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
Exclusive! Here's the Hatchimals Surprise You Can Only Get at Walmart
Yesterday, Spin Master blew everyone's minds with the announcement that its latest iteration of Hatchimals, Hatchimals Surprise, would include twin creatures within each hatching egg. Whether identical or fraternal, these adorable twins will interact with each other and your child (one twin the chatty sibling, the other the dance-loving sibling). Spin Master revealed that there would be two new species of Hatchimals within the bigger twin eggs - the Peacat and the Giraven - but Walmart is adding even more to the surprise with an exclusive species available only via its online and in-store shelves: the Zuffin.
The adorable creatures have working wings just like the Peacat and Giraven, but they sport sweet zebra stripes on pink, purple, and blue fur. Scroll through to see pictures of these exclusive twins, and grab your kiddos a Hatchimals Surprise Zuffin Egg ($65, includes bonus Hatchimals bracelet inside) today, only at Walmart.
These Are the 10 Best Foundations, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
If you want to improve your makeup game, the key is to start with a good foundation. For many, that's easier said than done. Shade matching and finding that unicorn formula - the one that looks like a better version of your skin instead of a cakey mask - can seem impossible. To help make the search for Mr. Right Foundation easier, we took these challenges to the pros in hopes of separating the flaky from the flawless. Read on for some of the ones they and their celebrity clients have come to love.
Calling It! Purple Highlighter Will Be the Hottest Hue to Strobe With For Fall 2017
Lavender is about to kick millennial pink's bootay. We're calling it right now: over the next year, lavender and many shades of dreamy purple are going to be all over your Instagram feed. And as a beauty lover, that means you need to put the royal color on your face, lips, hair, and nails.
Rihanna is making the case for how damn gorgeous purple highlighter can be when she rocked this purple look featuring her Fenty Beauty Match Stix in Unicorn. Normally, we reach for warm shades when it comes to strobing (think peach and champagne), and sometimes milky and holographic whites. But cooler hues, such as purple and even blue, can give you an ethereal glow. As seen in Rihanna, it's an unexpected and modern way to make your cheekbones more defined.
But there's a makeup artist-approved reason as to why purple is flattering. "Purple highlighter can instantly add life into your makeup look and counteract any ashy or grey tones in your complexion," celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli told POPSUGAR. "Purple has been used as a color corrector by makeup artists to give a more supple, healthy appearance to the skin. So, a purple highlighter can help to work the same way. Icy, purple tones have major light reflecting properties, so it it will add more dimension to your facial shape."
OK, but before you go and rub purple shimmer all over your cheeks, let's talk about how to wear it. Scibelli suggests applying it above the cheek bones and blended up towards the temples. "I also love a bit swept across the outer parts of the forehead and above the ends of the brows," he said. "You can try adding a pop of the highlighter in the center of the eyes for a more rounded, awake look. You can wear it on it's own, for a skin-focused makeup look, or paired with a more dramatic evening makeup look, like a soft, smokey eye." Icy, purple tones have major light reflecting properties, so it it will add more dimension to your facial shape.
He also advises using it over foundation or tinted moisturizer, paired with a warm lipstick. A cherry red or orange-y coral lip will help balance the cool tone of the purple.
That said, it can be an intimidating shade to wear if you have fairer skin. According to Scibelli, that's not true, and it is a universally flattering color. "All skin tones can wear a purple highlighter, it's just about finding the right amount of pigment depending on how fair or deep your skin tone is," he explained.
Here, he breaks it down: "If you're on the fair side, try going for a more pale purple, lilac, or icy purple highlighter. This way, the pigment won't actually look purple on your skin, but you'll still get that iridescent highlight. Medium to deeper skin tones can go for highlighters with a little more of the purple pigment to it. Any pale purples with too much pink or white in it can appear ashy or grey on deeper skin tones. Medium to deeper skin tones should also look for purple highlighters that are finely milled, so that there's no chalky residue peeking through the highlighter."
Very specific, but important advice to keep in mind when shopping for that dream purple shade! Keep reading to discover some of our favorite purple highlighters from this trendy category.
20 Minutes and Done! Full-Body HIIT Workout
This high-intensity workout is anything but boring - time flies by as you jump, twist, and lift. Celebrity trainer and Barry's Bootcamp instructor Astrid Swan McGuire created a 20-minute scorch session that works every muscle in your body. You will have tons of fun while blasting calories with this workout. All you need is a light set of weights. Press play and get ready to work!
Forget Smoothies: 5 New Ways You Can Use Your Protein Powder
If you're anything like me, the only time protein powder comes in handy is when you're making a smoothie. Although this is the most reliable way to get the most out of your protein powder, you're not unleashing its full power unless you're utilizing it in other ways in the kitchen. Protein is one of the most important parts of our diet, especially if we're trying to lose weight, and our fitness level suffers if we're not getting enough of it on a daily basis.
With these unique ways to use the protein powder that's sitting in your cupboard, you'll never be deficient of protein again.
Sprinkle Some Into Your Oatmeal
Breakfast is the meal where it's easiest to reap the benefits of protein powder. Rather than simply mixing it in almond milk or tossing it in a smoothie, try dusting some on your oatmeal instead. It adds a boost of flavor and gives you a jolt of energy at the start of your day. Plus, it will keep you fuller for longer. Here are a few recipes to play with:
Bake With It
You've probably heard this tip before, since there are so many different baking recipes that include protein powder. You can put it in cupcakes, breads, brownies, etc. The possibilities are endless. Try these recipes, and use whatever protein powder you like best:
- Gluten-free protein mini muffins
- Vegan banana almond bread with protein
- Protein lava cake
- Gluten-free almond oatmeal protein bars
Mix It Into Your Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Just like you would make a Bulletproof coffee with MCT oil or ghee, you can take your morning beverage to the next level by blending coffee with protein powder. In fact, if you're into Bulletproof coffee, you can stick to your normal routine and simply add protein powder into the mix. It's an easy way to add some flavor and variety to your coffee, while also getting all the nutrients you need.
Cook Savory Dishes With It
It sounds weird at first, but there are quite a few dishes you can make with protein powder, as long as it's not a really sweet or chocolaty flavor. For example, if you're making a quiche, put in half a scoop of pea protein to give your dinner an extra boost of nutrients. Homemade veggie burger patties are another great place to toss in some extra protein. Also consider adding a small amount to your soups or curries.
Make Protein Ice Cream or Popsicles
Give your nice cream an upgrade by putting a scoop of protein powder into your mixing bowl. You can also take your favorite popsicle recipe and throw in some protein, or try these strawberry-banana recovery popsicles. Play around with different flavors and see which combination you like best. Have fun with it!
The 7 Best Lip Colors For Fall, All Approved by Beauty Editors
Shopping for a new Fall eye shadow palette online? Easy. You know some of the shades will work. But picking the perfect lip color without actually trying it? Not so much. Lipstick shopping is like jeans shopping: it's difficult to know what will fit (your skin tone, in this case). To help make it easier on you, we've tested the season's new lip hues to round up the best. Here, you can see what the colors look like on to know if they're worth adding to your cart. Plus, we break down ingredients, applicators, and more!
I Can Vouch - Cozy Cone Motel Has the Best Halloween Food in All of Disneyland
For the first time ever, Disneyland's California Adventure park is all decked out for Halloween! This doesn't just include pumpkins and spiderwebs, it also goes for your favorite Disney treats. The Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land is selling limited-edition Pumpkin Spice Churros and Slow Burnin' Mac & Cheese Cones. While visiting Disneyland for the weekend, my group and I ran over to see if they lived up to the hype.
Pumpkin Spice Churros ($5)
You can't walk five feet throughout the Disneyland parks and not run into a churro stand, but these Pumpkin Spice Churros aren't just any type of churro, they're coated in orange and black sugar and dusted with little ghost sprinkles. If you're obsessed with all things pumpkin spice, you might be a little underwhelmed by these churros. The pumpkin flavor is very subtle, but there was still a fair amount of cinnamon sugar coming through. Everyone in my group agreed that they weren't too far off from the regular churros, but they were definitely more fun to eat.
Slow Burnin' Mac & Cheese ($9)
The line to get mac & cheese was long (like every other line in the park), but this was definitely worth it. The Slow Burnin' Mac & Cheese is made with spicy red pepper cheese, topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs (basically Flamin' Hot Cheetos), all wrapped up in a black cauldron bread cone. It had a nice spice to it and wasn't too overwhelmingly hot (except for one spice-sensitive member of my group who took one bite and ran away coughing). The chile-cheese puffs added some nice texture and crunch in addition to a little extra heat. The black cauldron cone looks a little off-putting in person, but it tastes just like a standard bread cone. It gives a nice balance to the spiciness of the pasta. Overall, this was more of a hit than the pumpkin spice churro!
If you're headed to Disney to enjoy the magic of Halloween, hit up the Cozy Cone Motel for these fun treats. But hurry, they're only available until Oct. 31!
13 Books Becoming Movies in 2018
2018 is not so far off, friends - and when you're making movies, you're well aware of that fact. 2018 is the release year for a lot of book-to-movie adaptations, and there are a ton of novels we loved that will make it onto the big screen. Highly anticipated films include Where'd You Go, Bernadette, A Wrinkle in Time, and, of course, Fifty Shades Freed! Until these are out, check out what books are getting adapted in 2017. For now, you have plenty of time to read the following books before they're big movies!
13 Things to Know Before Taking Your Kids Pumpkin Picking
When it comes to getting to enjoy some family-friendly activities, Fall is one of the best times of year. From taking advantage of the changing foliage to preparing for a festive Halloween,
pumpkin picking is ultimate activity that quickly becomes a beloved tradition. However, before you bring your little one to the pumpkin patch and embark on some seasonal fun, there a few things parents need to keep in mind in order to keep the happy memories going before any unforeseen upset stops you in your tracks. These are the 13 things parents need to know before taking their kids pumpkin picking.
10 Make-Ahead Meal Prep Hacks That Will Make You Feel Really Good Later
#MealPrep is all the rage on Instagram and with good reason: who wouldn't love a fridge and freezer full of meals they can simply whip out and reheat on the fly? We've gathered our favorite meal prep ideas from eggy muffins to chicken freezer packs. Suddenly cooking at home doesn't seem like such a laborious chore.
20 Beauty Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Right Now
While we're clearly obsessed with learning everything about beauty, we'll be the first to admit that the sheer volume of information can be daunting. And some important tips can get lost along the way. Are you using the right primer? Are you using bronzer correctly? And is powder really necessary? It's easy to make some big makeup mistakes without even realizing it. Well, that stops now. Once you see which mistakes you've been making, you'll swear to never make them again - after all, your beauty reputation is on the line. And don't think that only beauty newbies are prone to errors! So read on: even if you're a professional, you're bound to pick up a new trick or two.
We’ve All Heard About Mansplaining - Now It’s Time to Talk About Wealthsplaining
These are strange times in America. We're living a cultural moment in which our president tells us he doesn't want a "poor" person running the economy, Louise Linton - wife of Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin - condescendingly scolds someone on Instagram for critiquing her extravagant displays of wealth, and the Democratic party is criticized for mimicking collection letters to get donations. How did we get to a place where we're so divided by class that the haves repeatedly critique, shame, or co-opt the lives of the have-nots in such public and patronizing ways?
As with men mansplaining to women, wealthsplaining operates from an assumption that the poor just don't know any better.
These situations are examples of "wealthsplaining," the socieoeconomic equivalent of mansplaining, when the rich are condescending to those without wealth, typically explaining why it's their fault they are less financially fortunate. It's a concept that has, unfortunately, existed through time, becoming more and more pronounced as literal billionaires find themselves in American politics. Based on our internet digging, we think the term may have originated in a 2011 blog post from John Scalzi, when he ruminated on privilege and how people "wealthsplaining poverty" helped him learn to listen. The term has since made its way around Twitter as a critique, pointing out moments of condescension that reveal the national decline of the middle class. (In America, 2015 was the first year that the middle class was outnumbered by the combined total of the rich and poor.) Unsurprisingly, income inequality is at a 30-year high.
Cringeworthy Examples of "Wealthsplaining" in Action
This is why a millionaire telling millennials that their love of avocado toast is preventing their homeownership is grating. This is why an NYC Democrat telling people "it's harder being rich than being poor" makes us cringe. This is why the richest woman advising that success comes from "spend[ing] less time drinking or smoking" makes many apoplectic. This is why Republicans like Housing Secretary Ben Carson suggesting low-income housing shouldn't be "a comfortable setting" and Georgia House Representative Karen Handel's "I do not support a livable wage" gaffe burn so much. Like the basic premises of Undercover Boss and Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the crux of wealthsplaining is someone with economic privilege subscribing a totally out-of-touch way out of poverty or assuming that all Americans start off with the same ability to accumulate wealth. As with men mansplaining to women, it operates from an assumption that the poor just don't know any better. Like a woman having something she already knows explained to her by a man, the poor are shown a mirror of their reality from someone who has zero understanding of their lived reality . . . or a willingness to understand the greater socioeconomic complexities that have shaped it.
Stop trying to fast-food shame the poor, says new econ study. They're not the ones overindulging. https://t.co/WclDD95BmJ
- Tom Buerkle (@tombuerkle) August 7, 2017
"Wealthsplainers are victims of a false narrative," writer Anastasia Basil tells POPSUGAR. "They believe hard work leads to the American dream the same way kids believe Santa brings gifts down the chimney. It's a good story, but it just isn't true."
Basil is the author of a viral story on class differences, "Ketchup Sandwiches and Other Things Stupid Poor People Eat," about growing up poor and the misunderstandings people have about what it's really like to experience poverty. She likens wealthsplaining to an old friend who abides by a "McDonald's is always hiring!" mentality of how to stay not poor. "This from someone who hasn't sought employment in 25 years and thinks welfare recipients use their EBT cards at liquor stores to buy alcohol and candy," Basil says.
"It blames people for their own poverty as if all of this was a matter of choice instead of this being a part of any system that would made it very difficult for the poor individuals to get ahead."
Shak'ar Mujukian also finds this to be true. Mujukian is a transgender student and the founding editor of queer Armenian digital magazine The Hye-Phen. He originated the concept of the "queer poor aesthetic," in which rich queer friends co-opted and "passed" as lower class in an attempt to look "cool" - much to his chagrin, given his working-class background. "When you're wealthy, chances are your parents are wealthy," Mujukian tells POPSUGAR. "It has nothing to do with you at all. Most millennials don't understand that. How to get wealth, how to get stability: these are the workings of our parents."
How Wealthsplaining Perpetuates Misconceptions About Poverty and Fairy Tales About Wealth
Culturally, there are documented differences between classes when it comes to subjects like parenting. For example, the rich are less likely to spank their children compared to the poor. Financially, there are differences, like the rich being able to save for retirement - and become even wealthier via investments - while the poor have to focus on basic necessities. All of these differences point toward bigger, more systemic issues, like public education. "All of these things - like wealthsplaining, the queer poor aesthetic, whitesplaining, etc. - are the byproducts of bigger, horrible things," Mujukian says. "It's not just a person who is wealthsplaining; they're a product of that sh*t as much as we're a product of that sh*t. They just benefit from it."
don't be homeless 😔 buy a house 😊 live in it ❤️ https://t.co/gEt2iqEgfG
- ruben (@gagasgrande) November 1, 2015
It's vital that these sources of problems be pointed out, too. Susan DeJarnatt, professor of law at Temple University, Beasley School of Law, specializes her work in bankruptcy and housing issues as well as education reform. DeJarnatt recently backed an op-ed in PhillyVoice signed by nearly 20 of her law colleagues in the hopes of calling out a racist and classist op-ed from two law professors published by The Philadelphia Enquirer. The piece asserted many problems we have could be avoided if we adhere to 1950s "cultural precepts."
"It's very paternalistic," DeJarnatt tells POPSUGAR of these points of view. "It blames people for their own poverty as if all of this was a matter of choice instead of this being a part of any system that would make it very difficult for the poor individuals to get ahead."
"When they talk about breakups of families and people succumbing to drugs or whatever, that didn't happen in a vacuum," DeJarnatt says. "The loss of good jobs that people could raise a family on had a huge amount to do with that. It's not like people woke up and said, 'We had the sexual revolution, and I can do whatever I want! I think I'll become a meth addict.'"
How Did the Worldview of the Wealthy Get So Skewed?
What comes with wealthsplaining is a lack of understanding that the American dream of "working your way up" a success ladder is broken and that wealth creates gaps in education, housing, technology, and even mortality, making "pulling yourself up by the bootstraps" incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for many Americans.
William Liu, professor of counseling psychology at the University of Iowa, sees this unevenness as wealthsplaining's foundation. "We have an ideology and mythology that anyone can move between the classes very easily," Liu tells POPSUGAR. "The reality doesn't always match up with the mythology of the American class system."
Reminder:
Shaming Black people for being poor doesn't actually change their impoverished condition. It actually reinforces it.- TyreeBP (@TyreeBP) June 30, 2017
Liu notes that many of these issues are structural problems that sweep from residential segregation to intergenerational class to credit scores. This is why the belief that our class can change is a long-winded fallacy. "It's sort of like the Joel Osteen's 'prosperity gospel' that, if you believe it, it will happen," Liu says. "It's hard to imagine that there are millions of people who are in poverty and are poor who don't go to two or three jobs who don't think that."
Where wealthsplaining comes in is through cultural differences between the rich and the poor. Liu says that the rich "tend to have less empathy" for the poor because they feel entitled. "They believe that they put in a lot of effort into their success, even though they may have been born rich," he says. Much of the time, the confusion over "work" is because, unlike their poor counterparts, the rich had time and space and environments to focus on advancement instead of trying to seek advancement while balancing daily, legitimate concerns like being able to afford to eat or live somewhere, among others.
This is also why Kim Kardashian dons poverty chic, Alexander Wang pushes ironic fast food, and "looking poor" is considered fashionable in some circles. It's a form of cultural appropriation where the rich show off how they can escape poverty like changing clothes.
Fixing This Problem Is Not That Easy - but Not Impossible.
Peter Temin, professor emeritus of economics at MIT and author of The Vanishing Middle Class, is an economic history scholar who has investigated how class problems have been pervasive for decades, coming to a head in 2017 as figures like Betsy DeVos are denying "people a way up, out of this mess" through public systems.
"The 2016 election kind of predicted this was going to happen, although not quite as fast as it is happening," Temin tells POPSUGAR. He suggests that those currently in power are actively dismantling programs that help the poor, whether intentionally or not. Temin points to the loss of efforts like the Children's Health Insurance Program and potential increases in imprisonment against already distressing mass incarceration in America as examples. These matters are worsened by for-profit colleges and banks backing student loans exploiting younger and minority populations as the current administration turns a blind eye to the problem. Again, it's a classic example of the wealthy and powerful thinking they "know best" when it comes to how poor people should live.
thank god someone put the poor in his place!!
- maura quint (@behindyourback) September 23, 2017
Unfortunately, the class disparities that birthed wealthsplaining are spreading to other countries, like England and Germany. "It's really kind of a sad story," Temin says. "More of the world is going to get like us instead of the rest of the world learning like us to be more like them."
Fortunately, there are practical solutions for fixing the root cause of wealthsplaining, both of which have become common refrains in 2017: we need to put different people in charge and empower the young. "On the political level, you need to work hard in the 2018 election. We can slow this down by getting better representatives."
2017 - one of the strangest years in America's political timeline - is proof that the trickle down of political "poor shaming" and classism furthers the divide between the rich and poor. To fix this problem, changes have to be made. If we can eliminate mansplaining by smashing the patriarchy, we can try to make wealthsplaining a thing of the past by demanding more of our government . . . and ourselves.
No Bones About It, Halloween Is the Best Holiday - Let's Break It Down
Forget Thanksgiving, disregard Christmas - Halloween is the most amazing holiday we've got. There's something about celebrating All Hallows' Eve that gets us excited - dressing up, eating tons of candy, and lighting the jack-o'-lanterns can't come soon enough. If you're a devotee like us, these reasons Halloween is the best celebration ever will make your whole day. Can't we wear costumes all year long?
If You Have a Family of 4, Then You Need to Steal These Halloween Costume Ideas
Families of four have a lot going for them - from fitting into a car comfortably to basically having vacation packages tailored to their every need. And Halloween costumes are no exception. There are tons of options for group costumes with exactly four people whether the members of your group are grown men or brand new babies. Take a peek at some of the most creative ideas to date.
These Are the Hottest Beauty Products Launching in October, According to Editors
If you're not celebrating Halloween this year, you can still go HAM with your beauty style in October. As the season gets cozier, we're ready to swap light creams for more nourishing ones, revisit our hot tools (because thank God the humidity is gone!), and try out bolder makeup looks. Here, we are sharing our favorite new product launches for October to help you achieve all of this and more. Read on for newbies from Tom Ford, Chanel, SK-II, NYX, and more!
No Hocus Pocus About It - These "Black Flame" Candles Will Put a Spell on You
Even if you're not a diehard Hocus Pocus fan - which, if not, what's wrong with you? - there's something appealing about an all-black candle. Like the "black flame" version from the beloved Halloween film, we've selected a handful of dark candles that are perfect as we head into the very best season: Fall. But unlike the movie's famous candle, there's no danger of awakening a coven of witches if a virgin lights these luxe Halloween buys! With scrumptiously warm scents like black amber, earth, and sweet berries, these finds are comforting and seasonal all at once. So summon your "sistahhhhs" and prepare to spook your bank account, because you'll want every one of these blacked-out candles for your own collection.
Bet You Didn't Know You Could Rebloom Your Orchid With This Pantry Staple
I have been gifted several orchids in my office but hadn't had any luck getting them to rebloom . . . until I switched from drinking coffee to green tea every morning! Even I was a little shocked to discover those delicate orchids would love my green tea switch as much as I did.
Let me explain: I'm an avid coffee drinker but finally decided five cups a day were a few too many. About six months ago, I cut back to two cups right when I wake up at 5 a.m. By the time I get into the office after my 6 a.m. barre class, I usually need a second pick-me-up round of caffeine, so I grab a mug of green tea.
Every morning was the same, and I would limit myself to two cups of tea, using the same tea bag to cut back on my caffeine intake. Frequently, at the end of the day, I would have just a little bit left from my second cup. Rather than toss it, I developed a habit of watering the orchids on my desk with it. The tea was never hot and always pretty diluted. After about a month, I noticed new flower spikes beginning to develop.
On average, I never gave either plant more than one or two tablespoons of tea water per day, and at the end of the work week, I would make sure to dump any excess water from the pot so they would have a dry period over the weekend. Along with sharing my tea, I also followed general orchid care tips, like making sure the plants were never too soggy and that they had plenty of indirect sunlight. Of course, tea leaves can be added to your compost as they have both nitrogen and phosphorus but if you don't compost, this diluted tea water is an easy fertilizer that can be recreated at your home.
Orchid reblooming is not a fast process, so be patient; the reward of the bloom is well worth the wait. So before you give your orchid the boot and pick up another one at Trader Joe's, try to rebloom it with a little diluted tea water. It just might turn your black thumb into a green one. And this technique isn't just for orchids; it will work with any plants that thrive in more acidic soil, like roses and ferns.
Start the 30-Day Cleaning Challenge Today!
It's not too late to get started on the 30-day cleaning challenge and get your home in tip-top shape - just start today, and follow the schedule for the next 30 days! We have been carefully crafting a 30-day schedule for you, assigning tasks that will take up about about 20 minutes to an hour each day. In fact, we made it easier for you by creating a wonderful PDF - download it here - for you to print out and stick on your fridge to keep you accountable. After you've finished each task, just mark it off with an "X" to feel that rush of completing a task.
Kitchen
Day 1: Clean microwave and oven.
Day 2: Clean dishwasher and appliances. Here's how to clean your toaster.
Day 3: Wipe down pantry.
Day 4: Scrub down fridge.
Day 5: Organize and toss expired foods.
Day 6: Clean kitchen sink and under the sink.
Day 7: Wipe down walls, and wash garbage can.
Day 8: Clean stove top, kitchen surface areas, and floor.
Bathroom
Day 9: Clean medicine cabinet and storage.
Day 10: Trash expired items, and declutter.
Day 11: Clean shower, tub, shower curtains, and walls.
Day 12: Clean toilet, bathroom surface areas, mirror, and floor.
Bedroom
Day 13: Clean mirrors, windows, blinds, and curtains.
Day 14: Organize closet and drawers, and declutter.
Day 15: Deep-clean mattress, and wash pillows, linens, and comforter.
Day 16: Vacuum, mop, or sweep floor; clean under furniture.
Day 17: Clean furniture, walls, and fixtures.
Living Room
Day 18: Wash cushions, seat, and sofa covers.
Day 19: Clean throws, rugs, chairs, and tables.
Day 20: Clean TV and electronics.
Day 21: Declutter, and toss unwanted items.
Day 22: Vacuum, mop, or sweep floor; clean under furniture.
Day 23: Clean walls and fixtures.
Day 24: Clean windows, blinds, and curtains.
Office
Day 25: Clean desk, chair, and walls, and declutter.
Day 26: Wipe down bookshelves, and toss unwanted books.
Other
Day 27: Clean washing machine and dryer.
Day 28: Clean patio and outdoor equipment.
Day 29: Clean car and car seat.
Day 30: Clean vacuum and cleaning supplies.
This Is What That Insta-Famous Pumpkin Spice Latte Deodorant Actually Smells Like
When I first heard there was a natural "Pumpkin Spice Latte" deodorant launching, I was skeptical. I bet you're feeling that way, too, just reading this. Sure, our favorite Fall squash topped with nutmeg and cinnamon (yummmm!) makes sense as a coffee flavor and perhaps even a yogurt or a lip balm. But aluminum-free, "safe" deodorant (that works!) is difficult enough to make, let alone add a delicious scent to it. That said, I have fantastic news: Native Deodorant created this unicorn of a product, and it's actually pretty magical!
While the Native Pumpkin Spice Latte Deodorant ($12) doesn't ship until Sept. 5, I got an early sample to test. Upon sniffing it, I was welcomed by a deliciously sweet and spicy fragrance that definitely made me think of those beloved hot cups of Starbucks PSLs. I do consider myself to be a pumpkin spice connoisseur and megafan, so you can trust my nose. The deodorant also has a hint of citrus (perhaps orange?), giving it a freshness you'd want on your pits.
The 14-ingredient list is pretty rock star, too. It includes easily recognizable ones like shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. And in addition to making you smell good, it's also benefiting the skin under your arms. If you have sensitive skin or just performed some sort of hair removal under there, this likely won't irritate you.
If Pumpkin Spice Latte isn't your jam (what's wrong with you?!), then note there are other wonderful fragrances to choose from like Rosé and Mimosa.
Ikea Just Bought TaskRabbit, So We'll Never Have to Build Our Own Furniture Again
Have you ever hired TaskRabbit to build that baffling Ikea furniture for you? If so, you're not the only one who outsourced the unpleasant labor to the tech startup, known for virtually matching independent workers with gigs. And it seems Ikea has taken notice as the Swedish mega-retailer is reported to have just purchased TaskRabbit for an undisclosed sum, solidifying a partnership they've been experimenting with in the UK and thrusting them further into the tech-savvy times. Spoiled by Amazon, today's shoppers expect lighting-fast delivery and easy installation options. Ikea has previously offered neither, but this acquisition will hopefully change that. The purchase is part of Ikea's larger strides to catch up with the times and better accommodate online shoppers, which also included launching an augmented reality app earlier this month. Seems like shoppers can look forward to more than stylish, affordable furniture from Ikea.
Your 2017 Guide to Year-End Tipping
You know how hectic the holidays can get. You'll soon find yourself swamped between the usual errands, finding gifts for everyone in your family, and somehow baking entire platters of treats for work parties. Sure, you're putting in a ton of extra work, but none of the holiday craziness would be possible without the help of those around you.
The busy bees that make your life easier throughout the year deserve a bit of TLC during the holidays, and you can show your postal worker, go-to hairstylist, or neighborhood barista a little extra love to show how much you appreciate them. Just follow the guide below for proper year-end tipping etiquette.
You'll Drop Your Pink Drink on the Floor When You See James Charles's Neon Skeleton Look
We've been loving the neon makeup look for a while now, then neon skeletons came along and we became even more obsessed. Now, James Charles has blessed us with his version of the neon skull, and of course, it's incredible. In true Mean Girls fashion, if James Charles does a neon skeleton for Halloween, we're going to do a neon skeleton for Halloween.
So, stop whatever you're doing. Cancel all your weekend plans, because you've got some practicing to do! Grab your pink drinks, people. It's time to learn neon makeup.
16 Small US Towns to Visit If You Love Fall
While there's so much to see in the US, there are also many small towns worth putting on your radar - especially during Fall. There's something about getting out of the city and escaping to a place with picturesque foliage that instantly gets you in the spirit of the season. Whether you're looking to check out harvest festivals, leaf peep, or just enjoy the Autumn month somewhere new, we've got the perfect list for you. See 16 small towns in America to visit in the Fall.
30 Disney Songs That Will Bring You Right Back to Your Childhood
Catchy, heartfelt songs have been a staple of Disney movies since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs debuted in 1937 and got us all humming "Heigh-Ho" whenever we have tedious work that needs to be done.
It's nearly impossible to narrow down the dozens upon dozens of timeless classics into this "best of" list, but PopSugar took on this Herculean task in order to create a thorough, varied and toe-tapping playlist for all the Disney fanatics out there. Check out our favorite Disney songs of all time, and then use our Spotify playlist to enjoy them for yourself.
- "Heigh-Ho," the Dwarfs chorus (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
- "When You Wish Upon a Star," Cliff Edwards (Pinocchio)
- "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," James Baskett (Song of the South)
- "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," Verna Felton (Cinderella)
- "Once Upon a Dream," Mary Costa and Bill Shirley (Sleeping Beauty)
- "Cruella De Vil," Bill Lee (One Hundred and One Dalmatians)
- "Let's Go Fly a Kite," David Tomlinson, Dick Van Dyke and chorus (Mary Poppins)
- "Step in Time," Dick Van Dyke and chorus (Mary Poppins)
- "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, (Mary Poppins)
- "The Bare Necessities," Phil Harris and Bruce Reitherman (The Jungle Book)
- "Ev'rybody Wants to be a Cat," Phil Harris, Scatman Crothers, Ravenscroft, Liz English (The Aristocats)
- "Portobello Road," David Tomlinson (Bedknobs and Broomsticks)
- "Best of Friends," Pearl Bailey (The Fox and the Hound)
- "Kiss the Girl," Samuel E. Wright (The Little Mermaid)
- "Part of Your World," Jodi Benson (The Little Mermaid)
- "Under the Sea", Samuel E. Wright (The Little Mermaid)
- "Be Our Guest," Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach and chorus (Beauty and the Beast)
- "Beauty and the Beast," Angela Lansbury (Beauty and the Beast)
- "Friend Like Me," Robin Williams* (Aladdin)
- "A Whole New World," Brad Kane and Lea Salonga (Aladdin)
- "This Is Halloween," chorus (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
- "Hakuna Matata," Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver and Joseph Williams (The Lion King)
- "You've Got a Friend in Me," Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett (Toy Story)
- "Go the Distance," Roger Bart (Hercules)
- "Reflection," Lea Salonga (Mulan)
- "That's How You Know," Amy Adams (Enchanted)
- "I See the Light," Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi (Tangled)
- "Love Is an Open Door," Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana (Frozen)
- "Let It Go," Idina Menzel (Frozen)
- "How Far I'll Go," Auli'i Cravalho (Moana)
To listen to the playlist below, download the free Spotify software or app.
*The version of "Friend Like Me" on Spotify is the Broadway cast recording because the Robin Williams version of that song isn't available to U.S./U.K. markets on Spotify for legal reasons.
13 Scarily Cute Tees For Lazy Halloween Moms
If you're not a Halloween person, the holiday can be a real struggle once you become a mom . . . mostly because it's pretty much guaranteed your kids are going to be totally into it (hello, free candy!). Their dedication to the spookiest day of the year means you're basically forced to buy into it, too. But if donning your own costume is just one step too far down the Halloween rabbit hole, don't worry. Rock one of the following 13 Halloween-themed tees and maintain your dignity while still showing your trick-or-treat-loving kids that you are supportive of the one day of the year they're allowed to take candy from strangers.
From sweet to subversive, cheap to expensively chic, keep reading to find the Halloween tee that will speak to the witch, ghoul, or ghost inside of you.
The Best 50+ Gifts For 5-Year-Olds
The kindergartener on your list is no longer a tot. Somehow, moving into kindergarten helps kids express themselves more than ever before, so finding toys and games that help them build on the skills they are learning at school can also help them express themselves even more. From concentration games and early reading skills, to Lego sets and Barbies, there's something on this list for every 5-year-old you know.
Scroll through for 55 of our favorite finds for the 5-year-old on your list!
It's Clear Why This American Horror Story Makeup Look Is Getting So Much Buzz
As every American Horror Story fan knows, beehives have been a low-key theme so far in the show's latest installment, "Cult," playing second fiddle only to the in-your-face clown theme that has audiences terrified. The bee element to the season appeals to some viewers' innermost fears, particularly trypophobia - aka a fear of small, clustered holes - which certainly explains the deep discomfort that many have felt during American Horror Story: Cult viewings. It also explains why this AHS-inspired makeup look is so damn terrifying.
The special effects makeup look was created by makeup artist Ellinor Rosander, who shows the how-tos behind her wild creations on YouTube. If you can stomach the tiny holes in the faux honeycomb of this look, it's definitely worth watching - talk about Halloween inspiration!
10 of the Worst Countries (and 2 of the Worst States) For LGBTQ+ People Today
As the rights of LGBTQ+ persons seem to be advancing at an increasing speed, it can be easy to overlook that more than 2.7 billion people live in countries where homosexuality is illegal. Many countries around the world not only harbor homophobia and transphobia, but take active measures to persecute - and even execute - people because of their sexual and gender identities. And while America might seem like a bastion of sexual and gender freedom, certain states are particularly dangerous for LGBTQ+ persons.
To raise awareness of these problems and to confront the remaining barriers of human rights, we're taking a look at 10 of the worst countries - and two of the worst US states - for LGBTQ+ people today.
23 Lies All Parents Tell Themselves
Image Source: Fox
Telling yourself a few little lies can help you get through a tough day. As parents, though, we tend to rely a bit more heavily on the concept of the little white lie, because let's be honest: if we didn't, we'd all go crazy.
If you're a parent, I'm guessing you've told yourself the following 23 lies at least once - maybe just this week.
- It's just a phase.
- I'm not tired.
- Kids don't need to bathe every day.
- Or every other day.
- Come to think of it, I don't need to shower either.
- I'm not going to eat the leftover macaroni and cheese straight from the pot.
- I'm not going to eat all of the leftover macaroni and cheese straight from the pot.
Image Source: New Line Cinema
- Ketchup is a vegetable.
- So are pickles.
- There's no need to clean the house, because it'll just get destroyed again.
- He'll eventually stop thinking poop jokes are funny.
- And won't ask about private parts in public.
- I'm going to find a way to add vegetables to every meal.
- I am not buying this expensive outfit she's going to grow out of tomorrow just to take a cute Instagram photo.
- I'm going to make a scrapbook out of these hundreds of baby photos taking up my phone storage.
Image Source: Fox
- We're going to wake up, get ready for school, and leave the house on time tomorrow morning.
- Screen time is OK if I need to get something done.
- Calcium builds strong bones, so cheese as 90 percent of my kid's diet is totally fine.
- No one will remember that I wore this outfit to school drop-off yesterday.
- I'm just going to close my eyes for a minute.
- I don't need to go to the gym if I'm chasing kids around all day.
- I'm the boss.
- It's never too early for a glass of wine.
Image Source: Comedy Central
50+ of the Best Dollar Store Finds
You can find just about anything you need at the Dollar Tree. From holiday decorations to kitchen essentials and beauty supplies, it's a one-stop shop - and an extremely affordable one at that. We rounded up some of the best dollar store finds out there. While the items online are sold in bulk (they are just $1 each, after all), they can also be found at various Dollar Tree locations around the country. Happy bargain hunting!
End Bloat and Lose Weight by Drinking This Kitchen Staple
Chances are that you have a bottle of olive oil reserved for cooking, but drinking this kitchen staple can provide you with the same healthy benefits of this antioxidant-rich wonder - if not more. From a happier digestive system to banishing belly fat, here's why you should start and end every day with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- It helps fight breast cancer: A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil had a relatively lower risk of breast cancer than those women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts or a diet that was lower in fat. If the Mediterranean diet is new to you, start with this guide of which foods to eat when adopting it into your lifestyle. Besides protecting against breast cancer, the diet has also been shown to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of stroke.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease: While it may seem counterintuitive that drinking olive oil can help protect the heart from disease, multiple studies confirm the claim to be true thanks to the MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats, olive oil contains - so much so that the FDA allows manufacturers to label olive oil with this health claim. The FDA recommends consuming just around two tablespoons per day to protect the heart. Just a note that olive oil should replace saturated fats in your diet rather than add to your current calorie intake.
- It encourages weight loss: The same good fats that protect the heart from disease can also aid you in achieving any weight-loss goals you may have. Not only have MUFAs been shown to help the body feel full, but they also target belly fat. Add olive oil to your list of flat-belly foods you should be eating.
- It helps with digestion: While there isn't a lot in the way of scientific research - just a few smaller studies - olive oil is widely (and successfully) used as a homeopathic remedy to help the digestive system and ease symptoms of constipation. Acting as a lubricant of sorts, drinking olive oil is said to help things move along better in the colon.
'You're trying to solve a drug problem with another drug': Vaccines for cocaine, heroin and opioid addictions
Scientists are exploring ways to create vaccines against drug addiction. So far, there's research into vaccines for cocaine, heroin and other opioid addictions. The vaccine would prevent a high by blocking drugs from getting to brain cells.
14 Photos That Drive Home the Destructive Power of Nature
Whether you choose to acknowledge the scientific facts around climate change or not, you can't deny the sheer devastation several nature-related events have left in their wake this Summer in states across America.
Hurricane Harvey, dubbed "one of the worst weather disasters in US history," has left parts of Texas with a long road to recovery; Hurricane Irma, now a Category 5 hurricane, is "one of the most powerful hurricanes ever observed in the Atlantic Ocean;" Southeastern Idaho was hit by a 5.3 magnitude earthquake on Sept. 2 and continues to feel aftershocks; the La Tuna Fire in LA became "the biggest in the history of the city in terms of sheer acreage;" and the human-caused Eagle Creek fire in Oregon continues to burn and is still at zero percent containment.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement in June and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found it necessary to release a bizarre response to a report from the Associated Press that stated no one from the agency had visited any of Texas's Superfund sites in Houston.
While some scientists and researchers are cautious about linking any of these natural phenomena directly to climate change, many others, like Michael E. Mann of Pennsylvania State University, are doing just that. Mann believes that in the case of Hurricane Harvey, climate change served to "exacerbate several characteristics of the storm in a way that greatly increased the risk of damage and loss of life. Climate change worsened the impact of Hurricane Harvey." As scientists and researchers continue to study these weather-related events and climate change, experts like Mann think their relationship will become even clearer.
In the meantime, take a look at these stunning photos of some of this Summer's major natural events in America.
This Is Halloween, Disney Style! 12 Songs That Will Put You in the Festive Spirit
Does anyone do Halloween better than Disney? No, the answer is no. Between spooky classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus and Disneyland rides like The Haunted Mansion, Disney just gets it. We pulled together our favorite villain anthems, attraction themes, and Disney-fied classics to come up with the ultimate Halloween playlist for Disney fans. Listen below!
- "This Is Halloween," The Citizens of Halloween (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
- "Once Upon a Dream," Lana Del Rey (Maleficent)
- "Heffalumps and Woozles," Chorus, Bobbi Page, and Jim Andron (Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day)
- "999 Happy Haunts," The Happy Haunts
- "I Put a Spell on You," Freak on a Leash (Hocus Pocus)
- "Oogie Boogie's Song," Ed Ivory and Ken Page (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
- "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Theme," Richard Bellis and Marius Constant
- "Witchcraft," Movie Sounds Unlimited (Frankenweenie)
- "Poor Unfortunate Souls," Pat Carroll (The Little Mermaid)
- "Monster Mash," Goofy
- "Ghostly Music Box," Music Box - Haunted Mansion
- "Cruella De Vil," Bill Lee (101 Dalmatians)
Don't forget: you'll need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists!
The Truth About Using Coconut, Argan, and Other Natural Oils on Your Hair
Hair care brands are finally figuring out that healthy, natural ingredients are more effective in treating issues than synthetic junk. Good, right? As long as those hair oils actually work.
It's common to see natural oils, like argan, macadamia, and jojoba, in hair treatments, but are you getting the biggest bang for your buck with these? And what has actually been proven to work on treating hair issues? Let's take a look at the most popular hair oils and see if the touted benefits are warranted or wannabe.
Argan Oil
This ingredient is first on the list for a reason. Argan oil has seen a surge in hair care popularity in recent years, namely due to one mainstream Moroccan-inspired product line. Yes, the oil is healthy and nourishing. It holds powerful benefits when used on most skin types. I investigated whether it delivers these same amazing results to hair.
There are certainly no shortage of articles plugging the advantages of argan oil as a hair treatment. Go ahead and google it. You'll discover a day's worth of reading. The problem is, there are no studies proving argan oil actually helps to improve hair loss, hair growth, damage, or frizziness.
While the oil does make hair look shiny, don't mistake this for true moisturization and repair. Most mainstream companies who include argan oil in products also add synthetic emollients to give hair a short-lived shiny look and smooth feel.
Castor Oil
This oil is often boasted as a hair thickener and growth promoter. But if you're seeking a remedy to thinning hair, hold off on the castor oil. While there are pictures of castor oil improving hair thickness, experts believe this may be due to the oil sticking to hair. Because castor oil is very thick itself, it can create the illusion of fullness. My advice - don't waste your money on this ingredient if you are looking to treat thinning hair.
Macadamia Oil
This oil is a favorite among natural product makers because of its smoothness and spreadability and is often used to treat and prevent dryness. While the ingredient may be beneficial for smoothing and softening certain skin types, and even as part of a healthful diet, there is no research backing its ability to prevent or repair dryness in hair.
Jojoba Oil
This is the most closely matched oil to those your epidermis produces naturally and can be an essential component in a healthy skin care routine. As for hair care? Not so much. This mild oil won't hurt locks, but it also won't provide the results you are after.
Jojoba is thought by some to moisturize hair, plus people like that it is lightweight and scentless. And, like argan oil, jojoba makes hair look shiny. But research has found it lacks the ability to penetrate the hair strand, so it cannot actually repair the hair or reverse dryness. Save this oil for skin.
Coconut Oil
This oil has made its way into everything from makeup to mouthwash so it's no surprise that it's a hair care celebrity too. But can it walk the talk?
Coconut oil is used to soften, moisturize, create shine, smooth frizziness, boost hair growth, diminish thinning hair, and add body. That's a lot of beauty benefits. The best news is that this one can deliver.
There is also research to back it up. A 2001 study by Princeton University shows virgin coconut oil has the ability to fully penetrate the human hair shaft, getting to the cortex and repairing damage where it starts. Also, government studies show the vitamin-rich oil helps to increase hair strength by reducing protein loss.
Bottom Line
Don't mess around with ingredients that aren't up to the job. Hair masks that contain high-quality organic virgin coconut oil, like St. Tropica Coconut Oil Hair Mask ($4), deliver research-backed benefits in a purely healthy product for your hair.
This Makeup Artist Creates Otherworldly Works of Art on Her Body
Hollywood special effects makeup artist Emily Anderson works on movies and TV shows creating gashes, wounds, and spooky creatures. But even in her spare time, she's dedicated to her craft, posting out-of-this-world body art creations on Instagram. One visit to her feed will have you thinking about your next Halloween costume . . . even if it's the middle of Winter!
Her looks range from terrifying monsters to ethereal beings, with a few of your favorite pop culture characters mixed in, too. Several of her creations are so convincing, that Emily blends into the background and disappears completely, leaving only an eerie masterpiece behind.
You likely won't be surprised to learn that these transfixing designs can be time-consuming to create. On Reddit, she's explained that her work can take hours. However, if you're hoping to try your hand at this kind of makeup artistry, you should know that Emily's favorite tools include stage makeup brands such as Mehron, Ben Nye and the Wolfe Art FX Hydrocolor Palette ($30) to achieve the saturated colors of her creations. Read on to see some of Emily's most striking looks.
10 Hilarious and Cute Onesies - Perfect For the Lazy Girl This Halloween
If you're tired of all the fuss over Halloween costumes, we don't blame you. Dressing up in a full-on themed outfit can take a lot of time and money. So this year ditch all the stress, be the lazy girl, and pick up a pajama-inspired onesie that doubles as the perfect costume. You only need to buy one item, it will keep you warm and cozy all night, and you can wear it as much as you want. Make your Halloween easy this year and pick up one of these funny and comfortable onesies - all from Amazon. Take a look at our favorites.
This Is the Most Thoughtful Gift to Give Any Parent or Grandparent
It can be hard to shop year after year for gifts between all of the holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, but there's one simple, yet touching gift out there that may just be the most perfect one for literally any parent or grandparent (or basically anyone because, honestly, this gift is amazing).
In a post to Reddit, user KMZIMMERMAN shared his recent Father's Day gift: a frame with two circular stills of the starry sky on each of the nights his two children were born. Underneath are the names of his son and daughter as well as the dates of their births, and above, the words: "The nights your heart grew."
Although this is a beautiful gift the Reddit user received for Father's Day, this would be the perfect present for Mother's Day, a birthday, a wedding anniversary, a graduation - basically any occasion showcasing a memorable date. Check out a few versions of these custom map prints below to share a special night's sky with someone you love.
This Powerful PSA From 1999 Is Going Viral Again For All the Right Reasons
As sitting members in Congress and tech companies are continuing to learn this week, standing up to neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and the hate and bigotry they stand for isn't that difficult. However, there are many people out there who agree with President Donald Trump's comments in which he suggested that not everyone who went to the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, VA, is a Nazi or white supremacist. This commentary partially explains why a Portuguese public service announcement is going viral . . . a whopping 18 years after it was originally released.
The PSA, titled "Despicable," was made by the Portuguese Commission in 1999 as a way to mark the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the video, a white woman sits down next to a black man on an airplane. She asks a flight attendant to switch her seat and to "do something." The flight attendant agrees to talk to the captain. She comes back and tells the passenger, "The captain said he was able to find a seat in the first class. And he also apologizes because it's incredible [that] a passenger [has] to travel beside such a despicable person." The woman starts to get up, but the flight attendant instead asks the black man to get up and follow her.
The twist in the video continues to surprise people, despite it being the basic, decent thing a human should do in that scenario. Since the events in Charlottesville, which left three people dead, the tweet that recirculated the video has more than 12,000 "likes" and 5,000 retweets. You can watch the video above, complete with subtitles - and take this lesson to heart.
5 Things to Consider Before Throwing a Co-Ed Baby Shower
A couple of weeks ago, I attended the funnest baby shower of my life. No, it was not my own. Truthfully, my days of being inundated with parties celebrating close friends' first babies are pretty much over. I'm 38 years old, and most of my friends are either done with pregnancies or are having their third or fourth children, none of whom are likely to get more than some hand-me-down onesies and seriously used nursery furniture.
But one of my close friends from high school is about to become a 39-year-old first-time dad, and his siblings threw him and his wife a couples' shower that turned into one superfun party. Like, many-guests-might-not-remember-the-opening-of-baby-gifts kind of fun (granted, the gifts didn't come out until about 11 p.m.). While the evening was, in my mind, a total success, it wasn't what you'd call a traditional shower by any definition of the word. And while I think it was better for it, not every mom-to-be - the real guest of honor at any baby shower, whether her husband is there or not - will agree.
If you're debating whether to turn an upcoming baby shower into a co-ed affair, there are definitely some factors you should consider before sending out invitations. Here are five things to think about before you decide to include the dad, his buddies, and (most likely) a lot of beer.
- What does the mom-to-be want? If the expecting mama doesn't want the couples' shower you're hoping to throw, then it's game over. Remember: she's the person you're trying to please here. If she suggests making the shower co-ed - even if it's not your first choice - then that's the party you're planning. If it's your idea and she agrees, even better. Just make sure she gets that a couples' shower might not look like the sweetest party saved on her Pinterest page.
- When should the party start? Do you want this baby shower to be a booze-fueled party or a more traditional event? If you want to keep things kid-friendly, whether or not you decide to include children, a brunch or early-afternoon event is probably best. If it's a real party you're after, then get things started in the evening and don't include an end time on the invite, so people know they're free to keep the party going.
- Do the parents-to-be have a lot of couple friends? A couples' shower is at its best when the expectant parents have a group of married, engaged, and committed couple friends, meaning all parties involved know one another and have socialized in the past. Of course, some new love interests and some singles are great, too, but if most of the couple's friends are single and don't know one another, the party is going to feel more like a mixer than a celebration for their baby.
- What's the gift situation? Baby showers traditionally include present opening, but this is not a traditional baby shower. Consider having guests ship gifts directly to the parents, eliminating the pressure to open presents on site. If both parents do want to open presents at the party, make sure to keep that portion of the party short and sweet and think about picking up a gift or two that will appeal primarily to the dad.
- Are you prepared to beef up (literally) the food and drink offerings? Tea sandwiches and lemonade aren't going to cut it at a couples' shower. Instead, think heartier apps, barbecue, and a wide selection of beer and booze to make sure all your guests are well-fed and have plenty of drink options. It might be a shower for mom, but it's a party for everyone else.
Holy Hell! This Running + Strength Workout Is Intense
There are weeks when all you have time for is a one-and-done workout. The kind of workout that leaves sweat dripping from every inch of your body and every muscle shaking. The kind of workout that takes less than an hour to finish, but feels like you were working out for two. This is one of those workouts. If you're short on time, but need a solid sweat session, this beginner combo workout will do you right! A mix of strength training and running, you'll be tasked to push yourself to your edge, while getting stronger, leaner, and faster!
The Workout
Start off with the 10-minute strength session, then follow it up with the beginner-friendly treadmill interval workout. Before jumping into the workout, be sure to get in a quick dynamic warmup.
Strength
Go through the below circuit, doing as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes. Feel free to modify the exercises to suit your fitness level.
- 30 jump rope single unders (if you don't have a jump rope, do lateral bunny hops)
- 10 deadlifts using a heavy set of dumbbells or weighted bar
- 15 jump squats
- 10 negative push-ups
After cycling through 10 minutes of the strength circuit, hop on the treadmill for a satisfying interval workout that alternates between jogging and walking.
Cardio
| Time | Speed | Incline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0:00-5:00 | 3.0 | 1.0 | Warmup |
| 5:00-6:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | Ladder One |
| 6:00-7:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 7:00-9:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 9:00-10:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 10:00-13:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 13:00-14:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 14:00-18:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 18:00-20:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 20:00-21:00 | 5.5 | 4.0 | Ladder Two |
| 21:00-22:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 22:00-24:00 | 5.5 | 3.0 | |
| 24:00-25:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 25:00-28:00 | 5.5 | 3.0 | |
| 28:00-29:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Recover |
| 29:00-33:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | |
| 33:00-38:00 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Cooldown |
8 Times We Loved Our Uber App Even More
Of all the apps that we have come to rely on, Uber is up there. It features in many a happy story ("And then my Uber showed up!"), and its driver partners are modern-day knights in shining armor - though infinitely easier to locate. To find out just how popular Uber is, we asked POPSUGAR editors and readers, from coast to coast, to share the times that their Uber driver really came through, or went above and beyond, and why it's the app they tap most.
Deep-Clean Your Mattress For a Better Night's Sleep
Sometimes your mattress needs some serious attention. Along with refreshing your bed, this easy cleaning DIY ensures a better night's sleep. No need for harsh chemicals or expensive concoctions - all you need is a box of baking soda for this cleaner. The addition of essential oil gently scents your bed, helping to soothe and lull you to sleep.
What You'll Need:
- 16-ounce box baking soda
- Essential oil
- Vacuum cleaner
Directions:
- Before beginning, flip or rotate the bed, which is smart to do every six months to extend mattress life and prevent sagging. While you're working on your mattress, toss your bedding in the wash, and fluff duvets or feather beds in the dryer.
- Open the box of baking soda and add 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Close the box and give it a good shake to distribute the essential oil and break up any large clumps. Lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, and ylang ylang are all soothing scents that would be wonderfully calming. And essential oils are naturally antibacterial.
- Sprinkle the baking soda over the bed, using the entire box. Now it's time for a mattress massage! Rub the baking soda mixture into the bed, which really gives your mattress a deep cleaning. Let the baking soda and essential oil work its magic for at least an hour.
- While you're waiting, wipe down the walls around your bed and the bed frame, creating a nice and clean sleeping area. After an hour, vacuum the mattress, working slowly to ensure all the baking soda has been removed.
- Along with freshening your bed, the mixture helps lift dirt and residue while wicking away moisture. And giving your mattress a good vacuuming sucks away any lurking dust mites, which makes everyone sleep easier. Make the bed, and you're ready for some serious slumber.
This Optical Illusion Quiz Determines What Type of Thinker You Are
If you have things to do, it's best not to go on PlayBuzz - a black hole of quizzes and games. And this quiz by user Samantha Jones that's quickly rising on its charts tests your optical perception through a series of illusions. After being shown an image, you choose which of the two objects you see first; your results supposedly reveal the kind of thinker you are. Based on the hundreds of comments, it looks like this quiz is as addicting as the rest of them.
The Right Way to Completely Cover Your Body in Paint For Halloween
Halloween is a holiday for makeup-lovers, and true cosmetic junkies will not be restricted to just the face. Oh no, we want costumes that require head-to-toe creativity. With a canvas as large as the human body, there are a few things you need to know before you pull out the paint. Make Up For Ever director of artistry and education for North America, Lijha Stewart, broke down all the body makeup basics. This is the year you finally go for the full-body blue Mystique costume from X-Men and dominate the local costume contest.
POPSUGAR Loves Longreads: the Best Stories on the Internet This Week
The week of Oct. 2 was a difficult one across America, with the worst mass shooting in US history leaving the country heartbroken and eager for answers. When combined with the vicious churn of a neverending presidential news cycle, it's hard to look beyond the bad news that lays before us.
But now that we're on the verge of the weekend, we're ready to settle in with some coffee - not to mention a lot more uninterrupted focus - and spend time with some of the worthy deep reads the sad news of this week may have overshadowed. We imagine many of you plan to do the same, so we've rounded up some of the best of the best writing we spotted online in the past seven days. And stay tuned as we continue to shine a spotlight on the pieces we think truly cannot be missed . . . but may have been.
Two Dark American Truths From Las Vegas
By James Fallows, The AtlanticThe identity of the shooter doesn't affect how many people are dead or how grievously their families and communities are wounded. But we know that everything about the news coverage and political response would be different, depending on whether the killer turns out to be "merely" a white American man with a non-immigrant-sounding name.
Fallows lets the rage and despondency so many of us felt in the wake of the Las Vegas shooting breathe in this potent, no-holds-barred piece. In refusing to let our country off the hook for the racism and indifference he sees embedded in this massacre and so many others like it, Fallows doesn't strive for consolation - instead, he demands a national reckoning. - Lindsay Miller, director, News and Culture
Death at a Penn State Fraternity
By Caitlin Flanagan, The AtlanticEvery year or so brings another such death, another healthy young college man a victim of hazing at the hands of one of the nation's storied social fraternities. And with each new death, the various stakeholders perform in ways that are so ritualized, it's almost as though they are completing the second half of the same hazing rite that killed the boy.
Flanagan doesn't hold back any details in this incredibly thorough, well-researched story that tracks the death of a young college student and the ripple effect it has on his friends, family, and the authority figures who are meant to prevent this sort of thing from happening. It's an astonishing read - Flanagan was able to get so thoroughly entrenched in the world that it almost feels like fiction - and will leave you stunned. - Chelsea Hassler, senior editor, News and Culture
Regarding the Pain of Trump
By Rebecca Chace, Los Angeles Review of BooksImages of suffering and atrocity now have unparalleled access to our most intimate spaces. Most of us keep that connection open in our pockets or in the palm of our hands. . . . We have to manage more information through images than ever before, and this makes our relationship to the compassion, rage, and sense of powerlessness aroused by these images ever more complex.
Sontag's essay collection, On Regarding the Pain of Others, is one of my favorite books. Though it was published in 2003, it feels exceptionally relevant in our current political and social climate. Chace distills some of Sontag's most compelling arguments about the power (or lack thereof) images have to spark our empathy and compassion, all interpreted in the era of a reality-TV president. - LM
Preet Bharara Is Now in the Trump-Opposition Business
By Andrew Rice, New York MagazineBharara often says that there are three political parties in America: Democratic, Republican, and federal prosecutor. The first two are in disarray, but the prosecutors still stand as a serious threat to the president.
For the first time since his notorious firing earlier this year, Preet Bharara is making moves, and this is the ultimate account of what those moves are. And I have to say - spoiler alert - the very last line is quite possibly my favorite that's been published all year. - CH
Why This Senator Has Hope For Tackling Gun Violence - Even After Sandy Hook
By Matt Laslo, Rolling StoneThe idea that there should be a waiting period to talk about policy after a mass shooting is a device employed by the gun industry.
Sen. Chris Murphy made headlines the morning after the Las Vegas shooting for demanding that Congress "get off its ass" and really, finally do something about gun control. The cause is deeply personal for Murphy. He is the junior senator in Connecticut, the state where the Sandy Hook shooting took place in 2012. This interview offers a worthy counterpoint to Fallows's relative hopelessness in The Atlantic. Because despite the repetition and agony of gun violence in America, Murphy refuses to give up the fight against it - and he thinks it's one he can win. - LM
An Oral History of the Trump Administration
By Clio Chang, The New RepublicWhat emerges from this anonymous stew is an ongoing record of the Republican failure to speak up in public, while the president wreaks havoc both here and abroad. It is a story about a rotting GOP, as told by the greatest cowards of the Trump era.
If you want to read something that you inherently know and understand but will still leave you with your jaw on the floor, this is the story for you. Even if you can't stomach it all in one sitting - it's a tough reminder of where we're at right now - it's a must read. - CH
I Want My 2.3 Bonus Years
By Mona Chalabi, New York Times Sunday MagazineWe are socialized into thinking that men are like wine, they get better with time. Whereas women are like cheese, they get blue veins and start to stink.
The average age difference between a man and woman in straight couples is 2.3 years. (It should come as no surprise to you that the men, here, are the older ones.) What do women give up by marrying earlier, having children earlier, and worrying about all of that earlier, Chalabi wonders? In this alternately amusing and forceful piece, she examines the social and personal impact that 28-month-ish gap can make . . . and ponders if it's time for straight women to rethink the men they seek out for the sake of equality.
We Snuck Into Seattle's Super Secret White Nationalist Convention
By David Lewis, The StrangerThanks to the internet, it only took me about an hour to change my identity from David Lewis, Seattle historian, to Dave Lewis, Neo-Nazi film editor and aspiring book critic from Charlottesville, currently living in Los Angeles. This Dave Lewis has never been to Seattle, but has always wanted to attend Northwest Forum.
This witty and brilliantly reported account of one writer's experience at a downright abhorrent gathering is one of those stories you'll keep remembering lines from in everyday conversation and feel the need to revisit all over again. - CH
Queen Letizia Wears Outfits No Other Royal Could Pull Off - You'll Want to See Them!
Queen Letizia of Spain, who normally likes to wear the same classic pieces time and time again, has been showing off some new additions to her wardrobe in 2017. It all started with an embellished Felipe Varela teal gown you need to see from the side, moving then to a new office-ready tweed dress and most recently a layered look a fashion stylist would clap for. Keep reading to see those and more outfits the journalist-turned-royal has expertly worn this year so far.
50 Experiences Around the World Every Millennial Should Add to Their Bucket List
As a millennial, you can't help but obsess over traveling when such life-changing experiences are being Instagrammed on the regular. Why not let FOMO give you that extra push to take the plunge yourself? To help you fulfill all your worldly desires, we've rounded up 50 of the most incredible must sees and must dos for the young traveler around the globe. Get your passport ready because this will kick your wanderlust into high gear.
This Zombie Princess Jasmine Costume Is Both Gross and Gorgeous
You know how that Aladdin song goes: "Arabian nights, beneath Arabian moons. A fool off his guard could fall and fall hard," . . . and in our Halloween-obsessed world, get attacked by zombies! Well, maybe that's not the exact lyrics, but this Halloween, we've taken Princess Jasmine to the dark side. The undead side, as a matter of fact. This royal would fit in just as well on the set of The Walking Dead as she does in the Arabian Desert.
With the help of resident makeup artist Faina Rudshteyn at the Make Up For Ever boutique in NYC, we made Jasmine over. In the process, we snagged essential 3D makeup tips for any gory Halloween costume (like use cotton balls to make your wounds gush). But we still maintained that classic cat eye Jasmine is known for. She may be a zombie, but she's still a princess!
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