It's like, 'Hey! Here's my feelings for you!' They knew [about my feelings], but neither of us had acknowledged [them] before. And then it turned out that person had written a song about me, and we exchanged songs. That person was like, 'That's an incredible song.' And I was like, 'Yeah, well.' It's like, 'Hel-lo!'"

Lovato went on to say that the person (who we now know is a fellow singer, since they sent her a song back) "had their reasons," which leads us to believe that the mystery person doesn't reciprocate her feelings. Jonas and Lovato have been friends since they first met on the set of Disney's Camp Rock when they were just 16 years old. Since then, they have launched their own music label, Safehouse Records, and even went on tour together. Before Lovato's new songs started stirring up rumors of a potential romance between the two, their relationship appeared perfectly platonic.

The lyrics to "Only Forever" read, "I've been thinking 'bout the future and I've been thinking 'bout the now / I know we're gonna be together / I just don't know how." What a coincidence that this track and "Ruin the Friendship" are right after each other on her album and that their tour was called Future Now. See where we're going with this? Like we said, we aren't the only ones who've picked up on it, because fans on Twitter also can't help but discuss the possibility of a more-than-friends situation going on between the two musicians.




Win Halloween With These 41 Sibling Costume Ideas

Nothing is better on Halloween than a really great matching costume that gets praised not only for its ingenuity and creativity, but also just for being a really fantastic idea that you wish you'd thought of yourself (shower loofas? Genius).

Whether you want to buy costumes that go together or DIY your heart out, we've rounded up 41 costume ideas for siblings of all ages to coordinate with this Halloween - and likely win first prize at the costume contest.

This Hysterical Rap About LaCroix Will Make You Cry Tears of Sparkling Water

LaCroix has a passionate following for many reasons. The cans are impossibly colorful and chic, the sparkling water comes in 20 natural flavors, and the zero-calorie beverage is made without any sugar or sodium. It seems only natural that one of LaCroix's enthusiastic fans would create a musical ode to the fizzy drink. "Sippin' on La Croix," by Rakeem has to be one of the most hysterical rap songs out there and truly proves how inspiring this beverage is. You're going to have the lyrics "When you're sippin' on LaCroix, you know it brings you joy" stuck in your head all day. Watch the video above and prepare to laugh until you have tears of sparkling water in your eyes.

55 Irresistible Recipes to Satisfy Your Taco Cravings

Warning: these recipes will make you wish every day was Taco Tuesday. From chicken to carnitas and plenty of vegetarian options, there's a taco recipe for every craving out there, and you're sure to find at least a few that you'll want to make (along with plenty of guac, of course). Bust out the homemade margaritas and get ready for the best taco night ever.

16 Haunted House Essentials For an Epic Halloween - All $25 or Less

If you're looking to transform your home into the spookiest haunted house on the block, you have come to the right place. Here at POPSUGAR, we are Halloween addicts. That's why it was no problem at all for us to scour all corners of the internet for the coolest decorations out there. What makes it even better is that all of these items are affordable. It's a win-win situation. If you're on the hunt for ghosts, skeletons, cobwebs, and more, shop through our ultimate guide. You'll have trick-or-treaters flocking to your place. These products will make this year's All Hallows' Eve the best one yet.

Nothing Says Fall Like These Disney-Inspired Halloween Candles - You'll Want Them All!

Is it really even Fall until your home is full-on decked out with candles on every possible surface? The answer is a resounding no, even if your calendar begs to differ. If you haven't had a seasonal candle shopping spree yet, we have just the collection that'll make Disney-lovers everywhere squeal with delight. Walter & Rosie Candle Co. makes a variety of magical Disney-inspired candles and wax melts, and it just so happens to release a Fall-themed lineup each year. These candles go beyond those basic pumpkin aromas and truly capture the essence of the season with little nods to our favorite Disney movies. Ahead, we've gathered all 14 candles for your online-shopping convenience. These would make a lovely gift for the Disney fan in your life!

Stretch Marks, Swelling, and Skin Woes: How 5 Beauty Experts Survived Pregnancy

For some, there's no bigger high than nabbing the last Fenty Beauty highlighter in Trophy Wife before it sells out. Still, we hear having a baby is also a pretty joyous life experience. Pregnancy, however, can be a mixed bag and affects every woman differently. For some expectant moms, it's nine months of facial swelling and breakouts. Others get a major glow, reporting smoother skin and thicker, more lustrous hair.

Of course, it helps to be a beauty expert when you're trying to adapt your routine to whatever those pregnancy hormones are throwing at you. We asked celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists, and beauty vloggers - all of them mothers - to share the lessons they learned, the products they craved during their pregnancies, and how motherhood has changed their approach to beauty. Take notes, stock up on that shea butter, and remember: sweet little babies often grow up to be mischievous toddlers who like to get into Mommy's makeup.

We Can't Quit Dancing to Ariana Grande With The Fitness Marshall

You love Ariana Grande, you love The Fitness Marshall, and now that we've fused them together, we can dance to one of Ariana's more, eh . . . "emotional" songs, "Quit." The Fitness Marshall says, "This is for all the drama queens," so go ahead, ladies, get your sassy five-minute workout in.

30 Fun and Cheap Things to Do This Halloween

If you love Halloween, it's easy to go all out for the holiday and blow through your wallet in the process. But celebrating doesn't have to leave you completely broke by Nov. 1. You can still participate in all the spooky and sugar-filled activities on a budget and have fun while you're at it. See 30 cheap things you can do this Halloween ahead.

The Gruesome Halloween Candle Selling Out Everywhere


Love it or hate it, Halloween brings out the gruesome in everything – including home decor. Case in point: this bleeding hand candle ($35). The creepy life-size candle seems to seep blood as it melts down from wicks on each finger, revealing a sheet metal skeleton in its wake. This graphic candle is not for the light of heart, so you might need to put it away before having grandma over – and that's if you can even find one in stock to purchase. The purveyor's website is long sold out, but you might still be able to find one at a brand retailer near you.

11 Pieces of Hocus Pocus-Themed Decor Sure to Cast a Spell This Halloween

Each and every Halloween, most of us (myself included) willingly make time to cuddle up to the cult classic movie Hocus Pocus to enjoy an unforgettable story about witches, black cats, spells, and a cute Californian teenager named Max. And while there are plenty of us devoted to this standard annual viewing, there is actually a whole world of decor available out there to decorate your home and take your level of fandom to the next level if you so wish. Read on, as we have selected 11 of the very best ways to add a dash of beloved Hocus Pocus to your home this upcoming season.

50 Easy Ways to Turn Your Home Into an Oasis of Coziness

A lot of factors go into creating and decorating a home, but one of the keys is making your home a place where you feel comfortable, snug, and relaxed. From Pinterest to Instagram, there's a lot of inspiration at your fingertips to help you create a warm space, but those designer images are rarely budget-friendly. Luckily, it's not hard to add some coziness to your bedroom, living room, and even bathroom with some affordable pieces. If you want to make your space more welcoming without a complete overhaul, read through for some of our favorite items for an easy upgrade!

Warning: These Gory Halloween Eye Makeup Looks Aren't For the Faint-Hearted

For gore-lovers, Halloween inspiration possibilities are endless. You can turn your whole body into an illusion work of art, take on beauty trends and give them a gory twist, or even add creepy critters into your gothic makeup. But if you aren't into the hardcore SFX Halloween get-up, just doing eye makeup can be equally scary.

If you didn't think some good old fake blood and eye shadow could make a superscary eye look, think again. We've found some of the goriest eye makeup looks so freaky, you won't even require a costume. The best part? You don't need to have all the SFX products to participate. One artist says she used Clarins Lip Balm ($26), which we assume she melted to create a blood-like consistency.

Read on to see inspiration of how to make gory eye makeup looks that aren't for the faint-hearted.

This Makeup Artist Loves the Saint + Sinner Palette So Much, She Painted It on Her Face

You Can Now Get a Mini Version of Your Favorite MAC Lipstick For Just $10

Ooh, baby, baby! MAC Cosmetics is giving Tom Ford's Lips & Boys a run for its money. This Fall, MAC followed Tom's footsteps by launching 10 mini lipsticks. These are part of the My Little MAC (so cute!) offering, and they'll fit easily inside of your jacket pocket or evening clutch. MAC chose colors carefully, as Ruby Woo, Velvet Teddy, and more of your favorites are available in petite form. The best part is that they're just $10 (as opposed to $18 for a full-size lipstick), so it's also a great way to sample new shades on a budget.

There are also eight My Little MAC Lipglasses in a bevy of popular neutral shades ($10). Four of these lip gloss shades are new: Nymphette (sunny golden pink), Oyster Girl (freshwater pink), Candy Box (midtone rose pink), and Spite (muted plum-taupe brown).

In addition, you can snag six gorgeous loose-powder pigments ($10). We're partial to Kitschmas, a shimmering pink/mauve pearl powder that when mixed with a little cream transforms into an on-trend lavender highlighter.

Everything is available right now on maccosmetics.com. Keep reading to see every shade up close, and don't forget to check out MAC's stunning Snowball Holiday collection.

I Found a Realistic, High-Quality Blond Wig For Halloween, and It Only Cost Me $13

For Halloween last year, my coworker and I were dead-set on being Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for our office party. I went to every costume store in the area to find us the perfect wigs, but they were all terrible and incredibly fake looking. The options were knotty, were too shiny, and didn't fit my head well. One friend suggested that I look on Amazon, which is where I found the MelodySusie Cosplay Blonde Curly Wig ($13). With such a low price, I figured it was worth the risk to purchase the online pick.

When it arrived, I was totally shocked by the packaging and quality of my order. It came neatly folded in a box along with a wig cap and metal comb. The wig itself has two adjustment straps inside, which can be intertwined to a fixed position to suit different head sizes. When I put it on, it easily slid over my head. The hair itself was smooth and glossy, but not artificial looking. I trimmed mine a bit to more closely match Ashley Olson's haircut, while my coworker Hilary kept hers long.

I wore the wig for eight hours without having to fidget with it. The metal comb came in handy - it easily detangled my fake strands. The look of the wig is also very versatile - you could be Cersei Lannister (pre-haircut), Elle Woods, Luna Lovegood, Regina George, Barbie, and more. The wig also comes in red, blue, purple, and pink, so the possibilities are truly endless. If you're looking for a good wig this Halloween, you won't be disappointed by this one.

7 Real People Show How They Finally Managed Their Acne With Accutane

If you've ever suffered from severe acne, you know how frustrating - and even depressing - managing your complexion can be. The blemishes can also be painful and, even worse, resistant to both over-the-counter treatments and prescription medication. In these instances, some dermatologists will prescribe Accutane, a form of vitamin A that limits the amount of sebum produced by the skin's oil glands and reduces blemishes.

For some folks, this drug works miracles. Many people have shared their experience and before-and-after photos from their time on Accutane on Reddit and Imgur, explaining how it has improved their lives.

Though it is effective, those considering taking it should heavily evaluate all their options with a dermatologist before getting a prescription for Accutane. It's a very powerful drug that can cause severe birth defects, and can also affect your mood, vision, and appetite. But if you're struggling with severe acne and looking to make a dramatic change, the following (incredible!) skin transformations may inspire you. Read on and click through each gallery and prepare to be amazed.

Here's Exactly What Trader Joe's Cauliflower Pizza Crust Tastes Like

The internet lost its mind yesterday upon hearing the news that Trader Joe's now offers a frozen cauliflower pizza crust. Discovered by a few lucky shoppers over Mother's Day weekend, it's everything that dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-carb dreams are made from.

We were lucky to find a cauliflower crust at our local TJs (trust us, it's selling out everywhere!), and have to say: it's pretty delicious. Not a single taster in the bunch disliked the corn flour and cauliflower crust, and everyone went in for seconds. While most tasters agreed that it would be a go-to on nights where you want pizza but are trying to be healthy, others just loved it, period. At worst, it's pretty tasteless, which is part of the reason cauliflower has such an appeal as a stand-in for things like rice or bread - it picks up all the delicious flavors of the ingredients it's cooked with.

In the June oven that we used, the the pizza came out soft and doughy - like a cross between bread and grits - but baking it a little longer or on a pizza stone would give it more of a crunch. The convenience alone is worth the price since making a cauliflower pizza crust from scratch is quite the ordeal. Overall, we recommend picking one of these up during your next trip to Trader Joe's. Be warned, it's so satisfying, you'll probably want the whole thing to yourself - and since one serving is only 80 calories, it's not necessarily the worst choice to make!

Tasting Notes

  • "Tastes a little like polenta."
  • "Definitely needs to be salted."
  • "Not doughy like pizza crust, but still so good."
  • "One of the best gluten-free options out there."
  • "Only a slight taste of cauliflower; very subtle."
  • "It kind of tastes like nothing."
  • "This would absolutely fulfill a pizza craving."
  • "I eat a pizza a lot, and this is a yummy healthy alternative."
  • "Texture is sort a cross between a gluten-free cracker and grits."
  • "Tastes flavorless on its own, so it all comes down to the toppings."
  • "This is a game-changer for anyone who is gluten-free."

1 Move to Prep Your Entire Body For Working Out

A proper warmup before any strength-training workout will not only help you perform better during your sweat session, but it also might help ease the delayed pain, known as DOMS, that can follow a tough workout. After three to five minutes of light cardio, do a handful of walkouts to prep your entire body for the upcoming challenges you will be facing, from holding multiple planks to heaving kettlebells. We've added a lunge to this classic move to make the exercise even more effective.

Pauley Perrette Is Leaving NCIS After 15 Seasons

NCIS fans, I hope you're sitting down. News broke on Wednesday that Pauley Perrette, who plays forensic specialist Abby Sciuto on the hit show, is leaving after 15 seasons. The fan favorite of the long-running CBS drama announced the news on Twitter with a heartfelt note to her fans:

Perrette started playing Abby in 2003, and in 2016, she signed a new contract to star in seasons 14 and 15. It's the end of an era, folks.

Kate Winslet and Jame Cameron Are Reuniting - Not For Titanic 2, Sadly

Exactly two decades after they worked together on Titanic, James Cameron and Kate Winslet are reuniting for the long-awaited Avatar sequel. The venerated actress has officially signed on for a starring role in Avatar 2, Deadline Hollywood reports. Winslet will star alongside Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington, both of whom are reprising their roles as Neytiri and Jake Sully.

"Kate and I have been looking for something to do together for 20 years, since our collaboration on Titanic, which was one of the most rewarding of my career," Cameron told Deadline Hollywood. "I can't wait to see her bring the character of Ronal to life." Unfortunately, Cameron has yet to divulge any details about the new character.

In addition to its leads, the Avatar sequels also enlisted seven young actors who will presumably play the new generation living in Pandora, including Jake and Neytiri's three children! Production has already begun for the first sequel in the franchise, which will be released on Dec. 18, 2020. The fifth and final film will be released in 2025, if you can believe it. There's no word yet on how many Avatar films Winslet will partake in.

Katy's 75-Pound Weight-Loss Journey Started With Ditching Soda

Katy Hamilton has been overweight ever since she can remember, so technically her weight-loss journey started in elementary school; she remembers going to Weight Watchers meetings at a very early age. She tried Nutrisystem, working with nutritionists and personal trainers, but here's how she ultimately dropped 75 pounds, and more importantly, how she's kept it off.

Katy: Before

POPSUGAR: When did you start your weight-loss journey? What made you decide to?

Katy Hamilton: The time when everything clicked began when I was halfway through my master's program in the early Winter of 2012. I had gained a lot of weight during the first half of the program; we worked our internship all day and went to class all night only to go home and do our homework and prep work for our internship until late at night. It was a lifestyle that lent itself to eating fast food on campus, never exercising, not getting enough sleep, drinking tons of coffee and soda for energy boosts, and being super stressed.

I was driving home for Winter break, feeling the worst I had felt in my whole life. I had always disliked being overweight, of course, dreamed of single-digit sizes and bikinis, but this was the first time I was focused on how bad my body felt. I felt tired, bloated, groggy, stressed, and grumpy and was dealing with the worst IBS issues since I had been diagnosed two years earlier. I thought about one thing that was making me feel really gross and my brain zeroed in on soda. I was drinking more soda per day than I ever had and it was definitely bothering my stomach. Even with the very little knowledge I had about health (clearly, I hadn't figured it out in 23 years), I still knew how bad soda was and committed to stop drinking it, cold turkey. In two weeks, I felt better and started looking up some healthy recipes to try. It was easy!

Katy: After

By the time I returned from Winter break, I was down 10 pounds with no other effort than asking my parents to cook the healthy recipes I found and kicking soda out of my lifestyle. I continued the healthy meal prep instead of eating on campus and continued not drinking soda. When I was down 15 pounds, I joined a gym and saw a personal trainer two to three days a week in addition to doing some cardio. The weight loss was very slow and very steady . . . and somehow it was the easiest it had ever been.

It continued, verrry slowly. I never lost more than 2.5 pounds a week, but I stayed consistent, so the weight kept coming off. I'd make new small goals to reach, try new healthy recipes, add an extra workout in, but overall I kept my focus on making good choices daily. When I started this journey, I never knew or dreamed of losing 75 pounds; I just wanted to feel better. I kept that as my focus and the weight loss sort of took care of itself.

PS: How much weight have you lost so far?

KH: The highest weight I remember being recorded was at a doctor's appointment sometime that Fall, 243 pounds. I'm not sure of the exact number. I am not a slave to the scale (I don't even own one!), so I don't know my highest weight and I don't know exactly what I weigh right now. My best estimate is about 75 to 80 pounds.

Also, I had skin removal surgery on my stomach two years ago due to drastic weight loss. I really want to highlight this because sagging skin is a very frustrating part of weight loss and I do not want anyone to compare their bodies to the pictures I have ever, but especially not without knowing that!

PS: How did you do it? Do you follow a specific diet? Specific workout type or schedule?

KH: When I lost a majority of the weight - about 55 to 60 pounds in the remaining six months of graduate school - I did not follow a specific diet. There were no foods I avoided or meal plans I followed. I tracked my food for my trainer and dietitian to see but never required myself to stay under any specific calories/macros. It was more about being mindful of the small bites I'd take here and there adding up, or if I wasn't eating enough protein, carbs, or fats. In fact, as a 22-year old, I still went out multiple nights a week with friends for drinks and dinner and still lost weight because I found a balance that worked for me and my lifestyle.

With my trainer, I did 30 minutes of strength training two to three times a week and would follow that with 20 to 30 minutes of cardio, experimenting with intervals and running on the treadmill or long elliptical sessions. As I grew to really enjoy working out, I added another day or two of exercising on my own in, always at a regular gym with cardio and strength equipment.

Now, four years into keeping that off and losing an additional 15 to 20 pounds, my lifestyle is quite different. In the last two years, I've done a few rounds of Whole30, completed one round of the Clean program, have tried the 21-Day Sugar Detox, and adopted a food lifestyle that looks very similar to Paleo. Through the Whole30 and 21-Day Sugar Detox, I really found how amazing our bodies are designed to feel. They both involve eating real, unprocessed foods. Eating good food can clear up issues way beyond weight - skin, sleep, digestion, mood, etc. From these programs, so many aspects of my life were healthier and I wanted that to continue into my normal lifestyle without being on a set "30-day" program. I definitely wouldn't label it Paleo, because I do stray from that on a rather consistent basis!

My current workout type and schedule is varied, which I love! Since starting my journey, I've run two half marathons, two 10-mile races, and a few 10ks. I'm proud of my accomplishments with running, but I've learned something big about myself . . . I HATE RUNNING! So I don't do it nearly as much anymore. I enjoy HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and taking long walks outside for cardio.

Katy: After

About a year ago, I tried something I had always been interested in and was always too scared to go to: CrossFit. I thought I wasn't strong enough or in shape enough to try it, but I started CrossFit and have never looked back. It challenges me every day and has taught me so much about myself and my strength, both physical and mental. It is the best community to be in if you like being pushed, inspired, and motivated day in and day out.

So now, my typical day looks like a long walk or HIIT workout before work on some days and CrossFit at night in addition, about five days a week. This is what works for me and makes me feel my best!

PS: What are some non-scale victories you've experienced?

KH: There have been so many throughout the four and a half years of my journey, but the greatest is definitely the explosion of self-confidence and self-love that I've grown. I know if I set a goal, I'm going to achieve it because I will put in the work it takes to get there. I am proud of myself for the things I've achieved and the hard work I've put in to make me the best version of myself.

Next, my IBS is gone, my hormones are more stabilized, and my mood and mental health are clear and positive (I mean, we all have bad days and grumpy moods, but nothing chronic!).

Lastly, I've learned what true health means for me. It means finding a way you love to move your body each day (even if it's different than what your best friend, mom, sister, cousin, or random health blogger would do), fueling that body with food that makes you feel good, and surrounding yourself with a positive environment and people who support you and make you healthier and happier. The most important thing here is . . . all of these things are pretty possible at any weight, any size, and I wish I knew that sooner. I'm not happier because I'm smaller. I'm happier because I feel better, move my body, removed negative relationships from my life, and prioritize my happiness!

PS: How do you stay motivated?

KH: By choosing things I genuinely love doing and eating. It was so much harder to stay motivated when I told myself I had to run to lose weight even though I hated it or had to eat egg whites (seriously, people, eat the yolks). It's not hard to be motivated when you love going to your workout of choice! I stay motivated to eat healthy mostly because I know how good it makes me feel.

I definitely stay motivated by making small, attainable goals along the way - add five pounds to a heavy lift at CrossFit, get an extra set of sprints into my workout, or go to bed a little earlier. Small goals add up to big successes!

Lastly, my healthy lifestyle Instagram, @wodthefork, has kept me motivated for the past two years. I follow people who inspire me (and unfollow those who don't!), and try to spread positivity as much as possible. Messages from my followers are the most amazing motivation in the world!

PS: What does a typical day of meals look like for you?

KH: This is quite literally impossible to answer. I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in quantities that satisfy me and keep me full through my next meal. Each week, I try new recipes and buy different food at the grocery store. Some days I'm hungrier, so I eat more. Some days I'm not, and I eat less. My plates are filled with foods that are nutritious, taste good, and agree with my stomach (I'm lactose intolerant and have IBS so some foods aren't in my lifestyle that are completely healthy and fine for you to eat!). You should never try to follow someone else's typical day of food because, well, you are not that person and health is not a one-size-fits-all thing.

PS: Any advice or tips for people on their own journey?

KH:

  • Focus on what works for you and what makes you feel your best.
  • Go slow and be patient. It took me a long time to lose weight.
  • Have goals that are not related to your weight or size. You can't lose weight forever, so you might as well find some things you love to do on the way and have goals related to that to keep you healthy and motivated!
  • Be selfish with your time and energy.
  • You are who you surround yourself with. Don't be friends with people who don't support your goals. Don't follow people who make you feel bad about yourself. Don't do things that drain you of your happiness.

This is my personal journey and is drastically different from others who have had equal and greater success in health and weight loss. I am always happy to answer questions about my journey or give my opinions and share my experiences, but I am not a health professional! With that being said, feel free to message me at my Instagram @wodthefork if you ever want to connect, have further questions, or want to share your own health journey with me!

15 Spooky, Sweet Cupcakes For Halloween

We've found some of the coolest, creepiest Halloween cookies and cake pops around, but if you like to keep your kiddie desserts old-school, check out these 15 spooky sweet cupcakes. From classic (and easy to bake or buy) cupcakes with Halloween toppers to versions featuring creative witches' hats, spiderwebs, mummies, owls, and ghosts, these cupcakes are more delightful than frightful!

16 Skull Bath Bombs That Perfectly Cater to Your Cold, Halloween-Loving Soul

If you're a true goth queen at heart, we have the perfect beauty product that caters to your perpetually cold, dark soul: skull-shaped bath bombs. These spooky fizzies are currently flooding Etsy in honor of Halloween, but we're personally in favor of using them all year round - right along with those supercute mini cauldron bath bombs. To get you in the goth spirit, we've uncovered the coolest skull bath bombs out there. Some are multicolored and totally Instagram-worthy, while others dissolve to make your tub a creepy blood-red hue. Read on to shop our 16 favorite picks.

The Monopoly Man Crashed a Senate Hearing, and It Was Glorious

A brave individual dressed as Rich Uncle Pennybags - better known as the mascot from the board game Monopoly - crashed a Senate hearing on Oct. 4, and it could not have possibly been more perfect.

Pennybags made an appearance during the testimony of Former Equifax CEO Richard Smith, who was detailing the company's 2017 breach that left 145.5 million Americans with their most sensitive financial and personal data - including Social Security numbers, birth dates, and full legal names - exposed. Government accountability advocacy group Public Citizen took credit for the stunt via Twitter, saying, "We sent the Monopoly man to the #Equifax hearing to send a message: Forced arbitration gives @Equifax a monopoly over our justice system."

Naturally, the internet was quite pleased to have something hilarious to focus on after days upon days of bad news and celebrated the perfect placement of the iconic figure above Smith's shoulder during the hearing.

If you're intrigued by the proceedings and not just by the Monopoly Man, head on over to The Wall Street Journal for full coverage live from Capitol Hill.

These Sweet Rainbow Babies Are the Most Precious Things You'll See on Instagram

These sweet babies are proving that after every storm, there's a rainbow of hope!

Thanks to social media, moms who have either welcomed or are still waiting on their rainbow babies don't have to feel alone. A rainbow baby is a sweet phrase used for little ones who were conceived after a miscarriage or a stillbirth. Not only have these precious babies brightened their parents' lives, but as their proud moms and dads share their adorable photo shoots online, they're also serving as a powerful reminder to other hopeful parents. From colorful outfits to rainbow-inspired backdrops, each one of these photos deserves to be "liked"!

Marnie From Halloweentown Is Selling Movie-Related Merch on Etsy, and We Want It All

Get ready to put your love of Disney's Halloweentown front and center with one of these adorable shirts from Etsy - created by the movie's star, Kimberly J. Brown. The actress, who plays Marnie, sells her handmade themed shirts on her Etsy page, Craftily Creative, and each design is a subtle nod to our favorite Halloween movie. Whether you're straight outta Halloweentown or want to show off your favorite quote, Brown has a shirt for you. Her shop even offers customization, in case you have a different quote you might want featured. She also has hand-painted art with Halloweentown quotes on it in case that's more your style, but for the shirts, keep reading.

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

  1. Meet Mickey and Minnie: Getting a hug and an autograph from the mice who started it all is an absolute must.
  2. 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!
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. See the real skull in Pirates of the Caribbean: The original Disneyland's buccaneer-themed attraction features a real skull . . . now go find it!
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Wear a pair of Disney ears during a park visit: Bonus points if they've got your name stitched into the back!
  5. 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!
  6. 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!
  7. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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!

Hurry and Snatch Up 1 of These Starbucks California Adventure Mugs From Disney

12 Betty Boop Makeup Looks for a Sexy 'n' Sweet Halloween Costume

Today, we're traveling back in time - all the way to 1930s - to celebrate one of TV's most iconic and beloved cartoons, Betty Boop! This sophisticated-meets-coquettish character was noted for her sweet voice, flapper style, big round eyes, and bright red, heart-shaped pout. If you're going for girly, glam, and classic this Halloween, Betty Boop is definitely the way to go!

How to Become a Makeup Artist in a World Filled With Makeup Artists

With the advent of social media, it has become increasingly more popular to aspire to be a makeup artist. YouTube tutorials have changed the face of makeup, and everyone thinks they can be the next big thing in makeup artistry.

As a person who decided to become a makeup artist well before it was the cool thing to do, I am a little hesitant when women tell me daily that they want to be a makeup artist. I don't have the heart to tell them that "being a makeup artist" has nothing to do with creating makeup looks you see on YouTube or Instagram. Choosing to dedicate your life to makeup artistry can be a great idea, but you must be strategic in your path to take the right steps toward success.

I fell into these steps by accident. I had a long love affair with makeup, yet it was not something I ever considered as a career. After college, I worked for a nonprofit, which yielded a very small salary. I needed a part-time job to supplement my income and went to Macy's to apply for a cosmetics position.

I, like many girls today, explained to the cosmetics department manager that I was in fact a "makeup artist" who was skilled in doing my mother's and my friends' makeup. She probably saw that I was clueless but took a chance and offered me a part-time position at Clinique. I was disappointed as I was hoping for MAC or Trish McEvoy.

However, Clinique provided me with training that, in hindsight, was priceless. I knew how to apply eye shadow and blush, but previous to my Clinique training, I had no clue about human skin. Clinique educators worked tirelessly to train me about skin and all of the conditions that could affect it, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, hyperpigmentation, dryness, oiliness, and many others. With this skin education under my belt, I had the power to properly diagnose each woman who came to the counter and offer them products that would get their skin to its most optimum health. This was the first, most important thing I learned about being a makeup artist. The most beautiful makeup application in the world will look horrific on skin that's unhealthy.

After a couple of years at the Clinique counter, I was hired by Laura Mercier to be a freelance artist locally. After a short time of success in that position, I was hired to be part of Laura's freelance team for New York and Connecticut, going from store to store for events. With Laura Mercier, I learned tips and tricks from the top makeup artists in New York, including Laura Mercier herself. I also put in thousands of hours of work in the field, which no makeup class or YouTube video can possibly teach you.

My path is not for everyone. Yet there are a few things to consider before or during your jump into the cosmetics field. Ahead are some answers to common questions that women ask before they start their career.

1 Mom's "Rant" About Moms Who Love Fall Will Make You Spit Out Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

If you spent the weekend sipping a pumpkin spice beverage while taking selfies with your kids at a pumpkin patch, Meredith Masony is coming for you.

The mom blogger behind That's Inappropriate went on a self-proclaimed "rant" about all those moms among us loving the Fall season. "I need to talk to all of my Facebook friends who are posting about their delightful fall weather," she began. "Shut up. I don't want to hear about your crisp, delightful, apple-picking, cider-sipping weather."

The reason isn't because she hates Fall, per se. She just hates that her Fall in the Southern end of the country isn't quite the norm. "It is like 157 degrees here in Florida," she said. She continued:

My kids are asking me, "Um, can I be Chewbacca for Halloween?" No, son, you can't. You will have a heat stroke, and I will have to carry you the rest of the way collecting your candy for you, giving you electrolyte replacement because it's going to be 110 degrees on Halloween. No, you cannot be Chewbacca, son. Think.

Because there will "probably never be Fall weather for us," she implores the rest of us to stop posting any photos that include scarves, well-fitting jeans, and "crafty outdoor activities."

Fine, Meredith. But when the temperatures are below freezing for the rest of us in January, and you're snapping pics of your well-pedicured feet digging into the Florida sand, we'll have a rant of our own just for you.

Ontario forms opioid emergency task force to address ongoing crisis

Dr. Eric Hoskins and Dr. David Williams

The province will create an emergency task force to help address the ongoing opioid crisis, the minister of health announced Wednesday.

Ryan Gosling Reveals the Inappropriate Thing His Daughter Learned During Her First Trip to NYC

Ryan Gosling made a hilarious return to Saturday Night Live last weekend when he hosted the season 43 premiere. And on Tuesday, the actor stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to talk about bringing his girlfriend, Eva Mendes, and their two daughters, Amada and Esmeralda, along for the trip. Ryan revealed that after bringing Amada to the window to take in the Big Apple, she saw an unfortunate incident on the street below. "I said, 'Sweetheart, welcome to New York.' And two cars went smash," Ryan said. Watch the video above to find out the hilariously inappropriate thing his little girl witnessed next.

Calling All Bread-Lovers: Here Are the Healthiest (and Tastiest) Brands Out There

There are times in life when your woes can only be cured with a slice of fluffy bread, and you shouldn't be deprived of that joy just because you're trying to maintain a healthy diet. Bread is a highly accessible food wherever you go; you can get your hands on a sandwich or avocado toast at any given time, and there's an entire aisle of the grocery store dedicated to bread. But it can be difficult to sift through all the choices and figure out which is best.

These are the main characteristics you want to look out for when you're bread shopping:

  • 110 calories or less per serving
  • Two or more grams of fiber
  • Three or more grams of protein
  • Four grams or less of sugar
  • Zero grams of saturated fat

These selections meet all of those criteria - and they taste so delicious, it'll make your head spin.

What to Know About LISS Workouts and Why So Many People Are Doing Them

Are you in need of a break from a high-intensity cardio schedule? Maybe you've heard of LISS - a low-key style of cardio training and a fitness term that's been blowing up on social media. We chatted with Jake Peterson, a NASM-certified and Precision Nutrition-certified trainer, about the new fitness trend that's cropping up to figure out what exactly it is.

So, what is LISS?

LISS stands stands for Low-Intensity Sustained State - think marathon vs. sprint. Basically, any cardio- and aerobic-based activity that's performed at a low intensity but for a prolonged period (typically 30 to 60 minutes).

Is this a new type of fitness?

Not really. It's just trending thanks to some support from popular trainers. Peterson attributes its recent rise to the Australian trainer and Instagram star Kayla Itsines, who is a major supporter of LISS.

"This trend has made a comeback into recent fitness trends, but it has been used by bodybuilders and other aesthetic-based athletes for decades. As early as the late '60s and early '70s, it was a popular method used by bodybuilders to aid them in 'leaning out,' in combination with very low-carb diets," said Peterson.

What makes it so popular?

The reasons are varied, but each of them are enticing.

Active Rest and Recovery: LISS is ideal for an active rest or recovery day for those who have higher intensity workouts as a part of their everyday routine. The risk of injury is also significantly lower.

It's Not Intimidating: For those who are new to exercising and fitness, LISS is like a gateway to getting stronger and perfect for a first step on your fitness journey. Walking on a treadmill or going for a casual swim is much less intimidating than jumping into a bootcamp class. With more and more LISS activities, you can build strength and endurance to take on those higher intensity workouts.

The Lazy-Girl Concept: With low effort, you can get great results. Peterson noted that the recent uptick in LISS's popularity is partially due the desire to "lose weight while exerting the least amount of effort possible." It makes sense: the idea that you could get a leaner, trimmer body with just two hours of a slow walk on the treadmill each week is quite alluring.

What are some examples of LISS activities?

One of the great features of LISS is that you can do it in and outside of the gym. A brisk walk or a bike to work would constitute a good LISS activity, as well as using the rowing machine, elliptical, or stair machine at the gym. You could swim in a pool or in the ocean, surf or stand-up paddle, or kick up the incline on a treadmill. Check out some more steady-state cardio suggestions.

Does it actually work?

Short answer, yes. Peterson implements LISS when he works with clients - and it's part of his own training. However, just as you maintain a balanced diet, Peterson cautioned us to incorporate LISS into a balanced exercise schedule. "LISS training by itself will almost always lead to a negative yield in lean muscle mass and basal metabolic rate," said Peterson. "It's very effective at metabolizing fat for energy consumption by the body. However, it is horrible at accessing and breaking down stored fat."

So what does that mean? If you only do LISS training and LISS alone, your body will start to break down its own muscles as a source of fuel, "due to the much lower caloric requirements of burning muscle." You may thin out, but you'll lose strength.

How often can you do LISS?

If you're doing it correctly, all the time! Peterson recommends LISS to his clients who are in high-intensity training as an active recovery day and suggests doing a LISS activity after each training session to wind down, as it aids in the regeneration and conditioning of muscles.

When you're committing to LISS daily, Peterson recommends you to focus on your nutrition, as "adequate and proper nutrition - pre-, intra-, and post-workout - become much more important when training in this style."

As mentioned, the trick is to balance the low intensity with the high intensity; the combo of HIIT and LISS is the most effective approach for anyone trying to lose fat. "LISS training becomes very useful once it is performed after a workout session based on HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)," said Peterson. "The HIIT style of training is great at breaking up the triglyceride bonds within more stubborn adipose tissue (the hard-to-burn fat), but it is not very effective at metabolizing it out."