Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 16 mars 2018
This Wine Bottle Pool Float From Amazon Was Made For Moms Who Love Their Cabernet
Gigantic unicorn pool floats are cool and all, but I just discovered a pool accessory that caters to my one true love in life - wine, duh. While aimlessly scrolling through Amazon and simultaneously daydreaming about Summer, as one does in the wretched throes of Winter, I stumbled upon the wine bottle-shaped pool float of my damn dreams, and now I'm sitting here wondering why time travel isn't a thing because I need it to be Summer ASAP.
This inflatable raft is 7.5 feet long and looks comfortable (and Instagrammable) as heck. I may live in a tiny NYC apartment with no pool access, but you can bet your a** my chardonnay-loving self would schlep my way to a public pool just so I could use this thing. Read on to snag your own wine bottle pool float before it sells out on Amazon, and then keep browsing to see a few of the other alcohol-related raft options the internet has to offer. Hurry up, Summer!
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.
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.
What Mister Rogers Did For This Young Fan in a Coma Will Make You Ache That He's Not Here Anymore
The following story by Beth Usher was originally published on her Facebook page.
When I was five years old, I suffered up to one hundred seizures a day. During my seizures, I would often fall and bang my head on the floor or whatever hard object presented in my descent, and the only way for my mom to shower and dress for work without worrying was to prop me up with soft pillows and place me in front of the TV. One time she turned on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and I didn't have a single seizure for the entire duration of the show. Something in his voice calmed the electrical circuits in my injured brain and allowed my body to rest.
Mister Rogers, my friend, called to ask me about my brain surgery.
My mother and I performed this ritual every work day for two years with great success. I quickly began to consider Mister Rogers a real friend, and would talk back to the TV screen, saying things like, "Yes, I will be your good neighbor!" So it came as no surprise that my sweet mother called Mister Rogers' TV studio in Pittsburgh in preparation for my upcoming brain surgery. My neurologists had determined that I had somehow contracted a very rare brain disease called Rasmussen's Encephalitis. They theorized that a slow growing virus was killing brain cells in the left side of my brain, causing life-altering epileptic seizures. The only cure was an operation called a hemispherectomy, or the removal of one half of my brain. My mother told Mister Rogers' assistant that the show was a sanctuary for me and that I believed Mister Rogers was speaking directly to me when he sang his song, "Won't You Be My Neighbor." She explained about my seizures and upcoming surgery and the fact that that the seizures would subside during his entire show. My mother hoped that Mister Rogers' assistant would send an autographed photo of my TV friend, or even a note from him assuring me that I was going to be OK.
One week before my surgery, the telephone rang. My mother spoke for a few minutes and told me that a friend wanted to talk to me. I remember feeling excited that someone calling themselves a friend was calling me (friendships were difficult for me at the time). I said hello, heard a familiar voice, and immediately felt at ease. Mister Rogers, my friend, asked me about my brain surgery. I told him that I was scared but wanted the seizures to go away; I told him that I wanted the kids in my class to like me and play with me; I asked him about the members of his neighborhood who I had come to love - King Friday, Lady Elaine Fairchild, and Daniel Striped Tiger. We talked for nearly an hour. Before I hung up the phone, I said, "I love you, Mister Rogers."
During our seven-hour drive to Johns Hopkins Childrens' Hospital in Baltimore, my mom and I listened to the many cassette audio tapes sent to me by Mister Rogers a few days after his call. His soft voice discussed so many topics that concerned young children. My favorite cassette was the one where he sang, "I like you just the way you are." While in the hospital, I endured back-to-back medical tests to determine if my body could survive the 12-hour surgery to remove my entire left hemisphere. I was confused and scared, but believed my doctors and parents wouldn't do anything to hurt me. In between the tests, I was able to spend time with my beloved brother. We played games and watched movies. I didn't realize it at the time, but my older brother was worried he might never see me again. He was only ten years old.
The very last thing I said to my parents as I was wheeled into the operating room was, "No more seizures."
My surgery went well, and my doctor told my parents they could see me in the recovery room. I lay swollen with tubes and wires in and all around my head and body. My parents had faith in my surgeon and neurologist, but later that night, for reasons that have never been explained, I fell into a deep coma.
Mister Rogers gently placed his clarinet case on my bed, opened it, and took out King Friday, Lady Elaine Fairchild, and Daniel Striped Tiger. For the following hour, I was the star in his neighborhood.
With the sounds of life-support machines beeping, IV fluids being pumped into my body, nurses and doctors running in and out of my room, and my parents softly sobbing, you could hear Mister Rogers singing "I like you just the way you are" from a cassette player in my ICU room. My mother was called from the room to the nurse's station where she was handed the phone. It was the Mister Rogers, and he wanted to know how I was doing. My mom gave him the bleak news that although the surgery went well, I suffered severe brain stem swelling and was in a coma. They talked a little more and he told her that he would pray for me. What we didn't know was that Mister Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian Minister.
For the following two weeks, Mister Rogers called every day to ask about my status and to pray with my mother. One morning he called and asked her if it would be OK if he visited me the next afternoon. My mother told him that sadly I was still in a coma and wouldn't know he was there. He said he would come anyway. He asked that she not tell anyone he was coming because he wanted it to be a private visit and didn't want the press to be there.
The next afternoon, Mister Rogers flew from Pittsburgh to Baltimore with only a clarinet case in tow. A minister friend from Baltimore picked him up from the airport and drove him directly to the hospital. My parents, brother, grandparents, and many other family members took turns keeping vigil by my bedside, each trying in their own way to wake me from my coma. They immediately recognized the tall man with the kind face as he stepped inside my room. Mister Rogers gently placed his clarinet case on my bed, opened it, and took out King Friday, Lady Elaine Fairchild, and my favorite, Daniel Striped Tiger. For the following hour, I was the star in his neighborhood.
I'd love to end this story by telling you it was in that moment that I emerged from my coma, but that wasn't the case. After his visit with me and several more minutes with my family, Mister Rogers' minister friend drove him back to the airport and he flew back to his hometown in Pennsylvania, taking along an empty clarinet case. What I can tell you, though, is that when I did wake up, Mister Rogers became my real friend and not just a TV friend. We remained close and shared many conversations, birthday wishes, and milestones for the following twenty years until his death on February 27, 2003.
Sorry, but I Refuse to Buy My Kids Easter Baskets
I've always loved any and all holidays (even more since I became a mom, even though they're now 10 times the work), but Easter has never been at the top of my list. It's probably because my family's not that religious and I never bothered teaching my kids that the Easter Bunny was a real thing. The extent of our family's celebration typically involves an egg hunt at a local farm followed by a brunch with the grandparents, who always present my kids with more bunny- and egg-shaped candy than any 4- or 6-year-old should consume in a year.
I'll admit to getting annoyed by the grandparent Easter excess - I mean, how many pairs of plush bunny ears does a kid really need?! But it does make me feel less guilty about the fact that the only baskets I give my kids on Easter are the empty ones I saved from last year, which they load up with that farm's plastic eggs.
My aversion to passing out Easter gifts is only partly because of my apathy about the holiday in general. It's also largely due to the fact that, by the time Easter rolls around, I feel like my kids have been swimming in a pool of presents for the previous three months.
Don't call my empty Easter baskets lazy or sad or mean. Call them a rebellion. A mom can only give so much.
First, there's Christmas, which, despite my efforts to limit, always seems out of control. Then, less than a month later, we celebrate my son's birthday, which somehow always seems to include gifts for my daughter, too, not to mention a plethora of gift-bag junk that I'll continue to find in my house for months. A few weeks later, Valentine's Day rolls around, and guess what? My kids get gifts from both sets of grandparents along with bags of candy and tiny toys from their classmates, yet they still expect me to cough up some sweet goods to celebrate my love for them. Of course, I oblige.
Less than six weeks after that, usually well before Easter, is my daughter's birthday, and that lady doesn't play around, starting her extensive wish list and elaborate party plans months in advance. By the time Easter does roll around, the thought of buying my kids more gifts to fill an Easter basket doesn't just feel exhausting; it feels downright gross. (Also gross: the number of Cadbury Mini Eggs I will consume if they're present in my house.)
At what point did we all decide that every holiday needed to be celebrated by presenting our children with not just a single gift, but a basket of them? I get that grandparents can't help themselves, but really, should I feel pressure to follow suit, making sure I have something for them to unwrap at Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, and Easter?! Isn't it enough to just be together as family, or tell them how much I love them, or, I don't know, buy them cool costumes and take them door to door to collect free candy?
I might not be able to radically change the gift-giving culture that seems so pervasive in our world and so expected by my children and pretty much every other child I know, but I'm also not going to totally buy into it. So don't call my empty Easter baskets lazy or sad or mean. Call them a rebellion. A mom can only give so much.
Twice in 1 Season? Why the Flu Might Strike Again, Even If Your Kid Already Had It
It's no secret that the flu has been particularly awful this year. Children are especially vulnerable to getting sick (schools are actually shutting down to try to combat the outbreak), and when they do come down with something awful, it's heartbreaking as a parent to watch them suffer. If your child does get sick, you might feel relieved to think they could soon be out of the woods, but unfortunately, the flu can strike more than once in the same season, warned Dr. Ian Tong, chief medical officer at Doctor on Demand. "A child could be infected by both influenza A and influenza B in the same year."
So what can you do to try to navigate around this? Once your child's doctor confirms the flu, take note of which type they have. "Influenza A subtype, or influenza A, is the more dangerous subtype of the flu," Dr. Tong said. "This year it is the severity of the H3N2 strain of the influenza A subtype that is requiring so many people to be hospitalized. Ironically, patients infected with influenza B may experience a longer duration of symptoms than those infected with influenza A, but those with influenza A are likely to see more severe symptoms, but of shorter duration."
Dealing with the flu for a second time is no different, or more dangerous, than the first. Washing your hands frequently, getting plenty of rest, and drinking liquids are all ways to combat the flu. Dr. Tong urges patients to also take preventative measures to ensure that others don't get sick. "Wash your hands, cover your mouth or your child's mouth when he or she coughs, and isolate that person from other family members if possible, especially those who have weaker immune systems," he advised.
Additionally, Dr. Tong urged people to speak to a doctor as soon as symptoms arise, saying, "The treatment window for the flu is usually within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, and the only proven treatment that helps requires a doctor's prescription - so it's important to act fast."
Kick Carbs to the Curb With These Snacks
Going low carb can help many people shed a few pounds if done right. Try it yourself with these low-carb snacks; easy to make, many of these are also high in good-for-you nutrients like antioxidants, protein, and fiber.
No Wonder Michael B. Jordan Is So Hot in the Black Panther Trailer - These Are His Workouts
It may not sound like it's that far away, but having to wait until Feb. 16 to see Black Panther in theaters feels like an eternity. With such a stellar cast - Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker, just to name-drop a few - and a compelling plot, it's safe to say that this just might be the movie of the year.
But there's one cast member of Black Panther in particular who is known to make us weak at the knees, and seeing him in the final trailer reminded us just how drool-worthy he really is. We're talking about Michael B. Jordan, who plays the antagonist in the film, Erik Killmonger, and you may recognize him (and his abs) from the 2015 Rocky installment Creed, in which he played the lead role.
If you've never laid eyes on Michael, we're about to rock your world. He's one of the fittest dudes out there, and he's so dedicated to his fitness routine that the Nike Training Club app has three different workouts that were inspired by Michael. There's Quick Quarter, a 15-minute bodyweight workout that features challenging plyometric exercises to burn major calories. You can also try Slim Chance 2.0, which mimics the typical workout of a boxer. You'll go through a lot of quick feet drills and rotational core work. Finally, there's The Big 4, a workout designed for a villain - we're talking barbell work, like squatting, pushing, and pulling.
It's no wonder Michael is looking so perfect so fit these days. He's training like a professional athlete! Here are some intimate shots of him doing what he does best - sweating, working out, and stealing our hearts all at once. You might want to sit down for this.
11 Netflix Documentaries That Will Make You Want to Be Healthy
After an indulgent period, I need a little bit of a healthy reboot. Streaming an awesome documentary on Netflix always inspires me to get my head back in the game and get serious about my health. If you're in need of a healthy reset, turn on one of these flicks tonight. You might just be inspired to clean up your diet, get back to yoga, or even sign up for a crazy-challenging race.
Tummy-Trimming Avocado Lunch Recipes
Cardio and crunches aren't the only way to slim down your middle. Eating monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), like the kind found in avocado, is proven to diminish belly fat. Here are 21 lunch ideas featuring the belly-fat-fighting powers of the avocado.
Nutritionists Reveal How Intermittent Fasting Can Help You Gain Muscle and Burn Fat
Intermittent fasting, also known as IF, is one of the latest diet crazes that has everyone's attention. With talk of incredible weight loss and tons of before-and-after photos on Instagram, it's hard to not pay attention.
But maybe you're not trying to lose weight, but you do want to change your body with some new muscle gains. Trying to lean out and build some definition? This could be your ticket. "IF is an excellent tool to use while trying to gain muscle and get stronger," said clinical/sports nutritionist and personal trainer Autumn Bates, CCN, CPT. "Multiple studies show that IF helps to boost growth hormone, which assists in forming muscle," she told POPSUGAR. "What's also unique about IF is that it boosts fat burning while still maintaining (and forming new) muscle. I use IF with many of my athlete clients to boost performance levels while increasing muscle mass and losing fat mass."
Precision Nutrition coach and personal trainer Austin Lopez, CSCS, confirmed that fasting stimulates human growth hormone, known as HGH. "I personally love intermittent fasting (IF) for all sorts of reasons," he said, noting that the hormone stimulation from fasting "in addition to an increase in insulin sensitivity from not constantly ingesting carbohydrates produces the fat-loss effect we recognize from IF."
That fat loss can lead to muscle gains, according to Bates. "The longer you use IF, the more efficiently your body begins to burn the fat calories that are stored in your body," she said. "As you become more metabolically fit, your body will turn to stored fat as a source of energy rather than glycogen. Your body can store many more fat calories than it can glycogen calories, so IF helps to tap into that for sustained energy levels."
But there is a bit of a catch, Lopez says. "What I have found with regards to building muscle [through IF] is a little complicated," he said, explaining that the primary use of IF is to "cut weight," which is typically counterintuitive if your goal is gaining muscle. "Basically, if you end up eating one less meal, you will end up losing weight - thermodynamically sensical," and from this, he typically sees muscle maintenance vs. muscle gain.
"Where I have seen the most lean mass gain is from people who continue eating the same or more calories, but fit all of their eating into a relatively small eating block (seven to nine hours a day where you can eat)," he said. "This gives you the benefit of the fasting, plus the benefit of a high-calorie diet," which you need to build new lean muscle tissue. So with this approach, you're burning fat and gaining muscle simultaneously. "This is no small feat, as you realize you are constantly eating in your eating block." Easier said than done, apparently!
Here's another key to success: "If you choose to use IF to help gain muscle, I recommend working out during your fasting period (preferably in the morning)," said Bates. She noted that this tactic "will help your body take advantage of the boosted growth hormone levels that you achieve during the fasted state." And the biggest consideration? Be mindful of what you're eating. "Just make sure that once you are ready to break your fast, you eat a nutrient-dense meal with healthy fats, proteins, and carbs."
I Did 100 Squats Every Day For 2 Weeks - Here's What I (and My Butt) Learned
I've always been a sucker for a good challenge. Maybe it's because of the competitive streak in me, or perhaps it's due to my love of all things fitness, but whatever it is, I'm usually one of the first people to sign up for a workout challenge. And as someone who is currently chasing booty gains in the weight room, I was curious to see what would happen if I committed to doing 100 squats every single day for two weeks.
Of course, we're talking about 100 air squats here. There was no way I was about to do 100 weighted squats in one sitting - that is a level of fitness masochism even I would politely decline to take part in. But the catch was that I had to do all 100 squats in one session, meaning I couldn't break them up during the day. Having previously spent two years of my life as a CrossFit junkie, though, I knew that doing a high number of air squats was much harder than it sounds on the surface.
My booty and I made it through the two weeks in one piece, and here are the four major takeaways I gathered from doing this challenge.
It Felt Like Cardio More Than Anything Else
If you do 100 reps of anything, it ends up feeling like cardio. You start sweating, panting, and cursing. Your cardiovascular system is kicked into overdrive and your heart rate increases, which makes you feel badass and accomplished. After about 50 squats, I was breathing as if I had just taken a brisk run around the block, and by the end of all 100 reps, I was wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead.
As an avid weightlifter, I noticed that this challenge felt much more like cardio than strength training - and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, there was one day when I was so tired from doing my 100 squats that I decided to skip my StairMaster cardio session. My legs had had enough for the day.
I Didn't See Any Significant Changes in My Butt
The photo on the left was taken shortly before I started squatting my ass off, and the one on the right was snapped right after the challenge ended. As you can see, there isn't any real difference in my butt - or my thighs, for that matter. I've heard from many different trainers that you need to add weights to your lower-body routine if you want to see booty gains, and I am living proof that this is true. Air squats simply weren't enough to grow my butt.
It Built Up Endurance in My Lower Body
By the end of the second week, I noticed in my HIIT cardio sessions and some of my endurance runs that my legs were able to go the extra distance. Because they had been conditioned to withstand an ungodly amount of squats every day, they were better prepared to get through the last few reps of box jumps or that very last mile. It was an exciting thing to see - all my hard work was paying off, even if in the smallest of ways!
It Didn't Improve My Strength Training
I still kept the same weightlifting program throughout my challenge, so I was still doing three lower-body sessions a week that focused on legs, hamstrings, and glutes. I would usually do the 100 squats before my strength-training session to get myself nice and warmed up for the heavy weights. However, I didn't see any significant improvements in my lower-body movements, like deadlifts, front squats, and hip thrusts. Although doing 100 squats a day certainly has its own advantages, getting stronger in the weight room is not one of them.
Like I mentioned earlier, this challenge felt like cardio more than anything else, and cardio is traditionally not known to help you reach new heights in your weightlifting program. It didn't necessarily take away from my lower-body sessions, but it definitely didn't give me any extra strength to complete them.
It Was Almost Too Easy at the End
You'd be surprised at how quickly your body adapts to new movements. By day 10, I started to notice that I could get through the whole set without really breaking a sweat. Without adding resistance or additional weight, I started to plateau. So, with any challenge, whether it's for two weeks or 30 days, if you really want to see improvements and breakthroughs, you might have to incrementally make it harder for yourself as time goes on.
The Top 25 Salads to Help You Shed Pounds
If you're looking to lose weight, salads are bound to be a big part of your life, but that doesn't mean you need to pile on the same old toppings day after day! All 25 of these nutrient-dense salads support weight-loss goals, fuel the body, and satisfy your taste buds with their fresh flavors and healthy ingredients.
Good News! Having Regular Sex With Your Partner Is Good For Your Mental Health
Sex feels great, but it can also be beneficial to your health and relationship. On top of boosting your immunity and promoting intimacy, sex has also proven to be good for your mental wellness. According to men's health expert and board-certified urologic surgeon Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, it's due to the surge in certain hormones that are released during the act.
"One of those is dopamine, which is well-linked to your reward pathway," Dr. Brahmbhatt. "That's why if you have sex once and you really enjoyed it with that person, then you may want to have it again because you get that reward." That dopamine rush is also connected to circuits in your brain that are responsible for producing positive feelings. In addition to increasing amounts of the feel-good chemical, sex can also raise levels of oxytocin, a powerful hormone that makes you want to hug and cuddle. A surge in oxytocin can reduce signs of stress and anxiety and even be "an antidote to depressive feelings," according to Psychology Today.
However, all sex doesn't necessarily lead to favorable results. "Many of these studies are done on people in committed relationships, not casual sex," Dr. Brahmbhatt said. "Some of these benefits that you may see from a mental health standpoint, you may not always see those when you're having casual sex." An explanation for this could be that casual sex can sometimes come with certain stresses. If you've ever hooked up with an ex, for example, the sex itself may have been mind-blowing but the feeling that immediately followed might have been regret or sadness.
So how often should committed couples be having sex? The answer really depends on your relationship, but a study led by Assistant Professor of Psychology Amy Muise, PhD, at York University showed that couples who got down once a week were happier than those who didn't. Results also found that more sex didn't equal greater happiness - once a week was the magic number, according to findings.
In addition to all the benefits above, sex can also improve sleep, relieve menstrual cramps, reduce your risk of heart disease, and more. Moral of the story: sex is good for you!
These Inspiring Athletes Are Redefining What "Princess" Means For Young Girls Globally
Clunking around on the ice for my very first skating lesson, I was in awe of how graceful and strong my instructor was, though not at all surprised. Sarah Dalton, a literal ice princess who portrays Princess Merida for Disney on Ice, was decked out in a sleek and sporty Lululemon outfit like the rest of her castmates and gave me sweet (and absolutely undeserved) compliments and bits of encouragement as she attempted to teach me how to spin (unsuccessfully - my fault, not hers) in our princess-inspired edge class.
She's a fiercely talented skater and performer, but that talent was only rivaled by her unrelenting and gracious kindness. Strength, patience, and kindness - ideal qualities for a princess-meets-role-model hybrid.
Growing up, princesses were saved by princes, relished cleaning and housekeeping (thanks, Cinderella and Snow White), typically married the first hot guy they met (I see you, Ariel), and had hopes and dreams centered on living happily ever after. But Disney on Ice has reinvented the idea of "princess" with its international tour, "Follow Your Heart," a show centered on the empowerment of women. I recently had the chance to peel back the curtain and interview some of the incredible women behind the athletic and inspiring princess characters who are giving young girls a new kind of heroine.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Each athlete I met had their own story about how they got into skating - they all started very young, between 2 (yes, 2) and 10 years old, and each had different dreams. Some were destined for Disney while others were Olympic hopefuls before sustaining on-ice injuries. And though I chatted with each princess separately, they all had the same answer when I asked what motivates them, the same thing that inspires them and drives them to be better: the young girls who look up to them.
"The kids love it," said Kaela Kapeikis, who plays Cinderella. Both of Kaela's parents were Disney on Ice performers, so she was literally born into the business . . . I'm pretty sure Disney ice and magic flow through her veins. "We go up - almost into - the audience, and the little kids try to reach out to you. They're living through this experience."
Each performer knows she is a role model, and it drives them to train hard, press through rigorous rehearsals, and keep in impeccable shape, performing well beyond what would be traditionally considered their competitive years.
Merissa Horkoff, a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor from Calgary, Alberta, has been with Disney on Ice for 10 years and plays the part of Belle in "Follow Your Heart." We joked about how Olympic gold medalist Aljona Savchenko was considered "old" for the sport at 34 and how young competitive figure skaters tend to be. She shared with how she's a better skater now than she was at 18 - and how that's because of this hard work and motivation. "I'm 28 years old; I've been on tour for 11 years, and I have improved. My skating is way better than when I was 18 and I came here."
"Recently there was a little girl right by where I end in the finale; she was wearing a Belle dress," said Horkoff. "I curtsied, and then she got up out of her chair and she curtsied - I had a moment with her! It's amazing that we get to do this for them."
Women Supporting Women
Both Horkoff and Marina Bolam, the skater behind Snow White, said most people don't realize just how much work goes into it behind the scenes . . . an occasionally "grueling" but "really rewarding" experience comprising daily rehearsals that Bolam said create the polished, perfect package that the audience can get lost in.
"Our 'Princess Power' number shows everyone working together; it provides an example for young girls."
But that grueling training and constant travel schedule - they tour 10 months out of the year, mind you - also results in a serious bond between these ladies. That bond, connection, and sisterhood translates onto the ice, especially the part of the show that emphasizes the power of women working together.
They skate together, train together, take hip-hop classes together, go for runs together, recover together, and fuel up together, trading tips and tricks for staying healthy along the way. Belle (Horkoff) travels with a mini skillet while Cinderella (Kapeikis) loves bringing her slow cooker on the road to make home-cooked meals for the group. Nourishing, comforting foods are helpful when they're training six or seven days a week, 10 months out of the year. "It can be taxing, hard, and stressful, but it becomes your normal," said Kapeikis.
Their unity manifests in one particular song in the performance. "Our 'Princess Power' number is the best," said Bolam. "It's so great that each princess has their special trait. It shows everyone working together; it provides an example for young girls. I've watched the show a couple times myself, and it's really inspiring to watch . . . it's really special."
"It's great to have this universal empowerment theme," said Anna Bradshaw, known as the high-flying Rapunzel on the aerial silks in the show. "We have this backstage [ritual]; before we go out, we put all our hands in together and go 'PRINCESS POWER!' as a little pump-up."
Real-Life Role Models
The princesses' traits Bolam was talking about are exactly how Disney on Ice is redefining these iconic characters. Instead of being known for the prince who saves her or what color dress she wears, it's telling a story about what qualities make each character special.
"Cinderella is all about working hard and being kind," said Kapeikis. "She's such a role model. She's a princess that kids can really relate to!" Hope Alexander, who plays Princess Tiana, feels similarly. "Skating is all about falling down and getting back up, never giving up. This show portrays that really well. The princesses are hard workers - I portray Tiana, and she's SUCH a hard worker, the hardest worker of the princesses. I always try to use her as an example in my life every day. Never give up and keep on going - it's a really important message."
"Skating is all about falling down and getting back up, never giving up. It's a really important message."
Bradshaw loves using her character to connect to her young female audience. "Rapunzel is super spunky, adventurous, independent, and curious," she said. "She marches to the beat of her own drum, and I really like that about her. When I get into character for her, I think of all the places I've been and all the places I want to go, and I channel that." She personally connects to the character's story - one that many young women can relate to as well. "Growing up as a figure skater, a lot of times you're very sheltered. When you get to go out and be independent, that's that path Rapunzel took. It literally is me spreading my wings on the silks [laughs]!"
During the performance, each princess has her own segment showcasing a strength of hers: Ariel's sense of wonder and curiosity, Belle's powerful intelligence, Mulan's unrelenting courage, Merida's intense bravery, and Tiana's ambition and drive . . . these are all strengths we want to encourage in young women, and it can start within something that feels magical and entertaining. By reframing these heroines and highlighting their gifts, something as innocuous as a figure skating performance serves as an opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation, but in the most enchanting way possible.
The 6 Most Effective Exercises to Get Your Body Ready For Spring
The weather is starting to get a little sweeter, and we're excited to welcome in the warmth. With the higher temperatures and extra sunshine come all our favorite parts of Spring - putting on shorts and tank tops for the first time, outdoor workouts, and planning out our Summer vacations. If you're looking for some new ways to get in shape in time for all the seasonal festivities, we highly recommend adding the following exercises into your routine. Each of them has been approved and recommended by a trainer, and they promise you'll get the results you're searching for if you put in the work.
Hip Thrust
People oftentimes mistake the squat as the absolute best exercise to grow your booty, but the hip thrust is actually a much smarter option if you want to strengthen your glutes and perk up your derrière. So if your wish is a plumper butt as we move into Spring, start doing more hip thrusts.
Jason Walsh, the celebrity trainer who helped sculpt Jessica Biel, Emma Stone, and Alison Brie, told POPSUGAR that hip thrusts "really isolate" the glutes, and they're one of his go-to exercises to help women strengthen their backsides. Dee Gautham, NASM-certified trainer and NPC bikini bodybuilding competitor, agrees that the hip thrust is the queen of glute exercises. Make sure you're also tacking on weight, because doing hip thrusts with just your bodyweight won't get you major results.
Bulgarian Split Squat
"Single-leg squats are [one] of the best exercises," Jason told POPSUGAR. He particularly loves the Bulgarian split squat and works on this movement a lot with Jessica Biel. It primarily targets your glutes, and you'll also feel this in your quads. All in all, it's the ultimate exercise to help you feel confident in your short shorts. Here's a step-by-step guide if you need a refresher.
Push-Up
Don't make the mistake of overlooking this classic exercise. "I see so many people, women especially, shy away from push-ups," Beachbody Super Trainer Joel Freeman told POPSUGAR. Most ladies say they just want to "work their legs, their booty, and their core." But Joel says, "You have to work everything, and you have to be strong!"
Here are 16 essential push-up variations if you need some inspiration.
Burpee Row
Jillian Michaels told us she's a huge fan of full-body exercises "that are explosive and incorporate multiple muscle groups," which is why the burpee row is one of her personal favorites. It's definitely a tough one, but all it takes is a little practice for you to master it. Here's a guide on how to do it.
Dumbbell Thruster
Get ready to work just about every part of your body with the dumbbell thruster, which is essentially a squat into a shoulder press. Jillian Michaels loves this full-body exercise because "you get the best burn possible and work as many muscle groups as possible." If you don't feel like using dumbbells, you can also use a barbell or kettlebells. You'll love how strong your body feels after you master this move.
Glute Bridge
"You want a good butt? Glute bridge," Beachbody Super Trainer Autumn Calabrese told POPSUGAR. "Put a barbell across your hips or put two dumbbells on your hips if you want to add weight to grow [your butt], but you have to get into hip extension in order to get that muscle firing." There are all kinds of variations of glute bridges you can do, from single-leg variations to marching bridge, just in time for the skirts and dresses waiting to be worn in the Spring.
20 Hilarious Memes That Will Have Every Zumba Fan Nodding in Agreement
If you're someone who loves working out to the Latin-inspired dance fitness craze known as Zumba, you're not alone. Since it was created in the 1990s, Zumba has grown with a huge following in the fitness world, and there are currently 15 million people in over 180 countries who practice the aerobic dancing class every day! So whether you're somebody who's already "joined the party" or someone looking for a new fitness class to fall in love with, check out these Zumba memes to get some laughs, perspective, and inspiration about this popular workout program.
These 8 Pairs of Leggings Look Expensive, but They're All Under $25
Much like shoes, you can never have too many leggings. They're great for yoga, dance classes, running, gym sessions, and even just lounging around. If you need a new pair but don't want to break the bank, we rounded up the best pairs for under $25. Get to shopping!
15 Ways to Feel Slimmer by Tomorrow
Slimming down takes time and dedication, but a few quick tricks can help you feel a little bit lighter in just one day. Read on to get our tips for feeling less bloated and puffy - and having a flatter belly - by the end of today!
19 Recipes Full of Flavor and Fat but Low in Carbs
If you eschew every other diet out there because you have to literally give all up the yummy stuff, the keto concept (short for ketogenic) will be much more your speed. This low-carb, high-fat plan - with moderate protein portions - works by helping your body to produce ketones in the liver to use as energy in lieu of carbohydrates. What does that mean for your eating habits? You have to take the bun off your burger, but mayo, bacon, and cheese? Still good to go. Behold a variety of deliciously inspiring ways to try it out.
Which Is Healthier: Tofu or Tempeh?
Whether you're a vegetarian or not, everyone can benefit from regularly eating meatless meals. Non-GMO soy products are easy and healthy sources of protein that you can use as an alternative when trying to cut back on meat. They can also be added to recipes like smoothies or desserts to increase the protein.
Tofu is probably the most popular soy product, but tempeh shouldn't be overlooked. Check out this chart below to see how they compare.
| Tofu | Tempeh | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's made | By curdling fresh, hot soy milk with a coagulant | By fermenting cooked soybeans with a mold |
| How it's sold | Five-inch-size blocks, in five varieties: silken (used for creamy dishes), soft (great for soups), firm, and extrafirm (the last three are great for stir fries); packaged in water to help it stay moist | Flat rectangular pieces about eight inches long |
| Appearance | White, smooth, and wet | Brownish in color and dry; can see whole soybeans |
| Consistency | Soft, smooth, and spongy | Firm and chewy |
| Flavor | Has hardly any taste on its own, but when added to recipes, takes on the flavor of whatever you're making | Has a slight earthy, sweet taste |
| Calories in 1/2 cup | 97 | 160 |
| Protein (g) in 1/2 cup | 10.1 | 15.4 |
| Fiber (g) in 1/2 cup | .5 | 3.5 |
Although a little higher in calories, tempeh is less processed than tofu, and it's healthier in general because it contains more protein and fiber than tofu. If you've never tried tempeh, you can find it at most health food stores (it's refrigerated). Incorporate this soy product into your recipes by crumbling it up and adding it to soups, salads, casseroles, or pasta sauces. Tempeh adds a chewy consistency to your dishes along with extra protein and fiber.
Either way, both offer a healthy dose of protein for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Try this colorful Mexican quinoa salad featuring tempeh. If you're not quite a fan of the tempeh texture and you prefer tofu instead, try this tofu scramble with kale and sweet potatoes.
5 Hangover Remedies I Tried in Vegas and How They Stacked Up
It had been nine years and two children since my last trip to Las Vegas, so when an invitation for a weekend getaway to Mandalay Bay with a girlfriend popped up, I knew I was overdue to cut loose a little bit. I also knew that I'd become quite a lightweight since then, and a night of vodka cocktails was sure to leave me hurting. Rather than accept my hangover fate (or pretend like I wasn't going to indulge a bit, let's be serious here), I did some research on the latest science surrounding hangover prevention and remedies, loaded up my Amazon cart, made some appointments, and set out to survive three days in Vegas without incident. Here's what I tried, and how it helped (or didn't).
Dihydromyricetin
I'd read about dihydromyricetin, derived from the Japanese raisin tree, and its supposed capability to improve the liver's ability to metabolize alcohol. I figured my weekend in Vegas was the perfect chance to test its effectiveness for myself. The dosing of this supplement is a little loose ("Take 1-2 capsules before consuming alcohol, and 1-2 capsules each three drinks thereafter"), and since I didn't want to deal with taking pills while we were out and about, I took two pills before we headed out on our first night and I crossed my fingers it would help. After a three-Champagne happy hour at Aureole followed by a three-cocktail dinner at Libertine Social, we were feeling nice and giggly.
We made our way to Jewel Nightclub where we made friends with a bachelorette party that was eager to share their vodka bottle service with us. By the end of the night, I'd consumed as much alcohol as I do during an entire week of my typically very un-Vegas life. I wouldn't say the dihydromyricetin made me feel any less intoxicated than I'd expect to feel with that many drinks in my system, but where I'd typically expect to be on a downward path toward nausea and passing out by the end of the night, I made it to bed feeling OK. More importantly, I still felt mostly OK when I woke up in the morning. I definitely wasn't 100 percent, but I knew that with just a little help, I'd be up for another day and night in Vegas.
Electrolytes and Vitamins
My first order of business after waking up was to mix up a glass of EmergenC, a pantry staple I keep on hand for immunity and electrolyte replacement. The fizziness was refreshing, and I started to feel more awake within a few minutes of drinking it. It's packed with vitamin C, B6, and potassium, all of which are depleted by binge-drinking.
Fruits and Veggies
After chugging our EmergenC and getting dressed, we headed down to the smoothie bar at Citizen's Kitchen & Bar inside Mandalay Bay, where I had a smoothie called Five Alive, a blend of kale, beet, apple, cucumber, blueberry, and grape juices chock-full of hydration and vitamins. Although a typical "hangover breakfast" of greasy bacon and eggs did have some appeal, it was a lot easier to stomach a smoothie I could sip on than a heavy sit-down breakfast, and filling myself with nutrients instead of gravy surely did my body a favor. We double-fisted our smoothies and coffees, popped 400 mg of ibuprofen (honestly for the high-heel hangover more than the actual alcohol hangover), and within an hour of waking up our hangovers were reduced to just a mild tired feeling.
Pamper Yo Self
Not that I need an excuse to plan a spa day, but I strategically booked a massage at the Mandalay Spa for Saturday morning knowing I might be in need of a little TLC. Massage increases circulation, expels toxins, and reduces muscle aches, plus it feels fantastic after a night spent dancing in four-inch heels. Post massage, we spent some time in the jetted hot tub and then ended our spa day by forcing ourselves to take a dip in the cold plunge pool. No joke, I walked out of there feeling like a new woman.
Preparty Like a Pro
We had plans to see Tiesto at Hakkasan Nightclub on our second night in Vegas, and even though we were feeling totally recovered by that afternoon, we headed into the evening with a plan. Low blood sugar can dramatically exacerbate a night of drinking, so rather than "save our calories for drinking," we treated ourselves to dinner at Bavette's Steakhouse, where we got plenty of lean protein thanks to sharing a shrimp cocktail and a petite filet mignon and complex carbs courtesy of a baked sweet potato (OK, we also shared the macaroni and cheese, and it was totally worth it). We also chugged water all afternoon and popped some more preventative dihydromyricetin. The night included another round of countless vodka cocktails that kept us dancing until 3 a.m., feeling buzzed but coherent all night.
We left Vegas on Sunday afternoon tired from staying up way past our bedtime and dancing with the conviction that Tiesto was playing tracks just for us, but aside from the fatigue of pretending we were 10 years younger than we really are, we felt pretty good. Even though I probably won't be drinking Vegas levels of cocktails again anytime soon, I'll definitely add dihydromyricetin and EmergenC into the girls' night out routine to prevent even the mild hangovers that have become more common in my 30s - and I'll consider spa treatments and five-star restaurants part of a healthy approach to weekends where acting my age isn't on the agenda.
The World's Happiest Country Was Announced, and Surprise - the US Got Even More Unhappy This Year
Norway, which was 2017's happiest country in the world, just got knocked from first place by a Scandinavian neighbor. In this year's World Happiness Report, released March 14, Finland took 2018's top spot for happiest place to live. And as for the US? Well let's just say the country slipped lower down the list yet again. America ranked 13th in 2016, 14th in 2017, and fell several spots to 18th place for 2018. Canada, despite a certain president's personal opinions, held its high-ranking spot at seven, the same position the country came in last year.
According to the World Happiness Report, which is put together by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations, the rankings of country happiness are based on the pooled results from Gallup World Poll surveys between the years of 2015 and 2017.
"All the top countries tend to have high values for all six of the key variables that have been found to support well-being: income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust, and generosity, to such a degree that year to year changes in the top ranking are to be expected," the report states. Here's a breakdown of the top 20 happiest countries in the world for 2018 (data is pulled from 2015-2017):
- Finland
- Norway
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Australia
- Israel
- Austria
- Costa Rica
- Ireland
- Germany
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
- United States
- United Kingdom
- United Arab Emirates
The 10 Best Spring Break Destinations For 2018
It's that time of year again: Americans are heading to sun-soaked beaches and infamous party spots for Spring break vacations. Breaking up the long stretch between Winter and Summer is a must. Whether it's local beaches in the US or trending Caribbean islands, it's never too early to start planning your Spring break getaway.
A Professional Mermaid in Hawaii Finally Got Her Dream Wedding Photos - See Them Here!
Stephanie and Paul are a real-life couple who've been married for about a year. While they love living in Honolulu (Stephanie is professional mermaid on the island of Oahu!), they wanted to redo their wedding photos as they hoped they would've turned out the first time around. So, a team of amazing vendors in Hawaii came together to make the couple's dream come true.
To match the whimsical and elegant nature of a mermaid, Stephanie wore a stunning lace-sleeved dress and remained barefoot throughout the shoot. Instead of a traditional garter, she wore a floral Hawaiian lei around her leg. The couple's sunset photos were just gorgeous!
See them ahead.
Don't Look Down: Traveling With Anxiety as a Flight Attendant
Before working as a flight attendant, I was able to use yoga to keep my anxiety under control. Over the past couple of years my new, high-stress job has invited my anxiety to creep back in. It rose to an all time high last Summer, when I had frequent panic attacks before work and an anxiety-induced headache that lasted two weeks. I became convinced that I could no longer fly. However, with a lot of trial and error, I figured out a few ways to calm the storm in my mind. I still have anxiety, but it no longer controls me. While I am by no means a therapist or psychiatrist (I'm just a yoga teacher turned flight attendant with anxiety!), here are my favorite tips for traveling with anxiety that I've found helpful - and hopefully you will, too.
1. Wear Ear Plugs
One of the reasons we get so stressed and anxious when we fly is due to the intense sound waves that raise the cortisol (stress hormone) levels in our body. Sounds above 85 decibels (sound waves at common cruising altitude) are harmful and long exposure can cause hearing problems. With decibels peaking at 90 to 140 during take off and landing, wearing ear plugs helps to maintain healthy hearing, as well as calm the nervous system.
2. Practice Grounding
Grounding is the simple act of walking around with your feet in the grass, ocean, soil, or whatever natural footing is available in your new destination. The practice has been scientifically proven to balance the energy in your body with the positive charge from the earth. It helps tremendously with jet lag, which can often set off anxiety.
3. Meditate
It doesn't have to be fancy. If you're a novice, start with your eyes closed, take 10 slow breaths in and out of your nose, and try to focus on the sensation of your breath. Count your breaths if you get too distracted. Meditation is a fabulous way to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety (increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, etc).
4. When You Can Sleep, Try to Sleep as Well as Possible
Things that help me are ear plugs, an eye mask, and lavender oil. The ear plugs ensure no noisy ice machines or loud party guests next door wake you. The eye mask helps your body's circadian rhythm sync to whichever time zone you are in. The lavender oil allows the senses to calm.
5. Hydrate!
Buy water, bring a water bottle to fill, or freeze it to get it through security (trust me, it works!). Having water on hand helps to keep your brain functioning properly and takes the stress out of waiting in line to buy some.
6. Find a Quiet Space in the Airport
This can be extremely difficult at times, but it is worth the hunt. These days, several airports have either a chapel/mediation room and or even a yoga room! If your airport does not have these rooms, look for a quiet hallway. Hint: they're generally between terminals.
Airports with yoga rooms:
- San Francisco Airport (SFO)
- Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
- Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW)
- Burlington Airport (BTV)
- Sioux Falls Airport (FSD)
- Helsinki Airport (HEL)
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
7. Pack Snacks
Plan ahead as to not rely on airport food. Some airports have decent options, but having all of your meals and or snacks with you (as much as possible) will take some of the anxiety out of the trip.
8. Take Your Meds!
Maybe this should have been number one. I never had a prescription for Xanax until I became a flight attendant. If you think you have an anxiety disorder you should talk to your doctor, especially if you travel frequently. If you are against taking any prescription drugs (which I definitely understand), try Maca root. This ancient Peruvian root is an adaptogen (a substance that may increase resistance to stress) and also a proven mood enhancer.
9. Have a Support System
Have some of your best friends and/or therapists on call for you. It helps if you can have someone on call who also experiences anxiety. There are an increasing amount of therapy apps as well that are less expensive than cognitive therapy (such as Better Help).
10 Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations That Won't Break the Bank
The sun is shining, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the uptick in temperatures has us thinking one thing: it's time for a vacation! This Spring break, let's eliminate the financial stress from the equation, so you can focus your energy on making memories with your family. Here's a roundup of fantastic family-friendly locales that are also easy on the wallet, from the popular to the off-the-beaten-path.
Gordon Ramsay Reveals the 1 Place You Should Never Eat
Sure, Gordon Ramsay has high standards, but is there really anything he would never eat? Turns out it's more of a place where he would never eat rather than one specific food - and that's on a plane. In an interview with Refinery29, Gordon revealed his feelings about airplane food and why those feelings might be justified. "There's no f*cking way I eat on planes," he said. "I worked for airlines for 10 years, so I know where this food's been and where it goes, and how long it took before it got on board." Yikes. The man has a point - there's no denying that airplane food is not the best.
So what's a traveler to do to avoid midflight hunger, according to the world-renowned chef? If you're like him, you'll make time to stop at a nice Italian restaurant for a little meat and cheese. "A nice selection of Italian meats, a little glass of red wine, some sliced apples or pears with some parmesan cheese," Gordon says of his ideal airport snack.
Alternatively, of course, you could eat at Gordon Ramsay's very own Plane Food, a restaurant in Terminal 5 of the London Heathrow Airport. There, you'll find truffle mac and cheese, Szechuan squid, and spicy tuna tartare . . . certainly nothing that's reheated in convection ovens on an airplane.
A New Hello Kitty Bullet Train Is Coming to Japan, and It's Undeniably Adorable
It's time to add another must-do item to your Hello Kitty travel bucket list. On March 14, West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) announced the launch of a new Hello Kitty bullet train that will debut on its Sanyo Shinkansen Line, which connects Osaka to Fukuoka, in Summer 2018. According to the company's release, the current 500 Series Shinkansen train "will be reborn" as Hello Kitty Shinkansen - and you better believe it will be decked out in the most adorable ways.
The design is themed around Hello Kitty's ribbon, with the idea that the bullet train will help connect passengers to different regions within the western part of the country. You can find out more on the special Hello Kitty Shinkansen site, and map out your dream Sanrio-filled travel plan in the meantime - we'll be doing the same.
The 1 Thing You Should Be Spending Money on to Be Happy
The next time you're considering splurging on an expensive new leather jacket or big-screen TV you don't necessarily need instead of saving the cash to put toward a trip to Europe, think twice. Memories last A LOT longer than material things - and science proves it.
Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University, wrote a study in the Journal of Consumer Psychology called "A Wonderful Life: Experiential Consumption and the Pursuit of Happiness." In it, he concludes that "as important as possessions might be to a person's identity and sense of self," they are not as important as a person's experiences. "We are the sum total of our experiences. We are not the sum total of our possessions, however important they might be to us. If called upon to write our memoirs, it is our experiences we would write about, not our possessions."
As someone with endless wanderlust, this comes as great news. Dr. Gilovich makes the point that "sharing something more central to the self [like experiences] is certain to produce a greater feeling of kinship and connection than sharing something more peripheral." This means that making memories with people - especially through once-in-a-lifetime experiences like those we encounter when we travel - results in a greater bond than if just material items, like physical gifts, are shared.
I'm a minimalist in some ways, but like everyone, I do really enjoy my "things." The study by no means is saying that some material possessions aren't important (and of course in some cases, essential), but it does justify putting aside your hard-earned money for something a little less fleeting than a physical thing. Instead, spend it on an experience. Make a memory with someone (or with yourself!) that will last forever. Gilovich hopes this research will "serve as a useful guide to consumers as they decide how to spend their limited disposable income . . . and to all of us as we try to figure out how to live a wonderful life."
You Can Buy the Real-Life House From 10 Things I Hate About You, Brooding Teens Not Included
It's been nearly 20 years since 10 Things I Hate About You hit theaters and had every '90s teen adding Fender guitars to their Christmas lists, quoting Kat Stratford ("I guess, in this society, being male and an asshole makes you worthy of our time"), and pining for their own version of a brooding Heath Ledger. Repeat movie viewings, however, had us also daydreaming about the Stratford family house. Oh, that wrap-around porch! The original woodwork! That staircase right off the foyer perfect for greeting prom dates!
Well, as it turns out, fans can now buy the real-life Victorian home featured in the 1999 film. For a cool $1.6 million.
The 5,700-square foot abode - with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and custom inlay hardwood floors - is on the market for the first time in more than 30 years. That's right: the sellers owned the house during the movie's filming!
So, if your ideal day includes journaling on the porch after an epic paintball game with your crush and you are looking to make a move (it's perched atop the popular Old Tacoma, WA, waterfront), just reach out to realtor Jeff Jensen. If, however, you think it's out of your price range, remember what Patrick Verona once said: "Don't let anyone, ever, make you feel like you don't deserve what you want."
Read on for a closer look at the house's interior and exterior as well as a few iconic 10 Things I Hate About You scenes that took place there.
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