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 19 janvier 2018
7 Reasons It's Not Too Late to Start Your Fitness Resolution
Many of us had grand plans to sprint into 2018 by immediately tackling those ambitious New Year resolutions, but somewhere along the way we decided to binge-watch The Crown with a pint of Ben & Jerry's instead. If you've spent the past three weeks procrastinating, you're in good company - but you can still crush your January fitness goals! Read on to discover why digging into that resolution a few weeks late isn't the end of the world.
1. The Weather Is Finally on Your Side
The first two weeks of January left many of us feeling like we'd been banished to Hoth. Whether you were battling frostbite in New York or Instagramming the snowfall in Florida, record-breaking weather patterns left even the most committed workout junkies sidelined. After all, who wants to go for a jog when the ground is frozen? If you're getting started on your fitness regimen now, the weather won't pose quite as much of an obstacle as it did a mere two weeks ago.
2. But Continued Hibernation Is An Excellent Excuse For a Home Workout
If you're still cringing at the thought of stepping a toe into the frigid weather even without the threat of a superstorm, the still-frosty forecast is an excellent excuse for a home workout that'll keep you toasty and toned.
3. 2018's Influx of New Shows and Movies Are Perfect For a Netflix and Tone Session
Forget your plans to Netflix and chill. If you're looking for a distraction from your workout, there's nothing like an episode of The End of the F***ing World or Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee to distract you from the intense pain of your triceps workout.
4. Winter Sports Are Perfect For Getting Fit While Having Fun
If you're already an avid skier or a snowboarding pro, consider your 2018 fitness resolutions sorted. Snow sports happen to burn major calories, whether you love cross-country skiing or ice skating. As long as there's a chill in the air, it's not too late to engage in these muscle-chiseling activities.
5. Skin-Baring Season Is Still Months Away
If your fitness goal is motivated by aesthetics, fear not: bikini season is far in the future. Even if you kick off your resolutions in February, you'll still have ample time to develop that toned booty by Memorial Day.
6. 2018's New Workout Trends Will Make You Want to Ditch Your Old Plan
Taking a beat before launching into your 2018 fitness regimen is an act of unexpected genius, because the new trends brewing this year will put your prior workout plan to shame. From mindful workouts to animal flow, getting active has never been more entertaining - and all you had to do was wait an extra few days to let the trends develop before diving in! The odds of success are greater if your routine actively engages you, so find a class or home workout that feels more like a guilty pleasure than a chore.
7. Slow and Steady Progress Always Trumps a Quick Fizzle
Your besties might already be burnt out from attacking their wellness goals, but not you! Tackling your objectives is a marathon, not a sprint, and there's nothing worse than over-exerting yourself early in a fitness regimen and hitting the wall before you reach your goal. By taking your time easing into a new plan, you're allowing for an adjustment period instead of plunging into the deep end. That being said, the journey toward your objectives has to start sometime, so get ready to jump in today!
Before Making a New Year's Resolution to Lose Weight, You Need to See This Before and After
Julia is no stranger to getting wrapped up in society's beauty standards and feeling like "skinny was better than everything." This time of year is an especially sensitive time for girls and women, with it being New Year's, so Julia posted this before and after to her Instagram account as a heartfelt warning to other girls.
She says, "before you make another New Years resolution to lose weight, take a moment to consider your happiness and mental health." She notes that in the photo on the left, she was "super lean and fit into the smallest size of everything," but she wasn't happy with the way she looked. "I was constantly worried I looked 'too big' in one way or another."
Julia hated the gym, saying, "I just saw the treadmill as a requirement." And more importantly she says, "was my mental health in check? No. I was anxious about every meal, tired all the time, and driven by calories in versus calories out."
Things have changed. Julia says, "Now, I'm happy. I don't ever weigh myself (haven't gotten on the scale in over 6 months!), I eat when I'm hungry, and I enjoy my life. I say YES to going out to dinner, something I hated to do before." Julia adds, "I'm more present socially and emotionally and think about bigger things than how what I'm going to eat may or may not affect my weight."
So heed Julia's warning and take her advice. "I think it is wonderful if your goal is to become healthy and strong. Just don't get caught up in society's standards of beauty that say thinnest is best." Focus on taking care of yourself, being happy, healthy, and kind to yourself, and aim to love yourself unconditionally. Those are amazing 2018 goals!
Skip the Squats and Do These 15 Booty-Sculpting Moves Instead
Squats have their place in strength training, but there are plenty of other butt exercises out there! Mix up your routine, and try out the following moves that tone and lift your derrière. Who knows? You might say "so long" to squats (for now) and find a new favorite exercise in the bunch.
7 Moves to Burn 400 Calories in 20 Minutes
Kettlebell fans love the heavy, round-shaped weights for a reason - kettlebell exercises combine cardio and strength training for a time-saving calorie burn. The amount of calories you can burn using kettlebells can be amazingly high: a study by the American Council on Exercise found that the average person burns 400 calories in 20 minutes when doing kettlebell exercises. More research has found that regularly exercising with kettlebells significantly reduces back, neck, and shoulder pain by strengthening core and upper body muscles.
Does all that convince you to add more kettlebell to your life? Read on for tips on choosing the right kettlebell and a few calorie-torching exercises to try. And do check out this kettlebell tutorial and workout to learn the basics.
9 Things to Cut Out of Your Life to Be Healthy
Many of you are here to improve your diet and overall well-being and to start cutting certain things out of your life. But that doesn't always mean junk food or sweets - we've got some habits that might be holding you back from your healthy goals that you should definitely consider eliminating for good.
Here's what we're cutting out of our lives to have our healthiest year yet.
- Negative self-talk: Stop being mean to yourself. Just stop. You are enough! You are strong! You're capable. Start giving yourself more compliments, and make this year about no negative self-talk - ever. The more you berate and degrade yourself, the harder your year will be; you'll also have a much harder time reaching your healthy goals.
- Your scale: Look, quantifiable goals are great, but the scale can be an evil enemy, and doctors agree! If you've been obsessed with the scale and every decimal point on your weight, it's time for that thing to go. In the trash. Forever. Remember that a number on a scale doesn't reflect the hard work you're putting in, and the numbers absolutely do not define you.
- Workouts you hate: Not everyone likes running, and that's OK. Forcing yourself into a workout that you hate definitely won't encourage you to keep working out. There are alternatives to running and so many other kinds of cardio exercises. If you hate bootcamp classes, try barre. Hate barre? Stop doing it! Try yoga. If something's not working, try a new studio or new instructor. Keep going until you find something that clicks, but absolutely do not keep going to a class or attempting a workout you don't like.
- Exercising to "fix" or change a part of your body: Working out because you "hate" your body is the worst thing you can do. Exercise makes you feel good - it celebrates your body, makes you feel empowered, and sends a rush of feel-good endorphins through your body. Working out will boost your energy, will improve your health, and can change your mood for the better, alongside so many other benefits. Celebrate your body; don't try to "fix" it.
- Kale (or that one food you just can't stand): A lot of you hate kale. So stop forcing it! You don't need kale to be healthy! Maybe it's not kale, but it's another healthy food you've been forcing yourself to eat under the pretense that it's healthy and you "need it" to be healthy yourself. This just isn't true, and if your diet consists of things you don't love, you're not going to stay on that diet for very long. For a more sustainable diet, experiment more with other healthy foods to find out what you do love. You'll be eating healthier all the time!
- Perfectionism: Striving for a goal is great; striving for perfection is unhealthy. Giving yourself unrealistic or unattainable goals is detrimental to your mental and your physical health. That desire for perfectionism can often be a defense mechanism, when you're either consciously or subconsciously protecting yourself from the judgment of others. Focus that energy on progress, not perfection, and you'll have a much better year.
- Calorie counting: This year, stop obsessing over calories, especially if it has created a negative relationship with food. Food is fuel, and we need calories to have strong muscles, strong bones, and a functioning body! There are so many ways to track your food and eat healthy without calorie counting. If you need the data and numbers to stay in control of your healthy eating, try looking into counting macros - you'll have a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates each day.
- Stress: Whether you have clinical anxiety or you've been stressing way too much, your compromised mental health can have a seriously negative impact on your health. Stress can cause weight gain, bloating, physical pain, skin problems, and more. Quite a setback for your healthiest year yet, right? To relax and cut out stress, get yourself a great therapist, or try a self-care practice like diffusing essential oils.
- Everything that is holding you back: What is keeping you from being your best self and living your best life? Is it an unhealthy relationship, a terrible job that drains you of your energy, or a deep-seated fear? Let. It. Go. Cut the people out who don't support you. Say goodbye to work that doesn't make you feel good, or worse, makes you feel bad. Remove unnecessary obligations that keep you from reaching your physical, mental, and personal goals. This is your time! Replace these things with activities that help you reach your goals, a job that fosters your creativity and empowers you, and relationships with people who build you up.
My 6-Month CrossFit Transformation Isn't What I Thought It'd Be
I wasn't going to write this post. I didn't want to share these photos. I felt too embarrassed. But it was for that reason that I felt compelled to. You see, when I started my CrossFit journey to getting completely ripped, I was convinced that after six months, I'd have amazing transformation photos to share. But as you can see, I don't.
I could have chosen to not share them, to wait a year, or however long it took to get the six-pack abs I'm working so hard toward, but I feel like these transformation photos are even more important to share than ones that are jaw-droppingly impressive. Because they show that losing weight and getting toned takes time, and probably more time than you want it to.
Losing weight and getting toned takes time, and probably more time than you want it to.
When progress doesn't go as quickly as expected, it can be so damn frustrating. I actually quit CrossFit for a few days after three months. I was pissed that I was getting up at 4:50 a.m. five days a week to go to class, eating clean, and my body wasn't getting close to where I wanted it to be. I still had my baby belly, and I actually gained weight and my muscles grew. I was thicker all around, and even my sports bras were feeling tighter. WTH!
But my husband talked me down off my "I hate CrossFit" ledge and said, "First of all, you look amazing. And I can totally tell you're getting stronger. But CrossFit isn't just about what it's doing to your body, it's how you feel." And that's true. I loved how badass I felt snatching bars over my head and slamming medicine balls to the floor, and how my heart thumped in my chest and sweat dripped off my nose while doing a bazillion burpees. I loved how energetic and confident I felt when I came home from class, and how that set the tone for my entire day. I'm happier when I work out regularly, and that spreads out into my life, my work, and my relationships.
I also talked to a ton of women about how I was feeling. I told them, "I've gained weight, everything has gotten bigger, including my butt, and my jeans are tighter." They felt the same way, that they didn't love their huge muscles at first, but now they do because it means they're strong. Some of the women even said they wished their muscles were bigger, and now they just care about what their bodies can do, and what their goals are like to squat more weight, or do higher box jumps.
Doing CrossFit for six months has taught me one unexpected lesson that I feel like I've been trying to learn my entire life. To love my body. To genuinely feel proud of what it can do, and to not poke and prod at it for what society tells me it's supposed to look like.
I just turned 40 years old, and it's taken me a lifetime and two pregnancies to get my body to this point, so how could I expect everything to change in just six months? Even though I don't see the physical progress I thought I would in half a year of intense workouts, five days a week, the progress I see in what my body can do is what's become my focus.
I've hit some pretty monumental goals like climbing a 15-foot rope, doing my first strict pull-up, and a handstand push-up, and that feeling of pride has overcome my feelings of insecurity about my flabby, wrinkly baby belly. It's given me this newfound confidence and inspiration to become even stronger. It feels like for most of my life, I've been in a constant battle with myself, to do everything possible to shrink down and take up less space, but I actually like the feeling of taking up more.
So what if I'm not where I want to be? I'm getting there, right? And I'll continue to take progress photos each month so that one day I'll look back on these six-month pictures and see how this was just one step in my journey to becoming the strongest, best version of me.
And even though sharing these photos of me not quite reaching my goals is a little mortifying, the one thing that makes it easy is to think that someone on their own weight-loss or fitness journey relates to my story, and finds inspiration to keep pushing themselves and celebrate every moment of progress, no matter how small they think it is.
5 Things That Happened When I Gave Up Alcohol For a Month
The author partaking in one of her favorite Sunday afternoon activities, drinking at Mission Dolores Park.
I f*cking love alcohol, but when I gave it up for a month, a lot of things changed. I guess you could call it a late New Year's resolution, but really it was just a decision I made after a realization that treating myself to a large glass of red wine "because I had a long day and I deserve it," ordering that second Bloody Mary at brunch, and spending too much time drinking recreationally were all things that were catching up to me, physically and financially. I decided the best way to cut back and reel in the habit was to go cold turkey - just for a month. Would going 31 days without a drop of alcohol really make much of a difference? Turns out, it would.
I'm not going to pretend that this is some heroic tale or really inspiring before-and-after transformation. I mean, we're just talking about giving up drinking for a month, which, for a lot of people, is so easy it's an almost laughable challenge. But it's always a good idea to make health-focused changes to your lifestyle, no matter how small they may seem. And if you happen to be like me and have no shame in pouring yourself another glass but have also wondered what it might be like to go on a brief detox, here's what you might want to know.
I Had More Energy
"How do my co-workers manage to do a 6 a.m. SoulCycle class before work or fit in evening workouts even on the busiest days?" I often ask myself. I've learned that energy is likely the root of that answer. Going out for trivia on a Wednesday night and ordering a couple beers or finishing a glass of red wine before going to sleep are little things that really did affect the quality of my sleep, but I think it took me eliminating them to realize it. Furthermore, erasing the possibility of drinking on the weekends opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me! There's a zero percent chance I'd have a hangover, so I started booking early workout classes like Pop Physique and not only getting there on time, but also enjoying them a lot more. Sleeping better, waking up easier, and not suffering from wine-induced sleepiness all transformed the amount of energy I had.
I Lost Weight
I can't tell you how much the exact number on the scale changed, because I don't even own a scale - that's not what this was ever about. But I can tell you that, yes, I lost weight. My too-tight jeans began to fit a little looser, my stomach felt flatter, and I didn't feel as weighed down or bloated (drinking hot water with lemon helped, too). I'm one of those people who avoids reading the calories in wine and beer - over 100 calories for a four-ounce pour?! - so it was easy for me to forget how fast each glass or pint could add up, and my body definitely reaped the benefits when I gave it all up. Plus, since I had more energy at the end of each day, I spent more time hitting the gym instead of crashing on the couch as soon as I got home. Challenging yourself to make better choices isn't necessarily about immediate and calculated change, but about feeling like a better version of yourself, and I definitely did.
I Saved Money
It's true that little things add up, and that's especially true when it comes to drinking. This mini hiatus was a painful (and helpful) reminder that alcohol can seriously drain your bank account and that cutting back for short periods of time can have a noticeable impact. I found myself relishing in the fact that the absence of brunch drinks, postwork cocktails, and corner-store wine runs also meant the absence of their price tags. I instead took this opportunity to save money and treat myself to some much-needed self-care.
I Ate Better
It's funny how healthy choices tend to have the snowball effect: one leads to another. Because of the fact that I had more energy, I suddenly found myself way more inspired to cook. Instead of spending Sundays day drinking in the park (ahem, pictured above), I became a meal-prep goddess. Part of my weekend routine became making plenty of spaghetti squash for a week's worth of lunch, and I stocked my fridge with protein-packed egg muffins to ensure I never skipped breakfast before work. Plus, what's the one way to guarantee you don't go on a pizza-eating rampage at 2 a.m. on a Saturday and wake up feeling gross? Don't get the drunk munchies!
I Taught Myself a Lesson in Moderation
Do I want to give up alcohol permanently or even on a bimonthly basis? LOL, no. But do I have a better understanding of my body and how it reacts to what I put in it? Absolutely. I thought I'd have such a hard time neglecting my stash of wine and declining invites to happy hours, but it was surprisingly easy. As the days went on, cravings went away and didn't feel like I "needed" a glass of wine after a long day. I've now reevaluated my habits and have learned that moderation is the key to feeling - and looking - your best.
I'll cheers to that . . . preferably with a glass of Cab.
Is Masturbation Good For You? Experts Say "Yes, Yes, YES"
While we may have long ago learned that touching ourselves feels good while fantasizing or watching an erotic movie, the truth is that there are a lot of benefits of masturbation outside of purely physical pleasure. There are also many health benefits to masturbating.
"Orgasms release feel good hormones like endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, which reduces pain and leaves you feeling more relaxed. This, in turn, lowers stress hormone cortisol levels, soothing the nervous system," says Antonia Hall, a psychologist, relationship and sex expert, and the award-winning author of The Ultimate Guide to a Multi-Orgasmic Life.
It's Natural
"Masturbation is healthy and natural and is not something that should be considered secretive or shameful," says Dr. Lisa Masterson, best known as one of the original hosts of the daytime talk show The Doctors. "The release of endorphins in the brain and the increased blood flow throughout the body contribute to physical and mental well-being."
Orgasms reduce pain, elevate mood, and strengthen the immune system. "It can help you get rid of that headache or body soreness, reduce cold symptoms, and even reduce menstrual cramps," says Hall.
It Helps With Fertility
"In terms of fertility, many couples trying to have a baby will often abstain from masturbating to 'save up' sperm; however, this can be very detrimental," says Dr. Hal Danzer of Southern California Reproductive Center, one of the country's top fertility centers. "It is important to keep sperm moving down the pipeline, which will result in a greater number of healthy sperm," says Dr. Danzer.
It Relieves Tension
"It lowers blood pressure and relieves tension in the body, which can help you feel relaxed so you can fall asleep faster," says Hall. "It keeps your sexual game on. When your sex organs are regularly getting blood flow and release, it helps keep them healthy and active. It also reminds your brain that sexuality is an important part of life, which is key to arousal health. That flush and orgasmic release help give skin an incredible glow There's even evidence that it can protect women against cervical infections."
It Helps You Get Comfortable With Your Body
"Masturbation is absolutely normal and extremely beneficial to you!" says Daizha Morgann, a popular adult film star and cam model. "The sex life you have with yourself is reflective of the sex life you flourish with your partner. It is important to embrace your sexuality and get familiar with what turns you on so you can communicate your needs with your partner into mind-blowing sex. Masturbation allows us to get comfortable in our own skin, and we all know confidence is essential to climaxing in the bedroom," says Morgann. Masturbation is loving the skin you are in!
"I should also say that masturbation can be useful throughout all stages of a woman's life," says Dr. Masterson. "I suggest to many the patients I treat at my Santa Monica facility to use masturbation to ease uncomfortable abdominal cramps during their period, and women going through menopause can use masturbation to keep their sexual functions working properly."
After all, if you don't use it, you lose it - so enjoy! Dr. Masterson adds, "Knowing your body is important for your partner, too. This is the best way for you to understand how to communicate to your partner and improve sexual relations."
BBG: The Supereffective Fitness Program You Need to Know
We're totally crazy about Australian trainer and Instagram star Kayla Itsines and her program, BBG. But what exactly is BBG? Let's take a step back and look at the program that made Kayla such a star and her clients so obsessed.
What Is It?
BBG stands for "Bikini Body Guide," and it's been transforming women's bodies with dramatic weight-loss results since 2012. The guides include a fitness and nutrition plan spanning 12 weeks and can be done at home or at a gym.
The program is built around intense 28-minute workouts three days a week. That's it. They're broken down into arms and abs, legs, and full body, so each day of the week, you'll focus on a different muscle group. Expect to see moves like push-ups and planks, burpees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and weighted squats. The combination of weight training and cardio makes the program incredibly effective, while the meal plan helps women make more educated dietary choices to better fuel their bodies.
How Does It Work?
During a workout, you'll have two circuits, each with four moves, for which you'll do a certain number of reps. For example, circuit one might look like: 15 burpees, 15 push-ups, 20 jumping jacks, and 20 lunges on each leg. You repeat circuit one as many times as you can within seven minutes at your own pace. You'll take a one-minute break and do the same thing with circuit two, which will be a new set of four exercise moves. After completing circuit two, you start over and do both again. The result? An insanely challenging workout completed in less than 30 minutes.
As far as nutrition goes, Kayla doesn't really eliminate foods. Instead, she focuses on healthier choices and provides BBG members with healthy, delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and snacks. On her app, Kayla serves up weekly grocery shopping lists that provide the ingredients for that particular week's recipes, leaving zero guesswork.
What Makes It Different?
The simplicity and brevity of the workouts combined with their ability to be modified have made this program exceptionally attractive to many a newcomer. In fact, Kayla loves the idea that she is often a woman's introduction to fitness. She told POPSUGAR, "I want to be someone's first entry [to exercise], and I think it's a good way to enter, because you're entering into a community that focuses on how you feel rather than focusing on how you look."
Everyone's story is completely different when they come to BBG, but devotees find a way to make the program work for them, whether they're fighting ovarian cancer or thyroid cancer, beating obesity and losing 100-plus pounds, overcoming an eating disorder and building strength, or just trying to get a bigger booty.
We asked Kayla what she thinks makes BBG so special. "Firstly it's for women, which women love," she said. "And then there's the fact it's 28 minutes. . . . It's so quick and easy but also very challenging and pushes you." She also noted how it's a superempowering program that allows a woman to do everything on her own and feel accomplished as an individual.
While the program itself is appealing, what probably trumps it all is the BBG community. There's an element in this program that isn't really found in many other fitness programs, and it has created somewhat of a sisterhood. "It's really easy to lose motivation and lose inspiration," Kayla told POPSUGAR. "But when you have a community like the BBG community, it's actually very hard to lose motivation, because they're constantly encouraging you and posting photos. It's like a family."
Interesting in being part of it? You can download the BBG PDFs for yourself. Or consider Kayla's app, Sweat With Kayla, which offers the same workout program but more streamlined and customized with a LISS tracker and guided recovery. You'll also get on-the-go grocery lists, recipes, and more.
8 At-Home Remedies Your Grandma Swears by That Actually Work
Readers, it's time to thank your grandma. Those crazy Latin at-home remedies she showered on you when you were under the weather might have actually worked. In fact, Dr. Keith Roach, associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, says that even the rituals that don't have any scientific backing could work - just because you believe in them. "The placebo effect is powerful," he said.
While there are certain Latin cures the doctor advises you should skip when you're sick (like anything involving raw egg, which can carry salmonella, or a shot of alcohol, which can actually be dangerous to your liver during certain illnesses), he weighed in on why some of the most popular get-better-soon treatments that your grandma used actually, truly work. Keep reading to find the list, then check out the family beauty treatments that you should be trying.
17 Latin Soups Perfect For a Snow Day
When Winter hits and you finally feel that slight chill in the air that makes you feel good about bidding farewell to the warm months - isn't it weird how it tends to happen overnight? - there's often nothing more comforting for lunch or dinner than a big bowl of steamy soup. From traditional Mexican pozole to a more tropical Honduran sopa de caracol, we've rounded up a variety of Latin soups to whip up for the next few months. Try them out, dig in, and drink up.
jeudi 18 janvier 2018
The 11 Coolest Train Trips in the World
Travel can feel rushed these days as we seek the fastest way to get from here to there. Fortunately, the lost joy of traveling by train is making a comeback. People are rediscovering the pleasure of watching changing landscapes from the tracks and enjoying parts of a country that they would've otherwise missed. It's a way to slow down and revisit the old-world charm of traveling from city to city. There are stunning train routes around the world, from the United States and Canada to Scotland and India - here are 11 once-in-a-lifetime options that you should experience.
12 Unique Things to Do in Seattle
Over the past few years, people have been flocking to Seattle - and with good reason. It's one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and booming companies such as Amazon and Microsoft have helped with that increase of population and tourism. But what is there to do in Seattle? People often head immediately to Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, but there is so much more to the Emerald City than what you've seen on Grey's Anatomy. Whether you're already a Seattleite or want to visit and find unique things to do, check out this list of 12 spots.
18 Slang Words That Will Make You Sound Like an Old Fart
As a Millennial in my 20s, it's hard to believe that my generation is slowly becoming dated, especially when it comes to our slang. Everything we used to think was supercool, like playing Oregon Trail, is now seen as archaic and lame by the generation after us. Since we're not entirely sure if we'll ever get a handle on using the cool new terms like "sus" and "stan," we're going to take a trip down slang memory lane and revisit our favorites. Do you still say any of the words on this list? If so, it might make you sound old, but hopefully it stokes you up and makes you raise the roof with your homies.
Baby Girl or Boy, Here Are the Paint Colors You Can Expect to See in Joanna Gaines's Nursery
We don't know if HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines's fifth child will be a boy or a girl yet, but we do know the baby will have one heck of a nursery! After all, when your dad is a top construction pro and your mom is a celebrated design guru, you're bound to have some gorgeous sleeping quarters. And while it's safe to say this little one's room will fit with the general modern-farmhouse style of the rest of the Gaineses' home, we can't help but wonder what color exactly the space will be painted.
We got some guidance from the team behind Joanna's paint collection, Magnolia Home Paint by Kilz. They told us the top color contenders for the Gaines's nursery are delicate neutrals and muted pastels that create a serene space for baby. Check them out - and get some ideas for your own home - ahead.
9 Things You Need to Do Before Selling Your iPhone
Ready to trade in your old iPhone for the new one? Before you do, take a look at this checklist to make sure you've deleted all important data from your iPhone. Don't leave anything behind!
- Back up your iPhone.
- Remove photos from Camera Roll. Connect the device to your computer and open Image Capture or iPhoto. Select all photos and then click Import All. In iPhoto, choose to "delete photos from your iPhone" after importing. In Image Capture, if the "Delete Items After Downloading" option no longer appears, try this: turn off "Photos" in iCloud on your Mac and iPhone, then restart both devices, and you should see the delete button.
- Turn iMessage off. Open the Settings app > Messages > iMessage > switch to off.
- Turn FaceTime off. Open the Settings app > FaceTime > switch to off.
- Disable your iCloud account. Open the Settings app > iCloud > tap "Sign Out."
- Log out of Apple ID. Open the Settings app >App and iTunes Stores > tap Apple ID and sign out.
- Restore to factory settings. Open the Settings app > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Unregister your device at supportprofile.apple.com.
- Call your carrier and ask them to disassociate the device from your account.
An important tip! Whatever you do, don't manually delete contacts, photo streams, calendars, or reminders while logged in to your iCloud account. This will also delete the content from the iCloud servers and your iCloud-connected devices (like your iPad or laptop).
Another important tip! If your phone accidentally runs out of battery during the "restore to factory settings" step, use iTunes to erase data. Connect the device to your computer, then restore the backup. Connect your phone to power, go to Settings app > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings again.
OK, but seriously, this is the last important tip! You can erase your device remotely. If you set up Find My iPhone, sign into icloud.com/#find, then click on All Devices and select the phone you want to erase. In the info window, click "Erase iPhone." You'll need to enter your Apple ID password.
How I Turned My Ikea Couch Into a $10,000 Designer Sofa
I don't believe you grow out of Ikea past the age of 25. I love the Swedish brand's minimalist aesthetic. And since I like to mix things up, the price point works for a design commitment-phobe like me. Despite my Ikea love, after three years, my Karlstad sofa started to look a bit sad. Since the low-profile sofa fit perfectly in my open living room, I decided to give it a designer-couch makeover instead of replacing it.
This Raleigh Sectional from Design Within Reach (pictured above) served as my inspiration. The walnut frame matched the midcentury vibe I strive for, and the light fabric color would add to the airy look in my bright living space. That sofa retails for as much as $10,000. I knew I could DIY the look for less. Read on for how I did it.
Call It a Comeback Because '80s Sportswear Is Back in a Big Way
There are plenty of things you should be wearing in 2018. One big trend we've been noticing everywhere is '80s sportswear. Street style stars have transported us back in time with their '80s-inspired outfits, and we have to admit, we love it. From checked blazers to dad-inspired windbreakers, find out how to kick it old school with this retro trend. See how the pros are styling it, then shop some of our favorite picks ahead.
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How to Live Stylishly in a Studio Apartment
If there's one thing that gets a bad rap in design, it's the studio apartment. Often a rental with very little in the way of space, studios must do it all without room to spare. While it is a tall order, we found a place that does it just right. Tucked away in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this studio is just as relaxing as it is energizing. Keeping rental restrictions and their client Jamie's laid-back style in mind, designers Lindsay Boswell and Ali Levin of LABLstudio created an urban oasis filled with ideas that anyone would sacrifice square footage for.
Mixing earthy and glamorous touches, this "hidden gem" evolved into a room suitable for sleeping, living, and entertaining. Getting creative with the space, Boswell and Levin incorporated unexpected pops of color using removable wallpaper and made sure every piece served a variety of purposes. The result proves that size isn't everything! Keep reading for a full studio tour and Lindsay and Ali's favorite tricks for decking out a small space.
Hysterical Dad Tweets Priceless Conversations Between Him and His Daughters
Comedian James Breakwell makes sure that every tweet he sends is absolutely hilarious - by recounting conversations he has with his wife and four daughters under the age of 6. His account, XplodingUnicorn, is full of priceless 140-character encounters with his little ladies, all of whom seem to have been passed down a bit of their father's comedic ability and give new meaning to the phrase "kids say the darnedest things."
Scroll through for some of his tweets, which will undoubtedly give you stitches in your side.
The Reason I Finally Gave My Kids a Toy Limit
It's only been a few weeks since Christmas, and my house is being overtaken by toys - toys still in their boxes, rogue toy parts sprawled over my floors, and toys overflowing from the bins and baskets that seemed ample just a month ago. And this cluttered, overloaded state, my fellow moms, is exactly why I gave my kids a toy limit this holiday season.
Sometime in early December, I decided that three gifts (all toys because, let's face it, it's not really a gift to a kid unless they can play with it) was the perfect number of presents my kids should receive. I was so self-satisfied with the decision, thinking that I'd happened upon a magic formula that would both keep them Santa-satisfied and please my constant need for a tidy home not littered with tiny, sharp toy parts just waiting for someone to step on with a vulnerable bare foot.
It took every ounce of self-control not to let out the "Are you f*cking kidding me?!" that felt like the only reasonable response.
In the end, however, I realized that the exact right number of toys to give my kids should have been zero. It's not that they were particularly naughty this year; it's just that my plan didn't take into account the dozens of gifts they'd be receiving from my in-laws, my parents, their aunts and uncles, their teachers, and their favorite babysitter. Those gifts? They had already stolen my/Santa's thunder.
The WowWee Fingerlings I ordered for both of my kids in October from a third-party seller on Amazon that never showed up (I'm guessing the seller realized she could offload them for more than $15 somewhere else) that I then repurchased on eBay for $25 each? My kids got one from their uncle long before Santa's sleigh was ever loaded. Needless to say, my smile at their excitement was more of a grimace.
And the $70 L.O.L. Surprise! Big Surprise I was so thrilled to score when I happened to catch an Amazon restock? I didn't realize my mother-in-law had purchased one an intrepid salesperson at her local Toys"R"Us found hiding out on the wrong shelf. When my daughter opened it on Dec. 18 at our family's gift exchange, I figured she'd probably be excited to have two because the whole point of L.O.L Surprise! dolls is you never know what you're going to get, right?
"You know, honey, you asked Santa for that, too, so you might get to unwrap 50 different surprises!" I said, setting her up not to be disappointed. "No, Mom, all the big ones have the same things in them," she corrected me, citing the many YouTube videos she'd watched about them. It took every ounce of self-control in my holiday-overloaded body not to let out the "Are you f*cking kidding me?!" that felt like the only reasonable response.
The Hatchimal Surprises I got both of my kids were also a disappointment, quickly abandoned after they emerged from their eggs, bringing my grand total of wasted Christmas toy money to somewhere around $250. The only toy that landed was the Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle I bought my almost-4-year-old son on eBay. At three feet long and accompanied by a huge ogre, dragon, and countless tiny knights, animals, and accessories, it has now become the major decorative element of my family room.
Next year I think I'll get my kids stocks and bonds. They'll probably be cheaper, and I won't have to worry about stepping on them for the rest of the year. I've learned my lesson: the toys can come from everyone else.
15 Instant Pot Dump Dinners That Practically Make Themselves
Love slow cookers but don't necessarily love the, well, slow part? Set your sights on the Instant Pot, a pressure cooker that has all the convenience of a slow cooker but gets things done in a fraction of the time. If that sounds good to you, and you like meals that are fast, delicious, and low on the effort scale, you'll absolutely adore these dump dinners. And when it's time for something sweet, opt for a dump cake both you and the kids will love!
The Heartbreaking Photos That Capture a Tragic Birth Story
"It was so beautiful and precious. I would do it again, and again, and again," Julie told Ela Wunderli of Itsy Photography, who photographed the birth of her seventh child, Lily, who would die shortly after birth.
In her 36th week of pregnancy, Julie and her family moved from Arizona to California. Having given birth six times before, Julie was an old pro at this pregnancy thing and was having a happy, normal pregnancy. Mixed into her week of unpacking and settling was a doctor's appointment at her new OB/Gyn practice. "At the appointment they wanted to do an ultrasound where they discovered many concerns," she said. "By the next day the doctors told us that our daughter most likely had Trisomy 13 or 18, but they couldn't be sure until after she was born and tested."
Trisomy is the presence of three chromosomes instead of one. The most commonly known trisomy is Trisomy 21, otherwise known as Down syndrome. Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) are genetic disorders that include health problems that affect almost every organ of the body. They are fatal diagnoses - more than half of babies affected with the conditions do not survive the first week of life, and survivors do not usually make it past their first birthday.
The room was filled with anticipation during the 20 hours of labor. "Everyone held their breath to see if she would survive the delivery," Ela shared. "She held her breath too! But when the doctors tried to intubate her, she let out a tiny cry and started to breathe on her own. It was a miracle!"
Baby Lily was put on a CPAP (a breathing assistance machine) and rushed to the NICU for monitoring. Later that morning, her siblings arrived to visit her. After receiving hand-washing lessons, they filed into the NICU to welcome their baby sister. Each child had an opportunity to touch her and welcome her in their own way, before moving on to Julie's room to spend some time with mom. Later that day, Julie spent some time with Lily in the NICU, and Ela had the opportunity to capture their moments together.
"I couldn't have been happier to have caught her tiny eyes opening - even if it was only for a split second," Ela shared. "She cried a tiny little cry - and I must say it was like music to hear."
Lily lived for two and a half days. During that time her family showered her with love and threw her first and second birthday parties. She passed away peacefully - tube and wire free - in her mother's arms. Her family wrote her a beautiful obituary:
. . . She spent two-and-a-half celestial days with us. We celebrated her first birthday with lilies, handwritten birthday cards from her brothers and sisters, and a big shiny balloon in the shape of a number one. On her second birthday, we gathered round her. We held her. We hugged her and kissed her again and again. We told her how much we loved her, and how we were going to miss her so very much. And we said good-bye. For now.
Though heartbreaking, Ela says the entire two and a half days were beautiful. "I've never seen a mother so radiant and glowing. The faith of this family was beyond measure."
Read on to see the captivating photos Ela took that the family will cherish forever.
If Your Baby Isn't Walking by This Age, You Should Talk to Your Doctor
The first milestones your kids experience are too cute for words, aren't they? The first time your baby coos, rolls over, or sits up makes your proud-parent neurons start firing. But the biggest one of them all? Walking!
When you look forward to your little one's first steps, it's normal to wonder when they should do it, what's normal, and at what age you should consider intervention of any sort. These questions plagued my husband and me with our first child, who didn't walk until 18 months. Her preschool didn't take this lightly, not-so-subtly implying that she was going to fall behind and get preyed upon by other children. After a frenetic round of examinations and appointments with specialists, we discovered the truth. By the time baby number two came along and pulled the same stunt, we were prepared with much better information - and you should be, too.
According to Baby Center, most babies take their first steps "sometime between 9 and 12 months and are walking well by the time they're 14 or 15 months old." But if it takes your child a little longer, don't worry. "Some perfectly normal children don't walk until they're 16 or 17 months old." You should become concerned, however, if they're not walking at 18 months, not before.
If you're feeling concerned about your baby walking or simply want to try to speed up the process because you're so excited, here are a few steps you can take:
- Practice walking with your baby while holding them upright.
- Give your baby a safe space to cruise (pull themselves along), and let go of supports altogether.
- Stand them up and see how long they balance, then ensure they land safely when they fall.
- Make walking a game, offering lots of praise for success.
- Encourage walking by placing your baby back down in an upright (not a sitting) position.
Be patient, be kind, and make it fun, and your baby will be ready to get up and go in no time.
10 Must-Watch Documentaries That Will Inspire Your Kids to Change the World
If your kids have any kind of device - phones, gaming systems, tablets, what have you - it can feel like you're constantly fighting for their attention. It becomes harder and harder to share experiences with them, but one thing they usually can't deny? Movies. Sure, watching a big blockbuster is always fun, but documentaries can be an incredible way for a family to connect.
Watching these films with your children is a compelling way to help nurture their sense of curiosity and compassion without feeling tedious (or, God forbid, educational). From inspiring stories of Muslim high school football players in Michigan to the haunting tale of Tilikum, the killer whale in captivity, a good documentary can alter your child's perception through the power of empathy. Keep reading for a list of the most powerful documentaries to watch with your kiddos during your next movie night.
Netflix Is Bringing Kid-Favorite Llama Llama to Life With a Show Starring Jennifer Garner
If books from the beloved Llama Llama series are constantly read in your home, Netflix is about to rock your world with some pretty amazing news: it's bringing the bestselling series to life in a new show starring none other than celebrity mom crush Jennifer Garner as Mama Llama. Not only will your kids go nuts for the cartoon series, but hearing Garner's soothing voice throughout also means this won't be on the list of shows you dread your child asking to watch on repeat.
Although the preschool series may not end up being quite as entertaining for parents as watching Ludacris rap Llama Llama Red Pajama, we're pretty psyched to watch the characters come to life on screen along with our kids. See the full trailer for the Netflix original series above, and stream all of the season one episodes beginning Jan. 26 (and be sure to check out what other kid shows Netflix has on tap for 2018).
For Burned-Out Moms, Is Texting the New Cheating?
Today's moms are exhausted and overwhelmed. Sure, the pace of the world today leaves all of us feeling some level of stress from time to time, but research clearly shows that mothers suffer from chronic low-level stress. The current standards of perfection by which women measure each other, and themselves, suffocate, create anxiety, and are certainly a key factor in the increase in diagnoses of depression and anxiety in women and the reliance on alcohol and even drugs that mothers have experienced in recent years.
After a long-enough period, chronic stress becomes burnout - burnout from their jobs, significant others, and even their children. While burnout has become a buzzword of the day, there are sneaky ways it can manifest itself and damage relationships. A less destructive vice that some women use to seek comfort is social media. Certainly, social media doesn't have the same effect as routinely drinking too many glasses of wine at night before bed or overspending - but what feels like a mindless way of zoning out can, in fact, become dangerous when social media becomes a portal to another life.
In the not-too-distant past, before Facebook and Instagram, in order to flirt with someone or pursue a relationship outside of your marriage, you would have to take the risk of actually meeting with that person, taking the chance of being seen in public by prying eyes. This typically meant sneaking around, lying about your whereabouts, and covering your tracks. Today, all you need is a smartphone and a social media account, and the world is your oyster. You can reconnect with old flames or start flirting with total strangers, all from the convenience of your own home. You can be feeding the baby and texting your ex heart emoji; you can be driving your kids to music class and feel your heart skip a beat because "Jane" aka Scott from your CrossFit class sent you a message; or you can be lying in bed next to your spouse and telling the new person at work how you can't wait to have lunch tomorrow.
The phone offers a free, easy way to feel good about themselves again by "harmlessly" flirting with someone who isn't their spouse.
I hear stories like these over and over again from women in my private practice. These are women who are burned out in their real day-to-day lives and have found an escape in a constructed one. They are mothers under the incredible pressure of being the "perfect" modern mom who don't have time for self-care and haven't had sex with their spouses in months because they feel unhappy, disconnected from them and possibly resentful, and downright exhausted. They tell me they can't remember the last time they had a manicure and their hair is way overdue for a color. They feel unfulfilled and stuck, whether working out of the home or in the home, and ashamed to share their feelings. And there are never enough hours in their days for the kind of self-care they need to feel better. But what they will make time for is a private escape via their smartphones. The phone offers a free, easy way to feel good about themselves again by "harmlessly" flirting with someone who isn't their spouse, someone who makes them feel exciting and interesting again.
These moms tell me that the thrill they feel when they receive a text or private message from that other person is something they haven't felt in years. These women do not realize that the fatigue, resentment, stress, and lack of connection with their spouses they feel on a daily basis is a reflection of something much bigger, and that the escape hatch they've created via their social media accounts is just a Band-Aid on a wound. These women are experiencing classic mommy burnout, something that an online crush won't cure.
Women share with me that they fantasize about having intimate and exciting sex again with someone other than their spouses, sending their kids away for the week with grandparents, or just going away all by themselves to a tropical island with drink in hand.
Burnout can manifest itself in so many ways, but at its core, it is about women allowing themselves time for self-care.
For most women, these are just secret thoughts. They come and go and are not acted upon. But, when a woman who is a mother and wife experiences stress long enough to the point of burnout, she has easy access to other men or women who may also want to escape their realities. By tunneling into a relationship that isn't real, they are redirecting the love, time, and affection they could be giving their partners or kids. They are also cheating themselves of addressing what is really happening in their relationships and the possibility of improvement.
Take the time to evaluate that communication for what it really is. Burnout can manifest itself in so many ways, but at its core, it is about women allowing themselves time for self-care. A person on the other end of a text message just isn't going to fix that for you.
So what do you do when you find yourself escaping into technology to "talk" to someone who isn't your partner? How do you take steps to break away from what feels like an innocent flirtation before it becomes more complicated and causes real emotional stress and hurt? Here are some tips:
- Replace the time you have been spending escaping your reality with time communicating with your spouse. If you can take the time to text or message on technology, you can take the time to talk to your significant other about how their day went, plan a night out, or even see a couples' counselor.
- Make your spouse a priority in your life - yes, even above your job or your kids for a little while. If you feel the need to escape but still have a desire to make your marriage work, look for ways to shift your work schedule or limit the amount of work you need to do at home. Put your kids to bed a little earlier, ask family to watch the kids so you can plan a night or an afternoon out, or schedule sex. Put your relationship at the top, not the bottom, of your to-do list for a change.
- Break up the routine! One of the major complaints women have about their marriages is the monotony. Make an effort to mix things up, whether it is how you dress, what you talk about, what you do in the bedroom, or even what you cook for dinner. It does wonders for a relationship when you change things up - variety is the spice of life.
- Detox off of social media in your life for a bit and see how it feels. When social media or technology play a major role in your escape plan, you need a clean break to find new methods of self-care. Pay attention and see how you feel. How much time do you get back? Which of your online-only friends will keep in touch offline? How is your mood? What do you do at night? What effect does this have on your marriage? If it is positive, then you know you have done the right thing.
Dr. Sheryl Ziegler is a doctor of psychology and licensed professional counselor. She is the author of Mommy Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Life and Raise Healthier Children in the Process (out Feb. 20).
Good News: You Don't Have to Wait Very Long to Hear Your Baby's First Laugh
Laughter is known to be the best medicine for just about everything, and for good reason. Aside from protecting against heart disease, laughter actually works to foster brain connectivity and cultivates relationships with others. So it's no wonder that parents eagerly await the big milestone of watching their little one let out a genuine laugh for the first time.
All children are different and reach milestones at various paces, but a baby typically starts giggling and laughing in response to tickles, silly faces, or even bouncy movements by the time they're 4 months old. Don't worry if your baby doesn't start guffawing away at such an early age, though, as it isn't unusual for some to wait until they're almost a year old before they have a true belly laugh. Plus, sometimes it takes parents a while to figure out how to get their little one to laugh out loud (remember when Ross sang Sir Mix a Lot's "Baby Got Back" to make Emma laugh on Friends?). Just remember: be patient and enjoy the moment when your baby does starts laughing, because before you know it, they'll be rolling their eyes at your bad jokes.
Trader Joe's Is Now Selling the Most Controversial Cookie From Your Childhood
You either love 'em or you absolutely loathe them: they're frosted sugar cookies, and they're hitting shelves in a Trader Joe's near you. The cult-favorite grocery chain unveiled its newest nostalgic addition in a blog post, and they're colorful, soft, and ridiculously sweet! Contrary to the ultrachemical flavor you might remember from your childhood birthday parties, though, the sugar cookies at TJ's are formulated without artificial dyes.
The soft, dense cookie is made with the usual sugar cookie ingredients: flour, sugar, margarine, eggs, and butter. It's covered with a generous layer of cream-colored frosting - frosting so sweet and creamy, you'll wonder what you did to deserve such a treat. Then, since no sugar cookie is complete without them, we top each cookie with a splash of rainbow sprinkles, which have been colored using fruit and vegetable extracts rather than artificial dyes.
The cookies are available in packs of 10 for only $3, so you don't have to feel guilty about picking up a few on your next grocery run. Vote in our poll about whether you adore or detest these controversial cookies! That will tell us all we need to know about whether or not you'll be stocking your cart with Trader Joe's latest offering.
100 Stunning Baby Names That Have Incredibly Powerful Meanings
Whether you wait until your child is born or decide on options months in advance, picking your child's name is one of the first major decisions you'll make as a new parent. Between the endless options out there (not even including the different spelling variations once you've settled on one!) and the fact that your child will be called this moniker for his or her entire life, the name game can be pretty overwhelming.
But when you move beyond how a name sounds and start looking at the definition behind it, you can quickly start narrowing down your list. Check out these 100 pretty names with equally powerful meanings that you'll want to take into consideration ASAP!
Boys
- Aaron: Hebrew - Enlightened.
- Aiden: Celtic - The sun god; fiery.
- Alexander: Greek - Defender of men.
- Amell: German - Power of an eagle.
- Amory: German - Leader; divine; brave; powerful.
- Andrew: Greek - Strong; manly; courageous.
- Anthony: Latin - Priceless.
- Asher: Hebrew -Happy or blessed.
- Austin: Latin - Majestic dignity.
- Azai: Hebrew - Strength.
- Aziel: Hebrew - God is my power.
- Caelan: Irish - Powerful warrior; victorious people.
- Chance: English - Good fortune.
- Charlie: English - Free.
- David: Hebrew - Beloved.
- Edric: English - Power and good fortune.
- Edward: English - Wealthy guardian.
- Elliot: Hebrew - Lord is my God.
- Ethan: Hebrew - Strong; safe; firm.
- Ezra: Hebrew - Helper.
- Felix: Latin - Happy; fortunate.
- Gabriel: Hebrew - Devoted to God; a hero of God; God is my strength.
- Henry: German - Ruler of the household.
- Ian: Scottish - God is gracious.
- Isaac: Hebrew - He will laugh.
- Isaiah: Hebrew - Salvation of the lord.
- Jayce: Greek - Healer.
- Jonathan: Hebrew - God gives.
- Josiah: Hebrew - Fire of the Lord; healer.
- Julian: Latin - Father of the skies.
- Kano: Japanese - One's masculine power; capability.
- Levi: Hebrew - Joined in harmony.
- Liam: Irish - Strong-willed warrior and protector.
- Lucas: Latin - Light-giving; illumination.
- Magnus: Latin - Greatest.
- Matthew: Hebrew - Gift from God.
- Miles: Latin - Soldier.
- Milo: German - Merciful.
- Nathan: Hebrew - He gave.
- Ned: English - Wealthy guardian.
- Noah: Hebrew - Rest; comfort.
- Nolan: Gaelic - A descendant of a chariot fighter or champion; famous; noble.
- Oswald: English - Divine power.
- Owen: Welsh - Young warrior; well-born; noble.
- Robert: German - Bright fame.
- Ryan: Irish - Descendent of the king; little king.
- William: German - Strong-willed warrior; resolute protection.
- Xander: Greek - Protector of men.
- Zachary: Hebrew - Remembered by God.
- Zane: Hebrew - God's gracious gift.
- Abigail: Hebrew - The father's joy.
- Alessia: Italian - Defending warrior.
- Alexandra: Greek - Helper; defender of mankind.
- Alice: English - Noble; kind.
- Amara: Latin - Strong; attractive; stylish.
- Amelia: German - Industrious; striving.
- Anne: Hebrew - Favored grace.
- Arabella: Latin - Lovely; elegant.
- Audree: French - Nobility; strength.
- Arianna: Greek - Holy.
- Avery: French - Wise.
- Callie: Greek - Most beautiful.
- Calynn: Gaelic - Powerful in battle.
- Charlotte: French - Petite; feminine.
- Charvi: Sanskrit - Beautiful.
- Claire: Latin - Bright; clear; famous; brilliant.
- Cora: Greek - Filled heart.
- Darlene: English - Darling, loved one.
- Della: German - Noble; bright.
- Diana: Latin - Moon Goddess.
- Eleanor: Greek - Bright, shining one; sun rays.
- Ella: English - Light; beautiful fairy woman.
- Eva: Hebrew - Life.
- Farrah: Arabic - Happy.
- Faye: French - Loyalty; confidence; trust; belief.
- Gabriella: Hebrew - Devoted to God.
- Grace: Latin: Goodness; generosity.
- Hannah: Hebrew - Favor; grace of God.
- Isabelle: Hebrew - God is my strength; devoted to God.
- Jocelyn: Latin - Happy; joyful.
- Kaitlyn: Greek - Pure.
- Kalila: Arabic - Heap of love.
- Layla: Egyptian - Dark beauty.
- Mackenzie: Gaelic - Child of the wise leader.
- Malia: Hawaiian - Beloved.
- Mia: Latin - Mine; wished-for child.
- Mila: Russian - Industrious; hardworking.
- Millie: Latin - Free-born; strength; determination.
- Naila: Arabic - Successful.
- Nora: Greek - Shining light.
- Reagan: Irish - Little ruler.
- Reveka: Hebrew - Captivating.
- Samantha: Hebrew - Listener.
- Sarah: Hebrew - Princess.
- Shayna: Yiddish - Beautiful; God is gracious.
- Sophia: Greek - Wisdom.
- Stella: Greek - A star.
- Vivian: Latin - Full of life.
- Zahra: Arabic - Flower.
- Zoe: Greek - Life.
Mom of 4 Reveals Her Tiny-Room Laundry Hacks, Proving Anything Is Possible
"Not all of us have huge, spacious laundry rooms where we can spread out clothes and stuff like that," says the host of YouTube channel Alittleaboutalot. Amen, sister! The mom of four took viewers inside her teeny-tiny laundry room to reveal her unconventional organization hacks, and we're feeling inspired. Between the over-the-door shoe hanger she uses to corral her kids' socks and underwear to the hooks she relies on to dry bras and hang belts, there are plenty of creative ideas for utilizing an exceptionally small laundry room. But our favorite hack from this video actually involves decorating. Don't miss her tip for getting an oversize family portrait printed for less than $2!
I'm a Family Psychologist and These Are the 20 Most Common Parenting Mistakes I See
Most parents try to do what's best for their children. What happens when we don't even realize our behavior is harmful? Our friends at Fatherly share with us 20 common partenting mistakes.
What are some common mistakes parents make that could actually hurt their children's mental and physical health in the long term?
I have seen so many good intentions go horribly wrong over the years that can result in self-harm, suicide and, in extreme cases, even murder. Here are some of the most common mistakes that can be really harmful to kids.
1. Giving Them Too Many Choices
Many parents think children always should have endless choices, when the reality is kids can be overwhelmed if they're always given so many options.
2. Praising Them For Everything They Do
It's very common now to see kids who are almost junkies for praise. They won't do anything unless there is a payoff for them.
3. Trying to Make the Child Happy
Their job is to learn to make themselves happy, and you can never force a child to be happy.
4. Overindulging Them
They will almost always end up believing acquisitions lead to happiness. This sets up chasing the never-satisfying carrots, and can result in addictions and compulsions.
5. Keeping Them Too Busy
Most commonly with sports. Many parents wrongly believe "activities" will keep their kid out of trouble, but often times this will lead to the child being burned out or even becoming a bully.
6. Thinking Smart Will Save Them
It can be tempting for parents to promote smart as the end-all-be-all. Yet this can lead to a child becoming arrogant, thinking everyone else is stupid or secretly believing that they have to put on an act and are a fraud. As a result, nobody likes them.
7. Thinking a Strict Religion Will Give Them Perfect Values and Save Them
The first time they see hypocrisy in their parents or the touted beloved leaders, the house of cards start to fall.
8. Withholding Common Information About Important Topics - Like Sex
Many parents are terrified of talking about sex, and believe avoiding discussing it with their children will save them. But I've seen 13-year-old girls get pregnant, sometimes just to flaunt it at their parents.
9. Being Hyper-Critical of the Child's Mistakes
It can be easy to assume intense scrutiny promotes success and makes kids better. But kids raised this way are driven to perfection in everything from looks, likability, sports, smarts, or you name it. When a mistake happens, they are worthless as a human being and start getting so angry that in some cases they will resort to self-harm even to the point of suicide.
10. Using Shame, Shunning, or Threats
Never imply that there is a chance you might not love your child due to their actions, as some parents do so in order to get their kids to achieve compliance. It is a short term gain with abandonment lurking in the shadows. Then the child doesn't care either.
11. Making Kids Do Things Inappropriate For Their Age
I have 3 patients right now who, by age 4, were having to feed themselves and/or had to be in charge of a sibling also. I've seen many who didn't have children of their own because as they all said; "I raised my family."
12. Not Limiting Screen Time
Whether it's TV, video, games, phone or texting. I know a family where the mom and teenage son text each other constantly and no one else can get into their relationship link.
13. Not Letting Kids Get Bored
Some parents think children are supposed to be stimulated at all times and it's their job to avoid boredom. Then kids don't learn to be creative and find the way out of boredom in themselves.
14. Protecting Kids From Their Own Consequences and Loss
I see parents with good intentions get their kids everything, from a simple toy to buying them out of legal trouble, and suddenly are surprised when the child respects nothing. All of us need to learn losing is just another way to gain wisdom and experience about what not to do.
15. Not Letting Kids Play Dangerously
The Forest Kindergarten schools have shown the children get sick less, are more well adjusted and also get along better than their regulated indoor peers.
16. Not Debriefing Kids at Bed Time
"What happened today?" Children sleep better and feel loved when the parent shows an interest in what happened that was significant to them in their own lives.
17. Not Reading to Very Young Children
Reading requires the child to be still, be quiet, and use their imagination. All the things videos don't. It prepares them for listening in school and being able to use their imagination for creativity and alternatives as a resource.
18. Pulling Pacifiers Too Soon
Parents know the pacifier is an outward symbol of insecurity, so they tend to take it away as soon as they can, instead of getting the child secure where it would drop-out naturally. I have adult patients who secretly suck their thumbs.
19. Not Regulating Food
And especially inquiring: "Are you full?" When this happens, typically your kid will load the plate again. That is an old survival program from our heritage as scarcity, when food was not available. Kids then chase a full-filled sensation, not understanding each time you fill yourself, your stomach adapts to that as normal and expands.
20. Spanking Children Older Than 5
Parents think it will teach them to be good, but using corporal punishment never works as well as love. I see all kinds of patients where the concept of 'Spare the rod - spoil the child' was anything but. No spoiling, just oppositional, angry, bullying, deceiving, fearful or performing automatons.
Author Mike Leary is a psychologist who primarily deals with relationships and parenting.
Infuriated by His Daughter's Sexist School Activities, This Dad Wrote a Letter About "Gender Lines"
I wrote a letter http://pic.twitter.com/oFJp7egVnf
- Grumplestiltskin (@2FBS) December 6, 2017
A dad in New South Wales, Australia, made sure his opinion was heard after his daughter told him about the sexism she experienced at school. The dad, Stephen Callaghan, wrote a letter to his daughter Ruby's school after she explained the gender-specific activities planned as a celebration for her year-six graduation. The girls were scheduled to get their hair and makeup done in the school library, and the boys were to be sent on a trip to Bunnings, a hardware-store chain. Stephen didn't find it very appropriate to divide the celebratory activities in such a clear way - who's assuming all the girls want hair and makeup done and wouldn't prefer to go to the store?
In a letter to the principal that Stephen shared on Twitter, he wrote, "When Ruby left for school yesterday it was 2017, but when she returned home in the afternoon she was from 1968." After explaining the activities Ruby informed him about, he continued to sarcastically ask, "Are you able to search the school buildings for a space-time continuum? Perhaps there is a faulty Flux Capacitor hidden away in the girls toilet block?" referencing Back to the Future. In a separate tweet, Stephen mentioned his daughter wants to be an engineer and doesn't "give a rat's arse about make-up."
My daughter's end of year activities for Year 6.
Girls - hair and make-up in the school library
Boys - DIY workshop at Bunnings.
Sigh.
Will things ever change?
My daughter wants to be an engineer. She doesn't give a rat's arse about make-up.- Grumplestiltskin (@2FBS) December 6, 2017
Ruby and I would like to thank you for the great comments of support. At 12 years of age my daughter is starting to notice there are plenty of people prepared to tell her what she can & can't do based solely on the fact she is female.
She would like this to change.
So would I.- Grumplestiltskin (@2FBS) December 7, 2017
Many people responding to the tweets seem to have had similar experiences with their kids. Here's hoping the dad's letter doesn't go unanswered.
Anna Faris's Morning Routine Is the Ideal Stress Reliever For Busy Moms
Have you ever found yourself wanting to scream? Blast the radio, tune out the world, and just freaking scream? No, this isn't an infomercial about needing therapy, it's the reality of being a parent. After you drop your kids off at school or daycare or whatever institution we're thankful for taking our rascals off our hands for the day, there are only a few hours left to carpe that damn diem, so they should be used wisely. Whether your morning starts with extra minutes in bed, one too many cups of coffee, or with the windows down and the music blasting like Anna Faris, these crucial hours are important for a mother's sanity.
We spoke with the 41-year-old actress and mother to the adorable 5-year-old Jack to ask how she starts her mornings. Although she admittedly sometimes skips breakfast, it's what she does on her way to work that pumps her up and keeps her motivated for the day ahead. "I like to drive to work with all my windows down and my music blasting," Anna told POPSUGAR. "I feel like it's as good as a cup of coffee."
That is quite an epic adrenaline rush in the morning, even though Anna might get a little too into it since she realized she was arriving at work with "totally bloodshot eyes" from the wind. Ha! Well, maybe the windows cracked open a bit will still do the trick. With a weekly podcast, a movie on the way, and a CBS series, it's no wonder Anna appreciates her early-morning breather.
Anna referred to this morning routine as "lazy," but it's actually an incredibly liberating and stress-relieving routine. How amazing does it feel to just let your hair blow and scream out lyrics to your favorite songs that your kids would never let you get away with in the car?! Catch ya on the freeway, Anna.
Instagram Turned Barbie Into a Millennial Mom - and the Posts Are Spot-On
If you're a mom with an Instagram feed, there's a good chance you've posted the obligatory share-worthy snaps of your family. There's the classic baby-bump selfies, the chaotic-yet-expertly-coordinated family photos, and the aerial shots of your morning coffee. And of course who can forget the token "shirtless dad holding naked baby on chest" photo?
It makes sense then that Barbie's feed is no different. That's right: the famed Mattel toy is a married mom with two kids, and, aside from some rubbery joints, her Instagram feed shows her living out her days just like the rest of us, or at least like the real-life mommy bloggers we follow.
This hipster Barbie mom goes by Tiff, and her @tiff_thebarbie account, which has a whopping 12,000 devoted fans, features copious #momlife hashtags and Pinterest-worthy pregnancy announcements, gender reveals, and birth photos.
Scroll through for this doll's social media highlights, and don't feel bad if you steal a few ideas for your own feed.
This Mom's "Poem" About Public Breastfeeding Is Even Better Than Her Photo
If you've tried talking and writing and protesting and still can't seem to get people to accept you breastfeeding in public, perhaps you need to try a Dr. Seussian limerick?
That's what one mom, Whitney, did in the latest amazing way women are normalizing breastfeeding. Behold, her poem on the popular Facebook group Breastfeeding Mama Talk:
Anytime. Anywhere. You can stare, I don't care. I'll feed my hungry child, here or there, if you don't like my boob I still don't care. A Restaurant? A store? It's boob juice galore! A theater? A museum? But you're more focused on trying to see them! Bottle or boob. It's all just food. You still think I should cover? You should run and tell your mother. Pull out your phone and take a picture? But I'm the one who's the problem? Don't you wish we could all mind our business? That would sure solve them! Think I am disgusting? I could say the same? Think I am playing an attention-seeking game? You are wrong because you see, really I am only worried about the comfort of my baby and me!
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