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.
samedi 3 mars 2018
Your Exclusive Sneak Peek at Beauty by POPSUGAR
Our first-ever beauty line, Beauty by POPSUGAR, will be available online March 11 at Ulta.com and BeautybyPOPSUGAR.com. It's also coming to Ulta stores near you soon! Our editors got their hands on the products this week, and we can't wait for you to try them too.
We'll be revealing the entire line here on POPSUGAR Beauty in the coming weeks, but for now, here's a sneak peek at a few of our favorite things. Can you guess what they are?
To create our first-ever line of beauty products, we've worked with you, our loyal fans, and partnered with beauty veterans to create 80-plus products made with incredible, good-for-you ingredients. Our goal: to create a product line for you to become obsessed with! We tapped into our network of 100 million beauty junkies and asked what you wanted.
We created a line that has healthy ingredients like Hawaiian kukui oil and blueberry and hibiscus extracts that are loaded with antioxidants. We've made packaging that is clean and portable for the girl on the go, because we want you to have products that can fit in your clutch, gym bag, or coat pockets. The products are also buildable, so whether you want just a hint of color or a high-impact, bold lip or eye, our products deliver on both!
Imagine mascara with two wands: one for your top and one for your bottom lashes. Lip glosses that feel smooth and luxurious. Eye shadows that feel like satin and leave the perfect amount of sparkle. Beauty by POPSUGAR is made for your happiest, healthiest face. This is where smart meets beauty.
This Genius $30 Makeup Bag on Amazon Will Help You Get Your Life Together
My makeup bag used to be a giant black hole of cosmetics that I was constantly digging through to find that one eye shadow. Everything changed when I discovered this Lay-n-Go Cosmetic Bag ($30) on Amazon. I quickly purchased it and used it on my last trip - I can safely say I'll never use anything else again.
The drawstring design allows the bag to lay flat so all your products can be spread out and easily viewed. Its design has raised edging so that small round items and brushes won't roll off when the bag is flat. It also features a convenient zipper pouch inside that is perfect for storing jewelry. But by far my favorite part is that it's machine washable! I always found that my cosmetics cases seemed too used and dirty after a certain point; being able to clean this one makes it an investment that's totally worth it.
If you're ready to organize your makeup collection, this bag has your name all over it. It comes in 13 different colors and designs that you can use at home or on the go!
35 Beauty Picks That Will Save You This Winter, According to Experts
It's no secret that cold weather and beauty aren't exactly best friends. Harsh winds from the outside combined with the heat we're typically pumping on the inside can leave the hair and body high and dry . . . but it doesn't have to.
Because no one should have to succumb to an entire season of alligator patches and split ends, we asked experts to share some of the products they use on themselves and their clients - including celebs who need to look amazing year-round - to get through the season.
From hydrating face oils to innovative hair care, read on for 35 (yes, 35!) picks that can help you beat the Winter beauty blues (and find more ingredients to look for here).
These Are the 17 New Beauty Products Our Editors Can't Put Down This March
In the midst of your almost-Spring cleaning, we have some products that are worthy of hoarding (sorry, Marie Kondo!). After testing a bevy of new beauty items for months, we've hand-picked the following 10 skincare, makeup, and fragrance products as the best of the best. From an illuminating primer that fakes a good night's sleep to a shimmer mist that will have you channeling your inner Mariah Carey circa 1998, this is the stuff worth shopping in March. Read all about it, and also get a little peek inside our new Beauty by POPSUGAR line, ahead!
20 Lion King Tattoos That Will Have You Humming "Hakuna Matata"
Because The Lion King is Disney's greatest movie of all time - and potentially its best remake, as well - countless fans have taken their passion for Simba and company to the next level. People across the globe have tattooed Simba, Rafiki, Pumbaa, and Nala on their arms, backs, and ribs, because hakuna matata, am I right? If you're considering permanently displaying your affection for the film, take a look at these Instagrams for inspiration . . . just remember who you are.
5 Retro Beauty Moments From The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel That'll Make You Say WTF
From squiggle brows to vampire facials, beauty trends seem to get wackier by the minute. But as the Golden Globe-winning show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel illustrates, beauty routines from decades past were equally as outlandish in their own ways. Set in 1958, the show tells the story of a Jewish housewife (played by Rachel Brosnahan) who decides to become a stand-up comedian after her husband leaves her. In each episode, we get an intimate look at what it means to be a woman in the patriarchal culture of the '50s, where her value was determined by her beauty and ability to please a man. The female characters go to great lengths to enhance their looks, and some of the revelations are downright shocking. Ahead, we've rounded up the five craziest beauty trends we spotted on the show and uncovered just how true to history they actually are.
25 Blooming, Beautiful Lotus Flower Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Your Next Ink
Lotus flowers are one of the most popular tattoo designs in the world thanks to not only their beauty but their symbolic meaning. The gorgeous bloom symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, purity, and rebirth, due to the fact that the flowers blossom atop of muddy waters. Whether you are brainstorming your next tattoo or just love looking at some fresh ink, prepare to be inspired by these 25 beautiful lotus flower tats.
I Finally Found a Dry Shampoo That Won't Make My Brunette Hair Chalky - and It's Only $9
I am a devout user of dry shampoo, but many formulas leave my brunette hair looking like an 18th century powdered wig. The chalkiness makes my dark locks appear dull and faded. Luckily, I finally found a solution that doesn't give me Marie Antoinette vibes. Batiste Dry Shampoo ($9) in Beautiful Brunette is one of the bestselling hair products on Amazon. It has almost 3,000 reviews and 67 percent of customers give it five stars.
The secret to the formula is that it's made with a brown tint. The color works for any hue of brunette hair, cool or warm. On top of finally resolving the powdery problem I was facing, it also immediately banishes excess oil and gives my strands tons of volume. The clean, floral fragrance smells amazing; it's the perfect pick-me-up in between washes.
All you have to do is hold the bottle about a foot away from your hair, spray it on your roots, and lightly massage it in. Once you're finished, make sure to wash your hands so you don't get any brown residue on your clothes. After that, you can style your locks however you please.
"I have tried other brands of dry shampoo and will never go back," one customer said. "This is by far the best. It goes on so easily. I barely have to brush it out at all. The brown tint matches my hair color perfectly. It works like magic to eliminate oil in my super fine, thin hair and I do not have to wash everyday, which is my goal. Highly recommended."
This stuff changed my life - I'm begging you to give it a shot. I suggest buying the three-pack because you're going to be utterly addicted.
Soap & Glory Sells Lipstick, but Its New Ad Shows Women Are More Than Their Mouths
How does a beauty brand contribute to the #MeToo discussion? Soap & Glory just schooled us all. The drugstore favorite offers a full line of makeup, but it's perhaps best known for its cheekily named lip-plumping product, Sexy Mother Pucker. To some, that might seem a little objectifying. After all, a woman's pout isn't just a vessel for lipstick. It's also, you know, the thing she talks out of, and those words are powerful.
That's why Soap & Glory's latest campaign wants us to look past the aesthetics of a woman's lips - and more into what she has to say. In an emotional ad shot during the LA Women's March on Jan. 20, the brand set up a live stream spotlighting close-ups of women's lips. All wore various shades of lipstick as they spoke about their hopes, dreams, struggles, and experiences ranging from growing up transgender to surviving an abusive relationship. The ad encourages women to raise their voices "whatever their shade of gloss" may be.
The #MoreThanLips campaign sheds a spotlight on Soap & Glory's efforts to support She Should Run, a national organization that works to support women in politics. One specific goal of She Should Run is increasing the number of women running for office to 250,000 by 2030. Soap & Glory has said that it will donate $5 for any post tagged #MoreThanLips - so get hashtagging.
Elizabeth Arden's Badass New Lipstick Will Help Women in Need Around the World
Image Source: Elizabeth Arden
A red lipstick that celebrates and supports all women? We're in! Elizabeth Arden has just released a limited-edition lipstick as part of a campaign called March On ($26). In partnership with the brand's Storyteller-in-Chief, Reese Witherspoon, March On aims to "help women unite and reach their best potential." The campaign aligns with the 100th anniversary of the women's right to vote in the UK and International Women's Day. One hundred percent of the proceeds from sales of the limited-edition lipstick ($26) will be donated to UN Women in support of its work to advance women's issues worldwide.
Elizabeth Arden chose to release this limited-edition red lipstick with Reese as it's a "powerful symbol of unity and advocacy." Elizabeth Arden's bright red lipstick was a symbol of liberty during the suffragettes' march on New York in 1912, when it was given out to women who were taking part in the protest. Red lipstick has been used as a symbol of women's unification, strength, and defiance ever since. The women's vote was very important to Elizabeth Arden, and the brand is still as dedicated today to its philanthropic efforts and women's rights around the world.
The limited edition lipstick is in the staple shade Red Door Red, inspired by the iconic red doors of Elizabeth Arden salons. The tube (which is usually gold) has been reimagined in crimson, with Reese Witherspoon's signature inside. The lipstick allows women to feel like the most badass version of themselves (because who doesn't feel better after applying a bold lip color?) while helping an incredible cause. Red Door Red is available now ($26).
Is It Worth Drinking Almond Milk? You Decide
Almond milk isn't anything new, but its emergence into recipes and cafes near you has made almond milk a buzz word in health circles. What we do know is that almond milk is lactose-, soy-, and dairy-free, so it's a great alternative for vegans, anyone allergic to soy and dairy, and the lactose-intolerant. But while you sip on your turmeric latte with almond milk, do you really know why you've made the switch (intolerances aside) and if it's even necessary?
Almond Milk vs. Cow's Milk
We spoke to Transform Health's Lucy Beaumont to chat about why almond milk has all of a sudden become so appealing, and it seems they both have their benefits. If it's low calories you're after, almond milk is your match, but if you are after the milk that's nutritionally rich, cow's milk is the better choice.
"Almond milk is lower in saturated fat and calories and can be a good source of vitamin E (which helps with cell regeneration) and is also full of omega-3 fats, which support balanced mental health and cholesterol levels," added Lucy. "However, regular (cow) milk is rich in lactose, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein, making it more nutritionally rich than almond milk. Regular milk is a great source of calcium at about 300 mg of calcium and 8.5 grams of protein per serving compared to only 130 grams of calcium and 1.5 grams of protein per serving in almond milk."
How Much Almond Milk Is Too Much?
There's no rule as to how much you should be drinking, but if you're adding it to tea or coffee and other breakfast options like muesli, it still won't be a huge intake. Just make sure you're opting for the most nutritious option. "If you are using almond milk to reach your calcium needs over dairy, you need to look for a calcium-fortified formula (that has about 300 mg of calcium per serving)," said Lucy.
What to Look For When Buying Almond Milk
If you've ever tried to buy almond milk at the supermarket, you'll be familiar with the struggle as you stare at the fridge/long-life options and wonder which way to go - it's real. Lucy admitted this is where a lot of people go wrong when it comes to jumping on the almond milk band wagon. "A lot of store-bought almonds milks contain only two percent almonds." - ahh, what?! - "which means you are paying good money for filtered water, not many almonds, and often additives including emulsifiers, sweeteners, or artificially added vitamins," said Lucy.
The best way to choose between the brands on offer is to compare almond content. Ideally, you want to choose almond milks with the highest percentage of almonds that have no sweeteners. "You'll need to check the ingredients label for this, as many labels saying 'original' don't mean unsweetened," said Lucy.
If you are drinking almond milk regularly, you should be making your own. Why? Whipping up your own batch means you'll have a product with a much higher almond content (most recipes use a one part almonds to three parts water ratio), no added sugars, or other nasty fillers which makes it better for you.
Is There a Link Between Almond Milk and Skin Conditions?
This really depends on the individual. Those with nut allergies can have an allergic skin response; it's always best to seek medical advice before giving it a go. "Almond milks with additives such as sugar and vegetable oils are pro-inflammatory and can lead to breakouts and making existing acne conditions worse," said Lucy. "Homemade, unsweetened almond milks are your best options."
Did You Know That Almond Milk Isn't So Great For the Environment?
In fact, almond milk production has a significant impact on the environment. Most of the almond milk comes from California, which produces more that 80 percent of the world's almond supply. "It takes five liters of water to grow one almond and California has been in drought for over five years," said Lucy.
The 11 Most Popular Books to Read During Women's History Month
Women's History Month has arrived, and all March long, we'll be celebrating the amazing things women have done to create the world we live in today. But just in case you need a little extra inspiration, we've partnered with Libby, an app that allows you to borrow library books, to provide you with a curated list of the 11 most popular (and most empowering) books by women. All of the 11 books you'll find ahead serve as a powerful reminder of just how important the female voice is in shaping global conversation, spanning from fiction to memoir and everything in between.
vendredi 2 mars 2018
This Woman's Story About Encountering a Serial Killer Will Have You on the Edge of Your Seat
Grab some popcorn, dear reader, because we've got a nail-biting story that'll keep you on the edge of your seat just as much as any true-crime movie. Reporter Jamilah King recently took to Twitter to share the juicy details of her childhood encounter with serial killer Andrew Cunanan, the man who killed Gianni Versace. In a series of tweets, she described crossing paths with the well-known murderer at a park in San Francisco when she was in sixth grade. The internet was collectively enthralled by her chilling account, as each of her tweets received quite a bit of interaction from other users.
OK, OK - we won't make you wait any longer. Read through Jamilah's tweets below, and you'll undoubtedly feel inclined to hop on the bandwagon and start watching The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story right away.
Someone Keeps Forging Nobel Peace Prize Nominations For Donald Trump
Think of something peaceful. Finding a waterfall while you're on a hike, how it invites you to sit and stay in the tranquility of its never-ending babble. A yoga class for one, designed to help you travel deep into the self, to reset the body and mind in a technology-free vacuum. Morgan Freeman whispering haikus in your ear. A sleeping puppy. Sundays.
Now think of President Donald Trump. No matter what you think of as peaceful, chances are it does not go well with Trump - a fact reflected in Trump's floundering approval ratings and countdowns to Twitter attacks. Clearly what America needs now is love, sweet love . . . and a peaceful president. And it's also the reason the idea of Trump being considered for a Nobel Peace Prize feels so far fetched - even laughable. Yet there's someone out there in the world who is gunning for the 45th POTUS to get the title, so much so that they have forged a nomination for the prize not once, but twice.
The Washington Post reports that, for the second year in a row, an individual has forged a nomination for Donald Trump to win the international honorific by stealing someone's identity. This is no easy feat, as the process of nominating is highly secretive and only allowed by certain university professors, government heads of state, former Peace Prize winners, and members of the Nobel Committee. The person in question must have faked one of the aforementioned persons' likeness to have slipped the nomination to the right place. The reasoning for the nomination is also unknown, whether it is for Trump's many righteous stompdowns of CNN or his incredible work getting witches to trend before Halloween.
It's also highly unusual because, well, this has never happened before. "We receive many invalid nominations each year in the sense that they don't meet the deadline or the nominator is not in fact qualified to nominate," Nobel Committee Secretary Olav Njolstad said the Post. "But to my knowledge, this is the first example of a forged nomination where someone has stolen the identity of another person." Njolstad discovered the fraudulent nomination by calling the person whose name had been forged to verify their nomination, only to have the person deny that they tossed Trump's name in the ring.
The false nomination is one of 329 given to organizations and individuals vying for the Prize, a number that is the second-highest number of candidates ever and a minor irony given how nonpeaceful the world seems at the moment. The false nomination isn't being taken lightly, either - police in Oslo, Norway, are seeking assistance from the FBI to find the forger.
The story of the false Peace Prize nomination is still developing, and no names of a potential culprit have yet to surface. Perhaps the faux bid was a prank by current college freshman and former Prize winner Malala Yousafzai or, perhaps, Prize-winning former Vice President Al Gore and President Barack Obama are trying to will peace into their old stomping grounds. While these theories are likely fake news, we'll have to wait until December to find out who the prestigious organization deems to have done the most work promoting peace. It likely will not be President Trump.
From Model to CEO, This Woman Is Revolutionizing the Cannabis Industry
Image Source: Ellian Raffoul Photography
Jessica VerSteeg never intended to work in the cannabis industry, yet as founder of the blockchain-based marijuana solutions company Paragon, she's now tackling all of the challenges the industry faces today - from taxation to transparency to information and more - all while using blockchain technology to revolutionize the world of weed. As a woman who's taking on not one but two male-dominated industries, we naturally had to talk to her - and she sat down with POPSUGAR for a wide-ranging conversation spanning from how to create a transparent, trustworthy marketplace for marijuana to the myriad challenges she's faced as a female entrepreneur.
But first, it's worth noting how VerSteeg's journey began. In 2013, she was dating an NFL player who was prescribed opioids to manage the pain of years' worth of football injuries. When he told VerSteeg that he was considering switching to marijuana because it was safer, she was staunchly opposed - in fact, she hated weed. "I always told him 'no way' . . . from the D.A.R.E. program - 'Drugs are bad, don't do it. Trust the NFL doctors, you'll never get addicted to those pills.'" But he did get addicted, and his tragic death from an accidental overdose changed the course of VerSteeg's life.
Image Source: Michelle Monique Photography
VerSteeg started researching safe, nonaddictive pain remedies and kept coming back to the same result: cannabis. "It hit me kind of deep because he had asked me multiple times if he could use cannabis to deal with his pain . . . I didn't even take the time even look it up and see if there was any truth to it." So she became determined to change the negative stigma surrounding marijuana, to make it more approachable and accepted and help others avoid the grief she was now overcoming through action.
In 2014, VerSteeg started her first company, AuBox, as an attempt to normalize cannabis. A subscription service for licensed patients, AuBox enabled individuals to have their medical marijuana sent straight to their homes without having to visit a dispensary. But for VerSteeg, the most important part of the company was the work she was doing to inform people about marijuana. "I made this box that had everything in it," she said. "It told the patients how to use it, showed the lab results, which showed the ingredients, and had everything that they wanted to know about how to use it: when not to use it, what not to mix it with. All the information that you don't really know when it's your first time using cannabis." She was fulfilling her mission of getting safe, natural medicine to people who needed it.
She was fulfilling her mission of getting safe, natural medicine to people who needed it.
But it was then that she hit her first major roadblock - she discovered that some of the lab results she was getting from her suppliers were fabricated. "It was shocking to me to think that I'm giving this product to patients, to kids with epilepsy, to patients with cancer, to grandparents with Parkinson's, and they're expecting this to be organic or pure CBD. I'm giving it to them because I just trusted this piece of paper as a lab result and it was photoshopped."
Creating Industry-Changing Technology
VerSteeg was determined to find a solution that would ensure that her customers were getting the products that they had ordered, and with the help of her husband - who was working in the cryptocurrency industry - came up with a solution: blockchain technology.
Blockchain data is incorruptible; it was created to record virtual transactions of all types. Think of it as a platform where one sender can share information straight to the receiver in real time, essentially a Google Docs for important information (or currency, which is its main purpose to date). Files sent using blockchain can't be altered, so by using it for AuBox, VerSteeg would know that the lab results she was getting came straight from the cannabis supplier. The technology worked, and she was able to prove that she was getting the quality products that she promised her patients.
Image Source: Courtesy of Paragon
VerSteeg hadn't even realized that she had created a system that had the potential to completely transform the industry. "I realized, after a few months, that I was building something that the entire cannabis space could use, and if they use it, could make it legal: [the government has] made cigarettes legal, alcohol, opiates . . . and it's because they can literally track and trace all of that, and they can tax it. With cannabis, they can't track or trace it." Yet blockchain can deliver that trackability for the government, thus expediting the ability to legalize cannabis. The technology provides transparency on both ends - the government can efficiently track product for taxation and suppliers can operate legally, even using blockchain to ensure they're not being taxed on soiled product that they can't sell or are getting energy-efficiency tax breaks for growing with solar, for example.
Establishing trust between the government and suppliers is not an easy task, but with an industry that's still in legal limbo, VerSteeg feels it's the only way forward. "We need to build something that's going to bring this to a new level of transparency, that's going to make this legal. The only way we can do that is as a team - showing the government how we grew something, where we grew it, how much we grew, how much we sold. We don't need to keep hiding because all that's going to do is keep going back and forth to where we've been in the last few years, and that's getting growers burned."
Bitcoin For Bud
Transparency isn't the only problem that Paragon is tackling. Since weed is still illegal federally, companies that try to sell marijuana in all capacities, from farms to manufacturers, struggle to get funding. Banks that are federally insured still can't give loans to marijuana-related businesses. Even when business-owners do find funding, they have an even harder time finding banks that allow them to deposit their mass amounts of cash. Paragon Coin is a cryptocurrency that growers can use to buy and sell product - it's essentially Bitcoin for bud. Operating a cash-only business is dangerous - many companies have to hire armed security guards to transport money - so this is just another way Paragon is making the industry safer and more reliable.
Image Source: Michelle Monique Photography
Providing Safe Places to Create
Another major challenge most cannabis startups face is space to run their businesses legally. In her own experience with AuBox, VerSteeg couldn't find anyone who would rent her office space to operate, or if she did, it was in dangerous neighborhoods and insanely overpriced. Because of green zones (areas that cannabis companies can legally operate in, defined by their municipality), operating a business from your own home is typically not an option. "Maybe your next-door neighbor runs a daycare center; if so, you're violating the green zone law." Paragon's solution? Coworking spaces. Paragon is opening its first in LA, where it'll have a few buildings for companies to rent out and operate from, legally and affordably. "It's unfair if you don't have an affordable or safe place to work from, and I want to give that to them."
But it's worth noting that Paragon isn't just for suppliers. Consumers can use the Paragon app to get information about the products they're purchasing. "You'll be able to scan a QR code on the back of any product that's using our blockchain," said VerSteeg. "Let's say it's a chocolate bar - when you scan this chocolate bar in your app, you'll have the opportunity of choosing to see farming data or lab data." Consumers will be able to make informed choices right at the dispensary. "You want to know how it was grown? Was it indoor/outdoor? What are the genetics of the plant? Were pesticides used?" All of this information will be accessible in seconds with the app.
Image Source: Courtesy of Paragon
She believes the most impactful way to change attitudes and the stigma surrounding marijuana is with information. "When you give somebody information - pure, true, honest, trackable information - you can't argue with it." Staying true to her roots, she believes if you educate people, you can help them feel more open-minded about cannabis consumption.
Being a Woman in a "Man's World"
With Paragon, VerSteeg is identifying all of the major challenges that are crippling the industry - and yes, she has a plan to crush them all. As a former Miss Iowa, a model, and an overall gorgeous human, I couldn't help but wonder what it was like to navigate two industries - tech and cannabis - that have been, for the most part, monopolized by men.
Image Source: Michelle Monique Photography
"I've seen firsthand that men don't think I know what I'm talking about," VerSteeg told POPSUGAR. "If I walk into a meeting and my husband is with me, they will think he's the boss. But I created this. When we walk into a meeting, every guy - because it's always a guy, there are very few women - always asks my husband the questions. Then when I answer, they look at me like, 'OK, you're his assistant. Thanks for answering,' and then they ask him the next question. And that's just shocking to me. I answered the question; now you can ask me the next question. But they don't. They still look to my husband."
Fearing that she wouldn't be taken seriously, she tried to conform and shrink herself. "Coming from being a lingerie model and embracing my sexuality, and loving being a woman, and my curves, and my hair. . . and then coming into this space, where I felt like I had to dumb down my look and act like a boy, I felt like I had to conform."
VerSteeg saw this as an opportunity to challenge the status quo and learned to embrace her femininity and unique perspective instead of hide it. "That's one thing I'm going to change. I've realized in the past six months I don't like this fake identity - I don't want to pretend I'm a grower when I'm not; I don't want to pretend I'm coding when I'm not. And I don't want to be walking around in a hoodie with black bags under my eyes all day when I want to wear mascara and I want to talk tech and I want to smoke a joint at the end of the day."
"I don't want to be walking around in a hoodie with black bags under my eyes all day when I want to wear mascara and I want to talk tech and I want to smoke a joint at the end of the day."
"I shouldn't be defined by how I look. To be a woman and to feel sexy is OK, and you should still be taken seriously." She's challenging the double standard that women in tech, and really any field, face every day. "My sister's a coder and she loves wearing hoodies; she never wants to wear a bikini, and that's cool because that's her, but that should be embraced for all women. We can be either way, the same way that men are able to be either way. You've got these men in suits, men in shorts, and men in sweatpants, and they are all taken seriously the same way."
Learning to Own Her Power
There's one story, in particular, that VerSteeg uses to perfectly highlight the challenges that women in business face constantly. During a trip to the World Economic Forum, she had the opportunity to meet the CEO of a major exchange, who was also one of the few people who could help get Paragon Coin listed on crypto-exchanges, allowing people to buy and sell it. She spent the entirety of her conversation trying to convince this man that she was, in fact, the CEO of her company while simultaneously trying to politely reject his advances and just take his derogatory comments.
"You get in this moment - so your mouth tastes like metal, you're sweating, and you almost - you become a little girl, and you're scared and uncomfortable". Almost every woman in business can relate to moments like this where you're stuck having to tolerate inappropriate sexual advances from a man of power for the sake of advancing your career.
Image Source: Michelle Monique Photography
I asked VerSteeg what advice she has for women who want to get into the tech or cannabis industries or male-dominated industries in general. "No matter what anyone tries to tell you, remember that you have something unique to offer," she said. "Do not underestimate that; to be successful, it's crucial that you learn to like and to love yourself. Having this self-awareness, understanding precisely what you bring to the table, and having the confidence to carry it through to the end will ultimately help you navigate more effectively."
"You can be confident, savvy, and successful, but it starts with knowing who you are, what you're worth, and the uniqueness you have to offer," VerSteeg said. "Believing in your ideas, no matter how crazy they might seem, is integral to achieving any of your goals. Confidence and knowing your self-worth is critical." It's no surprise that a former beauty queen can so eloquently capture such an inspirational sentiment - be yourself and be proud of it; the world needs it.
This 1 Accessory Makes Any iPhone Take the Best Photos Ever - No Upgrade Required
It's that time of year once again. All of the new phone models have just been announced, and as a result, we're all pinching pennies to avoid FOMO and score that coveted upgrade. But if what you're really after is a better-quality camera for your old iPhone, look no further: the DxO One camera ($499) will solve all your problems for about half the price.
Boasting 20.2-megapixel resolution, the world's smallest one-inch format sensor camera, and a wide-format lens, the DxO One connects directly into your iPhone's lightning port and integrates directly into the Apple iOS - giving you the power of a pricey DSLR camera, but letting you instantly drop your photos into your group iMessage or chuck them up on Instagram. Oh, and did we mention that it will solve every single one of those low-light problems you've got with your three-year-old phone?
Ahead, check out some of the features of this game-changing device - and be sure to check out the DxO website for additional information on what it can do.
Glitter Walls Are Now a Thing, and Honestly, We Can't Say We're Mad About It
Why limit sparkly filters to photos when you can KiraKira your home in real life? People are loving glitter so much right now that they're giving their walls a glamorous makeover. Whether it's through applying glitter wall paint or twinkling wallpaper, silver seems to be the most popular selection on Instagram - and let's be honest, it complements just about any kind of decor. See all the different ways to incorporate glitter into your own living space ahead!
Super Mario Odyssey Is Everything We Ever Wanted in a Video Game
In the nearly four decades since Mario first made his appearance in the original arcade version of Donkey Kong, Nintendo's beloved mustachioed protagonist has certainly had his share of ups and downs. Not every game that stars the iconic Mario Bros. characters is worthy of the legacy brand, and for the most part, an average release typically doesn't have the staying power of legends like Super Mario Bros. 3 or Super Mario 64. But for everything bad that's happened in 2017, there has been one very notable bright spot: the newest Mario offering, Super Mario Odyssey, comes alarmingly close to being a total masterpiece of a game.
I grew up in a diehard Mario household. With every new release came a same-day trip to the store coupled with hours spent sprawled out on the couch in front of the TV. But it wasn't just me and my sister who were button-mashing our way to coin-fueled glory; my parents were the originators of our love for Nintendo, and they'd trade off the controller as they worked their way through each level of every game. As a result, I'm supremely opinionated when it comes to the games that I play - and have incredibly high Mario standards from years upon years of replaying my most favorite games. But what Super Mario Odyssey does so well, first and foremost, is that it taps into all the very best parts of all of the very best games - and updates them in a way that makes them not an afterthought to something that worked well, but an enhancement on what we already knew and loved.
Take, for example, the fact that each and every level comes fully loaded with a set of challenges that you have to accomplish. It's not just about getting from start to finish; it's about investigating every inch of space in the world to collect not just the Power Moons that enable you to level up, but the hidden Power Moons that appear after completion and the Purple Coins that challenge you to push the limits of Mario's abilities. One of Super Mario 64's best qualities was the ability to revisit the levels beaten on the surface level to hunt for Red Coins and Stars, and Super Mario Galaxy excelled in strategically placed Star Bits - and what emerges in the newest game is a combination of the two that is unspeakably satisfying and leaves you wanting more.
And it's Star Bits that were traditionally collected by an incredibly patient second player, who waved their Wii remote around to enhance the first player's gameplay as they moved from level to level. No longer: Odyssey enables a more dynamic two-player gameplay, letting the person who isn't controlling Mario control Cappy, his anthropomorphic hat. Cappy is a huge asset in the game, letting you become the various characters you encounter in your travels and serving as Mario's main weapon, and he's also a key reason why there's no question that the game is by far the best two-player Mario experience to date. Playing with a friend or loved one makes it easier to advance in some of the hardest trials and tribulations, and it's really fun to beat the baddies and collect the goodies even if you aren't the main player calling the shots.
But if you do play solo, part of what makes the game so great is that up until the very, very end, you're still constantly learning, evolving, and adapting to new types of worlds and talents. Sure, you can go back and try 500 times to get that one coin that seems desperately out of your reach - but you can also play through till you hit the skill that you so very much wished you had back then and go back and get it in a way that seems impossibly easy. In other words, it's a game that keeps you constantly moving back and forth, revisiting the levels that you loved and maybe some that you scowled at due to their difficulty, seeking out the ultimate 100 percent completion goal. Nothing, then, feels like it's forever - and that enables you to pick up the game after any amount of time away and get just as much out of it as you did the first time you opened it on your Switch.
The Switch itself, though, is perfect for the type of game that Odyssey is. Wandering around the intricately detailed levels, you've got the ability to change your view constantly and see every single aspect of what you're looking at - a feature that can be overlooked for the sake of enhancing the gameplay in the foreground. Here, the visuals combined with controllers that enable both movement-based or trigger-based play add up to a juiced-up version of the Wii Remote's capabilities, and boy are we glad that they stayed with it. Being able to switch the way you do your primary actions - throwing your hat and moving around/jumping - keeps your fingers from seizing up or having controller fatigue. It also makes it so that the other amazing function of the Switch - its portability and mobile gameplay - is completely stellar and sets up a seamless transition between playing on your TV on the couch or on your handheld on the run.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the thing that completely and totally blew my mind about Super Mario Odyssey: for those of us lifelong fans, there's always been a sense that Mario existed in an alternate universe, one where there were maybe some human characteristics that transferred over to the world we were exploring, but didn't interact with regular people like us. This concept is completely turned on its head with the new game, introducing humans (!) and places that look far closer to our real world than anything we've ever seen in a Mario game. It's that extra little bit of jazz that makes the game feel like something fresh and new, and I promise the first time you come face to face with a real person in the game, you will, like me, have to pick your jaw up off the floor.
If it isn't completely obvious at this point, I'm officially a fan of Super Mario Odyssey and would recommend it to everyone from the newest gamer to the most OG Nintendo user. It's one of those games that comes around very rarely and immediately becomes a classic, blowing all that has come before out of the water. In other words: buy it. I promise you'll have a good time.
98-Year-Old Man's Son Tells Him His Real Age: "Holy F*ck, How Did I Get So Old?"
Time flies when you're having fun, and that's exactly what happened to one man's 98-year-old father. The son shared a video on YouTube that captures the moment his dad found out his real age, and it's just so pure! The dad guesses "79" upon being asked, "How old do you think you are?" He's gotta keep guessing as his son keeps saying "higher," and the elderly man can't believe it - he finally gets it right when he makes it past 95, 96, and 97, and lands on 98. "Holy f*ck! How did I get so old so fast?" he exclaims. Born in 1919, he should turn 100 next Summer, and he seems pretty excited by it. We can only hope to have a sense of humor like this guy's down the line. Watch the sweet moment play out for yourself above.
Disney's New Rose Gold Spirit Jersey Might Be Even More Fabulous Than the Original
Disney isn't slowing down with its viral (and ever-Instagrammable) spirit jersey shirts with a massive variety of the cozy tees available in Disney parks. Thus far, the rose gold jersey has probably been the biggest hit . . . and now there's a new one for Disney fans to inevitably go wild for! Introducing the "Natural Beauty" spirit jersey, available for the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.
The jersey, which is the same blush pink color as the rose gold jersey, has a flowery Mickey head on the front and "Natural Beauty" in script across the back shoulders. Read: it'll be perfect with your rose gold Minnie ears, a flower crown, and a rose gold Disney cocktail in hand! Check out these photos of the new jersey, then drool over every rose gold menu item at the parks.
A Home Store Just Opened at Disneyland, and We Want 1 of Every Single Thing
A new home goods store just opened at Disneyland's Downtown Disney, and it looks like a literal treasure trove for fans. The store opened on Feb. 14 and is stocked full of Disney-themed items for your home - there are dinner sets, linens, mugs and glasses, kitchenware, and so much more. The available products will vary by season, so you can look forward to new goodies all the time!
"The opening of the Disney Home store is a part of the continuous, promenade-wide transformation happening at the Downtown Disney District in 2018," said Disney. Throughout the year, more changes will be rolling out, from the opening Splitsville Luxury Lanes to refurbishments and updates to existing dining and retail locations. "The result will be a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing guests by day and night in the greatest mix of family-friendly dining, shopping, and entertainment."
Check out videos and photos of the new store, and get ready to shop!
The Flu Is Especially Dangerous For Kids This Year - Here's What You Should Know
The flu season has been upon us for a while now, but with still a long way to go (11 to 13 weeks as of mid-January), this year's particularly bad strain is even more worrying - especially for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children under 5 are at a very high risk for developing serious complications due to the flu, while children under 2 are at the highest risk.
The strand that seems to be attacking the very young and old is H3N2. Since children's immune systems are still developing, their complications due to the flu can be much more severe, and in some cases, fatal (20 children have already died of the flu this season). So what should you do to protect your kids?
The CDC issued a warning that the flu shot is less effective than usual due to this year's strain, but it still strongly recommends getting it (it's not too late!) as it can greatly decrease the severity of symptoms if you do contract the flu. In addition to the vaccine, the CDC recommends frequent hand-washing; avoiding contact with sick people; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and disinfecting surfaces. If you do suspect your baby or child may be infected, these are some of the possible symptoms to look for:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Secondary ear and sinus infections
- Secondary pneumonia
If your kids develop any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to call your pediatrician. According to Dr. Ian Tong from Doctor on Demand, your doctor could choose to start your child on an "antiviral medicine within the first 48 hours, because it can lead to a shorter and milder illness," adding, "It's important to act fast."
10 Years After Running Away, This Greatly Missed Dog Returned to Its Loving Family
When Debra Suierveld's dog Abby ran away 10 years ago, she never expected to see her beloved black lab again. In fact, after the owners unsuccessfully looked for the missing dog, Abby was declared deceased. So imagine Debra's unbelievable surprise when she was recently reunited with Abby, who is very much alive and well. Debra got a call from Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley and was told her dog Abby had been found. "I didn't even know what to say," the pup's owner told Pittsburgh's Tribune-Review.
It turns out that Abby has been doing fine all these years and was likely taken care of in another home. The dog showed up on a family's porch in Pennsylvania, and someone called the police, who then contacted Animal Protectors. A medical manager at the shelter told the Tribune, "She was in very good shape. She's happy. She's a good weight. She's very well taken care of." While Debra currently has two other dogs, including another black lab mix, we have a feeling there's nothing like being reunited with your long-lost pet of the past.
Thanks to a microchip that Debra put in Abby years ago, her information was able to be pulled up at the shelter and ultimately led to her heartwarming return. Debra couldn't wait to share the news with her 22-year-old daughter, Carly, who was just 12 at the time of Abby's disappearance. "She was laughing so hard that by the end of the laugh she was crying," Debra told NPR. Talk about a story with a happy ending!
100 Unusual Boy Names
Are you on the hunt for an unusual baby boy name? We've looked at the United States Social Security Administration's list of the most popular names and rounded up an A-to-Z of 100 rare boy names. Using a ranking system where 1 is the most common name, these unique boy names all have a rank of 901 or greater! But before we reveal the names, here are a few interesting trends we noted among them.
Unusual and Trendy Boy Names
Although they're less commonly used, some of the names on this list still follow recent trends. Agustin and Thaddeus fit into the Roman and Greek trend, while Houston is part of the place-name trend. Biblical names are here as well (Jeremiah and Enoch), as are creative spellings in the form of Brice, Donte, Trystan, and Zackery.
Unusual Celebrity Boy Names
Just as famous figures may drive a name up the charts, they may also keep a name relatively uncommon. Looking at some of the names in the list, not many parents are giving their boys the names Clinton, Nixon, Elvis, Hendrix, Franco, Hugh, Quinten, and Coen, all of which are associated with famous figures in the political and entertainment realms.
Unusual Boy Names Starting With S?
As you look at the A to Z, you'll notice that a few letters are missing. We looked at the names ranked 901 to 1,000 by the Social Security Administration (they don't publish name rankings beyond 1,000), and surprisingly, there wasn't an S name to be found! Other letters that escaped the bunch are U, W, and X.
Unusual Boy Names Starting With . . .
A
Agustin, Alfred, Arlo, Arian, Anders
B
Brysen, Braylin, Blaise, Brice, Benton, Bodhi, Bridger, Brecken, Broderick
C
Coleman, Clinton, Crew, Coen, Cristiano, Corban, Cayson, Camilo, Cortez
D
Demarcus, Darryl, Donte, Devan, Damari, Davon, Deon, Dimitri, Dangelo
E
Elvis, Enoch, Elian, Eliseo, Ethen
F
Freddy, Flynn, Franco
G
Gaige, Gibson, Graysen
H
Houston, Hugh, Howard, Haiden, Hendrix
I
Ignacio
J
Jaylon, Jabari, Jakobe, Johann, Jaycob, Jean, Jaydan, Joziah, Jaron, Jaydin, Jeramiah
K
Keon, Kael, Kyan, Kingsley, Kamren, Kohen, Keyon
L
Leighton, Legend, Lathan
M
Miller, Mustafa, Maxton, Mariano, Maxx, Maksim, Major, Malaki
N
Nixon
O
Otto
P
Princeton, Pierre
Q
Quinten
R
Roderick, Ross, Rey, Reuben, Ralph
T
Tyrell, Thaddeus, Turner, Trystan, Tyree, Tyrese
V
Vaughn, Vihaan, Valentin
Y
Yehuda
Z
Zaire, Zackery, Zeke
Get Your Kids What They Really Want With the Hottest Toys of 2018 So Far
Buying toys is never limited to one season, be it various holidays or birthdays, and as children keep growing, their needs and desires change constantly. So how are you supposed to keep up? We're here to help. While it's still early in the year, recent trends are already cropping up for what children really want when it comes to toys in 2018. STEM activities, Legos, and cool new interactive toys will keep them occupied for hours. Here are some of the best toys of 2018 so far.
This Is Us Fans Are Still Emotional Over Jack's Death So They're Buying These Crock-Pot Decals
If you're still tearing up over Jack's death on This Is Us, please grab a tissue and join the club. That sob-inducing Super Bowl episode left us all in emotional recovery, and some fans are dealing with the pain . . . differently than others. While it's totally normal to feel wronged by the Crock-Pot malfunction heard round the world, certain This Is Us fans are taking their tribute one step further with slow-cooker decals. These hilarious stickers are a not-so-subtle reminder from our beloved Jack, beyond the grave, to do yourself a favor and unplug your slow cooker completely. Some of the more adventurous decals even let you come face to face with Jack himself (although maybe not in the way you'd want, to be honest).
Hey, who knows? Maybe these decals will give the folks at Crock-Pot some peace of mind - people aren't kissing their slow cookers goodbye; they're simply "enhancing" them. Plus, once they're done, they can totally regift their decorated Crock-Pot . . . what? Too soon?
Image Source: NBC
Keep reading to shop the hilarious decals, and while you wait for your delivery, help us settle a debate: is Jack Pearson TV's best dad?
Attention, Parents! Here Are All the Kid Movies Coming to Netflix in 2018
We've all been there - you're searching for something to watch with your kids (or anyone, really) on Netflix, and you end up browsing the various genres and suggestions for the entire duration of a feature-length film before settling on one that you've seen 30 times already. With kids' short attention spans ever-present, there isn't any time for endless searching on family movie nights in 2018 - know what's available and when it's hitting the streaming service so you can mark your calendars accordingly.
Scroll through to see which classic and new movies Netflix has on offer for little ones in 2018 (and don't forget to bookmark this page, as we'll continue to add new items each month!).
Here's Where You Can Get Your Hands on 2018's Hottest Tech Gadgets
Technology changes so fast that it's impossible to keep up. And this year is no different with industry titans releasing faster, smaller, and more thrilling products than ever before. If you're wondering what everyone's new gadget obsessions will be this year, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for the latest security gadgets or fitness gadgets, it's all available from the same affordable retailer: Walmart. Check out the latest high-tech finds to help keep you up to date with today's fast-paced world.
Preparing For Childbirth Is Proven to Make You a Better Mother
Before the birth of my first child, I didn't armor myself with knowledge like I should have. Instead of researching breathing techniques, pain relief options, and potential complications, I simply thought, "Yeah, it's going to hurt and there's nothing I can do about it." I didn't think about all the possible scenarios and how I could have given myself the ammo to deal with them. Instead, I gave that power to my obstetrician.
I should have done my homework.
I was bullied into a C-section after only 18 hours of labor. After the surgery, I was pumped with so many drugs that the fog made it difficult to even hold my firstborn. The nurse held my baby to my breast - only to begin the takedown of my nipples. This was not the romantic scene I had signed up for. And things only got worse from there. I felt anxious and depressed that I wasn't nursing successfully, and I had little confidence as a new mother. The C-section that I didn't ask for stripped the power from me completely, making me doubt my ability to mother my own child. I had never cried that much in my life.
When I became pregnant with my second, I was determined to do my research. And as it turns out, being prepared for childbirth has a direct effect on your abilities as a mother (or, more accurately, your thoughts on your ability as a mother). According to the Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, the satisfaction of a woman's childbirth experience has vital health implications for her and her family, and whether a mother is prepared for childbirth can help increase this satisfaction.
Katherine Hinic, PhD, conducted a 2017 study on 107 women in the first four days postpartum who gave birth to a healthy infant, carried to full-term, and planned to breastfeed. The new mothers were given a survey to evaluate their birth satisfaction, stress, and breastfeeding self-efficacy to see how these outcomes connected to their preparedness. Hinic wanted to study this because childbirth is the initial task of motherhood and can greatly impact early parenting. Essentially, a positive birth can be associated with an "increased maternal sense of competence, self-esteem, mastery, confidence, and decreased anxiety."
The study showed that when women were in control and prepared for their labor, they were confident in their ability to breastfeed well. Thus, their overall childbirth experience was favorable, too. The study also demonstrated that women who had longer labors were not as satisfied with their experience. This, I will say, was actually untrue for my second birth. Yes, I labored from start to finish for 50 hours, but I was able to have the vaginal birth I had wanted so badly with my first. Because I was in control, I became a much more confident mother the second time around. I didn't doubt myself, nor did I feel any anxiety.
One surprising thing the study also demonstrated was that receiving pain management had no bearing on childbirth satisfaction. What did matter was whether the mother had the power to choose her method of pain medication. If the mother was prepared, was knowledgeable, and had the autonomy of choosing, then she had a better birthing experience. Thus, her competence in her ability to mother increased as well. Before my second labor started, I wanted to have a natural childbirth, but after 35 hours, I asked, in horrific pain, for that heavenly epidural. I wasn't disappointed - I was pleased that I was the one who made that choice.
The childbirth experience is often the most memorable time in a woman's life. While it's easy to assume (like me) that giving birth is ultimately out of our control, you can (and should) take steps to make sure you're prepared for whatever may happen to your body and your baby. As women, we aren't always granted the opportunity to go through the birthing process many times (if at all), so it's wise to empower yourself with knowledge.
33 Magical Disney Wallpapers For Your Phone
People who are obsessed with Disney aren't shy about hiding it - and they shouldn't be. The company brings people together through its films, parks, toys, and so much more. If you're a fan, it's time to show off your love of the company and its characters with some lovely wallpapers for your iPhone 6.
To download the wallpapers, just click on a photo and enter full-screen mode. Once you do that, just right click and save the image to your computer. On your actual phone? Just press on the image itself and hit "Save image." Then, set it as your new wallpaper.
Once you're done looking through these, check out the geeky wallpapers we've rounded up - you'll find plenty more to suit your interests!
This Husband's Hysterical Account of Shopping at Ikea With His Wife Is Every Couple
Ikea can make or break a relationship. How a couple navigates the never-ending aisles, furniture decisions, and assembling instructions at home can have a lasting impact. And yet, it can be almost impossible for couples not to get sucked in at least once.
When Nathanael Showalter found himself being dragged to the massive store, he didn't suck it up for the meatballs or spend the afternoon complaining about the spotty cellphone reception. Instead, he decided to document what shopping with his wife - when they didn't actually need anything - was really like.
His hysterical play-by-play of the outing is going viral because everyone who has ever been tortured by their partner and an insanely long trip to Ikea can relate to it. He starts off by making the purpose of their recent visit clear: "We are here. Our apartment is furnished. I am not sure why we are returning," he shared on Imgur.
He continues to share in perfect detail exactly what a day of browsing at Ikea is like according to a husband who doesn't particularly want to be there. "Perhaps we are here for institutional storage solutions. My wife says, 'Maybe when we have eight kids.' We have zero kids. We move on," he captioned a photo of a storage unit. "She has commented on how sturdy these spoons are. Our other measuring spoons do not strike me as structurally unsound."
Although they ended their day by walking out on a much stronger note than many couples who fall victim to the showroom bickering and box-hauling stress, every person who has ever stepped into Ikea will crack up over the rest of this guy's spot-on commentary.
Mark Consuelos Shares His 4 Secrets to Entertaining Like a Celebrity
With three kids, a superstar wife - he's married to Live With Kelly and Ryan star Kelly Ripa - and a jaw-dropping roster of A-list pals, actor Mark Consuelos is used to having a bustling house, especially when he and Kelly escape to their vacation home in Telluride, CO, where they love to host guests. In short, Mark is an expert at entertaining. Lucky for us, he teamed up with affordable retailer Marshalls to share his tips on how to entertain like a pro. Celebrity or not, you're sure to learn something. Check them out ahead.
7 Bathroom Updates That Increased the Value of My Home
After buying our condo three years ago, my husband and I knew we'd eventually have to redo the guest bathroom in our hallway. It had a wobbly shower insert, dated finishes, and an impractical vanity without much storage. I hated going in there. So after a couple years of saving - and avoiding the room - we decided to bite the bullet and take on a small remodel project.
A before photo of my bathroom.
An after photo of my bathroom.
Creating a bathroom that reflected my own style was one of the main goals of the project. But I also wanted to stay in budget and avoid quirky updates that would decrease the value of my home. After doing some research, I discovered where I could save - and where I should splurge.
Don't just take my word for it. I caught up with HGTV star Scott McGillivray to check my work. After talking to him, I now know which updates gave me the most bang for my buck. McGillivray is the host of Income Property and wrote How to Add Value to Your Home. According to him, "next to the kitchen, the bathroom is the most important room in the house when it comes to resale."
That doesn't mean you have to spend more to make more. There are specific updates in the bathroom that are worth the investment, and others areas where a little goes a long way. Based on McGillivray's expertise these were the seven changes that had the biggest impact on my home's value.
Change the mirror.
"My number one suggestion is to get rid of the frameless builder grade mirror over the vanity," says McGillivray. Check! I did just that. We found this modern mirror ($240) that came with the bonus of a built-in shelf to hold candles, a small vase, or guest toiletries. It also acts as a statement piece.
Choose affordable tile.
What's the best place to save when you're redoing your bathroom? Tile, says McGillivray. "There are so many great, inexpensive tile options out there. I don't know why anyone would blow their budget on high-end tile." The marble hexagon floor tile is one of my favorite details in my bathroom, but it didn't break the bank. We were dedicated to getting an affordable price and limited ourselves to looking at wholesale warehouses - not even entertaining more expensive options.
Can't help yourself? "If there's a really expensive version that you've fallen in love with use it as a feature somewhere, like over the vanity, and then surround it with a less expensive version," recommends McGillivray. He also has this advice for making less-expensive tile last: "Make sure you've got a good waterproofing system like Kerdi board underneath it. This will ensure that whatever tile you choose it will last as long as you live in the house."
Get rid of 1980s wall texture.
I was determined to rid myself of that orange-peel look on the bathroom walls. But I wondered, was the more modern clean look worth the expense? "Yes," McGillivray reassures. "If it looks dated it indicates that it might not be well taken care of, and it might put potential buyers off." It's the same with those classic blue and pink fixtures, he says. "Some people like the retro feel, but they can be a nightmare for resale value."
Opt for frameless glass shower doors.
"Two things that are seriously worth considering are frameless glass shower doors and heated floors," says McGillivray. "I wouldn't go so far as to say they always add value, but I try to include them whenever possible." While we didn't need heated floors in San Francisco, we did change out our aging frosted shower insert for glass doors and blue glass subway tile.
Increase storage.
I decided to chuck my existing vanity, which was an awkward height and had no shelves or drawers inside. I traded it for the GODMORGON / BRÅVIKEN model from Ikea, which has deep drawers and a decent amount of space around the sink.
A vanity with storage must always be considered, according to McGillivray. "Don't get me wrong, pedestal sinks are nice," he says. "But they're really only practical in small powder rooms. Get as big a vanity as the room can handle and make sure it's got plenty of storage space."
Mix high and low.
"I've never believed that you have to spend a ton of money to make a room look great and to get a good return on investment," McGillivray reassures. "Spend money and invest in high-quality items when it comes to the items you touch everyday - like faucets and hardware."
I'm happy to say I took that approach. As mentioned, I opted for the GODMORGON / BRÅVIKEN vanity, which cost $479 from Ikea. It looks remarkably like the modern high-end vanities that go for thousands of dollars. I paired this "low" item with high-end hardware. We went for sink and shower pieces from the European brand Grohe. Chances are that potential buyers will notice the quality brand name, if and when we resell.
Add non-permanent personality.
"When it comes to resale value, you always want to keep the major elements clean and simple. Stick with neutral colors," says McGillivray. But let's be honest, I wasn't selling my place tomorrow and wanted to have a little bit of fun. According to McGillivray, it's safe to personalize things like lighting, hardware, and accessories. That's what we did with our light from Cedar & Moss ($269) and print from Minted ($165).
"There's no particular accessory that adds value," McGillivray explains. "It's more about how they work together to make the space look fresh and updated." Admittedly, when it came to our accessories my husband and I didn't worry about matchy-matchy. We wanted accessories that had the same overall feel, without obsessing over whether the wood or metals matched. And here's the beauty: if the next buyer doesn't like those non-permanent details, they can always change them.
This Math Problem Will Make You Question Everything You Ever Knew About Algebra
Math isn't everyone's best skill - and even those who are good at it are questioning everything after trying this algebra problem.
The question originally went viral in Japan, after a study discovered that only 60 percent of 20-somethings could actually solve it. Are you already feeling frustrated and hopeless at trying to know what the answer is? Watch the video below, posted by YouTube user MindYourDecisions, a popular math puzzle channel. In it, Presh Talwalkar, the mastermind behind this question, will guide you to the right answer.
As you can see, not even a calculator can help you, as it will read the problem wrong and arrive at the answer of 9. To solve it correctly in a calculator, you need to write it out like this: 9-3/(1/3) + 1, which will lead you to 1 as the correct answer. The problem tests your knowledge of PEMDAS, the order of operations formula, which says you must get to the answer by following these steps in this order: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction. In this question, that means dividing 3 by the 1/3 first, which is the same as 3x3. That will then lead you to 9-9+1. From there, 9-9=0 + 1 = 1. Ta-da!
If you arrived at 3, 7, or 9 as your answer, you're not alone. Most people have forgotten how to use PEMDAS or interpret the fraction of 1/3 the wrong way. Still not feeling much of a challenge? Try this other math question that not even parents could solve.
10 Things It Girls Always Have in Their Living Rooms
Need some inspiration to give your living room a bit of an update? From small tweaks to bigger transformations, the living rooms of our favorite bloggers are filled with ideas you'll want to replicate in your own home.
11 Supersimple Ways to Make Your Home Smell So Fresh and So Clean
Have you ever come home from a long day of work, stepped through your door, and noticed that your home smells a little musty? Between lingering food smells from the kitchen, damp towels in the bathroom, and other day-to-day activities, there are lots of things that contribute to your home smelling a little less than fresh. It happens to the best of us, but luckily it's an easy fix! DIY air fresheners, houseplants aplenty, and some essential cleaning tips are some of our favorite ways to get a fresh home that smells amazing.
76 People Every Fashion Girl Should Be Following on Snapchat
Sure, we get a glimpse into the stylish lives of models and celebrities on Instagram, but if you're looking for some real, real-time action? Snapchat's the way to go.
The social media platform continues to rise in popularity, with a many of our favorite influencers taking us behind the scenes of their day-to-day. What campaigns are they shooting? What are they wearing? Did they really eat those eggs and that bacon? Find out the answer for bloggers, brands, and more as we run down our must-follow list ahead, and be sure to add us - popsugar - while you're at it!
Articles
