Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mercredi 6 décembre 2017
A Surgeon Found 17 Contact Lenses in a Patient's Eye - Then Things Got Worse
A 67-year-old patient was about to undergo cataract surgery when her surgeon discovered a "blueish mass" in her eye. As the surgeon and her colleagues injected anesthesia into the patient's eye, they removed the object - only to find that it was actually a clump of 17 contact lenses stuck together. As they inspected further, they were surprised to find an additional 10 contact lenses in the woman's eye.
The shocking discovery occurred last year; however, UK-based ophthalmologist Rupal Morjaria is now going public with the story in the hopes that it will encourage people to be more diligent about their eye care. In an interview with Optometry Today, Morjaria said, "None of us have ever seen this before. We were really surprised that the patient didn't notice it because it would cause quite a lot of irritation while it was sitting there."
Due to the possible presence of bacteria in the eye, the patient would have been at risk of serious and permanent eye damage if they would have proceeded with the surgery. As a result, the procedure was postponed. Upon speaking with her afterwards, Morjaria learned that the patient had been wearing monthly disposable lenses for 35 years and apparently didn't realize she was inserting new contacts over old ones that had not been removed.
When the patient heard the news, she was "shocked." Morjaria said, "When she was seen two weeks after I removed the lenses, she said her eyes felt a lot more comfortable. She thought her previous discomfort was just part of old age and dry eye."
Though this particular incident is rare and scary, the team at Solihull Hospital hopes it will encourage people to maintain regular optometrist appointments, which would have allowed a doctor to catch a problem like this before it became so severe. Contact lenses are incredibly common and fairly easy to use, but accidents happen.
Yes, Victoria's Secret Angels Get Pimples - and This Is How They Deal!
You know the bride who gets the massive zit before her wedding because she's nervous? Well, some of the Victoria's Secret Angels walking in the 2017 Fashion Show in Shanghai are those brides - theoretically speaking. When I asked them about pimple care, I expected them to admit they consistently have clean skin. Maybe it's naive, but they look like goddesses IRL!
Instead, they authentically pointed out the blemishes on their faces and got real about acne care. Keep reading to learn what these mega models do to cover zits before their big event.
I Got an Eyelash Perm, and Holy Sh*t - the Hype Is So Real
My eyelashes and I have always had some beef. While I lust after long, wispy lashes, they're short and naturally straight, and they refuse to stay curled for more than an hour at a time. I've tried my fair share of solutions - fiber mascaras, growth serums, and pricey mink falsies, for example - but they all felt like a chore to apply. After trying them all, it started to look like eyelash extensions were my only hope.
But no matter how many Yelp pages I combed through and sketchy Groupons I narrowly stopped myself from buying, I couldn't justify the cost and upkeep of extensions. I was prepared to accept a life of subpar lashes, but then something seriously magical happened: I discovered eyelash perms.
Like the name would suggest, an eyelash perm is a chemical treatment that adds a semipermanent curl to your lashes for weeks - even months! - at a time. Think of it as a mini version of the hair perm your mom sported in her glory days, sans regretful throwback photos. You may also see this process referred to as a "lash lift," and the correct terminology depends on the curl you choose. While extensions can easily run you over $200 and require touch-ups every three to four weeks, both perms and lifts are usually under $100, and the amount of maintenance is completely up to you. I was lucky enough to stumble upon Gigi of Japanese Eyelash Perm (a true hidden gem in NYC) and paid a cool $40.
I've become fully confident going mascara-free.
I now have two treatments under my belt, and to say they have been anything less than life-changing would be an insult to my newly reborn lashes. I've become fully confident going mascara-free when I'm in a rush and, to be honest, just feel prettier in general. Best of all, I haven't touched a lash curler in over 12 (yes, literally 12) weeks! To see why I'm never turning back, read on for the full low-down on every step of the process, plus photos and tips.
The Process
How to Prep
The only thing you need to know is to arrive at your appointment with naked lashes. We all have places to be, so it's OK if you're coming from work with mascara-coated lashes (it will be removed pre-treatment), but it makes the entire process smoother and faster. As soon as you lie down on one of the comfortable massage tables, the *transformation* can begin.
What to Expect
From beginning to end, a perm or lift is completed in seven-ish steps and lasts approximately 40 minutes. It goes a little something like this:
100 Beauty Memes That Will Make You LOL
Few things have the ability to brighten our day like a solid meme. But we found something even better than the average meme - beauty memes! Whether you're a hair and makeup pro or just learning how to braid your hair, these funny photos are bound to make you laugh.
Source: Instagram user makeupkaykay
The Most Popular Lipstick on Pinterest Only Costs $8
True life: I'm a prestige beauty brand sucker. I'm fancy and fabulous, which means that I've paid upward of $50 for one single lipstick. Yes, it's too much. Do I regret it? Absolutely not - my lips looked totally fire. However, according to Pinterest, one of the best and most popular shades out there retails for a very affordable $9.
As Allure reports, the photo-sharing website has noticed a spike in interest for L'Oréal Paris Infallible Paints in Spicy Blush ($9). Although it's definitely more of a lacquer than your traditional lipstick bullet, this shade has won fans over with its opaque coverage and shiny, almost vinyl-esque finish.
As one Target reviewer wrote, "I think [Spicy Blush] is a perfect color on any skin tones. It's just a perfect color for anyone, really." According to another, "These lip paints are gorgeous with amazing color payoff . . . I don't feel the need to reapply excessively." Can we get a "hell yeah" for a lunch-proof shine?
What's more, the rose hue is crazy-versatile. It's subdued and dusty enough for Fall and Winter, but just bright enough once Spring comes around again. It's almost like the white button-down shirt of lip paints - an old, reliable go-to that looks chic and polished.
Cure Your Skin Care Woes and Pumpkin Cravings With a DIY Face Mask
It's officially pumpkin season! Sure, you're already hooked on pumpkin spice lattes and have made a date in your calendar to find the perfect jack o'lantern, but are you aware of the benefits that this iconic squash can provide to your skin? Packed with zinc, antioxidants, and vitamins, pumpkins protect your skin from wrinkles and age spots as well as gently exfoliating for a more radiant complexion. Don't have a pumpkin patch nearby? You can get this orange fruit (yup, it's a fruit!) in a can at your local supermarket.
- Make your base: Whisk together about 1/4 cup of pumpkin and one whole egg. The yolk adds nourishment while the white provides a subtle tightening effect to sagging skin.
- Dry skin additive: Add a few teaspoons of honey, which not only seals in moisture, but prevents breakouts thanks to its antibacterial properties.
- Oily skin additive: For an astringent effect, mix in a splash of apple cider or cranberry juice.
- Apply: Smooth the pumpkin-y potion over your face, relax for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse to reveal a brighter, firmer, smoother complexion.
All the Places You Can Watch Fixer Upper Right Now
HGTV announced in September that everyone's favorite home improvement show, Fixer Upper, is ending after the next season. Season five will be the last set of new episodes for Texas couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. Nooooo!
Of course, it's understandable that the Gaines's might want a break. They recently revealed that they film the series 11 months out of the year, and it hasn't left a lot of time for family activities. Plus, their fame has led to several other expansive business opportunities, like their own home store, bakery, and real estate agency, so Chip and Joanna definitely have their hands full.
But if you want to keep reliving the gorgeous renovation projects (and also the Gaines's adorable family life on their Texas farm), here are your options for watching previous seasons.
- Old episodes are rebroadcast all the time on HGTV, including a marathon that is running all day on Nov. 21, the day of the season five premiere. Check your local TV listings for all broadcast times.
- A handful of episodes are available to stream on the HGTV website.
- Sling TV streaming service offers HGTV live and on-demand with its most basic package, which runs $20/mo.
- The first three seasons of Fixer Upper are available to stream on Hulu.
- The first four seasons of the home renovation show are available for purchase on Amazon Prime.
But take heart, fans. Season five will run for 19 episodes, plus the spinoff series, Fixer Upper: Behind the Design, is debuting in May 2018.
The 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Is Here!
Find a cozy nook, pull up a plush chair, and settle in with a steaming cup of something warm - the 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge is here! This year, there are 40 book prompts to broaden your reading scope and push you to actually accomplish your New Year's resolution to read more in 2018. If you're really hardcore and breeze through the main list, there are an additional 10 book prompts in the "advanced" section. We're especially excited about this year's creative new batch of prompts, which include "true crime," "a book by a female author who uses a male pseudonym," and "a book about a villain or antihero."
Before you stress about tackling all 50 books, just remember that the point of the reading challenge is to push yourself to diversify your reading (hey, we all get stuck in a genre rut!) and just have fun with it. And if you read more books in 2018 than in 2017, even better. The best part? You may even discover a new favorite book along the way!
So you've decided to take the reading challenge - what now? We'd suggest joining this Goodreads group, which is made up of more than 8,000 readers who participate in the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge every year. In addition to keeping you accountable, the group's impressively well-read and supportive members swap book ideas for the prompts and discuss their favorite (and least favorite) reads throughout the year. You'll also be able to track which books you've read and rate them on the site.
Download our printable list here (or our advanced list here), checking off the books as you go, and pin the handy graphic below for reference. Share your progress on Instagram with #popsugarreadingchallenge!
Spoiler alert: we got a little meta. So for the prompt to choose your favorite prompt from past challenges, here they are for reference: 2015, 2016, 2017.
3 Healthy Pregnancy Snacks Daphne Oz Swears by - and You Should Too
Daphne Oz may be a natural foods chef, nutritional author, and the daughter of health guru Dr. Mehmet Oz, but she doesn't hesitate to indulge on occasion during pregnancy. The former cohost of ABC's The Chew is expecting her third child, and she'll order the double scoop of ice cream or slice of pizza without guilt when the craving hits. Most of the time, however, Daphne's diet strikes the perfect balance between healthy and tasty.
POPSUGAR recently had a chance to chat with her about her favorite pregnancy snacks. Discover the fuel that keeps this busy mama running below.
On the Go: Homemade Granola
"In my bag, I always have a little baggie of homemade granola. You can limit the sugar that way," Daphne said. Her favorite granola mix includes pecans, golden raisins, and a little bit of coconut. And when she wants to add healthy fats, she'll make it with dates and walnuts.
At Home: Veggies and Hummus
"I do a lot of cut-up vegetables with hummus," she told us of the snack that's packed with essential nutrients and fiber. Made predominantly with chickpeas and olive oil, hummus is a great alternative to less wholesome, mayonnaise-based dips.
In a Rush: Apple and Peanut Butter or Yogurt
"An apple with almond butter seems to be my standby," Daphne told us of the classic snack. And when she's really in a rush, she just grabs a calcium- and probiotic-rich yogurt from the fridge. "I've been eating a ton of yogurt!"
58 Tween Gifts That Will Prove You Actually Know What's Cool
When it comes to shopping for tweens, some parents might feel a bit out of their depths (tweens are, after all, mysterious creatures). If you're confused about what's trendy and can't think of anything to wrap for the holidays this year, we're here to help you look like you're picking up what the kids are putting down - and more importantly, gain some cool points with your kid and their friends.
Scroll through for 58 tween gifts that will prove you know what's up this holiday season.
11 Glitter Lipsticks That Will Sparkle All the Way Across the Room
The holidays are one of the glitziest, most glittery seasons of all. Your tree's decked out and you've got lights up, so why not play up your pout with more of the same? From sheer, Champagne-inspired gloss and twinkling topcoats to lipstick that literally catches light, these products will ensure that you're ready for all of the selfies.
Add Festive Flair to Your Hair With This Sparkling Tinsel Rope Braid DIY
We've always had a special place in our holiday-loving hearts for tinsel. That's because it speaks to two of our greatest loves: low-maintenance decorating and sparkle. Just slap a bit of it on your Christmas tree and you'll immediately be surrounded by a more festive atmosphere.
Tinsel isn't just pretty on pine boughs, though. In recent years, celebrities like Beyoncé have been incorporating the shiny stuff into their hair! We tapped lead stylist Jen Bennett of Rudy's Barbershop to whip up a whimsical, half-up rope braid DIY weaving in glimmering strands of tinsel. It's so simple to re-create that you'll likely find yourself rocking it well into the New Year. Read on to master the steps.
The 18 Best Smart Home Devices of 2017
This was the year that I discovered just how glorious a smart home can be, and luckily, it was also a year in which some of the most innovative devices made their debut. From lights to music to fitness and more, ahead, I've highlighted the 18 devices that really changed my life this year. And the best part? Each and every one of these items is perfect for gifting and requires no knowledge or existing products to become the centerpiece of your loved one's smart home.
The 18 Best Smart Home Devices of 2017
This was the year that I discovered just how glorious a smart home can be, and luckily, it was also a year in which some of the most innovative devices made their debut. From lights to music to fitness and more, ahead, I've highlighted the 18 devices that really changed my life this year. And the best part? Each and every one of these items is perfect for gifting and requires no knowledge or existing products to become the centerpiece of your loved one's smart home.
11 Images That Only True Introverts Will Relate To
If you can't deal with crowds, prefer time with your pet over time with actual people, and find peace in the quiet of a familiar space (alone), then you might be an introvert. Introverts are deep-thinking do-gooders who gain energy and inspiration from themselves rather than from other people. Introverts are seriously amazing, but certain aspects of the personality type can lead to some kind of . . . awkward situations. An awesome artist and self-proclaimed extreme introvert put these situations into comics that will be SO real to introverts who live them daily. We're cringing/relating on all sorts of levels.
12 Dolls That Look Nothing Like Your Childhood Barbie
Dressing up and beautifying our beloved dolls was a huge part of our childhood. While we learned how to primp and pamper from our toys, that devotion to Barbie taught us a lot about society's strict beauty standards (blond hair, blue eyes, hourglass frame). Luckily, a lot has changed since our youth! Not only have we realized those goals were completely unrealistic, but so have toy makers. Many of them have decided to toss the unattainable beauty standards and give dolls a real-girl makeover - something that older women can appreciate and young girls of all shapes, sizes, and colors can truly look up to. When it comes to everything from stretch marks to finally being able to kick off those stiletto heels, these dolls are giving the world something real to play with!
How to Create the Perfect Vintage Updo
Vintage hairstyles are eternally popular for weddings no matter the season, but a too-literal interpretation can leave a bride with a serious case of helmet head. So what's the key to borrowing from the past without looking stuck in it? Texture and movement. "The perfectly coiffed updo is outdated," says Dani Weidner, a stylist who worked at Robert James Color in San Francisco. "Imperfect is best."
To balance contemporary trends with a retro influence, Weidner designed this '20s-inspired updo. A defined curl and thick roll give a nod to the past, but the overall look feels fresh and current. It's an ideal style for brides - and it's one you can do at home. To get the look, read on for pictures and step-by-step instructions.
I Found the Perfect Mascara For Anyone Scared to Use an Eyelash Curler
I am incapable of using an eyelash curler. Believe me, I've tried: I curled my eyelashes every day for an entire year to try to master the skill, and I still never got it right. I know my lashes can be curled. I've seen other people do it, and I know what a difference it makes. But ultimately, my lack of fine motor skills overcame my desire for perfect lashes, and I gave up.
I am lucky to have long lashes that show a lot of promise. Because they are fairly straight, the length isn't as noticeable when my lashes are sticking straight out. But coax them upward and suddenly they are the kind of lashes people notice.
However, without an eyelash curler, I need my mascara to do all of the curling, lengthening, and separating for me while also not looking clumpy - which is a tall order. Over the years, I have tried mascara after mascara that friends and POPSUGAR editors have raved about, only to be disappointed. I ask near-strangers what magical mascara they are wearing, but the magic never works on me.
Then I tried Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara ($23) and I knew immediately that my search was over. Read on to learn why I'm obsessed with Stila Huge.
A Catholic Nun Perfectly Explains the Major Hypocrisy of the "Pro-Life" Argument
A Catholic nun's explanation of the term "pro-life" from 2004 is resurfacing after recent antiabortion events. On PBS's Now With Bill Moyers, Sister Joan Chittister explained why being against abortion doesn't mean you're pro-life.
Here's the full quote:
"I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. And why would I think that you don't? Because you don't want any tax money to go there. That's not pro-life. That's pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is."
Chittister's position is not only informed by her faith, but also her academic experience: she's written over 50 books and has multiple degrees (including a doctorate).
The crux of Chittister's point is that there's a difference between advocating for birth and advocating for that child's entire life. If antiabortion proponents are truly "pro-life," then those same legislators would not argue for defunding programs like those that provide school lunches or health care. Many who oppose abortion also oppose access to contraceptives. Antiabortion congressmen have consistently also advocated for defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides women with birth control options.
Liberals have pointed to Chittister's quote as an argument for the social benefits that Republicans hope to limit without providing feasible options for women if they cannot obtain abortions.
How to Get Your First Novel Published (From Someone Who Did It)
Let me start by saying, I'm not an expert. Much of the enigmatic world of publishing is a mystery to me. I'm a novice. A newbie. A greenhorn. You have every right to scoff at me, not trust me, throw my advice out the window, and do your own damn thing!
HOWEVER.
I have somehow managed to wade through the muddy waters of publishing and find my way to the other side, and maybe (maybe!) I have a few tips that might help you navigate your own journey.
1. Write a Really Good Book!
There's a system in place in this scary world of publishing. A system of submissions, agents, more submissions, editors, edits, deadlines, and finally, somewhere down the line, a published product. This system is designed to find the best books being written by writers today and get them out to the public. So, what can you do to hack into this system? The simplest and best way is to write a book that demands to be read, a book that no agent or editor can ignore. This seems like obvious advice, and it is, but I have to mention it, because it is, far and away, the best thing you can do to get yourself published! If you do this, you can pretty much skip the rest of the list.
2. Keep Improving
It's never too late to learn. Even incredibly successful authors can always get better. With that in mind, keep improving. Read books on craft. Take classes (I'd recommend this program). Take an internships (like this one). Join a writing group. And, of course, keep reading and writing. Do whatever it takes to make yourself into the best writer you can possibly be.
3. Network
You've probably heard it said that, in the world of publishing, "It's all about who you know." Some agents don't even take submissions from writers who aren't referred to them by someone in the industry. But don't let this discourage you. In fact, take heart, because I myself am a prime example of an author who made it from the dreaded slush pile and into the hands of publishers without any specific "in." However, it doesn't hurt to network. It doesn't hurt to go to events, meet other authors, agents, publishers. Get your hands dirty, make connections, attend conventions, force yourself to talk to that editor in the corner of the room over there even though you're terrified and sweating through your shirt. And, as I mentioned in the previous step, sign up for writing courses that not only provide instruction from great writers, but also connect authors with agents and editors working in the business. It's not necessarily about who you know, but, let's be honest, it can't possibly hurt!
4. Research
So you've finished your novel. You're ready to send it out into the world and spend the next year waiting for an agent to respond, and by waiting, I mean endlessly refreshing your Gmail until your fingers bleed. But before you spam a hundred different agents, there's a way to vastly improve your chances of a positive reply. And that way is through research. Plumb the internet for agencies (consider starting with New-York-based agencies) and read up on all of their agents. Find the agent that represents books similar to yours, one whose preferences best match your novel's genre. Then, tailor each submission to that agent. Tell them why you're submitting to them, tell them you enjoyed one of their author's novels, show them that you did your research and are submitting your manuscript to them for a very specific reason. This will help get you noticed in an agent's inbox, which is otherwise inundated with authors such as yourself, desperately seeking attention.
5. Don't Quit!
I could try and write something inspirational here about not giving up, believing in your dreams, and all that good stuff . . . instead, all I'll say is: If you CAN quit, do. If you're a writer, you'll understand.
6. Get Lucky
I'm sorry. I wish this weren't the case. But in all honesty, I think there is a healthy dash of luck involved in getting published. You have to write the right book for the right market and get it in front of the right people at the right time. So rub that rabbit's foot, cross your fingers, spit over bridges, and do whatever else you gotta do to get on the right side of the luck goblin.
7. Enjoy the Process
It's easy to get caught up in all of this. To think, if only I get my book published, then I'll be happy. The problem is, living in a world of "if only" is a never-ending cycle. If only I could get an agent. If only my book becomes a bestseller. If only I get that movie deal. If only. If you don't listen to any of the above tips, listen to this one: learn to enjoy the process. You have to love writing, creating, being creative, and expressing yourself. You have to find excitement in treasure hunting for the right agent, in crafting your perfect pitch, and in throwing away that draft and starting again. I'm not saying you have to like getting rejection letters. The minute you love rejection letters is the minute your career is over. Sure, you can use rejection letters to inspire you to improve, but I say HATE those rejections, just don't let them derail you. Be excited that no one can stop you from writing and doing what you love. I truly believe that letting go of the "if only" mentality and enjoying the journey will not only help you become a happier person (and the world needs more happy people), but it really will make you a better writer.
Tyrell Johnson is a writer and editor originally from Bellingham, WA. He currently lives in Kelowna, British Columbia, with his wife, two kids, and a Siberian Husky. His debut novel, The Wolves of Winter, is a postapocalyptic thriller out in January 2018.
At What Age Do Kids Really Start Remembering Things?
When I was 5 years old, I was a daredevil. I loved climbing on roofs, hanging from tree branches, and doing flips off the diving board. But my fearless spirit finally got the best of me one December afternoon. Days before I was set to twirl my baton in a Christmas parade, I climbed up a woodpile that was stacked taller than me, maybe six feet high. I attempted to jump onto a trampoline below, but I missed it by a long shot. When I came crashing down, my left arm snapped like a twig. I still have vivid memories of that day. The day I broke my first bone. The ride to the hospital was awful. My mom held me while I cried. She'd draped a towel over my arm and warned me not to look, but I was very persistent. When she gave in and lifted the towel, I screeched loudly and passed out. My tiny little arm had taken on the abnormal shape of a "W."
Even though this traumatic memory sticks out above the rest, it's not all I remember from age 5. I can recall the names of my three best friends: Tyanna, Scarlett, and Rebecca. I only knew them for a couple years, but I can still see their faces today. While there are plenty of other memories I retained from a very young age, I have very few from my toddler and preschool years. The foggy details I do remember are too faint to put into words. They're more of an image or a situation. As the mother of a 3-year-old boy, I watch my son and wonder what will stick out in his mind. Perhaps our nightly routine: dinner, bath, playtime, bedtime books, and nighttime lullabies. Or maybe spending time at our rented beach house in the Fall months - splashing in the water and playing in the sand. I'm also curious if there's anything I can do to help him remember things in the long run. I sought out an expert to get some answers: Dr. Renee Spencer, a licensed counselor with a doctorate in counseling psychology. Dr. Spencer isn't just educated on the subject, she also works with kids every day, in school and at her private practice. She dropped some major knowledge on the subject.
Remembering Things Before Age 3
There is a lot we still don't know about memory and early brain development, but recent studies have revealed new information. Studies performed on infants have helped researchers better understand the development of declarative or explicit (long-term) memory in infants. Mothers, you will be happy to know that the one thing they may never forget is the sound of your voice.
"One of the explicit declarative memories that they've been able to find in young infants is remembering their mother's voice. Young babies were able to respond through their emotions," Dr. Spencer explained. "As soon as their mother spoke, they would instantly smile or soothe themselves. We don't know how long infants have been able to pick up on their mother's voice in utero, but it's the first place where their memory absorbs information."
Those painful nine months you spent carrying them, feeding them, and growing them are more personal than ever. It's your first chance to talk to them.
Dr. Spencer also explained the difference between semantic memory and declarative. She said infants who cry for their mothers to nurse them are using semantic/survival memory (unconscious), not declarative memory, which is conscious (seeing and knowing).
The Toddler and Preschool Years
Dr. Spencer encourages repetition and routine for all children, but especially ones age 3-7. "Recall and repetition will make things go into long term and stay because it becomes more of a categorized and organized piece of data that is stored into your memory," she said. "The more you start to recall something, the easier it will be to pull it back up. Kids who have parents who talk to them are able to pick up on memory skills early on."
Dr. Spencer also went on to explain how important early memory and brain development are before the age of 5. "The brain is so pliable while they're little that it's the best time to teach them things because they can absorb it all. The more you repeat, the more they repeat," she explained.
I'm amazed when my son memorizes a book after reading it once or twice. But I now realize that our nightly bedtime routine is the reason for that, and it could be contributing to his long-term memory.
Documenting Events and Photos Are Stepping Stones
Parents, be sure to take lots of photos. That silly picture of them with Goofy might help jog their memory as an adult and give them a flashback of a day they thought they'd lost forever.
"They are much more inclined to remember things from a younger age by seeing something like a picture or visualization," Dr. Spencer said.
Traumatic or Painful Memories Stick Out the Most
As mentioned in my story above, I can recall every detail of the day I broke my arm. What I can't recall is my birthday party that year, that Christmas, or the family vacation. Dr. Spencer explains that at a younger age (3-7), our good memories seem to take a backseat to our bad.
"You can remember either/or. We're more inclined to remember something that was traumatic because it hurt us," Dr. Spencer said. "We want to remember what we did that caused us pain versus something exciting we experienced. We try to prevent things from happening, so we remember the things that cause us hurt in order to prevent it from happening again."
Two years after my first broken bone, I broke the same arm again. I wish I'd learned more from my first traumatic experience.
Development of the Hippocampus
"As children become school-aged (7-10) and older, there is much more development of the hippocampus (responsible for the processing of long-term memory and emotional responses) and the ability for recall," Dr. Spencer explained. "The child begins to organize and store information more effectively; that's when we sequence."
This must be why I have a plethora of memories from third grade and beyond. It must also be why my friend Kimmy and I can still repeat every line of a ridiculous song we wrote about our elementary school crushes Brian and Drew. Wonder what they look like all these years later?
It makes me a little sad to think that my son might not remember his first trip to Disney World or seeing that wild moose in Alaska. But one day when he's grown, I'll be able to say, "Before you were 3, you rode on 32 airplanes, danced on stage in front of 1,000 strangers, visited nine different states, and even took on the 12-foot-high zip line at Shipwreck Island Water Park. You are a force to be reckoned with." That's gotta score him a few cool points.
13 Things You Should Stop Saying to Your Kids Now
Sticks and stones may break kids' bones, put a parent's words can truly hurt them. In moments of anger and frustration, we tend to say things to or around our children without thinking of the consequences. There are some, like our favorite four-letter word, that evoke laughter from kids. And there are other, less humorous phrases that can make kids cry, lower their self-esteem, and potentially ruin their relationship with a parent. Though it may take some extra effort, here are a few phrases you should stop saying to your children (along with some compelling reasons why) immediately.
39 Powerful Quotes That Will Change the Way You Live and Think
Words have power - and these inspiring quotes are guaranteed to challenge the way you think and perhaps even change the way you live.
18 People Who Are in Line For the Presidency If Trump Is Removed From Office
If you're suddenly curious as to who becomes president in case President Donald Trump resigns, dies, or is impeached, take a look at the 18 people in line for succession. Called the Presidential Succession Act, the law has a long history of changes, with the last one taking place in 2006.
The first iteration of the Presidential Succession Act in 1792 stated the Senate president pro tempore would be next in line after the vice president. On July 18, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. This act changed the line of succession in two ways; first it reinstated the Senate president pro tempore and speaker of the House to the succession plan. Secondly, it also placed the speaker of the House right after the vice president instead of the Senate president pro tempore. The last change to the act came in 2006, when the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 added the secretary of Homeland Security to the list.
In Trump's administration, here's the full line of succession.
- Vice President Mike Pence
- Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
- Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch
- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson
- Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin
- Secretary of Defense James Mattis
- Attorney General Jeff Sessions
- Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
- Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
- Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
- Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta
- Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson
- Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao
- Secretary of Energy Rick Perry
- Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin
- Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly
The only caveat here is that Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao isn't eligible since she was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and is therefore not a US-born citizen. While it's still uncertain whether or not we'll need to refer to this list in the future, at least we know who we can expect.
Why People Are Comparing Netflix's Latest Series to Stranger Things
Looking for a thrilling new binge? Netflix's latest eerie series, Dark, will leave you at the edge of your seat. With similar themes, storylines, and concepts, a lot of people are comparing the German supernatural thriller to our beloved Stranger Things. Some are even suggesting that this series is far better and that it will soon be replacing the dramatic sci-fi altogether - but are the two Netflix originals really all that similar? We're here to break it down, detail by detail:
Yes, the shows share similar plot points.
One of the most prominent elements that the two shows share is the general concept. Not delving too deep into either plot, both feature kids riding their bikes through small towns ridden with missing children and government conspiracies, causing secrets and mysteries to unfold at their feet.
Stranger Things has more rounded entertainment value.
Stranger Things does have a ton of downright bizarre occurrences, government experiences that are supposed to be top-secret, and forces of the supernatural, but it also has a lot of camp. There's a balance of interesting, dramatic storylines and admirable characters that we end up loving and emotionally invested in. On the other hand, Dark is more serious, focused on the supernatural and the thickening plot of the show with little to no emphasis comedy.
Dark is a bit more sophisticated.
Stranger Things is told from the point of view of a gang of adorkable, wide-eyed middle schoolers, which is a solid half of the reason we love them. Once again, there is a strong element of the supernatural, but we get a lot more than that with more lighthearted themes. Dark is told from the perspective of older teenagers, and for this reason, the thriller carries more mature themes than Stranger Things. (There's also more gore and swearing.) None of the adult content is over the top, nor is it a main premise of the show, but it is part of what differentiates the two otherwise similar plots.
Stranger Things embraces the '80s more.
Stranger Things and Dark (partially, at least) are both set in the '80s, but only Stranger Things has fun with that. Going back to the entertainment value, Dark is clear-cut, straight-to-the-point drama that focuses a lot on the content and not the camp or the characters. Stranger Things does the exact opposite. Goonies star Sean Astin becomes a regular character in the second season, and Billy Hargrove is a tribute to the classic bully archetype.
For those who have binge-watched the second season of Stranger Things four times now and are in need of something new, Dark is a bit more focused on the supernatural than the characters, but still right up that alley. While Dark might hold similar themes, there is more than enough room in our hearts for both without sacrificing one.
Wet n Wild Is Making History With an Albino Model in Its New Campaign
Thanks to Wet n Wild, your drugstore beauty aisle just got more diverse. The brand rolled out its "Breaking Beauty" campaign, which celebrates inclusivity by casting five gorgeous, nontraditional models as its faces. Wet n Wild is also making history - one of the women is Diandra Forrest, who has albinism. This is the first time a model with albinism is repping a major beauty launch.
You may have seen Diandra walk in New York Fashion Week or grace the cover of Ebony back in 2015. Now, she's joined by four other women to promote Wet n Wild's new launches, which are mostly vegan and ultra-affordable (the brand told POPSUGAR that its $9 Cushion Compact will be the cheapest of its kind on the market).
The other faces of Breaking Beauty are Michelle Zauner, an Asian-American musician; Briana Marquez, an Olympic weightlifter turned model; Mama Caxx, an amputee-rights advocate; and Valentijn de Hingh, a Dutch transgender model. As Diandra told Refinery29, being cast in a major beauty campaign fulfills her lifelong dream "to normalize what albinism is being depicted as."
That alone is enough to get us very excited, but don't forget that with a campaign comes new beauty products! Eight items are being dropped, including two foundations (one liquid and the aforementioned cushion option). Diandra said that Wet n Wild's 20-shade foundation range is exactly what she looks for as an albino woman: "When I showed up on set, I felt so comfortable . . . [the foundation] made me feel so beautiful."
Once you're done doing the happy dance over this win for beauty diversity, read on to see this newness for yourself. These products have launched on Wet n Wild's website and will expand to drugstores in January 2018.
Queen Letizia Is the Royal With the Best Accessories We've Ever Seen
Queen Letizia knows how to rock accessories better than any other royal, including Kate Middleton. Did we just say that? Yes, we did and we are sticking by our statement.
The Spanish royal knows when it's time to put on the perfect, dangly earrings to pull her look together or rock the most sparkly tiara with a ball gown that will make you faint. We love sitting at the edge of our seats, holding our breath, just waiting to see how Letizia will make her outfit complete by adding the perfect accessory. Here are her best.
6 Closet Organization Tips I Learned Straight From an Ikea Pro
Marie Kondo once said, "Storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out." From personal experience, I can attest she's right. For years I lived with my bedroom in a state of perpetual clutter for the sole reason that there was no easy place for me to put my stuff away. Piles of pants grew into mountains, purses overflowed out of one tiny closet until the door wouldn't close, and shirts took up long-term residency atop one of three dilapidated dressers because the broken drawers required exhaustive wrestling to open. Soon the room was more laundry pile than personal space. I was overwhelmed, and my response was to keep the door shut.
Despite the poor condition my clothing and accessories were living in, I valued them and had spent time building a fashion collection I cared about. I wanted a storage solution to match; something that not only accommodated all my items, but celebrated them. I wanted a celeb-worthy dream closet - but getting Champagne on my beer budget wasn't going to be easy. Just when I had given up and resigned to living in a name-brand garbage dump, Ikea reached out to me.
The retailer's incredibly talented home tour makeover squad knew just how to give me the luxurious high-fashion wardrobe storage solution I craved at a reasonable price. Designer Stephanie Recupero led the project. After seeing the space and learning of my needs, she declared that a customized Pax wardrobe was just the solution I was looking for. Check out the slideshow ahead to learn Stephanie's six pro design decisions that made my closet so fantastic, and then read how my new wardrobe impacted so much more than my clothes.
Products and installation for the author were provided by Ikea for the purpose of writing this story.
Why, Exactly, Is It Called a French Braid?
French braids are popular the world over, but they certainly aren't emblematic of France. It's unclear what about them, really, is so Gallic. As it turns out, "French" braids aren't French at all. So who's really responsible for the technique? The style's history is much cooler (and longer) than you might imagine.
If we're looking for the origins of modern-day French braids, Eurasia isn't even the right continent. Instead, the place to start is North Africa. People have been wearing the three-strand gathered plait for thousands of years, and the earliest evidence of the style comes to us from the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range in Algeria. There, rock art depicting women wearing rowed braids dates back almost 6,000 years. In the millenia following, the style also appeared in early Greek art, particularly iconic kouros statues, on Celtic warriors and lasses, and as part of the elaborate updos worn by courtly women of the Sung Dynasty.
It appears, really, that there are very few cultures unaware of French braids, making their unusual moniker even more puzzling. How could something so universal be named after a single country? Wisely, the French themselves don't even claim the style as their own.
So why are Americans so confused? We can trace the origins of this particular misnomer back to an 1871 short story from Arthur's Home Magazine in which a rather misogynistic husband tells his wife to "hurry up and put on that new cashmere I sent you, and do up your hair in that new French braid."
Perhaps because France has always been so immediately connected to fashion and high living to people on this side of the Atlantic, any "fancy" braid would have registered as Continental. Just like fries and a host of other things, our love affair with the French is writ large on our delicacies and refinements.
In short, although you can feel free to keep calling it a French braid, the hairstyle is actually one of humanity's oldest and most popular hair inventions, just as much in use now as it was in ancient Sparta. They aren't from Paris, but whatever you call them, gathered braids are unquestionably as timeless and chic as the City of Lights.
Hold Up, Millie Bobby Brown's Hair Is So Long and Luscious Now!
It's been more than a year since Millie Bobby Brown catapulted to Hollywood and fashion fame after starring in the Netflix hit Stranger Things. For as long as she's been in the spotlight, we've been used to seeing her hair extremely short (the 13-year-old did, after all, actually shave her head to play Eleven).
On the red carpet, Millie usually favors her hair tightly pulled back in buns, ponytails, and slicked back. You can imagine our surprise, then, when she showed up to the season two premiere of her show with blunt shoulder-length hair, worn down.
Seriously, what hair vitamins does she take, because my hair has grown exactly one and a half inches since a year ago. She's blessed. Her strands are also looking ridiculously shiny and healthy. We think this calls for appreciation at all angles.
See more photos of her new style, ahead.
18 Years After Going Off the Air, Fran Drescher Is Ready For a Reboot of The Nanny
The Nanny has been off the air for nearly two decades now, which sounds like it was just the right amount of time for Fran Drescher to come around to a reboot of the beloved '90s sitcom. The show, which followed a sassy cosmetics saleswoman's new job as a nanny to three children of a wealthy British widower, launched Drescher to fame during its 1993 to 1999 run. Since the series finale, she's kept up a steady acting career and started the nonprofit Cancer Schmancer after surviving a bout of uterine cancer - but could another stint as Fran Fine be in the works? While sitting down with Closer Weekly, Drescher said that she hasn't ruled it out.
"As far as a reboot goes, I would be open to it if somebody wanted to do it - but if nobody wants to do it, then I'm currently trying to develop something else," she explained. Rounding up The Nanny's original cast might not be that difficult, either, considering Drescher is still close with a few of them. "I am in touch, definitely. Renée Taylor is a good friend of mine, Charlie [Charles Shaughnessy] is a good friend of mine," the 60-year-old actress continued. "Recently I reconnected with Nicholle Tom, and periodically I speak to everyone, but I'm very good friends with Charlie and Renée, for sure."
If the revival did happen, we'd likely see Fran and Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy) - who get married and welcome twins in the final episode - as the world's funniest grandparents. Then again, Shaughnessy told RadarOnline earlier this year that The Nanny should stay firmly in the past. "The whole concept of The Nanny is a nanny to these three kids. When those three kids are all grown up, there is no need for a nanny," he said. "Other than getting a bunch of the same actors 20 years later and 20 years older together again, I don't know how it would work."
Since reboots of everything from Roseanne to Jersey Shore are in the works, we wouldn't rule out a fresh take on The Nanny just yet.
22 Gifts For the Young, Scrappy, and Hungry Hamilton Fan
You don't have to have actually seen Hamilton to be a fanatic. Judging by the price and scarcity of tickets, it's far more likely that fanaticism for the Broadway show is more based on the Grammy-winning album than people seeing the production in person. But they really are fanatics - or "faniltons," as they've become known!
If you've got a Hamilton-obsessed one on your holiday shopping list and don't know where to begin (it's not like you could even buy them tickets if you wanted to - the New York production is perpetually sold out), we've got you covered. From t-shirts and necklaces to signed lyric pages, behold the ultimate gift guide for the Hamilton fan who is not throwing away their shot this year!
15 '90s Toys You Can Buy For Your Kids (or Yourself) Today
There's nothing more fun than looking back with nostalgia at your childhood toys - and the '90s were especially full of amazing treasures. Just in time for holiday shopping (wink, wink), we've compiled a list of classic 1990s toys that are still available to purchase. Enjoy!
Controversy Is Brewing Over Starbucks's Annual Holiday Cups Yet Again
Image Source: Starbucks
Without fail, every year Starbucks receives a surprisingly significant amount of criticism over its annual holiday cups. The widespread coffee chain regularly receives backlash due to its ever-changing red cups and the lack of traditional Christmas symbols. This year, an illustration of two people holding hands has some people up in arms.
In October, Starbucks released a promotional video announcing the year's new red cup design. It features several adorable illustrated figures getting ready for the holidays or simply enjoying a cup of coffee. Since this year's cup is meant to be customized, the video also features text that reads, "The holidays mean something different to everyone." Weeks later, however, people started realizing that a pair of women in the video were presumed to be a lesbian couple.
As a joke, BuzzFeed asked its readers if the new cup was "totally gay." The article also pointed out the pair of gender-neutral hands holding each other on the cup. A colleague of the BuzzFeed writer was quoted in the article saying, "I can attest to the lesbianism of The Hands" - again, as a joke.
Then Fox News got word of it. The outlet included several tweets from people who were upset about the cup and planning on boycotting Starbucks. Fox News also referred to BuzzFeed's article and claimed the publication "asserted the hypothesis is fact," failing to fully grasp the sarcastic tone.
On Twitter, several people began using the hashtag #BoycottStarbucks and claimed the company was pushing its liberal or gay agenda onto consumers. Despite the many negative tweets, others online have also started using the hashtag to mock those upset about the pair of androgynous hands.
Following the hooplah, The New York Times reached out to Starbucks. Sanja Gould, a company spokeswoman, said, "This year's hand-drawn cup features scenes of celebrating with loved ones - whoever they may be," adding, "We intentionally designed the cup so our customers can interpret it in their own way, adding their own color and illustrations."
The Insane True Story Behind The Room, the Best Bad Movie Ever
The Room's Tommy Wiseau, left, and Greg Sestero with Hollywood producer Katherine Kramer in 2004.
In 2003, a true contender for the greatest bad movie of all time premiered in Los Angeles. That movie was The Room, directed by Tommy Wiseau, a man with a thick Eastern European accent who insists he's from New Orleans on the rare occasions he's willing to talk about his life. He's also the man who wrote, produced, and starred in the masterpiece of awfulness. The making of The Room is a story that's almost as bizarre as the movie itself, but it's one that inspired James Franco to immortalize the film in his new movie The Disaster Artist, based on the book of the same name by Wiseau's friend and The Room costar Greg Sestero.
There's no better place to begin than with the film's plot, even though explaining it is almost impossible. It all boils down to a love triangle between Johnny (Wiseau); his girlfriend, Lisa (Juliette Danielle); and his best friend, Mark (Sestero). Just know that there's much, much more going on, and very little of it makes sense. Perhaps that's because the film reportedly began life as a 600-page novel that Wiseau hoped to turn into a play before he decided that not enough Americans watched plays anymore. At that point, Wiseau realized that The Room needed to be a movie, and he enlisted his friend and former acting classmate, Sestero, to help him make it happen.
Sestero would not only be Wiseau's costar, but he was also perhaps the only person on the set who could talk to Wiseau as the auteur began his journey toward making his infamous masterpiece. Wiseau funded The Room himself, but the answer as to where he got $6 million for his pet project remains a mystery. In a 2008 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wiseau said the money came from his Korean leather jacket export business. His claim has never been verified.
However he came about the money, Wiseau had more than enough to pour into The Room. In Sestero's book, the actor writes that Wiseau was determined to film the movie with two different cameras - one a 35mm and the other HD. Sestero writes:
Probably the most wasteful and pointless aspect of The Room's production was Tommy's decision to simultaneously shoot his movie with both a 35mm film camera and a high-definition (HD) camera. In 2002, an HD and 35mm film camera cost around $250,000 combined; the lenses ran from $20,000 to $40,000 apiece. And, of course, you had to hire an entirely different crew to operate this stuff. Tommy had a mount constructed that was able to accommodate both the 35mm camera and HD camera at the same time, meaning Tommy needed two different crews and two different lighting systems on set at all times.
This was only the beginning of Wiseau's eccentricities. The Disaster Artist goes on to detail the director's many pet peeves, which included anyone daring to speak any language other than English, farting on set, and people leaving the set while shooting. In fact, Wiseau wanted all of the actors to be on set even when they weren't shooting their scenes in case he decided to add them into the background at the last minute. Even the film's long and uncomfortable sex scene was filmed in front of everyone, foregoing the Hollywood tradition of having a closed set for intimate scenes.
Now that the film has gained a cult following, Wiseau seems to have embraced The Room's description as a dark comedy, but according to the cast, he was always serious about it being a drama. In 2008, Wiseau told Entertainment Weekly that two of his biggest inspirations are Tennessee Williams and Orson Welles, and the movie reflects his claims in the most hilarious way possible. He went into each one of his scenes with a seriousness that the cast didn't always share.
Sestero admits in his book that he phoned in much of his performance, and Danielle claims that during the filming of a scene where Wiseau's Tommy says "In a few minutes, b*tch," no one on set could contain their laughter. Wiseau wasn't amused and demanded to know what was so funny. To get around Wiseau's rule, the director of photography reportedly had an outdoor tent that he would use when he had no choice but to laugh at the increasingly strange film.
Ultimately, it took six months to shoot The Room, and during that time, the production cycled through two crews. Famously, Kyle Vogt, one of the film's actors, had to leave before the film was finished due to a prior acting commitment, and Wiseau simply included an entirely new, never-before-seen character in the final scene of the movie and gave him all of the lines intended for Vogt's character, Peter, with no explanation.
Still, as hard as it is to believe, The Room could have been much worse. Much of the script was unusable. A script supervisor cut multiple monologues and lines of dialogue that were too nonsensical to make it into the final film even by The Room's standards. It's also rumored that Wiseau wanted to include a subplot that revealed Johnny was a vampire, but the budget couldn't be stretched to include the technology needed to give the character a flying car.
Despite the many, many obstacles standing in the way of The Room becoming a hit, the film attracted a cult audience after Wiseau insisted on keeping it in a theater for two weeks during its initial run. His hope was that the Oscars would take notice, but instead, a generation of fans who loved the so-bad-it's-almost-good movie found it instead. In a strange but fitting turn of events, Wiseau may finally get an invite to the Academy Awards now that The Disaster Artist is gaining critical acclaim, proving that American dreams do come true.
Snacking on bitter apricot kernels? You're at risk of cyanide poisoning, Health Canada warns
The bitter kernels within apricot pits, sold in packages in some health food stores, can release cyanide when eaten. They are sometimes marketed as a "medicinal ingredient."
Treat Yo Self With These Parks and Recreation Gifts
Parks and Recreation may be over, but its unforgettable characters - and catchphrases - are forever. If you know a big Parks and Rec fan, then the following gift guide will have the perfect present for them. And, of course, if you're the fan, then take the opportunity to, as they say, treat yo self.
Au Naturel: Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Make scrubbing your bathroom easier with the help of a homemade toilet bowl cleaner that really works. And this commode cleanser leaves your powder room nice and fresh and costs just about nothing to make. Vinegar and baking soda mix together to create serious bubbling action, which does all the dirty work for you. Sans harsh chemicals, this eco-friendly, natural toilet bowl cleaner will keep your bathroom sparkling.
What You'll Need:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Funnel
- Squeeze bottle
Directions:
- Measure and add the baking soda to a large bowl along with the liquid castile soap, which you can find at your local health food store.
- If you'd like to personalize the scent of your commode cleaner, then add several drops of essential oil. Eucalyptus, lemon, orange, or rosemary give this cleaner a lovely scent and are also antibacterial. Measure and add the hydrogen peroxide to the mixture, which is a natural whitener.
- Now measure and slowly add the hot water, whisking gently until things are incorporated. Get ready for some action, and add the vinegar. Give things a stir until the foaming stops.
- Use a funnel to carefully add the toilet bowl cleaner to a squeeze-top bottle, and you're ready to tackle that bathroom!
- Squeeze the cleaner under the rim of your commode, and let it do its job for five to 10 minutes. Give a quick scrub with a toilet bowl brush, then flush.
17 Holiday Movies You Have to Watch at Least Once
If you're not in the holiday spirit yet, there's no better cure for that than a classic holiday movie. Though new festive films are made every year, only a handful qualify as essential annual viewing. We have compiled a group of cinematic classics that range from the black-and-white classics to more modern, irreverent fare. Chances are you've seen most of these, but there may be movies you have never gotten around to watching. In that case, let this list be your guide (some of these are even available to stream on Netflix). Have you seen them all?
Who Is Running For President in 2020?
Donald Trump hasn't even completed his first year in office, but presidential hopefuls from all parties are already lining up in public, in private, or in our dreams to run against him and take office in 2020. While very few political players have publicly spoken up about intentions to run, the signs that someone is running - serious fundraising, visiting battleground states, making political appearances, releasing a book, etc. - often make their ambitions fairly clear well before they're official.
So who might President Trump - if he is, in fact, the GOP's candidate - face in three years? Here's a look at 17 people who seem to be laying the foundation for a presidential run in 2020, two who are already trumpeting their 2020 campaigns, and eight people who say they absolutely will not run.
Kris Jenner and Her New Platinum Hair Just Inspired 2017's Best Meme
A week before Halloween, Kris Jenner took a break from her busy schedule to break the internet with quite possibly the best reaction meme we've seen this year. On Oct. 23, Kim Kardashian shared a picture of her mom reclined on a sofa - martini in hand - while wearing a floral suit, a fur stole, and brick-red accessories. Oh, and she's wearing a platinum blond wig. "Caption this," Kim wrote.
The over-the-top image is particularly shocking because it's the first time Kris has been seen without her signature black hair. It's funny because the platinum wig closely resembles Kim's icy new color and Kris has been criticized for copying her daughter in the past.
Alas, it is indeed just a wig: Kris was photographed out that same evening in New York City with her usual hair color. This singular, already iconic picture, however, provides all of the meme and Halloween costume inspiration we need.
Dubai's Luxury Hotel Is Downright Ridiculous - Wait Until You See the Amenities
The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is so luxurious and over the top, we didn't know a place like this could ever exist. It's the stuff your fantasies are made of. Set on an artificial island just 920 feet from Jumeirah Beach, the building stands as the third tallest hotel in the world.
People widely refer to Burj Al Arab as the world's only seven-star hotel. You will agree after hearing about all the lavish perks that come with staying here. But enjoying this hotel comes at a cost; rooms start at around $1,100 per night. Check out all the amazing experiences you could have if you book a room at this hot spot in Dubai.
22 Thoughtful, Personalized Presents - Starting at Just $7!
Looking for a gift with a personal touch? The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune for a unique personalized present. We've rounded up 22 of the coolest - and most affordable - customized gift options starting at just $7. (Did we mention they're are all $28 and under?) So whether you're seeking something embossed, embroidered, or engraved or a gift that has serious sentimental value, we've got a feeling you're going to love what's ahead.
14 Free, Fun, and Printable Wedding Mad Libs
Feel like you're in a rut with your wedding planning? Ask any bride and groom who has come before you - it can be a challenge to find a balance between keeping your nuptials traditional and finding ways to make the special day a bit more creative and entertaining for your guests. We've rounded up 14 wedding Mad Libs for you to incorporate into your big day. These various wedding Mad Libs are as fun and good-natured as they are aesthetically pleasing. In addition to that, they are so versatile. You can swap out your traditional RSVP card for a mini Mad Lib or have them available to distract guests during the dinner wait.
However you choose to use them, one thing is for sure: your guests will have fun and you will end the night with a plethora of memories unique to each and every one of your guests.
83 Unreal Places You Thought Only Existed in Your Imagination
We're not kidding you - these travel destinations actually exist and aren't a figment of your imagination. Be prepared to have your mind blown as you browse through these amazing photos.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White
18 Savage, Hilarious Memes Inspired by Melania Trump's Holiday Decor
On Nov. 27, Melania Trump unveiled the White House Christmas decorations on her official FLOTUS Twitter account. In the video, the first lady walks through the decked halls. You can spot the glorious, sparkling trees in the grand foyer. You can admire the dainty mistletoe hanging from the ceiling and the delightfully festive wreaths hanging on the exterior. And then . . . well, and then you can walk through a hellish, nightmarish corridor of sinister trees that might grab you and trap you in their gnarled branches for the rest of eternity.
Twitter was quick to pick up on the strange hall of barren branches that line the East Wing corridor. The snapshots from the reveal quickly became memes that were sprinkled with the Babadook (one of 2017's great gay icons), Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, some dementors from the Harry Potter universe, Pennywise the clown . . . and that's just the tip of the very scary iceberg. Keep scrolling for the haunting pics and the hilarious reactions thereto.
The Simple 7-Step Guide to Kardashian Hair Shine and Volume
Whenever we want to look really sexy, we google images of the Kardashian and Jenner sisters. The famous, beauty-loving family (and their glam squads) are geniuses at achieving glowing skin, mesmerizing eye makeup, and shiny, textured hair.
To help with the latter, we tapped one of the girls' go-to hairstylists Jen Atkin (who is a brand-owner and influencer in her own right!). Read on as she breaks down how you can achieve a similarly glossy, high-volume look, just in time for holiday parties and New Year's Eve.
26 Crazy and Delicious Casserole Recipes That Are Definitely Not Your Grandma's
While the word 'casserole' might make you cringe, remembering mushy tuna noodle casserole your grandma used to make, rest assured there are foodie-approved ones out there - quinoa risotto with truffle oil, pizza lasagna rollups, and chicken florentine artichoke bake, just to name a few. Not many things are more reliable for a fast and easy dinner than casseroles, but you shouldn't be afraid to branch out and get creative. There's nothing average about these unique recipes, from the ingredients to the flavor.
13 Awesome Foods You Didn't Know You Could Get at Costco
There's always something new to discover at Costco. Besides the fact that there are so many ways to save money at Costco beyond the free samples, there are tons of products that you might not even realize are hiding within the packed shelves of the store. These are 13 unexpected, customer-approved groceries you'll want to keep your eye out for the next time you take a trip to Costco.
The Nightingale's Kristin Hannah Shares Exclusive Details on Her Highly Anticipated New Novel
Brenda Janowitz is the POPSUGAR books correspondent. She is the author of five novels, including The Dinner Party.
Image Source: Kevin Lynch
The wait is finally over. Ever since The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah's runaway bestseller, captured our hearts in 2015, fans have been clamoring for her next novel. With more than four million copies sold, The Nightingale wasn't just a bestseller. It was a phenomenon.
How can a writer follow up a book that resonated with so many readers? Hannah took inspiration from her own family, who homesteaded in Alaska in the 1970s. The Great Alone takes us to Alaska, 1974. It's the story of 13-year-old Leni, who learns that her father has lost another job and that her family is moving again. But this time, they are going off the grid to Alaska, to homestead 40 acres of raw land. Her father, a Vietnam veteran, thinks this will be a fresh start for their family. And Leni hopes that he is right. But they are unprepared for what it takes to survive a Winter in Alaska. And as they will quickly learn, there is no room for mistakes. The Great Alone is a story about courage and resilience and how we can survive against the most difficult of odds. Fierce, feminist, and utterly unputdownable, this is a book you won't soon forget.
We're thrilled to have this exclusive video of Hannah talking about her inspiration for The Great Alone and sharing personal family photographs. The Great Alone will be out on Feb. 6, 2018.
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