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 10 mars 2018
How America's First Reporter to Wear a Hijab on Air Landed Her Dream Job and Made History
Tahera Rahman had been a producer at her local news station for two years when she realized she was ready for a career change. Rahman applied for an on-air position at WHBF - a regional station servicing cities in Illinois and Iowa - and though she was qualified, some employers and mentors had their concerns because she proudly wears a hijab, and it simply hadn't been done before.
Rahman did everything she could to get the gig. "I knew that I was going to do what it took to be ready for that role; to be the perfect candidate for the job," she told Today. Finally, on Feb. 8, Rahman delivered her first broadcast and became the nation's first full-time TV reporter to wear a hijab on air.
Her story garnered a lot of attention and, shortly thereafter, Rahman received an outpouring of support from all over the world. "People from Mexico, Sweden, Eastern Europe telling me that they all stand behind me and are cheering me on." She added, "People from all over Iowa who have invited me to have dinner with their families and speak with their daughters."
There are, unfortunately, some viewers who haven't been so supportive - and Rahman says she feels sorry for them: "I hope that one day they can see me for what I see them: a friendly neighbor who is working hard, just like thousands of other everyday Americans, to achieve their goals and make their communities a better place in some small way."
"There's no reason your hijab should be a barrier."
Right now, she's not letting anything ruin her excitement. "It feels like I'm doing what I should be doing," she said. "There's no reason your hijab should be a barrier . . . Just because someone, or multiple people, might tell you so, doesn't make it true." Learn more about her inspiring story by watching her interview with Today's Megyn Kelly above.
GIF Stickers Just Arrived on Instagram Stories, and They're Absolutely Glorious
Here's a fun fact about me: if you ever catch me staring intently at my phone and tapping at it with reckless abandon, chances are I'm not looking at my email or checking social media; instead, I'm messing around with a photo or video. I can spend hours placing teeny tiny Easter eggs, tweaking the layers and contours, and, since Messenger launched an AR feature that's out of this world, adding that little extra somethin' in Messenger to top it all off. As a result, it should come as no surprise at all that when I learned that Instagram Stories was adding a GIF stickers function, I was over the moon with excitement. And after a full day of testing it out, I'm absolutely obsessed - and can't recommend highly enough that you hop into Instagram and start playing with GIF Stickers right away. But first, let's walk through what the new function is (and, of course, how to use it).
The new feature is part of the Instagram version 29 update, which rolled out on Jan. 23 to all iOS and Android devices. The GIF stickers can be added to any still photo, video, or boomerang in the Instagram app - and you can share them in your stories as well as download and save them for later. "From bouncing letters and twirling hearts to dancing cats and pizza in space, these animated stickers help you make any photo or video funny, interesting or creative," Instagram announced in a blog post, noting that the feature will allow users to tap into GIPHY's massive library of GIFs to find the exact right one that lights up a photo or video. With just a few quick finger tweaks you can make it part of the scene, as if it was always there all along. Or, if it's more your cup of tea, you can add something that totally doesn't belong in the scene - and collapse in giggles at the resulting masterpiece. In other words, get ready to have a ball.
It's also worth noting that there's a hidden gem within Instagram's announcement: finally, you soon won't have to crop a photo to make it work as a story. "In the coming weeks, we're also rolling out the ability to upload photos and videos of any size to your story - so you never have to lose part of a photo or cut a friend out of a group video," the post reads. "When you upload a photo or video, pinch to share it in its original dimensions, whether it's square, portrait or landscape. Any extra room will be filled with a custom color gradient that matches what you've shared." How cool is that?
Ahead, we'll walk through exactly how to use the new GIF Stickers feature on Instagram Stories. But be forewarned: once you start, oh man is it hard to stop. So make sure you've got some time to play around, because there's literally no way that you won't want to go back through your photo library and make every photo and video pop.
The Bumble Dating App Just Banned Photos With Guns in Them
Image Source: Stocksnap / Rawpixel
Organizations across the country have been addressing gun violence in their own ways in recent days, and now Bumble is stepping up to the plate. The company that created the popular dating app, which was built "with safety in mind," announced March 5 that they would be banning guns across all platforms.
Bumble began originally as a dating app designed to flip gender dynamics on their head by giving women the power to make the first move. It has since evolved into a networking platform to help people find new friends and even career opportunities in addition to romantic partners.
"We just want to create a community where people feel at ease, where they do not feel threatened, and we just don't see guns fitting into that equation," Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble's founder and chief executive, told The New York Times. She also acknowledged that most gun owners are "hobbyists" and don't support gun violence, noting that the issue is "not super black and white." However, rather than simply ignore it, Bumble is doing something about it. The new policy will mean that existing and new gun-related content will be removed. Some other weapons, like knives, will also be censored. The release states:
Bumble was founded with safety in mind. From the start, our mission has been to build a social network rooted in respect and kindness. Online behavior can both mirror and predict how people treat each other in the real world. Bumble has a responsibility to our users and a larger goal to encourage accountability offline.
In the past, when we've had an opportunity to make our platform safer, we've taken action, banning hate speech and inappropriate sexual content from the Bumble app. As mass shootings continue to devastate communities across the country, it's time to state unequivocally that gun violence is not in line with our values, nor do these weapons belong on Bumble.
From today on, we will begin the process of moderating all new and previously uploaded photos for the presence of guns. Our terms and conditions will be updated to reflect this decision.
Bumble's statement announcing banned gun content also noted that the new restrictions will exclude "users in military or law enforcement in uniform." Furthermore, Bumble pledged to make a $100,000 donation to March For Our Lives, an initiative founded in the wake of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, which was started and led by students across the country seeking to address the issue of gun violence.
We were founded with safety, respect and kindness in mind. As mass shootings continue to devastate communities across the country, it's time to state unequivocally that gun violence is not in line with our values, nor do these weapons belong on Bumble. https://t.co/fC4rPlGJ8y pic.twitter.com/Qmy7zLatRP
- Bumble (@bumble) March 5, 2018
Slay All Day With This Feminist Emoji App
On March 9, Getty Images and Eboticon announced a new product - and it's one that you'll want to download immediately. Femmoji Feminist Emojis is a new mobile app that boasts a huge collection of awesome emoji and stickers that represent the absolute power and badassery of women. The Statue of Liberty proudly thrusting a tampon in the air. A woman nodding her head while wearing both a hijab and Beyoncé's iconic wide-brimmed black hat from the "Formation" music video. A woman in armor brandishing an awesome sword. A woman who has bigger muscles than me who could easily whoop my ass into next week. These are the kinds of fantastic things you'll find when you download the Femmoji app.
As an added bonus, all of the amazing assets for the app were created and designed by women as well.
Told you it's fan-f*cking-tastic. What are you waiting for?!
This Career Advice From Issa Rae and Chelsea Handler Should Be Engraved on Your Coffee Mug
Issa Rae and Chelsea Handler don't allow themselves to make excuses - so neither should you. The duo takes the no-BS motto to a whole new level, accepting mistakes they've made, celebrating their wins, and pushing themselves forward and never backwards. So it should come as no surprise that the two outrageously funny TV masterminds have some super helpful career advice for others looking to make a mark as a creator or entrepreneur in the era of #MeToo.
In a panel with LinkedIn on March 7, the two shared their approach to career and happiness, emphasizing that there isn't one blueprint of success everyone should follow. If it were up to us, they'd just scrap all the projects they're working on right now and collaborate on a career-advice book - but we need Handler and Rae in television right now more than ever, so we'll just have to make due with the incredible tips below.
Remember That Your Voice Matters
When asked by POPSUGAR what they would say to someone who believes there's only a limited number of seats at the table, Handler and Rae emphasized the importance of acknowledging the power of your voice. "There is only one of you," Handler said.
"This is the time where everyone has a voice," Rae added. "Where [there] are so many platforms dedicated to giving the average person a voice, so you can speak out. "
Handler also said that people make their own opportunities, referring to her own career in comedy, which stemmed from her love of, well, talking.
"I'm good at expressing myself and being honest about it," Handler said. "If that's a career then anything is a career. You can make a career out of anything. All that matters is that you care deeply about what you're doing."
It's Okay Not to Plan Out Your Future
From calendar apps to vision boards, it seems this generation feels they need to have a clear idea of what their next 10 years will look like in order to succeed. That's not necessarily the case for everyone, though, and Handler is the perfect example of this. While she admits she most definitely made plans to leave the waitressing job she had when she first started out, her career in comedy and TV was born out of a combination of instinct, determination, and self-reliance.
"I never had a plan," Handler said. "I'm not that kind of person. I like to see what happens, have an evolution. You're a different person every few years - be true to that and really just follow what you care about and what your passion is. It's not just about collecting a paycheck."
While Rae agrees that planning everything shouldn't be seen as someone's be-all, end-all, what worked for the Insecure creator and star was always trying to outdo her previous wins, big and small. "I like to challenge myself," Rae said. "I like to outdo the last thing I did."
Falling Down Will Only Make You Stronger
You've heard it before: all you need is to find one yes in a pile of no. But while you might have this mantra saved to your Pinterest board for whenever you need that extra confidence boost, it's important to remember that rejection isn't only about the finish line - it's also about the journey there.
"A leap of faith is what leads to big things," Handler said. "You're not going to find out who you are unless you fall down a bunch. . . . you just get better at getting back up."
"Success is a moving goal post," Rae added. "You celebrate in those moments and then look at what's next . . . and how can I do it better than I did before"
These 15 Photos From Smithsonian Magazine's Photo Contest Will Take Your Breath Away, Guaranteed
Smithsonian magazine recently released the finalists of its 15th Annual Photo Contest, and each and every one is absolutely stunning. Among the 48,000 submissions from photographers across 155 countries and locations around the world, 60 stand-out images made it to the last round of selections. Participants were categorized into six photo categories: Natural World, The American Experience, Travel, People, Altered Images, and Mobile.
You can vote now through March 26 for the Readers' Choice winner every 24 hours, but be forewarned - it'll be extremely difficult to narrow your choice down to one beautifully raw and visually spectacular photograph. Winners of each category as well as the grand prize will be announced on Tuesday, March 27. See 15 of our favorites ahead and check out Smithsonian.com to see all 60 finalists you can vote from!
The 10 Most Popular Reddit AMAs of 2017
One of the best things about Reddit is the amount of exposure you can get to strong, important voices that perhaps don't have the proper platforms to get themselves heard. As a result, Reddit AMAs make for some of the most fascinating reading material available on the internet today – and, of course, finally give Redditors the chance to turn the tables on those who do have a platform to speak on and ask the questions that they may not have otherwise answered in a public setting.
Luckily for us, Reddit's gone ahead and pulled together the 10 most popular AMAs of this year as part of its annual year in review, and it makes for the best kind of after-the-fact reading when you're traveling or looking for something to lazily read as you relax on your time off. Ahead, from Bill Gates to a local weatherman to the man who played Goofy at Walt Disney World for more than 25 years, you'll find the best AMAs that Reddit had to offer in 2017.
60+ Popular Restaurant Dishes - Hacked!
From Magnolia Bakery's classic vanilla cupcakes to Red Lobster's addictive Cheddar Bay Biscuits, we've rounded up the best restaurant copycat recipes. (Some even come straight from the source!) Keep reading for 68 tempting options, but be warned: you're about to get very, very hungry.
Starbucks Hong Kong Has a Honey Blossom Creme Frappuccino, and It's So Beautiful It Hurts
Starbucks continues to find new ways to make pink drinks, and the latest creation is the Honey Blosson Creme Frappuccino. Before you get too excited about the eye-catching beverage, here's the bad news: it's only available at Starbucks locations in Hong Kong and Thailand. But that won't stop us from drooling over the pretty photos and crossing our fingers for a US launch!
The Honey Blossom Creme Frappuccino is a blended strawberry cream smoothie with whipped cream, honey, and a sprinkling of dried strawberries and crunchy pink puffed rice. It's not exactly a coffee drink and is more like a dessert that's perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. This springtime drink, which is similar to last year's Sakura Blossom Frappuccino, is inspired by the gorgeous colors of cherry blossom petals. Keep reading to get a glimpse of some of the obligatory Instagram photos of this pink drink!
This Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Peel Potatoes
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
When I saw a trick for removing potato skins by slipping them off without using the dreaded vegetable peeler, I knew I had to try it immediately to see if it worked. YouTube user Foody Tube's amazing potato hack video claims you can skip the peeling process before boiling the potatoes and, instead, squeeze the skin straight off the potatoes once they're fully cooked. It sounds almost too good to be true, but guess what? It works.
Here's how to do it right:
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Using a sharp knife, pierce the skin only and draw a line all the way around the center of the potato. Do this quickly by twirling the potato around with one hand while keeping the knife steady in the other.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Transfer the potatoes to a giant pot of cold water (cover the potatoes by at least an inch of water). Boil the potatoes until they are fork tender, then drain them. Once they're cool enough to touch, peel the potato skin from each side of the punctured line you created. And voilà - the skin will slide off effortlessly! Not only does this drastically speed up the process for making mashed potatoes, but it also makes cleanup a lot less stressful. Once you try this cooking method, you'll probably never go back. You're on your way to the quickest and best mashed potatoes of your life.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
The Completely Addictive Method For Grilling Burgers
I've grilled many burgers in my day, many of which were decent but none of which were restaurant-quality - that is, until I learned this technique from America's Test Kitchen. It's by far the most foolproof way to grill a burger with a charred exterior and juicy pink interior. The most important factor? Don't buy preground meat. Another little-known tip is to freeze the patties to prevent them from falling apart on the grill. Finally, let the burgers rest for a full five minutes to lock in their juices. Try this method for your next cookout, and prepare for everyone to ask for the secret!
Keep Bread Fresh (Practically) Forever With This Trick
Few things are sadder than tossing out a stale half-loaf of beautiful artisanal (or homemade) bread. The problem: said beautiful bread lacks the stabilizers present in commercial presliced loaves, and so it goes from rocking your world to rock-hard ridiculously fast. The solution: eat more bread a simple trick involving your freezer.
Here's what you should do:
- Within 24 hours (maximum) of cutting into a loaf, slice up the remaining bread. (Don't wait until it's already turned the corner; at that point, your best bet is giving leftovers a second life as croutons, breadcrumbs, or bread pudding.) Don't just stick the bread in the freezer unsliced. Unless your kitchen is equipped with a buzz saw, there's no chance you're going to be able to slice it without thawing the entire loaf first (trust us, we've tried).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or wax paper, arrange the slices in one layer on top of that, and put it in the freezer, uncovered, until frozen solid. (The parchment will prevent the gorgeous, moist crumb of the bread from sticking to the pan, and the single layer will prevent the slices from freezing stuck to each other.)
- Once the bread slices are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible.
- When a bread craving hits, take out just as many slices of bread as you'll eat then, and either let them thaw at room temperature, or put them directly in the toaster (they'll take about one extra minute to toast). The texture of the bread will be about 95 percent as good as fresh bread and far better than second-day, already-starting-to-go-stale bread. Stored frozen (in a resealable freezer bag), sliced bread will stay fresh and delicious for at least six months, if not longer.
Stop What You're Doing and Watch Gordon Ramsay Eat the WORST Foods With James Corden
You know you're in for a hilarious video when Gordon Ramsay and James Corden sit at a table full of weird foods. In a new "Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts" segment on The Late Late Show With James Corden, the celebrity chef and host dodge awkward questions in favor of digging into some true delicacies like clam juice, pickled pigs' feet, and bull penis with hot sauce. James takes a dig at Gordon, saying, "I've eaten worse. I've eaten at a couple of your places." (He must not be talking about Gordon's newly opened Hell's Kitchen restaurant.)
As usual with this entertaining segment, the guys do choose to answer some of the tough questions - including one that forces Gordon to rank three chefs from best to worst. Spoiler alert: he kinda throws Bobby Flay under the bus. It's too good not to watch, so press play above, and then keep the Gordon Ramsay burns coming with his opinions on current food trends.
What President Trump Eats Every Day - and Why This Nutritionist Has Her Concerns
Image Source: Getty / Stephen Lovekin
During a prepresidency interview with CNN, Donald Trump opened up about his predilection for fast food. He said, "I'm a very clean person. I like cleanliness, and I think you're better off going there than maybe someplace that you have no idea where the food's coming from. It's a certain standard." One nutritionist, however, shared her concerns about the president's poorly balanced diet.
Jo Travers is an esteemed nutritionist and the author of The Low Fad Diet. She assessed Trump's everyday diet in an interview with The Guardian, and it was pretty eye-opening.
For starters, Trump isn't a big breakfast fan and he's reportedly said, "My big thing is dinner." If he absolutely must have breakfast, he opts for bacon, eggs, or cornflakes. Travers strongly advised against the consumption of bacon. She said, "It's a processed pork product, which has been linked with cancer, so his risk of developing the disease will go up." Given that his usual breakfast is so protein-heavy, Travers recommended a better balance of protein and carbs.
The president has also spoken about his love of meatloaf. He once prepared meatloaf with Martha Stewart and said he often likes to eat meatloaf sandwiches. Travers said meatloaf sandwiches are just fine if prepared with whole-wheat bread. She did, however, bemoan the lack of vegetables or fruit: "Meatloaf is essentially just meat. There's no roughage. And no fibre impacts on gut health. If you don't feed your gut bacteria with fruit and vegetables, that can impact the immune system and lead to infections."
Then there's Trump's commitment to fast-food purveyors like McDonald's and KFC. Following his win during the primary election, Trump celebrated with McDonald's signature Big Mac and fries. Later that Summer, he shared a picture of himself eating fried chicken on his private plane. Albeit delicious, these aren't the healthiest choices. Travers noted these meals are packed with trans fats and linked to heart disease.
Image Sources: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts, Flickr user su-lin, Flickr user zigazou76, and Flickr user powerplantop
In addition to its physical effects, Trump's heavy diet may have mental and emotional implications, as well, specifically due to the lack of healthy fats and omega-3s. "His body will substitute with other types of fats, which are less fluid, making it harder for neuro transmitters to get through," Travers said, adding, "This is linked to mood disorders."
This post was originally published on Feb. 7, 2017.
Much like his policies, the president's diet is vastly different than that of Barack Obama, whose main late-night snack was once described as being "seven lightly salted almonds."
The Harmful Effects of Instant Ramen Noodles
Yes, you know that instant ramen isn't good for you, but studies have confirmed just how harmful the prepackaged food can really be. A study in the Journal of Nutrition links instant noodle consumption with heart risk, particularly in women. The researchers conducted a study in South Korea, where consumption of instant noodles is the highest in the world, with more than 10,700 people ranging in age from 19 to 64. The results? "Women who consume instant noodles frequently were found to be more likely to have metabolic syndrome - the group of risk factors, including obesity and high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes."
The harmful effects were predominantly found in women and not men. Part of the study reads, "Women - though not men - who ate instant noodles at least twice a week showed a 68 percent higher risk of metabolic syndrome," which is a syndrome that can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The high sodium content in instant noodle products is obvious, but the main culprit is the noodles themselves. In another study by Dr. Braden Kuo, director of the gastrointestinal motility laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard University, the doctor found unsettling results after testing digestion of the noodles. He used a tiny camera to study the breakdown of instant ramen noodles in the stomach and found out just how difficult it is for your body to digest the preservative-filled noodles. Warning: the photos are graphic. A preservative called TBHQ, which is found in many processed foods including Reese's and Chicken McNuggets, extends shelf life of fatty foods and makes them harder to digest. It's one of the many ingredients in Maruchan Chicken Ramen.
If you're hopelessly devoted to instant ramen (and it's a budget-friendly staple in your life), all hope is not lost. Dr. Frank B. Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard, told The New York Times, "Once or twice a month is not a problem, but a few times a week really is."
Moral of the story: eating college-friendly instant ramen is OK, but moderation is key.
100+ Things to Do Before You Die
You will never need to read another bucket list again. Trust us when we say this is the mother lode of bucket lists, the bucket list to end all bucket lists, the . . . well, you get the point. It goes without saying that life is short, so get some of these amazing experiences under your belt while you can!
36 Disney World Hacks That Will Make Your Trip Even More Magical
Want to avoid the long Walt Disney World lines in the sweltering heat of a Florida Summer? We can help with that. Some of the park's biggest fans came together on two Quora threads to offer tips and tricks for making your trip to Disney World even more magical - and more economical, too. These hacks will help you navigate the parks, find the best deals, and make the most of the happiest place on the planet.
GIFs That Perfectly Show the Stages of Easter Sunday With Your Family
If we're honest, the end of Lenten season is about honoring religious traditions, but it's also (mostly) about celebrating family in a big, sweet way. And when we talk about family get-togethers as Latinos, we know that this means - dressing up, lots of food, a large group of "family" members, and speaking over the soundtrack of the day. Here are 11 stages a Latina might experience over Easter Sunday.
Disney's New Watermelon Chili Lime Beignets Have That Whole Spicy-Sweet Thing Down
Things are heating up at Disneyland's famous Mint Julep Bar. After previously introducing a refreshing blueberry lemon beignet for Mardi Gras, the popular watering hole is now serving a spicy and sweet watermelon chili lime variation!
An official Disneyland account teased the new beignet flavor on March 7, and visitors are already reporting long lines outside Mint Julep Bar. Those who have been fortunate enough to try it are comparing the taste to Tajín, the addictive Mexican seasoning powder. The watermelon chili lime beignets are being sold in packs of three for $4 or six for $7. See pictures of the limited-edition treat ahead (and we apologize in advance for any involuntary salivating).
Get a Glimpse of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Before It Opens at Disney Parks in 2019!
The year 2019 still seems far, far away, but at least we now have a preview of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to hold us over until opening day. On March 9, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger revealed drone footage of one of the much-anticipated parks, which is to debut at both Disneyland and Disney World sometime next year. The construction progress is still a ways from completion, but seeing some the bones of the attractions come to life at the planet of Batuu has made us more excited than ever.
According to Disney Parks Blog, Star Wars land will be "one of the most detailed and immersive lands ever created in Disney Parks history." And once you see the expansive addition in the video above, you'll understand how that will be possible.
Parkgoers can expect to find life-size AT-AT walkers towering over the park, as well as two main attractions that "take detail and immersion to the next level": a secret mission that allows guests to control the Millennium Falcon, and an "epic" Star Wars battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Sounds amazing, right?
Watch the construction footage from Walt Disney World for an amazing preview of what's to come!
What Will Chip and Jo Name Their Baby Boy? We Have a Few Suggestions While We Wait
An expectant Chip and Joanna Gaines announced - possibly earlier than they meant to - that baby number five will indeed be a boy, and now we're even more excited for the little guy to make his debut. Chip and Jo are already parents to two boys, Drake, 12, and Duke, 9, who, as you can see, both sport names that begin with "D" (the couple's two girls both have names that begin with "E"). When Chip, who actually guessed that they'd have a boy very early in the pregnancy, let his young friend Gage break the news about the baby's sex, he mentioned that he needed to think of a "D" name for the new baby, but all he could come up with was "Dragon."
Since he knows - and we know - that Joanna probably isn't going to let that one fly, we've taken the liberty of coming up with several "D" names that we think sound perfect in a trio along with Drake and Duke, but also fit with the girls' names, Ella and Emmie. Here's what we've come up with:
Names Beginning With "D"
- Dale
- Dalton
- Dash
- Davis
- Dawson
- Dax
- Dayton
- Deacon
- Declan
- Dempsey
- Denton
- Desmond
- Destin
- Devon
- Dexter
- Dolan
- Dorian
- Drew
- Dustin
- Dylan
My personal guess is Deacon - what's yours?
Teacher's Heartbreaking Tweets About an Active-Shooter Lockdown Prove Why Action Is So Necessary
In the wake of the deadly school shooting in Parkland, FL, the gun-control debate is more heated and relevant than ever, and one Colorado teacher just added her own heartbreaking point of view to the conversation. Denver resident, mother, and teacher Ali Kemp recently took to social media to recount what it was like to endure an active-shooter lockdown alongside her 10-year-old students.
Although the lockdown ended up being a false alarm and it was actually a lockout instead, her class endured a few gut-wrenching seconds of uncertainty during which they all feared the worst. In the moments following the lockout miscommunication, Ali's students seemed unconvinced by her claims that school is a "safe" place to be, which is possibly her most upsetting revelation.
Relive Ali's harrowing experience by reading through her tweets and some of the responses ahead. They're guaranteed to give you chills - and make you spring into action in favor of common-sense gun control.
vendredi 9 mars 2018
The Inspiring Ways Stars Are Joining Forces to Celebrate International Women's Day
March 8 marks International Women's Day, and stars all around the world are celebrating the achievements of women and taking a stand for gender equality. Gisele Bündchen kicked things off by sharing an Instagram photo of her and her daughter Vivian, asking for "more love, more compassion, more respect, more equality, more support." Chris Hemsworth paid tribute to his family, including wife Elsa Pataky and their daughter India, while Reese Witherspoon, who is a proud supporter of Time's Up, took things a step further and visited the United Nations to talk with activists and leaders about women's rights. Anyone else feeling inspired yet? Read on to see how other stars showed their support.
Justin Theroux Makes His First Official Appearance Since Announcing Jennifer Aniston Split
Justin Theroux officially returned to the spotlight on Tuesday when he stepped out at the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week. Dressed in all black, the actor flashed his signature smolder as he posed for photos outside, then took his seat in the front row between Michelle Williams and pal Emma Stone.
The actor's fashion-forward outing comes nearly a month after he and Jennifer Aniston announced their separation, though he was spotted out and about in NYC just last week. Justin and Jennifer have yet to personally speak out about their split, but in their joint separation statement, the couple said their breakup "was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year." According to ET, distance and their different lifestyles could have also played a factor, but they still seem to be on good terms as they reportedly "talk all the time." Talk about friendly exes!
Bachelor Nation Is Absolutely Losing Its Sh*t Over the Tweets Peter Sent Becca K.
Our hearts haven't fully recovered from the emotional turbulence of The Bachelor's season finale, but like Becca Kufrin, we're ready to move on and see her find real love as the new Bachelorette. It just so happens that some fans are rooting for her to fall for another Bachelor Nation favorite: Peter Kraus. Devoted followers of the show fell in love with Peter when he appeared on Rachel Lindsay's season of The Bachelorette, which was one of the most divisive seasons in the show's history. He was also heavily favored to become last season's Bachelor, and honestly, this whole thing might've been avoided if ABC picked him instead of Arie Luyendyk Jr. Just sayin'.
From one Midwesterner to another, congrats to an amazing, strong, beautiful woman, Becca Kufrin! You will make for an incredible @BacheloretteABC #gogetyourmans😊
- Peter Kraus (@peterkrauswi) March 7, 2018
Ever the gentleman, Peter tweeted at the "amazing, strong, beautiful" Becca Kufrin, congratulating her on The Bachelorette and commending her for putting her Venmo donations toward cancer research. You may have noticed the number of adjectives Peter used to describe Becca or perhaps you saw the hashtags at the end of his tweets. If these caught your eye, you're not alone, because fans eagerly jumped on the Becca/Peter ship, and we don't see them getting off anytime soon. People on Twitter and Reddit are calling for Peter's to return to the show or for him to "pull a Nick Viall," if you will. While we've only met the first five contestants from Becca's season so far, there's still hope that Peter could show up to accept a rose. Knowing the twists and turns these producers like to take, we wouldn't put it past them.
Keep scrolling to see Peter's tweets to Becca and the hilarious fan reactions, then decide for yourself: should Peter step out of that limo in season 14 of The Bachelorette?
All 12 Hollywood Stars Who Have an EGOT
Few clubs in Hollywood are as exclusive as the one reserved for EGOT winners. The acronym refers to winning the grand slam of all four major entertainment awards in a competitive category of the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys. That means the immensely talented individual will have displayed excellence in television, recording, film, and theater - clearly picking up an EGOT isn't an everyday occurrence.
While it took some winners their entire careers to nail all four corners of the entertainment industry, some (like Coco songwriter Robert Lopez) were able to knock out an EGOT before they turned 40. Read on to see who's been blessed with this exclusive honor (and the first awards that got them there), then check out all the Hollywood stars who are *this close* to getting their own EGOTs.
Wait, Why Was Kendall Crying in the Studio Audience During The Bachelor's Final Episode?
When Becca confronted Arie on The Bachelor's "After the Final Rose" episode, one moment stood out - but it had nothing to do with Becca and Arie. Kendall, who was sent home right before the final two women, sat beside Bekah M. in the studio audience and when the camera panned to the pair during Becca and Arie's conversation, Kendall was crying. She leaned on Bekah's shoulder, visibly upset as Bekah tried to comfort her. Was she mad at Arie for hurting Becca? Emotional about the pair's reunion? Curious fans took to Twitter, some wondering what made her emotional while others shared their own theories.
Genuine question, why was Kendall hysterically crying during the confrontation? #AfterTheFinalRose pic.twitter.com/CbQRk4aSjK
- Jolly (@NoNameJolly) March 7, 2018
I know im supposed to be sad seeing kendall crying on bekahs shoulder but I care too much about how much they care about each other
- Mama said there'll be Dais like this (@thegoodolddais) March 7, 2018
Wait was that Kendall crying in the audience? Is she good?? #AfterTheFinalRose #thebachelor #TheBachelorFinale pic.twitter.com/7cFPor18l4
- Dove ✨ (@Dove31850446) March 7, 2018
What is Kendall crying so hard about right now? Is it relief that Arie sent her home when he did? #TheBachelor
- Emily L. Foley (@EmilyLFoley) March 7, 2018
If Kendall's crying, then I'm crying. #TheBachelor #AfterTheFinalRose
- elise (@exvxemxe) March 7, 2018
Soon after the show aired, Kendall clarified what happened. She tweeted to thank Bekah for her support, saying she got emotional when Arie came out because it was the first time she'd seen him since their breakup.
Thank you @whats_ur_sign_ for giving me a shoulder to cry on. It was extremely hard seeing Arie for the first time after our breakup. My tears even surprised myself, but I honestly do wish Arie and Lauren happiness and am also so ecstatic that Becca is Bachelorette! ❤️🌹
- Kendall Long (@KendallPatrice) March 7, 2018
Say what you will about this season of The Bachelor, but one thing's for sure: the support the women have shown each other from start to finish has been pretty incredible.
Demi Lovato Reveals That a "Complete B*tch" Nearly Ruined Her Sobriety at the 2016 Met Gala
Demi Lovato has been open about her struggles with mental health and addiction, but even though she's been sober for almost six years now, a "complete b*tch" almost caused her to fall off the wagon in 2016. In a new interview with Billboard, the 25-year-old recalled her "terrible experience" at the Met Gala that year. "This one celebrity was a complete b*tch and was miserable to be around," Demi said. "It was very cliquey. I remember being so uncomfortable that I wanted to drink."
Instead of hitting the bar, Demi texted her manager and headed straight to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at 10 p.m. "I changed my clothes, but I still had my diamonds on - millions of dollars of diamonds on in an AA meeting," Demi said. "And I related more to the homeless people in that meeting who struggled with the same struggles that I deal with than the people at the Met Gala."
While Demi didn't name anyone directly, it just so happens that her feud with Nicki Minaj started that same night. It all began when the rapper posted an Instagram photo with designer Jeremy Scott and Demi at the Met Gala (he dressed them both for the evening), but only tagged Jeremy. Demi then commented on Nicki's photo with a laughing emoji, a peace sign, and a thumbs up, before posting her own picture showing Nicki giving her some serious side eye.
"This picture pretty much summed up my first and probably last met 😂😂😂 #cool #sof*ckingawkward #notforme #sweatpants #forensicfiles #whatsgood," Demi captioned it. "P.S. some of y'all need to learn how to take a joke.. I'm obviously laughing at the fact that 1. I look incredibly awkward and 2. That the shade being thrown in this picture actually gives me life 🙌🏼😂."
Hmm . . . interesting.
18 Reasons You Should Date an Irish Guy at Least Once in Your Life
If you've ever had dreams about dating celebrities like Jamie Dornan or Colin Farrell, we totally feel you. There are some serious Hollywood hotties from the Emerald Isle (Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson, Michael Fassbender - we could go on all day). And since St. Patrick's Day is once again upon us, it's even easier to fall for that Irish charm.
While many people might think it's just a myth, it's very real. Take it from me - I moved to Ireland after college, fell in love, and married my Irishman last year. In addition to having that accent (oh, that accent), they bring a few things to the dating table that other guys just can't. Keep reading for 18 reasons why you should date an Irish guy at least once in your life.
The Bachelor's Arie and Lauren Say It's "Absolutely" Possible Their Wedding Will Be Televised
The Bachelor's Arie Luyendyk Jr. and his new fiancée, Lauren Burnham, may be embarking on an out-of-country getaway soon, but it looks like they're not quite ready to stop milking the spotlight just yet. The newly engaged couple recently sat down with E! to chat about their wedding plans and revealed that there's a chance the ceremony will be televised. I mean, did you expect anything less at this point? I can practically hear Neil Lane in the distance jumping for joy at the thought of his precious ring getting more airtime.
During the interview, Arie and Lauren revealed how they actually started planning for the big day before Arie even popped the question during the After the Final Rose special. The two said they want it to be an "evening or sunset wedding" with "good lighting and lots of flowers." When the interviewer asked if they'd be open to the idea of having their wedding be on TV, both Arie and Lauren said, without hesitation, that they'd "absolutely" be into the possibility. "For sure. That's something we've talked about, but it would have to work within our timeline. I know that we want to get married soon," Arie explained.
Welp. Just as Arie said he's "1,000 percent" over Becca, I (and likely much of Bachelor Nation) would "1,000 percent" not be tuning into this wedding.
Meghan Markle Can't Resist Going in For a Hug as She and Prince Harry Meet a Group of Kids
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took time out from wedding planning to make a visit to Birmingham, England, on Thursday, and it's safe to say the residents of the second city gave them a warm welcome. Crowds of local schoolchildren greeted the royal couple, waving union flags in welcome, and Meghan wasted no time in crouching down to shake their hands and chat. She even went in for a full-on hug with a couple of lucky kids. Harry, meanwhile, seemed more interested in an adorable dog he spotted in the crowd.
The couple's whistle-stop tour of the city included a visit to the youth project including STEMettes, a social enterprise group that encourages girls to get involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The couple got hands on with some VR headsets, and spent time with girls who are learning to code and build apps. There could be no more fitting choice for the couple on International Women's Day! Take a look at the best photos from their day now, get details on Meghan's coat and sweater, and bag, and stay tuned for more.
Freeform Is Unapologetically Bleeping the Word "Sorry" on International Women's Day
For International Women's Day on March 8, Freeform is breaking up with "sorry." In a new campaign, the channel announced it would be bleeping out every "sorry" spoken by a woman in any of its programming throughout the day. Freeform will also have an onscreen meter counting the number of apologies bleeped out.
Freeform made the bold announcement in a series of videos shared on Twitter. The first, shown ahead, contains clips from its shows like Grown-ish, The Bold Type, and Famous in Love with examples of the word "sorry" being uttered and subsequently bleeped out. Another video elaborates on the campaign and states, "We are not sorry for asking for equal rights and equal pay. We are not sorry for being bold. We are not sorry for being ourselves."
The epidemic of female apologizing ends now. Today, we're bleeping out every single "I'm sorry" on our air and social platforms. #NotSorry #InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/r2kkuFjP5V
- Freeform (@FreeformTV) March 8, 2018
Viewers are participating in the campaign by tweeting things they are unapologetic about by using the hashtag #NotSorry, with Freeform retweeting responses throughout the day. Sadly, "sorry" will be unblocked once again following International Women's Day, but the hope is that women will feel less pressured to apologize when an apology does not need to be given.
Grey's Anatomy Is About to Get Rid of TWO Fan Favorites
On Thursday, the creative minds behind Grey's Anatomy dropped some devastating news. Both Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) and April Kepner (Sarah Drew) are leaving the show by the time season 14 ends. Current showrunner Krista Vernoff shared an official statement with Deadline about the decision.
"The characters of Arizona and April are permanently woven into the fabric of Grey's Anatomy thanks to the extraordinary work of Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew," she said. "As writers, our job is to follow the stories where they want to go and sometimes that means saying goodbye to characters we love. It has been a joy and a privilege to work with these phenomenally talented actresses."
https://t.co/ASqMUZAKy5 pic.twitter.com/Vcnbc8BI8s
- shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) March 8, 2018
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of the show, reacted to the news on Twitter. "It's always hard for me to say goodbye to any of my characters. Both Arizona Robbins and April Kepner are not only beloved but iconic - both the LBGTQ and devout Christian communities are underrepresented on TV," she wrote. "I will be forever grateful to both Jessica and Sarah for bringing these characters to life with such vibrant performance and for inspiring women around the globe. They will always be a part of our Shondaland family."
Whenever an important and integral character departs from the show, it's always nerve-racking to see how they'll exit. Sometimes the writers find graceful ways to write them off, but oftentimes it ends in death. In the last handful of episodes, we've seen April on a downward spiral, making us wonder if she might get some unexpected news. Arizona, on the other hand, has been a bit aimless this season, though she is hooking up with DeLuca's sister Carina.
With a precious few episodes left in the season and two major exits to handle, there's no telling what's in store as we wrap up another year. One thing's for sure, though: things will never be the same without Arizona's sunshine and April's insatiable drive to do better.
A Must-Watch: Meghan Markle Gives Inspiring Advice to a 10-Year-Old Girl Who Wants to Be an Actress
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a joint appearance in Birmingham, England, on Thursday, and while arriving at Millennium Point, the couple took time to greet fans and well-wishers, including a group of children. One little girl, 10-year-old Sophia Richards, was lucky enough to share a heartfelt moment with the soon-to-be royal; Sophia told Harry that she wants to be an actress when she grows up, so naturally, he brought Sophia over to his fiancée for a chat. Meghan was beaming at they talked, and Sophia looked pretty darn excited as well.
According to Sophia, "Meghan told me that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve," Sophia said, adding, "And Meghan said she would like to see me on TV when I become an actress." In the video above, you can see the former Suits star extend her hand before going in for a cute hug. Are you tearing up yet? If this is what we can look forward to from Meghan as a member of the royal family, we're going to need a whole lot of tissues.
Charlize Theron Gives Us a Real as F*ck Glimpse at Motherhood in Tully
If you have a soft spot for hearing screenwriter Diablo Cody's hilariously prickly dialogue coming out of Charlize Theron's mouth, we have good news. After previously working together on 2011's Young Adult, the pair are back for Tully, a comedy that explores the relationship between Marlo (Charlize Theron), a harried mother of three, and her new night nurse, Tully (Mackenzie Davis). The latest trailer gives us a few glimpses at Marlo's day-to-day life - breast pumping, struggling with her sobbing newborn, dropping her iPhone on said newborn's skull - and a look at Davis's Tully. The movie also stars Ron Livingston and Mark Duplass, and hits theaters on April 20 (just before Mother's Day, naturally).
Teaser:
Red Sparrow Ends With an Exceptional Twist You Won't See Coming
Warning: spoilers for Red Sparrow below!
Given the fact that Red Sparrow is a high-octane spy thriller, it should come as no surprise that it's jam-packed with twists. I mean, you'll get dizzy just following the story: Jennifer Lawrence is a Russian prima ballerina who trains to become a spy and then attempts to seduce an American agent in an attempt to figure out the identity of a mole in the Russian government. Yeah. It's a lot. But that's kind of the fun of watching the film: the best and most maddening part is that you're never really sure of what's going on. And just when you think you've figured everything out, there's one final twist that brings the whole thing home. Curious about how everything pans out? I'll do my best to break it down for you.
OK, so you have the basics: Lawrence plays Dominika Egorova, a prima ballerina whose career ends after a tragic and horrifying accident that actually isn't much of an accident at all. Thanks to her uncle Vanya (Matthias Schoenaerts), Dominika learns that her accident was sabotage, and she takes her revenge. Her uncle sees an opportunity: she has the potential to become a Red Sparrow, or a highly trained spy for the Russian government. She kind of stumbles through training, and her superiors hesitantly send her out into the field.
It's worth noting that Dominika is, throughout the movie, on a proverbial leash that's being held by her uncle. He's the one who gets her into this mess. And he's the one who continually defends her every time she f*cks up. He's the only reason the Russian government doesn't straight-up put a bullet in her head when she fails to follow orders or complete missions. Vanya is also kind of a creep. It's clear Dominika and her mother don't like him and don't think he's a good man. Dominika agrees to become a Red Sparrow because she feels like she doesn't have a choice, but she resents Vanya from the very start.
As a Sparrow, Dominika's goal is to seduce American agent Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton). Here's the first twist: once she makes contact, she essentially agrees to become a double agent. Nate "recruits" her. Things start to get murky: what side is Dominika actually on? Is she really betraying mother Russia, or is this all part of her ploy to gain the American's trust to extort information?
Eventually, Dominika f*cks up in a huge way that makes the Russians believe there is a mole on their side. More specifically, she f*cks up in a huge way that makes them think she's a mole. They torture her ruthlessly, which makes you think maybe she really was all up in the American side of things. But then she admits she was doing it just to get in close with the Americans. By the time you reach the end of the movie, it's entirely unclear. That is, until Dominika kills a Russian agent to protect Nate.
So, it's clear that Dominika really is betraying the Russian government. But then, there's another twist: one of her superiors, General Korchnoi (Jeremy Irons), knows what she's up to. He reveals that he is actually an American mole in the Russian government, and he wants her to continue his work. He has the perfect plan: if she turns him in as the mole, she will be beyond suspicion and she will be able to continue his work.
And therein lies the final twist. Dominika does turn in the mole, but she's actually spent the whole movie setting up someone else: her uncle Vanya. Through careful planning and framing, she has made him look incredibly guilty, to the point that nothing he says will be able to redeem him. And with that, there are now two American moles in the Russian government: Korchnoi and Dominika. Our Red Sparrow has achieved the desired result, and she's eliminated the man who wronged her most in the process. Iconic.
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.
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