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 6 octobre 2017
20 Fun Things to Do Alone in Cold Weather
Cold weather usually equates to cuddle weather, but it's also a great time to enjoy yourself. Take it as an opportunity to catch up on things you've been putting off or have been wanting to do. Every now and then, it's always nice to be able to have some time to yourself to recharge and relax, so try these 20 things ahead alone. You don't need company to have a good time!
- Hygge it up: Embrace the Scandinavian lifestyle of hygge that celebrates coziness and warmth, especially during colder months. Do so by setting up pillows, blankets, and candles and sipping on a hot beverage.
- Bake seasonal goods: Fill your home up with delicious scents and challenge yourself with a fun recipe.
- Take yourself to a movie: Even though it might feel uncomfortable at first, you may find yourself really appreciating the experience. Embrace it and enjoy it.
- Decorate your place: Whether it's for Fall or Winter, celebrate the season with DIY crafts or festive store-bought decorations. You'll totally feel the holiday spirit.
- Cozy up with a good book: Create the ideal reading area in your room with string lights and candles and get lost in a new read or old favorite.
- Enjoy the cold air: Bundle up and go for a run or a walk outdoors. The fresh air will feel invigorating.
- Take a solo trip: Embark on an adventure to see beautiful foliage or snowy landscapes. DIY a travel journal to document the fun!
- Begin a project: This could range from a bucket list to a personal blog. Think about what's still unchecked on your to-do list and set aside some time to finally tackle it.
- Volunteer: Pay it forward in a small or big way by helping out at a soup kitchen or making holiday cards for veterans. You never know how your efforts could benefit someone.
- Journal: Start our journaling challenge or choose to free write. Getting your thoughts down on paper is great for self-reflection and for releasing any stress.
- Take yourself out to dinner: Think warm foods and cozy atmospheres. Enjoying a meal alone will allow you to fully indulge without any distractions. Feel free to bring a book along, but try to minimize screen time.
- Binge on a show: Cold weather is the perfect excuse to stay inside and catch up on your favorite series.
- Soak in a hot bath: Nothing feels better than relaxing in a tub. Turn on some soothing tunes and allow your mind to slow down.
- Make seasonal gifts for friends and family: Get crafty with Halloween goodies, Thanksgiving cards, or DIY Christmas presents. Your loved ones will appreciate the personal touch.
- Go shopping: Treat yourself or get a head start on your holiday shopping. You'll be able to take your time and not worry about rushing for others.
- Enjoy a lazy day in your pajamas: Take naps, watch movies, order takeout, or do whatever you feel like doing. Allow yourself to have a guilt-free day that's all about you.
- Try a new workout: Get of your active comfort zone and brave a workout you've never tried before. You never know if it'll become your new favorite exercise.
- Listen to holiday music: Crank up a Halloween mix or Christmas playlist to really get yourself ready for the season.
- Cook yourself a gourmet dinner: Bust out the candles and wine and play chef for the evening. Find a fancy recipe for some of your favorite foods and test your skills in the kitchen.
- Pamper yourself: Relax with a face or hair mask, paint your nails with festive colors, or get a massage. This is the time to catch up on any beauty treatments you've been putting off.
Whole Foods's Rotisserie Chicken Just Got Upgraded With a Hot Buffalo Flavor
There's so much to love about Whole Foods's rotisserie chicken, and now there's even more of a reason to grab one for dinner. The store has just added a new rotisserie chicken in one of the best possible flavors: buffalo! The Buffalo Hot Rotisserie Chicken has a tangy rub and a kick that will remind you of buffalo wings. If you're one of the many believers that buffalo chicken is one of the best foods ever, this ready-made chicken will make meal prep and tailgating so much easier for you. Buffalo chicken dip just got a major upgrade!
Whole Foods noted to POPSUGAR that instead of serving the buffalo chicken with celery and blue cheese dressing, a mouthwatering alternative is blue cheese mashed potatoes. "You might see these same dishes on the hot bar in stores served with other tailgating comfort food including butter-roasted celery," a Whole Foods representative said. Whole Foods's lineup of rotisserie chickens from the hot-bar area usually includes a regular flavor, a BBQ one, and a lemon-herb one (a personal favorite of mine). But it's clear there's a best new flavor for anyone who loves spicy food.
The icing on the cake is that in the wake of Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods and the beginning of lower prices, the rotisserie chickens are newly priced at $8 for the classic, antibiotic-free option and $10 for the organic chickens.
White Pumpkin Pie M&M's Taste Exactly Like Cinnamon Rolls
A pumpkin-pie-flavored candy could go one of two ways, so we were a little nervous to try White Pumpkin Pie M&M's. The new, seasonal flavor has arrived just in time for Fall and Halloween, and in the spirit of all things pumpkin spice, we tried the candy as soon as we were able to get our hands on one of the festive packages. Not everyone who participated in this POPSUGAR taste test is a fan of either pumpkin spice or white chocolate, but we took one for the team and crunched right into the hard candy shells filled with white chocolate and pumpkin pie flavors. And let's not confuse these with Pumpkin Spice M&M's and Pumpkin Spice Latte M&M's from years past. These are entirely new and are available now in stores including Walmart and Target for $3 per bag.
So what do these M&M's actually taste like? The verdict, is M&M's totally nailed it with this flavor, and the bite-size candies taste exactly like pumpkin pie. Despite the fact that we know the candy is artificially flavored - it says it right there on the bag - we didn't taste any chemical-like, artificial aftertaste as we have with other M&M's flavors. The white chocolate base gives the M&M's an almost pumpkin-cheesecake-like flavor, and we definitely get hints of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. We bet these would taste fantastic frozen, as well as in Fall desserts like pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
Here's a sampling of our reviews to give you a better idea of how people really felt about these M&M's.
- "I usually hate white chocolate, but these are a delight."
- "Dang, these taste just like pie. Color me impressed."
- "Subtle pumpkin flavor. You can definitely taste the white chocolate."
- "They taste like a cinnamon bun!"
- "Took me a while to taste the pumpkin, but they're not bad!"
If you're already dreaming about filling bowls in your kitchen with this limited-edition M&M's flavor, do yourself a favor and stock up! You just might be able to get away with serving these for dessert instead of homemade pumpkin pie.
Birth control: Trump expands opt-out for workplace insurance
U.S. President Donald Trump allowing more employers to opt out of providing no-cost birth control to women by claiming religious or moral objections.
When It Comes to Sexy Halloween Costumes, Jennifer Lopez Is an Endless Source of Inspiration
Jennifer Lopez is known for her iconic outfits as much as her catchy music and memorable movies. Throughout the years, the Puerto Rican beauty has shown us unforgettable and outlandish looks that have inspired us all - she basically invented the naked-dress trend!
From her early days influenced by hip-hop to her provocative red carpet looks (Grammys Versace dress, anyone?), J Lo has always kept us at the edge of our seats waiting to see what she will wear next. So can you think of a better way to spend Halloween than embodying the superstar? We're breaking down 19 of her most famous looks that will have you waiting for tonight (OK, Halloween) to shake your booty as Jennifer.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
You'll Never Look at Steven Yeun the Same Way After Watching the Mayhem Trailer
Steven Yeun's time on The Walking Dead might be over, but that doesn't mean he's left blood and gore behind. The actor plays the extremely disturbing lead in Mayhem, whose office building is beset by a virus that turns normal employees into unhinged, bloodthirsty aggressors who are all promptly locked inside for eight hours by the CDC. The horror flick - which has some major The Belko Experiment vibes - also stars Samara Weaving and will hit theaters, video on demand, and digital HD on Nov. 11.
Westworld Season 2: Violence, Chaos, and 3 New Theme Parks
Season one of Westworld ended with a bang (well, a ton of bangs), and season two is on the way. But how do you continue a show that ends its first season with such upheaval? A few major twists were revealed in the supersize finale, opening the door for lots of possibilities for season two - though unfortunately not for Ford, RIP. Here's what we know about season two so far; stay tuned for more!
The Episode Count
"I know we're doing a second season," Ed Harris told Entertainment Weekly. "[Showrunners Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy say] we're doing 10 episodes. Probably won't start shooting until June or July. They sound pretty excited about what it's about. But I have no idea what it will encompass."
Brace Yourself For Bloodshed
When asked to speculate about what could happen, Harris added that, "I don't know, but it sure seems like there's going to be an awful lot of violence. I think all hell's going to break loose. I don't know if I join forces with the hosts or what. But I'm happy for Jonah and Lisa. This has been something they've been working on for a long time. They have very specific plans for season two. I think they're gonna spend more time in Utah next season - they were there for two weeks last season, next season will be a month."
In a red carpet interview with TVLine at the 2017 Emmy Awards, Joy and Nolan also confirmed the new season will be more violent than ever. "In season one, everything was calm. You kind of understood that the thing that was awakening within the robots could lead to some sort of outbreak," Joy said. "Now, the outbreak has happened and we find the park in a very different place. So, the entire setup is kind of a bit different." Nolan further explained that the fourth episode, which Joy directs, kicks things up a notch. "You've made it far more violent and disturbing than we ever intended," he joked. "It was quite a placid episode, and Lisa has kind of turned it into a bloodbath."
Young William May Not Return
Jimmi Simpson, who plays William (revealed to be the young version of The Man in Black), told The Hollywood Reporter in December that he hasn't signed on for second season yet, but he did say it's a "possibility" that it could change. "There are certainly stories they could tell," said Simpson. "Based on these writers' skills, if it was their intention for young William to return, I know that he would be there for solid and interesting reasons. But I think this story is told, the story of William and Dolores's love affair. I think that story, tragically, has been told."
The Arrival of More Theme Parks
On the second day of Vanity Fair's New Establishment Summit in LA, Nolan and Joy were asked about what other parks from Michael Crichton's original 1973 film would make an appearance in new episodes, if any. Nolan went on to explain that the reason they left out Roman World and Medieval World in season one was because "we had to save something for season two."
That certainly makes it seem like robots dressed in togas and renaissance cloaks will pop up at some point soon, right? What it also does is fuel suspicion that the Samurai seen at the end of season one might have been a red herring about a potential Samurai World. In the meantime, we'll just pray for all three!
New Characters Are Joining the Fold
Gustaf Skarsgard (yes, Alexander and Bill's brother), Get Out's Betty Gabriel, Make It or Break It's Neil Jackson, and Rogue One's Fares Fares are all joining the show. Jonathan Tucker is coming on board as well as "Major Craddock, a commanding military officer," who certainly sounds like a robot in the Western theme park. HBO has yet to confirm which of season one's main players are returning, but the season two trailer gives us a glimpse of Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Ed Harris, and Jeffrey Wright.
Season 2 Will Be "Defined by Chaos"
If you tuned in for the featurette after the finale, you heard Jonathan Nolan and producer J.J. Abrams talk about the episode, but they also hinted at what's to come.
"If the first season was defined by control, the second season is defined by chaos," said Nolan. "That's part of what we come to understand Ford has been planning all along . . . Ford has set in motion what he thinks is a plan. The nature of that plan is something we explore in the second season. What his intentions are: are they to let Dolores or the other Hosts escape? Are they simply to teach the human guests a lesson?"
Abrams also posed an question that will be vital to the second season: "What happens at the dawn of consciousness? What happens when you begin to actually wake up?"
The Trailer
The Premiere Date
Because it takes so much time and money to produce a season of the show, Westworld won't return until early 2018. That's OK, we'll wait.
Thailand's Halloween-Themed Cafe Is a Nightmare Come True For Wannabe Witches
Ever wish you could celebrate Halloween all year long? At Kaethy the Witch in Bangkok, Thailand, it's totally possible. The festive cafe is filled with spiders, ghosts, and lots of (fake) blood. Everyone who visits gets to put on a classic witch hat and order treats inspired by all things Halloween. Obsessed yet? There's even a few Harry Potter decorations if you look close enough. Make sure to check out all the cool and creepy details in the following photos.
Who Needs a Pickle-Back Shot When Dill-Pickle-Infused Vodka Exists?!
You might've thought that pickle-flavored alcohol peaked with dill pickle beer, but we're here to tell you some happy news: you were wrong. And let us tell ya, your Bloody Mary game is about to become legendary, because our latest pickle-infused discovery is sour, dill-infused vodka. After we heard that Blue Spirits Distilling offers its own take on pickle-flavored liquor, we scoured the internet and realized that pickle vodka is available from several spirits purveyors.
Chilled Dills, a company that solely produces pickle-flavored vodka, describes its namesake offering as "smooth" and perfect for Bloody Marys, pickle-tinis, or by itself on the rocks:
We have combined the amazing taste of the finest pickles and their juice with a U.S. made, ultra-premium vodka. Combining the two, we have created a delicious, flavored vodka with a hint of dill pickle; very smooth and refreshing.
Another company that sells pickle-flavored vodka, Last Mountain Distillery, prides itself in being Canada's only pickle-infused spirits producer. It also claims that pickle vodka is "amazing in caesars," Canada's answer to the Bloody Mary, which is made with clamato juice.
If you've lived in the darkness, not realizing that you could be drinking pickle vodka, now's your chance to make up for lost time. Check out the photos ahead of the various dill-infused options out there, then peep this list to find pickle liquor near you.
Bite Me: 40+ Halloween Costumes Inspired by Your Favorite Foods
Halloween is the only time of the year when you can dress up as anything you want, so why not let it be your favorite food? It's time to add a little flavor to the season, so whether you're a total foodie with a sophisticated palate or a candy fiend, you're going to obsess over these costume ideas. Check out all of the edible inspiration for yourself.
Sip These Teas to Soothe Your Stomach, Lose Weight, and Get Clear Skin
Tea is a soothing Winter drink, and it can have pretty miraculous healing properties. Did you know the teabag you choose can give you a unique result? Whether your goal is calming down, perking up, or recovering, there's a tea for that.
We asked tea expert Kristina Richens - a director at The Republic of Tea, certified tea specialist from Front Range Herbal Institute, and speaker from the SF International Tea Festival - to share what she's learned from her travels to China, India, Japan, and South Africa. She spoke about which teas you should brew up for each time of the day, as well as which ones help with certain physical goals (even if your goal is just to fall asleep!).
- Supercharge Your Morning: Black or Green Tea. The caffeine content with L-theanine (present in these teas) will give you a calm state of alertness.
- Get Through an Afternoon Slump: Green Tea With Ginkgo Biloba. Kristina told us that green tea can enhance performance, while ginkgo biloba can keep your memory sharp.
- Recover After a Workout: Black Tea. A cup of black tea has 88 milligrams of potassium, which contributes to muscular recovery.
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Green Tea, Lavender, or Chamomile. Time to unwind. "Chamomile and lavender are known as nerve-soothers and calming herbs," she said. Lavender and lavender oil are great ingredients to look for when relieving anxiety, and green tea and matcha also promote relaxation.
- Snooze Soundly: Chamomile or Valerian. Soothing and mellowing chamomile and valerian root will help you slip into a peaceful slumber. Valerian root, referred to as nature's Valium, is a common ingredient in sleep supplements thanks to its relaxing properties. "Valerian is also great for drinking before bed as it won't interfere with REM sleep," Kristina said.
- Slim Down: Dandelion or Peppermint. Dandelion has been said to help eliminate excess water weight, as well as aid in digestion - a key component in weight loss. "Dandelion's use traces back to the 10th century when Arabian physicians revered the root for its cleansing properties and as a natural aid for digestion," she said. Peppermint tea can help curb your appetite and support digestion as well. In herbal blends, Kristina says to look for ingredients like "gymnema leaves, which are known as the 'destroyer of sugar' in Ayurvedic medicine," and "cordyceps, a Chinese medicinal herb, [which] may boost energy and endurance, and can help rev up your internal engine and increase metabolism."
- Clear Skin: Rooibos or Green Tea. Antioxidant-packed rooibos and green tea can both help alleviate acne, pimples, sunburns, and uneven skin.
- Soothe an Upset Stomach: Dandelion or Ginger. The dandelion root is a natural aid for digestion and has cleansing properties, while ginger root is known to settle a stomach in all its forms.
Become a Healthy Baker With These Surprising Butter Substitutes
Baking calms the mind and feeds the soul, but all that buttery goodness can pack on the pounds. If you're looking to make healthier baked goods, omitting some or all of the butter from your favorite recipes can greatly reduce the calories, fat, and cholesterol. There are countless ways to replace eggs in recipes, and here are healthier alternatives to using butter (great for vegan bakers, too).
- Applesauce: Often used to replace oil in recipes, applesauce can also be used as a butter alternative, and it works best in cake-like recipes (like this vegan banana apple chunk bread). Replace half the amount of butter in your recipe with applesauce; if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and half a cup of applesauce. If you don't mind a denser, more moist bread, replace all the butter with applesauce to cut even more calories and fat.
- Avocado: Substitute half the amount of butter in a baking recipe with mashed avocado (it works well with cookies and quick breads like these pumpkin apple muffins); use the same method as you would when using applesauce. Using avocado not only lowers the calorie content, but also creates a softer, moister baked good, and is perfect if you want to omit the dairy. You can also use avocado in place of butter to make vegan "buttercream" frosting.
- Earth Balance: Replace all the butter with Earth Balance to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. Using Smart Balance rather than Earth Balance will also save some calories, and note that Original Smart Balance is now dairy-free!
- Canola oil: In certain recipes, replacing butter with oil works well, especially if the recipe calls for melted butter. Fiddle with your favorite recipes to figure out when canola works instead of butter; when baking chocolate chip cookies, I've had success substituting half a cup of canola oil for half a cup of unsalted butter. Although slightly higher in calories, canola is much lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Greek yogurt: Replace half the amount of butter in your cookie recipes with half the amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and one quarter cup of yogurt. You'll reduce the calories and the saturated fat. Play around with using more yogurt and less butter to see if you still like the taste and consistency. Here are more ways to use Greek yogurt in baking recipes. If you're avoiding dairy, use soy yogurt instead, like this recipe for protein banana bread.
- Prune purée: Often used to help little ones stay regular, prune purée also makes a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to butter. Whatever amount of butter the recipe calls for, replace it completely with store-bought baby food prune purée (unless you have time to make your own; just purée prunes in the food processor). This option works well in recipes that involve chocolate and cinnamon.
How Zumba Helped 1 Woman Dance Off 230 Pounds
Weight-loss success happens when you truly love to live a healthy lifestyle, as Cynthia Ortega found out. Here, she tells Zumba's lifestyle blog, Zlife, about her struggles with weight and how she finally found what works - and lost 230 pounds!
Cynthia: Before
Born and raised in Houston, Cynthia Ortega used to look in the mirror and hate what she saw. "I felt horrible and sad," she says. "I used to dread going to restaurants with my husband because I knew I wouldn't fit in the seat." Often smiling on the outside, deep down inside, she wasn't happy. She was trapped in her own body, desperately wanting to be someone else. Even her husband, who was very supportive, felt helpless.
Heavy mostly her whole life, she had never exercised and had many failed attempts with crash diets. One day, while standing in line to order pizza with her husband, a little girl pointed at Cynthia and said to her mom, "Look mom, that's a big lady!" Everyone heard it and Cynthia was mortified. In 2009, she was hospitalized with the swine flu and couldn't even fit through the MRI machine. She went into an induced coma and had to learn to walk and eat again. Due to her weight, she also discovered she had sleep apnea and diabetes.
Cynthia: Before
At a crossroads in her life, it finally clicked for Cynthia that she had to get healthy for herself and her young son who looked up to his mom and needed a positive influence. In 2013, she stumbled across a gym near her home and peeked in to see people taking a Zumba class. "It just looked like a lot of fun and something I could do." She and her friend signed up and, within one month of taking two classes per week, she lost 30 pounds! And that was just the beginning of her transformation.
Cynthia: After
Now 230 pounds lighter, she takes Zumba classes 12 times per week and puts more thought into her diet. She even started a YouTube page to chronicle her weight loss, called "BestFriendFitness" in the hopes of inspiring others out there to get healthy.
At 29 years old and married for eight years, Cynthia is inspiring her husband and family members to be healthy and eat foods in moderation. "Now, when my husband takes me out to a restaurant, I don't have to care about the chairs and if I'll fit in them. I love taking selfies and when I look in the mirror I feel great." She recently went back to the doctor for some tests and stayed four extra days to find out that all her health issues had disappeared and her heart rate was that of a fit person's!
Cynthia: After
So what is Cynthia's advice to others who are suffering from weight issues? "Find what works for you and something you're passionate about. You have to be persistent. You can't expect results from one day to the next. Zumba Fitness is challenging for me. My friends think I make it look easy, but I get out of breath . . . sore . . . tired. It's something that I truly love."
Cynthia: After
More from ZLife:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
More Than 50 Tips to Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight is not easy, and whoever tells you differently is lying. It takes commitment, hard work, and, for many, a complete lifestyle makeover. But armed with these 56 techniques, losing weight suddenly becomes easier.
If you're looking for quick fixes or a lose-10-pounds-in-10-days kind of promise, then you've come to the wrong place. But if you want an insider's guide on how to lose weight and keep it off for good, keep reading. From basic weight-loss fundamentals to weird tricks proven to melt away that muffin top, you're only 10 pounds away from your new self.
How to Not Host a Sleepover Party But Still Make Your Child Happy
I am a planner. I love to plan vacations, day-long city adventures, and classy campfire meals. But planning my two daughters' birthday parties terrifies me. At some point, I realized they would remember their parties, just like I remember slipping in dog poop wearing a purple velvet dress playing tag when I turned 5, or eating Brown Cows (a creative name for root beer floats to increase the drink's appeal to the under-10 demographic) and pretzels when I turned 7 - I think my mother was dieting that year and couldn't motivate to bake a birthday cake.
Fueled by fear, and most likely a healthy dose of working-mother guilt, I overthought and overplanned two birthday parties a year. I created themed games, eco-friendly and age-appropriate crafts, bags of party favors, and baked cakes made from scratch for the discerning palates of elementary-school children. I knew to keep these parties to two hours. I could handle being in charge of a gaggle of children for 120 minutes, but I wasn't mentally prepared when my fourth-grader asked for a sleepover party. I girded myself hosting a group of girls for 15 hours.
The evening activities didn't cause me much concern; after all, you can always put on a movie to placate the kids. It was the sleeping hours and the early mornings I feared. As it turned out, my fears were justified. After ignoring late night girl giggle fests, something crashing in the kitchen woke me suddenly just before dawn. I flew downstairs fearing the worst, only to find a dainty blonde walking on my kitchen counters, opening the upper cabinets, searching for sugary cereal she was sure I had hidden up high. Little did she know, she was in the home of a health and fitness editor - my children had never tasted Frosted Flakes or Fruit Loops. The rest of the morning dragged, dragged, and dragged as I waited for the 9 a.m. pickup time.
When my second daughter hit fourth grade, she knew she was having a slumber party. Parity is my middle name. What the first born gets, so does the second - at least when it comes to birthday parties. As she hounded me about the sleepover, my increasing dread lead to some creative thinking and subtle manipulation. I encouraged my daughter to list out all her friends she wanted to invite, and I encouraged her to keep adding names until it included too many girls for our living room floor to accommodate. She did not want to cross any of the names off the list, so I offered my preplanned compromise. Let's have all the girls over and do everything as if it were a real sleepover party, but have all the guests leave at 10 p.m. As she contemplated this, I could see the gears turning in her mind. "We could call it sleep under," she said excitedly. She had christened the event, which meant I had total buy in. This time, I was actually excited to have a house full of 9- and 10-year-olds.
The 13 girls arrived by 5 p.m. They had a dance party (hello, Taylor Swift and more Taylor Swift), they ate breakfast for dinner (since there would be no breakfast), they had a pillow fight, and they watched a movie. Then the parents came, relieved their daughters would sleep in their own beds and not be cranky pants the next day.
19 Ways to Take Your Family's Disney Looks to the Next Level
Whether it's your family's first or 50th time at Disneyland, there's no better spot to break out matching outfits than the Happiest Place on Earth! Coordinating looks make photo ops with Main Street or Mickey's Fun Wheel in the background even more epic. And your Instagram feed isn't the only place you'll see benefits. Just knowing what everyone in your group is wearing will help you keep track of each other in the crowds. Ready to dive in to the magic world of matching outfits? Shop below!
25 Products Under $50 to Transform Your Living Room Into a Cozy Retreat
As cooler weather approaches, so does the urge to spend our evenings snuggled up by the fire, reading a good book or watching Netflix. In preparation for all those relaxing nights at home, freshen up your living room with a few cozy accessories. Soft blankets, piles of pillows, and glowing candles are just the beginning. Read on to find out our favorite budget-friendly products to make your living room a comfy retreat.
The Legend Behind the Halloween Tree at Disneyland
Image Source: Flickr user harshlight
Learning about Disneyland's storied history is as fun as spending a day getting your thrills on at all of the attractions. From true tragic stories inspiring haunting legends to secrets and facts only the biggest park fans know, there's always something else to discover about the Happiest Place on Earth - the legend of the Halloween Tree included.
Now, fans are probably familiar with the tree. The oak is located in front of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon in Frontierland. Every Halloween since 2007, the tree is decorated in a special way with jack-o'-lanterns hanging from its branches - but have you ever wondered why? The story goes that author Ray Bradbury, famous for Fahrenheit 451 and countless other fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and horror works, loved Halloween - and had a long history with Disney. Bradbury was a huge proponent of the Walt Disney Company and made his support for it clear throughout the years.
"His deep-rooted fascination with Halloween began as a child after watching a Disney cartoon: the 1929 Silly Symphony short The Skeleton Dance," D23 says. "Decades later, in 1964, Bradbury and Walt Disney met and became friends and collaborators, joining forces on several projects at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, including Spaceship Earth at Epcot. Bradbury also wrote the screenplays for two Disney films based on his work: Something Wicked This Way Comes in 1983 and The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit in 1999."
In 1972, Bradbury showed his love of Halloween with his novel The Halloween Tree, a story about eight trick-or-treaters who go to meet their friend on All Hallows' Eve at a haunted house. The boys end up encountering a mysterious character named Moundshroud near a tree that's filled with jack-o'-lanterns. Moundshroud then takes the boys through the history of Halloween and its traditions, and more adventure ensues. Bradbury envisioned a "Halloween Tree" at Disneyland just like the one in his story.
On the 35th anniversary of the novel in 2007, the idea actually became a reality! Bradbury was even at the event when the tree was officially introduced to Disneyland. There's also a plaque in his honor.
Image Source: Flickr user lorenjavier
The tree is decorated each year at Halloween Time, so if you've ever overlooked it on your travels throughout the park, make sure to stop by this year to view this special part of Disneyland's history. You can also see iterations of the Halloween Tree on all four of Disney Cruise Line's ships during their special Halloween sailings each year.
Image Source: Flickr user harshlight
This Is Exactly What You Need to Do For a Strong, Lean Body and Fast Metabolism
I recently sat down with DIAKADI personal trainer Liz Letchford, MS, ATC (and PhD candidate!), and lamented about how sore I was after a recent Megaformer class. "It's because of the eccentric exercises," she told me. Those slow and controlled resistance movements? "They leave you the most sore . . . but the good thing is that they also make you stronger."
Are you familiar with eccentric exercises? Liz shared that they're the best kind of move you can do for gaining strength. "You are maintaining the contraction as the muscles are lengthening, which creates a lot of tension on the sarcomeres (tiny structural bits of the muscle) which creates damage, so you get stronger . . . but also feel way more sore due to the damage."
Here's an example she described: you're slowly lowering yourself from a pull-up position instead of letting your weight pull you down. Or think about doing a bicep curl - you'd curl in quickly, then release much slower; curl in for one count, out for four counts. Make sense?
Try this: do a "negative" push-up. Start in a plank position with your arms and legs straight, shoulders above the wrists, core engaged. Take a breath in, and as you exhale, slowly bend your elbows, lowering your entire body to the floor for a six- to eight-second count. This counts as one rep and as an eccentric exercise!
Liz said that "by increasing your muscular strength and the body's requirement for energy (aka your metabolism), your body uses its fuel more efficiently." What this means is you're using calories and energy to "fuel your muscles instead of storing it as fat." She noted that eccentric moves create "strong muscles," which in turn "will increase your metabolism."
She also said it's important to note that "there's no such thing as 'long, lean muscles,'" but you also shouldn't worry about the idea of "bulking," because that's a myth as well. "Women don't have the physiological ability to get bulky," she told POPSUGAR. "Not without seriously training, eating [a very specific diet], and taking supplements and hormones. . . . We lack the levels of testosterone that help men gain muscle and metabolize fat easily."
"Your muscles will grow according to how much demand is placed on them," she said. "If you want the 'long, lean' look, it's about not training for hypertrophy," (think moderate to light weight but tons of reps) "but instead training for strength" (i.e. eccentric exercises!) "and following a healthy diet."
Is It Harmful to Run Every Day?
Whether you're trying to lose those last 10 stubborn pounds for bathing suit season or for your BFF's wedding, when your regular 30-minute running workouts three days a week aren't doing the trick, you may decide to kick it up a notch and run every day. The scale may finally start to budge, but is it bad for your body to run every single day with no days of rest?
Working out regularly provides tremendous benefits to your body and your weight-loss efforts, especially since experts suggest exercising for 60 minutes, five days a week, if you're trying to lose weight. While running is an excellent form of exercise, you want to be careful not to overuse the same muscles and joints, which can lead to an injury and derail all your hard work.
Instead of hitting the pavement seven days a week, mix up your cardio workouts as well as the duration, and you'll continue to see results without taxing the same muscle groups. Go hiking, join a gym and take cardio classes like Zumba or indoor cycling, go for a bike ride, jump rope, do a fitness DVD, or swim. You'll end up burning calories each day to help you lose weight, but you'll also strengthen other parts of your body, which will prevent injury and make your muscles more defined. To push past your plateau, consider adding some strength training to your regimen, and when you do run, don't forget to vary your routine with intervals and hills.
Keep in mind that it's also important to listen to your body. Scheduling rest days every few days will help your muscles recover and grow stronger. You can either take off completely from sweating it out or do lower-impact workouts such as walking or gentle yoga.
Makeup Lovers Will Melt When They See These Halloween Looks
Beauty lovers know that Halloween is the perfect occasion to show off their makeup skills - and this year, many simply decided to give a creepy update to their favorite everyday looks.
Desi Perkins made a tutorial for the look last year, and since then, so many more are jumping on board. Thanks to a little bit of creativity (and a whole lot of 3D gel), these MUAs have been turning their faces into disturbing, melting creations that will definitely make them stand out at their next Halloween party.
Keep reading to get inspired by these spooky looks, and check out the trend that will turn you into an intergalactic beauty.
7 Shower Oils That Will Make You Rethink That Old Bar of Soap
If you experience dry skin during colder weather, right now is the perfect time to pamper yourself. One of our favorite ways to get that spa-like experience every day is by using relaxing shower products. If you haven't tried using a shower oil yet, here are a few reasons you should: unlike soaps and gels, oils have a richer, more nutrient-based texture that is easy to wash off, they smell amazing, and they are less likely to strip your skin of its natural moisture. So if you're thinking of trying one, we'll make it easy and do the shopping for you. Take a look at our favorites that will make your skin feel softer than ever this season.
In His Latest Attack on Women's Rights, Trump Rolls Back Free Birth Control Coverage
On Oct. 6, in yet another blow to women's health and reproductive rights, the Trump administration ended an Obama-era mandate that required employers to include birth control coverage in insurance plans. According to Planned Parenthood, the changes could impact some 62 million women who had access to birth control free of charge thanks to the provision of the Affordable Care Act.
The birth control rules are the latest example of the Trump administration's pursuit of policies protecting "religious freedom." Employers that claim they have either a "moral" or "religious" objection to providing birth control will now be able to avoid covering it under their insurance plans. Notably, there is already evidence to suggest these "religious objections" have already largely been exploited by for-profit companies with no clear religious views. And under the new rules, employers would not have to petition the government - or even notify them - if they want to take advantage of one of the two exceptions.
The Trump administration has already done much to diminish reproductive rights and women's healthcare not only in the United States, but around the world. This latest move, however, is especially concerning. Not only do the new rules call into question the ability of tens of millions of women to afford birth control, but one of the reported chief authors of the new rules, Matthew Bowman of the Health and Human Services Department, is a noted anti-choice and anti-birth-control advocate. Bowman previously worked at the Alliance Defending Freedom, which pushed anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-choice ideologies, and in the past has argued that the contraceptive mandate could cause measles and that emergency contraception and even IUDs "cause abortions." Unsurprisingly, the administration's argument for the new rules relies on some of the worst and most damaging and baseless arguments trotted out by birth control foes, including that access to birth control promotes "risky sexual behavior" among teens.
Dr. Anne Davis, Consulting Medical Director of Physicians for Reproductive Health, strongly condemned the rules in a statement shared with POPSUGAR. "No matter where they work, women need and deserve birth control access. An employer's beliefs have no place in these private decisions, just as they would not in any other conversation about a patient's health care. It's a dangerous intrusion into a woman's privacy and her ability to get the care she needs," she said. "This new rule also reflects a disturbing trend in both the Trump administration and the current Congress of efforts to dismantle women's access to health care, including administration appointees who oppose constitutionally protected rights, legislation allowing states to restrict family planning funds, and a healthcare repeal bill that would have left millions of Americans uninsured or without coverage for essential services."
The new rules cap off what was already a bad week for women's reproductive rights in Washington; on Tuesday, the House passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which bans most abortions after 20 weeks.
The National Women's Law Center has already promised to take on the new birth-control rules in court, and Planned Parenthood and other women's organizations are rallying supporters to voice their opposition to the new policy.
Adorable Handmade Frozen Costumes Worth Melting For
Do you want to build a costume? Come on, we can't delay . . . because Halloween is right around the corner!
Frozen costumes are definitely going to continue to be a hit on the trick-or-treat circuit this year, so if your kids are dreaming of Arendelle-inspired outfits, you've got to make sure they stand out. Not all of us have the skill or time to handcraft our kids' costumes every Halloween, but plenty of Etsy vendors are happy to do the job - score! Whether your child wants to dress up like Elsa or Olaf, there's a handmade costume to take their Halloween getup to the next level.
Moscow Mule Gummy Bears Are Here to Spice Up Your Snack Life
Following the Champagne and Rosé gummy bear craze, one candy company is getting in on the trend with gummy bears inspired by another beloved beverage: the moscow mule. To celebrate the start of Fall, Project 7 introduced its new Moscow Mule Gourmet Gummies and Sour Caramel Apple Gourmet Gummies, both of which are available at Target.
We know what you're probably thinking, and no, the Moscow Mule Gourmet Gummies do not contain actual alcohol. They are, however, made with organic sweeteners and no artificial flavors. According to one person who tried them, the gummy bears are really good and taste like the real thing. "The taste is pure lime and mint, a bit tangy," they wrote on Instagram. We'll cheers to that!
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Make Chicken Breasts
It's no secret that boneless, skinless chicken breasts aren't the most exciting ingredient, but they're certainly one of the most popular among home cooks. If you're feeling totally uninspired by your usual chicken recipes, allow these chef-approved tips to get you out of your rut. Here's how some of the best Food Network personalities and more of our favorite celebrity cooks transform their chicken breasts.
Alton Brown: Pounded Thin
Alton Brown's recipe is for chicken kiev, a popular dish that involves pounding the chicken breasts thin before stuffing them with herbed butter, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying them. Alton's pro tip is to refrigerate the rolled-up, stuffed chicken breasts for at least an hour so they stay intact while being fried, so you don't have to worry about pesky butcher's twine.
Ina Garten: Lemon on Lemon
Ina's lemon chicken breasts recipe has a five-star rating out of more than 600 reviews, and it's easy to see why. She makes sure there's maximum lemon flavor by baking the chicken breasts with plenty of zest, juice, and wedges.
Chrissy Teigen: With a Brick
Yes, an actual brick. Once you try the technique in Chrissy Teigen's brick chicken recipe, you might never go back.
Rachael Ray: Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed
Rachael Ray's spinach- and mushroom-stuffed chicken is further proof that stuffing your food is always a good idea. A filling made of spinach, mushrooms, ricotta, parmesan, and garlic results in chicken that's anything but bland.
Giada De Laurentiis: Piccata
Giada's foolproof chicken piccata is the ultimate Italian-style chicken dinner. With a short list of impactful ingredients (butter, lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers), you can make your own restaurant-worthy chicken.
Ted Allen: Parmesan-Crusted
When in doubt, add parmesan cheese. Chopped host Ted Allen recommends baking the chicken in a crunchy crust of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
The Top Halloween Candy Ranked From Worst to Best
There was a time the contents in your Halloween bag meant the world to you. There were good years and bad years . . . Who can forget the neighbor who only let you pick out one Tootsie Roll or the house that had king size candies up for grabs? We're revisiting the best and the worst of our yearly candy stash, starting with the candies that still make your taste buds recoil.
John Boyega Is Humanity's Last Hope in the New Pacific Rim Uprising Trailer
Pacific Rim Uprising might not have Charlie Hunnam or Idris Elba's characters from Guillermo del Toro's 2013 sci-fi action film, but that doesn't mean the sequel looks any less epic. The first trailer for the upcoming movie, due out March 23, stars John Boyega as Jake Pentecost, one of humanity's last hopes in the stand against "the monsters that destroyed our cities, and the monsters we created to stop them." Charlie Day, Rinko Kikuchi, and Burn Gorman are set to reprise their roles from the original and will be joined by Scott Eastwood, Tian Jing, and Jin Zhang.
I Gave Up Takeout For 30 Days, but Day 31 Was the Real Eye-Opener
As a New Yorker, I probably eat out for lunch at least four days a week and dinner at least twice a week. I work long hours, and my kitchen is smaller than my bathroom. I am honestly not joking about that. But because of how much I eat out, I've noticed that I feel more lethargic and I get a lot more stomach pain than I did when I was cooking more. I can almost definitely trace it to poor food choices, but it hasn't seemed to stop me from eating out. It wasn't until someone at work said, "I bet you can't give up takeout for 30 days," that I finally accepted the challenge. I am nothing if not competitive.
I took notes on how I was feeling throughout my 30 days, and once I made it past the first week, it was pretty smooth sailing as far as resisting takeout. Going in, I wanted to get myself in a better habit of meal prepping so I wouldn't be hungry all day at work, and I told myself I'd use Sundays to do that as well as dinner prep. Spoiler alert: none of that actually happened, but I did make it through the 30 days, and here's a recap of how it went.
Day one, Aug. 14: Feeling excited! EatStreet sent me a coupon today, which was rude and hard to resist.
Day two, Aug. 15: I'M ALREADY SO HUNGRY FOR PIZZA.
Day 20: Was hungry for pizza so I bought a frozen one, and it was more expensive than if I'd just ordered one, which is dumb.
As you can see, it only took two days before I was going through takeout withdrawals, but by the end of the first week, I was feeling better both physically and mentally. Takeout tends to make me feel bloated and uncomfortable, so by cutting it out and relying solely on food I could cook at home, I was sleeping more soundly from not having an overfilled stomach and spending my days without any stomach pain. It also wasn't without challenges, as I noted on day 20: Was hungry for pizza so I bought a frozen one, and it was more expensive than if I'd just ordered one, which is dumb.
In the end I learned a few things by giving up takeout and eating out for 30 days. I learned that if I tell myself I can't have it, then I end up sticking with it, which is something I want to keep using as a method moving forward with healthy living. Like, if I tell myself I can't do something unless I work out for 30 minutes first, I'll be more inclined to actually do it.
I also learned how much better I feel overall when I don't eat out. Sure, it was easy on my wallet, but physically I felt lighter and mentally I felt clearer. Restaurant food literally weighs me down in all ways. While I didn't end up losing any weight during this 30 days, I lost the bloat I usually experience.
But two of the most interesting things I learned over this month of no eating out were how many coupon codes for delivery food I get in my email and what it felt like to eat takeout the first time after going without. I stopped keeping track of how many coupons I got in my email, but on day five, when I got the second one in five days, I made a note of how rude it felt when I was trying so hard. And I did try really hard, and I made it through my 30 days, so I rewarded myself with takeout on day 31 just to see the difference, and oh my good Lord.
Day 24: Almost gave in and ate out for dinner, BUT I DIDN'T.
On day 31, I decided it was a great idea to order my favorite Chinese food and really just indulge. I got everything I love, and I spread it all out over my coffee table and whispered sweet nothings to it as I shoved it into my face. Going in, it was one of the best meals of my life. A few hours later, I was filled with regret and pain. I was quickly reminded of the havoc that restaurant food wreaks on my poor body, and that right there was enough of an eye-opener. Since that meal, I have cut back on eating out by a huge amount, and I continue to feel so much better. I sleep better, I have less bloat, my system is functioning more regularly, and I never get stomachaches.
7 Latinx-Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas Made for Best Friends
When Halloween comes around, we all know you'd much rather make a dash for the crafts store than a costume shop - it's just so much fun to go the do-it-yourself route! And what's better than DIYing a costume solo? Partnering up with a close friend (or significant other) for an unforgettable costume.
Whether it's an easily recognizable pop culture duo or something cute and fun like a couple of La Lotería cards, you'll have so much fun pairing up with someone this year.
7 Things You Never Knew About Olive Garden, Straight From an Employee
Curious about Olive Garden's restaurant secrets, POPSUGAR spoke to a representative to get all the details. Besides the fact that Olive Garden serves 220 million guests per year and gave out 21,000 Never Ending Pasta passes last year (people really love the pasta), the popular Italian chain has plenty of fun facts that will make you an even bigger fan. Keep reading to find out more about the homemade soups, the employee discount, the culinary institute in Italy, and more.
The most popular menu item is . . .
"Chicken Alfredo is Olive Garden's most popular menu item. Shrimp Scampi is also among the bestselling dishes at Olive Garden - it is so flavorful, many guests are surprised to learn the entire entrée is just 500 calories! Out of all the noodle options, Olive Garden guests prefer fettuccine noodles. As far as pasta toppings go, Olive Garden guests love the grilled chicken."
Olive Garden really does have a culinary institute in Italy.
"Every year, more than 200 managers and team members travel to Olive Garden's Culinary Institute of Tuscany. This trip is designed to immerse team members in the Italian culture while learning about the cuisine and interacting with Olive Garden's overseas partners, the wineries and pasta makers we consider to be a part of Olive Garden's extended family."
The restaurant has been around since the early '80s.
"The first Olive Garden restaurant opened in Orlando in 1982."
The soups are made fresh every morning.
"All of Olive Garden's signature soups - Pasta e Fagioli, Chicken & Gnocchi, Zuppa Toscana, and Minestrone - are made by hand and from scratch every morning using fresh, whole ingredients such as kale, peppers, and squash."
Employees get a great discount.
"Team members can enjoy $1 unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks and 50 percent off of meals before, during, and after their shift."
You can get Olive Garden delivery for large parties.
"Olive Garden offers delivery for large parties, weddings, and other events. Olive Garden loves to celebrate with brides around their big day and even created a DIY breadstick bouquet."
There are gluten-free pasta options upon request.
"Olive Garden servers will work with guests on any dietary needs. Servers will happily work with guests to address any food allergies or dietary restrictions. In many instances, they can suggest simple swaps - such as subbing in gluten-free rotini or ordering the Chicken Parmigiana grilled instead of fried - so guests can still enjoy their favorite dishes while meeting their individual needs."
If You're Not Going to Disneyland in the Fall, You're Seriously Missing Out
If you're thinking about planning a trip to Disneyland, make it this Fall. Without a doubt, the Autumn season is the best time to travel to the most magical place on earth. Read on to understand why you should be planning for the coming months and make it your best trip ever!
2 Photographers Did a Wedding Shoot For Their Kids, and the Results Are Gorgeous
Photographers Breana Pulizzi and Bria Terry decided to combine their passion for taking gorgeous photos with their love for their kiddos, Ella and Sullivan, in a beautiful photo shoot that featured the cutest bride and groom.
"We had this wild idea. We wanted to host a mini wedding and of course we went all out. We let these two play real life wedding and I think they had more fun than their mammas did," Pulizzi said.
The two moms came up with the idea simply by remembering what they liked to do when they were their children's age. "As a kid one of my favorite things was to play dress-up. I specially liked anything that was white because I pretended to be getting married," Pulizzi said. "Well [lo] and behold I am grown and married with a gorgeous daughter. She loves playing dress-up and has a wild spirit."
And it's safe to say the photos turned out just as beautiful as most real weddings.
20 Reasons Avocado Toast Is the Sexiest Snack on the Planet
If avocado toast isn't in your weekly routine, this list of recipes will convince you otherwise. Though nothing beats the classic toast (with salt and pepper or a dash of hot sauce), you'll quickly be ready to graduate onto other more complex toasts, including those topped with poached eggs, ahi tuna, and even gorgonzola cheese.
The True Confessions of an Ex-Vegan
A rescued Thanksgiving turkey and me, in 2010, having been vegan for just over two years
I am a food editor who is a former hard-core vegan. Today I may eat the worldwide gamut of food, but if you had talked to me between the ages of 19 and 22, I would have turned my nose at anything containing dairy, eggs, seafood, or meat. For two and a half years of my three-year stint as a vegan, I lived in Los Angeles, the land of celebrities, yogis, and health-conscious people in general. Every corner had a vegan restaurant and green juice joint, and there was fresh kale and berries aplenty, year-round. I felt utterly convinced that I was doing the right thing for the planet, for animals, and for my health. However, all that changed when I moved to New York City upon graduating college.
I always knew I wanted to be a food writer/editor, so I packed my bags and headed to New York City to attend a plant-based culinary school. "What sort of food writer is vegan?" my mom exasperatedly questioned me. I never saw it as a limitation, even when I dined at some of the finest restaurants in the world. In fact, I believed the best chefs were the ones who could produce a vegan tasting menu full of creative, interesting flavors, rather than simply serve a plate of steamed broccoli. I still think this is true. Grant Achatz, anyone?
When I arrived in New York City, I immediately immersed myself in the vegan community. I worked as a chocolatier in a vegan chocolate/wine shop, attended yoga classes every day at a notoriously vegan studio, and joined all the vegan meetups I could. My weight (and energy) were at all-time lows, yet I attributed it to my busy schedule and the rigor of city life. The only thing I couldn't handle was the hunger. Sure, being vegan, I felt my stomach grumble every couple of hours, though in New York, I felt painfully hungry constantly.
And then, I started dreaming of steak. I mean, x-rated, slow-mo, sizzling food-porn dreams. I'd wake up in a panic and run to the kitchen to stuff myself with spoonfuls of peanut butter, pea protein powder smoothies, and leftover lentils. Despite attempting to eat every type of vegan protein known to mankind, I'd always leave the kitchen unsatisfied, salivating, and angry because I still envisioned a big hunk of charcoal-grilled steak with bloody juices seeping onto the plate.
I was in such a conflicted state. Perhaps it was part pride (I'm saving the environment; emotional, sentient beings; and myself by being vegan) and part fear (how can I face my job, my yoga studio, my vegan friends, and my vegan sister if I decide to quit?). I neglected those steak dreams for three months before I finally booked an appointment with Annemarie Colbin, the founder of Natural Gourmet Institute, who has a Ph.D. in holistic nutrition.
I told her my predicament. "I'm vegan and I'm dreaming of steak," I shamefully admitted. She looked at me amused. "Then you must eat steak," she responded matter-of-factly. I exasperatedly explained, "You don't understand. I can't just eat steak. I've made a commitment! Isn't there some bean-grain combo that can give me the nutrients I need and make these dreams disappear?!" She shook her head. "If your body is trying to tell you on a subconscious level that it needs the nutrients from a steak, then listen to it."
I didn't listen to her then. Instead, I tried to deny the truth and became obsessive about which grains to pair with which beans to form complete proteins. Nothing was working. Then, I started to dream of salmon, too. Flaky, Asian-glazed salmon with a crisp skin. Waking up from those dreams was agonizing, and I'd shlep to the kitchen to eat my sad, slimy bowl of sprouted amaranth cereal.
Right before Christmas, a few friends from culinary school planned a trip to go to a farm in upstate New York to learn how to slaughter chickens. Despite growing up around hunting camps and hunters, never in my life would I have considered killing an animal for food. I was so ravenously hungry, the thought of doing so excited me. My primal needs to hunt and eat meat were kicking in. Though I didn't join them on that trip, it was a turning point. It was time to break up with veganism.
Me, in June 2014, at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
I went home for the holidays and spoke to my vegan sister. While we were getting ready for Christmas dinner, I whispered to her, "I think I'm going to eat a steak on New Year's." Eying my ghostly complexion and exposed ribs, she didn't even blink before saying, "Yeah, that's a good idea." I don't know why I needed that green light, but I did. No one in my family, save for my sister, thought I'd actually go for a filet mignon on New Year's, until the waiter took my order, and I said, "I'll take the eight-ounce, medium." And that was that.
I watched the plate of steaming steak waltz through the dining room until it finally landed in front of me. The caramelized crust, the bloody juices, and the unmistakeable, smoky aroma matched the steak of my dreams. And that first bite - lord have mercy - that first bite couldn't have been more perfect. I danced in my seat with giddiness, feeling rebellious and relieved all at once. A lot of people claim that going back to meat can be upsetting on the stomach, but I didn't have a single problem. The same went for returning to dairy.
The biggest challenge of giving up veganism was realizing how much I had let it define me and influence my relationships. I became aware of how enraged and difficult I was. Over the past few years, I didn't have much compassion toward fellow humans, and I blamed them for factory farming and their lack of consciousness. I demanded that my friends and family go to vegan restaurants and questioned them for their eating habits constantly.
Today, I think I have a much healthier approach to food and, most importantly, to fellow humans. I tend to sway toward fresh produce, legumes, and grains, with some meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs, of course. I support my local farmers and fishers so that hopefully there will be better options in the world and fewer factory farms. Sure, wild, grass-fed, and organic is way more expensive, but it feels better to me to eat higher quality less of the time than to eat meat for every meal.
This experience taught me that my body is constantly evolving. What works in one city, in one period of my life, may not work in another. It's all about being open, experimenting, and seeking the guidance of professionals when necessary. Oh, and creating balance. The key word is definitely balance.
26 Halloween Treats That Are Cute, Not Creepy
Whether you're hosting a Halloween party, sharing treats with your officemates, or looking for a fun Fall activity, you'll want to pin a few of these festive recipes. Cute, not creepy, these treats range from ghost marshmallow treats to jack-o'-lantern cake pops and are sure to captivate your imagination.
This La Llorona Halloween Makeup Tutorial Will Frighten the Heck Out of Everyone
If you'd rather look scary than sexy for Halloween, we give you YouTuber Dulce Candy's La Llorona makeup tutorial. The video was posted a while back, but every Halloween it comes back to haunt us - in the best way possible. We're not going to lie here, Dulce's version of the Weeping Woman involves a lot of costume makeup and a little skill, but the end result will be worth it as you see friends freak the eff out and you end up sweeping up all best costume awards at parties. Watch the video above to be walked through every step, including how to create a nasty wound with silicon compound and contour your body to look like a skeleton. If this doesn't get you in the Halloween spirit, we don't know what will - maybe these other Halloween tutorials?
Target Released Its Halloween Collection - Here Are 15 of Our Favorite Products Under $25
When we heard that Target released its Halloween collection, we immediately starting thinking about our costume options. The store is always our go-to when it comes to unique, affordable seasonal decor. This year, they did not disappoint us. The collection includes spiders, crystal balls, cobweb table runners, vibrant pumpkins, and more. Most of these goodies are on preorder, so you won't get them until Sept. 1, but you should still snag them now so they don't sell out! Feast your eyes on our favorite picks.
Save Your Sanity This Christmas With This Miraculous Tree That Puts Up Itself
It's a struggle that many of us face every year: putting up the Christmas tree. Whether you assemble a faux tree or cut down your own evergreen every year, putting up the tree is rarely easy. From getting it in the right position in your living room to making sure it's straight to positioning the bare patches in the back, it's never a one-person job.
Christmas trees are an essential part of the holiday season for many families, so getting it right is important. Anyone who has done battle with a Christmas tree is sure to appreciate a simpler option, especially if it's a Christmas tree that puts up itself!
The Emerson Grow & Stow Christmas Tree ($500) could be the answer to your Christmas tree woes. By simply plugging into an electrical outlet, the branches expand at the touch of a button. The tree's height is adjustable between six and nine feet, so whether you have a smaller space or a grand room, it's sure to fit. The base has wheels so it's easy to move around, and it has a foot pedal and remote control so you have complete control over where your tree goes and when it expands.
Unlike some fake Christmas trees, the Grow & Stow actually looks surprisingly real. It's bushy and full, and even the needles look realistic. It's also prelit with over 700 lights, which can be white or colorful depending on your decorating style. The prelit feature makes it so you don't have to worry about stringing your own lights or making sure the tree is evenly lit. Just add your favorite decorations and you're good to go.
Even worse than putting up a Christmas tree might be disassembling it after the holidays, but this one separates into just two parts and comes with a handy storage bag so you can tuck it away again in no time. Check out the video below to see how the tree springs to life!
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.
The 1 Kitchen Cabinet Style Top Interior Designers Swear By
From paint color to hardware finish, appliances to flooring, there are many decisions to be made when remodeling a kitchen - but foremost among them is cabinet type. To help you narrow down the options, we asked a few interior designers to recommend their favorite kitchen cabinets. The answer was unanimous: shaker style.
Modern and sleek, yet timeless, the shaker cabinet is the go-to for these stylish experts. Read on to find out why they love it and how to use it in your own kitchen.
How American Horror Story Is Setting Up Ally to Be the Cult Leader
If everyone in your life - from your wife to casual acquaintances - were revealed to be part of a cult, what would you do? That's something American Horror Story: Cult's resident scream queen, Ally, is going to have to think about now that Meadow has revealed Ivy's ties to the crazy clown cult of Kai. Now that the truth is out in the open, AHS: Cult can get serious about achieving its ultimate goal - making Ally the cult's queen bee. Yes, screaming, phobia-filled Ally is destined to rule the hive that Kai has created, and the show has been dropping hints at her ultimate role all along.
Here are six reasons Ally is the queen bee that Kai needs by his side as his ascent to power continues.
Forget the 80/20 Rule! This Trainer Says to Follow the 90/10 Rule to Lose Weight
If this is the year you've committed to finally losing weight and getting in shape, we asked trainer Autumn Calabrese, creator of the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme fitness and nutrition programs, to share what she thinks is the number one way to finally reach your weight-loss goals.
"The number one thing people need to do to lose weight in 2017 is be consistent. You need to be consistent with your workouts, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise four to five days a week," she said. An easy way to get in the habit is to choose four or five specific days of the week, as well as one specific time, such as Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6 a.m. Think of these as important appointments you've made with yourself that you cannot skip out on. The first two to three weeks will be the hardest, but once you're used to working out on the same days and times each week, it'll feel weird not to.
Autumn also said, "You also need to be consistent with your healthy eating. That doesn't mean you have to be perfect all the time but you do have to be on top of it. I like the 90/10 rule. I know a lot of people say 80/20, but if you're really trying to lose weight then 90 percent of the time you need to be eating healthy, clean food in the proper portions." Autumn says it's OK to splurge on one cheat meal once a week, but make sure it's a cheat meal, not an entire cheat day. "If you do these two things, work out and eat right consistently, you will lose weight and keep it off." Autumn reminds us that "being healthy is a journey, not a destination."
You can burn some calories with Autumn in a couple of our Class FitSugar workouts! Be sure to check out her 20-Minute Country Heat Dance Workout and her 15-Minute Full-Body Workout that incorporates weights.
Sculpt and Strengthen Your Arms With This 3-Week Challenge
Everyone has their own reasons for wanting strong, defined arms; we're here to help. After following this 21-day arm plan, not only will your arms look toned - you'll also be stronger. First thing's first: don't worry if you've never lifted a dumbbell in your life. This arm challenge was designed with everyone in mind - whether it's your first time working out or you're at the gym on a daily basis.
Getting started: The challenge consists of five basic exercises that help to target all the areas of your arms. Over the course of the challenge, you will increase the number of reps you're doing of each exercise, eventually working up to three sets of 15 reps for each exercise.
Below is an explanation of how to do each of the five exercises, followed by the plan itself. Choosing the appropriate size weight is key here - you want one that fatigues your muscles by the end of the three sets. If the challenge ever feels too easy, that's your cue to increase the weight of the dumbbells (and if you find you are fatiguing too early, decrease the weight amount). Beginners should start the plan with five-pound weights, and for you more-experienced lifters, make this challenge work for you by grabbing a heavier set.
After Running For 15 Years, I Made This Change and Finally Lost Weight
I started running after college to lose that freshman 40 I was holding onto. I learned a lot along the way, like what socks prevent blisters and how to shop for a sports bra so you don't have to wear two. But what I struggled with was losing weight, specifically belly fat. And after 15 years of running and experiencing two pregnancies, that still-pudgy pooch - although a sweet reminder that I was my kids' first home - was always the thing I pinched and poked when standing in front of a mirror.
So I signed up for a half marathon. I was convinced that all those training runs would surely slim my middle, but when I stepped on the scale, I was completely wrong. I was gaining weight because the hunger that came with those long workouts made me want to eat all the time. After the race, although I made some changes to my eating schedule to lose the weight I'd gained during training, my squishy belly wasn't budging, and it pissed me off. It wasn't like I was going to run more often or for longer distances. It was quite by accident that I figured out how running could help me ditch my mummy tummy.
One morning, I skipped the hour-long flat road run and turned into the woods near my house. I let my dog, Reuben, off leash, and we just started running. My pace was much slower because the terrain was so unpredictable. Rain had eroded away the path, creating holes, plus the slippery wooden bridges, the rocks and logs to leap over, and the hills - man, were there hills! I was huffing and puffing way more than on my previous runs, and my quads, calves, and butt were burning. I had to swing my arms more to get up those steep inclines, and trying to catch up to my dog added a little fire to my step. At the end of my 20-minute run, I felt like I did after running one hour.
After just two weeks of running those trails and those crazy hills, I felt an incredible sense of strength in my legs I hadn't experienced before in the 12 weeks I was training for the half. In the obstacle course that is the woods, my muscles were constantly guessing, since running in the woods is completely different than running on a sidewalk or a treadmill. It's like a dance because there's no monotony of movement. Every step is a little different, a little shift to one side or the other, a little shorter or longer than the one before.
Interval training had always seemed so forced when running through my neighborhood: I felt a little weird sprinting past my neighbor's house, so I skipped them and just stuck to my 9:00/9:30 minute-per-mile pace. But the hills forced me to switch up my pace, and I knew this type of training would be the key to ditching my tummy. Running this way was also really challenging to my mind. I felt a complete sense of calm afterward that I wasn't able to get to unless I did a long training run. Instant runner's high in just 20 minutes? I was floored.
And the added perk? My belly looked slimmer. I could see definition in my obliques - I had obliques! By no means am I saying I have a six-pack after a month of running in the woods, but I see now that I was pushing myself in the wrong way. I was working harder, not smarter. If you're struggling with a weight-loss plateau from running, the answer for you, too, might be found in the woods.
30 Crocheted Newborn Costumes For Their First Halloween
The desire to dress tiny newborns in adorable little clothes always wins out over the feeling that maybe you shouldn't be spending much money on such a small human who will grow out of anything new in a few days. So to indulge your very natural enthusiasm to dress your teeny baby, we've compiled 30 knitted outfits for your newborn to wear for their first Halloween - or even for their first photo shoot - that can be knitted or crocheted by the crafty mom or bought on Etsy.
Why Homeschooling Was the Best Decision I Made For My Daughter
My name is Tara Block, and I'm an editorial content director here at POPSUGAR. I was homeschooled up until fourth grade, and since I was too young to remember the experience, I haven't thought much about how it shaped me as a person. All I do remember is struggling with math that first year in "real" school because my mom always said she was terrible at it.
I'm not a mother myself, but as a 30-something woman, I am surrounded by friends and co-workers who are making decisions about what type of schools to send their children, and so I was curious: why did my mom decide to homeschool me? I don't know why it took me so long to ask her about it, but when I did (20-plus years later), I found her response fascinating. Here's what she told me.
On why she chose to homeschool:
In answer to your question about what made me decide to homeschool you . . . I could spin it a couple of different ways, and looking back, I tend to be more critical about my motives, but honestly, it was a gradual decision with a lot of thought, reading, and wrestling.
I had been listening to radio talk shows discussing the topics of how to choose schooling options and gravitated toward homeschooling for the early years.
I will admit fear played a factor. I was an anxious, perfectionist, first-time mom who didn't babysit much and hadn't been around many younger children on a regular basis while I was a teenager. So I chose what felt safest and "best for the child" and read and listened to the data that reinforced this approach. I didn't think it was bad or wrong to send a child to school; I just really felt like very young children feel most secure and therefore develop best in the home with their mother and father teaching them.
The things that drew me personally to homeschooling were:
- A safer place for young children who are still learning how to handle authority figures that might do or say something inappropriate - to avoid all levels of mistreatment from harshness to outright abuse. Safer physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
- Less comparison and/or competition with other kids so you were able to work and grow at your own pace . . . with less pressure and less peer pressure to learn bad habits.
- More influence over teaching our value system and inclusion of our worldview from a Christian perspective with a positive attitude toward the Bible and the church.
- I had read that homeschooling was better, or I should say, more efficient, because there is less busywork that is used to manage large classroom settings. You can learn more in less time with more time to enjoy being a child.
- By having you home I could be a good role model of a wife, mother, and homemaker.
On how the day-to-day logistics worked:
As I read and learned about parenting an infant and toddler and the importance of play that fostered the developing brain as well as psyche of our child, we naturally started doing things with you that might have been considered preschool-type learning - visual stimulation, singing songs, learning to speak, all normal parenting stuff. You seemed advanced (as many first-time parents believe about their own children) and capable of learning quickly, so we just included more and more activities. I had friends who homeschooled, and we started swapping out play days that included some prekindergarten workbooks. It started very low-key and you loved it. Having me sit down with you and work on letters, sounds, numbers, counting toys . . . it was all very fun for you. And I enjoyed it, too.
My friend and I each wanted and needed a free day from full-time mother/homemaker duties, so every Tuesday you went to their house and every Thursday her youngest daughter came to our house. She taught science (hands-on experiments) and PE, and I taught cooking/baking and art. It was very play-oriented but still educational and social while giving each mom a break day. You learned more from her because her daughter was older and was using real curriculum by that point.
At first I was nervous and felt unqualified to teach much beyond kindergarten and I only committed to one year at a time. Kindergarten was very relaxed, with no real curriculum, just a lot of tips from other moms I knew who had been homeschooling multiple children for many years. But it was so easy for you I only did that for half the year. Then we started using real first grade curriculum a little early (5 1/2 years old, I think) but got interrupted when we moved states. I took half a year off of actual schoolwork for that transition but started back up and worked through third grade. So really only first through third grade was me using curriculum.
Her final thoughts:
I assume it wasn't all positive; there are downsides to everything. I have my own downsides, too, which is why I put you in school and why I didn't homeschool your brother. Of course, it would be really hard if you hated it or saw it only in a negative light, especially since I really enjoyed it and thought it went pretty well. Very glad that although you were behind in math because of my dislike and fear of it, you recovered and ended up doing so well in math later. And your love of reading really started in those early days.
On the math front, I did get a B that first quarter in fourth grade but ended up in math club by eighth grade (and valedictorian of my middle school). Oh yeah, and that whole reading thing came in handy.
Genius Chore Chart Ideas to Get Kids Into a Routine
We know many of you would be kidding yourselves if you said you didn't do all or most of the cleaning around the house (we would be, too), but news flash, mamas: you don't need to be doing all the household chores on your own. Whether you're the type to never have thought to make your 3-year-old fill the laundry machine or you prefer to do things yourself (aka the "right" way), there are a million reasons kids should be helping out with chores on the regular.
To instill some routine in your household, check out these genius chore chart ideas for kids that cover everything from their daily personal hygiene habits to weekly tasks that need to be completed around the house. Whether your child is reward driven, enjoys stickers and other visuals, or just loves being a help to Mommy, one of these charts is about to change your life.
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.
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